Romance Readers Reading Challenges discussion
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Mike Coe
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AC: Mike Coe of Flight to Paradise (June 18 - June 20)
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Welcome Mike, it's a pleasure to have you with us!I hope you enjoy your time with our members; and good luck to you all!
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Members, if you can please write the questions in bold; it would be easier for her to know that you have asked a questions and less chance that it will be missed. Thanks!
Hi Mike, glad to meet you. When did you begin writing? And what made you decide to write contemporary romances?
Lyn wrote: "Hi Mike, glad to meet you. When did you begin writing? And what made you decide to write contemporary romances?"Hi Lyn. Wow! I was told I only had 3 days. Those two questions might fill the entire time slot. Let me try to summarize.
When did I begin writing: I believe the first time I realized that I had a passion for turning emotions into sentences/paragraphs/stories was in my high school years. Back then we didn't have computers and cell phones so we had to actually write letters. I didn't really start my writing career until my highschool girlfriend's parents decided that she and I would be going to separate colleges--I was not too happy about that. You will read something about that in the first few chapters of FTP. I believe it was during those years that my passion for putting my heart on paper was born. Over the years, I have grown to absolutely love telling a story in a way that, when you read it, you feel it, possibly because in some way you have lived it.
"Flight to Paradise" (FTP) was my first novel which I started writing in June 2005 (published in May 2010) in a Starbucks in San Clemente, CA. At the time, I thought I would spend 6 months typing out the story and 6 months finding an agent/publisher...then repeat the process yearly for 5 to 10 years, add a few screenplays and movie deals and live the good life. Well, after 3 major story changes; 9 rewrites (not counting the draft); 1 line-by-line reading by 3 female readers while I took notes (punching up the female emotions) followed by an additional complete rewrite; one professional edit; and 5 years later--my baby was born--TAKEOFF!
I absolutely love letting my mind run wild with a story idea--the curse of an overactive mind. FTP was more of a "birth" than simply a story. FTP came from over 30 years of life experiences. I married my high school sweetheart in 1977 and we are still crazy about each other. What can I say other than "Paradise".
What made you decide to write contemporary romances? At this point, I do not plan on being a purist when it comes to genre. I love a good story and believe all my stories will have strong relationships and emotional connections, as I believe we live in a relational world. The one thing--a common thread connecting us all--is the desire to "be" loved. This is a very strong theme in FTP. However, as you will see when you read it, even stronger than our desire to "be" loved is our need to "give" love. For I believe that the heart's desires can only be fully satisfied when we learn to "give" love. FTP is not a typical "romance" novel. I like to think of it as a love story with a bit of romantic humor and a touch of mystery--several twist and turns to keep you on your toes. I invite you to read the reviews. You will get a clearer picture of how it has affected readers. FTP is the first of a trilogy to be followed by "Flight into Darkness" (Oct. 2011) and "Flight to Freedom" (2012). FID is a suspense thriller with the same characters (plus a few) and FTF is a humorous Southern novel which, at this time, will end the journey for my characters. However, I might continue it as a series if readers (and the characters) are up for it. The major themes supporting the stories are: FTP-Love; FID-Faith; FTF-Hope.
I haven't read the first book yet. But, I'll be looking out for it in the local bookstores. Especially now that the second book in the series is about to be released. But just in case, I have difficulty finding the first book, would it be difficult to understand and relate to the second book? and Why pushed you to write?
hi Mike - thanks for joining us - I have to admit, I don't often see men who write romances (at least that I know of), so how does it feel to write in a field that is so dominated by women and how do you try to distinguish your writing from theirs?
Hi Mike...thanks so much for joining us!!I was wondering....since you write romance....do you also read them...other than yours of course?
hi Mike, Thanks for dropping by. I wanna ask What's the most challenging about writing in general? and I wanna be a writer someday but I believe it's a hard craft to be in with a lot of accomplished authors, any advices?
Romina Love wrote: "I haven't read the first book yet. But, I'll be looking out for it in the local bookstores. Especially now that the second book in the series is about to be released. But just in case, I have dif..."Romina Love wrote: "I haven't read the first book yet. But, I'll be looking out for it in the local bookstores. Especially now that the second book in the series is about to be released. But just in case, I have dif..."
"...difficulty finding the first book...:"
In our world today, if there is a book that you would like to read, you should not have any difficulty finding it. I can’t remember when I last bought a book in a bookstore—and I read a lot of books. Before the e-book wave hit, I would go to my local library. Most libraries can get any book in print for you if they don’t have it. I did this for years and read hundreds of novels for free or, at the most, twenty-five cents. Then there is Amazon (no tax and free shipping--for two books) and other online book sellers. And now with the e-book wave, you can have the book in less than 5 seconds at prices that are amazing. My FTP is selling as an e-book for $4.99. If you don’t have an e-reader, Amazon offers a FREE Kindle for PC. There are also APPs for smart phones. See more about this on my FaceBook page. There is just no “difficulty” in finding a book and if you are willing to spend five bucks, you can start reading great novels--NOW. Plus, you can read long samples for FREE before you purchase. In addition, you can loan the e-book to friends for up to 2 weeks.
"...would it be difficult to understand and relate to the second book?"
No. “Flight into Darkness” is a stand-alone story with a continuation of the characters from FTP. It takes place 15 years after the end of “Flight to Paradise”. I have also written FID so as there are no spoilers for FTP—except: if you read FID first, you will know the outcome of many of the relationships that twist and turn through FTP. You will enjoy FID much more if you read FTP first, but you do not need to read FTP in order to relate and enjoy FID.
"Why (what) pushed you to write?"
I answered some of this in my first mini-essay in message #4 to Lyn (above). But to add to it, writing is a way for me to satisfy a deep interest I have in the human experience. As I state in my bio: "It is my goal that each story I write entertain, educate, evoke emotion, and leave my readers with a message of hope for a better tomorrow."
I have been married for 33 years to my childhood sweetheart. We are still very passionately in love after all those years and life experiences. We have both had an interest in reaching out to others and sharing the keys to our relationship success. I have also seen the dark side of broken relationships and lost love through the lives of many that I have been close to. We all need hope. I am pushed to write because I want to encourage others that there is always hope. On the cover of FTP, you will see a “paradise bird” flying toward the horizon and the setting sun--searching for paradise (see quote in front pages of FTP). We are all searching for our paradise. I found mine and I want to share it with others. Beyond the horizon there is hope—hope in tomorrow.
Dee wrote: "hi Mike - thanks for joining us - I have to admit, I don't often see men who write romances (at least that I know of), so how does it feel to write in a field that is so dominated by women and how ..."Thank you Dee. I absolutely love goodreads and reading what readers have to say about the stories they read. This is a real treat for me. It's like an online book signing event. I miss not being able to talk with these people in person.
...how does it feel to write in a field that is so dominated by women...
First, let me say: from my experience (marred for 33+ years; raised a 30 year old son and 25 year old daughter; counseled thousands of couples during the last 20 years - coeinc.org), it is my conclusion that men and women do NOT view the world through the same set of emotional glasses (not a new discovery). I throw that out there as a preface. For a man to write stories to a predominately female audience, hoping to relate to women from THEIR emotional perspective, is almost impossible--no reason to try and bluff that one.
I made a very interesting discovery during the editing process for FTP. After the first read of my manuscript by a wonderful NY agent, she said, "I love the story, but you need to punch up the female emotions." So, I hired a couple of women to help me--who better to understand the female emotions than a couple of women.
I interviewed a dozen or so women to find the perfect ones. Woman "A" was working at a Starbucks, was in her late 20's, and had been married for about 2 years. She was a very passionate woman who was in a troubled marriage. After her husband returned from a church mission's trip, he asked her for a divorce. Woman "B" was in her early 30's, beautiful, successful, and had been in numerous relationships with men who could not commit. She too was very passionate and emotional (note: woman "B" is now happily married and has two beautiful children).
For the next 8 months, I met weekly with the women and had them read the manuscript line-by-line out loud while I made notes as to their reaction to each scene. The process was invaluable to the story's final outcome. Unexpectedly, I learned something very interesting. In one of the readings, woman "A" was reading an intimate scene written from the female characters POV (point of view). Woman "A" said, "I already know what the woman is thinking; I want to know what the man is thinking." I learned that to write an intimate scene in such a way that a female reader will enjoy it, you don't have to be a woman. You DO need to understand human emotions and have experience with relationships--which I do.
...how do you distinguish your writing from theirs?
The template for most "Romance" novels is the empowering of an independent female character as she domesticates a man. That is not my focus. My focus is to capture the essence of the human experience (for both women and men) in a way that both male and female readers can identify with the scene. This is done when the reader is able to share in the emotions through the lives of the characters. I am always aiming for my stories to inspire the reader to desire/be motivated to enhance their current relationships, or to be better equipped to detect the landmines in their search for love.
So, I think that answers both questions. I find my stories distinct from most love/romance/relationship stories that I have read. Some say I write like Nicholas Sparks, except with more edge. I'll let you be the judge.
Dee wrote: "Hi Mike...thanks so much for joining us!!I was wondering....since you write romance....do you also read them...other than yours of course?"
I do read them on a selective basis—I am more interested in a good relationship story than a purely romantic fantasy. I read most genres. I’m not a fan of horror (I read the Twilight series—liked it—don’t consider that horror) and strain to get through the classics. I love character-driven stories.
Again, it’s hard for me to call my “Flight to Paradise” a romance novel, only because I believe a true romance novel follows a cookie-cutter template—FTP does not. FTP is a love story. I have read several romance novels written by some of the most popular authors in the field, but by the end of most of them I feel empty; probably because I am not the target reader. Please don’t misunderstand me. Pure romance serves the purpose of escapism, but when I invest 3-5 hours in a book, I want to take something away—something that will give me hope to make my life better. Kill two birds with one read, if you will; entertainment that sticks to your ribs. That's what I like...and that's what I try to write.
Life is all about loving others. We all live for love. I want to write stories that give my readers hope, encouragement, while, at the same time, sprinkling in the intimate emotional interactions that breath “heart” into a story about the human experience.
Hello Mike when you write do your characters change from what you had in mind for them?
Ashwaq wrote: "hi Mike, Thanks for dropping by. I wanna ask What's the most challenging about writing in general? and I wanna be a writer someday but I believe it's a hard craft to be in with a lot of accomplishe..."Writing (fiction) is an art form, just as is painting, music, acting, etc. The biggest challenge in learning the craft of fiction writing is learning how to convert human emotion into written words. An actor has to show the emotion as he/she becomes the character. A writer has to make the words/sentences transfer the emotion to the reader in a way they can, not only visualize it but, feel. The beauty of writing is the writer can take the reader inside the character's head, where the actor is limited to his actions.
The most challenging aspect of writing for me is to write when I'm not in the mood to write. It takes tremendous emotional energy to write--if it is done correctly. Actually, the best writing comes from the subconscious (more right brain than left brain). Finding a way to free the subconscious is the real trick. After a few hours of writing, I usually am exhausted and feel that I have been on a trip into another world. It is also a lonely world. I have found that even when I don't feel like writing, once I sit down and start, I'm in--lost in my fictional world with my story people.
As to your concern about writing being "a hard craft to be in with a lot of accomplished authors...": You must ask yourself what your objectives are with your writing. If your main motive for becoming a writer is to see your first novel (and subsequent novels) on the best sellers list, a movie deal, and a house on the beach in SoCal...writing fiction might not be your thing. However, if you are passionate about sharing your soul with whoever is willing to invest a few bucks to see what you have to offer, in hopes that you might develop a small band of loyal fans who will join you on your journey...then you should quickly turn the "I wanna be a writer someday" into "Just Do It!" NOW!
Even if you have a gift, the craft takes practice. Anyone with a passion to write can write a successful novel if they follow some simple principles pertaining to the craft: I suggest you start with Jerry Cleaver's book: "Immediate Fiction". If want more, email me.
Teri wrote: "Hello Mike when you write do your characters change from what you had in mind for them?"
LOL...sorry, but I laugh at the thought of my characters and their personalities. The short answer: yes. My characters have evolving lives and respond and grow as the story unfolds. I am often only along for the ride...and a thrilling ride it is.
To me, these people are as close to real as they can be. I have lived with the characters in FTP for almost my entire life. More recently (during the early writing of the story) I would visit with the characters, have coffee with them, go places with them and imagine how they would act, and what they would say. Perhaps I shouldn't be telling you this?
When I decided to write the novel (FTP), I had a "casting call" of sorts. You would not believe what showed up. LOL...again, it makes me laugh. From this group of very interesting characters, I selected the stars. In FTP there are 4 main characters and 3 or 4 supporting characters. Take for example Rex Dean: Did he change from what I had in mind for him? YES! YES! and YES! He did NOT disclose his full character to me during the casting call. You'll need to read the story to see what I mean. We can talk later.
Another way to look at it(for those of you who are parents): When my children were young, I had ideas of what their futures might look like. However, as a new parent, I did not understand that within each person is a particular wiring that is designed long before birth. As parents, we are not given the wiring diagram in advance--we are only along for the ride. I like to say: As parents, we are not responsible for the "outcome", only for the "input". Just as our children grow and change and ultimately become their own person, my story characters do the same. To me, my characters are real people (represent real people). This is one of the reasons for turning FTP into a trilogy--possibly a series. The characters are always growing and changing, just as we are.
lol I seeHow often would say a new idea come's into your head?
Teri wrote: "lol I seeHow often would say a new idea come's into your head?"
I think it would be easier for me to answer: "How often is there NOT an idea in your head?" If you scroll up and look at my responses to the questions, so far, you will get an idea of what happens to my mind when you toss in a question. (note: I had to work very hard to make my responses that short.)
I am cursed/blessed (depending on how you look at it) with what my wife calls: "an overactive mind". I guess that is why, even when I am not in the mood to write, if I can find a quiet time, fire up the computer, force my hands onto the keys...I'm off and running with the story. It even amazes me.
The most difficult challenge for me is limiting my research time. I have spent entire weeks researching the simplest of things that might, in the end, only contribute a paragraph or less to the story. This was especially true in FTP when it came to women's clothes--another reason men have trouble writing for a female audience. They say you should write about what you know, but for me, I enjoy learning about new things.
FID (#2 in the trilogy due out in October--a research nightmare) is another 5+ year project. It required massive amounts of research, mostly due to the story twist, themes, and the villain's background. There is an aviation/airline background to the story, which I thought would make it easy to write (I'm a 21-year veteran airline pilot-retired). But it also involves many things I knew nothing about...plus there are settings in Istanbul which was a strange place for me.
I am planning for book #3 (FTF) to be a faster write. The characters return to the South (you need to read FTP to understand the significance of "return") near where I grew up. The fun part for me is the casting call, which I started a year or so ago. People in the South are unique. I know 'cause I is one.
As I was writing FTP, I was researching and plotting FID and considering FTF. As I have been finishing FID, I have been plotting FTF. I am even considering a multitude of directions to go if I decide to turn the trilogy into a series. There are children, so there is no end to the possibilities.
That gives me an idea...
I've read through all the other responses and I didn't see this question....hope I didn't miss it somewhere along the line...but....Do you plot out your story scenes before you actually begin to write? I know some writers don't....that is why I ask.
Dee wrote: "I've read through all the other responses and I didn't see this question....hope I didn't miss it somewhere along the line...but....Do you plot out your story scenes before you actually begin to wr..."Hi Dee,
Like they say, if you don't know where you're going you'll probably end up someplace else.
To answer your question: Yes.
Here is why: With my over-active mind, if I sat down and said, "Okay characters, where are you taking me today?", there is no telling where I would end up nor how long it would take me to get there. It would be a literary mess. So I do a very organized flow chart for the entire story, each section (first 25%; middle 50%; and last 25%), in addition to story boards with actual pictures of locations, key elements, objects, etc., I visit the locations when possible (more on that in a minute). I use google earth to visit the locations via computer and satellite when it is not possible to physically go to the location of the scenes. I use youtube to get sound and action shots of the locations (from home videos or professionally produced clips). In the case of imaginary locations/building/etc., I visit the location that inspired the setting.
The flow chart (color coded) includes the chapter, the main conflict of the chapter, the characters in the chapter and which character is the POV character, and the number of words in the chapter. This would be a good place to say, each of my chapters is a scene. My goal is to keep the chapters short--approximately 2,000 to 2,500 words or less. This creates a faster read. Many of the readers of FTP have told me that once they started, it was hard to put down. I believe it is the design of the chapters/scenes that makes this happen.
I mentioned that I visit the scene locations when possible. In FTP, all of the locations are real. One reader actually told me yesterday that he was planning a trip to Point Loma near San Diego, but he needed to get his copy of FTP back from a friend first. He wanted to re-read Chapter 14 of FTP. In that chapter two of the characters spend some very important time at Point Loma. I actually spent the day up on Point Loma and wrote the rough draft for that chapter while I was there. Soaking up the sounds, feel, the what ifs, are all very important parts of helping me make the novel come to life. If this interests anyone, they should visit my website (www.coebooks.com) or Facebook page for more.
After the layout is complete I dive into the writing, letting the characters lead me. Although I create a complete frame, there is always flexibility to change the layout as the story unfolds. I mentioned in the first answer at the beginning of the thread, the entire storyline for FTP was changed 3 times, and rewritten many times.
It's almost like building a house: My job: level the lot; run the plumbing lines; pour the foundation; frame the house; put the roof on; wire the interior; hang the sheetrock and exterior walls; pour the driveway. Then you call the decorator and landscaper. The story characters get to choose: the wall colors, flooring, furniture, paintings, flower beds, shrubbery, trees, etc. In the end, it's a combined effort.
BUILD IT AND THEY WILL COME!
Hi Mike...welcome! You're books sound wonderful and they are definitely being added to my "to-read" list. As an author, do you find that your writing is influenced by other authors, past or present? Also, which authors do you enjoy reading...when you aren't working on your own books, of course :)
Tiffany wrote: "Hi Mike...welcome! You're books sound wonderful and they are definitely being added to my "to-read" list. As an author, do you find that your writing is influenced by other authors, past or pr..."
Hi Tiffany. Thanks for your question.
Yes, I'm certain my writing is influenced by other authors. Please forgive me, but your question is like a match tossed into a dry field.
Writing is a learned craft. At first, most new writers (of fiction) tend to write like a myna bird or a parrot, in search of their own voice and style. They are big on desire but low on skill, so they need training wheels. My first thoughts of writing a novel were like trying to light a candle in the midst of a hurricane. My desire was like a caged animal, but I had no idea how to write dialogue, had zero understanding of POV, tone, pacing, style, voice, verb selection, wordiness, passive voice, setting, feel, senses, and on and on. But I had BIG desire and a heart full of passion.
So, where did I start? I started reading (both novels and how to books). I set a goal to read 100 novels (beginning to end) in one year. I made it to 88.
Of the "how to books", my top picks are "Stephen King-On Writing", "Immediate Fiction" by Jerry Cleaver, and, most recently, "Are You Still Submitting Your Work to a Traditional Publisher?" by Edward C. Patterson (Don't let the title fool you. This one is packed full of great writing advice). There are many more, but these are standouts. I keep searching and consider myself a student of the craft--you never know it all and are continually growing.
Since I was more interested in relationship stories, I picked up Nicholas Sparks, first. I read all of his books and then watched all of his movies. Next, I read some Romance novels: Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, Jane Austen...and some Chick Lit, stuff like "The Nanny Diaries"...and a few stories by The Queen of Inspirational Fiction--Karen Kingsbury.
Then I took a shot at the classics (things I should have read in high school and college--but didn't): Steinbeck, Melville, Hawthorne, Fitzgerald, Harper Lee (of course she only wrote one--Pulitzer Prize winner--go figure), Hemingway, C.S. Lewis, and others.
Then I turned to suspense and thriller novels: Dean Koontz (read most of his), James Siegel, David Baldacci, James Patterson, Tom Wolfe, and others.
I bore you with my journey to help make a point. Reading is the best way to learn to write. My writing is influenced by every author I read. When I read, I learn from other authors what works as much as I learn what does not work. It is sad to say, I can count on my ten fingers the really great novels I have read. Hopefully, in years to come, I can start counting on my toes, too. The book shelves are filled with novels that should still be in slush piles--I think we all agree. That is one reason I love goodreads. It's like a team of readers helping me sift through the titles as I search for that next great read.
I'm always learning.
Ken wrote: "Good evening Mike. I hope you are well as you are answering the Q & A portion here this weekend. I would like to ask two questions. And they are more towards questions about an author's outlook. ..."
1] In your opinion, how would you define hope?
2] How would you describe the nature and feeling of love to someone who has never had the experience, a young person perhaps, or someone who has never been smitten? What advice and insights can you offer?
Hi Ken, I'm having a blast.
Before I give you my thoughts, the dictionary defines HOPE: noun: "the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best". verb: "to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence. To believe, desire, or trust.
This is the perfect opportunity to point you to the cover of my book, "Flight to Paradise". Love and Hope are the major themes in the story. Love first then hope.
The number one thing in life we all desparately need is LOVE. If we can't find love, we need HOPE. If we can't find love and don't have hope, we need to stay busy so we don't have time to dwell on either, because a life without love and hope is hell on earth.
In the front pages of FTP, I quote from "The Malay Archipelago", by Alfred Russell Wallace. This quote will help me answer both of your questions.
Four centuries ago, John van Linschoten (1563-1611) wrote about the beautiful birds of Paradise (God’s birds) during his voyage to the East Indies. He wrote, “. . . no one has seen these birds alive, for they live in the air, always turning towards the sun, and never alighting on the Earth till they die.”
The Malay Archipelago-by Alfred Russell Wallace, 1869
The Malay Archipelago is the chain of 25,000 islands (archipelago) located between mainland Southeastern Asia and Australia; situated between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist. He had been studying some of Linschoten's writings when he came upon his findings of the paradise birds.
The quote struck me as the perfect metaphor for this story. We are God's birds in search of the one thing in this life that really matters--love. We need people in our lives and we need to be loved. Ironically, our need to be loved is the same need that causes us to remain loveless. In our search to be loved, it is only when love is given that we ultimately find the love we are looking to receive. Even The Beatles understood this truth--or at least Paul McCartney understood it. The last song recorded collectively by all four of The Beatles was The End. The writer, McCartney, wrote the line: "And in the end, the love you get is equal to the love you give." Lennon called it, "...a very cosmic, philosophical line."
As described by Linschoten, one would have to assume that the paradise bird was lost. You would think that the paradise bird would know how to find Paradise. But according to Linschoten, instead of finding paradise, the bird wandered through the sky, always searching with no clear understanding of what exactly he is looking for, or how to find it; always turning toward the sun (following the setting sun into tomorrow, hoping to one day find paradise), until ultimately dying in flight.
Here is the real story of the paradise birds. Linschoten, a Dutch Protestant merchant, traveler, and historian, made his observation of the birds of Paradise after finding them dead without their legs. Carolus Linnaeus jokingly named the birds of paradise the "legless bird-of-paradise". The real reason for no legs was that the early trade-skins prepared for delivery to Europe were prepared without feet by the natives. This gave way to the misconception that the birds were visitors from Paradise (Heaven), kept aloft by their plumes and never touched the earth till death. Linnaeus wrote The Bird Of Paradise (found after his death). In this poem he mentions claims made by Linschoten: "The Dutch explorer, Van Linschoten, has made extravagant claims: ...that having no feet this bird cannot roost, so lives only in the ether of heaven, perpetually on the wing... it drinks directly from clouds, catches high blown insects from the air... and the only time it ever comes to earth is when it dies..."
Yogi Berra said it best: "If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up somewhere else."
We are much like the Paradise Birds in our search for love. Although we all live to be loved, we don't understand that our hearts were made to GIVE love, first. In the giving is how we find love. So, as the Paradise birds die in flight, never having found Paradise, many people never find real love because they have yet to understand that it is found in the giving. They live tormented lives, trapped in loveless relationships, or find themselves bouncing from relationship to relationship--marriage to marriage--and "dying" in their "Flight to Paradise".
From the front pages of FTP, I wrote: "Paradise is found when love is given; love can only be given when it is understood as an act of the will rather than a response of the emotions."
I leave you with a sample for FTP, Chapter 4. Ryan Mitchell is chatting with his mother, Martha. She is stitching one of her cross stitch tapestries--the cover of FTP. It will come alive after you read the novel. On the cover is a visual picture of my answers to both of your questions. Within the pages of the novel, I believe you will find the full answer to both of your questions.
The dialogue begins with Martha Mitchell:
“Most people spend their lives wanting more because they think they have too little. In so doing, they end up overlooking what's most important in life.”
“And that is?”
“People. Your heart was made to love people, and once your heart is satisfied, everything else will work itself out. By the time most people figure it out—if they ever do—it's often too late.” She tugged on the edges of the canvas and turned it toward Ryan. “What do you think?”
Almost complete, it was a late-afternoon beach scene, the sun three-quarters below the horizon, and the silhouette of a bird in flight headed toward the setting sun. Two empty Adirondack chairs, side-by-side, faced the ocean. Three phrases were stitched into the fabric—one below the horizon: LEARN FROM THE PAST; one on the horizon, next to the sliver of orange sun: EMBRACE THE PRESENT; the third above the horizon against a canvas of purple-blue sky: HOPE IN THE FUTURE.
“I like it,” he said. “Who’s it for?”
She folded the embroidered canvas and tucked it back into the paper bag. “I think I might keep this one for myself. It has a special meaning.”
Mike, thanks so much for joining us and answering the questions. I had a blast reading your answers, i can't wait to try your book, sounds like i'll be very entertained!
Rossy, it was my pleasure. Joining in on the "Ask the Author" has broadened my interest in the group. I look forward to participating with other authors.I will collect the names and make a drawing for the 5 FREE "Flight to Paradise" e-books. I'll try to get it done A.S.A.P.
That's great to hear Mike. We love when other authors participate! No problem about listing the winners when you get a chance. If it takes too many days, i'll send one of my tough girls after you!ROFL
Believe me, we only need one to get the job done. They have all sort of instruments at their disposal in case they need to put some umph into it.LOL
You're cracking me up. You haven't met my story characters, yet. Rex will be waiting. He has a way with the ladies. He'll turn your tigers into pussy cats.
This is your captain speaking. Welcome aboard ladies (sorry Ken) for your "Flight to Paradise".Lyn
Dee
Tiffany
Romina Love
Ashwaq
This is an e-book give away. Please send me a private message to claim your boarding pass to Paradise.
Captain Coe
OOppss.....I forgot there were 2 of us!!!So waiting on you Mike!
Mike, I'm so happy to know I'm a winner! Can't wait to read your book. I would send you a private message as you requested, but I can't find your email address. My email addy is [email protected]Lyn
Yey. Thanks Captain Mike Coe. (",)
Ken wrote: "Hi Mike. All I can say is Wow! Thanks for sharing that thoughtful and insightful answer to my two questions. Citing quotes was an added bonus in reading your answers, and was such a good read I pri..."Thanks Ken for the very encouraging comment. I do think you would enjoy "Flight to Paradise". It is a quick read.
The gate agent tells me there are a few empty seats. so we now have room for both Dees, Terri, and Ken. So ALL ABOARD to Paradise.Please contact me in a personal message and give me your email address. I plan to gift the e-book to everyone via Amazon's gift a Kindle book program. The way it works is you will receive an email from Amazon telling you how you can download your FREE copy of "Flight to Paraidse". There are many options for download: Kindle, Kindle for PC, Kindle for Android, Kindle for i-phone, etc. If you have a Nook or Sony Reader, we will need to talk. Those two can download the book from Smashwords.com but I need to figure out how to get you a code so you wont have to pay for it. This is the first time I've done this. I've gifted books from Amazon before and it works great.
I hope everyone enjoys their "Flight to Paradise". Reviews are important for authors so please don't forget to help me out on this.
UPDATE: Passenger list for "Flight to Paradise":Lyn
Romina Love
Dee
Dee
Ashwaq
Terri
Tiffany
Ken
Ken wrote: "Hi Mike. All I can say is Wow! Thanks for sharing that thoughtful and insightful answer to my two questions. Citing quotes was an added bonus in reading your answers, and was such a good read I pri..."Perfectly put Ken, completely agree with you!
Mike wrote: "UPDATE: Passenger list for "Flight to Paradise":Lyn
Romina Love
Dee
Dee
Ashwaq
Terri
Tiffany
Ken"
Oh you lucky passengers, congratulations!
Thank you Captain Coe for gifting more than we had expected, they seem to ecstatic!LOL
I'm going to run along now and buy my copy. Didn't even know it was now available in kindle. Mike you should try to merge the paperback and the kindle format. That way it's easier to find it in the formats available, instead of going through your authors profile to find it.
Thank you so much Captain Coe!! I can't wait to read the book!
Rossy wrote: "Mike wrote: "UPDATE: Passenger list for "Flight to Paradise":Lyn
Romina Love
Dee
Dee
Ashwaq
Terri
Tiffany
Ken"
Oh you lucky passengers, congratulations!
Thank you Captain Coe for gifting more t..."
Why takeoff with empty seats. I'll need to talk to my publisher for the e-book version. I assume the reason they are split is due to two different publishers. I'll check it out. Thanks.
Ah, that explains it. I was wondering why they were not together.LOL
Rossy, Amazon "Author Central" said they would connect the two versions. They sorta did, but dumped all the reviews. I called and they said they are having problems. NO JOKE!!! All my great reviews are floating around out there in cyberspace... YIKS!!!!!!!! He said to "check back" and hopefully they will get the problem resolved. I hope so.
Mike wrote: "Teri wrote: "Hello Mike when you write do your characters change from what you had in mind for them?"
LOL...sorry, but I laugh at the thought of my characters and their personalities. The short ..."
Thank you Mike. You actually encouraged me to pursue this passion of mine :) & I'll definitely check that book you mentioned .. I really appreciate the recommendation.
And YAAAAY! I got to win a copy ?????? that's AWESOME .. Thank U *bounce* can't wait to read it :)
Thank you Ashwaq. I'm happy there were seats for everyone on the "Flight to Paradise". You just never know.Be sure to add a review after you "land". Good or bad, reviews are important to authors.
Best
surely I will .. I love writing reviews ^_^
Meet Mike: Mike Coe was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama and currently resides in Southern California. He is a graduate of Auburn University (B.A. '76 in Aviation Management) and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (M.S. Aeronautical Science '84). He served six years as an Air Force pilot, five years as a corporate pilot, and 21 years as a commercial airline pilot for American Airlines.
Mike's fictional stories are inspired by the real world--where we all live; seasoned by his world-wide travel experiences; and filled with heart from his passion for the human experience.
"It is my goal that each story I write entertain, educate, evoke emotion, and leave my readers with a message of hope for a better tomorrow."
Mike has been married to his high school sweetheart for 34 years and has two grown children.
http://www.coebooks.com
Book:
Mike's second novel, "Flight into Darkness", (the sequel to "Flight to Paradise"), is due to be released in October 2011. Completing the Flight Trilogy, his third novel, "Flight to Freedom", is planned for 2012.
Giveaway: 5 ebook copies of Flight to Paradise. Open to both US and Non-US Residents.