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Book: Vanity

Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hi there! Well, my name’s Rhiannon Garrard, I’m a criminology and policing student at London Metropolitan University and I work as a special constable in my local community. When I’m not either at university or working, I’m indulging in horror and fantasy- books, movies, shows, anime- anything! Vanity therefore is pretty much a perfect combination of everything I love: a supernatural murder mystery with some nice horror elements!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Vanity’?

When I started Vanity (As well as the sequels), I was a young teenager, so I would say that editing the mess it started as into something I’d be proud to have people to read was the hardest challenge, haha! Writer’s block is also a constant lurking devil- ready to halt me in my tracks at the most inconvenient times. There were definitely bits and pieces to research, but that wasn’t as much of a challenge as the others- I wrote Vanity about everything I love, after all, so I enjoyed the reading it made me do.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I was certainly reading a lot of Lovecraft’s various stories whilst writing Vanity. I was also re-reading some of my personal favourite murder mysteries as I wrote it, but the one I think I read the most was Los Angeles BB Serial Murder Cases by Nisio Isin. I know it might not be an obvious choice, but I adored how it was written. It might not have influenced Vanity the most, but I must have read that book cover to cover three times whilst editing my own work, so I think it’s worth mentioning.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

That’s a tough one…I won’t say a specific location for obvious reasons, but my great-grandfather had a wonderful forest just outside of his home in Cornwall- and to this day, that place is drenched in magic. A beautiful babbling brook, a rope swing at the top of a hill…It always felt like you could stumble into a dragon’s cave or find faeries dancing in the moonlight. To this day, I love walking through those woods…Good times.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

For me? Not really. I’m not one to meticulously plan my novels- I know some people will spend ages planning out their books, but whilst I’ll have a bare bones structure in my mind before I start, I just generally jump right in and start scribbling. The first draft is never the final one, and I find it more exciting to write on the fly as it were. Once I have the bare bones down, then I’ll edit it, add scenes, take away things etc. But for getting started, all I need is an idea, a notebook and a pen.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Vanity’?

Oh, that’s too difficult to answer, I’m afraid! I have a particular habit of switching between different novels, all of different themes, tones and audiences, whenever Writer’s Block sets in on one. So in the past, I’ll get Writer’s Block on Vanity, so I’ll start writing about Vampires instead, as an example. But that means all I can say for sure is that I started Vanity when I was 16, but since I’ve not worked on it solidly, I can’t really even give you an estimate for that.
Let’s say…. A while. It took a while to write Vanity.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

Naturally, Vanity is available on Amazon- it’s also on Book Depository as well, and both of these have worldwide shipping. If you’re in the US and you’d like to shop a little more local than that, then it should be available at Murder By The Book, and Once Upon A Crime. If you’re in the UK, then you’ll be able to get a copy of Vanity from my website (rhiannongarrard.com) and those ones are signed!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

I’ve never been good at titles for my books- so they have a tendency to be either incredibly floaty philosophical phrases or very weirdly literal. I suppose for sake of intrigue, I’ll leave it up to the people to decide whether Vanity: Murder in the Name of Sin is.
As for the cover, I’ve always liked book covers which have a symbol or symbolic item on the front rather than the main character just staring out at you- and considering the symbolism of the eye tattoo in Vanity, that made it an easy choice for the front cover. The cover itself was my own design; I produced a template which included all the main features you see on the book- the eye tattoo, the purple to black gradient, black text at top, white text at the bottom- and that template was presented to one of Atmosphere Press’s cover artists (Man’s name is Ronaldo Alves- credit where credit is due!) who did a hell of a job on it. Honestly, I am so pleased with how beautiful the cover turned out. Hopefully if I was to publish the sequels, they can look as gorgeous as Vanity does.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

The best thing I can do for myself and my readers I think is keep searching for inspiration- try to find different books, movies, shows- experience new things, meet new people and get new perspectives on the things I think I know. I do what I can to experience what I write- or the very least research what I can’t experience. Read far and wide, keep notes on interesting things and slip in little titbits here and there; those are the kinds of things I love in a good book, so I’m hoping it’s what readers would like about mine.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Something which be interesting is that when some hear I’m taking a degree in criminology and policing, and I work as a special constable in the UK, they might automatically think that the policing in Vanity will be very British- when in fact I actually took great pains to blend the detective work in Vanity with US policing as well- so we’ll see some practices and legal terms from the UK and some from the US- they use the UK caution and work under an Inspector, yet use the terms “First/Second degree murder” and carry guns with them. I decided to write Exerdian policing this way for two main reasons:

1.) The setting of Vanity is an invented country called Exerdis (After the word exodus- it’s as much of an omen as it sounds) and Exerdis isn’t supposed to look or feel exactly like a country you’ve been to, but similar to places you may have been to. It’s not a place with a brand-new look and feel, like Middle Earth- but I wanted it distinct enough from reality where no one can point to the myriads of make-belief cities and say “That’s clearly New York” (As an example, I’ve never been to NY). I figured a blended policing style would add to the uncanny feeling.

2.) UK police don’t carry guns with them except for very specialised units- which means whilst I’m more familiar with the kinds of policing which doesn’t involve guns, I knew if guns weren’t involved in Vanity, a distinct portion of the audience would assume that guns would fix everything, so I figured the threat was more menacing if I nipped that assumption in the bud.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Vanity

Book: The Foretold Story

Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Katia. I am a multi-artist who creates all kinds of art in a vast array of different mediums. Some of what I do is classical, and modern art, animation, filmmaking that includes all pre and post production along with acting and directing. I am a Graphic Designer, and a writer which includes screenplays and books. I like to create when and however I want. That’s me. An all-around layered Artist. I also hold a BFA in animation.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Foretold Story ’ book?

My key challenge I would say was the CONFIDENCE to finish it. That was the biggest challenge for me in the midst of navigating the curveballs life kept throwing at me while writing The Foretold Story. At times I felt like giving up but with encouragement from others, I kept writing and creating regardless.  

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I would say I am inspired by many things not limited to books. I am inspired by George Lucas’s original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy X, The Legend of Zelda, The five People you meet on the Way to Heaven by Mitch Album to name a few. But at the end of the day, I am my own writer. I break rules and write in my own style with some imperfections.

Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

There’s this one place I refer to as the hidden jewel of America located in the USA, Maine along the ocean. It’s special because of the unique experiences I have when I’m there. I find tons of sea glass and treasure gifts from the sea. I even found an alien looking rock once at this hidden jewel place but gave it to an eco-artist who smashed it up and put it in his painting. I’ve seen the heavens in its full glory with God’s brush strokes painting his canvas in the sky among his sea of stars. I’ve even seen shooting stars reflect off the gentle waves crashing to the shore line on a full moon’s night. And of course the fishermen’s boats going out to sea beyond the abandoned lighthouses. The list is endless.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

Yes. I need a hot cup of Japanese green tea with sliced ginger and lemon with honey or agave in it. I like other teas also but Japanese green tea is my favorite. Or a nice cup of chai tea latte. I need those in place before I start writing. I also have my favorite composer playing in the background, Ivan Torrent. I have my Legend of Zelda Art book nearby and my Star Wars 1980’s tee-shirt on. And of course I have my jar of blue topaz that my nephew gave me and some sea glass and shells. My most beautiful rock and my own artwork around with my handy “PB, The Angry Paper Bag” pin. PB is the mascot and stamp of all my art. He’s a paper bag who is bitter because he experienced trauma and was thrown away. He gets recycled and begins his new life however, has deep and unresolved anger spanning from his past trauma. So in this new life, he now starts to heal and learn how to control his emotions. So yup. Once he’s in place on my desk, I say a prayer and begin my work.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Foretold Story’ book?

19 years.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Foretold Story’ book to buy?

It’s available at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and even Walmart LOL. You can also visit www.theforetoldstory.com which provides more information on the book series as well as all social media and contact.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Foretold Story’?

I wanted to create something that tells the story, transferring it into a single image and powerful image. Color scheming and composition was important to me. When creating anything, it’s one of the first things I do. It’s where the eye travels within the image. I also picked the important elements from my story and incorporated them into the cover. Elements such as the ethereal sky and moon along the New York City skyline. I chose nightfall because the supernatural elements mostly take place in the night. The moon is often referenced throughout the story so I made sure to incorporate it into the cover. Even the colors of the letters go with the main themes of the book. Especially for the main character, Midas Aurulien, the one with the golden touch. And with that, my cover was born.  

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

MY LIFE! My life and its continuing strange events intertwined with interesting characters that follow me even now, keeps things fresh. The dreams I dream in the night along with the open visions of the day also keep things fresh. And also a walk in nature away from everything keeps things fresh. This is why I keep a sketchbook with me at all times, because there are so many fresh things to keep logged. I doubt I will get to every idea in my lifetime.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Joyce thinks she’s an only child and grew up believing that however, her father is hiding a secret from her and her mother.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Foretold Story

Book: Those We Knew In Summer

Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Nicholas DeRosa. I am a high school history and economics teacher in Ewing New Jersey. I also coach Cross Country and Track and Field. Other than my writing hobbies I am a big gaming nerd. I enjoy playing board games, Magic the Gathering, and open world video games.  I have a loving family, a beautiful and supportive fiancé, and an emotional support Corgi named Phil.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Those We Knew In Summer’ book?

Writing the book was not too difficult. I drank a lot of coffee and only walked away from computer to sleep and use the bathroom.  But it was the months/years of editing, plot analysis, workshopping with other writers, and the frequent self-doubt and anxiety that were the most challenging aspects of writing the book. My most challenging objective was that I wanted to be sure my characters both had a continuity of personality and genuine nature to themselves, but that they also showed growth through their experiences at the festival.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Any book that embodied the chaotic nature of young adults.  I needed the angsty and reckless motifs of younger generations, but also how those actions had some larger significance for the time period in which the stories to place.
For this book I tried my best to pay homage to the “lost generation” of writers and the “beatniks” that represent a lot of the counterculture in the United States.  Authors of particular influence were, JD Salinger, Hunter S Thompson, Nathaniel West, Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac.  If you have read any books by those authors, you’ll understand where I am coming from.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

My hometown of Clinton New Jersey is where the story takes place. It’s important for this book in particular because I refence it’s characteristics often.  It is where my friends and I grew up and it will always be home for us.  Other places I love are Gettysburg, PA because I have had some of my favourite history memories there with my Dad, students, and friends, and I had my first writers conference and workshop there; and Mystic, CT because I just love the town.
  
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

One word, research.  Most of my books have some kind of historical component that requires research.  For this book I needed to research the history of the town in regard to the Bellewood Amusement Park and I also needed to compile the musicians and songs I wanted to use for the book. It’s a lot of scene building to make the story come alive.  Which is also why the book has a map of the festival that comes with it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Those We Knew In Summer’ book?

The draft took about two weeks. I wrote it between the end of summer camp (yes, I work at a summer camp as well) and the beginning of the school year.  The edits took about two years.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

On Amazon you can order paperback and Kindle versions.  On my Blurb Bookstore (links on my website and socials) you can order paperback, hardcover, and an ebook version for tablets. You can also email me for merchandise like stickers and the festival map.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

Oddly enough, my Mom came home one day with a painting she did of a night scene overlooking a lake with lights in the distance.  It fit perfectly to my story.  I brought the idea to my fiancé Amanda (@acrossendesign) and she designed the cover, map and stickers.   The cover is from the vantage point of the campsite looking over the lake to the festival in the distance.
The title is representative of the friendships and experiences the characters have when they escape to the festival every summer. Though the characters only see these festival goers once a year, they feel the closest to them. 

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

You must write things that have some relevance or connection to everyday life.  I am a huge fan of JRR Tolkien, but even the characters of Middle Earth have a connection to our lives in the non-fantasy world.  Without this connection in your writing, no one will care to read it.

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

There are many secrets.  Every interaction and observation that occurs amongst the characters has some significance to the inner conflict of the main character.  These little vignettes of exposition and dialogue also provide social commentary as well. Nothing is random in this story and every scene has some underlying significance.  My best suggestion is, watch the behaviour of the main character and you will notice the subtext.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Those We Knew In Summer

Q1.  Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

I have been teaching yoga and meditation to children and teens for over ten years.  My award- winning book Worry Bee I wrote in 2011 for my preschool yoga class that told me often they were worried which was 4 and 5 year old children.  I could not find  book that applied the principles of yoga  breath-work along with laughter for children to use in everyday life to relieve stress and anxiety so I made my own paper book and used it in classes with songs that went with it.  They would keep telling me then “Miss Ann I won’t be a Worry Bee.”  It was then published in 2018 by Pear Tree publishing.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Mindful Moon’?’

Oh this is pretty funny story the book was originally a mindful spider and I had writers block.  I love spiders and my favorite book in elementary school was Charlotte’s Web.  However, I was sitting at our  lake home in New Hampshire watching the sun set as a full moon was rising, and I rewrote the book to be Mindful Moon.  Colleen Sgroi who illustrated the book came up to our home in NH and really saw my vision for the book.  The book won a Moon Beam children’s best illustration and I am very proud of it.

Q3. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

My work with children inspires my writing.  Children love to be read too and when I work in therapeutic or paediatric hospital settings doing meditation and yoga therapy I see how they relate to using mindful breathing or calm cantering with a book.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

The White Mountains of New Hampshire where I was inspired by the view of the moon rising over the mountains while the sun was setting to write  Mindful Moon.  I get to see this in every season. Right now is truly one of my favorite Fall with all the gorgeous colours.

Q5. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Worry Bee’ book?

I wanted to make sure that parents, caregivers and educators could really easily follow the directions to do mindful breathing like Worry Bee and use it in a way that supports calming children’s worries.

Q6. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I AM ….. It is called Mind Buzz another bee theme, but it is a meditation workbook for teens.  Stay tuned everyone.  It is great for adults too!

Q7. What does success means to you?

Finding  joy in the present  moment  not because everything is perfect, but because you choose it.

Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I meditate every morning even if it is only for five minutes and when I get stuck in the process I  leave the work and go meditate more!

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Oh this is a great story as my parents were teachers and educators their entire careers, so reading was instilled to be very important in our household. When I was a young girl my mother bought me the book Ann Likes Red by Dorothy Seymour it was my favorite book as a young child especially with my name being Ann. Then my father bought me Charlotte’s Web in elementary school by EBWhite and I am a big animal lover spend every week in a barn with my rescue horse and rescue donkey.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to someone wanting to write and publish a book?

Oh yes… when you think of what you are writing is a gift to the reader  you have a whole different idea of  gratitude for the process.

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