Q&A: Mystery Author Sean Keefer

While growing up in South Carolina, Sean didn't realize it, but he was absorbing the styles, mannerisms, idiosyncrasies, dialects and the culture of his home.   Add to this the time he spent traveling the other Carolina for school and then North America for work, he collected a vast array of experiences and observations from which to draw upon and bring together in his writing.

After studying law in North Carolina, Sean settled in Charleston, South Carolina and instantly became enamored with the people as well as the city.  

One day he started writing and the words, generally, kept flowing. A page became a chapter which ultimately became a book known as The Trust.  After this the process started again and The Solicitor was the end result. Hopefully, if you are reading this you either have, or soon will have, your very own copy of one or both.   

The experience of taking two novels from conceptualization to print has been one of frustration peppered with increasing amounts of reward.  Each step from the first words hitting the page to ultimately holding a book in hand has been a personal reward.

When Sean is not writing he practices Family Law and works as a Domestic Mediator and lives with his Wife and an ever-expanding pack of rescue canines – the current count is 4.  As well, Sean can frequently be found wandering the lowcountry of South Carolina with his camera, playing guitar in assorted venues around Charleston or exploring the underwater world of the southeast.

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As a book bloggin’ and book luvin’ Princess, I’m always curious to find out how authors got the ideas for their books.  How did you come up with the idea for your book?

In South Carolina, where The Solicitor is set, we call out prosecuting attorneys or district attorneys, solicitors. Years back there was a particularly nasty election for the position of solicitor in the judicial district where I live. I began thinking about one of the candidates being murdered and the

new solicitor’s first case being the prosecution of the alleged murderer of his former political rival. This expanded and became The Solicitor.

Can you tell us what your book is about?

Building on the above, after one of the candidates for solicitor in Charleston County is murdered, his friend, Noah Parks is charged with his murder. The story is about Noah’s quest to clear his name and find the real killer.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters of your book?

The main character is a local Charleston, South Carolina attorney who has been charged with murder.  Together with the help of his fiancée, Anna Beth Cross and his best friend, Charleston police detective, Emmett Gabriel, he will attempt to prove he didn’t commit this crime.

There to fight him at every step for the way will be the newly minted Charleston County solicitor, S. Bart Michaels who is intent in seeing Noah convicted for the death of Andrew Stephens.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

I have written legal thrillers for so long, I can’t see myself writing anything else.  If I did, it would likely be a mystery about a dog owning crime solving guitar player.

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

My favorite place to write is in a hotel lobby.

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

            I am fortunate to hear from a number of my readers. Their message is always the same.  Quite your day job and write full time.  They tell me they want more books.  I am always flattered and humbled when I hear this.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

            I have never had any tough criticism. Rather, every person who has provided me feedback has given me something that I have taken away to make my writing better. I understand that not everyone will read my books the same way. But I always work to provide readers the best book possible and listen to anything they have to say.

What has been your best accomplishment?

            Receiving feedback from people who have enjoyed my books.

Do you Google yourself?

            I used to, but rarely do anymore.  However, I do have a confession, after I read this question, I did just that. It appears I am still here.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

            Two – one nonfiction book that is being edited and the third book in the Noah Parks mystery series that is in progress.

Fun question – if you were princess or prince, what’s one thing you would do to make your kingdom a better place?

            I would probably abdicate my title and go do something productive with the people.

Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your readers?

            A portion of all proceeds from my writing are donated to canine causes.

Q&A with Self-Help Author Cristina G

Cristina G. was born in Romania during one of the harshest communist regimes that ever existed.

The tenth child of a farmer’s family, she has six sisters and used to have four brothers, now only two.

Aged eight, she read Les Misérables by Victor Hugo and fell irremediably in love with books. Since then she kept dreaming of writing for many years, and she wrote a lot, but never thought of publishing.

In 2012, after living in Italy for ten years, Cristina became a blogger.

In June of 2014, with the help of a British friend, she moved to the UK. Here, although her expectations were not great, Cristina fulfilled the dream she never dared to dream before.

Cristina G. is now a registered author and dedicates her life to writing focusing on human behaviour, emotions and feelings.

Her latest book is the self-help/nonfiction, It’s Never Game Over.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Can you tell us what your book is about?

Of course.

My book, It’s Never Game Over, is all about discipline, building self-esteem/self-confidence and finding motivation and inspiration.

It’s about purpose and following your dreams despite the vicissitudes of life.

Can you give us an excerpt?

With pleasure.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve

Since we are born, we are told that we cannot have everything we want in our lives. Then we are taught to prioritise, sacrifice, compromise, adapt, and accept. Which is great. I appreciate all of that. If we learn to master all these without becoming despondent, then we are superhumans. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy.

We start doing all the above in stages (or all at once) and force ourselves to make all sorts of compromises, for that’s life.

We go to jobs we don’t like because we need to pay the bills or maintain a family;

We are friends with people we don’t have anything in common with because everybody says that we have to accept others’ differences or because we don’t like solitude;

We marry or get into relationships with humans we don’t resonate with because they are not right for us. And the examples could continue indefinitely of course.

All these are choices. Nobody can force us to be friends or marry someone we don’t like or who doesn’t make us happy. Unless your culture is still imposing or allowing arranged marriages.

As you read many times in the previous chapters, everything we do or do not do is a decision. Therefore, if you stay in a relationship with a person who abuses you, it means it’s your decision. Some beasts threaten to kill you or your children if you leave. What happens if you stay though? How do you feel? How are your children feeling? Would you sleep at night knowing that your partner would rather murder you instead of letting you free? Have you ever heard of associations that defend and help these people? They are hugely publicised on TV, radio, internet. I am sure you saw movies, documentaries, shows, celebrities discussing this subject very closely. Then why are still with a person who hits you and your child? Ask for help right now. Please, don’t find excuses. Don’t say you don’t have internet, a phone, or a friend that could help you. You are reading this book which means you have access to something.

In Romania, people get and remain married for 30-50 years. My parents got married at eighteen and at eighty-three they are still together. How many years is that? Would you say it’s extraordinary? Would you think they had a good life together? As their child, I know they were not so happy. But in my country (not only, of course), people still think couples should stay together until death do them part. Some would never even consider separating. Divorcing is a sin in both Orthodox and Catholic religions, and my fellow nationals decide to respect that vow. Regardless of the fact they don’t go to church or believe in God.

However, the youngest generations have started to adapt to the western culture and get divorced 2 years after (2 is just a number, take your pick) they swore eternal love until the last breath. Priests are not so radical anymore. Thank God for that.

In 40 years, I have seen and witnessed very closely several marriages. All of them were love matrimonies between a man and a woman. Nothing remarkable here. Spectacular though, was the velocity with which the endless love turned into pure hate. People who frequented each other for 3-7 years, a week after living under the same roof discovered they knew nothing about the significant other. When in front of the judge they said that incompatibility brought them to take the decision to ask for a divorce.

“For how long have you two known each other?” enquired a judge.

“5 years,” replied the man.

“In 5 years you didn’t manage to understand that you are not meant one for another?”

“No, your honour,” said the woman. “He lied to me. He either hid his true nature or he changed overnight.”

Changing is doable, of course. This book speaks about it. However, only a few people choose to change. The truth is that Love is not eternal. Love can be a caprice, a physical desire, a friendship, an infatuation, or the terror of being alone. Many can’t distinguish between the many types or forms of the most magical sentiment of them all.

Humans are taught, told, and forced to compromise and sacrifice. Women are better than men at compromising but are also very naïve. Women see the true nature of the man they are in love with. They are not fooled, they fool themselves when they think that a man will change for them. And if he doesn’t, women start to pretend….”

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

You are such a lazy bugger! Get up! Take the pen. Write. Now!

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

I can write for fifteen hours every day I sit on my bed rather than on a chair.

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

Yes, often. Besides asking me out, (kidding), my readers say it’s hard to distinguish between genuine authors and business people. 

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

“Good literature takes time. Wait.” This came from a highly educated person who reads a lot. Despite agreeing with him, I took it very badly. I read an awful lot too, and I believe that my books are great. And this is only the beginning. We all need to start somewhere and somehow. If you never take a risk, you never fail. Pardon, I meant to say, “If you never take a risk, you never win.”

What has been your best accomplishment?

English is my third language. I have published my first book one year after I moved to the UK. Previous to that I studied English for almost four months only.

The book, a memoir, Oranges at Christmas in a Communist Country became live on Christmas day of 2015. A very memorable day for all my fellow nationals.

More than an accomplishment, it was an enormous risk and I paid a very high price for it.

Nevertheless, I am very proud of myself because of that.

Do you Google yourself?

Absolutely!

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

More than 15.

Fun question – if you were princess or prince, what’s one thing you would do to make your kingdom a better place?

I would hire a knowledgeable mentor to teach all the newborns, boys, and girls, to speak and understand the same language.

“Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus,” should not be still perfectly true after so many millions years of evolution.

Evolution of what? The Apple Empire? Oh, sorry, I meant, “Apes’ Empire?”

Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your readers?

Yes, thank you.

My name means nothing to you today, but this will change soon. I am working night and day to give you great stories to read in your tranquil moments. I put body and soul into every book I publish.

Rest assured that my intention is to make you dream, laugh, believe and push you to become a better human every day.

Type Cristina G. in Google, read It’s Never Game Over if you feel like your life is not what you’d like it to be.

If you like my books, why not hit follow and review them to support me?

I would like to thank every each of you for your interest. Without you, I wouldn’t call myself an author.

About the Book:

Title: IT’S NEVER GAME OVER
Author: Cristina G.
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 145 ebook/268 paperback
Genre: Nonfiction/Self-Help

BOOK BLURB: 

It’s the end of the year but you have the impression it’s the end of your life?

Start the New Year with a plan. Don’t make a resolution, make a habit!

Whatever your situation might be now, you have the power to change it.

•           Depression can be overcome.

•           You can lose weight and find love.

•           You can heal and transform your life.

Believe you’re happy, and you’re half way there.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW: 'Reflections: A Journey to God' by Gary & Susan Eby

Gary Eby is a retired social worker, mental health counselor and addiction therapist. He writes about self-help and spirituality. Gary loves playing the piano, the drums and walking on the beach with his wife, Susan. His motto is "Choose the positive, because it's all good!"

Susan studied philosophy in college. Some of her favorite philosophers are Socrates, Plato, William James and St. Thomas Aquinas. She is currently enjoying Emerson's mystical essays. We have conducted an interview with them.

Their current book is Reflections: A Journey to God.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

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About the Book:

Our disclaimer: you are completely free to reject everything we have to say about spirituality. What we believe in is not that important. What really counts is what you believe that gives your life

meaning, direction, and purpose.

This book is about our personal stories with Spirit and what we've learned along our journeys. We're sharing it with you because it might help you on your own journey to God. We only ask that you read this book with an open mind and heart.

We suggest you pick one of these spiritual essays. Ponder it, meditate for a while, even read it out loud. Allow yourself to feel the words and the light, which may lead you to discover the better life you truly deserve.

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How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Over our forty years together we realized we looked at spirituality in different ways, and our paths were different, however we found ourselves walking the same spiritual path about ten years ago.  Even though we come from very different backgrounds, we had come to the same place.

Over the years we found ourselves facing significant mental, emotional, and physical problems.  We discovered that connecting with Spirit, and letting our own egos and fears leave us, healing came.  Therefore, we thought our story could be beneficial to those who wish to start a spiritual journey, are already on their spiritual journey, and those who are just curious about how we did it.

Can you tell us what your book is about?

It's an message hope, love and healing.  As indicated above, it is about our individual spiritual journeys, and it also offers tips, advice, and solutions to everyday, real life problems; like overcoming depression, building stronger relationships, forgiveness and healing, relief from addictions, self-love, freedom from everyday struggles, and much more.

 Can you give us an excerpt?

Isn’t this what we find when we meditate and pray?  A gentle and quiet spirit deep within ourselves?  Sure, we do.  Jesus taught us this.  To go within and listen for that still, small voice.  The bible tells us that Jesus would go off by himself to commune with God; with Spirit.  To get quiet and listen.  It regenerated him and allowed him to be about his Father’s business. 

God had placed a most deep, profound desire in Jesus’ heart to tell the world the truth of God’s nature, and our nature as well.  How there is only ONE power in the universe; how we can access that power at any time; that all our needs are met right now, and that God loves us unconditionally.

I have to ask:  Do you have a deep desire in your heart?  It was put there by God, just as with Jesus, so as with us.  Jesus’ desire was so profound it changed the world.  Are you following your deepest desire?  Do you know what it is?  Find out… meditate, pray… get some frankincense and breathe deeply (not too deeply, you might start coughing)  But, you know what I’m getting at here.  As with Jesus, so as with us.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

Keep a journal and write down even things that don't appear to be important.  Because you will find a thread running through all these thoughts.  Practice writing in whatever genre you wish. Also for us, writing is a revelation from our creative self. You don't have to force it. So be open to going within and just letting the words, ideas, and thoughts flow.

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

Since we collaborated on this book, we had to be willing to let go of egos, preconceived ideas, and to let the other person be who they are.  We learned to laugh a lot and to give each other space when needed.  In all honesty, there were some arguments too. But we kept the communication going, and we demonstrated a willingness to surrender to the Voice within , which ultimately guided us to write this book.

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

Yes. Many of our readers say they couldn't put our book down. They found it inspiring, heartfelt, relaxing, humorous and healing. Feel free to look at some of the reviews on Amazon too.

We also received very positive reviews from people who have purchased the book directly from us. They enjoy asking questions, and we enjoy answering them. If you have any questions, you can reach us at ebysreflections@yahoo.com.

Fun question – if you were princess or prince, what’s one thing you would do to make your kingdom a better place?

We believe in the power of imagination, visualization, and divine revelation.  These are resources that all of us can access to have a better, healthier, more fulfilled  life (kingdom) today.  And let us not forget, that so many wise spiritual leaders make the point that the Kingdom is within us, always. This is what we teach our readers and what we would teach in our Kingdom.

What has been your best accomplishment?

Pouring our hearts, our souls, our love into this book has been the greatest and most humbling experience we have accomplished.  Opening ourselves up, sharing the pain and suffering,  embracing the joy and hope, has not only transformed us , but brought us closer to Spirit.

Our promise to you is that Reflections: A Journey to God will warm your heart, make you smile, and bring you relief. We could not ask for anything more than this.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: 'Night in Jerusalem' Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy

Gaelle Lehrer Kennedy worked as an actress and writer in film and television in the United States and Israel. Night in Jerusalem is her debut novel, which she has adapted to film. She lives in Ojai California with her husband and daughter.

She writes, “I lived in Israel in the 1960s, a naive twenty-year-old, hoping to find myself and my place in the world. The possibility of war was remote to me. I imagined the tensions in the region would somehow be resolved peacefully. Then, the Six Day War erupted and I experienced it firsthand in Jerusalem.

I have drawn Night in Jerusalem from my experiences during that time. The historical events portrayed in the novel are accurate. The characters are based on people I knew in the city. Like me, they were struggling to make sense of their lives, responding to inherited challenges they could not escape that shaped their destiny in ways they and the entire Middle East could not have imagined.

I have always been intrigued by the miraculous. How and where the soul’s journey leads and how it reveals its destiny. How two people who are destined, even under the threat of war and extinction, can find one another.

Israel’s Six Day War is not a fiction; neither was the miracle of its victory. What better time to discover love through intrigue, passion, and the miraculous.

Writing this story was in part reliving my history in Israel, in part a mystical adventure. I am grateful that so many who have read Night In Jerusalem have experienced this as well.”

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

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About the Book:

A bewitching love story that is also an extraordinary portrait of Jerusalem, its faith, spirituality,

identity, and kaleidoscope of clashing beliefs, Night in Jerusalem is a novel of mystery, beauty, historical insight, and sexual passion.

David Bennett is invited to Jerusalem in 1967 by his cousin who, to the alarm of his aristocratic British family, has embraced Judaism. He introduces David to his mentor, Reb Eli, a revered sage in the orthodox community. Despite his resistance to religious teaching, David becomes enthralled by the rabbi’s wisdom and compassionate presence. When David discloses a sexual problem, Reb Eli unwittingly sets off a chain of events that transforms his life and the life of the mysterious prostitute, Tamar, who, in a reprise of an ancient biblical story, leads both men to an astonishing realization. As passions rise, the Six Day War erupts, reshaping the lives of everyone caught up in it.

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As a book bloggin’ and book luvin’ Princess, I’m always curious to find out how authors got the ideas for their books.  How did you come up with the idea for your book?

I was working on a film in Israel that was being shot in Mea Sharim, the orthodox community’s neighborhood in Jerusalem. A young Hasidic woman kept running out onto her balcony to watch us. We spent most of the afternoon shooting there, and every ten minutes or so, she would reappear. I realized she was attracted to one of the handsome crew members. This was the seed that inspired me, years later, to write about a young woman’s desire for love, passion and freedom from her social and religious clan. So far as setting the love story during the Six Day War, Winston Churchill wrote that there is nothing as exhilarating as when someone shoots at you and misses. When the Six Day War erupted. I experienced it firsthand. I spent days in shelters with other women, listening to Arab news reports on the radio proclaiming victory while we contemplated how we would end it for ourselves. It turned out, of course, that the war went the other way. We were to live! Jerusalem was re-unified! Now, that was exhilarating. At the same time, the search for peace, the endless arguments about what it should look like, and the courageous, impossible loves that thrived despite all odds - the themes of Night In Jerusalem – are what inspired me.

Can you tell us what your book is about?

I have always been intrigued by the miraculous: how and where the soul’s journey leads and how it reveals its destiny; how two people who are destined, even under the threat of war and extinction, can find one another. Night In Jerusalem is a love story set during Israel’s Six Day War in which  passion, mystical encounters and the miraculous come together to change the lives of everyone caught up in it.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters of your book?

David Bennett: David is a young British aristocrat who longs to find his place in the world. He is invited to Jerusalem by his cousin who, to the alarm of their family, has embraced Judaism. Unlike his cousin, David has no interest in religion and feels little affiliation with his Jewish heritage. Shortly after he arrives, we learn why David is unable to sustain relationships with women

Reb Eli: Eli came from an orthodox family in Germany. His father, a prominent rabbi, arranged for him to be evacuated to England just before the Nazis slammed the door shut. He was taken in by David’s family and developed a deep friendship with David’s father, who was a young boy also. Learning after the war that his family had been lost in the holocaust, Eli found a new life in Israel where he became revered as a sage and spiritual leader of Jerusalem’s orthodox community.

Sarah: Sarah, one of Reb Eli’s daughters, lost her husband to an early death. She had no children and was judged to be barren, leaving her utterly bereft. Without a sense of purpose, her sadness grieves Eli who can find no way to give her comfort. She is devoted to her father and their religious tradition, which she observes faithfully and sincerely.

Anat: Fresh out of the army, Anat is a free-thinking Israeli beauty, confident in her sexuality and ready to embrace the world on her own terms. She is an archeologist, impatient with the shibboleths of Jewish tradition, insisting on a clear-eyed interpretation of the historical record based on the facts, not religious convention.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

You were right, when you were at Columbia, to be suspicious of writing that seemed to exist for its own sake, no matter how pretty or clever it was. You were right when you saw that writing works best when the reader can see clear into the souls of the characters - and the writer is out of the picture.  You were right to let the characters and their story say it all.  And you were right, too, when you insisted that your writing should open you, and the reader, to a shared wisdom.

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

I’m not good at syntax. It’s a long way from my strong suit. I don’t try and edit myself when I am writing. I let the story come forth. Sorting out the syntax is for later. I do plenty of re-writes.

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

I do hear from my readers, and I am very grateful for their feedback. Night In Jerusalem works as an engaging love story, and also as a reprise of a Bible story. It has a spiritual meaning that people resonate with. They find themselves reading the book multiple times. Others see it as a page-turner. Both types of readers are interested to learn what happens next and I am often asked if I am writing a sequel.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

I am not a lyrical writer. I do not write breath-taking sentences. There is a simplicity to my style that some literary critics do not appreciate. My view is that “simple” can often take mastery to pull off –like Isaac Bashevis Singer, for example. So I hear what they are saying, and I ignore it, for the reasons I stated in response to your earlier question about what I would say to my younger writer self, if I could.

What has been the best accomplishment?

Night In Jerusalem is my first novel. Previously, I have written screenplays. They are, of course, totally visually-oriented, with limited opportunity to be discursive about the characters’ states of mind.  Everything has to show on the screen. I was drawn to writing a novel because the canvas can be so much larger –as big as you like -  and the story does not have to fit a budget! However, the relationship with the reader is more intimate and complete, and there’s a challenge to meet right there. Hearing from fellow writers that I had pulled it off is perhaps my best accomplishment as an author.

Do you Google yourself?

No. I’m not especially handy with computers. I use mine mainly for writing and email.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

I am presently working on a novel about the middle class in America and what happened in the last recession when millions were thrown into life altering changes they are still trying to work out.

Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your readers?

Keep on reading! I think it is the most important and fun invention of all time.

🏰 AUTHOR INTERVIEW: 'Call to War' Andi O'Connor

Andi O'Connor is the award-winning author The Dragonath Chronicles, The Vaelinel Trilogy, and The Legacy of Ilvania. She’s written multiple books, including the critically acclaimed Silevethiel, which is the 2015 Best Indie Book Award winner for Science Fiction/Fantasy, and the 2015 New Apple Official Selection for Young Adult. Silevethiel was also named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2013. Andi's short story collection, Redemption, is a 2014 Kindle Book Awards Semifinalist.
​
You can frequently find Andi as a ​guest panelist at Comic Cons throughout the country including the Rhode Island Comic Con, Philcon, Conclave, WizardWorld, and Chessiecon. Andi also writes for Niume where she provides writing tips, advice, and insight on her career as an author. You can connect with Andi on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information, visit Andi’s website.

About the Book:

Darrak's adventure concludes with this thrilling finale of The Dragonath Chronicles!  

Following the betrayal of two of his trusted companions and a devastating battle in Mystandia, Darrak's talents are desperately needed by the citizens of both Earth and Dragonath. Torn with the

decision of where his loyalty should remain, he finally decides to confide in Andillrian. Together, they craft a plan they hope will save Darrak's home planet, but their optimism is short-lived.

The Hellborn's army has begun the march to war.

With less than two weeks of preparation remaining, their weaknesses become unavoidably apparent. Planning for defeat suddenly becomes as important as planning for victory. Darrak's insecurities continue until the moment the first arrows begin to fly. He can only hope that help from a few unlikely sources will be enough.

For if they fail, Dragonath will fall.

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As a book bloggin’ and book luvin’ Princess, I’m always curious to find out how authors got the ideas for their books.  How did you come up with the idea for your book?

           

Call To War is the 3^rd book in my trilogy, so it follows the story set up in the first two books. I got the initial idea for The Lost Heir by wondering what it would be like if someone on Earth suddenly found they were the true heir to another planet and were suddenly expected to reclaim the throne.

Can you tell us what your book is about?

           

As I mentioned earlier, Call To War concludes the story set in The Lost Heir and Awakening. With the Hellborn’s army marching to war against Krémarra, Darrak and his allies find themselves severely outnumbered and outmatched. With help from a few unlikely sources that will hopefully turn the tide in their favor, they plan not only for victory, but for defeat as well. With everyone unable to fight secreted away to the island home of the dragons, Darrak and his allies wait for the first arrows to fly. The battle begins, and the futures of both Earth and Dragonath hang in the balance.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters of your book?

           

I don’t want to give too many details so I don’t spoil events from the first two books! But I will say that all of my characters are extremely complex, and I’ve actually had many people tell me that they don’t know if they should love or hate some of them, Mionee in particular, which is one of the best compliments someone could give me! Most of my characters are tormented with the decisions they’ve made and those they have yet to make. For example, although Darrak is from Earth, the story takes place on Dragonath. He wants to save his people on Earth, yet he’s also part of Dragonath. He’s the rightful heir to the throne and the one everyone is depending upon to save their world. He’s torn between the two planets. Where does he belong? Where should he go? Who should he save? Is either world really his home?

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

           

Just write. Don’t worry about making it sound perfect the first time. That’s what drafts are for. Put your insecurities aside and just write.

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

           

I handwrite everything before typing it up and absolutely must sharpen my pencils before throwing them away. There are no exceptions. If I’m traveling, I’ll save my pencil in order to sharpen it when I get home before throwing it out.

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

           

I do! Sometimes it’s just a note to say keep up the good work. Sometimes it’s to tell me how my books have touched them or what they particularly liked. They also contact me to see where I’ll be or ask questions about an event or upcoming book. Whatever it is, I absolutely love hearing from readers! Contact me more! Don’t be shy!

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

           

A reviewer for the San Francisco Times left a scathing review for Silevethiel saying he couldn’t stand my work and that it was the tritest thing he’d ever read. It was my first ever bad review and came about a week after Silevethiel was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2013, so it absolutely devastated me because I thought maybe Kirkus was wrong and it really was uninteresting and poorly written. I then came to realize that it was only one person’s opinion, just as any other review. 

What has been the best accomplishment?

           

My book, Silevethiel, has won three awards, and Awakening was recommended by ForeWord Reviews as something for George R. R. Martin fans to read while they waited for his next book. I still can’t believe my books have actually received so much praise and recognition. It’s quite an amazing feeling and a wonderful accomplishment!

Do you Google yourself?

Absolutely not! I probably never will!

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

           

Just one, although it’s the 3^rd book to my other series, so it’ll be finished by the end of the year and published in the spring of 2018. Then, I have to plan my next book or series! I do have a few short stories that are unpublished and unfinished though. I guess I should get my butt in gear and get them done!

Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your readers?

           

Thank you for your support and encouragement! Being able to touch you with my work is so rewarding, and your kind words help get me through the days when I want to start a bonfire and burn all my notebooks. You mean the world to me, and I’m so honored you’re taking the journey with me!

Interview with YA Author Amanda Clay @amandajclay

Amanda J. Clay is a writing YA and Adult fiction from Dallas, TX. A Northern California native, she had a fantastic time studying English and Journalism at Chico State University and then a very serious time slaving away for a Master’s degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. When she’s not staring at a computer screen, she spends most of her spare time on some new fitness addiction and plotting world adventures.

Her latest book is the young adult novel, Rebel Song.

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As a book bloggin’ and book luvin’ Princess, I’m always curious to find out how authors got the ideas for their books.  How did you come up with the idea for your book?

The very first incarnation of Rebel Song came about 22 years ago—no joke! When I was 12— after a childhood obsession with tragic love stories, fantasy tales of kings and queens, with gallant heroes sacrificing all and quite possibly suffering some unrequited love of my own—I actually wrote this short book about a princess who falls in love with a spy from another country and she betrays her kingdom for him. In the end she jumps off a cliff and kills herself so in retrospect it wasn’t a very uplifting story (I was a strange 12 year old, I admit). But I never forgot that tale and I’ve maintained this affinity for the star-crossed lovers since.

So fast forward a couple decades. I’m in Madrid, Spain, reading about the turmoil of Spain’s 20^th century—from a monarchy to a dictator to back to a monarchy. And I realized that, while it’s strange to the Americans, royalty is alive and well in much of Europe. Additionally, many countries in Europe have undergone rebellions, dictators, civil war and more in the last fifty years alone. Sometimes there’s even a juicy love story thrown in there. I was fascinated by the history there and I suddenly knew I had to bring Rogan and Elyra’s story to life in a fresh new way.

When I describe the plot of Rebel Song to people, but tell them it’s contemporary, they often say, “Wait, it’s about a princess and a rebellion and star-crossed love? Sounds a little Medieval.” And it does sound like a plot of old. But it’s also a reality of today...Let me explain a bit of history about its inspiration.

And while the story is set in “modern-day,” I admit, the specific time period for the story is purposefully a little vague because I’m trying to avoid talking about real world events—it’s hard to talk about 20^th century Europe and not discuss post WWII Communism, for example. I want the Rogan and Elyra’s story to just exist within itself and for the reader to not have to think about the outside world.

Can you tell us what your book is about?

Rebel Song is about a fictional country in Central Europe on the brink of revolution. Elyra is the heir to a collapsing monarchy and Rogan is the rising leader in the rebel faction. They meet and fall in love, but standing on opposite sides of what’s happening, they’re doomed.

Can you tell us a little about the main characters of your book?

Rogan, 17, is a winemaker from the provincial valley outside the city. He’s also the son of a famous rebel leader who was executed for treason when Rogan was a boy. Now that the rebellion is stirring again, Rogan is pulled into the rebellion as a rising leader.

Elyra, 17, is a the only heir to the throne of Arelanda. She’s headstrong and intelligent, but also idealistic and naïve about how corrupt her country has become. When she meets Rogan and learns more about the state of the nation, she’s compelled to work toward change within the government—and finds herself at direct odds with those in power.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

To not be afraid! I can’t tell you how much of my career has been stunted by fear of the things I thought I couldn’t do. Growing up, telling people you wanted to be a writer netted you a lot of pitying looks and patronizing smiles—probably akin to a kid telling you they want to be an actor. “That’s nice sweetie, but what are you going to do for a JOB?” Haha. Like anything, this career takes a lot of work, but you can’t be afraid to just try—to put yourself out there. The worst thing people can say to you is no. The iPhone probably sounded insane too.

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

I talk to myself. A lot. That might be a byproduct of being alone all day every day, ha! Actually one thing I do that some might find odd is that I dress up for writing many days. I might still wear some comfy leggings and a tee, but I’ll do my hair and makeup. Put on some jewelry. It helps to take this job seriously. And don’t we all perform better when we look our best?!

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

I do! And I love it when my readers reach out to me. Mostly they want to know when the heck my next book is coming out! I also often get asked how I get my inspiration and how I managed to finally just sit down and write that first book.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

The hardest thing I ever heard was right after I’d finished my first book and was showing it to agents for the first time. “The writing is just not there yet.” Ouch. And I was livid! I’d been an English major, I had a master’s in Journalism! I’d been writing as long as I could remember! I KNEW how to write. And I did. But it didn’t mean that the book was where it needed to be. I had to learn that things aren’t perfect on the first try. I never turned in an article or essay on the first draft. Shoot, I even edit my Facebook captions! So why didn’t I think that my book might need some work? It was hard to hear but once I allowed myself to accept it, it was great feedback. She wasn’t saying “you’re a terrible writer, don’t quit your day job.” She was saying, “It’s just not ready. Bake it a little longer.”

What has been the best accomplishment?

I think publishing that first book, really. It was holding a lifelong dream in my hands—very surreal. Because after that first book, you know you can do it. Doesn’t mean it won’t be tough and that you won’t have some ups and downs, but you can do it!

Do you Google yourself?

I used to in the beginning because I couldn’t believe I was actually coming up in searches, ha! I don’t so much anymore now.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?

Haha…next question. ;) I have a couple of finished books that will be published but are still being editing. I also have a handful of books I’ve started and been pulled away from for one reason or another. I admittedly am a bit of a racoon when it comes to writing. I get a shiny new idea and I’m so inspired I need to write it immediately! But like all ideas, the shine wears off and you’re still faced with the daunting task of writing a well-crafted story, which takes time and focus. So, those half-finished projects may never amount to anything, or I might have some inspiration and go back and finish them. I always make a rule to save every word I write, just in case it finds new life down the road.

Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your readers?

Thank you! We authors couldn’t do what we do without our fans and we’re so grateful. The best thing a reader can do to help out their favorite author is to be an advocate for their work—write reviews (even very short blips are helpful!), tell people about books they’ve enjoyed and keep reading!

About the Book:

Caught on opposite sides of a budding civil war, a rebel leader and a modern day princess fight to

save their country from a corrupt Minister General in a fictional Central Europe.

The once prosperous European nation of Arelanda has been plagued with poverty and corruption since the failed rebellion tore it apart. Now, rebels stir again in the capital’s underbelly, vowing to depose the monarchy and overturn the unjust government.

Seventeen-year-old Rogan Elwood, son of a rebel leader executed for treason after the first rebellion, has borne a tainted legacy his entire life. As he is pulled deeper into conflict, Rogan must face his calling in the future of the rebel cause—waging his want for peace against his desire for vengeance. Everything changes when he falls for Elyra—modern, idealistic and determined to bring Arelanda a better future. She also just happens to be next in line to the throne—if the corrupt Minister General doesn’t beat her to it.

Caught in the midst of a budding civil war and surrounded by enemies on every side, Elyra and Rogan must fight to save themselves and their country.

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