COLUMBIA — The first thing Susan Claridge ever wrote was a poem after the death of her grandmother. The process of writing provided a way for her to vent her emotions.
"Since then I've always written, it's been my outlet," Claridge said. "I just never tried to get published or thought of myself as a writer."
Claridge, who graduated from MU in 1992 with a degree in psychology, now writes romance murder-suspense novels under the name S.R. Claridge. She was visiting Kansas City, Columbia and St. Louis this week to sign copies of her first novel, "No Easy Way," published by Vanilla Heart Publishing.
Claridge, who sprinkles MU references into her writing, spent some time over the noon hour at Broadway Brewery on Friday. She signed her way through a couple of stacks of books, selling 20 to 25 books. It was more a chance to have lunch with her husband, mother-in-law and friends.
Claridge is a new player in the booming romance genre that has many American readers smitten. The genre made up the largest share of the consumer market and generated $1.36 billion in 2009, according to Romance Writers of America. Claridge said part of the reason behind the romance genre's popularity is because there is a part of everyone that longs for romance.
"I think relationships in general, that's the main focus of everyone's life," Claridge said. "We're all seeking love, romance and attention. Particularly with our target audience, the married women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, a lot of that romance may have fizzled a bit. There's a deeper foundation of love, but that outward display of romance isn't as prevalent."
Claridge said "No Easy Way" started out as a nonfiction book on marriage before she had the idea to make it more interesting by drawing the same themes into a murder mystery.
"What sets it apart from other murder mysteries is it has an underlying message which most mysteries don't," Claridge said. "This is kind of an oddball book that has a message of faith and forgiveness woven through it."
Her mother-in-law, Beth Claridge-Gillespie of Kansas City, read manuscripts along the way, making edits and suggestions. Although Claridge-Gillespie does not consider herself a romance novel fan, she likes her daughter-in-law's first book and said the genre provides a way for people "to be taken away from the humdrum of their lives and to be whisked off into somebody else’s world."
"I think most romance novels have a happy ending," Claridge-Gillespie said. "That's the ultimate: We all want a happy ending in our life."
Two of Claridge's editors are men, which she said gives her a good male perspective. Her husband, Cash Claridge, said despite the romantic theme, men shouldn't be turned off, especially with her second novel, "Tetterbaum's Truth," which centers around the Chicago mafia.
"I've had many guys tell me how good it was," Cash Claridge said. "The mafia always gets guys."
Claridge, who now lives in Colorado, has included MU and Columbia in her two novels. In "No Easy Way," the main characters, Tom and Kate, are both MU graduates and have an encounter at Murray's Restaurant, where Claridge and her husband got engaged. In "Tetterbaum's Truth," out on e-book and set to be released in March, the main character is an MU journalism student and there is a reference to Shakespeare's.
“It's something I have an affinity to and can relate to," Claridge said. "It just gives one more layer of depth to the story for me."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Vain People Look Better
Visit my website at: www.AuthorSRClaridge.com Twitter: SRClaridgeWrite Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorSRClaridge
Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - VEGAS
Can You Handle the TRUTH?
April 2011 - Book one in a new mystery series by suspense novelist,
S.R.Claridge, takes readers on a riveting ride.
Mystery, Mafia and sexy Italian Men lay the groundwork for this tenacious tale of Crime Family mayhem set in present day Chicago
When heroine, Angel Martin, learns her entire life has been one carefully orchestrated lie, she sets out to find answers. Her quest begins at a Chicago Mafia hot-spot called Tetterbaum’s Pub, where she discovers that the late Mr. Tetterbaum held secrets worth killing for. With her true identity now exposed, Angel must uncover the evidence Tetterbaum hid before the Crime families shut her down. The closer she gets to the proof, the more she wonders if anyone can handle Tetterbaum’s Truth.
As the first installment in the Just Call Me Angel series contracted by Vanilla Heart Publishing and Author S.R.Claridge, TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH is an edge-of-your-seat mystery thrill-ride, where the characters are believable, motives are unpredictable, and the outcome will leave you wanting more.
S.R.Claridge will begin her western book tour in VEGAS on May 5th and 6th to promote TETTERBAUM’S TRUTH, which is now available in Ebook and Paperback at Amazon, Barnes&Noble, and Smashwords.
More information on books by S.R.Claridge can be found at www.authorsrclaridge.com or by contacting Vanilla Heart Publishing. www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com The author is available for comment at (303)926-8877 or (913)488-4557 or authorsrclaridge@gmail.com
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Columbia Missourian Article
Thriving romance novel industry pulls in MU alumna and writer
Friday, February 18, 2011 | 5:51 p.m. CST; updated 10:18 p.m. CST, Friday, February 18, 2011
Press Release - October 2010
Suspense Novel, NO EASY WAY,
Creates Mystery and Delivers Hope -
October 2010
Author S.R.Claridge signed a contract with Vanilla Heart Publishing for the release of her
latest suspense novel,
No Easy Wayavailable now.
No Easy Wayavailable now.
AMAZON calls
No Easy Way“interestingly twisted” and “skillfully woven to challenge the most seasoned sleuth.” Readers Review calls it a “highly recommended read,” stating it “tugs at your heart while taunting the mind,” which is what sets this novel apart from others in its genre. It is a well-constructed mystery with real-to-life characters and an underlying message of hope.
No Easy Way“interestingly twisted” and “skillfully woven to challenge the most seasoned sleuth.” Readers Review calls it a “highly recommended read,” stating it “tugs at your heart while taunting the mind,” which is what sets this novel apart from others in its genre. It is a well-constructed mystery with real-to-life characters and an underlying message of hope.
Nominated for the HODRW (Heart of Denver Romance Writers) Heart of Molly Award, S.R.Claridge is grabbing the attention of both fellow writers and readers. She says her background in theatre and psychology help her fill the pages with enough dramatic suspense to keep readers guessing until the very end; and her life experience is what weaves the underlying thread of hope throughout. S.R.Claridge says, “I want my readers to feel they are right there with the characters and compel them not to give up because in life there is no easy way, but we still have to press on.”
Like the characters in her novel, readers will find themselves unable to step away from the story, as they will be hanging in a twisted balance of crossed lines and misunderstood motives, all pointing to one simple truth … there is No Easy Way.
No Easy Wayby S.R.Claridge is available on Amazon, B&N, OmniLit, Smashwords in Ebook and print. More information, video and free excerpt can be found on the publisher website: www.vanillaheartbooksandauthors.com/S.R.html
S.R.Claridge grew up in St.Louis, Missouri where she graduated from Lindbergh High School and furthered her education at the University of Missouri , Columbia Broomfield , Colorado
# # #
1 of 1 PRESS RELEASE - NO EASY WAY
Press Release - February 2011
Main Course Mystery with a
Side Dish of Hope
Author S.R.Claridge serves up a main course mystery with a side dish of hope in her suspense novel, NO EASY WAY, published by Vanilla Heart Publishing.
With today’s divorce rate climbing, S.R.Claridge touches on the challenge and turmoil of the modern marriage, set in a background of mystery and mayhem. This book not only entertains, it grabs the reader and propels them down a road of introspection. Plot twists challenge sleuthing minds, while real-to-life character conflicts shed light on what S.R.Claridge calls out as the one simple truth… there is No Easy Way.
Unlike any other suspense novel, NO EASY WAY will linger with you long after you’ve closed the book. Once you’ve cracked the cover, there is no easy way to put this book down.
Nominated for the "Heart of Molly" award (HODRW) NO EASY WAY is drawing the attention of the literary world and Author S.R.Claridge is setting out on a mid-western book tour through Kansas City , Columbia and St. Louis
# # #
Press Release
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Article by Mark Coker (Founder of Smashwords)
A revolution is brewing that will topple Big Publishing as we know it.
At the heart of every revolution is a loss of faith in the prevailing regime.
In Egypt's case, a number of catalysts precipitated the revolution; chief among them an oppressive political environment that offered little opportunity for democratic participation, freedom of speech and economic opportunity. The catalysts for the Egyptian revolution are remarkably similar to what's driving the author uprising against Big Publishing. By "Big Publishing," I'm referring to the old system in which the publisher serves as the author's judge, jury, gatekeeper and executioner.
For authors, if Big Publishing approves of your book, they acquire it.
Post-acquisition, you can die happy knowing you're a published author with all the esteem, respect and future possibilities embodied in this blessing. At least, that's the myth you've been trained to believe.
Has the Allure of Big Publishing become a Mirage?
It's tough to find a traditionally published author today who waxes eloquent about their post-publication experience. It's like the published author goes to heaven and reports back via John Edward (the guy who talks to dead people) that they discovered famine on the other side of the pearly gates.
More and more talented writers - including authors previously published by the Big 6 - are losing faith in the old system of publishing.
Big Publishing, although it employs thousands of talented and well-intentioned professionals, is built upon a broken business model.
Ask Not What Your Publisher Can Do for You
Two questions and their answers are driving the author uprising against Big Publishing:
Yet these same questions asked today yield mixed results.
Self-published authors, a.k.a "indie authors," now have the power to produce, publish, price and promote books that are as good or better than those put out by Big Publishing. Indie ebook authors earn royalties of 60-70% of the list price. Traditionally published authors earn 5-17%.
Indie author sensation Amanda Hocking, in her recent interview with USA Today, was quoted as saying, "I can't really say that I would have been more successful if I'd gone with a traditional publisher."
No doubt, much of Hocking's success is because she's an indie author. She writes great books her readers love. She prices her series-starters at only $.99 and the rest at $2.99. Great books plus low prices plus enthusiastic fans plus an author directly engaged with her fans equals viral readership. Few big publishers are prepared to play by these new rules while paying authors 60-70% of list price.
Every week we hear of self-published authors - previously rejected by Big Publishing - finding success with self-published ebooks. Brian Pratt, profiled here at HuffPost in December, is one such author. Ruth Ann Nordin is another. Nordin's An Inconvenient Marriage is the #3 best-selling romance title today in the Apple iBookstore's romance category, and #57 among all paid titles at Apple. At Kobo, she's #9 today.
Two or three years from now when ebooks account for more than 50% of the book market, the same two dangerous questions above will yield a more unequivocal answer in favor of self-publishing.
The major ebook retailers - Apple, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Amazon - have embraced indie ebook authors and grant their works equal shelf presence alongside Big Publishing authors. Readers, not publishers, have become the curators.
Do authors still need publishers in this new world order? I think it all goes back to my first question. To survive and thrive, publishers big and small must do for authors what authors cannot or will not do for themselves.
The next chapter of this revolution may very well be written by progressive literary agents. Literary agents, responsible for protecting the best interests of their author clients, are encouraging the very best authors to consider the potential of self-publishing. 60-70% royalty, or 5-17%? The math is not difficult when ebooks rule the roost.
Welcome to the revolution.
At the heart of every revolution is a loss of faith in the prevailing regime.
In Egypt's case, a number of catalysts precipitated the revolution; chief among them an oppressive political environment that offered little opportunity for democratic participation, freedom of speech and economic opportunity. The catalysts for the Egyptian revolution are remarkably similar to what's driving the author uprising against Big Publishing. By "Big Publishing," I'm referring to the old system in which the publisher serves as the author's judge, jury, gatekeeper and executioner.
For authors, if Big Publishing approves of your book, they acquire it. Post-acquisition, you can die happy knowing you're a published author with all the esteem, respect and future possibilities embodied in this blessing. At least, that's the myth you've been trained to believe.
Has the Allure of Big Publishing become a Mirage?
It's tough to find a traditionally published author today who waxes eloquent about their post-publication experience. It's like the published author goes to heaven and reports back via John Edward (the guy who talks to dead people) that they discovered famine on the other side of the pearly gates.
More and more talented writers - including authors previously published by the Big 6 - are losing faith in the old system of publishing.
- Advances are declining
- Publishers reluctant to take chances on authors without established platforms
- Most print books forced out of print before they've had a chance to reach readers
- Authors expected to shoulder most post-publication marketing on their own dime
- Lost and mismanaged rights
- Brick and mortar retail distribution disappearing
- Publishers value books through myopic prism of perceived commercial potential (publisher death panels)
- Publishers acquire today what was hot yesterday so they can publish it 12-18 months from tomorrow
- Publishers over-price and under-distribute author works
- Publisher ebook royalties 17% list (25% net) vs 60-70% list (85-100% net) for self-publishing
Big Publishing, although it employs thousands of talented and well-intentioned professionals, is built upon a broken business model.
Ask Not What Your Publisher Can Do for You
Two questions and their answers are driving the author uprising against Big Publishing:
- What can a publisher do for me that I (the author) cannot do for myself?
- Might a big publisher actually harm my prospects as an author?
Yet these same questions asked today yield mixed results.
Self-published authors, a.k.a "indie authors," now have the power to produce, publish, price and promote books that are as good or better than those put out by Big Publishing. Indie ebook authors earn royalties of 60-70% of the list price. Traditionally published authors earn 5-17%.
Indie author sensation Amanda Hocking, in her recent interview with USA Today, was quoted as saying, "I can't really say that I would have been more successful if I'd gone with a traditional publisher."
No doubt, much of Hocking's success is because she's an indie author. She writes great books her readers love. She prices her series-starters at only $.99 and the rest at $2.99. Great books plus low prices plus enthusiastic fans plus an author directly engaged with her fans equals viral readership. Few big publishers are prepared to play by these new rules while paying authors 60-70% of list price.
Every week we hear of self-published authors - previously rejected by Big Publishing - finding success with self-published ebooks. Brian Pratt, profiled here at HuffPost in December, is one such author. Ruth Ann Nordin is another. Nordin's An Inconvenient Marriage is the #3 best-selling romance title today in the Apple iBookstore's romance category, and #57 among all paid titles at Apple. At Kobo, she's #9 today.
Two or three years from now when ebooks account for more than 50% of the book market, the same two dangerous questions above will yield a more unequivocal answer in favor of self-publishing.
The major ebook retailers - Apple, Barnes & Noble, Sony, Kobo and Amazon - have embraced indie ebook authors and grant their works equal shelf presence alongside Big Publishing authors. Readers, not publishers, have become the curators.
Do authors still need publishers in this new world order? I think it all goes back to my first question. To survive and thrive, publishers big and small must do for authors what authors cannot or will not do for themselves.
The next chapter of this revolution may very well be written by progressive literary agents. Literary agents, responsible for protecting the best interests of their author clients, are encouraging the very best authors to consider the potential of self-publishing. 60-70% royalty, or 5-17%? The math is not difficult when ebooks rule the roost.
Welcome to the revolution.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Spotlight Author: BRI CLARK
Before we get started talking about your books, tell us a little about yourself. I have four children been married 10 years. I am an author first and foremost. I ‘m a blogger, a social media liasion with Astraea Press and I work with StoneGate Ink. I help run Astraea Press’ blog and I’m a book reviewer for my own blog as well as Romancing the Book Review.
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert? Extrovert, I’m emotional, confrontational, irrational and aggressive. Then theres when I get upset.
What are your favorite books to read? Ebooks
Where is the most unique place you have traveled? I travel to exotic places I make up all the time. But in reality I’ve been to Hawaii
Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment? Being married for ten years. This coming from the woman who wanted to live life with a little black book.
How many books have you written and how many of those are published? Published, Caffe’ Seduzione, Familial Witch, Glazier
Unpublished, Venim (Glazier’s sequel) The Awakening (Park of the Familial Witch Series.)
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? Romance
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 really work on the characters always...then the pants come out full force.
Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive? How did you handle the rejections? 150...I took a step back and tried a different approach. It worked.
How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you? I work with the muse.
If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.
Marie Kincaid suffering the greatest loss a woman can know runs from the pain. Falling asleep deep within the forest she awakes in an infirmary with a loss of memory and a power, she’s always possessed yet never known: Glazier. Glazier enables Marie to embark on a new life free of pain but most importantly free of the past. Heightened senses, accelerated strength, speed, and learning abilities make Marie a perfect candidate to be a spy…also a perfect companion for Henry Tenison…the only other known Glazier. Henry, a loner and proud rogue finds his world upended when his connection to Marie is forged through Glazier. Unsure of how to progress with any relationship with her he endeavors to keep it strictly platonic and professional. As far away, missions and romantic surroundings entice him into pursuing his deeper desires he caves. However, Marie’ love changes everything. Determined to free them both of the spy world and hold Abram their superior has over them Henry implements a plot to disappear. However, when things become dangerous in their latest mission, their first undercover, and memories of Marie’s past surface suggesting another man…will Henry’s efforts prove to come too late? If Marie remembers her past, will she still want their future?
If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? There is no longer just traditional. Follow your instincts and don’t be afraid to take a risk and don’t be afraid to invest in your own work.
What's up next for you and your writing? I have two more books to write and release this year. Then more sequels in 2012.
Where can we read more about you and your work?
Thank you for stopping by today. It was nice to learn more about you and your books. Best wishes!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
TUESDAY TALKS
Spotlight Author: DEBBIE DADEY
I'd like to introduce you to my Spotlight Author, Debbie Dadey.
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 am from Henderson , KY
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
I’ve always thought of myself as more of an extrovert, but I think every writer is a bit of an introvert. I just love tucking myself into my little home office and creating new worlds.
Do you have any pets? Yes, I have three dogs. Bailey is a mix, Skip is a Maltese, and Shadow is a Schipperke (I’m sure I spelled that wrong!). They are my writing assistants as they lay all around me while I write.
What are your favorite books to read? Right now I’m reading The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, which is way out of my comfort zone as far as language and such, but I loved the character so much in the first two books I had to read on. I really enjoy reading children’s stories.
Where is the most unique place you have traveled? I went on a school visit to Cairo , Egypt Cairo American College Kansas
Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment? My marriage to my husband and my three wonderful children are blessings beyond my wildest dreams.
How many books have you written and how many of those are published? I have sold 151 stories to be made into books. I have written many, many more stories that weren’t and probably will never be published. My first book was Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots which turned into The Adventures of the Bailey School
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 like my children’s books to have humor, suspense, and some mystery.
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 am definitely a planner. I do character sketches and an outline. I have some examples on the writing page of www.debbiedadey.com.
Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive? How did you handle the rejections? Way too many! First, I cried-then I got mad. In the back of my head, I always had this idea that they’ll be sorry when I win the Newbery! I’m ever hopeful!
How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you? I usually write in the morning and early afternoon before the kids get home from school. It is a bad day when I don’t get to write. Except, I never write on Sunday as that is my day of rest.
If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.
I am so delighted to have been working on a new series that comes out in the summer of 2012 with Simon and Schuster. It is a chapter book series that I’m having great fun writing and researching.
If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? Persistence.
What's up next for you and your writing? I love writing chapter books, but I also have this longing for writing novels. So I’ll keep writing!
What's up next for you and your writing? I love writing chapter books, but I also have this longing for writing novels. So I’ll keep writing!
Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers? My favorite part of writing is the actual writing; it’s the rewriting that I hate. But I know that’s the difference between an okay story and a much better one. So, I’ll do my best to keep rewriting! Reading my story out loud is a great way to find mistakes.
Where can we read more about you and your work? www.debbiedadey.com
Debbie, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and your work a little better. Thank you for being my spotlight author today. God bless you in your future endeavors. J
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
TUESDAY TALKS
SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR: CHARLENE WILSON
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 a small community in Arkansas
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
I think this depends on the circumstances. Lol. When it comes to my girls, I can be very outgoing. But I’m what you’d call a shy writer. I tried my hand at a radio interview and thought I was going to faint. Thank goodness it was prerecorded and they were able to edit out my jitters. J
Where is the most unique place you have traveled?
I was able to spend some time in England Liverpool . It was amazing!
How many books have you written and how many of those are published? I’ve written several. Cornerstone Deep is my debut novel and was published in November of 2010. It is book one in the series, The Chronicles of Shilo Manor. Book two, Echoes, is soon to follow. I also have a series called Aumelan that has four completed books; World Beneath the Rock, Horizons, The Waters of Tiger Rod, and Kingdom, Rise. Two young adult novellas, Treacle Tart and Tam, are outlined and their characters are impatiently waiting for their turn to shine.
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 stories tend to fall under fantasy/paranormal romance. I enjoy diving into the feelings surrounding relationships and love how magic adds to romance.
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) ? The characters in my books tend to introduce themselves and their lives. Lol. So, I let them guide my fingers as I type out the story. When I go back to revise, I shake the “marble cage” until they fall into the right order and I fine tune it all.
If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? Never, never give up.
What's up next for you and your writing? Book two: Echoes of The Chronicles of Shilo Manor and Aumelan are neck in neck for my next publications. So, keep an eye out for them. ;)
Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers? Thank you for joining me today. I hope you enjoy my worlds as much as I enjoy sharing them. Do drop buy Cornerstone Deep. They’d love to have you visit.
Where can we read more about you and your work? You can visit my website at http://charleneawilson.com to catch sneak peaks of what I’m working on along with a book trailer of Cornerstone Deep. Cornerstone Deep is available in paperback and e-formats at classactbooks.com or Amazon.com. Thank you so much for having me, Susan. It was a real treat.
Thank you for sharing your work with us, Charlene. J
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
ALL THINGS ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
FEATURED AUTHOR: Jerri Drennen
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 was raised in a tiny town in Minnesota Missouri
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
Total introvert. Writing and raising kids in a solitary lifestyle and easy to disappear into.
Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and tell us their names.
Do I. I have an ivory retriever named Max and a windowsill filled with cats.
What are your favorite books to read?
I used to love historical romance, but anything contemporary now.
Where is the most unique place you have traveled?
I've never been out of the States but we lived in San Antonia for about a year and the Riverwalk there is so beautiful.
Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?
I'd have to say my children.
How many books have you written and how many of those are published? I've written over 20 books. Six are published, one is just waiting for a release date.
Fire & Ice.
Inventing the Abbotts,
Mauvelous.
Caddy-Did,
Grace Under Fire
Untouched.
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?
Most are romantic suspense/action-adventure, but I have one contemporary, a time-travel and right now I'm working on a paranormal romantic suspense.
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) ?
Not a thing. I'm a panster and the story just writes itself.
Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive? How did you handle the rejections?
I haven't kept track of numbers. Heck, I still get them. Only the lucky few don't deal with rejection.
How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?
I really don't have a schedule but most of my writing is done early in the morning when my mind is fresh and it's quiet.
If you have a new release coming out, tell us about it.
I don't have a release date yet but just finished edits for the second book in my Men of Jungle series, Unplanned.
Galen Hall wakes in a Ecuadorian jail with a murderous headache, a murder charge, and a memory gap where his alibi should be. How does the jungle guide prove his innocence? His best friend comes to help, only to bring with him the woman whose unplanned love sent him fleeing the Amazon to begin with. One night of steamy jungle passion has botanist Dana Rutherford carrying a stranger’s baby. While coming to terms with raising a child on her own, she learns of the father’s captivity. In a town where corruption reigns, she unknowingly initiates a jailbreak, and finds herself again face-to-face with the hunky, green-eyed devil who has changed her life forever.
If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? Don't stop writing and submit your work.
Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?
Only that I love hearing from readers, though my contact page on my website is totally messed up and if you contact me there, you'll never get through.
Where can we read more about you and your work?
On my website at www.jerridrennen.com
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
TUESDAY TALKS
Spotlight Author: B R I A N B I A N C O
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'm from Vancouver , BC
Would you describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert?
From all the tests I've taken over the years using the various forms they use to determine which occupation one is best suited for, the results have always pointed to me being an extrovert. I have no problem talking to people I don't know who may be standing next to me in a lineup or in a crowd waiting for whatever. The only problem sometimes is the fact that we sometimes run out of things to talk about. I spent 13 years coaching kids soccer, working my way through the ranks until I was appointed coach of a boys rep team (the best players for that age group) and stayed with them for 5 years until I retired then spend another 5 referring games. In that time I lived in Abbotsford in the valley and was the PR director of the Abbotsford Soccer Association and then President.
Do you have any pets?
No pets because I live in a condo and work, so I have little time to give to them during the week. I do have an aquarium (70 gallons) though but since my move I haven't restocked it. It's sitting empty right now.
What are your favorite books to read?
I like murder/mysteries, autobiographies, political works (non-fiction) but I also like what I call stories that can relate to the human condition. My favorite authors are John Grisham (but his early novels), Michael Cruz Smith and Garth Stein, especially his novel, 'The Art of Racing in the Rain". It's a really good book. I even mention it on my website as a book to read along with Sidney Poitier's autobiography, "The Measure of a Man", another great book people should read.
Where is the most unique place you have traveled?
I haven't done much travelling abroad because of family and work but I am finally taking my first airplane flight to cruise the Caribbean in the later half of April. It should be great fun since I plan on possibly using this experience to write another novel.
Aside from your successes in the writing industry, what in your life has given you the greatest sense of accomplishment?
My time spent helping others, primarily being a soccer coach, referee, executive. Also as a volunteer with Big Brothers, although it was a short ride, and my time with the Maples programme with kids that had problems within their families that affected their behavior. I was told then by the person in charge that I should make that my vocation in life but I took another path. In retrospect, I should have listened to her since I really get a lot of satisfaction from doing it.
How many books have you written and how many of those are published?
I've only written the one book, "Dressed for a Kill" but I am working on two others. One is another murder/mystery and the other is based on the human condition titled, "Journey to Destiny". You can read the first 3 chapters on my website: http://www.brianbianco.ca/
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 a general idea of who the characters are and who and what I want them to be and how they will fit into the plot but as for anything else, I like to be surprised as much as the reader does so I let them take me to where they want to go but they have to remain within the plot and the storyline so I do have some control as to who they are and what they do.
Prior to becoming a published author, how many rejections did you receive? How did you handle the rejections?
I received numerous rejections like all authors but the point to writing is to not give up. Critiquing someone else's work is a very subjective process whereby the reader decides whether or not the novel was interesting, thought provoking as to who dunnit in a murder/mystery like mine, were the characters and the plot believable, was the book entertaining enough to keep them reading, did they like the style of writing employed by the author, etc. What one reader likes, another may not but as a writer, we always hope the world will enjoy our novel enough to tell someone else about what they read.
How and when do you write? Do you keep yourself on a schedule or do you work while the muse is with you?
I don't write to a set schedule because I think it puts pressure on the writer to come up with something. I write when I feel the urge to put down on paper what I am thinking about. I spent a lot of late nights, sometimes as late a past three in the morning writing. Other times I didn't start until after five because that's when the literary juices started to flow. I'm trying to set myself on a schedule but so far it isn't working.
From your novel, Dressed for a Kill, which is your favorite character and why? My favourite character from “Dressed for a Kill" is the PI called Bruno Carboni. He's a rogue who doesn't always go by the book, much like another character in the novel. He's abrasive, short on tact and grumpy at times. I have another favorite character in the book who goes by the name of Shawn O'Shea. He's owns the bar that Bruno frequents. They have a unique relationship which shows in the novel. Shawn along with Bruno practically wrote themselves into the novel.
If you could step into the world of anyone else’s novel or meet with any character, which/who would you choose? John Grishams' character, Gray Grantham of the Washington
If you could give one piece of advice to writers trying to get published, what would that advice be? Stay with it and don't give up. Let your friends read your first couple of chapters and get their feedback. Listen to what they have to say and then decide if the storyline needs work, maybe your writing style, etc., but in the end, you have to decide what fits and what doesn't because it is after all, your story, your characters and your fiction. In the end you have to believe in what you have written. Remember, it’s purely subjective. There is no right or wrong. It’s only their and your perception of what is good and what isn't. Hopefully your perception is on the mark.
Where can we read more about you and your work?
You can visit my website at: http://www.brianbianco.ca/ where you can read the reviews and hopefully purchase my book which is available in digital form also for all you ebook readers.
Anything else you'd like to share with my blog readers?
I just wanted to say thank you to you for having me on your show and to your audience to being here and listening to us. Thank you again. It was fun.
It was a pleasure getting to know you and your work better. Best Wishes!
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