Lock up your Libraries if you like

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” ― Virginia Woolf

Which people?

People always ask me, 'Were you funny as a child?' Well, no, I was an accountant-Ellen DeGeneres

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Youtube Sensation joins US Today

British Writer Jen Campbell grew up in the north east of England and now lives in London.She is the author The Bookshop book. and the Sunday Times bestselling Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops series. "So funny. So Sad...Read it and sigh." Neil Gaiman

And onto the interview...

Jen, what are your ambitions for your writing career?

To continue writing books that people (hopefully!) enjoy. I write in many different genres; the next goal on my list is to write a novel.

You also have a channel on youtube.  One of your videos, Unusual Narrative Structures, is one that caught my attention.  I'd like to give my readers a sense of how your channel is so unique.

In the video you brought up two novels that have unique narrative structure devices: The Secret History by Donna Tartt, where you start in the middle and work out how you get there and The Dumb House by John Burnside, where you start at the end.

You quoted the the first line of The Dumb House:

“No one could say it was my choice to kill the twins no more than it was my choice to bring them into the world.”

Than you described Luke, the narrator, in The Dumb House as someone who is a very dark character who does very unspeakable things but you say he does things with certainty.  He says things like: I have to kill this person, like I have to, it’s just obvious to me.

I like how you break down the books you read, and help readers understand them for their literary impact.  It’s my opinion that a lot of booktubers could learn from your style.  

I can tell that you do a lot of research on each book.  You’re NOT just picking up a book and pointing it at the camera and saying "this is why I like this book...blah blah blah.  It reminded me of blah, blah blah.  I attend to unhaul it the first chance I get... blah blah blah, and move onto the next book."

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hardback books?

I don't read e-books at all.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Yes, absolutely. I was a bookseller for ten years so have seen the impact a good cover design can have. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover alone, of course, but there's so much out there and having a beautiful binding can't hurt. It gets people's attention.

I love your book cover for Weird Things Customers say in Bookstores. Pictured is a cartoon character with a question posed to the store clerk:Do you have any books by Jane Eyre?

Jen Campbell's novel (pictured above)

What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?

I'm not sure if you mean positive or negative, or people reviewing a book in a 'good/bad' way. I think reviewers should be honest in their feelings for a book, whilst respecting those who wrote it. You can be critical about a book without being mean. As for what constitutes a 'good' review, it depends what your goal is. Literary criticism, or a pal recommending something? Both of those have their merits.

What is your favourite movie and why?

A tie between Spirited Away and Shakespeare in Love. The former because it gives me the same warm feelings that Through the Looking Glass does and the latter because I adore Tom Stoppard and intertextuality in equal measure.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

I love my job. It's hard work, and I work long hours, but working in a creative industry is inspiring. As a freelancer, my work is also very varied, so that keeps me on my toes.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Keep going.

Last question, what question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview?  How would you answer that question?

That's kind of you to ask. I suppose, what drives me to create stories other than a need to write? And this ties in with your first question, too. A lot of my current writing centers around Othering, especially with regard to deformity and disability.

Representation in the media is a subject I'm extremely passionate about. We're making progress in the book world, but I don't think it's happening quickly enough. We've got a lot of ground to cover, and I look forward to the day when ignorant folk don't try and shame members of marginalized groups into feeling grateful for problematic representation.

Last year I was asked to take part in a dating show on TV called 'Too Ugly for Love?' where those with disabilites/deformities are sent on dates and then filmed. I declined. I talk about that more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S0igM_5BVA&t=7s

We still have our modern day freak shows, and those who oppose them aren't listened to enough because money and views matter more to the companies in charge. It's not ok, and I hope I'm doing my small part to voice that. I certainly plan to continue to do so.

I totally agree, people who like these shows are often into TV with a voyeuristic bend and often lack the maturity to help themselves.

That’s all the time we have today folks. Contact Jen Campbell at the links below. Readers if you want to suggest any awesome booktubers, please list them in the comments below.

Website: http://www.jen-campbell.co.uk

Podcast: http://www.jen-campbell.co.uk/podcast

Writing Workshops: http://www.jen-campbell.co.uk/writing...

Events: http://www.jen-campbell.co.uk/events

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

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jenvcampbell

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3o3s4d2

Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/hs8nxjm

More about Jen

Jen Campbell is a bestselling author, award-winning poet and short story writer. Her non-fiction books include the Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops series and The Bookshop Book. Her poetry pamphlet The Hungry Ghost Festival is published by The Rialto, and her first children's book, Franklin's Flying Bookshop will be published by Thames and Hudson, summer 2017. She will be announcing the publication of another book very soon. Keep an eye on her Youtube channel for details: www.youtube.com/jenvcampbell Over there, Jen talks about all things books.

Writer, Catharine L.J. Parks

Catharine LJ Parks is joining us today.

She has written several books on Amazon and some short stories.

Catharine, what are your ambitions for your writing career?

I am working with my sister on a book based on a real life experience that has been in the making for a good 12 years. To finally finish this project is one ambition that I have. I am thinking about writing mystery/romance fiction which I hope to start very soon. I have some other projects that I am also working on.

Which writers inspire you?

Writers that inspire me are Christine Feehan, Sherrilynn Kenyon, J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts).
Another J.D. Robb fan, awesome, glad to hear it Catharine!

So, what have you written?
I have written devotionals, a short story that has appeared in Fate Magazine, and I have 6 books out on Amazon.

Tell us a little bit about your book: For the Shattered Soul.

I write from real experiences that have a supernatural twist to them. And I also write about ordinary life experiences and the lessons learned from them. It speaks to those who have shattered souls and need healing.
Here's a blurb from the book
For the Shattered Soul offers solutions to the human condition that plagues so much of humanity.It offers hope, encouragement, revelation and sound advice to ‘heal’ the shattered soul.
This book shows ways to promote healing in all aspects of the mind, body and spirit, and leave you with peace, joy, love and freedom as you journey towards the light.

What are you currently working on and what is it about?
I am working on a book that I am writing with my sister, based on a fictional account of a true story.

When did you decide to become a writer?
I made the decision to become a writer in 2004.

How often do you write, and do you have a special time during the day to write?

I like to write in the mornings when my mind is the freshes

Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
I prefer to work with an outline, that way I know what to work on daily, and what roughly goes in each chapter.

Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors.
I read quite a bit, my favourite authors are Christine Feehan, Sherrilyn Kenyon and J.D.Robb.

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
I prefer paperbacks.

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?
It certainly does, readers are drawn by the cover of a book. A book is judged by its cover.

What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

The main advantage to self publishing is the control the author gets to keep over their own book. There is more royalties that the author gets as well. The disadvantage to traditional publishing is you still have to do most of your own promoting.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?
Keep learning, researching all you can to find out how to market your books.

What part of your writing time do you devote to marketing your book?
I have no set time, I am still working on my time management skills. It is an ever learning process but I do a lot of research on how to market my books.

You can contact Catharine via:

Amazon: amazon.com/author/catharineljparks

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/cljparks

Twitter: @catydid52

Bio:

About the Author

Catharine Leona Joy Minter Parks was born in Chatham Ontario to a Canadian mother and an American father. Her early childhood was spent in the church growing up under a strict upbringing but at an early age started to desire more. With an adventuresome spirit she would join her brother in escaping the house after bedtime and going downtown with him to dances, plays, and the movies, to enjoy all the things that her religious parents denied her.

That's all the time we have today folks. Readers, if you have any questions for Catharine please write them in the comments below.

Too Many questions, not enough time

“I think the deeper you go into questions, the deeper or more interesting the questions get. And I think that’s the job of art.”
—Andre Dubus III, 

Cecelia Mecca visits Trin Carl's Blog

Pennsylvanian writer, Cecelia Mecca is with us today.

An unapologetic fantasy geek, Cecelia discovered Frodo in middle school and is still awed by Tolkien’s talent. When not reading romance she is learning the fate of Rand al’Thor and waiting anxiously for Winds of Winter.

You can get in touch with Cecelia on facebook, twitter, instagram, or her blog.

And onto the interview...

So Cecelia, what are your ambitions for your writing career?

I would love to write full time. I currently have three jobs--as a curriculum specialist, a small business, marketing agency owner, and as an author. Whittling down to two would be fantastic.

Which writers inspire you?

The ones I started with like Johanna Lindsey and Judity McNaught, and new favorites such as Kathryn LeVeque, the queen of English Medieval romance.

Wow, great list. I never knew Johanna Lindsey was one of the most popular American Historical Romance writers. Even more impressive is that all of her novels have reached the New York Times best seller's list.

So, what have you written?

So far the Border Series prequel novella, The Ward's Bride, was published in February and my first full-length novel, The Thief's Countess, is coming this March.

The Ward's Bride is a fantastic read. I love the opener, "I've bought him an engagement ring. Was that a mistake? I mean, it's not a girly ring."(This immediately made me understand the premise for the novel, great job!)

Then you also have the character of Richard and his pet name for the heroine; Daisydoo, so cute!

Give us an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

The hero in The Thief's Countess is actually a border reiver, a man who lost his home and inheritance which forces him to thieve to support his brothers and sister. Some may not see a thief as a natural hero, but, like many people, is inherently a good person but does bad things at times. What makes him special is that he is one of us, although he lives in the 13th century.

What are you currently working on and what is it about?

I am currently editing the third book in the Border Series which is about an English lord who takes a Scottish lady as a captive. The series takes place along the Anglo-Scottish border where, in 1270, divided loyalties sometimes force those who live in the tumultuous region to choose between love and family.

What drew you to write in this genre?

I've loved historical romance since picking up my first Johanna Lindsey book. And with my fascination for all things Medieval English, writing Medieval Romance is like a dream for me.

How much research do you do?

In some ways I've been researching for twenty years. I concentrated on Medieval Studies in college and have never stopped reading, and watching, anything English Medieval I can throughout the years. I start with the research for a book, usually a historical event sparks an idea. I continue to research as I write, looking up facts when needed. If the characters are riding through the countryside, I have Google Earth open as I study the terrain, although it is a modern one. Historical accuracy is important to me. That said, I do take liberties at times when needed.

Google Earth is a fantastic resource. One day this neighbor was looking up nearby street names and was shocked to see one of our busy-body friends outside pushing a shopping cart. Her picture is still on there till this day.

Have you written works in collaboration with other writers, and if so: why did you decide to collaborate and did it affect your sales?

Not yet, but I plan to do so in the future!

When did you decide to become a writer?

More than twenty years ago in college; most English majors have dreams of becoming a writer. It just took some time to turn this particular dream into a reality.

Don't you know it?! I too have a degree in English and dream of turning my writing into something fantastic.

Do you write full-time or part-time?

Part-time...for now.

Last question, where do the your ideas come from?

Usually from historical events or people. I suspect after years of reading historical romance some of the ideas I've read lay dormant in my subconscious. Some characteristics come from people I know, and many ideas pop into my head as wake in the morning.

That's all the time we have today Folks, if you have any great historical novels to suggest please let me know in the comments below.

Free Giveaway, "The Last Bar in NYC"

Readers, enter your contact info for your chance to win "The Last Bar in NYC" by Brian Michel.

Today I'm interviewing Stacy and Mischenko, Writers of  twogalsandabook.com .

 Both of them have been collaborating on this site for a while; interviewing authors, writing reviews and just plain having fun.


So, let's waste no time, what writers inspire you both?

Stacy: As for me, I tend to lean toward the classics, i.e. Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte, etc... but have also discovered some modern favorites: Hannah Tinti, Katherine Arden, John Comfort, to name a few.


Hannah Tinti...that's a new author for me.  Seems, she received the PEN/Nora Magid Award for Magazine editing in 2009 for One Story.  And Mischenko, who inspires you?

Mischenko: Probably like most people, I have favorites. Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, Anne Rice, Jamie McGuire, and Diana Gabaldon are all favorite authors. I also love classics like: Mark Twain, Hemingway, Poe, Tolkien, Orwell, and Roald Dahl. A few newly discovered authors that come to mind are: Katherine Arden, Blake Crouch, and Bryn Greenwood. It's really hard to jot down a small group because there are simply too many fascinating and prolific authors out there.

Oh Roald Dahl! I used to read his books to my second graders.  Matilda was one of my favorites.

What are your ambitions for your writing career?

Stacy: I, myself, never saw myself, really, as a writer. I do enjoy helping authors achieve their dream as much as I can. That being said, I do not know what the future holds, and will not rule out the possibility of one day, maybe, writing a book.

Mischenko: I have never really considered myself a writer past poetry and college papers, but now that we've started a blog, I'm writing more. Around 2013, I thought about writing a book about the power that foods and nutrition have on disease (specifically autoimmune in nature). I've also thought about writing a memoir. Maybe it will happen in the future. 

Mischenko, I really think you will publish one day.  I found myself wanting to write a book about five years ago and slowly, but surely I'm making it happen, but it takes a lot of diligence.  Keep your eyes open for my book, titled,"Oh Brother" released sometime in 2017.

So, what have you written? 

Mischenko:  I used to write a lot of poetry and submitted some of my poems online, but never had anything published, etc. I still like to write poetry as a hobby. I love writing reviews for books on Goodreads.

Mischenko, I loved your review on children's book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  I loved the illustrations in that book and used to read it as a kid.


Speaking to your writing,what are you currently working on and what is it about?


Mischenko:twogalsandabook.com is a blog that Stacy and I put together to review books simultaneously and occasionally do interviews with authors when we can. Viewers can get two perspectives on books and also see Q&A's with authors on books they've written. 

Stacy: Presently, our blog twogalesandabook is taking most of my time, apart from my personal life. As those blogging skills develop, who knows where that may lead?

Two perspectives! I think that's what will truly bring followers to your blog.  Two heads are bigger than one as the saying goes.  I like how you do giveaways on your blog. Any book a person reads is awesome, but a book for free makes one more reader.


What drew you to blogging?

Stacy: It had been suggested to me in the past, that I should do this, but it never really gelled until I met Mischenko and we started tossing the idea around and came to the conclusion this was something we could do together. 

Seems you two are great friends.

Mischenko: Stacy and I started talking about it, and we just sort of went for it. It felt right because we both love books, reading, and conversation. I thought about doing it awhile back, but just wasn't sure. After meeting Stacy, there just wasn't a question anymore, and it seemed like we had the right perception and qualities. 

For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

Stacy: I am old-fashioned, and even though I own a Kindle and a computer, I prefer traditional books over any other form.

I totally get what your saying.  I love the feel of traditional books.

Mischenko: I have to say, I like both. It took me some time to get used to my Kindle though! I just really fancy the smell and feel of physical books. Plus, I really appreciate looking at them too.

I know I love my books too.  I used to organize them by the front cover (reds with reds, greens with greens, etc), and then genre and then I would organize them alphabetically.  I just can't decide which is the best way.

 Mischenko:I love library adventures and have a specific shelf for library materials alone. I think I'd be sad if we didn't have traditional books anymore, but it definitely wouldn't stop me from reading. I think a huge advantage to having a kindle is the dictionary feature. 

Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Stacy: I think, for me, about 50% of the time, I am drawn to a book by the cover. Something about it sparks my interest. I would say the rest of the time it could be the title, the genre or a recommendation.

Mischenko: I've always stuck with the old adage, "You can't judge a book by its cover." I do think the cover helps. I mean, it's usually the first thing I see. It doesn't sell me, but it can undeniably bait me. I recently purchased a book called "Wintersong" by S. Jae-Jones. I was instantly in love with the cover because it's beautiful to me, but didn't buy it solely due to the visual. It was the title, blurb, and cover all wrapped into one.

 Yes, Wintersong has got that rose in a snow globe feel to it.  I've got so many snow globes.  It's no wonder author, S. Jae-Jones, chose to use that cover.

Last question, what would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

Stacy: As far as blogging goes, I am not sure if this would really apply, but I suppose both share the disadvantages of not having a big "money" backer to finance something catchy, advertise, employ state of the art technology and CGI, etc. But at the same time, being independent, and going our own route has the advantage of not being told what we can and can't do-- we are not beholden to any big corporation as to what is "allowed", and I do like that autonomy... whereas if I were a famous author, with a contract to a publisher, there could possibly be restrictions as to what could be said since everything would reflect on them.

Mischenko: I'm not sure how to answer this pertaining to blogs in general, but would guess that doing anything alone has its advantages and disadvantages. A huge advantage, to me, is that we can put our own time and creativity into something and have the satisfaction that we did it ourselves. The content can be controlled and we can spend our time as we see fit. I think this opens the door to endless opportunities. A disadvantage could be that perchance it's not as easy and might not get as much traffic as others. It will obviously be more laborious. 


So, what part of your writing time do you guys devote to marketing your blog?

Stacy:  I spend a fair amount of time in that pursuit, not only posting about it, but trying to learn more ways, avenues, approaches, etc, that it could be done. So, again, thinking outside the box, and being creative are useful skills in our endeavor.

Mischenko: I'd say it's taking scads of time presently because we're just getting started. It's not just reading and writing reviews at this point. We are in full swing, striving to be creative and idealistic. 

That's all the time we have today.  Remember readers, Stacy and Mischenko will be doing a giveaway of author, Brian Michels's Book, "The Last Bar in NYC.  -this book documents real life places, celebrity faces and amazing characters only found in New York.  Go to this site and enter your contact info to win.

You can get in touch with Stacy on her goodreads handle or Mischenko on her site.

Readers, if you know of any swanky places to eat, enter them in the comments below.