The Chronicles of Fire and Ice Tour

Merry Christmas everyone!

Today I have author Laura Hunter on my blog for her book tour. I met Laura on facebook some time ago, she is an amazing and wonderful woman! Please enjoy this interview and be sure to check out her new release! It is available at Amazon ,
Barnes and Noble (paperback only at this point- if you want a nook copy please click on “request from publisher” and
Kobo

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 24 years old and I live on the central coast of NSW, Australia with my family. I enjoy writing, reading, acting, singing and directing. With my dramatic arts class I have written, directed, and starred in two original plays.

2. When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I first began writing when I was 15. I wrote a lot of song lyrics as a way to get my thoughts down on paper. I then switched to writing fan-fiction at the age of 19. I finished my first book about September this year.

3. How did you choose the genre you write in?

I have always loved reading the paranormal/ urban fantasy/ YA fantasy fiction genres, so its only natural I began writing this genre, it chose me lol

4. Where do you get your ideas?

I get my ideas from anything I experience and my friends and family, but mostly  my ideas come from dreams.

5. Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Yes, I am currently having a little bit of writer’s block at the moment, mostly due to not plotting properly so I need to go and do that for my next few books.

6. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

As a teenager I remember walking into my school library and searching through the YA books. I picked up Phillip Pullman’s The Subtle Knife and my love affair with YA fantasy fiction began. Cassandra Clare and Kathy Reichs also inspire me every day.

7. Can you tell us the challenges in getting your first book published?

The first real issue for me was money. As I am not particularly rich and a self published author, I found investing my own money into my first book quite taxing, so I hope it will be worth it in the end. Everything else has been a breeze.

8. How do you market your work? What avenues have you found work best for your genre?

As a self published indie author I feel marketing is the biggest challenge for us, but I have found social media is the biggest help in creating a platform and reaching my target audience- Facebook, twitter and blogs (I have read several eBooks on the topic and they said this was the best way) Also I am addicted to goodreads! I recommend that every author get a Goodreads account as you can add the books you want to read to shelves and keep up to date with upcoming releases and have people rate and review your work.

9. Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The Chronicles of Fire and Ice is a New Adult urban fantasy set in Melbourne, Australia. It deals with the fact the human race is becoming over taken and out- bred by angels. It features Scarlett, a 21-year-old half Nephilim girl who finds out she is also half archangel and she has a frightening new ability to go along with it. She enrolls at an Academy for angels where she meets the handsome, yet mysterious Dyston Blackbell, the youngest son of the owners of the Academy, whom she discovers has been sending her weird dreams for years. Some of the story also deals with the backstory of Dyston’s dashing yet egotistic older brother, Lakyn.

10. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Some things in my book are from real life experiences, like some of Scarlett’s dreams, they actually happened to me. Some of my characters are based on my friends, certain qualities. Most of the fantasy parts are all from my imagination.

11. What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

One of my favorite scenes that I loved writing was when Scarlett first met Dyston. I also loved writing Lakyn’s backstory. He is one of my favorite characters to write as he has two sides.

12. How did you come up with the title?

I came up with the title, The Chronicles of Fire and Ice a few ways. I wanted something catchy and unique (aspiring authors, I recommend googling possible titles to see if there are any similar already out there, or doing a goodreads search) and also I played around with the elements of my story and tried to fit them into the title. Some might say fire relates to Scarlett, and ice to Lakyn, yes they do, but the meanings run deeper than that.

13. What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Probably the toughest and most offending compliment given to me was criticizing my marketing plan, saying social media isn’t good enough. They are not authors so I didn’t really listen. As for the best compliment… I get more beautiful messages and compliments about my book every day and it almost brings me to tears, it means a lot to me.

14. Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Yes, believe in yourself and believe in your work. If you think negative thoughts then that will be reflected in your work and it will suffer.

FUN QUESTIONS

 

1)    If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?

I love superheroes! I think I would like to the ability to heal. And no cape for me.

2)   Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla?

Chocolate all the way. I am a self- confessed chocoholic!

3)   The light side or the dark side?

I love all things dark but I live on the light side

4)   Do you have deep dark secret? How about a shallow grey one?

Hmm had to think about this one… I have a crush on someone I shouldn’t.

5)   What sort of coffee would you order? Simple coffee, complicated soy-non-fat-extra-espresso-half-caff-nightmare?

My poison is a soy latte. And sometimes if I’m feeling like a sugar hit, I order a soy hazelnut latte.

6)   Have you ever given someone who asked for decaf, regular coffee just to see what would happen?

No because you can taste the difference. But I have given someone full cream milk when they have asked for skim.

7)   Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)

Bananas!

8)   If you could live off of chocolate would you? What kind?

Totally! Chocoholic here! Dairy milk or the dark and nutty kind would suffice.

9)   What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?

I have always wanted a pet Panda.

10)If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?

Hmm, The House of Night school, or Narnia (before and after the white witch’s rein)

11) What kind of person drives you nuts? (personality trait)

Loud, obnoxious people, and smokers.

12) Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

All the time. And I’ve had to leave it until I could find a bathroom to fix it lol

13) Do you prefer fuzzy or tub socks?

Fuzzy but then my shoes don’t fit lol

14) Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

No point because it’s a known fact that bed bugs love made beds.

15) Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?

Once a week, I have the worst frizz prone hair

16) Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

I don’t drive but I hate slow drivers and tail gaters

17) Do you go out of your way to kill bugs? Are there any that make you screech and hide?

Cockroaches, spiders and flies. I have a phobia of bees and wasps.

Stalk me the following ways:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LL-Hunter/110104129132865

Blog: http://llhunter.blogspot.com.au

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/llhunter_angels

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6559537.L_L_Hunter

Author Bio:

I am an Australian author who began writing when I was fifteen or sixteen, originally song lyrics, but then moved onto fanfiction when I was nineteen. Having published over 20 stories online. One of which was nominated for an award. I have also written, directed and starred in two original plays entitled, “No Frills Airlines: Flight 123,” and the sequel, “No frills Airlines: Come Fly with Us.” The latter of which was a musical.

Interview with Author Thomas Rowe Drinkard

I have author Thomas Drinkard on my blog today. Learn more about him and be sure to check out his book! Don’t forget to stop by his webpage too!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born, reared and educated in Alabama. When I graduated from college, I was also commissioned in the U.S. Army. I went on active duty eight days later—I had a son who was nine months old—graduate school wasn’t an option. I spent almost two years in Ft. Monmouth, NJ and was bored. When the opportunity to volunteer for the Special Forces (commonly called “Green Berets”) came, I eagerly grasped it. Fortunately, I was selected and after about a year of intense training, I wore the Beret. I left active duty after about fifteen years and went into the reserves. I found my way into teaching/writing for the exam preparation business. Much of what I wrote is still in use. I left that business in 2010 and became a full-time writer (and sometime freelance editor).

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you have a day job as well?

Other than writing, I have no specific job. I do cook pretty well, my wife says.

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

I started writing while in grade school. I wrote stories and poetry. I once wrote an essay on citizenship that evolved into a speech. When I presented it in a contest, I won the county’s medal for first place.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I’ve published a thriller/mystery; a story of combat and love in Vietnam; a soldier/vampire story and a chapbook of Vietnam poetry. A thriller/mystery is in editing; an action/adventure book about tracking down terrorists is nearly complete and there’s a space opera to be finished. I guess I’ve been eclectic in my writing choices

Where do you get your ideas?

Anywhere. My first book came from being bombarded, on my frequent trips to New Orleans, by TV evangelist programs. I thought one of those organizations would be a perfect cover for all sorts of nefarious activities.

Do you ever experience writer’s block? Do you work with an outline, or just write?

Writer’s block is not normally a problem. If I can’t work out a scene in a book it’s simple to go to another work-in-progress. That usually works. I tried to work from an outline but almost immediately deviated. One of my writing mentors, the late Anne George, told me to let the characters tell their stories. If a writer has created characters strong enough to tell the story, they may take the author in unexpected directions, but the book will be better.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I mentioned Anne George. Helen Norris, who wrote The Christmas Wife was also helpful in both poetry and prose. I learned, as an adult writer, from three major authors: John D. McDonald, Robert B. Parker and James Lee Burke.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

So far, the social media and word-of-mouth have been best.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

Not in today’s publishing world.

Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

The next book will be the second in the vampire warrior novellas. V Trooper – First Mission starts the series. The exact title for the second book has not yet been set. The full-fledged book now in editing, is Devil’s Blade. A New York detective has tracked down a particularly vicious serial killer. The murderer is jailed but escapes and disappears. Two year later, he is killing again, in the southern hometown of the detective.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

The only book based on personal experience is Where There Were No Innocents. Places and organizations were drawn from real life but used in a fictional manner.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

Oh, for sure, the combat/confrontation scenes. My blood gets a big adrenaline infusion while writing.

How did you come up with the title?

The first title, Piety and Murder refers to killers and drug dealers using a TV evangelist as cover.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

I’m having a lot of fun with my vampire/warrior series right now.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

I guess the toughest criticism was when an agent said that my prologue was filled with, “…too many pretty words.” I wondered if she would have liked James Lee Burke’s writing. The highest praise has been from some who have compared my writing to authors I admire. Having one’s work compared to LeCarre, Brown, Clancy and Rice is enough to create dizziness. It’s wonderful to have readers tell me that the characters in all my books make them want more. When someone tells me that they stayed awake until three A.M. to finish one of my books, I’m honored and humbled.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Create strong characters. Ask them to show you where the story should go. Don’t quit.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

The next book in the V Trooper series is coming soon! Devil’s Blade will follow.
FUN QUESTIONS!
If you were a superhero (or villain!) what would your power be? Would you wear a cape?

Mind control. No cape.

The light side or the dark side?

I wish I could invent funny, smartass characters like Parker’s Spenser. Just not my gift.

Is there any food you refuse to eat? (Other than brussel sprouts because NO ONE likes them)

I don’t like Indian curry.

What do you think the coolest pet to have would be?

A tiger.

If you could visit any world (real or imagined) where would you go?

Australia/New Zealand.

Have you every done anything really crazy? Do you regret it?

Does jumping out of perfectly good airplanes count?

When you rip out a page from a spiral notebook, do you leave the strip with the tabby pieces in? Or do you have to remove them? 

Gotta pull out the debris. Bugs me.

Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

No, but I have discovered—at midday—that I was wearing one dark blue sock and one black one. This, after standing in front of a class for four hours.

Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

My wife says that I “talk” to other drivers too much. Dangerous stupidity from other drivers makes me angry.

Interview with Author Gerard de Marigny

Today I’m excited to have author Gerard de Marigny on my blog!! Please enjoy what’s he’s been up to and learning more about this fantastic author!

How did you choose the genre you write in?

g: 20 years ago, I thought I was going to write mystery novels. I actually contacted the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and asked if they’d let me complete some of the cases alluded to by Watson in the various Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Stories like, ‘The Giant Rat of Sumatra’ which Watson described as, “a story for which the world is not yet prepared.”

Well … I was gonna prepare it! Haha … except the Conan Doyle people asked me (very politely) if I could provide them with previous literary works that I authored. Of course I couldn’t do that since I hadn’t actually written a full-length piece yet, let alone published any. I have to laugh at my naïveté back then.

That was also around the time I began reading thrillers namely, Tom Clancy’s great Jack Ryan novels, Steven Hunter’s _Point of Impact_ and the author whose works totally changed my life, W.E.B. Griffin and is magnificent “The Corps” series. After reading those novels, my mind began formulating my own thrillers. It’s funny because Griffin’s novels are historical thrillers, whereas this first series of mine is a geopolitical thriller.

I’d like to also mention that I’m seriously considering writing a Fantasy/Adventure series (one with a Christian worldview). I actually came up with the idea for that series, “The Saga of the Seven Seals,” a year before The Watchman of Ephraim series. I even wrote an 80,000 word manuscript and shopped it, getting some interest … but I ultimately decided it wasn’t the story I was trying to tell. <Sigh>

It was my first real attempt at a novel … oh well. The real problem with it was that I tried to write an adventure story using a thriller delivery and structure. Yikes! Back to the drawing board!

Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

g: My challenges started before I ever even wrote my first manuscript. My first challenge was recognizing that I was meant to be a writer of fiction. I spent my entire life looking for my one true calling, the one thing I thought I was born to do. Can you believe it was there all along? I’d been inventing and writing stories down from the time I was a little boy and that doesn’t count the volumes of novels and myriad characters I’ve created in my head and never put to paper.

Yet, it still took my wife Lisa, just two years ago, to basically sit me down and say “WRITE THOSE STORIES FLOATING AROUND IN YOUR HEAD ALREADY!” Haha … I call it ‘tough love’ but I really owe my wife a lot. If it weren’t for her support I wouldn’t be telling you this story now.

As for the actual publishing part, I spent a year shopping my first manuscript, the one I mentioned, to 34 agents and about a dozen small publishing houses. I received some interest, mostly in the form of “…be sure to send us your next manuscript!” Haha …

After that frustrating experience, I started investigating other options. A few vanity presses contacted me, but I was starting to think it wasn’t meant to be for me to become a published author. That was, until I came across the now-legendary Self-Publishing Advocate, and prolific author, Dean Wesley Smith and his blogs on self-publishing.

Dean wrote three excellent blogs RE: smashing the myths about publishing on your own and how to do it professionally. Sensei Dean is a tough, take-no-prisoners and except-no-excuses type of guy. I instantly became a devout follower of the ‘TAO of Dean Wesley Smith.’ (grin)

Bottom line … after reading his guides to self-publishing, I’d opened my own indie publishing house, JarRyJorNo Publishing and published my first full-length novel, _The Watchman of Ephraim_ in 30 days!

I owe Dean so much … I told him that I’d gladly pick up his bar tabs whenever he’s in my home town of Las Vegas for the rest of his life … or mine, whichever comes first! 9-) If Dean drinks as much as he writes, I better sell some books! Haha …

 Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

g: My upcoming book, _Signs of War_ is the sequel to _The Watchman of Ephraim. It’s Book 2 of The Watchman of Ephraim series and picks up a week after the awesome ending of _TWOE_.

There are a bunch of open-ended situations that didn’t resolve in _TWOE_ that are continued in _Signs …_ including the death of one main character and the introduction of another along with some personal situations of a romantic nature between the lead characters Cris De Niro and Dr. Moriah Stevens and De Niro’s brother-in-law, Capt. Mugsy Ricci and the V.P. of Intelligence for The Watchman Agency, Michelle Wang.

There’s also one nemesis that returns and the return of one character that I had originally written into _TWOE_ as a minor character, David Nicholls, the rich, old, loveable British playboy who’s a long-time friend of De Niro’s. Because of the ‘fan mail’ I received about him, I not only had to bring the Nicholls character back, but I had to proverbially give him a star’s dressing room! Haha … I can’t believe how many people fell in love with him, including my wife!

There’s also a story behind the David Nicholls character … yes, there is a real David Nicholls who, in my mind, resembles DN in the story. In any case, there’s an entire subplot involving him in _Signs of War_.

How did you come up with the title?

g: The title for _The Watchman of Ephraim_ comes from the Bible, the Book of Hosea, chapter 9, verse 8 “The watchman of Ephraim is with my God: But the prophet is a fowler’s snare in all his ways, And hatred in the house of his God.”

The title of _Signs of War_ comes from Shakespeare, Henry V, Scene II, King Henry V saith: “Now, lords, for France; the enterprise whereof Shall be to you, as us, like glorious. We doubt not of a fair and lucky war, Since God so graciously hath brought to light This dangerous treason lurking in our way To hinder our beginnings. We doubt not now But every rub is smoothed on our way. Then forth, dear countrymen: let us deliver Our puissance into the hand of God, Putting it straight in expedition. Cheerly to sea; the signs of war advance:
No king of England, if not king of France.”

I’m a devout Judeo-Christian, so the Bible is ‘The Book’ for me …and Shakespeare’s writings just touch my soul!

What project are you working on now? Will you have a new book coming out soon?

g: I’m completing _Signs of War_ as I write this. It’s due out in September (’11). Then I’ll immediately start work on the third book in the series. I have a rough outline for it completed already.

In keeping with Dean Wesley Smith’s teachings that a writer should aim to publish three to four full-length novels per year, I’m gonna try like the dickens to get #3 out by December. If I can’t, then I’ll aim for January ’12 and maybe publish four in 2012.

After #3 in The Watchman of Ephraim series, I might try to introduce that Fantasy/Adventure series, Saga of the Seven Seals … but who knows.

Because I started advertising S7S a little to my following, I’ve gotten requests for it, so we’ll see.

Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?

g: Cris De Niro, the lead character in _TWOE_ is a very special character to me. He’s not me, but he’s who I want to be … and he has sons, Richard and Louis that one day I’d love to see pick up their Dad’s mantle and become the lead characters in the series … like Clancy did with Jack Ryan and Jack Ryan Jr.

Yes, I can see The Watchman of Ephraim series perpetuating twenty years into the future. It deals with current events, so there’s no end to storyline ideas for De Niro and his The Watchman Agency.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

g: I promised Dean Wesley Smith and myself that I would “pay it forward” and do my best to help other aspiring writers as Dean’s helped me.

To that end, let me say, if you’re the type like me that always has characters running around in your mind … that continues storylines every time you sit on the bowl (okay, that may just be a quirk of mine) … that feels an undying need to share the stories and characters trapped in your skull, then let me tell you – nowadays, more than ever before in history, you have the most resources at your disposal, in order to publish your written works. There is a mountain of info on self-publishing on the net and the SelfPubber community is made up of some of the nicest, most generous and helpful souls in the world!

Now, I’ll say this … everyone may be able to write, but not everyone should. Just like … I know the lyrics to every Ronnie James Dio song he ever sang – but should I become a singer like him? Sadly for me but mercifully for everyone else, NO!

Only you can tell if you have the soul of a writer, if you do then whether you learn the art of writing is up to you (from school, courses, books, or just by reading a lot) but as for the craft of being a professional self-published author – I implore you to check out Dean Wesley Smith’s three fantastic blogs – “Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing,” “New World of Publishing,” and “Think Like A Publisher.”

I also write a blog, more from the perspective of the master’s apprentice called, “SelfPubber’s Pub.” I invite you all to stop by my Pub! There are links to other great SelfPubber sites and resources on our sites and ALL of the info is offered for free!

And you’re welcome to reach out to me via email if you have any specific questions with which I can help you. My email is: mailto:g@GerarddeMarigny.com.

FUN QUESTIONS!

Chocolate or Vanilla?

g: Latina … my wife looks like she was born in Madrid! c”,)

The light side or the dark side?

g: The dark side … my wife tans easily! c”,)

Drink of choice?

g: One (or more) preferably bought for me! c”,)

Thanks so much, Jennifer, for this opportunity to chat with you and your posse!

Blessings all,
g

Author Bio
Gerard de Marigny is the author of the geopolitical thriller, _The Watchman of Ephraim_, Book 1 of THE WATCHMAN OF EPHRAIM series. The sequel, _Signs of War_ is scheduled for release in September 2011. Gerard de Marigny resides in the beautiful foothills of Las Vegas, NV with his wife Lisa and his four sons. When not bending an arm with friends at the local pub, he’s putting to paper the stories and characters that are alive in his mind.

Author/Publisher Sites
Author’s Website: http://www.GerarddeMarigny.com
Author’s Blog: SelfPubber’s Pub
Publisher’s Website: http://www.JarRyJorNoPublishing.com
Publisher’s Blog: Self-Publishing Diary: Author’s Log

Social Networking Sites
Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/GerarddeM
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GerarddeMarigny
LinkedIn: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/GerarddeMarigny
MySpace: http://www.MySpace.com/GerarddeMarigny

Buy Links
Amazon: Gerard de Marigny Books
Barnes & Noble: Gerard de Marigny Books
Smashwords (all eBook formats): _The Watchman of Ephraim_

Interview with author Jesi Lea Ryan

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing the talented author Jesi Lea Ryan. Please give a warm welcome and enjoying learning about this amazing author.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Dubuque, Iowa, but moved to Madison, Wisconsin after college. Although I was a Literature and Creative Writing major in college, I ended up working in the insurance industry for over a decade. In 2009, I decided that insurance was not the career that I wanted for myself and I returned to writing. My husband has been incredibly supportive of me. I couldn’t have done it without him!

What do you do when you are not writing? Do you have a day job as well?

I stopped working in 2009, so I could concentrate on writing, but recently, I started a really part-time insurance gig. Mostly so I can keep my skills up in case I have to fall back on it someday. I’m also in grad school working on my Masters of Business Administration, so that takes up a fair amount of my time. When not writing, working or doing homework, I can usually be found with my nose in a book. 

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

When I was eight years old, I published my first book. It was called Grump: The Skump Who Ate Liver. Yeah, it was quite the masterpiece! I don’t even think my own mother has a copy of it any more. Anyway, I guess you could point to that experience as being the start of my love of writing.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

Honestly, it chose me. I had no idea that my book was going to be a romance when I began writing it. I was inspired by this wonderful romantic setting and it just begged for a love story. I didn’t even read romance before I wrote one. How weird is that? The nice thing is that this experience has opened up a whole new genre of great books for me.

Where do you get your ideas? Do you ever experience writer’s block? Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I am very unorganized compared to most writers. I don’t follow a set writing schedule. I don’t outline. I don’t follow any ritual or method. I just follow my muse when it strikes me. Oh, I set small goals for myself, such as a word count goal that I want done by a certain date, but I’m pretty lenient on myself. I think this way of writing works for me, because I never torture myself with writers block. When I’m stuck, I just get up and go do something else. After awhile, the solution will come to me and I’ll start to write again.

Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

I’ve always been a big reader, but probably the most influential book for me during my younger teen years was Gone With The Wind. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I read it close to twenty times before I turned sixteen. Okay, I guess that is sort of romancy, but I loved it for the history.

How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

Marketing an e-book is tricky. There is really nothing to sign and no tangible books to sell to people. If someone wants to read it, you have to trust that they will take the initiative to go online and seek it out. Since e-books are so new, I think many writers are still learning how to market them. I would have to say that the single most important tool I use is Twitter. The support that I received from other writers, publishers and readers both during the writing process and later in the marketing process have been phenomenal! Aside from Twitter, I am active on several other social media sites, I maintain a blog, and I’ve been touring other people’s blogs.

Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

No, although I have this short story that I really think is good, but it just isn’t marketable. It deals with a dark subject matter that just isn’t right for most magazines, so I’m not sure where to go with it. The feedback I’ve gotten from the places I’ve submitted to has been wonderful, but none of them feel it’s right for their publication. I’m thinking about self-publishing it and offering it for free.

Can you tell us about your book?

Four Thousand Miles is about an American woman, Natalie, who loses both her career and her marriage in a single morning. In a state of emotional shock, all she can think about is running away from her problems. Twenty-four hours later, she finds herself all alone in London, England with nowhere to go and no one she can turn to. She is nearly mugged by a couple of teenagers in a Tube station, when they are scared off by a man passing by. When he sees what a mess Natalie is emotionally, he ends up feeling sorry for her and giving her a place to stay.

The man, Gavin Ashby, is a reclusive songwriter who lives on his family’s farm in rural Kent. He eventually invites Natalie to stay in Kent with him, his sister and his niece until she can figure out what she wants to do with her life.

Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

The story and characters were all imagination, but all of the places in the book are places that I’ve been too. Flenley Farm, Gavin’s family’s place in Kent, is based off of a place called Elvey Farm. Elvey is a 500 year old farm which has been converted into a wonderful bed & breakfast with an upscale restaurant. It was honestly the most romantic place I’ve even been, and it was what inspired me to write this story.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

Yes! If you’d like to purchase Four Thousand Miles, it is available at http://www.fictionwise.com/ebooks/b115105/?si=0 or http://www.thedarkcastlelords.com/4000_Miles.htm. I love to hear feedback, so feel free to contact me through my blog at http://diaryofabibliophile-jesilea.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter at @Jesilea.

Thanks, Jen, for having me!