Author Spotlight- Interview with Constantine Dhonau and his Poetry Memoir Collateral Intentions

Bio: Constantine was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and raised by his mother and his aunt. A wholesome Boy Scout and frontman for Tampa ska/punk band: H1N1, he attended St. Petersburg College for his Associate of Arts and New College of Florida for his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He escaped to Colorado in 2015 where he served with AmeriCorps and later pursued his dream to become a wilderness therapy field guide, completing 550 field days.

He enjoys writing,
tea, cooking, brooding, dancing, yoga,
astronomy reprehensibly long walks, movies, being outdoors
etc. & such forth.

Blurb:
THE ARGONAUTS (Nelson) meets SEE A GROWN MAN CRY/NOW WATCH HIM DIE (Rollins) in this raw & rattling Memoir-meets-Chapbook spanning more than 10 years of writing [50k words]! Rummagings of journals, shoebox scraps, forgotten notes, and letters to loved ones come together to tell one writer’s coming-of-age and his quest for unconditional self-love by dissecting his darkness. Each one-year chapter explores love, regret, identity, existence, ambition, depression, and the insanity of it all, neatly coming to a close with Constantine Dhonau’s fireside banter of contextual backstory for each chapter.


Author Website: https://constantinedhonau.com/
Here’s a FREE GALLEYhttps://booksirens.com/book/E8XP6L8/HKCQFP9

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Here are a few opinions (and I’d love to hear your honest thoughts too!):

“…a veritable gift of living poiesis for the soul…a divinely inspired offering of transparent truth and personal revelation born from a life-transforming encounter with all too often denied, and at times necessarily despised parts of oneself.”

“…exactly the kind of unpretentious yet sophisticated document that serves as both a spiritual handbook and an inspirational artifact.”

“Without fail, the compelling images, thoughts, and feelings, expressed through the self explorations of a young person straddling the thresholds of adolescence to adulthood have provided potent learnings into understanding what’s most important – how to be wholehearted and genuinely human.”

“Even now as I read the first page I laughed out loud. I think if you choose to buy this book, I believe you may find something in it to make you wonder, make you laugh, make you want to be a better person, and make you appreciate life just a little bit more.”

“…it peels back layers and defenses in one’s own psyche and relays the message of vulnerability that is universally common in being human and necessary in the journey of self-love.”

What is the name of your book and how did you get started?

Collateral Intentions started as a personal project to compile my writing from all the little stores I had it socked away, mostly scrawled across journals. In the process of retracing pages of myself and my life, I would casually talk about it with friends and strangers and I started getting requests to buy a copy once it was finished. Through the editing process, all these poems and letters still felt a bit “unsupported”. It didn’t seem enough to bring a comprehensive collection together. I started to get questions from readers, “How did you come up with this?”, “What was happening in your life?” and it clicked: poetic memoir hybrid. Each chapter is about one year of my life and ends with a snippet of what that year entailed: lessons learned, love risen and lost, developmental breakthroughs, the wild unknown, and the like. Now, it’s all polished and shiny for your dazzling, hungry eyes.


What inspires you?

Darkness has historically been a primary source of inspiration. For one, I am NOT a morning person. Never have been, probably never will be. I’m quite at peace with that. When I was a child my mom and I had daily fights in the morning to get me roused and moving. When I was a late teen my girlfriend and I had nocturnal flying squirrels as pets. I was typically one of a handful roaming my college campus in the hours before dawn. Darkness is peaceful for me. I also draw upon interior darkness. Those gritty, gristly places that are uncomfortable. I try to be with them when they come knocking and give them a voice, lest they end up trying to control me after ignoring them. That inner darkness brings me wisdom and understanding if I can meet it with acceptance. 


What does success look like to you?

Success as a writer means being able to look back at what I’ve created with surprise and delight. Success as an author means getting the book to a point that it begins to sell itself, generating passive income even in the most meager amount. Success as an artist means continuing to challenge the norms we live in, to shine a light on them enough to invite the question, “Are you sure this is what you want to be doing?”


What is your favorite movie that was based on a book?

Fight Club. One of the few movies that was as good or better than the book. I personally like the movie even more. The cinematography and soundtrack are fast-paced and alternative enough to keep me engaged beyond the long-winded rants Palahniuk has a tendency to fall into. Of course, it appeals to my baser inner-teen and the end gets me every time. The Pixies owe a great deal to that movie and vice versa. 


What genre do you write in?

I’m a poet. There. I said it. Feel free to let out your groans, facepalms, and long exhales. Poetry is accessible for me. I enjoy conveying complex things with elegant simplicity. More than that, it’s a habit similar to dieting. I’ll get really deep into it until I fall off then come back for a New Year’s resolution.


How do you attract new business?

Currently, I’m going around town and around the woods hiding copies of my book with bookmarks that have contact & payment information on them. Those are the places I like to go so I figure I should take it to the places I like so like-minded folk might find it. Plus, I just like hiding things and easter eggs and whatnot. It’s been fun (:


If you could have superpowers what would they be?

Teleportation. Hands-down, 100%. It would be so efficient. I could go anywhere instantly. See everything, eat anything, anywhere, any time. No travel time or costs. I could take people with me for instant squad vacations. With the right equipment, I could go to other planets, galaxies, maybe even dimensions. UGH. Yes. I would be a Teleport. And a cool one too, like Nightcrawler, who leaves this dark cloud whenever he poofs. 

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Write what you like. Otherwise, readers will never get to decide whether or not they like your writing because you’re so busy trying to please everyone else. 

What helps you to stay motivated?

Acceptance. That kind of “wherever you go, that’s where you are” philosophy that meets each challenge and triumphs as a small step on a larger journey. I give up trying to understand everything all the time and what does it all mean? and I just smile when things do make sense or I get the feeling that they will soon.

What projects are you working on right now?

I won’t go into terrible detail…well, in fact, I won’t go into detail at all. I’m working on something completely different from Collateral Intentions. It’s something equally as dear and important to me. I’ve also got thoughts of a series very closely related to Collateral Intentions.

Any other information you would like to include for our readers?

This is my first book. I self-published. Full-disclosure. Poetry is a tough sell. People often want chapbooks of their old favorites or anthologies of the greatest of the great. Memoirs? Equally challenging. If you’re not Oprah Memoirphrey or Matthew McMemoirhey or some recovering homeless heroin addict who became a millionaire, people aren’t particularly interested. Combine the two and phew, I’ve got my work cut out for me. That said, we live in an extreme country in extreme times and increasingly extreme generations. It can be nice to come back down to earth and feel that connection that comes when someone’s not so different from us.

Thank you for having me!

Thank you Constantine for this lovely interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

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Author Spotlight- Interview with Thriller Writer Oneal Walters

What would you like to promote?

I would like to mention two projects. The first mention is about my recent book, The Empty Couple, which is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The second mention is more like an announcement, I am starting the writing process for my next book at the end of 2021.

 How do you make sales as an author?

In Canada, my sales are from word of mouth. In the US and UK, my sales are primary from Amazon ads. I sell more books in the US and my book was also 4th in ranking in the Domestic Partner category on Amazon. 

How do you come up with characters for your book?

First, I focus on the protagonist and antagonist of the story. In the case of The Empty Couple, the protagonist is Ruth and she lives with her boyfriend, Michael; who is the antagonist. It’s a unique structure because they are living as common-law partners; so for Ruth, the person you love the most is also the person who threatens your life.

 What influenced you the most?

I’m influenced by sales rankings. I’m influenced by great stories. I’m influenced by growth. I’m motivated by my family. I’m most influenced by my desire to materialize the visions within my head.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Let’s assume if you are a writer you enjoy writing. After the primary advice of research and write. I would say the second most important element to master is the ability to market and advertise your books. This is a must.

What is your favourite thing about being an author?

I enjoy writing a great story that hasn’t been told before. I enjoy the internal debate on whether to build a series or start with a new story. I enjoy hearing my son say, “daddy your name is on these books.”

Thank you Oneal for this lovely interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview on go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

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Author Spotlight- Interview with Juliane Weber and Her Book- Under the Emerald Sky

Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.


My name is Juliane Weber and I’m a scientist turned novelist, as well as a wife and mother to two boys. My debut novel is called Under the Emerald Sky. It’s the first book in The Irish Fortune Series, which is set in 19th century Ireland around the time of the Great Famine. Under the Emerald Sky tells the story of Quin, an Englishman who comes to Ireland, and Alannah, an Irishwoman whose brother hates the English, as they struggle to find happiness in a land plagued by poverty, social unrest, and political upheaval. It’s available on Amazon.


Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LSC6HN3?pf_rd_r=7C0H14NCBHSDXGE1DD81&pf_rd_p=
6fc81c8c-2a38-41c6-a68a-f78c79e7253f&pd_rd_r=82dd22c7-e3fc-4008-bfdd-
d8fe88f26b3f&pd_rd_w=TpXS7&pd_rd_wg=dTidG&ref_=pd_gw_unk


Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Under-Emerald-Sky-betrayal-century-
ebook/dp/B08LSC6HN3/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=under+the+emerald+sky&qid=1615307516
&sr=8-1


You can read more about me and how I became a writer of historical fiction on my website and blog or follow me on social media, for snippets from my book and excerpts from upcoming projects:


Website: www.julianeweber.com
Blog: https://www.julianeweber.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulianeWeberAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Writer_JW
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.irish.fortune.series/

How did you get started?


The first time I ever thought about writing a book was during my studies when I realized that I preferred writing about scientific research to doing it myself. I had also always been an avid reader and had just discovered the Outlander series of books by Diana Gabaldon. When I found out that Diana is a scientist turned novelist, I thought that perhaps one day, I might be able to write a book myself.


It took several years, though, until I finally got around to doing so. I had moved with my family from South Africa, where I had lived for most of my life, to Germany, where I was born, and suddenly, I just had to write – evidently to deal with the stress of it all! Knowing only that my hypothetical book would be a historical fiction novel, but not when or where the story would take place, I turned to Google for inspiration. When I came across the Irish Potato Famine I was immediately intrigued, as I liked the idea of the 19th century; I liked the idea of Ireland with its beautiful scenery, its myths, and its legends; and I liked the idea of writing about a historical period that hadn’t been written about as much as others. And so, the idea for Under the Emerald Sky was born.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?


I love being able to invent things freely, creating characters or killing them off as I please (apparently, I have a dark side…). Of course, I try my best to make my books historically accurate (as far as such a thing is possible), but other than that, I have free reign. It’s quite liberating!

What is your favorite genre to read?


I particularly enjoy reading historical fiction, but I do also frequently read thrillers and mysteries, as well as other books in different genres on occasion.

What is your favorite comfort food?


Answer: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! Although I do also just love food in general, it’s the (extremely!) rare day that passes without me eating at least a little bit of chocolate.

What do you like to do for fun?


On lazy days I love reading! But I also enjoy playing volleyball, which is often a family affair these days, my husband also plays, and the boys are learning to play too.

What is something about yourself most people don’t know?


Most people probably don’t know that I play the flute.

What projects are you working on right now?


I am working on the sequel to Under the Emerald Sky, which will be the second book in The Irish Fortune Series. This is where we really get to grips with the Irish Famine itself, but there’ll be plenty more to keep my readers entertained – romance, adventure, intrigue, trips to 19th century Dublin and London, and of course a good dose of Irish folklore and mythology to round things off.

Any other information you would like to include for our readers?


If you’re wondering if a scientist turned novelist includes some science in her writing, the answer is yes! Besides the bits and pieces of scientific lore dispersed throughout my writing, I have a whole section dedicated to science in the 19th century in my second book. You can read an excerpt on my blog:
https://www.julianeweber.com/post/women-in-science-in-the-19th-century-an-excerpt-from-book-

Thank you Juliane for this lovely interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight- Interview with Tangela Williams-Spann and Her New Book-Sad, Black, and Fat: Musings from the Intersections

Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.

I’m Tangela Williams-Spann. I’m a lifestyle blogger and an essayist. My first book, Sad, Black, and Fat: Musings from the Intersections, is being released on August 5, 2021. You can find me @twillspann on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

What genre do you write in?

I write about mental health and wellness, weight loss and body positivity, and the experiences of being a Black woman in America. I also talk about social and cultural events as they are relevant.  Outside of essays, my creative writing centers on the slice of life genre. I like to examine those little moments that can change everything.

How did you get started?

I’ve loved making up stories since I was a kid. My earliest writing memories are around second grade. I won a schoolwide young author’s contest. My story was about a turkey that escaped from a hunter just before Thanksgiving. I got to attend a regional event and I loved the rush of attention being recognized for a talent gave me. I wasn’t the same since then.

What was your favorite childhood book?

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein is still my favorite book of all time. Uncle Shelby has a way with words that rivals any author going, living or dead, in my opinion. Also, he uses pictures just as effectively to get his points across. He plays with alliteration and other literary devices that make the reader want to dabble in poetry as well. It did for me anyway.

What do you like to do for fun?

When I have a chance, I like to garden. Getting out into the yard and enjoying the sunshine does wonders for my mental health. Plus, I like to grow veggie and sunflowers. Both are edible and I can make better food choices right from my yard. I’m a big fan of the local botanical garden as well.

When I can’t get outside, I spend my time with video games, audiobooks or crochet. Something where I can turn my brain off for a while is a good time for me!

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Just start writing. Write about your day. Write about what your dog is doing or thinking. Write about telling off your boss and walking out of your job, never to return. It doesn’t matter what you write about, just start doing it. You have to start flexing that creative muscle. Refining and perfecting come much later in the process, but you won’t have anything to polish if you never write it down.

What projects are you working on right now?

Currently, I’m working on blogging while my book is in the editing process. I try to post weekly on Saturdays and I’m relying on my readers to keep me accountable. Tell me you’re looking forward to my next post and I’ll have one ready every time!

What would you like to promote? (Add links, description, and a photo!)

If you want to follow out my work until the book is ready, you can check my website: twillspannwrites.com You can read my blog and get in contact with me for other interviews or engagements

Thank you Tangela for this lovely interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want  your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight- Interview with Meryl S. Brown

How do you come up with plots or characters for your books? What genre do you write in? 

For many years, I taught high school and college writing. I’ve written and published poetry and taught creative writing, but I never considered writing a middle-grade book until a young lady I tutored got upset with me. She constantly needed assistance learning her vocabulary words for the week. I wrote creative sentences and left blanks for her to complete. One day, she insisted that I stop putting her name in the sentences. When I asked what I should use instead, the fruit was her response. FRUITLAND residents Coco Coconut and her sister Candace took my tutee’s place in the sentences. To date, I’ve self-published three ebooks set in FRUITLAND. More details can be found on my website: bookswithlessons.com. There you’ll find links to purchase ebooks as well as many backstories (Meet the Characters).     

How did you get published?


Several years ago, a close friend encouraged me to take a self-publishing class. I hadn’t anticipated finding a course so easily. Thankfully, the next day when I went to a local library, I saw an ad for a free self-publishing course. That-two hour session transformed my life! 


I had been working with an artist for years, but her educational goals got in the way. When I shared my notes from the class, she agreed that the time to complete my first book had finally occurred. We researched the best self-publishing platforms and selected Draft2Digital for the ebooks and IngramSpark for the first paperback.

If you could live in any book what would it be?


If I could live in any book, it would be in THE RELUCTANT BALLERINA, my Work In Progress (WIP). It’s set in a section of New York City where several of my special favorites are located: a natural food restaurant and an independent bookstore. Both are just down the street from the main character’s home. 


What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

New writers, please find at least one person to encourage you. Don’t let anyone steal your dreams and goals! Many people don’t have the courage to either write or publish their work; instead, they choose to discourage others. The same friend who encouraged me to self-publish also said that I should try Twitter, with the goal of finding additional tutoring clients. Although no tutoring clients surfaced, I found the #WritingCommunity and a #MG group. In fact, about ten members of the #WritingCommunuty inspired me so much that I dedicated FORMING NEW FRIENDSHIPS, my most recently published ebook, to them.

What helps me to stay motivated?

As I mentioned, I also tutor. Whether my tutees are 10 or 21, I focus on encouraging them. I’ve noticed that when each session concludes I feel rejuvenated, which helps me to stay motivated. Since I’m constantly editing their work, it is easy to transition to editing my own writing.

Thank you Meryl for this wonderful interview! Be sure to check out her websites and books for more.

Living the Coconut Life https://www.books2read.com/u/bOaWyN
Friendship Changed Me https://books2read.com/u/bovENL
Forming New Friendships https://books2read.com/u/b5kBNp

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want  your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight- Interview with Ann Swann and her book- Yeah, But I Didn’t

What inspires me? 

Anything and everything. Could be something I’ve read, something I’ve heard, or just something I’ve seen. I’ve lived on this earth for quite a few years, but I haven’t done a lot of traveling. Oh, I’ve been to Mexico – see my book ALL FOR LOVE for a tiny taste – and a few short days in Europe – check out THE REMAINS IN THE POND for a bit of that – and I’ve lived in and visited some beautiful places right here in the good old USA – the settings for STUTTER CREEK, LILAC LANE, and COPPER LAKE are all based on a couple of tourist towns I fell in love with while visiting the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, but mostly I’ve stayed home, worked, and taken care of people. 

I’ve held many different jobs (from newspaper delivery girl to 911 dispatch operator to elementary school teacher) but through them all, I’ve been a writer. Beginning with my spiral notebook romance vignettes as a young teen, all the way through my award-winning short stories in college, I honed my craft with workshops and writing courses. 

While teaching school, I published a few short stories, but after taking a leave of absence to help out my ailing mom, I finally finished my first novel, STEVIE-GIRL AND THE PHANTOM PILOT. An excerpt from the book won a short fiction award and the interest of an editor from a new publishing company. That book (a novella, really) has been followed by three others in the STEVIE-GIRL series. They’re still my favorites. I am Stevie – in my mind, at least. She’s a fierce little thing…

What is my genre? 

The STEVIE-GIRL books are supernatural mysteries. The STUTTER CREEK books are mystery-thrillers. ALL FOR LOVE is women’s fiction. TELEPHONE ROAD is straight up revenge fiction with a touch of mystery (and good old romance), and TAKERS: APOCALYPSE IN EDEN, is my only foray into speculative horror (one reviewer wrote that it should be aimed at fans of Stephen King. I’ll take that. Heck, yeah!) Watch for SEEKERS. It’s the follow up to TAKERS, and I also have another women’s novel in the works, it may be my best book yet. One of those will be my best book yet.

Maybe I need to create a new genre … it could be called surviving against all odds … that seems to be a recurring theme in each of my books. Hmmm, I wonder why that is? Something in my past, perhaps? Oh, well, on to the next topic.

What advice do I have for writers just starting out?

 Read, read, read, then write, write, write. To paraphrase Toni Morrison, you must “Write the book you would like to read.” I think the best advice I was ever given was to develop thick skin. That doesn’t mean reviewers can be completely ignored, but it does mean you have to be tough enough to take their criticism. If you can’t, then you’re in the wrong profession. I would also enroll in writing classes at every turn simply because you will be subjected to deadlines, critics, and probably some very strong writers from which to learn. I’ve never regretted a single class. Learned something in each and every one of them.

What do I do for fun?

 Right now, fun for me is sitting in front of the TV with my hubby or reading a book in my favorite chair. I listed TV and hubby first because we were separated from one another for two months while we each recovered from COVID-19. I was hospitalized, and on a ventilator, and he was bedridden at home with COVID-pneumonia. Thank the good Lord for front-line folks and our family and friends. The doctors and nurses saved me, and the family and friends saved my husband. They literally forced him to get out of bed and eat and drink and walk when he didn’t want to move. They also picked up his prescriptions and brought food and drink every day while he was down. I can’t thank them enough. Slightly off-topic from what do you like to do for fun but trust me … now that we’ve both stared death in the dark eye, fun has taken on an entirely new meaning.

Finally, if I could have superpowers, what would they? 

That’s easy. My superpower would be to wave a magic wand of kindness. If everyone were kind, what a world that would be. 

Book Links and Public Contact Information:

Author website:https://www.authorannswann.com

Amazon:http://www.tinyurl.com/bmrsong

Barnes & Noble: http://tinyurl.com/cfakkue

Smashwords: http://tinyurl.com/8besl3w

Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/hx72y82

iTunes: http://tinyurl.com/hlflu9k

Audible: https://tinyurl.com/yxp4pldx

Facebook: www.facebook.com/annswann.books

Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/6vuw7vl

Twitter: @ann_swann

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annswann.author/

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Thank you Ann for this lovely interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want  your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight- Interview with Paul English and his book- Scorched Earth

Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.

My name is Paul English, I’m an indie writer living in Somerset West, Cape Town in South Africa. I’ve written six books and am currently over halfway on my seventh book which I hope to have published later this year. To find out more about my books you can go to https://www.facebook.com/FireAngelUniverse you can find me on Twitter https://twitter.com/FireAngeluni my WordPress site https://backroombulletin.wordpress.com/

What would you like to promote?

I would like to promote the first book of my Scorched Earth: Trilogy, Scorched Earth: Arrival which is the sixth book in my Fire Angel Universe series. You can find my books on Amazon. The chronological order of my books is as follows: Fire Angel: Genesis, Fire Angel: Turning Point, Fade: Shadows of the Past, Fire Angel: Igniting the spark, Family Portrait: A Fade Spin-off, Scorched Earth: Arrival.


Blurb:
The Earth is being invaded. A hero falls. As a ruthless alien empire sets its sights on Earth, the time has come for courageous people to step up and defend the world. When Project: Guardian’s leader, Kat Palmer goes AWOL, Randy Wilson is next in line to lead the clandestine government task force against the most serious threat the human race has ever faced. And now, when both the military and the police have their backs against the wall, humanity needs new heroes, too. Alexandra Grant answers the call, not only to save others but to redeem herself for condemning the superhuman, Fire Angel. Meanwhile, the members of the underground Society of Science, are working against the clock to find a chink in the invaders’ armor and stop them before it’s too late. So begins the war for humanity’s freedom…


My books are available in paperback They can be found https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B07YSP6B41

What genre do you write in?

 
I like to mix a bit of superhero fiction, with mystery and sci-fi


What projects are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on the second book of my Scorched Earth trilogy, Scorched Earth: Takeover.


What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?


I enjoy the creative process; creating the characters, planning the story, and setting up future stories.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?


Don’t try to be the ‘second coming’ of your favorite author be the first you. Write the stories you want to read.

Thank you Paul for this wonderful interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want  your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight- Interview with Fiction Writer Andrew McDowell and his Epic Fantasy Novel- Mystical Greenwood

Tell us about yourself and how we can connect with you.


My name is Andrew McDowell. I am an indie author living in Maryland. I’ve written and published fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, and I’m also interested in writing drama. Anyone interested in learning more about my writing, or my tips on the art of creative writing, can visit my website and blog at andrewmcdowellauthor.com. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, and Goodreads.

What would you like to promote? (Add links, description, and a photo!)


I would like to promote my epic fantasy novel, Mystical Greenwood.

Description:
Dermot is a fifteen-year-old boy living in the land of Denú who has always longed for something more in life. His life changes when he encounters a gryphon and a mysterious healer. Drawn into a conflict against one determined to subjugate the kingdom, Dermot and his brother Brian are forced to leave their home. A legendary coven must now reunite, for they are Denú’s greatest hope. In the course of meeting unicorns and fighting dragons and men in dark armor, Dermot discovers a deep, sacred magic that exists within every greenwood he crosses through, but his own role in this conflict is greater than he suspects. Can he protect those he loves, or will all that’s good be consumed by darkness?


It is available in paperback, Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited), and Nook.


Amazon | B&N | BAM! | Goodreads

The cover art is also available on Deviant Art. You can buy prints, canvases, mugs, coasters, mousepads, magnets, postcards, and greeting cards.

Finally, anyone interested in also seeing anthologies and literary journals that feature my shorter works can visit my Amazon page (everything there can be found on Goodreads too).


What inspires your writing?


My writing has been inspired by a wide variety of personal interests that I’ve had throughout my
life.


What genre do you write in?

I like to write in different genres because I don’t want to confine myself or be typecast. Some of the anthologies I’ve contributed to were in fantasy and horror. But I hope to dabble some more in those and many others (mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, etc.).


What was your favorite childhood book?


That’s a hard one to answer because I’ve enjoyed a number of books in stories when I was a child. I’ve always loved the stories of Dr. Seuss and Beatrix Potter, as well as those of Reverend Wilbert Awdry (my favorite childhood TV program was indisputably Thomas & Friends). Other titles that stand out from my childhood include Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. I also always enjoyed reading books about animals; one that particularly stands out was A Whale is Not a Fish & Other Animal Mix-Ups by Melvin Berger.


How did you get started with writing?


I remember that I started writing stories when I was eleven. They were little stories, typically one page. I shared them with friends and teachers; I fancied myself a writer, but I didn’t take it all that seriously. That all changed when I sat down to write a novel at age thirteen. The more time I spent on it, the more dedicated and passionate I became about it. That was when I was definitely going to be a writer and seek publication.


Do you connect with any of the characters in your book?


I think I do connect with the main character in Mystical Greenwood. I have described Dermot as the Nature lover in me, and like him, I seek purpose in my life.


What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?


What I like the most about being an author is that it gives me a sense of purpose in my life outside of anything that one could possibly consider ordinary or routine. I get to share my passions and outlook through my stories. In being a blogger, I get to share my insights into the writing process and offer tips and advice for others; even those who aren’t writers have told me they have enjoyed getting a window, via my blog, into what it’s like to be a writer.


If you could have superpowers, what would they be?

I would love to have the ability to shapeshift into any animal I wish.


How did you get published?

Mystical Greenwood was published by an independent press called Mockingbird Lane Press. I’d heard about them through an author I met at the Maryland Writers’ Association (of which I’m a member). I queried them, and they were the first to offer me a contract.


What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?


My father gave me this advice once: the important thing to remember is to tell a story and tell it well. Seek to tell a good story first and foremost, and do it for yourself, not because you want to be rich and famous. Believe in yourself and your writing, and don’t give up.


What projects are you working on right now?


I’m working on the sequel to Mystical Greenwood. There are some other writing projects that I’ve worked on it partially, but I’m trying to focus primarily on the sequel right now.


Any other information you would like to include for our readers?


I have Asperger syndrome, which is a high-functioning autism spectrum disorder. It is hard for me to understand slang and vocal tones sometimes. I tend to take things seriously. But that is something I am always trying to work on.

Thank you Andrew for a wonderful interview!

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want  your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Author Spotlight- Interview with Fiction Writer Jon Bolitho-Jones

What would you like to promote?


Well, I would like to promote my book When the World Falls Down. It’s a quirky YA Fantasy story – Douglas Adams meets CS Lewis and the film Labyrinth. Link found right here: https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-adult/when-the-world-falls-down/

I am also here to promote myself too! I am a writer/actor from the northwest of England. Here’s my Twitter handle: @JonBolihtoJones. and here’s my writing website: https://www.jonbolithojonesauthor.co.uk/

What does success look like to you?


Oooo that’s quite a question. For me, it would be making a full-time living from my books and my writing, interspersed with a bit of performance too. It’s also having people enjoy my work and being recognized as a writer.

What genre do you write in?


Fantasy. Well I mostly write YA fantasy but I’m also trying my hand at Science Fiction and Horror – the genres often being mixed together.

What was your favorite childhood book?


That would be the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Absolutely brilliant. If you know Animals of Farthing Wood or Watership Down, well it was basically that but with swords, lots of fighting, and classic fantasy tropes.

How did you get started with writing?


In some ways, I have always enjoyed making up magical, fantastical worlds, though it was only when I was 11 that I began to write them all down. After lots of false starts though I started When the World Falls Down, completed it and then wanted to share it with the world. When it comes to actually create a story and getting it down in a Word document I generally begin by coming up with an idea, or simply choosing one from my bank of ideas. I then write out a loose chapter by chapter plan and then start writing and getting it done. I do a bit each day, approximately 2,000 words, and so steadily it gets written. The first draft is usually a mess so then it goes to the editing stage, which is pretty long, but that’s where the real work begins.

How do you attract new readers?


Generally what I have tried so far is posting blog articles and free short stories. Along with that, I engage with people on social media when I can, especially on Twitter. Pretty much everything is done online really.

Do you connect with any of the characters in your book?


Yes. I tend to write from my own emotional experiences, so there are little parts of me found in almost all of my main characters. However, my lead is actually based on my wife.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?


It has to be when someone reads my works and really enjoys them. Positive reviews are great, though I also like sitting and chatting about the lore, characters, and mysteries of my book with anyone who is interested.

How do you make sales as an author?


I’m not quite sure so far. I’m still experimenting at the moment. I’ll let you know when I find out!

What are you reading right now?


The Hobbit. I’ve just finished Anthony Beevor’s book about the Spanish Civil War though. I know – very different material.

What is your favorite genre to read?


Fantasy, SciFi, and historical non-fiction


What is your favorite comfort food?


Chocolate, though on savory days cheese. I am also a sucker for charcuterie boards.


Who are your top three favorite authors?


Tolkien, Walter Moers, and Terry Pratchett

How do you come up with plots or characters for your book?


Happy accidents maybe? In reality, I draw inspiration from everywhere whether books, films, TV shows, videogames, moments, personal experiences, and then gradually ideas form into something tangible in my head. These are then written down in “ideas” documents so I don’t forget them. Some of these ideas actually get combined too. I have a character (and race) in my book who was originally intended for something else.

If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?


That’s another tricky one… My answer – all the food! I like cooking and it’d be nice to know how to make everything and know exactly what goes well with each other for dinner parties.

What do you like to do for fun?


I am a big geek really, in particular miniature wargaming. I collect Warhammer, and though I’m not a great painter, I like to put them together, create new characters and frightening new worlds. I also like board games, reading, and old-school video gaming (no Fortnite or Call of Duty for me!)

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?


Get on that social media as soon as you can. Even if you’d don’t have a book out, start building up that author platform and making connections. Also, prepare for disappointment and rejection, find good reliable people to read the work that gives you honest feedback, and keep pushing on with your writing and creating.



What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?


I would say stubborn determination and the thrill of creating new stories and worlds. I write for fun too sometimes.

What projects are you working on right now?


I’ve actually just finished the 2nd book of my other YA fantasy series. Only the first draft though, so it still needs a lot of work. Along with that I am also querying my manuscripts and reading a short story for a competition. Perhaps most importantly I am in the very early stages of publishing the sequel to When the World Falls Down.

Thank you Jon for a wonderful interview!

To connect with Jon and read more check out these links~

When the World Falls Down – https://www.troubador.co.uk/bookshop/young-adult/when-the-world-falls-down/

Our Little Patch of Paradise – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0872XZPBM

The Clown in the Basement – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clown-Basement-Edimorian-short-story-ebook/dp/B08JK7SVKQ

Website – https://www.jonbolithojonesauthor.co.uk/post/10-things-you-need-to-know-before-visiting-edimor

If you are a fellow writer, author, or blogger and want  your own interview go to https://noshwithchefjulie.com/contact/

To read more author interviews click here https://noshwithchefjulie.com/category/author-interviews/

Interview with Novelist and Poetry Author P.J. Lowry

Let us know a little about yourself and how we can connect with you via website, blog, books, and social media sites.

My name is P.J. Lowry, and I reside just outside Toronto, in that beautiful great white north known as Canada. I have a BA in English language and literature from the Memorial University of Newfoundland. I’ve been seriously writing and self-publishing novels and collections of poetry since 2005. I am also a lead writer for River Comics, as I’m currently writing eight different titles for this indie publisher, from Superheroes to historic icons like George Washington. I’m making some really groovy stuff for RC that is totally badass.

You can connect with my work and with me on social media at the following URLs:  

What is the name of your blog or book and how did you get started?


I have multiple blogs, as I post material on WordPress, Tumblr, and even Open Diary which thankfully reopened a few years ago after a four-year hiatus. I was on OD since 2000 and had over 4000 entries when they closed up shop. It broke my heart, but I welcomed it back with open arms and I’m happily writing there again. My blog on Open Diary is titled “Fear and Loathing in Steel City” and my username is Peter_24601. It’s a bitchin blog, one that I enjoy updating as often as I can. Any kind of writing is good to keep the fingertips warm for momentum.

As for my actual books, I’ve been writing fiction and poetry since I was twelve. I wrote my first full novel when I was fourteen, but it was bad, so very bad. No one’s ever going to see that book, not while I’m alive at least. It’s on a five and a half-inch floppy, so good luck accessing that relic.

My writing thankfully has greatly improved, and I have many works posted on Smashwords, Kindle Direct, i-tunes, Scrib’d, etc. When you google P.J. Lowry most of those accounts will pop up. You can access my comic books at rivercomics.net. I like to jokingly refer to it as our all you can eat app with all the comic books you can consume for $1 a month! I dare you to find a better deal in our industry, cause you can’t!

What is your favorite food?

I am a big foodie, and for me food makes the world go round. What is more fun than sitting at a table with people you love and sharing a meal together? Talking about your day, finding out what’s going on… there’s nothing better! I’m that guy who can sit down with anyone in a cafeteria or pub and easily strike up a conversation with him/her while breaking bread. I’m a huge social butterfly and I totally get that charm and charisma from my Dad. He is the most outgoing and friendly person I know, and that rubbed off on me.

But I’m avoiding the question, which was to list my favorite food. If I had to pick just one, I’d have to say roasted chicken with potato salad on the side, and coleslaw with gravy too. That would be my go-to meal if I had to pick just one. When I’m in the mood for something spicy, a good jerk chicken makes a nice, sassy substitute.

What foods do you crave all the time?

Whenever I’m writing, I like to have something on hand to nibble. I like having something small around to chew on while I’m pondering something, or at a crossroads with whatever I’m writing at the time. I love to write with a big cup of tea or a soda-like Dr. Pepper. Those are the things I crave whenever I’m writing.

What is your favorite comfort food?

When I attended Memorial University, I ended up staying in St. John’s for almost ten years. During that time I became immersed into the local cuisine, and one meal from Newfoundland is my hand down all-time favorite comfort food: Jiggs Dinner. My sisters-in-law made an amazing Jiggs Dinner, which consisted of boiling a decent amount of veggies in a huge bot with a huge piece of salt beef. The flavor of the beef goes right into the veggies, and side that with a bread pudding and cover all the beef and veggies with gravy, and you what you have is heaven on Earth. You’ll never see me eat turnip and cabbage faster than whenever I had Jiggs Dinner. It’s amazing!

If you could learn how to make any food what would it be?

I haven’t tried yet, but I want to learn how to make beef wellington. It looks very intimidating. I’m going to be taking some cooking classes. One day I will attempt to make the wellington, and if successful… you’ll see pics on social media and my blog.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger, writer, or author?

The writing. The ability to put down words and share those thoughts with the world. I’ve been a writer since I was twelve, and I have no intention of stopping no matter how little or how much success I find. I like using these words to connect with people, fellow writers, and even bloggers. To connect with the world, and when my days are done I hope that the words I leave behind will connect with and inspire future generations. So my favorite thing about writing is the connection it brings. The ability to share a story with those who I might never meet and tell them a story.

What advice do you have for new writers just starting out?

Just keep writing, it doesn’t matter if you write a whole chapter, a paragraph, or just a few tweets. Any words are better than none. Keep your fingertips warm and just keep going. If you get stuck with one project, put it down and work on another. When you feel that momentum coming back, then you can go back and take another crack at that one you’re stuck with and try to get it back on track. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you’re going, as long as you’re moving forward you’re going in the right direction. Just. Keep. Writing.

What do you like to do for fun?

I like to play games online to stimulate my brain. I play World Of Warcraft and I also play chess online with people all over the world. I like to read, watch television and watch a ton of movies. I also like to hang out with my kids and do fun things with them like check out a movie, go to the dome for a ball game, etc. Your kids are only young once, so spend as much time with them as you can before they become too cool to chill with their parents. That day is coming, so get ready for it.

What helps you to stay motivated and keep writing?

Motivation comes from many places. Sometimes I look at a picture differently and a idea can just pop into my head. Some days it’s the dream of being a wealthy author and buying hundreds of classic cars like Clive Cussler. Sometimes my motivation comes from my bills arriving and giving me a well needed kick in the arse cause I don’t want my cable to be disconnected. There’s many ways someone can be inspired, so find one that breathes life into your fingertips.

How do you attract new readers?

I’m trying to use free websites like Wattpad, Booknet and a few others to offer some of my works for free. The goal is to get readers so hooked up my stuff that they’ll want to pay for it and help me earn a little cabbage. It’s working a little bit. I’m also very active on social media, and try to be as user friendly as possible.

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

You mean besides the previous reference to Clive Cussler and his classic cars? My Dad has all of Cussler’s hardcovers, and because of that I’ve been reading his works since the 80’s. On the back of every hardcover a big picture of Clive with a classic car from decades ago and he looks amazing in them. I love Clive’s writing, and the amazing adventures of Dirk Pitt, but it was seeing Clive with all those expensive cars that convinced me writing might be a decent career worth pursuing. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be as cool and successful as Clive, but I’m trying. Mr. Cussler passed away a short time ago, and I have a few of his books. My favorites are Cyclops and Inca Gold.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I don’t mind reading any genre, especially if someone recommends something they enjoyed reading. If I had to pick one, I would say I’m a sucker for a good suspense or mystery. I’m a huge fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. I’m actually creating and writing a comic book based on Sherlock Holmes, so I’ve spend the last year reading a lot of Doyle’s work, and going back to all those amazing stories is the best research I’ve ever done. Zero arm twisting required.

What are you reading right now?

Right now I’m reading a few pretty interesting books. Countdown 1945 by Chris Wallace is about President Truman and the events leading up to the dropping of the atomic bombs in Japan. It’s a very fascinating read, and I love reading books about history. Another book I’m reading is Don’t Burn This Book by Dave Rubin, and Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I recently got a copy of The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins but I haven’t started it yet. I think I’m going to pick it up after I finish Neverwhere.

What is your favorite movie that was based off a book?

One of my favorite books of all time is Shoeless Joe by W. P. Kinsella, which later become one of my favorite movies called Field of Dreams. In my opinion, it’s a true classic. Kinsella wrote amazing baseball books that would make great movies. I hope they make a movie about Magic Time, which was another great Kinsella novel.

What kind of music do you like to listen to?

I listen to a lot of music from all genres. What I listen to depends on what kind of mood I’m in and what I happen to be doing. If I’m cleaning dishes or tidying up the house, I’ll have something heavy put on like Metallica, Twisted Sister, Def Leppard, etc. I don’t mind listening to other genres like country, pop, classic rock. When I’m writing, I can’t listen to any of them. The only music I can listen to when I’m writing is instrumental only, music with no lyrics. If I play anything with lyrics, I ended up singing along, get horribly distracted, and no writing happens.

Here’s a great tip for all the writers reading this: movie soundtracks. When I’m writing, not only will I listen to film scores, but I will pick scores that match the genre that I’m writing. For example, if I’m writing a western then I’ll listen to the soundtracks of films like Tombstone, Unforgiven, etc. If I’m writing a fantasy, I’ll listen to great fantasy soundtracks like The 13th Warrior or Lord of the Rings. If you can find the right film score that compliments your work in progress, it can and will make an enormous difference in your daily word count.

Who are your top three favorite authors?

Besides the two I’ve already mentioned, those being Clive Cussler and W.P. Kinsella, another writer I really like is Gordon Korman. Gordon was one of the first authors whose works I started to consistently read. I remember eagerly reading his Bruno & Boots series when I was in grade four, enjoyed each story, and laughing at the wild adventures of those crazy boys. I haven’t read any of his recent works, but I have all those older books I used to read when I was younger. Another writer I really like reading is Tony Parsons. I’m more of a fan of his earlier works as well, such as his Man & Boy books. I found so fascinating to read because I was in the middle of a divorce when I first picked them up.

If you could have super powers what would they be?

My favorite hero growing up was Superman, so that’s the powers I’d want. The ability to fly, super strength, heat vision, etc. It would be amazing to be Superman and save the world whenever necessary. Bullet proof skin kinda helps too. Just saying.

What is a typical day of writing look like for you?

I am a nocturnal writer, so I do all my best work at night. Somewhere around ten or eleven at night (when there’s nothing good on tv) is when I’ll start working on my projects. I’ll spend most of the evening working on comic scripts, novels, poetry and other things. Usually I’ll get exhausted and end up crashing in bed around five or six in the morning. I will then wake up somewhere around one or two in the afternoon, and after having breakfast I’ll work again until five in the afternoon. I’ll take a break until eleven and start the process all over again. That in a nutshell is how I get my work done. It’s very chaotic but it seems to work for me.

What is something about yourself most people don’t know?

I suffer from an autoimmune disease known as Ankylosing Spondylitis. I was diagnosed with this brutal ailment in 2012, and have been trying my best to work around it. The best way for be describe A.S. is that it’s like arthritis on crack. It’s very painful and the treatments I take only treat the symptoms, not the disorder itself. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy because some days are okay but there are others when I need a cane to walk. It’s an illness that isn’t well known, but if you’d like to know more about it, you can find some more information at this site: https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/arthritis-types-(a-z)/types/ankylosing-spondylitis

What projects are you working on right now?

I am working on a lot of projects, so many that I don’t know how I juggle most of them. Something ends up getting neglected and I end up feeling bad about it. At the moment I’m working on three novels, two non-fiction projects, one new collection of poetry, and several comic books. The only way I can do this is by making a weekly schedule and sticking o it. So my plate is kind full, but that’s alright. Keep those fingers busy and keep writing.

Any other information you would like to include to our readers?

To anyone who has taken the time to read this, thank you for putting up with my long winded answers. This is nothing compared to what kind of a chatterbox I am in person. Scary thought, I know.

To those who have read my work online or purchased any of my works, I offer my sincerest and most humble thanks. When something is sold, I notice it. When someone leaves a note on Wattpad or any other reading site, I see that too. My love language is words of attrition, so if you want to make me feel good, leave a note. I love seeing them and will often reply to them as well. There is also so much more to come! I’m working on some amazing projects that I am very eager to finish up. Thank you for your patience, it shall be rewarded!

Thank you P.J. for such a great interview!

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