Hello, I am Amoni. I am a one year old American domestic short-hair cat with dark tortoiseshell markings. I and my litter-mates were rescued as babies out of a park trashcan by kind humans. They helped us grow up and get healthy so that we could find our forever homes. My adopted mom and dad drove an hour to get me when they saw me on Facebook. I arrived at my new home to find a newly acquired kitten sister, who was about my age, and a mom cat that had been terribly lonely (her previous family had been broken up when a very old cat died and the others moved away with their mom). We are a happy cat family now! [sitting contently in her meatloaf position and purring]
What is your favorite toy?
I like to play with anything that catches my eye. But I really like to play chase and tumble with my cat sister and cat mom.
What is your favorite food?
I prefer dry food even though my mom gives us a variety of flavors of canned food twice a day. [licks her lips then a paw]
Who is your author?
She writes under the name P. Clauss. Which isn’t much of a change from her real name, Penny Clauss. She did that so she could keep her Facebook pages straight and have a bit of an alternate identity from her other professional self.
What does your author write?
She writes in multiple genres. Several poems of hers are published in anthologies. Her non-fiction works include several online Christian articles and a collection of devotional booklets. She also has several Science Fiction/Fantasy based novels out in the market, one of which was invited the 2017 AJC Decatur Book Festival and the 2018 BookExpo in New York City. Oh, she also has a collection of children short stories in a book (it’s still only available in e-book format, for now. It was the first book ever that she had self e-published!).
Where does your author write their stories?
She prefers to sit back in her recliner and use her laptop. I like this because when I want, I can camp out on her chest. I’m small enough that she can still see over me and work while I get my time with her. (My cat sister is too big. When she tries to sit on her chest, mom can’t look over her very well!)
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
When she’s home from her other job and she’s writing, that is when she is sitting still long enough that I can curl up on her and get in a long nap time and keep her company with my purring.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
Ah well, [licks a paw and smooths her whiskers] I really have to think about that. I guess the only downside is when dinner is delayed because she is in her groove and needs to get the action in her mind onto the screen before the inspiration takes a nap again.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Most of her books are now on Amazon. There are earlier additions to some of the books that may be floating around on other e-book platforms. But the newer editions and new publications are on Amazon where the reader has a choice between Kindle or paperback formats.
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
I sleep most of the night with my mom and dad. Once morning feeding time is over, I usually play chase and tumble with my cat sister and cat mom. If mom is home from her other job and writing, I usually hang out with her until its time to romp and play again. I go through the house and make sure everything is in its place. If it is, and it suits my fancy, then I pull it down to play with it (unless it breaks). If it’s not in its place then I make sure to relocate it even further away. I patrol the doors and make sure the outside cats stay out. Then I cuddle up with my cat mom and cat sister and do some communal grooming then napping. After evening feeding time, we hang out with mom and dad then escort them to bed.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
[cat yawn] Oh, I guess to pass on that I’ve heard mom say she really likes sharing her stories and worlds to readers. She hopes they enjoy her characters and plots! [curls up to take a nap] Oh! [one eye pops open] She’s been working with a self-publisher on a book that she calls the “kitten manuscript”. Apparently, my sister and I are models for some of the characters in it. All I know is that its a children’s book and that its suppose to come out fairly soon. [yawns again] Title and release date will be announced in the near future. [She sleepily licks a paw and slits both eyes] Thank you for listening to my view of life! [curls up and sighs as she purrs herself to sleep]
My name is Mandy. I’m a chihuahua terrier mix and I’ll be 15 on June 15. I also have diabetes.
What is your favorite toy?
I don’t have one anymore, I’m blind now. I do like to play what I call the jerky game. My mom or dad tries to get my treat and I pretend to be mad and growl at them.
What is your favorite food?
I like cheese, chicken, pupperonis and milk bones.
Who is your author?
My author is my mom, S.W. Frontz.
What does your author write?
She writes mystery/crime fiction/romantic suspense books, a series called the Land’s End Series.
Where does your author write their stories?
She likes to write in her office, but I don’t like it there, so I bark and bark until she brings me back downstairs, so she works on her laptop on the couch beside of me.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
I get to pose with her books and have my pictures on her social media accounts.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
I don’t like it when she devotes her attention to her writing.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Amazon has Kindle and paperback versions.
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
I sleep until 9 or 10, then mom walks me, then feeds me my breakfast, then I get my morning shot. I nap, sit outside on the deck, sometimes mom takes me to visit my cousin Asher and then I have my supper and evening shot, then mom takes me for another walk, then I bark for fifteen minutes while my parents try to watch tv. Dad gives me treats and plays the jerky game with me and then I go to sleep for the night.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I hope everyone who reads will read my mom’s books.
Tell us a bit about you.
I am a USA Today Bestselling author who writes paranormal mysteries and romances because I love all things whodunit, Otherworldly, and weird. Also, I wish my pittie, the adorable Kona Princess Warrior, and my beagle, Josie the Incontinent Princess, could talk. Or at least be more like Scooby-Doo and help me unmask villains at the haunted house up the street.
When I’m not writing about mystery-solving werecougars or the adventures of a hapless psychic living among shapeshifters, I am preyed upon by stray kittens who end up living in my house because I can’t say no to those sweet, furry faces. (Someone stop telling them where I live!)
I live in Mid-Missouri with my family and I spend my non-writing time doing really cool stuff…like watching TV and cleaning up dog poop.
Tell us a bit about your book.
My most recent release is “Pit Perfect Murder” (actually a re-release) which combines supernatural elements in a pure cozy mystery. It was inspired by my pit bull/lab mix baby Kona. She makes me want to be a better human, and I couldn’t think of a more capable sidekick.
Blurb: When cougar-shifter Lily Mason moves to Moonrise, Missouri, she wishes for only three things from the town and its human population. . . to find a job, to find a place to live, and to live as a human, not a therianthrope.
Lily gets more than she bargains for when a rescue pit bull named Smooshie rescues her from an oncoming car, and it’s love at first sight. Thanks to Smooshie, Lily’s first two wishes are granted by Parker Knowles, the owner of the Pit Bull Rescue center, who offers her a job at the shelter and the room over his garage for rent.
Lily’s new life as an integrator is threatened when Smooshie finds Katherine Kapersky, the local church choir leader and head of the town council, dead in the field behind the rescue center. Unfortunately, there are more suspects than mourners for the elderly town leader. Can Lily keep her less-than-human status under wraps? Or will the killer, who has pulled off a nearly Pit Perfect murder, expose her to keep Lily and her dog from digging up the truth?
Fall in love with Lily Mason, the shifter who only wants to live as a human, and her pit bull Smooshie, a rescue dog who in the end may be the one doing the rescuing!
Who is your favorite character from the book?
I love Lily Mason and her dog Smooshie. Lily is so grounded in reality. She doesn’t have the flightiness of some heroines, and that makes her appealing on many levels.
What can’t that character live without?
A sense of purpose! She left her own hometown to find her only living relative, and she ended up finding a real home, but Lily can’t move forward day to day without reason. Working at the pit bull rescue shelter gives her that reason.
Tell us a little bit about your journey as an author.
I have been a published author since 2005, but as of 2014 I decided to take the journey into independent publishing. I put one word in the front the other until the story is done, then it goes to two beta reads, editing, and proofing before readers ever put their eyes on the books. One thing that traditional publishing taught me is that the story is only half the battle. As an indie author, I have to be just as professional as I was when under contract with a publisher.
Published works require more than just an author. What sort of team members do you have to help you reach the final point of publishing a work?
I answered this question above. I have great people to move the process along. I have critique partners, beta readers, an editor, and proofers. I have been a cover artist since 2005 as well, so I am lucky that I can do my own covers professionally.
What do you love most about being an author?
The storytelling. I love immersing myself into the worlds I create and living the lives of my characters in my mind. Most times they feel very real to me.
What do you dislike most about being an author?
The writing. After pounding away at the keyboard for hours on end, hands hurt, arms hurt, shoulders hurt, back hurts, and brain hurts. *grin*
What is the most important piece of advice you have for other writers and authors?
Never be precious about your words. Story matters, and if you have to cut pages of a manuscript to make it the best story possible, then do it. Also, when you get stuck, just keep writing (even if its bad—remember you can cut the bad) until you get unstuck.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
Coffee ranks at the top of my list, but I wouldn’t want to live without my family or my fur babies the most.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I’ve gone to my dream destination for my 25th wedding anniversary. I did a ten day tour of England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. I guess my second dream destination would be Greece. I like to explore ancient sites. I find them awe-inspiring.
What is your favorite TV show or movie?
This is soooo hard! I watch a lot of TV. One of my all time faves is Greys Anatomy. For movies, I go almost every Saturday night for date night with hubby. Right now, my current favorite is Maze Runner 3: The Death Cure. It was everything.
How can readers get their hands on your book(s)?
My books are available at most vendors. You can go to my website for direct links:
http://www.romance-the-night.com
What is the best way for folks to get in touch with you?
On social media platforms:
Social Media Links:
FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/reneesunusualsuspects/
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorreneegeorge/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reneegeorge2008 (Lots of pictures of my fur babies!)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_renee_george/
Newsletter Sign Up: http://eepurl.com/cwVrVf
Do you ever have moments of self-doubt or novel-doubt?
All the time. I think most writers have doubts. Not always about the story, but about whether they can be successful. It really hard to get in front of readers sometimes.
Are there any unpublished manuscripts you have created? Will you ever publish them?
Yes, and maybe. LOL
What would you like to tell or ask of your readers?
You all are the reason I keep going. When I was growing up, reading books was a pure escape for me from some really bad stuff in my life. I hope my books do the same for someone else.
If you could go back in time and meet anyone, who would it be?
I’ve already met Charlaine Harris, so I’m good.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I think you’ve covered it all! Thanks for the interview, Whiskers!
My humans named me Ash because of my fur color, but sometimes they call my Bad Ash Cat #badashcat because of my previous life before I found them and made them love me. I was stray until I was nine months old (according to the vet, but I don’t want to get into that, because that was almost as unpleasant as being a stray). I’ve been hit with water from hoses, I had worms and parasites, and someone shot me with a freaking BB gun. I still have a pellet in my back leg. But when I found my humans, I could tell there was something different about them. I camped out under their plants on their deck until they started feeding me. Once the food and water showed up on a daily basis, I knew they were hooked in my claws. I made friends with the pit bull, who let me tell you, loves to lick fur even more than I do, and that was that, they took me to vet, got me dewormed and de-parasited, spayed, and poked with a bunch of needles. But it wasn’t all bad, because after that I got to come inside the house and meet my brother Simon. (He’s another stray they took in, but I’m not going into that either, because this is all about me, not him.)
What is your favorite toy?
I have this round plastic flat thingy with a scratchy thingy in the middle and a ball that rolls around the outside. I could hit that ball for hours and often do just that. It’s cathartic.
What is your favorite food?
My human feeds me a strict Science Diet, but the youngest of the humans in the house gives me dental treat at night before he goes to bed. I really look forward to that crunchy little morsel.
Who is your author?
My human is author Renee George. She spends a lot of time in her easy chair. Which wouldn’t be bad if her lap wasn’t always full of that stupid laptop. I spend a lot of time supervising her from her desktop, and sometimes, I will join her on the chair for more one on one mentoring sessions.
What does your author write?
She writes paranormal romance and mysteries with humor, featuring strong female characters who love animals, even when they don’t have their own.
Where does your author write their stories?
In her office easy chair, but when it’s warm outside, she likes to write on her screened in porch.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
She is freaking home ALL THE TIME. I love it. I’m never lonely or hungry. I make few noises, and she’s there to scratch my head or tummy. It’s awesome.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
The few times she’s not at home, like when she goes to a conference. She leaves us with the male humans, and they’re great and all, but they are not her.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
http://www.romance-the-night.com or her lap. Either works.
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
My human gets up from bed, gets coffee, adds water to our drinking fountain, fills up the kibble, get to her desk. Me and my bro help her by chasing the floating arrow that flies across her screens while she checks her emails. After she does work at the desk on the big computer, she gets in her easy chair and watches a little TV while she cuddles us. Usually, Kona the pit bull joins the party at this time. You’d think my human’s lap wouldn’t be big enough for the three of us, but she manages. Josie, the crotchety old beagle that lives in the house, usually takes up her place on some pillows next to the chair. She sleeps a lot, so we leave her alone. After an hour of TV, my human sends us off her lap so she can replace us with that stupid laptop and begins to type.
My bro Simon and I make a playground out of the rest of the house while she works, so I’m not sure exactly what happens when we’re not in the room. Every once in a while things crash off shelves and tables, so my human will come out of the office to check to make sure we’re okay, you know, that the priceless bowl or cup full of tea or whatever hasn’t fallen on our heads. She yells at the objects for a little bit, just to make sure they don’t try to hit us again. She goes back to work after. Simon and I fall asleep on our cat tree in the late afternoon to her not so gentle typing (we sleep a lot), so I’m not really sure what she does during that time.
When the male humans come home, my author spends a lot of time in the kitchen area cooking up stuff that smells really good, but she never lets me eat. It’s one of the few things that I grudge about. She then watches TV in the living room with the oldest male until he goes to bed, and she starts writing again until she goes to bed. It’s pretty boring, but after nine months of hell on the streets, I like boring.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m very happy to be safe and in a home with humans who love me. My humans rock! Thanks so much, Whiskers. I think you have a pretty great human too.
My name is Tilly. I’m a green cheeked conure–a parrot, not just any ordinary bird, please. Chrys is my third mother. I was raised until I was fully fledged by my first mom and dad, and then a nice woman looked after me. When my second mom found out I needed more time than she could give me, Chrys took me home with her. I have a great time! When my mom is home, I’m with her. I have a big play area in the study, and a huge cage full of toys for when Chrys needs to go out to work.
What is your favorite toy?
My foraging toys. These are filled with my favourite snacks. And then Chrys adds shredded paper to make it harder for me to get them out. Bummer!
What is your favorite food?
Dried coconut. I love dried coconut!
Who is your author?
Chrys Cymri, my mom.
What does your author write?
She writes fantasy stories. One of the characters, a sarcastic cat-sized gryphon, is based on my mom’s previous bird (who very sadly died before I came to live with Chrys). The best character, though, is the snail shark called Clyde, because he’s based on me! He’s very sweet, but he can also bite when he doesn’t get his own way.
Where does your author write her stories?
She writes in the study. When I think she’s been working for too long, I fly down from my toys and demand that she scratches my head.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
I’m a video star! I crawl all over Chrys while she does a reading from one of her books. You can see me on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdZHwEqj0lg&t=6s
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
Sometimes mom wants to spend time writing instead of scratching my head. And surely I’m more important than any story? I’m real!
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Chrys publishes her books on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. The link to the first book in the ‘Penny White’ series is myBook.to/PWTemptationDragons
What does a typical day in your author pet life look like?
There is no typical day. Chrys is a full time Christian minister, so she is in and out of the house. Most of her writing is done on evenings and her day off.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m still waiting for one of her books to be dedicated to me. Surely I deserve it?
I am Gavin, a seven-year-old gray tabby Maine Coon. I currently rule over a small but vibrant kingdom in New York City where my citizens include a man with a cozy lap, a blonde lady who gives me wet food, and a shrill, excitable girl child who seems to have mistaken me for a toy.
What is your favorite toy?
A long, brightly hued ribbon.
What is your favorite food?
Friskies Wild West-flavored treats. They’re the Fritos of the cat world.
Who is your author?
My Author Mommy is Erin Bomboy. She gives me lots of scritchies and fresh water, but she’s always dancing around the apartment, which means she gets under my feet when I go for my daily prowls.
What does your author write?
In addition to writing fiction set in the dance world, Author Mommy also works as a dance critic. Naturally, as a cat, I’m a paragon of grace and poise, but I’ve learned a few things from her like how to increase my ballon when leaping from the console table to the sofa.
What is the best thing about being an author pet?
Author Mommy reads all her work aloud, so I get the scoop on the latest show in New York, plus I’m able to hear a good story without having to leave the comfort of my kingdom.
What is the hardest thing about being an author pet?
A computer usually occupies my Author Mommy’s lap.
Where should readers go to read your author’s work?
Readers can find Author Mommy (Erin Bomboy) at erinbomboy.com, dance-enthusiast.com, and Amazon.
What is your author’s latest book?
Author Mommy’s latest novel, The Pas de Deux: A Classical Ballet Romance, is about the love affair between a ballerina at the end of her career and the much-younger dancer with whom she falls in love. Although there’s more kissing than I’m used to, the story goes beyond the beats and tropes of the romance genre to deal with heavy topics like AIDS and the Armenian Genocide. It takes place in the ‘80s in Los Angeles, and I liked hearing about the fashion and the music. I would have looked totally tubular in a fluorescent-green, popped-collar shirt.
What is your author’s writing process?
On her first drafts, Author Mommy spends a lot of time sighing and staring into space. Once she has that down, she gets smiley because she enjoys the rewriting and editing process.
What do you dislike?
Waking up, hairballs, that one time Author Mommy got me shaved to look like a lion.
How do you practice self-care?
As a cat, my entire existence is devoted to self-care. I keep trying to get humans to understand the importance of a long grooming session, tasty treats, and extended naps, but they seem to think they need to go to work and wash dishes.
Tell us about yourself.
Hello, internet! I’m Courtney Bates-Hardy, and I’m the author of House of Mystery, a collection of poems about fairy tales. I love mermaids, comic books, and the sound my slippers make on hardwood floors. I dislike shrimp, winter, and loud chewing. I knit scarves obsessively in the winter for people I love, I try to go running whenever I can, and I’m always reading at least three books at once. I live in Regina with my husband, Christian, and our very cuddly cat, Jean Grey.
When did you start writing poetry?
In grade two, my teacher wanted the class to write something for Remembrance Day. That was the first time I wrote a poem. It was called “When War Ended,” and when I showed it to my teacher, she asked me to come down to the principal’s office with her. I was terrified, because I had never been told to go to the principal’s office before. I have a vivid memory of walking down that long hall wondering what I had done wrong. Imagine my relief when they asked me if they could put my poem in the school newsletter. I was hooked after that. Writing poetry got me through my very awkward teenage years, and I never really stopped.
Who is your favourite poet?
I love Romantic poetry—Coleridge, Shelley, Byron, but I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary Canadian poetry lately. I’ll read anything by Lorna Crozier or Anne Simpson—I think they’re both brilliant. I read Marry and Burn by Rachel Rose recently, and I can’t stop going back to many of the poems in that book. For poetry that also deals with fairy tales and monsters, I love Sandra Kasturi’s Animal Bridegroom and Helen Marshall’s Sex Lives of Monsters. Lastly, she’s not Canadian, but Matthea Harvey has a suite of mermaid poems in If the Tabloids are True, What Are You? that I’ve taped up over my desk at work so I can read them again and again.
Who is your favourite author?
I’m a huge fan of Angela Carter, Neil Gaiman, Audrey Niffenegger, Catherynne Valente, and Robin McKinley. I have so many books from these authors on my bookshelves at home. A friend recommended Valente’s work to me a year or two ago, so she is the most recent addition to this list. She’s incredibly prolific, so I haven’t read everything of hers yet. I highly recommend her Fairyland series to anyone who still feels cheated by Susan’s fate in The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s the best addition to the portal fantasy genre I’ve ever read, and fixes so many of the flaws of that genre. I just really love rich, gorgeous prose that just drips off the page. I think because my own style is so minimalistic, I can’t get enough when other authors really layer it on.
What is your favourite movie, comic, or book?
Ooo, I’m going to skip right to comic books on this question. I love comics, but I didn’t really start reading them until 2011 when I picked up Gail Simone’s run on Batgirl. That character really spoke to me at the time. She was newly healed from a traumatic injury, dealing with PTSD, and still kicking serious ass. At the time I was reading Batgirl, I had been in a couple car accidents, and was having a lot of trouble with my neck and back. I’d always been very active and athletic before the accidents, and the pain was taking a toll on my activity level. Reading about someone who was also healing from a previous injury was hugely inspiring for me. Other comics I love include Saga, Sex Criminals, Sandman, Locke and Key, The Wicked and the Divine, Monstress, Colder, and Clean Room.
How do you get rid of writer’s block?
For me, writer’s block means that I’ve been spending too much time on the output and need to focus on the input. So I do things like read more books, visit art galleries or museums, see friends, go for walks, and just live my life. You can’t drive a car without filling the tank up with gas, so you can’t expect to write anything halfway decent unless you’re doing things that fill up your brain.
Do you have any tips for aspiring poets?
Just write. I wrote a lot of shitty poems when I was starting off, and the only thing that made me better was writing more and reading poets I admired. I carry a notebook everywhere I go, and when I don’t have my notebook, I fill up the notes app on my phone with first lines, ideas, drafts, quotes, things I want to research later, or anything else that comes to mind. Also, make sure you’re reading other poets and getting a feel for what’s out there, what you like, what you dislike, and then apply that to your own writing.
Where can readers buy your poetry?
You can find House of Mystery on Amazon, Chapters-Indigo, McNally Robinson Booksellers, Barnes and Noble, or at your local library (for sure in Saskatchewan and Toronto).
About Courtney Bates-Hardy
Website – Twitter – Instagram
Courtney Bates-Hardy is the author of House of Mystery (ChiZine Publications, 2016) and a chapbook called Sea Foam (JackPine Press, 2013). Her poems have appeared in a variety of literary magazines, including Room, Carousel, and On Spec. They have also been featured in Imaginarium 4: The Best Canadian Speculative Writing. She holds a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Regina. She lives in Regina with her husband, Christian, and their cat, Jean Grey.
One of the things I love about doing honest book reviews from ARCs (advance review copies) is that I get to find some really talented authors. Kayla is one of these. She kindly offered her work The Council for a review. What I had to say was “Read this now.” It reminded me a bit of the Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling and a bit of the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness. Kayla graciously agreed to offer this interview and share some of her experience with writing that novel. Thanks Kayla!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a psychological horror/thriller writer originally from Roseville, Michigan. A few years back, I moved across the country to Texas where I currently live with my husband and son. I love to read and write things in the psychological fiction genre. When I get free time, I like to go for walks in the woods and listen to ‘80’s music. My favorite author is Stephen King—he’s actually the reason I began writing, but I also have a soft spot for Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare as well.
What are some of the challenges of being an author?
The biggest challenge of being an author to me is simply getting the time to write. Life can be hectic sometimes so there will be days or even weeks that pass without me getting the time to write which can be bad if I leave off in the middle of a scene.
What process or routine do you follow to get so much writing done?
My writing process is actually quite complicated. When I begin a new project, I first write it all down in a spiral college-ruled notebook with a fountain pen. Pen on paper helps me gather my thoughts better than writing on a computer. After I finish my first draft in the notebook, I transfer all the writing to loose-leaf paper that I keep in a binder. After this draft is when I finally type it on the computer and look for things such as plot holes or areas where characters need development.
Which of your books do you love the most? Why?
I love The Council the most because at its heart, it tells the story of a girl figuring out who she is in a chaotic world and I think that’s something everyone can relate to on some level.
Which of your books do you feel the least affection towards? Why?
I think I feel the least affection toward my series The Blood Moon trilogy. While this was the first series that I wrote, I feel that the idea of vampires and werewolves has been done to the point where people will judge my books without even giving them a chance.
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m working on a handful of projects including The Elemental Coven, book two of The Witch’s Ambitions trilogy as well as Comatose at Dusk, book five of the Rituals of the Night series.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Develop the toughest skin you can manage and then some. Writing is a hard business, and on most days you’ll want to bury your head in your pillows and stay there but there is light at the end of the tunnel if you have the determination and willingness to put in the effort it takes to get there. Just remember to write because it makes you happy. Don’t lose sight of that.
What do you want to know from readers?
From my readers, I’d like to know what it is about my work that drew them in to read something from me. First impressions are everything, after all. Being an indie author means news of my books travels by word of mouth. How did they hear from me and what made them decide to take the risk and show their literary love?
What do you want readers to know?
I appreciate every single person that takes time out of their day to read my work and support me. Writing is hard so having people who are there for me on days when I want to give up make all the difference. Without my readers, I’m nothing.
Where can readers find out more about your books or get in touch with you?
I’m available on just about every social media site known to man.
Here’s my most frequented sites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylakrantzwriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaylathewriter9
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14006736.Kayla_Krantz
WordPress: https://authorkaylakrantz.wordpress.com/home/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/108956159394665688329
Facebook is always the best way to get in touch with me.
What is your favorite movie, comic, or book?
My favorite movie of all time is the 1988 movie Heathers. This dark comedy appealed to my twisted sense of humor and strengthened my faith in my Rituals of the Night series. No matter how many times I watch it, I never get sick of it.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza. I don’t know why but I could eat pizza for every meal and never get sick of it.
Who is your favorite character from The Council?
Lilith is my favorite character because of the way she’s not afraid to speak her mind. She doesn’t care what other people think of her and will do what she needs to do for herself and to protect the people that she loves.
What can’t that character live without?
The truth. If something is bothering her, Lilith MUST get to the bottom of it at all costs.
Tell us a little bit about your journey as an author.
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. When I was in high school, I wrote a number of novella-length works but nothing too serious. Then I wrote my first series, The Blood Moon Trilogy. I never published it but instead, I moved onto the Rituals of the Night Series. I had written a handful of books for this series when I got the idea for The Council, my first fantasy book.
Published works require more than just an author. What sort of team members do you have to help you reach the final point of publishing a work?
I have a team of wonderful beta and advanced readers that give me essential story feedback before it goes onto my editor, Miss Crystal MM Burton to be polished and perfected. Finally, Laura Callender creates beautiful covers to help them stand out.
What do you love most about being an author?
That feeling I get when all the ideas I have for a novel begin to come together in complicated waves and I create a fantastic world from nothing. It’s the best feeling in the world.
What do you dislike most about being an author?
Promotion. Being that I’m a small-time author, I don’t have the funds to hire a PA or anything of the sort. That means that some time that should be devoted to writing, goes to promoting the books I have out instead.
What is the most important piece of advice you have for other writers and authors?
Never give up. Writing is a tough business but wear your battle scars proudly and never let anyone take away the joy it gives you.
What is your favorite TV show?
I love American Horror Story because of the way it takes taboo subjects and twists them psychologically to build on the horror and suspense. I feel like each season is fascinating because it blends real life horrors with fictional to create something truly unique and original.
Do you ever have moments of self-doubt or novel-doubt?
I have a lot of moments of self-doubt and I think that’s what makes me a better writer. I’m always looking for ways to improve my craft and without self-doubt I wouldn’t do whatever possible to make myself a better writer.
Are there any unpublished manuscripts you have created? Will you ever publish them?
I have handfuls of unpublished manuscripts, most of which were written during my high school days. A put a few up on my Wattpad page but I’ve never given them much serious thought. Maybe one day once I’ve finished writing my two series, I’ll look at the ones with potential and see if they can be polished up a bit.
If you could go back in time and meet anyone, who would it be?
I would love to meet Eminem. His music has been such a huge motivating factor in my life both writing-wise and otherwise. A lot of my characters were developed with the aid of his music, and I think it would be an amazing opportunity to sit down and talk with him about what inspired him to create his music.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I just want to say another big thank you to everyone supporting my writing career. Thank you for having me. It’s been fun!
]]> Our most recent guest is author and speaker, Adam Dreece. Adam Dreece is the best-selling author of The Yellow Hoods series, The Wizard Killer Episodes, and The Man of Cloud 9. He’s seen enormous success as a self-published author in just a few years.
Thanks for being with us here today Adam!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m a run of the mill dyslexic, severe asthmatic, chronic pain ‘enjoying’, prolific author. There are few incentives more great that pain on one side, and knowing that you’re “not supposed to be doing this”, to get you writing and building your author career and every day.
What is your favorite movie, comic, or book?
There are two recent movies that I feel capture two sides of me: Mr. Right and John Wick. I’ve been a HUGE comic book fan ever since I was about 7 years old. My favorites would shift depending on the writing, though my first favorites were Spider-Man, Iron Man, Superman, and Batman.
What are you most grateful for?
Despite my health challenges, I’m able to enjoy my family and do something I’m deeply passionate about. Every book has a “HOLY CRAP, I DID IT! I DID IT!” moment.
What is your favorite food?
Dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free pizza. My wife makes the most amazing crust, and we turn it into a true marvel like few others.
What does storytelling mean to you?
Storytelling for me is about creating a world, tale, and characters that the reader can really experience. I’m told that I write video, that people feel like they are standing right there in the room with the characters, and that’s what I’m after. It’s the oldest of human traditions, and in my mind, one of the most sacred. Without our stories, we are lost. Stories bring hope, warning, sorrow, joy, and more. There’s nothing like being a weaver of all that. Nothing.
Why self-published?
It’s all carpe diem, seize the day. After twenty-five years of doing nothing with my writing, I had two medical events in 2009/2010 that flipped my life upside down. I decided that I would not dream of being an author, but I would start now. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was committed to trying to learn as I go and outrun my mistakes.
What are some of the challenges of self-publishing?
There are many, so let’s look at three:
1. You are the everything department. From selecting an editor and cover, formatting and production, never mind MARKETING MARKETING MARKETING of the book. You have to make all of the decisions and everything is reliant on you. When I started, I knew nothing and had a mammoth amount to learn.
2. Echo-chamber. It’s very easy to isolate yourself from getting real feedback about what you’re writing. In particular, this is dangerous when you’re writing something that’s very unclear in terms of its audience. I’ve seen some works that were intended for a blur between two audiences however it had natural turn offs for both audiences. The net result? A lot of effort went into putting out a book that couldn’t be appreciated and was hammered in reviews. Getting some real feedback or hiring a development editor could have avoided the issue.
3. Time. On top of the writing, there’s social media engagement, newsletters, and all of those tasks that I mentioned in #1. Where’s the time? You’ve got to become ruthless with your time as well as make sure that you don’t severe the tie with those that support you the most. What’s the point of “succeeding” if it means you scorched the soil from which you grew it?
Which of your books do you love the most? Why?
I had to stop and think about this question. Right now, I’d say it’s the fifth and final installment in The Yellow Hoods. There’s some much emotion and power in that book, so many gets wrapped up, all the while so much new fertile ground is laid for where things are going. In particular, what happens with Tee and Elly gets me emotional just thinking about it.
Which of your books do you feel the least affection towards? Why?
It’s one thing to say that all of my books are my children, and I love all of them, but honestly there’s not one that I love less. I put my heart and soul in each and every one of them. Take The Man of Cloud 9, for example. To date, it’s my book that has sold the least, however I know that as a sci-fi thriller novel I’m building a nearly entirely new audience and that’s going to have a longer burn to build up a level of audience like The Wizard Killer did quickly. However, there’s is so much me in that book on so many levels, as well as so much misunderstanding of me in that book, that it will forever have a special place in my heart. It’s also a goodbye to my software career in many ways.
So what about the first book of the Yellow Hoods, Along Came a Wolf? That was me not just taking down the dream of being a writer off the shelf, taking it apart, and doing something about it, but it has a tenderness and sophistication that I know if I try to touch it, I will dispel the most important part of what enchants so many readers. Never mind that it was my daughter’s nudge, and a silly bedtime story that I told her, that created a crack in the damn of excuses which was that book, and it caused a best-selling series to gush out.
At the end of the day, maybe it’s because I leave nothing emotionally, intellectually, or imaginatively on the table when I write a book. I truly love each out and could go into details as to why.
What are you working on right now?
I’ve drafted my first non-fiction book which is about hand-selling books. It’s based on a popular seminar I’ve given a number of times. I’m also writing my first fantasy space-opera, Tilruna. Season One will launch in September and I’m going to bringing a whole universe into people’s lives.
There’s an extra-special part to Tilruna for me, which was a world and tale that I created for Dungeons and Dragons eons ago. I still have the duo-tang of notes for it. While what I’m doing uses in a limited way, the essence and mythos I created, are there. I’m SO excited about it.
You ran into a bit of a stumbling block by going Amazon exclusive. Can you offer a bit about what happened and where people can learn more from your experience?
For those that would like to know the full story, here’s my blog post and the YouTube videos (One, Two).
But in brief, I put my Yellow Hoods books into the KDP Select program around December 9th. I thought I’d see if I could get more readers from Kindle Unlimited. I did a hard push on promotions, and one of those came back to bite me. Whether its because they are directly associated with scammers, or because scammers are looking for victims through those that advertise with this particular service, I saw an unbelievable spike in my page read count (Amazon pays per page read). One day I had an extra 25k, the next day 0, then day three had 10k. All of those page reads were accounted for by the time I got up in the morning.
I reported it to Amazon, and they told me that there was nothing weird or wrong. Around January 12th, I was informed that my account was being terminated. All of my books vanished.
They ended up restoring my books and apologizing. The department that had told me everything was fine was supposed to have shared my emails with the anti-fraud department as a matter of protocol, but didn’t. Well, the fraud folks detected bots reading my books.
Scammers will upload their fake books (i.e. nonsense books or books with the same page 1000 times or whatever) and will use bots to read them, generating money for them. However, to make those bots harder to detect, the scammers will make them read other peoples books. Amazon assumes that if someone is benefiting from it, i.e. the innocent author who would potentially get 5 cents from the reads, is in on it. Then wham, author gets shutdown hard. In Amazon’s defense, this is an extremely hard problem to resolve, and I believe they’re looking at ways to get better at determining those that are in on it versus those who are innocent victims.
You have developed significant success in such a short period of time. How did you do it? How do you feel about it?
One of the things that I’m notoriously bad at is recognizing what I’ve actually accomplished and appreciating it. I feel like I’m in a kayak looking at the rapids ahead and getting all tense, not realizing how far down the river I’ve gone. It’s by spending time helping out other authors, which I try to make sure I do each and every week, that helps me realize I have things to offer that I picked up along the way.
How did I do it? Sacrificing 90%+ of my TV time and all of my video game time was one of the things. Another was by giving myself deadlines that were hard but achievable, and sticking to them.
I had no idea what I was doing, but I wasn’t willing to let that stop me.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Give yourself permission to make a mess. Also, if anyone’s discouraging you or trying to help you by telling you “the hard truth,” find a way to block them out.
What do you want to know from readers?
I love hearing what touched them, what moments or characters did they connect with.
Where can readers find out more about your books?
My books are available at Indigo, Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, GooglePlay, Barnes and Noble and elsewhere.
Also, you can get ISBNs and other details to order them from your favorite store here.
They can also find me on Instagram @AdamDreece, Twitter @AdamDreece, and on Facebook /AdamDreeceAuthor.
There’s also my blog.
AND lastly, if anyone would like an “Adam Dreece 3 book sampler”, go here.
]]>Thank you for agreeing to be featured here today as the Author Spotlight guest.
I recently finished the first book in your Bound series and immediately picked up your second. It was a great YA read that kept me up to the early morning hours.
Could you offer a bit about the Bound series?
The Bound series is my baby. Bound by Duty is the first book I ever wrote and I’ve been absolutely astonished at the response I’ve received to the series. I write clean, coming of age stories and with Bound, my focus was really on telling a layered, complex story through the eyes of those directly affected. I used multiple POVs as the series progressed to show you the other side of things and wanted to hone in on what it takes as an 18-year-old (with or without powers) to determine the person you want to be and what you’re willing to do to become that person.
Do you have a favorite character in the series?
Bethany is probably my favorite. She is truly a hybrid of my best friends throughout my lifetime and she’s the exact grounding that Amelia needed throughout the story.
What would that character’s (or the main character if no favorite) favorite ice cream be?
Bethany – likely twist. She wants the best of both worlds.
Tell us a little bit about your journey as an author.
This was a journey I never expected to be on. I never wanted to be an author but one day the story appeared and I couldn’t not write it. Or the next one. Or the next three. I quit my dream job to make time in my life for writing and marketing my books and I hope to one day be full time. My first series is self-published and my next stand alone book is currently being queried to agents so I can make the jump to hybrid publishing.
What is one lesson you’ve learned as a self-published independent author?
Being an author isn’t about writing books, it’s about being an entrepreneur. It’s about investing time, money, sanity, tears and sleep for something you believe in more than anyone else can fathom. If all you want to do is write the books, don’t expect success because it’s impossible. It sounds harsh, but it really is true. Between my day job and writing/marketing, I’ve put in 80+ hour weeks for more than three years.
Is there something about the industry – a piece of advice or an idealized image – that you’ve learned to be completely true or untrue?
No one cares as much about your books as you. No one will work as hard (i.e. a vendor, publicist, etc.), no one will have your expectations and no one will want to put in the hours. This isn’t a one man show, you need other people, but you have to give them a break when it comes to your expectations because they simply cannot be as passionate about your work as you are.
Is there something you would like readers to know, or would like to know from your readers?
I would love to tell readers that my joy comes from connecting with you. I try to develop layered characters who have gone through their own personal traumas (we all have!) but don’t let those traumas define them. I want to show you that growing up is hard but doable and that it’s so much easier when you surround yourself with the right people. I hope you see that mistakes will happen but the real truth is what you do once you’ve acknowledged the mistake. My books are about helping you live your best life, so I hope you find someone to connect to in the story that touches you.
What is one thing that always brings a smile to your face?
Getting messages from readers! Nothing makes my day more than a tweet, review or Facebook post from someone who has read my books.
What keeps you grounded/sane during the intensive creative and business moments of being a self-published author?
My husband. He reminds me that in order to write about life, I have to live it. He gets me out of my cave and he always makes me laugh.
What is your favorite place?
Anywhere I can put my feet in an ocean (and preferably have someone bring me a glass of wine).
What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
My laptop. I can hand write, but there’s something about the connection to the keys that I need.
What is your favorite TV show?
NCIS, but that’s now debatable with Michael Weatherly (aka Tony DiNozzo) gone.
How can readers get their hands on the Bound books?
You will find them on every e-book retailer, with the first book (Bound by Duty) always FREE! And the paperbacks are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble (online or requested at your local store) and Book Depository.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I write because books were the place I escaped to growing up. They were my sanity and my closest friends. I can only aspire to write a book that touches someone like books have touched me. I do hope you stick around to see where I go from here. J
Thank you Stormy. Interested in reaching out to Stormy or following her? Check out her website http://www.stormysmith.com/
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