Author Interview—Jean Hackensmith on Virtual Book Tours

I recently blogged about virtual book tours, the new way of book promotion through the Internet. As a follow-up to that blog, I had the opportunity to speak with author Jean Hackensmith about her experiences with virtual touring and her writing life. Jean, you’re currently on a virtual book tour to promote your new book, “Checkmate.” Is this your first tour? No. I also did a Virtual Book Tour last December for the final installment in The “Passage” Saga, titled “The Ultimate Passage.” The tour was a huge success and, I’m happy to say, has generated many new sales, not … Continue reading

Author Interview – Tracy Winegar on Autism

Yesterday I reviewed the new book, “Keeping Keller,” a touching novel about a young boy with undiagnosed autism. Today I am joined by Tracy Winegar, author of the book. Tracy, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. I’m curious—what inspired you to write “Keeping Keller?” Ever since my childhood I have been a writer, so it’s always been a dream. A few years ago I told my husband I was thirty, with four children, and it was never going to get easier. I decided if I didn’t write a novel then, I probably never would. My husband … Continue reading

Author Interview — Michaela Riley

Yesterday I reviewed a book entitled “Embittered Justice.” Today we are joined by the author of that book, Michaela Riley. Michaela, thank you for being here with us today. Your new book “Embittered Justice” is the story of a woman who is put on trial for something she did not do. How did you arrive at the idea for this plot, and how did you tap into those feelings of betrayal? Writing my first book “Embittered Justice” was what some would call a labor of love. Inspiration for the book started when I had the personal misfortune of spending time … Continue reading

How Did They Land That Gig?

I suppose when you are a celebrity the world is your oyster and therefore you needn’t ask if you will get to embark on a particular project (no matter how far fetched it may be), but rather, you wonder when the job will be yours. Such is the case with the following stars who are attempting to cross over to different public mediums, though whether they will be successful in doing is still up in the air. TIM MCGRAW Tim McGraw already has legions of Texas two-stepping fans and multiple Grammys to validate his career, but now he’s reaching out … Continue reading

Interview with Fantasy Author Joshua Palmatier

I first heard of fantasy author Joshua Palmatier through a friend — she loaned me his first book and I was hooked! Now let me introduce you to him. Aimee: What kind of things do you write about? (Genre, subject matter, themes, what have you.) Joshua: I write fantasy novels that deal with a young girl named Varis who was orphaned in the slums of the city of Amenkor. The books mainly deal with her struggle to survive, and the moral questions that result from the question: what would you be willing to do to survive? There are a lot … Continue reading

Interview with My Fellow Pets Blogger and Mystery Author Courtney Mroch

Recently, Courtney and I decided it would be fun to interview each other. After all, we’re both writers and pet lovers. So read on, and learn something you maybe didn’t know about my awesome blogging partner, Courtney Mroch! Aimee: What kind of things do you write about? (Genre, subject matter, themes, what have you.) Courtney: I’m not prejudiced to any form of writing except maybe poetry (and that’s only ’cause I suck at it) so I pretty much write everything. Essays, short stories, novels, articles… Whatever notion my muse strikes me with, I run with it. As far as genre … Continue reading

A Passion for Rhodesians: An Interview with Author Maris Soule

I’m kicking myself for not getting my tail in gear and publishing this interview last week. Posting romance (and mystery) author Maris Soule’s interview on Valentine’s Day would have been mighty apropos. Ah well, I goofed. But…at least it’s still being posted in February, the month of love. That works. What does Maris love? (Besides writing.) Well, I’ll give you a hint. They’re often furry, four-legged, and what us other pet lovers love…our animals! Below she tells us about what kind of animals grace both her life and her work. Courtney Mroch: What kind of things do you write about? … Continue reading

Author Interview: Sheila Roberts, Other Projects

Yesterday we began an interview with author Sheila Roberts, who recently released the book “On Strike for Christmas.” If you missed it, click here to get caught up. Sheila, thank you for joining us again here on Families.com. I noticed on your site that in addition to being an author, you are a life coach. Can you tell us a bit about that? I mostly work with aspiring writers, helping them work through the emotional ups and downs that come with writing and trying to get published. I’m a regular contributor to my industry magazine, offering self-help articles on time … Continue reading

Author Interview: Sheila Roberts

We are joined today by Sheila Roberts, author of the newly released Christmas book “On Strike for Christmas.” Sheila, thanks for chatting with us. Can you give us a synopsis of your book? Christmas is fast approaching and many of the women in the town of Holly are bracing themselves for stress, overwork, and very little understanding or appreciation from the men in their lives. But then inspiration hits. Joy Robertson, Laura Fredericks, and their knitting buddies decide to “go on strike” and give the men an opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to make the holidays merry and … Continue reading

Author Interview: Steven Reilly, On Coaching

Thank you for joining us for part three of our interview with Coach Steven Reilly, author of “The Fat Lady Never Sings.” If you missed parts one or two, click here to catch up. Steven, you worked closely with coach John DeFrancisco on the Derby High School championship team, and I can tell he was a very influential person in your life. What did you admire the most about him? His resilience as a person, his loyalty to his friends and family and his sense of humor. He really could have been a comedian. Whenever he’s invited to roast somebody … Continue reading