Here's Magdalena Ball!

This month, we are going to read about a special author, Magdalena Ball!
Enjoy her interview!


Interview with Magdalena Ball , the author of

Repulsion Thrust

Tell us about yourself first.

That's rather an open ended question! I could define myself any number of ways, but I'll focus on my publications here -- I run the website The Compulsive Reader (www.compulsivereader.com), and am also the author of the poetry book Repulsion Thrust, the novel Sleep Before Evening, a nonfiction book The Art of Assessment: How to Review Anything and three other poetry chapbooks Quark Soup, and, in collaboration with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, Cherished Pulse and She Wore Emerald Then. She also runs a radio show, The Compulsive Reader Talks. Of course I'm other things too! I'm a mother to 3 gorgeous children, I'm a wife, I'm an information manager for a big company, I'm doing a Masters degree in Marketing, I'm working on another novel and a few other poetry books. I'll stop there, although I could probably keep going!

When did you start writing?

Around about the same time I started reading -- somewhere between 3 and 4. Writing is something that has always been with me. I think I wrote my first story when I was little and just kept doing it. I only really began to get quite serious and send out work when I was an older teen and then stopped for some time under the spell of academia. I picked it up again seriously just after my first child was born, some 13 years ago, when I decided that bits and pieces wouldn't satisfy me -- I needed full scale books in hand.

What genres have you written?

I tend to write in lots of different genres, but definitely prefer literary fiction (as a reader as well as a writer) when I'm writing fiction, and poetry will always be my first love (there are those who have classed my poetry as 'sci-fi' poetry, and although I think that's probably not true, there is plenty of science in my work, and I welcome all readers and all promotional opportunities, so am happy enough with the classification. For nonfiction, I probably would be comfortable writing in any genre at all.

Is Repulsion Thrust your first book?

Repulsion Thrust is my first full length book of poetry. I've had other chapbooks (short poetry books) published, and a novel and nonfiction book (see "tell us about yourself" above), but I have to admit, it's always exciting to hold a full length, traditionally published book in the hand.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

Repulsion Thrust is a poetry book that tends to tackle big subjects not often the fodder of poetry: quantum physics, astronomy, time travel, ecological destruction, and technological singularity, viewed through the lens of the human condition. It's poetry about the universe and about the way we (that's humans) fit with it - I've tried to be fairly large in my scope, reasonably topical, and to say something comprehensive about what it means to be alive (to me anyway) in the 21st Century.

What inspired you to write this book?

I've always wanted to write a full length poetry collection. I was inspired by the success of my novel Sleep Before Evening, and felt it was time to plot out a full scale poetry book, but each individual poem was inspired by all sorts of things, from the news, to a plethora of great books I'd read, to New Scientist. I think the biggest influences/sources of inspiration were, aside from emotional responses, the work of Stephen Hawking, the work of Richard Dawkins, the work of Ray Kurzweil, and the work of Charles Darwin. I thanked all of these people in my acknowledgements, and Kurzweil even endorsed the book (much to my delight), but there were many other sources of inspiration, including, of course, my own family.

How long did it take you to write it?

About a year, which is relatively quick for me. I take much longer (about 3 years) for fiction.
Who is the publisher of your book?

Bewrite Books at www.bewrite.net They're utterly wonderful and also published my novel Sleep Before Evening.

Where is it on sale?

Good bookstores everywhere! But those reading this can go directly to Amazon: www.budurl.com/RepulsionThrust or to Smashbooks at:

Tell us about your other books/work.

Sleep Before Evening is a coming of age novel about a teenager teetering at the edge of reason. A death in the family sends her brilliant academic career and promising future spiraling out of control until resentment towards those who shaped her past leads her on a wild and desperate search for the truth about herself. On the seedy side of New York, she meets Miles, a hip musician busking the streets and playing low-rent venues in a muddled bid to make his own dreams come true. In her new life, she finds anarchic squalor, home grown music and poetry, booze, drugs, sex, violence, love, loss … and, above all, exhilarating freedom on her troubled journey from sleep to awakening.

Quark Soup is also poetry, which, as the title suggests, has a strong astrophysical theme.

The Art of Assessment is a guide to book reviewing.

The Celebration Series of chapbooks is my collaboration with Carolyn Howard-Johnson that looks at specific holidays and provides chapbooks designed to replace a greeting card - providing real poetic sentiment. More can be found at my website: www.magdalenaball.com


What are the major challenges that you have faced in your career? Time is always an issue for me. I try to squeeze so much into each day, but it isn't always possible to get to everything on my list! Making time for the big, longer term projects amidst the everyday urgencies is definitely my biggest challenge.

Has the Internet helped you in your writing career?

I really cannot imagine working without the Internet anymore. It colours everything I do, from providing me with an accessible, global, working community of readers and writers, to providing promotional platforms, social networking, writing challenges, and even changing the notion of the way a book works (with multimedia, electronics, and so on). Of course great words haven't changed a bit since the pen and ink (or quill) days, but the ability to work in a global, rather than a small scale regional venue is wonderful.

What do you advise new writers to do?

To keep writing of course (BOS - bum on seat), but also to read a lot of what you want to write, to keep raising the bar on yourself, and to continue to grow as a writer, trying new things and working to find the words to say what you want to. Never be satisfied with the easy cliche - always go deeper.


Thank you!


http://www.magdalenaball.com

http://magdalenaball.blogspot.com/


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Tour with VBT-Writers on the Move through February. New and famous authors, plus useful information http://tinyurl.com/yhkt7v8

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Meet Joel Huan

Interview with Joel Huan, the author of Over Mount Fuji

Tell us about yourself first.

I'm a graduate with a commerce degree, but find novel writing far more creative and exciting. I began

seeking out knowledge just the same as novelist John Gardner said, ‘Fiction seeks out truth.’

When did you start writing?

Well, that was about ten or eleven years ago. I started to moonlight when I was working full time as an accountant for the hotel industry. But accounting work is boring . . .

What genres have you written?

sort of science fiction but with a literary hint. Perhaps you might not be aware of a strange sound in the South Pacific call the bloop. I am a research writer, and I have being rather intrigued by this mysterious phenomenon, but I write this mystery in fiction.

Is Over Mount Fuji your first book?

for fiction, yes.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

The book is sort of science fiction, but extrapolates a very unique reason for a researched phenomena of deep ocean earthquakes, ship disappearances, volcanic eruptions, and the mysterious bloop sound in the South Pacific Ocean. You might like to watch the video below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M3Rpy3tv50&feature=related

What inspired you to write this book?

A long story. We had all thought that knowledge could only be learned from textbooks or from other works of texts, and nothing from fiction. But then again, we had unknowingly set our minds squarely in the box. We need to break into the unthinkable. Sometimes it requires only a small effort; sometimes some sheer imaginations beyond the ordinary are needed.

Take for example, in the field of science fiction. A science fiction writer would need to accumulate vast amount of knowledge in order to write another work of science fiction. The writer must be able to think hard through the various problems to make his or her fiction cohesive to work. Heinlein was one of the greats of hard science fiction; he wanted to be scientifically accurate. And Destination Moon seems a serious attempt to present a realistic version of how we might reach the moon, filmed nearly a decade before any human being could achieve orbit.

For sure we wouldn’t be able to know all the technical details, or how precisely things will come to pass. As Arthur Clark claimed, “No one can predict the future,” but he couldn’t resist drawing up timelines for what he called “possible futures.” Yes, about all the possibilities out there. Of course most fiction writers would never be compared to Arthur C. Clark or Heinlein, but then again, fiction writing is elaborate, tedious and complex, but the general consensus is the same: that fiction explores the minds, explode our imagination and open a range of possibilities that cannot be expressed in textbooks.

It is precisely this reason that Over Mount Fuji is written.

Who is the publisher of your book?

Youwriteon -- It is a new upstart publisher based in London, and is partially financed by the British Arts Council.

Where is it on sale?

both in Amazon and Barnesandnoble

What are the major challenges that you have faced in your career?

finding time to work and then write whenever I am free. While members of my accounting profession would be taking more courses and networking to further their careers, I was alone working on my writing.

Has the Internet helped you in your writing career?

How?

Well, some of my research were done via the internet, but most information were not there. I still need to research the libraries and crack my head and imagination to create a scenario that is suitable to the theme and ideas I wish to expound.

What do you advise new writers to do?

Be aware that novel writing doesn't pay, and you must be able to enjoy long hours alone. Often I rose up in the middle of the night to jot down a few points before going back to sleep. So be willing and able to sacrifice before jumping into it.

Thank you!

Interview with Vivian Zabel

Learn more about Vivian reading her interview:

Hello Vivian, I want to thank you so much for consenting to this email interview. You are one busy lady and I can tell that you give the word retire a bad reputation. You wear many hats and there are many words to describe you, author, publisher, entrepreneur, marketer,

Q: How do you balance all the various aspects of your writing and publishing business?

The fact that often I can’t sleep helps. However, if the business keeps growing, I’m going to have to have more help.

As I’m working with business needs of 4RV Publishing, often I’m “working” at the back of my mind on something I’m writing or about to write.

When I was younger, I could multi-task better than I can now, but thankfully, I still can to some extent.

I depend on notes plastered all around the computer to keep track of myself. You do realize, don’t you, that the purpose of name tags is to remind me of who I am?

Q: What are you most passionate about outside of writing?

That’s an easy question to answer: my family. My husband, three children, ten grandchildren, and four, soon to be five, great-grandchildren are the foundation of my life.

My faith is the only thing that comes before all of them.

Q: If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Maybe a better question would be what have I done with my life. I’ve been the receptionist for a hotel, car hop, inventory clerk, office manager, insurance office manager, and then a teacher for twenty-seven years. If I weren’t writing, I guess I’d give up finally and vegetate.

Q: Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?

I always knew I was going to be a writer. I started writing poetry when I was eight, but I told stories to my siblings and friends from the time I could talk. I remember the first time I shared my dream of writing a novel with a “friend” in the seventh grade. She laughed and spread the story, trying to make me a figure of ridicule. I didn’t talk about my plans any more: I just did them.

I’ve had poetry, short stories, and articles published for many years, about forty years in fact. My first book was a collection of short stories written by me and by Holly Jahangiri, Hidden Lies and Other Stories, which is listed on an online text book sight as a literature book.

Q: You recently launched a new book called Midnight Hours; tell us a little about it and what was your inspiration for it?

I have an online friend, who “adopted” me as her mom, yet she continued to be extremely secretive. I had no idea where she lived, except a general area. I couldn’t contact her. Other people I knew who “knew” her wondered why she was so mysterious. With my vivid imagination, I took her need to hide and developed Midnight, an online predator who targets disabled men. In fact, the friend helped with details and ideas developed in the novel.

And, no, the friend is not anyone dangerous, just a single woman who needed to protect her identity for valid reasons.

Q: What other books or projects do you have coming soon?

The last of October, Prairie Dog Cowboy, a novel for younger teens but can be enjoyed by anyone, will be released. My husband was a cowboy and broke horses when young. I took some of his experiences and wove them into a story about a young boy who wants to be a cowboy. The young rancher next to Buddy’s family farm promises to hire him when Buddy can lasso a prairie dog. The setting of the book is the late 1890s through about 1913, and the historical aspects are well researched.

Next year, I hope Stolen will be published. We’ll see. The novel shows the struggle Torri Adamson faces as parts of her life are stolen. She works to rebuild her life after each traumatic experience, until her children are taken. She doesn’t know if she can recover or not.

Q: What can readers expect when they read your books?

I hope they find believable characters, realistic stories, and, even if the book doesn’t have a “happily ever after” ending, hope.

Q: I noticed you have quite a few published authors at 4RV Publishing and it seems to be growing. Tell us what motivated you to start a publishing company?

A friend, Jacque Graham, a daughter-in-law, Janelle Zabel, and I talked about the struggle authors, even very good writers, have little chance of being published with a major company. Finding a credible agent is almost as difficult. The already famous, whether they could write or not, have books out, but not many of the people who write and write well. Self-publishing has a bad rap because of the abuse of the process by too many people who “publish” just anything, and vanity presses produce, uh, well, not quality books.

We decided that someone, some company needed to fill the gap between the poor self-publishing/the vanity presses and the major publishing houses. After a couple of years of reading, studying, examining, asking questions, I started 4RV Publishing. Jacque and Janelle are my right and left hands.

Q: Are you currently accepting unsolicited submissions? If so where can writers find your submission guidelines?

Yes, we are accepting unsolicited submissions. The guidelines are found on http://4rvpublishingllc.com on the Services page.

Q: Do you prefer writing one genre over another? If so which one and why? If not, why not?

I like most mysteries, and I like a bit of romance where possible. However, I write several genre. I don’t like excessive, gratuitous violence or sex. Let the readers use their imaginations.

I don’t write, read, or publish erotica or even excessive, unneeded violence, profanity, or sexual activity.

Q: Describe a typical writing day if there is one or a typical day in your writing/publishing life.

*searches through calendar and memory to find a typical day* I don’t think such an animal exists in my world. From the time I climb out of bed until I get to climb back in, I’m working on editing, marketing, promotions, answering email, sending contracts or rejections (which I hate to do), and squeezing in some writing of my own. Of course, when necessary I format books, set up accounts, order copies, pay bills, and prepare for book festivals, book blog tours, conferences, and whatever else needs to be done.

Q: Is there a place or address where readers can reach you?

My email for 4RV is president@4rvpublishingllc.com. My personal email is Vivian@viviangilbertzabel.com.

Q: Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you and your works? Take as much space as you need.

I post information about my work, 4RV authors and books, and other aspects of writing on http://vzabel.multiply.com. I post writing tips on http://oncewritten.ning.com/profile/VivianGilbertZabel and writing tips for children’s and teen’s books on http://childrensbookcreators.ning.com/profile/VivianGilbertZabel .

My goal, other than being a good writer, is to help other authors and illustrators publish good books.

Thank you Vivian!

A contest for writers!

Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers Readers and authors sharing great edgy fiction that inspires...

Pamela S Thibodeaux Pamela S Thibodeaux has invited you to the event 'A Sweetheart of a Contest' on Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers! Hey Friends, I'm having a great contest - hope you'll check it out! Thank You for your continued support! Pamt Time: February 1, 2009 at 6am to February 13, 2009 at 7pm Location: Global Organized By: Pamela S Thibodeaux & Pertinent Promotions Event Description: A Sweetheart of a Contest As we all know, the flagging economy is forcing businesses to make tough decisions and the book industry is no exception. Book stores are closing. Publishers are laying off people, cutting back on production, and pulling titles from distribution. What’s an author to do? Get those sales up. So Author Pamela S Thibodeaux is having a Valentine’s Day contest Where Everyone Receives a Gift! Between Jan. 31st & Feb. 13th Everyone who enters will receive Thib’s Teaser (a pdf with blurbs/excerpts/discount coupons/short story) AND their name will be entered into a drawing for the GRAND PRIZE – simply email Pertinent Promotions at ppromocntst@aol.com with Sweetheart Contest in the subject line. No Purchase Necessary to Participate ~HOWEVER ~ Purchase any (1) Tempered novel and, along with Thib’s Teaser you will receive a Special Surprise Gift and your name will go into the drawing twice for the Grand Prize! Simply forward a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to ppromocntst@aol.com (include your mailing address for the surprise gift). Purchase 2 Tempered novels and in addition to Thib’sTeaser you will Receive a Special Surprise Gift, Your pick of a FREE download of either Choices or Cathy’s Angel and three chances to win the Grand Prize! Simply forward a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to ppromocntst@aol.com (pick your short story and include your mailing address for your surprise gift) Purcahse the first 3 Tempered novels (Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams & Tempered Fire) and in addition to Thib’s Teaser you will Receive: A Special Surprise Gift, Your pick of a FREE download of either Cathy’s Angel or Choices a FREE autographed copy of Tempered Joy and 4 chances to win the Grand Prize! Simply forward a copy of your receipt or proof of purchase to ppromocntst@aol.com (pick your short story and include your mailing address for your autographed copy of Tempered Joy & your surprise gift) Together we can take the Tempered Series to Amazon’s Best Seller List! **Amazon Purchase NOT Your ONLY Option** If you purchase Any of the Tempered Series according to the rules above from your local book store, MAIL a copy of your receipt to Pertinent Promotions c/o Pamela S Thibodeaux, PO Box 324, Iowa, LA 70647 and your prizes will be the same as those listed. Same rules apply if you purchase DIGITAL copies of The Tempered Books *Note* If you purchase digital copies of Tempered Hearts, Tempered Dreams, and Tempered Fire according to the rules above, you will receive a digital copy of Tempered Joy. *Digital copies also available @ All Romance Ebooks! Winner will be announced on Feb 14th *All entrants will be added to Pertinent Promotions and the Author’s personal mailing lists.* Grand Prize: CD of my TWRP titles which includes 3 short stores (Cathy’s Angel, Choices, & A Hero for Jessica), 1 full-length novel The Inheritance and an advanced copy of my Upcoming Release Winter Madness (short story) and a Valentine Gift Basket! http://www.pamelasthibodeaux.com See more details and RSVP on Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers: http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com/events/event/show?id=1911457%3AEvent%3A41032&xgi=gV8Sclk About Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers A group of readers and writers who enjoy edgy fiction, and in particular edgy Christian fiction. This network is a place to meet readers and writers and discuss the latest and greatest fiction that inspires. 383 members 732 photos 111 songs 67 videos 165 discussions 10 events 374 blog posts