Monday Mortals: Alice Huskisson

I'm delighted to have fellow Brit and chick lit author, Alice Huskisson with me today.

Hey Alice! Can you tell us a little about your latest book.

It's called THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK and is written in blog style, like a diary, and follows Mae, a forty-something glamorous woman, as she dates many different men. She is determined to find Mr Right before her looks deteriorate through age and her biological clock runs out! It's funny, emotional, heartbreaking and above all, entertaining. It's set in Essex, UK, and some reviews have compared it to Bridget Jones' Diary which is very flattering. One even said it's "Better than Bridget Jones!" I could kiss that reviewer!

What inspired you to write it?
Some years ago I wrote a blog, primarily to keep my friends and family up to date with my life. I didn't just blog about my dating episodes but also everything else that was going on in my life. However, it soon became very apparent that the dating posts were the most popular and after three people (independently of each other) suggested I turn those in to a book, I began to wonder whether it was achievable. Therefore, it wasn't ever intended to be a novel. It has just evolved in to one and has been turned in to fiction with tweaks of the story and all characters/place names have been changed.

Is it part of a series?
Yes, I have recently decided to write a sequel which will be half based on real life experiences and half not. The working title is THE MAN IN A HAYSTACK - SEARCHING HEARTS.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?

photo credit: brixton21 via photopin cc

I have given this a lot of thought, as I'm sure most authors have with their own characters. My leading female character, Mae, would be perfectly played by Gwyneth Paltrow or Cameron Diaz provided they could pull off a convincing British (Essex) accent, or Kate Winslet who is English anyway. My leading men, Fit Guy and Del the Donk could be played by Jude Law and Paul Nicholls respectively. US readers may not know Paul Nicholls as well as us Brits although he did appear in Bridget Jones - The Edge of Reason as Jed.

What made you want to become an author?
I kind of stumbled in to it! I had always worked as an administrator and when I lost my job to redundancy after 28 years, it was then that I decided to focus on editing my blog in to the novel that it has become now. I feel a bit of a fraud tagging my name with 'author' or 'writer' but essentially that is what I have evolved in to, and I have to say I'm thoroughly enjoying this new vocation.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers?
I recently bought a book by an author I have become acquainted with on Twitter, Jess Sturman-Coombs. The book is POKER FACE, and when I held the book in my hands for the first time and saw the glossy cover up close, I thought it was incredibly beautiful and classy, and yet so simple.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
That would be Cecelia Ahern's Where Rainbows End. I read it on the beach when I was on holiday in Fueterventura, Spain, and could not get my head out of it because I identified with the relationship between Rosie and Alex so much.

Who, or what, inspires you?
People who persevere and follow their dreams and don't lose sight of their capabilities, despite others who knock them with comments which could easily sap the confidence out of most of us.

Where is your favourite place to write?
In the comfort and quietness of my own home. Silence, my computer, my thoughts, my pen and paper, and a black coffee with two sweeteners. That's all I need to get me set up for a morning or afternoon of writing.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
I am a sucker for romcoms and chick lit. My all time favourite romcom based on a book is Bridget Jones' Diary closely followed by Ps. I Love You.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
I am not well read by any means, never having had a huge amount of spare time to get stuck in to reading regularly. But of those I have read, I am drawn to Cecelia Ahern. Having said all that, now that I am writing regularly I intend to read a lot of self published ebooks and was given a Kindle a couple of weeks ago as a birthday present, so I'm all set up and raring to go and have already downloaded quite a few.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I am very nostalgic about the 1970s - I love it all - the music, the fashions, the toys. If I could turn back time, that is the era I'd choose to revisit as an adult.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
I live in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK. It is a seaside town popular with summer day trippers and it is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world extending 1.34 miles in to the Thames Estuary.

Links to your website / facebook / twitter / youtube, etc:
My/book website: www.themaninahaystack.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/themaninahaystack
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Alice_Haystack
Amazon: www.viewbook.at/themaninahaystack
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/daisykins64

It was a pleasure having you on my blog, Alice. We have a lot in common! I adore Cecelia Ahern's books an PS I Love You is an amazing movie! Oh and I recently flew into Southend Airport LOL!

Monday Mortals: Joanna Lambert

I'm delighted to have the lovely author, Joanna Lambert with me today.

Hi Jo! Can you tell us a little about your latest book. 
This follows on from the trilogy which finished in 1973. We catch up with the characters again in 1990. Matriarch Laura Kendrick, owner of Little Court Manor is dead. As her family grieve they are also trying to come to terms with their own problems.
Nick Kendrick is a bitter and disillusioned head teacher whose deteriorating mental state is giving cause for concern to both his family and work colleagues. Ella Benedict his beautiful, successful sister is concerned about her record producer husband Matt’s pre-occupation with one of his former stars. In Spain, band frontman Christian Rosetti wonders why they are recording in Marbella when Matt promised them New York. Could it be that Marcie Maguire, a woman whose career Matt helped launch many years ago is here performing? And if that is the reason, what makes a woman he has not seen for twenty years so special?
When Ella and her sister-in-law Jenny agree to help a friend trace the lost heir to his fortune, their search takes them to Spain. Joining Matt and the band in Marbella, Ella hopes to end the rumours once and for all and prove to the world that her relationship with him is as strong as ever. But when Jenny is unexpectedly called home, Ella is left alone to face a woman who is not only firmly back in Matt’s life, but is determined to destroy their marriage.

What inspired you to write it?
While I was writing the last book of the trilogy - The Ghost of You and Me – I became aware that there was an opportunity to maybe develop a fourth book. This had not been my original intention but by the time I had finished book three, the feeling I should bring them all back was so strong I decided that is what I would do. Marcie’s revenge which became the centre of the story but there were a whole lot of other issues which I built around this. It worked out so well I knew I’d done the right thing!

Is it part of a series?
Yes, it is the follow up to the trilogy and picks up seventeen years after the trilogy finishes.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?

When I was writing the book, I visualised Sarah Parish as Ella. Matt - Patrick Baladi. And Marcie - Freema Agyeman

What made you want to become an author?
I guess it was always there. I’d loved reading as a child and was always good at English, particularly essays. I had a very over-active imagination (so I’m told) so I think as I grew older the whole thing transferred itself into wanting to write and create my own stories. My first attempts were when I was twelve years old but a proper attempt at novel writing did not happen until much later. I think writing is either in your or it’s not and also it’s no good being able to write technically well if you can’t story tell. I think the ability to tell a good story is the foundation to good writing. I inherited that from my maternal grandfather who had us all spellbound as children with his tales.
I did travel the conventional route by submitting synopsis and chapters to Agents but the writing industry is such a huge business now and chances of publication for a first time author are few and far between. Indie publishing has really opened the door and means that you can get your work published – I think that was the final nudge I needed. I can’t begin to describe how I felt the day I received a copy of my very first novel but I knew straight away that novel writing was what I wanted to do.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers? 
Sally Beauman’s Lovers and Liars. It’s the model’s blonde hair, there is so much of it and it has a quite striking impact on the cover.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
I really feel Gilli Allan’s Torn was an amazing read. The whole story flowed so well and was written with care, passion and sensitivity. I finished it thinking ‘Gosh I wish I could write like that!’

Who, or what, inspires you?
Places, landscapes, people. I’m lucky enough to live in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. When I wrote the trilogy, my own village was the inspiration for Meridan Cross. It sits on a hillside under a huge wood and from where I live you can watch the colour of the trees change with the seasons. A fall of snow in winter makes the trees look as if they are dusted with icing sugar and on wet days low cloud threads its way through the wood – it’s so atmospheric and was brilliant in giving my books a sense of place.

Where is your favourite place to write? 
I guess if I’m typing then the office (which is our smallest bedroom) but I do like to sit outside on warm days (or when we’re away on holiday somewhere hot) and write on an A4 pad. When we were in Minorca in 2010 we had a fantastic villa with a cool front loggia. When I’d had enough time around the pool I would sit there with the pad and work on my current novel.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book? 
It’s got to be Wuthering Heights. There is so much passion in this story.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
I love Lesley Pearse – wonderful heroines and great storytelling. I do have quite a varied taste in reading and that’s the excuse I’m giving for currently becoming completely hooked on George R R Martin’s Game of Thrones series. Such a complex story with a huge cast of characters - quite brutal but very compelling. I have the DVDs for the first two series as well and the casting has been really true to the books.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
Definitely Jane Austen. She lived in my home town of Bath for a while and I would love to talk to her about life in the city during her time and how it motivated her writing. Also Thomas Hardy, for the same reason. He wrote so vividly about the West Country, his books a reflection on life during those times. Part of the filming for Far from the Madding Crowd was done in Devizes, the Wiltshire town where I was born and grew up. Emily Bronte is my third historical guest as I’d love to quiz her about Wuthering Heights. And from today’s writers J K Rowling and E L James, authors who have been phenomenally successful with completely different genres.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I’m a member of MENSA with an IQ of 151

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live. 
For the last thirty years I’ve lived in Bath. It’s a fantastic vibrant city with a huge span of history, from Roman occupation and the Baths to beautiful Regency buildings like the Circus and the Royal Crescent. On the eastern outskirts where I live the surrounding countryside has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – so we have the best of both worlds!

Blog: http://www:jolambertwriter.wordpress.com
Website: http://www.ladywriter.moonfruit.com
Twitter: @jolambertwriter
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jolambert185
Amazon link to Between Today and Yesterday : http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0083VAR 

Monday Mortals: Vanessa Finaughty

I'm delighted to have the lovely Vanessa Finaughty with me today. 

Hi Vanessa! Can you tell us a little about your latest book.

My latest book is a fantasy short story anthology called Sorcery & Subterfuge. The anthology contains all my favourite fantasy elements, like dragons, magic, elves and, of course, the ryokin from my Legends of Origin series. Some of the stories were written on commission for Oxford RSA (though I retain all rights other than educational). Those stories are Prince of Runeguard, The Enemy Crown and Ryokin Master.

What inspired you to write it?
Some of the stories were commissioned by Oxford, but all were inspired by my love of anything fantasy, because I believe that many of the things we consider to be fantasy are merely another form of reality we've yet to fully grasp. Such as magic - there are people out there who can move things with their minds (telekinetic) and those who can see into the future (psychic); these things could easily be called magic and, in fact, appear in many fantasy works.

Is it part of a series?

Sorcery & Subterfuge isn't, no, though the stories that involve the ryokin from my Legends of Origin series are sneak peeks into future characters in the series. These stories can be considered an introduction to those series characters, before they met Liam MacAskill, my series MC.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
I haven't really thought about Sword & Sorcery being turned into a movie, to be honest. When it comes to movies, I see Legends of Origin as a TV series; as a movie, the series is likely to end up as three-part, three-hour movies. As for the main character in the series, Liam MacAskill, I haven't actually found an actor I think fits the role perfectly, but Darren Criss comes close. I could easily see Josh Hutcherson playing Arthean, the series' other MC.

What made you want to become an author?
I've always loved reading. My mom reads a lot, so that's possibly where I obtained my first love of books. Ever since I could read, I wanted to wow and entertain people the way I was wowed and entertained by authors like Enid Blyton, CS Lewis and Willard Price. Of course, once you start writing, the ideas never stop (for me, at least), so I can end up feeling rather psychotic when unable to write for long periods of time. It's part of me now, part of who I am, and I'm not me if I'm not writing.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers?
That's a hard one. I don't usually remember covers as well as I remember the stories themselves (the same way I'm terrible at remembering faces). One cover I really love is TC Southwell's cover for The Queen's Blade II, Sacrifice.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
Almost every Dean Koontz book! Seriously, though, if I have to pick just one book, it would be Catherine Webb's Mirror Dreams. It was the first of her books I'd read, and I think she was only 14 years old when she wrote it - considering the easy humour, smooth flow and excellent plot, along with her young age, I think that's pretty impressive!

Who, or what, inspires you?
The short answer is: life, the universe and everything. Inspiration is all around us, seen and unseen; it's just for us to open our minds to it. I'm lucky, because I never have to sit and think about what to write - my stories pop into my head, starting with just one scene, and they take off from there with a life of their own.

Where is your favourite place to write?
I don't use my laptop as much as I should, considering the freedom it gives me to write wherever I want, so I usually write in my office at the desktop PC. I'm also not fond of driving when it isn't necessary (probably due to an accident in 1995 in which we were hit by a drunk driver and our car ended up a write-off), so I'm happy to write at home at my desk; it's all the same to me, as long as I'm comfortable and my back is properly supported.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
Panic Room - although I'm not sure if the movie was based on the book or the other way around.

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
John Connolly, Dean Koontz and Terry Brooks. I enjoy all these authors for their smooth writing styles and enhanced imaginations, and because their characters are ones I'm easily able to relate to. I also like that Connolly and Koontz include random humour where you least expect it.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
HP Lovecraft, because he's really the Father of Horror, in my opinion, when it comes to original horror. As far as I know, he was the first to ever invent creatures that no one else was writing about, in a time where all horror books and movies contained the usual ghosts, werewolves or vampires. Nowadays, of course, everyone is inventing creatures (which is good, because it prevents readers from being bored, since almost all plots are now done to death too), but back in his time that must have been quite a step to take. I'd love to delve deeper into his mind. The other would be John Connolly - a few years ago, I had the honour of interviewing him over a cup of coffee, and he kept me in fits of laughter for at least half of the interview. His fame hasn't gone to his head; he's down to earth and a really lovely person with similar views of life to mine, all of which makes him not only easy to talk to, but interesting too.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I've recently become addicted to bunnylicks (frozen flavoured 'ice sticks').

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
I live in Cape Town, which I think is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with the most diverse plant life. I've heard it said that just the Table Mountain National Park alone boasts more plant species than the whole of New Zealand and the British Isles. Then there's the Cape Floral Region, which has been described by the World Heritage Committee as having 'outstanding universal significance to humanity' and 'one of the riches areas for plants in the world'. Those are just two areas...

WOW... it sounds AMAZING, Vanessa! 

Links to your website / facebook / twitter / youtube, etc:
My website (a forum for all writers)
Facebook
Twitter
Smashwords

Monday Mortals: Miriam Wakerly

Today I have the lovely author Miriam Wakerly with me...

Hi Miriam! Can you tell us a little about your latest book. 

Shades of Appley Green is an emotional story about Steph, a young mother living in the village who becomes strangely obsessed with helping an elderly, once famous now lonely, gent regain his lost family and friends. Exactly what is driving her mission is not clear to either her or the reader until the end. It is a book about community and family relationships and, of course, a love story is all wrapped up in there too!

What inspired you to write it? 
I drew from direct personal experience of working with both young single mothers and isolated elderly folk; also something akin to bullying in the workplace. Aspects of life like this mean struggle, emotion and heartache that must be overcome by the human spirit.
I created my characters first off, then the story formed from them and the situations in which they find themselves. Readers of my first two books, Gypsies Stop tHere and No Gypsies Served, said they liked the storytelling – some observational humour and that style where you want to know what will happen next. Also people seemed taken by the setting, lovely Appley Green village, so I built on that. So – thank you readers – you inspired me too!

Is it part of a series? 
Yes, it is the first of a new series, although all three are in Appley Green and ‘village novels’. The first two belong together because of the Gypsy theme, but this one is fresh. However, there is an overlap of characters between all three books, because I think readers really like that. They recognise someone they have ‘met’ before and find out a bit more about them.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters? Steph is a feisty but emotional young woman. Someone like Claire Danes who plays Carrie Mathison in Homeland – but she would have to do a good English accent and calm down a bit! As Damian Lewis can switch to American so convincingly maybe that would work. I would love Bill Nighy to take the part of Jackson, the retired architect - and the male lead? Hmmm, thinking … any ideas? He would be an attractive 50 year-old, dependable, calm yet charismatic.

What made you want to become an author? I have always written – just one of those things! Many stories published in the 1980s and later articles on all kinds of subjects. The novel was always something I knew I would do one day. I had a few Mills & Boon rejections decades ago – fancied making a fortune I think, not really writing as I wanted to write. I am more realist than romantic, although relationships are the core of any book really, aren’t they?

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers? 

Oooh - difficult questions!! I mean, to choose one? Just look at all those on Famous Five Plus and indeed, your own books Suzy. Truly eye-wateringly captivating! I’ll go for one that I read not long ago – Every Step of the Way by Kit Domino. This is for sheer colour and prettiness and the fact that Kit painted it herself. It has a nostalgia feel – the 1950s are depicted as harsh in the book but the cover reminds you that there were some sunny moments for a child of that era.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you? For this I think I must choose a truly ‘big’ book – Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It just took me away to another time and place and made me hungry for more historical novels. I wish I had more time to read these lengthy tomes!

Who, or what, inspires you? Real life and issues that concern me. Things I have done, seen, read about or been told, emotions I have felt, but that is just the beginning. You don’t just present facts and incidents in a novel; of course not. An author must convert life into something even more interesting, more tantalising, through fictional characters that interact. You bend, you twist, you exaggerate and embellish! I love to create people, places and weave a plot!

Where is your favourite place to write? Boring – my study. Not necessarily ‘favourite’ but everything I need is there. However, I do also resort to backs of envelopes anywhere, anytime. 

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book? I love films and I love reading books, but often find that when a book is adapted for screen I am disappointed. The Kite Runner was good. When I was younger I enjoyed the book Lark Rise to Candleford and, later, the original adaptation for TV, although the series did go a bit Disneyfied and rose-tinted!

Who is your favourite author (s) and why? I can’t answer this well because I am a bit fickle, always changing. A long list: Years ago: Thomas Hardy, Jilly Cooper, Jane Austen; later Maeve Binchy, Sebastian Faulks, Ian McEwan; now Amanda Craig, Alan Bennett, Edward Rutherfurd,. See what I mean? What a mixture!!!

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why? Some of those wonderful writers above, I guess. Imagine Alan Bennett with Thomas Hardy, Jilly Cooper and Jane Austen! Fabulous.

Tell us a random fact about yourself. Something bizarre I always do, quite unconsciously: at the end of a meal, I have a tiny, tiny piece of each food item left on the plate which I eat last of all. (you did say random ) This is quite sad and totally irrelevant. I could break this harmless habit, if I had to!

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live. 
It’s pretty close to Appley Green! I hope you can drop in some time : http://miriamwakerly.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/do-drop-in-to-appley-green-as-youre.html

Thanks, Suzy, for listening to my ramblings. 

Its an absolute pleasure, Miriam! You are welcome here anytime... especially as we share a love for Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth. One of the best books ever! And Jilly Cooper (I grew up reading her books).

Find out more about Miriam and her books...

www.miriamwakerly.blogspot.co.uk
https://twitter.com/MiriamWakerly
Miriam's Facebook Page
Shades of Appley Green on Amazon UK
Shades of Appley Green on Amazon US

Monday Mortals: Blogger Jontybabe

I'm delighted to have book reviewer and blogger, Jontybabe with me today. Here's the interview...

Hi Jontybabe! Can you tell us a little about your blog.

My blog basically started off as an online diary to myself to give me an avenue to have a really good old rant about life in general. Whilst initially enthusiastic about my blog I did let it slip for a while before getting back into writing on the blog in a big way. Now I love my blog and I find it really therapeutic. I like to think that the blog helps others in similar circumstances connect. It’s a Crazy World is mainly about special needs issues as my daughter has autism and a severe learning disability. However, over the last year it has evolved to include book and product reviews and I have to say I really enjoy this new aspect to the blog. Being involved with indie authors has opened up new reading experiences for me and I am thoroughly enjoying discovering wonderful new authors and genres. This has reawakened my love of books and I am in the process of developing a dedicated book blog, due to be launched on 1st December 2012.

Have you ever read a book that made you think 'wow'? If so, what book was it and why did it have such an effect on you?
Oh my goodness, what a difficult question. I have read so many great books like this. I suppose the most recent ones I can think of are the first two books in Justin Cronin’s vampire trilogy – The Passage & The Twelve. The books are intense post-apocalyptic stories with vampires. Weird I know, but the books contain so much detail and every character is very cleverly linked. They are the type of books that demand all your attention and are exhausting. I’ve got to wait until 2014 until the final book is published. Not sure I can survive that long!
I have loved reading these books because they give a great sense of the talent that the author has and leave me in awe at the planning that would have gone into pulling the stories together. What I love about being a reader and a reviewer is that I get the opportunity to read such an eclectic mix of genres. I recently read ‘Me before You’ by JoJo Moyes and that left me sobbing like a loon. This book made me feel a huge sympathy for the main characters and touched so many emotional nerves.

Who is your favourite author and why? 
Again, because I read such an eclectic mix of books it’s so difficult to pinpoint one favourite author. When I was a teenager I was an avid Stephen King fan and read so many of his books one after the other. I have recently discovered that his son Joe Hill is a writer and loved his book Heart Shaped Box. Very creepy! In complete contrast I also love some of the classics authors such as Charlotte Bronte and Jane Eyre is a firm favourite. I also love Steinbeck, Du Maurier and a little bit of Shakespeare. I think the reason that I love these books is that they get me so hooked into the story and the differing styles of the authors are intriguing. I love comparing and contrasting.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers?
I love the cover from ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows because I think it gives a clue to what the book is about. I love the cover because it has a picture of a letter and I love books that involve correspondence between the characters or letters that help shape the story, providing history and background. It’s much like another favourite of mine, 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, which is another story evolved out of letters between characters.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
I think in order to make the dinner conversation as interesting as possible; the most diverse group of authors would need to be assembled round the table. Here’s my list.
Stephen King – he is the master of horror and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up! He would bring a creepy element to the dinner party.
William Shakespeare – there simply couldn’t be a dinner party without him. The true genius of storytelling.
Oscar Wilde – Just to add a little bit of extravagance and scandal
Roddy Doyle – to add lots of good old Irish humour.
John Niven – he’d obviously have to sit beside Roddy Doyle. The two of them together would be hilarious!
The Bronte sisters – revolutionary writers of their time, leading the way for women writers at a period in history when women didn’t get the same opportunities to be published.
EL James – I hated Fifty Shades of Grey but would love her at the party just to mix it up a bit with the Bronte sisters.
Justin Cronin – my newest favourite author. I think he and Stephen King would get along.
Daphne Du Maurier – simply because I love her!

Who, or what, inspires you?
My daughter is my foremost inspiration for my blog. I never fail to be amazed by her courage throughout daily difficulties. She has made me the person I am today. Life is never dull with her around.
Since I have gotten involved with lots of indie authors I am truly inspired by their talent and determination and a great sense of self-belief. They are wonderfully interesting people who have been courageous enough to chase their dream. They have inspired me to take my interest in reading and all things bookish and develop a new book blog.

Where is your favourite place to write your blog?
In my dream life I have a beautiful old antique desk at a window overlooking a beautiful garden. Unfortunately in real life I don’t have room for a desk so much of my writing is done perched on the sofa between my daughter and the dog or sitting at the kitchen table. Not very glamorous! I constantly spend my day looking round my house wondering which piece of furniture I can get rid of to replace with a desk!

Tell us a little about your favourite book...
I absolutely adore Rebecca by Dauphne Du Maurier. I love the mystery behind the story and the creepy character of Mrs Danvers, the housekeeper. It’s the story of a young woman who accepts the marriage proposal of an older man and moves to his country estate, Manderley. Unfortunately the huge house is haunted by the memory of his first wife Rebecca who was both mysterious and very beautiful. Behind it all there is a mystery to be solved. It’s exciting stuff and I love it.

What is your favourite film that was based on a book?
Oh that’s a hard one as I am constantly disappointed by movie adaptions from books. I’m not sure I have one – yet! Though I have heard that the film rights have been bought to Justin Cronin’s vampire series so we’ll see!

If your favourite book was made into a film, who would you like to play the main characters?
This year my favourite book has been ‘Somebody to Love’ by Sheryl Browne. In my review I did say that the book was crying out to be made into a romcom. For the central character of Donna I’m not actually sure who could do this part justice. It would have to be somebody who could carry off comedic situations on the big screen. For the part of Mark, the love interest, I have to say I always imagined Chris O’Dowd for that part. I don’t know why as he physically he wouldn’t resemble Mark but that’s who I kept thinking of when reading the book.

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I once posed dressed as an Austrian milkmaid for a local tourist board publicity shot. My town is twinned with a town in Austria. Apparently!

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
I live in Bangor, Northern Ireland. During World War II, Dwight D. Eisenhower addressed Allied troops who were departing to take part in the D-Day landings.

www.jontybabe.blogspot.com
The new blog which goes live on 1st December www.brookcottagebooks.blogspot.com

Thanks Jontybabe! Its been an absolute pleasure having you on my blog today :)

Monday Mortals: Janet Beasley

I'm delighted to have the fabulous author of the Hidden Earth series, Janet Beasley with me today...

Hi Janet! Can you tell us a little about your latest book. 

My latest book is more than one - it's a conglomeration of 3! There's the trilogy of Maycly which is Volume 1 in the inspirational epic fantasy Hidden Earth Series, and 2 companion books: a full color illustration book with detailed descriptions of the animals, plants, and dwellings (a great book to read before during or after reading Maycly), and the second companion book is a cookbook that offers menus, recipes, owner histories, tons of pics, illustrations, 2 indexes, and more stemming from the restaurants found in the novel Maycly...and yes, all recipes are fully preparable and edible right here on Earth!

What inspired you to write it?
My inspiration comes from my potpourri of life's happenings - trials, triumphs, and even a hint of love.

Is it part of a series?
Yes. The Hidden Earth Series is actually a 6 novel series. Volume 1 is titled Maycly the Trilogy. Just recently I unleashed the titles to the upcoming 5 volumes that will complete the series. You'll find the titles on my Hidden Earth Series website on the page titled Upcoming Novels.

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?
I'd love to see Drew Barrymore play Iona. Not all of these guys are around, but I think Dick Van Dyke - Buddy Ebsen - Red Skelton - or Ray Bolger would fill the shoes of The Man Behind The Dumpster and pull it off in style! When it comes to Wiskee - well, he could play his own part real well. Lucasphair is the perfect role to be filled by Johnny Depp, and Kathy Bates would make an outstanding Marlen. Jimmy Durante would have been great as Charleo, and Mark Addy would bring Artie the much needed charisma he needs.

What made you want to become an author?
My fantastical imagination combined with my compassion to inspire and encourage people of all ages!

Name one of your all-time favorite book covers?
Am I allowed to say my own? Really - I like the cover of Maycly best, out of all the books I hold in my iPad...not just because it is mine, but because our fabulous graphic designer presented me with something entirely different within the genre, and it was love a first site.

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe simply because C.S. Lewis was able to convey Narnia in such a way it seemed very real.

Who, or what, inspires you?
Who? That would be Walt Disney, and my family. What? Tandem kayaking through nature with my hubby, photographing sunsets and wildlife, baking cupcakes, and playing with my dog.

Where is your favorite place to write?
My screened-in porch on a beautiful day - sipping a refreshing glass of iced tea - listening to the sounds of nature, or snuggled up in my writer's den when the weather is not cooperating - with a mug of white hot-chocolate topped with marshmallows - listening to my favorite stations on Pandora - and enjoying my "scrapbooked" walls filled with my nature photos and illustrations from Maycly.

What is your favorite movie that was based on a book?
Lord of the Rings

Who is your favorite author (s) and why?
Steve Hamilton - he writes in such a way it makes me feel as though I am always standing next to his protagonist.
Daniel Carter - he writes excellent action that holds my interest along with my breath wondering what is going to happen next.
Betty Dravis - a talented author in many genres. I laugh, I cry, I get scared out of my wits...so depending on the mood I'm in I know I can always pick up a "Betty Book" and satisfy my craving.
Jean E. Lane - a master at children's books. You've heard of historical fiction, well Jean E. brings you factual sci-fi fiction. Tons of fun, and characters you love to hang with.
Janet Tronstad - amazing talent used to bring charming stories that take you to a place you wish you could live forever.
C.S. Lewis - the master of fantasy and realism, a combination of which I'm quite fond.
J.K. Rowling - funny, I love the HP series for certain, but she is one of my favs simply because of her dedication, determination, and willingness to adapt - improvise - and overcome!
And of course, Walt Disney - does he really need an explanation as to why he's on my favorites list?

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
Everyone mentioned above :)

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I love chocolate - the darker the cocoa the better! And if you throw in chili chocolate I'll be in heaven!

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
The quaint town I live in was once known as the Venice of Lake County - no, we don't have gondolas, but we certainly have the beautiful waterways on which they could journey.

Thank you for visiting, Janet! I loved reading your answers... you certainly have a wonderful joie de vivre!

Check out Janet's links below...

Amazon Author Bio: http://www.amazon.com/Janet-Beasley/e/B0067AK386/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Hidden Earth Series Website: http//www.HiddenEarthSeries.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/AuthorJanetBeasley =and= http://www.Facebook.com/JLBCreatives
Twitter Handles: @AuthorJanetB and @JLBCreatives
Linked In: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/janetbeasley
JLB Creatives Blog: http://www.JLBCreatives.Blogspot.com

Monday Mortals: Dario Giardi

It's Monday again and today, as part of my Monday Mortals theme, I'm interviewing the Italian author Dario Giardi. 

Hi Dario! Can you tell us a little about your latest book. 
Adudan is my debut novel. It's an urban fantasy which I think is very innovative and special for the message it contains, but I'll leave you to judge for yourselves. The story comes to life during sleep and in the dreams of Marcel Guivarch, a Breton writer who is able to immerse himself in the memory of an ancestral past. In this land which lies between dreams and reality, the protagonist starts to become fully aware of his true identity and of his mission. Through the visions that a mysterious civilization manages to send him, he traces his life backwards until he discovers that he was Railen, a guardian chosen by princess Adudan, the only sovereign left to rule the planet Atlas after the death of her father. For Marcel, these visions are the first pieces of a story that traces its roots back into time.

What inspired you to write it? 

Everything comes in dreams. Adudan comes from my dream journeys. Many call them astral travel. The creative drive always starts with an image. I wake up I take notes on the images that my imagination has produced ... everything comes from them. If there is a strong emotion behind that image do not take it into account. In what I write, there is always a profound message I like to convey and I think that in this sense Adudan it conceals many. This is all my writing is something that goes beyond the pages.

Is it part of a series? 
No

If your latest book was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters? 

I love the movie "The Lake House" and its magical and dreamy atmosphere. The Lake House is about possibilities and impossibilities and the decisions we make on our way to finding the right person. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock represent the perfect cast for a Adudan Film Adaptation.

What made you want to become an author? 
The childhood experiences influence the will to be a writer.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers? 
Adudan;)

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you? 
Twelve years ago I read an article in the Los Angeles Times in which America's most successful fiction writers were asked to name their top-ten favorite works of 20th Century American fiction. John Fante's "Ask the Dust" was the only title to appear on every author's top-ten list in that article. Since then, I've read "Ask the Dust" twice, as well as every other book by Mr. Fante.

Who, or what, inspires you? 
Imagination and life

Where is your favourite place to write?
Near the Sea

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book? 
The Lord of the rings

Who is your favourite author (s) and why? 
John Fante for his ability to catapult the player and hit mainly describing the emotions experienced or just think. Sudden strokes on the plot without necessarily explain all or dwell in a thousand descriptions ...

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why? 
John Fante, Ernest Hemingway and Jack London.

Tell us a random fact about yourself. 
I work as a researcher in the fields of environment and energy, although my true passion is writing.I have written the tourist guides Bretagna: natura, arte, poesia e mistero tra oceano e cielo and Roma: misteri ed itinerari insoliti, published by Polaris (www.polaris-ed.it/). Adudan is my debut Novel. I have decided to take a gamble with self-publishing on the Amazon platform. America is the land of opportunity. Self-publishing has made many dreams come true. I'm sure it's a positive sign of changing times and of the direct power that new technologies give readers, bypassing the old, traditional publishing system to give a voice to what for me is the only criterion for publishing success: the public.

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live. 
I live in a small city in the Etruscan countryside. 30 miles near Rome.

My site www.dariogiardi.com
Blog: http://dariogiardi.blogspot.com
Adudan facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/adudan2012
@darigoiardi (twitter)
Here is the booktrailer entirely produced by the author in collaboration with young artist Cecilia Luce.

Monday Mortals: Melissa Pearl

Monday Mortals is my brand new theme for interviews, guest posts and anything to do with other people, whether they're authors, designers, singers, etc! Today I have the pleasure to be interviewing the awesome YA author Melissa Pearl who releases her brand new novel, today!!

Hey Melissa! Can you tell us a little about your latest book.

My latest book, Betwixt (YA Paranormal) released on Nov 5th. I have had this story in my head for a very long time, so it's great to finally be able to share it with the world :)
Betwixt is the story of a very popular, wild-child, Nicole, who gets hit by a car and left for dead. It doesn't take her long to figure out that she is actually caught between life and death and as her spirit floats around town trying to find someone who can hear her, she starts to find out what her friends really think about her. Ironically the only person who can hear her is the guy she publicly humiliated at school, Dale Finnigan.

Desperate, she has no choice but to haunt Dale and convince him to find her before the person who hit her with their car comes to finish off the job. 

WOW, Melissa that sounds awesome!

What inspired you to write it?
I saw a movie called, Invisible, and loved the premise, but was disappointed with the execution. I couldn't stop thinking about it though and a story of my own was born. Over the years it developed into something completely new and different from the movie. I fell in love with the two main characters and just had to start writing it.

Is it part of a series?
No - this is my first stand alone novel. It's been quite nice just writing a one-off :)

If Betwixt was made into a movie, who would you like to play the main characters?

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via photopin cc

Photo credit: canmark via photopin cc

I always find this question hard, because sometimes you can't think of an actor that truly encapsulates the characters in your head, but the closest I've found is Mila Kunis (above) for Nicole and Penn Badgley (above) for Dale.

What made you want to become an author?
My friend told me to, actually. I have always had stories floating around in my brain and one day my best friend asked me to write one down so that she could read it. I started and fell in love with writing.

Name one of your all-time favourite book covers?

Oooo - that's a tough one. I LOVE book covers!! I have a few that pop into my head straight away though - The Iron Witch (left) by Karen Mahoney. There's something so stunning about it... and I also love the covers for the Halo series by Alexandra Adornetto. And as I'm typing this more and more covers are coming to mind, so I'll stop there :)

Name one book that made you think 'wow'? Why did it have such an effect on you?
The Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers was like that for me. I have read them multiple times now, and every time I am touched by the growth and stories of the characters. You know those books you read that make you want to be a better person because one of the characters is so inspiring? Well - those three books are like that for me :)

Who, or what, inspires you?
I get inspired by so many different things - songs, movies, concepts - I love asking myself a "what if" question and answering it by writing a book. Anything that makes me want to laugh, cry and fall in love is inspirational to me. I am also a Christian and I find my maker extremely inspiring :)

Where is your favourite place to write?
I do most of my writing at my desk, which is currently in our living room. Not the best set up, but the only place it will fit. I have poems, verses, story ideas and pictures plastered up all over the walls around my desk and I love glancing up at them as I work.

What is your favourite movie that was based on a book?
Again - there are so many. Um - the first two that pop into my head are The Notebook and Shawshank Redemption (this was based on a novella by Stephen King called Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption).

Who is your favourite author (s) and why?
I have a few different authors for a few different reasons - Francine Rivers, because she makes me think about my life, Dee Henderson because her books are impossible to put down and Simone Elkeles, because she writes teenage love in a very raw and real way.

If you could have a dinner party with any authors from any time in history, who would you choose and why?
Good question!!
EE Cummings - because his poem, I Carry Your Heart With Me is so incredibly beautiful and I want to ask him about it
Robert Frost - because I love his poetry
Francine Rivers - because I'd love to get inside her head and find out how she comes up with such amazing, inspirational stuff
John the apostle - he wrote a few books in the bible. He hung out with Jesus and I'd love to hear what that was like.
Stephen King - because I think he is a very talented man and I could learn so much from him

Tell us a random fact about yourself.
I love nutella. Seriously love it. It's scary. I could finish a jar in a night, I'm sure... and then add marshmallows into the mix... bliss!!!
LOL... Melissa you do make me laugh!!

Tell us something interesting about the area where you live.
I live in Suzhou Industrial Park, which is in China. I've only been hear 12 weeks so it's still very new. Probably something that is super interesting and that I would never see back home is the amount of stuff they can fit onto an e-bike (battery powered bicycle) I've seen everything from a queen sized mattress to a chest of drawers!!)

China? WOW!!

Find Melissa...

Blog - http://melissapearl.blogspot.co.nz/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/melissapearlauthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/MelissaPearlG
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/melissapearlauthor
Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Pearl/e/B0064I6S26
Goodreads Author Page - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5314516.Melissa_Pearl