Christine M. Fairchild, Author of An Eye for Danger, Talks Writing

My guest today is Christine M. Fairchild. Originally trained as a journalist, she’s worked as a writer/editor ever since. Her varied background from tech to marketing to exec communications to entertainment runs the gamut and has informed her “writing style and tactical editing approach”.

Currently, Christine is focused on writing fiction, though teaching is her other love. She’s published The Editor Devil's Guide to CHARACTERS and The Editor Devil's Guide to DIALOGUE to continue "teaching" while she finishes writing her novels. Her debut novel, An Eye For Danger, is book one in her romantic suspense series and is available on Amazon.

Anne – Welcome, Christine. Before we begin, I have to say how much I love your author pic. What a super way to promote and remind readers you are the Editor Devil! Tell us a something about yourself you’d normally only share with close friends.

Christine - A student recently asked me what made me write suspense stories, which often include violence and themes about overcoming abuse of power. I'm no stranger to abuse. Physical, mental or sexual, most of which occurred during my childhood. So that informs my characters, who are often from broken backgrounds, as well as my stories, which center around justice and the examining right and wrong. I also have a lot of characters who manipulate, which is both an abuse of power and a survival skill, so I play both sides of that coin.

That all being said, I doubt I'm the only author who comes from this background. Storytelling is where we can oft right some of the wrongs in our lives.

Anne – So true. “What doesn’t kill us, makes us writers” explains so much. When did you first realize you were destined to be an author?

Christine - I was in 3rd grade and kept getting "best essay" in class and reading them aloud. So that was confirming. But, honestly, I grew up psychic and was the kid of a psychic. So I knew two things about my own future from a very young age: that I would be a published author and that I would meet the man I was going to marry around 30. Try telling an adult that when you're ten years old! Anyway, those have both come true.

Anne - What one or two lines best sums you up as an author?

Christine - Character driven. I love complicated plots, which further cripples me as a plotter. But I'm fully into strong, rich, multi-dimensional characters, and I work hard to achieve that experience for the reader. I'm crossing my fingers that my romantic suspense achieves this goal, as well as a fun plot rollercoaster!

Anne – Tell us about your most recent release.

Christine - An Eye For Danger was written in four weeks (120k words). I pumped it out before Christmas one year during a time when I was the primary caretaker for my mother-in-law, who has dementia. So the book was my refuge from the daily grind and stress.

Frankly, that was not a great time in our lives, and I started having panic attacks. After I got her into a home, I didn't bounce back and discovered I had PTSD from all the anxiety, verbal and physical attacks. So that went into the novel for my main character, who is a former war photographer with PTSD. I've recovered just fine, and have a new respect for those with uncontrollable panic disorders.

Anyway, the book is about getting your power back on a character level, and about law enforcement corruption on a plot level. Here's the official book blurb:

When former war photographer Jules Larson braves a PTSD attack to jog beyond her five-block safety zone, she runs right into a murder scene, where she’s taken hostage by Sam Fields, an undercover FBI agent desperate to avoid capture by his former mentor, NYPD Detective Stone McCarthy, who might be part of Sam’s two-year investigation of dirty cops.

Anne – What a great premise! Do you belong to writer organizations, critique groups, or depend on beta readers?

Christine - Having a critique group is pivotal to your craft education. And pivotal to learning to see your story from the outside. As authors, we get really caught inside our stories, so we can't see our own blind spots. Good critique partners not only help you see those blind spots, but help you get around them.

Beta readers serve a totally different purpose--they provide your trial readership. The raw reactions of whether the story as a whole works or doesn't. They are gold to the process (where your critique partners were the diamonds that helped you etch out the story).

I'm thankful to have been blessed with knowing extremely smart and talented people in both of these groups!

Anne - How long did your journey from wannabe writer to published author take? 

Christine - For me it's been a very long journey, probably 10 years longer than it needed to be. I've been stunted by my own fears and need to take care of others. Hence, I was always frantic to find work to help support my mom and sister, or I took on eldercare for my MIL. Anyway, I got in my own way a lot. But that allowed me time to learn my craft to the point that I'm teaching, gain a lot of friends and contacts in the biz, and write multiple stories that I now can edit into publication. And because I waited, I'm in a market where I can indie publish and do great.

So my advice to other authors or young writers is to allow your writing to happen on its own timeline. You'll know when you're ready.

Anne – I can SO relate. Like you I got in my own way, and my journey to publication took a lot longer than need be. Still, I doubt I’d change a thing. Does one character in particular hold a special place in your heart? Why?

Christine - I think Jules in An Eye For Danger hits close to home--she's a reflection of parts of me that needed to overcome. But I really put her through hell the first 2 books in the series. Frankly, I have a huge crush on Sam. He's boyish and funny, as well as self-effacing and human. Sure, he's got the body of a baseball player--but he's rough around the edges in that street fighter way. So he's hot on a primal level.

Angeline, the female protagonist in my WWII novel (not out yet), who is a USO singer turned spy for military intelligence, is probably my ultimate character, which is different from saying she's my favorite. She's manipulative, brash, arrogant, and deeply terrified of the world. After witnessing her Major General daddy shoot himself, she's a bit messed up. She's like a bombshell Eva Gardner with a vendetta. That she ever falls in love with an RAF pilot is a miracle. But her key journey is one of self-sacrifice to help a Nazi Panzer Colonel find absolution, and hence, find her own path to peace. Her story is one that rips my heart out.

Anne - What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself from your writing?

Christine - Resilience. They say it takes a lot of time, energy, and stamina to be an author. Well, I used to write articles and documentation, so I thought I had the toughness for editing/critiquing and the biz. But that was nothing. It takes years to learn your craft, your genre, your readership and your market. And during that time you keep telling folks you're writing the novel (or in my case, 3 novels), and they keep rolling their eyes. Especially spouses. Though mine has been supportive off and on, even he struggles to have patience with what has proved a multi-year journey.

So resilience, not patience or stamina, is the quality I see as pivotal. I can withstand the naysayers, including New York agents/editors who say "you can't do this, can't do that" and decide for myself what is the right course of action. That negative energy just fuels me to drive harder.

And now that I don't need traditional publishers or agents to achieve my career/art goals, I'm even more free to advance my novels and make a reasonable living. I'm very self-motivated and will work hard to write solid stories as well as drive my own marketing campaigns. But that's mostly "know how" and roll-up-your-sleeves energy. Resilience is what really got me here. I suspect that is partly the survivor side of me--the one who has made it out of hell a few times and thinks she can handle anything.

Anne – Where can readers find you online?

Christine - On Twitter I like to share a lot of industry info and resources. On Facebook I like to share puppy photos of our new chocolate lab, Tucker. And on my blog, I like to give free tips and tricks to help authors and editors succeed in their goals.

Anne – Thanks for dropping by to chat, Christine. I wish you every success with An Eye For Danger.

Readers: your comments are always appreciated and welcome. To ensure you receive every Anne K. Albert post, interview or giveaway, become a follower on either GFC (Google Friend Connection) or NetworkedBlogs. It’s as easy as a click of the mouse. Thank you, and until next time, happy reading!

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Terri L. Austin, Author of Diners, Dives & Dead Ends, Talks Writing & Offers #Givaway

My guest today is Terri L. Austin. When not writing, Terri enjoys eating breakfast at her local diner, watching really bad movies and hanging out with her kids when they’re home from college. She lives in Missouri with her funny, handsome husband and her high-maintenance peekapoo.

Terri - First of all, thanks for having me on your blog, Anne! And hello to all your readers.

Anne – It’s always wonderful to chat with a fellow mystery author! What one line sums me up as an author?

Terri - Throw me some chocolate, leave me alone with my characters and nobody will get hurt.

Anne – LOL! My sentiments exactly! Tell us about your latest release.

Terri - In Diners, Dives and Dead Ends, a struggling waitress and part-time college student, Rose Strickland’s life is stalled in the slow lane. But when her close friend, Axton, disappears, Rose suddenly finds herself serving up more than hot coffee and flapjacks. Now she’s hashing it out with sexy bad guys and scrambling to find clues in a race to save Axton before his time runs out.

With her anime-loving bestie, her septuagenarian boss, and pair of IT wise men along for the ride, Rose discovers political corruption, illegal gambling, and shady corporations. She’s gone from zero to sixty and quickly learns when you’re speeding down the fast lane, it’s easy to crash and burn.

Warning: This traditional mystery contains quirky humor, off-the-wall characters, and a dash of spicy language. Be prepared for fun read.

Anne – I’m ready! Would you share an excerpt of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends with us?

Terri – Certainly!

Mondays were known for two things at Ma’s Diner: we poured lots of extra coffee and the tips sucked. After my last customer left, I counted out my money. Twenty-three dollars and sixteen cents. Hmm, food or gas? 

I walked behind the counter and had just started to refill ketchup bottles when my friend, Ax, walked in. The bright afternoon sunshine flashed on his wallet chain as it slapped against his thigh.

Axton Graystone—his real name, I swear to God—was usually cheerful, goofy, and extremely mellow due to his natural disposition and the boatloads of pot he ingested. But when he stopped by the empty diner that afternoon, he was twitchy and nervous.

He plopped onto a stool in front of me and swung his overstuffed backpack onto another. His knee bounced up and down like a toddler on a sugar binge and he tapped his fingernails on the counter. “Rose, I need you to do something for me.”

“I’m not giving you my pee.” Axton had a couple of possession misdemeanors. Now the administration at the college where he worked made him take a urine test once a month. 

The keys in his pocket jangled with every bob of his knee. “No, not that. I need a favor.”

Anne - I have no idea what that favor might be, but I imagine it won't be good for Rose! What one how-to write book is a must on your bookshelf? Why? 

Terri - GMC by Debra Dixon. You have to have goals, motivation, and conflict to make a story. It’s a classic for a reason.

Anne – Agreed. It’s a keeper for me as well. Describe your home office as appears right now. Is this a good or bad thing?!

Terri - My home office is also my bedroom and that’s a bad thing! I have story boards pinned up on all the walls and doors and my desk chair blocks just about everything. But my husband is very patient with it all. And the kids just moved out of the house. So I’m looking at paint swatches and claiming one of the bedrooms for myself.

Anne - Do you belong to writer organizations, critique groups, or depend on beta readers?

Terri - All three. I belong to my local RWA chapter, MRW. I have great critique partners who tell it like it is—the good and the bad. And once I’ve revised and polished, I use beta readers to tell me what works and what doesn’t.

Anne - Outside of writing, what accomplishment are you most proud?

Terri - Raising two great kids. Both are in college, work, and are doing well. I’m really proud of them.

Anne - Where can readers find you online?

Terri – At my website, on Facebook, Twitter, and at Goodreads. 

Also, I’m having a drawing at the end of my blog tour. Leave a comment with your email address along the way, and I’ll enter you to win one of three copies of Diners, Dives and Dead Ends. (Continental US only.)

Thanks again, Anne!

Anne – I had a blast, Terri. Diners, Dives and Dead Ends has been added to my TBR list. 

Readers, your comments are always appreciated and welcome. To ensure you receive every Anne K. Albert post, interview or giveaway, become a follower on either GFC (Google Friend Connection) or NetworkedBlogs. It’s as easy as a click of the mouse. Thank you, and until next time, happy reading!

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Wendy Soliman, Author of Risky Business, Talks Writing

My guest today is Wendy Soliman. Wendy is a British author, now dividing her time between Andorra and the west coast of Florida. She writes historical and contemporary romance, as well as a series of marine crime mysteries. Under a pen name, she’s also ventured into the world of erotica.

When not writing Wendy enjoys walking miles with her dog, keeping fit and is on a one-woman mission to keep the wine business one step ahead of the recession.

Anne – Welcome to my little corner of cyberspace, Wendy. When did you first realise you were destined to become a writer.

Wendy - I don’t think it was a light bulb moment, more a case of something that came naturally and was always just…well, in me. I guess I’ve always had an over-active imagination. I wrote my first book when I was fifteen, my second when I was in my early twenties. I didn’t do any more writing until years and years later but the plot for that second novel finished up in a published work. Moral of the story – never throw anything away!

Anne - Tell us something about your most recent release.

Wendy - When my husband got tired of trying to kill himself in racing cars, light aircraft and helicopters, he suggested that we try boating. We were in Andorra, up to our ears in snow and the heating was on the blink, so pretty pictures of sleek motor cruisers cutting through the calm, crystal clear waters seemed rather appealing. And safe. We fell for the hype and before we knew it, we were the owners of an ancient boat in need of a considerable amount of tlc.

For Andre, that was the start of an on-going love affair with the sea. For me it was more a hate-love-hate situation. On the rare occasions when the sea is actually calm then boating is a dream. But most of the time you’re tossed about like a loose coin in a washing machine, feeling sick and wondering what the hell you’re doing.

Still, one good thing to come out of hours of staring at endless expanses of sea was The Hunter Files, my series of marine crime mysteries featuring British detective, Charlie Hunter. He just wants to live a quiet life on his boat but seems to get dragged back into one old case after another, still searching for clues that will make sense of his mother’s murder twenty years previously.

The first in the series, Unfinished Business, was released by Carina Press last October, written under my other persona, W. Soliman. The second, Risky Business, is hot off the press.

Anne - Would you share an excerpt with us?

Wendy – You have to ask?!

“Ought to give up those cancer sticks, Reg.” I nodded toward his half-smoked fag. “They’ll kill you in the end.”

“Gotta die of something.”

“True enough but that won’t be a pleasant way to go.” I paused for a sup of beer. “Come on then, tell me about Kendall.”

“And I’d do that because—”

“Because I’m asking you nicely,” I said, steel in my voice. “Because you know me well enough not to want to make an enemy of me. Oh, and because I’ll make it worth your while.”

The offer of financial gain secured his attention but he wasn’t about to give anything up easily. “It was a long time ago,” he said.

“And you’ve got the memory of an elephant.”

He ground his cigarette out on the floor and sighed. “Look, it was a scam, all right?”

“What sort of scam?”

“Dog fixing. I was just a gofer and never knew who was behind it all.” That had to be a lie but I let it pass. “Mike Kendall was higher up the food chain but still a small cog.”

I nodded. “Go on.” 

“It was money for old rope, weren’t it. Thousands of letters were sent out to known gamblers telling them that the person sending it had a score to settle with a particular bookie and was going to break him by betting big time on a specific race.” Reg paused to scratch vigorously at his scalp. I moved out of range to avoid the ensuing shower of flakes. “Dead simple it was, but then the best dodges usually are.”

“Don’t tell me. The recipient of the letter had to ring the number quoted and was given the name of the winning dog for free.”

“Got it in one, Mr. H.” Reg sniffed his contempt. “Course, three dogs were picked, with three different numbers to ring and one of them was almost sure to win the race. Well, put it this way, one of them always did win the race but don’t ask me how that could possibly have been arranged, dog racing being the upstanding, whiter-than-white sport what it’s always been. Anyway, out of the thousands of chancers who rang the numbers, a lot of ’em hit on the winner. Greed almost guaranteed that they’d phone again and this time pay for another tip.”

I nodded, having heard of such schemes before. “Simple and undetectable.”

“Yeah, pretty much, until that wanker Spelling went and got himself offed and spoiled it all.”

“He was the bookie who coordinated it?”

“Yeah, he supplied the names of the punters who were targeted but as far as I know, once he was killed and Mike went down for it, the scam was wound up.” He shrugged. “My services became surplus to requirements anyway and I never heard of it starting up again at another track.”

Anne – How long does it take you to write a book?

Wendy - I’m prolific! I easily turn out four full length novels in a year. I really do need to get a life!

Anne – Wow, four books per year. I am impressed! Describe your office as it looks now.

Wendy - Ha! We’re gipsies, spending half the year in Florida and the rest of the time in Europe. Right now I’m sitting in a rented flat in Spain with my laptop on the dining table and a few precious files on my left. How I yearn for my research books, neatly lined up on shelves, right within arm’s length, back in Florida. Not that I need them so much nowadays, what with the internet and all. I guess they’re more a comfort blanket.

Anne - Do you belong to a writing organisation, critique group or depend on beta partners?

Wendy - The first thing I did when I started to write seriously was to join the Romantic Novelists’ Association in England, something I’ve never had cause to regret. I don’t get to many meetings because of my lifestyle but I forged friendships there that endure over the cyber waves. I do attend RWA chapter meetings in Tampa when I’m in Florida, which has produced valuable writing opportunities, but I’ve never had a critique partner of any sort.

Thanks for having me here, Anne. It’s been great.

Anne – It’s been my pleasure, Wendy. I wish you every success with Risky Business. I’m also rather envious of your nomadic lifestyle. Dividing the year between two places is my ultimate dream! 

Readers: your comments are always appreciated and welcome. To ensure you receive every Anne K. Albert post, interview or giveaway, become a follower on either GFC (Google Friend Connection) or NetworkedBlogs. It’s as easy as a click of the mouse. Thank you, and until next time, happy reading!

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