Writing from the Peak: Author Interview

Showing posts with label Author Interview. Show all posts

Saturday, March 7, 2015

Faculty Interview: Peter Klismet

Very easy. Get my attention in the first few pages. I started a novel just last night in which the (rather famous) author felt it was important to blabber on about some esoteric garbage that probably made perfect sense to him, but not to the reader. Perhaps someone else thought it was wonderful prose, but after about 10 pages, I put the book down and picked up another one. On all of my books, I have worked hard at a hard-hitting start, then I get the hook set as they continue to read.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

The pure pleasure of writing will never go away. People have loved the feeling we all get since time immemorial. And then it stops being fun, and starts becoming WORK!! Finding a publisher or figuring out a way to self-publish are very hard tasks. Once that happens, one must open their creative minds and take a step into “Narnia,” the closet door which opens to the new world of marketing. We are one of many authors our publisher has, and they can’t devote all their time to you. Thus, one must re-direct their creativity and venture into a realm few understand, but all must aggressively pursue.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

A story is built or told by two things: Action and Dialogue. Learned that at the famed University of Iowa Writers Workshop back in the 1980’s. Never forgot it.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

I would pass it on with no alteration. In my genre of law enforcement-related books, many former officers and agents have great stories to tell. However, I’ve read some of them and most are complete narrative. Just like their reports were. Because you were a good report writer, that doesn’t translate into writing books or novels. Trust me on this. Take a Creative Writing class and I suspect that will be the 1st thing you learn.

5. What do you love most about your career?

I’ve had several ‘careers,’ and I’m not sure if writing is one of them, or an avocation. I loved being a cop, an FBI Agent and a college professor. I love being a writer. It’s good for my head! Clears out lots of cobwebs.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

Once people find out I was an FBI agent, they go all ‘ga ga.’ Then there are a predictable set of questions which follow, and which I’ve been asked hundreds of times. But, I do have to get that info out there because it’s part of who I am and part of what helps me have ideas for and sell books. It’s just hard for people to understand I can’t be very enthusiastic answering the exact questions (“Was it exciting?” “Did you get to shoot anybody?”) that I’ve been asked a thousand times before.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?

If you’re a fan of M.A.S.H., I have been compared most often to Hawkeye Pierce. I don’t take myself seriously, am definitely cynical and irreverent, often self-effacing, like to kid around with people, but when it comes down to working, don’t get in my way.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Love dem ivories! Wrote far too many reports with pens.

Plotter or Pantser? I’m not really sure what a ‘panster’ is, so I guess I’d have to be a plotter. It fits in best with my personality anyhow.

Book or E-Book? I love having a book in my hand. Have never read an e-book.

Spicy or Mild? A little of both is fine.

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise. Definitely. I’m an early-riser and love those hours between 8am and noon or so. I get going far better in the morning.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? There were a couple of critters on Sesame Street I loved. That would be Oscar the Grouch, but especially The Count. My daughter would race though the house to find me……"Daddy, daddy…..The Count is on." Love them vampires! And, if my dad had been like Mr. Rogers, I have no idea how I would have turned out.

Facebook or Twitter? I’m all about Facebook. Rarely do I take it seriously. I love to post jokes and funny stuff in general. To me it’s there to enjoy and make others enjoy what you put up there. Sounds like writing to me! I hate the way some people use it to tell us what a wonderful relationship they have. “My husband is such a sweetheart. He made coffee this morning.” “Thank you dear, it’s so special doing things for you.” C’mon. Buy a vowel. Get a room.

Pete Klismet retired after serving 20 years with the FBI, then spent 13 years teaching at colleges in Colorado. He was chosen to be one of the original ‘profilers’ by the FBI. His career in law enforcement, includes ten years with the Ventura (CA) Police Department. He is the Director of Criminal Profiling Associates, a consultant to the American Society of Cold Case Investigators, and a co-founder of Preventing School Shootings. Before retiring, Pete was named 1999 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Pete is the author of FBI Diary: Profiles of Evil, and the recently released FBI Animal House. Both books are on Amazon, Kindle, and will be available at the conference. He and his wife Nancy live in Colorado Springs.

crimeprof@yahoo.com Website: www.criminalprofilingassociates.com

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Faculty Interview: Robert Spiller

Two things really: First of all is the fun factor. If I am enjoying myself during the read, as in time spent with a good-hearted lunatic like Bertie Wooster or in the mind of an ingenious antagonist as in the Cask of Amontillado, I'm there. Second I love to learn something. Luckily for me, a number of the books I've been sucked into lately fit this bill. One that comes to mind is Freakanomics. Now a book that is both fun and teaches me something is a gem.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

Time is a factor in both. Time to write, edit, promote, and critique other's works comprise both pleasure and pain. Although, I have to confess, the magic time at the beginning of a new project is as close to pure pleasure as only one other activity that I can think of.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Write even if all you have to say is pure crap. Because behind the crap is all the good stuff.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

I pass it along as often as I can.

5. What do you love most about your career?

I love to hold a book I've written in my hand.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

I'm not sure I have any secrets, but here goes. I have room in my heart and soul for as many friends as are willing to give me a go.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?

I have no idea what character family would pick for me, but as for myself, here's a list: Cyrano, Harry Bausch, The King in King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, AJ Fikry, and of course Samwise Gamgee.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard

Plotter or Pantser? Plotter

Book or E-Book? Book

Spicy or Mild? Spicy

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Mister Rogers

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

Besides being a master of space and time, Robert Spiller is the author of the Bonnie Pinkwater mystery series: The Witch of Agnesi, A Calculated Demise, Irrational Numbers, and most recently Radical Equations. Napier’s Bones, the fifth in the series is due for release at the end of 2014. His math teacher/sleuth uses mathematics and her knowledge of historic mathematicians to solve murders in the small Colorado town of East Plains. A retired mathematician, Robert lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado with his wife Barbara. Robert has taught a number of classes at PPWC, Writebrain, Authorfest, Texas Middle School Conference and the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Conference

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Faculty Interview: Pam McCutcheon

Compiled by Jason Henry

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

Pam McCutcheon (Author, Colorado)

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read?
Compelling characters with real emotions you can relate to and care about.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?
The rapid change in technologies give authors many more opportunities (pleasure) but create confusion (difficulties) in knowing what the hell to do make a career out of this crazy business.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?
Puke it out now, clean it up later. (Nora Roberts)

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?
I’d pass it on, definitely.

5. What do you love most about your career?
I love crafting stories that engender a specific emotion (usually humor) in readers. When my critique group gives me a smiley face in the right place, it gives me warm fuzzies.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?
Despite the fact that I love to teach, I’m a raging introvert. I’m not rude, just introverted!

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?
Strangely enough, I relate most to the telepathic hellhound in my Demon Underground series. He’s snarky and says what he thinks, but cares about his friends and family. My friends would probably agree.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Both. Pen for drafting a scene skeleton the night before; keyboard for puking it out and editing.

Plotter or Pantser? Both. I plot in advance with a plotting board, but leave the way open for my characters to take me in different directions (and boy, do they!)

Book or E-Book? Both.

Spicy or Mild? Both. Spicy romance, mild YA.

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset—I’m a night person.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Captain Kangaroo.

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook.

Pam McCutcheon is the author of romance novels and how-to books for writers under her own name, and the Demon Underground YA urban fantasy series under the name Parker Blue. Pam’s latest releases are an updated e-book version of her popular Writing the Fiction Synopsis, as well as e-book versions of her romance backlist. Parker’s sixth Demon Underground book, Catch Me, is coming out in early 2015 from Bell Bridge Books. Pam/Parker recently quit her day job and is now working full-time as a writer, editor, and speaker. She can be found on the ’net at pammc.com or parkerblue.net.

Saturday, February 28, 2015

Faculty Interview: Mike Befeler

Characters that grab your interest. I like putting ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and see how they handle it.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world? Pleasures: meeting interesting people, the thrill of completing a manuscript and the joy of seeing it in print, researching a new subject. Difficulties: agents, editors, etc. who don't respond, the time to get something published

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Keep writing. When one manuscript is completed, start the next one.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

I would pass it on. Build a portfolio of manuscripts. Then you can decide which to publish traditionally or self-publish.

5. What do you love most about your career?

I'm fortunate that I was able to retire into writing. I can writer whatever I want and pursue any subject that interests me. As an example, I'm a fiction writer but I'm writing a biography now of a 96-year-old WWII infantryman who was captured by the Germans and liberated by the Russians. I wasn't planning to write this, but when I was introduced to Ed, I couldn't resist telling his story.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

I wish others recognized my work ethic and ability to make and keep commitments

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you? Interesting questions that I've never considered.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard

Plotter or Pantser? plotter- basic not detailed

Book or E-Book? Book

Spicy or Mild? Mild

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook

Mike Befeler writes the Paul Jacobson Geezer-lit Mystery Series including Nursing Homes Are Murder, Care Homes Are Murder; Cruising in Your Eighties Is Murder, a finalist for The Lefty Award for best humorous mystery of 2012; Senior Moments Are Murder; Living with Your Kids Is Murder; and Retirement Homes Are Murder. He has two published paranormal mysteries, The V V Agency and The Back Wing and another novel titled Mystery of the Dinner Playhouse. After thirty-nine years in the high tech world, he retired into fiction writing. He grew up in Hawaii and lives in Boulder, Colorado with his wife Wendy. http://www.mikebefeler.com

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Faculty Interview: Rod Miller

Believable characters dealing with credible conflicts as they try to maintain dignity in contrary situations or settings. I think this true of any and all stories, real or imagined, serious or humorous, fact or fiction.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

The pleasures include being able to immerse yourself in another world. It can be a world of your own making when writing fiction, another time or place when writing history, the lives of others when writing magazine articles, the world of words when writing poetry, the world of ideas when writing essays, and so on. There’s no end to the places you can go.

The biggest difficulty, I think, is that I do not care to visit the worlds of vampires or wizards or a dystopian future or bizarre eroticism or other worlds more likely to lead to fame and fortune.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Don’t quit your day job.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

Pass it along, with additional advice to not let making a living interfere with writing—or doing whatever you want to do in life—any more than you have to.

5. What do you love most about your career?

It’s an enjoyable activity that’s less frustrating than golf, doesn’t require the hand-eye coordination of video games, is less expensive than skiing, and occasionally results in enough income to take my wife to dinner. (Which is why I write, rather than play golf, video games, or ski.)

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

Knew: I’m not as bad as you think I am. Didn’t know: I’m probably worse than you think.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?

It would probably be politic to say I relate to characters like Atticus Finch or Jean Valjean or someone else with lofty moral qualities. But I am drawn to Augustus McCrae in the Larry McMurtry novel Lonesome Dove. Gus has an approach to life I agree with, best summarized by his saying to his partner, Woodrow Call, “Well, I’m glad I ain’t scairt to be lazy.”

Laziness is an overlooked virtue, as evidenced by Gus’s follow-up statement: “Hell, Call, if I worked as hard as you, there’d be no thinking done at all around this outfit.”

Just sitting and thinking may look lazy to others, but, for me, it’s how things get written. I spend a lot of time thinking about what I am going to write. Then, when I get around to actually “doing something,” I tend to get it written fairly quickly—which leaves more time for laziness.

My wife, on the other hand, says I’m like Ebenezer Scrooge. But I am certain that’s because we have recently survived (sort of) another Christmas season and it is still on her mind. And I am confident she means the transformed Scrooge after being whipped into shape by various ghosts. For sure. Absolutely. I think.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard

Plotter or Pantser? Pantser

Book or E-Book? Book

Spicy or Mild? Spicy

Sunrise or Sunset? Noon and Midnight

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street

Facebook or Twitter? Huh?

Rod Miller writes about the American West in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. He is two-time winner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award—for short fiction and poetry—winner of the Westerners International Poetry Award, the Academy of Western Artists Buck Ramsey Award for Best Poetry Book, and was named 2012 Writer of the Year award by the League of Utah Writers.

Author of five novels, four nonfiction books, and three poetry books, Miller is also author of numerous anthologized poems and short stories, dozens of book reviews, and many magazine articles. His latest books are Goodnight Goes Riding and Other Poems from Pen-L Publishing and a tall-tales novel, Rawhide Robinson Rides the Range: True Adventures of Bravery and Daring in the Wild West, from Five Star. Release of a follow-up novel from the same publisher, Rawhide Robinson Rides the Tabby Trail, is imminent, as is a nonfiction book from TwoDot/Globe-Pequot, The Lost Frontier: Momentous Moments in the Old West You May Have Missed.

A frequent presenter at writers’ conferences, workshops, and other events, Miller is a member of Western Writers of America and received the 2014 Branding Iron Award for his service to the organization.

Visit him online at writerRodMiller.com and writerrodmiller.blogspot.com.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Faculty Interview: J.A. Kazimer

I’m a total sucker for a happy ending, or at the very least a satisfying conclusion. Other elements I enjoy in a read are characterization, though not the kind found in standard description. Exposition is out for me. I want fast paced dialogue, some humor, and a whole lot of entertainment. I’m not one for taking books too seriously. I want the escape. Give me that and I couldn’t care less about how many adverbs you use.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

The best part of being a writer is typing THE END. Now, secondary to that feeling comes those moments when you can connect with others over a shared love for words and story. It’s amazing to go to a conference, and know these are your people. Your tribe. The difficulties are pretty much the downside of any artistic expression – rejection, subjectivity, and the struggle to carve out a living. All of which can be overcome if you hold onto that passion for typing THE END.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Marry well. I, of course, failed to take that advice, and now live in a box under a bridge.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

I’d alter it to be, marry well unless you’d like to live in a box under a bridge. If they’d added that part I might’ve taken their advice.

5. What do you love most about your career?

Hanging out with other writers. I love both learning from and teaching my fellow scribes. It energizes me. Something I need after suffering through a fifth revision.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

I’d like people to know how much I enjoy writing all sorts of genres. I’m a huge fan of romance and mystery, and find myself leaning toward those when writing. But I also love fast paced humor from days of old like Cary Grant in His Girl Friday. So I blend humor, romance and mystery in everything I write.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?

I’d like to say James Bond, but I have a feeling my loved ones are thinking much more along the lines of Thelma of Scooby Doo fame, but without the smarts.

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard. What sort of sadists works in pen?

Plotter or Pantser? Pantser. Yes, I am the sadist who doesn’t outline. I swear, every time I start a new book that I will outline. That lasts about two days.

Book or E-Book? Ebook. My love of my Kindle knows no bounds. Yeah, it goes farther than most of my close relationships.

Spicy or Mild? The spicier the better.

Sunrise or Sunset? What is this sunrise thing you speak of?

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Hmm…Snuffleupagus or a guy who takes off his shoes…not a hard choice.

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook. I am too jaded for Twitter. It feels like everyone is on it to push their agenda or sell me stuff, not hold a real conversation.

J.A. Kazimer is a writer living in Denver, CO. Novels include CURSES! A F***ed-Up Fairy Tale, Holy Socks & Dirtier Demons, Dope Sick: A Love Story, Froggy Style, The Assassin’s Heart, and The Fairyland Murders. Kazimer spent a few years spilling drinks on people as a bartender and then wasted another few years stalking people while working as a private investigator in the Denver area. You can find her, much too often, online at jakazimer.com.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Faculty Interview: Josh Vogt

Compiled by Jason Henry

Are you excited? We certainly are! Why shouldn't we be? The 2015 Pikes Peak Writers Conference is just around the corner! It has been an absolute pleasure recruiting the incredible faculty that we have lined up for you this year and the workshops they will be teaching are proving to be just as amazing.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is known as one of the best and friendliest conferences for many reasons. One of those reasons is that we provide as many opportunities as possible to not only learn from our faculty, but to get to know them. Keeping in the spirit of that very statement, we interviewed all of our faculty members to get inside their heads just a little. Really, we don't see the point in waiting until April. Do you?

Over the weeks to come, we will be posting those interviews along with the responses right here on the PPW Blog. Be sure to check in on Facebook and Twitter as well! We hope you enjoy reading these brief Q&As as much as we have!

Josh Vogt (Author, Colorado)

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read?

A character or premise that tackles a genre concept in a truly unique way. I'm also a sucker for good banter and fight scenes.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

As a writer, two of the things I see as difficult are audience traction (ye ol' exposure and marketing), and managing the administrative side of the business, since I freelance full-time. The pleasures? A great amount of personal freedom in my schedule, being able to actually write for a living, meeting other authors and peers, and simply the chance to help my imagination thrive.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Persist. That is often what makes the real difference in this kind of career. And in the craft, also persist, because you don't ever improve unless you keep trying.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

Definitely pass it on. And I would add that it's okay to take breaks sometime. It's often a balance of working hard and knowing when to give yourself breathing space.

5. What do you love most about your career?

I'm rarely bored! Honestly, the sheer variety of clients I work with and projects I've tackled is a little daunting if I think on it for too long.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

Please send checks or money orders to the following address...kidding! I'm a sucker for jelly beans and drink way too much diet soda.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?

I'd like to say Bilbo Baggins, in many ways. Or just hobbits in general. A great love of food, drink, friends, and home with a deeper yearning for the occasional adventure. I'd say they'd see me much the same way (as in high school, my room was often referred to as my 'hobbit hole').

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard. I type far faster than I ever write longhand.

Plotter or Pantser? Definite plotter. The more I outline ahead of time, the faster drafts go.

Book or E-Book? Either, but I've been reading more ebooks lately due to space and convenience when traveleing.

Spicy or Mild? Spicy!

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset. The morning and I are mortal foes.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? The Muppets.

Facebook or Twitter? I mostly interact on Twitter, except for specific Facebook groups.

A full-time freelance writer and editor, Josh Vogt has sold numerous stories to Paizo’s Pathfinder Tales, Grey Matter Press, the UFO2 & UFO3 anthologies, Intergalactic Medicine Show, and Shimmer, among others. His work comes in everything from flash fiction to short stories to novellas to doorstopper novels, and is found in a growing variety of genres, such as fantasy, science fiction, humor, horror, and pulp. His debut fantasy novel, Forge of Ashes, is available as of April 2015.

He also writes for a variety of RPG developers and publishers, producing game manuals and sourcebooks, campaigns and adventure modules, worldbuilding materials and tie-in fiction. He’s a member of SFWA as well as the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers. As a copywriter, Josh works with a roster of international clients, developing website copy, advertising, marketing, and ales content, video/audio scripts, social media campaigns, and much more. You can find him at JRVogt.com or @JRVogt.”

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Faculty Interview: F.T. Bradley

Character is always first: without an interesting person to follow, who wants to stick around? I love a character who is a little unexpected, and keeps me on my toes as a reader. Quirky is good.

I also like a little brisk pacing. If there's a lot of narrative, it had better be some amazing writing. I think it's why I like children's, middle-grade and YA: every word counts that much more. Also, there's more humor. I like a good voice.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

It's great to have the world at your fingertips all the time--all you have to do is hop on the internet, and you can connect with readers and other writers. This kind of direct access is such a gift.

But it can be a distraction too... I have designated, daily 'no internet time.' I disconnect my computer from the internet, and focus on writing for about three hours every day. It's necessary if you want to get anything done, plus it's also good to avoid information overload.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

During a mentor conference call (I was a lucky duck, honest) with Lee Child, he said about building a writing career, "It's a long game." Meaning, you have to look at this as a long road, a lifetime career, really. It helps me to think of this advice, so I don't worry so much about today's challenges.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

It's great advice, so I'd repeat it. I'll add to it that you should enjoy and celebrate small successes. If you have a good writing day, if you got a short story published, whatever it is--do a happy dance. And find yourself some writing friends to share these successes with, and also your failures. Everyone has those, too.

I wouldn't be where I am today without my writing friends.

5. What do you love most about your career?

As a middle-grade writer, I'm lucky enough to get to make author school visits. They're so much fun, and really inspiring. Kids are so smart. Plus, they make you feel like a rock star.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

I have a horrible peanut M&M addiction. There's no cure for it, alas... But don't tell anyone, or they might hide them.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you? I relate most to Pippi Longstocking. Who doesn't want to sleep upside-down? My family would probably pick Pippi too--they're actually tired of having pancakes for dinner...

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Pen for plot outlines and brainstorming, keyboard for writing.

Plotter or Pantser? Both: I plot with a rough outline, then pants my way through. I'll actually be sharing how that works at PPWC.

Book or E-Book? I'm a paper girl all the way.

Spicy or Mild? Mild. I feel a little disappointed in myself for being so boring.

Sunrise or Sunset? Both! Sunrise for new plans. Sunset because that's when it's dinner time, and I like food.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street, because of Cookie Monster. Mr. Rogers for the sweaters.

Facebook or Twitter? Both! I like Facebook for the cat and dog pictures, Twitter for the publishing news. Can you tell by all my 'both' answers that I don't like to choose..?

F.T. (Fleur) Bradley is the author of the Double Vision trilogy (Harper Children’s), a series of fun spy mysteries for middle-grade readers that School Library Journal calls “a must-read for mystery fans, including reluctant readers.”

She lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, two daughters and entirely too many cats. For more information on F.T. and her books, visit www.ftbradley.com.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Faculty Interview: Trai Cartwright

Two elements come right to mind: voice and impeccable sentences. As an editor, I trip on awkward or unnecessarily complex or redundant sentences, and rewrite them in my mind. Really clean prose that zooms is prose that's been attended to on a line-by-line basis, and readers can feel and appreciate that care. The other bit is what you always hear about. I love to find a writer who can transport us with their character or story's voice (rather than write in their own voice). One misconception is that voice comes naturally or magically. I find that voice comes with tons of rewriting; the more you know your characters, the easier it is for them to speak for themselves.

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?

Writing for me is always the pleasure. The potential of finding an audience is very pleasurable. The difficulties are what they always are: finding the time, finding the people who'll love and support (and publish) your work. Nothing original to say here!

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?

Always. Be. Writing. That's cribbed from "Glengarry Glen Ross." I am terrorized by the thought that if only today, had I written, I would have had the breakthrough thought that would make this book sell... And of course if you are always writing, then you are hacking away at the hours it takes to finish a book, to be a better writer, to be the writer you need to be to sell.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?

I pass it on and sometimes I even follow it.

5. What do you love most about your career?

What's not to love? As a teacher/editor, I get to work with writers every single day of my life, and besides the act of writing itself, it's my favorite thing in the world. Helping someone take on their dreams...nothing is cooler.

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?

Nothing, I don't think. I stay as private as I need to for my two-thirds-introvert personality, and as public as I need to to be successful at my work.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why? What character would your friends/family pick for you?

As a kid, I had a tendency to relate entirely too much to fictional characters. Often more than real people. My favorite was Starbuck from "Battlestar Galactica" (the original Starbuck, played by Dirk Benedict). Granted, there weren't a lot of women role models in the 1970s and '80s, but I've never thought of gender as a barrier to identifying with a person. Starbuck was the best pilot, legendary really, but also a total scoundrel--a gambler, a lover of vices in all forms. But he was also unrelentingly optimistic, handled his business, backed his friends, saved the fleet countless times, and always had a quip ready.

I was not like Starbuck. At all. He was just the person I would have wanted to be. And in that way, I related to him.

As for my family, they'd probably say I was more like Kara Thrice, the female reincarnation of Starbuck in the new "BSG."

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard. I can barely type as fast as I think; writing longhand would be hopeless.

Plotter or Pantser? Plotter. Please. I'm from Hollywood.

Book or E-Book? Book. And increasingly, audio books.

Spicy or Mild? Spicy. But not the regular spices Americans usually go for; I love Indian, Ethiopian, and Asian spices.

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset. It tells me how many more hours of writing I can get in before I go to bed.

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Neither. I came up on "Battle of the Planets" anime.

Facebook or Twitter? Increasingly neither. I prefer to be dull and opinionated in private.

TRAI CARTWRIGHT, MFA, has over 25 years experience as a professional story breaker. While in Los Angeles, Trai was a development executive for HBO, Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s online ventures. Four of Trai’s screenplays were optioned, she produced three independent films, and she hasconsulted on literally thousands of scripts and books. She brings her in-depth knowledge of story building to all writing formats as a creative writing and screenwriting teacher for UNC, the Colorado Film School, writers groups, conferences, and one-on-one. Trai can be found at www.craftwrite.com.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Faculty Interview: Brandy Vallance

Brandy Vallance (Author, Colorado)

1. What are the most compelling elements you feel are necessary for a good read?
For me, it's going to primarily be about the emotion. When a writer does the job well, the words disappear and we live the story vicariously. Usually, this happens because the writer has been vulnerable. This takes a large amount of bravery. Here's an article I wrote for Writer's Digest which explains more in detail: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/the-power-of-vulnerability

2. What do you see as the pleasures and difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world?
If you are a writer, you love story. For you, there is nothing like it. When you write, the world fades away. Writing makes you come alive. In that regard I think we have the best job in the world. We get to play in the sand all day and make worlds and characters. We have the ability to make people laugh, cry, think--we can change lives when we do our job well. But I suppose there's the rub. Doing the job well takes an insane amount of work and time. Years are often required to perfect the craft. And I say that loosely because I don't think anyone really perfects writing. If you think you've arrived as a writer, you have lost. We need to be constantly learning. The journey to publication is a gift. You grow during that journey and all that change is needed. The friends you meet along the way will often be your friends for life. Treasure that.

As far as the difficulties of being a writer/artist in today's world, I have heard that today's world is the easiest time to be the writer and it is also the hardest. With social media, there has never been an easier time to connect with readers. That is a really awesome and special thing. It is so amazing when my readers send me pictures of my book in different locations. That has been a definite highlight. As far as the downside, I don't think it does much good to focus on that. We already deal with so much self doubt. In the end, no matter what happens to publishing, people will long for good stories, and that is what we provide. We just need to be true to ourselves and work very hard.

3. What is the best career/writing advice someone has given you?
What is your deepest truth? What is the deepest truth for your characters? Also, if you throw enough stuff against the wall, something's bound to stick. Keep writing. Perseverance is key.

4. Would you pass that same advice on or alter it?
I still use this advice today.

5. What do you love most about your career?
I love the magic of writing. I love when you write something in chapter three and you don't know why, but then in chapter twenty it all makes sense. The subconscious is a really powerful thing. I've had to learn to trust myself--that deep down I know where the story is going or what it needs.

As writers, we get to be the reader's memory at times. We bring up things they haven't thought about in years. They come to our books to feel and that is no small thing. What an amazing job we have! Sometimes I think writers and artists feel more deeply for this reason. Also, most writers pay attention to life, including the seemingly unimportant details. That is a really good thing. Life is hard and people are very busy. Let's make them feel awe. Let's make them remember. Let's give them an escape from the drudgery. Wow! When passion and a career collide, it is a really amazing thing!

6. What is something you wish everyone knew (or didn't know) about you?
Being the introvert that I am (mostly introvert, I can be an extrovert when I want to be) that question instantly stumps me. Professionally speaking, I would tell people that it took me fourteen long years to get published. There were many times when I wanted to give up. That's just normal. I once heard that you know you are meant to do something by how much you want to quit. I hope that is encouraging to some. Don't ever give up on your dreams of seeing your book in print. Honestly, I wasn't ready when I thought I was. I had eleven drafts of The Covered Deep before it was published. It takes time to develop a thick skin, and that is very important in this business.

Also, don't think that just because someone has "made it" that they don't deal with the same discouragement that you do. Every day you have to decide to write. When I received my first publishing contract my agent told me, "Now the real work begins." She was right. It doesn't get easier just because you're published. A contract is not some magical thing that makes all your struggles go away.

7. Which fictional character do you relate to the most, and why?
That's such a hard question to answer! Like all of you, I have fallen into thousands of books and related to so many different characters. And how those characters have affected me depends upon what season of my life I have been in. I relate most to characters who tell the truth about what it means to be human. I love real emotion. Give me all the feels. :-)

What character would your friends/family pick for you?
No idea!

Quick Qs:

Pen or Keyboard? Keyboard

Plotter or Pantser? Both

Book or E-Book? Book

Spicy or Mild? Mild

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset

Mister Rogers or Sesame Street? Sesame Street

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook for conversations with friends, Twitter for finding and sharing information

Brandy Vallance fell in love with the Victorian time period at a young age, loving the customs, manners, and especially the intricate rules of love. Since time travel is theoretically impossible, she lives in the nineteenth century vicariously through her novels. Unaccountable amounts of black tea have fueled this ambition. Brandy’s love of tea can only be paralleled by her love of BBC period drama, deep conversations, and a good book. Brandy is the 2013 Operation First Novel winner and the 2012 winner of the ACFW Genesis Contest for historical romance. Her critically acclaimed novel, The Covered Deep, has been featured by Writers Digest and USA Today.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Kimberly Killion

Kimberly Killion, Author

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

When I read "the end" for the fifteenth time of Julie Garwood's THE GIFT, I decided I wanted to write something that made people's heart hurt.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

Sex and coffee, not necessarily in that order or at the same time. :-)

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

King Richard. I would like to know if he really killed his nephews.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

Hmmm…perhaps Mohave Nights, but I can't share the experience. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. :-P

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Buttercup from The Powerpuff Girls because she's a badass with cool hair.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

Perseverance. It's a long and painful road, but it's totally worth it in the end.

About the Author: Award-winning author, Kimberly Killion, has been hailed by Romantic Times Magazine as an author who writes “captivating romance with excellent pacing and characters who are honorable, intelligent and full of humanity.” Her debut book, Her One Desire (Kensington 2008), was nominated for the romance-publishing industry’s highest award of distinction, the RITA® Award. Her One Desire won the 2009 Booksellers Best Award for both Long Historical and Best First Book. Romantic Times Magazine awarded Kimberly’s second Scottish-set novel, Highland Dragon (Kensington 2009), with the K.I.S.S. Award. Aside from writing, Killion is also the owner of Hot Damn Designs. With 20+ years of experience in marketing, communications and design, Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Certificate in Web Design, and is an Adobe Certified Expert. She has designed over 2,000 book covers but she also does website design, promotional material and branding – and has recently started photographing her own Stock Images for Hot Damn/ The Killion Group.

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Deb Courtney

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

I wrote my first short story when I was about 7. I have always been a word person. I became a small publisher when I realized I could put my professional background in marketing, project management, publication management/editing and journalism all to work in a way that would work well in the rapidly changing publishing arena.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

I need an internet connection AND a computer AND a cool notebook AND a pen with the perfect width, heft and ink flow. My creative vice is liking repetition too much. I am overly fond of repetition, and like to repeat myself for emphasis as a literary tool. A lot. Repeatedly.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Shakespeare. He was the genre writer of his time and yet his works have clearly stood the test of time. I'd like to understand the difference between what he intended to do, and what he actually accomplished, and how he feels about it.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I read the first page of my own work-in-progress out loud and was met with stunned silence. I assumed it was because it was awful, and was surprised to get a super enthusiastic response, especially in light of having used the F-word maybe 4 times in that first page. That's me, swearing in public since the late 1970s.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Jessica Rabbit. Slightly conniving, surprisingly intelligent, with a true love of revealing clothing and stilettos.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

That writing the number of words that constitutes a full manuscript isn't enough. When you hit 80,000 or so words what you have is a perfectly square block of marble, a starting point. The talent is in carving away the excess and refining that block into its true essence, doing the hard work until you reveal the work of art inside.

About the Author: Deb holds a degree in Fiction from the University of South Florida, where she was a Saunders Scholar in Fiction. She has had numerous short stories published and has worked as a freelance journalist. Her background includes marketing and public relations in several business sectors. Her most recent venture is Courtney Literary.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Carol Berg

Carol Berg, Author

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

When I started typing my first letter 'in character' to a friend, after a lifetime of believing I couldn't make up a story.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

Bigelow's Raspberry Royale tea.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Edith Pargeter (aka Ellis Peters). She was self-educated, found her biggest success late, and wrote the best villain I've ever read.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I almost didn't walk in to the pitch session with the editor who bought my first eight books, because I was convinced she didn't like the two pages I'd read.

or

Sitting (terrified) on a convention panel in Scotland with two very famous authors and the head of the Vatican Observatory, and after surviving it in decent order, being swarmed by the entire front row. They turned out to be my Israeli publisher, Hebrew translator, and their friends, none of whom I had met before.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Maybe Dory in Finding Nemo. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, even if you're a little bonkers.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

Two things. It involves a lot of hard thinking. And often the success you find is not at all what you expected.

About the Author: Though a devoted reader, Carol Berg majored in mathematics at Rice University and computer science at the University of Colorado, so she wouldn’t have to write papers. Somewhere in the middle of a software engineering career, she started writing for fun, and the habit ate her life. Carol’s thirteen epic fantasy novels have won national and international awards, including multiple Colorado Book Awards and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature. They’ve been read, so readers tell her, on five continents, on a submarine under the Mediterranean, in the war zone of Iraq, and on the slopes of Denali. Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews called her Novels of the Collegia Magica things like compelling, intelligent, complex, and superbly realized. The latest is The Daemon Prism. Next up is a new fantasy/mystery duology about a sorcerer who draws portraits of the dead. First volume, Dust and Light, will be out from Roc Books in August 2014. Carol camps, hikes, and bikes in Colorado and lives on the internet at http://www.carolberg.com.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Pete Klismet

Pete Klismet, Author/Expert

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

I had so many experiences in 30 years in law enforcement, and had read some books by former law enforcement officers that made me think “I can write as well as he can.” It was a long process, but I finally found the impetus - a case I’d done a profile on almost 30 years ago in which 6 innocent people were convicted, and wouldn’t have been if only they had paid attention to the profile I’d done. My first thought was “This story MUST be told,” and that led to my completion of “FBI Diary: Profiles of Evil.” It’s one of several cases in the book.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

I need two things: Privacy and mornings. The creative juices flow for me between about 8 am and 2 pm. My wife has learned to not engage me in conversation when she sees I’m writing.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

He’s not truly a ‘literary figure,’ but Joseph Wambaugh who was a prolific writer of true crime stories and produced such shows as “Police Story,” in the 70’s and 80’s would be my guy. I’m also partial to Ann Rule who does extensive research into her true crime stories.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I’ve only attended two, the Public Safety Writer’s Ass’n, held in Las Vegas every year. Those have given me so many contacts and friends, plus being critical in getting FBI Diary published, so I think I’ll always be a member. I am really excited about this year’s PPW conference, both as a presenter and attendee. I’ve gotten to know some members and will be thrilled to meet others. I think authors have an immediate bond formed. Sorta' like cops!

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

We just did some internet research on this, including a ‘cartoon character personality test,’ and the only thing that fit me was Tweety Bird. I thought it would be some type of a big cuddly bear, but it turns out Tweety was a perfect fit. Surprise.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

What is success? For me, it was finally getting a book published. That was a life-long dream. But, it involved failure along the way, writer’s block and finally a lot of persistence. It’s going to take some time. I wrote my first book about 30 years ago, and it was an egg. I attended a couple of writer’s workshops and found out ‘how’ to write. I was good at writing narrative police reports, but that didn’t translate into books. I had to learn how to make that paradigm shift.

About the Expert/Author: Thirty years ago, a small cadre of FBI agents were hand-picked by the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) to receive training in what was then a highly-controversial and ground breaking concept, “Psychological Profiling.” Pete was fortunate enough to have been chosen to become one of the original FBI ‘profilers.’ Before his retirement from the FBI in 1999, Pete received additional training, was temporarily assigned to work with the BSU in Quantico, Virginia, and put that training and experience to work in assisting state, federal and local law enforcement agencies in investigating violent crimes. Pete served two tours in Vietnam on submarines. (Submarines in Vietnam? It’s the title of a chapter in his newly-released, award-winning book “FBI Diary: Profiles of Evil.”) After completing college in Denver, Pete served as a police officer in Ventura, California for nearly ten years. During that time, he earned two Master’s degrees from universities in California, and part of a third. He was named the 1999 National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and retired that year. For the next 13 years, he taught in colleges, and is now retired as a professor emeritus. He and his wife Nancy live in Colorado Springs. He plans to release ‘a couple more books’ in 2014.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

PPWC 2014 Q&A - DeAnna Knippling

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author/editor/designer?

Author: It was while I was standing on the surface of the planet Caltrox III, living in the blissful freedom of that terraformed paradise, that I realized that not everybody had the same scope of imagination I did, and I should share it. No, wait, it was right after I cut my thigh- length hair and decided not to be the country western singer Crystal Gayle when I grew up and thus had to do something else.

Editor: You know how you read a book and realize you could write better than that? I became an editor when I realized I could edit better than that. Also, that corporate America will give you a raise if you'll fix their typos.

Designer: Someone told me she'd spent over $5000 to get her book published and was still paying royalties to them. I was like, "No matter how bad I am, that's one fewer person who's getting screwed out of five grand."

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

Generally, I would have to say I cannot work without my brains. Alas, I often can't find them. And so I have been picking off the retired people on my block and taking bits of theirs. I'm not so much a zombie as I am a vampire for brains, you know? The neighbor across the way eventually had to go to the nursing home, which made me feel bad, but that meant her incredibly annoying dog had to go away to her family, which made me feel good. Now the neighbors who live there are a) pretty young, and b) overenthusiastic about shoveling their walk, raking leaves, etc., which makes me worry that I'm going to get spotted sometime soon.

I also like tea.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Lewis Carroll--Charles Dodgson. "What were in those missing diary pages?!?" And "That Alice, was she a brat or what?"

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

One time Stephen Brust tried to pull a coin trick on me, but I caught him doing it. At PPWC, I always have a fun, relatively normal time. It's the people who are picking up the authors/editors/agents from the airport who have the truly great stories. Mine are like, "One time I peed in the next stall over from Carol Berg!" I'm a fangirl.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

I asked them. My husband says "Daffy Duck." My daughter says, "Twilight Sparkle." I guess we know who's getting the brownie points today. I wish somebody would pick something like "third cage dancer to the right from Samurai Jack," but they probably won't.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

It's not a road in the sense of you getting onto it in one place and getting off it someplace else. It's more of a road in the sense of the @#$%^& map is outdated, the GPS tries to drive you into a lake, the names of the towns are in worn-out white lettering on half-covered signs during a blizzard, you're hungry and have been driving since 4 a.m. and it's now after midnight, and not only do you keep pulling off the road to take care of emergencies, all your friends, family, and grade school teachers that you're driving around in this Pinto all have world's weakest bladders and need to get out and pee. That is, it's always going to take you longer than you think, and you probably won't get to the town you thought you were going to get to by the end of the day. Also, there's a convention of other writers in town and the rooms are all booked. Get it? Booked...

About the Author/Editor/Designer: DeAnna Knippling has two minor superpowers: speed-reading and babble. She types at over 10,000 words per minute and can make things up even faster than that. She has been officially constrained from drinking Ovaltine per her doctor’s orders since a tragic incident involving a monopoly game, a blender, a cemetery, and a school play at age eight. Her first job was hunting snipe for her father at twenty-five cents per head, with which she paid her way through college; her latest job involves a non-disclosure agreement, a dozen hitmen, a ballerina, a snowblower, three very small robots, and a disposable dictator in South America. If she told you which movie was based on her life, she’d have to kill you. Her cover job is that of freelance writer, editor, and designer living in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband, daughter, cat, more than one cupboard full of various condiments, and many shelves full of the very best books. She has her own indie small press, www.WonderlandPress.com, and her website is www.DeAnnaKnippling.com.

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Karen Albright Lin

Karen Albright Lin, Author

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

I had success publishing short pieces and poetry beginning in H.S., encouraged by my creative writing teacher. I decided to branch out and become a freelance editor after editing university lit mags, facilitating critique groups, and realizing I loved helping authors midwife their books.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

Typically I need iced tea with extra lemon, a pen and paper for rough drafts, and a place where I’m surrounded by people – usually restaurants over lunch.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Mark Twain, love his humor and his intellect.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I have had so many. I met virtually every agent, producer, Hollywood agent, and entertainment attorney I signed with at a conference, most, in fact at PPWC. Career changing: having Ken Berk hear my pitch in a PPWC pitch workshop and ask me to see him after the workshop only to have him tell me that he wanted me to write my story as a screenplay, that he’d then help me sell it. I learned the craft, he died within a year--very young, but I went on to write many award-winning screenplays, get writer-for-hire screenwriting gigs, consult on others’, and get hired as a script doctor. I never intended to write screenplays until I was encouraged by both Ken and Jan Jones, a writer/filmmaker I met at PPWC.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Mama Berenstain Bear. Perfectionist, reasonable, helicopter mom, housewife, advisor, love to teach

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

It takes patience, determination, rhino skin, and the willingness to survive a long apprenticeship.

About the Author: Karen Albright Lin coaches and edits for clients in all genres of novels, screenplays and nonfiction. She edited the memoir, Walks on the Marginsby Kathleen Brandt and Max Maddox. Client, Suzanne Handler, published her memoir about a precedent setting mercy-killing case, The Secrets They Kept,ranked # 1 on Amazon within three weeks and has remained on the Amazon top 10 list in three categories for months. Chris Howard, YA author/client was published by Scholastic. YA/children’s client, Ying Chang Compestine, won over three dozen awards for her Holt published books, one based on her life during China’s cultural revolution. Karen is a celebrity memoir ghostwriter, has published and been awarded for her personal essays. She also writes novels, short stories, and screenplays inspired by her life; many have garnered awards and landed her several top agents. She teaches Writing Your Life at conferences, retreats, and on cruise lines. http://www.karenalbrightlin.com

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Cindi Madsen

Cindi Madsen, Author

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

I always had stories in my head, I just never thought of writing them down until after I had my first baby. As soon as I started, though, I was hooked, and I knew I wanted to be an author from that point on.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

Mountain Dew. I really need that and my music. So I guess the music's my vice and the Dew is my can't work without.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Mary Shelley. I'd want to know all about Frankenstein.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I met one of my best writer friends after we'd both gotten harsh feedback from the same agent. By the end of the dinner we were laughing so loudly it erased the bad, and now she's who I go to with all of my writer ups and downs. We always joke that we owe our friendship to that person. I've also been able to fangirl over authors I love, which is super cool.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Probably Rainbow Brite. She was my favorite when I was a kid, and I love me some color. Plus she had really awesome boots and a horse that rode on rainbows. Win all around.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

You'll probably get knocked down, and writing's not easy, but it is the best job in the world, and if you love it, don't ever give up.

About the Author: Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She is the author of YA books All the Broken Pieces, Cipher, Rift, Resolution, and Demons of the Sun and adult romances Falling for Her Fiancé, Act Like You Love Me, Resisting the Hero, and Cinderella Screwed Me Over, which has sold to France, Germany, and Turkey.

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Evangeline Denmark

Evangeline Denmark, Author

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

When I realized, once and for all, that I truly could not sing and had no future as a rock star. Just kidding, kind of.

I can’t narrow it down to one moment because there are several that have been key in my journey, but I’ll share one of them. When I was in high school, I wrote, memorized, and performed a dramatic monologue about an Irish immigrant for a competition. I won first place and received a lot of pats on the back for my work, but it wasn’t the glory of winning that stirred me. My addiction for creating characters and living in their worlds began with that experience. The sheer love of the creative process has kept me going through the hard stuff every writer faces.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

I can’t work without my laptop and some quiet space. When it’s crunch time, chocolate-covered espresso beans are my go-to vice.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Jane Eyre

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

I attended a conference that made a big deal about being “fragrance-free,” meaning perfume or cologne wasn’t allowed. They even had reminders flashing on screens during meals that read “Such and Such is a fragrance-free conference.” Well, as we all know, artificial fragrances are designed to mask natural ones. I got on a crowded elevator with some fellow attendees and since we were so tightly packed together, I thought a joke would make things more comfortable. So I said in my best flight attendant voice, “We’d like to remind you that Such and Such is a fragrance-free conference.” Nobody laughed. Wrong conference for me.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Elastigirl/Helen Parr in The Incredibles. I’m a mom with lots of things to juggle. It can feel like being a writer is my secret identity, especially when I try to act normal around non-writers. I can also lecture with the best of them.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

If you choose to walk this road, do it because you love writing. No other reason will see you through.

About the Author: Evangeline Denmark has storytelling on her heart and in her blood. The daughter of best-selling novelist, Donita K. Paul, Evangeline grew up living and breathing good stories. She has co-authored two children’s books, The Dragon and the Turtle (Waterbrook, 2010) and The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari (Waterbrook, 2011) and also writes YA and adult fiction. You can find Evangeline online at www.evangelinedenmark.com and www.dragonandturtle.com.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

PPWC 2014 Q&A - Cindi Myers

Cindi Myers, Author

1. What was the defining moment that made your realize you wanted to be an author?

When I was about 9, I read all the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and decided that telling stories for a living had to be the best job in the world. I began writing my own stories then and never stopped.

2. What is the one thing you cannot work without? What is your creative vice?

I really don't have anything. I will write anywhere, although I prefer peace and quiet to chaos.

3. If you could 'revive' any literary figure from the past for a one hour conversation, who would you choose?

Georgette Heyer -- she wrote romance, mystery and historical fiction -- she was very prolific and a gifted writer. I think she'd be fascinating to talk with.

4. What is one of your more notable or unusual conference or convention experiences?

In 2011 I attended the Romance Writers of America convention after I'd been dumped by my publisher. I had a manuscript that a dozen agents had told me wouldn't sell. I pitched the manuscript to two publishers at the conference and had offers from both publishers within three days of returning home.

5. If we asked your friends and family to compare you to a cartoon character, which would they choose, and why?

Rose from "Rose is Rose." She's a very ordinary woman who has an alter-ego who is a motorcycle riding, tattooed wild woman. That's me -- the introvert with the wilder side I keep hidden.

6. What is one thing would you like aspiring authors to know about the road to success?

There are a lot of things about the writing business that you cannot control, so try to focus on the things you can control -- the story, the writing, remembering why you wanted to be a writer in the first place. Focus on those things and you will be a lot happier.

About the Author: Cindi Myers became one of the most popular people in eighth grade when she and her best friend wrote a torrid historical romance and passed the manuscript around among friends. Fame was short-lived, alas; the English teacher confiscated the manuscript and suggested they should spend more time brushing up on grammar and spelling. Since then, Cindi has written more than 50 published novels. She is a New York Time and USA Today Bestselling Author. Her 2012 release, The View From Here, won the Colorado Book Award for genre fiction. Her most recent release is The Mountain Between Us.

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