1 Word Interview with Michael Di Gesu and Celebrations

A 1 Word Wordle

Please give a warm welcome to Michael Di Gesu, my guest today for the 1 Word Interview!

Michael is a super talented writer, designer, and all around creative guy who has an amazing heart for helping others. His business, Michael Di Gesu Presents, is a service he's created to write book blurbs and introductions, and as many of us know from last year's A to Z, he's really gifted at making each person he presents feel priceless.

If you don't know Michael yet, please, visit him after reading his answers to this super short interview.

1. What's your current favorite word?

Atmospheric

2. In one word, what inspires you?

Life

3. What's one word that describes your writing habits?

Sporadic

4. What's one word that you wish you could get rid of in your writing?

Flash

5. What's one word that describes your writing desk?

Inviting

6. Share the best writing advice/tool/quote that helps you. (please limit to one sentence)

Never lose your passion no matter how many obstacles stand in your way.

7. What's your current project?

A 1940's Film Noir novella

Wow! I love those words, Michael!!! I even like flash . . . although I wonder just who is flashing whom in your fiction. :) Sorry, had a gutter moment there.
I can relate to sporadic writing habits, and I love that your desk is inviting.
I'm looking forward to reading that novella.

Many thanks to Viklit for hosting this weekly celebration!

Celebrate the Small Things:
1. I'm biking 3-4 days a week still, even on cold, dark, wet mornings.
2. I'm making snail pace progress on Champion in Flight, but slow progress is better than none.

 What are you celebrating? Do you know Michael? Go visit him today!

 

A word, a quote, and some thoughts on interviews . . .

1. A word (that I discovered recently):

Inveigle: to entice, lure, ensnare or to charm someone into doing something they might not have done otherwise.

I just like the sound of the word, and then the meaning makes it juicy. I'm not sure how I'll use it, but I started wondering . . . could someone inveigle for a good reason, and not a bad one? And how, and what would that look like, and why?

2. A quote:

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― Neil Gaiman

(oh, but only big bad dragons, not friendly dragons like FatherDragon)

3. Some thoughts on interviews:

I find interviews mildly scary. Whereas I can post crazy things without thinking much about it on my blog or facebook status, I find myself hesitating over words in interview answers, wanting them somehow to be perfect. I don't know why. However, that is one of the reasons I'm using my "1 Word" interview format. I'm trying to lessen the pressure . . . however, I may have heightened it. I'm not sure.

Do you get nervous about interview answers?
Found any new words you like lately?
Or quotes?

Tara Tyler Interview

Pop! I'm back at my blog, just in time for an interview with Pop Travel author, Tara Tyler!
My questions are in the usual font, and Tara's answers are in purple.

Pop Travel is instantaneous, and it sounds like the perfect way to jet around the world. If you could Pop anywhere right now, where would it be?
To London so I could meet my crit partner and lots of blog friends there - it's going to take me a while, but someday I'll make it over!

How did you come up with the name for Pop Travel?
Ah, yes. The name comes from the concept of teleportation as I see it. When the process of gathering a person's micro-particles is complete, there is a pop. Hence, Pop Travel. Plus it sounded good!

The dream of teleportation has been around for a while, but you've taken it in a new and unique direction, so I have to ask, how did you start the book? Did you start with the concept of Pop Travel, and then go from there? Or did you come up with Cooper's character first? Or did it all come together right away?
It started as a result of the heightened airport security from terrorism scares – there had to be a better way to travel and not be exposed to and groped by TSA strangers! Wouldn't teleportation be cool! But every new technology has glitches and needs a hero to save everyone from greedy bad guys who cheat the system no matter the cost!

Cooper doesn't trust Pop travel. Would you trust Pop travel if it existed?
Probably not. I'm a pessimist. I don't like to fly much either, but I do what I have to!

I loved Pop Travel, and I struggled to come up with interview questions that wouldn't give away any spoilers and now I'm looking forward to the sequel, Simulation. Did you have a plan for the sequel when you started Pop Travel, or did something in Pop Travel give you the idea while you were writing it?
So glad you did and thanks for the great review! Oh, I'm excited about Simulation – really getting into it right now. It stemmed from something Hasan mentioned in Pop Travel, about his dumb androids and how he wanted to improve their programming. Then, his opportunist cousin steals his research to sell to the highest bidder! I've also got an outline for the third one, Disposal!

Cool!!! (just an add in from me)

So, there's this scene (hopefully not too much of a spoiler alert) in which you describe secret entrances and such at a Southern mansion. Do Southern mansions have secret tunnels and hallways? I've always kind of wondered. :)
There is a famous pirate tunnel in Savannah, Georgia and there are ghost stories floating around many old plantations, mostly in spooky Louisiana. Then there's the Underground Railroad, which was a code name for the escape route slaves could take to freedom, stopping at safe house "stations" along the way with "conductors" guiding them along. Some of the stations were rumored to have tunnels between them.

Thanks for the great questions! I haven't answered any like this yet. I really enjoyed it!
Thanks Tara!
And here's the scoop on Pop Travel!

Cooper thought he could get through
life without having to pop...

Pop Travel by Tara Tyler
A tale of deception and teleportation.

When a distraught client enters J.L. Cooper's small town detective agency ranting about a pop travel teleportation cover up, Cooper takes the case. He blames pop travel indirectly for his wife's death and would love to expose a glitch in it.

But the glitch turns out to be disintegrating travelers. And now, his client is dead, his secretary is missing, and a hitman is stalking him. Plus there's all the webcams watching his every move. So, Cooper has to find a way to expose the deadly flaw, while using pop travel to escape the maniacs covering it up, not to mention save a couple of tag-alongs he's not sure he can trust. No problem.

Available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Goodreads    Trailer    FB Author Page

After having a hand in everything from waitressing to teaching math to rocket engineering Tara Tyler now writes and teaches in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. In addition to her novels, she has published short stories and poetry in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, and Humor. So many stories to tell!

CassaStorm Release!!!

I'm excited to take part in the Storm that's taking on the blogsphere for Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh's newest book, CassaStorm!

As part of the festivities for CassaStorm, Alex invited his followers to ask him any question about his latest release.

My Question: Will Byron, or his son, or anyone he knows start rockin' a guitar in this last book?

 

Alex's Answer: Sorry, no music in this one! Despite my love for rock music, it didn’t factor into the series.

However, Mini-Alex would be happy to play a song for you!

 

Cool! I'm ready to hear Mini-Alex rock! And then, I'm going to cozy up to my new copy of CassaStorm!

 

CassaStorm

By Alex J Cavanaugh

 

From the Amazon Best Selling Series!

 

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

 

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

 

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

 

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

“With a talent for worldbuilding and a compelling cast of characters, Alex J. Cavanaugh combines high powered space battles and the challenges of family dynamics to provide readers a space opera with heart.”
- Elizabeth S. Craig, author of the Southern Quilting and Myrtle Clover mysteries

 

“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse

“Cavanaugh creates such an unforgettable world, and these characters will stay with you long after their story is over.”
- Cassie Mae, author of Friday Night Alibi and How to Date a Nerd

 

$16.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 268 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.

Science fiction/adventure and science fiction/space opera

Print ISBN 9781939844002 eBook ISBN 9781939844019

$4.99 EBook available in all formats

 

Find CassaStorm:

Barnes and Noble 

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

Goodreads

Book trailer

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

 

Website

Twitter 

Goodreads

 

 

1 Word Interview with M Pax, and Celebrations!

As a newish feature on my blog, I'm hosting a series of guests for "1 Word" Interviews! My hope is to highlight authors and bloggers in super short interviews that will give you a taste of their awesomeness and make you long for more. Then you can follow the links I'll provide and get to know them better through their blogs and books. Last week, L. Diane Wolfe was here, and this week, I'm happy to host SciFi author extraordinaire, M Pax.

1. What's your current favorite word?

I’ve been quite obsessed with ‘back’ and ‘follow’ lately.

2. In one word, what inspires you?

 Oregon

3. What's one word that describes your writing habits?

 Disciplined


4. What's one word that you wish you could get rid of in your writing?

 ‘that’
oh, that word!

5. What's one word that describes your writing desk?

Piles
me too. :)

6. Share the best writing advice/tool/quote that helps you:

 Save the Cat.

Great book!
7. What's your current project?

 Beyond the Edge, Backworlds 4 is with the editor. I’m working on an epic fantasy and paranormal series until it comes back.

M Pax is hosting a Realms Faire this coming November! This Faire includes many fun events!


To read more from M Pax, check out her blog, and these links

The Backworlds -  Amazon / AmazonUK / KOBO / iTunes / BN / Smashwords / Other OutletsStopover at the Backworlds' Edge -
Amazon / AmazonUK / KOBO / iTunes / BN / Smashwords / Other Outlets
Boomtown Craze -
Amazon / AmazonUK / KOBO / BN / iTunes / Smashwords / OtherOutlets

Beyond the Edge - Coming this October! http://mpaxauthor.com/mpaxworks-books-and-stories/the-backworlds-series/beyond-the-edge/

The Renaissance of Hetty Locklear -
Amazon / AmazonUK / KOBO / iTunes / BN / Smashwords / OtherOutlets

Other Reads - http://mpaxauthor.com/mpaxworks-books-and-stories/

Thank you for joining me for a 1 Word Interview, Mary! I'm inspired by your discipline and I'm looking forward to reading your next books!

Celebrate the Small Things: (Thanks to Viklit!)

1. We officially adopted Clyde, the dog my husband found 2 and 3/4 weeks ago.
2. First week of homeschool co-op is done and I'm looking forward to the second week.
3. My oldest daughter's first x-country race is this Saturday.
4. Still biking 3-4 days a week.
5. Revision done on 5 chapters, and journal writing done for three days.

Time and Writing

“I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” Mark Twain

This quote reminds me on days like today and yesterday and all the days when life is busy and full, that sometimes when I give myself ten minutes to write, it can turn into twenty or thirty or an hour, and during that time, the world didn't end and chaos didn't take over the day. The idea that I don't have enough time is more threatening than the clock itself.

1 Word with L. Diane Wolfe! and a tiny Celebration

As a new feature on my blog, I'll be hosting a series of guests for "1 Word" Interviews! My hope is to highlight authors and bloggers in super short interviews that will give you a taste of their awesomeness and make you long for more. Then you can follow the links I'll provide and get to know them better through their blogs and books.

To kick off the series, I have the privilege of hosting L. Diane Wolfe, author, motivational speaker, and photographer!

1. What's your current favorite word?

 

Buddy! (It's the nickname we have for our cat, Spunky.)

 

2. In one word, what inspires you?

 

Dreams

 

3. What's one word that describes your writing habits?

 

Sporadic

 

4. What's one word that you wish you could get rid of in your writing?

 

Was (I'm better, but I still fight this word.)

 

5. What's one word that describes your writing desk?

 

Organized (If I can use two, it would be scary organized.)

 

6. Share the best writing advice/tool/quote that helps you. (please limit to one sentence)

 

I'll go with tool - Dragon's Naturally Speaking program, because I can speak my first draft into the computer without having to type it.

 

7. What's your current project?

 

I'm considering taking four novelette length stories and combining them into one book, Four in Darkness. (Yes, it would lean toward the paranormal.)

 

 I loved Diane's answers, although I admit "scary organized" is not how I would describe my writing area. :) I'm looking forward to reading her new series, and I highly recommend her latest book. To get to know Diane more, check out the info and links below.

 

L. Diane Wolfe

Professional Speaker & Author

www.spunkonastick.net

http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com

www.thecircleoffriends.net

 

Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association and the author of numerous books. Her latest title, “How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now,” covers her publishing seminars in depth and provides an overview of the entire process from idea to market. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties her goal-setting and leadership seminars together into one complete, enthusiastic package. Her NA/YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and assists writers through her author services.

 

 

How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!
By L. Diane Wolfe
$14.95 Trade paperback ISBN 978-0-9827139-5-2
$4.99 Ebook ISBN 978-0-9827139-9-0

Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Amazon Kindle

 

Celebrate the Small Things!

School started in our homeschooling house, and so far, so good. :)

IWSG: Two Year Anniversary!

Happy Two Year Anniversary, IWSG!!! You Rock!

And Three Cheers for Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh!!! Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!!! Rock on Dude! We love you and all that you do to make this blogsphere a positive place!

I had an entirely different post planned until I found out about the blogaversary, and now I all my insecurities have been replaced by gratitude.

Thank you, one and all for being willing to bare bones honest with insecurities, or by giving awesome positive advice and encouragement!!! Thank you!!!!

And so, for this month I say:

Enjoy Writing! Love on your characters! Have fun! Joy in action keeps those insecurities from piling too high.

Just keep writing! :)

This is the best blog hop ever: