A. B. Harms Interview & Giveaway

I've been asked in interviews "What book do you wish you'd written?"  When it's been feasible, I've skipped this particular question.  While there are many, many books out there that I love, rarely do I close one at its conclusion and think, "Wow! This is a story that I wish was all mine."  No more, friends, for I now have an answer to that question!

Bewildered by A. B. Harms IS the book I wish I'd written.  This middle-grade novel is all that I love about fantasy and juvenile fiction in general!  The characters are unforgettable, the plot well developed, and the setting...well the setting is what makes Bewildered so very enchanting.  A. B. Harms has done a phenomenal job constructing the Bewilderness, a world resplendent with imagery.

Description, in my opinion, is where Harms shines brightest, and there were several times while reading Bewildered that I was reminded of Neil Gaiman and his 2013 award-winning The Ocean at the End of the Lane.  The books are different in meaningful ways--Gaiman's story is considerably darker and the author himself has stated that it wasn't intended for young readers--but they share an unmistakable richness of description in their imaginative, fantasyland settings.  Harms is Gaiman Good with imagery!

Disclaimer:  I can already tell that I am very likely to overuse exclamation points while writing this post, but I can't help it.  I am beyond excited about this book and cannot wait for its much deserved success!

I am very happy to introduce you to author A. B. Harms and her debut novel Bewildered!  Also, don't miss your chance to win a signed copy of Bewildered and other great prizes (including a signed copy of Heir to the Lamp) by registering via Rafflecoptor at the bottom of this post!

 What inspires you as a writer?

Inspiration comes from a lot of different places—the world in general. Sometimes another book, a movie, something in the news, a billboard, a song, even off-handed things people say can stir up a thought that turns into an avalanche of ideas. These things happen to all of us, everyday! It wasn’t until I decided I wanted to make writing my career that I really started paying attention to them.

What inspired your novel, Bewildered?  What makes it special?

The idea began as a loose rendition of Alice in Wonderland—my favorite story from childhood. Instead of Alice, who was a daydreamer and needed to grow up, I thought it would be fun to swap it up—to have a serious girl who needed to learn to use her imagination—to enjoy life!

Could you tell us a little about your main character, the no-nonsense Prudence Parks?

Aw, poor Prudence. Perhaps she has some abandonment issues, what with having her only parent gone all of the time, but Prudence loves predictable things—things she can control. That leaves frivolities like friends “out” and things like the scientific method “in”. So where’s the one place she’d never, ever want to go—let alone become imprisoned in—that’s right…a place like Bewilderness, where nothing ever makes sense and anything is possible. Mean, aren’t I?

As a self-described “control freak”, how much of your own personality is shared by Bewildered’s heroine Prudence?

Ha! Yes, I do love planning, and predictability. I love researching and finding the most effective way to do things, and sometimes, like Prudence, I can get a little too self-assured for my own good. So, yes, perhaps there is a bit of me in Prudence. Funny I had never really thought we were that much alike! She was certainly fun to write—she’s so much more brazen than I ever could be. Right or wrong, she speaks her mind with absolute confidence, which is admirable in its own way, and something that I, as a people-pleaser, can’t always muster the courage to do.

One of the settings of your novel is the Bewilderness.  What was your process for creating this world?

Bewildeness was not fully realized when I began writing it. It’s funny to me how it takes time to become acquainted with the people and places we writers dream up. They reveal themselves little-by-little as the writing happens. I think this may be especially true in fantasy stories where all the rules we expect are subject to change. I found out what Bewilderness is like just the same way a reader does, one scene at a time. The world has shape now, and scents, and flavors, and soft and hard spots. But yet, as the series goes on, Bewilderness will become even more tangible. I think that’s one of the most magical parts of writing this series—watching it all unfold.

Bewildered features its share of baddies, but none so villainous as the Match King.  Which do you find more fun to write:  good guys or bad guys?

Bad guys for sure. They’re harder for one thing. It’s easy to fall into a stereotypical trap, making a mustache-twirling villain that wants to rule the world, but creating a bad guy who is a hero in his own world is much more challenging, and ups the stakes for everyone. The best is when you can see why the bad guy is doing what he does—it may be wrong, but in his shoes, what he is doing makes a bit of sense. It’s scarier when that happens too! Maybe that’s why even my hero isn’t all that likable…

Your book has a fabulous cover and is peppered with captivating illustrations throughout.  Can you tell us a little about your illustrator the talented Angie Kwon? What was it like working with her?

In a word? Fantasticgooglyawesomeness! Angie was a miracle find. I wasn’t sure what to expect, being my first novel, and I don’t think Angie did either—this was her first book, if you can believe it. She was such a pro though. What I really wanted was another perspective and an artist with a unique look. Angie definitely brought that to the project. I had very little input, actually. She read an earlier draft and gave me a few sketches with various ideas. As the interior images rolled out, I couldn’t believe how her contribution make the story real. We were definitely on the same page! Oh—get it? Page! I’m so funny.

What can we expect from future installments of The Bewilderness Tales?

More! More! More! New worlds, new characters, new twists! Though we will get to see many of the people from book one again, too. There are clues hidden in Bewildered that will suddenly seem so obvious later. So, when I say that I don’t have it all figured out—that the story reveals itself to me one scene at a time—I’m only half telling the truth. There are some things that I do know and the morsels are there in the pages of Bewildered.

What would you say was the biggest lesson learned on your journey to publication?

Whew! There’s been a lot of lessons along the way, and more occur every moment. But, I think the thing that I have learned, and the thing that I advocate for is: ‘DO WHAT YOU LOVE!’ Whether the day is good or bad, I always look forward to my work. Everyone deserves that, and the world would be a much better place if we all enjoyed what we did for a living.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Just do it! The only difference between aspiring authors and Authors is mindset. Also, write every day, seek out honest feedback, write every day, read as much as you can, study the craft, and…oh yeah—write every day!

You’ve been an outspoken advocate for writers choosing to go the Indie Author route.  What should those out there contemplating self-publication know about the process?

This is a good question, and though I honestly believe that Indie-authordom is wonderful, I find no fault in the traditional publishing path—there are pros and cons either way. It’s a decision each author must make based upon their own unique goals, expectations, and comfort level, and there’s no one way to do any of it. An Indie-author must wear a lot of hats—it’s a one-girl-band over here, even though I have lots of great mentors and supporters, all accountability falls squarely on one set of shoulders. However, more and more responsibility is being placed on the traditional author’s shoulders as well. Luckily, this is a path that has been walked before, and there are a lot of free resources out there to help.

The bottom line: no matter what path you walk, being an author is a business, and requires determination, passion to work hard, and willingness to invest in your product. Always be thankful for feedback, especially criticism—remember, you are a professional. If you conduct yourself as such, and keep an open mind, success is out there. Huge achievements are met with small steps.

Do you have any writing rituals?  A favorite place to write?

For a while I did. I liked to go to certain coffee shops and sip on certain espresso-based delights. It was my romantic idea of what being a writer could be. But nowadays, I squeeze writing in wherever I can. I keep note cards with me in case I get one of those vaporous ideas, or time to workshop things away from home. Just recently, I  moved into a corner of our basement to keep the dining room table available for… oh, I don’t know… eating? I have a lamp and a cup for my pens. It's great. J

As a writing mom, how do you make time to write?

This is a constant battle, let me tell you. I’ve made my writing goal fairly low at 1,000 words per day. I do whatever I can to make that goal. Sometimes it’s easy and I have time left to work on other things on the business side. Other days, I’m running too thin and don’t even get to touch my manuscript! Guilt doesn’t get me anywhere though, so I let it go and move on. There's a fine line between challenging yourself with goals and creating unreasonable expectations. I love the line: it's a marathon, not a sprint. It pretty much works for every part of this process.

JUST FOR FUN:

 Cats or dogs?

 I have to say I'm more of a dog person. Big dogs especially!

Dinner or desert?

Whichever has chocolate in it.

What is the best thing that ever happened to you?

Oh my…this is a toughie! I'd have to say that my relationship with my husband is the best thing that has ever happened to me. So many of the things that I love and live for are through our connection: our children, our adventures living overseas, and just about all the things I have accomplished are through his sacrifice and support. Best guy ever.

BEWILDERED

A Bewilderness Tale, Book One

Prudence Parks is perfect. At twelve-years old, she has the world in her pocket. No messy friends. No silly games. Everything is just right—until her father leaves her an orphan. 

When she tumbles into a bizarre realm known as Bewilderness, nothing is as it should be. Insects talk, pirate ships sail on sand, and plants are just plain evil. After she’s banished for claiming to be human, she thinks the worst is behind her. She’s wrong. The Match King, posing as an ally, promises to send her home if she can find the Paper Heart, an ancient treasure. Battling her sense of logic all the while, she meets a living ragdoll and her father’s doppelganger, who melts her icy heart and—to her regret—gives the Match King perfect collateral to ensure she follows through. 

Prudence realizes the Match King’s plan to erase Bewilderness from existence, but now she must choose: save the world she has come to love, or find her way home.

BEWILDERED is a middle grade fantasy novel geared toward children ages 9-12. It’s Alice in Wonderland meets Miracle on 34th Street. Set once upon a time in a land far, far away, this story illustrates the importance of friendship, courage, and proves believing isn't always seeing.

Purchase it online at your favorite retailer, or visit your local bookstore!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Smashwords | IndieBound | The Book Depository | Books-a-Million

About the Author

A. B. Harms was born a writer. From a young age, she made her own picture books with crayons and a stapler. As a teenager, she won essay contests. Yet, when she began her career, being an author was the last thing she considered. Finally, after working every job imaginable from waitress to social worker and earning her degree in Psychology, she realized what she was always meant to do--write!

A. B. is from Missouri, has gone around the world and back again, and now lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her family, a pet sloth, who resembles a Great Dane, and a black cat, who moonlights as an assassin. No matter where she hangs her hat, she finds herself at home down the rabbit hole.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE GIVEAWAY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

B.H. Parker Interview and Giveaway

One of my favorite parts of most literary festivals and events is meeting fellow writers and being introduced to their work.  I've discovered some great books this way:  Teal Haviland's paranormal fantasy Inception, Sarah Ashley Jones' NA (New Adult) romance Promise Me This, and Chervis Isom's creative non-fiction The Newspaper Boy.  The Birmingham Public Library's 2014 Local Author Expo on February 1 was no exception and allowed me the opportunity to discover Mark of the Corripian by YA fantasy author B.H. Parker.

On a world inhabited by humans and the native race called the Kairian, everyone is born with a super human power. After a human girl witnesses a murder, she is forced to leave her home to find protection. However, the young man sent to watch over her has an agenda of his own: he is searching for two years of his lost memories, and finding them may just mean forgoing the girl's safety. Amidst it all, an ancient prophecy foretelling a war between the human and Kairian is coming true, and the only one able to prevent the two races' destruction will bear the mark of the Corripian.

The cover of Mark of the Corripian drew me in immediately, the way a great cover should.  As a huge fan of Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy, in which a faction of Roth's dystopian society are marked with tattoos that both identify and set them apart, I wondered what would set Mark of the Corripian apart from the slew of dystopian series out there.  While the book does contain some elements of the genre made popular by such works as Divergent, Lois Lowry's The Giver, and Ally Condie's Matched trilogy, the story takes place on a distant planet, making it heavier on science fiction and reminding me in ways of Homer Hickam's Crater series about teens sent to mine the moon.  In short, Mark of the Corripian promises to present readers with everything that they love about my favorite genre with some unexpected surprises.  It looks to be a refreshing departure from what can sometimes tend to feel like another hero/heroine's retelling of life after the great utopia begins to come undone.  Parker also uses dual point-of-view for her narrative, and the story of Mark of the Corripian unfolds from both lead characters', Zenia's and Xavier's, perspectives. 

Impressed with the book, and because I am a natural born snoop, I had to learn more about its author B. H. Parker.  It thrills me to see the very young exhibit the kind of imagination, talent and determination necessary to see a novel through from conception to publication.

Without further adieu, I'd like to introduce you all to Miss B.H. Parker.  For a chance to win a copy of her excellent debut novel Mark of the Corripian, be sure to leave a comment in the comments section.  A winner will be chosen at random on February 28th and the book shipped thereafter.

1.     What inspired you to become a writer?

I have enjoyed making up stories since I was very young. With all the uncertainties of this life, there’s just something remarkable about being able to create a story in which you decide how it ends. Also, I like solving problems, and a book to me is like a big puzzle. All the pieces are floating around in my head, and if I can just put them together in the right way, they complete some beautiful picture. At least, that’s what I’m going for.

2.     What inspired your novel, Mark of the Corripian?  What makes it special?

That’s a good question…especially considering the creation of Mark of the Corripian was somewhat an accident. I would have to say the inspiration came from a few of my close friends, since the story began as something I wrote to entertain them. I pulled together a little bit of everything and put it in this book because my friends all have different interests, and I needed to create something they all enjoyed. If it weren’t for them and their encouragement throughout the process, MotC would have never been more than a few chapters of my silly rambling.

I’d say that this novel is special because it has helped me to grow personally. I’ve always kept to myself and never really enjoyed social situations of any kind. Writing this story has allowed me to open up, and I’ve found a new way to express myself. These characters have become my best friends; they’re people I can relate to—and in some ways, their actions help me to sort out situations in my own life. It has been a long journey for me, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

3.     Could you tell us a little about your main characters Zenia and Xavier?  What was it like writing their story?

The story begins on Zenia’s 18^th birthday. She has been raised in a totalitarian society where everything in her life was planned out for her from the beginning. She is used to being told what to do; however, since the death of her father, she’s begun to question the authorities. She’s always very aware of those around her, and is often the first to help if someone is in need. She can be seen as naïve at times, mostly because she always searches for the good in people instead of looking at the whole picture. She can be very hardheaded, as well—and when she’s determined to do something, she won’t let anyone stand in her way. Unfortunately, she doesn’t always consider the consequences to her actions, so she can get herself into some complicated situations fairly quickly. Thankfully for her, her Ability allows her to run at incredible speeds, which can come in handy when needing to escape from one of these tricky situations.

Xavier is a young man with a very complex past—one he doesn’t fully understand. Certain events from his life have shaped him into a very cynical and guarded person. He is detached from the world around him because he believes that is the safest way to live. Ironically, his Ability allows him to sense and manipulate other people’s emotions—a power which he only knows how to use to profit himself.

Their story has been an intriguing one. Many authors call their characters their “children,” but for me, Zenia is that best friend that I love but can’t stand because she always calls me out when I’m doing something stupid, and Xavier is that annoying, overprotective, but altogether awesome older brother. Overall, writing their story has been a very entertaining journey. Since it is my hobby, and not what I hope to make into my chief form of income in the future, writing is something I go to when I need to vent my feelings or just relax after a long day (the latter option can get a little rough because occasionally I forget that my body requires sleep, and I’ll write well into the night). The characters and I don’t always get along…sometimes writing their story becomes frustrating, but so far we’ve always worked through our problems!

4.     You’ve done extensive world building in Mark of the Corripian.  What was your process for such a complex task?

I’m very focused with details. I like to know where things come from, why they are the way they are, et cetera. Because my story is based on a different planet, I first needed to understand the planet’s physical appearance. After mapping out the world, I started on the history. I first established the different cultures of the people and their ways of life. That helped me to understand why one thing led to another in the formation of the current world. On Macathia, there are essentially four different societies, each with unique characteristics. I’ve made detailed histories of both Kairian (native race of Macathia) societies, and briefer histories of the human societies. Also, since everyone on the planet is born with an Ability, I have graphed out the different types of Abilities, their weaknesses, and strengths. Aside from that, I have created a new language of sorts for the Kairian people. Most of the words have Latin roots, but some of them I just made up.

5.     Your book has an excellent cover—everything from the color to the depicted image draws a reader in.  Can you tell us how involved you were in the process of cover selection/design?

The cover was a fun process for me! Aside from writing, I have an interest in art, so I had a very, very specific image in mind for the cover—and what I got on Mark of the Corripian pretty much sums it up. I worked with a graphic designer outside of my publishing company to come up with the cover. I designed the mark on the girl’s neck, and the color red plays an important role in this story. If things go according to my plans, each book will have a different color associated with it.

6.     What would you say was the biggest lesson learned on your journey to publication?

I was really excited when I finished writing Mark of the Corripian, and my father wanted me to go ahead and try to publish it. I decided to go along with it, and I hadn’t even edited the manuscript yet. I know—that’s bad. But I didn’t have any idea at that point what went into publishing a book, and I was more interested in focusing on schoolwork (yeah, I’m a nerd) than researching all the things to do before trying to get published. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), my very raw manuscript was accepted by a publishing house. For me, this meant an extensive amount of editing over the next 8-10 months and a lot of stress. I cut nearly 40,000 words, most of which I would have edited through myself, had I taken the time after I’d finished writing. I even changed parts of the storyline because I hadn’t previously checked for any discrepancies throughout after finishing it. Now I know from experience that it is always a good idea to first edit, edit, edit, and always research before jumping into anything.

7.     What advice would you give aspiring authors?

I’ve always heard authors give the advice to read. I don’t disagree with that, but I think it helps to broaden one’s horizons, so to speak. Watch movies. Play video games. Read comic books and manga. Read books or watch movies from other countries. I’ve learned so much from doing all these things, and I’ve even gotten some ideas that I’ve used in my stories. I’m a very visual person, and I often struggle with feeling like I’m a part of the books I read. Whenever I’m planning out a fight scene, instead of reading about it, I typically like to act it out or look up a movie/video in which the moves are demonstrated. While planning out the strategies for the oncoming war in my series, I’ve not only read about war, but also watched movies and played video games in which war was depicted.

Now, if you’re like me, and you begin stories that you lose interest in, or you decide they are stupid and you want to throw them out, DON’T. Always, always, always, keep everything you write. When I’m editing through my stories, if I decide a scene needs to be omitted, I don’t just hold down the backspace button. I cut the words and paste them in a separate file (mine is named “random story stuff”) because one of these days, I might want to use it. And even if I don’t, it’s always fun to go back and look at how far I’ve come from when I began writing—I still have my very first chapter of Mark of the Corripian, back when it was made up of Zenia’s journal entries. If I had stopped there—it was really rough, and at the time, definitely not the quality worthy of becoming a novel—Mark of the Corripian would not be where it is today.

8.     Do you have any other books in the works?  What are your future goals?

The Corripian Chronicles is a four-book series, plus a fifth book with different protagonists. I am currently 40,000 words into Book 2 (secret title), and this is my second round at writing it. I had previously written around 70,000 words when I decided that I didn’t like the way I had constructed it, so I scrapped it all and started over. I have the overall idea for book three and four, and I have written a few scenes from each. I’ve begun constructing and becoming familiar with the characters in book five, though I’m still working out the overall plot.

As for future goals, I want to completely finish this series before I start on any other works. I have one story in mind that I’m very excited to write, but it will require much research (a lot more than I’m used to). I will also be straying away from my preferred genre, so this will be quite an adventure for me.

Aside from writing, I’m double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology, and I hope to work in corrections or some form of counseling.

9.     Where do you like to write?

I like to write anywhere I can drown out the world (either in silence, or alone with my earphones in). I’ve tried writing outside, but I get too distracted by the beauty of the world and often end up just staring up at the sky and listening to the different sounds of nature. I typically like to be alone because I get so focused on my writing that I often become very emotional—whatever the mood of the scene is. There have been times when I’ve scowled at my computer screen, been on the verge of tears, or laughed out loud. In order to avoid curious stares from passersby, I stay away from people during this time.

10.     What is your favorite genre to read?  Favorite Authors?

I’m partial to science fiction/fantasy books, though I am very particular about what kinds I read. If there isn’t a certain something in them, I will often have trouble finishing them. I also really enjoy reading stories about Roman or Greek mythology and different kinds of fairy tales.

My all-time favorite author is C.S. Lewis.

11.     Cats or dogs?

I used to love dogs, but then I got one…and he hates me. So cats it is!

12.     Dinner or desert?

I have quite a sweet tooth…and I often prefer to eat my dessert before dinner.

13.     What is the best thing that ever happened to you?

I’m going with the first thing that came to my mind: A couple weeks ago, I met a group of ten Korean students who are visiting my university for three weeks. Since then, I have grown close to many of them. I’m very fascinated by their culture and customs, and I’ve enjoyed learning some Korean words. We do many things together, and I will be so sad to see them go! This experience has definitely been a highlight of my year.

B.H. Parker has always been fascinated with superpowers, so she created a world in which everyone has them. She spends her time purchasing more pens and sticky notes than she can ever use and doodling or writing fictional stories when she should be finishing her homework. She is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, but currently attends Freed-Hardeman University in Tennessee and is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology.  You can find her on Wordpress, Facebook and Goodreads.  Mark of the Corripian will be available through Tate Publishing, Amazon, and other online book retailers beginning February 25, 2014.

A Welcomed Curse, Author Interview: Susan Abel Sullivan

A few weeks ago I heard about a local author with a soon-to-be-released anthology.  “My fitness instructor has a book coming out,” my aunt informed me. Sighing in response, I added the Mystery Instructor and the creature living in Snooki of Jersey Shore’s womb to a mental list of those that would certainly be achieving publication before me.

The green-eyed monster inside me sneered.  “Some kind of diet and exercise book?”

“Speculative fiction…werewolves, witches, magic.  It sounds right up your alley.  Her name is Susan Abel Sullivan.  She’s on Facebook and Twitter.  You should check her out.”

I did just that and, being fascinated by perfectly normal-looking and functioning people with whole worlds of magic and fantasy creatures bouncing around inside their brains, I was intrigued.  These are My People and I seek them out whenever I learn of them.

I am proud to say that I was one of the first to purchase Susan’s book Cursed:  Wickedly Fun Stories, the debut release from World Weaver Press, when it launched March 5th.  Cursed is an anthology of the best speculative fiction short stories that I’ve read.  Some are deliciously creepy, and all are so much fun that I’ve already reread them a couple of times.  With a long reading list and writing deadlines of my own, it’s unusual for me to revisit a book so soon simply for the sake of savoring it before jumping into the next title on my list, but Cursed, with its cast of memorable characters, is special.  My personal favorites are Getting the Curse and Kudzu, for their clever points-of-view that so effortlessly propel the reader through each story.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Susan Abel Sullivan a few days ago to talk about Cursed, writing, and the genre of spec fic in general.       

Michelle:  I’d like to start by clarifying for readers of the blog the genre of speculative fiction.  What is spec fic?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  Speculative fiction is the new term for fantasy.  It encompasses all fantastical fiction and magical realism.  In terms of my writing, it’s a mash-up of cross genres like Southern Gothic, Southern chick lit, urban fantasy, paranormal romance and science fiction.

Michelle:  There are many fun and memorable characters in Cursed.  I’ve read that you consider characters to be one of your writing strengths.  How do you come up with them?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  I approach it almost like method acting.  In community theatre, I didn’t really know a character that I was playing until I was in costume and on set.  It wasn’t until I felt like I was in a real setting that I got to know the character.  I notice interesting people and like to pull from their history…the way they speak and things like that…but until I get into [a story], I don’t always know what’s going to happen.

Michelle:  I gather from other interviews I’ve read that you weren’t exactly a typical little girl growing up in Pensacola, Florida…that, like your character Bernie Lludd in The Accidental Poet, you loved Stephen King and constructed monster models?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  I was an artistic, highly imaginative child and liked to retreat to the kind of world that I wanted to live in.  Barbie and Ken just didn’t hold a candle to movie monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein and the wolf man.  I started reading Anne Rice and Stephen King in middle school.  On the outside I was an all-American girl-next-door, but on the inside I could have been a member of The Addam’s Family.

Michelle:  Besides Anne Rice and Stephen King, whom you’ve mentioned, what other writers inspire you?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  Carrie Vaughn is one of my favorites.  She’s a fellow Odyssey Grad.  I’m also a fan of Janet Evonovich for her fun, zany humor.

Michelle: I’ve heard that you are married, involved in theatre and have a passion for dance and fitness.  How do you balance these other aspects of your life with writing?

Susan Abel Sullivan: It is about finding a balance.(laughs)   Sometimes my head is still in a story when it’s time to transition [to something else].  Most writers don’t have the luxury to just write, though.

Michelle:  Do you have a favorite place, time of day or process that you follow when it is time to write?  Do you preplan or outline?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  I have an office where I like to write.  I start with checking my email, Facebook, other social media…in case there are any responses from agents or publishers I’ve submitted material to, but I don’t have any special routine.  My process is more intuitive.  I cannot outline to save my life…I discover things as I go.  I have the same process with all the arts.

Michelle:  I particularly enjoy the opening lines from Getting the Curse and Kudzu.  What, in your opinion, makes for a great beginning to a story?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  A great beginning needs to interest the reader, but a first-line grab can be too much like a gimmick.  I’m a fan of the slow train that builds up momentum.

Michelle:  What is your process for revising and editing?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  I see them as two different processes, with revising being more re-visioning.  I have a hand-picked group of Od-Fellows [Odyssey Writing Workshop Alumni] and readers that I go to for opinions about what works and what doesn’t in a story.   I like to know where they laughed out loud or where the story doesn’t work for them.  There are others that I turn to for elements of craft, dialogue work and plot issues.  I had a college professor to line edit some of my earlier work and that helped tighten my style.

Michelle:  And what exactly is the Odyssey Writing Workshop?

Susan Abel Sullivan:  It’s a six-week residential writing boot camp in New Hampshire held annually for those hoping to become professional writers.  Coaches work with attendees every week and give them the tools to write better.  It’s all about training and technique.  The class sizes have ranged from as small as 12 to as large as 20, but a size of about 16 seems to be what works best.  After completion of the workshop, many grads stay in contact…serve as critique groups for one another, network…it’s kind of like being in a fraternity or sorority.

Michelle:  What’s next for you?  What future projects can readers look forward to?

Susan Abel Sullivan:   I’m anticipating an April release for Fried Zombie Dee-light!:  Ghoulish, Ghostly Tales, a YA ebook similar in length to Cursed with four short stories, a couple of poems and a flash fiction piece.  The first novel in my adult urban fantasy series, The Real Haunted Housewives of Allister, Alabama has received some interest, as well.

I promised to keep Susan for only a half-hour for the interview.  Two hours and fifteen minutes later we checked the time and I apologized for holding her hostage, picturing Olympic-sized swimming pools teeming with aqua-Zumba students bobbing in boredom as they waited on their instructor/werewolve whisperer, and all the disappointed interviewers that would have to wait another day for their chance to pick the very interesting noggin of Mrs. Susan Abel Sullivan.

“Writers usually don’t talk much, unless you get them talking about writing,” Susan said with a laugh as we said our good-byes.  I left the little coffee shop where we met greatly impressed with Susan, appreciative of the time she took out of her busy schedule for the fledgling blog of an aspiring author, and incredibly encouraged to keep writing.  Susan may not know it, but she left the shop with a fan for life!

Since the interview, Susan has posted images of the cover art for Fried Zombie Dee-light! on Twitter and Facebook and received the exciting news that World Weaver Press will also be publishing The Haunted Housewives of Allister, AL.  Both titles are on my reading list!  I wish her a world of success.

Cursed:  Wickedly Fun Stories is available for Kindle through http://www.amazon.com, for Nook at http://barnesandnoble.com/  and for most devices and computers at http://www.smashwords.com .  For more on Susan Abel Sullivan visit http://susanabelsullivan.weebly.com/ or https://twitter.com/#!/susan_abel.  For more on World Weaver Press and any of their forthcoming titles please visit http://worldweaverpress.com.