Spotlight on Author Madison Sevier

Interview with Best Selling AuthorMadison Sevier:

   

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Honestly, I knew in kindergarten.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends. Sometimes, a few days and sometimes over a year. The genre and my crazy life has a lot.to do with how much I can accomplish.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Again, it varies. Summer is the time of year that I'm normally able to get a lot.of writing done. I homeschool my daughter and summer is just less hectic for me.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Wow. Tough one. I'd have to say that I love putting bits of realistic possibilities into the strangest situations. I believe stories should be just as much of a surprise as life is. Nothing is cookie cutter in my mind. And I do love using sassy, strong and smart women for my heroines.
How do your books get published?

I'm self-published. (With a lot of people helping me behind the scenes)

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I hate to sound like a broken record, but it depends. Some ideas manifest from real events, some happen in my.dreams and some happen when one of my.friends and I are goofing around. After the idea emerges, that's when I decide where to get my most pertinent information.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book in fourth grade. It was a mystery and it was horrible. (LOL)
What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Besides guzzling copious amounts of coffee? I love Nascar, crocheting, baking, hiking, making candy and reading. 

What does your family think of your writing?

They love it. If it weren't for my husband and daughter, I'd have never taken such a giant leap. They've always been right beside me cheering me on and wanting me to achieve my dreams.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I could actually grow to hate them. I know most authors wouldn't say that, but I've always got this "love/hate" relationship with my work.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite? 13 so far. I'd have to say Natural Lust or Wicked By Nature would be my favorite (s). I loved creating those characters.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Honestly, write what you want to write. Be yourself. Work on your craft and have someone to vent to...someone who is a true friend to you in this business.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Not very often. However, those I do hear from are amazing and I cherish them. They took a chance on me. Me! In my.wildest dreams I never thought that woukd happen. Those readers and friends are the best. It's not always glowing reviews or comments, but I still love each of them.

Do you like to create books for adults?

All of my.books are for adults. The only children's books I've written have been for.my daughter and that was when she was much younger than she is now.

What do you think makes a good story?

Anything. Anyone who takes the time to make their art a reality has my vote.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to teach and be an authot. Somehow, I've been lucky enough to do both.

OTHER BOOKS BY MADISON SEVIER CAN BE FOUND HERE: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Madison+Sevier

BIO AND PROFILE PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Madison-Sevier/e/B00BDWM3DG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1442065044&sr=1-2-ent

Romance author, Madison Sevier, officially began her writing career in 2011 by going after her lifelong dream and has been having the time of her life ever since.

 

Her days are spent homeschooling her daughter and doing the bookkeeping for her family's business. At night, she gets to become someone else and create characters who work their way into her head and won't let go until they have a life of their own.

Being a coffee-addicted Gemini, Madison is known for doing whatever strikes her fancy at any given moment. Some of her favorite hobbies include; hiking, geocaching, animal rescue, writing, reading, baking, horseback riding and she loves NASCAR.

Living in what everyone calls 'Kentuckiana' with her husband, daughter, two Chihuahuas, one Saint Bernard and two cats, she's found the perfect paradise to allow all of her stories to come to life. Against a backdrop of the Ohio River and surrounding hillsides, she never knows where a new romance will come from. But you can be sure you're going to hear about it.

She loves hearing from her readers and meeting new ones, so feel free to contact her anytime.

www.http://www.madisonsevier.com

Spotlight on Author DM Wind

 Interview with David Wind, aka. Author DM WIND

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
That’s an easy one: When I was a teenager I was a voracious reader band reached a point where I wanted to be one of the people who could give others enjoyment by creating stories.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Usually 4 to 6 months, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. It really depends on the story, the amount of research, and the time involved in editing and rewriting.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?   When it comes to writing, I’m pretty much a creature of habit. I like to start the day by retyping the edits I had from my previous day’s writing, as it gets me right back into the groove, so to speak. Then I spend the rest of the morning writing. After lunch, I take the printed-out work from the morning (including the previous days rewrite) and edit it all. In an average day, I’ll spend 6-9 hours writing, depending on how well the creation process is going that day. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I couldn’t begin to tell you. I’m a writer; to others, almost everything I do is quirky  like finding the exact music for what I’m writing that day. One day it might be Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon, the next, Mozart.

How do your books get published?

33 of my novels were traditionally published through such companies as Simon & Shuster, Dell, Dorchester, Putnam, etc… In 2008 I stepped away from the traditional publishing model and became an independent author. Now I publish all my novels myself. Usually through Amazon in both Print and eBook.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

From everywhere and anywhere I am, from everyone I talk to and from everything I do. For example, in my high-tech medical thriller, The Cured, the death of a close friend made me question the way pharmaceutical giants manipulate drugs and governments, internationally. 

NEW RELEASE 

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I tried writing for several year and hated everything I did, then, in my late twenties, I decided to try again and found some success. My first book was published when I hit my thirties.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Not writing? Really  As a self-published, or independent author, as we are known, when I’m not writing, (and except when on a research trip or vacation) I’m doing social media. It’s social media is the mainstay of an Indie author’s marketing. Unlike traditional publishers, Indie authors don’t usually have an advertising budget that will handle national or international advertising so, I spend a lot of non-writing time on Facebook and twitter, and staying in contact with my most valuable resource—my readers. And, I like most Indie authors I know, treasure my readers. If you check the back of my books, you’ll find I put my email address and other contact info there. I always hope my readers contact me. Readers are the lifeline of an Indie author, and if they like your writing, they will let the world know about you. What more can an author ask for?

What does your family think of your writing?

They accept my weird hours and strange behavior while I write, and have been supporting and helping me for as long as I have been writing!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How little I really knew about the things I thought I knew.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’m in the middle of my 38^th novel. My favorite? That’s difficult because as an Indie author, I won’t publish anything I don’t like. Over the years I’ve had a lot of favorites, currently, it’s my series, Tales Of Nevaeh, because it’s something I have been wanting to write since I was a teenager. I mean, really, Sci-Fi Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, sword fighting, Kingdoms, Sorceresses, sorcerers—it’s like living in your own private world.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Read the best writers in every genre, learn how they tell their stories, what makes them so good, and then create your own method of storytelling by writing what you comes from within you, not what you think you may be able to sell.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I hear from many of my readers, and usually the questions are about the books I write, the methods I use, etc.

Do you like to create books for adults?

(I will assume we are not talking about porn)

My books are always for adults. Some are YA’s as well.

What do you think makes a good story?

Three Things:

1: The ability to steal you away from reality and allow you to suspend your sense of disbelief and entertain you.

2: To be able to see the story in your head, not just read the words.

3: To make you think about it after you’ve finished.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I can’t remember back that far……..

Author Bio: 

David Wind has published thirty-Seven novels including Science Fiction, Mystery and suspense thrillers. He lives and writes in a small village about thirty miles upstate of NYC, and shares his house with his wife, Bonnie and dog Alfie, a sub-standard poodle (email him for an explanation). 
His newest release is the Sci-Fi fantasy series, Tales Of Nevaeh. This series is one that has been percolating in David's thoughts for a while. The first book of the series, Born To Magic, was released on February 15, 2015 and has received numerous 5 star reviews. The second book of the series, The Dark Masters, was released in May. A short story, Prelude To Nevaeh, is the prequel to the entire Tales Of Nevaeh series, and is a free download. Both Novels are in the Amazon Top 100 Best Sellers. The third volume of the Tales Of Nevaeh series will be out in late 2015.

September will see the release of Infinity’s Doorway, a Paranormal Thriller, and love story that reaches across two world.
David's Fantasy, Queen Of Knights, reached #2 on the Amazon.Com bestseller lists for historical fantasy and medieval fantasy.

David published Angels In Mourning, his 'homage' to the old time private detective books of the late 40's, the 50's and the 60's.  The type of books David used to love to sneak from his parents’ night-tables and read them as a young boy.  Angels, is a modern day take on the old style hardboiled detective.   Angels In Mourning won the Amazon.com Book of the Month Reader's Choice Award.His last thriller was The Cured, written with Terese Ramin, The idea for this Medical Legal Thriller came shortly after the death of a close friend. David said, "I couldn't help but wonder about the medication...."
His previous suspense thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary guild alternate selection); As peace Lay Dying, and Conspiracy of Mirrors. And Down will Come Baby, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep and Shadows, are mystery suspense novels.

Links: 
BOOKS: http://www.amazon.com/David-Wind/e/B002BMBUDG/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
WEBSITE: http://www.davidwind.com at David Wind
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/authordavid.wind

Spotlight on Author Trinity Roberts

Interview with Trinity Roberts

Welcome Trinity...

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved writing, but it took me a long time to realize that it was what I meant to do. I started writing articles in 2008 for side income while I was a stay at home mom. I was good at it, found myself excited to work each morning. After a while, it grew sale, and all I could imagine doing was write a novel.

How long does it take you to write a book?

I depends on the book and how much time I have to work on it. My first novel, ...And The Stars Fell Silent, took me about 9 months. I started writing one recently, and it only took me a few days to write 100 pages. However, I’m setting it aside to finish at a later date.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

My work schedule is hectic. I still write articles for income, so my days are long. Each day I wake up at 6:45 and get my daughter ready for school. After she leaves at 7:30, I start writing articles. In between articles, I do marketing. I spend hours contacting blogs and posting on social media. By the time I finish all that, my daughter is home. I spend time with my kids and I write novels after dinner when I have time. Sometimes I only get a couple days a week for them, or even just the weekends.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if you’d consider it a writing quirk, but I have quirks from being a writer. I pay attention to the smallest details about everything. I notice tiny inconsistencies in book, movies, and stories people tell me. I notice facial expressions that don’t seem to match people’s moods. I notice how people react in situations... and I make mental notes about everything.

How do your books get published?

I publish them. I’m hoping to expand my publishing company one day and help other people become published, but right now, it’s just a vanity label.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I draw inspiration from everything. My ideas for my first book came to me out of nowhere. I can’t credit anything for that. A title for a future book, Whisper of Smoke, came from a line in a Meghan Trainor song. A title for another book, A Million Little Choices, came from something Sam said in the show Supernatural. I use past experiences, other people’s experiences, and things I find on the internet. Of course, much of it is just fiction from my own mind.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I didn’t write my first novel until recently. I began last October when I was 28. I published it at 29, on July 24, 2015. Before that, I wrote poetry and short stories. I started doing that when I was about six.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love reading, of course. I also like to binge watch shows on Netflix when I just need a mental break. I also like to take my kids to the park and the apple orchard. I’m hoping to start traveling soon. I want to see every nook and cranny of our beautiful planet.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is so supportive. Everyone who has read it has called to tell me they can’t believe how long I hid my talent from them. I’d like to think they’re not biased. :)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

How much work it is. I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t consider how hard. Between writing the book and marketing it, authors have to work from sun up until sun down. I also learned how small our royalties actually are. If you pay $15 for a paperback from an independent author, the author is only getting a couple bucks. The seller and the printer both take a huge cut. If they didn’t, there would be no business, but we have people pirating our books and not caring how little we already make with sales. It can be very discouraging.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve only written the one, but I have six others planned out already. I can’t pick a favorite. They’re all unique and so different from each other. The six are comprised of three different genres too. My debut will always have a special place in my heart, through.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Absorb the world. Take in everything you possibly can. Figure out why people do what they do and say what they say. Find out people’s secrets. Take a philosophy or psychology class. Absorb yourself in another culture. Do anything that will give you a broader spectrum about life.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I’ve heard from most of them. I receive a lot of compliments and suggestions. I don’t mind suggestions at all. They’re mostly about what they would want to read in my sequels. I appreciate that, because I want my readers to be happy. I appreciate all of the support.

Do you like to create books for adults?

My books are geared toward adults. I market them as YA as well, though, because I tend to write younger characters. The age range is basically 15 and up.

What do you think makes a good story?

Every good story needs emotion and real characters. I like back-stories. The more I know about a character’s past, the more I identify with and care about the character.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a surgeon. I wanted to do transplant surgeries so I could make people’s deaths matter.

PLEASE LEAVE TRINITY A COMMENT! Be sure to check out her link! Thank you!

Stalker links:

www.trinityroberts.com

www.facebook.com/trinityrobertswriter

www.twitter.com/_trinityroberts or @_trinityroberts

instagram: trinity_roberts_author

Book link: http://www.amazon.com/Stars-Fell-Silent-Book-ebook/dp/B012I0MH3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440117623&sr=1-1&keywords=and+the+stars+fell+silent

Spotlight on Author Eryn LaPlant

 Interview with Eryn LaPlant...

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was 16 and a friend of mine, Dawn Taylor, and I would write love stories involving us and the New Kids on the Block. They were always so fun to write and trade later for reading. Pretty soon, I began thinking of new stories that had nothing to do with the early 90s boy band and the itch to constantly write was born.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends what else is going on in my life, honestly. If I am home and have 8 hours solid a day to write, I’ll have a book done in three or four months. But if I’m working out in the real world, then it takes a lot longer. My current WIP, Falling for Phoenix, has been 6 months in the making already and maybe 2/3rds finished.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I cannot write hungry, so I have to be well fed first. Breakfast, write, lunch, write, gym break before my son gets home from school, then write again in the parking lot of his school waiting for the little guy to come out. That, of course, is when I don’t have a day job. I double as a nanny. Currently though, I have a family I’m working with family who have a 15 month old, and newborn, so I write when I can during naps and meals. The little ones come first.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Chewing gum. It’s strange and on really good roll my jaw hurts as much as my fingers do at the end of the day. Somehow chewing like a cow, chomping, snapping, popping gum helps me zone out and get into the story. I greatly apologize to those around me when I write.

How do your books get published?

I have both a publisher for my historical fiction books and self-publish my contemporary romance series, Falling for Heroes. When it comes to the self-publishing side, I have an excellent editor, several first round readers, and design my own covers to bring those books to public. I love the process.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Any and everywhere! For Beneath the Wall, my first book, my parents had taken my sisters and me to see the Broadway play Miss Saigon, and I couldn’t shake the idea of what would’ve happen to the child at the end of the play. From there, my mind created the story of Mack Roberts and Julianne Parker.

Another interesting origin happened when I was visiting Plano, Illinois. The movie Man of Steel was filmed on their Main Street and I wandered into an alleyway wondering if during the filming were there a crime going on, would the actor who played Superman embrace his hero and try to save the day, or would he back out and not help the victim at all, knowing he was only an actor. The whole ride home my mind buzzed with the idea and the next day I started writing out the plot for Falling for Shock, the first book in the Falling for Heroes series.

All of my books, Beneath the Wall, The Blue Lute, Falling for Shock, Falling for Freedom, and Falling for Phoenix all have unique origins and in this time I love the feeling of the story coming over my mind and preventing from thinking of much else. It’s a rush of intellect and creativity flowing through one’s veins all at once. It’s really cool to experience.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Publically published though, would be my historical fiction, Beneath the Wall, when I was 34. I had been writing it on and off since my college years and never did anything with it until my husband gave me the ol’ line, “You’ll never know if its good unless you submit it and see.” I did and was rejected many times until finally two publishing companies were heavily evaluating it and one jumped to the contract before the other. The rest is history (pun intended).

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Oh gosh, everything. I love playing with my 8 year old son, Cameron. He’s extremely active and always has me playing soccer, football, basketball, or video games on rainy days. I also am a crossfitter and love to bike, run, and weight lift. This past month I finally passed over the 200 lb lifting mark. It’s so exciting knowing I’m lifting something that’s both heavier than myself and the people in my family. There’s a security in being strong, knowing that if something bad were to happen, I’d have the ability and strength to lift them to safety.

What does your family think of your writing?

I’m sure they’d say the PC answer that it’s awesome and they support me no matter what, but deep down I’m sure they aren’t thrilled when the dishes are piled in the sink and mom is MIA during a writing sprint. They know if I am on a roll not to bother me and that’s when problems happen.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

There’s more than being an author than just writing. There’s promotion, self-promotion, social media, and it can be quite daunting sometimes. Some days I’d rather just write and not be bothered with the rest.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have 4 books on the shelf right now, and 2 in the works. And choosing my favorite is like asking to pick a favorite child. Each one has a special place in my heart.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Don’t listen to every little “better yourself” suggestion. Just write. Then when you edit, check some of those articles or pieces of advice such: don’t use adverbs; don’t get stuck on like, as, that, and very. If you get caught up on how to write while you’re writing, you won’t get your idea out and you will lose yourself in the rules.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

All the time! I’m love talking to people, especially readers. There’s nothing better than talking to people about the books you’ve created. It’s kind of like sharing an imaginary friend with a whole bunch of people.

Do you like to create books for adults?

Uhh, yeah! I love love and love love stories, so when I can talk about loving and kissing and holding, and yes, sex, then I’m a happy girl! My stories aren’t made for those under the age of seventeen.

What do you think makes a good story?

Number one in my books is having well-rounded, fully developed characters. The books are nothing without the characters and if I can’t relate to them, then I change and switch them until I am.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I was a fantasy maker when I was a child, always pretending to be someone else, dressing up, renaming myself. I wanted to be everything and was always changing my mind as to what I specifically wanted to be when I grew up. Who knew that doing all of those things was preparing me to be what I truly found is my gift… being a writer.

Thank you for inviting me here today and asking such insightful questions. If you’d like to read more about my writing processes, or behind the scenes moments in my books, please check out my blog: www.novelisterynlaplant.wordpress.com

You can also find me on social media:

Facebook: Eryn LaPlant http://on.fb.me/10fGbYs

Twitter: @erynalicia

Instagram: @erynalicia

You can find my books on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com, in paperback and ebook form.

Beneath the Wall

Amazon: http://amzn.to/X3vYct

B&N: http://bit.ly/TOI9aa

The Blue Lute

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1daMSOg

B&N: http://bit.ly/18mmvkM

Falling for Shock

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1hcucNu

B&N: http://bit.ly/1NuaF08

Falling for Freedom

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ArldpU

B&N: http://bit.ly/1vnlaW8

Bio:

Eryn LaPlant is quite the Renaissance woman, describing herself as “a woman of many trades…a wife, a mother, an antiques collector, a painter, a baker, a gardener, a photographer, a historian and my favorite by far a novelist (well except the first two in my list).” Her romantic book series Falling for Heroes Series has really struck a chord with readers, sweeping fans of contemporary romance off their feet with Falling for Shock and Falling for Freedom. She is currently working on her latest novel in that series, Falling for Phoenix. Her foray into historical fiction has also left fans wanting more with The Blue Lute and Beneath the Wall.  Eryn is married and lives with her husband, son, and fluffy Pomeranian in Illinois.  

Best Selling Author of 

Beneath the Wall

The Blue Lute 

Falling for Shock

Falling for Freedom

www.novelisterynlaplant.wordpress.com

Spotlight on Karimah Grayson

Karimah Grayson, author of “The Shoulders On Which I Stand” and “Areebah’s Dilemma: Love or Deen”, is a Muslim American author. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Karimah resides in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The love of water and the beautiful blue skies keeps her loving the Sunshine State. By profession she is an educator and enjoys watching her students mature into adulthood. Karimah recently began writing in the little known genre of Muslim fiction and looks forward to sharing the Muslim American experience with the world.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I remember telling my sister when I was in high school, I think I was in ninth grade, that I would write stories about her. So, I would say I first realized I wanted to be a writer when I was fourteen.

How long does it take you to write a book?

My first book took about three months. My second book, I wrote it during NaNo WriMo, so, it took thirty days.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Since I’m a teacher, I generally write when I come home from work. Mostly every other day. Or I write from Monday to Thursday.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I do a lot of research before and during writing. I think that would be my quirk.

How do your books get published?

At this time, I self-publish via Create Space and Amazon KDP.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

My information comes from current event and sometimes reading situations people went through via multiple social media platform.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book last year, I was forty-six.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love learning, reading, and studying. I also like to peruse various social media platforms.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is supportive of my writing. My husband has been encouraging me for years to write.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I could always right non-fiction and technical pieces. I found it surprising that writing fiction was so challenging. Showing and not telling was and probably still is one of my biggest hurdles.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written two books. My favorite is “The Shoulders On Which I Stand”. Actually, I like both of them pretty good, they go in two different directions.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Do a lot of reading. Use the various thesauri out there. Join various writing and author groups to receive tips on improving your writing.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I’m fairly new, so I haven’t heard from my readers much. But the ones I have heard from enjoy the stories.

Do you like to create books for adults? Yes, I do!

You can follow Karimah on the following social media sites:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KGAuthor

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AreebahsDilemmaNovel

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AuthorKarimahG

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/AuthorKarimah

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimahgrayson

Instagram - https://instagram.com/authorkarimahg

Visit her blog and website at:

https://authorkarimahg.wordpress.com

http://authorkarimahg.wix.com/muslimfiction

Visit her author pages at:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14126182.Karimah_Grayson

http://www.amazon.com/author/karimahgrayson