SPECIAL Thursday Edition of TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   M A R C E L L A     A S H E

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  I am from Dayton,Ohio.

What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I am retired from General Motors with 30 years of service.

I care for children after school with homework assignments and meals.

 

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

 I am certainly an extrovert as in being an active sociable person.

 

Do you have any pets? 

Just sold my cocker spaniel Harley a few monts ago.

 

What are your favorite books to read?

Norman Vincent Peale, The Bible. The Brick Digger's Daughters

I am a founding member of a great book club Soul Of The Pen Tour .  I read all of the work produced by our members. I am also a

member of the Dayton Authors United.

 

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

 Ensenada Mexico near the Catalina Islands

 

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

 My life experiences in being able to through my writing offer some solution to the moral outrages our young people have. Wisdom in conducting my behavior in knowing that it is mandatory to grow old but it is optional to grow up with an understanding that life is what you allow it to be. 

 

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?   

I am thankfully to my creator that I have authored three books and revised one. I am currently finishing my fifth book. My first book an Author House Publication,'When The Red Brick RoadTurned Yellow" A poetry book. My own publications include 'Granny Says" Granny Says with a Spanish Translation and "Those Hog Bottom Days" This book reflects the 70's as my focus point emphasizing the concepts used in the area that I grew up in . An era in my life where morals were what you grew up with. I am currently finishing my book, Granny Says Restoration Pieces for Peace.
 
 

 

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

My interest are with children and juveniles. My reading material however can be shared with the entire family.

 

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

I never fly by the seat of my pants in doing my work. I have a passion for children and therefore I am directed by God to what I write. It may sometimes sound silly but when running into areas of writing that I do not quite understand , I pray for the wisdom of creating something special and beneficial to the learning of those reading what I have created, and it works!

 

That doesn’t sound silly at all!  No question there is power in prayer!  Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

 

Not so much a rejection of my work, but little clarity to my work in the presentation of my work. This is why I became a self-published business in producing my work the way I wanted to. I am responsible for every area of my work down to the printing. I have not found a way to print my work but have hired a local printer to do that part.  Being self-published you do not get recognized as fast, but you are in control. In answering your question, “Rejections are part of improvements." The way rejections are presented have a lot to do with how I respond to the rejection.

 

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

Being a spirit inspired artist, I would say while the muse is with me.

 

 If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

 Because I am an individual first my work is based on my observation of character and environment, with imagination and realism. My new not yet released," Granny Says Restoration Pieces for Peace", has been uniquely designed for readers starting from nine to beyond adult. This book has inspirational short stories and poetry that will serve as a tool for young people looking for some personal connection in highlighting the traditional use of grandmother's wisdom.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?

My advice to any writer is that you should have a passion for writing.  With a passion for writing you will be driven to get the information to write. Library visits and reading how-to books is the best advice I received in writing. Everyone has a book in them I am sure, everyone has something to say.  Unfortunately book writing is not a day job for most writers. If you are serious and not just being informational or using writing as a hobby, I would suggest following the mistakes of others that have been published. What kind of publishing are you interested in? Do you want to spend time in self-publishing? Do you want to Ghost write your story. To give advice on getting published covers the answer to questions as to what genre' of work are you interested in? Some people like doctors or lawyers , pastors or other source of informational groups like to inform the public of what they know. On the other hand fictional and inspirational writers share a different porch. My first question would be how much time and money are you willing to invest?

What's up next for you and your writing? Networking geograhically! I am doing well locally but would like to be heard of beyond a lot more.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?

Keep reading , keep listening. There is so much information shared out there that was never available before. Read anything you can on your potential genre of writing. Ask question, compare answers. Step out and try for yourself anything you have a passion for doing. Trust God for answers .

 

Where can we read more about you and your work?

You can go to my web -site  http://www.marcellaashe.webs.com/  I am also on FB as Marcella Ashe and of course I am on Linkedin. Most of the sites I just mentioned carry promotional ads about where I am in terms of selling and autographing my books. Also if anyone would like to, feel free to write to me @ marcellaashe@sbcglobal.net.  I answer most of my mail within 24 hours. I try to anyways.

ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

I’d like to introduce you to fellow writer, VERONICA LYNCH.

Hi Veronica!  Before we dive into your books, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, Susan, thanks for inviting me to your blog today. I hope we can have some fun.  I am published under two names: Kat Henry Doran and Veronica Lynch. Though I was born and raised in rural Central New York State, I've lived in Rochester, near Lake Ontario, since the early 70's. I have been married [to the same man!] for more than 40 years. We have three terrific daughters who have given us four wonderful grandchildren and an assortment of cats and dogs.         

Where is the most unique place you have ever traveled?

The most unique place I have traveled to is the west coast of Ireland, from Ballybunion to the wilds of Donegal. Donegal was my favorite. I could easily live there.

Aside from your writing career, what has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

My greatest sense of accomplishment comes from raising my children who have matured into three charming, intelligent women who are themselves devoted to their children and continuing to work in their chosen professions.

Tell us about your upcoming releases:

I have two new releases. Embraceable You, written under the name Kat Henry Doran, was released February 23, 2011 and is part of the Class of '85 series out of The Wild Rose Press. It is a short romantic suspense and involves the sheriff who is coerced into guarding one of the returning alums while she receives an award at the reunion banquet.

As Veronica Lynch, The List, also part of the Class of'85, will be released on March 16, 2011. This straight romance involves Fiona Thorpe, voted most likely to explode by her classmates, attends the reunion, list in hand, intent on exacting revenge on those who made hers and the lives of others a living hell. At the same banquet mentioned above, she is seated next to an intriguing, interesting man. The germs of romance are just percolating when she discovers the man is her chief tormenter from back in the day—and top on her list.

Where can we read more about you and your books?

To read more about me and the books I write, please go to:

www.KatHenry.com

www.WildWomanAuthor.blogspot.com

www.Veronica-Lynch.blogspot.com

Where can we purchase your books?

To purchase my stories connected to the Class of ’85, please go to:

www.thewildrosepress.com

         

 Thank you for stopping by today, Veronica.  Wishing you success with your new releases.

         

TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   D E B I   I R E N E   W A H L

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from? 

I am from a little country area in Pennsylvania, but only a two hour drive from NYC and an hour and a half from Philly. 

What is your occupation outside of writing?   

When I am not writing, I am singing.  I sing full time and also own a traveling theater company.  We put murder mysteries on railroads and are booked seasonally on 4 railroads in a tri-state area, as well as a paddleboat ferry.  We also take comedies and Biblical presentations to restaurants and churches.  I am on the road so often I should own my own gas station and managed to put over 303,000 miles on my '99 village mercury van -)  It keeps on going and going!

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?  Extrovert with a capital EX

Do you have any pets?   

Two years ago we had to put down our beloved lab, Doktor.  He had a brain tumor at the young age of 8 years old.  Because I am away so often, I don't want to get another pet.  It wouldn't be fair to a young dog to try and understand why he is left alone so often in the home.  But whenever we want her, we are able to have our grandpuppy Miss Emmie, a mixed lab and poodle.  My husband is her favorite human for kicking soccer balls.

 What are your favorite books to read? 

Anything by Frank Perretti.  I think he is truly a gifted writer.  I also love the historical novels, particularly a set on a family named Winslow written by Gilbert Morris.  But I sitll love to read children's books.  I have a set of books called Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories that I can't wait for my grandson to learn to sit still long enough to read them with him!

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?  

I have had the opportunity to sing overseas and one of those places was Israel.  I would go back in a heartbeat to revisit where we were.  It is too much to take in with only one trip.  I have also been to bonny Scotland and traveled throughout the country singing.  My most memorable was to our own state of Alaska with my husband.  It is truly a gorgeous state to visit and so much to see and do.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?  My children.  My husband and I have been blessed with three healthy, great kids.  There is nothing like the sense of awe you get when you see this adult who is such a neat person and realize they are part of you.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?  I've written two books.  Jesus I'm coming published by Orr Books, Easton, PA 2007 and The Blendings  published by Outskirts Press 2010.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?  I write in several genres.  I think because I have been writing my own murder mystery, comedy and Biblical scripts for so many years, it has broadened my base of writing.  I had no choice.  If I wanted original works for my company, I either had to find someone and pay them ALOT or learn to do it myself.  Fortunately, I don't need a lot of sleep =)

  

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?    I have an idea and at least one solid character, but then I FLY.  For instance, in Blendings my original character was a German Shepherd and the family grew around him, not the other way around.

 

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?    PLENTY!  Plus, I get the added bonus of having my acting and singing critiqued at times.  That's always tremendous fun!  I don't handle rejections.  I have decided if I weren't working full time, then I could worry but God has opened so many doors that the rejections, while still hurtful, are like annoying flies and I swat and toss them in the trash =)

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?   I write while it is fresh in my head because my brain is a 'hoarder' and if I don't get it on paper, the ideas will get shoved underneath a pile of trash in my brain and lost forever.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it. 

Actually, my son Josh who does my marketing, has gotten the company several new venues next year for shows that are titled Beyond Belief.  They are similar to the television show that you see about what is strange fact or made up fiction but will deal with railroad stories, hauntings and strange occurrences.  So, instead of getting to work on my next book, I have to finish three scripts before the end of January and then another one by the end of February for a ghost tour I am booked to put together for a plantation in MD and then rehearsals begin in March for this season's train shows.  I won't get back to a sequel that I began for Blendings until this summer.  Unless, as I said, at three a.m. some morning I wake up with an idea and then I will head to the office and start typing like a crazy person.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? 

Don't worry about writing to publish, write because you love to write.  Write because you have to write or the stories all begin to give you a headache as they struggle to get out.  Write for your children to read and your grandchildren and if you don't have any, then write for someone else's grandchildren.  Having said all that, join a great site like LinkedIn.  This is a site for professionals and I have had such great advice from different people on this site from being published to great contacts for so many parts of the business.  And make sure you save Preditors & Editors in your favorite's box so you don't get TAKEN FOR AN EXPENSIVE RIDE!

What's up next for you and your writing?

More of the same... scripts, plots, taking time to get another chapter done on that sequel.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?  

I have learned to be content in whatever I am doing.  What a gift that is.  If I am cleaning toilets, then am cleaning them with gusto.  If I am singing in a concert, then I am happy to be only there.  I enjoy the moment and count my many blessings.  God is good.

Where can we read more about you and your work? 

My company site has everything at some place on it, schedules, blogs, shows, history and you can check it out @ http://act1productions.com/

Thank you, Debi, for stopping by and sharing your work with us.  Best wishes in all your endeavors.

MIDWESTERN BOOK TOUR

Today begins my book tour through Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis.  I am very excited!  Please join me at any of my tour stops:

KANSAS CITY
Thursday, February 17, 2011
4:30 - 6:30pm
at
DEMDACO
5000 West 134th Street
3rd Floor
Leawood, KS  66209


COLUMBIA
Friday, February 18, 2011
11:30am - 1:00pm
at
BROADWAY BREWERY
816 East Broadway
Columbia, MO  65201


ST. LOUIS
Friday, February 18, 2011
7:00 - 9:00pm
at
Helen Fitzgerald's
3650 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO  63127

ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:   URSULA GREY

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

I would describe myself as a combination of the two. If pressed, I would say I'm more of an introvert, especially as I've grown older. I enjoy my own company and am not uncomfortable spending time alone. However, I also consider myself a people person, make friends easily, but my really good friends can be counted on one hand. I am more of a listener as opposed to a talker. I'm a private person, sharing my inner thoughts with a select few. This could also be because I'm a little shy. Perhaps that is part of the reason I love writing – it's liberating getting all those secret thoughts out into the openJ.

What are your favorite books to read?

I enjoy reading novels that, I suppose, can be classified as women's fiction. I enjoy romance, science fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, erotica…I think ultimately most any genre appeals to me if the story is well-written and contains something I can relate to. I like to read about women who overcome obstacles and attain the goals they set for themselves. I also enjoy the classics…Gosh, who am I kidding? I'll read just about anything!

How many books have you written and how many of those are published? 

So far, I have written Second Chances, a novel published by Bookstrand. A Day in April 1944, and Heph's Revenge, a short story in the Divine Matches Anthology, are both published by eXcessica. I also have a new release coming out on February 21^st with Noble Romance Publishing. It's a novella entitled, Adelaide's Adventure.

Where can we purchase your books?

Amazon

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

No, not really. I think I will eventually write in different genres…One of my books is a women's fiction/mainstream romance with elements of suspense and chicklit. LOL – that would be Second Chances. A Day in April 1944 and Adelaide's Adventure are both erotic historical romances. Heph's Revenge is an erotic romance featuring your favorite gods and goddesses. I don't want to limit myself to one genre because I enjoy reading several.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

I'm a definite pantser. I start with a character ~ usually observe them involved in some activity…I start writing and the story flows from that particular scene. This is what works best for me. I do what the characters tell me they want to do. Or, I basically follow them around and spy on themJ.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I've received my share of rejections. Many were filled with encouraging words, so I knew I could write. Life intervened and for many years I put my writing on hold. When it was time to begin again, all of a sudden, the acceptances began to arrive! I haven't stopped since. I think with the advent of the ebook, more talented writers found a home for their writing. The playing field has definitely changed! What is also so great about epublishing is the quicker turnaround time regarding the submission process. Yes, it's agonizing to await word on material you've submitted, but at least you can now query electronically and not have to wait ages for a response – or to see your work in "print"!

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

Here's the blurb for Adelaide's Adventure, to be released on February 21^st. You can get a copy at http://www.nobleromance.com/ .

Adelaide anticipates an uneventful journey—however, the man sharing her stagecoach has other ideas. Will Adelaide acquiesce to the unusual demands placed upon her by the mysterious stranger? She quickly comes to the realization that Mr. Winters wants not only to dominate her time—but her body as well. Will she have the courage to submit?

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?

Hone your craft. Read books on writing. And read! If you don't read, you can't write. The two just go together. Also, never give up. Keep on submittling, but look for a publisher that's right for your. Do your research on the publishers you submit to. Read their guidelines carefully. Make sure your work is the best it can be before you submit it. It will only be a matter of time before you're published. Last but not least, never give up on your dream to become a published author. All the hard work is worth the end result.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

I would be pleased if readers stopped by my blog for a visit. I talk about writing mostly, the creative process, how to improve your craft, resources for writers and readers, and just about anything else that's on my mind at the time. Ursula Grey…Writing Away, is located at http://ursulagrey.wordpress.com/  . If you'd like to follow me on Twitter, my handle is @UrsulaGrey

Thanks for stopping by today and sharing your work with us, Ursula.  Best wishes on all your endeavors!

TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:  R U T H   H A R T M A N

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from? 

 I live in rural Indiana with my husband of 28 years and two furry children (cats), Roxy and Maxwell.

What is your occupation outside of writing? 

As my day job, I work part-time as a dental hygienist in a small town thirty miles away.

 Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

It depends on the situation. If I'm with friends or family, I'm more outgoing. But if I have to speak in front of people, let's just say I'd rather someone poked me in the eye. Repeatedly.

What are your favorite books to read?

I love sweet romances. Debbie Macomber is my favorite for those. And I also like mysteries, especially by Mary Higgins Clark.

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

When I was in high school, I went with my dad, a Baptist minister, on a Holy Land Tour. One of the places was Cairo, Egypt. We climbed up inside a pyramid, saw the Sphinx, and rode camels. It was wild! I remember him saying, "I bet you never get to do this again!" And he was right! That's a once in a lifetime deal.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

My marriage. Garry is my best friend and soul mate. We have so much fun together. 28 years have sped by.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published? 

Published:

My Life in Mental Chains

Flossophy of Grace

Pillow Talk

Coming out this month:

Purrfect Voyage

To be published this year:

Grin and Barrett

Murphy in the Paw-Paw Patch

Work in Progress:

Purr

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

My first book "My Life in Mental Chains" is a memoir. That's something I only plan to do once. It was painful to write, but I'm glad I did it.

"Murphy in the Paw-Paw Patch" is my only children's book.

The others are all sweet romances. That's where I see myself staying.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

I'm definitely a Pantser. My story evolves as I type. I've always been that way.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I started out sending out children's stories. I lost count of how many rejections there were. I was ready to bag the whole thing when a publisher rejected my children's story about a girl with OCD, but requested a memoir instead. That's how my first published book, "My Life in Mental Chains" came to be.

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you? I'm attached to my muse. If she'd not there, I'm usually not either, unless I can talk her out of hiding. I write on my days off and on weekends. After a day of cleaning teeth, I'm usually too tired to write.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

Flossophy of Grace just came out a few weeks ago. It's about a dental hygienist who falls in love with her patient. But when her boss finds out, he blows a gasket and tells her she'll lose her job if he finds out she's been seen with the patient again. So Grace, the hygienist, and Bruce, the patient, have to find ways to be together without her boss finding out. One thing they do, though, is to have Bruce come into the dental office as often as possible for every service imaginable. That way, at least they can spend a little time together, and her boss can't say much about it.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?

Find your special niche and do not give up!!!

What's up next for you and your writing? I'm working on "Purr" about a woman who runs a stray cat shelter and falls in love with the father of a boy she's helping. It was originally a short story in a published anthology, but I'm rewriting it to be a stand alone novel.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers? Thank you for reading my interview. I hope you'll enjoy my books! I had so much fun writing them. :)

Where can we read more about you and your work? My website address is www.ruthjhartman.blogspot.com

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your work with us!

TUESDAY TALKS

 Spotlight Author:   R O N N I E    D A U B E R

Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from?  What is your occupation outside of writing? 

I live in Ontario, Canada with my husband, seven children and twelve grandchildren.  I enjoyed a legal career as a court reporter until a couple of years ago when I was forced to retire due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Now, I’m a full-time author and writer, and although my life was forced to make this unexpected and traumatic change, I don’t regret it. It gave me the time to return to college and earn diplomas in literature, and now I’m now doing what I’ve always wanted to do and that is to write books, and I can do this from home, which is very convenient for me at this time.

What are your favorite books to read?

I enjoy reading books that are action-packed, but my favorites are biographies of people who have influenced my life or who have led amazing lives and overcome obstacles to become successful in spite of them. These have been an encouragement to me in my own writing career.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

My children have given me a tremendous sense of accomplishment. They all accept the need for quality education and have graduated from either college or university to pursue excellent careers. Some have children of their own and have had to wait to pursue their career while others dove right into it. But all the grandkids are being raised with their moms at home and with love and positive instruction, and that makes me very proud.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published? 

Mudslide – This is my first book, a young-adult adventure and it was published in September of 2009. It’s the first in a series called, ‘The Survival Books’.

Web Secrets – This is my second book, an adult suspense/thriller that was released in January of 2011 and is available at online bookstores as well as at Lebrary.com, which is a newer online portal for e-books.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

The Survival Books are all directed to young adults, although I have received comments from many adults around the world who read Mudslide and love it and are waiting for the sequel.

Web Secrets in my only adult suspense/thriller at the moment, although I have started a second novel, unrelated to this but in the same genre called Providence, and when I’m finished writing the Survival Series books, I will likely complete this book at that time.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

So far, the stories have just come to my mind along with all the conflicts and characters. However, when I get to the point in all of my books when I’m ready to begin writing, I stop and research details of the situation such as location traits, weather conditions and general culture so that my story is believable, relatable and as realistic as possible.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

I had many rejections from Mudslide, too many to count, really. That’s when I began to research the publishing market on my own to learn what publishers do for the author and what the author’s responsibilities are to getting their book marketed. I wanted my books to be quality and within all the guidelines of the traditional publishers, so I did some hunting, found a reputable book printing company and paid to have my work edited professionally. I also studied networking and how to get my book out there to get noticed so that I could have every opportunity for success. I may not be at the top yet, but I believe that I’m on the right trail.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

I just had my latest book released a couple of weeks ago, and that’s really exciting for me. This is Web Secrets and it’s an edge-of-the-seat suspense/thriller for readers who enjoy becoming one with the protagonist in a quest for survival. Madison Richards is a young bride who, while investigating a personal issue, becomes unwittingly drawn into a terrifying web of deception and revenge. As her friends and family members slowly begin to disappear, unusual things happen and the authorities consider her as the main suspect. She’s left with only one friend in cyberspace to help her and that’s when Madison learns that she’s the target of a psychopath killer.

 If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?

I would say that this masterpiece you have created deserves the best attention, and that as an author you must handle its publication wisely. You really only have one chance to make a good first impression, so be patient, research thoroughly, don’t dive into any quick print or self-publishing options that you don’t understand just because they’re inexpensive or fast. Above all else, make sure that your book is edited by a professional editor because they have the knowledge and experience to ensure that it’s written well, and it’s very easy to make typos or confuse story facts that can ruin the integrity of your book. There are lots of self-published books on the market today but many are not quality books, so be patient, develop your reading audience slowly and let your reputation proceed your future books.

 What's up next for you and your writing?

I’m currently writing a sequel to Mudslide, the second in the Survival Series, called Fire Storm. This book is just as fast-paced as the first one, and has all the action and conflict that made Mudslide great. It features the two cousins who will, of course, be in all the series books. I hope to have it published by June of 2011.

I have the sequel after that semi-plotted out in my mind and it’s called Cold Revenge and again, will be a fast-paced adventure. I’m hoping to have it completed by the end of the year but then, life does have a way of interfering at times, but I’m hoping.

The next and possibly final of the Survival series will likely come out right after that, and it’s called Power Failure, and again it will be a heart-racing adventure of man versus nature.

And then I plan to return to my second suspense/thriller and continue with it.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

I have my own professional profile blog at www.ronniedauberauthor.com where readers can follow my writing activities and even link to the blogs of my current books.

SPECIAL Thursday Edition of TUESDAY TALKS

SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR:  

L A R R Y   M A T T H E W S

 Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself.  Where are you from? 

I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts. My father was a career soldier, so I spent my childhood all over the world. I spent seven of my first seventeen years overseas; four years in Germany and three in Japan. It was an experience I would not trade for a traditional childhood. It gave me exposure to other cultures and ways of thinking.

What is your occupation outside of writing?

I was a broadcast journalist for 35 years, working mostly in radio. I also have about ten years in TV. I worked as a reporter, anchor, news director, producer and editor. My greatest interest was in street reporting, particularly in investigative journalism. I worked at small and large stations and two networks: ABC and NPR. The highlight of my career was eleven years at WMAL in Washington, D.C. At the time it was the city’s highest-rated station and had what I believe was the best radio news department in America. It was a joy and privilege to work there during a period in which radio news was at its zenith.

Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?

 I was probably an introvert when I went into the news business but I had to learn to a measure of extroversion to succeed as a street reporter. Shrinking violets don’t do well on the street.

Do you have any pets?

We have a female Cocker Spaniel named Noey.

What are your favorite books to read?

I’m split between fiction and non-fiction. I like historical fiction set in the 1930s or the Old West. I’m drawn to character-driven stories and have only a passing interest in plot lines.

I’m currently reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. It’s an amazing story by a gifted writer. And, it’s a true story written about a man whose life rivals anything from a storybook hero. I also enjoyed Life by Keith Richards and Bobos in Paradise by David Brooks. Both are very well written and both offer great stories.

Where is the most unique place you have traveled?

My most unique experience was climbing Mt. Fuji in Japan with my high school senior class on a beautiful summer night.

Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

I have four wonderful children and nine grandchildren.  Family is most important.

How many books have you written and how many of those are published?

 I have written six books of which five were published. Two were “contract” books of the self-help variety for a publisher left by the side of the road in the crash of the publishing industry. Street Business, co-authored with Ernie Lijoi Sr., is a novelized version of real events based on the work of Lijoi, a retired undercover detective. I Used To Be In Radio is a memoir of my life as a broadcast journalist. Healing Charles is just out. It’s a novel about a young man from the backwoods of Alabama who is born with the gift of healing, but it’s a gift he’s indifferent to because he’s concerned about the pleasures of the world beyond the mountains. The story is about how he comes to terms with his gift. I’m currently writing a sequel that takes place thirty years later.

Do you have one particular genre that all your books fall under (i.e. suspense, romance, etc.)  or do you write in many different genres?

I have not found a genre that I want to stick to. I know that as an author I’m supposed to find a golden bell and ring it over and over, but that has not been my interest or talent.

How much character and plot detailing do you plan out before you begin writing a novel, or are you a “pantser” (fly by the seat of your pants) ?

When I begin a novel I have an idea about the story and the main character(s). I do not plan every event and chapter. In a sense, the characters lead me. Frankly, that’s the most exciting part of the process. Once I know the character and his or her circumstances, I allow them to do the things that such a person would do and speak in a way that fits their lives. An example would be Charles, from the book Healing Charles. As a young man of eighteen or so he is clueless about life. He has no interior life beyond his fantasies of women and a desire to experience life, and so that is what drives the story. In the sequel, he’s almost fifty and his world has turned to ashes, and he goes in search of escape as much as answers.

Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive?  How did you handle the rejections?

When Ernie Lijoi Sr. and I were trying to sell Street Business, we were rejected, it seemed, by the entire publishing industry. That is, until Comfort Publishing said “yes”. neither of us had doubts about the story and believed that readers of police/crime books would enjoy it and find value in the accurate portrayal of undercover detective work. We were prepared to publish it ourselves if need be. We do not have agents. I have had three agents. The experience was not good. These agents would probably say it was me. Or the market. Or something else. It doesn’t matter. In the end, an author needs to be persistent about his or her own work and be his or her own champion.

How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?

I write during the day, a little in the morning and a little in the afternoon. If the words are flowing, I’ll keep going until the words stop or until I realize I’ve put my characters in a situation that makes no sense. It’s not uncommon for me to go like crazy for twenty or thirty-thousand words and hit a wall. Then, I wait for the muse to return and I’m off again. When I’m writing a novel, I spend most of my waking hours thinking about it and trying to find the best way forward.

If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.

As mentioned above, Healing Charles is just out. It’s a book I believe is of interest to readers who like stories about the tension between belief and non-belief in spiritual matters and how one comes to terms with faith, however it’s defined. This particular story is about a young man who goes on a journey to see what is over the horizon. It takes place in the early 1960s.

If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be?

Believe in yourself. No one else will until you’ve convinced them.

What's up next for you and your writing?

Completing the sequel to Healing Charles, then another novel. I have a cousin who is a retired Southern sheriff and he has a boatload of great stories that would make for an exciting novel of rural law enforcement in east Tennessee. It would have it all: moonshiners, drug runners, meth labs, violence, small town life and all of texture that one could imagine from such a setting. I’m excited already.

Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?

Yes! Read Healing Charles! (It’s only half a joke) Please let me know what you think of it. Feedback from readers is very important to any author.

Where can we read more about you and your work?

www.larrymatthews.net

Thank you, Larry, for sharing your work with us. 

Best wishes in all your endeavors!