Children's Author Margot Finke

Mother, wife, gardener, and traveler, Margot Finke writes stories for children and middle-grade young adults. Born in Australia and currently residing in Oregon with her family, Margot established her presence in the writing world with a seven-book series entitled "Wild and Wonderful," in which she offers fun facts about animals of the U.S. and Australia through rhyme.

In "Ruthie and the Hippo's Fat Behind" Margot tackles the difficulties children face when changes beyond their control and comprehension occur in their lives, and the sometimes not so acceptable displays of emotions that can and do occur. Not an easy topic, and one that has been known to create wide divisions between children and parents. Yet, Margot not only addresses the subject, but does so in a manner designed to enlighten and entertain readers both young and old(er) while bridging the generational gap. Her “Horatio Humble Beats the Big D” (dyslexia) offers encouragement to both the children, and the parents of children with dyslexia.

Margot also posts rattlesnake recipes (yes, you read that correctly) on her web site.
http://mysite.ncnetwork.net/mfinke/index.html#margot

Q) You devoted a portion of your life in classrooms as a teacher's aide. What inspired you to pursue that interest?

A) Initially I wanted to help our local school district and teachers. That led to talking to classes about Australia (my Down-under home) and their weird and wonderful animals. I began telling the kids stories about the various critters, right off the top of my head - frill-neck lizards, koalas, platypus and others. This led to writing stories, and eventually my “Wild and Wonderful” rhyming series. I loved visiting different schools and sparking their interest in my Aussie homeland.

Q) Obviously, I have to ask. Why rattlesnakes?

A) Aha. . . I guess you missed the reason when you scanned through my website and bio. The reason is, “Rattlesnake Jam.” This rhyming picture book is written for small boys with a yen for yuck and all things messy. Pa hunts the rattlers, and Gran cooks them into her yucky green jam. But will Gran ever make Pa the rattler pie he craves?

Q) You are a strong advocate of children's books and offer assistance to folks who show interest in writing in this genre. Why is writing for children so important to you?

A) I have always scribbled stories, and after I saw how school kids loved the stories I told about the Aussie critters, I became dedicated and serious about it, and just kept on writing more and more. I joined SCBWI and several online children’s writing lists, and I was lucky enough to find wonderful mentors. Over time, and probably enough rejection letters to paper my bathroom, I learned the craft of writing tight and terrific stories with kid appeal.

My days as a teacher’s aide taught me that boys and reluctant readers need a WOW FACTOR. Call it kid appeal. If not, you can forget about luring them away from texting, computer games and TV movies. Give them plots that share a young macho man’s humor, hobbies and sports interests. Or HOOK them, with the treacherous and mind-boggling culture shock of a different world: Taconi and Claude - Double Trouble, for instance.

My helping other writers has turned into a Manuscript Critique Service that draws clients from many corners of the globe. My website offers various pages of help for writers, plus links to other great sites, as well as listing my 11 published books and how where to buy them.

Q) So much of your writing is in rhyme. What influences and inspires your verse?

A) I really can’t take credit for my rhyming ability. When the rhyming gene was handed out I snuck in for a double dose! Rhyme and meter is like singing in key. Some are born singing in tune, while others are painful to listen too. It comes naturally to me.

I find a lot of ideas for my books from children. My Ruthie and the Hippo’s Fat Behind and Horatio Humble Beats the Big D for instance. Grade school children today have to deal with a lot of divorce, death, and moving far from friends and family etc. And dyslexia and other learning difficulties seem to be on the rise. I wanted to offer fun stories that were also helpful to both child and parent: hence the parent teacher guides with Q & A included. I have also found that stories in rhyme stick in a child’s head – we adults still remember those old nursery rhymes.

Q) "Taconi and Claude - Double Trouble" is your first real venture into middle-grade adventure stories designed for boys. Can we expect more of these tales from you, and are any middle-grade girls' adventure stories on the horizon?

A) Our son was a reluctant reader, and this fuelled my desire to write books that would hook boys and tomboys on reading. Many girls love adventure stories – I know I did. So they are the tomboys I am targeting along with the boys.

I want to send those reluctant readers on a magic carpet ride into the Aboriginal Dreamtime Land Down-under. What better way to Hook them on reading than my :

Taconi and Claude - Double Trouble:
Join Taconi on Coorparoo Cattle Station in the Australian outback territory. The time is the mid nineteen hundreds, and his only mate is a big-mouthed cockatoo named Claude. Taconi has nightmares about his upcoming Man Ceremony, plus big problems with his dad. He also battles fierce biting green-ants and a crazed emu. Yummy witchetty grubs, yabbies and goanna steak are high on Taconi’s list of good eats. Then there are the powerful Dreamtime Spirits: they, too, have plans for him. And where is the elusive magical Kingfisher feather Taconi is sure will solve all his problems? Should he become a wise storyteller for his tribe, or a fine jackaroo who works for the cattle station? Finally, a huge tribal gathering, with dancing and storytelling, brings a surprise revelation, plus the life answers Taconi seeks. All helped along by cockatoo Claude’s “right on the money” one-liners.

Glossary of Australian and Aboriginal words can be found at the back of the book.

The “Down-under Fun” page has more facts about the animals mentioned in Taconi and Claude, as well as those in my “Wild and Wonderful” series. Look for the “NUTTY NOTES.”

Read a sample chapter from “Taconi and Claude – Double Trouble.”

http://taconisample.blogspot.com/
Margot’s Magic Carpet – all my books on the one page

+ Links to Reviews and Book Trailers

http://perfectmagiccarpet.blogspot.com/

YES, I do have a dramatic follow up adventure for Taconi and Claude in the works, plus a ghost mystery set in Oregon. Another book has a reluctant grandson writing to his Aussie Grandmother, and soon becoming hooked on the tales she tells about growing up Down-under. I think my ghost story, with its boy-girl protagonists, will appeal to both boys and girls. Scary is always a WOW factor. The same with the Aussie Grandmother and her grandson: it definitely has boy/girl appeal.

Thank you Mr. Kentner for allowing me this time with your readers.

New York Times Bestselling Author Lisa Jackson

Lisa Jackson is a writer and author with more than fifteen bestselling novels including the number one New York Times Best Seller "Fatal Burn."


An extraordinary track record.

But Ms Jackson didn't "burst" onto the literary scene. She has written more than seventy-five novels over the decades in order to earn her attraction to readers.

The magnetic draw to her stories is her ability to vividly bring the characters to life. They become flesh and blood in the reader's mind. So much so, you may swear you've met one or two.

Originally partnered in the early years with her sister, novelist Nancy Bush, the duo eventually became household names, just not together. Fortunately, the pair reunited of late and produced the bestselling "Wicked Game," which inspired "Wicked Lies."

In the meantime, Ms Jackson has authored and released the acclaimed "Without Mercy," "Running Scared," "Sweet Revenge," and "Devious" (due out April 2011).

The woman's a writing machine - - with a gigantic, gentle heart.

An animal lover and advocate for the Southwestern Washington Humane Society, Ms Jackson also actively supports the MISS Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing support to families who have lost a child regardless of cause.

Human and humane, Ms Jackson has also murdered hundreds of people from coast to coast. Okay. Her characters have, but all at her devilish command of the English language.

http://www.lisajackson.com/

Q) What books captured your imagination as a child and lit the fire that inspired your first stories?

A) I read anything I could get my hands on. (I grew up in a small timber town in Oregon where it rained and rained and rained! Remember—there were only three TV stations back in the 50’s& 60’s and Dad had control of what we watched.) I started with The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley, moved onto Nancy Drew stories by Carolyn Keene and eventually graduated to Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte and Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I went for anything mysterious and kind of gothic with a little romance and, oh, yeah, I was one of those “horsie girls” in grade school.

Eventually I discovered Stephen King—Oh-Wow!!!!

Q) I have to ask this. With so many tales, so many books you have written, how do you keep the creative juices churning to produce such fresh and vivid stories and characters?

A) You know, I was blessed with a really vivid imagination. I can “see” stories, visualize plots and create twists. I really sink into my stories and my characters. I also think I understand human nature, so, after I write enough pages I actually “get” my characters. (It takes nearly 150 pages to accomplish this, though.) Now, before you think it’s all just easy-peasy, I have to admit that I can’t spell and I have trouble typing and I hate to sit for long stretches. So, along with that great imagination, there are challenges to writing a 500-page novel.

Q) I know you occasionally have to walk away and regroup during the writing of a book when the characters become so intense within you, but what do you do when you need a break from writing all together?

A) I find my wonderful, funny family and friends!!! I’m a social person and writing is a lonely, almost antisocial career path, at least for me. When I “submerge” into my story, I don’t see anyone, so when I can get a break, I go out with friends or hang out with my family. I love walking with my dogs or friends, especially on the beach. I like to do cross word puzzles and play games and spend time in the mountains. Always with friends. There’s nothing better than to dig up people you’ve known most of your life and have a party—right?

Q) You readily avail yourself to your fans. One day you are on the west coast, the next in Florida. Unlike some noted authors, you also post your email so fans may contact you directly. And, you have dogs. And, you're willing to shelter strays. And, of course, you write for hours on end. How did you manage to turn the length of a day into thirty-six hours?

A) I’m a Zombie! Actually it’s a juggling act, but it’s one I love. I’m working on that 8 hours a night of sleep, but it’s elusive. There’s just so much to be done! Sometimes I think I’m not spending enough time with my family or caring for myself, so I shut down for a while, turn off the “Lisa Jackson machine” and just be mom, grandma or a friend. It’s great! (Don’t tell anyone, but I really am a homebody! I LOVE to bake Christmas cookies and sip hot chocolate while watching snow fall. Well, who doesn’t?)

Q) Do you foresee a day when you will retire from writing? Also, what advice would you offer a person who believes they have a story to tell, but haven't put pen to paper?

A) Oh, I’ll have to retire. I’ll get too old; won’t be able to see the world through younger eyes, and that’s okay. But I’m not there yet! As for anyone who believes they have a story to tell? Tell it. Write it. Not just a killer beginning, not just that unbelievable ending, but write the whole damned book. It’s like the Nike slogan: Do it. (But don’t give up your day job!)

Bestselling Author Margie Church

Margie Church's web site describes her writing best: "Romance With SASS – Suspense, Angst, Seductive Sizzle". Obviously, the faint of heart, or those without a heart to melt, need not apply. There isn't a topic within romance Margie isn't afraid to confront with rose petals, champagne, and stilettos. From "Awakening Allaire" with its white-collar crime, kidnapping and murder, to the erotic vampires of "Love Bites," Margie weaves intricate tales that will be around for decades to come.

Married now for nearly three decades, with two children and an English Springer, Margie describes herself as a mother and author – make that taxi driver and writer – who enjoys "Days of Our Lives," lobster, vanilla ice cream, and "great" beer. Yes, "Days of Our Lives" - Margie is such a fan that her characters Devon and Allaire in "Awakening Alliare" and "Avenging Allaire" were inspired by that show. She even has the actors' autographs in a personal copy of the book. No, I wouldn't risk my fingers trying to pry it out of her hands.

Margie's love of life is real, her passion and talent - unforgettable. http://site.romancewithsass.com/

Q) You've been writing magazine articles on the subjects of construction, engineering, and business issues for decades. What finally pushed you to venture into romance novels?

A) I've also worked in marketing communications all that while and still do. About three years ago, I was running a national magazine for my employer. Sadly, I got laid off and sadder yet, my biggest freelance client tanked two weeks later. I'd been writing fan fiction on a site for Days of Our Lives fans and accepted an invitation to write in a blind challenge at Forbidden Love. I had time on my hands to give it a try. I took second place with the piece and realized I had a great story in the making. It took a lot of work, but that challenge piece turned into Awakening Allaire, my debut novel. I didn't get a new job for almost 16 months and by then, I'd cranked out three novels. Allaire is patterned after the character Sami, played by Alison Sweeney. Devon is modeled after hunky Brit, James Scott. And you're right...don't touch those autographed books, or the autographed photo of James. Ha!

Q) Your research impresses me. If a character has a physical ailment, you detail it far beyond the superficial terms many writers use to camouflage their lack of research. In fact, you develop entire genealogies for your characters. Why do you employ such intense background work into your writing? Thank you for doing so by the way.

A) Silly me, I thought it was a requirement! Researching and finding subject matter experts is time consuming and daunting for me. However, I know there's always going to be a reader who knows more than I and won't hesitate to step forward to call me out on shoddy work. I've seen authors get humiliated over goofy mistakes and outright wrong information. I haven't enjoyed the times it's happened to me so I really try hard to avoid it. So that's the practical reason. The other half is I want to keep your eyes on every word until the last one. Dramatizing situations with real life facts, creating scenes with products and materials you can touch, smell, hear, taste, envision...those things make my work memorable. I took an online BDSM class to help me write Dangerous Love. I bought a dictionary on British slang. I have a number of subject matter experts who I rely on for everything from what kind of booze I should use, to how to treat a serious infection. I might add there's a balance to be sought with the research. The information must continue to drive the plot and character motivations. It cannot throw the reader out of the story, making them wonder why they needed to know every precise detail.

Q) You and I share strong attachments to our respective Midwestern communities. In an article, you once wrote, "Financial contributions are important, but hands and feet run the world." Why is volunteering so important to you?

A) (Thank you for digging so deep into my background, David. I'm honored.) I grew up in a very poor family. My mother always said we didn't have money to donate, but we had some time we could give. I recognize volunteerism as an opportunity and a requirement to being a citizen in this world. My husband also volunteers, and I believe we're good examples to our children. We must give of our time, treasures, and talents when we can, not only when it's convenient and affordable. Sometimes doing the most mundane things for someone fills me with such humble satisfaction. I gain empathy for others and appreciate what I have even more. I have had so much fun making new friends, working toward a common goal, learning new things, and sharing what I know. And sometimes I've had to receive these gifts of grace from others. I've appreciated them more, knowing what it felt like to walk in their shoes.

Q) I've heard you would like to be a guest on David Letterman's show. I have to ask. Why Letterman?

A) My father watched Johnny Carson every night probably until the night before he died. I like Letterman's style because he never pushes too far with his humor. I think it would be cool to be famous enough to be a guest of his. I always laugh with my sister in-law that she'll have to come with me and give me a shove when he calls my name so I'll know it's really happening. I'd better get writing that best-seller so it can happen before he retires!

Q) Blame yourself for this question. You brought it up. What's a not-so-great beer?

A) Lite beers mostly and any beer that doesn't have much substance. I enjoy a full-bodied beer - everything from Guinness to authentic German beer. My current favorite is Berry Weiss.

Margie Church writes erotic romance novels with a strong suspense element, in keeping with her moniker: Romance with SASS (Suspense Angst Seductive Sizzle). She has a degree in writing and editing and has been a professional writer, editor, and journalist for over 25 years.

Margie lives in Minnesota, is married, and has two children. Some of her passions are music, flower gardening, biking, walking her dog on moonlit nights, nature, and making people laugh.

Keep up with Margie:

Margie's website and blog: Romance with SASS ( www.RomanceWithSass.com )

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MargaretRChurch

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/margie.church

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedIn.com/MargieChurch

Noble Romance Buy Link: http://www.nobleromance.com/BrowseListing.aspx?author=102

1Place For Romance Buy Link: http://1placeforromance.com/index.php?searchMe=margie+church&column=author&_a=viewCat

Author William Freedman

William Freedman isn't new to writing, or being published.


Best known for his fictional works such as "Forever and Ever, Amen" and his latest offering, "Land That I Love," Mr. Freedman makes use of his journalism and international business degrees by penning articles for business and financial news outlets. He is topical with a keen eye for cutting through camouflage and trappings to uncover and discuss the heart of any subject matter. Most importantly, he does so with sincerity, honesty, and a sense of wry humor worthy of Jon Stewart.

Though Mr. Freedman is frequently categorized as a science fiction, horror, or dark fantasy writer, what the reader quickly discovers is Mr. Freedman merely transposes his observations of today's world to a future time where our current tribulations have become follies and foibles. While providing us with hours of reading enjoyment, Mr. Freedman also leaves the reader to ponder, to remind us, that what we do today will without a doubt impact what will have to be done tomorrow.

To stay abreast of Mr. Freedman's unique take on our world: http://landthatilovenovel.wordpress.com/

Q) "Land That I Love" is a futuristic parody of U.S. political culture. What prompted you to write this far from the ordinary tale?

A) I wrote it in early 2005 and, if you recall, the United States was essentially a one-party country then. George Bush had just won the 2004 election (I hesitate to say he was re-elected because I don't believe he was actually elected in 2000), had solid Republican majorities in both houses of Congress, and hadn't yet wasted all his political capital by screwing up Social Security reform and the Katrina response.

I was in a weird position. On the one hand, I'm a poster child for conservatism: white guy working for a Fortune 500 company, living with his wife and three kids in the suburbs, so I'm a lifestyle conservative. At the time I could claim -- though I don't anymore -- that I was a religious man. I'm still pro-life, although I'd put a whole lot of codicils in that claim. I hold an MBA degree, so I'm by definition a fiscal conservative. As someone who was under fire during the 1991 Gulf War, I didn't need a new reason to support military intervention in Iraq -- knowing full well it had nothing to do with 9/11.

But I also believe in civil rights. I believe in such concepts as habeus corpus and Fourth Amendment protections against illegal search and seizure. I don't believe in warrantless wiretaps or torture for torture's sake. And I was concerned -- and these concerns turned out to be well-founded -- that we were fighting two wars without having any idea how we were going to pay for them. One key reason for the economic stagnation of the 1970s was Lyndon Johnson's refusal to raise taxes or cut other spending to pay for military escalation in Vietnam.

But I couldn't voice any of this. If you said anything against the Bush White House, you were "with the terrorists" or "hated our freedoms". I couldn't find anything I was allowed to disagree with the President about and still be considered a good American by my neighbors or co-workers.

Q) You live in New York but chose to have "Land That I Love" published by a South African publisher. How did that decision come about?

A) As you can imagine, nobody wanted to go anywhere near Land That I Love when I wrote it. Some agents and publishers didn't care for it, and that's fair. Others didn't want to get into the risky business of repping a first-time author, especially if he straddled two very difficult genres to market: sci-fi and humor. And I can certainly understand that too. But let me share my favorite rejection with you: “You’re a terrific writer, there’s no doubt about that. And you’ve got a wicked sense of humor … Here’s my problem: editors are shying away from broad satire and parody of the war …. They’re praying mightily that this will all be over soon (well, hell, me too). I don’t think I can sell this simply [be]cause of the topic.” So basically she's saying: The war will be over any day now, so why write about it? That was in 2006.

So it languished in my trunk until about two years ago. I had Facebook-friended a lady named Joan de la Haye. Like me, she's a genre writer (horror, in Joan's case). And she lives in South Africa, a country I've visited on day job business. A few months after we met up on Facebook, she posted a status update saying that she and her friend Caroline Addenbrooke, another genre writer, were establishing their own small press and were looking for manuscripts. It took me about two seconds to reply. They liked Land That I Love and agreed to publish it.

Q) As a writer, you devote much time to encouraging new writers through your creating a science fiction critiquing group and serving as a panelist at writers' conventions. Why do you spend so much time helping others break into writing?

A) Who's helping whom?

Without the monthly crit group meetings, I wouldn't have the deadline pressure that focuses me like nothing else. More importantly, my crit group partners -- and they're not, on average, any more or less "new" than me -- provide insights into what in my first drafts work and what doesn't, and what I can do to improve a scene or a character or a plot thread. And by reading others' works critically, I learn from their mistakes before they become my mistakes.

And as anyone who attends conventions can tell you, we authors go there to market our own wares. There's really nothing altruistic about it.

Q) Your writing bring a freshness to the scene through your humor. Where do you believe your love of laughter comes from?

A) I'm a Jew from New York who tells jokes. Wow. What were the odds? I'm just doing my part to break down barriers and destroy stereotypes.

Q) What's next for William Freedman?

A) I'm about two thousand words shy of finishing my second novel, "Mighty Mighty". It's a superhero spoof, at least superficially. I think it's a much deeper book than "Land That I Love," although I hope it's at least as funny. "Land That I Love" is a political satire; it's about the limits of power and the limitlessness of the arrogance it engenders. "Mighty Mighty" is a social satire about how we all have amazing skills and abilities and yet choose to settle for comfortable mediocrity rather than use them. It's got elements of adventure, romance, family drama and horror in it, but it remains at heart a comedy. If the characters pull down their pants and shpritz each other with seltzer bottles on every page, it stops being funny. So to keep the humor fresh, I'll do anything I can to get you to care about the characters.

Best-Selling Author Charlaine Harris

Yes. Charlaine Harris is a New York Times best-selling author. Yes. She is quickly becoming a household name in conversations from quilting circles to high school hallways both through her writing and the advent of HBO’s “True Blood” series based on her Sookie Stackhouse novels. Yes. It “only” took her a quarter century to attain this level of popularity. And, yes, she is talented - - very, very talented.

But did you know, besides her husband, children, dogs, and one duck (I don’t know why only one either), the Mississippi Delta native now living in Arkansas is passionate about improving the lives of people at home and around the world?

Ms Harris is an advocate for Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, the ASPCA, and the Crime Lab Project. The Crime Lab Project promotes bringing crime labs into the modern age - helping law enforcement and victims identify and capture criminals. CSI is TV, folks - - fiction.

If you really want to help make a difference, join with Ms Harris in support of organizations such as the Crime Lab Project. http://www.charlaineharris.com/

Q) DEAD UNTIL DARK, the first in the Sookie Stackhouse series, broke traditional genre boundaries and started an avalanche of new authors for enthralled readers. But all writers share a love of reading. What books or stories first captured your interest and inspired you to write?

A) DEAD RECKONING will be on the shelves in May, but THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE COMPANION won’t be available until August 30. It wasn’t shaping up as quickly as we wanted, and I had some family things to deal with, so it got moved back. HOME IMPROVEMENT: UNDEAD EDITION, the latest anthology edited by Toni L.P. Kelner and myself, will be out August 2. I’ll have a story in DOWN THESE STRANGE STREETS (edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois) in October. That’s my publishing year.

I loved Poe when I was very young, and I read broadly, anything I could get my hands on. I loved “Jane Eyre,” still do. I’m a great Jane Austen fan. But I also read lots of mysteries and lots of science fiction, particularly Ray Bradbury and H.P. Lovecraft. I was born wanting to write, I think.

Q) I’m sorry. I have to ask. What went though your mind when you learned HBO was interested in Sookie? She is, after all, your creation, a part of you.

A) Very fortunately for me, there were a lot of people interested in Sookie at the same time. HBO was not involved then; the interest came from Alan Ball, who later made a deal with HBO. I’m sure all of the parties involved would have done a good job, but of course when Alan expressed an interest, I was very excited. He’s such a great talent.

Q) Sookie is becoming a much beloved character. What do you think it is that draws people to her, and what was the inspiration that first penned her?

A) When I was framing Sookie’s character, I started with the basic premise that only a woman with some kind of disability, or severe problem, would date a vampire. I build her personality and her circumstances around that central core. I wanted to care for her, so I made her interesting to me, sympathetic, and fallible. I’m not interested in writing perfect people or superheroes. I think people like Sookie because she always tries hard to do the right thing, though she’s not always sure what the right thing is.

Q) Sooner or later, the other characters in your mind will demand their stories be told. Is there a particular one taking the forefront you can share with us at this time?

A) Ahhh . . . no. Those who talk, don’t do.

Q) Your passion and compassion for others is admirable and commendable. Is there a person in your life you attribute your caring heart to?

A) Absolutely. My mother, who died last September, was a great woman and a great Christian. Everything good in me comes from her and my father.

Q) With the current turmoil in the publishing world as it adjusts to the reality and future of Ebooks, what advice can you offer aspiring authors?

A) With the Borders closings and the advent of Ebooks, the future of publishing and writing is certainly changing month by month. We can either insist that the old ways were best and go under, or we can go with the flow and learn new ways of marketing and selling our work. I am a dinosaur in the publishing world; I’ve been on the shelves for over 30 years now. I urge aspiring authors to become wise in the ways of new technology, but not to ignore the basic premise that if you produce a really good book, someone will be interested. It’s all too easy to decide to skip the sometimes tedious and terrifying process of submitting your book to accredited publishers in favor of publishing your own work. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. It’s a good thing if you treat the e-process as respectfully as you would hardback publication with a major house. It’s a bad thing if you use it as an excuse to submit a sloppy manuscript with so many errors in grammar, punctuation, and content that the reader can’t see the bones of the story.

Author Judith Leger

Judith Leger's personal essay "A Heart of Compassion" appeared in "Chicken Soup for Mother and Son Soul," and again as one of the 101 Best in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Golf and Sport."


Yet, surprisingly, this talented writer's preferred genre is paranormal/fantasy romance. From the mysterious specters in "Heart's Reunion" to an exotic white dragon living on a desolate world in the soon-to-be-released "Dragon's Wish," Ms Leger explores magic, illusion, relationships that should never be, and how love can overcome all obstacles – even death and planets a universe away.

Residing in Louisiana with her husband and family, Ms Leger is also a gifted artist who readily shares her love of horses through her artwork. And, she is a lady who isn't the least bit shy – about anything. Ms Leger can be found chatting on facebook or any number of blogs and Internet chat rooms. But, that's what's so special about her. In an age where the world has shrunk to a pinhead, Ms Leger remains approachable and always willing to take a few moments and talk with her readers or folks who simply have a question she might have the answer to. http://judithleger.weebly.com/index.html

Q) It took you 1½ years to submit "Dragon's Wish" for publication. What was it about this story that was so hard for you to part with?

A) Each author has a book of their heart. One that is more special than any other of their works. To me, Dragon Wish is that book. The story evolved in so many ways during the years I worked on it. I love the characters and the story. I hope once it's released the readers will fall in love with them too.

Q) Where does your intense interest in magic and paranormal come from?

A) My mother believed in the meaning of dreams. I followed in her footsteps. I am a deeply religious person but that is very personal and private to me. Not sure how I came to love magical things but I read Tolkien back in the '70's. When his other books came out, I was ecstatic. I wanted more. Deep down inside, I believe in magic and I wanted that magic to become a part of my writing.

Q) "A Heart of Compassion" is a piece of your life. How difficult was the decision to share that look inside you with the world?

A) At first I wasn't going to submit it to a publisher, but after several friends read it, they persuaded me to send it to Chicken Soup. It was contracted after about a year, then after the book was released Chicken Soup contacted me again to notify me that the story had been selected to appear in their 101 best sports book. I was so thrilled. The story was my mother’s day gift from my youngest son. Not a physical gift but one of the Spirit. Those you never forget and will always cherish.

Q) As a child, what books captivated your imagination and inspired you to write?

A) LOL, why Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon, of course. What young girl in the late 60’s and early 70’s didn’t love those teen mystery solvers? I guess you’d call them the "Twilight" of their times. I really adored Trixie’s stories because there was an underlying hint of romance in the story, too. I suppose this is what prepared me for discovering romance books.

Q) You have two teenage sons at home yet. How do they feel about "Mom" writing tales of romance?

A) They think my friends on line are a part of my imaginary characters I write about. They just go with the flow as far as my writing goes. I guess they consider it one of their Mom's hobbies. Little do they know.

Q) You are so pleasant and outgoing. How many hours a day do you spend writing, and, how do you balance your writing career and family?

A) Why, thank you, David! That’s a wonderful compliment coming from a man I greatly admire. I promise you, balancing family, work, and writing is not an easy task. As an author, I have to set time aside for the writing. I usually do this at night. Some evenings, I can write for several hours, others, I’m lucky to manage fifteen minutes. Is it worth it? Oh, yes, always. I love to tell my stories and hopefully, I will continue to do so for many years to come! Thank you, David for having me here today.

Actor, Singer, Gentleman, Richard Pryor Jr

"My name is Richard Pryor Jr. I am the son of Comedian Richard Pryor. It has taken me years being comfortable saying my complete name when meeting individuals."


Those sentences sum up the core of the man the child has become. Richard never assaulted the world with expectations of entitlement. That's not who he is, nor wants to be. He is a quiet, gentle man, until he's in front of a jazz band. It's then his soul releases a voice filled with his love of life and the music he can barely contain. Whether in a small club in Saginaw, MI, or the Trump Plaza, the man can make any song, from "Georgia on My Mind" to "I Feel Good," his own, and leave an audience on their feet, begging for more.

An extremely versatile actor, Richard recently completed filming the raucous comedy "College Debts" in which he costarred with Oscar-winning actress Celeste Holm, the psychological horror movie "Beyond the Basement Door," and a pilot for the TV sitcom series "Lizards" in which he plays the lead role as himself. He recently contracted a voice role in the upcoming animated feature "Storks" starring Ed Asner along with Joyce DeWitt and Kim Fields. Richard is also set to begin filming in March the zombie film "Meat Locker" with a tentative fall release.

Still, Richard remains the everyday man who says "Good morning" as he passes by on the street, pauses for that photo or autograph, and patiently waits in line to be seated at his favorite restaurant. He does these things because it's who he is. He is Richard Pryor Jr.

Q) Thank you for taking a few minutes to speak with me, Richard. You are such a passionate singer, where do you believe your love of music comes from?

A) I believe my passion from music comes from my spirit. I have been singing for years. As with most African American artists, I started at a young age in church singing gospel music and recorded two choir albums with the City of Refuge and Sounds of Deliverance both located in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois. I feel like I am breathing life into my body when I sing.

Q) Given your background and busy lifestyle, how do you remain so grounded?

A) That would be my mother Patricia Price's doing; when she was alive she always kept me down to earth. Even when I would visit my father's during the summer when he toured and had housekeepers and staff, I would come back home to mom and have to take out the trash and do the dishes. I totally respect her for giving me that.

Q) When you need a break, what do you do to get away and unwind?

A) Actually, cleaning and cooking is my comfort, especially during hard and difficult times. What a great way for me to unwind. I also love to attend comedy shows in the area to see "what's up" and coming.

Q) Having acted in film and plays, which do you prefer and why?

A) That is a hard question, I love them both. Anytime I can be on stage or in film I can just release and be someone else with a little bit of me intertwined within. On stage you have to project what you are portraying. In film you can totally lose yourself into that role; that is what I love about film. Having a director that will allow you to improv is also an asset. You identify with a role and pull out what is in that role that is a part of you.

Q) Where would you like your life to be in twenty years?

A) Not in a casket...LOL Actually, just being comfortable with a roof over my head, food in the fridge and taking care of or helping my family.

Q) At the end of the day, how would you like to be remembered?

A) He is Richard Pryor's son, but he is his own person with talents to stand on his own accord. He is Richard Pryor Jr.

Author, Journalist Margaret Rose

Many writers say how they have wanted to write their entire life. Multi-published author, journalist, advertising manager, copywriter, editor, wife, and mother Margaret Rose has done just that. By the way, she also raises roses.
Her first published piece appeared in McCall's Magazine – while she was in grade school.
After many years of writing magazine articles, Ms. Rose ventured into, and found, a successful niche in romance. However, she is so much more than a superb romance writer. Ms. Rose loves and is totally devoted to her family. And she isn’t the least bit shy about saying so.
As such, drawing on her love of her children, she has recently seen her initial children's book "First Spring" published, with more on the way. Simply put, her children have inspired Ms. Rose to share with the world the joy they have instilled in her heart.

"First Spring" is a poetic story of a toddler discovering the wonders of a world previously hidden under layers of snow. Marina Movshina's eye-catching artwork completes a recipe that produces a reading experience children and parents will savor again and again. http://margaretrosewrites.blogspot.com/

Q) You open your life to the world, not just through your stories, but on your blogs as well. There isn’t much a reader can't learn about you. Why is sharing who you are so important to you?

A) Thank you very much for inviting me to share my books and ideas with all your readers.

I hope there is a lot of information my blogs and websites don't divulge! However, the Internet has created an opportunity for people to connect. My life is so much richer for many of the people I have met online. Many are now friends I send Christmas and birthday cards to. I've had lunch with some and even vacationed with them. They teach and support me, which is crucial. The readers, authors, and friends I reach out to don't want to have my latest book promotion crammed at them constantly. That's why we fast forward television commercials and switch radio channels! Having a very good understanding of how to use social media enables me to become as real as I want to be in an online community or to an individual. I am not a character in my books. Writing is what I do. If I can get you to know me as a person, I think the propensity to look at my promotional posts, and yes, even buy one of my books increases.

Q) Considering how much your children inspire you, why did you choose to wait until now to publish your first children's book?

A) *laughs* I've been busy raising those little monsters! In all honesty, I never dreamed of publishing a book of any sort. I'd had it drilled into my head in college that I was no good at character or plot development. I found the methods taught for play writing to be tedious and restrictive. In short, I believed that professor. I'd followed my dream to become a professional writer many years ago. Four years ago, I finally eked my way into fan fiction and then romance. With a small amount of success under my belt, I took out First Spring on a whim and submitted it. Lucky for me, Guardian Angels Publishing snapped it up.

Q) Your life is so busy, how do you set aside time for your family?

A) It's always a pleasure to get to know new people. When the boys were younger, I did most of their outings and school things with them. Now that they're older, my husband does a lot of those things. He definitely pulls his weight around the house and with the family. Some things are sacred to me, however. Meals together, tucking them in and waking them up, sending them off to school and greeting them personally when they come home are things I do every day. We go to church as a family and volunteer there. My husband I attend their concerts and events, and volunteer for their activities. We feel strongly that we shouldn't just drop our kids off and never become involved.

Q) There is a surge lately in books infusing young adult novels with sex. As a mother and author, how do you feel about this?

A) I'm planning a YA book this summer, but there's no reason for this particular story to include sex. These books can be highly entertaining without it, but publishers will confirm and I won't deny, that sex sells. Many of these young adult books are wonderful if you choose age-appropriate stories. Pre-read the book or at least scan it beforehand, and discuss it afterward if you've given the green light to read.

As parents, we have boundaries in our home about how sex affects our children. I think a lot of the YA books coming out discuss sexual identity and acceptance. I'm supportive of that as long as my child understands that their questions should come to us. Even the questions that make me squirm or angry. I don't want my child to think letting him read a book about sexually active teenagers is also giving him some sort of unspoken permission to behave similarly. I won't abdicate my parenting responsibilities by giving my child a fiction book to teach life lessons instead of giving my time.

Q) For the countless mothers who have cooed and whispered impromptu poems and stories in their child's ear, and told they should be a writer, what advice do you have for them?

A) Write these poems and stories down. First and foremost, they are a gift to your child, precious beyond any kind of fame you might experience should they be published.

Second, learn the mechanics of good writing, so if you decide to submit your work to a publisher, you won't be rejected on poor technical skill.

I don't recommend writers to collaborate with an illustrator in advance. It's hard enough to get your manuscript contracted without worrying whether the publisher will also like your art.

Publishers are extremely busy, and children's publishers even more so. Many children's book publishers are closed to submissions because of extremely long backlogs, many require an agent, others accept submissions only certain months of the year. You must put your very best foot forward and be prepared for rejections. Many of us are willing to help newbies navigate the terrain. Publishing is complicated and fast-paced. Reach out.

Educator and Author, Dr. Kieran Egan

Concerns surround the educational evolution of today's learning institutions. It is a topic widely discussed both publicly and privately.

Dr. Kieran Egan has proposed a solution for raising the quality of learning within our schools – completely rebuilding the education system.

Dr. Egan has been spreading his message of the need for improvement in our children's learning behavior for decades, but it was the release of his book "The Future of Education: Reimagining Our Schools from the Ground Up" which caught the attention of the general public. "Learning in Depth: A Simple Innovation That Can Transform Schooling" is scheduled for release March 15th and has already stirred much debate and controversy.

"Imagine a future in which it would be routine for schools to randomly assign 1st graders one topic to study through grade 12, along with the regular curriculum. Students would learn about birds, apples, the circus, railways, the solar system, and so on… Each student, by the end of his or her schooling, would know as much about that topic as almost anyone on earth."

While educators and parents react to and debate Dr. Egan's philosophy, what no one can deny is Dr. Egan's heartfelt concern for the educational needs of future generations. www.educ.sfu.ca/kegan/

Q) There are those who decry your work as individualization, the antithesis of perspective. How do you respond to those who believe your concept would tunnel the vision of students?

A) Well that might make sense as a criticism if the students did ONLY the "learning in depth" (LiD) project and stopped being involved in the rest of the curriculum. But LiD is designed as a small add-on to the regular curriculum, in which students might meet with their teachers for an hour a week or less. Much of the work would be done outside of school, like a hobby. I introduced the idea to some students in 2008. Two of the students, who were also teachers, decided to give it a try in their own classes. So in 2008/9 school year there were about 30 students working on portfolios on their topics. In 2009/10, there were more than 2,000 students involved, and this year there are many more, not only in the US and Canada, but in Greece, Romania, Australia, Iran, Japan, England, and other countries.

I confess I am puzzled by the notion that learning a lot about something like apples or beetles or railways or birds will somehow damage students' minds and make them "narrow." Humans like to learn, but the institution of the school is not always hugely successful in harnessing this engagement with knowledge. The LiD project is one of the few things students do in schools that is not coerced. It is entirely voluntary and students can stop at any time, and there are no tests. So far, I am not aware of any student dropping out or wanting to change their topic. In fact, for very many students, their LiD study is one of their favorite school activities.

Q) How much, if any, did the philosophies of Eastern European education influence your work?

A) I suppose this depends on whether you are classifying Vygotsky as eastern European. If so, then yes, I have found Vygotsky's work stimulating in a number of ways. But I confess to much ignorance about other eastern European philosophies.

Q) No one can work 24 hours a day. What relaxes you when you step out from the halls of Simon Fraser University?

A) I like to kayak, I have built a couple of Japanese gardens (see www.educ.sfu.ca/kegan/Japangardenhome.html --where you can read, and see pictures of, the slightly crazy construction of a Japanese-style garden and "tea-house" at the back of our yard. Originally called "Building a Japanese garden--the Irish way," the eventual publisher of the book, Houghton Mifflin, changed it to the--I thought--uninteresting "Building my Zen garden." I also enjoy traveling to exotic places giving talks: Tbilisi, Cluj, Sao Paulo, Kyoto, Tønsberg, Falun, Pittsburg, etc.

Q) You are a dynamic and energetic speaker. In fact, one commenter compared you to a Monty Python performance. Who instilled such enthusiasm in you?

A) Well, that may be an overly kind observation. I think we come with a package of dispositions that either get supported by early interactions with the world, or they get discouraged, deformed, frustrated, whatever. I like Philip Larkin's response to a similar self-addressed question about basic characteristics: "They're more a style/ Our lives bring with them: habit for a while/ Suddenly they harden into all we've got/And how we got it." Elsewhere he is even more eloquent in response to a similar basic question, and this encapsulates my answer better: "Beats me."

Q) Without significant change, where do you believe North American education will rank in the world in twenty years?

A) In a companion book to the "The Future of Education," called "Getting it Wrong from the Beginning" (also published by Yale University Press), I argued that current US thinking about education remains imprisoned by 19th. century beliefs, influentially articulated by Herbert Spencer. If American educationalists continue to believe that the dominant forms of educational research will yield them knowledge about how to educate better we will continue a gradual decline into increasing ignorance, triviality, and lack of understanding of both our cultural heritage and the complexity of modern forms of life. But I don't think North American education is unique in the kinds of defects I try to point out in the two books mentioned above, so in a comparative sense we may not seem to slip much further down some league table. But we will have a hard time, and will likely have to import expertise, to sustain our technological culture and economy--we are not producing enough sufficiently skilled, competent, and knowledgeable people. This failure might bother people in terms of our economic future, in competition, say, with China and India, but it ought to worry us more about being able to sustain democracy and civility. Ignorance has never been the best guarantor of freedom and democracy.

Most of my work, and that of my colleagues in the Imaginative Education Research Group (IERG) http://www.ierg.net/ is concerned with showing how we can engage students' emotions and imaginations in learning the contents of the curriculum. The current obsessions in North American education with pseudo-scientific educational research and stretching implications from that to practice, and then testing students on shallow performance of simplistic tests can only make trying to show that everything in the curriculum is full of wonder a really tough struggle.

Author Todd Ritter

New Jersey journalist and editor Todd Ritter is a fan of Walt Disney and Alfred Hitchcock. Raised surrounded by forests and open fields in Pennsylvania by a bank teller mother and a father who dabbled in taxidermy, it seemed only natural such a unique blend of life experiences would influence Ritter's debut novel. But any chemist will tell you certain mixtures can be volatile. "Death Notice" exploded onto the literary scene, serving notice a fresh and exciting new voice had arrived.


In "Death Notice," Ritter captured the benign in a net of intrigue, and within the laboratory labyrinth of his mind morphed the commonplace into a community wrought with secrecy, characters we won't soon forget, and of course, nightmarish murder. Naturally, such a powerful and blood-chilling tale leaves the reader wanting more of Todd Ritter. Fortunately, the next addictive dosage, "Bad Moon," is forthcoming.

Therein lies the true quality of Ritter's work. Todd Ritter is a storyteller. Every word is utilized to its maximum proficiency to entertain the reader. And entertain he does. "Death Notice" is un-set-a-side-able. www.toddritteronline.com.

Q) You discovered being a published author isn't an easily pursued career. During the 2+ years of searching for a venue for "Death Notice," what pushed you to keep going and not give up?

A) At the risk of sounding unbearably egotistical, I knew I had a good story on my hands. Those who read “Death Notice” — both inside and outside the publishing industry — really responded to the concept and the characters. That input spurred me to keep working on it and to fix all the parts of the book that didn’t work. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, and there were times when I was very close to just throwing in the towel and moving on to something else. But I kept going because I loved my story and I loved my characters. I wrote the book that I wanted to read. And deep down, I knew others would want to read it, too.

Q) Describing your writing, you once used these three words: Morbid. Surprising. Sympathetic. Why those choices? And would you use the same words today?

A) I would still use those same words. I like to think that’s exactly what my writing is like. Clearly, all mysteries are a tad morbid. And hopefully they’re surprising, as well. “Death Notice” deals with pretty gruesome themes and goes to some very dark places. But I try to balance all that by respecting the characters and making them as real and believable as possible. I think some thriller and mystery writers forget that murder leaves behind a lot of collateral damage, not only for the victim’s family but for the people investigating it. That’s where the sympathy comes in.

Q) "Death Notice's" Police Chief Kat Campbell has a child with Down Syndrome. Experience has taught me, when a writer inflicts a child with such a disease it is because said disease has impacted their life. How did Down Syndrome play a role in yours?

A) To be completely honest, it didn’t. When I first started writing “Death Notice,” I wanted to introduce readers to characters they might not have seen before. I knew I was going to have a woman police chief, and I wanted her job to be only one aspect of her life. That’s when I got the idea for James, her son. Originally, I thought it would be a great way to humanize Kat while simultaneously showing her strength. Because raising a child with special needs is tough. The mothers who do that have more strength and patience than I ever will. But as work on the book progressed, James became less a story device and more of an interesting character in his own right. In the follow-up to “Death Notice,” I develop his character even further, in a way that creates new challenges for Kat.

Q) Your influences are Disney and Hitchcock, yet Hitchcock obviously won out. Why?

A) Because I love being scared and being on the edge of my seat. Hitchcock was the undisputed master of that. Growing up watching his movies, I knew I wanted to do the same thing. There’s something very cool about telling a good yarn and giving readers a nice fright. Judging from some of the e-mails I’ve received from readers, I’ve done just that. There’s no greater feeling than hearing that someone couldn’t put “Death Notice” down because it was so suspenseful.

Q) As a journalist and author, writing follows your every step. What do you like to do when you need to get away?

A) I love being a couch potato. I tend to avoid the dark dramas and go for something funny and smart, like “Modern Family” or “Parks and Recreation.” I also like to cook, which is another great way to escape. I can just turn off my brain and chop, mix and stir. There’s something very therapeutic about that.

Award Winning Author Dana Marton

With over 1.5 million books sold and the recipient of awards such as the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, Reviewers Choice, and Best Harlequin Intrigue, Dana Marton has established herself as one of today's preeminent writers of romance.


Her stories revolve around nail-biting plots, nail-tough heroes, and heroines who melt iron hearts.

Dana epitomizes the modern-day woman balancing career (she spends around 8hrs a day writing), family, home and aspirations. In her precious little free time she gardens, scours flea markets for bargains, tries to keep up with Peanut the Destroyer, her exuberant beagle, and occasionally finds time to knit and paint.

It is when Dana sits down to write that this "every woman" transforms into the extraordinary. From her mind and fingertips emerge exotic tales of ancient Egypt, treasure-laden caverns, spies next door, intrigue, suspense, danger, and above all… love.

Nearly two dozen of Dana's novels have been published by Harlequin, and there are more on the way. From "Shadow Soldier" to "Sheik Seduction" to her latest "The Spy Who Saved Christmas," Dana continues to mesmerize fans around the world. Her work has been published in seven languages in eleven countries.

There seems to be no bottom to Ms Marton's well of writing and story-telling abilities.

And with tens of thousands of readers eagerly awaiting her every offering, we can only hope to enjoy many more years of Dana Marton novels. http://www.danamarton.com/

Q) You are one of the "overnight" success stories – it only took you 13 years to be published. There had to be a time when you considered giving up. What pushed you to continue until your work finally found a home at Harlequin?

A) The ideas in my head just won't quit. It's easier to write them down than to get them to keep quiet. Honestly, after starting that first manuscript, I don't think I had a choice. Some doors cannot be closed once they are open. Writing has many rewards that have nothing to do with the work being published. Even if nobody would ever publish another book of mine, I'd still keep writing. It's an amazing learning experience and a journey of self-discovery, a creative act that builds my soul. I'm not sure how entertaining my books are to readers, but writing them is enormously entertaining for me! It's the most fun I ever had at work.

Q) There's a rumor you read your first Harlequin Romance novel… at work… and decided then and there Harlequin was your dream publisher. Any truth to that story?

A) Well, that depends on whether my ex-employer is reading this.... Okay, seriously, yes, pretty true. I was a part-time receptionist who watched the phones at a company, working 2nd shift. I shared a desk with the 1st shift receptionist who was a voracious reader of Harlequin novels and used to leave books by the dozen in the drawer. Thank God, since I had no money those days and could have never afforded all those books. In my defense, 2nd shift was really slow. Rarely did anyone call. It was either sit there and stare at the wall or sit there and read. I could never resist a stack of books. Especially not books that combined amazing stories of romance and adventure. I was hooked from the first.

Q) Writing and editing sucks time away like a vacuum cleaner in a bowl of dust. How do you juggle your career, home and family? And, how supportive is your family of your writing?

A) Writing is my priority. I write before I do anything. My family is amazingly supportive and they were supporting way before I ever sold anything. At one point my husband even offered to sell his car to improve our finances so I could stay home and write full-time for a while. We came close to having to do that, but I ended up selling my first book a few months later. Since I've been writing for a living, everyone chips in during deadline time. Dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, you name it. All the credit for my books should go to my family.

Q) You personally seem to be attracted to sheiks and desert locales. What do you find so enticing in those settings?

A) Actually, my favorites are international intrigue and survival action/adventure stories. The sheik and prince angle tends to come from my editor. I love exploring other cultures and I do travel widely, despite my fear of flying. It's fun to see other countries and see how other people think, notice all the small and large differences in lifestyles, etc. I think cultural diversity is a huge treasure and an asset to this world. I never understood racism.

Q) What would be the perfect morning of the perfect day for Dana Marton?

A) The first day of a new story is the most amazing thing. The possibilities are wide open. There's a sense of anticipation. The present is still unopened. And I get to do that next Monday! I'm starting a new book, LAST SPY STANDING, that's set in South America. It'll be a Sep. 2011 release. I can't wait to get started. As I go on with a story, options become more and more limited. Plot questions asked at the beginning must be answered at the end. Characters need to act in character, etc. But at the beginning, there are no restrictions yet. I could come up with the wildest opening sentence and make it work. The beginning of the story always has a sense of limitlessness for me.

Multi-Award Winning Author Juliet Marillier

Australia's Juliet Marillier has won numerous literary awards including an American Library Assoc. Best Book, a Le Prix Imaginales and 3 Aurealis Awards. Yet, writing professionally didn't come until later in life. Ms Marillier is a gifted musician who taught high school and university music. An opera singer, she is also an experienced choral conductor.

"Daughter of the Forest," her first published novel, released to acclaim and was soon published in the U.S. and U.K. as well as New Zealand and Australia. This fairy tale told in an Irish setting became the first of the "Sevenwaters" trilogy (a fourth and fifth book have since been added). Her repertoire of stories expanded to four series plus the stand-alone novel, "Heart's Blood."

Ms Marillier's unique blend of history, folklore, romance and family drama continually leaves readers spellbound and awaiting her next beguiling tale of human relationships and personal journeys. A member of the druid order OBOD (The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids), her characters' interaction with the natural world around them reflects the author's own spiritual values.

While Ms Marillier would appear at the top of her game, life isn't always fair, nor scheduled, nor easy. In 2009, Ms Marillier was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was then, as so many women (including my own now deceased mother) can attest to, Ms Marillier had to find strength previously implanted in her fictional characters.

And, true to form, Juliet Marillier has risen to the challenge and chosen not to surrender, but to wage battle on her own terms against this disease.

For more on Ms Marillier's breast cancer experience: http://writerunboxed.com/2009/05/07/changes/

Q) Obviously, my heart and prayers go out to you, but I must ask (as the son of a prior cancer survivor) where do you stand today in your battle with cancer?

A) I’m doing well, thank you. It’s now almost two years since my initial diagnosis, which was picked up on a routine mammogram – there were no warning signs at all. Between March and November 2009 I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. Thus far my tests have remained all clear and I’m feeling well. Like many survivors of life threatening illnesses, I have a new appreciation of what is really important in life. I remind myself of that when I get grumpy about things like deadlines or bad reviews. In the bigger picture, they don’t matter in the slightest.

Q) You have an incredible gift of music. What inspired you to transfer your energy and passion to writing?

A) I’ve always loved both books and music. My parents were musicians, one professional, one amateur, and both of them were keen readers. I did a lot of writing as a young person but I chose music as a career. The desire to tell a story bubbled to the surface later in life, during a time of personal crisis and life-changing decisions. That was when I wrote my first novel, “Daughter of the Forest”. From there my career as a novelist developed more or less naturally.

Q) Genre tags tend to shelve and categorize a writer. To my personal amusement, many have tried and failed to box your work under a specific label such as gothic, fantasy, or supernatural. What do you consider your stories? Or are some people simply overcomplicating obvious historical romances?

A) That’s a great question. I do believe my work spans quite a few genres: historical novel, fantasy, romance, adventure, family saga, even gothic/ghost story in the case of “Heart’s Blood.” I quite like the fact that they are not easily boxed. For instance, I have many readers who tell me they don’t read any other fantasy, but love my books. I don’t consider my novels to be any particular genre. I just write the stories that I want to write and leave such categorisation up to booksellers, librarians and readers. While my books are set in real history and all contain love stories, they are probably a bit more than historical romances because of the strong folkloric and magical elements, the spiritual aspect, and the way they delve quite deeply into human motivations and personal journeys.

Q) You have been called a "folklorist." Fans have been known to challenge writers' research. To that end, you have traveled to places such as Turkey gathering background information for a story. How do you contend with critics and do you welcome readers' questions regarding your extensive research?

A) When I make factual errors, and I’ve done so several times, I’m happy for readers to let me know – sometimes these things can be fixed up in a later edition. Often it isn’t the history but something like making a flower the wrong colour or putting a New World vegetable in early medieval Europe (we caught that one in time.) On my website there’s a Q&A where I list these errors and their corrections. With experience, I have become much more thorough and careful in my historical research. In my original Sevenwaters trilogy, the history is quite flawed because I was writing with a fairy tale in mind, and I figured if readers could accept magical beings out in the woods they wouldn’t be troubled by a little historical inaccuracy. Mostly, they weren’t, but in retrospect the dodgy history bothered me a lot, and if I were writing that series again, it’s the first thing I would fix. When readers tell me about an error, all I expect is that they check out the website first to make sure I don’t already know about it. And they should tell me politely!

Q) Should the day come you decide to set aside your pen, what message do you hope to leave within your writing for readers?

A) Find the courage within yourself. Move forward bravely through whatever challenges life presents. Respect others, with all their flaws, and respect yourself. Learn the value of love, faith, honour, integrity, comradeship, family. These old-fashioned virtues will light the darkest pathway. http://www.julietmarillier.com/

An Interview with Bestselling Author Cherise Sinclair

Cherise Sinclair novels held four of the spots in a Top Ten list for 2009. Very few writers will ever be able to achieve such a feat. To do so, an author must not only write superbly, but also captivate an audience willing to make not one, but repeated purchases of the author's work.

Award-winning Cherise Sinclair has garnered a devoted following that is increasing with each new book.

Born in Iowa and currently residing in California with her husband, children and domineering cats, Ms Sinclair has become a powerhouse in the literary industry within the genre of . . . BDSM – Bondage, Discipline (dominance), Sadism, Masochism.

What sets Ms Sinclair apart, endears her to readers around the world, is her ability to intertwine the erotic elements of BDSM into romantic tales of love so strong, so powerful, the reader can't help but cheer when the leading man and woman finally fall into each other's arms.

The "Masters of the Shadowlands" series continues to reign supreme on Amazon's Kindle listings, while the combined romantic, science fiction & BDSM tale, "The Starlight Rite" holds top one hundred places in three separate categories, and her latest, "Master of the Abyss" is the #9 bestseller on two Kindle lists.

Yeah. Cherise Sinclair is one heck of a writer. http://www.cherisesinclair.com/

Q) To what do you attribute the growing reader/buyer interest in stories involving BDSM?

A) There’s probably a myriad of reasons, but I’ll give you a couple:

* To stay ahead of the increasingly hot mainstream romances, erotic romances must increasingly push the boundaries toward more ‘kink’, which is why BDSM is no longer considered outrageous. In addition, women now demand in their literature all the variety that men have enjoyed for so long. (‘Bout time, too)

* During the feminist movement, in order to stay politically correct, authors would emasculate their heroes to some degree. Even now, writing a dominating hero without crossing the he’s-an-arrogant-asshole perception can be tricky. However, with BDSM and a consensual exchange of power, the more dominant a hero is, the better. Cuff her, spank her, order her around? If it’s safe, sane, and consensual, it’s all good.

Q) What on earth first compelled you to write a story about finding love in the world of BDSM?

A) It sure wasn’t a planned career change. A couple of years ago, I was having health problems and feeling very unfeminine and unsexy. So I put aside the mainstream book I’d been working on, and--just to please myself--wrote the most erotic story I could think of. Just for my own pleasure.

Of course, once it was done, I couldn’t throw it away. A friend, Amber Green, recommended her epublisher, and I sent it off. When Loose Id bought it, I wasn’t sure whether to be thrilled or horrified. An erotic romance writer? Me?

Q) I'll wager your parents didn't read you bedtime stories about handcuffs, chains, and rope. What books did enthral you early on?

A) Oh, I was a nerd and read everything. From religious Grace Livingston Hills to Heinlein’s "Stranger in a Strange Land," from Bertrice Small to James Bond books, from Guideposts to the Penthouses under my big brother’s mattress. Focused, I wasn’t--and I haven’t changed much. I loved the library. I knew I’d gotten a hot story if the librarian gave me an over-the-reading-glasses look and asked, “Does your mother know you’re reading this?”

Q) How does your family feel about your chosen genre, and, do you foresee a shift in genres, one without BDSM, in your future?

A) My family is still a little off-balance, especially my big brother. I, of course, tell him it’s his fault I’ve gone over to the dark side--maybe if I’d never read his Penthouse or Playboy magazines in my tender, formative years…

My husband enjoys it all, including helping with research. Ah…yeah. Actually, he insists on helping with research.

I might eventually try my hand at seeing if I can create a very dominant hero for a mainstream romance. Just for fun. Then again, look how much trouble I got into last time I wrote something just for fun.

Q) Any advice for those who have a story to tell, but have yet to write it?

A) Ahem. Beginning writers: line up right here in front of me (and be grateful that I left the flogger under the bed). Very nice. Now ‘splain to me why you’re reading this instead of working on your story? Yeah, that’s what I thought. Listen carefully: I want you to sign off the Internet, plant your butt in the chair, and get to writing.

Sure it’s good to read craft books, join critique groups, and play with writing software. However, those activities are all secondary. Write! Think of riding a bike. You buy the bike, read the manual, listen to advice--but if you don’t actually climb on the darn thing and pedal, you’ll never be able to pop a wheelie.

Now go--get to work.