I'm happy to welcome Stephanie Campbell to my blog. I particularly love her answer to the final question! Too funny!
I'm Stephanie Campbell, the author of Dragon Night at Musa publishing. Thank you so much for providing us the opportunity to be interviewed! I have also enclosed a picture, just in case.
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!)
I got my first book published at the age of seventeen. Now, I am the author of multiple novels with many more on the way for this upcoming year. I mostly write YA novels in all genres, but I’ve written in pretty much every genre. One of the reasons why I became a writer is so that I can experience different types of situations that I can’t in real life.
http://stephaniecampbellreleases.weebly.com/
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer?
I actually do different things, so a “writing session” for me is hard to define. I am very much a creature of habit. I sit down and I re-read the last two paragraphs of what I was working on last to get my scheme. I then pick up the scene in my head again. Sometimes I wonder if other writers see their work in the same way—for example, I actually see my scene. I barely notice that I’m actually typing. I edit my work at a different time.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!)
Both. I run in the morning and use a banded bra to keep from chafing. I swap out for an underwire later. I’ve been stabbed by underwire bras a few times, though. They make me nervous.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I have different pen names. I use them to separate writing interests for my readers. People expect Stephanie Campbell to write YA. It’s more simple that way. I suppose I’m worried about stalkers—I have a handful to speak of right now. I once had a set of anonymous letters on my doorstep. You have no idea how chilling that is.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I take on the personality traits of my book characters. If my character is angry, so am I. The more intense the scene, the more intense my personality gets in real life. I don’t run around stabbing people, but people have noticed the changes in my personality. I guess I don’t have a line between my work and reality. You can’t take the writer out of me.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
I have a lovely book of character names that has meanings. If I write about a mean, vindictive character, I will find a name that means mean and vindictive.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career?
I run every morning. I stand ten minutes out of every hour. When my writing hours are done, I stay on my feet. I am actually not that sedentary. I even write on my dresser so I can stand up.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!)
I prefer dogs, but I like cats. I like it because a dog wants to cuddle and get hugs. (At least my dogs do.) They also remind me that there is a life outside of my office.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
The internet is such a wonderful thing. If I have an idea, then I get a piece of paper and write a school-style report. I use that to keep my book up to par.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
Someone once told me that my books made them hungry…I still can’t figure out why. I haven’t written a single book about food.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Ten questions answered by Rebecca York!
I'm so pleased to post answers to my Ten Questions for Authors from my friend and mentor Rebecca York. She's a best selling author of romance and paranormal books that are a delight to her fans.
From Rebecca York
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please?
I write mainly paranormal romantic suspense. I love plotting stories featuring men and women falling in love against a background of suspense and danger. My latest series is Decorah Security, about a detective agency where the agents have paranormal powers or take on paranormal cases. The first three are out on Amazon and B&N. Dark Moon has a werewolf hero. Chained is a novella with a hero who’s a ghost–or maybe he isn’t. Ambushed is a short story where the hero relies on his special instinct for danger.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or less?
I get up, check e-mail, tweet, finally get to writing and work until I’ve written ten pages. That might take three or four hours, or I might still be working at ten p. m. I start each session editing yesterday’s work. I write fast, knowing I will revise later.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded?
Banded
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I picked my pen name years ago when having one was the industry standard for romance writers.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I never work at a desk. I always use a laptop. Either in bed or in a comfortable chair. I never write with a pen or pencil if I can avoid it.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
For first names, I look at the Social Security baby name data base and pick a name that’s either popular or one I like a lot.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing a sedentary career?
I try to exercise for at least a half hour to forty-five minutes every day. I get up and do work around the house to break up writing sessions. If I’m on a phone call I know will be long, I get up and walk while talking.
8) Dogs or cats, and why?
I like both dogs and cats, but I travel a lot and it’s easier to have someone come in and take care of a cat.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
I try to visit the location where I’m setting a story to pick up details unique to the area. These days, I do a lot of research on the internet.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment made about your writing?
I once read an article I’d written to my critique group. When I’d finished, one of the women said, “That was discombobulated, unstructured and boring.” I think she was feeling hostile because she was having trouble organizing her work.
From Rebecca York
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please?
I write mainly paranormal romantic suspense. I love plotting stories featuring men and women falling in love against a background of suspense and danger. My latest series is Decorah Security, about a detective agency where the agents have paranormal powers or take on paranormal cases. The first three are out on Amazon and B&N. Dark Moon has a werewolf hero. Chained is a novella with a hero who’s a ghost–or maybe he isn’t. Ambushed is a short story where the hero relies on his special instinct for danger.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or less?
I get up, check e-mail, tweet, finally get to writing and work until I’ve written ten pages. That might take three or four hours, or I might still be working at ten p. m. I start each session editing yesterday’s work. I write fast, knowing I will revise later.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded?
Banded
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I picked my pen name years ago when having one was the industry standard for romance writers.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
I never work at a desk. I always use a laptop. Either in bed or in a comfortable chair. I never write with a pen or pencil if I can avoid it.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please?
For first names, I look at the Social Security baby name data base and pick a name that’s either popular or one I like a lot.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing a sedentary career?
I try to exercise for at least a half hour to forty-five minutes every day. I get up and do work around the house to break up writing sessions. If I’m on a phone call I know will be long, I get up and walk while talking.
8) Dogs or cats, and why?
I like both dogs and cats, but I travel a lot and it’s easier to have someone come in and take care of a cat.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
I try to visit the location where I’m setting a story to pick up details unique to the area. These days, I do a lot of research on the internet.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment made about your writing?
I once read an article I’d written to my critique group. When I’d finished, one of the women said, “That was discombobulated, unstructured and boring.” I think she was feeling hostile because she was having trouble organizing her work.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Ten question for Cornell Deville
Welcome YA Musa author Cornell Deville! He has a book trailer on YouTube. Pretty cool and something I need to learn more about. He and I use similar techniques for naming characters.
Ten Questions for Authors:
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!) I write middle grade and young adult fiction. I primarily focus on urban fantasy, a little paranormal, and a bit of thriller for the younger readers. My website is www.cornelldeville.com. I also have a mini website devoted to my new release, Lost in the Bayou. You can also find a book trailer on YouTube if you google the title.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer?
I typical writing session for me usually begins by reading the last paragraph I wrote during the previous session and doing some editing on it. I'm one of those writers who edits as they go. It saves me tons of time at the end when I actually start on the real "editing" portion. I sometimes connect with Pandora and find some music that inspires me, depending on what I'm writing at the time.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!)
It depends on my mood that day.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I do use a pen name. I wanted something unique, and I learned there are several famous people with my name running around out there.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
It may not be exceptionally odd, but I usually picture the screenplay in my mind as I'm writing. I even select the actors to play the various roles and keep them in mind as I write the action and the dialogue.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your chracters, please?
Naming characters is a hard activity. I visit the baby name sites, but I usually just wait until something pops into my head that sounds right. My innocent heroines typically have what I would consider a "soft" name constructed with soft sounds like "ch" "sh". Villains can take a harder consonant like a "K" or a hard "C" or "Qu". It just has to sound right for the character before I use it.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career?
I quit smoking a year and a half ago. That was a huge help. Other than that, just take a break every couple of hours and get some exercise and fresh air. And put the dark chocolate in the other room so you have to burn a few calories to get to it.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!) Both, actually. We have a bichon-poodle (poobie) named Hannah and a white Himalayan Persian cat named Billy (Sir William if you please.)
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
Googling is my weapon of choice for research. Then making certain to verify everything before incorporating it. Wikipedia is also a good source.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
One reviewer recently floored me when she said my writing in Lost in the Bayou reminded her of Stephen King and he'd better watch out. It made my day.
Ten Questions for Authors:
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!) I write middle grade and young adult fiction. I primarily focus on urban fantasy, a little paranormal, and a bit of thriller for the younger readers. My website is www.cornelldeville.com. I also have a mini website devoted to my new release, Lost in the Bayou. You can also find a book trailer on YouTube if you google the title.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer?
I typical writing session for me usually begins by reading the last paragraph I wrote during the previous session and doing some editing on it. I'm one of those writers who edits as they go. It saves me tons of time at the end when I actually start on the real "editing" portion. I sometimes connect with Pandora and find some music that inspires me, depending on what I'm writing at the time.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!)
It depends on my mood that day.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers?
I do use a pen name. I wanted something unique, and I learned there are several famous people with my name running around out there.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write?
It may not be exceptionally odd, but I usually picture the screenplay in my mind as I'm writing. I even select the actors to play the various roles and keep them in mind as I write the action and the dialogue.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your chracters, please?
Naming characters is a hard activity. I visit the baby name sites, but I usually just wait until something pops into my head that sounds right. My innocent heroines typically have what I would consider a "soft" name constructed with soft sounds like "ch" "sh". Villains can take a harder consonant like a "K" or a hard "C" or "Qu". It just has to sound right for the character before I use it.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career?
I quit smoking a year and a half ago. That was a huge help. Other than that, just take a break every couple of hours and get some exercise and fresh air. And put the dark chocolate in the other room so you have to burn a few calories to get to it.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!) Both, actually. We have a bichon-poodle (poobie) named Hannah and a white Himalayan Persian cat named Billy (Sir William if you please.)
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that?
Googling is my weapon of choice for research. Then making certain to verify everything before incorporating it. Wikipedia is also a good source.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
One reviewer recently floored me when she said my writing in Lost in the Bayou reminded her of Stephen King and he'd better watch out. It made my day.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Welcome, Musa Publishing author, Cordelia Dinsmore!
An author of YA and children's books joins us today as a guest blogger today. Cordelia Dinsmore has some really fun responses to our ten questions!
) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!) I write for kids, from picture books to young adult. I love writing rhyming picture books, especially for the kids in my life, but I enjoy writing middle grade and young adult for my own enjoyment. I’ve been a foster mom to many young people, and I use my writing to come to terms with the experiences I’ve had in that area of my life. My website is http://cordeliadinsmore.blogspot.com.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer? I use the BIC method – sit with my butt in the chair and make my fingers move. Sometimes I think it would be easier to go outside and relocate my house.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!) I’m a free spirit. Need I say more?
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers? I do, but only because I thought it would be a fun thing to do. Mine is a combination of one of my favorite childhood favorites – Elsie Dinsmore – who was old before my birth, and Cordelia, because I just love the sound of that name.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write? It may not be odd, but my characters actually talk to me. A brand new character may first approach me while I’m soaking in the tub, and she (I don’t allow males in the bathroom while I’m bathing) will just start telling me her story like we’ve been best friends forever. It freaks me out at times, but it also makes my characters completely real to me. Except for the purple elephant. She’s still a bit iffy.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please? It depends. Some of my character names could be interchanged with any other name, but certain ones have to be exactly who they are. Sometimes I will know a character’s name, and what her/his role is going to be. Then I’ll look up the meaning of the name on a search engine, and it completely fits with that particular character. Weird? Maybe. But that’s how it’s happened so far.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career? Eat one piece of chocolate every hour.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!) Both. My menagerie of one dog and two cats keep me company while I write. If I don’t know where they are, I can’t concentrate.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that? I haven’t done a lot of researching yet, but I use Google periodically. For a YA novel that is temporarily on hold, I made numerous telephone calls to Tennessee Technical College and the county extension office in Cookeville, Tennessee. They were amazingly helpful, and I still owe one of the ladies there a signed copy (when it eventually is publishable).
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
HA! It was in regards to a rather unique bovine star of a Chapter Book I wrote. I had a dairy farmer friend read it, and he said I absolutely nailed the cow personality. I don’t know if that was a compliment or not. This has certainly been a lot of fun. Thanks for having me!
) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? (don't forget your web page address!) I write for kids, from picture books to young adult. I love writing rhyming picture books, especially for the kids in my life, but I enjoy writing middle grade and young adult for my own enjoyment. I’ve been a foster mom to many young people, and I use my writing to come to terms with the experiences I’ve had in that area of my life. My website is http://cordeliadinsmore.blogspot.com.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer? I use the BIC method – sit with my butt in the chair and make my fingers move. Sometimes I think it would be easier to go outside and relocate my house.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: underwire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!) I’m a free spirit. Need I say more?
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers? I do, but only because I thought it would be a fun thing to do. Mine is a combination of one of my favorite childhood favorites – Elsie Dinsmore – who was old before my birth, and Cordelia, because I just love the sound of that name.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write? It may not be odd, but my characters actually talk to me. A brand new character may first approach me while I’m soaking in the tub, and she (I don’t allow males in the bathroom while I’m bathing) will just start telling me her story like we’ve been best friends forever. It freaks me out at times, but it also makes my characters completely real to me. Except for the purple elephant. She’s still a bit iffy.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please? It depends. Some of my character names could be interchanged with any other name, but certain ones have to be exactly who they are. Sometimes I will know a character’s name, and what her/his role is going to be. Then I’ll look up the meaning of the name on a search engine, and it completely fits with that particular character. Weird? Maybe. But that’s how it’s happened so far.
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career? Eat one piece of chocolate every hour.
8) Dogs or cats, and why? (don't say "neither" because even if you don't have one, choosing is informative!) Both. My menagerie of one dog and two cats keep me company while I write. If I don’t know where they are, I can’t concentrate.
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that? I haven’t done a lot of researching yet, but I use Google periodically. For a YA novel that is temporarily on hold, I made numerous telephone calls to Tennessee Technical College and the county extension office in Cookeville, Tennessee. They were amazingly helpful, and I still owe one of the ladies there a signed copy (when it eventually is publishable).
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing?
HA! It was in regards to a rather unique bovine star of a Chapter Book I wrote. I had a dairy farmer friend read it, and he said I absolutely nailed the cow personality. I don’t know if that was a compliment or not. This has certainly been a lot of fun. Thanks for having me!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Guest blogger, Dominique Eastwick
I recently asked the authors at Musa Publishing to be guest bloggers by answering ten questions. Some of the questions were for fun, but all got interesting results. Here is my first guest, Dominique Eastwick. With more to come, this may be another way to find yourself some new beloved authors!
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? I write erotic romance Heavy on the Romance. I write both Contemporary and Paranormal romance, with strong heroine to help control those stronger alpha males.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer? I don't think I have a typical writing session I write when I can and edit when I take my son to Tae Kwon Do. But when I do write I tend to write to instrumental music and have to turn everything off including the Internet.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: under-wire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!) Boxer briefs :) Hows that for decision, and for myself Banded unless I am going out then its under-wire.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers? Yes I use a pen name I don't feel I need the PTA giving me a hard time. And they would. Silly women with nothing better to do.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write? Odd? Hmmm lets see the oddest thing is that my Muse and I do not seem to be on the same schedule.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please? For my men I always pick a characteristic then find what the meaning is. But for the Sherman Series all the mates for the siblings there names had to fit into the title. Hunter for Hunting JC, Haven for Tony's Haven, Killoran for Killing Lucas ect...
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career? I do a lot of chair dancing LOL
8) Dogs or cats, and why? Both... sorry, I love that my dog is always at my feet when I write and makes me get up from the computer every now and then to play with her, and I love that my cat curls up behind my monitor to watch me work :)
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that? I love research, I research mainly on line these days but every now and then I have to get out there and do it. I went to Boston and ate at restaurant I plan to use in my book, walked the routes I have my characters walk and remember what the city is like. I try not to write about places I haven't been to first hand.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing? Honestly it was the comment about a short story they complained that it was too short that I hadn't gone into depth about the couple and their back ground. And that they wanted more. Compliment about the more part, but it was supposed to be a short story no more then 8000 words. But the best was that she complained that the book was a hook up book. I am not really sure what she expected from a series names 1 Night Stand.
My Links
Website http://www.dominiqueeastwick.com/
Blog Spot http://dominiqueeastwick.blogspot.com
Facebook http://facebook.com/dominique.eastwick
1) A short paragraph on what you write about and the genre, please? I write erotic romance Heavy on the Romance. I write both Contemporary and Paranormal romance, with strong heroine to help control those stronger alpha males.
2) What is a typical writing session like, in 300 characters or fewer? I don't think I have a typical writing session I write when I can and edit when I take my son to Tae Kwon Do. But when I do write I tend to write to instrumental music and have to turn everything off including the Internet.
3) Men: boxers or briefs? Women: under-wire or banded? (apparently people want to know this!) Boxer briefs :) Hows that for decision, and for myself Banded unless I am going out then its under-wire.
4) If you use a pen name, why? If you don't, do you worry about stalkers? Yes I use a pen name I don't feel I need the PTA giving me a hard time. And they would. Silly women with nothing better to do.
5) What is the oddest thing about your writing or the way you write? Odd? Hmmm lets see the oddest thing is that my Muse and I do not seem to be on the same schedule.
6) Give us a glimpse into how you choose the names of your characters, please? For my men I always pick a characteristic then find what the meaning is. But for the Sherman Series all the mates for the siblings there names had to fit into the title. Hunter for Hunting JC, Haven for Tony's Haven, Killoran for Killing Lucas ect...
7) Any thoughts on staying healthy while pursuing such a sedentary career? I do a lot of chair dancing LOL
8) Dogs or cats, and why? Both... sorry, I love that my dog is always at my feet when I write and makes me get up from the computer every now and then to play with her, and I love that my cat curls up behind my monitor to watch me work :)
9) If you research, what's your method? If you don't, how do you get away with that? I love research, I research mainly on line these days but every now and then I have to get out there and do it. I went to Boston and ate at restaurant I plan to use in my book, walked the routes I have my characters walk and remember what the city is like. I try not to write about places I haven't been to first hand.
10) What is the most interesting or outrageous comment you've heard/read about your writing? Honestly it was the comment about a short story they complained that it was too short that I hadn't gone into depth about the couple and their back ground. And that they wanted more. Compliment about the more part, but it was supposed to be a short story no more then 8000 words. But the best was that she complained that the book was a hook up book. I am not really sure what she expected from a series names 1 Night Stand.
My Links
Website http://www.dominiqueeastwick.com/
Blog Spot http://dominiqueeastwick.blogspot.com
Facebook http://facebook.com/dominique.eastwick
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