James Diehl is an award-winning journalist who has covered Sussex County, Delaware for various media outlets since 1998. Since 2007, he has owned and operated a freelance writing company based in Seaford, Delaware and is also a partner in a Lewes, Delaware-based public relations and marketing firm. He is the author of one other work of non-fiction – Remembering Sussex County, from Zwaanendael to King Chicken, published in 2009 by The History Press.

James can be found online at www.twitter.com/sussexwriter, at www.facebook.com/sussexwriter or via www.ww2-heroes.com.

Q: Thank you for this interview, James. Can you tell us what your latest book, World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware, is all about?

James: World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware is a personal look into what the brave and heroic members of what Tom Brokaw once termed “The Greatest Generation” went through so that we may live as we do today in the United States of America. It’s a look at the war through the eyes of 48 men and 2 women who were there. There are tales from Asia, from Europe, from Africa, from North America…from famous battlefields, from ships at sea, from statewide and overseas. The stories are personal, they are emotional and they are so, so real. The accounts will give readers a whole new way of looking at the war and at the men and women who were a part of changing the course of world history.

World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware (click on cover to purchase)

Q: Is this your first novel?  If not, how was writing this novel different from writing your first?

James: This is actually my second book, both of which have been published this year. I’ve been asked that question a lot and my standard answer is this – Remembering Sussex County, my first book, was a lot of fun for me to write. I won’t say World War II Heroes wasn’t fun but, first and foremost, I feel it was a very important book for me to write. It’s essential for people to realize the sacrifices these brave men and women made so that we may live the way we do today in the greatest country in the world. In regards to methodology, this book was a much more intense experience. It took many hours, much patience and a whole lot of tweaking over the course of two years. But, I’m very proud of the final product.

Q: How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

James: It’s never easy and it took a couple of years to pull it all together. But I feel it was worth it; I’m very happy with the way it turned out. As for writer’s block, we all experience days where that rears its ugly head. When it happens to me, I generally go for a walk or a run if the weather is nice. If it’s winter time, I need to be a little more creative. I may let my 3-year-old use me as a trampoline for a few minutes or take my wife out for lunch. Anything I can to get away from the computer and clear my mind.

Q: How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

James: It’s still strange to think of myself as having “fans.” But it has been well received thus far. Pre-sales went well and I’m hopeful that the book will do even better moving forward. As for experiences, I hardly know where to begin. When you interview 50 veterans from one of the most important times in history, you’re going to collect some pretty important and emotional stories. As for myself, the thing that really hit me is that these opportunities will soon be lost forever. Five of the 50 people featured in my book passed away before the book could even be published. That was quite sobering.

Q: What is your daily writing routine?

James: I have two young children at home, so my day usually begins between 4 and 5 o’clock in the morning. I try to get as much done as I can while the house is still quiet and I can really be alone with my thoughts. From there, I have breakfast with my daughter, take her to school and then get back to work. By mid-afternoon, I usually turn to doing interviews, marketing-related items and scheduling for the following day.

Q: When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

James: Unfortunately, those times seem to be less and less frequent these days. But I do live in a coastal area and, in the spring and summer months, I like going to the beach with my family and enjoying all that southern Delaware has to offer. I also enjoy reading, of course.

Q: What book changed your life?

James: I can’t say any one book changed my life, but reading about Watergate and the role Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein played in exposing the scandal got me interested in the field of journalism. That love of writing eventually morphed into my first book, which piqued my interest to do more.

Q: If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

James: Devotion

Q: Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

James: That when I start on something, I’m completely incapable of doing it halfway. I give it everything I have, sometimes bordering on obsession. It’s just the way that I work, but it’s hard for some people to understand that.

Thank you for this interview James.  I wish you much success on your latest release, World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware!

Ed Roberts will never forget the day American tanks rolled into Moosburg, Germany – more specifically into “the hole” the Germans called Stalag 7-A, a prisoner of war camp where the Pennsylvania native spent nine months as a guest of the German government during World War II.

It was, as a fellow prisoner later penned in his memoirs, a day when he saw 10,000 men cry. “You just can’t imagine the joy we felt after almost a year of making do under all kinds of situations,” Roberts says.

When American tanks rolled into the compound and started distributing K-rations, Roberts – who at the time was down to a mere 135 pounds – and his fellow prisoners started gobbling them down like they were candy.

“But after all that time, nothing tasted good,” he remembers.

As a prisoner of war in Germany, Roberts and his fellow captives called themselves kriegies – short for the German word kriegsgefangenan, which appropriately translates to “prisoner of war.”

As a kriegie, Roberts essentially had no rights. But when the American flag was raised over Moosburg in April, 1945, he realized his time in “German hell” was over.
Decades ago, former kriegies started the “Kriegie Klarion,” a monthly newsletter for those who suffered in German prisoner of war camps during World War II. Vernon L. Burda, who was in Stalag 7-A with Roberts, penned the following passage after the camp was liberated by American soldiers on April 29, 1945.

It still rings true to Roberts today.

“…for no apparent reason, a hush fell over the compound and all eyes turned toward the town in which stood two high church steeples. [More than] 20,000 eyes saw machine gun bullets splatter against the steeples – a period of quiet – and then it occurred. [It was] a scene, the happening of which brought tears streaming down the face of every single American prisoner of war there, and a sob from every throat.”

The passage continues: “We saw the greatest sight – the most emotional minute that we would probably ever witness. Raised before our eyes and flying defiantly above one of the church steeples was the symbol of our beloved land. The American flag!”

It was an emotional end to a fantastic journey that saw Roberts leave Pennsylvania State University and transverse the American landscape while training to become a fighter pilot. Joining the U.S. Army Air Corps on Nov. 11, 1942, all he ever wanted to do was fly.

“That was always my interest,” he says simply. “I took all kinds of physical and mental tests and, after that period, people in charge would say if you should be a pilot or a bombardier, or whatever. My classification was a fighter pilot.”

Roberts spent time training across the South, including stops at military facilities in Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Virginia and Florida. He even spent about a month flying P-47 Thunderbolts at Dover Army Airfield, now Dover Air Force Base. Finally, in the summer of 1944, he was sent to England and assigned to the 412th Squadron of the 373rd Fighter Group.

His unit was based on the beaches of Normandy following the D-Day invasion – Roberts says he’ll never forget the first time he flew over the famed beachhead.
“After the invasion, the Americans stayed in one place and they brought in all kinds of supplies,” says Roberts, who missed participating in the D-Day invasion by just two weeks. “Every free space on that beach was loaded down with supplies. It’s hard for people to understand the enormity of the whole thing. All we could see when flying over was hundreds of ships in the water and lots of supplies on the beaches.”

Taking off from Normandy to the south, Roberts says he would only be in the air for 400 to 500 yards before he was over enemy lines and, thus, taking enemy fire. He flew four missions before being shot down and taken prisoner – he still remembers it as if it was yesterday.

–Book excerpt from World War II Heroes of Southern Delaware by James Diehl.  You can visit the author’s website at www.ww2-heroes.com or purchase his book here.

Diana Rumjahn received her bachelor’s degree in social science from San Francisco State University and has worked at the university for over the past two decades. She is currently an administrator at College of Creative Arts, where she received the “Star of the Month Award.” She wrote, directed, filmed, produced and edited the international award-winning film Going Home, which has been shown worldwide. Charlie and Mama Kyna is her first published book. You can visit Diana on the web at www.dianarumjahn.com.

Q: Thank you for this interview, Diana. Can you tell us what your latest book, Charlie and Mama Kyna, is all about?

A: Charlie and Mama Kyna is a charming book with beautiful illustrations for children. The story and illustrations are based on my internationally acclaimed film, Going Home, which was shown worldwide, including 45 film festivals and London Film Festival.

The story is about a little stuffed animal frog, named Charlie who runs away in fear after accidentally breaking his mother’s favorite vase. Charlie makes his way to the city and meets a stuffed animal Lion, named Leo and a stuffed animal giraffe named Joe outside Mrs. Cupcake’s Bakery. The three become best friends and live inside a little orange tent outside the bakery.

After awhile, Charlie becomes homesick, misses his mother, Kyna, decides to go home and invites Leo and Joe to live with them. On the next sunny day, Charlie, Leo and Joe, journey to find Mama Kyna’s home.

Q: Is this your first novel?  If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

A:  Yes.

Q: How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

A:  It was a little challenging. When writer’s block happens, I stop writing and take a break. Listening to my favorite music, drinking a hot cup of tea and or taking a walk helps me break up writer’s block. Sometimes I would completely drop the current project and move on to the next. Later on, new ideas for the project being shelved will flow automatically.

Q: How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

A: They have asked me for another book and film. Everyone has a favorite picture in mind.

Q: What is your daily writing routine?

A: I do not have a set routine. When I am inspired to write, I can write every minute of the day until the project is done.

Q: When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

A: I listen to inspiring music by Enya, watch a movie that I have never seen before, concentrate on the next film project, start filming on the new project, take a walk, or hang out at a café.

Q: What book changed your life?

A:  For me, it would not be a book. My film, Going Home, changed my life.

Q: If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

A:  If Only

Q: Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

A: That I am a filmmaker and author who creates the lives of stuffed animals on film.

Thank you for this interview, Diana.  I wish you much success on your latest release, Charlie and Mama Kyna.

Thank you for interviewing me. It was pleasure.

Chris DeBrie is an author, cartoonist, and musician. He lives in Roanoke, Virginia, with a rescued cat and the dozens of characters living in his mind. When he’s not involved with his arts, DeBrie is usually reading, exercising, or playing XBox Live. He is currently working on a mystery and the second book in his Selective Focus series.

Q: Thank you for this interview, Chris. Can you tell us what your latest book, Shakespeare Ashes, is all about?

A: The book is about several characters who are in that space between school and the real world. I wanted to literally transcribe their thoughts, so I wrote it in first person POV. They are all connected on various levels, and are very different people. They’re young and struggling, as we all do, with becoming adults.

Q: Is this your first novel? If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

A: Shakespeare Ashes is my third novel. As Is was published in ‘99, and Selective Focus came out in 2002. All three books were conceived and drafted before I was old enough to drink, and it was years before I actually released them. I knew as a teenager that I wanted to write and had some talent for it. I also was an avid reader; I had a very good sense of what was excellent and compelling, and what isn’t.

I knew that I wasn’t ready for prime-time, so I shelved it all until I was in my mid-twenties. I needed life experience and a chance to hone my craft, and time gave me that… Everything I’ll publish from here will probably be very different, because I had a lifetime to write the first three novels, and they were written by the “kid” me. Of course, if I live long enough, this will be a kid phase too, I’m sure.

Q: How difficult was it writing your book? Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

A: I’ve never had a day of writer’s block. If anything, I have more stories in my mind than I have time to write. Interestingly, this can paralyze in a different way, because I want to do everything at once. Someone suggested that I use a voice translation program to write the early drafts faster. For now I’ll stick with typing.

Q: How have your fans embraced your latest novel? Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

A: It’s a bit early to call it on Shakespeare Ashes, but I do remember my cousin, then in high school, using As Is in one of her classes. Apparently the students had to profile a living author, and she chose me. That definitely tickled me when I heard.

Q: What is your daily writing routine?

A: Music plays a huge part. I get a lot of writing done when I am floating between my headphones. Every song I hear is a soundtrack with its own little mental film, so the creative wheels get greased. As for a routine, I don’t have one… maybe that’s my routine; randomness. I might write for four hours straight. Or I could park in front of the keys all night, typing for fifteen minutes at a time in between chores and web surfing… If I ever marry and have a family, I’d give up my strange writing hours and set a writing schedule, but I enjoy staying up for two or three consecutive nights, sweating over a 500-page manuscript.

Q: When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

A: I don’t take as much fiction as I used to, but I still read history and other nonfiction. Exercise is probably my favorite release. I love darts and bowling. I watch a lot of sports and films, but TV disappoints me.

Q: What book changed your life?

A: As a person, I can’t name a book that’s on that level, but as a writer… probably Charles Bukowski’s Women. A college friend passed me his copy when he found out I was a writer. I had rarely read anyone who said things so plainly and honestly–it was like being punched in the forehead and liking it. I had gathered a big vocabulary in my writing, and probably used it too much at that point. Reading Women and Bukowski’s other books, I realized it was possible to speak in simple language and still be profound. And that I should just let my characters be, instead of steering them when I didn’t necessarily like them. Even when Bukowski’s characters were despicable, they still grabbed me.

Q: If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

A: In No Particular Order.

Q: Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

A: …that I’m mostly made of space and will eventually disintegrate. Like you! Let’s do it gracefully.

Thank you for this interview Chris. I wish you much success on your latest release, Shakespeare Ashes!

Title: For the Love of St. Nick
Author: Garasamo Maccagnone
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Booksurge
Pages: 61 pages

Purchase your copy here!

About the Book:

Two California boys, coping with the loss of their mother, find themselves uprooted when their father, a Navy Commander, is transferred to a base in northern Michigan.  With the youngest boy continuously sick, the family must survive military life and the northern elements as they dwell in their little hunter’s cabin on  Lake Huron.  When the boy’s father, the commander, must leave prio to Christmas to fulfill his secret mission for the United States Military, the boys are surprised by a chance encounter that saves a life, and reunites a family.

My Review:

Garasamo Maccagnone weaves a nostalgic tale of two boys and their father living in a remote cabin out in northern Michigan while the father is fulfilling his duty in the military.  Immediately, the book grabbed me.  The characters became real to me as I journeyed through little Tiger’s life as he spoke of helping his little brother, Johnny, through illnesses as well as triumphs as they dealt with the terrible Michigan winters.  Hockey became the love of their lives as they tried to find ways to occupy their time despite the cold wintry weather.  What I loved about the book was the undying bond the two brothers shared – Tiger being the overprotective brother and Johnny being the child he felt he needed to take care of since the passing of their mother.  Maccagnone is a great storyteller which makes this the perfect Christmas gift this season.  For the Love of St. Nick is a page turner which you won’t forget.  Read a book excerpt here.

Typically, when Johnny wasn’t feeling well, I tried to lift his spirits by telling him stories about mom and dad. The commander, vigilant in his hope to preserve mother’s memory, told many of the tales to me. In our old home, I sat on his lap on many nights while he showed old photographs of their courtship days or read me letters mother had written when the two were briefly apart.

Johnny’s favorite story was about the little game mom and the commander played on me on Saturday mornings – the mornings I knew cartoons were on. Since the television sat up high on top of a dresser, they were the only two who could turn it on. To wake them, I stood at the end of their bed and tickled their feet with a wild turkey feather. When I tickled the commander’s big ugly calloused foot my mother laughed. When I tickled my mother’s smooth petite foot the commander laughed. Every time I told Johnny that story he smiled, even if he had a high temperature.

Before falling asleep, Johnny often asked me about our mother. One time, using my nickname, he said, “Tiger, tell me how purdy mommy was.”

Our favorite photograph of mother was placed on the fireplace mantel. We called it the “Big Rock Picture” since she was standing on a giant rock while taking a break from a hiking expedition in New England. From my viewpoint, Mother was looking directly into my soul. The autumn wind played with her long blonde hair and she was smiling, smiling like she was so sure of herself, so confident, so healthy and vibrant. It was a smile I kissed a thousand times during the tender moments of my dreams.

“See Johnny, see how pretty she was?” Johnny took the picture from me and kissed and held it to his chest.

“Mommy will protect me tonight,” he said to me. Then he added, “Love you Tiger.”

“I love you more ya big dope,” I retorted back.

“You think mommy got on that big rock with a hoptacopter?”

By the time I got around to explaining how mother ended up on the giant rock, Johnny was fast asleep.

–Book Excerpt from For the Love of St. Nick by Gary Maccagnone.  You can visit Gary’s website at www.garasamomaccagnone.com or purchase his book here.  Stay tuned for my review on Wednesday!

Victoria, known as Vicki, was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She has one older sister. When she was 7, Vicki moved with her family to British Columbia. Then in her early twenties to Western Washington, where she now resides in Marysville WA. She has been married for almost 20 years, and has 3 children. For the past 10 years, she has home schooled her children, and she also teaches elementary school art. Her other family members are, a Chihuahua, named Pipsy, 2 cats, named Frodo and Fritz, and 1 parakeet, named Pauly. She did have a pet rat named Raymond; when she started writing The Magic Warble, but sad to say, he has since passed away of old age. Vicki enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, good movies and just hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and one of her fondest memories is when she was 12. She would sit at the kitchen table, and read the Chronicles of Narnia to her mother while she cooked dinner. These magical stories were very dear to Vicki and she remembers wishing, If only I could go to Narnia like Lucy and Susan. Vicki hopes that maybe she can touch someone with her story in a similar way.

Website: www.themagicwarble.com

Blog: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com

Facebook: Victoria Simcox

youtube book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cax8Pbpa7E

Thank you for this interview Victoria. Can you tell us what your latest book, The Magic Warble, is all about?

My book, The Magic Warble, is a fantasy story, listed as Juvenile fiction, but I feel it is for all ages. I’d say Juvenile and Young adult fiction are still my favorite categories to read.

Growing up reading CS Lewis’s beloved Narnia Chronicles has influenced me in writing The Magic Warble. My story is about a 12 year old girl named Kristina Kingsly, who hates to go to school because she doesn’t fit in. She’s bullied by some of the kids, and they make her daily life miserable. I created this aspect of my main characters life, because as a child, I had experienced dealing with bullies in school myself, and I remember hating to go because of them.

My parents owned their own piano store and they up and moved it many times, so before the age of 13, I had made 5 major moves, and had been to 7 different public schools. I can remember this being difficult for me, especially having to leave friends I had made, and even worse having to make new ones, which I was not good at.

I named the main character “Kristina” after my daughter Kristina, who is now 14. Even so, my book’s character is not characterized after my daughter.  Kristina in The Magic Warble is definitely her own unique person.

In the story, Kristina receives a gift from her teacher at school, and it’s this gift that magically takes her to another world, where she finds out that she not only fits in, but is chosen for a very important task, and if she completes the task, she will change the destiny of the land. Throughout her journey, Kristina meets all kinds of characters, such as dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals and a teenage boy named Werrien, who ends up going along with her on her adventure. Along her perilous journey, she will not only have her strength tested but her heart as well.

I wrote this story because, I love fairy tales and fantasy stories, and I have a big imagination that I thought I may as well put to good use. Once I got started writing the manuscript, I couldn’t stop. My characters seemed to take on a life of their own and I felt that I owed it to them to finish their story. This may seem a little weird, but when you spend a great amount of time writing a story, you do, or at least I do get very attached to my characters.

Even though The Magic Warble is a fantasy filled with adventure, suspense and intrigue, the underlying message is one of faith, hope, perseverance, friendship and love.

The Magic Warble (click on cover to purchase)

Is this your first novel?  If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

This is my first novel.

How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

I would say that writing The Magic Warble was difficult at times because I did experience writers block and I still do. When this happens, my first instinct is to stress out about it, but that only has an adverse effect on my creative writing. What I’ve found works best for me, is to do the exact opposite. I usually take a break from writing for a day or two, and try not to think about it at all. This allows my mind to relax and when I relax new ideas come to me.

How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

I have had many kids tell me that The Magic Warble is their favorite book. One young boy of 10 years old, who reads, but never finishes books, read my book in a couple of days. He said he couldn’t put it down, and that he was going to read it again right after he had finished it. One lady told me that the ending made her cry. Another young girl made me a card, thanking me for writing my story and told me that she could relate to my main character Kristina, who gets bullied at school, for she is experiencing the same thing. I also get asked quite often, when the sequel will be available.

What is your daily writing routine?

I think that I have an unusual daily writing routine. I only write for about 10 minutes at a time, and then get up and do other things like cooking and laundry for about 10 minutes at a time as well. So I’m up and down from my computer about every 10 minutes from morning till night, but this way I get what needs to be done around the house and I get my writing in as well as relieve my back and legs more often from sitting to long.

When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

House work, or homework with my kids. I always look forward to watching a little TV or a good movie at night before I go to bed.

What book changed your life?

I can’t say that any book has changed my life, but the books that have been a great influence on me in writing The Magic Warble is C S Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

Journey to a Dream. The life of Victoria Simcox

Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

That my underlying theme in The Magic Warble is one of faith, hope, perseverance friendship and love.

Thank you for this interview Victoria.  I wish you much success on your latest release, The Magic Warble!

Michael self published and financed his book releasing it locally in 2004. For two years he went around talking to libraries, youth groups, his old high school and book clubs about his book, gangs, drugs, believing in yourself, the writing process etc. He even appeared in several local newspapers and on the local radio. “I enjoyed my talks with these kids and meeting new people because it allowed me to do my part in giving back to the community by helping and inspiring kids. I wrote Purged by Darkness as a vehicle to do just that and if my book is able to steer even just one youth away from the path I almost ventured into then I know everything I have been through is worth it!” said Michael.

While his book did find success locally with his old high school and a number of libraries purchasing his book, he felt there was so much more his book had to offer. So he sent his work to America and was fortunate in obtaining an American literary agency in 2006. “While they loved my work, my agent felt that my work needed to be worked on. At first, I was hesitant to change anything but then I realized, I can’t be stubborn as I only have one shot at the American reader to make an impression,” he said. After much time was spent rewriting, editing and searching for a publisher, Michael would be knocked back a total of 22 times over the course of two years by American publishers. “I definitely felt disheartened, I was even at a point where I wanted to give up and work on something else. The problem was, I believed in my manuscript too much to just give up. I honestly believed that my book would make a difference in the lives of young people or anyone for that matter,” said Michael. His patience and belief paid off as Michael finally got his break when his agent announced that they had a possible publisher interested in him. After liaising with the publisher, they offered him a contract. As of November, 2008 Michael’s manuscript Purged by Darkness will be officially published by Eloquent Books. His book won’t be released until later this year.

For more information on the book and author, please visit: www.MichaelEstepa.com

Q: Thank you for this interview, Michael. Can you tell us what your latest book, Purged by Darkness, is all about?

A: Purged by Darkness is an action packed, coming-of-age, crime fiction story that revolves around the lives of six friends in the notorious criminal underworld of Melbourne, Australia.

The story is told through the eyes of Kai, the leader of his friends and the main character of the story as he comes face to face with drugs, bullets, and in most recent times a sense of morality. The group’s friendship endures as the six try to define their lives interweaved with their life of crime

In this strange existence, love and loyalty among the friends flourish because they can only depend on each other. But friendship is pushed beyond all normal limits, as danger waits at every turn.

Q: Is this your first novel? If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

A: Yes this is my first novel and I am currently working on the sequel to Purged by Darkness, which will come out either late next year or early 2011.

Q: How difficult was it writing your book? Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

A: To be honest with you, I did find it difficult at times when I was writing my book. One of the things that I had trouble with in the beginning, which I started to improve on was making sure the sentence structure and the dialogue between the characters made sense. I started to realise that just because it makes sense to me doesn’t necessarily mean it makes sense to everyone else. I also found that I needed to show the characters actions during a scenario rather than narrate what just happened. I found that to be somewhat difficult at times while writing my book, especially since I didn’t realise I was doing it. Lucky for me, the editors I have had picked up on my mistakes.

During the process of writing my book, Purged by Darkness I did experience writers block, which were often a result of people distracting me. It’s so hard to explain to someone who doesn’t have an interest in writing just how hard it is to get back in the ‘zone’ once you have been disrupted in your chain of thought. All these ideas you had floating around in your head quickly vanish and trying to focus or get back your ideas is either impossible or time consuming because your writing can be set back a few hours to a couple days. I’ve dealt with it by going to a place where I won’t be disturbed, which is usually my small quiet local library. I always make it a habit to go for a walk after a couple hours of writing or have snacks prepared to minimize writers block from occurring. When I do have it, I take a step back from my writing and do anything else but writing!

Q: How have your fans embraced your latest novel? Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

A: Since this is my first book, I am not sure just how many fans I have (hahaha), but I do know the feedback from those who read it have been incredibly positive! I am astounded (in a good way) just how attentive my readers are to the details of my book. Quite a few of my readers have emailed me through my website or spoken to me asking me “why did this have to happen”, “why did that have to happen”, “why couldn’t this have happened instead” etc. Upon hearing all these comments, I couldn’t help but smile because I knew that whether they liked what happened in the book or not, at least their emotional reaction shows they were paying attention (hahaha)! Overall, the feedback towards my book has been very positive. I have been asked several times by libraries and high schools to discuss my book with their kids about the themes associated in my book.

>Q: What is your daily writing routine?

A: Honestly, I don’t think I have a writing routine. Since I am a nurse and I have to work around a rotating shift roster, it is quite hard for me to have a set routine specifically designed for my writing. So I write whenever I get any free time!

Q: When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

A: I’m a very active person and when I’m not writing, I train in Krav Maga (Israeli Martial Art) twice a week, I workout at the gym 5 times a week and I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend or hanging with friends. Grabbing a bite to eat, watching a movie or going just about anywhere is what I get up to relax. Having massages is a big plus when it comes to relaxing!

Q: What book changed your life?

A: I have read countless books and there has been so many that have influenced and touch my heart. There are, however, two books that have actually changed my life. The first book may seem a bit clichéd, but at the top of this list would have to be the bible. I was born and raised a Catholic and it was the teachings of Jesus Christ that helped me live my life to the best of my ability. Even when my path in life went off course, my faith in God helped me get back on track and allowed me to pick myself back up when I fell down. I don’t believe that if it weren’t for my faith, everything I have accomplished would not have been possible.

The next book after that would have to be Inside the Lions Den by Ken Shamrock. Despite having a great love of martial arts, this book changed my life because I got the chance to see the real Ken Shamrock, and not just this power fighting athlete we see in the ring, but the real Ken Shamrock. Why this is important because the reader is able to see his poor upbringing, violent child hood, being moved from group home to group home, and being sent to Juvenile Hall. All seemed lost, until a man by the name of Bob Shamrock (this man would later be his adoptive father) took a chance on him and took him in. With ideas of going to college going by the way side, Ken Shamrock worked his butt off and became one of the most successful mixed martial artists of all time. His success came about because of two reasons: someone believed in him and he had the determination and drive to work for what he wanted! Reading his book made me believe that anything and everything is possible. What’s amazing is that Ken Shamrock also acknowledges that his successes are because of his faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ!

Q: If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

A: “Small guy, Big dreams!”

Q: Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

A: My stubbornness is one of my biggest strengths! I have been put down by so many people (even people I trusted) telling me I’ll never amount to anything, I’m not good enough, I’m a waste of space, my book is a waste of time etcetera etcetera. I could have done what a lot of people do, which is crawl into a corner and cower. For a time I did, but my stubbornness, pride and self belief wouldn’t allow me to stay that way for long. What did I do? I fought back and made anyone who put me down eat their own words. The one thing, I have learned from my parents is never let anyone destroy your dreams!

Before this interview ends, I would like to take this opportunity to thank As the Pages Turn for taking the time out to interview me and I would also like to tell all the viewers that if you want a book that excites as well as thrills, has non – stop action, heartfelt moments, a clear message at the end of the story, enough romance to warm your heart and is reader friendly, then Purged by Darkness is the book for you! Regardless of your age or reading skill, you will not be disappointed!

Feel free to check out my official website: www.MichaelEstepa.com for further information about me and my book.

Thank you for this interview Michael. I wish you much success on your latest release, Purged by Darkness!

Purged by Darkness revolves around six friends in Melbourne, Australia, and their journey inside the organised crime syndicate known as the Triads.

In the gang lifestyle, honor and absolute loyalty is demanded of all members, while fear, death and betrayal often follow. The group’s friendship endures as the six try to define their lives interwoven with their life of crime. In their world, no one ever wins and everyone involved finds it too difficult to ever get out. To them, the city represents violence and the countryside, peace.

In this strange existence, love and loyalty among the friends flourish because they can only depend on each other. But friendship is pushed beyond all normal limits, as danger waits at every turn.

What is it like to live in a world of death and violence? Is every moment cherished because it could be the last? Finally, what does it take to survive life in the mob?

Join Robert Tuchman, author of the sports travel guide, The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live (BenBella Books, 2009), as he virtually tours the blogosphere in November on his second virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion!

Gale Laure, a native Texan, is the international selling author of Evolution of a Sad Woman, a mystery, suspense, thriller and romance novel .   She resides in a small suburban town in the Houston area with her husband and family.  Laure’s hobbies include genealogical research, movies, creating stories for the children around her, involvement in her church and people watching. She is busy at work editing her second novel, The Bunkhouse, and writing the sequel to Evolution of a Sad Woman. It is entitled Alana – Evolution of a Woman.  As mysterious as her  book, Laure writes under a pseudonym.  Adamant about maintaining her privacy and the privacy of her family, she keeps her identity a mystery!

For more information about Gale Laure or her novel, Evolution of a Sad Woman,  visit www.galelaure.com or her blog  www.evolutionofasadwoman , do an Internet search or the following:

• www.twitter.com/wwwgalelaurecom

• www.authorsden.com/galelaure

• www.facebook.com/Author.GaleLaure

• www.goodreads.com/galelaureauthor

• www.myspace.com/galelaure-author

Thank you for this interview, Gale. Can you tell us what your latest book, Evolution of a Sad Woman, is all about?

Gale:  Evolution of a Sad Woman is a mystery, suspense, thriller and romance book.  It is about a beautiful, mysterious woman named Keziah – also known as Kizzy.  She is brutally murdered.  When five men who have all loved her are brought together to solve the crime there is pandemonium.  These men, strangers, must share their pasts with Kizzy to find clues to solve her murder.  Personalities get in the way on the adventure to resolve this murder.   They are taken on into episode of deceit, crime and cruelty. Be prepared for a surprise ending you will not see coming!

Evolution of a Sad Woman by Gale Laure (click on cover to purchase)

Is this your first novel?  If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

Gale:  This is my first debut novel.

How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

Gale:  No.  I never had writer’s block until I started writing the guest posts for my virtual blog book tour.   To overcome this,  I did not give up.  I kept thinking and praying.  Ideas popped into my head.

How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

Gale:  Some of my fans have been angry that one of my characters dies.  One fan said she cried when she read my novel and not because of the death.  Many of my fans cannot wait for my next book.  Some are waiting with anxiety for the sequel to Evolution of a Sad Woman.  The unexpected surprise ending has fascinated all my fans.

What is your daily writing routine?

Gale:  I try to work on the edit of my next novel due out in 2010, The Bunkhouse, daily.   I write on the sequel to Evolution of a Sad Woman entitled Alana – Evolution of a Woman at least once a week.  The times of day that I work on my writing varies.  It usually happens when I am alone in the house.  I write better in quiet.

When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

Gale:  I go to a movie.  My husband and I have date night on Fridays.  This usually includes dinner out and a movie.  I also play with the children in my family.  Children relax me.  I read or take a nice, long, hot bath.

What book changed your life?

Gale:   I am a big Agatha Christie fan.  I suppose she is the one who influenced me to write mystery.  I love all of her novels.  I also liked Little Women by Louisa May Alcott as a child.  I liked it before I knew I wanted to be an author.  It is ironic it is about an author.

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

Gale:     The Mystery of a Complicated Woman

Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

Gale: . . . I am a very private person.  This is why I write under a pseudonym.  I want to keep it that way.

Thank you for this interview Gale.  I wish you much success on your latest release, Evolution of a Sad Woman!

Gale:   You are very welcome.  I enjoyed very minute.