A Construct of Angels by Andrew Toynbee

In this scene, Sara the Paramedic is touched by the Angel that she caused to Fall into the student's body.  He feels that he has to convince her of his pure intentions.

I was suffused by a pure white Light that washed away all sight of the rain-lashed street outside.  The Light was more than just brightness – it was physical; tangible, rippling the air around me like a warming breeze on a spring day.
My eyes watered as waves of joy suffused me and I felt my hair floating freely around me, unhindered by gravity.  The Light flowed into my body to warm me from within, beginning in my bones, working outwards, infusing my muscles and my flesh with liquid bliss.  Every corpuscle of my blood sang in harmony, raising a forest of goosebumps on my skin.
I stared along my arm, following it to my crooked finger that pressed gently against a figure that was glowing, not through some trick of transparent skin, but from every molecule of his body that was alive and buzzing with Light. 

You can get A Construct of Angels on Amazon for Kindle, connect with Andrew on Goodreads and his blog.

Author Interview with Andrew Toynbee

1. Why do you write?

I write because I can't help myself.  I feel compelled to write at every available opportunity.  Ideas are constantly springing up in my head and writing is the only way to get them out of there to leave me room to think.  It's also a way of sharing my ideas with the world.

2. How many books have you written?

'A Construct of Angels' is my debut novel.  I have two others that I have yet to finish, but this book was the one that received the big push.  I have two sequel novels planned.

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

The flood of Vampire, werewolf and other related supernatural novels got me wondering if I couldn't write something within the same genre - but I wanted to make it different, with no Vampires or werewolves in it at all.

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

I used to be a straight-down-the road science fiction reader, but Stephen Donaldson and Julian May drew me towards high fantasy stories.  My second attempt at a novel was a high fantasy work. This continues to be my favourite genre as it is so unrestriced compared to urban or sci fi - absolutely nything can happen.

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?

E.E. 'Doc' Smith, Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke were a huge influence on me and inspired me to begin my first attempt at a novel.  As I've mentioned, Stephen Donaldson was a big influence on me later.  I hoped to bring some of the wonder and huge scale of The Land that appears in 'The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant' to my fantasy work.

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?

It would have to be the one I've just completed - 'A Construct of Angels'.

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?

It's a way to share ideas that endures in the mind of the reader.  I still have flashes of scenes and dialogue from books I've read decades ago.

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

Don't stop the writing process.  Write steadily and write a little every day, but don't feel horribly guilty if you miss one day.  Just pick it up the following day.  Persist, have a definite ending in mind, but be flexible if you think of a better one.  And don't hate what you write down the first time through.  Once you have the full story down, you can always go back over and improve it.

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

My novel was never designed to be set in York.  The original story was set in Edinburgh, with the angel falling into a female body, who would eventually fall in love with a male paramedic.  But when the collaboration with my friend produced two completely diverging ideas, we broke apart to write separately; hers in a post-apocalyptic future Edinburgh, mine in a contemporary York.  This time the paramedic was female and the angel fell into a male body.  I think the story improved as a result, because it also shifted from third person to first person (female) narration and I have received a lot of positive feedback from my female readers. 

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke.  I keep trying Pepsi, but always end up back at Coke.

You can get A Construct of Angels on Amazon for Kindle, connect with Andrew on Goodreads and his blog.

Released TODAY: Contrails by Robert Anderson

     Sam Claymore works for Civil Airlines, sleepwalking through the highs and lows, the ups and downs of being a pilot. He survives working alongside a wacky cast of captains, turbulence scares, even being estranged from his father. Nothing fazes him until one day he is unexpectedly furloughed. What Sam will do becomes the new route he must navigate.
     Enter Nate McFadden, a childhood friend living in Miami. Nate contacts Sam at the right time, a time when his moral compass may be susceptible to manipulation. Nate moves Sam in, getting him a job where being furloughed is the least of his worries. Follow Sam as he descends deeper into a world he could’ve never imagined. CONTRAILS is a story of real people faced with extreme decisions, the consequences of which could mean their lives.

 

     In Anderson's debut thriller, a grounded pilot launches a new career as a drug runner.
     Civil Air pilot Sam Claymore can handle himself in the sky, but dealing with life on the ground is another story. Rushing to the gate for an early morning flight, the young airman can barely endure overzealous TSA agents, needy passengers and one unfortunate Starbucks barista. "This is what traveling has become: standing in line," he laments. One bright spot is flight attendant Victoria Knight, who draws Sam in with her exotic looks and "chameleon quality of being two people at once." While Sam skewers baggage fees and airport prices for bottled water, he also gives readers a convincing feel for the day-to-day life of an airline pilot. From the details of preflight inspection to FAA rules on alcohol consumption, the author shows an impressive knowledge of the job--and its potential for absurdity. Humorous episodes include a debate in the cockpit over whether aliens built the pyramids and a spot-on observation about airborne psychology: "Passengers listen to pilot announcements like religious fanatics listen to prophets, their collective fate dangling on the intrepid voice of the faceless air god."...This airline tell-all and comical crime tale is recommended in-flight reading. - Kirkus Review

Available today in paperback and ebook!

Author Interview with Robert Anderson

1. Why do you write?

Writing is an affliction, a calling. You have to follow what Keats called the “heart’s affection and the truth of the imagination.” I caught the bug when I was seventeen. Twelve years on, I’m still working at it harder than ever. It’s become ingrained in me. It’s not what I do. It’s who I am.

2. How many books have you written? 

Two. Contrails is my second novel, but it’s the first I’ve formally published. My first book is titled The Unaccounted For. It’s a semi-autobiographical account of my time working in Detroit as an accountant. Once the sequel to Contrails is released, I plan on publishing it next.

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

I gave The Unaccounted For to a very good friend of mine to read when I finished it in 2010. He’s read most of my short stories so I knew he would actually take the time to read it. It helps to have a friend you trust to read your work and who will give you an unbiased review. He read it in three days and was astounded. He started toying with the idea for a novel about a pilot (his profession) and gave me 10,000 words nine months later. I edited it, changed it, made it my own and gave it back to him. We both were blown away. We’ve been working on it nonstop since. He’s been a tremendous help which is why I dedicated the book to him.   

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

Literary fiction. Hands down. It’s those nuggets of truth that shine a light on our own lives that—to me—make reading such a pleasurable experience.

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors? 

Absolutely. I think all writers start out imitating their favorite authors’ styles. You develop your own over time, but never totally shake your influences.

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written? 

Contrails. It contains some of my best writing and is the accomplishment I am most proud of.

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing? 

Writing is the most vital tool at humanity’s disposal. Story has existed as long as language has. It’s how we convey to future generations what the past was like. I can’t imagine civilization without it. 

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

Stay at it. Persistence is key. Slow and steady wins the race. In writing a novel, these clichés turn out to be true. It is such a massive task that it’s going to require stick-to-itiveness to prevail. But in the end, the reward exceeds the challenge.  

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

Nothing humorous enough to mention. I draw a lot from real life a la literary writers like Philip Roth and Saul Bellow. I typically start with something trite or banal and end up flipping into something interesting enough for fiction.

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Pepsi, although it seems, like a lot of things in life, that the longer you stay away from Coke, the better it is once you taste it again.

Follow Robert on Twitter and get a copy of his book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  

Author Interview with Garen Wolff

1. Why do you write?

Art should imitate life, to some extent. Unfortunately, the content and subject matter of the majority of young adult and middle grade books do not reflect the diversity of its readers. Therefore, I wanted to write a series that had characters with a range of personalities and diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. However, I also write because I ❤ the art of storytelling. I am the person in the movie theatre admiring the dialogue, cinematography and costumes.

2. How many books have you written?

Thus far, I have written 3 books.

First Book: The Girlz of Galstanberry, which placed as a finalist in the multi-cultural category of the 2011 International Book Awards, was released in 2010. In the debut novel, five dynamic girls from different cities, socio-economic backgrounds and ethnicities receive the coveted Galstanberry acceptance letter. On one unforgettable day-- Sunday, August 29--these five girls leave lasting impressions on family and friends before departing for Connecticut to attend Galstanberry's Orientation on Monday.

 

Second Book: Galstanberry #2, the second installment in the Galstanberry series, was released in 2011. In the second book, readers are introduced to Galstanberry Girls Academy, an exclusive boarding school in Connecticut, where history, tradition and pearls intertwine. On the eve of Galstanberry's famous pearling ceremony, sixth graders are pulled from their beds. However, this is one among many surprises to come.

 

Third Book: Galstanberry #3, the third installment in the Galstanberry series, was released July 2012! In the third book, the famous Galstanberry Election season has begun. Although each seat on Student Council is open, the position of 6th grade Class President has captivated everyone’s attention. Within a few weeks, two teams have emerged; Team Tabitha and Team Brandi. Now, each Galstanberry must decide whose team she’s on

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

Fan mail from girls around the country inspired me to write Galstanberry #3. To appease them and make the book even better, I introduced the school’s faculty and gave them unique personalities. Although the book focuses on 5 main characters, I incorporated the secondary characters more.

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

Adult fiction, specifically magic realism. One of my favorite novels is, House of Sprits, by Isabella

Allende.

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?

Yes. Authors such as Octavia Butler, Isabella Allende and Ralph Ellison have taught me how to vividly describe scenes and add dimensions to characters. Although my books do not have a fantasy element, I have learned how to build a world of Galstanberry Academy for my characters.

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?

Hmm, that’s a difficult question. So far, my favorite book is the third book in the series, Galstanberry #3. And here’s why:

1.      Growth: After 2 years and a third book, I have learned to write each of the five main characters more fluidly.

2.      Furthering the ‘World of Galstanberry’: In the third book, I expand on the life of a Galstanberry Academy student. From classes, teachers to social moments between the girls, I provide the readers a greater look into the school.

 

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?

In my perspective, the art of writing is the ability to paint a picture. As Anton Chkhov poignantly stated, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” In my books, readers will imagine the lush ivy spiraling around a crimson door or the perfectly pulled bun worn by Dean Simmons—detail is everything. However, one can only paint the picture if they are familiar with the subject matter. I always encourage people to write what they know. Galstanberry Academy is a reflection of my boarding school upbringing and my years at Wellesley College, a prestigious all-women’s college.

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

Write all the time and everywhere. Don’t get mired in grammar or correct punctuation...yet. Just get your ideas on paper.

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

The first book in the series was, in a way, therapeutic. At the time, I was a scientific fellow at the National Institute of Health. My research involved handling mice, which I didn’t like. So, I incorporated that part of my life into the life of Fei, the California breakdancing girl that hates science, especially working in her parents laboratory.

10. Coke or Pepsi? 

I ❤ coke.

You can follow Galstanberry on Twitter and Facebook, as well as find out more at the official website.

PROMO ~ Galstanberry #2

This Thursday, read Galstanberry #2 by Garen Wolff for free on your Kindle!


[From Amazon:]

Welcome to Galstanberry Girls Academy, an exclusive boarding school in Connecticut, where history, tradition and pearls intertwine. On the eve of Galstanberry's legendary pearling ceremony, sixth graders are pulled from their beds to be tested. Follow five dynamic girls from across the United States-- Lillian, Brandi, Fei, Tabitha, and Nisha--as they navigate Galstanberry--its glory and shortcomings. Who rooms with whom? What traditions are followed? Through each triumph and tribulation, the girls grow, learning more about themselves and discovering the true meaning of a 'Galstanberry Girl.'

"Trade Winds to Meluhha" by Vasant Davé

Anu took the bowls, put them inside the tent, glanced at the sleeping Puli, and tied the tent flaps. She turned to join the swelling crowd when she heard a commanding voice behind, "Wait, woman!"

She stood transfixed. She had recognised it. Anger engulfed her like the fire of Kochi. In a lightning movement, her hand pulled out a bone pin from her hair as she spun around. She beheld the mysterious man. He did not sport a beard like the mendicant. Nor did he have a moustache like the old man of Kupgal. He carried himself straight and was in fact much younger than any of his earlier appearances. In the dim light, something reflected in his hand and she realized that he was armed. Exposing uneven teeth in what could be a grin, he spoke again, "Take it easy, Anlil."

A cold shiver passed through her spine. Only a few people in Meluhha knew her real name. The rascal Jittan of Chendur was one of them. "Who are you?" She found her voice. It was giving her away. "And why are you after us?"

"Never mind that, Anlil!" he switched to fluent Sumérian. "Ask 'What do you want?'"

She could not speak. It was alarming enough that someone addressed her by real name so long after she had dropped it. But it was extremely disturbing to hear that person speak her mother tongue. That bode ill omen for her safety.

You can find Vasant on his website, Facebook, and Twitter. His book is available for Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo Reader, Sony Reader, and on Smashwords.

Author Interview with Vasant Davé

1. Why do you write?

I write because I enjoy creating something which I can share with other people.

2. How many books have you written?

Only one. A historical novel entitled Trade winds to Meluhha which is published as an e-Book on Amazon, B&N and other sites. However, I have written two booklets which are distributed free. They are entitled How I wrote a Pre-Historic Novel and Novelizing the Ancient Indus Valley. They describe my experience of writing Trade winds to Meluhha. Interested readers might download them at http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75096 andhttp://www.smashwords.com/books/view/178975 respectively.

By the way, I had written an account of a short tour in Kenya and Tanganyika (now Tanzania) as a high school student. It was in my mother tongue Gujarati. Written with a fountain pen and illustrated with pencil colours, that 40-year old manuscript is my priceless possession 

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

India and Pakistan have as ancient a heritage as the Middle East and Egypt. Indus Valley Civilization was contemporary of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt, and had had cultural and trading ties with them. Yet, it isn't as well known to the West.

One reason is the famine of exciting fiction on the Indus Valley. Probably your readers learnt about it in school along with Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. However, they can't recall only the Indus Valley because while many interesting novels were written and several films made on the other two cultures, nothing existed on it.

When I discovered how the Indus Valley people planned their towns, harnessed rain-water, manufactured intricate jewellery and built reed ships which could sail across the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, my engineering background turned into a ghost. It started pestering me at night to narrate those achievements of my ancestors to the world.

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

Adventure, Mystery and Thriller. I like Historical Fiction only if it contains a good measure of all three.

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?

Definitely. I was schooled in Kenya when it had just attained freedom from the British rule. We were taught English Literature by British teachers who loved Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Hardy and HG Wells. Often they got so involved discussing, that neither they nor the class heard the bell that signalled change of period. Later whenever I read novels, a little of the analytic thinking that I'd learnt from them sprang up at the back of my mind. It made my reading experience more enjoyable. So when I started writing Trade winds to Meluhha, it was but natural that my mind worked in a way it had been trained while discussing the writing of great novelists.

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?

Trade winds to Meluhha. It took me three and a half years to research and write, and was considered in the top 5% in Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest, 2012.

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?

My writing stands nowhere near the famous writers of fiction such as Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and Rabindranath Tagore, who were 'Word Artists'. Commercial fiction is more a craft than art. Puritans in English click elsewhere after glancing through the first page of Trade winds to Meluhha on Google Books (http://books.google.co.in/books/about/Trade_winds_to_Meluhha.html?id=xSwK2Sm2cuoC). However, lesser mortals like you and me are likely to finish the chapter and scroll to the next. That, I consider as my success as a fiction writer.

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

It's too early for me to proffer advice. However, I'd like to share here an anecdote narrated by Brian Shell in an authors' forum:

"When I decided to make my leap of faith away from engineering in Los Angeles to move back home to Detroit in 1995, the senior scientist I worked with asked why I was leaving... if it was something he did. And I told him that he was really a delight to have as my mentor... but that I wasn't experiencing the creativity I desired in my life. 'I'm good at math and science, but I don't love it.'

He then told me: 'I applaud your decision... myself, as a PhD who writes the computer code the company uses to analyze satellite antennas, every day is creative for me. I'm the master of my own destiny in a sense.'

He then thought a moment and said, 'You know... the only truly happy people I know are those who are creative on a daily basis.'

That last one has stuck with me for the past 17 years."

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

Not in a plot or a character, but in several scenes, yes. Let me narrate one that my father had recounted to me.

My father spent his childhood in Morbi, one of the erstwhile princely states in Western India. Near the railway station there was a tea stall. It was very popular among people from the surrounding villages coming to the town for shopping. One donkey used stray to the stall everyday to eat the discarded tea leaves.

Once, the stall owner went out of town. When he returned, he found the means of his livelihood in shambles. Someone informed that the donkey had kicked and broken open the wooden stall. Everybody wondered at the beast's strange behaviour.

Later it transpired that in order to grow his clientele, the owner furtively added opium in the boiling beverage. Traces of it must be remaining in the tea leaves that he threw away. Thus the animal too had got addicted to opium and it lost temper when it could not get its daily dose.

That incident became the basis of a couple of amusing scenes in Trade winds to Meluhha.

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Neither. I prefer to sip green coconut. Under the tropical sun, its cooling effect on the stomach and the head is more lasting than any refrigerated soft drink.

You can find Vasant on his website, Facebook, and Twitter. His book is available for Kindle, Nook, iPad, Kobo Reader, Sony Reader, and on Smashwords.

Author Interview with Lance Manion

1.Why do you write?

To see if it's just me that thinks this stupid stuff. When I read that Justin Bieber sold out 2 shows at Madison Square Garden in under 30 seconds it makes me feel like I crash landed on this planet. Writing is the only thing stopping me from walking in front of a speeding cement mixer.

2.How many books have you written?
2. Merciful Flush and Results May Vary

3.What inspired you to write your (latest) book?
5 years of blogging started to pile up. Thought it would be nice to have a vehicle to introduce my blogging to a broader audience.

4.What is your favorite genre to read?
Science Fiction

5.Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?
As Bono said; "Every artist is a cannibal, every poet is a thief."

6.Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?
The new one coming out in the winter.

7.What is your opinion of the art of writing?
Most people start when they are in first grade. Then they learn more and more words until they can completely hide the original intent of their writing... even from themselves. Writing is easy, being honest is difficult.

8.What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?
Try to always feel like an outsider. A fraud. The conventions, seminars and cocktail parties have enough people there taking themselves too seriously as is. Relax and be yourself. If it offends people all the better.

9.Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?
Not really. The sad part is that 90% of what I write is just me trying to capture some dumb thought before it heads off into the abyss.

10.Coke or Pepsi?
Coke. If I see someone drinking a Pepsi when a Coke is available to them they are dead to me.

You can find Lance's book here, visit his website, follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook

Author Interview with Patricia Garber

1. Why do you write?

"I write to silence the voices inside my head," applies here. Now imagine my relief when I discovered- gasp- I wasn't alone.  Can this be true?  I'd never heard this quoted until it was used in a movie entitled "Anonymous". (Hollywood's attempt to shed light on the creative works--namely who actually created the body of work--of William Shakespeare.) As the final credits rolled, I almost jumped up out of my seat, ready to celebrate the simple truth that justifies the countless times I've driven from point A to point B with no memory of how I got there. (I was far too busy listening to the character dialog inside my own head.)  What a relief! And here I've been waiting for the men in white coats, convinced my turn will come when they've reached the letter G on the writer-round up list!  At last, now I can pull over--let's hope safely--and dig around for a scrap piece of paper, just so I can jot down my thoughts, in peace. I can actually celebrate my craziness because, like you, I'm in good company.

2. How many books have you written?

I've written two published novels (Eternal Flame and Dream Angel). The Angelic Saga, as it's called now, turned out to be an unexpected series.  Truthfully, I wasn't aware there was more than one book inside of me, and I never could have guessed, readers would want more. I feel truly blessed.

  

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

"Write what you know," we've all heard this one. It's talked about in every writing seminar in every convention across the country. It's the best advice I've ever taken. I truly believe, if we can find one pulsating truth inside the fiction we're writing, and express it honesty, even if it brings you great pain, readers will come.  They're begging for us to take them on a journey, one that feels real but not too real (Real life bites there for we read).  They want the end to have a point. It doesn't have to be a life changing point, just something that sticks with them for at least a day. Something that assures them, they haven't wasted their time.  Not so hard, right?  No!  It's downright dreadful, but it's what we're called to do, so we might as well get serious about it.  

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

I enjoy any story with a good twist. Especially all genres of suspense like romance suspense or even a good crime novel where the sexual tension between the villain and the hero act as a side story.  Is that twisted? Ok, maybe just a tad, but conflict makes for a great story!

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?

I would love to think so, but I don't have it in me to even presume this could be true.

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?

A tough question, as I've enjoyed each book for a different reason and no one more than the other.  I believe every writer has one great book inside of them, waiting to come out.  Have I written mine yet? I don't think so.

   

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?

I think it's one of God's greatest gifts. To be able to create a world that gives people a break from the reality of life is a super power as great as, say, invisibility or flight.  I suppose we can't all be Superman, and somebody has to be The Riddler, but in the end most just want to be remembered for their effort. Good thing books last a forever.

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

Practice patience. Read up on the craft and the business. There is an over abundant amount of information out there and so much of the advice is simple.  We just have to believe we can do it!

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

When I created Heather, the best friend to my heroine, much of her personality traits resembled my own girlfriends.  See, I took the name of one, used the personality traits of another, the oddities of yet another, and had me a pretty darn good character. The best part, for me, is listening while they attempt to dissect which parts belong to whom. Its countless hours of entertainment!  Of course nobody wants to own up to the obnoxious or more dysfunctional side of the character, and everybody can see her charm within themselves. It's a complete riot! And explains why most writers don't have any friends. (Not true)

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke with a splash of Jack.

You can find Patricia's books here, like "Eternal Flame" here, visit her website, and follow her on Twitter. 

"Twin-Bred" by Karen Wyle

[Context: The human colony on Tofarn and the indigenous Tofa have great difficulty
communicating with and basically comprehending each other. Scientist Mara Cadell
is running a project where host mothers carry twins, one human and one Tofa, in the
hope that the bond between twins can bridge the gap between species. Alan Kimball, a
member of the governing human Council, is hostile to the Tofa and has inserted agents
into the project.]


Tilda looked at her twins, cuddled close together in the crib. Mat-set had all four
arms wrapped around Suzie. They seemed to cuddle any chance they got. Maybe they
were glad to be free of separate amniotic sacs.
She looked down at Mat-set and remembered the rumors of Tofa with five arms
instead of four. She had even seen pictures, but who knew whether they were authentic.
Certainly none of the Tofa Twin-Bred babies had been born with extra limbs.
Tilda glanced over at the big dormitory clock and then back down at the babies. She
gasped and staggered a step back. Mat-set was still holding Suzie with four arms. So how
was he scratching his head with another one?
Tilda looked around wildly for a chair, found one blessedly nearby, and sank down
on it. She pinched herself. Nothing changed. Well, who said you couldn’t pinch yourself
in a dream and keep on dreaming?
She got up and walked, a bit unsteadily, to the intercom and buzzed for a nurse. Then
she went back to the crib. Of course. Four arms, only four, and what was she going to do
now?
She decided to be brave and sensible. If she had really seen it, the staff had to know.
And if she hadn’t, and she didn’t wake up, then she was ill, and she should get the help
she needed.


The chief nurse tucked Tilda in and watched her drift off to sleep, sedative patch in
place. Then she went back to her station and called up the monitor footage on Tilda’s
twins.
Well, well.


* CONFIDENTIAL *
CLEARANCE CLASS 3 AND ABOVE


LEVI Status Report, 12-15-71
Executive Summary


Anatomical Developments


Observation of the Tofa infants has shed some light on the longstanding question of
whether the number of Tofa upper appendages is variable among the Tofa population.


The thickest of the four armlike appendages is apparently capable of dividing when an
additional upper appendage is desired. . . .


Councilman Kimball bookmarked the spot in his agent's report and opened his mail
program. He owed an apology to the young man who had claimed his poor showing
against a Tofa undesirable was due to the sudden appearance of an extra appendage.
Apparently the man had been neither dishonest nor drunk.
After discharging that obligation, Kimball made a note to seek further details as
to the divided arms' placement, reach, and muscular potential. His people needed
adequate information to prepare them for future confrontations. After all, forewarned —
he laughed out loud at the thought — was forearmed.


You can visit Karen's website, like her book on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, find her book on Amazon (for both Kindle and paperback), and find out more on her blog.

Author Interview with Karen Wyle

1. Why do you write?

From early childhood, I considered myself a writer. I had a poem (not a very good one) published in the local paper when I was in 3rd grade. When I was ten years old, it was my ambition to be the youngest published author ever, and I was somewhat crestfallen to learn that a nine-year-old girl had claimed that honor. For the next ten years, I tried to find the right form for my writing: novels? poetry? short stories? Nothing seemed right, and I gave up for a long time.
When I started having children in my mid-thirties, I also started writing picture book manuscripts. My older daughter is a gifted artist; when she was eight or so, she would do drawings and I would write silly poems to accompany them. Ten years later, she took part in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo or NaNo) for the first time. Her second year in NaNo, I joined her – and produced the rough draft of my first novel, Twin-Bred.

I love to imagine characters and situations, and to find out from my characters what they will do with the situations. I love the art and craft of working with words. And I am glad to keep faith, finally, with that ten-year-old girl I used to be.

2. How many books have you written?

I’ve published one novel, Twin-Bred. I am editing rough drafts of two others, one (general fiction) tentatively titled Reflections, and a still-unnamed sequel to Twin-Bred. I’ve self-published one science fiction story, “The Baby.” Finally, I have a small pile of picture book manuscripts, four of which an agent is shopping around.

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

I’ll answer about Twin-Bred, as it’s my latest published book and the one whose origin I remember most clearly.

When I decided – at the end of October 2010 -- to take part in NaNoWriMo that November, I needed a story to tell. As I sat down to come up with some book ideas, science fiction kept happening. At about the same time, I read an article about amazing interactions between twins in utero, captured on video. The researchers had found synchronized movement, touching, even kissing. Either the article or a comment on the article mentioned the traumatic, often devastating, impact on those whose twin -- identical or fraternal -- had died in utero or shortly after birth.
Straining this information through the science fiction filter in my mind, I imagined a scientist seeking to overcome the comprehension gap between two intelligent species by way of the bond between twins. It would be natural for the scientist who conceived this idea to be a twin. It would add emotional depth to the story if she were a twin survivor. And for added strangeness and interest, what if she had somehow kept her lost twin alive as a companion, who could be a character in the story . . . ?
I have always been fascinated by communication issues and the struggle to understand what is different. I also find myself returning constantly to the themes of family relationships, unintended consequences, and unfinished business. All these threads wove together to form the story of Twin-Bred.

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

It’d be either science fiction or historical fiction. (I am not good at picking a single favorite in any category.)

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?

Probably. I would imagine that my “voice” is the product of many years of reading both literary and genre fiction. It is no doubt also influenced, though I hope not fatally tainted, by my years as an appellate attorney, writing persuasive prose.

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?

Here we go with the “favorite” question again! J . . . . This is hard to answer when two of my three novels are still in the editing stage. I believe that the sequel to Twin-Bred may turn out to be the best crafted of the three.

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?

I view writing as an art and a craft. The artistic side is more mysterious, taking place at a largely subconscious level. Stephen King’s observation, that an author’s role is akin to that of a paleontologist uncovering a fossil, comes to mind. But a paleontologist has to figure out which bone goes where – and a writer has to arrange the elements of a story. . . .

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

• Keep pen and paper, or some other means of taking notes, with you at all times. Don't assume you'll remember your great idea five minutes from now -- write it down immediately! Get or jury-rig a lighted note pad for your bedside table. (A clip-on book light attached to a cheap note pad will work.) If you get ideas in the shower, mutter them over and over to yourself until you reach dry land.

• Become compulsive about multiple backups of your idea notes, works in progress, rough drafts, subsequent drafts, etc. Use "the cloud" (Web-based storage), e.g., Dropbox or Evernote. (I use Dropbox. Once it's running on your computer, it will back up a document stored in your Dropbox folder every time you save. But check periodically to make sure it's still running!) Email attachments to yourself (and then check whether your email host is periodically deleting them). Put files on a separate hard drive and on flash drives.

• This one is YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary). That said, I and many other authors find it essential to keep the inner editor gagged and stuffed in a closet when we're working on a rough draft. Don't be afraid to leave blanks or bracketed notes as you go. (My second-to-latest rough draft had one that read "[insert appropriate South American country here].") National Novel Writing Month, in which participants aim to write a novel of at least 50,000 words within the month of November, is a great way to accomplish this. There'll be time enough later for lots and lots of rewriting.

• A related point: find the process that works for you. Some authors outline in detail. Others find too specific an outline stifling, and work from less organized notes of possible scenes, or with no notes at all. Some have a fixed time of day for writing, and allow nothing to disrupt it; others flit back and forth all day between writing and other tasks. Some use computers; some still write longhand, and a few swear by typewriters.

• Think seriously about self-publishing. There's a wealth of info and support out there for indie authors. Conversely, this is a risky time to sign a contract with an agent or publisher. Because of the uncertain and fast-changing conditions in the publishing industry, many agents and publishers are inserting "rights grabs" and other clauses in their contracts that could cripple an author's career. Some of the worst language may be hidden in unexpected places like "warranty" clauses. If you do sign with an agent or publisher, try to find a way to pay a good IP attorney to go through the contract with a microscope. Don't let the allure of "having an agent" or "being published" lead you to grab at an offer of representation or publication without vetting it thoroughly.

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

See above re where the plot of Twin-Bred came from.

I’ve taken traits from my daughters and given them to characters in Twin-Bred. Mara is an artist and draws cartoons, like my older daughter. Melly has a strong personality from young childhood onward, and is interested in theater – like my younger daughter.

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Rarely either. But I respect Coke’s unique taste and many possible uses (e.g. removing rust).

You can visit Karen's website, like her book on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, find her book on Amazon (for both Kindle and paperback), and find out more on her blog.

"It Takes Two" by Faiyaz Kiddi

The gentle beams of the morning sun sidled through a slit between the thin lilac curtains. A small streak gleamed on to my brow and tenderly called upon my eyes to open. As the morning blur cleared from my eyes, I saw the sparkling eyes of Cai. She was lying beside me, wearing nothing but a winsome smile that could melt any heart. Sharing the scattered bed sheet, our eyes painted a picture of this beautiful moment. 
“You’re here with me.” I whispered in my coarse dawning voice. Cai smiled and shook her head. 
“I can’t explain how hard it was... for me to spend all this time without you,”  I whispered, as I cherished this tranquil moment. 
“We’ll never be apart again.” I spoke these words with all of my faith. “Sometimes it feels like this is a dream.” She reached her comforting hand to the side of my face and whispered into my ear. “It is a dream.” The reflection of her restful face slowly faded away from my eyes and I was lying in my bed once again, all alone.



You can buy Faiyaz's book on Amazon as well as an autographed copy. 

Author Interview with Faiyaz Kiddi

1. Why do you write?
I never liked writing when I was younger. It may sound awkward coming from an author, but that's the truth. I guess it was mostly because I viewed writing as a rigid task in school. Writing essays and reports was all I knew. It wasn't until my teenage years that I got the confidence to write, for myself. Not for school but for me. I used to write to get away from it all. Create a whole new world in which anything, could be. And I still write with that same passion to this day.


2. How many books have you written?
"It Takes Two" is my debut novel. Although I have wrote several stories that are scattered on the hard-drive of my computer, "It Takes Two" is my first ever published novel.


3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?
Experience. Like many novelists out there, both established and newcomers, it is experience which inspires me to write. For me it was the experiences in my own life that lead to the creation of "It Takes Two".


4. What is your favourite genre to read?
I am a huge bibliophile. I read almost anything and everything that I can get my hands on. But I have always had a soft spot for modern fiction novels.


5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favourite authors?
There are many authors, whose works have contributed to my writing experience. But in my novel I mention one particular author, who is the biggest influence in my writing style. And that's Haruki Murakami. I remember reading his work for the first time and being blown away by his style. At the time I couldn't believe that a novel could be so creatively descriptive. I kept reading one novel after another.


6. Which is your favourite book that you’ve written?
Even though I have only written the one novel so far, I think "It Takes Two" will always be my baby.


7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?
Writing is unlike any other art. You do not need to have any specialist equipment or instruments to do it. You can do it anywhere and everywhere. It is through words that you can bring a smile on someones face, or a tear to their eye.


8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?
When you write, write for yourself. Nobody else but you. Forget the word count, syntax or grammar. Write with conviction and belief. If you just type the words, then it's just a sentence. But if you feel the emotions that carry those words, that's what makes it a statement. Write because of the love of writing. If you're writing for a fast buck, then forget it.


9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?
I have a funny story about how I almost came up with a character. The novel was still in it's research and development stage. I was building the personality of the protagonist of the story (Adam). I took out a sketchpad and started to put a face together. I found it easier to relate to a character if I gave them a face. I was sitting by myself in the university canteen at the time. And after half hour or so, I had drawn a very rough sketch of a face. And out of nowhere, one of the canteen staff walked by and pointed at the sketch while shouting in my ear "If you add a moustache to that face, it would look exactly like my uncle Lionel!" I jumped out of my seat. I didn't know what to say to the man. I just handed him the sketch as a memento and left.


10. Coke or Pepsi?
Bottled coke. Not the cans. I don't know why, but it always tastes better when it comes from a bottle. Or maybe it's just me.


You can buy Faiyaz's book on Amazon as well as an autographed copy. The trailer is available for viewing here.

Author Interview with Randall Morris

1. Why do you write?

I'm a history major so I write a lot of non-fiction papers loaded with primary and secondary sources. I've read since I was a little kid and I've always enjoyed it. It was a dream of mine to write a book and it finally came true Jan. 27 when I published my first ebook, Jehovah and Hades.

2. How many books have you written?

Just one so far. Jehovah and Hades will most likely be the middle book in a trilogy. I'm working on the prequel, which I've tentatively entitled "The Journals of Jacob and Hyde." It traces the father of Jehovah and Hades and goes much more into how they got the Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde curse.

3. What inspired you to write your (latest) book?

I'm a big fan of J.A. Konrath's blog. I stumbled across it by accident one day when doing some research for a history paper I was writing. The idea of getting my books out on the Kindle and other e-readers and tablets sounded really good to me. I've had the idea in my head for a while and all readers and writers know how annoying an idea can be if you don't go somewhere with it. 

4. What is your favorite genre to read?

I love horrors, thrillers, and mysteries. I basically like reading things that make me have some type of reaction. I really enjoy history books too because I enjoy being able to contribute whenever anyone discusses historical topics. It's interesting to know little random bits about history and they come in useful every once in a while. 

5. Is your writing style at all influenced by those of your favorite authors?

I drew heavily from how I've seen Dan Brown and Stephen King write. I don't think I mimic their styles perfectly but there are elements of a lot of their books in my own. 

6. Which is your favorite book that you’ve written?

I only have one. It must be my favorite. I guess, by default, it's also my least favorite. 

7. What is your opinion of the art of writing?

I work for Geek Squad and I deal a lot with computers, home theater systems, and electronics. I have a very nice home theater system myself. Regardless of how often I watch a movie, there's more that's communicated to me through a book. Writers can adapt with technology and continue to bring great literature to the world. The art of writing will stick around as long as it continues to flow with the way our technology does, which it has so far. It's one of the most ancient forms of communication and there's a reason it's stuck around this long. 

8. What advice would you give someone who is just beginning their own novel?

I actually have a blog post about writing a book. Basically, I'd say just keep yourself focused on your goals. Don't get side tracked reading every blog and every little piece of information you can find on how to publish. I could have released my own book sooner if I hadn't been obsessed with figuring all the little intricacies of publishing out way in advance. 

9. Do you have any funny and / or interesting stories about how you’ve come up with plots or characters?

Well a lot of my characters in Jehovah and Hades are based of my work in history and the Geek Squad. Their destination, the Philippines, was where I served as a missionary for two years. I speak Tagalog fluently (or at least well enough to get by). The drunken rantings of Carlos in Jollibees are actually based on drunk guys I met in the Philippines. I met a lot of them. One time a Filipino missionary showed me that if you start to lean to one side and continue to lean gradually more and more in that direction, the drunk will try to compensate for what he thinks is being off balance and will usually fall over. After all my experience with drunks, I thought it would be fun to briefly make Carlos one. There are also a lot of really intelligent leaders I met over there who form the basis of the character Teddy. All the foods and little cultural things I wrote into the book are pretty much true as well. 

10. Coke or Pepsi?

Coke all the way. In all honesty, I'll drink either but I have a Coke clock in my kitchen that I think is awesome. I like saving up Coke points to buy stuff to put around my house. I don't think Pepsi has a similar rewards program, so their loss.

You can follow Randall on his blog, become a fan on Facebook, and buy his book here.