Meet Nancy A. Kaiser

Welcome all you great and wonderful peeps!

We're so thrilled you stopped by. This week we had the priveledge of interview Author Nancy A. Kaiser.

I think you're going to have as much fun reading the interview, as I did interviewing her. She's an amazing animal lover with tons to share!

So, without further ado, 

I introduce to you the lovely. . .

. . .Nancy A. Kaiser

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So you thought you’d be a writer – how’s that workin’ out for ya?

Actually, I never thought about being a writer. I backed into it when I began writing a personal journal in order to heal from a unexpected trauma after my husband retired and we moved to the mountains of North Carolina. Six weeks into construction of our retirement home he decided to tell me he “never wanted to be here.” Within a week, we were separated and seven months later divorced. I was living 600 miles from everyone I knew without a home or job on the side of a mountain. My family consisted of two Labradors, 3 barn cats, and a horse. I never saw it coming and was left shattered and feeling that I’d failed.

About a year later, I began a personal journal to try to learn what I needed to from my dark night of the soul. I wrote for about 14 months and learned more about myself than in the first 53 years of my life. After sharing portions of it with friends they convinced me to turn it into a book to help others who were suffering from life’s traumatic twists & turns. In June 08, my first book, Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation was published. Based on the many comments from readers, my friends were right to encourage me to share my remarkable journey of healing with others. Writing allowed me to uncover lessons that had been lost in the moment. I became an observer of life as I wrote about my experiences, which removed me from the intense emotions of the moment that hid the lessons my soul was presenting me.

My Ex was a horse vet and I managed our equine hospital and breeding farm in New Jersey for 27 years. During this time, one of our client’s foals taught me my life’s purpose, which was to be an animal communicator and healer. Over the years, many animals chose me to be their voice. The lessons they taught me were nothing short of astonishing. I’d always known that one day I wanted to write their stories. Given the warm reception for Letting Go, I knew it was time to share all I’d learned from the animals over the past 20 years. Tales of an Animal Communicator ~ Master Teachers was released in October 11. It shares the lives and lessons of the filly foal, who taught me I was meant to be an animal communicator, and my personal animals.

Writing allows me to reach so many more people with the lessons I’ve learned from my personal trauma and from the many animals that have come to me for assistance. Knowing my words have helped another navigate their life’s challenges or live more happily with their pets is truly gratifying. So, writing is workin’ out wonderfully for me!

Let’s say you’re thinking about going on once in a life time vacation…how exciting! What are some of the places you’d consider, and what would you do while you’re there?

I’ve been blessed to vacation more than once in several of Mother Earth’s most spectacular spots. I’ve twice been to Banff & Jasper Parks in Alberta, Canada, which I feel this is the most beautiful and spiritual area in the world. I’m very fortunate to have a timeshare on Maui that I visit often. There are two places I’ve yet to experience that would qualify as once in a lifetime trips for me: Alaska and Australia & New Zealand.

I had hoped to vacation in Alaska back in the late 80s after completing a dream trip to Kenya. No matter how I worked it, Alaska was just out of reach financially. The size of Alaska would warrant a longer than usual vacation for me. I’d want to spend no less than 3 weeks and probably a month. When I’m away I experience everything possible about my destination. Alaska to me is wildlife and breathtaking scenery very much like Alberta. I want to take a smaller cruise ship allowing the possibility of getting up-close-and-personal with any wildlife along the shores. I want to see whales and glaciers. I want take the train to Denali Park and stay at the lodge in the Park. I’d like to fly over the expansive mountains and spend time learning about the Inuit culture.

Australia & New Zealand require a month just because of the long flight to get there from North Carolina. I have been fascinated by the Aborigine Dreamtime for years. I was privileged to take a workshop at the Omega Institute, a holistic learning center, in Rhinebeck, New York taught by an aboriginal couple from the Pitjantjatjara people. We were the first people in North America who they shared their wisdom with. It was an amazing experience. I’d love to reconnect with them in the Pitjantjatjara Land. A visit to the Barrier Reef is a must. Meeting Australia’s unique collection of animals is a tremendous draw for an animal communicator.

From all accounts, New Zealand is uniquely different from Australia and deserves the time to experience its natural environment and culture as well. What little I’ve seen in pictures leaves me breathless. No matter where I travel, I’m all about the natural beauty of an area, the animals that live there, and the indigenous cultures. In addition to studying about the Dreamtime with the aboriginal couple at Omega, I’ve also studied with an American Indian and a Shaman there. The knowledge that they shared was astonishing. It is wisdom that needs to be shared or it will be lost forever.

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I am not currently working on a book, but there will be a third. Tales of an Animal Communicator ~ Being a Clear Voice will share the lessons I have learned from working with my clients’ animals. There have been so many lessons taught over the years by so many remarkable animals that they couldn’t fit into one book. I will begin work on it when my intuition tells me the time is right.

What kind of animals,birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have and what are their names?

Being an animal communicator, I like most animals. As far as domestics, my favorites are horses, dogs, and cats. I have an issue with animals that are caged. Whales, dolphins, hawks, eagles, mountain lions, giraffes, and deer are favorites in the wild realm.

I’ve ridden and trained horses for the past 50 years. Currently, I have a Swedish Warmblood, whose name is Follow Your Heart aka Stormy. He is my grandson since raised him and his motheron my farm in New Jersey. He was born almost 11 years ago on Mother’s Day during a thunderstorm. I live with two Labrador brothers, Hana and Saba, who will turn 7-years-old in late May. They are named after two of my favorite places on Earth. Hana is on Maui and Saba is a Caribbean island near St. Marrten. These spots are two of the most healing areas I’ve ever visited. I lost my last two barn cats a few years ago and have chosen not to replace them.

Time for adventure! Your friends are heading out to go skydiving for the first time…are you going to join them or suggest a different adventure? If you go skydiving please elaborate, or if you suggest something else what would your favorite adventure be?

Definitely, not skydiving.
Depending on my location, I would go snorkeling in Maui or whale-watching if it was winter. If I was somewhere that offered horse-packing trips, I’d choose that. There is nothing more magical than discovering an area from the back of a horse. Wildlife are much less afraid of you if you’re on a horse. Places I’ve ridden over the years: twice into Haleakala Crater on Maui, for a week in Banff Park, Alberta, Canada, a week in the Teton Wilderness and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, and Snowmass, Colorado. Back in the late 80s, I enjoyed a phenomenal hot-air balloon ride over the Masi Mara in Kenya. This is perhaps the most exciting and memorable adventure of all that I would love to repeat one day.

Forget about make-believe super powers…we’ll never have them – bummer, I know right? But good news…TRUE super powers come in different forms such as a great attitude, a wonderful personality, loving kindness, and other cool traits like those. Who’s the one super hero in your life, and what is their TRUE super power?

The one super hero in my life was my dad. I lost him in 2000, yet a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of him. When I was living through the dark night of my soul that became my first book, Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation, I sensed the presence of my dad often. The lessons that he taught me throughout the 49 years we shared helped me survive and now flourish.

I followed my dad into the practice of pharmacy. It was while working with him in Kaiser’s Rexall Drug Store that I witnessed his TRUE super power. My dad was a “people person” plain and simple. I was far more comfortable with animals. I’d watch my father turn an angry customer, who was vehement about whatever their complaint was, into feeling sympathetic for him within a few short minutes. I’d watch this over and over and simply marvel at his gift.  

Dad took me to all the horse shows until I was old enough to drive. If he could stay, he would groom for me. If he had to work, he’d leave me, the horses, and the trailer and return after working all day. Many times he was able to stay. I knew he was very proud of his daughter’s success at the shows. The funny thing was that my dad knew more people at the horse shows than I did.

My dad’s presence is missed every day, but his treasure-trove of lessons remain. Whenever I tell people that I’m really not a people person, they ask, “Why do you think that? You’re great with people.” It always makes me smile while whispering, “Thanks, Dad!”


We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

My latest book, Tales of an Animal Communicator ~ Master Teachers, is the book I always intended to write one day even before I knew I could write. This book chronicles the tales of the remarkable animals that taught me that I was destined to be an animal communicator and healer. They begin after my marriage to an equine veterinarian in 1977. Having left pharmacy to manage our equine hospital and breeding farm in central New Jersey, I found astonishing animals and events entering my life. From my life on Fair Chance Farm, through my move to the mountains of North Carolina, and subsequent divorce, the lessons and unconditional love of the extraordinary animals will simply astound you. Tales will broaden your perspective on the significance of your animals in your life while helping you develop more meaningful relationships with not only your animals, but all animals. You will never look at your own animals the same way again! A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Tales are donated to my local Humane Society, Noah’s Wish, and The Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, California.

If you could personally thank one person, or several (living or not) for giving you the strength, determination, and perseverance to continue in your writing who would you thank?

First and foremost, my parents, who were the first role models in my life. I have been blessed with an amazing life thanks to their willingness to support me in everything I did; from my first riding lesson at age 8, purchasing horses as I moved up each level of the show world, providing my pharmacy education, and eventually joining us on the farm and spending their last 20 years there. They always had my back.

I have to thank all of the animals that have shared their lives, love, and lessons with me. I am honored that they’ve chosen me to be their voice. To those who are/were my personal animals, I would have never become the woman that I am without you guiding me along the path. To my clients’ animals, I am so gratified to have been able to help you through your issues with living in the human world. It’s your trust in me that motivates me to keep writing and share your lessons so that together we can heal the human-animal bond.  

Do you create and design your own book covers?

I envision my book covers and work with a fabulous book designer, Janet Aiossa, who brings them to life. Each time her cover has gone way far beyond my vision of it. Working with her is the easiest part of the entire process, which she says is because I know exactly what I want.

As a self-published author do you recommend having your novels professionally edited? Please give us some cool thoughts of why you chose the answer you did.

Absolutely! I want my readers to have the best book I can produce and that takes a village. I work with an editor and then a proofreader before it ever gets to my book designer. I think you could edit forever, but you finally reach a point where you just say, “Enough.” No book is ever perfect, but I want my books to be the best they can be. I want my readers to know that when they spend their money they are getting almost perfection.

As a self-published author do you think that the ebook phenomenon helps or hinders your sales? Please let us know why you chose the answer you chose.

Both my books are available as eBooks on numerous sites. Personally, I don’t own an ereader. I’m just an old-fashioned kind of gal, but there are millions of people do. You have to give the people what they want. I am sure I’ve sold eBooks to people who wouldn’t have bought a print book, which helps my sales. On the other hand, I don’t give away or low-ball price my eBooks. Having thousands of free eBooks or those priced quite low available to the reader pool hinders my sales. Honestly, I think there are far less readers in the world today than even 10 years ago due to all the digital and computer entertainment options out there. It’s just a different world now.

Where can we find your book(s)?

Personalized, print copies are available on my Website.

Letting Go

Tales


Print copies and ebooks are also available from most online booksellers such as Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, etc. I'd like to personally invite you to check out my author page on Amazon - it's easy, just click here.

You will also find me on Facebook and Twitter:

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/nancykaiseranimalcommunicator


TWITTER HANDLE: @nakaiser

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Hey Nancy - 
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an interview. We certainly wish you the best of success as an author, and look forward to following your amazing love of animals and all you have to offer. ~ Your JLB Creatives Executive Team ~

Meet Gregory Faccone

Hello wonderful fans and followers. So great to have you here this week. Why? Because we're featuring the awesomeness of Author Gregory Faccone!

Read on to discover some incredible tips 

on back cover blurbs

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Making a Superb Back Cover Blurb

~or~

Blurbs? How hard can it be… right?

                                            by: Author Gregory Faccone

The back cover blurb may be the three most important paragraphs to whoever picks up your print edition. In those 150-175 words, your potential readers may decide if they are going to become actual readers. And even if you are published in eBook formats only, the ever present description box needs the blurb to accomplish the same thing.

You might let your literary agent do it, or your publisher. But it is your book. Want to give it a go? (If you are self publishing, you will have to.) Now there are places online where you can get good tips for writing a blurb. I just want to highlight a few as I see them.

First, keep it lean and to the point. Do you have an ensemble cast? There is not a lot of room for, “Meanwhile, back on Tau Ceti 5, the brother-in-law discovers…” Focus on your protagonist and keep the description to their key arc. That is really what your book is about, isn’t it? The rest of the supporting content is good, but belongs in the book interior.

 "Keeping it real (readable). I wanted a little color and flavor on the back cover blurb letters. Not just plain white. But readability had to come first. In the end the dark background frame worked well, fading out before the ships."

Also, I recommend a classic format. Introduce your protagonist in paragraph one. Are they relatable? Even the most way out character has something to which a reader can relate. Paragraph two sets up your conflict. It upsets you lead’s world and often starts with an action word. And finally, the third paragraph is the big tease. You’ve set up your protagonist and the conflict, now hint at the journey, the stakes, and the awesome forces at odds. But do not give away too much.

And lastly, some practical advice. Have you paid a professional artist to make your cover art? Your blurb and that art need to coexist. Make sure your text is not tiny, is easy to read, and not some crazy font that gives customers headaches. I decided to not obscure my fine cover art with an opaque text box. I wanted it to blend in organically, and even have some color and life to it. So many little things go into a professional book. You know this if you are doing it all yourself. Whether you are or not, it is YOUR book. Make sure all the ingredients comprising your fine creation are the best they can be.

Hey Gregory - 

Thanks so much for sharing your insight with aspiring authors. It was our pleasure having you as a featured guest on the JLB Creatives Blog. We hope to have the opportunity to feature you and your wisdom again in the future.

Be sure to check out Gregory's book, Tethered Worlds Unwelcomed Star. Be prepared to be dazzled and amazed. Here is where you will find Gregory's work:

http://tetheredworlds.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gregory-Faccone/309582359137870
https://twitter.com/GregoryFaccone

Happy Anniversary to Maycly ~ and so much more!

Welcome everyone! We're so glad you decided to stop by this week and join in the celebration. What celebration you might ask? Well, I'd love to share with you the details and all that has gone on and is coming up for JLB Creatives. . .

This video is non-scripted and was shot in one take...
yeah, I say "um" a lot - but you'll get the drift.

JLB Creatives
Happy Anniversary Maycly
and So Much More

Happy Anniversary Maycly!

by Author Janet Beasley

Last year on February 26, 2012 Volume 1 of the Hidden Earth Series was released. It was a very special day in more ways than one, as February 26 is also my birthday. I couldn't have asked for a better gift - the unleashing of my first inspirational epic fantasy novel.

Family and friends, both local and out of state, came to celebrate not just the day, but the entire week. It is one I soon won't, if ever, forget.  

The morning of my birthday my visiting sister-in-law went out to get the paper. She ran back into the house screaming with joy. Much to my surprise she shoved the headlines into my face and said, "I'll bet there's very few debut authors who have ever had their release and birthday on the front page before!" I did a double take then busted out laughing!

The headlines read: 2 MEGA-EVENTS CREATE EPIC DAY. Granted they weren't referring to my birthday and epic fantasy novel, but who was I to argue with the choice of words on such an amazing day in my life? The newspaper was referring to the NBA Allstar Game and the Daytona 500. We all had a good laugh, and yes, I still have the newspaper as a souvenir. 

At the time of release Volume 1, the paperback collector's edition, held the name Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. We've sense changed the title for the 744 page paperback to Hidden Earth Volume 1 Maycly the Trilogy. 

When we originally started out we were formatting and testing the ebooks at the same time. We discovered with all of the illustrations, maps, and other goodies the book was too big a file to create one ebook. That's when we decided to turn it into 3 parts, hence the trilogy.

Since the paperbacks and ebooks released we've sold over 1500 copies. The three ebooks went out on top in 2012 on Amazon's Religious Fantasy list.  And for several weeks Parts 1 and 2 rode the wave in the top 100 just ahead of The Hunger Games on Amazon. We are in the process of releasing 3 separate paperbacks as well - our concept is smaller books for smaller hands. My ultimate goal is to create a series worthy of consideration by Scholastic.

  During the process of creating the 3 separate paperbacks within the Maycly trilogy we've revised the covers and given each part its own separate sub-title: Part 1 "Two Altered Worlds," Part 2 "The Battle of Trust and Treachery," and Part 3 "The Queen." You can look for those to be release before Easter is all goes as planned. The new covers have already been added to the ebooks - sneak peak below. . .

And just so you know, ebooks are only 99 cents each right now through 2/28 - that's the whole trilogy for under 3 bucks! Click here to check them out and/or purchase them on Amazon.

In addition to the trilogy we also released 2 companion books. The first being a full color illustration book complete with detailed descriptions of the animals, plants, and dwellings on Maycly. All 10 maps and Terrain Master Badges are included in this dandy of a book.  The second companion book is a cookbook stemming from the restaurants on Maycly, plus a kid's section from Artie. He's titled his section "Kids Can Be a-Cookin' Too." The cookbook has recipes for a gamut of food enthusiasts - cook like you're on a camp-out, or treat your guests to a fine dining experience while you feel like a gourmet chef. You can read a 5 star review of the cookbook on Amazon by clicking here.

2013 holds the release of Volume 2 Planet Land: The Adventures of Cub and Nash, with a possible release of Volume 3 Planet Water: The Adventures of Arrowanna.



But wait - there's more! Maycly the Trilogy won a 2012 Betty Award! Watch The Betty Awards video for a glimpse at some of the most amazing authors the literary world has to offer.  

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Young Writers Workshop

by Author Janet Beasley

So back in September of 2012 my sis and I were approached to facilitate a Young Writers Workshop (YWW) at the Pickford Community Library in Pickford, Michigan. The Young Writers Workshop is the brain child of head librarian Ann Marie Smith (an energetic, motivated, knowledgeable  lady with a gumption that won' t quit when it comes to the literary world). 

Excitement filled the air when I received Dar's phone call. We came up with the idea that she would be there with the aspiring writers in person, and I would appear "live" via Skype. 

Much to our liking, the Skype trick has been working beautifully. 

Our class consists of future authors ranging in age from 14-17. These students are the cream of the crop when it comes to ambition, dedication, and perseverance. Their talents are amazing, their writing skills improve with each session, and their attitudes stay on high notes - even when we deliver the hardships of becoming a published author. 

We've asked the students to write a 3500 word or less short story for their main assignment. We will then be taking them through the journey to publication with their pieces. Dar, professional editor and illustrator, will be taking them through the process of being professionally edited. Once the pieces are edited, we will be speaking on the topic of self-publishing and trade publishing, along with formatting and other publication topics. 

At the end of the workshop JLB Creatives will be publishing an anthology compiled of these talented writers' work. It will be in ebook format and will be made free to the general public. There's nothing more rewarding than helping dreamers take their first steps, and have the means to actually get them published for the first time.

In addition to the YWW Dar and I have appeared at library events, book signings, and festivals. We're looking forward to our continued relationship with the Pickford Library's head librarian, Ann Marie Smith, who has so graciously allowed us the opportunity to a part of such a grand literary event. 

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Welcome Authors in the Park!

by Author Janet Beasley

The end of 2012 was spectacular! Why? That's when Authors in the Park's inaugural event, Christmas Spectacular, hit the scene. I was approached by fellow author Jean E. Lane. We began meeting together to brain storm ideas on how to promote our books in new and different ways. After only 2 meetings I received an email from fellow author Mark Miller inviting me to meet and discuss ways we could promote our books together. It was obvious - Jean E. and I invited Mark to our next meeting.

The 3 of us met, and Mark proposed the idea of Authors in the Park. He wanted to do something during December, like December 16! WOWZA! That was only 2 weeks away. My event production brain kicked in and I went on tilt wondering how to pull this together. I let fate take its course, and could never have been happier! 

In a course of 11 days we had landed a sponsor (the Mount Dora Library Association), and over $1000 in gifts from local supporters. We created 12 gift baskets for door prizes from the wonderful donations. Authors sold books and signed autographs throughout the day - smiles were abundant. Pictured left to right: authors  Mark Miller, Amy Sellers, Amy Long, Janet Beasley, Jean E. Lane, Rebecca Wilson-Shore, Julie Compton, Theresa Oliver, and C. Kevin Thompson. 

The turnout exceeded our expectations, and thanks to nothing shy of a miracle you can now watch for multiple AIP events coming in 2013. 

At our post event meeting for Christmas Spectacular!, and after much consideration, I offered the positions of JLB Creatives Team Executives to these fine, outstanding individuals, Jean E. and Mark. They have sense become a crucial part of the growth and success of JLB Creatives. Humbled and honored in the same breath, I can honestly say I am looking forward to a very busy and exciting 2013 for JLB Creatives.

For more information regarding Authors in the Park please visit our Facebook page at FB.com/AuthorsInThePark.

Our first Authors in the Park Event will be held March 30, 2013. For details and/or to watch our promo video click here.

But wait, there's more exciting news for Authors in the Park. JLB Creatives Executive Team has launched an Authors in the Park critique group - Lit Wits. You'll find tons of details regarding Lit Wits Sessions by clicking here! We even have a Lit Wits page right here on the JLBC Blog.

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Summing It Up

by Author Janet Beasley

We certainly hope you enjoyed this week's post, and are celebrating in your own way along with us.

Please be sure to invite your friends and family to visit the JLB Creatives Blog, where there's always something fun going on!

If you are an author and would like to be featured on the JLB Creatives Blog, scroll to the top of the page and look in the top of the right hand column. There you'll find the information you need to get started. 

JLB Creatives is dedicated to helping authors at all levels. Whether through critique groups, promotional guidance, formatting of ebooks, or developing Social Media platforms, JLB Creatives is a name people have come to trust in the literary world.

Here's wishing you a fabulous day filled with tons of laughter, love, and cupcakes!

We'll see you next week!

Best,

~Janet~ 

Meet Shelly Frome

Hello and welcome! We're so glad you stopped by the JLB Creatives Blog to find out who we're featuring this week. But before we get to that, I'd just like to commend those of you who continue to support our featured artists and the JLB Creatives Blog through tweeting, sharing on FB, Pinning, and so many other ways. You're the ones who keep JLB Creatives thriving with new content and cool things to discover in the literary world.

Now, to the real reason you're here - this week we were blessed to catch an interview with a stunning author. So without any further delay, we bring you our chat with. . .

Author Shelly Frome

A zealous fan approaches your book signing table and wants to know everything there is to know about writing a book…right now! There’s a long line of fans waiting, and you only have a few seconds…what one thing would tell them to encourage them to become a writer?

A creative writing instructor at a noted Midwest college used to advise his students not to write. To put the notion aside. If and when there’s a haunting image, cherished assumption that no longer holds true or some unknown secret that keeps prodding you and won’t let go, then you’re probably ready to begin.
           

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

Tinseltown Riff, my Hollywood escapade, is scheduled to be released some time this Spring. It’s a tale that straddles the invisible line between illusion and reality, fantasy and danger as it delves into the loopiest business on earth.  An L.A. film agent recently wrote that even though she loves the milieu and the dynamics, Ben, my desperate hack screenwriter is basically a nice guy and nice guys aren’t trending right now. My publisher doesn’t agree. Hopefully readers will side with my publisher.

Do you prefer writing the good guy’s dialogue or the villain’s? Give us an example of your amazing talent…write us a line of dialogue from your favorite good guy or villain.

It’s not what Roy says so much. It’s how he thinks:

He winced as the scar across his jaw line from Bubba’s knife started to burn again. He reached inside his overalls, pulled out the tin of salve and rubbed some in.

Tossing the slouch cap back on the hook, he drifted out onto the porch, snatched up the binoculars and trained them on the tire tracks in the mud leading off the slope of the front yard and narrow track to Piney Woods Road. That was where the girl must have driven off, zigged and zagged till she hit Route 4, had to pull over and staggered the rest of the way to the hospital. Then got spooked by Roy’s phone call and hitched. If she was long gone, way past Memphis to Illinois or someplace, fine. But if she was in any way licking her wounds, figuring on easing her way back over the line, picking up where Bubba left off, or blabbing her mouth or worse . . .

Coming full circle, it was back to don’t-ever-jump-the-gun. And  best-let-the-quarry-come-to-you.  

We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of this current book?

Twilight of the Drifter is a crime story with southern gothic overtones. It centers on thirty-something Josh Devlin, a failed journalist who, after a year of wandering, winds up in a Kentucky homeless shelter.

The crosscurrents go into motion as Josh comes upon a runaway named Alice holed up in an abandoned boxcar. Taken with her plight and dejected over his own squandered life, he spirits her back to Memphis and his uncle’s Blues Hall Café. As the story unfolds, a Delta bluesman’s checkered past comes into play and, inevitably, Josh finds himself on a collision course with Roy, a backwoods tracker fixated on the Civil War. And then, by extension, the machinations of the governor-elect of Mississippi

Creativity. Where does yours come from? This is something writers are asked about much of the time.  Would you be so kind as to elaborate on where you get your ideas and what sparks your creativity?

The Drifter is a prime example. At first I had no idea I was going to write a new novel.  As it happens, friends invited us down to a cabin they’d inherited in the backwoods of the hill country of Mississippi that dated back to the time of the Civil War. When Bob (the husband) and I took a walk and came upon a meandering creek strewn with fallen jagged limbs, something began to percolate.

Soon after, material kept coming to me while spending time in Memphis, Oxford and slipping partway into the Delta. Becoming more and more curious, I began interviewing people like Larry Wells who ran the Faulkner Press and moved on to a chat with a noted blues expert at Ole Miss. This led to a lot of reading about the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement and its aftermath in Mississippi, what it’s like to hop a freight, belief in angels, and the lives of bluesmen. From here I segued to listening to blues recordings, delving into Mississippi politics and all kinds of things including learning what it would be like to drift from Dayton, Ohio to the Deep South. Needless to say, by this point a compelling through-line took shape and continued to unfold.    

What are your favorite genres of books to read, and what are your favorite genres of books to write?

As a reader, I found I could readily identify with a character’s plight as long as there was something vital at stake. In due course, someone’s world had been turned upside down and impending trouble was just ahead. By the same token, the only possible venue for me had to have at least a touch of crime or danger. It can’t just be about relationships. It can’t just be another day. More often than not, I seem to be drawn to an irrepressible urge to right a great wrong.

For the first time in your writing career someone recognizes you as their favorite author, in public. Would you panic? Smile and bask in the moment? Blush and walk away? Invite them for coffee and cupcakes? Scream? Run? Faint?

Oddly enough, I would not only invite them for coffee but I’d be dying to know why. Why me? What about all the notable authors who are infinitely more well- known? Then. drawing from the Cowardly Lion but in reverse, I’d say, “What have I got that they haven’t got?”


Who is your favorite character that you have created? Tell us about him or her and why you are so fond of them.

I don’t know if she’s my all-time favorite. As we all know it’s like  asking, Who’s your favorite child? But I am quite taken with Alice. Some reviewer recently found her to be a cross between Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye and Mattie Ross in True Grit.  All I know is that she’s barely fourteen, a runaway, has had a dreadful upbringing which amounts to no upbringing at all, and is a survivor. As a result, I never knew exactly what she was going to say or do, loved her cocky façade and hidden vulnerability, and was willing to follow her anywhere.

Of all the professions in this world you opted to be a writer. What brought you to it?

I’ve played the violin in a symphony orchestra, been a starving actor, director, playwright and acting coach. But the only experience that afforded me full rein was creative writing. I can do it anywhere and any time, even in my mind. Sometimes mainly in my mind. And I don’t have to worry whether or not the characters will show up and/or be able to play their parts. I’m not dependent on collaboration,  attracting  audiences or the limitations of the stage. On the other hand, there is the loopy publishing industry, promotion and something called the market. Luckily, I now have a publisher who furnishes me with a kind and understanding editor. And as long as I put my heart and soul into a project, one that’s worth the candle, I can do my best to help with promotion and work on something called a platform. But there is no axe hanging over my head and I can continue to explore.  
           
If you could spend a day with an author, who would it be? And of course we’ve got to know why.

I would love to spend a day with James Lee Burke who has received Edgar awards for two of his over twenty-five crime novels, grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast, taught creative writing at Wichita State University and holds the record for the most number of rejections of a novel that went on to become a best seller. A man who has had his work made into movies and seen and been through so much more than I can imagine given the safety and security of my college teaching days. I’m not sure a day would even begin to tap all I could gain from just being around and listening to him.

Where can we find your book(s)?

My books--both fiction and non-fiction--can be found on Amazon or the publishers’ catalogues and web sites.    

You can also stay in tune with Shelly's work from these cool links!
FACEBOOK PAGE:
            Facebook.com/public/Shelly-Frome

TWITTER HANDLE:
            @shellyFrome

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Until next week. . .stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me.

Your Blog Host:

Owner/Founder JLB Creatives

Author Janet Beasley

Meet the Father / Son Team Allan and Aaron Reini

Welcome to this week's post of Featured Artists.

Just an FYI - if you are looking for a previous Featured Artist post simply look for the Archives Section here on the Blog. You are free, and encouraged for that matter, to help our featured authors and artists get the word out about their fantastic talents. So be sure an Tweet, share on FB, Google+, post on LinkedIn, or whatever you fancy as your means of getting worthy news to your friends and family. 

We certainly hope you're enjoying the new posts, and are uncovering some of the literary world's greatest treasures to be discovered! 

OK - here we go. This week we have an Excerpt Extravaganza including a synopsis from this awesome father and son team of the writing world!

(insert round of applause here please) 

Please Welcome. . .

Aaron and Allan Reini

Flight of the Angels
by Allan and Aaron Reini

Far from Earth, far from home, Captain Dex D'Felco leads the “Angels,” a renegade Navy fighter squadron on the run from their own government. Their crime? Clinging to their faith in a dystopian society that has outlawed all forms of religious expression.
Meanwhile, Darik Mason, an ambitious junior executive, uncovers a dark conspiracy within his own corporation. His search for the truth sets him on a collision course with the Angels, pitting both sides in an epic battle with the fate of thousands of Believers hanging in the balance.
In this first book in their Christian sci-fi series Flight of the Angels, co-authors Allan and Aaron Reini introduce a dark, gritty universe where evil men plot destruction while imperfect heroes sacrifice everything to defend the defenseless.
In this excerpt, a very nervous Darik Mason, under pressure to account for multiple and mysterious failures of his company’s popular and versatile M-2 units, has been called into the office of his boss—the charismatic but frightening Kirrone Jenkins.

Excerpt: Flight of the Angels, by Allan and Aaron Reini 

Darik’s eyes paused on a large sculpture a few feet to the right of Jenkins’s desk.  It was a bizarre study, sculpted from a metal he couldn’t identify.  Darik was transfixed.  The sculpture had an unmistakably violent feel to it.  Yet there was something more, something almost sensual in its brutality.

“It’s Travarian.” Jenkins’s voice shook Darik from his reverie. “Do you like it?”

“Yes, sir,” Darik responded automatically, although he wasn’t actually sure that he did like it that much.

“It came from ruins on Travarus.” The JenKore CEO gazed fondly at the sculpture.  “Most of the other artifacts were deteriorated, but this one remained in almost perfect condition.   The arch-techs were able to piece together enough glyphs from the surrounding walls to speculate that it was a centerpiece to the temple.”

For the first time since he entered the office Darik met the eyes of his employer.  They were gleaming.  “The glyphs indicated it was an object intended to receive sacrifice.”

Darik waited for Jenkins to move on to the subject at hand. It did not take him long.  

“You have been involved in production of our mining M-2s for how long, Mr. Mason?”

“Two years, sir.”

“And your area of expertise is?”

Darik found himself wishing they would go back to talking about the bizarre artifact, which was still managing to captivate an uncomfortable amount of his attention.

“I am in charge of fail-safe protocols, sir.”

“And how many M-2s have suffered catastrophic failure under your watch, Mr. Mason?”

Darik wanted to scream.  He wanted to grab Jenkins by his expensive suit coat, pull him to within inches, and shout into that lean, placid face that he already knew how many units they had lost.  He wanted to explain through gritted teeth that if Jenkins really wanted progress on the security measures, they would need to provide him with better information than the garbage reports he was getting from the field.  More than anything, and quite disturbingly, Darik wanted passionately to grab Jenkins and impale him on one of the many sharp points protruding from the “Travarian” idol.

Instead, he simply answered, “Twenty-three, sir.”

“Twenty-three units,” Jenkins repeated slowly.  “Twenty-three supposedly indestructible machines, destroyed.  The potential for profit, never to be recovered…”

Darik didn’t intentionally tune Jenkins out, but he found it increasingly difficult to stay focused.  As words ran together, Darik became less aware of what his employer was saying, and more aware of an almost audible vibration coming from the bizarre sculpture.

The effect was disconcertingly hypnotic.  Darik’s field of vision narrowed until he could see only the idol in front of him.  It dominated his thoughts, his vision, his attention.  The object’s protrusions seemed to move, blending with one another and stretching out toward him before receding again.  All the while, the sounds increased in Darik’s head, tunneling, unbidden, into his mind, into his soul.  He felt his own will begin to weaken before the force of the strange object.  

He began to discern additional sounds.  Low and guttural, they stayed just beneath the surface of the idol’s weird emanations.  The sounds, at first, defied description, but then it occurred to Darik that they sounded almost like...voices.  He could not make out their words—only that they seemed to call to him, producing both a feeling of dread, and desire.  

As gradually as the effect had manifested itself, the illusion of motion began to subside.  The low vibration faded, and the multiple, discordant voices congealed steadily into one.  It was Jenkins, continuing on as though nothing odd had occurred.

“…so it would seem you have a choice to make, Mr. Mason.  Do you feel you have a future here at JenKore?”

Still feeling unsteady, Darik heard himself reply, “Yes, sir.”

“Then it is well past the time you should be proving it.”  Jenkins’s pale eyes narrowed even further.  “You are being paid to keep our M-2s in the field operational and out of danger.  Do whatever it takes, but hear me—the next unit you lose will be your last.”

Jenkins did not wait for a reply.  Allowing his gaze to settle once more on the Travarian idol he added quietly, “You’re dismissed.”

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Learn more at www.flightoftheangels.com The official repository of all things “Angels.”  You’ll find S/A-81 Hornet Info, The History of the 714th, Glossary of Terms, and more!!!

You can purchase the Paperback or Kindle version from Amazon at http://bit.ly/UHMnFU

“Like” us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FlightOfTheAngels

Follow Flight of the Angels on Twitter @pellacolony  https://twitter.com/PellaColony

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