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Friday, 6 May 2016

INTERVIEW: Dwight HolingFlurries Unlimited (FU) sat down for a one on one chat with award-winningnon-fiction and fiction writer, Dwight Holing. This is what we talked about:

FU: You've written an amazing number of non-fiction books centered onnature. How did you get started in that?

DH: I grew up in a California beach town with the ocean as my front yard so naturewas all around—in the waves I surfed and the kelp forests I snorkeled. I witnessedwhat happens to fragile ecosystems when rapacious development and unchecked oildrilling are allowed to run amok. This inspired me to take up a career as anenvironmental journalist. Reporting on natural areas, wildlife, and ecological issuesprovided a ticket to world adventure and discovery of exotic and endangered places,animals, and indigenous cultures struggling to survive.

FU: What was the inspiration behind the transition from non-fiction to fiction?Why mysteries?

DH: It’s a surprisingly straight path from nonfiction to fiction. Characters, conflicts, andeven humor inhabited the nonfiction subjects I wrote about and I find the natural world asource and inspiration for fiction; it helps keep dialogue and settings real. Place, time,weather—all play an integral role in a narrative’s arc and protagonist’s journey, providingaction, motivation, and revelation. Since I’ve always been drawn to stories where thedefenseless are at the mercy of the powerful and corrupt, writing a mystery series featuringa con artist who takes on the bad guys provides a creative vehicle that can carry myreaders on a fast and rollicking ride.

FU: You've written so many books and stories as well as received many awards. ofall of these, which is your favourite and why?

DH: My favorite piece of writing is always what I’m working on right now but there is ashort story that provides the strongest memory. It’s called “Gallopers” and is included in mycollection, “California Works: Stories.” It won the Arts & Letters Prize for short fiction. Theawards ceremony was held at Flannery O’Connor’s home in Georgia, Andalusia Farm,

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Labels: amwriting, author, Dwight Holing, Interview, interviews, writer, writing

where her spirit is still palpable. Reading my story out loud to an audience there?Priceless.

FU: They say that every character has some of the author in him/her. Which ofyour fictional characters is most like you? In what way?

DH: In my case, the old line of “writing is easy, just open a vein and bleed” is more alongthe lines of spilling DNA. I hope there is a piece of me in every character I write—heroesand villains, men and women, children and adults—all of their flaws and qualities alike.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your nextnew release?

DH: I still juggle multiple projects, no doubt a legacy from my freelance journalist days; Ifind it keeps me fresh and the creative juices bubbling. Top of the list is my latestinstallment in the Jack McCoul Caper series, “Baby Blue.” Readers will find Jack, Katie, andHark up to their necks in a water swindle. A summer release is planned. I’m also working ona new collection of short fiction; some of the pieces are already finding their way intoliterary journals and online publications. And, finally, I remain active in the nonfiction world,the most recent resulting in the publication of a coffee-table book of photographs andessays on marine protected areas entitled “Our Ocean’s Edge.” Writing, like life, really is fullcircle.

FU: Excellent point. Thank you for chatting with us. :-)

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FlurriesUnlimited (FU)sat down for aone on onechat withaward-winningnon-fiction andfiction writer,Dwight Holing. This is what wetalked about:

FU: You'vewritten anamazingnumber of non-fiction bookscentered onnature. Howdid you get started in that?

DH: I grew up in a California beach town with theocean as my front yard so nature was all around—inthe waves I surfed and the kelp forests I snorkeled. Iwitnessed what happens to fragile ecosystems whenrapacious development and unchecked oil drilling areallowed to run amok. This inspired me to take up acareer as an environmental journalist. Reporting onnatural areas, wildlife, and ecological issues provideda ticket to world adventure and discovery of exoticand endangered places, animals, and indigenouscultures struggling to survive.

FU: What was the inspiration behind thetransition from non-fiction to fiction? Whymysteries?

DH: It’s a surprisingly straight path from nonfictionto fiction. Characters, conflicts, and even humorinhabited the nonfiction subjects I wrote about and Ifind the natural world a source and inspiration forfiction; it helps keep dialogue and settings real.Place, time, weather—all play an integral role in anarrative’s arc and protagonist’s journey, providingaction, motivation, and revelation. Since I’ve alwaysbeen drawn to stories where the defenseless are at

INTERVIEW: Dwight Holing

DH: My favorite pieceof writing is alwayswhat I’m working onright now but there isa short story thatprovides thestrongest memory.It’s called “Gallopers”and is included in mycollection, “CaliforniaWorks: Stories.” Itwon the Arts &Letters Prize for shortfiction. The awardsceremony was heldat FlanneryO’Connor’s home inGeorgia, AndalusiaFarm, where herspirit is still palpable. Reading my story out loud toan audience there? Priceless.

FU: They say that every character has some ofthe author in him/her. Which of your fictionalcharacters is most like you?

DH: In my case, the old line of “writing is easy, justopen a vein and bleed” is more along the lines ofspilling DNA. I hope there is a piece of me in everycharacter I write—heroes and villains, men andwomen, children and adults—all of their flaws andqualities alike.

FU: So what is on the horizon? new projects? When is your next new release?

working on a new collection of short fiction; some of

the pieces are already finding their way into literaryjournals and online publications. And, finally, Iremain active in the nonfiction world, the mostrecent resulting in the publication of a coffee-tablebook of photographs and essays on marine protectedareas entitled “Our Ocean’s Edge.” Writing, like life,really is full circle.

FU: Excellent point. Thank you for chattingwith us. :-)

Flurries Unlimited(FU) was luckyenough to chatwith DaleManolakas (DM),author of severalfabulous legalthrillers about herwork, RayBradbury andacting, amongstother things. Thisis what wediscussed:

FU: You have animpressive education as well as extensive legalexperience. It's obvious why you write legalthrillers, but what led you away from the legalprofession to writing fiction?

DM: I still do legal work (once a lawyer always alawyer), but I write fiction and especially legalthrillers because I can expose the inner workings,injustices, and inequities in the justice system. Mynovels are based on actual legal cases, scenarios,and lives. I create plots and characters to engagemy readership. I do extensive research and throughmany multi-faceted colorful characters, I enjoyimmersing my readers in worlds they wouldotherwise never know. And I always choose to writeabout issues that are or have been significant to me.

FU: According to your bio, Ray Bradbury'sfriendship was a major influence over yourwriting. Can you explain a little how thisfriendship came about and how he mentoredyou?

DM: I met Ray Bradbury through a dear friend wholike Ray has now sadly passed. I am a SAG-AFTRAmember and also belong to Actors Equity for stageactors. I performed in many of Ray’s plays over the

INTERVIEW: Dale Manolakas

things like pets, gardens, and raccoons. Of course,we also discussed the theatre. And we reviewed ourwriting projects together with enthusiasm. Hementored me with humor and skill. His bookthe Art of Writing is a bible to me

FU: You've written so four books so far. Whichis your favourite and why?

DM: My favorite ismy latest legalthriller The Gun Trialin which a Yalestudent’s deathtriggers atreacherous anddeadly legal fight forjustice. Somehow itseems the last bookI have written isalways my favorite.

However, the choiceis hard because allmy books are sodifferent and I love each one for its uniqueness.Lethal Lawyers depicts big firm legal practice wartsand all. It should be required reading for lawstudents with that career goal who think passing thebar is their last hurdle because it is actually the firstand the easiest. Hollywood Plays for Keepsexplores the small theatre acting world in Hollywoodwhich took the place of the studio system trainingground of earlier years for actors aspiring to filmcareers. I think all aspiring actors should read it too.Death Sets Sail looks at the world of transatlanticcruises. It skewers corporate cruise lines and pokesfun at mystery writers trying to solve actual crimesas bodies accumulate during an awards voyage.

.

FU: Even though characters drive the story,they say that every character has some of theauthor in him/her. Which of your characters ismost like you? In what way?

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are yournew projects? When is your next new release?

DM: My new release The Gun Trialpreorder now and will be out on April 20, 2016. Afterthat I have a draft of The Divorce Lawyerfinalize and edit. Hopefully, it will launch in 2016 too.It is based on an actual case and is for matureaudiences. It proves that someone who embodiespure evil can put on a suit, practice law, be a pillarof the community, and hide his crimes for years.After that, I have already planned my next project, alegal thriller centering on the United States SupremeCourt.

FU: Sounds intriguing! Thank you so much forchatting with us.

FlurriesUnlimited(FU) had aquick chatwith romanticsuspenseauthor,TraceyLampley,about herwork andexperiences. This is whatwe discussed:

FU: There are so many different genres tochoose from, what inspired you to writeromantic suspense?

INTERVIEW: Tracey Lampley

since it made a profit. What was it about? Whatdid you write next?

TL: Yes, I did self-publish at the age of 5, and it wasa rewarding experience. The book was about Jane, asix-year-old girl who saves her family from a housefire. My next book was also about Jane and hershyness. She was afraid to graduate fromkindergarten because she didn’t want to speak infront of a bunch of strangers.

FU: You've published two Kate Mercerfar. Which is your favourite and why?

TL: My favorite Kate Mercer book is the because she engages and assists another woman-in-jeopardy while fighting to save her own family froma predator. Although I loved my first book, I wish Ihad self-published it. Signing with a publisher proveda disillusioning experience

FU: They say that every character has some ofthe author in him/her. How much of Kate is inyou? In what way?

TL: A lot of Kate is in me because I—like Kate—rootfor the underdog, hate injustice and strive to be avery strong woman without losing my vulnerability.Have I ever been a mistress? Not quite. I cannot findmyself in a dependent position on any manfinancially.

FU: So what is on the horizon? new projects? When is your next new release?

TL: I have anotherKate Mercer book onthe horizon. Butcurrently, I’mworking

on developing myaudience bygathering newreaders in a differentgenre—self-help. In2009 I filed aworkplace violationagainst two formeremployers with thestate of Ohio beingone of them and aprominent hospitalorganization beinganother. Both employers conspired and worked as atag team to oust me from a position as well as topaint me as crazy. It almost worked! Now, I intendto blog a whole book on the subject tentativelytitled: How to Deal with my Ordeal after Filing anEEOC Complaint.

FU: Wow! That sounds like a harrowingexperience that would make for an interestingbook. Thanks for chatting with us

The folks at Flurries Unlimited (FU) caught upwith paranormal romance author and naturalproducts designer Laurencia Hoffman (LH) fora quick chat about her writing andinspirations. This is what we talked about:

FU: Of all thedifferentgenres tochoose from,what inspiredyou to writeparanormalromance?

LH: I've always had a love of the paranormal –ghosts, witches, vampires, werewolves, evendemons depending on the story. I don't like to havelimitations when I'm writing, so writing in theparanormal genre gives me the freedom to dowhatever I want. No matter how dark or twisted mystories are, there is always an element of romance.Love is everywhere in the real world, so I will alwaysinclude it in my fiction!

FU: According to yourbio, in addition to beingan author, you also haveyour own line of naturalproducts. Can you tell usa little bit more aboutthis and how itinfluences your writing?

LH: Being creative in allaspects of my life is veryimportant to me. It helpsto be doing creative things

inside and outside of my writing world. Usually whenI'm working, I'm thinking about characters and plotlines. Making my own products, or preserving anddesigning flowers, really helps to get my inspirationflowing.

FU: You've published three books so far. Which is your favourite and why?

INTERVIEW: Laurencia Hoffman

LH: I would have tosay that Bittersweetis my favorite ofthe three. It hasthe most romanticstory out of theothers, and I thinkit was also betterwritten. SometimesI don't like thinkingback on a storybecause it was toosad, butBittersweet in aperfect balance forme.

FU: They say that every character has some ofthe author in him/her. Which of yourcharacters is most like you? In what way?

LH: That's a tough one! I suppose, from Sin: Bad Blood, I'm a mixture of Melina and Izzy.Melina is a spitfire, she doesn't take crap fromanyone. If she doesn't like you, you'll know it, andshe holds other people accountable for their actions.She doesn't just let things slide. That's how I am.But Izzy is innocent in many ways, and she doesn'tunderstand the evils in this world. She doesn't judgeand she has compassion for everyone she comesacross. I'm like that too.

FU: So what is on thehorizon? What are yournew projects? When isyour next new release?

LH: Right now, I'm workingon the sixth book in theWages of Sinwriting partner. We're tryingto bring the series to asatisfying close. We're notsure when the second bookwill be published, but

hopefully within the next several months! I also haveanother release coming out in June called Remembrance.

FU: Thank you so much or chatting with us.

Flurries Unlimited (FU) caught up with writerBrad Whittington (BW) to chat about his self-professed "wacky" writings. This is what wediscussed:

FU: Yourbooks seemvery unique. With so manydifferentgenres tochoose from,what inspiredyou to write"wackynovels" thatseem to crossgenres?

BW: The lureof the emptypage is the callof the openroad. If the story is the road and the genre is thedestination, then who writes for those who believethat it’s about the journey, not the destination?Three guesses.

Who says you can’t write a mystery where a sheriffhears voices coming from a muffin? Who says that apresent-day screwball comedy can’t combine thevibe of a 1920s London dandy with the 1870s Codeof the West? Who says you can’t write a comedyabout assisted suicide vacations?

It’s not paint-by-numbers, but it’s a hell of a ride.

FU: According to your bio, you have a wide andvaried array of professional experiences. Howdid you end up writing novels?

INTERVIEW: Brad Whittington

Need we say more?

I gravitated toward novels when I discovered that ittakes me 5,000 words just to clear my throat. It’snot a small thing to weave a tapestry of motives andconfusions and suspicions and incongruities, so foreach novel I pull up my socks and set to. Then, justwhen the picture starts to emerge, I pluck a thread,and we discover that what we thought was a cableknit sweater tossed aside on the couch was really asheepdog that snarfed up the sausages you put outfor the party and is now sleeping it off in the den,using the cat as a pillow.

This sort of work naturally requires the wider scopeof a novel. Plus, when you need to smack a ratscampering across the throw rug, a novel is muchhandier than a chap book of poetry.

FU: You've written so many books. Which isyour favourite and why?

BW: Would you askSolomon which is hisfavorite concubine?Actually, that mightbe entertaining.Regardless, I’mpartial to Muffin Manbecause Iintentionally wrote itwith much morerestraint than theothers. But the Jakeand Berf books arejust so whack, asone would expectfrom a mashup ofPG Wodehouse andLouis L’Amour, that Ican’t leave them outin the cold. I couldgo on, but I sense the boom of a gong in the offing.

FU: They say that every character has some ofthe author in him/her. Which of yourcharacters is most like you? In what way?

BW: Since the Fred books are looselyautobiographical in the same way that a Volkswagonresembles The Beatles, it would seem that MarkCloud is most like me. But mostly like a young mewho lived in all the towns I did but somehow

managed to have a much better time than I did.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are yournew projects? When is your next new release?

be readers buckle their socks before opening thecover.

After that, who knows? Muffin Mansequel. The fans are crying out for another Fredbook. And I just can’t seem to get Jake and Berf offmy mind. Perhaps I’ll let my newsletter subscriberspick my next project for me.

FU: Thank you so much for chatting with us.

FlurriesUnlimited(FU) waslucky enoughto sit downwithsuspense andsupernaturalfiction writerAlexandraSokoloff (AS)for a one onone chat. This is whatwe talkedabout:

FU: There areso many different genres to choose from, whatinspired you to write crime fiction,supernatural thrillers and non-fiction?

INTERVIEW: Alexandra Sokoloff

AS: The easy answer is that crime and horror are myfavorite things to read. I've always loved the darkand spooky stuff. But the real answer is that mymain theme as an author, and as a person, is "Whatcan good people do about the evil in the world?"Supernatural fiction was a good way to learn how todepict evil, the feeling and outrage of it, and crimefiction is the absolute best way to explore moralquestions of justice and how best to live.

But - you can't be preachy about these moralquestions, so thrillers are a good way to hookreaders into a story, get them addicted - and thenyou can start exploring the tough stuff.

I write non-fiction because people are always askingme to teach film writing and story structure and Ithought the best way to do that would be to put it allinto one big book, once and for all. But also I havemy Screenwriting Tricks for Authors blog, so I canwrite about movies and TV and story structure there,whenever I feel like analyzing something Iparticularly like.

possibility.

And writing non-fiction, well, hopefully I have the definitivetextbook out there now, my STEALING HOLLYWOOD

workbook, so that frees up some time. Right? I hope so….

FU: Of all of your books, which is your favouriteand why?

AS: The HUNTRESS MOON series, for sure. It's a greatstory world and complicated characters that allowme to explore everything that most interests me inthe arena of these gripping, linked thrillers.

FU: They say thatevery characterhas some of theauthor in him/her. Which of yourcharacters is mostlike you? In whatway?

AS: Everyone thinks Imust be like theHuntress. Or she'slike me. Certainly shecame out of my rage at certain evils. I understandwhere she's coming from.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are yournew projects? When is your next new release?

AS: Book four of the Huntress thrillers, BITTERMOON is out in October, and I'm working on the TVpilot for the series. It's all about the Huntress rightnow!

FU: Thank you so much for chatting with us.

Flurries Unlimited (FU) had the uniqueopportunity of chatting with suspense thrillerauthor, Ron G. Robertson (RGR). This is whatwe discussed:

FU:

Hijacked Hitman has a very unique premise.What was the inspiration for it?

RGR: The idea came to me as I walked the stairs atthe office tower where I worked in New York. When Istopped to catch my breath after several flights ofstairs, I heard someone coming up the hallway thatconnected the stairwells. I stepped back into analcove behind one of the building’s support columnsand as the person passed, the “idea began to percolate. FU: Your bio mentions walking the same stairsas the protagonist in this story. things do you have in common with him?

RGR: I did not live alone or in Manhattan, but I

INTERVIEW: Ron G. Robertson

shared Sam’s interest in exploring the city andobserving people. Yes, some of the office characterswere based on real people.

FU: They say that every character has much ofthe author in him/her. Characters are alsofrequently inspired by real life people andevents. What is the internal/external mix ratiofor Hijacked Hitman? Which of your charactersis most like you? Which situations are closestto real life? In what ways?RGR: Some aspects of Sam Robbins – his curiosity,his ease with solitude – are qualities I share. Thecriminal characters and events are purely fictional,inspired by an active imagination. Of the charactersin the story, Sam is probably the one most like me,with his carefree trust in people.

Locations in the story are based on real places. Theevents and conversations of Sam’s search for theright gun store are are almost verbatim from myexperiences during my research.

adjustment going from NYC to life in Austin,TX? How has it influenced your writing?

RGR: Living in Austin is certainly different from NewYork. Although I lived in the woods on Long Islandduring my working years in Manhattan – and Icurrently live in a densely populated area – there isno substitute for the spirit of New York City.However, Austin is easier and peaceful and theliterary community has been stimulating andsupportive. My involvement with the Writers Leagueof Texas brought me into contact with other writers,agents and publishers, and led me to getting“Hijacked Hitman” published through EnchantedIndie Press.

FU: So what is on the horizon? new projects? When is your next new release?

RGR: I have begun work on a spinoff of “Hitman.” It’s a mystery thriller about the pursuit of adangerous assassin by Detective Jackson Carter, whoappeared briefly at the end of “Hijacked.” SamRobbins also figures in the action.

I’m also thinking about an apocalyptic novel with tiesto climate change, which I began a few years ago.For therapy, I write poetry every day.

FU: Sounds very interesting! Thank you somuch for chatting with us.

Flurries Unlimited (FU) was lucky enough tohave a quick chat with philanthropist andauthor, Perri Birney (PB) about her word and

INTERVIEW: Perri Birney

various altruistic activities. This is what wediscussed:

FU: You currently have two books out, each ina different genre. What inspired you to takethat approach?

PB:The

novels both have many similar themes even thoughPURE VISION is an action/adventure for adults andmy other novel, TARA THUNDERBOLTchildren and young adults and delves into the realmof fantasy and magic. They’re both adventures thatcarry the protagonists into a mysterious world thatempowers them to face their fears, take on theirnemesis, and make an impact on like about going across the age lines is that thepredominant message of both novels gets to span afar wider audience.

FU: They say that every character has some ofthe author in him/her. Which of yourcharacters is most like you? In what way?

PB: In PURE VISION, Maggie is the character that’smost like me. She’s both analytical and intuitive. Shebelieves in being an idealist since the greatestpeople in history have proven you can’t getanywhere without a dream. I have to there are traits in Maggie that I’m still working on inmyself. Maggie doesn’t really care what others thinkof her. She’s courageous and willing to be herselfeven if it means she’s not going to be approved of. Iaspire to be more like her in that respect.

FU: In addition to being an author, you alsoseem to be heavily involved in philanthropicefforts. Tell us a bit about your PURE VISIONFOUNDATION, how it got started and how youmanage to keep it going while writing same time?

husband Lawrence and I both believe in the power ofbooks to illuminate minds and change lives. A coupleof years ago, Lawrence was working as an and doing a job in a New York State prison facility.At the time, we felt that the people incarceratedcould find inspiration and perhaps some through spiritual books. That’s when we started the Pure Vision Foundation which aims to providematerials that encourage both inner and outerpeace. Our first initiative, The Thomas Merton PrisonProject, provides interfaith books that promotespiritual and emotional growth. We also recentlystarted a Children’s Book Project which encourages alove of reading while introducing kids and youngadults to contemporary issues. The project focuseson social issues such as bullying and peer pressureas well as on environmental concerns.

Right now, I’m juggling the writing and foundationwork. Actually one seems to feed the other. When Iactively see how much reading enriches lives andhow appreciative people are to receive books thatawaken the best in them, it motivates me in my ownefforts to create stories that people find enlighteningand entertaining.

FU: Your CONSCIOUS KIDS imprint soundsexciting. Can you tell us a little bit more aboutit?

PB: I

started the CONSCIOUS KIDS imprint because Ibelieve it’s important to help kids become moreaware of the world by exposing them to real-life issues,but doing so in an empowering and fun way.recent publication, TARA THUNDERBOLT andthe Sky Dancer Cat, is the meant to do just that. The series will focus onchildren as heroes who create positivechanges in their environment. Teachers and

parents can also use the books to engagechildren and young adults in current affairsand help them realize that young to change the world.

FU: So what else is on the horizon? What areyour new projects? When is your next newrelease?

PB: I’m working on the second book in the THUNDERBOLT series. It’s exciting encouraging responses from kids who have read thefirst book and relate to the idea that they’re alreadyempowered. Tara is a girl hero that kids as well as girls like how she faces bullies, wants toprotect the environment, and is willing to stand upfor people no matter where they’re from different they are. Right now the projected releasedate for the new book is early summer of 2016.

FU: Sounds fabulous. Thank you so much forchatting with us.

Flurries Unlimited (FU) was fortunate enoughto grab a quick chat with paranormal andhistorical romance author K.J. Jackson abouther work, her inspirations and love of rusty tincans. This is what we talked about:

FU: There are so many different genres to choosefrom, what inspired you to write historical andparanormal romance?

years ago, writing a take on mythology in aparanormal romance held a lot of interest to me,personally. That, and to be 100 percent honest, Iwas juggling a full-time job and a 2 and 4 year oldat the time, and I thought I'd have to do lessresearch than I would in writing a historical. Ha, haon me! I was somewhat right about it, but I waaayunderestimated how much detail goes into world-building, and how one has to be meticulous inkeeping track of powers, locales, etc.! I have nevermet a rabbit-hole of options that I did not go down--my own flaw. And options are unlimited when you'reworld-building. But the paranormal books havealways been super fun for me, as I like my romancewith fantasy in it--be that imaginary powers or set ina time long ago.

And that leads me to writing my historical romance--

INTERVIEW: K.J. Jackson

I love reading historical romance, always have (myfavorite genre), and the common advice aboutwriting what you would love to to read has workedout pretty well for me.

FU: So,what'sthestory oftherusty tincanpictureon yourwebsite?Whatmadeyouchosethat?

KJJ: Yea, it's an oddball one, isn't it? One of myfavorite pictures from childhood, just because of thestory it tells. (And everyone gets to let their ownimagination concoct some crazy tale about it.) So Ilike to think of it as a little gift of a story, from me toyou (she says with a wink).

FU: You've written so many different books. Whichis your favourite and why? Do you like paranormalor historical better?

definitely partial to historical at the moment. Everytime I release a book and then pop open thecomputer to start something new, I just start writinganother historical, even though I have outlines formore stories in the paranormal world. That said, Iam going to try to split my time over the next fewmonths and write in both genres. But we'll see howthat goes -- I lean to type A personality, and tend towant to finish things that I start as expediently aspossible.

FU: They say that every character has some of theauthor in him/her. Which of your characters is mostlike you? In what way?

KJJ: Can I say all of them? I think every charactereither has some of me in it, or at least traits that Iaspire to have. I have taken a number of thepersonality tests for different jobs over the years,and have learned that I am mostly a chameleon--I'lltend to do whatever is needed in the situation or inthe team. I like to think that helps in creating a widerange of characters -- or at least I hope it does, andI'm not just a crazy woman!

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are your newprojects? When is your next new release?

KJJ: Next up I'm going to try to split my time andwrite both a historical and a paranormal at the sametime (we'll see how that goes).

The historical will bea regency romancefeaturing the storyof Lord Newdale. Hewas engaged tomarry the heroine,Lily, in my latestbook, Marquess ofFortune (justreleased Feb. 1). Butsomething preventsthat, something hedoes that isatrocious (can't saymuch more withouta spoiler). But -- ah-ha -- things arenever as they seemin my crazyimagination! Heactually is a hero for the ages! I'm jazzed so far withit and it'll be out in late spring/early summer.

The paranormal book I'm starting is the flip side ofthe Flame Moon series (if one read it, thosecharacters are very much on the good side of thecoin), and this next set of books will explore the flipside -- the darker characters. That is, if I can forcemyself to get on it!!! It's outlined, and it will be asuper fun story for me to write.

FU: Thank you so much for chatting with us!

KJJ: Thanks so much for hosting, me. It's fun totake stock in question like these on occasion

Flurries Unlimited (FU) was able to catch up withbreakout novelist Sheryn MacMunn (SM) for ashort chat about her work and future plans. This iswhat we discussed:

FU: Your debut novelwon many awards andhonorable mentions aswell as achievedimpressive rankings. Towhat do you attributeyour phenomenalsuccess?

SM: The best advice Ireceived about writingwas this: it’s work. So Iliterally put a lot of workinto writing Finding Out.I researched manyarticles online and inprint about Germany,both before and duringWorld War 2, andattended lectures given by survivors of the Holocaust sothe story rang true. I also attended writing classes andseminars to learn the craft of writing. After finishing the

INTERVIEW: Sheryn MacMunn

manuscript and receiving feedback from beta readers, Ithen hired a professional editor. In the end, I made surethat the book was something that I would enjoy reading.

FU: What inspired you to write

SM: The inspiration for Finding Outmy grandmothers and a good friend who was like a thirdgrandmother to me, who was named Ruth. Their advicehad carried me through so much. When they passedaway within a few years of each other, I missed themterribly. I also realized that there weren’t any books thatspoke to a single woman in her thirties who had to dealwith life on her own. Most fiction at the time focused onyounger women just figuring out the balance betweenrelationships and career with her friends. However, myfriends and I wanted to read stories about women atthat middle point of a career and relationships whenmajor decisions need to be made that can truly affectthe rest of your life. So I created a story that focused ona woman who is trying to navigate today’s world bylearning about the past. It sort of brought mygrandmother’s back to life.

FU: They say that every character has some of theauthor in him/her. Which of your characters is most likeyou? In what way?

SM: That’s a tough one. I’d have to say my life is closerto Sheila’s in that I was single in New York and worked inadvertising but Sheila isn’t as outspoken as I am.However, like Sheila, I enjoy being around older peopleand listening to stories which is what I used to do withmy grandmothers and Ruth. There is so much wisdom tobe learned from a person who has lived a long life andbeen through so much, especially those who livedthrough World War 2. It was such a scary time in ourhistory. It’s sad that the elderly are overlooked.

can be a challenge. My coach works with me to: bedisciplined with my schedule, be realistic about what Ican accomplish with my time, and stay positive whenthings veer off track, which they tend to do with a fullhouse. Sometimes, I also have to put writing on theback burner, which isn’t very fun for a writer. Thecharacters in my head want to be heard as much as myfamily does.

FU: So what is on the horizon? projects? When is your next new release?

SM: My very next project is a sequel to titled Moving On. So many people have written asking toknow more about Ruth’s life and wanting answers tosome of the mysteries in the novel. The release date isApril 2016. I also wrote a screenplay this summer abouta woman who is suddenly widowed and must move on tosupport her family. My stories have a similar themewhere a female protagonist is thrown a curve ball in lifethen finds help from her female friends. It’s a theme thatresonates with women. After I finish four outlines ready to be turned into novels.

FU: We can't wait to see them. Thank you so muchfor chatting with us.

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