Watch Unplanned Motherhood on WHNT News Channel 19

I had the privilege of being interviewed by Beth Jett about my web series, Unplanned Motherhood on WHNT News Channel 19. It was a rewarding experience.

I would like to think I did a decent job. The cast truly enjoyed seeing themselves on the news. As you can imagine, the kids were super excited.

Take a moment and watch the interview on WHNT.

Tripping Prince Charming Interview by Ey Wade

TRIPPING PRINCE CHARMING CHARACTER INTERVIEW

"Three friends join their love stories to create a romantic magic that is both beguiling and whimsical."

Author Ey Wade waits in the studio of "IN THE CHAIR", waiting for the cast of ladies from Tripping Prince Charming to arrive. The novel started off as three separate books, The Cooking Class, Thorn in my Pocket, and the main characters being Carmella Candi, Ivy Gardiner, and Lillie-Rose McIntyre in that order. Each best friends who decided as children that they would never let a man run their lives or relationship. The three books rolled into one with three stories, but the ladies weren't happy and it eventually evolved into one book with' acts and scenes. Simply lovely.


Okay, my first question pertains to relationship and what you would like from one? Who would like to answer first?

CARMELLA "Oh, I will. What I want from a relationship is honesty. I don't like sly games or innuendos. "

IVY "Well, I would like a man who takes charge, but gives me room to be myself A relationship that's reallally a 90-10 and I retain the 90."

LILLIE-ROSE: "That's because you're bossy and always tryin' to run other people's lives." (everyone laughs) "If I could have my ideal relationship, it would 'be' one where there is mutual respect, lots of laughs and love, and no physical or mental abuse. "

I know that's right, we all agree with that, especially that last part (mutual sounds of agreement uttered from everyone) And since we all agree with that let's talk about your. ideal mate. We'll start with you, Lillie-Rose.

"Hmmm, my ideal mate would have to 'be' taller than I am so I can feel protected. My 5ft nothing self gets hit on a lot by men thinking I'm a kid. He has to be dependable, caring, with a job and most of all, he needs to 'be' able to control his temper."

What about you, Carmella?

"As I said before, he has to be honest, faithful, totally in love with me, and able handle it when I want to run my own life. I don't want someone who is so insecure he has to know where I am every minute of the day."

"Me," Ivy broke in. "I want a man who loves God just as much as he loves me. Honest, dependable and with a great sense of humor. Plus, he would have to like my girls, cuz we are a team."

Third question: I know the theme of the book is the disbelief of the 'happy ever after '. What made you dislike the fairy tale endings to stories? "

"The liars, the abusers, and the undependables" The three women answered in one voice, laughing and high fiving as if it were there stock answer.

But in the story you each have a man pursuing you through a lot of drama? How did you meet them?

"I met Franklin in church, but got to know him better while he was a member of my cooking class." Answered.Carmella.

"Same here, " put in Ivy. "I met Bernard through the church and it took a bit of maneuvering. "

"I met Nataniel at Ivy's parent's home." Lillie-Rose looked at her friends through narrowed eyes when they began to laugh. " They want me to say I pushed Nathaniel down a mountain."

"Well you did." they both agreed.

"Whatever, the audience can read about it in the book and judge for themselves. "

Oh, I know the story and its an reopened. Last question. Who is the romantic influencer in your life?

"Oh, that's easy. Uncle Michael, Ivy's dad." Carmella answered. "we call him, Pops."

"I have to agree. He told us so many fairy tales, built us an enchanted forest. He is the epitome of love."

"Yep, my dad would 'be' the answer."

I wish I could talk with him, But who knows. I may get that chance. Anyway, thank you ladies for coming and I await to get a copy in my hands. When is Tripping Prince Charming being released, again? "
August 8th folks, mark your calendars.




To stay up to date with Author Ey Wade, go to the following sites:

Tripping Prince Charming Blog

Ey Wade Website

Sheer Good Fortune with Toni Morrison in Radar Magazine

Hey all, my article about my voyage to Virginia Tech where I met and interviewed Toni Morrison and met Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni, was published in Radar Magazine in December 2012. As you may remember, I took the voyage with my literary sisters, Joneia P. Brown and Kimeko Farrar. If you'd like to read the entire magazine online, check it out at Radar Magazines.

For all you that would like to read just my article, here it is. Hope you enjoy!

My Sheer Good Fortune with Toni Morrison

This past week has been extraordinary. It took several days for me to come down off my adrenaline high. I left Alabama headed to Virginia Tech with two of my girlfriends on October 14, 2012. We drove to Blacksburg, Virginia in foggy, rainy, gloomy weather Sunday night. It took us a little over eight hours to make arrive to our destination. We arrived tired, but too anxious to sleep. We only had two hours to get prepared before the press conference anyway, so I decided to get dressed and go over my interview questions for Toni Morrison.

We arrived fairly early and secured front row seats. The room was intimate, maybe with thirty people eventually being in the room. There was of course other press and media outlets there, but not as many as I expected or felt should have been there for such an auspicious occasion. They wheeled Dr. Morrison in and she looked vibrant and cheerful. After a few reporters asked questions, I knew if I wanted to ask my own, I would need to just jump in there and so I went for it. I asked about seven questions. My girlfriends were with me and they were able to ask her each a question as well. After the conference, they quickly wheeled Dr. Morrison away. I went and introduced myself to Nikki Giovanni thinking she probably didn't remember me. Surprisingly she did. She said, "I know who you are." Then she gave me a hug. I introduced my friends and we all took pictures.

Angela Davis, Maya Angelou and Sonia Sanchez

After Ms. Giovanni left, a documentary producer approached us about being in a documentary honoring Nikki Giovanni. We graciously accepted. We were led to this private library where camera and video had been set up, along with TV monitors. The monitors allowed us to see how we looked while we were being filmed. The three of us were interviewed individually, I went last. I honestly can't tell you what I said during my interview, I was so nervous. I don't even remember the questions the interviewer asked me. It was a surreal experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and as soon as the documentary becomes available, you know I'll post it any and everywhere.

Next we were invited to the reception the following day before the actual Sheer Good Fortune event. This is where it really gets good because I left Alabama having no expectation other than to get to the press conference and to attend the event. But so far I was able to get to the press conference and have my friends experience it with me. Not only that, but then be asked to participate in a documentary for Nikki Giovanni and then invited to the reception was a blessing. Every step of the way, things kept getting better and better.

Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou holding hands while
a tribute was being song to them

So we arrive at the reception, early as usual. We get so close that we are standing in front of the microphone where the presenters would speak. We see the attendees arriving and they are coming down the stairs in small groups. I glance up towards the stairs and nudge my friend, Joneia P. Brown. "It is Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez." I repeat it again as if I need to hear it for myself to ring true. At this point, I'm giddy. We wanted to leave our spots and go over to both ladies, but our spots were too damn good and we hadn't seen Maya Angelou yet. A few moments later, Toni Morrison arrives and she is wheeled directly in front of us. Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez go to her and they take pictures. Joneia sits on the floor in front of them and starts to take photos, the media is snapping away and recording and it's all pure magic. Then shortly thereafter, Maya Angelou is wheeled in next to Toni Morrison. Time basically stopped for me, I'm literally standing five feet directly in front of Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison. Everything becomes a blur at this moment. I'm trying to digest it and I think my cup is so full from delight, I can't process what's happening. After the reception, I am able to speak with Angela Davis and Sonia Sanchez. They are truly gracious and kind women. We were able to meet several Pulitzer Prize winners, Poet Laureates and distinguished authors and professors. I can't wait to tell you about all the talented gifted and extraordinary men and women we met while at the event. I indeed experienced sheer good fortune.

I have to personally thank Ms. Nikki Giovanni for being so gracious and  generous in accommodating our presence. The event was beyond spectacular and most people tasked with putting on such a splendid affair would be short or slightly stressed, but she never once appeared that way and was very kind to us every step of the way.

There is lots more to tell you and I'll give you all the details in the next post.

Poet and Blogger Kimeko Farrar, Television Producer and Speaker Joneia P. Brown , Nikki Giovanni and me :) Lena Sledge taken right after the press conference.

Next up....How I Made it to the VIP Room and the Actual Sheer Good Fortune Celebration. Stay Tuned.

Sheer Good Fortune with Toni Morrison...I'm Going!

Remember when I said I'd explain later why I was rereading all of Toni Morrison's books? Well, I'm headed to the Sheer Good Fortune celebration at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA on October 16, 2012. I'm overjoyed. I cried, I did a happy dance, I clapped like a two year old at a birthday party. I did it all! But wait...there's more. This event is being hosted by none other than Maya Angelou and Nikki Giovanni. Yes, reread that again, while I have a praise dance moment.












There are three people in this world that I've always wanted to meet, Oprah, Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou. I had four which included Nikki Giovanni, but I've met her several times since then, so that dream has come to fruition. But being able to see two more amazing women I admire is overwhelming to say the least. Let's just pray Oprah makes a surprise appearance. That would definitely be a cause for an additional praise dance at the event.

For all of you that may not know, Toni Morrison is an American novelist, editor, and professor. Among Morrison’s best-known novels are “The Bluest Eye,” “Sula,” “Song of Solomon,” and “Beloved.” She won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1993 and in 1988, the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for “Beloved,” which was adapted into a film starring Oprah Winfrey in 1998. In 2006, a survey of writers and literary critics by The New York Times ranked “Beloved” as the best work of American fiction for the past 25 years.

(clockwise) Joanne Gabbin, Nikki Giovanni and Maya Angelou

I was fortunate enough to get extra tickets and I'm taking nine of my beautiful girlfriends. So we are going on a girls road trip, some are driving and others are flying in. And we are going to have ourselves a grand time. I will also be able to ask Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni and professor Joanne Gabbin some questions, along with the other media. So what I want you all to do is post questions in the comment section that you think I should ask. I'll admit, I'm extremely nervous and I don't want to forget to ask something I'll later wish I had.

Of course, I'll report back on how the event went. Of which I'm sure I'll have all great things to share. What are the odds of ever seeing these three women in the same room at a public event again? I'm still in shock. Wish me luck! I'm just praying I don't get tongue tied.

Interview with Author Bernice L. McFadden

National bestselling author, Bernice L. McFadden, probably didn't expect being laid off would lead to a rewarding career as a bestselling author. But it did. McFadden was laid off and unemployed for twelve months. She says this was a turning point in her life because during that year she dedicated herself to the art of writing. And even after she found another job, she kept on writing. Nine years, a depleted savings account, and three jobs after being laid off, and hundreds of query letters later, she sold her first novel, Sugar. The novel, which is about a woman with a shady past who moves to a small Arkansas town in the 1950s, became a national best-seller. Since then, Bernice L. McFadden has gone on to write eight novels and one novella. You can visit her blog, Naki and visit her website for more info. Her latest novel is titled, Gathering of Waters.

Ms. McFadden, would you classify your most recent works (Glorious, Gathering of Waters) as historical fiction? And why the change in genre from your other genres of work such as Loving Donovan, The Warmest December and Nowhere is A Place?


I've always tried to include some historical content in my novels, but it wasn't until I started writing Glorious that I realized how much I enjoyed creating fiction around fact. This realization was a blessing. It was also an "A-ha" moment for me. I knew I was put here to write - but was not sure of my purpose for writing. I now know that historical fiction is my purpose.


In your novel, Glorious, you cover a large time, 1910-1961, what was your reasoning behind that? And is the main character, Easter, in any reference to you as a writer?


I love backstory. Every character has a past and I think It's important to include as much of the past into the storyline. It makes for a well-rounded character and full-bodied story. I would say Easter does have a bit of me in her. We are both black, female writers trying to make a way in the white world.


Explain to the readers the significance of the pink boa and type writer on the book cover Glorious?


The pink boa represents the character Rain in the novel and the typewriter represents Easter.


Sugar began as a poem and then evolved into a short story before becoming a novel. Do you foresee a short story collection or anthology of poetry in the near future?


Funny you ask that question. I've been thinking about returning to the short form. I do have some short stories that I would like to write and publish.


How do you choose the setting in your novels? Such as Mississippi for Gathering of Waters, Arkansas for Sugar, Brooklyn for Loving Donovan, etc?


I don't chose the settings. I allow the story to form at it's on pace. As the plot, characters and come together, the "place" reveals itself and I go with it. If it's a location that I am unfamiliar with such as Arkansas and Mississippi, I research the area so that it will come across as authentic in the story.


Can you briefly explain Seg-Book-Gation and how can readers help eliminate it?


Seg-Book-Gation covers a number of things:

1. The separation of books written by Af-Am authors from others in bookstores.
2. The absence of Af-Am authors at major literary festivals.
3. The absence of books written by Af-Am authors reviewed in major publications.
4. The fact that many books written by Af-Am authors are marketed soley to the Af-Am reading audience. Which of course limits the sales potential of our books.

I just returned from the Literary Feast Book Festival in Broward County, Florida. It was a lovely event. I was however, the only African-American author there. Readers need to make their voices heard. Call up the organizers of these literary festivals and demand that they include Af-Am authors to the roster. If the bookstore they frequent happen to have a separate "black book section" - talk to the manager and ask that the titles also be carried in the general population of the book store. African-Americans are not a genre! If you happen to be a book blogger who is not Af-Am - ask the publishers to send you titles written by Af-Am authors, so that you can review them for your readers. Contact you favorite magazine and ask why it is they rarely review books written by Af-Am authors?

Octavia Spencer won an Oscar for her role as Minny in the film, The Help. You said you saw the film, and enjoyed it. But did not read the book because "African-American writers had tackled the same story numerous times - and those writers weren't given the opportunity to have their stories read by Ms. Ann and Mr. Charlie (white people). And when I say given the opportunity, I mean to say that their books were not marketed/promoted over that seam that has turned into a chasm in the literary community - known as the color line. " Do you still feel strongly about not reading it? And who's responsibility is it to change the "machine behind the book?"


I finally broke down and bought the book. I have not finished reading it. But I think Stockett is a strong writer. The book is certainly engaging. We have to create our own machine. If we get behind a book - the publisher will automatically follow. It's all about sales and numbers.


You also write racy, humorous fiction under the pseudonym, Geneva Holliday. What has your alter ego, Geneva Holliday, been up to?


Geneva Holliday is on an extended vacation. Last time I heard from her, she was hanging out on a beach in Bequia.

I recently saw a photo of actress Kimberly Elise reading a copy of Sugar and I instantly became excited just thinking of Kimberly playing the role of Sugar. There is speculation in the literary world that Sugar may finally come to the tv or the big screen? Is this true? Please say it is so.


Yes, Kimberly Elise has optioned the stage and film rights to Sugar. I have my fingers crossed that something magical and wonderful will come of this!


You have a short story, Keeper of Keys, available via Kindle on Amazon for .99 cents. What are your thoughts about books and stories set at a low price point, especially when so many traditionally published authors seem to have an aversion to selling eBooks at .99 cents?


It's difficult. People price their books low in order to gain attention and of course make some money. I priced Keeper of Keys for .99 because it's a novella - a long, short story. I hope that people will read it, enjoy it and then seek out and purchase my higher priced worked.


If you could recommend only one of your books to a reader unfamiliar with your work which book would you recommend? And why?


That's so hard!!! I guess I would recommend The Warmest December, to start with. Only because it's a contemporary story that closely mirrors my own life with my father. I think it's a great introduction to my work.


What are 3 things every aspiring writer should do and 3 things they should not do or avoid doing?


Aspiring writers should: Read, read, read!!!
Aspiring writers: Should not be dejected by rejection. They should not worry about what's trending in the literary market place. They should not feel that if they don't write every day - that they are not "real" writers. I write when I'm inspired and that may be once or twice a month.


What's the best advice you have ever been given?


Keep the faith - all will work out in the end.


What are you currently working on?


I'm thinking about writing a book about the holocaust.


What do you want readers to know about Bernice L. McFadden that they may not already know?


That in my later life, I'd like to open up an artist colony near a beautiful beach...


Thank you Ms. McFadden for sharing with us today. It is truly in a honor and a highlight for me.


To view an video of Ms. McFadden discussing her book, Glorious, watch the Youtube video below. 
She is also on Twitter and Facebook, so stop by and drop her a comment. :-)

Interview with Author Robert Browne

Robert Browne is an AMPAS Nicholl Award-winning screenwriter who ran screaming from the movie industry and jumped into writing novels. His first novel, Kiss Her Goodbye, was recently produced in Chicago as a pilot for a CBS Television series tentatively titled The Line, by Sony Pictures and Timberman/Beverly Productions, with a script written and directed by Michael Dinner. 


Before the jump, he developed screenplays for Showtime, Viacom, Saban/Fox Kids, Krost-Chapin, and Marvel. He was also staff writer for Fox Kids’ Diabolik, and a contributing screenwriter for Spider-Man Unlimited. Post jump, Rob has written four thrillers for St. Martin’s Press in the U.S., Macmillan in the UK, Droemer Knauer in Germany, with books also published in Russia, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.


His books Kiss Her Goodbye and Whisper In the Dark, are critically acclaimed. As well as his third novel, Kill Her Again and Down Among The Dead Men. His short story, Bottom Deal can be found in Lee Child’s Killer Year: Stories to Die For. The story has been optioned for television. His new thriller, The Paradise Prophecy, is in stores now.

INTERVIEW


Before you became a novelist, you were a screenwriter. What made you take the leap from one form of media to another?

As much as I love movies and enjoyed writing screenplays, the screenwriting business is often a case of too many cooks in the kitchen. Beyond the first draft, screenplays never belong to the writer. Everyone has changes they want made to the story, the characters, the structure—oftentimes based on a whim. 

From beginning to end, novels belong to the writer, and I wanted that control over my stories. Writing my first novel was a liberating experience.

Which is harder, writing for film or writing a book?

A book, by far—although they're different disciplines and have their own sets of problems.

Why did you choose to write thrillers?

I grew up reading thrillers. I loved the novels of Donald Westlake, Ed McBain, Raymond Chandler, Ross McDonald. They always say you should write what you know. Well, I think you should write what you love.

Bad guys on occasion will win at the end of a movie. Is it okay if the bad guy wins in a novel? Why or why not?


I think it all depends on the book and reader expectations. When you write a thriller, readers tend to want a happy ending. But, of course, my endings aren't always walk off into the sunset moments.

Can you describe your journey to publication?

I wrote a screenplay that a friend read and convinced me to write as a novel. It took me a few years, writing off and on at night to finally finish it. When it was done I contacted my old screen agent and asked if she'd read it and she said, of course. She read it, sent it to an agent friend in New York and a few months later it sold.

Aside from entertainment, why do you think readers are drawn to thriller and crime novels? Is there a difference between a crime novel and a thriller novel?

There are people who will tell you there are differences, but truthfully, the lines are so blurred these days that the difference is negligible. I think a lot of readers are drawn to thrillers because thrillers give them a momentary sense of closure. Despite these horrific crimes being perpetrated, everything is wrapped up in the end and the good guy usually wins. That doesn't often happen in real life.

I read that authors should welcome the occasional negative review because having only five star reviews doesn't lend to credibility. What do you think about negative reviews and do you accept it as just part of the process?


Reading is such a subjective endeavor that it's inevitable that you're going to get bad reviews. I honestly don't mind them too much—some people have tastes that my work will never satisfy—but I do find myself annoyed by reviews that seem to have been written by people with an axe to grind.

I remember reading a review of a book (the title and author escape me) in which the reviewer said something along the lines of "I usually only read the classics, but I thought I'd slum a bit and read this book. What a mistake."

Well, if you usually only read classics and you already have that attitude about the book, of course you aren't going to like it. So why bother to do a review?

I'm also highly annoyed by literary snobs. Those who feel that there's only a certain type of book that's worthy of the world's attention and everything else—meaning genre work—is crap.

The truth is, we all have different tastes and one person's garbage is another person's treasure.

I know your first novel, Kiss Her Goodbye, was produced as a pilot for CBS, tentatively titled, The Line. As a screen writer, which of your books would make the perfect adaption to film?

I think the latest one, The Paradise Prophecy, would be spectacular as a movie. In fact, many of the emails I get about it are from readers hoping it'll be made into one.


The books has been optioned by the folks who make the Twilight movies, so there's hope we'll see it on the screen one day. But you never know in Hollywood.

I must do my WWW's. What have you recently finished reading, what are you currently reading and what will you likely read next?

I recently finished 11/22/63, which is a brilliant time travel book by Stephen King. I didn't want it to end. I'm currently reading The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo, which is a Norwegian crime novel. I have no idea what direction I'll go in after that.

Let's say a reader can only purchase one of your books, which one would you recommend?

That's like asking which one of my children do I like the most, but I'll try. I have a soft spot for Down Among The Dead Men and Whisper in the Dark. And of course, we always love our most recent work, so I'd throw The Paradise Prophecy in there as well.

That's about the best I can do, I'm afraid.

Can you tell us one thing an aspiring writer should do and one thing an aspiring writer should not do?

I've said this before, but I'll say it again. An aspiring writer needs to stop aspiring and start perspiring. Get your butt in the chair and start writing. That's the only way you'll learn and the only way you'll get published. 


You can spend days, months, years studying other writers, studying books on craft, but you'll never succeed unless you sit your butt down and do the work. What you write will be crap, at first, but practice makes perfect.

What's the best advice you were ever given?
"Finish this book."

Which character in any of your books is most like you? Which character is most unlike you? 

Well, they're all like me to varying degrees, even the bad guys. I look at writing as similar to method acting. You rely on your own sense memories to make the characters real.

Have you ever walked out during a film in a movie theater or fell asleep during a film? If so, what film was it?

I seem to remember falling asleep during The Seven Percent Solution, which was a story about Sherlock Holmes teaming up with Sigmund Freud written by Nicholas Meyer. I'm sure the movie was great, but it was late at night, the third of a triple feature and I was exhausted after a long day. There may have been some alcohol involved, too, but that was a long, long time ago, so I can't be sure.

Can you tell us what projects you are currently working on?


I'm currently writing a mystery thriller called Trial Junkies, the first in a series which I'm pitching as The Big Chill meets Silence of the Lambs—although at this point I'm not sure how accurate that is. 

It's about a group of old college friends who come together to help one of their friends when the friend is arrested and put on trial for murder. They soon decide to take matters into their own hands and find the real killer themselves.

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Thank you for sharing with us today Mr. Browne.

To keep up with author Robert Browne, please visit his website.
Click titles to purchase any of the books by Robert Browne.

Down Among the Dead Men
Whisper in the Dark
Kill Her Again

Kiss Her Goodbye
The Paradise Prophecy
The Bottom Deal

Interview with author Suzanne Purewal

About Suzanne Purewal

Suzanne grew up in Webster, NY. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree, she went on to earn a Master of Science degree from Kettering University. Suzanne worked for General Motors and Delphi for a combined twenty-two years.

Aside from her annual Christmas poems and a few other whimsical pieces over the past two decades, Suzanne did not write very much. However, she did entertain coworkers with descriptive stories. They encouraged her to write a book. She did not seriously consider it, until she was diagnosed with cancer. During her battle against the disease, she started writing again.

In her free time, Suzanne enjoys hiking, singing, and playing the guitar and piano. She has resided in Noblesville, IN for the past eighteen years.

Suzanne is a member of The International Women’s Writing Guild, The Writers’ Center of Indiana, The Noble Writers’ Group, Friends of the Hamilton East Public Library, and Friends of the Hamilton North Public Library.

Suzanne’s first romance novel, Embracing Destiny, was released in November 2010. Although she wrote it as a stand-alone novel, the feedback from readers compelled her to write a sequel. Look for Challenging Destiny to be released soon.
In the powerful romance novel, Embracing Destiny, the reader follows Sara Taylor—a woman standing at a crossroad. Disillusioned with her love life and lackluster career, she searches for meaning in her life. A chance encounter provides a fresh perspective and alters her outlook. Change is on the horizon. Joe Lazaro’s burning desire for Sara has never been stronger. Yearning to make his own life complete, he intends to reconnect with his soulmate. However, Joe is not the only man vying for Sara’s affections.

As Sara attempts to explore her options, an unexpected event sets her on a journey. Outside forces intervene, and danger lurks in every shadow.

The support of their loved ones is ever present. Although, it is only through their trials and tribulations that Sara and Joe realize what is truly important.

Interview with Suzanne Purewal


The title of your book is Embracing Destiny. What is your definition of embracing your destiny? 
To embrace your destiny, you have to know who you are as a person and accept it.

Can you give me five words to describe your literary journey?
 Exciting. Enlightening. Fulfilling. Arduous. Liberating.

What are three things a writer should do? 
Write what you want to write, not what someone tells you to write. Join a writing group to get unbiased feedback from peers. Make sure you hire an editor to edit your manuscript.

 What are three things a writer should not do?
Never give up. Don't force yourself to write if you don't feel like writing. Don't underestimate the need of a good editor.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on writing a sequel to Embracing Destiny. It's called Challenging Destiny. I originally intended for Embracing Destiny to be a stand-alone novel. However, the feedback from readers has compelled me to write a sequel. I had been writing a paranormal novel at the time that I decided to start the sequel. I do plan to return to it once the sequel is complete.

Well, I must do my WWW's which are what have you just finished reading? What are you currently reading? And what do you plan to read next?
I just finished reading Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Currently reading Darby Rae's Merciful Law. Planning to read Stephen King's Full Dark, No Stars.

How are you and Sara, the main character in Embracing Destiny, alike?
Sara and her best friend, Laura, both look like me. We worked in engineering-related fields. And I too had a psychic reading that changed the course of my life.

How are you different from Sara, the main character in Embracing Destiny?

I would not have made the same decisions Sara made concerning her love life. And truth be told, I am more like Laura's character.

What's the best advice you've been given? 
Be true to yourself and do what makes you happy.

Tell us something that readers may not already know about Embracing Destiny?
My favorite character is not the main character, Sara Taylor, it's Joe Lazaro's mother, Rose. She was the easiest character to write. She's an amalgamation of several women in my life.    

Thank you Ms. Purewal for stopping by and sharing your literary journey with us. I wish you the very best in your literary endeavors.


To follow Suzanne's literary journey you can visit her at the following:
Website
Facebook
To purchase any of her books, click here.

Would you like to win a copy of Embracing Destiny? Click The Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway to enter to win a copy of her book and a chance to win 1 of 3 gift boxes including lots of books, goodies and bookish items right here on my blog. Good luck!

Guest Post by Wayne Zurl: A New Prospect

Author Bio: Wayne Zurl
Wayne Zurl grew up on Long Island and retired after twenty years with the Suffolk County Police Department, one of the largest municipal law enforcement agencies in New York and the nation. For thirteen of those years he served as a section commander supervising investigators. He is a graduate of SUNY, Empire State College and served on active duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later in the reserves. Zurl left New York to live in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with his wife, Barbara. Ten (10) of his Sam Jenkins mysteries have been produced as audio  books and simultaneously published as eBooks or are under contract. His first full-length novel, A NEW PROSPECT, was named best mystery at the 2011 Indie Book Awards. A new full-length novel, A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT, is on the coming soon list at Iconic Publishing and will be available in print for early 2012.

  

Just One Guy's Honest Perspective on the World of the Post-publication Blues

Getting my first novel into print wasn’t an easy ride. From the day I wrote that first sentence on my yellow legal pad in the summer of 2006, to the day a signed contract showed up in our mailbox, the journey spanned four years. Prior to A NEW PROSPECT’s actual release in January 2011, I learned how some of the big names on the best seller lists took as much as ten years before their debut novels appeared. James Lee Burke mentioned once receiving 111 rejections before one of his earliest books got accepted by a publisher. So, I didn’t feel too bad.

Once my book was released and on all the data bases of the usual vendors, and I had my publisher’s press kit in hand, a new journey began—post-publication promotion and marketing. I had spent my entire adult life as either a soldier or a cop. I knew nothing about marketing, precious little about selling, and even less about the electronic media world. I didn’t know a tweet from chirp, a facebook from a facelift, or a blogspot from a sunspot. But I figured if I could convince a suspect it was in his best interest to write a statement admitting to one or more felonies, I could learn how to peddle books. I’m old-fashioned, so my first excursions began with arranging traditional book signings at the storefront bookshops near my home in east Tennessee.

                

I had seen pictorial accounts of famous authors sitting at a desk next to a five-foot-tall stack of their books, getting exhausted signing oodles of copies for a block-long line of their adoring fans. Don’t expect your first events to be that spectacular. I’m happy if I sell between four and seven books in two to three hours sitting in a retail store. Wouldn’t you know that the place where I sold out the entire stock of fifteen copies, Borders in Knoxville, Tennessee, went out of business? But success is a relative thing. I set up one Friday evening at a Hastings Book Store, right at the front entrance, next to one of those five-foot stacks of James Patterson’s latest mystery. I occupied a card table with a half-dozen copies of A NEW PROSPECT. Two and a half hours later, I packed up after scoring 5 books for me, while James sold none.

Don’t get discouraged if you only sell a few books at an event. You’re winning the hearts and minds of potential readers and book buyers when they take your business cards and/or one of the printed handouts you’ve prepared with a brief summary for your book(s)…HINT. Shoppers aren’t stupid. They may like a signed copy of your book, which might be worth a few cents more after you’re famous…or dead, or they may prefer to shop the Internet discount sites rather than pay retail plus sales tax.

                

Other writers surprise me when they say how terribly uncomfortable (or afraid) they are to meet their public at book signings. Considerate it part of the job. I had to learn how to become intimate with dead bodies in my former occupation, live ones are now a breeze. Speaking engagements are also part of the job. Start practicing—it really gets easier with experience. And remember the old public speaker’s trick to feel in control of a group. Imagine your audience sitting there in their underwear. That may be more exciting some places than at others, but if you’re laughing to yourself, you tend to lose stage fright quickly.

                

After much soul searching, you still can’t bare the idea of watching shoppers avoid eye contact with you and scurrying away from your table quicker than if you were trying to sell time shares? Maybe a virtual book tour is more up your ally. You may arrange these personally by networking with bloggers for reciprocal favors. But if you don’t maintain a blog and lack the time to thoroughly read and review other writer’s books, you can hire a publicist who will arrange stops with his or her stable of reviewers, interviewers, bloggers, and radio show hosts. I’ve done a two-month summer VBT and now I’m in the middle of a pre-holiday sales push. These virtual tours can be a lot of work. You MUST prepare intelligent, interesting, and sometimes wordy responses to an interviewer’s questions and quality guest postings for someone’s blog.  And be prepared to give away review copies of your book and prize copies to contest winners—that’s all part of the package, too.

                

Book tours are the glamour part of selling. The day-to-day reality involves posting clever and catchy blurbs on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google &, etc., ect. Follow the lead of some of your favorite authors to see how they handle it. Then be prepared to devote hours a day to “establishing an Internet presence.” Gads, I hate that phrase as much as seeing a Blue Screen of Death.

                

Here’s my take on this extremely necessary aspect of an author’s life: Writing is fun. Post-publication marketing is too much like work. But for me, it’s like saying, “I love to cook. I can’t wait to eat what I’ve made. But I hate to do dishes.” That little voice inside my head keeps telling me, “Suck it up, pal.”

~ Wayne Zurl

Synopsis:  A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl 


Sam Jenkins never thought about being a fish out of water during the twenty years he spent solving crimes in New York. But things change, and after retiring to Tennessee, he gets that feeling. Jenkins becomes a cop again and is thrown headlong into a murder investigation and a steaming kettle of fish, down-home style. 


In true Jenkins style, Sam turns common police practice on its ear to insure an innocent man doesn't fall prey to an imperfect system and the guilty party receives appropriate justice. A NEW PROSPECT takes the reader through a New South resolutely clinging to its past and traditional way of keeping family business strictly within the family.

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Here are several ways you can keep up with author Wayne Zurl's literary journey.

Website

His Books Available at Amazon

Audiobook Publisher

Twitter

Facebook

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Would you like to read Wayne Zurl's new book, A New Prospect? 

If so, check back after midnight where I'll be giving away a copy of A New Prospect along with other goodies that will be apart of 3 gift boxes. And just in time for the holidays.

Please leave a comment and tell me what you think about A New Prospect by Wayne Zurl?

Lena Sledge's BBAW Red Carpet Interview

It's Day 2 of the BBAW. The topic for today is: Shining the light on your fellow book bloggers. 

So what that means is each participant in the BBAW, was chosen to swap interviews with another book blogger. I was given the lovely Kay from Dead Book Darling. She has a book blog that features news, reviews and other literary tidbits. And her blog made the list of the Cision Top 10 Teen Literature Blogs. How spectacular.

Well, of course I can't follow the rules. That would be no fun.  I  mean it's Book Blogger Appreciation Week. So what better way to show your appreciation than an award ceremony. And what do they do at award ceremonies? They ask questions on the red carpet. So we are here on Lena Sledge's Red Carpet Interviews. First let me show you the dress I'm wearing cause it's slamming and smoking hot! 

These are the shoes I have on under the dress, minus the hairy legs.

So now we have the scene set, so without further ado, I give you Kay from Dead Book Darling. (insert applause here and whistling) Roll out the red carpet!

 You write non-fiction as your day job. Do you think you will ever write a book? If so, what subject would you write about?

If I ever write a book, I can pretty much guarantee it will be non-fiction and probably related to some sort large socio-scientific issue. I know that that phrase sounds terribly posh, but what I am actually talking about is our society's relationship with science. It's what I studied, it's my day job, and it is what I get stupidly passionate about. The thing is, writing a book is really hard work. While novelists have all sorts of plot problems and character problems, non-fiction writers have all that AND the daunting research requirement. Still, I think I may one day turn my dissertation (which has been described to me as Cod by Mark Kurlansky but with wolves) into a book.

What is your favorite genre to read? Who is your favorite author in that genre?

I really do have a soft spot for science fiction and urban fantasy. They are two genres that I just love on principle, so even the bad authors aren't so terrible! They are my literary equivalent of the Star Trek franchise: fantastic 20% of the time, and the remaining 80% is great even when it is terrible. That said, I haven't read too much Sci Fi - it is still rather new to me! But I adore Ann Aguirre (seriously, I have a real girl crush on her). And for urban fantasy... I'd say that Jaye Wells epitomises everything that is great about the genre. She is funny, smart, and occasionally polemic. 

And what genres would you like to read but just haven't gotten around to yet?

I keep saying I will read more romance and crime... and then I never get round to it. Same goes for the numerous literary fiction novels I have on my shelves!

Someone is new blogging and has come to you for advice, what 3 things would you tell them NOT to do as a blogger? And 3 Things they SHOULD do as a blogger?

Don'ts:

• Do not start blogging for ARCS and free books. You know that heavy feeling of obligation and guilt you get whenever a friend gives you a book to read? That is what getting books from publishers is like. Not to mention the fact that most bibliophiles already have TBR stacks that can kill people. Should they really be added to?

• Don't start a blog if you don't like to write. Seriously, it's a bad idea. Writing is hard, hard work - even for those of us who love it.

• Don't start blogging for the "fame". People can tell straight off the bat, and it usually ends up with them being ignored!

Dos:

• Make lots and lots and lots of back-up posts. At some point in your blog-life you will suffer from blogger's block, so it is important to have some back-ups when that happens!

• Take part in memes. Things like "Waiting on Wednesday", "The Sunday Salon", and "In My Mailbox" are great fun - and they'll bring people to your blog!

• Take it seriously and don't post crap. Oh, and spell check while you're at it! I am always amazed by how well people react to my reviews and posts - it makes me want to make sure I am doing a good job. When an author responds to your review of their book, you're going to want to be certain that you've used the right "your/you're"!

A follower has informed you they have never read a book aside from school books, what book do you recommend they read first?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Full Stop.

What five blogs would you recommend to a new blogger and why?

Oh, GOD. I hate this question, because it is so hard to choose! Let's see... Jenny at Wondrous Reads is one of the most professional-yet-personal bloggers around. Read her! Aja writes the most amusing-yet-insightful book reviews on her livejournal - I wish I had one third of her insight. Kay at The Infinite Shelf is also a blogger I think all newbies should follow. Her website and content is super user-friendly and she seems to cut straight to the heart of a book whenever she reviews it. Kristi at The Story Siren is a good person to model yourself after for her time-management skills alone. Seriously, I don't know when that woman eats. Oh, and everyone out there should read Dear Author.Jane's reviews epitomise brilliant blogging. 

*We will have a brief intermission here, because I need a cocktail and the lovely Kay probably needs a break from all of my rambling. Have some won't you?*

And we're back! Live at Lena Sledge's Red Carpet Interviews... (Okay, okay. This program has been previously recorded)


Kay, lets say, an author/friend contacted you for a review and you agreed to review but strongly disliked it once you finished, would you still post the review? Why or why not? 

I am a very strong believer in the importance of negative reviews. So... yes. I would review it. I've done it before and I will do it again. It is really important to understand why someone doesn't like something - and that is a quality only achieved through negative reviews. Often times, I have read and adored negative reviews for books I've loved. Because every book has its faults and understanding, accepting, and even loving those faults is a part of the reading experience.

Imagine the world has changed and you are no longer allowed to write in any fashion? What would you do instead? Aside from traveling because I already know you like to travel. :-)

What a great question! Gosh...I would have to do some sort of work with animals. I do volunteer work at animal shelters, but I would love to make it into a full-time job. There are a lot of animals in serious need out there - and there are far too many humans who aren't willing to help them. I don't want to be one of them!

What book made the biggest impression on you as a reader? And why?

I'm going to say it again: Harry Potter. I am from the HP generation. The generation ruled by J.K. Rowling and her magical world of Muggles and Wizards and Dark Lords. The books consumed my tween-teenage years and I honestly don't know who I'd have grown up to be without them!

Some book reviewers get paid for their reviews. What do you think about being compensated monetarily? Do you think paid reviews are just as credible as non-paid reviews?

It really does depend on who pays for the review. If you are being paid to review a book by the author or publisher, well, it is highly unlikely that I am going to take your review seriously. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that I won't. But if the money is coming from a publication, then of course that's fine! In fact, Kirkus, if you're reading this, I would be over the moon to be paid by you. *puppy eyes* *drafts CV*

Tell me five things your followers don't already know about you?

1. I have an undergraduate degree in physics and, yes, have been known to entertain at parties with the long, fascinating history of particle physics.
2. I am not actually English... but I drink a lot of tea, so really, I think I should be given a passport based just on that.
3. I'm bilingual verging on trilingual (English, Spanish and French).
4. I can sing pretty much every musical written by Steven Sondheim, from start to finish.
5. I am active in a lot of fandoms. I often want to recommend certain fanfics on Dead Book Darling, but I always manage to restrain myself!

Well that's it folks for the Lena Sledge Red Carpet Interviews, join me in giving the lovely Kay of Dead Book Darling a round of applause. We wish her much success in her blogging journey and we hope to see her again real soon. Don't forget to go check out her blog and read the interview she did about me. Yes, me, Lena Sledge. Can you believe it. I'm so excited. Also, if you have time go check out some of the other blogger interviews for BBAW. 

Well, now it time to take off this dress and return to my normal attire.

Blessings!