Guest Blogger: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV

“Hooked” Is Coming Soon!!!!

“HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.

“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.

In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.

The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.

This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.

50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.

Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.

Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.

Jim Baugh’s Interview Part One:
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I started off writing music at age eight, then continued and eventually got a degree in music. I started writing copy and script in radio over thirty years ago and have been writing columns for magazines for the past 20 years. The Chesapeake Angler, Motorboating Magazine, Travel Virginia Magazine, etc. I first wanted to write a screenplay when I was in my early forties about 10 years ago.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

“HOOKED” is my first book. However I have written over 300 magazine columns and hundreds of blogs. I also have my own cooking DVD.

How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite?

“HOOKED” is the first book

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Pretty much non stop. I wrote the book in 12 days. It took a lot longer to edit, but the initial manuscript was done in 12 days

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Probably writing phonetically. I have done voice over work for thirty years and I always write phonetically to help my voice over read. This does make editing a real bitch.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Real life. Everything I write has happened to me at one time or another.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Produce Jim Baugh Outdoors TV, write and perform music, fish, drink rum with sand under my feet looking at blue water. Chase the red head, play with my Chocolate Lab, and I have six Parakeets. I breed them.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Just how hard it can be emotionally. The old saying, “Writing is easy, just sit at your typewriter and bleed”. Very true. Many times I would have to walk away because I was so distraught with emotion. It was very difficult at times. On the other side, I never laughed as hard in my life. Compacting so many elements onto so few pages, can be overwhelming at times.

What do you think makes a good story?

For me a story has to be compelling and also have clever wit. Humor is a big plus for me.

Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer?

Yes. Sit at your typewriter and bleed like the wrest of us!

Seriously, write what you want straight from the soul. Never look back and don’t take any prisoners.

Interview

Our Author of the Week has graciously allowed me to interview her. Here are some awesome insights in the mind of Danielle D. Smith:

 

1.     Tell us a little about  your latest book. What inspired you to write In The Neon?

 

In The Neon is a prequel to all other books I have written thus far–the true beginning of the story! This darkly sordid tale follows Faust, a sexier-than-Hell Collector demon born directly from the flames of the Pit. He has tempted kings and queens, wizards and peasants since the dawn of civilization and has always been proud of his wicked duties. One rainy night, while wandering the red light district of a nameless urban wasteland, he stumbles upon a young woman smoking on the back alley step of a strip club and peep show called The Neon, and is inexorably drawn in to her web.

The woman he comes to love is named Annie, and she is one of The Neon’s most popular dancers. A Swedish beauty, she is not your stereotypical idiot sex worker–she is clever, kind, multilingual, and well read–a stripper with a heart of gold. When fate brings Faust and Annie together, they each come to realize that the other is a key to personal redemption.

This story is frequently dark, at times violent, and achingly romantic. There is steamy sex to be had, but this story is hardly sex-driven–there is much personality in these two characters, much for the reader to delve into besides the sensual parts.

 

2.     Do you have a favorite character you have written?

 

I love all of my characters for so many reasons, but if I had to pick just one character, I would have to pick Skriker, the rip roaring, Harley-riding, heavily tattooed half demon bad boy hero of Black Dog and Rebel Rose. He is just so effortless to write, fun as hell, and always has some great trick up his sleeve. He plays this great balancing act with his soul mate, the half-angel huntress Rose, and the fans adore him. I’ve had some female fans tell me that he’s their new ultimate fantasy!

 

3. What are you currently working on?

 

My first anthology–a very exciting project! Titled HUNT, this collection will include 5 or 6 short stories and novellas chronicling Skriker and Rose’s various adventures as they hunt supernatural prey.
Thus far I have sent them to New Mexico, Sweden, Italy, England, and Israel, and two of these tales center on the hunters before they met each other. Stories range mythologically from Navajo skinwalkers to Swedish utburds to English demon hounds, giving my readers a nice entertaining collection to curl up under the covers with.
There is plenty of rollicking fun, hot sex, crazy adventures, well-researched world folklore, and a few good one-liners from the half-demon bad boy himself…I can’t wait to release this collection on the masses! I think it will be well-received.
Oh, and this one will include a smattering of illustration, as well. I am also working on the screenplay adaption of Black Dog and Rebel Rose, slated to be submitted to over 30 production companies worldwide this summer. Stay tuned for all the news on my website: http://www.danielledsmith.com

 

4. How long have you been writing?  What influenced you to start?

I have always had stories screaming in my head, begging to be committed to paper or computer screen. When I was a young teen I took a stab at writing short stories, poetry, and even a novel or two, on my own or collaborating with a friend, and some of those early efforts made it into youth art journals or newspapers. I let writing fall by the wayside in my twenties in favor of painting and other artistic endeavors. Then, about three years ago, my husband entered law school and I needed an outlet to relieve the stress that so often plagues couples with a spouse working toward the bar exam. I sat down with the idea of writing a book just for fun, with no expectations. Three published books later and several more in the works, writing for fun has become something quite different!

 

5.     How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

 

I am so lucky—all family and friends are extremely supportive and happy about my work. They all think I should be rich (I wish!). I was mortified when my mother bought her parents a copy of my very hot horror erotica tale, Black Dog and Rebel Rose. Turned out they loved it! I’m surrounded by a great cheering squad.

 

6.     Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

I want to be writing and illustrating full time while raising and educating my new son or daughter at home (I’m pregnant with my first baby), taking time out now and then to travel to all the places that have so influenced me.

 

 

7.     Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

Rule #1: DO NOT GIVE UP! You will be rejected a million times over before you get that one big “yes” from an agent or publisher. Keep your chin up and plug away until your goals are achieved! Rule #2: Write what YOU would like to read—your stories will be better for it. I write distinctly outside of the paranormal mainstream—no skinny douchebag vampire heroes or tired recycled “Alpha male” werewolf plots—and that is gradually earning me a dedicated cult following. Stay true to yourself and your work; if you produce a good polished product, things will go your way, if you only have the cajones to persevere!

 

 

 

 

 

8.     What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

I have dozens of “favorite” books, but if I were to throw the name of one author out there it would have to be China Mieville, a British author of “weird” dark fantasy. His debut novel “King Rat”, a bizarre retelling of the Pied Piper tale,  has been a huge influence on me—I re-read the book at least once a year.

 

9.     On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

I am a big Supernatural fan–some Winchester action is always welcome in my household! When they added angels to the show, around the time Psyche’s Gate was to be published, I just about died from joy –well, maybe not that extreme of a reaction! It was still pretty great, though. I’m also a big fan of Millennium, a paranormal crime drama from the 90’s created by Christ Carter of the X-Files—I love to bust out my DVD collection of the series and watch a few episodes when I need some inspiration.

 

 

10.                        Where can readers find you?

 

Official Website: http://www.danielledsmith.com

Blog: http://www.theangelsgate.blogspot.com

Twitter: DaniDSmith

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4110512.Danielle_D_Smith

Goodreads Fan Page:

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/41923.The_Angel_s_Gate_Fans_of_Author_Danielle_D_Smith

I am currently on hiatus from Facebook, redoing my profile as strictly a fan page. Check my website for updates on my Facebook status.

Author of the Week!

For the week of April 29th through May 6th–The Solstice Publishing’s Author of the Week is….

Danielle D. Smith!! Congratulations.

Check out our blog here or on myspace for a special interview tomorrow.

Her newest novel In the Neon looks very exciting and promising. Stay tuned for this special book!!

Happy Easter!!

 

Hello all authors, fans, and bloggers!! Remember to dye some of those egss and eat lots of candy! Hehe…

I hope everyone has a very Happy Easter!!!

Becky Wilde’s Interview and Contest!!!

Our author of the week has graciously allowed me to sit down and interview her. Two people will have a chance to win a special prize, all you have to do is comment and leave your email address. The first  winner will receive a copy of her newly released book Eagle River Alpha plus a copy of Passion Victoria and Honey Potts. The second winner will receive Passion Victoria and Honey Potts only. Winners will be announced on Thursday! Good luck!!!

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Basic Interview Questions

1. Tell us a little about yourself, what inspired you to write books?     

I had always wanted to be a writer from the time I was a teenager. I would sit and watch my favorite Aussie show back then, Home and Away, and dream of writing for that show. I took me over twenty years to realize my dream. I actually became rather ill before I quit my boring dead end job in sales of only six months.

I had been retrenched from my previous job of five years in newspaper sales. I actually suffer from depression and anxiety and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. My then current team leader, is such a loving caring person; she took me aside and we spent over an hour talking with both of us crying as I decided I was going to finish up working for that company that day. She had asked me what I really wanted to be doing and my instant reply was writing. She told me to go home, take some time out for myself and then do what I wanted to do, write. That was in April 2010

It took me two months to get climb back up out of the dark hole I had been living in and when I emerged I began to write. I haven’t stopped writing since then; and I am having the time of my life. My depression seems to be under control for the most part, obviously I still have my ups and downs, but so does everyone else in life. My downs are just a little deeper than others, but I always bounce back up and when I am an writing mode, everything else gets left behind, lol.

2. Do you have a favorite character you have written?

I really loved Brandon (Bear) Spencer from Passion Victoria Nikki’s Awakening. He is such a tall muscle, bound man, which most people would find intimidating, men and women alike, but underneath he is such a big teddy bear; hence the nickname. He also had psychic and empath abilities, which I didn’t know he was going to have, until the story emerged onto my laptop screen. That blew me away.

I’d have to say Honey Potts  from Honey Potts And Her Alien Mates is my second favorite character, as this let the readers see a little of my warped sense of humor.

3. What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on my seventh book in my Passion Victoria series. This book is about the two coffee shop owners, Duncan and Alec McLeod. When I have finished this book, I want to write another for my newly released series, Eagle River. I also want to write the fourth story to my Science fiction series, this will be about Erin’s sister with five mates! Wow, this blows my mind, it should be interesting to see how my imagination deals with that, lol. I also want to write another vampire book for my Blood Mate series. I don’t know which one of these I will start next. It depends on the mood I am in, and what I want to write.

4. How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?

Hm, well I actually wrote a book years ago and submitted it to a publisher. The manuscript was not accepted at the time,, as they advised me it was too short. My kids were still very young and my son needed more attention than most kids as he spent five months in plaster from his ribs to his ankles for a congenital hip problem, then quite a while in a brace. Needless to say my writing was pushed aside, which ended up being for years, mores the pity. 

I really only seriously started writing in July 2010 and haven’t looked back since. I would have to say my illness and the love and support from my wonderful team leader from my sales position encouraged me to write. Thanks so much Fiona, you are the best.

5. How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

My husband loves it that I am enjoying life again, doing what I have always wanted to do and am much happier with life. He is the love of my life; and has been since the day I met him at my sister’s 21^st birthday, when I was nineteen. He is incredible, he does all my IT work, setting up and maintaining my website and blog, as I am pretty computer illiterate. He has also done a course on the web to help him set up my site the best way possible. Love you Babe, you rock.

 My parents are very proud of me, but I won’t let them read any of my books as I would be the one to freak out. I really don’t think they want to anyway. I have told them I am writing erotic romance, and know they are not into reading this genre

6. Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

I hope to be writing my heart out but living in the country instead of suburbia. I am really a country girl at heart. My son is currently doing year twelve, so we will probably wait a couple of years and then move. I want my kids to be happy, but also independent in case they don’t want to leave suburbia for regional Victoria, Australia. My daughter will be turning twenty this year and my son will be seventeen this month. Kids can’t get their license in Vic, Australia until they turn eighteen.

7. Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

Hm advice. Read everything you can in the genres you want to write about. When you are ready to write, plot out your characters, location and story line. Then put your head down, bum up and write. Don’t take any rejections to heart when you are submitting your manuscript, but do take in what the replies to you are advising. Just keep on submitting and eventually you will find the right publisher for you.

8. What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

My favorite book of all time would have to be Julie Garwood’s The Wedding. Julie Garwood is an awesome author. I love the way the humor is contradictory in this story, but the sex scenes are hot and the characters are so believable and lovable. I have read this book over and over again, and I still laugh and cry along with the characters every time.

9. On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

I actually don’t watch television. I would rather read a book anytime rather than watch the stupid box, so I can’t really answer this question. Maybe I was born in the wrong era, lol.

10. Where can readers find you? (Include all links you want, facebook, twitter etc….)

You can find me on the web under the following:

Facebook:     Becky Wilde at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php

Twitter:            beckywilde66

Website:          http//:www.beckywilderomance.com

Blog:               http://beckywilderomance.wordpress.com/category/becky-wilde-blog/becky-wilde-news/

ARE Cafe:      http://www.arecafe.com/   as Becky Wilde

Thanks so much for the interview Solstice Publishing and Candy, I had a great time.

Love Becky.

Author of the week!!

For the week of April 15th through April 22nd–The Solstice Publishing’s Author of the Week is…. Becky Wilde!! Congratulations. Check out our blog here or on myspace for a special interview tomorrow. A lucky winner will be picked for a special prize!

Suzette Stone’s Interview and Contest

Our author of the week has graciously allowed me to sit down and interview her. One person will have a chance to win a special prize, all you have to do is comment and leave your email address. Winners will be announced on Thursday! Also Suzette is having her own special contest, she is giving away a Bella Luce Locket, similar to the one my heroine wears in A Fateful Wind.  The contest details are on my website at http://www.suzettestone.net/contests/ and it runs through April 18th.  Good Luck!!!

Summary of A Fateful Wind: Stunning Jenna Penworthy’s looks are drawing admiration from most men she encounters, not least the ruthless and lascivious Lord Edwin Penrose, whose lust for his wife’s favorite maid is becoming more and more ardent.  With Jenna and her mining fiancé Trystan’s livelihood dependent on the Penrose Tin Mines, Lord Edwin knows it is only a matter of time before the voluptuous virgin will be his.  That is until his cousin returns to Cornwall from America.  The irresistible and carefree adventurer, Sir Jack Bartholomew, finds himself caught up in protecting the alluring servant who has so captured his heart. But with Jenna, a mere servant girl, betrothed to another man, Jack realizes he is certain to be denied of his overwhelming desires, until destiny takes a turn and a stormy encounter with Lord Edwin seems to seal Jenna’s fate.  Set amidst the harsh and windswept moorland of 1840’s Cornwall, A Fateful Wind tells of hidden secrets, familial destinies and a love that can never be denied.

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Interview:

 1.     Tell us a little about A Fateful Wind and what inspired you to write it?

 A Fateful Wind is a historical romance novel set in 1840’s Cornwall.  The heroine of my story is a beautiful servant named Jenna Penworthy.  Her stunning looks are gathering attention from most men, not least the ruthless and lascivious Lord Edwin Penrose, whose lust for his wife’s favorite maid is becoming more and more ardent.  With Jenna and her mining fiance Trystan’s livelihood dependant on the Penrose Tin Mines, Lord Edwin knows it is only a matter of time before the voluptuous virgin will be his.  That is until his cousin returns to Cornwall from America.  The irresistible and carefree adventurer, Sir Jack Bartholomew, finds himself caught up in protecting the alluring servant who has so captured his heart.  But with Jenna, a mere servant girl, betrothed to another man, Jack realizes he is certain to be denied his overwhelming desires.  Then destiny takes a turn and a stormy encounter with Lord Edwin seems to seal Jenna’s fate.  Set amidst the harsh and windswept moorland of 1840’s Cornwall, A Fateful Wind tells of hidden secrets, familial destinies and a love that can never be denied

          It is a story I had been mulling over for some time.  I grew up in the county of Cornwall, in the UK, in a tiny village on the edge of Bodmin Moor.  As a child we played around the defunct tin mines and my imagination always ran riot with the history of tin mining in Cornwall and the lives of those who inhabited the house I grew up in years before me.  Also, I have always been rather taken with the idea of being swept off your feet by someone hopelessly rich and gorgeous – such as Sir Jack Bartholomew!  However, I didn’t want my heroine, Jenna, to just be a ‘local girl made good’ and I wanted her unknown family secret to be revealed and most importantly I wanted her to have to struggle and fight for true love.

 2.     Do you have a favorite character you have written?

There is something special to me about all the characters I wrote about in ‘A Fateful Wind’ and the characters I am currently working with.  However, I would have to say that my most favorite character is the Countess of Devon, in ‘A Fateful Wind’.  She is dramatic, larger than life, a snob and travels with a slew of pet poodles.  She was a lot of fun to write, even though she only plays a small role in the book.  To be honest, I wish I could have spent more time with her!

  3.     What are you currently working on?

 I am currently working on two books.  The first is a historical romance, again set in Cornwall.   My heroine in this book is very different from Jenna in ‘A Fateful Wind’.  Catherine Molyneux is sensible, somewhat fiery and from a well to do family.  Jenna, on the other hand, is an impoverished servant who is rather shy and still beginning to find her way in the world.

 The second book I am working on is a contemporary romance, set on the beautiful island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.  My heroine, Abigail, is sent to the Bahamas to settle her estranged father’s estate.  Along the way she finds love – not just from a handsome stranger, but also a love she felt she never received from her father and yet comes to discover he always held for her.

 4.     How long have you been writing?  What influenced you to start?

 I have been writing stories since I was little.  I remember one Christmas I received a hardcover blue book with lined pages inside.  It was my favorite Christmas present, beating out the Barbie Caravan and My Little Pony! I was always happy as long as I had lots of notebooks and pens around.  I had always wanted to write a novel, but it wasn’t until I met my husband that I began ‘A Fateful Wind’.  He gave me a lot of encouragement and support and so I completed the manuscript and gave it to him on Valentine’s Day!

 5.     How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

 They are all excited and proud, especially my dad.  I think I inherited my love of writing from him.  When I was little he would write his own stories to read to us.

 6.     Where do you hope to be in 5 years? 

I would like to be established in my writing career, with four or five books under my belt!

 7.     Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

 Yes, persevere!  And write for yourself.  If you try to tailor your writing to something that you think is popular, or will sell well, you will probably end up being miserable.  Let your imagination go where it wants to go! Also, the life of a writer can be somewhat lonely.  So make sure you take the time to get away from the computer and interact with people.  People watching can make great fodder for your characters!

 8.     What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why? 

 Such a tough question to pick one favorite book!  I think I have favorite books for certain periods of my life.  If I had to pick one book it would be ‘Emma’ by Jane Austen.  I never get tired of reading it.  I can also read ‘To the Lighthouse’ by Virginia Woolf, again and again.

 9.     On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

 Definitely ‘Modern Family’ is one of my favorite shows at the moment.  I am also a bit of a reality tv junky – The Real Housewives series are always pretty amusing.  I love watching Masterpiece Theatre, Doc Martin and most period dramas.  Now that I have a 9 month old I must say that Yo Gabba Gabba is watched on a daily basis – and it’s hysterical!

 10.   Where can readers find you?

www.suzettestone.net

www.facebook.com/romancewithsuzette

www.romancewithsuzette.blogspot.com

I am also on twitter – my twitter name is suzettestone.

 

 

Author of the week!!!

For the week of April 8th through April 15th–The Solstice Publishing’s Author of the Week is…. Suzette Stone!! Congratulations. Check out our blog here or on myspace for a special interview tomorrow. One lucky winner will be picked for a special prize!

Geraldine’s Interview

Our author of the week has graciously allowed me to sit down and interview her. One person will have a chance to win a special prize, all you have to do is comment and leave your email address. Winners will be announced on Thursday! Good Luck!!!

Bridal shop manager Chloe Rogers will soon marry Richard Foster—so she thinks—until suddenly, she bumps into her childhood sweetheart, Josh Goldman, whom she hasn’t seen in thirteen years. The sparks between Chloe and Josh fly, but Richard provides safety, financial security. Should she follow her heart or her head? The answer comes in a surprise twist. While cleaning her attic, she stumbles upon love letters written to her estranged mother forty years ago from a man she loved. When Chloe secretly brings them together again and sees how much time they’ve lost, she is challenged not to make the same mistake her mother made. Will Chloe opt for security or will she risk her heart and marry her true love?

 

 

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Interview Questions:

1. Tell us a little about   Love Letters, what inspired you to write Love Letters?

 Love Letters is a story about second chances. Love Letters is based on the premise that one must be willing to risk one’s heart for a second chance at true love.

 I wrote this book because most of us know what it feels like to fall in love, yet not everyone is fortunate enough to marry their true love. What if you were given that second chance to be with the one person you truly loved? Would you accept that gift? I wanted to convey the following messages in the book:

• Love between childhood sweethearts, Josh and Chloe, who made a promise by the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA, to love each other forever.
• Motherly Love between Chloe and Suzanne, who were at odds with each other until they finally realized that, despite their differences, their shared experiences and their love for each other are what binds them together.
• True Friendship between Chloe and Nicole Williams, who have been best friends since grade school and have stuck together through ups and downs in each of their lives.
• Hope was all Suzanne had when she sacrificed her life by marrying the wrong man.
• Destiny is the magic that brings two people together again.

 2.     What are you currently working on?

 I just finished writing a Women’s fiction novel, Chocolicious. The story is about love, loss, hope and redemption.

 Here’s a brief summary:

 A week after Blair Nightingale’s husband, Larry, dies, she learns she’s about to lose everything she owns due to a mistake Larry made. In an instant, Blair’s life is transformed from rich, Silicon Valley trophy wife to poor, widowed single mom. Her only goal now is to provide for her daughter. As Blair begins to pick up the pieces, George—Larry’s best friend and the man she truly resents—seems to always be around. When Blair is overwhelmed by all the challenges she faces, she seeks comfort in baking rich, filled, three-layered cupcakes that her grandmother once taught her, and Blair’s life is changed forever.

 3.     How long have you been writing?  What influenced you to start?

 I’ve been writing since I was eight years old. I started writing poems and essays but never knew I was capable of writing a book. I wrote my first non-fiction book, “Odes, Insights and Stories for all Seasons” in 2003. I then ventured into children’s books but felt that something was missing. I knew I had a higher calling when the ideas of writing love stories came natural to me. That’s when I knew that Romance and Women’s fiction were the genres for me.  My goal is to write realistic stories that people can relate to.

 

 4.     How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

 They always knew me as a storyteller with a wild imagination. J

 5.     Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

 To have more books published. I hope to be in the New York Times bestseller list and have my book in people’s shelves or electronic device. I also dream of having my own Bed & Breakfast or Retreat house for writers and artists searching for inspiration to write their masterpiece.

 6.     Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

• ·        Keep Reading – Reading adds to your vocabulary and helps you identify your own style and voice as a writer. It also broadens your mind and gives you ideas. A good writer has to be an avid reader.
• ·        Write as much as you can – I believe in the saying “Practice makes perfect.” The more you write, the better you become. Writing is like a garden that needs to be nurtured for it to grow beautifully.
• ·        Network with other writers – Writing can be a solitary experience and it’s vital to meet people who share the same passion as you do. Joining writer’s groups and attending events like Writer’s Conferences, retreats and workshops is a learning experience and good investment to your writing.
• ·        Build a brand – At this day and age, it’s essential to build an online presence even before you’ve completed your book. Joining social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Red Room are good avenues to promote yourself to the public. Maintaining a website and blog will allow you to interact with lots of people.
• ·        Never give up – There will be rejections but you have to keep moving forward. Before I got published, I started each day researching, learning and getting involved with other writers—anything that could bring me closer to getting published was my goal. Even best sellers, like Stephen King have faced similar rejections but they chose to keep going. Hard work, inspiration and perseverance are the keys to success.

 7.     What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

 I have lots of favorite books and authors. A few of them would be books by Nicholas Sparks. Eileen Goudge, Dan Brown, Kristin Hannah and Stephen King.

 8.     On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

 Law & Order. When it comes to TV shows, I love anything that deals with crime, law and investigation because it’s very exciting and you learn a lot.

 9.     Where can readers find you?

 My readers can find me at the following websites:

 www.geraldinesolon.com

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Geraldine-Solon/181823348524179

 twitter.com/geraldinesolon

 

 

It is no April Fools!!!

For the week of April 1st through April 8th–And the Solstice Publishing’s Author of the Week is…. Geraldine Solon!! Congratulations. Check out our blog here or on myspace for a special interview tomorrow. One lucky winner will be picked for a special prize!