Carroll Bryant Interviews Ray J. de Aragon

A lot of people visit my blog, and for that I am grateful and deeply appreciative. Some of those folks even take time out of their busy day to drop me an email to share their thoughts on a particular subject or two and or to thank me for a post. These things mean a lot to me. My grandfather told me that when people make the effort to reach out, the polite thing to do is reach back. Well, I think it's more than polite, it's social protocol, and I am always happy to make a new friend.

In this case, it was Mr. Ray J. de Aragon who reached out to me after reading my post about Billy The Kid. I posted that post because I too have a strange liking towards the legend of The Kid. His life was fascinating to me and his death - to this day - is still clouded in a little mystery. Still, these people who came out of the early days of this country have filled many young minds of the modern day with wonderment of the past. I mean, to even think about the fact that these folks didn't have a tenth of the luxuries that we have today is mind boggling as to how any of them even made it past the age of twenty.

But legends they are and the fantasies continue. Whether it's Wyatt Earp, Buffalo Bill, Geronimo or Calamity Jane, many writers past, and present will pen amazing stories of fiction using their real life hero's as their book hero. Mr. Aragon is no exception. He read my post and emailed me his thoughts and appreciation to the life of The Kid. From there, the door was opened for me to get to know this man a little bit better.

Carroll: How long have you had this interest in the life and times of The Kid?

Ray:  My interest in Billy the Kid began as a young child.  When I was a little boy I got to see The Left Handed Gun starring Paul Newman.  The film really impressed me.  Plus my family had a connection to Billy the Kid.  According to family lore, my great-grandmother who was a curandera, medicine woman, had treated Billy the Kid and they had become friends. 

Carroll:  What prompted you to write this book?

Ray:  I had written several articles in the past on Billy the Kid that had appeared in Western journals and newspapers.  My research went off-the-beaten-path, searching for unanswered questions that have always perplexed historians about his life and death.  I followed a trail to clear up certain mysteries, and the book is the result.

Carroll :  Do you have any other hero's from the early western days that you might write a book of or about?

Ray: I’m working on a second book on Billy the Kid since that is one of my main interests.  It appears that there is always something more to write about him.  For example, his connection to certain towns he frequented, and the Hispanic population of New Mexico that he identified with has never been written about.

Carroll:  When did you start writing?

Ray: I had my first published piece when I was a high school student.  It was a short historical fiction story titled RETREAT TO STARVATION PEAK that appeared in Highlights Magazine.  As a university student I began to write historical features that appeared in newspapers and other publications.

Carroll:  Who (or what) inspired you to become a writer?

Ray:  I enjoyed reading as an elementary student.  I especially liked Grimm’s Fairy Tales and New Mexico Spanish folktales.  I had a vivid imagination so I started creating my own little stories.

Carroll: How many books have you written?

Ray: To date, I’ve written and published twelve books of fiction and nonfiction.

Carroll: How much research do you put into your books?

Ray: When I first started writing I spent countless hours in libraries doing research for a book.  Now with the Internet everything is a fingertip away.  It is much easier to do research.  However, I still spend countless hours doing research on a particular subject.

Carroll: Do you travel to places in your books / stories?

Ray: I have to personally feel and have an attachment for the places, events and people that are the subjects of my books so I do travel to the environments that I write about.

Carroll: Do you have a favorite character in any of your books, and if so, who are they?

Ray: My favorite characters are those of Spanish legends such as La Llorona, the famous Wailing Woman ghost that appears in the darkness of the night.  I also grew up hearing of Billy the Kid and played him as a child.

Carroll: If you were to write a biography for yourself, what would the synopsis read like?

Ray: As a university student I was quite involved in the Civil Rights Movement so my biography would revolve around those years.
  
Carroll: Are your books available in E-nook formats and published print?

Ray: My books are available both in print and e-book formats. 

Carroll: Any up-coming appearances or promotions for your book(s) that you would like to share?

Ray: In September I’ll be doing book signings at some New Mexico museums and special collections libraries.

Carroll:  What has been a highlight to your career thus far?

Ray: A special highlight was a book signing at Costco where people were in line for two hours waiting to purchase a book and have it signed.  A hundred and twenty five copies sold and the enthusiasm from the crowd was an inspiration for me.

Carroll: How often does your writing interfere with other things in your life?

Ray: Everything revolves around my writing.

Carroll: Have you other interests and or hobbies going on?

Ray: I’m also a visual artist so sometimes I combine writing with my art.

Carroll:  Have you any secrets on getting through writers block you care to share?

Ray: I have never experienced writer’s block.  I think it’s because I’m fascinated with history, legends, and myths.  There is so much to write about that subjects are endless.

Carroll: Have you any advice for young writers?

Ray: Book writing and book publishing is a totally different animal today from what it once was.  Now a book has to be pretty much totally completed and put on a thumb drive.  The writer has to be thoroughly familiar with all of the technical aspects of book production.  When submitting a book proposal the best advice is to zero in on the type of books that each individual publisher produces and make sure that your project absolutely fits the needs.  A book proposal has to motivate and attract the commissioning editor so a great deal of effort goes into selling your book.  The book has to be completed and ready so one cannot sell an idea.  A new writer has to know what is already available out on the market and has to produce something fresh and new.


And so there you go everyone, a look into the life of author Ray J. de Aragon. You may check out his Author Amazon Page



I want to thank Ray for his time in doing this interview. I wish him continued success. I also hope all of you enjoyed learning more about Ray J. de Aragon.



 

Interview With STGRB

Anyone who has been following me and my blog knows that I like to do more than just do interviews of authors. I also like interviewing editors, graphic designers, and musicians. Pretty much, anybody whom I find interesting. Such is the case today. Now, I realize many of you are aware of what occured with me in July of 2012. I was a victim of a bully attack on a social networking website known as Goodreads. In the process, I was ultimately banned by the community website manager, Patrick Brown, indicating to me that that kind of behavior was tolerated, encouraged and endorsed by the staff of the website, and its founder, Otis Chandler. Only to discover that I wasn't the first victim of these cyber-bullies nor would I be the last.

 I am one who believes that when you enter into the world of the "public eye", certain responsibilities come along with it. By that I mean, when an individual accumulates a certain amount of "fame" or "notoriety", he or she might find it well worth their time to invest themselves to a cause. While my family and I do "give back" to our community and have been doing so ever since I can remember, the cause of "cyber-bullying" fell into my lap. By being a target of some cyber-bullies, I felt it was my duty to not only bring it to the attention of the public, but my duty to also do whatever I can to combat it. I also believe it is my duty to warn others about it and to reveal the websites that allow this kind of thing to take place and of the people who participate in it.

When I was attacked, I was very fortunate to have a website dedicated to trying to stomp out cyber-bullying and more or less, "had my back" and was quick to respond in reporting it. That website was STGRB. (Stop The Goodreads Bullies)

Many of you may have heard of them by now. If you have been following me, then you are aware of them. And today, it is my pleasure to be able to present to you an exclusive interview with the founders of this website, to better let you discover more of who these people are and what they are all about.

A lot of rumors have been flying about in regards to STGRB. Some of which, I hope to qwell with this interview. And while there are some who condemn the people behind STGRB for keeping their identities a secret, I applaud them for it. Let's face it, could Batman fight the bad guys if they know he is Bruce Wayne? And that's exactly how I see STGRB. And it is my hope that by doing this interview, that everyone will see what exactly it is that they (and myself) are standing up against. That other authors who read this will know how to avoid my plight, and these cyber-bullies that are running loose on Goodreads, Amazon Kindle Boards and other places where an unsuspecting author may find themselves.

So, without any further babble from me, lets get this interview started, shall we?


Carroll: First of all, I want to start off by thanking STGRB for this exclusive interview. Now, with that being said, tell me, when was STGRB started?

STGRB: We started our blog back in early July 2012.

Carroll: Really? I was under the impression that it was started way before that. Talk about the irony of timing, that would be right on the heels of when I was attacked in mid to the latter part of July. I guess now I can understand better why so many think that I am behind it or have some kind of association with you guys. But I digress, what inspired the creation of STGRB?

STGRB: We were inspired to create STGRB after having witnessed all the horrible GR bully attacks on authors. Nothing was being to done to stop the abusers running amok on the fora, going largely unchallenged and unnoticed. So we created our blog to shed light on what was happening, catching the attention of the Huffington Post and USA Today.

Carroll: Wow! That's pretty impressive. Okay, so what is the mission statement of STGRB?

STGRB: Our mission statement can be found on our Who We Are Page 

“We are readers, bloggers, and Goodreads members who, inspired by those who have already taken a stand, have come together in an effort to stop the bullying we have seen on the GR fora.”

Carroll: And what would be your goal?

STGRB: The ultimate goal is for the book community to review books they have actually read on the merits of the actual book. These reviews can be positive or negative, but would always be done for the right reasons and without the need to attack the author or attack any readers who have felt differently about the book. In other words, we’d like to see less reviews that say, “I hate this author for xyz made-up and slanderous reason, so I’ll never read this book. That’s why I’m giving it 1 star! Anyone who says they like this book is a liar or an idiot because it sucks!” and more reviews that say what they liked or didn’t like a book in an honest way, not reviews posted for the sake of trying to hurt the author (and so hurting other readers in the process).

Carroll: I see. It sounds reasonable to me. So anyway, one of the biggest rumors (or controversy) is that STGRB is owned and operated by authors or aspiring authors. Can you, once and for all, set the record straight about that?

STGRB: No matter what we say, it will make certain people feel better to keep saying we’re authors. None of us are currently authors nor are any of us aspiring authors, but we’ll let you know if that ever changes. If any of us ever do start writing, though, we unfortunately won’t have as much (or possible any) time left to devote to STGRB, at which point we’d have to hand the site over to some other trusted readers or hope we’ve provided enough information on the site to help out anyone who finds it after we stop posting to it. Don’t worry, though, as none of us start to begin writing, chances are STGRB is here to stay for a long time–at least as long as needed.

Carroll: Well, that is a relief. So tell me, what would you say has been the biggest story on your website thus far? (Your best proof that these people on Goodreads/AW/Kindle Boards really are bullies)

STGRB: The biggest story has got to be Goodreads’ reaction to our site and the negative criticism of their site that ensued publicly. They had to announce the publication of their TOS and then began hiding bully reviews from their book pages. You can read about it Here. Now, if Goodreads had to take this action, this proves that they have something to hide… literally.

Carroll: Indeed it does. Could you show us the difference between a regular negative review of a book and a bully review?

STGRB: The bullies have banged the same drum over and over again, saying that all of this is about authors not being able to handle negative reviews. Nothing could be further from the truth. The STGRB site is against bullies, plain and simple. Honest negative reviews are an entirely different matter. Since the bullies have repeatedly insisted on kicking the same dead horse over and over again, let us clarify the difference between a bully tactic and a negative review (since the bullies don’t seem to know the difference or have no other argument to stand on):

An honest negative review is an opinion expressed by a reader about the book that he/she purchased. It is written with respect. Key word here: respect. To respectfully put forth one’s opinion is welcomed by hard-working authors looking to get honest feedback on their work (even if the review stings). An honest negative review does not belittle, attack, name-call, stalk, harrass, or try to ruin an author’s career. It is an opinion, simple as that. And STGRB has no problem with those. Unfortunately, no matter how many times we repeat this, the bullies who attack STGRB willfully ignore these words. They just don’t want to listen, it’s obvious, and twist things around to meet their agenda. Which, of course, makes them the bullies that they are.

A bully review seeks to defame, harm, personally attack, name-call, belittle, hurt, shame, and harm an AUTHOR. The bully review is not about the book, although it might pretend to be. It is about trying to destroy and cause harm. We have seen many examples of a bully in cyberspace who will disagree with an AUTHOR about something, and use that disagreement to try to destroy an author’s career by attacking his/her books. This is wrong. Authors work hard to get their books into the world. Every sale means the difference to their lives. They are supporting sick relatives, young children, elderly, and family members on their sales. They are putting food on their tables, or paying bills, or using the money to survive. When a bully goes after an author and hurts their sales with lies and propaganda and hate, they are, in essence, stealing from those authors. Yes, that’s right. For every disingenuous, fake bully review that harms an authors sales (and yes, they do), that is one less child’s meal to buy. It is food stolen directly from their mouths. It is also one more dream killed. Yes, there are authors who have stopped writing because of bullies. There are authors who have given up their dreams. There are real life families and human beings who have been harmed from bullies. We know, because we receive the emails from them every day. If we can stop just one bully from doing what they do, and save one more person, one more book, one more family from being harmed by these hateful people, then we will have been successful. This is a very real cause to us. We feel passionately about it because we see the pain and harm that bullies cause to real lives. That is why we do what we do.

A regular negative review of a book would be something Like This. This is a one-star review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. This reviewer says that 35 million book buyers are wrong and continues to state why he thinks so. Although many would disagree with him, his review is a legit review that critiques the book and doesn’t bash the author.

This is an example of a bully review: Example One. Clearly, this individual admits not even reading the book, and attacks the author. This is another exmple: Example Two. Again, this person admits to not reading the book, and attacks the author. This is what we are trying to put an end to.

Carroll: I can see the difference. Now, just to clarify, you’re not against negative reviews of books, correct?

STGRB: No. We are against hate. Bullies = hate. Nothing good comes of hate. The bullies have left wasteland of harm in their wake. Maybe some of them truly do not know what they do. We suspect most do. We suspect most are sadistic individuals who get off on harming the people around them in real life as much as they do to the people in cyberspace. They are not being held accountable and we feel our site aims to do just that. We are shining a bright spotlight on these harmful individuals so authors will know who to avoid. We do this, of course, in an ethical way, without revealing an individual’s private information. The bullies, of course, don’t have those same ethical standards as they have no problem making every attack personal.

Carroll: So the evidence would suggest. Thanks for those examples. It's like that old saying, "Proof is in the pudding." And that is some pudding.  Now, allow me to ask you this, do you plan to go the distance in this battle against cyber bullying?

STGRB: Absolutely.

Carroll: If these bully attacks were to stop, what would STGRB do? (Hypothetically of course) Would you remain and hang around to ensure the attacks were over or would you fold up the tents?

STGRB: We’d leave the site up as a record and a reminder, and would only reactivate it if any new bully attacks emerged. We are here for the long haul. As long as there are hateful people in the world who are looking to harm others, we will be around.

Carroll: Same basic question except, what would you think would happen with STGRB if GR and the rest finally took a stand against cyber bullying on their sites?

STGRB: Same answer. We’d leave the site up as a record and a reminder and would reactivate it if anything new emerged.

Carroll: Got it, but if GR or any other site wanted to work with you in cracking down on the problem, would you work with them?

STGRB: Of course.

Carroll: And of course, none of them have come forth to do that nor would I suspect they ever will. That is a shame. And finally, what percentage would you give that this problem of cyber bullying taking place on GR and other sites will be addressed by these sites? Be stopped? How hopeful are you that it will be resolved?

STGRB: Not hopeful. Determined. We are 100 percent sure that the bullying will stop someday. Eventually some author or a group of authors will decide they’ve had enough and will get their attorneys involved. Goodreads is not a library. They do not lend out books. They are a social networking site for bibliophiles and therefore do not have the right to post authors’ books and profiles on their site without those authors’ permission. All an author has to do is have their attorney point this out to GR (or to a judge if it comes to that) and then GR will have a huge problem. They won’t be able to stop authors from demanding their books be removed from the site.

Carroll: That is an interesting note to end on. Did you other authors get all that? Goodreads does not have the legal right to post your books on their website WITHOUT your permission. If you do not wish for them to display your books, you may send a request to them (Via Patrick Brown, I assume) and ask them to remove them. If they fail to do so, consult a lawyer. Their refusal to remove your work and or profile from their website and forcing you to contact a lawyer would be even more proof that Patrick Brown and Otos Chandler condone, endorse, foster and maybe even perhaps participates themselves in cyber-bullying on their website. I know I have sent a request asking that very thing and I have been ignored. This si why I believe they are the true ring leaders of the "gang of bullies" on Goodreads. And why I could never endorse that website. 

I want to thank STGRB for taking the time to do this interview. Fighting against cyber-bullying is the cause that I have taken on for myself and it is also the cause that the good people over at STGRB has taken up as well. To learn more about them and what they do, and to see for yourself what has been going on over at Goodreads and other websites, just go visit STGRB and read the many fine articles that they have posted. 

As for me, I will continue with my fight as well. Mostly on my Carroll's Youtube Channel where I have already put up some interesting Vblogs regarding my situation. Meanwhile, if you see bullying going on over at Goodreads, then don't be afraid to stand up and say something. Don't let these bullies win. Let them, and GR staff, know that this kind of behavior has to be addressed, and stopped. Don't be intimidated by them. Demand that Goodreads staff step up, and man up, in the fight against cyber-bullying. It is my contention that the only way to bring an end to this kind of childish behavior is to use good old fashioned "public pressure".

Thanks again to the people over at STGRB and thanks to you, the reader, for taking time out of your life to read this article. Here's wishing everyone a wonderful 2013. (And putting an end once and for all to cyber-bullying) Take care!


UPDATE: (Jan. 17th) - Within the past 24 hours, an attempt was made by someone to hack into the STGRB website. An investigation is on-going. You may read about it here. Bully Crime. I will keep you all posted on any new developments.

Carroll Bryant Interviews Author Spencer Brokaw

You know I don't do many of these interviews myself. For the most part, I leave that up to my blog partner, Ira. However, someone amazing comes along and I know right from the start that I want to interview that person. Well today, I have a very special treat for all of you. A young man by the name of Spencer Brokaw. He is 13 years old. (Yes! You read correctly. Thirteen years old.) And already, fast becoming quite the accomplished author.

Spencer and I bumped into each other when I used to be a member of Goodreads. What stood out for me about him was not only how intellingent this young man is, but how young he is to have discovered his life's ambition. At his age, I was into sports and probably some kind of tomfoolery. This young man is way ahead of the curve. (And his peers)

He is as witty and easy going as they come. He has a bright out-look on life, and appears to be having fun with almost everything he does. He is full of energy and one of those rare people that I am proud to call a friend. He is also very inspiring. But enough of my praising, let's meet this young man and find out what makes him tick.

Carroll: So Spencer, you're thirteen years old and already have a few books written and published. You're making quite the name for yourself. How did it all start for you at such a young age?

Spencer: When I was 8, I got into writing after my dad suggested it as a cure for boredom. I wrote some short notebook stories, and even in the beginning they were about men with guns. That evolved, and eventually I got to use a crappy computer from the 90’s to write with, at age 9ish-10ish. I wrote Agent J, a story about a man recruited for the CIA for his burglary skills. Soon after, I wrote The Impenetrable Spy. I wrote half of it at 10, and finished it at 11. Last June, at age 12, I published the novel through KDP and other distributers.  The Impenetrable Spy follows Zack Carter, a time-traveling secret agent, determined to stop a corrupt leader from unleashing chaos on the U.S. Later in the book, I introduced the main character from Agent J, and fit a little origin story in. Agent J will appear in all 3 Impenetrable Spy novels and I am currently writing the main character’s spin off series. This brings me to my newly published novel- The Impenetrable Spy: Future Dreamer. I started writing this a week after publishing the first book and finished the writing in 2 weeks. After extensive editing and several paragraphs of rewrites for a year, I published the book.

Carroll: That is amazing! To start writing at the age of eight years old? I have to say, I am very impressed. So tell us what your new book is about. Give us a little synopsis that we won't find anywhere else.

Spencer: In the return of the Impenetrable Spy, special agent Zack Carter's oldest friend has been murdered and the crime has been pinned on Zack: his prints are on the gun and now he's on the run. With agents on his tail and danger ahead, Zack races from Nigeria to Chicago to Langley itself in a search for the truth. And the deeper he goes, the more he realizes he's been caught in a conspiracy of apocalyptic proportion. Now he must clear his name and stop the true killer before time runs out ... and the world goes up in flames.

Carroll: I think what impresses me most about how young you are and writing books, is the theme for your stories. Writing spy novels isn't easy. There is so much research and imagination that goes into it, do you spend all of your time coming up with these ideas or do you find time to work other things into your life? I guess what I am asking is, are you involved in other activities? Or is writing the only thing you do?

Spencer: Although I love writing, there are a lot of things I enjoy doing in my free time. I love music. Van Halen, RUSH, Def Leppard, Duran Duran, and RATT are among my favorite bands. I’ve always listened to 80’s rock because I was raised listening to it. I’m very glad too, because the music I listen to has more meaning than the music of today (at least in my opinion). Music also inspires a lot of my writing.

Carroll: I agree with you there, about music of today comapred to 80's music and maybe even 70's and 60's. (In my opinion) They just don't write them like they used to. I also understand the influence music has when it comes to inspiration. I can totally relate to that and I am glad that I'm not the only one. Love your tastes in bands, by the way) Other than listening to music, what else do you fill your time up with?

Spencer: Video Games- Without Splinter Cell and SOCOM, I don’t even know if I’d be a writer. Those games introduced the whole “spy” genre to me, and are still a source of inspiration. Modern games are also very helpful, because they allow me to experience and learn things about what I write (weapons, vehicles, combat, etc.)

Carroll: I thought there had to be a reason for your interest in spy stories. I use dto play SOCOM with one of my nephew's in the 90's. He loves those type of games also. They seem to be popular among the male population in general.  I am going to assume that when it comes to movies, spy movies would also be tops on your list as favorites?

Spencer: Movies like the Bourne Identity have inspired me to continue the spy genre, but among my favorite are Ferris Buehler’s Day Off, HARRY POTTER, Uncle Buck, The Dark Knight, back to the future, and Last Action Hero. As far as TV goes, I prefer detective and comedy shows. The Office, Parks and Recreation, Arrested Development, Psych, Monk, and Burn Notice are my favorites.

Carroll: I don't know if you have ever seen this show (I think it's on A&E) called 'Longmire'? I really like that one myself. You should check it out sometime if you get a chance. I also like that show called 'The Glades'. Anyhow, play any sports? Anything else?

Spencer: Swimming, reading, and golfing.

Carroll: I should have guessed golfing. Anyhow, I really appreciate you taking the time to let us all get to know you more and I for one am looking forward to reading your work. And for everyone else out there, if you're into spy novels, give Spencer Brokaw a read. Thanks again Spencer, and best of luck to you young man in your future endeavors. You are certainly headed in the right direction. Twenty years from now I can say, I knew you when ....

Don't forget to checkout Spencer's website links below.

Spencer's website: http://www.spencerbrokaw.com/

Spencer's Amazon Page (Where you may buy his book)
http://www.amazon.com/The-Impenetrable-Spy-ebook/dp/B00580W9ZG/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

http://www.amazon.com/The-Impenetrable-Spy-Dreamer-ebook/dp/B0092HZ2NC/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1346802486&sr=8-1

Check out Spencer Brokaw on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/user/spencerbrokaw/videos

Spencer Brokaw's Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/spencerbrokawauthor?ref=hl

Spencer Brokaw on Twitter
https://twitter.com/spencerbrokaw

Interview With Regina Wamba of Maei Design

Okay so, I like to step outside the norm every once in a while. I notice everybody doing interviews with authors, and that's great, but I thought I would do an interview with a cover designer. Her name is Regina Wamba and she is the master mind behind the "Last Flight Out" book cover.

Carroll: What motivated you to start doing cover art?

Regina: Deviant art, the motivation to get more creative, to try something I hadn't done before! I love trying new things, challenging myself and learning.

Carroll: When did you decide to do this for authors, designing book covers? And why?

Regina: I didn't realize how important it was for authors to have a good professional cover until after I started. I have a degree in graphics design, and branding is a big part of my business. After meeting some authors and seeing the need for not only good design, but professional layout and typography. I really wanted to help and make a difference! I love what I do and I love utilizing my gift! Both author and artist make a good team to make the dream come to fruition! It's really just an honor to work with authors and friends to help them publish their work!

Carroll: How many have you done so far? For how many different authors?

Regina: I haven't done a count, but around a hundred covers!

Carroll: Wow, that's a lot! Do authors often give you free reads of their work in exchange? I bet that is a pretty cool perk.

Regina: Yes! I do usually get a free read or an autographed copy! Even if I have to purchase the book, which I don't mind doing! It's a great accomplishment for both parties and I enjoy seeing my work on my shelves!
Carroll: I bet you do. Do you do any art work outside of computer art? Any oil paintings? Pencil drawings?

Regina: Oh yes! This is how it all started! Pencil, watercolor, charcoal, oil, color pencil, and pencil.

Carroll: When did you start your business/website?

Regina: I've been doing freelance since about 2005, but officially launched my site in 2009.

Carroll: Sounds like you're well established. Do you do book covers for all genres or just a certain genre?

Regina: Yes! Design in general! I love it all! From memoirs, to fantasy. I can accommodate all!

Carroll: How old were you when you did your drawing?

Regina: When I started?

Carroll: Yes.

Regina: I remember being in the first grade and winning some sort of recognition for my pointsetta painting! I've always had a sketchbook!

 Carroll: Is this your only job or do you do other things?

Regina: Graphic design, website design and photography. All three! Plus traditional art, but that is more like a hobby now, just to keep the creative juices flowing.

Carroll: Got to keep those juices flowing. So tell me, do you have any pets?

Regina: I did up until a couple years ago. Her name was bandit. She was a black German Shepard, border collie mix. I loved her!

Carroll: So sorry for your loss. She sounded beautiful. Went through something similar myself recently. Anyhow, what’s the best part about working with authors and their book covers? I mean, are they often times easy to get along with or sometimes difficult?

Regina: In business you always have a swing in both! But I think that with all my authors, I've had mostly awesome, wonderful authors... Who really enjoy the process of making a cover.

Carroll: What is the average time span from start to finish for a cover?

Regina: Depends. Depends on complexity, feedback, and how busy the author might be, or myself. I find the good average is about two weeks. However, I have had covers take a day!

Carroll: About how much do you charge an author to create a book cover for them?

Regina: This also depends on what they need! I have plenty of options and packages! Feel free to email me at regina@maeidesign.com

I want to thank regina for this interview. It was a pleasure for me to learn a little bit more about the woman behind the cover. I know I am very proud to have her work on my book, "Last Flight Out". And if you are an author looking for someone to design your next book cover, E-book or otherwise, give Regina Wamba a shout out.

Interview With Mel Clayton

Hey everybody, I know I don't do this very often, in fact, I don't think I have ever done this at all, but I am giving it the old college try and posting an interview with writer, Mel Clayton. She writes mostly for magazines and websties and anthologies, but I bumped into her on Goodreads and thought she would be an interesting person to interview. So let's get right to it, shall we?

1)    So tell us Mel about your writing. I hear your work has appeared in magazines and anthologies. I also hear you are working on a novel, can you tell us a little something about it? 

My earlier works were in the horror genre. I was a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, Ramsey Campbell, Richard Matheson, and Richard Laymon. I liked working with characters who suffered deeply disturbing or odd psychological disorders and committed acts of violence. Because of those earlier works I was a member of the Horror Writer’s Association for a few years. But I began to realize my real interest was more in the vein of criminals or crime fiction, not so much in the supernatural or conventions of horror. I moved into writing more hard-boiled crime fiction and I’ve been very happy in the genre.

Currently I’m working on a novel set in a small southern town where a resident has murdered the minister of the Baptist church and then killed himself. It’s a “why done it” story.

2)   How did you get started into writing?

I credit being from the South. The South has always been fertile ground for storytellers. There is a long history of oral storytelling as a form of art and entertainment here.  The first stories I heard as a child that stuck with me were ones where characters had to tell a great story in order to save their own skin. In fact, most of the stories people loved to tell were ones about someone being clever to some degree, outsmarting someone. The story of Brer Fox and the Tar Baby was a favorite one to tell.

Telling and retelling stories seems to be the favorite form of entertainment in the rural south and when I was a kid it seemed if you experienced something that would make a good story, heard a story, read a story, watched a movie, you had to find a way to retell it. You felt compelled to retell it because it was what everyone seemed to do and the ones who could do it well had clout. They were most revered.  If you wanted kids to learn something about life, you had to spin it into an amusing anecdote. If you wanted to get to know people, you brought out your best stories. Stories were everywhere, all the time. You had the beauty parlor. You had the old men who liked to sit in front of the local store and keep each other laughing with tall tales. You had the extended families sitting on the front porch sharing memories of another time or telling a folktale they liked. You had people telling stories while they graded potatoes under the barn or cropped tobacco. Those days have probably changed since farming has changed and the world has grown ever closer with technology. The South is not so insular.  And I don’t see as many people on porches and in front of stores anymore.  Doesn’t mean storytelling has gone away in the South. I still hear a lot of stories. I think only the venues have changed and maybe the themes of the stories. Because the world is becoming progressively A D D, I think the structure of stories is changing and unfortunately maybe the depth of the stories. But that’s a dissertation for another day.

What was great about growing up with people telling stories was that I knew from an early age there was something to a story other than the plot. There had to be a buildup of suspense or the wind up to a punch line. For the story to work it had to be told with flair. You had to learn comedic timing or pace for it to come alive for the audience. It made me more aware of audience expectations.

My grandpa is one of the best natural storytellers. Even if he tells you a story you’ve heard him tell before, you love hearing it again because of how he tells it, putting on the voices of the characters and everything.  I fell in love with storytelling from listening to all these people do what seemed to come naturally to them; tell lively stories. So my first foray in writing began with trying to tell stories to people out loud. In that regard I probably became a bit of a con artist/liar before I seriously considered putting stories on paper. By high school I remember telling strangers on airplanes elaborate lies about my life. By college I had to major in something and that’s really when I was introduced to the idea of crafting stories in writing. I’m still most drawn to the cadences of oral storytelling and love working on stories that try to capture that.

3) What kind of books do you like to read?

Biography and memoir are favorites because I’m nosy. Same reason I enjoy personal essays and collected letters. I am willing to give most books a try but I most enjoy reading old pulp noir from writers like Jim Thompson and Gil Brewer.  I love reading Elmore Leonard’s stuff. Love John Le’ Carre’s spy stories. Like to read some true crime. I guess anything with a mystery or anything that pulls me in. But if the writing is distractingly bad and people glitter, I’m out.

4) What other books have you written? What can we expect from you in the future? 

I’m putting together a collection of interlinked short stories I’ve written, all revolving around a ruthless bookie who goes by the name Herbert.  I hope to have that out later this year on amazon.com. I have an agent interested in my work so I hope you’ll see a lot more from me in the future.

5) Where can we read your work? (Which magazines?)

My most recent short story is “On Parole” at powderburnflash.com.

A lot of the earlier publications were in magazines now out of print. I hope that’s not a bad sign. You can find a link to my available online publications on my website at www.melclayton.wordpress.com.  I have an author page at www.amazon.com/mel-clayton that list anthologies available.

6) Do you edit your own work?

My husband reads them over and offers his input, which is tremendously helpful. Then I hack away at the edits based on his suggestions and my own observations after rereading. Usually best edits happen if you can put some distance between yourself and your story. Throw it to the side for at least a week. At least that’s what works best for me.

7) If you were stranded on an Island for a year with an endless supply of pens and paper, what do you think you would write?

Hummm. Well if I stayed true to form I’d waste paper on making airplanes and hats. I’d get around to writing two very long jumbled false starts of a novel that I would then use on the campfire and then I’d get serious and write most of one. Hopefully an entire one. I think I’d write a comedy based on everyone I’ve known as a way to feel happy and connected. I wouldn’t want to sit alone on the island thinking dark thoughts.

8) Describe the feeling you had the first time you saw your work in print?

Felt a bit like “Yeah! Suck it world! I’m on my way now! Nobody can stop me!”

I’m sure some symphonic victory song, something you might hear playing on the 4^th of July, was bursting in my brain. I could see my Malibu swimming pool and the bidding war for the rights to my work. And so imagine my chagrin when that was followed by the usual pile of rejections. Short lived victory.  I think the next time I saw my work in print I was a little more realistic. I’d say more realistic about rejection as well. In the early days rejection felt so personal. It hurt just as much as acceptance felt elating. But you even out over time. Not to say that acceptance doesn’t thrill me now. It’s always exciting to get an acceptance. It feels like finally being asked to prom after trying your best to be noticed. But you have few illusions about where that relationship is headed. One never knows.
 

9) If you were not a writer, what do you think you would be doing?

I’d love to think that I’d be doing special effects make up work in Hollyweird …but …more than likely I’d be doing people’s taxes and slowly dying inside.

10) What are the three most important things to you in your life.

Excluding specific people and my cats/animals, I’d say the three most important things to me are: Fairness, creativity, and loyalty.

11) How do you find time to write.

I quit my day job teaching English 101/102 at a community college. That opened up a lot of time to write. However, having the time doesn’t necessarily give you the discipline to get the writing done. I spend all day fighting myself and my self imposed deadlines. Trying to resist the temptation to sneak in a few episodes of a television show or a movie. Resist the invitations to go out and play. 

I never ever thought I’d say this but I’m a morning person. I work best from the time I get up until around lunchtime, before I start getting distracted with other things. I start going downhill after lunch. Find myself playing Peggle or googling random weirdness or weeding the garden.


12) What time of day is perfect for you to write? (Mine is from midnight until about 5 or 6 in the morning)


I never ever thought I’d say this but I’m a morning person. I work best from the time I get up until around lunchtime, before I start getting distracted with other things. I start going downhill after lunch. Find myself playing Peggle or googling random weirdness or weeding the garden.

Thanks Mel, and best of luck with your writing career. We'll be looking forward to your first novel. I know I will.

My Latest Interview

I would like to thank Marcia from Marcia's Book Talk for taking time out to give me an interview on her blog. If you would like to read it, just click the link below.

http://marciasbooktalk.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/interview-with-author-carroll-bryant/

Interview With Carroll Bryant

Hey everyone, Ira did a wonderful interview with me and it is currently posted on our sister blog, Love Hate Poetry. Check it out sometime. Thanks. They say it's pretty good. That's what I hear. Thanks.

Click the link: http://themyesterioumuslimahshaven.blogspot.com/2012/05/interview-with-carroll-bryant.html

Interview With Georgina Taylor

Hi everyone! So today's interview is with Georgina who is the author of ' The Taint', read more to see what its all about,

Me: When did you start writing?

Georgina: I began to write stories as a teenager. However I didn’t have much faith in myself as a writer and so I chose instead to concentrate on my art.

Me: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Georgina: I came to the decision to make writing my career about ten years ago, shortly after the birth of my first child. I had my last big art exhibition in Sydney, Australia and felt it was time for a change. By the following day I’d written my first chapter. (Synopsis? What’s that? Just plunge on in and suffer the consequences!) 

Me: How long have you been writing?

Georgina: Writing with stubborn perseverance? A little over ten years.

Me: What is your book about? (Describe it)

Georgina: Although I have several short stories published, I’ll talk about my soon to be released novel Sorrow’s Child, the first in my four part Gothic Fantasy series The Taint. 

As I’m deep in edits at the moment, it is now the sum of my days and the stuff of my nightmares too! 

I’ll give you a bit of a blurb: a dark fairytale steeped in myth and magic. In a richly gothic setting, Sorrow’s Child is both a coming of age story, and a tale of betrayal and bloody revenge. 

On the isle of Muin, one of the thirteen scattered Meda Isles, Lilith, a young orphan and indentured servant, is found guilty of witchcraft and is condemned to hang…

Me:Tell us two things about you that not too many people know.

Georgina: I am woken up by sixty hungry ducks every morning.

I have a thing for the Australian singer, poet and songwriter, Nick Cave--well, I’ll admit all my friends know that, and I’m sure my neighbours do too.

Me: How did you come up with the idea of your book?

Georgina: Lilith, my Witch, has always been with me. Her story has grown in my mind over the years.

Meng and Meabel, my winged, bestial Demigods, introduced themselves to me in 2003. They feature in my published short story The Taint: Octavia and in the second novel in The Taint series, Gods and Monsters. Their story (especially Meng’s!) intertwines with Lilith’s in the last two books in the series.

As to the idea behind the series: along with making the books enjoyable, racy reading, I am interested in the idea that people are more than the sum of our pasts, our experiences, our upbringings. We are feel to chose our own paths at any time. It is our actions at any given time that determine our fate, whether we strive to be Gods or monsters. 

Me; If you could be a character in one of your books, who  would it be? (And why?)

Georgina: It would have to be Lilith, although by the time readers have finished the first book in the series, they may look at me a little strangely for revealing this. I admire Lilith’s strength, and believe me she needs to be strong. I also admire her determination in seeing things through to the bitter end. Anymore and I’ll be giving away spoilers, so I’ll leave it at that…

Me: What's your background? Tell us a little about it.

Georgina: I was born in England and immigrated to Australia was I was four. I suppose my background is in Visual Arts. I have a B.A Visual Arts majoring in photography. I exhibited for many years with Stills Gallery, Sydney. I now show at Cobweb Designs Gallery, Cygnet Tasmania. 

 

 

*** Read the rest of this interview on our sister blog Love Hate Poetry ***

 

http://themyesterioumuslimahshaven.blogspot.com/2012/04/interview-with-georgina-anne-taylor.html

Carroll Bryant: Author Interviews

Carroll Bryant: Author Interviews: March.03.12 Interview with Jayleigh Cape Hello everyone! Hira here! But you all know that. Today I have a interview with Jayleigh Cape, be su...

Interview With M.G. Wells

BIO: 

M.G. Wells is a fine artist, produced playwright and novelist. LightMasters: Number 13 is M.G.'s debut novel. M.G.'s creative inspirations are as vast and varied as her body of work.




1. Tell us a little bit about your book, Lightmasters: Number 13.


Jessica is a smart, bold courageous teen who discovers she has amazing powers on her 13th birthday. After her parents’ sudden death, Jessica is stuck living with her weird, gassy grandparents in upstate New York. 

Angry about being forgotten on her 13th birthday Jessica is lured into the forest by a strange spiral light. In the woods she encounters three magical beings, who call themselves Lightmasters. The leader, Dragateen, tells Jessica she has special powers. 

Intrigued, she agrees to be transported to another dimension where she is tested for her courage, strength and ability to overcome obstacles. Life changes drastically after Jessica returns to earth. 

During school the next day, her reality shifts and people start turning into repulsive, reptilian monsters. Course, it doesn’t help that it’s Halloween, which makes it even more bizarre. 

Dragateen explains to Jessica she's needed by the Lightmaster alliance to defeat an invisible alien beast, who feeds off fear. Follow Jessica on a wild adventure as she learns to empower her mind, conquer her own fears and help rid the world of a wicked alien who hates humans. 


2. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer? 


In my teens, I first had the desire to write and felt I needed more life experience. I lived in a fantasy world and read thousands of books. In my 30’s I finally sat down and started writing the stories that were bouncing around in my head.


3. What would you say is the hardest part about writing a book? 


The most challenging is the process of developing realistic, unique, three-dimensional characters. Then there’s the plot, setting and the editing, which is the most frustrating. It’s great to have someone to help. Also, devising that last awesome sentence, then THE END. 


4. What would you say is the best part about writing a book? 


Finishing is always the most rewarding for me. Also, when others truly like the work, it’s a fabulous feeling. It inspires me to continue writing. 


5. Where do you get your inspiration? 


The news, movies, other books, people—everyplace, everyone and everything. The possibilities are endless. 


6. Are there any authors you look up to that influenced your writing? 


There are hundreds. Some include: J.R.R. Tolkien, Madeleine L'Engle, James Cameron, J.K. Rowling Sue Grafton, Frank Darabont, Steve Cloves, Stephen King, Peter Jackson & Charles Dickens. 


 





7. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? 


Grow a THICK skin. You’ll need one because there will those who will trash your work because they’re unhappy. Believe in yourself, your work and stay focused. 


8. Describe your book in 3 words. 


9. What sort of activities do you enjoy outside of writing? 


Love art, books, Films/TV, theater, humor, hanging with my friends, eating out, music, painting, photography, writing as well as supporting and empowering others whenever I can.


10. Say you fell down a rabbit hole and found yourself in a world much like the one in your book. What would be the first thing you’d do? 


First, I’d probably freak out, then just go with the flow and enjoy the journey.




Thank you for your time


LINKS:

Novel Website: http://lightmasters13.com/

Personal Website: http://mgwells.net/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/MG_WELLS

Goodreads Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4492558.M_G_Wells

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MG-Wells/153207434735976



Kindle ebook at: www.Amazon.com 

Paperback is available at: 

www.Amazon.com 

http://www.bn.com/ 


http://www.bookdepository.com/Lightmasters-Wells/9781453885932

Action, Fantasy, Adventure