Leigh Savage Interview - Book Giveaway

** Book Giveaway ** Details at the end of this interview!

Author Pen Name:
Leigh Savage

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

Leigh: I took Leigh from Vivien Leigh who I’ve always admired. Then Savage came from my Fathers pen name Kain Savage. The combination of the name I thought fit me very well with Leigh showing my romantic side of my writing and Savage being for the dark side that my writing sometimes leads me.

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

Leigh: I write mostly vampire paranormal romance. I’ve had several poems published online and in print. In November I released my first children book The Smile Box (written under my married name Carrie Lea Williams).

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Leigh: In high school I became a huge Romance junkie and I loved to read any romance that had anything paranormal however at the time those type of books where had to find. So I started writing my own paranormal romance short stories to help get my fix. I remember sitting in my science class and a couple of the boy and girls would want to see what I had written so they’d be sitting in class reading my stories instead of their science books. Our science teacher never said anything to them since they where A students. Those very stories that I wrote while in class are featured in the Bound by Blood novel. I’m trying to keep the stories true to the original so that readers can see how I’ve grown as a writer since those first short stories too my full length vampire novels that I now write..

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

Leigh: I would have to say my Father even though he mostly wrote horror but he took the time to write stories just for me and he would read them to me at bedtime. My Father installed the love and reading and writing into me at an early age. In 2005 I lost my Father and my mentor. I still find it hard sometime when I come up with new ideals I want to pick up the phone and call him and I have to remind myself that he’s no longer there. That’s why the release of Bound by Blood is so important to me it gives me a chance to honor his memory and share his work with the world as he always wanted.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Leigh: For the most part since I’m working with a on demand publishing company I have no deadlines so I have lots of freedom with my schedule. Once I start writing down ideals I’m very in the zone don’t bother me. Recently our laptops motherboard went out so I’ve found that I’ve gotten spoiled to being able to write using one and find it hard to make myself sit in front of the desk to write. I’m currently saving to get a new one so I can get back to work on the third vampire novel Embrace of the Immortal.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

Leigh: Now that this isn’t my first time it’s more of the aftermath of the release that seems to be never ending. Getting your book in print is really only a very small part of the job. Now that’s it’s out there you have to make your book noticeable among a sea of books.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

Leigh: It have’s to be my spelling and punctuation. I got my Father’s love of writing J but my Mother’s horrible spelling abilities L

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Leigh: I spend time with my husband of 12 years and my daughter who’s 6 and my son who’s 4. I’ve been a stay at home mom since the birth of my daughter. Hang out with my other Mom friends. When I get time to myself *sighs* I love to curl up and read a book, watch TV (mostly anime), and of course surfing the clearance racks for great bargains. I enjoy drawing and painting. This came very handy when designing the book cover for Angel of Death, Shadows of my Past and the illustrations in my children book.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Leigh: Shadows of my Past which is my newest release that was hinted at in the end of the first novel Angel of Death. Angel of Death has also been released with a new sexier book cover and both books are available in Print and EBook formats.
I’ve also released my children book The Smile Box and had a great response from it so far. The book is currently being used in the South County YMCA Preschool program as part of the teaching Curriculum.

I’m currently working on getting a collection of short stories that I wrote with my Father called Bound by Blood getting it ready for print and hope to have it out later this year.
It’s really hard to choose a favorite…hummm…well if I have to choose Mika from Angel of Death and Desi from Shadows of my Past because both of them are strong female charters that can kick a** but at the same time be soft and loving.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

Leigh: For the most part my characters tend to create themselves taking on a life of their own while I’m writing. So as I’m writing I get to see my charters develop and grow the same as a reader would the first time they read the book.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

Leigh: Know that getting published is only a small part of the battle. Be prepared to put many hours of work into getting your book noticed by social networking, interviews, reviews, book trailers, signing and so much more that it can make your head spin.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

Leigh: They can Email: leighsavage@sbcglobal.net

Become one of MySpace friends: www.myspace.com/leighsavage
http://www.freewebs.com/thebookhouse/operationbook.htm
http://paranormalbookbreak.ning.com/profile/LeighSavage
http://www.jacketflap.com/profile.asp?member=d33dlit\

Shadows of my Past is currently available at:
Paperback:
https://www.createspace.com/3378917
http://www.amazon.com/Shadows-my-Past-Leigh-Savage/dp/1442131535/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_2
EBook: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=4074161

Angel of Death at:
Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Angel-Death-Leigh-Savage/dp/1434843017/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251131989&sr=1-5
https://www.createspace.com/3337961
EBook: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=4074161
The Smile Box A Story About Feelings:
Paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Smile-Box-Carrie-Lea-Williams/dp/1438204167/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251132607&sr=1-1
https://www.createspace.com/3340332

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

I would like to take the time to thank you Crystal for taking the time to have me on your blog and interview me. I’d also like to thank the readers for taking the time to stop in and read the interview.
If you’d like to read reviews for my first novel Angel of Death visit:
http://themonstersnextdoor.com/angelofdeath.html
http://kaseysview.blogspot.com/2008/06/angel-of-death-by-leigh-savage.html
http://joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/Dec08/angelofdeath.LS.html
Watch the book trailer for Angel of Death at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy_v5oZAQek
If you’ve read the interview and leave a comment I’ll choose one lucky winner to receive a Signed Copy of Angel of Death and Shadows of my Past.
I will post a list of name of all winner on MySpace Blog at the end of the contest.

CA: Thanks Leigh for a wonderful interview! Now, like she said, if you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win a signed copy of Angel of Death and Shadows of my Past!! Make sure to leave your email addy so we can contact you if you have won!

Stephen Zimmer *Giveaway*

** Giveaway **

A signed copy of the book, a poster of the cover art,a set of 7 glossy, full color art cards with illustrations from the book,a bookmark, and an 8X10 of the cover art! That is an awesome giveaway if you ask me! Now, what do you have to do to get your hands on these goodies? Just leave a comment or question for Stephen and at the end of the week, I'll use random.org to choose a winner. Please leave an email address so the winner can be contacted! You really don't want to forfeit this prize!

Author Pen Name: Stephen Zimmer

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

SZ: I have to say that my name was given, rather than chosen, though I suppose
that I have chosen to stick with it so far!

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

SZ: I am primarily a fantasy writer, although elements of horror and science
fiction do work their way into my material. As time goes on, I look to do
a few things that are more centered in the horror genre, although
crossover elements will almost certainly be included.

The Exodus Gate, while predominantly fantasy, reflects quite a blend of
things. It draws off of lore about the Nephilim, Angelic/Demonic lore
from Christian and Jewish Mysticism, Sumerican/Babylonian mythology,
Apocryphal texts such as the Book of Enoch, Persian and Asian mythology,
and a whole lot more.

In terms of why I write the stories that I write, my answer is that I
write the kinds of stories that I would like to read myself. My stories
are ones that I would buy in a bookstore myself. In this sense, I
certainly hope that there are a few readers out there who share my taste
in stories and books!

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

SZ: I have always been driven to be a story teller, which is at my foundation,
but in high school I began to start getting more serious about writing
novels. (Though I definitely could not do anything serious with what I
wrote during that period!)

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

SZ: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The worlds of Middle Earth and Narnia were
the wonderful, magical places that beckoned to me as a youth, and I
responded whole-heartedly. It was all thanks to the fact that my mother
read me the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as a small child (when I was
about 7), a chapter a night, and then bought me the seven Narnia books.
She had a real passion for all of those books, and strongly conveyed it in
her readings to me.

As I began to become more serious about writing, I also give credit to
Clive Barker, George R.R. Martin, Glen Cook, Roger Zelazny, and David
Gemmell for providing yet more inspiration.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

SZ: My predominant writing schedule is early morning, or later evening, if I
am not feeling too tired. I love to write all day if given the chance. I
need to try to shield myself completely from all distractions when I
write, as I really immerse myself mentally into the things that I
envision, and describe what I see, hear, and feel in my head. Once I am
in my writing zone, I try to stay in it until done.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word
that describes how you feel?

SZ: Grateful!

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

SZ: Getting the material to where I felt confident enough in it to pass it on
to an editor. I have really worked, reworked, and honed this material
over a few years, including doing a major overhaul when I felt that it was
not where it needed to be.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

SZ: I am also a filmmaker, and enjoy that medium as a storyteller as well.
Though constrained by low budgets, as a writer/director I have one indie
feature (Shadows Light, modern fantasy/supernatural thriller) and one
short film (The Sirens, horror) in distribution (more information on these
movies are on my website). Screenwriting is a very different beast than
writing novels, with its own unique set of challenges.

I have a wide range of other interests, including sports, exercise,
history, traveling, reading, movies, and much more. It is a benefit to
have a wide range of interests, as you tend to glean something from
everything that you do and experience for your writing.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

SZ: This is my first book, tentatively planned to be a series of 5. I have
also completed the first book in a series that is more of an epic
medieval-type fantasy series, which my editor is nearly finished with.
The first draft of the sequel to the Exodus Gate is finished, and I have
drafts for the 2nd and 3rd books done in the medieval series. I do have a
couple of completed novels that I wrote earlier in life, which will not
see the light of day unless they go through a major reworking.

As far as preferences, I can’t say that I really have a favorite yet. I
do have a deep passion for medieval history, myths, and legends, all of
which get to run loose and wild in both of these series.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally
from your imagination?

SZ: There are always inspirations and influences that come from the people
that you encounter in this world. They have a way of coloring the
characters that you create, no matter how fantastical or non-human they
might be. However, none of the characters in The Exodus Gate are directly
based on a real person, though a few of the more political figures have
been heavily influenced/inspired by some notable figures from our world.
I will leave it to the reader to take their own guesses. I placed this
story in a parallel world so that people do not get too caught up in
direct comparisons.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

SZ: Read. Read often. Truly, a good writer is a good reader, I believe, and
I think that it is very helpful to read a number of different styles in
the genre that you like.

Secondly, don’t view your editor or test readers as adversaries.

If you have test readers who are genuinely interested in seeing you
succeed, listen to what they have to say. As far as editors, it astounds
me how many writers develop a combative approach to their editors.
Editors can see what you do not see. That does not mean that you will not
have a disagreement with them once in a while, on a matter which you need
to discuss and explain further with your editor in the context of the book
or series that you are working on, but never forget that your editor is
there to make your work better.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

SZ: I am pretty easy to find, at http://www.stephenzimmer.com where my email,
myspace contacts, and other information can all be found. I am also on
FaceBook under my name for Lexington, Kentucky.

I am making a number of personal appearances over the summer, and love to
meet readers in person. After having attended recent events like
MidSouthCon 27 in Memphis and DemiCon 20 in Des Moines, I will be at
ConCarolinas (Charlotte, NC), Hypericon (Nashville, TN), InConJunction
(Indianapolis, IN), Fright Night Film Fest (Louisville, KY), Archon (St.
Louis), and more. Check my site to see the most current list, under the
Appearances menu.

The book itself is available in print, eBook, and Kindle. My site has an
online store, and there is also one at my publisher’s site at
http://www.seventhstarpress.com

The book is available at all the usual online outlets (Amazon, Barnes and
Noble online, etc).

My publisher’s site also carries a list of bookstores that are actively
carrying the Exodus Gate on the shelf. I really encourage people wanting
the book to support these stores, as it is not easy for a small press
author to get shelf space. The stores willing to allow that should be
rewarded! Please buy it off the shelf whenever possible.

I also want to mention that really enjoy hearing from readers, and am more
than happy to discuss things about the book. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

SZ: I want to reassure those that are brave enough to give my book a try, and
end up liking it, that I really do know where this series is going and
that I will not take overly long in releasing new installments.

Right now, the plan is to release one book from The Rising Dawn Saga each
year, give or take a month. We plan a similar schedule for the epic
medieval series (first one due around the fall of 2009). This will result
in 2 books a year, so that readers enjoying each series will get a new one
without having to wait too terribly long.

I also want to mention that I don’t put frivolous sections/threads in my
books. Everything in The Exodus Gate has a purpose, is going somewhere,
and the threads get tighter and tighter as everything works its way to a
spectacular conclusion. Stick with me and find out what happens. I
don’t think you will be disappointed in the least if you like your fantasy
epic, rich, and deep!

Those buying The Exodus Gate will also discover more than a little added
value as well. Artist Matthew Perry produced the cover art and no less
than 15 full page illustrations in the book. This hearkens back to the
good old days when novels commonly came with illustrations, and Matthew
really came through with some outstanding images, samples of which you can
find on our publisher’s site.

I suppose that does it for now, and I want to thank Crystal very much for
the opportunity to do an introductory interview, and those who have read
it! It is very much appreciated!

CA: Stephen, thanks so much for an amazing interview! Good luck with all of your tour this year, it sounds very promising! Your writing style also sounds unique and very interesting, I wish only good things for you in the future with your writing!

**Remember just leave a comment or question for Stephen to be entered in his awesome giveaway! **

Mistress Rae Interview

Author Pen Name: Mistress Rae

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

MR: It’s simply just an abbreviation of my full name. Folks either spell it wrong or pronounce it wrong, so….lol.

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

MR: I like writing dark paranormal romance, horror, and erotica--sometimes a combination of all three, lol. I enjoy writing stories that are out of the ordinary, which is why I was always fascinated with anything NOT the norm, even when I was a kid. Horror is just plain fun--and not the ‘splatter gore’ and ‘torture porn’ you see nowadays. I enjoy the works of Poe, and a lot of the Roger Corman movies that starred Vincent Price. These are movies that had class! They’re part of my inspiration when I write. I like a lot of the 80’s horror flicks (Freddy, Jason, Michael, Pinhead) and some of the vampire movies of that time as well, like my top fave, The Lost Boys. There’s tons of other horror/vampire movies I like too---these keep my brain revved up, lol.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

MR: It stared in 3rd grade with a simple writing assignment, using our spelling words for the week.. The assignment didn’t have to be bigger than a paragraph, but I kept writing, and writing, and writing….lol. The teacher was stunned, and handwrote the story on one of those huge sheets of grade school paper, and had it taped outside the classroom door. I was happy for the ‘A’, but just as embarrassed when I got those typical ‘looks’ from my classmates!

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

MR: Poe. King. Nature (the fall season especially). Current events--depending on what they are, and how bad they seem, help me create ‘what if’ scenarios. Non-fiction books that discuss the legends and lore of the vampire and other supernatural creatures.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

MR: I write either in the early morning or very late at night. Rainy days especially. These times are when the business and buzz of the world is at its lowest, and I can concentrate much better.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

MR: Nervous. (But hoping for the absolute best, lol)

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

MR: Making sure I had the absolute cleanest typo-free manuscript. Just when I think it’s at its best, I STILL find something I overlooked. That’s my biggest and most annoying bane.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

MR: I LOVE finding subjects to photograph. I like creating dark, ‘atmospheric’ photos, and have a continuously growing gallery at my website. I also like creating digital art, and designing book covers for individual authors. I like checking out movies every now and then, and going to state parks. If I’m not doing that, I’m working on Dark Gothic Resurrected Magazine, which I publish twice a year, along with my Yahoo Group’s bi-annual horror/gothic anthologies.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

MR: I’ve written over seven so far, my favorite being my current dark paranormal romance series, ABRAXAS. I’m really having fun with this one, and I have loads of free chapter excerpts and trailers at its webpage, http://BloodTouch.webs.com/abraxas.htm . I have the latest book in the series coming out this summer, and a special Halloween one coming out this fall.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

MR: A few are inspired by folks I know or used to know, but not that many. Most of my characters already come to me, ready-made and ready to speak, lol.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

MR: NEVER stop doing what you love, even when other try to discourage you. Stay away from dream-killers! Remember: ‘Misery loves company’! Associate yourself with folks who share your interests and dreams and who can help you climb up the literary ladder.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

MR: They can contact me through Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, my Yahoo Group, blog or through my website. They can also find my books at www.lulu.com/gratistavampires. I have lots of free chapter excerpts and short stories available there too.

WEBSITE: http://bloodtouch.webs.com/
Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gratista_Vampires
Blog: http://bloodtouch.wordpress.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Cinsearae
Facebook: www.facebook.com/people/Cinsearae-Santiago/766915535
Myspace: www.myspace.com/Cinsearae_s


CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

MR: Feel free to explore my website! I have tons of fun things writers of the darker genres might like to know about, especially Dark Gothic Resurrected magazine, which I created especially for ’newbie’ writers, poets, and artists trying to get their feet wet in the literary world. It’s also an outlet for authors to get a free bit of promo for their books, as I have a section dedicated to new and upcoming books from today’s hottest writers. I also invite writers to join my group if they have a love of anything creepy, horrific, or Gothic. My group recently released it’s fourth anthology, “A Look Into The Mirror Darkly”, which is showcased at http://www.adult.blazingtrailers.com/ (just put Cinsearae in the search box) Folks can also check out my own artistic trailers at www.youtube.com/user/Cinsearae
Thank you so much for having me here, Crystal!

CA: Mistress Rae, it was a pleasure having you here, I look forward to reading your book and posting the review : ) the interview is very promising and so as I said I look forward to your writing. I am a huge vampire/paranormal fan, so your books are right up my alley! Thanks for being here this week!

Kevin Hughes

Author Pen Name: Charles Porter for Just Another Shade of Blue, but Kevin Hughes for the latest ones.

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

KH: It’s a combination of my middle name, a nickname and the nickname of the aunt who raised my mother. But I only used it for my first novel until I found an agent and she convinced me that using my real name was better for marketing, at least on the local level.

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

KH: Well, I suppose the official genre is mystery/ thriller/ suspense, but Casualty Crossing would also fit into the character study category. I write about what I know and my day job affords me a lot of experiences that generate some very interesting plots. Fiction seems to be my forte and one of the reasons I prefer to write a tale versus nonfiction is because I’m the one who decides the ending.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

KH: I was never much of a reader until I was 18 and read The New Centurions by Joseph Wambaugh. He’s the writer who made me a dedicated reader and it was around that time that I just knew deep inside I would write a novel one day.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

KH: Hmm … that’s hard to explain. Something inside of me triggered the urge and once I started, I was hooked.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

KH: Absolutely insane.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

KH: Accomplished.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

KH: Getting published. The book biz is brutal and although you expose a little of yourself in your work, you can’t (at least that’s what I’m told) take the rejections and criticism personal.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

KH: I love my day job, so I’m very lucky. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading and traveling.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

KH: I’ve written three and the fourth will be released in 2010. My favorite? That’s tough, because in a way all of them are my favorite, but I think for now it’s Dogging Truth. But, when Archer is released next year, I have a hunch that might go to the top of the list … at least until I write the one that follows.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

KH: My standard and straight-faced response is that all of my characters are fictional. (Okay, perhaps they’re influenced a little by my life experience.)

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

KH:If you are truly a writer, never give up. Ever. And while you’re at it, find a good editor—it’s worth the expense.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

KH: Gee, I just happen to have a few links: my email is Kevin@kevinhugheswrites.com; to order my novels you can hit my website for links at http://www.kevinhugheswrites.com/ or through my publisher at http://www.stonegarden.net/. Amazon also lists my stuff and most bookstores will be happy to order any of the titles you choose. (Naturally, I suggest you purchase all of them and if you like them, post your comments on the Amazon site.)

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

KH: Yeah, Crystal Adkins rocks.

CA: LOL, thanks Kevin : )

Lucien Black

Author Pen Name: Lucien Black

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

LB: Well I once played a game and one of the characters in the game had the name Lucien. I loved the name and combined it with Black, which I thought was a good solid last name. What I later found out was that Lucien means light and well black signifies dark so it turned out to be a very cool play on words.

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

LB: I write fiction stories, which I classify as Science Fiction/Fantasy. With my series, No Vacancies, I am introducing readers to four completely different storylines; each one with different elements of fiction. For example, One More Sunday is about a detective that investigates the death of one of the city’s superheroes known as the Protector. In Outcast, I blend horror and action adventure. Therefore, readers can experience multiple tales that all have unique characters and storylines. Some of these stories will continue in future volumes and others will be self-contained. I really feel that this format keeps the storytelling very fast paced and makes the reader come back for more.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

LB: When I was 19, I fell in love with the notion of writing. Within three years, I had successfully brought together a few creators and we self published a comic book. That was an exciting time and we were thrilled to see it in print. I have multiple titles that I wrote as comic book series, but I am in the process of transforming all of them into the short story/serialized fiction format used in No Vacancies. Volume 1 includes three of those stories (High Stakes, Outcast and One More Sunday) and one unique story that I wrote as a short story.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

LB: I had a very long writing dry spell after some long personal strife. I met my wife about four years ago and my life has changed infinitely for the better. She is my rock, my support and my inspiration to keep with whatever I do. She backs me 200% and forces me to stick with it. I could not imagine my life without her.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

LB: Well since I work a full time job, I write when I can. I have my lunch hour devoted to either school or writing and that has really focused my energy. Outside of that, I write on the weekends and when I have spare moments.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

LB: Exhilarated.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

LB: My biggest concern as a writer is definitely confidence in my work. I am without a doubt my own worst critic and tend to be hard on my work. Writing a story that draws the reader in, gives them an exciting ride and leaving them wanting either to know more about a particular character or to read the next part of a story and doing it well is a major obstacle. In the end, I just have to let the chips fall where they may and see what turns out.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

LB: I work a full time job and spend my spare time with my wife and family. I try to write when I have the free time and that is usually early in the morning or during lunch hour. That has become my ritual writing and study hall, as I am a part time student as well.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

LB: No Vacancies is my first book, but it really contains four different stories. I think my favorite story is One More Sunday, though years ago if you asked me that question that answer would have been different. I had only intended to write OMS as a self-contained story, but because of the feedback, I think the characters from One More Sunday will be back again soon. After that, it is a tossup.

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

LB: Honestly a little of both. Most of my characters are from my imagination but I try to infuse certain characteristics of other people or myself. I think what personal experiences bring is that absolute sense of realism. One of the main problems in comic book writing is that many writers miss adding in those life experiences. If you are trying to accept characters as real, there has to be that human element. Divorce, death, loss of jobs are all critical aspects of life that should be blended in with the action or horror. When I started re-writing these stories and redeveloping my characters, I added in many elements from my own life that I thought would add that sense of realism.

There may be a few supporting characters that are thrown in for, let’s say cathartic release, but any similarity to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

LB: Stick with it. It can be a long and hard road to get published (even self published). Stay confident and keep writing. I tried so many times to get my writing out there. When I finally saw the finished product in my hands, my knees went weak.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

LB: I would love reader feedback. They can contact me at lucienblack@gmail.com or they can connect through my website http://www.lucienblackbooks.com/. I have links to my blog and various other sites. The book is available on Amazon.com and Lulu.com.

CA: Thanks Lucien for an awesome interview. I first heard the name Lucien in a movie… maybe Gladiator and loved it as well. LOL I guess your pen name is contradictory but it works right?!

R. Scot Johns BOOK GIVEAWAY!!

****CONTEST AT THE BOTTOM OF THE INTERVIEW!!********

Author Email: scot@fantasycastlebooks.com or scotjohns@cableone.net

Author Pen Name: R. Scot Johns

CA: How did you choose your pen name?

RSJ: I suppose I ought to have used some clever epithet like Roger the Hermit or Mithridates Meat-Cleaver, or some such thing as that. But sorry to say, I wasn’t that inventive, and just stuck with my real name, boring as that might be. Do you think it’s too late to change it now?

CA: Scot LOL if you change it to something ending in Meat-Cleaver then I think I’ll have to ummm… not run this interview. *grin*

CA: What genre(s) do you write? Why do you write the stories that you write?

RSJ: I tend toward what I like to call “historical fantasy,” that is, fantasy fiction set in the real world of a past time period, like Homer or the Arthurian legends. The Beowulf story is a good example of this, although the mythological aspects in the original poem far outweigh the historical references. In my novelization, The Saga of Beowulf, I’ve tried to balance those out somewhat more evenly, developing the historical elements from references within the poem as well as external evidence from chronicle and archaeology. I’m fascinated with ancient and medieval history, and would like to write a work of pure historical fiction, although instead my next book will go the other route and be pure fantasy.

CA: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

RSJ: I actually woke up in the middle of the night some twenty years ago with this full-blown story running through my mind, in that utterly lucid state where it’s just as real as life and you know it like your own life story. I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote until the sun came up. Then - after a lengthy nap - I went out and bought an old manual typewriter that very day and set up a card table in my attic. That was 1988, as I recall, and that story will be my next book. After working on it every day for several months I decided that if I were going to approach writing seriously I should get a proper education in the craft. So I went to college for six years and wrote a completely different book instead, and only now am getting back to that first story.

CA: Who or what was your inspiration for writing?

RSJ: Like many fantasy authors, Tolkien is among my foremost inspirations, if for no other reason than the fact that he wrote the book he wanted to regardless of how long it took or what anyone else thought that it should be. Of course, the fact that it’s brilliantly written and immaculately conceived has been a source of wonder (and emulation) for fantasy authors ever since. But also in my ongoing study of history I am always drawn to the works of literature that define their time – from Homer to Asimov, Hamlet to Beowulf – so that it is writers who I most believe to be the foremost chroniclers of the human race. Without writing, in fact, there would be no history, and much of what we know would long ago have been forgotten.

CA: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

RSJ: Incredibly erratic. It would be wonderful to be an author full-time and have a steady writing schedule, but I can barely imagine that, so unlike it is my real life. As it is, I write when I can, so that I will go through periods when I have no energy at all left after work and get no writing done for days and months (and sometimes years); and then I’ll get a break or find some inspiration and I’ll write in every spare moment I can manage for a string of weeks and months, barely surfacing for air. Fortunately, I do now have a job with summers off, so that’s become a major creative time for me of late. But oftentimes, when it’s down to rewrites and editing (or publishing and promoting), it’s really just a matter of putting in your time like any other job, plowing through a few hours at a stint until it’s done, whether there’s energy or not. That’s one the biggest surprises I’ve discovered about the writing process that I really didn’t anticipate: a lot of it is just plain hard work, choosing words and piecing sentences together, tedious beyond belief when you’re faced with rearranging 360,000 words as I was with this one. But, in the end you have this world where nothing was before, and that makes it all worth while. It’s like giving birth, but to something solely of your own creation, emerging from your mind and soul to live for all of time.

CA: Your book is about to be sent into the reader world, what is one word that describes how you feel?

RSJ: Trepidation. But mixed with great excitement and anticipation as you wait for the initial response. One word can’t really cover what you feel, there are so many factors involved at that point: enormous relief at being done with it, and that sense of accomplishment is very buoyant and ethereal. But then it’s like rocks being tied about your ankles to bring you back to earth when you send it out, because what you’re bound to get for quite some time – at least if you pursue traditional publishing avenues – is rejection, and lots of it, from people who won’t even read your book. And just when you thought you were done writing, you suddenly have to come up with this wealth of promotional material: queries and blurbs and outlines and letters and synopses and proposals and tons of research into agents and editors and publishers, and all for nothing for the vast majority of us. Writing the thing, it turns out, is a very small part of becoming an author. But having done it, I can say that there is really nothing to compare to it, in my experience at any rate.

CA: What was your biggest challenge in writing your book(s)?

RSJ: Overcoming my own doubts, mostly. There were a lot of challenges, not least of which was the fact that this was an adaptation, so that I felt I had a lot to live up to. And there was an enormous amount of research to be done, which took quite a few years in itself. But really, what blocked me most and caused the most grief throughout the long and grueling process that this turned into (ten years from start to finish), were nothing but my own misgivings. Unlike most authors, I had never written so much as a short story before, so I was really starting from ground zero. It was a ridiculous project to undertake, but my experience in college English Lit courses (along with a few professors) prompted me to think that I could do it. At least some of the time, that is. But it was enough.

CA: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

RSJ: Sleep! Actually most of the time I read and listen to music. That’s pretty well how I spend my time. Never too many books, never enough time to read them all. However, I tend to spend as much time daydreaming, as I have one of those minds that likes to wander, as most writers do, I imagine. When I read it stimulates my thought processes, and suddenly hours will go by while I’m staring out the window with the book still at the same page. I get a lot of good story ideas that way, and it’s how I tend to work out my plot complications when I’m stuck.

CA: How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

RSJ: This is my first that’s finished, so I guess that narrows the choices down as to which is my favorite. I’m very excited to write this next one, though, because I think it will be a very different experience from the first. With The Saga of Beowulf, because it was an attempt at doing a thorough and accurate adaptation, I was very restricted in where the story could go, so that greatly limited my free writing, and every choice I made had to be based on a number of criteria not dealt with in pure creative writing. The next one, The Jester’s Quest, will be a very open-ended adventure tale, a hero’s quest type of road trip. And although I know the overall story arc and where it will all end up, there’s a lot of latitude (literally) that I can cover in my literary wanderings. I will also be writing this one online – or more accurately, posting my writing sessions each day on my blog (at http://authoradventures.blogspot.com/), so that readers can follow along and comment on it as it grows, and in so doing, very likely effect how it turns out. So join me there for a fun-filled adventure, and see what writing a book is like!

CA: Do you tend to base your characters on real people or are they totally from your imagination?

RSJ: Definitely from my imagination. I’m sure there are a lot of real-life elements that I borrow from unconsciously, of course, since writing is really reenactment in a lot of ways (or “acting out” as parents like to call it). But I didn’t base them on my friends or anyone I know specifically. And again, since this was an adaptation, many of my characters came pre-made, so to speak, if very thinly sketched. The vast majority of them I had to create wholesale to populate the world. So I built my characters based on the needs of the story rather than building the story to fit characters I wanted to write about. At least for this one, anyway. That might change if I write a true historical work. But with Beowulf there is nothing at all known about the few historical characters involved, in terms of their personalities and whatnot, and even very little about their activities, so that I had to make them up almost entirely from scratch. I had a good idea what I wanted from the outset, and the story fleshed them out as they made their way through it. You hear authors often talk about characters coming to life and taking over their own story, and it’s true, and very weird when it occurs. Whole characters will emerge fully formed from nowhere just as if you turned a corner or walked through a door and there they were, like in real life. So you say hello and let them in.

CA: Do you have any advice for the aspiring writers out there?

RSJ: Good lord, no! Don’t listen to me, I don’t know what I’m doing. Honestly, though, I would say to read: read all the time, read tons of stuff, but most of all read what’s good. Read the classics. “Good stuff in, good stuff out,” I like to say. Sort of a “you are what you eat” philosophy for the mind. We are all very much the products of our environment, and if you read crap that’s what you’ll think good writing is. Be critical of everything your read, and especially your own work. Develop your ability to discern what is good writing, and adhere to it at all cost.

CA: How can a reader contact you or purchase your books?

RSJ: I have both a website and a blog, as well as MySpace and Facebook pages, so you can look me up. My blog link is http://authoradventures.blogspot.com/ and the website addy is http://www.fantasycastlebooks.com/, where you can find a vast wealth of resources for your further enjoyment of my debut novel, including free downloads of the first six chapters (the first part of which is also online) and audio readings of several pages, as well as artwork, extensive adaptation notes, a deleted sequence, and a “Norse decoder” for two bits I put into the book in Nordic Runes, but intentionally gave no translation for. You can print out your own bookmarks, too, by the way, with artwork I did for the cover. There’s a page with links to many of the places you can buy the book online, in either print or eBook form, but Amazon has always got the best price so far as I can tell.

CA: Is there anything you would like to add?

RSJ: Your blog rocks! Everyone should have a feed to Crystal’s fifteen blogs. Leave your comments and I’ll answer them as quickly as I can. And if you read my book, please tell me what you think of it, as readers are the “weighers of a writer’s soul,” as it were. Feel free to contact me at any time, either at my blog or through the contact link on my website. I look forward to hearing your responses.

CA: I interrupt lol, I don’t have 15 blogs only 3… but who knows maybe I’ll create another one just because I can… lol!

RSJ:Oh, and by the way, we’re doing a drawing here on Crystal’s killer blog for a copy of my book, drawn from among the comments left here to this interview, one week from today. Only one entry per commenter, but feel free to comment many times. Also if you leave a comment on either of my sites saying that you read the interview at Crystal’s place I’ll count that too, but still just once per entrant. And for anyone who leaves a comment, but doesn’t win the book, I will be more than happy to send you an autographed bookmark if you like, just for being a good sport and reading all this drivel.

CA: Thanks so much Scot for an awesome interview and for the great giveaway! I’ve told you why Beowulf sticks in my mind, and one of these days I’ll make sure to read your book… but from all the sites I’ve seen you on, it must be really good! Now everyone, like Scot said, he’s going to be giving a way a copy of his book, The Saga of Beowolf to those that leave a comment or question here. The winner will be announced on Monday Jan. 12, so make sure to leave a way that Scot or I can contact you. No way to contact, no win.

Happy New Year to you all, may 2009 be the best!