Neil Orr

　
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Neil Orr!

 
I was raised in Southern California. I was 18 when I joined the United States Navy. I was given an Honorable Discharge for Medical reasons, ending my Military Career. I ended up in Law Enforcement, first in Nevada, then in Arizona, where I was forced to cut my career short, yet again. After surgery and a couple of years, I was forced to change Careers and start over, once again. This time I chose Photography, because of the Joy it brings me. However, my medical problems limit what I can do. So, I decided to follow my dream of becoming an author. The Kiyor'lin Series is my baby. Book 1 is Shad'rah. Book 2 is Hatchburrow (currently a work in progress). Between my photography and my writing, my life is almost complete.

Neil's epic adventure book Shad'rah: Kiyor'lin Book One is available now at AMAZON
This is an exciting, old-fashioned fantasy tale with great characters you'll love.



INTERVIEW:
1) What inspired you to write your first book? – My mother.

2) How did you come up with the title for each book? – Scrabble Tiles pulled from a bag to get Shad’rah

3) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? – The magic is in the journey.

4) Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? Some of the characters are…Shibi, Dahviesh and, of course, Draganos.

5) What books have influenced your life the most? All of them. At least all the ones I’ve read.

6) If you had to choose, which writer would consider a mentor? I would love it if I were to be mentored by Terry Brooks.

7) What book are you reading now? The one I’m writing.

8) Are there any new authors that have grabbed your attention? Patrick O’Scheen, Terry R. Hill, Glenn Soucy, Luke Romyn, Kelly J. Erickson, just to name a few.

9) What are your current projects? I’m currently working on Hatchburrow, Book 2 of The Kiyor’lin Series, Redondo (working title), Book 1 of The Kiyor’lin Origins Series, Sur’grahl, Book 2 of The Kiyor’lin Origins Series, A Two Sided Tale (not a fantasy, oddly enough) and The Dog Catchers.

10) If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books? Probably not.

11) Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? A short story contest when I was 8. I won.

12) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Staying focused. My mind is EVERYWHERE.

13) What the hardest part of writing your book? Staying off Facebook long enough to get it written.

14) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? Yes…stay off Facebook until you’ve written something for the day.

15) Do you have any advice for writers? Write for yourself, not your fans. If you don’t like it, how can you expect anyone else to?

16) Do you have anything specific to say to your readers? Thank you, I wouldn’t be much of a story teller if there was no one read the stories.

17) What would you do in a zombie apocalypse should it occur on Black Friday? Move to Kiyor’lin

18) If you could be any Christmas character, what would you be and why? Santa, of course…Free Cookies

19) Favorite Christmas movie? – The Grinch

20) Favorite Christmas CD? Don’t have one

21) Favorite thing to do for the holidays? – Curl up in a blanket with a SoCo on the rocks and hide from everyone.

You can find Neil and his books here:http://www.facebook.com/kiyorlin
http://neilorr.wix.com/author - This is also the link to buy the paperback and signed copies of the paperback.
http://www.twitter.com/kiyorlinseries
http://www.amazon.com/Shadrah-Kiyorlin-Book-Neil-Orr-ebook/dp/B00GXU5FD8 - buy link for the ebook

Susan Griscom Day 7

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
SUSAN GRISCOM


I first read Susan's work when I realized Allusive Aftershock was written about on of my favorite vacation places, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in that narrow band between cattle ranching and ski resorts where wineries are prevelant. her YA romance Allusive Aftershock shocked me with how great it is. Still, it took awhile for me to start her more mature paranormal romance Whisper Cape series. That is one of Kerry's favorite series and she nagged me into starting. I'm kicking myself that I took so long to read them!
Don't live with regret, grab them NOW! At least the first one, Whisper Cape. It's free. look for the link below.

 

I daydream often. If I didn't write, I think my mind would explode from an overload of fantasy and weirdness. To the annoyance of my friends and family, my characters sometimes become a part of my world. During my childhood, I would frequently get in trouble in school for daydreaming. Eventually, my vivid imagination paid off and I had the privilege of writing and co-directing my sixth-grade class play--a dreadful disaster; though not from my writing, of course, I must blame it on the acting. The craft of writing, although dormant for years, never really left me. Many years later, and with the help of technology, I let my imagination run wild again. Born in a small town in Pennsylvania, I enjoy writing about characters living in small quaint towns. I tend to lean toward the unusual and spooky. I read all genres but I love reading paranormal romance and like writing in that genre. My paranormal playing field delves into a different milieu, abandoning vampires and werewolves, but not discounting them. Someday I might like to write a novel about vamps and those furry creatures. But for now I like the bizarre mixed with romance. A strong hero or heroine confronted with extraordinary forces of nature, powers and capabilities gets my blood running. I live in Northern California with my very romantic husband, my small yippy dog, Riley, and my humungous black cat, Saké. My family consists of his and her children; four wonderful sons, one beautiful daughter, and seven grandchildren. My greatest love in life is my family and those large and ever growing holiday dinners. I enjoy traveling. I hate running, but do it once in a while. Reading and writing are my favorite pastimes.

Ravenz Reviews ~ What made you decide to become an author? Do you include real people as characters in your books? Did you ever fall off a skateboard and break your collarbone? What non-book related hobbies do you have?


Susan ~ I didn't fall off a skateboard and break my collarbone, but I did fracture my tibia and fibula bones in my left leg during a soccer game. I was forty-two years old, just gone through a divorce and my ex-husband was the opposing team's goalie. I was playing center forward and wanted to score so badly. My teammates wanted me to score too. Jose passed the ball to me, but it stopped short of where I was and I had to turn and back step to grab it. The grass was high and needed to be cut, My cleat caught in the grass and snap! Broke my poor leg in half right above the ankle. Doctors didn't think I would walk again. But then came in Doctor Miracle, who performed surgery, and hammered an 18 inch titanium rod down the center of my tibia. He had to move my knee cap over in order to do it. I still have the scar. I also still have the titanium rod and screws, but I am walking, with a limp, but walking and running sometimes. I can't skip anymore, but hey, but that's okay. Oh and I'm also a quarter inch shorter on my left side.

After my divorce, I managed a cellphone store for ten years, a job requiring me to be on my feet for eight hours everyday. Yes, this was during one of the years that I broke my leg. I was in a cast up to my hip for two weeks before the surgery and in a shorter cast for 6 months. But the good news is, I married my boss and we sold those stores. These day, I can't stand on my feet for more then a couple of hours or my feet and legs hurt, so writing is a much better job for me.

Sounds like a good premise for a great contemporary, right? Maybe someday.

Speaking of ideas and characters, I have been known to use real people in my stories. I've used names from my family, and sometimes just the personality or face of a celebrity as a muse, like Gerard Butler was my inspiration for Gerry in The Whisper Cape Trilogy. You never know, you might just find yourself in one of my books someday.

A personal request: If you have read and enjoyed one (or all) of my books, and would be so kind, please leave a short review saying so on the site where you purchased it. Multiple good reviews and word-of-mouth are the lifeblood of Indie authors like me. Thanks in advance and Bless you.
 http://susangriscom.com

Follow Susan Griscom on any of her Social Links:

Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Newsletter link: http://www.susangriscom.com/newsletter.html

Street team sign up link: http://swblog.susangriscom.com/p/join-my-street-team.html

 The steamy paranormal romance novels in The Whisper Cape trilogy starts with Whisper Cape. This one is FREE so get started. Pick up books two and three while you're at it. You're going to anyway.


Whisper Cape http://smarturl.it/WhisperCape

Reflections http://smarturl.it/REFAmazonlinks

A Secret Fate http://smarturl.it/asecretfate

The Whisper Cape Box Set: http://smarturl.it/WCTrilogy

Susan's poignant contemporary romance books feature the Beaumont Brothers and the women they love.
 

Beautifully Wounded http://smarturl.it/BeautifullyWounded

Beautifully Used http://smarturl.it/BeautifullyUsed

Allusive Aftershock http://smarturl.it/AAAmazonlink

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/susan-griscom?store=allproducts&keyword=susan+griscom

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/susan-griscom/id639334325?mt=11

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/search?query=Susan%20Griscom

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Susan+Griscom

C. M. Johnson -- Day 3

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
C.M. Johnson

She is the lovely author who's epic saga defies categorization into one genre. Each book tells a different part of the story with a different focus, but it is best if they are read in order. Each volume contains a recap of earlier works. You can get the first three books together at a discount to help you catch up with the series.


I live in Tampa, Florida with my husband, James. Both he and my father are retired from the Navy and, while my hubby is still working, my father has retired again. We have no children and I am often at my parents' house to help them out. 

I began writing Tales of the Fifth Guardian in July of 2009, it was not the first time I began writing the series but it was the most successful. I began self-publishing in January of 2012 while I was still teaching which is why I write under C.M. Johnson instead of my full name. I simply told the students I wrote under a pen name I would not tell them and they never thought to look for me that way. As much as I loved working with the children, it soon became evident that my life was taking a different path and I left education in August of 2013 to pursue my Master's in Accounting while writing in my free time. My goal is to eventually work from home so I have the freedom to be creative when I need it.


What was your favorite book when you were a child and how do you think it influences what you like to read and write today?
　

I've always been a reader, often of everything and anything I could get my hands on and re-read whenever necessary but I never truly had a favorite "book". My grandmother bought me my first Nancy Drew mystery for my seventh birthday and my favorite school event was always the bookfair. The book series I re-read the most growing up was V.C. Andrews' Flowers in the Attic series her standalone My Sweet Audrina. I've always been a multi-genre reader with a leaning toward the supernatural and paranormal, which is probably the largest influence on my writing as I often describe the series as mulit-genre - "An adult romantic fantasy adventure series with paranormal aspects."

If you could spend the day with any author, who would you choose and what would you do?

There are so many authors I've enjoyed and would love to spend a day just chatting with: From two of my childhood heroes who wrote about their challenges: Helen Keller and Corrie Ten Boom to those whose books have entertained me: Carolyn Keene, V.C. Andrews, Laurell K. Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, and Anne Rice.

 What was the inspiration behind your book series and what do you do to keep that inspiration?

 Tales of the Fifth Guardian is based on the question: What if the descendents of the survivors of Atlantis lived among us in modern times with all the Power and Abilities of their ancestors?

It developed out of the superhero games I played on the playground growing up, after I began to wonder how those same abilities might develop naturally on Earth. The answer came to me when I began to study mythology and heard the legends of Atlantis. In the history of the People, and that is all they have ever been called, their name for the island, Otland Iis, was misunderstood when the first guardian lead them to begin trading off-island. They were not from outer space as some of the legends posit, instead, they simply evolved differently in their isolated society. They have a variety of psychic abilities and elemental powers that set them apart from the regular humans that live in the cities around them. The series is about Kerrisha, the Fifth Knowledge Guardian of the People of Otland Iis, it is her duty to reunite the six clans that were separated and have been at war since the time of the Fourth Guardian. The problem is that she is too young and it has been too long since the time of the Fourth Guardian and the Guardians have become myth and legend to the people so she often has to prove herself.

In Tales of the Fifth Guardian, you will discover an ever-increasing cast of characters, venues, abilities, and challenges. I've created a new language for the characters to use for spells, titles, and formal situations. You'll find a new version of the Otlantesha Dictionary at the back of each volume to help you in your reading. Tales of the Fifth Guardian is written in a journal format and told in the first/third perspective of the main characters and some of the secondary characters - each speaker is clearly delineated at the beginning of their sections. The covers reflect the journal format: black with an emblem from that volume in the center. There are scenes of violence, rape, mental and physical abuse, and torture throughout the series but there is also a story of Power-chosen mates with a deep love that can overcome everything. My main character is also a kick-butt warrior queen that fights back when she's attacked. The beginning of the series has more darkness with lighter sweeter intimate scenes but the later books are less dark with more intense intimate scenes, including multiple partners. Which is perhaps how I keep my inspiration throughout the series - everything is always changing.

1) What inspired you to write your first book?

The story has been with me since I was a child (obviously the adult parts came later) and I have started writing it a number of times. Finally, in July of 2009, I was successful in continuing and Tales of the Fifth Guardian was off and running.

2) How did you come up with the title for each book?

I dread reading series that are unnumbered and hard to keep in order so each one has the volume number as part of the title and then, usually, one word that describes the main event of that volume. The only exceptions to the one word title are: Tales of the Fifth Guardian; Book One: The Beginning and the one short story available so far: Tales of the Fifth Guardian; Book 7.5: Stolen Heirs which is also the only one with a numeric volume descriptor.

3) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

It’s not so much a message as a theme: Love at first sight can be real, a strong love can stand up to any challenge, and it’s important to accept love in its many forms.

4) Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

No

5) What books have influenced your life the most?

I have always been a voracious reader so to pin down just one or two books or even series as the most influential is nearly impossible.

6) If you had to choose, which writer would consider a mentor?

Probably V.C. Andrews; I remember seeing Flowers in the Attic on the checkout stands as a child and then that was the first “Adult” themed series I purchased with my babysitting money when I was 14. I have lost track of the number of times I read the series.



7) What book are you reading now?

I am not currently reading a book right now because I am revising the next book in my series. However, my next planned reads are: Backstage by AM Madden and Letting Go of Us by JM Witt.

8) Are there any new authors that have grabbed your attention?

In the last year and a half since I found the online Indie community there have been a few to catch my attention: A.D. Justice, AM Madden, and JM Witt are just a few that I have begun reading.

9) What are your current projects?

I am currently preparing Tales of the Fifth Guardian; Book Eight: Demon for its coming release and updating some of the earlier volumes.

10) If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?

Yes and no, I’m in the process of updating some of the earlier volumes and I have tweaked a couple of the covers to brighten them up (Book One has been completed and Book Two is coming soon) but, other than that, I can’t think of anything else I would change.

　

11) Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I have almost always written; free-verse poetry has been a way for me to express my feelings for as long as I can remember and I had two pieces in a collection of writings from my elementary school. I eventually branched into creative writing and was pleasantly surprised by my English professor in college when I was asked to explain my writing process and give tips to some of the other students.

12) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Tales of the Fifth Guardian is written in a journal format and has an ever increasing cast of characters and venues along with a language I created for the characters to use in spells and titles – Keeping everything straight and organized is probably the most challenging aspect and requires multiple organizational tools: A Calendar of events for each volume and a full timeline of the full series to keep track of dates, a One Note file with a dozen tabs to keep locations and characters organized, and an Otlantesha to English and English to Otlantesha dictionary to keep track of the words of the language I created.



13) What the hardest part of writing your book?

Keeping the intimate scenes fresh.



14) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Through meeting and writing about some of my characters, I have realized that I am probably the most tolerant person in my family.

15) Do you have any advice for writers?

If your dream is to write then do it but get help if you are at all shaky on the rules of grammar.

16) Do you have anything specific to say to your readers?

Let me hear your thoughts! I include my Facebook, Twitter, and Email at the back of all my books.

17) What would you do in a zombie apocalypse should it occur on Black Friday?

We don’t go out on Black Friday so we would batten down the hatches but still prepare to evacuate in case we would need to.

18) If you could be any Christmas character, what would you be and why?

Snoopy, quietly going behind everyone, doing my own thing but helping it to all work out.

19) Favorite Christmas movie?

Gremlins.

20) Favorite Christmas CD?

No particular favorite.

21) Favorite thing to do for the holidays?

Torture family members with obscure hints about their gifts and bake cookies.

　 

CM Wright -- Day 2

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
C. M. Wright, Zombie Queen

Wife and mother who lives outside Skidmore Missouri, C. M. loves all things zombie and is a huge fan of The Walking Dead.
She likes to laugh and make others laugh, so she does her best to bring that to her readers...for the Zombie Overload series, anyway.
Eventually, she plans to write about other creatures that go bump in the night.

Note from Author:
Thanks for taking the time to read my bio and extra thanks if you have read, or plan to read, my book(s). Lastly, please leave a review for ALL books that you read. Reviews are important to continuing book series, and other work, from writers you love.
I always answer emails, messages, and questions from fans. Don't believe me? Email me here writercmwright@live.com

Links for me and my work
Website – www.zombieoverload.com
Website Z-Store -
http://www.zombieoverload.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Website Author Explosion Promotion Event -
http://www.zombieoverload.com/author-explosion-sign-up.html

Website Book Signing Event Information -
http://www.zombieoverload.com/author-explosion-book-signing-event-2015.html

Website Author Book Signing Sign up for AUTHORS only -
http://www.zombieoverload.com/author-book-signing-sign-up.html

Website Blog -
http://www.zombieoverload.com/blog

Facebook Author Page –
www.facebook.com/writercmwright
Facebook Author PERSONAL account (public) -
https://www.facebook.com/cm.wright.9

Facebook Author Explosion Promotion Event -
https://www.facebook.com/events/560140457379712

Facebook Author Explosion BOOK SIGNING page (won't let me change the name and drop the KC, so use the bitly link below when advertising this, please)
https://www.facebook.com/cmwrightbooksigningKC

C. M. Wright's Free Ads -
https://www.facebook.com/cmwrightsfreeads

Free Ads website link -
http://www.cmwrightsfreeads.com/

Bitly Links -

C. M. Wright's Author Explosion Book Signing Event | Facebook - http://bit.ly/booksigning2015

FREE EBOOK Website (Dying & Fighting To Live) -
http://bit.ly/UM5H5K

One year Author Explosion sign up -
http://bit.ly/1qMqzrH

Z-Store Ebooks -
http://bit.ly/RAa2I8

Author Explosion PROMOTION Sign up -
http://bit.ly/1kLcWUC

Z-Store Main page -
http://bit.ly/1umUZ3z

Amazon Author Page -
http://amzn.to/1iSjcpb

Author Explosion Promotion Event FACEBOOK -
http://on.fb.me/1ogSNGL

 Books
Blurbs, Excerpts & Links

Dying To Live & Fighting To Live
A novelette and full-length story in one!

Admit it. You think about it, fantasize about it, live through it in your head. But what would you do if zombies became a reality? If you actually were to see the dead walk, attack and kill people you know - who then rise right in front of your eyes? What would you do when the undead don't follow the script you've played out - over and over - in your own mind?

 Find out what happens to a woman in central Illinois when her life is
turned upside down. Zombies become real and so does the danger. Her
family means the most to her, but can she keep them alive? Can she keep
herself alive?
In this double edition that begins with a novelette, you are a big part of the story. The main character "speaks" to you often and you're invited into her thoughts - which can be quite humorous at times. She's not perfect and she knows it. She strong and she's a fighter...but she doesn't know it.

Purchase Links:

Amazon 99¢ - http://www.amazon.com/Dying-Live-Fighting-Zombie-Overload-ebook/dp/B00A64NRA0/ref=la_B00A02TX3S_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414415435&sr=1-9

 Smashwords FREE -
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/284625

 Official C. M. Wright Website FREE -
http://bit.ly/UM5H5K

Excerpt - Dying To Live:

If we weren't watching the local five o'clock news, we would never have known the "virus" that was reported just last night as “contained” and “no reason for alarm” was this serious, or so very deadly, until it was too late.

No one ever said the infected were going around eating people! Maybe I'm wrong, but that might be some important information.
Just sayin'!
We watch the images on the screen. An elderly man is tearing into the flesh of an athletic younger man. A petite young lady in a college sweatshirt is covered in the blood of a well-known college professor. Pieces of his stomach is in her hands, some is in her mouth.
And the kids! We watch as one little blond-haired girl, maybe five years old, chomps down on the meaty thigh of a police officer. We see two boys in the background - both look to be under ten years old - chasing a small group of adults.
The local female reporter's voice comes on and the camera swings toward her. Her usually perfect hair and makeup are a mess and her normally smooth voice is uncontrolled and shaky. You can see the microphone in her hand jerking around as her entire body trembles with fear.
Behind her, the scenes of horror and fiction-turned-reality continue. The reporter tells us that the “infected” have escaped confinement and the entire city, at least, is in danger.
She informs whoever is watching that the cemeteries have been emptied of all corpses, and that no one is taking responsibility for the removal of the corpses.
Obviously, she has never watched a George Romero movie or she would know exactly what happened to those corpses!
Right before our eyes, a man in a business suit staggers up behind her. The view on our TV screen jerks as the cameraman screams a warning at her. But he's too late. The businessman's hand wraps around her slender throat, pulling her back against him as he opens his mouth.
She tries to get away from him, but he's so much stronger. He lowers his snarling, wide mouth and tears off her entire right cheek with his full set of teeth. The sound her flesh makes as it's ripped away carries clearly through the mic to the viewers.
The camera slams to the ground and I jump as her body does the same and she's suddenly back in front of the camera, her lifeless eyes staring into the lens, one last time.


Excerpt - Fighting To Live:

Jake slams into the wall behind him. He pats his head frantically, I guess to make sure it's still there and in one piece. He looks at me like I'm crazy then looks behind him.

 Lying in the hall, half-in half-out the next corridor, is a zombie with a bullet smack-dab in the center of his forehead.
Hell yeah!
Jake looks back and forth with shock in his eyes.
God, that just made my day.
Scaring the shit out of Mr. Badass Sergeant Major.
HA!
I hide my big shit-eating grin before he looks back at me again. He clears his throat and says, "Uh, good job. Who taught you to shoot, anyway?"
"Video games," I say and turn my back to him and get into position - my butt sticking out - waiting for him to do the same.
I silently laugh when I imagine the look on his face. And it's true. That's the only training I've had with a gun, but you better believe I'm damn good on those games! I'll admit I wasn't expecting the power of the jerk that the gun made in my hand, or the deafening sound it would make. I thought that was just shotguns. Learn something new everyday!
I feel his butt against my back and we start off. I expect the rest of the undead to come for us now that they heard some noise.
We turn the corner and step over the zombie. So far, none of the few open doors held any surprises. In this hall though, they are all open so it takes us a lot longer, having to go slower, check every room, and close the doors as we clear them. Two doors away, we hear grunting and things being knocked over.
Slowly and cautiously, we approach the door. Jake turns slightly and puts his hand up telling me to stay. He spins to the other side of the door and I roll my eyes.
Drama, anyone?
I move closer to my side of the door and raise my gun. He counts off to three, then spins into the room. What we see leaves us both speechless.
This zombie-man is naked! Bare...ass...naked!
What the hell?
Jake looks at me as I look at him. He mouths one word, "Showers." So he was in the showers when he was bit.
Alrighty then!
Wait.
They have showers here?

 

1) What inspired you to write your first book?

The Walking Dead went on season break. Pissed me off, so I made my own zombie world.

2) How did you come up with the title for each book?

That is the part I HATE THE MOST! A lot of hours wasted on titles and names. UGH! I have no idea. They pop in my head and I run with it if it sounds even remotely okay.

3) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Um, zombies will eat you? LOL Not really anything big and life changing in regards to any messages, I don't think.

4) Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Actually, the entire series is jam-packed with people I know, both friends and family, and I try to keep a lot of their real personalities in the books.

5) What books have influenced your life the most?

I can't really say any book has influenced my life at all. Maybe I'm wrong and something has stuck and changed me, but if so, it was done without any conscious thought on my part.

6) If you had to choose, which writer would consider a mentor?

Stephen King. He's the...well, KING!

7) What book are you reading now?

I actually just finished up the Much Ado series by Jacquie Rogers - holy crap! Those are some good books! You all need to grab those suckers up. I'm about to start The Shadow-Keepers Series by Jas T Ward.

8) Are there any new authors that have grabbed your attention?

Being an author promoter as well as an author, of course! I find new authors, or they find me really, and new books every day.

The mot recent are Cynthia Ogren and Amber Polo, who I'm actually promoting right now.

9) What are your current projects?

Book six in the Zombie Overload Series. If I don't finish it soon, the death threats may progress into more than threats!

10) If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?

Just one and I really don't want to talk about it, since it concerns my dad who passed away a year ago November.

11) Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Not really. I can always remember writing something.

12) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Major writer's block. MAJOR.

13) What the hardest part of writing your book?

Getting past the writer's block. That's really the hardest part. When I'm able to write, there's no stopping me!

14) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Oh, I learned a lot! Number one, even if you had the highest grades in English class in school, you still will screw up. Number two, you can NOT edit your own work. Your brain doesn't allow you to see where you screwed up. Number three, you will always have haters, no matter what you do, so just go with it, screw with them when you can and let it go. Remember the ones who love you and your work.

I have to tell you a story about number three - I had a reviewer bash one of my books and had written something about how I will probably title my next book something lame and stupid like Will To Live. I actually had a different name in mind, but since he wrote that, I decided to title it Will To Live. Just my way of giving him the finger! LOL

15) Do you have any advice for writers?

Besides number three above, write what YOU want to write. Don't let anyone dictate what your heart desires when it comes to your writing. Stop being scared to take your work where YOU want it to go. I have a LOT of suggestions, but since this is just an interview, and not a novel, I won't put them all here, but I am open to helping anyone who wants serious help and suggestions. I also have a lot of tips in an ebook I wrote just for authors titled Author Promoting & Image and can be found on Amazon or my website for 99¢. Just search for CM Wright

16) Do you have anything specific to say to your readers?

I LOVE YOU, all of you, the ones who love my work and also the ones who hate it. The ones who love it keep me writing. The ones who hate it keep the flames of passion going. Go on and hate me; you're only doing me and my work a favor!

17) What would you do in a zombie apocalypse should it occur on Black Friday?

Wait. Didn't that already happen? Oh. No? Could've fooled me! What I would normally do I guess. I don't shop on Black Friday, not even this year. I did go the night before with my sister, but we didn't stay long and didn't go many places. Just got our shit and ran. Since I live out in the country, and have few neighbors, I doubt it would be any worse than if it happened on any other day.

18) If you could be any Christmas character, what would you be and why?

Santa! Except I would totally suck at being all sneaky and behind the scenes. I would want to see each child open their gifts! GOOD GAWD, that would take a long-ass time though, wouldn't it? Nah. I'll let Big Red do his thing.

19) Favorite Christmas movie?

Home Alone

20) Favorite Christmas CD?

Um, don't know the title but it has a mix of songs by different singers.

21) Favorite thing to do for the holidays?

My family's Christmas Eve tradition. We all dress in our warmest PJs and drive around looking at Christmas lights/decorations while listening to Christmas music. When we get home, we have cookies, hot cocoa, dad reads the Christmas Story from the bible, we sing a few Christmas carols, and watch a Christmas movie.

On New Year's Eve (yes, I know you didn’t ask, but try and stop me!) my husband and I write down all the good and all the bad that happened that year. Then we seal it and put it in our keepsakes box. We're going to open them on our tenth New Year's Eve together and every ten years after that.

ALSO CHECK OUT:
Besides her Zombie Overload series, CM Wright has also edited a couple of anthologies: Zombie Addiction and Heart Attacks, and she has her Zombie 101 books.
http://www.amazon.com/C.-M.-Wright/e/B00A02TX3S/

Jeff Dawson - DAY 1

On the first day of authors, my true love gave to me - - - JEFF DAWSON

JEFF'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY:

I spent twenty-five years in the wonderful world of road construction. Back surgery in 2010 put the skids on that career. My body couldn't handle the rigors of twelve to sixteen hour days, six to seven days a week. As I convalesced, licking my wounds, I wondered what to do next. Not being out in the sun getting baked, or dodging traffic, was going to be a hard act to follow. Seriously, what else did I know? An article in the Dallas Morning News caught my eye. It was about being a professional speaker. Hmm. That sounds interesting. Becoming mobile again, I took a seat in front of the blank monitor, pondering what to write. Let's start with something we know—my life.

The first work was titled "God's Plan: A Glimpse Into One's Life." I re-titled it six months later to "Why Did Everything Happen?" I looked back at the last twenty-five years and how the death of my partner, father and true love affected my life. I was amazed at the revelations. Since then, I've moved on to write in several different genres. Some say I should change my name when diverting from the path. Well, right or wrong, I'm sticking with my name, with the exception one—Cracking Up! I took a shower after writing the next to last chapter. It was that disgusting! The pen name is J.J. Reinhardt.

The current works range from the memoir of my one true love: Debbie Beck--RIP 7-20-2009--Love's True Second Chance, an alternative historical perspective of Vampires and WWII, Occupation, a newly released Sci-Fi time travel adventure, Gateway: Pioche. If that isn't enough, how about two Baseball Coaching Manuals? Oh, and there’s more!

I currently live in the DFW area, spending time with my daughter, her girls and my oldest son. When I was in construction, I never had, or took the time to enjoy what surrounded me: love, family and friends. My true love, Debbie and her girls reminded me what was important in life; "we work to live, not live to work."

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Jeff-Dawson/e/B0054DRYIO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1417539080&sr=1-2-ent

LIST OF WORKS:

Why Did Everything Happen?, non-fiction

Love’s True Second Chance, non-fiction

Occupation, WWII Vampire Novel

Gateway: Pioche, Time Travel

Destination D.C., Book Two

Life’s Spectrum, Poetry

Terror at the Sterling, Horror

Final Delivery, A short alternative history Twilight Zone story

Catfished! Jeff and Julia’s Saga, A humorous take on wooing a Turkish bride to be.

Cracking Up! This is the nasty one. Nothing more than an erotic bloodbath. Additional link: http://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Up-J-J-Reinhardt-ebook/dp/B00KPKB2Y8/

Final Delivery, A short alternative history. Think, Twilight Zone episode.


RELEASING IN DECEMBER 2014

Catfished Again! Jeff and Naughty Nadia’ Saga

Irving Titans, A satire on the Dallas Cowboys of the 90’s

Guinea Pigs of the 70’s and 80’s, A look back on how technology made our lives so much better. Bull Shit!

COMING IN 2015:

Sabotage, Book two in the Occupation series

Target Berlin, Book three in the Gateway series

On Angels Shoulders, A book of poetry dedicated to the women who have served in the armed forces

Redemption, Book three in the Occupation series

There are others, but that’s enough for now.

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JeffDawson59

FACEBOOK PAGES:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loves-True-Second-Chance/201274679901838?ref=bookmarks

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Occupation/231877123504847?ref=bookmarks

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJ-Reinhardt/1405638676384474?ref=bookmarks

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Irving-Titans/789442021103502?ref=bookmarks

BLOG: http://jeff-dawson.blogspot.com/

INTERVIEW:
) What inspired you to write your first book?

Well, I wouldn't call it inspiration as much as needing to tell a story. The love of my life had just passed away and I was in a world of grief. I found myself looking back at those I'd lost by cancer. I sat down and wrote a short story/speech concerning them. The original title was "God's Plan: a Glimpse Into One's Life," but changed it later to "Why Did Everything Happen?"

2) How did you come up with the title for each book?

Hmm, Interesting question. The only one I struggled with the most was the WWII/Vampire book: Occupation. No, I take that back. The current book Gateway:Pioche was tough. It took over a month after the book was completed for my co-author and myself to agree on a title. The oyher titles were pretty easy.

3) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

With the novels, not really. Just enjoy the read and have fun. Now, the auto-biographies, yes. Love is worth a second chance and no matter what your religion or belief, we are not nearly as in control as we'd like to think.

4) Are the experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Absolutely! The bio's are about my partner, my father and Debbie.

5) What books have influenced your life the most?

I'm probably an oddity (many who know me will agree with that 100%) when it come to this. Most of the books I have on the shelves revolve around WWII. I was never a touchy feely guy or felt like any author was truly reaching out and touching me. Seriously, if non-fiction books on WWII were running my life, most of my friends would have me committed. Not to say they don't still share those thoughts.

6) If you had to choose, which writer would consider a mentor?

That would have to be Bram Stoker. After writing the vampire thriller, I decided it was time to see how the master approached the topic. I love the way he intermingled dialog and scene changes effortlessly.

7) What book are you reading now?

Cicero: Political Speeches by D.H. Berry,

Resist by Anne-Rae Vasquez YA

Bishop Street by Rene D. Schultz

Crimson Shadow: Noir Nathan Squires

Indie Unlimited: Tutorial and Tools for Prospering in a Digital World

How’s that for a diverse list?



8) Are there any new authors that have grabbed your attention?

Tim Greaton and Duncan Ralston jump out in the world of Paranomal

Love stories would be Norma Budden and Sandy Walters

For women's stories and biographies that would be Irma Fritz.

9) What are your current projects?

Grab a beverage of choice. This is going to take a little time
1) A follow up to my bestseller “Catfished::Jeff and Julia’s Saga” Catfished Again: Jeff and Naughty Nadia. Both of these are a look at home gullible American men are when it comes to mail-order-bride dating
2) Guinea Pigs of the 70’s and 80’s is a humorous look back on how technology infected our lives. Remember how they said it would make our lives easier? Bullshit!
3) The much anticipated sequel to Occupation—Sabotage, the WWII vampire thriller is close
4) Book three in the Gateway series, Target Berlin is drawing to a close.
5) How many football fans are out there? If you answered yes, Irving Titans is a satirical look back at the Dallas Cowboys form 1988 to 1996. Think along the lines of “North Dallas Forty” and you’re on track
6) All the above are scheduled for December, January releases!
7) Also in the mix for 2015 is a work of poetry dedicated to the women who have served in the Armed Forces. It’s time they were honored for their service.
8) I’m in the preliminary stages of writing a humorous story I used to tell my kids when we drove to Tulsa, “Redneck Randy,: along with a novel surrounding the Battle of Kursk.
9) I believe that’s enough for the moment.
　
10) If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?

I’m always wanting to produce the best product I can. Of the fifteen books I’ve written, Occupation taught me a lot. All of the reviews kept mentioning a problem with the narration and dialogue. A year-and-a-half after release I cleared my mind, went back and reread it. Over 8000 words were slashed. It was a successful enema. Seriously, if you receive reviews with a common thread, it’s not smoke, it’s a raging fire. Take heed and give it another look.

11) Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

You betcha. When I was 13 or 14, I wrote a play for Junior High about the "Last Ten Days of Hitler." It was a spoof like what Mel Brooks did with the "Directors." Sadly, the school didn't think it was appropriate material for general consumption. I even offered to change the names and scenes. They politely declined my offer. Those........I'll be nice. What did they know?

12) Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Yes. Waking-up and waiting on the characters to start talking. Some days they won't shut-up while others, it appears they have locked themselves in a dark hallway somewhere. Most disturbing.

13) What the hardest part of writing your book?

When it comes to Love's True Second Chance, the entire book. All the emotions I'd yet to release flowed out as I recounted the love and experiences we shared.

14) Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

How much I still miss her.

15) Do you have any advice for writers?

Yes, Patience, patience, patience. This isn't a foot race. There is no sprint to the finish line. It takes time to find your audience and keep them engaged with new works. Market as much as you can without going overboard and becoming a nuisance. But keep plugging along and plugging your book. Never admit defeat no matter how low sales currently appear. You never know when that one person is going to read your book and tell a slew of folks what a great read it is.

16) Do you have anything specific to say to your readers?

Buy, buy and keep on buying. I think that sums it up. Oh, please, please, please post a review and if you didn't particularly like the book, send me an email telling me what you didn't care for.

17) What would you do in a zombie apocalypse should it occur on Black Friday?

Easy. I'd let my vampire clans, The Romanovs and Boirarskys clear a path. Being vampires, they are immune to the bite and I'd be first in the check-out line. I believe that's a good plan.

18) If you could be any Christmas character, what would you be and why?

The Abominable Snowman from Rudolph. Why? According to my wonderful children, I still bounce. Something about my pear shaped figure comes to mind.

19) Favorite Christmas movie?

There are two. "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and the original "Christmas Carol."

Next in line would be ,"It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart

20) Favorite Christmas CD?

Don't have a specific one. I think my kids would vote for Conway Twitty's Album. I used to wake them up with it back in the day

21) Favorite thing to do for the holidays?

Mail out Christmas cards, take the granddaughters to the model train exhibits in Dallas, drive around checking out the lights and last but not least, being around my kids.

Introducing IN DREAMS by Heather Mullins

Working in the homicide division of the Detroit Police Department, has made Angelo Baldoni, a third generation officer, pretty much immune to the depths of depravity seen in his years on the force. When a young woman is brutally murdered, the case of Hope Cooper can change the course of his life.Hope, an outgoing young woman with everything going for her, lost it all the night that she was faced with the vicious eyes of a murderer. Stuck in limbo, Hope is confused and scared, trying to right the wrong done to her. Able to visit people in their dreams, Hope latches onto Angelo in hopes he can catch her killer.Angelo was raised with a strong belief in the afterlife and the dreams of Hope don’t go unnoticed. With the help of his partner, Bobby, he aims to catch the killer before he strikes again. However, a cold case causes Angelo's past to merge with Hope’s case.Will he keep his feelings at bay to find the murderer? Or will it be too late?

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / Smashword

HOPE

I hate this ankle biting Yorkie as much as I hate its owner. If I could, I’d get rid of this client, but any business is good business, right? I own a mobile pet grooming company, Squeaky Clean, and so far it’s doing well. But today, I’m thanking everything that’s holy that as soon as I drop off Jeanie Costa’s Yorkshire terrier, I’m done for the day.

I usually enjoy walking the dogs down Hines Drive because it's one of the last truly beautiful areas left in the Detroit area. After everything that’s happened, I’m always looking over my shoulder because I feel like I’m being watched. Hines Drive doesn’t calm me like it usually does, and I find myself rushing the dog so we can get out of here. With the sound of footsteps behind me, fear settles in my soul, causing me to start pulling the dog along.

“Oh my God, will you just pee already!” I scream at the dog when it stops for the millionth time. Fear hits me full force and I’m about to just pick up the damn dog and run when Gigi growls. A large, calloused hand grips my shoulder and spins me around. I swing my arms, trying like hell to strike my attacker, but hit nothing but air. As soon as I recognize him, anger quickly replaces fear.

“Fuck! You scared me half to death!”  

“I’m sorry, Hope. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he s~ays, looking away.

“What are you doing in this area, anyway? You don’t live around here.” The hair on the back of my neck is standing up and a frisson of disquiet travels down my spine. I mean, what are the odds that he’d be on the same street as me, when neither of us lives in this area?

“I can’t wait any longer,” he whispers.

“What?” I choke out, uneasiness creeping into my gut. I look around and realize there is not a single person or car in sight. Smart move, Hope. Put yourself in a dangerous situation by not paying attention to your surroundings.

“I’m done waiting for you.” He lunges toward me, the black metal butt of a pistol gripped in his raised hand. He hits me on the head with such force that I actually see stars and feel incredible pain shoot through my temple. The momentum of the blow makes me think my brain shifted in my skull. I stumble backward, and the last thing I see is Gigi biting my attacker’s leg.

******

As I regain consciousness, I’m petrified when I can’t see my surroundings. When my eyes adjust to the dimly lit room, it becomes evident that I’m no longer outside, and I’ve been hogtied.

I can feel the bile rise in the back of my throat as I glance around the room. The painted walls are yellowed and peeling. An old, battered wooden chair is nearby, and a dented bucket sits off in the corner.  It’s the mattress that does me in, stained from top to bottom with a piss-covered top that reeks of decay. I take a few deep breaths and swallow back the rising vomit in my throat.

It’s finally happened; that psycho finally kept his promises. As my heart and breathing quicken, I’m too scared to think straight. I force myself to take calming breaths so I can try and figure out how to get out of here.  I try to get a better idea of my location, but all that’s visible is a window, most of the glass covered with boards.  

A loud shattering sound echoes from the next room, reminding me that I’m not alone.   Pretending I’m still out, I hear heavy footsteps approaching and sense my stalker standing over me. He bends down and runs his fingers through my hair in an intimate gesture.

“I’ve loved you forever, Hope; I wish you could see that.” He grabs a handful of my hair and seeing me wince seems to piss him off. Apparently realizing I was faking, he pulls me by my hair to the edge of the mattress and slams my head to the floor. It makes a sickening thud sound as it hits followed by an instant, nauseating throbbing. Warm liquid, probably my blood, drips down the side of my face into my mouth. The metallic taste fuels my fear—and my anger. I thrash against the bindings in an attempt to free myself but only manage to cause the filthy rope to dig deeper into my wrists and ankles, leaving me raw and bleeding.

“I waited so long for you, baby, but you never gave me a chance. I do so many nice things for you, and you don’t even have the manners to say thank you.” He turns to look at me, venom in his eyes. I stop struggling as I shake my head to try and clear my thoughts and possibly ease the throbbing. I hope my fear is not evident to him.

Deep breaths, Hope, you’ve to get a grip if you want to live.  

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you. Why didn’t you tell me?”  

“What difference does it make? You don’t give a shit either way.” He starts to pace and seems to become more agitated. He fists his hands into his dark hair, pulling on the ends. I twist my left wrist, wincing in pain from the rope digging into my abraded flesh, but I feel the rope slowly giving way. Every time he glances in my direction, I freeze as my fear creeps higher. I’m praying he doesn’t notice what I’m doing.

“I never wanted it to end this way, but you have left me with no other choice. I can’t keep watching you every day, knowing you won’t be mine.”  He stops pacing to look at me, pulls a roll of duct tape out of his jacket pocket as he saunters over to me twirling the roll around his finger with an evil smirk on his face.

“Please don’t do this.” Tears are streaming down my face. “I’ll do anything you want. Please. I’m sorry. I didn’t know sooner; let me make it up to you.” I try to sound genuine, but fear overcomes me and my words sound shaky and unsure.

“MAKE IT UP TO ME?” he yells. “It’s too late for empty promises, Hope. Just shut the fuck up. I won’t listen to your bullshit anymore.” Before I can even open my mouth, he slaps me in the face so hard my head whips back. The sound of my neck cracking reverberates throughout the room. The force of the blow causes my jaw to clamp down so hard I bite into my tongue, the blood pooling in my mouth.

He kneels down to get eye level with me, and I spit the mixture of blood and saliva in his face. “You bitch!” He rises up and wipes his face. Finally pulling a hand free, I punch him as hard as I can in the groin. Grabbing his crotch, he falls sideways with a loud groan, writhing in pain.

Frantically kicking my legs free, knowing my life depends on getting away, I run to the door, throw it open, and come face to face with complete darkness.  My heart racing, I pick a direction and pray it’s the right one.

“Hope, get back here!” he yells.

Shit, he’s getting up.

I dodge into a room as he stumbles out, crashing into a table, causing him to yell in pain. “Where the fuck are you? When I find you, so help me God, you’ll be sorry, bitch,” he growls. Looking around the moonlit room I spot what looks like a small closet. I get in, moving the nasty, ratty clothing that still hangs there aside and close the door behind me. Pressing myself up against the wall, the only sounds are my heavy breathing and rapid heartbeat.

“I know you’re here, you can’t hide from me, you stupid slut.” His voice gets louder and I know he’s only seconds from entering the room. My panic reaches new heights as I push myself to the back of the closet and close my eyes like a child. If I can’t see him then he can’t see me…right? Suddenly, the door flies open and I cover my mouth to silence my scream. Grabbing the first limb he sees, he yanks my battered body from the small enclosure, knocking the wind out of me as my back slams against the hardwood floor.

“Ah ha, gotcha bitch,” he laughs. “Now it’s time to pay for being such a whore and teasing me all the time.” Placing his foot on my neck, holding me in place, I gasp for air. He jerks my arms behind my back, nearly dislocating my shoulder. My struggling doesn’t deter him, and he ties the ropes tighter than he did the first time.

“Just stop fighting this, Hope.” When I continue to try and get free, he sneers and punches me in the face. Blood gushes from my nose, mixing with the dark pools that flow from my mouth and head. My face throbs and my tongue burns from the salt in my tears as he finishes his work, quickly leaving me totally at his mercy. Pulling a switchblade out of his scuffed combat boot, he  flicks it open, and slowly drags the double-edged blade lightly up my body, stopping when the cold steel touches my cheek, smearing the blood that has continued to run down my face. Closing my eyes tightly, I pray he won’t use it, but I silently begin to say my goodbyes.

“You are so beautiful, Hope. I could’ve given you the world. Can you not see how much I love you, what you mean to me? Do you know how bad it hurts watching you from afar when you should have been mine? DO YOU?” His breathing becomes more ragged as he shoves the knife under my shirt. I hold my breath, knowing where this is going. He cuts through my shirt, the knife razor-sharp, and then makes quick work of my bra, leaving me naked from the waist up.

“You. Are. Mine. Hope. I believe it’s finally time to take what’s mine.” I start to struggle against the ropes until I feel the edge of the knife at my throat.  “Move again, slut, and I will cut your throat end to end and watch the life drain from your body.”

Heather Mullins has always loved to read and has been writing poems and stories since childhood. She truly enjoys doing so much with other indie authors and fully supports this outstanding community. She uses her outgoing opinionated personality to help write and run multiple blogs.

Heather is a full time student working to get her Bachelors in Human services specializing in substance abuse counseling. She’s an Air Force Veteran and enjoyed fighting for her country. Heather supports many different groups that help out other veterans. 

She is a mother of 3 wonderfully crazy kids and has been married for 13 years. When she isn’t playing taxi she is living vicariously through the lives of characters in any number of books.

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