James Vernon Interview

I am very happy to say that new Fantasy author, James Vernon, is my latest interview. James has been a supporter of my work since day one, is a fellow-Pennsylvanian, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for the man as a person and a writer. 
James is a fantastic writer with an excellent imagination and you should absolutely check out his first novel, Bound to the Abyss!

Artwork from Bound to the Abyss

First off, tell us a little bit about you, James... First, thanks for having me! I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, where I currently live with my family. I grew up with books by David Eddings and Terry Brooks always by my side, although I loved any book with a great world with a lot of detail to culture, races, and magic. I'm a full-time mathematics teacher and fuller time father, but I can always find time to write (usually when my family is asleep, since I'm a night owl).

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?My first book, Bound to the Abyss, is a fantasy story set in a world that I've spent over three years creating. It follows a young man, Ean Sangrave, who is the village pariah and apprentice to the local healer. When a monster invades the village mine, Ean finds himself dragged on an adventure to find a way to battle the beast. But little does everyone know, but Ean has a connection to the Abyss, a seperate world host to countless monsters and ruled by a dark god. Ean struggles to understand his growing power while trying to determine if he wants to be the village hero or live up to the stigmas placed on him.

When did you start writing?I started writing around three years ago, although I've had stories bouncing around in my head for much longer then that. This world just really spoke to me and I had to get it down on paper and explore it further.

Why do you write?For the pure fun of it. I love reading interesting stories with deep characters and I'm striving to be an author that writes stories that people can really get into. Of course, if I can make enough money to continue to fund the books I write and a web site and illustrations to go with them, that's just the icing on the cake. Sweet, thick icing.

What would be your choice for a superpower?Recently I would have to say the ability to fly. The past few years I've had about an hour commute to work, sometimes longer depending on when I hit traffic. As great as an opportunity to brainstorm about stories and world-build while I'm sitting in traffic, there are certainly some days where I would love to be able to fly home in a matter of moments.

Who is your favorite author?I would have to say at the moment it is the late Robert Jordan. The world he created for the Wheel of Time series was incredible and humbling for a new author like myself. The different characters, how they developed, and the intertwined story lines of all of the characters is a level of planning I don't think I could every achieve. As great of a series Game of Thrones is, it has nothing compared to the intrigue and plot twists in the Wheel of Time series (hope I don't anger Game of Thrones fans, I like that series too!)

What are you reading now?

 I haven't been able to read as much as I used to or would like to, but at the moment I'm working on John Sprunk's Shadow's Son. Its the first in a series, and even though I've only read a few chapters, the setting and main character Caim are really pulling me into the story.

Who is your favorite character to write? Zin the imp, Ean's companion. He is both a bit of sarcastic comic relief to my main character Ean and creates a little mystery. Does he really have Ean's best intentions at heart or does he have ulterior motives? His well thought-out actions and advice are a nice contrast to Ean's young and impulsive nature.

Do you have a writing process?Not really, but it usually does involve a can of red bull. My main writing time is at night when my family is asleep, but if I can squeeze in an hour or so at different points of the day I take advantage of it. Other then that, its random. I might sit down in front of the TV and write with the background noise of Hell's Kitchen, Survivor, or Agents of Shield in the background, or I might lock myself in my office where I'm surrounded by pictures and posters of my own novel or others that I've enjoyed.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Be open to constructive criticism. Your story at time certainly feels like your own child, and its hard to hear when people punch holes in the plot or find the story/world uninteresting. But that doesn't mean you should disregard what you hear or go the other direction and give up on the story. It just means you have to work on it more. My novel certainly was improved by the no-holds-barred criticism I received from my beta reader and editor.
Also seek out people that don't usually read your genre to beta read your story. If a person isn't into the type of work you write, but finds themselves getting through to the end of your novel and wanting more, you know you've put together an interesting and enjoyable story.

What inspired you to pursue writing?Just a basic desire to have my story out there. I can't wait for the day my son is old enough to start reading my stories. I hope by then I have a few nice, long series for him to enjoy.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?Anything with interesting characters and not a predictable plot. Hannibal and The Following have certainly been recent favorites. Agents of Shield started strong, turned into filler for a bit, but have really found their stride after what happened in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. A little reality tv isn't that bad for you either; Hell's Kitchen, Survivor, and Face Off and Creature Shop on SciFi are very interesting. If you want a good basis to see how people really act towards each other, reality tv is a good place to see how a person's character can change.

What are your current projects?I have a few things I'm working on at the same time. Main focus is still on my first release, Bound to the Abyss. I have its sequal currently in the beta reading process and I just started the first draft of the third book in that series. I've also finished the first book in a new series set in the same world and time period, following a new cast of characters. The plan is to release the squeal to Bound of the Abyss by the end of the summer, then the first book in the new series before releasing the third book in the first series. If I don't confuse myself too much in the process.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?Review the books of authors you like! Even if its a few sentences on why you liked/disliked it really helps the author out. Like I said earlier, constructive criticism can really help an author grow as a writer. And hearing positive things is always helpful too!

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I'm horribly allergic to cats.
Coffee or tea?
Tea. I rarely drink it, but I always have to get a Snapple Peach Tea when I buy a hoagie from Wawa.
Favorite food?
A well-cooked steak.
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream?
Vanilla.
What are 3 things you never leave home without?
Keys, cell phone, and wallet. I always check to make sure I have them.
Laptop or desktop?
For writing, laptop. For video games, the most powerful Desktop I can afford on a teacher's salary.
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with?
The three that popped into my head right away were: Joss Whedon(a master story teller in my opinion), Patrick Stewart(who wouldn't want to hang with a star trek captain/professor x), Mark Hamill(for Star Wars alone, but he has also done so much in the industry that not many people talk about. He was the voice of The Joker for how long?).
TV or Movies?
TV. I love a good movie but it always leaves me wanting more. A nice 20-some episode series always keeps me interested and provides satisfying results.

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Neil Sehmbhy Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you, Neil...
Well I'm 34 this year I think. I stopped counting at 30. I live in UK near Birmingham with my wife and two children. I work as a senior manager for a hospitality company and in my spare time when I'm not writing I climb.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?
I have three books that are either completed or works in progress. The first is due to be published later this month in April which is a collection of short short stories and flash fiction which will be released by a new label The Penguins Head publishing.
Then I have a young adult Sci Fi / Fantasy fusion novel based on the adventures of a boy who falls into a hadron collider that is currently undergoing the editing process and a trilogy of Fantasy books that I am currently working on based Finnish mythology. This series I'm really excited about as I'm looking to twist a 14th century tale into a modern fantasy trilogy.

When did you start writing? 
I've always written on and off but I seriously started writing 16 months ago. Tired of hearing me moan about wanting to be an author, my wife enrolled me onto an all night writing workshop. I really enjoyed it and wanted to carry on writing.

Why do you write? 
For me its a release, I am forever day dreaming and creating new worlds in my head but when I write them down the stories just seem to flow. Writing has no limitations on what you can create it's freedom personified.

What would be your choice for a superpower?
Tough question. If I had to pick just one I would have to pick supersonic speed.

Who is your favorite author? 
Robert Jordan without a shadow of a doubt. I loved the world he created and I loved how his characters created an instant connection with the reader. Plus taking on an 10 plus book series takes serious guts.

What are you reading now? 
I'm reading Kafka on the Beach by Hiroshima Murikamyi

Who is your favorite character to write? 
My favorite character is my main protagonist in my trilogy Kullervi. He has the right mix of darkness and light in his persona which makes for an interesting character. Kullervo is one of many in my series of what I call grey characters. These types of characters are complex creatures lile all people and arw capable of heroic deeds and acts of pure selfishness. Everyone has an agenda just like the real world.

Do you have a writing process? 
Yes I tend to quite thorough in my preparation creating a world building bible or reference book. In this I will try and write down everything I think will be relevant, factions, politics, trade, conflicts, currencies, character profiles and plot time lines. It's an evolving document but once it's down then I juust write and story unfolds. From experience I have learnt to finish the story and then edit as to reduce any continuity errors

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? 
Always be prepared to learn, write everyday and don't be afraid to ask for critique. If you really want to write and produced decent work then you need to be prepared for people's opinions and understand that you're only as good as your last piece.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
I've always been a voracious reader especially Sci Fi / Fantasy. There's only so much 9-5 work you can do before you want to get lost in another world. If I wrote I have an opportunity to share my world's and my tales.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?
My son and I are huge comic book fans so anything Marvel and DC. We are addicted to Agents of Shield at the moment but equally I love The Walking Dead, abd Falling Skies. Oh and of course Game of Thrones.

What are your current projects?
Currently I am working on a dark and humorous zombie novella, my fantasy series Sunder and a standalone fantasy novel called Hidden Skies.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?
Everyone is busy nowadays so make use of technology to blog, write and post articles on the road or whenever you have a spare half an hour. If you set yourself goals and targets for writing and then allow yourself mini rewards you will find it easier to keep a firm discipline. Work ethic is key. Oh and watch out for my books and short stories being released this year and please Google me to see some of my work already out there.


Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? Pasta Carbonara
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Errrm Chocolate
What are 3 things you never leave home without? My keys, my phone and a pen
Laptop or desktop? Laptop
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? Stephen Hawkings, Robert Downey Jr and Morgan Freeman
TV or Movies? Movies

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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

Juli, tell us a little bit about you! Hi, Gary, thanks for having me. Well, let’s see what can I tell you? I’m a Florida girl with a love of Arthurian legends and good stories. I have a degree in art history and English Lit. I also love movies and music. I also dabble in photography and gardening.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books? The Antique Magic series is dark fantasy or sometimes called supernatural or paranormal fantasy. The series, beginning with The Artist’s Inheritance and continuing through Drawing Down the Shades, is about a couple living in Gulf Breeze Florida–Caitlin and her husband Trevor—who owe a debt to the Welsh Gods. They also run an antique store and deal with various ghosts that come to them for help from time to time. Sometimes they accidentally get too wrapped up in the ghosts’ troubles and it’s up to Caitlin and her coven to get them out. ;) When and how, well, you’ll have to read the series to find out! If you’d like to, my books are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and Createspace.

When did you start writing? I’ve been making up stories practically my whole life. I didn’t get serious about writing until I was in high school, though.

Why do you write? Why do I write? I’ve always made stories up; writing them down makes them permanent.

What would be your choice for a superpower?Foreknowledge. I think it would be useful to know some thing’s ahead of time, so one can avoid stupid mistakes. ;) Also, Teleportation: I like traveling, but wouldn’t it be great to be able to teleport places?

Who is your favorite author? Fantasy author Michael Moorcock, up and coming historical romance and Fantasy author S.G. Rogers is a favorite. Urban Fantasy author Kim Harrison, paranormal cozy author Juliet Blackwell, too, and classic British author Virginia Woolf. I’d love to write like her, but …no way could anyone get away with that style now.

What are you reading now?I’m doing research for a book idea I’m kicking around so lots of historical tomes. I’m currently reading Seeking Pleasure in the Old West by David Dary and a few others. As to fiction, I’m enjoying Heritage Avenged by indie fantasy author Marsha A. Moore and Dark Oracle by Alayna Williams.

Who is your favorite character to write? It’s a toss-up between my main character Caitlin and her friend, the witch Beryl. Beryl’s a lot of fun to write. Knows all kinds of things about magic and the gods that Caitlin hasn’t learned yet, and she’s got a heck of a sense of humor.

Do you have a writing process? Depending on the story, I’ll start by writing as much of the idea down as I can, sometimes that’s a paragraph, sometimes, it’s a whole chapter. Then, if necessary, I’ll do some research, enough to get me started. I’ll probably bounce the idea off my writing pals, and just pick at it until it grows. 

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Don’t waffle around. If you want to be a writer, stick your butt in the chair now, and start writing.

What inspired you to pursue writing?I’ve been telling stories since I was a kid, that just turned into writing them down and crafting them into books.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?Right now I’m addicted to the ABC fantasy series Once Upon a Time. My favorite movies are …many—maybe too many to list them all! But if you twisted my arm I’d say Excalibur, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Fiddler on the Roof, I Am Legend, Star Trek: Wrath of Khan, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and so many more. J

What are your current projects?I’m working several things: I’m about to release a paranormal romance called Changeling’s Crown sometime this summer, I hope. I’m also working on the next instalment(s) in the Antique Magic series. I also have a paranormal romance series I’m working on with a small publisher (Harshad Wars). I’m revising the second volume in that series right now and I have a historical romance I’m kicking around. So, my stove has lots of stuff on its burners. :)

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?I hope they enjoy my books, and if they do, please review them. If they’d like to know more about my work they can find snippets and tidbits on my site: http://julidrevezzo.com


Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? I don’t have either right now, but between them, I’d have to say I’ve owned more dogs.
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? : Italian food
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Vanilla
What are 3 things you never leave home without? A pen, something to write on, and my keys.
Laptop or desktop? Both. It helps the carpal tunnel to switch around.
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? Ann and Nancy Wilson, and either Samuel Taylor Coleridge or Virginia Woolf.
TV or Movies? Movies. Though it’s nice to see more paranormal and fantasy based shows on television these days, I prefer movies. as I guess you can tell from my list above.

Thanks again for having me. :)

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Beginnings Omnibus Price Redux

Hello all! In appreciation of readers, I have recently reduced the price of the Beginnings Ominubus for a limited time! Through the rest of April only, the Beginnings Omnibus will be available on Amazon for $5.99! And if you don't have a kindle, you can easily download the kindle app right here!

It contains Wothlondia Rising (Which is currently FREE in Ca, US and UK on Amazon), Covenant of the Faceless Knights, Secrets of the Ebonite Mines AND The Legend of Ashenclaw novella, the book that started it all! All four books are contained within this massive tome of over 800 pages!

I have enrolled the book in the KDP Select program and it is available to borrow for FREE if you are an Amazon Prime member! Enjoy!

Also, don't forget to sign up for the Goodreads giveaway of my zombie apocalyptic new novel, Wake The Dead! I am giving away 2 signed copies on June 8, 2014 for anyone in the US and Canada! See the giveaway to the right of this post. Have a great week, everyone! 

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Cris Pasqueralle Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you

I am a retired NYC police officer and I live on Long Island with my wife and two daughters. I'm Long Island born and bred, though at this stage the winters are getting to be a little much. I work part time and write wherever and whenever I can.

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

My book, Destiny Revealed, is the first in a trilogy. It is a YA fantasy adventure novel that tells the story of 13 year old twins Jack and Maddie Austin, who find out they are wizards from the magical realm of existence. When their parents are kidnapped by the evil wizards Tardon, they are lead back to that realm by Uncle Benny, to rescue their parents and have their destiny revealed.

When did you start writing?

 I've been writing since grammar school, and I tried several years ago to go the traditional route, but it didn't work out. After I left the police department, my oldest daughter, Toniann, encouraged me to get back to writing.

Why do you write? 

There are several reasins I write. First, I think I have a story to tell. secondly, it's something I was born with, I don't think I could stop, and third, its fun.

What would be your choice for a superpower?

If I could have a superpower I think it would be flight. I'd love to just be able to soar to the skies whenever I wanted.

Who is your favorite author? 

J.K. Rowling , no doubt. The way she paced the Harry Potter books and had her writing grow with the audience is brilliant.

What are you reading now?

 Re-reading The Hobbit. With the movies I felt it was time to reconnect with the written story.

Who is your favorite character to write?

 Jack, my lead male. He's a lot like me at 13 and I love his strong nature and even the angry edge he carries.

Do you have a writing process? 

I still like putting pen to paper. the first draft has to be in a notebook, usually at night, with a little TV noise in the background.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

 My advice to any aspiring author would be to read anything and everything, not just in the genre you write in. And don't get discouraged. It takes courage to write something from your head and then put it out there for the world to criticize, most people don't have that kind of strength.

What inspired you to pursue writing?

Reading inspired me because I would read something and always feel like I could do that. The Destiny trilogy was inspired by children and their love for fantasy fiction.

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

Currently, my favorite TV show is Vikings on the history channel. I love how they tell a historical story as a show and not a documentary.

What are your current projects?

Currently, I am working on books two and three in the destiny trilogy, but I have an idea for another series with a teenage psychic in the lead.

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

I'd like to say thank you to all those who have read my book, and to those who haven't please give it a try.


Quick fire: 1. Dogs, 2. Coffee, 3. Any Italian food 4. Chocolate ice cream, 5. Cell, a pen, and a notebook, 6. Desktop, 7. three famous people to hang out with, Billy Joel, J.K. Rowling, and Al Pachino, 8. TV

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Marshall Best Interview

First off, tell us a little bit about you
My wife, Tracey, and I have six great children ages 5-17. I live in Fishers, Indiana. I have learned to play piano, marimba and bagpipes, love airplanes, target shoot, fish and write. Mostly writing.

I am the grandson of the founder of Best Lock Corporation and served there as VP of Manufacturing. The Best family is no longer involved and I now own my own business, Marshall Best Security Corporation, which competes against the old company. I have a great Best Lock memorabilia collection and occasionally speak at lock collectors meetings. It is a great heritage. If you cut me, I bleed locks.
I love history. My usual fare is autobiographies of WW I and WW II pilots, snipers, tankers. I also like all the Tom Clancy type novels.

I have read a boatload of ancient writers such as Diodorus Siculus, Pliny the Younger, and the Geography of Strabo from the Loeb Classical Library. As I read those, I made a note whenever something interesting was brought up, and I’ve made great use of these notes in writing this series.

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books? The Guiamo Chronicles are a blend of Historical Fiction and Fantasy. Beginning in 60 B.C. Gaul, they follow young Guiamo from his abandonment on a dirt road at the age of ten to his days of glory battling men, gods and creatures in ancient England and Ireland.
The story line brings such wonderful legends into a historic setting. It gives people a chance to see how the legends we know today might have sprung up from actual ancient events. Legends often come from real life that is distorted in the telling over long periods of time.
I don’t always follow exactly the original stories, they are too convoluted, but I do try to portray key aspects of the mythical accounts in a way that it makes sense that what survives to us today could have been derived from what I describe.

When did you start writing? 

 Six years ago.

Why do you write and what inspired you to pursue writing? Like many other authors, I began writing fiction stories to entertain my children. My first stories were The Princess Meredith Bedtime Tales written for my then six year old daughter. They are available as an e-book collection. I then began a story for my son William. I think the question and answer from a previous interview explain it best.

If you could have any 1 person read your work who would it be and why? That would have to be my son William. He is the model for Guiamo, and if only he ever read the stories, I would be content because I wrote them simply to please him.

What would be your choice for a superpower?I’d be Tax Reduction Man flying through the stratosphere spreading prosperity across America.


Who is your favorite author? That’s a tough one. Tolkien has to be at the top, though I do like Bernard Cornwell very much. He speaks to the barbarian in me. I also enjoy the Frank Herbert Dune series.
The depth of Tolkien’s Middle Earth is astounding. He was a borrower of real and obscure history to flesh out details of his stories. For instance, I read somewhere that the dwarves Durin and Dwalin came from actual people named Durin and Dvalin. In like fashion, I found the names of two brothers, Fili and Kili , in an old leather-bound set of history books I own entitled “History of the Anglo-Saxons” by Sharon Turner (24 September 1768 – 13 February 1847), so I imagine Tolkien surely had a copy of this on his own shelf.

What are you reading now? Massacre at Tobruk, the British assault on Rommel, 1942 by Peter C Smith.

Who is your favorite character to write? Guiamo himself, of course. He’s not perfect, but he does his best to do right, he’s generous by nature, he hates to see wrong win out in the end and he’s not afraid to confront it boldly.

Do you have a writing process? Sit down to lunch, begin writing, eat, continue writing. Repeat at all social events, all available time.
On a more serious note, Guiamo began as “go with the flow”, but as the books developed, it has become more structured, though not to the point of formal outlines. I do know there will be nine books. I’m now in book 5 and I have pages and pages of notes of points to cover, genealogies, calendars to lay out key events and the like. What drives me nuts is that I can’t keep everything in my head, but what author can? When I write something that reflects on previous text, I have to go back and research the details. Oh bother. However, I know where I need to go in the plots of the remaining books.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Write a story that interests you and you can be passionate about. As it’s been said, if you’re not excited about your story, no one else will be either.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing? Sci-fi, action/adventure. I saw Star Wars 21 times when it first came out - it showed for 56 weeks in Indianapolis.

What are your current projects? I’m half way through book five in The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo. My oldest son says it’s the best of them all, and he loves them intensely. It’s possible I may write a few short stories in the near future for my two youngest. They would be Prince Cedric and Princess Emiline Tales.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers?Rush right out in a buying frenzy.

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? Hamsters
Coffee or tea? Hot chocolate
Favorite food? Ribeye Steak medium rare
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate
What are 3 things you never leave home without?
My keys (I’m a lock guy), My Guiamo notebook, kisses from my family
Laptop or desktop? Desktop
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with?
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee
TV or Movies? Movies

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Louisa Oakley Green Interview

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

I've been a professional writer for more than 40 years, in a range of positions including newspaper reporter, magazine editor, public relations manager, creative director and science writer. Before meeting my husband more than 20 years ago, I was a strong skeptic about anything psychic. It just struck me as medieval superstition. Then, as fate would have it, I met, fell in love with and married a man who is a gifted psychic. In addition, many of his family are psychics as well, so I found myself surrounded. (None of them work as professional psychics; they hold regular jobs.) Over the years, I reluctantly began to realize that there might actually be something to psychic phenomena. I have no psychic ability, myself, so I refer to myself as a “psychic bystander.”

Tell us about your books/What genre do you consider your books?
My book, Loitering at the Gate to Eternity: Memoirs of a Psychic Bystander is a collection of more than 100 true paranormal stories from everyday people. I approached the subject matter as a professional journalist. I don’t try to tell readers what to believe. I just faithfully retell the stories of others. The book is also filled with information about different types of paranormal phenomena, how they have been viewed through history and studies that have been done in paranormal research.

When did you start writing? 
I had my first written piece published when I was 14, in a poetry anthology. My first paid professional job was at the age of 17, when I wrote a humor column for a local newspaper. But even as a grade school child, I was always writing stories for classmates, so I guess I have had a passion for writing as long as I can remember.

Why do you write? 

I write because I enjoy the process of writing. Most of my writing these days is in the scientific arena, but I also interview people for articles on everything from what it’s like to work in a rock band to the views of a professional college student who’s in her 90s. It’s fun posing questions you could never politely ask otherwise, and I have found that by listening to the experiences of others, you can learn a great deal about life.

What would be your choice for a superpower?
I would like to have the power to heal the sick, both physically and mentally—to relieve suffering in the world.

Who is your favorite author? 
Most of what I read is biographies and histories, so I am not sure I have a favorite author in those genres. However, in fiction, I suppose J.K. Rowling has my admiration for solid writing skills. For gritty realism and characterization in a fantasy, I admire George R.R. Martin. Among the older authors, I always liked the gentle humor of Roger Zelazny, and Kate Wilhelm is quite skilled in conveying a great deal in remarkably concise writing.

What are you reading now? 
I’m on the fourth book in The Game of Thrones series. Actually, I am waiting for my daughter to lend me the fourth volume. In the meantime, I’m reading a vintage Star Trek book titled Spock Messiah.

Who is your favorite character to write? 
I write nonfiction, so I don’t create characters, but I enjoy engaging in conversation with people I interview and listening to their personal stories.

Do you have a writing process? 
I just sit down and start writing. It’s a discipline and after all these decades it comes as naturally as breathing in and out.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author? 
Pursue your passion.

What inspired you to pursue writing?
My mother was a writer and she encouraged me to have fun with it.

What are your favorite TV shows/Movies to watch in between writing?
I don’t watch a great deal of current television. I watch old series on DVDs. My husband and I are now in the process of watching the entire run of FarScape. Before that, we watched the entire run of the original Star Trek and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

What are your current projects?
I am planning to begin work on my second book sometime this spring. In the meantime, I have book signings and lectures for my current book.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to readers? 
Be open-minded about life and about the books you read. I remember when I was in college that I was an ardent pacifist, so I took a History of Warfare class along with the ROTC candidates because I wanted to understand a different viewpoint. I learned not to be a fanatic. Few things in life are clear cut. No viewpoint works all the time. In the case of psychic phenomena, I definitely didn’t believe in them, but over the years, after many inexplicable experiences, my viewpoint has softened. Anything is possible and books offer the opportunity to broaden your experience through the eyes of others and deepen your understanding of the world around you.

Quick Fire:Cats or dogs? Cats
Coffee or tea? Tea
Favorite food? Duck
Vanilla or chocolate ice-cream? Chocolate
What are 3 things you never leave home without? Cell phone, purse, car keys
Laptop or desktop? Laptop
Who are 3 famous people you would to hang out with? George Carlin, Tycho Brahe, Boadicea
TV or Movies? TV

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Wake The Dead Free This Saturday!

Wake the Dead is live on AMAZON and exclusively available through the KDP Select program. It will be going FREE this Saturday, 3/22/14 all day! I hope you enjoy it and if you happen to download a free copy, PLEASE try to leave a review!

(Again, this book is intended only for mature audiences)

When Alex's idyllic life becomes hell on earth in the face of a zombie apocalypse, his survival skills keep him one step ahead of danger. With the companionship of a lone wolf, Alex begins to accept this cruel existence, struggling at times to keep a moral compass, and setting out on a new quest of hope where he not only wants to survive, but also seeks to thrive in a world besieged by the living dead.

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

Zombies are coming...

I finally have a release date planned for Wake The Dead and will let everyone know that it will coincide with a FREE KDP select day! That's right, you can grab a copy of Wake The Dead for FREE on March 21, 2014 when it launches live on Amazon!

In celebration of the release, Chapter 2 is live on WattPad right now! Check it out! 

wrap around cover with text

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  & my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.

WAKE THE DEAD COVER REVEAL

Well, I have recently received the cover art from Carlos Cara, and am impressed. You should be, too. In all seriousness, it's pretty nice. 

And if you want to read the current Prologue and Chapter 1, have at it on WattPad! And do please sign up, follow me and vote for any of my works -- (if you would be so kind) -- and Wothlondia Rising is FREE there, too. 

Meet Alex and Shadow (the wolf) & a butt-load of zombies!

Visit me on my AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE  and my SMASHWORDS PAGE!

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.