Tag: reading

Author Interview – A. S Norris

Author of The Wayward Apprentice

Today, I am excited to be chatting with fantasy author A.S Norris to talk to us about his latest book, The Wayward Apprentice.

Helen: Welcome, Andrew. I see you already have three books published in the Jack Wartnose series (Love the name!) and now we go back to the beginnings in The Wayward Apprentice. Tell us a little about it.

Andrew: It’s a novella titled “The Wayward Apprentice: A Jack Wartnose Prequel.” It serves as an origin story for my series’ main character, Jack Wartnose, covering his rise from starving wretch and pariah to entering the mage academy. Along the way, he faces heartache, triumph, and the weight of his actions as he begins his path to redemption in the series’ main books.

    Helen: There are some specifc items on the cover. Can you tell us how you what your thoughts were behind the design?

    Andrew: Without giving too much away to spoil the novella, the room and table are from a certain room in the story where Jack Wartnose is confronted with a life-altering decision. The items on the table each represent certain key moments within the story. Kudos to my lovely wife for crafting this cover for me.

    Helen: Typically I ask how you came up with your title, but as this is the prequel to the Wayward Mage series, I see the logic.

    Andrew: The first book in my series, “The Adventures of Jack Wartnose,” is entitled “The Wayward Mage.” The story of Jack Wartnose begins when he is already a mage apprentice and on his fateful quest for the elusive Tome of Time. So, it seemed natural to title my novella “The Wayward Apprentice” as he begins his journey into mage apprenticeship and while also being called to become an apprentice of sorts by his benefactor in the story. There’s more about this benefactor I can’t wait to reveal, but that will all be told within the books of the series.

    Helen: What made you write The Wayward Apprentice?

    Andrew: From a pragmatic viewpoint, I needed a short story I could offer for free as a reader magnet to get sign ups for my newsletter. Yet, as with my other books in the series, I took great care to not half-ass it. Rather than tell a one-off story, I carefully put in plot points that would tie into other plot points in books 1 through 4 of my series. As a result, the story took on a life of its own until, before I realized it, I cracked 30,000 words. I am rather proud of what I wrote, given the limitations to keep this tale short and readable.

    To get this free prequel novella, Sign up to Andrew’s newsletter here.

    Helen: Tell us more about your protagnist, Jack Wartnose. He sounds quite the character!

    Andrew: Jack Wartnose, he’s a mage apprentice in his mid-30s on a quest for an item that may have caused the last world ending cataclysm. Along the way, he comes across his childhood love and finds out he fathered a son with her when they were teenagers. Reunited, he fulfils his promise to her to marry her and ends up taking his new family along on what he believes will be a simple journey. Only, it becomes at times a life-and-death struggle as Wartnose has to overcome his wayward past in protecting his growing family and get them safely to the tome before his growing list of enemies kill him or find it first.

      I wrote him because I wanted an adult protagonist. I was tired of YA and coming-of-age stories, and I wanted a character with some life experience that required a redemption arc. Then, as the ideas flowed in, I was struck with the idea of instead of the “wise, old mentor” character with the young hero, why not have that mentor be the “young hero’s” actual father. From there, the story just wrote itself as Jack Wartnose is confronted not only with his one young adult son from his now-wife, but with other children he discovers from previous lovers during his wayward past.

      Helen: If Jack could answer this next question, what would he say? Why should we read your book?

      Andrew: “Come for the award-winning epic fantasy adventure, stay for the humour, excitement, heart, and fun, relatable characters.”

      Helen: And what are you working on next? Are there more Jack Wartnose stories?

      Andrew:  Book 4 of my series, “The Adventures of Jack Wartnose,” titled “The Condemned Mage.” Now that my novella is finished, I’m full steam ahead on finishing the edits for this book to release later this year. It continues the adventure of Jack Wartnose and his growing family, having just narrowly escaped mage assassins in Book 3, “The Hunted Mage.” While fleeing for safety, he encounters one of the assassins, and realizes they shared an “intimate” history together.

      Helen: Sounds intriguing! When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

      Andrew: I’ve dabbled with writing since senior year in high school. Actually, I finished a novel about a mercenary on his death bed telling his story to his protégé and started a few others, along with a great many poems. Unfortunately, after accumulating a number of drafts and such, my laptop’s hard drive suddenly died. And in that same week, I physically lost my other back up hard drive, so everything I wrote then is lost to time. However, it may have been a blessing in disguise because I took a hiatus for several years as a result, lived life, had many adventures of my own, got married, and suffered setbacks and experienced triumphs to where, when I started writing again in earnest in 2021, everything clicked for me in a way my earlier writing didn’t. I haven’t looked back since.

      Helen: It is so great that you went back to writing. Sometimes I think there is just a ‘right’ time to start writing. Which part of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?

      Andrew: If we’re talking just writing, the editing process. I’m currently editing Book 4 in my series. I’m on my fourth read through and I’m still finding little plot holes and grammatical errors. But my absolute bane is marketing. I struggle wrapping my head around it. Someday I hope to crack it.

      Helen: I have to agree that marketing is the challenge. I enjoy the writing and editing process as a whole. It is such an amazing feeling when everything clicks. Who inspired you to write?

      Andrew: Primarily, God. Seriously, the whole beginning of this started from a funny and heartwarming vivid dream I had back in mid-2021 and the ideas that keep coming to drive this story I believe are truly inspired. Certainly didn’t come from me alone. As far as authors go, my big three would be Tolkien, Brian Jacques with his “Redwall” series, and Terry Pratchett with his “Discworld” series.

      Helen: Which genre do you typically write in?

      Andrew: Fantasy, because I believe it offers me the most creative freedom, and because I think fantasy helps us the most in real life. By giving readers heroes who bravely fight and defeat the dragons, metaphorically speaking, I believe it helps others to bravely face their own dragons in life.

      Helen: Let’s move on to your writing process. Most independent authors also have a day job. How do you fit your writing into your everyday life?

      Andrew: With difficulty. I have to wake at 5AM to get a couple of hours in before my normal job. Then I have a short time during my lunch break to crank out as much as I can. Evenings are devoted to family and winding down so I can sleep at night.

      Helen: I wish I could do that, I am not an early morning person, I am a definitely a night owl. Do you listen to music while you write?

      Andrew: Yes, and depends on my mood and what I’m writing. If I really need to concentrate, then classical, synthwave, or instrumental metal are my go-tos.

      Helen: Do you plan out your novels or are you a pantser?

      Andrew: I plan out the major plot points for my story. But how I get from A to B is anyone’s guess. I let the characters guide me between those points.

      Helen: All authors experience moments of self doubt or writer’s block. What do you do to cope with this?

      Andrew: I recognize that not everyone will enjoy my stories. But for those that do, they keep me going. I manage writer’s block by walking away for a short time. I find that if I can’t find a solution, I go and work on something else and eventually the solution finds me.

      Helen: How do you find new ideas for your books?

      Andrew: They just come to me. That’s why I made the comment about God being my primary inspiration because it’s not as though I’m actively thinking about these all the time. I have a day job and family responsibilities that take up 90% of my day’s activities and thought processes. So, when I get ideas, it usually comes in my dreams or just out of the blue.

      Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, it’s been great chatting with you. Just to finish, what advice would you give new writers?

      Andrew: Writing is a marathon. It will require great discipline to constantly write and keep learning the business of writing (marketing, building relationships, etc). I’m still learning and improving every day. Don’t assume quick success

      Helen: Anything else you’d like to add?

      Andrew: I am writing my books for adults, but I didn’t want them to be chocked full of inappropriate material. I have challenging material in my books, but never done in an exploitive or pornographic manner that parents would be embarrassed to have their children read or to be caught reading in front of the children. So, I tell people my books are “written for adults, but teen safe.”

        Also, my first two books have won a combined seven book awards, with many other accolades to their name. So, if anyone thinks that by not making my books overly “spicy” that they’re boring or unreadable, I ask you reconsider. Good literature should be like cooking: use spices in the appropriate amounts to give your work interesting flavours yet not so much that it overpowers the meal. That’s what I strive to do (and have done) with my books.

        I hope you will give my books a read. I believe you will find them full of charm and excitement you get from the best fantasies! You can find them on Amazon, search “The Adventures of Jack Wartnose,” or click here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0C1KTK13M. And, for those who want to test drive my writing, sign up for my newsletter to get my free novella, “The Wayward Apprentice:” https://www.asnauthor.com/. It’s a free sign up, you can leave anytime, and you can unsubscribe any time. So what do you have to lose, except a few hours of a good, free read?

        About the Author

        A.S Norris

        Telling fun, exciting and Godly adventures with timeless values, low spice romance, and a pinch of humor that any parent can read alongside their teenagers without embarrassment.

        Subscribers to my newsletter get a FREE novella prequel, “The Wayward Apprentice,” as well as a FREE map of the world of Aemilia. Sign up at my website (Search “asnauthor”).

        A.S. Norris is a bit of an adventurer himself. He has traveled to Asia and the western Pacific Ocean, Europe, and the Caribbean. Additionally, he has traveled over half of the United States and backpacked or camped in many of its national parks. Now his life consists of adventures as a family man with his lovely wife and spirited baby daughter. THE ADVENTURES OF JACK WARTNOSE is his first novel series with more coming in the near future!

        Follow Andrew:

        Author website

        Amazon Author page

        Instagram

        Purchase Andrew’s book: The Wayward Mage via Amazon

        Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

        Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

        As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

        If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winning Sentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fiction? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring

        By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

        By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.

        Author Interview – Philip J Dennis

        Author of Behind the Curtain

        Today, I am excited to invite Philip J Dennis back for a return visit to talk to us about his latest book, Behind the Curtain. You can check out his interview back in 2021 here.

        Helen: Welcome back, Philip. I’m thrilled to see you have released more books since we last spoke. Congratulations on the release of Behind the Curtain. Tell us a little about it.

        Philip: My newest novel, full novel, is Behind the Curtain. I released it last May on Amazon.

        It follows the life – partial life – of Jason Scott, from starting off as a child, becoming a child actor, and then, as an adult, returning to the movie business.

        The story, though, is told partly as a retrospective. It starts with Jason at a wellbeing centre. Sort of like a rehab centre. As part of his treatment, he has agreed to work on a biography with a journalist friend. There’s a little back and forth between timelines, but I know that can get confusing in books, so I would switch between third-person and first-person tense. It really helps to allow Jason to be the one telling his story.

        I do have a short stories collection on Amazon. All Hope is Gone, and other short stories, if people want to have a look at that too.

        Helen: I love the cover. You’ve continued with the theme of silhouettes which give it a touch of mystery. What were your thoughts behind your design?

        Philip: I’d mentioned this in our last interview. The style of the cover originated back to my first book, Isaac’s Fall. I had an image in mind, but did not want to spend large amounts of money for a cover artist to put together. At the time, I was only starting out. It was a hobby that I was hoping would lead somewhere.

        So, my next books in the trilogy followed the same style – a silhouette of the main character against an appropriate background. When I was designing the cover for The Wrong Apocalypse – which you read and gave a very generous review for – I kind of felt that the silhouette-thing was now sort of my style.

        With Behind the Curtain – a silhouette of a man on a stage, a curtain behind him, spotlights and lens flares all around, it fit the story. I can see hidden meaning in that, which is funny, because it is pure fluke. Not intentional at all. I wonder how many writers do something that people read deep meaning into and it was completely unintentional. Just a fluke. Haha.

        Helen: Your title also suggests hidden meanings. How did you come up with the book title?

        Philip: Behind the Curtain was a working title. It was not intended to be the final one. It was a simple title that gave a hint at what the story was about. But I would start to refer to the story by that title, and then on later drafts, I ended up working the title into the story and part of the dialogue. It was already part of the theme, and the ending – hint, hint – so it just stuck.

        Helen: I had a feeling there was a connection to the story somewhere! Which element of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?

        Philip: Funnily enough, this book I started writing about ten years or more before it was released. It was actually the second book I started to write. Isaac’s Fall being the first. When I started it, I knew nearly all the major plot points, and I got about ninety percent of the way through it on the first draft. But I was struggling with the tone and the flow of the story. I felt that the story was too big for me to be able to do it justice. I might have mentioned this in our last interview. I have definitely mentioned it somewhere before.

        When the Pandemic hit, I wanted to revisit it. I read over the first draft, refreshing myself on simple story points, and started again. This time I got about a third of the way through and hit a wall. It was a hard time and I didn’t have it in me to do a book so serious. That’s when I started to write The Wrong Apocalypse. That was light and fun, and it just flowed out of me. Very cathartic, given that we were at the end of Lockdown.

        After that, I went back to it.

        I was also spurred on by the book Daisy Jones and The Six – this was before the TV series, of course – completely different in regards to story and style, but it reminded me of the film Almost Famous, which was something of an inspiration for Behind the Curtain anyway.

        So, to get back to your question, a major challenge for my writing is being in the right headspace to be able to write the story, and knowing what you can accomplish at that time. It’s perfectly fine to leave a work-in-progress and move on to something else for a while. You’ll circle back to it eventually. If you try to force the story, if you aren’t feeling it, then that could work against you.

        Helen: Who inspired you to first start writing?

        Philip: Easy. My wife. Jan. I first started writing following a really weird and vivid dream I had. This is going back about fifteen years now. I told Jan about it the next day and she thought it was such a weird, detailed dream, but that it would make a great story. So, secretly, I started writing down what I knew from the dream, putting it into a narrative.

        A week or two later, we were talking about it. Jan said that she had started to write it down. I didn’t know this, at the time, and told her that I had too. She said she had written about three or four pages, then asked me what I’d done. It was about forty.

        Anyway, it was her that spurred me on to keep writing. I wrote about seven drafts of that story – which is not one that I released. I will come back to it though. It is a really interesting premise. Seven drafts, though, was a lot of time. But, it was practice.

        Jan would read over what I had done, give me notes, tell me what worked and what didn’t, which she does for all my writing. She is the first person I write for, the first person to hear my ideas, that I talk them over with, who reads the chapters as and when they are done, and then the finished story.

        She has also stopped me deleting everything in a fit of frustration on a number of occasions. Thank God!

        Helen: That is so funny that you both started writing the same story. I’m glad you took your pages and turned them into a book! What are you currently working on?

        Philip: At the moment, I am jumping between a couple of WIPs. I’m focusing on a second book to Somewhere Else. That was a kid’s book I wrote for my son, Jacob, with him as the main character. It is a fun, adventure, fantasy/fairytale book that pokes fun at some of the tropes of fairytales and their characters, or archetypes. I don’t have a name yet, but I will think of something.

        The other one was a paranormal-thriller. Not a horror, I should state. I won’t go into the premise of it, only because it is early in the first draft, and I don’t know how long it will take to complete.

        I also want to do a sequel to The Wrong Apocalypse – got some notes and chapters on that. And then I’ve got a couple of other new stories running through my mind too. Do you ever find you have ideas but not the time to work on them all?

        Helen: I have so many ideas and not enough time to write them! I have three epic fantasy series started, and the challenge for me is which series to focus on, because I love the characters in all of them, and they are so different! Enough about us. Which books have you been reading and would recommend to others?

        Philip: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Such a good book. Short, but that’s not a negative. If you can, get the illustrated paperback. The artwork is great.

        Been reading a lot of Blake Crouch over the last year or so. Wayward Pines series. Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade.

        And I’ve started Mantis by Kotaro Isaka. It’s the third in a trilogy. You’ve probably heard of the film Bullet Train. That was the second book in his trilogy. They are fun, action-packed and an easy read.

        Helen: And which is your favourite book?

        Philip: Still American Gods by Neil Gaiman. And Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. If you want something whimsical, then go for Good Omens. If you want something that plays around with religion, myth and folklore and makes them its own, go for American Gods. That might be due another re-read soon, I think.

        Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. Just to finish, what advice would you give new writers?

        Philip: Keep writing for you. You are the first person you should be writing for. I know that I said that my wife was the first person I write for, but I meant that as externally. It’s like that saying, “Charity begins at home,” well, writing begins with you.

        I think Neil Gaiman said something, to butcher his saying, “The first draft is for you. The second is for the reader.”

        And, keep writing. Get the first draft done. Even if it is full of holes. Get it done. The holes can be filled in later drafts. They call it a Vomit Draft, I believe. Get it all out, no matter how bad. You can clean it up later. Bit of a gross analogy but I like it.

        About the Author

        Philip J Dennis

        Philip J Dennis, born and raised in Liverpool, England, is the author of several books spanning different genres, from paranormal and crime thriller, to a children’s book he had written for his son, a comedy horror, and a fictional biography.

        His novels include the …and all that’s in between trilogy. Isaac’s Fall, Harmony’s Choice, and Faith’s Rise. As well as Somewhere Else, The Wrong Apocalypse, and the newly released Behind The Curtain.

        He currently lives in Liverpool, with his wife and son, and continues to write. He can be followed on Instagram @Philip_J_Dennis as well as on Goodreads, where he welcomes questions and queries.

        Follow Philip:

        Amazon Author page

        Instagram

        Purchase Philip’s book: Behind the Curtain via Amazon

        Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

        Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

        As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

        If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring

        By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

        By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.

        Author Interview – Carole Wolfe

        Author of My Best Mistake

        Today, I am joined by chick lit author Carole Wolfe to talk about her My Best Series.

        Helen: Welcome Carole. It was great meeting you in Miami at the Readers Favorite Book Awards. Congratulations on winning an award for your book My Best Mistake. Tell us a little about your book.

        Carole: My Best Mistake – Tasha’s Story won the bronze medal in the 2023 Reader’s Favorite Fiction – Chick Lit category. It is book one in the five book My Best Series. My Best Mistake – Tasha’s Story follows single mother Tasha Gerome as she struggles to become her own person. Everyone wants something from her while she’s looking for a little peace and quiet.

        Helen: Congratulations again on your medal. What were your thoughts behind your cover?

        Carole: The current cover is the third cover for the book. Originally, the book cover had a pair of legs (mine) posing in pink pig slippers. It was cute, but confused readers. It also made it difficult to create the covers for the rest of the books in the series. The new cover is pink and represents the small town where Tasha lives. The rest of the books in the series have similar covers with images that represent something important to the story or main character. It makes it easy for readers to know that these five books are in the same series.

        Helen: Covers can be quite diffficult to get right, but your My Best Series covers look great together. How did you come up with the series titles?

        Carole: The word mistake usually has a bad connotation, but we don’t learn unless we make mistakes. The best mistake you can make is the one that changes your life. That’s what Tasha has to discover in this book. The series is called My Best Series because each character must make their best attempt at something to grow and evolve. 

        Helen: I love finding out the reasoning beind covers and titles! When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

        Carole: I’ve been writing since I was a kid. In the third grade, my friend and I “published” a book on typing paper and bound it with blue yarn. I still have that book, and I look at it to remind me where I started and why I still write. And the friend that I published with is one of my biggest supporters!

        Helen: How wonderful. That is a great reminder of where it all started. What are you working on now?

        Carole: I’m writing a new Women’s Friendship Fiction series about four friends in their fifties. They are in a running group together and are supporting each other through life’s twists and turns. The new series introduces some new characters but includes characters from the My Best Series as well. Readers don’t need to read the first series to enjoy the second one. But anyone who has read the first series might discover some fun references to past adventures.

        Helen: It’s nice when you can link series! How do you come up with your ideas for your books?

        Carole: Everywhere! I’ve gotten some great ideas while being in line at the grocery store, at a movie theatre and on an airplane. Plus, people are always talking on their phones, and I routinely make up the side of the conversation I can’t hear. That can be funny! I also get lots of ideas from my family. For example, one time when we went to the airport, my son announced he didn’t wear any shoes. While that didn’t make it into a book directly, it got me thinking about what happens if you forget to put on shoes. And that’s how pink pig slippers ended up on my first book cover.

        Helen: Love it! Authors are always thinking ‘What if…” If we were all given the same prompt, everyone of us would come up with something different! What genre you do you typically write and why?

        Carole: I write Women’s Fiction and Chick Lit. I want readers to finish my books and feel. It doesn’t necessarily matter what emotion is felt, as long as the reader finishes the story feeling different than before she or he read the book. (And I say she and he because men read Women’s Fiction as well! I have several male readers who have finished the entire series.)

        Helen: Who inspired you write?

        Carole : As I mentioned before, I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but two teachers fueled my writing inspirations as I grew up. My high school yearbook advisor encouraged me to apply to journalism school, and as a result, I received a scholarship. Once in college, my journalism professor told me, “Someday I’m going to read a novel you wrote.” Those two teachers encouraged me to pursue my dream of being an author.

        Helen: It is so important for teachers to encourage young people to express their creatvity. I am so glad you had that support. What is the best thing that’s happened to you since you began writing?

        Carole: I’ve met some incredible people and made wonderful friends. Writing is a solitary practice, so it’s great to have a group of people who understand what I’m doing and why I might not be immediately available to chat. Other writers are also great for bouncing ideas off of and asking questions about how they are handling new technology or practices in the industry.

        Helen: Let’s talk a little about the writing process. Which element of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?

        Carole: Character development is an ongoing challenge for me. Creating engaging characters is essential. Readers don’t always have to like the characters. But if the story’s characters aren’t interesting, readers (including myself) don’t finish the story. Making a character too likeable or too mean is problematic as well. I spend a lot of time thinking about what my characters are doing and why.

        Helen: How do you fit your writing into your everyday life?

        Carole: This is a great question, and the answer changes as my life changes. When my kids were younger and we were always on the go, I wrote while I waited in the carpool line, watching at soccer practice and sitting in the dentist’s office. I fit in time even if it was only for ten minutes. As the kids got older, I scheduled my writing time into two hours blocks. That worked for a while as I was writing my first series, but now that I am also marketing and promoting my books, I’ve had to change things up again. I do recommend keeping an open mind. If something isn’t working, then change it. Don’t try to keep the same schedule you’ve always had if it isn’t working.

        Helen: Do you listen to music when you write, if so, what do you listen to and why?

        Carole: I listen to the same music all the time. I have the soundtracks of several movies that instantly tell my brain it’s time to write. None of the songs have words, though. Otherwise, I’d be singing too much to write!

        Helen: I’m the same. I listen to a lot of classical music, so I have the noise in the background, and yet sometimes, I don’t even notice when the TV goes to sleep and I’m surrounded in silence. I’m so immersed in the world I am writing about that my surroundings disappear. So far, I have been fortunate not to hit writer’s block. Have you encounter writer’s block, and if so, what do you do to overcome it?

        Carole: I take a walk outside. It’s good to get away from the computer for a bit and get some exercise in. The change of scenery helps my brain. I usually come up with a solution to whatever has been bothering me. It’s like the characters need to get outside and stretch their legs as well. 

        Helen: I agree, I thnk sometimes you have to let the back brain noodle on a plot knot and the solution will come to you. You can try too hard sometimes. What advice would you give new writers?

        Carole: Do what works for you. There is no one way to write. Feel free to read craft books, listen to podcasts about writing and go to conferences, but you don’t have to do everything in the exact way someone else does it. It’s great to get advice, but what’s important is to do what works for you.  

        Helen: Great advice. Thank you so much for chatting with me today. Just to close us out, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

        Carole: I’ve met some incredible people and made wonderful friends. Writing is a solitary practice, so it’s great to have a group of people who understand what I’m doing and why I might not be immediately available to chat. Other writers are also great for bouncing ideas off of and asking questions about how they are handling new technology or practices in the industry.

        About the Author

        Carole Wolfe

        Carole Wolfe writes women’s fiction that makes you smile. She enjoys running at a leisurely pace, crocheting baby blankets for others and drinking wine when she can find the time. After moving nine times in twenty years, Carole and her family have settled in Texas.

        Follow on:

        Author website (Sign up to newsletter via website)
        Instagram
        Facebook

        Purchase My Best Mistake via Amazon:

        Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback | Audiobook

        Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback | Audiobook

        As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

        If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

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        Author Interview – Suzanna C. Grose

        Author of Turned into Gold

        Today, I am joined by dark romance author Suzannah C. Grose to talk about her debut novel Turned Into Gold.

        Helen: Welcome Suzannah. Congratulations on publishing your first book. Tell us about your book, Turned Into Gold.

        Suzannah: Turned Into Gold, A handsome but insane scientist with a tortured soul is in love with a beautiful young woman who is brutally raped and murdered. He wants to bring her back to life and avenge her murder. Can he bring her back to life? And if so, will she love him as much as he loves her? Will he discover who committed the murder and how will he get his revenge? This story illustrates the transformative power of love and the inner strength needed to rise above horrific circumstances.

        Helen: That is quite a tough subject to write about, and gives me Frankenstein vibes with the man’s efforts to bring her back to life. Why did you write this particular book?

        Suzannah: It was for a contest that I wanted to enter, but my husband told me to publish it myself.

        Helen: Your cover is quite simple, but I love the splash of gold. Tell us how you decided on the design.

        Suzannah: I kept going back and forth between different book covers. Nothing seemed to fit the story. I had an idea what I wanted to look like, and one of my best friends made it for me. I love it!

        Helen: Who is your favourite character from your book?

        Suzannah: Theodore Black, he’s a morally grey character that you can’t help but to love him. He’s a dark and mysterious character, but he absolutely would do anything for Elizabeth. I would love anyone that would love me the way that Theodore loves Elizabeth.

        Helen: When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

        Suzannah: When I was in third grade, I won a writing contest. I used to write fan fiction and stories on Wattpad. So, I have always loved writing since a young age.

        Helen: It’s so great that your love of writing has stayed with you. Which genre do you prefer to write?

        Suzannah: I write dark romance, romance, thriller… Mostly dark romance and romance novels. I love writing novels in the dark romance genre because I like more of a realistic story. In real life, love is not just rainbows and butterflies. Sometimes it’s hard, dark, but you come out of it with a beautiful love story.

        Helen: What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

        Suzannah: I published my book in 2022.

        Helen: Publishing a book is pretty special, and such an accomplishment. If your Main Character could answer, why would they say we should read your book?

        Suzannah: I think Theodore Black would say, “People would love to read mine and Elizabeth’s story because it shows the power of love.”

        Helen: What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom?

        Suzannah : I would have to say, “Show not tell.” I have to remind myself that when I’m editing and making sure, I’m showing what is going on in the story and not just telling the reader what is happening.

        Helen: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?

        Suzannah: When I read a review on my book or even a rating, it pushes the negative thoughts away.

        Helen: Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?

        Suzannah: Free form mix with planner, I have bullet points that I used to help write. It helps me remember what I have to write in a chapter or keep track of something.

        Helen: Thank you for joining me today. It’s been great chatting to you. Just to finish, what are some of the books you read recently that you would recommend to others?

        Suzannah: Four Treasures of the Sky. I love the book, I will definitely recommend it to anyone. I did not see the ending coming, I was very shocked.

        About the Author

        Suzanne C. Grose

        Suzannah Grose is a writer and poet. She loves to write and she loves to read. Her first book came out in 2022, it’s called Turned Into Gold. You can find it on Amazon.

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        Purchase Turned Into Gold via Amazon:

        Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

        Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

        As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

        If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

        Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring

        By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

        By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.