AuThursday – Stella Stevenson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a SAHM but a former Pre-K/K teacher who now writes spicy RomComs.

How do you make time to write?

When my kids are sleeping.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write spicy RomComs and contemporary romance. I lovingly refer to my genre as “brain candy.” I love that it can be a quick, fun, sexy, sweet escape.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I am an indie-published author. I love having the creative control over all the aspects of the story. Especially my own covers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Definitely an introvert. It makes the writing easier but the marketing harder.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“You can’t sit down to write, until you stand up to live.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

You can fix anything except a blank page. Get the words on the paper and then edit it a million times until it’s what you want it to be.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My paperbacks are with all online retailers. My ebooks are Amazon exclusive and in KU.

AuThursday – M.K. Chester

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I grew up in the Midwest and was a voracious reader as a child–so much so I would run out of things to read. That’s when I started writing my own stories, and I’m still writing them today. I’m married with grown kids, a couple grandkids, and a couple dogs.

How do you make time to write?

I can (and do) typically write anywhere, as long as I have a keyboard. I’ll use a lunch hour, and an empty house, and when I have a deadline, set a schedule to ensure I get things done.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No, which is to say I’ve never experienced it. I believe in taking a wrong turn and writing yourself into a corner, but I’ve never been in a place where I couldn’t put words on a page

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write historical (20th century and ancient), contemporary, and paranormal. The theme is consistent: redemption. I love characters who are seeking to be better or find a better way. My voice is different in each genre, and the “easiest” for me is the 20th-century historical because it’s something I heard from my parents and family for years.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I am strictly an indie author right now, however, I have been traditionally published by The Wild Rose Press and Carina Press. I have republished my books from The Wild Rose Press independently, and still, have one title with Carina.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Team introvert all the way! Writing recharges my batteries, so when I write, I come out the other side ready to interact with the world.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Pressure makes diamonds.” I think this is George Patton, and I learned a long time ago not to avoid change and growth situations, even if they are stressful.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Keep writing! This is the job, to write, to learn to write better by writing. Write what you want to read, write to entertain yourself first and foremost.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My website has all the goods: https://www.mkchester.com/

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

My latest paranormal series blurb:

Welcome to Midheaven.

Where heaven and earth collide.

All manner of beings exist behind the veil of everyday mortal life. Their paths should never, ever cross with humans. Until they do.

Thibodeaux women have been unlucky for seven generations. Sensitive to the feelings and perceptions of others, they are targeted by an immortal Fallen Angel, who needs only one of them to buy into his plan long enough to throw the whole world into chaos.

Grigori, originally sent to earth to teach and train humans, instead fell in love with women, tumbled from grace, and became half-human, half-angel. Some hybrids know their calling from birth, while others stumble into divinity when humans need them most.

AuThursday – Cass Scotka

Please welcome Cass Scotka to The Clog Blog, again.  You can find her previous interview here.  Cass, please refresh our memory and tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I am in love with love and have been since I peeked at my first romance novel at age fifteen. When an unannounced romance hero walked into my imagination presenting his heroine and pushing her into the spotlight, I knew I was destined to become a romance writer. The adventure of a new book and the comfort of an old favorite are two of my most cherished pleasures. When I’m not writing or reading, I explore the world with my spouse and two kids. I love chocolate, the Texas Longhorns, and the Oxford comma. Find out more about me and my books at http://www.cassscotka.com!

How do you make time to write?

Spare time in between my family and my day job. Mostly in the evenings and weekends. It’s hard to find time, but so worthwhile!

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes! It’s difficult to be creative at all times. Taking breaks, staring a blank page, and writing something – anything – helps me bring my muse back.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write either historical or contemporary romance, primarily. I have an idea for a book that would sprinkle in some light paranormal into the contemporary romance, but that’s still brewing in my brain. I love all things romance and I have since a very young age. Everything I read or write has romance somewhere in it because love is the best!

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

My upcoming book (and series!) is being released through Totally Bound. I’ve loved the process of working with them so far and I enjoy the support of a publisher/editing team, no matter how small the group. I admire the self-publish authors out there doing everything for themselves! It’s such hard work!!

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

One million percent introvert! It helps me to make more time for writing since that is a solitary and quiet way to recharge and fill my creative well.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

I’m one of those I’ll-throat-punch-you-if-you-try-to-motivational-phrase-me kind of people.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Write what you love. If you don’t enjoy what you’re writing, no one will. Trying to fit the trends or wishlists out there is like getting hit by lightning and so frustrating.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Best way to find me and my socials is at my website: www.cassscotka.com. Sign up for my newsletter while you’re at it!

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Excerpt from MAKE ME FALL, coming July 18, 2023, from Totally Bound:

“You don’t mind?” She felt bad that he was investing all this time helping her today then again on Sunday, too. Surely this wasn’t that exciting to him.

Jack shook his head and lifted one side of his mouth into a smile. “I really don’t. I enjoy this kind of thing. It’s what I did as my main work focus before coming here. I’ve done more on the administrative side of businesses than physical work like logging. I have to admit as hard as it’s been, I like being a lumberjack. It’s a nice change of pace and I’m already in way better shape than when I arrived.”

“Oh, I think you were plenty in shape when I first saw you. Although I will admit, you can tell a bit of difference.” She ran her eyes over his shoulders and chest again. Yeah, that flannel treated him well. It really emphasized the size of him.

A low chuckle met her ears and she flushed. Damn, she hadn’t been subtle about that, now had she? “Well, hot damn. You’ve been checking me out.” He puffed up his chest with a grin.

Bridget smacked his arm then winced. He was built. “Oh, stop it. Like you need a bigger ego.”

“A man never gets tired of a woman, particularly one as beautiful as you, paying him a compliment. I’m not too proud.” Embarrassed, she ducked around the counter to distract herself from what she’d just said to him and what he’d told her in response. A guy could find a woman attractive—that didn’t equate to him wanting to date her. She busied herself by straightening up and getting ready to close the shop for the night. “Sunday would be good. I’ll make you dinner as a thank you. Cornelius can come over, too.” Grabbing up her coat, she turned back to Jack. “I’m ready to head home. Thanks for all of your advice. I’ll download that software tonight to get things changed over.”

AuThursday – Bea Teal

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m Bea, and I’m Italian. My favorite color is teal. Hence, my pen name. When I’m not writing, I’m teaching Italian as a Second Language, reading, or traveling. The inspiration for Painting Stars, my first book in English, came from the time I spent in Michigan as an exchange student. I live on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy with my husband.

How do you make time to write?

“Hope is definitely not the same thing as optimism. It is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” Václav Havel

With a lot of hope and willpower.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

“Nobody said it was easy” the Scientist, Coldplay.

I write in my second language. Yes, I do believe in writer’s block, and I have a language barrier on top of that.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

Love in all its forms. Found family. HEA. I love the connection between reader and character. I love stories that are warm, witty, and uplifting.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie. Traditional feels like a pipe dream at the moment.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert. I struggle with self-promotion.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

If somebody tells you “you can’t”, they’re showing you their limits. Not yours.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

“Don’t be discouraged if people don’t see your vision, your harvest. All they see from their perspective is that you’re watering a whole lot of dirt. They don’t SEE what seeds you’ve been planting with blood, sweat, tears and lack of sleep. Make sure you don’t abandon or neglect it because “they” don’t see it. You have to KNOW and believe for yourself. They don’t see the roots and what’s budding under the dirt. But it’s okay, because it’s NOT meant for them to see it. While you wait, MASTER it. You continue to do YOUR work and have unwavering faith! Remember why you started planting in the first place. Your harvest WILL come!” ― Yvonne Pierre, The Day My Soul Cried: A Memoir.

Don’t be discouraged if some of your friends and family members are unsupportive. They don’t share your passion. Find someone who does.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

I’m happy to hear from readers, and you can write me at: beatealauthor@gmail.com, but please consider that English isn’t my first language! 😉

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Our evening together begins with a romantic stroll.

Too bad I’m wearing impossibly high heels. The ones that look like a dream and feel like a nightmare. To upgrade my legs to first class, I squeezed my feet into the non-reclining middle seat in the last row of economy. These shoes were shaped on elves’ ears, not women’s toes.

The sunset on Lake Michigan is beautiful, but I’m too busy trying not to twist an ankle on the gravel, get a heel stuck in the drain grate, or sink into soft ground to fully appreciate it. Noah valiantly offers his arm in support, but he looks more like my keeper than my beau.

Once we get to the restaurant, things don’t improve.

There’s been a mix-up with the reservation, and our table isn’t ready, but they offer us a drink at the bar while we wait.

“Our stools are called waves,” the hostess explains. “The sleek, delicate curves are designed to evoke a visually fluid concept.”

Translation: there’s no backrest, no handles, no footrest, and man, do they swivel. I’m getting seasick. I’m on a slippery slope, pun intended.

When our table is finally ready, I’m glad to see the imaginary back of them.

“Fox, they brought us a plate with a dirty spoon in it,” Noah tells me.

“I think the course is what’s in the spoon.”

“I’m afraid I left my magnifying glass at home. What’s in the spoon, exactly?”

“It’s an amuse-bouche. A velouté.”

“I’m far from amused. It reminds me of the baby food Levi would spit in my face when he was a toddler. What’s the next one called?”

“Tiny temptations. A garden of Eden to share.”

“That’s just an excuse to throw a bunch of fruit and veggies together, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No? Then how do you explain this green mush with horns?”

“That’s an artichoke.”

“And this shaving cream gone sour?”

“That’s the cloud of heaven, aka goat cheese mousse, and stop making me laugh!”

“Why should I stop? I love your laugh.”

“‘Cause my belt is so tight from sitting I’m electrocuted every time I move.”

“Take it off, then.”

“I can’t. It’s holding my top and skirt together.”

“Why did I let you order the appetizer again?” Noah asks, taking a bite of the red apple.

“Because I let you order tenderloin à la Wellington wrapped in Parma ham as the main dish.”

And he was right, it was totally delicious, I think as the last nibble of puff pastry melts in my mouth.

“Since dessert is deconstructed tiramisù, how about taking it to go, Fox?” he lowers his voice and leans forward, “We can put it back together at home.”

“I like the way you think.”

AuThursday – Alivia Fleau

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a Victorian-era historical romance writer living on a farm in Australia. I have 4 awesome dogs, 14 chickens, including one named Persephone who is my favourite, and a loving husband. And too many sheep to name!

How do you make time to write?

I get up early, sometimes as early as 4am. I take leave from work, use lunch hours, or in the evenings I write if I have the energy.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I believe in creative problems, the trick is to have a cache of tools to tackle them with. A walk, swim, music, I do a LOT of baking when I’ve got a writing issue. And sometimes, you just gotta put your bum in the chair.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write historical romance. I love research, I love history, but I’m also a sucker for a good pash or seeing two people fall in love.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie all the way. I love the freedom of indie, the speed, and also the close connection with readers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m an introvert, but not shy. For me, being an introvert is about balancing my energy levels between being with others, and being alone.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Don’t get it right, get it written.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Start, learn, embrace failure, celebrate every success. Because the knocks come hard on the heels of a win.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Aliviafleur.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

You have become something of a marvel, haven’t you?’ Hamish looked up and down the table.

‘Setting a table is not a challenge. You just lift things with your hands and place them.’ She pulled a corked flask of lemonade from the basket and set it with a flourish. ‘See?’

‘Hilarious,’ he said, then took another bite. ‘Not only this. I mean all of your accomplishments. World traveller. Fundraiser. Businesswoman,’ he added in a hush. ‘And caring for your father. You really are a goddess. Do you have supernatural abilities I should be worried about?’

‘I wish. I am afraid it’s just me, although today is Elise’s work. I am only here to help with the table.’ She couldn’t help but smile, her heart flushing with pride. So much of her work went unnoticed, or had to be hidden, and even a little praise made her glow.

‘When do you sleep?’ he continued, his voice still tinged with awe. ‘And when do you have fun?’

‘Fun?’ Iris frowned. ‘I have fun. I am having fun right now.’

He gave an exaggerated eye roll. ‘Proper fun. Like what we used to have. Surely the wild girl of Honeysuckle Street can still cause mischief?’

She closed the lid on the hamper with a snap. ‘The wild girl grew up a long time ago, I’m afraid. It’s just boring old me and my numbers now.’

Hamish leaned over the table. ‘I don’t believe it. The wild girl’s still in there. I’ll coax her out.’

AuThursday – G. A. Anderson

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a self-employed behavioral health consultant, mom, and wife. I’ve been writing since I was in college and just had my debut novel published. South of Happily, a light-hearted story about the secrets and pain that send the life of a first-generation Hungarian American sideways.

How do you make time to write?

In between work, family, and caring for my aging mother. It’s taken me 20 years to write this book.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes!

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

Fiction and humor. I believe people like to read stories they can relate to. Not too close, but bits and pieces need to touch you in some way. Humor, dry humor—it’s how I think, I have no way to keep it out of my writing. I recently got a review saying: “I laughed, I cried, and my cheeks hurt by the end of the book.”

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Published by Black Rose Writing. No agent. The book is available at all the usual booksellers.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert. I’m more comfortable writing down what I think than telling you or making a speech. Working on this…as I’ve had to make a few speeches and I’m going to be on a few authors’ panels this spring.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

There was an old Michael Jackson song about being backed into a corner…having nowhere to go and needing to just stand up and do it. I still remember hearing that when I was about 15, and it stays with me today.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t do it for the money.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.anderson-author.com , Facebook, TikTok and Instagram

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Wrinkled, white-haired people, who in my youth, told stories about some mysterious past while Mom shushed them and covered my ears. My grandmother was the exception. She’d smile, pinch my cheeks, and say in broken English, “go finding your happily”.

AuThursday – M.S. Ocampo

Please welcome M.S. Ocampo to The Clog Blog, Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an indie writer and tutor in the process of publishing my YA urban fantasy novel, My Ex is a Vampire.

How do you make time to write?

I join up with writing sprints. I usually write around the same time every day.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yep. It usually means I have to take a break or talk things out.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

My debut novel is YA urban fantasy. It’s a love letter to Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Filipino-American protagonists. I love mixing up high school drama with action.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Bird by Bird.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Lean into what you love. Don’t be afraid to put a lot of yourself into your writing.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

Twitter and Instagram as well as my blog.

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

Inconceivable! Some vampires had the gall to go out in the daytime, risking their undead existence for the sake of a meal.

AuThursday – Emily Vieweg

Please welcome from The BisMan Writer’s Guild, Emily Vieweg.  Emily, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

here’s a short bio:

Emily Vieweg is a poet and writer originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Her full-length poetry collection “but the flames” is available through Finishing Line Press. Emily’s work has been published in or is forthcoming in North Dakota Quarterly, Dribble Drabble Review, Soundings Review, Art Young’s Good Morning, and more. She lives in Fargo, North Dakota where she is a mother of two, pet parent, and university program assistant.

How do you make time to write?

I write one sentence per day. I have a daily journal I write in once a day, so there’s something to consider as future inspiration. Just started this practice this week, we’ll see how it goes. Aside from that, I find inspiration in moments, they happen here and there…

Do you believe in writer’s block?

yes – because sometimes we’re just clogged. Our brains are busy with work, home, school, life – and that can cause a block to the creative energy. It’s okay – because it happens to everyone.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I write poetry and creative non-fiction essays, flash, and microfiction. I love finding the moments to capture. Jumping right into a scene that is so descriptive and direct, we don’t need back-story.

How are you publishing your recent work and why? 

I don’t have any plans to publish a new collection yet – but I will likely publish through an independent press or traditional. I don’t have the patience or expertise to self-publish – that is a HARD job, and I don’t have time or energy to pursue that option.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I’m what they call an introverted extrovert. I can be “on” in a big group of people, but the serious socializing is exhausting for me. Another aspect of being an introvert is that I am able to sit back and observe – people, situations – and create some pretty interesting worlds from those observations.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Do the best you can with what you have.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Criticism should teach, not scold. Take constructive criticism for what it’s worth – it’s an opinion. A good mentor will not be offended if you disagree with them – that said, they’re mentors and leaders for a reason. You will be rejected more than published. Embrace those rejections, and learn from them. Get feedback if you can, and see if you can understand where they’re coming from.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.emilyvieweg.com

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

forthcoming in the next edition of North Dakota Quarterly –

A Privacy

When I tell my daughter I need some privacy, her brain hears:

aha! A ‘privacy’ is a thing to hold or have available.

I must retrieve this privacy for my

mother, as quickly as possible!

“Okay, Mama! I get it for you!”

The first time she ventured on her expedition to discover

some privacy, I did not hear her right away, until she reappeared.

Okay, Mama… I get it for you?

She returned to my side in the spare bathroom, and I see It.

…

AuThursday – P.A. O’Neil

Please welcome P.A. O’Neil to The Clog Blog! Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I was born in southern California but mostly raised in a small town in Washington State. I have been writing for as long as I can remember, but it was only recently that I decided to try my hand as a professional. In fact, it was six years ago this month I wrote my, as yet unedited, novel, Finding Jane.

How do you make time to write?

When I was working, I would squeeze my writing time between my shift work. My husband was still working then, so I found it easy to write between Noon and 5:00 pm. I never wrote on weekends out of respect for him. Now that we are both retired, I write whenever I can, provided he doesn’t call me to hold something while he nails, glues, or clamps something in his workshop. I never write in the evening because I find it difficult to see, no matter how many lights I have on.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

No, I don’t, for there is always something to write about. Just because you haven’t had the opportunity to compose your “magnum opus”, doesn’t mean a poem or a journal entry can’t be written. Using my own personal experience, writer’s block is actually a form of writer’s laziness. Even if all you did that day was send out a submission, you wrote. Did you write a review? You wrote.

Did you jot down some notes for your WIP or a future project? You wrote.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

After monkeying around with what I thought were various genres, I discovered they actually were variations of Literary work, just set in different genre themes (Western, Romance, Cozy Mystery, etc.). I write so that the reader will recognize the character as someone they might’ve known who now must face an unusual situation to overcome. If I can resolve the protagonist’s difficulties satisfactorily, then my story will have been a success.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I have only had one book published so far, Witness Testimony and Other Tales, and that was done by a traditional publishing house as I had won the contract. The majority of my stories have been published in anthologies and online journals. I am presently working on a three-story book that I would like to have traditionally published but just might offer it on my own.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

I am a loud person. I have no qualms with talking to strangers or speaking before a large crowd. Truth is though, I consider myself an introvert. Being larger-than-life is a shield, and that crowd frightens me if I have to be in it instead of in front of it. My public persona, P.A. O’Neil, has an image to maintain that is a job in and of itself. My personal persona, though very loving with lots of friends, is far from an extrovert.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“There are no accidents.”

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

If you want to be a writer, then write! Don’t allow doubt to hold you back. Learn all you can from other writers. Share your work for review, improvement comes from the recognition of repeated errors. Above all, if you chose to set your writing for publication, hire an editor!

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

P.A. O’Neil

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07BF2D8SP This is my Amazon Author page. https://www.facebook.com/p.a.oneil.storyteller This is my Facebook Author page. https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17994233.P_A_O_Neil This is my Goodreads Author page.

Do you have an excerpt you’d like to share with us?

From the story, “Witness Testimony”:

As we approached the light of the street with its foot traffic and vehicles, Bill said, “Well, that’s not exactly what I had planned for the evening.” I believe he was trying to make light of the situation, hoping it would ease the stress of witnessing such a violent and deplorable act. It was then, that I started to shake. Shake like I had been in the deep snow without a coat. The hairs on my arm began to stand up as all I felt was a wave of panic flow from top to bottom on my body.

“Hey, hey there … it’s going to be all right.” He wrapped his arms around me, not out of any romantic gesture, but more to prevent me from running away. That’s when I started to cry. Not bawling like an angry baby, but silent tears which ran down my face as I looked to him for direction. “C’mon, there’s a park up ahead. Let’s find a place to sit down.”

We walked a short block and a half until we came to the wide grass-covered expanse of Beacon Hill Park. The shadows had begun as the sun approached the horizon. We sat down on a park bench under an unlit streetlamp. His arm was still around me as I buried my head in his chest, this time allowing a fountain of tears to flow onto his shirt. All the while, he rubbed my arm and back and said, “… Atta girl, let it all out.” Eventually, I pulled up my head and apologized for making a scene. “Naw, you didn’t make a scene. Here—your make-up is a little smudged.” He handed me his handkerchief and smiled that soft smile I had so wanted to be meant for me alone.

“Thank you. Oh, look at your shirt. I hope all that color can be washed out,” I said with sadness as I wiped my face. “Looks like I’ll have to work on getting the color out of the handkerchief as well.” I gave a soft laugh, “Oh your poor wife; she’s going to think you’ve been playing with circus clowns.” Then it hit me, “Your wife, does she know? Did you get a chance to call her yet?”

“No, I’ll call her when I get back to the hotel.” He leaned forward with his elbows on his knees. “I wouldn’t know what to say to her.” He put a hand up to his face to mime a telephone receiver, “Hey, Honey, yeah I got here all right. Do I like the city? Yes, I got to see three people die today.” Then he stopped, dropped his hand, and stared at the grass at his feet. “I don’t feel so well, excuse me.”

“Bill?”

“No please, I have to go.” He got up fast and walked twenty feet towards some nearby bushes where he leaned over and began to throw up. I could hear him wretch, again and again, but with his relatively empty stomach, it soon became dry heaves. I cautiously walked towards him but stopped at a respectful distance as he stood up and turned back to me. Instinctively, he began to pat down his hip pocket as he reached for his handkerchief.

“Is this what you’re looking for?” I handed back the once-white cotton cloth now stained with tears and makeup. “It’s a little soiled; sorry.”

He took it without question and wiped his mouth, turned away to spit into the grass, and then wiped his mouth again before pocketing the cloth. I reached up to touch his cheek. He didn’t pull away. I put my arms around his neck and pulled him close. He, in turn, put his arms around my waist to hug me back. We stood there for several minutes; just holding each other, supporting each other was more like it. A young couple quietly laughed as they passed. They must have thought us aged lovers. Little did they understand that we were just survivors.

AuThursday – Gabriella Balcom

Please welcome Gabriella Balcome to The Clog Blog!  Gabriella, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I live in Texas with my family, work full-time in the mental health field, and I’ve loved reading and writing my whole life. I write fantasy, sci-fi, horror, romance, literary fiction, children’s stories, and more. I’ve had 360 works accepted for publication and was nominated for the Washington Science Fiction Association’s Small Press Award in 2020. Clarendon House Publications awarded me a publishing contract when one of my stories was voted best in the book in which it appeared. My anthology of short stories, On the Wings of Ideas, came out afterward. In 2020, I won second place in JayZoMon/Dark Myth Publishing’s Open Contract Challenge (a competition in which around one hundred authors competed for cash prizes and publishing contracts), after which my novella, Worth Waiting For, was published. I self-published a novelette, Free’s Tale: No Home at Christmas-time and Black Hare Press released my sci-fi novella, The Return, in 2021. Five others pend publication.

How do you make time to write?

I work full-time but plan in writing time before and after work.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Writer’s block isn’t something I’ve had trouble with. I usually have the opposite problem, with ideas flooding my mind all the time, to the point it’s hard to keep up with them.

Tell us a bit about the genre you write and why you love it.

I love several genres and write in each of them, too. Many things appeal to me, and all types of ideas come to me, so I don’t restrict myself to just one genre.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? (*e.g. Indie, traditional, or both)

I’ve published both ways, but mainly via traditional publishers. That’s been easier this far because I haven’t had time to publish more myself.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?  How does this affect your work?

Introvert. It makes it harder for me to publicize my acceptances and ongoing steps, not to mention handling marketing.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Never give up.

I also like:

You can do anything.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself and NEVER give up. Also, having your work edited is always a good idea.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

https://m.facebook.com/GabriellaBalcom.lonestarauthor