Blog Archives
Past, Present, & Future with…Juanita Kees
In celebration of the release of my debut novel, Fast Forward, I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome… Juanita Kees (who, incidentally, was my wonderful editor on Fast Forward!)
PAST:
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Sleeping Beauty, I knew my prince would come and rescue me from my tower 🙂
2. What did you do before you became a writer?
I worked in the motor industry in administration and customer service.
3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?
That’s a hard one. I have so many to choose from. Our home was always filled with music, books and board games. Dad used to read to us every night and we used to sing with Mum while we washed the dinner dishes (no TV or dishwashers back then, lol). On Sundays, we barbequed at my aunt’s house where we played music and had a sing-along. Dad and his twin brother played harmonicas, my cousin played the piano, I played the recorder and the rest of us played the fool.
PRESENT:
4. What’s your latest release about and/or what are you currently working on?
Fly Away Peta is the story of Jaime and Peta; lovers separated by time, distance and a little interference. They’re brought together again ten years on when Peta’s daughter is kidnapped. There is so much they need to sort through, including finding Bella and healing the emotional wounds inflicted on them by the nasty Paul Price, before they can find happiness. Peta is reluctant to trust Jaime again even though she’s never stopped loving him. He left once before without a fight, what’s to stop him leaving again? Jaime has to make a big decision. Does he stay or let her fly away again?
I’ve recently finished my favourite manuscript, Under The Hood, which will be published by Escape Publishing in March. This is a fast-paced, energetic tale of a woman determined to fulfill a dream even when it puts her in constant danger. When Scott Devin buys a struggling car dealership in a semi-rural area in Western Australia, the last person he expects to see in charge is a stilletto-wearing, mini-skirted foreperson. Exactly the distraction a struggling, male-dominated workshop doesn’t need! But there’s more to TJ Stevens than meets the eye.
TJ Stevens has two major goals in life: to preserve her grandfather’s heritage and protect the program – and she’ll go to any lengths to do it. Scott Devin’s presence is a threat to everything she’s worked hard to achieve, so keeping him at arms- length shouldn’t be a problem…or will it?
5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)
Totally unpredictable! I start with checking my emails, followed by a little Facebook before I knuckle down to editing or writing. The emails and Facebook can send me scuttling off in all difference directions over the web before I have to reign myself in and log out. I’m a terrible procrastinator.
6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:
Only three? Sorry kids 😉 – My health, my mind and chocolate
FUTURE:
7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?
Ten years into the future when my kids have kids and I get the chance to say ‘Remember when I told you the same thing?’ and ‘I told you so’.
8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?
A robotic housekeeper to iron, cook and clean for me. I don’t like housework at all. I’d much rather be writing.
9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?
Tough one! I’d love to see world peace and acceptance among people. Maybe one day it will happen through strong, solid leadership, who knows. As for dreams, I’d love to see one of my books on DVD or in the cinemas with Chris Hemsworth in the leading role 🙂
To win a copy of Juanita’s book, Fly Away Peta, please leave a comment!
Visit Juanita online at her website, blog, facebook, and twitter. Buy Fly Away Peta here.
Past, Present, & Future with Nicole Flockton
In celebration of the release of my debut novel, Fast Forward, I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome my fellow Escape author… Nicole Flockton!
PAST:
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always thought I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. But then I realised I was really bad at art, and I always thought you needed to be able to draw pretty well when you’re a teacher. So I decided that working in an office would be better for me.
2. What did you do before you became a writer?
I read an awful lot of romance books.
3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?
As a kid we had this white vinyl couch. The armrests were wooden and an end of one of them had come unstuck. I always remember every time my grandad sat on the couch he would always knock the armrest off and he would always move it back to the correct place. Every time he sat down it happened.
PRESENT:
4. What’s your latest release about and/or what are you currently working on?
My latest release, BOUND BY HER RING, is a revenge and reunion story from Escape Publishing. It’s the very first manuscript I ever wrote. I started it way back in 2002 after I had my daughter. Jasmine has had a car accident and is suffering from amnesia, she can’t remember her husband. Luciano believes he has been wronged by Jasmine and comes back to exact revenge on her and her father. However, what pulled them together in the beginning is still very much a part of both of them. They learn to trust and love again.
5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)
Get up and if I have the energy I will take the dog for either a walk or a run. Then it’s get the kids ready for school. Work for a few hours, I work remotely for my job in Australia as I live in Houston Tx. Then I may try and get some cleaning and writing in before it’s time to go get the kids. Deal with homework and cooking dinner. If I’m not brain dead from working on improper fractions with uncommon denominators I will try and get some more writing in before collapsing into bed with a book!
6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:
My family and friends.
The fact that I am doing what I love.
I’m published with two publishers.
FUTURE:
7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?
I don’t think I would because I don’t know what age or time I would want to go to. I’m happy not knowing exactly what the future holds – at the moment.
8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?
A robot that would clean the house. I would need it to come and clean up all my kids toys and rooms at the end of each day. It would work silently through the night so I would wake up to a very clean house each day.
9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?
I hope to have more sales and make a bestseller list.
(Juliet: At the time of writing, Nicole’s book is number 17 in the Top Romance Books list on iTunes!)
Thanks Nicole, and congrats on your release! 🙂
Visit Nicole online at her website, blog, facebook, and twitter. Buy her latest release BOUND BY HER RING from Escape Publishing, Amazon, Amazon UK, Kobo, iTunes.
Past, Present, & Future with Victoria Connelly
In celebration of the upcoming release of my debut novel, Fast Forward (see announcement here), I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome all the way from the UK… Victoria Connelly!
PAST:
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a writer and used to make up my own versions of The Famous Five books by Enid Blyton.
2. What did you do before you became a writer?
I’ve always written but, to pay the bills before I got published, I did all sorts of jobs: civil servant, secretary, admin assistant, and English teacher.
3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?
There was a moment at our wedding that I absolutely adored. We’d hired a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and were about to greet the guests in the Great Hall after the wedding ceremony. 
The fire was lit in the enormous fireplace and the tables were all set with candles and we were on our own for a brief moment and it was really magical.
PRESENT:
4. What’s your latest/upcoming release about and/or what are you currently working on?
Just before Christmas, I released Christmas with Mr Darcy – the novella sequel to my Austen Addicts’ Trilogy. That’s out on Kindle now. My next paperback is coming out in the UK in May and it’s called Wish You Were Here. Set on a Greek island, it’s about a Plain Jane who suddenly becomes irresistible to men after making a wish on a statue of Aphrodite. I’m also about to release an ebook about our move from London to rural Suffolk. It’s called Escape to Mulberry Cottage so watch out for that one.
5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)
I try to write 1,000 words a day when I’m writing the first draft of a book and I work best in the mornings after walking our dog and taking care of our ex-battery hens. I settle down and work until lunch (I like a long lazy lunch!) and then continue writing in the afternoon until the dog comes and pesters me for her second walk. If the writing hasn’t gone well, I’ll work on into the evening. It’s hard to switch off when you work from home and I’m often still at my desk at ten o’clock!
6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:
My husband, my home and animals, and my work.
FUTURE:
7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?
I wouldn’t want to go further than a year because I’d be too scared! So I’d take a very quick peep at this time next year and hope things are all well and good. I’d much rather go back in time, though, and say hello to Thomas Hardy or dance with Gene Kelly!
8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?
A heated keyboard and mouse. I have appalling circulation and my hands are usually frozen from September until May here in the UK! I often sit at my computer with a hot water bottle!
9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?
That I can go on writing the books I want to write and rescue lots of wonderful animals and live a good life in the countryside with my husband.
Thanks for joining me on the blog today, Victoria!
Visit Victoria at her website, facebook, and twitter. Check out CHRISTMAS WITH MR DARCY at Amazon.
Past, Present, & Future with Alissa Callen
In celebration of the upcoming release of my debut novel, Fast Forward (see announcement here), I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome… Alissa Callen!
PAST:
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child I’d read books by torchlight and scribble stories that I’d put under my pillow for safekeeping only for them to end up in the wash. So have always wanted to read and write and lose self in fictional worlds where no washing ever needed to be done!
2. What did you do before you became a writer?
My background is in education and counselling but for the past fifteen years have been lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mum and traffic controller to four now-not-so-little children.
3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?
Reading. Being the eldest of seven kids peace and quiet was a rare commodity, so I’d take a book to the shearing shed and hideaway in the lanoline-scented silence. Even now I still have every horse book I ever bought as a child.
PRESENT:
4. What’s your latest/upcoming release about and/or what are you currently working on?
Am very fortunate to have two books coming out in quick succession in 2013. January sees the release of What Love Sounds Like with Escape Publishing and then February 1 will have a launch title for the digital-first Random Romance list of Random House called Beneath Outback Skies.
5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)
How my day unfolds is subject to the eating habits of a thirty year old grey pony. Depending on what time she finishes her breakfast, I will have either answered emails or have spent far too much time surfing the web. Then once she is back in her paddock (have learned not to start writing before then as can forget to untie her!) I write until twelve. Have lunch. Then write until school pick up at three. Then if am not required for taxi duties will sneak in a little more computer time before dinner.
6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:
My long-suffering husband
Fabulous friends
Romance Writers of Australia
FUTURE:
7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?
I’d choose 4 days – one for each of my children – with no set date, just so I could share in one of their future milestones and check that they were doing okay.
8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?
Would love an internet connection that never drops out and only has one speed – fast! And for my husband I’d like a set of car keys that would come to you when you whistle!
9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?
To keep writing the stories that sprout like mental-mushrooms when I sleep and to live long enough to see my children grow into the special adults that they will be.
Thanks so much Juliet for having me and I wish you all the very best for your own present and future. I don’t need a crystal ball to know that your future will be bright and filled with many fabulous new releases like Fast Forward.
You’re welcome, Alissa, and thank you for your nice words! 🙂
Visit Alissa online:
Website: www.alissacallen.com
Blog: Words, windmills and plot wrinkles @ www.alissacallen.com
Facebook: Alissa Callen – Author
Buy WHAT LOVE SOUNDS LIKE via Escape Publishing or your favourite ebook retailer.
Past, Present, & Future with Monique McDonell
In celebration of the upcoming release of my debut novel, Fast Forward (see announcement here), I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome… Monique McDonell!
PAST:
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
That’s a good question. When I was three I wanted to be a trapeze artist. When I was ten I thought I’d like to be a mother of eight and a journalist (not sure how I planned to juggle that, my working mum must have made it look easy!) I always wanted to be a writer as well, maybe not at three but pretty soon after.
2. What did you do before you became a writer?
I studied Communications at Uni and always worked a related field doing PR, events and fundraising. I worked for several non-profit organisations where you had to wear more than one hat. I still work in PR now, even though I write as well. I run a boutique agency with one of my best friends.
3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?
Wow, how do you pick just one? My best most magical childhood memory ever is going to America when I was eight. We went for Christmas and spent part of the week before at Disneyland. On the first day we flew from Australia and then my parents had a nap but when we went in the park for dinner I was allowed to have apple pie for my meal, not a ‘proper dinner’. I remember my sister had a hot fudge sundae. That was so exciting!
PRESENT:
4. What’s your latest release about and/or what are you currently working on?
My latest release is a contemporary romance called Hearts Afire. Cassie Callahan has a disastrous wedding day. First she is jilted and then her catering business catches fire and in comes Jack Callahan, a fire-fighter, to save the day. It’s a story about meeting the right person at the wrong time – which so many of us have done.
My next novel is called Alphabet Dating and will be out in January. It’s a chick lit novel about a girl whose friends dare her to date 26 guys in a month, one for every letter of the alphabet, and the consequences of taking on that challenge.
5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)
I don’t think too many of us have typical days do we? Mine is spent juggling my day job, my writing commitments and family life. I do most of my work between nine and three or when my daughter is at after school activities. I’m not very good at saying ‘NO’ so I’m often over-committed. I’m working on that. My day always involves coffee and usually ends with a glass of wine or two.
6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:
My health, my family and good friends.
FUTURE:
7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?
I’d fast forward to when I turn fifty. I want to know if that trip to New York I’m planning with some girlfriends is really going to happen. If so, I’d like to go visit myself at the Red Door Spa, go to The Plaza for afternoon tea and have cocktails somewhere fancy with my girls.
8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?
I would like a hover board like in Back to the Future. But I would like the board to be in the form of high heels, and then I wouldn’t get sore feet at parties.
9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?
Honestly, my main hope is that my daughter grows up to have a happy and fulfilling life. Aside from that I hope I continue to make new friends and meet interesting people, because that’s what makes life fun! On a writing front I hope I’m able to continue to write and that my books find an audience.
Thanks Monique! Visit Monique online at her website, facebook, and twitter. Buy HEARTS AFIRE now at Amazon.
Past, Present, & Future with Coleen Kwan…
In celebration of the upcoming release of my debut novel, Fast Forward (see announcement here), I’m doing a series of interviews with authors about their past, present & future. Today, please welcome… Coleen Kwan!
PAST:
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a kid I was always daydreaming but I never really thought about what I wanted to be. At one stage I thought having a book store would be cool because I could spend all day reading!
2. What did you do before you became a writer?
I worked for many years in information technology. I designed computer systems for mortgages, superannuation, and stock broking. It paid the bills, was well-paid, and it was challenging but not as creatively satisfying as writing.
3. What is one of your most treasured memories from the past?
When I was very young, maybe only three, my father built his own campervan from bits and bobs. Then we — dad, mum, and three children — set out for a long cross country trip. I don’t recall how many weeks we spent on the road, but I remember having lots of fun with my family. Looking back now, I marvel at my parents’ gung ho attitude. The campervan was unreliable, the distances were long, and my siblings and I were very young at the time. But I’m very glad I have that memory.
PRESENT:
4. What’s your latest/upcoming release about and/or what are you currently working on?
My new release is Real Men Don’t Break Hearts, published by Entangled Publishing. It’s a sweet, small town romance between Nate, a reformed bad boy, and Ally, a good girl wanting to reinvent herself. Six years ago Ally was jilted at the altar, and she always blamed Nate, her ex’s cousin. Now Nate is back in town and he’s her new landlord. To make things worse, she finds herself reluctantly attracted to him. Cue lots of tension and conflict.
I’m currently working on the next book of the Real Men series. This story deals with Tyler, Ally’s best friend. Nate and Ally put in an appearance in this book, and it’s fun to see them deal with the next stage of their relationship.
5. What’s a typical day like for you? (If there is such a thing!)
I wake my two teenagers up (sometimes that involves a lot of yelling) and somehow manage to get them out the door in time for school (usually). Then my partner and I do our morning walk for about 40-50 mins. I try to write from about 10 until 2, with a break for lunch. If the story is flowing or I haven’t reached my daily word count, then I work some more. By 3 or 4 my creative juices have usually dried up, so I find that’s a good time to do email or research or just browsing on the internet.
I rarely write at night. I’m not a night person and my brain just isn’t creative when the sun goes down.
6. Name three things you are grateful for in your life right now:
Spending time with my parents, my family. Having the opportunity to concentrate on my writing without worrying about full-time work. Working with great editors and meeting other writers and sharing the ups and downs of the writing life.
FUTURE:
7. If you could fast forward in time to any age or year for just one day, what would you choose & why?
I’d like to fast forward to 22 Dec 2012 just to check that the end of the world hasn’t happened!
8. If you could have any new technology or invention in the future that would make your life a whole lot easier (or more fun), what would it be?
I would love a robot to cook fresh, healthy, yummy dinners for me and clean up afterwards. I’m a reluctant cook at the best of times, so an invention like that would really make my life easier and more fun.
9. What are your hopes & dreams for the future?
I hope I and my family stay healthy. I hope my daughter has chosen the right subjects for Year 11. I hope I keep on writing and being published.
Thanks for being on the blog today, Coleen!
Check out Coleen’s book, REAL MEN DON’T BREAK HEARTS.
You can also visit Coleen at her website/blog, facebook, and twitter.
Jan Graham answers Juliet’s Ten Awkward Author Questions!
In this segment, authors will be subjected to a list of awkward questions that may reveal more about themselves than they really wish to share, and they will receive a score on the ‘Braveometer’. If they choose to answer only five questions, they are a ‘Brave Author’, if they answer 6 to 9 questions they are a ‘Mega-Brave Author’, and if they answer all 10 questions they are an ‘Ultra-Brave Author’!
Please welcome Jan Graham…
1. If only one of your books could have been / could be published, which one would you choose? (C’mon, I don’t want to hear ‘Oh, I love them all, there’s no way I could choose.’ Time to be ruthless, these are the Ten Awkward Questions after all!)
I’d choose Finding Angel because it is my first born and it set the platform for three more books.
2. Okay, now which one of your children/family members would you… nah, just kidding! Which of the following words most accurately describes your best personality trait (you must pick only one!):
Punctual. Good listener. Neat. Graceful. Generous. Cheerful.
Generous
3. Which of the following words most accurately describes your worst most challenging personality trait (even if you’re perfect, you must pick one):
Always late. Blabbermouth. Slob. Complete klutz. Scrooge. Grumpy pants.
I’m a Complete Klutz 3.5 weeks per month and Grumpy Pants for the other days.
4. Have you ever had a romantic crush on one of your characters? Who and why?
I have a romantic crush now on Steve. He’s in Finding Angel but he’s the main character in the next book Playing Jax. I love his sense of humour, his protectiveness of those he loves and the fact that he understands the difference between lust and love. Of course, my two beta readers tell me I can’t have him because he belongs to them.
5. When writing an important scene, do you act it out to allow you to better describe what’s happening?
No, because a lot of my important scenes involve violence (I write romantic suspense) and I wouldn’t like to be arrested.
6. Do you talk to yourself when writing or coming up with plot ideas?
All the time, I pace around the house or out in the yard mumbling to myself, I’m sure the neighbours think I have an illness.
7. Who would be ideal to play YOU in a movie of your life?
In my mind, I see Angelina Jolie, but realistically it’s more like Rosie O’Donnell.
8. If you could be any book character for one day, who would you be and why?
I’d be Georgina Kincaid from the Richelle Mead’s Succubus series because I’d get to have more sex than I am now.
9. You’re about to be left on a deserted island for a year, and while your basic food and water needs will be met, you can only bring one extra thing from the following. Which would you choose?
a) A pen and notepad that never runs out
b) An unlimited supply of books
c) An unlimited supply of chocolate, coffee, or alcohol (your choice)
d) A gorgeous man/woman depending on your preference
A gorgeous man (I’m thinking Hugh Jackman could fit the bill.)
10. If you had the attention of the whole world for two minutes, what would you say?
Thanks for being here, make sure you make it worthwhile.
Thanks for participating, Jan. You have been awarded Ultra Brave Author status on the Braveometer!
You can visit Jan and find out about her books at her website, or click on the book cover of Finding Angel to buy a copy!
Jeanette Hornby answers Juliet’s Ten Awkward Author Questions!
In this segment, authors will be subjected to a list of awkward questions that may reveal more about themselves than they really wish to share, and they will receive a score on the ‘Braveometer’. If they choose to answer only five questions, they are a ‘Brave Author’, if they answer 6 to 9 questions they are a ‘Mega-Brave Author’, and if they answer all 10 questions they are an ‘Ultra-Brave Author’!
Please welcome Jeanette Hornby…
1. If only one of your books could have been / could be published, which one would you choose? (C’mon, I don’t want to hear ‘Oh, I love them all, there’s no way I could choose.’ Time to be ruthless, these are the Ten Awkward Questions after all!)
Where The Heart Is
2. Okay, now which one of your children/family members would you… nah, just kidding! Which of the following words most accurately describes your best personality trait (you must pick only one!):
Punctual. Good listener. Neat. Graceful. Generous. Cheerful.
Neat
3. Which of the following words most accurately describes your worst most challenging personality trait (even if you’re perfect, you must pick one):
Always late. Blabbermouth. Slob. Complete klutz. Scrooge. Grumpy pants.
Scrooge
4. Have you ever had a romantic crush on one of your characters? Who and why?
Antonio in ‘Where The Heart Is’ because he’s a hot Italian
5. When writing an important scene, do you act it out to allow you to better describe what’s happening?
No, just picture it in my head about a hundred times
6. Do you talk to yourself when writing or coming up with plot ideas?
All the time, sometimes at the most inconvenient moments
7. Who would be ideal to play YOU in a movie of your life?
Edie Falco
8. If you could be any book character for one day, who would you be and why?
Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because he understands human nature
9. You’re about to be left on a deserted island for a year, and while your basic food and water needs will be met, you can only bring one extra thing from the following. Which would you choose?
a) A pen and notepad that never runs out
b) An unlimited supply of books
c) An unlimited supply of chocolate, coffee, or alcohol (your choice)
d) A gorgeous man/woman depending on your preference
d) A gorgeous man
10. If you had the attention of the whole world for two minutes what would you say?
Life is short, live your dreams!
Thanks for participating, Jeanette. You have been awarded Ultra Brave Author status on the Braveometer!
You can visit Jeanette and find out about her latest books at her website here. 🙂
9/11 – Lillie’s Story
In honour of those who died and those who risked their lives to help others on September 11, 2001, I decided to interview Lillie Leonardi about her unique and compelling experience of that day, and the days that followed…
1. Thank you for joining me on the blog today, Lillie. Your memoir, In The Shadow Of A Badge, details your experience at the Flight 93 crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania; and how the 9/11 attacks affected your life. Can you tell us a little about your book and your experience of that day?
The book reflects my story about the visitation of Angels during the first moments at the Flight 93 crash site. It is a narrative non-fiction account of the spiritual experience I encountered while serving in my professional capacity as the Community Outreach Specialist with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Division. What I saw and/or heard is a personal interpretation of the events leading up to and following 9-11 and, in particular, the Flight 93 crash. The book also details my on-going journey of personal healing and recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following my experiences that day. The chapters penned include some significant historical facts as well.
2. Can you share with us a brief excerpt from your book?
“On this day, the shimmer of light began to grow and was almost blinding. I looked again and the light began to evolve into a foggy white mist. The white mist then began to take shape. It moved and swirled in patterns of spectacular white light. All at once, the mist took full shape and I saw what appeared to be angels. There were angels standing in the open area to the left of the crash site. There were hundreds of them standing in columns. There was a field of angels emerging from the realms of the mist. They were Archangels with their wings arched up toward the sky.”
3. How did the events of that day change your life and your view of the world?
Like many others who watched and witnessed the terrorist attacks of 9/11, my life was dramatically altered by the very nature of the events. First and foremost, 9/11 removed any sense of security and left in its stay, a deep seeded feeling of fear. This frozen fear caused trauma to my heart, mind and soul. Yet, due to my inability to express the emotions felt, I became afflicted with PTSD. As a result, every aspect of my life has changed.
4. The memory of 9/11 brings with it a lot of strong emotions for people; do you think there are some positive things people can take from this experience to help them move forward in their lives?
Yes, I do feel there were some positive occurrences on 9/11.
From a law enforcement perspective, I believe many individuals served on behalf of their fellow man. At each of the three sites, acts of bravery transpired. When the Twin Towers were struck by the planes, the emergency responders rushed in to save lives and rescue the injured. When the Towers fell, the responders assisted in recovering those who lost their lives and in the post clean-up efforts. At the Pentagon, the same type of heroic deeds were witnessed on countless occasions. And, the passengers and crew members aboard Flight 93, gave their lives to assure others would survive.
While at the crash site, I watched representatives from United Airlines, the law enforcement, human service and government agencies work in tandem to address the needs of the family members who lost loved ones on Flight 93. Each of these remarkable individuals gave their all to ease the pain and suffering of the survivors.
Additionally, residents of the surrounding communities rallied and offered unbelievable support to the families. And, the area business owners provided essential supplies needed for an effective response to the tragedy.
There were so many individuals who helped to ease the pain and suffering of others. They joined together to help rebuild the lives of those most affected. It was amazing to watch the strength of spirit exhibited by one and all.
5. Your book is the first in a trilogy, can you tell us what the other two books will be about?
My Life In Black And White With A Smidgen Of Blue:
Book two provides the continuing story from where the first book left off. The many chapters trace my journey as a law enforcement officer, the PTSD diagnosis, the necessary healing processes and the difficulties faced.
The pages also unearth aspects of my childhood, spiritual path and the origins of my intuitive gifts. Additionally, the narrative is my version of a love story. Not, the conventional type that one may be familiar with reading, but it is my rendition of the “affairs of the heart”.
Messages From the Plane:
The third book of the series provides insight into my treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The pages penned delve into the initial treatment of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) – a highly successful therapy used to aid those suffering from the effects of PTSD.
“Messages From the Plane” describes my journey to restore my mental health, as well as reveals the extraordinary phenomenon that occurred during each of the EMDR treatments. With my mind open, my intuitive abilities were tapped and my creativity began to reemerge. The pages highlight my path out of the depths of despair to a deeply enriched spiritual connection.
This book was co-authored by Dr. Deborah Conway, PhD. Dr. Conway is the psychotherapist who treated me through conventional therapy and through the process of the EMDR sessions.
Thank you for sharing your amazing story and personal journey, Lillie.
Lillie’s book, In The Shadow Of A Badge, is available at Amazon, BN.com, select Barbes & Noble stores, and Word Association Publishers.
You can also find out more about Lillie at her website.
Do you have a 9/11 story to share? Where were you on that day?
Amy Metz answers Juliet’s Ten Awkward Author Questions!
In this segment, authors will be subjected to a list of awkward questions that may reveal more about themselves than they really wish to share, and they will receive a score on the ‘Braveometer’. If they choose to answer only five questions, they are a ‘Brave Author’, if they answer 6 to 9 questions they are a ‘Mega-Brave Author’, and if they answer all 10 questions they are an ‘Ultra-Brave Author’!
Please welcome Amy Metz!
- If only one of your books could have been / could be published, which one would you choose? (C’mon, I don’t want to hear ‘Oh, I love them all, there’s no way I could choose.’ Time to be ruthless, these are the Ten Awkward Questions after all!)
I would choose Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction since it is the first in a series. The others will be able to stand on their own, but this first one introduces the characters and the town, so if I had to pick one, that would be it. Start at the beginning.
- Okay, now which one of your children/family members would you… nah, just kidding! Which of the following words most accurately describes your best personality trait (you must pick only one!): Punctual. Good listener. Neat. Graceful. Generous. Cheerful.
Good listener.
- Which of the following words most accurately describes your worst most challenging personality trait (even if you’re perfect, you must pick one): Always late. Blabbermouth. Slob. Complete klutz. Scrooge. Grumpy pants.
Sadly, I’m a complete klutz.
- Have you ever had a romantic crush on one of your characters? Who and why?
No, not really a crush. All of my characters are my imaginary friends so to speak, but I haven’t written a character I’ve fallen for yet. Good idea, though. Maybe I’ll do that in the next book.
- When writing an important scene, do you act it out to allow you to better describe what’s happening?
Nope, never done that. I read scenes out loud, but I’ve never acted one out.
- Do you talk to yourself when writing or coming up with plot ideas?
Besides reading out loud, no. Sometimes I talk to my dog, but that’s just for deniability. I’m not talking to myself, I’m talking to the dog!
- Who would be ideal to play YOU in a movie of your life?
Oh my. My first thought is who would want to. But off the top of my head, I’d say Jodie Foster.
- If you could be any book character for one day, who would you be and why?
Elizabeth Bennet. Because she’s witty, intelligent, beautiful, and…come on…she ends up with Mr. Darcy.
- You’re about to be left on a deserted island for a year, and while your basic food and water needs will be met, you can only bring one extra thing from the following. Which would you choose?
a) A pen and notepad that never runs out
b) An unlimited supply of books
c) An unlimited supply of chocolate, coffee, or alcohol (your choice)
d) A gorgeous man/woman depending on your preference
You’re a cruel, cruel woman, Juliet. But, since it’s only for a year, I could get a lot of writing done if I were on a deserted island with no distractions, no things to do, or places to go, or people to see. So I’d say I would bring a pen and notepad that never runs out to a deserted island. Just don’t ask me which of the other three I’d miss the most.
- If you had the attention of the whole world for two minutes what would you say?
If I had the attention of the whole world for even two seconds I would probably get the deer in the headlights look and sputter something unintelligible. But since I sense that won’t be a good enough answer for you, I guess I would quote Revelation and say, “Hurt Not The Earth Neither The Sea Nor The Trees” and I would add: nor each other. Oh, and read my book, please, world!
Thanks for participating, Amy.
You have been awarded ‘Ultra Brave Author’ status on the Braveometer!
You can visit Amy online at her website, facebook, and twitter accounts.
Read or purchase Amy’s book at Amazon and B&N.
JULIET MADISON 