Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Kelly & Tricia Cheek


 

Tricia and Kelly Cheek
 
 
Location:  Colorado / USA

 
 
 
 


Question:  How long have you been writing?

Kelly: I’ve been writing almost all my life, starting with short stories and poetry. It was all for fun, though. I dreamed of having things published, but never really expected it.

Tricia: I’ve been writing since high school; poetry, as well as commemorative compositions to celebrate special occasions; creative writing, research papers. Writing assignments were my favorites.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

All We Hold Dear,” It was Published in March of 2013'.

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

We formed "Indian Paintbrush Publishing, LLC" and self-published under that imprint.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

We met just over two years ago and quickly discovered a shared interest in writing. We began trying to think of a project we could work on together, and we wanted it to be something focusing on Colorado. Tricia had a book about true stories of Colorado historical figures. In it was the story of Isabella Bird, an Englishwoman who traveled the world, and who wrote a book about her adventures in the Colorado Rockies.

Our character, Isadora Byrnes, was originally based on her. In time, though, the character evolved quite a bit so that, now, she and her story bear little resemblance to Isabella Bird.

Our story is about a young Englishwoman, who comes to America in the early nineteenth century. Following a few tragedies, she is “adopted” by a Cherokee family, and reports on the atrocities delivered upon them by the white settlers. With the Cherokee, Isadora endures the Trail of Tears, but she continues on, into the wild and relatively unexplored new region known as the Rocky Mountains, settling near modern-day Manitou Springs.

The story alternates between Isadora’s account, and that of her modern-day descendant, Dora Baskin who, in learning about her legacy, also discovers a very valuable secret that has been passed down from her ancestor. And it is being sought by a violent and ruthless organization that will stop at nothing to get it.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

Yes. It is available from Amazon.com:
 
 
 
Question:  How many total books have you published?

Just this one, so far.

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

We have completed the first draft of a novel that concerns Roanoke. After numerous similar requests from people who read “All We Hold Dear,” we started writing a sequel, and are nearly finished with that first draft.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

The novel about Roanoke is called “The Lost Colony.” After it has sat and simmered on the back burner for a bit, we will return to it for the editing process. It is about the first English colony in America, which disappeared. To this day, nobody knows for certain what happened to them. Our story, set in the modern day, is based on the outcome of what we think is a plausible explanation.

The sequel to “All We Hold Dear” is as yet untitled. We picked up the story of some of Isadora Byrnes’ descendants, following them through the turbulent turn of the twentieth century and the Colorado Labor Wars.

Again, it alternates between the historical figures and modern Dora who is once again thrust into a difficult situation due to her ancestors.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? (Basically, what can you offer them in the way of information or entertainment)?

We try to create intriguing, sympathetic characters with interesting and entertaining stories. But, we do so while being true to the facts. AT LEAST half of our writing time is devoted to research, and we take very few liberties with the truth. Anything in our stories that is based on actual historical accounts will be accurate to the best of our abilities. So our books, while entertaining, are also informative and historically accurate.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?

Kelly is a graphic designer in his “real life,” hoping to soon be able to start living the dream of being a full-time writer.

Tricia is an elementary school teacher, now in her twenty-fifth year as an educator. Her favorite subject to teach is writing.

You can connect with us at:

Tricia & Kelly Cheek:  http://www.IndianPaintbrushPublishing.com

     or

Kelly Cheek's Creativity Center http://www.kellycheek.com

 Blog Writer's Note to Author: I've always thought that when you can create a story behind actual history it becomes more than just your average book.  I think books like yours should be required reading in school.  History is hard enough to learn, but I think by creating an entertaining story circling around actual events in history helps one to remember it.  As a former teacher myself I can truly stand behind this statement.  I think you should present this book to junior highs and high schools to see if they don't agree with me.  I have a pretty good idea if you do this, that you'll be selling a whole lot of books to schools, as well as others who like historical-type stories.  I hope you'll give this some thought, after all, "War and Peace" was required reading in school back in my day. Good Luck with your writing pursuits, and thank you for the interview.

 

Monday, September 9, 2013

Alistair McIntyre


 

Alistair McIntyre
Location:   Texas / U.S.A.

 

Age:    About to turn 30

 

 
 
 
Question:  How long have you been writing?

I started writing short stories for friends at work about five years ago.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

"PHALANX ALPHA" is my sci-fi thriller that I published in January of this year (2013').

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

I joined forces with a couple of friends to form the4threalm.com, which is a small publishing imprint.  We see a decided lack of quality in a lot of self-published (and traditionally published) works, and we didn’t want that to be us.  Everything with The 4th Realm logo has passed before many sets of eyes before reaching online bookshelves.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

Honestly, I’m not exactly sure what sparked the original idea for "PHALANX ALPHA".  I’d written a couple of short stories, and one day I sat down and popped out an outline for a slightly longer story; "slightly longer” turned into 100,000 words, with a lot of help from my friends/editors.

"PHALANX ALPHA" depicts the Earth’s reaction to the appearance of strange beings sporting miraculous healing powers.  We get to see these perspectives from a view at different angles, but the story streamlines down into a few main characters, culminating in what many find to be a surprising climax.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

Yes, the "PHALANX ALPHA" eBook is available on Amazon, iTunes, Smashwords, and Barnes & Noble.  The print version is only available from Amazon and CreateSpace.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

Three solo works, and one collaboration with two other authors from the4threalm.com.  The sequel to that collaboration ("The Descent") will hit e-shelves in October 2013'.

Question:  List all of your titles…

Phalanx Alpha

The Chosen (with Kris Kramer and Patrick Underhill)

Shallow Creek

Engineer: A Sigma Sector Story

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

As I mentioned earlier, the sequel to "THE CHOSEN", titled: "THE DESCENT", will be out in October 2013'.  "THE DESCENT" is the second book in our RISE OF CITHRIA epic fantasy series, where each author writes from the perspective of a warring realm.

I’ve also recently started on the sequel to "SHALLOW CREEK", my West Texas thriller that revolves around a Marine returning home to find his small hometown embroiled in the violence that often accompanies the drug trade.  I don’t have a real title, because my friends tell me the working title (SHALLOW GRAVE) is far too cheesy!

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

A couple of weeks ago, I published "ENGINEER:A SIGMA SECTOR STORY".  ENGINEER is the first story from the Sigma Sector universe, a creation of the ridiculously imaginative minds I work with over at the4threalm.com.  We plan to have many more stories in this universe, but for now ENGINEER will have to tide fans over.  This short story follows Graham Reeves, the lead engineer on an antimatter harvester seized by pirates.  I plan to continue this series, because I really enjoy writing Reeves.  He’s a smart-ass, but he’s also good at his job, so his boss can’t murder him, as much as she’d like to.  In addition, he’s a bit unlucky in love, but the reader will have to check the story out to discover what I mean.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? (Basically, what can you offer them in the way of information or entertainment)?

I enjoy reading stories written by authors with very diverse backgrounds.  Having a variety of bizarre experiences and a mixture of cultures leads to more enticing stories, as far as I can see.  In each of my works, I harness my Scottish upbringing with my last sixteen years in the US to craft something unique.  All of my stories reflect this odd cultural mix, but not to the point of alienating either side.  And let’s face it, who doesn’t like Scotland?  Actually, I can think of a few people to the south who are not big fans, but that’s okay.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?

I really appreciate all of you who still read today.  Far too many people (and school systems) seem to have given up on this amazingly edifying and entertaining pastime, and I’ll continue to do my part in adding to your to-read lists as long as you keep reading.

Also, please remember to provide feedback to your favorite authors.  Go to websites like Amazon and Goodreads to leave a review or a rating, good or bad.  We only get better when you tell us what’s wrong, and I know we all want to produce the most entertaining and engrossing stories you’ve ever read.

Keep reading!

You can connect with me at the following places:

Twitter: @McAlistair8

Website: http://the4threalm.com/authors/alistair-mcintyre/



Blog Writer's Note to Author:  It's quite obvious that you have a great love for science fiction.  It happens to be one of my passions as well.I'll definitely be checking out your work and the4threalm.com website.Good luck with your writing and your current and future books.And, thanks for the interview.



Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Edward J. Coburn


                                              

Edward Coburn
 
Location:  Nevada / USA


Age:  63 years old


 
 
How long have you been writing?

I wrote my first short story from a dream when I was about eight. My parents loved it but, of course, I’m sure it was awful.

What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

The first book I ever published was a college textbook about computers, and it was published in about August 1983'.

Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

It was published by a publisher (Bobbs-Merrill).

Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

It was a college textbook and I wrote it because the book I was using to teach a college class on computers was so awful.

Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

No. The book is too old, and who’d want it anyway. It’s a way out of date computer text book.

How many total books have you published?

About 50 some odd counting books, author’s guides, study guides, and novels. I have 7 novels in eBook format on Amazon.

List all of your titles:

"Order of the White Feather: The Sword of Dalamar"

"Last Killer Standing"

"The Dog Who Ate The Airplane"

"The Dog Who Ate The Burglar"

"The Dog Who Ate The Crossbow"

"The Dog Who Ate The Drawing"

"The Dog Who Ate The Elephant"
 

Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

I am currently writing a short story for my "The Dog Who Ate The series". It should be out in another week or two. It’s just about finished, but I need to edit it a couple of times, and then send it out for professional editing.

What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

"The Dog Who Ate The Elephant".  It is the fifth book in my alphabetical series. It is a murder mystery about a man who gets murdered by an avalanche.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? (Basically, what can you offer them in the way of information or entertainment)?

They should read my series if they like “gentle mysteries".  My series will never have any profanity (not one word), any overt sex (the most is the occasional smile, wink, and maybe slight innuendo), or over bloodshed (someone is always murdered, so, as the reader, you only find out after the fact. You are not witness to the murder).

Mine are "Gentle" books that a young person can read and pass to a parent without embarrassment or a parent can read the book first and then pass it to a young person.

There will (eventually) be 26 books in this series (one for each letter of the alphabet).

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?

You can connect with me here:

Twitter: @EdCoburn2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ed.coburn


Blog Writer's Note to Author:  I think it's interesting that you not only write for adults, but for children as well.  Your dog ate series looks like stories that would be highly entertaining.  I think I'm probably going to have to check them out, and I hope others who read this interview will do the same.  Good luck with the future of this book series, as well as any other books you write.  And, thanks again for the interview.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Nick C. Roberts


 

Nick C. Roberts
Location:  Helsinki, Finland

 

Age:   43 years old

 
Question:  How long have you been writing?

I started writing short stories in 2002' in my spare time. I was a full-time teacher until 2010', and started writing professionally after that.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

"Collision Bound", published in 2012'.

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

I self-published it.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.

The inspiration behind it was an incident I witnessed on a tram in downtown Helsinki one winter’s day. Without going into detail, the behavior of a man on that tram made me feel like doing some serious damage to him. Afterwards, I regretted my inaction, and decided to channel my frustration and guilt into writing a thriller based around the incident. The story takes place partly in Helsinki and partly in London around Christmas time. It’s a tale of suspense, revenge, mental illness and terror.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

Yes,it can be bought at the Amazon Kindle Store here:  http://amzn.to/13Kxnfe

Question:  How many total books have you published?

Two, and a third very soon.

Question:  List all of your titles

"Collision Bound"

"Burnt Forest & Other Stories".
 

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

I will be publishing my third book, "The Glass House Killer", in September 2013'.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

"The Glass House Killer" is a collection of 13 stories set in the different countries I’ve lived in (England, Australia, Germany and Finland). They are tales of suspense/nightmares based on the many and varied characters I’ve met, and the many experiences I’ve had in those countries.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?

I enjoy people watching and find my characters from real life. I like to drop them into strange/frightening situations and see how they react.

I love suspense and unpredictability, and try to weave both into my stories, holding the reader’s interest and keeping them wondering where they’re being taken.

I believe, if you try my books, you’ll find yourself engrossed!

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?

I’ve been told that my style is reminiscent of Ruth Rendell and Joyce Carol Oates. To say I’m pretty happy with comparisons like that would be a gross understatement!
You can connect with me on: Twitter at:   @robertsnickc

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  I thought it was interesting that you were a teacher at one time, because so was I until I decided to pursue writing full-time.  I think with the playing field being equalized with self-publishing, it has allowed a lot of writers to finally pursue their dream jobs.  I wish you the best with your books, and your future book/books as you continue on with being a full-time, published author.