Expect the Unexpected this Holiday Season...

We’re now full throttle into the holiday season, and I’d thought I’d share an interview I did with my Canadian publisher, Lacey Bakker, who owns Pandamonium Publishing House, and just celebrated their 10^th Anniversary this past October. Woohoo! Congratulations to Lacey, and all the authors and staff for this amazing accomplishment! This interview was originally done live on Instagram, so below is the transcript. Enjoy…

1) When you started writing Lost and Found, did you immediately know you were going to write a series or did that happen later in your process?

You know, I thought I might be writing a series with the same group of characters, but the original idea took a turn for the better. I wrote Blackflies and Blueberries first, which was inspired by my experience as a tutor for the Muskoka Literacy Council, and a real-life psychometrist who my daughter personally knew. I was going to play off this series (think like Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys). Then, I got a job at the local animal shelter, and everything came together. This was the book that needed to go first in the series, needed to be told, and comes from my heart.

2)  Why did you choose to set multiple stories in the same town, and what makes Fairy Falls special as a backdrop for your stories?

This town is really the attraction of the series, and the glue that connects all the stories. Fairy Falls seems to bring out the latent or dormant psychic abilities in the relocated teen characters of each book. There’s a reason for that, which I explain more in the third installment, Sticks & Stones. Let’s just say that the Druids who founded Fairy Falls in the 1800s had something to do with harnessing the power that lies underneath this quiet tourist town.

My intention for this series is to pass the baton to a new generation who are more plugged in or in tuned with their intuitive and psychic abilities. It’s kind of like ripping the veil away from what’s been there all along.

3)  Animals play a huge role in your first book. How do you capture their personalities so vividly, and are any based on pets or experiences from your own life?

Actually, I based all the animal characters in Lost & Found from my job as an animal care attendant, and searched for any small quirks in their personalities to create the unique furry characters you see in my book. While tending to the animals at the shelter, I found myself wondering what they’d say? How would they act and sound? What did they really think of humans? So, chasing down the animal voices frolicking in my head, I wrote their story.

4)  If you suddenly had a psychic power from one of your characters for a day, which one would
you pick and what would you do first?

Oh, that’s easy! I’d love to communicate with animals like Meagan does. I know it’s an attainable skill if you study under someone who teaches this ability. Maybe one day, I may take the course and see what materializes.

As for what I’d do first? Be of service to a local animal shelter. I’d read as many of the animals’ energies as I could. I’d try to bring some comfort, healing or peace to them, and find out how they came to arrive at the shelter. I’ve seen so many stressed out or fearful animals, it may help to walk in their paws, and see how I can help them adjust to a situation they did not ask for.

5)  Your books feature such distinct characters. Do you start with the story first or the characters, and how do you bring them to life on the page?

Both, actually. The seed idea comes from either an experience – like the animal shelter or being a tutor for literacy – and then the characters arrive, ready to go, and let their story be told. I used to live in cottage country, so I had the perfect backdrop and experiences for the series. I do have a rough idea of the story, and where it’s going, but it is a process, and sometimes those characters can take over and run the show.

Bringing characters to life is actually easy for me. However, put them in with other characters, and you need to make each voice unique and believable. So, I give my characters’ flaws, challenges, and adversities in their day to day lives. These are the traits readers need to connect with, feel their pain, and relate to, or you’ve lost the point of telling a story.

6)  Do you have any unique habits, rituals, or quirky tricks to get into the “zone” when writing your books?

A dram of scotch. Just kidding. I used to light a stick of incense before I sat down to write, but my hubby complained of the smell. LOL! I still do it when I can, and sage my room once a week when I’m in the writing mode. Call me eccentric or call me a witch. Either way, I’m good with that. Calling in any angelic or esoteric help works for me too.

7)  What’s the strangest or most random source of inspiration that ever sparked a scene, character, or book idea?

A dream gave me the idea for the first young adult series I created which I called The Last Timekeepers. However, for Lost & Found, it was a cat we had named Shadow who set the stage for the lunging scene in the book. Trust me, when you need to use welding gloves to transfer a cat from a dirty cage to a clean one, your anxiety level goes ballistic. Another scene that comes to mind is getting revenge on my son’s then-girlfriend by, let’s just say, getting baptized by a murder of crows. It was so satisfying to write!

In Blackflies & Blueberries, the strange dome-like house that the main character’s great aunt lives in, is a source of inspiration because it was a real cottage on the lake where we used to live. Life imitates art, right?    

8)  If someone is curious about starting a series or writing their first novel, what’s one piece of advice you wish someone had given you?

That the whole writing process is a journey, not a destination. Cliché, but true. Whether you’re writing a series or a trilogy or a stand-alone novel, be in it for the long haul. Book series could take you well over two decades or more. Trilogies, maybe one decade or more. Even that stand-alone novel could take you years to write, depending on the genre and research needed to fill its pages. Check in with yourself every so often by revamping your writing plans, getting real about what kind of writer you want to be, and how to show up in the world. Remember that slow and steady progress assures success, and to be your authentic self. Always.

If these books piqued your interest or you know of a reader in your life who’d love to dive into this series, and discover Fairy Falls for themselves, please check out the links provided. Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expect the unexpected.

Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls Teen Psychic Mystery Series:

Lost & Found, Book One Buy Links:

PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

Blackflies & Blueberries, Book Two Buy Links:

PANDAMONIUM PUBLISHING HOUSE ׀ AMAZON ׀ BARNES & NOBLE ׀

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. Cheers, and thanks for reading my blog! You can connect with me, learn about my books, grab some free downloads for a short story, writing tips, or fun family recipes at my website: www.sharonledwith.com

Author in the House: Interview with Middle Grade Fantasy Author Kathryn Rossati...

Welcome to my virtual hub! Today I’m featuring middle grade fantasy author, Kathryn Rossati, who is a fellow author-mate with Next Chapter, and also writes time travel tales. We’re definitely kindred spirits! I loved the questions that she sent me to answer for her blog post recently, so I asked Kathryn if she’d like to be a guest on my blog, and answer those same questions. She loved the idea, so without further ado, here are the results of this collaboration. Enjoy…   

Welcome, Kathryn! When did you realise you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve loved writing down stories since I was very young, as I daydreamed a lot and wanted to keep those daydreamed worlds safe. In terms of writing professionally, as soon as it dawned on me that people actually wrote books for a living, I knew that’s what I wanted to do – so perhaps age eight or nine.

What's your latest book about?

My latest published novel is an upper middle grade time travel story, called Naturally Nic/k. The story focuses on an autistic girl called Nic, who ends up back in time along with two of her bullies, who immediately vanish in the bustle of the Thames Tunnel Fancy Fair. Nic bumps into a young magician, Nikolai, whose brother has gone missing, and decides to team up with him to find out where her bullies and the missing kids from all over London have been disappearing to.

The story is written in dual point of view, with chapters alternating between Nic and Nikolai’s perspectives, and it was great fun to create their individual voices. It’s also the first novel I wrote after receiving my autism diagnosis back in early 2019, and I drafted it at a time when my mental health was really quite low. I’ve very proud of how Naturally Nic/k turned out considering that, and it feels wonderful to have written a character that young autistic people can connect with.

Where do you get your ideas from?

My ideas for books and poems can come from anywhere. Naturally Nic/k was inspired by my husband, who practices card tricks as a hobby, but some of the things that sparked my other books and poetry collections have been turns of phrase, being out in nature, mishearing something, a specific piece of artwork, and other forms of media like TV series and films. Music always fuels my creativity too.

Do you have any writing rituals?

I like to write once all the housework is done for the day, so it’s not cluttering up my mind. (I have ADHD as well as being autistic, so my mind is rather cluttered and busy anyway.) I like a quiet space to write in, though that’s not always possible if my parrot and budgie are playing a game of ‘who can shout the loudest’ – fortunately, I’m used to their shenanigans, so that doesn’t tend to distract me too much (plus I have ear plugs if they or any sounds from outside get too overwhelming). I’m also a fan of having a good cup of tea next to me, though I often forget about it and only remember when it’s gone cold.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading your work?

Escapism, first and foremost. I’m a huge reader myself, and I know the power of settling down with a good book after a stressful or overwhelming day, so my hope is that my books can provide that comfort and enjoyment for someone, if only for a short time.

I also hope that readers will really connect with my characters and the worlds they live in, and particularly in the case of Naturally Nic/k (and a few of my upcoming books), find themselves represented in the narrative.

Who are you favourite authors?

It’s so hard to choose, because there are so many authors whose books I love, but as of this moment, I can think of:

Diana Wynne Jones, whose books cover just about every type of fantasy you might imagine.

Thomas Leeds, who is a spectacular writer and the first author I’ve read who wrote a fantasy adventure trilogy featuring a main protagonist with a brain injury and epilepsy (starting with Jayben and the Golden Torch).

Alan Gibbons, who wrote the amazing Legendeer series which completely blew me away when I read it as a child, and which I still adore now.

Jonathan Stroud, who wrote the excellent Lockwood and Co. series which really got me into paranormal fiction.

Do you have any dreams about where you'd like your writing career to go? (like film adaptations, merchandise, having your book on everyone's shelves?)

It would be lovely to see a stage or screen (either film or series) adaptation of any of my books, but what I would really like is just for more people to discover them.

What's your favourite book/film/song/piece of art?

It’s tough to decide on what my favourite book is, but I’d say Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. I love the characters, the world, and just the cosy vibes it gives off while reading. It’s one of those books that I can read again and again and always find something new to love about it.

My favourite film is probably The Mummy (1999) which I’ve loved ever since it came out. I’ve always had a fascination with Ancient Egypt (even though I’ve never delved deep into researching it – not yet, at least), and I love a good adventure with some humour, so those things make a winning combination for me.

For music and songs, I think The Mummers’ Dance by Loreena McKennitt is my favourite; I even had it playing at my wedding! It always makes me think of long treks, adventure, and being swept up in a story, and it’s one of the songs I turn to if I’m having a bad day and need something soothing.

My favourite piece of art is by surrealist artist Max Ernst, and actually has a few different titles as it was renamed a few times: The Angel of Hearth and Home/Fireside Angel/The Triumph of Surrealism. I first came across it when I was researching surrealist painters for my art G.C.S.E. many years ago, and something about it really captured me. The story behind the painting is actually about the chaos of politics (or there abouts), but I didn’t know that until recently. I think the reason why I like it is that there’s this fierceness and confusion surrounding the figure, but also a sense of deep pain. It’s very thought provoking.

Any hobbies or things you love to do?

I’ve been learning to paint with watercolour and gouache for the past two years, which I very much enjoy, and I also love to go for walks in nature. Unfortunately, as I have a dynamic disability (hypermobility spectrum disorder and dysautonomia, for anyone who’s curious), I’m not able to go out for walks as often as I’d like. Fortunately, the house my husband and I rent has a lovely garden and we have a birdfeeder, so I often watch the birds outside. I also like playing computer games, mostly fantasy adventure games like The Legend of Zelda (which I’m a huge fan of).

Any other fun facts you'd like to share about yourself or your writing?  

I have several writing projects in the works this year. I’m currently drafting my first ever fantasy novel aimed at adult readers, self-editing a paranormal upper middle grade book which I’m very excited about, and working on a commission involving the Isle of Wight National Landscape (which means I get to develop my nature writing). I also have a poetry collection due to be published all about nature and wildlife, which I’m looking forward to sharing.

Kathryn Rossati. is an AuDHD and disabled author based on the Isle of Wight, and writes young adult
and middle grade fiction, as well as poetry. She’s also an aspiring artist, focusing on watercolour and gouache. 

Kathryn loves most genres of fiction, with a particular soft-spot for books inspired by mythology and fairy tales, and often incorporates those ideas into her own work. She also enjoys narrative non-fiction about nature, folklore, and history. 

She always looks forward to hearing from readers and fellow writers, so if you're a fan of her books or have questions about writing and publishing, feel free to reach out with questions, feedback or just to say hello.

You can connect with Kathryn Rossati at her website: https://linktr.ee/kathrynrossatiwrites

I’m Celebrating Victoria Day by Getting Grilled in My Author Life…

Recently, I was cornered, er asked to have a chit-chat with Mirror World Publishing’s promotional specialist, Rhiannon Lotze. Though this interview appeared on their blog at the end of February 2024, I thought it would be appropriate to share this Q&A with my readers on the Victoria Day holiday here in Canada. So, if you’re opening the cottage, setting up your trailer at the campground, or in your backyard garden getting your hands dirty, take a break, grab a chair and your favourite beverage, then relax to find out what the next chapter of my author life looks like in the near future. Cheers, and enjoy the grilling…

Most authors are also avid readers. Would you also consider yourself to be an avid reader? What was the first book you remember that you couldn’t put down?

Actually, no. I’m a slow reader, so it takes a lot of time for me to read, say a 300-page book. So, I select my books wisely – sometimes buying them ahead of time for research purposes – or what other readers have recommended. The first book I couldn’t put down? Hmm. Hard question! I’d have to say the time travel romance, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, where I paced myself every night, and absorbed the story in my own time. Pun intended.

What would you say were your first early experiences that showed you the power of language and writing? 

In high school, a girlfriend of mine had a way with words. Even when she wrote a letter or poem, she chose her words carefully, and from the heart. I wished I could write like that; to easily articulate stories or poems like she did. It took quite a few years for me to jump into the writing pool and try my hand at writing a book, but I got up the courage in my mid-thirties, and took that leap of faith.

Finding time to write can be a struggle for plenty of authors. How do you maximize your writing time? What would you consider “maximization” when it comes to your particular style of writing?

I’ve been retired for over twenty years, so I plan my days where I’m either writing or editing or creating a blog post or ad blurb. I find scheduling my writing time in a day planner helps tremendously. When I first started writing (mid 90s), I used to drop my son off at school, then go home and hone my craft on the days I was off from working at our graphic trade business.

To be honest, I do have a problem with ‘maximization’, as I attend to checking emails, sharing author friends’ posts, and promoting my books first, before I sit down and actually write in the day. Guess I’d better revisit my priorities! LOL! I’m a very intuitive plotter with a touch of the methodical thrown into the mix. So, even if I plot out a book, my muse eventually hijacks the story, and takes me in another direction. Gotta love when that happens!

Do you normally think of the plot first or the characters first? Can you describe your process for developing the stories you write?

I think of both, actually. Presently, I’m writing two young adult book series with Mirror World Publishing. The Last Timekeepers time travel adventures include the same cast of main characters, though the POV switches with each book. My other series, Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, are stand-alone books with a different psychic teen solving a mystery in the small tourist town of Fairy Falls. Though, each character from my teen psychic mysteries makes a cameo in the next book, the story focuses on the new character and the challenges she or he face possessing a psychic ability. It’s quite exciting and fun to keep those characters moving forward.

 I’m a very organized person, so I planned each book out for both book series, and created a master list. It’s quite fluid, so if something changes, or I get a better idea for a title or premise of each book, I can easily add or change it in the documents. When I’m ready to sit down and plot out the next book in the queue, I pull out my character tracking sheets, a pad of lined paper, and get to work developing the story. There’s a lot of research involved in both series, so I make sure I’ve got most of the information needed before I start. If it sounds like a lot of work, it is, but the end results are so rewarding! 

What are three things you must have in your writing space to stay focused?

Single Malt Scotch. LOL! Kidding. Definitely a bottle of water (or sometimes a tea or coffee depending on the time of day). My office door must be shut (I like quiet when I write). And a few healthy snacks in my desk drawer like almonds or walnuts, and a bar of dark chocolate. Face it. When you’re hungry, your mind is not focused on your story. Wink. 

How often do you take risks in your writing? Have you ever tried something risky that turned out really well or really poorly?

I don’t take too many risks, but I’ve changed directions in where I want to take both my series. I’ve always included characters with diverse ethnic backgrounds and cultures, as well as feature characters with different gender identities. This is our world now, and I love the cornucopia of expressions offered by each and every one of my characters who can shine their own light in a sometimes harsh and dark world. Risk comes with rewards, so even sitting at my keyboard and writing something completely out of my comfort zone is a risk I’m willing to take. Whether it ends really well or really poorly, I’m more concerned with getting the message out of my bones, and onto the screen or paper. It’s so cathartic.

If there’s one thing you could change in the publishing industry, what would it be?

The ridiculous amount of book marketing authors must do. LOL! No seriously. It’s crazy!

You enjoy writing about topics that revolve around things like mysteries and legends and the arcane, just to name a few. What topic or theme would you like to explore in your magnum opus?

I’m working up to that with the two book series I have on the go. Once they’re finished, I want to develop a trilogy based on how humanity is growing and evolving, and what’s next for us. I’ve actually written ideas and book titles for this magnum opus, and hope I live long enough to breathe life into this unique creative endeavor. Fingers crossed!

Writing is a craft that is typically learned and honed over many years of practice. If you could pick one famous author (dead or alive) to mentor you, who would it be?

Wow, tough question! You know, I would love to be mentored by Rick Riordan, who’s created this whole mythical universe of characters and their stories, and has an enterprise based on his book series that’s geared for middle grade and young adult readers. Love the humour and wit he injects in all of his books. Plus, he has an ‘in’ with the Disney Corporation. Sign me up!

How would you define success as a writer?

That I basically learned the craft of writing a novel from the ground up. It took fifteen years of practice, patience, and perseverance to actually get my first book published. Truthfully, many people would have given up. Writing is not only an investment in yourself, it’s an investment in your readers. It’s a process that you have to LOVE, no matter what. So, just showing up for myself as a writer, getting the work done, and believing in my ultimate goal of reaching readers throughout the world is success to me. The gravy part of this journey is creating long term relationships with those readers, and getting paid for just being me.

Do you have anything else to add?

First, I want to thank you for interrogating, er I mean interviewing me, Rhiannon. Your questions are all thought-provoking and insightful. I just have an update in my writing world. Shortly, I’ll be submitting the third installment of Mysterious Tales of Fairy Falls titled, Stick and Stones, for publication in 2025. It’s about fourteen-year-old Thane Berg, who’s been forced to live with his estranged father in Fairy Falls, and how he deals with his unique gift of psychokinesis (the ability to move objects and bend metals). Then, it’s on to book four of my time travel saga, The Last Timekeepers and the Reluctant Scribe, which will feature Treena Mui’s POV. There’s gonna be a lot of research for this tale, with tons of twists, entanglements, and of course my brand of humour. Stay tuned, and happy reading, everyone!

Get to Know Young Adult Author Leigh Goff and her Southern Gothic Read this Mardi Gras...

For the new release of the Koush Hollow audiobook, Leigh Goff provides insight into her writing process and about Koush Hollow, a mystical place where magic abounds and all that glitters…is deadly. 

What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

For me, they must come together at the same time. I always outline the story first, so I need both of those elements fleshed out in the outline before I start to do the actual first draft. That being said, the characters are always a bit easier to develop than the plot.

What part of Koush Hollow was the most fun to write?

In Koush Hollow, the climactic end was absolutely the most fun to write. It’s actually the darkest thing I’ve ever written. I totally enjoyed visualizing those events and writing them down. Great fun and bit cathartic! 

What would you say to an author who wanted to design their own cover?

I’ve never had to design my own cover and I’m not sure that’s my strength anyway, but I have had input into all of my covers. I’m appreciative that the publishers asked for that input and took my advice to tweak the art to make the cover design more pertinent to the story. No one knows the story better that the writer so it’s always nice to add those little touches. 

Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym, and why or why not?

You know, I wish I had used a variation of my name. I thought about using L. A. Goff, rather than Leigh A. Goff when my first book, Disenchanted, was published in 2015. With Koush Hollow, which is my third, I requested that change in my name for the cover, but since I already had a following under Leigh A. Goff, the publisher wanted to stay with that. However, in the future, if I write in a different genre, I may push for L. A. Goff. 

What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing?

My favorite part is the excitement that comes with the offer letter. It means someone read the work and loved it. There’s nothing you want to do except pop a Champagne bottle and toast to the book’s future. Least favorite part—public speaking events to promote it. I’m absolutely terrified of public speaking, however, I love speaking with small groups or book clubs or doing book signings and meeting the readers. That’s pretty awesome. 

How important was professional editing to your book’s development?

Oh my gosh—editors are critically important to finishing and polishing the final version. When a writer has been in a story for months, it is difficult to go back and see the trees (the trees being all the mistakes hahaha) for the forest. It’s not always fun to see those mistakes, but editors are a necessary part of a writing team. I am always so grateful for their insight and suggestions to make the work the best it can be. 

How did you come up with the title for your book?

Koush is a play on the French word, cauchemar, which means a terror that comes in the night. And there are legends in the South about witch-riding nightmares where people dream about a witch or demon sitting on their chests or backs trying to suffocate them. This strange phenomenon is called a cauchemar. And since there are mystical characters, strange waking dreams, and nefarious women in Koush Hollow, it seemed like an appropriate title. 

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Ice cold lemon seltzer water in the warmer months/hot chocolate coffee in the colder months, my dog Summer next to me, a comfy chair, and my laptop. I need to be comfortable so I can just focus on writing and nothing else. 

Here's a bit more on Leigh's latest release.

After her father's untimely death, Jenna Ashby dreads life with her wealthy mother in Koush Hollow, a bayou town outside of New Orleans.

As the sixteen-year-old eco-warrior is introduced to the Diamonds & Pearls, her mother's exclusive social club, she comes to the troubling realization that secrets are a way of life in Koush Hollow. How do the Diamonds & Pearls look so young, where does their money come from, and why is life along the bayou disappearing?

As Jenna is drawn into their seductive world, her curiosity and concerns beg her to uncover the truth. However, in this town where mysticism abounds and secrets are deadly, the truth is not what Jenna ever expected. 

BUY LINKS 

Audible

Amazon  

Apple  ‎

Leigh Goff is a young adult author with type 1 diabetes who is inspired by caffeine, enchanted spells, and unforgettable, star-crossed fates.

 Although she’s terrible at casting any magic of her own, she is descended from the accused witch, Elizabeth Duncan of Virginia, who went to trial in 1695 for charges including bewitching livestock and causing birds to fall from the sky. 

Learn more about Leigh Goff on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and

A New Year of Being Resilient in my Author Life…

As we close up the second year of the pandemic, albeit a more hopeful year than 2020, I can’t help but wonder what’s in store for us resilient humans in 2022. Perhaps resilience is the key. Being resilient in your chosen profession and your life. If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything it’s to truly be resilient in the face of adversity. To adapt, go with the flow, rebound, or be flexible. It’s how we’ve survived throughout the millennia, and how businesses choose to evolve instead of die. Remember Sears? If not, do a check and see what businesses survived during this pandemic. How did they adapt? What did people do to keep themselves (and their customers) safe and protected? That’s where the answers will lie.

With our hands tied these past two years, even authors have had to give up in-person events such as book signings and doing public readings or book launches. Zoom became our friend in order to reach readers. Social media continued to thrive, though we should be mindful of what content we allow into our energy system. If we keep our wits about us, we’ll thrive. That’s what I plan to do in 2022. With the release of my latest time travel young adult book (number three in the series) The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, last September I worked hard promoting it (mostly online) to become my publisher’s bestselling author in the second half of the year. I’m high fiving myself in the mirror for that achievement! However, being a resilient author (or insert a profession here) doesn’t stop there. Like the Covid-19 virus has trained us, we need to mutate into the next variant if we want to better our best. After all, that’s what evolution is all about.

 Speaking of evolution, my publisher is celebrating their eighth anniversary in the publishing biz in 2022, and have got an amazing deal for readers who love to escape into a book. So, without further ado, Mirror World Publishing is offering a discount of 20% off ebooks and paperbacks in their online store to their friends, family, and fans for the entire month of January 2022. How does it get any better than that! Use the code MWFAM22 to cash in on some really great reads this winter by visiting https://mirror-world-publishing.myshopify.com/discount/MWFAM22 to feed your need to read!

In case you never got the chance, please check out my candid interview with my publisher below as we go ‘beyond the bio’. I share some personal and professional info, as well as what’s happening next in my author life. Cheers and wishing you and your loved ones a safe and wonderful new year! Happy reading…

 Tell us a bit about yourself, your hobbies, or your background.

Only a bit? LOL! Actually, I really think my Twitter account bio nails it: Author of THE LAST
TIMEKEEPERS and MYSTERIOUS TALES FROM FAIRY FALLS YA series. Lover of single malt scotch, anything arcane, and ancient mysteries.

Allow me to explain.

I’ve always loved watching shows or reading about the unexplained, supernatural, ancient mysteries, and legends throughout my life. Topics like Atlantis, the Druids, Robin Hood, Voodoo, monsters, and psychic abilities intrigue me. I’m a deep thinker, as well as an analytical thinker (in fact I’m an over-thinker) which prods me on to do the research needed to get those golden ‘fact’ nuggets I can use to make my books entertaining and educational for the reader.

Of course, the single malt scotch needs no explanation after a hard day of writing. Cheers!

What's your writing process like?

Cut a vein and write. Kidding. My writing process is always the same for every book. First, I start with the characters and build the story around them. The characters—my characters—must carry the story to completion, and give readers closure. It’s a must. In order to do this, I begin writing out character tracking sheets (stats on character appearances, clothing, likes and dislikes, etc.) which have served me well throughout the writing process. Then the fun begins. Research, research, and more research. I love this part of the process too. Only when I have enough facts, and I feel my characters are fleshed out sufficiently, then I begin to plot the novel. That’s another thing—I’m an intuitive plotter and love to outline the entire storyline. I also make sure I leave enough room for my Muse to pop in and direct me to where my imagination wishes to go.

Hindsight has taught me that I’m a little anal when it comes to managing my writing life, and love to be prepared and organized when getting to the guts of a story. Guess that’s how I’m built!

Tell us about your books and why you write in the genre that you do, or for the age market you've chosen.

A psychic once told me I’d always be a little girl at heart, so I figured why not write for her? I believe the young adult genre chose me, and not the other way around. The first book I penned was a supernatural romance thriller with shapeshifters, witches, and African folklore in the mix. When I received a critique from a dear friend who said my ‘voice’ was definitely more for the young adult crowd, I almost fell off the chair in shock. The more I thought about it, the more I knew in my heart that her constructive critique was bang-on.

Presently, I have two young adult book series on the go: The Last Timekeepers time travel adventures, and Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls teen psychic mysteries. Both series contain a healthy dose of humor, mystery, and the unexpected; served with a dash of inspiration, entertainment, and education on the side.

What do you have going on right now in your writing life? Anything new we should be looking out for?

Well, the third installment (fourth if you count the prequel) of The Last Timekeepers series entitled, The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave came out on September 17^th, 2021 which I was so excited about! It’s been a long time coming, as this book was put on the backburner so I could release books one and two of Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls. Once I caught up with those launches, it was back to the writing grindstone to complete the next time travel adventure which is set in antebellum Georgia during 1855. My poor characters are in for the rides of their lives with this Timekeeper mission!

Currently, I’m working on the next book in Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, Sticks and Stones, where the main character’s latent psychokinetic ability is unleased in the most unexpected ways. So, keep an eye out for this book in the near future!   

Here’s a glimpse of the premises of both my young adult series:

Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls Teen Psychic Mysteries…

Imagine a teenager possessing a psychic ability and struggling to cope with this freakish power. There’s no hope for a normal life, and no one who understands. Now, imagine being uprooted and forced to live in a small tourist town where nothing much ever happens. It’s bores-ville from the get-go.

Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expect the unexpected.

The Last Timekeepers Time Travel Adventures…

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers—legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial—five classmates are sent into the past to restore balance, and bring order back into the world, one mission at a time.

Children are the keys to our future. And now, children are the only hope for our past.

An Author’s Greatest Fan…and Critic!

I was fortunate to be interviewed by LITREAL in July (2021) as part of their Essential Reads segment. It was through a connection on LinkedIn that got me this amazing opportunity with CEO and co-founder Dr. Shasikala Palsamy. LITREAL introduces English speaking authors to India (and the world), so I thought it was a way for me to expand my literary reach, and perhaps gain some new readers. Here’s a smattering of what they do for authors:

“LITREAL wishes to have a hands-on approach towards the study of literary works. LITREAL BROADCAST is the official YouTube channel of our institution. We have several live segments on a weekly basis where we interview writers across the globe. The input that writers of the current era provide us can really be useful to bring out the literary scholar in every individual.”

Honestly, I’m blushing. I was so out of my comfort zone during our interview! Despite the technical difficulties I experienced (I couldn’t see my video feed, but they could see me) we persevered and the interview went on as planned. I’ll include the full interview in this post, but there was one question I’d like to revisit, and wished I had answered differently.

That question?

Can you mention a person in your personal life who is your greatest fan and someone whom you may regard as your harshest critic?

The harshest critic was easy. That would be me. But my greatest fan? Wait…what? I honestly had no idea, so I rattled off a few names of girls I knew that had read my books and loved them. After the interview, it hit me like a ton of paperbacks. I was my greatest fan. All authors must be the champions of their own stories or what’s the point of writing?

As promised, here’s the interview with LITREAL. It was a scary-wonderful, humbling, and just plain old fun experience. You can hear my enthusiasm rise out of my voice at times, and to my surprise, it made me feel like I belong in this crazy literary world. Enjoy!

The actual interview:

If you’re an author, do you agree with me about being your own greatest fan and harshest critic? I’d love to read your comments. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you!

On and Ready to Go in my Author Life…

 

Recently, I was contacted by NFReads.com—a general interest website with an "Author Interviews" section featuring both fiction and nonfiction authors across a wide variety of backgrounds, genres and writing experience. They constantly scour the web for interesting authors with inspiring stories, and asked me if I would like to publish an interview about my writings (no fee was involved; the bulk of the interview was frequently asked questions).

In anticipation for the September release of the third installment (fourth if you include the prequel) of The Last Timekeepers time travel adventure series, entitled The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, I jumped at the chance to do the interview with NFReads and share some fun facts and interesting tidbits about me, my writing, and my personal life.

BTW—the cover reveal for The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave, and the preorder link goes live simultaneously on August 17^th, 2021, so mark that date on your electronic devices or calendars! In the meantime, please enjoy catching up with my author life…

1. What is/are the real-life story(ies) behind your book(s)?

 The idea for The Last Timekeepers series came to me in a dream I had around 1998. In this dream, I saw seven arches, and there were seven people (five kids, two adults) with crystals in their hands, walking up to these arches. It definitely had an Indiana Jones feel to it, but with an ‘Atlantis’ slant. I love history. I also love myths and legends. So I put those two ‘ingredients’ together and came up with a time travel series with roots leading back to Atlantis.

When I created the Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls series, I drew from all of my childhood and adult experiences from vacationing and living in cottage country. This gave my teen psychic mystery book series a nostalgic feeling coupled with a sense of adventure and…wait for it…the supernatural. Welcome to Fairy Falls. Expected the unexpected.

2. What inspires/inspired your creativity?

To tell the truth it’s been my life experiences, but sometimes single malt scotch helps. Kidding. I also loved watching Scooby-Doo as a kid. I mean, who didn’t? I also had an over-active imagination in school, and found it hard to concentrate on mundane subjects. I often drifted off into the land of story-making until the teacher called out my name. Yeah. I wouldn’t advise that. As I grew older I never thought I could channel those stories into something as concrete as a book, but I was inspired to do so by a deep, spiritual desire that whispered in my ear one evening. True story. Now with six books and two series on the go, I’m glad I listened to that voice, and haven’t looked back.

3. How do you deal with creative block?

I do something else other than stare at my blank computer screen. That’s more exhausting than trying to come up with anything creative. Stand up, move around, make tea or coffee, take yourself or your dog out for a walk. Sooner or later the words will come, and when they do, you’d better be ready to get them down.

 4. What are the biggest mistakes you can make in a book?

Rushing the story. Even when you’re writing a series, each book has something to say in its own time. And I’ve learned that each back has a soul. Allow the book to have its own unique voice. After all, every author has theirs.

5. Do you have tips on choosing titles and covers?

If you’re writing a series, you’ll want to brand titles and covers so that readers know those books are part of that series. Choose titles that reflect the main theme. Same with covers. Colors on your covers are so important and can set the mood, along with any elements you’ve chosen to display on the cover. You want to tease your readers enough to become so curious that they hit the buy link on your website.

6. How do bad reviews and negative feedback affect you and how do you deal with them?

I don’t let bad reviews or negative feedback run my author life. It’s not a healthy way to go in this business. I don’t even check my reviews. I realize every reader has a right to an opinion, and that’s a good thing. Variety is truly the spice of life. Some books will leave readers with a bad taste in their mouths, while other readers can’t get enough of what you’re dishing out.

7. How has your creation process improved over time?

Tremendously! With years come experience and wisdom. I’ve learned that I’m an intuitive plotter, and enjoy the process of planning a book more than being a pantser (writing by the seat of your pants). Since I’ve decided to write book series, I keep a handbook binder for both my series, filled with character tracking sheets and other pertinent information I can fact check when I’m writing a new installment. This saves me time and embarrassment, making sure colors of eyes remain the same, and what clothing my characters are wearing in that particular book. Plus, my pacing and tension has improved tenfold. Love leaving those readers hanging!

8. What were the best, worst and most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of completing your book(s)?

Seeing the finished product in my hands is an amazing feeling, and some of my book launches have been memorable. The worst is the mental anguish of my editor pushing me to the limits to produce the best story possible. It was gratifying and exhausting at the same time. The most surprising thing was the royalty payments. It was quite a wake-up call for me (and I bet for other authors out there). I’ve learned that a career in publishing is a dedicated path. Slow and steady progress assures success. That’s my motto now.

9. Do you tend towards personal satisfaction or aim to serve your readers? Do you balance the two and how?

If I’m being honest, a little of both. I write books for me AND my readers. The writing part is my journey—from seed idea to finished product—and all that’s happened in between. The way I serve my readers is to deliver the best possible story I’ve got in me, while entertaining and inspiring them at the same time. That’s where I find balance.

10. What role do emotions play in creativity?

Emotions are a scary-wonderful roller coaster ride for an author. We get out the best and worst of ourselves for all to see. It’s like wringing out a sopping wet sponge until there’s nothing left to squeeze. That’s when we (authors) get to exhale and if we’ve done our jobs well, our readers will have gone on that ride with us.

11. What are your plans for future books?

So many books, so little time. LOL! Actually, I’ve planned for a total of ten books, plus the prequel for The Last Timekeepers series, so I’ll be one busy gal. So far, I have three books in this series published. In September 2021, the fourth installment, The Last Timekeepers and the Noble Slave will be released through my publisher, Mirror World Publishing. For my other young adult series Mysterious Tales from Fairy Falls, there are five books total planned, two of which are already published. Currently, I’m working on the third book in this teen psychic mystery series.

12. Tell us some quirky facts about yourself

I’m an empath. Yeah, I feel ya. I never knew this until later in my life. It’s been a load to carry, and I honestly thought something was wrong with me. Guess that’s why I’m drawn to writing about characters with psychic abilities or delving into my past lives. I love exploring arcane subjects, attracted to unsolved mysteries, and always expect the unexpected. Bahaha…

If you’re a writer, do you resonate with any of my answers? If you’re a reader, is there anything else you would like to know about my author life? I’d love to read your comments. Cheers and thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I appreciate you!