Authors are listed alphabetically by LAST name beginning with L
*All the information/websites/links were current AT THE TIME OF INITIAL POSTING. As time passes, please be aware that the links provided might no longer be active.
Zee Lacson
Your Name: Zee Lacson
Genre(s) of your work: Young adult. Magical realism.
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Woolgathering Series:
Reverie (2020)
Revenant (2021)
Réveil (2023)
Bio:
Zee Lacson has had practice in different professions. Engineer. Teacher.
Photographer. Visual artist. Writer. But throughout her life she has always been a Dreamer. The Woolgathering Series is her dream come true. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines with her grandparents, father, and twin brothers; she currently lives the dream in the northern suburbs of Chicagoland with her husband, twin sons, and perpetually hungry retired service dog. She enjoys good coffee. And sushi. And wine. And pizza. And ice cream. And cake…
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Young adult literature deals with the transition period between childhood and
adulthood. Old enough to challenge the world and, ideally, young enough to not be bothered with mundane adult concerns such as rent money or raising a family. It’s an opportunity for deeper reflection and often the moment to decide what path to take in life.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Some of my best friends are authors that I would never have met had it not been through writing. I don’t even know how I made it this far prior to having them in my life. I value them deeply.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Maggie Stiefvater. She has the ability to weave magic into reality. I strive for that in my writing.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks are another means of storytelling.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I enjoy the personal connection with readers and find that I sell better at events.
Where can people find you and your work?
IN STORE:
This Old Book (Grayslake, IL)
Barnes & Noble, Mellody Farm (Vernon Hills, IL)
Donovan Scherer’s Studio Moonfall (Kenosha, WI)
The Book Nook (Menominee, MI)
ONLINE:
Amazon.com
BarnesAndNoble.com
Walmart.com
Wherever books are sold …
If you can’t find it at your local library, request for it!
Linktr.ee/ZeeLacson
Desiree Lafawn
Name: Desiree Lafawn
Genre(s) of your work: Romance – Fantasy & PNR
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Northwoods Magic, Northwoods Fairy Tales Book One
The Descent of Eve, A Glass Traveler Novella
Bio:
Desiree lives in Northwest Ohio with her husband, two children, and two rowdy cats. She is a craft addicted, roller derby skating amateur foody who loves to enjoy a glass of chardonnay with a side of whatever snack the kids left untouched in the pantry, most likely goldfish crackers.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I love writing in fantasy and PNR because there are really no restrictions. I am not limited to reality and the boundaries of “this world.” Anything can happen if I create it.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I have met so many amazing people and some of the current best friends. They encourage me every day to do and be better, and if I had not started this journey I would not have met them. I am pretty grateful for the entire experience.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I have so many I don’t know how to even pick one or two! I love Laurell K Hamilton because she really pushes the boundaries of sexuality in her books without being gross or tacky. I love P Jameson because she is so versatile. Her characters are gritty, flawed and loveable, and she isn’t restricted by her genre. She writes shifter romance, but she makes her own rules. She also writes contemporary romance as well and I am excited to follow her journey and see what else she can do. I read a lot of Lynn Kurland and Nora Roberts as well. Ugh. I read A LOT. I could go on and on about this for sure.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
I hope that they enjoy my books! I also hope that for a little while, they enjoyed the world I created and want to visit it again. As someone who reads and rereads my favorites many times over, a reader who wants to reread my work would be the greatest compliment.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
We tend to write about what we know, so while my stories are purely fiction of course there are going to be elements of experience thrown in. The locations are places I have been and enjoyed, some characters share my hobbies and some have characteristics of people I have met in my life – even in passing. I think that is probably true of every writer – we are little sponges, we absorb a lot.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
I am lucky to have a very good group of author friends and we motivate each other constantly. I am very easily distracted and can get derailed from a project at any given moment. We are always giving each other a hard time and there are a lot of chats that end with “aren’t you supposed to be writing? Get off the internet!” It’s great to have that kind of motivation, ha ha. I also have my best friend as a beta reader and if I take too long she verbally abuses me until I give her something to read 🙂
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
In general I always try to finish something I started reading, but I think the biggest issue would be bad editing. There are ALWAYS going to be errors and I like to think I am pretty tolerant but if tense changes repeatedly to the point that I don’t know what is going on them I am not likely to keep reading.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I know what I will and won’t read, but I am not a huge fan of censorship – especially for grown adults. Look at the banned and challenged classics book list! I am all for proper classification, but censorship? Everyone has a different idea of what is appropriate for them, I think we can all decide for ourselves what we will expose ourselves to.
Where can people find you and your work?
Jason Lavender
Name: Jason Lavender
Genre(s) of your work: Children’s books
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Sad Giraffe 2024
Bio:
Jason Lavender, an Oxford High School graduate 2023, took a liking to writing stories at a young age. Drafting out his first book “The Sad Giraffe” before middle school. The book sat for many years until, during the pandemic, Jason got a tablet and began to digitize his draft. After that came 5 more books. Currently, Jason spends his time across several writing and illustrating projects and hopes to continue with his passion as he begins work as a lineman apprentice.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I had always been disappointed with the children’s books I would read at Barnes and Noble, or anywhere. The lack of artistry and story in them made me feel like I could do better. So, I originally drew out a skeleton of the story on random paper I had. The entire story just came to me. It wasn’t really inspired by anything but my own mind. When quarantine struck, I had nothing to do but write or draw. My parents got me a new tablet with an art program where I finally digitized it to eventually be submitted to Kirkwood
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Before writing I would draw pictures of a bunch of different things. Mostly monsters or battle scenes. But I always had the thought I could do something more. I always had a bunch of creativity in my brain but no way to express it. That was when I took up writing actual books and I finally discovered my passion, picture books. Quickly I wrote and created a bunch of children’s books and then changed to graphic novels which I am currently working on today. This changed my world so much because I finally found what I know I want to do for the rest of my life.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I have two authors who have been a big help in boosting my inspiration and creativity. The author of Mouse Guard, David Peterson I hope he makes more one day, and the author of Bone being Jeff Smith. They both have amazing stories in their fantasy worlds with original art styles which has inspired me to improve.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think having a physical copy will always be better. But for people like me who struggle to read because I have so much going on in my brain, audio will be very convenient. But having a physical copy of something like a graphic novel or children’s book where there are vibrant pictures, you just have to have it physically. Especially for kids to hold. Both have their strengths and weaknesses like most things, but I don’t think audio will be going away anytime soon.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
The best marketing tool in this current age will be social media. Instagram, Facebook, twitter are the best places to reach the maximum number of people because everyone is on it. Bad ones would be things like the newspaper that is just not getting the use it once had.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I believe that art transcends normal social standards. You should be able to draw or write about anything you want because usually if it is something taboo it is made with a purpose that should get emotion out of people. If you do, that means you succeeded in what you set out to do. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to read or look at it. And additionally when a subject is taboo that means it is something bad or uncomfortable for most people and it needs to be addressed. But how can we understand the issue if it is not allowed to be talked about?
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I think trigger warnings are something that should be used if you want. Let’s say you are a victim of abuse and reading or watching something that depicts that could awaken that past within you and that can be very scary for some people. So, putting a warning beforehand can be very helpful to those people.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I am a very new author. I have no idea what the best method is right now. So, I’m trying everything. When I find out I will let you know!
Where can people find you and your work?
I am active on my social media’s right now! If you would like updates!
Instagram: Jason.Lavender1.
Facebook: Jason Lavender.
Pre order my book today!
The Sad Giraffe
Jason Lavender
https://www.kirkhousepublishers.com/bookstore
Doug Lawrence
Your Name: Doug Lawrence
Genre(s) of your work: Mentoring
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Gift of Mentoring – 2014
“You Are Not Alone” – 2021
Bio:
Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and Co-founder of the International Mentor Community. Doug is an International Certified Mentor, and has obtained his Certificate of Practice – Mentor, and his Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community (IMC). Doug’s Practice of Mentoring has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor.
Doug served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 25 years retiring in February of 1999 at the rank of Staff Sargent. As a result of his service, Doug had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Doug lost his wife, Debra to cancer in 2021 and has focused on how grief is a part of your mental health. His journey tells his personal story one that is heart wrenching and compelling. Doug has shared his story as a guest on over 100 podcasts to date.
Doug is an international speaker and author about all facets of Mentoring. He published “The Gift of Mentoring” in 2014 with his second book “You Are Not Alone” being published January 17th, 2022 reaching Amazon #1 Best Seller – North America and the UK and the Global Book Awards Bronze Award in the Coaching and Mentoring genre. Doug is an International Best-Selling Author.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Both books were written as a result of suggestions from colleagues that I needed to address these two topics. “The Gift of Mentoring” came to be as a result of taking all the blog articles I had written and compiling them into a book. “You Are Not Alone” came to be as a result of colleagues recommending that I write about how mentoring could be a part of the mental health support structure.
Writing in this genre is a way to give back and to help make the world a better place to be.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I never dreamed that I would be writing a book(s) and better yet that my book would be an Amazon #1 Best Seller – North America and UK and a Bronze Medal winner in the Global Book Awards. I am now an international best selling author. What it has done for me is that it opened so many doors that help with my healing journey and has provided me the opportunity to give back and to help others with their healing journey.
What it has also done is provided me with all kinds of learning as it relates to the writing and publishing of a book. I still have lots of room to grow and learn.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Ken Blanchard. Ken’s books are done in a story format. I have found that every one of his books that I have bought told a different story and a story that was relatable to me. I could actually see myself in his book. I remember taking two of his books on a holiday one time thinking that they would last the whole holiday. I finished both books in less than a week.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think that they are part of the future and there will be a space they will occupy. What will drive this is the wants and needs of the reading public. I think of myself – I usually buy the hard copy version of the book as I want something tangible to hang on to. I know that some folks listen to podcasts and audiobooks all the time and would have it no other way. It is a personal preference.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I don’t know that I could suggest something is a bad marketing tool
The services of a good publicist as part of your team are extremely important. Every author should have a publicist that they can work with and who has their best interests in mind. I am a fan of LinkedIn from a social media perspective.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I think there should be some criteria that establishes an acceptable framework of what can be written and what cannot. If I know a book is one that has a lot of sensitive content, it may be one that I chose not to purchase or read. I may also not recommend a book based on the use of sensitive content.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
In today’s society we need to be mindful of and respect the impact that certain terminology may have on our readers. I recall giving a presentation to a class of young people on Human Resources, Grief and Mental Health. One of the students broke down early in my presentation. I had mentioned at the beginning that attendees may find what I was going to share disturbing and if so, they needed to let me know. My conversation had triggered the memory of the loss of a loved one. I have experienced triggers as a result of the work that I am doing. I think that there is definitely a place for them.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I recently spoke at an event and the organization purchased 22 copies of my book “You Are Not Alone”. Telling the story or portions of it to a live audience did result in the purchases which I had not experienced before.
Where can people find you and your work?
Twitter: @DougLawrenceJM
Jackie Lawson
Name: Jackie Lawson
Pseudonym: J Lawson
Genre(s) of your work: So far I have YA/NA fantasy and LQBTQIA+ humor. I have some general fiction and general fantasy in the pipelines as well!
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Amulets: 2019
The Convergence: 2019
Zippers, Three Way Kisses, and Other Absurdities: My Life As An Ally: 2019
(Seems like a lot in one year, but I had these backlogged before I decided to self publish)
Bio:
Lawson was born and raised in Davenport, Iowa.
From an early age, Lawson loved reading and excelled in language arts. In junior high, she began writing poetry and short fiction. In high school, she had an article published in a local newsletter advocating tolerance and equality.
In college, Lawson majored in English Literature with the intention of teaching college level English. There, she worked on the school’s literary magazine, where she also published a few of her poems.
After college, Lawson moved to Peoria, Illinois, where she found a position with a nurse case management company as an administrative editor. She also developed a writing training program for the company to implement.
Lawson met her husband in 2008. They were married in 2013 and have a son, DJ, who is 9. They also have three dogs, Bailey, Loki, and Kratos.
The Amulets is Lawson’s debut novel. The idea came to her in 2015 from a short dream and, through the course of discussion with her best friend of over twenty years, it was developed into the outline for a fantasy trilogy series. Lawson started writing The Amulets in 2017, finishing her first draft in 2018, and publishing in February of 2019. While processing edits, she started on the second book in the series, The Convergence, which she published in June of 2019. The final installment in the trilogy should arrive in 2020.
Lawson also recently published an LGBTQIA+ humor memoir titled Zippers, Three-Way Kisses, and Other Absurdities: My Life As An Ally. Based on real events, the book follows a girl through ten formative years of her life from first introduction to the LGBTQ culture to almost complete immersion.
Lawson plans to continue writing, delving into general fiction as well as more fantasy, and is even considering a spin-off novel for a secondary character in her fantasy trilogy.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I enjoy the freedom in fantasy. Not everything has to have a scientific explanation and that allows for much more imaginative scenarios to otherwise regular/mundane/ordinary situations and experiences. My preference is to write relatable stories with just one or two elements that turn things on their sides.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I’ve always known reading and writing were good outlets for emotions of all kinds. I wanted to write a novel when I was much younger, but I always seemed to run out of steam before the halfway point. I feel like I personally hadn’t lived enough or experienced enough to be able to fully develop that part of my writing brain. I’m so excited to finally be at the point where I can bring these stories I think up to fruition!
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I cling to certain authors depending on my moods. I adore JR Ward for the edgy/angsty moods, Karen Marie Moning for the fantastical and dramatic moods, and Janet Evanovich for the happy moods. There is never a time where I’m not in the mood for a good classic from Jane Austin and Dickens (both Charles and Emily) to Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne. I love how their work is timeless and valid through any time/age/
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I have to be careful here because I worked for one for many years! I appreciate that brick and mortar bookstores of ANY kind still exist. The experience of spending hours in a bookstore, looking at anything and everything, it one that still thrills me. With shopping in general spiraling quickly to online dominance, it scares me that this experience will be lost to future generations. That being said, I also strongly support local independent bookstores and try to do most of the events I participate in at those stores to bring in community support and awareness.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
It really depends on the work. In my fantasy works, I like to write some of my own communication characteristics into them, however I want to keep myself fairly removed as well. There’s always a little something of myself in what I write, simply because that’s where I came from. It’s just easier to be objective when I’m not writing myself into a work. Zippers is a little bit different in that it’s about 95% autobiographical, but it was also originally only going to be printed for friends. I spoke about it to enough people who said it absolutely needed to be made available to the masses, so I heeded the advice of people I care about and respect.
What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?
When I start a book, I think about it even when the writing stops. I work full time during the day, so most of my writing happens in the evenings or on weekends. That means between those writing times, I’m still always thinking about what could happen next or what needs to happen coming up. It gets to a point where I start to stray from my original outline (which is fine in some cases) but if I get too many ideas/options going on in my head, it gets harder to reign it back in when I sit down to write again. Basically, I write to keep myself on track and less tangential. Plus, hitting that “publish” button is one of the greatest feelings in the world, second only to hearing someone truly enjoyed what I put on paper.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Absolutely not. Life isn’t censored; writing certainly shouldn’t be. Freedom of expression and freedom of choice are equally important. If you want to express it, do it. If you don’t want to hear about something, choose not to read it. For me, the concepts are simple.
Where can people find you and your work?
twitter.com/AuthorLawson
Patti Lee
Your Name: Patti Lee
Genre(s) of your work: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Between February and November (November 2022)
Bio:
Patti Lee began writing in 2019, bringing women’s fiction stories to life by tapping into the hopes and sometimes fears of readers. Her debut novel, Between February and November, won the International Firebird Book Award in fiction in 2022. An award-winning essay writer, her creative non-fiction has been included in Crone Rising by Jazz House Publications, and her short story, The Ward House, was included in the Of Cottages and Cauldrons autumn anthology, also by Jazz House Publications.
When she’s not working her administration job for a small non-profit, she’s either writing or playing with her grandkids. Or thinking about writing or playing with her grandkids. She is a groupie of singer-songwriter Josh Ritter and alt/folk duo Parsonsfield but has also been known to play the soundtrack to Hamilton on repeat. She currently resides with her husband in Vermont, where she has more cats than throw pillows.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I like writing fiction because I can make up whatever I like and there aren’t a lot of rules, which in and of itself is odd for me because I’m a rule follower. I also like writing fiction because it’s easy for me to take an overheard conversation out of context and make it something it’s not, or probably isn’t. Most writers will tell you there is a nugget of truth in their fiction – whether it’s their own truth or something they heard in line at the coffee shop.
Writing fiction allows me an opportunity to write, or rewrite, the story the way I want to tell it. I like writing contemporary women’s fiction because I can focus on a real, relevant issue. I write about things that can happen to anyone, and in women’s fiction, the story focuses on a woman’s journey; whether it’s a romantic relationship, a familial one, or her own personal journey – although there isn’t necessarily always a happy ending, there is some kind of personal growth.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I don’t have a favorite author. If you would have asked me that decades ago, I might have said something different. It really depends on my mood and where I am emotionally. Some of my favorites include Stephen King for the suspense factor. Diana Gabaldon for her amazing skill at describing settings and scenes without it sounding like she’s describing settings and scenes. Janet Evanovich for her relatable characters and her ability to make me laugh out loud while I’m reading. Nicholas Sparks has an uncanny knack of pulling on my heart strings. And Jodi Picoult, who usually does all of the above. Lately I’ve been enjoying reading books written by some of my peers from Twitter and Facebook – Dzintra Sullivan, Maria Diversa, E. J. Wenstrom, and KC Ridge to name a few.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks are definitely a growing market and I believe will only increase over time. I’ve had several people ask me if my novel is available on audiobook for different reasons. Those with a reading disability find it especially helpful to have an audiobook option. And, audiobooks make it easy to ‘read’ while working out, walking, running, or driving to work. While I think audiobooks are here to stay, I don’t think they’ll replace printed books. When Kindle first came out, many believed it was the wave of the future, but people are coming back to printed books.
Where can people find you and your work?
I can also be found on Twitter @pattiauthor where I’m a regular member of the #5amwritersclub.
Bjorn Leesson
Pseudonym (if you use one): Bjorn Leesson
Genre(s) of your work: Fiction Fantasy
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Runes of the Dokkrsdottir (2024)
Rune of Renewal (2024)
Bio:
Bjorn was born in the Lowcountry of South Carolina a long, long time ago. He has worked in manufacturing all his working life to feed himself but has nourished his mind with the study of many topics; history of all eras, the paranormal, astronomy, writing of different types, photography, archeology, genealogy, vexillology, some other -ologies, even stock car racing for a couple of years, and on and on. Bjorn finds just about everything fascinating in some way and has been accused of being too easily entertained. A blend of a few of his interests led to the creation of the Thalsparr Universe. The first installment of the series will be “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir,” with a release date to be determined. He currently lives in the Midlands of South Carolina with his wife of 25 years on their hobby farm.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
For me, Fiction Fantasy (and maybe more properly Historical Fiction Fantasy) provides a creative writer who loves history a chance to “fill in the blanks” in what we think we know about the world before right now. And as an added bonus, the writer can blend in other interests since history, by definition, encompasses everything. Maximum versatility.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
For a majority of people, I think it is the wave of the future, but there will always be printed books to read. I simply cannot imagine a world without them.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. Once some authority begins erasing expression, where is that line placed? How often will the line move, and are the moves based on which way the wind blows today? What about tomorrow? Who gets to choose? At some point, we will have to evolve as a species to be able to read anything out there and know what is harmful and what is not, and what is truth to us and what is not.
Where can people find you and your work?
“Runes of the Dokkrsdottir” on Amazon
Savy Leiser
Name: Savy Leiser
Genre(s) of your work: picture books, contemporary young-adult, contemporary new-adult, music journalism
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Furever Home Friends series:
Book 1: Princess Allee, released August 2017
Book 2: Smile, Chewie!, released August 2017
Book 3: Just Me, Wrigley, will release August 2018 (available for preorder)
Book 4: Character not announced publicly yet, but will release fall 2018
Future books will be announced soon! We will be releasing about 2 new books per year.
The Making of a Small-Town Beauty King (young adult), released February 2016
Sculpt Yourself (new adult), will release November 2018
Bio:
Savy Leiser is a Chicago author, editor, journalist, filmmaker, and teacher. In 2017, she founded The Furever Home Friends, a startup that shares real dogs’ stories through a series of picture books that teach kids about social issues. The Furever Home Friends has since won multiple Chicago startup awards. Savy also works as a music journalist for Halftime Magazine and Yamaha SupportED, and she teaches creative writing workshops at Open Books. In 2015, Savy graduated from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Communication, and she is currently working on her Master’s in Writing & Publishing at DePaul University. You can visit Savy at savyleiser.com, her blog and website, where she also offers freelance copyediting services.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I write in a variety of genres because I have a variety of passions! From the outside, it might seem like I do a lot of different things, some of which may not seem connected at first glance. However, I have defined my overall mission as a writer: to use the power of storytelling to change the world for the better. When I write kids’ books, my goal is to bring awareness to rescue dogs and shelter adoption, and to inspire social empathy in young readers. When I write young-adult and new-adult novels, I use storytelling to depict the world I’d like to see: one without sexism, where LGBT+ relationships are normalized. I think each of these genres gives me the freedom to explore different angles of tackling these issues. For example, when I write for kids, I get to tell a story through a dog’s eyes. When I write YA fiction, I get to have fun creating snarky voices for each character. Each genre has its own benefits, and I like keeping my options open to exploring.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
It’s more that I can’t imagine a life without writing. Every other passion or interest I’ve ever had has contributed to my writing in some way. For example, I played a variety of musical instruments throughout my life, from piano to violin to bassoon to saxophone. While I loved performing, I knew that I was a mediocre musician and would never make a career out of that. However, I COULD make a career out of writing about music. Shortly after I graduated from college, I started working in music journalism. In a way, everything always comes back to my passion for putting stories together, whatever form that may take.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
My favorite authors tend to be those who I see as influences in my own work. Every once in a while, I’ll read a piece of work that inspires me to step up my game big time. John Green was always one of those authors for me. I’ve read An Abundance of Katherines multiple times, and every time I’m more in awe of how well he tied so many threads together.
More recently, I’ve also become a big fan of Rainbow Rowell because of how strongly she creates memorable characters. After I read Carry On, I was inspired to try writing a book in alternating first-person POV, because she did it so well in that book. The next novel I wrote was Sculpt Yourself, which is told in alternating first person, and is releasing this fall. In terms of children’s books, my favorite author has always been Barbara Park. Junie B. Jones was one of the first characters who showed me that kids’ voices could have intelligence and sass as well. Those books were a big influence when I started figuring out each dog’s voice for the Furever Home Friends series.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Like almost everything in life, I have mixed feelings. I don’t necessarily think there is one right way to get books or stories out into the world. As a small business owner, however, I often struggle with the concept of big business. A lot of bookstores have deals with certain big-name publishers, which have created a sort of oligopoly on the market. Many bookstores also require all sales to go through Ingram, which has led to Ingram having a near monopoly on the book distribution market, and that’s caused all kinds of problems.
I don’t want to say anything bad about any of these companies, however, because they’re all necessary in their own ways. I love small bookstores, especially those local to me in Chicago. I know what it’s like to run a small business, since that’s what I do with the Furever Home Friends. I know how hard it is to take a risk on a new business. I know a lot of bookstores would rather sell books from a small business like mine on consignment, rather than purchasing inventory outright, because the risk is lower; but for me as a small business as well, that’s not beneficial. So that’s a really loaded question…I love all bookstores, but I also love Amazon, and I also love the independent authors starting up their own businesses. I don’t think there’s one answer.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
From the Furever Home Friends books, I want readers to feel like they’ve made a strong emotional and empathetic connection with the dog in the story. Hopefully it inspires them to think more about the ways we can help animals, and how those same ideas can translate to how we can help other people. From my novels, I’d like readers to be entertained. I want them to laugh, because I often aim to be funny. In a lot of these books, though, I’ll often present multiple sides to a social issue through the perspectives of different characters. I’d love for readers to think about the multiple perspectives and how each one has its own validity. We often hear the phrase, “There are two sides to every story,” but that’s not true. I think there are infinite sides to every story, and we should consider as many as we can.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
SO much! Whenever I have friends or family read my writing, they’ll often point to a certain line or sentence and say, “Oh hey, I remember that!” For example, in Beauty King, there’s this scene where one of the main characters, Stephanie, builds a giant trebuchet and uses projectile motion equations she learned in AP Physics to calculate how far she can fling water balloons.
In high school, my friends and I built a giant trebuchet in AP Physics and would fling stuff all around the school parking lot. We were only supposed to make it a foot tall, but we ignored that, haha. Anyway, I dedicated that book to those friends. Beyond specific instances like that, a lot of the emotions and internal conflicts my characters feel are things I’ve also dealt with. Like Amber from Sculpt Yourself, I’ve also been that edgy, judgmental feminist. But I’ve also been like Kelly, the practical, career-driven artist. So I put them in a relationship with each other and saw what happened.
For the Furever Home Friends, the books are all based on real dogs, so I guess each dog’s experience creates the story!
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
Coffee!
Also playlists! I love making lists of songs that fit with the tone of each story.
Also nachos! Often, if you have a ton to get done, make it an excuse to eat a ton of snacks.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
Usually, confusion. If I’m struggling to visualize the setting, or if I’m struggling to understand what the characters are doing and why they’re doing that. If a story isn’t clear to me, I’ll get frustrated and give up.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Never.
That’s one of the few things I DON’T have mixed feelings about. If we stifle each other’s ability to express our thoughts, we essentially shut down conversation on some of the most important topics. If a book offends you, leave it a bad review. Start a conversation; start a debate. Don’t try to get rid of it.
I’m a big supporter of Banned Books Week!
Where can people find you and your work?
Instagram: @savyleiser
Furever Home Friends Instagram: @fureverhomefriends
Amazon links to my books:
Levi
Name: Levi
Pseudonym: Irving Le Rosa
Genre(s) of your work: Occult fiction, Horror, Modern Fantasy
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Committee : US Abattoir I (2017)
Bio:
I’m 39, I’m originally a Central Illinois native. I’ve been in the area for the majority of my life; I’ve been involved in artistic pursuits for pretty much that entire amount of time. I don’t have any single area of focus – I’ve written music, I sculpt, I make armor, weapons, lamps, furniture, I even do some graphic design. I have a technical certification in digital pre-press layout operations, not that I do it for a living mind you. I am an inordinately talented hack and a moderately well-read Philistine.
While I am technically the eldest of my blood relations, I’m somewhere in the top middle of my actual sibling group – I have three brothers, a sister, a step sister, and I’m sure I’m missing a couple of people here, my point being that my family tree looks like an octopus.
I’ve been around people that ‘do’ for my entire life; I’m not the son of intellectuals, per se. My father was a maintenance man and my mom worked in a factory for 20 years. I used to install furnaces for a living; I grew up in an upholstery shop run by my grandparents on my mother’s side, and my grandmother on my father’s side was a fifty-year veteran RN at one of the local hospitals. I’ve spent time on farms, breaking into abandoned buildings, and all sorts of other stuff.
In my personal time, I engage in wildly varied pursuits. I’m a very hands-on sort of individual. I’m also a bit of a nerd. I invented a device to convert a QWERTY keyboard into a functional four way joystick, which is kind of a waste in a postmodern era where a USB joystick costs 15 dollars, but I made it work well enough to play Street Fighter Versus X Men on an emulator, so there. I designed a proprietary bullwhip assembly pattern, I build my own furniture – I believe in doing things according to my own design.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I enjoy dark fiction; I think everyone likes horror, to some degree. It offers the opportunity to reinvent the known. Additionally, since there’s a lot of unexplored territory surrounding common but disconnected themes, it’s possible to create a very complex narrative. I don’t read a lot of conventional horror myself, so it was an interesting place to explore the process of writing because a lot of my own expectations weren’t very directionally biased.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I would say the process has altered my life in a few different ways. Some are related to the process of writing itself, some are more related to the subject itself than the specifics of storytelling.
It’s been a challenge trying to organize something with this many moving parts. Musically, the longest thing I’ve ever written tops out at seven minutes and contains maybe 1 page of lyrical content. I’ve done other creative projects that include a lot of writing and description, and I do a lot of writing as a general course of my daily existence – but none of these were ever a long term sort of thing. Writing a book definitely requires a greater amount of directional momentum and oversight. You need to know where you’re going, if not necessarily how to get there.
That’s really only half of it. In the case of The Committee, I actually started a weightlifting regimen to get in the headspace of one of the main characters – I put on over 50 lbs. as a result of that particular practice alone. I’ve written a few short papers on differing occult hypotheses, including a functional method for improving mnemonic recall during your sleeping hours thus allowing you to remember your dreams. Which relates to two of the other characters (at minimum).
In both cases, it’s not like it was something that I wasn’t already moving towards, but the process of writing and trying to place yourself in the varied mindsets required by the perspectives presented within your work crystallizes a lot of what otherwise seems haphazard. Some of those ground floor things that put you into contact with the things you’re writing about will directly alter your life as a result of you doing them. Sometimes permanently. You’re opening doors that don’t close again after you walk through them.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Neil Gaiman. Incredible, high-minded concepts related in a very direct, grounded manner. Impossible to argue with.
James Clavell. Merciless portrayal of the raw humanity of his characters. They’re flawed and messed up, it’s beautiful.
Frank Herbert. Scope of vision; incredible complexity and the expectations he had of humanity are simply awe-inspiring.
Douglas Adams. Beneath the absurdity of the man is a descriptive genius capable of creating the most vivid imagery. Brilliant.
Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. Excellent use of split-focus narrative style, great world building skills.
Alan Moore. Sledgehammer brutality wielded with incredible finesse.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I have nothing against the idea of a Barnes and Noble – if you can get people to read, I’m not too picky about how they’re getting it into their hands. I’m not really an elitist in that sense. I sell my books on Amazon, you know?
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
Don’t expect the obvious.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
As stated, I wrote a lot of my characters from the lens of personal experience, and in some cases I go out of my way to develop a stronger connection to that experience in order to possess a more clarified perspective.
Secondarily, there was a lot of development that occurred in an intellectual sandbox as well. In the case of my first book, a lot of the world-building was something I participated in with my friend, J. Kennedy; the original concept of “a zombie that isn’t a zombie” came about while we were developing characters and world “lore” for a table-top strategy game he was designing. The game kind of stalled out, but we talked about it non-stop, twice a week for hours at a stretch for more than a year straight. I have dozens of pages of notes, concept art, all sorts of stuff.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
Just keep coming back to it. It took six years to sort out the first book, though I wrote over half of it (roughly 75,000 words) in the last year of development alone; it adds up quickly. The second one already has more direction than the first did – now I just need to flesh out them bones.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
It has to be decently written; there is such a thing as a minimal visual appeal requirement, it’s hard to read something that’s just not well-crafted, but it also has to move. You can’t have terrible writing and a dithering pace.
Tolkien is my favorite example of effective minimalist visual appeal – he creates an image in short order, there are occasional departures into deep description as required, and some of the parts of his books are incredibly sophisticated. He wrote languages, you know? Awesome preparatory work.
But for the most part the descriptive narrative takes a consistent back seat to the action. He tells you what hobbits are, how they look, and then doesn’t labor on it afterwards, it’s all forward movement from there. And it’s super-effective – they’re here, then they’re there, holy snaps the BALROG, all these things, back to back to back.
If it was all heavily fleshed out, Lord of the Rings would be the thickness of an encyclopedia, but it isn’t. It does an excellent job of providing the details and then, boom, log drop, and now you’re five hundred miles away in the middle of a war. There’s a reason why it’s a gold standard.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. There’s a caveat to that – there are things that, as an author or a responsible human being, that you probably shouldn’t glorify. But there’s not a lot that you can just categorically exclude, assuming that it serves a valid purpose in furthering your narrative.
Where can people find you and your work?
There will eventually be an actual site, but that’s where I’m at for now. Give it a read and let me know what you think.
Lisa J. Lickel
Name: Lisa J. Lickel
Genre(s) of your work: Romance, suspense, children’s cozy mystery, literary
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Lots, between 2009 and 2018
Bio:
Lisa Lickel lives in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. A multi-published, award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories, creative non-fiction, and radio theater. She is an avid reader, a top Goodreads book reviewer, a blogger, and a freelance editor. Lickel is also a mentor and instructor with Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp and Writing Retreat, Inc., http://www.novelbookcamp.com, working with writers from across the US. Visit http://www.LisaLickel.com.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Honestly, I started writing cozy mysteries after I learned what they were purely for mercenary reasons. A publisher was starting a mystery book club much like its popular romance book club, and I figured it was a good start. It was. Then I went to writing books I was interested in, subjects that were a little grittier and meatier. I actually signed with three agents based on one of those novels that I eventually published myself last year when none of the four agents I’ve been with were able to move the book.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Being able to write and work with authors as my regular part time day job has really been a blessing to me. I found it hard to work in the public sector for a lot of reasons, and I wanted to be able to take time off in the summer when my teacher husband was at home, and my parents or kids needed me. The work is also portable and I’ve taken it with me when we moved across state.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I am a big Anne McCaffrey fan. Her characters are so memorable. Ray Bradbury was the best writer of the twentieth century. Anyone who can make me feel like a twelve-year-old on the cusp of life every summer has a gift. Steven James is just brilliant. His amazing Patrick Bowers detective story arc is blinding. I’m reading Andy Weir right now, or I will be soon. I got interested in his work after watching The Martian, so I’m steeling up for a technical story. My buddy Nicolette Pierce makes me laugh out loud with her kitschy girl sleuth and angry romantic men, and Fredrik Backman makes me weep with culture clashes and clusters of people who need each other and just don’t know it until the end. I should stop now.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Somebody has to have a brick and mortar bookstore. I wish more indies would be able to make it, but if big boxes commit to supporting authors in a locality, it’s okay with me. It’s impersonal, but it’s a bookstore. I don’t like the premise that a big box will come in and wipe out all the indies and then belly down and leave, but that happens in all kinds of businesses.
What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?
I hope for thoughtful discussion, mindful exchange with others, sharing of experience. I enjoy book clubs, and how bibliophiles talk about stories they’ve read and hope to spark the same kind of conversation. The subjects I explore in my work are often around painful decisions the characters are faced with, prejudices, family, faith, conscientiousness, and love.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
The write-what-you-know thing is more important and inherent to authors than readers, and even us authors, think. What we are, how we’ve been raised, where we live, what we do all weave its way into our stories. While I haven’t had cancer, I’ve had scares, family and very close friends who’ve dealt with the disease. Another family member has been lost in the woods. I know people of mixed race and people who have been unfairly targeted at work. I love to quilt and farming. However, my neighbors are Amish and I’d just never write about them. It just wouldn’t be right.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
Contracts and deadlines help a lot.
What makes you NOT finish reading a book?
Oh boy, that’s a hot one. I was raised with a strict rule of finishing what I start—no matter what it was. That said, there is a certain freedom in putting down something that just doesn’t move me. It makes more sense to spend time on something I think I’ll like. All those nasty reviewers who are too moronic to read the back of the book and then find some perverse pleasure in letting others know how idiotic they are when they write that they didn’t like the book move me in a different way. But I also do a lot of book reviews and even if I don’t care for what I’m reading, I feel obligated to read enough of a book to review it. Sometimes I don’t have time to finish something and try to get back to it later.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
There are things I don’t like and won’t promote, but I also want the same right to ask you to read and respond to my work as I give to your right to write and read what you want. There is plenty of material out there with no redeeming value, but marketing campaigns make people think they need it. I draw the line at denigrating material that has the sole purpose of promoting harmful behavior.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
I’m a professional editor. I find it hard to read strictly for pleasure anymore because I’m always checking for errors—grammar, syntax. The apostrophe misuse makes me nuts. If I put something down it’s because there are stupid fixable errors that a good proofread should have caught. By the same token I can’t and don’t dare to solely edit my own work.
Where can people find you and your work?
In cyberworld, find information about me on my website and Facebook, occasionally Twitter and Pinterest and Goodreads—links below. I do some regular workshops in the Midwest. I’ll be teaching again at Novel in Progress Bookcamp in May in Wisconsin. My books are available on all the usual internet sites including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, iTunes; a few are available on Audible, and of course can be ordered wherever books are sold.
Danielle Lieber
Your Name: Danielle Lieber
Pseudonym (if you use one): D. Lieber
Genre(s) of your work: paranormal fantasy, romance, urban fantasy, gothic romance, historical fantasy, sci-fi, time travel, detective noir, steampunk, dieselpunk, and the list goes on…everything from the dark and spooky to the light and fluffy. I get bored easily…
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Conjuring Zephyr June 2016
The Exiled Otherkin (Minte and Magic Adventure, #1) November 2017
Intended Bondmates (Intended Fates Trilogy, #1) June 2018
In Search of a Witch’s Soul (Council of Covens Noir, #1) March 2019
Dancing with Shades (Council of Covens Noir, #0) August 2019
Once in a Black Moon March 2020
A Very Witchy Yuletide October 2020
The Treason of Robyn Hood March 2021
The Assassin’s Legacy (Minte and Magic Adventure, #2) October 2021
Intended Strangers (Intended Fates Trilogy, #2) March 2022
Intended Enemies (Intended Fates Trilogy, #3) January 2023
The Curse of Moonseed Manor October 2023
The Goblin King’s Mischief October 2024
The Winter Sorcerer and the Summer Witch May 2025
The Children of Hati October 2025
Bio:
Lieber has a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.
Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.
Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
As Toni Morrison suggested, I write the stories I want to read that haven’t been written yet.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I spend all day every day obsessing over people and places that don’t and never will exist. It has been quite the shift! I don’t think there’s a moment in my day where I’m not mentally cataloging some experience or conversation in case it’s important in my writing later. It’s exhausting to be honest… I should probably get some balance in my life. Is this an intervention???
Who are your favorite authors and why?
My absolute favorite author is Alexandre Dumas, and my favorite modern author is Anne Bishop. What can I say? I love their words and the worlds they paint for us.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Somewhere in between. The readers I meet either love them or hate them, and I meet a lot of both types of people.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I wish I had a fool-proof suggestion for you, but I don’t. You would all know my name already if I did. I just try to write the best books I can and produce them at top quality (that means hiring professional editors, proofreaders, and cover designers). The best you can hope for as a writer is word of mouth. So readers, please tell everyone you know about authors you love! Our fate is in your hands.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
That’s a complicated question. No, I don’t believe in censorship, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have personal principles about what should and shouldn’t be written about. For instance, just because you can write a first-person narrative about a mass-shooter that glorifies their violence, doesn’t mean you should. I certainly wouldn’t, and I’d be offended and grossed out if someone did, but I wouldn’t stop them from doing it. People can and should censor themselves. If you don’t want to read about something, then don’t.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I understand them in principle, and I know why some people like them. But I’m not a fan personally.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
In-person for sure. I love talking directly to readers.
Where can people find you and your work?
You can find me anywhere books are sold. You can get my books (both print and ebook) via my website, or you can go to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and plenty of other ebook sellers. Even better, your local bookstore (or library) can order them for you, or you can go to bookshop.org and give your local bookstore a kickback.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.-Lieber/author/B01HF68JPY?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=47905308-6ed1-47e3-9b1c-75a4bb032a08
Lisa M. Lilly
Name: Lisa M. Lilly
Pseudonym (if you use one): L.M. Lilly for non-fiction
Genre(s) of your work:
Fiction: Supernatural Thrillers, Occult, Suspense/Mystery
Nonfiction: Books On Writing Craft
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Awakening (Book 1) 2011
The Unbelievers (Book 2 in The Awakening Series) 2014
The Conflagration (Book 3 in The Awakening Series) 2016
The Illumination (Book 4 in The Awakening Series) 2017
The Complete Awakening Series Box Set/Omnibus Edition 2017
The Tower Formerly Known As Sears And Two Other Tales Of Urban Horror 2011
When Darkness Falls 2016
Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide To Plotting And Writing Your Novel (Writing As A Second Career Book 1) 2017
Creating Compelling Characters From The Inside Out (Writing As A Second Career Book 2) 2017
The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year (Writing As A Second Career Book 3)
Bio:
Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series, which includes The Awakening, The Unbelievers, The Conflagration, and The Illumination. The Complete Awakening Series is also available in a Box Set/Omnibus edition.
A member of the Horror Writers Association, Lilly also wrote When Darkness Falls, a standalone gothic horror novel set in downtown Chicago. She is currently working on a new mystery/suspense series featuring lawyer and former child stage actress Q.C. Davis.
Under L.M. Lilly, she writes non-fiction, including Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide To Plotting And Writing Your Novel; Creating Compelling Characters From The Inside Out; and The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide To Writing Your Novel In One Year.
Lilly lives in Chicago, where she practices law and is a past officer of the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists. She joined AAIM after an intoxicated driver caused the death of her parents in 2007.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I started reading Stephen King novels when I was in fourth grade, and I love books like Rosemary’s Baby and The Stepford Wives. I’m also a huge mystery fan, particularly of books starring female private eyes like V.I. Warshawski. So, basically, for fiction I write what I love to read.
My nonfiction books on writing craft and time management cover what I wish I had learned when I majored in Writing/English in college.
I learned a lot in my writing classes but it was mainly about how to write vivid scenes rather than how to construct a good plot or create well developed characters. I feel like I learned all of that the hard way by trial and lots of error. I’m hoping my books can save other writers a little bit of time and effort.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I’ve loved to write for as long as I can remember, and it was always something I was struggling to carve out time for. Over the last year or two I’ve been able to make writing the centerpiece of my work life which is wonderful. I’m much more relaxed and happier than when I was working 50 to 70 hours a week practicing law.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
When Borders first opened, I loved going to the stores because they had plenty of seating areas and it was such a novelty to be able to get a book and sit right in the café to read it, which is something I still love to do. I also really liked meandering among all the books and discovering ones I hadn’t heard of before. Mainstream bookstores now, though, seem to only carry the most popular books so browsing is not nearly as fun.
I’d much rather go to a small, independent bookstore for that. It’s a much better place to make discoveries.
How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?
It helps me to sit down with my calendar and figure out how long it should take me to finish a book. So if I’m expecting it to be 80,000 words and I write about 2,500 words in a writing session, I schedule 32 writing sessions. I leave room to take breaks, but mostly I stick to the schedule and check off each 2,500 word session as I go.
I also use visualization.
I picture the complete finished manuscript being printed out my printer or the final book sale page on my website. I also write about how great I’ll feel when I get the project finished. Finally, I tell people when I’m aiming to have the book done. Sometimes I have to revise my estimate but it does help me push forward when I know that friends and readers will be asking me if I’m done yet.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I’m not sure about this. Certainly there are topics I don’t want to write about or read about. It also concerns me that stories influence people, particularly as to what they consider to be normal behavior. For instance, the proliferation of books and films showing women as victims and treating them as objects can’t help but influence how both women and men see women as a whole. For that reason, I try to choose carefully what I read and write.
The idea of the government telling people what they can or can’t write bothers me, however. I think I’d rather see everyone able to write what they choose and leave it to readers to decide how they want to spend their time.
Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?
It drives me crazy when the main character of a book is a writer. It feels lazy, like the author couldn’t make the effort to create a fictional profession. That being said, Stephen King does this a lot and it has never bothered me in his work, so maybe it depends on how the character is otherwise portrayed.
Where can people find you and your work?
Vicki Lipe
Your Name: Vicki Lipe
Genre(s) of your work: Children’s literature (specifically illustrated haiku poetry)
Bio:
I’m a Midwest girl who has lived her entire life in various parts of Illinois but has called Galesburg, IL home for over thirty-five years. I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, received my Masters’ degree from St. Xavier University in Chicago, and have spent my entire career teaching English, speech, and drama in junior highs, high schools, and, most recently, at our local junior college.
I have played piano since I was five years old and am active in my church playing keyboard in our praise band, accompanying vocalists regionally, directing children’s musicals, singing at church, and teaching women’s groups. I also conduct haiku workshops and book readings for all ages in schools, libraries, and other venues.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
My love for poetry began as a child reading the Psalms and grew as I encountered the great poets introduced to me by many dedicated teachers throughout my educational experience from grade school through college. I have always been intrigued by the power of words-still amazed at the innumerable combinations we can create using just twenty-six letters! Profound is the potential of just a single word to elicit a mental picture, memory, or emotion.
Poetry, by necessity, relies on word economy – especially traditional haiku (Japanese in origin), which contains only seventeen syllables (five on lines one and three and seven on line two). It does not rhyme and does not necessarily adhere to traditional punctuation. Nature is the focus of most haiku, and creating a moment is the goal. I suppose I am drawn to its beauty, simplicity and potential to stir the reader.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
When I was in the sixth grade in rural Southern Illinois, my teacher required all of us to write an essay for submission to a writing contest sponsored by our county’s soil and water conservation association dealing with conservation’s impact in Jackson County. While writing for that assignment, I got my first real experience with focused editing and revision. Lo and behold, of the over three hundred or so submissions, I won first place, received the grand prize of $25.00 and was asked to read the essay both at the awards ceremony and at a local radio station, thus launching my professional writing career!
Through the years, I was taught by some truly gifted English and speech teachers who continued to inspire me to develop as a writer and appreciate the power of both the written and spoken word. Majoring in English education in college was, therefore, a matter of course. I never even considered another path and have spent my adult life teaching the craft. Now that I am retired (and not grading student writing until the wee hours every weeknight and weekend), I hope to continue to write for publication (and, hopefully, make more than $25.00!).
Who are your favorite authors and why?
My tastes are extremely eclectic. My favorite book to teach was To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, but I also loved teaching all things Dickens and Shakespeare, along with short story masters like Mark Twain, Shirley Jackson, Guy de Maupassant, and William Faulkner. Favorite poets include Shakespeare, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Theodore Roethke, and Edgar Lee Masters.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I believe they are here to stay and fill a necessary niche in the market.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
“It is what it is.” They have revolutionized the public’s ability to access literature. I just hope the local brick and mortar bookshops can survive.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I am new to the publishing world, so I would prefer asking for tips rather than dispensing them!
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Once allowed, you have opened Pandora’s box, so – no.
Where can people find you and your work?
You can check out my website: http://www.vickilipe.com. My books are also available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If you would like to order directly from me or send me a purchased copy to be signed/personalized, contact me at haikus4you2@gmail.com.
If you would like to schedule a book reading and/or haiku workshop, please contact me at haikus4you2@gmail.com as well.
Felicia Mack Little
Your Name: Felicia Mack Little
Pseudonym (if you use one): Mack Little
Genre(s) of your work: Historical Fiction, Horror
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Daughter of Hades/2021
Progenie/2019 (Out of Print)
Bio:
Born in Conyers, Georgia, I studied International Politics in Seville, Spain. I lived several years in Germany. My studies and service in the Army have taken me all over the U.S. I travel to Europe regularly for research. I am currently on the Board of Directors of the Houston Writer’s Guild. “Progenie” is my first novel.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I write historical romance, fantasy, and horror because I enjoy reading these genres. However, the landscaper of what I was reading was monochromatic. I know this is starting to sound trite, but none of the heroes looked like me. In these historical novels, black and brown populations have been erased or treated as throwaway devices to serve the white hero. I want to show black and brown, and other marginalized populations do exist and can play a part in escapist fare. I want to spark the imagination of other authors, be they black or white, about what romance, fantasy, and horror could look like.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Through writing, I have found meaning and expression. However, as an artist, it can be somewhat tortuous as an independent author, seeking validation and having to be a salesperson and market strategist.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Maya Angelou was an early favorite because she opened up a world of possibilities to a poor country girl, who seemed to have limited options.
John Irving is the master of character development. So many of his characters as so real, I go back and re-read them so that I can re-visit them.
James A. Corey, who is actually a couple of authors, their storytelling is the best I’ve read so far. I love the way they structure the story and themes and create compelling narratives.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I don’t believe audiobooks will replace physical books, but, because of its convenience, it’s definitely a trend that is here to stay. While I prefer hard-copy books, but I love listening to audiobooks when I walk or drive anywhere.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I don’t have much of an opinion. I’m sure there is some movement or another against them, but I don’t have the bandwidth to be overly concerned. I do prefer small independent bookstores, especially the ones with cats…or dogs. I love the sense of community and their accessibility to independent authors.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I think interviews, book signings, and events that contact potential readers are the best. Newsletters are necessary, but for me, right now, it is not the most useful. I have yet to harness the power of that medium.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No topics should be taboo. However, writers should be prepared for the consequences of what they write.
Where can people find you and your work?
You can purchase my books on Amazon. You can find out more about me and sign up for my newsletter at: https://mack-little.com
Twitter handle: @zenbabie
Instagram: @zenbabie
Ellen Jo Ljung
Your Name: Ellen Jo Ljung
Genre(s) of your work: Memoir
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Tales Told Out of School: Lessons Learned by the Teacher (Published 2022)
Bio:
Illinois Master Teacher Ellen Jo Ljung spent nearly four decades teaching and learning from her students. She taught middle school, high school, and other teachers in three different states as her family moved. Author of two textbooks on teaching writing with computers and more than two dozen articles, Ljung also maintains an education blog.
A trailblazer in Problem-Based Learning, Ljung developed and taught a course that became a model for a state innovation program. She wrote many of the professional development materials for that program and for Teacher-Match. Ljung also helped bring Gay/Straight Alliances to her school district and is a co-founder of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance [www. https://www.ilsafeschools.org%5D.
When she isn’t busy reading and writing in her home office, Ljung and her husband of 54 years create art glass sold in galleries and travel the world to kayak. They’ve kayaked on five continents, from Alaska to Africa to Asia. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem for children in foster care and a political activist. In her spare time [isn’t sleep overrated?!], Ljung creates wearable art.
You can read her blog at www.imwriter.com and reach her at imwriter@imwriter.com.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
As a teacher and professional storyteller, I find myself generating my stories from experience. All of my early writing [two textbooks on teaching writing with computers when they were just coming to schools and dozens of professional articles] was expository, but I love stories. I’ve always treasured Barry Lopez’s quote:
Remember on this one thing, said Badger. The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away where they are needed.
I retired from teaching when changes made it far less appealing. Writing and publishing this book has allowed me to end my career on a celebratory note, and its led me to so many interesting readers!
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I can’t remember not writing, so I don’t know how to answer this. I wrote mediocre poems in a notebook in grade school, I’ve journaled for ages, and I write for multiple venues now. But I do think I’ve always used writing, especially journaling, to figure out what I think.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Oh, so many… I love authors of good contemporary fiction like Colson Whitehead and Britt Bennett, I learn from authors like Ibram X. Kendi and Isabel Wilkerson, I relax with good mysteries, especially those featuring setting and/or female protagonists [Laura Lippman, Lisa Scottoline, Sara Paretsky, Marcia Muller], authors like Elizabeth Berg relate to my life, and – even though I’m not a big fan of science fiction – I find Ray Bradbury’s work more compelling than ever as so many of his predictions and warnings have come true.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I know many people who love them, and I used to listen to them on the way to work – in fact, I learned to leave early so I wouldn’t have to stop a book at a critical juncture! – but I think there may always be a passion for paper books that we hold and connect with. And I can’t imagine life without an e-reader; my Kindle doesn’t keep my husband awake if I’m reading at night, and it allows me to have a slew of books at my disposal at all times. I suspect we’ll continue to support all these platforms.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Word-of-mouth and Facebook posts have
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I don’t believe in censorship. My parents encouraged me to read widely, and I got an adult card at our library when I was still in grade school. They also encouraged me to talk about what I was reading and helped me process more adult themes and issues. How can we learn about our world and our fellow human beings if we limit access? Censors undermine our ability to be exposed to and evaluate new and different ideas, to learn to think for ourselves after considering more options.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
Having been afraid of guns all my life, having been mugged at gunpoint twenty years ago, I appreciate a theater’s warning me that there will be gunshots… but I don’t see the same need with books. It’s easy to know about the contents of a book these day with the most basic online search, so people with issues like my fear of guns can warn themselves if they need to.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I do best in person, though the internet has helped, too. I haven’t put my book on Amazon or released an ebook there yet, because I’m committed to selling through independent bookstores first and foremost.
Where can people find you and your work?
They can order from me directly or from Politics & Prose [https://www.politics-prose.com/book/9781624293788] or from Harvey’s Tales [https://harveystales.com/].
Facebook: Dare to Teach and Learn
Claire Fluff Llewellyn
Your Name: Claire Fluff Llewellyn
Genre(s) of your work: Poetry: Fiction and Non-Fiction, Horror, Dark Humour
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
LOVE is a KILLER: heart-ripping poetry [2019] – dark poetry about heartbreak, psychos and monsters.
RHYME & REASON: Facets of a Life [2020] – fiction and non-fiction poetry; sentiment, satire and silliness = ‘LIFE’ in a nutshell!
Bio:
Born in Worcester, England, Claire Llewellyn first took an interest in poetry at an early age through primary school readings of Roald Dahl. She also developed a penchant for music and the horror genre. Her schooling required her to write creatively in all formats and she soon acquired an affinity for it, constantly writing rhymes and short stories.
In her late teens, she pursued her musical interests and formed a band, ‘Stir Crazy’, performing classic rock covers and original material. She headed the band as lead vocalist and lyricist. When they disbanded, she bounced around musical groups and added the nickname “Fluff” as part of her persona in a new theatrical rock band venture that never came to fruition. However, it was her musical pursuits that lead her to move to Illinois in 2004.
As new opportunities arose, she became embroiled in a different kind of stage performance as an assistant to a Gothic illusionist. This adventure exposed her to the world of independent horror film making. She branched out into acting and ultimately formed her own small production company, ‘Bloody Brit Productions’, through which she directs her own screenplays.Whilst fond of traditional rhyming verse, which she mostly ascribes to, maturity has afforded her the confidence to experiment a little. Poetry, and writing in general, has helped her through some tough times, allowing her to express difficult emotions, and even showcase that cheeky British humour. She mostly publishes dark, and sometimes humorous, poetry that is both fictional and nonfictional under her own imprint: Bloody Brit Press.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I love word play, so I find writing rhyming poetry fun and challenging.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
That’s a tough one to answer as I have technically been writing since a very young age, I cannot imagine my life not writing.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Edgar Allan Poe and Roald Dahl. They both wrote poetry and prose. Poe for his brooding, macabre melancholia. Dahl for his twisted humour.
Do you believe that audio-books are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
As people have less and less free time and technology rules, I would say audio-books are the future and here to stay. It’s a more instant delivery of information, less taxing on the brain and eyes, and allows for multitasking.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Hmm, they can be a tad on the pretentious side, but so can ‘boutique’ book stores. It’s hard for small indie publishers and self-publishers to distribute in those outlets.How much does personal experience play in your written work? A LOT!! I would say at least 85% of non-fictional pieces are based on personal experience and my fictional work relies on personal experience to craft believable stories and relatable characters.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
NO. As long as the reader is given a clear indication of the content, it should be their choice what they read. [An age restriction should be in place for x-rated content.][Although, it’s a tricky area in this crazy world we live in. You don’t want to promote dangerous,radical, harmful ideas or hatred. But if you censor writers and control what topics they choose, you are eliminating freedom of expression and stifling creativity. One would hope that most rational people would not act out on something they read. There will always be a minority of unbalanced individuals who are easily influenced, censorship will not cure them. At the end of the day, if you don’t like it, don’t read it. Words have no power without readers!]
Where can people find you and your work?
Cary Lowe
Your Name: Cary Lowe
Genre(s) of your work: Memoir
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Becoming American: A Political Memoir, 2020 – winner of the Discover Award for best writing on politics and current affairs from an independent publisher
50+ essays published in the Los Angeles Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, and other major newspapers, 1978 – present
Bio:
I am the author of the award-winning book Becoming American. I previously published over fifty essays on civic, political, and environmental issues in major newspapers, as well as reports and articles in professional journals. Born in post-war Europe to parents who were Holocaust survivors, I immigrated to the United States and became a citizen in my teens. Much of my writing has focused on those experiences.
Apart from my writing, I am a retired land use lawyer with 45 years of experience representing public agencies, developers, Indian tribes, and non-profit organizations, and continue to work as a mediator affiliated with the National Conflict Resolution Center. I hold a law degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California, and taught at USC, UCLA, and UC San Diego. I also have served in several appointed government positions and on the boards of non-profit civic and environmental organizations.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I always have preferred to write about things I know or have experienced first-hand. For many years, that took the form of essays on public issues. My book takes that in a more personal direction.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing has required me to tell stories or present positions in ways that are simultaneously concise and interesting. Having my writing published has enabled me to influence public thinking about issues of interest to me. Publication of my book, in particular, has given my readers a deeper view into my personal history, to the surprise of many (including ones who have known me a long time).
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Edith Eger, because her memoir of her wartime experiences relates vividly to my own family’s experiences.
James Michener, because his historical fiction writing stimulated my interest from a young age in being a writer.
Tom Hayden, because his analyses of contemporary political events are so sharp and comprehensive.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I believe audiobooks will remain a useful and important way for some people to consume literature, but I think most readers will prefer to see the printed (or digital) words.
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
Mainstream/corporate bookstores have the virtue of being able to stock large volumes of books in one place, allowing readers to conveniently peruse a variety of books at one time. On the other hand, with most print books available on order, local bookstores can compete effectively by offering more personal service and more intimate knowledge of the literature.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I have found direct outreach to vetted contact lists to be the most effective marketing tool, followed by online interviews and Zoom presentations to groups. The least effective tool for me was a virtual marketing tour.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
I don’t believe that any topics should be entirely taboo, but I do believe that publishers (print or digital) have a responsibility to exercise some discretion in not distributing certain kinds of material, e.g., works that are defamatory, racist, or likely to incite violence.
What was the motivation behind writing your book?
My memoir entitled Becoming American chronicles my experience of being transformed from a child of Holocaust survivors in post-war Europe to an American lawyer, academic, and activist associated with many prominent political causes and campaigns of our time. The book began as a stand-alone story I wrote for relatives and friends about a trip with my daughter to Eastern Europe to visit our family’s places of origin, and particularly to find a hidden cemetery outside Prague containing the graves of my paternal great-grandparents. I subsequently wrote more stories about my life growing up in Europe in the years following World War II, with parents who were Holocaust survivors. After writing a half dozen stories, I realized they were forming a narrative that could become the basis for a book, covering not only my youth in Europe but also our immigration to the United States and my professional and political careers here. That first story became the opening chapter and portions of subsequent chapters.
My other motivation was a desire to contribute positively to the national discussion around immigration and American identity. I wanted my book to provide an inspiring tale of how much an immigrant can contribute to the social, political, and economic culture of America while still retaining ties to one’s ancestral roots.
Where can people find you and your work?
My book is available on order through all bookstores, as well as through Amazon and other online book sales sites. My essays may be found on the websites of major newspapers, particularly the Los Angeles Times and San Diego Union-Tribune.
Carrie Lowrance
Name: Carrie Lowrance
Genre(s) of your work: Poetry, Children’s and upcoming Clean & Wholesome Romance
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Lithium Dreams and Melancholy Sunrise (Poetry, 2015)
The Safety Of Objects (Poetry, 2015)
Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) (Children’s, 2015)
Shadow of Soul (Poetry, 2017),
Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine) (Children’s, 2018).
Bio:
Carrie Lowrance writes humorous books for 7-12 year olds that teach lessons about hygiene, emotions, and other social situations. She is a day care teacher with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and often gets ideas for books from the children in her care. She finds the words and antics of children to be inspiring, both her books Don’t Eat Your Boogers (You’ll Turn Green) and Brock’s Bad Temper (And The Time Machine) have been inspired by her students. To find out more about Carrie and her books, please visit carrielowrance.com.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
In my younger years, I wrote a lot of poetry. I have always loved the art form but now I don’t write as much of it as I used to. As for children’s books, I love to write them because they are fun. I love coming up with stories and watching my characters come to life via my amazing illustrator. I’m currently working on my first clean & wholesome romance and have loved the genre ever since I picked up my first Debbie Macomber book. I don’t think a story has to have a lot of graphic sex, violence, and profanity to make it a good book.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing has changed my life in many ways. When I published my first book, Lithium Dreams and Melancholy Sunrise, I achieved my dream of becoming an author. I have wanted to be an author since I was nine years old and when I hit “publish” on Smashwords in 2015 that dream came true.
Writing and publishing books has also changed my life in that there is a lot to learn. So many people think you sit down and write a book and it will fly off the shelves on it’s own. If only it were that easy. The business of writing and publishing books is a constant journey of learning.
I made many mistakes when I first started out that I have had to correct. There is so much more than just writing a book. You have to learn to market yourself and your book, build a brand, and learn what it takes to do a “proper” book launch. There is a lot of planning and preparation that goes into writing and launching a book that people don’t understand.
How do you learn all about the business of writing and publishing books?
There are tons of “authorpreneurs” out there that teach the business of authorship. One of my favorite books on the subject is Breaking Orbit by Jonathan Green. I think it is a must have if you are writing your first book. It takes you through the process of writing, publishing, and marketing your first book on Amazon.
I also love that Jonathan is a down to earth guy and if you email him with questions, he will answer you personally. I have been following him since 2017 and have learned a ton from him. He is invested in his readers and followers and wants them to succeed. Bottom line is, find someone you resonate with and who is living the life you want to live. Make sure you have a personal connection with the person that you can relate to.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
I’m a huge fan of Debbie Macomber and Karen Kingsbury because their stories are positive and make you feel good after you read them. I love both of their writing styles. Nicholas Sparks is also a favorite.
I read all genres so my favorite authors vary. Other fiction writers I like are James Patterson, John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Melissa Storm, Belinda Buchanan, Bella Andre, and the list goes on and on. As for nonfiction I like Jon Acuff, Jonathan Green, Sam Kerns, Dave Ramsey, etc.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
Audiobooks are a hot market and I believe that every author should have their books available in this format. In my opinion, when your books are in ebook, paperback, hardback, and audiobook it makes you look like a professional. Four out of my five books are in audio currently and I plan on doing the fifth one this year. I do my books via a royalty share with my narrators so I don’t have to pay anything up front and I have worked with some amazing people on ACX. Audio is also another revenue stream, so why not?
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
As a reader, I like them. As an indie author not so much. I find that it’s very hard to get your books into big name bookstores when you self-publish. I was able to do this once and it didn’t pan out well so I’m focusing on other ways to get my books out there.
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
Personal experience and having characters that are based “loosely” on people I know is very prominent in my work.
Where can people find you and your work?
Matthew Lutton
Your Name: Matthew Lutton
Genre(s) of your work: Horror-Short story-Psychological thriller
Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
10 Drink Minimum October 2022
Candy Dish October 2023
Bio:
I grew up in Newport Beach CA, I have always been a huge fan of the horrific and weird ad gravitated towards the darker stuff in aspects of music, movies and comics. I’m a huge Batman fan. I’ve been married for 10 years and love all animals.
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I like to think I’m funny and horror and comedy are both sides of the same coin. We laugh when we want comfort or are uncomfortable. Horror gives us a different kind of comfort where it allows us to face death without consequences and I have always enjoyed thinking about what I would do in horrific situations and what drove people to do and create those things.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
I definitely gained respect for anyone who has written anything. People who haven’t don’t understand the time, money, and stress that a book requires of you. Especially is you’re self published. Other than that it’s the people I have met. Of course some people don’t like your stuff but the people that do and reach out really change you. I’ve met some of my best friends through my writing and people who I can’t imagine living without today its truly remarkable.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Clive Barker is my favorite. His writing takes the subjects of horror, thriller, erotica, mystery, and so many others that he blends together masterfully. His writing makes you gasp and that’s what you look for in all things.
Chuck Palahniuk is another that makes you fall in love with terrible things and people by humanizing the horrific.
Of course Homer and Dr. Seuss.
I could list forever really.
Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I don’t think they are going to take over books but they definitely have their place in this book ecosystem of ours. I love them and if you get one with a great cast it’s a real treat especially if you drive a lot for work.
What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Word of mouth is still the best, I don’t know how anyone did this before social media really. Tik-Tok is the best but I haven’t cracked it yet.
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
No. Books are the one thing where nothing should be off limits ever. A book can only do as much harm as your imagination can and that is a very dull knife or a very sharp one.
What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I think they can be helpful. I personally like to be surprised but trauma is a real thing and I would never want my work to harm you. I wrote it to entertain and if putting a warning before hand can maybe help with that I’m all for it.
Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
I just had my first convention and did very well actually! So I’m optimistic but online is defiantly where the sales are at. I sell signed copies through messenger the most which I enjoy because I get to meet a fan who wants my book.
Where can people find you and your work?
My books are available on Amazon.com
And my Patreon and merchandise can all be found on my linktree here:
Linktr.ee/matthewlutton
My I.G. is @zurenarrh44
And my facebook is Matt Lutton
Tom Lutz
Your Name: Tom Lutz
Genre(s) of your work: New book, Born Slippy: noir, thriller, literary novel
Year of Published Work(s): 2019
Bio:
I spent the first part of my life as a wandering musician, carpenter, cook, and wastrel, and then realized that there were people called professors, and they got to read books and write them for a living. I started going to school and never left, BA, MA, PhD. I teach now at UC Riverside in the creative writing department.
I’m the author of nine books: this new novel, three books of travel writing, two books of cultural history (one on the history of tears, one on the history of slackers), two books of literary history, and a philosophical essay on aimlessness. I’ve also done hundreds of book chapters, newspaper and magazine articles, stories, reviews, interviews, radio shows, podcasts, and short films, and edited thousands of articles, journals, and books.
For the last ten years, I’ve been the editor in chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, which I founded and still run. And I have been writing feature films and television for the last decade or so as well, doing the Hollywood shuffle.
I live in Los Angeles and travel whenever I can.
Why do you write in the genres that you do?
Because my teaching job pays my bills, I get to write about whatever I want, whenever I want. I don’t have to worry about the books selling enough to keep me alive, which is a good thing, because although a few of them got on bestseller lists, a few of them definitely did not! But this freedom means I have been able to take chances on strange subjects, switch genres and audiences whenever I wanted, and really be my own boss, immune to the market. Because I studied and taught literature for years, the thing I wanted to do most—write novels—was incredibly daunting to me, so I kept procrastinating by working on other writing projects. Until now.
How has writing changed/altered your life?
My success as a writer has made everything else possible. But more than that, I find that I’m a bit of an addict—I start to feel a little sick if I haven’t written for a while, and I know that if I’m getting depressed, or out of sorts, nothing keeps the doctor away like sitting down and getting lost in the process of writing.
Writing screenplays and pilots freed up my fiction juices, and gave me a sense of the pleasure to be had making people up, and let me finally sit down and write the novel. I have never had so much fun, never experienced so much pleasure (at work) as I did writing Born Slippy. I couldn’t wait to get back to it day after day.
Who are your favorite authors and why?
Too many to count. In my genre: Chandler, Hammett, Mosley, Ellroy, Highsmith, Greene, Hiaasen, Leonard, Cha, Pochoda, Scottoline, Thompson, Le Carré.
In classic American literature: Wharton, James, Cather, Howells, Hurston, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, O’Connor, Ellison, Roth, Morrison.
Classics around the world: Garcia Marquez, Borges, Dostoevsky, Flaubert, Austen, Sterne, Fielding, Woolf, Tolstoy, Dickens, Brontë, Brontë, Achebe, Thiong’o, Nabokov, I don’t even know where to start….
Among my friends in LA: Percival Everett, Michelle Huneven, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Danzy Senna, Aimee Bender, Jonathan Lethem, Paul Mandelbaum, Laila Lalami, Seth Greenland, T.C. Boyle, Susan Straight, Michelle Latiolais, Andrew Winer, Charmaine Craig, Antoine Wilson, Jane Smiley, Jervy Tervalon, Michael Jaime Becerra, Alex Espinoza, Miriam Gurba, Lisa Teasley, Jerry Stahl, Mona Simpson, Gary Phillips, Steve Erickson, Yxta Maya Murray, Josh Emmons, Gina Nahai, Goldberry Long, Michael Tolkin, Lisa See, Denise Hamilton, Justin Torres, Bruce Bauman, Dana Johnson, Chris Kraus, Howard Rodman, Luis Rodriguez, Aimee Liu, Maria Amparo Escandon, Sesshu Foster—I’m just getting started…. And that is just fiction….
What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?
I am in favor of all bookstores, the more the merrier. Like any serious reader, I know that there is nothing like a brilliant independent bookstore, and I love seeing some of them begin to thrive again, especially here in my neighborhood, Skylight, Eso Won, Chevalier’s, Vroman’s, The Last Bookstore, Book Soup…..
How much does personal experience play in your written work?
It is always part of the mix, sometimes in obvious ways—for instance, the places in this novel (Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, Massachusetts, California) are all places I have spent time, and many of the characters are based, however loosely, on people from my life—and sometimes less obvious: my book on the history of tears has no personal experience described in it, but it is completely driven by trying to understand my own weepy family. The travel books are 100% my experience, but I always try, in that work, to look out rather than in: it is my experience of other people.
What motivates you to complete your (writing) work?
The pleasure of doing it. Also, I find that if you tell someone you are writing a novel, it is embarrassing if they keep asking you about the novel and it is never finished….
Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?
Absolutely not. Literature is an examination of what it means to be human, and so nothing human can be foreign to it. If you don’t want to deal with something, you don’t have to read it, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be written. I understand such a blanket policy opens the door to all sorts of horrific representation, and ultimately all sorts of hate speech. But like I say, we don’t have to read it.
Where can people find you and your work?
Tomlutzwriter.com has a calendar of events and will always be updated with new publications. I’m on Amazon.com, Goodreads, Facebook and very infrequently on Twitter and Instagram.
Sue Rovens 