Indie Monday

Today’s guest: Jean Davis

With so many cancellations of in-person author events due to World War C, I’m devoting my blog to Indie Monday interviews for the coming months to help my fellow authors with promotion. I’ll be featuring indie and small-press authors who produce quality work outside the boundaries and strictures of the traditional mass-produced, mass-marketed commercial publishing world and traditional bookstore shelves.

Today I’m proud to host Jean Davis, who writes speculative fiction. Jean lives in West Michigan with her musical husband, two nerdy kids, and two attention-craving terriers. When not ruining fictional lives from the comfort of her writing chair, she can be found devouring books and sushi, enjoying the offerings of local breweries, weeding her flower garden, or picking up hundreds of sticks while attempting to avoid the abundant snake population that also shares her yard. Her novels include The Narvan Series, Destiny Pills & Space Wizards, The Last God, A Broken Race, and Sahmara.

Recently I posed some questions to Jean. Here’s what she told me.

DL: Welcome, Jean. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

JD: I write speculative fiction for young adults and adults. Most of my work falls under Science Fiction and Fantasy, but I like to dabble in Paranormal, Romance, and other genres depending on where inspiration leads me. By day, I own and operate a sign shop, grow microgreens, and take care of my small flock of egg-laying chickens and ducks. When not working or writing, I’m a Netflix addict, collector of books for my many TBR stacks, and human petting machine for my two terriers.

DL: Tell us about your latest books and works in progress. 

JD: I’m so glad you made that plural. Because: projects! Currently I’m putting together my second short story collection, Dreams of Stars and Lies. This collection focuses on science fiction and includes six never-before-published stories. I’m hoping to have that out this summer. This fall/winter, I’m planning to release Bound in Blue, the third book of The Narvan. As far as new writing, I’m working on Spindelkin, a YA fantasy novel that I started last November.

In March, which, as it turns out, was a horrible time to release a new book thanks to this whole virus pandemic, I released Chain of Grey, the second book in my space opera series, The Narvan.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

Life outside the Narvan is not as ideal as Vayen would like. His job is unfulfilling, the people aren’t his, and even after five years, Anastassia still hasn’t quite forgiven him for stranding them in obscurity. 

Vayen’s idle daydreams of returning to the Narvan turn into a nightmare with an assassination attempt. Old friends have become enemies and old enemies are even less happy to see him. Threats barrage him from all sides, endangering not only his own life, but those of his family. 

There are too many hands vying for the Narvan, sinking the system into chaos. Vayen’s well-intentioned plans have blown up and his homeworld, along with everyone else, is suffering. Putting the Narvan together again means showing his face to the High Council, who will want to make an example of him for betraying their trust.

Staying out of it will get him killed. Unfortunately, his odds with jumping into it aren’t much better.

DL: Why do you write? What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?

JD: I write for much the same reason as I read or watch tv: to escape from reality. Life is busy and full of obligations, but my writing chair puts that all on hold for a couple hours at a time. There, I can create and solve problems for fictional people. Most days, it’s so much easier to deal with their lives than my own. I suppose you could also call it therapy.

DL: Please talk about your writing process. Where do your ideas come from? What is your favorite part of the process? Least favorite?

JD: When I’m coming up with ideas, my launching point is usually a “what if…” question. From there, I start a story with a sentence and see what comes next. Does this make for more editing later? Sometimes, but it makes the writing enjoyable for me so that’s how I roll. I’ve tried outlining, but if it gets into any level of detail, I have no inclination to write the story because I already know what happens. If I do any planning ahead of the game, and that applies more to my series books than standalone novels, it’s very generalized and often more of a few-sentence summary of the story than anything else.

It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the writing process. I suppose it would be the first edit. That’s where I start sewing all the pieces together and adding layers. My second favorite comes after the worst part, which is sending it out to my critique partners to tear into. But their comments always spark great things, often some of my favorite scenes.

DL: Could you reflect a bit on what writing or being a writer has meant for you and your life?

JD: Writing used to be just an escape for me, but now that I have books out in the big world, I enjoy sharing that escape with readers. Throughout the many stages of writing, both the learning parts and the publishing end, I’ve met so many wonderful people, fellow authors, aspiring writers, and readers too. It’s been great being part of a very supportive and inspiring community.

DL: What are links to your books, website, and blog so readers can learn more about you and your work?

JD: You can find links to all of my books on Amazon on my blog:

http://jeandavisauthor.com/

The Narvan series is also available in all the usual places.

Trust (Book 1)  Amazon / Kobo / B&N

Chain of Grey (Book 2): Amazon / Kobo / B&N

I’m also on Facebook and Instagram with pictures of books, authors, dogs, flowers, chickens and ducks:

https://www.facebook.com/jeandavisauthor

https://www.instagram.com/jeandavisauthor

 

Indie Monday

Today’s guest: D. A. Reed

With so many cancellations of in-person author events due to World War C, I’m devoting my blog to Indie Monday interviews for the coming months to help my fellow authors with promotion. I’ll be featuring indie and small-press authors who produce quality work outside the boundaries and strictures of the traditional mass-produced, mass-marketed commercial publishing world and traditional bookstore shelves.

Today I’m proud to host D.A. Reed (Deborah Reed), who writes young adult (YA) novels, as well as novels in the mystery/thriller genre. Deborah’s young adult novels are based on challenges children and adults face every day. Her characters touch the hearts of readers even after the last page has been turned, and Deborah’s hope is that the message her novels contain will help and encourage those who read them.

Deborah’s young adult novels have garnered the attention of children’s author Johnathan Rand, who invited her to be a writing instructor at his Author Quest writing camp for young writers in 2016-2020. She is in demand as a presenter at writers’ retreats, workshops, and conferences, and taught creative writing workshops to children in the United Arab Emirates at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2019. In addition to her novels, Deborah has had short horror stories published in Share Your Scare: A Lulu Anthology, and The Garfield Lake Review.

 

Recently I posed some questions to Deborah. Here’s what she told me.

DL: Welcome, Deborah. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

DAR: I am an author of five young adult fiction novels (Daisies in the Rain, Dancing with Shadows, The Rejects of Room 5, Dare Accepted, and Nothin’ but Gutters and Pocket Change) and three mystery/thriller adult novels (Web of Deceit is a stand-alone mystery/thriller; When Darkness Killed Her and When Vengeance Reigned are books 1 and 2 of the Caitlin O’Reilly trilogy). I have also published two volumes of short horror stories under the pseudonym H.G. Evans. I am a wife and a mother of a superhero and a princess. Not only do I love writing, but I love reading, and devour books of all genres. I also enjoy running, and plan many scenes from my novels while my feet pound out miles on the pavement!

DL: Tell us about your latest book and works in progress.

DAR: My latest novel was released April 15^th and is titled Nothin’ but Gutters and Pocket Change. It is a young adult novel that portrays the struggles of homeless teens. Here’s the synopsis:

Two separate lives, one goal: survival

 She is afraid for her life…

Summer Jackson and her brother Levi don’t tell anyone about what happens at home, dealing with the fights between their mother and live-in boyfriend Bracken in secret. But when Bracken puts their mom in the hospital, Summer realizes they can’t go back home, even if it means she and Levi end up sleeping in a gutter.

 He is abandoned by his family…

Midas Ramirez may not be rich, but at least he has a place to call home. That is, until he finds out the bank is taking the house, his parents are moving, and Midas isn’t welcome. Abandoned and with nowhere to go, Midas turns to the one thing he knows will get him cash fast – but it could also ruin his life.

 Both are out of options…

When things take a turn for the worse, Summer and Midas realize they have a choice to make – learn to trust others with their secrets…or risk losing everything.

I am currently working on the third and final novel in the Caitlin O’Reilly mystery/thriller trilogy, When Death Whispered Her Name. It will be released in fall of 2020.

DL: Why do you write? What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?

DAR: I write because I love stories and how they draw me into another world. More often than not, I become so engrossed in the book I am reading and the emotions in brings out in me that someone (my husband…my kids…) can call my name and I won’t hear them. There are several books I have read where the author elicited emotions as if the events were happening to me personally. Words are incredibly powerful, and those books made me want to create that same emotional response in others as well.

While my mystery novels are more purely for entertainment, my young adult novels all deal with real-life issues that kids (and also many adults) struggle with today. I try to incorporate a message in each of my YA novels that will help readers navigate these situations and this crazy thing called life!

DL: Please talk about your writing process. Where do your ideas come from? What is your favorite part of the process? Least favorite?

DAR: I try to write every day, even if it is only for ten minutes. It keeps the writing muscles moving, keeps the story fresh in my mind so when I sit down the next day, I know exactly where to go next.

I am not one to outline my books before beginning them. I tried outlining before and stared at a wall for over two hours before giving up and just going for it. Typically, I know how the novel will start, a few things that happen in the middle, and how it ends. Once I begin, the characters tend to take over and tell me where to go! (They can be rather bossy…) I love when the characters begin to take on a life of their own; they no longer are statistics on a page, they are real with a specific personality, way of talking, etc.

I think my least favorite part of writing is editing. Creating a written work is intensely personal and it can seem like a direct attack against your person when readers and editors critique that work. However, I truly believe that learning and evolving are continual processes–and the only way to improve and grow is to be willing to take a good, honest look at what others have to say. (Even if it hurts!)

My ideas come from everything around me. Conversations I have, things I see, smell…anything can set off a story in my head. One time I was running in downtown Rockford during winter and saw a woman bundled up in a winter coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. She was sitting on a bench and reading a book while holding a coffee cup in her other hand. I thought she was insane! It was only about thirty degrees outside, and the wind made it feel even colder. But she was outside, reading and drinking coffee. That woman stuck with me – and became the main character of a short story I began writing the next day!

DL: Could you reflect a bit on what writing or being a writer has meant for you and your life?

DAR: Writing has opened up many opportunities for me, for which I am incredibly grateful!

I think the biggest wonder for me is knowing how my writing has touched the lives of others. When I first began writing young adult novels, I was overwhelmed by the response from readers. Many thanked me for writing the stories and for the messages within. A mother contacted me to tell me about how one of my novels not only helped her daughter, but also herself personally. I often hear of my books being passed around to various family members as one person reads it and wants to share it with others. What floored me was also having a high school student approach me and say her friends keep wanting to read my books, but every time they go to the library, they’re already checked out. To know that the messages in my books are helping others is the greatest gift writing has given me.

Through writing I have also been blessed to meet a wonderful community of people who are loving and supportive as we all pour our hearts out through the written word. I have also been able to share my passion for writing with children and adults through writing workshops and presentations, some international.

DL: What are links to your books, website, and blog so readers can learn more about you?

DAR: All of my books are available on www.amazon.com and www.lulu.com.

Readers can follow me on:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dareedauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dareedauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com (D.A. Reed, Author)

Feel free to sign up for my monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gtszKT

Indie Monday

Today’s guest: Ingar Rudholm

On occasional Mondays, I’ll be featuring other authors on my blog—authors who produce quality work outside the boundaries and strictures of the traditional mass-produced, mass-marketed commercial publishing world and traditional bookstore shelves.

Today I’m proud to feature Ingar Rudholm. Ingar is the author of two books, the Traveling Circus (2017), and the brand-new prequel, soon to be released Traveling Circus and the Secret Talent Scroll (2020). Both books are aimed at readers aged ten to thirteen. A talented artist as well as an author, Ingar wrote and illustrated both of these books. Based in western Michigan, Ingar is well-known across the entire Michigan writer community for his creative marketing and publicity ideas, as well as for his great generosity in sharing his knowledge and insights with other writers as he helps them to achieve their goals.

Recently I posed some questions to Ingar. Here’s what he told me.

DL: Welcome, Ingar. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

IR: I was born and raised in Whitehall, MI. My mom owned Homestead Art Gallery on Mears right across the street from the Howmet Playhouse. (My mom would pay me an allowance so I could go across the street to watch plays like Wind in the Willows and Peter Pan.) My dad built and remodeled homes in the Muskegon County area. When I was a child, my mother encouraged me to take art classes, and my father encouraged me to write. Thanks to my mom’s art gallery, I’ve met several local painters and attended local art fairs from Traverse City to Rockford around the state.

During the day, I’m an engineer for Industrial Assemblies in Fruitport, MI, which manufactures store fixtures and displays for retail chains. And at night, I write and illustrate children’s books.

In 2010, my mother passed away, leaving behind a set of brushes, a box of paints, and several art history books. She had dementia, leaving her unable to paint during the final years of her life. Traveling Circus is my first illustrated novel and includes references to a lot of famous painters, but it is also a tribute to the first artist I’ve ever known and loved: my mom.

DL: Tell us about your latest book and works in progress.

IR: After positive reviews from parents, I decided to write a prequel to Traveling Circus called Traveling Circus and the Secret Talent Scroll. It’s an origin story of how the circus started and how the ringmaster turned into the “bad” guy.

Here’s the book description:

Buried in the wreckage of a sunken ship, Cordelia finds a skeleton clutching an ammo box. Inside, she discovers a magic scroll that turns any natural talent into a superpower. The scroll transforms an ordinary girl like Cordelia into something extraordinary—a mermaid.

When a tragic car accident shatters Cordelia’s dreams of becoming an Olympic swimmer, her father, Salvatore, is determined to harness the scroll’s magical powers to heal his daughter. But his tampering with the scroll comes at a steep price.

Will Cordelia achieve her Olympic dreams, or remain forever cursed as a mermaid in a circus sideshow?

DL: Why do you write? What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?

IR: I love books, art, plays, music, and movies. Writing and illustrating are my outlets for being creative. After college, I almost gave up on all of it and I settled for a “day” job. But, like the mafia, creative people draw me back into the family. Crime doesn’t pay, neither does art. I’m kidding!

Luckily, most of the things I wanted to accomplish with writing already became a reality. I have an editorial review from the Detroit Free Press, a guest spots on a few radio/television shows, school visits, and even a fan letter!

Moving forward, I’ve set new aspirations. I plan to create a platform, using books and art, to inspire and entertain kids. Who knows if my goals will work out, but I’ll have fun creating value-tainment. (Okay, so I made-up that last word.)

DL: Please talk about your writing process. Where do your ideas come from? What is your favorite part of the process? Least favorite?

IR: I keep notepads next to my bed, couch, and kitchen. Every time I have an idea, I reach for my notepad. If I encounter writer’s block, I’ll go for a walk. There’s something about being in the fresh air and exercising that stimulates my brain.

My favorite part about writing is coming up with the initial story idea and polishing the final manuscript. During the creative process I encounter what I call serendipitous ideas. These ideas tie characters together with a scene or an emotion. Most of my “happy accident ideas” occur when I’m reading an news article or listening to a podcast, letting the subconscious mind run wild while lying in bed, or in the shower.

The least favorite part is the rough draft. I have to accept my first draft isn’t going to perfect, I’m going to make a lot of mistakes, and all the pieces won’t fall into place right away.

DL: Could you reflect a bit on what writing or being a writer has meant for you and your life?

IR: I need to stay busy, otherwise I get the “mean reds.” To quote an Audrey Hepburn line from Breakfast at Tiffany’s: “The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you’re afraid, and you don’t know what you’re afraid of.” By staying creative, it keeps the demons at bay. Also, I’ve always felt comfortable when I was surrounded by artists. Traveling all over Michigan, I meet tons of creative authors, artists, and musicians.

DL: What are links to your books, website, and blog?

IR: Here are some links so readers can learn more about me and my work:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B086X7JKJ3/ref=dp_st_1482077620

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=822qOUnQjUA

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12106604.Ingar_Rudholm

Indie Monday

Today’s guest: Jordan Scavone

On occasional Mondays, I’ll be featuring other authors on my blog—authors who produce quality work outside the boundaries and strictures of the traditional mass-produced, mass-marketed commercial publishing world and traditional bookstore shelves.

Today I’m delighted to feature Jordan Scavone. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Children’s Literature and Theater for the Young from Eastern Michigan University, Jordan began working on his first picture book. In April of 2016, Jordan received his M.A. in Children’s Literature from Eastern Michigan University. Currently, he lives with his wife Chelsea, their cat Lizbeth, and soon-to-arrive baby boy (June 2020!).

Jordan is the author of five books. Four are books for children: Might-E (2017, illustrated by Caitlyn Knepka), The Mud Princess (2018, illustrated by Monica Guignard), A Girl Named Adam (2019, illustrated by C.N.J. Zing), and Turtle Day (2019, illustrated by Monica Guignard). His latest publication is a young adult novel, Night Warrior, newly released last month and already getting rave reviews.

Recently I posed some questions to Jordan. Here’s what he told me.

DL: Welcome, Jordan. Could you tell us a little about yourself?

JS: I am an author with four children’s books out and one brand-new young adult novel! I am a infant/toddler teacher and strive to bring as many new books into my classroom as possible. I like video games, movies, unicorns, and playing Dungeons and Dragons!

DL: Tell us about your latest book and works in progress. Where did the ideas for those works come from?

JS: My latest book is called Night Warrior and it follows a high-school-age girl who is a wannabe fantasy author. However, after some magical shenanigans the characters in her book start to enter her world. Sword and magic adventure in an urban setting! It’s a bit of a contrast from writing children’s picture books, but it was a blast to do and people have been receiving it really well. This book pulls inspiration from playing Dungeons and Dragons, and I even used a campaign to help build the lore of the book.

DL: Why do you write? What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?

JS: I write because I get too much creative energy and I need to get it out. My brain generates stories and I write them down. I used to just do it for myself so I could experience the stories in a better medium, and then I found out people liked them, so, books! I hope to do my best to allow everyone to find themselves in a character I one of my works. I want to be inclusive and welcoming to as many people as I can.

DL: Please talk a little about your writing process. What is your favorite part of the process? Least favorite?

JS: My writing process is strange, at least I think it is. My favorite part also happens to be my least favorite part. I’ll sit down and write for hours on end and get a lot done, but then find issues with being able to write regularly. So, I love that I can sit and write for hours on end, but I also kind of hate it as it really takes up a whole day! My writing process is very unorganized…

DL: Could you reflect a bit on what writing or being a writer has meant for you and your life?

JS: Deep down I always wanted to write for others and I think I knew that when I was a kid. I remember we had a program called “Storybook Weaver: DELUX” when I was in elementary school and I would write bad fantasy books with the stock images and characters they had in the program and then show them to everyone in my class. As I got more self-conscious, I stopped showing people my writing as much. I’m still self-conscious about my writing but am more willing to let people see it…clearly. At the end of the day writing has brought me new friends, new experiences, and so much fun. I think the thing that brings me the most joy is when people get happy when they read something I write. When I go to a school and do a reading for 400+ kids and they are silent during it then want me to read more books, it means a lot.

DL: What are links to your books, website, and blog so readers can learn more about you and your work?

JS: Between these links, all the links to my books and contacts can be easily found:
Website: www.jordanjscavone.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MightEBook

Email Contact@JordanJScavone.com

Twitter @RealJScavone