Texas Author Kathleen M. Rodgers Uses Military in Writing

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Kathleen M. Rodgers.

Kathleen M. Rodgers

“Being a writer, that’s my job. At book signings and presentations, I am an author.

But when I am working, I am a writer.”

— Kathleen M. Rodgers

Texas based author Kathleen M. Rodgers is a former frequent contributor to Family Circle Magazine and Military Times. Her work has also appeared in anthologies published by McGraw-Hill, University of Nebraska Press/Potomac Books, Health Communications, Inc., AMG Publishers, and Press 53. 

  In 2014, Kathleen was named a Distinguished Alumna from Tarrant County College/NE Campus. Three of her aviation poems are featured in a new exhibit at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island, NY.

She is the author of the award-winning novel, The Final Salute, featured in USA Today, The Associated Press, and Military Times. Deer Hawk Publications reissued the novel in e-book and paperback in 2014.

Her second novel, Johnnie Come Lately (Camel Press, 2015), was the winner of the Best Covers Award from Southern Writers Magazine, and has been featured in Stars & Stripes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and on “The Author’s Corner” on Public Radio.

Rodgers is the mother of two grown sons: Thomas, a graduate of University of North Texas and a working artist in Denton, Texas, and J.P., a graduate of Texas Tech University and a former Army officer who earned a Bronze Star in 2014 in Afghanistan. Kathleen and her husband, Tom, a retired USAF fighter pilot/commercial airline pilot, reside in Colleyville, Texas with their rescue dog, Denton. Kathleen is working on the sequel to Johnnie Come Lately, Seven Wings to Glory.

      1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Contemporary fiction

      2. What made you want to be a writer? I am one of six children, the third one down. I became a writer to have a VOICE.

3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Southern novelists Pat Conroy and Mark Childress and the late novelist, Carol Shields. I admired how she wrote about day-to-day family matters in a dramatic style. She made the ordinary look extraordinary.

4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? My process is messy. I think in scenes, and sometimes those scenes appear in my mind out of sequence. Sometimes I write them first then go back and write other scenes that precede them. Other times, I’ll jot a few notes. I think and speak in circles so it makes sense that the story often appears to me this way.

5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I used to write nearly every day when I was younger, but the older I get, I sometimes take days off to “think” about the story. While I’m thinking and daydreaming, I read, clean house, run errands I’ve put off, check on loved ones far away. But if I’m on deadline, I write all hours with little regard for the clock or calendar.

6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is essential if you want to be a writer.

7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Let trusted beta readers look over your work. Attend a critique group and get another pair of eyes on your work. You’ll know if it’s a good fit. Sometimes it takes 24 hours for a critical remark or suggestion to set in. Use what works and discard the rest.

8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? The moment you promote yourself on social media, turn around and promote two or three other authors in various genres. By showcasing other authors and putting them in the spotlight, it can help take the “glare” off of your own self-promotion.

9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes, attending writing conferences are some of the best ways to network with fellow writers, agents, editors and sometimes readers. I’ve attended Military Writers Society of America’s annual conference for years, the Houston Writers Guild April conference, Ozarks Writers League conference in Branson, MO, a couple of local and regional conferences in the North Texas area, and a Romance Writers of America conference on novel writing held in Alexandria, LA in 1992.

      10.  Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? I love to engage with my readers and followers on Facebook and other social media outlets. My books are available at all of the online book retailers. I just returned from the Ozarks Writers League November conference in Branson, MO where I spoke on perseverance and writing through adversity. With a looming deadline for my next novel, I’m cutting back on events for a while. www.kathleenMRodgers.com http://siteblog.kathleenmrodgers.com  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenMRodger

            Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/kathleen-m-rodgers/

            Author Central: http://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-M.-Rodgers/e/B002ZNYLMI/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

            Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2742306.Kathleen_M_Rodgers

            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-m-rodgers-05b36417

 MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Interview: Author of Please Say Kaddish for Me

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary! I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.

 “Startlingly new! Wonderfully different!” boasted the advertisements for the 1953 Chevrolet sedan. Much to the chagrin of her brother Jeff, Rochelle made her entrance into the world the same year her parents purchased their first car. Growing up in Kansas City, she doesn’t remember wanting to be anything other than an artist. Her mother would bemoan the fact with, “Thanks to Rochelle, I can’t find a clean sheet of paper in this house.”

Early on, Rochelle’s love of the arts extended to writing. At age nine she had a poem entitled “The Girl with the Dolls” printed in a magazine. While excited to see her name in black and white, she wasn’t thrilled with the way her grandmother, a widely published poet in New York, saw fit to edit it.

Rochelle’s short story “Savant” has been published in Voices, Vol. III. Another short story, “The Swimming Lesson”, is included in Echoes of the Ozarks, Vol. VI and a third, “Reap the Whirlwind” in Voices, Volume IV. Two of these stories are included in her own short story collection with original artwork This, That and Sometimes the Other; all published by High Hill Press. Her novel, Please Say Kaddish For Me (Argus Publishing) is available now; the sequel, From Silt and Ashes, will be out before Christmas. She is working on the third in the series, As One Must, One Can. We are also compiling a coffee table book of her art from all the books, A Stone for the Journey.

Q. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction?

A. Historical Fiction.

Q. What made you want to be a writer?

A. Of all the crazy things, it started with fan fiction. As a M*A*S*H fan, I found a site where others had written their own episodes of the show. I had been doing this in my head for years with M*A*S*H and other favorite shows. When I wrote a couple of my own short stories, I discovered I could tell a story with a beginning, middle and end. It also sparked my passion for research to make my stories historically accurate.

Q. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most?

A. Geraldine Brooks. In my eyes, she’s the undisputed champion for Historical Fiction. Her knowledge and research shine through; her characters live, breathe and walk off the page.

Q. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why?

A. In the book I’m currently working on, As One Must One Can, I have written an outline, although I didn’t for the two previous books in the trilogy, Please Say Kaddish for Me and From Silt and Ashes. I suppose you could call my “Family Tree Maker” program an outline. At my husband’s suggestion I’ve used the program to keep my characters straight. So far this has worked very well for me. For the most part, writing by scene seems to work best for me. I see them as movies in my head and then work to articulate them in print.

Q. Do you write every day? How much? How long?

A. Yes. Three to four hours is a conservative estimate. Probably 1,000 words.

Q. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why?

A. Yes. Reading is one of the best ways to learn what works and what doesn’t.

Q. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors?

A. Be willing to murder your darlings if they don’t pulse a story forward. The reader will never miss them.

Q. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share?

A. I’m in the learning stages myself.

Q. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent?

A. Yes, they are the best way to meet editors and agents and to network with other authors. Ozarks Writers League (OWL) holds conferences four times a year.

Q. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event?        

A. Nothing scheduled right now, but my books are available on Amazon and B&N. The sequel to Please Say Kaddish For Me, From Silt and Ashes, will be out any day now. I am working on the third in the series, As One Must, One Can. We are also compiling a coffee table book of her art from all the books, A Stone for the Journey. Rochelle’s Art   Rochelle Wisoff-Fields Art and Blogs Facebook Author Page Facebook Friday’s Fictioneers Rochelle’s website Twitter 

Kent Bonham and Rochelle Wisoff-Fields as Archie and Edith Bunker @ OWL

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/rochelle-wisoff-fields/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Amazon Top Reviewer Gives Romantic Comedy Five Stars

Title: Lucky Dawg Meets Lucky Lucy

Author: Edward Fox

Author's Blog: https://egfoxbooks.wordpress.com

Genre: Romantic Comedy with some Paranormal

Reviewer: cc2015 (Verified Purchaser) Gave this book a 5 Star Rating

Reviewer's Rating on Amazon: Top 1000 Reviewer

e-Book & AudioBook can be purchased at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B014RU6S7W

Story Published on Amazon, part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

By cc2015 TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Romance readers are in for a real treat with this book! Lucky Dawg Meets Lucky Lucy is a fun, yet sexy romance read intended for adult readers. I found Lucky Dawg's narration to be very fun and interesting, from when he was explaining the origin to his name to how he's lucky--he's definitely got a lot of personality and I found that to be very unique about this book! Also, though this is part of a series, there's no cliff hanger at the end--though I DO want more from Lucky Dawg and Lucky Lucy, it's a very satisfying read. I highly recommend this if you're looking for a hot romance read.


MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Edward G. Fox (Ed) may be found at http://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardgfox
https://www.amazon.com/author/edwardfoxhttps://egfoxbooks.wordpress.com/https://twitter.com/egfox123

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 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Interview: John House Lets Characters Drive Novels

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome John House, MD.

John House, MD creates his novels from his vast and varied experiences in life. He is actively involved in family medicine and previously spent time in sports, prison and urgent care medicine. He has traveled extensively, including mission trips to Belize, and has sailed and been scuba diving in the Virgin Islands, Bahamas and Belize.

To relieve the stress of a busy medical practice, he spent weekends hiking in the Appalachian Mountains with ‘Tall Guy,’ a companion well versed in nature.

Prior to becoming a novelist, John published poetry and he also won prizes for short fiction. His first two novels So Shall You Reap and Choices were written with locations based in Northern and Coastal Georgia. His third novel Trail of Deceit is based on his knowledge and love of nature.

A native Georgian, John received his BS from North Georgia College, his MD from the Medical College of Georgia and completed further training at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.

John served four years in the US Army, including a tour in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division.

John and his wife, Pam, live on the Southeast Coast of Georgia. All his creative works involve the richness of the Southern culture.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Romantic Suspense/Fiction

2. What made you want to be a writer? Desire to write entertaining stories from my vivid imagination

3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Alistair MacLean

4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I do not outline. I develop characters first and then let them develop the story

5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? Yes. At least two hours a day and sometimes as much as 8-10 hours

6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is extremely important to develop new ideas, learn new vocabulary and to review the pace of other authors.

7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Develop personal library of books of instruction on various aspects of writing—characters, plot, point of view, description—and educate yourself by reading works of successful writers.

8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work as hard on the cover and back page of your novel as you do what's inside. The reader can be captured by well-coined words.

9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Face-to-face contacts and instructions remain with you. Take copious notes. Network and make friends. Writers do help other writers. My favorite conference is Southeastern Writers Association held on St Simons Island, Georgia every June.

10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? Website: www.johnhouseauthor.com. Books/Kindle available online at Amazon, B&N, and other book stores. Facebook  LinkedIn A House of Short Stories

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Saga Intrigues Reviewer's First Read of Book by Maeve Christopher

Title:  Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series Book 1)

Author: Maeve Christopher

Website:  http://www.maevechristopher.com

Genre:  Literature & Fiction, Fiction, Sagas

ISBN #:   B00A3HTO02

Reviewer's Rating: 4 star

Where people can purchase the book:  http://www.amazon.com/Maeve-Christopher/e/B00AAJCEAK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1448387397&sr=1-2-ent

Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads

This was my the first book I read written by Maeve Christopher and one I enjoyed very much!

This story involves around more characters I've ever read in a book before and each unique in their own way. The story contains romance, love, mystery, suspense and even spiritual awareness. First time I've read that in a romance book and I have to say I liked it! It also covers a disease I've not read about in a book before.

Really enjoyed the main characters, Debbie and David. Loved his protectiveness towards her, warmed my heart. The other cast of characters were intriguing as well.

The only thing that would catch me up was my having to refer back a few pages to recall who was "speaking " and being introduced to so many characters, trying to remember who was who.

Definitely worth reading! I know I'll be reading the rest of this series because I'm hoping to get to know them all even more!!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maeve Christopher connections:

Website:  http://www.maevechristopher.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MaeveChristopher/?fref=ts

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MaeveChristophe

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6581925.Maeve_Christopher?from_search=true&search_version=service

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Maeve-Christopher/e/B00AAJCEAK/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1448387397&sr=1-2-ent

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Tracey Quintin connections:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/LOVEBOOKSWITHROMANCE/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ReadingIsOurPas

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19886187-tracey-quintin

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 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Eleanor Gamarsh: Poet Speaks for Everyman

Title: Imperfect Echoes

Subtitle: Writing Truth and Justice with Capital Letters, lie and oppression with Small

Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 148

Available as paperback and e-book on Amazon

Published by HowToDoItFrugally, LA

Reviewed by Eleanor F. J. Gamarsh

I read poetry occasionally. I have written a few poems spontaneously. As I have begun to write regularly, I thought I ought to learn more about that genre. I believed I could do that by reading current poets’ writing. I chose to read the collections recently published by Carolyn Howard-Johnson title Imperfect Echoes.

By the time I had read less than half the pages, I felt that Carolyn had spoken for Everyman. Sometimes subtle, sometimes brutal imagery and metaphor brought truth to light. Every word on page after page disrupted my thoughts and tugged at my heart. It appeared to me that she laid the thoughts of anyone and everyone who cares about our human condition on each page. Thoughts that either we don’t want to speak or can’t because they are unspeakable for most.

Her recollections may tear at your heart and mind until you come upon a poem about the improbabilities and uniqueness of America. When I read “The Story of My Missed Connection in Minneola,” I burst out laughing. This was pure comic relief amidst pathos.

I read one poem after another because I could not do otherwise. If nothing else, it was my curiosity about what would be next stirring my emotions but being enlightened, also. Up? Down? All around and back again? Then, turning the next page, my funny bone was tickled once more.

As for learning about writing poetry, Imperfect Echoes gave me more than I was looking for.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

After a lifetime of creative work including designing and handcrafting greeting cards and needlework of all kinds, Eleanor Gamarsh recently took up writing in several genres, primarily memoir.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Accepted for inclusion in Poets & Writers prestigious list of published poets, multi award-winning novelist and poet Carolyn Howard-Johnson is widely published in journals and anthologies. She is the recipient of the California Legislature’s Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment Award, and her community’s Character and Ethics award for her work promoting tolerance with her writing. She was also named to Pasadena Weekly’s list “Fourteen San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen” and was given her community’s Diamond Award for Achievement in the Arts. One of her poems won the Franklin Christoph poetry prize. She was an instructor for UCLA Extension’s world-renown Writers’ Program for nearly a decade. She has written six poetry chapbook in the Celebration Series  with Magdalena Ball, several of them award-winners. Learn more about all her books at http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile or http://howtodoitfrugally.com.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Interview: Award-Winning Journalist Covers Fiction, Too!

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Ginny Fite.

Ginny Fite is an award-winning journalist who has covered crime, politics, government, healthcare, art and all things human. She has been a spokesperson for a governor, member of Congress, a few colleges and universities, and a robotics R&D company. She has degrees from Rutgers University and Johns Hopkins University and studied at the School for Women Healers and the Maryland Poetry Therapy Institute. She is the author of I Should Be Dead by Now, a collection of humorous lamentations about aging, three books of poetry: The Last Thousand Years, The Pearl Fisher, Throwing Caution; and a short story collection, What Goes Around.  Cromwell’s Folly is her first novel. Its sequel, No Good Deed Left Undone is due for release in 2016 She resides in Harpers Ferry, WV.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Fiction/murder mysteries
2. What made you want to be a writer?  I like to read.
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Alexander Dumas and Jane Austen as a teenager; right now Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. Each writer teaches me something new about how to tell a story.
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I'm a hybrid seat-of-the-pants planner. I begin where the story tells me to, typing as fast as I can to keep up, and when the plot gets complicated, I start making a timeline that spans the entire framework of the novel. The timeline isn't a cage. The story can escape from it at any time, but it does help me to see where I'm going.
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I write every day, including weekends; in the morning for as long as it's productive, so sometimes for four hours, sometimes longer. I don't count words or pages.
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is critical to good writing. The more you read, the more you discover about your craft. But it's also simply pleasurable. Good brain food.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Read everything. Write down lines when they come. A good line can zoom by like a ping pong ball in a vacuum.  Don't be in a hurry; writing is a long process and it's okay if your first draft is a mess. Get in a writers group that meets weekly and let other writers hold you accountable.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? I'm still praying for a book maven to promote my novel so I can reach that all-critical tipping point!
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent?  Sometimes conferences are beneficial, depending on who is speaking. I recently went to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Writers Conference in October and was inspired by the presenters; two of whom were Pulitzer Prize winners.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My novel, Cromwell's Folly, is on Amazon, B&N, and wherever books are sold. In my local indie book store, Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, it is one of the store's "best sellers" and shares a shelf with The Martian and All the Light We Cannot See, to my knee-buckling astonishment. My next signing event is on Dec. 12th at the Christmas Market in Charles Town, WV from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.ginnyfite.com  Fite Events Facebook  Different Strokes for Different Folks Blog Talk Radio Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/ginny-fite/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency

A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

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