Author Spotlight - Claire Fullerton on her Top Honors Award Winning Book, Mourning Dove

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK? From growing up in the South! I grew up in Memphis, and wanted to write about that particular side of the South that I rarely see written of, which is to name the manicured, genteel side of the South with its nuances and social mores that are now a bit out of fashion, as Memphis has grown and the times have changed. I also wanted to write about the binds that tie between siblings and how they impact the rest of our lives.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK? "If one knew with certainty that life's defining moments came wrapped in a bow in the arms of good fortune, one would fundamentally trust the life process and go skipping out to greet each day in the blind faith that no matter what, all things work together for good." I like this line because it is the first in a paragraph that muses upon the ambiguity of life, in all its variations. 

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE IS MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY? Millie Crossan, who is the narrator of Mourning Dove. She is in awe of her charismatic brother, Finley. I grew up in awe of my brother, Haines.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK? The message is a big one. Mourning Dove's themes are a search for place, a search for identity, and a search for God. Its message concerns the question of who is in charge in the shaping of a life.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER? I never aspired to being a writer, I simply got in touch with the fact that I am one!

WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR WRITING STYLE? - PLEASE ELABORATE: I love the work of the author Pat Conroy, whom I had the pleasure of meeting. Conroy's gift for lyrical, descriptive prose inspires me because it is language at its loftiest. I think language is important.

TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM/INTERESTING/FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER: I saw the actor Sam Elliott at a party and just so happened to have Mourning Dove with me. When I gave it to him, he gave me a kiss!

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING PROCESS: I write on Microsoft Word and when I'm involved in the writing of a book, I write every day as much as I can. I keep this pace until the book is finished, then I show the manuscript to my agent, Julie Gwinn, of the Seymour Literary Agency.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE AS A WRITER? I don't feel challenged by anything having to do with writing. I write in scenes, and the only thing I can report is that I sometimes take my time pondering what the next scene should be.

IF YOU COULD BE COMPARED TO A WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR WHO WOULD YOU MOST WANT THIS TO BE AND WHY? Pat Conroy, because of his use of language.

HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT? Firefly Southern Fiction brought me to the attention of my agent, Julie Gwinn. It was a backwards process, because I mistakenly submitted without an agent. Eva Marie Everson, Firefly's acquisition editor, liked my book so much, she brought me to the attention of Julie Gwinn. Julie read the first three chapters of Mourning Dove and offered me representation. She was instrumental in getting my following book signed.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? I think doing as much in person as you possibly can goes a long way. Bookstore events, book festivals, literary conferences, and always enter contests. Everyone knows how to work social media, so this is a given. But meeting readers face-to-face goes a long way.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? The four awards Mourning Dove has won. I'm very proud of the Words on Wings Award by Literary Classics, as it is one of them!

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS? To continue to live the life I am living now and hoping my career will grow as I reach more readers.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU PEOPLE MIGHT FIND INTERESTING: I am a ballet teacher. I taught a ballet/Pilates mat class in Malibu for ages and a few celebrities came regularly. I also had a nine year career in music radio. 

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS? Yes. I narrated the audiobook of Mourning Dove and loved every minute of it. I have a Memphis accent, and since Mourning Dove is set in Memphis, it was a perfect fit! If you want to hear a real, old-world Delta accent, listen to Mourning Dove's audiobook. Also, because I have to mention them: I have two German shepherds-- one male, one female, who run the show of our Malibu home!

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

A Portal in Time

Dancing to an Irish Reel ( which is set in rural Ireland, where I once lived.) 

Mourning Dove is my third novel, and I have another release in May 2020






LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Edge Rules, by Melanie Hooyenga, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Brianna is a spoiled, over-indulged, rich girl.  She's used to getting anything and everything she wants.  Still, she's compelled to give in to her kleptomaniac urges.  When she's caught and subsequently arrested for shoplifting, her dad gets her off on a lighter sentence and she is forced into picking up litter as community service.  When she meets the mysterious, Xavier, on her community service work crew she is instantly drawn to him.  Compelled to face the person she has been, Brianna comes to realize appearances aren't all they're cracked up to be and she begins to learn the value of kindness and generosity of spirit.

The Edge Rules, Book 3 in the Rules Series, by Melanie Hooyenga, is an entertaining and introspective coming-of-age book about romance, atonement and self-acceptance.  Recommended for home and school libraries, The Edge Rules has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 


LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author Chess Desalls on her Award-Winning Book

Travel Glasses - The Call to Search Everywhen

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?

I’ve been writing all my work life, but I didn’t start writing fiction until 2009. I wanted a new challenge and found I enjoy storytelling as much as reading.

HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

Travel Glasses began as a short story. Ideas for the title and otherworldly time traveler, Valcas, popped in my head at the same time. As I continued to write, the story outgrew a short story word count. By the time I had a rough outline for the second book, I knew it would become a series.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK AND WHY?

“I began to realize that I could go wherever and whenever I dreamed.” – Travel Glasses

In the context of the novel, this quote describes the main character’s reaction when she discovers how to use the travel glasses to move through time and space. Personally, this line is meaningful because it represents what it feels like to me to be a writer who can create my own story worlds.

WHICH OF YOUR CHARACTERS FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE DO YOU BELIEVE ARE MOST LIKE YOU AND WHY?

I recognize components of my personality in many of the characters, even Edgar, Valcas, and Romaso. Readers have asked me if Calla’s like me because she’s the main character, but our adventures and family lives are quite different.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD WINNING BOOK?

The Call to Search Everywhen series highlights conflicts between privacy and self-preservation, as well as the development of meaningful versus illusory relationships. At the heart of it, I hope to engage the reader on themes of love and trust.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:

I still attend open mics every now and then to read excerpts of my stories. The more listeners smile and laugh, the more animated I get.

IF YOU COULD BE COMPARED TO A WELL-KNOWN AUTHOR WHO WOULD YOU MOST WANT THIS TO BE AND WHY?

Peter S. Beagle—but, I don’t think I’m there yet. Beagle’s writing and his ability to connect with both children and adults inspire me. I have a similar admiration for C.S. Lewis and J.K. Rowling.

HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?

All my books are indie published, which I love because it gives me a lot of creative control. I’d previously sent query letters to two agents. Both responded with kind words for me, but I could tell that being accepted and going through the process would take a lot longer than releasing books on my own.

IF A CLOSE FRIEND OR LOVED ONE WANTED TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT GREATEST PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM?

Write what you love. Sure, there will be those who don't like what you write. Don't be afraid to share it anyway.

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?

Newsletter ads, such as BookBub, have given me the greatest return on investment. But don’t stop there. Marketing is just a form of reaching out and connecting with people. Before publishing anything, I spent time with other writers. From there, I’ve tested various online and social media platforms dedicated to readers and writers, entered book award contests, obtained editorial reviews, and spoken on writing panels. Live meeting groups, including South Bay Writers and Allied Indie Authors—Northern California, have provided tremendous support.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

Lantern: The Complete Collection

Flash Tales

Frabbles

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

I’m editing Darker Stars, the first installment in The Song of Everywhen, a sister series to The Call to Search Everywhen time travel books. Darker Stars is scheduled to release in January 2018. I’m also working on the second and third parts of my Glistens collection.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Reality Gold earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Riley is the victim of cyber-bullying and she’s had enough.  Determined to shed her spoiled rich girl image, she signs up for a reality TV show in hopes of saving face by proving she really is a kind and caring individual.  And, as an ulterior motive, she has inside information on the tropical island where the show is being filmed, and she hopes to secretly search for treasure that’s fabled to be hidden somewhere on the island while she’s there.  But things get off to a rocky start when she finds out there may be other treasure seekers on the show who are also intent on finding the treasure. 

Author Tiffany Brooks’ Reality Gold is an action-packed thriller with a searing plot and enough twists to keep any reader guessing.  Brooks skillfully weaves several back-stories into this tale which helps readers feel a personal connection to the characters who you can never quite decide to like or dislike.  This book has much to offer thrill-seeking YA fans and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval. 

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Author Sandra L. Rostirolla's, Cecilia, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

18-year-old Cecilia, along with her mother, and two brothers, live together in a utopian society formed after the Great War. Cecilia has never known the cruelties of humankind; but following a violent and senseless raid on her village, she is the only person miraculously spared from carnage or kidnapping. Against all odds, she determines to find and free her brothers who were taken as prisoners.  Emboldened by a fierce determination the spirited young woman sets off to the city of Vitus where her brothers are held captive.  

Soon after leaving the only home she's ever known she begins to doubt the sanity of her quest.  But before she has a chance to reconsider she is taken prisoner by Amalardh, an assassin sent to kill the person bearing the symbol which she wears around her neck. 

Author Sandra L. Rostirolla's Cecilia is a true literary gem.  Insightfully penned, with characters that are well-developed, and a plot that sizzles, this book has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

A Casualty of Power, by Mukuka Chipanta, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Hamoonga Moya is a young man who hails from the Copperbelt province of Zambia.  He is full of hopes and dreams for a bright future as a journalist. But idealism meets reality when he’s forced to serve time for a crime he did not commit.  Following his release seven years later he finds work at a copper mine where he becomes embroiled in Union politics and eventually takes on a leadership role in that capacity.  He learns firsthand of the ill-fated pawns who suffer as a result of those who would benefit most from exploiting the people and resources of Zambia.

Beautifully told, with haunting clarity and telling insight, Hamoonga’s story is a powerful message of the ways in which cloying greed can insidiously attack and ultimately destroy resources and the innocent lives of so many.  An achingly compelling glimpse into the life, culture and struggles of the people of Zambia, this riveting first novel by Mukuka Chipanta is highly recommended.  

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Tupelo Honey, by Lis Anna-Langston, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

When it comes to allies, Tupelo Honey is in short supply.  Her mom’s only real focus is on instant gratification.  So, Tupelo Honey (named after the place where Elvis was born) is often left floundering as her mom explores one after another of her self-serving ambitions.  Her grandmother, known to all as Marmalade, would be there for her if she could, but she’s already got her hands full with two grown sons who are both touched with mental afflictions, one quite a bit more than the other.  Her mom’s boyfriend, Nash, could be her one saving grace, only his drug-dealing business is an occasional hindrance in his ability to serve as a true father figure.  Thankfully she has Moochi, an imaginary friend that always seems to pop up when she needs him most. 

In this coming-of-age tale of a girl armed with an innate sense of self-preservation and a great deal of spunk, Tupelo Honey is a character with whom readers will feel an instant connection.  This beguiling girl rolls with the punches, as she muddles through a delightfully charming and entirely dysfunctional adolescence.  Author Lis Anna-Langston is a remarkable story-teller who paints wonderfully vivid details in this novel of a pragmatic young girl who, despite all odds, manages to land on her feet time and time again.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Tupelo Honey has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

The Call to Search Everywhen, by Chess Desalls, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Calla is caught off guard when she’s unexpectedly knocked to the ground in an incident she can’t quite explain, even though she was there when it happened.  Equally as puzzling is the fact she seems to have agreed to dinner with a man who was there to help her after her fall, since she’s recently sworn off people in general.  But when the two are sitting together at dinner, things really start to get strange.  Valcas, her ‘date’, tells her to ‘RUN!” and run she does, and in short order the two are transported to an alternate time.  Thus, begins The Call to Search Everywhen series by Chess Desalls, an entirely gripping and utterly fascinating series of books.  Each book builds upon another with mind-bending layers and a back-and-forth-through-time sort of continuum.  With well-developed characters and a series of plots that keep readers coming back for more, The Call to Everywhen series is entirely addictive.  As the story progresses past (and simultaneously future) events come together to make this imaginative series of books a sure favorite with fans of YA and fantasy fiction.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org

Words on Wings Award Recipient, R.A. McClure on her Award Winning Title

WHEN DID YOU FIRST KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER AND WHY?

I’ve been told that as a child I would tell some “whopper” stories. That may have been a nice way to say that I told a lot of lies, but apparently I made them quite intricate! My teachers frequently commented to my parents that I had quite an imagination. By the time I was a teenager I was beginning to write poems and short stories. Somewhere along the way I decided that writing must be a part of my future. 

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AS A CHILD, WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

An actress, naturally! I’ve always loved “make-believe”!

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HOW DID YOU GET THE IDEA FOR YOUR AWARD WINNING TITLE?

I’ve always been fascinated by contrasts, especially between dark and light, good and evil. Human nature, with all of its complexities, has always intrigued me as well. The plot began to take shape in a series of recurring dreams. The series title, The Knights of Nevertheless, was a bit of an epiphany that came to me while listening to Dr. David Gibbs, Jr., deliver a key-note speech at a teacher’s convention. He spoke of the hope found in the word nevertheless. I was inspired!  

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Originally, The Knights of Nevertheless was my book title, but an editor felt that it would make a better series title and that I should have the word shadow in my book title.  

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TELL US SOMETHING RANDOM/INTERESTING/FUNNY ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER

I write best by candlelight with Celtic hymns or musical scores by Hans Zimmer in the background. 

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WHICH AUTHOR HAS MOST GREATLY INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING STYLE?C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien are my favorite fantasy writers; but my writing is also infused with some Orwellian influence. I’m an avid Jane Austen reader as well. She is the great master of characterization who is in a class all by herself!  

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When I showed my first few chapters to my oldest son, he commented that my style reminded him of Tolkien. I took that as high praise! 

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WHAT BOOK HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

The King James Bible. 

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WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Winning the LITERARY CLASSICS 2015 Words on Wings Award. 

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CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF BECOMING PUBLISHED AND ANY TIPS YOU MIGHT OFFER FOR OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS?

Well… since I do not have a traditional publisher, I cannot offer any tips for getting published, except, never give up! Definitely make use of a professional copy editor. Also, don’t shrink from constructive criticism – it will make you a stronger writer! 

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CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK?

I’m still learning the ropes there too… 

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IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE WITH OUR READERS?

I nearly lost my book to the nefarious intent of a person that I allowed into my life against my better judgment. This person gained access to my laptop and deleted my book, even from my network backup system and absconded with my flash-drive backup! Fortunately, this individual did not know that I had also saved the bulk of my work on some old floppy disks that had become partially corrupted by the time I discovered the malicious attack. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise when the last three chapters I had written were irretrievable because I wasn’t happy with them anyway. Some of my best inspiration seemed to come following that event and I was much happier with the turn in my story when I was able to take it up again. The moral of this story: always have multiple backups in multiple locations! 

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DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

Yes! I am currently working on Book Two of The Knights of Nevertheless: Piercing the Shadows.  

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I hope to have Piercing the Shadows complete by the end of the year. Book Two will focus on Onar, Ava’s younger son. This will be my first attempt at writing from a first person point of view. I was inspired to make the attempt after teaching To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee for a few years. It is such an intimate means of delivering a story. I hope to illuminate this character and his surroundings more fully from this angle.

LITERARY CLASSICS Book Awards & Reviews International Book Awards • Top Honors Youth Book Awards • Seal of Approval http://www.clcawards.org