Daycare Diaries by Rebecca McLaughlin and Rita Palashewski

"Daycare Diaries: Unlocking the Secrets and Dispelling Myths Through True Stories of Daycare Experiences" is an inside look at the daycare industry.

Tell us a bit about your background in the daycare field.

Rita opened her first (and only) daycare center licensed for 90 children back in November of 2000. She had no prior experience in daycare, and enrolled in a child development course and earned her degree in early childhood education one month after opening her center. She has been operating her daycare center ever since for the past 15 years with a crew of 14 amazing staff members passionate about working with children.

Rebecca began her daycare career in 1992 when she had her first child and began working in a daycare center.

She worked as a teacher for several years and eventually became an assistant director and director of the center. She then opened her own home daycare which she ran for 16 years and now works as the marketing director at the Pumpkin Patch in Burnsville MN.

What first got you interested in becoming a daycare provider?
When Rita enrolled her first child at the age of 2 into a daycare center, she was less than pleased with the experience she and her daughter received. It was not the experience she envisioned it would be, nor was it what she had been promised during the tour. Wanting to provide children and families the type of daycare experience she had envisioned and didn’t feel existed, she decided to open her own.

Rebecca loved the fact that she could have a rewarding career teaching young children but still be close to her own 7 children and not feel like she was missing out on seeing them grow up.

Describe your book in a few sentences.

"Daycare Diaries" takes it’s readers through the doors of home daycares and childcare centers to provide an inside peek into the daycare world that few ever get to see. Through a unique collection of true daycare stories, parents will gain an inside perspective to a multitude of children’s daycare experiences which will leave them feeling enlightened and prepared to help make their child’s daycare experience a success. Each unique story will leave readers laughing, crying and questioning what they thought they knew about daycare as they turn the pages wanting more.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
We think providers and parents alike would most appreciate this book. For the providers, it validates their chosen profession which very often accompanies little to no gratitude. For the parents, it gives them insight to an entire world they know so little about. They will get to know all the hard work that goes into this field, their part in maintaining a successful daycare experience, all the benefits a great program can offer and also the red flags to avoid that might indicate an inadequate provider.

What inspired you to write a behind-the-scenes peek into the daycare world?
With our 30 years of combined experience in the daycare field, running a home daycare and a daycare center, we would naturally talk about daycare whenever we would get together. Through our discussions, we found that parents were truly unaware of what encompassed their children’s busy days at daycare. We were also concerned with the growing number of tragedies that were occurring by daycare providers that weren’t operating at a quality level. We wanted to bring attention and appreciation to the providers that are passionate about working with children, as well as warn parents about the ones that may be in the wrong field, possibly causing more harm than good.

Your book contains an eclectic mix of stories Your book contains an eclectic mix of stories from the humorous to the surprising to the informative. When you were first getting into the daycare field, did you expect it to be so eventful?
When Rita started her own daycare, she wanted to offer a family-friendly environment with an emphasis on good nutrition and learning. She believed at the time every childcare provider had chosen this field of work due to their passion for working with kids. She was genuinely surprised at the realization that not all providers had the best interest at heart for the children they cared for. As far as all the crazy events involving children and parents, no one could have predicted how colorful the daycare world can get. Sometimes it’s the parents that are harder to teach and to work with than the kids!

Rebecca was very shocked and surprised by the tiny little world of daycare that she had never experienced as a child. The realization quickly hit that if she had no idea what actually went on in daycares than parents that are making important daycare decisions probably didn't either.

How do you think reading your book will impact people?
We believe readers will truly be enlightened about the many aspects of the daycare world that will leave them appreciating their child’s experience that much more. Many believe daycare providers are just babysitters, and through these stories readers will learn how much more providers really are to the children they care for each day. In realizing the impact a provider has on a child, it will make parents more cautious about the person or center they are choosing to care for their child and make them less likely to make a hasty daycare decision that could be made for the wrong reasons.

What do you have in mind for your next writing project?
We both love empowering women, as we are both full time moms and work full time outside the home as well. Our next project may be a different aspect of life that we will use to bring inspiration and hope to women that they are more than just the titles they have become.

What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about daycares?
Their kids will get sick all the time. Their kids won’t be loved and treated as they would at home. If they let someone else care for their child, they aren’t good parents. Daycare is a place where kids don’t want to go and are better off at home. Kids cry all day, get ignored and just wait for their parents to pick them up at the end of the day. Home daycares are not as safe as daycare centers.

Many of these misconceptions could be both true and/or untrue depending on the provider that is chosen.

Do you have any advice for people beginning to look for a daycare for their child?
Asking the right questions, followed up with frequent visits and spending some extra time with the provider they are considering, will give them a better idea whether they are making a good choice. All providers should have an open door policy to allow parents to visit as often and as long as they please. Get to really know the person being entrusted to the care of your child. This is the person that may be spending more time with your child during the week than you will. It should be someone you genuinely like and feel at ease to approach and talk with. Parents should feel like their children’s daycare is their second home-away-from-home for both their child and themselves, and ultimately they should have a positive feeling from both the provider and the environment. Trust their instincts, address any and all concerns immediately and read "Daycare Diaries!"

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about "Daycare Diaries"?
When a parent is ready to hand their child over to a complete stranger, it is one of the scariest things they will ever have to do. Our goal in writing this book was to provide parents a tour guide to help them navigate the daycare world, and to know enough to make an educated daycare choice. As unfortunate as it is, the fact remains that there will always be providers who should not be working with children, and since we can’t stop them from being providers, we hope to deter parents from choosing the wrong providers. If we save even one life because a parent read our book and made a different choice, then we accomplished our goal. We really want parents to also have hope and through reading all the positive stories, be assured that choosing the right childcare can ultimately be a great experience for their children.

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Kenyon Ledford, Author of The Big Monster Monkey

Today we are interviewing Kenyon Ledford, author of the detective parody/jungle adventure "The Big Monster Monkey."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
When I was five I wrote a poem that went like this: “I have a cat with a question mark tail, and she likes to ride on the monorail.” Looking back, I haven’t improved much in that genre. Also, though I’m addicted to rain, I live in a land of lizards and butterflies. Whatever. My dog, Huckleberry, thinks it’s all in my head. Shut up, bad dog!

Describe the plot of "The Big Monster Monkey" in a few sentences.
It’s the age-old story of mental patients going off their meds and escaping the hospital to go traipsing along on a mad jungle adventure in search of a mythical beast. I think.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
People who laugh and high-five when they see a child crying.

What inspired you to write a story about mental patients off their meds in search of a mythical beast in a fantastical jungle?
I was staring out the window at work for way too long one day while neither thinking or working. Soon, I began pondering if a huge monkey would be a monster monkey or a gorilla.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Witherspoon, PI.
Witherspoon is smug with no reason to be, cowardly with every reason to be, and speaks with a fake English accent.

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
I would love to say Doestoevsky, because I’ve read everything by him and he’s almost my best friend. It would also make me sound pretty cool. Alas, my writing is mostly influenced by Woody Allen, who I think was influenced by Aristophanes.

How long have you been writing?
A long time. A very long time.

Tell us a bit about your creative process, from initial idea to finished manuscript.
Usually, I’ll be minding my own business, hanging out at work, wishing I was making more for doing less, and my mind will say, “Hey, you know what would be really stupid?”
And if I answer “No, what?” the creative process begins to flow. Once my manuscript is finished, I share it with my local writing group. They then toss coffee into my face and throw bagel scraps at me. At that point I know it’s time to publish.

How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
I have been lucky to be tutored in song writing by the legendary Nik Venet, and in fiction writing I’ve had some great, tough instructors as well. They are the people who tore me down when I thought I was great, then praised me when I started becoming good.

How do you feel about the increasing popularity of ebooks?
California gold rush! Everybody get in there, let’s go! Yee-haw!

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
All of it! The only part I like is the forming of the concept, and writing the opening line. After that, the pen and cursor are my enemy. Each day, sitting down to the sea of white awaiting my brilliance, while my fingers are posed to compose and I’m thinking, “I wonder if Facebook has any Dogs Acting Funny videos?”

What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m writing "Batcave Blues." It’s a novel based on my Batman and Robin parodies that came from my Jonny Gonzo and Money Man flash fiction series.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Yes. If they have been totally freaking morose since “America’s Funniest Home Videos” went off the air, (it did, didn’t it?) then they should go ahead and take a pass on The Big Monster Monkey.

Cheers.

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John Murphy, Author of Mission Veritas

Today we are interviewing John Murphy about his SciFi novel "Mission Veritas."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I retired from the computer software industry and have pursued a number of creative outlets. I’ve been writing off and on over the past twenty years, and decided to put in whatever necessary effort to get my novel "Mission Veritas" published. I have the good fortune of getting on board with an innovative new publisher, BookTrope, who produces both ebooks and printed books.

Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.
"Mission Veritas" is about candidates for an elite fighting force who must qualify on a planet where the atmosphere makes you tell the truth. Vaughn Killian must hide his past as a ruthless rebel fighter against the Carthenogen led Global Alliance, who espouse world peace with a brutal hand.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Certainly readers with a military background as they often love a good action adventure. While I wrote, I also thought of video gamers who like first person shooters. Most popular games have a story line that goes along with the action. I tried to put the reader into the main character’s head as he encounters conflict with the environment and his peers.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Vaughn Killian.
Vaughn Killian begins the story as a teen who is immersed in video gaming, completely unaware of the worldwide turmoil around him. He’s the son of the US Ambassador to Thailand which is erupting, and and his parents are killed. He finds himself surviving among rebel fighters in a two-year purge of Bangkok where he learns his lethal fighting skills. Later, he’s returned to the US to join the military, and given an opportunity to join the elite fighting force, Black Saber. However, he cannot tell anyone about his recent past, that he was in Bangkok at all, or about how he was rescued.

Author John Murphy

What inspired you to write a book about a young man who must survive a difficult mission to prove himself and fight for what he believes in?
A few years back I was producing short videos for YouTube. My son, a late teen at the time, had acted in a few of my short videos. Some friends said their teens would love to appear in a movie, so I began brainstorming with my son to come up with a story that didn’t involve drugs, school, pregnancy, or present day social issues. The idea for candidates qualifying on a strange planet was hatched as my son and I worked out at the gym. I wrote it first as a screen play, but didn’t have the money to tackle such a huge project. So, I re-wrote it as a novel.

In your book, the Carthenogens are cruel tyrants who rule Earth. Can you elaborate a bit more on who they are for readers?
I took advantage of the widely held belief that we have been visited by aliens throughout history. They finally make their presence a known fact when Earth was on the brink of nuclear annihilation. They are swept into positions of power as they are seen as a superior, wiser race of beings, ‘saviors’ from another planet. They preach peace, but keep what they’re really up to a guarded secret and out of the news media.

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
Robert Heinlein was the author who inspired me to take up writing. I’ve also enjoyed Brad Thor for his action and pacing. I wanted to create a good underdog story, otherworldly, with lots of action and tension.

Do you think your background as a Marine and world traveler has influenced your writing style?
As most young Marines join, they have visions of battle and heroism, and, of course, believe they’re invincible. I tried my best to capture these desires and the victory of overcoming obstacles. I also depict the kinds of experiences I’ve had with boot camp and interpersonal dramas thereafter. My travels inspired my choice for opening the story in Bangkok.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
Now that I’m writing full time, I plan to focus on the enjoyment of weaving good stories and putting characters in awful situations. I’d much rather spend my time doing this, as well as illustrating scenes, then playing golf.

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Certainly, the “not knowing” whether I’d get published at all creates an anxiety from uncertainty. I’m sure most writers experience this. It can really make you wonder about your own sanity. Now that hurdle has been crossed, I experience the self-induced pressure to continually improve my writing skills, while at the same time, keeping the stories exciting, suspenseful, and surprising.

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
Yes, and no. Certainly, there are the times I turn on the computer and can’t think of where to start. However, I have always found that by reviewing what I had previously written, it gets my creative juices flowing again. Doing graphic illustrations really helps break things up, so that I rarely feel bogged down with no clues as to where to take the story. My wife has proven to be an incredible sounding board and muse for stimulating exciting ideas.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m presently working on my second draft for the sequel. I had written it a few years ago, then tabled it while re-writing Mission Veritas, which turned out to be extremely helpful. I already knew where things were going, so I implanted many clues into Mission Veritas that readers ought to enjoy discovering as they continue reading the series. I’ve already got book three outlined, which helps me weave more clues into book two.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
When I started cooking up "Mission Veritas," I was confident that I could use my videography skills make a movie, shooting it in front of green screen, then drop in graphics behind. I learned that it was considerably more complicated and expensive than I envisioned, but I had taught myself graphics. While writing Mission Veritas as a novel, I produced dozens of images that I put on my website as bonus content. Seldom do you have a novelist who is able to illustrate their own stories with the faces and settings straight from the author’s imagination. I’m hoping that the bonus content will add more depth to the reader’s experience of the story.

Finally, Vaughn is modeled after my son, as he was willing to be the lead actor. When doing my graphics, I created an image of him in 3D modeling software that I use. Vaughn Killian is a real dude! (presently living in Germany).

3D modeling of Vaughn Killian

Excerpt from Chapter 1 of "Mission Veritas":

 As Vaughn got dressed, he tried to assure himself that Captain Leon and his men would be able to keep the dark forces at bay. Still, he couldn’t help but envision the wolves of anarchy skulking among the ghoulish protesters.

He lay back on his couch and put the Fantasia mesh over his head, the padded earphones reducing the chanting outside to haunting whispers. Still, his shoulders and neck were tense. He did his best to ignore them. 

The sensory mesh resembled a soft helmet. Inside the comfortably padded interior, electronic probes touched his scalp, creating a sense of motion during play. He lowered an opaque visor over his eyes, which featured a holographic screen inside.

Vaughn entered a virtual meeting chamber, an enormous medieval hall complete with weapons hanging on the walls. He met the avatars of his friends, who waited impatiently.

“Sorry I’m late,” Vaughn said. Excuses weren’t tolerated when it came to Fantasia—not even being in lockdown.

“You know the rules, dude. Last one here carries the ammo,” Joey said. His avatar hopped off a chest resembling wood and iron. 

Vaughn sighed. Lugging the chest would not only deplete his health points, but also diminish his fighting skills.

“Where’d we leave off?” Devon asked.

A monstrous explosion jolted Vaughn again, followed by an overwhelming rumble. There was no way that was part of the game.

He bolted upright. The floor shook and the glass décor rattled.  

“Holy shit! Something’s blowing up. Gotta go!” 

He ripped off his helmet. The rumbling continued. It was like thunder, but ten times worse. He could feel it in the couch and floor, like a herd of cattle racing through his room. The windows and furniture shook. 

The room went dark, as if a blanket had been draped over the embassy. Something started pelting the windows—a rain of pebbles and rocks. 

Vaughn hit the floor between the couch and the coffee table, praying the bulletproof glass would withstand whatever was hitting it.

A white strobe light came on above the door to the family’s private residence. Its rhythmic flash was punctuated by a piercing wail.

Pewww! Pewww! Pewww! Pewww!

The door to the residence burst open. 

“Vaughn! Vaughn!”

It was Captain Leon.

“Here!” Vaughn called, rising to a cautious crouch.

“Come on, son. We’ve got to get you to the panic room.” 

Vaughn scooted past him into the hall toward the rear of the house and down the service stairs. His feet stepped madly, but they felt detached from his body. Everything moved in slow motion. 

Vaughn and Captain Leon cut through the kitchen to the panic room. It was large enough to hold at least forty people. 

Emergency strobe lights flickered throughout the kitchen, but the panic room had a steady light powered by backup batteries.

“Oh God, Vaughn,” said Annette, a woman about his mother’s age who was one of the myriad of staffers. She rushed over and hugged him. “Thank God you’re okay.”

He hugged her tentatively in return. He barely knew her name, let alone her role at the embassy. 

Considering the circumstances, though, he was grateful for her motherly exuberance.

“Yeah, I’m good,” Vaughn responded automatically. He could feel his arms and knees trembling from adrenaline.

Vaughn turned, but Captain Leon was gone. A wave of vulnerability swept over him. He looked around the panic room and counted five faces he’d seen around the embassy: four Thai house and kitchen staff, and Annette. The panic room door stayed open a foot or so. The emergency strobe lights and siren continued their alerts.

A marine squeezed into the panic room, clutching a rifle and limping badly. Blood trickled down the side of his head and neck. He must have been on duty outside.

Captain Leon poked his face inside. “Lock it down, Corporal Tyler!” 

“Aye, aye, sir!”

Corporal Tyler pushed the heavy door closed and spun a wheel to lock it, shutting out the siren.
Although Vaughn yearned for some words of assurance from the captain, he felt safer for the moment.

Corporal Tyler went to the security console and fired up its eight screens. Four monitors displayed camera views inside the embassy; the other four displayed scenes outside. Corporal Tyler flicked between various views from the numerous cameras positioned around the facility. 

Dust and debris had rained down on the building and were everywhere in the cameras’ view, coating everything with dark gray ash. Thousands of people ran in every direction in a frenzied attempt to escape the bedlam. 

Vaughn couldn’t help but think of cockroaches.

Black smoke puffed intermittently across some of the screens. Dozens of dark figures raced inside the compound, toward the main entrance.

“Sir! We have a breach!” the corporal said into his mic.

“Roger that!” Captain Leon replied.

Rapid bursts of muffled gunfire came over the security systems from the watch positions on the roof. On the screens, some of the shadowy figures collapsed to the ground. Marines shouted directives to one another as they fired, swearing rapidly amid the swarming invaders.  

Corporal Tyler turned the volume down to low.

The conflict reminded Vaughn of every World Net combat game he’d ever played. But there was no laughter, no smack-talk, no health points. This death was real and the voices were terrified.

Annette whimpered into clasped hands, as did the four female house staff. With each intruder that went down, the knot that had twisted throughout Vaughn’s body loosened into nausea. Wide-eyed and trembling, he worried he had put everyone in the embassy at risk. After all, he was the leverage point.
An interior camera in the foyer showed Captain Leon wearing a helmet and flak jacket and bearing a rifle. He held on to the front door’s handle, as if to further secure the heavy locking mechanism.
Corporal Tyler put on headphones to listen closely to the marines’ chatter.

“I think they got the conference building!” a marine said.

More gunfire.

“Say again!” Corporal Tyler shouted into his mic. 

“They blew up the conference building,” a tower guard said, enunciating slowly. “It’s no longer there!”

Terror gripped Vaughn. Were his parents in that building? His knees and stomach quivered. He sat on the floor and held his head. Annette put a hand on his shoulder.

Officer Assecula came into camera view and tried to push the captain out of the way. Their shouts were barely discernible over the gunfire outside. 

Vaughn caught a phrase or two of Assecula’s shrill voice over the speakers: “Americans . . . civilians . . . shelter . . . attack . . .”

“She’s trying to let them in!” Corporal Tyler said.

“No!” Vaughn said, his eyes wide as he scrambled up and approached the screen.

Annette said frantically, “No, we can’t let them in!”

“Not when we’re under siege,” the corporal agreed. “Our job is to lock down and protect everyone inside, not let outsiders in. We don’t know who they are.”

“Why is she doing that?” Vaughn asked.

“She’s Global Alliance,” Annette said. “She could be collaborating with them.”

Captain Leon shoved her back, and Assecula disappeared from view. He returned to holding the door handle while dark figures banged on the glass. Assecula raced back into view and crashed a vase over Leon’s head and shoulders. He tumbled to the floor. 

Assecula lunged for the door and pushed it open. Captain Leon regained his footing, then leveled his rifle on the figures jostling to pull open the door. Shots exploded over the speakers. Blood splattered from Assecula’s body, which slumped halfway out the door. 

Intruders stepped over her, forcing their way in. 

Captain Leon fired again and again. 

Bodies piled up in the doorway. 

Captain Leon pulled the bodies in so he could close the door. 

A Molotov cocktail exploded against the door, erupting in flames. Captain Leon staggered backward, engulfed in fire. He dropped his rifle, fell to the floor, and rolled back and forth in a desperate effort to smother the flames. But they were too powerful, and eventually he lay still. 

Annette and the staffers screamed. Vaughn was on the verge of vomiting; saliva ran from his mouth. He turned away, staring at nothing but seeing the horrific image replaying in his mind.

Dark masked figures leapt across the bodies in the doorway. One snatched up Captain Leon’s rifle and turned it on him.

The gunshot yanked Vaughn’s attention back to the monitors. “The wolves!” 

“We have interior breach! We have interior breach! Bogies are in the building!” Corporal Tyler turned away from the monitors. “Everyone, back against the rear wall, by the supply boxes.” 

Vaughn and the women clambered to the rear of the narrow thirty-foot-long room. Corporal Tyler turned back to the monitors, rifle at the ready. 

More intruders piled into the house carrying Molotov cocktails. They threw them against the walls. 

Flames erupted everywhere. Vaughn paid particular attention to the monitor that showed his living room. A large figure entered and proceeded to flip over furniture, yank curtains off the windows, and pile them in the center of the room. Then he ducked in and out of the bedrooms. Vaughn swallowed hard. 

The intruder was looking for him.

The figure whopped a bottle over the coffee table. The bottle shattered, spilling its fuel. He lit it and fire sprang to life, consuming Vaughn’s nest of ignorant bliss. In a final statement of triumph, the intruder tossed Vaughn’s Coke pajamas onto the flaming heap.

More Information
Buy "Mission Veritas" on Amazon
Visit the "Mission Veritas" website for bonus content
Check out John Murphy's blog
Like "Mission Veritas" on Facebook
Follow John Murphy on Twitter

Trevor Halloway, Author of Ashes and Asphalt

Today we are interviewing Trevor Halloway, author of the action/adventure novel "Ashes and Asphalt."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, my name is Rob...but I write as Trevor Halloway because my real name is rather common. On occasion, I homebrew, raise three dogs and two cats, hate people who take up two parking spaces, love Gravity Falls, and I'm the only person to have a video project banned at my community college and STILL get an A.

Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.
Mike and Kyle Byrne have to bring their dad to the annual Sturgis Bike Rally. There's only two problems: he's dead and they can't stand one another. The brothers are forced to work together and bring "Wild" Bill's ashes from Florida to South Dakota in five days. Along the way, they'll face obstacles, not the least of which is their hardheadedness.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
People who have their own issues with family (at varying degrees, natch), bikers, and anyone that likes a little gallows humor in their stories.

What inspired you to write about two brothers who go an adventure in attempt to fulfill their father’s last wish?
Part of it comes from my own connections with my brothers. I wish I could say that we did a lot together, but circumstances had kept us apart. I get along with them well, but it could've been far better. In a way, the book has been cathartic for me.

Tell us a bit about the book’s protagonists.
Mike and Kyle are near polar opposites. Mike's the family man who left Florida and got a 9 to 5 job. He's the responsible brother and tries to steer things in the direction that he thinks is best. Kyle's more of a carefree spirit. He still lives in Florida and followed their father's footsteps much closer than Mike. He believes that his father would've wanted a much grander road trip than what his brother suggested. In truth, both brothers did (and do) love their dad and are willing to put aside their issues to honor the old man's wishes.

There are a lot of actions scenes in the book, from run-ins with bikers and carjackers to avoiding the police. Was there an action scene that was particularly fun for your to write?
Fun action part? If I said which one, it will give away more of the story than I would like to reveal. :)

Humor is a big part of this book. Has humor always been a part of your writing or is this something that has developed recently?
It's always been there, but not honed until the last couple of years. People would tell me that my stories were funny...especially when I didn't try. I figured...why not go with it?

The book takes place in a variety of locations, from Florida to South Dakota. What made you decide to set the story in these locations?
South Dakota is where the bike rally is held, so I had to stay true to that. Florida was a good starting state. I couldn't have them ride from Minnesota to there...that would be a novella at the most!

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
Oddly enough, horror writer Brian Lumley. Besides him, Terry Pratchett. I got some of my humor from him. The biggest influence would be my friend, Walt Bucklin. He was my friend Jason's dad, and later my own.

Who was your favorite character to write?
Ivan. He's a minor character that follows along the same path as the brothers and is put in truly horrible situations. He's like the gravediggers in Hamlet; mainly a comic relief, but that doesn't mean his own tribulations are of no consequence.

How do you feel about the increasing popularity of ebooks?
If it gets more people reading...I'm all for it.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
Knock out a few more novels, maybe a short story or two. Then I could pull an Arthur Rimbaud.

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Editing. It's a pain, but it must be done if you want to be taken seriously. My tip: hire an editor.

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
Many times. A beer sometimes helps me relax and then the thoughts come pouring in. I don't recommend that option to recovering alcoholics or persons under 21.

Do you write with a computer, typewriter, or pen and paper? Why do you use this tool?
Varies. I used to write it out, then go on the computer. I now go straight to the keyboard.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
I hate answering this question because there's a small part of me that fears someone will run with my idea, but I do have an idea about a stripper turned detective. Believe it or not, I'm trying to keep it under NC-17. If Stan Lee could do it, so can I.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
That it's far better than Twilight (avoids the glares of sparkly vampire fans). Just kidding (but no, seriously...it is...)

More Information
Buy Ashes and Asphalt for Kindle on Amazon 
Buy the Ashes and Asphalt paperback 
Visit the author's website

A.R. Hellbender, Author of Unicorn Hunting

Today we are interviewing A.R. Hellbender, author of the young adult/fantasy novel "Unicorn Hunting."

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m 26 years old. I started writing when I was a kid but only seriously began putting novels together at age 18. I also play bass in an all-girl band.

Describe the plot of your new book, "Unicorn Hunting," in a few sentences.

The book takes place in a society where there isn’t much employment for young girls, so the ones who need money become unicorn hunters. The main character, Cal, and her friends encounter a lot of problems along the way, and get to know the real story behind the unicorns and realize that there is more to them than animals to be hunted.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?

I have encountered people of all ages and all reader types who loved Unicorn Hunting and couldn’t put it down. People who like fantasy, unicorns, young adult books or magic are sure to appreciate it. Anyone active in the LGBT community would likely be interested in it as well, as the book contains LGBT themes but doesn’t make it the main focus.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Cal.

Cal is a 15-year-old girl who would not have become a unicorn hunter if her parents had not insisted on it. In some ways, she is a spoiled teenager who takes her family for granted, but in other ways, she is in the right and just has no one around who can empathize with her. Her main motivation throughout the story is her crush on the girl next door, who she can never be with for several reasons. When I began writing this book, all I knew was that the main character needed to have money problems, family problems, relationship problems or all of the above for the story to work well.

Depictions of unicorns vary in fiction. Can you describe the unicorns in "Unicorn Hunting"?

Though I obviously took some inspiration from the traditional unicorn folklore, these unicorns come with an interesting twist. They came to the world of the story through a portal and have been unable to get back to their world for centuries. They reproduce by cutting each other’s heads off so that the head grows a new body and the body grows a new head. This makes them slightly creepy and contributes to the fact that they are not like horses.

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?

Probably every book I have ever read has influenced my writing style in some way, whether I realize it or not. But I am a big fan of Neil Gaiman’s and Raymond Chandler’s writing.

How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?

The first book I wrote, which may be the next one I publish, went through a lot of major changes and dozens of drafts. Just looking at an old draft of it or a deleted scene is a great measure of how much about my writing has changed.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?

I plan to write more books and never stop, of course.

What do you have in mind for your next project?

I have a few books in the works, including Unicorn Hunting’s sequel. But the one I am most excited about is the other book I have already completed, about an immortal sorceress who wants to die. That book will be called Her Dark Highness: The Myth, the Magic.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?

I still never get tired of reading it.

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Todd Cheney, Author of The Bracelet

Today we are interviewing Todd Cheney, author about the contemporary fantasy book "The Bracelet."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I've been writing since I was twenty-two (with extended breaks). I live in Wisconsin where I enjoy the weather very much except for winter. My influences include many science fiction and fantasy writers. In fact, there are too many to list here. I believe that a good book will transport you to a foreign land where you can forget life's troubles for a while.

Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.
A mechanic discovers he has to power to wish for anything once a day, and have it come true. Where will this power lead?

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Those who like to think deeply, have spiritual and confounding conversations, who don't leap to conclusions, and like to be amazed and surprised will all appreciate The Bracelet.

What inspired you to write a book about a bracelet that gives the user one wish a day?
I wanted to see where having the ultimate power would go. The Bracelet will show you just that. Also, I want one, too.

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Mike Alex.
He's just a normal guy. Good with cars, not so good at speaking his mind, but overall a good person, despite his flaws.

Author Todd Cheney

While writing the story, did you contemplate what you would do if you were in the same position as Mike?
Heck yeah! That's why I wrote it, to see what having that power would mean.

How do you hope readers react to your book?
I hope they come away enlightened, and satisfied. I hope they learned something or at least had a good laugh or two.

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
Many. I hesitate to plug them here because the next most obvious question is related to who had the most influence. I can't single anyone out but let's just say I read fantasy and sci-fi over other genres.

How do you feel about the increasing popularity of ebooks?
I love it! Ebooks are giving newer, unknown authors a chance. Gone are the days of toiling in squalor in front of your typewriter. Now we have word processors and tablets. The access level for new writers as well as readers has grown exponentially as a result.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
Seriously, I just want to know that I can accomplish what I set out to do. And write good books, ones that readers will love and take home with them to their parents. Ones that can be cherished.

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Of course. We all have our pet-peeves. What I don't like is that people assume when I tell them I'm an author that immediately means I'm rich and famous. I'm not!

What do you have in mind for your next project?
I've already started the next project. It is a prequel trilogy to my current fantasy series, "The Seventh Circle. Book One," tentatively titled "Origin," will be out later this year.

An excerpt from "The Bracelet":

Emptiness took him. He'd used the bracelet again, and anything could happen. But it was too much for him, and too much for any man or woman to resist. A thing like the bracelet shouldn't be allowed to exist under the sight of God, but Mike now had to face the fact that it did. He could do anything with it. Elation filled the hole inside him. If God had allowed the bracelet to exist, it must be a part of his design. Unless, of course, he had somehow gone above all that, above God. Why worry about religious questions if the bracelet could give him any kind of power he wanted? Screw God, he could be him, if he wished it. Mike Alex laughed at himself, smiled in the faint light, and caught the glint of his eyes in the mirror. In the next room, Rhonda turned over, mumbling to herself. To cover his actions, even though he didn't need to, Mike Alex flushed the toilet, and left the bathroom. He slept soundly that night.

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Melissa Marni, Author/Founder of little word studio

Today we are interviewing Melissa Marni, author/founder of little word studio.

Describe little word studio.
I can't remember how I came up with the name, little word studio, (to be honest, I think it popped into my head as I was stuck in traffic on some Los Angeles freeway) but I think it is a pretty accurate description of what I do on my site: little word studio is my own creative space where I can imagine, create and ultimately produce short stories for my readers to (hopefully!) enjoy.

Who do you think would most like little word studio?
I definitely target the dedicated bookworm, the consummate bibliophile, the enthusiastic book lover but also, if you're someone looking for a quick morning read as you sip your coffee, my little online studio might be just the place for you.

When did you first start writing short stories?
I've been writing short stories (and really, stories of all lengths), since I first learned to stick words together and form sentences. Were my third grade narratives masterpieces? Absolutely not. But my passion for storytelling has been brewing for a long, long time.

What inspired you to create a website that features stories you've written?
Before little word studio, my writing was confined to journals and word documents. But then one day I thought: 'Should I share any of this with someone besides my dog?' (Confession: I like to hear the rhythm of my words so I'll often read them aloud to my 9-pound terrier, Austin. He always approves.) Months later, with thousands of readers by my side, I wonder why I didn't start posting my work sooner. So, to all the aspiring writer out there: Remember the world is kind of amazing and if you possess even a fraction of the words to tell its story, you've got an absolute, certain duty to see that through.

Melissa Marni, author/founder of little word studio

From where do you draw the inspiration from your stories?
I follow a very specific model for every story posted to www.littlewordstudio.com. I collaborate with talented artists from around the world - illustrators, photographers, animators, even tattoo artists - and ask them to tell me about one of their creations. Then, I craft a story inspired by this piece of art. For instance, one London-based photographer sent me a picture of a car he saw in Regent's Park, a Figaro, and I instantly thought about a woman searching for her first automobile who meets a stranger at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show where the first Figaro was on display. Of course, trouble ensues for the two of them, but I won't spoil the story and tell you why.

Can you tell me about your creative process form initial idea to story published online?
Everything starts with the opening line. If I can nail the first few words of the story, the rest tends to follow not too far behind. I also write my initial draft in a notebook. I read years ago that J.K. Rowling writes everything by hand, so I think it makes me feel like I'm getting some of her Harry Potter magic. After editing and revising about a zillion times, I'll finally transfer the story onto my site and then hold my breath as I hit "publish." Yikes!

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
Hm, this is tough! But I'll list a few - or ten - of my favorites: Susanna Clarke, J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, Michael Ondaatje, Haruki Murakami, Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Jane Austen, Ruth Ozeki and more recently, John Green.

Do you think your move from New York to California influenced your writing?
Without a doubt. It's difficult not to be influenced by the sights and sounds around you. New York City is a beautiful jumble of taxi cab, skyscraper chaos. California is the land of golden sunsets and glittering coastline. There's definitely more of a western tinge to my writing now that I'm out here.

Do you have a favorite story you've written or a favorite character?
Actually, I still think about this character from the first short story I posted on little word studio. His name is Daniel Plinkers and he's sort of an intoxicating mix of overconfidence and awkwardness, a recent liberal arts college grad who thinks he'll nail the first job interview he goes on. Even when all signs point to failure, he can't see the danger ahead. There's a lot of humor to be found in such unabashed positivity. 

Do you plan to share your writing in other avenues, such as with a printed short story collection in the future?
I've been playing around with the idea of creating a printed collection of my stories but nothing in the works just yet. Coming soon, perhaps ...

What is your vision for the future of little word studio?
More stories, more collaborations with talented artists and many more readers who look forward to each new story I post. Eventually, I'd like to return to long-form fiction and would love to publish the book I've been working on for the past few years.

Is there anything else you'd like to tell potential readers?
Maybe just thank you. In a tech-driven world saturated by so much stuff, I want to thank you for faithfully sticking by the written word.

 An excerpt from a story on little word studio:

The Figaro

Of all the details to remember, her hands were still the clearest in his mind. Unpolished nails of otherworldly innocence, intoxication by way of ten fingers and smooth skin and a wrist circled with Rolex Sky-Dweller gold, limited edition. Back to her hands. What did he later call them, windows to her soul? They appeared in stark, shimmering contradiction to that glassy skeleton known as the Makuhari Messe, an oversized structure built on the edge of Chuba City, where the 28th Tokyo Motor show was housed.
 
If such a thing as young love existed, it was born for her from the 1989 air-conditioned air of the Makuhari Messe and there grew to become a nervous child of mumbled ‘hello’s and ‘what is your name’s.
 
“Duke Raskipper.” (Perhaps.)
 
“Mirabelle Quick.”

She was in town to sing Shirley Bassey songs at a Japanese karaoke lounge then purchase her very first car, he to begin a four-month backpacking expedition from Tokyo to Kagoshima and look at foreign vehicles he might never afford.

“My friend had a free ticket,” Duke shrugged.

They were from the beginning two separate ends temporarily bound beneath lofty ceilings and between shiny automobiles, fuel-injected symbols of a fate just beyond his cunning reach. A small vehicle at the center of the showroom kept them together with the strongest force …

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Sonja Y. Larsen, Author of Super Drinks for Superhumans

Today we are interviewing Sonja Y. Larsen, author of "Superdrinks for Superhumans: 50 Healthy Recipes that Fuel Productivity and Workouts."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hey everyone, my name is Sonja. I write books about all things whole and healthy.

Describe the purpose of your book in a few sentences.
This is a recipe book that will help you have more energy to get stuff done. We have so many things to do these days. We work, take the kids to soccer, catch up with friends, workout, get dinner on the table, and the list goes on and on. We squeeze so much into our schedules. Are we even enjoying any of it? This book is going to help you have the energy to get going, and the focus to follow through and complete everything. When you are able to get everything done efficiently, you are able to have more “you” time to do things you actually enjoy.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Those who are looking to increase productivity and results. It could be someone who works all day and needs to get in the gym in the evening. It could be for the student who needs to pull an all-nighter to study for exams. It could even be for someone who is having trouble just making it out of bed every morning. These drinks are not only going to fuel your superpowers; they are going to protect you from crashing. We all know what coffee does. It gets you going immediately, right? But as the hours continue, you find it hard to concentrate and you might feel lethargic or dehydrated. You might even go to bed anxious, which means you won’t get the sleep you need. It is a vicious circle.

What inspired you to write a book about powerful drinks that improve human performance?
Great question. Well, I myself needed the drinks. I found myself exhausted every morning. I hadn’t even made it out of the door yet, and I was already tired. I drank the scary store-bought energy drinks for several years. Then I heard about how bad they were for you, so I opted instead for the “healthy” energy drinks. Well, the “healthy” energy drinks cost me a small fortune every month. And who knows if they were even healthy. I decided to research some ingredients that I could use in my own concoctions. I added and changed the recipes to suit my body’s needs. I used natural sweeteners, and I customized the amount of special ingredients that my body required for fuel. These recipes changed my life. I seriously thought that if I had this problem of being too exhausted to get things done, maybe others had this problem too. And lo and behold, the book was born.

A lot of the drink recipes include matcha, maca, kombucha, chia, or guarana. What’s so special about these ingredients?
These are superfoods that are instrumental in supplying your body with power, while boosting its ability to repair itself at the same time. All of these ingredients are healing, so they are going to give you power, and they are going to help your body adapt to stress. They are what’s known as “adaptogenic” foods.

Are the required ingredients in your recipes hard to find?
They can be hard to find locally. You’ll probably want to order most of the ingredients online, because that’s going to give you the best price anyway. But I have a special section in the beginning of the book dedicated to explaining what the ingredients actually are, and how to find them online.

How long does the typical recipe in this book take to make?
Most drinks in the book take under 10 minutes to make. There are also 5-6 “Slow-Craft” recipes which will take much longer, so you’ll want to make those one day when you’re feeling adventurous.

Do you have a favorite drink? What’s it taste like?
My hubby and I both have our favorites. His is the Chocolate Maca Goddess. It is a blend of almond, coconut cream, maca powder, cacao powder, maple syrup, and bananas. It tastes divine. I require a little more citrus power. My favorite is the Superhuman Drink. It is a blend of guarana, crushed B vitamins, stevia, and orange juice. It gets my butt into the gym every time.

How long does it take for someone to start experiencing the benefits of drinking these drinks?
These drinks are absolutely amazing. Make a drink, then take it to the sofa, or wherever it is that you procrastinate. I work from home, so when I get tired, I tend to sit on the sofa and just stare at my laptop, which is always sitting over on the table. You will literally be sitting there on the sofa, complaining about having to go to the gym, or pick the kids up, and you will start to perk up and feel more alive as you sip on one of these drinks. Many of us are high-achievers these days. We tend to pack our schedules so tight that we can barely complete the whole list. These drinks will help you focus and perform each activity, so that at the end of the day you can sleep at night, knowing you did the best you could. That is what is going to help you feel successful at the end of the day.

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Allyson Adams, The Rebel and the King

Today we are interviewing Allyson Adams about "The Rebel and the King" by Nick Adams, her father. The book chronicles Nick's relationship with Elvis Presley.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a producer, playwright, actress and teacher who  believes that the arts can cure anything.

Describe “The Rebel and the King” in a few sentences.
Nick Adams paints a positive, almost spiritual portrait of his pal Elvis when they both traveled to Memphis for his Tupelo homecoming concert in 1956. Elvis introduces Nick to his family and they share memorable moments with Gladys and Vernon Presley. Nick documents what it was really like being in Elvis' company during the time his life was changing the most.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Elvis fans, Nick Adams fans, music fans, Gays, Christians, Hollywood buffs.

You discovered the unedited manuscript for “The Rebel and the King” and decided it needed to be published. What made you want to share your father’s story with the world?
A lot of negative things have been written about Elvis Presley and Nick Adams because they died so young of drug overdoses. I wanted to highlight their close bond during  a fun and exciting time in both of their early careers. The story is a last glimpse of innocence before the end of an era. Elvis was 21 and my Dad was 23.

Can you tell us a bit about where Nick Adams and Elvis were in their careers when they first met?
Nick Adams was a struggling actor and friends with James Dean and Natalie Wood, because he had just been in the movie Rebel Without a Cause. James Dean had just been killed in a car crash. Elvis' music career was going sky high and he was making his first movie, "Love Me Tender." Elvis was a big James Dean fan and wanted to be a part of that hip young Hollywood crowd, so he became friends with my Dad. Elvis wanted to be a really great actor and my Dad helped him by telling him things James Dean had told him.

Allyson Adams

Did Nick and Elvis hit it off immediately or did their relationship take time to develop?
They hit it off the second their eyes met. Elvis reached out his hand and that was all she wrote! They were soul mates in some ways because they both came from very poor backgrounds and had similar mothers. Elvis and Nick both had things to teach each other and the friendship lasted until my father's death in 1968.

Did the contents of the book surprise you when you first read it? Or had you already been aware of a lot of the stories?
I had no idea the manuscript existed  when I pulled it out of my Daddy Box.  It was the biggest surprise of my life! I had never read something my father had written and it was about Elvis Presley! I didn't know anything about Elvis or that he was such good friends with my Dad. This whole journey has been incredible.

What makes “The Rebel and the King” standout from the other books on Elvis?
This manuscript was written in 1956 while it was all happening! My Dad was responsible for revealing some of the first tidbits about Elvis that would shape his legendary image for years to come. Most people that have written about Elvis have done it many years after his death. None of the other books have the immediacy that "The Rebel and the King" has.

“The Rebel and the King” also includes a number of photos, some never-before-seen. Can you tell us a bit about these photos?
Elvis and Nick are both so handsome and young in the photos! The people over at Elvis Presley Enterprises and Graceland were supportive and gracious to send over a bunch of photos when I contacted them. This new, expanded version even has more pictures because so many people have contacted me since I published  the book.

How do you think readers will react to this book?
They love it! One fan said this was the first book about Elvis that made her smile. Readers say the book takes them back to a time when they were young! So many people have written great reviews on Amazon and I never even asked them to.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about “The Rebel and the King”?
I hope they enjoy it!

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