Writer Spectacle #1
Featured Writers

 

Gurpreet Kaur Sidhu

How long have you been writing?
10+ years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
30 hours

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
No

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
My imagination

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I’ve written a self-help book when I was a senior in high school, which started off as a blog. But my main focus and love is fiction.

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
Ha! I’ve been there and it’s honestly one of the hardest things to endure, especially when this is something you’ve wanted since you were in the seventh grade. My advice would be that if you truly believe your story is great and you see that it has a lot of potential, don’t give up on it. I didn’t want to self-publish because I didn’t want to handle the marketing. However, now that I’m self-publishing my book and hired people to help in areas I’m not good at, I’m beyond excited that I get to put this story out there! I really loved this story and my gut told me not to give up on it. So I didn’t.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/STORM-REMEMBER-Gurpreet-Kaur-Sidhu-ebook/dp/B07CYNN4P3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1526948580u0026amp;sr=8-1u0026amp;keywords=storm+it%27s+a+curse+to+remember

Your website or blog 
www.gurpreetkaursidhu.com

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
Before I write, I daydream. I let my mind wander. Since I’m on the go, I don’t have time to sit down and reflect, unless I make the time, which I don’t. So when it’s time to write, I give myself fifteen minutes to daydream and see where my mind takes me. If it’s not daydreaming, then I will go on Pinterest and look at mansions and interior designs. Oddly enough, this always inspires me to knock out as many pages as I can in one sitting.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
This was not good. She wondered what he wanted and how he managed to track her down. Shadow was sure she had been discreet about her move and whereabouts.

Shadow frantically opened the envelope and out she pulled a piece of paper. Etched on the paper was:

Peek a boo, I see you.

Slowly, she started to lose feeling in her legs. Her hands started to shake. Her lungs started to close up, but as her body was put into such shock, everything she felt was amplified. This is how I’m going to die, she thought. At work, in my car, this is how they’re going to find me.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
I would say read as much as you can. Expand your circle and travel a lot because the more knowledge you feed your mind and soul, the better your stories will be. Through experiences you will be able to give the world an epic story that they will remember for years. I’m not saying that you can’t use your imagination. It’s just that when you get older, sometimes your imagination goes into hiding. And you need to bring it back out by going outside of your comfort zone and having experiences, which then you can write from or exaggerate about.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Trying to make your first draft perfect, I think is the biggest trap aspiring writers fall into. We want what we write to be perfect and forget that editing comes last. So, most of the time, writers get stuck in trying to perfect one page. They spend so much time trying to write the perfect sentence or paragraph that they stress themselves out. In result, there isn’t a full manuscript to edit. So, don’t try to make your draft perfect. Just write. Keep on writing until you’re done telling the story and then begin editing. We all have a great story to tell but if we get stuck on trying to write the perfect sentence or chapter, we’ll never actually finish writing the story.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Yes, of course! When I first began to send out query letters, my heart was set on getting an agent. My editor is a huge advocate for self-publishing because with self-publishing, the author has all the control. Even so, I wanted to get an agent to represent me. I sent out over a 100 query letters and received more than 40 rejection letters and didn’t hear back from some of them. Yes, it was a little discouraging having to read one rejection letter after another but because I knew how great my story was, I decided that if I wanted the world to read this story, I had to self-publish. I hate the marketing aspect of it and that’s why I was so hesitant to self-publish in the first place. I also didn’t want to become an undiscovered writer either. This is the biggest challenge so far. It’s making sure that I do everything I can do to ensure that this book reaches its audiences and doesn’t go under the radar. It’s overwhelming and nerve-wracking, but exciting at the same time!

Anything else you’d like to say?
If you believe you can be the best-selling author, then you will be able to hold that title one day. Just keep writing, editing, reading and keep pushing your work forward. Do whatever you have to do to make sure your story gets on those stands. Being able to write a novel is a craft. A lot of time and dedication goes into this craft. I would hate to know an aspiring writer gave up because of the first few hurdles she or he faced. Don’t ever give up. I’ve come a long way from my first draft and I can’t wait to see my book on the New York’s Best Seller’s list. This may sound cliché, but if you can believe it, then you can achieve it. I believe in that 200% percent.

 

Deanie Humphrys-Dunne

 

How long have you been writing?
9 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
25 hours, including promoting my books and books of other authors

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I graduated from 2 courses with the Institute of Children’s Literature. In addition, I edit for other authors and review their books.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
I love to inspire children to follow their dreams and set goals.

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Each of my books promotes good values for children such as, sharing, helping others, perseverance, and setting goals. The fictional books are illustrated by my gifted sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj and are narrated by the animal characters. The non-fiction book is my personal  story of starting life as a special needs child and becoming an equestrian champion.

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
If writing is your passion, pursue it. There are always those who have a negative view of your work,but it’s only one  person’s opinion. Remember that famous authors like Dr. Suess, were rejected many times before they succeeded. Perseverance is the key to success.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711P67DM/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8u0026amp;btkr=1

Link to “My Life at Sweetbrier.”

Your website or portfolio link
www.childrensbookswithlifelessons.com/

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I write with no distractions such as, music, or radio playing. But I prefer to write something and reread it later in the day, or even the following day, in case there is something I might improve before publishing.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
“Do you know what the word “perseverance” means? The definition of that word is “not giving up.” I believe it’s the key to achieving your dreams. We often tend to give up when things become difficult. But is that the right choice? Suppose I’d given up when I was learning to jump. Do you think I’d have become a champion? I don’t. Instead, it is wise to use your challenges to motivate you toward your goals because when you’ve conquered one obstacle, you gained the confidence to tackle your next challenge.

Whatever your dream is, reach for it and persevere, because you may accomplish more than you ever imagined. You may even beat the odds like I did.” ( A quote from “My Life at Sweetbrier.)

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
I believe it’s important to pursue your passion. If writing is what you love, surround yourself with those who support your objective. That doesn’t mean they will not offer constructive criticism, but they should support your dream. Remember, there will be someone who aims to discourage you, but don’t let them derail your dream. Instead, listen to your intuition for guidance.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Don’t feel that because your book is out, everyone will know about it and purchase it. Develop a marketing strategy ahead of time. Ask your blogger, or author friends if they will feature your upcoming book on their blog. Have a website professionally designed to help spread the word about your book release.

Make sure you have read and reread your work before it’s submitted. I’d recommend having it professionally edited. You don’t want anything released until you’re confident it’s your best effort.

Also, check out the credentials of your publishing company. Are they approved by the Better Business Bureau?  You will save yourself much angst if you plan ahead and avoid problems after your book is published.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge is marketing. When I first became an author, I didn’t have a website, or a marketing consultant.  Additionally, I had no idea how important book promotions were to my success. These issues have been corrected. I’m pleased with my website and Beth Kallman Werner has developed  a marvelous marketing plan for my latest book, “My Life at Sweetbrier.”

Anything else you’d like to say?
My goal is to write books to inspire children to follow their dreams. I feel they are often disheartened when they face a difficult challenge, so they fail to pursue what they would love. I hope they remember something my dad always said, “You never know what you can do until you try.”

 

Amber Morris

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing for seven years.

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
On average I’ll write about fifteen hours per week.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I’ve taken master classes and workshops from Jerry Jenkins

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
What motivates me to write is simply watching my story unfold before my eyes.

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I write epic fantasy for children, ages 6-8, through young adult.

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
I would tell them to never quit. All writing is subjective and while some publishers will reject your work, you have to push through to find the right fit. Take all criticism with a grain of salt and don’t shy away from having to rework your manuscript if necessary. Failure is the only way we learn.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
My most proud work is still a work in progress, but this link is to my first publishing which features the same main character, which I am pretty proud of as this book almost didn’t get published.

http://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrens-booksya/howflynnthelohliconqueredhisfears

Your website or blog 
https://twipplestoast.wixsite.com/armorrisauthor

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
My funny habits would be that I will act out what the characters say and do to better visualize the image.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
Chapter 3, from THE LOH’LI AND THE IMMORTAL SOUL

They marched on for another mile in relative silence, until they spotted something in the distance. Flynn and Rinnick readied their bows and Finnick his sword, as they inched closer on their silent approach.
It was someone’s home. An awning of wolf and bear pelts hung over a door of animal skins that led into a hollowed aringrove with windows bordered in stone. Outside was a cooking spit and to the left was an outdoor living space with a makeshift hammock and an animal pelt canopy with dried flowers hanging from the posts.
“Who do you think lives here?” whispered Finnick.
“Not sure,” said Flynn, “but we should go before—”
“VISITORS!”
At once the loh’lis spun around, ready for an attack, but who stood before them was not who they expected.
It was a loh’li, carrying as much wood as he possibly could, and he let the crudely cut logs plop to the ground. He was much shorter than the others, like he’d withered from his many years of wandering the woods. Although his untidy hair was red like the twins, it had streaks of gray with leaves and twigs like he’d rolled around in the dirt. He wore tattered trousers that barely covered his shins, and under a wolf pelt vest was a shirt that appeared to be made from a burlap sack, long since washed. His wrinkled face twisted to a large grin as he looked at the trio.
“Hello,” he said with a small wave of his fingers.
Rinnick and Flynn slowly withdrew their arrows and Finnick lowered his sword. They dashed a look at each other and then back at the loh’li.
“Hi,” said Flynn. He was about to say more, but was cut off in midbreath.
“It’s been years since I’ve had any visitors!” said the loh’li. “Well, maybe not years, could’ve been months, I don’t know. I don’t keep track of time, except for when it’s night and day; that’s fairly obvious. But I haven’t seen anyone in a long, long time. Unless you count the squirrels, the deer, the bears”—this he counted on his fingers—“the birds, fish, mice, these little things that look like mice but not really, they’re vicious little blood suckers, but their claws make for excellent toothpicks, and . . . oh yes, spiders! I have a collection of them, do you want to see?” And he marched off between the twins.
Just when it looked like the loh’li was out of earshot, Rinnick leaned over to Flynn and whispered, “He’s a little ridiculous.”
The loh’li whirled around. “You know my name!”
No one said a word.
“Rudy the Ridiculous at your service,” and he bowed so low his nose almost touched his bare toes.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Keep things to the point. Don’t drag on with needless narrative or words that don’t move the story forward, and don’t be afraid to cut unnecessary scenes. And, most importantly, don’t be discouraged if when you’re done you have a lot of rewriting. Whether you’re a pantser or a plotter, it’s all part of the process toward making your manuscript the best it can be.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Relying too much on social media to solve their story’s problems. Often in writing groups you’ll see many posts asking, “I need a name for this character,” or, “I need help solving this problem.” It’s easy to fall into the trap of asking thousands to do the hard work for you, but in doing so you’re allowing too many ideas into your story. Everyone has an opinion, and there’s no shortage of them on social media. My advice to aspiring writers when it comes to looking to social media for help is to ignore it and look to your story for the answers. Ask yourself, does my story or my characters need this? Only you know the inner workings of your plot and what makes your characters tick, so only you can effectively answer your story’s questions.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
During my final year of high school, I had gone in for surgery to fix my “broken” nose. A couple months later while attempting a writing assignment, I was having trouble forming a sentence, something I had never struggled with. My speech was becoming slow and I had a hard time remembering things, as well as keeping my balance simply while standing. After some time struggling with this, I went to the doctor and it was discovered that the anesthetic used during my surgery had lodged itself in the left side of my brain, not to mention a pesticide toxicity of that of a 40 year old. For two years I underwent a detox, after which I suffered minor memory loss, which included the last three years of schooling, all to fix the cartilage in my nose that never healed. Devastated, I dropped out and retired to the idea that I’d always run the small dairy farm my family operated. But then, in November of 2010, I was suddenly inspired by the idea for my story, and for a year I developed it in my head before I finally decided to write. I still struggle with memory and forming sentences, and writing is still a slow process for me, but had it not been for this series, I would never have taught myself to write again.

Anything else you’d like to say?
Thank you for the opportunity!

 

Kevin Eastman

How long have you been writing?
3 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
3 – 4

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
No

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
My goal with my writing is to positively impact lives.

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Currently, the content I’ve written is non-fiction, self-development..

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
Be persistent, don’t overlook self-publishing as an option, and believe in your work. No one can tell your story better than YOU!

A direct link to your most proud of written work 
http://a/co/hr7vm27

Your website or portfolio link
www.kevineeastman.com

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I’ve written my first book, and incorporated many of my personal experiences in it. I wanted to relay to the reader that I was writing from a very real place. Some of those experiences are downright hilarious to read, now that I’ve learned better, but they sure weren’t funny when I was going through them!

As for as my writing habits, I have a habit of writing when I’m sleepy, then going back and editing it the next day! For some reason, so of the most unique writing comes from a tired mind.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
“Everyone has a desire to win; not everyone is prepared to win. It isn’t always easy to spot the light at the end of the tunnel, but it is there. Success is yours for the taking, but it won’t be handed to you. It takes an enormous amount of courage to change. You must be willing to go over, under, around, or through any obstacle that happens to be in your way. Think about this: everything you want to achieve is located just on the other side of fear and self-doubt! All you need is a method and the tools to get you over there.

A great start is removing the thought of being afraid to fail. You’re going to fail at some tasks; you might as well accept it. However, the possibility of failure should never deter you from pursuing a goal you want. Failure isn’t the end of the line until you make it the end of the line! Use failure as a teacher instead of a roadblock.

Stay focused on the goal, not the obstacle. If you fail but still want to achieve the goal, acknowledge the failure, assess what went wrong, restructure the plan and attack it from another direction. The goal isn’t going to change, but your plan to achieve it can always change!” – Excerpt from chapter 4 of “Don’t Gamble on Life Improvement… Until You Shift the Odds!”

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Stay persistent, and believe in your work! At times, the process will be frustrating, and you may have self doubt. The best advice I received was from another author friend of mine: “As long as you believe in your writing, and speak as if you do, your message will reach the the people it needs to reach.”

You will have doubters along the way, but you have to stay focused on your goal. Think about it this way: there are billions of people on the planet. Chances are greater that someone wants your story, than NO one wanting it!

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Don’t rush to get the book published. I took over two years to complete my book, because it didn’t deliver the message the way I wanted it to deliver. So, until I felt the message was conveyed, it wasn’t published. You will know when it’s complete.

Also, learn how to “stop writing!” I know… shocking, but I have to explain that statement. Another author friend of mine told me, as some point, you’ll have to stop writing, because the story will never be “done.” You will always find something you want to tweak. When you’ve finished telling your story, set the entire thing down for about three weeks and don’t even look at it! Then, pick it back up and read it. If it still sound good, take a deep breath, and hit the submit button!

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
As a first time author, I’ve run into the usual challenges. As a relatively unknown author, particularly of a self-development book, I have the uphill climb of trying to convince readers that my material has substance and merit.

Other challenges are what most authors run into: promotion and marketing. I majored in marketing in college, so I can truly say it’s a tough business. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary evil, because without it, no one will know who you are, or what your book can offer.

Anything else you’d like to say?
I’ve heard many people say, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to write a book, but I’ve never had the time.” Being an author is a rewarding experience, even if it’s only to other authors! Publishing a book is a frightening task. However, getting positive feedback from a reader that says they enjoyed what you wrote makes the journey well worth the effort!

 

elizabeth Russell

How long have you been writing?
Since I was thirteen, but I’ve been working on my blog for about 15 months, and my novels for the past 5 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
20

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I have a liberal arts bachelors degree, and have taught writing for two years in private grade school, middle school, and high school grades. I also write for a community magazine.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
To tell the stories that are always constantly growing in my head.

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I write fantasy typically, action/adventure, romance, exploring the fantastic. But my writing is always motivated by an internal question: the question of what drives mankind, what gives meaning to life, who are we, what makes us good people? What is a hero?

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
I would advise them to figure out why their stories aren’t working. If you want to tell a story, you can, but you have to be dedicated to figuring out how to do it. Usually, if you can’t tell a good story, it’s because you’re neglecting 1/2 of the process. Either the creative muse that puts all rules aside and dives deep into the fun of the story, or the structured, analytical side, that ruthlessly, intelligently edits the work once the first draft is complete and the muse has flown.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/Halfbreeds-Elizabeth-Russell-ebook/dp/B072KFSF11/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Your website or blog
Website: https://elizabethrussellauthor.com/

Blog: https://thefairytaleblog.com/

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I often make up fairytales while telling them to my four-year-old brother, and then write them down on my blog. He challenges me to fill the tales with lots of action, instead of my natural tendency to put in a lot of description. :) When I put in too much description, he quickly loses interest!

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
I had never seen her in the bookshop before, but she looked like she had always been there. I almost didn’t notice her this time, and I thought, maybe I just missed her other times, like a spring flower you never saw before because you weren’t looking close enough. The straining light from the blue glass window glinted against her mousy brown hair, and silhouetted her sharp profile. Receding chin, jutting nose, and pursed lips…she was an introvert, I decided. And she probably doesn’t have any friends.
I didn’t mean that in a mean or debasing way, just an observation. In fact, she would probably grow up to be successful, outgoing, and confident – she had that look about her: in the intelligent stance of her casual legs and the carefree way she clasped her hands behind her back as she leaned in to squint closely at the titles before her.
After a moment – and in that moment I captured her in my mind, locked and sealed away for remembrance, as I occasionally liked to do with fascinating patrons – she swung herself forward, picked up a selection from the shelf, and in the same fluid motion, pulled back and twirled toward me.
She brought only that one book to the counter and I was surprised. Most girls like her would come with their arms laden and overflowing, staggering beneath the weight of centuries of words, fully intending to one day read every book under the sun, and buying as many from me as they could, as if to get a head start. But she had only the single volume.
“Rembrant?” I asked. It was a good choice – one of the best biographies I had ever read, and I told her so.
She was leaning her elbows on the counter, her feet at least four feet away, and her toes on one foot musically tapping the old wooden floorboards. “Mmhm,” was her tiny answer accompanied by a tiny smile. Her eyes were hidden behind dark glasses, and I suspected they weren’t seeing me or anything around her. They were penetrating the leather and cardboard bindings surrounding us, transporting her into worlds and lives beyond our own.
“Have you read it before?”
“No, but he’s my next case study. I do case studies, you know.”
Such an answer was too wonderful and casual not to pursue. I purposefully took my time filling out the paper receipt. I loved not having to mess with ipads and swipers and glitchy apps: my eyes and hands were good enough for me. “What do you mean by that? What do you study?”
“Oh, artists, poets, musicians, politicians, and religions.”
“Wow! And you’re making your way through Rembrandt?”
“He’s the next one, yeah. I just finished Palestrina.”
I blinked. How many young people today knew of Palestrina? “That’s quite a jump, isn’t it?” I asked. “From Palestrina to Rembrandt? About a hundred years, I’d say.”
“Rembrandt was born only twelve years after Palestrina died. Not too big of a gap. I don’t think time and history are as long and disjointed as we like to pretend.”
“A lot can happen in a hundred years.”
“But a lot stays the same, or else just keeps moving in the same direction.” She was still leaning against the counter, but her head was perked up now, and her brown eyes, magnified by her thick lenses, were looking deep into me, as if I was the book cover, hiding deep secrets inside me. “I’ll bet Rembrandt heard Palestrina’s music and was inspired by him. I think we spend too much time thinking about the negative things that influence people. But what about the beautiful things? Those have just as much influence, don’t they?”
Instead of answering, I asked her how old she was as I stuffed the book into one of our custom-made cloth bags.
“Fifteen. How old are you?” she shot back.
I told her I was thirty-four. “But I was asking,” I continued, “because I think you’re going to change the world someday, and I wanted to know when I should start looking for your name in academic circles.” She almost blushed, but instead tossed her long, straight hair over her shoulder with a flick of her head. “By the way,” I said, “I have a magnificent illuminated copy of Rembrandt’s paintings in the back. I’d give it to you for half-price. Or, you know what, you can have it. It deserves to be with someone who will care for it like you will.” Before she could answer, I went to the back and brought out one of my treasures: The Collected Works of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. It was old, heavy, and large, and as she gathered it into her arms, it seemed to swallow her whole. But in a good way, as if Rembrandt’s works, shut up and hidden inside the hard-cover binding, had illuminated her with beauty and truth.
Though she looked nothing like his “Girl at a Window,” she was her in that moment. Innocence, potential, darkness and light, shadow and depth, and for one moment of eternity, I was captivated. This – she – was at once a Madonna and a mortal, a goddess and a girl.
She thanked me with awed breath, and turned to go, and just as she reached the door, and I had returned to my place behind the wooden counter, she looked back, fearless and buoyant, and declared, “My name is Evangeline Nova. And you can look for me in ten years.”

Evangeline, published on the fairy tale blog

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Don’t be afraid to keep learning! No matter what stage you’re in in your craft, you can always push yourself further, and reach a new stage of greatness!

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
There are two that I am particularly prone to.
1. It is very easy to get too caught up in delivering the theme, making it too blatant and heavy handed. But you just need to trust, when writing the first draft, that it will come through naturally. And if it doesn’t, you can edit it afterwards.
2. It is also very easy to just plow ahead with the plot at the cost of developing the world and characters. Then it becomes just a skeleton story, and not at all like what is in your head.

I don’t know if other writers run in to these traps, but I know I do!

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
I suffer from myalgic encephalitis, and I am bed ridden most of the time. The condition brings with it a host of symptoms, including arthritis, constant pain in all my nerves, brain fog, memory loss, and migraines. Because of this, it can be challenging to stick to a schedule, or maintain any kind of regular writing habit. Any advice I’ve ever heard about writing says that you must write every day on a regular schedule. But since I’m not able to do that, I’ve had to work around it. Now, when I have a good day, I just write as much as I can! It’s less about habit and pattern for me, and more about drive and resolve. I love writing with my whole being, so when I’m able to do it, I do!

Anything else you’d like to say?
Always be reading! No matter what genre you love, find the very best authors in it and devour their books. It is in reading the greats that we learn how to be great!

 

Teel James Glen

How long have you been writing?
all my life

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
40 or more

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
no

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
To touch my dreams and share them

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Fiction with a concentration on adventure, mystery, fantasy and dark fantasy, much of it in various historical periods.

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
Never take no for an answer. If you believe in your writing keep sending it out. The Thornbirds, one of the most successful books of all time was rejected by 48 publisher back in the 70s. There are more markets now than ever with a wider global reach than ever before.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Most-Faire-Knight-Mystery/dp/0615731139/ref=sr_1_29_twi_pap_2?s=booksu0026amp;ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1527555968u0026amp;sr=1-29u0026amp;keywords=Teel+James+Glenn

Your website or blog 
theurbanswashbuckler.com

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I can write anywhere, but I prefer to have the tv on while I do, or to write in a public place–I find that writing in silence is actually distracting to me. Exactly opposite of what one would think, intuitively.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of

“Speak,” Mictlantecuhtli said. “Or do you fear me?”
As he said it I realized I did not fear death. I had not since my father explained to me about why a baby bird I saw dead on the ground got there when I was five. Only a year later my parents were killed in the train wreck. I had known from the start then, that life was valuable and could be short, but Mini had taught me that it was to be lived not horded. Death was not to be feared, only a life not lived, an endless horizon of days without purpose. Nenetl was part of what gave me purpose.
“No I do not fear you,” I said boldly, “I respect you, that is all.”
The moving skeleton that was the avatar of the god laughed a deep, throaty laugh.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Write what you love, not what you think will please others– because ultimately, no matter what you write there will always be those who do not like it. And conversely, there will be those who love it, but, know that it may take a while to sell it, so better you love it while it is an orphan than not.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Don’t try to write the ‘next big thing” by following the current trends– you are already too late if you read it on the bookshelves. Write what speaks to you, what you have inner or practical knowledge of and that you love enough to stick with through many drafts, because there will be many drafts! And write characters you care about– you will be spending a lot of time with them!

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
I was homeless for a couple of years when my apartment was flooded out- I couch surfed and was even on the streets for a bit, but I kept writing through it all– in fact, the writing helped keep my sanity and what little sales I made kept me fed! It was whenI developed my ability to write anywhere, any time, regardless of ‘distractions’ all around…

Anything else you’d like to say?
I have been blessed and cursed with a muse that has not deserted me, in even the darkest of times and I don’t know to many other professions that are such a constant challenge and a joy at once…

 

T. D. Cloud

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing books since 2016 and original and fandom works since junior high.

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
I try to dedicate at least thirty hours a week to my writing, but with work and life I usually manage around twenty.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I did a lot of academic writing in college but I have no formal schooling for creative writing.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
What motivates me to write is the thought that out there, somewhere, there is someone reading my work who has waited their whole life for a story like the one I decided to tell.

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I predominantly write LGBT+ romance novels that stem from historical fantasy to fantasy to horror to adventure. I enjoy working with niche topics that I haven’t seen done before, and I love taking old, worn out tropes and turning them on their head.

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
Stand up, dust yourself off, and take matters into your own hands. People will always be quick to tell you what you can’t do. Negativity is easy. It’s free. It costs less to discourage than it does to nurture, and at some point you need to stop waiting for the world to realize what you’ve know this whole time. Someone out there will love your work. Keep trying until you find them, or self-publish and let them discover it on their own.

A direct link to your most proud of written work 
https://www.amazon.com/Brontide-Tempest-Book-T-Cloud-ebook/dp/B01LZHE0MP/ref=la_B06X9HKC66_1_2?+s=booksu0026amp;ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1527366058u0026amp;sr=1-2

Your website or blog 
http://tdcloud.tumblr.com/

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
The strangest writing habit I have is that I work best lying down. Almost all of my books have been written while horizontal. I also have a tendency to blare really angsty rock music while writing too, but only when no one’s around.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
The hand covering hers tightened. Avenir stared at the materials in the basket, at the innocuous little things that would decide their fate. Conflict read in their eyes. It read like a second guess, like a longing for something—anything—else.

“The war is lost, Avenir,” Aisling whispered. “All that’s left is to move on.”

“This doesn’t feel like moving on. This feels like giving in.”

Aisling leaned forward and kissed Avenir. She closed her eyes and held tightly to the hand that held her, afraid of what she might see if she opened them, if she let go. The kiss was soft, chaste in a way she knew wasn’t quite right. But it was as best as she could do when she knew nothing of this. When she knew nothing of the sorts of things Avenir knew so well. She parted her lips, though, willing to trust them. She would trust them with this, and she hoped in turn they would trust her with the rest.

Avenir let go of her hand. Aisling tensed, only to relax fully when Avenir cradled her face in their hands and deepened the kiss slowly, their warm tongue brushing her lips so softly that it took her breath away. She sagged against their chest, letting them support her. It was just a kiss but it felt like more. Infinitely more. Filled with words Avenir couldn’t say. But perhaps…

Perhaps someday they could, so long as they survived what had to be done.

Perhaps Avenir would show her what it meant to love someone like this.

Aisling kept her eyes closed when Avenir began to pull away. She clung to their shoulders, hiding her face in their neck. Warm arms encircled her and Avenir embraced her, their lips against her ear as they held her as tight as an eclipse held the sun.

“We trust you,” they breathed, burying their face in her hair. “Aisling, we trust you.”

She let out a soft laugh, combing her fingers through their soft hair. Somehow she had a little trouble believing it, but she was willing to pretend if it made them feel better. If they said it enough times it might get easier to believe.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Figure out who you’re writing for. This sounds simple at first glance, but it’s probably the most important thing you’ll ever discover as a writer. Too many people try to write to please the majority. They want to make everyone happy when that’s impossible. You’ll burn yourself out trying to cover every single base, and you’ll definitely hamstring yourself and lose what makes your stories and ideas so wholly yours. Focus on figuring out who it is you WANT to write for. For yourself? For your friend? Your lover? For the person who grew up just like you and thought themself alone? Ignore the rest. Write for the audience that speaks to you most. The rest will follow on its own.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
The thing I hear most when talking to aspiring writers is that they plan out their story, write the first chapter, and then never move past that. They think they have to do everything perfectly the first time around, that it’s impossible to move on until that first part is absolutely flawless. It’s a sticky trap to think you can’t change things once they’re written. Never let yourself edit until the entire draft is done. If you focus on perfecting the minutiae of a first chapter, you’ll never see the second. Perfection is impossible and striving for it leads to stagnation. Keep moving forward and save the editing for after.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
The biggest challenge I’ve had thus far is balancing writing with my day job. It’s my dream to write full time, but I’m not at the point yet where I can make ends meet just from my book sales. I work constantly to keep up with my writing schedule, and every moment I’m not at work, I’m writing or revising or building my audience to bring myself that much closer to my end goal. There aren’t enough hours in the day to write as much as I want to write. It’s not an insurmountable challenge, but it’s the biggest hurdle I have yet to clear.

Anything else you’d like to say?
Just that I really appreciate the opportunity to talk about my work like this. Writing can be such a one-way street at times in terms of feedback and communicating with one’s audience, and it’s just really nice to be able to answer questions and offer up my advice when I might not otherwise be asked. Thank you for this chance to share. I’ve really enjoyed participating.

 

Lisa Zarcone

How long have you been writing?
my whole life!

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
depending on my schedule but as much as possible

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I taught journal writing when I worked with troubled teens in a locked facility. We also did poetry writing as well. I used all of my mentoring skills to teach and encourage all of the youth I worked with.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
My passion to connect with people and share my thoughts, feelings and emotions.

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Inspiring and real provoking thoughts. I share my personal experiences from my past and what has gotten me through surviving and thriving in life!
I am also working on a children’s series inspired by my granddaughter Phoebe. These wonderful stories teach children that all family units are unique and special, as long as you are safe, happy and loved it is ok!

What advice if any would you give to a fellow writer who has just been rejected by several large publishers and told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer?
I would say take that energy and use it as fuel to push forward and make fabulous things happen in spite of the criticism. With a strong mindset and raw determination you can accomplish anything you set your mind too. Always move forward!

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/Unspoken-Truth-Memoir-Lisa-Zarcone/dp/1535601485/ref=sr_1_1?s=booksu0026amp;ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1527728679u0026amp;sr=1-1u0026amp;keywords=lisa+zarcone

Your website or blog
www.lisazarcone.net

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
When I get an idea I have to write it down immediately. Sometimes I may not have paper handy or even a pen. I have been known to write on a napkin, and use crayons. It is always interesting going back and looking at what I wrote and piecing it all together.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
If the walls could talk they would tell a sick tale of abuse and horror. If the walls could talk she would not listen anyways. The only voices she heard were the ones in her brain controlling every move she makes commanding her to do bad things and torture everyone who steps foot in her path. Her wicked tongue that can cut you like a knife in a moment, chopping you up and leaving you for dead. This is mental illness at its worst, but in her thought process she was at her ultimate best.
The Unspoken Truth A Memoir

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Never give up on your dream. It is all in the mindset! Hard work and determination opens doors but true passion opens the mind. For all the countless NOs you may receive there will be one YES.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
When it comes to publishing and marketing learn all the in’s and outs of the business. Do your research and be well informed. When making big decisions about your work go with your gut and be firm in what your expectations are. Make your choices wisely.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Yes, because I wrote my personal memoir and I write from a very raw place. I do not hold back and some of what I write is quite graphic and detailed. I chose to write my story this way because I wanted the reader to be in the moment with the child. I want people to understand the child’s perspective and point of view. I did received some criticism for writing my story this way, but I did what I felt best honored my story. The Unspoken Truth!

Anything else you’d like to say?
When I decided to write my story, my goal was to raise awareness to child safety/abuse and mental health illness and stigmas. I didn’t write this to exploit my mother’s illness or my families shortcomings. My purpose was to be a voice for so many people out there who continue to suffer in silence. I am their voice! Through my story there are messages of hope, resilience, healing, education and awareness to these subjects that need to be talked about. We can promote change through our words.