Author Spotlight, Courtney Leigh Pahlke on her Award-Winning Book

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER? 

I always wanted to write a novel one day but didn’t know what I’d be writing until I was on bedrest for nearly two years from a distracted driver. June of 2016 I was rear-ended at 55mph while I was at a dead stop, suffering serious neck and back injuries. My previous normal routine after work would have been running long distance, rock climbing, and volleyball to list a few. Sometimes I’d do two of the three in one day, so it was difficult for me to face bedrest for an extended period. Several months in my depression was swallowing me whole and I was willing to try anything that would help with inflammation so I could get back to life. One of my best friends suggested trying the “blood-type diet.” I found my blood type on one of my hospital forms but when I google searched it, I saw pages upon pages of creepy conspiracy theories claiming I had “alien blood” along with other bizarre websites. I spent close to a year researching the topic and saw there were not really a lot of books on the topic of the RH-negative bloodline. My brother suggested I start writing as an outlet. I had back surgery April of 2017 and when I got home, I started pouring everything into my first novel; Life Force Preserve; Anna and the Resurgent of the Precious Blood. I was in a very dark place in my life and after so much pain and time continued to pass, I didn’t know when or if I’d ever get back to life. Therefore, I daydreamed about a series that would allow me to help others through relatable traumatic life events as well as allow me to research locations and settings from around the world— places that would keep my mind occupied and potentially visit when I was healthy again. The Life Force Preserve series will have eight “character books”, where my readers are inside the minds of each character and in each country. Each novel takes place at the same moment in time from the various countries. Once the character series are complete, the characters from each novel will be brought together for the main, three-part series. I’m hoping to have an interactive audience where I’d like to poll them on which country the next character will be from, among other ideas, which I’d like to implement interactively with my readers. It’s important for me to get readers involved through my writing process as I grow as an author—they’re important to me and including them in the book development phase will be fun! 

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUIRKY OR FUN WRITING HABITS? Not sure my publisher would want me sharing this, because I may sound like a weirdo and we laugh at this. But, I have a bizarre way of writing. I’m sure a lot of authors prefer sitting somewhere with a view and I’m as opposite as one can get from a scenic view. I’ve tried it recently and I knew it wasn’t my thing. First, I must be sitting in complete darkness and I’ll light a candle or two. I have to wear earplugs and will play a scary movie in the background—which I keep muted. Not sure why I have to have a scary movie on because it’s not like I’m watching it and not sure why I wear earplugs, because the movie is always muted. I think I like the dark, so I can build a colorful scene around me and see it without distractions around the room. I’m a pantser and this is the best way for me to develop a scene. As for the scary movie, I tend to gravitate towards Stephen King’s films and other books that have turned to film, so I believe I do this as a motivator. If I slow down, I’ll look up and see the hard work of another dedicated writer which inspires me to keep going, especially during the later chapters of the book.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LINE FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK AND WHY? I’m not sure why, but I remember laughing so hard when writing this line... the Shrek part of this sentence from Chapter 4. I had a post-op herniation in my lower back and had to take a break from writing this scene because laughing hurt my back so badly. I guess it’s the first line that comes to my head. Leading up to my back surgery, my nerves on both sides were severely compressed where I was unable to walk without applying pressure to the bottom of both butt cheeks and this is how I felt I looked when I’d have to be in public. "To an onlooker, I’m sure I stand out. Most women in their early twenties wouldn’t be out in freezing climates, staggering down a sidewalk, unless they’re coming home from a crazy all-nighter. I’m walking down the sidewalk like Shrek after eating a jar of bath salts. The sun’s barely up, and I’ve scared a pedestrian—good for you, Anna." 

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL GLEAN FROM YOUR AWARD-WINNING BOOK? Aside from the relatability when it comes to grieving through different hurdles in life, there may be more to blood types than we think.  Not many people even know what their own blood type is. Scientists discovered there being an RH-positive (85% of the world) and RH-negative blood (15% of world) as recent as the 1930s, after patients would get sick from blood transfusions. We may have only scratched the surface with what the proteins in varying blood types are capable of. The month my book went into production, the New Nork Times released an article on blood proteins and HIV cures, which I actually used as an example in my book. Note: the Delta 32 gene is the same as the CCR5.  What I wrote: “My colleagues and I were working on serums derived from the CCR5 Delta protein found in an Interhybrid’s blood. My division specifically worked on a treatment and cure for the HIV virus. Individual departments are created at headquarters for virus-specific strains, and I was assigned to the HIV virus.” “There’s a cure for the HIV virus?” “Yes, it’s in the middle stages of testing for approval.” Cindy hands me a plate. “How on earth did you link blood types to virus cures?” 

IF YOU WERE STARTING YOUR JOURNEY AS AN AUTHOR TODAY, WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY? I would have started marketing from the very beginning. It’s another hat to wear while writing a draft, but it’s an important one. 

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST TIP FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS? Don’t give up. Write everyday. Network, encourage, and spend time with fellow authors, as they can relate to the different stages of writing. Also, I’m not sure I believe in writer’s block. I believe if I’m stuck, it means I’m not happy or bored with what I last wrote and may need to go back and throw a twist instead. 

CAN YOU OFFER ANY ADVICE FOR WRITERS ON HOW BEST TO PROMOTE THEIR BOOK? It sounds strange but start promoting your book from the early stages. It will help you stay on course. Take advantage of having free sources such as social media. 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT? As a new author, I would say completing my first novel and publishing it. I accomplished one of my life goals. 

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS? To be able to write full time and to turn my series into film. 

WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU PUBLISHED?  I write a column for a national automotive magazine which allows me to incorporate my passion for writing with my family business. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS? I do. I’m almost finished with Life Force Preserve; West End William (series book 2). I’m hoping to have the book out soon. 

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

Cooperative Lives, by Patrick Finegan, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Residents in a Manhattan co-op near Central Park, come and go, rarely acknowledging one another.  But each of their stories are intertwined; some more so than others.  At the core of the story is Sheldon, an investment manager, and Wallace who is in IT.  The two have known each other for some time through their daughters. But tragedy and misfortune throw them together in ways they never could have foreseen.  With a generous helping of plot twists and well fleshed-out characters, this book is an intricate study in the forces of human nature.  The story is skillfully woven together to create intricate layers of intrigue that will keep readers enthralled clear through to the unexpected conclusion.  Author Patrick Finegan's Cooperative Lives is recommended for home and school libraries 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

The Melancholy History Of Mayfly, by ​Mutch Katsonga, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

A prisoner condemned to death, persuaded by a priest to put his thoughts on paper, compares his life to that of a Mayfly. In the mere 24 hour lifespan of a Mayfly, it does not live in regret, wishing it had more time. Rather, it takes great pleasure in the simple acts of living. Plagued with a speech impediment, most people believe him to be mute. But beneath the shadow of his impending death, this young man wields a pen to tell his life story. Waxing poetic, he shares his innermost thoughts just days before he is to be executed.

Author Mutch Katsonga is a gifted writer and storyteller. The Melancholy History Of Mayfly, is a powerful and gripping tale. An introspective study of the complexities of life, this thought-provoking novel is recommended for home and school libraries 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

In the Shadow of War, by Patrick Garry, earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Glen, a recent high school graduate, blames himself for his brother's death as he and his close-knit family deeply mourn the loss of their dearly departed.  Meanwhile, Corcoran, the town in which they live, has become nearly extinct.  Glen's grandfather, determined to save their beloved town, urges his family to stay even while most residents have taken their leave.  In a wildly eccentric scheme to breathe life back into the town, he invites the wives of soldiers serving in Vietnam to make Corcoran their home.

In the Shadow of War is a nostalgic coming of age tale which takes place in rural America in the 1970s.  Author Patrick M. Garry's depiction of life in the Midwest during this pivotal time in history is highly relatable.  This beautifully penned love story is recommended for home and school libraries 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

Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale, by Astrid V.J., earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Fourteen-year-old Elisabeth has returned from school to see her terminally ill mother after a long absence. On her deathbed, her mother tells the girl it's not safe for her to be there. Rocked by an overwhelming sense of loss, Elisabeth feels ill-equipped to carry on without her mother's guidance. She knows she's a witch, but she fears she lacks the knowledge to use her powers. But her mother assures her she already possesses all she needs, and when the time is right she will be ready. Now with her mother gone, Elisabeth doesn't know how she'll find her way. Especially when the witches responsible for her mother's death are bent on taking over the kingdom.

Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale, by Astrid V.J.is a well written and utterly charming coming-of-age tale. With excellent world-building in a realm where magic, elves, and unicorns exist, we are introduced to perfectly flawed and highly relatable characters.  In a tale replete with clever twists and a satisfying ending that will leave readers yearning for the next book in this highly engaging series, Aspiring, Part 1 of the Siblings’ Tale is recommended for home and school libraries 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 S.A. Larsen on her Award-Winning Book, MOTLEY EDUCATION

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?

I was a huge film buff when I was in middle grade and high school. I’d examine scenes, plot-lines, and character motives, trying to dissect the workings of the tale. It always irritated me when a scene took a twist I didn’t agree with or when a film ended differently than I believed it should have. So I’d rewrite the scene or the ending. Eventually, that fixation turned total focus on my dance career – the first way I conveyed stories to the world. But I never lost sight of my affection for storytelling.

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

At twenty-two months, my youngest child was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a neurological disorder where no pathways from the brain to the mouth muscles exist. Picture books and puzzles become his outlet to communicate with us. Through this process, he became fixated with mythology, and in turn, so did I. (Side note: after years of speech therapy, he’s now a thriving thirteen-year-old at the top of his class academically, which I actually attribute to his years of disciplined therapy.)

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

“Look beyond the extraordinary and you will see most value in the simplest of things.” Life can sometimes distract us with all sorts of bobbles and trinkets. We look for answers in all the wrong places, making us lose focus on what’s really important. That doesn’t mean we can’t have all these other things. Just don’t let them cloud your judgment and the truth of happiness in life.

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

Without a doubt, it’s Ebony Charmed – my main character. I was a Catholic school kid. We had rules and daily rituals about attire, homework, and attitudes to follow. While those are needed, such set structure limited my growth as a child. Ebony is the closet middle-grade me. I wanted to wear combat boots and dye my hair funky colors. My favorite color was black and I liked the creepier side of life. Cemeteries and the lives of those residents fascinated me. The only difference between me and Ebony is that I really can’t see ghosts and she can.

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

With MOTLEY, I set out to convey one special theme – self-acceptance. I want kids to grasp the truth that their uniqueness is a gift, not a detriment and that, despite any flaw they might have, they are valuable.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A WRITER:

My journey as a magazine writer gave me the opportunity to interview some amazing youth athletes. All were martial artists, but some were also stars in other athletic arenas, modeling, and even childhood acting. It was wonderful talking with these young kids. A few still stay in touch with me through social media.

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

My answer, hands down, is Jane Austen. The depths of her writing and the mastery of her character development go without saying. Simply amazing. But to do it during a time in human history when woman were thought of as lesser, as homemakers and a product to marry off to increase the family’s standings in society was remarkable. I often ponder the courage it must have taken her to do so. I can only hope to live my life in such a way.

WHAT  INCIDENT HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

I’d say the death of my grandmother, who was the greatest support system any young thirteen-year-old girl could have asked for. Not simply in life, but in dealing with my mother, who is a severe depressant. My memere – as I called her – understood the uncertainty I faced every day with my mother. The grace with which she continued to love my mom and shield me from as much pain as she could is a priceless gift, one I’ve tried to live my life by in return and pass on through my work.

HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?

As with most writers, my journey to publication has been a twisted one. I began writing for small news publications, youth athlete magazines, and eventually young adult anthologies. Somewhere between all of that I began writing children’s manuscripts.

After many near-missed signings with agents, I submitted my young adult manuscript to publishers and received multiple offers from smaller presses. Instead of accepting an offer, I signed with an interested agent. A sale looked promising at first, but then my author-agent relationship fizzled and I found myself going it alone, again. Listening to my gut, I did a complete rewrite of that YA manuscript. Fortunately, this resulted in another round of several offers, and I chose my YA publisher.

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

This question made me laugh out loud a little because when I think about it my answer has nothing to do with the act or craft of writing. It’s all about self-belief and the stubborn pursuit to achieve. The journey of writing a book takes pure determination, a will of steel, the openness to learn, and the acceptance of one’s flaws.

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

People always talk about branding. I’d rather describe it as ‘Being you.’ You must decide who you are as an author, what you stand for, and what purposes you want your books to have in the lives of others. The key is to be genuine. When focusing on the physical sale of a book know that each book will sell differently. Discern what is unique and important to each and use that as a catalyst to pique the interest of purchasing readers. Also, mingle with the writing community because they will be your greatest asset in promoting your work.  

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?

MOTLEY has been well received by the award-giving writing community, receiving five literary awards to date. As affirming as these recognitions are to me, my greatest accomplishment has been seeing the sparkle in the kids’ eyes when I chat about MOTLEY with them at their schools. I can see their little brains aspiring to be more than they thought they could be. I am truly blessed.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?

Like most writers, I’d love to achieve the title of New York Times Bestseller. But at the heart of it all, my greatest literary yearning is for my writing to touch people’s lives, inspiring, encouraging, and giving them a mirror to reflect on themselves and their world. Ultimately, I want to leave my mark to help others long after my time here has ended.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING:

While a high school senior, I was approached by a professional Broadway dancer who was impressed with my skills. She offered me a position in her New York City class. However, I never took the position because multiple sclerosis struck my mother, who already was a severe depressant. For the sake of my family, I stayed home to help care for her. I was lost, having no idea what to do with my life. Looking back, I realize that I’ve always been a storyteller. Back then it was exploring the joys and tests of life through motion and music. Today, it’s through words.

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

If your readers would like to stay in touch with me they can sign up to be part of my MVR Mulisha, where I share great books and sales from other authors, updates on my work and latest releases, and giveaways for members-only: Newsletter.

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

Marked Beauty – Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Smashwords | Kobo | Website

Gears of Brass – Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | Publisher

Under a Brass Moon – Amazon | B&N | IndieBound 

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

Yes, the second book in the Motley Education series and book II of Marked Beauty. I also have a young adult story that explores the realities of living with a parent who suffers from depression.

The second book in the Motley Education series is tentatively entitled The Shifting Hollow. Think the eeriness of Sleepy Hollow mixed with the adventure of Sleeping Beauty. But with crows and zombies. And of course, all that Norse Mythology has to offer.

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

Wired has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Maggie, an up-and-coming literary agent, succumbs to her room-mate’s urging to attend the opening night release for a new tech device.  But it doesn’t hold much appeal for her as she’s seen the ill-effects such devices have on people and she’s not impressed.  But after further prompting she decides to give it a try anyway.  Once she experiences a trial of the Vertix she’s immediately hooked by the intoxicating experience.  And it doesn’t take long for her addiction to turn on her.  Soon the device is taking over, and she is unable, or unwilling to disconnect from the Vertix high.  

Author Caytlyn Brooke’s Wired is a chilling sci-fi adventure so breathlessly intoxicating readers will fall along with Maggie as her growing need for greater high-tech highs consumes her every thought.  Brooke’s ability to paint astonishing worlds via the written word is truly inspired.  Wired is a powerful story that resonates with brutal honesty of tech addictions experienced by so many people today; this book has a powerful message that speaks volumes to YA audiences.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Wired 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

Merlin’s Wood: The Battle of the Trees earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Maybe Reece should have paid closer attention to his grandmother’s ramblings about his namesake.and the inheritance she’s always gone on about.  Lucky for him someone was listening though, namely his twin sister Holly.  Because when the two find themselves catapulted into a different time and space they find themselves ill-prepared for what they are about to encounter.  The twins soon learn they must work together, it’s a matter of life and death; and not just their own lives.  It would appear billions of people are depending upon them.  Merlin’s Wood: The Battle of the Trees 1 is an action-packed fantasy sci-fi adventure that will hold great appeal to youth audiences.  Author Anne Hamilton has crafted a tale that seamlessly intertwines these two genres in a way that will captivate young readers.  Merlin’s Wood: The Battle of the Trees 1 is recommended for home and school libraries 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

Marked Beauty earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval

Ana Tate can feel the emotions of others through their auras.  But she is going through a period of self-discovery and has not yet truly come to accept who she is.  Viktor, on the other hand, knows exactly who he is and is fighting it tooth and nail.  Their connection is mysterious and dark, unfolding through mysticism and great intensity.  This is a captivating read that grabs the reader right from the start. The narrators’ voices are relatable, and the author creates a very engaging setting for this captivating book.  With detailed imagery, cemented by well-developed characters, and an intriguing plot, Marked Beauty, by S.A. Larsen is a compelling, work of modern YA fantasy with dark and ancient curses, fantasy elements and romance all rolled into one cohesive blend.  Marked Beauty is recommended for home and school libraries 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

Cross, by D.A. Roach earns the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

Ray Cross has a genetic disorder which causes his body to be extremely fragile.  He has understood this for most of his young life.  But now, that’s the least of his worries.  His parents hit him with a real bomb on his birthday when they reveal that they aren’t his biological parents.  He is, in fact, the son of a king and has a twin brother whom he’s never heard of.  And now this king’s dying wish is for Ray to come see him in a secret land hidden away in northern Canada.  Author D.A. Roach’s Cross is a captivating young adult novel filled with adventure and suspense with each turn of the page.  Ray Cross is an unlikely hero and as such readers can’t help but cheer for him as he faces the unknown in a new and often daunting land.  Recommended for home and school libraries, Cross 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 Rebecca Hammond Yager on her Top Honors Award-Winning Book

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A WRITER?

I pretty much came out of the womb telling stories. As far back as I can remember I was making up stories in my head—not for anyone else, just for me. I became a bookworm the second I could read. Before I could write, I drew, and I thought that meant I wanted to be an artist, but even my art told stories. I discovered poetry writing in third grade and by sixth grade, I’d tumbled down the wondrous rabbit hole of novel writing, and I never looked back. My inspiration for projects often comes from the animal kingdom or from nature. A vanishing island, a feral cat, a stray whisper of wind, a star-swept night, the way a ripple of sunlight turns a leaf to pure gold—any of these might be the gateway to a new untold story. 

WAS THERE A TEACHER OR OTHER MENTOR WHO INFLUENCED YOUR WRITING?

My teachers were always very supportive. The ones who stand out the most would be Mrs. Aleksiewicz (now Nancy Christmas), my much-adored 4th-grade teacher who really encouraged me while I was just discovering the magic of writing; Mrs. Olmstead, my high school English teacher who was just awesome all around. I specifically remember her saying she hoped I’d eventually outgrow my Fantasy phase—Sorry, Mrs. O! That ship has sailed!

Celebrated author Jamie Langston Turner was my Creative Writing teacher in college and has become a friend/mentor/sounding board/venting recipient since then. She is, quite simply, amazing both on and off the page. 

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

I’ve always loved fairy tales—my earliest memories are of my mom reading them to me before bed. I had an idea many years ago about a cursed black lion that I knew would be some kind of beauty and the beast story, but it was quickly relegated to the back-burner as other story winds blew through and swept me away. And then a couple of years ago I stumbled across Madame Villeneuve’s 1740 The Story of the Beauty and the Beast and was mesmerized. Like so many others I always thought Madame Beaumont’s condensed version was the original take on the story, but Beaumont was, in fact, a re-inventor of the tale like Disney and everyone else. Villeneuve’s original, rambling novella contains Beauty’s fascinating backstory as well as tidbits about a fairy kingdom in the air along with their laws and hierarchy and culture, and instantly I knew I wanted to tell my own version bringing back Beauty’s side of the story. 

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

Probably “Take not counsel from your eyes alone.” I adapted it directly from Villeneuve’s story. I think, as a species, we tend often to trust our eyes too much. Our other senses are just as powerful and often less prejudiced. Except perhaps our noses. Our noses can be pretty prejudiced too, can’t they?

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

While I never put myself in my stories, I usually have a fair amount in common with at least one character. But with Beauty & the Beast, not so much. I guess I can go with Beauty because she likes to lose herself in books. 

Iana, though, for sure, when I’m feeling in a villainous mood. When I love or hate, it’s completely and all-consuming. 

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

To be kind to everyone. Not to treat others differently because of how they look, whether they are plain, disfigured, actually ugly, or dazzlingly beautiful. I have personal experience from all across that spectrum: I was a homely adolescent, I had a brief bloom of genuine beauty in my twenties, and then my thirties were wretchedly unkind with an explosion of sun allergies that left me bereft of the beauty that I barely realized I possessed until it was gone. I know what it feels like to be treated differently, in both good and bad ways, because others find you beautiful, what it feels like to be overlooked because you’re plain, the heartache of seeing someone actually shudder when they look at you, the dull resignation and forced smile you plaster across your features when a well-meaning individual exclaims “What happened to your face?!” It’s a beautiful, broken, cruel world we live in. We can’t make it better by wailing and gnashing our teeth, by word-vomiting on social media, by harshly judging others who seek different resolutions or have different worldviews. The only way we can make the world a better place is by being better ourselves. We can’t change how others think and see, but we can change how we think and see. And becoming better is contagious. So be better, dear ones, and pass it on. 

TELL US SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WRITING:

While I never put real people in my stories, I have started including animal characters inspired by real animals I have known. Beauty & the Beast, for example, contains four animal characters based on animals I have known and loved. As an animal rescuer, it breaks my heart every single day that I cannot save them all. And so I do the best I can for every creature that finds me, and I’ve started including them in my stories as a way to mark their lives, to grant them a sliver of immortality, so that even though their time in this world is barely a flicker, they were witnessed, they were loved, and they will never be forgotten. 

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

Neil Gaiman, I think, or Alexander Key. C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Terry Brooks, and Alexander Key are the authors who have impacted my writing the most, and I would be tremendously honored to be compared to any one of them. Alexander Key, in particular, saw our world for what it was as well as what it could be and imbued his novels with magic and a sense of wonder. Neil Gaiman is, astonishingly I know, a recent discovery for me. I couldn’t tell you why it took me so long to read his magical tales, but now that I have, I’m a convert. He writes with such gut-wrenching beauty in both his ideas and his words, and like a wordsmithing Rumplestiltskin, he spins glorious gold on his story wheel.

WHAT BOOK / PERSON / INCIDENT HAS HAD THE GREATEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?

Superman. I couldn’t think of an answer to this one, and my husband gave me this inscrutable look and then casually said, “Maybe we should sell all your Superman comics and movies then.” Superman is, without doubt, my favorite fictional character of all time. He’s an outsider, a god, an orphan, a beloved child, a Christ-figure, a symbol of hope and truth and goodness in a broken world. And he can fly. He was my introduction to the concept of super-powered humanoid aliens, quickly followed by Alexander Key’s Witch Mountain novels and their Disney film adaptations. Even before I knew I wanted to be a writer in 3rd grade, I was fantasizing about aliens, super-powered humanoid aliens to be precise, and that has shaped my thinking in ways both humorous and heartwarming, delightful and dark.

HOW DID YOU FIND AN AGENT / GET PUBLISHED?

As soon as I have a completed draft of my current novel, an agent is next on my to-do list. I was fortunate in the publishing world initially. My first novel was Winds Cove, a YA mystery novel I wrote for a class in college but never finished. A few years later, I wrangled a meeting with the managing editor of a small but well-established publishing house (“wrangled”= I had a friend who got a job there, and he talked the editor into meeting me). My intention was to figure out what he wanted to publish and then pitch him some ideas that lined up with that. But first he wanted to see some writing samples, so I dug out the most polished chapters of Winds Cove and sent them to him. Much to my surprise, he didn’t say “ok, now let’s talk about a collaboration,” he said, “I want that.” So I went home and finished it. 

For Beauty & the Beast, I was actually working on my novel-in-progress Mazzaroth and needed a break to clear my head, so I took a month off to scribble out a 40ish page re-imagining of a classic fairytale. A year and 200+ pages later, I had a novel on my hands. While Beauty & the Beast can be a standalone novel, it will eventually be a middle installment in my re-imagined fairytale series, so I wasn’t ready to shop it to a publisher and decided it was the perfect time to try out Amazon publishing. I essentially just wanted it in book format so my family and friends could read it and thought any extra sales would just be a bonus. So having it end up catching the eye of a group of authors, have its characters end up in a Christmas anthology, winning a Top Honors award from Literary Classics—that was all completely unexpected and a delicious blessing.

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

Just write. Too many people spend too much time trying to figure out “how to be a writer.” Find the right software, get the right computer, read that awesome Stephen King book on writing. No. Those are all good things, but they are not what will make you a writer. Sitting your rear in the chair and putting in the work of transcribing your ideas into words, from beginning to end, that is what will make you a writer. So just write. 

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

Promotion is new to me, so I don’t have any pearls of wisdom just yet, though I’m guessing shove-your-shyness-in-your-pocket-and-tell-people-about-your-book would be near the top of the list. (I’m still working on that.)

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Well, the Literary Classics’ Top Honors Words on Wings Award feels pretty sweet! But honestly just finishing the books I have finished. I have a hard time finishing projects because once I know exactly where the story is going and can see it play out in its entirety in my head like a movie, I get bored with the writing part. And then I want to move on to another project. I’m also easily distracted by anything shiny or furry. In addition, I am a slow writer. I do tons of research and tons of staring at walls. So finishing a book is a huge accomplishment for me. Finishing Winds Cove over a decade ago was huge. Finishing Beauty & the Beast in 2016 was huge. Finishing A Midsummer Night’s Snow this past August, a novella prequel to Beauty & the Beast, was huge. And unless I can find a way to write faster and not get distracted, I imagine every project I sweat through until the finish will feel like a pretty great literary accomplishment. 

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST LITERARY ASPIRATIONS?

Simply to write, write, write and finish every story in my head. A Hugo or Nebula Award would be nice, but my main goal is just to finish my race.

TELL US SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT THEY MIGHT FIND INTERESTING:

I’m a vampire. Okay, not really, but I have sun allergies and photo-phobic migraines that keep me inside most days and keep me from driving at night. Even overhead lights are brutal. I use a lot of colored and stained glass light bulbs in my house and drape lacy scarves and mantillas over lamps with white light bulbs; I also have plants hanging everywhere, so the light in my house is filtered and soft and often green and blue and rose. 

I also rescue animals and manage a feral cat colony. I tend to be a hermit so I naively didn’t realize I was the official neighborhood crazy cat lady until one afternoon a couple of kids bravely knocked on my door to ask for my help catching their neighbor’s escaped feline because “you’re good with cats.” 

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

As a reader, I love love love the euphoria of being swept up and away in a story, in a world. My greatest hope is that my own stories and worlds will sweep readers away now and for centuries to come. 

WHAT OTHER BOOKS HAVE YOU PUBLISHED? 

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Winds Cove, a YA mystery novel, in 2004.

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Winter Wonder, an anthology of Christmas/Winter stories. 

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I also edited a quartet of public domain missionary biographies for a publisher, and those are often credited to me. 

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DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

Always!  I just finished A Midsummer Night’s Snow, a novella prequel to Beauty & the Beast featured in an anthology of Christmas/winter stories called Winter Wonder, released September 2017. It’s available on amazon.com.

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As for the books in the works, there are too many to list here but the next book out should be Mazzaroth. Mazzaroth is a science-fantasy adventure and my flagship novel for a series of separate but overlapping stories set in a shared universe that will also include my re-imagined fairy tales. Mazzaroth features a race of human-like people from another planet seeking refuge on earth and centers around a human/alien hybrid girl and her brother trying to find their place in the world, trying to find their people, trying to find out who and what they really are. It plays with themes of identity and home and has all sorts of exciting chases, escapes, superpowers, battles, animal characters, humor, soul-wrenching anguish, heart-stopping beauty, and even a sprinkling of romance. I’m close to finishing my first draft of Mazzaroth, but it will probably be a year or two before it hits bookstores. 

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