Alice Huskisson

Alice Huskisson

Location:

Essex, England

 

Age: 49 years old

 

 

 

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing for fun since I was a child. It began when I spent most of my spare time writing to 70+ pen pals all over the world in the late 1970s and early 1980s. When I turned 18, I realized that my ‘coming of age’ would be a year of change and growth, and had the foresight to write a journal which proved very useful in the process of writing my memoir (as did other journals I kept on and off over the years). Only a handful of people know that I also used to write long comical rhymes about people I knew! Maybe the less said about that, the better! ;)

In the late 1990s I launched a fan site for a famous singer which involved a good amount of writing and I spent most of my time replying to a constant stream of emails from the singer’s fans.

I worked full time in an office for 28 years where my greatest strength was written communication and I put this to great use.

It was in the mid 2000s when a dear friend introduced me to blogging. At that time, I used to regularly write long emails to friends and family to keep them up to date, much of which was repeated to each of them. It was very time consuming. For convenience more than any other reason, I made a decision to write a regular blog about my day to day life and authorized access to approximately 15 people. Many of those posts detailed my dating escapades. I was in my 40s and desperate to settle down, and as such, I dated regularly. It wasn’t long before three of my readers suggested independently of each other that I should publish my dating posts because they found them so entertaining. This is how my dating memoir "THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK" was born!

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

"THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK" – it was published in November 2012.

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

It was self-published. I did consider finding a publisher to take a brave gamble on me as a new author, however research established that my manuscript was far too long (and it had already been edited to almost half its original size). That’s when I decided to self-publish, and in doing so I have far more control anyway.

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

As I said earlier, I was on a dating rampage in my 40s. I was conscious of my biological clock ticking away and my looks beginning to fade; I wanted kids and therefore time was of the essence to find Mr. Right. I made a decision to blog about all of my dating encounters until I found ‘the one’. It involved a lot of men - charmers, players, toy boys, Internet dates, and office romances – think of a type and you’ll probably find him between the pages of "THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK". The title, of course, signifies that searching for Mr. Right is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

This memoir has been described as fun, emotional, heart breaking, honest, graphic and insightful. It provides an honest inside view of the dating world in recent years and how difficult it is to nail the right man. From the feedback I’ve received, it seems to appeal to women of all ages – many women who married young in the 1970s/80s love it because a lot of them barely dated, or they have forgotten what dating was like, and therefore it gives them a fascinating window into that scary world!

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

Yes, Amazon.com is the best place to buy it. It’s available as a paperback or Kindle eBook. This is the universal link:

http://viewbook.at/themaninahaystack

 

Question:  How many total books have you published?

This is my first and only novel to date.

Question:  List all of your titles

"THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK"

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

At the moment, I’m in the process of re-branding "THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK". It was originally marketed as a ‘chick lit’ but it’s been pointed out to me recently that it would be better placed in the memoirs genre. Therefore, I am currently sorting out a much more attractive and appropriate cover design, and concentrating on my blog where I have plans afoot to incorporate the whole dating theme. I’m hoping it will attract more readers and also a lot of people who might want to get involved. It will celebrate the theme of finding your man/woman in a haystack. I’m very excited about it and won’t say any more at this stage as I’m building up to an announcement of sorts on my blog shortly.

Blog: http://alicehuskissonauthor.wordpress.com

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)?

If you’re a woman who hasn’t been on the dating scene for a while this book will be most insightful! It will give you an honest and raw ‘experience’ as you follow my dating escapades. If you’re a woman in search of Mr. Right, you will find my story very relatable. Whichever type of men you have dated, you will no doubt find similar between the pages. At the very least you will identify with Mae’s (that’s my name in the story) emotions, feelings and maybe even her actions.

As it was originally written as a blog, I retained the same format for the novel. Therefore, the reading experience is similar to reading a journal and this style makes for an easy and fast paced read. Many have said how addictive it is.

If you’re a man and you’ve always wanted to understand the female psyche, perhaps you’d benefit from this book too. Mae makes some bad choices, but you must ask yourself why? Could it be that her love interest has led her on and then retreated? Have they made promises and not kept them? There’s only one way to find out!

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

I’d just like to extend my thanks to K.M. Francoeur, the creator of this blog personally. I don’t get many invitations to appear on other authors’ blogs and therefore, I’m thrilled for the opportunity.

If anyone would like to join me somewhere else online, you can do so at:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/alicehuskissonauthor

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/alicehuskisson

Google+: http://plus.google.com/112103253130180983293

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/alicehuskisson

Twitter: http://twitter.com/alice_haystack

Website & blog: http://alicehuskissonauthor.wordpress.com

I look forward to meeting some of you online soon! J

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  It sounds like you wrote a book that I can totally get behind.  As a single lady myself in her early fifties I had to resign myself to the fact that the man I was searching for probably didn't exist.  I'm also happy to say that I am totally fine with that now.  If he does by chance exist, I decided to let him find me, not the other way around.  Anyways, did you ever find your Mr. Right, or do I need to read your book to find this out?  I loved your interview.  Good Luck with this book and any future books you might write. 

 

 

Stacy Butler



Location: Reading,PA. /U.S.A.

Age:     43 years old

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I've been writing for about 3 years.

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

I'm a novice author with a freshly signed contract with "Black Opal Publishing".  My first book is titled:  "They Called Me Queen B" and it was published on February 27, 2014.

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

  The inspiration behind this first memoir is to help a wide audience. To celebrate victory over addictions of all kinds, and offers experiences and solutions to make this possible.

 This book:  "They Called Me Queen B" is a 100% gut-level autobiography about my journey from high school cheerleader, to drug queen-pin, to crack addict; 4 years in the state prison, pregnant and now a recovered mother of two; married raising my children and advocating for the anti-drug coalition. Sometimes graphic, yet always honest and inspiring, they literally use to call me the queen bee on the streets of Reading, PA.

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

You can purchase this book on Amazon.Com under Stacy Butler, author: "They Called Me Queen B"

Question:  How many total books have you published?

"They Called Me Queen B" is my debut book.

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

The next book project I will attempt is a three book deal. The sequel and prequel is already a finished product. 

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)?

      My writing is honest, direct, inspiring and relevant, to all audiences, the active user, the corrupt dealer, the families of addicts, and people with long term sobriety.

    One last thing, this book is destined to be made into a screenplay. Several directors are interested in a film version.

You can follow me on Twitter @StacyButler5

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  It sounds like you led quite the life at one time.  I'm sure your story will be extremely enlightening.  It's definitely one that I will be reading.  Thanks for the interview.



Susan Mac Nicol

Location:  ESSEX, ENGLAND UK

 

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I've been writing for publication for about 18 months now. I've always written- poetry, short stories snippets of novels. But, it was only when I had the inspiration to write my first novel, "Cassandra by Starlight", that the bug really bit.

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

My debut novel, "Cassandra by Starlight", was published in August 2012. It's the first book in my Starlight trilogy. It's the story of Bennett Saville, actor and Cassie Wallace, a woman who's ten years older than him. The couple goes through quite a lot, and it's a romance suspense.

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

All my books are traditionally published, and I've been very fortunate to have a wonderful publisher. Boroughs Publishing Group is based in Ventura, California and as authors we have a wonderful support team led by the Editor in Chief, Chris Keeslar. It was only the second publisher I submitted to, and I was really fortunate to have the lovely Jill Limber see the story beneath my questionable formatting and she decided she wanted Cassie and Bennett's story.

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

And, therein lies a tale; at the beginning of last year, I read a newspaper article about some fool standing on a motorway foot bridge and throwing a concrete bucket down into the traffic on the motorway below. The woman in the car was badly injured. After the initial rage at this idiot’s actions, I started to think. What if that has been someone throwing themselves off the bridge? What if they landed on a car and the person in that car was rushed to a hospital? What if the person who died in the suicide attempt had a family member who went to see the woman and they fell in love?

This was the basic premise for the book. All I needed were the heroine and hero. The heroine was easy enough for reasons I’ve already mentioned above. The hero started out being a professional business man and ended up being a younger man, in the film and theatre world, inspired by someone I was watching on TV at the time. Anyone that knows me knows of my passion for Benedict Cumberbatch and he was the inspiration for Bennett Saville.

From there, the book just grew and grew and eventually I had a trilogy.

 

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

Absolutely the book can still be purchased. The links are all below.

Boroughs Publishing Group	http://bit.ly/URrmlU
Amazon.com	http://amzn.to/15v9aa4
Amazon.co.uk	http://amzn.to/1bJhity
All Romance ebooks	http://bit.ly/ZQgIzq
Kobo	http://bit.ly/166luN4
Smashwords	https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214637
Barnes and Noble	http://bit.ly/1219D0m

Question:  How many total books have you published?

I have 3 full-length novels published and 2 novellas. "Cassandra by Starlight" and "Together in Starlight", the first two of my trilogy; my latest bestseller "Stripped Bare", which is my first M/M Gay romance; "Confounding Cupid", a novella with a Valentine's theme and "The Magick of Christmas", another novella obviously Christmas based.

(All available at the below url):

http://www.boroughspublishinggroup.com/authors/susan-mac-nicol

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

Oh good heavens, yes. There's a lot in the pipeline at the moment. I have a schedule that means if I get three hours sleep a day, it's a lot...  I will need coffee and a lot of focus. The current plan is virtually a book each month up until the first quarter of 2014. I've been very busy writing and I have a lot of finished material, which my publisher is now ready to publish.

So, this is the plan but it's subject to change dependent on my mental health (lol).  I'd definitely give or take a month or two after November.

(Here is a listing of my scheduled releases):

Oct 2013  WAITING FOR RAIN - My second M/M book

Nov 2013 STARLIGHT AND PROMISES - The last book in my Starlight trilogy

Dec 2013 SAVING ALEXANDRIA - an S and M themed M/F romance

Jan 2014 WORTH KEEPING - my third M/M book

Feb 2014 DOUBLE ALCHEMY - a two book paranormal romance suspense series

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

My current release is "Stripped Bare" and it is currently in the Amazon best seller rankings in the Gay Romance category. It tells the story of Matthew Langer, lawyer and Shane Templar, escort and hacker. The two men are thrown together when a mutual friend is injured and the sparks fly between the two men.

The blurb is below, to give you more of an idea about what it's about.

    Though two years past, Matthew Langer is still getting over the death of a loved one. He's steered clear of serious relationships, but when he meets the ir-resistible, dirty mouthed and tempestuous Shane Templar that decision has never been harder. Shane is sexy, warm and funny, and Matthew finds himself trying like hell not to care about him. Especially, when Shane, with his quick wit and hacking skills, is quick to stand up for justice and avenge wrongs. Then Shane strikes at the wrong target, and Matthew realises just how far gone he already is. At the threat of losing for good, yet another man who’s broken through his armour, Matthew finds his heart stripped bare. He must face the demons of his soul or a future without love.

 

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 am first and foremost a story teller. I write stories with real characters who are flawed, human and, I hope, believable. I try and bring a sense of realism to my plots and make readers experience something and somewhere that perhaps they haven't been before. Overall, I want to entertain readers, so when they put the book down and think, 'Oh my God, I really enjoyed that and I really loved those characters.' Hopefully, I achieve that.

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

I like diversity and I enjoy putting underlying threads into my books that may titillate a reader’s imagination and perhaps even make them go find out a little bit more about the subject mentioned. "Cassandra by Starlight" deals with the more serious subjects of child abuse, female on male rape, schizophrenia and the seriousness of celebrities being stalked.

Other topics in my books include the Razorgang wars in Sydney in the 1920’s, a seventeenth century ghost story in the Val theatre, spousal abuse, the London gang scene, the psychology and influence of cults, hacking and the practice of S and M.

So there's always underlying threads that I hope will interest a reader and make them think.

 

Website - www.susanmacnicol.com

Twitter - @SusanMacnicol7

 

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/susiemax77

 

Blog - http://susanmacnicol.wordpress.com/

Blog Writer's Note to Author: It seems like you have quite a busy writing schedule ahead of you, but I can tell that you truly love what you do in creating a story.  I realized this even back when I first met you out on Twitter during your interview on "Writerskaboodle".  I knew then, as I know now that you are an amazing writer with a lot of interesting story ideas, and I hope people who read this interview here will consider reading one or more of your books.  Thanks for the interview.

Mackenzie Brown

 

Location: Rainhill, Merseyside, UK

 
 

Question:  How long have you been writing?
 

Around twenty years for my own pleasure, but seriously for about five years.

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

My first book was, "The Shifting", 2011.

 

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

I self-published.

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

It was an attempt to write a book I would personally like to read. Like most writers, I have many ideas, but for some reason this story stayed with me and those that do invariably demand to be written. I like the idea of keeping the reader in the dark for long periods and the book represented a challenge for me personally. Part of the story takes place in Victorian London and I knew I’d need to work hard to get the period right, but I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.

The story involves a missing boy who turns up at a disused farm and, although he’s been missing for almost a decade, he hasn’t aged one day. He has no memory of where he has been; he only knows his life is in grave danger.

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

The book can be bought for Kindle worldwide via this one link;

 http://viewBook.at/TheShiftingTheShiftingTrilogy 

But also in paperback via Amazon at; UK.The book WAS recently re-released after I arranged to have it, edited, proof read and reformatted.

 

Question:  How many total books have you published?

Three in total, with a fourth due for release by the end of next month. But, by the end of the year I hope to have another two titles released.

Question:  List all of your titles;

The Shifting

The Book of Souls

Lost Boys

Prince of The City; Part 1 (Coming soon)

The Cat’s Whiskers (Coming soon)
 

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

"Prince of The City; Part 1", "The Cat’s Whiskers", is due for release in August/September. My latest work involves 1940s detective Vic Prince, and is based in war torn Liverpool in Spring of 1940, and will be a five part series of ten chapters per release. It will be followed by Part two, (current working title "Nine Lives"). I’m also planning to edit and re-write a book charting the early lives of my grandparents between 1914 and 1945. This I hope will be released by November of this year.

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

My most recent release is "Lost Boys" and tells the story of a serial abductor of pre-pubescent boys, and is set in the turbulent political backdrop of early 1970s Liverpool. Famous criminologist Delbert Walsh whose own son is missing is convinced his only son is a victim and despite his struggle with alcoholism, he is closing in on a suspect, with the help of four local children.

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 realize writing competes with so many mediums these days, and for that reason I attempt to make my stories fast paced and not overly descriptive. I also try and connect my reader to the central characters. Personally, when I’m reading I will stick with a story, as long as I can establish and maintain an emotional attachment to a character, or characters. I also like to continue stories involving the same characters, and for that reason I intend to write stories involving the central characters featured in all of my works to date.

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

Through various social mediums it has never been easier to communicate with a writer you like. I would actively encourage any and all readers to contact me with any and all questions. I’m happy to give advice and answer questions about writing in general. I’m also happy to supply copies of my books to reading groups if any are interested.

Finally, I’d like to encourage readers to leave a review when they’ve finished a book. We live or die by our reviews and why wouldn’t you want to share a great experience? I make it a point to leave a review after every book I’ve completed. Thanks.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS;

My website; http://mackbrown.weebly.com/index.html

My Blog; http://mackenzie-brown.tumblr.com/

Twitter; https://twitter.com/mackbrownbooks

Goodreads; http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6434456.Mackenzie_Brown

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/MackBrownBooks

LinkedIn; http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mackenzie-brown/48/579/72b

Klout; http://klout.com/#/mackbrownbooks

Pinterest; http://pinterest.com/mackbrownbooks/

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  I can tell you have a great passion for what you do.  Your stories sound highly captivating and intriguing.  I can tell that you are definitely an up and coming author with many good stories to tell in your future.  Good luck with your future writing projects, and thanks for the interview.