Author: J. PETER YAKEL

Author: J. Peter Yakel

Author’s website address: www.lulu.com/yakel

Published books by the Author: The Legend of Juggin Joe; The Autograph Memories of Mary Yakel; The Jackel, Jeckel, Jaeckel, Iekel, Yakel Family History Book

Books in Process: An unnamed sequel to The Legend of Juggin Joe in the works

Author Background: J. Peter Yakel is a freelance writer and author of three books. His articles have appeared in publications such as OGS Genealogy News, Communications Technology, The Pipeline, and Army Reserve Magazine, and have been highlighted on numerous Internet websites. The retired Army Chief Warrant Officer is a former instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a member of the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) and the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE).

Welcome, Joe, and thank you for taking the time to talk with us.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

Well, Kaye, first let me say thank you for inviting me for this interview. It’s always a pleasure to share some thoughts about writing and literature.

I've been writing, off and on, for most of my life, though I didn't actually publish anything until about 1997. My first "book", so to speak, was written and illustrated when I was about seven years old. At the time, dinosaurs were my favorite subject, and I dreamed about someday becoming a paleontologist or an archaeologist. So, I decided to write a dinosaur book, with my own illustrations, which was great, because I loved to draw too. I didn't publish that little gem, but thanks to my mom, I still have the original at home. Now that publish-on-demand (POD) technology is available, who knows? Maybe I’ll bring back my debut effort, and publish it as a children’s book.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

The inspiration for writing my first genealogy book was due to a fascination with history. My family roots are in Germany, and we still have relatives in the old country. Some years back, we received a package in the mail from a cousin, which contained a handwritten history of my maternal grandmother's family. The whole booklet was written in German, but the amazing thing was that it contained copies of birth records dating to the 1700's. Up until then, I hadn't given much thought to my lineage. But, after looking through that booklet, I was blown away, reading the names of ancestors who lived hundreds of years ago, and contributed to the person I am today. After seeing all of that, I was hooked on tracing my roots, and documenting my research. The two genealogy books are the fruit of that effort.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

Well, after years of researching and collecting data, (which included transcribing and translating both German and Latin text) I had all of this stuff in hard copy, as well as electronic files in several different programs. I decided that it was time to arrange all of it into a logical manner – a timeline of events and individuals. The book writing process began…

My approach to writing is mostly intuitive. In other words, I've developed my own way of doing things to take an idea and put it into print. While I've looked at other books to get some general bearing on layout and format, essentially I don't try to work within the confines of any rigid writing rules. I pretty much do as I please, and if I'm happy with the result, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. I have relied on a sound background in education (English Composition was always a favorite class) and my experience in professional writing as the basis for my book efforts, having written plenty of reports and plans for the military over the years, and having published an assortment of articles on genealogy, military history and leadership.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

I don't know that I can point to any one individual as being an influence on how I write. In general, I like science fiction, and I’m a big fan of military history writing. For example, I just recently finished, 1776, by David McCullough…great book, and exceptionally well written. He's got a fine writing style, but it's his. I don't consciously try to follow anyone's example. I tend to write about what I like, and things that make me laugh.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Well, I enjoy writing so much, there's no reason why I’d want to stop. I have a lot of fun with the things I work on, especially the Juggin Joe humor. Rarely do I think of writing as a chore – maybe there's a little bit of an idea block now and then, and sometimes that's a challenge – but I find writing is enjoyable. When I’m "in the zone" on a subject, I feel really driven to keep working it, to develop the piece to its full potential…sometimes there's just not enough time in a day to do it all.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

That depends on the material. With something like the fiction of Juggin Joe, I’m looking to make people laugh and give them a humorous distraction from the stress of everyday life. If they take more away from the book than just a smile, that's an added bonus. That's what I think is one of the great things about Juggin Joe – the story can be as important or meaningless as it needs to be, depending on the person who is reading it. With my genealogy books, or articles on leadership and military subject matter, my focus is mainly on education and information. The fiction writing is more geared toward entertainment, while the factual writing is more reflective. Still, I think both can be equally thought provoking.

When I started writing, The Legend of Juggin Joe, I believed that I would be breaking new literary ground in contemporary fiction. I'm not saying that to boast, but I knew that I was creating something completely unique and atypical, as far as mainstream writing was concerned. I just haven't seen, nor am I aware of, any book written like it. For those who are new to the tale, I’d like to share the "hook" of Juggin Joe: the entire dialogue - and I'm talking cover-to-cover - is written in a mountain-type dialect that I call "country-speak". I think this writing approach is unconventionally fresh, and the story has the ability to let readers experience a wide range of feelings as it unfolds. As you turn the pages, you'll feel joy, sadness, amazement, shock, anger, bewilderment – you name it – the story is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. That's what I aimed for in this particular book, so I'm hoping that others see Juggin Joe as something completely novel and interesting.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

Hmmm. That's a pretty open-ended question. I'd say, in general, my experiences have been very good. I've met plenty of interesting people along the way. Writing is a continuous learning process, so for me, it's continually evolving. There's a certain excitement when people read your articles or books, and offer thoughtful, constructive comments. Most of the time, it’s very satisfying and personally rewarding. Reviews are quite interesting, because they can run the gamut, from incredible to horrible. For example, my writing style has been referred to in the same vein as Mark Twain; the love story in Juggin Joe has been called something of a modern day Romeo & Juliet; Joe's persona has been equated to that of Forest Gump; and I’ve been told by many that the book would be fantastic as a movie…that's pretty heady stuff, and great to hear…and then, you might read that someone thinks the book is no good. So, part of my experience has also been to recognize that if you’re going to publish, you need to develop a thick skin if you don't have one already.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

As you can imagine, for self-published authors, promoting your writing is a big challenge. Obviously, there is no traditional publishing house backing you, and working to get your writing out to the public. And, because there are literally tens of thousands of books being published each year, it’s that much more difficult to be heard above the rest. That’s the hard part.

But, where there’s a will, there’s a way. For me, it's cyberspace. The Internet is one of the greatest technology advances of the 20th century, and it works wonders getting writers out to the world. Take this interview with you, for example. Thanks to the web, this conversation is available to potentially millions of readers, and some of them may be interested enough in what I have to say, that they'll give my books a chance. So, while I lack a traditional publisher, I’m keying off of this new cyber tool to fuel my literary aspirations. That's awesome!

Aside from the book listings and chapter previews on my Lulu Storefront, at www.lulu.com/yakel, I'm on Amazon.com. I’m also trying, for the first time, a small book cover advertisement on www.myshelf.com, which will be listed in April. In addition, I've found that other Internet sources, like Froogle, and a variety of free or low-cost press release and article websites, like EzineArticles and PRWeb, also help to circulate interest in my writing. I also post book flyers in coffee shops, and other public gathering places, to promote the local flavor of my writing, and I’m in a handful of brick-and-mortar book stores around Capitaland, NY. Of course, book reviews and author interviews like this one help to build interest as well. Truth be told, promotion is a constant struggle – it’s not my favorite thing – but it comes with the territory of being a "one-man show"…not that I wouldn’t entertain the notion of distributing Juggin Joe with a traditional publishing house, or consider a movie deal or some other media outlet for the book, but for now, I’m doing things this way, because it’s the road I’ve chosen to take with my writing pursuits.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Find your own niche or specialty, and write about the things that excite you; the things that you find personally satisfying; the things that you have some expertise in. Look for ways to express yourself in your own way – sure, there are writing rules and etiquette, but Juggin Joe is my proof-positive that the rules can be bent…Sweet Jesus an' Cornbread! Why not bend the dadblame rules tah yer own satisfaction? Dare tah be diff'rent! I've said muh piece, an' ther jes' ain't no more tah say on it!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Sure. I'd like to encourage people to support their local authors, by visiting their libraries, independent book stores, and the larger chain stores. Take a look at the local author section. Chances are, there's a variety of reading selections in almost every genre. Don't see a local author's book on the shelf? Tell the proprietor to stock it! Give your homegrown writers an opportunity to satisfy the reader in you. For about the same cost as a movie ticket, you can probably pick up a great read written by someone in your own community, and you might even grab an autographed copy to boot!

Thanks again Kaye. It was great talking with you.

Thank you, Joe!

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 29, 2006 - Copyright

Author: SHARON TROTTER

Author: Sharon Trotter
Author’s website address: www.tipslimited.com
Published books by the Author: Breastfeeding: the essential guide
Books in Process: Baby skincare

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing my book in 2002 whilst still breastfeeding my youngest child (he was 2 yrs old at the time). However what I did not realise is that I have been writing all my life. My Xmas letters are famous and I have always loved keeping in touch with friends and family by letter so I suppose the natural progression was to write for a living. My other passion is baby skincare and I have been writing about this subject since 1996. This work has since been submitted to professional journals and to date I have had 9 articles (on midwifery related subjects) published in professional journals.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

I was always bemoaning the fact that there was nothing available on breastfeeding that told it like it was, so I decided to write it myself! As a midwife of 20 years and a breastfeeding mother with 7 years personal experience I felt I was well qualified to pass on tips to new mothers and also to professionals who wanted to help breastfeeding parents.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

Having been to Women-into-Business workshops for a couple of years I could see what NOT to do when starting up your own company. So when the draft copy of my book was getting continual rejections from publishers and literary agents, I decided to go it alone. If I could not prove my passion for the subject of breastfeeding and my absolute belief in my book, who else would? I attracted advertisers from hand-picked companies associated with breastfeeding and baby skincare and raised enough money to finance half the printing costs of my first edition. This was unorthodox but it worked well for me and allowed me to finally see my book in print. I then had to get my book onto the book giant’s website Amazon.co.uk in order to get the word to spread. I sent review copies to midwives, media personalities, Doctors, lactation consultants and breastfeeding associations until I drummed up enough interest for sales to climb. Within a few weeks of publication my book had entered the top 10 breastfeeding books on the UK Amazon site, from a total of 434 other titles, where it has remained ever since! In order to introduce it to the American market I had to open an American bank account (not an easy process!) and find a distributor in the States to organise my Amazon.com orders. I now hope that this new market will embrace the simplicity of my book and that news will spread of my contribution to breastfeeding support for parents and professionals.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

A desire to help parents in the vital early days of breastfeeding which I know are the most pivotal times in the struggle for success.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Having got the bug, I continue to write papers for professional journals! I also plan to write a new book on baby skincare.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

I aim to produce evidence-based information about breastfeeding, baby skincare and other midwifery related subjects. I hope that this will make a difference to how parents approach parenthood and professionals educate the people in their care.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

Mostly positive but quite a rollercoaster ride at times! The malicious reviews (2 on Amazon.co.uk) have been extremely upsetting. If these individuals knew how much work, pain, effort and energy went into getting a book self-published they would never have made such hurtful comments.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

Via Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com, local book shops, my websites, business trade fairs, midwifery conferences, Baby Shows and primarily word-of-mouth.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Never loose site of your original goal and never give up! It may not work out how you planned but at least you can say you have no regrets.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Surround yourself with positive people!


Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 28, 2006 - Copyright

Author: MICHAEL IRVIN BOSLEY

Author: Michael Irvin Bosley
Author’s website address: http://www.outskirtspress.com
Published books by the Author: Trans-Light-Element ‘The Open Door’
Books in Process: Trans-Light-Element ‘The Finnish Connection’

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I actually began writing in my personal journal as a youth. During my Junior and Senior year of High School, I was part of a group of students who formed a ‘corporation’ that sold subscriptions to an authorized independent school newspaper. I wrote one of the articles in that paper. It was a project in one of our classes. Class members each invested a dollar in the newspaper and received token certificates of stock. When the project was over, we dissolved the ‘corporation’. We stockholders not only got our investment back, but earned an extra dollar from profits derived from subscription sales. I also entered an Inter-Scholastic League Essay Writing competition in which I was encouraged to continue writing. During these and subsequent writing exercises, I discovered an inner voice that found expression on the written page. Once so expressed, the voice could never be silenced – even if it were ignored, the statements would remain for anyone who cared to read them.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

The fundamental inspiration for Trans-Light-Element arose in part from a personal conviction that major discoveries and great achievements usually resulted from the every-day labors of ordinary people. The world’s first reliable time piece was designed over the span of 4 decades by an obscure Englishman named John Harrison who taught himself how to build clocks while working quietly in his own humble little workshop. Orville and Wilber Wright built their own wind-tunnel in their bicycle shop where they plotted the world’s first true lift tables they used to design the wings of the world’s first aircraft. I can point to invention after invention in American history, each the result of ordinary people asking extraordinary questions; people who looked beyond the current resources and common understanding of their day to come to a new realization of the greater truth. While Trans-Light-Element is, at first glance, just a fantasy science fiction entertainment story; at heart, it is an expression of the power of all free persons to explore the universe from their own backyards, using what tools they can either acquire or manufacture using personal skills and resources. Trans-Light-Element is the spirit of free people everywhere to discover for themselves answers to life’s greatest questions.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

While Trans-Light-Element ‘The Open Door’ is my first published book; I have to confess it is not my first attempt at writing or story telling. My approach to this work was developed over years of studying the art of writing – in particular, the manner in which words are employed in the English language to convey information and project mental images – images that remain crystal clear. In other words, any writer will probably agree that first the voice inside expresses the feeling of what one wishes to convey – then the mind reviews and revises, sometimes eliminating what tends to distract and confuse. The important thing to me is how does the prose sound and feel to both the audible and the mental ear? Does the conversation support the action? Do the characters act as they would in real life? Does the combined information flow help the reader feel as if he is present, almost a participant?

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

Every writer I have ever studied has left his or her mark upon my style; but, practice – repetition, and the desire to craft statements in natural settings – while employing the vocabulary of the topic in question – and, sometimes, just the desire to keep it simple and moving have left their hallmark upon the chambers of my inner voice. Do I always succeed? Of course not; but I must say the quest is the biggest influence upon my writing.

5. Why do you continue to write?

Once one begins a journey, there are two choices; turn back and forget it, or press forward until the journey is done. Writing, like life, is a journey that is never done until we, like Job, die, "being old and full of days." Job 42:17

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

If I am given the time and opportunity to finish the Trans-Light-Element project – I would hope it would become as popular among young readers as previous successful mystery adventure series in times past; entertaining, enlightening and instructive – and foremost, an example of the happy fruits of goodness. Also, every good story deserves the perfect ending.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

I have enjoyed the honest praise from those closest to me – whom I trust to be my most valuable critics, because they know me… and have nothing to gain one way or the other from sharing their personal impressions about my work. Knowing something I created has been recorded in the Library of Congress is another point of personal satisfaction. I suppose, if the world should sit up and take notice of this one little book cast upon the sea of thousands of new creations in our modern age of computer internet assisted publishing; I might relish the value of keeping the better part of my personal anonymity. Fame is not a great thing. However; to be recognized and respected among one’s peers is one of the grand rewards of any professional endeavor.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

I am still developing a comprehensive marketing strategy. It has always been my hope that word of mouth, reader to reader would be the greatest promotion. I plan to engage the services of professionals, at length, to assist the general interested public become aware of Trans-Light-Element.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

Listen to your inner voice, seek to always understand the truth, write only that which will uplift a neighbor – and never assume the book of knowledge is closed.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

Thank you for listening.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 26, 2006 - Copyright

Author: J. D. GUINNESS

Author: J. D. Guinness

Author’s website address: http://outskirtspress.com/thefamousfakes

Published books by the Author: The Famous Fakes

Books in Process: Long Story Shorts, a spoof collection of celebrity diaries, and Just Add Walter, a comic novel about an awkward Canadian family relocating to Hawaii.

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing, not fiction, but plays, in 1984; mainly so I could give myself work as an actor! Some of the titles produced were Pun: A Play On Words, 100 Celebrities in 45 Minutes, I Gotta Be Them, and The Divisible Man. For the most part, I tended to write comedy-variety shows made up of jokes, sketches, character impersonations, songs... All the things I love to do. I was also in a couple of tribute shows, Another Fine Mess (Laurel and Hardy) and My Charlie Chaplin.

I toured with these across Canada and into the States, and did other, “straight” acting in stage plays, radio, TV, and film productions as well. In fact, I met my wife K.O. in a play. She was a Mae West impersonator and even worked as Kirstie Alley’s photo double, among many other roles.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?

When K.O. and I got married (at the stroke of midnight on the Millennium; January 1st, 2000) I felt relieved that a certain desperate, yearning part of my life was now over forever, and so I wanted to commemorate the happy change somehow.

I remember thinking (as I stood on our honeymoon hotel room balcony, or lanai, as they say in Hawaii – I know, sweet!) about how much the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a character impersonator always amused me. Especially when we would curse unappreciative audiences under our breath!

Originally The Famous Fakes was going to be a play (with a different title, Porcupines in a Plastic Bag. Ugh!!). A friend claimed that it wasn’t really an original idea, because I’d lived it. I claimed it was an original idea for that exact same reason. There isn’t another story out there exactly like the Famous Fakes; someone has to tell it! And who could tell my story better than me? I think I was right.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?

At first, narrative flow was a problem because I felt the story needed to be told in flashbacks, which in the theatre always looks clunky and can be difficult to follow. I’m pretty sure it was K.O. who said, “Make it a novel, and make it hot.”

Once I changed formats, I was amazed at how easily the story flowed. I knew how it would end; it was just a matter of breaking it down into an escalating series of funny vignettes. The key here was the freedom you have in fiction: anything is possible! The whole process got me tremendously excited. I wrote for about two or three hours a night, Monday to Thursday, and I finished the first draft in about six months. It was a joy, the entire time.

Trouble was, I just couldn’t leave it alone! I adapted it from a novella to a screenplay, and then, using the material that emerged during the movie version, I adapted it yet again to the full-length novel you see now. All of which took me about five years, which I didn’t actually mind, as I think it just got better from all the care I’d lavished on the story and the characters! (Thinking things like, “What’s the Jodie character been doing all this time?” or “Why don’t I put Caitlin in this sequence?”) I was clearly learning How to Write a Novel as I went along. Moreover, I was having fun!

I’m proud of how it flows – I think it has a tremendous amount of action and incident, and yet it moves.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?

I’ve had literally dozens of influences, but I think, if pressed, I could boil it down to the five following men. They are different kinds of writers, that’s for sure, but for me they share a commitment to passion in their work, and that's what it’s all about for me.

Charlie Chaplin. I love his attention to things. He is meticulous. And of course his mimicry is just wonderful; it comes not from malice but a genuine interest in people. I can mimic just about everyone I meet, too, and I find that, not only does this entertain my family, but it’s a great way to relax, and just cope in general.

Ian Fleming’s James Bond books. Again, it’s the fascination for details (textures, smells, etc.) that’s so impressive, in addition to the often superb cliffhanging-storytelling.

Russ Meyer. He’s got a thing for women. Dynamic women with big bosoms, and desperate men with square jaws. Meyer’s crazy films are sheer entertainment for me, exactly my type of humor. He was a major influence on Famous Fakes, specifically.

Ronnie Barker. Half of England’s Two Ronnies comedy team, the big guy with the white hair and glasses (“It’s goodnight from me.” “And it’s goodnight from him.”). Barker was probably the best TV actor and writer ever. Again, with him it’s the superb mimicry, and, especially, the joke construction. I just love his stuff. Sometimes his “saucier” material comes across as a “more literate” Russ Meyer!

George Harrison. To me he was the anchor in the Beatles, a guy who put all his heart and soul in the Now. It seemed of top-most importance to him to express direct, but dignified, love and sincerity to just about everyone he met. It seems, like all the others here, the Writing and the Person were one and the same.

Taken together, these men represent, to me, mind, guts, groin, funny bone, and heart: everything I aspire to as a writer, and, by the way, as a man.

5. Why do you continue to write?

I continue to write for the sheer enjoyment of it. To me it’s easy and a pleasure. I never get writer’s block; I just do it, and then go back and fix whatever I don’t like. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t “creating” something, whether it was a comic book, play, or now a novel. I love the work of doing it, not just the romantic, author-y posing aspect of it. I like getting my hands dirty! I mostly work in more collaborative media such as film, radio, and TV, and so books are relatively peaceful, like a solitary holiday, almost!

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?

I would like to continue to entertain people with different kinds of projects, although my specialty appears to be humor.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?

I’m assuming you mean how is the book doing? Well, it took a long time for the book to catch on, but I expected that because I’m new.

I used to worry that people may have been put off by the explicit sex, but I’d always think, “Damn it, it’s a satire, after all. I’m going to write whatever I please. In the end, I am always careful and I trust my own judgment. And anyway, joke ‘em if they can’t take a f***!”

As it turned out, Outskirts Press was the ideal place for me because it meant guaranteed publishing and creative control. To me, that happens to be every bit as good as money!

8. How do you promote your book(s)?

I promote my book through word-of-mouth and by publishing articles about it via the “List mania” and “So you’d like to…” guides on Amazon.com. By linking my book with various similarly-themed, best-selling books, magazines, and DVDs, I’m getting noticed (And yes, I really am getting noticed. I recommend it. Also, it keeps your writing muscles in shape, which is always a good thing).

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?

I would advise other writers to do it only if you truly love it, and then never give up.

On a broader note, may I just say optimism is literally good for your health? I am seriously an optimist, I have no patience for people who seem to go through life with a sneer on their face and the refrain, “Life’s a bitch and then you die.” What a bunch of faux-cool crap.

OK, sure, life can be a mess, but these people confuse hip pessimism with intelligence, when in fact I think it’s much smarter, and a better use of your time, to feel good about yourself, first, because then you can make other people feel good. Better than enumerating all the things that are wrong!

This doesn’t mean walking around grinning like an idiot all day. This means paying attention when people talk and trying to help. I think we’re all here, really, to improve the lot of others. What else could it be?

10. Any other comments you would like to add?

I am very appreciative of the warm support I have had, not just from my family and Outskirts Press but now Kaye Trout and the Midwest Book Review, too! I think it’s wonderful that there’s a serious network out there for POD books. If independent filmmakers can be considered cool, why can’t we?

(On a different note: one of the glamour models alluded to in my book, Vikki La Motta, died the year it was published. I don’t think Ms. La Motta ever saw the tribute, but I like to think she’s reading The Famous Fakes in heaven. Now there’s a thought. A thought and perhaps a book…?)

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 22, 2006 - Copyright

Author: KEN BOIRE

Author: Ken Boire

Author’s website address: Outskirtspress.com/inheritthetide

Published books by the Author: Inherit the Tide

Books in Process: In The Company of Fishers

Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing?
As with most writers, it has been a life-long desire but most of us will always need a day job. I like writing for the joy of creating scenes, actions, and emotions in somebody’s mind using only the written word. A great deal of the fun comes from creating characters.

For many years I made a very good living writing research reports for niche customers. I loved the work but each time I put pen to paper I felt manacled by the binding rules of engineering, public policy, political correctness and the required institutional point of view. I vowed someday to write free of the clamps on my creativity. I knew I could do it. I needed to put my pent up stories on paper. Ten years ago I freed myself of career ties and went into business as a consultant. The freedom allowed me to partition my workdays, effectively freeing the huge amount of time necessary to start Inherit The Tide.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
During the years when I worked in a large engineering outfit there was a group of people who enjoyed racial jokes and slurs. Official policy was that such things were not allowed but none of the managers and executives objected. Uncomfortable with what was going on, I voiced my lack of support for use of some of the demeaning terms. I soon found myself on the outside of the clique.

I knew my 20th century experience must have been nothing compared to the bile faced by Native Americans on the frontier. I felt a tinge of sensitivity to their plight. Certainly the tests faced by the Native American women who married white men and tried to adapt to a white society must have been monumental. I wanted to test my writing talents in a challenging situation where the point of view would be both woman and Native American. I also wanted to reveal the bitterness and pain while showing that love can overcome barriers created by ignorance. I was driven by the idea that people are what they believe and understand. I had been carrying the story idea and my locked up emotions around for years. When I started to write it flowed easily. It was like a dam had been broken.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I created a flow chart of the story. It is similar to the "critical path analysis" commonly used in large engineering projects or in planning a computer program. The critical path type of thinking requires one to identify all of the pieces or tasks and get them into the correct order. In creating a critical path for a novel it forces one to create the entire story and fit it into a logical presentation.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
In the book, Grandma understands her world as an ocean of mankind. She sees her family as creatures tied to the sea, "… born upon the tide…" she says. The ocean symbolizes a stage where anyone can be humbled and equalized by its awesome power. To her, the tide symbolizes structure and order. She has accepted that the tide embodies the intelligent design of the universe. To inherit the tide is to have the power of a shaman. Grandma knows Hecky will need to believe in himself for he will probably still be a child when she dies. A fatherless Indian kid in the city, in 1950, would not have much of a chance at success unless he believed that he did inherit the tide. She left him the one thing nobody else could, the power of his heritage.

I suppose one could say memories of my grandma came alive and influenced the story more than anything else. I felt like she was the only adult who understood me when I was a kid. I was a bit of a problem child and she was always there to answer my questions and guide me in the right direction. She and another old Native woman saved me from drowning in quicksand when I was about 10-years old (not in the book). I felt closer to her than I did my own mother before that; and afterwards I worshiped her.

5. Why do you continue to write?
Putting words on paper straightens out my brain. I like the discipline it requires and most of all, I like the feeling of having done something well that I didn’t have to do at all.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
In this book each character is born from the circumstance as the story unravels. I had a rough idea of the types of characters the rough story line needed but I didn’t know what they would look like or what their mannerisms would be until they flowed out through the story. By the time each of them arrived on the scene it had become obvious to me who they were. It is entirely an intuitive and spontaneous process at that point. In Inherit The Tide, the only two characters I had a deep and clear picture about before the writing started were Susan and Grandma.

Before long I knew Hecky would be at the center. It became clear he would need to see himself becoming an extension of the things and ideas he believes and understands. That would be the underlying theme to accomplish through the entire book.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I am constantly thrilled and flattered by the attention and respect people have for writers. There is an immediate breaking down of barriers. People seem to assume writers are thinkers and balanced, open, creative, patient people and that is very satisfying. I really like being asked to autograph a copy.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Here is the way it went. The novel started at the bottom of the Amazon.com sales list at the end of October, with somewhere between about 1.5 million – 5 million titles between it and the top. By mid-December, it slipped into the 26,266 spot – over 98% of the way up the list. It maintained the top 10 – 20% through December and now is in need of a boost since it has settled into the top 20 - 40% in late January. This mid-range ranking should be short lived as a distributor will be picking it up soon and there are orders waiting to be filled there.

· I wrote a press release. A hometown newspaper featured the book by picking up on the release.
· The largest newspaper in Alaska responded to a direct contact and featured the book as one of three in its Sunday magazine. [The novel is set in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.]
· Spreading the news through professional trade circles resulted in a book announcement being sent out to several thousand contacts by way of a company newsletter.
· A paid advertisement is being planned for the weekend issue of the Seattle Times. It will capitalize on the Valentine Day shopping patterns of the weekend edition’s 1 million readers.
· A free copy to Northwest Writers resulted in a crackerjack review and a professional caliber web posting.
· Twenty free copies were spread around to friends with active networks, and resulted in recommendations to dozens of others.
· Twenty books were sent to newspapers with review sections.
· Sent mailers to about a few independent book stores in Washington and Alaska and got one very positive reaction from a large outlet.
· The book has a website through the publisher, plus my own, and has been picked up by several other sites.
· Sent e-mail flyers to all of my contacts.
· No free books to family, friends, and neighbors – tell them to buy it.
· The cover is a stand-out presentation by itself.

Major brick and mortar stores such as Borders and Barnes & Noble make no bones about ordering it for customers. The day after the book’s release, it was picked up by Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Powell's Books, 1BookStreet, Blackwell's, Al Books, Booksamillion Club, Studentbookworld.com, and others

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
My advice is to find a quiet place to work and make it yours. Imagine you are storing ideas there so when you walk in they motivate you. Leave your rough notes sitting around, shuffle through them from time to time.

Keep the story to yourself at least until the first draft is on paper. Don’t let the energy leak out, it dims the picture you are trying to create. When you get stuck, write yourself out of it by asking where do I want all of this to end up?

Visit the library when you need a break and pick out a book from an author you have never read. Look it over and ask yourself, how would I have done this? What is her best paragraph? How would she handle my problem?

At the beginning, take an hour to create a flow chart, then look at it frequently through the writing. Remember, you can always change the flow chart, and you should change it if the story is going merrily down a different path. Rely on your creative instincts. The flow chart is just a compass. Most of all it helps keep things happening in a logical and correct order. Novels are complex and order becomes important to the believability of the story. Sacrifice that and people will not read on. Circular overlapping stories are not easy to write and the reader must be able to follow along without back tracking. The reader wants order and she wants motivation. The writer must pull her forward in a direction she wants to go because she needs to know what happens next. Confuse her and all is lost.

And lastly, when people tell you how much they liked the book, let them know how much that means to you. I am amazed at the detailed comments I have received from some readers. I feel like each word had value to them and it makes me feel delighted. I am thrilled when somebody approaches me with the idea that Inherit The Tide would be a great movie. It makes me giggle. The supreme compliments were delivered by a reader in Texas and another in Oregon that put together a fantasy cast for a movie.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
The one thing that stands out is how complex and difficult management of the story becomes as it grows toward the conclusion and how much time is needed. Before I started writing, I knew who the characters would be and the theme of the story. Weaving it all together in a finished literary fashion became a major time demand. I was taken by how solitary the work is. No one can help create a story that comes from inside of you. I do not mind working alone, but the large amount of solitary time created a loneliness other novelists probably share. I was surprised again about how much time it took to get from the first draft to the final product. I cut out so much that I could probably assemble a second book similar to Inherit The Tide although I have no plans to resurrect any of it.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 21, 2006 - Copyright

Auther: RANGI RANGANATH

Author: A. Rangi Ranganath

Author’s website address: rangiranganath@yahoo.com

Published books by the Author: One People One Language

Books in Process: Real Origins of German, Greek, Latin & English-Mini Word Origin Directory


Interview:

1. When and why did you begin writing? 1990. Search for real origins of language and agriculture.

2. What inspired you to write your first book? Search for truth.

3. How did you approach writing your first book? Thru lot of research.

4. Who or what influenced your writing? My late mother.

5. Why do you continue to write? Discovering more new information.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing? Spread what I know.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer? Very grateful.

8. How do you promote your book(s)? It is available at www.authorsonline.co.uk and Amazon.com.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers? If you are convinced about something, share with others.

10. Any other comments you would like to add? Confucius said that moral responsibility demands that you share your knowledge with others. There is an adage in India that says that knowledge is the only wealth that still sticks with you even if you give it away to a million people. In fact you may get even richer as people feed back their thoughts to you.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 2006

Author: RM LAMATT

Author: Rm Lamatt
Author’s website address: N/A

Published books by the Author: Fears Flutterby
Books in Process: The sequel to Fears Flutterby

Interview:
1. When and why did you begin writing?
I started writing in 1952 when I was fourteen, Long Island, New York. I found it fun.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
Watching my dear friend fade into Alzheimer’s inspired me and finding love conquers fear.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I used tape recording of my thoughts, also small notes scribbled down on napkins and other sources. Finding scenes in my life and writing of them.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
The fear I had within myself influenced me to write of it.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I continue to write because it makes me learn more aout myself and to pass my thoughts on to someone.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
To be a better person through my writing.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
Others ask, "How did you find the time?" and "What could you find to write about?" My answers, "You make the time and there is always a throught o write on."

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
Promoting is hard. Mainly now through Yahoo Marketing, Amazon, leaving my book in public places so it can be passed on to others.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Let your fingers do the typing or writing. Keep your conscious brain out of it. Write with the unconscious mind. I found that to be the beneficial and easiest ways of writing. It’s FUN.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
I’ve found writing is similar to playing an instrument or painting a picture. It all comes down to ‘flow’. Music flows, brushes with paint on them, flow, and writing flows when it’s at its best.

Reviewer: Kaye Trout - March 2006 - Copyright

Author: EDWARD ARNOLD

Author: Edward Arnold
Author’s website address: N/A

Published books by the Author: 2012-Year of the Apocalypse
Books in Process: Puppet Masters

Interview:
1. When and why did you begin writing?
About 10 years ago, I was working in a film, and during a lunch break I spoke with the director, he asked about my "day job", a Private Investigator, and if I had any real serious cases. When I told him about one, he said I should write about it. I knew absolutely nothing about writing screenplays. But over a period of years I learned, and began to try my hand at it. I have written 4 screenplays, all of different genres.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
That’s a difficult question to answer. I have traveled all over the world and learned how people everywhere are controlled by Dictators, Government officials, Social standings, and perhaps the worst of all, Religion. A Dictator can be assassinated or removed from his pedestal of control by force. Government officials can be replaced if the people finally admit they are not living up to their promises. But the religious hierarchy is in an untouchable position; they can keep the people under control by brainwashing them at a very young age. Those under their control will never be aware what happened and will follow the church leaders until the day they die… In my book, I wanted to stress that I believe all people should be free to accept or reject religious theory.

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
I had no plan, no outline, just thoughts. I began writing and allowed it to flow from deep inside of me and into print.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Stephen King. Like me, he appears to be an ordinary guy writing from his heart; it also seems he has a vivid imagination and could care less what anyone thinks of his work.

5. Why do you continue to write?
Because I still have a lot of stories to tell.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
To get all of the stories that are in my mind out onto paper. Each story I write makes way for another, it’s like a cleansing of the mind, and after one story is told, another is created.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
I’ve had a lot of good input, and it does feel good to see your story in print. I’m not egotistical a bit, getting a book published doesn’t make my chest swell, nor do I care if I am ever recognized. That’s why I didn’t have my picture placed on my book… It is just personal satisfaction.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
It just came out and I’ve just began promoting it.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
What you can conceive, you can achieve… Just do it!

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
A writer is a writer until they have a book published, then they are an Author.


Interviewer: Kaye Trout - March 2006 - Copyright

Author: CHARLIE HUDSON

Author: Charlie Hudson
Author’s website address: http://charliehudson.net

Published books by the Author: Orchids in the Snow (Novel), Shades of Murder (Novel), The Parent’s Guide to Business Travel (Non-fiction), Shades of Truth (Novel)

Books in Process: Reef Wranglers, Artificial Reefs in the United States (Non-fiction), Shades of Gold (Novel)

Interview:
1. When and why did you begin writing?
I actually began with short stories and essays in about the sixth grade. I set writing aside for "real" work, joined the US Army for what turned into a career and had some articles published in 1992-1994. I retired in 1995 and set off on the path of freelance writing.

2. What inspired you to write your first book?
My truly wonderful husband brought home a copy of Writers’ Digest magazine with a lead story of "Beginning to Write When You’re Forty." He dropped it on the coffee table and said something like, "It’s time. Quit stalling and write your book."

3. How did you approach writing your first book?
Naively, although I followed the principle of "write what you know". Orchids in the Snow is a novel about a military wife and family during the early 1980s. That was a watershed time for military families when many of the unwritten, rather rigid social expectations for wives were being challenged. I wanted to capture that dynamic while simultaneously portraying what it’s like to be a military wife.

4. Who or what influenced your writing?
Probably my grandfather more than anyone. He wanted me to be a lawyer, but he also instilled a love of reading in me. He had this great library.

5. Why do you continue to write?
I think it’s a case of letting the genie out of the bottle. I kept it on the back burner for more than twenty years to "be practical" and worked hard to be at the stage where I can write and not have to worry about trying to support a family.

6. What do you hope to accomplish through your writing?
I would be less than honest if I claimed that I didn’t care about the great commercial breakthrough. On the other hand, I thoroughly enjoy the quiet successes of getting an email from someone I’ve never met telling me how much he or she liked a book of mine.

7. What has been your experience as a published writer?
A lot of frustration, punctuated by that great sensation when you hold a book in your hand with your name on it or when you have a chance to talk to readers.

8. How do you promote your book(s)?
I’ve used literary publicity agencies, I have my web site and I try to generate word-of-mouth through fans, friends and family.

9. What advice would you like to share with other writers?
Be honest with yourself, learn how to cope with rejection and persevere. By being honest, I mean, be honest about what you want to achieve. If you think you won’t be satisfied with anything less than the Best Seller category, you’re likely to be in for a lot of disappointment.

10. Any other comments you would like to add?
Only a very small percentage of writers make big money. As a writer, you really do have to decide if that’s the only measure you plan to use. Judith Applebaum writes a wonderful book with regular updates about How to Get Happily Published. I recommend it to anyone who is a beginning writer.

Interviewer: Kaye Trout - 3/17/2006 - Copyright