Silk Palace by Colin Harvey

Tell us the book title and your author name.
The Silk Palace by Colin Harvey

What inspired the book?

At the risk of sounding mercenary, it was a call for submissions from a then editor at Tor, who subsequently left, but by then the damage was done. She was looking for work in a specific sub-genre; I’d never read any of the works that inspired the call, but I had just finished Lightning Days and was looking for the next project. But as with Lightning Days, my subconscious took over and we ended up somewhere completely different!

What makes this book special to you?

Well, in an odd sort of way, we’re like a father and daughter who are just getting reconciled. I got so far into the book and stopped enjoying writing. Agatha Christie had the same problem with The Mystery of the Blue Train, but she and it were never reconciled, whereas my ugly duckling and I seem to have forgiven each other.

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

Um, I’m a Brit, and to be honest language like that makes me cringe. Sorry.

It’s got perhaps the most other-worldly setting in sword-and-sorcery in many years. And I wanted a heroine who wasn’t strong or brave, at least until she was backed into a corner.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People who are interested in epic fantasy that has a brain should read it, and people who say that epic fantasy doesn’t have a brain should read it!

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

Going to new places; doing new things; reading. Keep reading outside your own peer group, and do something new every day.

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

My biggest problem was a catastrophic loss of confidence after attending a writing workshop. For the best of intentions the pro there demolished me, and I realized that I had nothing to say – and believed that for over twenty years. But everyone has a voice – they just have to find it.

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

I found at age nine that I could write stories. For a kid who wasn’t sporty, and wasn’t musical, and had serious confidence issues, it was like finding a vocation. I’ve never wanted to do anything else, even during my two-decade block – that was what made it so painful.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I’ve dispensed soup to promote my cookbook, and stood on a chair at a convention huckstering a book, but I think I’ve been fortunate – I haven’t had to do too many odd things.

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’ve written about this elsewhere, but I wanted a completely different world so that anything went. I mapped out the landscape and climatology and all kinds of stuff on the back of envelopes.

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.

Well, to really raise the bar, I not only decided to write a heroine (rather than a hero), but had her unexpectedly fall in love with another woman. But that love is central to the plot; together with her fear of heights, it’s what stops the heroine fleeing.

I wanted to avoid a lot of the fantasy conventions, so she relies on brains. She’s not easy to be around, she’s awkward, socially naïve, but in some ways that’s quite inspiring. I find flawed heroes / heroines far more interesting than unalloyed good / bad people.

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.

I have so much conflict its unreal! The prince lusts after the heroine, so his fiancée, one of the three princesses hates the heroine, but the heroine is there at the King’s request, so the princess has to lump it; a second princess believes the heroine guilty of blasphemy; there are plotters planning, two empires massing their ranks on the borders, and a killer wandering around bumping people off!

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

It’s been an absolute pleasure. Thank you.

The website address is http://www.geocities.com/colin_harvey

The paperback can be bought at: http://www.amazon.com/Silk-Palace-Colin-Harvey/dp/1934041424/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1195398998&sr=1-1

And the e-copy at: http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/eBook51966.htm?cache

Novels from Swimming Kangaroo Books:

Lightning Days -- SF, Finalist for the USA Book News Awards

The Silk Palace -- "compelling" Library Journal

"Intrigues, betrayals, murders, love affairs, transformations, and

revelations," Bruce Boston, author of The Guardener's Tale

www.geocities.com/colin_harvey www.myspace.com/colin_harvey

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&

HOW TO SUBMIT

This blog will be for author interviews with Nikki Leigh. This will include discussion about book creation, writing inspirations, book promotion and much more. Pull up a chair and see what we can learn from each other. Authors that I host on virtual book tours will be hosted here and I'll be looking for other special authors to feature on this site. What's interesting about your book and why would I like to feature you on this site? Convince me to talk with you :)

To participate - copy these questions into a new file and answer each question, then return the file to me at nikki_leigh22939@yahoo.com. There are some question which are obviously for fiction - non fiction authors can skip those or delete them. If you feel a question does apply, let me know. But, the more information you provide, the more potential readers will learn about you and your book.

Tell us the book title and your author name.

What inspired the book?

What makes this book special to you?

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

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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?

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 :)

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.

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.

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

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

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm






Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm