Clemy-Warner Thompson - Published Author Interview - Authors' Curtilage - I AM Darmie Orem Blog

INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT

DO: How was the experience transitioning from your formal profession to an author, or you have always been a writer all along?

CWT: From my early teens I always had the urge to be writing. I had read so many fantastic books and played such magical games that I had gained all the inspiration I needed to write, so I did. 8 years later, I’ve now written my very own trilogy!

DO: What is the general setting of your book and time frame?

CWT: When I started writing my fantasy series, I was certain that my book was going to be set on earth in medieval times, when witches were burnt at the stake, but now that I have finished writing the trilogy, I’m not so sure anymore. I think I have made up my own world, with its own cities. I never actually refer to the planet itself, but rather mention that it is set on a specific unnamed continent. The story itself pans over 4-5 years altogether, as there are 3 years between book one and two. The characters have certainly changed throughout that time, which is shown through the skills that they have learnt and their attitude towards their fellow comrades, but the ties of family and friendship are stronger than ever.

DO: Is your book centred on a specific appearance and lifestyle?

CWT: Not particularly, the characters are all from different social backgrounds. Many of the characters are young adults, with the odd exception of a little girl and several parental figures that I introduce throughout the story. There are varying points of view, from the main male protagonist, to the unknown queen that has been hiding for two decades, showing the different types of lives that they have lived.

‘Although human, Eblas was a Goddess due to the power of magic that pulsed through her veins. She had abilities of telepathic qualities and her five senses were heightened as an immortal.’ 

DO: What events lead to these abilities Eblas possessed?

CWT: The reader knows very little about Eblas during the events of Book One. They only find out about her true self in Book Two, ‘Darkest Regrets’. She and her three siblings are created by the spirits of Nature, to help nurture the land and creatures that it has created, including Men. Granted with angelic powers and white wings, the four of them watch over the world for many generations, baring witness to the creation of evil.

Eblas rose from the grassland at the edge of the city where she sat and approached a group of people, sitting in a circle with a fire burning brightly in the centre. As an elderly man finished speaking aloud, Eblas smiled at the prospect of their faith. "The Spirits of Old will always answer your prayers," She worded clearly.

A woman turned to face where she stood. A look of disgust marred her face. "It is not the Spirits we pray to My Lady."

DO: When I read further down, this group disagrees with Eblas when she speaks of the Spirits; they stand to their feet and leave her presence. Does the novel, Purest Light, have religious conflict? May we know exactly what happened here?

CWT: There is no religious conflict as such. My trilogy is based on the point that Nature created all living things, and the essence of its power has materialised over time as spirits. These beings then created Eblas and her siblings to watch over all that had been created, giving up their existence so that the four angels could take their place and protect life.

As time progresses on from that point, the balanced elements of Light and Darkness begin to stray, as the people begin to lose their faith in the spirits, thanking no one but themselves for everything that they have achieved. 

DO: What is the central controversy of this book?

CWT: Whether Light and Darkness can truly exist together; one cannot exist without the other, but if they were to remain unbalanced, life would begin to suffer.

DO: What are the spellbinding butt-end circumstances of it?

CWT: My characters are chosen by Eblas to restore the elemental imbalance, hoping that Light and Darkness can once again stabilise. What they don’t realise though, is that if Light and Darkness cannot be balanced, they must both be destroyed, with fatal consequences. 

DO: For a writer who has published three books, what have been the challenges and the success stories for you in the publishing field?

CWT: Marketing and promotions is the hardest challenge you will face. You have to keep going or else your book could fade into nothing! I have struggled with ‘spreading the word’ about my books but in time, I will get better. I have had several book signings alongside other authors and also featured in three separate news articles. There’s always success if you keep going!

DO: What route would you advice to up-coming writers on how to present their visions to the public?

CWT: Make sure you’re happy with it, before sending it anywhere. I never fully edited my first manuscript as I was a teenager at the time; I have always regretted it and am now finally re-editing the book! Do your research before taking any direct steps, and always remember, whether you’re self-published or published by a company, as long as you have the effort and will to get your book out there, you’ll succeed!

About Author: I am a fantasy author who has been writing for 8 years. In that time I have started and finished my first trilogy known as The Sacred Prophecies, and I am now working on my next book(title to be confirmed) which is the first of a second trilogy. 

Book Title: Purest Light, Darkest Regrets and New Beginnings make the Sacred Prophecies Series.

Genre: YA Fantasy, but is suitable for older readers

Book Blurbs: Purest Light- The story of a brother and sister who are called upon by the people to save them from the Darkness. Given the name of the Lu-Sy, they travel the land in the company of angels, searching for hidden powers to resurrect the creator of the land Eblas, before the evil reaches them.

Formats Available: Paper back and E-book (when final edit is completed, it will also be available in hardback)

eBook Cost: £2.99

Paperback: £6.78

Coming Soon: New fantasy novel, based on the journey of a teenage girl who has everything taken from her when her best friend is killed. Realizing that she has powers, she runs, with the Shadows following her every move.

Author Links: 

Facebook Pages 

 Clemy-Warner Thompson on Lulu

Clemy-Warner Thopmson 

Published Author Interview: Writer | Nurse | Singer | Performer Tina Frisco

INTERVIEW

Welcome on the blogs Tina Frisco, author, singer and performer.

TF: Thank you Darmie, it’s a pleasure to be on the blogs.

DO: What cultural struggles, commitment and loyalty did you speak of in the novel Plateau?

TF: The protagonist, a 15-year-old tribal female named W'Hyani, must overcome her fears in order to realize her destiny, and she must do this in keeping with her tribal customs and while honoring her elders.  Also, her people adhere to their customs and beliefs throughout the novel.  They are peace-loving, forthright, compassionate, and tolerant of diversity.

DO: Plateau, what does that mean?

TF: W'Hyani's people live on a high plateau, sequestered from the outside world.  This is analogous to the plateau we humans often reach in our spiritual growth, and we must persevere in order to reach enlightenment.

DO: What distinct voice did you bring to the world through this book?

TF: I began a shaman apprenticeship many years ago.  All that I've learned and achieved is embodied in the characters in Plateau.  The path of the shaman requires tenacity and focused intention, portrayed by W'Hyani's utter refusal to give up the search for her destiny, and by JoJiah's intense commitment to her apprenticeship.

DO: How did your interest for writing originate?

TF:  I've been a writer all of my life.  As a child, I wrote little poems and songs.  I received my first guitar when I was 14, and song-writing became a passion.  I've performed in many local venues over the years.  I'm also an R.N. and have written and published a few articles in the field of medicine.  I've written many essays of all types, but Plateau is my first novel.

DO: You studied nursing in New York, so you ventured into writing in hopes of what?

TF: My reason for writing Plateau was to put forth a message in the world.  After watching one too many "doomsday" documentaries regarding the supposed end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, I felt both disheartened and determined.  I don't embrace apocalyptic theories and was compelled to write a novel of hope.

DO: W'Hyani became an orphan at an early age. Were there challenges on her way to adulthood that contributed effectively to the success conflict of the novel Plateau?

TF: Yes, many challenges.  In each one, she must square off against her fear, confront varying degrees of adversity, and recognize and rise above her limiting beliefs. The conflict arises with her not understanding what her most harrowing challenge signified.  Her spirit begins to fade, which is in direct conflict with her true nature.  Limiting beliefs are what preclude our manifesting our destiny, and W'Hyani exemplifies the warrior spirit that refuses to forsake itself. 

DO: Like W'Hyani, I wondered, too, how the tiny shard gifted her by her late mother would manifest the realization of her destiny. Please, hint us on this.

TF: The shard is part of a bigger picture.  It's the requisite key to the Great Mosaic of Life, something that she must search for and find in order to fulfill her birthright.

DO: What is a medicine womon? I didn't grasp that part of the book. Was that some sort of a course Jojihah, W'Hyani's bosom friend, studied?

TF: A medicine womon (woman), or shaman, is an intermediary between the human world and the world of spirit.  She heals afflictions by mending the spirit, which in turn heals the physical body and brings the person into balance.  She often enters the spirit realm in order to obtain the answers she needs to perform her healing.  She essentially lives with a foot in two worlds.  Indigenous peoples apprentice younger members of the tribe and pass on their knowledge in this way.  An apprenticeship usually lasts many years, as is the case with JoJihah.

How is Jojihah important to the story Plateau?

TF: Aside from being W'Hyani's best friend and confidant, JoJihah often functions as W'Hyani's conscience and touchstone.  At times, she even plays the "devil's advocate," injecting a bit of conflict and challenging W'Hyani to clarify her intentions and beliefs.

DO: Why did W'Hyani's mother tell her to keep the shard away from people, so that she wouldn't even allow her close friend see it?

TF: When we make a focused intention to achieve a goal, it's often best initially to keep it close to our heart and not speak of it.  In this way, our intention builds in power and our focus remains undiluted.  If we speak of it before it has ripened, we may sabotage our inner power by listening to the opinions of others and likely begin doubting ourselves.

DO: How would you describe Plateau to someone who hasn't read it?

TF: Plateau is a tale of adventure and mystery. W'Hyani, a 15-year-old tribal female, discovers her strengths and destiny by overcoming myriad adversities, all while honoring the wisdom of her elders.  Her will, fortitude, and ingenuity are tested unrelentingly.  She must learn to trust blindly and overcome fear exhaustively, without fully knowing why she was born the Keeper of the Crystal Heart, the requisite key to the Great Mosaic of Life.  Will love prevail over fear?  Plateau proffers a dash of insight and a bounty of hope.

DO: How much of this book is personal and how much a work of fiction?

TF: The story itself is fiction.  The characters are imbued with qualities I've both achieved and admire in others, as well as qualities I've both discarded and disdain in others.  I think this is probably true of most works of fiction.  The author can't help but inject a little of herself into the story!

DO: What message is there in this book that you want to influence your potential readers positively with?

TF: The underlying message in Plateau is that we must keep our hearts open, act from love instead of react from fear, and practice gratitude and compassion within every moment and with every breath.  In so doing, we'll help elevate the human species to a higher consciousness, facilitating both personal and global peace. And above all, we must harm none and walk in beauty.

DO: What are the titles of current books you are working on?

TF:  I've begun writing the first book in a series of children's books I plan to write.  I don't want to announce the title just yet, because that alone would give away too much!

DO: It's been great talking with you Tina Frisco. Give my love to the family. Thanks for stopping by.

TF: *Smiles*, sure. I also thank you.

About Author:  I am an author, singer-songwriter-performer, RN, shaman apprentice, animal/human rights and environmental/social change activist.  I was born in (USA) Pennsylvania, studied nursing in New York, and am currently living in California.  I love writing, reading, music, movies, and nature, among many other things. I'm 5 times an aunt and 9 times a great-aunt!

Book Title:  Plateau: Beyond the Trees, Beyond 2012

Genre:  Fiction

Book Blurb:  W’Hyani was born strong, willful, and the predestined Keeper of the Crystal Heart, the requisite key to unlocking the mystery of the Great Mosaic of Life.  Unaware of the shard’s significance, her fortitude begins being tested by the cosmic forces that sculpted her destiny.  She ultimately comes face-to-face with herself in a battle that would shrink the will of the most intrepid warrior, unaware that the realization of her destiny will irrevocably impact all beings on earth and beyond.  The Great Mosaic of Life holds a message of hope that would allow us to see and live beyond the year 2012, into the Golden Age of Enlightenment.

Available Formats:  Paperback, eBook, hardback.

eBook Cost:  Kindle - $1.99, Smashwords - $0.99

Paperback:  $13.25

Books Coming Soon:  A series of children's books

Buy Links:  Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Tina-Frisco/e/B009NMOFNY, Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/plateau-tina-frisco/1112187541, Chapters.Indigo - http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=Tina%20Frisco&pageSize=12,
Friesen Press -
http://www.friesenpress.com/bookstore/title/119734000004251564/Tina-Frisco-Plateau

Passionate Promotional Blogger, Author, Toni Sinns | Authors' Curtilage Interview

INTERVIEW


DO: I know of a woman who inspires aspiring writers, promotes the works of just emerging and seasoned authors. In a distance though, I could tell she is a good person with a large heart. She has created platforms all over the social networks for authors all over the world to gain wide coverage, getting their names and books on the minds of everybody. I call her my boss. *smiles* Please lovely people, welcome with me on the blogs today, Toni Sinns author of I've Got You Covered.

 

Welcome Toni.

 

Part of running an active blogs such as the ones you have for the authors, book reviewers, interviewers, etc, involves serious work. How has it been doing this and writing your own book?

TS: It can get pretty crazy. And is the reason for many of my sleepless nights or little sleep nights. I tack on a bit more then I should for one person and my books tend to be the part that gets the negative effects. My characters are very neglected but I enjoy the sounds of how happy the other authors are when they see their work spotlighted on any of the promotions I do. Or if they win an award.

DO: Would you say you are an optimist when it comes to the future of all categories of publishing?

TS: I work in multiple areas of the publishing market so I get to see multiple aspects of it. However, I have to say I worry. So many people are switching from books to kindles. And that is great reading is reading but many authors self-publish and only get cents per kindle while they could actually get a few dollars for a book. Authors are struggling, readers are struggling to afford books and find places to keep them, and everyone wants something for free. And then marketing is crazy. Too many people are trying to jump in the writing and expect to get rich. You will only see the return of how much work you put in. But I keep hope.

DO: Part of the book I've Got You Covered took place in a high school setting, is this a personal story or a complete work of fiction?

TS: This is a complete work of fiction. I didn’t base anyone off anyone or base any of the locations off anywhere. However, that being said I did go to high school so the drama and issues are based on that of which I remember, heard, or was worried about before going into high school.

DO: Cutting the intro to this book very short, "Anistasia Cloud watched the reactions of the other students around her, the guys' eyes following her body, while the girls' gave snobby snorts. She sighed again; she wasn't here to get friends. She was here to escape the past." Hmmm....What hurtful past is Anistasia running away from? Do hint us a little.

TS: Anistasia has a very intense past that is given parts to here and there through the series but is finally fully exposed in the last book (book four). She is on the run for her life.

DO: How is John connected to the Hook of the book I've Got You Covered? I could see that with him sprung intriguing situations.

TS: John is connected to Anistasia in a very personal way. He isn’t blood related to her but he has a blood connection to her. You find out about 2/3 of the way through the book.

DO: Anistasia is a racer from her past. Not just ordinary woman does this kind of sport. What sort of character would you describe her?

TS: Anistasia is unique. She is this strong woman who has a very wide variety of fine tuned skills that she has learned over the last years of her life. She is adventurous and brave. She doesn’t normally shy away but until now she has never had anyone willing to break down the walls. And once you break walls down it takes time to build them back up. So you get to see her change from hard core to soft and then build back up.

DO: Would John eventually leave his real love and joy Naomi, in the nearest future to be with Anistasia? I sensed some chemistry between the two.

TS: John is Naomi’s big brother (Blood related brother) so he will never leave his sister. Anistasia and John connect multiple times on multiple levels.

DO: How would you describe the threads of literature you explored in this book?

TS: This book is a combination of genres and thoughts and ideas. This series has been building and remodeling over five years. So you have five years of different emotions, time periods, personal issues, and more that have happen during the building of this series. I don’t think many of these experiences made it into the book but I’m sure they had an effect of what mood was written.

DO: Anistasia from my dig suffered underneath. At some point she came to school with black eye. What are the distinct issues employed in this book?

TS: This book touches on some personal things that can happen. Anistasia not only has her past but also her present to deal with. She is running from someone but also living with an alcoholic brother. She has multiple things she deals with through the book. However, it never gets graphic. It is implied what happens but you never get the graphic details that would make it unable to be read by younger teens.

DO: This book is so fascinating, I couldn't stop reading it. More and more I wanted to find out what happened in the life of Anistasia and John as they unfolded organically with all the supporting characters. This is a good read. Be sure to get your copy of 'I've Got You Covered.'

About Author:Toni Sinns was born and raised in Western North Carolina before moving to Central Florida in 2011. She is an upcoming author/writer with a mind in multiple genres of novels and books. She is currently working on multiple novels that you can read about on her websitealso you can catch her random thoughts on her blog.

Book Title: I’ve Got You Covered

Genre: Young Adult, Adventure, Suspense, Romance

Book Blurb:Anistasia moves a lot to get away from her past. But when she lands in Brooksville she runs into John. Something about him just makes her feel so safe and he can't get her off his mind. The two soon learn they actually have more in common than they could possibly ever know.

Formats Available: Paperback, Kindle, Nook, ITunes, PDF, Kobo,

eBook Cost:$2.99

Paperback:$13

Purchase Links:Amazon, Barnes And Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads

Books Coming Soon:Children’s book (Baby Dragons Voice) is in illustration’s and almost ready to be published. Paradise (Book 3 of the Blazing Charm Series) is in edits and will be published this spring. The final Battle (Book 4 of the Blazing Charm Series) is currently being written and hopefully will be published this winter or spring of next year.

Author Links: Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website

DO: As a blogger and author that helps others reach the mainstream world, what author advice do you have for up-coming writers who are having it rough getting published?

TS: Don’t ever give up. If you believe in your book enough you will find the strength to go through it all. It isn’t easy. Some of the best authors were rejected before they were published. Some got rejected hundreds even thousands of times before someone said okay. Also self published authors you get what you give. If you just publish a book and sit back you’re not going to get anything. Also don’t wait till your book is published to start building your fan base. The build up to the book can help your fans run to buy it when it is finally available. And they will help you sell more by telling their friends and their friends etc.

It’s been a great honor to have you on the blogs. Thank you.

TS: You are welcome Darmie Orem.