Monday, February 29, 2016

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH 
JAKE KERR
Author of the TOMMY BLACK Series... 
ABOUT BOOK 1:
For fourteen-year-old Tommy Black, nothing is worse than being raised by an overprotective grandfather in the city that never sleeps. That is until his grandfather is captured by magical creatures and Tommy has to save him with his family's magical staff.

That wouldn't be so bad, but the only magic he can do with the staff is weak--making light. What the heck can you do with light? 

Tommy finds out as he fights golems, shadow creatures, and djinn in a journey that features a magical river, an enchanted train, and an illusionary fortress. But the worst part of all? Tommy has to save his grandfather with the help of Naomi, a girl whose talent with magic is only rivaled by her ability to hurl insults.

In this novel full of action and adventure, Tommy Black continues the tradition of young heroes finding their place in a formerly unknown magical world. Like Harry Potter, Tommy has a magical legacy thrust upon him from out of nowhere. He must not only understand this responsibility but the forces that are suddenly arrayed against him. Like Percy Jackson, mythology is plays a central role. And like both heroes, one of Tommy's best friends is a strong independent girl, who is a valuable ally while being headstrong and often difficult. 

From Nebula, Sturgeon, and Million Writers Award nominee Jake Kerr comes the Tommy Black trilogy, an action adventure series for boys, girls, and readers of all ages.

ABOUT BOOK 2: 
In this widely anticipated second volume of the Tommy Black series, Tommy finds himself searching for magical artifacts and fighting Nazi magicians in World War 2 Europe. 

Dedicated to reshaping his family's legacy, Tommy Black has spent two years mastering the powerful Staff of Light and freeing the magical creatures in England. While he was focusing on his personal mission, however, Germany had invaded Europe, igniting the flames of world war. 

Desiring to help, Tommy volunteers to free the magical creatures in Germany to disrupt the Nazi war machine. Joined by his friend, the powerful magician Naomi, and two others, the group soon discover an extraordinary secret that changes everything--Tommy may not be the only Archmage in the world.
NOW ABOUT THE DELIGHTFUL AUTHOR, JAKE KERR: 
Receive a free book of Jake's short stories by joining his mailing list here: http://bit.ly/1xNOs1o

After fifteen years as a music industry journalist Jake Kerr's first published story, "The Old Equations," was nominated for the Nebula Award from the Science Fiction Writers of America and was shortlisted for the Theodore Sturgeon and StorySouth Million Writers awards. His stories have subsequently been published in magazines across the world, broadcast in multiple podcasts, and been published in multiple anthologies and year's best collections.

A graduate of Kenyon College, Kerr studied fiction under Ursula K. Le Guin and Peruvian playwright Alonso Alegria. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and three daughters.

HI JAKE! THANKS FOR BEING HERE TODAY. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BOOK. 
I’m a former music journalist who turned to writing about ten years ago. I started out writing short fiction, where I have had some success with award nominations from the Science Fiction Writers of America and others. My stories have been translated in China, France, Poland, and elsewhere. In 2015, I released my first novel, the kids book Tommy Black and the Staff of Light. My current book is the second in the Tommy Black series—Tommy Black and the Coat of Invincibility.

YOU'VE BEEN EXTREMELY BUSY! WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
I’ve wanted to be a writer my whole life, and I actually got paid a salary to write for quite a few years as a journalist/columnist, but I’ve always loved day dreaming and reading amazing tales. So the draw of writing fiction was always there. But to my mind, I didn’t become a writer until I finished my first story, and that was a long journey of wishing to be a writer while not doing any writing at all. When I finally started to actually create stories on the page—that was when I became a writer.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT? 
My very first published story—“The Old Equations”—was nominated for the Nebula, Sturgeon Memorial, and StorySouth Million Writers awards.

WOW, THAT'S HUGE! WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
How slow it goes. It is a real challenge for people with rich imaginations to start writing because your mind envisions the story and scene much faster than you can write it. So you need to purposefully slow down and not “dream ahead.” It’s harder than it sounds. After all, the story you are writing is exciting, and you are writing it because you love it. Even as you write you are a reader, and the desire to rush ahead is very strong. Resisting that is what I find hardest.

I AM ABSOLUTELY THE SAME WAY. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I am currently working on a re-imagining of G.K. Chesterton’s 1906 novel The Man Who Was Thursday. I’m taking Chesterton’s story and moving it to a virtual reality world in the near future. I decided to do it because I love the original, and this seemed like a lot of fun. After that I will be working on book five of my Guildmaster Thief Omnibus series.

YOU HAVE A TON OF BOOKS OUT. WHAT GENRE(S) DO YOU WRITE OR WISH TO WRITE?
Fantasy and science fiction. Although I’ve written literary short stories that have been published. But from the time I learned to read my heart has always been with fantasy and science fiction.

DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?  IF SO, HOW DO YOU GET PAST IT? 
Not so much. More than anything I suffer from writer’s impatience. I have so many stories that I want to write.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE?
I really don’t have a “favorite” place. I usually write on my laptop in bed, but it’s not a writer’s den or creative cocoon or anything like that. I guess I tend to write in practical locations—airplanes, hotel rooms, on my bed, in a coffee shop. Wherever I can type.

LAPTOP IN BED IS MY SPOT TOO. WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?
A mother who had lost her child said that my story “The Old Equations” reminded her of her loss in a deeply touching way. It’s a story about love and loss, so the comment was very moving and meaningful to me. That’s what you want to do as a writer—touch a reader in a way that resonates with them.

WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?
The same story that touched the mother who had lost her child was called “one of the worst science fiction stories I have ever read” by a fellow writer in the comments section of the online magazine that published it. You quickly learn that you can’t please everyone.

AIN'T THAT THE TRUTH! OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE? 
I love watching my three daughters grow up. They fill me with such joy.

DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOKS PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
I’m lucky in that my wife is a formidable editor. So while she is not a professional, she is extremely good. In addition to her, I do use a second professional editor.

YOU LUCKED OUT WITH YOUR WIFE! GOOD EDITORS ARE HARD TO FIND. HOW DID YOUR BOOK COVER COME TO FRUITION?   
M.S. Corley is my cover artist, and I noticed his work on a book from a friend of mine. My friend introduced us, and I paid him for Tommy Black and the Staff of Light, and it was so amazing I, of course, hired him to do the covers for the rest of the series.

I LOVE THE 2 OUT SO FAR. DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS?
That’s a tough question. I guess I see my idealized self in some of my characters or at least pieces of myself. But I don’t consciously do that. It just kind of happens.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER – SELF PUBLISHING OR TRADITIONAL?
I enjoy the creative process in all its variations to traditionally publish in anything other then very specific circumstances. It would pain me not to be able to be involved in the cover or book design.

DOES THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?
Not at all. I find it quite easy to navigate. Of course, I’m not dealing with publishers.

DID YOU EVER THINK OF QUITTING?
Never. 

GOOD! HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ‘SUCCESS’ AS A WRITER?
Another tough question. I guess success to me is really nothing more than having a lot of people share my daydreams by reading my books.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
Read widely. Even if you just love fantasy, read a lot of different genres, eras, and cultures. Stock your writers toolbox with as many tools as you can, and the only way to do that is to experience them.

ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
I was blonde up until about the age of ten. So I like to think that I’m at home here.

LOL! YOU SURE ARE AT HOME HERE! I KNEW I LIKED YOU FOR A REASON. 

NOW FOR JAKE'S “BLONDE” BASICS:

  • FAVORITE FOOD?  Sushi
  • FAVORITE MOVIE? The Matrix
  • FAVORITE BOOK? The Great Gatsby
  • FAVORITE SUPERHERO?  The Hulk
  • FAVORITE AUTHOR?  Edgar Rice Burroughs

PRETTY GOOD FOR AN ACTUAL BLONDE!

AND HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND JAKE AND HIS BOOKS: 




THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE BLONDE BOOKIE TODAY!
#tommyblack
#jakekerr

Friday, February 19, 2016

MOLLY PEPPER AND THE NIGHT TRAIN
Author Interview with COURTNEY KING WALKER
Hidden somewhere in the fog of the San Francisco bay lies Blue Rock Island, home to the bay area s two best-kept secrets: Bell s Bluff, the old, abandoned prison on one side of the island, and the Night Train, a mysterious train ride on the other. When twelve-year-old Molly Pepper receives a secret invitation promising a night of magic and adventure aboard the Night Train, she is skeptical. In her experience, most promises prove too good to be true. The fact that she lost her mom is proof enough.
Still, Molly gives hope another chance. Together with her loyal friend, Noah Wonderly, they sneak out of the house and follow a string of clues leading to the Night Train. But when the train stops at Bell's Bluff, Molly discovers the real reason she was invited. There, she starts to wonder if hope and magic not only fix broken promises; but make you believe in them again.
Courtney King Walker's other works (in the YA genre) include: 
   
And now for the lovely COURTNEY KING WALKER....
Courtney King Walker grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area building rocket ships and rafts out of cardboard, hoping to make it the moon or at least Niagara Falls. But a trip across the border to Tijuana was as exciting as it ever got, so she decided writing about adventure was the next best thing. She now lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and four children, and still dreams of flying to the moon. Her YA debut, ON THE FRINGE, was published in 2011 by Lands Atlantic Publishing.
SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU HERE TODAY, COURTNEY!
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BOOK.  
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in a small town called Walnut Creek. My dad was a policeman, just like Molly’s dad in the book, and I even got to go on midnight excursions with him to watch all the donuts being made! The magic and loves from my childhood are what still drive me to write new stories, and Molly Pepper and the Night Train is especially close to my heart. Set on a fictional island near Alcatraz (but similar to the actual Angel Island), this is a story of a young girl who is suffering loss but who knows she needs to forge ahead anyway. With the help of those closest to her, Molly takes the spectacular Night Train in hopes of finding a little more adventure in her life, and along the way discovers that a little bit of hope and magic have a way of fixing broken promises and making you believe again. 

 IT SOUNDS GREAT! WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER? 
I’ve always loved telling stories and writing them down. I have written many over the years but didn’t consider trying to publish anything until I wrote On The Fringe, a YA ghost story in 2008, which was published in 2011.
 I LIKE THE TRAILER (above) FOR THAT BOOK! WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT? 
Having a child come up to me and tell me that Molly Pepper and the Night Train is their favorite book. Melts my heart every time!

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER? 
Staying focused. You’re either all in or all out when you’re writing or it’s impossible to connect to the characters and write from your heart—but that means total silence and no distractions, which is a golden period that only happens at night. Late at night.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT? 
I just published my third novel, Chasing Midnight, which is a YA twist on Cinderella, so I’ve been promoting that quite a bit lately. But I’m also still writing, and I’m so excited about this story that I can’t stand it. I can’t give many details other than it’s a Young Adult mystery/thriller, and I’m almost done!

THAT'S EXCITING! WHAT GENRE(S) DO YOU WRITE OR WISH TO WRITE? 
MG and YA.

DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK?  IF SO, HOW DO YOU GET PAST IT?  
Music! It’s the best way to get inspired. Second, maybe watching a movie to get some ideas.

WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER? 
It’s a tie, both from Molly Pepper and the Night Train reviews. These seriously nearly brought tears to my eyes: 1. “This book was charming and boasts one of the sweetest endings in children's literature that I've read in a long time.” And 2. "I am literally sitting here crying about the surprise message he leaves for him.  I want to be these people for my daughters.  This book leaves me wanting to be a better parent, to be encouraging and freeing.  To be the parent, not their friend, and to be their support." 

THAT'S AN INCREDIBLY MOVING REVIEW. WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER? 
Oh, there are always plenty of those, but I try not to dwell on them!

OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE? 
I love watching movies with my family, warm summer days, hiking in the mountains, all kinds of music, chocolate, and love stories. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS? 
My biggest tip is not to be in a hurry. And that says a lot, coming from me. I have always been rushing through things my whole life. I even remember my Grandpa yelling at me to “slow down, kid,” more than once when I was a teenager. But I’ve since learned that the rushing your writing, strips you of the whole reason you’re writing in the first place. If you’re rushing, then it’s for someone else. If you’re rushing, then it’s for something else. Take your time with every word, every phrase, every picture in your head. Make it the best you can. Savor it, like you would anything else you love that much. The result will be so much better and you will be that much happier.

ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? 
Thanks for taking the time for interviewing me about Molly Pepper!

GLAD TO HAVE YOU!
And now for the Speed Round of Questions...

COURTNEY's BLONDE” BASICS:
FAVORITE FOOD?  Sushi

FAVORITE MOVIE? Ocean’s Eleven

FAVORITE BOOK? Classic: The Count of Monte Cristo / Non-classic: The Wednesday Wars

FAVORITE SUPERHERO?  Does Oliver Queen count?

FAVORITE AUTHOR?  Gary D. Schmidt and C.S. Lewis

YES ON OLIVER QUEEN!!! :)  COURTNEY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING THE BLONDE BOOKIE BLOG TODAY! 

NOW, HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN FIND COURTNEY AND HER BOOK:

#mollypepperandthenighttrain
#courtneykingwalker
#onthefringe
#chasingmidnight


Friday, February 12, 2016

ALL THINGS AUDIE
As promised, I have just released 8 BOOKS 
in THE ANGEL ARCHIVES series!
In addition to the Middle Grade fantasy TRILOGY... 
VOL 1: Audie the Angel & THE ANGEL ARMY
VOL 2: Audie the Angel & THE AGING PLAGUE
VOL 3: Audie the Angel & THE AFTERWORLD
  
I have now published 6 Short Stories told from the view of your favorite Angel Army characters! These can be read in no particular order and include a 
"Future Writer Workbook"
that teaches the young Readers to write their own stories! 
BENNEZ & DAREL'S STORMY SECRET
CATHETEL'S CREATURE
GABI'S MYSTERY MESSAGE
PANCIA'S CITY OF SWORDS
TALIHAD'S MERMAID TRIBE
YAHEL'S LAND OF LOCKS
  
  
And in addition to ALL THAT, I have also partnered with the talented 
Illustrator - Iwan Darmawan - to create Audie's Younger Years:
THE ANGEL EGG - Picture Book
AUDIE'S ORIGINS - Coloring Book
 
ALL are available NOW on Amazon (just click the covers above).
They are all available in Paperback AND E-Book!
Volume One is ONLY $0.99 in E-Book format, so grab it now for your Kindle! :)
This completes THE ANGEL ARCHIVES series....at least for now :)
There maaaaay be one more 
FINAL BOOK coming SOON. 

A grateful THANK YOU to Jane Brencic for her Editing
assistance with the Short Story Series!

And I just want to say a huge THANK YOU
to Iwan Darmawan for his illustrations
and making young Audie come to life!
Isn't she beautiful?! 
#audietheangel
#theangelarchives

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

BOOK REVIEW AND AUTHOR INTERVIEW!
Nickerbacher The Funniest Dragon 
by Terry John Barto

"Dragon" You Along On A Comical Tale!  Children's Book Celebrates Fulfilling Your Dreams.
A dragon named Nickerbacher guards a princess because his papa told him to. However, he practices his jokes on Princess Gwendolyn, as he yearns to be a stand-up comedian. The young dragon gets up the nerve to tell his papa about his dream and is sternly reminded of his dragonly duty. Later that day, Prince Happenstance arrives for the princess and repeatedly challenges the dragon to fight. The opponents manage to find common ground and Nickerbacher leaves for the big city to pursue his dream.
Nickerbacher is the only dragon who wants to make people laugh. And in the process, he encourages the prince (and kids) to be themselves and follow their dreams.
Nickerbacher, The Funniest Dragon is the winner of the Royal Dragonfly Book Award 1st place Picture Book 6 & older, National Parenting Publications Award, Family Review Center Best of the Year, Readers' Favorite International Book Award - Gold, IndieReader Approved, BlueInk Review's Best Books of 2015, Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval, CIPA EVVY Gold Award.
FIRST, LET'S START WITH THE BOOK REVIEW: 
MY BLONDE REVIEW: 
I adored the message to go after your dreams, no matter how far out of the scope they may seem. And for a dragon who would rather fire up jokes rather than breathe fire at foes, I’d call that the furthest thing from the scope. The book also made it clear that even big bold creatures can be fearful to be their true self. And that it’s important to stand strong and be who you are inside. Sometimes what your parents want for you may not be your best and only option.  

I think this can be enjoyed by both boys and girls alike. The book is clean and heartfelt. There is a warming feeling as Nickerbacher’s family (perhaps after some slight reluctance) is supportive of his dream. I also loved how Nickerbacher was joined in his freedom of dreaming with the prince he was supposed to fight. It proves that having dreams can be a universal language. In addition, since this was a picture book and I am coo-coo over fonts, I did enjoy the chosen font, colors, as well as found the art absolutely eye catching! I also loved the creative “Nickerbacher on Tour” sign at the end. My daughter giggled as I read them off to her!

And speaking of her: my 4 year-old daughter’s favorite parts were the pictures, the princess’s tower, and when Nickerbacher met his parents backstage at his show.

Overall, we had a blast reading this and I don’t think kids will be able to resist the strong message within! 


MY SCORE:  5 out of 5 Blonde Stars! 
 
AND NOW, FOR THE AUTHOR INTERVIEW. HERE'S ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TERRY JOHN BARTO: 
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR THE GREAT NAME
NICKERBACHER?  
It just came to me after I thought up the overall idea. The part that took the longest was how to spell it. There’s the Knickerbocher Hotel and I knew I didn’t want it to start with a K, then the reason I went with bach for the 3rd syllable is a tribute to the classical composer.

YOUR CHARACTER LIKES TO DO STAND-UP COMEDY, DO YOU SHARE THAT
PASSION? 
No, but I have some good friends who do stand-up. I come from a theatre background so the similarities are the stage aspect.

 IF NOT, DID YOU PRACTICE ANY STAND-UP FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES FOR
THE BOOK? IF SO, HOW DID IT GO OVER? WHAT WAS YOUR BEST JOKE?  
I went to see comedy shows but didn’t perform. The jokes in the story were hard to do and I put a ton of thought into them. I consulted my friends in the “business” and went back & forth with my editor before finalizing. Maybe some good jokes ended up on the cutting room floor. The last page has a list of places Nickerbacher goes to on tour. That was because we had so many neat names but only needed one for the actual story.

SO YOU’VE DONE TURKEYS AND DRAGONS, WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE
NEXT? 
I’m working on a story about a surfer. I was raised in Huntington Beach, California, the surfing capital of the world, so it’s a bit more familiar.

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS? 
The dreamer part is all me!

FROM THEATER AND TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS, WHEN AND HOW DID
YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION TO A WRITER? 
An actress that I was directing in a show had some ideas for animation. She asked me to be Creative Director of the production company she was starting. I used my story telling abilities to help hone and develop her stories. After that, I used the experience I gained and started developing my own ideas.

WHEN YOU WERE THE CREATIVE FORCE BEHIND LIVE SHOWS, WERE YOU
ABLE TO TAKE CRUISE SHIPS AND WATCH THEM IN-PERSON? 
Yes, I oversaw the first show I did for Princess Cruises, on the ship after rehearsing in a studio in Los Angeles. The show went on for 5 years on 2 ships whereas I didn’t see any of those productions.

CONGRATS ON ALL OF YOUR AWARDS FOR NICKERBACHER! AFTER
WINNING SO MANY, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING
ACHIEVEMENT? 
I’m really proud of all the recognition we’ve gotten. But I would say the Story Monster Award is the greatest ‘cause kids chose it. We got a perfect score for that award which apparently has never happened. Most recently, we got first place with Writer’s Digest for the e-book version, which is pretty cool too.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO PUBLISH WITH AUTHOR HOUSE? HAVE THEY
DONE A LOT FOR HELPING YOU MARKET THE BOOK? 
Their connection with Penguin Random House. Yes, they helped but I did a lot of marketing myself.

HOW WERE YOUR ILLUSTRATORS CHOSEN FOR BOTH BOOKS?
My editor is a friend with Kim Sponaugle who I had watching for a while. I loved her versatility and it seemed to be a perfect fit for Nickerbacher.

For Gollywood, Here I Come! I was originally going to use someone I worked with at the Production Company where I was Creative Director. It turned out she couldn’t fit it into her schedule. I found Mattia Cerato through a recommendation of a friend who has an animation company. I guess my gut feeling was that he’d be perfect and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

THE ARTWORK IS INCREDIBLE IN THE STORY. HOW MUCH INPUT DID YOU
HAVE IN THE CREATIVE DIRECTION?
I had a lot of input with both stories but in different ways. Kim & I discussed each scenario at length and worked it out together before she started. Just the cover was a process that took more then a month. In one scene where Nickerbacher is practicing in his room, we wanted pictures of his comedy idols on the wall. Kim worked from actual headshots of my friends in the business.

With Mattia, I extensively laid out what each scenario should be. Since he was in Italy, I had to write everything out. I also sent him a book on Southern California in the 1950’s to give him a sense of the style I was looking for. And he came back with artwork that was above & beyond. With both books, there are first drafts and discussions on any changes needed. It was a huge process and very fun. These artists were a dream to work with.

YOUR BLOG IS FANTASTIC WITH THE TALL, TALL TOWER. SO MUCH FUN!
DID YOU PARTNER WITH THE SAME ARTIST FOR IT? 
No, it was a template I found before we even started. I thought it would be good for what I had in mind.

THERE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN A BETTER TEMPLATE! YOUR CAREER
PORTFOLIO IS AN INSPIRATION! AMONG WRITING, DIRECTING,
CHOREOGRAPHING, FILM, ETC, WHICH CREATIVE OUTLET IS YOUR
FAVORITE? 
Stage was a true love for me and I will always enjoy getting back to it. I had done so much of it that it was really nice to do something different.

 I ALWAYS FIND THIS INTERESTING…DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE TO
WRITE? 
Not so much a favorite place but I loved having my dog at my side. I originally thought up Nickerbacher’s story in a car during a long ride. I finally had to pull off the freeway and write it down on an In & Out Burger bag. Then, of course, I spent a few years refining it.

OTHER THAN WRITING, I KNOW THAT YOU LIKE YOGA AND PILATES. IS
THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU ENJOY IN YOUR SPARE TIME? 
Being with my family and walking my dogs. I now have 2 dachshunds.

SINCE CLEARLY YOU ARE DOING THIS RIGHT, DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR
NEW WRITERS? J 
Persistence and determination. It’s hard when rejection is involved, but stick with it. Because if you stop writing and putting yourself out there, it for sure won’t happen.

ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? 
I’d just like to sincerely thank you for interviewing me and taking the time to review our
book.

                  READING YOUR BOOK AND SPEAKING WITH YOU HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE                             PLEASURE! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME! AND NOW FOR....

TERRY'S “BLONDE” BASICS:

FAVORITE FOOD?  Mexican
FAVORITE MOVIE? Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
FAVORITE BOOK? The Little Prince
FAVORITE SUPERHERO?  Wonder Woman
FAVORITE AUTHOR?  Mark Twain

Here's where you can find Terry: 


Sunday, February 7, 2016

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH:
HEATH AMODIO
     
A young boy must defend the Books of Power from those that would use them to create an army of the most infamous villains ever written.Villains such as Captain Hook, The Invisible Man, Dorian Gray, and the winged beasts from the land of Oz come to life in the first book of this adventure series. Every famous classic novel was once a hand-written manuscript into which its author poured his or her heart and soul. These manuscripts, full of raw passion and life, have the power to bring characters to life when read aloud. For over a century, protecting these manuscripts from those who would use their infamous villains to wage war on humanity has fallen upon the shoulders of the Adkins Family. Now, with his parents killed and grandfather kidnapped, Shay must take up the mantel of The Keeper and protect the Books of Power from the worst threat yet. For fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and The Hunger Games. 
THANKS FOR BEING ON THE BLONDE BOOKIE BLOG, HEATH. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BOOK. 
My name is Heath Amodio. I write screenplays, comic books, and my first two novels are currently available. The novels are the first two chapters in what I'm hoping is a long series. Book one is The Keeper and the Books of Power.

In book one, Shay must face the murders of both parents and prevent his evil uncle from building an army of fiction's most infamous villains. It's Goonies meets a YA adventure in the vein of Percy Jackson and Harry Potter.

The second book is The Keeper and the Rise of Hyde. It follows Shay and his friends on another adventure while an even darker enemy rises to power. 

GOONIES IS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE, SO THIS SOUNDS LIKE A SERIES I WOULD LOVE! WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A WRITER?
According to my progress reports in elementary school, I've been writing since grade school. Lol. I started taking it seriously when I decided to take a shot at an open submissions call by Marvel Comics. They chose my comic, along with four other writers, to have my issue published through their indie line Epic. Unfortunately that fell through but it showed me I had some actual talent. I mean it's Marvel after all. 

BEING CHOSEN BY MARVEL IS A DREAM, SO CONGRATS ON GETTING THAT FAR. IT'S A HUGE ACCOMPLISHMENT! WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST WRITING ACHIEVEMENT?
Aside from the Marvel thing, I'd have to say wowing actress Emmanuelle Chriqui with my script Weight of It All. We've been friends on Twitter for a few years now and she's always been kind enough to read my work. She loved this particular script and thanks to her I was able to option the script. It's now in pre-production. 

WOW! OKAY, YOU MAY BE LIVING MY DREAM. CONGRATS! WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A WRITER?
The lack of time. There are always too many ideas, too many projects, and NEVER enough time. I still work a 9-5 so I can only write in my spare time and stories fall by the wayside because of it. That part sucks. 

A close second would be the waiting. Waiting for replies from agents, publishers, etc. It's part of the process, but it feels like being stuck in neutral. It's hard to move onto the next project when you're dying to know the status of the last one. 

THE WAITING IS THE WORST, BECAUSE IF YOU START SOMETHING NEW TO GET YOUR MIND OFF OF IT, AT SOME POINT YOU HAVE TO GO BACK TO IT. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I'm currently working on two comic book series, a graphic novel, a picture book, the third Keeper book, two television pilots, and putting the finishing touches on three feature screenplays. See what I mean about time? 

YOU ARE SUPER BUSY! WHAT GENRE(S) DO YOU WRITE OR WISH TO WRITE?
Literally anything and everything. If it comes to mind, I write it. 

DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM WRITER’S BLOCK? HOW DO YOU GET PAST IT? 
It's only happened a couple of times. I usually move on to the next thing and go back when I'm inspired. That's why I try to have 2 or 3 things going at once. 

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE TO WRITE?
I do 90% of my writing on my phone or tablet now. I guess my favorite place to write is anywhere I have 5 minutes. 

YES, YOU HAVE TO GET IT IN WHEN YOU CAN! WHAT’S THE GREATEST COMPLIMENT YOU EVER RECEIVED FROM A READER?
There's a 5-way tie. 
--When my mother first told me she liked my writing. 
--When Marvel said they loved my submission and were going to publish it.
--One woman said that she read my first book in three hours and wanted the next one. 
--Actor Jonathan Tucker called me and left me a voicemail that said my writing was "a breath of fresh air." That he opened the file just to browse it and couldn't stop reading. 
--When Emmanuelle sent me her first reaction to my screenplay. It's NSFW but it was awesome!
Honestly I take any kind words with the highest regard. 

YOU'VE HAD SOME GREAT ONES! WHAT WAS THE WORST COMMENT FROM A READER?
It's not awful or mean but I'm really tired of hearing the words... "I liked it a lot, I just didn't love it." 
What am I supposed to do with that?

OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
Family, friends, fiancé, my DOG.... I'm obsessed with comics, good tv, great movies, fantasy football, playing basketball, and POPs.

DID YOU HAVE YOUR BOOK(S) PROFESSIONALLY EDITED BEFORE PUBLICATION?
I had friends that were willing to help. An English teacher named Evan Bates from the local high school did a great job on the first book. 

HOW DID YOUR BOOK COVERS COME TO FRUITION?
I found a couple amazing artists on Deviantart.com Mathieu Morse did the cover to book one. Carl Canelas did the back cover. Arthur Asa did the cover to book two. 

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN ANY OF YOUR CHARACTERS?
I've been told there's a lot of my sense of humor in Shay.

WHICH DO YOU PREFER – SELF PUBLISHING OR TRADITIONAL?
Haven't published anything traditionally so it's difficult to compare.

DOES THE PUBLISHING INDUSTRY FRUSTRATE YOU?
Immensely.... Liking but not loving lol

DID YOU EVER THINK OF QUITTING?
Never!

GOOD FOR YOU! HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ‘SUCCESS’ AS A WRITER?
When strangers take the time to read my work and enjoy it. There are so many books -- SO MANY -- that knowing they read mine and liked it... Nothing compares.

IT IS OVERWHELMING HOW MANY BOOKS ARE OUT THERE AND NEW ONES GETTING PUBLISHED EVERYDAY. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?
Pay attention to grammar and NEVER give up. Keep working on improving because you can always be better.

ANYTHING YOU’D LIKE TO ADD?
Just a sincere thank you for giving me this opportunity. I don't have the backing from a major publisher, so interviews like this are what give my books a shot.

Self-publishing avenues like Create Space have given writers a chance to get their writing out to people that may have never read a word of it before. We don't have to wait for someone to deem our writing as good enough to publish. It's such a subjective thing and to find that one agent, editor, publisher on the day they were in the right mood to read and enjoy your story... Can you imagine the odds.

AMEN TO THAT! OK NOW ON TO HEATH'S QUICKIES...
Speed Round—HEATH'S “BLONDE” BASICS:
FAVORITE FOOD? Used to be everything Italian but since I'm type 2 diabetic it's basically fully loaded salads.

FAVORITE MOVIE? My fallback is always Man on Fire. The top spot tends to change but Man on Fire is always at least number two. 

FAVORITE BOOK? IT by Stephen King. I must've read it 6-7 times. Perks of Being a Wallflower, the Ender's Game series, and the Harry Potter series are close seconds. Stephen Fry's Harry Potter Audiobooks are better than the movies. 

FAVORITE SUPERHERO? 1. Daredevil 2. Tim Drake's Robin 3. Nightcrawler 4. Beast 5. Colossus 6. Invincible

FAVORITE AUTHOR? 1. Stephen King 2. J.K. Rowling 3. Charles Bukowski 4. Robert Ludlum 5. Whoever I'm reading and loving at that moment

Where you can find HEATH: 

                             THANKS AGAIN FOR JOINING THE BLOG, HEATH :)