Learning from Writers Conferences: Interview with Jan Elder

You've now released two novels, but let's go back to the beginning. When did you start writing your first novel?
Great question! My lifelong desire to be an author blossomed in the fall of 2009, just after I turned fifty years old. I figured if I was ever going to start that “great American novel,” now was the time. I began Love, Lies, and Fireflies during National November Writing Month (NaNo) a really cool idea designed to jump start a writer’s creative juices. 

After that auspicious start, I joined a local writers group, attended local and regional writer’s conferences (I would highly recommend the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference) and joined ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers.) 

How many rewrites did you do?
As to drafts? Gracious! This poor thing has been through so many incarnations, it’s hard to tell, but I’m guessing I re-wrote certain passages a dozen times. Obtaining really good critiques from authors who know the craft, as well as hiring two terrific editors proved to be invaluable investments. 

Did you ever want to give up writing your first book? 

Not exactly, but a one point, I did have to let it sit for a few months because I was tired of looking at it!

How did you go about finding your publisher? How many submissions did you go through?
I thought this book was finished in 2012, but after attending the conferences, I realized that it still needed a lot of work. I hired Dr. Dennis Hensley, director of the Professional Writers program at Taylor University and editor extraordinaire, and he helped me to perfect the craft. A true learning experience, not just a revamping of the book. 

In 2014, I felt like it was finally really ready. I went back to the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and met with Paula Mowery of Prism Book Group. She liked my pitch and invited me to submit the entire manuscript. A contract soon followed, oh happy day!

Who encouraged you along the way?
My mother, sister, and brother are also published authors. Talk about a good support group! My husband was also instrumental in cheering me on. He bought me a new laptop and allowed me time to write even though that meant he ate cereal for dinner many a time. 

Are you active with any writing groups? 
At the moment, I host an ACFW writers group in Williamsport, MD, and a nicer, more supportive group of people you will never meet. We keep each other on task and lavish each other with encouragement.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It took me two years to write the book, two years to revise it, and it will be two years since the time I signed the contract with Prism until the novel will reside in my hot little hands. 

How do you write? 

As to writing style, I am a “pantser” which means I just run with it when I write. I’m as surprised as the reader as to what’s going to come next and land on the page.

The problem with that, though, is that there are often rabbit trails that don’t go anywhere so extra editing is needed to cut out the parts that don’t fit and add in the parts that make it complete. I did spend a lot of time developing my characters, though—what they thought and felt, what their personality types and backstories were. But outlines? They make me nervous.

What are some of the more difficult aspects of writing a romantic suspense novel?
Love, Lies, and Fireflies began as pure romance. Then it morphed into a suspense novel when Didi O’Brien’s ex-fiancé, Kevin Cabot, insisted on having his own point of view. He was way more complicated than I had originally envisioned, so I let him develop into the person he wanted to be, much to Didi’s dismay. Then to my surprise, my hero, Jake Montgomery, decided to show up out of the blue!

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?
I would have connected with other Christian authors sooner. And I would slap down my pride and realize that it truly does take a village to write a book. I am eternally grateful for all of the help I received when I looked for it.

What type of publicity does your publisher expect you to do to promote your book?
I have a website, I do guest blogs, tweet, etc. My publisher just asks that we do the best we can and gives us some direction. Promoting is hard for this little introvert, but I am privileged to work with Prism. Not only do I promote myself, but my fellow Prism authors. We work as a team.

What are you best tips for using social media effectively?
Don’t promote. CONNECT. Post other writers’ work more than your own. Retweet other people’s tweets. Work as a community, especially in the Christian world. We are not in competition with each other. We are a group of soul’s whose goal is to reach this world any way we can.

What other books do you have in the works?

While this book was going through its various stages, I kept writing. I have two novellas already published by Pelican Book Group, Manila Marriage App, and A Semi-Sweet Christmas with another book in the hopper there called A Semi-Sweet Summer. Later this year, my new Christmas novella will be released called Moostletoe, published with a group of four other stellar authors – a “boxed set” on Amazon called Frosting and Flurries. I’m very excited about that one, too, since it’s the start of a series set in northern Maine in the fictional town of Moose Creek.

Are there any other notes you’d like to add?
It’s never too late to start writing. My mother finished her last book at age 90!

Thanks, Jan! If you'd like to learn more about Jan's writing, here's some links to get you started...

http://janelderauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/janice.elder.author

https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Elder/e/B00VXW5F2C
And the link for her newest book: http://amzn.to/2cfvD5c

Straight Shooter Writing: Author Interview with Heather Blanton

My interview today is with Heather Blanton, a bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the Romance in the Rockies series, which has sold over 40,000 copies. She was drawn to writing Westerns because she grew up on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne movies.  She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in her hand.

What drew you to writing historical romance in a western setting? 

My dad was my hero. He could quick draw and shoot a hole in a quarter. Very impressive to see, trust me. So when we watched Westerns together, I always thought, “Wow, my daddy can do that! He’s just as tough as any of those guys.” Plus, he taught me to shoot when I was 5, about the same time I started writing (with a little help from my editor-mom). I lived in Florida when I was young and, man, did I ever dream about those cold Rocky Mountain nights. Roll it all together, and I grew up loving the Western and the West!

Was there a specific author that you read that made you think, "I could write that"? 

More like, “Wow, I wish I could write like that!” LOL. I’ve always been a huge fan of Louis L’Amour, of course, but I also idolize Francine Rivers. If only I could touch the hem of her garment maybe some of her writing mojo would rub off!

What type of research do you do in writing something with a historical base? 

I have been very blessed to travel much of the West, with a focus on Wyoming and Colorado. I read state history like a man starving for food. Can’t get enough of the lynching and mine explosions apparently. And since this is a life-long interest for me, I’ve watched movies and documentaries since I can remember. Literally, casual reading for me is a book on Doc Holliday.

Tell me about the process. How much “artistic license” do you use in creating locations for your stories? 

As far as locations, I get darn close and try not to monkey around with real geography if I can help it. In Hearts in Defiance, though, I did shorten the distance between a few towns, and I mentioned that in my Final Word at the back of the book. More often than not, readers point out how they’re from the areas I write about and they love the accuracy. If I get a complaint (and, praise the Lord, there are few), it’s usually about anachronisms in language. 

Since I see my books as something between a historical Western and a tribute to the Westerns that made TV fun in the 50’s, I don’t write pristine 19th century dialogue. As it is, my Western jargon gives my editors fits! If I wrote, “Let’s have some Arbuckle’s before we get into our best bib and tucker…” I think a few readers might spend more time googling phrases than reading!

How did you go about finding a publisher? 

My first book, A Lady in Defiance, made it all the way to the contract meeting at a MAJOR Christian publisher. Much to my and my agent’s dismay, the sales department shot us down; they said my sales projections were too low. Just before that meeting, I self-published the book with the goal of selling 200 copies for my Relay for Life team. ALID went on that year to sell over 8000 copies. To date, it has sold nearly 40,000 copies. The big Christian publishers, however, still had no faith in the book or the sequel. To make a long story short, I went with Rivulet Publishing, a small, niche publisher who trusts me to write what I think my readers want to read. So far, we’ve been on the money. I make a substantially higher percentage of sales here than I would have if I’d gone with the big dogs. I guess my first piece of advice, then, would be to determine whether you want prestige or a way to write what you want and pay the bills, too.

Second, network. Literary agents Steve Laube and Chip MacGregor are famous for saying, “Get thee to a writers conference,” and they aren’t kidding. I met the editor there who got me my agent, and I made friends for life. I’ve met dozens of editors, agents, and authors and had wonderful conversations with them. My favorite event is the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. It’s all very personal and intimate there.

How long did it take you to write your first book? 

It sounds like a long time now, but from concept to publishing, it took me 4 years—those were really informative, formative years for my writing.

How many rewrites did you do on it? 

I took my first draft of A Lady in Defiance to the BRMCWC for a critique. I had written the whole thing in Omniscient POV. A big no-no for a beginner. So I re-wrote it in third person. However, a lot of people told me to substantially limit the POVs to no more than 3 or 4. Well, Defiance is an ensemble piece. It reads like a TV show: multiple story lines, multiple POVs, and there was only so much “dumbing down” I was willing to do. I’m glad I listened to my gut. The story of three sisters trapped in a rowdy mining town needed to be told a certain way. 

Who helped you with the editing? 

My sister, God love her, paid for my first professional edit with David Webb, former Sr. Acquisitions Editor at Harvest House. He was very encouraging and believed in me enough to recommend me to an agent.

  

Did you ever want to give up writing your first book? 

Yeah, right after my first rejection letter. And then again when the major Christian publisher decided not to make me an offer. Yet, I kept going, and that’s the secret to success—plugging along.

How long does it take you now to write a book? 

I can do a thousand words a day pretty easily and still raise kids and do laundry. So, 3-4 months for a novel with limited POVs. Longer for my Defiance series because I have those stories within the story.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot? 

OK, this is weird, but I’ll throw it out there for what it’s worth. I start with a scene. One, single scene. It’s a mushroom, you could say. The other scenes pop-up around it and I sort them into a novel. I do a little outlining, a little writing by the seat of my pants. Somehow it works. I’ve tried a detailed outline before. It helped some, but I careened off the path a lot, which I found frustrating.

What are some of the more difficult aspects of writing historical novels? Have other novels been started and stopped along the way? 

It’s the little details that make a novel seem real and authentic to a reader. You can’t just dream those up. I am a firm believer a historic writer should be extremely well-versed in a century, and especially a decade. I think this is the sort of thing that makes an author tuck a book away for years because they feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar. I’ve been fortunate to finish everything I’ve started, but I sure do have some stinkers hiding in the closet.

What do you know about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner? 

Work social media as if your life depends on it … because your career does! Having said that, I love Facebook. I actually know and like most of the people I’m friends with on there. I don’t accept every friend request. I don’t have time for debates so I stick to letting in like-minded folks. Facebook is my happy place and my friends are really good to me. They share anything I ask them to. They are awesome.

What other books do you have in the works? 

I wrote a script for my first book, A Lady in Defiance. It has been viewed by some producers in Hollywood and I am working with award-winning scriptwriter, Zena Dell Lowe, tweaking it because it has really conjured some interest. Brian Bird, a partner at Believe Pictures, wants to see it, and Hollywood producer Mark Headly is extremely interested in the possibility of producing it. Still lots of hoops. I’d say the project is moving in the right direction, for sure. 

I am also planning on releasing book 2 in the Love and War in Johnson County series, as of yet unnamed. And I’ll also be releasing two novellas for Christmas, one in a trilogy from Rivulet Publishing!

What is the best advice you’ve been given about writing or that you’ve learned along the way? 

Attack the senses and you will drag your readers by the hair into your story. Draw blood; fill their nostrils with smoke.” Brutal but brilliant and I try to write by it.

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to know more about Heather's books and upcoming projects, here's some links to get you started

http://amzn.to/1r4oUQk      https://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/heatherfreyblanton
https://www.facebook.com/authorheatherblanton/
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton

It's Beginning to Read a Lot Like Christmas: Author Interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher

You’ve just published Christmas at Rose Hill Farm. What prompted you to write this story?
A few years ago, I wrote a book called The Search. I was surprised by the vast amount of reader e-mails who asked the same question: What happened to Bess and Billy? They were teenagers in The Search and, typical of teens, they had an on-again, off-again relationship. I still get more reader e-mails about Bess and Billy than any other characters in my novels.

It was obvious that Bess and Billy needed a story of their own. When my editor asked me to write a Christmas novella, it seemed like the time.

Tell my readers a little about the new book
Christmas at Rose Hill Farm is set in the late 1970s, a few years after The Search takes place, as Bess is preparing to marry Amos Lapp. (Just a side note: we meet up with Amos again in The Keeper). In her grandmother’s greenhouse, Bess stumbles on a potted rose tucked deep in a corner with one single bud, soon to bloom. Unable to identify this rose, she calls a rose society to send out a rose rustler—someone with skills to track down the origins of the “lost rose.” And that’s how Billy Lapp returns to Stoney Ridge. After leaving years earlier, he took his love and knowledge of roses and became a highly respected rose rustler. No longer Amish, though.

What would you like readers to take away from reading this book?
What I hope readers will take from this story…hope and healing. And an awareness of what Christmas truly is all about: Emmanuel! God is with us.

Do you think you will write more Christmas themed books?
I hope so!

What makes the Christmas holiday season special for you? What is your favorite Christmas tradition?
Without a doubt, gathering as a family is what makes the holiday so meaningful. And as for a favorite tradition--we started a new one as our family started to expand through marriage and grandchildren. We knew we had to simplify gift giving. I came across this Victorian guideline and have used it, very successfully, for the last couple of years.

Something you WANT
Something you NEED
Something to WEAR
Something to READ

You’ve now published multiple books about Amish living in both fiction and non-fiction titles.

There are currently over 1400 titles on Amazon that are Amish romance themed. Since the Amish are such a small part of the U.S. population, why is there such as strong interest in their lifestyle?
Wow, I didn’t know there were 1400 titles currently out there! Here’s an interesting statistic for you: In 2003, there was one Amish fiction released. One! What a change in the last decade. And why? What are people looking for in a book of Amish fiction? Something is clearly resonating with a need.

It’s not an easy question to answer, but I came across a quote by social scientist Brené Brown in her excellent book, Daring Greatly, and I think it’s the best answer to your question:

Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed major shifts in the zeitgeist of our country. I’ve seen it in the data, and honestly I’ve seen it in the faces of the people I meet, interview and talk to. The world has never been an easy place, but the past decade has been traumatic for so may people that it’s made changes in our culture. From 9/11, multiple wars, and the recession, to catastrophic natural disasters and the increase in random violence and school shootings, we’ve survived and are surviving events that have torn at our sense of safety with such force that we’ve experienced them as trauma even if we weren’t directly involved. And when it comes to the staggering numbers of those now unemployed and underemployed, I think every single one of us has been directly affected or is close to someone who has been directly affected. Worrying about scarcity is our culture’s version of posttraumatic stress.

You live in one of the most liberal areas of the country yet you write about an extremely conservative lifestyle. How do you balance the two opposing lifestyles/belief systems?
It’s funny how regions seem to have personalities. While it’s true that the San Francisco Bay Area is politically liberal, it also has many large, dynamic, Christ-centered churches. Sometimes I think that because church going isn’t expected here, those who do attend are committed with their whole hearts.

Another irony about California—if you drive out of the cities and into less populated areas, you’ll find very conservative groups. There’s a large colony of German Baptists in Modesto (my relatives!), and a large Mennonite population in Fresno. California is very diverse. To answer your question, living with such variety makes me feel more open minded to how people seek and express their faith.

How did you get involved with writing the non-fiction series about Lily Lapp the young Amish

child? Did you live/visit with the family? Tell me about the process.Here’s the back story to how the Lily Lapp books came to be: 
Mary Ann Kinsinger was raised in a happy Old Order Amish home in western Pennsylvania. A born storyteller, Mary Ann started a blog, A Joyful Chaos, as a way to capture the joy of her childhood.
I started following the blog and began to exchange e-mails with Mary Ann.

A Joyful Chaos quickly gained a following among those who are interested in knowing more about the Amish. Mary Ann’s blog captures what readers are looking for in Amish fiction books: charming family memories, a caring community, a collection of fun, quirky characters, all cast in a rural setting. And yet it’s real! All true.

One day, I emailed Mary Ann  and asked if she was thinking of writing a book. “No,” she wrote back, “but I might be interested in collaborating someday.”

Fast forward a year or two. The friendship between us continued to grow. So did her blog’s presence: A Joyful Chaos was receiving over 30,000 hits a month. It caught a mention in The New York Times. Mary Ann started a Facebook page. Remember, this was a woman who had stopped her formal schooling at eighth grade! But her education never stopped.

The time seemed right. The two of us submitted a three-book fiction proposal for children, ages 8-12, inspired by Mary Ann’s childhood to my publisher, Revell. First book: meet five-year-old “Lily” and her family as they build a farm. Second book: Lily begins school in a new community. An aggravating boy, Aaron Yoder, sits next to her and enjoys teasing her. She loathes him. Third book: Lily and Aaron court and marry.
Revell came back with a “Yes!” and a few tweaks: “We want four books based on Lily’s childhood. And hold off on the courting story for now.” One more thing, they said, we want the books ASAP. So we got to work.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development?
I start with a question, and try to have the characters answer that question as I go along. I’m definitely a seat-of-the-pants type of writer! I liken the process to creating an oil painting. It starts with a basic vision, then the painter adds more and more layers, shadowing, special effects. An added bonus: Oil painting also allows you to make mistakes!

How much does social media play in your promotion of your books?
Social media has a significant role in my life—it’s the connector for me to readers, and I place a high value on that connection. The best way to build a social media platform is to use it! Interact with others, show sincere interest in their life. I’ve made many wonderful relationships through Facebook—and when I’ve gone on books tours, I’ve cherished the chances to meet those FB friends, face-to-face.

What is the best advice you've been given about writing or that you've learned that you would like to pass along?

“Hangeth thou in there.” If you’ve been given the call by God to write, you have to write!

What other works do you have in the process?
In March, Anna’s Crossing will release. It’s historical fiction about the first Atlantic Sea crossing of the Amish in 1737. I’m very excited about it—I did a boatload (pardon the pun) of research for it.

Are there any last points you’d like to add?
For those of you who might like to learn more about the Amish, check out my new blog: www.amishwisdom.com. It’s very interactive, with lots of author interviews, daily giveaways, recipes, plus a feature called “Ask the Amish” that is particularly popular.

That's it for today's interview. If you would like to learn more about Suzanne's writing and her books, here's the place to start.
www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor

GIVEAWAY: To celebrate my series on Christmas themed books,  Suzanne is allowing me to do a giveaway of  Christmas at Rose Hill Farm. We'll pick ONE winner from all those who leave a comment. Tell us one of your favorite Christmas traditions and you could win a new book for Christmas.  The contest will end 11/24/14 at 5 PM CST. Entries from USA only.

On Balancing Family Life and your Writing Life: Author Interview with Jenny Proctor

 When did you actually start writing your first book? How long did it take to write your first draft? How many re-writes do you think you did?

 ​I started writing my first book in March of 2009. The first draft took three months, then I revised and rewrote for six months. I'd say I probably had four or five drafts before I felt it was publish-ready.

 

Who encouraged you along the way?I was fortunate to have a couple of friends who were already published and were generous with both their time, and knowledge. They never hesitated to answer my questions or validate my efforts. But mostly, it was a pretty small support network--my family and close friends, and a very real, pressing need to finish the story. The characters felt so real in my head, it felt I would be letting them down if I didn't just tell the story already!​

Prior to writing your romance books, what other published writing did you have?  

​Okay, true confession time? My first published novel was the very first fiction anything that I've ever written, save a few short stories written in college. I wrote a blog for a couple of years, if you want to count that as published writing, but other than that, that's it! I realize it's pretty awesome to publish you're first ever novel, but I think it's a double edged sword. I've been writing consistently for five years now and in that time, I think I've become a much better writer. I'll never not be proud of my first book, but it's sometimes hard to consider the very real fact that I'm doing all my growing in public. There's a part of me that wishes I'd written three or four books behind closed doors just to get some of the rookie mistakes out of the way first.

Did you attend writing conferences to help you along the way?

I didn't attend writing conference's before I sent out my book. I sort of jumped in cold turkey, then went backwards and built up my support network. Not the easiest way to do things, for sure!​

​I now attend the LDS Storymakers Conference every year, though my first time at the conference wasn't until after I'd landed my first book deal. I love being involved in the conference. This year I'm co-chairing the event, and plan to head up the entire thing in 2016. It's a conference that has grown significantly over the past few years. We have top rate agents and authors, from best-selling author Brandon Sanderson, to agents like Writers House agent Dan Lazar join us every year. It's an incredible conference--great people, and so much to learn! This year's conference is in Provo, Utah, May 15-16.

Did you pitch other publishers besides Covenant Cummunications Inc?
​I pitched to one other company that publishes LDS fiction, but Covenant was my top choice. I feel really fortunate that they were the ones that picked up the first book. So what is LDS Fiction?​

​Covenant is an LDS publisher and their submissions guidelines state that you need to list the specific LDS-oriented elements of your book" in your cover letter. What exactly does that include?LDS stands for Latter-day Saints, another way to refer to Mormons. So my novels have elements that are unique to members of the LDS church. Sometimes this means just having Mormon characters, sometimes it means characters grapple with more specific issues that are faith-related.

The one constant is that any book Covenant publishes is going to be guaranteed clean--no swearing, no sex. Period. Some might think this restrictive, but I think there is value in fiction that you can share freely with others, even your own daughters, without having to worry about what you might find on the next page.

I don't think ALL fiction needs to be this way. Some stories require a grittier telling. But I do think there IS a place for clean reads and a market for them. I'm happy to be a part of that market.

Did you research agents to represent you and your writing?
Because LDS Fiction is such a niche genre, I didn't research agents before submitting to Covenant. They accept direct submissions so it was easier to go that route. But I have been researching agents since then!

My third novel, titled Nearly Nell, is not LDS Fiction. I'd love to get it into the national market which I'll need an agent to do. Wading the query trenches is not easy, but I'm learning a lot as I go. I think there's a home out there for this novel... hopefully we will find it soon!​

What has surprised you the most about getting published other than the joy of seeing your book in print?
​You know, I was surprised at how vulnerable I felt knowing others were reading my words. They feel so much a part of me--a part of who I am, it was all kinds of overwhelming to think of others knowing my characters, reading the sentences I worked so hard to create. I was also surprised at just how LONG everything takes. Even after you GET the book deal, still. So much waiting. ​

What advice would you give someone who thinks they have the great novel in them just waiting to be told?
​If the story is just waiting to be told, then TELL IT! Writing is a skill. You get better with practice, so the very best thing to do is write, write, write. Write, and then read your stuff out loud. Read it to others out loud. Have others read it to YOU out loud. And remember, every criticism you receive is making you a better writer. It's hard and awful and sometimes it really stings to have people rip apart your words, but it's the only way to stretch and grow.

I'm not sure there is any business out there that requires a thicker skin than publishing. But the rewards can be immense. I've suffered through some bad reviews in my time, but I've also gotten emails from readers that have thanked me for writing something that changed them for the better. You can't beat that. ​
 
How much does social media play in your promotion of your books?
​OH, social media. I have a love/hate relationship with social media, mostly because I only have so many hours each day to spend on the laptop and it's painful to use those hours for anything other than actual writing. But it IS necessary and I think it's really important.

I have a website and a blog, and a pretty active Facebook page. Facebook is where I do most of my promotion. My publisher arranges several blog reviews, and sends copies of my books out to pertinent newspapers and online magazines for review... but beyond that, I rely mostly on word of mouth and positive reader reviews. I expect there's probably much more that I could be doing, but there's only so many hours in the day, you know?

My editor once told me the very best thing I could do to sell my first book is write a second one. Get your name out there, build a reader base. ​

Was it harder or easier to write your second book? ​The second book was definitely easier. So much of writing is learn by doing, so I think naturally, it gets easier the more you do it. Both novels also take place in the same small town, so with the second novel I was already starting with a town and setting I was familiar with. It's not a sequel, and can definitely be read as a stand alone book, but as far as keeping things clear in my head, I already knew the town, the feel of the people, and that made it easier to construct the story.

On the flip side, when I wrote my first book, I only had four kids, and now I have six. In that respect, the writing of the second book was harder. I have way less free time!

Do you have another book in the works?
I have two other novels in the works--Nearly Nell, my first national market title that I'm shopping with agents right now, and a third as yet unnamed novel for Covenant that's about half-way finished. Don't tell my editor I said that. She's getting it by Dec, or else!​

Any other thoughts on writing you'd like to add?​Just that if you have a passion for writing, if it makes you happy and fills you up and makes it easier for you to sleep at night, don't stop doing it. There are so many ways for your words to be read. Find a niche that works for you, and work at it. BUT, don't stop living your life to do it.

When I am completely consumed by my writing, the quality of it suffers. When I take a step back, play with my kids, hike in the wood, breathe, exercise, the writing comes much easier and my words are better for the diversity in my life. Real life can be inspiring in more ways than one. Though it's SO easy to, as writers, live completely inside our heads, I think we will be better writers if we don't. ​

That's it for today's interview. Hope you learned something to help you in your writing. If you would like to learn more about Jenny and her writing, here's the link to her website.
http://www.jennyproctor.com/

I See a Mystery in my Future: Author Interview with Amber Foxx on Her Psychic Detective Series

What drew you to the idea of writing a mystery series with a psychic?
I read mysteries, and I have a minor psychic gift myself— dreaming the future. I gave my protagonist a different ability. She can see the past and the present, but not the future, and needs to hold an object related to the person whose information she seeks. It gives her limitations that add tension to a story. I met a woman many years ago who had that ability, and I never forgot her.

Was there a specific book that made you think –I could write a mystery?
What if I said the Nancy Drew books? Really. I wrote my first mystery when I was about eight or nine, and sent it to my grandfather, a retired English professor. He encouraged me to keep writing.

 Do you have a favorite mystery author?
It’s a three-way tie: Nevada Barr, James D. Doss, and Tony Hillerman. Doss is my strongest influence because of the mystical elements in his books. I admire how Barr writes a series in a way that a reader can enter with any book and be fully immersed, neither lost for lack of background nor swamped in backstory. I’ve tried to model my series on that. The settings all three use, as well as characters and style, captivate me.

How long did it take for you to write the first book? Was it harder or easier to write your second book?
All my books take at least two years, sometimes three. The first one was harder because it had a larger cast of characters and more subplots. I had to keep track of it on a grid. The second was simpler structurally—more chamber music than symphony.

What were your writing credits before publishing these novels?  I published a few academic articles on yoga teacher training and yoga therapy, had a short story on the NPR Three Minute Fiction web site, and I had a short story published in a magazine when I was twelve. All of them are under my other name, which I don’t publicize. I decided to take a pen name for privacy when I wrote my first novel.

 Are you active in any writing critique groups?Yes. I’m a member of Sisters in Crime, and am active in a critique group through that organization.

What type of research do you do for your books? Tell me about the process.My research approach varies from books on crystal healing to scholarly articles on shamanism and what academics call psi phenomena, distant nonlocal awareness, and nonlocal healing. I also do both in-person and on-line interviews with experts. For example, for accuracy on Dana’s Air Force service concerns for The Calling, I interviewed a former airman. I’ve visited psychics and energy healers as well as reading the literature on their work. I keep notes on everything I’m going to need to verify as I’m writing, whether it’s a major plot issue or a detail about a character’s job. I taught a course like the one Bernadette teaches in The Calling, and have held a fitness director job like Randi’s, so my professional training and experience was my research.

How much “artistic license” do you use in creating locations for your stories?
I created fictional towns in Northeastern North Carolina for The Calling, based on several small towns in the region. I didn’t want to use real ones because the towns don’t come off looking very good. I loved the place, but my protagonist doesn’t. In Shaman’s Blues, I used the real cities of Santa Fe and Truth or Consequences, but I invented the restaurants, mall, and art galleries, and changed the houses on Delgado Street in Santa Fe so that the book wouldn’t be set in anyone’s home. In Norfolk and Virginia Beach in The Calling, also I used the real cities and streets, but invented the college and the businesses involved. I even moved some large rocks in the Santa Fe River in Shaman's Blues for plot reasons.

Did you go through the normal process of pitching your book to agents and traditional publishers? What feedback did you get?I don’t know that’s “normal” anymore in the sense of being the norm. Based on my research into the pros and cons of traditional publishing vs. indie, I chose to skip that. I already knew that I wanted to self-publish.

 What made you decide to self-publish?
1. I used to work in a bookstore, and saw how hard it was for a new traditionally published author to break through. Good books without big publicity campaigns didn’t have much chance to get a footing. If they didn't take off fast enough in large enough numbers, they went into returns, and then remainders, and then out of print. I wanted to control the lifespan of my book, expecting that it could take time to be discovered.

2. I don’t conform to genre expectations. My mysteries have no murder and blend elements of other genres. My research made me think agents wouldn’t want to take the risk. I could spend years looking for an agent—or years building my own audience. I chose the latter.

3. Traditionally published authors are being asked to do a lot of their own marketing now. If I was going to do that, I might as well keep more of the royalties.

 Did you review other indie publishers before deciding to go with CreateSpace?
I do most of my distribution through Draft2Digital, which includes publication in paperback through CreateSpace, as well as e-books on Kobo, B&N, Apple, and Inkterra. I upload my e-book to Amazon Kindle on my own. I looked into Smashwords, researched what was involved in dealing with each e-book retailer individually and doing paperback publication as separate step, and researched Draft2Digital’s reputation. I’m very satisfied. They have amazing customer service, and I spend less time managing accounts and more time writing.

How much time daily do you have for writing?
Anywhere from eight hours to one, depending on the day of the week and whether or not college is in session. I’m a professor, so I write a lot more in the summer.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?
I start like improv theater—intuitive, spontaneous. I’m a former actor and I loved improvisation and creating characters and scenes on the spur of the moment. Then I do background “discovery” on characters after they arrive. Once I’ve done some creative flying by the seat of my pants, I look at what I’ve got, what’s worth keeping, and what I need cut or rearrange. Then I start to outline. I’d describe myself as a “panster” for the first draft and a plotter for revisions.

 How much does social media play in your promotion of your books?
My preferred social media are the book-related sites—Goodreads and Booklikes. I review, discuss books and writing, and promote when it’s appropriate, but I make sure I don’t overdo it. I use Facebook and Twitter but not as much as these sites, and I write a blog, which is my strongest platform.

What suggestions do you have for enhancing a writer’s social media platform?
I’ll pass on the advice I’ve been given by other writers who’ve been around longer. Do what you enjoy and you’ll be effective. If you force yourself and feel artificial, it will show. For example, I’m a strong essayist but uninspired for the kind of short material that goes on FB and Twitter, so I put my emphasis on blogging, discussions and reviewing, rather than trying to be someone I’m not.

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book?
Blog interviews, guest blog posts, giveaways, Facebook and Twitter announcements when appropriate, and simply being present and involved on book discussion sites—not always marketing. Over-marketing can actually drive readers away. I give promotional paperbacks to people I think can be influential in talking about my work, and I have my bookmarks in places here people are reading or buying books. I have a list of other things I need to get around to, like Pinterest.

What has worked best for you in generating sales?
These are my top two:
My free short story, The Outlaw Women. Here’s the blurb:
Folk healer and seer Rhoda-Sue Outlaw Jackson knows her time on earth is running out when she hears the voice of her late husband telling her she has only but so many heartbeats left. She’s had a troubled relationship with her daughter, and has little hope of passing on her extraordinary gifts, either to this difficult daughter or to her granddaughter. With the final hour around the corner, she brings her family together for one more try. Can she leave the world at peace with them, as well as with her legacy?

This prequel to the Mae Martin Psychic Mystery Series introduces Mae at age ten, as seen through the eyes of her grandmother. I can easily measure the spike in sales since I released it.

The other is being a guest on the right blogs. I can see the effects when a blog reaches the target audience for my books. 

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?I haven’t run into any surprises, to be honest. I planned well. Sisters in Crime has been a great resource. I found my editor, cover artist, and proofreader through them. I found writers who know the craft who are my beta readers for second and third rounds of revisions, as well as my critique group who help me with the first round.

I knew going into this that selling isn’t my natural talent and that I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as writing. I’ve had mostly good reviews, but having been an actor and choreographer, and a professor who gets student evaluations, I came into writing with plenty of experience that prepared me not to overreact to the inevitable bad ones every writer gets. I was mentally ready for all of it, and financially ready. I set up as a sole proprietor business, and had money saved to finance the start-up of the business.

What is the best advice you've been given about writing or that you've learned that you would like to pass along?
Join a professional organization for writers in your genre. (SinC, RWA, etc.) Don’t rely on social media alone for this kind of support and education, or on people you randomly find on the net. These other writers will be your mentors in every step of the process, whether you’re seeking an agent or going indie.

What other works do you have in the process?
The next book in the Mae Martin series, Snake Face, comes out in November. It’s in the final editing process now. I’ve finished the second draft of the fourth book, the first draft of the fifth book, and am up to chapter eight in the sixth book. I also have first drafts of a horror short story and a paranormal (non-mystery) novella that are outside my series, waiting for me to have time to work with them.

Are there any other points you’d like to cover?
I’d better not. I have given long enough answers to everything else!

That's all for today's interview. If you'd like to learn more about Amber and her books, here's some options to help you do that.

http://amberfoxxmysteries.wordpress.com

 The Calling - Book one in the Mae Martin psychic mystery series
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-calling-amber-foxx/1117552975?ean=2940149023905&itm=1&usri=2940149023905

Shaman’s Blues - Book Two in the Mae Martin psychic mystery series
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJMZP60

The Outlaw Women - free prequel to series
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-outlaw-women

From Fantasy to Sci-Fi to Mystery: Author Interview wtih Nancy J. Cohen

I am in awe at the number of books you have written and how you can easily move between the different fiction styles. When did you publish your first book?
My first book was published by Dorchester in 1994. Circle of Light was part of a trilogy and won the HOLT Medallion Award. This started my career as a paranormal/scifi romance author. After three books in the Light-Years trilogy, I wrote another standalone scifi romance before switching to mysteries.

How do you keep the writing fresh and contemporary after so many books?

It helps to change genres. That way, I don’t get tired of writing same old, same old. If I need to refresh my creative energy, it’s time to switch to my other series. Setting a story in a different location can also help keep things fresh as does bringing in new characters or changing the way my character relationships evolve. Plus I like to learn something new for each book, and it’s this issue or place or material that excites me and urges me to write the story.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?

I develop my characters first and do preliminary research. When the story is swirling in my head, I write a synopsis. Then I put myself on a daily writing schedule of five pages per day or twenty-five pages per week.

What do you think you learned from writing your first novel that helped you in the second one?

I like to believe my writing skills improve with each book. In the early days, I didn’t fully understand Point of View. I think I finally got it by book three. You’re always learning.

Do you use any writing programs, such as Scrivener?

And no, I don’t use Scrivener or other writing programs except for my brain.

I love the mystery titles of your hairstylist sleuth. What made you decide to have a hairstylist be a crime solver?

What could be more fun to research? Seriously, a hair salon is a great background setting for a mystery series. People gossip to each other, confide in their hairdressers, walk in and out all day. And a hairstylist doesn’t have to be confined to a salon to do her work. She can do wedding parties at a hotel, for example. It’s a great way for the main character to meet new people and get involved in other persons’ lives. Besides, I admire Marla’s talent. I have no ability to do my own hair. Book One, Permed to Death, starts with Marla’s grumpy client dying in the shampoo chair while getting a perm.

How do you define the difference between a murder mystery and a cozy murder mystery?

A cozy mystery is a whodunit featuring an amateur sleuth, a distinctive setting, and a limited number of suspects, most of whom may know each other. These stories contain no explicit sex or violence. The focus is on the character relationships rather than on forensic details of the crime. It’s essential to present a puzzle that challenges readers to solve the mystery.

Where would an Agatha Christie or a Mary Higgins Clark book fit? 

Agatha Christie’s novels typify this genre. I’d put Mary Higgins Clark into the romantic suspense category. These stories have a personal element of psychological suspense that you won’t see in a cozy. As for a murder mystery itself, this can fit into any genre. I had a murder mystery in Warrior Prince, book one in my Drift Lords Series.

You’ve written a “how to write” book for cozy mysteries. What is unique about writing cozy mysteries in their formula?

This technique is what works for me, and I explain the details in my instructional guide, Writing the Cozy Mystery. I’ll start with the victim. Who is it? How was the person killed? Who would gain from their death? Thus begins the round of suspects who may be the victim’s friends, associates, or family. Next I assign each one a secret. It might or might not be a secret relating to the murder. But everyone will either have a motive or will seem suspicious. Then you decide how the sleuth will uncover the crime, plant clues and red herrings, and your story is born.

Your writing includes different facets of the romance genre. How do you define the difference between paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi?

My earlier books were termed futuristic romance. I think a large part of it is marketing hype. Now I call them sci-fi romance, but a purist of this definition might want more detailed descriptions of space vehicles and weaponry, for example. Futuristics in general tend to be more romance oriented. They can take place on a pre-technology world, for example. 

I view mine as scifi romances because they involve space travel and take place on other planets that are technologically advanced. Keeper of the Rings is an exception in this regard, but it still fits the genre. The hero comes from another world and knows the truth about the religion practiced by the inhabitants of the planet, Xan. And it’s a truth most believers won’t want to hear.

I interpret paranormal romance to be an umbrella term for extraordinary phenomenon. It could involve ESP, psychics, vampires, shape shifters. These stories can be dark and scary or light and funny. Usually they take place in our modern world.

Fantasy-based stories may be set on imaginary worlds or here on Earth. Elements of magic, sorcery, and myth are included in this genre.

In many cases, the elements are blended. My Drift Lords series involves all of these. It takes place in modern day times on Earth, but the heroes come from other planets. They seek the help of six Earth women who have special powers. Norse mythology is the basis for these stories that involve prophecy, magic, and creatures such as evil trolls. But space travel is also mentioned. So it’s a mixed genre bag of tricks. Think Star Wars meets Lord of the Rings.

How do you personally find time to do all the personal media attached to your website? Does someone assist you?

I do my own marketing and book trailers because I like having control over what goes out there in my name. I have, on occasion, used publicists or virtual assistants. It depends on what I need to get done. For social networking, I prefer to do it myself. However, I wouldn’t be averse to a street team if someone volunteered to create and lead one for me.

What suggestions do you have for enhancing a writer’s social media platform?

Connecting with readers is all important. I listen to feedback, respond to emails, send out a quarterly newsletter and run contests. Plus any writer should have the basics: a professional looking website and headshot, a Facebook author page, an Amazon author page, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads. Doing a blog is a personal choice but it’s another way to build platform and enhance your brand. Writing is a business as much as it is an art.

What has worked best for you in generating sales?

It’s hard to evaluate what works and what doesn’t. I think you need to be “out there” in as many forms and many ways as you can so your name gets heard. Writing blogs and posts and articles helps as well. I do speaking engagements, talk at conferences and libraries, and am active in local writing groups. But what really works? Writing books people want to read on a consistent basis

What is some of the best writing advice that you’ve received or could give?

“Throw a lot of spaghetti on the wall and see what sticks.” This is good advice for the beginning writer to find your particular niche. Once you start to get fan mail, you’ll see what resonates with readers. Since you never know what you’ll be writing tomorrow, it’s good to join different writing organizations and attend workshops in other genres. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep writing. Always have faith in yourself. And networking with other industry personnel is crucial to learning the business aspects of this career.

What is the next book that will be hitting the bookshelves and eReaders?

On the mystery front, I’ve turned in Peril by Ponytail, #12 in the Bad Hair Day Mysteries.

My latest release in this genre is Hanging by a Hair. Here the blurb:

Marla’s joyous move to a new house with her husband, Detective Dalton Vail, is marred by their next-door neighbor who erects an illegal fence between their properties. When Dalton reminds the man of the local permitting laws, tempers flare—and worse, the neighbor is found dead the following day. Dismayed when Dalton is removed from the case due to a conflict of interest,

Marla decides it’s up to her to find the killer. Can the intrepid hairstylist untangle the clues and pin down the culprit before he strikes again? 

Hardcover: http://www.amazon.com/Hanging-Hair-Nancy-J-Cohen/dp/1432828142

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Hanging-Hair-Bad-Day-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00JJ2XVUQ/ 

Warrior Lord is an August 1, 2014 release from Wild Rose Press. This title is # 3 in my Drift Lords Series. Here is the story blurb: 

Pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood has no idea her televised wedding in Las Vegas is for real until an official confirms she and the stranger she’s just met are legitimately wed.

A Drift Lord and warrior of the Tsuran, Magnor tricks the redhead into marriage because she’s one of six women prophesied to save Earth. But as he’s forced into her company in their race against the apocalypse, he wonders if he risks his heart more than his life.

Can a free-spirited ceramic artist and a fierce swordsman trust each other enough to prevent disaster? 

Website:  http://nancyjcohen.com

Blog: http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com

Switching Themes - Writing What You Love: Author Interview with Peter M. Leschner

Peter M. Leschner has been a practicing real estate and corporate attorney in New York City and New Jersey for over 30 years. But that wasn't enough for him. He wanted to dabble in something more creative and started writing. Startling Connections was his first novel. The Sapphire Prism Cave (Book 1 of A Journey Through the Space Vortex trilogy) is his second novel.

What made you decide to take on the challenge and write a novel? How long did it take to write your first book? How many rewrites did you do on it?
I am attorney having practiced commercial real estate law for over 30 years. Ever since reading The Firm by John Grisham years ago, the idea of writing a novel and doing something artistically creative has intrigued me. I worked on a thriller entitled Startling Connections over the span of many years while practicing law. I tried to get an agent and/or a publisher to publish it but my attempts were met with numerous rejections. Although the book was finished, I put it in a drawer and did nothing with it for several years. Fast forward to 2009. 

What happened next?

After leaving my traditional law firm job in New York and starting up my own law practice, I had more time to think about writing again. On most nights when I put my children to bed they wanted to hear a bedtime story. Night after night they asked me to come up with a bedtime tale and usually I did. One day I mentioned to my daughter that I had actually written a whole book (Startling Connections) and parts of other books. She was very interested and wanted me to read the book to her. Startling Connections is actually a thriller for adults so I had to read her an edited version of parts of it. She thought it was very good and encouraged me to get it published.

Around, 2010 self-publishing through Amazon, the iBookstore and Barnes & Noble for e-readers was really taking off. I spent a year rewriting and updating Startling Connections. I also hired an editor to work with me and by the end of the 2010 beginning of 2011 I self- published Startling Connections. To date it has received 11 five star, 2 four star reviews and two three star reviews on Amazon.

Who helped you with the editing?

I did pay someone to help with a light edit of Startling Connections since it was my first book and I wanted it to be a as professional as possible.

How did you decide on the way to do your self-publishing

I researched self-publishing (uploading the files) and figured how to do it on my own after a lot of reading on the subject. I did utilize a professional to format the e-books so that they would come out well.

Are you involved with any critique groups?

I am not active in any critique groups, however, I sometimes interact with readers or authors in the author's forums on Amazon.

How do you go about getting book reviews?

I have given some books away but I never condition giving a book in return for a review. I thank a reader and say if they want I would welcome a feedback either in the form of an email or a review. Some reviews are from people who know me but others are posted by strangers who I don't know and have never met.

Could you give me a short synopsis on suspense novel, Startling Connections for my readers?

The protagonist, Larry, lived an uneventful life as a commodity trader in New York City until a sudden tragic incident during a routine dinner with a friend connected him to Sofia, the beautiful and intriguing woman of his dreams.

Their ensuing relationship unravels a sequence of life-changing events. Sofia is mysteriously abducted by a global terrorist organization about to launch an attack of unprecedented dimensions. Though ill prepared for such a journey, Larry's love for Sofia and his fear of losing her force him to embark on a dangerous quest filled with thrilling non-stop action as he travels to the ends of the earth to try to find Sofia, get her back and thwart the terrorist organization's diabolical plans.

Startling Connections, though packed with action and a twisting plot, also examines the causes of extremism and terrorism in modern society and the dilemma as to best way to confront and eradicate it.

Sounds intriguing! How did you make the jump from adult suspense to your second book which was written for children?

 Although my daughter was excited that I had published Startling Connections she quickly came to realize that it was not a book for kids that she could have her friends read. I was thinking of writing another thriller but she pleaded "Dad can't your write a kid's book that my friends could read?" I protested "I don't know... I was thinking about another thriller." "PLEASE Dad..." Well, as any parent knows, it is extremely difficult to turn down a request like that from your child so after some thought, I agreed.

I ran my idea for the story A Journey Through the Space Vortex broken into three books by Katherine. She gave the story concept a thumbs up. Day after day I would work on the outline and write a few pages of book one-The Sapphire Prism Cave. Night after night I would read her what I wrote and she would give me helpful comments like "Dad, a kid wouldn't say it like that - how about..." So I had a good instant feedback from a great "editorial assistant."

Every day she should would ask "Did you write?"  Most days the answer would be "yes", but if it was "no" I was in big trouble!  Finally, I finished a first draft of the book. We were both very happy and excited with how the story turned out. For the next six months I edited, polished and proofread the book with the assistance of a number of readers.

It was first published on Amazon, the iBookstore, Barnes & Noble and Kobo as an e-book. Just this year in April, I published it using Createspace, as a physical book. So far the book is just being discovered, but I have gotten very positive feedback on it so far from both children and adults.

How far along are you on the rest of the trilogy?

I have a rough outline of the plot for the second novel in the A Journey Through The Space Vortex series and have the concept for the third and final book.

How do you write? Did you do an outline first? Did you do individual character development before doing the full plot?

I use three separate documents for writing. The first is an “idea list” where all ideas for the book are quickly jotted down as they occur so that they are preserved. The second is an outline where I organize and develop the ideas. Lastly, there is the draft of the book itself where the story is actually written.

Although many of the thoughts and ideas are organized in the outline, I often spontaneously develop and add plot, description detail while doing the actual writing. I also find that listening to great music helps get the creative juices flowing. (The Rolling Stones and The Who are two of my favorites to listen to while writing.) With respect to character development, I usually think about and feel the character’s personality and bring it out during the writing. For example, in The Sapphire Prism Cave, James is full of energy, enthusiastic and daring. These characteristics comes out through his actions and dialogue.

How much does social media play in your promotion of your books?

I have separate Facebook pages for each book where I can post about things of interest and interact with readers. I find that reading a review from someone who truly liked your book or receiving an e-mail from someone touched by it is one of the most rewarding aspects of writing. I sometimes post about my books on pages like Amazon Kindle or Barnes & Noble.

A writer is often confronted with a dilemma as to how to get their books noticed by readers. If he or she says nothing, it is harder for a potential reader to discover the book and the author. If he or she constantly posts only about the book, many readers “tune it out” because they consider it spam. The best thing seems to be to try to provide interesting content, i.e., pictures, articles and writing, which the provides value to the reader. The problem with this is that providing truly valuable content can be very time consuming.

What type of publicity do you do to promote your book? What has worked best for you in generating sales?

The best way I have found to promote my books and actually generate sales is to temporarily reduce the price and publicize the book and price reduction through sites such as eReader News Today, Kindle Nation, Book Bub, Pixel of Ink, Kindle Tips and Tricks. I think more readers will give a book a try when the price is reduced and it is brought to their attention by these sites. Before doing this though it is best to have a number of good reviews, a good synopsis and a great cover.

I have tried Facebook ads and unfortunately found that that so far they have not been very effective in actually increasing sales of books.

The ultimate goal, though hard to achieve, is to get enough people talking about and recommending the book through word of mouth so that publicity and promotion is no longer necessary. I think most people discover and read books recommended by their friends and also in a book review or from a “best seller”

What do you know now about writing/publishing now that you wished you had known sooner?

Coming up with a good marketing plan for one’s books is difficult and involves a lot of trial and error and consistent, hard work. Also how difficult it is to turn marketing efforts into actual sales.

What have you learned about writing you would like to pass along?

You have to have a real passion for what you are writing about. You have to really care about quality and pay attention to details. Quality is more important than quantity. You have to define what success means to you. Do not be afraid to try new things and experiment. Don’t be afraid of failure. If you don’t try something you will never succeed and if you don’t love what you do, you will never do it well enough to truly succeed. Keep trying new things and don’t give up. Don’t make excuses for not writing or getting a book done.  Just do it, despite obstacles that inevitably arise. The satisfaction of accomplishment from finishing it makes the struggle to get it done worthwhile.

What is the best advice you’ve heard about writing?

Veronica Roth gave an amazing answer to a similar question which has stuck with me. She said “One piece of advice I have is: Want something else more than success. Success is a lovely thing, but your desire to say something, your worth, and your identity shouldn’t rely on it, because it’s not guaranteed and it’s not permanent and it’s not sufficient. So work hard, fall in love with the writing—the characters, the story, the words, the themes—and make sure that you are who you are regardless of your life circumstances. That way, when the good things come, they don’t warp you, and when the bad things hit you, you don’t fall apart.”

That’s all for today’s interview. If you’d like to know more about Peter’s writing and his books, here’s some links to do that.

Startling Connections on Amazon: http://amzn.to/pDlU57

Startling Connections Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/oJO2HA

The Sapphire Prism Cave on Amazon: http://amzn.to/SSHGGR

The Sapphire Prism Cave Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/O4SLhC