Showing posts with label Author interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Author interview. Show all posts

Saturday, March 16, 2013

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: D J Lowbridge, author of Ghost Haunts- A Collection of Short Stories

Author D.J.  Lowbridge
      I love meeting new authors and welcome D.J. to my blog. I also love, I mean love Ghost stories. Who doesn't right? Well, D.J. has the perfect book for you. He has a collection of them inside of the bind titled Ghost Haunts. Oh I love it! I love the cover too!
Click the book to go to Amazon's US page for it.

 
Book description:
From the trenches of World War One to the vastness of space we meet: relentless pursuers that feed on fear; omens of impending doom and true love that goes beyond the grave.

When realms collide there is no certainty of what is to come...

     The interview:

     1. Where do you call home?
I live in Essex in the United Kingdom. I live in a small village that is not far from the sea for inspiration and quick trips down with the kids, but far enough back that during the summer that I can have some peace if I want it.

2. What is the title of your most recent book?
“Ghost Haunts” – it’s an 11 short story collection about ghosts. But instead of it being a horror fest I decided to sneak in a couple of family dramas in there.

3. What's your Genre?
Well obviously by my first book people would assume horror, but that is more of a sideline for me. Something that Ghost Haunts fell into. I think of myself more of a paranormal / supernatural author with a tinge of horror who sometimes crosses over into science fiction.

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series?
The next book will be the first book in the Paranormal Investigation Series, or PIT for short. The series follows a military led team who investigate paranormal activity and try to protect the world from the demons. The first story came to me while I was putting my rabbits to bed one night and eventually one story has turned into six or seven ideas.

5. Are you a self published author (Indie)?
I wouldn’t have it any other way. To have total control over your work and being paid a decent rate for your work, there is really no option.

6. Who's your favorite author?
Well that is a tough question. Elizabeth Moon got me writing, but I love India Drummond (another indie author) and her Faerie series that is based in Scotland. Her characters and storylines are amazing.

7. Your favorite book?
I think my favourite book is Elizabeth Moon’s Command Decision which is her 4thbook in the Vatta’s War series. It is brilliant for military science fiction lovers.

8. What book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading an indie book called Eden M51 by G. R. Paskoff

      9. A book you would recommend?
       Not at the moment, I haven’t finished it.

      10. How do you pick your books?
    Well I run a review site. So mostly I am sent books. I use to select books by the blurb and front cover but due to the sheer number of requests I know insist on looking at the first chapter. If it is good, then I will select it.

     11. Advice for other authors?
    Write, write, write.- So agree!

     12. Do you write under a pen name?
      I write under D J Lowbridge.

     13. Where do you write?
    Normally at the dinner table; facing away from the window. It can get very cold in there so sometimes I set myself a target and when I’ve reached it and can get back into the warmer rooms.

     14. What do you wear when you write?
      Whatever I am wearing at the time.

     15. Do you have a pet (s)?
    Oh yeah. I have two tanks of fish, a leopard Gecko named Steph, two Guinea Pigs and two rabbits. -I myself am a momma of Guinea pigs and rabbits. Of all my pets my Gecko is my baby, I’ve had since before I was married. A year ago her sister died which was very sad and she has not responded well to the loss either. But I have become fond of our latest edition, Elmo. Elmo is the male rabbit from a rescue centre. He was found in a field living wild yet is a domesticated albino cross breed – he was definitely abandoned. There is no telling how old he really is or how long he was left to fend for himself without any skills to do so, but according to the centre he was brought in a bad state and was probably out there months if not over a year. I feel sad because someone must have done that to him without thinking of his welfare. Now he is very wary of most people, yet he still comes to me and even likes to jump on my back for comfort.

     16. Favorite food?
    Chinese. Not even going to debate that one.

     17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
The current President of the United States because the US would spend millions trying to find and rescue him; Paul Merton because he is a funny guy and Miranda Hart, because she is funny too.

     18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?
     I would say in Ghost Haunts I am most like Tony in some aspects (loves his wife to pieces, very protective), but he is someone who likes to spend his cash to show off, which is not like me at all. In my next project I am very much like Major Trevor Reed. He is a character who is in command of the unit, yet despite the fact that he is supposed to be strong and unwavering he turns out to be someone who is forgiving and a little soft to his colleagues.

    19. What made you want to be a writer?
     I was on holiday one day in Norfolk when I was reading a book and I put it down and in my head suddenly an idea just flowed in. That’s the day I decided to be a writer. But in truth I’ve always enjoyed writing and I would probably have gotten here sooner or later.

     20. Any weird talent?
      No...

     21. A favorite quote?
    “A life is made up of its darkest moments and destroyed when it takes nothing from them” – can never remember where that came from, but it always reminds me to learn from my mistakes. -learning from mistakes is always good advice :0)

     22. What is the one thing you never go without?
    My family; support is key to success and they are my support.

     23. Your biggest influence?
     I don’t think anything has particularly influenced me in my life.

      24. Favorite TV show?
     Stargate SG-1 – there is no finer show. It was on the air for 10 seasons and had two direct to DVD movies plus two spin off shows. Anything that has that legacy has to be great.

      25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?
     http://twomidlistindies.com/ - its a great blog written by two stars of the indie author world – Valerie Douglas and Kai Wilson. If you want to succeed as an indie author listening to these two is a great help.
 
D.J. was so wonderful to make connecting with him so easy! Click the links below to connect with him and any or all the sites below.
 
Book Links:
UK: www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Haunts-ebook/dp/B00BDTUIU4/

Thanks so much D.J. for letting little ol' me spotlight ya! Loved getting to know you and about your Ghostly offering- Ghost Haunts. Visitors, my lovely readers, hop on over to Amazon and pick up your copy, only $2.99.

Thanks for dropping by!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Author Emma Meade- The Awakening And Oher Stories

Thanks for  the drop by! I had the opprotunity to ask the lovely Emma Meade a few questions about herself and below are her answers. Read the blurb below about her book The Awakening & Other Stories and do click on the book to purchase yourself a copy!
The Awakening & Other Stories

The Awakening & Other Stories by Emma Meade

Put on the kettle, close the curtains and curl up by the fire. Dive into 8 short tales, each with a slice of the paranormal.
Ghost Story - Who is the shadow in the window of the abandoned house, and what or who is he waiting for?
The Awakening - It's time for Sabrina to wake up and face the light.
End of the Line - Cassie wants to die. When midnight rolls around, she stands on the tracks, waiting for the train to come.
Milsa Loris - The once, magnificent kingdom of Milsa Loris comes alive one night each winter. The King's witch is brewing up a little magic, sure to make the soup all the tastier.
The Old Vampire - Hailey spent her life dreaming of a dark prince falling in love with her. He never showed up, until now.
The Knocking - Alison's grandfather has one eye on the next life. After all, he's heard a lot of rapping at his door lately.
The Boy on the Beach -Kate's grandmother warns her about the boy with the green eyes. Will she pay heed?
Snowglobes- It's busy at Calvin's Cabins this Christmas. Eddie and Maggie are a young couple in trouble. Not to fear, Calvin is always ready to lend a hand.

Now onto the questions!

1. Where do you call home?
Cork, Ireland

2. What is the title of your most recent book?
The Awakening & Other Stories

3. What's your Genre?
Paranormal

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series?
I'm working on a vampire tale for adults called Night Whispers. It's a follow up to my short story collection, Night Sighs.

5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ?
I consider myself an indie author. I self-published Night Sighs & The Awakenings, but my YA novel, Under the Desert Moon was published with a small press.

6. Who's your favorite author?
Can't choose just one: I like Stephen King, Charlaine Harris, Marian Keyes, Maeve Binchy, Stephenie Meyer and L.J. Smith to name the first authors who come to mind.- I am a fan of L.J. Smith!
7. Your favorite book?
Again, too difficult to pick just one but Stephen King's The Stand would be in the top five.

8. What book are you currently reading?
The Willows Haven by Hope Collier

9. A book you would recommend?
Tegan's Blood by L.H. Cosway, an intriguing paranormal tale by a fellow, Irish writer.

10. How do you pick your books?
Browsing the shelves of bookstores, I go for eye catching covers and by authors I know. Online I find books on Twitter and blogs and scroll through Amazon for gorgeous book covers.

11. Advice for other authors?
Keep writing and spend less time on social networks.

12. Do you write under a pen name?
No.

13. Where do you write?
On my couch with my laptop and plenty of tea nearby.

14. What do you wear when you write?
Whatever I happen to have on at that moment in time.

15. Do you have a pet (s)?
2 stray cats: Fox and Puss.- Love the names :0)
16. Favorite food?
Chicken curry and rice.

17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Zooey Deschanel for the laughs. -I was in love with River!

18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?

Possibly Erin from my YA novel, Under the Desert Moon. We're both introspective, stubborn and hated school.

19. What made you want to be a writer?
I have no idea where the drive to write came from.

20. Any weird talent?
Nothing comes to mind- hmm, I'm trying to think...

21. A favorite quote?
Seize the moment. Because tomorrow, you might be dead - Buffy

22. What is the one thing you never go without?
Barry's Tea

23. Your biggest influence?
Paranormal TV shows & books: Buffy, Point Horror.

24. Favorite TV show?
Buffy

25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?
Indie Writers Review run by Michelle Cornwell Jordan

Visit Emma's author page on Amazon and read her Bio.

Well there you have it, a little dive into the mind of author Emma Meade. Thanks for the drop by and thank you so much to author Emma Meade for allowing me to ask her these questions and it is a pleasure to spotlight her latest book! Remember click on the book cover above to go and purchase your copy, only $1.99!




P.S. Might want to keep more than one light on when you are reading this....

Friday, November 9, 2012

Guest Author Interview- Vanessa Morgan- Author of GPS With Benifits

Welcome and thanks for dropping by! I would like to introduce you to author Vanessa Morgan and tell you about her latest book GPS With Benifits- a short story that will make you laugh! This book is also going to be made into a short movie, how cool is that!!!  Stay tuned for my review... now onto the interview!



GPS With Benefits
Click on the book to go to Amazon page.

 
 
 
About the book:
A womanizer purchases a new GPS device, but has no idea his buying one with a mind of ‘her’ own.
"GPS with Benefits is a hilarious tale about a man who is shocked to learn that his GPS system has a mind of its own when he test drives a new car. There are some funny moments in this story that will make it a delight to many readers, can't wait to see the short film. If you're looking for something new and different, this is it. "

 
1. Where do you call home?

 Belgium.

2. What is the title of your most recent book?

 GPS With Benefits.

3. What's your Genre?

Usually, it's supernatural suspense. Although GPS WITH BENEFITS can best be qualified as humor with a fantasy twist.

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series?


 I'm working on an illustrated novel combining ghosts and cats.

5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ?

 Both.

6. Who's your favorite author?

 Carol Drinkwater.

7. Your favorite book?

 "Elementary Particles" by Michel Houellebecq.

8. What book are you currently reading?

Ken Greenhall's "Childgrave". Ken Greenhall is the American pen name of British author Jessica Hamilton who is best known for her eighties books "Baxter", "Elizabeth" and "The Companion".

9. A book you would recommend?


Daph Nobody's "Blood Bar" and "L'enfant nucléaire", for their original subjects and because he's a good friend.

10. How do you pick your books?

 By author or by cover.

11. Advice for other authors?

 Be willing to learn. I once read that it takes about 1,000 hours to become competent at any skill, about 5,000 hours to master any skill and between 25,000 and 35,000 hours to become world class. Having a great mentor and being focused greatly speeds up this process. - I read that too Vanessa! This is great advice...
12. Do you write under a pen name?

 Yes. As I write in English, French and Dutch, I needed a name that was easy to pronounce in any of those languages and my real name - which is Dutch - is impossible to pronounce in EVERY language.

13. Where do you write?

 Mostly from the comfort of my own home, but I also write from cozy places such as bars, parks, airports and hotels.

14. What do you wear when you write?

 Dresses, because that's the only thing I wear.

15. Do you have a pet (s)?

 I have a Turkish Van cat named after the Mamoru Oshii film ‘Avalon’. He has had a special appearance in A GOOD MAN and also 'acts' in the movies that were based on my books.

16. Favorite food?

 Anything extremely spicy.

17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?

 Can I exchange those 3 famous people for my boyfriend and my cat? -You sure can Vanessa, how sweet is that!
18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?

 Originally, Céline from A GOOD MAN because of her independence and love of culture and languages. But now that I have fallen in love, I realize that I have a lot of Emma in me as well.

19. What made you want to be a writer?

Seeing Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying" on stage in London. I was in my early twenties back then. It took me a few years though to gain confidence and to start reacting upon that desire.

20. Any weird talent?
I have a talent for scaring people.- Awesome!

21. A favorite quote?

 "Wish more. Dream bigger. Love louder.” - love that!

22. What is the one thing you never go without?

 My cat.

23. Your biggest influence?

 Movies.

24. Favorite TV show?

 I'm currently addicted to "Dexter" and “Carnivale”.

25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?


 
About Vanessa Morgan:

 
Image of Vanessa MorganVanessa Morgan is known as the ‘female version of Stephen King’. Her screenplays, A GOOD MAN and GPS WITH BENEFITS, are currently being turned into movies. She is also the author of DROWNED SORROW and THE STRANGERS OUTSIDE. If she’s not working on her latest supernatural thriller, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, blogging, digging through flea markets or indulging in her unhealthy addiction to her cat. She writes in English, Dutch and French.

 

 

 
Sketch by Gilles Vranckx - isn't it lovely! Visit his blog today!
 
 Her book is also available in the Amazon UK store .

 
Places you can cyberstalk Vanessa Morgan

Official blog 
Amazon Author Page -Make sure to give her page your like!
Follow Vanessa on Twitter
Go to her Facebook   page
Follow her on Pinterest
 Add her book to your Goodreads to-read list and fan Vanessa! 

ATTENTION: Right now (11/9) Vanessa's book is FREE on Amazon, so hurry and get your copy!

Thanks for the drop by!