Author Interview and Giveaway: Amani's River by David Hartness

DAVID HARTNESS is an award winning author and freelance writer. An avid traveler, inspired by many cultures, David enjoys using this subject in his blog "A Small Perspective." 

Raised on Vashon, a small island in Puget Sound, Washington, David learned the values of life and hard work to pursue his ambitions. This led him to travel internationally, serving a small school in Ebukolo, Kenya. While in Kenya, he lived in a mud hut with no running water or electricity. Mr. Hartness had ambitions to make lasting change while in Kenya but ended up learning more from the experience than he gave back. 
He later served in the U.S. Peace Corps as an education volunteer stationed in Namaacha, Mozambique. Upon leaving service, David continued his education, receiving an MBA from Walden University, and currently enrolled in a DBA program. 
Amani's River is David's first full-length novel.
Buy on Amazon

The Interview:

What events or works inspired the story of Aderito?
Several events inspired the wok of Aderito. First and for most the Mozambican civil war, was an even that I needed to tell. Second, many news stories have come out about child soldiers, and I felt the need to tell their story. There are currently 250,000 children serving in wars around the world, and I wanted to give them a voice. I wanted to tell a story about the war that ended in 1992, but a story that was still relevant in today’s world. As a result, Aderito was born.

You didn't pull any punches in Amani's River. Was it hard putting Aderito through so much turmoil?
It was very hard. There were many moments that I had to stop writing, or editing and walk away for a few minutes to clear my head. What was harder, was hearing the countless stories of child soldiers during the war, from people who lived through the experience. A little piece of their life was told through the eyes of Aderito.

Tell us about your day job.
Well, I am an author, but I also wok in the education sector. I work for an NGO, and just moved to the DC/Maryland area.

This is your first novel length work. Can we expect more from you in the future?
I have actually just started my next novel. This novel will deal with bullying. I worked with the National Burn Foundation while working at Waskowitz Outdoor School, and I remember the pain they had and the stories they shared. I wanted my next character to deal with these issues, and deal with severe bullying at school. I then wanted to bring in another character who is blind, and who is able to understand the inner beauty in everyone, and is not consumed by the physical presence of others. The story was inspired by the Burn Foundation, but also a Mark Twain quote, “kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” It is a work in progress, but I think very few novels dive into this subject matter and bring these two complex characters together to face their fears and issues. It would be an honor to bring this to the literary community.

Growing up, I had to censor my darker works for the sanity of my teachers and family. Are you worried about your son reading this work, or has he already?
I am worried about it, but he will read it soon. I am starting to become okay with it, because it is a story about an event that took place. As long as I am there to talk him though some of the scenes, things should be okay.

You were an education volunteer in the Peace Corps. Do you still teach?
Yes, I still teach, but these days I am working for Non-government organizations.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Never give up. You may enter a very complex and competitive market, but you have a story to tell, so go and tell it. Don’t be afraid of what people may say.

How accurate is the history in Amani’s River?
Amani’s River is accurate, in terms of dates and events. Everything that happened in the book did happen to someone during the war. Most of the events happened, but the characters are fictional. However, child soldiers were real, what they forced them to do, was real, and the horrific events that they lived through were real. 

Why did you decide to have the main character come from the USA?
The novel was made for a US market. I thought by taking the fictional character from the US, giving a real and plausible reason for moving to Mozambique; this would resonate to the audience. Violence, in a war or domestically, can afflict anyone. I wanted to shock, make people think and resonate with the character, and I felt this character would do the best job.

Anything else we should know?
Amani’s River is an a Historical Fiction novel based on the Mozambican civil war, which follows Aderito through the brutal violence that forced him into the rebel movement only to become a child, soldier. Based on historical facts, but told through the eyes of a fictional character, allows the reader to see the travesty of war.

The unique story is based on the real-life events of the civil war, but unlike other war novels, Amani’s River tells the story as is, and spares nothing when describing the atrocities of being a child soldier. Also, Amani’s River is as relevant today as it was during the 1990’s because there are roughly 250,000 child soldiers currently serving rebel and government armies around the world.

Armies around the world have found using child soldiers to be cost effective because they eat less and are vulnerable enough to not question authority. Given the relevance of today, Amani’s River is an important novel to read to shed light on an important issue. Developing countries need to come together to put an end to the atrocities that children face every day.


The Giveaway: (Winners will be announced 9/3)



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Book Review and Author Interview: Child of privilege by Ross Ponderson

Dana Van Werner is riding a bus bound for nowhere.
In her pockets, she carries a bus ticket, $260, hope, her own wits, and an unbreakable will. In her memories, she carries the nightmares of frequent beatings, growing up in constant fear, physical and verbal abuse, and her father's unfathomable hatred. Dana, a 19-year-old débutante born into wealth, privilege, culture, and social standing, ponders her new world--the "real" world--for which she is laughably ill-prepared.
She doesn't know where she's going, where her next meal is coming from, or where she'll sleep tonight. She does, however, take comfort in two certainties: that the brutal beatings at the hands of her father--a psychotic, powerful attorney--are finally over; and that her decision to run away from the palatial mansion she once called home has probably saved her life.
This lovable, down-to-earth teenager (more "girl next door" than débutante) grows up quickly as she confronts intercity buses, seedy motels, wet t-shirt contests, jail cells, honky-tonks, and predatory night people. All the while, she is relentlessly pursued by private investigators hired by her revenge-obsessed father to bring her back under his control. 
You'll find yourself cheering the courage, strength, and determination of this endearing heroine as she searches for a new home and a new life, and finds a gentle, caring man--a bachelor deputy sheriff--who truly loves her. 
But she has no inkling of the nightmare awaiting her at the end of the road.
This emotional rollercoaster will lift you to heartwarming heights, plunge you into tearful depths, and amuse you with moments of wry humor. 
Join Dana Van Werner on her desperate journey. Let this Child of Privilege inspire you, uplift you, and touch you in her uniquely personal way. You just may discover a part of yourself in her.


My Review:
I received an e-copy of this book from the author for review. This was a really hard book to read, emotionally. Ponderson brings up a lot of hard topics that I had to take a break from a couple times, and it took a long time for me to digest and write a review. Like, six months long. Sorry, Ross.

But this book was a really good, if not really important book to read about how even the most privileged can be suffering under the ruling thumb of an abuser. It also highlights how shady and what lengths abusers will go to in order to hide what they are doing and continue abusing people.

It's a tough book to read, not necessarily for the faint of heart. But ultimately Ponderson approaches a hard topic that is usually only discussed behind closed doors and brings it to light in the form of a high quality fiction novel.


The Interview:

On your nightstand now: The Pitcher by William Hazelgrove (haven’t opened it yet) and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Reboot Your Life.
Favorite book when you were a child: Mister Roberts. See below.
Your top five authors:
I’m basically an “old school” guy, and my reading tastes lean toward the classics that have endured the test of time. Over the years, my favorite reads have been the authors to whom I was introduced (literally by force) back in school: John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Thornton Wilder (nearly everyone was required to read Our Town in high school), Charles Dickens (who can hate A Christmas Carol?), and Mark Twain. If I have a yen for a more “modern” read, I would probably gravitate toward Scott Turow, John Grisham, Clive Cussler, William Hazelgrove, and maybe a touch of Danielle Steel.
Book you've faked reading: 
The Magnificent Ambersons. Unfortunately, there was a pop quiz on the book later that week. Oops.
Book you're an evangelist for: 
Forgiven by Charles E. Shepard, which describes the rise and fall of the PTL empire and its leader, TV evangelist Jim Bakker.
Book you've bought for the cover: To Sleep With The Angels by David Cowan and John Kuenster. This heartbreaking book recounts the disastrous 1958 Our Lady of the Angels School fire in Chicago. 92 children and 3 nuns lost their lives in a fire that many insist to this day could’ve been prevented.
Book that changed your life: 
Mister Roberts by Thomas Heggen. This is such an endearing story packed with lovable characters from Lieutenant Roberts, to Ensign Pulver, to Doc, to the crew, and even the authoritarian, mean-spirited captain. The ending pivots from sad (with the revelation that Roberts had been killed in action) to bittersweet (when Pulver defiantly dumps the captain’s beloved palm tree overboard) within the span of a few pages. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve enjoyed this book.
Favorite line from a book: 
Two, actually: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” and “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” I think virtually everyone in the civilized world has spoken these two lines at one time or another.
Book you most want to read again for the first time: 
Actually, preparing for this interview reminded me of this book. It might still be available on Amazon or eBay. I found myself rummaging through my attic to find it again. I was glad I hadn’t sold it or given it away. It’s called Runaway by Linda Weintraub. It told the story of a group of misfits from around the country who individually trekked to Los Angeles to start their lives over again. They fall in with another misfit who becomes something of a father figure to this bizarre brood. As a group, they manage to piece their lives together again and form a close-knit (but very strange) family. Of course, they do live happily ever after.
Why any human should plunk down cash money for your book: 
Hey, if a Vulcan or a Romulan or Martian or whatever can plunk down legal tender to buy the book, that’s fine by me. I don’t necessarily restrict my readers to the human race.
Anyway, Child of Privilege is a quintessential “cheering for the underdog” story. Americans love underdogs. Look at the unprecedented success of the Rocky movies. Look at the movie Rudy. While the medium is different, the message remains the same: people love rooting for an underdog.
While Dana Van Werner was blessed with a life the rest of us can only envy (money, privilege, ease, social status), inside the walls of her family’s mansion, she was still a scared little girl literally starved for her father’s love and approval. Despite her best efforts in school and in life, she was destined to be a second-place finisher, a runner-up. This infuriated her type-A, success-and-winning-and-status-obsessed father to no end.
After a childhood and adolescence of humiliation (public and private), parental violence, and beatings, she desperately escapes and grabs the next bus out of town. What kinds of thoughts do you suppose went through her mind as she rode an intercity bus for the first time? I hope I captured her stream of consciousness accurately in those chapters. Meanwhile, she is robbed by another passenger, leaving her with $200 to her name. This forces a decision upon her: whether or not this privileged, blue-blooded teenager can bring herself to strip naked in front of a honky-tonk loaded with strangers to earn money for a bus ticket. After that, a stay in a jail cell awaits her. Not exactly afternoon tea at the country club. She is “rescued” by a sleazy private investigator who attempts to sexually assault her. She escapes him and finally enjoys a peaceful respite in a Colorado farm town.
Every possible misfortune and mishap seems to happen to this poor kid. Yet she remains a down-to-earth, good-natured “girl next door” that any guy would love to bring home to meet his folks.
Finally, a stunning twist of events forces her back home into the inevitable showdown with her father. In the process, a humiliating family secret hidden for years is uncovered. The confrontation is violent, bloody, and pulls no punches. Everything hits the fan. But in the end, the expected happy ending unfolds.
It is my hope that readers will find the story thought-provoking, the characters unique and quirky, and Child of Privilege a satisfying read.

Based on the description of Child of Privilege I know there may be some drama, action, and a bit of romance. But can you tell us what more to expect? 
You can expect multiple sub-plots involving backstabbing, betrayal, adultery, embarrassing family secrets, behind-the-scenes scheming, abuse of power, some mild sex scenes, and lust for revenge (no, it’s not a political
novel). As a bonus, I also include courage, determination, defiance, strength, and a lovable teenager struggling to save her life. And most importantly, a tearful happy ending.
What made you decide to write this book in the first place? 
It began back in the mid-1990’s as a game of “what if” that struck me while I was reading a newspaper article about a group of débutantes attending some charity fundraising ball. Naturally, the young women were impeccably made-up, wearing beautiful formal gowns, and smiling profusely for the camera. I started wondering about their lives away from the public eye: their families; how they dealt with adversity; and if they could survive in the paycheck-to-paycheck world. After awhile, the concept simply took on a life of its own and blossomed into Child of Privilege.
What is your writing style?  
I have two principal writing spots at home: the living room sofa (which has seen better days), and the master bedroom which has a big, comfy recliner in which I can sit for hours. Dragging my laptop and monitor up and down the stairs and setting them up is a drag sometimes, but what the hell. Also, I always have a precise mental roadmap for a session. I need to know which characters I’ll be working with, where I’ll take them, and how I’ll get them there. If I don’t have this solidly in place, I don’t even fire up the computer. Quiet seems to help me concentrate during writing, so I’ll even turn off the phone ringer during a session and let everything go to voicemail.
Are you a full-time writer or part-time, and how do you organize your writing time? 
Even though I’m currently retired, I only write part-time. Some of that is due to the marketing and promotion of Child of Privilege occupying many hours. I am–for a number of reasons—attempting to transition back into the working world. My job search is job one. For the moment though, I can still write pretty much whenever the urge strikes. But that will change soon. Then writing will be squeezed into whatever free time I can find.
What do you hope readers will take from your writing? 
The sense that things aren’t always as they appear to be. That there are all sorts of people fighting all sorts of hardships … and in many cases, these battles are being fought silently, behind the scenes, without fanfare, and without victory parades. If readers find Child of Privilege thought-provoking, entertaining, and a worthwhile read, then I’ve done my job as an author and I’m happy.
Where can people learn more about you and your work?
While I do have Goodreads and Facebook pages, I really don’t use the Facebook page that much. Most everything you’d want to know about me and Child of Privilege can be found on my book page on Amazon.com. The customer reviews are there (so far so good … fingers crossed!) along with my author bio. Feel free to stop by.

Author Interview: Mike Wells, coauthor of Blind Scorpion series

 I'm American bestselling author of the Lust, Money & Murder series and over 20 other thriller and suspense books. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' novels.

Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor

-Tell us about your latest work.

My latest work is a new book in my best selling Lust, Money & Murder series, Book 6 - The Extraction.  This story begins with the hero (Secret Service Elaine Brogan) trapped in Eastern Europe by the villain.  I have decided to publish it serially on my blog as the final version is proofread and keep it there until the official book comes out.  This approach is an experiment to get my books out faster to my readers, gain new readers and drive more traffic to my blog, and it seems to be working.

-what advice do you have for other self published authors?

Well, I'm not sure I am in a position to be giving advice.  I would say 1) write a fantastic book that people cannot put down until the end (quite a challenge, usually does not happen with first or second book), and 2) make as many people as possible using social networks, giveaways, sending it to bloggers for review, etc.

-you're relatively successful compared to other self publushed authors. Do you still have a day job?

No, when I started this indie publishing adventure I was working full-time and cut back to half-time until I got it going, then quit the job (university business professor) entirely, though I still teach a class in entrepreneurship in summers just to get out of the house.  I also teach creative writing and book marketing from time to time.  Teaching helps me with my writing and indie publishing business, gives me perspective and fresh ideas.

-What is it like coauthoring a book with someone? Is distance ever an issue?

Coauthoring is interesting, has worked for me well most of the time.  I have found that one of the key elements is having a  artistic style/genre vision that is compatible, should be discussed and agreed upon up front (i.e., how much sex and violence you will include, what kind of ending you want, these sorts of things).  With Skype and online chatting and all that, I don't think distance is much of a problem these days - all three of my coauthors live in other countries.

-what makes a book "unputdownable"?

Good question.  I would define "unputdownable" as a strong desire on the part of the reader to find out what happens next at any given point in the story.  This means really getting the reader into the character's skin, experiencing his or her dilemmas, wanting the character to succeed or (in the case of a villain) fail, and so on.  Cliffhangers are no good unless the reader truly cares about what happens to the characters.  That is the core component.

-What effect do you hope your books have on the world?

Another good question.  I would never (I hope) write a "preachy" book, but I suppose what I hope is that my books inspire people to keep on going through difficult times, not to give up on their dreams, to try to see the positive side of any situation, because if you look hard enough you can always find one.

-have your family and friends always supported your writing?

Yes they have always been very supportive--I have quite a few writers in my family and of course (now) many friends who are also writers.

-What can we expect next from you?

From me, always expect the unexpected.  I try to be an innovator not only in my writing but in the promotion of my books.

Thanks so much for interviewing me on your blog, Kristina, you asked some good and unusual questions!

Book Review and Author Interview: Diamond in the Rough by Elisa Marie Hopkins

Elisa Marie Hopkins is a debut author who released Diamond in the Rough this year.  I fell in love with it, even though romance typically isn't my thing. you can follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest.
Can't wait for her next book? Elisa writes often on her website.

My Review:

I received this as part of a firstreads giveaway.

While not exactly action packed, this intrigue-laden romance novel had and kept my attention. The beginnings of the romance in the story (young, single professional woman meets very rich, very handsome mysterious man while egged on by optimistic roommate) seemed awfully close to the first three pages of 50 Shades of Grey. Luckily, the violent men in the novel did not include Oliver Black in their numbers--and the relationship itself is well developed and interesting.
All in all, Hopkins succeeded in creating a romance with well developed, relateable characters without focusing completely on the romance itself--no matter how in love you are, life is going to go on around you and both parties are going to have things going on. I look forward to more.

My rating: 5 of 5.

The Interview:

Which authors or books have influenced your writing style?
To be honest, no one in particular. I read often and I learn something from everybody. I also watch way too many movies and TV shows for my own good. I absorb and analyze the elements in stories that make me feel something or have interesting characters. If I happen to not like a story, then I begin to notice things like grammar, plot holes, bad dialogue, and I also learn this way. In any case, I never stop learning.

What inspired you to make ADitR more than ‘just another romance novel’?

I never want to be just another author. I like to read and write raw characters, typical and atypical outcasts, people whose morals and needs come into conflict. Sophie will never be light and fluffy. She wasn’t designed that way. You might think of her as whiny, she might piss you off, or you might laugh at her bad puns. The thing about Sophie though, whatever you think of her she probably won’t care (unless you’re Oliver Black, then she definitely cares). I inwardly cringe whenever I see or hear a reader say Oliver is too perfect. My faith on humanity drops ten points. I have no desire to write perfect characters because a) they’re boring to write about and b) no one in real life is perfect. If a good-looking face and a thick wallet is a woman’s definition of perfect, then something probably ain’t right. #prioritycheck No offense, Oliver. I love you.

Bottom line is, I want to write books that will make your brain work. It’s an incredible organ. A busy brain is a clever brain! And a sexy one. I want to write books that can spark up a debate, sadden, inspire, delight. I don’t want to write flowery books that everybody will enjoy, because, let’s be real, you can’t please everyone. I personally hate some best sellers. Do I want to be liked? Uh, let me think. Of course! It’s the best feeling when readers have wonderful things to say about my stories.

What can we expect in your upcoming sequel to ADitR?

For snowboarders, the black diamond trial is of the most difficult slopes at a mountain. For readers, Black Diamond—I believe—I hope—will be a challenge for the mind. In a nutshell—nothing will be simple for Sophie and Oliver. For me, it was more of an intellectual exercise than the previous book. Research-wise, I felt like I was juggling frogs is all I can say. New characters are introduced to the game. Old favorites are upgraded. Others go a little nuts. It’s definitely more cohesive, just because the twists and turns of ADITR are pulled together in Black Diamond. I try to blend every possible emotion in a believable and satisfying mixture.
You can read the blurb and add Black Diamond to your TBR on Goodreads. A cover reveal is coming up soon, as is a release date!

What can we look forward to in the future?

I was 23 when I wrote ADITR and, you know, as we journey through life, we tend to pick up some wisdom along the way. I was in a much different place in my life emotionally; now that I’m 27 and a tad bit more grown up, the stuff I write is too. That’s not to say I won’t be targeting a younger audience in the future. I have a YA story in the works. But shhhhhhh…

Are your characters based on real people?

Sometimes I meet people and am so strangely moved by them, that I want to explore them as characters within my stories. I see a lot of myself in Oliver. He really challenged me, and my IQ probably rose considerably just giving him an identity. We both know our way around engineering, and we’re both sometimes very analytical, a bit stubborn even, drawn to some of life’s most puzzling mysteries.

You recently wrote about a near death experience on your website. How do you feel about planes now? Does your mother still worry when you travel?

Oh em gee, thank you for reading! That flight changed my life. I can still remember the experience vividly. How do I feel about airplanes? Jean Kerr said it best: “I feel about airplanes the same way I feel about diets, that they are wonderful things for other people to go on.” Honestly, I have to pop a Dramamine every time I fly, but I love to travel so what’s a gal going to do other than grow a spine and face her fears? My mother has a doctoral degree in worrying – passed it with flying colors. I love you, Ma. I know, I know, I’ll understand when I have kids of my own.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

ADITR was written because once upon a time, I was feeling very lost, hopeless, unhappy, and writing became an escape from my everyday life. Ultimately I wrote it for me. It might mean nothing to you, or you might like it. You might even want to come back for more.

I’ve always been a dreamer, not much of a doer. So to actually have written a story, to have pulled myself up out of depression and into a better place, then gone on to have a book published, for me— it’s everything.

If this book makes you feel something, I’m golden. Good. Bad. What’s the difference? If you see the good in the bad, then it’s not really bad, is it? Silver linings, people! They make the world go merry-go-round. I believe we itch for connection. We want to have a sense of belonging and identification. We want to feel like we’re not alone in this struggle. That said...if you do happen to take something valuable from this story, please write to me elisamariehopkins@gmail.com. Or if you just want to say hi, that’s cool too. I love to talk to readers/writers/authors/aspiring authors, and help in any way I can.

Book Review and Author Interview: Genesis, a Graphic Novel by Jason Quinn

The greatest story ever told begins with Genesis. Witness the Biblical creation of the world, the tempting of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the tragic story of Cain and Abel, before joining Noah and the animals on the voyage of a lifetime. Told in a vivid graphic format,Genesis: From Creation to the Flood, is the perfect introduction to the Old Testament. Experience life in the Garden of Eden and life on board the Arc as Noah, his family, and the animals embark on a voyage that will end in a new beginning for life on Earth.

Jason Quinn is the award winning author of Campfire's Steve Jobs: Genius by Design and Gandhi: My Life is My Message. He learned to read with Marvel Comics and was devastated when his teacher told him Spider-Man did not exist. He has worked in publishing for the last twenty years as an editor and writer, working on everything from Spider-Man to Barbie. He moved to India in 2012 and currently works as Campfire's Creative Content Head.

Naresh Kumar is a resident of New Delhi, India. He describes himself as a seeker who is continuously trying to learn as much as he can. He views his art as an expression of his curiosity about the world. In Genesis: From Creation to the Flood, Naresh has produced a work that reads like a great animated movie, exciting, child-friendly and full of wonder and imagination. His past work for Campfire includes Julius Caesar, They Changed the World: Edison, Tesla & Bell, Frankenstein, and Robinson Crusoe.

My Review:
In the age of turning classic books into graphic novels, it was only a matter of time until someone looked at the Bible to do the same.
That's not a bad thing. The Bible is confusing. Among Christian communities it's prescribed as required reading for children, but who can really keep up?
I remember trying to read the Bible as a kid and getting lost in all the footnotes and bloodlines to really appreciate and think about what the stories were about. Things became clearer with the creation of Veggie Tales, a cartoon series that simplified the Bible and left you with the morals of the stories.

Graphic novels do about the same thing. Things that were a bonus in this book:
-Family Trees
-acknowledgement of other cultures and religions with similar stories
-The fact that the serpent had legs in Eden.

Of course there are other factors that are debated and controversial that weren't included in this novel (perhaps for good reason). The two biggest being Dragons and Giants.

We've established that the serpent has legs in Eden. Every culture has some rendering of Dragons. Who's to say the serpent wasn't a dragon instead of an odd sort of lizard man?

Also, Giants. The children of Fallen Angel and Man. Did they help Noah and his family build the Ark? We may never know.

Star rating: Five of Five. I hope for more in the future.



Author Interview:

What prompted you to create a graphic novel of the Bible?

 I’ve always found the Bible fascinating. They call it the Greatest Story Ever Told for a reason, actually, it’s more like the greatest stories ever told, there are so many cool stories and great characters and some brilliant visuals. I used to have an illustrated bible as a kid with some great pictures in it and really the book was made for the graphic novel medium.

You mentioned similar stories to Noah from other cultures. Do you think this is a coincidence or did they all stem from one story and get lost in a game of telephone?

 Actually, I could have mentioned similar creation stories too and even similar stories to Cain and Abel. The indigenous Australian people have a very similar story to Cain and Abel with two brothers one of whom gets whacked on the head with a stone axe. It’s strange but there are many similarities between stories in the Old Testament and stories in other cultures, which yes, they could well have become distorted through a mammoth game of telephone. Mind you, I’ve always believed that there is a finite number of plotlines and the infinite is the personal stamp we put on the story as story-tellers. So one guy telling the story of a flood in Mexico will tell it quite differently to another guy telling the same story in say India. Culture and surroundings play a big part too because you want your audience to relate.

Do you think the Serpent started out as a dragon?

 It’s more than possible, or maybe dragons started out as serpents. You know how lots of people have an innate fear of snakes, unless it’s a massive horror movie boa constrictor a snake doesn’t look that terrifyingly impressive and so for a big strong hulking brute of a man like say Saint George to be scared of a little adder seems a little bit wussy, so we transform this snake into a great big fire breathing dinosaur who can fly rather than slither around on the ground. That said, if you live in an area where there are lots of venomous snakes you don’t have to dramatise them, they are something that will have injured at least someone that you know and so you’ll be raised with a healthy fear and mistrust of them. I think if the serpent was a dragon, Eve would have been too freaked out to listen to him, but a snake, a serpent, at that time, before all the bad stuff came into the world, she would have found harmless enough to listen to. Having said that, I always enjoy hearing other theories too.

You didn't mention the nephilim at all; is there a reason for that?

 There were several reason behind not including the nephilim. One was that in the bible itself they are only mentioned in passing and I felt to include that passage would simply confuse the reader without really adding anything. If however, we had been doing a book simply on the Flood itself then yes, we could have developed the Nephilim into more significant characters. In Genesis itself you almost get the feeling the writer was about to say more about them but then events took over and they were cast to one side.

While we're on the subject, do you think the nephilim or their offspring ("mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.") might have been helping Noah and his family out?

 It is certainly possible that they either helped or hindered Noah in some way, otherwise, you wonder why they were mentioned here at all. However, with popular opinion divided on the actual identity of the Nephilim themselves, I left them out, possibly filing them away to use in another book at some stage.

I understand I reviewed an ARC, but I couldn't help but notice every character had light skin, when (If they were from the East) at least some should have been darker. Is there a reason for this?

The book is set in and around the Middle East where, skin is fairer than say further East. True most of the people aren’t blonde and blue eyed (although you will get a few) but also they aren’t particularly dark. The general look is fairly Mediterranean, where some people are olive skinned and others a little paler. Bearing in mind that we are dealing with the early years of the human race when people didn’t get around as much as they did later and so skin tones would be pretty uniform as there would not be so many outsiders mixing with the characters.

Finally: Will there be more?

I certainly hope so. Obviously Genesis is a great place to start but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other great stories in both Old and New Testaments. As a child I always enjoyed the Bible stories and Bible movies, not from a religious point of view but because they are great stories where anything can happen. I also love the stories in the Indian epic the Mahabharata and in the same way I don’t feel these stories are only for Christians or Jewish readers but for anyone who loves a great story, regardless of their religious beliefs. I remember seeing the movie Samson and Delilah as a kid and for me I didn’t equate it with the Bible at the time, it was just a great adventure about this guy who was a bit like Superman but instead of Kryptonite being his weakness it was having a haircut.  The Samson story is great for a graphic novel as is Moses and David and Goliath and well, so many others.

Author Interview: Charie Lamar

Distantly related to Mary Shelley on her father’s side, CHARIE D. LA MARR has created a genre called Circuspunk which is listed at Urban Dictionary. BUMPING NOSES AND CHERRY PIE is her first work in her new genre. She also has upcoming stories in Alex S. Johnson's heavy metal anthology Axes of Evil and Shwibly Magazine, James Ward Kirk's Bones and Ugly Babies 2, In Vein for the benefit of St. Jude’s Hospital, Chupa Cabra’s We Walk Invisible, Dynatox Ministries’ Witches!, Ripple Effect for Hurricane Katrina relief, Surreal Grotesque,Oneiros’ Books CUT UP! and other anthologies. She was September's featured writer at Solarcide. She is known for writing in many different genres from crime to bizarro to erotica and even Seussian. She is currently editing a Circuspunk anthology trilogy called The New Whakazoid Circus—the Greatest Show on Paper. And she has just sold a bizarro book to James Ward Kirk Fiction called Squid Whores of the Fulton Fish Market.

Bumping Noses and Cherry Pie is a book of short stories in a brand new genre—Circuspunk. It contains 26 stories about the circus, carnivals, sideshows, midways and fairs featuring clowns, magicians, freaks, carnies and the crazy cast of characters that go along with them. “This ain't your mama's roller coaster ride! That is unless your mama does acid before hitting the amusement park!” says Mimi Williams, author of Beautiful Monster. “Hate clowns or love them, you are going to enjoy reading her zany and sometimes poignant look at a world we both love,” adds Jim Rose of the Jim Rose Circus and author of Freaks Like Me. This is a wild ride of stories that begins with the rape of a circus poodle by one of the show’s rescue mutts and doesn’t let up until an overweight daredevil Elvis impersonator becomes a circus stuntman—diving 35 feet into a flaming kiddie pool of water. In between, the combination of satire, splatter and the wild and wacky will have you laughing, with brief respites of stories that will touch your heart and make you think. A professional clown for 9 years, Ms. La Marr tells it like it is, like it should be and like those of you who with clown phobia would like it to be. Put on your rubber nose, put your big shoes up on the coffee table and enjoy Bumping Noses and Cherry Pie. The first Circuspunk book ever!


On your nightstand now: 
Ray Garton’s “Scissors” and Jim Rose’s “Freak Like Me”. Ray is a good friend from Facebook and Jim blurbed “Bumping Noses and Cherry Pie”.

Favorite book when you were a child:
 Many Moons by James Thurber. Still is. I love the humor in it. In so many ways, it is not a children’s book. He does an amazing thing that any children’s author should take into consideration. He recognized the fact that parents would be reading the book to children and added some chuckles and laughs directed at them, too.

Your top five authors:
 Tough question. I would have to break it down into five classic authors and five contemporary. Classics would be Faulkner, Steinbeck, Swift, Hawthorne and Twain with honorable mention for O Henry. Contemporary would be Daniel Silva, Christopher Moore, Michael Connelly, Joe Hill and Margaret Atwood.

Book you've faked reading:
 Never!!! I was the kid whose parents had to yell at them to put the books away and turn out the lights.

Book you're an evangelist for:
 As I Lay Dying. I cannot stress enough how important it is that every writer read it!! Using 17 distinct narrators including a dead woman jostling around in a casket was brilliant.

Book you've bought for the cover:
 Once in the grocery store, I picked up a copy of Daniel Silva’s “A Death in Vienna”. It looked interesting. I was totally blown away. He has become a favorite author – I bought all the books befoe “A Death in Vienna” and have been a first day of publication purchaser ever since. Best five bucks I ever spent on a book.


Book that changed your life:
 Once, I was having a very hard time in my life. I found myself in a New Age store, somehow thinking that if I found the right crystal that called out to me, it was going to help. I must have looked like I was
losing it because a complete stranger walked over and handed me this little book and said, “Read this, you need it.” When I went to buy it, I found out she had already paid and left the store before I could thank her. It was called “The Knight in Rusty Armor”. I think it is about 97 pages long and it totally changed my world. Since then, I have probably given copies as gifts to 25 people. Every time I need a copy to give for a present, I buy out all they have at Barnes and Noble. It is a must read for anyone.

Book you most want to read again for the first time:
 One of these days, I want to take another crack at Ulysses. It drove me nuts the first time. As I recall, it ended up thrown against a wall. I love The Dubliners, but can only take Joyce in short increments thusfar. Maybe I will get through it this time.

Why any human should plunk down cash money for your book:
 Actually right now, it’s books. “Bumping Noses and Cherry Pie”, my collection of Circuspunk stories with Chupa Cabra House came out on December 6. “The Squid Whores of the Fulton Fish Market” my NYzarro book with JWK Fiction came out in Kindle on December 30 and is due out in paperback any day. Humans who are not faint hearted and don’t mind some well-intentioned, off color humor, but like to laugh should plunk down cash money. Or use those nice gift cards they got for Christmas. Both books are snarky and have bite and snap to them. James Ward Kirk said it was hard to edit the Squids and laugh at the same time.


What made you decide to write this book in the first place?
 I decided to write Bumping Noses and create the genre Circuspunk because when I tell people I was a professional clown for 9 years, it is amazing how many people say “I $#%$^$ HATE clowns!” Or “Clowns scare the crap out of me.” I figured if people want to blow up clowns, let’s do it, but let’s do it MY way—with broad strokes of satire and tongue firmly in cheek. It is my antidote for clown phobia. I wrote Squids as a dare from my boyfriend Alex S. Johnson—author of “Bad Sunset:. Joking around I said I should write a book called “The Squid Whores of the Fulton Fish Market” and he said, “Dare you.” BAD thing to say to me.

What is your writing style?
  I have a fancy office, but I seldom use it. Too quiet. Although it is nice in the middle of the night. There is a streetlight right outside the window and it is very pretty. Mostly I write with a laptop on my knee, sitting on the couch with my PA sitting across the room so I can call out questions to him. I have three dogs who are usually right here with me.

Are you a full-time writer or part-time, and how do you organize your writing time?
 Full time. It is hard right now, Alex is in California and with the three hour time difference, it is tough mainting a schedule. Also one of my publishers is in Indiana and the other in Arkansas. One cover artist is in Arizona, the other in Massassacusetts and the designer of the second cover in Europe. So I kind of live on a global time clock and take naps.

 What do you hope readers will take from your writing?
 From Bumping Noses, I hope they will realize that clowns are just people in makeup and end this clown phobia insanity. From Squid Whores, I just hope they will walk away thinking, “She is one funny and insane chick!” As they start to read more of my work in anthologies and upcoming books, they will be surprised to see how many different genres I can work in.

Where can people learn more about you and your work?
 Visit my Circuspunk page at Facebook  or my home page  Also read some of the 25 or so anthologies I did this past six months with stories in everything from Steampunk to Horror to Sci Fi to Erotica and just about anything in between. Some are out now – many come out within the next month or so. They can also come to Reddit Books on Monday the 6th of January to my 12 hour Ask Me Anything session starting at noon. I would love to hear from them!

What did you like about writing this book, and books in general?
 I just love writing – anything! Been at it since I was six years old.

What is the tone of the book? Satire? Humor? Informative? 
Both are very broad satire and funny. I am not above poking fun at people and stereotypes of people. I find that to be disarming.

Where can the book be bought? 
Amazon, Barnes and Noble.com – the usual online sources. I understand some bookstores are already selling used copies of Bumping Noses. So it is on shelves – somewhere.

Author Interview: Tricia Stewart Shiu

Interview for “Statue of Ku” 

Tricia Stewart Shiu is an award-winning, screenwriter, author and playwright, but her passion lies in creating mystical stories. Her latest series, The Moa Books, which includes "Moa," "The Statue of Ku" and "The Iron Shinto," were, by far her favorite to write.

On your nightstand now:

Amazonite, a beautiful, iridescent healing stone in a wood stand. various tinctures and remedies. I’ve also got a Valentine’s Day card with a frog on it from my daughter, the illustrious illustrator of the Moa Series.

Favorite book when you were a child:

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg. I loved imagining what it would be like if I spent the night in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. How exciting to bathe in the fountain and dodge security guards!

Book you're an evangelist for:

It doesn’t happen very often, but the most recent book I evangelized was “Journey of Souls” by Dr. Michael Newton. Anyone who asked me how I was, got an earful about this incredibly insightful book.

WRITING:

Based on the description of your book, I know there may be some touching family scenes as well as a little drama and comedy. But can you tell us what more to expect?

Woven into the engaging stories in “Statue of KU,” are powerful rituals. Although these rituals are deceptively simple, they are deeply transformative and enriching. They also serve as signposts, leading the reader through the story and creating another layer of connection.

What made you decide to write this book in the first place?

“Statue of Ku” is the second book in the Moa Series. After I finished, “Moa,” the first book, I immediately felt compelled to write “Statue of Ku.” The natural progression of the story pulled at me, even when I wasn’t writing, and I write it very quickly (in about three months.) Looking back, my decision to write was more of a compulsion, or need to release the information out into the world. The stories and rituals still tug at me when I read them.

What do you hope readers will take from your writing?

Each of us has at least one divine gift to remember. The moment we wake up and retrieve the memory of who we are and what we are here—on earth—to do, the adventure begins.

Where can people learn more about you and your work?

www.humanbeingcompany.com

What is the tone of the book? Satire? Humor? Informative?

The tone of “Statue of Ku” is, at times, light and at other times, heartbreaking. Ku’s story is one of resilience and rebirth and it is intertwined with Hillary, Heidi, Molly and Moa’s journey to uncover the mystery of Ku and discover their own connection to his story.

Where can the book be bought?

“Statue of Ku” is on Kindle

Amazon

as well as Barnes and Noble and bookstores everywhere!

When did you first meet Moa? Did her words come true?

I first met Moa while I was on vacation in Honolulu, Hawaii. My family and I had spent the morning at the beach and afterward, we headed back to our condominium, ate a light lunch, and took a luxurious siesta. Although I’m not usually a mid-day napper, the fresh sea air and sun lulled me into a light sleep—the kind where I felt like I was awake, but I was actually deeply asleep.

I heard a voice say my name and a part of me awoke. I use the word “part” because I could definitely feel my body touching the soft material on the couch. And yet, another part was keenly aware of a young woman with dark hair standing over me. It felt real, but dream-like, so I decided to go with it and ask her her name.

She pronounced a long Hawaiian string of letters, which seemed to go on for minutes. After repeating the name three or four times, she told me to call her “Moa.” Through my exhausted, sleepy haze, I remember being skeptical. If this was, indeed, a dream, I would ask as many questions as possible. So I did.

Why was she here? Where did she come from? How could I be sure she was who she claimed to be?

Instead of any answers, she flashed a mental picture of a woman and said that she was a long lost friend of my mother-in-law’s. She told me the woman’s name (Sharon) and explained that my mother-in-law and she had lost touch 15 years before and had been orbiting around one another trying to reconnect.

I awoke from that nap, slightly groggy. That was an indication that I was definitely asleep. Perhaps it was just my creativity kicking into overdrive, I reasoned, and decided to go on with my day.

My mother-in-law and I walked to a park with my daughter and began playing. Suddenly, there was a squeal and we turned to see the woman from my dream charging toward us with her arms stretched out wide. As my mother-in-law introduced me to her long-lost friend, Sharon, I tried to gather my wits. Here was the same woman from my dream, someone I’d only seen a mental picture of, and she was standing on the grass right in front of me.

She and my mother-in-law exchanged numbers and promised to keep in touch. For the next few hours, I tried to make sense of what happened. I had never had an experience like this before, but there was no denying that I saw a picture in a dream before I met someone and then they showed up in real life.

When I went to sleep that evening, Moa visited again. She answered the other questions I’d asked earlier that afternoon and wanted me to know that I was protected and should share my experience with the world. Since this was definitely my first metaphysical encounter, I had no idea how to form the correct words to share what had happened. How on earth, I asked Moa, am I supposed to convey such undocumented, unsubstantiated, unusual information?

She said that our world exists on many levels which all play simultaneously. Her analogy was of a DVR. Several shows can be playing at the same time but are on different tuners. That, she said, is where she existed.

When I awoke, I began writing and continued to do so. The story evolved into “Moa,” then the following two sequels, “Statue of Ku” and “Iron Shinto.” My daughter, now nine, took the cover photos and illustrated all three books, as well.

Since my visit with Moa, I began an extensive and sometimes circuitous search to explain my metaphysical experience. I took classes on mediumship, Huna, energy work and through my education, I learned to create healing essential oils and elixir sprays and incorporated that information in the book. Not only did my experience with Moa inspire me and guide me through four-and-a-half of the most challenging years of my life, I also believe that writing about those events and including information I received about that inspiration and guidance, brought my own deep physical, mental, emotional and spiritual transformation and healing. Writing, editing and publishing Moa has opened doors to a new way of understanding myself, those around me and the energy we share.

What would you say to those who are skeptical of the healing activities mentioned in your book?

Whatever your belief or understanding of the metaphysical world, I believe that if one person is transformed through learning, then we are all transformed. I truly believe the Moa I met, came through in this work and, just as I connected with her as I wrote, those who read the book will experience her as well.

Author Interview with Elaine C Pereira

 Elaine C. Pereira is a retired school occupational therapist who worked with special needs children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University and later completed her master’s degree. Pereira and her husband Joseph live in southeastern Michigan with their cat, Snoopy, and two big dogs, Bailey and Maddee. Together Pereira and her husband have five adult children; Joe’s three sons and Elaine’s twin daughters, five young grandchildren and a teenage granddaughter. Life is good again.

 I Will Never Forget is the exquisite portrayal of the author’s talented mother, Betty’s, extraordinary and humorous journey through dementia. Through superb stories of Elaine’s childhood, including her controversial name, tales of smoking dragons, and a near paralyzing accident, her mother’s wonderful character is revealed. As their mother-daughter relationship evolves, Elaine referees her mom’s uncharacteristic verbal assaults and masterful Houdini-like disappearances. Elaine relishes in Betty’s dazzling visions of her own mother and then witnesses her mom’s stunning rally to take control of her own destiny. Finally, Elaine accompanies her mother down her one-way journey as her brilliant mind is slowly destroyed by Dementia’s insatiable appetite for brain cells.





On your nightstand now: 
The hard cover of I Will Never Forget-A Daughter's Story of Her Mother's Arduous and Humorous Journey Through Dementia.  It’s always there.  But I think what you really want to know is what am I reading:  Behind the Old face by Angil Tarah-Ritchey.
Favorite book when you were a child: 
Cinderella, which is now my granddaughter’s favorite although she’s pretty little.
Book you've faked reading: 
Just HS and college history books etc.
Book you've bought for the cover:
Firegal... Rising from the Ashes by
Gina Geldbach-Hall – crazy cool cover and title.

Book that changed your life:  Honestly?  Mine!

Why any human should plunk down cash money for your book:
(I’m chuckling reading the question and trying to think of a funny comeback equal to the task, but …)   My book is not a side splitting humorous tale of a crazy dog like Marley and Me; I get that.  But it is not a dark, foreboding, depressing, boring story just about someone’s tough life at the end as they’re old and gray anyway.
I Will Never Forget is a powerful, true account of a kind, brilliant, trailblazing woman who earned her BS in chemistry, or all things, in post WWII and then uprooted as a single woman to move across state lines for a new job!  We are an international world today, but it was very, very different in the late 1940s. 
This memoir is rich in descriptive detail, character development and presents honest and sometimes humbling stories of a family in various stages of crises alternating with happiness and calm. 
In a society where we think nothing of spending $4.00 on a cup of coffee – well many Starbucks patrons do it, although I’d rather have a draft – in three or four days, you could have a real, tangible, meaningful, wonderful and real book! And not an empty cup to recycle. 
There are many good books on dementia but mine is one of the great ones!

Based on the description of “I Will Never Forget” I know there may be some touching scenes as well as a little tragedy. But can you tell us what more to expect?
I Will Never Forget details superb stories of the author’s childhood through which her mother, Betty’s wonderful character is revealed.  From the controversy about Elaine’s name, tales of smokin’ dragons, the feisty teenage years and her near paralyzing accident, a woman of great character and depth of soul is portrayed.

Their strong mother-daughter relationship gradually evolves as Elaine matures, marries and becomes a mother herself, of twin girls no less!   But as the years advance, Betty’s characteristic kindness wanes.  She starts to exhibit flashes of hostility, paranoia and gradually begins her one-way journey through the dark corridors of mind zapping Alzheimer's.

Although clearly mystified by her mother’s goofy behaviors and bizarre thinking, Elaine does not appreciate the extent of her mother’s decline until one tumultuous explosion of reality.  The crazy drama continues as Elaine referees her mom’s uncharacteristic verbal assaults, escapes so exquisite as to impress Houdini, Betty’s fascinating visions of her own mother and finally her stunning rally to take control of her own destiny. 

I Will Never Forget is a heartwarming, funny and powerful true story pertinent to anyone touched by the insidious effects of Dementia.  Learn from Elaine's unwitting mistakes as she naïvely weaves through Dementia’s unpredictable haze to capture insightful and effective intervention strategies.  Accompany the author through her journey, as her mother's brilliant mind is slowly and unpredictably destroyed by Dementia's ravenous appetite for brain cells.

What made you decide to write this book in the first place?
My mother’s rich life but eventual, incredible journey through dementia is a story that needed to be told and, inspired by casual but genuine remarks from friends who said, “You should write a book,” I did! 

For far too long, I lived in denial and ignorance, as Mom declined.  Despite warnings and information to the contrary, I saw my mom as more functional than dysfunctional.  My professional expertise as an OT should have afforded me a better understanding and recognition of my mother’s paranoia and memory issues in the beginning.  But like many families, I was too close to the situation. 

I felt that if I wandered aimlessly in ignorance, how many other caregivers did too?  If I learned by trial and error how best to manage Mom’s tirades, personality changes, agitation and hostility, perhaps in sharing my story openly and honestly, I could help others learn from my unwitting mistakes and know that they are not alone. 
What is your writing style?
I wrote I Will Never Forget on my laptop almost exclusively at the kitchen table, surrounded by countless windows, near the heat vent and typically with the counter TV on low. 
Are you a full-time writer or part-time, and how do you organize your writing time?
Neither and both:  I had retired as a school occupational therapist not long before Mom’s dementia really took hold rendering her unsafe.  Almost a year later after nearly unbelievable drama and escapades, Mom had declined so rapidly she was virtually incoherent.  I started writing then, pages here and there of better times and current issues.  A month after she passed away I made a conscious decision to move the drafts past the cathartic stage and into the revealing book it deserved to be and forged ahead full time. 
What do you hope readers will take from your writing?
I want readers, especially caregivers to learn from my unwitting mistakes.  I stumbled in oblivion trying to use logic and reasoning to affect changes in someone devoid of the capacity to process rational thought.  It baffled me.  Eventually, though, I adopted far more effective strategies that I share in the book.  
I want caregivers to know they are not alone in their journey with their parent, spouse or friend, that there is help out there, that they need to take care of themselves first before they can care for someone else, a concept that is, by definition, foreign to caregivers. 
Where can people learn more about you and your work?
I post monthly on the Alzheimer’s Reading Room and have had a few posts on Maria Shriver.com.  One is slated to run mid February. 
What did you like about writing this book, and books in general?
Initially the manuscript served a cathartic purpose.  But as I delved into finishing it, I loved writing about who my mom was as seen through my eyes as a child, how she helped to mold a mouthy, feisty teenager into a woman who can and did move mountains in her behalf. 
What is the tone of the book? Satire? Humor? Informative?
Honest, occasionally funny and sarcastic, revealing, thoughtful, provocative.

Where can the book be bought?
Author signed copies are available from me via the USPS; just contact me ElaineP@chartermi.net  734-395-3615

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