TUESDAY TRAILERS: Give some love this Thanksgiving

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Christina Benjamin

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

I’ve always been enthralled with the art of storytelling. Everyone has a unique view of the world around them and hearing their thoughts and imaginations come to life through words is like magic.

I think I’ve always been a writer on some level. I just never knew I would end up writing books for a living. I pursued art and English in college and have an imagination that never sleeps, so writing novels was a natural progression.

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

     That has been an adjustment now that I’m writing full time. It’s such a blessing to be able to pursue writing as my day job but that also means I’m my own boss. (Not easy for someone who loves PJ’s, couch time with her furbabies and Netflix!)

     I’ve gotten in the routine of writing everyday (M-F) from about 11am-7pm. If I’m on a roll or nearing the end of a project I’ll burn the midnight oil, but I try to make time to have a life outside my writing cave too.

     After I finish a project, I’ll give myself a night out with friends and a full day to binge watch my favorite shows.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down?

I write on a laptop in my little writing cave, or Harry Potter closet as I sometimes refer to it. We recently renovated our home and I turned a walk-in closet into my office. It’s perfect because I can lock myself away with no distractions and clock a lot of words.

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

     Favorite part = no rules! Anything you can imagine goes. You can literally invent worlds and words too.

     Least Favorite part = Editing!!!! It’s not my strong suit, but I’m lucky to have an awesome team to work with and though edits aren’t my favorite, they do make me a better writer.

     How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book?

     Like I said, my imagination never sleeps. I pretty much dream my books, word for word, dialog and everything. It’s like having a constant movie in your head. It’s awesome to always have the ideas flowing. I wish I could write as fast as I can think.

     How long the process takes depends what kind of book I’m writing. For example, my fantasy series, The Geneva Project, took me a year for each novel. My romance novels typically go a lot faster because they’re contemporary and don’t require as much world building research.

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

     Oh gosh, that’s something that is always changing. I’m one part of Crown Atlantic Publishing, my indie publishing label, and my husband is the other half. He takes the lead on the cover design and marketing.

     Social media is always a big part of our marketing and l love that I get to connect with my readers that way as well.

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

     A ton! I have two new books publishing in March and April. They’re part of a second chance romance series. Book 1, Retreat To Me, is about a writer and musician who find a second chance at love after WWII when an accidental twist of fate brings them together. Book 2, Retreat Again, follows descendants from book 1 as they meet under similar circumstances decades later.

     My most recently published book is my best selling YA title, The Practice Boyfriend. It’s such a fun modern read and I’ve loved fan reactions to the characters.

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

     I always do. I’m hoping to publish about ten titles in 2017, so there’s always something I’m working on next. I published a few novellas in 2016 that I’m hoping to find the time to develop into full-length novels in the future. And I’m hoping to expand The Practice Boyfriend into a series since fans seem to want more. I’m also excited that I’ll be continuing to write for Milly Taiden’s kindle world so look for at least two more Sassy Ink titles from me this year. And then there’s always my non-fiction travel series. I’d love to find time to get back to that. Traveling and writing are two of my favorite things brought together in my 99 Epic books.

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

I would say do it! Nothing is standing in your way except for yourself. You have a unique voice. No one sees the world they way you do, so tell your story. Write from they heart. Success is found in creating what you love and sharing it with others.

***

 A Question for Kathryn:

What’s your go to source for finding your next read? There are so many amazing books out there and I want to read them all, but how do you choose? For me I rely on recommendations from friends, but I know there are great blogs, vlogs, newsletters and bookstagram accounts out there.

Great question; one I've never been asked here before.

Here goes:

You know those booklets you get through the mail from bookstores with the new books listed? Well, I go through those and then put the books on hold at the library that I like - there's usually a waiting list. When the library informs me that the book is in, I pick it up and read it. If I love it, I also buy it. If it was okay, I don't. I'm pretty cheap when it comes to books and only purchase those I like - both fiction and nonfiction. I also check the shelves of the for sale books as I leave the library. I have found gems within these bookshelves, and most of the books I've picked up have been a whopping 50 cents a piece. My latest find? Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.

***

The Practice Boyfriend

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZdsG7bakDI

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Boyfriend-Book-ebook/dp/B01N1V3FPF

Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Christina-Benjamin/e/B009UZM14O

Bio & Social Links:

Christina Benjamin is best known for her wildly popular Young Adult series, The Geneva Project.
Her best-selling novels,The Practice Boyfriend & The Geneva Project - Truth, has won multiple awards and stolen the hearts of YA readers. 
Christina loves to read and write across genres. YA is her favorite but she's a sucker for a good love story. Don't miss her romance, paranormal and historical fiction, as well as the multiple anthologies she's been a part of. 

Follow her at:
Facebook @ChristinaBenjaminAuthor
Twitter @authorcbenjamin
Instagram @authorcbenjamin
Pinterest @authorcbenjamin
Blog http://christinabenjaminauthor.com/
Web http://www.thegenevaprojectbook.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6588515.Christina_Benjamin

Awards:
FAPA President's Gold Medalist (YA Fiction)

London Book Festival - Runner-Up (Young Adult Category)

Litpik Top Choice Award - (YA fiction)

Reader's Favorite Silver Medalist - (YA Fiction)

Tybee Island Book Award Gold Medalist - (YA Fiction)

Christina Benjamin Author E  christina@thegenevaprojectbook.com  W  www.thegenevaprojectbook.com

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	Order Autographed Books here:Christina's Book Store

"The world is full of magic, especially between the pages of a good book."

FRIDAY FLICKS: All Bears Need Love by Tanya Valentine

Get the Book at Amazon

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY by Dale Evans

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Michael Meyer

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

I was born into a family of teachers. Both my parents were avid readers, and I caught the bug at an early age. I wrote my first book when I was ten, and my parents purchased the only copy, which I had handwritten, paying me a dollar. I taught college writing for over forty years. As a lover of literature, upon my retirement, writing became my number one hobby.

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

I have always been an early morning person, so I do most of my writing before noon. I work out nearly every day, and many of my best ideas pop into my head during my daily walks. I then hustle up to my study before breakfast and jot down everything I can for that day’s writing session, which will begin right after I eat.

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a lap top or some other method of getting your words down? 

I have an upstairs study, and I spend a lot of time in there in front of my computer. I write everything on the computer. I can easily correct, erase, edit, etc.

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

My favorite part of writing is starting anew each day, creating as I go. I actually become part of my book. My least favorite is when I write the two words, The End. I always feel sad, as if I have lost a good friend who must now go off to live on its own at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. It’s like saying goodbye to my child. After all, I created my “little baby.”

How did you come up with your book idea? How long did it take you to write your book? 

When my first wife died, I was literally a basket case. I never thought I would love again, let alone go beyond just the basic elements of living, breathing and eating. After I found the courage to venture out and live my life again, I knew that I had to put my true journey down on paper for two crucial reasons: as a cathartic push to move forward for me, and as possibly a way of helping others.

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

I love to create, but I am not good in the sales’ department. My books are on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and Apple, and they have found good homes there.  Every now and then I do a bit of advertising, but I primarily rely upon the word of others. I have already retired, so my writing is my avocation, not my vocation.

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

I have lots of books out, international thrillers and mysteries, humorous novels, literary fiction, and my memoir. My latest book, TRIANGLE OF HOPE, is one of which I am particularly proud. My head is working on a few things, but I just have not involved my computer.

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

I have nothing definite at the moment, though I do have lots of threads running through my head.

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

Write for yourself. Write what you yourself like to read. Enjoy what you are doing, or don’t do it. Life is too short as it is.

A question for me:

I am curious. Why would someone want to write if he or she finds it difficult to do? Why not take on another hobby?

Good question! I think some folks are out there for the money only and they believe writing will give them the big bucks. Disappointments arrive every day. Hopefully, most writers write because they can't NOT write; the process is a part of their very soul. I think writing is difficult at times for even the proficient writer, but what distinguishes them from someone who writes just to make money, is what you read between the lines. There is depth and realness. There is joy and sorrow. There is actually something - dare I say it - that may even be more of a business and less of a hobby. For many writers, being a writer is like finally getting the career of their dreams. They can do what they love and make money too.

***

Thank you, Michael!

Learn more about Michael:

Link to my website: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005E7M8CW

Link to THE THREE KITTIES THAT SAVEDMY LIFE

Link to my trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asN3jjj3vBM

Are you breathing yet?

Thanksgiving,

It's only two days away.

Are you feeling the rush yet?

Wondering how you'll get through it

and then on to Christmas?

Stop.

Right now.

Wait.

Do you hear it? 

No, not your kids.

Not the ticking of the heater.

Your heart.

It's still beating.

And it's time for you to 

listen.

Do you hear it?

What is it telling you?

Valentine Writing Ideas

Since most of us are going to be in the Valentine swing tomorrow, I thought it would be appropriate to share some fun writing prompts to get every heart pumping.

When it comes to writing romance, it's a skill every writer needs, yes, even if you're not writing a romance novel. Since romance is a part of most of our lives, don't you think it should be a part of most of our novels?


Photo by: Mike Overall, courtesy of Flickr

So here goes:

Create a Valentine's Day box. Decorate it accordingly today, with slips of paper and ideas written on them that can be drawn out during the day tomorrow. Keep the ideas simple, like write your first paragraph with the word 'love' in it, or write a poem with the word 'red' in it. Interestingly enough, you may not come up with the best Valentine poem, but you will have something, and that's the point. Keep the box and pull it out next year to write even more.

Photo by: Peter Hellberg, courtesy of Flickr

Rather than buying a ready-made Valentine, write a love letter to your significant other. Use the five senses; something cards do, and make your words literally breathe love.



Photo by: Ruth L, courtesy of Flickr

Cook a Valentine's dinner instead of going out. In an envelope place some slips of paper with all of the words you can think of that explain your love for him/her. Share these words during your dinner.

Photo by Daniel Morris, courtesy of Flickr

Go ice skating and pay special attention to the couples. It's amazing what you can come up with when you watch others in their element (or not so much). Many romantic ideas can come from visiting places where couples are likely to frequent on Valentine's Day.

Valentine writing ideas are as available as your imagination. The deeper your imagination, the more ideas will come to you. Hopefully, these ideas will get you started.

A Change of Heart

DECEMBER 17
A change of Heart

As I mentioned before, the darkest hour for me is when I’ve known I needed to repent. Reflecting on the scriptures is a beginning for me. It allows my heart to be softened so I can see what I have done, and through the help of the Lord, change my behavior.

Because most change doesn’t happen overnight for me, I realize I need to go to the Lord daily for help.

I remember a particular time in my life with my young daughter. She was struggling with her temper and so was I. When she would yell, I would yell back. We accomplished nothing more than a fighting match. She’d go away crying and I would feel guilty.

And then one day, the spirit spoke to my heart. “The next time she has a problem I want you to sit her on your lap and tell her how much you love her.”

What of your change of heart?
Artwork by: qthomasbower, Courtesy of Flickr

The following day there was a problem. She began to yell at me. Instead of yelling back I went to her and without an angry thought in my mind, picked her up, and placed her on my lap.

I held her and whispered my love. In only moments she’d calmed down.

Since that time I haven’t always remembered the Lord’s counsel; to my detriment. I have needed to go to the Lord for cleansing for this and other reasons.

I used to call these reasons, repeat courses, but now I consider them to be more like an onion with layers that must be peeled and discarded before the desire to sin is gone.

Photo by: mi55er, Courtesy of Flickr

I rarely yell anymore, but I carry hurtful thoughts in my heart that I know I must let go of. If I get frustrated, it is far better to excuse myself and go into the next room for a moment of thoughtful prayer than to think I can handle the situation alone.

Today, record an experience you have had with sin and how you have overcome, or are striving to overcome. How might you have a change of heart?