Friday, November 30, 2012

A Heart-felt Christmas Story


A Christmas Home by Greg Kincaid
ISBN: 978-0307951977
Publisher: Crown


Book Synopsis:

Todd McCray, hero of A Dog Named Christmas, is now twenty-four years old and working at a local animal shelter, where he meets and quickly becomes best friends with Laura, a young volunteer. Laura, like Todd, has disabilities of her own, but her struggles are more physical than developmental. Their friendship is sealed when Todd—with the help of his trusted companion, the tenacious Labrador retriever named Christmas—trains a beautiful dog named Gracie to help Laura with the day-to-day life tasks that are difficult for her. 

Life seems good for Todd, but all is not well in his hometown. Struggling families unable to make ends meet are abandoning more and more dogs, and the shelter is swelling to capacity. The local government is struggling to meet its obligations too, and in early December, on the cusp of another holiday season, Todd’s boss delivers the bad news. Due to funding problems, the shelter will close its doors before the end of the year. But what will happen to all the animals? 


As the Christmas holiday approaches, Todd has limited time to find homes for all the dogs. Not to mention that he needs to secure a new job and figure out what to do when his friendship with Laura takes an unexpected romantic turn. All this seems overwhelming unless you’ve got a loving family, dedicated friends, and a couple of very special dogs behind you. In which case, nothing is impossible.


I received a complimentary copy  of this book from Crown Publishing for the purpose of review. The review is my honest opinion and I was not paid for this service.

A Christmas Home is a wonderful tale about Todd and his black lab Christmas. Todd is a special needs young man who works at an animal shelter that is in the process of being shut down. Despite Todd's apparent disability he is living proof that anyone can attain any goal once they set their mind to it. He refuses to allow his disability to govern his life and has an almost normal life. He works a job, lives on his own and has an amazing talent as dog trainer. He trains an equally talented dog named Gracie to help his special needs friend, Laura. Laura is another amazing character who also does not allow her disability to hold her down.

Author Greg Kinkaid is an amazing writer. He pulls you into the story from the very beginning and keeps you until the very last page of the story. This is one book that was hard to put down as you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. The story was very heart-felt and easy to identify with. He makes you fall in love with the characters to the point where you feel as though you are a part of their very lives.

The story was very descriptive and very well written. The author's natural ability to tell a heart-warming story only intensifies his ability to capture his audience. Anyone who enjoys a heart-felt story about a young man and his dog is bound to enjoy this one. I recommend this book as a must read; you definitely won't be disappointed.

I rate this book with 5 stars out of a total of five.

You can purchase the book here: Amazon | Barnes&Noble


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Aspiring New Author Cheryllynn Dyess

Hello Cheryllynn and welcome to the world of published authors. Thank you for taking the time out to interview with me today. Please tell us about yourself.

I am the grandmother of a beautiful little girl and the mother of one wonderful adult daughter and two entertaining teenaged sons from a small southeastern Georgia town and currently residing in Central Texas. I have been educated and worked in health care for more than 17 years and just recently decided to take a new path in life.  I wrote when I was much younger in school and set it aside to handle life. And now I am pursuing my dreams.....I have an awesome support system that allows me to do just that.

 Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

 I was inspired to write by my partner, Johnny Sirmans, Sr. He told me I had a gift and should share it with the world. With his support and encouragement, I was able to create this series and share my imagination with the world. Jein’s Journey Calastan is the first of a series about a young woman who lives in a matriarch society and chooses not to follow a traditional role. She follows the roles of the man being the hunter, gatherer, and provider instead of leading in government or as a business owner type. In this first book, she is 17 and it follows her through one year. She has conflicts within herself, with her people, friends and family about her choices. She goes on hunts and expeditions and this is her journey.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?


 I like action, mystery and thrillers but my all time favorites are science fiction-fantasy.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I like to use the laptop or table to write. I was never big on handwriting much of anything, plus I can never read my own writing.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

 I need the first five pages to catch my attention, draw me into the story because if not I will walk away from it. To catch my attention the writing must make me feel like I can envision the scene realistically.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

 Science fiction/ fantasy. That genre has endless opportunities for new creative things to come to life – the imagination is a playground for it.

Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?

 No, I did not quit a job to start writing. I actually started writing then joined Avon as an Independent Sales Representative, plus I home school one child, I am a mom….the list can go on from there.

What is your favorite junk food vice? 

Cheez-It’s and Pepsi

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

 I love to be with my family. I enjoy fishing and most things outdoors. Johnny and I like to sit out on the back porch and just enjoy our peaceful life.

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?


 I dedicated this novel to my partner, my closest friends, my children and my granddaughter. My partner for encouraging me to start writing, my friends for encouraging me to continue writing, my children and grandchild to show them that no matter what you never give up on your dreams and goals because they can be achieved.

Who are your favorite authors? 

Edgar Allen Poe is my all time favorite author. I also enjoy Stieg Larsson and Lee Child.





Jein's Journey by Cheryllynn Dyess
ISBN:  978-1477288740 
Softcover (142 pages)
Ebook

Book Synopsis: 
 
Seventeen year-old, Jein is not your typical teenager in a matriarch land. Jein is one of the top three female hunters and continues to struggle to find her way in her society and within herself. In her last year at home she wins the championship at Spring Festivities, beating out all the young men only to be sent a special hunt days after. This is her story, this is her journey.


Purchase the book here:  Amazon | Barnes&Noble | AuthorHouse


Reach the author here: Facebook | Twitter




Monday, November 26, 2012

The Four Horsemen Series welcomes author Patrizia Sammarrtino

      Thank you for joining me today Patrizia and welcome to my blog. What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?


It is my first book, therefore I really do not have a genre, it is about me and my life. I like to read vampire books and Koons is also one of my favorites.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?

Of course, English not being my language I had heavy criticism about my grammar. The best compliments were regarding my courage to talk about my life and recognitions about how hard and complex it has been.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other? 

Definitely computer, much faster.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from you to be read pile?


I read vampire’s stuff.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?

I just started and I am learning as I go, but my style is the same.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

Must be interesting, easy to read and I don’t want to find out the end until… the end.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?

Sharing and sharing, it was beautiful to share with other people my life, but it is has been also very painful to remember it all.

What is your favorite junk food vice?

I’m not sure it is junk, but I love Italian pastries and dark chocolate.







Sunday, November 25, 2012

Attention Authors!!

If you have a book trailer for your book and you would like to be added to my blog, please contact me and include the name of the book, author name and link to the trailer. Thanks so much!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Please Join Me In Welcoming Jessiqua Wittman

Hello Jessiqua and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time to interview with me today. Why don't you start by telling us a little about yourself?

My first love was a good story, any good story I could get my hands on. My mom says I was tested and had a 4th grade reading level at age five, so I can’t remember a time in my life when I couldn’t read. As I got older, if whatever story I read didn’t seem realistic enough, I would color in the details and plug in the gaps until a whole back-story filled the pages. Shallow, two-dimensional characters gained histories and pasts...

When I was about 11 years old, my parents paid for me to take a writing course. I enjoyed it to the hilt. Most of the kids around me didn’t seem that into it and barely completed their small books they were supposed to write, but I think I finished about five... A whole new world had opened up to me. The world of writing. The written word fascinated me. I could create an entire world contained within the two covers of a notebook. A world where anything could happen, a world filled with adventure and beauty and excitement. A wonderful place to be...

As I grew older and bloomed into a relationship with God and learned more about the troubles and struggles of the world, the childish aspects of my writing gradually began to fade into more serious aspects. I began to cope with my wild teenage emotions by writing, I began to cope with the terrible evils of the world around me by writing, I began to deal with my own spiritual turmoil by writing. My Father in Heaven would whisper to me as I sat on my bed and scribbled out my dreams, frustrations and desires. He began to let me see His light in the darkness, He began to explain that there’s no such thing as victory without struggle, He began to show me how He’s all encompassing, all knowing, and wants to be involved in every detail possible of our lives. How He already knows every secret of every soul, but He wants to be invited in. All too often we shun our Maker from the deepest, darkest places of our hearts because we’re afraid of Him judging us for what’s inside, when in actuality we should be honored and thankful that He cares enough to want to help us clean the place up.


As I grew up, got married, had children, learned all these things and more, the characters in my head began to grow even more real. Gradually they became more than just pieces of my heart, they became pieces of the hearts of those I saw struggling around me. Their confusions, victories and disappointments became touchable to me. Even more so though, their stories became the line through which God could whisper His love. His grace and mercy began to flow through my fingers. He didn’t give me all the answers, but He allowed me to see His heart, and He gave me the ability to communicate it for Him on paper.


Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?
A Memoir of Love is the first novel in the Memoirs of Life series. It’s a story about a colony trying to become a nation. And the people behind that transformation.

MOL’s characters dwell in a future version of our own world. Most of the population centers of the planet were destroyed many years before. The survivors of the decimation scattered and founded widespread “settler cells” instead of rebuilding their old nations.

The old settler generation is dying off in MOL’s specific colony, Marna. The former leaders are growing ancient. It’s time for the refugees to choose a new boss. The people have split apart into factions, and each has its own leader that they want to put in power.

That’s just the background though. Truly the story is about the characters; here’s a few of the main ones.

Hazael: The Revolutionary leader, the “rising king”. Hazy is a moody agnostic that you either love or hate, usually at the same time.

Maia: Hazael’s beautiful lady-friend that both inspires and infuriates him. She is a sensitive, spoiled immigrant from the neighboring colony Marna is at war with.

Clare: A runaway sex slave trying to make a new life for herself. She’s still hunted by her former master and mental demons though.

Tov: A stubborn “good boy” that tries to help Clare. He quickly finds that there’s a big difference between affection and love though. One lasts a moment, one endures forever.

Iago: Clare’s ex-master. He’s a man haunted by his own devils, issues that are unexpectedly easy to identify with.

Thomas: Hazael’s brother, confidant, spokesman, military commander and tease. A workaholic to say the least, he’s always busy and often absent.

Love: Thomas’ wife, the woman that records the story. A quiet encourager and support to them all, she struggles with her own problems silently until they become too much for her. Then it gets messy.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?


I used to be a pen-and-paper girl. I always had several pens and notebooks with me. My book was over a 1,000 handwritten pages long and stored in a HUGE binder. Gradually I had to transfer everything from the paper to the computer so that I could publish it. Nowadays I simply don’t have the time for that. Everything goes directly to the laptop. It’s faster and cleaner and less likely to get toddler scribbles all over it.

 Did you get to quit your day job and become an author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?
Haha… Someone asked me once when I was going to get a “real job”. I felt like throwing a hissy fit. I have a hard-working husband to feed and love, and two toddlers to guard and nurture, and a house to clean and upkeep. That’s three jobs and passions rolled into one. Then there’s writing…

 What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?

To kill a Llama. Yeah… I know… strange. You see, in A Memoir of Love, a dog gets killed. Several people die too, but I’ve heard quite the outcry on behalf of that poor dog. So one day (in exasperation) I retorted that everyone wouldn’t care so much if a llama had died. One of my loyal readers responded by making me promise that in my next book, I would kill a llama. That way we can see if I get the same horrified response…

 Besides writing and reading, what is your favorite thing to do?

Watching my children soak in life with awe-struck eyes. I have two toddlers. They enjoy the world around them to the hilt. I bask in the glow of their happiness.

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?


Perfection. It bugs me when the heroes are perfect. It bugs me when the villains are “perfectly evil”. I don’t see black-black and white-white people in real life, usually we’re all varying shades of grey. Christian books are especially prone to this. Yes, the Holy Spirit makes us “able” to obey God. But that doesn’t mean everything becomes easy once we become saved. Character is nurtured in us through overcoming trials. “We boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:2-3 (NIV)

Who was your current novel dedicated to? Any particular reason?

A Memoir of Love is dedicated to my parents. Much of it was written when I was a moody teenager. My Mom told me once that I left home months before I ever moved out because I got so buried in writing “my book”. They tolerated it then, and encouraged it later after I got married and had kids of my own.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment? Did those change how or what you did in your next novel?

The toughest criticism has probably been about the book’s time setting. The plot is set over two hundred years in the future. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people tell me that it can’t be a Christian book because it’s set that far in the future. They say that Christ has to come back sooner than that, and that it’s stupid to write a book about the world lasting that long.

My answer to that is: That’s why it’s Christian FICTION, people… I’m looking forward to Jesus coming back as much as the rest of us. But that doesn’t mean I can’t tell a story about Him putting that off a couple hundred years.

The biggest compliment has probably been the joined emotional response of several people to certain concepts of the book. God has used this story to bring about a lot of soul healing. I’m honored to see it.

The way all this changes what I am doing in my next novel? It encourages me to trust in my intuition. I used to wonder if what I was hearing was really from God. Now I don’t worry so much about it. As long as I keep praying over everything, I can trust that He’ll tell me if something is far off.

Which is your favorite character in your book and why?

Ohhh! This is the hardest question! Each of my characters are individual and have their moments of both shame and glory. They all frustrate me and make me proud at times. It’s like picking a favorite kid…

But… since I have to choose. Hazael comes to mind. Many of his struggles with God and life are inspired by a person very close to me. I feel for Hazy in a very deep way. He’s been a part of my life since I was very young. His lame jokes also make me laugh… every time… *sheepish smile*

Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

A Memoir of Love has mature themes, coarse language and sexual dialogue in it. I myself don’t like that stuff in my own reading material. If I could write a book alone, I would have written a very different kind of story than this one. It would have been adventuresome, fluffy and romantic. However… I didn’t write this book alone. My Father in Heaven whispered it to me. He wanted me to tell a story about His love. The love that made Him reach out to scoundrels and hookers when He was here in the flesh. The love that makes Him reach out to druggies, old grouches, molested children and devoted atheists today. Therefore… Some of the subject matter contained in the book is very uncomfortable for some people. It has been very uncomfortable for me to write, that’s for sure. God hasn’t called us to do what is easy or comfortable though, He’s called us to do His will, and communicating His love in this manner is part of His will for me.



Oh and… several people have commented on the six beautiful illustrations in A Memoir of Love. They were drawn by K.A. Brown, and can be found online at: http://www.memoirlifeblog.blogspot.com/p/character-illustrations.html


Book Synopsis:

 Marna…
The year is 2143 C.E.
The place is an insignificant settler cell in the Damascus region. Consumed with unrest and divided by indecision, it is the perfect battlefield for the spiritual forces of a post-apocalyptic world.


The original inhabitants of this land were descendants of the ancient Hadadian kings of Damascus, but after the second Great War ended, the refugees from the destroyed population centers nearby decided to call this area their new home. The Hadadians fell easily to their following conquest. They were already weak from religious skirmishes within themselves, and the covetous refugees were far more advanced technologically. 


That was all sixty years ago. This year, 2143, our year, is the period everything is going to change for the forgotten kingdom. We, the multicultural grandchildren of that history, are ripe for a social Revolution. Our Settler’s Senate Council have proved themselves incompetent as leaders time and time again, and now war is looming with our European neighbor, Charn. Our last hope is to elect a Hadadian king to take the reins of our riotous people and rule like a man again.


Corruption loves company, and it never rests until anarchy reigns…


 Purchase the book here:  Amazon | Barnes&Noble | eBookstore | Ipad | Kobo

Reach the author via: Blog | Website

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Getting to know author Rian Torr

Today I met Rian Torr, author of New London Masquerade. Not only is Rian a published author, but he is also an established painter and songwriter. This is a man of many incredible talents. His art has recently won awards for Best Use of the Medium and Best Religious.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

I call New London Masquerade an Alien Invasion Supernatural Horror Love Epic. A group of kids are cursed to become their Halloween costumes (mummy, wulf, zombie & dragun), then as young adults they are hunted down by the man who cursed them--all while the Devilbilly-Ichen goatling aliens begin their invasion.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

 I studied English at uni, so I can appreciate all genres. I would rather read a good novel in a dry genre than a bad one in a hot one.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I am 36, so I started with pen and paper and grew into computers. I no longer use the pen, except for song-writing, because my hand cannot move fast enough. Back in the day, the hand was plenty fast, because the words were not.

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you pick up some from your to be read pile?

I don't actually read regularly anymore. I switched from reading to writing. Looking back, I realize I mainly got into reading in order to learn how to write. It was that and a way to escape reality. I can still escape reality through writing, however, so now that I'm ready, all that's left is to write.

Compared to when you first started writing, have you notice any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now? 

Yes, major changes. From the speed, to the congruence, to the flow, to the immediate action, extended dialogue, shorter paragraphs--more dashes--swifter pace. Everything gets easier and more suited to your style the longer you write. I used to try to write from the end backward, then later from the beginning on--but now it's more all at once, during the loose outlining phase--then from beginning to end in one pass quick pass.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?

Fav part is the creative catharsis. Least is the time away from friends.

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?

Bicycling, painting--time with cats--health info--ancient alien docs--politics.

Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? Did you take their advice? 

Yes, Mr. Davis encouraged my novel writing. He graded me high and advised me to submit to publishers.

We all have our little things when it comes to reading, is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?

 I find that when I do try to force myself to read, I cannot make it past a paragraph without seeing something I would not do--in fiction at least. In non-fiction I'm only there for the facts so I overlook bad style. In stories, I want to be hooked by both the words and what they conjure.

What do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?

I like binaural beats or anything without words. The words interfere. I only listen to music with words when I'm not writing.

Book Synopsis:

 When Gavin Callow moved to New London to take care of his grandson Devin Drake, after the boy’s folk perished in a fated plane crash one Halloween Eve--he never would have guessed where his growing suspicions would lead him--and what his secret black arts would soon unleash. He would spend the rest of his days hunting down the monsters of his own conjuring--in a desperate effort to redeem his soul before the end times were over. Meanwhile, the Devilbilly Motherships began arriving--and all of Earth faced a long, dark reckoning. So the first wave of the Ichen Invasion began ...

Purchase the book here:  Softcover | E-book

Friday, November 16, 2012

Today I Welcome Author Gretchen Steen

 Good morning Gretchen and welcome to my blog. Thank you for taking the time to interview with me today. Can you please tell me a little about yourself?

I was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1952. The oldest of three children. My writing began in high school, but I never did anything substantial until I was almost 50.

A dream led me to begin my dragon trilogy in 2001, which I wrote in my spare time over the next seven years.

I have written a bit of not-so-poetic poetry and a few short stories also, which filled in the gaps between stories.


Please tell me about your novel.

“Legend of Dragamere”, a legendary castle … a maniacal wizard … dragons, strangers and a magical rose …

Chelsey always knew she was different. After reading an obscure fantasy novel, she sensed a connection. Desperately seeking answers, she flies to England and befriends a handsome stranger, Damien. They meet with the enigmatic Malcolm, who mysteriously reveals their joint heritage. The facts are unbelievable; his claim … their bloodline.

In order for them to survive, they must go to the infamous castle, Dragamere, and break a thousand year-old curse. They are spurred on by a malevolent entity that has transcended time. The cursed lovers’ archenemy proves to be a defiant foe and their journey becomes treacherous.

The curse is broken and so is the veil of time. Chelsey and Damien find themselves in the past, united with the condemned lovers. Together, they must face their evil nemesis and destroy him. Will they ever return to their own time and at what cost?

Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

After reading Stephen King’s “The Eyes of the Dragon” many years ago, the desire to write my own dragon tale came to the forefront.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

Fantasy fiction and Thrillers.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer?

I prefer my computer. I can keep the thoughts organized much better.

Do you prefer one way or the other?

 I’d rather use a computer, but when I don’t have access, I’ll do it the old-fashioned way. Jotting down notes or sometimes, a mini-tape recorder, but very seldom, as these disconnected thoughts tend to be lost the moment after they’ve been written or spoken.

What has been your favorite part of being an author?

Writing my story and seeing it develop.

What has been your least favorite?

The difficulties of being an Indie author with promotion.

What has been the strangest thing that a reader has asked you?

When I first wrote my dragon fantasy, I worked in a convenience store as a cashier. Those who read my work would always ask “What are you doing here, you’re a writer!” My response was, “Thanks, but I have to eat too!”

Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do? 

I’m a music fan and I listen to all types of music spanning the last 50 years.

Did you have any teacher in school that encouraged you to write? 

In high school, my Composition teacher, Mr. Delzingaro, prodded me to continue my writing. I laughed him off and didn’t even think about writing for another thirty-odd years.

 Did you take their advice? 

Long after the suggestion, yes.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career?

I’m working on a story now called “What Is To Come?” It’s an attempt to delve into the Thriller genre.

Why?

 With the world in chaos right now, the ‘what ifs’ are staggering. The ever-present news we’re all being fed was the trigger. What do we have to look forward to? Is the future a repeat of past events? These thoughts led to a Flash Fiction that I decided to expand into a full-blown tale.

Who are your favorite authors?

 I love Stephen King! His attention to detail is amazing.

Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?

 Yes, to all those unknown writers, don’t give up. Keep forging ahead, try new ideas, you’ll surprise yourselves with what you can accomplish.

Book Synopsis:

  A legendary castle … a maniacal wizard … dragons, strangers and a magical rose …

Chelsey always knew she was different. After reading an obscure fantasy novel, she sensed a connection. Desperately seeking answers, she flies to England and befriends a handsome stranger, Damien. They meet with the enigmatic Malcolm, who mysteriously reveals their joint heritage. The facts are unbelievable; his claim … their bloodline.

In order for them to survive, they must go to the infamous castle, Dragamere, and break a thousand year-old curse. They are spurred on by a malevolent entity that has transcended time. The cursed lovers’ archenemy proves to be a defiant foe and their journey becomes treacherous.

The curse is broken and so is the veil of time. Chelsey and Damien find themselves in the past, united with the condemned lovers. Together, they must face their evil nemesis and destroy him. Will they ever return to their own time and at what cost?


 Watch the Book Trailer:
 

Purchase the book here:  Amazon | Lulu 

Author Website: http://www.gretchensteen.com/index.html


Thursday, November 15, 2012

TheFourHorsemenSeries welcomes author Antonello Fiore

 Hello Antonello. Thank you for taking the time to interview with me today. Please start by telling us about yourself.

I am a current Nurse’s Aide, working in a Home Care Agency. I graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor’s Degree majoring in Theological Studies and a minor in Religion. I also completed the Canadian Certificate Youth Ministry Studies held at the Archdiocese of Montreal.

I am very active with my Church. I have been teaching the Faith First Catechism Program for over ten years, played guitar and sang with the Choir, and has played the part as Jesus for their annual Good Friday play.

Lastly, I have been a writer for Montreal’s Catholic newspaper, The Catholic Times, writing various articles relating to the city’s Catholic faith.

Please tell me about your novel. Who or what was your inspiration behind it?

My inspiration behind my novel belongs to my favorite author, James Patterson. For over ten years, I have been reading all his novels. What I admire most about James Patterson’s novels is that he always keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat from the first to the very last page. In addition, his short chapters make his novels a fast and easy read to follow and enjoy. I find that shorter-length chapters are easier to read compared to longer chapters. The reason to this is that you would want to read more and possibly to the end since you are already on the drive of reading.

What are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?

My favorite genres to read and write are mystery and crime. A murder taking place and the police on the pursuit of tracking the perpetrator is truly what I love to read. That is why James Patterson is my favorite author since he masters this genre with passion and excitement. Another genre I love to read is inspirational books. A story which includes overcoming any obstacle is worth reading and reminding us that nothing is impossible. My favorite author in this genre is Mitch Albom. He teaches us that life is the most beautiful and precious gift one can have. After reading one of his novels, I can guarantee that you will look at life at a new perspective.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What was the biggest compliment?

The toughest criticism that I have received since releasing my novel was that my chapters are on the short side. Everyone has their own opinions of what should be the length of a chapter. As previously mentioned, since I am a huge fan and admire the writing skills of James Patterson, I decided to write the same length of chapters as he. Since it works for James Patterson, the concept of short chapters cannot be broken.

The biggest compliment that I have received was that I have a gripping storyline with rich and authentic characters. In addition, cinematic descriptions and character dialogues are constantly present in my novel, Killer Rumors. I tend to put lots of emphasis on the settings and interactions between characters during my story so it could become clear and easy to picture for readers as if watching the story from a movie.

When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer? Do you prefer one way or the other?

I used my laptop when working on my novel. I always carry it with me when on the road. Whenever, I had free time such as my lunch breaks, I would write a number of chapters. As well, most of my writings would take place at night. That way, the entire day is behind me, having a clear mind when working on my novel. My laptop is not the only tool I use when working on my novel. I always have my notebook and pen right beside me. Just like my laptop, my notebook and pen are always with me. Therefore, when I think of an idea for my book, I jot it down immediately so it won’t be forgotten.

Prior of writing my novel, I took twenty small pieces of paper and wrote important scenes that flow into my story. I then filled in the pieces which help support each important scene. Once that was completed, I suddenly realized just how easy my story was flowing from the first to the very last page.

What do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?

What I look for in a book when reading for fun is lots of dialogue between the characters. When reading a story, I want to picture each scene as if watching a movie. Therefore, constant interaction and excessive descriptions on settings will help me be interested in a book.

What has been your favorite part of being an author? What has been your least favorite?

My favorite part of being an author is the free will of writing what my imagination desires. I was having so much fun beginning to write my novel during the first few chapters that I was portraying myself as a reader and choosing how the direction of the story should go. When writing my story, I would always ask myself if others would enjoy reading my story. As a result, I always challenged myself of becoming more effective and devoted to my work.

The least favorite part of being an author is the time-consuming of editing. I tend to identify myself as a perfectionist. As a result, I always made it as a routine of checking my work constantly, making sure there were no errors. Simply, I wanted my book to be professional as a best-times seller. Even though the editing and modification of my story took a good amount of time, I realized all that effort will be worth the satisfaction when seeing my book completed with all the passion that I put my heart into.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head to first? Why?

As previously mentioned, my favorite genres of books to read are mystery and crime. Therefore, when entering a bookstore, that genre would always be the first section I would visit. Once analyzing the latest features of those two genres, I would then head over to my favorite authors such as James Patterson, Nicholas Sparks, Jackie Collins, and Mitch Albom. Since I also love to read religious and inspirational books, that would be the next section I would visit. Author Mitch Albom would be under this category. It is always a pleasure reading books on how we could lift our souls and spirits when referencing The Bible and other religious texts. After all, religious texts teach us how we should live here on earth so we can have a secured afterlife.

What genre are you most looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why?


Another genre I am most looking forward to exploring during my writing career is inspiration. Since having a Bachelor’s Degree in Theological Studies and Religion and being actively involved at church, I constantly hear and witness inspirational stories. These stories could move any human being’s heart. I want people to know that miracles can and actually do occur. Prayer is a powerful tool which can do magnificent things when your heart is completely filled with love. I look forward writing books in this category as it would not only challenge myself, but to spread joy among others.
Contact the author:  Email | Website | Twitter



Book Synopsis:

Father D’Angelo and Bakeman, two devoted priests were brutally murdered while going on one of their nightly walks. Detective Frank Rinelli is called to the case- not only due to his close friendship with the priests, but with his expertise of tracking psychotic killers. Rinelli suddenly discovers these murders were based on a scandal that occurred several years ago at the same Church where the two murdered priests preached. And it doesn’t stop there. The list of people being murdered in connection with the scandal continues to grow until the killer has his ultimate vengeance- and the truth released.

Join Detective Rinelli on the fearful streets of Philadelphia as he chases a madman who has nothing to lose and everything to gain- destroying the face of the Catholic Church. Rinelli discovers a hidden secret while confronting the killer that is way beyond betrayal and begins to question his faith. Could this betrayal be the killer’s momentum of not only killing Rinelli, but to complete his master plan which will affect the lives of every citizen?

 Read sample chapters, comment, and rate Killer Rumors: http://authonomy.com/books/47240/killer-rumors/


Review and recommend Killer Rumors on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16043793-killer-rumors


Purchase the book: Lulu | Amazon | Barnes&Noble