Interview: Jim Garrison Pens Novel Set in Mekong Delta

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 Jim Garrison. 

• What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction?
  • I mostly write fiction, typically a cross between genre and literary fiction. My first novel, QL 4, is both historical fiction and a literary crime novel set in the Mekong Delta in 1970 during the Vietnam War. 
• What made you want to be a writer? As long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated with books and the doors they open, both in the mind and in life.  So I thought, Why not create my own literary canvas drawn from my experiences and observations and render these tales in a way that entertains and informs?
• Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? There were many writers of all stripes who inspired me, but Ernest Hemingway is probably the one who gave me the writing bug in my teens, especially A Farewell to Arms.
• What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? Going back to when I practiced law, I start with a lump of clay: ideas jotted down on sticky notes and scratch paper, then in a notebook dedicated to the novel.  The first part of the notebook may be ruminations about characters or even a story arc.  As the concept develops, I begin a list of characters with their descriptions and back story, a timeline, and a chapter outline (based on different scenes).  To start writing, I “outline” in a way that usually ends up getting every scene and character down on paper.  Next I flesh out the story (description, characters, and dialogue) in long hand until I have a complete novel that may be hundreds of pages. I try to be flexible; writing chapters out of order, revising, deleting, changing course.  From those handwritten pages, I type a manuscript, which I deem my first real draft.  
• Do you write every day? How much? How long? When I’m not travelling, I usually write or edit, every day, but I have no set schedule (and my writing may take other forms than fiction, from poetry to legal documents).  When I’m working on a novel, I usually spend no more than two or three hours a day unless I have a deadline.
• Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? How can you write without reading: fiction, nonfiction, current events, poetry, comics?The wider your range of knowledge, the deeper your insights into people, the human condition, everything.  Also, knowing what the reading public reads helps the author write for his or her chosen audience.
• What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Get something on the page, no matter how rough, inelegant, or incomplete.  Keep a journal, write a description of a place or person or event.  Observe everything and everyone around you.  Listen, eavesdrop.  Cancel cable television.
• Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? From my scant experience, you must have a platform, including a good website that shows you know your subject.
• Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Certainly conferences can be beneficial.  Here and there, I’ve picked up some writing tips, but most valuable has been the interaction with other writers and a few agents and editors. I’ve been to the Pike’s Peak Writers Conference several times, as well as to conferences sponsored by the Houston Writers Guild and the Writers’ League of Texas.  I also attended the Maui Writers Conference once in its heyday.
• Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? https://jamesdgarrison.wordpress.com/ Johnnie Bernhard with Loiacono Literary Agency represents my novel QL4 (available for acquisition), a brutally honest, unflinchingly poetic, final test for a disillusioned American GI as he searches for an honorable way out of his predicament during the Vietnam War.  http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/jim-garrison/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

Agent Johnnie Bernhard is a former English teacher and journalist whose life’s work has been writing and reading.  A published author, her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines, both nationally and internationally.  Johnnie believes that good writing has the ability to transform and transport the reader.

            Her novel, A Good Girl, a second finalist in the 2015 William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition, is available for acquisition.

Bernhard Events  Featured Writer for Gulf Coast Writer’s Association

Genres:  Literary Fiction, Women’s Literature, Faith-Based Literature, Southern Literature, Historic Fiction, Memoir, and Nonfiction.

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: Journalist Writes Comics! and Science Fiction

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. I hope you'll submit your favorite review or interview. Guidlines are in the left column of this blog.

So, today welcome Richard Paolinelli.

Paolinelli is the author of the sci-fi novel Maelstrom (Smashwords) and two short stories: sci-fi short The Invited (Smashwords) and the mystery/thriller short Legacy of Death (Smashwords). He served as the story writer for the first two issues of the Elite Comics series, Seadragon: Seadragon #1 (Elite Comics, 1986) Seadragon #2 (Elite Comics, 1986). He is also an award-winning writer for newspapers in California and New Mexico and has written for many magazines and websites across the country. He is now working on the outlined sequels: Betrayals, Shades, and Endgames. 

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? I write mystery-thrillers as well as science fiction and sports non-fiction.

2. What made you want to be a writer? When I was in grade school I was always coming up with “stories” that I would write down and I haven’t ever stopped.

3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? At first it was Edgar Allan Poe and H.G. Wells. But more recently, I would have to say Jack McDevitt.

4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I like to create three dimensional characters that the readers can fully connect with, put them into a situation that really puts them to the test and hopefully take the reader on a great ride from the first page until the last. I outline because I like have each step of the story fully laid out before I begin. The one quirk I have is that I write the opening chapter first and then I write the last chapter before going back to end of the first chapter and finishing the story from there.

5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I try to write every day (when life manages to stay out of the way long enough of course) and for as long as I can. (Anywhere from an hour up to a 14-hour marathon I put in during From The Fields).

6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? I do. You can learn a lot about crafting a story by reading other stories, especially those in the genre you are writing in.  

7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Keep writing, no matter what. It took me 15 years from the time I sat down and decided to write my first sci-fi novel until the time I had finished it and it was published. My mystery-thriller, Reservations, which was just released is the prequel to a movie script I wrote in 1998. The lesson is: Never give up on your writing, no matter how gloomy things may appear to you at the present.

8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Be relentless and shameless. Never pass up an opportunity to post a link to your book on social media no matter how much of a stretch it may seem to be. I once posted a flyer about one of my books in a sandwich shop.

9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I do. You get a chance to meet potential readers face to face. Sometimes you will sell a few books. Sometimes you won’t sell a thing, but someone you met at the event will buy a copy online and hopefully tell their friends how good your book was and how cool it was that they met you.

10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My website is: www.richardpaolinelli.com and all of my books are on the main page. Click on the covers and the link will take you to each book’s page on Amazon.com. I have a radio appearance on Dec. 13^th but my next in-person event is the Tucson Festival of Books at the University of Arizona on March 12th & 13^th. www.richardpaolinelli.com  Paolinelli Events www.facebook.com/RichardPaolinelli1964 Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/richard-paolinelli/

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 Student of Gullah and Geechee Cultures

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 Stephen Doster.

Stephen Doster was born in England and grew up on St. Simons Island, Georgia. He is a student of history and has extensively researched the Gullah and Geechee cultures of South Carolina and Georgia. He received a degree in Marketing from the University of Georgia and has recently received his Master of Liberal Arts and Science degree with a certificate in history. Doster has appeared at BookExpo, the Southern Festival of Books, the Amelia Island Book Festival, The Southern Kentucky Book Fest and has spoken at colleges, historical societies, and library associations in Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. He has been interviewed on public radio and television in Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. Currently, he is an assistant editor for a peer-review journal at Vanderbilt University. His other works include: Voices from St. Simons, Lord Baltimore, Georgia Witness, Jesus Tree, Shadow Child, Rose Bush and Her Finest Hour.

1 What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? All of the above. I’ve written several novels, a couple of oral histories, a book of short stories, and a WWII memoir. I try to write something new and different each time. Probably not the best approach to building an audience, but I sleep well at night.

2 What made you want to be a writer? Living in the South, and especially on the Georgia Coast surrounded by Gullah/Geechee communities. I grew up listening to gifted storytellers. However, I’m not a great raconteur in the oral tradition, so I gravitated to telling stories via the printed word.

3 Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Cervantes. He knocked down a lot of walls for future writers. Don Quixote remains a thoroughly modern novel after 400 years.

4 What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I start with the seed of an idea and go from there without outlining, at least not on paper. It’s like taking a journey and constantly asking, “What happens next?” and then answering that question. When the journey’s done, the book is finished. When I need to work out a plot idea, I take a long walk. Something about being in motion gets the creative juices flowing.

5 Do you write every day? How much? How long? I have adopted the Ringo Starr approach to writing. He doesn’t practice on the drums. He just lays down a rhythm when it’s time to play. I write a lot in the course of my regular (full time) job. So, when it’s time to write a book on my time, I’m primed.

6 Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Most of my inspiration and ideas come from reading (especially historical books). I think this is true for most writers. Otherwise, it’s like asking a musician to create a song without having heard other musical works or asking a painter to create something without having seen other paintings. Without reading, you’re recreating the wheel, and probably not doing a good job of it, regardless of the genre you’re in. Another benefit is that reading provides the research required to be historically accurate or to inspire new ideas for a work in progress. Nothing dislodges a reader from the story—or embarrasses a writer—like inaccuracies, historical or otherwise.

7 What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Write what interests you and trust that it will resonate with others (to paraphrase Emerson). If you have a family to support, write whatever pays the bills. You might have to do the latter to support the former.

8 Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? If you can afford it, hire a good PR person. With the right machine behind you, you can sell a lot more books.

9 Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Leave each conference having learned at least one thing or having made at least one connection that will benefit your writing career. It might be an inspired talk or simply meeting another writer who is now a new friend for life.

10 Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at www.sdoster.com Goodreads Amazon Author Central All books can be found on all the online sites:  Amazon Fish Pond BAM B&N IndieBound Shelfari Powell’s Books Wheeler’s Books  IDreamBooks COPIA Book Depository and more.

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/stephen-doster/

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.

----- 
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: Vet Pens Historical Fiction

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 Thomas E. Simmons. 

Simmons grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, attended Marion Military Institute, the U. S. Naval Academy, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama. Tom was once the commercial captain of a seventy foot sailing vessel, has been a pilot since the age of sixteen, (3000 plus hours in the air), has flown professionally and participated in air shows flying aerobatics in open-cockpit bi-planes. In the late 1950s he served as an artillery officer in Korea. He is the author of three nonfictions: The Man Called Brown Condor (Skyhorse, 2013), Forgotten Heroes of World War II: Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers Land, Sea and Air (Taylor Trade, 2014), Escape from Archangel (University of Mississippi Press); and two historical fictions: By Accident of Birth (TouchPoint Press, 2015) and The Last Quinn Standing (TouchPoint Press, 2016). He has also written numerous magazine articles, an example of which, “Growing Up With Mr. Faulkner,” was published in The Oxford American, a literary magazine founded by John Grisham.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Both historical fiction and nonfiction.
2. What made you want to be a writer? My love of books, and the fact, as with most writers, I write because I am driven to.
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Too many to list.
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene?  Linearly. Why? It is the way my brain works. Nonfiction should flow as the history of your subject to make it easier for the reader to follow and understand. I write fiction linearly for it wouldn’t be fun if I knew how my story will end. I want it to be as big a surprise to me as for the reader.
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? When working on a project I write a little almost daily. If my muse is flowing, I may write late into the night when all is quiet and there are no interruptions.
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Absolutely. Why? It presents a study of sentence structure, new ways of looking at specific words, different story or fact presentation, implants the desire to do better; all, of course, if you read quality work.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Perseverance, dedication, courage, research, research, research until you know your subject, character, setting, facts…never get caught stating facts or details that are wrong; revise, revise, revise; develop a thick hide to handle criticism, rejection slips, and disappointment, and work hard to get an agent (mine is Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com ) in the field of which you are writing.  If you can’t get an agent, rework the piece and try again. Remember, John Gresham (with his book The Firm ) was turned down by some thirty-nine or more agents.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work with your publisher, work with independent book stores in your area, use any contacts you have with radio stations, TV stations, newspapers in your local/regional area, volunteer to make talks and book signings, use social media. Friends will spread the word, and last but not least, read Carolyn Howard Johnson’s book The Frugal Book Promoter.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes, they are beneficial. Only been to one and that is where I met my agent. There is much you can learn at conferences about writing, publishing, and marketing.

Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at my web site www.thomasesimmons.net; at my E-mail tesim@bellsouth.net. I have a new novel, By Accident of Birth, which has just been released, with launch at Barnes and Nobel 15246 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503, and a second printing of The Man Called Brown Condor (which won the Gold Medal for Biography from the Military Writers Society of America) this time in soft cover due out in January 2016; its launch at Barnes and Nobel 15246 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Three books of mine are currently in print and can be obtained at any book store, Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, Kindle, and one as an audio book. Nonfiction: Escape from Archangel; Forgotten Heroes of World War II: Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers Land, Sea and Air and The Man Called Brown Condor, hard cover and soon in soft cover. Fiction: By Accident of Birth just released. www.thomasesimmons.net  Amazon Author Central

Facebook LinkedIn Tom Simmons interview about the Lighthouse

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/thomas-e-simmons

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.

Horror Writer Admits She Likes Her "Inner Demons" to Squeal with Delight

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.  We've been partnering on these reviews for over a month now, so have some fun checking old posts!

So, today welcome Rebecca Besser. 

    

Rebecca Besser resides in Ohio with her wonderful husband and amazing son. They’ve come to accept her quirks as normal while she writes anything and everything that makes her inner demons squeal with delight. She’s best known for her work in adult horror, but has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for a variety of age groups and genres. She’s entirely too cute to be scary in person, so she turns to the page to instill fear into the hearts of the masses. She is

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Horror, mostly.  I have written for a variety of genres and age groups. Mostly fiction, although I do write nonfiction from time to time.
2. What made you want to be a writer? I’ve always had a natural way with words and an overactive imagination. Writing was always a good fit for me!
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Wow! That’s a hard one. My favorite authors are Jean M. Auel and Linda Rios Brook…but I’ve had some fellow authors who write horror inspire and encourage me quite a bit. Just to mention a few: David Moody, Joe McKinney, and Gregory Norris.
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? My writing style is easy-to-read flow, I guess. I strive to write relatable characters that use natural dialogue, while at the same time, help the reader not to be taken out of the story by awkward wording. I outline long projects (novellas or novels) by chapter, but usually as a loose outline so I know where I’m going and what I want to happen.
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I wish! I’m a busy woman (wife, mother, and self-employed). I take writing time when I can get it. I tend to write more, and am happier with my progress, when I have big chunks of time to write.
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Yes! Reading is a great way to study other styles of writing. Reading can also inspire new stories ideas. Also, if you don’t have the urge to write for whatever reason, reading will usually bring you out of that funk.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Writing is rough. It’s going to take time, energy, and a lot of emotional highs and lows, but don’t give up. Also…learn as much about spelling and punctuation as you can! Well-written and edited works have a higher chance of publication.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Make friends with other writers in your genre and coordinate blog tours and signings together. You will then be cross-exposed to each other’s fans and you’ll have moral support for the hard times.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I have yet to actually attend a conference, but hope to this coming year. But I have coordinated events online with other authors in my area and we’ve had signings together as well.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? I’m on Facebook under Author/Editor Rebecca Besser, on Twitter @BeccaBesser, and you can visit my blog or website www.rebeccabesser.wordpress.com www.rebeccabesser.com        Amazon Author Page  Besser Events My books are available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

As far as events…I was just on the #WinterofZombie tour with over forty authors (Nov. 2015). Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/rebecca-besser/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENTS

Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Melissa Carrigee Melissa.C@llallc.net  Agent, Marketing and Publicity – Melissa Carrigee

Facebook  Melissa Carrigee Covers  Melissa Carrigee Book Trailers

Carrigee Graphic Art Contract Template

Reading and writing is a way of life for Melissa Carrigee.  As a literary agent and award winning graphic artist, she combines her two passions of business and writing.  She has published works in newspapers and magazines as well as a published novel. Featured Columnist for The Family Forum, Parents and Kids Magazine – Mississippi Gulf Coast.

I want a horror book to read all night long while I check behind the doors for the boogey man.  I’m looking for a thriller that keeps me reading and guessing (and just when I think I’ve figured it out, I’m wrong).  I’m looking for children’s books that engage the parent and the child.  I’m looking for young adult novels – but NOT Twilight and not wizards.  That’s been done.  I’m looking for any story with a great plot.  Something I can sit and read in a few days with characters that make me think about them long after I’ve finished the book.

Genres: horror, science fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction, mysteries, thrillers, dramas, historical romance, children’s (picture and mid-grade)—any book that has a great story with unforgettable characters.

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: Reading for Jewish Children

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 Bracha Goetz. 

Bracha Goetz is the Harvard-educated author of thirty children’s books, including  Remarkable Park,  Let Your Fingers Do the Mitzvos and The Invisible Book. She also coordinates a Big Brother Big Sister Program for Jewish Community Services in Baltimore, Maryland.

Her first published piece was a poem that appeared in McCall’s magazine when she won a Junior McCall’s contest as a twelve-year-old.  Years later, she was the editor of her high school paper, and later on, helped coordinate and contributed an essay to the anthology, Women Look at Biology Looking at Women, while at Harvard, which became a text for many women’s studies courses nationwide. Her writing has, since then and up until now, almost exclusively been aimed at the religious Jewish population;  being interviewed twice (2009, 2010) on the Zev Brenner Radio show in NY, the most popular Orthodox Jewish radio show. What Do You See on Purim? A fun way for toddlers to learn vocabulary! Teaches toddlers about the holiday of Purim with a bright and colorful word-and-picture book!  Children will learn basic vocabulary while becoming familiar with the objects and concepts that are unique to this special holiday. It’s available from Judaica Press and in the local Jewish bookstores!

She also has a chapter entitled “From Harvard to Homemaking” in new release from Coffeetown Press called Torn: True Stories of Kids, Career & the Conflict of Modern Motherhood.

She has recently released What Do You See At School?  and Because of a Smile . Available online and in Jewish bookstores – What Do You See On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? 

Her latest release is Hashem’s Candy Store

“What do you think you would see if you opened the door? What would you find on the shelves in Hashem’s Candy Store?

In this adorable book by bestselling author Bracha Goetz, kids will learn the most amazing things about some of the yummiest “candy” available on the market – namely, the delicious fruits and vegetables that Hashem created.

“Children will devour the captivating rhymes and illustrations…and don’t be surprised if you soon find them beginning to devour their fruits and veggies, too!” — Bracha

Hashem’s Candy Store is available both online and in Jewish bookstores.

1.      What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? I am the author of thirty picture books. Some of them are fiction and some are non-fiction.
2.      What made you want to be a writer? I love reading children’s books, and I wanted to write the kind of books that I wished I could have read when I was a child—spiritual children’s books with answers to life’s deepest questions, presented in a delightfully simple way.
3.      Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Anne Frank
4.      What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? When ideas pop into my head, I jot them down, even if it is in the middle of the night. I keep a pad and pen near my bed for that purpose so I can go back to sleep after writing it down. Then when I have some time, like when I am a passenger in a long car ride or taking a plane trip, I play with the ideas that I have jotted down and see where we can go.
5.      Do you write every day? How much? How long? I probably write something every day, whether it’s editing a piece I once wrote, or communicating about my writing to others.
6.      Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? I think reading is as important because it opens up the writer’s mind to go in new directions.
7.      What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? As soon as I get a rejection, I try to do something with the manuscript, whether that means sending it to a different place or revising it. If I don’t respond quickly, then it will just sit and go nowhere, and I wrote it to get it out into the world.
8.      Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Email blasts are still very effective when new material is published, but the emails need to be kept short as they are often viewed on phones now.
9.      Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I attended conferences when I began writing professionally and found them very helpful at that time. I think they must have helped me learn how to get my foot into doors.
10.  Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? All of my books can be found on my Author Amazon Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/spiritualkidsbooks-brachagoetz . These are picture books for Jewish children, but soon I will have spiritual kids’ books for all children (and their parents and teachers) to enjoy as well! My next event that is open to the public (not at a school) is on Sunday, December 12 from 10 to 11:30 am at the Leon Weiner Jewish Library in the Young Israel of Houston in Houston, Texas. I will attach a flyer I just received about this event. Amazon Author Page – Bracha Goetz  David Clarke Blog Talk Radio Interview  Bracha Goetz books/images  Listen to Bracha reading her books  
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono

'

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.

----- 

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.