Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Happy 4th of July RSJ Family!
Starting with this issue of our blog, we’re going to began including tidbits from the folks handling the 2011 RSJ conference in Baltimore. I know you’re all gearing up for that. But first we have to bring you this month’s interview with Marcia Collette.
Interview With Author Marcia Colette
Hello Marcia, For the members of the family that may not be familiar with you yet would you tell us a bit about yourself.
Marcia: Well, I have a baby girl who's six months old and the joy of my life. Her laughter makes all of my problems fizzle away. Also, my mom lives with me to help raise her grandbaby. Talk about a blessing. I love my mom to pieces.
As for hobbies other than reading and writing, I'm a huge movie buff when it comes to horror, sci-fi, fantasy. Yes, I'm a happy geek who goes to the Star Wars conventions, though you'll never see me dressed up as a Storm Trooper or anyone from Star Trek.
Dyanne: Marcia, If I could find a costume for a reasonable amount I might dress up. I went to a Duck con conference a few years ago and was arrested by the Klingons. It was a lot of fun. Glad to see we have another Trekie. So, when did you decide to enter this insane world of writing?
Marcia: Ten years ago this past May after a horrible day at work for Fortune 500. I had been reading Laurel K. Hamilton while standing shoulder to shoulder on Boston's commuter rail and decided I was tired of reading and wanted to write my own. Plus, I needed to "handle" some of the more "difficult" people I worked with in a productive, creative manner. That turned out to be my first attempt at a horror story.
Dyanne: Tell us about your first book, the highs, the lows, the unexpected.
Marcia: The first book I actually finished was 250,000 words. I didn't want it to end because I had fallen in love with it. So what did I do? I wrote a sequel with 190,000 words that remains unfinished to this day. After about 40 rejections, I decided to study the craft (yes, I know, I did it backwards) and business of writing. That took about a year. By then, I had taken a critical look at my 250,000 monstrosity and spared only the character profiles to start a new book. Half Breed was the result of that. It was wonderful having a book out and being a published writer. However, it wasn't what I thought it was be when it realized ebook was completely different from print book when it came to sales.
Dyanne: LOL. Oh my God!! Marcia, you sound like me only you wrote your first books even longer than I did. My first contained everything as they say, including the kitchen sink. Okay, I’m trying to stop laughing. If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far what would it be?
Marcia: I wish I had chosen more wisely when it came to agents. One of my former agents came highly recommended by people I know and Preditors and Editors. However, not every agent is a good fit regardless of their credentials. That saying about having no agent is better than having a bad one is very true. When things start to go bad with them, it'll suck the life out of you and your creativity. As if we need that on top of our loud-mouth inner critic.
Dyanne: I’m going to add a big AMEN to that. Now for a game of what if. What if you came here from another galaxy. what would be your first words on seeing earth?
Marcia: Wow. So this is what purgatory looks like.
Dyanne: I love your sense of humor. Let's reverse that. You've just stepped foot on another planet (your choice) What do you think your first words would be?
Marcia: Can't. Breathe.
Dyanne: Marcia, what words of advice would you give to a new writer?
Marcia: Learn the industry. Don't take anyone's word for it. Seek out the answers for yourself because it'll save you a lot of time and heartache in the end. Ask, but don't stop at one person. Ask more if you don't agree with the answer you were given. In the end, you have to do what's best for you and your career...and sometimes go against the status quo.
Dyanne: Very good advice. What plans do you have for the future?
Marcia: Hit a big-time bestseller list. :-) But in my immediate future, I'm trying to finish the sequel to STRIPPED, find a home/agent for my paranormal YA along with two other urban fantasy books, and finish writing my cyberpunk book and a new paranormal romance trilogy I'm working on.
Dyanne: From your mouth to…well, you know the rest. Good luck with your agent hunt. As for the rest I’m betting that soon we’ll see you on a big0time bestseller list. Last question, Marcia. Where can readers reach you?
Marcia: Readers can always hit me up at www.marciacolette.com or visit me on my blog at http://marciacolette.wordpress.com.
Dyanne: Thank you Marcia.
Marcia: Well, I have a baby girl who's six months old and the joy of my life. Her laughter makes all of my problems fizzle away. Also, my mom lives with me to help raise her grandbaby. Talk about a blessing. I love my mom to pieces.
As for hobbies other than reading and writing, I'm a huge movie buff when it comes to horror, sci-fi, fantasy. Yes, I'm a happy geek who goes to the Star Wars conventions, though you'll never see me dressed up as a Storm Trooper or anyone from Star Trek.
Dyanne: Marcia, If I could find a costume for a reasonable amount I might dress up. I went to a Duck con conference a few years ago and was arrested by the Klingons. It was a lot of fun. Glad to see we have another Trekie. So, when did you decide to enter this insane world of writing?
Marcia: Ten years ago this past May after a horrible day at work for Fortune 500. I had been reading Laurel K. Hamilton while standing shoulder to shoulder on Boston's commuter rail and decided I was tired of reading and wanted to write my own. Plus, I needed to "handle" some of the more "difficult" people I worked with in a productive, creative manner. That turned out to be my first attempt at a horror story.
Dyanne: Tell us about your first book, the highs, the lows, the unexpected.
Marcia: The first book I actually finished was 250,000 words. I didn't want it to end because I had fallen in love with it. So what did I do? I wrote a sequel with 190,000 words that remains unfinished to this day. After about 40 rejections, I decided to study the craft (yes, I know, I did it backwards) and business of writing. That took about a year. By then, I had taken a critical look at my 250,000 monstrosity and spared only the character profiles to start a new book. Half Breed was the result of that. It was wonderful having a book out and being a published writer. However, it wasn't what I thought it was be when it realized ebook was completely different from print book when it came to sales.
Dyanne: LOL. Oh my God!! Marcia, you sound like me only you wrote your first books even longer than I did. My first contained everything as they say, including the kitchen sink. Okay, I’m trying to stop laughing. If you could change one thing about your writing career thus far what would it be?
Marcia: I wish I had chosen more wisely when it came to agents. One of my former agents came highly recommended by people I know and Preditors and Editors. However, not every agent is a good fit regardless of their credentials. That saying about having no agent is better than having a bad one is very true. When things start to go bad with them, it'll suck the life out of you and your creativity. As if we need that on top of our loud-mouth inner critic.
Dyanne: I’m going to add a big AMEN to that. Now for a game of what if. What if you came here from another galaxy. what would be your first words on seeing earth?
Marcia: Wow. So this is what purgatory looks like.
Dyanne: I love your sense of humor. Let's reverse that. You've just stepped foot on another planet (your choice) What do you think your first words would be?
Marcia: Can't. Breathe.
Dyanne: Marcia, what words of advice would you give to a new writer?
Marcia: Learn the industry. Don't take anyone's word for it. Seek out the answers for yourself because it'll save you a lot of time and heartache in the end. Ask, but don't stop at one person. Ask more if you don't agree with the answer you were given. In the end, you have to do what's best for you and your career...and sometimes go against the status quo.
Dyanne: Very good advice. What plans do you have for the future?
Marcia: Hit a big-time bestseller list. :-) But in my immediate future, I'm trying to finish the sequel to STRIPPED, find a home/agent for my paranormal YA along with two other urban fantasy books, and finish writing my cyberpunk book and a new paranormal romance trilogy I'm working on.
Dyanne: From your mouth to…well, you know the rest. Good luck with your agent hunt. As for the rest I’m betting that soon we’ll see you on a big0time bestseller list. Last question, Marcia. Where can readers reach you?
Marcia: Readers can always hit me up at www.marciacolette.com or visit me on my blog at http://marciacolette.wordpress.com.
Dyanne: Thank you Marcia.
A Few Words From Host A.C. Arthur
Now here’s the latest news on the 2011 RSJ conference. Here’s AC Authur.
AC: Celebrating all things Baltimore, from the charming to the alarming. We are so excited and can’t wait to see you. A trip to Baltimore means many different things to many different visitors. It can be thrilling, energetic, tasty, cultural and even educational.
Baltimore's art museums, cultural centers and historic attractions have much to teach visitors that come to explore the rich history of our city. With a slew of contemporary museums, diverse architecture and multicultural attractions located in and around Baltimore and the Inner Harbor, there is sure to be something of interest for each and every one of you.
The Inner Harbor is one of the most photographed and visited areas of the city. It has been one of the major seaports in the United States since the 1700s and started blossoming into the cultural center of Baltimore in the 1970s.
From breath-taking panoramic views of the skyline from the Observation Level of the World Trade Center to the up-close and personal experiences of street performances happening spontaneously at the waterfront, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers more to see and do than you might imagine.
We are working hard to ensure your trip to Baltimore will be rewarding.
Dyanne: Thanks AC, I don’t know about anyone else at this stage of the game but you have me all pumped up. I can’t wait to see what progress you have to tell us next month.
Once again AUTHORS AND READERS, DON’T FORGET TO SEND US A LIST OF BOOKS SO WE CAN LET EVEYONE KNOW WHAT’S NEW.
Also, as always I’m looking for warm subjects to interview. Tell you what, any and all that email me to do an interview during the month of July will be entered to win an autographed copy of my August 3rd re-release of Let’s Get it On from Genesis Press. davisdyanne@aol.com Have a safe and happy holiday
Namaste
Dyanne
AC: Celebrating all things Baltimore, from the charming to the alarming. We are so excited and can’t wait to see you. A trip to Baltimore means many different things to many different visitors. It can be thrilling, energetic, tasty, cultural and even educational.
Baltimore's art museums, cultural centers and historic attractions have much to teach visitors that come to explore the rich history of our city. With a slew of contemporary museums, diverse architecture and multicultural attractions located in and around Baltimore and the Inner Harbor, there is sure to be something of interest for each and every one of you.
The Inner Harbor is one of the most photographed and visited areas of the city. It has been one of the major seaports in the United States since the 1700s and started blossoming into the cultural center of Baltimore in the 1970s.
From breath-taking panoramic views of the skyline from the Observation Level of the World Trade Center to the up-close and personal experiences of street performances happening spontaneously at the waterfront, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers more to see and do than you might imagine.
We are working hard to ensure your trip to Baltimore will be rewarding.
Dyanne: Thanks AC, I don’t know about anyone else at this stage of the game but you have me all pumped up. I can’t wait to see what progress you have to tell us next month.
Once again AUTHORS AND READERS, DON’T FORGET TO SEND US A LIST OF BOOKS SO WE CAN LET EVEYONE KNOW WHAT’S NEW.
Also, as always I’m looking for warm subjects to interview. Tell you what, any and all that email me to do an interview during the month of July will be entered to win an autographed copy of my August 3rd re-release of Let’s Get it On from Genesis Press. davisdyanne@aol.com Have a safe and happy holiday
Namaste
Dyanne
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Interview with author Debra Phillips
Hello RSJ family,
I hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday. Our prayers as always are with the veterans and their families. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was sooooo proud of the way our President handled the placing of the wreath in Illinois.
As always our intent is to bring you writers in the family that you might want to check out. Some you know some you don't. Hope you enjoy this month's interview with Debra. We will be bringing you updates from AC Arthur and her team on RSJ 2011. Keep watching for that.
Dyanne: D.Y. Phillips is the alter ego of Debra Phillips who is the author of four books. She considers herself the author without a 'genre', and lives with her husband, Reggie, in the high desert of California. Currently, Debra Phillips is working on her next novel.
H
ello Debra. Welcome to the RSJ family. Why don't you start off by telling us about your latest book.
Debra: Love Trumps Game by d.y. phillips is the latest. It's safe to say that it's a combination of Urban street lit and mainstream, with a pinch of mystery.
Dyanne: Hmm, sounds interesting. How did you get started as a writer?
Debra: I've always loved to read, but writing books wasn't something I thought I would do. I used to write songs because as a child I wanted to be a famous and glamorous singer like Diana Ross. I had two best friends back then, Franxine Bobo and Jackie Wrider, and they were my personal Supremes.
Dyanne: So if we're looking for entertainment that means we cna come to you right. Debra, what does a typical day look like for you?
I hope all of you had a safe and happy holiday. Our prayers as always are with the veterans and their families. I don't know about the rest of you, but I was sooooo proud of the way our President handled the placing of the wreath in Illinois.
As always our intent is to bring you writers in the family that you might want to check out. Some you know some you don't. Hope you enjoy this month's interview with Debra. We will be bringing you updates from AC Arthur and her team on RSJ 2011. Keep watching for that.
Dyanne: D.Y. Phillips is the alter ego of Debra Phillips who is the author of four books. She considers herself the author without a 'genre', and lives with her husband, Reggie, in the high desert of California. Currently, Debra Phillips is working on her next novel.
H
ello Debra. Welcome to the RSJ family. Why don't you start off by telling us about your latest book.Debra: Love Trumps Game by d.y. phillips is the latest. It's safe to say that it's a combination of Urban street lit and mainstream, with a pinch of mystery.
Dyanne: Hmm, sounds interesting. How did you get started as a writer?
Debra: I've always loved to read, but writing books wasn't something I thought I would do. I used to write songs because as a child I wanted to be a famous and glamorous singer like Diana Ross. I had two best friends back then, Franxine Bobo and Jackie Wrider, and they were my personal Supremes.
Dyanne: So if we're looking for entertainment that means we cna come to you right. Debra, what does a typical day look like for you?
Debara: I'm no early bird, I will admit to that. I often suffer from insomnia, so I'm up late at night, so I write. Once morning comes, I try to get up and exercise. I said I try. I 
shower, have something to eat, some coffee, then get back in bed to try to get at least three or four pages of writing done. Suffice to say, I'm a slow writer.
Dyanne: There's a great quote about being slow and winning the race though I can't think of it at the moment. I think it has something to do with the tortoise and the hare. Since I can’t remember I’ll ask you a different question. Describe your desk/workspace.
Debra: Well...I've made the mistake of putting my laptop computer next to my bed. It's hooked up to my DSL, so I don't consider moving it. I do a lot of laying in the bed writing, sitting on the edge of the bed, writing, laying across the bed writing, falling asleep and waking up and writing some more. One day, I plan to move my laptop to my desk. Once I'm tired of laying around, writing, of course, I get up and do what needs to be done.
Dyanne: I love the way you work. I would be scared to death my laptop would fall on the floor as I was sleeping. LOL. Can you tell me what your favorite books are? (especially for writers)
Debra: It would be hard to say because I love so many books. I really enjoyed the book: The Upper Room by Mary Monroe. If I had to pick a non-fiction book that would be good for aspiring writers, I would have to say the book: Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon. Actually, I think all writers should have this book in their arsenal of creative writing instruction.
Dyanne: Great books. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.
shower, have something to eat, some coffee, then get back in bed to try to get at least three or four pages of writing done. Suffice to say, I'm a slow writer.Dyanne: There's a great quote about being slow and winning the race though I can't think of it at the moment. I think it has something to do with the tortoise and the hare. Since I can’t remember I’ll ask you a different question. Describe your desk/workspace.
Debra: Well...I've made the mistake of putting my laptop computer next to my bed. It's hooked up to my DSL, so I don't consider moving it. I do a lot of laying in the bed writing, sitting on the edge of the bed, writing, laying across the bed writing, falling asleep and waking up and writing some more. One day, I plan to move my laptop to my desk. Once I'm tired of laying around, writing, of course, I get up and do what needs to be done.
Dyanne: I love the way you work. I would be scared to death my laptop would fall on the floor as I was sleeping. LOL. Can you tell me what your favorite books are? (especially for writers)
Debra: It would be hard to say because I love so many books. I really enjoyed the book: The Upper Room by Mary Monroe. If I had to pick a non-fiction book that would be good for aspiring writers, I would have to say the book: Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon. Actually, I think all writers should have this book in their arsenal of creative writing instruction.
Dyanne: Great books. Tell us 3 interesting/crazy things about you.
Debra: 1) I suffer from chronic gossipitis (yeah, I know, it's sad, but it happens). I'm trying to get better though, but it's hard. 2) I do dirty dancing when I'm at home alone (hey, go figure on this one. I don't understand it myself) 3) I love horror stories and want to write a horror novel one day
Dyanne: I'm loving your answers. You're a great interview. You're making me laugh. Okay, Debra, tell us, what is your favorite quote?
Debra: If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Dyanne: I also love that quote. So far what have you found to be the best and worst part of being a writer?
Dyanne: I'm loving your answers. You're a great interview. You're making me laugh. Okay, Debra, tell us, what is your favorite quote?
Debra: If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Dyanne: I also love that quote. So far what have you found to be the best and worst part of being a writer?
Debra: The best is seeing your name on books when you go to a book store, or seeing someone sitting in an office with your book in their hands. It sends flutters through me. The worst part of being a writer is when someone don't like you or your book and they go out of their way to post nasty comments all over the place. When I don't like a book, I simply put it down and move to the next book. I just don't have the time to drag a writer's name and book through the mud.
Dyanne: Debra, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Debra: Your manuscript keeps getting rejected, over and over again. You feel like giving up. Don't. Keep reading on how to improve your skill. Keep reading to get better. Keep sending your manuscript out. No matter what, never give up
Dyanne: Excellent advice. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
Debra: When my first book came out I had big hopes and dreams that I would make enough money to help my mother get into her own house. You see, all her sisters and brothers owned their homes, and my mother, Daisy Mae, was never able to do that. She was a woman who had helped so many people to receive so little back while on earth. To me, she deserved her own house. It didn't have to be big, as long as it had her name on the Deed. Unfortunately, she passed away before this could happen.
I had a big misconception about writing back then. I know now that most writers rarely make enough money to live off in this business. Many will never have that "break out" book and the financial gain that goes with it. With this in mind, it makes little sense to write thinking of getting rich from it. I write because I love writing.
Dyanne: But wouldn’t it be nice if we could buy that home for someone we love, or whatever. I guess loving what we do had better be part of the process because that’s all we can be sure of.
Debra, thank you so much for the interview. It was really great. Can you tell the RSJ family where they can find you and your books?
Debra: Books by Debra Phillips and D.Y. Phillips can be found on line, at Black Expressions Book Club, and at most major book stores. Thanks Dyanne and RSJ
My new website is under construction at: www.debraphillips.net, and I can be found on Myspace (author debra phillips), Twitter, and Facebook (author debra phillips).
Dyanne: Authors and readers remember to keep us informed of new releases. Thanks
Dyanne
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
http://www.adamomega.com/
Dyanne: Debra, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Debra: Your manuscript keeps getting rejected, over and over again. You feel like giving up. Don't. Keep reading on how to improve your skill. Keep reading to get better. Keep sending your manuscript out. No matter what, never give up
Dyanne: Excellent advice. Tell us a story about your writing experience.
Debra: When my first book came out I had big hopes and dreams that I would make enough money to help my mother get into her own house. You see, all her sisters and brothers owned their homes, and my mother, Daisy Mae, was never able to do that. She was a woman who had helped so many people to receive so little back while on earth. To me, she deserved her own house. It didn't have to be big, as long as it had her name on the Deed. Unfortunately, she passed away before this could happen.
I had a big misconception about writing back then. I know now that most writers rarely make enough money to live off in this business. Many will never have that "break out" book and the financial gain that goes with it. With this in mind, it makes little sense to write thinking of getting rich from it. I write because I love writing.
Dyanne: But wouldn’t it be nice if we could buy that home for someone we love, or whatever. I guess loving what we do had better be part of the process because that’s all we can be sure of.
Debra, thank you so much for the interview. It was really great. Can you tell the RSJ family where they can find you and your books?
Debra: Books by Debra Phillips and D.Y. Phillips can be found on line, at Black Expressions Book Club, and at most major book stores. Thanks Dyanne and RSJ
My new website is under construction at: www.debraphillips.net, and I can be found on Myspace (author debra phillips), Twitter, and Facebook (author debra phillips).
Dyanne: Authors and readers remember to keep us informed of new releases. Thanks
Dyanne
http://www.dyannedavis.com/
http://www.adamomega.com/
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