AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Rita Avaud A Najm

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

I‘ve always loved writing. I remember writing my first play and the lyrics of its songs when I was 7 years old. Besides me, the actors were my brother and my close friends. I even once won the first prize during a competition in Arabic poetry between all Lebanese Catholic schools, when I was 11 years old. The results were on national TV. It was the first time I stood in front of a microphone and a huge camera. I was shaking, but I did a good job.  

The hectic life took me from writing for many years until I went back to college in Houston, and I had to decide on my graduation project.

Since I was volunteering at my children’s school, mostly at the library, I decided that my project should be a guide for teachers to encourage students to read more non-fiction and poetry books.

I haven't stopped writing since then.

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

I actually don’t schedule my writing time. I always have a notebook next to my seat to write down whenever I have a new story idea. I used to wait until my children went to sleep or got busy watching TV or playing a game to write. But since I moved to Utah, and because of my children go to a year-round school with many off-track times, I have plenty of time now, especially when I am not substituting any French teacher. 

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

My notebook is always handy to write ideas. Random funny thoughts make me create a cute little story!  

When I write Arabic poetry, I usually prefer white blank papers.

But since English is my third language, in addition to my Arabic and French languages, a laptop is always needed. Honestly, it’s the spelling check and grammar that I need, to make sure that no mistakes are left.

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

My least favorite thing is not finding the right word. Feelings are difficult to express sometimes.

My favorite part is when I reread my work and find that there is nothing that needs to be changed, removed or added. I know then that what I wanted to write about is perfectly done. 

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

“Memories are special moments that tell our story!”

The memories of my childhood and all the things I did back then make me smile now and wish to share them with my children. I have plenty of them. Some are like timeless treasures, some are sad, but all of them tell my story.

It doesn’t take me much to write a story when I have the main idea or character to talk about. Sometimes it takes an hour or two. But editing takes more than that. My two books didn’t take much! But it took me a year and a half to find the right publisher.

       

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

I have plenty of friends, and I work for many schools that have dual immersion French programs. That’s my main focus for a beginning, besides the KDP (kindle direct publishing) and media groups on Facebook and Instagram.

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

My two new books are already out “La Petite Rita” Volume 1 and Volume 2. I am working on my “La Petite Rita” volume 3.

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Besides my childhood stories, I also write short funny bedtime stories for children and families, that hold a moral lesson too. I have 5 stories ready to be published in picture book format that needs illustration. 

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

I actually have those 5 stories that need lots of illustration. I tried to do it myself since I am an artist, but painting portraits are one thing; landscape in an impressionism style on canvas is totally different. It is a special field of drawing.

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

Go ahead! Do not wait for the encouragement! Believe in yourself! Know your value! We all need someone to support our ideas…. But if we don’t have that someone we shouldn’t give up. We are all talented in different ways! Do not let discouragement stops you from doing what you like! Overcome any fear or frustration of not reaching your goal! Your effort will be rewarded at the right time by the right people. But guess what! You have to seek these people. You may not find them the first time, or the second time, but you will… Just go ahead! Make your words, thoughts and ideas come alive, your imagination visible and create your own world between the lines of your book!     

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 Connect with Rita on Facebook or LinkedIn.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Adam Maxwell

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

I suppose I've always written since being at school.  Whereas most other people I knew gave up when they left school I just… didn't. Wrote two (terrible) novels that will certainly never see the light of day then finally stopped messing about and did a couple of writing courses.  I think they focused me in what I was doing right and wrong and I've been writing and publishing ever since.

How to you schedule your writing time? when do you write?

It's difficult and something I've always struggled with.  The problem is there's always a distraction!  Some, like having a family, are fantastic and some, like having a full-time job, are less than fantastic!  Right now I try to do an hour after I've put my daughter to bed at least four days a week.  I've found that setting aside that specific time slot seems to work well and most weeks I manage a couple of extra hours here and there as I'm able.

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

I have an office if I'm writing during the day but on an evening I usually just plonk myself on the dining table and start typing.  I've got a laptop and a desktop computer that both sync all my writing via dropbox so I can pretty much pick up any project at a moment's notice.  Since January I've also been experimenting with dictation and that's going well. The idea of getting more words in the same time frame is very appealing.

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

I like outlining.  I usually produce a few thousand word outline for any novel I'm working on and that's pretty enjoyable because you've got the complete blank page to work from but my absolutely favourite part is once that is nailed and you start getting into the meat of the chapters.

Because my writing time is quite limited I've found outlines invaluable for just being able to pick up where I left off and keep the flow of a longer work going so just glancing at that and getting down to the business of writing is great fun.

The worst part? Editing.  Fortunately with more work spent on outlining there's rarely any major edits to do but I have to say editing just bores me, I have to force myself to do it…

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

Different book ideas came in different ways. The novel for adults I've just completed is called 'The Dali Deception' and that was born of fear! I had been writing stories of varying lengths about a detective character for years (and not finishing a great of many them) and I was worried that was all I could write. That one character. Forever. So I deliberately sat down to write something else. After a while I decided that I wanted to write a heist like Oceans 11 and so then I just gradually decided on all the elements; the characters, the villains, the crime. 

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The kids books I write came about because I was frustrated with the horrible fairy and princess books that seemed to be the only books that were popular for Middle Grade readers.  I wanted something that had a kick-butt girl as the main character but I also wanted to frame it in such a way that I wasn't going to be restricted to always write a certain type of book.  The hidden room in the Lost Bookshop was the result of that; the children can go on any adventure because, as we know, a bookshop contains ALL the adventures.  So they are transported into the Wild West, to a circus to investigate a missing monkey and a little trip into Grimm territory for the last one I completed.

Once I've finished the outline the books don't take too long, The Dali Deception took around three months to write and the Lost Bookshop series each take around a month and a half.

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

All of the marketing!

It's the one area I neglected in the past so I'm currently throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks then doubling down on those avenues.  I recently advertised with Bookbub for my free kids book and that result in fifteen thousand new readers in the first week but I have a mailing list that I'm trying not to neglect and looking at Facebook in more details at the moment.  I think I’ve got the hang of Twitter so come and say hello to @LostBookshop if you’re so inclined.

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

I just finished editing 'The Dali Deception' for adults so that should be out in the next couple of months, just getting my schedules in order.

In terms of writing I'm working on the next installment of The Lost Bookshop for kids. I finished the outline at the beginning of March and I’ve got the first few chapters in the bag already.

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

I do indeed, it's an Urban Fantasy series. I've written a prequel novella, done a lot of character development for the main characters and written the first couple of chapters too… it's a big project so I keep dipping in and out of it.

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

Write. A lot. It's literally the only way to get better. Writing groups are another great source of feedback, it's impossible to improve if you can't see what needs work.

A question for me:

What's the best piece of marketing advice you can give to an author about to launch their first novel?

Don't be afraid to try what feels right for you. In my book, Marketing Your Book on a Budget, I go through book reviewers, online interviews like this one, free sites to market your book, how to put together a book trailer without any out-of-pocket cash and more. I love doing book signings - though not in the usual places like book stores. I also carry postcards that have my recent book and contact information on them. Who knows when you'll be meeting someone interested in your book.

***

Thanks, Adam!

Learn more about Adam:

My author website is at http://www.adammaxwell.com and you can get links to my most recent kids book (it’s free!) by going to http://lostbookshop.com/books/witch-with-the-glitch/.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Mandy Barnett

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

Born in South Africa and raised in England, my experiences have become inspiration for my writing. I have always been creative and dappled in most crafts over my lifetime. When my family immigrated to Canada, I promised myself a creative outlet as the children were older and I had more time! I picked up leaflets at the library and the local writing circle's next meeting was the following Tuesday. I attended and was soon hooked on the craft of storytelling. I am now the secretary of the group and deeply involved in the foundation and its events (www.wfscsherwoodpark.com).

How and where do you write? Do you prefer a laptop, or do you prefer writing freehand? 

I am happy to write almost anywhere with my laptop but will jot down short pieces, ideas etc. in a notebook I carry around with me all the time. I have created a writing space in the dining area of our living room and expand it a little more each year. My hope is to have a study all to myself in time.

What's your favorite part about writing? 

I love creating new worlds, characters, places and immersing myself in them. An idea can come from a picture, a word or a sentence. 

Your least favorite part about writing? As a free flow writer, I can write continuously for a long time but once the first draft is finished, it is the revisions, editing and continuity I find tiresome but necessary.

How do you come up with your characters? 

To be honest they 'appear' in my mind and chatter away to me. Some become more insistent while others bide their time and reveal their agendas later on. 

Why would readers want to get to know them? 

I feel my characters are well rounded but many are unusual in their objectives and I love giving them twists.

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

I use most social media sites, my author and publisher's websites and numerous events, such as book fairs, book signings and readings.

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

I write whenever I get the chance whether that is early mornings when the house is quiet, in my lunch hour, evenings or with the headphones in to block everyone out at the weekend. I attend writing retreats every year too, which are marvelous for indulging myself in a large block of writing time.

What are you currently working on? 

I have two manuscripts I am working on presently. One is a western romance, Willow Tree Tears. The other is a suspense/thriller called The Giving Thief. 

Do you have a new book out? I launched my second children's book, Ockleberries to the Rescue in October of 2014.

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

I have two manuscripts that I need to get back to (but new ideas keep cropping up!) One is my first foray into writing a novel, Life in Slake Patch, a speculative fiction set in an alternative future with men and women living in separate compounds. The other is a romance with a reincarnation twist called, The Twesome Loop.

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

I would advise any writer to share their words, whether to a writing group, friends or family to build their confidence and take advantage of their local writer in residence for guidance. Once they have a good foundation and knowledge of the art then they need to approach professionals to assist them. The more they 'practice' (write) the better they will become.

***

Thank you Mandy!

Learn more about Mandy:
www.mandyevebarnett.com

See her character interview here

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Renee Hand, author of romance and books for children

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

I am a multi award-winning author and requested speaker on the topic of using fun fiction to teach science, geography and history. I show librarians, educators, and parents how using my books can not only challenge readers and the way they think about problems in real life, but I create high interest topics that suck the reader into my stories encouraging them into wanting to know more about the settings, science, history, culture and people. Skills like reading comprehension, reasoning, deduction and observation come together in a myriad of ways.

In my Crypto-Caper Series children get to solve puzzles and cryptograms that are woven strategically inside of the story for the reader to find and solve inside of the books. Each book provides the reader with what they will need to solve the case, providing them with the knowledge and new skills that will help them succeed.

In my Joe-Joe Nut Series, I expertly combine the love of a good mystery with science using the topics of animal tracks, rocks and minerals, as well as weathering, erosion, and art. These books can supplement a curriculum in any classroom. The books also contain extra information like experiments, terminology of the topic, charts, and much more. All books are interactive and fun.

I also write romance novels for adults.

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I have been writing for over 20 years.

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

I write on my laptop in my room or in my living room.

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

My favorite part of writing is doing research for my books. I always learn so much about the topic I’m writing about. My least favorite part about writing is editing. That takes the longest but it is the most rewarding.

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

My characters are relatable to children and/or adults in many ways. They have similar characteristics or are in similar situations and have similar problems. They also show how they can overcome such adversities and how they can become stronger for doing so. My characters grow along with the story and have to conquer their own fears.

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

I write in the morning or in the evening when my children are in bed.

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

I am currently working on book 4 in my Joe-Joe Nut Series-The Parade of Heroes. It is a historical mystery for children in grades 3rd and up. My newest book is my romance novel for adults called Loves Conqueror. This is my 3rd romance novel and has some similar characters from the other books. I have won awards for my romance novels.

***

Thank you, Renee!

My website www.reneeahand.com

My blog http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com

I also have a radio show where I interview authors about their books. The info is on my blog.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Regina Matthews

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

I was born in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1952. In 1965 my family moved to Atlanta, Georgia where I attended Therrell High School. After graduating from Therrell, I attended West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia. Currently I reside in Richardson, Texas with my husband, David. I have three daughters and four grandchildren. 

I have always had a very vivid imagination, which ultimately led to my love for writing and telling stories. My writing began when my children were little. I wrote my first book, well over thirty years ago as a gift to my girls. Now, years later, I’m happy to say I have been submerged in the life of an author and it’s been quite a journey. I've written three chapter books, one picture book, and one e-book, Words and Actions. 

I had an amazing teacher my senior year of high school. She was my senior English Lit teacher. I've never forgotten her or her teachings. Amazingly I reconnected with her a few years back and we keep in contact with each other. She definitely had a hand in my thirst for literature and for writing.

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

I have an office in my home where I write. I have a lap top but don’t use it much. I actually have a home based computer that I use most all the time.

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

My favorite part is simply the writing. Whenever I’m out and about and I see something that inspires a story, I’ll text my thought to my email or jot it down and then when I’m in my writing zone I’ll use those notes to develop my story. I love dialogue in a book and love to write dialogue. The process of developing characters is fun too. My least favorite part is when I don’t have time to sit and write. I miss it so much and then of course the thoughts don’t flow as easily as when I’m writing every day.

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

The characters from my chapter books are based on kids I went to elementary school and junior high with when I lived in SC. Of course I added a few different traits to them but they are basically based on my relationship with them. My characters are just like the kids we all knew and loved at one time…or maybe not. 

Elizabeth Marie Hutchinson is my main character in my chapter books. Elizabeth is a bit of a tomboy, yet she has a girly side. She’s an only child so friends are very important to her. She’s kind and always tries to please her parents. She’s a really good friend. Her best friends, Noel and Ashlee, love Elizabeth and the three of them make a great team. 

Margaret Callahan is the bully in my second book. She’s pretty, conceded, bratty and popular. However, deep down inside there’s a good side to Margaret, and it takes Elizabeth to discover it. In the end, Margaret has an awakening that readers will enjoy reading about.

My third book speaks to helping others. The characters in this book are faced with a problem that ends up involving Elizabeth’s entire neighborhood. The Hendrix family has a secret and Elizabeth and all her friends are determined to find out exactly what it is. Nancy Hendrix is a shy girl with a huge responsibility. You can’t help but feel sorry for her. However, she chooses the wrong path in an effort to help her family. I used Elizabeth’s bubbly character in my Words and Actions book as my guide through the world of words and actions.

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

I do a lot of social media marketing. I've done a local radio interview. Two of my books have won awards at the Christian Literary Awards in 2013 and 2014. I’m in the process of trying to build my Constant Contact list. VERY DIFFICULT!! I do a newsletter. Try to talk to as many people as I can.

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

Since my life is very full of many things other than writing, I still try to write something every day. Not always possible, but that’s my goal. It’s impossible for me to set a specific time during the day to write. I found when I've done that, I really stress over it because sometimes it doesn't work out which makes me put way too much pressure on myself and that affects my writing. So I typically will just write when things around me are quiet. Sometimes that’s morning but most times it is late evening.

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

Currently I’m working on an adult book. I also wrote a picture storybook and I’ll visit that every now and again to give it a little tweaking. Not ready to move on it yet as I’m a bit consumed with the adult book. My newest book is actually the e-book Words and Actions. I’m also working on a FB page entitled Kids Inspiring Kids. I’ll be announcing it in my next newsletter.

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

I do have a project on the back burner. It’s something I’d love to do that involves utilizing YouTube to encourage kids to read more. As a children’s book author, I find myself worrying about too many children not wanting to read books anymore. With electronics and telecommunications being what it is today; I fear actual book reading is falling by the wayside. Not in droves, but slowly and steadily. There’s no imagination involved in watching a movie, playing a game on one of those I-pad/pod things. Reading requires one to process the words of the author and turn them into a visual. In other words—imagine the character—imagine the place—imagine the scene. That’s about all I can say about this project at the moment. I developed a proposal for this, but had to put it on the back burner while I focused on my writing.

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

The first thing I’d tell them is to join a writing group. I've been in a writing group for about four years now. It has helped me tremendously. Go to as many seminars as you can afford. Look for free offers of on-line seminars. Join FB groups to see how other writers are working. If they are a children’s book writer I’d say join the local Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. They do great things and are a wealth of information. Maybe even get involved with a storytelling group. I belong to one of those as well.

Here’s the link to my website* http://www.reginamatthews.com/

*My web designers are in the process of updating and reworking my site. All info regarding me and my books is there. We’re just making it look a little cuter!!)

See the book trailer here: http://idea-creations.blogspot.com/2015/04/friday-flicks-words-and-actions-guide.html.