J Kyle McNeal Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you....

Hidden within a hemlock ‘fort’ on the side of a small mountain in North Carolina, I imagined vast new worlds and incredible adventures. I was a child then, but I’ve never stopped imagining. Now, I write about and share these worlds and adventures.
I’m a reformed engineer, a closet geek, a sports fanatic, and a very proud father.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?

Fantasy—specifically epic fantasy—is my first passion. I’ve let the story arc for my Revisions to the Truth series (Birthrights, Broken Oaths, and two more to come) simmer in my head for a couple decades while I flavored it with life experiences and travels to over 40 countries. That said, I enjoy telling tales and write in a mix of genres and perspectives to keep my mind fresh.

When did you start writing?

I’ve dabbled in writing for most of my life, but with only the vague idea that I’d like to make it a career “some day” in the future. However, three years ago, after spending a decade establishing and running a factory in China, I decided to pursue my dream of writing full-time. During this period, I finished Birthrights (which I started in university), wrote Broken Oaths (the second book in the 4-book series), and penned a shorter Supernatural Suspense novel (while waiting for beta readers to review the Broken Oaths manuscript).

Why do you write?

We are all allowed a couple senseless choices in our lives, right? I mean, who wouldn’t walk away from a solid professional career to hole up alone a room and pound on a keyboard for long hours every day?

What would be your choice for a superpower?

I’d be grateful for any superpower—and be guaranteed to get myself in trouble using it. Forced to choose one, I suppose I’d select the ability to read minds—to understand the complex emotions that reside behind people’s words, expressions, and actions. Then, for once, I might win an argument with my wife. Or maybe not.

Who is your favorite author?

I owe debts to a great number of authors who’ve influenced both my perspective and my writing. When I consider an all-time favorite, though, George RR Martin takes a slight edge over Neil Gaiman. Though I’m not much a fan of his Conan books, Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) has surpassed Lord of the Rings as my favorite series—assuming he finishes the story in the next decade (and the HBO show doesn’t count).

What are you reading now?

I divide my reading into three categories — “audio”, “before sleep”, and “time to savor”. I listen to audio books while doing yard work and driving, and am currently nearing the end of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Before sleep, I’ve started reading short stories and am halfway through Lawless Lands: Tales from the Weird Frontier. My favorite reading, though, is when I have the chance to sit down and enjoy some uninterrupted time with a novel. At the moment, I’m enjoying The Six-Gun Tarot during these periods.

Who is your favorite character to write?

Kakati, the heroine in Broken Oaths, is hands down my favorite. She’s the type of free-thinking, boundary-pushing, ass-kicking young woman I hope my daughter will one day identify with (though not necessarily emulate in every regard).

Do you have a writing process?

I’m most efficient when I outline each chapter and write from start to finish. I’m most creative when I bounce between chapters based on inspiration, ignoring the outline when the characters insist. I try to find a balance between the two, but it’s a constant give and take.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Be ever hungry for constructive feedback and avoid mistaking criticism of your work for criticism of you. Cultivating a group of fellow authors who will push you to address the weaknesses in your writing style and stories is invaluable.

What inspired you to pursue writing?

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to write. The chance to create stories that give to others the enjoyment and inspiration I’ve received from reading books is a constant draw. And … being an author is more accessible than some of my other dreams—astronaut, superhero, pro athlete.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?

The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones are my two favorite series, but between writing I use sitcoms like palette cleansers. Modern Family, Big Bang Theory, and Life In Pieces are my top choices.

What are your current projects?

I’m finishing the final edits for Broken Oaths, Book 2 in the Revisions to the Truth series and, at the same time, finalizing Jugdes by Jij (YA Paranormal Suspense) to send to beta readers.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?

Should my writing interest you, I’d love for you to subscribe to my newsletter (available on www.jkylemcneal.com) so I can keep you updated on my projects as well as giveaways and sales.

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? Dogs! My eyes swell shut around cats.
Coffee or tea? Tea — bubble tea if possible.
Favorite food? Thai food — hot and spicy
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Plain vanilla, that’s me … ha!
What is something you never leave home without? Clothes (at least not recently)
Laptop or desktop? Laptop for sure … like to change up positions.
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with?
1) JK Rowling
2) Neil Gaiman
3) Scarlett Johansson (shh, don’t tell Viki)
TV or Movies? Movies, though DVR’s have helped narrow the gap.

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Diana Anderson-Tyler Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you....

Well, I’m a Texas girl, born and raised. I grew up on a farm and barrel raced (a mighty horseback sport down here in the south!) for fourteen years and played lots of sports. When I wasn’t outside, I was inside playing make-believe or scribbling down stories. I don’t play make-believe or barrel race anymore, but I’ve never stopped writing!

My husband and I live in San Antonio. We own a CrossFit gym called CrossFit 925 and love helping people reach their fitness goals. When I’m not writing, I can be found there lifting weights like a mad woman! Working out is like therapy for me, as well as a wonderful way for me to clear my head so new story ideas can take root.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?
It’s common advice these days that writers should pick a genre or niche and stick to it for the sake of brand identity. I have nothing against that advice, it’s just not been easy for me to follow (not that I’ve really tried).
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been “genre hopping.” I have bins full of early stories, poems and plays, some about damsels and dragons, some about an ordinary Texas girl’s first love (semiautobiographical, of course…), and still others written in homage to whatever my favorite book or TV series was at the time (Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles, Boy Meets World, Gilmore Girls, to name a few.) To put it simply, I write what I want to write, regardless of whether it’s well suited to a particular market or serves to build my “brand” or not. To me, writing is and always will be something I view and treat primarily as a passion, and secondarily as a career. 

It is that philosophy that’s led me to write straight from my heart, for better or worse. I began my publishing career with a series of nonfiction faith-based fiction books for women (how’s that for “niche”?), as well as an inspirational memoir chronicling my battle with an eating disorder, the sudden death of my father, falling in love, and finding my purpose. At the end of 2013, I decided it was time to get back to my storytelling roots (I majored in screenwriting at the University of Texas) and try my hand at penning a full-length novel. It was by far the most challenging writing endeavor I’d ever taken on, and also the most rewarding. Three years later, writing fiction is now a full-time career – though it is no less challenging than when I started!

Whether it’s writing motivational fitness books, Greek mythology-inspired novels, or women’s fiction hearkening back to my own heartbreaks, fears, and triumphs, my aim is to write words that ring true and resonate, on one level or another, with my readers. I believe we were all put on this earth to shine our unique, inimitable light with the world, and writing honestly and deeply about topics that move and have changed me is one of the ways I’m able to do that. 

When did you start writing? 
I honestly can’t remember a time when writing wasn’t my foremost passion. Sure, I claimed, as many children do, to want to be a thousand different things when I grew up, including archaeologist, marine biologist, and barrel racer (a horseback sport here in the south!), but I always maintained that I would “write on the side.”

I wish I knew what made me want to be a writer, but I’m convinced it was a proclivity I was born with. My grandpa was an actor, drama teacher, and playwright, so maybe it’s in the genes. I also wish there was a romantic story I could share, something about how I listened to a TED Talk that changed my life by encouraging me to pursue my dreams, or how I ran into Stephen King near his home in Maine and showed him a short story that he thought was fantastic and I’ve written ever since. But my story’s pretty boring, unfortunately. I’ve always loved writing more than anything else and, despite countless doubts, fears, and frustrations, I’ve kept at it.

Why do you write? 
Truthfully, I can’t help but write. It’s as essential to me as breathing, as cliché and dramatic as that may sound.

What would be your choice for a superpower?
It’s a three-way tie between flight, invisibility, and telekinesis.

Who is your favorite author? 
Gosh, how does anyone pick a favorite? I might just have to go with the two whom I remember really making an impact on me in high school: Barbara Kingsolver and Michael Crichton. Kingsolver’s lyrical, poetic style blows me away, as does Crichton’s mastery of tension, pacing, and big, satisfying pay-offs.

What are you reading now? 
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty. I always read in whatever genre I’m currently writing in, and right now I’m working on a Contemporary Women’s novel that’s a bit Chick Lit as well. I’m also catching up on my issues of Writer’s Digest.

Who is your favorite character to write? 
So far, I’ve most loved writing Hermes in my series The Petros Chronicles. He’s mischievous, charming, self-possessed, but extremely wounded as well. It was a blast to reveal his backstory little by little and also follow his arc from villainy to redemption.

Do you have a writing process? 
I majored in screenwriting, so thoroughly outlining is something that was hammered into me. When it came to writing screenplays, treatments, beat outlines, and such were necessities, but novel writing is a whole other animal, at least for me – I never have been able to stick to the game plan!

It’s much more fun for me to “discovery write,” as they say. I have a general story arc in mind, as well as major plot and pivot points, but I leave the specifics unknown. The characters take on a life of their own, thereby taking the story in surprising directions I never could have planned.

After I have a first draft, I will reverse outline by going through my manuscript and making sure all the turning points are in place and that each of the scenes has a valence shift.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? 
I love this piece of advice I from Joanna Penn: Find a balance between creativity and consumption.

Don’t feel like you have to choose writing mode over read/research/learn mode or vice versa. I strongly believe that writers should be in the practice of writing as close to daily as possible, so letting other activities – even advantageous ones – get in the way of creating is detrimental. 

Even if you have a lot to learn about the publishing process, don’t wait to write until you’ve figured out your game plan. Even if you have to research The Revolutionary War for your next novel, don’t wait to start outlining until you’ve read your mountain of library books. Even if you want to write three novels in the next three months, don’t neglect your fiction-reading time, as reading fine work makes us finer artists.

I’ve found that balancing creating time with consuming time keeps me productive and allows me to learn and digest new info and material at a manageable rate.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
This sort of goes along with your question, “Why do you write?” Writing is what I’m most passionate about. Nothing else comes close. Sure, there are other occupations that are more lucrative and less discouraging, but none would be as spiritually, mentally, and emotionally rewarding to me as an artist who expresses herself best through the written word. 

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?
My husband and I are huge comic book nerds. We love watching Arrow and The Flash, as well as all the D.C. and Marvel films. We also love fantasy movies (The Lord of the Rings, The Princess Bride, etc.) and historical epics like Gladiator and Braveheart.

What are your current projects?
I’m editing book 2 of The Petros Chronicles and outlining book 4 of The Orchid Series.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, I’d love to have you join my newsletter as I’m always eager to hear your feedback and receive suggestions on what to write about next! You can sign up here: http://www.dianaandersontyler.com/signup/. I run fun giveaways every month! I typically share exclusive short stories, too.

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? Burgers
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Vanilla
What are 3 things you never leave home without? Purse, cell phone, book (unless what I’m reading is on the Kindle app on my phone!)
Laptop or desktop? Laptop
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? Steve Martin, Steven Pressfield, Margaret George
TV or Movies? Movies

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Paul Chaplin Interview

To begin, tell me a little more about you....

I’m 49 and still a kid! I was born and raised on the outskirts of London, England. I hated school but loved English and History. My working background is mainly in office and administration, but I now have a part time job filling shelves and stocking the warehouse, which I love! I have a very patient wife and four cats and tortoise!

Tell us about your books/ Which genre do you consider your books to be?
My first book is a Science Fiction set story inspired by a 1970’s tv show called Blakes’7. One particular episode gave me an idea! Sadly it took me twenty odd years to get around to trying to write it. A Clone Legacy is about a lonely middle aged guy who embarks on a journey of discovery. He quickly finds out you are never too old to learn. My second book is a Murder/Mystery and Thriller of a sort. A Dark Persecution was inspired by a nightmare and shows what could happen if you were forced to confront all the people from your past that you have forgotten because you didn’t like them and then of course things turn sinister and fatal. My third A Clone Sacrifice is a return to science fiction and continues the story of book one, where the odds of survival have reduced and some harsh choices have to be made.

When did you start writing?
I didn’t start writing until late 2012. I was in between jobs and just thought I would have a go. I will admit to quite a few false starts but once I got going the story played like a film in my head all I had to do was get it down on to the laptop. I really enjoyed the process and I was hooked.

Why do you write?
I write because I love it. Someone asked me recently what keeps me doing it nearly every day and I just asked “How else do I find out what happens!”

What would be your choice for a superpower?
Definitely to fly, uncomplicated travel although my terrible sense of direction could be an issue.

Who is your favorite author?
Agatha Christie, I wish I could write like her! I have so much respect for the way she constructs her plots.

What are you reading now?
One Evil Act by Elizabeth George

Who is your favourite character to write about?
I created a new species in my Sci-Fi books called the Drakna and they are a lot more intelligent than the humans.

Do you have a writing process?
Yes, I plot plan with a series of events in a timeline (roughly) and then simply write to fill in the gaps and link up the events.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
Take your time and don’t rush any part of the process. Plus get people lined up to read it before you start writing, the more the better.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
I was given real determination to continue by some family and friends expressing their belief that I couldn’t write.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?

Blacklist & Blindspot & Wallander and 100 Code. Movies would be Star Wars, Star Trek and The Equaliser.

What are your current projects?
Stupidly I’m trying to write two books one after the other! I have plot planned my third Science Fiction book A Clone Evolution and then I will return to the Murder/Mystery and Thriller genre with A Bright Circle of Darkness where a few characters from A Dark Persecution will return in a new and different story.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?
I would love them to try my Science Fiction even if it’s not one of their favoured genres because I think and hope mine is a little different and should have a wider appeal.

Quick Fire:
Cats or dogs? Cats
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favourite food? Steak
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Vanilla
What are 3 things you never leave home without? Watch, Sun Glasses and Injection (Diabetic)
Laptop or desktop? Laptop
Who are 3 famous people you would want to hang out with? Emma Watson, George Lucas and J J Abrams
TV or Movies? Movies

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Juli D. Revezzo Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you...

I’m Juli D. Revezzo and I write a blend of fantasy and supernatural—well, a lot of things, actually. My current list of published works run from the Supernatural suspense series Antique Magic, to my fantasy romance series Celtic Stewards Chronicles. I even released my first steampunk novel, this year, Watchmaker’s Heart.

Should your readers be interested, they can find out more about me at:
Homepage
Facebook
GoodReads

Google+
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?

My Antique Magic series is about a woman and witch who has been asked by the gods to help forlorn ghosts with their problems. The genre? I’d say supernatural suspense with a hint of fantasy. Something of a cross between Charmed, Charlotte Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”, and Grimm (except Grimm didn’t exist when I first conceived The Artist’s Inheritance, years ago.). My latest release, MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, belongs to that series.

When did you start writing?

I started making up stories when I was a child. I started writing seriously when I was 18.

Why do you write?

I’ve always been creative, and it’s an outlet. If I didn’t get the stories out, I’d probably implode! *lol* If I’m not writing, I’m listening to music. I can’t draw worth a darn but I’ve tried. I do love photography and fiddle with photo manipulation, from time to time. I’m working on another supernatural fantasy series called Reign of Tarot and have been studying up on the tarot for that. Oh, and I knit a little. See? Creative. But my first love is writing.

What would be your choice for a superpower?

To heal sickness in man and sea.  Breathing underwater might be cool too.

Who is your favorite author?

I have a ton! First and foremost, Fantasy author Michael Moorcock, for one. Without him, I probably wouldn’t be writing; I love the gothic authors and poets like Mary Shelley and Poe; Tanith Lee; Patty G. Henderson, Marsha A. Moore, Suzanne G. Rogers, Jolene Dawe and many more indies. Also, the Medieval bards who wrote the Celtic myths the Mabinogion and so forth. They are the major influence on MOURNING DOVE LOCKET—well, honestly it greatly influences both my Antique Magic series and my Celtic Stewards Chronicles.

What are you reading now?

 I’m currently reading Spirit Touched: A Caleyna Summoner Tale by Jolene Dawe. I just finished Witch’s Moonstone Locket by Marsha A. Moore and about to start the next in her new series.

Who is your favorite character to write?

 Caitlin definitely. But I must say, the new girl in Mourning Dove Locket, Maria was fun. She’s a younger character than I’ve written in the past but she’s so eager to know all Caitlin has to share, I enjoyed being in her head.

Do you have a writing process?

 Depending on the day, I’ll do a little research first, make notes, and then start writing for the day. Sometimes, I wake up with an idea and write first, then research. I’ve been known to (more often than not!) get halfway through a draft before I do much heavy research. *ducks* For MOURNING DOVE LOCKET, since this is so far into the Antique Magic series, I made a few notes and when I finally got to a section where research on Cuba was needed (for the ghost) I stopped and went on the research spree then went back to writing. And then I’ll usually just write all day, stopping here and there for social media and sanity breaks and such.  But like I said, my daily process changes from day to day.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

 Write and read as much as you can. Unlike other advisors, yes I think you should read in the genre you wish to write in. However I also think you should read as widely as possible and don’t get too stuck on labels. From experience, I can tell you sometimes, genre, is in the eye of the beholder! So my best advice is don’t limit yourself.

What inspired you to pursue writing?

 While studying literature in college I realized there might actually be something of a career to be made out of my passion. And so, I thought it a great fit for me.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?

I love all kinds of movies. Excalibur, Star Trek, the Godfather, Fifth Element, True Grit, Pan’s Labyrinth, Malificent, Cloud Atlas, Apollo 13, Labyrinth, just to name a handful. My TV list is much smaller: Once Upon a Time, and I’ve been trying to catch Houdini, a bit. I miss Sleepy Hollow and can’t wait for that one to come back. 

What are your current projects?

Well, I just released the latest instalment in my Antique Magic series, MOURNING DOVE LOCKET. I’ve also got more edits on other things: I’ve got a follow up to my story “House of Cards” on deck for sometime this fall (I hope) and the follow up to my paranormal romance Druid Warrior’s Heart to get out.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?

Just that I hope they enjoy MOURNING DOVE LOCKET and the entire Antique Magic series, as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. If they’d like to they can check it out at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Smashwords

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? Lasagne
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Both. Mix strawberry in with it and it’s awesome.
What are 3 things you never leave home without? My MP3 player, my camera, and a notebook.
Laptop or desktop? Desktop
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? Virginia Woolf, the medieval authors who wrote the Celtic myths, and Ann and Nancy Wilson (of the band Heart). 
TV or Movies? These days? Movies, hands down.

Thanks for having me here today, Gary! It was fun.

(My pleasure, Juli! Also check out her book trailer here)

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

Chris Waltz Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you, Chris

Well, I am a middle school language arts teacher and writer. I grew up in Columbus, Indiana and moved to Indianapolis after graduating from college taking a job with the American Red Cross. I got to do weirdly exciting stuff for someone who had just graduated and had no experience; responding to fires, helping people who had lost everything… I even spent a few weeks in New York the day after Hurricane Sandy hit, which was a very humbling experience. When I wasn’t responding to disasters, I was sitting at a desk, which was a stark contrast and pretty boring. It was sitting at that desk, though, where I finished my first novel. After my contract with the Red Cross ended, I started teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?
My first two novels, Ivy League and Old Habits are actually young adult crime/thriller type stories. I got the idea about a high school student who couldn’t afford college, so he turns to selling drugs while I was actually in college. I started writing it my junior year and finished about two years later. After that, I decided to transition into horror, a genre that I love, but was always too afraid to attempt writing because there’s so much good stuff already out there. It kind of stuck, and I’ve been writing almost exclusively horror since.

When did you start writing? 
I started writing (for fun) when I was about eight-years-old. The first thing I ever finished was ten or fifteen-page sequel to the movie Jumanji. I wrote it and illustrated it, and then I wrapped it and gave it to my mom for Christmas. I had no idea it would turn into something I would be doing for the rest of my life at the time… it was just a way for me to be creative.

Why do you write? 
It’s weird that this question is so simple but so hard to answer. I write, mainly, because it’s something I love doing. I’ve always been very interested in grammar and linguistics, even before I really knew what those things were. I was also always into telling ghost stories, so eventually it all just came full-circle and turned a hobby into a passion.

What would be your choice for a superpower?
If I could choose any super power, I would probably choose weather manipulation, like Storm from the X-Men. It’s not the most exciting power out there, but since I was a little kid, she was my favorite X-Person, so it would be definitely fun and interesting to have her abilities.

Who is your favorite author? 
I have some typical favorites like Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk, but right now, I am completely obsessed (not in a creepy way) with a young adult author named Andrew Smith. He writes these amazing, emotional, gut-wrenching stories, and I’m pretty sure he is the only author who I’ve ever had to buy his books the day they come out. It’s actually been since the fall that one has come out, and I think I’m going through Andrew-withdrawal.

What are you reading now? 
I’ve been reading a lot of graphic novels lately. I’ve just been going to the public library and picking things that look good… I get some duds sometimes, but right now I’m reading the New 52 incarnation of Nightwing and Kick-Ass, and I really like both of them. I was really bummed to find out Nightwing only went for thirty issues before it was cancelled.

Who is your favorite character to write? 
Right now I am writing a serialized horror-comedy where a new chapter releases every two weeks. One of the characters is someone who comes from a small, closed-minded, right-wing town, but he is everything opposite of that. He’s kind of a punk-grunge-gay-carefree guy, and he’s really fun to write against this backdrop of a conservative town that basically hates him because he exists. He also has a pretty big secret (that I won’t reveal here) that also makes him fun to write.

Do you have a writing process? 
I write best when I’m not at home. I can be home alone with no distractions and I still won’t get any writing done. I usually pack up my laptop and some earbuds and head to this kind of dinky local coffee shop. The barista knew my order off the top of her head for the first time yesterday, and I wasn’t sure whether I should be happy that she remembered or sad that I’ve been there so many times recently. I also have to be listening to music—usually one of two or three albums. I don’t like changing up my music selection, because then I’ll be more focused on it than my writing.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? 
That it’s okay to be “indie,” and that being indie doesn’t mean you’re a nobody or unknown, it just means that you want to have more artistic say over what you release. Don’t be just another robot churning out meaningless stories for a big publishing house. Also, don’t jump into anything too quickly. To this day, I regret publishing my first novel as quickly as I did, even though I’m happy with the novel itself.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
I honestly don’t know the answer to that question. I’ve always been fairly artistic, and writing was just the outlet I was best at. I can kind of draw, but kind of being able to do something doesn’t really get you anywhere. And I’m color blind, so that limits visual creativity a bit. It’s also a motivator to look at something you create and think, “Wow, I actually really like this.”

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?
I’m hooked on Shameless on Showtime. It’s an amazing show, and even though it likely only has a season or two left, I would kill to be able to write an episode. I’m also a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan and will watch an episode or two of that every now and again for nostalgia reasons. I’ve also been really attached to the J.J. Abrams adaptation of Stephen King’s 11.22.63. Others include some darker stuff like American Horror Story, Bates Motel, Hannibal, and Weeds. If it’s dark and funny, then I’m sold on it.

What are your current projects?
I’ve gotten into a lot of short story writing since I was at the Stanley Hotel Writer’s Retreat. I’ve got two short stories coming out before summer that I’m really excited about; one in England, so that’s cool. I’m also building a podcast called Dead Oaks where horror authors write short stories that all take place in the same kind of twisted, evil town. We’re recording the first episode of that this week. I’m also checking out some comic book script writing options for a project I’ve kind of had in limbo for about four years.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?
READ MY WRITING! (or, you know, just read. And read a lot.) You never know when you’re going to find something that you completely unexpectedly love. I was really hesitant about reading one of Andrew Smith’s novels, Grasshopper Jungle, and after I finally read it, it became one of my top five favorite novels of all time, so… take a risk. Read something you don’t think you’ll like.

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? Dogs- I have a pitbull
Coffee or tea? Coffee. For life. I would take a bullet for coffee.
Favorite food? Chicken tacos
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Vanilla. With butterscotch topping.
What are 3 things you never leave home without? My phone (ugh), some kind of necklace on, and a belt.
Laptop or desktop? Tablet, so basically a laptop.
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? James Franco, Pope Francis, and Malala. All at the same time. PARTY.
TV or Movies?TV shows all the way, but only the ones you can binge-watch.

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

George Kramer Interview

George, tell us a little bit about you....

I was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., raised on Long Island, and moved to Indiana in 1989. I am a natural born triplet, and one of nine children. I was an introvert until I moved to Indiana.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books? 
The genre is YA fantasy. While kids eleven and up really enjoy my books, adults derive pleasure reading them too. All four (soon to be five) Arcadis books are based on a very powerful sorcerer who goes through a metamorphosis to attain god-like power. In the beginning of the sorcery world there existed three primary colored powers; Red, blue, and yellow. Before lord quill's ascension to head sorcerer, it was mandated you had to marry outside their respective color. When lord quill took control, he ruled no primary colored power may be allowed to marry another primary colored power. Hence a dilution occurred. When a blue powered sorcerer married a yellow powered sorcerer, the baby was green powered, and considered a secondary power, and so on.

When did you start writing? 
I started writing in the fifth grade when my teacher started to read Treasure Island in a pirate accent. My mind wandered, and I started doodling on paper.


Why do you write? 
I started to write for various reasons. I needed an outlet with my overactive creativity, and writing was a release mechanism. Then I wrote articles to get paid. But, by far the best reason I enjoy writing is because people seem to really like my books.

What would be your choice for a superpower?
Mind control. It used to be super strength like Superman, but after watching Jessica Jones on Netflix, I changed my mind. To have anyone doing anything you want would be fun, but ultimately scary!

Who is your favorite author? Jim Butcher of the Dresden Files and David B. Coe. (Spellblind and In His Father's Eyes).

What are you reading now? Right now I am reading how to write a screenplay. I will explain why with the project question.

Who is your favorite character to write?
Arcadis, of course!

Do you have a writing process? 
No. I don't pick a particular room, or time. When I have free time, I write. It doesn't matter where I am, if I have an idea, I have to write it down so I won't forget. (Because it's happened).

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? 
Never, ever, ever give up. Write what you know, and take your creativity to the next level.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
When I found out I was good enough to get paid to write articles. Then it elevated to book writing.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?
Blacklist, Supergirl, N.C.I.S., The Flash, Daredevil, and Jessica Jones.

What are your current projects?
Between having a full time job with a wife and ten year old daughter, I am, because my small but growing fan base asked me to, write a screenplay based on the first Arcadis book. I am consistently told that with colored magic, coupled with epic magical battles, would make a fantastic movie. Then I am writing the sixth Arcadis book, waiting for my editor to give me back the fifth Arcadis book to revise, promote my books by book signings, and interviews like this, started writing a new fantasy series based on one of the characters I introduce in the fifth installment of Arcadis, meeting with the owner of a comic book store to try to work out a board game (He designs them), I started to write a play that I am enjoying... I am sure there is more but I can't think of it right now.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?
Yes. If you enjoy my books, or any other books, writing a good review helps writers tremendously! It helps us get recognized more.

Quick Fire:

Cats or dogs?
Cats. We have a 20 year old cat.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee!

Favorite food?
My mom's Pot roast chicken.

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Chocolate, but vanilla is a close second.

What are 3 things you never leave home without?
Kissing my wife and daughter good bye, a positive attitude, and my coffee!

Laptop or desktop?
Laptop all the way. I've written when I am getting an oil change and various other places. You can't do that with a desktop.

Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with?
Jim Butcher, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.

TV or Movies?
I love both equally as they have their strong points.

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.

R.K. Gold Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you...

My name is R.K. Gold; I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I went to the University of Maryland where I earned a Bachelors Degree in English. I have two book releases planned for 2016 with my publisher Weasel Press and am planning on attending Grad School for Economics.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?
I mostly write magical realism. I like to think how ordinary life would react to extraordinary events. Just sort of drop something fantastic in the real world and see if people embrace it, freak out, ignore it, etc. Though I sometimes write crime, and satire.

When did you start writing?
I have been writing my entire life, but to be honest, growing up it was more talking about writing than actually doing it. You know what I mean, when you write that one story in 3rd grade and it’s all you can talk about until you’re 13. Yeah that was me sadly. The funny thing is back then I hated reading. The first book I ever read for fun was Ender’s Game. I read that freshman year of high school.

I only started writing legitimately in January/February 2014. I published my first work that year in various journals, and wrote my first book in March that year.

Why do you write? 
It’s just what I love to do. It makes me happy. My day doesn’t feel complete unless I hit my minimum reading and writing goals.

What would be your choice for a superpower?
Either super speed, because I would abuse it and set sprinting world records, but like only by a second and half or something like that so I could live the life of a super athlete. Or I would want the power to master any ability just by thinking about it.

Who is your favorite author? 
Where to begin? I mean I try to base my career on Stephen King’s success. The last book I read was Skin Cage by indie author Nico Laeser. If I’m in the mood for a fun quick read I’ll pick up Grisham. I love Vonnegut. If I’m going the comic book route I favor Alan Moore. And if I want to give the sexy answer to impress people I’ll probably recite Langston Hughes’ Dream Deffered:
“What happens to a dream deferred? 

Does it dry up 

Like a raisin in the sun?”

What are you reading now? 

I am currently reading Saving Capitalism by Robert Reich and Going Under by Silas Payton

Who is your favorite character to write?
I like writing characters who were once successful, then completely fell off the deep end and have gone a little crazy. They usually have a lot of bizarre quirks.

Do you have a writing process? 
I usually am able to sit down anywhere and knock out at least a thousand words, but if I’m having trouble focusing I like sitting at my kitchen table with the shades pulled back. A lot of natural light.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Read every day and write every day. Also, Google is the best mentor you can find. Whenever I have had a question I have literally just Googled it.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
I just realized that it’s possible to turn into a career if you’re willing to treat it like a job. It can’t be something you just do every once in a while when you’re feeling inspired. The more you treat it like an actual 9-5 the more of a career it becomes.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?
My favorite movie is a toss up; if I need a serious action packed flick I will watch V for Vendetta; if I need something a little more relaxing and funny I will watch Midnight in Paris. As for television shows, I go through bouts of loving Anime like Attack on Titan and Full Metal Alchemist, but then I also am all for binging sitcoms when I need to just sink into a couch and disappear for a day.

What are your current projects?
I have two books coming out in 2016 (so far). The first is titled Brinwood and it’s a novella about a fictional town called Brinwood, which was taken over by a religious cult. The second is titled God Hates You Too, and it’s about a med school drop out, turned author, who is obsessed with killing God. That is due to come out summer 2016

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?
It is pretty easy for me to trust a dog lover.

Quick Fire:
Cats or dogs?
Dogs- though to be honest I love all animals.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee- but I do drink a fair amount of tea as well.

Favorite food?
Pizza with pineapples and jalapeños

Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Vanila

What are 3 things you never leave home without?
Travel size Listerine, a beanie, my wallet.

Laptop or desktop?
Laptop

Who are 3 famous people you would like to hang out with?
Stephen King, Robert Reich, and Obama

TV or Movies?
Yes… Final answer.

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE to borrow any of my books for FREE!

Best-selling author of Wake the Dead! On Amazon Kindle here!

All Artwork and covers of my works by William J. Kenney & Carlos Cara

All maps, names and content copyright Ashenclaw Studios 2014 unless otherwise noted.