Author Spotlight: Interview with Tess St. John

1.Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

Title: EYES OF JADE

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Tagline: After multiple attempts on her life, Superstar Eve Knight must put her fate in the FBI. She never expected her heart, along with her life, would be at risk.

2.How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

My hero’s eyes are green and lifeless when the book begins, just like uncut pieces of jade.

3.Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

That’s a tough one...I like both the h/h, but if I had to pick one, it would have to be Jake Dane, the hero. He’s a tortured, haunted, sweet man.

4.How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

I guess that would be the heroine’s sister. She’s spoiled, selfish, and only interested in what will get her to her sister’s star-status.

5.If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

Nothing.

6.Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

EYES OF JADE is part of my Undercover Intrigue Series and it’s about FBI agents finding their HEA.

7.Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

Unique talents??? That’s a tough one. Painting, I guess, although I haven’t painted in a years, these days I’m more into drawing.

8.How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

You can find me at http://www.tessstjohn.com/

9.What can we expect from you in the future?

I have four or five books in my Undercover Intrigue Series (only 2 are out, but book 3 will be out soon), I have a historical romance out which is part of my Chances Are Series (It will have at least one other book in that series, probably more...I haven’t decided yet), and I’m hoping to get a contemporary romance series and Scottish historical short story series out in years to come. Oh, and a screenplay I’ll be working on it 2013.

10.Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

WRITE, WRITE, WRITE! Find some really good critique partners (people who write well) who will be honest with you and you’ll be set.

11.Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Thank you so much to Jenna for having me!

12.And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Jake and Stewart followed her to the elevator.

Once on her floor, dim lighting lit the wide hallway. Stewart stayed at the elevator.

Eve fumbled in her purse and finally pulled out her keys. Her hands, still shaking, caused the keys to clink together. Bringing her to the warehouse might not have been a good idea.

Without a word, Jake gently took the keys, wanting to check inside first to make sure everything was clear. But with the security here, it probably wasn’t necessary. He unlocked the door and twisted the knob.

Another door down the hallway slammed.

A clatter rattled behind him.

He turned to find Eve had dropped her purse, the items scattering everywhere.

The man who banged his door boarded the elevator, then Jake let go of the apartment door and knelt beside Eve to help gather her things.

She brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. “I’m sorry. I’m not usually this much of a—”

Deafening gunfire drowned out her apology.

Jake launched himself forward and cradled Eve’s head in his hands.

They tumbled to the floor.

He rolled until his body covered hers. His arms encircled her head and he buried his face against her neck.

Blasts exploded over them. One after another.

Again and again.

Eve’s body tensed beneath his—her hands gripped his sides, pinching his skin.

The rapid-fire machine gun shots vibrated through Jake. The earsplitting blows rocked him harder into Eve. His body imprisoned hers to the unforgiving marble floor. But he couldn’t lift his weight without exposing her head.

With the impact of each shot, something struck him in the back of the head and shoulders, probably debris from the wall.

Abruptly, the gunfire ceased.

Still sprawled on top of Eve, he lifted to support his weight on his forearms and grabbed his gun from the shoulder holster. When he tried to move, she clasped his sides harder. “Please don’t go.”

Weapon drawn, Stewart hustled toward them. “I’ll check the apartment.”

Jake knew no one was there. If an actual person was shooting, he and Eve would be dead. He looked down at her.

Her soulful eyes were stunned, her terror horrifyingly real. He leaned his head down until their cheeks touched, sheltering her with his body, allowing her to catch her breath. Her shallow pants echoed in his ear.

A subtle scent of lavender caught him, either her shampoo or perfume.

Her breathing began to ease when a door down the corridor creaked open. She squealed, grabbed his shirt, and pressed her forehead to his chest.

Jake aimed his gun toward the door, his body still prone over hers—protecting her.

* * *

Thank you Tess for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview!  I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
 *****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Artist Spotlight: Interview with Donna Casey

1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself: What got you interested in art?  Have you taken any art classes?

I have been interested in art since I could hold a crayon. I have always loved drawing and I have tried all sorts of mediums; pencil, pen and ink, watercolors, acrylics, oils, charcoal, pastels, modeling clay, leather carvings, you name it and I’ve tried creating works of art with it. I had a couple of Photoshop classes at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, but I have not had any formal art training. I have learned a lot, first from books and then from tutorials on the web and from studying other artists’ works.

2.  What is your preferred medium and why?

My preferred medium now is Photoshop, by far. I can create fantasy images that look real and I can make real photos look like paintings. Also, there’s no mess to clean up.

3.  Do you have an online portfolio or a blog where we can view your work?

There are two places where you can see my work: my website – http://www.digitaldonna.com/ and my Digital Donna Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DDcovers

4.  Do you have a favorite artist?  If yes, what draws you to that person’s work?

My favorite artist is Frank Frazetta. I love his fantasy paintings; they are powerful and full of life. His dramatic use of dark shadows and colors inspires me.

5.  Can you remember one of the first things you drew/sculpted/painted/photographed etc.? 

     What makes it memorable?

One of the first things I drew was a horse. When I was young, I wanted a horse but living in the city, it was not practical so I would dream about it and draw horses.

6.  This being primarily an author’s blog, I would like to ask if you’ve ever designed any artwork for an author (cover image, maps, interior art - including font styles - etc.)?  Do you have a favorite genre (fantasy/sci-fi, thriller, romance etc.) you like to design for?  If not, would you be interested in designing a book cover?

My main business is designing covers for both ebooks and print books. I also design web ads for authors to help them market their books. I did a map for the interior of a book once, but I would never do it again! It was extremely frustrating to get an exact replica of what the author had in mind and it took much too long to do it. I especially enjoy creating covers for mystery/thrillers and sci-fi.

7.  Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your works?

When an author contacts me to request a cover design, I ask for a synopsis of the book. This is usually enough to put some images in my mind to begin with and then I work with the author to refine the artwork so that it is a good representation of the story, or a part of the story. Sometimes I read sections of the book and the author’s vivid descriptions will unleash an avalanche of images in my imagination. Then, I search for those types of images on my favorite stock photo websites, collect several and begin molding them together in Photoshop.

8.  Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a whole new genre of art?  How did it turn out?

The only thing I would be uncomfortable doing is nude/pornographic images, so I make it a point not to do them.

9.  Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?

Many years ago, I began collecting tiny mouse figurines called Wee Forest Folk, created by Annette Petersen and her family in Concord, Massachusetts. On a whim, I contacted Mrs. Petersen and asked if she needed any painters for her pieces. We set up an appointment, I went to her house and painted the eyes on several little mice and I was hired on the spot. I enjoyed working for the Petersens for 16 years and I still collect the adorable little pieces. (http://www.weeforestfolk.com/)

10.  Where can we reach you if we are interested in commissioning you for our own projects?

You can reach me at Donna@DigitalDonna.com or the contact form on my website. www.digitaldonna.com/contact.php

11.  What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?

I don’t think I have created a masterpiece yet, but I imagine the hardest part would be knowing when to stop manipulating the work.

12.  And finally, is there anything else you’d like to say?

I would like to encourage writers to dive into the self-publishing pool; the water is fine and 2012 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for authors and readers alike.

* * *

Thank you Donna for taking part in my Artist Spotlight interview!  I hope your artwork continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future!

*****

If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Marketing Tips for the Financially-Challenged Indie Author: Bookmarks

An image of
butterflies I created
for the front of one
of my bookmarks.

Who doesn’t like bookmarks, and what avid reader doesn’t need at least one?  Well, perhaps in this day and age of ebooks, bookmarks are more of an embellishment than a necessity.  Yet, if you are like me (someone who reads 99.9% of their books on an ereader but still has quite a collection of traditional hardcover and paperback tomes lying around), then you might still find a good use for those fancy placeholders of old.

Not only can bookmarks help us save our spot, but they can be a very useful tool for the independent author.  Like the business cards I wrote about before, bookmarks offer the indie writer a relatively low-cost option for advertising their books.  In fact, the most challenging aspect of the bookmark process, in my opinion, is the designing of it.  But don’t fret, it isn’t as hard as it might seem (I’m just a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to creating anything artistic ;)).

Once again, I use my old friend Microsoft Word to help me with this dilemma.  Before you begin, however, I would recommend browsing different sites that offer a bookmark package and checking on the exact dimensions you’ll need before cutting and pasting images onto a document.  Once you have the page set to the right length and width (plus the bleed of course), you can begin.

Here is the back of the
bookmark for my third
book, The Awakening.

With a bookmark, you also have two sides that you can really utilize to help sell your book (you have much more room to work with than you do with the business cards).  On one side I personally like to put an image that will make the bookmark itself more appealing.  I guess you could regard it as ‘wasted space’, but, being an artist as well as an author, I consider it another plus, especially when I can tell people, ‘Yes, I designed the artwork as well.’

Of course, not everyone is a writer as well as an artist, but you might want to consider sacrificing that space (I feel people are more willing to take a bookmark if it isn’t entirely jam-packed with information).  Sometimes it’s good to appeal to the aesthetic side of people.  For example, if you aren’t an artist, maybe you can make the entire side of your bookmark the cover image of the book itself (or a section of the cover to give it a little intrigue).  Whatever you choose, be sure to test it out on friends and family to get their feedback before sealing the deal.

Now for the other side of the bookmark . . . This is where you get to practice and experiment with fonts and the wonderful world of telling your story with as few words as possible.  The back of my bookmarks consist of a small image of the cover, the title and my name (I also say which book in the series it is).  Then I add a tiny excerpt (I tried to find the most intriguing ones; hopefully yours will be better than mine), and finally I polish it all off with a mention of the purchasing info and my website.   When it is all complete and everything looks good, I save it as a PDF and upload it to the website of my choice.

Another image for the
front of the bookmark.
Notice how I make sure
the image's edges are
well within the edge
of the 'page'.

Of course, you may have a much different idea as to what information should be included on the back of your bookmark.  Positive reviews might be a good choice or maybe even an author bio.  Whatever you ultimately decide on in the end, just remember to be creative and try to stick to the relevant information regarding your books.  Good luck!

Author Spotlight: Interview with William Woodall

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

It's really a series, entitled "The Last Werewolf Hunter", and it consists of three books- Cry for the Moon, Behind Blue Eyes, and More Golden Than Day.

2. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

It's called "The Last Werewolf Hunter" because that's what the main character turns out to be. . . the last werewolf hunter in the world.

3. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

My favorite character is Zach Trewick, who is the main character.  The whole series is told in first-person, from his point of view, and he has the kind of personality that makes him hard not to love.  He's very honest about his opinions (which he's full of), he can be silly and lighthearted sometimes, but he'll also cry if he has to and he can have some pretty deep thoughts at times.  I like him very much. 

4. How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

I think my least favorite character is Marc Doucet.  He turns out to be such a total dirtbag after pretending to be so very helpful and kind, and then tries to put the blame on somebody else.  

5. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

I don't think I would change anything at this point.  I've been told a time or two that the scene at the beginning of the first book when Zach's grandmother kills a rabbit is a bit more disgusting than it really needed to be, so if I had it to do over again then I might redo that part and tone it down a bit, if only because I don't want to give readers a false impression of what the rest of the series is like.  But for the most part, I'm happy with the work as it stands.

6. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

The series started out as a short story that I wrote when I was still a teenager, so it's done a lot of growing and developing over the years till I finished it a few months ago.

7. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I like doing all kinds of things.  Other than writing, I've tried everything from rock climbing to painting.  My curiosity is insatiable.

8. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

The best thing to do is to visit my website, and you'll find just about everything you ever wanted to know about me and my writing.  There are free samples and complete short stories, poetry, interviews, commentary, and articles I've written.  The link is   http://www.williamwoodall.org/

9. What can we expect from you in the future?

Right now I'm working on a new novel which is set to be released in March 2012.  I don't want to give away too many details, but it's another expansion of a short story that fans enjoyed especially well and asked to hear more about.  I pay attention to what readers tell me they'd like to read.

10. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

I have seven points that I try to keep in mind for myself.

a. Write about what you love, regardless of whether anybody else thinks it's important or not.

b. Always put everything you've got and your whole heart into every book you write

c. Be as nasty and cruel as you possibly can to your characters because that's exactly what will bring out their inner strength and make readers love them,  

d. Remember you're a novelist, not a propaganda writer.  Fiction is not the place to get on a soap-box and grind axes, no matter how worthy and important they are.

e. Every single word in your story should be there either to advance the plot or illuminate your characters' personalities.  If there's anything that doesn't do that, cut it out.

f. Never use a difficult word when a simple one will do just as well, and don't use non-English words when an English word already exists. 

g. Finally, don't get discouraged.  Good things come to those who work hard and never give up.

11. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

This is marketed as young adult material, but there's some real depth in it which gives an adult reader something to enjoy about it, too.  I think all great books are ageless;  they're something a child can enjoy, but there's also something in them that an adult can love just as much.

12. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

"There are only three questions a man ever needs to ask: What is the nature of God, what things are worth living for, and what things are worth dying for.  And the answer to all of them is the same: only love."  Spoken by Zach Trewick, seconds before he jumped in front of a man holding a loaded rifle, to try to save his girlfriend's life.  You'd have to read the rest of the story to find out what happened next.

* * *

Thank you William for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview!  I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
 *****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Artist Spotlight: Interview with Peter Ratcliffe

1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself: What got you interested in art?  Have you taken any art classes?

It all begun at school. I was always a bad student and my mind always drifted to a blank sheet of paper through an HB pencil.

2.  What is your preferred medium and why?

I have no specific medium. I love art and as an Advertising Creative I don't believe an idea has a specific birth place.

3.  Do you have an online portfolio or a blog where we can view your work?

Yes, http://www.peterratcliffe.com/

4.  Do you have a favorite artist?  If yes, what draws you to that person’s work?

Yes, Stefan Sagmeister. I idolize his work, specifically the process to reach his end result. I try to practice his techniques as often as deadlines permit.

5.  Can you remember one of the first things you drew/sculpted/painted/photographed etc.?  What makes it memorable?

A carving on wood. A tribal inspired artwork. On my first suspension from school, my dad sent me to the creative department of his friend's advertising agency in São Paulo, Brazil. I was 14, I think, and there were no computers back then. I took that project back to school and entered it for the Arts Award. I got 1st prize for it.

6.  This being primarily an author’s blog, I would like to ask if you’ve ever designed any artwork for an author (cover image, maps, interior art - including font styles - etc.)?  Do you have a favorite genre (fantasy/sci-fi, thriller, romance etc.) you like to design for?  If not, would you be interested in designing a book cover?

I have been designing for some authors and to be perfectly honest, I have no preference of genre. I see every genre as a different challenge and always do my best to make my client and myself happy. I guess my advertising background has allowed me to be creative in different mediums and with different subjects.

7.  Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your works?

Mainly from my past experience, as I have travelled a lot. Also, I rely on references from around the web and creative sources. When I get a briefing from an author, I tend to paint pictures in my mind of what I believe would best describe the story, or a specific passage of the story. I try to stick to the old adage, where "a picture is worth a thousand words". It's not easy, but it becomes easier with time.

8.  Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a whole new genre of art?  How did it turn out?

All the time. Each job is different, therefore each requires something unique. It's very frustrating at first when you have a blank page in front of you, but after hours and sometimes days of research, it naturally comes out.

9.  Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?

I did play professional Rugby for the U21 Brazilian Team. We suffered the world's most embarrassing loss at the hands of Argentina.

10.  Where can we reach you if we are interested in commissioning you for our own projects?

peter@peterratcliffe.com

11.  What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?

Having one simple amazing idea. I believe that less is more. I hate clutter.

12.  And finally, is there anything else you'd like to say?

Thank you for the opportunity. My inbox is always open to new business. Good luck to all aspiring artists. We're all in the same boat!

* * *

Thank you Peter for taking part in my Artist Spotlight interview!  I hope your artwork continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future!

*****

If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

   

In and Out of Character: Interview with Jaax from the Legend of Oescienne Series

1. Let’s start out with an easy question: since today is National Appreciate a Dragon Day, can you tell us why we should take a moment to appreciate your kind?

A very good question, and I have a very good answer: when human beings flourished in Ethöes, it was the responsibility of the dragons to tutor them and guide them to become a more learned race.  Dragons have always played an important role in this world, and I hope my kind will have the chance to make a difference once again and purge Ciarrohn and his ilk from the world.

2. Can you share one thing you regret and tell us why?

A tough question, but the one thing that comes to mind is the time I’ve spent with Jahrra so far.  I regret staying away as long as I did when she was very young.  It has caused a great chasm between us, one I hope we are finally beginning to mend.  If I could go back and do it all over again, I would have made more time to visit her and get to know her.

3. Do you have any heroes?

A few.  Traagien of course, for his bravery and perseverance in destroying Ciarrohn once before.  Most Tanaan dragons look up to Traagien since our race was modeled after him, when the Crimson King set a curse upon our kind.  I guess those humans who had been cursed to be dragons for the rest of their lives found some solace in resembling the single dragon who had defeated Ciarrohn before.  I guess it’s our way of holding onto hope.

Another hero of mine is Hroombra of course.   Without his patient guidance I would have been lost several times over.  Besides, he helped me to understand Jahrra more than I would have been able to accomplish on my own.

4. In The Awakening, we learn that you head the Coalition for Ethöes, an elite group of dragons and other beings that make it their goal to plan and prepare for the day they’ll be needed to help restore the world to how it was  before the Crimson King gained power.  Have you always wanted to be a leader, or was it something that fell into your lap?

I was never expected to be much of a leader, but life seldom paves an easy path for those who walk it.  Fortunately, when I realized that my role in restoring Ethöes would be greater than I had first thought, I had someone to help guide me along the way.  Although I don’t feel absolutely sure of where I’m heading, I at least feel a little more confident in my chosen path.

5. In the first chapter of The Finding, we learn that you have been searching for the promised human child for centuries.  Can you describe what it was like when you first realized your search was over?

Exhilarating, terrifying and miraculous, all wrapped into a single emotion.  I can’t really describe it.  I had been searching for Jahrra for so long that I had started simply going through the motions; arriving at a location after learning a human child had possibly been found and not even bothering to give the infant a second glance.  But for some reason, Jahrra was different.  Although I had a hard time believing it, there was something about her aura, a life force too powerful to be contained in such a young infant.  It felt like my scales were standing on end for a good week after deciding she was the one.

6. In The Beginning, you arrive in Oescienne just after Jahrra has won a prestigious horse race.  It was clear that you were very angry with her for lying to her mentor, Hroombra, but did you feel any pride at all?

I’ll admit it, I was extremely angry with her, but it wasn’t truly her fault.  If I remember correctly, the reason I had rushed to Oescienne was because of some worrying information I’d received from other members of the Coalition, information that suggested she might be in trouble.  To arrive at the Castle Guard Ruin and learn no one knew where she was was tantamount to a lance being driven through my heart.  My anger at her was a result of her terrifying us all to death.  But I had also never been more proud.  Unfortunately, my fear and anger burned too fiercely to let any of that pride show.

7. Jaax, you are really good at putting on a harsh face and hiding your emotions.  How have you become so good at this talent and are there ever times where you feel that your mask is slipping off?

Years and years of practice.  In my line of work, one cannot afford to betray a stray emotion.  If the enemy can read you, then you might as well just tell them what your weaknesses and strengths are.  I fear that perhaps over the centuries I have become too good at being harsh and cold at times, but if that’s what it takes to keep Jahrra and the Coalition safe and to meet our end goal, then I will continue to do.

Have I ever felt the mask slipping?  Yes, but usually only when I’ve gotten into another, let’s say heated discussion, with Jahrra.

8. At the end of the third book, we learn that you and Jahrra must once again flee from a place that has become a home for the both of you.  Can you give us any clues as to where you are heading and what we might expect from you and your ward in the next book?

Of course, I cannot predict the future.  You would have to ask a Mystic for that.  What I can promise is that we will head further north, into the mountains, our final destination being Nimbronia, the great frozen city of the Creecemind dragons.  And although I can’t tell you exactly what to expect, I can promise there is a very high possibility of several more arguments arising between Jahrra and I.  Fortunately, we’ll have Ellyesce to help act as a mediator.

9.  And finally, if you and Jahrra manage to defeat the Crimson King, do you think the remaining Tanaan dragons will become human once again?

That is a hard question to answer, because I fear I don’t have the expertise or knowledge to answer it properly.  I hope that is what will happen, but I cannot say for certain.  Ciarrohn wields dark magic, and with curses formed from such magic, one can never know how the curse will be broken or if it can be broken at all.  I only hope that Ethöes will keep her promise, as she has with Jahrra and that when this is all over, the Tanaan prince of Oescienne will be restored and Ciarrohn’s evil will be purged from our world forever.

* * * * *

If you would like to read Jaax and Jahrra’s story, you can get the Legend of Oescienne books from amazon.com in paperback and ebook format, and from barnesandnoble.com in ebook format.

* * * 

If you have an ereader other than a Kindle or a Nook, you’re in luck!  The Finding (Book One) is currently FREE from smashwords.com and is offered in many different electronic formats for the ereader of your choice.  It is also FREE for the Nook on barnesandnoble.com

* * * * *

Thank you for reading this interview with Raejaaxorix, a character from the Legend of Oescienne series!  If you would like to read more interviews of the other characters from these books, send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Author Spotlight: Interview with Alex Rosaria

1.  Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

Absentis. I challenged myself I would write 20 short stories within a years' time. Absentis is the first one I finished. It's a ghost, haunted house story.

Pamela Pearson, a young police detective, knocks on a door. Little does she knows what is waiting for her at the other side.

2.  How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

I wanted a title relating to people gone missing. First I thought about calling it Missing Person, but thought that to be a little cliche and bland, so instead I searched for a word in Latin that had the same meaning. Absentis means; absent, missing, away, gone. I liked the word and the meaning was close enough to the story.

3.  Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Pamela Pearson, the main character. She has her heart and mind in the right place, albeit a bit naïve to the realities of the world, however she gets herself into something so off from that what she knows, that whatever hardships she may have had pales in comparison, but despite all that she keeps a rather level head. Till the end.

4.  How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

That's a difficult one. I can't really say.

5.  If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

I'm satisfied with the way it turned out. I could have done a bit more on the cover, but with having 19 stories left to write and covers to design I didn't want to take too much time making the cover better. It's just details I wanted to add, like I wanted to give the title some more depth, some kind of 3D feel.

6.  Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

My very first novel “Finitum” has a scene about a male genitalia and an ashtray that I don't know how I came up with. I must have drunk one beer too many.

7.  Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I took up running recently, I challenged(yes another one) myself I would run the 5km in 15 minutes. It's a near impossibility for a guy my age, but you never know for sure if you do not try. Now I'm obsessing with running. I even made a blog about this challenge to keep me on course. Relating my journey in doing the impossible. http://therunchallenge.wordpress.com/

8.  How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

I've got another blog http://creationofanovel.blogspot.com/ about my writing, writing in general, and books.

A website http://www.alexrosaria.com/

A twitter account www.twitter.com/#!/adarosaria

And I'm also available at goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/4719199.A_Rosaria

9.  What can we expect from you in the future?

Well I've got 19 more short stories to write and I'm working on a story about a Vampire that would make the sparkly Twilight vampires shudder in fear.

10.  Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Readers: Read whatever your heart desires.

Writers: Write whatever your heart desires, when there is want in your writing it will be better than if there is a must in it.

11.   Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Checkout my other stories:

Don't Believe What They Say (Ghost Story)

Jake walks his dog at predawn under the full moon, when the layer between the supernatural and reality is thinnest.

He has no way to fathom that this time might be his last.

F.C.F. That Within (Sci-Fi/Horror)

Stranded on a moon, his unit dead.

The outpost a distance away, not enough oxygen to get there.

A bug infestation going on, and he's the only one alive to deal with it.

Sergeant T. Black the only survivor left to exact revenge for her betrayal.

Revenge in space is sweetest.

Finitum (Horror. My first novel)

John Lone had to deliver a package to a secluded cabin in the forest, later that day he had an important date planned with his girlfriend Linda.

A simple routine trip he took many a time turned out bad. Supernatural creatures stalked within the forest and beyond for any innocent prey they could devour and now their aim was on John.

John will have to fight for his live to get out, to get back to society, back to his girlfriend Linda, and his only chance to a happily ever after, but this is no fairy tale.

12.  And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

“She felt a shiver travel along her spine. No, she wasn't alone, she suspected whatever it was wouldn't care about her dropping her gun, however she was afraid of what it did care about.”

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Thank you Alex for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview!  I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
 *****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Artist Spotlight: Interview with Duncan Long

Book Cover: THE SPIRITAR by
Paul M. Strickler
An illustration that was created just for
fun and then later sold.  This one fitted
into Strickler's vision of what his book
cover should look like, so he purchased
the book cover rights for that purpose. 

1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself: What got you interested in art?  Have you taken any art classes?

From a very early age I was drawing; by age three I was creating pictures with figures you could recognize as human beings, along with bits of "costumes," weapons, or whatever.

I'm pretty much self-taught as an artist. I grew up attending small schools and never really had any serious art training other than in third grade where we had a teacher who was a skilled water color painter, taking some time to show us a few tricks there. In high school we had no art classes at all. In college I had one art class designed for elementary teachers; basically a "color inside the lines" sort of course that was only to fulfill the requirements I needed for a BA Degree and otherwise pretty worthless. So most of what I learned was on my own or through books my dad (who is also somewhat of an artist) directed me toward. That said many of my grade school teachers as well as my parents encouraged me in my art, and sometimes it's the encouragement that's most important in developing skills and pushing forward to achieve greater mastery of a craft.

So I'm basically self-trained. And I suspect that if the computer and digital tablet had failed to come along at just the right time, my skills would not have developed to the extent they have.

2.  What is your preferred medium and why?

Digital. It is quick and clean and permits a wide range of effects. And it is forgiving of experimentation. The "undo" key and ability to revert to a previously saved version of a picture always a wide range of experimentation that would be impossible with physical media. I work on a modest HP workstation running XP Pro with most of my input coming from a Wacom digital tablet.

THE THINKING MACHINE
This is a rather terrifying picture - to me
at least (and I suspect most viewers).  The
thought behind it was that were a machine
to be created with artificial intelligence, so
that it was self aware, what then
happens when the machine loses its
usefulness and is discarded?  Would it be
trapped in an eternal hell within a scrap
heap somewhere?  What are the moral
implications of that?  Or if you "put it out
of its misery", do you basically
murder it?  Which would a user choose?
Thus the sad eyes in a broken mechanism.   

3.  Do you have an online portfolio or a blog where we can view your work?

My online portfolio is the best bet: http://duncanlong.com/art.html

4.  Do you have a favorite artist?  If yes, what draws you to that person’s work?

Norman Rockwell is probably the greatest influence in terms of my own style and the story telling I want to see in my work. He was able to put in great detail where it was needed, yet often left large sections of his pictures bare and blank, drawing the eye toward the important aspects of the painting. Also, there's a complex story to be enjoyed when you spend a little time examining his pictures. That story-telling aspect coupled with the realism is what most attracts me to his work, and is something I try to achieve in my own. Maybe not a story in great detail, but something that makes the viewer stop and think about the possible stories  the picture might tell, and wonder what is going on, or what might happen next.

5.  Can you remember one of the first things you drew/sculpted/painted/photographed etc.?  What makes it memorable?

I have the good fortune to still have some of my earliest pencil drawings (that my mom saved and gave to me a few years ago). Drawn at the ripe old age of 3, the pictures seem a little ahead of what you'd expect from someone that age in terms of the detail. Things were crude, but rather than the stick figure look the characters were more fleshed-out. Perhaps also of interest, the subjects had helmets and ray guns -- perhaps suggesting my later tendency to lean toward science fiction and fantasy illustrations.

MARY'S HOPE
I often create illustrations just for fun, and this
was one such.  It proved to match the idea of
a story appearing in Asimov's Science Fiction
magazine, so I was able to sell it there for the
cover of the Dec. 2009 issue.

6.  This being primarily an author’s blog, I would like to ask if you’ve ever designed any artwork for an author (cover image, maps, interior art - including font styles - etc.)?  Do you have a favorite genre (fantasy/sci-fi, thriller, romance etc.) you like to design for?  If not, would you be interested in designing a book cover?

Most of my "bread and butter" work these days comes from self-publishing "indie" authors and small presses. I've done artwork for HarperCollins, PS Publishing, Pocket Books, ILEX, Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, Moonstone Books, Enslow Publishers, and other larger presses as well. But with the current shift toward more authors self-publishing, my client base has also shifted in that direction as well.

My projects vary greatly from one to the next. Sometimes I only create the illustration for the book or magazine, but more and more I find myself doing the lettering for the front and sometimes the whole front/spine/back right down to the bar code (which I really enjoy since it gives me the ability to integrate everything for the best possible cover). And, yes, on occasion I do even create a new typeface for some of the lettering (though for the back blurbs and such standard fonts are generally best so they don't get in the way of the message).

I do a variety of genre illustrations. Over the last couple of months I've covered everything from  romance to fantasy to horror to mystery to science fiction -- and a few stops in between. And to be honest, the great variety of subject matter is one of the things I love about this business.  Each job is different and it helps stretch my skills and keep mentally agile.

7.  Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your works?

Just about everywhere, I guess. I'm always watching people and things, thinking about the shadows and how such might be worked into my illustrations. And when I'm cruising the net and stumble over a picture or illustration that I like, I drop it into my "inspiration file" of pictures on my hard drive to study at a later date.

Of course when it comes to illustrating book covers and such, often the inspiration for the picture comes from the person hiring me to create the picture.

8.  Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a whole new genre of art?  How did it turn out?

Actually, I try to do this as often as I can. Sometimes I fall flat on my face, but often by pushing my abilities I not only get better but also create something that has the "Wow!" factor, where I look at the screen, see something that just seems wonderful, and say, "Did I do that?" I guess there's an element of insane risk taking involved. Where some guys scale mountains without safety lines, I take on jobs without knowing how in the world I'll ever be able to do them."

THE DREAM OF THE CAT
Another 'for fun' illustration - as yet without
a home on a magazine or book cover. 
Basically I tried to imagine what a cat might
dream of as the perfect order of things: A
lair at dizzy heights, a pretty girl whose only
purpose is to pet and pamper, and, if you
look closely, a tiny  mouse below and a little
to the right of the cat.  When I was a kid, we had
a tiger cat very much like this one; it was named
'Cat'.  I suspect it had dreams like this.

Of course not all illustrations I do are out in left field. Many are pretty straightforward. But even then the goal is still to achieve that feeling of excitement and mystery for the viewer.

9.  Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?

Except for that incident involving the lady and an ax, no. :o)  Seriously, I lead a pretty mundane life, and most days that's for the best. The terror, adventure, and unexpected bubbles from my artwork rather than my life, which is generally for the best, I think, because I'm a pretty cautious guy everywhere but in my creative work.

10.  Where can we reach you if we are interested in commissioning you for our own projects?

I have current contact information at my web site that I keep current:

http://duncanlong.com/links/contact.html

11.  What, in your opinion, is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?

Probably the hardest part once a person has his skills honed, is letting go of the quick-and-easy solutions and going out on a limb to try something new and dynamic. The quick-and-easy promises something that works and is safe; and sometimes that's just what's needed. But if every illustration takes the quick-and-easy route, stagnation and boredom take over for me and possibly the viewer as well. So regularly leaving my comfort zone is a necessity for creating the very best.

12.  And finally, is there anything else you’d like to say?

I've been in the publishing business for several decades now, and the one bit of advice I would give to those wanting to write, illustrate, or whatever...  is that persistence  and self promotion seem the keys to success. You can have talent running out of your ears, but if you give up or don't show off your skills, you'll never get any recognition or meet with any success. Unfortunately many writers and artists tend to be somewhat introverted, and prefer to simply create without "wasting time" with promotion and such worldly tasks. But submitting work and self promotion are the keys to success. Often the persistent beat the greatly talented in the race to be published. If you want to succeed in the publishing industry, never give up, don't be shy, and push yourself into the limelight.

PIRATES AND ALIENS
This started as a joke (in regard to the Cowboys and Aliens movie), in which I suggested the next mashup in Hollywood would be pirates and aliens. So the picture.

* * *

Thank you Duncan for taking part in my Artist Spotlight interview!  I hope your artwork continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future!

*****

If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com