Micheal Maxwell

Micheal Maxwell

Location: 

California/U.S.A.

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I think I have always been a writer. I have copies of stories published in school literary anthologies from 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade. In high school I submitted something every year and only got accepted twice!

I wrote my first full-length novel thirty years ago. I’ve also written movie and music reviews for magazines.

In the past five years I have really gotten serious about writing though.

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

"Diamonds and Cole" published in 2013'.

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

I was fortunate enough to be put in contact with a terrific Science Fiction writer/editor, David VanDyke, who is self-published and very successful. He was kind enough to take me under his wing and guide me through the mine field of self-publishing.

I had pretty much shelved my manuscripts because I couldn’t get much passed “Hello”, with most traditional publishers and agents.

Self-publishing I believe is the future of literature. There are a lot of terrific writers out there with a lot to say, and self-publishing is a great way for their voices to be heard.

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

It actually started when I was driving down the street listening to a song on the stereo. By the time I got to work I had the story pretty much put together in my head. I remember racing in, turning on the computer and practically chanting the plot waiting for it to boot up! I sat down and in about fifteen minutes had a pretty solid outline.

Now four books later, I am happily releasing the "Cole Sage Mystery Series" on Amazon Kindle.

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

Yes, "Diamonds and Cole" is available on Amazon Kindle worldwide.

USA:   

http://www.amzn.com/B00F1I0C40

UK:  

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00F1I0C40

INDIA:

http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00F1I0C40

ITALY:

http://www.amazon.it/dp/B00F1I0C40

JAPAN: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00F1I0C40

GERMANY:

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00F1I0C40

CANADA:  

http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00F1I0C40

AUSTRALIA:

http://www.amzn.com/B00F1I0C40   

Question:  How many total books have you published?

Two so far, and a third will come out on, or about, November 5^th 2013.

Question:  List all of your titles.

"Diamonds and Cole" (Sept.2013) Five 5 Star Reviews

"Cellar Full of Cole" (October 2013) 5 Star Review

"Helix of Cole" (November 2013)

"Eight the Hard Way" (December 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 a short story titled "Return of the Bride" that will be part of an anthology coming out in November 2013'. Watch my Author pages for information on that one.

I have put a novella, I’m trying to get feedback on called "Three Nails", on my blog: http://www.Michaelmaxwellauthor.blogspot.com It's a freebie that may, or may not get Kindled!

A project I am really excited about is a spin-off series I’ll be collaborating with the prolific Sci-Fi author, David VanDyke based on a character from the "Cole Sage Mysteries". Her name is California Corwin, an ex-cop with a passion for fast cars, guns, and Indian food. How’s that for a teaser?

Then the Cole Sage Saga continues with:

"Cole Dust" (December 2013)

"Shot of Cole" (Early 2014)

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

The October release "Cellar Full of Cole" finds Cole Sage moving to San Francisco, but before he can get out of Chicago he gets pulled into a nasty web of child abuse, blackmail, and sexual harassment. He hardly gets his feet on the ground in San Francisco, before he’s involved in trying to solve the murder of several young girls. This tale of two cities exposes the soft white underbelly of human trafficking and child pornography, and finds our hero going outside the law to protect those he loves.

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)?

This will sound funny on the heels of the description for "Cellar Full of Cole", but I have tried to fill a niche in the market for people who want an edgy mystery/thriller minus the usual gratuitous sex, profanity, and violence.

Cole Sage is a throwback to real heroes with a strong moral compass, and a steely resolve that makes him someone men wish they could be, and women wish they had. I think "The Cole Sage Mystery Series" is what a lot of people are looking for and I think the reaction to these books is bearing that out.

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

They can find out more about me on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/michaelmaxwellbooks 

or

https://www.facebook.com/michael.maxwell.author

My Amazon Author page: www.amazon.com/author/michealmaxwell

Follow my adventures on Twitter at:

https://twitter.com/MicLeeMaxAuthor

I really look forward to hearing what people think of the "Cole Sage Series" and the upcoming projects this fall.

Thanks for this great opportunity to let people know what I’m all about.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR:  You sound like your have quite the series.  I have to tell you that I agree totally about what you said in regards to self-publishing.  I feel that the Internet and technology has made publishing a book an even field for all of us who want to share our love of writing and story-telling with the world. Good Luck with your future writing projects, and thanks for the interview.

Conrad Acosta III

 

 

Location:   

Denver, CO. /  USA

 

 

 

How long have you been writing?

   I have been formally writing for about five years. It was about three years ago when I decided to actually write a novel and try to get it published. I have been reading epic fantasy since I was 12. I have always dreamed of creating the world's that Weis & Hickman created.

 

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

   'Dreams of Azenaria' is my first novel. I finished it in late 2012' and published it in early 2013'.

 

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

   I spent about a month querying a few agents, then decided to self-publish.

 

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

   I have always been fascinated with epic fantasy. For most of my life, I was reading some kind of fantasy. I always had a book with me wherever I went. I never imagined I could create a fantastic world like the ones I read about.

   For 'Dreams of Azenaria', I wanted to create a world and characters that would not be seen as a copy of what has been done before. I am definitely inspired by the masters, but I hope I have created something original.

 

      Azenaria. Once a wonder of the world, the great city now stands blackened and dead. Her streets, once paved with gold, are now filled with the wreckage of crumbling buildings and the invading armies of nature.

      Deep beneath the ruin and decay, lies an ancient power that threatens the destruction of an ancient race known as O'orn. Only the three Ritchell men can decide the fate of the O'orn, but it will take three generations for the fight to be decided.

      Landar and his sons, Brevlin and Danshaw, have moved on with their lives years after their wife and mother died. When secrets from a generation past come back to haunt them, they are violently torn apart from each other. Separately, they must fight against an evil that not only wants to destroy them, but wants to undo the lives they have created.

 

      You will get lost in Azenaria - Pray you can find your way out.

 

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

   It is currently available on Amazon as an eBook and a Paperback.

 

Dreams of Azenaria (eBook) 

 

 

  Dreams of Azenaria (Paperback) 

 

How many total books have you published?

   This is my first published book. My second book will be available next month. I will be writing and releasing many more. The worlds of Azenaria and O'orn are immense.

 

List all of your titles.

   Volume 1: 'Dreams of Azenaria' is available now

   Volume 2: 'Memories of O'orn' will be available in

                      October 2013'

   Volume 3:  Will be available soon

 

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

   I plan to explore the world of Azenaria and O'orn for a long time. I do not foresee any unrelated projects in the near future. So much has happened in the past, and will happen in the future of Azenaria.

 

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

   I am currently wrapping up Volume 2: 'Memories of O'orn'. I can't say too much about it without spoiling Book 1. It continues the adventures of several of the characters in the past, present, and future.

 

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 have created an original world and characters with their own unique world, problems, desires, etc. No orphan farm boy looking for a magical sword that will save the world. No elves, dwarves, trolls, immortal wizards, etc.

   Readers will get lost in Azenaria. They will struggle to find their way out, but only after they find the answers that are required to save the O'orn.

 

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

   I am also writing short stories and articles from the world of Azenaria on my blog (azenaria.com/blog). These events are not included in the books, but are directly related to the history and the characters of the books. It is sort of like what The Animatrix was to The Matrix movies. Not required reading, but definitely explains a lot more of the history.

You can connect with me at the following locations:

Conrad on Facebook   

http://facebook.com/conrad.acosta.iii

 

Dreams of Azenaria on Facebook

https://facebook.com/azenaria

 

Conrad on Twitter 

https://twitter.com/ckacosta

 

Conrad's Blog 

http://azenaria.com/blog

 

Dreams of Azenaria on Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18196978-dreams-of-azenaria

 

BLOG Writer's Note to Author:  Your book sounds really interesting and I am definitely going to buy it once I finish posting this interview.  Just like you I have been a strong reader of fantasy-type novels, which is what basically has inspired me to continue writing my "To Nowhere" series.  I wish you the best of luck with your current book and the ones that will follow it.  Who knows, maybe one day we might actually be able to tune in to a television program called: "Azenaria" based on your book.  You just never know…  Good luck and thanks for the interview.