Interview with Author Samantha Holt

Samantha Holt

Warwickshire, England

Good morning, Samantha.  Welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors.  We're happy to have you here with us this morning.  What have you written? 
I’ve write mostly historical romances and the odd contemporary or fantasy ones. My latest release is To Steal a Highlander’s Heart which is a medieval Highland romance.

I LOVE Highland Romances.  What is your favorite genre to write? 
Historical will always be my favourite. I love to pull people into the past and research is always fun. I do find contemporary easier but I don’t find it as satisfying.

Favorite food.
That one’s tough! I love all sorts and it depends on my mood. I’ve got a real weakness for fresh pastries though.

Tea or coffee?
Tea!

Pizza or ice cream?
I’m not a fan of either I’m afraid! I think I’m the only person in the world who doesn’t like ice cream.

Where would you like to visit?
Russia or Malaysia.

Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?
I’m a big fan of Poets of the Fall, an alternative rock band. They’re not hugely well known but write some of the most beautiful lyrics and are so inspiriting. I always listen to music when I write.

What makes you laugh?
Silly things usually. My husband and I have the same quirky sense of humour and we’ll usually come out with something at the same time which will make me laugh. My children make me laugh too.

How old were you when you started writing?
I’m not sure. I enjoyed writing from an early age but didn’t start writing properly until about two years ago, when I was twenty six.

Describe your perfect evening.
A quiet one. A nice long bubbly bath, glass of champagne, dinner cooked for me and then a film with the hubby.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I wish I knew. Mostly in bed when I should be sleeping. Occasionally a word or theme will spark an idea but often they come in one great big ball of inspiration and I have an instant story that just needs fleshing out. And sometimes I get nothing at all and I need to work and work to get some ideas out.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I often have two stories going on at once. If one stumbles, I just put it away and concentrate on the other. If I leave a month or so, I usually can come back to it with a fresh perspective.

Who is your favorite author?
Jane Austen or Elizabeth Gaskell.

Best book you ever read.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
Probably my dad. We have very similar ideas and ethics. He also had a big part to play in my childhood as my mother was sick for a lot of it. We still chat on the phone twice a week.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
Find someone who can offer you support and kind criticism. It might take you a while to find the right person but once you do, they’ll always be there to encourage you and work through ideas. Also be prepared to do the same for someone else, even if you do find your fame and fortune!

Book Blurb
Moray, Scotland, 1231 

Alana sets eyes on Morgann for the first time in several years and what does he do? He captures her! But Alana refuses to go meekly with the sexy Highland warrior. Her kidnapping will reignite the rift that’s existed between the two clans since her father accused Morgann of theft and she doesn’t want to see her father harmed in the inevitable war that will ensue. 

Unfortunately for Alana, the faeries seek to interfere with her plans to escape. The sidhe have a debt to repay and Tèile, the green faery, is determined to mend the rift between the clans for good. And that means ensuring Alana and Morgann marry. 

Morgann has his own reasons for taking Alana and they are nothing to do with marriage or war. He wants to use her to reveal a secret from the past, the one that had him accused of theft. If only he didn’t find his childhood friend so attractive. When circumstances force them together, Alana’s life is threatened and war is imminent. Can Morgann reveal the truth without losing Alana? And will the faery’s meddling help or hinder his cause? 

Buy link: http://amzn.com/B00FIO4D4M
Facebook link: www.facebook.com/romanticfiction
Website: www.samanthaholt.org.uk

The Spore by Christopher Weed

This gorgeous, eye-catching powder-coated steel beauty is the work of the very talented American sculptor, Christopher Weed.  His work is very well-known in the American West, with pieces on display in Denver and throughout Colorado.  I had the privilege of viewing this in person at the Museum of Art in Colorado Springs, Colorado this spring.  This giant purple orb draws you to it, bringing to mind some fascinating scientific object... or maybe a squishy toy... or a kidney stone... or an alien spacecraft from Doctor Who, all at the same time.  Once you see a "Weed" in person, you never forget it.

   

Interview with Author Viv Drewa

Viv Drewa

Fort Gratiot, MI

Good Morning,Viv! Welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors. We're happy to have you here with us this morning. Tell us a little bit about yourself, how you became known as "The Owl Lady", and what you've written.

My first published work was the story of my grandfather's escape from Poland in 1900. It was published in the “Polish American Journal”. I'm working on a second novel, "The Angler and the Owl" which takes place on the Amazon in Brazil. When not writing I read or sew. I had my own business 'The Emerald Owl' where I made wedding gowns. I also teach sewing once a week to physically and mentally disabled adults. I wrote a newsletter for the area's Multiple Sclerosis group until the funding ran out. I was the owl girl for a while because I'm crazy about owls, and have been for as long as I can remember. At some point in time I became the owl lady.

What is your favorite genre to write? Paranormal/thriller, horror. I don't like gore or erotica

I don't read gore or erotica, either. What is your favorite food? Chinese

Tea or coffee? Coffee in the morning, tea the rest of the day

Pizza or ice cream? Pizza

Where would you like to visit? England, Vienna, Venice, South America, Jamaica, to name a few.

Venice is absolutely fantastic. You will love it. Favorite musical artist. Toby Keith

Do you listen to music when you write? What? Mozart when I have a slow day writing. Otherwise, the local country station.

What makes you laugh? Funny people.

How old were you when you started writing? 9 years old.

The Owl of the Sipan Lord [Kindle Edition]

Viv Drewa (Author)

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Kindle Price:

$5.99

Describe your perfect evening. That's a tough one. I guess sitting with my hubby and watching TV.

Where do you get your inspiration? I brain storm with my friend. Between us I've quite a few ideas.

What do you do when you get a writer's block? Save what I've written and, if it's nice out take a walk, if it's cold I read. I try not to talk to anyone.

Who is your favorite author? Stephen King

Best book you ever read. “The Ghost of Varner Creek” by Michael Weems.

I haven't read that one. I'll have to pick it up. Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why? My dad. He never made me feel I couldn't do what made me happy.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? Edgar Allen Poe. His work, and Kings, turned me more toward the paranormal/thriller/horror genre.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? Don't be afraid of two things: 1) ask questions and 2) do plenty of research for the novel you're writing.

Do you have any links for us?

Viv Drewa, Author, on FaceBook my web: vivdrewa.com
Amazon.com Viv Drewa

An Author Interview with Josie Cara

  Josie Cara

 New York City

Good morning, Josie!  Welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors.  It is a pleasure to have you with us this morning.  Tell us, have you always lived in New York City?

Yes.  I love it.

What have you written?

My first book, “In a Heartbeat”, came out December 14, 2013 and I’m working on my second book now. Hopefully, it will be out the end of 2014.

What is your favorite genre to write?

Although I will try other genres in the future, my favorite now is Romantic Suspense. No matter how solid two people think their relationship is, something always comes along to chip away at it. A little suspense, or better yet, a lot of suspense, can make a relationship stronger or destroy it altogether.  Time travel is one of my favorites and I will, eventually, attempt to write one.

What is your favorite food?

I love Italian food, especially lasagna and pizza. I can eat pizza every day of the week, and in NYC, there are many great pizza joints.

Where would you like to visit?

I refuse to fly, never have and never will. I think that, in a past life, I may have died in a plane crash because I am terrified of flying. But, from articles I’ve read, I would like to visit Paris – most likely in my dreams.

Don't be afraid, Sweetie.  I find a good, stiff drink makes any ride enjoyable.  You must go to Venice.  It is fabulous!  What makes you laugh?

My 13 year old grandson makes me laugh everyday with his silly jokes, faces and dances!

What is your favorite music?

I’m an avid music lover. I love it all, but my favorite, and the one I listen to most, especially when writing, is hard rock. Some of my favorites are The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Doors and in today’s rock world, Maroon 5, No Doubt, Black-Eyed Peas.

How old were you when you started writing?

I’ve always written stories in my head but started putting them down on paper in high school. I worked on the newspaper and magazine in both high school and college.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Men may have the physical strength, but it’s women who have the mental and emotional capacity to handle any problem that comes their way. I’ve watched many strong women in my family alone overcome horrible events in their lives.

What do you do when you get writer’s block?

I usually go back and reread what I’ve already written, add and delete and then try to continue the storyline. If that doesn’t work, I leave it alone until tomorrow.

Who is your favorite author?

The first author who really gripped my imagination and has never stopped captivating me is Nora Roberts. Her books have run my imagination ragged. In the crime books, Robert B. Parker caught my intention with his good versus evil, bad boy, Spenser.

What is the best book you have ever read?

The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon is the best series collection I have ever read. Her combination of American history with time travel back and forth to the colonial days has blown my mind. I loved every book.

That series is a favorite of mine, too.  I love Jaime and Claire.  Who is the one person who has influenced your life the most and why?

My grandmother was a woman plagued by overwhelming problems in her life, from being dragged down the aisle by her father to marry a man she didn’t know, to raising children with physical and mental problems, to helping support her family after her husband was crippled with rheumatoid arthritis and finally, to dying with grace from uterine cancer. Yet, no matter what was going on in her life, she always had her door open to family and friends who needed help. No matter what kind of problem they had, she found a way to help them. Her heart was always open and her face was always covered in a big smile. Our house was always filled with people, day and night. When she passed, the funeral home was overwhelmed with the amount of people who came to pay their respects.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Never give up. Keep writing and if you can’t find a publishing house to put out your work, do it yourself. There are more and more indie writers today who do a fantastic job of writing, promoting and marketing their own work. Amazon.com has their own publishing company, Create Space, who do everything to help the author get their work out there.

You can find me at the following:

www.facebook.com/JosieCaraAuthor

www.josiecarabooks.com

josiecarabooks1213@gmail.com

Interview with Author Alexis Allinson

 Alexis Allinson

 Orillia, Ontario Canada

Good morning, Alexis.  Welcome to Vision and Verse, the place for Art and Authors.  We're happy to have you with us this morning.  What have you written?  
I have authored “The Redemption of D.C. Hayes” and the “Dark Age of Bruce Mael”.  Both are currently for sale through Amazon, Lulu.com, Barnes and Noble and several other outlets.  The next book in the series is “Kindle: A Shadow of Youth” that will be released through Nocturnal Press Publications in July 2014.

What is your favorite genre to write?

I love writing in dark fantasy, but I'm working on my first young adult novel that is in the science-fiction/mythology category.

Sounds interesting.  Favorite food.
 Pizza

Where would you like to visit?
I'd like to visit the world.

Favorite musical artist.  Do you listen to music when you write?  What?  
I don't have a favorite artist, but my favorite musical piece is “The Music Box Dancer” by Frank Mills.  What I listen to as I'm writing really varies as to what story I'm writing.  While writing “Kindle: A Shadow of Youth” one song I listened to repeatedly to keep me in the mood of the story was called “Black Crows” by a group known as Dark Lotus.

What makes you laugh? 
My husband and my children.

How old were you when you started writing?  
I remember writing stories when I was about 3 years old and have been going ever since.

Where do you get your inspiration? 
My children and my spouse.

What do you do when you get a writer's block? 
It hasn't happened yet, so I'll let you know when it does.

Who is your favorite author?  
I don't have a favorite author.  I read a bit of everything.

Best book you ever read.  
A tough question.  I don't think I have an ultimate favorite book.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?  
My parents (although they are both gone) they gave me such amazing encouragement when they were raising me that I have never forgotten it.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?  
I want to speak one on one with “God”.  My reasons are personal, but the influence this being has had on mankind is part of why.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?  Go ahead and write.  Not everything you write will be amazing and not everyone will love it, but it is an extension of you and you are important and need to leave the mark on the world.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexis-Allinson/465733503448982?ref=hl 

Amazon:https://www.amazon.ca/gp/pdp/profile/A1HLI2NF1EPUTR?ie=UTF8&ref_=pd_ys_homenav_prof 

An Author Interview with Craig Hart

Craig Hart

Rockford, IL

Good morning, Craig!  Welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors.  What have you written? 
I have most recently published a book for writers called “The Writer’s Tune-Up Manual” and a book of poetry called “The Magician of Wrigley Street.”

What is your favorite genre to write? 
Literary fiction is what I do the most.

Favorite food. 
Catfish.  Fried, of course.

Tea or coffee?
Tea

Pizza or ice cream? 
Pizza

Where would you like to visit? 
Many places! But first up is Paris.

Favorite musical artist. 
 It varies some by mood, but I love Frank Sinatra!

Do you listen to music when you write? 
I used to listen to a lot of music while I wrote, although not as much anymore. When I was still doing it, I would play movie soundtracks and choose pieces that fit the mood of the scene I was trying to write. Occasionally, I will still do that.

What makes you laugh?
Oh, everything from Mark Twain to “Family Guy.” A guilty pleasure is watching the parts on “America’s Funniest Home Videos” that show people falling down. It’s terrible, but I can’t help myself. Karma got me back a few days ago, however, by making me take a header in a crowded parking lot.

How old were you when you started writing?
Mid-teens, I would say. Fifteen or sixteen was when I really caught the bug.

Describe your perfect evening. 
A summer evening, crickets, patio, and a beverage.

Where do you get your inspiration? 
Wherever I can. It tends to sneak up on me. If I’m looking for it, I can’t find it. If I stop looking, it usually shows up unexpectedly. Which is why I have begun carrying a pen and notebook with me.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?
A lot of my writer’s block is stress-related, it seems, so I try to back away from whatever is causing the issue. Usually it’s my work-in-progress. Sometimes just taking a break and working on something else will help me break through on the original manuscript. Giving your subconscious a chance to work can do wonders.

Who is your favorite author?
Currently? Ernest Hemingway.

Best book you ever read.
Oh, man. That’s a tough question, so don’t hold me to this answer. I loved “On Writing” by Stephen King. It is possibly the best craft book I’ve yet read.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why? One person?
Just one?! Hmmm, probably Winston Churchill, because he did so many different things. Not all of them well, mind you, but he would be a fascinating conversationalist.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer? Do it for the art’s sake, not the money. And if you have to wonder if you should be a writer, then it’s possible you should not be. Not a hard and fast rule, of course, but writing should be something that chooses you. It shouldn’t be something you can take or leave at will.

Do you have any links for us?
SOCIAL LINKS
My website: www.craighartonline.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/craighartwriter

BOOK LINKS
The Writer’s Tune-Up Manual: http://www.amazon.com/The-Writers-Tune-up-Manual-ebook/dp/B00DPEHPR4/
The Magician of Wrigley Street: http://www.amazon.com/Magician-Wrigley-Street-Craig-Hart-ebook/dp/B00F21L6Q4/

Interview with Author Sydney Logan

 Sydney Logan

 Tennessee, just northwest of Knoxville.

Welcome to Vision and verse this morning, Sydney. It's a pleasure to have you here with us.  So, tell us, Sydney, what have you written? 

I have written two novels, Lessons Learned and Mountain Charm. Both novels are set in Appalachia.  I’ve also written three short stories, all of which are available on Amazon: Force of Nature, Mistletoe Magicorce ofNature, Mistletoe Magic, and Stupid Cupid. 

Lessons Learned is the story of Sarah Bray, an inner-city English teacher who returns to her hometown of Sycamore Falls after witnessing a traumatic event at her last school. She begins teaching at her old high school and becomes friends with the newest member of the faculty, Lucas Miller. As they grow closer, they learn that one of their students is hiding a secret. When that secret comes out, they do everything they can to protect him from bullying—from both the students and administration. It’s a story about tolerance and love, and I’m very proud of it. 

Mountain Charm is a modern-day fairytale with a supernatural twist.  Angelina Clark is a mountain wMountain Charm is a modern-day fairytale with a supernatural twist.  Angelina Clark is a mountain witch who casts a love spell when she was thirteen years old.  Since then, her father has passed away and her mom has become ill, so Angelina wants nothing to do with magic.  On her twenty-first birthday, a newspaper reporter named Dylan Thomas arrives to write a story about Appalachian witchcraft.  Naturally, sparks fly.  Angelina doesn't trust his feelings for her because she's afraid they are being influenced by the spell.  It's a sweet love story with just a hint of magic.

What is your favorite genre to write? 

I love to write romance because that’s what I like to read. I can read any kind of romance, but when it comes to writing, I’m most comfortable writing sweet romances with mild steam. One reviewer compared Lessons Learned to a Nicholas Sparks-type book, and that made my day!

Oh, so when I read  Mountain Charm, I should have a box of tissues close?  Thanks for the warning.  Favorite food. 

My favorite food is turkey. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for that very reason! I also love fresh fruit.

Where would you like to visit?

I’ve always wanted to see London. Maybe someday!

Me, too!  Let's go.  Favorite musical artist.  

I love music, so this question is impossible to answer. I love Adele, Johnny Cash, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Mumford and Sons, and so many others.

Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

As much as I love music, I find it impossible to write with music unless it’s instrumental. If it has lyrics, I have to turn it off. Music can really influence my writing, so I have to be careful.

What makes you laugh?

My husband, my students, and George Lopez (the show). 

How old were you when you started writing?

I’ve written since I was a kid. I wrote a lot of poems and songs. I didn’t start writing full-length fiction until about four years ago.

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from music, people, water (I love rivers, lakes, etc.), and the mountains.

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

I usually switch gears and write something else. Sometimes it helps me to just walk away and write something completely different for a while. Also, reading helps. Good writers inspire me, so I always grab a good book whenever I hit a speed bump.

Who is your favorite author?

Such a tough question, but my favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. I love how he weaves a story and really establishes the setting of his books. I also love J.K. Rowling, Judy Blume, Stephenie Meyer, and Louis Sachar.

Best book you ever read.

Another impossible question, but my current answer is The Fault in Our Stars. I don’t know that I’ve ever cried so much. 

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My husband. We’ve been married for nearly eleven years. He is absolutely my rock and keeps me sane.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

I would love to have a conversation with Pat Summitt, the former head coach of the Lady Vols basketball team. She is royalty in Tennessee.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

Be ready for the business side of writing. Even if you’re signed with a bigger publisher, you will be expected to do most of your marketing and promoting. I read a blog post that basically said “writing a great book isn’t enough.” I always believed that if you wrote a great book, readers would find you, but I’ve learned that there is a sea of “great” authors out there, and I’m just a little goldfish. You have to constantly promote yourself and be active on social media, and even then it takes time. 

What’s coming up? 

We  celebrated the book birthday of Lessons Learned on September 6. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the book’s release! We’re also gearing up for a 2,000 Likes giveaway on Facebook!

I am currently working on my third novel, which I hope to release in Fall 2014. I also hope to release a Christmas novella on Amazon in December.

Purchasing Links:

Website: http://www.sydneylogan.com/2013/06/buy-books.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sydney-Logan/e/B0096LZK90/

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/sydney-logan

TWCS: http://ph.thewriterscoffeeshop.com/authors/detail/41

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.sydneylogan.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5787300.Sydney_Logan

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SydneyLoganAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SydneyALogan

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sydneyalogan/

Thank you so much for being with us and sharing your insights.  Please come back when you're ready to release your new book.

Thank you!  I will.

J.C. McDowell

 JC McDowell

New Orleans, Louisiana

Good morning, JC.  Welcome to Vision and Verse, the Place for Art and Authors.  Tell us, what have you written?  Is this a special day?

Yes!  Today, December 15^th, an anthology of short stories will be published called Library of Dreams. My short story is entitled ‘The Typewriter’ and it is a piece of creative non-fiction. The contributors had connected via Wattpad, and we decided to embark on this venture. All proceeds of this anthology will go to LitWorld, a non-profit literacy organization fostering resilience, hope, and joy through the power of story.

I am currently writing my sixth novel, all of which can be read for free on Wattpad.

The series is dubbed ‘The Love Bug Series’: Watching Fireflies, Dragonfly Awakening, Hornet’s Nest, Butterfly Sanctuary, Butterfly Resistance, and Dragonfly Redemption

What is your favorite genre to write?

Romance. Even though romance is a huge genre, it is very hard to capture true feelings and emotions of what a romance is intended to be. This is what I strive to do every day. There is always the old writer’s saying of ‘Show. Don’t Tell.’ I believe in romance, it’s not tell or show. It’s feel. You must be able to feel what the character is feeling. That is the biggest factor of romance, which I believe so few are able to do these days with the influx of self publishing, but when you find that one story, that one story that makes your heart feel, then you know you’ve found a true romance.

Favorite food.

Beignets. There isn’t much better than fried dough covered with powdered sugar.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee. Café au Lait to be specific.

Pizza or ice cream?

Pizza!

Where would you like to visit?

England … every inch of it.

Favorite musical artist.  

At the moment, Mumford & Sons.

Do you listen to music when you write?  What?

I do if I write in the evening in order to help me focus after a long day at work; however, I prefer writing in the morning when my mind is fresh.

If music is in order, I lean towards Ray LaMontagne, Mumford & Sons, a bit of country, or classical.

What makes you laugh?

Everything.

Oh, you're my kind of person.  How old were you when you started writing?

In high school, I realized that I wasn’t that bad at writing. I tucked it away while serving my time at Louisiana State University where I only wrote endless amounts of History essays. It wasn’t until about a year and a half ago that I picked up a pen a jotted my imagination down on paper. A year and a half later, I’m writing my sixth and preparing to publish my first.

Describe your perfect evening.

The perfect evening would be a relaxing one including a glass of wine with a book in hand and snuggling with my honey.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Oddly enough, I think the years upon years of watching soap operas were a huge inspiration for my writing. I always loved that moment when something huge was revealed and I would scream, “I knew it!”

What do you do when you get a writer's block?

When I get stuck, I go back to the beginning of the story and read it. I find it helps to get my mindset back. It also helps with editing farther down the road.

Who is your favorite author?

Jane Austen. How a woman could write romance without ever truly experiencing love is mind boggling.

Best book you ever read.

Pride and Prejudice. It’s cliché, but I cannot help it.

Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?

My grandfather. He was a photographer, and I admired his ability to do something he loved for employment. He worked at the New Orleans States-Item and then for The Times Picayune, leaving his mark on New Orleans history for generations to come.

If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?

I would chose myself in ten years … just to see how many more stories I have up my sleeve.

What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?

In the words of Ernest Hemingway, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Then I would hand them a quill in order to pierce their skin.

Do you have some links for us?

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/JCMcDowell

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJCMcDowell

Twitter: @JCMcDowell504

Wattpad: http://wattpad.com/JMackDo