Y - Your Questions Answered

In the U Post for this series, I opened the floor for all of you to ask me questions about my books, blog, writing...anything.


Here are your questions and my answers:

NOTE: Diedre, Yvonne, and Lidy Wilks all asked me a similar question, so I chose the first version asked by Diedre.

Diedre Knight's Question: With your website, newsletters, blogs, and editing on the side going on, how do you ever find time to write new books?

My Answer: I plan ahead. I’ve already started writing my blog posts for next year. If I set aside a day, I could write 5-10 posts. With my newsletter, I can put together 3-4 in an hour or two with most of the content done. For the IWSG Newsletter, I create a few pre-made issues and add the content when I get it. If I have to edit for a client, I edit up to a certain page count each day, and then I try to write in one of my own books for the rest of the day. Marketing my books is another matter, I’ve spent hours and days doing that. I do lose writing time, and it does suck.

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Loni Townsend's Question: Are you feeling better yet?

My Answer: I am much better. Thanks, Loni! (And Alex, who also asked this question, and everyone who wished me well.)

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Nick Wilford's Question: Which of your books have you most enjoyed writing, and why?

My Answer: This is tough. I want to say one of Avrianna Heavenborn’s books (more on her in a later answer), because those were the first books I wrote and completed. I also want to say Tsunami Crimes, because it turned out to be the easiest book I've written. On the other hand, (I guess I have three hands?) I want to say the book I’m working on now because it’s just so much fun! I’m back in the fantasy genre that I enjoyed so long ago but got away from. It’s a three-way tie! :D

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Karen Wojcik Berner's Question: How did you get your publisher?

My Answer: Well, I was Googling publishers that accept romance short stories, and the first one I found was The Wild Rose Press. I checked out their requirements and sent off a query letter for Hurricane Crimes. I was in a bad place at the time, so when I was asked to send them the full manuscript, I was in shock. I sent it, and then the Senior Editor for the Crimson Rose Line wanted it!

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Elizabeth Seckman's Question: Who is your favorite character you've ever written and why?

My Answer: Avrianna Heaveborn. She’s the detective in my short story, Ghost of Death. I have written a series for her, going deeper into who she is and all the things that make her unique. I’m working on getting representation for book one of her series. *fingers crossed*

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Alex J. Cavanaugh's Question: Why the fascination with disasters?

My Answer: Disasters happen everywhere, to anyone. Nowadays, they are happening more often, too. I think it’s the unpredictability and the power of them that really draws me in. You just never know.

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Chemist Ken's Question: You provided such a wonderful writeup on how to put newsletters together. How have you been doing with yours? Any new tricks you've discovered?

My Answer: My newsletter is going great. I have a happy number of subscribers, and I’m having fun with it. The trick is to offer your readers something. It can’t be all me-me-me or my book this, my book that. I like to offer recipes, teasers for a current work-in-progress, and giveaways. I try to do one special thing in every newsletter.

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Elizabeth Otten's Question: Where did you learn this abundant amount of information about writing, publishing, blogging, etc.?

My Answer: I did a lot of research and learned along the way.

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D.G. Hudson's Question: Have you experienced many disaster events yourself?

My Answer: I’ve experienced category 5 (and lesser) hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, mild flooding, and a brush fire (started by an arson) that almost took my childhood home.

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Pat Hatt's Question: Which disaster would you find the worst to be in? Zombie apocalypse?

My Answer: For the world, a zombie apocalypse would be the worst. Personally, it would be a tsunami. I’ve been horrified by them since I first saw “Deep Impact.” I can’t swim well, and I have a fear of drowning.

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Lidy Wilks' Question: What show would you spend your entire weekend binge watching?

My Answer: When you asked this, I was binge watching the first two seasons of "House of DVF." I love fashion, and this was the only thing I could concentrate on. I’ve also binge watched "The Walking Dead."

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The Beer Guys' Question: Do you have any characters roaming around in your head that you want to write about, but haven't found the right story to put them in yet?

My Answer: Nope. As soon as they introduce themselves to me, I know exactly what their story is about. But I do have way too many characters roaming around in my head who need their stories written.

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Shannon Lawrence's Question: Is there a different genre that you have the urge to play around in? Something that pokes at the back of your brain sometimes?

My Answer: Western. I have one story idea with cowboys and outlaws that would be fun to write. Of course, there would be a romantic storyline. But I have so many other stories that need writing first that I’m waiting until I have time to really learn about this genre before I attempt it.

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Jeffrey A. Scott's Question: Have you ever had to delete a loved character completely from one of your stories?

My Answer: Never. I make sure all of my characters, even the minor ones, have a purpose in the story. Doing that ensures that they’re not dispensable. If I cut a character out, there would be a hole, something missing from the story. It could be something as simple as comedic relief, which is important to balance out the tension in some of my stories.

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Carrie-Anne’s Questions: A) Have you ever had the experience of characters talking to you and demanding you do things much differently than the way you'd planned? Did you change the storyline accordingly, or stick to the original plot exactly? B) Have you ever been surprised by the appearance of a completely unplanned character? 

My Answers: A) I have had some characters go off and do things a bit different, which resulted in unplanned scenes, and I always let them do it. I’ve realize that giving them freedom made the storyline that much better, but I was always able to keep the plot pretty much the same. B) Unplanned characters have popped into my stories. Mostly it happens during moments that need them, and they waltz in to save the day. One of these surprise characters was Detective Thorn from Seismic Crimes. He wanted to be in the story, and I let him. After that, he dictated everything he wanted to do.

Author Interview with Joe Evener / The Elders

Today I have a guest returning to Write with Fey. Joe Evener shared "Journey to Seras" here years ago, and now he's back for Book 2! Welcome back, Joe!

Genre: Fantasy/Young Adult

Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press

Release Date: September 15, 2015

BLURB: "The Elders" – book two in The Heart of Seras series.

In "The Journey to Seras" we met Julie Ayers, a fifteen year old girl living in the quiet town of Sunset, Ohio. Her world was turned upside down by the arrival of the school’s new teacher, Marcus Campbell. 

Her teacher, Marcus Campbell had a secret. He was a warrior from a medieval dimension searching for the mythical "Heart" - a hero given to the people of Seras to rid their world of impending evil. Marcus’s quest was challenged when he realized that the "Heart" was the vibrant teenage girl. Against his better judgment he convinced Julie to go to his world and begin preparation to face whatever evil laid ahead while keeping his bigger secret, that he is part demon and was once a ruthless leader who terrorized Seras, from his young protégé.

The evil Julie must face was manifested in the form of Queen Pallanex. She was a wandering follower of the Elderess Eryx, displaced by her temple leaders as being dangerous and unholy. Little did they know that was the type of follower Eryx preferred. Pallanex was young, beautiful, and flirty. She seduced the aging Canis, father of Marcus, and became his queen...and his downfall. What secrets does she have? With the help of William, a demonic warrior equal to Marcus and his former comrade, Queen Pallanex has a plan that threatens both worlds.  

In "The Elders," we find Julie Ayer's reeling from her freshman year of high school, and how horribly it ended. Now Marcus Campbell must try to convince her to return to Seras to learn the secrets of Seras from the mysterious immortal, Redderick Bobo. Going back to Seras is the last thing on Julie's mind. She wants no part of Seras, or her teacher. What secrets does Redderick Bobo have to tell? Who were the Elders known as "The Five Lions of God"? Why is Julie Ayers the chosen savior of Seras? 

Only returning to the dreaded dimension will answer these questions and more for Julie. Can she bring herself to forgive Marcus, and return to Seras? The future of Seras and Earth depends on it.

Books Links:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I started writing this book series in 2005 during my first year of college (I was 41 years old at the time), after being inspired by a freshman writing class which had the first three books of Harry Potter as textbooks, and Classical Mythology 101. While I have always had a vivid imagination, I just had to put the idea I had to paper. I got inspired to the point that it was impossible to ignore. I started to put that together with my love of books, television and movies like "Lord of the Rings," "Gladiator," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel," "Highlander," "The Hobbit" and many others. I came up with an idea in which a normal teenage girl is whisked away into a medieval time by a trusted teacher who has a secret and is really a warrior with an even darker secret. I often joke that if you could picture Buffy the Vampire Slayer being in Tolkien’s Middle Earth, you would get a good idea of what I was putting together.

2. Is this book part of a series?

This is book two of the six part The Heart of Seras series. Book one, "Journey to Seras" was released in 2013. I am currently working on book three, "Revelation." Book four (The Dark Warrior), book five (Into the Abyss), and book six (Journey's End) are all outlined, and just waiting for me to get to them.

3. What movies inspired your book?

I'm a huge movie buff, so there have been a lot of movies that have inspired me: "Gladiator," "BraveHeart," The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter series, "Star Wars," and "King Arthur" are the major ones. I'm sure there have been bits and parts from other movies, like "The Terminator," and "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves," and I love Disney movies from my childhood.

4. Which actors would play your hero and heroine in a movie?

Well, I've always had trouble with this. In writing them I have people in mind, for Julie it's a young Valerie Bertinelli (think "One Day at a Time"), but I saw a picture of Danielle Campbell from "The Originals," and she would be a great match. For Marcus, I think Stephen Amell from "Arrow" would be perfect. Now if I could get someone to make my books into movies.

5. Is there a teacher (or teachers) you would like to personally thank for his/her influence?

I would start with my fourth grade teacher, Miss Blatt. She was the first teacher that inspired my love for writing. I wrote two stories called "Super Joe" that I shared in her class. Mr. Pry, my sixth grade teacher was a positive role model. In high school, I had several teachers that were positive influences: Joyce Barker (English/Drama), Ed Foster (Physical Education), and Lou Sartori (History/Motivation).  

6. If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read (dead or alive) who would it be and why?

The person I would most like to give my book to would be J.R.R. Tolkien. He was the master of the genre, and if I could have him read it, I would be on cloud nine. Tolkien created an intricate world, complete with individualized histories, religions and languages. I would love to get his input.  

7. J.R.R. Tolkien is an excellent choice! What’s on your bucket list?

I've checked off a lot of things on my bucket list so far: sing karaoke, do stand-up comedy, get my master's degree, become a teacher, run road races, and write a book. I have travel Europe, and travel across the western part of the USA left to do. Have my track team win a state title. Run a marathon. I would say those are my big four left to do: 1) win a team state title, 2) travel across Europe, 3) travel across the western half of the US, and 4) run a marathon.

8. What is the silliest thing you ever did while writing a story?

I act out scenes all the time, especially the sword fighting. I want to see where the body position is, how to move, and stuff like that. When I was writing book one, I was working in a warehouse…pretty much by myself, so I had time to act out scenes. I'm sure I would have had a lot of explaining to do if someone walked in on me as I wielded a makeshift sword, having an imaginary battle against myself.

9. I act out action scenes, too! If you could write anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I have written in some really cool places: Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico, cruising the Caribbean, the Outer Banks, Cleveland during the championship celebration, Walt Disney World, and the Bahamas. But, if I had to pick one place where I would go, I would say London or Paris, maybe somewhere in Spain, or Prague. Gosh, I can't decide - it would be exotic, completely different, a different culture and atmosphere, any of those places would get the creative juices flowing in overdrive.

10. All amazing places. Do you listen to music while you write?

Oh yes, I listen to music constantly. If I am writing a fighting scene I will be blaring AC/DC, Van Halen, Aerosmith, or Heart. If I need something softer with a little more poignancy I go to The Police/Sting, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Joe Cocker, Seal, or Tom Petty. If I just want to unwind and have fun, I listen to everything from Justin Timberlake, to Earth, Wind, and Fire, Outkast, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Stevie Wonder, anything from the 80s, and so many more. Listening to songs from musicals often get me going to – I love musicals: "Singing in the Rain," "High Society," "Oklahoma," and "Gigi" are among my favorites. My friends, family, and coworkers say I have the most eclectic taste of music of any person they know.    

BIO:

Joe Evener is currently preparing for his fourth year in the classroom, as well as his 23^rd season as a girls' track and field coach, and writing his third book in The Heart of Seras series, "Revelation."     

Joe's first book from The Heart of Seras series, "Journey to Seras" came out November 20, 2013. His second book from The Heart of Seras series, "The Elders" came out September 15, 2015.

Author Links:

Blog /  Twitter / Facebook

Thank you for being my guest today, Joe!

Please leave a comment for Joe. :)

Author Interview with Julie Tuovi / The Sirens of Falkeld Series

Today I have Julie Tuovi as my guest. She is the YA Fantasy writer of the Sirens of Falkeld series. Her news novella is The Last Nine Winter of Aidan Finley. If you’re as much of a fan of fantasy and sirens as I am, I know you’ll enjoy her visit. :)

Welcome, Julie! Please tell us about your current release.

My latest book is called, The Last Nine Winters of Aidan Finley…

Aidan Finley dreamed of marrying the girl with the red hair who stole his heart as a lad. He dreamed of a family and growing old together in a cottage atop Muireall’s wind-swept cliffs. 

But Aidan didn’t know what swam beneath the island’s dark, fathomless waves. 

He never realized what fragile things dreams can be. 

After a storm ravishes the island one summer day, he finds a creature caught beneath a rock in a cave. His choice to save her will alter his world forever—for even dreams aren’t safe from the siren’s song.

I have to give a huge shout out to the fans for this one. Aidan came about—in large part—because of them clamoring for more Aidan after I released The Sirens of Falkeld. With requests like that, what’s a girl to do, right? Write! Hopefully fans of Sirens will love this further glimpse into Finley history! 

Amazon

Goodreads

1. What inspired you to write this book?

My DAD was the first person to inspire me to write about mermaids (if you can believe it!) He said it in passing one day, and I honestly wasn’t too interested. I wanted to write something dark and gritty, and at that point, I was a little mermaid sheltered, and didn’t realize mermaids were capable of being dark.

Aaand then I saw a certain Pirates of the Caribbean movie...

Um, hello there, evil mermaids!

After a little digging, I realized that almost every culture and every country in the world has SOME type of mer-folklore, and that most of them actually aren’t your Disney-princess-sparkly-nice in the slightest. After that realization, there was no going back. From there on it was all folklore, myths and research and I’ve loved every second of the journey. Thanks, dad ( ;

2. I loved those evil mermaids! What books would you compare to The Last Nine Winters of Aidan Finley?

There are TWO books that I absolutely love, and actually reread a couple times while writing my own book, because they were good at getting me in the mood:

1. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, and

2. The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanagan

Both of these books are FABULOUS! They are both a bit darker and more moody, and they also both deal with aspects of Celtic folklore. (Win, win!) If you’re into that kinda thing, you’ll definitely want to read these!

3. Is this part of a series?

Yes! The Last Nine Winters of Aidan Finley is actually a companion novella that goes with The Sirens of Falkeld. Technically, it’s a prequel. But I highly recommend reading Sirens first, as it gives you context to the world and characters that will make Aidan a more interesting read!

4. Why did you choose the setting of Scotland?

I knew when I started, that I wanted a setting that would reflect the mood of the novel I was going to write. I basically just looked at a map and decided that the cold seas, high cliffs and rich folklore history of Scotland fit the bill perfectly! (Super scientific, I know)  

5. If you have a pen name, can you explain how you came up with it?

Julie Tuovi is my real name… although Tuovi is technically my middle name. When I was in junior high, it embarrassed me so bad. That’s the age you just really want to fit in, ya know? And my middle name most decidedly, did NOT fit in! I tried to keep it on the down low, until one day, I was at a party, and somehow the topic of middle names came up. I grudgingly mentioned that my middle name was Tuovi, at which point my friend exclaimed, “Tuovi?! You could be famous with a name like Tuovi!” Haha! I seriously doubted her mental stability at the time, but when it came time to picking a pen name, I decided, “Why the heck not?!”

(P.s. I don’t hate the name anymore… I’ve actually grown rather fond of it! Thanks, ‘rents!)  

6. I think that's a neat middle name. What are a few things we would find in or on your desk?

A mess. (HA!) Consisting of knickknacks, a miniature grand piano, a little ceramic orange bowl I made in kindergarten (currently serving as my push pin holder), post it notes, LOTS of pictures, multi-colored pens and markers, oh and lookie here—fingernail clippers!

Amazon

Goodreads

7. Fingernail clips. haha Can you tell us about your journey to publication?

I self published The Sirens of Falkeld, last year (2015), after being rejected about a billion times by agents. I got lots and LOTS of full ms requests, but for some reason or another, I couldn’t—for the life of me!—get one to stick! Frustrated, I decided to put Sirens out there on my own. I wanted it to get read, and I didn’t want to wait around any longer *puts foot down*!!

Fast forward a year later… I’m getting ready to release Aidan, meanwhile, another book I had on submission was getting some hits by agents (Yessss!!) One of the agents I queried was Moe Ferrara of Bookends Literary. I found her through a blog contest hosted by Miss Snark’s First Victim and thought she sounded like a great match for my book. I sent her a cold query and she requested a full! A few months later, I noticed Moe was attending a writing conference I was planning on going to. I emailed her and asked her if she’d like to meet in person (because, you know… why not?) And she did! We met, and the first thing out of her mouth was, “Heeeey, I actually wanted to talk to you, do you mind stepping out into the hall with me?”

*cue hyperventilating into paper bag*

She then proceeded to tell me she loved my book and wanted to rep me! AHHHHHHH!!! I totally played it cool (HA! Not.), but there was much screaming and jumping up and down in the bathroom afterwards.

A few days later, we made it official and the contract was signed! *squeeeee*

You guys, THIS ALL JUST HAPPENED, so I’m kind of still in freak out mode here. But when I’m not still scratching my head and reminding myself that—yes, I DO (finally!) have an agent—you can find me working on some revisions to said book. Once it’s in tip-top shape, hopefully we’ll be able to go out on submission sometime this year!

8. Share three random facts about you.

1) I can’t crack an egg to save my life—I get bits of shell in the pan EVERY time!

2) I can wiggle my nose the way some people can wiggle their ears

3) My thumbs are double jointed

9. I can't wiggle my nose or ears! Do you listen to music while you write?

Sometimes, but it HAS to be wordless. Lyrics mess with my mind when I write! If the music has words, I’ll inevitably start singing along, which is kinda detrimental when you’re trying to think of your own words.

10. Share your advice to new writers.

NEVER give up. NEVER stop improving!! I’m 1,000% convinced that the vast majority of success stories out there are because they were just too stubborn to let go of a dream! BE STUBBORN, OKAY?!! 

BIO:

Julie Tuovi is a read-a-holic, Diet Coke addict, and like her maighdean mhara, loves all things sparkly. Especially nail polish. In her spare time Julie likes to hunt zombies, debate the merits of pirate v. ninja, and rescue small kittens from trees. Oh . . . and plot ways to take over the universe. A history enthusiast, concert pianist, and attorney (but only when there’s nothing better to do), she currently lives in Ohio with her knight and wee baby princess, where you can often find her writing and dreaming of far-off, magical places. She is represented by Moe Ferrara of Bookends Literary.

Author Links:

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Author Interview with Patsy Collins / Firestarter

Today I have Patsy Collins as a guest for the release of her new book, FIRESTARTER. She’s dishing about her handsome hero and fireman-attracted heroine. Let’s get started!

Hi, Patsy! Please tell us about your current release.

Firestarter is a romantic comedy with a hot fireman and a few flames!

Blurb - Alice has a fantasy. It starts with being rescued by a hunky fireman, involves the kiss of life and ends in him not needing his uniform. At the New Forest Show, Alice is offered an innocent version of her dream. Reluctantly she turns down fireman Hamish's invitation.

Despite Alice's blameless behaviour, boyfriend Tony's obsessive jealousy kicks in. Hamish wants to take Tony's place, but a hoaxer ensures Alice already sees far too much of Hampshire Fire Service. The threat of an explosive sprout surprise, her mum's baking, sister Kate's mind boggling pep talks and the peculiar behaviour of Alice's boss Miles provide distractions.

Is Alice really in danger? What is Kate up to? Can Hamish possibly be as perfect as he seems? It takes Alice masses of wonderful food, disgusting wine, smelly mud, red footed crows and steamy Welsh passion, but she finds the answers. And rethinks her fantasy.

Title: Firestarter

Author: Patsy Collins

Genre: Romantic comedy

Release Date: 5th November 2015

BOOK LINKS: 

Amazon

1. How did you pick the title for your book?

At first, Firestarter was just the working title to save the document but the more I wrote the more saw how appropriate it was. There's the firemen aspect and the challenges they face, there are passions which set hearts ablaze, a cosy fire in a cute Welsh cottage (and the action heats up there too!) and ... there's stuff I can't mention for fear of spoiling the plot!

2. Why did you choose the setting for Firestarter?

It's mostly set fairly close to my home or in places we visit fairly often in our campervan. The van acts as my mobile office and allows me to do a lot of my writing 'on location'. The locations actually influenced the plot line in places - especially when it comes to scenes featuring wildlife. (Some of the characters volunteer in a wildlife sanctuary.)

3. I wish I had a mobile office! Did you do special research for Firestarter?

Yes, as well as learning a lot about birds and seals I also had to research firemen - it's a tough job being a writer! The local fire service were very helpful, as was my friend Suzy Jones whose son is a fireman. She gave me useful insights into their camaraderie and life off-duty.

I also had to eat vast amounts of yummy food, particularly cakes. 

4. Who doesn't like to eat cake? What would women find irresistible about Hamish?

Not much ... unless they happen to like men in uniform, or to be fond of broad shoulders and muscular thighs. I suppose his sun-bleached blond curls could be considered attractive and his grey-green eyes and cheeky grin definitely are. So is his sense of humour, loyalty to his friends and caring nature. Oh and he's nice to animals, can cook and gives a really thorough massage.

I may have developed the very slightest crush.

Patsy in her campervan office.

5. I think all female writers fall for their heroes. ;) What would we find in Alice's purse if we went snooping?

Chocolate, lipstick, mobile phone (cell phone), cash, chocolate, keys, family photos and chocolate.

6. Are any of your characters based on real people?

 I'm going to say 'no'. I think that would be wisest.

7. What is Alice's biggest weakness?

Firemen! She'd say that's not true, but the poor girl is in denial. She's also very fond of chocolate, cake and clothes.

8. Firemen are mine too. :P Is Hamish a bad boy or a gentleman?

A gentleman - and a hero. Not that I'm biased or anything.

9. Neither am I. Haha! What are a few things we would find in or on your desk?

Dictionary, musket ball, glass goat, model Scotty dog, scrap paper, notebooks, pens, cup of tea, cake.

10. Your advice to new writers.

Write what interests you. Create stories you'd like to read yourself, about characters you want to spend time with. It takes a long time to write a book and you want to enjoy the process. 

BIO: 

Patsy Collins lives and writes on the south coast of England. She's the author of hundreds of published short stories and four novels. When she's not writing she likes gardening, photography and cake eating. She shares her home with her husband and head with her characters. 

AUTHOR LINKS: 

Website / Blog / Womagwriter's Blog

Thank you for hanging with me, Patsy! I enjoyed getting to know your fireman. ;)

Please leave a comment for Patsy. :)