Interview with Karen Helen Walker!

Hey guys I am super happy to be part of Karen's book release for The Wishing Steps. If you would like to visit Karen's blog click HERE.

I was lucky to get to interview Karen about her writing and her novel. Below is that interview, hope you all enjoy.

B: What started you on this journey to being a writer?

K: I was always a writer professionally. I was in public relations and communications, so wrote lots of articles and essays, but never with my name on it. Always the client’s name.

In 1999, I quit to write full-time and worked for years on a memoir, Following the Whispers, which was published in 2009.

B: Is there a certain genre of book you like to read more than others?

K: I mostly read novels, historical fiction, mysteries, women’s fiction. But I also read a lot of nonfiction: self-help, spirituality, metaphysical, memoir, biography

B: Do you tend to be a big outliner with your stories or more of a free writer (or like me somewhere in the middle)?

K: Oh God, I never outline. I’ve hated outlines since school days. My stories flow from my heart. Then, once the first draft is done, I go back and work out plot, characterization and other issues out.

B: Do you have a 'writing spot' or a certain routine you like to follow before you start writing?

K: I just write on my laptop in my living room, but I do get myself into a meditative space before I begin writing.

B: What was the inspiration for The Wishing Steps?

K: That’s a bit of a story. I was on vacation in Scotland, standing in the midst of a 2000-year-old burial site when an unfamiliar inner voice said, “Tell my story.” I’d never heard voices before, other than my own inner voices, and wasn’t even sure what I heard, so I said, “I’m on vacation. Sorry.” Then, in Ireland a few days later, I was standing on what they called the wishing steps in the forest surrounding Blarney Castle, when the voice once more said, “Tell my story.” Once again, I ignored it. But I couldn’t ignore it once I got home. The Wishing Steps is the result.

B: Robert Jordan said, when asked if he had a favorite character, that his favorite was the one he was currently writing. Do you have a favorite character that was easier or more enjoyable to write?

K: This is my first work of fiction. I’d written nonfiction for three decades. I guess my favorite character from this book is Brighid from Part I because she lived in primitive times and had to figure things

out for herself when that was so much harder to do without the resources we have today.

B: What are future plans past The Wishing Steps?

K: Sigh! Brandon, I’m sixty-six. I’d like to be retired in the full sense of that word, but I have other books in me wanting to come out. There’s another novel, a companion piece to The Wishing Steps, and more essays and articles.

Thanks again Karen for an awesome interview. And good luck on your release and future endeavors.

Here is some information on The Wishing Steps out now.

Brighid, Ashleen and Megan: Bound through time by a curious light, a mysterious voice and a call they dare not ignore. Yet in obeying this strange force, the women not only see their lives alter beyond recognition but must navigate the violence and scorn of a world that cannot accept their unorthodox ways. 

Can Brighid find a way to sustain her fragile, new beliefs in the face of rape and abandonment? Can Ashleen survive the brutality of an Inquisition that has burnt her mother as a witch? Can Megan defy her family and rise above the derision of an intolerant community?

The women can and do, but not before facing soul-searing trials that call into question everything they know and believe — about themselves and about the world around them.

The Wishing Steps is more than the journey of three women across the ages. It is the journey of all women through all ages…a journey of courage and defiance, trust and acceptance, revolution and transformation. The Wishing Steps is more than a story about three women’s discovery of Goddess. It is a story that all women have lived as they have sought, and fought, to claim their wisdom and express their power. 

There are other novels about women’s empowerment but only The Wishing Steps blends fact and fantasy to wrap it around the story of Goddess, a matriarchal way of life that predates all major religions.

There are other novels about the Goddess. Only The Wishing Steps spans the millennia from prehistory to contemporary times to explore themes of enduring import to women of all ages and backgrounds.

And while The Wishing Steps will attract readers of women’s and feminist fiction, the story of Brighid, Ashleen and Megan will appeal as well to lovers of myth and fantasy and followers of visionary and metaphysical fiction.

Here is a bit about the author.

Karen Walker is a writer who has published essays in newspapers and magazines, as well as in an anthology series. Her memoir, Following the Whispers, was published in 2009. The Wishing Steps is her debut novel. She completed a Bachelor’s degree and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2005 from the University of New Mexico’s University Studies program with a major emphasis in Creative Writing. When she isn’t writing, you may find Karen singing and dancing with Sugartime or The Sophisticated Ladies at nursing homes and retirement communities, singing and playing guitar with friends, traveling with her husband of 20 years, Gary or relaxing with a good book at their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Here is where you can find the book.

Amazon

Barnes & Nobel

Hope everyone is having and amazing day. As always have fun and keep writing.

The Ethereal vs the Real!

I have been writing steadily since I was fourteen years old. I have published two books and have been writing as a published author for over two years.

In that time I have been asked by writers just starting out for advice on how to get started or what they should do.

I think about that question a lot because I don't think any of us really know. I mean even big time authors can give examples, but often say things like, 'that worked for me' or 'this may help you'.

The fact is sometimes things just click and through a lot of hard work, perseverance and a bit of luck some of us find success. 

I think there are many mistakes people make when starting out, but tonight I got to thinking about a big one. 

The idea. 

When you get that good idea and it just really hits you. It is like falling in love. You want to hold it close to you and just live in it. 

This is not a bad thing, it is an integral part of all great stories.

So what is the problem?

Well, the problem is this love is a lie. 

It is like falling in love with someone you have never really met. They can seem amazing and everything you want, but the truth is they don't live in the real world with you. They don't go through the stress of everyday life with you. They are this ethereal idea of love. 

This idea you have for a story is the same. 

The reason is a book has to have order to make it work. You have to tell a story. It has to make sense and be told in a way that is compelling. When you take this amazing idea and start bashing at it to conform to a book, it stops being this perfect thing.

The result of this is we feel like the idea is bad, or worse that we are not good enough for the idea.

Both of these things can be true. The problem comes when we cling to the idea and keep it from letting us go forward. I spent ten years doing this. To think where I would be had I just let that idea go sooner. 

There is a lot of merit to letting yourself just write for yourself. Just sit down and start telling a story that no one will read. When you're done tell another and another and another until you have the confidence to say, "This is good, someone should read this."

Ethereal is great, but real is better. Real is what you have when you complete something and if you do it enough you will be good at it. If you stay stagnant even the best ideas will turn into this bitter old thing that will drag you down with it.

Anyway, these are just some thoughts I had. I hope all is well. As always, have fun and keep writing.

IWSG

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! To join click HERE!



So it has been a few months since I did one of these and I am glad to be back. I don't have too many insecurities today so I figured I would talk about something that has really helped me. 

I think a common problem with writers is the inability to make writing a habit. Ask any successful writer how they got there and though the advice may vary one thing stays the same. WRITE EVER DAY!!

This can be hard for someone who is self publishing and may or may not be seeing much return for their effort.

So I found a cool way to help myself with this. See my wife likes to make list. And plans. And graphs and...well if it involves a piece of paper and figuring something out, she likes to do it.

So I came up with an idea. On a regular writing day I do about 1 to 2k words. On a good day I can get about 5k before fatigue sets in. The problem is with three kids, one of them a toddler, the day slips away faster than you would think. 

So I came up with a rewards program. For ever thousand words I get a point. My wife wrote up a list of things I may want or do, like go see a movie and added a point value to it 10 points for smaller things, 75 for bigger and then so on. So instead of just doing those things I have to earn them through writing.

This really only works if you have to be accountable to this person so make it someone who will actually cares to talk about your writing and ask about your words for the day. 

Anyway I am enjoying this new thing and thought some of you might like to try it. I hope everyone is well. As always, have fun and keep writing. 

Fun on the net.

Like most people I get stressed out. Being stressed is not conducive to making art. So for me I turn to humor and music and other things found on the net to cheer me up.

I figured if it makes me happy then it will probably help others. 

So here is hopping some of these brighten your day.

I saw this one today and couldn't help but smile. I can just picture the happy thoughts of this bird.

Okay babies just make me happy and these are funny.

Okay here is a more inspiring vid. For anyone feeling like they are getting no where in their writing, I have post this vid before, but I always go back when I am feeling down.

And I will end this with a song I have been listening to lately. It isn't a new one and isn't necessarily happy, but I just feel in the zone when I listen to it. 

Anyway I hope these can inspire and cheer you guys up today. I am going to get back to writing. As always, have fun and keep writing. 

Don't change the channel Static is awesome!!

THE INTERVIEW!!!!

Today I get the pleasure of interviewing S K Anthony for her sequel to Kinetic, Static.

When I first talked to her about the idea for an interview she was in the full swing of her book release so I promised her to only give relatively easy questions.

So here they are.

BA - What is your favorite type of wine?

SK - I really don’t discriminate against wine. If it has grape, it’s fine :P Umm, okay, you want the serious answer? Here goes: I like Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, white Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Burgundy, Sauvignon Blanc, on and on and on . . .

BA - Hey I know what two of those are, lol. Since we are talking about drinking anyway, if you could vacation anywhere in the world where would it be?

SK - Good one there, Old Chap! I’d bloody love to travel around London! (Man, I butchered that . . . but, eh?)

BA - No we can just think of Harry Potter and the voice works well. Favorite movie?

SK - Apart from The Lord of the Ring Trilogy (can’t choose just one), my favorite is The Luminaries movie, coming soon. Not really, but it would be my favorite if I made some $$ off it, plus the honor and all that BS.

BA - Hey I would go see that, plus afterward you would want to celebrate so that leads to my next question. Favorite dessert? 

SK - Brownie a la mode! And cake. And cake. And cake.

BA - You forgot to mention cake. Also anything warm you put ice cream on is awesome...O_O. Do you have plans for books outside of The Luminaries?

SK - Well what kinda writer would I be if I didn’t? I have about six of them fighting in my head at any given time. So yes, the answer is yes. YES.

BA - I guess you would be a writer with one series, :P. I know what you mean though those ideas are always coming, if only we had clones to write them. Any other genres you might want to write in?

SK - MG and erotica, but maybe not together. Kidding! MG, YA, Contemporary Romance, Paranormal, and Dystopian . . . and yes, I have ideas written down for each.

BA - Yes together would be bad, lol. Well all the talk about ideas, but the hardest part is getting it finished and what comes after. Any advice on what people should do once they have finished a manuscript?

SK - Throw it out and start again . . . err . . . well, given you and I both had to do this with our recent manuscripts, it seems legit. But really, I think putting it aside then coming back to it refreshed after a break is a good bet. We see things from a different perspective and that can sometimes be priceless ;)

BA -Yes we both did and that is awesome advice, S. Okay folks before I set S K free again I got to give you guys some info on her newest book.

Kevin Pierce is a teleporter, a ladies’ man, and a loyal friend . . . or so he thought.



As a genetically altered Luminary, he helps the government bring down some of the most dangerous criminals. Not very challenging if you have his special abilities. But when a group of rebel Luminaries attacks his Organization the fight for survival begins.



One shattering event after another tests the depth of his relationships, his sanity, and his powers. Emotionally torn, Kevin must choose carefully where his loyalty lies. In the middle of all the unexpected chaos he gets the biggest shock of his life when he’s faced by a betrayal he never saw coming. Angry, injured, and ready to even the score, Kevin goes Static . . .

Add it to your Goodreads *here*

You can find Static here:

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble

Also if you have not read it yet, check out S K's first book Kinetic.

Being strong is one thing. Being an unlimited source of power is quite another.

Genetically altered by the Organization, Annie Fox takes down criminals CIA-style with her luminary strength. With nothing to mend but her broken heart, she is relentlessly pursued by her boss Derek Lake. Just when Annie is about to give him a chance, her ex-husband unexpectedly comes out of hiding.

A wanted man, Nick Logan is a cold-hearted murderer who is considered enemy number one, and orders are clear: kill on contact. He is more powerful than ever and threatens the lives of those she holds most dear. His plan? Get his hands on Annie and use her Kinetic energy to destroy them all. When Annie finds herself with an opportunity to end him, she pauses, horrified by the scars covering the face she once loved. A split second that will cost her everything… 

 Amazon

 Barnes & Noble

Can't forget the info on our lovely author!!

About the Author:

S. K. Anthony is a writer, a reader and a make-stuff-up-er who lives in New York with her husband and toddler twins. She is a wine connoisseur, which just really means she knows she loves it, and a caffeine addict. When she isn’t busy with her family, she finds herself being transported into the world of imagination. Well, either that or running away from spiders . . . she is convinced they are out to get her!

Stalk S.K. Anthony here:

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Google + ~ Pinterest

And last but certainly not least, a chance for you guys to win something.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Offspring.

(If you know the show we can be friends...if you don't we can be friends, but you got to get on watching this man!!!)

Being a parent is so rewarding. Being an uncle or aunt is similar as well. One of the best things about having that little person in your life is at some point you get to share all your nerdiness with them.

There are many things that are age gated. Like comics, as a collector I couldn't hand my five-year-olds some of my comics to read for fear they would be a crumpled mess by the end of the experience. But as they have gotten older I have been able to share that with them.

I recently sat down and watched all the seasons of Buffy with my 13-year-old daughter. It was awesome sharing that experience with her. 

I can't wait for my youngest to get a bit older so I can read the Potter series to him. 

I just got to introduce my middle child to Brandon Sanderson. 

These are things that have stuck with me and that brings me joy when I can share them with those I love. 

As I write on my third book today I can only hope to write something that one day is the subject of one of these types of encounters. 

Anyway, these are some of my thoughts today. I hope everyone is well and as always, have fun and keep writing. 

Oh yeah and since I mentioned her and she finally made it into a blog cartoon, I figured I would post a picture of my beautiful oldest child. 

Hi Everyone!!

So it has been a bit since I last wrote one of these. Five months in fact. I figure I would talk a little bit about why in this post and let everyone know a bit about what is going on. 

A little over two years ago I wrote and published Ashes. It was the second book in my Light Bringer Series. I'd given myself a super strict deadline on finishing that and even when life threw a curve ball I didn't waver on it. Needless to say after the experience I was majorly burnt out.

I have talked about this some before on the blog. The thing is I want to be an author. It is the only job I can see myself being happy at. I have worked so many types of jobs and not all of them I enjoyed. I pushed through and did them anyway because that is what is expected of me. That is what I expected of myself.

So why should writing be any different?

The answer is it shouldn't. So I went forward and pushed with the second book. Now I have to tell you the past two years have brought some incredible things into my life, I will never regret them. While they have given me some wonderful things, they have also been some of the hardest years I have endured. 

Some things that happened I have talked about here on the blog, most I have not and will not. The problem is somewhere along the way I lost focus. I started doing things because I was supposed to do them and I just pushed through. 

This was going well for a bit. I even managed to finish a draft of my third book and was ready to go forward with things. Luckily I have a beta reader that reads stuff before anyone else sees it. They gave me some hard love on the story I gave them. The sad part is I think I knew everything they told me myself before I ever gave them a copy of that story. 

So here I am still feeling the drag that comes with life, a story I am not happy with and feeling generally lost. So I made a choice. I jumped off social media. I spent a bit of time with my family and talked with my wife about the direction I wanted to go with my writing. 

It was actually a much needed thing. The problem with self publishing is it is all you. Most authors lose money with their first couple of books. I have been fortunate to make money so far on mine, but for sure I have a long road ahead of me. 

Good point Mr. Cat. So what has changed? 

The biggest thing is how I write now. I have a schedule that is respected in my house and I adhere to it like a religion. It lets me write everyday which is majorly important. I have goals and have learned to make them fluid so they can change as things around me change.

I also did something I have never done before. I threw out my entire manuscript. I still have it, but I have always been someone who tinkers and fixes problems as I go. This time i started fresh and am glad to say that I am trucking along on this new draft with a vigorous passion.  

I know this is a long post and I apologies for that, but I have missed you all and can't wait to get around and see what you have been up to. I have a few blogs already planned out and am refreshed and ready to go full force once more. 

Anyway, I hope everyone is well. As always, have fun and keep writing. 

Happy Mother's Day!!

So Amanda, the baby and I are all sick, yay, but I wanted to take a moment and wish all the moms out there a happy Mother's Day.

Hope you are all having a great one. 

IWSG

Awesome group if you want to join up, go here.

I will try to keep this short as I know many of you are fatigued from doing A-Z.

As authors we have to become many different people through the process of completing a book.

In the middle of revisions for the third time I got to thinking about these and figured I'd share my thoughts on them.

The Champion

As you are writing you have to assume or at least go into the work with the mindset that you are writing the best thing ever written in that genre. There has to be at least the idea that this is going to be good or what is the point? 

The Wise One

“We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say.”
― Zeno of Citium

All the champion mindset can interfere when it comes time to take feedback. We trust our CPs and beta readers and editors for a reason. Though it may be hard to transition from one to the other. If we fight changes to our work, we can't grow.


The Business Person

Lately I have heard a lot about how we shouldn't market our stuff. Well I agree with letting our work speak for itself, but it can't do that if no one knows about it. 

Trying to navigate the ever-changing waters of marketing your book is a Herculean task. No one really has the answer, but everyone is trying to give one. To me this side of an author takes a little bit from both of the previous.


These are just some of my thoughts. When you take these and mix in life and procrastination and doubt, it is a wonder anyone writes at all. I think the answer is, because we have to. It is who we are.

Anyway I hope everyone is well. As always have fun and keep writing.

Fix it with FREE!!

Okay so I waited to hear back from Amazon. Since they are so far silent on my situation. I got the right file up now and everything seems fine, so I figured out my own solution.

Starting today (4/30/15) and ending Saturday(5/2/15) Elemental will be free. You can "buy" the book by clicking on the title or the picture.

So anyone who bought Elemental during the sale and received the wrong file can grab a copy. Also people who were not sure if they would like the book can now grab it for free just in case they might.

Again I want to apologize for anyone inconvenienced by the mix up. I hope anyone who gets the book enjoys it.

As always, have fun, and keep writing, and reading.

EDIT: I got an email saying that anyone who bought Elemental should get a notice to update to the current file, so that is good.