Writer Spectacle
Featured Writers

Sarah Katz
Tammy Lewis
Dameon Cox
Gena Ervin
Syl Sabastian
Samantha Fidler-Newby
Kristine Donahue
Luthie M. West
Marnie Cate
Lawrence Berry

Table of Contents

Sarah Katz

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I write science, speculative and historical fiction.

How long have you been writing?
Nearly as long as I have been able to read. About 20 years.

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

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

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
I seek to create a world to which others and myself can escape,

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
My most frequent musical writing muse is Slavic folk music.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
“Although inhabitants of newly discovered territory deserve knowledge such as advancing medicine, there comes a point at which a power should stop expanding at the expense of another’s freedom…there must be a limit to the power one empire can reach. Lest a mission turn quickly into an occupation.”

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’d tell that aspiring writer that he/she only need to look to J.K. Rowling, whose work “Harry Potter” was rejected by 12 publishers. Several is nothing! Keep on creating!

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Write what you feel! Structure will come in time. There is never any rush necessary with writing.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Hybrid publishers. If a publisher expects thousands or even hundreds of dollars to publish, you’d be better off self-publishing and gaining traction to capture an agent’s attention who can work to get your next work published.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
I do not have any connections with the Big Five and therefore, my small press publishing journey has taken quite a bit out of my day job earnings toward marketing. In addition, balancing the unquenchable urge to write amdist an often unpredictable and hectic role in cyber security is never a simple task. Still, I wouldn’t trade either for anything.

A direct link to your most proud of written work https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KRR9QWF/.

Your website or blog
https://authorsarahkatz.com

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
If you want to become internationally – or even nationally/regionally – famous and successful, create a work that both speaks to you and expresses what about that piece called to you enough to develop a project around it. Whether science fiction, politics, social justice or many other popular themes in literature, readers crave topics they can sink their teeth into, especially those that apply a fictional element to relatable areas of life we as humans deal with every day.

For instance, while science fiction novel “Apex Five” deals with thermokinetic entities and characters who can alter their sex, the real-world themes of racism, sexism, social inequality and renewable energy ring strong as well to enable the reader to stay grounded in the story.

Secondly, apart from daily social media engagement surrounding one’s work, I would recommend authors to attend as many in-person events as possible. For example, this year, I will have attended Worldcon 76 and Silicon Valley Comic Con. Prospective readers love to see authors physically and creatively promoting their books.

Anything else you’d like to say?
This is a stellar way to support Indie authors! Thank you!

Tammy Lewis

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I mostly write self-help in the form of anthologies

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing for 3 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
I spend 7-8 hours a week writing

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I have attended workshops to enhance my writing

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
My past experiences motivate me to write

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
Although I do not have any funny or unusual writing habits, I do keep journals in every room in the house including the toilet area. I also have them in the car because I never know when the urge to write will hit.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
I know that there are other women out there who have been through some of the same things. I will tell you the same thing that I would tell my younger self. You matter and so does your story.

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 punish it themselves! It’s more rewarding and you keep all the royalties.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Write a little bit every day no matter how minimal.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Not writing every day
Shelving books to come back to later
Trying to edit while writing

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Finding the right publishing companies

I had to re-edit
Pay twice for book covers, editing, formatting. It took a while for me to figure out that I could do some of those things myself

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/Camouflage-Tammy-Jurnett-Lewis/dp/1530835119/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1534111273u0026amp;sr=8-2u0026amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65u0026amp;keywords=camouflage+tammy+lewisu0026amp;dpPl=1u0026amp;dpID=51DcUBfpwILu0026amp;ref=plSrch

Your website or blog
www.iamtammylewis.com

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
I would tell them to expand their territory by increasing their distribution internationally, look for speaking engagements internationally, work on book collaborations internationally and partner to do events internationally. Collaboration is the new competitive edge!

Anything else you’d like to say?
Always be clear about what you want!

Dameon Cox

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Epic Fantasy – Sword and Sorcery

How long have you been writing?
Eight Years

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

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
College courses

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
To get to the next page.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
Forgetting to eat, which may not be a bad thing.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
SOFT panels of wormcloth shimmered in the afternoon breeze on the open pavilion. They softened the courtier’s lavish and colorful dress, while mingling before the raised platinum throne with its design of multicolored feathers across the seatback fashioned from the highest quality, precious jewels.
Guards formed an outer perimeter spaced every ten feet. They wore sandals made of soft leather and golden braces. Gold cuffs inset with onyx stripes denoted their rank. Their legs stood bare below the short fustanella made from the purest white linen; long and slender red, orange, and yellow feathersrose above their foreheads, held in place by an elaborately woven design in matching white linen. The pavilion guards, selected for their beautiful bodies and pleasing mores, stood at position, their certain and considerable fighting skills hardly needed in the most guarded spot in the empire.
Maidens of the Empire complemented the guards. Chosen for their beauty, knowledge, and artistic talents, they came from all levels of society. Soft pastel colors of sheer, overflowing material covering white undergarments of the same diaphanous fabric clung to them, tied with a golden belt at their waist. Their soft sandals copied the guards’ in design. The courtiers may call on them for information on many areas of interest. Their sisters-intraining of lesser beauty or social status enjoyed the same opportunities for advancement in the empire.
Training classes in a wide variety of subjects shored up any shortcomings, and prepared the maidens for service to the empire in their chosen fields of endeavor. Their male counterparts, the Attendants of the Empire, serve as learned and informed assistants for one or more nobles.
Both groups rose in status through well-rewarded abilities.
Ta-Cern, late Captain of the Guard for the High Lord of Deepwells in the lands called Jewel, stood behind a panel of white wormcloth, waiting. His handsome face equaled any of the guards around him, and his excellent physique belied his age. He wore a platinum torque and cuffs, a fustanella of silver cloth, and sandals with silver braces; the large headdress of slender feathers from the rainbow’s every color befitted his rank as Seeker of the Empire.
He had not seen his empress and cousin in five years. His nerves wracked him, not from seeing the Empress, but for the emotional explosion he would cause.
Harps waxed and waned, emitting waves of melodious sound in harmony with the pounding surf a hundred yards away. The flute’s shimmering crystal notes provided soft counterpoints darting among the lush notes.
Suddenly, full deep chords resonated from deep-bellied string instruments played with a bow. The familiar cascading sounds, and the warm welcome he had received from family and friends, made his homecoming complete.
Courtiers moved at once to stand behind their cushions arranged in orderly rows according to rank. They dropped to their knees at a flourish of notes from the harps, and bent forward to touch their heads to the floor. Ta-Cern chuckled at the image of the empire’s most noble buttocks stuck up in the air behind an elaborate sea of feather headdresses. He wondered again how his cousin kept a straight face.
Va-A’Cil, Empress of the Aviaries of Heaven, entered the pavilion while Ca-Ra’IL from the Noble House of the Stork, Truth-bearer of the Empire, followed close behind and to her left. Ca-Ra’IL wore a sarong of shimmering black wormcloth with a silver design of a magnificent eagle in flight outlined in black pearls. No other jewelry adornments graced her fingers, limbs, or neck. Her stature and movements showed no evidence of her one hundred and twelve years. Her eyes blazed with an inner fire, and her silver hair fell to a few inches above the floor. Smooth skin projected the quintessence of a woman a quarter her age.
Va-A’Cil wore a pale violet sarong of iridescent wormcloth, the color of the imperial house and only worn by her, a headdress fashioned from platinum and precious gems in the form of long slender feathers rising above her forehead. Ta-Cern once tested its weight, and decided it was the reason she did not often smile while on the throne. Platinum cuffs encrusted with sapphires encircled her wrists and a matching belt surrounded her waist. Her legendary beauty radiated from within, and outshone all the jewels in the pavilion.
Ca-Ra’IL moved forward and struck a silver triangle hanging from a leather cord, three times. The courtiers raised their heads and sought comfort on their cushions as Va-A’Cil ascended the throne. Her fourth strike on the triangle caused surprise. A Maiden of the Empire’s golden voice flowed over the assemblage, “Ta-Cern, from the Noble House of the Hawk, Seeker of the Empire, comes forward to impart knowledge to the Empire.”
A guard pulled the panel to the side, and Ta-Cern made his way up the center aisle while startled courtiers whispered amongst themselves; they stopped to bow when he passed by. Another sound from the triangle silenced them.
Kneeling on the silver cushion before the throne, he bowed half way to the floor for exactly three seconds, and then rose upright. Ca-Ra’IL approached and knelt at Ta-Cern’s left side on a black cushion. A scribe in white linen approached, bowed to the Empress, to Ca-Ra’IL, and then to Ta-Cern before kneeling on a white cushion. He took white parchment, a glass pen, and made ready to write with black ink. Ta-Cern leaned toward Ca- Ra’IL and whispered close to her ear. Her eyes widened for a brief moment while the memory of Ta-Cern’s introduction to Jarod Greatstone, Zenith Lord of the Seven Realms and the Visage of Visions to the seers of the empire, flooded and merged into her own memories.
Her voice cracked when she spoke, “I have seen the true memory of Ta-Cern, from the Noble House of the Hawk, Seeker of the Empire.” Her eyes moistened.
Protocol ruled the scribe would write out the message, Ta-Cern would sign and seal the document followed by Ca-Ra’IL’s perusal and seal, and then Va-A’Cil would read the document and decide if it should be presented to the court. Ta-Cern leaned toward the scribe and whispered his discovery in his ear. The correct protocol flowed well except when he imparted the message to the scribe. The man fainted, spreading black ink over white robes.
Ca-Ra’IL rose and bowed to the empress who nodded once while guards attended the unconscious scribe. She turned to face the courtiers. Her stance once again firm and her voice strong, said in a crisp tonal voice, “Hear the truth! The Visage of Visions has been found!”

Pandemonium struck.

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?
Hire a good editor.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Start early on establishing a social media base.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Too many words – Not finding good critiques: beta readers, critique group – Being thin skinned – Not knowing your audience – Not taking advantage of conventions, articles, and advice from professionals – Not establishing a good work ethic

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Hospitalized nine times since 1/2016. Health is now much better. Just published the fourth book in The Zenith Series.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
http://alturl.com/75qim

Your website or blog
Www.DameonCox.com/blog

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
Recognize that writing is a craft that requires study and practice. Take advantage of training and relationships within the field when presented. Conventions and writing camps are excellent avenues to increase your understanding of your new vocation. Above all, develop a thick skin and realize most criticism is not meant to hurt or insult; its purpose is to help. Stay positive and surround yourself with like writers. Look for a writers’ group with established authors. Be aware that ancillary activities such as self-promotion on Social Media will be required. Be true to yourself and your goals.

Anything else you’d like to say?
I believe writing, like many vocations, is a calling and not “just a Job.” Indeed, there is romanticism in calling one’s self an author/writer. Few newcomers know they have to be published to be an author, until then, they are a writer. If that deflates their sails, perhaps they need to reexamine their goals. It is not an easy industry; nor is it an easy craft for most to achieve. Still, the rewards are high. I walked around with a smile on my face for a week after receiving my first published book

Gena Ervin

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I mostly write YA fantasy fiction. I’ve written a couple of urban fantasies and a couple of epic fantasies. My latest work, the first one traditionally published, is an epic fantasy.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing off and on for 35 years.

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
Not enough, but I try to dedicate at least 20.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I’ve taken one creative writing class and researched anything else I was curious about on my own.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
I have a need to get work out the ideas in my head and find their purpose.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that they’re funny or unusual habits, I figured every writer has their own way. I like to write out everything by hand in a notebook first. I find that it helps to organize my thoughts. Of course, my notebook pages look like a mess, but I understand my madness.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
“A true warrior does not fight with anger in his heart,” she continued. “He leads with kindness and puts the needs of his subordinates above his own. You may or may not be the chosen, but I truly believe you are destined to be the leader of the traveling party of legend. You are their strength. You are their protection. You are their hope.”–Zarna to Hadrien in my upcoming traditionally published novel “A Warrior’s Path: Rise of a Legend”

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?
Take a break from submitting for a while and work on some short stories. There are reading communities online that are free who would love to read them and the comments they offer are generally very nice and helpful. It’s a good way to boost your confidence enough to try again. Just don’t let rejection get to you. Even authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King have rejection letters.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Don’t stress about any of it. Write for yourself first and foremost and share when you’re ready. Listen when someone offers up well-constructed criticism, but also understand that sometimes, the thing that no one wants, is the thing that the story needs. When the story starts to write itself, let it go wherever it needs to go.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Do your research before submitting and doing business with someone. Some writers are so anxious to get into print that they take any offer they can get which is usually one of those companies that want money up front.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
My biggest challenge is myself. Nothing I write is good enough even when strangers tell me they like it.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
It’s a toss-up between Convergence https://claims.instafreebie.com/free/9V9qR

and Bridge of Destiny https://www.amazon.com/Bridge-Destiny-Gena-Ervin/dp/1517406315/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1533579126u0026amp;sr=8-1u0026amp;keywords=bridge+of+destiny+gena+ervin

Your website or blog
https://genaervin.weebly.com/

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
Having never been internationally famous, I wouldn’t know for sure. I imagine that as long as they have passion for their work that shows their true personality, not just something they think people want to read, then their popularity is sure to grow. It won’t be easy. It won’t happen overnight. They’ll have to do something with consistency like starting a blog or finding places to share short stories with people who can offer up advice, but if they’re willing to put in the work and never stop trying to improve themselves and their writing, then I think that is the formula for success.

Anything else you’d like to say?
No matter what happens in life, don’t let things keep you down for long. Don’t ever give up. You may have failed thousands of times before, it doesn’t mean that you’ll fail one thousand and one. Inspire, motivate, believe, and together we can change the world.

Syl Sabastian

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Perspectives on Practical Personal Philosophy, via fiction, an Advice Column, and non-fiction.

How long have you been writing?
4 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
70, if not more. I write all day, in various ways.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
No, but that’s deceptively inaccurate.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
One word will suffice: Attunement.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I write predominantly in chat, like Skype or Messenger, or in comments on FB. I find when I have the *feeling* of writing or responding to someone, and lol, if I *believe* there is some interest, it’s motivating. If I am asked a question, the writing flows, in abundance. Thus I leverage my motivation in this way. Most effective.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
…Loud thunder, but not sharp, tumbled from its creation nexus, moving above and across to his right. Joseph marvelled at the sheer volume, loving its feel, loving its awe invoking energising motivation of spirit. The thunder broke free once more, cloaking him for many precious moments. How he loved long slow full thunder.

“It’s so potent.”

“That’s not thunder,” his friend Jarvik replied quietly. Joseph heard clearly through the sounds of the hard rain. He listened again to what his friend had imparted, having practised the skill of not responding immediately. At least not responding verbally. He *did* respond, in different ways, which led to his eventual verbal response. Ways which could be readily perceived by those who were attentive. This too he had assiduously practised…

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?
“Understand the Path of Persistence, and the Intricacies of Timing. Change what you can, always be improving, but also know getting published is often just a matter of lucky appropriateness. However, the more you practice, the luckier you’ll get. Add to that the most powerful question a writer can ask:
“Is my writing obviously bad?” and this will provide the necessary perspective for finding that exact context into which you fit.”

From: Writing Tips To Myself

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Be Aware of how exactly the brain works, literally. how it responds to emphasis, compounding what we emphasise on, enlarging the literal brain nodes associated with what we have deemed important, especially that to which we attach emotional connection. these enlarged nodes, in turn, connect more to similar nodes, make us more sensitive to related matters. A powerful tool if used positively and consciously. Especially important to understand how it works negatively. Writer’s block is an excellent example of brains which have been trained via Emphasis into undesirable states.

As writers, we thus have to make immersion our fried, also realising that beginnings are mere starts whose purpose is to ease us into Immersion. When we Trust that wherever we start will lead somewhere, we inevitably get there, because of course we *Have* started.

As writers, we thus have to make immersion our friend, also realising beginnings are mere starts whose purpose is to ease us into Immersion. When we Trust that wherever we begin will lead somewhere, we inevitably get there, because of course we *Have* started.

From: Writing Tips To Myself

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Avid the trap of “rules.” Know perhaps what they are, but be wary of becoming enslaved by them. Wite *YOU.*

“The One Rule of Writing is there are No Rules.”

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
I never really wanted to write. Found it tiresome. And didn’t for 30 years.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
“Our Current Book” section on:
https://www.nobelia.org/
(Commercial links not active just yet.)

Your website or blog
https://www.nobelia.org/

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
Develop Patience, Diligence, Persistence, and particularly learn how to Train Your Brain via Selective Emphasis and Immersion. Failing that pay acute attention to *pre* trending topics and subjects. Develop a feeling for what’s about to become “hot” and write about these in an attention-grabbing and salacious/scandalous/outrageous way. Not a particularly literary path, but typically a shorter one to becoming an “INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS AND SUCCESSFUL WRITER.”

Well, that’s what I’d do if I was boring. However, since I’m not, I call one of my Hollywood location manager buddies and offer them a free shoot in the mansion in return for cleaning it up and organising the mansion. Knowing the prices they pay for locations, this is a snap. Since I only have 24 hours my friend picks up the tab for a professional crew, who can perform miracles in short order.

Of course, I have to square the location use in the future with the mansion owner. But they are so happy with the spectacular job they’re all too happy having a film shoot in their house. For this, they pay me extra, as I let them know, for a fee, I can arrange it, now that the mansion is looking so spectacularly spiffy. :P

Anything else you’d like to say?
Yes. :P A few Quotes from: Writing Tips To Myself:

“The #1 rule of writing is there are no rules.”

“To use or not to use is not the question. To understand the difference is the key.” – On the Oxford

“To be an effective writer we have to be comfortable with manipulation.”

“Instead of constantly stressing whether or not your writing is good, instead simply ask: ‘Is my writing obviously bad?'”

“The quality of writing is not static, it changes as the perception of the author changes.”

“It is super easy to cut material and trim it down to what’s needed. Any half-competent editor can do this easily. But, not even a really good editor can add to writing easily. When writing, write it ALL. Write until nothing is left. Then extract the magic.”

“Writing is an exercise of walking in the dark until you happen to bump into the light switch.”

“Writing is the ultimate freedom. We get to do whatever we want.”

[You asked :P ]

Samantha Fidler-Newby

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Fiction novels and blogs

How long have you been writing?
15 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
At least 8-10 hours a week.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I have a Master in English. Also, I conduct writing workshops in my hometown and teach at a community college.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
I have a passion for words and helping others with my writing.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I like to have my writing buddy with me at all times. It’s a Funko Pop Deadpool and he helps me keep focused when I’m out of my house. I also need to be in a comfy chair or loveseat. My best spot is a booth at my local Hyvee in the morning.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
A pair of sapphire eyes appeared, unnoticed, in the crack of the oak doors as two men in the room quietly argued about what lay on the table by the fireplace. Firelight danced on the walls as Viviana watched the men’s faces and listened to the argument escalate. She listened to their voices, but she could not pull her eyes away from the object on the table. The blood soaked sheet rose and fell, as if alive. The sound of a fist hitting the wooden table snapped her attention back to the two men in the room. “You must call for her and you know it,” the shorter of the two men growled. She gasped as she realized blood caked them from their heads to their boots. “I know he needs her, but I am scared of what she must face. He knows so much. If he tells her anything, all will be for naught…all he has sacrificed.” Viviana’s father sighed and sat in his chair. His body shuddered under the weight of his decision. “I will call on her if he becomes worse in the next hour. I do not want to bring her here unless I absolutely have to.” He looked towards the door. She quickly pressed against the frame and waited for the men to start talking again, giving her the chance to escape down the hall. Swiftly, she moved down the corridor and used a hidden passageway leading to another empty hall. In moments, her cloaked figure found a small staircase lit by the moonlight streaming through stained glass windows. A single door at the top of the stairs opened to a small bedroom, furnished with beautiful oak dressers and a four-post bed. The opened curtains fluttered when the door closed, and a small noise escaped Viviana’s mouth. She quickly removed the cloak and let her dark, amber hair cascade down her back. After jumping into bed, Viviana waited for sleep to come, but her mind was filled with questions. What was that on the table? Whom must she save? Flipping open the leather-bound book where she kept all her important thoughts and feelings, Viviana wrote fervently until a knock on her door made her jump.

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?
Take it as a challenge. Take some classes. Find a workshop or writers guild. Be around others with the same dream and become the writer you want to be. My dream was to be a published author and I made sure to ve the best possible before I put my work out there. If you want to have readers, you have to have a great product to sell.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
As cliche as it sounds, get your butt in the chair and write. There cannot be a story without words on the page.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Two big traps are not having an editor and not asking for help with their cover. Many readers are quite savvy and will not pick a book with a subpar cover. They also will be turned off by grammatical issues and plot incosistancies.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
I have faced my fair share of challenges when it comes to writing. Most of it stems from my car accident in 2015. I have an injured leg that limits my mobility and job choices. I have days when the pain keeps me from writing and money is not as available for advertisement and marketing for my debut novel.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
https://www.amazon.com/Thornless-Rose-Fire-Blush/dp/1945667184/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8u0026amp;qid=1533952658u0026amp;sr=8-2u0026amp;pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65u0026amp;keywords=the+thornless+rose+booku0026amp;dpPl=1u0026amp;dpID=51eax0bNg7Lu0026amp;ref=plSrch

Your website or blog
samanthafidlernewby.com

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
Write. Get your words on paper. While writing and creating, I would tell them to build their brand and define what their niche is in the writing world. Also, they would need to build an audience and network as much as possible, both in their community and online.

Anything else you’d like to say?
Words are more than lines on a page that our society have agreed to hold certain meaning. They are a gateway to the past, present, future, and the unknown. If what I write allows just one person to escape from their reality, I have done my duty as a creator. I hope I can continue to share my passion and love for words as long as I live.

Kristine donahue

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I mostly write murder mystery/thriller, but I am currently dipping into a genre that continues to fascinate and captivate me: historical fiction!

How long have you been writing?
My whole life! But consistently and with an aim of publication and a career – 6 years.

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

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I was a technical writer for a medical device manufacturer, but other than that my experience comes from writing competitions.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
I wasn’t gifted many talents, but writing is one and one that I can’t but nurture.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I have the standards – a particular pen that I like the most, certain notebooks, desk “arranged“ a certain way. But I think the most unique, for varying values of that term, is that I truly enjoy listening to movie scores while I’m writing.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
A slow-crawling puddle of blood was spreading from beneath the door. Masterson’s stomach dropped as he opened it. Dr. Sempiere’s lifeless body sat slumped on an overturned bucket, his phone in his lap. A deep and violent gash bled heavily at his throat, so recent that the blood was still finding new paths to the floor. The murderer had only just escaped.

Something inside Masterson broke and he let out a guttural scream. Where were his instincts, his experience, his training? How could he have let the murderer stand right in front of him twice and not realize it? How had everything gone sideways so quickly?

Nothing about this case was what it seemed to be, and Masterson realized that there was no one here he could trust. He kicked everyone out, ordering them to leave their notes and the evidence they’d gathered. If he was going to do this he was going to have to rely on someone far removed from all of this. And he really didn’t want to call her.

-From my current completed novel (in search of representation) Bad Blood

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 again talk to the person who told you you have zero chance! Also, I once received this wonderful piece of advice: Never let anyone tell you that you don’t deserve what you want, even – especially – if that person is you.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Keep your options, your mind, your heart open. It may not, in fact it probably won’t, happen the way you want it to or think it should. But if you think “your way” is the only way to do it, you’ll never get there.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Being close-minded about their options, comparing their work to others (in a bad way), and keeping their work to themselves due to a paralysis by fear.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by very supportive people – now. When I first started telling people that I was going to stop working, stop earning a wage, and pursue this, there were people who were very close to me who seemed uncomfortable with it. They had doubts and in one way or another they told me, and to some degree are still telling me. There are always going to be people who express their discomfort with your choices. I had to remind myself that those feelings are none of my business.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
www.kristinedonahue.com/the-fiction

This links to my best and most favorite short stories I’ve ever written.

Your website or blog
www.kristinedonahue.com

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
I think this a wonderful goal to have, in fact it’s one that I have! But it’s so huge it can easily become overwhelming. I recommend setting smaller milestones to meet along the road to that great big dream, that way you can acknowledge and appreciate all the successes you have along the way without getting discouraged.
I would also tell them to not only expect setbacks – what some might consider failures
– along the way, but to embrace them. It takes hard, consistent work – a never-ending effort – an a whole lot of failure, which is not a bad thing. As Will Smith says, “Fail early. Fail often. Fail forward.” It’s going to take a lot fails to make that goal but you’ll learn something from each one, and each lesson will get you closer to where you want to go.

Anything else you’d like to say?
For my entire adult life I searched for a place to fit in. I was good at the various jobs I’ve had, but they always just felt like something I was doing, not a career. When I finally took the leap and left the working world to pursue a career as a writer, I finally found my niche, my tribe, my home. The communities writer’s I’ve found have all had one thing in common – they know me, they accept me, the love me. And I them. Even after more than a year I still think I’m at the beginning of my journey and each step I take is electric with possibility. The overwhelming support I’ve found buoys me and encourages me, and I could not be happier to have jumped in.

Luthie M. West

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I currently have four children’s picture books published. I did this so I could learn the ins and outs of self publishing while I continue to work on two of four young adult fantasy novels.

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing off and on since I was nine… so close to 60 years. Though until now without the confidence to publish fiction.

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
Ten to twenty hours per week except in November when I do Nanowrimo. Then I might do as much as 30 hours.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
Learned writing throughout college, did technical writing as well as teaching English and creative writing. I am also a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature when it was a correspondence course.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
Characters, I take on the personas of the characters of my books, since each and every one of them wants to live and tell their tales.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
Let’s see… put on my robe and bunny slippers, dance to The Goofy Movie track 1, grab my iced tea, set my timer for 2 hours, then sit down to write. So nope I guess I’m ordinary except for Oct. 31 when the local Wrimos here in Eugene get ready to start their November Nanowrimo at exactly 12:01 AM on the first. Then I add to my slippers and robe; a bedhead hairdo, a fake smoking pipe, and a paper sign to the back of my robe that says, “Paperback writer”.
I’m sure that’s not unusual…. is it? :)

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
A tall, thin wizard stood staring out a window at a sparse and nearly dead stand of trees around the great edifice of his home and laboratory. His salt and pepper beard draped to the middle of his chest and scraggly bits of long threads of hair clung fitfully in a half-circle around his head at the level of his ears to droop around his collar or gather upon his shoulders.
“By gawds, I need a gardener,” he mumbled.
“Master Zadok?” whined a voice behind him.
The mage turned. “What do you want slime? You reek and you’ve tracked your steps upon my carpet.”
“Sorry Master,” replied the goblin servant. ”Slagspit has wet his self again. Is that student’s tricks, Master. He …“ “What do you want?” The mage rubbed his temples, irritated.
“You sez remind you of new moon, Master. Is tonight, Master.”
“And why did I tell you to remind me of the new moon?”
“Slagspit forgets, Master.”
Zadok stepped away from the window and sat down in his great throne-like high-backed chair. He heaved a deep regretful sigh and said, “Oh Slagspit … life is miserable…” He ran his fingers through his steel-grey hair absently and then looked at it as it fell between them. “Oh damn it all, I’ve got only six hairs left on my head!”
“Oh no, Master. You has twenty and three that side alone!” Slagspit retorted gleefully, despite the fact that goblins know little about numbers.

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?
Generally the editors at the traditional publishing houses know what they are talking about. The problem with them is that they rarely will take the time to give a helpful critique to each rejected manuscript that comes across the desk. There just isn’t time. So if a writer is told he or she has zero chance to make it as a writer… it’s only with THAT editor.
Having said that, I would still advise the writer to get a good experienced editor to review his/her work. It is often a failing of writers to trust another set of eyes on their precious creation, but the advice and correction is very necessary and can be a life saver. Do that to ensure your writing is well polished.
Then maybe look into self-publishing. You’ll have to do some marketing anyway. Learn how.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Please care about your readers. I’ve been in a lot of writing groups on Facebook and too often I hear things like, “It’s your story. Write whatever you want and if they don’t like it, it’s on them.”
That’s the biggest load of … hogwash… anyone can say to an author. It only applies to writers who don’t care if anyone, other than someone who feels obligated to praise them, ever reads it.
Yes, it’s your story. But write it for a reader following.
There are details I’d put with this, but that’s the brunt of it. Writing without readers is called keeping a journal.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
The first trap is listening to the advice of every author on Facebook without knowing what sort of education they’ve had in the art of authorship.
The second trap is in telling everyone what your story is all about. An author can lose a lot of momentum by giving away the energy of their story. If everyone they know, knows the story and has put in their two cents worth, the story is told and the need to write it diminishes. Makes it a lot harder to get in the writing zone.
The third trap is writing without a mentor. A mentor doesn’t need to be a coach. I didn’t have a coach but I do have mentors. I read their books, look them up and read about their history with writing, find out what they are doing now if still living, and choose something about their work to emulate. My mentors have been Natalie Babbitt, Terry Goodkind, C.S. Lewis, and other classical and contemporary fantasy writers.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Right from the start. I put writing aside for 36 years, even attempted to throw out all my work at one point, because I followed teaching that said fantasy writing was the devil’s work.
I would write stories and burn them. I’d try to write something that didn’t have a wizard or magic, a bad guy that had evil intentions, or any kind of fighting or war. I’d been told to write evil I had to think evil and to think evil I would become evil. Not true.
For a time it made me into a very good technical writer and later a teacher. Grammar was always okay to teach.
I had to learn to give myself permission to write what was mine to write.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
This is my only until my novels come out early next year. https://amazon.com/author/luthiewest

Your website or blog
https://LittleCabbageheadBooks.com

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?

The new writer must have the right mindset. Writing a book isn’t an easy nor glorified task. It often takes years just to produce a good novel. Non-fiction might be easier, but from my experience the fame and success of non-fiction is in the business or niche it’s attached to and not in the book itself, the book is a tool. To become an internationally famous and successful writer in fiction you must:

First, write a good book, which means educate yourself on the craft of writing, including English grammar (if you write in English); second, write for your readers not just yourself, treat them with respect; and finally, realize YOU will have to be your books salesman even if you hire other aids. You’ll have a lot of marketing to do and should get educated on that as well. It’s constantly changing out there. But YOU CAN DO IT!

When I discovered that the Merry House Maids service charges seventy-five cents per square foot to clean, and they were the only service who would take on a mansion, I knew I was in trouble. I don’t even know why the task was given to me. It was something about my sister recommending me as a miracle worker. She knows I hate housework.

Well, I didn’t have any time to ponder the question of how I might have offended her that she’d give the owner my name. But here I was cash in hand. It was nowhere near half what I would need. Being resourceful I went to the one place where I knew of someone who would not fail me.

The wizard, Aloyisus, has a particular apprentice, Murrietta. She happens to be a good friend of mine. When I explained my predicament she suggested I offer her master wizard a fee of $1,500 to borrow her for the 24 hours. It worked perfectly.

It’s true that Murrietta’s spells don’t always go as planned. A meandering coat rack inhibited the broom and the vacuum cleaner and the mop and even the rug beater for about three hours before it finally parked itself in the foyer. We were afraid the kitchen would catch fire when Murrietta told the oven to shelf clean instead of self-clean. I’m thankful she corrected herself before the fire actually reached the cabinets.

We were down to the last two hours with a dozen bathrooms left when Murrietta told me about the slime creatures that usually respond to her attempts to spell-clean the toilets. Frustrated I cried out, “you should have told me! I could have been washing them all instead of following you around with buckets and sponges!” She was very contrite, so I couldn’t really be angry with her.

The two of us went at the toilets diligently with brushes and Scrubbing Bubbles. Fifteen minutes before the owner was to show up, Murrietta cast her last spell. “Sparkle, sparkle shiny clean, every tile and plumbing!” That finished the bathrooms, tubs, mirrors counters and sinks.

The owner was very pleased indeed. We claimed that we hired a crew. Then we split the last $1,500 and went to breakfast. The owner never knew any different.

Anything else you’d like to say?
Murrietta is also my Little Cabbagehead Books mascot. Her oversized wizard’s robe and hood of a rich purple graces the pages of my blog, my Facebook page and anywhere the name of Little Cabbagehead Books appears (including the back of each book). She was also the inspiration of many of my stories for children and is the star of “Cabbagehead and the Wizard,” a comic strip I have yet to finish but hope instead to animate for film some day.

Oh.. and I really DO HATE housework!

Marnie Cate

What kind of content do you mostly write?
Urban Fantasy
Women’s Fiction

How long have you been writing?
6 years

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
15

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
I’ve written and published 5 books and 2 novellas. Mentoring by the strong author community around me.

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
The voices won’t stop until I get their stories out.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I record the story while on my on my commute and enjoy acting it out.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
Excerpt from Mazy: Protectors of the Elemental Magic Series (Book the third)

Breeze led me deep into the northern part of Starten Forest. I pursed my lips holding back the words I wanted to say to her. Several months prior, the Air elemental had requested to stay behind and be my guide while the others returned to Danu. I had been so wrapped up in my own self-pity that I didn’t question why they had to leave. If only Kai would have stayed, I would’ve been able to talk to him. He would answer me honestly and without riddles.

Stopping in a clearing tucked in the middle of large red trees, Breeze sat down on one of the gnarled black trunks that had fallen over, all of its blood red leaves piled around it. She looked dark and scary sitting in the middle of it.

“I just ate breakfast and I’m not dressed for this,” I pouted.

“You promised me last week that you would continue to practice using your gifts. Hiding and ignoring the magic you have running through your veins won’t bring Cole back. If you don’t know how to use your magic, how can you protect your family?” Breeze scolded.

“I’m here now, Breeze, and I’m in no mood for a lecture,” I said, crossing my arms.

Clenching her jaw, she commanded, “Call your magic.”

Halfheartedly, I called a medium ball of fire and threw it on the ground. When she glared at me, I cast a stream of water that doused the flames.

A burst of wind hit me. The air knocked the water out of my hands and threatened to blow me over. Breeze’s attack angered me and I flung my own Air magic at her. The tendrils of our magic pushed against each other. When hers overpowered mine, I called Earth to raise a barrier of thick vines to protect me.

In the cocoon I created for myself, I yelled, “Are you trying to hurt me?”

“Excuses! Blaze was right. You’re letting your sadness make you weak. She wouldn’t have let you slack off like this. You’re not using all of your magic. Your enemies will not be gentle with you. Now, fight me!”

The violent wind she called ripped the vines one-by-one out of the ground. Clearing my mind, I focused on the dark magic of my mother. I called Water to flood the ground. When it was knee high and the wind crashed strong waves into Breeze, I called my dark Air magic. I willed it to freeze the molecules of water surrounding her. As the white crystals formed and trailed towards Breeze, I pushed more of the icy water towards her, freezing it. When the solid block of ice wrapped up her shoulders, I stopped summoning my power.

Smirking, she taunted, “Is that all you have?”

My hands were dripping with sparks. I threw just enough of the electricity to give her a strong jolt before squashing it in my hands.

“Did you want me to create a dagger to cut you? Did you want me to call the Earth to split open, dragging you deep into the ground before burying you alive? Or are you satisfied with what I have proven I can do?” I cried.

“I just want you to be prepared for anything, Mara,” Breeze said. “You’re working from anger right now. Can you do the same when you’re in a place of calmness and serenity? Do you know how to counter all of the elements and any other magic that you’ve not seen yet?”

My hazel eyes locked with her silver ones. We stared at each other silently. Calling a stream of warm wind, I melted the icy trap I had contained her in. A rumble above called my attention and I could see the sky above me becoming dark as thick clouds filled it. Before I could react, a funnel shot down and encircled me.

As I spun inside the small tornado, my mind raced. My attempts to push the air around me failed. Feeling dizzy and out of options to save myself, I cried into the airstream willing it to reach Breeze. “I give up!”

The twister slowed and I was gently set on the ground. Panting, I lay on the damp grass unable to catch my breath. Breeze sat beside me sending me a burst of oxygen. We sat silently staring at the sky while I recovered.

“And this is why we insist that you train. Once you are ready, we can try again. Never let your guard down, not even for those you trust,” Breeze stood and held out her hand to help me up.

Her words had me wondering who I really could trust. Did her warning include my family?

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 never give up your belief in yourself. There are many paths to being an author. Some choose not to go traditional because we don’t want deadlines or pressures. Hone your craft. Learn from your past writings. Never stop growing.

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
Love your stories. If you can truly reread your own works and feel proud, you’ve succeeded

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Not being willing to bend. Writer the same characters over and over and dropping them the same situations. This is not the time to recycle.

Not pushing yourself.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Self-doubt is honestly the biggest spirit crusher. Being creative usually means you feel things strongly. Sharing your work with the world seems to amp up the roller coaster of emotions I have inside me: Confidence. Doubt. Pride. Feelings of failure. Inspiration.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
I’m proud of all of my books, but I am providing the very first book I wrote and published – Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic Series (Book the First)

mybook.to/remember_marniecate

Your website or blog
https://www.marniecate.com/

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
I would tell a new writer that it takes time, patience, and a willingness to accept the roller coaster of emotions. Write. Read. Find support groups of authors who will lift you up, not put you down.

Since the mansion is probably haunted, I would insist we work together room by room.

Let’s be real. I would never accept such a task — not even for that amount of money.

Anything else you’d like to say?
I never thought I would be a writer. Even though I have a strong imagination, creativity doesn’t come out with prompts. My gift comes from something deep inside me and the “voices” who guide me have a mind of their own.

Lawrence Berry

What kind of content do you mostly write?
I have two reference books and articles for trade publications but have found I am really enjoying writing novels. My first one came out and the sequel is scheduled for release later this month. Already started on the third in the series while the editing is being finished on the second book. I write about things I have experience in and have a passion for. Being in business and leadership, I wrote about those topics and still do to some extent. The novel series, even though fiction, is also something I have knowledge of. I am a professional magician and previously was in Naval Intelligence (oxymoron to some). It was the combination of these two fields that led to the main character who is the worlds foremost illusionist of the time, but also leads another life as an agent for a government intelligence organization.

How long have you been writing?
Have been writing for over 20 years, but just in the last two have found my desire to write novels.

How many hours do you dedicate to writing per week on average?
40-60, depending on the inspiration.

Do you have any formal education, mentoring, or experience related to writing?
Just life experiences

In one sentence, what motivates you to write?
The desire to share knowledge and share creative ideas.

Do you have any funny or unusual writing habits?
I can’t count how many times I have toss and turned trying to get to sleep because I had an idea or though related to my writing, or woke up in the middle of the night with something that popped in my mind. I keep a flashlight and note pad next to my bed so not to wake my wife. I unload my brain and ideas before going to bed, or if something comes to me write them down so they are not lost. I also have found dictating with a writing program helps me to create a vision of what I am trying to say. Sounds strange, but it works. To close my eyes and see the characters or scene and speak it, sometimes is beneficial. Not always, but at times.

Pick an excerpt from any of your writing that you’re really proud of
Below is an exert from my book on leadership. The reason I am proud of it is I have received many comments that this opening part inspired them to read more.

Noah heard the weather forecast and ordered the building the ark. That was great leadership. Then he saw what the rabbits were doing and placed the elephants on the opposite end of the ship. That was management. We have had many great people who have studied and analyzed leadership and management over the decades. Studies have been conducted, professors have assembled program information, and testing has been going on to evaluate leadership and management over the years. What I consider one of the greatest authors and scholars of leadership and management was Peter Drucker, who once said “Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.” In many regards Peter viewed management and leadership as being synonymous and in fact stated he liked the term management over leadership. Other scholars of leadership and management include Jim Collins, Stephen Covey, and Ken Blanchard, just to name a few. Each looked and studied management and leadership, evaluating the differences and functions associated with each area. Many identified managers as great leaders and the term management has also been debated as to the true definition.

So, don’t leaders and managers do the same thing? In some cases, yes! Don’t I have to have leadership qualities to be an effective leader? Of course, you do! Are management characteristics essential in leadership? Most definitely! So what sets management and leadership apart, or are they? I look at the simulation of leadership and management like somewhat of a puzzle. There are the outside borders which are easier to identify and are critical in establishing the size of the picture of diagram, while the interior parts are more complex and usually harder to see how they play a role until the entire design or at least most of the puzzle is assembled.

Many of us have been told there are distinct and inherent differences between management and leadership. One of the ways I have always looked at the difference when I explain while speaking or consulting on the topic is as follows: “Management is efficiency in climbing the ladder of success; leadership determines whether the ladder is leaning against the right wall.” Both are important; however, each has its place as teams or companies reach new goals and objectives. Managers manage people and things, while leaders develop those people who manage others and those things related to any business (i.e. assets, inventory, sales, production, etc.). For some management has been identified as a profession or job. I’m an Accounting Manager, or I’m an Asset Manager are examples. I am not aware of many “titles” that have “leader or leadership” included. So, what are those differences and why? That I believe will be revealed as we look more closely at the characteristics and behavior of leaders of the past later in this publication. I also believe the proof of an effective leader is not what happens when you are around, but what happens when you are not.

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 give up and follow your dreams. I too have been received rejection letters, which is why I decided to self publish. Also, have others who have been published review your writing and style. IT’s never too late to change, and never believe you are done editing which can have a huge impact on how your writing is perceived. I have learned so much from going from reference books and articles to novels, and can tell you in writing the second book in my series have learned so much. I have no doubt this second book will be much better than the first, and if I believe I can always improve and learn the next one may be the one that someone says, “this is it.”

What is the most important tip that you can offer other writers?
It’s difficult being honest with yourself on what you have written because as humans it is almost impossible to be objective. For that reason always write about things that you know and are passionate about, but never be afraid for critique. Most people confuse critique with criticism, which is totally different. Seek those to help you critique, not to be critical.

What would you say are some common traps that aspiring writers should avoid?
Don’t force writing. I don’t care if you are writing a reference publication or a novel, it is inspiration and not perspiration (opposite of most business thought) that will create a better product. Also editing is critical. We are on my third editing with my current book, and before it is released there will possibly be a fourth.

Have you had any adversity or challenges surrounding your writing career? If yes, what?
Biggest challenge is getting reviews, and I mean honest reviews. You can do review swaps with other writers, but will they honestly provide you with not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. Never be afraid to say, I need to re-write.

A direct link to your most proud of written work
http://amazon.com/dp/B017PWPSYI

Your website or blog
www.multifamilysuccess.blogspot.com

If a new writer asked you what you thought was needed to become an internationally famous and successful writer, what you would say or recommend them to do?
There are so many parts to what I see as a successful writer including being an exceptional storyteller, having a good understanding of writing fundamentals such as grammar and vocabulary, write with passion instead of an idea, understand the difference between being a good writer and an effective writer, never accept or be afraid of critique and rejection…learn from them, and never ever give up. I learned so much from my first novel to the last one which I just finished, including looking back and being disappointed at what I had previously written. The key was learning from the experience so the next books is better, and God willing the next one will be even better than this one.

You are tasked with cleaning up and organizing a dirty, junky 10,000 sq. ft. mansion within 24 hours. The owner of the mansion hasn’t made an attempt to straighten the place out in 3 years. You are given $3000. What would you do to get it as clean and organized as possible for its happy owner?
My first thought after stepping in the entry of the expansive mansion was to run and not look back, but knowing I had accepted the task turning away was not an option. The goal seemed insurmountable; however, I have always enjoyed a challenge and this was going to be one of my greatest. My first course of business was to understand both the circumstances of the situation and reveal what was important to the owner if I had any chance of meeting the objective. What person in their right mind would let things get this bad in what was once a grand, organized, and beautiful setting? What was important to him and what could be sacrificed? After all, it isn’t possible to hit a target if one cannot see it, which is why these questions needed to be answered before the first object could be addressed. The 10,000 square foot home has two stories of residence and a third level used for storage. Most of the 10 bedrooms and 12 baths were on the second floor, some not having been entered since Mrs. Davis’s passing. Luckily, the objective would include only about 3,000 square feet of space and eight total rooms or areas. The only resources available at my disposal (no pun intended) included one assistant and a very large roll-a-way dumpster. There would be no conveyor system to remove items or stickers to indicate what was of importance and what could be disposed of, just manual labour and common sense and making the occasional inquiry in achieving the goal.
After briefly meeting with the owner Mr. Davis, it was discovered his wife passed almost four years ago and he had slipped into a state of depression within a few short months of her passing. She was the organizer of the family, always having a place of everything and never keeping anything that was not immediately needed. Dust, dirt, and disorganization were not allowed and she was always keeping him in check. Leave one of his books lying on a counter for more than a few hours and he would hear about it. Not putting things where they belonged was a cardinal sin. The more time passed, the more his mental state extended further from the way things used to be. His children used to visit him often, sometimes weekly with the family unit being extremely important to everyone. As the status of the home and the conditions continued to decline, visits because less frequent and then finally everything came to a point when his sons, daughters, and grandchildren stopped coming all together. Not until his oldest son David had a “heart-to-heart” which his father, did he realize he had to change his behaviour and his lifestyle to preserve the family he still had left. It wasn’t as though the place was necessarily disgusting and dirty, just cluttered to where finding a chair or settee to converse and relax meant moving piles of “stuff.” The last and most difficult part of my discussion with Mr. Davis was what items to keep and how he envisioned things to be organized so the target was in sight. Knowing his heart would create obstacles for myself and associate to overcome if the goal was to be met, he only asked he be consulted on the contents of three rooms. The rooms he was passionate about included the master bedroom, the expansive family room, and the formal living area. We also knew the majority of our time would be spent in those domains and this was going to take every bit of our time to meet the 24 hour deadline.
Now that we had our target and outline, we decided to divide and concur with me taking on the most challenging which was the master bedroom. Just opening the door was difficult as there were so many items on the floor and behind the door it could only be opened a few inches. Boxes, clothing, and hundreds of books and other articles made you feel like Indiana Jones exploring a realm of the unknown and not knowing what would be uncovered next. The clock was ticking and we immediately got to. I removed any items I believed to be safe while placing others which were questionable into a pile in the hall. This meant trip after trip, not to mention time after time I had to question myself and the owner if an item could be disposed of. When I first started, only a one-foot wide path from the door to the back of the room where the massive walk-in closets and ornate bathroom had any exposed carpet. You almost got the feeling if you left the pathway you might be lost and never found again until the next explorer or contractor ventured into the realm. After four hours, I could finally see the very expensive furnishings the room held with the true feeling there was light at the end of a very troubling and dark tunnel. Piece by piece, the outline of the room and the lifestyle from years before came into light and a feeling of accomplishment was being realized. After ten hours only the formal living room, kitchen, and two small guest bedrooms on the first floor remained, and it had been an exhaustive day and both Randy and I felt it. Muscles aching and tired from the long day, we were prepared to continue; however, it being 10 PM we knew Mr. Davis was needing rest just as we did. The next morning would be the final push starting at daylight in order to meet our deadline and be completed by noon. The only thing I wanted to do arriving at home was pour myself a glass of wine, put my feet up, and relax before attempting to get a few hours sleep for the final push in the morning.
The next morning came early having only getting about five hours of good sleep, but there was no time to waist. Arriving at the home we immediately went right to our work and this time decided teaming up was the best recourse. The dumpster was almost full by mid-morning, and estimated we had disposed of around 3,000 pounds of everything from clothing and shoes to several large pieces of furniture which opened up some of the living areas and were no longer needed. At 11:45 AM, we stepped back from making our last run to the trash container and smiled at each other in celebration. A final walk through of the home with Mr. Davis who was in awe at what we had done was performed, thanking us time and time again for taking on this project. What he didn’t know was, we had secretly invited his family to pay a visit to the home at 12:30. Everyone was coming and we had sent photographs to the sons and daughters of our accomplishment from the previous day to get them even more excited. As we were receiving our check, the doorbell rang from the entry. Before, with all the debris and clutter around it seemed to absorb the sound when someone came calling and the bell range. Now, with an open and clean environment the bell echoed from the granite entryway into the rest of the home. After answering the door and seeing who it was, tears flowed like a river from the eyes of the family and Mr. Davis. These were not tears of sadness but tears of joy, knowing they could remember the times when their mother and wife walked the corridors and they again could enjoy the home and feel like a family once again.

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