Interview with N. A. Cauldron author of Anya and the Power Crystal

Today I would like to give a warm welcome to N. A. Cauldron. Tell us a little about yourself.  

Hello, my name is Ms. Cauldron, and I write all kinds of books for all ages. I currently reside in eastern Cupola with 12 gramwhats, 3 cats, and a herd of domesticated moths. My favorite topics to write about are fantasy and science fiction, and I prefer humor, character conflict, and smart aleck dialogue.

Currently, what are you working on?

I’m finishing up a YA sci-fi titled Inhabitants. I plan to query this manuscript.

Ms. Cauldron, what has been the most difficult thing you have struggled with since you began a career in writing?

Myself. I have anxiety. I am unable to sit down and enjoy one thing. I need to be doing many things at the same time. Writing is a very slow process. It’s not something you can just wait out either. So my anxiety makes this more difficult in that I’m never done in time in my mind. I should always be doing more, faster. This also makes it hard to complete a manuscript. When I do “finish” it, I don’t want to take the next step and actually finish it. I have every time; I would never publish unfinished work, but it has never been easy.

What a challenge that mush be.  What has been the best compliment you have received?

When a parent gets the book for their kid and winds up reading it for themselves. This has happened a lot with my recent What Does Spider Poop Look Like? Or better yet, when a mom drags her three kids to my booth claiming they want my books, but the whole time the kids are rolling their eyes and begging to go somewhere else and it’s SO obvious it’s for the mom. LOL-Those are the best!

Ms. Cauldron, what kind of research do you do before you start a new story?

This depends entirely on the book. For The Cupolian Series, I mainly just researched some Native lore and made sure any of my mythical creatures, such as gramwhats and narfels, weren’t already in use by someone else. For What Does Spider Poop Look Like?, I went to Zoo Knoxville and spent hours with the curators there, taking pictures and learning facts about their animals. For my picture book, I went through countless others beforehand, making sure they were both current and widely liked. For my current work, I am researching almost every day. It’s not fantasy. It’s based in real life and on actual beliefs and theories, so I have to spend hours looking up facts. I don’t want someone thinking it unrealistic. For example, you wouldn’t want your main character to ride an inflatable raft through bullet-proof glass. That would just be silly.

Do you have people read your drafts before you publish?  How do you select beta readers?

Most certainly! My husband is one of the best at catching things. I ask around with writing groups and friends to see if anyone is willing. It differs for every genre.

I think beta readers are a powerful tool.  They catch so many things I miss. Who designed the artwork for your cover?  Or did you design it yourself?

The Cupolian Series was designed and drawn by Mikey Brooks of http://www.insidemikeysworld.com//.

How do you handle criticism when it comes to your writing?

I listen to it. If it’s legitimate, I try to use it any way I can, to learn from it. Most of it can be thrown out. I won’t get into any debates, but let’s just say a lot of indie authors have some interesting opinions.

Is there something you learned from writing your first book?

Oh my goodness yes! I don’t remember what it was though-ha! I learn something about myself with every book. It’s usually quite personal and allows me to grow as a person. Writing is a journey of discovery for me and can often be painful.

Which do you find more challenging inventing the hero or the villain?  Why?

Neither really. Well, maybe the hero. The villain is usually detailed in the writing and well known. The hero is usually the main character and just there, just doing the actions and therefore not described from an outsiders point of view. (And sometimes the villain is an obstacle and not a person). As far as characterization goes, I have a harder time making “dull” characters, aka normal people as opposed to really fun ones. Take my fantasy series in Cupola. All the characters are in your face out there. You have the wacko Methuselah, the goofy smart aleck Gevin, the ridiculous King. Every one of them is so different from the others, like one part of their personality has exploded. Now my current piece is different. Its characters are more “realistic” (dull in my opinion-lol). There’s the career centered parents, the gaming teenaged boy, and their machinist uncle. Granted, you can’t get characters from me without some type of attitude and going big, but they’re nowhere near as extreme as the others. Like the difference between Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight.

How many times do you think you read your book before going to print?

I. Have. No. Idea. Let’s see… There’s the rough, first edits, second edits … aloud … um… I’d say at least 5 times or more? My process is too long to describe here, but here’s a link to it https://theburrowfarm.wordpress.com/2017/10/15/my-writing-process/.

That tells my entire process from rough to publish or query, whichever I choose to do.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today! Don't forget to check out all of N. A. Cauldron's books.  Happy Reading!!

Web page: http://nacauldron.com/

Facebook, IG, Twitter, GR, BB, Zon, everything else: http://nacauldron.com/about.html

Interview with Illustrator Cara Buns

Today I'd like to welcome Illustrator Cara Buns to share with us.  Cara can you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Cara Burns. I live in the Midwest with my two kids and three dogs and my horse Bru. I have been drawing for as long as I can remember but graduated with a degree in fine arts, graphic design, and book arts in 2015. I currently am self employed doing illustration, design, and teaching and advocating the arts and literacy to kids.

If there was one thing you wished author’s knew about illustrating what would it be?

I wish authors understood that the creative process isn’t always something you can force. A lot goes into every illustration before I even pick up a pencil.

How do you communicate with the author on a project? Do you like it when the author gives a lot of direction or just lets you have creative license?

I prefer everything in email so I can keep it organized and go back and check our conversations as needed. I am okay with either, when working directly with an author I want them to be happy with the end result so I am happy to take instructions. I do find the end results tend to be better when I am allowed some time to come up with my own ideas though. 

What do you typically charge per illustration?

I’m not sure there is a typical charge. I usually do commissions for between $65 - $120 but books are harder to quote. It depends how many illustrations and on a few other factors. I try to walk a line between making sure I’m getting paid fairly for my time and efforts and making sure my work is affordable so it is getting out into the world.

What has been your favorite project to work on so far?

I am working on my very own book centered around dogs. I train and compete in dogs sports as a hobby and sometimes side business and it’s nice to work on a project centered around something you love so much. It is in the very early stages but I’m really excited about it.

What is your preferred method to illustrate in?  Digital? Pencils? Watercolor? 

Pencil and watercolor mostly. I love the softness of watercolor and I really love the detail and texture that can be achieved with pencil. I do work digitally when requested but I hate being stuck in front of my computer more than necessary. I like to draw and paint in my bed when possible. 


Any last words?

Thank you so much for this opportunity!

Thanks so much for taking the time to share with us today.  Find out more about Cara at the links below.  Happy Reading!!

Instagram: @CaraBCreative
Facebook: ​https://www.facebook.com/CaraBurnsDesign/
Website: www.caraburnscreative.com

Interview with Julie Spencer author of Buxton Peak The Early Years

Today I'd like to welcome Julie Spencer! Tell us a little about yourself. 

Greetings from the geographic center of Michigan (there’s a sign and everything!).

I write New Adult Clean Contemporary General Fiction with a Christian twist, the most narrow, barely-existent genre that really only exists in my warped little world.

I am regularly accused of being a machine who doesn’t sleep, a side-effect from having bipolar disorder - but I’m well-medicated, so it’s okay.

I write almost constantly and usually have half a dozen works-in-progress at any given time. I have eight books available on Amazon, one more that is in the final stages of editing, and several more that are ‘close’ to being done.

In my spare time I work a full time job as the Administrator of the Gratiot (County) Conservation District helping people with natural resource concerns (such as soil erosion/sedimentation, watershed management planning, pollution prevention, computer mapping, and wildlife habitat restoration).

I’m also a wife and mother to two teenagers and one married daughter who is in graduate school. I teach Sunday school, read avidly, blog, write book reviews, and one of my strange bucket list items includes going on a tornado chase.

There, now you know how strange I am! Let’s rock! –Julie L. Spencer

Will you share a short excerpt from your novel with us.

“What instrument would you like to play today?” Mr. Hayworth asked Ian as he walked into class.

“I’m feeling the snare drum,” Ian replied, rubbing his chin as if contemplating.

“Oh good, you can help our new kid learn the ropes.”

Ian turned toward the back of the room where Gary poked around in the percussion section. “It’s Gary.”

“Great! You’ve already met.” Mr. Hayworth clapped him on the shoulder, effectively nudging Ian in the direction of the drums.

Ian approached the back of the room, apprising Gary as he did. The kid’s sullen expression, and the way his dark brown hair hung low over his eyes, hinted at a troubled past. But Ian wasn’t concerned about his mysterious new pal. He wanted to know the important details. “How long you been playing?”

Gary startled, but he regarded Ian. “Since I can remember. You?”

“I don’t know.” Ian sauntered around a snare drum and picked up a set of sticks. “…A while…” Ian twirled one of the sticks in his right hand, challenging Gary with his eyes and a tiny smirk.

Gary answered Ian’s smirk with narrowed eyes and stepped around the opposite snare. He didn’t bother with the sticks next to the drum, but pulled his own set out of his jacket pocket. They were beautiful, with just the right amount of wear but none of the dents and scratches of the practice sticks. Ian gulped, envious of his new dueler.

“You first,” Gary said.

Ian didn’t even think as his sticks flew in an intricate rhythm he was sure could never be matched. He never broke eye contact with Gary.

He played for a full minute before stopping, expertly crisscrossing the sticks and holding them steady.

Gary held Ian’s eyes and copied the complicated pattern of beats as if they’d been laid out in front of him on a sheet of music. He ended in a similar manner and raised his eyebrows.

“You go first this time,” Ian said.

They still hadn’t broken eye contact. Ian sensed they’d drawn the attention of other students in the band room. Gary changed up the rhythm and added some complexity, challenging Ian to rise to his level. Ian held his own as he copied Gary’s pattern.

When he was nearly finished, Ian nodded just slightly in invitation, and Gary’s sticks flew along with Ian’s almost as if they were copying each other in perfect synchronicity. It only took a few seconds to realize they were playing the drum solo from Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses. It was just simple enough to be an easy duel for the talented young drummers, but complex enough to be quite impressive to their growing audience. They played through to the end of the solo, and Ian reached over and rolled a simple crescendo on the cymbal.

The entire band room erupted in applause, and amidst the chaos, Ian and Gary reached across and shook one another’s hands. Their smirks had become full grins. He wrapped his arm around Gary’s shoulder and turned to Kai, who stood beside Andy. An unspoken understanding sparked in their eyes. The four young men regarded one another. Something big shifted in Ian’s life.  “Mates, I’ve got a brilliant idea.”

What brought about the idea for this book?

My world is strongly influenced by music and I love listening to music almost as much as I love reading. I remember the day Buxton Peak sprang to life was the day I woke early and drove to Target to buy the special edition copy of One Direction’s CD called Made in the A.M. The version I purchase had a large photo of Niall Horan and I looked into his eyes and saw Ian Taylor. Ian’s story started swirling around in my brain and I went home and typed feverishly for weeks trying to get his story out of my head and into my computer. His story became an epic collection of interwoven tales of him and his three best mates, then eventually the women they love and marry, as well as new characters who enter their lives later in the series. The final collection will be close to 200,000 words!

Currently, what are you working on?

Buxton Peak: London Bridges is in the final editing stages and should be published sometime in March of 2018. This novella is a spinoff from the original trilogy and a bridge between books two and three, featuring a couple of the minor characters from the rest of the series. I’m also working on pulling together Buxton Peak: The Complete Collection which will feature enough bonus material to fill another whole novella, if the material were in chronological order. There are many other projects on my horizon that have nothing to do with the Buxton Peak series, including two romantic comedies, several children’s stories, a few more serious adult stories, and several non-fiction projects. I’d say “One thing at a time,” but it’s usually several irons in the fire all at the same time and I work on whichever project fits my mood on a particular day. I now have eight books on my shelf with my name on them, so it must be working for me.

Tell us a little bit about your main characters

Ian Taylor is the main character in my Buxton Peak series. He was a child prodigy and devoted musician who started a rock band, called Buxton Peak, with his three best friends. He wasn’t prepared for the negative lifestyle into which he was thrust as the rocketed to stardom. His mates got caught up in the party scene and Ian felt powerless to stop them. As he grew up Ian felt God calling him to serve as a missionary and he stepped away from his music for two years. His absence tore apart the band, and the guys were devastated. They all grew up in those two years and the dynamic of the band was changed. It took a lot of effort to pull things back together, and the guys had to learn to love each other through all their faults.

What has been the best compliment you have received?

From one of my reviews on Amazon for my novel, The Cove: “It's rare that a book surprises me but this one did. All my predictions for how this story would go turned out to be wrong. Some very unexpected twists and turns kept me turning the pages.”

kThat's a great one. I don't like being predictable so I love to hear about it when I surprise the reader. Julie, what kind of research do you do before you start a new story?

I don’t usually do research ‘before’ I start a story. I usually have a dream or an idea and then I start writing. Eventually I run into a challenge and I mostly use Google to find the answers. I particularly love Google Maps. If I think I know where I want my characters to go, I start searching that area of the map. I usually find cool restaurants and hotels and resorts and recreational activities, places to go rock climbing or walk on the beach. Sometimes searching on Google Maps takes my story in an entirely new direction – no pun intended. Okay, maybe a little pun intended. Google Maps also has reviews for just about everything and I ‘borrow’ the words of the reviews. That restaurant had “The best lentil soup I’ve ever eaten!” or “That place was a dive! The hotel rooms were filthy and there was no free Wifi.” I also use YouTube videos to do research. Through YouTube I’ve been backstage at concerts, learned to surf, and toured London.  

I wonder what authors did before the internet.  We have such fantastic resources at our fingertips. Do you have people read your drafts before you publish?  How do you select beta readers?

I believe in having as many people read my stories as possible. Everyone who reads them picks up something different. I also don’t believe in a ‘rough draft’. If a beta reader finds a typo or missing word or wrong comma placement, I appreciate knowing that. I know a lot of authors think just the opposite. They don’t wants edits or proofreading until they are completely done making changes because the text ‘might’ get taken out so there’s no reason to edit during the draft stage. I’ve seen those same authors get hounded in Amazon reviews by readers who found obvious typos. As far as where I find my beta readers, I’d say: anywhere! I have a few key critique groups where I regularly interact such as LDS Beta Readers, Christian Women Critique Partners and Beta Readers, Clean Indie Reads, Indie Author Hub, my street team, and friends & family. Anyone who will sit down long enough to read my story is graciously welcomed.

Julie, how do you handle criticism when it comes to your writing?

I’ve had some seriously harsh critique at times including “I hate your main character,” to “You story has no structure,” and everything in between. I have grown duck feathers and let them roll off my back. Almost every harsh criticism from a beta reader has helped me to become a better writer.

It can be hard sometimes, we just have to remember we can't please everyone. I love getting the harsh critiques from my beta readers. That's when their is still time to make changes and see if their is merit to their feedback. It's a lot harder though when it comes from readers. Is there something you learned from writing your first book?

The cover is almost the most difficult, yet most important aspect of publishing. I had a vision of a beautiful lake for the cover of my first novel because it was called The Cove. But that didn’t accurately portray the story. It’s a love story. When I met a lady who is now my critique partner and cover designer, she gave me some suggestions and then designed me a completely new cover. It’s beautiful. I almost cried when I first saw it. I sold a lot more copies after I put on the new cover.

 It's amazing what the right cover can do! I had the same experience when I changed the cover to The Portal Keeper.  Julie thanks for stopping by and sharing with us.  Be sure to check out Buxton Peak and learn more about Julie at the links below.  Happy Reading!!

Twitter account: @juliespencer98

Website: AuthorJulieSpencer.com

Blog: Opinions Are Just That

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads Profile

Google+ Profile

Facebook Author Page

Pinterest Page

YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/jspencer1998

Email: juliespencer1998@gmail.com

New Books Just Released & Coming Soon

If you're looking for your next read, be sure to check out these new books!  Happy Reading!!

SILENTLY IN THE NIGHT

A collection of tantalizing tales with more twists than braided hair:

Here you will find mystery, murder and mayhem – plus a moment of romance. All the stories will make you stop and think, even question your role in the world and the universe. Just what are we doing here, and where are we going? Easy questions with problematic answers.

This anthology of sixteen short and thrilling tales of unusual, extraterrestrial and conspiratorial stories is the latest compilation from Clayton Graham, the author of science fiction novels Milijun and the soon to come Saving Paludis. The characters in this eclectic collection are mostly ordinary people whose reactions to their fears and to unexpected events will have you guessing at every turn of the page.

This collection is intriguing reading which, among many other things, encourages the reader to:

Sympathize with a doomed husband and connect with an altruistic robot. Explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.

From the light-hearted to the darkest depths of the human psyche you would be hard pressed not to find something to like about Silently in the Night.

Many different visions of the future are within these pages. And as a bonus, there is an excerpt from the soon to be published Saving Paludis, which introduces the reader to two of the principal protagonists in this tale from the edge of mankind’s known universe in the year 3898AD.

If you love mystery with a hint of the paranormal, and the interplay of human foibles, grab this smorgasbord of short stories then get yourself a copy of Milijun, the mind-bending sci-fi novel by Clayton Graham.  

 

The Vault

Why would a multibillionaire create a customized vault that is controlled by watch mechanics inside and have a self-destruct mechanism inside to destroy the billion dollars worth of artifacts inside?

Simple, because he can.

On paper, Sam Montgomery is your typical eccentric philanthropic pharmaceutical billionaire whom has literally mailed five dollars to everyone in the US so they can “pay it forward.” But what people didn’t know when made a rare public appearance was that he was announcing he had leukemia. And more shocking was that when he said, “I’d rather die than give my sister the opportunity to save my life,” no one even knew he had a sister.

Elena Diamante nailed the sit down interview – at his small home on the tiny island of Antikythera in Greece. She was only planning on getting the scoop about Sam and his apparently estranged sister but she was also going to be the first journalist to see inside Sam’s custom made vault. It was built using watch mechanics, so it was completely self-sustained, and only opened once a year. It was even rumored that if it were ever tampered with, everything inside would be destroyed in a custom acid.

Come to find out for Elena, there would be one item inside Sam’s vault that could save his life, or end it even quicker, it was just a matter of whether or not the vault would open in time.

The vault explores Sam’s family dynamics and how they inspired him to become the successful man he is. The story is also told using Sam’s own family photos growing up, as well as text messages and Facebook/Twitter. There are even hyperlinks within the novel as “Easter Eggs” for those readers that want to explore even more of Sam’s personal life, further blurring the lines of fact/fiction.

https://www.amazon.com/Vault-Brian-Harrison-ebook/dp/B0799C5QKF/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8MRZ8JDPJPZ4Y901H363

With the daily discord taking place worldwide, I wonder if the United Nations is up to the task of calming the numerous threats and wars that are occurring. From my vantage point, I’m skeptical that the U.N. members can maintain peace. Due to the numerous agendas maintained by the membership, I believe that their self-interests have created an atmosphere of apathy concerning issues that conflict or fall outside of their own agendas.

In contrast, any actions the members do take, often serve to enflame the existing conflicts without resolving the underlying issues that exist. 

In addition, I believe the cost to the United States in membership dues is prohibitive. When you understand that the U.S. pays for 22% of the annual U.N. budget as compared to the nearly 8% provided by both the Republic of China and the Russian Federation combined, I become angry while realizing that our country is once again being taken advantage of. Understanding that the United States is considered a pariah nation by many of the U.N. members, I wonder why we continue to maintain our membership in such an ineffective and biased organization. 

In my novel, “Conflux Threat from the Troika” the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. and her staff are discriminated against by members of many foreign governments. As a result of the overbearing discrimination and disrespect displayed toward the U.S. delegation to the U.N., the United States ultimately withdraws from the United Nations, producing panic and shock among the remaining members.

The actions taken next by the U.S. are completely unexpected and result in utter chaos worldwide.

What steps do you think our country should take in the future with regard to our membership in the U.N.?

Find out more about Bill Brazzel at http://www.scifiauthorbrazzel.com/

You can find his new book Conflux Threat from the Troika on Amazon.

Interview with Illustrator George Neeb

Today I'd like to welcome George Neeb. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I have taught Elementary school in Canada for over 25 years. I enjoy history, art, travel and spending time at my cabin on a lake in Ontario. I have just written and illustrated my first picture book called, "Pharaoh's Arrow". I could see a need for more historical fiction picture books to help teachers make history more enjoyable for students. So, I wrote this book. I did months of research so the book told a fictional story but included factual information about Egypt. I drew the illustrations in Egyptian style and included authentic hieroglyphics on some pages to reinforce the story. I added a tempera paint wash to give the illustrations the look of papyrus. I wanted my book to look as if ancient tomb paintings had come to life.

George, if there was one thing you wished author’s knew about illustrating what would it be?

That illustrations take a long time to create effectively. There is a lot of thought that goes into telling a story with pictures, just like there is a lot of thought in using words. I think both are equally important.

How do you communicate with the author on a project? Do you like it when the author gives a lot of direction or just lets you have creative license?

I have only illustrated my own books. One is published and two are in the process of being published.

What has been your favorite project to work on so far?

My next book is done using dyed paper for the backgrounds and then I am cutting out the characters and laying them on top of the backgrounds to give a three-dimensional feel. I also glued tissue paper on each character to create texture in their clothing. It is time consuming but fun to see come to life.

What is your preferred method to illustrate in?  Digital? Pencils? Watercolor? 

I do not do anything with digital. I use pencil crayon, water colour, tempera paint, dyed and cut paper. I love experimenting with different media and finding ways to incorporate texture and colour into my work.

Any last words?

I hope people will check out my picture books

Thanks for Sharing with us today!  Don't forget to check out more of George's work.  Happy Reading!!

I have a website that highlights some of my work: https://georgeneeb.ca