Sleep Before Evening by Magdalena Ball

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Sleep Before Evening by Magdalena Ball

What inspired the book?

The book was originally inspired some years ago when I first read Walter Pater’s The Renaissance and wanted to write about the whole idea of the way creative art, and an almost forced stance of seeing the beauty that surrounds us, gives life meaning. But the more immediate inspiration came from my children, and the big life change that moving into motherhood created in me. I wanted to write about motherhood and the whole idea of the mother child relationship. There are plenty of examples of bad parenting in this book, but overall, I think that there’s a kind of growth that occurs in all of the characters as they move towards self-actualisation.

What makes this book special to you?

Like any first novel, the book was created in a kind of secret – in moments snatched from all those other activities that we have a mandate for, and for me, I almost think of this as something I’ve been moving towards for several decades. It contains so much blood – so much struggle to say something more than what I was capable of saying in day to day prose/conversations. I feel like I’ve actually created a kind of language for myself and broken through an aphasia I’d been struggling with.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?


Well of course no one must read it – it’s just another novel in a world full of novels after all. But let me say this. From everything that everyone who reads it has told me to date, the novel is a nice mixture between deep and literary, and accessible and fast paced. So if you’re looking for some easy to read entertainment, you’ll find it my book. If you’re looking for a serious novel with transcendence and a significant theme that touches on a range of things like how we create meaning in our lives, the nature of families, truth, beauty and art, then you’ll find it in my book. It is often intense, but I think for most readers, will be a powerful, positive read.


What people NEED to read this book and WHY?


Because the wonderful reviewer Cathy Biribauer of Rose and Thorn (http://roseandthornreviews.blogspot.com/2007/08/sleep-before-evening-by-magdalena-ball.html) said this: “Magdalena Ball demonstrates her mastery of the musicality of language and many scenes are imbued with striking imagery…As the drama coils tighter and tighter, it is this quality of writing that keeps the reader utterly glued. As Marianne struggles with her demons and we almost hold our breath as she nears her eighteenth birthday, Magdalena Ball's Sleep Before Evening shows us that in order to find yourself, you sometimes have to lose yourself first.”


What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?


My creativity is sparked by my wonderful (and often challenging) family who never let me rest on my laurels or take anything for granted. I mean that in the most positive sense. I’m also constantly being inspired creatively by the amazing books I’m lucky to get my greedy little hands on. Other people’s words inspire me always, in whatever context I hear them. So do other people’s art, music, endeavours. My tips for others is to a) always keep that childlike sense of wonder at the world – sometimes you have to take a forced stance, but after a while it comes naturally. Also, to listen. There are stories everywhere you look and everyone has one.


What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Time always. There’s never enough. There never will be enough. You have to find ways. Don’t let that four letter word stop you. You never will have more time than you do right now. Just get on with it – a tiny bit at a time always moving forward (while looking back).

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

My publisher calls it ‘hopeville’. It surely can’t be money unless you’re under an illusion! I think it’s simply that you’re the kind of person who takes great pleasure in using words to define your world. I’m a word girl. I have to work with words, either reading or writing. If I were more musical or had more of an eye for imagery, I might find another medium. I think everyone needs some form of artistic release though. To decide to have it as a vocation takes a fair amount of stubborn tenacity along with the love of words.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?


I haven’t done anything too unusual, but I did make a big pot of “quark soup” once to promote my poetry book Quark Soup. Of course it wasn’t made with those theoretical particles which were present in the early days of the universe, but rather that lovely, low fat cheese you get all over Germany. It made me feel like a kind of Earth witch, stirring my caldron and feeding my readers both literally and metaphorically.


FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

The setting is more or less real in my novel. I lived in Long Beach, Long Island in 1982, and since I was a similar age to my protagonist when I was there, it seemed right to have the setting/time and place align with that – it just made it easier for me to get these things right. I was able to map the real with the fictional to create a setting (and situations) that people tell me have a high degree of verisimilitude. But of course there were many mistakes in my first draft. To make it complete and vivid, I did a few things – one of which was to get a great reader who lived there to point out what was incorrect. Another was to create a big town map, using real, and home-made elements so that I was able to trace the roads my character walked on, working out the timings and other things. It wasn’t always easy though, especially since much of the information had to be accurate for the 80s rather than today. I live in fear of someone telling me that I’ve got some detail of the Subway ride wrong or missed a critical street. But I think that most readers will find it fairly realistic and complete.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

The heroine, Marianne, is a self-contained character and I like the way she moves in and out of control, and the way she has to traverse the line between allowing herself to be creative and feel great passion, without losing control of her body and life. It’s a struggle she has to overcome. Sleep is definitely character oriented fiction, and the whole story grows out of the heroine, who manages to create her own mayhem out of almost nothing and then falls to the worst possible low. Then, again, with nothing but her own instinct and desires, she pulls herself back up. I like the mother daughter dynamics and I think that it’s one of the key things that drives the action forward. I think many people will recognise my heroine – she’s like every teenager, suddenly questioning who she is and why she has always done the things she’s done. Her home life is both wonderful and horrible, and similarly the world she enters. But always, the motivation for all the characters in this book who grow is a kind of self-actualisation.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The sexy harmonica player Miles is the villain. He whispers in my heroine’s ear and provides her with the tools of self-destruction, but in some way, he also opens a door that remains open. Most of the conflict occurs within the heroine, but the good looking musician is always there, tempting her with the wrong music.

Thanks Nikki! The book can be found at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. For more information and to view the book trailer and reviews, visit:

http://www.compulsivereader.com/html/images/SleepBeforeEvening.htm

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Before-Evening-Magdalena-Ball/dp/1904492967/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-9326603-7885261?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1190238636&sr=8-1

BN: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781904492962&itm=3

Enthralled by Nadia Aidan

Tell us the book title and your author name.Enthralled by Nadia Aidan

What inspired the book?
My mother is who inspired me to write. She is the reason why I finally committed to pursuing my passion of writing and she is who drives me and inspires me to dedicate all I have to following this dream.

What makes this book special to you?
As my debut novel, Enthralled holds a special place in my heart because it represents the culmination of several years of dreaming, wishing and just plain old hard work.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
It's an escapist dream! Set in a fantasy world Enthralled takes you into another realm and introduces you to characters that you only dream of! It is a perfect erotic romance because it has all of the critical elements, dominant men, feisty women and a lot of sensuality! I mean A LOT!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
Anyone who just wants to indulge their senses for one night. I know one of my favorite things to do over the weekend is pour a glass of wine, curl up with a good book and just enter into another world. I wanted to give my readers this. Enthralled is a fantasy novel that was written for those who enjoy suspended reality and a high dose of eroticism.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
I have no set formula. Sometimes watching a certain film sparks it. Other times I just feel in the mood to write. However when I am having writer's block I try to read some of my favorite books OR I read new works from my favorite authors. Reading a good book ultimately inspires me and gets those creative juices flowing again.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
The biggest stumbling block I run across is not always writer's block because the thoughts are there but the WILL to write isn't. I try to prevent myself from getting stuck in that type of rut by setting a 10,000 words per week writing goal. As a writer you can set whatever writing goal you want but 10,000 per week works for me. The great thing about setting a weekly goal and not a daily goal (which is what I used to do) is that somedays I may not write at all whereas others I may write all day. I used to set a daily goal of 1,500 words per day but I hated it because I would force myself to write on the days I didn't want to and then later end up having to scrap all of it or revise a lot of it. The weekly goal has worked for me and it keeps me from hating to sit down at the computer.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
I am a member of several author and critique groups and there seem to be two common themes that motivate indviduals to become authors. The first is a genuine love for writing and reading works in the genre that they write in AND the second is a belief that whatever was out there before they started writing could be done better! It is funny because many of my mentors started writing because they became frustrated with a lackof this or too much of that. The same is true of me. I wanted to see more interracial and multicultural erotic romance novels so I figured if that is what I wanted then I needed to write it myself!

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
Here is where I am pretty boring. I don't think anything that I have done has been unusual at all! Although, I will say that I have stepped out of my comfort zone quite a bit. I haven't been in a chat room for over fifteen years and I certainly haven't posted a blog in close to two but promoting my book has driven me to rely upon a lot of media tools that I normally don't use.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers? Without giving too much away I will say this. Enthralled is a work of fantasy but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE ancient history. From the Egyptians to the Babylonians, Greeks and Romans--I LOVE IT! So don't be surprised if you recognize several planets and character names that have meaning in ancient cultures.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.
I love my heroine! She is strong and corageous, yet at the same time there is a vulnerability about her. Mainly she is motivated by a desire to be a good ruler. To do what is right. Many people say that as a writer you should stay away from developing characters that are loosely based upon your own personality, which I will say in this case I did! However, I would like to think that a few of my own personality traits ended up in Candace which of course endears her to me. When you read Enthralled I think you will find that you can't help but cheer for Candace. She has so much to deal with and yet she remains poised through everything. She compromises but not at the expense of who she is. I love that about her and I hope the readers do too!

As far as Ares well who wouldn't love a sexy, dominant, man of honor! He is indeed the classic fantasy hero--strong, confident, domineering, and honorable. However beyond the standard cliche, he is passionate about his family, his friends and the woman that he loves. I find that in many erotic romance novels, there is a lack of character development around the people and relationships that have shaped the hero and heroine. I wanted to write a novel that was built around several central figures, while at the same time not detracting from Candace and Ares' story. I guess you will have to read Enthralled to see what I mean by this and why it works!

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.There is a villain but she doesn't cause the conflict--at least not between the main characters. I know! I am talking in circles! The main source of friction comes from the main characters themselves. Instead of battling a person, they must battle their culture, their ideals, their perceptions of each other. Mainly Candace and Ares must decide whether or not they truly care more about being right, about maintaining time held traditions then they do about opening their hearts to the possibility of finding love. These are two very stubborn, strong willed people. It is hard for them both to let go, to open themselves up and be vulnerable. It is easier for them to wear their past traditions as a shield so that they don't have to deal with the hard stuff.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.
I just want to say how thrilled and excited I am by the release of Enthralled. This has truly been a labor of love and I am happy to see that my dream has finally come true. I enjoyed interweaving many people and places into this erotic fantasy world and I hope others will love reading it as much as I loved writing it.

Dark Lullaby by Mayra Calvani

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Dark Lullaby, by Mayra Calvani

What inspired the book?

This particular novel was inspired by my fascination with moral dilemmas and by Turkish folklore. I lived several years in Turkey, so this was a big influence. Listening to stories about the mysterious—and scary—beings called cin (jihnn) was an unusual experience for me and I always knew I would eventually write something about them in a future book.

What makes this book special to you?

The aspect of this book which makes it more special to me is that the protagonist was inspired by my brother (of course for plot purposes I pushed it to the extremes!). It is also my first novel which has a male protagonist; this made the writing both more interesting and challenging.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Dark Lullaby is a bizarre tale about a young astrophysicist who is lured into the Turkish countryside by a strange and beautiful girl—of course, the girl ends up not being what she first appears to be. Ultimately, he is faced with a moral dilemma: Does the end justify the means? People who must read this book are people who enjoy strange paranormal fiction set in exotic locales, and who also get a kick out of philosophy and controversial moral issues.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Interesting question. Who would need to read this book? People who are idealists and believe ideals cannot collapse. Why? To see that ideals can indeed collapse.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Walking alone, haunting violin music, a good book or movie, a conversation, a person’s face, free writing, keeping a journal.

I would recommend people to get a copy of The Right to Write and The Artist’s Way, both by creativity guru Julia Cameron. Also to write at a café once a week, either alone or with a group of writers.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Definitely lack of discipline. I try my best to write everyday, but the truth is my style is to binge. Not writing everyday can lead to many problems—insecurity, self loathing, stagnation. It used to be very hard for me to actually start that first chapter—it still is, but now I trust my voice more, I’m kinder to my inner self and less critical. Of course—this inner critic, that awful voice that whispers in your ear that you’re no good, gets worse when you don’t write everyday. So both are connected, both feed on each other. The trick is to keep writing, to do it every day, even if just a few sentences. Studying the works I mentioned before (Julia Cameron’s The Right to Write and The Artist’s way) were a tremendous help, as well as joining a creativity workshop. Journal writing can be very useful to keep you writing and to clean your mind of all the useless and negative clutter that gets in the way of your creativity.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

In my case, it was not a conscious decision. I simply loved writing since I was a child. Writing was something I was particularly good at and it got me attention, so I kept at it. Later on, as I grew older, it became a natural way to get rid of all the voices in my head, a way to bring to life my imaginary world filled with mystery and adventure. Also, I’ve always been attracted by the image of the antisocial, ‘intellectual’ author—pounding on an old typewriter and smoking at a messy desk—not that this is my style! It is, after all, a great job—you’re your own boss, have your own hours, etc.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

So far nothing unusual, I’m afraid. I’m quite traditional when it comes to promoting—author interviews, reviews, article distribution, having a website, blog and newsletter, etc.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

Although at the beginning of the novel the characters are in Baltimore, most of the story takes place in the Turkish countryside; in Rize, to be exact, which is a small, tea-planting city on the north eastern coast of the country. I spent hours doing research on the internet and studied many photos that made me create the right atmosphere for the place. The stories I had heard about the cin were from people who originally came from that area, so choosing that particular setting came natural. I wanted to put the protagonist in an exotic setting, in a place where he would feel like an outsider, thus being in a disadvantageous, weaker position.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

There’s no heroine in this novel. The story revolves around the hero and the anti-heroine, though the hero, Gabriel Diaz, is the center of the whole thing. I love that the hero is an astrophysicist because I love science, especially astronomy and cosmology. It was fun doing research to make sure I was getting the facts correctly. As I said earlier, the hero was inspired by my brother. He’s an astrophysicist, so he was there to answer my questions as well, which was convenient. I combined my love for science with my love for philosophy and made him a philosophy aficionado as well. All throughout the book Gabriel is motivated by an idealist sense of justice and by doing the ‘right’ thing.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The anti-heroine or villainess in Dark Lullaby is a young and beautiful Turkish girl named Kamilah. When Gabriel meets her at the tavern on that first night, she claims to be a biology major. Of course, once in Turkey her true nature emerges to the surface and she ends up being something very different from what she presented herself to be. She is the catalyst that brings Gabriel to face his demons; she the reason that propels him to the extreme, because Kamilah isn’t just a threat to him, but to his twin sister as well, who is very vulnerable right now expecting a baby. In all modesty, I think Kamilah’s true nature will take many readers by surprise.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thanks so much for having me as your guest, Nikki!

My website is www.MayraCalvani.com and the book is available from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lullaby-Mayra-Calvani/dp/1593749074/ref=sr_1_4/103-8834202-9064634?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189507282&sr=1-4) and from the publisher (http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=571&zenid=c790ed40a08746e18c58f83270ea4091).

In Detail with Nicola Beaumont

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The Resurrection of Lady Somerset by Nicola Beaumont

What inspired the book?

After reading regencies, and then researching the period, I fell in love with the romance of the era and had to pen something to match.

What makes this book special to you?

The most special thing about this book is that it is my first regency. When I began, I wasn’t sure if I was getting the right tone and feel, and so I entered the manuscript in a contest. The story placed and got rave comments from the judges, so I endeavored to finish the book…and it found publication.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?


I think the most intriguing thing about this book is there is a twist at the end. So far, no one who has read it, has seen it coming, so I think that’s a compelling reason why people “must” read it.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

A mixture of life and idealism spark my creativity. Usually, I see a situation in real life—either in my own experience or through someone else—and I imagine the ideal outcome, and the desire to write about it fosters a story idea.

As far as tips for others to find their muse…just write. Any idea that comes to mind, even if it ends up being kindling for the winter fire, write it. The cohesive plot and the skill to yield an interesting story will come.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?


Time. It’s very easy to become too busy to write. If one is serious about writing as a career, it’s important to incorporate a regular writing regimen, whether it be a set amount of time or a set amount of pages per day or per week. Stick to the schedule.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Writing is something writers must do. There is no option but to create. The motivation is initially innate. For some, there may be some external motivations that follow—maybe the idea of fame and fortune (which doesn’t happen for most authors)—but deep down, the motivation is being able to see tangibly what was once only an imaginary tale.

My own motivation was, and is, solely to tell the tale. I write for the same reason I read—to “see” a happily-ever-after unfold where flawed people overcome their flaws and find true happiness.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I’m a pretty staid person. I’m not sure I’ve done anything unusual…except maybe go on a virtual book tour! :0)

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?


A lot of time is spent at Somerset Manor. It’s a large estate in which the heroine has lived as a veritable hermit almost her entire life—with the “world” thinking she was actually dead. I chose that setting because it was a challenge to have the hero keep the heroine a secret while there are people coming and going.

In order to create vividity I use as many sensory descriptions as possible. A reader must experience the setting in the same way the character does—sights, smells, noises, etc., all have to come alive.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.


Readers will like Lark and Jonathon for the same reasons I do. Lark is both vulnerable, yet strong. She has lived with a quiet security that was almost like a prison, yet to risk moving out into the world means she may lose not only that security, but her dignity as well.

Jonathon has had to deal with rumours and innuendo which made his life difficult, yet rather than succumbing to the pressure, he has always risen to the occasion and fought the good fight. Now, with his betrothal to Lark, he has to face all his worst fears about being accepted by gently Society.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thanks for this great opportunity to share. I invite people to visit my website at www.inicola.net To order a copy of The Resurrection of Lady Somerset, visit Amazon.com or at The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&produc

In Detail with PG Forte

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Love, From A to Z is the second book in the LA Love Lessons series by PG Forte.

What inspired the book?

I honestly don’t remember. I know I fell in love with Zach while I was writing Waiting for the Big One. I always thought he deserved his own story. But the idea to hook him up with someone mysterious, angelic (okay, that part really changed by the time the book was written!); a woman he’d really have to work to get to know—that just came out of nowhere. The only thing I knew about April when I started plotting the story was that her name had to start with ‘A’...since his began with ‘Z’.

Of course, I’ve also had that first scene in Chapter One—where April wakes up and realizes there’s someone in bed with her and she doesn’t know who that someone is—in my mind for close to forever. Although I must confess the actual event which inspired it wasn’t nearly as interesting as April’s fictional encounter.

What makes this book special to you?

Again I have to say Zach. He’s just the sweetest hot guy imaginable. I mean, I should hate this book because I always swore I’d never write an amnesia story and yet...there it is. I’ve written twelve books now and this has turned out to be one of my favorites.

Actually, I suppose it’s the interaction between the main characters. April had to be someone pretty special to deal with the situation—and to balance Zach. Together they just have really wonderful chemistry. LOL—even if I do say so myself.

And that first scene—as I said, I waited a long time to use that!

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

LOL! I don’t really think of any of my books as being THAT important. I write primarily to entertain people; to amuse them—rather than to educate or enlighten them. This isn’t literature. But, on the other hand, I happen to think the role of ‘Storyteller’ is an important, time-honored position. As far as I know, humans are the only species who tell each other stories—and we’ve been doing it since we lived in caves. It’s probably why language evolved in the first place.

People NEED good stories and everyone needs a good laugh...several good laughs...on a regular basis. So, I guess...people should read this book if they want to have fun; if they want to laugh and/or cry, have a good time...and maybe pick up a wicked idea or two. I do like giving people ideas!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People who are looking for something just a little bit twisted, I suppose. There’s a little kink, but nothing too scary, I don’t think. People who take things too seriously could probably use something like this—it might help them lighten up. People for whom life is grim (due to circumstances beyond their control); this could provide them with a needed break. Oh, and people who like a sexy read—cause it is that.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Oh, just everything. It’s all grist for the mill. That’s one of the most fun things about spending time with another author, btw. You’ll see things, hear things, taste or smell things, look at each other—wearing identical goofy grins—and just know that you’re both seeing the story possibilities.

I think visual aids are very important. If you can find something—a flower, an ornament, a postcard, a perfume, a coffee mug, whatever—that symbolizes the story you’re working on, that’s something that can help you to focus, help you keep going when you start to get stuck. Also I can’t write without a soundtrack. So I almost always have music playing—and it has to be specific to the book or scene I’m working on.

Anything that helps me feel like I’m immersed in the world of my story is good.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Self consciousness. Or maybe a lack of business acumen. I guess it depends on whether we’re talking about the actual writing or the business of writing.

Writing can be an extremely personal endeavor. Even if you’re writing something that’s completely made up...it’s personal. And when you’re writing about sex—well, that really can make you feel exposed. I‘ve always likened it to acting. You have to ‘dig down deep to the bottom of your soul’ (to steal a quote from A Chorus Line) to find your emotions if you want to write something that’s going to move people. I think it’s important to be authentic emotionally. And that’s really hard. I think you have to find that place inside where you’re just a little bit uncomfortable and then make yourself stay there; learn to work from there—not shy away from it. Way easier said then done, unfortunately. You just have to do it.

As for the ‘lack of business acumen’ thing—I think you just have to educate yourself. Find out how things are done, what kinds of story people are looking for, how to submit a story, who to submit it to, etc. There are a lot of scams out there. There are a lot of wrong tracks to wander down.

I think finding reputable groups to belong to is very helpful—they cut down on some of the misinformation you might fall prey to otherwise and you’ll likely pick up a lot of useful information and contacts as well.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think if you have to write, you have to write. It’s as simple as that.

In terms of choosing to try and make it a career, however, I think I was motivated by my children...which sounds kind of strange doesn’t it, when you consider that I’m currently writing erotica? I’d just like to point out I didn’t start writing in this genre until I’d already completed eight other books.

But, seriously, writing had been a dream of mine for a lot of years and it was important for me to show my kids how strongly I believe that it’s important to follow your dreams. Sometimes you just have to go for it.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I wish I could think of unusual things to do to promote my books! Unfortunately I’m depressingly conventional when it comes to creating promotional ideas. These virtual tours and online author chats are certainly among the most enjoyable promotional activities I’ve engaged in. Does that count? Since I’m primarily epubbed, at least so far, most of my promotional efforts have been geared toward cyber space.

And like everyone else on the planet, it seems, I’m also on MySpace. (http://www.myspace.com/pgforte). That’s actually gotten me a lot of attention, surprisingly enough. My profile page there definitely sees a lot more action than my website!

If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

This series is set in LA. I used to live there and I really remember the place fondly. Of course, I also remember that particular time in my life very fondly too—so I think that’s part of why I chose that location for this series. I picked a lot of places that I’d either come to love during my time there or places that seemed emblematic of the place itself. Some of the locations are places I re-visit whenever I’m in the area. I’m big on nostalgia, which tends to drive my husband nuts. He’d much prefer to see new places from time to time—lol!

What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Well, Zach is a total sweetheart—and I think that comes across. It doesn’t hurt that he’s totally hot, either. I guess what makes Zach special is the fact that he accepts himself. He doesn’t pretend to be someone he’s not—which, of course, is exactly the quality that gets him into trouble from time to time!

Also, there’s something I’ve realized recently about romantic heroes,. In my opinion, the most important quality they must have is a love (and healthy respect) for women. Misogynists, good ‘ol boys, men’s men, or guys who’ve been so scarred and twisted they think they have no need nor use for women (other than domestically or sexually) need not apply. Seriously.

As for April...this is a woman who, when she finds herself in a very disorienting position, digs right in and finds her footing fairly quickly. Of course, it definitely helps that she has Zach along to help her over the rough spots, but I’d like to think she’d have managed something on her own...it just probably wouldn’t have been as entertaining.

April is stubborn and I admire that. Some people prefer the word determined, but I like stubborn. It’s a good word. April strikes me as someone with great strength of character. Sure, once again, she’s motivated partially by Zach, but she’s a bit of a risk taker in her own right. She takes leaps of faith, which, I think speaks of a person who is secure in herself. April might not know what she’s doing all the time but she’s damn sure going to do something—she’s not going to just lie there and let life roll over her.

I think this is why they’re so good for each other, too. Zach rolls with the punches and doesn’t often lose his sense of humor. April is more feisty, more of a doer. As a result, she tends to get the wind knocked out of her, from time to time, but she doesn’t let that stop her.

Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

There’s usually a villain in most of my books. In this case, however, I decided I didn’t want anyone too heavy. This was such a fun story to write, I didn’t want to bring myself, or the reader, down by writing in a really, really bad guy. So, I went for a somewhat farcical approach. Yes, the bad guys do bad things but the only thing meant to be taken seriously in this book are the developing emotions between the hero and heroine. Everything else is there for...entertainment value.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I guess I’d just like to say if you enjoy this book you might want to check out the other books in the series. Waiting for the Big One is also available from Liquid Silver Books and I’m currently awaiting word on the third book, Let Me Count the Ways.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thank you, Nikki, it’s been a pleasure.

My website is: http://www.pgforte.com

The direct link to this book is:
http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&product_name=Love+From+A+To+Z&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact

Or, you can also find a link at:
http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/authors/pgforte.htm

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

In Detail with Steve Reilly

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The Fat Lady Never Sings: How a High School Football Team Found Redemption on the Baseball Diamond

Steven M. Reilly

What inspired the book?

I always thought the story of the team should be told. I think all of us have unique experiences we want to share and say to ourselves “I should write a book.” After fourteen years of thinking about these remarkable young men and their coaches and what they went through, I decided to do write the book.

The book is about redemption sought by three high school baseball players, their team, their coaches and the City they live in. In 1991, high school football was everything in Derby which is the smallest city in Connecticut. The team had a streak of twenty-eight straight years without having a losing season. The streak ended on Thanksgiving Day, 1991. Three seniors including the quarterback also played on the school’s baseball team. One of the seniors was the Mayor’s son and almost all of the other players on the baseball team played football. The head coach of the baseball team was also an assistant football coach who was also battling his own difficulty.

After blowing the streak, the football players, especially the three seniors, were labeled losers forever in the City. Their last chance at redemption was playing on the baseball team. Two of the Seniors were pitchers. The smallest school in the league, Derby battles for and makes the state tournament and ultimately, as the late North Carolina State basketball coach Jimmy Valvano would say, "survives and advances" to a state championship game.

But the game turns into a nightmare after an early lead disintegrates. We end up down by two runs with two outs in the last inning. With two runners in scoring position, the quarterback comes to the plate and ultimately gets a base hit to tie the game and send it into extras. The excitement builds as each extra inning results in Derby scoring and their adversary tying the game. Complicating matters, a pitching limitation rule forces one of the senior pitchers to return to the mound several innings after being removed. In the eleventh inning(the fourth extra inning) another Derby senior fouls off seven pitches in a row with a three-balls two-strikes two-out count until he ultimately drives in the winning runs. In the bottom of the last inning, Derby's senior pitcher hangs on despite barely being able to pitch.

What makes this book special to you?

It describes events that I played a part in as well as the relationships I was able to establish as a result. Take a look at what happened the moment the game ended on my web site: www.TheFatLadyNeverSings.com and you'll feel why I consider the team and coaches were so special.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

No other book in this genre has the amount of game excitement that the final game in this story has. The characters in this book are unmatched for their zaniness, tenacity and love for one another as well as the game of baseball. It's the baseball equivalent of Hoosiers, if Gene Hackman's game went into triple overtime.

Many of the people who know the characters in the book voted for who should play Coach D(the head coach in the book) in any movie version of the book on one of my web site polls. Danny DeVito bested Jack Nicholson, Jim Belushi, Jason Alexander and Kelsey Grammar in the voting. What does that tell you when the people that are familiar with the characters think Danny DeVito should play a head coach of a high school baseball team! Some thought Coach D should play himself since they felt nobody could duplicate him. Many sports books speak about the concept of never giving up, but if you read this book you'll feel as if you are in the dugout each step of the way.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who is caught up with the concept of winning and losing needs to read this book to see what exactly we should be admiring about the young people who face it whenever they play competitive sports.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Coaching sparks it as every game I'm involved in requires me to adapt to what's happening no matter how I hoped to script the outcome. I think the way to spark creativity is to find the time to just relax. It's like being up at the plate, the more you can relax, the more you can stay focused and concentrate on hitting the ball. It's like doing a crossword puzzle and you can't think of the word that fits, but the next morning you pick it up again and wonder how you ever could have missed the word the day before.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I had a hard time being patient enough to keep on revising the book over and over and over again. I wanted to make it as good as it could. The editing was frustrating as it seemed to go in circles; one editor telling me to do one thing, another telling me to go in a different direction and finally a proofreader who injected his own thoughts.

My solution was simply to read as much as I could about the editing process and to trust and consider what I was being told to work on. In other words, I had to put my faith in the people who do this for a living.

My suggestion would be that after you have got your edit back, put the book down for a few days. Since I wrote my book, I became more interested in sports writing and have read numerous baseball books. I think in retrospect, I would have been better off if I had read those books before diving into writing a book in that same arena. So, I would say being an avid reader of books, especially of books in the area you wish to write in, is extremely helpful.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think we all thrive on stories; we get enjoyment out of listening to them, telling them and sometimes just making them up. Everybody's life is a story. What motivated me was the opportunity to tell a story that noone else had told.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I purchased a giant baseball glove from a company called Akadema and I use it as a prop at all my events. It's an instant conversation piece to lead into the subject of the book.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I had the best seat in the house as the story unfolded as I was the third base coach on the team. I was also as frightened as them about winning or losing the championship game. I have been coaching high school baseball players for about thirty years, so through all my experience I learned what makes them as well as their coaches tick.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Imagine a high school baseball coach's elderly mother adjacent a dugout in a stadium filled with 3,500 people trying to convince her son the best way to win a state championship game was to cheat!

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Because I live it every spring, summer and fall.

Here's my hook:

Once school starts in the fall, Friday nights are typically reserved for one thing high school football games. The Fat Lady Never Sings tells the true story of Derby, Connecticut's 1992 Red Raider baseball team as told by then-assistant coach, Steven M. Reilly. When the town's remarkable 28-year football winning streak comes to an end, three seniors on the team are branded losers. Determined to seek redemption by playing on the baseball team, these multi-sport athletes forever leave their mark on this small Connecticut town after helping the team advance to the championship game of the state baseball tournament.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

Presumably the story could be tied into any sports topic as the book deals with how players, especially young players, deal with winning and losing and persevering against the odds.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

Nearly all of the players and coaches have told me they read the book. At least one player's wife has told me I am responsible for the inability of her husband to get his head through their front door.

Learn more about the book and read the first three chapters for free at the book's website: www.TheFatLadyNeverSings.com. You can also read numerous reviews of the book, listen to podcast interviews, see current photographs of some of the players and the coaches at book events, and learn about the current lives of the book's characters. If you have a Myspace site, feel free to visit me.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Www.TheFatLadyNeverSings.com

The book can be ordered at: Amazon.com; iUniverse.com; BN.com; Borderstores.com; Waldenbooks.com and a host of others listed on the website.

In Detail with Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Tell us the book title and your author name.
Earl Ofari Hutchinson
The Latino Challenge to Black America

What inspired the book?
The need to explore in depth the new ethnic clash in America between blacks and latinos

What makes this book special to you?
It breaks new ground on a compelling social and political issue and charts a course of understanding of the relatively unexplored area of black and Latino conflict.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
There are no others books that go into the detail and depth that this book does on black and Latino relations

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
All Americans concerned about racial and ethnic tensions and conflicts

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
Write write and keep writing there's no magic formula to creativity no lights bulbs of inspiration that go off just sweat, blood and tears in the craft of writing

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
Simple write write write sit at the computer even when you don't have a clue where you're going with a thought and don't move until it comes to you then startp ounding away

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
The burning desire to get people to think

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
No magic formula just talk it up wherever there's an ear

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?
A quarter century of writing on race and ethnic relations

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)
It will make you think

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.
Racial conflict in America for a century has been framed exclusively in black and white, no longer, it's black versus brown, brown versus Asian, black versus Asian, Asian versus brown, and all sorts of new interethnic combinations, better get on board the train to understanding of the changing racial paradigm in America Earl Ofari Hutchinson gives you a seat on that train

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

The hottest topic in America is immigration and Earl Ofari Hutchinson's book deals with in three chapters with special focus on its impact on black America

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

http://www.middlepassagepress.com/ and the book is available on www.Amazon.com



Nikki Leigh

www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

The Dowry Bride by Shobhan Bantwal

Tell us the book title and your author name.

The title is THE DOWRY BRIDE. My name is Shobhan Bantwal.

What inspired the book?

THE DOWRY BRIDE started out as a short story—a class project for the one and only creative writing course I took at the local community college. But when my instructor informed me it had the potential for a good full-length novel, I gave it serious thought. Later, as I did more research into the subject, the shocking truth struck home that thousands of young Indian women are either killed or maimed each year because they don’t bring a dowry or a large enough dowry—even in this day and age.

What makes this book special to you?

It’s very special because I turned 56 just as the book was being released! Unlike many writers, I took up writing rather late in life, at the age of 50. I never dreamt I’d be published, let alone sell a book at 54 to a fairly large publisher like Kensington. Also, I went against tradition with this book, because most Asian writers, especially Indians, tend to write literary books that reach a limited readership due to their more subdued content. I wanted to write a mainstream book which included mystery, emotion, and strong romantic elements so I could reach women who read commercial women’s fiction, including romance.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

THE DOWRY BRIDE is a different kind of book that both entertains and educates at the same time. Readers can not only enjoy a pleasant read but delve into the exotic Indian culture that is so unlike what most Americans know and live in. Today’s India is a modern country with superior technology and a vigorous economy. Indian women have come a long way in pursuing higher education and careers, and yet there are certain facets to the culture that cast a dark shadow over all those accomplishments. The archaic custom of dowry is an example. My book uses the dowry system as a platform to build an intriguing story of betrayal, hope and the resilience of the human spirit.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People need to keep an open mind, mainly because there are some shocking truths exposed in my book. Even the concept of dowry is alien to a lot of Americans and Europeans. And yet, the story is positive and upbeat. It is the tale of a young woman who manages to overcome the roadblocks placed before her by her culture and emerges triumphant.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I’ve come to realize that my own life is an amazing story to most Americans. I use that and other factors in my background as a storehouse of creative story ideas. I had an arranged marriage 34 years ago. I met my husband two days before we were engaged. Less than two weeks later we were married. For us, falling in love came long after we were married, and 34 years later, we’re still happily married. Imagine the stories one can spin around that factor alone!

As far as tips go, I’d say writers should look around themselves. There are so many interesting things going on with everyone’s neighbors, friends, coworkers, and the world in general, there’s no dearth of potential plots.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

The greatest stumbling block has been the negativity from fellow Indians. Some of them are disdainful of romantic literature and consider it trashy. A few others feel it is wrong to expose the less desirable facts about one’s culture to the rest of the world. Every time I hear comments like that, it puts a damper on my creative spirit. I try to rise above it, but it’s not easy. Nonetheless I’m learning to ignore negative remarks and carry on with what I like to write. A thick skin is a requirement in this business.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I can’t really say what motivates other people. I suppose it could be anything from unleashing their creative genius to attaining fame and fortune. For myself, it was the challenge of going against the stereotype of writing literary novels and spinning mainstream tales with romance woven into the texture of the tapestry. Then there was also the enticing challenge of breaking into the harder-than-nails traditional fiction market.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I’m giving away a “Dowry Bag” at my signings and through my website as a promotional idea. It contains one signed copy of THE DOWRY BRIDE and some Indian gift items like spices, tea samplers, incense, etc. Although I’ve denigrated the dowry system in my book, my wry sense of humor couldn’t resist using the concept to my advantage when M.J. Rose, writing teacher/mentor and bestselling author of some wonderful books, suggested it to me.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

I created a fictitious setting: a small town in southwestern India called Palgaum. I believed it would make an interesting and exotic backdrop for my book. However, it is loosely based on the town I grew up in. Whenever I was writing about the streets and the scenery, I had an image of my own town of Belgaum, except for the river. I felt a picturesque river scene would give the story more texture and romance, so I threw in a river, which my town doesn’t have.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Both my heroine and my hero inspire me. Megha, my heroine is very young and naïve, but when faced with death, she seeks out the only source of help and eventually overcomes her difficulties to emerge stronger and more practical. My hero is a young man of principles, willing to put his reputation and even his life on the line to protect Megha. Until the end, he doesn’t give up on ensuring Megha’s safety and happiness. Survival is Megha’s motivation while preservation of what’s precious is Kiran’s.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The villain is Megha’s mother-in-law, Amma. She is an authoritative Amazon who is out to kill Megha because Megha’s parents haven’t paid the promised dowry. Amma is the quintessential villain, the menacing shadow that hovers over Megha constantly, even when she’s not in close proximity. Amma is very essential to the book in that the story opens with her plot to kill Megha and she remains relentless till the end.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.
I’d like my readers to know that the book’s cover is of special significance to me. The picture of the bride on the cover is my daughter’s, in all her bridal finery when she got married. Kensington couldn’t have made me happier when they informed me that they wanted to use the picture for my book.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Website address: www.shobhanbantwal.com

To order the book: http://tinyurl.com/24dlec


Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

L. Diane Wolfe - Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV

Tell us the book title and your author name.

L. Diane Wolfe (aka – “Spunk On A Stick”), “Mike: The Circle of Friends, Book IV”

What inspired the book?

The series itself was inspired by the wisp of a dream – and from that I began writing a story about an Olympic swimmer. The characters began to come alive and I could see each one had a story to tell, a struggle to overcome. Mike was an important secondary character in Book II, and his tragic story of a sinful mistake never forgiven cried out to be told. There are people out there like Mike who carry a heavy burden of guilt.

What makes this book special to you?

Mike is just such a gentle character and meant so much to the characters in Book II. It’s also pleasing this fourth book has garnered such a wide male audience. Everything about this book, from the story to the cover art, just came together so nicely, too!

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

It is hardest to forgive oneself and most people will identify with Mike’s plight. But they won’t spend the whole book feeling sorry for him. They will become emotionally involved with the two main characters to the point they are angry with Mike for not escaping his prison of guilt!

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who has made mistakes in their life, which covers just about all of us! Mike is for those who need hope or just want to be inspired. There are so few books fueled by optimism!

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

My characters are so real to me - I am constantly watching their lives unfold within my mind’s eye! I am impassioned by music and find it the greatest inspiration. Every one of my characters has a song or group of songs, (their own theme music if you will!), and all I have to do is listen to become wrapped up in their story. Every writer must find that, whether it's a song or a place, which unleashes their imagination.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Fortunately, I do not encounter writer’s block often! But if I am uninspired to continue a scene, I have several tricks. If I am excited about a scene in the next chapter, I skip ahead and write that instead, playing connect-the-dots later. Or I will go back and reread what I have completed, editing as I go. Either of those usually jars my creativity once again!

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think at some point, everyone wants to write a book! It’s like leaving your mark on the world, a sign that you existed and meant something. I had dreamed of being an author since I was thirteen years old and holding a copy of Anne McCaffrey’s “The White Dragon” in my hands. It took me many years, but the rewards have been tremendous! Readers and fans keep me going and I cherish all of the friendships I have made along the way. Now that I’ve learned the industry, I am ready to move beyond just author & speaker and into publishing itself so that I might help others realize their dream!

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I didn’t know there was such a thing as ‘normal’ when it came to promoting a book! Seriously, though, the massive amount of book signings I have done over the past few years is unusual for most authors. I average about sixty a year, so I am on the road a lot! Interviews are always interesting, too. One time my husband and I got up at 1:30 in the morning, drove over three hours, did a 5:45am interview on an NBC morning news show, and then drove back home. My husband went to work afterwards and his co-workers thought we were crazy! But success is being willing to do whatever it takes.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

Mike’s story begins his final year at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He played college football, a sport I love, so game details were no problem to describe. Upon graduation, Mike relocates to Albuquerque, NM, a town I lived in for four years. It is the only time I have ever used my own personal experience for a location, but I could so vividly recall the beauty of the Sandia Mountains, the thrill of the International Balloon Fiesta, and the charm of Old Towne that I felt I could accurately bring the surroundings to life.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

I am inspired by Mike’s firm resolve to stand his moral ground, even after the terrible mistake in his past. Mike is a likeable person with a sweet spirit, and yet he is filled with such angst and inner turmoil. Danielle’s fiery and ambitious attitude forces Mike to stretch, and it is this spirit that finally frees him from self-imposed bondage.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

Mike’s greatest enemy is himself, which is true for most people! His guilt threatens to make him a martyr and nearly destroys his future with Danielle. When Mike believes he has it under control, life suddenly throws a curve ball, and he relapses almost to the point of no despair. Whenever you have a character with excess baggage, they will bring turmoil to their intimate relationships.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.
The Circle of Friends series was written to encourage and uplift! For the young person or adult struggling with negativity or a poor self-image, they need to know there is hope. I want readers to come away not only entertained but inspired to overcome all obstacles and pursue their dreams. Life is too short!

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

www.thecircleoffriends.com

Order from Barnes & Noble - http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781425991272&itm=5#pDetails

Or Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/1425991270?tag=theciroffri-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=1425991270&adid=1E9NXAJTM2JSVTMQWR4W&