Author Meet & Greet

All are welcome here.

Connect with authors through their social media links (if they choose to share them), learn about their writing process, and purchase their works.

The 4 most current interviews are posted here. Older ones may be found under the Archive: Author Meet & Greet on the main page of this blog by the author’s last name.

**Jack Ketchum’s Interview from December 2017 is PINNED at the bottom of this page**

So, without further ado, let’s get to know

Meet & Greet Author:  #149

Victoria Zigler

Name: My name is Victoria Zigler, but I prefer to be called Tori.

Genre(s) of your work: I write poetry and children’s stories.

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Degu Days Duo:

1. The Great Degu Round-Up (2014)

2. A Very Degu Christmas (2014)

Kero’s World:

1. Kero Goes Walkies (2013)

2. Kero Celebrates His Birthday (2013)

3. Kero Gets Sick (2013)

4. Kero Celebrates Halloween (2013)

5. Kero Goes To Town (2013)

6. Kero Celebrates Christmas (2013)

7. Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge (2014)

Magical Chapters Trilogy:

1. Witchlet (2012)

2. The Pineapple Loving Dragon (2012)

3. A Magical Storm (2013)

Toby’s Tales:

1. Toby’s New World (2012)

2. Toby’s Monsters (2012)

3. Toby’s Outing (2012)

4. Toby’s Games (2013)

5. Toby’s Special School (2013)

Zeena Dragon Fae:

1. Zeena And The Dryad (2015)

2. Zeena And The Gryphon (2015)

3. Zeena And The Mermaid (2016)

4. Zeena And The Phoenix (2016)

Poetry books (in publication order):

Mr. Pumpkin-Head And Other Poems (2012)

My Friends Of Fur And Feather (2012)

The Light Of Dawn And Other Poems (2013)

Waves Of Broken Dreams And Other Poems (2013)

The Leaf Monster And Other Children’s Poems (2013)

Rodent Rhymes And Pussycat Poems (2015)

The Ocean’s Lullaby And Other Poems (2016)

Catching Snowflakes And Other Poems (2017)

Puppy Poems And Rodent Rhymes (2018)

Other books (in publication order):

Bluebell The Fairy Guide (2012)

Frank The Friendly Ogre (2012)

The Great Tadpole Rescue (2013)

Asha’s Big Adventure (2013)

Snowball The Oddball Kobold (2013)

Goodies For Grandmother (2014)

Filicity The Musical Platypus (2014)

Thistle The Fairy Trickster (2014)

Jinx And The Faerie Dragons (2014)

Cubby And The Beanstalk (2014)

Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie (2014)

Lonely Little Princess (2014)

The Forgotten Angel (2014)

Yua And The Great Wizard Hunt (2015)

Isabelle’s Runaway Racehorse (2015)

Home Squeak Home (2015)

Degu’s Day Out (2015)

Rhubarb The Red-Nosed Rabbit (2016)

Jeffrey The Orange Alien (2016)

Eadweard – A Story Of 1066 (2016)

Ulrike’s Christmas (2016)

How To Trust Your Human (2017)

Where’s Noodles? (2018)

Voyage Of The Crimson Sail (2019)

Snowlilie’s Brother (2020)

Anthologies contributed to:

Wyrd Worlds II (story title: Quest For The Purple Pumpkin) (2014)

Colouring Books featuring my petkids:

Magnificent Pets: A Coloring Book For Children (featuring Artemis the Hermann’s Tortoise) (published by Praise My Pet in 2020)

Magnificent Pets: A Mandala Coloring Book For Adults (featuring Artemis the Hermann’s Tortoise) (published by Praise My Pet in 2020)

Bio:

Victoria Zigler is a blind vegan poet and children’s author who was born and raised in the Black Mountains of Wales, UK, and is now living on the South-East coast of England, UK, with her hubby, chinchilla, Westie, Cavapoo, and Hermann’s Tortoise.

Victoria – or Tori, if you prefer – has been writing since she knew how, and describes herself as a combination of Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter books: Hermione’s thirst for knowledge and love of books, combined with Luna’s wandering mind and alternative way of looking at the world.  She has a wide variety of interests, designed to exercise both the creative and logical sides of her brain, and dabbles in them at random depending on what she feels like doing at any given time.

To date, Tori has published nine poetry books and 46 children’s books, with more planned for the future.  She makes her books available in multiple eBook formats, as well as in both paperback and audio.  She’s also contributed a story to the sci-fi and fantasy anthology Wyrd Worlds II, which is available in eBook only.

Additionally, Tori’s Hermann’s Tortoise, Artemis, was featured in both the Magnificent Pets Coloring Book For Children and the Magnificent Pets Mandala Coloring Book For Adults, which are available via Praise My Pet.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

I’ve written poetry and children’s stories for as long as I can remember.  Poorly at first, but I tried.  Ever since I figured out how to read and write, and that I could potentially write a book like the ones I loved to read, I’ve written poetry and children’s stories.

I tried to write stories for older audiences when I got older, since I figured that’s what I was supposed to do.  But it didn’t give me the same joy writing for children does, and I guess it showed in my writing, because I had several people who read both my children’s stories and my attempts at stories for older audiences tell me I did better with the children’s stories and should stick to those.  Since I preferred writing those anyhow, I decided to stop trying to write for grownups.  I mean, plenty of adults have enjoyed my stories, but since I enjoy writing them more if I aim them at children, and people of all ages enjoy reading them more when I do that too – at least, according to reviews and messages I’ve had regarding my work – I’m going to stick to writing children’s stories.

Some of my stories are aimed at older middle grade readers, and some of my poems would be best for that age or older too.  But mostly my work can be enjoyed by anyone of any age.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

It hasn’t really, since I don’t remember a time when I didn’t write.

I learned to read and write before I officially started school, since having older brothers – plus a babysitter who was still in school – meant I saw them doing homework and wanted to, “Do homework,” too.  As I mentioned previously, I obviously wasn’t very good at it to start with.  But then, nobody is at first, are they? Regardless of the age you are when you start writing; we all start out as bad writers.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

There are quite a few, and mostly they change depending on my mood sometimes too.  But, to name a few: J K Rowling, David Estes, Michelle Paver, Dick King-Smith, Hans Christian Anderson, Monica Dickens, Bonnie Bryant, R L Stine, Charles Dickens, Roald Dahl, Enid Blyton, Robert Frost, William Wordsworth, Dylan Thomas, Terry Pratchett, and… You know what? I said a few, so I’ll stop now.

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.  There will always be people who prefer physical books, or who just can’t enjoy audio books.  But there will also always be people for whom listening to audio books is the easiest – perhaps even the only – way they can enjoy a book.  That’s why I think it’s important to make your books available in as many formats as you can: it increases your chance of finding readers, since those who prefer – or can only make use of – a particular format won’t be excluded, and will be able to buy your book and read it if they want to.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

With some of my poems and stories – stories especially – it’s only as much as my personal experiences influence my perceptions, likes and dislikes, etc.  But there are exceptions.

The books in my “Degu Days Duo” and “Kero’s World” series – along with my stand-alone stories, “Home Squeak Home,” “Degu’s Day Out,” “How To Trust Your Human,” “Where’s Noodles?” and “Snowlilie’s Brother” – are based on the actual lives of my real pets.  Those stories are all semi-fictionalized accounts of experiences my pets have had, told from the point of view of the pet in question.

Then there’s my “Toby’s Tales” series, which are based on my own experiences with sight loss, illustrating some of my own daily struggles.  Toby’s stories are designed to show anyone in the same situation that they aren’t alone, and maybe help them come up with creative solutions to their own daily struggles.  But they’re also designed to educate others as to what being blind really looks like, and the fact blind people can do most things a sighted person can, we just need some adjustments to how we do it, and sometimes some specialist equipment.

Also, “Bluebell The Fairy Guide” was written after a trip to walk the dog by myself where I had a scary moment where I wasn’t sure I was still on the right path, and “Vinnie The Vegetarian Zombie” was inspired by a discussion I had with my brother about whether or not I’d be able to avoid becoming a brain-seeking zombie if I was turned in to one.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

No.  But if/when you publish the book there should be something in the book’s blurb that makes it clear what genre and subject matter you’re dealing with, so people can avoid reading it if they want to steer clear of stories about a certain topic.  We should be able to write about whatever sparks our creativity though.  There’s far too much effort put in to attempting to control what we can and can’t write/read about.  All this banned books rubbish, for example.  If you don’t want to read about a specific topic, don’t read the book.  Why should your beliefs stop others from reading it?

Where can people find you and your work?

Website: http://www.zigler.co.uk

Blog: https://ziglernews.blogspot.co.uk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/toriz

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Zigler/424999294215717

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/victoriazigler

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakYxH7BNyc2Lxr1g1nbP9w

Find Tori’s books on…

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/toriz

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victoria-Zigler/e/B00BHS9DQ6/

…Along with a variety of other online retailers, such as Audible, iTunes, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

Thank you so much for visiting, Tori!

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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?

Instagram: Children’s Author and Poet (@carrielowrance)

Website: https://carrielowrance.com/

Carrie Lowrance Author www.carrielowrance.com

Thanks for dropping by, Carrie!

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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?

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Claire-Fluff-Llewellyn/e/B07PWNRJHRIG: britfluffFB

Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/britpoet/

Thanks so much, Claire!

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Alan Derosby

Name: Alan Derosby

Genre(s) of your work: Horror/Fantasy/Speculative Fiction

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

1. FULL MOON.  Ink Stains Volume 13- A Dark Fiction Literary Anthology.  Dark Alley Press.  October 2019.    ISBN:  9781946050182

2. GOING HOME.  Unholy Night in Deathlehem-A Grinning Skull Press Publication.

December 2018.  ISBN: 9781947227231

3. If I Die Before I Wake Vol 2. Sinister Smile Press. April 2020.

ISBN: 9781951093099

4. UNDER THE BED. The Hollow Vol 2. Breaking Rules Publishing. May 2020

ISBN: 979-8640662849

5. Horror Tree: Trembling with Fear- WINDOWSILL

      https://horrortree.com/trembling-with-fear-happy-2020-valentines-day/

6. The Line-Up:  Chilling Tales- THE GHOST OF OLD PIER’S PUB

   • https://the-line-up.com/chilling-tales-ghost-story-derosby-old-piers-pub

Bio:

Alan Derosby, a Maine native, has spent the past several years focusing on his passion: writing.  Alan has created original and spooky short stories, having THE GHOST AT OLD MILL’S PUB and WINDOWSILL published online as well as four in print anthologies, titled GOING HOME, FULL MOON, KUNK, and UNDER THE BED. Several more short stories are to be published by the end of the year.  He has made it to the second round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel awards with his young historical fiction novel Lost Souls of Purgatory.

When not writing, Alan is teaching history at Messalonskee High School in Oakland, Maine, spending time with his family, or watching the New York Mets suffer through another disappointing season.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Since an early age, probably around eight, I began sneaking Stephen King books; starting with Skeleton Crew. That, along with watching horror movies on Saturday afternoons on Creature Double Feature and the Twilight Zone, shaped my writing.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has given me an outlet to share my imagination and let people into a side of me they didn’t know.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

My favorite authors are mostly nonfiction, such as Robert Massie and Erik Larson. As a history teacher, I love researching and learning new things to bring to the classroom.  Of course, my favorite authors in my genre are Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe.

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 are another avenue to reach the general public. As long as people can access novels, regardless of the form, it’s good for the business.

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I don’t mind corporate bookstores if it’s the only stores around. In Central Maine, we have access to only a Barnes and Noble. I read mostly through e-reader so generally use Amazon or Barnes and Noble. I do understand the need to support local bookstores and would gladly do it.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

My writing has some personal experiences, though mostly in fears and anxiety of the unknown. Also, my childhood and my early introduction to the horror genre has helped.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

I am of the belief that writing should not be censored. That being said, if the writing brings about negative feedback or a lack of audience, the writer should be mindful of that.

Where can people find you and your work?

Facebook Author Page:

https://www.facebook.com/ADerosbyauthor/?view_public_for=100737971625840

Author’s Page: Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Alan-Derosby/e/B084LVSRG7?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

Thank you so much, Alan!

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Jack Ketchum (PINNED – Interviewed in December 2017)

Name: Dallas Mayr

Pseudonym (if you use one): Jack Ketchum

Genre(s) of your work: Horror and Suspense (and the occasional Black Comedy.)

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):  Writing professionally since 1970, first fiction 1976, first novel, OFF SEASON, 1981.

Bio: see my website http://www.jackketchum.net/and add to that, Most Recent Novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SOULS, written with Lucky McKee and Most Recent Collection, GORILLA IN MY ROOM.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?  

I grew up loving fantasy, and horror is the dark side of fantasy.

How has writing changed/altered your life? The usual perks of self-employment — no punching the time clock, no damn bosses hovering over your desk.  But in addition to that, writing mandates continual periods of self-examination.  You don’t easily get away with lying to yourself on the page.  It requires you to scour your history and your present for your deepest faults and pleasures, to reveal and revel in them, to find the strengths in your life and work from there, reaching outward.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

Far too many to list here.  I read all over the place and consequently my favorite writers come from all genres and backgrounds, from Henry Miller to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, from Raymond Chandler, Elmore Leonard and John D. MacDonald to Thomas Hardy, Philip Roth, Michael Chabon, Joyce Carol Oates, Peter Straub and Stephen King.  Why?  Because they’re smart, empathic, courageous.  Because they’re good!

What is your opinion of mainstream/corporate bookstores?

I wish we had a lot more mom-and-pop, brick-and-mortar bookstores.  I seriously miss browsing.

What do you hope your readers will take away from your work?

The need for empathy and tenderness in the world, that the souls of beasts and humans matter.  And a few hours of just plain fun.

How much does personal experience play in your written work?

Depends on the piece.  Some, like THE GIRL NEXT DOOR and RED, are highly personal, others…?  I don’t know where the hell they came from!

How do you find the motivation to complete a book/story?  

Finishing a piece is almost always easy.  It’s getting started that’s hard.  Getting all your ducks in a row and then having the balls and suspension of disbelief  to say to yourself, this is really going to work.

What makes you NOT finish reading a book?

I give books a first paragraph test.  If it passes, then a first chapter test.  If it passes that, I’ll almost always finish the book — I can tell from there that I’m going to want to.   If it fails I scuttle it immediately.  Very occasionally, too much repetition will make me dump it.  I don’t want to waste reading-time.  Too much good stuff out there.

Do you believe writing should be censored – that some topics should remain taboo?

Nothing should ever be censored.  Everything is worth discussing.  How long a discussion is another matter entirely.

Any pet peeves in writing? In reading others’ work?

 Life’s short.  I don’t bother with peeves.  If I’m bored, I just close the book.

Where can people find you and your work?

Website, see above. I have a list of published works there.   Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/jackketchumofficial/ Twitter, https://twitter.com/jackketchum Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Ketchum

What can I say?

I am honored to have snagged a bit of Jack Ketchum’s time, for him to share his thoughts and words with me (and my readers), and for his participation in a blog such as this one. Thank you so much – for the interview as well as your writing. It has and continues to be an inspiration.

Readers, I implore you to look into Jack Ketchum’s work, especially if you are a horror/suspense fan. From the mouth of Stephen King – “Who’s the scariest guy in America? Probably Jack Ketchum.”