Linda Covella, Author

It’s time for another We Are the World Blogfest #WATWB, started by Damyanti Biswas. In light of all the tragic, political, warring news we typically hear from around the world, Damyanti asked bloggers to highlight a news story that “shows love, humanity, and brotherhood.”

Today, I have two stories to share.

The first is about Ethiopia Skate. I first heard about this on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s CNN show Parts Unknown. Ethiopia Skate brings together kids in Addis Ababa to “empower youth in Ethiopia by providing access to skateboard materials and by creating skate spots.” The organization provides not only a physical outlet for these kids, but also creates a community for them to learn skating, share that love with others, and form lasting friendships.

You can read more about Ethiopia Skate here and view a photo essay here.

I found this other story interesting because of the technology (houses constructed using advances in 3D printing!), but more importantly, because businesses are using that technology to help less fortunate people around the world in such countries as Bolivia, El Salvador, Mexico, and Haiti. New Story is one of those businesses, and cofounder Brett Hagler says, “There are over a billion people without adequate shelter. It’s a massive deficit, and traditional construction methods are not enough to make a dent. But 3-D printing promises significant decreases in cost and build time.

Here is New Story’s 3-D-printed prototype for shelter in the developing world:

Read the full article here.

You’re welcome to join the blogfest and “speak for peace.” Blogs are posted the last day of each month. Read the details here.

What is your good news?

Today I welcome author Rich Bullock. Rich loves to read and write adventure stories. In his writing, he puts regular people into dangerous situations that change their lives forever. Interestingly, all his main characters are female.

LC: Welcome, Rich!

When and why did you decide to become a writer?

RR: After years in a corporate job that became more and more process driven (read that: a meeting to plan the next meeting about the next off-site meeting), I was looking for something creative. Since my early grade school years, I immersed myself in stories of adventure, strange planets, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Sounded good. I mean, how hard could it be to write a book like that?

LC: What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

RR: I’m retired except for writing, so my schedule is flexible. That’s not necessarily a good thing. I usually write several days a week for 3-4 hours. After that, I have to get up and go do something physical.

LC: Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

RR: The inspiration for the story plot comes from the characters themselves. I begin there, write some scenes, learn who the character is and what they want, see where they live. It happens organically and is a messy process that often (always) requires uncounted hours of revision, but the story develops from the character’s perspective, not mine as the author. My firm belief is that it’s the character’s story; I’m just writing it down.

And, yes, I do draw from every experience I’ve had my whole life, especially when it comes to settings that pull the reader into a real world. I’ve had readers tell me they want to live where my stories take place (mostly Storm Lake) and hang out with the characters in the story.

LC: That’s a real compliment from your readers and says a lot about your writing skills!

Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

RR: I can honestly say they are all favorites when I’m writing them, but Teal Kinshaw in Desperation Falls is one that caused me some tears as I penned her story.

Fifteen, a runaway from dysfunctional foster care, desperate for a family and some place to belong. Yet she has strength, spirit, and a good heart. The terrible things she’s been through are not her future. I’m very proud of how she turned out (and is still turning out as she appears as a returning character in Glass Revenge.

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

RR: Mostly, I find traits of my mom in one of the secondary, continuing characters. Mom divorced when my brother and I were young and in a time when a divorced woman was tainted. She had trouble renting places (landlords didn’t trust not having a man responsible), worked long hours, yet was an indomitable spirit that pursued fun for the three of us. And, thankfully, she had some great lines that appear in my books.

LC: What a nice homage to your mother.

Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

RR: Definitely character driven, as I mentioned above. It’s the character’s story. However, the plot (I think of this as external forces) is what disrupts the character’s world, blocks the path forward, and forces them to overcome great obstacles. So, the plot is critical, but only so much as it reveals the character.

LC: Did you read much as a child?

RR: I remember a summer reading challenge before 5th grade where I read 30-40 books that summer. I loved all the old masters of science fiction and the worlds they created, and I practically cleared the library shelves in that section. Looking back, the writing wasn’t always top notch, but I was hooked on stories from then on.

LC: How important do you think reading is for writers?

RR: If I never write another word, I can’t imagine not reading. I always have an audio book or two going, and one or two other ebooks that I read on my iPhone (I don’t have a Kindle or other device). I watch for craft ideas: how the writer reveals secrets, paints a scene, or twists words. I also read for research. Cade Courtley’s SEAL Survival Guide: A Navy SEAL’s Secrets to Surviving Any Disaster. I used that one for Lilly Glass’s training in Shattered Glass.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

RR: I read Twilight before everyone was talking about it. And I loved Stephenie Meyer’s The Host and especially The Chemist. All my main characters are female, and I want them to be kick-ass strong like Meyer’s multi-alias heroine. Dean Koontz is a master of description and twisting stories in directions I never imagined. But I read some of those Montana cowboy romance stories, too. Gotta know how the female mind works, you know?

LC: Very smart to read stories with female leads, and cool that your main characters are women.

Anything new in the works?

RR: I keep trying to write a Christmas novella, sort of one of those Hallmark movies that are so popular and would sell really well. But I haven’t figured out how to create warm and nostalgic when dead bodies keep showing up. Sigh…the difficulties of being a suspense author.

However, I do have a couple of more viable projects going, one with a midnight Internet radio host (a young woman, of course), and another story following Kris Stone from my Glass and Stone series. One of them will sort itself out pretty soon.

LC: Good luck with those. The Hallmark one? Interesting if you work that story out. 🙂

Do you have anything you’d like to add?

RR: Technology—everyone knowing everything all the time—is making it difficult for writers whose characters need to be kept in the dark at times. I mean, how many characters now days constantly have dead cell phone batteries, forgot their chargers, or are in a dead zone?

And what happens when your robot dog chases a self-driving car? Should we be worried?

All those science fiction stories from my youth are coming true.

LC: These are definitely serious obstacles. 🙂 Thank you again for sharing your writing with us, Rich!

Author Bio:

Rich Bullock writes stories of ordinary people put in perilous situations, where lives are changed forever. He is the author of the Perilous Safety Series, including Perilous Cove, Storm Song, and Desperation Falls, and the Glass and Stone Novels: Shattered Glass and Glass Revenge.

Connect with Rich:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PerilousFiction/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/richwords

Website: www.perilousfiction.com

Email: richbullockwriter@gmail.com

Today, Dianne Marie Andre answers “10 Questions” about her writing. Dianne, a writer of women’s fiction, delves into the hearts of her characters with inspiring stories you’ll find in her novels, articles, and essays.

Linda Covella: Welcome, Dianne!

When and why did you decide to become a writer?

Dianne Marie Andre: My writing journey began twenty-five years ago when I took a creative writing course. I started writing essays, and eventually designed hardcover family biographies, and created a gardening newsletter later converted to a blog. Then, a friend invited me to a fiction workshop. I reluctantly went because I didn’t think I had enough imagination or skills to write fiction. Meanwhile, I gave up blogging due to deficient dial-up, the only internet connection available in my area. It didn’t take long before writing withdraws settled in. I looked at the first workshop assignment and decided I could do this. A year later, Wi-Fi was available, and the assignment became my first published novella.

LC: I love that story. The writing bug really burrowed its way in, didn’t it? 🙂

What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

DMA: I have a clear story idea of the beginning, middle, and end in my head. As I write, I fill in the blanks. At some point, I create a timeline. As a full-time author, writing hours are unmeasurable. I work Monday through Friday in my home office which you can read about here. In the evenings, I work a little in front of the TV with my laptop.

LC: Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

DMA: A story idea pops into my mind. Some aspects come from my own experiences, like my love of nature and photography. It’s magical in the beginning before the hard work begins. Then it’s magical at the end when it’s completed and published.

LC: That middle is hard work!

Who is one of your favorite characters from your story (ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

DMA: It’s always the current protagonist I’m working with. That is who I’m getting to know, developing a relationship with, watching him or her grow.

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

DMA: I admit I can be selfish like Jenna and determined like Lily in books one and two. I’m a good neighbor like Miss Sullivan. Loyal like Robert. But nothing like the troubled Benny. I believe I have Ashley’s faith. I’m not sure I possess any of Max’s or Liam’s traits but I’d like to. The mysterious Tobias is special, so I’ll just leave that for speculation. I don’t incorporate any of my traits consciously.

LC: Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

DMA: I go with how the characters, circumstances, and timeline unfold. I do try to maintain a balance of both.

LC: Did you read much as a child?

DMA: Reading was difficult so I didn’t develop a love for reading until my late thirties. When I look back at my academic years and learning disabilities, it gives me a wonderful sense of what it means to never give up on one’s self. Everyone has weak areas, hidden skills, and talents waiting to develop into something beautiful. It doesn’t have to be big, just self-satisfying and worthwhile.

LC: That’s very inspiring that you persevered through difficulty reading to becoming a published author!

How important do you think reading is for writers?

DMA: There is so much to learn from books and authors, I can’t imagine not reading.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

DMA: I love The Christmas Tree by Julie Salamon who tells why a living tree has meaning and value to a nun. The author reveals how one person’s choices influence others in ways we don’t expect. It’s a story of ordinary people we can all relate to and feel the emotional tug of letting go.

LC: Anything new in the works?

DMA: I’m working on a sweet romance. I love the story, written by an aging man who recalls his life at twenty-three when he returns home in 1954 to wrap up the past, unaware it would revitalize an old fantasy.

LC: Sounds interesting, and I imagine it’s fun and challenging to write from a man’s perspective.

Bonus question 🙂 Do you have anything you’d like to add?

DMA: Thank you so much for inviting me to share a little about my writing world. I hope it brings encouragement to those who have a dream but are too afraid or unsure to move forward.

LC: I enjoyed having you, Dianne. Thank you!

Author Bio:

Dianne Marie Andre writes uplifting deep-felt women’s fiction. Her published articles and essays include regional and mainstream magazines. Before Dianne began her writing career, she held various occupations: private piano instructor, receptionist, administrative assistant, and barista even though she doesn’t drink coffee. Her favorite occupation is writing and photography. Dianne lives with her husband and her adorable rescue dog on twenty acres with hens, cattle, and a bazillion trees. Family, chocolate, Mexican food, fresh flowers, and lush gardens always make her happy.

Dianne’s EBooks are available at:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BK5ZXRR/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Dianne%20Marie%20Andre%22

Connect with Dianne:

https://diannemarieandre.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andre0926/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannemarieandre

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianneandre

In 1984 in Seoul, South Korea, a two-year-old boy was found abandoned on the steps of a theater. The theater manager brought him to the local police station. The boy was named Hong Ki Hong after the theater manager.

On that same day, one mile away, a four-year-old girl was abandoned by her father. He gave her some money, told her to buy a treat, and that he would be back. He never returned. A woman found a note in the girl’s pocket that read: “Please send this child to an orphanage through police station. At present, she has no parents.”

The girl told the police her name was Jee Young Lee and that her mother ran away because her father drank too much and beat her.

Both children were adopted, separately, by Americans. The girl, who was named Renee Alanko, grew up in Northern California. The boy’s American name is Justin Kragt and grew up mostly in Salem.

As an adult, Justin always hoped to find–at least–some distant relative, so he took a DNA test through 23AndMe.

Renee took the DNA test for a different reason–she was thinking of having children and was checking for possible health issues.

Then the miracle happened: their DNA matched. And 34 years after their abandonment in South Korea, the siblings were reunited.

You can read the full story here. The article includes a video of their emotional reunion. I dare you not to cry. 🙂

Damyanti Biswas started the We Are The World Blog #WATWB to “spread peace and humanity on social media.” For her latest post and links to other bloggers, visit her blog here.

Today I welcome author N.A. Cauldron to answer 10 Questions about her writing. N.A. writes books for all ages. Her author bio: While fantasy and science fiction usually pique her interest; humor, character conflict, and smart aleck dialogue are her favorite go to’s. She currently resides in eastern Cupola with 12 gramwhats, 3 cats, and a herd of domesticated moths.

Linda Covella: Hello, N.A. and welcome!

When and why did you decide to become a writer?

N.A. Cauldron: I remember sitting at a typewriter around the age of eight. Yes, a genuine, used a ribbon typewriter. It lives in my closet. I loved that thing so much. One day I decided I was going to write a story on it. I wrote, “A woman bought a red dress,” and went from there. It was probably a few sentences long, if that, and probably in red as I had worn out the black side of the ribbon.

When my son was about a year old, I took to writing a screenplay. It soon turned into the beginning of a book. Heavily influenced by the computer games I played at the time, that partial book sits on a computer somewhere with the hopes of one day being reborn. Not long later, I started writing what you might call fan fiction, Thomas the Train meets Bob the Builder and the Three Little Pigs, mainly for my son, of course. I decided if I could do that, I could write an original. I wrote my first picture book, Bub the Tooth, about a baby tooth that doesn’t want to leave the mouth. It wasn’t pretty, but I did try to get it published. That was back when you still snail mailed agents and editors and still got a response!

A few years ago I finally wrote my first novel, Anya and the Secrets of Cupola. I published it myself instead of querying it. I’ve considered myself a writer from that point onward.

LC: What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

NAC: I don’t make enough from my writing to not have to work outside the home. I hope one day to change that. Meanwhile, I work at Walmart as a self-checkout host, which basically means I stand there for eight hours. Most people can’t stand the job because they find it too boring. I use the time to write my stories. Presently, I plot at work in my head, writing notes down on receipt tape when I come up with something good, and write what I can the next morning on my laptop (I work second shift) and on my days off. This comes in really handy when I get stuck because I can spend an entire eight hours fixing it. What’s better is those eight hours are broken up by interactions with others and workly duties. I ask my coworkers for help sometimes. Several of them know I’m a writer now and humor my off-the-wall questions when I ask them. Some have read my stories. Some have bought my books. They are one of my treasures (heart emoji).

I wrote my first book utilizing the eight point story arc, after I had written 24,000 words. It took that much to develop the characters, setting, story idea, etc. and to realize I needed help bad. That’s when I learned about the 8-point arc. I’ve used it ever since as a base but have also built upon it. I now plot as much as I can, developing characters is my primary goal, and then write. The majority of my character and plotline development still occurs as I go. Yes, this means I can get stuck, and it also means I have to go back a lot and edit to make things work out, but it’s how my mind works. My major way of deciding how a story goes now is to ask the character. It often makes my job harder, but it makes the story better and more true.

LC: I think all writers do at least some plotting in their heads, but it sounds like you do more than most!

Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

NAC: My inspirations come from all over. My biggest ones are when I’m starving for a new story and not getting it. I wrote one book for a contest. Everyone liked it so much it became Fishing for Turkey. TV shows, video games, my husband’s dreams, anything and everything can inspire me. I write stories for my customers at work. I write stories to occupy my mind. I write stories to be silly and fun. I am always writing stories. Not all of them need to be published, but they’re there 🙂

LC: Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

NAC: That’s a very tough question, and that makes me smile. The fact I can’t decide because I love so many of them means I created great characters. I will say Azizi was a lot of fun. I spent a lot of time making up his story just because I wanted to whether I needed to or not. A great deal of his story was never told. I was recently asked to take part of an anthology, and I wondered if his story would have made a good one for it. My current piece has several good characters too. Lydia because, like Azizi, she is so mysterious. There is a great deal about her I will never know, let alone the reader. Hannah, my main character, because of her past, her Life as she would call it. I can’t say anything else without giving away the plot 😉 .

LC: Well, we’ll just have to read the book and find out, won’t we? 🙂

Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

NAC: Oh goodness yes! In my Cupolian series, Gevin is so me as he just floats through life dishing out sarcastic insults whenever inappropriate but funny. Anya is me because she has no idea what she wants, like ever, and just deals with what gets thrown at her. She’s a fighter, big time, like me. Taika because I’m very logical in my thoughts. You know that really annoying person who spouts off facts you couldn’t care less about and talks about things so over your head you can’t get it and yet can’t understand a single thing you say because they just don’t think that way? Yeah, that’s me. These weren’t on purpose, and I have since learned to ask the character what they would do, not what comes natural for me to write. I’m far from perfect in this and will undoubtedly incorporate myself into every single character I write from now until eternity, but I’m getting better. For example, in my current piece, I denied my stubborn side and wrote a scene how they would do it, not how I wanted (wanted, so bad) for it to be. I’m getting there. 🙂

LC: Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

NAC: This is a complicated question because everyone perceives the two so differently. While many would say Harry Potter was plot driven, others say it can be classified as the character driven because it has character arcs, which it does, and that the characters make choices affecting their outcomes. I cannot answer this question with confidence, but I will say this: The Cupolian series was definitely plot driven. I threw monsters at them every corner they turned. At the same time, Anya made the choice to find the crystal. Taika made the choice to pursue potions, and they all grew throughout the books. Consider it very similar to Harry Potter in that aspect. Fishing for Turkey could be considered both, depending on who you ask, in that the plot determined what happened to them. Their Thanksgiving was flooded, yet the characters made the choice of making the best of the situation. The Queen Says is probably character driven in that the whole story (think picture book) revolves around what the Queen orders and learns from what her orders cause. My current piece is a mixture in that the main character controls her journey as best she can, but her journey was most certainly caused and affected by outside sources.

If you were to ask the experts, they would probably call my published novels plot driven. Sci-fi and fantasy stories usually are. There’s usually an evil sorcerer or a hurdling comet they must stop, and while the character(s) grow and certainly make plot altering decisions, the story itself is started and majorly controlled by that comet/sorcerer.

LC: Did you read much as a child?

NAC: Yes and no. I did as a young child, but something happened as I got older and was force fed a bunch of stuff I couldn’t stand. I think that started in fifth grade. I had to read these horrible stories about horrible things happening to innocent children. Then in high school we had to write interpretive papers only to be told we were wrong. I’m sorry, but I thought the goal was for us to make interpretations not regurgitate what the teacher thought, even though they never told us what that was (in other words, a mind reading course). College was far, far worse. Don’t get me started.

In short, I didn’t read for 14 years. Literally. Fourteen years. You can thank Ms. Rowling for changing that. I don’t know why, but one day I was walking in the book section of a store and thought, “Why not?” It took me 30 days to read the first book, 2 to read the last. I got back into reading, reading at least one per month. I don’t have the time to read now like I did then, but maybe one day I will.

LC: I think Rowling got a lot of people reading who previously hadn’t. It’s never too late, right? You should be proud!

How important do you think reading is for writers?

NAC: This is very important, but it must be done correctly. For example, I am currently writing a dark, YA paranormal. So, in preparation, I read a bunch of YA paranormal. I didn’t like all of them, but they gave me a sense of what was in right now. You can’t pitch a book that’s 10 years out of style. So while I have my favorites, I only read them in certain times so they don’t affect my writing. Meanwhile, I read what’s hot and related to my WIP (work in progress).

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

NAC: This has changed so much recently. Like our taste buds, I think our tastes in music, books, TV, etc. also change over time. One of my all-time favorites was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Another I have read multiple times was The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman. I love her books.

LC: I love Cushman’s books as well.

Anything new in the works?

NAC: Yes! I did finish Inhabitants and was querying it. I do plan to revisit it in the future and so something with it. I lost a lot of my passion for it, and I have to figure out why. If I can’t fix it, I may have to shelve it, but I hate doing that as I have several people banging on my door wanting a copy. At any rate, Inhabitants is taking a back seat to my WIP, the YA paranormal I was talking about. I hope to be able to query it next spring, but you never know what’s going to happen in life. I am really excited about my WIP! I love the characters, the setting, the everything! It is so dark, so original (from what I’ve read anyway) so gripping (in my truly humble opinion). All of these “facts” are my personal opinion of course, but I hope someone out there feels the same and it can be the success I personally want it to be. I can’t wait to beta test this one!

I have two more stories dying to be told that I haven’t started on at all. Both are science fiction based. Like most authors, I have to hold off on new stories or I’ll abandon the one I’m on! Terrible, I know.

LC: It was fun learning more about your writing, N.A. Thank you!

You can connect with N.A. at the following:

Webpage – http://nacauldron.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/inacauldron/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/NACauldron

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/n_a_cauldron/

Amazon Author page – http://www.amazon.com/N.A.-Cauldron/e/B0144VLP4K/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1443987858&sr=8-1

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14585815.N_A_Cauldron

Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/n-a-cauldron-201241131/

Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/n-a-cauldron

Today, author Bokerah Brumley answers the 10 Questions about her writing. Bokerah writes in a variety of genres, including steampunk and fantasy. Her shorter works have appeared in several anthologies.

Linda Covella: When and why did you decide to become a writer?

Bokerah Brumley: It’s the normal story, I suppose. I’ve always wanted to. As a girl, I wrote a poem, but I didn’t come up with my first story until I was twelve or thirteen. I wrote a novella in which the main character was an emu named Pixley. I called it Pixley Down Under. After that, I tried my hand at a romance or two, but I never learned all the things I didn’t know about writing until 2015. That’s when I figured out I could finish a story. It’s also when I figured out that I wasn’t that good and started to work at getting better.

LC: Good for you. As writers, we’re constantly working to improve, aren’t we?

What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

BB: I write every day, but deadlines really help me get work done. Word count seems to depend on whether or not my doom is impending. I write by beats. I like to pants things, but I need the structure to know the major points I have to hit, and then I let everything else come out however it comes out. Outlining kills the joy of discovery for me, and then I don’t finish the work. Also, I write part-time. I might go full-time once my kids are grown and out of the house, but that’s another ten years off. J

LC: Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

BB: Any time any of my stories takes a farm turn, I’m definitely drawing on my experience. Beyond that, I’m SUCH a science fiction and fantasy lover. I generally come up with tech and magic for every story I write. Well… all except the contemporary romance ones. I do have a few of those coming out later this year.

LC: Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

BB: I’m always infatuated with whatever character I’m discovering at that moment. I don’t really have a favorite yet. I’ve enjoyed telling all the stories, each for different reasons. I liked writing the main character in THREE because she was so different than others I’ve come across. I based her on Temple Grandin. I like some of my sassy heroines, too. Those are fun. They’ve got some of the best witty repartee.

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

BB: I’m sure that I do. Maybe the brave and adventuring side? No, I know. I mom everything.

That’s how that works. I mom my characters. I like to pass on my love of family. Seems like everybody in my stories winds up finding their place, their home, and their family. One way or another.

LC: Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

BB: Oh, gosh. I’m horrid at this question. I would say that, normally, I find a character in a setting that I want to write about and then I try to come up with an absurd plot to change their lives in the worst way possible before righting it all again. I guess that makes me character driven? It’s hard for me to tell. Diagnosing my own work is very much “can’t see the forest for the trees” to me. J

LC: Did you read much as a child?

BB: I read ALL. THE. TIME. I read everything I could get my hands on. I loved all types of books.

LC: How important do you think reading is for writers?

BB: I think it’s important as a way to wind down and relax, as a way to challenge themselves to do better, and also a way to learn what’s selling in their market. Suffice it to say, I think it’s of the utmost importance.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

BB: Favorite authors… Well, it depends on the genre. In sweet, contemporary romance, I really like Victorine Lieske. In fantasy, I’m rather fond of Marc Secchia. In science fiction, I enjoy reading work by Nick Cole. I’m also starting to read Michael Anderle, and he’s something of a UF/SciFi.

LC: Anything new in the works?

BB: I have a paranormal romance trilogy, a cyberpunk trilogy, and a sweet, contemporary romance series all coming out next year. I’m busy, I guess. I also have a dragon story in Shards, a Noblebright Anthology that will be out on October 1, 2018. That’s edited by CJ Brightly.

LC: Bonus question 🙂 Do you have anything you’d like to add?

BB: Ummm…. Send me your mailing address in an email [found on her Facebook page], and I’ll send you a feather from Johnny Cash, my peacock. I have ten available. Also, if you follow me on Instagram, you can see pictures of my farm. J I’m @bokerah over there.

LC: Thanks so much, Bokerah. I enjoyed hearing about your writing. And, from your bio below, your life sounds fascinating. And…I’m heading over to Instagram to check out your farm!

You can connect with Bokerah at the following:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bokerah/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bokerah

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bokerah/

Website: http://www.bokerah.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bokerah-Brumley/e/B0191ALXWI/

Author Bio:

Bokerah Brumley lives on ten permaculture acres, complete with sheep, goats, peacocks, turkeys, geese, guineas, ducks, chickens, five home-educated children, and one husband. She also moonlights as an acquisitions editor for The Crossover Alliance and production/marketing manager for an independent New York publisher.

Thank you, Kristy Tate and kristystories.blogspot.com for featuring my book The Castle Blues Quake today!

The post includes a recipe for delicious Fruit Clafouti. The main character in the book, Pepper, loves to cook, which she learned from her chef parents. This is one of her favorites!

Enjoy!

Let’s welcome author Krysten Lindsay Hager who writes novels for tweens and young adults. Krysten has won numerous awards for her writing, and her work has appeared in many publications including USA Today.

Linda Covella: Hi, Krysten. I’m so happy you could join us today!

When and why did you decide to become a writer?

Krysten Lindsay Hager: I enjoyed creating stories since I was a kid making up storylines for my dolls. I can remember writing little stories in first grade and I always knew I wanted to write.

LC: I love that!

What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

KLH: I’m not an outliner, but when working on a book in a series I do have a journal where I jot down ideas so I have an idea of where I’m going.

LC: Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

KLH: I find inspiration everywhere from the news, overheard conversations, movies, and my own experiences. Friends of mine from my school days like reading my books to go down memory lane!

LC: Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

KLH: I like Cecily from Can Dreams Come True because of her sense of humor. She was fun to write as she meets her favorite pop star and goes through all the emotions of being overwhelmed and trying hard not to fan girl over him

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

KLH: Emme, Landry, Cecily, Pilar, and Lila have bit of my sense of humor. And Emme, Landry and Cecily all have my overthinking ability!

LC: Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

KLH: My books are more character driven. When you read the Landry’s True Colors Series you’re really going on a journey with the character.

LC: Did you read much as a child?

KLH: I was a big reader and used to go to the library a lot. My parents were very into education, so books were something they have a love for.

LC: How important do you think reading is for writers?

KLH: It’s crucial. You can’t write well if you’re not a reader.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

KLH: I like May Sarton, Erika Tamar, Judy Blume and I’ve recently been reading some of the newer Nancy Drew books for fun. I like any story that pulls me in and makes me forget about the outside world.

LC: I loved reading Nancy Drew when I was young. I’ll have to check out the new books.

Anything new in the works?

KLH: I’m working on the follow up book to Can Dreams Come True.

LC: We’ll look forward to that. Thanks again for sharing your writing with us!

Author Bio: Krysten Lindsay Hager writes about friendship, self-esteem, fitting in, frenemies, crushes, fame, first loves, and values. She is the author of True Colors, Best Friends…Forever?, Next Door to a Star,  Landry in Like, Competing with the Star, Dating the It Guy, and Can Dreams Come True. True Colors, won the Readers Favorite award for best preteen book and the Dayton Book Expo Bestseller Award for childen/teens. Competing with the Star is a Readers’ Favorite Book Award Finalist. Dating the It Guy has been nominated for a RONE award. ​Krysten’s work has been featured in USA Today, The Flint Journal, the Grand Haven Tribune, the Beavercreek Current, the Bellbrook Times, Springfield News-Sun, Grand Blanc View, Dayton Daily News and on Living Dayton.

You can connect with Krysten at:

Website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystenlindsay/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/krystenlindsay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClIQCsRcKc97-25oXvabZ8A

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Today I welcome historical fiction author Denitta Ward to answer “10 Questions” about her writing. Denitta’s books have received rave reviews from Kirkus, Historical Novel Society, and others. She writes about “young women discovering their own resilience in times of transition.”

Linda Covella: Welcome to my blog, Denitta!

When and why did you decide to become a writer?

Denitta Ward: About when I turned 50 I became a writer — so it’s never too late to start! The idea came to me as I sat on the back porch with my mom one day and then the story line sprung to life as I was standing in a line at DisneyWorld with my teenagers. At lunch I grabbed a napkin and sketched out the plot arc and key events — and Somewhere Still was born!

As an attorney, my job had been writing – briefs and contracts and I have to commend the legal education for teaching precision of language and a commitment to veracity and truth, qualities you must have, I feel, to be a good writer.

LC: Truth and veracity are especially important with historical fiction!

What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

DW: I write long-hand in a journal because I needed to write between gymnastics drop-offs and boy scout pick-ups or while waiting in the line at school to get the kids. I work full-time, and usually more than full-time, so I write in the small, dark hours of the morning, too. In my day job, I’m Assistant Vice Chancellor at a public university and run their office of Contracts & Grants. Supporting the university’s research and creative works enterprise is a real privilege and definitely uses a different part of my brain. Writing helps me rejuvenate myself for another workweek.

And, as for plotting – nope. The first question my agent asked is, “Are you a pantser or a plotter?” I’m definitely a pantser rather than a plotter. I fearlessly grab the seat of my pants and go! I’m trying to be better about plotting out key points because I’ve found that the seat of my pants can lead me into plot holes or leads me into giving voice to a character who really doesn’t need to have her story told at that moment. But, I save those pieces of writing in a file called “For Later” because…who knows when I’ll find a story that calls out for that very piece.

Also, for each book, the title come first. I know – most people say the title comes last. But, not me. After the title, then the general plot and the characters emerge and take over. The characters are vivid and lively to me – it’s as if they were always there, somewhere, waiting to be brought into this dimension. Maybe that’s where the title “Somewhere Series” came from.

LC: I’m a panster, too. But titles are very difficult for me—you’re lucky they come easily to you.

Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

DW: I write historical fiction and non-fiction companion books so, for me, the inspiration comes from real historical events. I do days and days of research – reading newspapers and magazines of the era first, then researching all the details I can about the politics and culture. I take detailed notes that sometimes I never even look at again because I then set that all aside and begin the story.

In researching Somewhere Still, I learned that in 1921 there was an active women’s Consumer League in Kansas City and they really were out inspecting dairies to assure the city’s milk supply was clean and safe. I loved learning about the activists of that era and how they were changing their corner of the world. The hotel, department store, restaurant, parks, fountains – they were all real places you can go and see in Kansas City, which made my research a real joy. I took my daughter and mom to the city for a research trip and we got to see all of these lovely historic locations.

Once I do all that research, I can’t really let it go to waste so, for the first book, set in the Roaring ’20s, I wrote Prohibition Cocktails – a nonfiction companion to Somewhere Still. It has a brief history of Prohibition and 21 recipes of the most popular cocktails of the day with the origin story of each one. You can pair the books for a fun bookclub evening with a signature cocktail!

LC: That does sound fun.

Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

DW: I have two characters I adored – for totally different reasons. Mrs. Katherine Whitcomb is the social-climbing mother of the male protagonist. Oh, she is quite a handful and such an insecure, acerbic lush. I loved writing her because she felt like my 100% alter-ego, being raised politely and confidently Midwestern myself. The other character I adored is Mrs. Hayward Parker, who in Somewhere Still is the true heroine in the novel — and puts things into motion that one would never, ever predict. I valued her courage, kindness and vision.

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

DW: My main female characters are always a young woman coming of age – somewhere between 17 and her early 20s, and I’m so distanced from those years that I think I write aspirationally – what I hope I would have done or thought in their circumstance. I tend to be directive and in control, traits my characters just don’t seem to have – at least so far.

LC: Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

DW: I want to create relatable, complicated characters who will stay with you long after you turn the last page. I was thrilled when the Historical Novel Society saw that in Somewhere Still. In their review they said, “This is a deep and complex story with credible characters that pull at the heartstrings. Half way through, I began to wonder how it could end. Ward’s final pages did not disappoint.” Those words thrilled me. The people in my books just seem to real to me – they could walk in my front door tomorrow and I would instantly know them.

LC: What a great review.

Did you read much as a child?

DW: Reading was a huge part of my childhood. I grew up way out in the country and one of my first memories was of the county Bookmobile pulling up to our property line. That was a thrilling day and it led me to learning what a “chapter” was. When I bugged my mother for something, she would often say, “Yes, dear, as soon as I finish this chapter.” Well, you know that led to a detailed discussion of just what was this chapter thing that was standing between me and – say – ice cream.

Once I could read chapter books, I devoured The House at Pooh Corner, Little House on the Prairie, and my all time favorite – a little known book about the Pennsylvania Dutch called Willow Brook Farm by Katherine D. Christ. Long before the internet existed, I wrote to and paid a bookfinder out of New York City to find me a copy of that book. Unwrapping that package and holding that book again was magical. It sits in my writing room to this day. I absolutely cherish it.

LC: How important do you think reading is for writers?

DW: I read everything. Always. My nightstand may tip over one day from the stack of books there. When I’m in the novel-writing phase, though, I put all fiction aside. I don’t want to ever have my work be derivative of someone else’s. For me, that’s when I know a serious writing spell is upon me – I stop reading. I imagine, if I graphed it out, you would see my book reading decline and then see my chocolate-eating skyrocket. Everyone needs at least one vice.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

DW: Besides the children’s books I mentioned, I am a huge fan of everything by Elizabeth Berg. She is my all time favorite author. I had the privilege of sitting next to her on an airline flight and I DID NOT REALIZE IT. This statuesque blonde woman, at the very end of the flight as the seat belt light turned off, asked me, “What do you think of that book?” I was reading “We Are All Welcome Here” set in Tupelo, Mississippi and I gushed, “It’s wonderful. I read every book Elizabeth Berg writes. She’s my favorite author and she puts out about a book a year. You should read them.” And the woman blushed eight shades of red and just said, “Oh,” as she stood up to retrieve a brand new Brighton shopping bag she’d stowed overhead. Only that evening when I turned to the back of the book did I see her picture and I almost fell out of bed. Of course, at the airport we just went out different ways and I always wondered what she thought about her biggest fan in the world gushing over her, without having the sense to know it was her! And I would have asked her to sign my book, you know! Can you tell I am really bad at facial recognition?

LC: That’s quite a story. So cool that you got to “meet” her. 🙂

Anything new in the works?

DW: Somewhere Else is written and in edits right now – it’s the story of a young Cuban woman who comes to Havana in the weeks before the revolution. Here’s a sneak peek of Somewhere Else:

When innocent and naive becomes courageous and strong…

Escaping the brutality of Revolutionary forces and finding refuge in Havana is Isabella Rodriguez’s only hope for survival. Sent by her village priest to serve as a governess for the elite Romero family’s three innocent children, Izzie finds a perfect sanctuary.

But when Izzie is cast out in a hasty and jealous rage by the very woman she came to serve, she finds herself alone and desperate. As Castro’s forces approach, the threat of danger intensifies.

Encountering a seductive American, Thomas Whitcomb, just might be the salvation Izzie craves. But Thomas’ own secrets threaten to destroy everything.

With the revolution escalating and Thomas disappearing, Izzie seeks refuge in her faith and learns that nothing is as it seems. She must do all that she can to survive and save the innocent Romero children from a devastating fate. In a world of danger and mistrust, can Izzie find safety, love, and happiness anywhere?

LC: Bonus question 🙂 Do you have anything you’d like to add?

DW: I would be delighted to hear from readers! Please come find me on social media and let me know what you think about Somewhere Still. My website is http://www.denitta.com where you can sign up for my newsletter. On Instagram I post lots of pictures of my garden flowers and my sweet Belgian Tervuren and on Pinterest you’ll find pages dedicated to sites that inspire each book. And, thank you so much for hosting me here today!

LC: I enjoyed having you!

Other places to connect with Denitta:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenittaWrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/denittaward

Instagram: https://instagram.com/denittaward

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ddward0596/

Jane B. Night has a busy life working a full-time job and raising twin daughters. And she finds time to write with several published novels as well as some non-fiction titles. Here, Jane steps up and answers my “10 Questions” about her writing.

Linda Covella: Jane, welcome! I’m so glad to have you on my blog. When and why did you decide to become a writer?

Jane Night:I was in second grade. I won the young authors award and was able to go to this all day program for students. I met a children’s book writer and just felt totally inspired. I knew then that I wanted to write.

LC: Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment for a second grader!

What is your writing process: where do you write, how often do you write, are you a full-time or part-time writer, do you outline or do you plot as you go, etc.?

JN: I try to write five days a week but that doesn’t always happen. I am a ghostwriter as well as a novelist so paying clients come before my own work. I consider myself a mapper. Kinda a hybrid between pantser and plotter. I have a very basic outline but lots of room to make choices as I go.

I don’t currently have an office so I write wherever I can. On the living room couch, at my kids activities, and in bed on my laptop.

LC: Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? Do you draw from your own experiences?

JN: I draw a lot from other books as well as from my own experiences. Many of my characters have children or a strong desire to be a mother. I spent years trying to conceive and after undergoing fertility treatments finally have twin daughters.

You will also notice a twin theme in my books. I think three of them explore twin relationships.

Also, I have a lot of characters who aren’t traditionally pretty. I am overweight and have been since childhood. It effected lots of my relationships. I like writing characters who find love despite not being traditionally attractive. I have two amputee characters as well as a burn victim. In one of my future books I have a character with a lazy eye. All find lasting love.

LC: That’s great. We need more books that represent all types of people, not just the ones that society considers “beautiful.”

Who is one of your favorite characters from your story(ies), one that you enjoyed creating and writing about, and why?

JN: This is really hard. I love so many of my characters. All have a little piece of me. I guess my favorite characters are probably from my first two books. I spent years with them as I learned how to write. Birdy, from Singing the Last Song, is sassy and independent. Autumn, from Educating Autumn, is curious and able to change her world views based on new information.

LC: Do you incorporate (or inadvertently find) any of your own personality traits into your characters?

JN: I think so. I have lots of characters who love reading. I am a huge bookworm.

I also have several characters who work in healthcare. That is my day job. I am in healthcare because I love people and all my medical professionals have huge hearts. They didn’t get into healthcare for the glamour or status. They all want to care for the sick.

LC: Very inspiring professions!

Do you find your stories are more plot driven or character driven? Please explain.

JN: Very character driven. I mostly write romance and in that genre character is most important. My most recent book, The Alpha’s Niece, is about a woman healing from a trauma. At the start of the book she has severe anxiety attacks but when the stakes are high she stands and fights.

LC: Did you read much as a child?

JN: All the time. I was a total bookworm.

LC: How important do you think reading is for writers?

JN: I think it is very important. Reading teaches you how to tell stories.

LC: Who are some of your favorite authors and/or books? What draws you to them?

JN: Wow, such a hard question. It changes all the time.

I love James Herriot because he writes about animals and his experiences as a veterinarian.

I love Mary Balogh because she writes lots of beta males and I prefer them to alphas. In fact, most of my heroes are beta males.

I love Virginia Henley and Victoria Thompson because of their incorporation of history into stories.

I love Laura Levine for her humor.

LC: Anything new in the works?

JN: I am currently working on the rest of the Barton series.

Book 1 was the Alpha’s Niece. Book 2 is She-Wolf wanted. It is about a man who becomes the guardian of four children after his brother dies. He is a busy lawyer and doesn’t have time to be Mr. Mom so he places an advertisement in the newspaper for a wife. While he is interviewing and courting the ladies who answered the ad he falls in love with Catherine, the children’s aunt who has been caring for them while he sought out a wife.

LC: Bonus question 🙂 Do you have anything you’d like to add?

JN: Being a writer is amazing. It is truly living the dream. Most days anyways.

LC: Jane, thanks so much for taking the time and sharing your writing life.

Readers, you can connect with Jane at:

Her website: http://www.authorjanebnight.webs.com

Amazon Author’s page: https://www.amazon.com/author/janebnight

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneBNight

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7012589.Jane_B_Night