Interview with author Dana Taylor

I'm very excited this week to introduce you to Dana Taylor. Dana writes uplifting stories filled with inspiration and humor. Born and raised in California, she graduated from the University of Redlands. She has been published in various magazines, including the Ladies Home Journal. She hosted the Internet radio program Definitely Dana! at HealthyLife.net. and won various contests with the Romance Writers of America, including Best First Book from the Desert Quill Awards. Her published works include ROYAL REBEL, AIN’T LOVE GRAND?, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, and DEVIL MOON: A MYSTIC ROMANCE. Her non-fiction book is EVER-FLOWING STREAMS OF HEALING ENERGY. Visit her blogsite Supernal Living with Dana Taylor at http://definitelydana.wordpress.com/. She is a founding member of the on-line community SupernalFriends.com and can be reached at SupernalFriends@yahoo.com

Patty’s Angels from HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Prologue Snippet:

Description: Los Angeles, 1960. California is a state of growing contrasts. The suburbs and downtown are only minutes, yet worlds, apart. One little girl changes lives and brings people together, with the help of her celestial best friends.

Setting: A dingy apartment building

The set-up: A down-on-her-luck actress, Geri, encounters a little girl and her mother passing out Christmas bags in the hallway.

The little girl turned and smiled. Geri grabbed the doorjamb to keep from falling at the sight. The child’s blond hair fluffed around her small head like a halo. Her pinafore dress reminded Geri of the dolls in toy store windows. Light seemed to shine from the small body, like Barbara Stanwyck’s sparkly dress in Ball of Fire.

The girl waved, repeating, “Mewwy Chwistmas!”

The mother stood up, turned around and smiled also. Geri shook her head at the sight of this Lee Remick wannabe, dressed in a full skirt, wearing gloves, toting Christmas bags and towing the angelic daughter beside her. What was she thinking coming to a stink hole like this? What a do-gooding idiot. Geri looked down at the tempting bag at her feet. Well, she wasn’t one to turn down free food. She pounced on it.

The woman took a tentative step toward her. “Hello, I’m…”

Geri clutched the bag to her bosom and slammed the door.

She leaned against the dingy wood, reached into the bag, and sank her teeth into the perfect mini loaf of gingerbread. Mmm. Lee sure could bake.

Who were these people? Geri picked up the envelope and opened the holiday card.

Merry Christmas from All Saint’s United Brethren Church. Crayon stars and a childishly scribbled name—Patty--embellished the inside.

Her name was Patty.

1. Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?

“Fun” facts?? Like I have 11 toes or something?

a. Frank Sinatra’s album “Songs for Swinging Lovers” was my favorite record when I was 3 years old. I played it obsessively. It is still my favorite.

b. I was voted “Most Likely to Suceed” in high school. I am still trying to get there.

c. My only athletic ability is a fair game of ping-pong.

2. How long have you been a writer or known that was something you wanted to do?

I sold my first magazine article to The Ladies Home Journal in 1979. (You do the math!)

3. Tell me about your current project?

HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS features three inspirational, heartwarming short stories. I thought in this dismal economy, people might like some hope for the holidays.

4. Where do you receive your inspiration or ideas for your books?

I think ideas are floating out in some ethereal plane. It’s like going on a mental treasure hunt. Stories often start out as dreams.

5. Why did you choose to self-publish? Or go with the publisher you are with?

I was published by Echelon Press in 2004 with “Ain’t Love Grand?.” I sold a few thousand copies and got some good reviews. Ultimately, I saw that small presses couldn’t get into the brick-and-mortar stores. So I waited, feeling I could find my place in ebook publishing. It’s an astonishing opportunity. My books sell somewhere in the world daily. Amazing!

6. How often do you write?

Sadly, not often enough. It’s all about marketing right now. This summer I divided my time between morning marketing and afternoon writing. I spun out “Patty’s Angels” for the holiday book. I loved it. I hope to dive into a new book in January.

7. Tell us about some of your future projects?

My adventures with my Supernal Friends (see SupernalFriends.com) will undoubtedly influence my future works. I am witnessing some amazing women with gifts of healing. I believe I will be the person to tell their stories.

8. What are some of your favorite books?

“Tattoos on the Heart” by Father Gregory Boyle is my favorite book. He beautifully chronicles what’s important in life after spending three decades working in the barrios of LA. I like books with a mystical touch—“Peace Like A River” by Leif Enger. I also enjoy the whimsical books of Sarah Addison Allen.

9. If you could co-write a book with another author, who would it be?

That’s a hard question! Living or dead? It would be fun to work with Shirley McClain and meet all the fascinating people she knows.

10. Do you have any advice for others who dream of being an author?

Have at least 8 editorial runs and don’t rush to publish.

Magdalyn 6 Months

My sweet little baby just gets cuter every day, doesn't she? I love that she has such an easy smile! She is so happy and sweet! Today was Magdalyn's 6 month check-up. She is now 26.3 inches tall which is the 73% and she weighs 15 lbs 12 oz which is the 45%. She just keeps climbing up the charts. It's so fun to watch her get bigger, and see the relationship develop between her and Kalianna. They are so cute together!

Magdalyn doesn't really care much for sitting up. She can sort of sit up on her own, but whenever I try and make her sit, she shoots her legs out, arches her back, and tries to stand. She would much rather be standing up! You can tell she is just raring to go. She wants to run around with her sister so badly!

She tried baby food for the first time last week. She has been eating it really well, but she always looks at me funny after the first bite, like she isn't quite sure what's happening. Magdalyn is rolling over like crazy. It's just a matter of time before she figures out crawling. She is so strong! It wouldn't surprise me if she started crawling early.

She loves to make noises and talk to anyone who will listen. She has discovered the dogs and loves it when they pay attention to her. Even though she does love the dogs, Kalianna can bring a smile to her face and make her laugh like no one else can. Kalianna loves to lay in the crib next to her whenever Maggie is playing with her mobile. Then they just lay there and talk to each other and Kalianna will sing for her. It's so sweet!

A Word Problem

Two girls share a room. One is six months old, the other is two years old. The two year old is prone to night terrors, while the six month old is a very light sleeper.What do you do when the two year old has night terrors and begins screaming in the middle of the night?

Do you remove the two year old, thrashing and kicking, to try and somehow console in hopes that the six month old will remain asleep? While still running the risk of the two year old waking up and peeing on both herself and you? And take into consideration, you have limited time to get her out the door before the six month old wakes up and joins in the screaming.

Or do you remove the six month old from the room, running the risk of her waking up when you grab her and then try and remove her from the room quickly enough that she doesn't wake up from the screaming anyway and have to be fed to go back to sleep? While still running the risk that the two year old will throw herself out of bed and wake up, peeing on herself and the floor and have to be cleaned up.

I never was very good at math.

Interview with author Mike Cooley

Mike is a computer geek working at the headquarters of a large national retailer. He was born in Washington State, went to college in New Mexico, and is now living with one wife and one son in Minnesota. As well as writing fiction, Mike is musician and mountain biker.

Mike’s epic fantasy novel The Crystal Warrior is the story of Larissya, who discovers that her life and destiny is tied to an ancient legend involving six magical crystals. With help from her friends she has to try to save her World from the evil ones known as The Triad. Full of swords, magic, and incredible creatures, The Crystal Warrior is an action-packed page-turner about good and evil, darkness and light, hope and salvation.

1. Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?

I’m left-handed (despite public schooling), play guitar, and some people call me ‘Z’.

2. How long have you been a writer or known that was something you wanted to do?

In a way I’ve always been writing: short stories, poetry, lyrics, and so on. I only recently finished my first novel. I got hooked on writing in school since I was a voracious reader and didn’t want to take speech class, so I took creative writing instead.

3. Tell me about your current project?

Which one? (I’m terrible at single-tasking). I am currently working on the sequel to The Crystal Warrior. It’s called Crystal Origin, and goes off in exciting new directions. I’m also working on Before The Revolution – 13 Days In Egypt, which is about a trip I took to Egypt in 2010 (non-fiction).

I’m also working on Fade Away, which is a Lovecraftian Horror story.

4. Where do you receive your inspiration or ideas for your books?

Thin air. I never have a shortage of ideas. Just time to write them down.

5. Why did you choose to self-publish? Or go with the publisher you are with?

I wrote a short piece explaining all that. It’s called Traditional Publishing Is My Bitch. It’s free. Here’s the link: http://www.amazon.com/Traditional-Publishing-inflammatory-remarks-ebook/dp/B005HFQ2JG/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

6. How often do you write?

I try to write every day, but I rarely do (except for blog posting and social media). Because of my work schedule it’s more like three times a week for an hour or two each time.

7. Tell us about some of your future projects?

I covered most of them above. I am always interrupting myself and starting more projects. It’s all I can do to limit my projects to two or three at a time.

8. What are some of your favorite books?

I have so many favorite books! To mention just a few: Lord of Light by Zelazny, Meet Me At Infinity by James Tiptree Jr., Dangerous Visions edited by Harlan Ellison (short story anthology), The Man In The High Castle by Phillip K. Dick.

9. If you could co-write a book with another author, who would it be?

James Tiptree Jr. Love her. But she’s dead. She can be my ghost writer.

10. Do you have any advice for others who dream of being an author?

I’m full of it! Here’s a blog post I did about it. It’s called Judgement Is The Mind Killer:

http://mikecooleyfiction.dyndns.org/?p=67

Mike's blog: http://mikecooleyfiction.com

To purchase Mike's book: http://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Warrior-Legend-Crystals-ebook/dp/B004RPZRMK/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4

One Year Mark

Next week will hit the one year mark since "The Princess Sisters" was first published! It has been an exciting journey so far! A little frustrating at times, but overall it has really been a lot of fun. I have learned so much, met so many amazing people, and have become a better writer for it. In honor of my book's anniversary, I am knocking the price of my eBook way down. You can now get it for your Kindle, Nook, or other eReader for only $.99! It will be on sale for the entire month of October, so let everyone know. And thanks to everyone for their support this last year! I could not have done it without you!

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Sisters-ebook/dp/B005D5J3I2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1317664120&sr=8-2

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-princess-sisters-stacy-lynn-carroll/1026238410?ean=2940013162587&itm=2&usri=the%2bprincess%2bsisters

Sony, Ipad, etc: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/79054

Interview with author Katrina Parker Williams

Bio--Katrina Parker Williams teaches English composition and grammar at a community college. She is a Barton College graduate with a B.S. in Communications and a Masters of Education in English from East Carolina University. She is also the author of a short story collection, Trouble Down South and Other Stories, a fictional novel, Liquor House Music, and four short stories, Miss Carmelia Faye Lafayette, Rock, Missus Buck, and Slave Auction.

Her current work is Bootlegger Haze--Buford Tee is back! If you loved Buford Tee in “Rock” and from Trouble Down South and Other Stories, you’re going to love him even more in Bootlegger Haze. One of the biggest colored bootleggers in Mississippi and known for selling the best whiskey in Jones County, Buford Tee learns his craft from his grandfather, who takes him in and raises him after the murder of his mother. His rival, Morris York, a white bootlegger, hates Buford Tee for drawing his customers away, who favor Buford Tee’s top-notch whiskey to York’s watered-down hooch. York’s resentment is also fueled by his recollections of his stepfather’s infidelity with Buford Tee’s mother, a union which resulted in the birth of Buford Tee. York believes his mother, who dies shortly after discovering the affair, died of a broken heart, and he sets out to destroy Buford Tee, although others close to him suffer his wrath.

1. Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself?

I like to paint—watercolors and acrylics are my favorites. I like westerns. I like sour apple candy for some reason.

2. How long have you been a writer or known that was something you wanted to do?

I have been writing most of my life, short stories here and there. It wasn’t until the tenth grade that I gained a great interest in writing after reading some of my favorite authors: Gordon Parks, Harper Lee, Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston, etc. I wrote my first novel in 1997, along with some short stories. I spent several years trying to get it published and then decided to self-publish it. I wrote several more short stories and compiled them into a collection and self-published it also.

3. Tell me about your current project.

My current project, Bootlegger Haze, is a novel about a colored bootlegger and a white bootlegger who are linked by infidelity. It is set primarily during the Prohibition Era. It went on sale on September 1, 2011.

4. Where do you receive your inspiration or ideas for your books?

Much of the inspiration for my short stories and novels comes from stories told to me by my mother and other family members. I listen to them at family gatherings and then try to create a story that is my own based on their recollections.

5. Why did you choose to self-publish? Or go with the publisher you are with?

I chose to self-publish because I wanted to make my books available for readers without waiting years for a traditional publisher. I like having full control of what I produce also.

6. How often do you write?

I try to write something every week. I still have my day job, so time for writing like I want is limited.

7. Tell us about some of your future projects?

I am working on a series of short stories and a full-length novel. I hope to have them ready for publication in the next few months.

8. What are some of your favorite books?

I like Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees, Kathryn Stockett’s The Help, Toni Morrison’s Sula and Beloved, Alice Walker’sThe Color Purple, Gordon Parks’ A Choice of Weapons, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, and many more.

9. If you could co-write a book with another author, who would it be?

I would love to work with Toni Morrison. I love her writing style.

10. Do you have any advice for others who dream of being an author?

Just do it (to coin Nike’s phrase). Today, with so many ways to get your work published, there’s no reason not to. Make sure to put your best work out there. It is so rewarding when readers enjoy what you have written. That is the bottom line, isn’t it?

Here are the links to purchase Katrina's work:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_23?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=katrina+parker+williams&sprefix=katrina+parker+williams

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/katrina-parker-williams?store=ebook

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/59331

Our New Addition

When we started the sticker chart with Kalianna, we made her a deal. Once she went potty in the toilet 10 times, pooped in the toilet 10 times, and stayed dry through the night 10 times, we would take her to the pet store to get a fish. Kalianna LOVES animals, so we knew this was something she would want to work for. And Monday afternoon Kalianna pooped in the toilet for the 10th time! I have to be honest, I thought staying dry in the night would take her the longest, but that was cake compared to pooping.

After dinner that night, we loaded up the girls and went to Petsmart. Kalianna was thrilled! She was so excited to get to pick out her very own fish. We let her choose between the Bettas and she picked a beautiful blue one with red fins. His name is Don. Not sure why or where the name came from, but every time we asked her, she said she wanted to name her fish Don (even before she got him). So we brought Don home and he is now living on the kitchen counter. Kalianna is in love! She can't wait to feed him each morning, and she loves to sit on the counter next to his bowl and talk to him. She even had lunch with him today. She sat by his bowl and told him about her day. Super cute!

As for potty training, here is the latest: she's doing great! We are done with the potty timer, Kalianna tells us when she needs to go now (both potty and poop). Yay! She still occasionally gets tiny droplets on her panties, but for the most part she stays dry all day and night. She is so awesome! It's funny, after I wrote the last post when I was frustrated, she completely turned around and is doing so well now. It was like the moment we brought Don home, she decided to be better. She even had diarrhea the last 2 days and did not have a single accident. Now that's saying something! And yesterday when I was nursing Maggie, she went all by herself! She wouldn't even let me in until she was done to help her wash her hands. I am so proud of my girl!