Farid-ul-Haq

Pen Name: A.J. Raven

Location: Lahore, Pakistan

Age: 22 years old

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for a long time.  I completed my first novel at the age of 12.

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

The first book I published is named ‘Somerville Mysteries-The Missing’. Published on 20^th May 2013.

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

It was published by ‘Beau to Beau Publishing’.

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

‘Somerville Mysteries – The Missing’ is about a high school boy, Jerry, who tries to write something new for the school newspaper. This leads him and his friends in a race to uncover the mystery of a wealthy, missing woman. Some say she was murdered by her husband, others say she ran off with her ex-boyfriend. Jerry soon realizes he will have to use all he has in order to come out alive and uncover the truth. Not only that, he also has to come in terms with his own sexuality after sharing a kiss with his neighbor Kevin.

I always wanted to write about a strong teenager whose sexuality is just a part of who he is. I also like the idea of a hero who isn’t “all good”. Jerry is a teenager, which means that he has a lot to learn when it comes to tackling dangerous grownups and high school drama. All these things that I wanted to read about, led me to write ‘Somerville Mysteries-The Missing’. 

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

Of Course! ‘Somerville Mysteries – The Missing’ is available from almost all eBook sellers like;

Amazon Kindle

Barnes and Noble

Sony

 Apple iTunes

All Romance eBooks

Question:  How many total books have you published?

Currently I have four books published, and more are on their way.

Question:  List all of your titles;

“Somerville Mysteries – The Missing”

“Colville– The Secret” (Book 1)

“Colville– The Swamp” (Book 2)

“Colville– The Cold” (Book 3)

"Colville - Arousing the Legacy (Book 4)

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

Have written book 4 “Colville – The Moon” and it’s included in “Arousing the Legacy”. I plan to write book 2 in the “Somerville Mysteries” next. I don’t know about the date yet. I try to find time when I can, to write, as I have to handle my M.Phil in Bio-technology classes as well. The life of a student…sigh!

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

The book I am currently working on is Book 2 in the “Somerville Mysteries” series (Mystery/YA). I haven’t decided on the title yet. The main character, Jerry, and his friends will be faced with another mystery to solve. And Jerry will have to answer questions about his sexuality as well.

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)?

One of the things that readers will enjoy is the way I portray the supernatural beings in the “Colville” series. The vampires, werewolves and other creatures that appear are different and more brutal. Anya, the female protagonist, is a teenager and is very relatable. She has a lot to learn, especially about the ‘secret’ attached to her bloodline. Readers who like an exciting YA/Mystery/Paranormal series will surely enjoy.

“Somerville Mysteries” is for anyone who would like to read about a strong bi-sexual high school teenager who will have to use all his abilities to solve a case, and make sure that he and his friends come out alive. This series is for anyone who’s into Mystery and YA.

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

I’m open to sharing all of my books. So, if anyone is interested then he or she can read them for free as well. All you need to do is contact me.  I appreciate anyone who’s interested in reading my work and I hope to continue entertaining my readers.

You can connect with me at:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/tempest071990

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7136850.Farid_ul_Haq

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  I have to say I was amazed with the fact that only on the Internet that you can interview someone from so far away.  The Internet continues to amaze me.  You seem like a highly, dedicated young man in your educational pursuits, as well as in your writing.  I can tell that your writing is your passion just by the description of the stories you have written.  I hope the readers of this interview will give your books a try.  I think it's great that you are willing to let them read any of your books for free.  Good Luck in the future with your writing and career goals, and thank you for the interview.

Tiffany Fulton

 

Tiffany Fulton

Location:

LOUISIANA  /  U.S.A.

 

Age: 25 years old

 

Question:  How long have you been writing?

All of my life :D

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

"Soldier Evolution Revolutionary Girl", first published online at FictionPress.com in 2004'.

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

I self-published it online as a free read on FictionPress.com

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

My inspiration for "Soldier Evolution Revolutionary Girl" was a magical girl graphic novel called Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon by Takeuchi Naoko. It’s about a girl and her friends who have the power to protect the Earth from invaders outside the Solar System. If you like Japanese animation, you’ll probably like this story.

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

It is available as an eBook on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ITunes Ibookstore, Kobobooks,and wherever eBooks are sold.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

I've published 15 books.

Question:  List all of your titles…

"Idol Siren"

"Maybe You’re In Love"

"Soldier Evolution Revolutionary Girl"

"Ride on Morning Star"

"Daylight Dreams: A Poetry Collection"

"Lovely Delirium"

"Idol Dreams'

"Restless Summer"

"Divine Jester"

"Crushed Flowers" (Flash fiction 1000 words)

"Lovely Soldier's Idol Ride"

"Fluttering Souls"

"Fall, Float, and Fly"

 

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

I will have a short story called "Sophia’s High" out on October 1^st. It’s about a drug addict who discovers that her rehabilitation isn’t what it seems.

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

"MAYBE YOU’RE IN LOVE" is my first YA (Young Adult/Teen) novel about a high school freshman whose feelings about a guy are conflicted. She can’t identify why she likes him, and then she has to confess her feelings, but people and her own heart stand in her way.

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 think anyone might like my books if they want something different and shorter—something they can finish. I’m not a typical writer. J

You can connect with me at the following places:

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffanyfulton

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

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4698283.Tiffany_Fulton

 

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  It seems you started writing and publishing books on the Internet a lot longer than I ever attempted to.  It's quite obvious to me that writing is definitely in your blood.  I was amazed to know that you are someone in your twenties and that you had published 15 books to your credit.  I find that to be quite amazing.  I wished I would have had the opportunity back when I was your age to have had the Internet technology and the platform to self-publish back then.  The only self-publishing I had back then would have cost me thousands of dollars.  I think it is so much easier on the self-published author to write and to share their work with the world today than ever before.  Good luck with your future writing.  It's seems to me that your writing future looks pretty bright; if it isn't already.  Thanks for the interview.

J. G. McNease

 

 

Location:   Florida  / U.S.A.

 

 

 

 

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was just a little girl, but started writing novel-length fiction about a year ago.

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

The name of my first book is "The Last Navigator". I published it in May of 2013'.

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

I chose to go the self-publishing route with "The Last Navigator" using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) program.

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

My inspiration to write "The Last Navigator" came from experiences I had while participating in a graduate school course in Hawai'i several years ago. While visiting the School of Social Work at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, we learned of the Navigators, and of Nainoa Thompson, one of the few remaining true navigators. The Navigators are a group of people who use natural elements, such as the stars, the planets, the movement of the waves and clouds, to find their way in the ocean. The title, "The Last Navigator", was inspired by the Polynesian Navigators and, although it is not about them, the Navigators in my book do use the stars to find their way. I pulled from elements of the Polynesian Navigator traditions to write "The Last Navigator" and develop my characters. The storyline and many of the characters were also shaped by my background as a social worker and my desire to learn about and understand the human condition.

In writing "The Last Navigator", I wanted to create a story that pulled from my experiences in Hawai’i as well as from current societal and personal life themes. Themes such as the empowerment of women and the hardships of single parent households are evident in the book. The main character in "The Last Navigator", Lani, is a young female whale who dreams of being more than average. She wants to make a difference—and she does. In developing her character, I wanted to empower young women to follow their dreams and not simply conform to the norms of this world. Lani is shaped by her life experiences and her relationships with other characters, such as, Mother, and Kilo, and even the zany character of Manny, the sea turtle. She learns through trials and overcoming obstacles that she can indeed reach for the stars and achieve great things. My hope is that in reading "The Last Navigator", some part of Lani’s character will resonate with each reader. Whether that resonance is found in her search for life’s meaning, or her desire to go against the grain, I hope she will touch the hearts of readers young and old.

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

"The Last Navigator" is definitely still available for purchase on Amazon.com. You can use the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D35TQNQ

    Also, I am currently working on making a print version available for purchase through Amazon. I’m in the final stages of proofing the print copy and hopefully will have it available for purchase in the coming month.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

I’ve published only one book thus far, but I hope to be publishing more books and short stories in the near future. I have a short story that is published and available to download for free on Smashwords called:

"The Woman in the Zebra Hat"

"The Woman in the Zebra Hat" is a short and sweet story about a girl who dreams big and discovers true happiness in unexpected ways. It’s a tale of dreams, love, family ties, and self-discovery. "The Woman in the Zebra Hat" is the perfect “lunchtime” read.

Question:  List all of your titles

The Last Navigator [Kindle Edition] (2013)

The Woman in the Zebra Hat [Smashwords Edition] (2013)

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

I have several “works-in-progress” that will be coming out soon. The first one is the companion novel to "The Last Navigator" called, "Through Ryan’s Eyes". It is a companion novel, rather than a sequel, because it tells the same story as is told in "The Last Navigator". The difference is that the story is told through the point of view of Ryan, an important character in "The Last Navigator". "Through Ryan’s Eyes" gives a bit more background to "The Last Navigator" and gives a different perspective to the story, replete with different life experiences and trials. Whereas, "The Last Navigator" is aimed at an audience of middle grade readers, "Through Ryan’s Eyes" is written for a young adult audience. The writing is a bit grittier and it will resonate with a different subset of individuals who have experienced hardships in life and managed to overcome obstacles. The target release date for "Through Ryan’s Eyes" is November or December of this year.

I have been working on a novella called "Waltzing with Raindrops", which is a story of a young woman who returns home to care for her ailing father. It is a romantic tale about a Daddy’s Girl who finds love when she least expects it. My hope is that it will combine a little steamy romance with family struggles and the loss of loved ones in a story that tugs on your heart strings and makes you smile, laugh, and cry.  I’m not sure when this one will be complete and released, but hopefully by the beginning of next year (maybe even Christmas, if I work really hard).

Finally, I am working on my own story of adoption, family relationships, struggles, joys, laughter and tears. It may take me a few years to write this one but I have started the journey.

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

The book that I’m currently working on is "Through Ryan’s Eyes". It is the companion novel to "The Last Navigator" and it is written from the point of view of Ryan, a pivotal character from "The Last Navigator". The projected release date for "Through Ryan’s Eyes" is November or December 2013.

Below is a brief blurb:

Ryan Watterson, the owner and operator of a whaling fleet in southern Japan, is on top of the world. Whaling season is in full swing and Ryan’s father gets a tip from an old friend. Being in poor health, he enlists Ryan to captain the fleet and venture into unknown hunting waters. Ryan proudly accepts the offer to take the control of the esteemed Watterson Whaling Fleet. Leaving his beautiful wife, Mary, and his infant daughter, Sarah, behind, he embarks on a journey that will lead him far from the comforts of home. When the Sweet Sammy burns and sinks into the Pacific, a stranded and hopeless Ryan is befriended by a whale named Lani who changes his life forever.

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 are looking for stories that will touch your heart, I would definitely recommend both "The Last Navigator" and "The Woman in the Zebra Hat". There’s a little something for just about everyone in my stories so I guarantee you won’t regret reading one or both. The books are easy to read and are great if you are young or old; or anywhere in between.

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

A few random facts about me:

1.)             I was born and raised in Baton Rouge,  Louisiana.

2.)             I love wedding cake, country-fried steak, and college football (especially, LSU football).

3.)             I should have gotten a degree in graphic design because I love Photoshop, Flash, and InDesign.

4.)             I never, in a million years, thought that I would grow up to become an author.

5.)             I was adopted.

6.)             Follow me on Twitter @JGMcNease

 

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  Your books sound like they're highly inspiring to read.  As a person who used to teach young kids before pursuing my own career as an author, I'm glad that you are aiming your books towards our youth.  Our youth struggle everyday with peer pressure, poverty, and so many other issues, it's nice to know that someone is telling a story to them as well as to older individuals about following your dreams and realizing you can always become more than you are, and that your present situation doesn't have to dictate your future.  I've always felt when I am reading, that if there is a message to tell in the story that a reader can relate to, or help them in some way; then it is a story of greater value than just sitting down and being entertained. I'll definitely check out your books. Thanks again for the interview.

Swann Wilde

 

 

Location:   South Australia

 

Age:            Old enough to know better

 

Question:  How long have you been writing?

     All my life. I began writing stories and poetry at primary school and have continued since then. My writing has primarily been in journalism as a career, which is very different from fiction – although not everyone will agree!

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

The very first book I had ‘published’ was ‘How to Care for Your Tortoise’ and I handwrote 10 copies and illustrated the front covers individually. I was 10 years old and sold it to my friends!

‘Skin to Skin’ is my first real book. It is a short novella published in eBook format and was released on August 15, 2013.

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

I was fortunate to receive a contract with Extasy Books for 'Skin to Skin'.

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

I have been trying to finish a whole book for a long time and a friend, who is an Extasy Books author, suggested I try a shorter project. Through her encouragement and inspiration I began a sensual romance (Skin to Skin) and the story just ran away by itself. I didn’t have a plan when I began and it just evolved, but was fun to write. The book is a paranormal, sensual romance with a shifter theme. Daram is a shy, introverted man who meets Nira, who is on a mission to rid the world of a dangerous, snake shifter. Through a series of ceremonies, each one enhancing his sexuality and increasing his confidence, Daram is transformed into a snake, gets the girl and of course, saves the world.

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

Yes, 'Skin to Skin' is available at:

http://www.extasybooks.com

 

Question:  How many total books have you published?

'Skin to Skin' is my first book.

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

Extasy Books has offered me a contract for a new series, called 'Wolven of the Armak', and the first book is already in the editing process with them.

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

'Skin to Skin' is my current published book, but 'Jumping the Moon' (Book 1 of the 'Wolven of the Armak' series) will be available soon. This is a male/male sensual romance, set half in the modern, day world of humans, in a regional, Australian town, and half in the fantasy world of the Wolven. The series begins with 'Jumping the Moon', as Wolven shapeshifter (wolf/human) Karter falls in love with a Forbidden human, Mark. They are torn apart and finally find each other again, but not before Karter is forced out of his Wolven community when the evil Bane almost destroys him.

The series develops into a hero, quest journey and I’m currently finishing Book 2 ('Blue Wolf') where the Wolven team up to hunt down and destroy a powerful, Evil presence in their land, while still finding time for a little, steamy romance.

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 began writing sensual male/female romance, and while I had fun with this, it was suggested I try male/male romance as something a bit different. I love my ‘boys’. They are gorgeous, sensitive, and loving and I am thoroughly enjoying giving them opportunities to find their life-mates. They can also be a little quirky, as Karter ('Jumping the Moon') is a men’s underwear designer and develops a little shop in the human world, while Tarkhan’s life-mate Willem ("Blue Wolf") is a passionate cook!

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

I love novella-size writing, as it encourages me to write tight and keep the story moving. I have learned so much about honing my craft and the biggest surprise has been falling in love with my characters no matter what their gender preferences.

 

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  First, congratulations on your first book being published.  I thought it was interesting when you said that you thought your book 'Skin to Skin' basically wrote itself.  This is how I feel when I am writing my book series: "To Nowhere".  Your future book series sounds quite interesting and I wish you all the best with it, as well as with your current book.  Thanks again, for the interview.

 

Marie Lavender

Location:

Indiana / U.S.A.

Age:  34 years old

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since the age of nine.

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

I first published a book in 2010'.  It was titled "Express Café and Other Ramblings". 

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

I self-published it under a pen name.

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

Basically, I wanted to compile all of my short stories and poems together into one book.  It was an anthology.  There is no specific theme to the book though.  Most of the stories are literary fiction.

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

Yes, it is available on LULU and Amazon.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

I have published 16 books.

Question:  List all of your titles

Marie Lavender: "Upon Your Return"; "Upon Your Honor"; "Magick & Moonlight"; "A Little Magick" (Magick Series); "Second Nature" (Blood at First Sight Series); "Second Chance Heart"


Erica Sutherhome: "Hard to Get"; "Memories"; "A Hint of Scandal"; "Without You"; "Strange Heat"; "Terror in the Night"; "Haunted"; "Pursuit"; "Perfect Game"; "A Touch of Dawn"; "Ransom"

Kathryn Layne: "A Misplaced Life"

Heather Crouse: "Express Café and Other Ramblings"; "Ramblings, Musings and Other Things"; "Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things"

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

I am working on the sequel to "Upon Your Return", my current release.  I am also doing a romantic suspense with a writing partner.  Coincidentally, I have decided to merge my first three books together into one anthology, and it will be titled "Miss Lavender’s Anthology of Ramblings".  I hope to have that out sometime this year.

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

"Upon Your Return" is my current book.  It is also my first traditionally published book.  It is a historical romance about a girl who dreams big in a time where the lives of women are already planned.  She finds her match in a man who is not her suitor, but actually a captain.

UPDATE:  I have released a new book on October of 2015' titled:  "Second Chance Heart".

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 think my characters are very human.  People can relate to their experiences.

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

Fear not.  I plan to re-release all of my books under one name!

You can follow Marie Lavender at her various sites below:
http://www.marielavender.webs.com/
http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Upon-Your-Return/221212331354873
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Lavender/e/B00C10Q94I/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
http://store.solsticepublishing.com/upon-your-return/
https://www.createspace.com/4284739

“A true man does not need to romance a different girl every night, a true man romances the same girl for the rest of her life.”

-Ana Alas

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  Boy, it seems like you've been at this awhile.  It's quite obvious to me that you have a great love for writing.  It also seems to me that you've obviously paid your dues, and I'm glad you are now published by a traditional publisher. I want to thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for my blog, and I wish you all the best in the future with your current book and anything else that should follow it.