Author spotlight with Shells Walter (Over)

        

K.T.  Hello and welcome. I am very excited to have you here today. Why don’t we start off with a small introduction? Tell us a little about yourself.  

S.W. I'm originally from the mid-west US but moved down to the south-east. I'm a writer at heart and feel will always be. I love anything horror, movies, reading, gaming, anime and of course spending time with my husband, two girls, and four cats.

When I'm not writing, I'm busy home schooling my two girls, being an animal activist and getting absorbed into my movie collection.

K.T.  Any interesting writing quirks or stories you would like to share with my readers?

S.W. When I had first submitted my first manuscript out I got a rejection letter. Well, you get those every so often. However, with this one I got a flyer with it advertising one of their books on how to write novels.

K.T.  When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? What sparked the desire to pen your first novel?

S.W. When I was 11 years old I just started writing horror poetry as a way to deal with things going on with my life. From there went on to short stories, screenplays ect. My first time wanting to write something close to a novel, a novella, came when I was in Nanowrite and wanted to see if I could write a 50,000 word manuscript. I did, but it was cut way down to novella size. That experience taught me a lot and I still do nanowrite every Nov.

K.S.  What genre do you write?

S.W. I write a lot of horror, but write all over, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction. I also dabble into screenplays and stage plays as well as other formats in the writing area that fit nicely with those genres listed above.

K.S.  What would you say has inspired you most in your writing career?

S.W. Situations I deal with, strong emotional ones of either good or bad. These situations somehow get into my writing. Sarcasm is a big thing that sometimes dips into my writing.

K.S.  What does your family think of your writing?

S.W. My husband is very supportive and my two daughters, well, one of them has become a little horror freak already. I feel my family is very important, without their support I could not do what I do.

K.S.  What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your book?

S.W. I think for me it was dealing with zombies in a different way than the norm. They had to fit into society as humans would.

K.S.  Can you tell us a little about your novel? 

S.W. Dead Practices is about a lawyer named Jerrod. But not just any lawyer, he's a zombie, but not just any zombie, 'a zombie citizen'.  There was a solution set forth where zombies could be fit into society without any munching and crunching going on. What happens is someone wants to put the zombies back to the way they were, that someone happens to be one of Jerrod's clients. So he and his buddy named Rusty who is a cop and also a zombie, go on an adventure to stop this madman. On the way there is humor, gore, zombies and a lot of super-glue.

It is expected to be released in ebook and print on sonar4publications.com and other online retail stores.

K.S.  Where can we find your novels?

S.W. My books can be found at sonar4publications.com , Amazon, Barnes  and Nobles online and other online stores, plus Local Heroes comic store in Hampton Roads, VA.

K.S.  Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog that we can visit?

S.W. Yes, my personal writing site is www.shellswalter.com I'm on face book, MySpace, and a few other online groups.

K.S.  Do you have any closing advice to aspiring writers? 

S.W. To keep writing for yourself, to of course improve your writing, but to never forget the passion or the reasons you started to write. At times we forget this and when that happens we end up giving up part of ourselves that we can't get back.

Author Spotlight with Maria Hooley (Over)

Here is my review on Maria's book Dreamwalker directly from Amazon    


Dreamwalker is a story that intrigues you from the start and holds you to it's pages from beginning to end. You are thrown immediately into the life of Misha who has dreams, or nightmares depending on how you look at it, about two brothers; one of which loves her, and one who wants her dead. She must struggle between real life and her dream world and decide weather or not to risk her life for the man she loves. 

Mrs. Hooley does a wonderful job of making this story suspenseful and telling it from a teenage girls point of view. I highly look forward to seeing if there will be a second book and will absolutely be looking forward to Mrs. Hooley's next book! I absolutely recommend this to any lovers of fantasy and romance.


Mrs. Hooley has kindly offered five ebook copies of her series Sojourner! (That's all 4 books in the series!!!) Leave a comment with your email on the page and the winners will be picked by next Wednesday!

K.T.  Hello and welcome. I am very excited to have you here today. Why don’t we start off with a small introduction? Tell us a little about yourself. 

M.H. I’ve been writing for numerous years, and right now I’m working on my twenty-eighth novel.  I live in Oklahoma with my husband and three kids, and when I’m not writing, I’m usually teaching high school students.

K.T.  Any interesting writing quirks or stories you would like to share with my readers?

M.H. Well, my husband tells me that when I’m writing, a freight train could roll through the room and I’d never notice.

K.T.  When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? What sparked the desire to pen your first novel?

M.H. I’ve always had a fascination with words and books so I knew pretty early on.  One of the earliest books I read and absolutely loved was No Flying in the House by Betty Brock.

K.S.  What genre do you write?

M.H. That’s a tough one because I don’t focus on genre.  It’s the concept and story of the book that I’m interested in, and even if it’s not a genre I typically write, if I feel strongly enough about the concept, I will dive in.  The genres I’ve previously written in are mainstream, science fiction, horror, supernatural thriller, fantasy, urban fantasy, paranormal romance, romance, women’s fiction, young adult, poetry, and screenplays.

K.S.  What would you say has inspired you most in your writing career? Or, who is your favorite author and why?

M.H. Usually either films or books inspire me.  I’d say Nicholas Sparks is probably my favorite author because he is able to evoke strong emotional reactions in his readers, and that’s what I want.  My favorite novel, however, is by Peter S. Beagle.  It’s The Last Unicorn.  I absolutely adore that book.

K.S.  What does your family think of your writing?

M.H. My husband is my editor, and he’s also a writer so he’s very supportive.  My oldest daughter thinks I’m obsessed, and my son thinks it’s a stage I’ll eventually outgrow.  It’s pretty entertaining.

K.S.  What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your book?

M.H. When I wrote my first book, I didn’t know if I could sustain a story over that many pages, but I guess I learned how stubborn I can really be.  I don’t like to leave things unfinished.

K.S.  Can you tell us a little about your novel? 

M.H. I have several novels, so I’ll give you a little information about Sojourner series.  It’s four books and the first novel, Sojourner, focuses on seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Moon who constantly dreams of her death.  In those dreams she sees a beautiful teenage guy who watched her die every time.  She thinks it’s just a nightmare until she moves to a small town and meets that boy, Lev Walker.  At that point Elizabeth has to figure out who he is and what he wants with her.

K.S.  Where can we find your novels?

M.H. You can find them at Amazon.com or on my website, www.mariarrachelhooley.com

K.S.  Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog that we can visit?

M.H. I do have Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Maria-Rachel-Hooley/118197414874806.

You can find my blog at http://mhooley18.wordpress.com/.

You can also follow me, sojourner18, on Twitter.

K.S.  Do you have any closing advice to aspiring writers? 

M.H. Writing is really about work and perseverance.  All the talent in the world won’t necessary get you where you want to go.  The longer you keep writing, the better you get.  Always keep an open mind about advice and keep your wits when dealing with critics.  If you really listen, you’ll find a way to use even the worst review to your advantage.

Author spotlight with Katie Salidas (Over)

Here are my reviews direct from Amazon on both of Katie's books

Immortalis Carpe Noctem

Alyssa is a human going about her life in her normal routine. Work, friend, her favorite coffee-house routine, and what can be called a simple and happy life. That is until walking home one night alone she runs face to face with everyones worst nightmare. Rapists wandering the streets looking for their next prey. On the cusp of death, Lysander, a loner vampire comes to her rescue and saves her from immediate death. As she struggles with letting go of her old life she meets other new vampires, learns to overcome the most horrid part of vampirism (taking life), and learns that despite the positives of her new life, that not every vamp you meet has the best motives.

I very thoroughly enjoyed this book by Katie Salidas. When I find a book I really really love, I can't put it down, and when I have to, I think about it between sittings. This book was no exception. I was anxious to know how the story ended and felt a bond with Alyssa in her struggles and think that if I was turned, I would have the same emotions. The descriptions of Vegas were also wonderful. The worlds leaped off of the page.

I would absolutely recommend this book to all avid vampire lovers and highly look forward to the next installment by Mrs. Salidas.

House of Immortal Pleasures

This book was the first erotica story I have read and I must say, after reading it, I will be reading another. Katie has captured a intimate, sexy, naughty, and desirable fantasy that most can say they have had in words which I imagine is hard to do. It is absolutely enthralling from beginning to end and keeps you reading without you being able to tear your eyes from the screen. The story captures the perfect detail of what you would expect a creature of the night to deliver. You get to feel naughty and safe in your own living room,(or maybe sneaking in public). Hot! Sexy! And desirable! Katie has begun her writing on an excellent foot and I highly look forward to reading more from her in the near future!

K.T.  Hello and welcome. I am very excited to have you here today. Why don’t we start off with a small introduction? Tell us a little about yourself.  

Hey Kolina! Thanks for having me on your blog! Well, hmm, a little about me? I’m a work at home mommy. Writing has become my life. I started up my own small publishing company Rising Sign Books. It’s in its infancy now, but I hope to grow the business in the future. Right now I am only open to publishing my works, until I get a better feel for the business. Aside from that, I am a wife and love the fact I am able to be home with my little girl.

K.T.  Any interesting writing quirks or stories you would like to share with my readers?

Not so much a quirk really, but I always have music on when I write. There is just something about it that helps move the muse. My choice of music usually depends on what I am writing. Love scenes usually demand lighter, more melodic music. Action scenes usually require something loud and with a heavy beat. I’ve always got something playing in the background.

K.T.  When did you realize you wanted to be a writer? What sparked the desire to pen your first novel?

I’ve always written things down. I have notebooks stacked in my garage with things I’ve written over the years. I just love to write. It is my escape.

K.T.  What genre do you write?

I work in a mix of genres. I like to write Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, and a little erotica. =)

K.T.  What would you say has inspired you most in your writing career? Or, who is your favorite author and why?

Really, I am inspired by everything I read. I love lots of different authors: Anne Rice, Christine Feehan, Sherrlyn Kenyon, Patricia Briggs. There are just so many greats out there!

K.T.  What does your family think of your writing?

My family is 100% behind me in my writing. Actually, my husband is my hardest beta reader. He wants my stories to shine so he doesn’t pull any punches when he critiques my work. He is definitely not afraid to tell me if a scene just plain sucks. On the other hand he is my biggest fan too. He tells everyone about my books. And my daughter, she can’t read yet but she loves to tell people her mommy is an author. 

K.T.  What was one of the most surprising things you learned while creating your book?

That it is hard work! There is so much involved in it. Just getting a story down on paper is a small portion of what you have to do. I swear I went through about 15 drafts of my first book to get to what it is today. It’s worth it though.

K.T.  Can you tell us a little about your novel? 

I’ve got two books out right now. One is an erotic romance. It’s a novella called, House of Immortal Pleasures.

Blindfolded and kidnapped, Daphne is whisked away to the famed, House of Immortal Pleasures, a Vampire-run Brothel in Pahrump, Nevada.

Sometimes the only way to mend a broken heart is to get back in the saddle. At least that is how Daphne’s friends see it. And since Daphne isn’t showing any signs of letting that happen, they take it into their own hands. With a few shots of liquid courage, a pat on the ass, and a donated gold card, Daphne is unwillingly sent into fantasy room 123 to meet her creature of the night, Connor.

It’s Connor’s job to seduce and entice Daphne to try all the expensive, sexual services on the menu. And he is prepared to do just that, until he peers into her mind and sees the damage done by her broken heart. After learning of her past pain, Connor’s plans change. No more is this a game of seduction to pad the pockets of the brothel owner. Connor decides to lavish Daphne with real attention and affection. Something she desperately needs. He will heal her heart the only way he can, by showing her she is beautiful, desirable, and sexy.

The other book out is my “baby!” It’s my debut novel. Immortalis Carpe Noctem

Bleeding to death after brutal mugging on the campus of UNLV, Twenty-five year old Alyssa, is rescued by the cold and aloof, vampire, Lysander. Taking pity on her, he shares the gift-and curse-of immortality. She awakens as a vampire and is soon devastated by harsh realities of her new way of life: the loss of her friends, her independence, and her humanity.

As if having her humanity stripped away was not enough to make life interesting, Alyssa finds out her “turning”, did not go unnoticed by the rest of undead society. Old enemies; an ancient sect of vampire hunters, known as the Acta Sanctorum, as well as a powerful Vampire mistress, each set plans in motion to destroy both Alyssa and Lysander.

Only by accepting her newfound immortality, seizing the night, will Alyssa hope to survive. She and Lysander must fight together against two sets of enemies bent on destroying them both.

K.T.  Where can we find your novels?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVu86kuBlhQ

Both books are available on Amazon Kindle.

http://www.amazon.com/Katie-Salidas/e/B003APXXWO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1276410824&sr=8-2-ent

Immortalis Carpe Noctem is available at Barnes and Noble as well as Amazon.com. If you’re a vegas local, you can also stop into Plaza Books.

http://www.abebooks.com/home/plazabooks

They also sell my books online!

For Author signed copies, please stop by www.risingsignbooks.com

K.T.  Do you have a website, fan site, or Blog that we can visit?

Find me on Facebook! I am there every day!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916?v=app_2309869772#!/pages/Katie-Salidas-Author/214780936916

Or you can stop by my publishing website www.risingsignbooks.com

K.T.  Do you have any closing advice to aspiring writers? 

Get your story on paper. Just sit down and write. Worry about the rules once you have a compete story. Editing and perfecting your work comes later. 

Welcome everyone!

So, I have finally gotten with the times I have created my own blog! I am the author of a recently released novella, Royal Blood, and am currently working on my second book. I figured this would be a great way to get in contact with my readers as well as meet fellow authors. Bare with me as I learn how to navigate this site, as I have NO idea what I'm doing, Lol!, but will soon be posting about the books I'm currently reading as well as what I am working on, and hopefully have an interview or two with some of our favorite authors! Thank you so much for visiting!

Kolina