Renee interviews author Robert Macomber

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author, history, Housewarming, inspiration, Life, writing

Earlier this month Robert N. Macomber was a featured speaker at the Florida Authors and Publishers Association Annual Conference. He offered a fascinating look at how location research can make a story more vivid and memorable – for both the writer and the reader.

Tell me about your background. Where did you grow up, where do you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I grew up in southwest Florida, same area where I currently live. I studied political science and history in college and started as a teacher, then moved into law enforcement, but began writing while doing those jobs. Early on, I knew that my passions were sailing, history and storytelling, so I started composing articles on the side for some magazines, doing non-fiction pieces, and then moved into creating the concept for my Honor Series, which goes back 20 years, after I got some substantial encouragement to keep putting pen to paper. It’s been a long and fascinating journey. This year marks my thirty-first year of lecturing and twenty-second year of commercial writing.
Reading was big in my family growing up, as was sailing and travel. My dad was a civil engineer, but also had his pilot’s license and a small plane, so we did a lot of trips from as early as I can remember. He instilled in me a curiosity for exploration into different countries and into different cultures. That has stayed with me.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
Honoring the Enemy is the 14th novel in my Honor Series of historical thrillers, which depict the personal life and global career of U.S. naval officer Peter Wake from 1863 to 1908. Real historical events, personalities, and places inspire the plots in my books. I illuminate significant events in American and world history through Peter Wake, my fictional protagonist. My 14th novel covers the Spanish-American War in Florida and Cuba, and took many years to research in both places. My 13th novel, An Honorable War, set the stage in its storyline for the U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War, and my 15th novel, “A Word of Honor,” which will be released in October 2020, will round out to the conclusion of the Spanish-American War, where readers will learn what’s yet to come for Peter Wake in the Honor Series.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
For this last book, dealing with the ever-changing U.S. government travel restrictions to Cuba and the Cuban government’s paranoia about an American author researching inside Cuba have created constant challenges. But I persevered past the obstacles. A quick word, though, to clear up some recent confusion: you can still travel to Cuba with a licensed tour operator’s group, just not on a cruise ship. As you probably know, I’ve taken groups to Cuba (still do), mostly readers, and they are forever grateful that the team I put together to make it happen worked out beyond their best, imagined scenarios. Everyone comes home having learned that the Cuban people are delightful and some of the most hospitable people on earth. Happy to add that several, who have traveled to Cuba in my groups, have eagerly returned to Cuba with me for a second visit!

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
Each time a reader expresses accolades for my work or a literary critic in the media gives me rave reviews, or when professional colleagues present me with an award, I still feel like they’re all “aha” moments. I don’t take those moments of validation for granted.
Otherwise, throughout my literary career, there are several, extra meaningful successes which I call “My Author Moments” but I’ll force myself to limit it to one. A few years ago, I was contacted by one of my readers who told me an unbelievable tale. She and her husband were home reading my book aloud to each other one evening when her husband had a very painful heart attack. While waiting for the first responders, then attended to by the medics, in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, and in the emergency room, the husband insisted his wife continue reading my book aloud to him because it took his mind away from the pain. Thankfully, he lived and recovered, and they still read my books aloud to each other in the evening. True story!

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Major literary influences on me were C.S. Forester, George Macdonald Fraser, James Michener, Jack London, Mark Twain, James Jones, Edmund Morris, and Dan Brown. Since most of my reading relates to research, I don’t have much time to read for pleasure, but a few of those books I’ve enjoyed most in the last 2 years have been A Gentleman In Moscow, A Confederacy of Dunces, and The Woman Who Smashed Codes. I also just read The Patient Assassin by Anita Anand as a reviewer for the New York Journal of Books ~ an excellent read. The most impactful re-read of late has been It Can’t Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis. For every novel I write, I read over 60 books, and keep track because I include a bibliography at the end of each of my books.

Do you write every day? Any writing rituals?
Yes, every day. I get up at 0545, have breakfast, walk 1.5 meditative miles through coconut palm groves, do some light stretching & lifting, then begin working no later than 0800. Creative writing is done in the mornings, when I’m freshest mentally. Editing, research for books, research for my lectures, media interviews, and admin stuff is done in the afternoons. Sometimes, if the research in the afternoon really ignites me, I’ll do some creative writing in the evenings.

What are your interests outside of writing?
My interests include my faith, sailing through the remote islands near where I live, and travel. I like cooking exotic cuisines from the locales in my books, and while cooking I listen to the indigenous, folk music related to the dish. Sharing time to enjoy my wife and her interests is always valuable because I learn from her constantly. Also, we enjoy watching documentaries and a variety of movies (classics and foreign films in particular), and we try to find time to hear live music in smaller listening venues when possible. Balancing my hectic work schedule with time to relax is easier said than done.

Share some tips for other authors or aspiring authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
What would I have done differently? I would’ve started social media marketing early on with my first book, but, when I started my Honor Series, social media wasn’t what it is today. As social media grew as rapidly as it did, I wasn’t truly ready because I’m not that tech-savvy. It was too intimidating, and I didn’t ask for help. Now I have a little more help, and I’m relatively good at Facebook, but there’s room for me to grow, which is probably a common thread for many of your readers.
What would I do the same? Network, network, network – with enthusiastic kindness. It always reaps rewards and frequently leads to long, genuine friendships. Be ready to learn, adapt, and recognize your own limitations. I am constantly amazed at how networking opens up unanticipated opportunities for success.
Beneficial tips? Here are seven:
1) Stay organized and disciplined. Find what works for you. Since I have to focus on multiple book projects at one time, to keep each one accurate I use an old-fashioned storyboard (a 22 x 28 inch blank poster) for each project, on which I put the historical timeline, the story’s chapter timeline, imagery of important historical people in the story, maps, character lists (e.g., how again do I spell Kalākaua, king of Hawaii?), and sundry other trivia which is important for me to remember. The poster folds up and goes with me on my journeys because I work every day, no matter where I am. Over the years it takes for me to prep each novel, my storyboards are covered with scrawled notes, scratches, ink smears, wine stains, sweat (and occasionally blood) – all of which are separate memorable stories in themselves! With a storyboard, the batteries will never run down, and it works even when the electricity doesn’t.
2) Be different. Create a new niche in an established genre. Write on a topic nobody else is, but one most people would be curious about when they learn of it. Let that drive your brand.
3) Make friends with your readers. Stay in contact with them and give them enjoyable experiences beyond your book. My readers’ enthusiasm energizes me. Maybe those interested can get a few ideas if they friend me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/robert.macomber.750, or sign up for my Quarterly Newsletter, where there are examples of the other ways I engage my readers with opportunities to meet me. It’s simple to sign up on my website http://www.RobertMacomber.com.
4) Give presentations on your subject(s). Become known for being well-versed and confident as a storyteller. Your presentations can be symbiotic with your literary projects and add another revenue stream. I am a specialist in Victorian-Edwardian world history and lecture on 62 different topics. My lectures and books help feed parallel interest(s) and cross promote sales.
5) Ask for help. Put the word out you need assistance on a subject, place, event, skill, etc…. People have surprising knowledge or contacts, and often love being a part of a book project.
6) Always say thank you to anyone who helps you along the way: readers, authors, researchers, editors, booksellers, media critics, librarians, literacy groups, support staff and family. Thank them in the book’s acknowledgments, at public events, on Social Media, in your newsletter, or on your website. Let them bask in the satisfaction of a completed book project too. They deserve it, and it builds community!
7) Have sincere appreciation for your chosen profession. Yes, there are hassles and frustrations, but smell the frangipani blossoms, my friends. We’re writers and storytellers – the chroniclers of human life! Your journey will lead you to wonderful places, people, and experiences you can’t even imagine right now.
Onward & Upward!

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

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Renee interviews author Amy Sweezey

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author, books, children, inspiration, Michigan, weather, writing

You may recognize Amy Sweezey as the broadcast meteorologist who works for WESH-2 in Florida. But she’s also written an award-winning, nonfiction children’s book that discusses weather forecasting in great detail.

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I grew up in Michigan (for the most part). I was born in the Upper Peninsula (which makes me a Yooper) and then lived south of Ann Arbor for many of my childhood years. I moved to Central Florida in 2002 for the job at WESH. After college graduation from Loyola University Chicago, I worked in South Bend Indiana and West Michigan before moving to Orlando with my husband. Our 3 kids were all born in Florida and are now in 10th, 8th and 6th grades. I homeschool them part-time which works out great with my wacky work hours. Since I wake up at 2 AM, having my kids home 2 days a week allows me to see them more.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

For many years as part of my TV job, I have spoken to school kids about weather. It often comes with the territory of being a meteorologist — Teachers call the local weather expert to share with their students. I don’t know how the tradition first started but, for me personally, I speak at about 30-40 schools each year. Writing books about weather was a natural transition from homeschooling my own kids along with teaching other school-age kids about weather. My first book was conceived when my Florida-born children were learning about the seasons, but didn’t understand words like “snow” “blizzard” or “ice” when reading about winter. I decided Florida kids needed their own winter weather story, so I wrote It Never, Ever Snows in Florida about a little boy named AJ who had never seen snow. My second book, Let’s Talk Weather,TV Forecasting: Behind the Scenes is nonfiction and focuses on how I do my job. It’s all about the tools and instruments I use for forecasting. It explains the science behind the weather to 3rd-5th graders.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

Knowing HOW to get a book published has been the biggest challenge. I chose to self-publish both of my books, but there are many pros and cons to traditional publishing versus self-publishing. It’s much easier to get a book published when you do it yourself — but it also raises a lot of challenges when you don’t know what you are doing or where to start!

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

I was pleased to win a gold medal from the Florida Authors & Publishers Association in 2018 for Let’s Talk Weather. I’m not sure if it qualifies as an “aha” moment but now that my book has been published for almost 2 years I ask myself, “What took so long?” I wish I had published years ago.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

I absolutely love to read! I used to devour anything I could get my hands on, especially fiction and historical fiction. Now that I have 3 kids and wake up at 2 AM for work, I have a really tough time finding the time to read. If I have time, I don’t always have the energy. Audio books and podcasts are in my wheelhouse now — which I can do while driving and not fall asleep! I still love fiction books, but I enjoy non fiction inspirational and motivational books more now than I ever have: Quiet by Susan Cain (I’m an introvert); The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates; anything by Brene Brown. I also read a lot of children’s books — not just about weather. I believe you need to stay immersed in your genre if you want to successfully emulate it.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

I tend to write every day — but usually it’s for work, not for fun. I write a lot of social media posts and website updates. My daily writing is forecast based. My blog posts are much more fun to write — but I usually take a long time putting those together. I write and re-write and write again, then fix and change, and write some more. Even a blog post that’s only a few paragraphs long can take me days or weeks to polish. Part of it is because I’m a perfectionist, part is because I’m a grammar fanatic, and part is because I try to catch and change anything that might be worded controversially. Being in the public eye, specifically in a journalism/media field, requires a certain amount of care in being politically correct. Everyone always has a problem with SOMETHING you say or write, so I try to head off as many of those comments and criticisms right from the start.

What are your interests outside of writing?

With three kids, part-time homeschooling, a 2 AM job start, and two books under my belt, I don’t have much time for anything else. I enjoy the beach and sunshine (hence the move to Florida). I love meaningful conversation with true friends about things that matter. I like watching movies with my husband and I enjoy good food. Exploring new restaurants with my family, rather than always visiting the same place every time, makes for a fun, yet simple, adventure.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

Everyone says, “write what you know.” I agree wholeheartedly. The best writing comes from the heart. It’s real and authentic. Don’t just self-publish your book because YOU think it’s good. Get some feedback. Ask for critiques. Pay for professional editing from someone who has written books of their own (which you have read and admire). If you want your book to be successful and be something that people want to read, take the time to get it right. Don’t rush to the printer too soon. Once it’s done, it’s done.

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com

Renee interviews author Tabitha Young

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author, books, inspiration, Writer, writing

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I grew up in Virginia, outside of Washington D.C., but moved to Orlando to attend UCF (Go Knights!) where I received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. It was five years ago when I met my husband, who is a graduate from Deland High, and two years ago, we moved back to Deland. During this time, I have fallen in love with the town and community.
Currently, I’m an active alumna of Kappa Alpha Theta and serve on the Advisory Board as the Facility Management Advisor for the Epsilon Theta Chapter at Stetson University. During my free time, I love being with my family (although we are usually working on our small family farm) traveling, and of course, watching college football.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
The idea for The Burden of Trust was literally a dream. This dream was different than my others because even after I woke, it continued to replay in my mind. A co-worker suggested that I write it down, and as I began writing the dream started to expand. What started as a doodle has turned into a full trilogy.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
My biggest challenge has been learning how to write. Writing a novel is completely different than composing an email or an essay. You have to learn how to tap into character’s feelings and emotions, and transport the reader into their world.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
Most people don’t know that I initially had self published The Burden of Trust back in 2014. I sent it off to a reviewer and got a life lesson in criticism. She had explained that while the story was good, the writing was horrible. I was devastated. I remember sitting in a hotel room (because I was traveling with my husband) sobbing. It felt as though it had all fallen apart. Twenty minutes later and some support from my husband, I made the decision to start over. It was now or never, and I was determined to write a successful novel.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I tend to read what I’m writing. If it’s romance, I’m reading a Nicholas Sparks or Kristin Hannah. When I find that I’m lacking for descriptive language, I always turn back to Gone with the Wind, my all time favorite.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
I try to write every day, but sometimes life tends to interrupt that. When the mood or motivation strikes, I sit down and write…even if it’s a napkin at a restaurant.

 What are your interests outside of writing?
First of all, I love college football! My family has a small farm, just a few cows, chickens and ducks and I enjoy going out in the mornings with my husband to take care of them. I love traveling to off-the beaten path places, meeting locals and learning about their culture.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
If you are writing your first novel, I would suggest hold off on publishing until it’s been edited by a professional and tested by a few reviewers. Don’t rely on friends and family for critical feedback. I learned a lot writing The Burden of Trust and one of the biggest things that I helped me was to read my book out loud. It’s amazing all the little errors you find. Always remember writing a novel is 10% writing and 90% editing!

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

Renee interviews author Talya Boerner

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author, books, inspiration, Life, relationships, Writer, writing

 

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I grew up on a cotton farm in the Arkansas Delta (where my family goes back five generations). I have an economics degree from Baylor University. For twenty-five years, I lived in Dallas and raised two children while working as a commercial lender. About four years ago (as empty nesters), my husband and I moved back home to Arkansas. We now live in Fayetteville in the gorgeous Ozark Mountains with our two schnauzers, Lucy and Annabelle. I’m editing my next book and working to turn our backyard into a butterfly garden.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

The inspiration for my book came from my childhood. Although the genre is southern fiction, flashes and situations within The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee are autobiographical, inspired by the farm where I grew up and the people who influenced me. One of my favorite writers, Eudora Welty, said, “One place understood helps us understand all places better.” The setting for my book, Mississippi County, Arkansas, is my “one place understood”. The Delta, my small country church, the schoolhouse, the all-encompassing nature of farming—these things inspired me to tell Gracie’s story.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

Leaving a successful banking career to follow my writing dream felt both exciting and frightening. While the solitary nature of writing fits my personality, I had no idea how difficult it would be to reach readers, to grow an audience, to earn an income from it.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

My most rewarding moments have resulted from connections made with readers who are eager to tell me that Accidental Salvation took them back to their own childhoods, to places or times they had all but forgotten. Also, having my book featured on NPR’s Arts & Letters was a definite high point!

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

A few of my favorite authors include Carson McCullers, Robert Olen Butler, Eudora Welty, Dorothy Allison, Charles Frazier, Zadie Smith, Stephen King, Jeffery Eugenides, and Nell Leyshon.
Childhood books that first sparked my love of reading include The Secret Garden, Little Women, Nancy Drew, Tarzan of the Apes, Alice in Wonderland, and any Newbery award winner.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

Yes, I write most every day early in the morning with a cup of coffee. I start by recording in my journal the date, time, place, and current weather conditions. As a farm girl and gardener, knowing the weather forecast is ingrained in me. I can’t get started without checking the conditions. Crazy, I know!

What are your interests outside of writing?

Besides writing, I love nature and gardening, and I am a voracious reader.

Share some tips for other authors or aspiring authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

My advice to aspiring authors is to read excellent writing. Slow down and don’t be in a rush to publish your book. Hire a professional editor. Spend your spare time perfecting your craft rather than on marketing.
It’s my belief that good writing will be discovered. At least I hope so.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of “The Anchor Clankers.” To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

Renee interviews author Linda Fairstein

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author, books, entertainment, inspiration, law, mystery, publishers, writing

I had the pleasure of meeting Linda Fairstein when she was the National Guest of Honor for the 2018 Florida Writers Conference. Warm and engaging, she has a personal story that is as intriguing as the novels she writes. (Producer Dick Wolf based the character of Assistant District Attorney Alex Cabot in the TV show “Law & Order: SVU” on Linda.) Her latest novel, BLOOD OATH, was just released.

 
Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York – a very middle-class community just outside of New York City. For as long as I can remember, I loved books and libraries, reading stories and trying to write them. I had wonderfully loving parents who were very supportive of my goals. My father used to laugh every time I said that I wanted to be a writer when I grew up, saying that I’d better think about a career that would actually allow me to support myself.

I went to Vassar College because of the great English lit program, back in the day when it was a women’s school. By my senior year, I thought my father had a point – I really didn’t have anything to write about!

My other interest was public service (a child of the JKF call to service – ‘Ask not what your country can do for you…’) and so I thought that law school would give me options to do interesting work. I went straight from college to the University of Virginia School of Law – which led me to my first job in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office – the 7th woman on a staff of 200 lawyers.

I stayed in that job for 30 years, running the country’s pioneering Special Victims’ Unit, and wrote my non-fiction book SEXUAL VIOLENCE and my first five novels in the Alex Cooper series while in that job.

I live in Manhattan most of the year, and have a home on Martha’s Vineyard, where I do a lot of my writing in the summer. My husband and I just bought a home on Gasparilla Island, off the Gulf Coast of Florida, where I have found a glorious new place to write and relax.

Little known facts? I’m still a lawyer. I do a lot of pro bono work representing victims of violence, and consulting on issues of sexual assault. My other childhood dream was to be a ballerina (!) – I took lessons until well into my early adulthood, which is why Coop takes ballet lessons, too. I miss my prosecutorial job every day, and stay close to the lawyers who succeeded me in that work.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

BLOOD OATH is the 20th book in the Alex Cooper series of crime novels. So many detectives and prosecutors are doing ‘cold case’ work now, solving crimes that happened decades ago that seemed impossible to unravel for so long. This story is the case of one such crime, and I wanted to explore the impact on both the victim and the perp of trying to get some justice so long after the fact. I always draw some of my motives and legal issues from real cases, so the plots are entirely made-up once the issues take hold in my imagination. This is one such story, like the others in the series.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

I think everyone who writes novels – especially in a series like this – is finding ways to make the characters evolve over time and keeping them fresh. Several books back, Alex Cooper was kidnapped. I thought it was important to have her experience the trauma of the victims she has worked with for so long. In the book that followed, she had to deal with PTSD and see things from that perspective – which affected her relationship with Mike Chapman, and required her to take a leave of absence. Coop is back in top form in BLOOD OATH, and it’s always a challenge to make that happen.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

The biggest ‘aha’ moment came at the very start of the series. My non-fiction book had been a NYTimes Book of the Year in 1994, but lots of people assumed it was a one-book experience, and that I wouldn’t be able to do fiction. My great friend and literary agent (first of all, a friend!) Esther Newberg encouraged me to try to tell my story about Coop, but not to go too far without showing her pages, just so she could tell me whether to plug ahead or give up. In the early fall of 1995, when I had written 64 pages, I sent them to her, and she gave me some constructive criticism. Just after Christmas of that year, I sent her the edited pages and another 30. Again, it was just for her eyes only! A week later she called me to say that she had decided, without telling me, that the pages were ready to show to editors – so she sent them out to three big publishers. She told me that there was a bidding war for FINAL JEOPARDY, and one of the publishers asked whether I thought I could do two books. I snapped back that I thought I could do ten – that I had always wanted to write a series of crime novels. Esther sold the Alex Cooper series the next day – truly my ‘aha’ moment. I pinch myself when I think that BLOOD OATH is number 20.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

I’m a glutton for good books! I love to read other crime novelists, of course. Right now, I’m reading the brand-new Lisa Gardner book. I like Harlan Coben and Lisa Scottoline and Michael Connelly and Andrew Gross and Louise Penny. I love history and biography, too. My next book up is the Andrew Roberts biography, Churchill: Walking with Destiny. I probably write crime novels because I was influenced so strongly by the Nancy Drew books when I was a kid! All good storytellers have influenced my writing.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

Yes, I try to write something every single day. If I am not moving along in my manuscript, I might be writing an article on some aspect of criminal law or helping a friend edit a piece of work. I think it’s critical for a writer to be living ‘in words’ every day – writing and reading, both of which I love to do.
As far as rituals go, I don’t have many. I am mostly a morning writer. I like to get up, read the newspaper, answer some emails, enjoy a few cups of coffee. Then I like to get right into the work. I stop in the early afternoon for some exercise – swimming or biking or hanging out with friends on a long walk. I never write in the evening – one glass of wine and I’m done with the written page.

What are your interests outside of writing?

I’m happiest when I’m with family and friends, so that’s usually my main focus. I love the company of other writers, and I have a loyal group of former colleagues with whom I stay in regular contact. I have played sports all my life – tennis when I was younger – and competitive swimming. I still love swimming laps and riding my bike (which I get to do every day on Gasparilla – it’s got fabulous bike paths). My husband and I love to travel, so when I take a break from writing, we like to head for some place foreign or familiar – without my laptop.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

So many aspiring writers have told me that they procrastinate a lot because they don’t know where they are going with their work. But you can’t write unless you sit down in front of a computer and start in on it. Write! Write something every day – even if it’s just a few paragraphs or lines. You have to enjoy the process or you have chosen the wrong field. It is very solitary and very difficult work, and often slow to show results. It has become harder and harder to get work published, but unless you keep at the writing – and polish your words – you’ll never get to the finish line. And once you do, and you are fortunate enough to be published, it’s a great thrill. Read, read voraciously – because good storytelling is inspirational, and seeing how other writers use the language is hugely helpful. No more procrastinating – get to work!

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

Forget about it

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author, Health, inspiration, Life, Memories, Writer, writing

I’ve just spent the last 30 minutes searching for my reporter’s notebook. It’s not the first time this has happened – my keys, cell phone and coffee cups occasionally get lost, too. That’s when I panic and fear that it might reflect some withering brain cells. (In my defense, caring for a mother-in-law with dementia might make me a bit more paranoid than the average person.)
However, a growing body of research indicates forgetting stuff can actually be a by-product of rigorous thinking, smooth decision-making or heightened creativity. Forgetting can help us block out useless or outdated information and it can be driven by the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region linked to memory.
It’s a relief to know that my forgetfulness isn’t part of the extensive memory loss linked to dementia or similar health problems. But just to be sure that I don’t miss any deadlines, or draw a mental blank during my next presentation, I’m going to make a few lists.
Now, if I can just find my pen…

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. She’s currently writing a sequel.

Renee interviews author Patti Brassard Jefferson

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author, Book Expo. author, books, children, inspiration, Religion, writing

Patti Brassard Jefferson divides her time between Ft. Myers and Islamorada, Florida. In her spare time, she is a sunset expert, crayon sniffer and amateur tiara model who happily admits she doesn’t own a single pair of socks.

 

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I was born in upstate New York, raised in Virginia and now live in Florida. I’m running out of space to move south! I’ve always been involved with artistic endeavors. My degree is Media Arts Advertising and I have owned a graphic design company, a paint-it-yourself pottery studio, art gallery and now a bookstore & my own publishing company. I love working with creative people! What to talk about Game of Thrones? Never saw it. Want to talk about the font that is used for GoT? You are my kind of weirdo! (It’s Trajan Pro, by the way.)

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
My first two books were children’s books (How Long Will You Love Me and Stu’s Big Party) and book #4, due out in January, is a return to that. My third book, however, was my first foray into non-fiction. 365 Bright Ideas for Marketing Your Indie Books was an idea that I had after being involved with so many independent authors either through my bookstore, PJ Boox, or through my association with the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (I have been on the FAPA Board of Directors since 2014 and am the current President-Elect). The most common challenge that most authors face is marketing. I figured out a way that I felt authors could understand the challenges of branding and marketing and work on it a little bit at a time every day. I even made it so that the author could pick and choose tasks based on the time it took to complete or the costs that may be involved. Overall, it has been very well received and has won a few awards along the way. I love speaking to writers and authors groups and getting such great feedback. I am working on another one in the 365 series which I hope to have done in the summer of 2019.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
Just like so many authors, I think my biggest challenge is the juggle of home life, day job, social obligations, creative life, and continuing education. We need to learn to prioritize and set very realistic goals and schedules. When you have so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and scattered. I listen to marketing videos on YouTube while on my 20-minute drive to and from work. I try to keep my day job during regular business hours and not take too much work home with me. I make lists and set rewards for my progress. When I’m facing a deadline, I try to go to bed no later than 2:30 and just set an alarm to get up a little earlier to wrap it up. Otherwise my day job suffers. Everyone’s situation is different but the juggle is real!

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
I was at Book Expo America one year and Orna Ross (who is the founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors) was there at the Alli booth. I had been trying to meet her for 2 days. Finally, she was alone and I walked over, said hi, and told her I owned a bookstore for indie authors in Florida. She looked at me and said, “Are you Patti Jefferson?” I was floored. That is the sort of thing that counts as success for me: validation of people I admire or others in the industry, helping a new author get a book out, or receiving a photo of a Mom with her child in her lap reading one of my books and telling me that it’s become a nightly ritual to read that book together. Not that making money or winning awards isn’t a good thing, too! The “aha” moment comes when you realize that profit doesn’t outweigh purpose.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
Since I own a bookstore that sells only independently or small-press published authors, I am always discovering new authors! I enjoy mysteries and thrillers when I am reading for pleasure; Patricia Gussin, Bill Powers, and Bill Thomason are some authors I have read lately. As for books that influence my writing? I live for the giggle moments when kids read my children’s books so obviously, Suess and Silverstein are an influence.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
Unfortunately, I don’t write every day – it just doesn’t fit into my schedule. I do have a stack of book ideas or half-started manuscripts. When I AM writing, I generally do it late at night or very early morning when my house is quiet. I drink a lot of Chai tea, put on my headphones and listen to a loop of white noise (usually a box fan) from YouTube. I really have to drown out the world or I get too distracted. I’m a “squirrel!” kind of girl so I try to be cognizant of that – my phone has to be in the other room and on vibrate.

What are your interests outside of writing?
In my copious spare time, I like to read (go figure!) and create art. A lump of clay or a pile of broken tile puts me in my happy place. I am also somewhat of a sunset aficionado so I like to travel to places that have great ocean views and gorgeous sunsets.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
The one thing I would do differently is to change my branding strategy. I wrote the first book and set up all of my social platforms in the book name rather than my own name. When the second book came out, I had 2 websites, 2 Facebook pages, etc. Ugh! I felt like I lost a bit of traction when I first started promoting ME rather than my titles. The funny thing with writing is that you can’t even begin to know where you are heading. I wrote children’s books and then added a completely different genre. Now it all fits under the “pbjauthor” umbrella but I wish I had thought of that in the beginning!
My advice to aspiring authors is to get started with educating yourself on how the industry works while you are still writing – don’t wait to finish your first book before you try to figure out your publishing strategy. Whether you choose traditional, indie or hybrid publishing, you should learn the jargon, the standards, and the processes involved so you can make the best decisions for your writing business. It will help you treat your book, not as “your baby”, but as a creative, well-produced product that you can get out into the world. Your readers have been waiting for your book and you owe it to them to make it the best that it can be.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

Renee interviews author Stacey Horan

Tags

author, books, entertainment, Life, literature, publishers, writing

Stacey and I met when we participated in an author panel discussion in Jacksonville. Her Young Adult books involve contemporary settings, with a twist. She believes, “Real life is scary and interesting enough on its own. I don’t think you need to embellish it.”

 
Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I grew up in southwest Florida (on the Gulf Coast), but I’ve moved around a lot as an adult. My husband and I have a tendency to pack up and move every 3-6 years. We’ve lived in several cities in Florida, moved overseas to live in the UK and then moved back stateside to live just outside of NYC. Our most recent move took us to Jacksonville, Florida, where we now live with our two dogs – and we are hoping to stay put for a while.
I have degrees from UCF and Duke Law School, and I practiced law for almost twenty years. Now, I write full-time.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
I was working full-time as in-house counsel for an international corporation. It was a very fast paced, high-pressure job, but it wasn’t artistically creative. Needing a creative outlet, I began writing stories at night, on weekends and, occasionally, on my lunch break. The first book I started writing took about 12 years to complete, but it wasn’t my first published book. It was actually the third book I published. I’ve been writing for almost 15 years, and I have four books published with another one on the way. I write Young Adult fiction, and I love the genre. My books are, in publication order: Sycamore Lane, Inland, Ortus and Juvenis (the last two are the first two installments in a five-part series called The Elixir Vitae Adventures).

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
The biggest challenge for me is marketing my books. When I first started out as an author, I was surprised by how much time it took to market my books and promote myself as an author. I’m not a natural salesperson, so it’s a skill I’m still developing.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
I consider it my biggest success when people (especially kids!) come up to me and tell me they’ve read and enjoyed my stories. There’s no bigger thrill, or honor, as a writer.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you?
I gravitate to thrillers, mysteries and suspense. When I was a kid, my mom (who taught elementary school for many years) introduced me to my very first Nancy Drew book. I read that first one (The Secret in the Old Clock), and I was hooked! I couldn’t get enough. In one summer, I ready every Nancy Drew book my library carried.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
I’d like to be able to say “yes,” but that’s not true. I don’t write every day. I find it’s an impossible goal for me to set for myself. Nevertheless, I aspire one day to be able to write everyday. That being said, I do work at my writing job everyday. There is always something that needs to be done. Either I’m writing my stories, editing my stories, researching and planning my stories, trying to market my books and/or handling other administrative tasks that need my attention. Writing is only part of the job – it’s the best part, but it’s still only one part.

What are your interests outside of writing?
I have just recently started a podcast entitled, The Bookshop at the End of the Internet. (I’ve recorded half a dozen interviews so far, and the first episode will go live in early December). The podcast is dedicated to helping book lovers find new authors. I interview authors from all walks of life, who write across all genres and who are published in a variety of ways (indie, small press, large publishing houses). It’s been a lot of fun speaking with the authors about their writing journeys, and I’ve learned something new about the art of writing from each interview.
I also do classroom visits with schools via Skype in the Classroom. It’s been a lot of fun to speak with students about writing and to answer their questions. So far, I’ve spoken with classes in half a dozen different states in the US, as well as classes in Canada, Panama and Australia. It’s been quite an adventure.

Share some tips: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
If I had to do it over again, I would have started writing much earlier. It would have been great to discover the joy of writing in school (by which I mean writing my own stories in my own way) and to have practiced that craft for much longer than I have been doing to date. Nevertheless, I came to writing at a time when I desperately needed a creative outlet, and I’m just pleased to have found it at all.
When I was ready, I took a leap of faith and made writing my full-time job. It was a bumpy start, but now I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s the best job in the world.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an interview, email her at rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com.

Renee interviews author David Edmonds

Tags

author, books, history, inspiration, Teacher, travel, writing

David Edmonds is an award-winning author who recently took home the silver for his non-fiction short story at the Royal Palm Literary Awards.

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.

I’m a Southern boy, raised in rural areas of south Mississippi and Cajun Louisiana. No surprise that I went to LSU where I later became a professor of economics. I also attended Notre Dame, Georgetown, and American University and hold a doctorate in international economics.

I moved from Nicaragua to Florida in the mid 90’s to be with my lovely wife Maria, who recently passed away. I now live on the Anclote River in beautiful Tarpon Springs, Florida.

My work background covers a lot of territory from the days I served as a US Marine, then Peace Corps Volunteer, Fulbright Professor of Economics, academic dean, and US government official or scholar in several foreign countries—Iceland, Norway, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua and Brazil. And, yes, there’s a story in each of those experiences.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?

My most recent literary award at the Florida Writers Association was for a creative non-fiction short story called “The River of No Return.” It’s the story of my participation in an ill-fated drug raid in the Peruvian jungle in the early 1990s. I wrote a fictionalized version of the same event in Lily of Peru (Peace Corps Writers, 2015) about a professor’s search for his missing girlfriend. Lily was inspired by my participation in the search for a young American woman who threw in with the guerrillas during the dirty little war between the Peruvian government and Shining Path subversives in the early 1990s. It won a number of top literary awards.

My second novel, The Girl of the Glyphs (Peace Corps Writers 2016), is about a young woman’s search for a mysterious “glyph” cave in war torn Nicaragua. The cave was a native holy site in pre-Columbian times and also a hiding place for pirate treasure. Glyphs was inspired by my search along with former Sandinista soldiers for their hiding place in a Mayan jade mine during the war. I co-authored this with my late wife Maria, who encouraged me to write about it. Glyphs also won a number of top literary awards.

A third novel, The Heretic of Granada (Southern Yellow Pine Publishing 2018), is a prequel to Glyphs and also received a number of literary awards. It’s the story of a Jesuit priest who discovered the same cave in 1740s and refused to divulge its location to Inquisition fanatics who wanted to destroy it. He escapes on the day he is to be burned for heresy and is chased across the Spanish Main by soldiers of the crown, agents of the Inquisition, pirates, and even bounty hunters. Heretic also has a strong romance element.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?

I began Lily of Peru many years ago when I was a young Peace Corps Volunteer in a dismally cold Mapuche Indian village in southern Chile. It was supposed to be a romance about my involvement with the girl who got away—a young Peruvian exchange student who had to return home. Graduate school and employment interfered so Lily remained on an old floppy disc until I was back in Peru in the early 1990s with US/AID (Agency for International Development). The story evolved during a period of intense danger and bloodshed, but was not completed until I retired and my late wife encouraged me to submit it for publication. Although the novel is fiction, it’s based on many actual experiences, so I had to change names, locations, and circumstances, hoping the bad guys (and there were many) wouldn’t find me.

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?

The success of my first published book, Yankee Autumn in Acadiana (UL/Lafayette, Center for Louisiana Studies 1979) was unexpected. The book was inspired by Civil War events that took place in and around my old family home in Louisiana. The house was constructed in 1790 and was used as a stagecoach stop from New Orleans as well as a meeting place for vigilantes in the 1850s and a Civil War hospital and headquarters during one of the Union invasions of 1863. Yankee Autumn won the top literary award in Louisiana that year and gave a big boost to my literary aspirations. It was also the basis for a couple of stage productions about the Civil War in Louisiana. My second non-fiction book, Vigilante Committees of the Attakapas, was adapted into the movie, Belizaire the Cajun, starring Armand Assante.

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you?

Favorite dead authors—H. Rider Haggard, Joseph Conrad, W.H. Hudson, Herman Wouk, Robert Louis Stevenson, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Michener, Cornelius Ryan, and Hemingway.
Favorite contemporary authors—Ken Follett, Nelson DeMille, Ann Patchett.
Strongest influence—For Whom the Bell Tolls and A Farewell to Arms.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?

I write almost every day, beginning in the morning until about 2-3 pm. As for rituals, I research every subject, every item, every period and location. This slows my progress but I want every detail to be as accurate as possible—the way people spoke or dressed, the issues of the time, what they ate, the cars they drove.

What are your interests outside of writing?

I enjoy international travel, exploring places I’ve read about but never visited. I also love exploring the streets, restaurants and docks of Tarpon Springs. I’m active in my local Rotary club, history society, and serve as moderator for a writers’ group, and am on a museum board. I have seven beautiful grandchildren and try to spend time with them and also time with relatives and friends at my old family home in Louisiana.

Share some tips: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.

I have enjoyed my work and occupation but often wish I’d studied to become a professor of creative writing instead of a professor of economics. I also wish I’d worked harder at being an author when I was younger instead of waiting for summer breaks or retirement. On the other hand, my adventures/experiences in my occupation have been an important resource—sooo I probably wouldn’t have done anything differently.
As for writing tips, I have a few. When I switched from non-fiction to fiction I prepared myself by attending classes on creative writing, by reading dozens of how-to books, by joining writing groups (or creating my own groups) and studying the craft by analyzing every movie I watch and every book I read. I’ve since taught a couple of college level courses on creative writing centered on what I call the elements of best-selling novels (or blockbuster movies).
I believe serious wannabe authors can master the craft by using each book they read (or movie they watch) as a learning process. Focus on the following elements to see how it’s done. The protagonist. The inciting incident that sets the story into motion. The goal. The consequences for failure. The obstacles hindering the character. The supporting cast. The setting. The clashes of the character with the obstacles. The final showdown. The resolution.
Here’s the bottom line for me. In order to keep my attention, a good novel must have certain crucial elements.
1. A character faced with a BIG issue that he/she must resolve. This issue may have been thrust upon the character by circumstances or an issue the character takes upon himself/herself.

2. Serious consequences for failure.

3. Formidable barriers standing between the lead character and the goal.

4. Big clashes with these barriers. Conflict is what keeps the reader turning the pages. Will he/she succeed or fail?
In short—no big issue, no stakes, no barriers, no conflict = no interest.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her: rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com

Renee interviews author Pat Stanford

Tags

author, Brain, Family, Health, inspiration, Life, writing

Pat wrote about her sister in Fixing Boo Boo: A Story of Traumatic Brain Injury, which won a gold medal in the Florida Authors and Publishers President’s Book Awards. It’s an inspiring story of one family and the struggles they face when a sibling with a brain injury comes to live with them. Sadly, Pat’s experience resonates with nearly 9,000 families in Florida, who devote their lives to caring for brain-injured loved ones every year.

Tell me about your background. Where you grew up, where you live now, education, work experience? Share some interesting things about yourself that we should know about.
I was born in Philadelphia, simply because that was the nearest hospital to my father’s farm in New Jersey. When I was a year old, my father and grandfather bought land in south Florida, wanting to farm year-round, so I grew up in the town of Delray Beach, which is now quite the artist’s colony. After two years at Palm Beach Community College, I transferred to Florida State University, where I received my B.S. in Secondary Education, a degree I never used, since I ran off and joined the Air Force.
Most people don’t realize that I cut my teeth, so to speak, on writing poetry which I have been doing pretty much since I could hold a pencil. This came naturally enough since my mother wrote little ditties and sometimes serious poems in a little “write in book” that had blank pages. I will have a collection of mine published by year’s end.

What inspired you to write this book? What is the story behind the story?
After my sister passed away in 2012, I was left with notes that every caregiver most likely keeps. These are lists of medications, who you spoke to and when, emails back and forth between my husband and me, and between doctors’ offices and both of us. Then there was the saved information for just about anything that could and probably would eventually have to be dealt with. In cleaning out my computer files, I was going to delete them, but then really started looking through them and thought maybe someone else could benefit from them. I started organizing them into a timeline of sorts and thought I’d write a memoir about my experience with brain injury. My critique group wanted dialogue “to move the story along” and after arguing with them that that would make it fiction, my creative non-fiction book was born.

What has been your biggest challenge or obstacle?
The biggest challenge was thinking “Why am I doing this? Boy, this is stupid – no one is going to read this thing.” Well, apparently, there are people who were helped because I get comments at festivals and signings, thanking me for writing something they cannot do and that is to let others know they aren’t alone in their struggle. So basically, my biggest challenge was…me!

What has been your biggest “aha” moment or success?
That would have to be when I received the gold medal at the Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards. I thought I would get the bronze, but someone else’s name was announced. I was in shock when the silver medal was announced and it wasn’t me. I looked at a friend at the dinner table with a sort of silent scream because I knew I had the gold. Talk about taking doubts away about writing ability!

What authors do you like to read? What books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?
I love all books and – both fiction and nonfiction. I try to read at least 60 books a year and track it on Goodreads. Nonfiction include “technique books” for improving writing skills and then I also read biographies. I am currently reading the biographies of all the presidents in order. Being a Civil War nut, I also like almost anything written on that subject.
Fiction I like to read is more of the Action-Adventure type – think Clive Cussler – and that is what I will want to write when I am finished with the follow-up to Fixing Boo Boo.

Do you write every single day? Any writing rituals?
Ummmm…I write most days. I tend to binge read and then binge write. I don’t have any rituals aside from always having a little notebook with me, just in case a thought strikes me.

What are your interests outside of writing?
I have a rose garden I tend to when it isn’t so blazing hot. My husband and I have a boat that we take out in Apalachee Bay for fishing and sometimes snorkeling for scallops, reading (duh), art museums, which sometimes inspires me to draw and paint, something I used to do a lot more of. I used to be OCD about cleaning, but this writing thing has pretty much cured that.

Share some tips for other Authors or Aspiring Authors: What would you do differently? What would you do the same? Please share anything you think would be beneficial to those reading this.
What I’d do differently – Not waste as much time thinking that what I write isn’t good enough and just write better, using some sort of guideline. While I’m not an outline kind of girl, if I had something more than the timeline in place, it would have helped. Also, I would have studied what to do before the book was published – what marketing works and what doesn’t. Do some advance work like social media marketing, creating a buzz about it and then, what to do after the book was published. I had no idea that I’d be putting myself out there one on one and talking to people. But, I can tell you, having been an insurance agent, I would have to say this is easier and a LOT more fun!
What I’d do the same – I was writing for a specific audience and they are getting the message, but others are also finding out what it was like living with a brain-injured person.
I would also still have a critique group – these people were the reason my manuscript ever got finished. Not only were they expecting me to write, they gave me (mostly) positive criticism about what did and didn’t work.

 

Renee Garrison is the award-winning author of The Anchor Clankers. To suggest an author interview, email her: rgarrison@bestversionmedia.com