Meet best-selling author Steven James

         I'm excited to  interview Steven James, a best-selling author I'll  meet this coming May. Let's pretend we're sitting on a cool patio. Yes, I said pretend since Oklahoma is sweltering. On the wrought-iron table sits a pitcher of iced tea and several glasses. Ice tinkles in glasses and pitcher as tears of cool sweat bead on the clear sides.

            I take a cold sip and ask, "How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?"

          When I was a kid my uncle would always pull the kids aside and tell us a story during family gatherings. This instilled in me a great love of stories. I became addicted to reading short stories as a teenager and eventually realized I had a lot of my own stories to tell. So, Uncle Rich played a big part. And so did Stephen King. 

          I nod because we all can find someone who helped "push" us toward writing. Steve, will you tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

          In the late 90’s I got a Master’s Degree in Storytelling. (Yes, that’s for real.) For two years it forced me to think about stories—what makes a good story, how to tell a better story, and what actually worked in the stories I’d already written. I’m not sure that college degrees by themselves really benefit anyone, but going through the program, meeting other storytellers and writers, and working on my thesis on telling personal stories really gave my writing and storytelling a boost. 

         Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.  

           

          As I mentioned earlier, part of my love of stories came from my uncle. As far as keeping me writing, one motivation is eating. Unless I sell my stories we can’t buy groceries. I don’t mean to sound trite, it’s just the way it is. Secondly, when I don’t write, stories itch away inside of my head, I get cranky and I’m not very fun to be with. So really it’s best for everyone if I spend a good chunk of each day working on my next project. 

          Oh, yes, those stories and characters running around in our heads. What inspires you to write? 

          God. Beauty. The world. Marvel. Sometimes a big bag of Cheetos and a small shot of cognac.  

          Personally I take my Cheetos with a can of Pepsi Max. *grin* I know some writers outline. Others, like the late Tony Hillerman, don’t. Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what? 

          I think one of the biggest mistakes writers make is outlining. When I write I try to listen to the story. I’m constantly asking myself what would naturally happen next, reworking what I’ve done in light of the new discoveries that I make, and letting the characters develop over the course of the writing project. So for me it’s organic. If I try to outline or plan too much it ends up straight-jacketing the story.

          Ah, a man after my own heart. Outlining has always muddled my writing. 

          I know you make many appearances, such as at the OWFI conference in 2012. Do those take away from your writing, or do they, perhaps, add something?

          I enjoy and have always enjoyed speaking engagements. It’s great to get out of my basement once in a while and see that there are real people out there in the world. Packing, unpacking, traveling does chew away at my writing time, but it’s healthy for me to go speak at a conference at least once a month, or I go a little stir crazy. I’m sure my wife would agree with me.

          I know from personal experience that your writing does better a reader, but does writing help better you as a person? How?

          Writers have an obligation to the truth. All great novels tackle the important aspects of human nature. and I’ve found that that means being honest both about the grace and hope in the world, and also the grief and pain. It’s not easy to keep your eyes open in both the directions of beauty and of tragedy, but I think when we do that, we grow as people and become more of who we were meant to be. 

          What advice would you have for a new author?

           Don’t become a writer if you can possibly avoid it. If you were shaped to tell stories, you’ll never be happy until you share them with the world, but if you try to write stories just because you think it would be a cool way to make a living, you’ll never write the stories the world needs to hear.

          Any other comments?

          Thanks for giving me a chance to share. Best wishes!

                                                     —Steve 

          Thank you, Steve, for visiting with us. I look forward to meeting you in person at the OWFI conference May 4-5, 2012. I’ll be the one who stands around all the baskets in the atrium, the silent auction called BasketWars. 

          Steven James' newest novel is The Queen.  I can hardly wait to read it. To learn more about Steven James, go to the following links:

stevenjames.net

Steven's blog

  

Mystery We Write Blog Tour presents Marilyn Meredith

             I'm honored to host Marilyn Meredith, also known as F.M. Meredity,  on the Mystery We Write Blog Tour for this week. Marilyn first interviews her character Detective Mulligan, and then she allows me to throw some questions at him. 

           Come join us as we sit on the patio with tall glasses of iced tea in front of us. Help yourself. The glasses, ice, and pitcher of tea sit on the table by the sliding doors.

          First, let me introduce F. M. Meredith and Detective Doug Milligan of the Rocky Bluff Police Department. Take it away, Merilyn.

F.M. Meredith: What’s going on in your police department these days?

Detective Milligan: As you know, we’re a small department in a beach community located between Ventura and Santa Barbara. We don’t have a lot of major crimes and as yet, haven’t been invaded by gangs. Our biggest case at the moment is a flasher who is accosting women jogging on the beach.

F.M. Meredith: So what’s the plan to catch this pervert?

Detective Milligan: I might as well tell you since our Public Service Officer is going to put a warning out to women to not jog on the beach by themselves and I think that might make our suspect disappear for awhile. The plan is to send our only female officer, Stacey Wilbur, out jogging as a decoy.

F.M. Meredith: You don’t sound too happy about that.

Detective Milligan: No, I’m not. Stacey and are getting married this Saturday and her mind is filled with wedding plans. I don’t think her mind is focused on what she’s supposed to be doing and I’m afraid she’ll get hurt.

F.M. Meredith: Surely she won’t be sent out alone.

Detective Milligan: We have a new hire who comes to us from L.A.P.D. whose going to be her back-up. I’m just not sure about this fellow and how good he’s going to be. One of the other officers has voiced some doubts about this guy. And another problem is the weather. Fog is always an issue on the coast and of course the worst is in the early hours. I’m not sure he’ll even be able to see Stacey while she’s jogging.

F.M Meredith.: That’s definitely a worry. Would you mind telling me a bit about your relationship with Stacey Wilbur and how that came about?

Detective Milligan: In her capacity as an officer, she helped me on several cases. First I was impressed with her intelligence and her ability to notice and figure out clues. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I thought she was pretty cute too. She is a single mom. I asked her out several times and we included her little boy often. It wasn’t long before I loved them both.

F. M. Meredith: Are you looking forward to the wedding?

Detective Milligan: I’m looking forward to having Stacey be my wife, not so sure about all the folderol that Stacey’s planned though she’s assured me it’s going to be a simple wedding.

F.M. Meredith: Where are you two planning to live?

Detective Milligan: I own a small, old Victorian that I fixed up. Lately, I’ve been renting a room to a friend, Officer Gordon Butler. Hopefully, he’ll be all moved out before it’s time for Stacey and her son to move in.

F. M. Meredith: I hope everything goes off as planned. Congratulations.

          And the hostess of this blog had a few more questions for you, too.

Vivian: What do you consider your greatest weakness? Your greatest strength?

Detective Milligan: Wow, that’s a biggie. To be perfectly honest, my greatest weakness may be loving Stacey too much and fearing for her. As for my greatest strength, I’m a good detective. In our department we don’t have a lot of the fancy equipment the big city detectives have at their disposal, so we use a lot of old fashioned policing skills. I’m darn good at figuring out people and know when they’re lying or keeping something back. I’ll dig until I find out what I need to know.

Vivian: Where, in the book, do you face your greatest challenge? How well do you do?

Detective Milligan: My biggest challenge comes on the day of my wedding. I have a difficult time with what happens. You’ll have to read the book to find out what that is.

Vivian:  Makes sense. I'm curious enough now to want to read it. Why should readers like you or dislike you?

Detective Milligan: I sure hope readers like me, I’ve been a major character in almost all of the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series.

Vivian: What do you add to the book?

Detective Milligan: I think I add a lot, after all I’m one of only two detectives in the Rocky Bluff P.D. and I’m Stacey Wilbur’s love interest—that should count for a lot.

   

          Thank you, Detective Milligan. Now let's learn a little more about your author.

          Author Bio: F.M. Meredith, also known as Marilyn Meredith, is the author of nearly thirty published novels. Her latest in the Rocky Bluff P.D. crime series, from Oak Tree Press, is Angel Lost. Marilyn is a member of EPIC, Four chapters of Sisters in Crime, including the Internet chapter, Mystery Writers of America, and on the board of the Public Safety Writers of America. Visit her at http://fictionforyou.com and her blog at http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com

Angel Lost Blurb:

           As plans for her perfect wedding fill her mind, Officer Stacey Wilbur is sent out to trap a flasher, the new hire realizes Rocky Bluff P.D. is not the answer to his problems, Abel Navarro’s can’t concentrate on the job because of worry about his mother, Officer Gordon Butler has his usual upsets, the sudden appearance of an angel in the window of a furniture store captures everyone’s imagination and causes problems for RBPD, and then the worst possible happens—will Stacey and Doug’s wedding take place?

          Angel Lost is available as a trade paperback from Amazon.com, or if you’d like an autographed copy, order from the author’s website http://fictionforyou.com

 Sharon Ervin hosts me this week of the tour. Please stop by and say hello.

Mystery We Write presents Anne K. Albert

 

        Anne K. Albert initiated this blog tour idea for writers of mysteries, and I'm delighted she's my first guest. Her eBook Frank, Incense, and Muriel is our focus this week, along with her, the author, of course.

        First a brief bio for Anne: she has taught high school art, sold display advertising for a small town weekly newspaper, and worked for a national brand water company, but now writes full time.

         A member of the Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and married to her high school sweetheart for more than a quarter of a century, it's a given she'd write mystery and romantic suspense.

          When not in her home office, she enjoys traveling, visiting friends and family, knitting, crocheting, and of course, reading.

Vivian - What can readers expect when they read your books?

Anne - My stories chill the spine, warm the heart and soothe the soul – all with a delightful touch of humor.

Vivian - When did the dream of writing books take root in your heart?

Anne: I’m one of those late bloomers people always talk about. It never occurred to me that “real” people could be writers until I was of a “certain” age. :)

Vivian - Did you choose the mystery genre or did it choose you?

Anne – Both! As a child, I read Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. In my teens, I discovered Agatha Christie, Erle Stanley Gardner and so many other mystery writers. I can’t resist a whodunit.

Vivian – Tell us about FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL.

Anne – This mystery takes place the week before Christmas when the stress of the holiday season is enough to frazzle anyone's nerves. To find a missing woman, Frank and Muriel must deal with an embezzler, femme fatale, kidnapper, and of course, Muriel's eccentric, (but loveable) family. Their desire to win the coveted D-DAY (Death Defying Act of the Year) Award, however, might just tip them all over the edge.

It received a 5-star review and Reviewer Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews.

Vivian – Would you share an excerpt with us?

Anne – I’d be delighted to!

Beginning excerpt from FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL:

          Imagine my surprise when Frankie Salerno showed up at my front door one cold, December, Monday morning. Displaying a set of dimples that could make a grown woman cry, he gave me a quick once over and let out a long, slow, wolf whistle. “You’re looking good, Brian. Real good.”

          Being ogled at is one thing. Being called that ridiculous nickname after a fifteen-year hiatus another. I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach as my thoughts traveled back to Ms. Traynor’s ninth English class when Frankie wrote me a note. I have no idea of its contents. Nor do I care. All I know is the teacher intercepted it. She read it, raised an eyebrow, and zeroed in on me.

          “I believe Frankie had you in mind when he wrote this,” she said.

          To my horror, she began to read the note aloud. She got as far as the salutation he’d printed on the outside of the folded sheet of three-ring notepaper.

          “To the Brian.”

          The class erupted into fits of laughter and Ms. Traynor, satisfied we’d suffered enough humiliation for one day, returned the note to Frankie and resumed her lesson. From that day forward, I was the girl named Brian, and Frankie became my sworn enemy.

          From where I stood a decade and a half later, not much had changed except that I’d grudgingly accepted my fate. Having a few more brain cells than feminine curves had advantages. If Frankie thought otherwise, so be it. He was entitled to his opinion. But really, who needed it? Or him?

          “I’d like to say it’s great to see you again,” I said, “but we both know I’d be lying. Let’s end this before it gets messy, shall we?”

          “Aw, come on.” He pressed his large, square hand on the screen door. “Do you have any idea how many Reeves are in the phonebook? It took me more than an hour to find you. I had to check the listings in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Lackawanna–”

          I held up my hand to silence him. I’d lived in western New York state all of my life and did not need a geography lesson. What I needed was to get on with my life. Without him. Still, I could not resist getting in the last word.

          “It would’ve been quicker if you’d looked under ‘M’ instead of ‘B’,” I said.

          “I was kidding about the Brian part.”

          “Then why’d you say it?”

          “I dunno. I was a jerk back in high school and some things never change. Besides, it says a lot more about me than it ever did about you. I’m the one who couldn’t spell brain.”

****

Vivian – Where can readers get a copy of your book?

Anne: At Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, or from my publisher, Vanilla Heart Publishing. 

          Thank you, Vivian! It was such fun to visit you on my first stop of the Murder We Write Blog Tour. I’d like to invite readers to visit mywebsite  or my main blog.

          If they drop by my Muriel Reeves Mysteries blog  and leave a comment mentioning this interview, I’ll enter their name in a draw to win a pdf copy of FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL. I’ll announce the winner at the conclusion of the tour, sometime during the week of August 22, 2011. 

          You're most welcomed. I enjoyed your visit.

I  will be the guest on Carys Weldon's blog this week. Please stop by.

Join me again next week when my guest will be Beth Anderson.  

Please visit this week, different hosts post on different days starting today:

Marilyn Meredith on Jean Henry Mead's blog   

I'm suppose to appear on Jennifer DiCamillo's blog   

Carys Weldon (aka Jennifer DiCamillo) on Regan Taylor's blog 

Carol Shenold on Marilyn Meredith's blog  

Regan Taylor on Carol Shenold's blog  

Beth Anderson on Anne K. Albert's blog  

Pat Browning on Beth Anderson's blog  

Sharon Ervin on Pat Browning's blog  

Jackie King on Sharon Ervin's blog     

Mary Martinez on Jackie King's blog  

Marja McGraw on Mary Martinez' blog   

Jean Henry Mead on Marja McGraw's blog   
  

An interview with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Ms. Fugal herself

Every month members of VBT - Writers on the Move host another member on the first and third of the month. This month I'm privileged to host Carolyn Howard-Johnson, promoted and author of the Fugal books.

I promised Carolyn not to have the cookie-cutter type interview. Therefore, I invited her over to my house, handed her a shovel to make her way through the clutter, and offered her a cup of Constant Comment tea mixed with green.

After she and I were cozy with mugs of tea and some tasty sugar-free zuchinni bread, I started the questions.

How did/does your history and home background affect your writing, especially since you write nonfiction help books?
 
Answer: I also write fiction and poetry, Viv. And my history and background (and that of my ancestors) is extremely important in most of that work.

But it is for my how-to books, too. That I started in journalism at the Salt Lake Tribune when I was only 18 and worked as an editorial assistant for Good Housekeeping and as a fashion publicist all contributed to my marketing skills. Then I owned retail stores for 30 years. Operating stores successfully is probably 80% pure marketing. In fact, my latest book is for retailers, A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions: How To Increase Profits and Spit in the Eyes of Economic Downturns with Thrifty Events and Sales Techniques. It's available at www.budurl.com/RetailersGuide and even includes information on how to incorporate the use of authors into profit-making events. In fact, some authors have said it helped them understand retailing better--all the better to sell an author event to their local bookstores and other retailers.
 
 
Wow, I didn't know how versatile a writter you are. (After a sip of the tea, I asked the next questions on my mind.)

Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.
 
Answer: I was an English Lit major so that pretty much answers that question. But my education has continued as I teach writers for UCLA's Writers' Program. I've been doing it for about five years now and I constantly am learning more things from writers about what writers need to know. So that helps answer your question about my how-to books, too. (-;
 
I knew you and I agreed on many things concerning writing, and no wonder. I'm a retired English and composition teacher myself.

Please fill us in on your hobbies, interests, or activities you participate in during your leisure time. *laugh* If you have any – besides attending book festivals and other public appearance.
 
Carolyn took a bite of zuchinni bread before she nodded to let me know she would be with us again in a second.

Answer: Travel is probably my major interest outside of writing, and it's really integrally involved with writing, too. I find travel contributes to writing in so many ways. It keeps a writers' interests broad. Reading does the same thing.  I've been to so many countries I've lost count but I've studied writing at Herzen University in St. Petersburg, Russia; Cambridge University in the UK; and Charles University in Prague, the Czech Republic. Did you know Charles University is the oldest university in Europe--by their reckoning, any way.
 
What keeps you writing? 
                    
Answer:  I just can't help myself. (-:
 
That's an answer I can understand only too well.

You have so many projects going all the time: working on books, traveling, etc.; how do you manage?

Answer:  That's impossible to answer. I guess just keep putting one foot ahead of the other and going.
 
How do you feel when you complete a book? Which book has been your favorite?

Answer: My favorite book was my first, a novel. It is really the story of my life, fictionalized. And it deals with the most important themes that run through all my serious work. It is This Is the Place and is a story of a young journalistic coming of age at a time when women were repressed. She lives not only in a repressive time, but also a repressive place and must find her way by examining the lives of women who came before her.
 
You are definitely one interesting woman.

What are your writing achievements and goals?

Answer: I am on the final draft of Here's How I Don’t Cook, a memoir, and I'm looking for an agent for it.
 
Another thing we have in common, not cooking or very little. Who has time?

How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing? Also, we might tie some information about your presentations with this.

Answer: I love my critique groups, the ones I use to better my own writing. I also love the seminars and workshops I conduct to help better the writers of others. Of course, I get tons out of both of them. One of those you know about is the free Muse Online Writers Conference I cosponsor with Lea Schizas. It happens every October and attracts--literally--thousands.
 
Ah, yes, I'm involved in the Muse Online Writers Conference, but not nearly to the stage you are.

Does writing help better you as a person? How?
 
Answer: This is such a good questions. If writing doesn't help a writer get better as a person, then that writer probably isn't being as truthful with him or herself as she should be. I do know that many writers fear stripping themselves bare but--really--they are limiting themselves if they let their fears limit them from learning more about themselves.

Thank you, Carolyn, for joining me today. You always have such insightful comments.

Please let readers know how they can purchase your books.
 
Carolyn: My books are all at Amazon, and Amazon makes it easy and inexpensive to buy them. My Amazon profile is at www.budurl.com/CarolynsAmazProfile. From there each book is but a click away. Also, my how-to books are all available for the Kindle reader.

Any other comments?

Carolyn: Only many thanks for a caring interview. Oh, and a reminder via my motto: "“Careers that are not fed soon die as readily as any living organism given no sustenance.”

P.S.Oh! And come back to Viv's Bubbles blog to read a legend I found in Chile retold for children.

Thank you again, Carolyn. I so enjoyed the visit, and hope you liked the tea and zuchinni bread.


Now about VBT:

VBT Writers on the Move begins a new feature to the VBT: Writers on the Move Mystery Site Give-away. Each month, the winner will have the choice of receiving the Mystery Site Host's book or a guest spot on VBT - Writers on the Move web site. If you're an author and looking for visibility, this is a wonderful opportunity. But, it's going to be a tough choice; our members have great books to offer.

REMEMBER, you can't win if you don't play the game, so please stop by our members' sites during the tour and leave a comment.

4RV Publishing authors Linda Asato, Katie Hines, Elysabeth Eldering, Crysatlee Calderwood, and Vivian Zabel participate.

If you're interested in finding out more about our promotional group, you can send an email to: karenrcfv@yahoo.com.
Please put VBT-VBT in the subject line.



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Meet Kathy Stemke

I was delighted to interview Kathy Stemke for this tour of VBT - Writers on the Move. Let's get to know Kathy a bit better. Her replies will be in bold.

Kathy, tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

My background is in physical education and early childhood education. After 38 years of teaching I have found what works for children and what works for the teacher. That’s why I always offer movement activities, and worksheets with my picture books. It’s one stop shopping for teachers. I have found that when children move as they learn, they learn faster and retain more. My books are full of movement!

I also have a degree in Christian Ministry. My books are full of good values without being too obvious. I want to enrich the lives of children by igniting a love of reading, moving, and creating.

Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I’d like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

Because I was born with a passion for the arts, I’ve always been involved in creating. Writing poetry has been a lifetime activity for me. I hiked and photographed the Appalachian Trail, then wrote poetry at the rest stop. I’ve also taught photojournalism courses where children coupled their creative writing with photographs.

When I published some education articles, I realized that I had something to offer others. I created my blog to offer parents and teachers help with curriculum. I offer a free monthly newsletter titled, Movement and Rhythm. When my readers thank me, and tell me I helped them with a big problem, I’m inspired to write more. Recently, I was honored to be included in the Best 100 Blogs for Home schooling Moms.

What inspired you to write your book?

My first book, Moving Through All Seven Days, was a natural outgrowth of a blog post. I actually expanded a simple rhyme of the days of the week to a longer rhyme that teaches the children how to spell each day. This 32-page e-book includes a song, worksheets, movement activities for each day, and even a coloring book. I’ve gotten great reviews from teachers. It’s available for purchase as an e-book on Lulu.

What are your writing achievements and goals? Any books in the works?

Several of my articles have been published. As a contributing editor for The National Writing for Children Center, I write a monthly teaching tip article.
Gradually, I’m putting together a book of dance poems. My poem, "An Empty Stage," finished in the top ten of The 2009 Predators and Editors Poll. My poem, "Dance," is published in The Abandoned Towers Magazine.

My book, Trouble on Earth Day, is being illustrated, and set to be published this year by Cyberwizard productions, Toy Box Books. This fun picture book entertains and teaches kids about recycling. I’d like to write a series of environmental books with the same characters. Wonderful Water Explorers, the second book in the series, will spark discussion about water conservation. Both of these books offer several pages of projects and worksheets.

How do you feel when you complete a book?

The joy for me comes when I get positive feedback from the children and the teachers. When kid’s eyes sparkle, or they laugh out loud, I feel satisfied and eager to write more.

How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing, Kathy?

My involvement with the Children’s Writers Coaching Club has been very rewarding. I’ve learned my craft from published authors like, Margot Finke, Simon Rose, and Suzanne Lieurance. It also serves as a valuable critique group.

The Writers on the Move Virtual Book Tour has introduced me to more talented and kind authors with smart marketing tips and wonderful words of encouragement. It is essential to have support in the cruel writing business.

What advice would you have for a new author?

My first suggestion would be to read everything you can get your hands on in your venue. I took out 60 picture books a week for several months before I wrote my first story. Reread the excellent books that jumped out at you, and find out what makes them special. Sometimes it’s an unusual character, or an unexpected twist.
Then write, write, and write everyday. You’ll start to develop your own writing style.

If you can afford to, I suggest that you take a children’s writing course on-line. This will save you time and heartache. Find a good critique group, which has at least some published writers.

Research the market and submit stories to magazines and book publishers. Be flexible and use criticism wisely. Lastly, never give up. You can only lose when you give up.

Thank you for sharing information about yourself and your writing with us, Kathy.

A visit with author Joyce Anthony

Joyce Anthony's book Storm is available, but I wanted to know about Joyce Anthony the person and author. We sat down with mugs of hot tea and slices of zucchini bread. The day was dreary and wet, so a cozy visit was a good way to pass the time.

Her book Storm's ISBN-10 is 1-932993-74-6, and the publisher is Star Publishing LLC.

Vivian: Where did you get the idea for Storm? What inspired you to write it?

Joyce: The idea for Storm was literally years in forming. As a teenager, I saw a man standing on the side of the road that looked very much like my main character ended up looking. Our eyes met through the car window for maybe 5-10 seconds, but the look and feeling stayed with me. I would go several years without thinking about him and then the image would return.

As a young child, I would look down any railroad track I crossed and wonder what it would be like to just follow it to the end. I felt there was “something” wonderful there. In a writing group I was in, one of the women asked me “So, what’s at the end of the track?”

It was like a flood from that moment on—the characters all seemed to be just waiting, and I couldn’t rest until they told their story.

Vivian: How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?

Joyce: Like many people, I come from a very dysfunctional family. It allowed me to come into contact with many situations that kids should not, but that exposure led me to an understanding of people and events that I may not otherwise have gained. I learned that what things appear to be is not always what they are-and I try to convey that understanding to others.

Vivian: Tell us something about your educational background that has made you a better, or more caring, writer.

Anthony: I majored in Psychology and minored in Sociology in college. This allowed me to learn the inner workings of the human mind, as well as how people relate to the world around them. I believe this add fullness to my characters. I can bring alive the parts of my characters that would otherwise remain hidden, allowing readers a deeper view of each one.

Vivian: What keeps you writing?

Joyce: Some days I think it is insanity :) I love words—but more than that, I love what words can bring about. I can write something that allows others to feel—anger, happiness, hope! To me, that means I have the ability to make a difference—and it is that ability, that need to make changes in this world—that keeps me at it.

Vivian: How do you want readers to view your book? You as an author?

Joyce: I’d like for Storm, to be viewed as a window into the lives and souls of people we see, yet don’t see, daily. I’d like for those who read it to be able to stop for a moment in their daily routine and hopefully reach out to someone new with understanding and love. As an author..hmmm, that’s a difficult one. I guess I would like people to see me as an author who writes hope—someone who understands the human soul and truly cares about making life better.

Vivian: What are your writing achievements and goals?

Joyce: I currently have one book, Storm, published; a short story entitled "Almost Heaven" in a Rocking Chair Reader anthology, and have had numerous non-fiction articles published online. I am currently working on two books and have two more sitting on the back burner waiting for “write” time :)

Vivian: How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing? Yes, I tend to ask that question in very interview because I believe writing groups can be beneficial.

Joyce: The most benefit I get from writing groups is the understanding and companionship the solitary life of a writer needs. In addition, there is always someone who has been where you are, been where you want to be, etc. that will willingly share advice. I am finally getting to the stage in my career, that I can now be looked to as the one who has the advice—that makes me feel I can give back.

Vivian: Does writing help better you as a person? How?

Joyce: I’m not sure if it really makes me a better person. It does help me do things I would not otherwise be able to. For example — I can’t speak in public — meaning more than one other person I know — and I have a very difficult time expressing my emotions—yet with writing, I have been able to make my voice heard in several very important situations. So, while I can’t say it makes me a better person, it does help me express who I am.

Vivian: What advice would you have for a new author?

Joyce: Believe in yourself and in your work. I say that a lot because I can’t stress it enough. Writers tend to look outward for approval, but without that internal approval, you won’t succeed.

Vivian: Any other comments?

Joyce: I look around me and know I am not the best writer in the world—but I do believe what I have to share is important. I want readers to be able to close my books and feel that they somehow have gained something. I love hearing from readers and answer all messages (rainbow@velocity.net).

Thanks, Joyce, for visiting with us today. I hope we'll have an article from you posted Wednesday.


Purchase Storm on Amazon.com

Book Trailer for Storm


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Carolyn Hart - mystery writer extraordinaire

Carolyn Hart, one of my favorite authors, allowed me to interview her. I first posted this on Make Mine Mystery, but I wanted the interview also to be on my personal blog. Carolyn is not only a good writer of cozy mysteries, but she also is a mentor and friend to other writers.


Carolyn's two most recent books are as follows, both of which I have read:
Dare to Die, publisher Morrow, ISBN 978-0-06-145303-8 published date 3/31/09
Ghost at Work, publisher Morrow, ISBN 978-0-06 087436-0 published date 10/27/08 (set in Oklahoma)

May I present Carolyn Hart, mystery writer.

Vivian: Carolyn, do you have a website?

Carolyn:www.CarolynHart.com but no blog

Vivian: How did/does your history and home background affect your writing?

Carolyn: I grew up wanting to be a reporter and majored in journalism at OU. I've used a news background for several books. I also love to read mysteries. This provided the background for the Death on Demand series.

Vivian: The Murder on Demand books are set on Broward’s Rock, an island off the coast in South Carolina. Why did you choose that location?

Carolyn: We started vacationing on Hilton Head Island in the mid 1970s. When I decided to write Death on Demand, I wanted to use a resort background for Annie's mystery bookstore and Hilton Head was the only resort area I knew well. I created a fictional sea island inspired by Hilton Head of the '70s.

Vivian: The first book in your new series with Bailey Ruth is the first book set in Oklahoma, I believe. What made you decide to have a book set here?

Carolyn: The Bailey Ruth series is my only series set in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is also the background for Letter from Home, a standalone novel set in a small northeastern Oklahoma town in the summer of 1944. It is a story of the home front during WWII.

Vivian: I forgot about Letter from Home.

Carolyn: I love Oklahoma and enjoy using my home state as a background.

Vivian: The Henrie O series attracts me, probably because I can emphasize with a woman of “a certain age.” Do you have any more books featuring her in your writing future? If so, would you share some tidbits of information about one?

Carolyn: Henrie O is currently resting, as they say in Hollywood. I am committed to write one Death on Demand book and one ghost book every year and I don't at the moment have time for a new Henrie O.

Vivian: *sigh* I can understand Henrie O resting. I find I need more rest, too. At least we'll be able to read more of your books, though, and I did enjoy "meeting" Bailey Ruth.

Please fill us in on your hobbies, interests, or activities you participate in during your leisure time. *laugh* If you have any.

Carolyn: I used to enjoy jogging and tennis but now settle for leisurely walks in the park. Walking and reading are my hobbies.

Vivian: Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

Carolyn: I have always been fascinated by language. I enjoy creating a scene that I hope will interest readers. Writers are not disciplined. Writers are compulsive. Writers have to write. It is their destiny.

Vivian: Oh, I so agree with your description of writers.

You have so many projects going all the time: working on books, traveling, etc.; how do you manage?

Carolyn: I always focus on one task at a time.

Vivian: The two most recent of your books I’ve read are Ghost at Work and Death Walked In. What influenced you to write those books?

Carolyn: I love ghost stories, but I like happy ghost stories such as Topper. I wanted to write a book of that sort and the outcome was Bailey Ruth Raeburn, my impulsive, well-meaning redheaded ghost. Death Walked In, as are most of the stories in the Death on Demand series, a study of failed relationships and the effect on everyone involved.

Vivian: Do you have a particular writing process or technique that you use, if so, what?

Carolyn: When I start a mystery, I know the protagonist, the victim, the murderer, and the reason for the crime, and I have a working title. That is all I know. I have no idea where the story will lead or how I will get to Page 300.

Vivian: Do or have any writing groups benefited you and your writing? If so, how?

Carolyn: I am a member of Sisters in Crime, Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, the American Crime Writing League, abnd the International Association of Crime Writers. If so, how? Membership affords information about the industry and collegiality.

Vivian: What advice would you have for a new author?

Carolyn: Write about something that matters enormously to you. If you care, somewhere an editor will care.

Vivian: Any other comments?

Carolyn: Follow your star.


Thank you, Carolyn. I know I enjoyed our visit, and I'm sure many others will, too. At the OWFI writing conference the first of May, I was telling a group at lunch about Ghost at Work, and one comment was, "Carolyn can pull it off better than anyone else." I agree that you did "pull it off," and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

Readers, if you enjoy Carolyn's books, please leave a comment about which are your favorites. If you haven't read any of her books, yet, when you do, please share your thoughts.


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Meet Jordan Dane

I first met Jordan Dane online. We live in the same town (which we didn't realize), but we visited first through the OWFI (Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc.)Yahoo group and one of the crime writing groups. I really thought the first opportunity I would have to meet her face to face would be at the OWFI writing conference in May. However, as I was setting up for the Edmond Authors Festival, I saw a poster with "Jordan Dane" in large letters. I hurried over and introduced myself. It's so nice to meet someone in person that I admire and with whom I shared messages.

After that meeting, we have seen each other at least two other times, once when she talked at Pen and Keyboard Writers, the writing group I'm with, and at a book festival in Comanche, Oklahoma.

I can't bring her here for readers to meet "face to face," but Jordan was kind enough to agree to an interview.

May I present best-selling author Jordan Dane.


Vivian: Since you’re a well-known author of mystery/suspense/thriller novels, readers are interested in knowing not only about the author, but also the person behind the author.

You’ve shared your story about your debut novel, which ended up being back to back releases for three novels. Would you share for readers how you became a client of Meredith Bernstein, who represents you?

Jordan: My first sale story is bundled with many smaller good fortunes. For all the choice tidbits, I would recommend you check out my FOR WRITERS page and my FIRST SALE story. How I got my agent is directly linked to how I sold in auction. NYT bestselling author Sharon Sala is a member of my local writers’ group. We have a Finish the Book Incentives program. When one of our unpublished members finishes a book, we can pick from a list of reward incentives. One of the items on the list was a light critique from Sharon for a mystery/suspense novel. Since I had never had anyone read a complete book of mine, I took Sharon up on her offer. And after she read it in one sitting, she called me breathless and said, “Honey, where do you have this?” She got me a special read with her editor and her agent, Meredith, and the rest is history. Meredith had me send my manuscript to her hotel at a conference and she read it on the plane trip back to NYC. She offered me representation the next morning. And in no time, she had generated interest in an auction—10 days of pure hell and fun wrapped up in the same package. I have more on this on my website.

Vivian: How does your history and home background influence your writing?

Jordan: I think everything that an author is—their life’s experiences and worldview—all contribute to the prose and internal workings of the characters and the world the author creates. I practice a thing that I call “free association” where I draw from my life’s experiences to write the introspection of my characters. And I explain this on my FOR WRITERS page in my article on START WITH A BANG. Free association allows you to color your pages with how you think your character would think and act. And all the locations I’ve moved with the energy industry have also filled the cup of my experiences. I wrote my debut book and placed it in San Antonio, my old hometown. And I recently released the first book in my Sweet Justice series, called Evil Without A Face, that started in Talkeetna Alaska. I had lived in Alaska for 10 years and had been to Talkeetna many times. If you allow your mind to roam freely while you write, you’d be surprised what will pop up—good and bad.


Vivian: Authors are often asked when they started writing or what triggered their interest in writing. I like to know that, also, but I would especially like to know what keeps you writing.

Jordan: What keeps me writing is the same thing that got me started. I love the challenge of creating something from nothing. Choosing the right words to place a reader in the scene using all their senses is a challenge that I love. I loved it as a reader and love it even more as an author. I was an avid reader as a kid and that addiction only got worse as I grew up. I think that the process of writing is similar to what filmmakers and musicians and artists go through to create their art. When I hear an interview with any of these people, I am drawn to their insight on many levels. And I understand what they are conveying in a deeper way than I would have before I wrote. And with each new book, I strive to do more. I want to challenge myself with the craft and I never take the easy way out. That’s part of the fun and the reason I still love it. When someone tells me “that’s impossible” or “you shouldn’t do that,” that’s when I go for it. I think it’s important for an author to push the envelope of the genre they write. Writing the trend doesn’t set a writer apart. Breaking barriers does.

Vivian: I enjoyed hearing how you create your books by writing the “movies running” in your head. That’s my method, too, but many people believe a writer must outline or storyboard, which does help some people. Why do you prefer your method of preparation?

Jordan: My impatience to write comes from my dad, so it’s in my genes. I was the procrastinator in school and I convinced myself that if I weren’t under a deadline, I wouldn’t be at my best. So outlining seems too much like homework to me. And I’d rather dive in and discover what’s going to happen next. I tend to spend more prep time with my characters in my head. They usually come to me first. Then I contemplate what I call the “big ticket” items—the major plot movements of the movie in my head. But as I’m writing, I like to be flexible and discover what makes my characters tick when their backs are up against a wall. I love a good challenge. The more complex the story, the better I like it—especially when I can make it read as a simple, fast-paced story.

Vivian: How do any writing groups benefit you and your writing? Also, we might tie some information about your presentations at conferences with this.

Jordan: Writing groups make an author feel normal. We are all crazed to some degree, but hanging together makes that more difficult to spot. I love to network with other writers, both in person and online. Networking and belonging to a local group helped me get published. So of course I’m a big believer in joining a group. But a writer in a group should have a strong sense of what they want their voice to be and not be too swayed by other opinions. This is not easy and it may take trial and error. Some folks might work well with you and others may not.

I offer a FOR WRITERS page on my website to reach out to authors of all experiences with what I’ve learned in my short career. This page has resources on craft, promotion, and just plain fun stuff. And when I do various speaking engagements, I post new articles and update this page from time to time. I believe in the concept of “paying it forward” and the resource page on my website is my way of doing that.

I believe it’s important to share knowledge because our biggest competition is not from each other. It comes from the people who don’t read and all the distractions that pull potential readers away from enjoying a good novel. The better we write our books, the more people will want to read them. The storytelling that comes from each of us will always be unique. That’s what we bring to the table.

Vivian: What advice do you have for a new author or one struggling to find an agent or publisher?

Jordan: I think you have to be professionally persistent and keep handling the business side of sending out proposals, pitching at conferences, entering contests, and networking. But while you are doing this, KEEP WRITING. Writing is the one thing we can control. And only by writing new material do we learn most. Writing also helps pass the time after a proposal has gone out. When I sold, I had inventory in the suspense genre for my publishing house to buy. And it kept me grounded so I didn’t wait anxiously for a quick reply. That’s wasted effort.

Vivian: Would you give the titles of your released books and a bit of information about each? What will be your next book, and when should we look for it to be released?

Jordan: My backlist is on my website at www.jordandane.com. And my site also has excerpts and other entertaining tidbits, Q&A interviews, and digital pics of the story locales for some of my books. But below is an overview of my new Sweet Justice thriller series. This series has been a blast to write.

The Sweet Justice Series - Overview
The Sweet Justice thrillers will focus on the lives and loves of three women—a bounty hunter operating outside the law, an ambitious vice cop, and a former international operative with a mysterious past. These women give Lady Justice a whole new reason to wear blinders. And their brand of justice is anything but sweet.

Sweet Justice Series - Book #1 (Jan 27, 2009)
In EVIL WITHOUT A FACE, an illusive web of impostors on the Internet lures a deluded teen from her Alaskan home and launches a chain reaction collision course with an unlikely tangle of heroes who uncover a terrifying global conspiracy. They’re battling a new kind of criminal. And soon their race for answers will become a dangerous struggle for survival.

Sweet Justice Series - Book #2 (Oct 27, 2009)
In THE WRONG SIDE OF DEAD, a mysterious computer genius is framed for a heinous murder and becomes a sacrificial lamb to a ruthless killer. And between his gaps in memory and reluctance to reveal his secrets, he forces bounty hunter Jessica Beckett into an uphill battle to help him—but his plight is not what it seems. And with one fatal mistake, more innocent lives could wind up on the wrong side of dead.

Sweet Justice Series - Book #3 (TBD 2010)
In THE ECHO OF VIOLENCE, terrorists attack a Haitian missionary school fundraiser to abduct partygoers for ransom. But when the hostages are brutally killed one by one—with videos of the senseless murders posted online—time is running out. Sentinels’ agent Alexa Marlowe is forced into an unlikely alliance with a relentless mercenary—but he’s no stranger. Guarding a dark secret, Jackson Kinkaid is linked to drug cartels and rumored to sell his services to the highest bidder. He’s not the man Alexa used to know. And when she launches her covert rescue mission into the mountains of Cuba, she finds out no one can be trusted.

Vivian: I read Evil With a Face, and it's my favorite of your books so far, Jordan. I am going to write that review soon.

Could you give us a brief idea of your writing schedule?

Jordan: Since I write full time, I work everyday. I find that it helps to keep my mind into the world I’ve created. While I’m in the middle of a project, I usually write for a few hours before my husband gets up. He makes me breakfast and we plot how to get away with murder over toast. We call it our quality time. After he leaves for work, I keep going and write until I take a break mid afternoon. I spend a little time each day working my online promo through my website, e-newsletters, blogging, social network connections, and keeping up with emails. Then I edit what I’ve written that day before I go to bed. I set a goal of 1500-2000 words per day. And although I’ve completed a book in as little as 6 weeks, it usually takes 4 months or so (from start to finish). Since I’ve become a full time author, my mind doesn’t quit working. Even if I’m watching TV, a movie, commercials, reading a newspaper or magazines—ANYTHING can trigger an idea.

Vivian: You’ll be one of the presenters at the OWFI Writing Conference the first weekend in May. What topic will you discuss?

Jordan: I’ll be talking about “Making a Thriller”. I’ve given this workshop once before and have been fine tuning it, gearing up for OWFI. After my debut series, I changed my writing style to encompass a thriller pace and I learned a lot from that process. That’s how Evil Without A Face was created. It’s a complex plot with 5 different major story arcs and 20+ secondary characters that I’ve written in a simple to read book. And when I got done writing that novel, I was ecstatic. I felt as if I had discovered a breakthrough in my writing and I’ve continued to challenge myself in different ways ever since. And this lecture will cover the things I’ve learned. I’m looking forward to speaking to other authors at the conference. It will also be my first time to attend.

Vivian: Any other comments, blog and web site URLs, and order information.

I was really pleased when Publishers Weekly named my debut book as Best Book of 2008 for Mass-Market. And my third book, NO ONE LIVES FOREVER was nominated as Romantic Times Magazine’s Best Intrigue Novel for 2008.

And for more information on my books, my website is the most comprehensive spot to learn more about my work. www.jordandane.com. Plus you can sign up on my mailing list for my quarterly e-newsletter. I offer exclusives to anyone belonging to my list. On this site, I have resources for other authors, my appearances, links to my MySpace blog, and a list of my novels with excerpts and other special features. HarperCollins also maintains a great website for me at http://www.harpercollins.com/authors/33056/Jordan_Dane/index.aspx. This site has fresh material that offers a Browse Inside feature to my books to allow readers to peek inside my books and buy them, of course. And my books are available at any independent or national chain bookstore, Walmart, Amazon, & Barnes & Noble, airports, pharmacies, & grocery stores.

Thanks for featuring me on your blog, Vivian. I really appreciate your support of a new author.

Vivian: Thank you, Jordan, for agreeing to allow me to interview you. I recommend everyone read your books.

As I said earlier, so far Evil without a Face is my favorite, but I plan on reading more of your books. No One Heard Her Scream was good, but it was a bit edgier than what I usually read. As I tell people, your writing is gritty but true and an reading experience not to be missed.


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Jean Henry Mead's character Kerrie

Jean will give away signed copies of her book to three (3) lucky people who leave comments on blogs in this blog tour. But, unless you leave a comment or comments, you won’t have a change to be one of the three.


Jean Henry Mead writes the Logan and Cafferty senior sleuth mystery series as well as historical fiction. A Village Shattered is her eleventh book and third novel. A former award-winning photojournalist, magazine and newspaper reporter/editor, her articles have been published domestically as well as abroad.

A Village Shattered is the first in the series and features two widows living in a retirement village where their friends and club members are murdered alphabetically. Dana Logan, a mystery novel buff, and her friend, Sarah Cafferty, a private investigator's widow, decide to solve the murders when they learn their own names are on the list. An inexperienced sheriff botches the investigation, and Dana's beautiful daughter Kerrie arrives to complicate the plot.

I decided to interview Kerrie for this stop on Jean's virtual book tour. Thank you for agreeing to be here, Kerrie. Let me get my list of questions. Ahh, here they are.

VZ: Why do you think Jean brought you into this novel, A Village Shattered?

Kerrie: Jean is a seat-of-the-pants writer who rarely knows what’s she’s going to write when she sits down at the computer every morning. Characters just seem to pop into her head whenever the plot needs them. She didn’t even know who I was when I rang the doorbell and my mom said, “Kerrie, what are you doing here?” I guess she thought I might liven up the plot, or complicate it. And she was right. Jean didn’t realize I was a news reporter, like she was in real life, until the big fire happened at the retirement village. It was logical—to me anyway-- that was the only way I could find out who was responsible for setting the blaze. Even then, the fire chief didn’t want to talk to me.

VZ: How do you think your relationship with your mother, Dana Logan, adds to the tension in Shattered?

Kerrie: I had a chip on my shoulder when I arrived because I had just broken up with my fiancé, and Mom and I had never been close, so I didn’t take her warnings seriously about the serial killer. I just wanted to have some fun and get involved in another relationship. I was pretty self centered, I’m afraid, and it nearly cost me my life.

VZ: What lessons do you think your mother learns during the course of the book?

Kerrie: Mom felt guilty that she didn’t manage to spend more time with me while I was growing up. Not her fault, really, because she had to work two jobs to support us after my father died. But there was this wall between us because I was so independent and rebellious as a teen. Mom shed a lot of tears over me. I think she realized that she should have made more of an effort to sit and listen to my problems while I was growing up, and try to nurture a closer relationship. That didn’t happen until we tried to solve the murders together and were involved in some awfully scary situations, like stealing a patrol car and getting lost in the fog.

VZ: What lessons did you learn?

Kerrie: I learned that I shouldn’t use people. I lost the man I loved because I used him to get myself out of trouble when I stayed out past the sheriff’s curfew. It hurt him badly and he never got over it. I also learned how important family relationships are as well as how much my journalism career meant to me.

VZ: How did your relationship with your mother change during the course of the novel, or did it?

Kerrie: It changed considerably. We were strangers when I arrived on her doorstep, unaware of the murders and danger in the village. Over the course of the story, we became very close because we faced danger together and were nearly killed ourselves. I’ll never forget the night I talked Mom and Sarah into going with me to a male stripper club. Mom had too much to drink and Sarah tried to stuff a dollar bill into one of the dancer’s G-strings. It was hilarious. Of course, I didn’t know the killer had followed us there.

VZ: What one or two failings or short-comings on your part do you believe created more problems for others?

Kerrie: My immaturity and self centeredness caused plenty of problems, and it certainly worried Mom and Sarah. I should have realized how much they would worry about me when I suddenly took off. A stupid thing to do.

VZ: Do you see yourself included in future Logan and Cafferty mysteries?

Kerrie: Yes, I’m in the next novel, Diary of Murder, which will be out next spring. Mom, Sarah and I are the Three Musketeers, you know. They’re quite capable of solving crimes without me, but having me along provides some interesting plot complications that wouldn’t happen otherwise. I may even crop up in the third book, Died Laughing. You just never know what kinds of problems the author is going to drop us into. I read the first chapter of the third book in the series and know that mom may become a grandmother. I wish Jean would let me know for sure so I can shop for baby clothes.

VZ: What future do you see for your mother and the sheriff, or for you and Jim Dalton?

Kerrie: Mom’s a very attractive woman for someone her age, and I’m not convinced that she’s in love with Sheriff Grayson. We’ll have to wait and see. As far as my love interest, Jim Dalton, is concerned, I’m still hoping we can patch things up. But that deputy, Nancy Murray, is trying her best to get her claws into him, so there may be in a cat fight before the book is over.

VZ: What would you like to add, let readers know about you, the novel, your mother?

Kerrie: Hmmm, probably that Mom and Sarah won’t be able to stop stumbling over bodies in the rest of the series. Jean put them in a motor home in the middle of a Rocky Mountain blizzard in the next novel, and they wind up in Wyoming investigating the death of my aunt Georgi. Her husband says it was suicide. Don’t believe it!


Thank you for joining us, Kerrie. Tell Jean I enjoyed her book very much.

Jean Henry Mead’s blog
Order A Village Shattered.


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