Showing posts with label indie author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indie author. Show all posts

Friday, September 28, 2012

Author Kerry Dwyer- Ramblings in Ireland - a non fiction travel memoir...

Welcome!
I would like to introduce to you the lovely Kerry Dwyer, author of Ramblings in Ireland an non fiction travel memoir. I enjoyed getting to know her through the questions she kindly answered for me and click the book below to read the sneak peek of her book(Don't you just love the cover).  Don't forget to check out the trailer too (see way below)!


Ramblings in Ireland



Book Blurb: This is not a book about rambling in Ireland.

It tells the tale of one particular walking trip and the memories and musings it inspired.

Exploring the West of Ireland is a time for meditation, spiritual reflection and strengthening the bonds of life. More practically the ability to read a map might have proved helpful. The tourist office in Ireland has all their paths clearly marked. You can’t go wrong if you follow that little yellow man. Or can you?

As British ex-patriate Kerry Dwyer leads Bertrand, her trusting French husband, astray once more, they reminisce and reflect upon accents and accidents, family and friends, love and what it means to be alive. Bertrand doesn’t mind getting lost - he loves Kerry all the more for going off the beaten track.

This is a book about ramblings in Ireland. Walk with Kerry and Bertrand and follow where your thoughts lead you.



Author Kerry Dwyer


 


1. Where do you call home?

Charente Maritime in South West France

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

Ramblings In Ireland

3. What’s your Genre?

Non fiction : Travel memoir

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

I am writing another book about the lives of ex-pats in France and their interactions with the French, It is a work of fiction based on local knowledge and experiences. It follows the lives of some people who meet up once a month to exchange their English books.

5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ?
 
Yes -Indies unite!

6. Who’s your favorite author?

There are so many very good authors but I do like Jasper Fford and Ian Rankin, Fford consistently amuses me,

7. Your favorite book?

Apart from Fifty Shades of Grey, I think a book that has stood the test of time is To Kill A Mockingbird, I read it at school and still remember it.

8. What book are you currently reading?

I have three books on the go, Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, Virginia Wolf's A room of One's own and a book by Terry Pratchett, Stephen Baxter Called The Long Earth

9. A book you would recommend?

That really depends on who I was making the recommendation to, Literature is so personal and we can't all like everything, I like Fford's off the wall humour but it is not for everyone. I love historical fiction but many don't. If you haven't read any Arthur Conan Doyle I would highly recommend one of the Sherlock Holmes novels if only for haing one of the best, most developed supporting roles in Watson.

10. How do you pick your books?

Very often it is from personal recommendation of friends and family.

11. Advice for other authors?

Write; Just that write, Write for the love of writing. Get it all out. Worry about formatting, proofing, editing later. Once you have written the story that you want to write then you should consider what, if anything, you want to do with it. - Wonderful advice:0)

12.Do you write under a pen name?

Kerry Dwyer

13. Where do you write?

I write on my laptop so I can write anywhere, If the weather is good I like to write on my terrace. If I have a long business trip writing can make a long train journey pass very quickly. -Great idea!

14. What do you wear when you write?

Pyjamas, but not when I am on a train journey,

15. Do you have a pet (s)?

Yes I have two cats, They are not really mine they belong to my daughter but I get to feed them now she is away at school, The plus is that I get the cuddles on the couch in the evenings,

16. Favorite food?

Chocolate– is there anything else? - Yum!

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

Robinson Crusoe would be useful to make shelters and catch fish. He might also be interesting for amusement but if not I would have to take Oscar Wilde – before he was too depressed. Then I think someone like Marie Antoinette or Anne Boylen so they could tell me what is was really like.

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

As my book is about me and my husband I think the character of me is very much like me :)

19. What made you want to be a writer?

I have always done some writing so there was not a time when I made the decision, This is the first book I have ever written The decision to be published was really made when so many of my family and friends thought my writing was worthwhile.

20. Any weird talent?

I have double jointed thumbs- is that a talent or just weird? I sing a lot but I am not sure than many would call it a talent, I do have remarkable talent for getting lost and not quite understanding what people are telling me. - Cool on the thumbs! 

21. A favorite quote?

I love this quote from Maya Angelou the author of 'I know Why the Caged Bird Sings'
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
22.What is the one thing you never go without.

My family and a sense of humour.

23. Your biggest influence?

My family. They give me such encouragement and support. I could not have done this without them. My father encouraged me right from the beginning with a love of books. My mother always taught me that simple acts of kindness go a long way and that you too can go a long way with 'please' and 'thank you' in any language.

24. Favorite TV show?

I haven't watched television for about ten years. I used to enjoy The X Files,

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

Well yours is right up their with my favourites. As are all those lovely supporters of Indie authors. They are so many and so generous giving time and space to struggling authors who often have no other platform. -Aww, thanks Kerry...I agree, there are many wonderful Indie Supporters out there.
 

View the trailer and give it your like:
 


Connect with Kerry on Goodreads
Give Kerry you like on Facebook
Visit Kerry's Amazon author page and give her your like

My humble thanks again to Kerry for allowing me to spotlight her on my blog and thanks all for dropping in.


 

Friday, September 21, 2012

Paulette Mahurin, Historical Fiction Author of The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap

Hello my wonderful blog followers...I would like to introduce you to the wonderful Paulette Mahurin, Historical Fiction author of the book- The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap. Paulette kindly answered a few interview questions for me and I must say, I really enjoyed reading her answers and getting to know this lovely lady more. I hope you enjoy getting to know her as well and do take a peek inside her book and add her to your to-read list on Goodreads! 
The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap
Click book to read the first few chapters and purchase your copy! Available in both Kindle & Paperback!

 
Image of Paulette Mahurin
Paulette is the one on the Left

 Book blurb:
A women's Brokeback Mountain. The year 1895 was filled with memorable historical events: the Dreyfus Affair divided France; Booker T. Washington gave his Atlanta address; the United States expanded the effects of the Monroe Doctrine to cover South America; and Oscar Wilde was tried and convicted for gross indecency under Britain's recently passed law that made sex between males a criminal offense. When news of Wilde's conviction went out over telegraphs worldwide, it threw a small Nevada town into chaos. This is the story of what happened when the lives of its citizens were impacted by the news of Oscar Wilde's imprisonment. It is a chronicle of hatred and prejudice with all its unintended and devastating consequences, and how love and friendship bring strength and healing.


1. Where do you call home?
Ojai, California

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

3. What's your Genre?
Historical Fiction

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series?
 I am working on a love story, based on real events of a couple who met in an oncologists office,
both having cancer, and developed a magical-poignant-beautiful relationship.

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

6. Who's your favorite author?
Too many to pick, but love Steinbeck.

7. Your favorite book?
Again too many to pick but love The Grapes of Wrath. I love a book that I don’t want to put down and am sorry when it’s over, there are so many of those, thankfully!

8. What book are you currently reading?
The Afflicted Girls by Suzy Witten

9. A book you would recommend?
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz because it’s the most helpful beautifully written relationship book, that I read over and over and over and grow from.

10. How do you pick your books?
Interest, if the synopsis grabs me.

11. Advice for other authors?
An author writes. Just sit down and do it and don’t let the critic in your head get in your way. Doesn’t matter the time put in or judgments involved by self or others, a writer writes. Leave the editing and critiquing up to others when the writing is ready for that but pay attention to seeking out supportive positive friends for feedback in the early stages so you don’t get your creative light turned off. -I love that!12. Do you write under a pen name?
Paulette Mahurin
13. Where do you write?
I have a den that looks out over trees running down to a creek, I write there.

14. What do you wear when you write?
Jeans and a t-shirt.

15. Do you have a pet (s)?
Max and Bella, rescued from a kill shelter, puppies. He’s a purebred rottie born with a missingpaw and thrown away cause the breeder couldn’t sell him. She’s a rottie-sharpei mix found homesless and thrown in a kill shelter to be disposed of. They are the two sweetest dogs we’ve ever adopted. My hubby and I are into animal rescue, been rescuing rotties for 28 years. The profits from my book are going to the first and only no-kill animal shelter, Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, in Ventura County, CA where I live.- That is so wonderful Paulette, your an inspiration!

16. Favorite food?
A good salad.

17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
Vicktor Frankl: he wrote the most powerful book I ever read, Mans Search for Meaning, where he tells of his concentration camp experience—lost all his family, and came out with an enlightened attitude about life. He’d be my inspiration and teacher. Then I’d bring someone I was attracted to, eternally, lol! And, lastly, a doctor.- Smart!
18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why?
Charley because he grows the most and reflects back the power of the heart.

19. What made you want to be a writer?
It’s just something that’s been with me all my life, natural for me, like breathing. I just love to write and started at the age of ten, in college I wrote a couple of award winning short stories, and in the last six years penned my first novel. I was able to write because I got a tick bite, contracted Lyme Disease, and was down for the count with lots of time on my hands, where I was incapable of much else. I think I can honestly say, writing and my dog Tazzie probably saved my life, along with my wonderful husband Terry.- We are so glad you are better! Youch!
20. Any weird talent?
I love improvement classes and spontaneity with people which sometimes gets me in trouble when I’m being silly and inappropriate but it bodes well on an improve stage, lol.

21. A favorite quote?
Be yourself, everyone else is taken.- Oscar Wilde. My book’s really an homage to him, each chapter. Starts with a quote from hm and the story revolves around his imprisonment. An amazingly brilliant man who really was born too early for his fate, but never let it stop him.
22. What is the one thing you never go without?Dogs in my life.

23. Your biggest influence?
Kindness. The simplest thing reaches me and fills me with gratitude that kindness shines through and does so much good, in the worst of situations, and it’s always available. A smile, a hand touch a hand, a simple action one person at a time changes the world. It moves, motivates and inspires me. Thanks for asking!

24. Favorite TV show?
Right at this moment, The X Factor. The ramped up the game and talent and I’m really enjoying it.

25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover?
Right now, yours! There are so many wonderful giving bloggers out there, who do reviews, who feature authors, who help with giveaways, to strangers. It’s a wonderfully supportive community. -Aww... thank you Paulette, I couldn't agree more, I myself have recieved that same warm welcome and help from many wonderful fellow authors.

 Paulette's book is also available in the Amazon UK Store
 Fan or add Paulette's book to your to-read list on Goodreads

Like The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap on FACEBOOK
Follow Paulette's BOOK'S BLOG
Follow Paulette on TWITTER
Her WEBSITE
PRESS ARTICLE:
VC STAR Sept. 9, 2012 Sunday Life Section:
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/sep/08/ojai-authors-historical-novel-teaches-tolerance/
 
Visit Paulette's Amazon Central Author Page and read her wonderful Bio!
 
Thanks again Paulette and thanks to all my wonderful followers for the drop by,
 

Monday, June 25, 2012

Author Spotlight- Lisa Lewis Moon-


I could ask Lisa questions all day. I just loved reading her answers and her personality! Lisa Lewis Moon is a fellow Indie(self-pub) author and this is her debut book:
Click on the book to go to the Amazon page.
Blurb:
Claire Templeton thought she had escaped the horror of life on Butcher Harbor after graduation from high school. Now an upcoming fashion designer in New York City, Claire has to put her bright future on hold and return to Butcher Harbor when her mother atempts to take her own life. Thrust back into the world she grew up in, her past catches up with her quicker than she hoped. As she expected, the ghosts of Templeton House have been waiting for her return, refusing to let her escape their grasp. Claire reluctantly returns to the Harbor, setting off a series of events that throw the town into turmoil and could possibly cost Claire her life.


1. Where do you call home? I wrote my book in Sweet Home Alabama, but I prefer Phoenix, Arizona. I miss the big city. Right now I live in the middle of nowhere. I have to drive an hour just to see a movie.
2. What is the title of your most recent book?  My First book is House on Butcher Harbor. So many people have requested a sequel. They say they want to know what happens to these people next. So I am writing HOBH 2: Pirates Cove. I never planned to write a second book, but I am glad people have asked because I do enjoy these characters and wouldn’t mind seeing where life takes them next.
3. What's your Genre? Ghost stories. I Guess that is in the horror category, but there is no gore in my books. I used to write gore, but found I couldn’t sleep at night. Ghosts I am used to. - I am a ghost fanatic!

4. Plans for a next book? Is this part of a Series? (see above)

5. Are you a self published author (Indie) ? I chose to self-publish because my mother was very ill at the time I finished the book. I was afraid she would pass away and not get to see her daughter's book in print. So basically I did it so my mom could bask in some bragging rights for a while. Is that so wrong? -Not at all Lisa:0)
6. Who's your favorite author? My favorite authors are Steinbeck, King, Koontz and Sparks in that order. And let’s not forget  James Patterson. - I am a Koontz fan

7. Your favorite book? Travels with Charlie and the Andromeda Strain. If this where a Bradbury story, I would have to choose to be the Andromeda Strain. I love Travels with Charlie for personal reasons, but I would love to share The Andromeda Strain with everyone.
8. What book are you currently reading? Violin, by Anne Rice. I have just started it so I don’t have any thoughts about it yet.
9. A book you would recommend? Since it would be rude to say my own, I would have to recommend The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks.

10. How do you pick your books? First the title and cover have to catch my eye. Then I read the blurb. After that I read the first paragraph or two to see if I can stand the writing. If I get bored I will not read it, if it catches my attention I won’t put it down. James Patterson writes the kind of stories that I find I have finished in one sitting. I find the sun has come up and I am still turning pages- just one more chapter- until I have finished the book.
11. Advice for other authors? I actually have advice for wanna be authors. It is my pet project. I say stop wanting to be a writer and write. You will find an audience when you have something to share. Stop doubting yourself and putting it off until later. Do it! You know who you are! Yes, I am talking to you. - I agree
12. Do you write under a pen name? No. I think it is foolish, but that is just me. I have to be honest, since I was a little kids I ALWAYS wanted to see my name on a book in the grocery store or department store where I shop.

13. Where do you write? Wherever the mood strikes me. I used to have a desk in my bedroom, but I found I needed more space for living. Sometimes the kitchen table or the sofa with my lap top. But I prefer to write on a porch or patio with a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Now that I live in Alabama I don’t have a porch or a patio and I quit smoking.
14. What do you wear when you write? Preferably? Pajamas. I want to be comfortable and to feel like I am goofing off. I do better work when it is not considered work.
15. Do you have a pet (s)? I wrote House on Butcher Harbor with my mini Chocolate lab wrapped around my feet. He would curl up under my desk while I wrote for hours on end. He was killed before the book was finished and I missed him being there throughout the edits. Now we have a rotty and a golden lab that keep an eye on my while I write. It is a group effort. -awww...

16. Favorite food? Cilantro. I know that is not a food, but it is a flavor I crave. I could live off of tacos and burritos just to taste that and love Pico de Gallo (salsa) best of all.
17. If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Tarzan (someone strong), Julia Child (someone who could make anything taste good) and Ray Bradbury (to tell me stories). -The perfect mix:0)
18. Of your characters, which one would you say is most like you and why? I have to honestly say there is a little bit of me in every character. People who know me will find me in the good and the bad characters I create.
19. What made you want to be a writer? Being an avid reader. The more I read as a child the more I wanted to create my own stories. I wanted to see my name on the cover of a book. It wasn’t about the fame or everyone knowing who I was. I wanted to be able to walk through the grocery store and see my book on the shelf I had shopped as a kid, but no one around me know that book was written by me, the person pushing the cart. Silly I know, but it was my biggest dream.

20. Any weird talent? If you were to ask my dad he would say being nosy. If something is going on, I want- no need- to know the who, what, why, where and when of it all. I should have been a reporter, but I never allowed myself to do that until I wrote for the Clanton Advertiser as a community columnist. I got that job because I dared to take it upon myself to write an article and was brave enough to turn it into the newspaper on the chance they would print it for me. They loved it and gave me the job.

21. What is the one thing you never go without? My husband! I think I would go insane without him. If I were to be stranded on a desert island all I would really need is him. He would be my Tarzan, he could whip up food out of nothing like Julia Child and he could weave me stories like Bradbury all in one handsome package. I would never want to be rescued. -AWWWW...
23. Your biggest influence? For writing I would have to say my children. They push me to write when I want to be a couch potato. They had faith in me all the time. While they didn’t read my book, they still believed in me; that made me believe in myself.
24. Favorite TV show? Bones. I love all the characters in the story, how they interact and react to one another.
25. A great blog you would like to recommend for others to discover? Novel Publicity! Nothing better for writers. For readers there are so many. It would depend on the genre. - I agree!


Lisa's blog
Add her book to your shelf on Goodreads.
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It's been  a pleasure getting to know Lisa and I havbe added her book to my to-read list on Goodreads, sounds amazing! I just love ghosts! Thanks again Lisa!

Thanks for dropping in,