MEET THE AUTHOR - SUSAN TARR

Welcome all.

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Susan Tarr, author of PHENOMENA the Lost and Forgotten Children, JACK, just an ordinary dog in the dog house, MIRANDA BAY, and FRIENDS TO THE END. ALMOST AN AUTHOR is due out this year.

ME: Hi SUSAN TARR, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

SUSAN TARR: I was born down south in New Zealand. and my working life started in various

psychiatric hospitals in NZ, employed not admitted.

Then the travel bug took over. I sailed to Kenya in a 28 foot yacht, without even considering whether or not I might get sea sick. I did. Dreadful trip. But I continued to crew on other yachts. Deck hand and sail repairer, caulking and painting. A real blokes girl. lol.

I married and lived in Kenya for 10 years--that's where my girls were born.

Europe became a favorite holiday destination but when we returned to NZ, USA and Australia were next.

So, I have travelled extensively and have now settled down into a peaceful life in a country town in NZ

ME: What genre do you write?

SUSAN TARR: Historical fiction based on fact, women’s medical dramas, humor and life.

ME: What are you working on at the minute?

SUSAN TARR: A revamp of MIRANDA BAY. It was first published in 2009. I need to make it more current.

ME: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

SUSAN TARR: Miranda is impulsive and bids on an established property, sight unseen, simply because it bears her name, Miranda. She gets more than she bargained on...

ME: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

SUSAN TARR: Sandra Bullock should play all my female roles. I love her style and personality. She reminds me of my daughter who I base all my 30+yr old female characters on.

ME: While you were writing, do you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

SUSAN TARR: Always. My characters talk, and act like me. But now I am older, I can only dream.

ME: When did you decide to become a writer?

SUSAN TARR: When living in Kenya, I wrote huge letters home to NZ. They will form the basis of my Kenyan stories when I have time to finish them.

ME: Which writers inspire you?

SUSAN TARR: Louis de Bernieres, Joseph Heller, Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Jane Green

ME: Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

SUSAN TARR: Lap top.

ME: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

SUSAN TARR: I type a million notes. When someone says or does something my new character would, I note it. When I have a plot and title, I start to order my notes, scene by scene. Heuristic is apparently my style. I think it means I make sense out of a mess. 

ME: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

SUSAN TARR: Psychological thrillers are my current fix. Reading Netta Newbound books first got me addicted.

ME: What book are you reading now?

SUSAN TARR: Paul Cleave's A KILLER HARVEST.

ME: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

SUSAN TARR: I am in two camps here. If a book is given free it can be perceived as worthless. But an author might gather a brand-new fan and sell other titles to them.

ME: How do you relax?

SUSAN TARR: Hah! I am an active relaxer. I find it hard to sit still. Coffee in a cafe with my writer friends might do it, although we'd spend all our time talking about books and our writing.

ME: What is your favorite quote?

SUSAN TARR: Considerer the ramifications of your words or actions.

ME: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

SUSAN TARR: Oh, editing definitely. Sometimes in our enthusiasm to publish 5 mins after typing The End, we miss this valuable step. I advise all aspiring writers to set aside their finished MS and come back to it a few weeks later. I promise that when they re-read it they will find unnecessary words and so many bloopers. I also suggest they do not ask family members or close friends to read their work, unless they promise to be totally honest. They LOVE you and will lie through their teeth to be supportive. That doesn't help at all. (With the exception of my hubster. He immediately picks up a red pen and starts dissecting the title!)

ME: What does your writing process look like?

SUSAN TARR: No plot. No routine. Three books in different genres on the go at any one time, so I can flip flop as the mood takes me. Humor versus historical mental health.

ME: What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

SUSAN TARR: The back matter. All the links and contacts.

ME: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

SUSAN TARR: No, I seem to be able to write each scene by immersing myself in it. Mainly I write from close experience

ME: Did you learn anything from writing your book(s) and what was it?

SUSAN TARR: Oh, yes. Even if a particular character is based closely on a particular person, readers ALWAYS want them to be likeable. So, they can have negative aspects but need positive attributes too. Even if in real life they are just plain nasty.

ME: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

SUSAN TARR: My best friend who is also an author. Otherwise it can be a pretty lonely journey.

ME: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

SUSAN TARR: Janet Frame. She was in the Seacliff Mental Hospital during the period I wrote my historic mental health book, Phenomena. Her writing inspired me.

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

SUSAN TARR: Women's fiction/drama based on real life events but written as fiction to keep my butt out of court. lol

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to read?

SUSAN TARR: Psychological thriller.

ME: What secret talents do you have?

SUSAN TARR: Oh dear. I am such a big mouth, I don't think any minor talents are secret anymore.

ME: If you had a superpower, what would it be?

SUSAN TARR: To be all my girls and grandchildren need me to be. And to write books in under 6 months.

ME: Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before? Why?

SUSAN TARR: GREECE! I saw The Lotus Eaters years ago. It was a TV series. From then my longing to visit has been strong. Although I visited Europe many times, I didn't make it to Greece.

ME: How can readers discover more about you and you work? i.e. Website: Blog: Facebook: Twitter: Lnkedin: Pinterest: Amazon Author Page: Smashwords: Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.) Goodreads.

SUSAN TARR:

FACEBOOK      TWITTER

GOOGLE+      PINTEREST      AMAZON

ME: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

SUSAN TARR: I am lousy with anything IT. I panic and press the wrong keys. Chaos.

ME: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

SUSAN TARR: You are very welcome, Victoria. Thank you for including me. XX

Meet The Author - AMALI ROSE

Welcome all

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Amali Rose, author of Under The Cherry Blossoms.

ME:  Hi Amali Rose, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

AMALI ROSE: I am an Australian former blogger who published my debut novella this year. I have always been a huge book lover, and earlier this year when I got a story idea that wouldn't go away, I decided to take the leap and put pen to paper, metaphorically speaking!

ME: What genre do you write?

AMALI ROSE: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Comedy/Erotica

ME: What are you working on at the minute?

AMALI ROSE: I am currently working on Dandelion Dreams, the second book in my Fleurs d'amour Novella Series.

ME: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

AMALI ROSE: DANDELION DREAMS.

Content is raw, unedited and subject to change.

© 2017 Amali Rose

Leaning back in his chair, Connors sizes me up, and for the first time since I entered his office, I sense a tiny bit of empathy. “Your administrative work here was adequate, Cassidy, and while your attitude wasn’t a fit for Patterson & Partners, I’m sure you would be an asset somewhere. Perhaps in a less rigid environment. All of which has been reflected in your reference letter.”

I’m still staring at him, slack jawed, as I try to make sense of what is happening. I hate this job. I’ve hated every office job I’ve ever had. But I have never once been fired from a job. People love me! I’m a fucking delight.

“That will be all, Miss. Jensen.”

I realise that I am, once again, being dismissed, so I gather myself as best as I can, and begin to make my exit.

Stopping in the doorway, I slowly turn, formulating my words and deciding what I want his last impression of me to be. Classy, I decide. Classy is the smart option.

Nah, fuck that.

“Connors, dude, everyone knows that’s a fucking rug on your head. And it’s not even a good one. It’s like an animal crawled up there, got cozy, and decided it was a good place to die. You really should do something about that, if you want people to take you seriously. Toodles!” Turning on my heel, I sashay out of the office, smirking at the sounds of indignation that follow me.

ME: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

AMALI ROSE: Hmm... for Under The Cherry Blossoms I can see Ashton Kutcher as Ben, and Rachel Bilson as Skye.

For Dandelion Dreams I like Blake Lively for Cassidy, and Jamie Dornan as Mason.

ME: While you were writing, do you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

AMALI ROSE: No, but I definitely have experienced moments where an idea will pop in my head from nowhere, and I run with it. Then five chapters later, it will fall into place. It's completely unconscious, and I like to think it's the characters helping me along.

ME: When did you decide to become a writer?

AMALI ROSE: About six months ago.

ME: Which writers inspire you?

AMALI ROSE: There are so many incredibly talented indie authors out there. Some of my favorites are Meghan Quinn, Adriana Locke, Jana Aston and L.J. Shen.

ME: Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

AMALI ROSE: I write on my laptop, and take notes on my phone.

ME: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

AMALI ROSE: I use a very simple chapter by chapter outline. It's incredibly basic, and I flesh it all out as I write.

ME: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

AMALI ROSE: Unfortunately, I don't get as much time to read as I would like. I prefer romantic comedies that still have all the dirty bits lol!

ME: What book are you reading now?

AMALI ROSE: Darker by E.L. James

ME: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

AMALI ROSE: I'm not sure if it works, I'm so new and I'm still trying to figure the whole marketing thing out. For me, personally, I do give a lot of books away, simply to get my work out there, and build a name for myself. I think at this point, that's more important to me than sales.

ME: How do you relax?

AMALI ROSE: I relax by spending time with my friends, reading or veging out in front of the tv.

ME: What is your favorite quote?

AMALI ROSE: "Though she be but little, she is fierce."

ME: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

AMALI ROSE: Oh wow, I don't really feel like I'm in any position to give advice! I guess I would just say, try to be as kind to yourself as you are to others, follow your gut, and surround yourself with people who will fight for you fiercely.

ME: What does your writing process look like?

AMALI ROSE: I'm really methodical. I write in sequence, and only ever have one WIP on the go. I'm definitely not your typical creative type!

ME: What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

AMALI ROSE: I really enjoyed every aspect of it, it was all very positive.

ME: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

AMALI ROSE: No, not particularly. Maybe scenes where I have to research things. I worry about making errors.

ME: Did you learn anything from writing your book(s) and what was it?

AMALI ROSE: Absolutely, I learnt a lot about plot structure. I hope I continue to learn something from every book.

ME: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

AMALI ROSE: I have a really strong group of friends who have held my hand, encouraged me, and kicked my ass throughout the entire process. My book wouldn't have been published without them.

ME: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

AMALI ROSE: Jamie Dornan. Because he's dreamy, and has an Irish accent!

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

AMALI ROSE: Romantic comedy.

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to read?

AMALI ROSE: Romantic comedy.

ME: What secret talents do you have?

AMALI ROSE: Well, I don't know how much talent I have, but probably writing. Very few people in my "real" life now I have started writing.

ME: If you had a superpower, what would it be?

AMALI ROSE: To be invisible.

ME: Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before? Why?

AMALI ROSE: Ireland. I'm not sure why, I've just wanted to go there since I was a child.

ME: How can readers discover more about you and you work? i.e. Website: Blog: Facebook: Twitter: Lnkedin: Pinterest: Amazon Author Page: Smashwords: Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.) Goodreads.

AMALI ROSE: Follow #AmaliRose here...

#SweetheartOfSmut #StalkLinks

FACEBOOK    AUTHOR PAGE

READER GROUP    NEWSLETTER    AMAZON

BOOKBUB    GOODREADS    BOOKS & MAIN BITES

INSTAGRAM    TWITTER   SPOTIFY     PINTREST

ME: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

AMALI ROSE: N/A

ME: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

AMALI ROSE: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

Meet the Author - NATASZA WATERS

Welcome all.

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Natasza Waters, author of Code Name: Ghost; Code Name: Kayla's Fire; Code Name: Nina's Choice; Code Name: Luminous; Code Name: Forever & Ever; Code Name: Redemption; SEALed with a Weekend; Twila's Tempest; His Perfect Imperfection; Committed to Chase; Too Grand for Words;

ME: Hi Natasza Waters, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

NATASZA WATERS: I was born on the west coast of British Columbia and currently live in a cute little town called Sidney by the Sea on Vancouver Island. (Imagine Cabot Cove in Murder She Wrote) I committed 33 years to serving in the Coast Guard and I'm soon to retire and write full time.

ME: What genre do you write?

NATASZA WATERS: Military Romance and Suspense

ME: What are you working on at the minute?

NATASZA WATERS: In December I will release the final book in my award-winning Navy SEAL series called Code Name: War of Stones.

ME: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

NATASZA WATERS: Allowing women into combat has always been a controversial topic. In War of Stones, Seaman Sloane Austen and Navy SEAL Lt. Damon Stone clash in Operation Skirts Down. A CIA exercise opposed to women in the Special Forces.

ME: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

NATASZA WATERS: I guess I don't have to imagine, since a very handsome actor and model has agreed to be on the cover. Thomas Gunter resides in California and like most of my cover models, has served in the forces. Thomas was my muse for the hero in this thriller and I'm honored that he's on the cover. And it certainly wouldn't be a long shot to see his face on the silver screen recreating this powerful story that's raw with sex appeal, commitment and bravery.

ME: While you were writing, do you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

NATASZA WATERS: Never. I may use pieces of my life experience or people I've met, but heaven forbid I put myself in a book.

ME: When did you decide to become a writer?

NATASZA WATERS: I wrote during my 20's but life got in the way. But, in 2010 I picked up where I left off and my first novel was published in 2011.

ME: Which writers inspire you?

NATASZA WATERS: So many, but I have to say Anne Perry stands out. I've attended a few of her speeches and I was honored that she sat beside me when His Perfect Imperfection won Best Contemporary novel of 2016 in Burbank.

ME: Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

NATASZA WATERS: Computer. LOL. Heck, I'd hate to think of how much paper I'd run through if I wrote on a typewriter.

ME: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

NATASZA WATERS: I'm a pantser, although I do have character sheets and a plot summary, but from there onward, the characters get to do all the hard work.

ME: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

NATASZA WATERS: I was a professional reviewer for a few years, but now with a busy schedule I read when I can. I can say that I enjoy many indie authors, and picking one just wouldn't be fair.

ME: What book are you reading now?

NATASZA WATERS: I just finished E.L. Shen's Ruckus. Gave it 3.75 stars.

ME: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

NATASZA WATERS: I think making the first book in a series free or 99 cents helps new readers discover my style of writing without too much investment. If they like my novels, then they'll join my writing family.

ME: How do you relax?

NATASZA WATERS: I'll do that when I'm dead.

ME: What is your favorite quote?

NATASZA WATERS: You can move mountains with words, but you need a bulldozer of creativity to find the gold nuggets. (Natasza Waters)

ME: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

NATASZA WATERS: When creativity and determination cross swords, a book is born.

ME: What does your writing process look like?

NATASZA WATERS: Messy as hell, but thankfully I have a great crit partner who gives me a good slap upside the head if I venture into dangerous territory.

ME: What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

NATASZA WATERS: Writing the blurb. Ugh. Summarizing 100,00 words into 150 is an art form.

ME: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

NATASZA WATERS: Love scenes are difficult. To keep them fresh and new is a tough grind.

ME: Did you learn anything from writing your book(s) and what was it?

NATASZA WATERS: I usually commit a certain amount of time prior to starting each book with some research depending on the plot. In Code Name: War of Stones, my research was based on the issues of women in combat.

ME: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

NATASZA WATERS: A good friend and talented author by the name of Sheri Fredricks. She writes fantasy and erotic romance, and she has real talent.

ME: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

NATASZA WATERS: Agatha Christie hands down. Afternoon tea in an English garden. Think I'd pepper her with questions until she ran away screaming.

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

NATASZA WATERS: I love to read suspense and I love to write suspense. Coiling the tension, throwing the characters under a bus and watching how they leap from danger....love it.

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to read?

NATASZA WATERS: Suspense...and I'll throw a good contemporary erotic novel in once in a while to stir things up.

ME: What secret talents do you have?

NATASZA WATERS: Secret talent, huh? Well, believe it or not, I know Morse Code. Shocking, I know, but at the beginning of my career it was a requirement. :)

ME: If you had a superpower, what would it be?

NATASZA WATERS: Stepping into any time period I wanted with the snap of my fingers. Could come in handy, I think.

ME: Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before?

NATASZA WATERS: The United Kingdom, it's on my bucket list.

ME: How can readers discover more about you and you work? i.e. Website: Blog: Facebook: Twitter: Lnkedin: Pinterest: Amazon Author Page: Smashwords: Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.) Goodreads.

NATASZA WATERS:

FACEBOOK           WEBSITE           AMAZON

ME: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

NATASZA WATERS: Just a very big thank you to my readers for keeping the fires burning. Those are the embers that keep me writing.

ME: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

NATASZA WATERS: Thanks for giving me a little space on your blog.

Meet the Author - C.J. CASSIDY

Welcome all.

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing C.J. Cassidy, author of "The Tortured Soul Trilogy",

"The Switch", "ClownTown - Pop-257", "ClownTown II - The Return of Bo Rodgers", “Innocence Lost", "Tales from the Dungeon of Pleasure & Pain"

ME: Hi C.J. Cassidy, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

C.J. CASSIDY: Contrary to popular belief; I am NOT an erotic author. I write about the human

condition. I write about women who endure trials and tribulations. I write about triumph over adversity. It just so happens…. They like to f**k a lot!

I started out as an unknown writer and my very first novel was picked up by a fan who asked me to write her biography. She was impressed with the way I told and set-up a story. I agreed. The subject matter was dark and moody as she was a victim of domestic abuse. About 100 pages into her story; it turned into a novel about BDSM. I balked. I didn’t wish to be known as someone who wrote those types of novels. I was convinced by my pastor to continue and I published my first erotic novel under the pen name; CJ Cassidy. Since publishing the novel; over 50 women got out of or redefined their abusive relationships. I am very proud of that. I cry when I get a card or a letter for a reader telling me that my novel changed their life. I am humbled by the path I have chosen.

I live in the shadows, writing about women in pain and their deliverance. In my public appearances, I wear a mask. I swore never to reveal the identity of my ‘Katherine’ and I wear it to protect my family from any backlash from my work. I have also helped other women write their stories as well. I like what I do.

And if you didn’t know… the novel is based on the lives and loves of three REAL women and the ACTUAL events in their lives! The names; places and time has been changed to protect the innocent and their families

ME: What genre do you write?

C.J. CASSIDY: Any genre that enters my muse's mind

ME: What are you working on at the minute?

C.J. CASSIDY: "ClownTown 3 - Retribution" The third in a murder mystery series about a town where half the population wears clown make-up for no particular reason. We hope to have seven novels, so it can be pitched as a web-series.

ME: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

C.J. CASSIDY: From; "ClownTown 3 - Retribution"

Angelina was about to make coffee when there was a knock on her door. She put the water pitcher down and went to the door. She hoped it was Jenkins or Matthews to give her some intel on anything, especially where Sophie might be. Angelina slowly pulled back the curtain on the door window to look to see who it was.

She screamed and threw the door open. “BO!!!” She jumped into his arms and couldn’t stop hugging him. “They let you out? You escaped? You on bail?”

“No… they had to drop the charges…”

“What? Why?”

“They found crucial evidence that someone else killed Louie….”

“Who?”

“They found a single partial fingerprint on my knife and trace blood from the killer… Louie didn’t go down without a fight…”

“And?” She knew there was more.

“They found partly burned, bloody delivery man coveralls discarded on the edge of the property; it was covered with Louie’s blood. They tried to destroy the evidence. The size of the overalls fit a small person… It couldn’t have been me…” Bo paused. “Plus, I had an airtight alibi…”

“What was your alibi?”

“I was in Parson’s County when Louie was killed… In the office of Captain Thompson and three other witnesses… cops!”

ME: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

C.J. CASSIDY: Michael Fassbinder as 'Nicholas Anderson' - "The Tortured Soul Trilogy" which is being shopped to be made into a film as we speak.

ME: While you were writing, do you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

C.J. CASSIDY: Each of my characters are a bit of me and my muse 'Lola Reeds' but they are based on actual people and real situations

ME: When did you decide to become a writer?

C.J. CASSIDY: LOL... I was struck by a bolt of lightning when I was 50, I've been writing ever since

ME: Which writers inspire you?

C.J. CASSIDY: Any writer that has the guts to tell their story without trying to 'sell' a book.

ME: Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

C.J. CASSIDY: I write longhand, but my hand writing has become unreadable even to myself. I use a computer now.

ME: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

C.J. CASSIDY: I don't write in linear thought. I write scenes as they come to me and then edit and fix the continuity. I have worked on three novels at the same time in this fashion.

ME: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

C.J. CASSIDY: My eyes have grown weak over the years, I rarely read.

ME: What book are you reading now?

C.J. CASSIDY: I'm reading the WIP of an auto-biography a friend is writing; "The Yellow Brick Road" about her life and becoming a pornstar.

ME: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

C.J. CASSIDY: I give books away to loyal fans and sometimes in Author T.O.s I help build a positive repour with future readers

ME: How do you relax?

C.J. CASSIDY: I write to escape the 'real' world.

ME: What is your favorite quote?

C.J. CASSIDY: "It's the stuff that dreams are made of!" -Casablanca- At the end of the film, it's discovered that the Maltese Falcon is a fake, made of lead, and yet, it inspired dreams, adventure, murder and betrayal.

ME: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

C.J. CASSIDY: Find your muse. Write, write, write, then edit.

ME: What does your writing process look like?

C.J. CASSIDY: LOL! Remove the spine of a book and toss the pages all over the room

ME: What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

C.J. CASSIDY: Waiting for my editor to proofread and format the novel and cover. Sometimes it has taken her longer to finish than for me to write the book!

ME: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

C.J. CASSIDY: Any scene that makes me cry is the hardest to write, but, if that's the emotion I wish to convey, that's how I know, I nailed it!

ME: Did you learn anything from writing your book(s) and what was it?

C.J. CASSIDY: Focus on the story, the character development. Make the reader identify with the character. Let them have an empathy and they will be hooked for life. And when it comes to grammar and structure, to hell with the norm. Focus on the story.

"It is like a finger pointing to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you will miss all that heavenly glory!" -Bruce Lee, Enter The Dragon-

ME: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

C.J. CASSIDY: LOL! You think my family supported me? I'm supported by my fans and followers who have read my stories and feel the need for others to read my body of work. They are a godsend who work tirelessly to help bring my work to light. They are the true believers.

ME: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

C.J. CASSIDY: Jesus. I would like to walk with him. Let's face it, he has all the answers

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

C.J. CASSIDY: I write in all genres, but it seems that my erotica is the most popular

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to read?

C.J. CASSIDY: I like any story well told.

ME: What secret talents do you have?

C.J. CASSIDY: But if I tell you... okay, I can write backwards with my left hand.

ME: If you had a superpower, what would it be?

C.J. CASSIDY: I would love the prehensile tongue of Toad from the X-Men (Need I tell you why?)

ME: Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before?

C.J. CASSIDY: Texas, no reason

ME: How can readers discover more about you and you work? i.e. Website: Blog: Facebook: Twitter: Lnkedin: Pinterest: Amazon Author Page: Smashwords: Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.) Goodreads.

C.J. CASSIDY:

FACEBOOK

AMAZON

ME: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

C.J. CASSIDY: My book trailer by the amazing; Yareth Gomez of Sweet RED Productions

Katherine walked over to me and put her finger on my lips. “Shhhh!” She wiped a tear from my eye and she cradled into my lap, nestled her head into the crook of my neck and shoulder. She put her hand on my heart… and went back to sleep. I held her in my arms and gently rocked her… Katherine purred. I held her close to me and kissed her forehead. This was the very first time I truly realized how much I love her. The tears welled in my eyes. I never want this moment to end.

God… what has this woman done to me? And I thank you for her.

-Nicholas Anderson-

https://www.facebook.com/SweetREDProductions/videos/1234451643320786/

We hope to have this made as an independent film soon.

ME: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

C.J. CASSIDY: Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share myself and my work with your fans and followers. This means a lot to me.

MEET THE AUTHOR - AJ STORM

Welcome all.

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing AJ Storm author of Dark Strangers, Alexander's Story, The Power of Two, Emily's Passion, Right of Passion, Fortune's Eyes, Fortune's Daughter, The Blood Rose, and Danny's Heat coming at the end of the year.

ME: Hi AJ Storm, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

AJ STORM: I’m AJ Storm and I write erotic dreams in all genres.

I’m an avid reader of BDSM, erotic paranormal romance, and murder/mystery books. I am particularly fond of vampire and shifter stories. Currently, I live in the Midwestern part of the United States with my husband and my two-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever. I’m a 65-year-old grandmother of six, a mother of two, and a wife to the same man for 42 years. Most of my life, I’ve been a writer, but just not of books. Essays, book reports, letters, and short stories were my expression of self. My real talent appeared in high school when I got my first guitar and wrote music, lyrics, and sang. Love songs helped me release my Passion.

Marriage and raising children cut down on my free time, so the guitar sat in the corner voiceless. In 2006, I discovered voices waking me in the middle of the night telling me their stories, and when I finally listened, I wrote them down. That was how Emily’s Passion came about. It’s the story of my life, but also part fiction. And so, here I am today with eight published books and one about to be released.

I love writing and sharing my fantasies with others through the written word. I love making people lose themselves in a story and feel the emotions.

ME: What genre do you write?

AJ STORM: Paranormal romance, murder/mystery, women's fiction

ME: What are you working on at the minute?

AJ STORM: Currently, it's titled Hunting Season, but it may change.

ME: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

AJ STORM: It's the story of a middle-aged Choctaw woman who's father hires a 45 year old ranch hand to help her run the ranch so she can date, go out with friends, etc. and stop living like a man. Needless to say, she's pissed and doesn't want him there.

ME: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?

AJ STORM: Playing the part of Griff - Mark Harmon

ME: While you were writing, do you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?

AJ STORM: Always, I get pulled into my characters and their story. They talk to me and become like family.

ME: When did you decide to become a writer?

AJ STORM: I've always had the ability to put my thoughts and emotions down on paper. Five years ago, I was encouraged to write a novel and Dark Strangers was born.

ME: Which writers inspire you?

AJ STORM: There are so many....my top two would be J.R. Ward and Cherise Sinclair

ME: Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?

AJ STORM: Longhand and then transfer to computer. I can correct or edit when I do that.

ME: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer to just see where an idea takes you?

AJ STORM: My characters talk to me. They tell me their stories and I write them down. They even get angry when I don't follow where they’re going and then they go silent until I make the change.

ME: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.

AJ STORM: I love to read. Currently, I read Debbie Zello, Faith Gibson, Thia Finn, Hilary Storm, R.B. Obrien.....I have hundreds on my Kindle I haven't gotten to yet. There are tons of good authors out there.

ME: What book are you reading now?

AJ STORM: Only Pleasure by Lora Leigh

ME: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

AJ STORM: Truthfully, I haven't made up my mind about it. I've read comments on both sides of the issue.  I think an occasional free book is okay, but I don't make a habit of it.

ME: How do you relax?

AJ STORM: Listen to music on headphones and reading

ME: What is your favorite quote?

AJ STORM: "Mine"  That one word fills me with hope, need, and passion. To have someone so into you that he holds you and growls mine....It turns me on.

ME: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

AJ STORM: Something that I'm continually learning.  Never Give Up.

ME: What does your writing process look like?

AJ STORM: First, I put on my headphones and turn on my playlist of music I've chosen to write to. I use a yellow pad and a pilot gel pen to write the stories given to me by my characters. Then, I transfer them to my computer while I do a first edit as I'm transferring. This continues until I write The End. I have two or three beta readers who read and offer comments and suggestions.

ME: What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

AJ STORM: The Blurb--I hate writing them and I'm not good at it. I end up retelling the story.

ME: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others? Love? Action? Racy?

AJ STORM: Not really. I don't have a problem because it's not my story--it belongs to my characters. Sometimes my readers get upset with some of the outcomes, but I have to write it as they dictate it.

ME: Did you learn anything from writing your book(s) and what was it?

AJ STORM: The one thing that I'm continually learning is that I need to write for myself and not my readers. By that I mean, the story needs to be written for me and my characters (staying true to the story) and not focus on popularity or acceptance. If a book doesn't sell well, then it doesn't. I just know that I've done the best I could do and have written one hell of a book.

ME: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

AJ STORM: My PA is #1. She works her butt off and puts up with my craziness. My beta readers are next and are always supportive.

ME: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

AJ STORM: I would like to sit down with Stephen King and talk about all aspects of writing and publishing. Not particularly about horror but about the industry in general.

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to write about?

AJ STORM: Has to be paranormal. I love it and I read a lot of it.

ME: What is your favorite theme/genre to read?

AJ STORM: I love all genres as long as they have interesting characters and plots. Romance of any kind is my favorite. I love a good love scene.

ME: What secret talents do you have?

AJ STORM: Play guitar, sing, write music, tole painting

ME: If you had a superpower, what would it be?

AJ STORM: Flying....I want to soar over everything and feel the wind whooshing over my body.

ME: Where is one place you want to visit that you haven't been before?

AJ STORM: Hawaii

ME: How can readers discover more about you and you work? i.e. Website: Blog: Facebook: Twitter: Lnkedin: Pinterest: Amazon Author Page: Smashwords: Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.) Goodreads.

AJ STORM:

AMAZON    

FACEBOOK   

TWITTER 

GOODREADS    

INSTAGRAM    

FACEBOOK GROUP

ME: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

AJ STORM: I can't think of anything else. The only thing would be to encourage readers to leave a review if they read the book. Authors need that feedback.

ME: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

AJ STORM: Thank you very much for having me.