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Industry Professional

Rob Bignell Interview- Industry Professsional

Greetings everyone. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful industry professional named, Rob Bignell. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.

image provided guest

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

So tell me, who is Rob Bignell?

I’m the owner and chief editor of Inventing Reality Editing Service, which meets the editing and self-publishing needs of writers both new and published. Several of my short stories in the literary and science fiction genres have been published, and I’m the author of the nonfiction guidebook series 7 Minutes a Day…, Hikes with Tykes, Headin’ to the Cabin, Hittin’ the Trail, the literary novel Windmill, and the poetry collection Love Letters to Sophie’s Mom. For more than two decades, I worked as an award-winning journalist, with half of those years spent as an editor. I spent another seven years as an English teacher or a community college journalism instructor. I hold a Master’s degree in English and a Bachelor’s in journalism and English.

Wow, I mean, just wow! You’ve worked as a teacher, journalist, editor, and writer. I can’t imagine being all those things at once, but you make it seem easy and thrilling. I can’t wait to see what all you have to share.

So whacha got for me today?

image provided by guest

I’m wrapping up writing on the next title in my “7 Minutes a Day…” writing guidebook series. Due out at the holiday season, the fourth title in the series focuses on “the craft of fiction writing” – or how to give your writing more zing. It’s a collection of 50 pieces of advice I’ve given to writers who I’ve edited and helped get published during the past five years. It’s called “7 Minutes a Day to Mastering the Craft of Writing.”

That sounds like a good series to look into. As a writer I know it never hurts to brush up your writing and as a writer of fiction, this topic truly appeals to me.

Do you mind to share today, how we become fans, followers, or friends?

Through LinkedIn. I make the majority of my connections with serious writers and editors and other professionals via LinkedIn, much more so than Facebook or Twitter.

I can totally agree with you on that. I find that when I connect with people through Facebook and Twitter, it’s more social, and that can be a good thing, but for business, I stick with LinkedIn. It’s a great way to make initial connections before moving on to something more social, if things work out that way.

Getting to know you a little better, tell me, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Shakespeare. I’d like know how he came up with the ideas, imagery, and lines for his plays, to learn if they were borrowed, collaborative or wholly of his own mind. I’d like to learn what specific events in his life inspired some of his greatest lines and scenes. Of course, if I knew, then I’d be writing scholarly papers for the rest of my life!

This is one of those questions with no right or wrong answer, but sometimes an answer seems better than others. Shakespeare is always a good one, especially when there is good reasoning behind it – not just because everyone’s heard of him.

Up next, who is so you and why?

Well, I wish they would compare to Captain Kirk or to James Bond! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone compare me to a celebrity or fictional character before. Wait, back in college, someone said they thought I was like Ted Koppel. There’s no way that’s true. I mean, do I sound like Ted Koppel to you?

I know what you mean. We are never compared to the people we’d want to be compared to, but being compared to Ted Koppel doesn’t seem too bad. I always get compared to B-list actresses.

Being the busy person that you are, what makes you chill?

Listen to bebop jazz with a lavender candle burning, curled up with a good book with just enough lighting to read by. I probably spend all of my relaxation time with me Kindle Paperwhite. Pathetic, right? I’ve taken to introducing my Kindle as my new girlfriend.

LOL! I like you; you’re funny. There’s nothing wrong with settling down with a good book. Every day at work (I teach) I scarf down my lunch quickly so I can squeeze in at least 10 minutes of reading, just to clear my mind.

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

from GoodReads.com

I read a tremendous amount of science fiction and boy adventure novels. One short story that I read over and over was Fredric Brown’s “Puppet Show,” which was in an anthology I had. I remember comic book versions of “The War of the Worlds” and “The Time Machine” having a big impact on me. I devoured James Blish’s “Star Trek” anthologies.

I never read many short stories growing up and am just now growing to like the medium, but you had me the moment you said “comic book.” To this day, even after having read the originals, I love to read the graphic novel versions of books. I just love the images.

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

That’s a tough question. Maybe “Star Wars IV: A New Hope.” It’s got action and adventure, it’s got mythology, it’s got humor, just as a start. The movie has a number of layers to it, and if you take that approach and just view it for each layer, you’d be watching a new movie each time you saw it.

I like you more and more every minute. That movie rocks!

What makes you geek out?

“Star Trek: The Original Series.” I can tell you the name of the episode just by seeing the planet they approach in the opening scene.

Wow, that’s impressive. My dad would be so proud of me if I could do that, not that he isn’t proud of me, but you get my meaning 😉 . Good for you!

So what’s testing your patience right now?

What’s testing my patience right now is that there’s a lot of good books, music and art out there there but nothing that’s truly shattering the old paradigms. So much is imitative and commercial. Of course, the imitation is very flattering and the production quite slick. But I’d like to live through a period where you say, “He/she/they are like the Beatles or Motown. Nothing’s the same now that they’re on the scene.”

I know what you mean. There is definitely no shortage of creativity right now, but originality is sparse and the ability to change the game for the better seems almost impossible. However, I’ve seen some of the things people are doing in the name of conservation and my mind is blown.

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

When I’m working out, Dick Dale’s surf guitar runs through my head. When I’m mindlessly happy, an upbeat Beatles tune plays up there. When I’m contemplative, John Coltrane is there with all of the improvisational notes matching my thoughts of exploration.

I can get down “with a little help from my friends” and, of course, taking a ride on the Coltrane is always enlightening. 

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

Anytime my son and I have laughed together.

What a great answer. Family and laugher are always the best.

So, thoughts on EC: GA?

I’m looking forward to reading it. I’ve heard great things about its characters being extremely well drawn and given a lot of depth. One of the pleasures of reading is meeting characters who are like real people and experiencing their adventures alongside them.

I’m glad to hear that. I tell everyone, that while I worked very hard to develop this story, I put so much more into my characters because they are each a part of me, even my bad guys.

Is there something you would like to ask me?

Q: Are you Dr. Mira Brown?

A: Not really. I image that Mira looks like a taller less glamorous version of my older sister, and while I wanted to be a doctor when I was a kid, she’s not really me. She and I have a lot in common, but she’s a combination of many of the women in my life.

Well that’s all for today folks. I hope you’ve enjoyed this conversation with industry professional Rob Bignell and will take some time to visit his links.

Rob Bignell editing service:
http://inventingreality.4t.com/editingservices.html

My “7 Minutes a Day…” writing guidebook series:
http://inventingreality.4t.com/7minutes_home.html

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

Ira Nayman Interview

toiboxinterview

The Eternal Curse Series Blog Presents an interview with author: Ira Nayman.

Hi there Ira! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ECS Blog. Don’t worry about the darkness, your eyes will adjust.

So tell me, who is Ira Nayman?

I’ve been writing humour since I was eight years old (almost 45 years now). My major project, Les Pages aux Folles, was started in 1984; the Web version began in 2002. Six collections of articles from the Web site have been self-published in print (the latest are: The Street Finds Its Own Uses for Mutant Technologies and The Alternate Reality News Service’s Guide to Love, Sex and Robots). I have had one novel published by Elsewhen Press, with a second currently in the editing stage. In 2010, I won the Boyne Writers Group: Jonathan Swift Satire Writing contest.

Well, Ira I’m so glad to meet you and your sense of humor. I’m impressed and amazed by your accomplishments and can’t wait to learn more about you.

So whacha got for me today?

Welcome to the Multiverse (Sorry for the Inconvenience) follows the adventures of two investigators for the Transdimensional Authority, the organization that monitors and polices travel between dimensions. The discovery of a corpse next to equipment that has been tampered with leads Noomi Rapier and Crash Chumley on a chase across different realities, a chase in which Noomi will come face to face with four very different versions of herself. The novel explores the ways choice and chance intertwine to make us who we are. Much goofiness ensues. (See a review of this book by Risingshadow)

I love a good multidimensional storyline and with the added humor, this is definitely going on my TBR list. I really like the premise of this story and have often wondered about what would happen if there was another version of myself to run into. Great idea!

So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of Welcome to the Multiverse?

The story is told from the point of view of Noomi Rapier, a woman who has just graduated from the AlternautAcademy and started working for the Transdimensional Authority (TA). She is green and makes some rookie mistakes, but she is smart and shows good investigative instincts. She is also strong, which she has to be to succeed in the male-dominated world of the TA.

Noomi’s partner is seasoned investigator Crash Chumley. While he helps guide her through the ins and outs of cross-universal investigations, Crash is torn between his loyalty to his new partner and the camaraderie of his fellow investigators, which sometimes confuses Noomi. He also harbours a secret, but you’ll have to read the novel to find out what that is…

Nice job building the suspense. Of course I want to know what his secret is now, but like you said, I’ll just have to read the book.

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

One of the pieces I wrote in the first year of my Web site was called “The Man Who Makes Fun of Everything”. That pretty much sums up my ambitions. I update my Web site every week (with three or four pieces of writing and two cartoons); when time allows, I write short stories and novels. The main advantage of having so many things on the go is that it gives me venues to write about a wide variety of subjects, helping me to fulfill my main ambition. One other advantage to this that I have found is that when I am not inspired to work on one project, I can switch to another; I find that this allows me to be much more productive than if I was working on one project at a time.

Most of my writing is done at the computer in my bedroom with music on in the background. However, I can develop ideas anywhere and anytime (on the subway, in a dentist’s office, in a lineup to get into a movie – really, anywhere), so I always carry a notepad and writing utensil with me. If I have enough time, I will sometimes write a scene in my notebook in longhand (antonym shorthand) and type it up when I get home.

I’m just finishing a cycle of four books on Les Pages aux Folles, after which I will start three more. I am also working on a third novel.

I admire people who are so in tuned to humor and satire. I adore comedy, but can’t really write it. Like you, I like to work on multiple projects at one time, so I’m not too focused on just one thing. I can read anywhere, but can’t really write just anywhere. However when I’m out and about, I have been known to take notes.

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

IMDB

There have been so many influences on what I do, but if I had to choose the most important, they would be Monty Python’s Flying Circus and the Marx Brothers. At first, this may seem like an unlikely combination, but they both taught me two lessons that deeply affect my work to this day: 1) maintain a high volume of comic elements, and; 2) use all of the comic devices at your disposal. The first point is important because the reader soon learns that if he doesn’t get a specific bit of humour, another will be along soon; as long as the reader gets most of the jokes, he won’t begrudge me some of the more topical or obscure or flat out strange. The second point is important because writers who use only one or two comic devices can become predictable, and surprise is one of the main characteristics of humour.

I’m a fan of both of these comedic staples. It’s understanding that they would have an influence on your work and now that you mention it, rules 1 and 2 really do apply. That’s how I feel about comedy as a consumer of it and I didn’t even know it.

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

Thomas Pynchon. He has such a unique take on the world – I would love to explore his creative process.

This is one of the reasons I enjoy interviewing authors; I learn so much. I’ve heard of Pynchon before, but really had no idea who he was. Of course now I’m interested enough to get to more about him and his work, and it’s because of you, Ira. Thanks for that.

Who is so you and why?

I get compared to Douglas Adams a lot. We both write smart, humourous science fiction. On the one hand, it’s flattering (I’m a fan of his, too, after all, and I cannot deny that he has had some influence on what I do). On the other hand, our writing styles and philosophical concerns are very different, and I hope that someday I will be able to transcend the comparisons and be recognized as having my own unique voice.

That’s pretty cool to be compared to such a great writer as him, but I do understand your desire to outgrow the comparison. From what I can tell, you are well on your way to shining just as bright all on your own.

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

Barnes & Noble

I read two newspapers a day since much of what I write for my Web site is topical and I need to keep up. I usually read them when eating in my kitchen. Fictionally, I am currently reading I, Phone by David Wake. I picked it up when I was in England for the European launch of Welcome to the Multiverse. I, Phone is smart and funny and I am enjoying it quite a bit. I usually read fiction when I am stationary bicycling or on the subway (I live deep in the suburbs, so it’s a long commute to get to anything interesting in my city).

I,Phone sounds like a good read, thanks for the recommend (hehe). It’s cool that you read two newspapers a day, but I guess for you it’s all in a day’s work. I too like to read when I’m exercising, but I mostly stick to fiction unless it’s a biography. Real life is always a truly compelling story.

book cover from google search

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

Through the Looking Glass and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Explains a lot, doesn’t it.

I adore these stories. They are so creative, and original, and satirical. People argue whether Carroll really meant to be so “deep” and speculative when writing this children’s story, but I think sometimes a deeper meaning slips into a person’s writing without them realizing it. In any case, I like it…

To see more of this interview, visit the Eternal Curse Series Blog. For more information about this author, Ira Nayman, please visit the links below.

Website & Blog: Les Pages aux Folles

GoodReads: Ira Nayman

Facebook: Profile: Ira Nayman

Fan Page: Ira Nayman’s Thrishty Friednishes

Twitter: @ARNSProprietor

LinkedIn: Ira N.

Purchase links for Welcome to the Multiverse: Amazon.com, Elsewhen Press, Indigo Chapters (Canada)

Ira welcomes questions to his two advice columns; if anyone would like more information on them, or if you would like to submit a question, the email address is: questions@lespagesauxfolles.ca.

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

Andrew Hess Interview

toiboxinterview

The Eternal Curse Series Blog Presents an interview with author: Andrew Hess.

CAM00384I grew up in Lindenhurst, NY and spent most of my life there with the exception of five years in the New Paltz Poughkeepsie area.  I studied Psychology for two years at New Paltz which has helped me understand character dynamics in strangers, friends, family members, and now characters within my stories.  Since then, I have been very passionate about my writing in hopes that it inspires others to become writers.

I’ve never heard of New Paltz; sounds quaint. Thanks, I always enjoy learning something new and I’m excited to see what kind of character insight you might be sharing with us today.

image provided by author

The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice is the start of a four part series.  It starts off with three friends that joke about getting rid of all the evil people in the world.  But like the old saying goes; be careful what you wish for.  In this case, the group gets a phone call from someone claiming to work for the US government; telling the group they have two options; be arrested for conspiracy and treason, or work covertly for a new branch of military within the government designed to eliminate high powered criminals.

What! 😮 That sounds crazy (in the best possible way). I’m in. Need more info.

So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read of The Phoenix Blade?

Andrew Lancaster is a college man in his early twenties.  He moved to Buffalo, NY to escape his father and nagging step-mother because of how easily they tried to replace his mother after her death; in which Andrew believed she was murdered.  He is determined to uncover the truth at all cost; which is difficult when each decision he makes impacts the lives of his best friend (Mike) and the woman he’s in love with (Lilly).

On top of everything else, you’ve thrown in some family drama. I love it. Sounds like you have a real page turner here. This is just the kind of book that does well in niche market and then expands.

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

I am usually sitting up in my bed when I’m typing away on the computer.  It’s where I feel the most comfortable and have everything I need surrounding me.  Most of the time, I write with the TV on to provide just some background noise.  On occasion, I will turn on some music and keep it on shuffle just so the music is spontaneous.

I am working on a few other projects.  The first is writing a movie script for The Phoenix Blade.  Everyone tells me they can see it being a movie, so I wanted to try my hand at getting a producer to look at it.  I am also working on re-writing the second book in The Phoenix Blade series and putting together a detective series that takes place in the upstate New York area.

I type in bed too. It is very comfortable there. I don’t know about the background noise, but hey, if it works for you. Glad to know you’re pursuing a movie from this, I really think you have a shot.

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

I tend to surprise people with this answer.  The first author that influenced my writing was James Patterson because of his attention to detail and gripping stories.  He’s had tremendous success with the Alex Cross books.  The second author was Edgar Allen Poe.  Poe had a unique grasp on exciting his readers with heart pounding thrillers.  The way he worded his stories and poems were unique and made the reader feel like they were there instead of just reading along.  I figured why not try to combine the two styles of writing into one.

Not a bad idea. If your work really is a combination of Patterson and Poe, I expect to be seeing more from you in no time. I too appreciate the way Poe pulls you into his work.

Whose brain are you just itching to scratch?

I would have to say Edgar Allen Poe.  I would love to know how he came up with such gripping heart pounding stories and to know his true meaning behind each of them.

I can’t image being able to talk to Edgar Allen Poe. It would seem surreal, but there would definitely be something there to gain from a literary point of view and also as a human creature of observation.

Who is so you and why?

For just my looks, I’ve been compared to Jack Osbourne and also Harry Potter.  The Harry Potter one I never understood.  I guess it’s because at the time I wore glasses every day.  The Jack Osborne one I see because of my style and the way my hair gets when I let it grow out too much.

People see what they want to see. In the comparative world in which we live, I think these comparisons are pretty good.

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

This is difficult for me, because I don’t get to read too often.  When I do read, I like to curl up in bed, again with the TV on as background noise, and dive right into the book.  I prefer reading paperback because it’s easier to hold and read.  I tried ebooks, but use them mostly when traveling.  The books that I get really excited about are mysteries and thrillers because I always want to figure out who did what and why before reaching the end.

I know what you mean about mysteries and thrillers. For some reason I have more trouble figuring out “who done it” in books than in movies. I like that though. If I read a mystery and figure it out too early, I want my money back…my expectations aren’t so high with movies.

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

Amazon.com

I would have to say Indian in the Cupboard.  It was something different and unique.  It was a story about a kid who put his toys in this apparently magical cupboard and brought them to life.  I think every kid that read it wished they had a magical cupboard at that time.

Ditto! I think I did everything imaginable, even praying, hoping my toys would come to life. So instead, I decided to stay a kid and have kept my toys around to play with whenever…

To see more of this interview, visit the Eternal Curse Series Blog. For more information about this author, Andrew Hess, please visit the links below.

Website: Andrew Hess

Blog: Writer’s Revolution, The Phoenix Exposition

Facebook(s): Andrew Hess, The Phoenix Blade

Twitter: @Iamphoenix1

Purchase links for The Phoenix Blade: Amazon

*Special offer* The Phoenix Blade will be available free on Kindle from Sept. 6 – Sept. 9, ‘2013. Get your copy and spread the word.

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