Author Interview with Tara West

Before I get started with the interview i would like to thank Tara West for taking the time out from writing to do this with me, she is a amazing author, one of my favorite authors and i'm so glad i know her.

What is the hardest thing about writing ?

Deciding which way I want the plot to go.

Have you ever had writers block? if so what got you through it ?

Yes, I do get writer’s block. Usually, I have to go do something where I can reflect, such as jogging, or (gasp) house cleaning.

Do you read much or at all ?

Of course, I read. I love reading. I do read less during deadlines, but there are times when I must escape with a good book.

If you do read who/what are your favorite authors/Genre ?

I love many genres. It honestly depends on my mood. My current favorite author is JA Huss. I love her books. I also love historical, especially anything by Courtney Milan.

Do you read your books review ?

Yes, I try to read them all.

If you were asked for advice from an aspiring writer what would you tell them ?

Keep writing. Once you finish one book, then get started on the next. Rarely does the writer succeed with just one book.

Which Authors inspire you ?

I was inspired by many authors while growing up. I think my favorites were George Eliot and Thomas Hardy. One contemporary author who inspires me is JK Rowling.

Tell us a bit about yourself ?  

I write books about dragons, witches, and handsome heroes while eating chocolate, lots and lots of chocolate. I’m willing to share my dragons, witches and heroes. Keep your hands off my chocolate. My young adult and new adult romances have been Kindle and iTunes bestsellers. A former high school English teacher, I am now a full-time writer and graphic artist. I enjoy spending time with my family, interacting with fans, and fishing the Texas coast.

How does it feel to have your work published ?

I love it. I love my job. I have the best career in the world.

Where is your favorite place to write if you have one ? 

At my computer in my bedroom with my dogs by my side and a nice view of our scenic backyard.

If you weren't writing what else do you be doing ? 

I would be creating art.

What is your comfort food ? 

Anything with chocolate as the primary ingredient.

Do you use a Pen name or Real name ? 

Tara West is my pen name.

Do you listen to music when you write ?

No, but I do listen to music before I write, usually when I’m plotting.

The funnest thing happened at a signing ? 

Eating chocolate and meeting fans

The Scariest thing happened at a signing ? 

When I watched a woman nearly drop her child over the second story railing of the book store.

10 Quick Questions

Chocolate - White / Dark / Milk -

Dark

Pets - Dog / Cat / Bird / Fish -

Dog

Hair - Long / Short -

Long

Getaway - Mountains / Beach - 

 Beach

Holidays - Easter / Xmas / Halloween - 

Christmas

Movies - Horror / Comedy / Romance - 

 Comedy

Wine - Red / White - 

White

Season - Summer / Winter - 

Summer

Meal - Fast Food / Home-cooked – 

Always home cooked

Favorite Ice cream – 

Rocky Road

Amazon

Say When | Say Yes | Say Forever

B&N

Say When | Say Yes | Say Forever

There is more of Tara's Books just use the links below and you will find them

About The Author

A former Texas high school teacher, I enjoyed coaching the writing team and even the hectic deadlines that came with running the school publications. After taking a break to raise my baby girl, I now work from home as a cover artist.
In my spare time, I loves to read, exercise and spend time with family and friends. I contribute the cover art for my Whispers Series and have designed covers for over 500 other books. 

Author Links

GoodReads | Amazon | B&N 

Please visit Tara at http://www.tarawestauthor.wordpress.com/ or www.tarawest.com where you can check out her Whispers series and sample her artwork.

read more "Author Interview with Tara West "

Interview with Lila Felix

• What is the hardest thing about writing ?

I think the hardest thing about writing is hitting that publish button. It’s like reaching inside yourself, tearing off a little piece of your heart and then putting it on an examination table. It’s so scary. Even after 11 novels and 1 novella, it never gets easy.

• Have you ever had writers block - if so what got you through it ?

I have not ever had writer’s block. I think the key to not getting writer’s block is to read as much as possible. It gets the creative juices flowing.

• Do you read much or at all ?

I read TONS! I read more now than I did before I was a writer. I try to cram books in between books and I also use books as a reward system for getting my word goals completed.

• If you do read who/what are your favorite Authors/Genre ?

I have some favorites. I love anything YA (paranormal, romance). Some of my favorites are Rachel Higginson, Shelly Crane, Amy Bartol, Jamie Magee, Anne Eliot, Amber Garza, A.M. Hargrove and Amity Hope.

• Do you read your books review ?

Yes. I read them. I’ve grown a thicker skin since starting and now have a little more strength to take the bad ones. But every once in a while, one will really get me down.

• If you were asked for advice from an aspiring writer what would you tell them ?

Write, write and write some more. Do the work. No one is going to sell your books for you. Email the bloggers, put in the social media time, and then keep writing some more. And always edit, edit, edit.

• Which Authors inspire you ?

Shelly Crane, Rachel Higginson, Amy Bartol, Jamie Magee, Amber Garza, Samantha Young, Michelle Leighton, Quinn Loftis: They all inspire me and I’m so blessed to call them my friends.

• Tell us a bit about yourself ?

I live in Louisiana with my three kids, three dogs and I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for almost 15 years. And I love cookies.

• How does it feel to have your work published ?

It’s such a blessing, but boy is it work. I bet I work 60+ hours a week. But I love every single second of it.

• Do you still like writing as much as you did when you first started ?

I do. I love it. I’m enamored with telling my stories.

• Where is your favorite place to write if you have one ?

Anywhere! I can literally write anywhere.

• If you weren't writing what else do you be doing ?

I would be a stay at home mom.

• What is your comfort food ?

Pasta!! I love pasta, anything pasta.

• Do you listen to music when you write ?

Yes, music is my world. I turn it on first thing in the morning and it doesn’t end until I go to bed. I can remember what music was playing during some significant moments in my life.

• The funnest thing happened at a signing ?

It’s all fun! I love meeting my readers. I have the most kick butt readers on the planet!

• The Scariest thing happened at a signing ?

I’m always a nervous wreck at a signing. As much fun as it is, I get totally nervous! It’s all scary.

10 Quick Questions

 

 

•  Chocolate - White / Dark / Milk

white

• Pets - Dog / Cat / Bird / Fish

dogs

• Hair - Long / Short

long

• Getaway - Mountains / Beach

Beach

• Holidays - Easter / Xmas / Halloween

Christmas!

• Movies - Horror / Comedy / Romance

All of the above.

• Wine - Red / White

I don’t drink alcohol.

• Season - Summer / Winter

Winter

• Meal - Fast Food / Home-cooked

Home cooking every time.

• Favorite Ice cream 

Bluebell Southern Blackberry cobbler.

read more "Interview with Lila Felix"

Kathryn Mattingly Interview 2013

 Before I get started with the interview i would like to thank Kathryn Mattingly for taking the time out from writing to do this with me,she is a amazing author and i'm so glad i know her.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 


My debut novel Benjamin was released through Winter Goose Publishing this past May and is a New Century Quarterly Finalist. It is about a woman whose son (Benjamin) has some very special gifts, and how she is willing to do whatever necessary to protect him from having those gifts exploited. It’s a testament to women: strong, resourceful, selfless and never expecting anything in return for their often extraordinary sacrifices made in the best interest of a child. Add an impossible love triangle complicated by the Catholic Church, and there you have it, a story involving all the different types of love that drive us to do what we do, for better or for worse.

I have a short story collection coming out this January called Fractured Hearts, and another novel “Journey” one year from now. Prior to Benjamin I had a lot of short stories published in different anthologies and five of them have been recognized for excellence or received awards, including one from Writer’s Digest Magazine, which is my proudest short story feat. I teach creative writing at the University of Phoenix and have my own manuscript editing service called penpublishpromote. Visit Amazon's Kathryn Mattingly Page  and website: edgy words unleashed@ pen publish promote 

What is the hardest thing about writing? 

Getting into the zone, which might take a lot of fooling around on the Internet first- especially on FB and for me, with email.

Have you ever had writers block - if so what got you through it? 

I have never had writer’s block so to speak. I have panicked at times wondering if there is another book in me and then I will write down numerous clever plot ideas, stick them in a folder, and feel better.

Do you read much or at all? 

No writer should ever admit it if they do not read. You cannot be excellent at something you do not part-take in. No exceptions. Ever. I have always read prolifically. Lately, my reading is much more streamlined and mainly in my own genre- literary suspense.

Who are your favorite authors?

Recently I have admired the work of Elle Newmark, who wrote “The Sandalwood Tree.” The book is beautifully written and one that I took note of for having emotionally moving scenes and for creating particular moods I wished to study for use in my own writing. I also greatly admired the work Chris Cleave did in “Little Bee” and Tatiana de Rosnay in Sarah’s Key. ASA Harrison is also a wonderful writer and made the Silent Wife, for me, more fun to read for the writing rather than the plot.

Do you read your book reviews?

Always. It is part of the process- absorbing what others think of your work so that you can process it with everything else about your craft, and hopefully it will make you a better writer for your audience in the end.

If you were asked for advise from an aspiring writer what would you tell them? 

My first mentor, Elizabeth Engstrom, who wrote “Lizzy Borden” among many other books, told me once that “Persistence is the Key” and that advise, by the way, is golden for anybody trying to succeed in the world of words.

How does it feel to have your work published? 

It feels fantastic! It validates you as a person when you receive fan mail and reviews from people who can connect to and enjoy what you have written.

Do you still like writing as much as you did when you first started? 

If anything, I love it more. You enjoy writing on a whole new level as you become experienced with the craft and begin to appreciate finessing the finer elements.

Where is your favorite place to write if you have one?

My personal space is important to me, so wherever we live I need a cozy well-lit den with a large window to the outside world and all my favorite things surrounding me – books, favorite framed photos of family and other memorabilia from places I have traveled or events I have attended.

If you weren’t writing what else would you be doing? 

I’d be an artist painting in oils and acrylics, drawing with charcoal and pastels.

What is your comfort food? 

The one thing I will crave in the winter is something no restaurant could begin to recreate correctly and that is chicken and dumplings with mashed potatoes and peas, my favorite childhood meal.

Do you use a Pen name or real name? 

Although I am not crazy about my name and could think up some great pen names I am not working this hard to give some fictitious person the credit.

Do you listen to music when you write?

Yes, contemporary piano music.

What is the funniest thing that happened at a signing? 

I forgot someone’s name whom I should have known but I’d been signing so many books….

What is the scariest thing that happened at a signing?

Actually, the funniest thing was also the scariest- being mortified I might have to actually ask my friend their name, but fortunately I finally thought of it while they were standing there talking to me.

10 Quick Questions

Chocolate - White / Dark / Milk –

Milk chocolate and specifically with salted caramel and macadamia nuts

Pets - Dog / Cat / Bird / Fish – 

Cat, Sophia and she is a short haired gray tabby

Hair - Long / Short- 

Long is much less work for me because my hair is thick and curly

Getaway - Mountains / Beach- 

Beach, preferably Maui

Holidays - Easter / Xmas / Halloween- 

Christmas with all my children is my favorite

Movies - Horror / Comedy / Romance- 

Never horror or violence, unless it is something extremely well done for plot and dialogue like Sixth Sense or Braveheart, but I love all other movies - especially artsy thought-provoking dramas

Wine - Red / White – 

I never met a good wine I didn’t like and it all has to do with the food pairing, but my go-to comfort drink for relaxing is red wine

Season - Summer / Winter –

Summer, fall, spring…. and winter is my least favorite

Meal - Fast Food / Home-Cooked – 

I am a foodie who also loves great cuisine around town, which never includes America’s definition of ‘fast food’

Favorite Ice cream – 

Butter pecan, preferably paired with something still warm from the oven or scooped onto a crunchy waffle cone.

Links

Amazon | B&N

B&N | Amazon | Website

read more "Kathryn Mattingly Interview 2013"

Pepper Winters Interview 2013

Before I get started with the interview i would like to thank Pepper Winters for taking the time out from writing to do this with me, she is one of my favorite authors.

What is the hardest thing about writing ?

• Actually focusing and ignoring the online world. I suck at cutting myself off. I'm a procrastinator so pretend I have so much other important things to do when really I should be working on my manuscript. lol

Have you ever had writers block ?  - if so what got you through it

• Yes. I have but I take a break, go for lunch, or take the day off. I keep a notebook on me at all times, so when I'm out I normally get some crazy ideas and I jot them down to make sure I never forget. I normally get re-energized and can't wait to get back to writing.

Do you read much or at all ?

• I read too much! I'm always on the go with quite a few books. I prefer writing and reading over every other hobby. It got so bad when I was little that I was grounded for reading too much. lol

If you do read who/what are your favorite authors/Genre ?

• I love all genres and both non-fiction and fiction. My favourite author is Laini Taylor for her style of writing, but I also love many different artists for their ability to pace and draw you into a story.

Do you read your books review ?

• I read all the ones on amazon. I tend not to go on GR's much. I've had my heart broken a couple of times--not from reviews, but the comments that go on in the review thread. I don't mind critique, it's what helps me grow as a writer, but I don't like reading comments. It feels like I'm eavesdropping.

If you were asked for advise from a aspiring writer what would you tell them ?

• Keep writing, keep improving. Spend time building a network of people who believe in you. Never give up, even on your darkest days and if it's your dream, keep your passion alive at all times.

Which Authors inspire you ?

• I really look up to authors who have come out of nowhere. E.L James brought erotica to the masses. Jean M Auel did amazing research for her books. I value the qualities of each individual.

Tell us a bit about yourself

• I'm a workaholic. Up until recently, I had four jobs. I now have three but I've taken time off them to focus on writing Quintessentially Q for a month. I don't want to let my readers wait too long J

How does it feel to have your work published ?

• Very cool. I couldn't wait to press the button. I love the freedom of self-publishing and the support of the amazing bloggers.

Do you still like writing as much as you did when you first started ?

• Yes. It never diminishes. Some days are harder than others, but it's the story that dedicates that. Some days it's a hard place to be in the manuscript and others it's a breeze.

Where is your favorite place to write if you have one ?

• I write in our lounge. Either at the kitchen table or on the couch by hubby. I don't like to be far from him. I'm such a sap J

If you werent writing what else do you be doing ?

• Renovating houses. But my ultimate dream is to write for a career and I'll keep doing that until I can quit all my other jobs J

What is your comfort food ?

• It's not really a food but Coke Zero makes me happy. J

Do you use a Pen name or real name ?

• I use a mix of my real name and pen name J

Do you listen to music when you write ?

• No. I have to have complete silence. No talking to me. No music. Nothing. Otherwise my brain can't focus at all.

10 Quick Questions

Chocolate - White / Dark / Milk

White

Pets - Dog / Cat / Bird / Fish

Rabbit

Hair - Long / Short

Long

Getaway - Mountains / Beach

Beach

Holidays - Easter / Xmas / Halloween

Xmas

Movies - Horror / Comedy / Romance

Romance

Wine - Red / White

None. Yuck. Lychee martini

Season - Summer / Winter

Summer

Meal - Fast Food / Home-cooked

Home-cooked

Favorite Ice cream -

Don't have one. Don't like milk based products. Give me strawberry licorice though and I'm your friend for life J

Thanks so much for having me on your awesome blog, Haloangel Reads! You've been such an amazing support of my work and I can't thank you enough. xx

Author Links

Facebook | Blog | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads

read more "Pepper Winters Interview 2013"

Interview with S.Moose

What is the hardest thing about writing?

--Not being distracted..Facebook is the enemy!

Have you ever had writers block - if so what got you through it?

--I watch movies and listen to music.

Do you read much or at all?

--Love reading!

If you do read who/what are your favorite authors/Genre?

--I have so many favorite authors and I’m a hopeless romantic with a dirty mind hehe.

Do you read your books review?

--Yes, I read every single review. It helps me grow and honestly many reviews make me feel better.

If you were asked for advise from a aspiring writer what would you tell them?

--Take it SLOW. Writing and publishing isn’t a race. You don’t want to publish your book without making sure it’s perfect.

Which Authors inspire you?

--Sandi Lynn is one of the reasons why I’m an author. She’s been with me since day 1 and I truly look up to her.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

--I’m a 27. child at heart girl who is looking for love and laughter. I married the love of my life, Kevin and we live in Webster, NY. I graduated from Saint John Fisher College in 2011 and work for an auditing health care company. When I’m not writing, I’m hanging out with family and friends.

How does it feel to have your work published?

--It still feels like I’m dreamy. It’s a great feeling and I’m loving every single moment.

Do you still like writing as much as you did when you first started?

--Yes, I do.

Where is your favorite place to write if you have one?

--On my deck when it’s nice out.

If you werent writing what else do you be doing?

--Reading haha. No, I’m hanging out and enjoying life.

What is your comfort food?

--Potato chips!

Do you use a Pen name or real name?

--Real name..Just my first initial and last name =)

Do you listen to music when you write?

--Sure do!

The funnest thing happened at a signing?

--Well, I’ll let you know when I attend my first one on March 15 in NYC!

The Scariest thing happened at a signing?

--Not sure yet but I know I’m going to be nervous. I’m lucky to have Sandi sharing a table with me. It only makes sense haha she was there with me when I first published and she’s with me for my first signing.

10 Quick Questions

chocolate - white/dark/milk

--White chocolate

pets - dog/cat/bird/fish

--Dog

hair - long/short

--Long

getaway - Mountains/ Beach

--Beach

Holidays - Easter/Xmas/Halloween

--Christmas

Movies - Horror/Comedy/ Romance

--Romance

Wine - Red/White

--White

Season - Summer/Winter

--Summer

Meal - Fast Food/ Homecooked

--Home cooked

Favorite Ice cream –

--Cookies and cream

As you can see by reading some of the answers this interview was done at the beginning of the year and im sorry it has taken me so long to put it up.

read more "Interview with S.Moose"

Interview with Erika Ashby

I am lucky to be able to do a interview with this amazing author i just finished reading one of her books i fell in love it and it is on my must read list for 2014. i would like to thank Erika Ashby for taking the time out to do this with me.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

Sitting down and doing it. It will not get done until you just sit down, open your doc and start typing.

Have you ever had writers block - if so what got you through it?

I write out of order. If I try to write from A-Z, I get held up.

Do you read much or at all?

I barely read nowadays.

If you do read who/what are your favorite authors/Genre? 

Contemp Romance/NA/Erotica. Abbi Glines, Colleen Hoover, M. Leighton, & Jamie McGuire are my top authors. I’ll read anything and everything of theirs.

Do you read your books review?

Yes, I do. 

If you were asked for advice from an aspiring writer what would you tell them?

Not to give up. It can be overwhelming, but just keep trucking. And no matter what know that you are not going to please everyone. Not everyone will like your book…and that’s okay.

Which Authors inspire you?

The ones who haven’t given up. They’ve been at this far longer than me, and didn’t instantly get noticed, yet that didn’t stop them. They are who inspire me to keep at it.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a boring 30 year old Okie married w/ a combined total of 5 kids.

How does it feel to have your work published?

It’s an amazing sense of accomplishment.

Do you still like writing as much as you did when you first started?

oh yes, I think I love it even more now.

Where is your favorite place to write if you have one?

I write at my desk mostly. I have to be sitting up.

If you werent writing what else do you be doing?

Reading lol. I’d still be a stay at home mom. Daycare is too pricey for me to work no matter what.

What is your comfort food?

Sweets. It’s horrible. But I’m like a kid and love candy. It shows.

Do you use a Pen name or real name? 

This is my real name.

Do you listen to music when you write? 

Yes. Sometimes I catch myself jamming out. So, I’m not sure how productive it is.

The funniest thing happened at a signing?

I’ve only been to two so far. But obviously since Vegas was my first one, it will probably always be my favorite. It was just so fun and amazing being around all these authors I’ve looked up to and just getting to hang out with them. The hot models that were brought, was also fun to look at :0) The funniest thing that I can think of just because it was so awkward was seeing Ron Jeremy in the Hard Rock. Talk about doing a double take.

The Scariest thing happened at a signing? 

Nothing scary has happened yet. *Knock on wood*

10 Quick Questions

Chocolate - White / Dark / Milk: Milk

Pets - Dog / Cat / Bird / Fish: Fish

Hair - Long / Short: On a guy, short-ish.

Getaway - Mountains / Beach: Beach

Holidays - Easter / Xmas / Halloween: Halloween

Movies - Horror / Comedy / Romance: All of the above—but love scary.

Wine - Red / White: White

Season - Summer / Winter: Summer

Meal - Fast Food / Homecooked: Homecooked

Favorite Ice Cream – Chocolate Chip

read more "Interview with Erika Ashby"