Do you have a plot?

Like most things in life if you want to succeed there needs to be a plan. When you go on a road trip to a new place you need to get directions. Mapquest, Google Maps, a road map, GPS...you need something to help you get to where you want to be, to succeed. In other words, you need to know where you want to end up otherwise you will get lost. Now the reason I bring this subject up is because of the amount of bad books I've read lately. With the rise of self publishing I'm seeing way too many badly thought out, under developed, lacking in plot or just plain not good Anglish books. (Hopefully you got my point there.)

I've heard many authors say they like to create characters and a situation and then just start writing. Two things are going to happen with this approach. Somewhere along the way, before the author hits chapter 5ish, they figure out where they want to go with the story. This leads them through writing the rest of the story. Great, wonderful! Or... The writer just keeps on writing, pontificating or repeating the same thing they did two chapters prior and before long they have enough words to call it a manuscript. This is what drives me crazy as a reader!

Most people who read books will tell you they prefer a great story over great writing. If you can have both that's a bonus but if they had to choose, story wins out almost every time. Now if we as authors keep on writing without purpose or thought out goals for a storyline then we're going to keep on creating books that no one wants to read. The greatest thing that I learned and am still working on is outlining my stories prior to starting the first chapter. I need to know where my characters are going to end up in order for me to stay on track. Now the journey to that ending doesn't need to be a straight line. We as writers can take those characters we've created and let their personality dictate how they end up where the story is supposed to go or maybe even give us an idea that changes the overall tone or purpose of the story. However you need to have some clue where you're going in order to write with purpose.

That's my two cents for the day.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Featured Blog Interview with William Bentrim of Azure Dwarf

DLC: Let me introduce everyone to William Bentrim author and blogger of Money Saving Tech Tips, Philosophic Musings, Pick of the Literate & of course Azure Dwarf. Welcome back to my blog William. That's a lot of blogging going on there. Tell us about them.

WB: Money Saving Tech Tips started when I sold my computer business. It has blossomed into posts on things I find interesting or frustrating but with a vague attempt at saving money.  

Pick  of the Literate reviews main stream literature.

Azure Dwarf is my demented or convoluted melding of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Blue Dwarf stars are very rare and very scifi-ish. Dwarfs are the requisite companions on fantasy quests. This is where I recommend books in those genres.

DLC: Right up my alley! What was the main reason for starting these blogs?

WB: Retiring and wanting to keep my head active.

DLC: How long have you been doing them?

WB: I just had to go look, the 3rd anniversary of Money Saving Tech Tips and Philosophic Musings will be October 30th 2010.

DLC: Happy belated anniversary! =) Do you have special features on your blog such as author interviews, blog tours, book reviews...ect?

WB: I do author interviews, reviews of equipment and book recommendations. As of today I am trying a giveaway again. I was not impressed with the results when I gave away circuit testers on Money but this time I am giving away a book on Pick and Dwarf.

DLC: What is the most rewarding aspect of blogging for you?
 
WB: The occasional comment that thanks me for my insights.

DLC: That's always nice to get. I know I appreciate that as well. What topics do you like blogging about the most?

WB: Scifi and Fantasy.

DLC: You're in my wheelhouse! How often do you blog?

WB: I try and post every three days on all three blogs which means I am pretty much posting every day.

DLC: You're a busy man. lol Do you have any professional experience such as journalism or published author?

WB: On tech stuff I have 25 years of experience in computers. Advice issues, I am a credentialed and certified guidance counselor. Books, I read a ton and have published 6 books of my own.

DLC: That's fantastic! In what way do your blogs standout from other blog sites?

WB: My book sites are more recommendation than review. I hate spoilers so I am diligent about not revealing too much. My blogs are my letters to the world.

DLC: What's your giveaway for?

WB: A giveaway of the steam punk novel, The Half-Made World by Felix Gilman.

DLC: Where can people go to check out your blogs?

WB: www.bentrim.info is my website with links to all of my work.
Pick of the Literate http://bookrevues.blogspot.com/
Money Saving Tech Tips and Philosophic Musings http://money-saving-tech-tips.blogspot.com/
Azure Dwarf’s Horde of SciFi & Fantasy http://azuredwarf.blogspot.com/

DLC: Thank you again William for sharing on my blog today. You are welcome back anytime. I look forward to hearing more about your books as well.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Interview with Roy Skillen author of The Three Wise Men

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: Welcome to my blog Roy. Thank you so much for taking time to do this interview with me. As is tradition let's start off with introductions and telling us a little bit about yourself. 

RS: My name is Roy Skillen and I am 29. I grew up in Liverpool England where I studied media at John Moores University. I came to Australia in 2005 with the intentions of traveling and experiencing life outside of the UK, but after about two weeks I met a beautiful lady that would end up being my wife and I am still yet to leave Melbourne. I have two beautiful kids Neve and Anakin and it’s their imagination that constantly inspires me to write.

DLC: Too cool. Your children are adorable. Tell us about your book that they help inspire.

RS: The Three Wise Men is a picture book based around three men who are not actually as wise as they think they are. During one of their regular meetings a scary looking man walks in, but each of the wise men as a different story to tell about exactly why he is so scary. When it turns out that they were all very very wrong they are forced to re think their theories on life. It is written in a similar style to Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes, which means lots of gross bits that seem to entertain both children and adults.

DLC: (Raises hand) I'm guilty as charged. lol What inspired you to be a writer?

RS: I have always felt the pull towards being a writer, but it was only after meeting my future wife that I felt like I could achieve the massive goals that I have set for myself.

DLC:  Good wifey! Mine did the same thing for me. =) I always ask this in all my interviews, what advice would you give to a new author?

RS: Just stick at it and write from your heart.

DLC: Good advice. What were the inspirations for your book The Three Wise Men? 

RS: My kid’s imagination is always a good place to start. They never hold back and nothing is too crazy or stupid.

DLC: Children are great that way. Did you face any struggles while writing your book?

RS: I honestly have to say that there weren’t any. The first line came to me while I was lying in bed (Always keep a pen and paper by your bed) then the next day it just flowed.

DLC: I wish I could say the same. Why did you choose to write children books?

RS: I don’t think that you actually pick the genre I think your story does. You write the story to the best of your ability and then once it is finished decide who it will be best suited to. Well that is how I work anyway.

DLC: Very true. Do you have any favorite authors?

RS: I don’t tend to have a favorite author that I stick to religiously. I get hooked by specific characters and stories. Willy Wonka, Romeo and Juliet, Harry Potter, Ludlum’s Jason Bourne etc. I am reading a lot of Conn Iggulden at the moment though.

DLC: Eclectic I love it. Are you working on anything right now?

RS: I am currently working on another kids book called The Great Mouse Mysteries, The Ghost of Gogoroc Grange. This a detective story full of twists turns and pure adventure. I am hoping to have it out by the end of the year, but we will see.
 

DLC: I know there are several of my readers who have children, where can they go to check out your book?

RS: www.rmskillen.com or through my publisher at www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/TheThreeWiseMen

DLC: Roy, it's been a privilege having you here on my blog. Keep the stories coming!

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Book Review of Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies!

Just when you thought you've heard everything about Hollywood comes a totally original new book. Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies! by Stephen Schochet contains a timeless treasure trove of colorful vignettes featuring an amazing all-star cast of icons including John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Walt Disney, Jack Nicholson, Johnny Depp, Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Errol Flynn and many others both past and contemporary.

A special blend of biography, history and lore Hollywood Stories is full of humorous tales often with unexpected endings. What makes the book unique is that the reader can go to any page and find a completely engaging and illuminating yarn. Sometimes people won't realize that they are reading about The Three Stooges or Popeye the Sailor until they come to the end of the story.

A professional tour guide in Hollywood, Stephen Schochet has researched and told thousands of entertaining anecdotes for over twenty years. He is also the author and narrator of two audiobooks Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen, "The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard."

Review
Let me start off by saying Hollywood Stories is not the typical type of book that I read or review. However given the topic of the book and me being a huge movie buff I gave it a shot. The verdict is that I LOVED IT!!! This book is an entertainment smorgasbord of short stories that you'll find yourself not wanting to put down. From the golden age of Hollywood to present day there are behind the scenes stories that will make you laugh and some that you'll read with amazed delight. This book is the perfect gift for that friend or family member that loves Hollywood.

I will say this about the book, it's more geared toward the Golden Age of Hollywood. There are many stories that are modern but the majority of the book is geared toward the beginnings of the entertainment business on through the sixties. Being in the over 30 group (clears throat) I was familiar with many of the actors and actresses mentioned. This book is a keeper and I will probably re-read it often.

I give this book a MUST READ rating for all you entertainment junkies!!!
Buy This Book!!! Amazon

Please keep an eye out for an upcoming interview with Stephen Schochet on my blog dlcacmp.blogspot.com and maybe we can get him to tell us a few more of these fascinating stories!

(Thank you to the author for providing the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest book review. The opinions stated are 100% mine.)

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

(Ratings are MUST READ, ENJOYED, ALRIGHT & WASTE OF TIME.)

The New Face of Publishing

I've recently gone through the motions of looking up a literary agent to help with promoting my books. Not sure if I want to do that yet but I'm getting together a list of science fiction agents. The thing is that I'm finding several of the agencies/agents who don't accept email submissions. At first I was OK with the idea of sending in a typed letter and requested material. Why not...that's just how they prefer their submissions and have probably been doing it that way for years. That's when it hit me. An apostrophe...no wait that's Hook...an epiphany.

With the way the publishing market is switching into hi-tech and more and more traditional publishers are going the POD route as well as the decline of book store sales I asked myself the following question. Why would I want to be represented by an agency or publisher who cannot see the obvious change in the market place? They can't even get into e-mails? Really? Save the planet and all that jazz? Less paper wasted quicker results, less work? Come on people!

Like I said, at first I didn't think much of it but being a science fiction writer and the audience that comes with that genre why would I want someone representing me that doesn't even use e-mail. I'm sorry but this practice of snail mail is antiquated in today's publishing market. Maybe it's fine for other genres but as for me I have to have a semi-technical person represent me and my work. I'm just saying step into the 21st century is all. That's my deep thought for the day.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Guest Post: The Bonsai Tree

By

Juliann Troi

The Bonsai Tree

Saved by Chance...
With millions trafficked from 127 countries and exploited in 137 countries, the human trafficking industry has a total market worth of more than $32 billion.*
Melesech was 11-years-old when her father brought her to Addis Ababa and cast her into a life of servitude to her aunt, a move that doomed her to being viewed as less than a second class citizen in the Ethiopian social hierarchy.  Day after day, year after year she was forced to drink a bitter cup of servitude until her young life was all but used up.  She would never again know the innocent joys of childhood or even be allowed to go to school.
When Melesech was 14, her aunt died.  The family kicked her out and she was forced to seek domestic work elsewhere.  The woman she served next proved impossible and after only 6 months she was desperately looking for new alternatives.  She had made friends with some street girls who weaved marvelous tales of having money and freedom.  Thinking that was the solution to her problems, Melesech was lured into the sex trade.
One fateful evening in February of 2007, ICA President Pat Bradley happened to pass Melesech standing in the doorway of her room. 
Prompted by the special ‘nudge’ that often leads him to the most fortuitous of meetings, Pat stopped to talk to Melesech.  He noticed a picture of Jesus over her bed and asked if she prayed.  Turning a wistful eye to the picture, she confessed that she prayed every night for God to get her out of that life.
Pat outlined ICA’s fledgling SAFE program to rescue girls like her from the sex trade, told her of hope in the Jesus she prayed to and offered her the chance to leave with him. 
“Is it really true what you are saying?”
Melesech asked that question three times over the course of their conversation that evening.  Assuming she meant about the program, Pat assured her each time that it was true. 
She didn’t go with him that night but promised to think about it.  When Pat came back a few days later she had made her choice.  Her few belongings packed and in hand, Melesech inquired for a fourth time:
“Is it really true what you are saying?”
“Is what true?” Pat asked, wondering which part of the SAFE program continued to trouble her.
“Will God really forgive me for all I have done?”
Armed with the reassurance that God already had, Melesech turned her back on the sex trade that day to pursue a positive future in ICA’s SAFE program.

In the Hands of the Master...
There are more than seven million orphans and close to half a million street children in Ethiopia.*
These children of the streets face hardships and horrors those in developed nations can’t even begin to imagine.  They do whatever it takes to survive, regardless of how dangerous or degrading the task may be.  Many, either by force or out of desperation like Melesech, turn to the sex trade, a cruel master that ruthlessly crushes all who serve it.  Even if they manage to get free most have contracted some form of sexually transmitted disease and have given birth to unwanted children who will, likewise, be forced into the streets to perpetuate a tragic cycle.
“I have not seen one good thing about living on the street. Everything is horrible,” says 14-year-old Mandefro Kassa, who grew up as an orphan on the streets of Woreta, Ethiopia*
Melesech’s victory over a terrible past she feared would leave her beyond redemption shines as a testament that the street need not leave its victims twisted and broken beyond repair.  While they may leave that life looking more like the splintered remains of the mighty oaks they might have been under different circumstances, they aren’t without hope of restoration. 
Thanks to the emotional counseling and vocational training offered by ICA’s Mercy Chapel and SAFE program, rescued girls are empowered to become something better, like the Bonsai Tree that the Master Gardener skillfully and lovingly crafts into something majestic and uniquely beautiful, highly prized for the artful designs fashioned by its broken and twisted branches.

While Melesech may have turned her back on the sex trade, she never forgot those still trapped in it. She has made many trips back to Addis Ababa’s Red Light District since her rescue to convince other girls to leave the streets and embrace a positive future in ICA’s SAFE program. Even though she could have easily made a good living as a seamstress after graduating from the program in December of 2009, she chose to go to work for ICA instead and was training to be a SAFE program coordinator.
Before her dreams could be realized, Melesech succumbed to HIV/AIDS and died July 12, 2010 at the age of 22.  ICA’s in-country coordinator shared that many of those attending her funeral were young girls from the Red Light District.

Melesech may be gone but she leaves behind a legacy of courage and determination.  Her short life shines like a brilliant beacon for the millions enslaved by the streets to follow to hope and freedom.
To find out how you can help rescue and transform the lives of girls like Melesech go to www.crisisaid.org.
*United Nations, Press Release Note No. 6152 (2 June 2008)
*gvnet.com report: Prevalence, Abuse & Exploitation of Street Children

 

Juliann Troi
Author of Where There Is No Comfort: Seven Days in Ethiopia
Author site:   www.julianntroi.com
Author blog:  http://julianntroi.aegauthorblogs.com/
 

Interview with Jan Bornstein author of the Song Trilogy

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: I'm honored to introduce everyone to Jan Bornstein author of the Song Trilogy. Welcome Jan. As is customary introduce yourself to my readers.

JB: My name is Jan Bornstein. I am currently single and live in Massachusetts. I have two adult sons and three stepsons. I have been a nurse for over 30 years. For about the past 20 years, I have made homecare my special field. I have many interests, including long walks on the beach, hanging out with friends, music, plays, writing, antiquing and many others.

DLC: That's great. Tell us about your trilogy.

JB: Beyond Beautiful, the first work in the Song trilogy, takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the budding and intense romance of two Rock Stars, Jenna and Scott. Jenna has beauty and sex appeal galore but inside there is a deep dark secret about to be revealed, not only to the reader but also to herself. Scott Tenny, the sexy lead singer of Black Lace discovers what it is to be loved unconditionally for the first time. They each bring their own emotional baggage and go through hell and back personally as well as in the spotlight. Despite all, their love for one another prevails, which is beyond beautiful.  

Sweet Emotions, the second book of the Song Trilogy, rejoins Jenna and Scott as their lives take off in new directions and they work to continue building a solid life for themselves and the child of their dreams. Both talented rockers, the couple are at the absolute peak of their creative powers – but, can they maintain their life together in the eye of the public?

Deuces are Wild, the conclusion to the Song Trilogy, follows Jenna and Scott in a journey back to one another after a heart wrenching separation. The past creeps back into Scott’s life threatening both Jenna and their son. Betrayal, blackmail, kidnapping, even murder, dog these two-of-a-kind music icons as they fight for their lives and their love. The shocking ending will leave readers gasping.

DLC: Very nice! What inspired you to become a writer?

JB: I started to write many years ago after the death of a very close friend but I couldn’t continue. Years later I started reading a lot of Eugenia Price’s books that were a cross of historical fiction and romance. I was watching A Star is Born several years ago and began thinking that there hadn’t been any other books written about singers’ lives. I began to put together ideas for it based on people I had known along with places and events I attended. One thing leads to another, and before I knew it, I had written a trilogy.

DLC: I'm impressed. Takes a lot of hard work and diligence so kudos to you. What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

JB: First I’d tell them research all avenues of publishing. With all the issues surrounding publishing today one should have a plan. This is particularly true because of costs and promotional agreements. It’s very important to obtain a good editor. Lastly, I would tell them the need to be prepared to do a lot of marketing and research on how to market.

DLC: (Note to self: Must do marketing!) LOL Sorry I couldn't help myself because it's so true. Publishing has been changing at such a fast rate that you truly do have to be prepared for what you are going to face. When you were writing your trilogy what sources did you draw from for the stories?
 

JB: I use sources from my career as a nurse, personal issues in either my life or that of others I knew/know. I also draw form subjects or areas I know such as music, places I’ve visited or events I may have gone to or heard about.

DLC: It's the old adage, write what you know. But even when we as authors write about what we know I find that there are particular challenges to each book that we write. What were some of yours?

JB: That would be writing the sexual abuse scenes. I’ve seen it on television, read it in the papers, books and magazines, heard it from victims. Writing about it was a different story. After I obtained all the information I was searching for, I had to put myself into the character to achieve the effect I wanted. That was very challenging.

DLC: I can imagine that would be very difficult. So why did you choose romance as your genre?

JB: There are many genres and most books fit into their chosen category. My books are in the romance genre even though I think of them as more than romance. There wasn’t another genre we could use so we put it in the best one.

DLC: Who are some of the authors who influence you as a writer?

JB: Eugenia Price is one of my favorites. Aspects of her writing gave me the inspiration to write. Her writings were based on a lot of factual people, places and events. I also used a lot of historical fiction.

DLC: With the last book in your trilogy written, are you working on anything new?

JB: I am working on a sequel to the trilogy. Many of my readers have commented that the end of the last book left them wondering what happens to the main female character. It will begin two years later and give the story closure to the outcome of Jenna.

DLC: Where can people go to get more information about you and your book?

JB: You may read more about my books on my website: www.janbornstein.com, and also on www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.goodreads.com.

DLC: Jan I want to thank you again for taking the time to do this interview with me. Keep up the great work and I wish you more and more success. 

Blessings,

Daniel L Carter

Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Interview with F.J. Hansen author of Draconia: Forging Trust

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: I want to introduce everyone to the author of Draconia: Forging Trust. Please introduce yourself.

FJH: Greetings. I am F.J. Hansen. I hail from Fremont, CA, where I was born, raised, and am currently living with my parents. I am the seventh of seven children, with three older brothers and three older sisters -- three of whom are married and have moved out.

DLC: I'm the youngest in my family too. We get spoiled. lol =) Tell us about Draconia.


FJH: My current book out, which is also my very first book ever published, is Draconia: Forging Trust. It centers around a planet, Draconia, home to a race of dragons. A Human survey party comes to Draconia looking to establish a colony when they encounter the dragons. Paranoia by the Human commander sparks a misunderstanding, burning into suspicion among the dragons concerning the Humans' true purpose. During all of this, Varthikes, an adolescent dragon, and Audwin McClance, an ensign on his first mission, form a fast friendship and struggle for a peaceful coexistence between their respective kinds.

DLC: A true fantasy/sci-fi. So what inspired you to be a writer or have you always had a passion for writing?

FJH: I started writing when I was about 6. But, I didn't actually begin aspiring to be a writer until around 10-11. I was coming up with stories while playing with my Micro Machines. One day, I decided it would be a great idea to write these stories down. So, I just started writing. I have always been writing since then.

DLC: Nice. So if you could give advice to other authors or aspiring authors what would say?

JFH: I would echo the most common piece of advice given to aspiring writers: read, a lot. And, I would agree that it's helpful to read outside of your preferred genre as well as within. If you write fiction, be observant in your day-to-day life--observe how people act, react, hear how they talk. When you go on road trips, taking a moment to just watch the scenery can help enrich the landscapes in your stories.

DLC: Yes that's good advice.

FJH: When it comes to publishing the work, be patient and continually apply yourself to perfecting your writing as much as possible. Don't let rejections get you down. 9 times out of 10, you'll get rejected. It's simply part of the process.

DLC: Rejection is just part of the process. What source or sources do you draw from when creating a new story?

FJH: I draw inspiration from my own experiences, experiences of others that I hear, from what I see in the world around me. Movies, television shows, and books from other authors can also generate ideas. One short story I wrote was inspired by the first few minutes of a certain Disney movie. Inspiration for Draconia came from another movie and a book series that I was reading at the time.

DLC: What was your greatest challenge personally when writing your current story?

FJH: For five years prior to creating Draconia, I wrote mainly short stories. So, it took some doing to get me comfortable with breaking that page count barrier. But then, I had to reach the appropriate novel length of 80,000 words. That took a bit more exercising to get the creative juices running.

DLC: It is a big difference. Why did you choose science fiction as your genre?

FJH: I grew up around science fiction, Star Trek particularly. When I was 8, I started collecting Star Trek Micro Machines with which I created my own Star Trek stories. After a few years, I decided to start writing these stories down. A few more years, I started creating my own science fiction Universe. Eleven years later, I'm still writing science fiction. This genre allows me to do things that I wouldn't be able to do in most other genres--like traveling through space, exploring other planets, creating alien civilizations, flying with dragons, pitting dragon against fighter, having dragons fly alongside fighters... The possibilities are endless.

DLC: Science fiction truly does open up the possibilities. So who are your favorite authors?

FJH: At the moment, E.E. Knight would be my favorite. Particularly, I love his Age of Fire series, which he writes completely from the point-of-view of dragons. I love dragons. Also, I couldn't leave out Anne McCaffrey, whose writing influenced mine. It was her series Dragonriders of Pern that inspired my Draconia story.

DLC: Cool. Are you working on a book now and if so tell us a little bit about it?

FJH: I'm at the editing stage of Fractured Dream, Book 2 in the Draconia series. Seven years of peace between dragons and Humans is sabotaged when the dragons suffer a devastating attack by a Human fighter. Dragons respond by attacking the colony. Varthikes and Audwin, now considered traitors by both sides, struggle to save their home for themselves and their families.

And, I'm already writing Book 3, where Varthikes and Audwin, with the help of an alien ambassador, attempt to build a new future for Draconia.

DLC: That's wonderful. Tell us where we can go to get more information about you and your book?

FJH: More information, as well as an excerpt of my current book, can be found here:
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=42439

DLC: Thank you so much FJ for sharing with us today. I pray you have great success!

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

The Flaw of The Matrix!!!

Every now and then I have these moments of utter clarity that I just have to share so here it is. I'm a huge movie buff and I loved the movie The Matrix. The concept, action, plot were all truly unique and done like a sci-fi should be done. However...

There is a flaw that popped into my thoughts today that I couldn't escape. The thought came as I watched a co-worker walking down the isle looking at his cell phone totally oblivious to me walking past them and almost walking into me like I wasn't even there. Here's the thought... if this guy had been given the choice like in The Matrix to be hooked up to a fantasy world of his choosing and it would be as real as the world around him, which would he choose. Now think about this. I'm not talking virtual reality like in World of Warcraft or The Sims. I'm talking about an exact duplicate of what he interacts with in the real world everyday, able to live out life in anyway he wanted to, What would he choose? Actually what would any of us choose?

I would wager that there would have been enough humans who would have voluntarily plugged into one of those pods to keep the machines going forever. The line wouldn't end with people waiting to be plugged in. There would have been no need for a war. People plug in all day as it is with texting, surfing the web, playing online games, reading books...anything to avoid the reality that they live in now. It's sad but it's true. Reality hurts, reminds us of our weaknesses and failures. We struggle in the real world and many of us suffer abuse and pain on a daily basis.

I guess the question should be, "Why wouldn't I want to plug into the matrix?" Fortunately there is a matrix that can be found and his name if Jesus. He may not be the matrix that gives us all our earthly desires but he gives us so much more. Eternal life, the security of being truly loved, hope and direction for our lives, purpose and meaning...these are all things that no game on the internet, book, movie or person could ever give us yet he offers it freely at his own expense.

That is my deep thought for the day and pray you are all having a great Monday. Take a moment today, unplug and look up to the one who truly cares for you.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Interview with Matt Koceich author of The Sending from Marcher Lord Press

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: I'd like to introduce to everyone the author of the speculative fiction book The Sending, Matt Koceich. Welcome Matt. Tell us about yourself.

MK: I am blessed to be called husband and dad. My wife and I have four children. By day, I’m elementary school teacher in Arlington, Texas. My wife and I recently had the chance to travel to Ethiopia where we adopted our son, Yakob. We fell in love with the people and culture in Addis Ababa and can’t wait to get back.

DLC: You should look up Juliann Troi who's doing guest blogs for me. She has recently written a book about her trip to Addis Ababa. I have to say that I'm a huge fan of speculative fiction having written books that fall into that category. The Sending, what's it about?

MK: The Sending is a blend of suspense and fantasy. Mark Grant has the ability to see distant places and is paid a hefty sum to locate the Garden of Eden. Evil forces try to harness Mark’s power for their own plans. Namely, the armies of darkness want the fruit of the tree of life so they can live forever. Mark will become their first human host unless he learns how to channel his gift for the good of God’s kingdom.

DLC: Love it already! =) What inspired you to be a writer or have you always had a passion for writing?


MK: In college I fell in love with reading. That led to a desire to create my own stories.

DLC: I often hear authors say they found their love for writing after becoming an avid reader. For those aspiring authors who may be reading this interview, what advice would you give them?

MK: Don’t look for your worth in the outcome. Enjoy the journey. As you write, remember that your real identity is who you are in Christ. His grace is enough. Not a “published” novel and God’s grace, but simply God’s grace. Write the story God has placed in you. Don’t try to write what you think a publishing house can sell. Let the rejection letters motivate instead of discourage.

DLC: That is some of the best advice I've heard and it's so true. What sources did you draw from when writing The Sending?

MK: Life, the Bible and my walk with the Lord.

DLC: Why did you choose Christian speculative fiction?

MK: I was always interested in the Garden of Eden account. The Tree of Life is the Bible’s bookends appearing in both Genesis and Revelation. It sort of reached off the page and tugged at my thoughts. Writing Christian speculative fiction lets me explore my faith. It allows me experience God’s Word in new ways.


DLC: What was the most challenging part of writing your story?

MK:  Time!

DLC: LOL I understand. A lot of people don't realize that most authors have a second job that pays the bills. =) Time is very scarce and precious. Who are some of your favorite authors?

MK: I like to read Athol Dickson and Ted Dekker.

DLC: Great authors. What are you working on now?

MK: I’m writing the second book in my Soul Kingdom trilogy called, The Breaking. Mark Grant isn’t the only one with the gift of remote viewing. Another is using it for evil. Mark vows never to return to the ‘unseen’ but once he finds out who the other person is, he has no choice.

DLC: The series sounds really interesting. So where can we go to get more information about you and your book?

MK: Publisher's site www.marcherlordpress.com, Facebook Fan Page Matt Koceich-Just Past the Books.

DLC: Matt, thank you so much for sharing and doing this interview with me. I am looking forward to hearing and reading more about your series. Sounds right up my alley.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Interview with Mike Devlin author of Smith

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: I'd like to welcome you Mike to my blog. As always, let's start off with you introducing yourself to everyone.
 

MD: The name is Mike Devlin, and I was born and raised in Manchester, England, but now live in Germany, with my much-better significant other and our nine year old son - and, no, my German is terrible.

DLC: Begrüßen Sie Mike. (German for "Welcome Mike") I have to tell you that when I saw the title of your book I couldn't help but think of Lost in Space and Dr. Smith's character. I love sci-fi so please tell us about your book.

MD: 'Smith' tells the tale of a very (very) average guy, who suddenly one Sunday morning discovers he is destined to be the most important person ever to have lived. It is a comedic tale set against a science fiction backdrop (many have obviously compared it to Douglas Adams, which I suppose I should take as a compliment). Filled with ridiculous characters and even sillier locations, we journey with Albert Smith to find out if he is to fulfil his destiny. However, unlike HHGTTG (which I have never read, and so this is from what I have been told), 'Smith' concentrates on the four main characters and how they interact with each other - they are all completely different from each other and that allowed me to run wild with the humor.

DLC: For those who don't know what HHGTTG stands for, it's Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Very funny book in it's own right. What inspired you to be a writer?

MD: Writing? Me? Never crossed my mind - not once. In fact, I barely read books, so I guess I am the anti-author. It was just something that happened; call it destiny, fate, whatever you will. I still struggle to accept that I am now a professional author.

DLC: I often feel the same way Mike. Who me a writer? When did that happen? LOL But it is the truth and we keep on writing. So let's pretend for a minute that you ARE a writer, what advice would you give to other unsuspecting authors?

MD: Stick at it, no matter what. But you must believe in it, and yourself, because you will be faced with people who will put you down and tell you that you are wasting your time. When it comes to actually writing, then there is no right or wrong way to go about it - it should just come as naturally as possible. What works for me, won't work for someone else, and vice versa. I work best when I am still not quite awake first thing in the morning.

Oh, and usually the first people to offer you advice are normally those who don't write. I suggest you take what they say with a pinch of salt.

DLC: LOL I hear you Mike. Sometimes people offer unsolicited advice and you just have to evaluate where the source of that advice. If Stephen R Donaldson were to write me and give me tips then I might listen otherwise it gets deleted. Knowing who you are and how you write is vital to being successful in my opinion. 

So what prompted you to write Smith?

MD: I was going through the worst period of my life when the idea of 'Smith' came to me, and I suppose a part of me wanted to be Albert Smith - suddenly whisked away and told I was actually somebody and meant something. If you look beneath the humor, you will notice that this is the underlying theme.

DLC: Everyone of us can relate to that feeling. What was your greatest challenge writing this story?

MD: Getting it finished. It's a very long process and involves much more than most would realize. However, getting the novel noticed by the book-buying public makes writing it look like a walk in the park.

DLC: LOL Now that is something I KNOW every new author faces and can relate to. Why did you choose humor and sc-fi?

MD: Humor because thats who I am, and going back to the bit about 'worst time of my life' it cheered me up to no end. The only reason I chose a sci-fi backdrop was because it gave me a bigger license to run with the story - if it was set only on Earth, I would have been limited in what I could have written about.

DLC: That's very true and it's partly why I love sci-fi/fantasy stories. So are you working on anything now?

MD: I have written the sequel, but it needs a lot of work. There's plenty of time for that though, which is good because 'Smith' takes up a lot of my day. I also have a couple of other projects in the background.

DLC: For those of us who want to read more about your book, where can we go?

MD: www.storyofsmith.com would be a good place to start. I have added all sorts of things to the site, including links to (obviously) where to buy it, Albert Smith's Facebook page and his Twitter page, too. Yup, I have turned Albert Smith into a "real-life fictional character" where you can interact with him. I want it to be all about him, and not myself - I am not interested in fame, not in the slightest.

DLC:  Very interesting Albert...I mean Mike. =) Thank you so very much for taking the time to do this interview with me. I wish you great success, that goes for you too Albert. 

Blessings, 

Daniel L Carter

Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Reading Your Writing

I saw an article this morning from an author that was praising the idea of doing readings for her book and how it has helped her as an author. This thought prompted me to share a tip that I feel can be extremely helpful for authors.

I've read so many badly worded stories lately that could have been really excellent had the author taken the time to read through what they had written. My advice is not only should you re-read what you've written but read out loud what you've written. I cannot tell you how many corrections I've made reading back each of my chapters to my wife. I could clearly see that a sentence structure just didn't work or was confusing. Hearing my words out loud also helped me to understand the tone of each section of my story such as action sequences or introspective moments. I've made many many changes after having read my story out loud.

As a bonus if you can read it to someone who will give you their honest opinion your work will be that much stronger and meaningful. My wife will let me know if something doesn't seem to make sense or they weren't following what I was reading to them. This is just a suggestion but I think if you try reading your story out loud that you'll find great fine tuning moments making your story all that much better.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Interview with William G Bentrim author of The Christmas Knot

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: Welcome William to my blog. Why don't you introduce yourself to my readers and tell us a little bit about yourself.

WGB: William George Bentrim, I am retired. My careers were teacher, guidance counselor, convenience store owner and computer networking company founder and owner.  First and foremost I am a husband, father and grandfather. I have always loved to read and my wish list of things to do included authoring a book. I have just published my 6^th and have too many to count in the wings.  I am a cynical Pollyanna who is delighted with his life and family.

DLC: That's a lot of experience and a nice amount of books too. Tell us about your latest story.

WGB: The Christmas Knot is my latest book. My target market is elementary or younger children. It features a 6 year old Hardy Belch who is the protagonist of my chapter books. Hardy, Tiny and Mardi attempt to help put up the Christmas lights and end up creating a minor disaster. Tiny is Hardy’s puppy and Mardi is his cousin. My goal is to show parental forbearance and that good intentions will win out in the end.

DLC: That's too cool. I've created a few minor disasters in my day putting up lights. lol So what inspired you become a writer?

WGB: My inspiration for writing came from my love of reading.  My father is responsible for my love of reading.

DLC: That's great to have been influence so positively from your father. Often we need an encouraging word to motivate or keep us going. What words of wisdom would you give to an upcoming writer?

WGB: Perseverance is the most important aspect of writing. Persevere in finishing the work and more difficult, persevere is marketing the work.

DLC: That is so very true. Never give up. Great advice. Where do you draw your creativity from?

WGB: The world around me motivates my creativity. Most of my work deals with social issues. An upcoming book was spurred by a 5^th grade girl’s dismay over being the shortest person in 5^th grade. Her self esteem was impugned and I wrote her a story about prevailing.  Now I am working to turn her story into one that hopefully will nurture self esteem in other kids who feel different. 

DLC: Do you find any particular part of the writing process more difficult than others?

WGB: The creative aspect of writing is easy; the difficult part is editing and getting illustrations in a timely manner.

DLC: Every author can sympathize with the editing part. Why did you choose to write children's stories?

WGB: My genre is eclectic. Children’s books would be the category. There are elements of fantasy and science fiction as well. Hardy Belch in later years discovers that his puppy Tiny, who grows to 240 pounds, is telepathic. I guess my most reoccurring theme is friendship and helping others.

DLC: Do you have any stories in the works?

WGB: I am currently editing Hardy Belch and Tiny return. The target market is tweens. It has an explanation of Tiny’s telepathy. There are stories about a Triceratops, a vanishing gold train and the infamous Bucks County Pennsylvania revolutionary era hooligans, The Doan Brothers Gang.

DLC: You're a busy man. I know there are many of my readers who have children and would like to check out your books. Where can they go?

WGB: My website www.bentrim.info has links to my blogs and information  about my books.

DLC: Great. William, I want to thank you so very much for taking the time to do this author interview with me. I'll be seeing you soon as we will talk again about your blog. =)


Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Blog Interview with Theresa Cole of The Creative Well

 

DLC: I'd like to welcome the owner of The Creative Well, Theresa Cole. Now I've checked out your blog and I love how it looks. What sort of topics do you blog about?

TC: Until recently, it was whatever topic struck my fancy, normally something having to do with art.  I just recently established a themed blogging schedule, which I believe will improve my blog tremendously.
DLC: Nice. What led you to start a blog?

 

TC: Simply put, I wanted a place to share all of the neat stuff I was finding.  It seems as though I learn something new or find something interesting on a daily basis, and I wanted to share.

DLC: I like neat stuff. =) So how long have you been blogging?

 

TC: Off and on for about a year, but mostly off until recently.

DLC: Do you have special features on your blog such as author interviews, blog tours, book reviews...ect?

 

TC: I will now!  I'll be discussing books or posting book reviews every Wednesday, creative techniques on Tuesdays, and pose an objective topic to my readers on Thursdays!  Monday will be the day that I figure out my plan of attack with the week and fill everyone in on life, while Fridays will be the fun days with contests, giveaways, or anything else fun that I happen to run across.

DLC: Cool! I look forward to seeing what's to come. What's most important to you personally that you get from blogging?

 

TC: Knowing that people are taking time out of their day to read what I have to say.  Time is precious and the fact that they are giving up part of their day to read my blog is the most rewarding feeling.
DLC: I Feel the same way. I look forward to seeing what you're going to bring each week and wish you a lot of fun.

If my readers would like to check out Theresa's blog you can visit The Creative Well. Drop her a comment while your there. =) 

Blessings,

Daniel L Carter

Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Guest Blog: Brothel of Hope

Article by Juliann Troi

Where There Is No Comfort...

The streets of Addis Ababa are filthy and chaotic; choked with litter and lined by ditches filled with everything from dirty dishwater to human waste.

It has been more than two years since I was driven through Ethiopia’s capital city but I can still clearly recall the multitudes lining the streets. Sitting, lying, walking; they are the vast and thriving subculture that is a street-dwelling homeless population of staggering proportions. Most seem to be going nowhere in particular, the sum of their existence being what they carry with them and in the place along the curb where they stop.

More than one lay prostrate, contorted, unmoving. The fate that awaits us all eventually has come sooner to these victims of an unsuccessful attempt to eek out an existence in a harsh and unforgiving land. I can’t help but wonder what their last thoughts must have been, caught up as they were in the unimaginable tragedy of dying alone on the street, the epitome of hopelessness.

Today, more than 40,000 young girls in Addis Ababa will be forced to sell their bodies to survive.

Every day scores of Ethiopian children leave their homes and migrate to the capital city. Some, hoping to escape the crushing cycle of poverty, come looking for education and job opportunities. Some are driven from their homes by famine and drought while others leave willingly to escape early marriage or abusive relationships. Still others are seeking to be free from exploitative labor. Sadly, instead of finding a better life, the girls in particular, too often become prey to sex traffickers who offer them what appear to be legitimate money making opportunities.

Once entrapped, the girls, most ranging in age from 9-18, are locked in hovels hardly bigger than the size of the cot or mat on which they sleep. Nothing more than slaves, their lives become a living hell as, night after night, they are forced to sexually service as many adult male clients as possible. Sometimes a dozen or more.

Unfortunately, these girls have little choice but to remain enslaved for, once victimized, they are ostracized. Rejected by their society, their family, and their friends they lose all hope of ever having a normal, productive life.

Commercial sexual exploitation is on the rise in both rural and urban Ethiopia.

But there is hope. It comes in the form of a man with a mission. His name is Pat Bradley and his organization is International Crisis Aid. His objective is to free as many girls from Ethiopia’s sex trade as possible. His solution? Go to the Red Light District... and buy a brothel.

The Mercy Chapel...

Every 2 minutes another child is forced into sex trafficking according to UNICEF and the U.S. State Department projects 2010 will see human trafficking become the second largest crime worldwide.

Pat Bradley has long been dedicated to spearheading an assault on the trafficking industry by offering the girls trapped in it a way out. Every chance he gets, Pat goes to Addis Ababa’s Red Light District looking for likely girls to rescue. His reputation has grown and word of his purpose is spreading. Very often in the past, by the time he left with his newest “Ethiopian daughter,” others had gathered their few belongings and come to him begging to go too. Although it broke his heart, he had to turn them away because there was nowhere to put them.

The silent promise he made to be back for them is what has motivated him to keep praying and working tirelessly to expand the program despite budget constraints and powerful opposition.

Today, ICA has a total of 7 homes in Ethiopia and has rescued more than 130 girls.

Not long into the development of ICA’s SAFE program Pat realized that in order to achieve his goal of rescuing as many of the girls engaged in the sex trade as possible, more aggressive measures were needed. To be effective, there had to be more direct and continuous contact with victims of the sex trade.

With that in mind, in February of 2010 ICA purchased a building in the Red Light District itself. It wasn’t until after the property was bought that Pat learned the building had previously been used as a brothel.

Thanks to a dedicated crew of volunteers, this former brothel has a new face and a new purpose: church, counseling center and vocational training center.

The miraculous transformation of the property is a beautiful picture of its intended use.

Instead of only reaching a handful whenever possible, tens of thousands of girls forced to sell their bodies to survive now have open and continual access to a pathway to a better life.

The Mercy Chapel Vocational Center offers classes in hair dressing, silk screen painting, sewing, and computer training to give girls marketable skills that will allow them to create a legitimate livelihood.

The first seven girls in the program graduated in December of 2009. They now live on their own and ‘give back’ by devoting their time and talents to helping ICA reach out to those in need.

The success in Ethiopia has led Pat to start a pilot program in Haiti and ICA has plans to open a SAFE home in St. Louis, MO. Visit www.crisisaid.org to find out more about these life saving programs and how you can help.

Juliann Troi
Author of Where There Is No Comfort: Seven Days in Ethiopia
www.julianntroi.com
http://julianntroi.aegauthorblogs.com/

Update and Cell Phone

Howdy all! I'm starting to feel better. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Very much appreciated. Got my inner and outer geek on with my new Samsung Intensity II cell phone. Hope everyone is doing good. I have 3 more interviews waiting to be posted and a guest blog for tomorrow that I'll be posting as well. I missed posting Tuesday and I apologize. Getting back on track again.

Blessings,
Daniel L Carter
Author of The Unwanted Trilogy

Interview with Wayne Zurl author of Scrap Metal & Murder

Disclaimer: By posting this interview I am in no way endorsing any of the authors work but rather simply giving a forum so that we as readers can get to know them and the authors can promote their stories.

DLC: I want to welcome to my blog and introduce everyone to a fellow New Yorker, Wayne Zurl author of the police mystery Scrap Metal & Murder.  
Welcome Wayne. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

WZ: In the age of the dinosaur I was born in Brooklyn, New York. Actually, most people called it the age of baby boomers. A few years after my arrival, the family moved to Long Island where I grew up and worked for forty-six years, interrupted only by a pesky thing called the Vietnam War.

After separating from active duty with the Army, I remained in the reserves and muddled around looking for a career in the civilian world. In 1972 I was appointed to the Suffolk County (NY) Police Department where I spent twenty years—thirteen of them as a section commander supervising investigators.

When I retired, my wife, Barbara and I and our only child, an aging Scottish terrier, left New York for the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. Today we’re still in the same house we built in 1992.

DLC: There's a song in there somewhere but I digress. =) So after so many years serving in the military and then in law enforcement what led you to becoming a writer?

WZ: To occupy my time in retirement, I began volunteer work at the Fort Loudoun State Historic Area in Vonore, Tennessee, helping with their living history program and writing publicity to promote their annual events. Studies of the fort’s role in one of my favorite periods of history, The French & Indian War, led me to write twenty-six non-fiction articles eventually published in magazines. It felt great seeing my name in print and better when I received compensation for my work, whether it was a free subscription to the magazine or a check.

While I never felt a passion toward writing, it had been an important part of my life for years. From writing after-action reports as a soldier to the endless piles of narrative required from police officers.

In technical/professional writing one thing is certain—you are judged by what you write, while the reader may not have met you prior to seeing your report. I was always too egotistical to submit anything with my signature attached which I didn’t consider a best effort.

DLC: Who are some of your favorite authors?

WZ: A gift of James Lee Burke’s novel, BLACK CHERRY BLUES, set me on the path of reading modern police and detective stories. Burke is still one of my favorite authors. His ability with descriptions and character development is extraordinary.

I also admire the late Robert B. Parker whose Jesse Stone series pushed me into writing fiction. With a great deal of hubris on my shoulder, I thought if Parker could write about an ex-LAPD detective turned chief of police in a small department in Massachusetts, why couldn’t I write about a retired New York cop transplanted in Tennessee? After all, I had police experience and Parker didn’t.

I enjoy reading anything from Nelson DeMille, that other guy from Long Island who writes mysteries, and for historical fiction, I read Bernard Cornwell. For good old-fashioned hard-boiled detective stories, I love Raymond Chandler and Rex Stout.

DLC: That's a great set of authors. So enough about them,  tell us about YOUR book. =)

WZ: My most recently published novelette, SCRAP METAL & MURDER, was released in September by Mind Wings Audio as an audio book and simultaneously by Amazon as a Kindle Book.

In it, I tried to incorporate several of my favorite elements: The noir sound of those post-war mysteries, the ending style of a Nero Wolfe novel, and the premise based on a case I worked myself. In this story, I start with a rash of scrap metal thefts; similar to something I investigated back in the 1970’s, precipitated by war driving the cost of copper and brass into the stratosphere. A similar condition exists today after years of Middle East campaigns.

This story quickly turns from a straight forward burglary investigation to a sticky homicide when the complainant, a building contractor, is found murdered and dumped into the basement of a home under construction. The investigation turns up more suspects than the protagonist ever wanted. A rival builder under state and federal indictment, his beautiful and unfaithful wife, the victim’s widow and her lover, and the scrap metal thief lead the parade. In the end, our hero assembles the players and exposes the killer.

SCRAP METAL & MURDER and all my stories feature ex-Detective Lieutenant Sam Jenkins, a retired Long Island cop who, during his mid-life crisis, takes on the job of chief at Prospect PD, a small department in a small city in East Tennessee.

DLC: So I imagine you drew a lot from your experience on the force when writing your stories?

WZ: Twenty years of police work in a crowded and busy area provides plenty of subject matter for fictionalized and embellished stories. I transplant my New York experiences into Tennessee and cast them with likenesses of the unique and colorful local characters I meet almost daily.

I currently have seven (7) novelettes under contract with Mind Wings Audio. Four have been published and I expect another, BY THE HORNS OF A COW, to be released just before the holidays. These are all Sam Jenkins crime stories that fit in anywhere in the chronology of his time at Prospect PD.

DLC: Too cool. Are you working on anything right now?

WZ: The prequel of all those and my first effort with fiction, A NEW PROSPECT, an 81,000 word novel, is under contract to be traditionally published by Black Rose Writing with a target release date of January 20th 2011. I was thrilled when a publisher expressed an interest and I’d have a real book in print.

DLC: Kudos to you my friend! Keep them coming. So I imagine there are authors reading this interview that are struggling to get their work noticed. What advice do you have for them?

WZ: When I began writing fiction I grasped two of the elements necessary to be a writer, enthusiasm and material. In two years, I roughed out six novels and ten novelettes. I lacked polish and an understanding of the publishing business. Several published authors told me, “You don’t’ have to be good, you have to be marketable.” That idea disturbed me, but it seemed to be reality. Then I learned how many bestselling writers took ten years or more to sell their first book. My advice to anyone who wants to write and sell their work is look up tenacity in the dictionary and come to terms with giving that aspect 110%. Another author said, “Tenacity often trumps talent.”

DLC: Great point. 

WZ: Other important things: Know what’s currently wanted by publishers and how they want to see it written. You may construct the finest novel, but if it’s in the style of the 1980’s, you’ll be sitting there with three hundred pages of great prose no one will buy. Find a place to workshop or get competent help with your work. Two (or more) heads are not only better than one, they’re essential. And NEVER give up. Learn to live with rejection and then go out there and submit again . . . and again.

I went through oodles of agent queries before I decided to pursue the small and traditional presses who accepted submissions directly from authors. I had gotten down to the last four possibilities when I received my “greetings” letter and a contract. Hang in there.

DLC: Preach it Wayne! lol I appreciate your heart and tenacity. That will bring you far in this business. Sounds like you are well on your way up the ladder but tell us some of the struggles you've faced. 

WZ: After four years of dabbling in fiction I think each novel or novelette I write presents me with the same challenge. I have to take a real police experience and transpose it to something more exciting than fact and somehow fit it to the template a publisher wants.

Writing mysteries or crime stories or police procedurals allows me to engage in a basic maxim of literature: Write about what you know. I know investigations. Now, I know Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains are ripe not only to be a backdrop for the stories, but they can almost become a character—much like Los Angeles became a character in Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe stories and novels.

DLC: What's next in the works?

WZ: For the future, I’m expecting at least two more audio books to be published in 2011. After workshopping the second novel length book in the Sam Jenkins series, A LEPRECHAUN’S LAMENT, I’m currently working on the revisions. When I’m finished, I’ll take on the task of selling it.

DLC: Well I'm sold Wayne and I'm sure there are many readers who will want to find out more about you and your books. Where can they go?

WZ: Anyone interested in learning more about Sam Jenkins or his biographer (me) can visit my website, www.waynezurlbooks.net. They’ll find a list of available books with links to all those who sell them, a photo gallery of the places these stories take place, and a few unpublished works available as eBooks directly from me.

DLC: Wayne, I just want to say it's been a pleasure doing an interview with you and you've been a great inspiration. Keep on writing and I wish you great success. I can say, "I knew him when..." lol 

Blessings,

Daniel L Carter

Author of The Unwanted Trilogy