Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts

Thursday 8 August 2013

Ian Anderson's Writing Experiences on Mythology

Ian Anderson
Ian was born in New York but now lives and works in Florida. He has traveled to many different
places throughout the US and has even been to Scotland once. Ian started studying Mythology at a
young age when given a picture book of Greek myths. Since then he has become a student of
Norse, Japanese, Egyptian, Irish, and many other types of Mythology. He has combined these
different mythologies into his series entitled "Modern Disciples." He is new to the world of
publishing books, but has written short stories and poems since high school. 

Ian's book can be purchased via Amazon and he has also two other sequels to this book; Modern
Disciples Volume 2 and 3. Check it out!

Here are some interesting things about Ian and his writing journey mainly based on Mythology. 



Where are you from?
         Originally, I am from Buffalo, New York. Before the turn of the millennium, I moved to Florida and I             have been living in Tampa ever since.

Why do you write? 
I honestly believe that this is what I was meant to do.  I think everyone has a specific purpose in life, something that he or she was meant to do. I think many people who are unhappy are that way because they never found their true purpose in life. Writing is mine.

What do you write about? 
I mostly write about Mythology. That is where the majority of our stories come from. Even our most 
modern stories can be traced back to Mythology somehow. You can see it in Harry Potter, the   
Hunger Games, and the Maze runner to name a few.

Do you have a specific writing style?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific style. I always try to edit my work as well as I possibly can. I prefer third person perspective. I find first person a bit too restrictive. I try to use the active voice as much as possible but sometimes it just does not sound right. When I use dialogue I try to make it as natural sounding as I can. That is how I write my fiction. When I write on my blog on Goodreads, I try to sound casual while still trying to lead a serious discussion.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 
Besides life in general, I would say the two greatest obstacles are a person’s own fears, and their laziness. Those are everybody’s greatest enemies in my opinion, no matter what they do. Every excuse you can think of to not do something comes back to either being too scared to do it, or being too lazy. “I don’t know if people will like this,” your fear. “There are too many distractions in my life right now,” your laziness.

Whats the most memorable thing said by a reader about your work?
One of my friends who read Volume 1 told me about how she started crying in the middle of a Subway restaurant while she was reading my book. She thought her favorite character was going to die. It’s amazing to think that somebody could become so emotionally invested in a character that I just made up. That was when I realized that I was meant to be a writer, and I had to do everything possible to be successful with my writing.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Well, seeing as how I recently quit my job, my writing schedule is now wide open. I basically write all day while allowing myself to get out when I need to.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
For some reason I keep writing “they” when I should be writing “the.” It’s something I have to keep my eye out when I edit.

            How long does it take to write a book?
That depends on who you ask of course. John Green says it takes him 3 years. I seem to take about a year to write mine. Other writers get their books out faster. Another thing you have to take into consideration is that publishing takes time also. Those times vary on the publishing company, how relevant the topic of the book is to what’s going on in the world, and whether or not the author self-published. Self-published books get to the market faster.

            Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Practice your trade often. Be a reader. Listen to serious, professional criticisms. Don’t restrict yourself to your own book critics. Read reviews of other people’s books, and movies as well. You can learn a lot about story and character that way.

            What do you think makes a good story?
                        First, you need an interesting premise. Next, you need memorable characters. They don’t                necessarily have to be likeable, although pulling off a story where none of the characters are likeable             is very difficult to pull off. They just have to stick in the readers mind. You also need some kind of               conflict. There must be at least one problem that has to be overcome. The most important thing is                  execution. That is the one ingredient you can never live without, and sometimes get away with being the          only thing you have going for you.

            What does your family think of your writing?
That’s an interesting question. They are my biggest fans, and at the same time my harshest critics. They are always the first ones to read my books when they come out. Some of them post reviews for me. Yet I’ve noticed that they will often give me 4 star ratings while complete strangers will give me 5 star ratings. For the most part though, they are very supportive.

            If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
            I actually studied Creative Writing when I went to the University.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? 
In my opinion, if you can make your living off of it and don’t have to take a day job to make ends meet, you’re successful.

            What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Again, this comes down to traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. As a self-published author, my greatest challenge has been marketing. Writing would be a close second, and the publishing part is easy when you self-publish. As long as you have the money and are not writing a how to book on being a pedophile, you will get published. For traditional authors, I would think getting published would be the difficult part. That involves finding an agent that will sponsor you. Waiting for a publishing house to accept your work, and then when you do sell your work waiting a year for the book to even hit the shelves. They also have to market their books as well though, so that is something to keep in mind.

            How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
At my desktop computer, that way if I need to research something really quick, the internet is right there.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign.
Modern Disciples has a Facebook page. I am working on getting it a website. It will be called Mythbooks. One thing I’ve found is that giveaways don’t work. I have spent a lot of time and money sending copies of my books away and gotten nothing in return. That’s why I tend to shy away from them. I find its better to go to Fiverr.com and get reviews there.

            Do you have anything specific you'd like to tell the readers?
                        Hey, how’s it going?

Finally, there are some who have been comparing Modern Disciples to the Percy Jackson series. How do you feel about that?


I think it would be silly to say they don’t at least invite comparison. They are both based on Mythology, Riordan and I both do extensive research into the mythologies before we write the books. I do think however a better comparison that has been used by the fans is “Percy Jackson for adults.” My stories are much darker and have subject matter a bit too mature for the younger crowd. I also incorporate all mythologies at once where Riordan prefers a one pantheon at a time approach. I have read the entire Percy Jackson series though and I do recommend it highly.    

I welcome you thoughts and views ! :D Thank you for your feedback

Saturday 3 August 2013

Janice L. Walker Shares Her Thoughts And Views With Us!

Coming soon this fall
Janice L.Walker is the Quintastic Women's woman. She is the author of the book Womens and Lemons: Your Time Is Now. Janice L. Walker has conducted workshops and seminars for a variety of women’s groups. She is passionate about issues that involve women and believes that women do not truly appreciate themselves as they should, especially in their 50s. She encourages, affirms, motivates, and inspires women to be all that they can be, and accept nothing less than the best for themselves at this particular juncture in life. Her book is coming out real soon and she shares some very interesting information about her life with us here. Sit back and enjoy the interview. 

Describe yourself in five words - Driven, committed, Quintastic, caring, unlimited

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? That I can be very sensitive and am extremely passionate.

 How do you work through self-doubts and fear?  Believe it or not, I choose that those emotions are not part of my reality.


What scares you the most?  Not having enough time to accomplish all that I want to do.

 What makes you happiest? Aside from spending quality time with my husband, engaging in my passion, which most recently was writing Womens & LemonsTM: Your Time Is Now!

 Why do you write? I am very passionate about writing and enjoy it immensely.

 Have you always enjoyed writing? Yes.


What motivates you to write? People, subject matter, and for the sheer pleasure and enjoyment.

 What writing are you most proud of?  I just finished writing what I am most proud of – Womens & Lemons: Your Time Is Now – Begin YOUR Adventure; Live YOUR Dream!


What are you most proud of in your personal life? That I am married to the world’s most wonderful and handsome man.

 What books did you love growing up? Bermuda Triangle; Cain & Able; The Prodigal Daughter; The Prophet; and Siddhartha.

 What do you hope your obituary will say about you? She loved God and man/woman and gave of herself because of it.

 Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? Cincinnati, OH on both accounts. I have lived in England (when in the U.S. Air force) and Arizona. I have been to Mexico, Hawaii, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and many other exciting places in the world.

 How did you develop your writing? Over time, and I always did have a way with words.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? I would say that marketing and promoting are not difficult, but very time-consuming, but for me it is a labor of love. You better than to be in charge of your promotional efforts than you, after all, it is your book.

 What marketing works for you? This is my first book so I do not know yet, but I am trying a variety of different media with the intent of focusing on my book’s audience-the Quintastic Woman- and the other audiences to encourage them to buy the book for their wives, significant others, sisters, or parents.

 Do you find it hard to share your work? Not all I. That is one of the things next to writing that I do enjoy. And with Womens & LemonsTM it is even more enjoyable because every woman’s face lights up when I tell them what it is about. I absolutely love the response I get.

 Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? Yes, every single person does. My husband, Harold, and my elder brother Warren, have been my biggest supporters and cheerleaders by being involved in reading and commenting on the book. My Mom supports everything I do, but then that’s what moms do, don’t they.

 What else do you do, other than write?  I work full-time; teach a class each week; engage in community and pro bono work as a practicing corporate attorney. Often asked to speak at various events and functions (motivation and inspirational speaking) to encourage women to make the best out of the life that they have.

 What other jobs have you had in your life?  I have been in the U.S. Air Force (surgery technician); been a Loaned Executive from one company to the other; office manager assistant at a construction site; retail grocery store manager; and the past 18 years practicing law.

 If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? Something that is related to a subject I like, e.g., writing, Fine Art, as opposed to work-related courses.

 If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Pondering on that very subject in my life now.
 Tell us about your family? My Mom is 88 years old and in wonderful health. My husband is a practicing attorney, has an MBA, and was previously a minister for a number of years, and the CEO of two organizations. He is a wonderful man and matches me perfectly; I could not ask for a better man. I have 6 siblings, and my brother Warren in California is very supportive and we are as thick as two thieves.

 How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? Desktop computer primarily except when writing in my Womens & Lemons Adventure JournalTM.

 How much sleep do you need to be your best? About 7 hours.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? My husband Harold Cleveland; my mother, Carrie Walker, and my brother, Warren Walker.

 Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?  Replacing my currently salary (and beyond) with the books that I write, selling books like crazy and breaking the general writing statistics in every metric. Also, Womens & LemonsTM: Your Time Is Now is intended to be the first in a series. It is also intended to begin a Womens & Lemons community and movement to wake Quintastic Women everywhere from their slumber to a bright new day ahead at this time in their lives.

 It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign? I am developing it now. I have logos, planned radio endorsements, video endorsements, YouTube videos, and finding websites that target my audience, and using social media and some very creative methods.

 Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it? Because I saw so many women in their late 40s and in their 50s with so much life left and so much potential not setting their sights on any new heights or any new goals. They seem to be lethargic with the overall attitude that their best days are behind them. I wanted to change that paralyzing mindset to something the Quintastic Woman could look forward to. When one colleague told me that her husband said she was too old at 53 and weeks later she participated in a triathlon – 6 mile canoeing, 5 ½ mile run, and an 18 mile bike ride through mountainous terrain- her actions and can do attitude totally shattered his 20th century mindset. She knew better than to believe his attempt at putting her down. But, how many women don’t know better? How many women just settle for the mediocre and their current status quo when they should understand and believe that the best is yet to come in their lives? They deserve the best after taking care of the needs and wants of others for so long. And the Quintastic mindset with ensure that they demand the best that life has to offer them at this stage in the game.

 If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
 In no particular order: Abe Lincoln; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Warren Buffett; Princess Diana; Bill Clinton; Mother Teresa; Nelson Mandela; Lazarus; and Christ.

 When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? Exercising, vacationing, being outdoors, watching a few of my favorite programs, emptying my mind and not thinking about anything.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
I hope women will first feel differently about their Quintastic stage if they have not previously embraced the concept that age 50 is the new age 30. I hope women feel affirmed, encouraged, supported, and more hopeful about this time in their lives more than they have ever felt before reading Womens & LemonsTM. I hope women will see their unlimited potential and be driven, committed, and determined to go for it believing that the best is yet to come for them and let nothing get in their way of beginning their adventure and living their dream right now. They should feel empowered more than they have ever felt and a sense that they belong to a most unique and one of the most special groups on this planet – the baby-boomer women, especially the Quintastic Women. And with what they get from Womens & LemonsTM: Your Time Is Now, that they will be anxious to read Womens & LemonsTM: Butterflies and Snakes about continuing to evolve, transform, and reinvent oneself. Also, I hope they will purchase the Womens & Lemons Adventure JournalTM, which is for writing their responses to the Action Steps in the book and be a signal to other woman when carrying it that they too are Quintastic Women and proud of it.

**Do you have links that you'd like to share for others to read? (if so please include in your mail.)**
I am asking people within all of my promotional media to send me an email for notification of the specific release date. People have been anticipating this book and it will be in large demand. For all those who request pre-release notification they will receive an exclusive commemorative Womens & Lemons poster after proof of purchasing the book, but I must have received their email notification request. It was made especially for Womens & LemonsTM: Your Time Is Now! Send that email now to vipfalo@aol.com, and simply put Womens & Lemons Notification in the subject line and we will email you when the release date has been set. Send your pre-release notification to vipfalo@aol.com now. Afterwards, the posters will be for sale exclusively on my website with the Womens & Lemons Adventure JournalTM.

Wishing Janice a huge success with her upcoming book that carries her motive to help women enjoy their lives. 

I welcome you thoughts and views ! :D Thank you for your feedback

Monday 29 July 2013

Glendon Perkins In The House!

Glendon Perkins
First of all, I would like to thank each and everyone of you who took time to participate in my blog hop that I hosted sometime back. It was a pleasure having all of you there. I met some new bloggers and it was interesting to learn about your writing journey.
I would like to express my gratitude by having your interview up on my blog to let my readers know about you. So, first in the list is +Glendon Perkins 

 Tell us about yourself a little   
A) I'm a Wyoming native, U. S. Navy veteran, and a three-time published author of short stories.
  Why do you write and what is the motive behind it?  
A) I write to tell a story. That seems like a simplistic answer but it's true.
 What is the biggest motivation (people/any incidents) for you to write?  
A) Situations in life are the most often motivators to my writing. I see something or hear something or experience something and a story starts developing in my head.
How is the feedback from people or your readers?  
A) Nearly all the feedback I've received from my readers is positive. Some readers may not like the genre I write in, but the writing itself is generally well received.
 What is the progress in writing that you are proud of?  
A) My overall progress in writing. Going from someone who didn't have a clue about writing a good story to being someone who understands what a good story is.
Tell us about an interesting writing you have made so far.   
A) For several months I posted a novel in rough draft from my novel in progress "Buried Alive." The story was so well received, and along with the popularity of the story mixed with the term "publishable", I was forced to remove it from the public.
What is hardest getting published, writing or marketing?  
A) For now writing is my greatest challenge. I seldom have completed works to try marketing and I'm not ready for publication of a novel yet.
 What marketing works for you?  
A) My marketing consists of word of mouth and posting links on social networks.
 How do you plan to expand your writing experiences (ex: from being a blogger to a writer etc?). 
A)I already blog and write so being published is how I hope to expand. 
Are you aware of the tricks blogging have to drive you more traffic? (like Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and blog layouts?). 
A) Nope, don't know anything about how to draw more traffic.
What do you want to achieve through writing?  
A) A published novel, preferably through traditional publishing.
 How would you encourage or advise someone who is intending to take up writing?  
A) Just do it. That's about as simple as it gets. Write a lot and read a lot. Don't worry about your first attempts being bad. We've all been there. Find a special or ideal reader to write for. And ask questions.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
  A) I would like my readers to com away with some kind or emotional response. I like to hear the readers say they received "chills" or the story was "chilling" or "I was right there."
 Do you have a website you would want to share with us?  
A) My website is www.glendonperkins.com. It has my blog posts, guest writers, writing tips, and links to my published works.
Thank you, Jassy for letting me be a part of your blog hop.

Thank you for your precious time Glen and I wish you all the best!!
Love,

Jasveena

I welcome you thoughts and views ! :D Thank you for your feedback

Monday 8 July 2013

Marybeth's Final Journey: Coping With Loss of Loved-Ones to Cancer

If you want to know how exciting and awe-inspiring, yet at the same time bewildering and frightening different cultures can be subscribe to this blog via email to get notified every time a new post is published.

I have been enjoying making video book trailers for authors who are have published their books and about to publish their books. The one thing I'm happy about doing these trailers is the fact that the books are remarkably amazing and the ones I have made so far mostly come from the self-help category. The previous trailer was about a man who survived drug abuse and harsh environments where he was brought up. He chooses to make a book out of his life in the hope that it could someday save a life or change a person into a new leaf. 
This week, I had a great opportunity to work with Ronda Rockwell, a soulful person who wrote the book ''Marybeth's Final Journey". This book is about Ronda's mother who was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer and it tells you how the family handled the difficult situation and embracing the final few weeks left with Marybeth. It was Marybeth's desire to have this book shared with everyone so help families facing similar situations cope with the loss of parents or loved-ones due to cancer and any other illness.


Ronda Rockwell shares with us some of the interesting stuffs about her. 

Describe yourself in five words – Passionate, Compassionate, Loving, Artistic, Sunshine

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? That I have 3 grandsons already

How do you work through self-doubts and fear?  With “I can do or overcome anything” attitude


What scares you the most? heights


What makes you happiest? My husband and family

Why do you write? To share experiences and because I love writing

Have you always enjoyed writing?  yes


What motivates you to write? Feelings of experiences, to help others and to share


What writing are you most proud of? .Marybeth’s Final Journey- for my Mama


What are you most proud of in your personal life? Choosing to change my life at 39. I needed happiness for myself, my kids and my mom (she lived with me). I chose to divorce after 17 years and now I am married to my soul mate Ron.


What books did you love growing up? All types. Non-fiction, fiction, suspenseful, self help

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? Ronda was a wonderful wife, mom, Nana and philanthropist. She changed lives for the better.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? I grew up in San Diego, Ca. As a teen I lived in Pacific Beach, moved to Ocean Beach as an adult.  I moved away from San Diego a couple times and returned to my home city. There is no place so beautiful and full of different cultures and people.

How did you develop your writing? I wrote since I was in school. I wrote in journals. I have always wrote poetry as well.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? Hmmm, I became an indie publisher, writing comes with ease, I will say marketing. It’s not just writing the book and getting published. It’s how you market yourself to get the book out there.

 What marketing works for you? Word of mouth, internet, and soon a book tour

 Do you find it hard to share your work? No.

 Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? Oh yes they are!

 What else do you do, other than write? Photography, a variety of art mediums, I currently work as a Contract Administrator for a large firm.

 What other jobs have you had in your life? Cashier, Store window decorator, Property Manager, Project Coordinator, Relationship Consultant and Project Administrator

 If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? Nuclear Medicine

 If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? San Diego

Tell us about your family? I have a wonderful family, three children, three grandchildren, my husband Ron, brothers, sisters, Auntie M, Uncle J and many nieces and nephews

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? Laptop, sometimes anywhere and on anything if I have an idea.

How much sleep do you need to be your best? 5 hours.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? Heather Hudson for the encouragement to share my mom’s story

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? The best selling author…

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?  It is a heart-touching final journey of one family, mine, as my sweet mom Marybeth was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The story will walk you through what we experienced in our love, laughter, acceptance, spiritual awakening.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? Leonardo da Vinci, he was not just an artist, he was brilliant.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? Go to the beach

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel? I hope with this book, Marybeth’s Final Journey, that the readers feel transported into the story and that some of our experiences will be helpful insights into their own lives or with their own loved ones’ illness.

It was a pleasure working with Ronda and learning about her book that is very soon to be available in online bookstores. I am looking forward to reading this and it was an honour to interview Ronda. I have encouraged her to be a part of the Support-a-Writer community and hopefully, we could see her around soon. 

Ronda can be reached at:

Facebook – Ronda Rockwell Publishing Fan Page


What do you think about this post? I welcome your thoughts and views!

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