Author SB Knight

SB Knight has seen his poetry and short stories published in both books and magazines. Now, with the publishing of his first novel he has achieved a goal and dream set many years ago. Currently he is working on the sequel for the Blood Chronicles series.

SB Knight is the creator of ‘The New Author;’ a blog that started as a learning tool but has since grown into a community of friends and peers. He is also co-owner of Premium Promotional Services where authors can find the help they need to promote their book on the Internet.

When not writing he can be found enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. He resides in West Virginia with his wife and son. To learn more about Mr. Knight visit http://www.sb-knight.com

What is the current project you are working on?

I am working on The Blood Chronicle Series. Book one – Born of Blood will be released in March of 2012. I just finished the sequel, which I need to submit to the publisher, and plan to start the third book soon.

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

This series takes the apex monster, vampires, back to the time when they were sinister, cunning, evil, intelligent, and brutal but at the same time a new story is told. A story never heard before but rooted in both history and myth. The Blood Chronicle Series, in my opinion, adds a new angle to the rich mythology of the vampire.

What inspired you to become a writer?

Life experiences played a large role in me becoming a writer. Those experiences coupled with my imagination triggered an overwhelming amount of stories for me to share with all of you.

 What is the best thing about being a writer?

The best thing is having the opportunity to write my stories and share them with readers.

What is the worst thing about being one?

The worst thing, by far, is the long wait to get a book from idea to publishing manuscript. It is an interesting journey but a long one that demands patience. Some might say the marketing after your book comes out it the worst part but honestly, I’m not too worried about that aspect. Patience though…that is a tough one.
 Who is your favorite author?

I have more than one but Tolkien is at the top but I also really enjoy Terry Brooks, Raymond Feist, and the late Robert Jordan to name a few.

 What are some of your favorite books?

Well, you can probably guess from the authors I listed above. I really enjoy epic fantasy such as Lord of the Rings and Wheel of Time. My favorite book, by far, is the Bible.

 How has social media changed the publishing industry?

I would say the growth of ebooks and ereaders has changed the publishing industry a great deal more than social media. The impact from social media can be found in the way authors and publishers market and promote books. It is easier to spread the news about a book with the help of social media.

The best thing about social media is the opportunity it provides the author to build his/her platform. It really gives us multiple avenues to reach out, meet new people, and expand our range.

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

When I’m writing I think from the perspective of the character I’m writing about. I try not to think, outside of character related, when I’m writing. I know that sounds odd but when I write I want to let go and let the words to flow freely. I find it easier to capture emotion and responses when writing like that. Much of my story planning and brainstorming happens when I am doing other things such as cutting grass, relaxing, or driving.

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

I would pick the ability to quickly heal from either a minor or major injury.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

I think we, on planet earth, would be rather arrogant if we thought no other life existed in the vastness of the universe.

Author Shawn Davis

Shawn Davis is a military spouse and the author of the book, The Spy's Wife. She is currently at work on the second book in the series. She promises that the wives of spies can be just as interesting as the spies themselves. Also, if someone tells you they are a spy's wife, they probably aren't.

Shawn watches mixed martial arts and boxing with a passion - and those discussions are almost always welcome. Answers to unasked questions, in no particular order, are as follows: Dan Henderson, welterweight, kimura, Steven Seagal, and ranger panties.

In addition to MMA and boxing, Shawn also has a soft spot for pit bulls, particularly her two rescue pit bulls named Ike and Mamie.

Yes, Shawn has children. No, they aren't perfect. But they are very cute, and she's not the only one that thinks so. She does not plan to participate in extended adolescence parenting, and already has plans for when they vacate their bedrooms.

What is the current project you are working on?

Right now I'm working on the sequel to my first book, The Spy's Wife. It doesn't have a title yet, but I'm pretty sure the word "spy" will be in there somewhere. Although The Spy's Wife deals with the direct aftermath (with a thriller twist) of the loss of a spouse in war, the truth is that the aftershocks continue to come. Book 2 deals with some of those things.

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

For one thing, The Spy's Wife deals with someone on the edge of the intelligence community who is thrust into a position they have seen others live, but never expected to live themselves. I am a military wife, and that is a very different proposition from being the military service-member. However, our Venn Diagrams overlap quite a bit. The Spy's Wife deals with this issue, but in the espionage community.

What inspired you to become a writer?

I've always written! I was first published when I was five years old.I wrote a letter to the editor of the local paper, and he published it on the front page.

What is the best thing about being a writer?

I love telling stories. Whether they are true stories, or ones that only exist in my mind - I love telling stories and entertaining people.

What is the worst thing about being one?

The worst thing about being a writer is the publishing process. I understand the reasons agents and publishers are selective, but given some of the absolutely atrocious books I've paid relatively large amounts of money for on my kindle by legacy authors, I am offended. I see some truly amazing books for under $5 by indie authors, and I think, "You won't publish this, but you will publish THAT tripe? Just because you already know their name?" I don't want to pay Hilton money for a Motel 6 book, and I've done it way too often to trust the industry anymore. I think choosiness is one thing, but exclusiveness is another.

What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?

Nike had it right - Just do it.

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

I can't even begin to estimate! I did a lot of journalism work.

What do you like to do besides writing?

Fight! No, really. I love MMA and boxing. I train in boxing myself, and my third daughter (11 years old) is a tremendously talented amateur boxer. I credit boxing training with keeping me sane when my husband is deployed to war zones. Hitting things is my medication. Also, I lost 60 pounds doing it, so it has side benefits other than than the zen like feeling you get after pounding the heavy bag.

Who is your favorite author?

Oh dear. Just one? I love too many genres! A list, maybe?

Historical Fiction: Sharon Kay Penman, Fantasy: Robert Jordan

Horror/Thriller: F. Paul Wilson, Espionage Thriller: Daniel Silva

I also grew up in California, in the Central Valley, so Steinbeck is very important to me. Hemingway writes about things that often remind me of my husband, I do love reading Hemingway. I could go on and on...

What are some of your favorite books?

I read Frank Yerby's book, "The Odor of Sanctity" so often it fell apart. And it's out of print, now! I wish I had another copy.

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

I live in the DC metro area. Everyone here is writing their memoirs.

How has social media changed the publishing industry?

How hasn't it! Social media allows us to market our own books, and ourselves. We can make contacts more easily. But it's also easier to wander off and get lost. There's a definite trade off.

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

I see what I'm writing as a movie in my head. When I have an idea, I have to write it NOW, or I will lose it - the scene will be over and I won't be able to recapture it from memory.

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

How did you know I love the series Heroes? I would want to be able to avoid illness. I hate being sick! I'm generally very healthy, so when I get taken out by something like the flu, it drives me to insanity. I have things to do, and I don't have time to get sick. Also, maybe the ability to make everything taste like chocolate cake.

Do you believe in life on other planets?

I'd have to defer to Dr. Michio Kaku on this one. He's much smarter than I am, and also tremendously entertaining.

What is your opinion on book to movie adaptations?

I love the movie Of Mice and Men with Gary Sinise. I hated There Will be Blood, which I know will make some people think I'm an absolute heathen. So I guess my only answer is, "It depends."

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

The Gutenberg Bible. I have four children to put through college. I guess that makes me fairly mercenary, right?

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.