Interview with LORI ARMSTRONG

Lori Armstrong writes in several genres and her books have been nominated for a number of prestigious awards.  She lives in South Dakota, which is the setting of her mysteries.

Your mysteries have all been nominated for numerous awards, most notably the Shamus Award (Snow Blind won in 2009) and the Willa Cather Literary Award (Hallowed Ground won in 2007). What prompted you to start writing them?

Being nominated for awards is a nice side benefit of being an author, winning is even better, but it hasn’t changed the way I write. I’ve always been a mystery reader, like most girls I started with Nancy Drew and I haven’t looked back.

How long have you been writing? You write in more than one genre—care to share your thoughts about the differences between the two?

I’ve been writing toward publication since 2000 and my first book was published in 2005. I’d always wanted to write crime fiction, but it was near impossible with small children. When my youngest was three and could entertain herself for more than five minutes, I put pen to paper. I also write contemporary erotic western romances under the name Lorelei James. I get asked if I took on a pen name for the romances out of embarrassment, but the answer is a vehement no. I’m as proud of the erotic books as I am of the mysteries. Bookstores and libraries shelve fiction by genre, so that was the main reason for the alternate name. Genre readers know what they like and what to expect. For me, the mysteries are about the character’s relationship to violence—and in the erotic romances, it’s about the character’s relationship to sex. But all my stories are character, plot and setting driven no matter which genre. As far as the technical aspect, the mysteries are written in first person and the romances in third, from multiple points of view, so it allows me to flex those different writing muscles.

You live in South Dakota, which is where your mysteries are set. Tell us why you chose that setting over any other.

The research is easy! No, seriously, I’m a native South Dakotan and I want people who’ve never been here to see it through my eyes. That always gives people a different, more accurate depiction of “real” life struggles and triumphs out here in the Wild West/flyover state.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Writing under deadline is a whole different animal than writing because you’ve got a great idea and interesting characters. I’ve been lucky to be under contract for the past few years, but I’ll admit I haven’t had much of a life besides writing to keep those contracts coming.

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

The book that released January 12th is titled NO MERCY. It’s a mystery set on a ranch in western South Dakota. The main character is a woman named Mercy Gunderson, who couldn’t wait to get the hell off the ranch and see the world. So she joined the army at age 18. Twenty years have passed, her father recently died, and she was injured in Iraq so she’s back where she started. While Mercy is home trying to decide her future, bodies start to show up on her land. The book is available at bookstores and online, in several formats: hardcover, ebook and audio book.

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’m working on the second book in the series, MERCY KILL, and if I meet all my editorial deadlines, it’ll be available January 2011.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Write every day. There is no muse. Don’t be afraid to just get it down on paper because self-editing is your best friend. Seriously. Self-editing is my favorite part of writing now when it used to be my least favorite.

Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? Why? Why not?

I’m a member of Mystery Writers of America, and I’m actually on the Board of Directors as a member at large, in addition to being the treasurer for 2010. I also belong to the International Thriller Writers and my local group, Black Hills Writers Group.

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I’m all over the map in the next few weeks. The best place to keep track of me is by checking out the appearances page of my website: http://www.loriarmstrong.com/

FUN QUESTION: As a transplant from New England to Montana, I am especially fond of the weather extremes in this part of the country. What do you like best: the winters or the summers, and why?

I love summer and spending time at the lake or up in the Black Hills or out on the prairie. Maybe because summer seems so fleeting that’s why I prefer it.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):
Websites: http://www.loriarmstrong.com/
http://www.loreleijames.com/
http://www.firstoffenders.typepad.com/
http://www.murdershewrites.com/

Interview with KATIE O'SULLIVAN

Katie O'Sullivan is originally from the Jersey Shore (no, not the TV show!) and currently lives on Cape Cod where she edits an online magazine and writes fiction.

Who is the one person who most encouraged or influenced you to be a writer—and why?

When I was in elementary school, I started writing short stories. My Aunt Kate told me if I wrote a “real” book, she would publish it for me – she worked for a printer at the time. I took her up on her challenge and wrote “The Mystery of the Haunted House,” full of Nancy Drew clichés and chases. True to her word, she printed it into a little book, with hand-colored illustrations and bound in yellow vellum. I was hooked!

How long have you been writing? In what genres do you write?

I was an English major in college, and tried for years to write my Great American Novel. Life always seemed to get in the way, especially after I had kids! When the third child entered full-day Kindergarten, I found I had several hours in a row all to myself (!) so I joined a writing class and finally got serious. I enjoy writing (and reading) romantic suspense with paranormal elements, and I’ve also finished a middle grade novel with those same elements for younger readers.

Tell us about your work as the editor of a women’s magazine.

I joined CapeWomenOnline.com last spring as the magazine’s Editor, and it’s been a wonderful experience. We currently publish five times a year and cover a wide range of topics that are of interest to the women of Cape Cod. We feature articles written by and about Cape women in a number of areas – Literary Women, Creative Women, Community Action, Holistic Health, Working Women, and the Environment. We also have a section titled “Life Stories,” where readers and contributing authors can share memoir pieces. We welcome ideas and submissions from all Cape Cod women – whether you live here full time or just for the summer.

As the Editor, I work with the Publisher to determine themes for the issues and find interesting authors and women to focus on. In the last year I’ve been privileged to work with well-established writers and authors as well as college journalism majors. I’m very proud of the way our magazine looks and reads, considering how very small our staff is. We’ve recently hired a few interns to help us grow and get more organized behind the scenes, and are talking with a woman who’d like to be our dedicated advertising salesperson. It’s coming together slowly, and it’s an exciting adventure.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a writer?

At the moment, finding time to write is my challenge. As a mom with three kids, I’ve become a master of multi-tasking. I can get stuff done no matter how much chaos is swirling around me. As a former reporter, I can do research for the magazine and help with homework and make dinner all at the same time. But I find that writing fiction requires a level of concentration that I just can’t achieve when the kids are home or there are other things on my plate. I constantly struggle with prioritizing my to-do list, and trying to move “writing” toward the top of that list.

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

My debut novel is UNFOLDING THE SHADOWS, released last fall by Cerridwen Press. It’s a paranormal romantic suspense, with a reluctant psychic as the heroine. The back cover blurb reads:

Jillian has worked hard to close the doors on her past and the psychic abilities that defined her youth. For sixteen years, she’s ignored the ghosts who still try to whisper to her. Even her controlling husband Kyle has no idea that his wife can talk to spirits. But on the day after Christmas, her great aunt’s car smashes head-on with a commuter train and Jillian finds herself on a collision course with ghosts who refuse to remain in the shadows any longer.

Long-hidden secrets are coming to light and Jillian’s life has to change to accommodate them. With the help of her friends and a substantial inheritance, she sets her life in a new direction, but Kyle’s not about to lose out on his share of Jillian’s inheritance—even if he has to kill her to get it.

You can purchase a copy directly from Cerridwen Press at http://www.jasminejade.com/pc-7563-92-unfolding-the-shadows.aspx Or you can purchase it for Kindle from Amazon.com at http://www.amazon.com/Unfolding-the-Shadows-ebook/dp/B003380704/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=digital-text&qid=1263994861&sr=8-2

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

My middle grade manuscript MERMAID’S BLOOD is complete and making the rounds, looking for an agent. I’m working on a sequel to UNFOLDING THE SHADOWS, and hope to have it to my editor sometime soon. And, of course, we’ve been busy with the Winter 2010 issue of CapeWomenOnline.com.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

Keep writing. Whether it’s your first manuscript or fiftieth, the most important thing is to write, write, write. The submission process is a long waiting game, and it’s important to keep your head in the game by starting something new.

Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? Why? Why not?

I belong to the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and to my local New England Chapter (NEC) of RWA. Writing is mostly a lonely pursuit, sitting by yourself in front of the computer screen. I find it really helpful to know there are a group of women out there in the same boat. Belonging to RWA gives me access to many, many writing seminars, online classes, and conventions that I didn’t know existed.

My local group meets once a month, but has a Yahoo chat group that fills my inbox daily. It’s great to have an extended support system for those times you need to ask questions or share successes. Many of my fellow NECers are seasoned authors with best sellers to their credit, and many more are authors like myself just beginning our journeys into publication. It’s a very supportive group and I feel lucky to have found them.

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

As my novel is still only an e-book, I won’t have any signing in the immediate future. There are a few local bookstores that I know through my work with CapeWomenOnline.com who’ve already offered to stock my book and host book parties for me…

FUN QUESTION: Do you prefer the beach in the winter or the summer, and why?

This may sound strange, but my family and I love the beach in the winter. In the summer, Cape Cod can get so crowded. The parking lots and beaches are jammed with tourists, and dogs are banned from most beaches (although in my neighborhood we’re still allowed to walk them early in the morning).

By Labor Day, most of the crowds have all gone home and most streets are practically deserted. In September and October, the ocean is still warm enough to swim, the fish are still biting, and my dogs are welcome any time of day. The beaches feel much the same as they do in summertime, and on weekends they can still draw a crowd.

In winter, though, there’s a unique quiet and beauty to Cape Cod. I love walking on the beach when the waves have left icy, frozen trails along the sand. The beach itself changes its appearance almost daily in the winter, depending on the storms passing through. And when it’s snowing over the ocean… you really have to see it sometime.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

My website is http://www.katie-osullivan.com/. You can find my blog at http://katieosullivan.blogspot.com/ . Visit CapeWomenOnline magazine at http://www.capewomenonline.com/ .

Interview with JAMES HOCH

James Hoch is a retired music teacher who spends much of his time RVing with his wife and only child, Ruby.  Oh, and he's currently involved in three different writing projects.  Not bad for someone who's "retired," eh?

What made you decide to begin writing after retiring from your music education career?

For me, it was a need to express creativity. While in the university environment, I had the opportunity to do a lot of composing and receiving performances, but after retiring and starting our adventures with RVing fulltime, there just were not the connections to receive performances of what I wrote. Writing stories is something that has lain dormant in me for a long time. I always had a secret desire to try my hand at it. So when we retired, it became a perfect opportunity to give it a whirl.

How long have you been writing? In what genres do you write?

My first writing endeavors were some articles for a marathon magazine that were published. The success there planted the seed for more writing. I remember the day I started writing an actual novel. It was in December 2007. I had just come out of a Harry Potter movie and ideas for a young adult sci-fi book started brewing in my head. I took the brave step to actually start putting words to the paper. The end result came to fruition in the Fall of 2008 and SynergEbooks published it in April 2009.

I have two genres that I am currently writing in: young adult sci-fi and horror/paranormal romance. I kind of have to laugh when I see the two genres side by side. My wife reminds me not to let the young adult stumble into the steamy vampire romance book.

How much book material do you get from your RVing?

Actually, I think it helps because I get to see more places, meet more people and be involved with new situations. Currently, I’ve taken a temporary sub job in the local high school where we are living for the winter. I am the interim ISS supervisor. ISS stands for “in school suspension”…where they put all the bad little boys and girls. While in this position, I wrote a short horror story about a creature that is in the storage room of ISS and provides the last step of punishment. My wife and I together are writing a short horror story about a laundromat, which we occasionally have to frequent.

What is the biggest challenge you face as a writer?

This one is easy…not getting discouraged and losing faith in myself. It is very exciting to receive notice from a publisher that says your book is going to be published. The champagne pops, there’s wild dancing, and you are elevated off the ground for weeks. Then, the reality of marketing and networking to get your name out and about sets in. I remember when I was composing how hard it was to get people to listen to new music. Most folks feel threatened by a living composer and want to stay with the three b’s: Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Oh, and of course, Mozart. I think the same may be evident in the writing world. People gravitate to the writers on the top of the NY Times bestseller list or Oprah’s book club, and it is difficult for a new author to get noticed. I have vowed not to give up, to work harder at getting my name out, and to become a better writer. Having someone say they enjoyed your story goes along way…of course, a fatter royalty check is nice, too!

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

On January 2nd, SynergEbooks released my new book. The title is “Reveka’s Return.” It is the first book in a series called “The Crimson Pursuit.” It is about an astral vampire who returns to corporeal form. Her life in a new body becomes disrupted when a vicious vampire hunter is sent to capture her. A powerful master vampire wants her secret on how she transferred from an astral plane to an earthly existence.

The book is currently available from www.synergEbooks.com and will soon be available at Fictionwise, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and other ebook sites.

I’ve always wanted to write about a vampire and since writing this book, I’ve discovered there is an enormous pool of people who love vampire stories. So I jumped in the crimson waters and have something floating around for them to read.

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

Currently, I have three projects going. I am a good ways into book two of “The Crimson Pursuit” series. The title is “Reveka’s Revenge.” That book should come out sometime in 2010. Additionally, I have significant progress on a sequel to my first book. It’s called “Milford Spitz and the Search for Einstein.” Also, there is the short story that my wife and I are writing called “The Laundromat.” It’s really been fun writing this short story together and letting our imaginations collide. I have a few other ideas for short stories.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

At first, I tried the process of sending queries out to agents and publishers. It became apparent that I’d have more luck at winning the lottery. To this day, there are queries I sent out that I have never heard back. A writer friend gave me some good advice that has proven valuable and I think it’s something that I would pass along. She said to look at the eBook publishers. I found several. One in particular noted that a response would be given in about two weeks time. I received a quick reply that she was interested and after a couple of suggestions, the next thing you know I have a contract and several months later a book released. I have been delighted with the communication and hard work that Deb Staples at SynergEbooks provides. Over the last year, the whole business of eBooks is expanding exponentially, i.e. with the Kindle, Nook, Sony Ereader, etc. It’s exciting to be apart of the next step in reading’s evolution.

Tell us about your musical endeavors.

For about 38 years, I taught music at the secondary and university levels. My last gig was at Winona State University in Winona, MN. Beginning around 1980, I got my first composition published. Shortly after that, my wife and I started our own small publishing company. We produced two CDs of my original compositions that are available at CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.com and other download sites. It’s exciting to see that people from all over the world have downloaded my compositions. I wrote a great deal for the flute and in particular my favorite flutist and wife, Zoe Shepherd. While living in Winona, I became really good friends with an organist there, Patricia Lundeen, and was thrilled to write for the pipe organ. It is an instrument that is so underrated. It truly is the King of instruments.

Do you have a writing schedule? Word counts? Page counts? Other routines?

I do not have any particular schedule or routine since I am still working part-time. I would love to be able to get up every morning and write from 8 to 5 like Stephen King, but there is still a need for the day job. Maybe in a few years when I am fully retired, I can set up a writing routine. For now, I try to write every day or do some sort of marketing, publicity, or social networking. Generally, I like large blocks of time and preferably alone without distractions.

FUN QUESTION: Tell us about Miss Ruby.

Ruby is our only child. She is a ten-year old beagle and blue tick hound mix. Her occupation is to mostly sleep and provide us with lots of love. She is addicted to snacks--mostly pupperoni, denta stix, and bully sticks. One interesting note is that she actually smiles, and I mean a big, curl up the lips, and show lots of teeth kind of smile.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):

My web site is: http://www.jameshoch.com/

I have a blog at: www.redroom.com/member/jshoch and it is linked to Goodreads and Author Central at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0033BZD7I)

Author Interview with REBECCA CANTRELL

Rebecca Cantrell decided, at the age of 7, to be a writer.  Well, she's done it!  Here's her story...

The bio on your website says that you quit your job, sold your house, and moved to Hawaii to be a writer because, at the tender age of seven, you decided to be a writer. Surely there’s more to the story than that?

There is always more to every story, isn’t there? My husband and I fell in love with Hawaii and planned to retire there, and one day I decided not to wait that long. We talked it over, panicked a bit, and took a chance. We packed our belongings into a container and flew over. It was a challenging transition, but I’ve never regretted it. Once I was here and taking a breather from my regular life, I started a novel set half a world and seventy years away.

Tell us about what prompted you to set your novels in Berlin in the 1930s?

The late 1920s and early 1930s were, for Berlin, a time of intellectual and social freedom mixed with grinding poverty and violent protests. The city was a center for modern art, cinema, writing, and music. By 1934 it would all vanish: the artists fled, in camps, or in hiding. In a few short years, an incredibly vibrant part of a modern European city vanished and was replaced by the horror of the Nazis. How could such a time of transition NOT be fascinating?

You also write award-nominated screenplays. Tell us about that.

After I wrote A TRACE OF SMOKE I wanted to do something completely different, so I took a course in screenwriting at The Maui Writers Conference and wrote a screenplay about vampires set in modern day Hawaii called THE HUMANITARIAN. It was a nice change to research the undead instead of the dead. Learning to tell a story that consists only of what we see and what we hear also helped me as a writer.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a writer?

Before I got published, my problem was persistence. I didn’t take the writing seriously enough until I moved to Hawaii and started treating it like a job. Now my biggest challenge is finding enough time to be a mother, write, and promote.

What is the title of your most recently published book? Briefly tell us what it’s about and let us know where we can buy it.

A TRACE OF SMOKE will be released in paperback on January 19, 2010 (it came out in hardcover in June 2009). It’s about a crime reporter named Hannah Vogel who searches for her brother’s killer through the nightclubs and Nazi hangouts of 1931 Berlin.

In June 2010 the sequel, A NIGHT OF LONG KNIVES appears in hardcover. After being zeppelin jacked back into Germany, Hannah Vogel must solve one murder among a thousand to find her son in 1934 Berlin.

I also have a short story in the anthology FIRST THRILLS, also in June (busy month, June). All of my books will be available at bookstores everywhere and online.

What are you working on now and when/where do you expect it to be available?

I’m working on the third Hannah Vogel novel. It is called A GAME OF LIES. In this one, Hannah Vogel investigates her mentor’s murder and unravels a Nazi conspiracy during the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin. It’s set to come out in June 2011 to bookstores everywhere.

Writers, especially new writers, are always looking for tips and helpful information. What is the single most important “tip” you can give to a new writer?

I used to say persistence, which is very, very important, but now I’m moving toward: have fun! Forget the myth of the tortured artist and love, love, love what you do.

Are you a member of any writer’s organizations? Why? Why not?

I’m a member of The Author’s Guild, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers.

Do you have any upcoming book signings or appearances? If so, give us all the details.

I don’t have anything booked yet, but I will be touring in California and New York this summer. I’ll post the details on my web site at http://rebeccacantrell.com/events/

FUN QUESTION: Television or radio, and why?

Radio. My TV isn’t hooked up to an antenna or cable, so I only watch movies. These days I mostly listen to music and love Pandora.

What are the addresses of your website(s) and blog(s):
http://rebeccacantrell.com/ and http://rebeccacantrell.com/about/blog/

Congratulations, Sophie Littlefield

Congratulations to Sophie Littlefield, whose debut crime novel, A BAD DAY FOR SORRY, was just nominated for an Edgar Award.

I interviewed Sophie on the blog in August; here's a link to that interview:   http://lindamfaulknertips.blogspot.com/2009/08/author-interview-with-sophie.html