Category: Fiction Author

A Q&A and response conversation between Toi Thomas and a fiction author.

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Fiction Author

Randy Attwood Interview

toiboxinterviewThe Eternal Curse Series Blog Presents an interview with author: Randy Attwood.

So tell me, who is Randy Attwood.?

image from Goodreads

I grew up on the grounds of a Kansas insane asylum where my father was a dentist. I attended the University of Kansas during the troubled 1960s getting a degree in art history. After stints writing and teaching in Italy and Japan I had a 16-year career in newspapers as reporter, editor and column writer winning major awards in all categories. I turned to health care public relations serving as director of University Relations at KU Medical Center. I finished my career as media relations officer of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Now retired, I am marketing the fiction I’ve written over all those years. And creating more.

I can see you’ve already had quite a career, but now that you’re retired, I’m sure the adventures will begin. Being an author is a lot more involved than most people realize.

So whacha got for me today?

Growing up on the grounds of a mental hospital and working in the cafeteria that fed its 1,500 patients meant I got to know a lot of crazy folks. “Write about what you know,” goes the adage. “Crazy About You” is told in first person from the point of view of a high school student who will have a week that grows him up far faster than he could have every wanted. Crazy is a coming-of-age, murder mystery, thriller story. It’s my most downloaded and purchased book with 17 five-star reviews. You can see them here.

Not too many people can write from firsthand experience in a mental hospital. Already your story sounds very intriguing.

So who’s starring in this 2 dimensional script read of “Crazy About You”?

Brad Adams is a high school junior. He’s a folk singer and a dreamer. When his dad, the mental hospital’s dentist, goes on a work trip, Brad has no idea that he will spend the week grappling with questions about sexuality, sanity and death. And some of the answers aren’t pretty.

There was once a time when hearing of a teen grappling with questions of sexuality meant that someone was having their first crush. Teens are so mature these day and subjects that were once taboo are now being openly discussed in healthy ways. This definitely sounds like a tale that will appeal to a wide audience.

Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

I write by the seat of my pants. A scene or situation or character comes to me and I start creating that scene and character and see what happens. I never know the ending of a story when I start it. I used to be upset when people would ask me how much of “Crazy About You” really happened. Then I realized that the writing created a reality for those readers. And that’s what I’m trying to do with words: create a reality.

I try to write by the seat of my pants, but I think I need a better belt. It never goes well for me. I need to plan; however, I do appreciate the creativity of others who can simply write.

What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

image from S. Rufener, rufener@earthlink.net

Like my own writing, the taste in fiction is all over the map. Joseph Conrad was an early influencer. So was William Faulkner. Philip K Dick‘s science fiction grabbed me when I was in high school. I’ve read John D. MacDonald‘s Travis McGee series several times. Ditto, Adam Hall’s, Quiller series. Erich Remarque did some many other wonderful things than “All Quite on the Western Front.” Walker Percy, Evelyn Waugh, Robertson Davies and, of course, Elmore Leonard.

I think I’m detecting a theme here. Lots of crime fiction and thrillers here, but that’s great for influence and inspiration in your genres.

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Joseph Conrad. We seem to know so little of what he was like as a person.

Nice choice and for good reason.

Who is so you and why?

I seem to connect deeply with many of Eric Remarque’s characters.

Fair enough. We can’t all always identify with just one person or character, but I can understand relating to many.

What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?

from Goodreads

Outside when the weather is nice. Right now I’m reading Camp Concentration by Thomas Disch, which I’ve had on my shelf for decades and just reading. It’s brilliant.

I also enjoy reading outside though I hardly get to do it.

What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

The Black Stallion series. I liked the character and set up and looked forward to the next tale. I’ve only tried to do one series, the Phillip McGuire series and found out how difficult it is to achieve.

I tried to read this book as a child, but had no luck. I never seemed to warm to books about animals, mainly horses, but I don’t mind to watch the film versions. I’m sure it’s all psychological.

There is more fun and insights to this interview, visit the Eternal Curse Series Blog for the full experience. For more information about this author, Randy Attwood, please visit the links below.

Blog: Attwood Collected Works

GoodReads: Randy Attwood

Facebook: Randy Attwood

Twitter: @AttwoodRandy

LinkedIn: Randy Attwood

Purchase links for “Crazy About You”: Amazon | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble | Apple

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Fiction Author

Jaq D. Hawkins Interview – Fiction Author

Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Jaq D. Hawkins. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

image provided by author

Toi Thomas: Hi there Jaq! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.

Jaq: Hello Toi. I’m ready to share.

Toi Thomas: So tell me, who is Jaq D. Hawkins?

Jaq: I started writing at age 6, but I’ve travelled a lot and lived in more than one country so I didn’t settle down and pursue publishing until I was in my 30’s. My first books were traditionally published in the Mind, Body, Spirit genre, though I’ve gone indie now. I love cats and can cook and knit like a proper domestic, but I’m basically an old hippy with Goth tendencies.

Toi Thomas: How very refreshing you are. I can tell this is going to be a fun interview. Like you, I don’t fit into any one particular category and I must admit, I’m excited to see what this old hippy with Goth tendencies is going to say.

Toi Thomas: So whacha got for me today?

image provided by author

Jaq: I’ve just released a new, expanded third edition of Dance of the Goblins, which is first in a series of three books about a post-apocalyptic society that has developed a feudal system of life and is suddenly faced with the reality of goblins living under the streets of the old ruined city. The goblins have a shamanic way of life and really just want to be left alone, but once they are discovered by humans, renewal of an ancient conflict is inevitable.

Toi Thomas: I’m already intrigued. It’s quite clear simply from the way you describe it, that this book has layers and depth. No doubt this is an entertaining read, but I have a feeling it also serves to open one’s mind and make you think.

Toi Thomas: So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of Dance of the Goblins?

Jaq: The two most important characters are the leader of the humans, Count Anton, and a goblin called Haghuf. Haghuf despises humans, but he studies magic and when he learns that Count Anton is a magician along with all of the ruling class, his oldest prejudices are challenged. As for Count Anton, he has his own secrets but the one thing that torments him most is his envy for the goblins’ way of life.

Toi Thomas: I like that it seems that the one element that’s going to bring these two peoples together is one of a spiritual nature. Magic shared by humans and goblins sounds fascinating. It seems as though I quite like the way you think.

Toi Thomas: Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

Jaq: I’ve always got ideas overflowing into notes for future projects. I like to write first thing in the morning, in the quiet of morning when everyone else is still asleep. Stories often start with a concept, followed by a beginning and sometimes a predetermined end, like the science fiction story I’m working on now. I’m organised by nature and have had to discipline myself to stick to one project until finish to avoid working on too many projects at once and progressing too slowly on all of them. I write snippets of multiple stories, but I’ve always got a primary project scheduled to be finished next.

Toi Thomas: I like that your methodology. I have to admit, I sometimes get caught up working on too many things at once. I’ve only recently settled on making and keeping notes of new ideas while trying to focus on one primary objective. Someday, perhaps, I’ll be as productive as you.

Toi Thomas: What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

Jaq: In my fiction writing, world building has always been the one thing I admire most in other writers and have enjoyed discovering for myself. Marion Zimmer Bradley‘s Darkover books are a strong influence and Anne McCaffrey‘s Pern. Also Roger Zelazny‘s Amber series.

Toi Thomas: I agree that world building is important. I like the idea of feeling as though I’ve been to a place that I know doesn’t exist…

Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little personal; are you ready?

Jaq: Absolutely.

Toi Thomas: Alright then, here we go.

Toi Thomas: Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Jaq: Brian Cox would be fun to chat with. He’s intelligent and has imagination. I can imagine the kind of fiction he would write if he moves that way from writing his science books.

Toi Thomas: Nice choice. I’ve often had the feeling that people who are experts in certain areas would be best at writing fiction related to those topics.

Toi Thomas: Who is so you and why?

Jaq: Austin Osman Spare, because he is so not anyone else. 😉

Toi Thomas: Going for a sense of complete individuality I get that. Fair enough.

Toi Thomas: What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?

Jaq: Personally I read in a comfortable big chair in my living room. I tune out noise and don’t even hear music if it’s on, assuming I’m reading something really good. I’m most likely to read either a paperback or my Kindle, though occasional hardbacks get onto my shelves.

Toi Thomas: That comfy chair sounds nice. I typically read in bed or at my new desk. For the first time in years, I’m actually using a desk.

from Wikipedia

Jaq: I read a *lot* as a pre-teen. One that stands out was Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks. I had a lot of interest in the hippy culture and read adult level books more often than teen books.

Toi Thomas: It seems that I leaped a bit in my reading as child too (but not in the same way). I adored reading age-level or age-appropriate books until about the age of 13. I never got into teen books…

Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?

Jaq: Absolutely.

Toi Thomas: Alright then, here we go.

from Wikipedia

Toi Thomas: If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Jaq: It would be a toss-up between Yellow Submarine by the Beatles or Labyrinth, with David Bowie.

Toi Thomas: Shut up! 😀 I love Labyrinth! I mean I like Yellow Submarine too, but Labyrinth is one of my all-time faves.

Toi Thomas: What makes you geek out?

Jaq: Filmmaking. I got into it sort of accidentally and I’ve learned loads about editing in recent years. It has definitely brought out my inner geek.

Toi Thomas: How cool it that! As much as I adore the cinema, you’d think I’d be trying to learn more about it; maybe one day.

Toi Thomas: When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?

Jaq: I have Mars in Pisces so don’t do rage, but I like deeply intense music from many categories. Goth, Classical, and sometimes the upbeat 1960’s stuff as well as 80’s music (not Disco)  and some of the bands that have come out of Scandinavia in the 90’s. I have very broad musical tastes, but Deine Lakaein would be a good band for my personal soundtrack.

Toi Thomas: It saddens me sometimes how much music is dismissed simply as a form of entertainment. Music is emotional and personal. Music is communication across barriers. I love asking this question and receiving insight into a person’s character. I still find it hard to comprehend how some people don’t like music of any kind, when I enjoy so many kinds.

Toi Thomas: Now let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?

Jaq: You know I’ve got a zombie film in edit, right? My favourite zombie kill involved diet coke and Mentos.

Toi Thomas: Wow, you are too cool! Are you allowed to tell me the name of the film? Do you force feed a zombie a hand full of Mentos and then pour in some diet Coke and wait for the head to explode, or am I totally on the wrong page?

Toi Thomas: What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?

Jaq: My first summer of film production would be a definite contender.  I got away with so much! Travelling with a carnival at the age of 16 might beat it though.

Toi Thomas: How many kids want to run away with the circus- and you traveled with a carnival. I’ll say it again; you are so cool! I bet that was fun. You should write about that.

Toi Thomas: Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?

Jaq: I will always write. My filmmaking has specific goals and once they are reached, I’ll settle back into just writing again. Hopefully a bit more travel by then.

Toi Thomas: I like those plans. They are simple and sweet.

Toi Thomas: Is there a question you would like to ask me?

Jaq: More an observation. You’ve done a lot to encourage and promote other authors and I think we should all appreciate the efforts you make for indies.

Toi Thomas: Thank you for saying that. It really means a lot.

Toi Thomas: So, do you mind if I ask, thoughts on EC: GA?

Jaq: I’ve done a review on Amazon for Eternal Curse. I thought it was a really interesting story and very original. I’m still new to reading stories about Angels but I think this one set the bar pretty high.

Toi Thomas: Again, thank you for your kind words. I don’t know that this book will ever fit into any specific genre enough to be fully understood by the masses, but if I’m able to provide a little entertainment, I’m cool with that. Who know, maybe one day I’ll be a dynamic as Jaq D. Hawkins in whatever genre I settle in.

Okay readers, blogger, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more from Jaq D. Hawkins, check out these great links:

Website: Jac D. Hawkins

Blog: Goblins & Steampunk

Facebook: The Goblin Series by Jaq D Hawkins

Twitter: @JaqDHawkins

Pinterest: Jaq D

Amazon Author Central: Jaq D. Hawkins

This has been a

interviewpic-toibox

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
Fiction Author

Penelope Dyan Interview

toiboxinterview

The Eternal Curse Series Blog Presents an interview with author: Penelope Dyan.

So tell me, who is Penelope Dyan?

I am an author, vocalist, former teacher, attorney, and publisher with Bellissima Pubishing, LLC (19 writers and 370 tites.)  Two of my books for kids are on display at the Saison Poetry Library in the UK, chosen by the UK Arts Council.  My book ‘Surfer Girl,’ winner of the 2008 New York Book Festival and the 2008 Hollywood Book Festival (Best Teen Book), is in the Surfing collection at the SDSU Library (along with the entire Surfer Girl Book Series) and is listed on the Pukeke recommended reading list for girls in the AU. It is also in the Girls’ Voices In Literature Database, Miami University Florida.  I have been granted other awards, but there are too many to mention now.

Well, I see I have quite a Renaissance Woman with me at the moment. This should be quite an entertaining and enlightening interview.

So whacha got for me today?

GoodReads

The Jan & Jenny Mystery Series is new, so we don’t have any reviews yet.  The series begins with the first book, ‘The Mystery On Burgundy Street”, and the story line is about two very precocious girls who discover something mysterious going on across the street from Jan’s house.  Wanting to do the right thing, Jan and Jenny visit Mr. and Mrs. Hufflefinger, who (they discover) are retired FBI agents recently called out from retirement.  Coincidently, they were called out of retirement to investigate the very crimes that young Jan and Jenny stumbled upon across from Jan’s house.  Filled with Mr. Hufflfinger’s delicious cookies, the girls leave the Hufflefinger’s house outfitted with everything they need to become true undercover agents.  You can view the books at Bellissima.viewwork.com and, of course, they are Ingram listed and can be purchased anywhere.

I like the sound of this series. Young girls going undercover with the aid of retired FBI agents…what’s not to like.

So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of ‘The Jan & Jenny Mystery Series’?

I think you would say Jan & Jenny are more multi-dimensional than 2 dimensional.  Each book is different and the girls simply stumble onto new adventures.  Jan is outgoing and adventurous while Jenny is a bookworm filled with facts about things, clumsy and awkward.  In fact Jenny is the kind of girl who would have never left the house if Jan hadn’t prodded her to do so.  The girls have a lot of family interaction as well. Jan’s dad is in the military, which has helped to shape her character. Jenny’s father is a musician, an artistic and studious type, which has helped to shape her character and outlook on life as well.  Together Jan and Jenny make the perfect combination as young sleuths, because Jan is the organizer and Jenny comes prepared with the facts.  My goal is to get this into script form and send it to our agent.

I like the descriptions of these girls and am glad there is family interaction in the story. Not that there are many instances of this, but I have found a few books for young readers that sometimes leave me wondering, “Where are these kids’ parents?”

Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?

Okay I write all the time, mostly at night and sleep during the day. I write everywhere. I have been writing since I was six.  The first thing I ever wrote and actually sent in was published, so I have been out there.  But this is different.  Ever since I was six I wanted to make books, and now this is what I am doing!  The Jan and Jenny books are fun because I write a chapter and then Pam Hillan (my lifelong friend and co-author) writes a chapter so neither of us ever knows where the book is going.  I was a teacher, so the idea behind these books is to get kids to pretend again.  When I go to book signings I tell kids this was how the book was written and why, just like I am telling you here.

I never considered writing with a co-author, but you make it sound fun. I like that your goal of writing is to encourage children to pretend. Sad to say it, it does seem as though in this world of technological advancements and abundant visual stimulants, that the everyday use of imagination is dwindling. Kids just don’t know how to pretend anymore.

What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?

Amazon

Hemingway and Dorothy Aldis.  Dorothy Aldis’s  “Everything and Anything” was my first real book, given to me by my father.  It was used.  I still have it.  He gave it to me when I was six and sick with rheumatic fever, which I had for a year.  This is what began my interest in writing.  Then came Hemingway.  When I was in high school I wrote a story and my dad looked at it and started laughing and then red-lined half the words and told me to read Hemingway and to write like I talked.  I have read everything Hemingway has written.  I think about what I write now.

Another wonderful story from your life; I’m sorry to hear you had to suffer with Rheumatic fever for a year, but I’m glad to know that a love of reading developed from it.

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

GoodReads

William Shakespeare—I would like to know how he came up with all those wonderful phrases that we now use in everyday life.  I would love to be profound.  I have one writer who I think is profound, Robin Rendel.  He is a lyricist and has written a children’s book for Bellissima Publishing, LLC. When you talk to him it’s like taking to Socrates. His book is ‘Jordan and the Magic Tiger.’

I’m not one to follow the crowd and whatever secrets history holds, I guess we’ll just have to learn to accept some things for what they are. Many question the creativity of Shakespeare claiming he didn’t write many of his most popular works, but I find it hard to believe that others just let him take credit for their efforts. This is a gray area for me and for the moment, I think it would be cool to hear what he has to say about writing.

Who is so you and why?

I am an original.  But I am most like Temperance Brennan on ‘Bones,’ and my co-author in the Jan & Jenny Series is most like Angela.

What a cute comparison. I like that show and try to catch episodes of it online when I’m not buried in a book.

What’s your ideal reading spot for your next highly anticipated read?

I used to read a lot, but not anymore.  I am too busy writing, editing and publishing books now.  I am also a lawyer, so I read a lot of case law—but that doesn’t count.  Right now my ideal read is the next chapter I get from my co-author, Pam Hillan.

I know life gets busy and then you still find time to publish. I can understand how reading for pleasure can get put aside from time to time.

What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?

My favorite book series pre-teen years was the Nancy Drew Series. I don’t have any reviews posted on Amazon.  Because I am a publisher, Amazon won’t allow it—not on anything, not even cat litter. My co-author and I used to pretend we were Nancy Drew and friend.  This is why we started the Jan and Jenny Mystery/Adventure Series, to which I now say, “Move over Nancy Drew! Jan and Jenny have arrived!”

Ha ha, I like it. You’re taking on Nancy Drew because you’re such a big fan. Cool…

There is more fun and insights to this interview, visit the Eternal Curse Series Blog for the full experience.  For more information about this author, Penelope Dyan, please visit the links below.

Website: Jan and Jenny Mysteries

Blog: Jan and Jenny Books

Facebook: Penelope Dyan

Twitter: Penelope Dyan @1Bellissima2

Purchase links for ‘The Jan & Jenny Mystery Series’: Barnes & Noble, Bellissima Publishing

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords