Interview: Author's Admiration of McCarthy and Honoring Mother Inspire Writing Career
Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary! I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.
So, today welcome Chuck Walsh.
Chuck Walsh, author of Shadows On Iron Mountain, Backwoods Justice, A Month of Tomorrows, A Passage Back and A Splintered Dream is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and discovered a passion for writing in 2004. Since then, he has written human-interest articles for a dozen publications. He also co-authored Faces of Freedom (featured on Sean Hannity’s book list), a book that recognizes the noble lives of U.S. soldiers who died while fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.
ENDORSEMENTS
“Chuck Walsh is one of the most committed, passionate, and talented writers I’ve had the pleasure of working with and reading in a long time. [He] constantly seeks new ways to refine his already solid work. Chuck Walsh is one of the best. He writes, not for himself, but for his readers.”
—Thomas Smith, Jr. author, Encyclopedia of the Central Intelligence Agency
“Chuck Walsh is a master storyteller, a writer of extraordinary sensitivity and craftsmanship. Walsh’s fiction shows an uncommon understanding of his characters and their relationships. His writing is both dynamic and economical, with a special energy in dialogue that keeps the reader turning pages.”
— Charles Israel, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of English
What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Fiction – historical, murder/suspense, literary fiction
What made you want to be a writer? My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer ten years ago, and I wanted to write something to show how much she meant to me. And I decided to write A Passage Back, which is about a man who has an accident after the death of his mother and goes back in time to his childhood. As I began writing the book, something sparked to life within me, making me feel as though my life’s calling had been unveiled.
Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Cormac McCarthy--no one else comes close. McCarthy is the best fiction writer, in my opinion, of all time. His ability to create stories that pit battles between good and evil, God and Satan, heaven and hell, is beyond anything I’ve ever read. Before I work on my novels, I will pick up one of his books, read about fifteen pages or so, and it inspires me to be the absolute best writer I can be.
What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I would describe myself as a storyteller. I truly try to create characters that readers will feel they know intimately, and I want those characters immersed in compelling situations. Most of these characters are based on people I have a strong connection to which fuels a great passion to fully reveal the desires of their hearts, their joy, their pain, and their fear. The settings of my books are integral and I love to paint the picture, whether it’s the deep backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains, or the simplicity of a baseball field on a summer afternoon. I do not outline. Each book begins as an idea and it develops on its own. It becomes an entity, growing slowly, and I just try to find the words to put it in print.
Do you write every day? How much? How long? Working full time, it’s impossible for me to write every day. By the time I get home, my mind is so frazzled, there is no creativity left. Therefore I write on weekends and holidays, beginning early where I spend hour after hour getting into the character’s minds, and into the setting. I can go 10 to 12 hours once I begin.
Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? I think reading is vital for an author. It opens him to worlds he might not have ever known, and it inspires, and often teaches, the writer how to develop a story. Not in the sense he can copy or mimic, because I think every writer’s mind works differently, and that they can only write what they know; what their mind creates.
What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Write about people and places that will fuel a passion within you. If you have a connection to the characters and the setting, it will make you want to expend full effort to make the readers develop a passion for them too.
Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work as hard as you can to make the book the best it can possibly be. Believe in yourself. To me, the most successful venues are book signings that I set up. I solicit help from people in that area who I know that will help spread the word. Have signings at places that are fun for the readers. I’ve had signings at restaurants, at sports bars, minor league ballparks (for my baseball-themed novel, A Splintered Dream). If you go in blindly to a location and have to count on strangers to “stumble” upon you, the odds of them buying your book(s) are slim. Be choosy in the literary festivals you attend. It’s tough to sell books, at least that’s my experience, at places where they have no idea who you are. I will sell 5 times more books at a two-hour signing that I have organized and orchestrated, than I can attending a day long festival.
Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? I think for those starting out conferences are beneficial in networking and getting yourself in front of agents and publishers and other writers. Once you have established yourself with an agent, and your books are being published, then you can use online tools to learn ways to help promote your books.
Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at www.chuckwalshwriter.com Chuck Walsh Events Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Author Page My books are available on Amazon B&N Fish Pond Book Depository BAM Waterstones IndieBound Google Play Kobo Powell's Books Wheeler's Books Book World Angus & Robertson Copia Scribd Shelfari The Book Depository Waterstones WH Smith Wheelers GoodReads My first book, A Month of Tomorrows, is available also on audible.com.
My next event will be at Columbia College in late January and I will be appearing at two book club gatherings in February. Visit my website for exact dates.
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/chuck-walsh/
MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT
Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Quintin Loves Erotic Page Turner in Spite of Herself
Title: Pierced (Lucian & Lia Book 1)
Author: Sydney Landon
Website: www.sydneylandon.com
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Erotica, Suspense, Romantic Erotica
ISBN #: B00LH9NI0C
Reviewer's Rating: 5 star
Where people can purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/Sydney-Landon/e/B00LV0UE7W/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads
Let me preface by saying to me this book is erotic and I am not an erotic book reader and many scenes were out of my comfort zone in reading but I KNOW Sydney Landon delivers so I put those uncomfortable thoughts aside to read and get wrapped up in the story unfolding. Now having said that, I couldn't put the book down!
YOWZA! I fell for Luc and Lia! I found myself rooting for these 2 in this remarkable story and kept thinking as I was reading these 2 NEED each other, they complete each other far beyond the physical aspect.
What a page turner and emotional read. I had some laughs but also some sadness and happiness in reading this journey. A couple shockers as well.
I can't wait for the next book as I must see this journey through.
Well done Sydney! I knew without a doubt you'd deliver and you did!
Highly recommend you read this exciting book!!
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sydney Landon connections:
Website: www.sydneylandon.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SydneyLandon1
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Tracey Quintin connections:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReadingIsOurPas
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Interview: John House Lets Characters Drive Novels
Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary! I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.
So, today welcome John House, MD.
John House, MD creates his novels from his vast and varied experiences in life. He is actively involved in family medicine and previously spent time in sports, prison and urgent care medicine. He has traveled extensively, including mission trips to Belize, and has sailed and been scuba diving in the Virgin Islands, Bahamas and Belize.
To relieve the stress of a busy medical practice, he spent weekends hiking in the Appalachian Mountains with ‘Tall Guy,’ a companion well versed in nature.
Prior to becoming a novelist, John published poetry and he also won prizes for short fiction. His first two novels So Shall You Reap and Choices were written with locations based in Northern and Coastal Georgia. His third novel Trail of Deceit is based on his knowledge and love of nature.
A native Georgian, John received his BS from North Georgia College, his MD from the Medical College of Georgia and completed further training at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.
John served four years in the US Army, including a tour in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division.
John and his wife, Pam, live on the Southeast Coast of Georgia. All his creative works involve the richness of the Southern culture.
1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Romantic Suspense/Fiction
2. What made you want to be a writer? Desire to write entertaining stories from my vivid imagination
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Alistair MacLean
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I do not outline. I develop characters first and then let them develop the story
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? Yes. At least two hours a day and sometimes as much as 8-10 hours
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is extremely important to develop new ideas, learn new vocabulary and to review the pace of other authors.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Develop personal library of books of instruction on various aspects of writing—characters, plot, point of view, description—and educate yourself by reading works of successful writers.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work as hard on the cover and back page of your novel as you do what's inside. The reader can be captured by well-coined words.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Face-to-face contacts and instructions remain with you. Take copious notes. Network and make friends. Writers do help other writers. My favorite conference is Southeastern Writers Association held on St Simons Island, Georgia every June.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? Website: www.johnhouseauthor.com. Books/Kindle available online at Amazon, B&N, and other book stores. Facebook LinkedIn A House of Short Stories
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com
MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT
Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Great Read Comes with Reviewer's Warning
Title: Colour My Ugly (Colour Series) (Volume 2)
Author: A. Giannoccaro
Genre: Literature & Fiction, Erotica, Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Suspense
ISBN #: B0148UU1ZQ
Reviewer's Rating: 5 star
Where people can purchase the book: http://www.amazon.com/A.-Giannoccaro/e/B00OBKRVVQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads
This story was my first dark romance read and I have to warn you if you've never read a dark romance, this is INTENSE, DARK and NOT for folks who don't want to read a story that contains rape, murder or abuse.
It took me a few days once I finished reading to get beyond the WOW, MAN THAT WAS INTENSE to be able to write my review. As I said, this was my first read of this genre.
It also took me some time to read because of the intensity. I really LOVED the storyline, most of the characters, with the exception of the character that calls Lauri "little one." I don't even want to give his name because he was pure "evil."
All the characters in this story are damaged, tortured souls, either from their upbringing or from what life has dealt them.
I don't give the story away in my reviews but let me say this:
Lauri, what a beautiful woman. She was sheltered from her roots for many years then after being damaged in every possible way for many years becomes a strong, loving, capable and confident woman.
Rowan, what a beautiful man. He grew up thinking he was a "bad" man, knowing full well his roots and what he was meant to do in life. Little did he know that he had the capacity to love someone. For that matter neither did Lauri.
Callum, a man who knows his roots, is a "brother by heart" to Rowan and clearly is in over his head in "bad" situations yet his friends can't help him.
Robin and Amya, each with their own and combined sadness and past.
Robin is a brilliant tattoo artist who is able to skillfully draw and color over the outside "ugly" of Lauri and Rowan (they think, I think they are beautiful) and as they are inked, make them feel the pain as the needle pierces their skin. The intricate details of his work are so vividly in my mind.
Lauri and Rowan melted a piece of my heart. They belong together, they understand each other, they are destined for each other. They fit together.
Ashleigh Giannoccaro paints a careful visual of each character mentioned above as well as a gripping, page turning story that will stay in your mind. I highlighted so many parts that touched me.
At the start of each chapter, Ms. Giannoccaro has a quote so befitting the chapter. These quotes are outstanding.
"I don't want anyone to suffer the darkness of another." sticks in my mind when thinking of this story.
I very highly recommend this read to all who can handle it. Well done Ms. Giannoccaro!
***Lastly, I MUST make mention that the version of this book that I downloaded had an INCREDIBLE amount of editing errors. I personally focus on the storyline in reading and reviewing. I'm hopeful that a re-edited version will be uploaded because I don't want folks to focus on these errors and miss out on a remarkable read!***
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ashleigh Giannocarro connections:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/colourmyugly
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
Thriller Recommended by US Review of Books
Four Pieces For Power
Book one in the Vendicatori Series
Author: Marc Estes
Author's Web site: marcestes.net
Publisher: Trafford
Genre: mystery/suspense/thriller
ISBN: 1490727140
Buy Book Link: getbook.at/vendicatori
Reviewed by Anita Lock originally for US Review of Books
"Both shared in the amazement of how two complete strangers could become such bitter enemies without even a single exchange of words."
Andrew Correo learns the truth about his deceased grandfather and the involvement he had with the Vendicatori, a powerful organization developed to protect the Correo family's fortune. But in order for Andrew to claim his inheritance as the next Correo heir, he must compete in a challenge against Robert Stavero, an unknown contender and master of disguises. The object of the challenge is for the winner to procure all four pieces of the puzzle that will reveal the "final destination, and the largest prize in the world." Questions remain whether or not Andrew can keep this perilous competition a secret from his sister and mother, as well as outwit his maleficent opponent.
Awarding winning writer Marc Estes has produced a suspenseful story that has a James Bond feel to it. The first in a series of Vendicatori novels, Estes' third person narrative is a rapidly paced page-turner filled with unhackneyed character scenes between his sister's upcoming wedding; the contest and Andrew's nerve-racking encounters with Robert, his maniacal antagonist; a bit of romance; and other supporting characters—a few that may seem harmless now but could easily turn into future villains in subsequent sequels. Aside of the constant influx of juxtaposed scenes, Estes not only draws readers into the plot's action, but also into the lives of a well-developed cast that goes beyond Andrew, Estes' principal character. Good examples are Brad whose mother and sister were brutally murdered and Jenna who has a thing for Andrew. Estes' thriller closes with a mind-boggling cliffhanger. Earmarked to be a best-seller, there is no doubt that Four Pieces For Power will keep readers on edge till the very end.
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Estes is also the author of
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.
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