Renee's Author Spotlight: Author Interview

Showing posts with label Author Interview. Show all posts

Monday, 1 October 2018

Angels and Diamonds: A #Romance #Novel by TK Lawyer

Award Nominated Paranormal Romance Author, TK Lawyer has been writing since high school but it was sometime in 2011 when her writing blossomed into a career. Craving excitement and adventure, she jotted down a few notes for a book and never looked back.

Her books blend her interest in the paranormal and her love of romance.

Steamy, unique, fun tales of adventure with alpha males and feisty, curvy females are her signature. She writes what she loves: passionate, erotic, emotion-tugging novels that widen readers’ experiences and leaves them wanting more. No two books are alike and each one is a stand-alone novel ready for fans and readers alike to dive into and enjoy!

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About the Book

Angels and Diamonds spins seven heart-warming tales of finding love when you least expect it and the struggles of holding onto true love. Each fun tale depicts ardor, attachment and dedication while staying true to the theme of a Diamond and an Angel.

Puppy Love- Petra, an owner of a dog rescue group in need of financial assistance finds an unlikely funding source

Bride to Be- Diamond, a bridal shop owner meets a man who seems vaguely familiar. Little does she know he will change her future

Promise- Tauria’s relationship with an Archangel leads to her forgotten past

The Gift- Celeste’s gift is more than her Angel can handle

Hunted- Natasha’s encounter with a mercenary has an unexpected, mutually beneficial outcome

New Home- Marisole’s home search for a ‘friend of a friend’ thrusts her back into the life of a man she once craved. Sadly, he doesn’t know she exists

Make a Wish- Are Stella’s dreamy adventures genuine or vivid imagination?

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Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Why did you decide to be a writer?

I needed something more in my life. One day when I was frustrated with my boring, mundane, routine of a life, I literally shouted in my kitchen for something more. Then ideas started popping into my head and I wrote them down. I never saw myself as an author but I took a chance and here I am, six books later, published and happy.

What genres do you write?

Paranormal and contemporary romance with shifters and angels

Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with?

I’ve thought about writing YA since it is such a popular genre but I’m not sure if I can get into the characters the same as I do with Paranormal romance. I would write Paranormal YA but the romantic parts would be completely different. It would be a challenge for me to write in a “teenager’s world” with subjects and concerns that they face that adults don’t necessarily think of but I’ve considered it and who knows, maybe one day I will have a YA book out?

How often do you write?

Any chance I can get which is not often. I usually have to sneak a half hour here or there to jot down scenes. It’s hard writing when you have a full-time day job but I try to do what I can and when I am in the mood. The hardest part is getting started but once I’m writing, it’s easy to keep going for hours.

What is the quirkiest thing you've ever done while writing?

Sometimes I will act out parts of my scenes, not only in my head but actually physically act them out because I need to see the actions that each character does in order to write it. I have literally sat at my computer and stated aloud a sentence a character says in the book so I can figure out how he would react when he said the sentence. In that way, I can add details of his facial features so the reader can envision what is actually happening at the moment.

If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?

Tatiana Baker from Jasper, The Guardian League, Book One. I would love being with an actual live Guardian Angel and Jasper is such a loving, sweet angel who would do anything for Tatiana. The fact that he is so endearing but also assertive and protective is such a turn on. It would be great to experience day to day activities arm in arm with my own angel.

What is the oddest thing you've ever researched for one of your books?

For Apollo, The Guardian League, Book Three, I had to find out how much the going rate was for a lap dance. Let’s just say it was an interesting Google search and it brought up a lot more information than I wanted. Haha.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?

I would love to be mentored by Felicity Heaton, one of the first and best paranormal authors I’ve followed. The fact that she can publish eight to ten books a year (or at least it seems that way) plus keep up a newsletter and give gift cards away like they are going out of style fascinates me. How does she do it all? Where does she get the energy? I imagine she doesn’t have a full-time day job like me. How does she manage her finances in order to write full-time? I would love to get in on the secret and learn her tips and tricks that has helped her in her success.

When did you first consider yourself an author?

When my first book, Nightfall was published in 2014. Once it was available to the world in e-book form, I literally screamed out of pure joy. It’s hard not to consider yourself an author when you have a published work out there and it was one of the happiest moments for me.

What is the best compliment you've ever received as an author?

I have a reader who has become a close friend who disclosed to me that she had heard of Paranormal Romance but never read any books in that genre before me. She told me that I am the reason she loves Paranormal Romance. I tell you, what better compliment is there than that? I am so awed and humbled by her compliment.

Monday, 20 August 2018

Low level Laser therapy for Physical Therapists: An #AlternativeMedicine and #Wellness Guide by Malini Chaudhri

The author has published five books on Non-Fiction, based on statutes. She is an Ezine expert author and contributes articles on alternative medicine, law, and content curation. She has been a former certified Academy Manager of a British government cosmetology, spa and massage qualification in India and manages quality assurance.

She has lived in China and USA(sponsored) and obtained license to practise medical acupuncture, lymphology and sports massage.

She has been awarded a Library Thing medal.

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About the Book

This is the Second edition of a popular practical book on Low-Level Laser Therapy dedicated to a technical skills development framework for all practitioners of medicine, sports, spas and cam. It releases new aspects of photomedicine in its support to gene therapy, lymphatics, sports and systemic diseases. It shows a segment of invention dedicated to treating malignancy also. The lymphatic section can support the prevention of diseases as breast cancer and correction post-cancer. This is Everyman's book. It is written in collaboration with Jan Tunér, who is a world famous editor, author and leader in this scientific field.

The book covers keynotes of Influencers and scientific leaders as Tiina Karu, Michael Hamblin, Pekka Pontinen, Oshiro, Nogier and Michael Weber.

This book is an illustrated guide for optimized therapeutic response with controlled SOAP.

It also shows the futuristic and absolute recovery potential of systemic disease, without drugs, which makes it a possible hope for the future of medicine.

The interior of this book provides technical and illustrated data on stages of therapy, anatomical approach, complementary and alternative sciences for plan of care. The book shows range in process and therapies, and covers pain management, sports rehabilitation, acupuncture, lymphatic drainage and reconstruction and even intravenous laser.

It covers all verified clinical and approved knowledge on acupuncture points undergoing in-nervation by laser. It covers reinforcement strategies through auricular master points and embryonic zones. It also shows rare aspects of physical rehabilitation through positional release and reciprocal inhibition.
The book maintains a parallel commentary which is the best support from the editor and his scientific network. This merges with the technical mapping of significant information for powerful and successful therapy.

This book applies to Laser in Medicine, Sports therapy, neuroscience, Lymphology, Acupuncture and alternative cancer therapies. It is recommended for physical therapists and for persons in debility in need of self-help support.

This book was listed in the Laser Annals in 2016.

Essential features of the book include:

Basics of Low-level laser protocols in physical therapy.
Safety awareness in laser applications and in occupational practise.
Futuristic trends of laser therapy as an advanced healing modality with genetic potential.
General principles that therapists must know as demonstrated by experts in effective practise.
Techniques based on anatomical considerations and applied physiological laws as in the case of positional release, and reciprocal inhibition, trigger points or myofascial dysfunction.
Techniques based on lymphatics, placement of nodes, oedematic deposits and direction of lymph flow.
Techniques based on essential clinical acupuncture points and micro-acupuncture points to innervate treatment zones and innervate embryonic tissues, involving the use of frequencies.
News of advanced systemic therapies based on intravenous laser therapy and Photo dynamic therapy.

Get it today on Amazon!

Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Why did you decide to be a writer?

I had a project to develop skills in therapies. I had to develop content.

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

My first project was arranged through a publisher who introduced me to Createspace where I could see book sales reports. A year later I updated the book. I was okay after the update.

Where are you from?

I am from India, with a masters degree in English. I taught English in a Chinese university for several years. Since then I have been in academics. Academics tutors writers because of large volumes of reading.

Do you have a "day job"?

Currently, I manage a Start-Up to promote my written content. That is a self-starter job. In India, women do not get jobs easily at a high level. The digital era has made matters worse.

What genres do you write?

Non-Fiction. Health-related

Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with?

Non-Fiction, in my case, carries statutes. I maintain technical standards in my writing that are of value. I do experiment. My book has two threads. One belongs to technical description. The other belongs to editorial commentary from reknowned subject experts.

What is the quirkiest thing you've ever done while writing?

I have gone to Court. This has been a big buzz that actually improved my awareness of my rights as a citizen, as someone who owns intellectual properties. I hoped court would help avert the constant hacking, internet crashing and miscellaneous email issues invading privacy. However, I have ended up becoming a quasi-court in my own capacity.

Which authors have most influenced you?

I have been influenced by my mentor and editor Jan Tuner whom I met several times in laser conferences worldwide. I also follow others as Tina Karu, Michael Hamblin and Chukuka Enwemeka who have shaped the laser industry.

When did you first consider yourself an author?

Only recently, after two and a half years of witnessing successful sales on my Amazon member dashboard. I became a certified Ezine expert author for articles, and I appreciated the guidance on the short and long forms of authorship.

What is the biggest obstacle you face as an author and what do you do to overcome it?

I face threat. Some women are targeted in India both mystically and physically. There are agents that steal, deprive, harass and kill. I experience secret threats from groups that want my properties.

What is the best compliment you've ever received as an author?

I received the Library Thing medal. This absolutely made everything worthwhile.

What is your writing process?

I develop the skeletal structure first of the entire book and keep interspersing pages into it.

Do you have any advice for other authors?

My book Authors Digital Enterprise is free on the Internet Archives. I advise authors to read it. It marks the new era, changes in robotics and in satellites that influence authors works.

Friday, 10 August 2018

The Lost Tayamu: A #Fantasy #Novel by Ben Cass

From a young age, Ben Cass was in love with the premises of fantasy novels and comic books: amazing creatures, fantastic heroes, and magical powers that existed right beneath our noses. He created detailed storylines to act out with his toys, often updating the stories until he was satisfied with the plots.

A native Floridian, Ben attended Florida Southern College, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, double-majoring in Secondary Education. Ben graduated in 1998, and has been working in the field of education ever since.

Ben lives in beautiful Broward County, Florida, with his wife and son, where he continues his career as an educator and is currently working on the second book in the Legends of Kiamada series, "The Uncrowned Queen".

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About the Book

At 16 years old, Jen stumbled out of the forest and into the woods that fringe the small midwestern town of Groverton, remembering nothing about her life except her first name and age. She was soon adopted by the Aston family, whose young daughter Ellie was thrilled to get a sibling.

Now, twelve years later, Jen is living a good life as a news anchor, raising Ellie after their parents were killed in a house fire. Jen still can’t remember her past, but that doesn’t really bother her, since she and Ellie are in a good place now.

Things suddenly change when Jen barely escapes three attempts on her life, leaving the sisters shaken and afraid. Jen owes her life to the secretive new PE teacher, Coach Doyle, who has miraculously appeared to save her every time. Doyle has fighting skills fit for a martial arts movie and reflexes just this side of impossible, but how long can he keep them safe? And why does Jen feel like she should know him?

While Jen starts to fall in love with the charming Doyle, Ellie is shocked when she discovers something otherworldly in the coach’s barn, convincing her that Doyle is definitely not a PE teacher. Ellie does not like secrets being kept from her, and is determined to unravel the enigma that is Coach Doyle. The truths that will be revealed, however, will change all their lives forever…and just might help save the magical land of Kiamada.

Get it today on Amazon!

Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

Very hard. I spent 13 years honing this book. There were stretches where I didn't write for several years, literally. I built up the courage in January after my grandmother passed away. The day after she died, I felt a push to post on the NaNoWriMo forums, in the critique partner area. I finally did, and within a day, had a response from somebody (the amazing Ava Larksen) who said she felt a push to reply to me. We quickly became friends, and her critique suggestions helped me nearly double the size of the book and expand on things that I'd just glossed over. I added other critique partners when I joined Twitter, and they were just as sweet and helpful. Ava and I have never met or spoken, aside from chatting online, but she is the first person I go to for this series because she's as invested in the characters as I am. Her reaction helped me get over the fear of sharing.

Where are you from?

I'm a native Floridian. I grew up in Central Florida, then moved to South Florida a few years ago. I have no idea about the writing community because I'm an introvert and don't really seek people out. My friends live several states away now, and I have a very difficult time putting myself out there, so I haven't sought out any other writers in the area.

Do you have a "day job"?

Of course, I do! I spent almost 20 years teaching middle/high school math, and then in year 20, left the classroom to become an instructional technologist. So, I now train teachers to use technology, run the LMS for the school, learn to use all the programs the director purchases, troubleshoot things for the IT director when he's handling bigger things...all that fun stuff. I love it, and have no intention of leaving my career. Besides....where else can you get such amazing research? I write a lot of teenage characters, and I'm around teens all day, every day!

What genres do you write?

Fantasy. I don't do high fantasy, though. No dragons, elves, orcs, dwarves, etc. I really do prefer contemporary fantasy, where the magic is in our world but nobody really knows about it. It's just more fun.

What is the oddest thing you've ever researched for one of your books?

Missed flirting clues. I'm probably the most oblivious person to flirting. My wife had to literally tell me she was flirting with me because I didn't understand that "Sure is cold tonight!" was code for "put your arm around me." (I was 20, almost 21, at the time, so there you go.) I have a male character with that same trait, so trying to write scenes where the girl is flirting and he's not getting it requires me to figure out potential flirting scenarios. Since I'm clueless...well, there you go.

When did you first consider yourself an author?

When I had multiple critique partners tell me the book was amazing and needed to be published. I referred to myself as an "aspiring author", as many others do on Twitter, but I saw a post that basically said "you're not aspiring, you're an author. You're just not published yet." I liked that, so I changed my profile to say "author" instead of "aspiring author".

What are your goals as an author?

I approach my writing the same way I approach teaching: if I only have a positive impact on one person, that's a victory and validates what I've done. In teaching, you have to realize that not every student is going to like you or be inspired by you or even going to do well in your class. It's the same with writing. Sure, some people may hate my books. Maybe most people will. But as long as I have that one person who says, "Ben, your stories make me happy and I love reading them!"....well, then as far as I'm concerned, I've made it.

What made you decide to self-publish?

I just wanted my story out there. I didn't care to wait for, possibly, years for a publisher to pick it up.

Do you write in first or third person, past or present tense, and why?

For this series, I write in third-person, past tense. I've tried first-person, but it just never works out well for me, in large part because I have multiple POV's. "The Lost Tayamu" is primarily told from Ellie's POV and Jen's POV, but we get some scenes from the others as well. Being in first-person would make it harder, in my opinion, to develop a distinct voice for each character.

Are you a pantser or outliner?

Pantser. I mean, I know WHERE the story is going, yes. I know the major plot points--well, most of them, at least--but I simply can't sit down and figure out everything that happens. Sometimes, the characters force me to go a different path, as Jerry did with his story arc in "The Lost Tayamu". So, so bossy!

How do you come up with the titles for your books?

For the longest time, this book was called "Saving Kiamada", but when I split that into multiple stories, it became "The Lost Tayamu". The title came easily to me; this book is about the lost Tayamu and his relationships with the two main characters. The sequel is called "The Uncrowned Queen", because it focuses--surprise, surprise!--on the uncrowned queen, who was talked about in the first book. I didn't even have to think about that one.

Do you write about real life experiences, or does everything come from your imagination?

Real-life experiences definitely play a part. In "The Lost Tayamu", the relationship between Doyle and Ellie is completely based on the relationship between myself and my wife's younger sister. She and I are closer in age (8 years apart) then Doyle and Ellie are (12 years apart), but most of their interactions are either things that happened between us (younger girl crushing on older sister's boyfriend, for example) or simply inspired by the way we act around each other.

Do you ever base your characters on people you know?

I don't base my characters on people, no, but I do take things (expressions, body language, ways of speaking, etc) from people I know and mash them all together to make my characters. So, you might see a bit of yourself in one character, but see a bit of my aunt in there, too. I've found that my characters are a lot stronger when I go hunting through my brain for character traits of friends and family.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on the sequel to "The Lost Tayamu", which is titled "The Uncrowned Queen". Hopefully, this won't take me 13 years to finish! I'm aiming to have it done by December, but we'll see how that goes.

Wednesday, 8 August 2018

Submission, Secrets, and the Soldier: A #Romance #Novel by Kryssie Fortune

Kryssie Fortune writes the sort of hot sexy books she loves to read. If she can sneak a dragon into her paranormal books she will. Her paranormal heroes are muscular werewolves, arrogant Fae, or BDSM loving dragons.

Kryssie likes her contemporary heroes ex-military and dominant. Her heroines are kick-ass females who can hold their own against whatever life - or Kryssie - throws at them.

Kryssie's pet hates are unhappy endings and a series that end on a cliffhanger.

Her books are all stand alone even when part of series. Plot always comes before sex, but when her heroines and heroes get together, the sex is explosive and explicit. One review called it downright sensual.

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About the Book

Luke Roberts, a former army mechanic, has a new sub. She's shy and inexperienced, but willing. As he teaches her about sensation play, she fears he'll really hurt her and screams her safewords at him. Her reaction causes Luke to have a flashback. Although he's clawing his way back to normal, he suffers from PTSD. Determined to get well, he contacts a PTSD specialist in Westhorpe Ridge.

Kathryn Johnson has visited a BDSM club three times. When she hooks up with Luke Roberts, he unintentionally terrifies her. She swears off spankings and goes home to Westhorpe Ridge. The last person she expects to see there is Luke Roberts.

Circumstances force them to share an apartment. Can Luke protect her when danger threatens? Or is she just a temporary sub in residence?

Get it today on Amazon!

Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Why did you decide to be a writer?

In 2001 my heart valve collapsed. Prognosis - shocking. Surgeon - amazing. Recovery - miraculous. That's when I decided to chase my dreams. Writing topped my bucket list. It was a long learning curve, with more magazine articles than books, but I stuck with it. Loose id gave me a break, and fourteen books later, I'm still writing. Sadly, Loose id is defunct and my books are now self-published. They had the benefit of great editing, though.

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

Submitting work is scary, but it's impersonal. I can cope with that, but rejections hurt. I found it far harder to give a public reading. I needed a new outfit and every bit of courage I possessed. Knowing some of my good friends were in the audience helped.

Do you have a "day job"?

I'm retired. When I worked, I was lucky enough to work for Emmerdale, one of Britain's biggest and best soaps. They won a BAFTA last year, and I'm so proud of my friends that still work there.

What genres do you write?

Romance. The hotter the better. I started with paranormal, and it's still my first love. I've also written contemporary and historical.

Do you have a daily word or page count goal?

That's too regimented for me. Some days, I'm inspired. Some days, I'm not. I have a friend who writes eight or nine bestsellers a year. I'm doing well if I do three.

How long does it take you to write a novel?

The first draft can take anything from six weeks to six months. Then I spend at least two months tidying it up. I'm dyslexic, so my husband checks everything, as does a good friend of mine. I'm lucky to have a great support network.

If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?

I'd be Harriet from One Knight Stand. She's a spirited, modern woman who takes things in her stride. Also, like me, she speaks without thinking and she's on a permanent diet.

What is the oddest thing you've ever researched for one of your books?

How to get away with murder.

What authors have most influenced you?

I fell in love with paranormal romance when I stumbled on Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark Hunter books. I had to read the entire series. The same happened when I read Kresley Cole. The other author I love is from back in the 1960s. My grandmother and mother read Mary Stewart. I did too. I love the romantic suspense in her stories. I like to write hot sex, but if the story doesn't measure up, it's meaningless.

If you could choose an author to be your mentor, who would it be?

Stephen King. His book, On Writing, is the best thing I ever read. The way he uses words is fascinating.

What are your goals as an author?

To have fun. I try to keep abreast of the market, but I don't see much changing. I love to write.

Does your family support you in your writing, or are you on your own?

My husband's a star. My daughter is incredibly supportive in private. Publicly, she's the head of a primary school. Admitting her mum writes erotic romance might upset some parents. My son and his wife are horrified that I write explicit sex.

Do you feel the support of family and friends is helpful to you as an author?

I attended a writers' conference and met the wonderful Ashe Barker and Jennifer Denys. We've been best friends ever since. We share knowledge of the writing world and support each other. Knowing these ladies is a delight.

What made you decide to self-publish?

My main publisher, Loose id, closed down and my book rights reverted to me. I'm proud of my books and wanted to keep them out there.

Have you ever gotten an idea for a story from something really bizarre?

My Heroes of Westhorpe Bridge was meant to be a three book series. Then I heard Hypnotist and behavior psychologist talking about PTSD. He's worked with university professors to refine the Havening Technique to control PTSD. I knew had to use it in a story. That's how I came up with Luke Roberts. The poor guy's military service has left him scarred inside and out.

The other "Heroes" book revolve around holidays, so it made sense to write one around Labor Day and a parade. That's how Submission, Secrets, and the Soldier was born. I think it's my best Heroes book.

Wednesday, 1 August 2018

Legends: Catori - A #Romance #Novel by Maggie Adams

Maggie Adams is an Amazon best-selling romance author. Her first book in the Tempered Steel Series, Whistlin’ Dixie, debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 for Women’s Fiction, humor, on November 2014. Since then, she has consistently made the Amazon Top 100 list with her Tempered Steel Series. Her series has launched the tiny town of Grafton, Illinois, into international recognition with sales in Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and the UK. She is the recipient of various awards for excellence including Dayreader Reviews Best of 2015, the Readers Favorite Award 2016, the Indie Romance Convention Romantic Comedy Award 2017 and the 2017 New Apple Awards -Suspense
She also writes erotica, paranormal romance, young adult romance and women’s fiction. Maggie’s books can be found on eBook and paperback on her website and all book sites.

When she’s not writing, she can be found dancing, singing and cooking (usually all at the same time), and spending time with her family and friends.

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About the Book

It’s hard to keep secrets in a small town…It’s even harder to keep a secret that could expose not only your family but an entire species. That’s what Frankie Cavanaugh must do. As the daughter of the leader of the Wisdom Council, it’s up to her to step into her father’s shoes until another leader is chosen.

Tanner Coalson is fresh out of college and ready to tackle whatever life has in store for him. First item on his to-do list is marrying the woman he has loved for years. He knows Frankie will balk at the notion because she’s fifteen years older and was his childhood sitter.

But convincing her they are destined to be together gets much harder when she is kidnapped by an old enemy. Frankie may have to reveal her secret, and Tanner may have to accept what seems impossible or reject the love of his life.