I’ve been
writing seriously since I was eighteen, my freshman year of college, though
English classes were always my favorites in school.
Question:
What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when
was it published?
The name of
my first novel was "Transitional Period", and it started life as a
series of interconnected short stories I wrote during college. It wasn’t
published until this year, over a decade later.
Question:
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
I
self-published it. I didn’t think my writing was getting the attention it
deserved from lit agents, and I felt that the stigma attached to self-publishing
that previously existed in the industry no longer applied. The publishing
industry had changed, and I felt the need to change with it.
Question:
Tell our readers about this very first book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and
what was it about)?
"Transitional Period" was probably
the most autobiographical of my novels, as happens oftentimes with writers.
It’s about the temptations of the college lifestyle, sex, drugs, and bad
behavior. More than that, though, looking back, I see it as a novel about being
reluctant to grow up. The author Paul Auster read it and described it as
“sophomoric.” I can’t really argue with that, but I always felt there was a
certain manic energy and vitality to it that I enjoyed.
Question:
Can a person still buy this book?
If so, where?
Absolutely.
A newly revised version of it is available on Amazon, for Kindle and
print-on-demand. Just type my name into the search engine and it’s one of the
top hits.
Question:
How many total books have you published?
Four. Three novels,
and a collection of short stories, all of which are available on Amazon. I just
finished a new fantasy novel, and I’ll be trying to get it published through
conventional means. If I can’t, then I may self-publish that one as well.
Question:
List all of your titles =
Transitional
Period
The
Woods
Hell
To Pay
A
Long, Slow Burn, and 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’ve been working for most of the past two
years on the new fantasy novel I just completed. Like I said, I’ll be making
some queries to lit agents in regards to that. But I’m always working on new
material. For updates on anything new I have coming out, you can always check
out my website, http://www.stevenfinkelstein.com.
Question:
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little
about it.
In this interview, I specifically wanted to
promote "Hell To Pay". Although, all four titles currently available
were self-published this year, "Hell To Pay" was written most
recently. It’s a crime novel, straightforward genre fiction, in the tradition
of Elmore Leonard, say, or Robert B. Parker. The action stems from a gambling
debt, which leads to a kidnapping. You’ve have these sort of disparate elements
of the societal spectrum, on both sides of the law, colliding with each other.
It’s cops-and-robbers, but there’s also a bit of social commentary at play.
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?
Even though
the four titles I’ve published so far vary broadly in terms of content, I try
to put my all into everything I write. That means that whatever the genre, my
primary purpose was to turn out the best product possible, and I’ve always
considered myself, above all, a consummate storyteller. I love writing, the
craft of it, and I think that comes across in my work. I care about my
characters, whatever their flaws. The entertainment value, I think, is
intrinsic in my writing. If the writer is having fun, I believe the reader will
too.
Anything
else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with
our readers?
Just
this: give self-published writers a chance. There’s a lot of worthwhile writing
out there that is waiting to be discovered that just hasn’t found an audience
through “traditional” publishing. I’m living proof of that. BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: I can tell that you write for the pure love of doing just that. You have an interesting variety of books so far. I also found your blog to be quite interesting and entertaining. Good Luck with your future writing, and thank you for the interview.
Question:
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
It was published
by Agile Consultant Guide, LLC.
Question:
Tell our readers about this very first book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and
what was it about)?
My older brother took his own life in July
2013. He felt that life was not worth
living and couldn’t see any potential to move beyond the challenges in his
life. As I attempted to heal from losing
him, I found myself questioning the value of my own life. I set forth on a
journey to improve myself and those around me by taking something I know works
well and applying to areas of my life that needed improvement.
I’ve worked for many years helping companies
and their employees discover continuous improvement strategies—Especially those
involving the process of getting things done.
I noticed the parallels of several human motivational techniques and
Agile Methodology and I blended them together with my own story in this book. Agile is typically used by software
development teams to enhance their ability to serve their customers. It’s also
a great way to build teamwork, best practices and effective response to change.
Faced with insurmountable obstacles, I saw
Agile as a way to improve my personal and business relationships. Being Agile is
a philosophy that changed my life in many positive ways. I wanted to share this
experience with others, in hopes that you can have the same.
Question:
Can a person still buy this book?
If so, where?
Yes. This book is available on Amazon
and Barnes
and Nobles via paperback and digital versions. Autographed hardback copies can be purchased
at www.ACG1.net.
Question:
How many total books have you published?
This is my 1st publication.
Question:
Any future writing projects in the works? If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent
dates to go with it.
Book 2 is
evolving as we speak and will be released to the public by 4th
quarter 2016.
Question:
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little
about it.
My current
book is "Agile
Changed My Life" – How to Manage the Chaos of Life and Career with
Agility. It’s a must-read for anyone in
the software development industry. This book gives a clear understanding of the
values and principles of Agile, presented in a self-motivational fashion. It’s taking something that is so effective in
the business world and applying it to your personal life for a similar level of
benefit.
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?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the many
projects and items that flood your to-do list?
Do you have so many things that require your focus that you have trouble
focusing? Well I’m here to tell you that
I am scatter brained!!! But, being Agile
has helped me keep my priorities in line.
The techniques in this book have helped me to build a lucrative career,
an exciting and productive relationship at home and a healthy, stress-free
lifestyle that I can continue to improve indefinitely. This book is a quick read and will inspire
you to pursue your dreams—one iteration at a time.
Anything
else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with
our readers?
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of
this book will benefit the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. They are impacting lives by finding effective
treatments for mental disorders in men women and children. You can make an
additional donation at www.bbrfoundation.org/donate.
BLOG
WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: Your book
sounds quite interesting. I know that
many people have problems juggling everything in their lives from work to home
life. I find at times it overwhelms me. I'll definitely check out your book. Good luck with your future writing, and
thanks for the interview.
For as long as I can remember. When I was
younger, if there was an option to write a story over doing something else, I
would take it. The first story I can recall writing was about my pet
brontosaurus and I taking a run through the McDonald's drive-thru.
I officially decided I was going to be a
writer when I was ten. My mother and I had gone to see "Little Women"
in theatres and I loved the character Jo. I decided that I was going to be just
like her, and I started writing on the way back from the movies. I haven't
stopped since.
Question: What was
the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?
The first book I ever published was called "The
Beginning of the Wolf", and it was published in 2000' through a contest
offered by the James V. Brown Library in Williamsport, PA. I was twelve at the
time and the book only has one copy available to the public, but it can be
found at the Hughesville Area Public Library in Hughesville, Pennsylvania, and
is available through their catalog, along with the rest of my books. As the
library that kept that first book I ever wrote, I donate a copy of every new
book I publish to them.
The first book that I published myself is
called "Hunt". It is the first book in the "DeathSpeaker Trilogy",
and was published in October 2012'.
Question: Was this
book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
"Hunt" was self-published, and
all of the books since have been self-published, as well.
Question: Tell our
readers about this very first book. (For
example: What was the inspiration for
writing it, and what was it about)?
The "DeathSpeaker Trilogy" is set
in a fictional version of Earth; two hundred years after a nuclear war had very
nearly wiped out the entire human population through war and disease. The few
that remain are struggling to survive in a world that has become a wasteland,
their already difficult existence made more troubling by those who have been
mutated by plague and radiation. One example of these mutations is
DeathSpeakers - humans born with their mouths sewn shut with unbreakable wires.
Upon their tenth year, the wires fade and the DeathSpeaker is finally able to
speak, but anyone who hears them speak will instantly die.
The first book, "Hunt", follows
Ricker, an assassin who has made it his life's mission to hunt down
DeathSpeakers and kill them before they can hurt anyone. His life is
complicated when Mortimer, the almost ten-year-old DeathSpeaker he is trying to
track down is kidnapped by a third party, along with a gem capable of granting
the single wish of anyone who holds it. When Mortimer escapes his kidnappers
and runs into Ricker, the two of them are forced to join forces in order to
defend against attack by Mortimer's kidnappers - people who are determined to
get him back for reasons unknown.
The trilogy focuses on overcoming the past
and learning to live for the future, especially as Ricker begins to suffer
headaches and recover memories he has forgotten. As his past returns to him, he
begins to discover that the choices he has made in his life are not what he
thought them to be. In fact, there is a lot that is not what it seems. One of
people's favorite parts of the book seems to be Shadow, a ghost that spends his
time following Ricker around and making sarcastic quips to guilt him into doing
what he thinks needs done. The end of "Hunt", however, reveals that
he, too, is not what he seems.
The inspiration for "Hunt" was
actually my playing around with language. I like words, which I'm sure is evident
from my choice of career. I was thinking about the semantics of different words
and how they can often have ambiguous or double-meanings. I had actually been
thinking about J.K. Rowling's word for the followers of her main villain in her
Harry Potter series - Death Eaters. The idea popped into my head of a Death
Breather, and if they could breathe death, would that mean breathe it into
someone, or out? The answer to that question created Ricker, an assassin and
DeathBreather, and it was from him that the rest of the story evolved. There
are different aspects to the story that have been inspired by other parts of my
life - my love of science and science fiction, my addiction to words, and my
fascination with theology and psychology.
Originally, DeathSpeaker was going to be a
series of six smaller books, but instead it turned into a trilogy. The second
book in the trilogy is called "The God Stone", and I will be working
on that for National Novel Writing Month, as soon as my current project is
released.
Question: Can a
person still buy this book? If so,
where?
"Hunt" is only available for
purchase through online stores at the moment. It can be found on Amazon.com in
both print and Kindle format, and can also be purchased through a number of
bookstores' websites, including Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble. There
are also copies available to be borrowed at some libraries. The print version
can also be purchased directly from my printing service, here:
https://www.createspace.com/4320982
Question: How many
total books have you published?
I have four books published at the moment,
and "De Facto Dead" will make five. I also have some short stories
available in larger anthologies.
Question: List all of
your titles.
The
Beginning of The Wolf (out
of print)
Hunt (Book One in the DeathSpeaker Trilogy)
Beyond
Doorways
Dragon
Circle
Dead Man's Dog
Evidence
of Autumn
(anthology)
Heroes
& Villains
(anthology)
De
Facto Dead (due
out November 2, 2015)
Question: Any future
writing projects in the works? If so,
tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.
I am just putting the finishing touches on "De
Facto Dead", the next part in the "Roger Lamb Case Files", a
series about a private detective who has recently learned that all the things
he once believed to be "paranormal" are actually true. Living in the fictional
city of Spectre, New York, Roger works alongside Officer Alexis Berkley to
solve cases and protect people from monsters that lurk under beds and behind
masks that make them look human. "De Facto Dead" is the second story
in the "Roger Lamb Case Files". The first, "Dead Man's Dog",
was a short story published in my second book, "Beyond Doorways", a
collection of five horror short stories. "Dead Man's Dog" is
available to be read for free on my website.
"De Facto Dead"
is due out on November 2, 2015.
After it is released, I plan to spend the
month of November participating in National Novel Writing Month, working on "The
God Stone", the second book in the "DeathSpeaker Trilogy". There
are also some other books planned out in the future. The third and final book
in the "DeathSpeaker Trilogy" is already planned, although the title
is not being released yet.
There is also another "Roger Lamb Case
File" in the works, tentatively planned for release in the summer of 2016',
called "Dead Man Knocking".
Past that, we'll see what I can sink my
teeth into.
Question: What is the
title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.
"De Facto Dead" continues
following Roger Lamb as he works as a private detective in Spectre, New York.
Roger is working some smaller cases for some blissfully-normal clients when
Officer Alexis Berkley, a friend and frequent-colleague, calls him asking for
help with a triple-homicide that looks like an animal attack, except that the
bite marks are human... sort of. Things get weird, as they tend to do in
Spectre, when the murders don't stop even after the supposed culprit is caught
and a missing person's case proves to be mixed up in the deaths of a number of
unrelated victims, all killed viciously. Roger and Berkley have to work
together to solve the mystery and protect the people in danger, all without
having any idea of what exactly this monster is. Spectre is proving time and
again to be the central gathering point for monsters of every kind,
unfortunately the only kind of luck Roger have is bad.
As stated. "De Facto
Dead" is due out November 2, 2015.
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?
The books I write, like those I read, are
eclectic. I range across possible topics like a kid playing hopscotch in a
transporter beam. I say I write fantasy, paranormal thriller, and mystery, but
my books also touch on science fiction, horror, romance, and somehow I manage
to be funny. Occasionally it's even on purpose. I've been inspired by JRR
Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" - the books, which I read when I was
young, although the movies were wonderfully done. I also grew up on "Star
Wars", "Star Trek", and John Wayne movies. My first Doctor wore
a sprig of celery on his lapel. I'm a bit of a nerd. Well, I say a bit...
I’ve officially declared myself a
professional goofball. You can find pictures of me on my website wearing "The
Cat in the Hat's" tall hat, or grinning over the rim of a tea cup filled
with... well, it actually might have been tea, coffee, or soup. Could of maybe been
the bitter tears of the characters I have put through hell. I like to have fun,
both within the pages of my books and beyond them. I love studying mythology
and psychology, and you'll find I use both liberally in my books. My characters
tend to be fun to get to know, even the ones we don't like all that much, and
every one of them is written with aching depth, time spent building them, and
breaking them.
I have a lot of fun writing, and I also
spend a lot of time writing, studying characters, researching, and putting
everything together. I enjoy what I do and I write stories that interest me.
They seem to be pretty fun for other people, too, and I've met a lot of really
great people through writing them. If you like dragons, ghosts or haunted
houses; if you want to see what the world could look like after World War III,
or if you wonder what it might be like if werewolves were real, I have an
answer. It might not be the right one; but right is boring. I can promise you
it will be interesting.
Step inside one of my worlds and you won't
be bored. I can't promise you won't get lost, but you'll be in good company.
BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO
AUTHOR: It is definitely quite obvious to me that you
love writing. Your books sound like they
are filled with high adventure and will keep a reader spellbound. I generally like a good fiction fantasy type book. So I will definitely be checking out your
books. Good luck with your future
writing, and thanks for the interview.
I’ve been writing since 2009 and working hard
to improve with each book.
Question:
What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when
was it published?
"The
Pelagius Game" Book 1: Valstain 2013
Question:
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
The Pelagius Game series is
published by eTreasures Publishing (Small “e”)
Question:
Tell our readers about this very first book.
Valstain mixes religious
concepts with intriguing plots and then merges together with fantasy elements,
such as fighting giant spiders. Imagine a chess game between God and Satan. Valstain is
the game board and the heroes and villains are the game pieces. Tim believes he
is the only piece left alive on God’s team. To survive, he must find the sword
of the spirit in order to kill his remaining enemies. But the weapon is on Holy ground and Tim is a
vampire. How is he going to do that? Tim searches for the only member left in
the Order of Pelagius he believes he can trust to get him back inside Valstain.
That man is Father Michael Olshefski.
Question:
Can a person still buy this book?
If so, where?
The first book can be purchased in print or Kindle
version from Amazon.com or etreasurespublishing.com.
Question:
How many total books have you published?
Two.
Question:
List all of your titles =
"Valstain"
"Born Villain"
Question:
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 the 3rd book in the
series. It should be complete by spring of 2016.
Question:
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little
about it.
"Born Villain" was
released in 2015 and continues the adventures of vampire, Timothy Anderson and
the quick-witted Scotsman, Scott McCree as they continue to battle evil in
hopes of winning The Pelagius Game.
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?
If you want to get a glimpse into the mind of
an author who is an infrequently sober dyslexic and gets threatened from clergy
men, then the Pelagius Game is for you.
Anything
else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with
our readers?
I want to
say thank you to all the readers who have frightened my family by sending anonymous
jewelry, secret society posters, invites and bottles of absinthe. You are the
best. Follow the Light. BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: Your books sounds quite interesting. I generally like a good fantasy-type adventure. I'll definitely check out your series, and good luck with your writing. Thanks for the interview.
Question:
What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when
was it published?
The name of my first book is "T.R.U.E. Shades of H.I.M."(F.R.E.E. To Be The Chosen M.E.). I first published in
2013' and decided to do a ‘’Rebirth of ’ T.R.U.E. Shades’ in July of 2015'
after revising and adding much more to the reading.
Question:
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
I chose to self-publish.
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 came after losing my baby sister to a tragic car accident in 2010'.
Most people may ask how this can be an encouragement to write while yearning to
live after her death. My sister’s quietness was such an encouragement and
impactful. Her silence said so much without even speaking out, yet paved the
way for me as I began to be expressive with untold truths. As a shy and mild
tempered young mother of five, I was so upset and angry. I needed a way out and
to be communicative without being judged, by sharing my heart.
So,
I began my writing journey with poetry. Poetry was a way of escape from my
surroundings and past situations. I also wanted something where I could begin a
legacy and my children could follow. I have three that loves to write so I
needed a place to add their poems. So, I discovered a plan and added a section
for Kid Visions Poetry.
I
realized the only way I could move forward was to find out where I come from.
Consequently, this was meant for me to find out more about me. (Who am I?) As a
victim of rape and molestation, I never realized how ashamed I was to live. So,
I knew based on my existence in this world, I wanted more answers on what is my
purpose for being here.
Question:
Can a person still buy this book?
If so, where?
Question:
How many total books have you published?
"T.R.U.E. Shades" is my first book. But, I also have three journals that are
available.
Question:
List all of your titles =
"T.R.U.E. Shades of H.I.M."
"P.O.E.T.I.C.
T.R.U.T.H.S." (The Poetry Journal)
"M.E.
Time Prayers" (The Prayer Journal)
"M.E.D.S.
For Ministry" (The Inspirational Writing Journal).
Question:
Any future writing projects in the works? If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent
dates to go with it.
Well, I’ve
recently gotten married. However, we both have extensive experience in the do’s
and don’ts of being and staying married. So, we are planning to do a
pre-marital and martial equipping manual along with other journals to complete
our next project.
Yet, we are looking at the fall of 2016'.
Maybe, a few other mini ventures to assist with my journey as an empowerment
speaker.
Question:
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little
about it.
The title is "T.R.U.E. Shades of H.I.M." The
storyline is about a single mother of five whom took all her life's
negatives and created meanings through acronyms to discover her life's purpose.
From a high school dropout, to being raped, molested, involvement in incest,
and abuse; despite all she becomes a mental innovator for hopefulness.
In this book, you will get a clarification of the "Why Me'' and how
all things have worked together to help to discover passion and existence in
the earth. Also, you will be guided on acknowledging the T.R.U.E. background
shades of H.I.M. (man/woman) in your life and how to P.U.S.H. beyond the
hindrances and devastating trauma. The task of discovering and conquering the different phases of shades,
from black (the dark days of confusion, grey (the blurry days of misunderstanding,
and white (the days of clarification). Many examples on how to turn your
negatives into positives while receiving your healing and restoration for new
life. You will find the acronyms and meanings of the W.R.O.N.G. H.I.M to the
F.A.K.E./R.E.A.L. H.I.M. to the W.A.N.N.A. B.E. H.I.M which leads you to the R.I.G.H.T.
H.I.M. This is a great layout of understandings and knowing that in order for
you to be free from mental bondage, you must be willing to travel back to the
beginning of all rooted and stemmed attachments that were planted in you from
the beginning. The Who Am I, Why Am I Here, Is Living Worth It, Why Do I Act The Way I
Do, Why Do I Do The Things I Do/Say? Somehow and someway a seed was sown and
whether it was good or bad, it grew. This is a turnaround point for you to
P.U.S.H. pass the past and focus on your future while walking in forgiveness,
freedom, and understanding. The key to the R.I.G.H.T. path is to find out your
T.R.U.E. identity, and uncover your T.R.U.E. purpose for life. This is an
invitation and connection opportunity to tap into The Greater You!! My Freedom
Is Now Someone else’s Freedom.
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 believe that my transparency inside of
this book will allow people to have a true experience of life and the meaning
of how to take all negatives and turn them into positives so you can live
without mistakes, yet inspiration to someone else. The information from within
will also help to establish a world of success whereas it’s never too late to
start again.
Anything
else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with
our readers?
Yes, a lot
of people always ask about my cover. I will take this time to explain. I was
raised believing that I was ugly and never would accomplish anything. Even
though, I modeled in my 20’s I still believed that I was unattractive. Without reason, I decided last year to have a
photo shoot done.
I was so impressed with the results after
seeing the Real Me. However, I selected this particular picture as my cover
because of what I saw as a motivation. When I see this cover, I see a stunning
young lady with a beautiful smile. As she stands boldly yet holding on to life.
She smiles as she looks at the ground and realizing that the ground could have
been on top of her. But she chose to live her life. So, she can now look at those
negative things that are being used to help her reach her goals. The
circumstances that tried to take her out and she can now use those things as an
inspiration as she steps up on her footstool and move toward her purpose while
pursuing greater.
And finally, thank you so much for your time!
BLOG
WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: You know when I started writing this blog I never expected to meet
writers who have had so much tragedy in their lives, and yet are able to turn
it around into a positive. I have
several authors on this site currently that have done just that, and you are
definitely one of them. I hope that
anyone who is suffering from their past finds this interview and will hopefully
read your book. Sometimes people who are
hurting often times think they are alone, when in fact there are others who
have found a way out of the darkness into the light. I'm glad you did just that. Thanks for the interview. I feel my blog is much richer for having your
interview on it. I wish you all the best in your future and with your writing.
