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Interview with Christian Fiction Author Sydney Molare'

Sydney Molare, author of the christian fiction, DEVIL'S ORCHESTRA, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS! Sydney Molare’ is one of the latest crop of Southern authors to watch. Her novel’s messages cross genres, ethnicities and locales. Her goal is to always have “little message for everyone.” Her books are garnering her awards from bookclubs and reviewers across the country. Sydney was recently named, “Mississippi Hometown Hero, Most Likely to Succeed” and the 2006 Mississippi’s BEST Author. Sydney's novels include—Somewhere In America; Small Packages; Changing Faces, Changing Places; Grandmama’s Mojo Still Working; and Devil’s Orchestra. Her website is: http://www.sydneymolare.com/ . Welcome to Author Talks, Sydney! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you've been writing? I'm a veterinarian that caught the writing bug late in life. I've been writing since December 2001. I remember the date because my marriage was breaking down and I was on the winter break and needed something to occupy my hands and mind besides my situation. Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it? Devil's Orchestra is a novel of social consciousness. For every action, there is a reaction, good or bad. For every choice, there is a consequence, postive or negative. Three celebrities are enticed to review their lives by old friends. Of course this is a ruse. Luke, AKA Lucifer, is using these minions a cover for his true purpose: The make sure they stand behind their lives, then welcome them into his kingdom. Now you and I know there is probably a vast difference in truth levels between our friends and what you would fess up to with the devil. That is their dilemma. I wrote it as my wake-up call to the world. It seems that the more vulgar a situation, our society can't wait for someone to top the antic. We are living in an ever-revolving eight ring circus and it's time we realized it. What kind of research was involved in writing DEVIL'S ORCHESTRA? I didn't want a "preachy" book. I wanted a book that related to people in any walk at any level of spirituality so I didn't focus of scriptures. My research included: different monikers for the devil, Cerberus, the three headed dog, the antics of our pop stars... nothing heavy but applicable and visible to the every day reader. How much input did you have into the design of your book cover? All the input! The cover you have is actually the second cover. The first had a man with fire coming out of his head. It was quite shocking! I loved it but it seems that many people thought the book was horror so I took my publicists advice and changed it. Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Getting published wasn't my initial goal. I was just letting off steam. But once the seed was planted, I was bound and determined to see it happen. I believe in giving yourself options and I'm impatient when it comes to getting something done for myself. Yes, I submitted prior manuscripts to publishing houses, but not all. I've been self-published, traditionally published and e-published. I definitely think I'm living an uncommon writer's life. Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/she is? Yes, I have an agent- Sha Shana Crichton. Do you plan subsequent books? Of course! I'm having a ball and don't plan to stop dancing yet. Are you a morning writer or a night writer? I am a writing vampire. I want to write after my son is in the bed or at least out from under my feet. Then I write for a few hours until I fall into bed. If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book? High quality book trailer movies. Our society is visual and are impulse buyers. So catch that attention quickly and cha-ching they are ready to buy it on the spot. I'd have every store where I had books run the trailer constantly too. I'm looking for exclusivity here. LOL. How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online? Self-promotion is a must. If you don't promote, no one else will for any length of time. Yes, trad houses do some promotions, but the reality is, unless you have a big name and a large following, you are gonna have to beat the bushes and make contacts yourself to put yourself out there. I have the website, the blogs, I chat, give away galleys to bookclubs, have book trailers:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUA3sx6ZEOQ, etc. Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published? Remember the writer's trinity: Pushing, patience and persistence. Keep pushing by sending out query letters, have patience--the world really doesn't work on your personal time schedule, and be persistent. I think persistence is the key. The more your name flashes by, the more likely your book will get picked up when they see it in front of them. And remember, There is always room for another great book! Thank you for coming, Sydney! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book? Sure. Visit me at my site: www.sydneymolare.com . Devil's Orchestra can be purchased via my site as well as hundreds, maybe thousands, of online retailers. Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, Sydney Molare, Devil's Orchestra

Happy Thanksgiving!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Dwayne G. Anderson, Author of PARTIALLY HUMAN

Dwayne Anderson, author of the young adult science fiction novel, PARTIALLY HUMAN, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS! Dwayne G. Anderson was born in Humboldt , Saskatchewan on September 23, 1982 . He spent much of his life in Naicam where he was raised. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age sixteen, Dwayne’s experiences with being different made him into the man he is today, one who is determined to face and overcome whatever challenges life throws at him. These experiences gave him the inspiration to write “Partially Human”. Dwayne enjoys writing as it has become a way for him to express his thoughts. He tends to write stories with a hidden powerful message to inspire those who read his work. You can visit his website here! Welcome to Author Talks, Dwayne! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing? I grew up in Naicam where I currently live today, though I plan to move to the city in a few years because there are much more opportunities available in the city than in a small town. I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age 16, yet I'm determined to make something of myself despite the constant doubts of others. Before I wrote books, I wrote fiction for the rugrats and futurama. The links to them are available on my website. I've been writing books since September of 2001. Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it? Partially Human was based on my own experiences with Asperger Syndrome and how it changed my life. Like me, the main character's life was thrown in a new direction and people started to treat him differently after something about him is discovered and revealed. What kind of research was involved in writing PARTIALLY HUMAN? Most of the places in Los Angeles are real because I found them online. The only place I made up entirely was the Warris Heaven. I also included information on the Rodney King beating, blacks first coming to America, and a history of prejudice. How much input did you have into the design of your book cover? The publisher did all the work on it, though I don't really mind, I didn't know what to put on it, and I can't draw. Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? It was difficult getting a publisher for this book because every publisher I sent it to rejected it. The only publisher that did accept it went out of business before publication was completed. Then I found Infinity Publishing and from then on, it was smooth sailing. For this particular book, how long did it take from the time you signed the contract to its release? Publication with Infinity Publishing takes between 6 to 9 weeks from when you send in the signed contract. Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one? I do not have an agent. What would I need one for anyway? Do you plan subsequent books? Yes, two romances, another general fiction, two science fiction, and a fantasy. Are you a morning writer or a night writer? It varies on when I have some free time on my hands. If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book? Advertising in newsletters, on sites, and what else fits my budget. How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online? No matter which publisher you use, it is the author's duty to promote his or her own work cause nobody knows it better than the author. I have my own website, I've advertised on sites, in newsletters, gotten my book listed on several sites(currently submitting to more), going on Virtual Book Tour, gotten interviewed by my local paper, and joined a book club. Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published? Choose a publisher that offers outstanding service, quality products, bookstore returns, all at an affordable price. Thank you for coming, Dwayne! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book? The book can be purchased at Infinity Publishing's online bookstore, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. I'm sure there are other places, but these are the major retailers. You can find the links to purchase my book at these sites at my website. Thank you for coming, Dwayne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of PARTIALLY HUMAN, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck! Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Dwayne G. Anderson

An Interview with Stem Cell Research Author Yvonne Perry

Yvonne Perry, author of RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA (Nightengale Press, October 2007), , is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS! Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, author and keynote speaker who enjoys assisting people on a spiritual path. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics. As a writer, Yvonne enjoys helping people get their message into a well-written book or article that is ready to publish. She is the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services—a team of freelance writers located in Nashville, Tennessee. Yvonne publishes a monthly newsletter about writing, publishing and marketing books. In 2005, Yvonne released More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife, a book that address topics many people are not comfortable discussing such as suicide, the near-death experience, end of life decisions, and euthanasia. She has collected true stories designed to help people release their fear of death, learn to communicate with those on the other side and comfort someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The book is available at Amazon.com. Yvonne is involved with Toastmasters International and has held several officer roles within the club and at Division level. She has completed the program requirements for Distinguished Toastmaster and puts her skills to good use through Writers in the Sky Podcast a weekly show about the craft and business of writing in which Yvonne interviews guest authors, publishers, and book marketing experts. As a networker, Yvonne loves to share her knowledge and connect people with one another. One way she does this is through Writers in the Sky, her free monthly subscriber-based newsletter. The ezine is filled with articles and great information about writing, editing, publishing and book publicity. Yvonne is the mother of two adult children, three step-children and six grandchildren. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Randy. You can visit her website at http://www.right2recover.com/ and her blog at http://right2recover.blogspot.com/! Welcome to Author Talks, Yvonne! Can you give us a little bit about your background? I am a freelance ghostwriter and editor. I have been writing all my life, but it wasn’t until 2003 that I seriously decided to do something with my talent. That’s when I founded Write On! Creative Writing Services and left my corporate job as an executive assistant to make my living as a freelance writer. The decision started with the writing of my first book, Email Episodes. This humorous book was an online journal I kept during a dark night of the soul. I used my writing and wit as a vehicle for releasing the stress of raising teenagers, going through divorce and encountering midlife crisis. Since self-publishing that book, I have been writing for clients and growing the business. I developed a team of writers and editors to assist me and that is working out well. How long have you been writing? Since I could hold a crayon. I drew my stories then. Once I learned to write, I couldn’t stop. Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time? Life is a roller coaster ride of joy and greater joy! The publishing part of the journey has been easy. Doing the research was time-consuming, but marketing the book is the uphill part especially while having a business to run and other clients to write for. I’m ready for the downhill “Wheeee!” Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one? I did not have an agent. I connected with Valerie Connelly of Nightengale Press after listening to a radio show in which Francine Silverman interviewed her. I picked up the phone after the show and let Fran know how much I appreciated her having Valerie on the show. She recommended I call Valerie, so I did. She was coming to Nashville the next week to visit Lightning Source and we arranged a lunch meeting to get to know one another. During our chat, I pitched my book idea to her. She thought it would sell so she took on the project then and there. Can you please tell us about your book? RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America is an educational book that sheds light on the way Americans view blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell biology. The book contains well-researched facts about all types of stem cell (bone marrow, amniotic and cord blood) treatments presently being used and their restorative effects. It also explores the research being done using stem cells derived from in-vitro fertilized eggs on laboratory animals and presents findings to support its curative potential on humans. The book contains a spiritual component and gives historical information about the influence religion has upon science and politics. I hope this will appeal to those who use their religious beliefs to oppose blastocystic stem cell research. The information in this book was derived from intensive research, personal interviews, emails and other correspondence with national and international medical doctors, research scientists, religious leaders and elected officials as well as stories from patients, who hope to transform their lives through stem cell technology. Do you plan subsequent books? Not on this topic, but I’m sure there will be more books with my own name on the cover. I have a blog on which I post the latest news about stem cell research. I plan to keep up with up with the field of stem cell research and offer public education forums to get the information into the hands of those who want to know more about stem cell research. Are you a morning writer or a night writer? All day. I’m usually writing or networking using my writing from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. If I’m on a roll or have a deadline to meet, I may stay up until midnight working on a project. Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published? The law of attraction and saying affirmations really works. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I met my publisher face to face when I did. I had put that request out there and the universe responded. This is a common thing for me. Thank you for coming, Yvonne! Good luck to you and happy sales! Thank you for allowing me to share with you and your reader. Blessings to all. Thank you for coming, Yvonne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of RIGHT TO RECOVER, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck! Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Yvonne Perry

An Interview with Erotic Romance Author CJ Maxx

CJ Maxx, author of the sensuous romance novel, COMING BACK A VIRGIN, is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS! C. J. Maxx has always enjoyed writing, whether in the military writing citations or efficiency reports, in the private sector writing articles for trade journals, or in his personal life writing in newsletters for volunteer organizations. He turned his interest in writing to fiction in 2002. C.J. and his wife live in northern Alabama. You can visit his website at http://www.cjmaxx.com/. Welcome to Author Talks, CJ! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been writing? I first wrote a piece of fiction back in high school. The teacher accused me of plagiarism. I was insulted back then. Now, I see it as a compliment. As I stated above I got serious about fiction in 2002, after retiring from the electronics industry. I wrote a political novel and an action/thriller before I tried romance. Can you please tell us about your book, COMING BACK A VIRGIN and why you wrote it? I couldn't write a romance scene at all so I wrote this short story to teach me to do that. I thought it was a pretty good story but I couldn't sell it to anyone. Then I decided to make it an erotic romance. Well, that changed everything. Now, people wanted to buy it. What kind of research was involved in writing your book? This isn't a story that required much research. I have this thing about reastaurnats and menus. If I write about one, it will be an actual restaurant and their menu. Same with wine, it'll be real. Other than that, the story revolved around the writer and his main female character. How much input did you have into the design of your book cover? Well, I suggested something but the artist had a better idea. I really like the cover. Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Is a roller coaster a smooth ride? I have my stack of rejection letters like most novice writers. I have been to the peak a few times, too. This business requires a thick skin and a lot of patience. It might be smooth for celebrities, but not for everyone else. For this particular book, how long did it take from the time you signed the contract to its actual release? I signed the contract on September 8th, 2006 and the book was released on August 1, 2007. A little less than a year. That's probably about average for releases now. Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one? If I had a breakout novel, I'd want an agent. I don't think it's necessary for e-books or for small publishers. I've never had one but have a bunch of reject letters from them. I also have received a few encouraging letters. Do you plan subsequent books? Yes. I have to write the breakout novel. That's the only way I can become rich and famous. Are you a morning writer or a night writer? I'm a morning person. I usually get up between three and four in the morning. The time between wake-up and eight-thirty in the morning is available for writing. My two granddaughters, ages 3 & 6 show up after that and take over my life. No writing happens after they get here. If money was no object, what would be the first thing you would invest in to promote your book? I would place print ads in magazines aimed at my target audience. How important do you think self-promotion is and in what ways have you been promoting your book offline and online? Self-promoting is essential. I've been on various groups touting my books. I had an interview on a local TV stations just prior to a booksigning at a local bookstore. I've placed an ad to promote one book. Right now I'm with PR person Dorothy Thompson of Pump Up Your Book. Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published? Just keep at it. Refine your work, know what you're writing about, edit out the boring stuff, keep your reader's attention. There's no one thing that's the magic bullet, it's a lot of small things together that will make you sell. Thank you for coming, CJ! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book? My website is http://www.cjmaxx.net/. Thanks for having me. I've enjoyed the opportunity to pitch my book. The book is available for Whiskey Creek Press-Torrid at http://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=211. Thank you for coming, CJ! If you would like a chance to win a copy of ONLY MOMENTS, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck! Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, CJ Maxx

An Interview with Author Nick Oliva

Today's guest at Author Talks is Nick Oliva, author of the book ONLY MOMENTS! Nick Oliva (O-lee-va’) has been a musician, composer, photographer, an audio engineer, an Entertainment Director and Technical Director for over twenty-five years and is a successful self-made money manager. He has just opened an upscale restaurant for his brother called “Wyatt’s” in Henderson, Nevada. He lives in the mountains outside of Las Vegas. You can visit Nick's website here! Welcome to Author Talks, Nick! Can you give us a little bit about your background? I have been a musician, composer, photographer, an audio engineer, an Entertainment Director and Technical Director for over twenty-five years and a successful self-made money manager. I have just opened an upscale restaurant for my brother Tony, a leukemia survivor, called “Wyatt’s” in Henderson, Nevada. I live in the mountains outside of Las Vegas. How long have you been writing? I started in grade school writing for the school newspaper. I have always written poetry and songs, but this is my first novel. I have no formal training, but the nun who had a Master Degree in English, taught me by the stick and did a great job way back then. Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time? I spent years coming very close to the publication of this book through the Irene Rodgers Literary Company but as close as it was, it didn't get published. I eventually put it on hold for years until I was motivated to attempt it once more. After a near-death experience in October of 2004 I became hell-bent to get it published. Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one? It is harder to get an agent than to get published. Irene Rodgers was great but even she couldn't get them to bite on a unique cross-genre novel. It wasn't the right time. Patience is a huge virtue in this business. Can you please tell us about your book and why you wrote it? “Only Moments” was originally written within the cyclical theme of Birth, Death, and Rebirth over ten years ago. I focused on the unforgiving world, the false hope of technology and religion, incorporating one’s own search and questioning of the spiritual aspects that provide some measure of meaning, and then tying it into the romance of total devotion of man and wife. Some might call it a fairy tale romance, but there are many “high school” relationships that have survived the test of time, however difficult. These two characters are both heavily flawed but those flaws are what binds and drives them with their deep passion for music. This journey begins in the year 2020, with a romantic surreal dream and the waking of one sixty-six year-old widower Chris Vadia, a retired professional musician, and his sullen celibate perspective due to his wife dying fifteen years earlier. After establishing the human surroundings of the time period, we flashback to 1970 and we find how he meets the love of his life, while on a wild summer vacation driving through California. A beach in Big Sur is the dramatic background for the beginning of their impassioned romance. Time then shifts through their college days, marriage, their struggling and successes, parental deaths, their Carnegie Hall debut, and then the crisis of having grown so far apart despite being with each other constantly. Our unforgiving fate, the duality of technology, the commonality of human emotion throughout history, ties into a tale of human devotion that eventually brings understanding and hope. The road, throughout the novel is representative of one’s life path and sense of curiosity and discovery. I wrote it because I challenged myself to write a better book than John Grisham. Now, don't misunderstand. That I have a small percentage of his success would be wonderful. I just wanted to write a book that was more meaningful and see if I could get it published. Do you plan subsequent books? I'm working on an audio book for Only Moments and then I will write a non-fiction book on the my life and details of my near-death experience. Are you a morning writer or a night writer? I like mornings, but anytime will do. Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published? Stay positive. Many people will tear into your to make themselves look good. Accept reality. Perhaps your book isn't up to snuff. Go back an rewrite and make it clear to your audience and target market. Don't assume! Never assume that the world needs another book. Why is yours so special? What makes it stand out? Does it stand out? Remember this-your finished a novel. 99% of the people who start one don't and rarely does anyone even begin one. You are part of 3 billion people in this world. Do the percentages. One percent of 3 billion is 30 million, one tenth of that is 3 million and one tenth of that is 300,000 and that is roughly how many books get published each year. That means you have 1/100th of a chance to be a part of 300,000 books that are for sale. That's a sobering thought! So don't get your hopes up or your expectations too high. On the other hand, do it for you! That's who counts anyway. You did it, you accomplished an incredible thing. Don't downplay it because you aren't on Oprah, or the movie of the week isn't based on your book. Life is about the little things. Enjoy them and be proud! Smell the roses. Thank you for coming, Nick! Would you like to tell my readers where they can find you on the web and how everyone can buy your book? Thank you! You can get it at: Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Your Books Cheap, Harvard Booksellers, Spotlight Books, Big Rock Media, The Book Depository or go to http://www.onlymomentsbook.com/ and hit the Links header. Thank you for coming, Nick! If you would like a chance to win a copy of ONLY MOMENTS, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck! Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Nick Oliva