Conquering Your Goliaths: Audio Preview

As a bit of a preview. I'd like to share with you a portion of the audio version of Conquering Your Goliaths: A Parable of the Five Stones, to be released in October of this year. Click here to hear a short clip.

Nancy Peterson does a beautiful job of not only portraying God, but the tender, learning feelings of Virginia.

I will also release the audio of The Feast: A Parable of the Ring, at about the same time.

Expect The Gift: A Parable of the Key, the last book in the parable series to be released October 2015. It's in the works!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Claire O'Sullivan

Claire isn't yet published, but soon will be. Learn what she likes about writing, and what, quite frankly, she doesn't like, though the task must be done.

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I started writing in earnest in the 8th grade. I was in an English/Literature class that incorporated creative writing, and I started with a Danielle Steele-Esq romantic tragedy. I read it to the class at the teacher's behest, and to my surprise, my short story caused a great deal of tears to fall from the girls in the class. Without that teacher, I'm not sure if I would have continued writing. It propelled me forward into high school creative writing. Life has tossed me a twist or two, and I ended up writing for some time in the 1980's, and participating in a literary guild in S. California. Some more twists and turns and suddenly eighth grade is so far away-yet that spark to write remains. 

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?

I've written in all venues. Now, I prefer a laptop. 

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

My favorite part of the creative process is when my characters do things I never told them they could do, and yet my fingers fly over the keyboard - even without consent! My east favorite is editing. For the most part anyway- sometimes it's there where I find a more descriptive way to illustrate my thoughts. Still, editing can be truly heinous. 

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them? 

I usually come up with a thought or spark of an idea.  My best characters create themselves - doing a written, sit-down 'interview' with my characters. I found once I know what type of character I want, 'conducting' an interview brings my imagination to life. 

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing? 

None thus far-  I'm still editing my novels. My cookbook, in my professional name, I simply put on the shelf in my office. I self-published for convenience. 

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

I write mostly evenings and weekends. I try to write an hour on week nights and I schedule 8-12 hours on the weekends. 

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out? 

I've finished Collision, which is still in editing. I'm working on Glass Slipper, from a man's POV, with the mindset and thoughts of a man struggling after war and in - film noir style. It's been my biggest challenge yet, especially since I'm not a man nor have ever served in the military. Also, approaching it from the 1940's lingo in modern day is interesting. Poor guy, gets himself in a jam no matter what he does. 

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it. 

I've several. I have several in a series based in the fictional town of Whiskey River. One is a children's book based on two dogs, solving doggy crime. 

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

If you have the desire, read a lot, devote yourself to the craft and don't give up. Join literary guilds. Get honest critiques - people who are just being sweet don't have your interests in mind. Take criticism and make it work for you. I find, the tougher my critic, the better my writing. 

Most authors write because it's in the blood, not the wallet. Always keep your day job. For me, the last thing I want to do is take my greatest joy and turn it into drudgery and deadlines.

***

Thank you, Claire!

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Tika from The Least of Elves

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

My name is Tikorrah Adanne Aanneleh, but I prefer to be called Tika (my given name sounds too stuffy).  I live in Travanne in the kingdom of Rhodea – at least I did until the day my maid tried to poison me.  On my 16^th birthday I discovered I was not really a princess of Rhodea – I had been adopted as an infant by King Maric and Queen Isleen.  It explains my pale skin, slightly pointy ears and unruly brown hair.  I do not look like the king and queen at all.  I return now to the city of Xanti to learn more about my birth parents.  I just hope I can survive the journey.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to spend time with my sand tiger, Herra.  We go on runs together outside of the city.

What is your favorite color and why?

My favorite color is green, because it is the color of the leaves on the binda tree in my garden.  There are very few trees left in Rhodea so they are very precious.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?

I love Cook’s pudding.  She knows how to make it just right and without any lumps.  The taste is sweet (but not overly so) and the texture is smooth.

What would you say is your biggest quirk?

I always look like a whirlwind just attacked me.  My clothes are usually rumpled, I wear scuffed boots instead of fancy shoes, and my hair … it is always a tangled mess.  I am not a model princess.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why?

Mortan wants me dead just because of my heritage – part Human, part Elemental, part Elf.  I think that is ludicrous.  I am no threat to him.  (You should see me handle a sword – pathetic.)

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

A few days ago I would have said my parents mean the most to me.  But I am feeling rather betrayed right now by their lies.  Herra, on the other hand, has never hurt me and I would do anything for her to keep her safe.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit?

I feel like being different all my life has not been a choice.  Because I look different, do things different, and even saw things others did not see, I was shunned by peers.  I think if I could be the same as others, then I will be happy. 

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?

I am part Human and part Wind Elemental which means the Human part of me does not like being told what to do and the Elemental part can be quite impetuous and oblivious to consequences.  These characteristics counter the logical Elven side of me – what I should do next.

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.

Why did I have to be raised in Travanne with Humans?  Why couldn’t I have stayed in Xanti with the Elves?

(I did not personally answer this last question; the author of the book did). Great question, Tika.  Mortan learned of your birth, and his servants followed you to Xanti.  He had spies already placed in the city, so you were not safe there.  You had to leave and be raised somewhere safe in order to stand a chance at defeating him once you were grown.  Travanne was the perfect place as the city is filled with magic, which hides your own abilities from Mortan’s searches. 

***

Thank you Tika!

For information about Robin and her upcoming novels go to:

https://robinglassey.squarespace.com

https://www.facebook.com/robinglassey?ref=hl

http://www.pinterest.com/RobinGlassey/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/+RobinGlassey/about

Had Any Chocolate Lately?

I don't know about you, but I simply adore chocolate. It's one of those things I hope they have in heaven or I'm not going. :) Seriously though, eating chocolate, at least for me, is kind of like taking a day off like Memorial Day. It's a day when I not only get to eat some of my favorite foods, but I get to think about those who have gone before me and what they've contributed to my life.

 

My Grandma Ranck was a great cook, and while I could also say I'm a great cook because of her, I'm not. What I learned from my grandmother was that she was generous when it came to her time. And when I stayed at her house I felt just like a princess.

Sure, I was spoiled rotten, but I was also listened to and accepted for the child I was; not altogether sure of myself, and shy as the day was long. Still, she was my grand example of assurity and graciousness. She could see in me things I wasn't yet ready to see or believe I had within myself. And perhaps all grandmothers are like that. If they're not, they should be.

It took me a few years, but after I began writing, my grandmother took it seriously even before I was really any good. She read everything I'd written, kept all the gifts of writing I'd given her; I knew this because years later my mother handed me a folder. In it were all of the gifts of writing I had given her. These gifts were a bit like chocolate. Okay, they were better than chocolate. I felt as if I could swim in their love forever and only get fat knowing that she loved me no matter where I was at in life.

I hope all grandmother's are like that.

Graduation and Other Things

I received two high school grad invitations this year and was able to attend one pre-school last day event, so my mind is on graduation and what it really means, especially if one is a writer.

We have our comfort zones don't we?  Those places we travel in order not to be too stressed or to stretched, but I wonder how comfortable these places really are.

My grand-daughter at ballet class

When one thinks of graduation, one also knows that it took some work to get there; not too many lazy days were taken or the graduate may just have had to wait another year to fulfill all of the requirements.

That's why there is summer school, and why it takes some students so long to finally finish college.

And no, I don't think it's easy to keep going, especially when health problems arise, or family problems, or money problems or...

But I think it's important to remember that even in writing, when the going gets tough, the tough, still manage to keep going or they would never finish the book of poetry or the book of fiction, or the non fiction rendition of their life.

Many of us stop. Maybe only for a moment or two, but we often feel the need to stop, if just for a moment and get our barrings. You may know this stopping as overload, as writer's block, or something equally stoppable, but if we're wise we won't stop for long.

We may pick a daisy, spend the day trolling the mall or eating our last cake doughnut and other goodies while watching the children at the park, but this loll will only be for a short time. At least where we're concerned.

For as a writer we want to learn, to grow and to accomplish. And that means graduation from pre-publication to published author and from new author to accomplished author.

We have no other choice but to keep moving forward.

CHARACTER INTERVIEW and Blog Tour: Kyrin from Resistance

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

For most of my seventeen years I've lived in the capital city of Arcacia, the largest country in Ilyon. Both my twin brother, Kaden, and I were forced to leave home when we were seven and grow up in Tarvin Hall, which is where children of wealthy families or who have unique skills are raised to serve the emperor. The two of us were unusually quick learners and very observant. I also have the unusual ability to remember every detail of every moment of my life.

I’m pretty average looking. Long hair is a must for Arcacian woman, but mine isn't nice and curly like most girls’, and it’s a dull brown. I’m a bit tall compared to many of my classmates. I get that from my grandfather. Aside from my memory, there’s really nothing extraordinary about me, and that’s how I like it. I wish I could have a normal, quiet family life. I really miss it. That’s my dream, though students from Tarvin Hall are usually assigned government positions around Arcacia as soon as they’re promoted when they turn nineteen or twenty.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to go out and explore the city with Kaden. We have our favorite places we've discovered over the years. It’s nice to get away from Tarvin Hall. I also love to visit the library. Tarvin Hall has one of the largest, and I can always find my favorite instructor, Sam, there. He’s one of my closest friends, and has really helped me over the last several years.

What is your favorite color and why?

I like blue, like my father’s eyes. It’s one thing he, Kaden, and I share that the rest of our family doesn't.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?

I love berry hand pies. There’s a specific merchant who sets up in the city square and sells the best hand pies. Kaden and I stop by there once in a while for a treat. It’s been one of our favorite things to do since we first grew old enough to wander the city on our own.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why?

If not for the emperor, we wouldn't be at Tarvin Hall. We would have been able to grow up at home with our other four brothers and be normal. Now, we rarely see any of them. I haven’t seen my mother or youngest brothers since we left home, and I only get to see my father and older brothers every couple of years if I’m lucky.

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

I don’t know what I would do without Kaden. He’s always taking care of me. We’re pretty much the only family each other has had growing up. I’d do almost anything for him and to keep him in my life. I can’t imagine being separated from him. It’s one of my greatest fears.

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.

If you were a character, what sort of story would you want to be placed in and what would you want your writer to do with you? My writer loves to place us in difficult situations, though she usually has a good reason for it.

What a great question! Because I've always wanted to travel, and have been able to do very little of it so far in my life, I would want to be a character who could travel wherever she wanted to--past, present, or future--without too much trouble. I say, not too much, because there is always some trouble in time travel books. 

***

Thank you Kyrin!

Learn more about Resistance:

Blog Tour Home: http://seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com/p/resistance-blog-tour.html This is where you can keep up-to-date on the blog tour happenings, view the schedule with links, grab the tour button, etc.

Available for purchase on Amazon May 20^th. View book extras at www.ilyonchronicles.blogspot.com.

Author, Jaye L. Knight

Social Media Links

·         Facebook Author Page

·         Facebook Series Page

·         Twitter

·         Pinterest

·         Google+ Author Page

·         Google+ Series Page

·         YouTube

·         Author Blog

·         Series Blog

Walking Around With Dirt Under Your Fingernails?

I don't know about you, but the thought of dirt on my hands sort of intrigues me; takes me back to the olden days when I made tunnels and roads in the dirt and drove matchbox cars through my newly formed village.

But such, sadly, is not the case when it comes to dirt under my fingernails.

The stuff is much harder to wash off, and takes a real beating on my newly polished nails.

Still, whenever I garden I neglect to put on the gloves, because I totally love the feel of the cool, moist soil on my fingertips. Yes, even though this same soil dries my hands like sandpaper and I'm for days loading on the lotion.

So why do I bring this up?

When it comes to writing, there are things we can live with (less writing time than we'd like, noisy children in the background, no real office to write in) and things, quite frankly, that we can't. And this is good.

Consider dirt under your fingernails as all of those things that you hate to do that must be done. Things like editing, re-writing and formatting. You may consider these tasks grueling, though you know you need to get them done.

Who wants to be forever walking around with dirt under their fingernails?

Marketing Class Today!

Just so you know, usually when you attend a writer's conference, there are usually one or two classes that have to do with marketing, and so the idea of an entire morning and afternoon available to learn about the various means of marketing communication cannot be over emphasized.

Yes, I will be teaching today on the subjects of putting together your blog/website as well as marketing using book trailers. Other subjects presented by authors will include press releases, marketing plans, radio marketing, fundraisers, book launch parties, and more.

The class will be held today, May 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Jill Vanderwood's home. Her address: 4254 S. Bannock Dr. (5035 W.) West Valley.

Cost is $50 and the price includes lunch.

You can prepay by getting a hold of Jill at: thewriters4literacy@gmail.com, or you can pay at the door.

I would love to see you!


Kathryn

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Josh Summers from Crowded

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

I am Josh Summers and I'm fifteen years old.  I live in Harrisonburg, Va. I have  blond hair and blue eyes. I am a Christian who is struggling because of my past. I can be arrogant and conceited, but it's just a shell.

Get Crowded at Amazon

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I like to flirt with Emily Davis.

What is your favorite color and why? 

Red because I'm passionate.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite? 

I suffer from bulimia.

What would you say is your biggest quirk? 

I wouldn't call it a quirk. I suffer from nightmares and flashbacks.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why? 

Cole Martin isn't really the antagonist. He and the girl I want just broke up, so it's only natural we don't get along.

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life? 

My sister, Lydia Summers. She sees what others don't and I'd do anything for her.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit? 

I'm not a monster. I'm just misunderstood.

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be? 

Why on earth did you make me such a dramatic character?

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview. 

What would you do if nobody liked you?

Josh, while I may have thought at one time that no one liked me, I no longer believe it's possible not to be liked. In this huge world there must be a mother, father, sibling or friend that likes me for who I am. I simply do not believe it's possible to grow up in a world where no one likes you. And if by some very remote chance no one did, there would always be God. And God loves everyone.

Thanks for the interview Josh!

Get Tough With Your Writing

I don't know what it is about us writers, but it's almost as if we think writing is something we do when we have the time, when the muse strikes, when we have a deadline that has to be met.

We may not even think of writing as "career" but rather as "hobby."

Now, while I'm the first to admit that some writers consider their own writing a hobby, they are usually the ones that will think of their writing only for themselves. They may share it with family, but not much beyond that.

Still, there are writers who say they want to be published and yet they place their writing at the bottom of their list "after everything else is done."

Take it from me, a writer will never make their writing more than merely a hobby unless they do something about it.

And the doing takes work.

In a nutshell, the writer who takes their writing serious will write every day even when they don't feel like it.

Brush up on their writing through writing classes and books even after they've been published.

Help other writers through mentoring as occasion arises.

Treat their writing like a career even before they've been published.

Call themselves a writer even before they are published.

Will allow others to read, critique and edit their work knowing that any fine advice can be used to better their work.

Will not take it personally when someone doesn't like their work even after it's been edited numerous times and published. They know that just like individuals who pick and choose their friends and often wish they could pick and choose their family, book readers will not like everything they pick up and read.

Getting tough with your writing means speaking up when someone asks you what you do for a living, and deciding to share your writing because it is a 'real' job or a 'real' career.



It it stopping to take a look at where you stand today and where you want to be standing tomorrow, and following through until the end.

It is never giving up; it is never stopping in the middle of the road where there are stones. It is having the courage to move the stones out of the way and continuing on.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Patrick Bucksot

Why should readers buy Patrick's book? How important is revelation in Patrick's life?

Discover these answers and more in today's author interview!

***

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I started writing after several years of prompting from the Lord.  He finally sent someone to tell me to stop waiting.  I did not know this person.  I figured that it was time to start.  So I started a church newsletter and finally had an avenue to develop the call.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand? 

I write whenever time is convenient right now.  I still work a full time job and don’t have the opportunity to spend a lot of time writing. I do write every day during my 30 minute lunch break. I lug a lap top to work every day. I will also say this; there are some days that the inspiration just isn’t there, so I don’t write.  I believe that it is more dangerous to write without inspiration than to not write at all. I also write on a desk top computer at home. Again, at this point in my writing career, it’s more about making time to write than spending the day writing.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

I love everything about writing; the process, the writer’s block, the inspiration and the testimony from readers.  Everything works together to tell others about Jesus and that is the most important thing.

I guess the least favorite part is not having the time to do more writing.  Right now, I have about 17 or 18 book titles in my head and wish that I had the time to write on at least three or four of them at a time. Hopefully that day will come soon.

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them?

I don’t have characters in my writing but I do have subjects of discussion. Most of the time, when I have a particular topic that I want to write about, I just pray about the each part of that topic that is relevant to me and my potential readers.  I pray for revelation because revelation reveals more of who God is. The more we know about the Lord, the greater victory we will have in our lives.

As an example, my book about the weapons of our warfare is essentially about spiritual warfare. However, the Lord did not lead me down the typical path of discussion.  He gave me revelation about specific things that He has given to us that will, if used correctly, bring us victory in Him.  These topics will also draw us closer to the Lord, as well, because they transform us into the image of His Son.  That is what we are called to do on a daily basis.

Purchase Book at Amazon

Readers should not get my book because I wrote it. They should get it if they want to get deeper into God’s Word.  They should get it if they desire a more intimate walk with the Lord. They should get it if they are tired of being discouraged or beat down by the world.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

I have set up a web page: www.patrickbucksot.com and I promote through other means, such as Facebook, LinkedIn/groups, Faith Writers etc.  I am also reaching out to other pastors and trying to make connections with them.  More than anything, I am trying to build a greater circle of friends first, but also to do everything that I can to bless and encourage them in their calling.

As I stated earlier, I manage a church newsletter that has a growing list of readers. I have also created a study guide for the book. It is free on my website as a pdf download. Go to this link: http://www.patrickbucksot.com/bible-study.html

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

I am currently working on several things right now. I have picked up a Christian literary agent, and he has provided a lot of insights on how to make my second manuscript more powerful. I have a third manuscript in the wings, and when time allows, I will incorporate my agent insights to it as well. I am always writing for the church newsletter too.

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I am working on the second of a three part series called “Kingdom Understanding – Kingdom Purpose – Kingdom Mindset”. I have already written, but not sent for publication, Kingdom Understanding.  This is what I hope to be my third book.  The second of this series, kingdom Purpose, is well underway.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

Writing isn't for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of time to put down your thoughts, ideas and stories, but there may be little or no feedback. Be willing to take criticism. This is something that I have had to learn and found it to be quite liberating, because it isn’t necessarily meant to tear you down but to help you grow. You will know who you can trust to bring criticism that also encourages.

Believe in yourself. If you believe that writing is a calling in your life, believe that you can do this. Also, find help. Search out someone who can proofread your work. My wife has been my proofreader, but she has a lot of great ideas that helps me write more clearly. If you can find a person like this, your writing confidence will grow.

When publishing, do your research but also inquire with agents

***

Thank you, Patrick!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Celeste Goodwin

Tell me a about yourself. What got you started in writing?

I am a photographer by profession, but found myself journaling every little detail when my little boy first got sick in 2007.  I wasn't quite sure just why I was doing it, other than knowing that I was tired and wanted to remember details of medications, procedures, doctors names, etc.  Writing it all down was the best way to keep track of it.  As Matthew's illness progressed and I spent more time at the hospital, I continued to write down more than just the medical details.  I began to chronicle the daily emotional side of all that was happening to us as a family.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or do you prefer writing freehand?

Writing is something that always came easiest when I am in the quietest of moments.  Usually after everyone is asleep and I have time with my thoughts and laptop.

What's your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part about writing?

Writing became a therapeutic release for me when dealing with my little boy's illness.  It was a way to journal events and the seemingly not so important things that one day I thought we may want to remember. Writing about something you lived is much easier to me than trying to conceive a story from beginning to end.  I have so much respect for writers of fiction.

How do you come up with your characters? Why would readers want to get to know them? (I realize this is not applicable to you, but perhaps you could express some of your feelings about writing a book that is so close to your heart personally).

Get the book

When someone reads A Boy Back from Heaven they are left with a feeling of truly knowing our family.  It is as though they lived those dark hours with us.  Matthew is such a likable kid that pulls people close to him with his personality.  A Boy Back from Heaven is unlike any other book people have read on the subject.  It dives deeper into the emotion and how important faith and prayer was to us during a difficult time.

What types of marketing do you do to promote your writing?

Social media is a great driving force to promote books. Facebook and Twitter have been huge in getting our book into the hands of many that may otherwise have never known about it.  Book signings and public events/appearances is proving to be very successful as well.

How do you schedule your writing time? When do you write?

During the time I worked on A Boy Back from Heaven, most of the writing was done in the evenings.  Often times with collaboration from Matthew after school.  

What are you currently working on? Do you have a new book out?

A Boy Back from Heaven just released March 11th and much of my time has been spent promoting and sharing this work. 

Do you have a project on the back burner? Tell me about it.

I have given thought to writing a more personal, inspirational work on getting through difficult times.  I like to challenge myself and seem to be more productive when I set lofty goals. When faced with trials you have two choices...to fight or give up. I chose to fight for Matthew.

What would you tell a beginning writer who wants to publish but doesn't believe he/she has enough talent?

I think being patient and waiting for the right match of publisher to author is important.  Don't give up on your dream of sharing your message or story.  There is purpose in all of it. 

***

Thank you, Celeste!

Learn more about Celeste:

http://www.celestegoodwin.com/

Top 5 Posts of April 2014

I've got your ticket to success. Below are the five most read posts of April 2014. Again, I discovered that many of the most favorite posts had to do with what other writers are writing.

 

Enjoy!

#1 An Interview With Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

#2 Character Interview: Elle Burton

#3 Author Interview: Lisa Miller

#4 Character Interview: Aaron from The Stone of Valhalla

#5 Marketing Tips to Change Your Life

Author and character interviews continue to be a big deal here, so you can be assured I'll still be sending them your way.

And marketing?

I guess that's a given.

As always,

Happy Writing!

Kathryn

CHARACTER INTERVIEW: Bonny Bryant

Tell me a little about yourself (where you live, who you are, what you look like, what you hope to achieve, etc.)

My name is Bonny Bryant, and I live in the mountains outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am an only child, and my parents were only children, also. I have long, curly, red hair and green eyes, which I inherited from my Scottish grandmother. I’m only 5’2”, with fair skin, no freckles, and am often thought to be much more delicate than I really am.

Learn more here

       

I have my doctorate in American History and American Literature, and was teaching at the University of New Mexico before I was 30 years old. My father and I co-wrote a course combining American history with the literature about and from different important time periods in our country’s history. 

I love teaching, but my real goal in life is to be a wife and mother.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

           

I have horses, and my favorite pastime is riding. I also enjoy hiking, camping, and fly fishing, anything to do with the outdoors. I like to ski and take my dad’s 1967 Land Cruiser out on 4-wheel drive trails.

           

I am an avid reader of both American and English literature, and prefer the classics that everyone hated in school. I also sing, play the piano, and write poetry.

What is your favorite color and why?

            

My favorite color is green, probably because I have always been told it brings out the color of my eyes. I also love pink, though it is not a color most redheads wear well.

What is your favorite food? Why is it your favorite?

          

New Mexican food. You notice I did not just say Mexican food. New Mexico is known for our traditional foods, and nothing in any other state compares. I talk about New Mexican food a lot in Land of My Dreams. Bonny, the main character, is from the same area of New Mexico where I live. Green chile, red chile, fixed almost any way, with breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

           

I love my home state. I think it is a great place to live. We have such a strong tradition of native food from the large Native American and Hispanic population, that I was raised on it. Chile means home, special times, and comfort.

What would you say is your biggest quirk?

            

I’m a pretty normal, non-quirky person, I think. If I have one quirk, it is probably my love of classic literature over modern fiction. Give me a good book by Charles Dickens or the Bronte sisters any day.

What is it about your antagonist that irks you the most, and why?

Adam Lawson is so full of himself. He has always treated me like a possession, rather than a person, but I can’t seem to get over him. He was my first love and I always wanted to marry my first love. Even after he almost destroyed my world, I still dream of him.

           

He’s very competitive and career oriented, with strong political ambitions. I know life with him would never be simple, but he has a place in my heart that seems reserved for him, no matter what. He makes me so angry, but he gets this look in his deep brown eyes, and it makes me melt.

What or who means the most to you in your life? What, if anything, would you do to keep him/her/it in your life?

            

Kieran MacDonell is my dream guy. It makes no difference that he is 10 years older than me. I cannot describe the feeling it gives me when he walks into the room. Just thinking about him gives me the shivers. It’s really tough to be hung up on two such handsome men.

           

I will sacrifice my home, friends, and my whole life as I know it, to be with Kieran. He is my wild, romantic dream. The adventure of being loved by him is priceless.

What one thing would you like readers to know about you that may not be spelled out in the book in which you inhabit?

            

I come across as being really sure of myself and brave, but I am just a scared little girl on the inside. I’m basically insecure, but I act as if I’m in control because I’m afraid that if people see how weak I really am they won’t want to be with me. The brave sounding things I do are really running away from things that hurt me.     

If you could tell your writer (creator) anything about yourself that might turn the direction of the plot, what would it be?

            

I want to be a wife and mother. I only stayed in school and went for two doctorates because Adam wasn't ready to get married until he had his law career on the upswing. I know he thinks of marriage as something that can help his political ambitions, but if you would just make his character straight-forward and honest, I would go for him in a minute. I want to trust him and feel as if I really matter to him.

            

Kieran is really exciting and quite the hunk, but he isn't perfect either.

Why do you let them both treat me so badly?

Ask me any question. I've always wanted to know what a character thinks about writers like myself. I'll answer the question at the end of this interview.

Why do writers think the conclusion of a book should be the logical outcome? Why can’t you do the unexpected more often?

Good question, Bonny. I think the reason why the logical outcome to any book is preferable to the unexpected, is just that, the ending is logical. The reader can say to him/herself. Well, that feels right. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be? I'm so glad. That doesn't mean there can't be some excellent twists and turns in your story, but that, by the end, everything should turn out "right."

Thank you, Bonny!

Links:

Website: www.normagail.com

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQbZIoC_JSE

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Norma-Gail-Author/725237467493500

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/normagailth/boards/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/b/102717101441594679714/+Normagail/about/p/pub

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7874459.Norma_Gail

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Norma_Gail