Michael Hammor

Location: Arizona / U.S.A.

Age: (31)

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I have been writing stories since I was a kid. I loved the horror genre. I would sneak Stephen King books off my mother's book shelf at 8 or 9 years old. I wrote for the U.S. Army as an Intelligence Analyst for 10 years. Being laid off from my job as a DoD contractor at a major military installation gave me the push I needed to publish some of the stories that have been clawing around in my brain.

 

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

The first book I published was Book 1: "The Girl with No Name". It's the first book in my series called: "Bedtime Tales from the Apocalypse". I published "The Girl with No Name" on Sept 11, 2013'. I chose that date for the symbolism. That date changed my life. I intend for the series to go on for 6 or more books. I might put them together in a collection every 6 books or so.

 

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

I am a self-published author, but if the right deal came around, I might consider signing up with a publisher. I do value my freedom, although I can't be restricted, or forced. As a self-publisher I can do whatever I want. If the story was told in one page, that's what I would publish.

 

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

Book 1: "The Girl with No Name" had been clawing around in my head since my 2008' deployment. (Kuwait and Iraq were desolate). It really shocked me. I could imagine my home in southern, Arizona, becoming like that with just a few years of missed rain. The main character is based on several different people. I got the inspiration from her by thinking, what if the world ended, but I wasn't here to help my Daughter survive, how would she end up? I was counter inspired by "Twilight". Vampires are supposed to be brutal, hungry, destroyers. Humans are the prey, not the love interest.

Book 1 opens to southern, Arizona a significant time after the world has collapsed. Nothing modern remains. Cars no longer operate for lack of gas and rubber parts, like hoses and tires. Batteries have long gone dead. The Girl is wandering around Benson. Then she gets ambushed by raiders. Read the books to find out what happens next.

 

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

Book 1: "The Girl with No Name" is available on Amazon.com.

 

Question:  How many total books have you published?

So far I have published two volumes of six in the Series "Bedtime Tales from the Apocalypse".

 

Question:  List all of your titles:

 

Book 1: "The Girl with No Name"

Book 2: "Aluminum Butterflies"

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

I am going to release Book 3: "By Lantern's Light" around Nov 11, 2013. I am trying for an installment a month. When I have the first six installments released I may put them together in a novel and release that at a later date.

I may do a side project or two, but it will still be in my genre, dystopian post apocalyptic, but most likely will be independent of the series.

A good buddy of mine wants the privilege of writing the prequel series about what ended the world. That is something that doesn't really matter in the current series; since to the characters, it happened so long ago.

 

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

The current book is Book 2: "Aluminum Butterflies". I am very proud of the artwork for this book. I contacted an artist in Mexico named Steph. She came through with very little notice. While not a photographer like me, she responded to my coaching very well and produced the perfect image I was looking for.

Book 2 picks up a day or two after Book 1. It's set mostly in Huachuca City and Bisbee. We learn a lot about the existing characters, and I introduced a new one. Book 2 sets the stage for the last four books.

 

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 don't follow formulas. I write the story how the story wants to be written. I'm a soldier, not an English major. My books have been well received by those who have read them. I use my words to paint a picture. I take you into the character's world. You stand next to them, see what they see, smell and taste what they smell. You are not going to find a Vampire, werewolf, human love triangle in my books. They are mature content but not Fifty Shades mature.

I write what I know. I try to include some useful survival or prepper tidbits in the books. I use actual locations, I include people from my life as characters, and I try to incorporate events that really happened to me into my work. If you ever find yourself at the intersection of HWY 90 and I-10 you will find the old farmhouse from Book 1. Walk the streets of old Bisbee at night, and you will see what the Boss sees as he emerges from his fortified lair. In Book 6, "The Lavender Mine" will play a pivotal role in the climax of the entire series.

 

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

I'm just a normal guy. I have been a janitor, a soldier, a father, a photographer, and most recently a DoD Instructor. Life will hit you hard; just go with it. What you do in the face of adversity defines who you are. Do you lie down and give up, or do you keep fighting? Writing is my way to keep fighting. The career I built for a decade since I joined the U.S. Army in 2003' was basically eliminated by the government. I have enough duty related injuries to get a nice disability check. I just can't do that. I can't give up. We have had to move into an RV with a small child. Cool, I love camping! We are losing the house to the bank. They can have it.

My writing reflects what I face in real life. It's about fighting and not giving up, no matter what. It doesn't matter how hard life beats you down, you stand back up, and say “May I have another?”

I will be a successful writer because I won't stop trying. I can't. I think there is something wrong with me. If you read my books, you will be certain something is wrong with me.

 

You can connect with me at the following:

My Blog:

michaelhammor.com

Book Website:

Bedtimetalesfromtheapocalypse.com 

My twitter:

@michaelhammor 

My email:

michael.hammor@gmail.com

 

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  First, I want to thank you for your service to our country. Your book series sounds like it would make a great television series.  I'll definitely be buying both books since I live in Arizona, and I am curious to see how you interweave the various locations in your book with the state. I like your positive attitude about when life knocks you down that you need to get back up. I think you should consider writing a book on this subject.  I'm sure after being in Kuwait and Iraq it would give a person a whole different concept on the value of life and what one values the most; such as family, friends, and home.  I'm sure you will become a successful writer with the determined attitude that you have, and I wish you all the very best in that pursuit.  Good Luck and thanks for the interview.

 

 

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.

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.