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Sunday, May 31, 2020
New Romance and Fiction In The Garden
Saturday, May 30, 2020
A Garden Interview with Susan Leigh Furlong
Hello Susan
Tell us about your books.
Tell us about your books.
1. Do
you plot or let the story unfold?
A lot of advice online from, for
example, J.K. Rowlings or Stephen King, is to use a large chart and post-its to
fill in each scene. I tried this technique and found it too frustrating. I am
not a math person and that kind of precision makes me tense. Then I read that
Diane Gabaldon of Outlander fame writes in chapters or scenes and then puts
them together. That’s how I do it. I always have a category of “Scenes to Add”
handy to be inserted when I get to that part of the story. This works for me!
2. When
did you decide to become an author?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t
creating stories. When I was about ten years old, someone sent us kimonos from
Japan for my sister and brother, and I wrote a play that we all presented in
our attic along with some of the neighborhood kids. My first writings were
handwritten and stuffed in my underwear drawers. Next, I worked on a manual
typewriter, jumping up to fix dinner between paragraphs. Then we got a
Commodore 64 and I went through two keyboards. After that we’ve had a variety
of computers, and my husband always told me “You’ll never fill up that hard
drive.” I always did.
3. How
do you deal with writer’s block?
I get so many ideas at night in bed.
Once an entire short drama came to me, nearly word-for-word. I keep post-its by
my bed and scribble what I remember. Quite often my question in the morning is
“What does this say?” I heard that Ann Rice writes her nighttime ideas on her
walls, but I don’t think that would go over well in our house! I also do a lot
of plotting when I take walks. I give myself a question – How do I get the hero
from this place to the next?- and the quiet of being outside opens up my mind
until I know just how he’ll do it.
4. How
much of the book is realistic?
I am a lover of history, and I write historical
romance books based on actual true events. Then I can toss my fictional
characters in and see how they’d survive. Under the category of “You can’t make
this stuff up,” I am always amazed at events and people from the past. My first
two books (Steadfast Will I Be and By Promise Made) take place in
Scotland in the mid-1500s under the reigns of James V who was held prisoner by
his step-father before he escape to regain his throne at age sixteen, and Mary,
Queen of Scots who caused a war between England and Scotland over her betrothal
at age four. I do quite a bit of research on the setting, the clothing, and the
customs of the time while my hero and heroine are created from the heart.
5. How
did you do in English as a kid?
Since I’d always been writing, the
creative aspects of an English class came easily. I, however, got my greatest
encouragement from a teacher I had my junior year in High School. The school
had a literary magazine of student work, and I took a leap of faith to submit
one of my stories. It was loosely based on an event that happened to me. It was
not accepted by the panel of student judges for publication, but my teacher
called me in after class to tell me that while the students had not appreciated
it, she loved it. She said it showed promise and talent, and I should keep
writing. If she had been choosing the stories to be published, mine would have
been on the front page. This meant so much to me!
And for something a bit personal....
1. What’s
the most blatant lie you’ve ever told?
I
taught school for 30 years, first grade and fourth grade. I had a reputation
for being successful with children when no one else was. The result was that often
my classes were overloaded with “problem” kids. It turned out that my success
was due to the lies I told. For example, in Kindergarten “Kenny” could not be
left unsupervised. He’d did whatever he wanted, and usually that meant
wandering off or refusing to come in from recess, etc. and punching other kids
in the face. When I got him in first grade, I told him that I thought he had
strong leadership skills, and I would like him to help the other children.
Within two months I could send him on errands to the office alone, much to the
surprise of the principal and the secretary, and by the end of the year he
could lead the class to assemblies and get them seated.
Another
troubled girl had been in Kindergarten twice and still would not spell
her name correctly. I told her repeatedly that I thought she was very smart and
that I really liked her. Within the week she spelled her name correctly and by
November she was the top reader in my class. All because I told a lie.
2. I
have several favorite quotes.
This
one, in varying wording, has been attributed to several people, but I like this
version by Edward Teller, a nuclear physicist – a scientist who talks about
faith. “When you come to the end
of all the light you know, and it's time to step into the darkness of the
unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: either you will
be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”
Another is by Mother Teresa and is written on
the wall of her children’s home in India – a woman who often questioned her
faith but believed anyway.
“People
are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them
anyway.
If
you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind
anyway.
If
you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If
you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere
anyway.
What
you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If
you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The
good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give
the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In
the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you
and them anyway.”
3. If
you came with a warning label, what would it say?
My
warning label would say “She says what she means, and she means what she says.
So, listen up!”
4. What
are your current projects?
I
am working on marketing my first book, Steadfast Will I Be, and am in
the editing stage of my second book, By Promise Made. I also have
partially finished my third book, as of yet untitled.
For
the past fifteen years I have written scripts and performed with a music and
drama group called LightReaders. I am working on our 2020 program of music,
which we take to nursing homes in our area, and also working on an extended
program with music and sketches to present at our church in August. Both are entitled, “God is Great – Stories,
Songs and Psalms.”
5. Do
you travel researching your books?
Two
years ago, I took a two week cruise with my two sisters around Great Britain.
One of the stops was in Edinburgh, and we took a side trip north to Loch Lomand
and Dunrobin Castle, which happens to be in our Scottish heritage family tree.
I felt “at home” there, and I use that feeling when I describe the area in my
books. I wish I could travel more, but Google is a great help in showing me the
areas.
Where can we find you online?
My Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/SusanLeighFurlong/?business_id=790546757667381&ref=bookmarks
Download Steadfast Will I Be
on Amazon and other online retailers.
Friday, May 29, 2020
And Author Interview with D. K. Deters
Hi D.K.
Welcome to the Garden Interviews
Tell us about you and your books
Welcome to the Garden Interviews
Tell us about you and your books
How did you
do in English as a kid?
I remember little
about my early years, but high school English was another story. I always wanted
to throw my underwhelming pages in the trash. It turns out, I did fine, but it
took years to recognize that everyone has their own writing style and voice.
What was the
hardest chapter/book to finish and why?
I’ve always
had a tough time finishing the last chapter. I worry if the reader will be satisfied
with the ending or if I’ve somehow overlooked a plot hole. It’s tough to say goodbye to the characters
since they’ve been my inspiration for months and months.
Is there a
message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There’s a
little bit of a hero in all the characters. Their small and almost forgettable
actions will have you wondering how they all connect.
What was the
hardest part of writing your book?
Since Christmas
Once Again is a time travel fantasy, I was careful about separating the past
from the present.
When did you
first, without hesitation, call yourself a writer?
November 12,
2018. The day Christmas Once Again was published.
Now let's get to the personal stuff...
Are you
jealous of other writers?
Oh yeah.
Sometimes I’ll read a line or a paragraph that this is pure mastery and wish I
could write like that.
What makes
you laugh?
My
grandchildren.
Do you have
any hobbies?
I enjoy
restoring old dollhouses and secondhand furniture.
If you were
a tool, what would you be?
I’d be a tack
remover. I usually can’t find mine until I’ve finished with my furniture project.
What is your
favorite time of year and why?
December. Christmas
is my favorite holiday.
Where can we find out more?
Download Christmas Once Again on Amazon and other online retailers
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Welcome Wendy Kendall to our garden interviews
Hello Wendy
Tell us about you and your books
Would you like to be friends with the main character?
Tell us about you and your books
Have you ever cried while writing a book?
I cried when I wrote one of the scenes in my mystery Kat
Out of the Bag. It's a scene between Amber and Michael. Amber is a college
student who runs the Purse Museum's gift shop and Michael is her boyfriend. I
not only cried when I wrote this scene, my eyes filled with tears when I read
it out loud to my writing Critique Group. Readers will easily recognize which
emotional chapter it is.
When did you decide to become an author?
When I was 8 years old I declared to my family that I was
going to write books. I loved reading stories, and imagining my own story
plots.
Does working to deadline inspire or annoy you?
Working to a deadline motivates me. If no one gives me a
deadline, then I create one for myself. If I miss a deadline then I celebrate
progress made and set a new one.
When you wrote this book, did you have an idea of how it
would end at the beginning?
Oh yes, I wrote the first scene, and then I wrote the last
scene, and then I wrote the rest. In a mystery it's very helpful to know the
ending when you're planting clues and alibis.There are some interesting
parallels in the beginning and the ending of Kat Out of the Bag, but
there are dynamic differences in the characters after what they've been through
in the story.
I would love to be friends with Katherine Watson. She has a
great sense of humor. She's impulsive
and opinionated, which can be unpredictable and fun. She's a celebrated,
international purse designer so she's creative and has a gorgeous fashion
sense. She's a self-made woman and drives an awesome classic, red Mustang. I
would expect she'd let me, her best friend borrow her purses too.
Follow up question -
What is something you can picture the two of you doing together?
I can see us together at her Purse-onality Museum after a
ride in the Mustang. Katherine and I would talk and laugh and drink lattes as
we create one of the purse exhibits depicting women's lives throughout history.
And now for a little fun...
Who do you see as a hero/heroine in your life?
My parents are the hero and heroine of my life. I dedicated
my book to them. They were part of “The Greatest Generation.” They were the
definition of optimism and persistence, even through the darkest of times. They
were creative and adventurous, and never lost a great sense of humor. And they
were devoted to each other and our family. They've both passed away after very
full lives. I remember so much of what they said, and what they did, and
especially how loved they made me feel.
If you were going to commit the perfect murder, how would you
go about it?
As a mystery writer, I've considered this in great detail. I
would use the Shakespeare play Othello as my psychological thriller model. I
would plot the same way as the character Iago. I would be devious about
convincing someone else that they have been grievously wronged. With my subtle
pushing, that person would strike out to commit the murder, while I am safe and
sound with an alibi.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Better late than never.” This quote is especially true when
it comes to your dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it and there is no
time limit. My writing simmered on the back burner longer than I expected, but
I'm savoring it now.
And, if you're an amateur sleuth like Katherine Watson who is
often late, she finds out that tardiness can be quite revealing when it comes
to discovering clues.
If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Caution: frequent stops for purse gazing
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things
would be the most essential for you?
Chocolate, Music, Double Chai Lattes
Where can we find out more?
and
My podcast interviewing authors – A Novel Talk
Title of current release: Kat Out of the Bag
Download Kat Out of the Bag on Amazon and other online retailers.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Welcome Christopher J. Ferguson to our Garden Interviews
Hello Christopher
tell us about you and your books
tell us about you and your books
How did
you do in English as a kid?
Mostly I
slept! Seriously, I was never a very
good student, particularly in high school.
Like most teens, my circadian rhythms didn’t really match the school
day, so English class was a great time to catch up on some shut eye. I actually really enjoyed reading out of
school, Stephen King and Dean Koontz being my favorites in those days, but most
of the books we got assigned in English were “classics” that, to me, frankly,
just weren’t very good or interesting.
There were exceptions, to be sure, such as “Animal Farm”, which I loved,
but most of the stuff they had us read was very dull to me. I honestly didn’t read most of the books and
“Cliff Notes” were a godsend. Frankly,
looking back, I’m not quite sure how I passed high school!
Do you
have trouble saying goodbye to characters?
Yes,
sometimes. I truly believe that no
character, even the main character should be impervious to dying if that’s what
the plot calls for. So, as I sketch out
plots, I’ll sometimes envision moving death scenes for main characters that
readers will have fallen in love with.
Of course, after living with them in my head after months of writing,
I’ve often fallen in love with them too!
But some of the great tension from books and fiction comes from never
being sure the character you love is going to survive.
Did you
have to research forensic science or criminal psychology for your latest
suspense?
Well, it
helps that I’m a forensic psychologist myself!
So, I’ve kind of immersed myself in the darker elements of human
nature. For me, if I’m writing about a
historical period as with Suicide Kings, trying to get the history right
can require a bit more research. I don’t
mind fudging history a bit…wheellock pistols weren’t quite around yet during
the time of the novel, and Diana Savrano manages to get around Florence a bit
more than would have been possible for a young woman living in the very
restrictive period of that time. But, as
much as possible, I try to keep the time period as faithful as I can.
What tips
would you give a new writer?
Persistence
is an absolute must! That’s a positive
way of saying “Get used to rejection!”
Rejection is really quite the norm when dealing with fiction…fiction is
subjective, and there’s a billion people out there all writing fiction, so the
competition is fierce. It’s difficult to
succeed in if one is likely to be emotionally crushed by every rejection.
But
persistence also applies to writing.
There are plenty of other things out there that, arguably, are more fun
in the short-term: video games, watching TV, hanging out with family, whatever. Writing can, at times, be real work. And, given point #1, work that’s not
guaranteed to pay off. Getting on a
schedule for writing can help you keep on it, even when the motivation may dip,
particularly around mid-book when the initial excitement wears off and the end
is still nowhere in sight!
What are
your current projects?
Aside from
fiction, I do some work in non-fiction as well.
That gig is a bit easier since you actually need credentials to crack in
there, so that reduces some of the competition.
I just released a book How Madness Shaped History that is pretty much what it says on the box…looking at
how psychology and history have intersected, usually for the worse. It’s a fun book, I think, with some great,
lurid stories, but also some serious points about how we look at mental
illness, problems with contemporary society, etc.
And for a little fun
Do you
have a favorite quote?
My favorite
quote is actual a song lyric “If I only could, I’d make a deal with God, and
get Him to swap our places.” By Kate
Bush.
Do you
laugh at your own jokes?
Somebody has
to!
Are you
jealous of other writers?
That’s
actually a great question! I’d hate to
think I’m jealous of others in a negative sense like I’m angry at them
for their success. But would I love to
have the fiction-writing empire of, say, Stephen King or J.K. Rowling? You bet!
On the other hand, seeing at least that it’s possible for some
authors to reach those dizzying heights is also inspiring. So, I’d have to probably admit to a twinge of
envy from time to time, but I suspect that’s also part of the motivation to
keep going!
Do you
have any hobbies?
Too
many! I’m an avid Dungeons and Dragons
player which I’d probably credit (along with my wife and son) as being one of
the most positive influences in my life.
I jog, bike, swim, play guitar, read of course, and probably have
dabbled in some other things less frequently that I can’t remember. I don’t have any difficulty frittering a day
away (though afternoon naps also help with this…I’m a fundamentally lazy person
who plays at being productive.)
If you
could have three wishes granted, what would you wish for?
Hmmm…I’d
probably wish for dazzling success with my writing career without any
drawbacks. Second, assuming that world
peace or an end to all disease was off the table, I’d wish that one random
person who was good of heart was lifted up out of despair and returned to some positive
place in their life (disease free, happy, etc.)
And third, yeah, I’d set the Genie free.
Where can we find out more?
My website: www.christopherjferguson.com
My Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SuicideKingsFerguson/
Twitter: CJFerguson1111
Download Suicide Kings on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Suicide-Kings-Christopher-J-Ferguson/dp/1628300701
and other online retailers
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Garden Interview with Mariah Ankenman
Hello Mariah
Tel us about you and your books
And for a little fun...
Where can we find you online?
And find all Mariah's books at http://mariahankenman.com/books-2/
Tel us about you and your books
1.Do you plot or let the story unfold as you write?
I am a heavy plotter. I have a new notebook for every book I
write and I plot out every scene down to dialogue sometimes. My Outline is
really more of a 1st draft.
2.What tips would you give a new writer?
Read as much as you can. Write as much as you can. Don’t get
so attached to your story that you can’t put it down and walk away if
necessary. Listen to all advice with a grain of salt because what works for
some doesn’t work for others.
3. Describe your writing style in ten words or less.
Sassy and swoon-worthy
4.Do you have set times during the day that you write?
I used to write at night after my kids went to bed, but now
I try to sneak in 30-minute sprints throughout the day.
5.Does working to deadline inspire or annoy you?
Yes! Give me a deadline! If I have an end goal in sight it
helps me to schedule my time better. I love deadlines.
And for a little fun...
1.If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Warning, corny dad jokes ahead.
2.Do you have any hobbies?
I do! I love music, specifically playing my ukulele, but we
have almost 2 dozen instruments in our house and I can play most of them. I
also love crochet, scrapbooking, tabletop games, facepainting, cosplay, and
aerial hoop.
3.What is your favorite drink?
Dirty Vodka Martini!
4.If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things
would be the most essential for you?
A solar powered ereader with an endless supply of books on
it/A RoverTac multitool Camping tool/
Lifestraw
5.Do you laugh at your own jokes?
Sometimes I’m the only one laughing at them, lol!
Where can we find you online?
And find all Mariah's books at http://mariahankenman.com/books-2/
Monday, May 25, 2020
Garden Interview with Margaret L. Carter
Welcome Margaret
And for a little bit of fun
And tell us where we can find out more
Do you plot
or let the story unfold as you write?
I outline
extensively. Since first-draft writing is a slow and laborious process for me,
especially since I edit as I go (probably a byproduct of my academic
background), I need to know in considerable detail where the story is headed.
Early in my attempts to write novels, I learned that without an outline I would
usually bog down in the middle and give up.
What's your
favorite book you've written?
Dark
Changeling, my first
published vampire novel, in which I expounded the biology and psychology of my
naturally evolved vampire species in the most detail of any of my works. I’ve
used Dr. Roger Darvell, the half-human, half-vampire psychiatrist from that
book, in several other novels and stories. Of all my characters, he feels the
most “real” to me.
How did you
do in English as a kid?
Honor roll
student in high school. I majored in English at the College of William and Mary
(Williamsburg, Virginia) and went on to earn an M.A. and a Ph.D. in English.
When did you
decide to become an author?
Shortly
after reading Dracula at the age of twelve. The novel enthralled me and
got me into reading horror, fantasy, and all sorts of speculative fiction. From
the first, I wondered how the “monsters” felt about the stories in which they
were portrayed as villains. I started writing fiction about vampires and other
supernatural creatures at age thirteen, often from the viewpoint of the
“monster.”
When did you
first, without hesitation, call yourself a writer?
When I sold
my first professionally published piece of fiction, a story in Marion Zimmer
Bradley’s anthology Free Amazons of Darkover. One of my favorite authors
approved of my work—and paid me for it!
And for a little bit of fun
What did you
want to be when you grew up?
In
childhood, I wanted to be a doctor, because I was fascinated by biology and
anatomy. I wouldn’t have been able to handle the stress, so it’s a good thing I
dropped that idea. During the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon election campaign, I got the
notion of wanting to go into politics. As a hardcore introvert, I would have been
terrible at that! At age thirteen, I decided to become a writer (as explained
above). I majored in English in college and graduate school on the premise that
I could eventually get paid for reading.
Do you have
a favorite quote?
“Adventures
are nasty, uncomfortable things that make you late for dinner.” — Bilbo Baggins
Have you
ever found true love?
Yes, with my
husband of over fifty years. We met in a church youth group when I was in high
school and he had just graduated. We were drawn together by our mutual love of
speculative fiction and the fact that both of us wanted to become writers. We
got married at ages eighteen and twenty, respectively, and we’re still married,
thank Heaven.
What is your
favorite comfort food?
Main dish:
My husband’s chicken curry. Dessert: Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy ice
cream.
What is your
favorite time of year and why?
Summer. I
enjoy hot, dry weather. I loved Southern California, where we lived off and on
as a Navy family. Summer in our present home (Maryland) doesn’t fulfill the
“dry” criterion, but even with the humidity I like it much better than being
cold.
And tell us where we can find out more
Carter’s Crypt: http://www.margaretlcarter.com
Available today! Spooky Tutti Frutti
On Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0868Z5VRD and other online retailers
Sunday, May 24, 2020
New Romance and Fiction In The Garden
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Saturday, May 23, 2020
Garden Interview with Joanne Guidoccio
Welcome Joanne
Tell us about you and your books
A linear pantser, I write brief character sketches, plot
the first three chapters and the last, and then let the words flow. At some
point, usually around Page 80, I encounter the murky middle, that nebulous
place where I find it difficult to continue or sustain the tension of the
novel. In short, I’m lost with no clear trail or direction in sight.
In the early days of my writing career, I struggled to regain my motivation, wondering if I should abandon the novel. Thankfully, I have discovered several strategies that have lifted me out of the abyss.
and for a bit of fun
“We can
choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can't have both. Not at the
same time.” ― Brené Brown
Where can we find out more?
Tell us about you and your books
When
did you decide to become an author?
While
sitting in high school English class (circa 1973), I dreamed of writing the
great Canadian novel. Instead, I followed the conventional advice of the times
and pursued a career in teaching, but in my heart of hearts, I knew that
someday I would resurrect that writing dream. In 2008, I took advantage of
early retirement and devoted my second act to writing.
Are
your characters based on real people?
Having
lived and taught in different cities throughout the province of Ontario, I felt
free to “borrow” characteristics from former colleagues and students to create
composite characters. While Gilda is approximately 70% of me, the same can’t be
said of the other characters. I would be very surprised if anyone recognized
himself/herself in the novel.
How
much time do you spend writing each day?
After
some experimentation, I came up with a daily regimen. Nothing too dramatic, but
it works for me. I like to sleep in each day and enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
But after my second cup of coffee, I start writing. My goal is 1,000 words a
day. After I reach that quota, I’m free to meet with friends for lunch or
coffee and plan other outings.
What is
your least favorite part of the writing process?
In the early days of my writing career, I struggled to regain my motivation, wondering if I should abandon the novel. Thankfully, I have discovered several strategies that have lifted me out of the abyss.
What
tips would you give a new writer?
Carve
your own journey and take time to discover what you really like to write. In
most cases, you will gravitate toward the genres you read. But don’t limit
yourself. Instead, experiment with other genres, nonfiction, and poetry. I
highly recommend attending local readings and workshops. If you need more
direction, sign up for a creative writing course—online or offline—that exposes
you to short stories, children’s and adult writing, creative nonfiction and
poetry. Search until you find a warm, supportive environment where your words
can flow freely. And most important of all, enjoy the journey.
and for a bit of fun
Do you
have a favorite quote?
“We can
choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can't have both. Not at the
same time.” ― Brené Brown
What is
your favorite beverage?
I start
each day with two to three cups of organic, fair-trade coffee from Planet Bean
(a local café). My preferred blend is “Chatty Matty” and can be described as
“light and mellow…nutty with a caramel finish.”
Do you
have any hobbies?
While writing occupies the lion’s
share of my time, I also enjoy reading, yoga, scrapbooking, blogging, movies,
artist dates, and meeting friends for leisurely brunches and lunches.
What is
your favorite comfort food?
Years
ago, I would have answered pasta, any kind of pasta with tomato sauce or pesto.
Since embracing a low-carb diet, I have grown to love and appreciate my daily
bowls of comfort. I especially like puréed, low-starch vegetable soups that are
quick and easy to prepare. Puréed broccoli soup is at the top of my list. You
can find my recipe here: https://joanneguidoccio.com/2019/02/03/warming-up-with-broccoli-soup/
If you
were stranded on a desert island, what three things would be the most essential
for you?
Clean
drinking water. Compatible companions. Pen and paper (preferably a journal).
Where can we find out more?
Download A Different Kind of
Reunion on Amazon and other online retailers https://www.amazon.com/Different-Reunion-Gilda-Greco-Mystery-ebook/dp/B07BSTTNS2
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