FirstTime published Author, Gailya Keller, Shares her Story about Her Book, The Secret of Smiley Woods

I am a first time author of the children’s book, The Secret of Smiley’s Woods.  I married my high school sweetheart when I was 17 and we are getting ready to celebrate our 23^rd wedding anniversary.  I have a wonderful 4 year old little boy who is the light of my life.  I am a bookkeeper by day and a writer by night, or midnight, or sitting at the stoplight.

Tell us about the genre of your work.

My published genre is children’s.  I am open to any direction which I feel led to create.

Why did you choose this genre?

I have always had the desire to create.  I am a huge reader and always seem to have a story line circling around in my head.  I was never able to figure out where to start to get what I had inside of me out.  I saw an advertisement for a children’s writing course and signed up for it.  My children’s book was derived from one of my first writing assignments.  Now that I am a mother, I seem to think and write more in that direction and genre naturally.

What are some of your books, stories that have been published?

At this moment, I have one children’s book, The Secret of Smiley’s Woods.

What ages do you direct your books?

The Secret of Smiley’s Woods is a 5 to 11 age group.  My next book, which has not entered production yet, will be a slightly older age group.

Can you tell us more about the book and where we may find it?

The Secret of Smiley’s Woods can be found online at my publishers website, Tatepublishing.com, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.  The ISBN is ISBN 978-1-61663-771-2

Do your books have a teaching objective?  If so, what is it?

I believe the book shows you to always believe in yourself.  You never know what you can accomplish when you find yourself in any situation until you try.  Also, never judge other people, you never know where and in who you will find a special friend.

How do you come up with the names of places and characters in your books?  

With Smiley’s Woods, the main character is Sarah.  At the time I started working on this, one of my very good friends was named Sarah.  As I was writing the story, her name kept coming to my mind and was the only name who seemed to feel right. 

How did you develop the character/s of your in each of your books (If you have more that one)?

 I know this sounds horribly cliché, the they seemed to develop themselves.  As I was attempting to figure out the direction of my story, they just grabbed me from inside and led me along and when it was complete, I just sat there, wow! 

Is there a unique character or a recurring character if you have more than one published or to be published book? 

My primary character in The Secret of Smiley’s Woods is Sarah along with her brother Peter and their cousin Jason.  In my second book, Jason gets to have his own adventure, and I hope to write a third which will allow Peter to have a little fun himself.  If all goes well, we may get to visit with Sarah again in Peter’s adventure. 

What is your favorite thing about your book/s?

We all have fears and when you are a child, those fears can be so huge.  I love the way Sarah is able to face a large obstacle and keep pushing forward and finds out just how strong she can be.  We all need just a little Sarah in us.

Is your book illustrated?  If so, would you tell us by whom, and if you worked with an illustrator, can you discuss that experience?

My book was illustrated by a wonderful lady, Rebecca Riffey, in my publisher’s illustration department.  It was fabulous and so exciting!  I spoke with her several times and she really understood my characters from the very beginning.  She was excited about my book and that made the journey feel more personal.  She really cared about my book and that made it so much easier handing over my vision to her and knowing she was taking it in the direction it needed to go which, I believe, really enriched my book.

How is writing in the genre you write, different than other genre?

There comes such a responsibility when creating for children.  You really have to be careful in the content of your writing.  Children are developing at such a rate and the world it getting so harsh.  When writing for children, we need to create a story which will lift them up and be safe for them to read and enjoy and it is bonus if you are able to provide a lesson which will help them as they grow.

Are there any problems in getting children’s’ books published? 

Right now the market is so saturated; I think it is hard to get any genre published but children’s is pretty hard.  I never knew how many children’s books were out there until I started writing myself and after becoming a mother.  It is amazing there are enough publishers for us all.

Why and when did you begin writing?

I began writing when I was in high school.  I actually still have those stories in my someday file.  I was blessed to have a very special teacher who encouraged us to follow creativity in any direction it took us.

What is your writing schedule?

At the moment, being a mother to a very active preschooler, it is whatever moment I can find quiet and paper or my computer and am still awake enough to get the words out.  I keep a notebook in my purse, van and bedroom so I am able to get that paragraph or thought out fast.

What projects are you working on now, or plan for the future?

I have a second book at my publishers awaiting production.  It is following Jason, Sarah’s cousin as he embarks on his adventure.  I hope to start working on a third book which will allow Peter, Sarah’s brother to have and adventure also.

What kind of advice or tips to you have for someone who wants to write and get published?

Get a good set of second eyes to edit your work.  Don’t be afraid of change…sometimes it can be a really good thing and help your piece of work.  Stick with it.  No matter what, if you want to write, never give up.  It may take years, but the right publisher or magazine will come along exactly when it is supposed to.  Always surround yourself with a supportive group of people in friends or family.  Only take anything negative someone may say to heart enough to get better or grow but never enough to give up on your dream.

What do you do when you are not writing?

 I read as much as possible.  I am also learning I am not too old to get around the equipment on the playground.  The sliding board is still a girl’s best friend!

What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?

I was at our neighborhood store and I saw a lady in there with her small daughter.  She pointed me out to her daughter as the “lady who had written her new book”.  The little girl looked at me with such awe, I felt 10 feet tall and pretty much floated out of the store.

Where can we learn more about you?

My website is www.gailyalenkeller.com

My blog is http://gailyalenkeller.blogspot.com/

My Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Secret-of-Smileys-Woods-Gailya-Keller-

Author, Cherrye Vasquez, Tells Us about Her First Book, No Tildes on Tuesday

I am a public school administrator and an adjunct professor who teaches graduate level courses to students desiring to become public school principals and/or curriculum specialists. In 2005, I obtained a Doctorate of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction from Texas A& M University. In 1985, I earned a Master of Education in Special Education from Prairie View A&M University; and in 1981 I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology/Audiology. I specialize in Multi-cultural education and hold certifications in Early Childhood Handicapped, Mid-Management and Educational Diagnostician. I live in Houston with my husband, Roy, my 9 year old daughter, Kelly, and our dog Floppy.

When I am not working, I spend time with my family and close friends, but I also find time to write and market my book. In addition, I visit public school campuses as an author. I enjoy working with children as my goal is to instill a sense of empowerment and ownership of their identity.

Tell us about the genre of your work.

The genre of my work centers on Fiction, chapter books, bilingual and multicultural categories.

Why did you choose this genre?

This genre is passionate to me because my platform centers on diversity issues and instilling in children a love for self first as well as others.

What are some of your books, stories that have been published?

I have published one book, No Tildes on Tuesday.

What ages do you direct your books?

My books are directed toward children aged 7-13 years.

Tell us about your book, and where we may find it.

No Tildes on Tuesday is a children’s chapter book. It has 96 pages and 10 black and white illustrations. My book can be found at Barnes and Noble Booksellers, The Bookery (El Paso, TX), and Left Bank Books Bookstore (St. Louis, MO). It can also be found on line at: barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com, Tate Publishing and Enterprises.

No Tildes on Tuesday - ISBN: 978-1-61663-689-0

Do your books have a teaching objective? If so, what is it?

Yes, my book has a teaching objective. In order for my book to be used as an educational material and more useful in classroom settings, the fictional story can be coupled with the worksheet that I’ve included at the end of it. Educators (teachers, counselors and social workers) may use the worksheet to elicit dialogue and friendly discourse among students.

How do you come up with the names of places and characters in your books?

The names of places and characters in my books always stems from places that, and people who I know in my personal life. Although my characters are disguised, I try to give my readers a picturesque view of my journey. For example, in the book that I am currently writing, Dedicated Identity, I named the dog portrayed in this book Sargy. My uncle’s dog was named Sergeant, so I shortened the dogs’ name. When I think of Sargy, I have fond memories of my uncle who is now deceased. By doing so, writing takes own a soothing personal approach for me.

How did you develop the character/s of your in each of your books?

My characters are developed by crafting a detailed character study of how I’d like them to look, act or feel. These include their name, age, appearance, relationships with other characters, and personality.

Is there a unique character or a recurring character if you have more than one published or to be published book?

Isabella, my main character, is biracial. Because my message concerns self identity and strength for realizing and taking ownership of one’s self, I spend a lot of time shaping Isabella’s character so that my message resonates in the mind of the reader.

What is your favorite thing about your book/s?

The favorite thing about my books is the message that I hope to deliver to children which is a love of self and empowerment.

Is your book illustrated? If so, would you tell us by whom, and if you worked with an illustrator, can you discuss that experience?

After consulting with my publisher about my character’s; how they should look, age, personalities, and how I as the author imagine them, within my book the reader will find 10 black and white illustrations of characters who will give a feel of who they are inside and out.

Are there any problems in getting children’s’ books published?

I wouldn’t say that there is a problem with getting children’s book published. It all depends on who you want to publish your book, how long you are willing to wait to be published, and what standards you may have for getting your book published.

Why and when did you begin writing?

How I began my writing comes with a story that I’d like to share:

Approximately five years ago, I was engaged in, what I thought at first, was a friendly conversation with a group of ladies at my place of employment. As mothers, we often talked back and forth about daily activities that our children were involved in. We did this often to amuse ourselves, or so I thought, and generally ended with much laughter among the group.

When I ended my “story for the day” on the subject of my daughter’s latest activity, one of the ladies turned and said, “Well, she’s going to have psychological problems anyway." I looked at her and asked, “What?!” She went on to say, “She’s biracial, and all biracial children end up with psychological problems."

This woman was the first person who'd ever made a statement like this to me. What she claimed never crossed my mind before. Why? Because my daughter is a charming, well-rounded, culturally balanced, beautiful biracial girl who excels academically, and I might add that she's one very fine pianist. She has friends of all races, heritages, ethnicities, and she loves people. In fact, if someone ever refers to my daughter as one ethnic group over another, she quickly informs them that she is neither one over the other, but both. She loves all of who she is, and is very proud of both her heritages.

Well, I can tell you this, I have heard about and read of stories of biracial children and adults alleging that they've encountered problems because they are biracial, but I truly hadn’t spent anytime at all pondering over this subject where my child is concerned.

I suppose this topic didn’t affect me as a parent because I have ensured that I’ve done my part in balancing out my child’s life to include knowledge of both heritages, and pointedly building her character and self-esteem. I believe that issues, good or bad, have to do with parenting and environmental situations in totality.

Now, because I happen to be the mother of a biracial child, I felt that if there are those that declare that because a child is biracial they will automatically have psychological problems, I needed to set my writing and platform in motion.

Although I have wanted to write children’s books for some time now, that moment set the precedent for me doing business as, Books That Sow: Strength Character & Diversity. I needed to get a collection of books written and published that would build character, self-worth and empowerment in children, all children, whether monoracial, biracial or multiracial. I want children to read my books and use my materials.

What is your writing schedule?

I often write in the early part of the day, or late at night, but I especially favor early mornings. I love the quiet and peacefulness that early morning brings. Many times I can hear birds chirping and see squirrels moving about on power lines. Once my husband, daughter and dog are settled in, I can write with ease and comfort.

What projects are you working on now, or plan for the future?

Currently, I am working on a sequel to No Tildes on Tuesday. I hope to title it Dedicated Identity. Dedicated Identity has a message of identity ownership. My main character, Isabella, goes full circle as she moves into her new home, school and environment, but she is in for quite a surprise.

As I complete Dedicated Identity, I am writing in a helpful tips page entitled: Positive Approaches in Forming Healthy Identity in Biracial/Multiracial Children. On this page, I will begin with an Introduction followed by tips for parents, educators, and then the biracial/multiracial child. Finally, I will end with a message specifically for the child which contains acknowledgement and affirmation statements.

What kind of advice or tips to you have for someone who wants to write and get published?

I want to encourage writers to write with purpose and passion. One should never give up if they have a message to share.

What do you do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing, I spend time marketing my book, working in public education and as an adjunct professor, spending time with my immediate family and friends, and visiting school districts as an author.

What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?

I never dreamed that my book, No Tildes on Tuesday, would be approved for the shelves of Barnes and Noble Booksellers via a letter from Corporate Office two months after the official release date.

What to know more about Cherrye and her work? Visit these websites:

Email address: cherryevasquez@gmail.com

Website: http://www.booksthatsow.com/

http://cherryevasquez.tatepublishing.net/

Award Winning Illustrator, Mark Wayne Adam, Shares His Work and Advice

I saw your artwork, and was fascinated.  Would you tell us a little about your background before we begin talking about the work itself? 

         Anyone who knows me, knows drawing is a huge part of my life.  When asked if I illustrate for a living, I respond with an inspiring drawing lesson and recommend my best sketchbook to aspiring writers and artists. Recently, I was awarded medals for the 2010 Florida Publishers Association, the 2010 IPPY Awards, the 2010 Eric Hoffer Awards, and 2009 Moonbeam Award as Best Illustrator for contributions to “Nicholas, That’s Ridiculous” written by Christa Carpenter.  Also received were medals in the 2010 Ben Franklin Awards, 2010 Indie Excellence Awards, and the 2010 Mom’s Choice Awards for contributions to “The Belly Button Fairy” and “The Fart Fairy” written by Bobbie Hinman.

Newly released is “King for a Day, the Story of Stories” and a Simplicity Pattern #2299 featuring an original toy design.

Where do you work?

Longwood, Florida is where work commences most days, usually by the pool or in the home office.  I also enjoy working remotely at a quiet hotel lobby, a local WiFi restaurant, or even a public library, I can illustrate most anywhere.

Tell us about your work.

My goal is to create diversity in my work, so I use a variety mediums and styles.  Each is as unique as the authors with whom I work.  As an aspiring animator, I knew matching specific styles would be an asset.  This has proven especially helpful for authors with nightmare illustrators.   Whether the illustrator quits, is slow, or has personal issues, I can complete the project.

Speed has become my second greatest asset.  I can usually illustrate a 32 page children’s book in about 30 days.  This allows series authors to release multiple books in one year.  Most times an author takes longer to sign a contract, than I take to illustrate their book.

Why did you choose to be an illustrator?

I will make this as short as possible.  Illustration was not my choice at first.  Animation was my dreamy first choice, so I moved to Florida seeking a career at Walt Disney Animation Studios.  Not long after arriving, the studios moved to California.  I had many good reasons not to follow; a wife, house, and daughter to mention a few.  The studio’s move helped me explore other artistic possibilities. 

I worked as a Lead in the Theming Department at SeaWorld, Orlando, Art Director for an Architectural Sign Company, and manager for a Commercial Printing Company.  Each business was a profitable facet of artistic design.  From murals to signs, digital to paper, and mass markets to individuals; art was an income for every company.  This valuable business knowledge was applied to my own illustration company.  Working 10 to 20 hours a week, I generated an income equal to my 50 hour a week J.O.B.S.  I do not mind working hard, however I much rather work smart.

As an illustrator, I began to visit schools sharing my career.  Illustration chose me at my first presentation for Cuba Elementary, in Cuba, KY.  After fumbling my way through the day, I realized my contribution to books reach more than bookshelf.  My art inspired children, adults, educators, and peers.  Not only when I was presenting, but also at bedtime, story time, and most importantly when someone wanted to tell his or her story.   Those children at Cuba Elementary helped illustration choose me.

What are some of your illustrations that have been published?

Most all of my illustrations are published.  The unpublished works are found in my best sketchbooks and given to children at special events.  In 10 years, I completed 52 journals, almost 12,000 sketches.  These are notes, storyboards, and character building pages.  My next 10 years of journals started in 2010.

What are the titles of some of the books you have illustrated.    

 “Nicholas, That’s Ridiculous!” by Christa Carpenter

 “Jilli, That’s Silly!” by Christa Carpenter

 “The Belly Button Fairy” by Bobbie Hinman

 “King for a Day” by Mark Wayne Adams

 “Best Sketchbook” by Mark Wayne Adams

 “The Fart Fairy” by Bobbie Hinman

 “Field of Dreams” by Mark Hoog

“Treasure Island” by Mark Hoog

 “G.B. Duck’s Autobiography” by Chip Tullar

“The Skunk Who Was Afraid to Stink” by Brielle Kelley

“Lu and the Earth Bug Crew, Zap the Energy Spikes” by Derek Sabori

“Jadyn and the Magic Bubble, I Met Gandhi!” by Brigitte Benchimol

“Jadyn and the Magic Bubble, Kenya Kenya!” by Brigitte Benchimol

“Guinea in My Cap?” by Wanda Hughes

“Shanti the Yogi” by Spirit Voyage Music

“The World’s Greatest Pillow Fight” by Suneet Bhatt

“Pop the Bubbles, 1-2-3” by Jennifer Goble

“Good Nightmare” by Mark Wayne Adams

“Miss Mary’s Missing Book Bag” by Mark Wayne Adams

“The McGregor’s and Me” by David Garrett

“The Little Orange Salamander” by Dolores J. Mazzeo

“The Nerds” by Beverly Webel

“Dogs of the Caribou and Other Stories” by Mary Gentry

“The Magical Forest” Kristen Mason

How do you come up with the visual portrayal of characters in books?

I first seek input from the author.  I ask authors about each character’s personality and “underlying” story.  For example:  Nicholas Wallaby and his mom from “Nicholas, That’s Ridiculous!,” are actually the author, Christa Carpenter, and her son, Nicholas Carpenter.  The entire series is based on actual events in her life.  In addition, knowing Christa’s love for teaching, writing, and embroidering t-shirts helped me illustrate some great marketing tools within the story.  

How is being an illustrator different than other graphic artist?

Being an illustrator requires a fusion of art and storytelling talents.  Illustrators create entertaining artwork for a variety of audiences using a variety of mediums.  The variety is not limited to realism, fantasy, cartoon, or portraiture, not even by digital art vs. oils.  This talent separates illustrators from graphic artists.

Why and when did you begin?

I have two beginnings, uneducated and educated.  My uneducated beginning started in the late 90’s.  I no longer wanted to follow my animation dream, so I illustrated a few under estimated projects.  I was making no money at that time.

My educated beginning started in 2005. I discovered the Graphic Artist Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines.  This book contains industry pricing standards, contracts, and business tools that made making art a business.  A must own for authors and illustrators to determine the value of illustrations.

What is your working schedule?  Is this your fulltime profession, or do you do other things as well?

Wow!  A working schedule sounds like a J.O.B.  Have you every heard the saying, “if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life?”  That sums up my schedule.  I illustrate about four to six hours a day, five days a week.  If I am not illustrating, I am drawing in my best sketchbook. My full time profession maneuvers around school visits, book events, and most importantly my family.  

Do you usually work directly with authors, or with the publishers?

I work directly with authors.

Is there something that writers should know about time and cost of having their books illustrated?

Hiring a professional illustrator will save authors time and money when having their books illustrated. Illustrators require the printer and graphic designer’s guidelines along with the final edited story.  Artists are liberal with time; however, a professional illustrator creates according to timelines and budgets.  Require communication throughout the process using standard Digital Proofing.  The Digital Proofing website is one that allows remote viewing for the author, editor, printer, graphic designer, and artist.  The site is generally password protected and includes the story, storyboard, and resources.

Three basic Children's Book contracts are Purchase Contract, Copyright Contract, or Royalty Contract.  (Descriptions can be found in Graphic Artist Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines)  A Royalty Contract should require the least up front investment, and usually offer unlimited use with a royalty percentage.  Each contract is based on the number of illustrations, artistic style, scanning, manipulation, and digital clean up.

(Do you ever design just book covers?) 

Yes.  I include book covers within the scope of an illustration contract.

What things should an author know when they are thinking about working with an illustrator?

Royalties are a wise investment!  By rewarding the illustrator through royalties, authors can expect 110% from their illustrator.  Working to make an author successful is less inspiring than working to make author and illustrator successful.

What kind of advice or tips to you have for someone who wants to have their books illustrated?

Illustrations take time.  It takes generally 30 to 60 days for professional illustrators.  Much longer for artists, first time illustrators, or “nephew artists*.”  Before choosing an illustrator, define a production timeline and insist the illustrator follow.  Sign a mutually rewarding contract.  Being underpaid, rushed, and inexperienced are all ways to ruin even a close family relationship.

*Nephew Artist; a family member with minimal artistic training.  Authors generally choose a “nephew artist” out of loyalty, a desire for cheap artwork, and to keep the money in the family.

Are there any other comments, advice or tips that you would give to writers?

Expect the same quality you see on the shelves of your bookstore.  Compare your illustrator’s artwork with that of other professionals.  If the quality is not there, do not be ashamed to terminate the agreement.  Having a quality product is much more important than making caressing your illustrator’s ego. 

What “Made It” moments have you experienced.

As a marathon runner, milestones are important to reach the finish line.  Therefore, I will mention a few personal milestones. 

1.  Winning my first poster contest in 1^st grade, taught me I could make money with my gift.

2.  Attending the 1988 Governor’s School for the Arts in Kentucky, taught me my gift would take away from the farm.

3.  Meeting Don Egbert, the bank manager in my hometown of Dawson Springs, KY.  Don said, “Mr. Adams your name is the most valuable thing you own. Be careful where it appears.”  A milestone I did not understand then, but apply daily in my business!

4.  Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger who stopped his workout to discuss my sketchbook.  As a Disney employee at the time, I was not allowed to approach guests for autographs.  So, I did what I do best…draw.  Mr. Schwarzenegger talked for over 15 minutes about my “gift” as he called it.  The one “star” I had hoped to meet exceeded my expectations with his interest.  This moment taught me how to introduce myself to some incredible people, and all without saying a word, but by only using my “gift.”

My life is still moving in milestone moments.  I love what do, which means I will feel successful all my life. My “Made It” moments will be determined by others.



Ms. Christa Carpenter,
author of "Nicholas, That's Ridiculous!",
and I at the
 "King for a Day" launch party
 held at Barnes & Noble, Altamonte Springs, FL



Mrs. Bobbie Hinman,
author of the Best Fairy Books series,
and I signing
at Barnes & Noble, Bel Air, MD.  



Mr. Mark Hoog, author of the Growing Field Books series,
 and I with the Principal and teachers of
Twin Lakes Academy Elementary in Jacksonville, FL.

If you wish to contact Mark or learn more about him and his work, you may do so in the following ways:

Mark Wayne Adams, P.O. 916392, Longwood, FL 32791

Phone:             (407) 756-5862

Email:  markwayneadams@mac.com

Website:  www.markwayneadams.com

Talking About Jacqueline Sewald’s New Book , The Truth Sleuth, The Next in Her Five Star/Gale Romantic Mystery Series

Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at the university level as well as high school English. She also worked as an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Eleven of her books of fiction have been published. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications.

Tell us about the genre of your work.

 I write mainly in mystery and romance genres. These are the types of novels I most enjoy reading myself. I wanted to write novels that readers would find entertaining and yet be quality fiction.

What are some of your books, stories that have been published?

Almost one hundred of my short stories have been published in a variety of publications and anthologies. I mostly write mystery, romance, science fiction, horror and fantasy. I like to experiment with fiction. I also write for teens and children, in both books and short stories. One of my favorite children’s books is A DEVIL IN THE PINES put out by Afton Publishing. My favorite teen novel is STACY’S SONG recently published in both trade paperback and e-book platforms by L&L Dreamspell.

Would you tell us about your books?

I will talk a little bit about my Five Star/Gale romantic mystery series. It began with THE INFERNO COLLECTION, a mystery set at a university. The novel has elements of the paranormal as well as that of a thriller. It is fast-paced and exciting. The main character, Kim Reynolds, reluctant psychic and academic librarian, is asked by a friend to find out if there is a mysterious book collection hidden away in the library. When Kim’s friend is murdered, Kim becomes a sleuth.

In the second mystery novel in the series, THE DROWNING POOL, Kim works again with her love interest Mike Gardner, a police detective, to solve several murders in her apartment complex.

The third novel in this series entitled THE TRUTH SLEUTH, published this spring 2011. Kim not only finds several murder victims but must also look for a new job. Her personal life is also complicated by two very different men as she solves the murders.

Each novel in this series develops Kim as a person and her life continues to change much as that of a real person.

Amazon, B&N online, Borders and many other sites carry these novels. They are all available in hardcover. THE INFERNO COLLECTION is available in large print as well. By the time this interview is published, THE INFERNO COLLECTION and THE DROWNING POOL should be available in e-book editions as well. You will also find the novels in libraries throughout the US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Worldwide Mystery is planning to bring out a paperback version of THE DROWNING POOL. This will actually be a new version of the novel.

How do you come up with the names of places and characters in your books?

For the mystery series, setting was easy. I fictionalized the real N.J. Township I lived in for forty years of my life. Therefore, there is a lot of reality in the novels. Names are much harder. I visualize my characters and try to give them names I deem appropriate.

How did you develop the character of your protagonist in this book?

 I am definitely not psychic, and I do not have dark family secrets like Kim. However, I have worked with some trying people under difficult circumstances as Kim does. I wanted my main character to be a woman of strong moral courage who stands up for what is right, no matter how difficult. It is important that the main character is someone the reader cares about and can identify with.

What about an antagonist…is there a unique “bad guy” or a recurring nemesis of any kind?

In THE INFERNO COLLECTION, the villain, “bad guy” or killer is part of the system that controls university life. In THE TRUTH SLEUTH, Kim takes on another establishment, namely secondary school education and how it is run in a particular school. Again, the “bad guy” is part of that establishment.

What is your favorite thing about your book?

That is a hard question to answer. THE TRUTH SLEUTH is fast-paced with a lot of unique, interesting characters. It is realistic, sometimes dramatic, sometimes humorous, sometimes romantic, but always a mystery novel first and foremost.

How is writing in the genre you write, different than other genre?  

When you write mystery fiction, you have to respect the conventions of the genre. There are murders, there are clues, there are suspects and there is a resolution or denouement in which the murderer is uncovered or discovered.

Why and when did you begin writing?

I began writing as a small child. I always seemed to be making up stories. When I was able, I started writing them down. My mother bought me my first typewriter when I was eleven and taught me how to touch type.

What is your writing schedule?

I don’t sleep as much as I’d like. I start writing early in the morning when it is quiet, usually around five or six a.m. then work through until about 11 am. Then I go about all of the other things that living requires. I usually return to writing for a while each day after dinner.

What projects are you working on now, or plan for the future?  

My next novel for Five Star/Gale is a romantic mystery/espionage thriller entitled DEATH LEGACY. It is very different from my Kim Reynolds mysteries. It will be released in March 2012.  A children’s short story will be published in the LA TIMES KIDS READING ROOM sometime during the summer. One of my sci-fi short stories is also set for summer release as well as several nonfiction articles for magazines.

What kind of advice or tips do you have for someone who wants to write and get published?

The only way to be a writer is to write consistently. Set aside a time each day when you can write, even if it is just a short time. As to getting work published, you must be persistent. Also, pay attention to what editors have to say. If they offer constructive criticism, be willing to rewrite. Our words are not set in stone tablets.

Are there any other comments, advice or tips that you would give to beginning writers?

We can all be writers. There is something unique in every individual. So take the time to find it and express yourself.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also like to paint landscapes and love many types of music. 

 

What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?

There have been a great many. Every work that is accepted and published is meaningful for me. They are all special, rewarding experiences.

Check out her books that are listed on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Jacqueline-Seewald/e/B001JP0XOS/ref=sr_tc_img_2?qid=1303565128&sr=1-2-ent

and at Barnes & Noble at:  http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.com/search/results.aspx?WRD=jacqueline+seewald&page=index&prod=univ&choice=allproducts&query=jacqueline+seewald&flag=False&pos=-1&box=jacqueline+seewald&r=1&box=jacqueline%20seewald&pos=-1&ugrp=2

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