AUTHOR INQUISITION

Welcome one and all to the Author Inquisition. Let’s have a drum-roll please ...

Ladies and gentlemen, my newest victim, I mean guest, is beloved author of historical and romance, and none other than Joyce DiPastena.

Joyce: Good morning!

Spill it, Joyce. You’ve written three novels; give us your best writing advice.

Joyce: What? You expect me to give away all my secrets? Never! Never, I say! Okay, okay you forced it out of me. This is a secret known only to the ancient sages. If you want to be a writer, then you must...WRITE! Write when you're happy, write when you're sad, write when the last thing on earth you feel like doing is to write. Because the bottom line is, if you don't write, you'll never be...you know...a writer.

Does writing grocery lists count?

Joyce: Probably not 

How about blogs?

Joyce: That’s a little better, but you need to stretch yourself a bit more. 

Sheesh! [whispers over shoulder—I think she expects me to write a novel or something.] So, Joyce, what’s your favorite activity when you’re not writing? 

Joyce: Thinking about writing. Yeah, that's even easier than actually writing! The thinking, making up stories in my head part. It's putting those stories down on paper (or computer screen) one word at a time that is torture. And you would know a thing or two about torture, now wouldn't you, Mistress Inquisitor. 

Me? Torture? [jumps up] Never! How could you imply such a thing!? [Pounds on table]

We will get off that subject right quick Ms DiPastena.

Joyce: [whispers] me thinks she protests too much.

What? I didn’t catch that. 

Joyce: I said, I’m enjoying these questions so much.

[smirks] I bet. Tell me about the dreaded writer's block. What do you do? 

Joyce: Gotta fall back on the "What If Game." I ask myself, "What if this happened to my character?" "What if my character did this?" What if, what if, what if, what if... I just keep throwing "what if's" at the wall until something sticks.

What if—we move on to the next question—do you snack when you write? If so, what?

Joyce: Most of the time I write food free.  

I see that gleam in your eyes. Come on. Give us more. [leans over the table] 

Joyce: [eyes widen] When I write, it’s kind of like being locked in a medieval dungeon. You know, that image is actually helpful to my creativity. [smiles hopefully] 

Spill it, Joyce. You’re not getting off that easily. [gives the evil inquisitor glare] I’ve got you pegged as a snacker. What is it—chocolate or veggies? 

Joyce: [eep!] Occasionally my jailor will toss me a little string cheese, and once in a while some merciful soul will smuggle me a Hershey Kiss with an almond tucked inside. [shoulders slump] Oh, darn. Now the secret's out, my jailors will put a stop to those Kisses in no time. [scowls] I hope you're happy. Oh, right, you're the Inquisitor, so of course that'd make you happy!

Moah-ha-ha-ha! [smiles with satisfaction] I knew I could break you down. Now for the tough questions. What made you decide to write medieval novels?

Joyce: I'm a glutton for punishment? (That's why I'm here, isn't it?) Actually, I've never really figured that out. I remember I used to pull out our old World Book encyclopedia and turn it to the Middle Ages and look at a picture of a knight wearing chain mail armor. I would do that periodically.

I think I know just the one. [quirks a smile] Handsome. Tall. Dark curly hair.

Joyce: Yes. [has a faraway look] Why I was drawn to that picture, I don't know.  

I know. That knight was one handsome dude. 

Joyce: [sighs] I can still see the picture in my head to this day. (Occasionally I'll even run across it on the internet and the memories will come rushing back.) Then I read a book about the Plantagenet kings of England in high school and I guess I fell in love with their stories and decided I wanted to write my own stories about them.

I’m right there with you. [fans self] whew! How about some nice cold refreshment? What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? 

Joyce: [smiles wistfully] While locked in the writing dungeon, I sometimes dream of cream of vanilla ice, chips made of chocolate, and almonds roasted fine, mixed together at the Creamery of the Cold Stone

[sighs] A true ice cream connoisseur. 

Joyce: Tina?

Better yet, scoops of delicious ice cream being served by the ever adoring knight in shining armor. Ahhhhh, and the kisses Mathilde steals from Etienne. I don’t know which is sweeter.

Joyce: Tina? Hellooooo?

Huh? [blinks and looks around] Oh, Joyce. Right. I was remembering one of the scenes in your book. Do tell us about your latest, Dangerous Favor.

Joyce: Okay. I’ll read you the back cover blurb. 

Mathilde needs a champion. 

Her father has been accused of stealing from the king, an allegation that has reduced her family to poverty. She has one chance to find and marry a man who can help her prove her father's innocence. Lord Therri, heir to a rich barony, has the wealth and connections Mathilde needs to delve into the mysteries of her father's past. Furthermore, Therri embodies all her romantic dreams.

Etienne, the younger son of a disgraced family, has neither wealth nor connections, but is smitten with Mathilde at a glance. She finds the knight intriguing, but believes he is only out to seduce her. While she seeks for a way to win Therri's attention, Etienne tricks her into granting him her favor, an embroidered white ribbon, for a tournament, setting in motion a dangerous chain reaction of events. Can Etienne save Mathilde from a nightmare from her past and prove himself the true hero of her dreams? 

I can never read your books just once. Dangerous Favor is available at Deseret Book, as well as Amazon.com (print and Kindle), BarnesAndNoble.com (print and Nook), and the BookDepository.com (free shipping worldwide) 

Joyce: You can read more about my books on my website (http://www.joyce-dipastena.com), blogs JDP NEWS (http://jdp-news.blogspot.com) and Medieval Research with Joyce (http://medievalresearch.blogspot.com). Did I mention that I love Facebook? You can like my author page there at http://www.facebook.com/AuthorJoyceDiPastena.

AUTHOR INQUISITION

Hello, cyber-world. It’s Tina Scott here with another author interview. Betsy Love is known for her novel, Identity, and is in the hot seat, um, I mean in our interviewee’s chair. [pets Betsy’s longish hair – it’s longer than mine.] Say hello to our audience, Betsy.

Betsy: Hi, everyone! [waves nervously]

Tina: [whispers] no one can see you, Betsy dear. Put your arm down before you embarrass yourself.



Betsy Love, LDS Author

 Betsy: [lowers arm]

Tina: That’s a good girl. Now, what’s your favorite bit of writing advice?

Betsy: First, I just want to thank you for interviewing me today. It’s such a—

Tina: [presses her hands to Betsy’s cheeks.] Focus. Favorite writing advice. Remember?

Betsy: Oh posh! I’ve been given so much advice.

Tina: Yes?

Betsy: Let me finish [frowns] … Like I was saying, my favorite is: write what you know. You'll find tidbits from my life (or my life as I choose to remember it) in my stories.

Tina: [scrunches eyebrows together] Write what you know? As opposed to writing, say, about Vietnamese chickens? [looks quizzically at Betsy] Or do you know about them? No, no. That’s a story for another day. Have you experienced writers block?

Betsy: DUH! [throws hands up] Who hasn't, unless you refuse to write? I experience it a lot!

Tina: What is your solution?

Betsy: One of my favorite things to do to un-stump me is to interview a character. Or to go for a plot walk where I'LL LITERALLY TALK OUT LOUD TO MY CHARACTER. [smiles slyly] People seeing me probably just think I have a Bluetooth. Nope, that's me chatting with my imaginary friends. I have a t-shirt with this on the front "Writer's block-when your imaginary friends quit talking to you.”

Tina: [whispers off stage—imaginary friends? Isn’t the writer’s therapy session two doors down the hall and to the left?] Okay, moving on. Do you snack when you write?

Betsy: I love dark chocolate or Cheetos. When I'm feeling healthy, I'll slice up some fruit or veggies.

Tina: Dark chocolate and Cheetos? With fruits and veggies? [chews fingernail] It might work. Tell me about your genre. What do you write?

Betsy: Currently YA general fiction. That's where I see myself heading.

Tina: [leans over table] Your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Betsy: [jumps up] YES! [sits back down, and looks around, red-faced] If I have to pick one it would be Cherry Chocolate Bordeaux

Tina: Bordeaux. Okay. [writes in a notebook] Favorite writer’s memory?

Betsy: In high school I had a creative writing teacher who loved everything I wrote. She always gave me such positive feedback.

Tina: [Nods] Sounds nice. Favorite way to get the word out about your book/s?

Betsy: The one I use the most is Facebook. But my favorite is to hand out bookmarks.

Tina: Do you have a new book coming out?

Betsy: Soulfire was released around the first part of April.

From my blog http://soulfirenovel.blogspot.com/

In the City of Nephi, ruled by a drunken king, and lorded over by wicked high priests, who delight in lasciviousness, Zephenia must stand firm for all she knows is true. She vows she will not succumb to the temptations around her, or to the handsome high priest with his arrogant ways and lustful desires. After the martyrdom of Abinadi, the prophet, she will not abandon her belief in his teachings, nor deny her faith, even at the peril of her life.

Follow this remarkable young woman in her struggles to remain righteous as she confronts a multitude of trials--a proposition of marriage from a wealthy, but lustful landlord, terror at the hands of his evil henchmen, and the lewd advances of an enticing puppet master to King Noah. Join her as she rescues a Lamanite prince and his sister, which threatens the life of another believer, the one she might find happiness with.

Tina: Fess up, did you have this book written before your first one came out?

Betsy: You’re right. I finished Soulfire in 2003.

Tina: I thought so.

Betsy: When the publishing world wasn't taking any more Book of Mormon novels, I put it on the shelf and went on to write Identity, a mystery/suspense, which is different than anything I ever intended to write. [Leans over the table] You look strikingly like my socialite neighbor.

Tina: Why thank you. I guess.

Betsy: You aren’t planning a trip to Mexico anytime soon, are you?

Tina: No, no. I haven’t been to Mexico in years.

Betsy: Good. Stay off of airplanes for a while. [pulls a mirror out of her purse, and applies red lipstick to her lips] So, anyway, most of my works in progress are for young adults. I find it rather "odd" that my first book was something almost completely out of my field of experience. But it was a story that had to be told—even if I was the only one who ever finished it. But that's a story for another inquisition.

Tina: I guess the interview’s over then. [stands to shake hands]

Betsy: I guess so. Ta,ta. [stands, puts on her Jacquelyn Kennedy sunglasses, and walks out the door.]

Tina: [stares at the empty chair] That was different. To learn more about Sweet Betsy Love, go to her blog: http://betsyloveldsauthor.blogspot.com/





AUTHOR INQUISITION

Welcome, welcome, blogging world. Today I’ve got Valerie Steimle, multi-published author and all around great gal. [Whispers over shoulder, “she doesn’t know what’s coming. Moah-ha-ha.”

Tina: Valerie, Val, now that you’re comfortable in the hot seat—you are comfortable, aren’t you?

Valerie: I’m fine. [Perspiration beads on her forehead.]

Tina: Before you melt, tell us your favorite bit of writing advice.

Valerie: Every writer should find time to write every day in some way so you can practice, practice, practice.

Tina: I wrote my grocery list today—does that count?

Valerie: Um? How long is it?

Tina: Never mind, darling. Tell us what you like to do in your spare time.

Valerie: Reading, baking or gardening.

Tina: My, my, precious—you are wordy aren’t you. It’s all good though, because I see the method behind your madness—grow the vegetables, read the recipes, then cook ‘m up. Can I come over for dinner? I hope you’re a good cook. [you guess it, I’m starved]

Tina: What do you do when you’re feeling stumped? (This is my delicate way for asking about writer’s block.)

Valerie: I play with a slinky while I stare at the screen or go for a bike ride.

Tina: What a daredevil! And coordinated! I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to play with a slinky while riding a bike. I need both hands to keep me rolling.

Tina: What do you snack on when you write?

Valerie: Trail mix.

Tina: [makes a face] All I’ve ever found on the trails in AZ is rabbit pellets and Javelina droppings—I’d never mix it together and make a snack out of it. Not even with mesquite beans. I’d never be that hungry. [Whispers into the blackness, “This is going well. Not. She rides a bike while playing with a slinky, and she eats trail mix—ug!] Turns back to Valerie and smiles. So, tell me about your books.

Valerie: I’ve published four.

Tina: Oh, we’ve got a bonafide show off in our midst. [fingers drumming table] Don’t keep it a secret—What is it that you’ve published, then?

Valerie: My first book, Home is Where the Heart Is, is non-fiction.

Tina: whispers, and my head, and my feet, and my stomach. [growl] Oh, was that me? [smiles sheepishly]

Valerie: [scowls] My other books are: Home Is Where The Learning Is: Homeschool Lifestyles from Homeschool Moms; Of One Heart: Being Single In The LDS World; Dog, Blogs and Hobbits: Writings from a Widow’s Perspective—they’re all non-fiction.

Tina: Well, okay. I guess we can go to your blog, or somewhere, to find out what they’re about. [shrugs shoulders] Did you publish traditionally, or did you go Indie?

Valerie: I decided to independently publish my books for several reasons. 1. No publisher would accept what I wrote. It was too cliché, and most publishers thought it would not sell, so I did it myself and have found a very nice market. 2. I do not have to give up the rights of what I write. I have full control.

Tina: [Turns and looks sideways at Valerie] Your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Valerie: [leans over table; stares me in the eye.] Chocolate chip mint

Tina: Your favorite writer’s memory?

Valerie: When readers gush over my books. It’s so much fun.

Tina: I can only imagine. [drums table] No. Really. I can only imagine. So, let’s move on. What’s your favorite way to get the word out about your books?

Valerie: Word of mouth is my personal favorite, but also online in blog events and positive book reviews.

Tina: Do you have another book in your future?

Valerie: I do! I have a WIP, and I’m hoping for a 2012 publication.

Tina: Well, okay. (Showoff.) I guess you write more than grocery lists. What’s the name of this new book?

Valerie: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Synagogue: A Conversion Story—From Judaism to Mormonism.

I was baptized when I was almost ten, and my parents told us to keep it a secret. We lived a double life for eight years before the rest of the family found out.

Tina: I only need one more thing before heading out the door for a scoop of ice cream—pistachio nut. Creamy green goodness speckled with salty pistachios. [mmmm. Eyes close, and a wistful sigh is heard]

Valerie: Tina?

Tina:

Valerie: Oh, well. To purchase one of my books and to learn more about me, go to my blog or my website:

blog: http://www.valeriesteimle.blogspto.com                                                

Website: www.strengthenyourhome.com

THE AUTHOR INQUISITION

Welcome to the Author Inquisition. This is when I get to interview authors and kinda pick their author-brains for all the good stuff. Author Margaret Turley is in the hot seat today. Hello Margaret. Go ahead and make yourself comfortable.

Margaret: Hello Tina 

So, what good stuff do you have for us? (Drums fingers on table.) How about writing advice—do you have advice for all of us aspiring authors out there?

Margaret: Write Everyday

Well Margaret, I can see that you’re a woman of few words. You must save them for your novels eh? What, then, is your favorite activity when you’re not writing?

Margaret: Reading

I like reading too. I take books to work and read during my lunch break. Of course I’m also eating at the same time.

If you write every day—do the words always flow smoothly? Or, are you like me and occasionally get stumped?

Margaret: When I’m experiencing writer’s block, I do something called, Four Sentence Exercises. It helps me every time.

Wow, that sounds interesting. You should share your tips on that sometime. How about snacks? Do you snack when you write?

Margaret: I snack on anything I don't have to cook.

Pepperoni?

Margaret: No.

Cumquats?

Margaret: No.

How about green eggs and ham?

Margaret: You have to cook the eggs.

Oh, that’s right. So, Cheetos, granola, chips and things like that?

Margaret: What I really like is fruit with granola, or sliced apples or celery sticks with peanut butter. Instead of soda, I drink about a gallon of water a day.

I like to drink water too, but I don’t get near a gallon a day. How many books do you have published?

Margaret: Four

Do you have any others coming out soon?

Margaret: I have two different manuscripts being evaluated by agents, and a revision of my novel, Save the Child, will be out with new cover the beginning of 2012.

That is so exciting!  Can you please share a short blurb about them?

Margaret: The first one is called, Legend of Circle Stone. It’s a Middle-Grade Fantasy set in the Superstition Mountains. The second manuscript is, The Light, and it’s a compilation of several short stories based on New Testament Scripture. Then in February I'll be pitching a middle-grade historical fiction series based on the Book of Mormon at the ANWA conference. First in the series is about the Stripling Warriors.

Historical fiction and fantasy are my two favorite genres—along with romance. Blend a little romance with the historical or the fantasy, and I’m in heaven—literarily-speaking, of course.
I just had an idea … you don’t need to cook ice cream. Do you like ice cream?

Margaret: My all-time favorite is vanilla with toppings!

Mmmmm! My favorite vanilla with toppings is Dairy Queen’s waffle bowl with strawberries drizzled with chocolate-shell sauce and topped with whipped cream … (eyes closing, picturing that yummy waffle bowl and dreaming of the last time I ate one.)

Margaret: Tina? Tina! Are you still there???

Oh, right. Back to the inquisition. Do you have a favorite writer’s memory?

Margaret: I love having someone tell me that what I wrote made a difference to them.

Yes, that is especially nice. I see you online a lot. Do you have a favorite way to get the word out about your books?

Margaret: I like to use social media. This includes blogs, twitter, Facebook, Linked-In and others.

When I was a kid, I used to watch that cartoon, Twitter and Sylvesty. It was about a canary and a cat, and as I remember, it was pretty funny.
Margaret: You mean Tweety and Sylvester.

Oh, yeah, that’s right. Well, Margaret, it’s been nice talking to you, but I have a DQ strawberry waffle bowl calling my name.

Margaret: Thanks for having me. I think an ice cream sounds good right about now. I think I’ll have one too.

Before we head out the door to DQ, can you please give us your blogs and other ways to get a hold of you?
Margaret: Sure thing. I'm involved in several things as you can tell.

I

http://margaretlarsen.com/blog - author interviews, book reviews and articles on writing and writing events.

http://margaretturley.com/blog - cancer, alternative healthcare, children's welfare and health, and occasional book reviews on related topics.

I have two twitter accounts: @WritersCanFight and @MargaretLarsenT

Personal Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1214321721

WritersUnitetoFightCancer Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Writers-Unite-to-Fight-Cancer/108878272532346

Linked-In: personal http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top

Linked-In: Writers Unite to Fight Cancer Group http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Writers-Unite-Fight-Cancer-3102952?trk=myg_ugrp_ovr