Author Interview: Simon Rose

Simon Rose is an author of science fiction and fantasy novels for young adults and is based in Calgary, Alberta, Western Canada. Also Simon is an instructor for The National Writing for Children Center and presents seminars on topics like character development, story structure, editing and revision.

Simon, thank you so much for participating in this email interview. I thoroughly enjoyed The Heretic's Tomb and I liked the way you got Annie into the past and out of the walled up room at the abbey. What was your source of inspiration for The Heretic's Tomb?

I'm pleased you enjoyed the book. It was inspired by my own love of history and I have always enjoyed time travel stories. Many novels have medieval settings, but to me some historical periods, such as the era of the Black Death or the mystery of the Princes in the Tower depicted in The Sorcerer's Letterbox, for example, are the most fascinating and the most suitable settings for a good adventure story.

What are your writing habits? Do you work on an outline before starting the actual story?

Yes I do. I always work extensively on an outline, determining all the twists and turns of the plot, before beginning the actual novel. This outline is usually at least one paragraph for every chapter and can be up to 5000 words.

What goes on inside the mind of the fantasy writer?

All kinds of things - ancient mysteries, the unexplained, the paranormal, science fiction themes, time travel ideas, parallel universes, alternate realities, weird and wonderful characters and a whole lot of 'what if' scenarios.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are trying to break into the fantasy genre?

Try to be as original as possible and not copy something else, even if it has been popular. Write about what interests you in this particular genre rather than jumping on any bandwagon.

Who is Simon Rose? Describe an ordinary day in your life.

I'm not sure there is an ordinary day. If I'm not traveling or at a local school or library, I do spend much of the day working on the current book project, as well as on marketing, correspondence and so on, but also have children to take care of, pets to feed, household chores to do and so on.

What type of books did you read as a child?

I became immersed in science fiction as a boy and read a lot of science fiction novels and collections of short stories, as well C S Lewis, Tolkien and other fantasy writers. At high school, I studied a great deal of history and have retained my interest in the subject up to the present day. I also read a tremendous number of comic books as a child. Pure escapism perhaps, but comic books were great for the imagination. On TV, the original Star Trek series springs readily to mind, along with many other influences.

How do you set about promoting your novel? How many hours a week do you spend on book promotion?

I do some form of promotion every day, whether for the books or for myself, usually online though the website, blog or via e mail correspondence regarding author visits, summer camps, writing services, festivals and other events.

How was your experience in looking for a publisher? What words of advice would you offer those novice authors who are in search of one?

There are lots on resources on line and elsewhere with regards to publishers, but a good thing to do is to research which houses are publishing the same type of material that you are writing. If you are writing fantasy for ten year olds, see who is doing that and then check their website to see if they are accepting submissions, Similarly, if you are writing teen fiction, see who is doing that and again be sure to check out their submission policies. There are also publishers who only deal with non fiction, prefer to specialize in regional issues, those who only do picture books or who do picture books, but don't accept stories about animals and so on. It can be a long process, but is well worth it.

What type of book promotion seems to work the best for you? Any special strategies you'd like to share?

All authors have to be prepared to do as much as they can to promote their own work. Get a website or blog or both, even before your first book is published, forge a good relationship with your local bookstores in order to secure book signing events, look into ways to talk about your work at festivals, other events and especially at schools and libraries. You may produce the greatest book ever written. However, no one else is going to see it if your book doesn't become known to potential readers.

Visit Simon Rose's web site at http://www.simon-rose.com/ and surf on over to his blog to see where he is traveling to. Simon is available for presentations, workshops, Author-in-residence programs in Canada and the United States. Simon's upcoming book due in Spring of 2009 is Doomsday Mask.

Thank you for this interview Simon.

Carma

Author Interview - Shayn Cutino

Shayn Cutino, of Anja Wellness, is a hypnotherapist, author and speaker and works in a therapeutic capacity with clients of all ages. She is a widely requested speaker for schools, community groups and hospitals. Continuing her education, Shayn became certified through CIHAS as a clinical hypnotherapist and graduated with honors from the Global College of Natural Medicine, where she received her certification as a Holistic Health Practitioner.

Shayn is a contributing co-author of “101 Great Ways to Improve Your Health”, a new book created by founder and owner David Riklan of Self Improvement Online, Inc. This book is a compilation of 101 leading experts with proven strategies and reliable tried-and-true ways to become a healthier person.

How did the name Anja for your business come about?

Anja is a Sanskrit word meaning all knowing and intuitive. Since I am a clinical hypnotherapist, I utilize my intuition a lot when dealing with my clients. The name resonated with me and the best part was that it started with A, which for marketing purposes, puts me on the top of the food chain.

What are your writing habits? Do you work on an outline before starting the actual story?

My writing habits are random. I do make an outline but it is generally very rough. I always ask myself the basic who, what, when, where, why and how questions when writing. My frustration lies in believing that I have completed a project and then, when I go back to it, it appears incomplete.

How do you set to the task of promoting your articles and presentations?

I utilize my web site as well as local publications to promote myself. I also send out a monthly ezine to my entire database announcing upcoming events.

Your current CD series was created to help people unblock what stands in their way in life. Do you find one more popular than the other?

Yes, I have so many requests for the deep relaxation and stress reduction CD’s. Our world moves so quickly now that most of us are under the impression that we never have enough time. Taking time to slow down your breathing and relax the body is key to staying healthy as well as grounded in this fast paced society.

What do teenagers want to learn from you the most?

I have done numerous presentations at the local high schools and most teenagers are just fascinated with hypnosis in general. When I give a presentation I include a sample of hypnosis and the majority of them love the experience and are very receptive to it. When it comes to my teen age clientele, most of those kids are seeking confidence for athletic abilities, overcoming test anxieties and fear and phobia reduction.

Tell us about your new book. What inspired you to write it?

I am so excited about my new book, which I anticipate having done by July 2008. Without giving away the store, I feel that there is such a huge need for this type of book. I believe the topic is one that each of us struggles with at some point and time in our lives and I feel that this book will literally help thousands of people. I was inspired to write this book because of my own life experiences and then when I opened my practice, I began to notice a pattern with my clients. We all have a common thread and this is what I discuss in my upcoming book. I believe that this is something I was destined to deliver to the world and I am really excited about the project.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? What seems to work for unleashing your creativity?

Wow, that is an understatement! Do I suffer from writers block…..absolutely! What generally helps me is to walk away from the project and just let it sit. Then I meditate and reflect on what it is I want to achieve and I ask for answers as well as guidance in helping me to move forward. This works very well for me.

As a therapist you are always helping others move forward with their lives. What is your biggest challenge you have faced?

Detachment. Like I mentioned earlier, I use my intuitive abilities a lot in session and my feelings are very strong. When faced with a client who comes in and literally dumps on my doorstep, I need to let them vent, help them and then let it go. I believe that all therapists have this struggle because we are dealing with peoples emotions and having them re-live experiences, good as well as bad and sad.

What type of books did you read as a child?

My favorite reads were Little Women and Nancy Drew books.

What is the most important success lesson you have learned?

Success comes from perseverance. You simply can never give up. You must remain diligent and passionate about what you do.

Do you have a website/blog where readers may learn more about you and your works?

Thank you for asking. Yes I do. My website is www.anjawellness.com and my blog can be found on my web site.

Thank you Shayn for taking the time to answer these questions today.
To find out more about Shayn go to her website at www.anjawellness.com and discover what all she has to offer and download her Speaker one-sheet..

To add to the mix, Shayn is a professional speaker and is available to provide an array of workshops and presentation topics for your group or school.

Write it down,
Carma

Week Links: Get On With Your Research & Reading

The Writing for Children Resource Site.

This one link has tons of articles that answer questions like
Where should I start?

What shall I write?

Many new writers have no idea how to submit their work. There are articles here that will demystify the process.

This link has articles on the writing process and submissions. Riches of information abound.

In addition the world of children’s books is at your finger tips through your local library. You don’t even have to leave home unless you want to check a book out. I logged on to my local library and clicked on the kids category box. A page called Kids Infobits came up with links to a broad coverage of subjects for children through the GALE database.

I found a treasure chest of children’s magazine articles from publishers like Dig, Calliope and Scholastic and more. You can find out what topics have been published. Also, many articles are printed in full which would allow a writer to “study” the type of article a particular magazine publishes. This benefit could save you money and the hassle of acquiring samples via snail mail. This is a great resource to add to your tool box. Of course you will need your local library card.

Write it down,

Carma

6 Reasons to Hire a Writing Coach and Achieve Success

A writer needs a coach for the same reason an athlete does. Consider Joe Blanton, pitcher for the Oakland A’s. He tied an Oakland rookie record of twelve wins in 2005 and threw his first shutout against the Royals on May 31, 2006, all under the guidance of a coach. Success and coaching go hand in hand.

Following are six reasons to hire a writing coach:



1. Increase productivity. Free up more time for writing. Work like cooking, washing dishes or cleaning house is unproductive for writers. This type of work can be delegated to other family members or if your budget allows it, hire someone else to do it.
2. Earn more money. Your writing coach will teach you how write top notch query and cover letters leading to great writing jobs. Also, a writing coach will show you where to look for jobs.
3. Generate desired results. You are your own worst critics. A coach can be objective and open your eyes to your positive attributes.
4. Learn to use S.M.A.R.T. Goals (specific, measurable, attainable, and timely) T can also stand for tangible. A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of your senses. For instance when you see your first novel on a shelf in Barnes and Noble.
5. Receive self-esteem support. It is easy to feel depressed when creativity seems to get stuck. You may feel inadequate and the knee-jerk reaction is to beat your self up. A coach can show you how to combat against writing blocks.
6. Shatter Procrastination. All the planning and goal setting in the world will not help you become a best selling author unless you apply action. A writing coach is there for you every inch of the way. Each time you cry out “It’s too hard”, your coach will tell you yes it is hard but you can do it!

In conclusion:

A writing coach gives support, listens and teaches. Furthermore, the objectivity they provide is incredible because they are not so embedded in your trees that they can’t see your forest.

Join the Children's Writer's Coaching Club and unite with other children’s writers and aspiring authors. Under the guidance and expertise of writing coach and founder of The National Writing for Children Center, Suzanne Lieurance, you will be on your way to becoming a published children’s writer.

Write it down,

Carma

TOT LOL On line Videos for Kids

Videos for kids are not a new thing but too many Utube type videos on the Internet are not suitable for children under thirteen. I found a website that solves that issue thanks to Elizabeth O Dulemba's blog and it is the coolest thing. The website is







Click here to see a sample called The Birds.

I had so much fun surfing around this site. TOT LOL is a brand new community-moderated website designed to be enjoyed by those from 6 months to 6 years. I imagine that some parents will enjoy these videos right along with them.

TOT LOL is still in the early testing stages and that means that some things will work most of the time but occasionally there may be couple of things that don't. Feel free to join this community and participate in rating these unique, funny, educational and touching videos. The registration is free. Surf on over to get the full scoop.

Write it down,
Carma

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! It's Children's Book Week!

May 12 through May 18.

Hosted by the Children's Book Council. Go visit their website to learn all about it. Also, check with your local library. I am sure they have some wonderful things in store to celebrate.

Color Me!

Purchasing coloring books online is a common occurrence. Also, many sites have single pages that can be printed out for coloring. I have found a few sites to print out coloring pages drawn by illustrators of children 's books such as Elizabeth Dulemba. She places one coloring page for children each Tuesday on her blog for printing and coloring. I have printed several for my grandchildren.

Read the article below: Coloring Books - Online Books, by Elizabeth Ashe. Her website also lists resources to help you find quality books for children at affordable prices.

It seems that you can find everything and anything online these days, but can you find coloring books? A quick search will reveal that coloring books are indeed online and there are quite a few options that appear for them.
Some of these options include: online coloring books, jumbo coloring books, and coloring books for purchase.

Online coloring books - This is a new phenomenon known only to the online generation, kids prior to this day in time never knew the option of printing out virtually endless amounts of coloring pages for their coloring pleasure. Nowadays, kids can log on to their favorite kid's programs website and either color pictures of their favorite characters right there on the computer screen and print them on their printer, or they can print out the blank coloring page and color with crayons. Now that's options!

Jumbo coloring books - Also a new but very fun idea is the jumbo coloring books that are available today both in your local discount store and for purchase online. These huge coloring books can create hours of fun for your child. Available again with their favorite cartoon characters and these are larger than life. Kids can spend hours coloring in these extra large books.

Coloring books for purchase online - Does your child have a favorite cartoon character or maybe they have a love for tiny horses, sheep dogs or some other unique animal. Online you can find an array of coloring books available for purchase that you may not find anywhere else.

Elizabeth Ashe is a mom of four that would love to show how to find great cheap books online. To learn more visit http://www.bestchildrensbooksonline.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Ashe

Write it down,

Carma