AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Darden North

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?

DN: “The ideal reader of my book is anyone who enjoys a contemporary, fast-paced mystery or thriller built around unique and often complex characters who scream for an invitation to lunch.”

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born?

DN: “Almost 20 years ago, I started reading contemporary mysteries and thrillers, the genre generally dominated by recovering attorneys, and decided that as a still-practicing physician I could try to write the same or better using characters in the medical profession.”

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing?

DN: “I write mystery and suspense because I seek plots that question reality or conventional wisdom but are presented as plausible. Fiction lets me twist the truth and unravel it to shock my reader every time.”

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate?

DN: “I loathe repetition of the facts or developments in a story as though the author considers the reader stupid. Analyzing a character’s dialogue and/or facial expressions or body language for the reader many times slows the action to a snail’s pace.”

TBM: What inspired you to write WIGGLE ROOM and what do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

DN: “I was intrigued that a physician in military service overseas would be conflicted by duties to heal the enemy. From that concept, I imagined a unique tale where a terrorist tracks a surgeon back home to Mississippi, the Iraqi terrorist intent on killing the doctor for saving his life. In WIGGLE ROOM I hope readers will see both the personal and professional venerability of physicians and nurses who seek to release normal emotions and find balance in their lives.” 

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it?

DN: WIGGLE ROOM took about four years to write and revise because I had a lot of interruptions. The day I finished, I started the outline of my next novel, my fifth and a follow-up story to WIGGLE ROOM.”

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers?

DN: “I strive for my novels to go beyond the concept of medical mysteries and thrillers and to appeal to readers who do not typically read that genre. The medicine is not the story in my books, the people and the situations drive the action and conflict.”

TBM: What has pushed you to complete four mystery and suspense novels and work diligently now on a fifth book?

DN: “I write the way I read. I love to lose myself in a good story and like nothing more than to take control of the plot, getting my characters into all kinds of satisfying mischief.”

TBM: Lastly, a direct message to the readers, about why they should read WIGGLE ROOM by Darden North.

DN: “I can’t say it better than one of my reviewers: ‘WIGGLE ROOM will not only make you wiggle, it will make you squirm. This modern thriller is cleverly plotted, strongly written, and will pull you into a story world filled with danger, excitement, and conflict at every turn.’ Another said: ‘Darden North writes vividly, with strong pace, action and emotion, counterbalanced with sharp observations and wry humor.’ ”

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jennifer Sights

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?

JS: The ideal reader of Burning Darkness is someone who likes darker stories, who enjoys reading about the gritty side of life. They like suspense, and when a book makes them check the shadows of their own home in real life.

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born?

JS: Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I've enjoyed writing stories for as long as I can remember. I never really thought about publishing, though, until several members of my writing group started working on novels they wanted to publish. I'd never written anything beyond a short story, or a few chapters of a book that ultimately got abandoned, so I decided to seriously try my hand at writing novel-length fiction. Turns out I LOVED it and there were quite a few stories in my head that needed to be told.

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing?

JS: I write urban fantasy partly because it's also my favorite genre to read, and because I love the paranormal. Life is a mystery, and there is so much we can't explain, and I like exploring the unknown and the mythical in my stories.

I also write psychological thriller. I've been drawn to asylum stories for a long time, and wanted to write my own and really explore that dark, gritty side of life where things may not always turn out sunshine and rainbows.

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate?

JS: I love stories that keep me turning pages, and keep me up way past my bedtime. (You mean I have to be at work in 3 hours? But I only have 5 chapters left!) I don't need a happy ending, just an ending that makes sense and bring completion to the story.

I hate stories that start out one way, then take a giant left turn part way through. I'm reading a book right now that starts out to be just a regular, every day fiction story, then about a third of the way into it takes a leap into time travel. I'll keep reading, but it was completely unexpected and jarring.

TBM: What inspired you to write BURNING DARKNESS and what do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

JS: Like I said in question 3, I've loved asylum stories for a long time. I'm fascinated by the history of mental health and how broken the system is, even today. I wanted to write something that incorporated this. I was inspired to write Burning Darkness specifically by a song - "Perfect Surface" by Sinfinis. The first line of the song is "I don't want to wake up..." and even though I'd listened to it dozens of times before, this on particular night, I was driving down a dark highway, and when the song came on I immediately pictured a girl who was trapped in an abandoned insane asylum with no idea why she was there. I later sat down to write the outline, and it turned out to be even creepier than I'd expected.

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it?

JS: I wrote the book for National Novel Writing Month, so I completed the draft in 30 days. I then spent about 4 months editing and polishing it up, getting it ready for publication. The day I finished it, well, it wasn't anything special from any other day. I can't actually remember what I did! I work myself pretty hard, and celebrating my successes is something I need to do more of.

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers?
 

JS: To my readers, I'd like to say to never give up. Life is hard sometime, but don't believe everything the darkness tells you. Don't lose hope, because I guarantee you will find hope and help where you least expect it. 

TBM: What is your favorite part about being a published author?

JS: I love talking to my readers, whether that be online or in person at conventions. I love going to conventions to sell my books. It's so much fun to meet readers in person, hear what they think about the stories, and answer questions they have about writing. Writing a book is hard, and so many people never start, much less finish, so if I can inspire just one person to do that, I'll consider the day a success.

TBM: Lastly, a direct message to the readers, about why they should read BURNING DARKNESS.

JS: Burning Darkness is a book about fighting your personal demons, and not being afraid to ask for help. You should read this book if you want a creepy thriller that will keep you guessing, and might just make you throw the book across the room (figuratively speaking if you're an ebook reader) at what some of the villains do.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Frank Etier

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?

FE: The ideal reader of The Tourist Killer is a baby boomer who thinks and asks questions as they read. Boomers will identify with a main character of their age who can do things they might like to do. They should also appreciate many cultural references aimed at their generation.

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born?

FE: When I was in elementary school, my first cousin was in college majoring in journalism. He won some prestigious awards and I loved his writing. I wanted to emulate him. It wasn’t until I was in my late fifties that I started blogging, writing reviews, and essays when the writer within began to blossom.

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing?

FE: My first two novels have been referred to by readers as political thrillers. While I no longer follow politics on a regular basis, I’ve always been attracted to the “conspiracy theory of history” as opposed to the “random acts” principle. I was in the sixth grade when Kennedy was assassinated and a long time favorite, inspiring novel has been Captains and the Kings by Taylor Caldwell.

After a hiatus of almost forty years, I’ve recently written a short story. It is science fiction.  My publisher is excited about it and it may be the start of another avenue for me.

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate?

FE: Characters with depth who have something to say keep me reading. Engaging dialog is important to me. Several of my favorite novels are filled with characters with whom I enjoy spending time. Because of my friendship with them, I read those books again and again.

Authors who use the same formula with every book lose my interest and they need strong characters to keep me reading.

TBM: A. What inspired you to write The Tourist Killer and, B. What do you hope your readers will remember from this book?

FE: A. Once I decided to write a book I began to work backwards. Female baby boomers top the chart for e-book sales (at least they did when I began TTK) so I decided my main character should be one of them. Choosing an uncommon career that would benefit from some of my own experiences made it easy for me to identify and get into the role. My wife provided valuable insight to keeping Claudia feminine and someone to whom readers could relate.

B. My desire is that readers of all demographics would be inspired to excel at their chosen profession and dare to make unusual choices.

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it?

FE: A little over a year of my spare time was invested in writing The Tourist Killer. (The practice of pharmacy pays the bills.)  During the several months it took to complete editing and re-writes, I began work on my second book, The Presidents Club. The day The Tourist Killer went live on Amazon, I took my wife out to dinner at our favorite restaurant.

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers?

FE: I hope my book helps you to escape and find it easy to become involved in a life that for some would be fantasy.

TBM: How did you come up with John Hixon, Claudia’s lover?

 FE: John Hixon is an amalgam of several real life characters -- three former co-workers, all of whom I admire for their unique skills and knowledge. There’s also a bit of myself in Hixon, too.

TBM: Why they should read The Tourist Killer.

FE: There is more of real life in The Tourist Killer than many might expect from a novel. Readers will get acquainted with this book’s variety of interesting and eclectic characters. One of my goals was to offer the reader a good look at the other side of several lives and challenge them to compare what they find in these pages with their own.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Marie McKean

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?

MM: Honestly, I can't say there is an "ideal" reader. I think its better to look at this question as who do I think would have the greatest chance of 'getting' my writing and my stories - as no two readers are exactly alike. Those readers, to me, would be anyone who is looking for an escape. The individual who sees the potential for the impossible within the seemingly mundane. And those who are willing to lose themselves fully within the pages of a story. If you're ready for the unexpected, and to feel, then my book is for you.

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born?

MM: The writer inside of me was born a long time ago on a ranch in the middle of what most would think was nowhere. It was there that I heard my first splotches of what is called cowboy poetry - the depictions of the harsh, and not so harsh, realities of life through the eyes of old, grizzled men. I fell in love with those stories. Those first moments inspired me to think that one day I'd like to be able to do the same; although I doubted my ability to do it as well as those old men could. My first stories were written after that, and already they showed the first traces for my loves: folklore and heartache.

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing?

MM: I am attracted to writing within the genre of dark fantasy. There is so much potential there. Not only am I free to tell a story that is free from the confines of the "norm", but I am also free to tread into areas that other authors might be afraid to enter. In that way, I can tell the story exactly as my characters tell me it happens, without having to be too concerned about what people think. If its "dark", most people already understand that things are probably not going to happen as a perfectly wrapped package with a pretty bow tied on top. Which is never how life is anyway.

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate?

MM: I love a story with characters so vivid and alive that to me, even after the story is long over, those characters are still alive and well somewhere out in this vast world of ours. Well executed characters are what really make a story memorable. On the flip side, I find it extremely difficult to get into a story with characters that are one-dimensional or unrelateable. Characters are key for me, I suppose.

TBM: What inspired you to write BORN OF OAK AND SILVER and what do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

MM: The story for "Born of Oak and Silver" came to me in parts. I wrote the first chapter after seeing the headstone of my great-great-great grandfather in a small town in Mississippi. The story line after that, however, was a set of events I never expected to happen. In that way, it was an adventure. I never knew just quite to expect next, and after I had written it, frequently looked back and thought, "Did I seriously just write that?" In good and bad ways. In that, it became a journey into seeing if I could be true not only to myself, but to the characters. I think in a strange way it would be awesome if a reader was to read my book and on some level feel encouraged to always be themselves despite the circumstances they are put into.

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it?

MM: Writing "Born of Oak and Silver" took around eight months. When it was finished, I called everyone I knew and told them the good news. However, the real celebration came in the form of a massive plate of nachos to enjoy. There may have also been some happy dancing involved in there too.

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers?

MM: To my readers, I want to say THANK YOU for all the shout outs of encouragement, the reviews (good and bad), and for supporting me. It has been quite a journey, one that has been made better by meeting so many of you and becoming friends. Thank you!!!

TBM: What projects are you currently working on?

MM: THE CARADOC CHRONICLES are still well underway. In addition to "Born of Oak and Silver", I have also released a novella, "Once Within," and the sequel to the novel, "Born of Ash and Iron." There will also be another novella coming out next spring, and the final installment of the trilogy that will be released October 2015. Oh, but that's not all, I've also got a YA paranormal fantasy/horror that is going to be released February 2015, called "Stone Faced Angel".  In other words, there is a lot going on.

MM: BORN OF OAK AND SILVER is a story that will push your limits, make you feel things that you might not expect, and will take you on a journey that isn't what you thought. But like all things, it is worth it. And . . . even better, it is an adventure that grabs you and refuses to let go. 

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Thomas Davidson

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?

TD: My ideal reader understands that we live on a strange, often bizarre planet and that a sense of humor is essential. Laugh or go crazy – take your choice. Life is a roller coaster ride without the safety harness.

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born?

TD: It probably began at an early age when I first looked at the world and held my nose. Discontent may well be the driving force behind fiction writing, which is really world-building. On the plus side, it’s cheaper to be a writer than a painter or a photographer. Art supplies and cameras are expensive. A writer only needs a pencil and paper.

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing?

TD: Thrillers. The suspense genre reflects our world like a mirror. Each day, the newspaper is packed with edgy stories that could fuel countless thrillers.

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate?

TD: A truly good story opens in front of you, and you fall in. Time stops. You forget that you’re turning pages. You’re inside the story, moving along with the characters. When you finally look up, the sun has set, and shadows have crawled across the floor.

TBM: What inspired you to write FLOATERS and what do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

TD: FLOATERS began as a dream. I dreamt the opening scenes, turned it into a short story, and submitted it to San Francisco’s 2013 Litquake Booktrack Halloween Short Story Competition. To my surprise, it won. Shortly thereafter, I went blind in one eye due to a detached retina. Surgeons returned my sight. This experience sparked a new idea about “seeing and being seen.” My short story became a novella, a dark story about pervasive surveillance, loss of privacy, drones, and going blind. It's centered on a young couple who are in for the ride of their lives. Oh, there’s a bit of humor, too.

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it?

TD: It took about three months to write (a novella, approximately 100 pages). Upon completion, I began thinking about a sequel. Stay tuned.

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers? 

TD: “Thank you” x 1,000.

TBM: Hi, Tom. How much stomach-scorching coffee do you drink while writing a novel?

TD: Tom, is that you? Hi. Well, enough coffee to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Each day I look like I’m being Tasered, but it’s actually the caffeine jitters. 

TBM: Lastly, a direct message to the readers, about why they should read FLOATERS.

TD: “Big Brother is Watching You” is the famous line from Orwell’s “1984,” where citizens are under constant surveillance. These days, we are indeed being watched from various sectors and angles. Satellites in the sky, security cameras on the street, cell phone cameras in the crowd. Say goodbye to privacy. In FLOATERS, say hello to drones. The drones are coming, and things are about to hit a whole new level of weird. If you enjoy a (very) near-future tale with adrenaline and dark humor, put FLOATERS under your surveillance.

Book Feature: MURDERED

Could YOU Solve a Murder?

3 Unique Storylines. Over 50 Possible Endings.

Read for *free* on The Books Machine.

MURDERED is a mystery novel unlike any other -- YOU are the main character.

You're in a dark alley, a lost tourist in Brazil, when you stumble across a woman's body and a revolver atop a grisly note which reads, "PICK ME UP." That's when you realize you're not alone....

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Cherie Colyer

Welcome Cherie to The Books Machine!

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book?  

CC: I imagine readers of my book as thrill seekers who enjoy strong main characters, have a passion for all things paranormal, and love a romance worth dying for.

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born? 

CC: I’ve always loved making up stories, but it wasn’t until my husband said that I should write one of my stories down that I entertained the idea of being a writer.

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing? 

CC: I write young adult paranormal because the unknown fascinates me. Anything can happen and the rules aren’t bound to what we know to be true. They can be bent and stretch to create intriguing characters and worlds that exit right alongside our own.

TBM: Why young adult? 

CC: I love to read YA, and I’ve never lost touch with my inner teen. Teens are passionate, discovering themselves, and open to new ideas. They’re determined and strong and independent. They’re everything I want my characters to be.

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate? 

CC: I’m not a fan of predictable plots or books that follow a formula. My favorite books are the ones that I can’t put down—you know the ones that have you reading just a few more pages and before you know it an hour or three has gone by.

TBM: What inspired you to write Challenging Destiny and what do you hope your readers will take away from this book? 

CC: The inspiration for Challenging Destiny came to me when my husband and I were driving on a two lane road in what felt like the middle of nowhere. There was nothing but fields for as far as the eye could see, until we approached a crossroad. There a plan white building void of any landscaping loomed in front of us. It had tall narrow windows and a rickety old porch that led up to pale wooden doors. As we drove closer, we were able to read the sign that said it was a church. I remember thinking, it doesn’t look welcoming. It didn’t take long for a story to emerge and my characters to be born.  

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it? 

CC: Several years had passed since I’d first seen the church and thought about this story to when I actually sat down to write it. By this time, I knew the characters and the danger they’d face. It took me about a year to write Challenging Destiny. When I finished, I shared it with a few trusted readers and waited sort of patiently (I don’t do patient well) for their comments.

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers? 

CC: To my readers I want to say thanks for being so supportive of me and my books. Your enthusiasm means the world to me.

TBM: Lastly, a direct message to the readers, about why they should read Challenging Destiny. 

CC: I’m thrilled to be able to share Challenging Destiny with all the wonderful readers who enjoy their young adult novels served with a large helping of the supernatural and a swoon worthy romance. I hope you’ll join Logan and Ariana in a battle against good and evil. If I've done my job, you’ll be rooting for these teens to save themselves right along with mankind.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW Jennifer Kohout

Welcome to the author of Queen of Soulds, a paranormal romantic erotica story!

TBM: How do you imagine the ideal reader of your book? 

JK: The ideal reader of my book is open-minded, romantically adventurous. They are someone that has been reading the genre for a while and is looking for something a little different, but not too different. All of my books follow long standing traditions, but with a little something extra.

TBM: How was the writer inside of you born? 

JK: I love to read. Some of my earliest memories are riding in the back of my family’s car reading. At Christmas, my wish list was made up of books, books and more books. It seemed a natural evolution to go from reading stories that I love to writing.

TBM: What genres do you work with and why are you attracted to these forms of writing? 

JK: I write historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotica. The biggest attraction for me is the fantasy. Whether set in eighteenth century London or modern day Seattle, I love creating characters that live and love as I grew up wishing I could. 

TBM: As a reader, what elements of a story do you love, or do you hate? 

JK: As a reader, it’s all about the characters for me. Everything else is just stage and setting. I get the most pleasure from books where there are characters I love and hate. Nothing is as satisfying as seeing the hero and heroine serve an especially nasty villain his comeuppance. 

TBM: What inspired you to write QUEEN OF SOULS and what do you hope your readers will take away from this book?

JK: Queen of Souls is all about exploring past traditional notions of love, life, death, romance, and relationships. It embraces the idea that we can love more than one person and still be respectful of our relationships. I also wanted to be free to explore different notions of sexuality that go beyond Fifty Shades, which is why Queen of Souls is list as erotic.

TBM: How long did it take you to write this book and what did you do the day that you finished it? 

JK: I actually wrote this book twice. On my first draft, I reached 101,000 words and wasn’t happy with it. So, I started over. I went all the way back to the 15 Beats and hammered out an entirely new story. Between the first draft, second draft and follow up edits, it took me almost a year to write Queen of Souls. When I finished, I celebrated with dinner out with my husband and a bottle of champagne.

TBM: What would you like to say to your readers? 

JK: To my readers, I want to say thank you. I have some of the greatest fans an author could ask for. They have followed me across genres, venturing into types of books they wouldn’t normally read because it was something I wrote. That kind of loyalty is humbling. 

TBM: What are you working on now? 

JK: I just started working on a new historical romance. The book will be set in the early 1700s and is takes place near the end of the Golden Age of Piracy. As I said before, I like to offer my readers a little something different. In this case, our pirate captain is a woman.

TBM: Lastly, a direct message to the readers, about why they should read Queen of Souls.

JK: Queen of Souls was a hard book to write, but it’s one of my favorite. I fell in love with more than one of my characters along the way, and I hope the reader will too. Despite the untraditional characters and setting, you’ll find situations we can all identify with - love, loss, and insecurity.