Author Bob Moats

Detroit area resident, Bob Moats, has been writing short stories and plays for as long as he can remember. He has lost most of his original stories, typed or handwritten, in the numerous moves he has made from his hometown of Fraser, Michigan to Northern Michigan, to Las Vegas and back to Fraser, where he now lives. He also wrote the short fantasy novella "Crystal Prison of Kyr" and is a published playwright with his three act comedy "Happily Ever After".

Moats became one of the causalities of unemployment early in 2009, and had time on his hands to finally pursue a lifelong dream of writing a full blown crime novel. Thus was born the first book, "Classmate Murders".

What followed was a series of 20 books starting with "The Classmate Murders" which introduces the main character, Jim Richards, who has to admit he has become a senior citizen, reluctantly. Richards, one day, receives an email from a childhood sweetheart asking for his help, but by the time he reaches her, she has been murdered. His life turns around and he is pulled into numerous murders of women from his high school that he hasn't seen in forty years. Along with a friend of his, Buck, a big, mustached biker, they go off to track down the killer before he can get to one former classmate, Penny Wickens, a TV talk show host who Jim has fallen for while protecting her. The killer is also murdering the women right out from under police protection, driving homicide detective Will Trapper crazy, and he slowly depends on Jim to help. There's humor, suspense, wild chases across suburban Detroit with cops, classic cars and motorcycle clubs; murder, mayhem, a good amount of romance and a twist ending.

To  contact or find out more about Bob and his books check out the links below:

Email: bob@magic1online.com

Website: http://murdernovels.com

Bob's new Blog: http://bit.ly/bu5KNN

Ebooks at http://bit.ly/a1CCV8

Books on Kindle http://bit.ly/70tQBq

Twitter: http://twitter.com/murdernovels

Facebook: http://facebook.com/bob.moats

What is the current project you are working on?

I just finished a book called "Fatal Rejection" about an author who wants to murder his editor. Sound familiar? It has serial killers and a murderer stalking his victim. I'm busy promoting the book on Amazon and Smashwords, but have a sequel in mind. I have already started the first chapter and may have it finished in a month or so.

How do you set your book apart from other books in the genre?

As far as possible. Just kidding. I can't even put my books up with other books in my genre; there are so many better books than mine. I know this. I write for people to enjoy, not for the pretentious literary snobs that love to bash books. I know my books are not great, they are like pulp fiction books, kicked out for readers to enjoy. I have many people who have bought all my books and have told me they love them. A friend of mine who I trust to read my beta books and give his opinion, said "The best reviews are from the people that keep reading all your books. If they come back for another book, what better review is there?" I have to agree.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I'm Sixty-two, I can't remember last week let alone years back, but I'll try. I've always enjoyed writing. I first started writing little plays in elementary school and had my friends act them out in class. Then I started to write short stories for my own enjoyment. Years later, I was publishing a weekly entertainment guide for the county I lived in and I would write reviews and goofy things to entertain the readers. I kept up until 2009 when I was unemployed and had nothing better to do, so I wrote my first book, "Classmate Murders".

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Being able to lie and no one condemns you for it. Mark Twain once said: “First, gather your facts; then, distort them at your leisure.” I like being able to make things up and create a world that doesn't exist in real time. I can manipulate people in my stories and put words into their mouths. Plus I like that I can sit in my room at my computer and work at my own pace, with no one watching over me, forcing me to write.

 What is the worst thing about being one?

Trying to make myself work. I have no boss but myself, so I tend to slide too often. But I have a goal to write at least 1600 words a day when I’m working on a book, and I usually make it. Most of the time. I write a book in about a month average. Sometimes two depending on what I have going on outside of writing. So getting myself to write is the hardest part.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Write. Anything and all. Short stories, articles that you can submit, just write. Even if it's bad, just develop the desire to put words on paper, or computer, and read what you have written. Later you can hone your writing to be read by pretentious literary snobs and have them kick you around, but don't listen to them. Chuck Lorre, who created many shows like "The Big Bang Theory" and "Two and A Half Men" said: "It's not true that if you believe the good reviews, you must also believe the bad ones. The bad ones could have been written by mean, stupid people who hate your success." I love to quote people.  What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

If you mean books, I have a series about a private investigator named Jim Richards, and the books are now at twenty. I recently took a break from those characters and wrote a new book about serial killers, called "Fatal Rejection". Actually it's about a writer who wants to murder his editor. Just came out on Amazon and Smashwords. I think I mentioned this earlier, and I'll probably do it again.

What do you like to do besides writing?

I'm a gadget freak. I own bunches of gadgets from Android tablets to a Roku streaming video set top box. I have about five Palm PDAs and smartphones, and various other electronic gadgets. If it isn't too expensive, I'll own it.

Who is your favorite author?

He was Robert B. Parker, who passed away last year. I also like James Patterson, Janet Evanovich, Michael Connelly, well, too many to mention.

 What are some of your favorite books?

The ones by my favorite authors; the Spenser, Jesse Stone and Sunny Randall books by Parker, Alex Cross by Patterson, Stephanie Plum by Evanovich, Harry Bosch by Connelly, etc.

How would you describe the writing "scene" where you live?

Where I live? Nothing going on here that I'm involved in. I don't know about Detroit, I live just north of it, but I'm not a joiner, so I don't know if there are book groups locally. Here's another quote, Groucho Marx once said, paraphrasing: "I wouldn't join a club that would have me as a member."

How has social media changed the publishing industry?

It's easier to independently promote your book. Facebook and Twitter have become a way to get out information about it. Although there are people on social media who don't like us to promote, they want to talk about their children or the surgery they had. Or how cute their cat is. I haven't seen any big publishers using the social media to promote, but that is all different now days. There are tons of people who have a book in them and it's easy to put it out as an e-book. Good or bad, they can do this now, bypassing the publishers and using the social media to get the word out. Publishers should be worried.

What is your thought process like when you're writing?

I can't explain how it happens. I sit and start with the beginning of the story then I just let it flow out of my head. What you see on the page is what I typed. I like what was said about Robert B. Parker, my hero author, "He would sit down to write five and, later, ten pages a day. Once he was in his "groove," the words flowed easily, frequently leading him and his characters in unanticipated directions. Bob loved to write, and he always wondered at how his fingers often seemed to do the thinking for him." I took that from his website and this is exactly how I feel about my writing.

You could have any super power. What would it be?

X-ray vision, need I say more. ;-)

Do you believe in life on other planets?

I think humans are so arrogant to think that we are the only life around the solar system or beyond. Mostly because religion has taught us that we were the only ones created. I firmly believe there is life out there, maybe not on two legs with two arms but life, and probably a lot more intelligent than we are.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

I've only seen one movie that stuck by the book, The Golden Compass. I watched Robert Parker's book about Jesse Stone played by Tom Seleck and the only similarity was the characters and the title. Otherwise it was a whole different story, and I read the book just before the movie came out. Not crazy about adaptations so I try not to read the book or see a movie adaptation. I'd waste time being annoyed by the differences.

If you could have any first addition book, which would it be and why?

Well, I would like to own all the original Dead Sea scrolls, just to have them translated properly. Then I would like any first edition by Mark Twain. That would be nice. I have all the first editions of my own books; they may become valuable someday, but probably not.

Oh and did I mention again, that I have a new book out, called "Fatal Rejection"? Available on Amazon and Smashwords.

Author Marla Blowers

Marla Blowers, who grew up in a small town in Nebraska, spent much of her childhood on long vacations with her parents. In their RV, she would pass the time reading. Her love of travel carried over to adulthood, when she eventually moved to Arizona with her own family. She currently works for an airline, which allows her to satisfy her travel desires. Blowers's other interests include writing, horses, cycling, and various power sports. For more information about Marla and her work visit http://marlablowersbooks.com/

What is the current project you are working on? 

I am editing the second book in my Young And Naive, series. The title is Young And Naive, Daddy.

I know that is a strange title, and it isn't Daddy that is naive. *Big grin.*

It's about a young girl, Janeen, who finds out the man who raised her was not her biological father. She doesn't get to know her mother until her late teens. Janeen gets married and has twin girls who bring a lot of mischief to the story.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I have always enjoyed reading. I can remember in my teens reading True Romance magazine. A couple friends and I would write short stories back and forth, you know the kind. I would write a couple lines and they would write a couple lines. I have carried that tradition on with my grandchildren through email, boy do those stories get bizarre.

The reason I actual sat down and got serious about writing is not your typical reason. Like I said I have always enjoyed reading,  one day I was waiting in the car like mothers do for a child to get done with some sort of practice. I didn't have a book with me.  But I did have a notebook!  After that when ever I was waiting for a child to finish up with practice or rehearsal I sat there and wrote. Before long I was writing even sitting at home or relaxing in a boat. I have found writing is just as much fun, if not more fun than reading.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

You can be anybody you want to be, it's sorta like going to a costume party, you can do and say things you normally wouldn't because they don't know who you are.

 What is the worst thing about being one?

What a perfect place for me to thank you for inviting me. The worst thing being an author is trying to get your name out there. So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

I currently have one published book. Young And Naive, Learning To Fall. was published August of 2011. I have written 3 more. I am hoping to have Daddy out on Kindle by the first of the year, and the paperback by spring.

What do you like to do besides writing?

I have an embroidery machine which I love to use on some of my sewing projects.  I just recently made both of my daughters new Christmas tree skirts. Traveling is also a favorite interest.  I haven't been out of the country for a couple of years but have enjoyed going to Costa Rica, Italy and even though Puerto Rico isn't another country it was very entertaining to say the least. I am basically an outdoor person, but there is no place like home.

What are some of your favorite books?

I just recently started writing down books I have read, I'm sorry to say I have forgotten most of them. As I come across them I am adding them to my list. But here are a few I can remember that moved me.

The Deep End Of The Ocean

My Sister's Keeper

Flowers In The Attic

 How has social media changed the publishing industry?

It has made it so much easier to get books. For instance, when I was sitting in the car all those years ago with no book, I could have download a new one right onto my Kindle. Of course I didn't even have a computer back then let alone a kindle. There are so many places to get an e book.

What is your thought process like when you're writing?.

I become the characters and have a hard time bringing myself out of the writing mode. It's like living a secret life.

You could have any super power. What would it be?

This is the easiest question. I would love to fly, and quite often do in my dreams.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

No but I do believe in life after death and reincarnation.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

I like to read the book first and not the other way around. You learn so much more from the book. You can get into their heads and know what they are feeling. I have seen some movies that if I hadn't read the book I wouldn't have a clue as to what was going on. Dances With Wolves is an example, I loved the book. I think it would be such an honor to see your novel you worked so hard on, made into a movie.

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Thanks for doing the interview Marla. I'll do what I can to spread the word about your books. I love to interview authors and review their books. Please tell your friends about me and my blog.

Author Jennifer Allis Provost

Jennifer Allis Provost is a native New Englander who lives in a sprawling colonial along with her beautiful and precocious twins, a dog, two birds, three cats, and a wonderful husband who never forgets to buy ice cream. As a child, she read anything and everything she could get her hands on, including a set of encyclopedias, but fantasy was always her favorite. She spends her days drinking vast amounts of coffee, arguing with her computer, and avoiding any and all domestic behavior.

What is the current project you are working on?

Right now I have three projects: The fourth and fifth Chronicles of Parthalan, Golem and Elfsong, and a stand-alone novel called The Copper Girl.

Golem takes place shortly after the events in Rise of the Deva’shi. Latera, the warrior who killed the demon lord and saved Parthalan, hovers near death with Aeolmar frantic to save her. As she slowly recovers, secrets from Aeolmar—and Asherah’s—past threaten not only Aeolmar and Latera’s happiness, but their children’s lives as well.

The Copper Girl is about Sara, an exceptional girl who’s desperately trying to seem ordinary. Magic has been outlawed for almost twenty years, and Sara’s just going through the motions at her boring office job—after all, she doesn’t want the government to kidnap her like they did her brother. But Sara’s a descendent of the Raven clan, arguably the most powerful magical family in history, and magic finds her.

How do you set your book apart from other books in the genre?

I try to add something unique into my stories. For instance, in Heir to the Sun there are two boy-meets-girl storylines, but one involves a priestess and a warrior, while the other is about an amnesiac former slave and a king. Not your standard love stories by any means.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I’ve always been a creative person, whether it be writing, painting, even making jewelry. Writing is what I’m best at, so I stuck with it.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Oh, so many things. The worlds I can create, the characters who speak to me, being able to add those little details that take a book from good to awesome. I also love getting out and meeting readers at conferences, signings and conventions.

What is the worst thing about being one?

When you get back that first round of copy edits and realize that your perfect prose is riddled with grammatical errors. Or, even worse, when your editor points out a plot hole the size of the Grand Canyon. How do I cope, you ask? Well, first I scream, cry, maybe even stomp around the room a bit. When I’ve calmed to the point where I won’t chuck my laptop across the room (hey, it was expensive) I try to look at the edits objectively. I tackle the grammar first, then I set to filling in those holes. It’s tedious, maddening, and makes my want to claw my eyes out, but if your story’s worth writing, it’s worth perfecting.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Read. A LOT. A book a week, more if you can. You want to read your genre,of course, but I would also recommend some classic authors, as well:

Dickens, Shakespeare, Austen, Wilde. Anything by Mark Twain; he was both prolific and brilliant. Research award winners for your genre and read those; for instance, if you write science fiction, check out past Nebula award winners. Learn what works, and what doesn’t. Learn what’s been done to death, and what you can make your own.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

Novel wise, The Chronicles of Parthalan is a five book series, of which two are in print (Heir to the Sun and Rise of the Deva’shi), with The Virgin Queen’ forthcoming winter 2011. I’m also working on two stand alone novels, The Copper Girl, described above, and Dreamwalker, about some feisty Scottish fairies. Short story wise, Zombie Love Song, appears in the Hell Hath No Fury anthology by May December Publications, and All In is a part of the UnCONventional anthology, which will be released January 2012 by Spencer Hill Press.

What do you like to do besides writing?

Long walks on the beach, foot massages… Seriously, I enjoy anything that speaks to my innate creativity, such as painting, crafting, even gardening. I also have a husband and a set of twins to wrangle.

Who is your favorite author?

Can’t pick just one! Robin McKinley, Jacqueline Carey, Patricia Briggs, Madeline L’Engle, Jim Butcher, JRR Tolkein, and CS Lewis, to name a few.

What are some of your favorite books?

The Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword and Sunshine by Robin McKinley The Time Series by Madeline L’Engle, The Kushiel series by Jacqueline Carey, especially the Imriel trilogy Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

How would you describe the writing "scene" where you live?

There are a few local conferences at Bay Path College and Mount Holyoke, but overall the scene is pretty light. What we need are more indie book stores!

How has social media changed the publishing industry?

Love social media! Now authors can take their products directly to readers,and no matter where you live you can be part of the action.

What is your thought process like when you're writing?

I get to know my characters. I try to understand their hopes, fears, motivations, so I can flesh out a believable, three-dimensional character. It’s like method acting for the mind.

You could have any super power. What would it be?

The ability to bestow a healthy, long life to another.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

Sure. It would be supremely arrogant for humans to assume that in the vastness of space only Earth was granted life. Of course, all this other life may be nothing but squishy slime molds.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

If you don’t have the budget/time/wherewithal to do it properly, then don’t do it. Case in point, Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Lord of the Rings. He pulled it off, no small feat with a project of that scope.

Other adaptations that have been done well (in my opinion) are The Last Unicorn and The Princess Bride. As for bad adaptations… Well, that’s a pretty long list.

If you could have any first edition book. Which would it be and why?

Without a doubt, The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley. It’s my favorite book of all time—I first read it in the fourth grade, and I reread it every few years. Someday I hope to write something that awesome.

Author Charity Parkerson

Charity Parkerson was born in Tennessee, where she still lives with her husband and two sons. As a pre-school teacher, she needed tons of creativity in order to not be eaten alive. Her love of reading, led to the creation of her fictional Agents of The U.S. Defense against Homeland Terrorism, the MMA fighters of Smith brothers fight club, the men of Smith Security Services, and the paranormal world of her Sinners Series. You can like her at Facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson. Be sure to visit her at www.charityparkerson.com and you can read her blog at http://charity-thesinners.blogspot.com

She is a member of The Paranormal Romance Guild, is a Goodreads moderator, a member of Coffee Time Romance, a member of Long and Short Romance Reviews, and is a Library Thing author.

She won author of the week in August of 2011, and The Mistress of the Darkpath writing contest in September 2011.

You can follow her on Twitter @CharityParkerso

What is the current project you are working on? 

I am currently working on two different books.

“A Splash of Hope”-Contemporary Romance

Faith, Harmony, and Serenity better known as the three Hope sisters…

Serenity Hope is set to marry the hottest bachelor in town, but when she leaves him standing at the altar, and disappears without a trace, Faith and Harmony must return to their hometown and face the demons of their pasts.  It is only as they follow the clues to Serenity’s whereabouts, which they find that the lives they left behind are the only life for them.

“The Danger with Sinners” book 3 of the Sinners Series- Paranormal Romance

The Society of Sinners and the Safe Haven Corporation team up in Parkerson’s third installment of the Sinners Series, in order to locate and capture head of Research Inc., Tacha Vasiliev.

Tacha is accused of using her company as a cover for development of a weapon of mass destruction, the ultimate vampire.

Caleb Cook, aka Danger, is sent to infiltrate the home of Sr. V.P. Narmer Harolds in hopes of uncovering clues to Tacha’s whereabouts.

Disguised as head of security, Danger finds his biggest challenge isn’t Narmer himself, but his headstrong daughter, Kim.

However, just as Danger is not what he appears to be, neither is Kim.

How do you set your book apart from other books in the genre?

My characters are not necessarily good.  I tend to write about people (or creatures) that have troubled past, or work unsavory jobs, but I try to find a way to make you love them despite it all.

What inspired you to become a writer?

As a teenager, I spent a lot of time writing poetry.  As an adult, I stayed at home with my children, and spent a great deal of time reading.  After awhile, I began thinking things such as, “I would’ve ended that differently,” or “I wanted her to end up with that other guy.”   Eventually, I began scribbling out my own stories.  I never intended to try for publishing, and I never would have, if my husband had not pushed me into it.  I, like most writers, felt very insecure about my work, and I really didn’t want people to hate it.  I finally sent it to a publisher, and to my surprise, they wanted it.  Since then, I have struck out on my own as an Indie, and I have not regretted that decision.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

I love sharing my characters with the world.  I feel a deep connection with each of my characters, since I put a little bit of myself into every one of them.  Moving a person to tears or laughter, gives me the greatest feeling of accomplishment.

 What is the worst thing about being one?

Promoting hands down.  I never dreamed that I would spend so much time working on promotions, that I would not have enough time to write.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Keep writing and stay true to yourself.   Don’t let the opinions of others steal your voice.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

I have 5 published books, and two more in the works.  I have a short story that won the Mistress of the Darkpath September writing contest.

What do you like to do besides writing?

I love to read and watch football.


Who is your favorite author?

I’m torn between two.  I love paranormal romance, but my all time favorite is historical romance, and I rush to buy anything Julia Quinn or Eloisa James.

 What are some of your favorite books?

This is such a tough question.  I own thousands of books.  Some of my favorites are the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, Velvet Angel by Jude Deveraux, and Heartbreaker by Julie Garwood.

How would you describe the writing "scene" where you live?

I only know one other writer in my town.  I am sure that there are several, but I tend to meet authors online.

How has social media changed the publishing industry?

It has definitely made it easier for a writer to get to know their readers, and to make friends with other authors, without having to be a member of pricey literary guilds.

What is your thought process like when you're writing?

I’m horrible to live with when I’m in the middle of a story.  I don’t sleep and I talk to myself.  I carry a notebook everywhere that I go, because my characters talk to each other while I think, “Oh.  That was good.  Let me write that down.”

 You could have any super power. What would it be?

Invisibility.  How much fun would that be?  :)

Do you believe in life on other planets?

I do.  I think the universe is too vast to believe that we are alone.  They are probably millions of miles away, just as oblivious to us as we are to them.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

It is a rare occasion that a movie does the book justice.  In most cases, I end up disappointed.

If you could have any first addition book. Which would it be and why?

As a romance author, I love all things romance, so I must go with Pride and Prejudice.  A copy sits at Chats worth house, and I’m not sure how much was paid for it, but I’m sure that it was a small fortune.

Filmmaker Shane Ryan

Writer/Director Shane Ryan first hit the scene in 2007 with his shocking debut feature faux snuff film "Amateur Porn Star Killer." The film, made for nothing and shot in a single night in one take, was so successful it spawned a trilogy and a 3D parody. The film instantly deemed Ryan as a ground breaking, thought provoking, and controversial filmmaker. His follow up to the "Amateur Porn Star Killer" series was met with so much criticism, debate, and controversy, it even got banned by many places not for the content, but for the title and storyline. Ryan has been acclaimed by every place from the Los Angeles Times, to MTV, to Mr. Skin, to the underground blogger, and hated by every level of critic as well, proving his voice speaks louder than most filmmakers in the industry today, always sparking an incredibly strong opinion and emotion. His latest film, "My Name is A by anonymous," will most likely do the same. Taking on the challenge of figuring out how to tell the story about a killer far before her trail begins in real life, Ryan mixes fantasy, reality, fiction, speculation, and personal beliefs to create a film unlike anything you have seen before. And soon, he'll take on the underground sex trafficking epidemic with "Abducted Girl, an American sex slave." To learn more about Shane and his work check out his websites below.

Shane Ryan's Films and Company web sites

Abducted Girl an American sex slave - http://www.youtube.com/SexSlavesAmerica
My Name is A by anonymous - http://www.youtube.com/MyNameisAbyanonymous
Mad Sin Cinema - http://www.youtube.com/Madsincinema
http://madsincinema.blogspot.com/
Alter Ego Cinema - http://www.youtube.com/AlterEgoCinemaFlix
http://www.alteregocinema.com/

What is the current project you are working on?

Got several things going on in many stages of production. I recently finished my new feature called "My Name is A by anonymous", wrapped a Japanese short film a couple weeks ago called "Tag" for a film contest, re-cut, or re-imagined a film from a couple of years back now called "The Girl Who Wasn't Missing" which I just got back this morning from its World Premiere in Vegas. Finally, I have several films I'm trying to get off the ground, one being the film we talked about called "Abducted Girl: an American sex slave."

What did you decide to make this film?

Many reasons. I'm still probably not aware of them all. I've always been drawn to true crime. I've always been drawn to the dark side of humanity and the dirty side of sexual behaviour. I have no problem with films, like say, American Pie, which treat it lightly, but I always saw the world in a different way I guess. I've known so many people who were raped, and heard enough stories about it, among other things, that I guess I wondered how people could take something that could be so beautiful and precious, something that creates human life of all things, and treat it so horribly wrong. The film that hit me hard that really made me want to explore the evil-ish side to sexual nature was Tim Roth's The War Zone. I was so affected by that film I immediately wrote a short version of it for a class I was taking. But I instantly changed it into a feature script with my own ideas. From there I couldn't stop exploring sex in film in it's nastiness form. I eventually finished a feature which tackled the idea of snuff films. I made several of those snuff features before making another feature which questioned pedophilia, at what point was somebody a pedophile or just expressing love, at what point is it rape, etc. It was after my first snuff feature, however, that I became aware of human trafficking. I was really shocked and scared after seeing a film about it. I couldn't believe this type of thing happened in America, and as much as it was, and that people consistently were getting away with it.

I believe the reason it hit me harder than the other ideas or films I made was because I could relate more to it. I know what, the beginning at least, part of it feels like. Being kidnapped, put in a place you don't know, with people you've never met, who don't even speak your language, waiting for it all to end, being told everything is okay when you're scared shitless and know it isn't, wanting nothing more than to escape and run home, or just run, even if it's in the wrong direction. That comes from being put in foster homes when I was 5 years old. I was in a perfectly good household. I was completely happy. But because of somebody misinterpreting a picture I drew (a picture a 5 year old drew) police stormed into our home and dragged me and my 1 year old brother (who they dropped on his head during the chaos) away screaming and crying, separating us when all we had were each other. Now, of course, that's not the same as being put in a brothel. But the initial reaction is the same, and it sticks with you forever. At that age I thought I was being kidnapped. And people were telling me I had been abused or molested, putting these horrendous thoughts in my head. I was with a family in a whole neighborhood whom barely spoke English. I didn't know what the hell was going on. I couldn't sleep. I cried constantly. I was seated next to terrifying criminals when they first took us and for whatever stupid reason placed kids in the same room as handcuffed criminals. These memories are more implanted in my head than pretty much anything. It wasn't until people who knew of this brought it to my attention that that's maybe why I have the need to know, explore, or why I connect to things like people being taken away (and for some times sexually based reasons). I know how they feel. I also dated a lot of girls in foster care when I was a teen, probably for the exact same reasons, I knew what they were going through, I felt the need to "rescue" them or something. It never seemed to work so maybe that's why I thought I could make films about things like that. Although sadly enough, most people think my films are meant to fulfill a perverts sick fantasy.

How do you handle rejection?

My life has been just one rejection after another so it just feels normal I guess. Then again being slapped in the face never feels great, you never get used to it, so being rejected is the same. It always hurts. You just keep pushing and hope. You hope for something better. And you try for it. Again. And again.

Did you always want to be a filmmaker?

Sort of. I always wanted to be in film, ever since I was 5. But that was as an actor, I always loved movies but I wanted to be on camera, and be the characters I loved. When I was 7 I started making films to fulfill this dream and just never stopped.

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I guess it'd have to be the film I mentioned earlier, The War Zone. During those two hours I went from wanting to be in movies, to realizing I wanted to make them and tell stories that would be so devastating you wouldn't forget. To tell things I've let burn inside me and get them out. Of course, I'm not always 100% serious about things, it would be great to do fun entertainment films at some point.

What is the best thing about being one?

Lots of some times things. Some times getting to see your film on the big screen, some times getting a great poster or trailer for your film that makes you go "wow, look at my film coming out", some times getting free things like limo rides, trips, etc. Some times it's getting a really great review where people say you're "a genius", and other things you never thought of yourself as great enough to be. The best part is when you get a great reaction out of an audience member, or a random message from a fan who was completely moved by your film. Bringing somebody to tears really feels great (when it's for the right reasons). When people saw it helped them in some way, a good way, that's the best feeling.

What is the worst thing about being one?

People threatening to rape my mom, murder my family, rape me, slit my mom's throat, burn my house down, kill my dog, etc. All of these things are because I'm supposedly sick, which is the funny part; the people saying these things aren't? And of course being rejected. Spending money I don't have. Being ripped off. Losing friends because they didn't understand what you were trying to say, or simply didn't like it. Hearing "get a real job" and much harsher shit words from certain friends and family members to the point you feel like a complete pathetic loser and forget how much god damn years you've tried at this. Feeling like a total failure. Being so upset you want to grab everything you've ever worked on, including all the originals, and throw it out and burn it. Making people cry for the wrong reasons.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

At least 100 films if you count acting and directing/producing/editing.

Who is is your favorite filmmaker?

There's lots of great filmmakers, I don't have one favorite. I'm more on a film by film basis. Say, I absolutely loved The Limey and Out of Sight but not much of Soderbergh's recent films. I loved Broken Flowers but just liked Coffee and Cigarettes. I was floored by Wendy and Lucy but not so much with Meek's Cutoff. Same with A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, the first blew me away, the second I just really liked but nothing to really wow me. Point being I don't know a filmmaker who's made at least, say, 5-10 or more films that I thought were incredible every single time (well, Darren Aronofsky's doing pretty well with that). Lots of people have ups and downs, though I definitely prefer some filmmakers over others but not just one.

How has your life changed since you became a filmmaker?

Well, I've basically been one my whole life so I have no idea. I didn't have any other goals (aside from acting).

What is one piece of advice you can give to someone who also wants to make it in the movie business?

Man, it's so tough now I'd say find another career now and don't waste your time. But if you insist then my advice is give it your all. All or nothing. Have something to say and say it screaming. There are so many films out now that everybody with a camera phone and beyond thinks they're a filmmaker so don't throw more garbage into the bunch. Really find your voice and scream it. And don't give up. Even if you're fucking amazing and have that voice you're always going to face rejection. Film is completely subjective. You might be 90% loved but the person who keeps getting your film to judge or review or whatever might keep falling into that 10% who don't get what you're saying or aren't impressed.

And respect other filmmakers. When you go to a festival don't come to just your film and then ditch the other people especially when they're playing in the same block as you. Leaving in the middle of films is so rude and unless you have a damn good reason it's not going to get you on anyone's good side. I was just at a fest and even though I sat through about 20-25 hours of other people's films I still felt bad when I had to walk out of a film because I desperately needed a break. But I can't tell you how many filmmakers came just to watch their 10 minute film or whatever and then jetted out and didn't watch anything else but their own stuff. In my book that's incredibly uncool.

What do you like to do besides filmmaking?

Watching movies. Ha, why my relationships all end. If I'm not working on a film I'm watching one. I just love movies.

But aside from that I really like dogs. Just hanging out and playing with dogs or watching animals, so fun to try and figure out what they're thinking or feeling.

I'm really into health and fitness. Working out, but not just that, overall health. It's a big hobby, too, and takes time learning. Into eating organic and raw foods. I don't smoke or do drugs or even really drink, fitness and health is a pretty big part of my life. Although I really love espresso. Like, really love it. I was just in Vegas and since I don't gamble, and as I said smoke or drink, when I wasn't watching the films there I was looking for new espresso places to try and one day kicked it with some employees and talked about espresso drinks for an hour. I just love a good bitter mocha.

And I'm sure plenty of others things. The beach at night, I spend lots of time just listening to things like the ocean, the wind, water falling, people, whatever. I'm a pretty big loner if you can't tell.

Things I'd really like to do if I had the money to spend all the time doing it is actually getting involved with organizations that help trafficking victims and causes like that. But I live dime by dime and there's nothing like that near where I am so it's something I'm hoping I'll have time for when I do start making enough money to do the drives or move closer, etc.

Have you had any other jobs before you decided to become a filmmaker?

Well being a filmmaker I can't say is a job, I made more at Domino's than I did off of my films. But I've had tons of jobs. Delivering pizzas, working at clothing stores, doing infomercials, helping restore old silent films (those were the fun and inspirational jobs), coffee shops, fast food shops, waiting tables, working at gyms, amusement shops, daycare, and more I can't even think of. The only job I tried to do as a career was fitness training but only did it for a year and I hated it. I thought since I loved doing fitness and health I'd love teaching it but I couldn't stand it. Film is all I wanted to do.

What are some of your favorite American films? Foreign films? Television shows?

Rocky, Taxi Driver and Swingers are probably my 3 favorite American films, not only because I think they're simply amazing but they're some of the only films I can also watch any time, whenever, all of the time. Lilya-4-Ever is one of the best foreign films I've ever seen, along with Martyrs, Old Boy, Irreversible. And on a completely different note I've always been an insanely huge Jean-Claude Van Damme fan.

TV is hard, I'm not big on TV. I like cartoons. Home Movies and King of the Hill I think are the two best shows ever. As far as live-action, Curb Your Enthusiasm. I'm more for comedy when it comes to TV, and drama when it comes to movies. The only drama show I really love is Lie to Me. It is all about what I've always loved doing in films ever since I saw The War Zone, and funny enough stars War Zone director Tim Roth. It's all about exploring and understanding peoples facial expressions, and how they tell everything without having to say a word. I'm big on showing emotion without having to say anything and this show is about just that, on a scientific basis.

How would you describe your film education?

I learned a little bit from my dad when I was young which is what made me want to start making films. But mostly, aside from technical things he's helped me with, my education was mainly teaching myself, or what I learned working on other films. I never really got schooling aside from a few classes at a community college which I hardly ever attended.

How would you describe the film "scene" where you live?

Non existent. Alexander Payne came in to shoot Sideways at one point about 8 years ago, other than that I never see a film being made here unless I'm making one. There are a couple of people I'm sure, but this is a small town. Most people just leave, or get stuck here and turn to meth, or the bars, or stay in and get high all day. Not a lot of creative ambition.

How has social media changed the independent film industry?

I think in a real bad way. You have to reinvent yourself every week. Every time you figure out a new website a newer one comes along. You don't even have time to make the film, you have to spend all your time promoting yourself in 100 different ways for every network of sites, it's ridiculous. There's so much out there now, it's just one big mess in my opinion. I really hate it. I was trying to read something on some site and they had a twitter feed or whatever right next to it. It just looks like ramblings of numbers and user names and it was being updated every 2-3 seconds so I couldn't even read the damn article because the twitter images kept moving, it was too damn distracting. I'm not a big computer person, I like magazines, posters, DVD's, VHS. I always say I think I was born in the wrong time period. I'm not big on technology these days. I like the basics. I still have a tube TV and I fucking love it. Though there are some good things, don't get me wrong. I've made friends with people in the industry without ever meeting them because they're in other states or countries, doing interviews like these, etc. These are things that are great, I just think humans, like with everything else, abuse our resources and always want more, more, more. Now it's too much damn clutter.

What's your opinion on crowdfunding?

If it works go for it. I haven't had much luck but I'd do it more if I could make it work so if a filmmaker can make it work then do it. It's part of that internet stuff I say is too cluttered but that's why, probably, it's not been my thing, but I don't see a problem with raising money that way.

How does independent film differ from the mainstream?

I think they're merging a whole lot these days, underground film is the new independent. In that sense everything is different. We do what we want, when we want, but without any help, backing, resources. We break laws to get things finished, we risk all we have and ask others to join the crazy ride. Our life is at stake every time we pick up a camera. It's like being a journalist and covering a war zone. We don't know from one second to the next where we're going to end up.

You could go back in time and see any film being made. Which film would it be and why?

Metropolis. To see something so visually extraordinary and for that time I don't think anything could blow your mind like that.

What's your favorite movie quote and why?

Oh, I don't know, I'm not big on quotes just the movie in general. Almost anything said in Swingers. Or probably Rocky. Actually I think it was only said in Rocky Balboa. Rocky says something along the lines of "it's not about how hard you can hit it's about how hard you can get hit and get back up." That's how I pretty much live life and why I think I always loved Rocky so much. I take an awful lot of punches and always get knocked down. Yet I've never been knocked out, I somehow always find a way back up and try again.

What is your opinion on movie remakes and sequels?

I hate that we're bombarded with them, that's for sure. But sometimes they're okay. Some times they're great, just depends. We have The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo coming out and because it's David Fincher directing I'm very interested. But if it had been another director I might have been terrified and furious. It depends on who's making it, who's cast in it, it all just depends. I don't think they should be remaking some of these great character pieces from the 1970's though, like Straw Dogs for instance. I can see remaking a foreign film to get another country interested, or a film from another time period if it can be better visually because of the effects, or better resources. But a film that is all about character, those have no reason to be remade in the same language. The film is already perfect. Why remake it if you can't change anything for the better? But that goes for most remakes. If you can't match the original, or beat it, then don't even try.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptions?

I'm not a big reader of novels so doesn't really affect me. I guess I would hope they don't screw up the author's story, to keep the soul of it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Think we covered quite a bit. Thanks.

Author Penny Grubb

Penny is a UK scientist, a crime writer and an academic (Health Informatics), and currently Chair of the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society which is the largest writers’ organization in the world.

A writer all her life, she penned her first story at age 4 and won her first writing competition at age 9.  In 2004 under the name Ellen Grubb she received an international  award, the Crime Writers’ Association’s Debut Dagger, and can be seen here giving her acceptance speech at the awards lunch.

She has worked in a variety of jobs, having been on the inside of pathology labs, operating theatres and medical schools across Europe.

Home is with her husband and a transient population of family members and animals large and small in an old farmhouse in a small East Yorkshire village.

Penny’s work involves four different workplaces in three different geographical locations several hundred miles apart.  Even with modern technology and cloud computing, it takes some serious organisation to keep the plates spinning on the sticks.  To find out more about Penny and her work visit http://www.pennygrubb.com/index.htm.

What is the current project you are working on?

My current big project is launching the first three of my private investigator series in paperback: Like False Money, The Jawbone Gang and The Doll Makers.  They were published in hardback by Robert Hale in the UK over the past few years and are just now out in paperback with Acorn Press.  I have had real support from WH Smith book stores who put in a big pre-order and I will be spending every Saturday from now to Christmas in a WHS store signing books - or maybe twiddling my thumbs whilst the shoppers meander by, but I hope not.  I'm also writing the 4th in the series and I'm a little behind schedule with it, partly because I have a children's book that I'm rewriting for a different publisher.

How do you set your book apart from other books in the genre?

The way I see it, we are all different and we experience the same things in different ways. And the trick is to bring that over into the books.  My trade mark is to keep things credible and authentic for a 21st century private investigator and then to make sure that the books are written from right inside my heroine's head.  That way, they are different from any other book because it is always uniquely Annie's story.  I also draw a lot on my own experience. I've never been an investigator but I've worked in forensics, in diagnostic pathology and spent a decade heading a research team in health informatics.  There is an element in all these roles of searching for something that will be hard to find and that might not be there at all.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I think it must have been growing up in a home where books and libraries were such a big part of life.  I don't remember a time when I didn't want to be a writer, specifically a novelist.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

A specific high point for me was winning a Crime Writers' Dagger for The Doll Makers.  More generally, the best thing is the satisfaction of being able to record the world in words, to capture emotion as well as facts and figures, and to be able to do the same for worlds that exist only in my head.

What is the worst thing about being one?

The all too prevalent assumption that writers don't need to be paid for what they do.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Learn the craft, otherwise you're fighting with one hand tied behind your back.  If you're serious, make time for your writing because if you wait for time to become available, it won't.  And practice.  Get words on paper.  Don't expect a masterpiece first time.  You wouldn't expect to hit the bullseye the first time you fired an arrow so don't expect the same with writing and don't allow the page to remain blank just because you can't find the perfect set of words.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

I've lost count, but it's dozens.  The first novel I had published had been at the back of a cupboard for years and I'd given up on it.  A publisher wanted a later one in the Annie series and I had to get out that first badly written one and redo it.  I rewrote those 100k words from scratch several times.  If nothing else, it taught me not to be scared of rewrites.

What do you like to do besides writing?

I have two-day jobs and they are 200 miles apart, so with novels to write, there isn't a lot of time left over, but my favourite form of relaxation is to walk on the beach with my husband.  I'm a full-time academic.  I teach various topics including academic writing techniques and creative writing, but for the past few years my time has been partly bought out so I can Chair the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society www.alcs.co.uk which is the UK society that collects and distributes fees to writers for secondary use of their work.  Last year the ALCS collected just over £30m.  With over 80,000 members, the ALCS is probably the largest writers society in the world.

Who is your favorite author?  What are some of your favorite books?

I'm taking these two questions together as I don't have a favourite author as such.  I have favourite books / authors of the moment.  I like Jeffrey Deaver's books because I enjoy the detailed unraveling of the puzzle, but I couldn't pick a favourite.  They're the sorts of books I tend to read, enjoy and then forget.  I like Danuta Reah's crime novels which are fairly dark psychological thrillers, Strangers being my current favourite.  I like Linda Acaster's Torc of Moonlight which gives a very real sense of the history that lies just inches beneath our feet as we go about our daily lives.  I'll happily reread many of the classics - Jane Austen, the Brontes, George Elliot.  And I can still happily reread Richmal Crompton's brilliantly crafted William books.  Recent great reads included Peter Godwin's Mukiwa and When a Crocodile Eats the Sun - and after reading the latter we no longer refer to cell phones in our family, we talk about the 'screaming in the pocket'.  I found Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall unputdownable, too.

How would you describe the writing "scene" where you live?

It's vibrant.  East Yorkshire is a hotbed for writers and has several literature festivals.  I belong to a writing group that meets weekly and has members published in almost every genre, fiction and non-fiction.  We have some great libraries as well, currently under threat.  Protecting our libraries is a big deal for local writers at present.

How has social media changed the publishing industry?

I wrote about this 4 years ago in the Guardian Books Blog when I was first appointed as ALCS Chair. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2007/nov/30/theendofthewritingworldi And I stand by what I said then.  The simple answer is massively.  Like any revolution, there's a period of upheaval during which there will be winners and losers and eventually things will settle down.  The digital world will revolutionise the publishing industry.  Already we're seeing an unprecedented rise in Indie publishing and with it new industries to service the various elements of the process.  I don't have the answers but I'm confident that the world will always need great content and thus will always need writers.

What is your thought process like when you're writing?

Depends what stage I'm at - planning, drafting, editing, polishing.  Getting down the first full draft is when I really get in the zone and can write non-stop for as long as my hands can take the typing.   If I had regular working hours, I would write in the mornings and edit in the afternoons, but if I have a deadline to meet I can generate the mental energy to write  almost any time of day or night.

You could have any super power. What would it be?

I already have all the super powers I need.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

I'm a scientist.  I believe it's a statistical certainty that there's life out there somewhere.  Whether or not it's life that we would recognise as such is another matter.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

Some work, some don't.  I've known great books make dreadful movies and vice versa.  An example of a great book making a great movie is Silence of the Lambs.  I'd love for my books to be adapted for TV, but no one has the money right now.

If you could have any first addition book. Which would it be and why?

Ah ha! Here's a chance for a clever answer, given that I always enjoyed Math, I should think up an 'addition' book to put here.  However, I think you meant 'first edition' and that's a tough one. I'd either go for a first edition of a book, any book, written by one of my ancestors.  There were a good few writers in the family and we don't have a full collection.  My other option would be purely mercenary, I'd go for a first edition of Ulysses so I could sell it for a hundred grand or so, retire from at least one of the day jobs and devote more time to my writing.

Author Robert Collins

Robert Collins has had many novels published. He's had three SF novels published: "Monitor," "Lisa's Way," and "Expert Assistance." Mr. Collins also had a coming of age novel published called "True Friends." His stories and articles have appeared in periodicals such as Marion Zimmer Bradley's Fantasy Magazine; Tales of the Talisman; Space Westerns; Sorcerous Signals; Wild West; and Model Railroader. Robert had two biographies published, one of "Bleeding Kansas" leader Jim Lane, and the other of a Kansas Civil War general. Six of his Kansas railroad books have been published by South Platte Press. For To find out more about Robert and his books check out  http://robertlcollins.blogspot.com/


What is the current project you are working on?

I’m always working on something. My most recent book is “True Friends,” a short YA novel.

How do you set your book apart from other books in the genre?

Really, it’s just as simple as, I’m the one writing them. I have my voice. Even if I write similar plots, my books will have my own personal spin. That’s pretty much what all writers should do. Tell the story you want to tell, the way you want to tell it.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I’d always been somewhat creative. I got hooked into science fiction and fantasy by “Star Wars” and “Star Trek.” Then I read a book, “Asimov on Science Fiction,” by Isaac Asimov. That turned me onto the idea that I could turn my creativity into being a writer.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

Learning that someone liked the story I wrote.

What is the worst thing about being one?

Being alone with your concerns, especially when it seems nothing is selling.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Learn your art and your craft. Write every day. Have several projects to work on.

What is the estimated number of projects you have worked on?

I wrote and published 9 travel booklets in the early 1990s. I’ve sold around 90 short stories and around 120 articles. I’ve had four novels published. I’ve had 12 nonfiction books published. All that doesn’t count the handful of novels, the dozen or so short stories, and the handful of nonfiction books I haven’t sold or published yet.

What do you like to do besides writing?

Read. Listen to music. I should be doing more with my model railroad, but I’ve been letting the hobby slide of late.

Who is your favorite author?

I really don’t have favorite authors, any more than I have favorite bands. I like books; the author doesn’t always matter.

What are some of your favorite books?

I’ve liked Lisa Shearin’s “Raine Benares” novels of late. Recently I’ve read a bunch of Robert E. Howard’s original Conan stories.

How would you describe the writing “scene” where you live?

Dunno. I know there are local authors in the Wichita area; I know a couple personally. I have no idea if locals like local authors. I recently did a Steampunk Expo here, and found that the people I met were pleased that a local was writing genre books.

How has social media changed the publishing industry?

I think it’s made it easier for authors to connect with readers. It used to be that the only direct connection came at events, like signings or cons. Now you’re just a Facebook post or an email away.

On the other hand, it is harder to find readers. Your book was published, and if the reviews were positive, readers found you. Now you have to look for them. I have to say, I don’t think I’ve done as good a job as maybe I should. But I’ll keep trying.

What is your thought process like when you're writing?

Before I type word one, I try to have an idea of the story first. I try to get the characters’ voices, and play the scenes out first. That way the writing flows.

You could have any super power. What would it be?

The power to convince people to buy my books without me having to be present.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

Seems like a pretty big universe for us to be all by ourselves. Of course, that tends to make getting in touch tricky...

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

I would love for one of my books to be made into a movie, but I would hate to have it made into a bad movie. Otherwise, it depends; no two books or movies are the same, and neither are any two adaptions.

If you could have any first edition book, which would it be and why?

I’m not a book collector. One of the reasons why I lik my iPad is that I’ve been able to cut down on the number of physical books I have. For me it’s about the story, not how I get the story.