The Sable City

These are my absolute favorite posts to write. I feel like a big time journalist who is getting the insider info on the writing world's up and coming new writers. I have met some absolutely fabulous writers since starting this weekly post and I hope you all have enjoyed them as much as I have. This week is a bit different though. My guest doesn't have a blog (yet ahem hint hint ahem). He has just recently published his first novel, The Sable City, and is new to the whole blogsphere/facebook/social network scene. See don't I sound like I know what I am talking about lol. His name is Michael Edward McNally and he has written an amazing guest post regarding his journey in "indie publishing". If you're wanting to be transported to far off mythological lands, then you must check out his book. Welcome Michael!!

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Thanks to Dafeenah for allowing a still-finding-my-way-around Indie writer to post a few thoughts. Here are a few of mine.

My whole life I’ve been reading or seeing interviews with authors, and 99% of the time one of the first questions asked is, of course, “Where do you get your ideas for your stories?”  So you would think I’d have had a witty answer ready for when I myself was inevitably asked (particularly as I’ve had my Grammy and Oscar acceptance speeches good-to-go since age 14 or so).  But not so much.  The question came up not long ago, and I just stared at it, wondering, as it had never really occurred to me to ask myself.

I think I said something about hearing voices in my head, seeing a character as though through a glass darkly, little joke, little aw-shucks, something like that.  Because of course the only honest answer for me was, “Heck if I know.”  Stuff is just rolling around the brain-pan, be it serotonin or pixie dust, and once in while something sort of globs together.  As a writer, all I do is take a rolling pan to it, and see what it looks like after it’s flat on a page.  Maybe not a good answer, but what it may lack in quality, it makes up for in sincerity.  If I knew I would say so, but Heck if I know.

What I do know, and the question nobody asks, is “Where do you get your ideas for your setting?”  That one, oddly, I can answer perfectly well.

I was studying the Balkans back in the ’90s when much of the region was on fire, and I got very interested in exploring issues of nationalism, religion, ethnic identity, etc.  Writing about things myself is the way in which I explore them.  However, I really didn’t want to step on anybody’s toes, so I did the obvious thing: I created a world with its own peoples, gods, and nations.  Now, since I was big Tolkien/Eddings/Leiber fan from Back In The Day (and, yes, a total Dungeons and Dragons nerd for quite a while as a kid), my world was distinctly “Fantasy,” with magic, dragons, monsters, and what-not.  This made me more interested in exploring some other things, as for example how “magic” could fill the role of technology in establishing communications and logistics allowing for Imperial expansion.

After a while I had a stack of notebooks and crudely-drawn historical maps defining the history of some places that had never been.  I did it basically as a hobby, as it is too hot to go outside in AZ for much of the year, and there are snakes and scorpions out there.  Also, it was cheaper than cable.

Which, of course, is when the heretofore mentioned “globbing” started to occur.  Maybe the Hand of a Muse alighted on my brow, maybe I had a bad shrimp chimi for dinner, but something started to roil.  That something is now a series of books, set in an early gunpowder/Age of Sail fantasy world with a pathological amount of detail underpinning it.  Far more detail in fact than will ever be in any of the novels, because setting isn’t a story.  There are people living in my world now, and the story is theirs.  Specifically, it belongs to Tilda Lanai, the young Island Guilder trying to find the exiled heir of the Trade House she serves.  Tilda is what the glob turned into.

So that’s what I’ve got. Book I of the Norothian Cycle, The Sable City is available on Kindle and from Smashwords for other readers.  Volume II is slated for an end of June release.... 

If anything I’ve said here gives you hope that these books might be a good read, please do check out the free sample downloads, as owing to my verbosity they are plenty long to you give you a taste.

Thank you for your time, and for supporting Indie authors,

M. Edward McNally

 About Michael "Ed"'s book:

Product Description

The Trade Houses of the Miilark Islands control the shipping lanes linking four diverse continents across the blue vastness of the Interminable Ocean. The Houses are represented abroad by the Guilders; men and women skilled in business and burglary, salesmanship and swordplay, merchandising and musketry. Tilda Lanai has trained for years to take her place among them, but now the House she is to serve is imperiled by the sudden death of the House Lord.  Scenting blood in the water, rival Houses begin to circle.  The desperate search for an exiled heir takes Tilda across a war-torn continent and to the gates of the Sable City, where centuries ago dark magic almost destroyed the world. Along with a sinister sorceress, a broken-hearted samurai, and a miscreant mercenary long on charm but lousy with a crossbow, Tilda must brave the demon-infested ruins to find the heir who may yet save her House.


 

From the Author

The Sable City is the first volume of a fantasy/adventure series called The Norothian Cycle.  As such, it is the introduction not only to a cast of characters but to an entire world, though I have endeavored not to let laying-the-groundwork detract from Tilda's story.  Additional background materials (maps, glossary, short histories) may be found at The Sable City on Facebook.

More about the author:

M. Edward McNally is a North Carolinian of Irish/Mexican extraction. Grew up mostly in the Midwest along the I35 corridor (Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota), and now resides in the scrub brush surrounding Phoenix, AZ, where the scorpions and the javelinas play. Masters in English Lit from ISU and Russian/East European History from ASU, though both date from an earlier era when there was a lot of Grunge on the radio and Eddie wore entirely too much flannel, even in the summer.

Places you can find his books:

Amazon

Smashwords:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/46661

Places you can connect with Michael:

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/medwardmcnally
                    http://www.facebook.com/thesablecity

Cheryl Shireman - Broken Resolutions

With the upcoming summer holidays, I thought I would rearrange my blogging schedule. So I have done away with Saturday Spotlight and it has been renamed Writer Spotlight so that I can move it to a different day. Most likely it will be every Wednesday of each week, but since my internet wasn't working at the beginning of the week I am a bit behind. Even so I still wanted to get this up so that hopefully by next week I could be on a schedule that is more suitable. At the moment I am not able to visit everyone as much as I would like so I thought by rearranging things that should help and with the summer ahead I will most likely be busy on the weekends as will most others so it just makes sense!! Now that that's out of the way let's meet this week's Indie Author, Cheryl Shireman. 

 I actually found Cheryl through another Indie author, Lizzy Ford. She introduced me to Cheryl's blog and I am so glad she did. Cheryl has some amazing information available on her blog especially for new writers who are just starting out. Her Indie Publishing page is filled with great tips and sites that I have found to be tremendously helpful. Not only does she provide some amazing info, but she writes the most amazing books. She has six published books. The two I liked most were Broken Resolutions which is about two ex lovers who are pretending to still be together for one last event except things don't go quite as planned and Character Profile for Fiction Writing which is very helpful for those writers wanting to combat writing block, improve your writing skills,  learn basic skills used by every writer,  and gather ideas for new stories.

You can visit her site for full synopsis of all her books and for links on where to purchase them. Now here's my Q & A with Cheryl:

1. What site(s) have provided you with the most help and support as an Indie author? 

One of the first sites that I found to be really informative is Kindleboards. I joined that site and “hung out” in the Writer’s Café. There are a great group of writers (and readers) there who are always willing to give advice and instruction. More recently, I joined a Facebook group called Indie Writers Unite. That group is just wonderful and consists of other Indie writers. We go there to get advice on such things as pricing, covers, and descriptions. We go there to complain when the writing is not going well. We also go there to celebrate those great sales days. Lots of camaraderie and support there. Love my writer’s group!

2. When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing in my early teens, but I never really considered the possibility of being a writer. That seemed like such a fantasy, such a dream occupation, that it was always out of reach. In fact, I never thought it was a possibility until after I submitted an article to a magazine and it was accepted for publication. I only received twelve dollars for that article, but more importantly, I learned that people would pay to read my writing. A career in writing suddenly became a possibility.

3. Is there more or less competition amongst Indie authors than amongst "traditionally published" authors? 

Well, since I have never been “traditionally published” it is difficult for me to answer that question. But – I can say this about the Indie writers I have had contact with, and there have been many. These are some of the kindest and most encouraging people I have ever met. We share our stories. We tell each other what works, and what doesn’t, and give ideas on what to try next. I don’t feel any competition among my fellow Indie writers, but instead, a sense of cooperation and unity. If one of us succeeds, all of us succeed. It has been an amazing experience.

4. Why do you think the work of Indie authors is somehow considered "less than" traditionally published authors and how can this attitude be changed?

I think that attitude is already changing. The stigma about self-publishing is well deserved because it started in the days of so-called “Vanity Presses” who “published” your book – as long as you paid them hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. For many people, this is what they think of when they hear about Indie or “self” publishing. 

Just five months ago, this was also my attitude. I had never heard of the Indie revolution – despite the fact that I am a writer and an avid reader! My husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas. While looking for a new book to add to my Kindle, I came across an article about Karen McQuestion. She is an author who self-published many of her best-selling novels as eBooks on Kindle. My first thought was, this seemed too good to be true. There had to be some sort of catch. 

There is not. A writer can now self-publish and partner with companies such as Amazon for no cost whatsoever. Within 24 hours of reading that article (in late January), I had uploaded my recently completed first novel, Life is But a Dream. Within 48 hours it was available on Amazon as a Kindle eBook. Within a couple of weeks it was also available as a paperback through Amazon and as an eBook on Barnes & Noble’s Nook. It is now mid-May and Life is But a Dream has been bought by thousands of readers. In less than four months! That is simply amazing.

5. Have you had more success with your eBooks or printed books?

While I am selling both paperbacks and eBooks, I am definitely selling more copies of the novels via eBooks. I have just released a gift book entitled You Don’t Need a Prince that is selling about the same number of copies in paperback and eBooks. I think it depends on the title. For novels, across the board, eBooks are now becoming the most popular format.

6. What is your current WIP?

I just published another novel, Broken Resolutions, and I am currently working on a sequel to Life is But a Dream. I had not planned to do so, but I heard from so many readers who requested a sequel that I thought – why not? And I love the opportunity to “hang out” with the characters again. Six months ago, if you had told me that Life is But a Dream would not only be published, but would also sell so well that readers would ask for a sequel, I would have never believed it. Dreams do come true!

Visit Cheryl for info on all of her books

Description:
Six long-time friends gather for their annual New Year’s Eve party. They are meeting at Craig and Hannah’s spectacular home in the country. Hannah is a best-selling romance novelist. Craig is her adoring husband. All seems perfect.

Except nothing is. No one knows that Craig left Hannah several months ago and is living across town with another woman. Tonight, Craig and Hannah will play the part one more time. Because tomorrow will be soon enough for broken dreams and reality. Tonight, they just have to get through the party.

But they didn’t plan on the snowstorm. A snowstorm that will keep them all snowed in together for the next three days. Which is plenty of time for secrets to be discovered, for illusions to be shattered, and for resolutions to be broken.

So, dab a little perfume behind your ear, put your party dress on, and slip into your favorite heels. You’re invited to the party!


(photo & description were taken from Cheryl's blog)


Places you can find Cheryl:

Website   http://cherylshireman.com/

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

Facebook   http://www.facebook.com/cherylshireman

Where you can purchase Life is But a Dream:

Life is But a Dream Kindle 

Life is But a Dream  Nook   

Life is But a Dream Paperback   

I would like to thank Cheryl for taking the time to visit with me today and if you would like to be featured in my writer's spotlight, then drop me an email. I would love to have you.

To read past Writer Spotlight features, simply visit my Writer's Spotlight page.
Next week's featured writer is M. Edward McNally.

Saturday Spotlight- Rhian Williams

I hope everyone had a nice weekend last week. This week's spotlight feature is a bit different so I am super excited about sharing it with you. This week's Indie Author is Rhian Williams and she writes poetry. I was only 14 when my first poems were published so poetry has always held a special place in my heart. Rhi has a unique style of writing that comes straight from the heart. Here is a sample of one of her poems from her blog.  You can read more of Rhi's writing, photography, and poetry over at her blog, Bits and Bobs. 

She looked, sighed, dropped to her knees,
she waited, teased, kissing her hips,
the agony achieved in hesitation
from one woman to another
anticipation over skin and smiles.

Just wait, one more moment for her,
touching from heart to hips,
with swift, soft, fingertips,

Here's my Q & A with Rhi:

1. How long have you been writing poetry?

I wrote my first poem at 17, and I remember it pretty clearly, even if I don't actually have it. It was pretty awful, and after that, most of my poetry was cathartic, and out pouring of everything bad and terrible I felt, none of the good. I think this is something every poet has to go through, if not every writer, it's important to get everything out so you can grow and learn and find your style. I think I managed to get it all out by time I was 24, not that I don't write plenty of cathartic poetry, or poetry about the bad and terrible things in my life (or the world), but I can write in a way that is more accessible to the reader.

2. Do you feel promoting a collection of poetry is harder than a novel and do you have to do anything different from promoting a novel or is it the same?

It's definitely harder, but that's just the nature of poetry. Even if it were published by the big poetry publisher Farber and Farber it would be hard. Poetry is a niche market and then some, most bookshops here have one shelf for poetry and that's it. It's a bit like the forgotten sibling, overshadowed by Harry Potter and Dan Brown, even though it's older. More and more people may write it, but I see that as inevitable with the population increase of the world, and technology. So I've got a bit of a challenge ahead of me, and I'm not entirely sure of all the details to be honest, but it can't be any harder than therapy.

3. What types of poetry do you prefer to write?

 

I prefer to write freeverse poetry, poems with their own rhythm and rhyme scheme (if they rhyme at all), but I have experimented with different forms, difficult forms, like sonnets, sestinas and villanelles, but I always return to freeverse. As for subject, I tend to go through phases; I write about anything and everything, but I'll have periods of time where I will stick to a certain subject, a certain person or event.

4. What is your current WIP?

At the moment, I'm working on putting together another collection of poetry, as it turns out, over the years I've got a lot of poetry that's just sitting in a few disorganised folders on my computer. I'm also trying to finish my first novel, which I'm half way through or so, but it takes me a long time to do anything, so it'll be my work in progress for a while longer yet. Along with another four half started novels, a couple of half finished short stories, and some other bits and bobs, I always have something on the go, something to work on. To top it off, I will be going back to university in September to do a degree in English Lit. and Creative Writing.

 

You can purchase Rhi's book "I Love You like a Madman" in both print and ebook formats.

Ebook available at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55547

Paperback available at: https://www.createspace.com/3600315

 

 

 

Connect with Rhi:

site - http://scruffy-duck.net
twitter - http://twitter.com/anxiousgeek
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Rhi-Williams/845245075

You can find past Saturday Spotlight features on my Writer Spotlight Page. Next week's featured Indie author is Cheryl Shireman.

Saturday Spotlight - Alex J. Cavanaugh

This week's Spotlight is a bit different. When I started Saturday Spotlight, my intention was and still is to feature Indie Authors. Mainly because they don't have the marketing behind their books that published authors have, but I also want to be able to have a well rounded list of info for aspiring writers. I know there are many writers who are just starting out and are uncertain which path is right for them. That is why I thought I would ask the wonderful blogger I met through the A-Z challenge, Alex J. Cavanaugh to appear in the Spotlight this week. There are a few traditionally published authors whose stories touched my heart and I felt compelled to share them with you simply because I enjoy reading them so much. 

Here's my Q & A with Alex:

1. How did you decide sci-fi was the genre for you?

I’m a science fiction geek at heart - movies, TV, books, you name it! I also read fantasy and thrillers, but I decided to start with the genre I felt most comfortable writing.

2. How long did you have to wait from the first query letter til you finally got published?

Seven months? Something like that! I started with big publishers and then queried smaller ones.

3. When you're creating new worlds, races, languages etc, do you do any type of special research and where does your inspiration come from?

Besides a lifetime of exposure to science fiction? No special research, although I did expand my knowledge of fighter jets.The idea of creating my own universe came from watching all of those science fiction shows and movies. For me, the best aspect of science fiction is its sense of adventure. And of course the characters, because if I don’t connect with the characters, then it doesn’t matter how grand the adventure.

4. What is your current WIP?

I’m currently revising a sequel to CassaStar that begins twenty years later. Much to my surprise, readers wanted more. They also wanted a female character. (Imagine that!) So, I’m giving them both.

Alex J. Cavanaugh

Blog: http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh

Some more info on Alex:

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games, and he covers those topics on his blog. His first book, CassaStar, was released last fall and is available in trade paperback and all eBook formats.

 

 Info about his first book CassaStar:

 

 

 

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh

Science fiction/adventure/space opera, Dancing Lemur Press LLC

ISBN Print 9780981621067 eBook 9780982713938  

To pilot the fleet’s finest ship…

Few options remain for Byron, a talented young man with a troubled past and rebellious attitude. Slated to train as a Cosbolt pilot, Byron is determined to prove his worth and begin a new life. Much to his chagrin, Bassa, the toughest instructor in the fleet, takes notice of the young pilot. As war brews on the edge of space, Byron requires a navigator of exceptional quality to survive. Bassa must make a decision that could well decide the fate of both men. Will their skills be enough as they embark on a mission that may stretch their abilities to the limit? 

“…calls to mind the youthful focus of Robert Heinlein’s early military sf, as well as the excitement of space opera epitomized by the many Star Wars novels. Fast-paced military action and a youthful protagonist make this a good choice for both young adult and adult fans of space wars.” - Library Journal

Where you can purchase CassaStar: 

                                                  

Also available at:


BARNES & NOBLE

Books-A-Million

AMAZON UK

AMAZON KINDLE 



To read past Saturday Spotlight featured authors, visit my Writer Spotlight page 

Saturday Spotlight- Angeline Kace

I thought I would get this post up quickly today. Just in case blogger decides to have another WTF moment and disappear. This week's featured Indie Author is Angeline Kace. I came across her blog by pure chance, which is how I come across most blogs. I saw her link in the sidebar of another blog, clicked and instantly knew she was a blogger I wanted to read more from. She is in the process of finishing her first book, Descended by Blood. If you'd like a sneak peek at it, then you can read the first chapter on her blog, here. She has started her own publishing agency, Accendo Press.

Here's my Q & A  with Angeline:

1. What is the one thing every writer who is considering the self-publishing route should know?

 Make sure that it’s what you want to do. Self publishing is not necessarily the right or wrong way to publish, but you need to make sure that it’s what you want to do.

It takes a lot of work. You are the author, editor, graphic designer, marketer, EVERYTHING. Yes, you can hire some of these things out, but it is ultimately up to you to be the gatekeeper. If you commission an ugly cover, no one is going to make you change it if you love it.

Writing is only a small portion of the self publishing process. If you are considering this route for your work, make sure that you really research the ins and outs of the business. Joe Konrath is a great place to start. And don’t think that just because you can publish the book yourself that the quality should be any less than you would expect it to be if a New York publishing agency published it. Make it the best example of your work as you can. Any less and you risk tarnishing your reputation.

2.  What made you decide to start your own publishing group instead of “traditional publishing”?

I always thought that someday I would write a book. I never took it seriously though. Then, I read Twilight, and I very much wanted to create that high-- that place where your mind is set free and revels in the characters and what will happen next. I started writing a book and started to research what I had to do to get it published. I found that the chances of picking up an agent were slim, and then I found out that even WITH an agent, your book might not get picked up by a publisher. It was just so daunting to me that I quit writing and went back to reading. I started writing because it was fun, but seeing the amount of let downs and upward battles seemed like no fun at all.

In December, I read Amanda Hocking’s book, Switched. I fell in love with this book and then checked out her blog for more information about it. That was when a whole new world opened up to me.

I could publish my books myself. With the eBook revolution, I could reach tons of readers, and maybe even make money doing it. So, I crawled the web and found any piece of information I could about self publishing. My time spent reading had been sucked away by this new world of writing, and publishing, and any time left for reading was spent on technical books. I’ve not only had to learn about self publishing and how to best ensure that I can be successful at it, but I have also had to learn about writing. Writing is a craft and most people can’t just open up a Word doc and create something that everyone is going to want to read. There is a method to the madness, and I had to find how best to steer mine. I have also had some great friends and mentors in my partners at Accendo Press, Heather Hildenbrand and Jennifer Sommersby, to help guide me along the way. Both of these ladies are very talented, so having them there to tell me what works better or where I need to change things has taken months off of my writing learning curve.

3. Is writing a series harder or easier than writing a standalone book?

 I have only written this one book so far, but judging by the struggles I’ve had to go through to make sure that I’m not giving away too much information in Book 1, Descended by Blood, so that there end up being nothing to carry over to book 2, or that the information to be carried over is properly developed in this book so that book 2 is stronger, I’d say that a series is a lot more difficult. The most challenging thing for me has been the ending; how do I create enough excitement and build up to make the reader WANT the next book, but not so much so that they don’t feel like they got enough satisfaction out of Descended by Blood? I know what is going to happen, and I know how the story carries over to book 2, but the break off and the balance of information is where it gets tricky.

4. What is your current WIP?

My current project is Descended by Blood. I have been writing the final scenes this week, and it should be completely written by the time your followers read this. It is a Young Adult Paranormal Romance, because that is what I love to read the most, and it has Vampires in it too. I am a loyal vamp girl ;)

Here is a short description of what the book is about. It will be released in July or August 2011:

Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. Thrown into a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Brooke must tap into the side of her that she never knew existed at the risk of losing her life in order to save it. 

Thank you so much for having me Dafeenah!

Thanks, Angeline, for visiting. You can find Angeline here:

Blog: http://angelinekace.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angeline-Kace/122820374454142

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Angeline_Kace

Accendo Press: http://www.accendopress.com/

To see all of the featured Indie Authors in the Saturday Spotlight please visit my Writer Spotlight. 
If you're an Indie author and would like to appear in the Saturday Spotlight, then please contact me. I would love to have you!

Saturday Spotlight - Lizzy Ford

This week's featured author: Lizzy Ford

 Read Lizzy's latest free ebook The Warlord's Secret 

I am very excited about this new weekly feature. I have found some amazingly talented writers and I can't wait to share them and their stories with you. I am focusing more on Indie Authors for this series. What is an Indie Author? It is a person who chooses the self-publishing route instead of the more traditional publishing (query, agent etc) route.  I am super excited to share my first featured Indie Author with you, Lizzy Ford. I found Lizzy purely by accident. One night I was bored and looking for something to read. By pure luck, google landed me on Lizzy's Damien's Oracle, and from there I was hooked. What I love most about her books is her ability to intertwine old world mythology with the fast paced modern world that we live in today. Once you start reading, you don't want to stop because you just have to know what happens next. 

Here's my Q & A with Lizzy:

1. What is the one thing every writer who is going the self-publishing route should know before they head down that path?

It's a full-time job.  Writing, revising, marketing, establishing and maintaining your online presence - it requires a good plan, time management skills, dedication and persistence.  Fortunately, it's not like a normal 9-to-5, because if you love writing, you'll find the rewards equal the effort you put into it.  I love what I'm doing and can't wait until I can actually quit my 9-to-5 to write and self-publish full-time. 

The second thing I'd tell people is to remember that your novel may be the tip of the iceberg for you, but it's often the first and last thing a reader knows about you.  Professional-level editing and a professional cover are crucial to standing out in the slush pile of all the other self-published books out there. 

I learned this lesson after my first two novels, "Damian's Oracle" and "Damian's Assassin."  For my third, "The Warlord's Secret," I worked with an indie book editor to smooth out the writing and story/character development then worked with Dafeenah for an absolutely beautiful cover.  The result is a quality product inside and out, and I've received already seen the results in the amount of people downloading this novel compared to the first two. 

2. What genre do you consider yourself to be and would you consider writing different genres or do you plan on just sticking with one?

I started out writing YA fantasy then transitioned into romance, mainly in the fantasy, futuristic, and paranormal subgenres.  I guess I never really left the fantasy writing realm!  I love the freedom of creating my own worlds and characters.   I've written literary fiction short stories and poetry as well.  Most of my work can translate into the YA genre.

This year, I wanted to experiment with romance subgenres to see what I liked and what went over well with readers.  I've released contemporary paranormal and fantasy so far and have plans for a futuristic romance, contemporary romance, and may experiment with a thriller romance.  I also plan on writing a fantasy (non-romance!) novel this year.  Next year, I'll probably experiment more with literary (non-romance) fiction.

3. Who/what inspires you the most?

I've always known I was meant to be a writer.  My imagination needs an outlet, and I can't draw or dance or anything else creative.  So, writing it is!  Ha!

Let's see - the past ten years, I'd say Jane Austen was probably who pushed me into Romance.  I loved Pride and Prejudice - my favorite book! - and how it portrayed complex interaction between flawed people.  I'm fascinated by this in general, which I think was probably what inspired me to stating writing romance.

Prior to this, I grew up with such movies as the original Star Wars series, all the Star Trek series, Jim Henson's movies, and read almost strictly fantasy books growing up.  I loved the new worlds and people these books introduced me to, and fantasy was a place where my active mind was actually quiet for awhile.  

4. What is your current WIP?

I just finished and am revising my fourth novel for release in May, entitled, "Katie's Hellion."  This is another contemporary paranormal romance.  I have 8 more novels to write/release this year as part of my 12-12 challenge, where I challenged myself to write and publish 12 books in 12 months.  I'm editing "Katie's Hellion," before I send it to my editor to hack apart!  I also started on June's book, which will likely be a futuristic romance entitled, "Rebel Love." 

I also have a YA Fantasy novel I work on when I have the time.  It's by far my favorite book of anything I've ever written.  I might be able to release it this summer, but I tend to get distracted easily, which is why I normally have several projects ongoing at any time!  I don't have a summary prepped yet for this one.  I did include two rough draft blurbs of May and June's books below!

"Katie’s Hellion" synopsis: Katie thinks she’s going crazy when a baby immortal and death’s personal assistant appear at her doorstep.  She’s drawn into a world of intrigue and danger, filled with immortals like Rhyn, an outcast half-breed who claims her as his mate in a show of defiance.  Rhyn rescues her from a trip to Hell and discovers his little human has a gift that’ll help the immortals uncover a plot threatening immortals and mortals alike.  Contemporary paranormal romance.

"Rebel Love" synopsis:  After attacks cripple the East Coast in the year 2075, security expert Kiera is alone with a secret she must protect at all costs, even if it means placing her life - and her heart - in the hands of Brady, the compelling, dangerous leader of the rebellion.  Futuristic romance.

 Published Ebooks:

The Warlord's Secret

Damien's Assasin

Damien's Oracle

Places you can find Lizzy:

Website:           Guerrila Wordfare

Facebook:        Lizzy Ford (with the pink camouflage)

Twitter:            @LizzyFord2010

Goodreads:      Lizzy Ford

Amazon:          Lizzy Ford Author Page

Smashwords:   Lizzy Ford Bio

 

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