WTW Wednesday Keira Kroft and Carrie Lynn Barker

Interview between Keira Kroft and Carrie Lynn Barker

Hello, welcome to Writer to Writer Wednesday, we are so very glad to have you with us. The Hellfire Herald would like to extend a warm welcome to Carrie Lynn Barker

Keira: You have a story coming out soon though Eternal Press entitled Exodus. What is that about?

Exodus is book number three from Eternal Press in my series following government created heroine, Christiana Fletcher.  Her search for Arturo Holt, her creator, is never ending and the game he and his favorite experiment, Chris play has become more deadly. Chris finds herself in the presence of yet another bitter assassin, one sent to kill her.  Except this time, it isn't just another day on the job for the hired killer.  It's personal.

Keira: What made you choose that title?

I started off with Revelations, went to Genesis and decided to continue with the Biblical titles, since I was on a roll.  Exodus will be the last Biblical title I use though.  While none of the books have major religious themes, the titles, in their general sense of the words themselves, fit the story lines.  I’ve always been fascinated with religion and all it entails, though I’m not really religious myself, so I have spent a good deal of time studying.  I like the stories in the Bible that go along with the titles I chose for my novels.

Keira: Where did the idea for your story come from?

I started out Revelations with the intention of making it a three part series.  I’m a big fan of the X Files, still to this day though the show has been off the air for quite some time.  A few of my basic ideas stemmed from watching that show and just grew on their own.  I have a tendency to let the characters lead the way so Exodus was just Chris holding my hand and guiding.

Keira: Please share a particular detail about one of characters, please.

Chris Fletcher carries a lot of secrets, some of which may never completely be revealed.  Though I created her, sometimes I think she might have created parts of me as I developed her over the years.  She’s uneducated, defiant and sometimes a bit devious but she always has the best intentions.

Keira: Please tell us about any future projects you are planning.

There is a fourth part in the Chris Fletcher series, already written and just about ready to go, but I am working on a few other things to keep myself busy.  My current favored project involves a love story and a woman who is completely void of emotion as she tries to teach herself how to love the man who is madly in love with her.  It’s got a bit of the paranormal in it, as well as a bit of mystery. 

Keira: Are you currently running any contests? What are they?

No, but I’ve certainly thought about it! 

Keira: How many books have you written?

In total, complete I have written about 15, though some have gotten a bit lost over the years between computers… Exodus will be my fourth published novel, the third by Eternal Press.  The first, a comedy called Fractious, was published a couple years ago by Uncial Press.  I’ve been writing since I was a child and I still have some of my hand written novels.  Someday maybe I’ll find time to pull those out and rewrite them so I can add more to the list.

Keira: We have a special place for unpublished writers in our hearts, here at the Hellfire Herald. So what advice would you give to an unpublished writer?

Never stop.  Writing can be like an addictive drug, and if you love it, never stop writing.  Be smart when querying publishers; find out what they really want instead of just randomly sending out your work. I never thought I would get published until I paused, took a breath and paid attention to what it was I was trying to accomplish.  And it worked!  It didn’t take long, after I first sent out Fractious, for Uncial Press to pick it up.  Because I hit them at the precise moment when they were looking for comedy.

Let’s get personal…

Keira: Do you work at job outside the home or is this only career?

I have the best job in the world, aside from writing (which actually is the best job ever).  I work both from home and at an office – which is really just my boss’s condo.  But I can’t tell you what I do - it’s a secret… No literally, I work for a secret shopping company.  That’s my full time job.  I just won’t say which one.

Keira: What’s your favorite thing to do?

Writing is my favorite thing in the world.  I could write all day, all night, every day of every year.  There is nothing I would rather do.

Keira: Do you have a special writing method?

I don’t have a method.  Like I said, the characters take me along for the ride, most of the time.  I tried outlining.  Had no luck.  Tried brainstorming.  Got sidetracked.  I did lots of things that you hear about writers using but nothing worked for me.  So I just tag along, pretty much, as the story tells itself.  I do spend a lot of time developing my characters. 

Keira: Where in the Hell did you find time to write?

I still haven’t found any time to write.  My work takes up most of my life and I barely have time to breathe, a lot alone write.  My computer is on from 8 am until 7 pm or later, every single day.  But, if I didn’t write, you’d probably see me on the news or something so I find time.  A few hours here, a few minutes there.  I’m constantly working on scenes and stories in my head when I’m doing other things so if I didn’t let all that stuff out, I would probably explode.   So, when I actually sit down to write, most of what I’m writing is already detailed in my mind.  I can write 2000 words an hour on a good day.

Blurb for Exodus

What we’d done in San Francisco, in setting fire to the base on Diablo Peak, started string of rumors. Rumors about me.  That I was the one who would stop the experimenting once and for.  That I was the savior.  People were begging for me to come forth, to reveal myself again. To push the envelope.  To save their souls. 

Their savior. 

That would be me. 

Apparently.

Sigh…



You can find Carrie Lynn Barker at:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001229230781

You can find Revelations and Genesis at: www.eternalpress.biz

For Revelations - http://www.amazon.com/Revelations

For Genesis - http://www.amazon.com/Genesis

For Fractious - http://www.amazon.com/Fractious

Keira Kroft

www.keirakroft.com

Interview between Keira Kroft and Prudence MacLeod

Hello, welcome to Writer to Writer Wednesday, we are so very glad to have you with us. The Hellfire Herald would like to extend a warm welcome to Prudence MacLeod

How are you doing today?

Hi Keira, today is a good day. Thanks for the opportunity of this interview.

Keira: You have a story coming out soon entitled Shelly’s Turn. What is that about?

Prudence: This is a coming of age as well as the struggles of a young transgendered girl.

Keira: What made you choose that title?

Prudence: Her name is Shelly? J

Keira: Where did the idea for your story come from?

Prudence: A few special and gifted people are born to each generation.  Some are so gifted that we worship their every breath, others astound and baffle us with their accomplishments, and still others are so different that our minds refuse to encompass the very idea of their existence.  

We worship the power and grace of a Michelle Kwan; sit enthralled as we listen to the oratory of a Pierre Trudeau; scratch our heads at the thought processes of a Stephen Hawking; and bask in the compassion of a Mother Teresa or the wisdom of a Ghandi.  Unfortunately, we also recoil in horror at the mere presence of someone like the Elephant Man, so frightened are we by his unusual appearance that we cannot see the intelligence hidden within the alien exterior. 

All too often we lose sight of the most important thing of all about these people; their humanity, for under it all they are just like us. Go beneath the surface and everyone is just human; we all bring certain gifts to the world, some quite apparent, others all too well hidden.  It is this spectrum of gifted souls that I should like to explore further.

In the fading months of the twentieth century a friend of mine ended her own life in a most violent manner, no longer able to face the rejection of a society she so desperately wanted to serve and be accepted into. She has gone, yet I remain to ponder the meaning of it all.  She was at one end of the above spectrum.

The following tale is an exercise in what might happen should someone like Felicia meet a person from the other end of that spectrum. What if they meet and instinctively recognize each other’s humanity, and the value of the gifts they each had to share?

Keira: Please share a particular detail about one of characters, please.

Prudence: Shelly absolutely loves roses. She cooks too and is a whiz at math.

Keira: Please tell us about any future projects you are planning.

Prudence:  I have another romance nearly finished, a sci-fi romance half written and the second book of the Novan series as well as the second book of the Immortal Tigress series well under way.

Keira: How many books have you written?

Prudence: I have self-published thirty books so far and they are slowly gaining an audience. My subject matter is often unacceptable to conventional publishers and that’s fine, but there should be something available for everybody, right? Even GLBT folk like a bit of romance, just like everyone else. My sci-fi and fantasy adventure are also starting to gain some ground.

Keira: We have a special place for unpublished writers in our hearts, here at the Hellfire Herald. So what advice would you give to an unpublished writer?

Prudence: Oh my, self-publish folks. For many years I wasted money on paper and postage only to amass a huge pile of rejection slips. Now I self-publish and I get a pay cheque every month. I have folks that write to me wanting more and I have made some wonderful friends all over the world. Don’t let the gatekeepers judge your worth, let the reading public make that decision. Never stop writing.

Let’s get personal…

Keira: Do you work at job outside the home or is this only career?

Prudence: No, I owned a fitness center for many years, but now I am semi-retired. (read kept woman) Wait, no, I’m a writer, dang it.

Keira: What’s your favorite thing to do?

Prudence: One of my favorite things to do is get a group of folks together with a ton of food and while away the hours in conversation.

Keira: Are you a reader?

Prudence: Yes, I’m a mad reader. I have the e-reader ready, a pile of books handy at all times, and can often be seen carrying heavy bags from the bookstore. I will confess to being a comic book fan (She Hulk rules!)

Keira: Do you have a special writing method?

Prudence: I like to think of a situation, then drop a couple of characters into that situation then see what they’ll do. I’m always surprised as the story unfolds.

Keira: Can you share your blurb with us?

Sure.

Shelly’s abusive father was suddenly working at home. Her life was over and she knew it. However, fate had other plans for soon Shelly would no longer be able to remain hiding in the shadows. She would soon have to face the world, no matter the cost.

You can find all Prudence MacLeod’s books here:

http://www.prudencemacleod.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Prudence-MacLeod/e/B0079XOY8U

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Witchhazel

Shelly’s Turn will be available in mid June. Keep watching the above links for the exact date.

Keira, thanks so much for having me here today. I deeply appreciate the opportunity.

I AM SO HONORED THAT YOU WERE HERE TODAY. THANK YOU.

Keira Kroft

www.keirakroft.com

Interview between Keira Kroft and Richard Alan Scott

Hello, welcome to Writer to Writer Wednesday, we are so very glad to have you with us. The Hellfire Herald would like to extend a warm welcome to Richard Alan Scott

How are you doing today?  Excellent.  Thank you so much for having me, Keira.

Keira: You have a story coming out soon. What is that about? I have just completed a novel entitled The Shift, which I'm currently shopping to agents.  It's about a young man working at an institution for developmentally delayed and mentally ill individuals in 1979.  Such institutions have since been abolished but at that time they were still in full swing.  He's trying to make his way in this challenging state job at this creepy setting, but unfortunately there are remains of people being found on campus, as well as disappearances of other staff members to contend with.  The fact that a century-old pack of French-Canadian werewolves is in the area is possibly a good reason that things are so complicated.

Keira: What made you choose that title?  It's the pack's term for the shape-shifting transformation they undergo as well as a reference to several of the main protagonist's work shifts becoming the shift from hell, that type of thing.

 Keira: Where did the idea for your story come from?  The stuff about the history of the pack, which we get a lot of in the novel, comes from a recurring dream I had when I was in my early twenties (I'm 55 now).  I was dreaming about a line of Can-Can dancers in a crude saloon somewhere in the Yukon in the mid-1800's.  Suddenly, one of the dancers begins turning into a werewolf, and under this frilly bonnet and lacy lingerie and hoop skirts emerges this full blown monster with huge muzzle and jaws jutting out.  And the crowd screams and starts running in all directions, and in this chaos I realized the beast is looking for ME.  It was a nightmare version of the Red Riding Hood, wolf-in-Grandma's-clothing sort of image, and the dream itself terrified me.  It makes you think that you are seeing a past life, you know?  But if this was a real vision of my past, it was a horribly effed-up one, right?  The other part of the story, the institution stuff of the seventies, is based on a real job I had just out of college, and some of the crazy drug-addled and sexual antics that went on there with the colorful, deranged individuals.  And that was just the staff.

 Keira: Please share a particular detail about one of characters, please.  Well, we get to go back and see how the major pack members became werewolves, and I really love this female, Zoe Burel.  She's the daughter of a trapper and a trading post whore, and both her parents abandoned her early on.  She's had to survive by her wits and toughen up, and she learned pretty early how to manipulate men and take care of herself.  When she gets the opportunity to become a werewolf and escape a situation where she's being exploited by some man as usual, it's a no-brainer for her.  She's not your average nicey-nice heroine and that's why I love her so.

Keira: Please tell us about any future projects you are planning.  I have a trilogy of supernatural mystery thrillers planned that I'm very excited about.  I'm very superstitious so I get scared to talk about it and put the idea out into the either of the collective unconscious.  Suffice to say I think it has the potential to be a real winner.

Keira: How many books have you written?  I have had a few professionally published stories but this is my first Novel.

Keira: We have a special place for unpublished writers in our hearts, here at the Hellfire Herald. So what advice would you give to an unpublished writer?  My advice to unpublished writers is some extremely, them's-fightin'-words type advice, and I know of very few people that want to hear it.  Some who came before me espouse it and I will go to my grave believing it:  DO NOT give your work away free to non-paying publishers and websites.  Do not self-publish your books or give them to no-name publishers.  Even if you make ten dollars, only deal with professional, paying markets.  Remember that professional means getting monetary reimbursement for your work!  Don't bullshit a resume that says you've had hundreds of stories published when it's on a 'for-the-luv' website.  When you make a big deal out of "placing", (not "selling your work" or "getting accepted"), let's face it, it's really "placing," a story on some no-name site, you cheapen all of our work.  And when you bullshit, everyone knows it.  Don't kid yourself.  Work through the rejection and build four real credits instead of forty bogus ones.  That's my advice; you have no obligation to take it.

Let’s get personal…

Keira: Do you work at job outside the home or is this your only career?  I work part-time at a thriving independent bookstore and I love it.  It takes me away from the four walls of my office and let's me enjoy people; reading people.

Keira: Are you a reader?  When I got out of college 34 years ago I started a habit that I continue to this day.  I read one fiction and one non-fiction book at a time and when I finish one or the other I start a new one of the same type, fiction or non-fiction.  Currently I'm reading "What Happens Next" by Marc Norman, a history of Hollywood screenwriting, and "The Open Curtain" by Brian Evenson is my fiction.

Keira: Do you have a special writing method?  Where in the Hell did you find time to write?  I have the craziest writing routine, and it mostly takes place on my days off from my part-time job.  I may sleep late, and when I say late, I mean, until anywhere from 2pm to suppertime.  I don't worry about writing until after supper, when I will take a shower or go get a latte to wake up.  Then I go at it, typing away or editing from 4 to 8 hours, sometimes until my wife is getting up for work.  But I do have a goal each week, like, I must write fifteen pages on my days off, or I must edit 40 pages on my days off.  I pretty much stick to this, though I am capable of having a cycle of a few months where I am out of it.  I don't know why, but once in a while I just lose it and need to watch DVD's in my underwear for days.  What the DVD's were doing in my underwear, I'll never know!  Brrrum-pum.   

Keira: Do you have children?   I am very proud of my daughter, who just earned her Master's Degree.

You can find Richard Alan Scott at:   http://richardalanscott.com/

You can find his last release "The Keening Man" at: http://www.amazon.com/The-Keening-Man-ebook

Keira Kroft

www.keirakroft.com