14 Questions for Stacey Joy Netzel!

Good morning!

Continuing my two day author event with Stacey Joy Netzel, I figured I should let you all get to know the brain behind the brilliance of "Lost in Italy." 


So, first, here's her official, back of the book, bio:

Stacey fell in love with books at a young age, so for her the graduation to writing them was natural. An avid reader and fan of movies with a happily ever after, she is thrilled to call herself a full-time writer after 20 years as a travel agent. She writes romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and the occasional paranormal short story just for fun.

She lives in her native Wisconsin with her husband and three children, a couple horses and some barn cats. In her limited free time she enjoys gardening, canning, and visiting her parents in Northeastern Wisconsin (Up North) at the family cabin on the lake.

 

And now, what you all know I do when I interview authors:

 

14 Questions for Stacey Joy Netzel!

1) Tell us a little about yourself...(feel free to offer up any or no biograpical info)

Thanks so much for having me on the blog, Sarah! I’m happy to be visiting with you and your readers. I used to be a corporate travel agent; now I make up stories for a living. Sure the first was more practical, but the second is SO much more fun.

2) What book, movie, or character inspired you to write?

Romance. Books, movies, or characters in romantic movies inspired me to write. I’ve been coming up with stories since my early high school years.

3) Best/worst movie based on a book :

In general, I’ve heard people say time and again, “Oh, you’ve got to read the book—it’s so much better than the movie.” But you know, once I’ve seen the movie, I have no desire to read the book because I already know the story (for the most part). There are just TOO many stories out there for me to read the book AND see the movie. That said, now I have to admit I have a copy of the Hunger Games DVD sitting by my TV for the past month. I LOVED the first book, and one of these days I’ll actually watch the movie, too. It may be a first—I honestly can’t remember.

4) Do you write with a soundtrack for whatever you're working on, or do you write in complete silence? No soundtrack. Sometimes I have the TV playing in the background, but silence is better.

5) When do you find time to write? What's your schedule like?

Now that I’m home as a full-time writer, I get words on the page when the kids are in school. I love those hours of silence. LOL

6) For "Lost in Italy" did anyone in particular inspire your main characters? (And why is this book so AWESOME?)

Aw, thanks! I love hearing words like AWESOME in connection with my books, and yet at the same time it makes me very…self-conscious and shy. I want to hear it, but I feel funny talking about it and accepting the praise. So contradictory—something my dad will tell you I’ve been all my life. LOL My inspiration for Trent was Joe Flannigan who starred in Stargate Atlantis. I had a pic of him on my desktop and every morning when I’d turn on my computer, I’d see the pic and say, “Hello, Joe.” I know, my main character is Trent, but somehow it worked. (again with the contradictions) The book really is a romance reader’s fantasy—being rescued by the sexy, larger-than-life movie star hero and capturing his heart in the process. (okay, so maybe I’m specifically talking about this romance reader’s fantasy.)

7) I've spent some serious time on this blog talking about the future of publishing and e-publishing. What are your thoughts?

You don’t have enough room on your blog for this question. Um, I mean the answer. I contract a cover artist and editor to help bring out the best in my work, and suffice it to say I’m very happy indie publishing right now. As for the rest of it, I have no crystal ball, not even any guesses…I just go with the flow and try to keep my head above water. Sorry I can’t offer more.

8) Favorite scene you've ever written? 

Currently unpublished. I’d love to share, but still plan to use it someday. Let’s just say it has a frazzled heroine inept at childcare, and a jackass, arrogant hero who reveals a soft side and magic touch with babies. It’s stuck with me for over 8yrs and melts my heart every time I read it. The jackass arrogant hero is part of why it’s still currently unpublished.

9) What are you reading right now?

Some Enchanted Waltz by Lily Silver, Savage Cinderella by PJ Sharon, A Night of Southern Comfort by Robin Covington, and then there’s WAY too many more on my TBR list.

10) Starbucks or Caribou coffee? 

Lipton black tea with honey and sweetener. I’m trying to cut down on sugar with little success.

11) How many degrees are you removed from Kevin Bacon? (Or any celebrity?)

 I was about to say more than 6 degrees, but then I remembered that my brother is friends with someone who used to be on a hit Prime Time show. You’ll have to take my word for it though, because he doesn’t brag about it and neither will I.

12) If ______________showed up on my doorstep and asked me to run away with him, I would.

Ten years ago I’d have filled in that blank line with any number of names. Nowadays, older and oh-so-much-wiser (ha ha), I realize that name only represents the image I see on a screen, or the character someone’s written in a book. Movies and books are entertainment for a reason—they’re fantasy, not reality. There are more than a few little things I’d love to change about my husband, but in the end, he is the man I chose, and I’d choose him all over again.

13) What would you like readers to take away from "Lost in Italy"? (Besides the fact that it is most awesome!)

I have to admit, these questions always make me feel like a loser because I don’t have any deep hidden meaning in the book that I hope the reader ‘gets’ when they reach the end. In fact, I’ve had reviews written where they thought about the meaning of the book more than I did and I wrote it! Oh, boy, that really makes you want to read my books now, doesn’t it? Well, I’m just being honest.

I’ll tell you what you will take away, or what reviewers have said they take away: A heartwarming feeling of family and sense of community from the small town romance series, thrills and excitement in the romantic suspense, and in all of them, hope that no matter how bad life gets, second chances and happily ever afters are possible. As long as I’ve entertained you, and you close the book with a satisfied smile, I feel I’ve done my job.

 

14) What's next for you?

I’m re-rereleasing my 2010 Write Touch Readers’ Award Mistletoe Rules anthology in three separate books and branding them under my new Romancing Wisconsin series. First up is Mistletoe Mischief, and it’s available now for a special price of $0.99 at Amazon, BN, Apple. Upcoming books in the series will move past the holiday timeframe, introducing new heroines and heroes while visiting old favorites from Pulaski and the fictional town of Redemption in the Welcome to Redemption series written with Donna Marie Rogers.

I also have a paranormal ghost story in the TALES FROM THE MIST Anthology, which releases Oct. 17^th. My story is Beneath Still Waters, and I’m currently writing the follow-up HEA for those characters in Rising Above (Still Waters Part Two). And soon after all that, I’ll be starting Run To Rome, the sequel to Lost In Italy.

 

Thank you so much, Stacey for the interview and your great answers!  Now...all of you...go forth and WRITE...and read "Lost in Italy!"

13 Halloween Questions for Author Linda Schmalz!

Good morning all you ghosts and goblins!

Today is day TWO of my two day giveaway of Linda Schmalz's NEW E-book, "What Dead Women Want."  

Remember, you have until THURSDAY of this week to read my review of her book and today's interview, and comment on it  (leaving me some contact info, please).  Friday I will announce the winner.

So here are 13 Halloween questions for Author Linda Schmalz:

1) Your previous book, "A Lonely Sky" was set in London, New York, and Chicago. The setting for "What Dead Women Want" is very different. Can you tell us why you chose a small town?-Yes. The house that I based Carly's house on was an actual house I babysat in as a teenager, in Delavan Wisconsin, a real life small town.




2) Ghosts and spicy calendars are central to the plot. Which came first when you were thinking about the book?--The ghosts. The calendar idea came to me when I wrote the first draft, but by the final draft, although it wasn't central to the plot anymore, it was such a fun aspect of Mike (our hero), that I kept it in.




3) Carly is a lot of fun to read. What was your inspiration for her?--After writing "A Lonely Sky" and the tragic Julia, I really was in the mood to write something lighter and a story in which my sense of humor could shine.



4) This book is also a bit of a departure for you because it's a paranormal. What inspired you to write a ghost story?--I definitely wanted to write something different from "A Lonely Sky" and am an avid watcher of "Ghost Hunters." That show inspired this book, as did an Irish ballad I heard about two sisters. I put two and two together, and "What Dead Women Want" was born!




5) Do you believe in ghosts?-Yes. I believe that not all of us go directly up or down after we pass. I believe some of us hang around a bit longer to make sure messages get passed to our loved ones, or we finish something we left undone.




6) Have you seen a ghost?--I believe so. I read an obituary in the paper about a cashier who passed away at a store I frequent. The next time I was in the store, I clearly saw "her" in an aisle, stocking groceries. Believe me, I did a double take. I went home and pulled out the obit to make sure she didn't have a twin. She didn't. A few weeks later, I saw her again, walking alone in an aisle and then I saw her one last time at a register, but not doing anything. Haven't seen her since. I hope she finally finished the work she felt she needed to and passed on. :-)



7) Once again, your side characters are a riot, and almost steal the show. Who, in this book, is your favorite?--Thank you. I LOVE my side characters a lot too, because you can have so much fun with them. I think my two favorites were Sunny, and Larry the Plumber. Writing Sunny was like bringing a Barbie Doll to life, and I based Larry on Jack Black's"School of Rock" character. It doesn't get much more fun than that!



8) What's your favorite Halloween tradition?--At a very young age, my son (now almost fifteen) decided he didn't like trick or treating. So instead, we started a tradition of having pizza delivered and watching a scary movie or two! Last year we watched two very old classics: "Night of the Living Dead" and "The Uninvited." This year it will be "Paranormal Activity."



9) What's your favorite Halloween Movie?--"The Uninvited","Poltergeist" and "Dracula" with Frank Langella.



10) Have you developed any fears because of something spooky? (For example, I can't go into dark basements now because I saw "Night of the Living Dead" when I was 13.)--I will forever and always be afraid of spiders. Not sure how this fear developed. There's a huge black on my front porch right now. Usually the husband or son will kill it for me, but this time both said "no". Yep, it's that big.




11) When people read this book, what would you like them to take away from it?--I hope I provided a fun and entertaining read!




12) What music did you listen to when you wrote the book?--When I wrote "A Lonely Sky", I listened to a lot of melancholy music, but for this one, to keep the pace fast and the tone light and fun, I listened to lively music, such as the soundtrack from "Bridget Jones Diary."

13) Can we expect more ghostly stories from you?--I would love to write another ghost story someday! I have the opening line already..."It was a dark and stormy night...".


Thank you, Linda!  Now readers, it's your turn!  Leave comments on today's interview or on yesterday's review and you will be entered to win a free copy of "What Dead Women Want!"

A Review you can Use: What Dead Women Want

Hello all!

So it's almost Halloween...and I have a book that will give you shivers of all kinds!

What Dead Women Want by Linda Schmalz is a rare mix of haunted houses, naughty calendars, and really sexy romantic moments.

Carly Middleton either has ghosts in her attic or bats in her belfry, and neither option deems all that spectacular. She is apt to choose her craziness however, rather than admit that her new home in Lake Della, Wisconsin is haunted. But when hunky and handsome Mike Valentine shows interest in Carly's paranormal problem, hormones rule her head, and she agrees to have the house investigated for ghosts. When the investigation proves her home haunted, Carly calls in a psychic who discovers her housemates are two sisters from the Civil War era who refuse to leave until they get what they want; and what they want is a man, and that man is Mike. Unwilling to sacrifice her boyfriend, Carly must find someone else to seduce her dead house guests to the other side. When Hal Davenport, the abusive town menace returns to Della, Carly finds her candidate. But can she convince the ghosts that Hal is a better catch than Mike? Can Hal lure the lingering ladies close to "the light" without dying? As Carly contemplates her plan, her world becomes further complicated by a sick dog, meddling parents and the return of her ex-fiancé. Finally, when Carly is certain she's sent the ladies packing, something still seems amiss.

Schmalz goes to her small town roots for this one, and we are the winners for it.  This book is funny, sexy, and spooky, all rolled into one!

Rated: 

4 hearts out of four!

"What Dead Women Want" is available where all fine e-books are sold.

Want to win a free copy?

Leave a comment on this blog or tomorrow's interview with Linda Schmalz and your will be entered into a drawing for a free e-copy of her book "What Dead Women Want!"  All comments left now through Thursday will be entered to win.

Good luck!

On a personal note, have you voted for the title of my Elsie book?  You have until tomorrow night!

Interviews and a free read!

Hey all!

I did an interview today with my friends over at SOS Aloha!

Check it out!  Leave a comment and maybe, just maybe you will win a free e-copy of Lies in Chance!

Because it's all about me!

Hello all!  So my friend and critique partner, Linda, did me the favor of doing an interview with me about "Lies in Chance."  Her very fresh, quite fun blog is  here, but I wanted to share the interview with you all because 1)  It's all about me and 2) Linda delves into places in my brain I haven't even visited in a while...like how many degrees of separation I have between myself and Kevin Bacon!

Enjoy!

An Interview with Author, Sarah Bradley


Good Evening:
I'm happy to share with you an interview I did with an amazing author, who also happens to be my dear friend and critique partner. She's also the famed author of "Dream in Color" (available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and The Wild Rose Press) and is currently debuting her second book, "Lies in Chance", a romantic suspense novel (available at Smashwords, Barnes and Nobles and very soon, Amazon). Sarah is a gifted writer, a funny, funny person (and I mean that in a good way), and someone I'm proud to call my friend. Enjoy the interview, get to know Sarah and buy her books! And stay tuned to my blog for a review of both "Lies and Chance" and "Dream in Color".





1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, Sarah!

I'm a mom of two teens, a wife to my college sweetheart husband, and and "mom" of three rescued cats. I love watching movies, reading books, and finding humor in every day stuff. (Hey, if you can't find the humor in our world today, you're just not trying hard enough!) I recently started working third shift, mostly because I was bored with sleeping the required 8 hours a night. I find sleep deprivation is a great attitude adjuster. Plus, I'm home during the summer to annoy my kids!



2. Your latest novel, "Lies in Chance" has just been released at Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. Can you tell us a little about a bit it and which readers it will appeal to?



I think, I HOPE, "Lies in Chance" will appeal to a lot of different readers! I set out to write a book that had strong, interesting characters and a storyline that was interesting for a broad range of people. While I would not recommend it for children under the age of 16, I think there are a lot of elements that will appeal to men and women alike. If you like action, adventure, mystery, romance, and a bit with some horses, this is going to be the book for you!



3. What inspired this story?

When I was a kid, my favorite TV show of all time was "Emergency." There was something about the friendship between John Gage and Roy DeSoto, and then the strong female character of Dixie McCall, that sort of stuck in my brain. By the time I was 13, I was going through a VERY awkward, and rather lonely span in my life. I wanted to create a world where people like those three characters not only existed, but were actually my friends. (And yes, I started writing this book when I was 13) Obviously, the main character grew and changed as I did (though I'm 43 now and Shara is forever 24) but the character and relationship of Bryan, Drew, and Molly is exactly as I thought of it 30 years ago.


As for the name "Shara" it's not an accident that it sort of looks like my name. I really didn't have a name for my main character when I started writing. I used my name because, well, this was the world I was creating for myself. But one day, during a Summer Marching Band tour, one of the chaperones asked me for my name. I said, "Sarah...with an H" because people constantly misspelled my name. She wrote down, "Shara." And a character name was born!

4. When did you begin writing and what inspired you to become a writer?



I have wanted to be a writer my entire life. When I was seven, I was reading the "Little House" series and I thought, "If Laura can do it, why can't I?" My first stab at writing was "The complete illustrated history of the Civil War." I was not quite 8. The book was four pages long...8 sentences. I illustrated it myself. I do not draw well. My first real stab at writing came when I was 13 and I began work on what now is "Lies in Chance."


The biggest force in my life as a writer was Ermba Bombeck. I read that lady's column every single day growing up. (And then I read Ann Landers'. That might explain my twisted sense of humor in the face of the world's general dramas.) The other half of my writer's brain belongs to Erma. I love writing about just finding the humor in the mundane.



5. I know you have a busy life outside of your writing career. When do you find the time to write and when do you feel the most inspired?



At the moment, since I began working nights, I haven't written much that is new, sad to say. I think all writers have this harsh balancing act we have to do between real life work, family, commitments and our wonderful world of writing. And it gets more challenging when you do publish something because then there's the marketing, blogging, and whatnot that you do during that writing time. So I write when I can, which is rarely a set time of day. I keep a notebook close to me, because I never know when an inspiration is going to hit me. I get inspired in different ways, but I think I work tough plot issues out through music. The two books I've published both have very strong soundtracks, all made up of songs I played over and over and over again while trying to sort out this plot point or that. The family knows not to bother me if I've got a song on repeat.



6. Any particular rituals you must perform before writing (i.e. getting a muffin and coffee from the kitchen, having your favorite cat in the room with you, etc.)

If I'm writing "for real" (not blogging or marketing or other fun type stuff) then I'm at my desk, door closed, candles lit, iPod locked onto the soundtrack of whatever I'm writing. Jasper (our oldest cat, who just turned one) is allowed in the office, but TacOcaT (my son named this one in a palindrome) is not because Taco climbs to the top of my desk and knocks things off the top shelf on to my head.

7. Writer's block? Do you get it and if so, how do you resolve it?



My Critique partner (Tee hee) will tell you I get writer's block endlessly. I write in spurts. If I'm blocked, I simply shut down. I've tried writing through it, but what happens, for me, is I wind up with pages and pages of deletes. So I try to keep my eyes and ears open to what around me might solve my problem. I will think the issue through, and I will play music with lyrics I think will point me in the right direction. (Music is such a big part of my writing.) I've been known to abandon my cart in the grocery store the minute my block breaks so I can get to a desk and start writing.



8. What do you love about the writing process and what do you dislike?



In my own personal experience, I love that I can work out my own issues through writing. If you've read "Dream in Color" you'll see a lot that is simply me. I have issues with my mother's terrible cooking. I have issues with finding the place where I shine, where I belong. These are constant themes in everything I write, I'm finding. "Lies in Chance" started as a way to sort of get back at the world for the loneliness and alienation I experienced as a kid, but beyond that one story, I find that my writing helps me work through a lot of my issues. So that part I love.


If I had to find something I didn't like about writing, it's the blank page. I never ever thought I had more than one story in me. Turns out, I have a lot of stories in me, but getting them started is the worst part. I have a general picture in my head of what I want, but the physical act of putting the first words on a page is so hard!



9. Any favorite characters from your novels?



Well, who doesn't love those hot, tortured men? I fall in love with my leading men every time I write them. I've been in love with Bryan Jacobs since I was 13. I have been in love with Jesse Alexander (the main male character in "Dream in Color") for nearly a decade. Up next, I'm falling in love with a formal NHL player named Quinn Murray.


Beyond that, I've put so much of myself into my leading ladies, that I love and hate them the same way I love and hate myself some days. I did give both Shara and Ramona ((Dream in Color)) some talents I wish I had. Both can play the piano brilliantly, and both have great hair.



10. What books inspired you as a child? What do you read now?



As a kid I lived in a very small town with a very small public library. I read every kids' book in that library in two summers. (Remember, this was before YA was such a big deal) I loved "Little House" "Encyclopedia Brown" and anything by Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. Joan Aiken's books rocked my world because they were so dark and awesome. I didn't know kids' books could be so very, very dark. (Go to your library NOW and read "Wolves of Willoughby Chase." GO RIGHT NOW!)


Nowadays I don't read nearly as much as I want to, but if Phillipa Gregory, Billie Letts, or Adriana Trigiani writes it, I will make the time to read it. Also, I've just finished a BRILLIANT new novel by a new author...maybe you've heard of it? "A Lonely Sky" I know so many super talented writers that I will always read new material. A new author is very, very exciting.



11. What is the best advice you have received or read regarding the writing process? What is the worst?



There was a TV show once, it might have been one of those after school specials or it might have been the TV show "Head of the Class." (I somehow can hear Howard Hessman saying this) The line was "A writer writes...always." As much as I hate to write what I know I'm going to delete later, the shear act of writing is so vital to a writer's life.


I think the worst advice I got was "write what you know." Okay, it is important for writers to write what is real to them, what they've researched, and what makes sense. That might be why Drew and Bryan and Molly teach at small school that is quietly, and unofficially controlled by a church. I grew up in a parochial system. My husband has worked for years in the car dealership business. But had I kept "Lies in Chance" in the realm of my experience, it would be a very boring book!



"Write what you know" is not terrible advice, it's just that writers tend to take it literally, and that keeps a lot of good story ideas locked away. Sure, my comfort zone is about being a suburban mom. But that's not a setting that's going to transport a reader away from real life. Not unless you toss in a little thing I like to call FICTION. Both my novels are grounded in who I am but then vector off into a world where I'll never live. And that's okay.



12. What are you currently working on?



I've got a novel "Clean Ice" in the works (very early works). That's a romance between a former figure skater and a former NHL player. I'm also going to listen to my mother's advice and publish some of my own musings on real life. "Scenes from an Awkward Childhood" will probably be the first edition I put out there, and I'll share stories about how I wrecked my bike while watching a one armed man build a house; how my mother's terrible cooking affected me; and why I hate ponies but love horses.



13. How has the e-publishing experience worked for you?



If I would read the directions it would be way smoother! I had it very easy because I tapped the very talented Nicola Martinez, the woman who did my cover for "Dream in Color" to do the cover art for "Lies in Chance." Nicola is brilliant and I love her. Then I got the aid of the wonderful folks over at 52 Novels (electronic formaters) Amy and Christina were the pictures of patience!



I should say I would NEVER have had the guts to e-publish if I hadn't met author J. A. Konrath at a writers' conference last year. I had the privilege to sit next to him at a book signing and he regaled me with the joys of e-publishing while he shared his peanuts with me. I owe that man a lot!



14. What are some of the best/worst movies made from novels?



I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and if you think you have the whole story by watching the movie you are wrong. I love Gone with the Wind, and I love the movie. But the two are two completely different experiences.



"Wuthering Heights" is my favorite book of all time. That book has been done as a movie a bundle of times, and I believe the worst...(and I'm going to get smacked for this) is the 1939 Lawrence Olivier version. Everyone is too darn clean and shiny! Meanwhile, (and get ready to smack me again) my favorite movie version is the 1992 film starring Ralph Fiennes.



Much debate goes on about the most recent "Robin Hood" movie, and I'm going to through in and say that I LOVED the Russell Crowe film. (Okay, I love Russell Crowe.)





15. Most romantic scenes in a book or movie:



I tend to find a ton of romance in some of the oddest places. Best kiss in a movie? Well, I hate to give Tom Cruise for any credit, but that kiss in "Top gun" is spectacular. I blame it on the gauzy curtains. Ruined the concept of perfect kisses for me. other than that, I find facial expressions and voice tone to convey romancde far more than some overt setting or nudity. Case in point: the movie "Rough Magic" starring Russell Crowe and Bridget Fonda. Very odd movie. BUT there's a moment in that movie, when they kiss, that is ridiculously erotic, and a big part of that is Russell's very quiet, almost whispered line. I could go on about Russell Crowe...like him or not, the man can convey some pretty deep emotions with very little. Going back to "Robin hood" there is a moment where he and Cate Blanchett say very little to each other, and yet there is something so deep, so completely romantic, just in an exchange of expressions. It's breathtaking. I really hope those two do more work together! As for books, I think I read "Wuthering heights" over and over because I like to impose my own romantic ideal onto Heathcliff.



For more traditional movies, "Pride and Predjudice," (the one with Keira Knightly) has some amazing, romantic scenes. The two best, the first one where she and Mr Darcy are dancing for the first time. Romance defined. The second, when Mr. Darcy is crossing the field to claim her. (Is it getting warm in here?) I think movies are better able to convey the sheer emotion of romance better than books because, well, movies are visual, and there's music, and the people are all super attractive....and now I have to go watch "Pride and Predjudice" again!



16. Book (besides your own) that you'd like see made into a movie:

Well, mine, yes. And "A Lonely Sky." I'd be sobbing through the whole thing! As for other books...how about if we get Snookie's book made into a movie? Why not? She's got a clothing line, she's got a big book deal, she's got a free trip it Italy. What has she done?

Sorry, I'll get off my soapbox.

Interview interrupts: I can't believe you put me and Snookie in the same paragraph together. LOL!



17) Favorite authors:

Phillipa Gregory, the Bronte Sisters, Joan Aiken, Judy Blume, Adriana Trigiani. And the list could go on.



18. Why write? What keeps you motivated?

I have always told stories. I love to tell stories, and I love to make people laugh. So I write my little humor pieces to make people laugh, to lighten their load, and that way I lighten mine. As for the heavier fiction, well, we all have a dark side, right? I think I see a picture, maybe of an actor (which is how the character in my upcoming book came to be) or something and I'll make up a story about that picture. Once I have a character's story, I have to write it. I have to share that story with others.



Well, that and I'm simply worthless when it comes to cooking, cleaning, knitting, sewing, cross stitch. Many have tried to teach me, no one has succeeded. We all have to do something, this is what I do.





19. Favorite bookstore:



Well, I got a Sony e-reader recently, so I'm havning out at the Sony store a lot. And Amazon, of course! for actual print books it's all about Barnes and NOble or half Price Books.





20. Fill in the blank: If I couldn't be a published author, my next dream to come true would be:________________________________________________.

A Rock Star...or a movie critic.





21. Congratulations on your two published novels, "Dream in Color" and "Lies in Chance". What's next for author Sarah Bradley?



Thanks Linda! This has been a blast! Right now I'm trying to get "Scenes from an Awkward Childhood" put together for e-publishing and then I'm going to hit "Clean ice" hard. I've got a lot of ideas for that one...mostly because I've been listening to Night Ranger a lot!

22. And finally, the most important question, how many degrees of sepration are you from Kevin Bacon? I am three degrees...in two different directions.



I met Randy Mantooth in 2000. Randy starred with Sonny King in a terrible movie called "Agent Red." Sonny king was in "Murder in the First" with Kevin Bacon.



I met Rick Springfield in 2001. Rick was in "Hard to Hold" (NOT a great movie.) Rick was in Hard to hold with Tracy Brooks Swope, who was in The Big Picture with Kevin.

20 Questions with Author Linda Schmalz!

Good morning my friends!

In my travels through life I've met people I've been proud to call "friend."  Never was that more true than with my guest today, my good friend, my critique partner, the woman who makes sure I don't get too wrapped up in writing a bad plot, Linda Schmalz!

I'm so happy today to be one of the first to share Linda's beautiful new novel with you,  A Lonely Sky.  This is Linda's very first novel, and I'll be sharing my review of it later this week, when you will have a chance to win a FREE         e-copy of the book!  (So stay tuned for that!) 

Meanwhile, I wanted you all to meet Linda, so today I've given her my 20 questions.  So everyone, sit back and enjoy meeting Author Linda Schmalz!

1) Tell us a little about yourself...(feel free to offer up any or no biographical info)

I am currently a "stay at home" mom. I'm married to a great guy, have one awesome soon- to- be- high school freshman, and a terrific terrier named Tally! I taught myself to read at age four, and believe me, back in 1966 that was a BIG deal. Now, I think it's mandatory before kids hit pre-K, right? We live in Madison, Wisconsin where I've resided now for over 20 years. I majored in nursing in college, with a minor in psychology, before electively dropping out, realizing I loved the book study, but not the actual emotional toil nursing takes. I give credit to nurses everywhere. Pay them more! But I digress. After my UW experience, I finished my education in a medical assistant program and then worked for a an HMO for nearly 17 years in various departments. Quit working to stay home with my son full time. That was nearly nine years ago, and in my spare time, I've completed two novels, started a few others and am working on a third.



2) When did you begin writing?

I think the gift has always been brewing underneath the surface. All through grammar school, high school and college my writing efforts were praised and received high marks. Every now and then I would dabble at fiction. I remember the first novel I started...I was in sixth or seventh grade. It involved a teenager who ran track in high school. She develops leukemia and is told not to run anymore. But dang it, wouldn't you know that the most important race of her life was coming up. Despite chemo, despite being so weak she could barely stand, she decides to run that race. And she wins it. End of story. LOL. As you can see, I had a lot to learn about plot, credible characters, medical afflictions, etc.


3) What inspired you to become a writer?

Like I said, I think it's always been in me, but something clicked big time after I read "Little Women" (a couple years after the Dying Runner Story idea.) Something about the characters and their interwoven lives and plots just drew me in. I was fascinated by the book. And Jo wanted to become a writer! And someone died! And the naughty girl who didn't deserve to, got the guy! I still love this book. And every movie made of it, my favorite being the Winona Ryder version. Anyhow, I digress again. After "Little Women" I realized Louisa May Alcott took her characters even further and went on with their lives and children in subsequent books. I thought that was so cool! (Yes, I was young and impressionable.) I started writing a novel again, but got distracted picking out names and looks for the characters (do we really need a plot?), and thus, that novel was never written either.

4) Do you write with a soundtrack for whatever you're working on, or do you write in complete silence?

Depends. Silence is best, but not found in this house. So, I usually put on music that fits the mood of the chapter/novel I'm working on. Right now I'm working on a scene with a woman who just lost a baby. Very hard to write when some computer Pokemon game is blaring from downstairs or Sports Center is blaring from the other room, or both. So I put on my Ipod...for this scene I'm listening to the soundtrack from "The Tudors", probably some of the saddest, most beautiful music composed. Trevor Morris is the composer. For my light paranormal, I listened to the soundtrack from "Bridget Jones's Diary" and old eighties bands like Eddie Money. Whatever gets the words down on paper!


5) As a busy mom, when do you find time to write? What's your schedule like?

I have no set writing schedule. I write when I can. During school, it's usually in the afternoon before the boy comes home or before dinner if said boy does not need help with homework. For a while I was meeting a writing partner at the library (this is where most of "Lonely Sky" was written) once a week in the mornings and that worked so well! I can't go to the library by myself however to write. I don't like leaving my computer unattended if I have to go to the bathroom. And I'm a writer. I drink coffee. And coffee means bathroom. So you see, I need a partner at the library. I love to write at home though. I have my own, little messy office and I love it, but it's situated between the main bedroom where husband watches football and SCREAMS at the television, because, you know the refs can hear him, and downstairs where the boy watches Nickelodeon and plays on the computer with the volume raised on both. I wish I could be more like other writers I know who get up very early and write until the sun or kids rise but that ain't me, babe.


6) Your new book is your first novel, "A Lonely Sky." How about a little synopsis/blurb?

At nineteen, Julia Steele's future seems bright. She has a steady and kind boyfriend, is enrolled in the college of her choice, and currently is on a two week tour of Germany. Enter Sam Lyons, a thirty- year- old, down-on-his-luck, handsome and charming British actor whom Julia falls for. They steal away to London for a brief love affair until Julia must return home. They promise to reunite in London in the fall. But when Sam encounters financial ruin and blackmail at the hands of the spoiled, misunderstood socialite Deirdre Lamont, he finds his only option is to marry her. At home in Chicago, Julia discovers herself pregnant with Sam's child. Devastated by Sam's marriage, and determined to keep her baby, she marries her high school boyfriend, who offers to raise the child as his own. Years later, Sam and Julia accidentally reunite in New York, and when misunderstandings clear, the flame of passion rekindles. But will Julia sacrifice her family for another chance to be with Sam? Will Deirdre tire of her ceaseless attempts to hold onto Sam, or finally give in to the one who truly loves her? When Sam is diagnosed with cancer, decisions become imperative. Spanning twenty-six years in the intertwining lives of Julia, Sam, their friends and enemies, A Lonely Sky explores desperate choices and infinite emotions of the heart.

7) Did anyone in particular inspire your main characters?

Yes. Sam, Julia, Spencer and John were all based on movie/TV stars whose looks fit the part or vice versa. Deirdre came into her own being, she'd have it no other way. But I don't wish to influence the imagination of anyone reading the book, I want them to "see" these characters the way their imaginations want them to, so I'll keep silent on who these characters are based on. (Of course, if the price is right...)



8) I've spent some serious time on this blog talking about the possibilities of e-publishing. You did this book on your own, through Smash words. Care to comment on the experience?

So far so good. It took me two attempts to format it correctly (and some questions to those who have already learned formatting...thank you Lori and Angie!) but after that it has been fairly simple to submit. I'm still waiting to have the download (upload?) it to Amazon, etc. so I draw more readers, and I'll let the world know when that happens.


9) Favorite Book/movie/TV show?

So many to choose from! I love books and movies and t.v. so I'll limit each to my top three: Books "Little Women", "A Catcher in the Rye" and "The Stand". Movies: "Titanic", "The Sound of Music", "Terms of Endearments" but really, the list is really long! T.V? "Grey's Anatomy", "Survivor" and "The Biggest Loser".


10) Favorite Actor and actress?

Actors: Jeremy Irons, Bruce Willis, Paul Bettany. Actresses: Jessica Lange, Vanessa Redgrave, Zoey Daschanel.



11) What are you reading right now?

"The Tenth Circle" by Jodi Picoult and "The Chase" by Susan Wales and Robin Shope.


12) Do you snack when you're writing and if so, what are you eating?

I try not to, but if I'm nervous, (as in sending out a query) I'll eat chocolate. Dark M&M's are a fave but my current passion are Hershey's Nuggets: Toffee and Almond Crunch.



13) Starbucks or Caribou coffee?

Neither, sorry Starbucks and Caribou. No endorsements for you here. Starbucks is too strong for me, and there's not a Caribou close (that I"m aware of). I love coffee at Panera, and when I'm home it's Maxwell House 'cause I find it's good till the last drop.


14) Most hilarious childhood memory? (Example...the one time in my life I was trying to be cool, I got on my cousin's pony and tried to show off my riding talents. Pony walked me under the clotheslines and nearly decapitated me.)

My sister isn't going to like me telling this, but here goes. We are only two years apart. As teenagers we did not get along. Well, we got into it one morning and were yelling and my sister got in my face, waving her hand in front of it and taunting me "Hit me, come on and hit me, I know you want to hit me." So I did. I slapped her in the face. She started to cry and my mom walked in and asked what happened and my sister jumped in that I hit her. My mom looked at the both of us, and immediately punished my sister. LOL!


15) If __Jesus____________showed up on my doorstep and asked me to run away with him, I would.-I mean, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have much of a choice.

I think you win with that answer Linda!  LOL!


16) What would you like readers to take away from "A Lonely Sky"?

An unforgettable story. A good read. The need for a sequel. Wanting to read more of my work. Do I ask for much? The list goes on.


Nope, you're not asking for much.  And readers, believe me when I say, "A Lonely Sky" IS unforgettable.  Don't believe me? My review of the book is coming later this week!


17) What are some of the best/worst movies made from novels and why?

Oh, hard question, 'cause if I've read the book, I probably didn't see the novel and vice versa. I guess the standard for "best" is "Gone with the Wind" and of course all the "Little Women" movies (just cause I love "Little Women" as you know by now.) Worst? "Angela's Ashes"--loved the book, hated the movie (could it have been more boring or depressing? Seriously, the book was not this way!)




18) If your life story was made into a movie, who should play the part of you?
According to some quiz on Facebook, Rachel McAdams. When I was young I was compared to Kristy McNichol ("aka "Buddy" on the old "Family" series). I SO hated that comparison. Still do.

19) Fill in the blank, if I had a million dollars I would

...buy a home in Southern California and get a housekeeper and cook. I'd get another dog. I'd buy a summer home in London. Oh wait, I blew my wad on the house in California? Dang. Time to write another book.





20) What's next for you?

Turning 50. Ouch. Also, I'm searching for an agent/publisher for my completed second novel "What Dead Women Want" (a light paranormal with romantic elements) or I'll e-pub it through Smash words and affiliates. I'm currently working on another commercial women's fiction novel about adoption, loss and family. I also have a historical in the works, and a fun time-travel. And then again, you never know. I just might finish "The Dying Runner". LOL! All I can tell my readers is.... stay-tuned!


Well thank you Linda for your fun answers!  Now, my friends, it's your turn!  Want to win a FREE E-COPY of "A Lonely Sky?"  Yes, you do!  (And no, you do NOT need a reading device to receive and read a copy.)  Leave a comment, include your email address and you will be entered into a drawing to win a FREE E-COPY of this first novel from a very talented author.  Drawing will be held Friday morning of this week, and the winner will be announced late Friday.  Everyone who leaves a comment with an email address on today's post and on Thursday's book review will be eligible to win!  :)

Half the fun of writing!

Good morning all!


Half the fun of writing, and getting published, is doing interviews!

I did a little interview with the lovely ladies at SOS Aloha. Their blog is well worth a peak, plus, there's a chance to win a copy of Dream in Color!



Here' s the link:



Sarah's interview with SOS Aloha


Personally, I loved all the pictures they put in there.  Yes, the lighthouse IS the one Ramona runs to in her wedding dress.  Yes, there are multiple pictures of Rick Springfield.  Yes, I do mention JAG a couple of times!  Yes, it was fun doing the interview!

Have a great Thursday!

Completely geeking out...on a professional level, of course!

Good afternoon!

Sometimes the old email in box contains more than just home refinance offers and Nigerian lottery winnings. Sometimes there's an email in there that's so astounding you spit your coffee out onto your desk and you are nauseous for the entire day.
My cousin, whom I will call Jane, has been friends for some time with the wife of one of my very favorite sports figures. Jane and I have joked about my complete geekdom where this gent is concerned.

Very recently, I mentioned in passing to Jane, that Quinn, the hero in my newest attempt at fiction was going to be a retired professional athlete. Well, this morning, Jane emailed me said sports figure's cell phone number and told me to call him and ask him any questions I wanted to.


Is there any chance at all that I'm not suddenly a complete geek over this?

"Maybe if I stare hard enough at the phone and think about the questions, I won't actually have to dial. That could work!"

None. No chance. Nada.

Instead, I've spent the morning staring at said phone number, wondering just how likely it is I'm going to actually make that phone call. I mean, in the interest of the book, I have to, right? Meanwhile, there is the possibility that I can call him and ask my questions and be completely professional about this. Right?

Oh wait, let's go back a few months to the moment when my new friends Vicki and Wendy, did the grand favor of introducing me to Rick Springfield. He said, "I look forward to reading you book." I said,"Gerp gleeble gleck."

Well, this isn't Rick Springfield...but it's somewhat close. And it's not in person at a bowling alley...it's on the phone and I'm AWESOME on the phone. And...

And as a writer who wants to get published, I have to write the best book I can so I have to suck up the stupid geekiness and ask the questions and be completely professional. Because that's what a real writer would. That's what big time authors do. That's what Stephen King would do.

Wait, is there anyone on the planet that could send Stephen King into fanatical spasms?

Well, there. I'm going to focus on that and I'm going to write down the questions I have, and then I'm going to practice asking them and THEN I'm going to take some preemptive Pepto Bismol and MAKE THAT CALL!

So, have a great weekend all! And get back to writing!

Like peanut butter cups, but without the guilt...

Good morning!

So theres another interview of little old me on the web this morning. Seems like folks want to ask me questions, and I love answering questions, especially about my writing, so it's a great combination!


This time Cherie, fellow writer/blogger/Bob and Brian fan asked me questions and I answered.

You can check it out by clicking on the Working Writers link there on the left.

Enjoy, my friends!