Adri Sinclair's Blog - Posts Tagged "fiction"

Sometimes, you meet a person and you can't help but admire their skill and talent for story telling. This, is one of those times. Of course, I nabbed the lady in question in order to share the good feelz!

Tell us about yourself –
Ghouliana Stories (Bess Sturgis) is a professional storyteller and author. She writes and tells original “Not Too Scary Tales” designed to give thrills and delight but not fright for listeners of all ages.

When not in storytelling costume, Mrs. Sturgis is a professional artist and lecturer. She delights in sharing her knowledge of art, science, culture and history with children 12 and under at museums, libraries, art facilities and schools throughout the Human World.
“Ghouliana Stories’ The Shoe Troll” is the first book in her “Ghouliana Stories’ Series”.

An abbreviated version of the original “The Shoe Troll” tale was first told publically at the Wayne County Historical Museum, Richmond Indiana, in October 2010.

Additional tales told at various locations over many years, have been incorporated into “The Shoe Troll”.

The artwork on the cover of this book is a digital reproduction of an original painting entitled “Story Time” , created by the author.

It is an abstract representation of characters which appear in this book and in many other tales Ghouliana Stories tells.

The painting was purchased by a private collector in 2011.

What Genre do you write, and what genre do you enjoy reading?
I write fantasy novels for children.  My books are designed for young advanced readers (age 7+) who are academically equipped to handle reading “tween” and young adult books, but who are not emotionally ready to deal with many of the brutal themes of death and sacrifice found in those upper reading levels.

Also, older readers who are struggling to gain reading proficiency while avoiding the stigma of reading “baby books” find my books quite enjoyable.

Me: I would LOVE to write for children - I think it takes a special kind of person to do that, and the idea of working with people in need to learn to read without stigmas added to an already difficult situation is a profound ability! Hats off Lady! 

 

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
All of the books in my “Ghouliana Stories’ Series” are inspired by the tales I have written and told as a professional storyteller over the last four decades.

The titles for the next few books in this series have not been released yet by my editors, Vivien A. Hammer and Vincent D. Hammer.

Me: What more is there to add to this? I hang on the spoken word... I hope we'll get a video of you in action! That would be just super cool.

 

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most people think it is very strange that I write huge portions of my initial drafts by hand on recycled paper, instead of composing at my keyboard.

But, I love the freedom that comes with smearing up clean sides of old used paper with fresh thoughts and ideas.

Another thing is that I love to write ridiculously early in the morning. Some of my most beloved characters have appeared after 3:30 am but before 7:00 am. These characters don’t come shuffling in half asleep, wearing night gowns and slippers. They appear fully formed and dressed to play!

Me: I love this so much - while I do not find it strange myself, I can see how some may. I also like the smell of paper and admirable that you use recycled. I'd love to camp in your mind for a while, meeting these characters!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Is this a trick question??? (Insert a large snarky smile here!)

Sorry about that… ☺

Everything I read influences me… The good writers force me to be more critical of my work; the poor writers show me “how not to do it”.

Me: HAHA! I hear ya!! *claps happily*

 

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on the rest of the “Ghouliana Stories’ Series.”

Books 2-3 are in the re-write stage; to be released in summer and fall of 2015.

Books 4-7 are in rough draft stage with projected release date of 2016.

Books 8-12 are outlined and impatiently waiting their turn with anticipated release date of 2017.

Me: Busy busy busy lady! 

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My publisher, Kids at Heart Publishing, LLC., does a fine job of promoting my work through arranged signings, publicity events, speaking events and tours.

I do some self-promotion through my website, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

 Bes passed on a little bit from her book! Have a read!

Friends 1 : At the far edge of town in a gigantic old house with creaky doors and squeaky floors lived four very good friends: Copernicus, an enormous black cat, Galileo, a small brown bat, Newton, an extremely athletic spider and the house’s owner, Banchilla, a very powerful witch.

Now you might think that a cat, a bat and a spider were a strange combination of housemates for a witch to have, but the four friends had been together for a very long time.

Despite all their differences and the occasional near squishing, they seldom squabbled and although each one of them looked equally tasty to the others, none of them had ever had the slightest inclination to make a snack out of anyone else in the house. This made for a very good friendship!

My work can be purchased at the following locations:

 

http://www.ghoulianastories.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GhoulianaStories

http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail?invid=12773863357

http://www.kidsatheartpublishing.com/html/book_catalog.html

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ghouliana-stories/83/64a/201

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ghouliana-Stories/126991587471265

Thank you to all the readers and supporters of this blog, and thank you so much Bess Sturgis for taking the time to chat with us! Please be sure to follow this lady, and share the wealth of imaginative creations!

#BessSturgis #storyteller #etsy #kidsart

I met Ian Gessey when he put a call out for reviews of a short story - which I took a chance to read. BOY was I happy [and slightly agitated] I responded! You can read my review here, and see why I was ever so POSITIVELY disappointed: The Assignment. [ HINT: IT WAS TOO SHORT!]

Ian has released yet another short story, and I am yet to read it, but be assured once I do, you will get my honest review ... I do love the man's work! In the mean time, I kinda stalked him into having a chat with us! You can thank me RIGHT after you read his new work too!

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written/want to write?
Well first of all my chosen profession is not "author"; I work full time in Telecoms and have only recently started writing fiction.

I have four beautiful children, a crazy Cavachon puppy and a very supportive wife.
To date, I have three short stories out there, but my intention is to get into double figures as soon as I can!

Me: You know, I feel the same way about the word 'author'. AND I had to look up what a Cavachon puppy is! The cutest damn things is what they are!

What Genre do you write, and what genre do you enjoy reading?
I love thought provoking stories with a twist - ones that you have to re-read to fully understand the characters motives and influences.

I dont like graphic violence, sex or swearing in literature for personal reasons - having four young girls I want to feel that they can read my work if they really want to...in fact my eldest "test reads" my books.
I guess we are all so busy, finding time to read a novel can be a challenge - that's why I choose to write short stories that can generally be read in about an hour.
Growing up I read a lot of James Herbert novels - The Magic Cottage is a particular favourite of mine.
If I'm honest, I prefer non-fiction as I love reading about real events in people's lives.

Me: Well, you write what you read - at least, that is the perception I got from the short of yours that I've read! I also LOVE that you keep your work access friendly to your kids! That is amazing and very rare these days [unless specifically for children]. 

What is the name of your latest book/s and what inspired it?
The latest book "The Haunting of Mark Swift" was inspired by a dream I had...without giving too much of the plot away, I wanted to explore the notion of where a dream ends and what effect it has on your day.

To cram it into a short story was a challenge and sacrifices were made, but as with all my fiction, I want the reader to extend my created world in their own mind; to provide their own motives for the characters I create.

Me: I love, LOVE how you think - and can't wait to get into this one... but honestly Ian, I also want to encourage you to expand, if by writing a series of shorts on the same topic! The last work had me REELING! 

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Binge writing!

I tend to have a sudden flow of ideas, then i am faced with having to get them down while they are fresh in my mind.
I can go all week without a conclusion, then it comes to me and I can't write fast enough!

Me: HAHA!! THIS is the BEST thing about it... and I admit to not having heard anyone mention this before! I suppose at some point we all turn into a bit of a 'Nutty Professor' types. 

What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Herbert was a big influence, as was Sebastian Jungers' fascinating work "The Perfect Storm"

Me: Never read Sebastian, and now I have a new person added to my TBR list. This is one of my favourite thing about meeting other writers!

What are you working on now?
At the moment I am still working on fictional short stories - ideas are coming thick and fast so I just have to control them!

Me: Just let the flood gates open, do it, doooo iiiit!!!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have only tried Twitter and Facebook at the moment; there are lots of free channels so hopefully my work will gain momentum.

Me: I hear you! Marketing can be time consuming to set up - but I also say that you shouldn't be fussed by it until you're ready to give it the deserved attention. I am 'old fashioned' about my marketing and prefer not to automate/spam - I'll spam manually haha.

Do you have any advice for new authors like yourself?
Enjoy what you are writing - there is no point "labouring" over a book - it has to come to you.

Dont be afraid to ditch an idea if its not workable.
Self publishing is a great way to get your work out there. Just make sure it's grammatically accurate and spell checked as the audience you pitch to can be quite critical - too right, especially if they are paying for your work!

Me: ABSOLUTELY LOVED this. Thank you Ian!


What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Slowly tap the Ketchup bottle

None will come, then a lot'll

Me: Laughs - I think that about sums it up!

From beginning to end, how long does/did it take you to write your book?
"The Cornish Coast" took about six months as i needed it to be as accurate as possible.

Fiction short stories - generally a week to ten days if I am on form!

Me: Oh that is superb!! And yes, research can be taxing on time!

What are you reading now?
Umberto Eco's "The Name of The Rose" - I saw the movie years ago and decided to compare. Loving it so far.

Me: Oh sooo many new things for this Dutchie to check out! Will get to that too!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep the fiction coming and I want it to be priced right.

99p or 99c is perfectly adequate for a short story...I don't want to undervalue my work, but I don't want to put people off either.

Me: I really love that, and your ideals are solid - I think for the shorter writing the 0.99c is perfect - though I admit, I think your writing is worth more than that.

Tell us something very few people know about you! [Like, I suck my thumb when I am about to kill off someone!]
I once hid behind a cupboard for a double lesson of English for a dare while we had a drunk supply teacher - my school friends passed me my work books and a hand held game, so I was happy!

Me: OH mai greatness! I snorted so hard about this! Fan-tastic!

What is your favorite book of all time?
Fiction - The Magic Cottage  ---  Non Fiction - Withnails - Richard E Grant

Where can we get your blog/books or writing?
My books are available from Amazon only - the easiest link is

Amazon Link to Profile: iangessey.uk

You can follow me on Twitter @Ian_Gessey if you REALLY want to!

And that folks, in a nutshell, is the humble, funny and very sweet Ian Gessey. Thank you all for reading, and I hope you will check out his work. It is well worth it!
Thank you all for being here, and supporting the Indie Author communities too... without you, we'd have a little less reason to write!
xxx
Adri

Heather KirchhoffThis lady lives in a small town in Missouri with her three parents, siblings, a dog, and three cats.

She became a bookworm back in sixth grade when her teacher suggested the
Phantom Stallion series by Terri Farley and instantly fell in love.

Heather loves reading paranormal stories, plus some love ones here and there. Honestly, she assures me, she'll read anything as long as it's good.

Writing is her passion.

Heather loves animals; she's heartbroken that not all of them have loving homes.

When she isn't writing, Heather is reading, editing, promoting, taking walks, taking pictures, or spending time with her best friend and animals/family.

Heather wrote Fading, a short story you can pick up on Amazon by clicking this link - it is only
0.99c!

Get in touch with the lady below! Thank you to all the readers, and all the supporters of Indie Authors! 
Thank you Heather for spending time with us and let us get to know a little about you too!! xxx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?q=#!/pages/Heather-Kirchhoff/376618135776063
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherKirc
TSU: http://www.tsu.co/#./HeatherKirchhoff
Booktropolous Social: https://booktropoloussocial.com/index.php?do=/profile-4921/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/heatherkirc/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Kirchhoff/e/B00ED77LEY

Have a look what is on our table today - Fresh off the press!

 

Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. Her hobbies include reading, writing, crocheting, traveling, photography, and spending time with her family. Some of Amanda Mariel's favorite places in the continental U.S. are Harper's Ferry West Virginia and Sea Brook New Hampshire. She loves the history that surrounds them and visits every chance she gets.

Amanda Mariel lives along the Lake Huron shore line in northern Michigan with her husband and two kids. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in literature and has a long standing love affair with sugary junk food.

So what about the good stuff? 
Right! I'm on it!
Amanda is releasing her latest book!

Scandalous Intentions.

Amazon USA:   Amazon.UK:    All Romance:    Kobo:

When faced with losing his inheritance, notorious rake Lord Julian Luvington sets his sights on Lady Sara. She’s as respectable as they come, just what his father ordered. But the lady shall not be easily won.

She’s determined to marry for love or not at all, and she’ll do anything to obtain the freedom granted to men. A blackguard like Lord Luvington could destroy her hard-won reputation, but marriage to him also offers her the opportunities she can’t achieve on her own. What’s a lady to do?

When Lord Luvington refuses to abandon his pursuit, Lady Sara proposes an arrangement. Only the price may be more than either bargained for. Lady Sara could lose more than her social standing and Julian could lose his heart.

We are also treated to a little Exerpt!

Sarah pushed out a sigh as Lord Luvington lead her toward a stone bench nestled among the lush green hedge.

“Shall we sit for a moment? I wish to explain.” He pressed his arm against her hand then loosened it again.

She looked away. “Very well. Though I cannot imagine what you might say to change things.” Sarah hesitated for a moment, reluctant to release her grip on him before she lowered herself onto the bench. The stone’s cool exterior seeped through her skirts, a welcome contrast to the warmth radiating through her. She rested one hand on her lap and waved her fan with the other.

Lord Luvington positioned himself on the bench a smidgen closer than was proper, angling himself so that he faced her. The fresh spring scents of foliage and flowers took on a heady intensity. She stared fixedly at the hedge in front of her. Her face flamed though she could not credit it to the heat of the atmosphere.

She needed to take control of the situation before it swept her away. “Speak your piece and be done with it. I do not wish to linger here over long.” He flashed a toe-curling grin just before she glanced away.

“What I said in the park was the truth. Is the truth. But there is more to it than just my need of a respectable wife.”

“Do tell.” She lowered her fan to her lap, its ribbons trailing in the breeze, and locked her gaze with his.

“I have come to care for you, admire you, even. You’re a fascinating and attractive woman.”

She plucked at her satin skirts as the heat climbed back into her face.

“It is true that I will not inherit the duchy without a proper society wife. It is the very reason I began looking for one. I shall not deny it, but nor is it the reason I continue to pursue you.” He reached up and brushed a curl that had escaped her bonnet away from her cheek.

His fingers left a tingling trail in their wake, and something inside Sarah began to crumble. She glanced down at the path they had just walked.

“I would like the chance to make this right. Allow me to court you, Lady Sarah. Let us discover if there might be something real between us.”

She glanced at him, unsure how to respond. Her mind screamed no, but her heart and soul begged for him. She wanted to reach out and run her hand across his strong jaw, feel his lips pressed against hers, discover what it felt like to be in his arms.

“Spend the rest of the party in my company, Lady Sarah. Grant me one afternoon to change your mind.”

A wave of tingles ran down her and congregated in her abdomen at his smile. This was dangerous, and she knew it. And yet…

Please remember to visit this fantastic Author and show her some loving! 

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorAma...

Blog http://musingsbymandy.wordpress.com/

Email [email protected]

Twitter www.twitter.com/AmandaMarieAuth

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00RKDC3CI

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/10209362.Amanda_Marie

Street Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/794424853928522/

Website: http://amandamarieauthor.wix.com/amandamariel

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bhkzmj

Thank you all again for your support, there is just nothing better in the world  than a group of avid readers, supporting a group of avid writers! You guys rock!!