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** CONTEST **
Ann B. Keller is published through Triad Publishing Group. I can tell you that lots of great books are published through Triad and I do look forward to reviewing Ann’s novel! She is having a contest to win an autographed copy of her book Briggen! So read the interview for the details! There are also two other chances to win so read on!!
Author Pen Name: Ann B. Keller
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
ABK: I write Action/Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Westerns, Romance, and Mysteries. I write novels, screenplays and stories that not only entertain, but those that convey a message. With my words, I touch the reader, leaving him/her feeling a little better for having read what I’ve written.
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
ABK: I began writing in earnest at the age of twelve. My thoughts and dreams turned into short stories and quickly into full fledged novels. Writing consumes me now. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about at night. Writing is my passion.
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
ABK: My grandfather, George Dell, was my inspiration and my hero from an early age. He was an award winning author and poet and he taught me to write what I knew. Even though my characters may be fictional, I think that the feelings, thoughts and experiences of a lifetime come through clearly in what I write.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
ABK: Monday through Friday, I begin writing at about 4:30 a.m. and write for about two hours before going to work. I also write in the evenings and on the weekends, I write furiously. I typically generate a first draft for a novel in a month or two, despite working a full-time job and being a busy wife and mother of three teenage sons.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?
ABK: Inspired.
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
ABK: My biggest challenge is knowing when to end the novel. I think the ending of the book is even more important than the beginning. The conclusion must be powerful, memorable, and leave the reader wanting to read more of your work. The end of each of my novels is emotional. If my reader doesn’t cry with joy, shout in triumph, laugh or sigh wistfully, I’ve done something wrong.
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
ABK: I like to sing and to help other writers. As a first soprano, I’ve performed many solos on the stage and in church. When I was seventeen, I was asked to try out for the Metropolitan Opera and I’ve retained that crystal clear voice quality as I’ve matured. I’m branching out into more professional venues now and will be singing The Prayer this Spring with my son, who is an operatic tenor.
I also greatly enjoy helping other writers refine their craft and obtain opportunities that will launch their careers. So many talented voices are silenced, because they never get the chance to show what they can do. I’m delighted when I hear that a writer has been “found” by a publisher and their ecstatic cries of joy ring clearly inside my soul, no matter how many miles may separate us.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
ABK: I have written so many novels that my closet is filled with boxes of manuscripts awaiting publication. As of now, I have published two novels, Vortex of Revelation, an exciting action/adventure about what a team of paranormal investigators do when faced with the End of Days, and Trevor’s Love, a contemporary romance about an executive living life in the fast lane and his beautiful young assistant, who teaches him the meaning of love and shows him the life that he was born to live.
My favorite novel is my latest book, Briggen, a science fiction/fantasy due to be published by TRIAD Publishing Group on April 4, 2008. This novel mingles the two genres together in a riveting page turner that will have the reader perched on the edge of his seat until the dramatic conclusion. Those who have read the manuscript have said I may be the next J.K. Rowling and I am greatly humbled by their praise.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
ABK: I think the experiences of a lifetime have greatly shaped my characters. Although it may be difficult to base the actions of a dragon in reality (there may be dragons out there, but I haven’t met one yet), the thoughts, feelings and actions of such a fictional creature are largely based in fact. However, that being said, when I close my eyes, I can almost feel my fingers abrade on the dragon’s rough scales, cringe as his hot breath sears my face and hear the rumble of anger in his chest before he blasts me with a wave of fire.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
ABK: Never give up! Keep writing. Keep reaching out to others who share your passion for writing, for the genre(s) you have chosen. Those of us who have tread the same road wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to give a fellow writer a hand. I’m one of them and I know that there are many, many others who would be delighted to give a new writer a chance to shine.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
ABK: I love to hear from my readers! Please feel free to contact me through my publisher, TRIAD Publishing Group (http://www.triadpublishinggroup.com) or by E-Mail at abkeller@oh.rr.com. Readers may purchase my novels through my publisher, TRIAD Publishing Group in Sarasota, Florida (http://www.triadpublishinggroup.com), through Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com), Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com) or in your local bookstore. Readers can also purchase my novels and obtain autographed copies at upcoming book signings, too. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than meeting an enthusiastic reader in person and shaking his/her hand.
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
ABK: Writing is a profoundly unique experience. In its creative process, we leave something of ourselves behind for the ages, making a mark in the huge compendium of literature. Perhaps, in my words, a reader may find a little of himself, laugh or cry at a fond memory, or gain the inspiration to try something truly marvelous. In that emotion, that memory or bold step forward, I find my triumph.
************************************
Here is your chance to win one of three autographed copies of Ann's latest book Briggen!
1. Answer the following question: If you could be a fantasy character, which would you choose and why? Ann will read all of the answers posted and choose her favorite.
2. Visit Ann's Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/annbkeller ) and enter the Briggen contest on her blog.
3. Visit www.triadpublishinggroup.com and enter there.
Ann B. Keller is published through Triad Publishing Group. I can tell you that lots of great books are published through Triad and I do look forward to reviewing Ann’s novel! She is having a contest to win an autographed copy of her book Briggen! So read the interview for the details! There are also two other chances to win so read on!!
Author Pen Name: Ann B. Keller
CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?
ABK: I write Action/Adventure, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Westerns, Romance, and Mysteries. I write novels, screenplays and stories that not only entertain, but those that convey a message. With my words, I touch the reader, leaving him/her feeling a little better for having read what I’ve written.
CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
ABK: I began writing in earnest at the age of twelve. My thoughts and dreams turned into short stories and quickly into full fledged novels. Writing consumes me now. It’s the first thing I think about when I wake up and the last thing I think about at night. Writing is my passion.
CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?
ABK: My grandfather, George Dell, was my inspiration and my hero from an early age. He was an award winning author and poet and he taught me to write what I knew. Even though my characters may be fictional, I think that the feelings, thoughts and experiences of a lifetime come through clearly in what I write.
CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
ABK: Monday through Friday, I begin writing at about 4:30 a.m. and write for about two hours before going to work. I also write in the evenings and on the weekends, I write furiously. I typically generate a first draft for a novel in a month or two, despite working a full-time job and being a busy wife and mother of three teenage sons.
CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?
ABK: Inspired.
CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?
ABK: My biggest challenge is knowing when to end the novel. I think the ending of the book is even more important than the beginning. The conclusion must be powerful, memorable, and leave the reader wanting to read more of your work. The end of each of my novels is emotional. If my reader doesn’t cry with joy, shout in triumph, laugh or sigh wistfully, I’ve done something wrong.
CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
ABK: I like to sing and to help other writers. As a first soprano, I’ve performed many solos on the stage and in church. When I was seventeen, I was asked to try out for the Metropolitan Opera and I’ve retained that crystal clear voice quality as I’ve matured. I’m branching out into more professional venues now and will be singing The Prayer this Spring with my son, who is an operatic tenor.
I also greatly enjoy helping other writers refine their craft and obtain opportunities that will launch their careers. So many talented voices are silenced, because they never get the chance to show what they can do. I’m delighted when I hear that a writer has been “found” by a publisher and their ecstatic cries of joy ring clearly inside my soul, no matter how many miles may separate us.
CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
ABK: I have written so many novels that my closet is filled with boxes of manuscripts awaiting publication. As of now, I have published two novels, Vortex of Revelation, an exciting action/adventure about what a team of paranormal investigators do when faced with the End of Days, and Trevor’s Love, a contemporary romance about an executive living life in the fast lane and his beautiful young assistant, who teaches him the meaning of love and shows him the life that he was born to live.
My favorite novel is my latest book, Briggen, a science fiction/fantasy due to be published by TRIAD Publishing Group on April 4, 2008. This novel mingles the two genres together in a riveting page turner that will have the reader perched on the edge of his seat until the dramatic conclusion. Those who have read the manuscript have said I may be the next J.K. Rowling and I am greatly humbled by their praise.
CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?
ABK: I think the experiences of a lifetime have greatly shaped my characters. Although it may be difficult to base the actions of a dragon in reality (there may be dragons out there, but I haven’t met one yet), the thoughts, feelings and actions of such a fictional creature are largely based in fact. However, that being said, when I close my eyes, I can almost feel my fingers abrade on the dragon’s rough scales, cringe as his hot breath sears my face and hear the rumble of anger in his chest before he blasts me with a wave of fire.
CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?
ABK: Never give up! Keep writing. Keep reaching out to others who share your passion for writing, for the genre(s) you have chosen. Those of us who have tread the same road wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to give a fellow writer a hand. I’m one of them and I know that there are many, many others who would be delighted to give a new writer a chance to shine.
CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?
ABK: I love to hear from my readers! Please feel free to contact me through my publisher, TRIAD Publishing Group (http://www.triadpublishinggroup.com) or by E-Mail at abkeller@oh.rr.com. Readers may purchase my novels through my publisher, TRIAD Publishing Group in Sarasota, Florida (http://www.triadpublishinggroup.com), through Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com), Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com) or in your local bookstore. Readers can also purchase my novels and obtain autographed copies at upcoming book signings, too. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than meeting an enthusiastic reader in person and shaking his/her hand.
CA: Is there anything you would like to add?
ABK: Writing is a profoundly unique experience. In its creative process, we leave something of ourselves behind for the ages, making a mark in the huge compendium of literature. Perhaps, in my words, a reader may find a little of himself, laugh or cry at a fond memory, or gain the inspiration to try something truly marvelous. In that emotion, that memory or bold step forward, I find my triumph.
************************************
Here is your chance to win one of three autographed copies of Ann's latest book Briggen!
1. Answer the following question: If you could be a fantasy character, which would you choose and why? Ann will read all of the answers posted and choose her favorite.
2. Visit Ann's Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/annbkeller ) and enter the Briggen contest on her blog.
3. Visit www.triadpublishinggroup.com and enter there.
16 comments:
thank you for the interview! cvrystal asks great questions and i love the answers
i love been actaully connecting with authors!
How extraordinary, an author who masters so many different genres! You don't often see that.
Ann-
As a fellow author at Triad, we are truely blessed to have you as one of the family. I too have read Briggen and I agree that you will give Rowlings a run for her money. I see the space ship with the crew. I can see Briggen and wizard as they try to keep the shield of the sister ship up so it won't be destroyed. I laughed when I read how Briggen tried to get his supper by pushing all the wrong buttons finally destroying his room.
You bring your characters to life. You put your reader in the book.
You mesh the two genres so well one doesn't even relize they are reading to different genres.
I give Briggen five stars on all levels only because I can't give it anymore
I am honored to call you friend
Hello Blackroze, It is always great to see you here thanks for being a consistent poster!!
Ans- she is amazing isn't she!
Yvonne-I look forward to reading Briggen and if you say it rocks then I'm sure Ann is phenomenal!!
Ann-Hello dear hope you're doing well!
I would be a wizard, or mage, or whatever they title they are given by different authors. I choose this becuase, after being the fat kid in middle school gym class, any advantage over the fit and cut warriors sounds good to me! Thanks for the interview Crystal and thanks Anne for the writing Anne!
Michael
Lingeringscholar@hotmail.com
Thank you, blackroze37. I love connecting with my readers, too! Very nice to meet you.
I hope that you'll pick up a copy of BRIGGEN. It's a rollicking good tale - if I do say so myself.
Hello, ans! Thank you for your kind words.
For me, exploring new genres is like learning a new language. Within their limits, I stretch my creative "wings", reaching ever outward for the full extent of who and what I am.
Therefore, I speak in many styles and in many tongues, extending an open literary hand to one and all. My readers have only to touch my fingers to understand a small piece of that greater vision, to realize that deep within me, my soul is smiling.
Yvonne,
I humbly thank you for your praise and I am so glad that you liked BRIGGEN!
When I write, I bring my reader into every scene, allowing him/her to sit on the lofty branches of a tree as Briggen fights for his very life, to stand, heart pounding, on the bridge of the battle cruiser Montplain, as she is attacked from all sides, and to peer from the shadows of the wizard Quinhelm's laboratory, as his newest concoction assaults the air. If I have achieved even a small measure of that goal, then I am truly thankful.
I, too, hope that those who enjoyed reading Harry Potter will embrace the BRIGGEN trilogy, as well. I am the glow beneath J.K. Rowling's fire; may BRIGGEN soon become a firestorm.
Crystal,
My goodness. Thank you for your kind words and for posting this interview. I enjoyed sharing a little of myself with my readers.
I hope that you enjoy reading BRIGGEN. May it captivate you from the moment you turn the first page until the marvelous conclusion.
Michael,
I, too, was never noted for my athletic ability. I still have a voracious sweet tooth!
That being said, please remember that although the body may fade, the mind, our true power, reaches ever outward. Our thoughts, feelings and experiences all shape its very core, making us stronger as individuals. I have shown this in BRIGGEN and I hope that within its pages, you will find a reason to cheer.
Ann
I happen to be one of the lucky few who were able to read the book and I must say in all honesty. Your book ranks up their with C.S Lewis's,(Chronicles of Narnia) J.R.R Tolkien's, (The Lord of The Rings) and most especially J.K Rowling's Harry Potter. Her incredible use of imagery sends you into the spacecraft aboard the Montplain, into the lush jungles of Mantasia, and the breathtaking ruins of Qierkal. The same useage as J.K.R only now with an added Sci-fi twist and a humorous outlook which signifies a broad based author. I have no doubt this book will be another phenominal hit, and I will be first in line to get my audigraphed book.
Wow! Anonymous, I humbly thank you for such an outstanding comment. I hope that I may live up to your lofty praise.
Please be sure to stay posted for the other two novels in the BRIGGEN trilogy. Both of them are filled with more tantalizing developments.
Hi Ann,
What a lovely interview! It's nice to see an author really take the time to answer Crystal's questions in such lengthy detail. I feel as if I know so much more about you.
I know Briggen will do outstanding and I wish you nothing but success!
Don't forget everyone, there are three ways to win copies of Briggen. This interview is one. Stop by her myspace page to find out the other two!
Ravenn,
Thank you for your good wishes. I, too, hope that my readers enjoy BRIGGEN and that they will eagerly anticipate the next novel in the BRIGGEN trilogy.
The Contest Entries are already coming in! I've received some really wonderful comments with the entries, too. Thank you so much.
HI Ann I hope you have a great time choosing the winner! Once you have decided let me know and we'll post it on top of the blog for all to see for a couple days :) I can also help you contact them if an email is not posted ;O)
Thanks so much sweetie, I really enjoyed getting to meet you!
Hugs, Crystal
Crystal,
Of course! I'll let you know as soon as I choose the contest winner.
Good luck, everyone.
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