AuThursday – Faye Hall

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Author of passionate embraces, deceitful devotions, lustful encounters, corruption, and betrayal, as well as desire and seduction. Faye Hall is an author of Scandalously Steamy Australian Historical Romantic Suspense novels. Born and raised in North Queensland, Australia, she uses the tales of local history, and the struggles and adventures of her own family, to bring her characters to life in a uniquely, rural setting. Her fast-paced stories incorporate scandal, crime, suspense, and seduction to pull her characters along on unique stories of love and romance.

How do you make time to write?

With a family of 5 schoolchildren, this is very hard! I have learned to write where and when I can, and use late nights and early mornings to my advantage.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes, I do. It happens sometimes for the strangest reasons. Other times it happens because of a bad review or feeling low because of struggling achievements.

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

I write Steamy Historical Romantic Suspense set in Australia. I love it because I get to tell the stories of the earlier generations from my area of the world and the struggles that drew them together.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I’ve turned all my books to indie publishing recently, with the help of my family-run publishing company. It was a long thought-out decision, but after having 3 small publishers close down and return my rights to me, it was the most logical option. And I’m enjoying the freedom it allows me for now.

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

I’m an introvert, married to an introvert, who birthed 5 other introverts. It doesn’t really affect my work, but it does make promoting a challenge. I get too nervous to speak for podcasts. I live in a rural area, so author events aren’t a thing, nor do I desire to travel far from home to attend such things.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“If you don’t like something change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.” – Mary Engelbreit

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

To write from your heart even if it’s not always well received at first.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.fayehall.com.au

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

Needing to understand what was driving his actions, Phoebe followed Raymond at a distance. Perhaps his need to push her away had more to do with his life rather than her own. For all she knew, he could be married with children waiting for him back home. Her gaze narrowed as she studied him at a distance. Raymond didn’t look like the type to be a floundering snake. If anything, he looked more like the type of man who needed to be possessed by a woman, his every movement governed by hers, expecting the same loyalty in return. Even the thought of such devotion made her heart skip a beat.

The sound of splashing water up ahead dragged her from her musings and her steps slowed as she nestled in amongst the thick scrub surrounding the creek. Peering through the branches, she stifled a gasp as her stare rested on Raymond moving about in the water. Her gaze shifted to the moving fabric hanging from the tree, and her eyes widened. She’d never seen a naked man before, certainly never watched one bathing. Part of her wanted to be brave and walk out and join him, but her cowardliness kept her firmly in her hiding place. He’d pushed her away so many times already, she couldn’t bear for him to dismiss her should she try to join him.

Phoebe should go back to the camp, but she couldn’t force herself to turn away from the man swimming in the creek. Watching him stand, his torso leaving the water, droplets covering his skin, she ached to wipe them from him even if just to feel his firm skin beneath her fingers once more. Though she called herself a fool for allowing such thoughts to enter her mind, she couldn’t deny she wanted more than his skin against hers. She wanted to be wrapped in his embrace, his soft voice begging to share unspeakable passions with her, quenching the hunger he stirred inside her that she could no longer ignore.

“I seem to remember you calling me a bastard for watching you bathe,” Raymond yelled, turning toward where she was hiding in the bushes.

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 – Karenna Colcroft

Please welcome Karenna Colcroft to the Clog Blog!  Karenna, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I live in Massachusetts with my husband and split time between the home he and I share and the home of my committed partner. I’m a nonbinary, polyamorous human, mother of two kids and a son-in-law, and grandmother of three. I’ve been writing since I was five years old, and I love stories that take place in “the real world” but have fantasy elements and things that (probably) would never happen in reality. Like werewolves.

How do you make time to write?

I’m partially disabled, so I don’t have a “real job.” Writing and holistic wellness practices are my full-time work, and I drive rideshare to support my writing habit. Since I set my own schedule, I can write whenever I want, and work the other things around it.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely, though I have a different take on it. For me, “writer’s block” means “my brain is occupied with mental health issues or other things, and I can’t spare the bandwidth to think about stories right now.” I just came off a nearly 7-year period where that was the case; my July book release is the first new romance I’ve written since 2016!

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

I write paranormal romance (and occasionally contemporary); as I said above, I love stories that take place in “the real world” but have fantasy elements. Under other names, I also write contemporary fiction for preteens and teenagers, and metaphysical nonfiction.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Indie publishing. The July release is a new book but is part of a series that was published previously. Those rights were reverted to me in 2016. Since the books were published before, and I’m a bit of a control freak, I chose to self-publish this time around, including a few new books that I’m working on that will be part of the series.

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

Introvert. The biggest effect is in trying to connect with readers and other authors; I find that very difficult. It’s also reflected in my writing; my characters often have very little social life, because I simply don’t think about that kind of thing.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

I don’t have one…

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

If you feel blocked, write something. Anything. It might not be part of what you’re “supposed to be” working on, but even a sentence is more than nothing. Also, if you plan to pursue publication, do your research on the companies you hope to work with.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

My website is karennacolcroft.com;

my Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/KarennaColcroft

AuThursday – Becca Turner

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m an author from southwestern Missouri, but I spent the first couple of years of my life in a small town an hour north of Oklahoma City. Somehow I got stuck with an Okie accent and I really love Green Country. I noticed that a lot of contemporary western romances are set in Texas. I was like, okay, but Oklahoma has its fair share of cowboys, so I decided to set a book series in a fictional town near Tulsa. Now I can’t stop writing about cowboys.

How do you make time to write?

I write in Google Docs on my phone. I basically have a word processor anywhere I go. I’ve been known to write while standing in long shopping lines, in restaurants, in cars, and pretty much everywhere.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes. Sometimes I just don’t feel like writing, but I find it’s mostly due to real-life stress or a lack of connection with the characters.

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

Specifically contemporary western romance. I used to write historical westerns and even paranormal western romance, but in the last couple of years, I’ve focused on contemporary. When I was 16, I co-wrote a contemporary western romance with a friend. It never made it to publication, but the story stuck with me. In 2017 (almost twenty years later) another friend invited me to write for a boxed set. So I rewrote the first one, changed a bunch of stuff, and now there are six novellas and five novels in my Only an Okie Will Do series. The next novel should be coming out in late July.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

I publish everything indie. I signed on with a couple of houses a few years ago, but three went under and I couldn’t see eye to eye with an editor at another. I like being my own boss. It’s also opened up pathways for me to learn book formatting. I also have several works published on a visual novel app called Chapters. It’s been a huge learning curve to create visual characters and get the text on there, but it’s really cool to see the stories come to life. And the readers here are so supportive and wonderful.

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

Definitely an introvert. It gives me a lot of time to write.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn’t permanent. – Jean Kerr

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Writing isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always fun. It’s full of hardships and disappointment and days of staring at your blank earnings dashboard. But when you touch someone with your words, you know you’re in the right place. Use that to keep going, because if you’re truly meant to be a writer, even after long breaks and slumps and swearing you’re done for good, you’re not done. A reader once told me she was bawling at 12:30 at night over the ending of my book. It moved me to tears because I was amazed that she felt so strongly over my characters. If I’d never gone back to my computer after the last time I said I was done, I’d never have gotten that message, and so many more like it, from readers.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

http://beccaturnerbooks.wordpress.com

FB: @beccaturnerbooks

Insta: @beccaturnerbooks

Chapters: BTBooks

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

This is from my first novel in the Only an Okie Will Do series, Cowboy Kind of Trouble.

“Life’s not fair.” He slapped the side of the wheelchair. “So I guess I’ll sit my pathetic ass in the house all day from now on so you can keep an eye on me.”

“Wait. Listen to me, please?” She skirted Cielo and moved swiftly to Will’s side. “I didn’t panic because I didn’t think you couldn’t or shouldn’t go somewhere. I worried because…because I care what happens to you.”

His expression didn’t soften. “Why?”

“For the same reason you care that I’m upset after Ronni texts me. I guess we’re friends and we want each other to be all right.” She didn’t want to admit she was attracted to him. That maybe her concern went beyond caretaker and client. Because if she was honest with herself, before Will, her life had felt a lot emptier.

“Because I’m a paycheck.” He stared past her. “If you let me get hurt or killed, you’re out of a job. Maybe permanently.”

“Don’t say things like that. That’s not it.”

He stared sullenly at the pasture. “Right. Whatever. Go back to what you were doing before I messed everything up. Again.”

“Will Baxter, be quiet.”

“Why should I? I know you’d have told me where to stuff my attitude if you could’ve after the first day you were here.” He avoided her gaze. “I’m the last person you—or anyone—wants to deal with. Just admit it.”

She kneeled beside him and put her hand on his bicep. With a few words, she’d wrecked his confidence. “You don’t know everything.”

His back was straight, shoulders square, jaw tight. “I know the truth when I see it. Maybe we’d both be better off if you left for the day.” His comment stung, as he meant it to.

“You’re throwing up that wall to prove to yourself that you’re not worth me caring about you. Well, you’re wrong, just like you were when I first started coming here. I’m not going anywhere.” She leaned forward, her stomach pressed against the arm of his chair. Her face was inches from his. “I do care about you. More than I should.”

“Why?” His voice was a dry whisper.

“I can’t help myself.” She pressed her hands to either side of his face and pulled him closer. Damn it anyway. She kissed him, throwing the rules out the door once again. He pushed his fingers into her hair, holding her close. As though he was hungry for her kiss. As though he’d given it considerable thought. The same way she had. When she wasn’t dreading more bad news from Ronni, she thought about Will. About how they’d talked. How he laughed.

AuThursday -C.N. Mobberly

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I’m a 40-year-old single mom to a 7-year-old son who I homeschool. I also help take care of my mother who’s older and slowing down, but still doing all she can to stay active. I’ve always been writing in one-way shape or form since I was a teenager. I struggle with some health issues that I’m working through and hoping to improve.

How do you make time to write?

I try to squeeze it in throughout the day, but usually, get the bulk of my writing done after my son has gone to bed so there are less interruptions and distractions. Setting a timer and sprinting with others helps keep me focused.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Absolutely. I’ve experienced it before whether I’m stressed about something and the words aren’t flowing or if there’s something going on in the story that I’m trying to work through.

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

I write romance and love to tell love stories. I feel like I can imagine what it might be like for me if I were to meet the man of my dreams and what our relationship could be like. It’s fun to imagine my characters as real people going through the situations in my stories and figuring out how they’d handle them.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

I’m going indie all the way. I’m publishing my first book next year and have never been interested in trying to get an agent, query letters, and being at the mercy of a publishing company, etc. I’ve always known I wanted to be the one in charge of my books.

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

Definitely, an introvert, though I do have my extroverted moments, especially when I’m talking about something that gets me excited. It can affect my work because I may not always represent an extroverted person accurately and as I revise I ask myself if it seems like this is the way this character would react, etc. I’ve also had a few alpha readers tell me that I need to work on how I write some of my characters because some of their reactions don’t match their personality, especially if they’re extroverted.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

One step at a time.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Don’t give up and don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. We all go at different paces and you might be seeing someone who’s been writing and publishing for a long time when you haven’t been working at it for very long at all. Plus we never see the whole picture, we’re really only seeing what that person shares with the world. There could be things behind the scenes we don’t know anything about that affects them and their journey.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.cnmobberly.com

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

This is a scene from the second book in my series. It is a sex scene, so be warned about the language and content.

Fuck. I’ve lost count of how many times this has happened. Lyn’s drunk. Again. And she’s all over me. I can’t keep fighting this shit.

“J… I…” She pants.

“Lyn, you’re drunk. You should go to bed.” She’s on my lap.

“J, please,” she begs.

My lips are drawn to hers. I’ve only had a few drinks, but I can’t help myself. My tongue drives into her mouth as my hands grip her hips hard.

“This is a really bad idea,” I try to insist as she pulls her top over her head and flings it to the floor. Her tits heave up and down in time to her heavy breathing.

“So? Don’t think,” she begs.

I can’t hold back anymore and I bury my face in her chest as she unclasps her bra and lets it fall.

“Shit,” I cup her tits and pull a nipple into my mouth as I suck and she moans.

“Fuck J,” she moans as her head falls back.

“Stand up,” I order. She does what I say as my cock strains against my pants.

She’s on her way to my room before I’m off the sofa.

I walk into my room behind Lyn as she drops her pants and underwear and climbs onto my bed.

“This is a really really bad idea,” I stress as I pull off my pants and climb onto the bed.

“I told you. Stop thinking.” Her body is stretched out on my bed waiting for me as I stare.

Fuck it. I can’t tell how many times I’ve wanted to take her. But she’s my best friend. We’ve made out countless times while she’s been drunk. But she’s always passed out before clothes started coming off. Until now.

“Lyn…” I don’t know how much longer I can resist.

“Jacie, I’ve told you before that I want you,” Lyn whispers.

“That’s just the booze talking,” I insist.

“So? Just go with it.” Lyn sits up on her knees and pulls me onto the bed.

“Are you still on the pill?” I have condoms just in case.

“Of course I am,” she insists.

She tugs at my pants and I manage to pull them off and kick them to the floor.

Just this once. She won’t remember. I will, but it’s been my fantasy for years.

“Jesus, I want you,” I admit.

“Then go for it,” she whispers as she grinds against my hard-on.

My boxers go next and her eyes light up when she sees my erection standing at attention. I kneel on the bed between her thighs and run two fingers along her slit.

“God, you’re drenched.” I gasp as I pull my fingers out and lick them.

“Want a taste first?” Lyn asks as she runs her fingers along her slit and licks them, then moans.

I close my eyes hoping this isn’t a dream. When I open them again, she’s still on my bed and now she’s rubbing her clit looking at me with hooded eyes.

I slide two fingers into her center and feel her walls tense around them. Then my tongue finds her clit and I lose myself as I taste her sweet juices on my tongue.

“Shit, just like that,” she moans as her hips lift. I suck on her clit then lick up her slit with my fingers still thrusting inside her.

“I’m gonna come J.”

“Come on my fingers Lyn ” I’ve ached to say those words.

Her hips keep rhythm with my thrusting as my thumb rubs her clit then my tongue is on her clit again as she cries out and her pussy clenches around my fingers and she rides out her orgasm as I thrust three fingers into her.

“Fuck!” Lyn’s body finally relaxes as she comes down from her climax. “My turn,” she insists as she gets me onto my back and wraps her hand around my shaft.

I hiss as she strokes a few times then rubs the tip of my cock and my pre cum glides over the tip.

Her lips are around my cock before I realize what she’s doing and it hits the back of her throat.

“I’m gonna come, Lyn,” I warn her. Then my hot liquid shoots out and she swallows it as I moan loud and deep.

“Damn! I had no idea you were this good.”

Lyn smiles as she milks my cock dry and licks the drops that seep out.

“I need to ride you,” she whispers as she crawls up and kisses me. I taste my come on her lips and I’m hard all over again. “Round two?”

“Lyn, we shouldn’t…” But she’s straddling me and her pussy is hovering over my cock.

“Why not?” Lyn pouts.

“You’re my best friend,” I insist.

“Are you’re mine. But there’s been this thing between us for years. Why keep fighting it?”

“You’re the one that refused to give in every other time,” I remind her.

“And I’m the one telling you now that I don’t give a fuck anymore. I’m done trying to fight it J.” Lyn lowers herself and touches the tip of my cock with her pussy and I clench my ass cheeks together in anticipation.

“Can we at least use a rubber?” I ask as her eyes pierce mine.

“Why? You think I’m not clean?” Her brows knit together.

“It’s not that. I know you get tested and I’m clean too. Just humor me? Please?” I beg her.

“Fine.” She rolls her eyes, but reaches over and grabs a condom out of my nightstand.

Once she rolls it down my cock she lowers herself onto it. My entire body tenses at the sensation. The one thing I’ve always imagined is happening. I’ve jerked off to thoughts of Lynsey doing just this countless times. I hiss as she pauses for just a second.

“What?” I ask, thinking something’s wrong.

“It just feels so damn good,” she replies breathlessly. She’s slept with God knows how many other guys over the years. I know this isn’t earth-shattering for her, but you’d think it is with the way she’s acting.

Once she’s seated all the way down onto my pelvis she leans forward and kisses my lips. I grab her hips to hold her there a moment longer before she starts riding me. As she pulls away her hands are on my chest and my hands find her tits. I want to look her in the eyes, but my eyes can’t stay open. The sensation of her pussy sliding up and down my cock is too much to handle. I want this to last, but my hips start thrusting in time with her movements and I don’t know how long I can last. I can’t ever remember it feeling this good with any other girl before. I’m no ladies man, but I’ve had my fair share that’s for sure.

Lyn moans as she pinches one of my nipples and my hands squeeze her tits. “Faster,” I urge her as I feel my climax building.

“God, I’m close!” She moans.

“Come on my cock Lyn, I’m begging you,” I manage to get out as she lifts up then falls back down and finally grinds on my dick as her release hits her. My body lets go and I pull her to me as mine takes over my entire being. Her head is tucked into my neck as she slows down and we both come down from our highs.

“J?” She whispers after a moment of lying still, her still on top of me and my cock, now limp, still inside of her.

“Yeah?” I don’t know what’s going through her mind, and I don’t know if I really want to know.

“I think I’m gonna be sick,” she says as she hops up and darts into my bathroom.

Well, that sure killed the mood, but I sit up, grab some tissues and pull the condom off my cock then toss it on the floor. I’ll clean it up later.

In the bathroom, I sit on the floor next to Lyn and rub her back as she pukes in the toilet. After a few minutes, she sits back on her feet and rests her head on my shoulder.

“At least I made it to the bathroom,” she says then chuckles.

“True.” I can’t argue with that. After a few more minutes I help her back to my room and into bed, but get one of my shirts on her before she passes out. I climb in next to her and cover us up knowing she won’t remember any of this the next day. She won’t, but I sure as hell will.

AuThursday – Kathryn Halberg

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I write spicy, contemporary romances that take place largely in the Cincinnati area, where I’m from. When not writing, I work full-time for a local university and am an unpaid shuttle driver for my children’s various sporting activities 😉

How do you make time to write?

Insomnia.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Not in those words, but I sometimes have to pause to wait for a character to better develop in my mind, and find out more about what they really want.

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

I was always told to write what you know. There’s nothing I know more than the here and now! I love to write contemporary romances that feature strong, independent women in fairly realistic situations. I try to avoid drama for the sake of drama.

How are you publishing your recent book and why?

Both (Indie and Traditional) – I just published the second book of my trilogy with GenZ Publishing, and am self-publishing the third book of the series to learn the ropes. I attended a 20Books conference last fall that really made me want to examine my options.

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

Ambivert. I grew up a full-fledged introvert and parenting has made me come out of my shell a bit more. This helps me be able to better grasp the needs of my characters.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~Eleanor Roosevelt

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Like a good wine, let your work breathe before you enjoy it again. My best work comes when I edit a manuscript at least six months after I wrote it.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

KathrynHalberg.com and @KathrynHalberg on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

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

She grabbed a soft pretzel and lemonade and waited for Carlie to show. Why was it that shopping depression meant eating more carbs, which increased the likelihood of more shopping depression? It’s a vicious cycle, she thought as she tore off another bite of buttered therapy. It really wasn’t fair. She had hella good body image and loved her curves, but put her in a dressing room and her self-esteem fled like an autobahn speed demon.

AuThursday – Awunli Eghosasere

Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is Awunli Eghosasere – a writing consultant helping professionals birth their thoughts and ideas into books and the founder of hapiwify.site where I publish stories and interviews to inspire young women to achieve their dreams.

How do you make time to write?

I don’t really create the time. I write as I get inspired. My notepad is always with me so I don’t miss any ideas.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Yes. Especially when you are in terrain you have little experience about.

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

Nonfiction/personal development.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

Indie. It’s less stressful for me.

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

Partially an introvert.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

Your destiny is not Waited for but achieved.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

What you have is invaluable. Share it with the world.

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

www.hapiwify.site

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

“Motherhood is not where dreams go to die.” When I saw this headline on today.com’s website, words of a frustrated mother I had met years ago at a volunteering camp flooded my mind. Minutes into a discussion about ‘a woman and her dreams’, she asked: “why do women’s dream die once they get married”? I just nodded in affirmation to a truth I was coming to terms with for lack of words to give an answer. I had thought along those lines, too, before that day.

First Friday Lunch!

AuThursday – Floor Kist

Please welcome Floor Kist to the Clog Blog! 

Hi Tina, thank you so much for this interview and for taking the time off of your own writing. I’m really impressed by the diversity of worlds in your novels.

Floor, can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

Well, I live in a town called Voorburg in the Netherlands. It’s near The Hague. Wife, two kids, two cats and a dog named Monty. And I’ve always been involved in public service. At the moment, I’m an alderman in my town. That’s a member of the city executive council, along with the mayor and three other aldermen.

I think I surprised a lot of people when I wrote and published a science fiction novel.

How do you make time to write?

Planning! Just like for the most of us, I can spend time on a lot of different things. So, just making an appointment with yourself to write can really be help. And is really a wonderful gift to yourself.

Do you believe in writer’s block?

I can relate to the moments that I don’t know if the story works or how it continues. I know I can get distracted by all the other things happening in my life. And I’m especially susceptible to wanting to start all the other books I want to write.

So, for me, real writer’s block is the one when I don’t know what to do next in the story. And when that happens, I take a good look at my characters and what motivates them. Because if one of my characters wants something badly enough, they will start moving to get there. Well motivated characters will always keep the story going.

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

For some reason I prefer science fiction over fantasy. Both genres allow you to imagine wonderful worlds, but I guess I like the believable world that may actually happen, intrigues me most.

Jules Verne wrote a story about traveling to the moon, and one hundred years later we did. He wrote a story about an electric submarine, and twenty years later it was built. Isaac Asimov, at an auto show in the 60s, predicted the robocar, and now we are actually building them.

This is why I like science fiction.

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

My novel is self-published. But that wasn’t my first choice. I had found three publishing houses where I believed my novel would fit. And I’d done my homework on what my audience would be like, so we could target them better. And it also seems that the best time to launch science fiction books is before the summer.

None of them replied. Not even a ‘thank you for your interest’ or ‘thank you, but no thank you’. Nothing, nada, niente.

I can even understand why: because there are about one hundred thousand books being published in the USA alone.

And the idea of spending a year and a half trying to reach a publisher and not hear anything back didn’t sound that appealing. So, I found my way to the Amazon self-publishing service.

Are you an Introvert or Extrovert?

A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I’m an introvert. And one of the most difficult things I’ve had to learn is to go ‘out there’ – even when everything inside me said ‘just stay home, it’s nice and warm here’.

I didn’t mean to overcome being an introvert, because I didn’t like being one. It’s just the way you are. But I did want to experience more than just staying home.

How does this affect your work?

Local politics is probably not where you go to meet introverts. As an introvert, I’m comfortable being me. So, a lot of criticism I get doesn’t affect my self-worth. And being an introvert also helps me talk to everyone in an open and honest way.

What is your favorite motivational phrase?

“Even the longest journey starts with the first step.”

I love this phrase. It kept me motivated when I started writing. It kept me motivated when I was trying to make a serious career switch.

It says that no matter how far you want to go in your life, you need the courage or the ambition or the passion to take that first step in what will undoubtedly be a wonderful journey.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Finish your book! Once you start writing nothing else matters. Plan to write, even if it’s just half an hour a day.

Don’t worry about if anyone will like it, or if it’s any good, because that only counts once the book is finished. Don’t worry about how to publish your book; it can only be published once it’s done.

And please don’t fuss about typos. There is no universe in which there will not be typos in the final edition of your novel.

And when your work is done and you don’t think it’s any good or even if others don’t think it’s any good, there is the sheer reward of making something out of nothing, of creating something that wasn’t there before. And no one can ever take that away from you.

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

Can Machines Bring Peace?

by Floor Kist

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GENRE: Science Fiction

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BLURB:

Can a machine bring peace? Or are humans built for war?

450 years after Earth was bombed back to the Stone Age, a young diplomat searches for lost human settlements. Kazimir Sakhalinsk narrowly escapes an exploration mission gone wrong and searches for ways to make future missions safer for his people. A festival introduces him to the Marvelous Thinking Machine.

A machine Kazimir believes can change everything

For his admiral it’s nothing more than a silly fairground gimmick. But Kazimir is convinced. Convinced enough to go against orders and build one of his own. Convinced enough to think he can bring peace. Convinced enough to think humanity is worth saving. What if he’s wrong?

He asks his hikikomori sister, a retired professor filling her empty days, the owner of the festival machine and the admiral’s daughter for help. Will that be enough?

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NOTE: The book is $0.99.

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Excerpt :

Kazimir hears the beep-beep response to his beacon. The plane is overhead! His breath shortens as he peers through the night. Standard protocol states the plane will land at a safe landing zone within a kilometer radius of ground zero. If Kazimir can find the right direction, he may actually have a chance. There! The shape of the plane against a clouded moon is a beautiful sight. He is afraid to smile, but can’t help himself.

He follows it, stumbling over the thick roots of the trees. Quickly, he looks up.

There she is again. No. ‘That’s… that’s… black flag.’ That means the others are dead.

Standing against the tree, he retches. Cold sweat forms on his forehead and his back. He shouldn’t have left the settlement. He could have saved them. No. He would be dead too. Kazimir gags and coughs. He spits out the sour taste, and wipes his chin. ‘Yuck.’

He looks up, trying to control his breath. The twin rudders and the nose turret machine gun nozzle give the Ki-2 light bomber away. Kazimir has only seen it in the hangar of the Ryūjō. He remembers the pilot telling him about the 500-kilogram maximum bomb load. All headed towards the settlement.

The ground trembles with the explosion. Kazimir sees the red and yellow clouds grow against the dark sky. Seconds later, he hears the wheezing sound of the dropping bombs, followed by the roar of a thousand dragons. Sound travels at three hundred meters per second, so he must be about 300 meters away.

The hot blast wave that follows knocks him down. He hits his head on the root of the tree. ‘Stupid tree.’ He feels a sharp pain. Warm blood dribbles into his hair. Its metallic scent reaches his nose.

Sounds of the explosion die down.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Floor Kist lives in a Dutch town called Voorburg with his wife, two sons, two cats and their dog Monty. He is currently deputy-mayor for the Green Party and an AI researcher. He’s concerned about current divisive public and political debates. But he’s also interested in how AI can be used to resolve society’s big issues.

This is his first novel. He’s been carrying the idea about a story about AI bringing peace for a long time. The Covid-19 lockdown in the Netherlands suddenly gave him time to actually write it.

Link to website:

www.floorkist.nl/author

Link to ebook:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XK42BMP

Link to paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/151368115X

Blog:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21225715.Floor_Kist/blog

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Floor Kist will be awarding a $30 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

RAFFLECOPTER:

Enter to win a $30 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway

AuThursday – Alexander Vayle

Please welcome Alexander Vayle to the Clog Blog.  Alexander and I are both members of The Moorhead Friends Writing Group.  So Alexander, tell us a little about yourself and your background? 

I’m a father of four, a former paramedic, and a registered nurse. I grew up in the country and I believe the quiet and calm out there helped nurture my imagination. I wrote my first story in elementary and writing has been a hobby of mine off and on ever since. A few years ago I found an excellent writing group and really buckled down to produce some work. Since then I have published my first book, a collection of Supernatural suspense titled “Among the Stray”, and I have a novel in the works. 

How do you make time to write? 

Early morning has always been my best for clarity and creativity. I try to get up around 5am so I can get in an hour or two of writing before the rest of the house starts waking up. 

Do you believe in writer’s block? 

I haven’t found it yet. If get stuck on something I simply change gears, free-write, whatever it takes. I don’t believe in beating my head against a story until it starts to work. I’ll think about my book or other stories at night, as I’m falling asleep, so I usually have pile of ideas ready to go by the time I sit down in front of a keyboard. 

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

Supernatural suspense, drama, Syfy, Murder mystery. It’s hard to pin down a genre I enjoy the most. As long as the characters are real and story draws out emotion from the reader, I’m happy. 

How are you publishing your recent book and why? 

My first book was published traditionally through All Things That Matter Press. If I can, I will always go traditional. The amount of advertising and the work they have done getting my book out is something I simply wouldn’t have time for on my own. Working with professionals also gave me a better grasp of how the industry works. 

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

Introvert. I’m comfortable by myself and I always have been. I think it comes from growing up in the country where we didn’t have a lot of neighbors. My sister and I made up a lot of stories to entertain ourselves and it became a big part of who I am. 

What is your favorite motivational phrase? 

Hard to pick a favorite, but one that I’ve always liked is:

“If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you.”

Getting up early is not always easy. Trying to find time to edit other people’s writing and my own and come up with new material isn’t easy either. But it certainly is satisfying when I lean back and look at what I’ve accomplished. 

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

FIND. A. WRITING. GROUP. Seriously, it made all the difference for me. Working on your own is fine, but getting feedback from other people takes writing to a whole new level. I think some people feel like their work is not good enough to be reviewed by their peers, and that hesitancy is what stops their work from becoming as good as it can be. I’ve had my writing reviewed by a lot of other writers and most of them have been very gracious with constructive criticism and compliments. Writers, in my experience, love to help other writers. 

Where can readers find you on the World Wide Web?

@Alexandervayle on Twitter

email me at Alexandervayle@gmail.com, check out “Among the Stray” on Amazon, booksamillion, and basically any site where books are sold.

For those who prefer brick and mortar you can find “Among the Stray” at any of the Ferguson Book Store locations, Zambroz in Fargo, or at the Fargo Public Library. 

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

You bet! Here’s a few lines out of Back From Where You Came, the final story in “Among the Stray” 

“Getting in the house was the easy part. The streetlight on their block was out. The back door, the one going out to the detached garage, wasn’t locked. It seemed like … like everything was set up just for me that night. I walked right in. Little mud room off the kitchen. Kicked off my shoes so I be quiet. I even set them on the rug so I wouldn’t get the floor dirty. Imagine that, huh? There to shoot somebody and I didn’t want to get the floor dirty. Habits, I guess.”