Aaron Speca - Me and My Others: November 2012

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog Day 4 - Amy Kessler's Inspiration

"Patricia here one last time." I look around furtively to see if Aaron has shown up to find his way in. "I'd like to introduce you to another of my fellow "Evernight" anthology authors, the lovely Amy Kessler, who is going to talk about where she gets her inspiration. And anything else that pops into her head. So sit back and enjoy!

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Amy's Inspiration

I have to say this is one of the hardest topics for me, so forgive me if this all sounds like rambles to you. I confessed to Johanna Rae about this, and we talked motivation and inspiration. (You can read her blog being hosted by Tracey.) They go hand in hand with her, and I guess for me they kind of do too, but it’s still hard for me to tell you why I put pen to paper, or fingers to keys. You’d have to be inside my mind in order to understand completely and its scary in there. So I thought I’d start off with what I do when I’m stuck.

First off, I’m a planner. I plan everything, the work doesn’t always go as planned, but it starts that way. This some times helps me from getting stuck. If I get stuck than I know something is wrong in the way I planned the story. I go over what I’ve written and normally find the next logical thing for the characters to do and then go on from there. If that doesn’t work, then I move on to the next step.

Character interviews. I take time out from writing the actual story to talk to the characters, interview them. I ask questions and answer them as the character. Some times this leads me into insights I didn’t know they had. If nothing comes of that, then at least I have something to refer back to later. See, still productive. If I’m still stuck, I’ll edit what I’ve previously written, or read over it hoping something will come to me. Something I didn’t see before.

The thing is, writing has become such a habit, that I can’t imagine not writing. If I don’t write, I might explode. There are too any voices and too many stories in my head to ignore. So other than ‘If you don’t hit word count, I’m turning off the internet’ threats from my husband, (What can I say, facebook, pinterest, and IMs distract me. Oh look something shiny!) just the plan need to write motivates me to do such.

Find me:

Website: https://www.amylkessler.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alkesslerauthor

Twitter: @a_l_kessler

Evernight Vol II:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Evernight-Vol-2-ebook/dp/B009LLZHX4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351481179&sr=8-1&keywords=evernight+vol+2

XoXo Publishing: http://www.xoxopublishing.com/Products/index.php?route=product/product&filter_name=Evernight+vol+2&product_id=307

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So you can make sure to catch the entire Sisterhood on their various blogs and pages, here are where you will find all the posts during their month-long tour (remember commenting on any of the Sisterhood blog posts earns you an entry for a free e-book, and each blog you join/follow means another entry):

Amy Kessler

http://blog.amylkessler.com/

Ashley Nemer

http://ashleynemer.blogspot.com/

Patricia Laffoon

(right here!!!)

Johanna Rae

http://johannamrae.blogspot.com/

L. S. Broomfield

http://lsbroomfield.blogspot.com/

Sherrie Henry

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrieHenry

Stacy Moran

http://stacymoran.blogspot.com/

Torie James

http://torienjames.blogspot.com/

Tracey Steinbach

http://traceysteinbachmichael.webs.com/apps/blog/

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog Day 3 - Sherrie Henry's Favorite Paranormal Genre

Patricia here. Today, I'd like to introduce my friend and colleague Sherrie Henry here on Aaron's blog. She is going to be talking about her favorite paranormal genre!

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Question of the week – What is your favorite paranormal genre?

That is a toughie. I don’t think I could choose a favorite, but I do have a top two. My vampires and werewolves hold a large part of my heart. I’ve been a fan of classic horror since I was a little kid, watching the old Bela Lugosi as Dracula or the Lon Chaney Jr. as Wolf Man movies hosted by Indianapolis legend, Sammy Terry.

‘Dracula’ (1931) certainly put a more sexy spin on the vampire legend, being the first in a long line of sexy vampires. The modern-day vampire has cleaned up tremendously since Bram Stoker’s time. Transforming from an almost zombie-like creature, thirsting for only blood regardless of its origin, to the Twilight-esque seekers of both blood and romance. It is simply amazing, the thought of a creature who lives on the life-force of others turning into a romantic lead of the day, and the evolution is still on-going. And that’s what makes at least the vampire genre so intriguing – taking bits and pieces of the vampire lore, changing, twisting, turning it inside-out at times, to create a creature so passionate yet at war with itself and its needs. Who couldn’t love to read about that?

But then you have the soul of the werewolf, tormented by the full moon, unable to change its destiny each month. Human by almost all definition, the full moon starts a transformation into a creature of the night without the morals of man. And there again, we have an evolution from ‘The Wolf Man’ (1941), a tormented man at war with himself each full moon to those in today’s movies that can shift at will to protect their own.

So, tough call between the two. I’ve written both and couldn’t pick a favorite. I can tell you that my least favorite paranormal genre would have to be ghosts and spirits, although, I did love me some ‘Ghost’ (1990). About as sensual and romantic as you can get with a non-corporeal being.

Follow Sherrie here!!!!

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrieHenry

******************************************************************************************************************

So you can make sure to catch them the entire Sisterhood on their various blogs and pages, here are where you will find all the posts during their month-long tour (remember commenting on any of the Sisterhood blog posts earns you an entry for a free e-book, and each blog you join/follow means another entry):

Amy Kessler

http://blog.amylkessler.com/

Ashley Nemer

http://ashleynemer.blogspot.com/

Patricia Laffoon

(right here!!!)

Johanna Rae

http://johannamrae.blogspot.com/

L. S. Broomfield

http://lsbroomfield.blogspot.com/

Sherrie Henry

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrieHenry

Stacy Moran

http://stacymoran.blogspot.com/

Torie James

http://torienjames.blogspot.com/

Tracey Steinbach

http://traceysteinbachmichael.webs.com/apps/blog/

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Our Interview with the "Lurker"

Tonight, Patricia Laffoon and I had a great time in an interview with the "Lurker" on Facebook ... here's a little piece of it ...

Wow! You two have such a history with each other, What inspired you two to write a story together, after so long as RP writers?
Tell us, how did this E-book come about? Can you tell us a bit about the story you two wrote in Evernight 2?

http://www.amazon.com/Evernight-Vol-2-ebook/dp/B009LLZHX4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1351454981&sr=1-1&keywords=evernight+2

Evernight Vol.2

www.amazon.com

Allison Cassatta brings us 13 stories by various authors .As children, we feared the boogeyman… Our parents comforted us when the monster under the bed or in the dark depths of our slightly opened closet threatened our safety. We cried when those evil creatures invaded our nightmares ...

Unlike · · Share

You, Patricia Laffoon, Rory Ni Coileain and Sharon Perriello like this.
Patricia Laffoon Well we started this out in Rp to tell you the truth one of our fellow members created a world of Pirates and well it was tailor made for a mermaid and her pirate lover. The E-book came out of those post together. I'll let Aaron tell you about his afternoon off...and how he surprised me...

about an hour ago · Like · 2
Aaron Speca LOL ... yes well it was funny. First, "Heart of the Mermaid" is a prequel to "Tears of the Mermaid" from Evernight Volume 1. But both did get their origin from our ongoing story on that pirate page, where we completely rebooted our characters. So how did they get published? Well, I was home sick from work one day, and Allison Cassatta, who I had just become friends with, had a call for stories for an anthology she was putting together for XoXo Publishing (Evernight 1). I started thinking about our stories, and the pirates one had the best fit, I thought, for what she was looking for. The tricky part was finding a portion of what we had written that had the potential to stand on its own. I found that piece, and spent about two or three hours editing it to make it read more like a short story and sent it in. I was shocked when it was selected. A few weeks later, we were published authors. I didn't even tell Patricia about it until after I had already submitted it.

"Tears of the Mermaid" is about when Trish's betrothed discovers that Trish has fallen in love with a mere human. Rudy discovers them arguing and there is a lot of drama that ensues.

"Heart of the Mermaid" turns back the clock to their first meeting, onboard the vessel that Rudy serves on, where Trish has snuck on board to obtain something for her father.

Want to read the rest? You can find the whole interview here ... on these threads ... along with a trivia question ...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=526683010693309&set=a.369516169743328.99537.367245863303692&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_reply

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=371638616257303&id=367245863303692

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=526702910691319&id=367245863303692

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=526717934023150&id=367245863303692

And you may continue to ask questions ... we will answer anything we get ...

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog - Day Two - Interview with Lisa Broomfield

I curl up on the sofa, reading, my feet propped up on the ottoman, some scented candles burning. I look up ... "Oh hi! Patricia here, still sitting in ..." I look around quickly ... "Don't tell Aaron, he did a great job cleaning up the place for us, but it still could use a woman's touch. Anyway, I wanted to introduce you to another member of the Sisterhood, and fellow 'Evernight Volume 2' author, Lisa Broomfield. Enjoy!"

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1. What made you start writing and which subject matter do you enjoy the most?

As a child, I have always loved to write. Back then, it was normally mysteries and they always starred Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys! I always had an imagination that seemed to take me many different places and even more scenarios. Through the years, I slowly veered away from writing and put it neatly on a shelf. It’s only been these last few years and writing with other people that had a passion with words that spurred and revived my passion for writing.

I enjoy writing fiction the most. It’s easier to let your imagination take over and just take you along for the ride.

2. Is there anything that you write about that can be controversial?

I currently have a WIP that is a very touchy topic regarding a young woman who is working hard to survive her past of sexual abuse, Behind the Mask. Broaching the subject of any type of abuse is hard and the writer certainly has to tread carefully.

3. What inspires you to write and how often do you do it?

I am a mother of four and a single parent half of the month so writing time is certainly a rare commodity in my household. I take whatever down time I can, when I can. As for my inspiration, it could be anything. A song, a picture or just a statement; it could be anything and at times it could be at the most opportune times.

4. If you could only take one book with you for the next year what would it be and why?

I’m going to say something that probably not a lot of people would say—my bible. I am a firm believer that the bible is my roadmap for my daily life.

5. Is there a particular character of yours that you like more than the rest?

Well that’s a no brainer for me. It’s Dragos Cruentus. He is the epitome of strength and power. I love everything about him that he possesses in my mind. The tattoo’s the potty mouth.

6. Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

Hmmm, favorite fictional character? I don’t have an all-time person that I favor over the most so perhaps I’ll go with my current read, The Mercenary by Johanna Rae and the character is Daniel Archer. He cracks me up laughing and makes me swoon over and over again. The chemistry that he possesses between himself and Jodie sizzles up the pages. Just absolutely love who he is in the book and love reading him.

7. What age did you start reading, did you have a favorite childrens book?

As a pre-teen I read the R.L. Stine books. None stuck out in particular, I just loved the edge the book offered.

8. What's the best part of being an author?

The best part of being an author? Goodness! Hmm. I would have to say that it keeps me from losing my mind in the madness of a busy family. It gives me this amazing outlet to completely run wild with. I can be anyone. I can go anywhere. And the best part? I can do all that without spending one penny. It’s the ultimate escape!

9. If your current book (published or work in progress) could become a movie who would star in it?

My current WIP that is currently barely started is my A Cruentus Novel: Book 2 Unnamed showcasing Dragos Cruentus. From the moment he was in my head his face was always David Beckham. So if it ever went to the big screen, David Beckham. It was always something about him that screamed Dragos at me. Albeit, perhaps it was the tattoos or maybe it was that sinful smirk that he just seemed to nail down like I had it envisioned.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now, writing wise?

I would love to say I envision myself being a bestselling author topping the charts on the New York’s best seller list in five years but in all honesty, I haven’t thought that far ahead. It’s one step at a time, one voice at a time. Now don’t get me wrong, if and when that does happen...I’ll be elated.

Final Thoughts?

Not all writers are famous and I think if you set out in a writing career with the thoughts of “I’m going to be famous” you may disappoint yourself. Not everyone will get lucky like E.L. James or Stephanie Meyer and the list goes on. I’m not saying you won’t but chances are it won’t come overnight. You have to write because that’s what you love to do; because you can’t imagine doing anything else than that. Passion breeds creativity.