Author Wednesday – Jane Edacott

Welcome to Author Wednesday. Today I welcome Jane Endacott. She’s published Odious Seed and Other Stories, a collection of short stories, on Amazon Kindle. She’s currently writing a young adult fantasy novel. In her post, she discusses the writing of the new book in an unfamiliar genre for her as an author.

How to Write What You Don’t Know

By Jane Endacott

I am writing a YA fantasy novel, and I know nothing about fantasy.

When I started writing my book in 2007, I wanted to write about Otherization – the idea that people set themselves apart from others – because of a belief that others are fundamentally different from them.

I felt the story was best told in a fantasy setting.  It was a daunting challenge.  Not only was I writing my first book, but I was also writing for a genre about which I knew nothing.

The first lesson any writer is taught is to write what you know.  When you’re starting out, this is great advice because it helps you practice.

But whenever I did that, I came off as a self-absorbed sad sack.  My life is not at all extraordinary.  I have not built schools for young girls in Pakistan, and I have not trained in barefoot running with a Native American tribe.

Still, my mind went to places that don’t exist either on a map or in my memories, and I asked myself, “What if?”

In Odious Seed, my short stories tell of a developmentally disabled girl, nuclear scientists in love, the ghost of a stalker, a seed that begins to grow and sprout inside a man, and insects that consume a building.

I don’t know about any of those and even less about writing fantasy or magical realism.  Here are a few tips on how you can write what you don’t know.

Read, but not too much.  When writing something you don’t know, it often helps to read an author who has similar work.  It gives you a sense of how to do it successfully.  But it’s not the only way to do it successfully.  At some point you have to trust yourself and do your own thing.

Put yourself in their shoes.  Close your eyes and imagine that you’re watching the story from your character’s perspective.  What do you see and feel?  What are the smells and textures?  Answering questions such as these help make the world believable to our readers.

Experiment.  During the editing process, it’s easy to be fixated on one storyline, one characterization, or one description.  We sometimes approach the story with a single mind that limits our possibilities.  Trying different paths and variations opens our minds to discovery.

Make mistakes.  This goes along with experimentation. Never allow fear of failure to prevent you from trying something.  Don’t think it will work?  You don’t know until you try.  Even if you fail, you will learn something from it.

Remember, your characters are still human.  Even if you don’t know what it’s like to, say, grow up on a commune or be a race car driver, your characters are still part of the human condition.  They still argue with their siblings, have dysfunctional marriages, and say the wrong thing at parties.

If you practice with these things, you will be a stronger writer for it.  Writing what you don’t know helps you take risks and take your craft to new levels.  It allows you to explore uncharted territories. This is how you discover what you are made of.

About Jane Endacott – Jane Endacott is a blogger and fiction writer.  Her blog, “Word Savant,” helps other writers find connection and support in the creative process.  She recently released her book, Odious Seed and Other Stories, on Amazon Kindle.  She is also working on a YA series titled, The People of Fire & Water.  She also offers services as a writing coach.  She likes to read voraciously, run races, and eat food as if it were her last day on earth.  She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Blog: http://wordsavant.wordpress.com/

Book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLMABIG

Twitter: https://twitter.com/

Author Wednesday – Jennifer Donohoe

Welcome to Author Wednesday. Today I welcome Jennifer Donohoe, author of two fantasy novels, The Legend of the Travelers: Willow’s Journey and her most recent release, Fly Away.  Jennifer stops by today for an interview about her writing life.

Welcome to Author Wednesday, Jennifer. Rachel Carson (Silent Spring) said she never chose a subject because as a writer, the subject chose her. Describe a time when a subject chose you.

I always allow the subject to choose me. Most often I usually get inspiration from varying sources, then over weeks, months, or years I develop the story in my mind until I have a strong threshold for it. Currently, most of my stories are fantasy, but I have quite a few ideas that are not. They range from historical fiction to adventure to horror to thriller.

What messages or themes do you try to convey to your readers?

In whatever I write, I try to convey a message. In the two books, I have out now those messages are, “You cannot run from your life. You must face it,” and “We can’t choose the life we’re given, but we can do something about it.”

Fly Away was originally slated to be a psychological thriller. However, my characters decided differently about the whole thing. I combined some favorite themes like the Neverending Story and Dante’s Inferno to create a more unique story. I hope it worked out well.

Are you planning to continue writing in the same genre?

I’ll write wherever my characters take me, but I do plan on moving from fantasy to other genres at some point.

How did you choose the title? Has it been the title from the very beginning?

My titles often come to me prior to the book being written. I move from that title on to the idea of the story. Fly Away came to me for NaNoWriMo [National Novel Writing Month] for 2011, and it smoothed its way into the story it is now.

How long do you estimate it took you to take the book from an idea to a finished, published?

I only had a few weeks to formulate Fly Away into a story, then I wrote the first 50,000 words in a month. After that, the book was completely written within a year (October 2012). From there, I revised it and sent it to a beta reader. I finished revising it in March 2013 and sent it to an editor at that point.

That’s quite an accomplishment. If you listen to music while you’re writing, what is it?

The type of music I listen to completely depends on the type of story I’m writing. For instance, The Legend of the Travelers: Willow’s Journey was written listening to true Celtic music. Fly Away was written to more modern music. I prefer to listen to music without words. The reason behind this is so that the words don’t disrupt my thoughts.

What book are you reading right now?

I am a die hard fantasy reader. I do read other genres too, but fantasy is always my first choice. Currently, I’m reading A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin. You may know it by the title, Game of Thrones.

Thank you for stopping by today, Jennifer. It’s always very interesting to hear from other authors about their process. Somehow you manage to do it all while still working at a day job. Congratulations to you for a job well done.

About Jennifer: Jennifer Donohoe currently lives in Northeast Ohio. She works as a In-Home Counselor to Felony Juvenile Offenders. She loves taking landscape photography as a hobby and uses the photos as descriptions for some of the settings in her stories. Her passion is writing and enjoys the company of her characters.

Purchase links for Fly Away:

Amazon Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Away-ebook/dp/B00CEGHLPA

Paperback Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Fly-Away-Jennifer-Donohoe/dp/1480114146

Author Central Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Donohoe/e/B008CTFQGO

About Fly Away:  Robin Sullivan is given a magical book where she can
experience a better life in a new world called Tearmann. She can
finally escape the terrible reality of life with an abusive, alcoholic
father, her mother’s schizophrenia, and her best friend’s Leukemia.
Robin must choose between deserting her real life or living in a world
promising a better one. Events come into play forcing Robin to make a
decision. Will she be able to save those she loves and still save
herself?

Book Review Friday – Announcement

Good morning – Today rather than writing a review, I’d like to offer a press release announcing the release of Aggravated Circumstances, a new women’s fiction/legal saga by author Michele Shriver. Michele is a fellow Indie Author and blogger. She’s hosted me twice on her blog: February 13 author interview and March 8 with a guest blog, Every Writer Needs an Editor.

I’m pleased to share her good news about her new release. Michele will also be featured on this blog on Author Wednesday May 22.

Drum roll, please, for Aggravated Circumstances by Michele Shriver. . .

A family can be torn apart in an instant. Putting it back together is a harder task.

A relapsed addict opens the door to find a cop with a search warrant, setting off a chain of events that will cause four lives to intersect.

Devin Lenox has already lost one child to the system, and this time she vows it will be different. If she’s going to make it, though, she’ll need something she’s never had before- someone on her side.

Her battle with depression behind her, Elisa Cahill looks forward to resuming her legal career. Devin’s case seems like the perfect opportunity to do that, and bury her own past demons in the process, at least if old grudges don’t prove to be her undoing.

Child protection worker Taylor Ross struggles to balance a social life with her demanding job and has little sympathy for people like Devin, at least at first. When Taylor starts to see Devin in a new light, she finds herself at odds with her superiors. Will she be willing to go to bat for Devin, and what price will she pay if she does?

Sarah Canfield is a compassionate judge who is not afraid to make difficult decisions, but will her past link to Devin undermine her objectivity and cause her to put her own family at risk?

A look inside the child welfare system, the people who work in it and the lives it impacts, Aggravated Circumstances is a story of despair, hope, and recovery.

Available now from:

Amazon/Kindle:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C479UY4

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/16xlk23

Kobo: http://bit.ly/11uoVwy

Paperback: Availbable on Amazon

Add the book on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/12iptVn

About the author:

Michele Shriver lives in the Midwest U.S. where she maintains her law practice in addition to pursuing a writing career. In her free time, she enjoys Zumba fitness, bicycling and the NFL and NHL.

Contact:

http://www.micheleshriver.com

micheleshriver@gmail.com

Twitter: @micheleshriver

Facebook Page: Author Michele Shriver

Author Wednesday – Hazy Shades of Me

Welcome to Author Wednesday. I’m very excited to host a new, but solid friend and author, Alana Agerbo. When I started this blog last year, Alana was one of my first followers and one of the first to comment on my posts. I remember how excited I was when she posted one of my blogs to Facebook. I began following her blog, Hazy Shades of Me, and discovered a writer with extraordinary talent and a woman modest about her craft. I also made a friend, even though we’ve never met in person. To me, she will always be “Hazy” in name, but clear and poetic in her prose. I present to you with great pride and joy, my friend and author, Alana Agerbo AKA Hazy.

I Can Be Silver

By Alana “Hazy” Agerbo

I am gray.

Dappled Gray. I’m unconcerned whether we see a drama or a comedy, have pasta or potatoes, drink red or white. Not for indifference, but because I consider it food for creativity and know I will well digest whatever we end up with. When you choose, my status quo is removed. You can run the show, should you so desire. Shrouded in many shades of black and white. I am gray.

I am medium.

In recent years, I’ve realized it’s OK to be a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. This has stopped me in the past from following dreams and admitting goals. When a medium is supposed, a want for large is tough to declare. Resentment for succumbing to this weakness is fruitless. Instead, I trust in time and place. My number has now been called, and I’m answering in slow, stuttering spurts. I am medium.

I am guilty.

A mother of three who works freelance, not in writing, but in make-up, I am responsible for tucking my passion between freshly laundered piles of clothes or at the bottom of my brushes and creams. I have let others’ feelings sway me. I have spent years telling myself it wasn’t meant to be, my own discourager and dissuader. I am guilty.

I am stubborn.

Now forty-two, I admit I am seeking to nab a spot on your local bookshelf. I want to be published. There, I said it. It’s taken me this long to stop writing in the backs of lost journals or pages torn from old coloring books and begin writing for all to see, or in reality, whomever grants a visit to my heart blog. I am stubborn.

I am selfish.

I want. I need. I love. I write. I sit down blank, empty, and somehow, it comes. Tentatively, I’m getting to know my muse; a trigger from the day before . . . a conversation, an event . . . maybe a memory from long ago, sometimes an emotion from something, somewhere. Other times simply a word or an outcome my imagination has altered, realities morphed into metaphors. Whatever it is, it feeds me, and I set the table, an eager, welcoming host.

Delaying chores, responsibilities and obligations, I write. In my defense, I sincerely believe it will be but an hour. Most always, it is more than a few. I am selfish.

I will be silver.

I have found, that with any luck, elbow grease, and a little polish, I begin to sport spots of shine. As with most things, purpose, persistence, and practice prosper and with nourishment, they grow. I’ve grazed on knowledge with which only the tenacious and committed are blessed. Gray is a version of silver. I will be silver.

A little bit about Hazy 

Alana Agerbo writes out of Vancouver, Canada. She began her blog in March 2012 in an attempt to pin the words skittering through her mind, and it has inspired her to write on an almost daily basis. She does have a dusty old manuscript lying in drawer, complete with more than a few letters of rejection, but is hopeful to see her work on a shelf one day, not a speck of dust to be found. Alana has had some works published on Ezine.com.  

She blogs here and here, tweets here and is on Facebook, just like the rest of the world.

Book Review Friday – Embattled by Darlene Jones

By Patricia Zick @PCZick

Genre – Science fiction/fantasy

Synopsis – With blood on her hands, strange words coming out of her mouth, and her face all over the media, Em knows that she stopped the jungle battle, stormed into the armed courtroom, and defeated the zealot soldiers. However, as she works for the aliens controlling her, her emotions are torn between what she knows must be her real life and the life she is now living. How is it that she is able to step into the middle of a war and stop it without getting killed? How is it she doesn’t remember her “old” life? And, how will she decide whether or not she wants this sci fi life that’s been thrust on her? Yves, one of the gods from out there somewhere, is assigned to take care of Earth. He’s a rookie learning to be a Power and trying to communicate with Em. For full media impact, Yves manipulates the reporting to maintain constant attention on Em and her exploits. The world falls in love with this “madame of miracles.” Meanwhile, Em agonizes over the impact of her actions and whether or not they are right. Em is not the only one confused and agonizing. Coming from the sterile world of the gods, Yves succumbs to human emotions. Jealousy takes over as he watches Em and her lover. He plots to end their affair, but in doing so risks losing his chance for advancement, his chance to free his people, and even risks losing his life.

My Review – I don’t usually read science fiction or fantasy. In fact, it’s the last thing I’d choose to read. However, I read Darlene’s biography and wondered how she was able to solve her heartbreak over wanting to help the people she met while living in Mali many years ago. When Darlene signed up for Author Wednesday (see post from April 3, 2013), I decided to read Embattled, the first book in her series. My review is based solely on my enjoyment as a reader, not on my knowledge of how a science fiction novel should be written.

Through the other worldly powers of Em, or Miracle Madam as the world comes to know her, the reader travels to the worst corners of hell that exist right here on Earth. From Africa to Europe and back again to the gangland streets of Los Angeles, we are transported along with Em. In the beginning, Em suffers the shock of her new abilities that have come to her as an adult as the result of a typical wish of any caring ten-year-old child. She wished back then for the magic to save the world.

Em struggles with her decisions and even wonders if war isn’t something that must exist in this world in order to achieve peace. The answers aren’t easy and neither is the work. I believe Em is the incarnation of the author’s wish to save her beloved Mali.

I read once that classic novels do one of two things. Either the hero is extraordinary and is put into ordinary circumstances and forced to cope with the everyday world. Or the hero is ordinary and is placed into extraordinary situations and forced to cope. Em falls into the latter group. She’s a normal high school principal who is suddenly thrust onto the world stage making destiny-changing decisions as she becomes the most revered and beloved woman in the world. She’s a modern day Joan of Arc who must sacrifice her ordinary life to achieve the goal of straightening out Earth for the better. Ms. Jones achieved a level of believability for me that I didn’t think would be possible in a science fiction novel.

The “Powers” who guard and pull the puppeteer’s strings on Em are a fantastical lot, from Yves to the Mentor to Elspeth, Yves’ sister. The switch in point of view, from the Powers to earth, is very confusing in the beginning. Also, the switch in setting with Em’s character from principal to the Miracle Madame is equally confusing at first. However, with the inclusion of Ron, her eventual lover, I found myself grounded and better able to make the transitions. Ron is an average-looking actor who’s thrust into the limelight by a movie Em helps produce. His rather mundane and ordinary life  is touching and pitiful, even after he meets Em because he knows he can’t keep her with him or do anything to stop the course of events. When I found myself thinking about the characters after I stopped reading, I knew the author managed to hook me with the plot.

As the Powers observe the happenings on Earth, the reader learns more about Em, and as unbelievable as the Powers seem, they make the Earth characters more realistic.

Many characters are introduced during the novel, but most are only mentioned once. I found it confusing and wondered at the necessity of including them. Some of them, such as Tony, could have been expanded for more depth of Ron. In addition, Francois seems to be an important character in the beginning of the book, but he is only mentioned in passing in the rest of the novel. Perhaps he comes back in the next book in the series. I hope so because I felt he was one character I’d like know better.

Ms. Jones makes several important commentaries on our modern world. Em argues with Ron over the issue of salaries of movie stars and the discrepancy in what a teacher makes each year. Through Em, we also are given a view into our acts of giving to those less fortunate than ourselves by simply writing a check. Em takes Ron down into the streets of L.A. to see what it’s really like for the folks he thinks he’s helping by giving them money without knowledge of what’s it’s really like to be poor and to live without hope.

Embattled is a book that made me think. I recommend trying it, even if you aren’t a fan of science fiction. I did, and I liked it. In addition, I’d like to continue reading this series and applaud the author for bringing attention to the plight of those less fortunate through an entertaining art form.

Coming Soon – Worldwind Blog Tour

Movie Mention: On the Road

Reblogged from Shannon A Thompson:

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Website Update: 1:00 a.m.: My Facebook Author Page hit 150 likes today! Thank you for making my Friday that much better. 

Yes. This movie is based off of Jack Kerouac's book, On the Road, and, before I continue, I have to clarify how much of a fan I am of Kerouac. I first studied him in 2010. I read…

Read more… 400 more words

From P.C. Zick: While I don't profess to be in the league of Kerouac, I did keep my copy of On the Road close while traveling down Route 66 in 2007. My novel Live from the Road is my modern female version of a road trip.

Jade Kerrion’s New Releases

I’m taking a break from Book Review Friday this week to catch up on my own reading. Here’s something from one of my fellow Indie Authors. Please note at the end of the post, Jade offers 50 percent coupons for her books. This is a great way to start the weekend. See you next Friday.

Jade Kerrion’s two newest novels, Earth-Sim and When the Silence Ends, are pulling in fantastic reviews. Please take a moment to check them out and take advantage of the book launch sale. Keep reading to find the coupon code!

EARTH-SIM

Amazon Rating: 4.8 Stars (13 reviews)

“Earth-Sim starts off awesome and just keeps getting even better…Ms. Kerrion has done an amazing job with her world-building…This is one book that I will find myself rereading over and over – and one that I will encourage all of my friends to read.”—Cara Drake, Amazon reviewer

Was the super-continent of Pangaea split because of a management dispute? Is the biblical flood the earliest evidence of why “technology and water don’t mix”? If you always suspected that mass extinctions, such as the Black Death, had an otherworldly reason, you just might be right. Is there a real message hidden in the mysterious manuscripts that human sages and savants have created through the generations? Is there life out there, beyond our planet, and why has none of it shown up on Earth yet?

Earth-Sim is a unique spin on the history of Earth and the history of mankind. What if Earth and the entire universe were actually part of a simulation program? What if the most iconic and memorable events in Earth’s history were decisions (or more frequently accidents) triggered by two college students, Jem Moran and Kir Davos, who are still sorting out the finer points of working together and more importantly, still arguing over the finer points of planetary management?

Bring your sense of humor. Earth-Sim is frequently whimsical and often irreverent. Either way, you finally have someone to blame for the state the world is in.

E-books available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords

Paperbacks available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

BOOK LAUNCH SALE (50% DISCOUNT): Grab a copy of Earth-Sim for only $1.50 at Smashwords with coupon code MS68F. Valid until April 15.

When the Silence Ends

Amazon Ratings: 4.6 Stars (9 reviews)

“Wow! When the Silence Ends is captivating! I laughed, I cried, I could not put it down. Forget Harry Potter and Twilight…every young adult should read this book!”—KatRomeo, Amazon reviewer

When you choose your friends, you also choose your enemies.

Seventeen-year old Dee wants nothing more than to help her twin brother, Dum, break free from the trauma in their childhood and speak again, but the only person who can help Dum is the alpha empath, Danyael Sabre, whom the U.S. government considers a terrorist and traitor.

The search for Danyael will lead Dee and Dum from the sheltered protection of the Mutant Affairs Council and into the violent, gang-controlled heart of Anacostia. Ensnared by Danyael’s complicated network of friends and enemies, Dee makes her stand in a political and social war that she is ill equipped to fight. What can one human, armed only with her wits and pepper spray, do against the super-powered mutants who dominate the Genetic Revolution?

America, nevertheless, is ripe for transformation. Exhausted by decades of belligerence between humans and their genetic derivatives–the clones, in vitros, and mutants–society is on the verge of falling apart or growing up. Dee, with her sassy attitude and smart mouth, is the unwitting pebble that starts the avalanche of change. In her quest to help her brother become normal, Dee will finally learn what it means to be extraordinary.

When the Silence Ends is a Young Adult novel in the award-winning Double Helix series.

E-books available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords

Paperbacks available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

BOOK LAUNCH SALE (50% DISCOUNT): Grab a copy of When the Silence Ends for only $1.50 at Smashwords with coupon code FL93Y. Valid until April 15.

Find Jade Kerrion at Website / Facebook / Twitter

Book Review Friday – Two Books by Lisa See

By Patricia Zick @PCZick

When I read Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, I didn’t put the book down for several days. The book follows the lives of two sisters, May and Pearl, portrayed as selfish, hedonistic young women 1937 in what some referred to as the “Paris of Asia” in Shanghai, China. When the family loses its great wealth and privilege, the women experience some of the worst tragedies imagined. Out of the great darkness comes a light  in the birth of the baby Joy.

Even though it’s hard to believe one family could endure so much, these hardships are a part of the world’s history whenever one form of government is traded violently for another. When the two sisters finally make it to the land promised to them through their in-laws, chosen for them by their parents, the United States land of plenty only comes to them through their labors.

The contrast between the two sisters is stark, but See portrays very well the different perceptions of each even though the story is told through the voice of only one sister. The choice of point of view adds to some of the suspense and tension in the novel instead of switching back and forth between May and Pearl. Pearl, the narrator, misjudges her sister and so does the reader. It’s only through the unfolding conflict that May is somewhat redeemed.

In the end, Joy flees the sisters who have raised her and fought over her love throughout the years in California. The book ends with Joy’s departure to find her father, which most likely will lead her back to China, the land her aunt and mother fled years ago. It was on their journey across the Pacific that Joy was born.

The ending of Shanghai Girls left me wanting more so it was with relief I found See had written a sequel. I immediately ordered a copy of Dreams of Joy. And just as quickly, I found the story of the headstrong Joy who throws herself at the feet of her real father, an artist still living in Shanghai lacking in the poetry I loved about See’s writing in Peony in Love and Shanghai Girls.

See researched both books extensively, but I could not warm up to the character of Joy. Pearl follows her to China, and it is the story of Pearl, who sacrifices everything to return to her homeland to chase after Joy. Her love and devotion moved me because her actions are unselfish and motivated by love. Joy reacts to life’s events without thought of anything but herself. As a result, she ends up in a loveless marriage of her own choosing. In the end, the love of Pearl rescues her.

I grew tired of reading the endless scenes of poverty and starvation and cruelty and deprivation. I feel selfish even writing that sentence because these conditions did and do exist for those living under dictatorships couched under euphemisms of social reform and power to the people. Perhaps that was See’s intent with this book – to make the reading of it as intolerable as the conditions she repeatedly shows.

Even though I didn’t enjoy Dreams of Joy as much as her other novels, I give praise to See for writing such detailed accounts of historical events that must be remembered lest we forget, and worse, repeat. Novels that entertain and inform stand a chance of making a difference, and I don’t fault her for doing that in both of these books.

I just wanted to be swept away by both, and that didn’t happen with the sequel. Two out of three books by Lisa See to transport me, isn’t so bad. Have you read other books by Lisa See?  I loved the first two so much, I’m willing to try a fourth.

 

NOTE: Fellow blogger and author Annamaria Bazzi starts a blog tour today for her new release. I interviewed Annamaria and two of her characters from White Swans earlier this month.

Blog Tour for White Swans: A Regency Era

March 22:  Judy Shafer  a review
March 23:Reyna Hawk
 March 24: Jim Liston
 March 25: Chelsea Hammond
 March 26: Giulia Beyman
 March 27: Karina Gioertz
 March 28: Kate Jennings
 March 28: Lindsay Avalon
 March 30: Audra Trosper
 March 31: Carol Bodensteiner
 April 1: Leah
 April 2: Michelle Shriver
 April 3: DelSheree Gladden
 April 4: Judith Marshall
 April 5: Chantel Rhodeau

Write First, Write Great

By Patricia Zick @PCZick

As I read about how successfully to market my books, I keep coming back to one word of advice: WRITE. To make a name for myself as a writer, I must always remember to keep writing. When I look at my discouraging book sales, instead of hanging my head, I must keep my fingers flying over the keyboard.

And when I write, I must write great stuff. Or at least, I must write pieces that satisfy me. It’s always true that as writers we must determine who the audience is, but that can be carried too far if we forget our No. 1 audience is the person cranking out the words.

For so long, I wrote with far too much focus on audience. When I worked as a journalist who depended on a paycheck, it was essential. When I worked for a state agency as a public relations director, there was no choice but to write for everyone but myself. But as a novelist and blogger, I am freed from some of those constraints.

By Jae at Lit and Scribbles

When I published my first novel in 2000, I think I expected instant success. The day I sat in a bookstore next to a life-size poster of Harry Potter the same year J.K. Rowling became a household name and sold one book during a two-hour signing, I realized success was not knocking anywhere near my door. I wrote more novels, always chasing that nebulous dream of “success” and writing for that and not myself. I didn’t know what success meant, except as described by others.

“Send the book to Oprah,” friends said.

I did send five books of that first book to Oprah and her producers. That’s the last time I wasted my money so foolishly – even more foolish than playing $20 on a slot machine at the casino.

I gave up on publishing in 2007 and became a cynic about my chances for success as an author. I still wrote fiction, but put a first draft away in a drawer and actually finished another novel all the way through the editing process. Then I put it away in a drawer. And I continued to write for other people in a stilted, non-creative way. If you’ve ever had to write a news release in less than an hour with four scientists and the director of a state agency breathing down your back and shouting edits as you type, you’ll never understand how my creativity left me for a few years. It’s not recommended, unless you treat the job as a research position for your next novel – which I did. Trails in the Sand is the result of that internship. My next novel uses some of my research time as well. I probably have ten novels inside me based on that experience.

I’ve changed as I’ve moved into this new phase of my writing career. I’m no longer working for a paycheck. I’m working for myself. It’s been a strange transition, not always a comfortable one, but I’m growing into it.

I realized how far I’d come when I finished the final edits on Trails in the Sand. I read the last paragraph of the book and found myself crying. The story moved me. I realized in that moment, nothing else mattered. It didn’t matter what the reviewers said or if I became an overnight sensation or if I sold more than a dozen books. In that moment, I was as successful as any author can ever be. I pleased myself with my writing and knew that I’d written the book I wanted to write.

That profound moment forced me to make some changes in my day. Instead of writing at the end of the day after marketing and dealing with social media, it’s now the first thing I do. Writing takes precedence over everything else because above it all, I am a writer.

So write first and for yourself, and I promise you, the writing will make you proud.

Author Wednesday – Rachelle Ayala

Welcome to the very first Author Wednesday on Writing Whims. I am very pleased to introduce Rachelle Ayala, author of Michal’s Window, Broken Build, and her latest release, Hidden Under Her Heart. Rachelle was kind enough to answer a few questions about her new book and about herself as a writer and a person.

 

Good morning, Rachelle, and welcome to Writing Whims. Please tell me about Hidden Under Her Heart. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

Hidden Under Her Heart is a heartfelt novel written to examine abortion, post-abortion guilt, and the unborn baby’s right to life. I was inspired by my friend, Melisa Hamling, who is the author of Twenty Weeks, another story dealing with abortion. Matt Patterson, author of My Emily, provided encouragement for me to look into my own experiences to shape and craft this story into an uplifting one with a happy ending.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

I love dramatic fiction with heavy emotional overtones centered around women coping with big problems in their lives. My favorite authors are Anne Rivers Siddons, Melissa Foster, and Mary M. Forbes. Their books take you into the harrowing lives of women facing huge challenges with unexpected twists and heartrending emotions. I like to be surprised and not see things coming a mile away or feel like the author is steering me in a particular direction. So the problems have to be gigantic, the characters mucho flawed, and the dilemmas in conflict with horrid villains.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?

My stories reflect me, and not some vague genre-specific market segment. I’m a born-again Christian after age forty; I lived in a rough neighborhood growing up; I spent a lifetime in computers and the tech industry; I don’t have the cleanest vocabulary, but I read my Bible from cover to cover; and I have a vivid imagination. My books include characters who are Christian as well as ones who are not, but the overall message is uplifting and someone gets saved in each of my books. Ironically, the worst criticism comes from Christians. All they see are the cuss words and sex and not the theme about brokenness, redemption, healing, changing lives, and finding God.

My biggest compliments come from readers who write me and tell me how my book impacted them, even if it was to keep them from sleeping. Michal’s Window got people to empathize with a strong woman who was suppressed by her time in history. Broken Build deals with grief over violent crimes and shows the power of forgiveness.

Since I published Hidden Under Her Heart, many have shared with me their personal stories, or those of their friends and relatives. My story is compassionate and shows how people who are burdened under layers of guilt can find peace.

 

Have I changed anything? I’d be lying to say I haven’t. Hidden Under Her Heart has no overt sex scene. Sorry to disappoint everyone, but it is safe for mature teens. It also has no Bible verses, the other objection from Christian readers who did not like Bible verses next to cuss words. Oh, and my main character does not cuss, not that I can remember.

What is your favorite junk food vice?

Dark chocolate: Lindor extra dark truffles, Guittard’s semi-sweet chocolate chips, Lady Godiva’s. Anyone want to send me some, I’ll be your best friend.

I didn’t realize chocolate was a vice, especially dark chocolate! We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?

The number one thing that bugs me is author manipulation. I can tell if an author tries too hard to get me to like a character. Everyone praises that character, says how good looking she is, how sensible, how wise. The character also has a high fallutin’ sense of her own that adds to the misery. I hate lame stories where the male hero is too perfect, or only has one tiny flaw, which is minor. And mostly, I don’t like it when the story lacks conflict, glosses over detail, and explains away complications. Even worse is when I identify with the character we are all supposed to hate. Ha, then, I start wishing bad things would happen to the supposed good character and am ultimately disappointed when the story ends.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

Hidden Under Her Heart is dedicated to my son, Ross, who was born at 26 weeks gestational age and lived three weeks in the NICU. I have an important message in my book about the sanctity of life, no matter how small or maimed, and I wanted to give Ross’s short life meaning. He would have been a senior in high school this year and applying to college. This is my way of sending him into the world, on the wings of my book.

That’s lovely, Rachelle. I’m sure he’s flying safely. Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

First of all, thank you for reading this far! And mostly, be yourself and accept yourself the way God made you. I truly enjoy hearing from readers and hope my stories inspire you and make you feel good about yourself. God bless you, and thank you, Patricia, for letting me visit with your readers.

You’re very welcome, Rachelle. It’s been a pleasure to get to know you a little better.

About Rachelle Ayala writes dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries, featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

Rachelle is currently working on a romantic suspense that touches on disability. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

Links to Rachelle’s books: Michal’s Window  Broken Build  Hidden Under Her Heart

Website: http://rachelleayala.me

Blog: http://rachelleayala.com
Twitter: @AyalaRachelle