Interview – Page 4 – Lit World Interviews

“It doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong.” The Convenience of Lies @K_A_Castillo Q&A!

I’ve known K.A. Castillo for a little while now. I received her book, and I gave my honest review of it. In fact her’s was one of my very first reviews eve. K.A. Castillo brings realism without caving to the tricks some authors use and gimmick plots. The voice of her main character is real and carries through the book. For those not accustomed to authentic writing, her book would be an interesting read. For those who like the common, everyday gimmicks, get ready to be challenged. Now it’s time to . . .

Book Description

“It doesn’t matter if it’s right or wrong. All that matters is if you can. If you can do something, what difference does it make?”

Based on a true story, The Convenience of Lies is a novel that keeps readers up past midnight with its story of friendship, mystery, crime, sex, and betrayal. Set in a suburban town, this story is told through the eyes of a high school junior, Mackenzie, who describes her crush on a “bad boy,” Ramon and her relationship with her best friend, Kira. During the course of the story, Mackenzie does her best to attract the affections of Ramon while her friendship with Kira evolves. Eventually, the different characters’ property starts getting vandalized and a mystery develops as Mackenzie and Kira try to get to the bottom of who is behind the vandalism.

RW: When did you interest in writing begin?

K.A. CASTILLO: I was raised by an English teacher, and so my writing skills have been coached and nourished for as long as I can remember. I have loved writing ever since I learned how to string sentences together, and I’ve kept a diary since kindergarten.

RW: Is The Convenience of Lies your first published piece?

K.A. CASTILLO: The first time my name was published was a letter to the editor for Smithsonian’s October 2011 edition of Muse Magazine. My letter inspired the editors to create a “special edition” Muse Mail page focusing on letters from older readers. In 2006 I was awarded three scholarships valued at over $25,000. For each of these scholarships, the personal statement I wrote was an integral part of my application. Throughout college I studied the process of storytelling, and in 2008 I graduated with honors from California State University Northridge.

RW: Okay, I am very jealous about the Smithsonian thing. That is so amazing. Now, what inspired the story of The Convenience of Lies?

K.A. CASTILLO: The first novel I ever read was Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and it inspired me to someday write a book based on my own life. And so, I started keeping a diary with the hopes that someday I would stumble upon a story worth telling. Then, one summer while I was in high school I experienced a lot of drama which I thought could make a good story.

Mackenzie is the main character in this story, and I think that teenagers relate to her because I wrote the first version of The Convenience of Lies ten years ago when I was a teenager. Therefore, I’ve managed to preserve the mannerisms and voice of teenagers in The Convenience of Lies, much like what S.E. Hinton managed to achieve with The Outsiders.

RW: What message do you think your book delivers to the reader?

K.A. CASTILLO: Anyone can fall into an abusive relationship. It is easy to fall prey to what social psychology calls “blaming the victim” and thinking it will never happen to you. However, remember that love is blind, and look out for yourself first.

RW: Describe The Convenience of Lies in one word.
K.A. CASTILLO: Innocence.

RW: I read some exciting news on your author blog recently about your book and its future, would you share a bit of that with our readers?

K.A. CASTILLO: I started out as a self-published author but was recently approached by Creativia and have now signed a publishing contract with them. You can read all the details on my author site here.

And do go and read it. You can feel the excitement in the story. I am still geeking a little over it.-RW

5 out of 5 Stars-This book was hard to put down and full of useful validating information. As an MFT I have suggested this book to many teenagers and young adults whom have struggled with similar issues, opening up the door for change. The writer gave a sincere portrayal of her struggles , such a difficult feat…..well done to Ms. Castillo I truly appreciate the risk you took in sharing your story.-Brenda Hopley, Amazon Review

People can currently get The Convenience of Lies at Amazon in both paperback and Kindle formats. And of course you must follow Kimberly everywhere, just as I do at:

Facebook: K.A. Castillo-Author Twitter: @K_A_Castillo Author Blog: K.A. Castillo

And now for some quirky questions.

RW: What is your favorite thing to drink?

K.A. CASTILLO: It’s hard to pick just one! But I love strawberry limeade.

RW: Strawberry anything is amazing. Through our talks before I know you are in graduate school, but I have to ask, what’s in your stack of books to read right now?

K.A. CASTILLO: I have plenty of textbooks to get through.

RW: Who is your favorite author?

K.A. CASTILLO: J.K. Rowling is my favorite author.

RW: This is a silly question considering who your favorite author is, but I have been surprised before, if you could have written any book that exists, other than your own who’s would it be and why?

K.A. CASTILLO: Harry Potter of course! I’d love to live in J.K. Rowling’s shoes.

RW: In the tradition of Inside the Actors Studio, What is your favorite word and why?

K.A. CASTILLO: Strength. I love what it portrays, and it’s important to always remember to stay strong. At the same time, from a lingual standpoint “strength” is an interesting word because it’s the longest one-syllable word in the English language.

First of all, I want to thank K.A. Castillo for the interview. Some day I might ask her which Harry Potter book is her favorite, but I decided not to put her on the spot this time. Just as I wouldn’t ask someone which is their favorite child or year of Mustang. K.A. Castillo’s book The Convenience of Lies may be in the category of Young Adult book but it is for readers older as well. For some it will help them recognize what may be happening in their lives, for others it might even show them what they are doing to others. K.A. Castillo’s book is a classic example of how a book can mean different things to different ages. Just as various ages read Harry Potter and get something from it, so too can people read The Convenience of Lies and take away a new understanding. Read my LWI review of her book here. Now go buy her book in paperback or for Kindle.

Much Respect

Ronovan

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Monica LaSarre Q&A The Ruby Brooch of Atlantis @MLaSarre

Jasper Penzey International Boy Detective

The Ruby Brooch of Atlantis

Monica LaSarre

5 out of 5 Stars-“I literally could not put this book down from beginning to end. This may be the author’s first book, but she writes like an old pro! I especially liked that she wrote from a 9 – 13 year old’s perspective. I got lost in this adventure and that is pretty good for a woman in her 50s reading a children’s book. Greece came alive in my imagination, and the history and geography weaved into the plot was excellent. Kids will be learning without knowing it. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.”-Amazon

5 out of 5 Stars-“Read this book with my daughter to help her with her reading- such success! We loved it and read it in a weekend! This is a fun exciting read. A BIG thumbs up. Can’t wait to read more and go on more exciting adventures with Jasper!! A must have book, we will have to own this book”-Amazon

“better than Harry Potter”-Pinterest

I like to interview Authors. I think that’s a given considering I created a site for that purpose. Having a 10 year old son of my own, today’s guest has me excited because it’s right up his alley and I am looking forward to reading it and reviewing it. I may even throw in some opinions here on the LitWorldInterview book review from my son, who I call ‘B’ on the internet. If the cover and title of the book today doesn’t tell you why I am so enthusiastic then let me get out of the way so you can meet . . .

Monica LaSarre

@MLaSarre

RW: Where are you from?

MONICA: I am originally from Houston, TX, but have lived in Colorado for the past 21 years. More specifically, I live in a very rural area, beside a creek, on the side of a mountain. It’s lovely!

RW: Who are your favorite authors?

MONICA: My favorite authors are… wow! This is a tough question. I love authors who make me think (e.g., Dan Brown), make me feel (e.g., Amy Tan, A.S. Byatt) who make me fondly recall reading their works (e.g., Diana Gabaldon, L.M. Montogmery). As a children’s author, I take great inspiration from “Lemony Snicket” (pen name for Daniel Handler) and Donald J. Sobol’s Encyclopedia Brown, boy detective. Probably my all time favorites authors though are Daphne du Maurier (best known for her novel Rebecca), a master of suspense, and M.F.K. Fisher, a culinary genius when it comes to weaving fiction and history around food.

RW: What is your favorite beverage to drink, any kind?

MONICA: My husband tells me I need to drink more water and less coffee, to which I always reply, “Coffee has water in it, doesn’t it?” I drink coffee constantly. It’s my biggest regret in life.

RW: What is your escape from writing when you are at that about to explode point?

MONICA: I’m not the exploding type, actually. I’m pretty calm most of the time. I do find great relief personally in managing stress and angst through Reiki energy therapy and enjoying nature. I have a long dirt-road driveway and often will take a walk to clear my head and get some fresh air. I used to run quite a bit and have completed a couple of marathons, but can’t say that I run a whole lot in the more recent years. Still, it’s something I’ve enjoyed in the past.

RW: What is your favorite word?

MONICA: “Persnickety” It makes me giggle. And, it reminds me of Lemony Snicket, whose books are amongst my favorite in children’s literature, which is always a happy thought.

RW: What is your background in writing, what makes you a writer?

MONICA: I spent 13 years working in the field of transfusion medicine and clinical laboratory science (translation: I wore a lab coat and geeked out on test tubes and biology) and one day decided it wasn’t what made me happy anymore. When I considered what did make me happy, I could only conclude one thing: I love words, I love books and I love writing things that people enjoy reading. My background in writing really is pretty minimal: I wrote as a student, grade school up through graduate school, and in my past career I wrote quite a bit in the peer-reviewed scientific journal realm. Now I write fiction as an author, and fiction and non-fiction as a ghostwriter. It comes so naturally to me and so I must conclude I’ve always been a writer, who simply would be unhappy if I stopped being one.

RW: How did you come up with the name for your book?

MONICA: My first published fictional work is entitled, The Ruby Brooch of Atlantis and it is Volume 1 in the series called Jasper Penzey, International Boy Detective. The series is a color-coded one, covering each color of the rainbow + a pot of “gold” at the end, so red was the theme color I wanted to incorporate into the first book of this eight-book series. I wanted a touch point for kids that was color-centered (red in the case of the first book) and that immediately caused them to be intrigued (“What about the Ruby Brooch? What is that?”) As for Jasper Penzey, the main character, his name came to me while I was running a marathon on the Great Wall of China in May of 2013. I had met a fellow runner from Canada who had a son named Jasper and I immediately loved the name. Penzey seemed like a good fit for a last name.

RW: The book is about a boy detective but genre and reading age does your book fall into?

MONICA: This is a middle-reader (ages 6-11) book, in the mystery/detective genre.

RW: Why did you pick the mystery/detective genre for young people to write about?

MONICA: Kids love mysteries. In fact to them, at the young ages of 6-11, the whole world is a mystery. They’re trying to figure out things, which people to trust, what things mean and how they work. I love that inquisitiveness. In fact, in many ways, I’m still a child…always asking why and wondering why things are the way they are. My overarching desire in writing a book for children was to make it re-aloud friendly (so many kids’ books aren’t, unfortunately!) and write it in a way that would teach children about the diversity of cultures, other countries and history in a way that entertained them and wet their appetite to want to explore the world. I chose a mystery format for that, since I think that’s what kids enjoy the most.

RW: Tell us a little about Jasper and his story.

MONICA: Jasper Penzey is 9 and he’s never known his mother. His history professor father never wants to speak of her. One summer, Jasper moves from Louisiana to Greece with his father and on the eve of his move, he finds a note from his mom and an amulet. His move to Greece no longer is just about tagging along with his dad, it’s suddenly about finding his mom and solving a mystery that will change the course of history. He has never traveled before and, like many children, assumes the world is full of people just like him. His eyes are opened to a different way of life in Greece and he cleverly makes observations about the lives and cultures of people different than his norm, all the while being pulled further and further into a mystery involving the location of his mom and the lost civilization of Atlantis. It’s a lot of fun. And it has cookie recipes.

RW: What inspired the story concept and setting?

MONICA: I was able to travel to Santorini, Greece several years ago, to the exact place where this story is set. I remember being so impressed on so many levels with the geography and people of Greece and though it’s been several years since I traveled there, the landscapes and textures of the country have never left me. I wanted to write a story set in a far away land, especially since Jasper is an international detective, and knew I wanted it to take place in an area I fondly recalled. Greece was a sure fit.

RW: Tell us about Jasper and what you think will help readers connect to him.

MONICA: Jasper is precocious, like most 9-year olds. He asks big questions and is observant all the time. I think this is how most children are, at least it’s how my children are. I also think it is good as an adult to aspire to be young at heart and regain the childhood curiosity we lost along the way. Young readers will relate to Jasper because he’s fun loving, adventurous and curious; adult readers will relate to him because they remember being the same way, and perhaps wish to be the same way again.

RW: Who do you see when you think of Jasper in a movie?

MONICA: I picture Jasper looking a bit like a younger version of Dylan Sprayberry, with his spiky brown hair and big eyes. But at the same time, I love leaving the mental picture of my main character up to the reader’s imagination. I’ll never forget how I felt after reading the Twilight series and feeling like the air knocked out of me when Robert Pattinson was cast as Edward, because that’s not at all how I pictured him. And never again could I recall my own imagination’s image of Edward after that.

RW: What message do you think The Ruby Brooch of Atlantis delivers to the reader?

MONICA: There is a universality amongst humans, regardless of what country you are from, and that diversity in cultures and people and history is what keeps life interesting. I hope my book will create in young readers an early understanding of that fact, and spark in them a lifelong curiosity that can only be satisfied by travel and experiencing history through their own eyes in far away lands across the globe.

RW: What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?

MONICA: I learned a very valuable lesson, actually. It’s interesting because, when I first started writing this book, I was an adult, a responsible mom, trying very hard to write a great kids’ book. Along the way, I learned that the only way I could do that was by putting myself into the mindset of a child. Now, though the book is written and published, I’ve yet to let go of the sheer joy I experience living as an adult who tries always to see the world as a child would. I laugh a lot more, I don’t over complicate things, I enjoy the wonder of each new day and get excited about goofy things right alongside my kids. It’s been an amazing, unforeseen fountain of youth for me, writing this book.

RW: Describe your book in one word.

MONICA: Enthusiastic

RW: Where can we Jasper Penzey International Boy Detective The Ruby Brooch of Atlantis now?

MONICA: It’s available on Amazon in paperback, and for Kindle including Kindle Unlimited. It will also be available through Ingram, catalogued for order by any other online and brick-and-mortar bookstore.

RW: I imagine you are working on book 2 if not already completed it, what about your ghostwriting, anything you can share?

MONICA: At the moment, I’m all about Jasper Penzey, working very hard on his next book in the series, volume 2. I have many exciting books I could share with you that I have ghostwritten for clients around the world, but then I’d be breaking confidentiality. Suffice it to say, there are some really excellent memoirs and fictional works on the publishing horizon that I’ve ghostwritten for others. Shhhh….

RW: How do people connect with you through all forms of social media?

MONICA: I use Twitter and Facebook most, but also Instagram and LinkedIn. I also respond to all messages left for me through my website and via email. On Facebook, I give away a paperback children’s book every single day to those who follow my page and Like/Share my posts. The Book-A-Day-Giveaway is a big draw for my fans to my Facebook page. Parents, teachers, librarians love it. It’s my way of giving back and increasing the reach of quality children’s literature in the world.

RW: Do you currently have agent representation?

MONICA: I actually agented for myself in seeking a publisher for my work. It never occurred to me to look for an agent, and as luck would have it, I never needed one. Had I looked for one, I would definitely have wanted someone who believed in my book as much as I did. Thankfully, I found that person in my wonderful publisher, Dr. Kitty Bickford of Chalfant Eckert Publishing. A mother, grandmother, educator and advocate for quality children’s literature, she and I see eye-to-eye on how important it is to share Jasper’s story with children of all ages (young and old).

RW: What are your plans for Jasper in the future?

MONICA: I’m working on Volume 2 of the Jasper Penzey series and with 8 books in the series, I have my work cut out for me. When I’m not writing Jasper Penzey’s books, I’m daydreaming about what I want to write next and I’m working very hard on ghostwriting projects for clients (one non-fiction, one fiction, currently).

RW: What book are you reading at this time?

MONICA: I’m reading a book called Mary Anne, by Daphne du Maurier, which I found in a used book store recently and realized I’d never read it. Over the weekend, I devoured Gone Girl in a 36 hour reading marathon. It was THAT GOOD. With my children, I’m happily re-reading a beloved classic, Charlotte’s Web.

RW: What is your biggest tip for someone to getting published?

MONICA: Write a great query letter by doing this: believe in your book because if you don’t, no one else will either; the rest of the query letter is just semantics.

RW: If you could have written any book that exists, other than your own, what would it be and why?

MONICA: I wish I had written The Game of Thrones series, or Outlander. Epic fiction, the way George R. R. Martin and Diana Gabladon do it, is so beautiful to me. It’s my pie in the sky, the type of work I aspire to be capable of when my writing career is said and done.

List links to all websites you have and social networks such as Twitter.

Website: www.monicalasarre.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MLaSarre

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monicalasarreauthor

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mlasarre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/monica-lasarre/2/aa5/826

First of all, follow Monica LaSarre everywhere you can. Then really first of all, go buy her book! Now after reading about her and her book, do you see why I was excited to share this Author with you? I know not to judge a book by its cover but when I get my hands on the book, I don’t think I will be disappointed considering the creative mind behind it and the publishing behind it. When I do review it, trust me that I will be honest. If I’m not honest then there is no point to having this site.

Now I want to thank Monica for the interview and sharing so much of herself with us. I look forward to continuing a working relationship with her as I do with all Authors who come through LWI. Again, get her book now! You will be in on the beginning of something great!

Like the interview? Like the sounds of the book? The Author? Then let us know with a comment of encouragement.

And as always . . .

Read a Book, Write a Review.

Much Respect

Ronovan

I really need to make an image that says Follow US on bloglovin’. I’ll put that on my To Do List.

Q&A Luccia Gray All Hallows at Eyre Hall @LucciaGray

All Hallows at Eyre Hall

Luccia Gray

“All Hallows is believable and well-written, true to the “voice” of Brontë, and well-researched. In fact, at times I thought Charlotte Brontë was writing this; that is how fabulous a writer Luccia Gray is. This is not to say that she is a copy-cat writer. No, the author understands and “gets” the flavor, feel, and construction of Brontë’s work – an honor to a classic author, and thus, that is how sequels should be written. Bravo!

Luccia Gray is a beautifully descriptive writer. I sensed a need to don my wool cape when she wrote: “ . . . the horizon is grey, the air smells of damp weeds, and the wind is cold and furious . . .” I felt the almost imperceptible warmth on my face when “ . . . the sun . . . was suddenly visible, pale and low on the distant horizon.” Through her descriptions, I was there – right there.”-Susan Marie Molloy (See full review here.)

Early into my blogging career I met a lady who was a bit different than the norm I had become accustomed to up to that point. Oddly since meeting her I have begun to meet other very intelligent and classy people. When she showed an interest in my blog it was a thrill for me that such a talent and such a lady had done so. Her style and interest is unique among the people I am familiar with and that adds something to the overall mystique about her. She will disagree about a mystique but then again she would disagree if you said she was a talented writer. Meet . . .

Luccia Gray

@LucciaGray

RW: Where are you from?

LUCCIA: I was born and brought up in London, although I live and work in the south of Spain.

RW: Who are your favorite authors?

LUCCIA : My favorite authors are like my best friends. I’ve known them for years, and I can’t live without them, so I go back to them time and time again. They are always comforting and helpful whenever I need inspiration or escape. The first is William Shakespeare, because I’ll never tire of rereading his plays, sonnets and long poems. Secondly novels by Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, or Wilkie Collins, are never far from my fingers.

RW: What is your favorite beverage to drink, any kind?

LUCCIA: During the day tea, coffee and orange juice. In the evenings, white wine on occasions.

RW: What is your favorite word?

LUCCIA: I love words like; enraptured, mesmerized, cherished… because they convey powerful, singular feelings, and they also roll easily off the tongue, and sound wonderful when spoken. So they’re great for reading and speaking!

RW: What is your background in writing, what makes you a writer?

LUCCIA: I’ve been a writer as far back as I can remember. I need to read and write like I need to eat and drink, but I try hard to rationalize the urge to ‘pour out my soul on paper’, and write something worth reading by others.

Academically, I have a degree from London University in modern languages, and a PhD in English language teaching methodology from the University of Cordoba in Spain. I teach English language and literature at the University of Córdoba, and at an Adult Education Centre.

RW: What is the title of your book?

LUCCIA: All Hallows at Eyre Hall

RW: What genre does your book fall into?

LUCCIA: It’s a neo-Victorian gothic romance.

RW: Tell us a little about your book.

LUCCIA: It’s about the personal, social, and emotional challenges Jane Eyre faces in her forties, after a twenty-two year marriage to Edward Rochester.

Jane is coping with the imminent death of her bedridden husband, while Richard Mason has returned from Jamaica, revealing unspeakable secrets once again, and drawing Jane into a complex conspiracy, which threatens everything she holds dear.

RW: What inspired the book?

LUCCIA: Many people ask me this question, and there is no easy answer. The creative process is a mystery, however, I’ll try and verbalize how I came to write my first novel.

I had always wanted to write a novel. I had started many, and even finished one or two, but I was never fully satisfied, because I always seemed to end up writing about myself and my life, and I didn’t want to ‘write as therapy’, at least not so blatantly!

I wanted to write a novel that wasn’t about me or anything related to my life. I purposefully moved as far away as possible from myself physically, temporally, geographically, and emotionally.

Jane Eyre had been one of my favorite novels since adolescence, and when I read Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, as an adult in my 30s, many years later, it struck a deep chord, causing an emotional and intellectual earthquake. My perception of Jane Eyre, and even life, changed drastically.

I must add that Victorian literature has always been my preferred reading, but I had never imagined I could write about the 19th read the neo-Victorian novels by A.S. Byatt and Sarah Walters, such as, Possession, and Fingersmith, and I realized that was the type of novel I wanted to write. The seed was sown.

In the last five years, I was asked to lecture on a subject called ‘Postcolonial’ or ‘New’ Literatures in English, at the University of Córdoba, where I live. After an overview of theoretical and ‘Colonial’ aspects in Victorian literature, the next topic I chose to deal with was ‘writing back’ and ‘rewriting’ colonialism by modernist or 20th authors, such as Jean Rhys. So we compared the themes and characters in Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea. This topic led to more research and brought up lively conversations in class. The seed grew.

It grew so much, I had to get it out of my system and write a novel. A novel that would merge both Jane Eyre and Wide Sargasso Sea, taking both their plots and characters as my background, and moving on to write a sequel of the merger I had created in my mind. The catalyst is Annette Mason, Bertha’s daughter. She will bring both women together, a generation after Bertha’s death.

RW: Tell us about your main character and what you think will them connect to readers.

LUCCIA: My novel has multiple narrators, and there are several significant characters, but overall it’s the story of Jane Eyre’s maturity.

Bronte’s Jane Eyre portrayed Jane’s ‘coming of age’, remember she was only 19 when she arrived at Thornfield, and she married Rochester a year later. In my novel Jane grows up, and becomes a mature adult. It could have been called, ‘Jane Eyre Grows up and Gets on With Her Life’, but that wouldn’t be very appealing to readers!

I think my Jane is an adult, not a love-struck teenager. Although in many ways she’s very much a Victorian woman, she is socially conscious, and is especially keen on promoting free and universal education for all children, especially orphans. She is century to a contemporary audience, until I obsessed with her son’s future in Parliament, because she would like him to promote the social change she feels is needed in Britain. She has published a successful novel, and practically runs the estate, as her husband is on his death-bed, and has been bed-ridden for some years.

However, Jane is not perfect, far from it. She is controlling, obsessive, stubborn, and a little scheming (she learnt that from her husband!). Although she is still a young and passionate woman, she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, even if it means sacrificing her own love, and expecting others to do the same. She is too concerned with social conventions, and in some ways, she has evolved into the woman she would never have wanted to become.

Naturally, she will continue evolving the in sequel, Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall.

RW: Who would play your main character in a movie?

LUCCIA: I think I’ve seen all the movies and series based on Jane Eyre. My favourite Jane Eyre is definitely Ruth Wilson in the 2006 BBC miniseries. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0780362/ She’s only 32, so she’s a little young to play my Jane, at the moment, but by the time my novel becomes a film or TV series, in a few years, she’ll be the perfect age!

I was tired of watching weak, school-girlish Jane’s in other versions. I need a more empowered rendering of Jane for my novel.

RW: What message do you think your book delivers to the reader?

LUCCIA: The most powerful message is that a great novel, like Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre, allows you, no, begs you to look beyond the surface of a novel and search for the real story. Readers should read between the lines, look for the secondary characters, see beyond the narrative ending, and recreate the novel in their own minds.

Nothing is as it seems.

Reread, reinterpret, and reassess what you read and what you believe.

RW: Describe your book in one word.

LUCCIA: Mind-blowing for readers who are familiar with Jane Eyre, because it challenges what readers thought about Jane Eyre and Rochester, especially if they’ve read the book or seen the film.

Captivating for readers who haven’t read the book or seen the film, because they will enter the fascinating world of Jane Eyre for the first time.

RW: Where can we get your book now?

LUCCIA: At the moment it’s only available on Amazon kindle.

RW: How do people connect with you through all forms of social media?

LUCCIA: I have a blog called Rereading Jane Eyre: Rereading and Rewriting Life and Literature at www.lucciagray.com

I’m also on twitter:@LucciaGray

I also have a Facebook Page .

RW: Do you currently have representation? If so who, and if not describe what qualities you would like in an agent and what you would bring to the relationship.

LUCCIA: I am a one-woman-show at the moment!

I’ve never had an agent, and I’m not even sure what they do. However, as I’m finding the whole publishing business rather daunting, ideally I’d like an agent to handle advertising, deal with financial aspects, legal aspects, liaise with my publisher, and everything else that takes my mind and time away from writing. I’d like to keep control of things like my book cover, the content of my novel, my writing schedule, and my social media.

RW: What are you working on right now?

LUCCIA: I’m writing part two of The Eyre Hall Trilogy, Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall, which I hope will be published on Twelfth Night 2015!

RW: What book are you reading at this time?

LUCCIA: I read several books at once. I’m not sure why I do it, but I’ve always done so. When I used to read hard copies, I’d read two or three books at a time, taking up each one according to my mood. Now, I read even more books at a time, because I download them and start them on my Kindle, and continue as I have time, again depending on my mood.

I make a point of rereading the classics continuously. Hardly a week goes by when I don’t reread parts of Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, The Woman in White, and so many more, depending on my mood!

Regarding new books, I’m making a conscious effort now to read mainly contemporary authors, preferable debut and self-published books, or those published with small publishing houses, because they (as I do) need the support to continue creating, and I think that’s where the future of publishing is.

I love thrillers, romance, and historical novels. In the last two weeks or so, I’ve read thrillers like Mad Dog House and Mad Dog Justice by Mark Rubinstein, Cold Blooded by Matt Cairns, and Kiss Me When I’m Dead by Dominic Piper. I’ve also read a Victorian romance by Frances Evesham, An Independent Woman, and I’ve just finished reading a contemporary romantic thriller, Before the Dawn by Georgia Rose, which is the sequel to The First Step.

At the moment I have started The Hollow Man, a thriller by Paul Hollis, a Gothic Horror Romance, by Jane Godman, Echoes in the Darkness, A contemporary Romance, Kings and Queens by Terry Tyler, Cleaver Square, a crime novel by Daniel and Sean Campbell, and Holding Paradise by Fran Clark, a novel about two generations of women from England and the Caribbean

RW: What is your biggest tip for someone to getting published?

LUCCIA: You can write alone, but you can’t publish alone.

Write and rewrite until you’re happy with the final version, get beta readers, and friends to read it, rewrite and correct again with their suggestions. After that, get a professional editor and/or proof reader to go through it again, reread one more time.

When you’re happy with the final version, then format for Kindle, or wherever you’re publishing, get the cover done by a professional, and do all the paperwork involved. Then promote your book on social media, interact with other writers and readers on your blog and twitter, at least. This whole process took me a year, but I have a family and a job, it could take less if you focus 100%, but, it takes a long time.

RW: If you could have written any book that exists, other than your own who’s would it be and why?

LUCCIA: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier.

Why? It’s one of those books which become classics because they’re both literary fiction, and mass market fiction.

Although I love Victorian fiction, I’m aware that it isn’t easy to read for contemporary audiences (three volumes, pages of descriptions, too much telling and not showing, etc…) I wouldn’t like to write a book written only for people who read the TLS. I’d like to write a well-crafted book that readers of all ages and interests can read, and I think Rebecca fits the bill. It has romance, passion, unexpected twists and turns, mystery, beautiful settings, enigmatic and authentic characters, and it’s masterfully written with elegant and flowing prose. That’s the type of book I aim to write.

RW: What is your escape from writing when you are at that about to explode point?

LUCCIA: When I get frustrated or stuck while I’m writing, I have many resources to snap out of it! Sometimes it takes hours, and others a day or two.

Sometimes I just need to do something with my hands, such as cooking or gardening, or something physical, such as going for a walk or swimming, while thinking about my novel and the place where I’m stuck.

Other times I sit and reread any of my favorite Victorian authors, that usually gets me back in the mood with new ideas. I don’t fret, because I know it will be all right in the end.

Often I wake up with a solution or idea, because my subconscious has been busy working it out while I was sleeping.

RW: Tell us where everyone can find you.

LUCCIA:

My blog: www.lucciagray.com

You may have not read her book yet, but after reading her answers today you can see what I was talking about in my introduction. She knows her subject and she has a heart for it that makes her one unique person to write the story she has. I want to thank Luccia for this interview and I hope to have her again for her next book release. Buy her book, and follow her everywhere.

And remember, when you read a book, write a review on one of the sites where you purchase them.

Much Respect

Ronovan

Q&A Jon Langione BAT: The Taninger Vampire @VampyreLangione

BAT: The Taninger Vampire

Jon Langione

@VampyreLangione

I decided it was time for a change and when I ran across my guest today I knew instantly I had found someone I wanted to interview. Not only because of being an author, but also for the life experiences he has been through. The number of books he has put out is impressive. Today we’re going to obviously talk about his interest in vampires and a certain book in particular but I cannot imagine anyone having as varied a catalog as my guest. So let’s meet . . .