This Week I didn't have an author interview. Next week we will pick up with Author, Jane Harber. You won't want to miss this interview.
Today I am snowed in. It is windy and snowy outside so I am very thankful for my wonderful warm home. I have company today. Well...maybe not company...but Terry didn't have to get out into the storm with his 18 wheeler and I am very thankful for that. It is quiet here. The fireplace is going. Thank you, Terry. and I have some hot spiced tea and my laptop. Terry is reading Popular Science. Life is good.
Yesterday I was scheduled to visit the third grade of Wright Elementary in my little town. I dreamed that I forgot to go and went straight to work. I was so happy to find that it was just a dream.
I tore into town running exactly on time. I didn't like that. I wanted to be early. I pulled into the parking lot and ran to the office to sign in. I was at the wrong campus. I was at Williams Elementary. (It was built after my boys were out of elementary school and I hadn't really paid attention to what they named it. It was on the same block at the Wright Elementary.) I ran to my car and realized that I would be about 5 or so minutes late. I really hate being late.
The children were lined up at the door to leave as I arrived. Ugh...but they cheered when they saw me. The teachers and principal were gracious and allowed me into the computer lab where I spoke to several classes every 20 or 30 minutes.
The third graders were wonderful. They were attentive and quiet. They were interested in the things I had to say. We went over the author's side of the publishing process. I showed them the book cover options the cover design team sent me for each book. They listened to several of the options for voices on the audio books as well as a radio announcer who voiced my book trailers. We decided that whether they were aspiring to become a singer, a professional voice person, radio announcer, or television personality, reading well was necessary.
Mrs. Tina Clyburn, Wright Elementary Principal and fellow PHS grad of '74, took me to lunch at the cafeteria where we enjoyed good conversation and shared time with the students. I have pictures on my website of the children and hope that you take time to look at them. They were so sweet. The adults purchased books and really gave me good words of encouragement. Thank you Wright Elementary, Mrs. Clyburn, Mrs. Donna Wright (the teacher who contacted me about coming) and all the students. You made my day.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Inspiration
500,000 new titles (books) are released each year. Many of them are wonderful books that are not discovered by a lot of people. Knowing this, I am determined to get the word out about, not only my books, but books by talented authors who may or may not have sold a lot of books for the sole reason that they get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes I run into a brick wall with ideas of how to get this done. It is a huge task.
I was feeling hopeful but not inspired when I picked up my Bible and began to read. The Scripture came alive to me and I believed that God would give me creative ideas. The book next to my chair was "Primal" by Mark Betterson. I opened it and it was on the chapter of ...creative ideas! He wrote about doing a catalog for people to choose which mission project they wanted to contribute to. The catalog produced over $50,000 in missions giving.
Catalog?...That sounds ...hard. I have done a brochure before. I know, I will do a brochure of 10 books. The first 8 authors to sign up for it would have a spot. I would take 2 spaces 1 for each of my books. From that came a blog to put the participating titles on. I am learning to go with the creativity. If I fail, I failed trying.
I thank God for His inspiration.
The new blog is:
http://titlesforsale.blogspot.com/
Please go and look it over...& PURCHASE SOME BOOKS.
This week I am interviewing author, Pam Bush.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Pamela Bush
Books - Out of the Whirlwind (Apr 2008 - Authorhouse) -
Out of the Snare (Feb. 2010 - Tate Publishing)
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My husband accepted the Lord on Sept. 7, 1975 at the Pastor's home. About 3 hrs late, we knelt beside our bed and I, too, surrendered my life to Christ. From June 1980 - Oct. 2001 we were missionaries both foreign and in the States doing church planting. Jan. 1, 2002 we became fulltime Pastor & wife to a small country church in Michigan and are still here.
Also, I'm pulling together a mini writers conference with three other Tate authors. It is to be held on March 11th at The Shack in Jugville, Michigan. There is a limit of 75 attendees.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I've wanted to write since the age of 12, but never had the confidence. I started many things, but hadn't really finished anything. Now at the age of 55 yrs old, my message is - don't give up your dreams. I've now had two fiction novels published!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I'm told I have a way of presenting how people should respond to life's difficulties in a non-controversial way. There are always worldly ways to escape situations we fall into. I like to show that there are also spiritual avenues - that work better and long lasting.
5. Are you a reader?
I'm an avid reader! I'm also eclectic in my reading. If I like a book it goes into my extensive library; if not I either give it away or put it in the circular file. I like intrigue, mystery, feel good, self-help, westerns, auto and biographical, plus classics. I never read books with vulgarity or immoral explicit scenes.
6. What are you reading right now?
Crazy Love - Francis Chan
The Seven Pillars of Health - Don Colbert, MD
The Christmas List - Richard Paul Evans (better late than never :)
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm working on as yet, an untitled third book in the Whirlwind Series. I'm writing the love story of the main characters in "Out of the Snare" (Detective Quaid Williams and Abigail Sydney Turner) and tossing in a kidnapping situation.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Discipline and procrastination! For the life of me I've not been able to incorporate a secure, designated writing time. I do it on the fly when the mood hits. I also carry around writing pads! :) When I hit mental blocks, I discuss the scene with my hubby, one of my married kids, or talk to the Lord Jesus. After all, He is the creator of all wisdom and knowledge!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Sydney Larsen’s secret has been discovered - she’s part of an embezzlement scheme in Louisville with accountant Vince Edgar and a third unnamed partner. Quaid Williams is the detective on the case who takes an unusual approach. He works to strike a deal with Sydney if she’ll give the names of her partners. She refuses to give names and is slapped with a payback amount of $100,000 and three months of house arrest. Hope Montgomery (from the first novel) offers to sell her beloved crystal at auction to help with the payback. When Vince goes missing, Sydney realizes she’s caught in the snare, and the third partner becomes someone to be feared. Quaid is willing to protect her, but she’ll have to rules and open herself up to the idea that someone cares about her, possibly even God. As the third partner closes in on Sydney’s hiding place, the race ensues to find the partner’s identity and get Sydney Out of the Snare before she’s trapped forever.”
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
pambush.blogspot.com
tompambush48@yahoo.com
Facebook
**The books can be purchased from my blogspot. "Whirlwind" is also available at amazon.com; barnesandnobles.com; and borders.com
As of right now, "Snare" is only available through my blogspot and can be pre-ordered through barnesandnobles.com
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
I was feeling hopeful but not inspired when I picked up my Bible and began to read. The Scripture came alive to me and I believed that God would give me creative ideas. The book next to my chair was "Primal" by Mark Betterson. I opened it and it was on the chapter of ...creative ideas! He wrote about doing a catalog for people to choose which mission project they wanted to contribute to. The catalog produced over $50,000 in missions giving.
Catalog?...That sounds ...hard. I have done a brochure before. I know, I will do a brochure of 10 books. The first 8 authors to sign up for it would have a spot. I would take 2 spaces 1 for each of my books. From that came a blog to put the participating titles on. I am learning to go with the creativity. If I fail, I failed trying.
I thank God for His inspiration.
The new blog is:
http://titlesforsale.blogspot.com/
Please go and look it over...& PURCHASE SOME BOOKS.
This week I am interviewing author, Pam Bush.
1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Pamela Bush
Books - Out of the Whirlwind (Apr 2008 - Authorhouse) -
Out of the Snare (Feb. 2010 - Tate Publishing)
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My husband accepted the Lord on Sept. 7, 1975 at the Pastor's home. About 3 hrs late, we knelt beside our bed and I, too, surrendered my life to Christ. From June 1980 - Oct. 2001 we were missionaries both foreign and in the States doing church planting. Jan. 1, 2002 we became fulltime Pastor & wife to a small country church in Michigan and are still here.
Also, I'm pulling together a mini writers conference with three other Tate authors. It is to be held on March 11th at The Shack in Jugville, Michigan. There is a limit of 75 attendees.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I've wanted to write since the age of 12, but never had the confidence. I started many things, but hadn't really finished anything. Now at the age of 55 yrs old, my message is - don't give up your dreams. I've now had two fiction novels published!
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
I'm told I have a way of presenting how people should respond to life's difficulties in a non-controversial way. There are always worldly ways to escape situations we fall into. I like to show that there are also spiritual avenues - that work better and long lasting.
5. Are you a reader?
I'm an avid reader! I'm also eclectic in my reading. If I like a book it goes into my extensive library; if not I either give it away or put it in the circular file. I like intrigue, mystery, feel good, self-help, westerns, auto and biographical, plus classics. I never read books with vulgarity or immoral explicit scenes.
6. What are you reading right now?
Crazy Love - Francis Chan
The Seven Pillars of Health - Don Colbert, MD
The Christmas List - Richard Paul Evans (better late than never :)
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm working on as yet, an untitled third book in the Whirlwind Series. I'm writing the love story of the main characters in "Out of the Snare" (Detective Quaid Williams and Abigail Sydney Turner) and tossing in a kidnapping situation.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Discipline and procrastination! For the life of me I've not been able to incorporate a secure, designated writing time. I do it on the fly when the mood hits. I also carry around writing pads! :) When I hit mental blocks, I discuss the scene with my hubby, one of my married kids, or talk to the Lord Jesus. After all, He is the creator of all wisdom and knowledge!
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
Sydney Larsen’s secret has been discovered - she’s part of an embezzlement scheme in Louisville with accountant Vince Edgar and a third unnamed partner. Quaid Williams is the detective on the case who takes an unusual approach. He works to strike a deal with Sydney if she’ll give the names of her partners. She refuses to give names and is slapped with a payback amount of $100,000 and three months of house arrest. Hope Montgomery (from the first novel) offers to sell her beloved crystal at auction to help with the payback. When Vince goes missing, Sydney realizes she’s caught in the snare, and the third partner becomes someone to be feared. Quaid is willing to protect her, but she’ll have to rules and open herself up to the idea that someone cares about her, possibly even God. As the third partner closes in on Sydney’s hiding place, the race ensues to find the partner’s identity and get Sydney Out of the Snare before she’s trapped forever.”
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
pambush.blogspot.com
tompambush48@yahoo.com
**The books can be purchased from my blogspot. "Whirlwind" is also available at amazon.com; barnesandnobles.com; and borders.com
As of right now, "Snare" is only available through my blogspot and can be pre-ordered through barnesandnobles.com
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Into 2010
Into 2010
We have had a couple of weeks into 2010. What do you think of it? I remember my dear friend and youth leader, Barbara Waterbury, reading a poem about how God's mercies are new every morning. The poem was about a young child in a school room doing a writing assignment. The more she wrote the messier the page became. She tried to erase and mark through but the eraser produced holes and smudges. The assignment looked hopeless so she went to the teacher's desk with tears in her eyes. The teacher looked at the page and wadded it up and put it in the trash. The child hung her head down in despair until the teacher produced a crisp clean new sheet of paper and told her to try again.
It continued by saying that when we bring our broken lives to the Lord, He gives us a fresh start. The words of hope in that poem have helped me through some tough times. According to the Scriptures we can have forgiveness and mercy from our Father every morning. Praise God He loves us that much. We don't have to wait until the next new year.
This week I am interviewing an author who signed with another publisher. Meet Donald Vess.
(1.) What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Donald D. Vess
1.) One Realm After Another-Oct. 1,2009 published (Xlibris Publishing)
2.)Reflections of UnSpoken Words-Author’s copy in my hands Jan.2010-release date July 2010 (Dorrance Publishing).
(2.) What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My writings are non-fiction. My story is one of many sorrows and tribulations. My evil desires began at the age of 5. My life was changed in one night and ever since then I have searched for comfort inside. It took 40 years to get where I’m at in life. Walking through almost every worldly addiction and desire possible. I am one of the few that has survived a guaranteed life of prison, drug/alcohol addiction or even death.
The night my life changed, I received many spankings because my Dad couldn’t see what I was seeing. It changed me inside as a 5 year old forever. I found within me, a voice of comfort and truth. I have walked with this truth for 40 years now and He (God), has now allowed a miracle in the making be known, seen and now I share a message of hope no matter what your religion or belief. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to be blind to what the world offers now and to give away the hope, truth, love and understanding that He has filled me with. Life is a parable, the Word of God is a parable, a mystery that surrounds us in our selfishly lived realm. Unselfishness is how I got here, it took a lot of selfishness to get here. The one thing to know about me…I represent our Savior, with truth and it isn’t always accepted. Humbled I am for this moment to share with you.
(3.) When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
In my elementary school years. My first poem was written to my parents at age 8 or 9 while at summer camp. I had the poem until 2003 when a fire destroyed our home.
(4.) What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strength is found in my trust of the Holy Spirit. His voice I can hear as clearly as my Fiance’s when I do something wrong in the house. He is real, I have tested Him all of my life in many ways. As a rebellious child of both here and of God, I endured much discipline and was well deserving of it. I don’t know why I lived this way, deep inside I always wanted the better things in life. I’ve tasted the life of success and walked away from it many times to fill my evil desires. But through everything, I have always been personally counseled by the Holy Spirit. When I write, it comes with two voices, mine and the Holy Spirits.
(5.) Are you a reader?
I am a vivid reader of the Word of God and have been for the past 28 years . It is no longer just a Bible to me, it (He)is alive and dwells within my heart, soul, mind, spirit and every thought. Opening a Bible now is like continuous conversation outside of myself. I use to read a lot of other Author’s work but I am sorry to say, I read no more books.
(6.) What are you reading right now?
The Bible & whatever is posted on the face book walls by other Authors and the writings that I receive from Authors through email.
(7.) Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
1.) Through Spiritual Eyes “Fall“- going to publisher in Jan. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing) with 3 follow up titles, “winter”, “spring” & “summer”, to be released in 2010 w/pictures.
This book and it’s follow ups will have on one page, a picture w/ one of my writings from my face book postings. Seasonal pictures w/ a short message of hope.
2.) When A blind Man See’s- it’s going to publisher in Jan./Feb. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing)
This book will be writings from my past. My writings have always been my own hope of a better day. Through the end of my addictions these writings of crying out for mercy and grace were written. It is also compiled with my writings as I walked into a new life without addictions. This that I have in my life now is very new to me, in it’s own way it’s like being 5 years old in a 45 year old body. Life is great but I feel it very important to release hundreds of my past writings just to stay in touch with those that need guidance through life’s trials and tribulations.
3.) I also have a children’s book that has been written but needs animation. This book will walk 4-6 year olds through each of the 4 seasons with a squirrel as a narrator that the children will be able to name.
4.) I have been working on a auto biography for a year as well that begins when I was 5 years old and was mistakenly given a pain pill and hallucinated all night long, the night before my first day of kindergarten and will go to present date.
(8.) What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Hmmm…I never plan a writing. I could write what’s inside of me all day long. Sometimes the Holy Spirit just says to share this one or that one and I do. : ) I write what I have lived and about what I have gone through in life and that in itself I guess could be a stopping point. Sometimes when I go back in time I will say to the Lord, “hey, you wanna explain this one?” I feel it is very important for us to go back in time with the Holy Spirit. Many of our problems lie in the way we were raised and taught by the world. No one really explains the reasons why we go through ‘hell’ in life. There is reason and purpose though and I learn more each day as we all should. I have many point of views that I keep to myself because I know they’ll cause someone to walk away.It's important to me to touch everyones heart and that can be an obstacle in itself but the Holy Spirit gets me through it. Thank God… : )
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Describing any one of my books is to describe one of them. There is the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of others hearts that I have prayed for. I wanted spiritual wisdom and knowledge because what I was seeing being taught by man, was self intended and misleading. I have sat back for years sharing the Word in the darkest allies, streets, bars, jails and prisons as one who lived in those places, places where most would never dare go. Now I am out of my self righteous prison pity party and I share what I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to help others get through a moment in time.
Making a difference through poetry…Almost three decades ago, poet-author Donald D. Vess struggled to climb out of a well, a bottomless hole where he continuously searched for the unseen and the true meaning of love. It was in this search that he found the inspiration to write, to converse with the Holy Spirit through the written word. One Realm After Another is a compilation of these conversations—a collection of inspirational poetry that recounts his walk with the Holy Spirit. “My intentions are not to gain for me but for the reader to gain anything or something from what I write. Then, turn a negative into something positive and then, make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Redefine your understanding of unselfishness and wisdom through this book today.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog
here.
DonTam06@live.com
www.DonaldVess.com
One Realm After Another, Donald D. Vess, Book - Barnes & Noble
http://www.amazon.com/realm-after-another-donald-vess/dp/1441574611/ref=sr_1_?ie=utf8&qid=1257775959&sr=1-1
Donald Vess on Face Book
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
We have had a couple of weeks into 2010. What do you think of it? I remember my dear friend and youth leader, Barbara Waterbury, reading a poem about how God's mercies are new every morning. The poem was about a young child in a school room doing a writing assignment. The more she wrote the messier the page became. She tried to erase and mark through but the eraser produced holes and smudges. The assignment looked hopeless so she went to the teacher's desk with tears in her eyes. The teacher looked at the page and wadded it up and put it in the trash. The child hung her head down in despair until the teacher produced a crisp clean new sheet of paper and told her to try again.
It continued by saying that when we bring our broken lives to the Lord, He gives us a fresh start. The words of hope in that poem have helped me through some tough times. According to the Scriptures we can have forgiveness and mercy from our Father every morning. Praise God He loves us that much. We don't have to wait until the next new year.
This week I am interviewing an author who signed with another publisher. Meet Donald Vess.
(1.) What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Donald D. Vess
1.) One Realm After Another-Oct. 1,2009 published (Xlibris Publishing)
2.)Reflections of UnSpoken Words-Author’s copy in my hands Jan.2010-release date July 2010 (Dorrance Publishing).
(2.) What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My writings are non-fiction. My story is one of many sorrows and tribulations. My evil desires began at the age of 5. My life was changed in one night and ever since then I have searched for comfort inside. It took 40 years to get where I’m at in life. Walking through almost every worldly addiction and desire possible. I am one of the few that has survived a guaranteed life of prison, drug/alcohol addiction or even death.
The night my life changed, I received many spankings because my Dad couldn’t see what I was seeing. It changed me inside as a 5 year old forever. I found within me, a voice of comfort and truth. I have walked with this truth for 40 years now and He (God), has now allowed a miracle in the making be known, seen and now I share a message of hope no matter what your religion or belief. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to be blind to what the world offers now and to give away the hope, truth, love and understanding that He has filled me with. Life is a parable, the Word of God is a parable, a mystery that surrounds us in our selfishly lived realm. Unselfishness is how I got here, it took a lot of selfishness to get here. The one thing to know about me…I represent our Savior, with truth and it isn’t always accepted. Humbled I am for this moment to share with you.
(3.) When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
In my elementary school years. My first poem was written to my parents at age 8 or 9 while at summer camp. I had the poem until 2003 when a fire destroyed our home.
(4.) What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strength is found in my trust of the Holy Spirit. His voice I can hear as clearly as my Fiance’s when I do something wrong in the house. He is real, I have tested Him all of my life in many ways. As a rebellious child of both here and of God, I endured much discipline and was well deserving of it. I don’t know why I lived this way, deep inside I always wanted the better things in life. I’ve tasted the life of success and walked away from it many times to fill my evil desires. But through everything, I have always been personally counseled by the Holy Spirit. When I write, it comes with two voices, mine and the Holy Spirits.
(5.) Are you a reader?
I am a vivid reader of the Word of God and have been for the past 28 years . It is no longer just a Bible to me, it (He)is alive and dwells within my heart, soul, mind, spirit and every thought. Opening a Bible now is like continuous conversation outside of myself. I use to read a lot of other Author’s work but I am sorry to say, I read no more books.
(6.) What are you reading right now?
The Bible & whatever is posted on the face book walls by other Authors and the writings that I receive from Authors through email.
(7.) Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
1.) Through Spiritual Eyes “Fall“- going to publisher in Jan. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing) with 3 follow up titles, “winter”, “spring” & “summer”, to be released in 2010 w/pictures.
This book and it’s follow ups will have on one page, a picture w/ one of my writings from my face book postings. Seasonal pictures w/ a short message of hope.
2.) When A blind Man See’s- it’s going to publisher in Jan./Feb. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing)
This book will be writings from my past. My writings have always been my own hope of a better day. Through the end of my addictions these writings of crying out for mercy and grace were written. It is also compiled with my writings as I walked into a new life without addictions. This that I have in my life now is very new to me, in it’s own way it’s like being 5 years old in a 45 year old body. Life is great but I feel it very important to release hundreds of my past writings just to stay in touch with those that need guidance through life’s trials and tribulations.
3.) I also have a children’s book that has been written but needs animation. This book will walk 4-6 year olds through each of the 4 seasons with a squirrel as a narrator that the children will be able to name.
4.) I have been working on a auto biography for a year as well that begins when I was 5 years old and was mistakenly given a pain pill and hallucinated all night long, the night before my first day of kindergarten and will go to present date.
(8.) What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Hmmm…I never plan a writing. I could write what’s inside of me all day long. Sometimes the Holy Spirit just says to share this one or that one and I do. : ) I write what I have lived and about what I have gone through in life and that in itself I guess could be a stopping point. Sometimes when I go back in time I will say to the Lord, “hey, you wanna explain this one?” I feel it is very important for us to go back in time with the Holy Spirit. Many of our problems lie in the way we were raised and taught by the world. No one really explains the reasons why we go through ‘hell’ in life. There is reason and purpose though and I learn more each day as we all should. I have many point of views that I keep to myself because I know they’ll cause someone to walk away.It's important to me to touch everyones heart and that can be an obstacle in itself but the Holy Spirit gets me through it. Thank God… : )
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Describing any one of my books is to describe one of them. There is the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of others hearts that I have prayed for. I wanted spiritual wisdom and knowledge because what I was seeing being taught by man, was self intended and misleading. I have sat back for years sharing the Word in the darkest allies, streets, bars, jails and prisons as one who lived in those places, places where most would never dare go. Now I am out of my self righteous prison pity party and I share what I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to help others get through a moment in time.
Making a difference through poetry…Almost three decades ago, poet-author Donald D. Vess struggled to climb out of a well, a bottomless hole where he continuously searched for the unseen and the true meaning of love. It was in this search that he found the inspiration to write, to converse with the Holy Spirit through the written word. One Realm After Another is a compilation of these conversations—a collection of inspirational poetry that recounts his walk with the Holy Spirit. “My intentions are not to gain for me but for the reader to gain anything or something from what I write. Then, turn a negative into something positive and then, make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Redefine your understanding of unselfishness and wisdom through this book today.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog
here.
DonTam06@live.com
www.DonaldVess.com
One Realm After Another, Donald D. Vess, Book - Barnes & Noble
http://www.amazon.com/realm-after-another-donald-vess/dp/1441574611/ref=sr_1_?ie=utf8&qid=1257775959&sr=1-1
Donald Vess on Face Book
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
Into 2010
We have had a couple of weeks into 2010. What do you think of it? I remember my dear friend and youth leader, Barbara Waterbury, reading a poem about how God's mercies are new every morning. The poem was about a young child in a school room doing a writing assignment. The more she wrote the messier the page became. She tried to erase and mark through but the eraser produced holes and smudges. The assignment looked hopeless so she went to the teacher's desk with tears in her eyes. The teacher looked at the page and wadded it up and put it in the trash. The child hung her head down in despair until the teacher produced a crisp clean new sheet of paper and told her to try again.
It continued by saying that when we bring our broken lives to the Lord, He gives us a fresh start. The words of hope in that poem have helped me through some tough times. According to the Scriptures we can have forgiveness and mercy from our Father every morning. Praise God He loves us that much. We don't have to wait until the next new year.
This week I am interviewing an author who signed with another publisher. Meet Donald Vess.
(1.) What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Donald D. Vess
1.) One Realm After Another-Oct. 1,2009 published (Xlibris Publishing)
2.)Reflections of UnSpoken Words-Author’s copy in my hands Jan.2010-release date July 2010 (Dorrance Publishing).
(2.) What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My writings are non-fiction. My story is one of many sorrows and tribulations. My evil desires began at the age of 5. My life was changed in one night and ever since then I have searched for comfort inside. It took 40 years to get where I’m at in life. Walking through almost every worldly addiction and desire possible. I am one of the few that has survived a guaranteed life of prison, drug/alcohol addiction or even death.
The night my life changed, I received many spankings because my Dad couldn’t see what I was seeing. It changed me inside as a 5 year old forever. I found within me, a voice of comfort and truth. I have walked with this truth for 40 years now and He (God), has now allowed a miracle in the making be known, seen and now I share a message of hope no matter what your religion or belief. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to be blind to what the world offers now and to give away the hope, truth, love and understanding that He has filled me with. Life is a parable, the Word of God is a parable, a mystery that surrounds us in our selfishly lived realm. Unselfishness is how I got here, it took a lot of selfishness to get here. The one thing to know about me…I represent our Savior, with truth and it isn’t always accepted. Humbled I am for this moment to share with you.
(3.) When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
In my elementary school years. My first poem was written to my parents at age 8 or 9 while at summer camp. I had the poem until 2003 when a fire destroyed our home.
(4.) What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strength is found in my trust of the Holy Spirit. His voice I can hear as clearly as my Fiance’s when I do something wrong in the house. He is real, I have tested Him all of my life in many ways. As a rebellious child of both here and of God, I endured much discipline and was well deserving of it. I don’t know why I lived this way, deep inside I always wanted the better things in life. I’ve tasted the life of success and walked away from it many times to fill my evil desires. But through everything, I have always been personally counseled by the Holy Spirit. When I write, it comes with two voices, mine and the Holy Spirits.
(5.) Are you a reader?
I am a vivid reader of the Word of God and have been for the past 28 years . It is no longer just a Bible to me, it (He)is alive and dwells within my heart, soul, mind, spirit and every thought. Opening a Bible now is like continuous conversation outside of myself. I use to read a lot of other Author’s work but I am sorry to say, I read no more books.
(6.) What are you reading right now?
The Bible & whatever is posted on the face book walls by other Authors and the writings that I receive from Authors through email.
(7.) Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
1.) Through Spiritual Eyes “Fall“- going to publisher in Jan. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing) with 3 follow up titles, “winter”, “spring” & “summer”, to be released in 2010 w/pictures.
This book and it’s follow ups will have on one page, a picture w/ one of my writings from my face book postings. Seasonal pictures w/ a short message of hope.
2.) When A blind Man See’s- it’s going to publisher in Jan./Feb. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing)
This book will be writings from my past. My writings have always been my own hope of a better day. Through the end of my addictions these writings of crying out for mercy and grace were written. It is also compiled with my writings as I walked into a new life without addictions. This that I have in my life now is very new to me, in it’s own way it’s like being 5 years old in a 45 year old body. Life is great but I feel it very important to release hundreds of my past writings just to stay in touch with those that need guidance through life’s trials and tribulations.
3.) I also have a children’s book that has been written but needs animation. This book will walk 4-6 year olds through each of the 4 seasons with a squirrel as a narrator that the children will be able to name.
4.) I have been working on a auto biography for a year as well that begins when I was 5 years old and was mistakenly given a pain pill and hallucinated all night long, the night before my first day of kindergarten and will go to present date.
(8.) What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Hmmm…I never plan a writing. I could write what’s inside of me all day long. Sometimes the Holy Spirit just says to share this one or that one and I do. : ) I write what I have lived and about what I have gone through in life and that in itself I guess could be a stopping point. Sometimes when I go back in time I will say to the Lord, “hey, you wanna explain this one?” I feel it is very important for us to go back in time with the Holy Spirit. Many of our problems lie in the way we were raised and taught by the world. No one really explains the reasons why we go through ‘hell’ in life. There is reason and purpose though and I learn more each day as we all should. I have many point of views that I keep to myself because I know they’ll cause someone to walk away.It's important to me to touch everyones heart and that can be an obstacle in itself but the Holy Spirit gets me through it. Thank God… : )
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Describing any one of my books is to describe one of them. There is the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of others hearts that I have prayed for. I wanted spiritual wisdom and knowledge because what I was seeing being taught by man, was self intended and misleading. I have sat back for years sharing the Word in the darkest allies, streets, bars, jails and prisons as one who lived in those places, places where most would never dare go. Now I am out of my self righteous prison pity party and I share what I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to help others get through a moment in time.
Making a difference through poetry…Almost three decades ago, poet-author Donald D. Vess struggled to climb out of a well, a bottomless hole where he continuously searched for the unseen and the true meaning of love. It was in this search that he found the inspiration to write, to converse with the Holy Spirit through the written word. One Realm After Another is a compilation of these conversations—a collection of inspirational poetry that recounts his walk with the Holy Spirit. “My intentions are not to gain for me but for the reader to gain anything or something from what I write. Then, turn a negative into something positive and then, make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Redefine your understanding of unselfishness and wisdom through this book today.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog
here.
DonTam06@live.com
www.DonaldVess.com
One Realm After Another, Donald D. Vess, Book - Barnes & Noble
http://www.amazon.com/realm-after-another-donald-vess/dp/1441574611/ref=sr_1_?ie=utf8&qid=1257775959&sr=1-1
Donald Vess on Face Book
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
It continued by saying that when we bring our broken lives to the Lord, He gives us a fresh start. The words of hope in that poem have helped me through some tough times. According to the Scriptures we can have forgiveness and mercy from our Father every morning. Praise God He loves us that much. We don't have to wait until the next new year.
This week I am interviewing an author who signed with another publisher. Meet Donald Vess.
(1.) What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
Donald D. Vess
1.) One Realm After Another-Oct. 1,2009 published (Xlibris Publishing)
2.)Reflections of UnSpoken Words-Author’s copy in my hands Jan.2010-release date July 2010 (Dorrance Publishing).
(2.) What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
My writings are non-fiction. My story is one of many sorrows and tribulations. My evil desires began at the age of 5. My life was changed in one night and ever since then I have searched for comfort inside. It took 40 years to get where I’m at in life. Walking through almost every worldly addiction and desire possible. I am one of the few that has survived a guaranteed life of prison, drug/alcohol addiction or even death.
The night my life changed, I received many spankings because my Dad couldn’t see what I was seeing. It changed me inside as a 5 year old forever. I found within me, a voice of comfort and truth. I have walked with this truth for 40 years now and He (God), has now allowed a miracle in the making be known, seen and now I share a message of hope no matter what your religion or belief. I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to be blind to what the world offers now and to give away the hope, truth, love and understanding that He has filled me with. Life is a parable, the Word of God is a parable, a mystery that surrounds us in our selfishly lived realm. Unselfishness is how I got here, it took a lot of selfishness to get here. The one thing to know about me…I represent our Savior, with truth and it isn’t always accepted. Humbled I am for this moment to share with you.
(3.) When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
In my elementary school years. My first poem was written to my parents at age 8 or 9 while at summer camp. I had the poem until 2003 when a fire destroyed our home.
(4.) What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strength is found in my trust of the Holy Spirit. His voice I can hear as clearly as my Fiance’s when I do something wrong in the house. He is real, I have tested Him all of my life in many ways. As a rebellious child of both here and of God, I endured much discipline and was well deserving of it. I don’t know why I lived this way, deep inside I always wanted the better things in life. I’ve tasted the life of success and walked away from it many times to fill my evil desires. But through everything, I have always been personally counseled by the Holy Spirit. When I write, it comes with two voices, mine and the Holy Spirits.
(5.) Are you a reader?
I am a vivid reader of the Word of God and have been for the past 28 years . It is no longer just a Bible to me, it (He)is alive and dwells within my heart, soul, mind, spirit and every thought. Opening a Bible now is like continuous conversation outside of myself. I use to read a lot of other Author’s work but I am sorry to say, I read no more books.
(6.) What are you reading right now?
The Bible & whatever is posted on the face book walls by other Authors and the writings that I receive from Authors through email.
(7.) Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
1.) Through Spiritual Eyes “Fall“- going to publisher in Jan. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing) with 3 follow up titles, “winter”, “spring” & “summer”, to be released in 2010 w/pictures.
This book and it’s follow ups will have on one page, a picture w/ one of my writings from my face book postings. Seasonal pictures w/ a short message of hope.
2.) When A blind Man See’s- it’s going to publisher in Jan./Feb. 2010 (Xlibris Publishing)
This book will be writings from my past. My writings have always been my own hope of a better day. Through the end of my addictions these writings of crying out for mercy and grace were written. It is also compiled with my writings as I walked into a new life without addictions. This that I have in my life now is very new to me, in it’s own way it’s like being 5 years old in a 45 year old body. Life is great but I feel it very important to release hundreds of my past writings just to stay in touch with those that need guidance through life’s trials and tribulations.
3.) I also have a children’s book that has been written but needs animation. This book will walk 4-6 year olds through each of the 4 seasons with a squirrel as a narrator that the children will be able to name.
4.) I have been working on a auto biography for a year as well that begins when I was 5 years old and was mistakenly given a pain pill and hallucinated all night long, the night before my first day of kindergarten and will go to present date.
(8.) What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Hmmm…I never plan a writing. I could write what’s inside of me all day long. Sometimes the Holy Spirit just says to share this one or that one and I do. : ) I write what I have lived and about what I have gone through in life and that in itself I guess could be a stopping point. Sometimes when I go back in time I will say to the Lord, “hey, you wanna explain this one?” I feel it is very important for us to go back in time with the Holy Spirit. Many of our problems lie in the way we were raised and taught by the world. No one really explains the reasons why we go through ‘hell’ in life. There is reason and purpose though and I learn more each day as we all should. I have many point of views that I keep to myself because I know they’ll cause someone to walk away.It's important to me to touch everyones heart and that can be an obstacle in itself but the Holy Spirit gets me through it. Thank God… : )
9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
Describing any one of my books is to describe one of them. There is the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of others hearts that I have prayed for. I wanted spiritual wisdom and knowledge because what I was seeing being taught by man, was self intended and misleading. I have sat back for years sharing the Word in the darkest allies, streets, bars, jails and prisons as one who lived in those places, places where most would never dare go. Now I am out of my self righteous prison pity party and I share what I have been taught by the Holy Spirit to help others get through a moment in time.
Making a difference through poetry…Almost three decades ago, poet-author Donald D. Vess struggled to climb out of a well, a bottomless hole where he continuously searched for the unseen and the true meaning of love. It was in this search that he found the inspiration to write, to converse with the Holy Spirit through the written word. One Realm After Another is a compilation of these conversations—a collection of inspirational poetry that recounts his walk with the Holy Spirit. “My intentions are not to gain for me but for the reader to gain anything or something from what I write. Then, turn a negative into something positive and then, make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Redefine your understanding of unselfishness and wisdom through this book today.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog
here.
DonTam06@live.com
www.DonaldVess.com
One Realm After Another, Donald D. Vess, Book - Barnes & Noble
http://www.amazon.com/realm-after-another-donald-vess/dp/1441574611/ref=sr_1_?ie=utf8&qid=1257775959&sr=1-1
Donald Vess on Face Book
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Every Day Heros
Not long ago I went into my bank to deposit some checks. I saw a display on a board that was prominetly displayed in the lobby. It was across the room from where I was standing but the picture that was next to the write up was familiar. Upon closer examination I found that the beautiful woman pictured was my sweet niece. "Home Town Hero" I whispered. I read the things it said about her. She had helped raise her 4 brothers after their mother, my sister, passed away at a young age. Tina was 14 and a very responsible young girl. She also married young, finished high school, and started her own business. She ownes "The Added Touch of Hair Design". On the paper it was stated that the people who come to her salon leave, not only looking better, but feeling better for having had contact with her. She allows absolutely no gossip in her shop and has been known to pray for her clients and lift them up. Now she is the legal guardian of her neighbor who suffered a stroke some years ago. She sees to her care and coordinates her caregivers and business. Tina is a hero.
I happened to have a camera in my purse so I took the picture and did my deposit. When I got in the car it hit me and I sat there and cried. Her mama would have been so proud of her.
Upon reflecting on this I have thought about my various other nieces and nephews. There are 20 nieces and nephews and 20+ great-nieces and nephews. Among their number are many "heros". Some are teachers, preachers, doctors, therapists, plumbers, contractors, consultants, stay-at-home moms, and every other profession. They are the "salt of the earth" type people. Most of them would do whatever it takes to help their family or friends. I love them all so much.
This week I am interviewing a young man who is a hero in his own right. Please take the time to read his story.
1. What is your name and what is the title of your book(s)?
My name is Steve Newman and the title of my first book is “The Night Eagles Soared” and the second book, which I am currently working on is titled, “Burnt Yellow and Red.”
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Well, I am a real person, a real person with an extraordinary past. I spent twenty one years as a member of the Green Berets and that had a profound impact upon my entire life. By the grace of God, I came home in one peace time after time and I hope that folks can enjoy my book and perhaps take away a bit of pride in their military.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
While I was in the Army, guys would always say stuff like, “Can you believe that we are getting paid to do the kind of things they write books about!” It was true, but I didn’t decide to actually become a writer until February of 2008. That is when my wife told me she wanted me to quit my full time job and start writing that book I always talked about. She made it possible for me to take the time off and complete my first book, “The Night Eagles Soared.” Even then, I didn’t really think of myself as a writer, but every time I crossed a threshold, every small success that took place, every time I finished a chapter, I slowly realized that I was becoming a writer. I didn’t really set out to become a writer. I still saw myself as a soldier who just wanted to write a book about an idea I had. My sweet wife started to introduce me as “Her husband the writer” and I would blush and kick the floor or some dirt around depending on where we were. It wasn’t until after I received word from Tate Publishing that I was one of the select few to be selected for publication that it started to sink in, I had become a writer. That is when I started my next project and the rest is history. Perhaps one day I will be famous. I must add that my mother was an English Teacher and unpublished Author and it was her love of language and desire to write that inspired me.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My wife says it’s my style of writing, but I am not exactly sure what that style is. I used mostly first person narrative in “The Night Eagles Soared” and I am using third person limited narrative in “Burnt Yellow and Red.” I just tell the story as it comes to me.
When I was younger, back in 79, I took an English composition course at the University of Oklahoma. In a classroom with over two hundred students, in a class room that looked more like a movie theater than anything else. The professor gave us an assignment to write a story about a person, place and occupation. I went home that afternoon and pumped the story out in about two or three hours, sharpening my pencil several times, filling the blue booklet, I finished the story using all the pages and both sides of the back cover.
Two weeks after I turned in my work, I went to class and it was standing room only. Everybody must have shown up to get their grade for that paper. The professor walked in and we all took our seats, some on the steps that went down through the middle of the classroom down to the professor’s podium. It was soon very quiet as he walked in with an assistant who was carrying all the booklets under his chin. The professor took his place behind the podium, reached into his briefcase and pulled out one of the booklets and said; “I thought I would give this student an F. The grammar in this paper is terrible; but I would like to read it to you all and see what kind of reaction it gets from a live audience.”
Horrified, I sat there with my mouth open as he began to read my paper. I don’t want to retell the entire story that I had written but as the professor got to the love scene, the girl sitting next to me elbowed my shoulder. Holding her hand over her mouth she said, “Can you believe somebody would write that in a class like this.” The entire classroom was gasping, then laughing, and clapping at the end. When it all settled down, the professor said, “well I guess I can’t give this person an F, it appears that he is a natural born story teller.’
Then he announced my name and asked me to come down to the front. I walked down the steps, and as I did the entire classroom broke into applause. When I reached the podium the professor handed me the paper, on the front cover he had written a large F with a circle around it. He had crossed it off with a red marker and then he had written C-, that as my grade. As he handed me the paper, he said, “Your grammar stinks, do better next time!”
I guess my strong point is that I love to tell a story, that is how I relate to the world, and believe it or not, that is how I met my wife! I haven’t stopped telling her stories; well, I guess I should say I haven’t stopped talking since the day we met!
5. Are you a reader?
I wouldn’t say that I am an avid reader, but I do enjoy reading non-fiction and of course I love reading Historical Military Fiction like my book, “The Night Eagles Soared.”
6. What are you reading right now?
Joel Osteen’s “Your Best Life Now, 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.” Joel’s book is a refreshing look at how God has equipped us to face life’s challenges through faith. He does an excellent job of detailing the importance of how our words, thoughts, and deeds shape our vision of the world, and our place within it. He presents an extraordinarily uplifting and positive message, something we could all use. I tell everyone that Joel’s book has helped me to stay focused on the future and the possibilities of a positive life lived in faith. I think many people could benefit from a message like that.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and haven’t submitted for publication?
Yes I do! It is titled “Burnt Yellow and Red,” and it is about a young boy named Kyle. Kyle has a tendency to count things, and to keep the numbers going in his head, that takes up a lot of time and energy. It keeps him from focusing on other things that most children love. He is special but he doesn’t know why. Folks say that about him and rub his head in amazement; his hair, as white as snow.
“Burnt Yellow and Red” is set in the late 1960’s at a small rural school in South Western Oklahoma and follows Kyle as he comes out of his shell and learns how to relate to the world and others in a normal manner. He starts his journey as the family leaves California during what I call the reverse dust bowl era when his family moved from the desert in South Eastern California back to Oklahoma.
I haven’t quite figured out where the story will end, but I am having a blast developing the characters and following the journey as it unfolds. Kyle is a very special Kid; perhaps he is just a little too smart for his own good.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Just getting started each day, it is very difficult to turn creativity on and just as hard to turn it off. I try not to read back through what I have written before starting again the next day. I’ll read the last paragraph and take it from there. Then, if I can just get the first sentence of the next paragraph started, I’ll usually knock out an entire page without stopping.
I’ve learned to also set short term goals, with one overall long term goal, finish the book. It has been my experience that writing more than two or three pages a day is very, very difficult. I feel satisfied if I can complete one page each day, although there was a three week period while I was trying to finish “The Night Eagles Soared” that I couldn’t stop writing and I knocked out four chapters, over 120 pages in that short period of time. It took me six months to write the first six chapters.
The other thing I will do when I am finished for the day is to quickly go back through the entire chapter, editing for spelling and obvious grammar mistakes. When I finish a chapter I will read it out load to my wife. She says she enjoys hearing me read but I think she just puts up with it to make me happy. Either way, it helps me to read out loud to an audience. It helps me hear the flow or rhythm of the sentences and gauge reaction to the scenes.
I just read this to my wife and she said, “I really like to hear your stories dear,” and then she winked.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
“The Night Eagles Soared” is set immediately after the attacks on 9-11 as a Special Forces team departs from its base of operations in flight towards Afghanistan. They are the initial infiltration of American troops into that country as the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the effort to take down the Taliban are set into motion.
Throughout the flight, the Team Sergeant; Mike, examines his life as a member of the Green Berets and the experiences that placed him into the position of being the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to lead his team into combat via a High Altitude Low Opening parachute Operation (HALO) since the Vietnam War.
“The Night Eagles Soared” tells the story of one man’s effort to succeed and survive as a Special Forces soldier throughout many operations over twenty years leading up to the liberation of Afghanistan from its oppressors.
About the Author:
In my first work of fiction “The Night Eagles Soared” I drew upon my own experiences having served for over two decades with the United States Army Special Forces. Over the years, I oversaw and participated in numerous military operations to include operations as part of the Global War on Terror. I hold a Bachelor in Science, Business Administration from Columbia College, Columbia Mo., and I continue to work towards a Masters Degree in Asymmetric Warfare. I live in South Florida with my wife Brig and I am writing everyday about the world in which we all must live.
The description of my second book Burnt Yellow and Red” is written above in line 7.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
“The Night Eagles Soared” will be released sometime in the summer of 2010 and I will start taking advance orders for signed pre-release copies in January for delivery sometime prior to the release date. We still haven’t set up a formal process as of yet to take the orders so just send me an email at: sbnou@live.com
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
I happened to have a camera in my purse so I took the picture and did my deposit. When I got in the car it hit me and I sat there and cried. Her mama would have been so proud of her.
Upon reflecting on this I have thought about my various other nieces and nephews. There are 20 nieces and nephews and 20+ great-nieces and nephews. Among their number are many "heros". Some are teachers, preachers, doctors, therapists, plumbers, contractors, consultants, stay-at-home moms, and every other profession. They are the "salt of the earth" type people. Most of them would do whatever it takes to help their family or friends. I love them all so much.
This week I am interviewing a young man who is a hero in his own right. Please take the time to read his story.
1. What is your name and what is the title of your book(s)?
My name is Steve Newman and the title of my first book is “The Night Eagles Soared” and the second book, which I am currently working on is titled, “Burnt Yellow and Red.”
2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Well, I am a real person, a real person with an extraordinary past. I spent twenty one years as a member of the Green Berets and that had a profound impact upon my entire life. By the grace of God, I came home in one peace time after time and I hope that folks can enjoy my book and perhaps take away a bit of pride in their military.
3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
While I was in the Army, guys would always say stuff like, “Can you believe that we are getting paid to do the kind of things they write books about!” It was true, but I didn’t decide to actually become a writer until February of 2008. That is when my wife told me she wanted me to quit my full time job and start writing that book I always talked about. She made it possible for me to take the time off and complete my first book, “The Night Eagles Soared.” Even then, I didn’t really think of myself as a writer, but every time I crossed a threshold, every small success that took place, every time I finished a chapter, I slowly realized that I was becoming a writer. I didn’t really set out to become a writer. I still saw myself as a soldier who just wanted to write a book about an idea I had. My sweet wife started to introduce me as “Her husband the writer” and I would blush and kick the floor or some dirt around depending on where we were. It wasn’t until after I received word from Tate Publishing that I was one of the select few to be selected for publication that it started to sink in, I had become a writer. That is when I started my next project and the rest is history. Perhaps one day I will be famous. I must add that my mother was an English Teacher and unpublished Author and it was her love of language and desire to write that inspired me.
4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My wife says it’s my style of writing, but I am not exactly sure what that style is. I used mostly first person narrative in “The Night Eagles Soared” and I am using third person limited narrative in “Burnt Yellow and Red.” I just tell the story as it comes to me.
When I was younger, back in 79, I took an English composition course at the University of Oklahoma. In a classroom with over two hundred students, in a class room that looked more like a movie theater than anything else. The professor gave us an assignment to write a story about a person, place and occupation. I went home that afternoon and pumped the story out in about two or three hours, sharpening my pencil several times, filling the blue booklet, I finished the story using all the pages and both sides of the back cover.
Two weeks after I turned in my work, I went to class and it was standing room only. Everybody must have shown up to get their grade for that paper. The professor walked in and we all took our seats, some on the steps that went down through the middle of the classroom down to the professor’s podium. It was soon very quiet as he walked in with an assistant who was carrying all the booklets under his chin. The professor took his place behind the podium, reached into his briefcase and pulled out one of the booklets and said; “I thought I would give this student an F. The grammar in this paper is terrible; but I would like to read it to you all and see what kind of reaction it gets from a live audience.”
Horrified, I sat there with my mouth open as he began to read my paper. I don’t want to retell the entire story that I had written but as the professor got to the love scene, the girl sitting next to me elbowed my shoulder. Holding her hand over her mouth she said, “Can you believe somebody would write that in a class like this.” The entire classroom was gasping, then laughing, and clapping at the end. When it all settled down, the professor said, “well I guess I can’t give this person an F, it appears that he is a natural born story teller.’
Then he announced my name and asked me to come down to the front. I walked down the steps, and as I did the entire classroom broke into applause. When I reached the podium the professor handed me the paper, on the front cover he had written a large F with a circle around it. He had crossed it off with a red marker and then he had written C-, that as my grade. As he handed me the paper, he said, “Your grammar stinks, do better next time!”
I guess my strong point is that I love to tell a story, that is how I relate to the world, and believe it or not, that is how I met my wife! I haven’t stopped telling her stories; well, I guess I should say I haven’t stopped talking since the day we met!
5. Are you a reader?
I wouldn’t say that I am an avid reader, but I do enjoy reading non-fiction and of course I love reading Historical Military Fiction like my book, “The Night Eagles Soared.”
6. What are you reading right now?
Joel Osteen’s “Your Best Life Now, 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.” Joel’s book is a refreshing look at how God has equipped us to face life’s challenges through faith. He does an excellent job of detailing the importance of how our words, thoughts, and deeds shape our vision of the world, and our place within it. He presents an extraordinarily uplifting and positive message, something we could all use. I tell everyone that Joel’s book has helped me to stay focused on the future and the possibilities of a positive life lived in faith. I think many people could benefit from a message like that.
7. Do you have another book that you are working on and haven’t submitted for publication?
Yes I do! It is titled “Burnt Yellow and Red,” and it is about a young boy named Kyle. Kyle has a tendency to count things, and to keep the numbers going in his head, that takes up a lot of time and energy. It keeps him from focusing on other things that most children love. He is special but he doesn’t know why. Folks say that about him and rub his head in amazement; his hair, as white as snow.
“Burnt Yellow and Red” is set in the late 1960’s at a small rural school in South Western Oklahoma and follows Kyle as he comes out of his shell and learns how to relate to the world and others in a normal manner. He starts his journey as the family leaves California during what I call the reverse dust bowl era when his family moved from the desert in South Eastern California back to Oklahoma.
I haven’t quite figured out where the story will end, but I am having a blast developing the characters and following the journey as it unfolds. Kyle is a very special Kid; perhaps he is just a little too smart for his own good.
8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Just getting started each day, it is very difficult to turn creativity on and just as hard to turn it off. I try not to read back through what I have written before starting again the next day. I’ll read the last paragraph and take it from there. Then, if I can just get the first sentence of the next paragraph started, I’ll usually knock out an entire page without stopping.
I’ve learned to also set short term goals, with one overall long term goal, finish the book. It has been my experience that writing more than two or three pages a day is very, very difficult. I feel satisfied if I can complete one page each day, although there was a three week period while I was trying to finish “The Night Eagles Soared” that I couldn’t stop writing and I knocked out four chapters, over 120 pages in that short period of time. It took me six months to write the first six chapters.
The other thing I will do when I am finished for the day is to quickly go back through the entire chapter, editing for spelling and obvious grammar mistakes. When I finish a chapter I will read it out load to my wife. She says she enjoys hearing me read but I think she just puts up with it to make me happy. Either way, it helps me to read out loud to an audience. It helps me hear the flow or rhythm of the sentences and gauge reaction to the scenes.
I just read this to my wife and she said, “I really like to hear your stories dear,” and then she winked.
9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
“The Night Eagles Soared” is set immediately after the attacks on 9-11 as a Special Forces team departs from its base of operations in flight towards Afghanistan. They are the initial infiltration of American troops into that country as the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the effort to take down the Taliban are set into motion.
Throughout the flight, the Team Sergeant; Mike, examines his life as a member of the Green Berets and the experiences that placed him into the position of being the first Senior Non-Commissioned Officer to lead his team into combat via a High Altitude Low Opening parachute Operation (HALO) since the Vietnam War.
“The Night Eagles Soared” tells the story of one man’s effort to succeed and survive as a Special Forces soldier throughout many operations over twenty years leading up to the liberation of Afghanistan from its oppressors.
About the Author:
In my first work of fiction “The Night Eagles Soared” I drew upon my own experiences having served for over two decades with the United States Army Special Forces. Over the years, I oversaw and participated in numerous military operations to include operations as part of the Global War on Terror. I hold a Bachelor in Science, Business Administration from Columbia College, Columbia Mo., and I continue to work towards a Masters Degree in Asymmetric Warfare. I live in South Florida with my wife Brig and I am writing everyday about the world in which we all must live.
The description of my second book Burnt Yellow and Red” is written above in line 7.
10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
“The Night Eagles Soared” will be released sometime in the summer of 2010 and I will start taking advance orders for signed pre-release copies in January for delivery sometime prior to the release date. We still haven’t set up a formal process as of yet to take the orders so just send me an email at: sbnou@live.com
It is great to get to know the writers. If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These are interesting people!
http://nansjourney.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Hannah's Journey by June Venable
Hannah's Journey by June Venable
In November 2009 my husband and I were in Austin, Texas for a book fair. Across the isle from our table was an author whose book was titled "Hannah's Journey". I spoke with June Venable, the author, and we traded books. It was an honor to meet Mrs. Venable."Hannah's Journey" is a historical fiction for young adults. It follows a young girl who was one of the more than 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children who rode the Orphan trains from the mid-1800's until 1930. They were placed with families along various routes. Hannah was placed with a family in Texas. The character of Hannah is fictional but she is a compilation of a number of the children in this situation.June Venable's "Hannah's Journey" is well-written and engaging from cover to cover. Her writing pulls the reader into the lives of the characters. I am thrilled that she is working on another book.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve
In November 2009 my husband and I were in Austin, Texas for a book fair. Across the isle from our table was an author whose book was titled "Hannah's Journey". I spoke with June Venable, the author, and we traded books. It was an honor to meet Mrs. Venable."Hannah's Journey" is a historical fiction for young adults. It follows a young girl who was one of the more than 200,000 orphaned or abandoned children who rode the Orphan trains from the mid-1800's until 1930. They were placed with families along various routes. Hannah was placed with a family in Texas. The character of Hannah is fictional but she is a compilation of a number of the children in this situation.June Venable's "Hannah's Journey" is well-written and engaging from cover to cover. Her writing pulls the reader into the lives of the characters. I am thrilled that she is working on another book.
Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Second Chance-A Summers Saga Novel by Karina Harris
Second Chance by Karina Harris is a Christian Suspense Fiction published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises. It can be purchases online at Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, and Borders or any site that sells books.The premise of ordinary people becoming operatives in the FBI and its connections in Portugal and other far away places is intriguing. For five years the children of the couple mourned the death of their parents. They grew up and started lives of their own. Everything changed when Special Agent Ian Martin recognized the couple in a surveillance video while working on another case.The story is suspenseful, exciting, and romantic. Karina Harris' imagination and skill as a writer is very enjoyable. I look forward to more books from this writer.Elaine Littau, author of Nan's Journey & Elk's Resolve
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