Double the Fun - Writer's Window Tuesday introduces Amalie Jahn

Welcome to a special Tuesday Writer's Window. Today we will meet Young Adult author Amalie Jahn. She has numerous works of fiction and is a wonderful writer. Let us take a peek into this author's imagination.

     Tiffany: What is the title of your book and what  message does it convey to readers?

Amalie - Among the Shrouded is the title and it refers to the fact that my main character, Mia, can see people’s auras.  When she looks at others, she sees them as if they are “shrouded” in either light or dark.  So she literally lives “among the shrouded.”  Figuratively, however, it refers to the subject of human trafficking which is often hidden from sight by the mainstream media.  I aim to bring it to light.

Tiffany: Give a short synopsis of your book.

Amalie -It was February.  Through the eyes of the average person, it was an ordinary Tuesday, unremarkable in every way.  Around the world, approximately 370,000 babies were born on that ordinary day.  However, there was nothing average about three of the children born on that day who happened to be blessed with extraordinary abilities. 

Thomas Pritchett was born in a bathroom stall at a rest stop along I-40, just west of Flagstaff, Arizona.  It would take years for him to understand his ability to sense coming danger could be used to protect him from the abuse he sustained within the foster care system.

Yekaterina Malinov was torn from her mother’s womb by a local midwife via emergency cesarean in the Ukraine, outside the capital city of Kiev.  She was always aware of her power to manipulate people into doing what she wanted, and she used her ability to assure that her needs were always met.

Mia Rosetti was delivered into the world in Baltimore, Maryland at Union Memorial Hospital at 9:46 AM to Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Rosetti.  By the time she was four, she realized the auras of light or dark she saw around those she encountered signified whether they were inherently good or inherently evil.

Growing up, they could not begin to comprehend the importance of the gifts they were given, and as adults, they are unaware they are on a collision course with one another as well as their common destiny.

Tiffany: Your story sounds like it would grip young readers. Why did you write this particular story?

Amalie- I decided early on that if people were going to spend their valuable time reading what I was writing, I was going to make sure to use that platform to help make the world a little bit better.

Tiffany: Are there any characters in your books that are modeled from people in your daily life?

Amalie -Of course.  I think we can’t help that as authors.  In my first novel, The Clay Lion, the relationship of Brooke and Branson are loosely based on my own family.  There are other pieces of people, here and there, but nothing earth shattering.

Tiffany:   Every author has a different means or way a story is born in their minds. How do you come up with your story lines?

Amalie - In my sleep or in the middle of the night.  I just let them take me over while the rest of the world is at peace.

Tiffany: What was the point you realized that being an author was no longer a dream but a reality?

Amalie -Having a bound book in your hands that you wrote… that’s pretty amazing.

Tiffany:All writer's need advice, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Amalie -Keep writing.  Keep reading.  Don’t dismiss yourself as too old or too young or too busy or too naive.  It’s never too late to follow your dreams and there’s never been a better time to do it.  Also, talk to other authors.  Learn from them.  Listen to their journeys.

Tiffany:  The world of writing has many predators or "trolls" lurking under bridges that will devour novice writers; so what warning(s) would you give them?

Amalie -Writing the book is the easy part.  There’s a ridiculously steep learning curve with regard to formatting, editing, publication and marketing.  And there’s no one “right way.”  No magic potion.  Just you and your gut trying to navigate the treacherous waters of publishing. 

Tiffany: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process?

Amalie -Bringing a character to life out of nothing and having a real person connect with that character.  It’s amazing.

Tiffany:  Enough of shop talk, let's have a bit of fun. If you were given one day to live, what would you do that day?

Amalie - Spend it with my family in Disney World!

Tiffany:   If you could meet one of your favorite authors, who would it be and why?

Amalie -It would be Dean Koontz.  He’s so prolific and I enjoy his books.  I think I could learn a lot from him about what’s really important in the industry.

Tiffany: Who inspires you?

Amalie -My husband, every single day.

Tiffany: Sadly, I have many embarrassing moments, and I always am cheered up when I hear other people's stories of awkwardness. Amalie, what was your most embarrassing childhood or adult moment?

Amalie - I have a million.  I’m very awkward and tend to have issues with gravity.  I once fell down an entire flight of steps in a ball gown in front of several hundred people because my heel caught the hem of my dress.  Good times.  My husband demanded I wear sneakers on my wedding day after that.

Tiffany:  If you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self?

Amalie -YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!  So quit making excuses.

Tiffany:   What’s next for you?

Amalie - I’m working on a sequel to The Clay Lion.  It was supposed to be a stand-alone book but so many readers have requested MORE, that I can’t deny my adoring public!  Luckily, even with all the loose ends I made sure to tie up by then end of the book, I did leave myself one tiny opening.  Good thing that’s all I needed!  When I’m not writing, I’m training for an Ironman triathlon that I will be competing in the middle of April.

Amalie, thank you so much for dropping by today and letting me get to know you better! If you are interested in learning more about Amalie Jahn and her works you can find them here:

Amazon The Clay Lion http://amzn.to/Ztvzj7

Amazon Among the Shrouded http://amzn.to/16s6ADF

Amalie Jahn Amazon http://amzn.to/17NSyKr

Goodreads Author Profile https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6995709.Amalie_Jahn

Author Website http://bit.ly/claylion

Amalie Jahn Author Facebook Page http://on.fb.me/172W8AB

Writer's Window Thursday - BIG FOOT DOES EXIST

Welcome to writer's window Thursday! Today I have the amusing pleasure of introducing you to lively writer, Simon Okrill. After writing scripts for many years, Simon decided to convert them to novels. His screenplay Bloodbath about an eternal vampire was published last year as Luna Sanguis and Luna Aeturnus, very dark Gothic romance strictly for adults. During 2013, He began to recreate Bigfoot as a teen adventure much like Scooby Doo with more of an adult theme to it. Now his writing world is taking off so watch out for Bigfoot. Get out your binoculars, put on your camo, and let's take a peek in to Phantom Bigfoot's imagination.

Tiffany: What is the title of your book and what message does it convey to readers?

Simon - The title of my book is Phantom Bigfoot Strikes Again.  It teaches kids to respect nature, love animals, and protect them.

Tiffany: Give a short synopsis of your book.

Simon- At the age of 18, Duane Dexter had to use the toilet real bad first thing in the morning. What he discovered in the bathroom made him forget why he was there. Before him stood his father, all 7 feet of him and somewhat hairy to say the least. Duane’s father, Sam explains to his son that it is time to leave him for the forest and pass on the role of Guardian to him. This Duane accepts and soon becomes superhero and animal protector - Phantom Bigfoot. A year later Duane is happy with his lot until his idiot friend, Beau goes missing, apparently abducted by Bigfoot. Geez Louise! Now Duane has to stop the authorities from discovering his big secret - Bigfoot - or The Elders (aliens who altered his DNA to protect the Bigfoot) will strip him of his superpowers and banish him forever from the forest.

Tiffany: Your book sounds like it will keep readers entertained! Why did you write this particular story?

Simon- There’s a lot of me in Duane and Phantom Bigfoot and the story needed telling as perhaps it might stop hunters shooting Bigfoot.

Tiffany: It has been said that writer's will often immortalize real friends and foes in their stories; so be honest are there any characters in your books that are modeled from people in your daily life? 

Simon- Duane is basically me, Tiffany, but sadly I don’t roam the forests of S Wales UK as I’m just too small and can’t fit into a Bigfoot suit. There’s a Bigfoot Babe or two modeled on certain ASMSG  babes, hee.

Tiffany: Your book has a ton of imagination stomping through it. How do you come up with your story lines?

Simon- No idea, well my favorite TV series help - Star Trek, Psych, Scooby Doo and then there’s my weird dreams that sometimes stay with me and give me time to jot them down. Guess I’m one of those who tune

into the cosmosnet and pluck ideas floating around out there.

Tiffany: What was the point you realized that being an author was no longer a dream but a reality?

Simon- When I lost my job for being disabled, I turned to writing as it enabled me to hide in another world of my own creation. Things sort of snow-balled from there.

Tiffany: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Simon- Don’t do what I do! Seriously, get known on social media first for at least 6 months before publishing that way you have a fan base.

Tiffany: What warning(s) would you give them?

Simon- Don’t ever give up and never ever reply to a bad review.

Tiffany: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process?

Simon - Losing myself in my worlds and creating a new me where I can be more than I am and save the damsel in distress.

Tiffany: How did you go about getting your book published?

Simon- Published it myself, which after creating my own kindle formatter was a piece of cake. Cake! Where’s the cake? Of course editing and endless proofing came first, getting the right cover made and the perfect title too.

Tiffany:Now for something a little less formal.   If you were given one day to live, what would you do that day?

Simon- Don my Bigfoot costume and frolic with my Bigfoot Babes until I drop.

Tiffany: If you could meet one of your favorite authors, who would it be and why?

Simon- Stephen King, because he inspired me to write and my fave book is Salem’s Lot.

Tiffany: Writer's always have something or someone that inspires them, so who inspires you?  Simon- My muse inspires me now.

Tiffany: Most embarrassing childhood or adult moment?

Simon - On holiday, I climbed a 5 bar gate which collapsed under Bigfoot’s weight, throwing me into a dung heap. With all the aplomb of Phantom Bigfoot I sat in a pub and had a meal covered in cow doodoo!

 

Tiffany:  What’s next for you?

Simon- Next up this Spring is Phantom Bigfoot & The Vampettes from Venus, followed by Phantom Bigfoot & The ….. that’s a secret. After that my alien abduction comedy - Bigelow - will be published hopefully around Xmas.

 

Simon, I have truly enjoyed our interview today. You are such a fun personality and I know readers will love your writing! Good luck on all your future stomping around in the evergreen forests of the writing world! If you would like to know more about Simon and Phantom Bigfoot you can find the bigfoot tracks here...

Info Links:

http://facebook.com/simondokillwriter

http://twitter.com/simonokill

https://www.amazon.com/author/simondokillwriter

http://goodreads.com/tassyoneill

 

Buy Links:

 

http://amzn.to/IKmss0 uk kindle

http://amzn.to/1ctMZp3 us kindle

http://amzn.to/1c41xvI uk paperback

http://amzn.to/1c41ksr us paperback

 

Writer's Window Thursday - Annette Burrell

Welcome to Writer's Window Thursday! Today I am excited to introduce you to a fellow children's author. Her name is Annette Burrell and I have to say I am already excited to read her series for kiddos! Hey I am a kid at heart! Let's take a peek into this writer's imagination!

Tiffany: What is the title of your book and what message does it convey to readers?

Annette: I have one book and then a 5 book series. :He Gave Me a Song – the message is one of encouragement. The Adventures of Danny Cricket – is an educational and Christian based 5 book series.

Tiffany: Give a short synopsis of your book.

Annette: He Gave Me a Song  -God woke me up in the wee morning hours with a song in my head (the words and tune). The book is about the story behind the song.  God speaks to us every day. But we have to be willing to listen in order to hear what He tells us to do. Everyone has a story to tell.
The Adventures of Danny Cricket -Danny Cricket is based on the frontiersman Davy Crockett.  He lives at the Alamo (where the story begins and is where Davy Crockett lost his life in the Battle of the Alamo. Danny decides he wants to leave the Alamo and go down to the River Walk where his adventure begins.  There are 5 bugs (including Danny Cricket) in each of the 5 books. All character names are based on historical figures or events, and each bug is common in the book’s setting. Each has some diversity, and presents a spiritual message to the reader.  The next four books are set in Stone Mountain, Georgia; Philadelphia, PA; Washington, DC and St. Augustine, FL.

Tiffany: Why did you write this particular story?

Annette:  My “story” starts with the “song”.  I was getting impatient because the song was not progressing as quickly as I had hoped.  So I began writing a book about the experience. I felt a little like Moses when God told him to go to Pharaoh and tell him to set His people free.  Moses immediately said, “Who am I to do this?”  God pretty much told Moses that he wasn’t about who Moses was, but it was about who He was.  I had never written a song before and didn’t know where to begin to get the song put to music and I questioned why He was using me.  But it wasn’t about me.  It was about Him and the message He wanted to come through in the song.  That’s why I wrote He Gave Me a Song  .
I wrote the children’s books, The Adventures of Danny Cricket, while I was waiting.  I didn’t intend on the books to be Christian.  I thought that I would write something fun and that would help children remember parts of American history.  I wrote the first book and after I read it, there it was in black and white.  So, I knew the rest in the series would also need to have a spiritual message to keep the theme going.

Tiffany: Many writer's like to put real people in their stories. Are there any characters in your books that are modeled from people in your daily life?

Annette: Yes, in my book He Gave Me a Song  all the characters are people in my life because it is a true story. In Danny Cricket , none of the characters are modeled from people in my daily life. They are modeled after events or people from history.  For example:  The 3^rd book in the series, “Danny Cricket Visits Independence Hall” has the following characters:  a bumble bee named “Benjamin Buzz (Benjamin Franklin); a lady bug named “Lady B (Betsy Ross); a wolf spider named “Ranger Hal” (represents the tour guides in Philadelphia who are all called “Ranger . . .”; and a firefly named “Mr. Washington (George Washington)

 

Tiffany: Annette , You seem to have two very diverse stories! How do you come up with your story lines?

Annette: He Gave Me a Song  is a true story so I just wrote what happened and what I felt like prepared me for it. The Adventures of Danny Cricket   came as a result of a trip to San Antonio a few years back; that’s when I got the idea of a Cricket based on Davy Crockett.  When I wrote the first line, the story just flowed out of me.  I can’t really explain it. I decided that the other four books would be based in cities where I had visited to limit the research I had to do.

Tiffany: What was the point you realized that being an author was no longer a dream but a reality?

Annette: The day I opened the mail and saw the proof of the “He Gave Me a Song” book.

Tiffany: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Annette: If you have a desire to write . . . go for it!  And, write something every day.

Tiffany:  What warning(s) would you give them?

Annette: Learn who your cheerleaders are and keep them close.  Be willing to take constructive feedback to make your work better, but make sure the feedback is from reliable sources. The world is filled with critics. 

Tiffany: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process?

Annette: The writing itself!  I’d hire someone to do all the marketing and administrative stuff if had the money to do so.

Tiffany: How did you go about getting your book published?

Annette: After months of research I decided to self-publish.  I know myself and decided that I might get discouraged if I went the traditional route. 

Tiffany: If you were given one day to live, what would you do that day?

Annette: Wow! That’s tough one.  I think I would take my kids and grand kids on a ski trip so that I would watch them learn how to ski (the grand kids that is).  Then sit around the fireplace in the evening drinking hot chocolate and tell each one of them why each one of them are special to me.

Tiffany: If you could meet one of your favorite authors, who would it be and why?

Annette: Frank Peretti.  I love his books “This Present Darkness” and “Piercing the Darkness”.  I love the way he is able to create a story depicting spiritual warfare.

Tiffany: Who inspires you?

Annette: Beth Moore.  I could listen to her talk (preach) for hours.

Tiffany: If you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self?

Annette: Don’t be afraid to follow your dream; and do what it takes to get there.

Tiffany: What’s next for you?

 Annette: I am currently drafting a novel.  I know that writing is what I need to do.  I just want to solidify what type writing I am best at.  I will also be doing some volunteer work with non-profit organizations in my community.  I’ll also be speaking at various places to promote my children’s books, and encourage others to listen to God.

Thank you for stopping by today Annette! I wish you luck in your future writing endeavors! God Bless!
If you wish to learn more about Annette and her books you can find them here:

www.annetteburrell.com

www.facebook.com\AnnetteRBurrell

www.twitter.com\@burrellanet

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=annette+r+burrell

Morning Sickness...it is whats for breakfast

I had heard of morning sickness prior to my first pregnancy, although the facts about it were often carefully tripped over in delicate conversation by most of the women present. It seemed to me that it was something that was either A.) a passing sensation or B.) Such a horrible experience that selective amnesia was put into play. I soon found out with my first pregnancy that the answer was most definitely B.  Morning sickness is like the anvil that continually drops (like in looney toons) on the very unaware head of the preggo - it happens without warning and often in the most awkward of circumstances. Another little beautiful factoid is that morning sickness likes to hang around for weeks, months, or sometimes an entire pregnancy. Marvelous!  Also, I have a bone to pick with the IDIOT who decided to deceive all of us by laughably naming it "Morning Sickness." Contrary to it's name "the plague of unwanted heaving and retching" most assuredly happens all day...and doesn't just look at it's watch and say "Oh NOON time, I will now cease and see you in the morning." No, no pull up a piece of tile honey, cause the toilet is now your newest frienemy.



I find myself in the season of life where I once again have been gifted the joy of a second child. I also have found myself hugging the cold, unfeeling side of the toilet for several weeks, and I have drug myself out long enough to say - To all the women out there suffering with "morning sickness" you are not alone! I stand with you, holding my emergency bucket, and proclaim loudly that there is no shame in dry heaving at a stoplight! Who cares that the people in the vehicle next to you think you are possessed.  I humbly admit to praying for someone to knock me out as I sit on the floor, hair pulled back, listening to my toddler echo my guttural sounds, braced for the next wave of fun. The hope that a belch is just a belch often consumes my very being! Unashamed I announce that I talk to the toilet water, pleading for mercy, only to find that water is not a good listener. I admit that I have imagined bopping on the head, like a whack a mole, the woman who says "my pregnancies were WONDERFUL, I was never sick..EVER." I have contemplated the thought that food will never be a pleasant experience again. And let the record show that I have at one time retched so violently that my bladder decided to get in on the action...there is no shame ladies...No MORE...Unite and proudly showcase that green glow! You are NOT ALONE!

Many may find this post to be frivolous or just downright unappealing...well this is what I have to say to you...tough cookies girl scout! Too many of us suffer in silence because, well, morning sickness is scary, and let's be honest not too many people want to hang around the girl who is re-examining her latest meal. I want us all to remember that thankfully it doesn't last forever, and at the end of the journey something beautiful happens! Hold on to that thought, wipe your eyes, and brush those teeth...nobody said becoming a mother was easy...but I can say that it is definitely worth it!




Side Note: I have found that cutting back on my dairy, and large amounts of iron ( like in beef and pork) help some of the symptoms. Also cut that vitamin in half...take one piece at breakfast and another at lunch...way easier on the tummy!

Writer's Window Thursday - K.N. Lee

Welcome to Writer's Window Thursday! Today we have the pleasure of K.N. Lee's company! Amateur artist, traveling enthusiast, and wannabe rock star, K.N. Lee is an American author who resides in North Carolina. She enjoys writing fantasy, poetry, horror, and twisted short stories. When she is not cooking traditional Asian meals for her friends, she travels the world and practices foreign languages.

Her works include, The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld, the dark poetry collection, Wicked Webs, Empty Your Heart, and the paranormal collection of short stories, Thicker Than Blood. She lives with her two dog, Raven.

Let's Take a peek into this writer's imagination!

 

 

 

Tiffany: What is the title of your book and what message does it convey to readers?

K.N. Lee: The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld is a fantasy novel set in modern times yet utilizes high-fantasy weapons, alchemy, science, and magic. The message that I like to convey is that even the smallest, least intimidating, person in the room can indeed be the most dangerous. My heroine is Koa Ryeo-won. She’s small, cute, and silly…but if you cross her or threaten her loved ones, she’ll activate her enchanted sword and make you pay!

 

Tiffany: Give a short synopsis of your book.

K.N. Lee: What would you do if a demon threatened your mother's life? If you're like Koa, you'd sharpen your enchanted sword and go after him...

Our world is threatened by the creatures of an alternate land called the Netherworld. Good thing Koa and the Netherworld division are there to keep the vampire population in check. Koa is a powerful half-blood with a mysterious past. Her best friend is her boss, she has a cursed mother, an enchanted sword, and an attractive human pet.

Koa also has a problem. A Netherworld serial killer, with a taste for little girls, threatens everything Koa has worked hard to protect. Not even Koa's boss, Halston can stop him. But he knows one prisoner that can. Too bad that prison is in the Netherworld.

Is Koa ready to journey to the Netherworld to release the one creature that can break her mother's curse and protect all that she holds dear?

 

Tiffany:Why did you write this particular story?

K.N. Lee: This story actually began as a dream. It then became a weekly experiment on my blog and before I knew it, I had a pretty cool story and a few characters that I’d fallen in love with. I wanted a strong female protagonist with incredible power and the ability to fight evil.

 

Tiffany: Are there any characters in your books that are modeled from people in your daily life?

K.N. Lee: You know what, I never really realized it, but I think Koa may be modeled after my best friend. They’re both small, Asian, and feisty! You wouldn’t want to test either of them!

 

How do you come up with your storylines?

K.N. Lee: The first chapter came completely from a dream that I had. Then, I sat down and let Koa take control. She surprised me at every turn! I had a clear vision of what I wanted the end result to be and who the characters were. I did use an outline towards the end, just to keep the plot from straying.

 

Tiffany:  What was the point you realized that being an author was no longer a dream but a reality?

K.N. Lee: I’ve always know. From the first story I wrote when I was a child, I knew that being an author was what I wanted more than anything. Nothing gives me more joy than retreating to the deepest depths of my imagination and creating magical worlds and heroic characters. I think validation that I’d chosen the correct path came when I finally let someone other than family read my work. Their overwhelmingly positive feedback ignited something within me. I decided to stop hiding pursue publication.

 

Tiffany:    What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

K.N. Lee: Never give up. Rejection is part of being a writer. Write every day. Read. Never let your writing become a chore.

 

Tiffany: What warning(s) would you give them?

K.N. Lee: Don’t let that inevitable self-doubt hinder your progress. Push forward despite that little voice that tells you that your work is not good. Prove to yourself that your words are worthy.

 

Tiffany: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process?

K.N. Lee: I enjoy sitting at my desk and shutting out the world. Talk about therapy for the soul! It’s like dreaming while awake, except you have all of the control. I like the excitement of a new idea. Those first lines are magical, and your heart soars with the joy that comes from starting something new. The possibilities are endless!

 

Tiffany:  How did you go about getting your book published?

K.N. Lee: I actually have a fantasy trilogy called Rise of the Flame that took me years to write, and I always wanted to go the traditional route with that one. But I quickly learned that the road to finding an agent or a publisher is a long one. So, being somewhat impatient, I decided to self-publish The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld on Amazon. I figured that I’d at least get my writer platform established, gain a fan base, and have something on my resume. It’s been incredibly rewarding!

 

Tiffany:   If you were given one day to live, what would you do that day?

K.N. Lee: I’d spend it with my family in a Swiss Family Robinson style tree house. We’d have yummy food, relax, and enjoy our last time together.

Tiffany:   If you could meet one of your favorite authors, who would it be and why?

K.N. Lee: Stephen King!!!! I’ve been reading his work since I was a child! He’s an incredible, prolific, author that I consider a mentor.

 

Tiffany:    Who inspires you?

K.N. Lee: My mother! She’s an incredible woman. I’d love to write her story someday.

 

Tiffany:   Most embarrassing childhood or adult moment?

K.N. Lee: Getting lost in South Korea was pretty mortifying. I was new to the country and my Korean was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I walked around begging for help, stopping strangers, and pointing to the phrase “I am lost” in my Korean-English phrasebook. Oh boy, that was embarrassing, but the Korean people were amongst the friendliest I’ve ever met. A girl actually called her friend that spoke English and got her to translate, and she bought me a cab home! Incredible!

 

Tiffany:    If you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self?

 

K.N. Lee: Do not dwell on your failures. There is a bright future ahead of you. Do everything within your power to reach your goals.

 

 

Tiffany:   What’s next for you?

K.N. Lee: The sequel to The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld is called Lyrinian Blade, and will be released early February! I’ll also have a story, Last of the Jinn, in the fantasy anthology A World of Worlds coming soon!

Thank you for stopping by today and letting us learn more about your book and you as an author! If you wish to learn more about K.N. Lee and her books you can find her here:

 

www.kn-lee.com

www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee

 

www.twitter.com/knycole_lee

Writer's Window Thursday - Casey Clipper

     Welcome to Writer's Window Thursday! It's the day before Valentine's Day, and I had the pleasure of interviewing Casey Clipper who is a contemporary romance author. She's a member of the Romance Writers of America, the Three Rivers Romance Writers, ASMSG, IAN, and IBPA. Casey was born and raised in Pittsburgh therefore she's naturally a football, hockey, and baseball fan. Everybody loves a little bit of romance, so let's take a peek into the alluring mind of Casey Clipper!

 

 

     Tiffany:  What is the title of your book and what  message does it convey to readers?

 

 

Casey -The titles of my 3 prequels are Darren - a prequel to The Boss's Love; Derrick - a prequel to The Boss's Love; and Courtney - a prequel to The Boss's Love

The prequels convey the message you never know what life has in store for you. That a simple, seemingly inconsequential meeting can change your fate.

 

Tiffany:   Give a short synopsis of your book.

Casey - The 3 prequels are back stories of the three main characters of The Boss's Love. They give a more in-depth insight into their lives before you meet them in the novel. Readers get to see the characters struggle with love before their worlds come together in the novel.

Darren's story is his struggle with finding the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. Courtney's story is her struggle with being sheltered her entire life by those closest to her, which unknowingly helps lead her into a relationship she can't break free from.

Derrick's story is his realization that he's actually fallen in love with a woman who he'll spend the rest of his life trying to protect and shelter from all that's harmful in the world.

All of their back stories leave off at a particular scene in The Boss's Love.

 

Tiffany: Your stories are about love and relationships. Is there any particular reason you wrote these stories? 

Casey - To be honest, I can't tell you why I wrote this particular story. The best way I can answer this question is to say that I wanted to write a story that was a twist on the happily-ever-after.

 

   Tiffany:  I would guess that it would be easier to write Romance if some of the characters were familiar to you. So tell me, are there any characters in your books that are modeled from people in your daily life?

Casey - Every character is modeled in some manner after everyone in my life. Maybe not 100% personality wise. None of my friends or family are able to say, "Hey, that's me or that's my husband." But I do take a trait I love or even can't stand and place them into my characters. I tend to borrow the first names of those I know for my characters. My friends get a kick out of finding out if I've used their children's names. They've even petitioned me to use their kids' names. Lol. As for the male characters' physical traits, I always envision Hollywood actors and throw together what I would want in the perfect guy.

 

Tiffany:  How do you come up with your storylines?

Casey - I'm a pantser. So a story comes to mind and I immediately sit at my laptop and start to write. Or at least record my ideas until I'm finished with my current project. I go to where my mind takes me and the story leads.

 

 

Tiffany: What was the point you realized that being an author was no longer a dream but a reality?

Casey - When I self published my first novel. After that, I got the bug. Up until then my writing was a way to lose myself from the daily grind. Now, I want my stories out there for others to enjoy and get lost in. I love to tell a story. You see, I, myself, absolutely love to read. Losing yourself in a book and characters is a way for all of us to escape for that brief period of time. When I find a story I fall in love with, that author has a new fan. I want to bring that connection to readers.

 

Tiffany: All of us could use a little advice when starting off. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Casey - If you're passionate about what you're writing, no matter what the subject or genre is, keep at it. But write within your means. In other words, find and use your own voice. You don't have to put pressure on yourself to write the next Gone with the Wind, Great Gatsby, Great Expectations, or Pride and Prejudice. The Boss's Love is my third release and it wasn't until then that I truly found my voice. My editor is championing me to stick with that sub-genre and continue down that path. Find an editor who will help and inspire that voice. A good editor will. Entertain your readers, and yes, make it a good read by finding a proofreader and editor, but entertain with your voice. That's what will make you unique and gain you a following.    

 

Tiffany: I have heard a lot of people say that the writing world is like shark infested waters. It can be daunting and frightening. If you could give young writers a warning, what would it be? 

 

Casey - Always, always, always keep this in mind. We're in the entertainment industry. Since we've chosen this path, it opens us up for ridicule and wickedness. That's the price we pay. Just like the movie, television, and music industry opens themselves up for review, so do we. It's hard to say to develop thick skin, that's impossible. Your work is your sweat and tears. When someone tries to demean that, it stings. Badly. Find yourself a group of writers/authors and friends that are supportive and will help you through those times. Because every single one of us will experience those moments.  

 

Tiffany: What do you enjoy the most about the writing process?

Casey - What I enjoy most is when I hand my manuscript over to my betas and my editor and they come back to me excited over the story. Especially when my editor is pleased. I love my betas, who are close friends, because they give me honest reviews from a reader standpoint.

 

Tiffany: How did you go about getting your book published?

Casey - I self publish. After completing my first novel, I researched on how to get published. After a handful of rejections from agents and publishers I looked into self publishing. One of my defaults is I'm extremely impatient. I refused to sit around and wait for the many "no's" that are guaranteed to come my way because the industry is so saturated. I've kept submitting and pitching to agents and publishers, but found myself losing focus. So part of my 2014 New Years resolution was to go full throttle, committing 100% into self publishing. 

 

Tiffany: If you were given one day to live, what would you do that day?

Casey - I would definitely spend it with my family. Give my husband and two boys the reassurance of how much I love them. Then my three crazy Irish sisters and father would help bring the entertainment with their witty banter and in-family fighting.

 

    Tiffany: Who inspires you?

Casey - All authors. I'm inspired by their drive, determination, creativity, and dedication.

 

Tiffany: Most embarrassing childhood or adult moment?

Casey - To be honest, I can't really come up with one off hand. I'm sure I do have one, but in my early twenties I grew into myself and now don't really become embarrassed. I shrug and take each event or occurrence in my life as a learning tool. Plus, I'm the oldest of four Irish sisters. We tend to battle before submit to embarrassment.

 

Tiffany:  If you could go back in time, what would you say to your younger self?

Casey - Take creative writing classes and marketing classes!  You'll need them.

 

Tiffany: What’s next for you?

Casey - I'll be writing a spin off novella from The Boss's Love (at my editor's suggestion). I have a stand alone novel that's waiting to go through my first rewrite that I'll be releasing this year. A series I have notes and ideas on I'm also going to get underway. Along with all this, I'm going to start on marketing, which is a new, terrifying undertaking.

 

Thank You so much Casey for dropping by today and teaching us about your books! If you wish to learn more about Casey and her contemporary romance novels you can find them here:

 

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