CURRENT AUTHOR MEET & GREET!

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:  #294

Kendra Slone

Your Name: Kendra Slone
Genre(s) of your work: YA Fantasy


Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter (2020)
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Forgotten Prince (2024)


Bio:
Kendra Slone loves to live in fantasy worlds in her free time. From reading and writing books to playing video games or watching movies, she is always searching for the next best thing to grab her attention. She loves to cross stitch, bake tasty desserts, and is a newbie at painting miniatures and building legos.

She is the author of The Hailwic Chronicles, a YA fantasy series that she started writing when she was young. An avid reader in the same genre she writes in, Kendra has always wanted to publish a book of her own. She made that dream possible by self-publishing her first book, The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter, in October of 2020.

Kendra lives in a quiet, small town in Illinois with her husband, two cats, and two dogs. She also spends as much time as she can with her mother and nephew. Want to know about her future projects and life updates? Follow her on social media for more!

Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Growing up reading was my way of getting away from the real world. Books about dragon
riders, magical worlds, and thrilling adventures were always my go to. I loved them so much that I have had a version of Hailwic and all of its characters in my mind since I was at least twelve. I loved stories about good vs. evil, mythical creatures and figuring out why each character was the way they were. I write fantasy because I love to allow my imagination to go wild like I did when I was kid. Iโ€™d also love to expand my writing when Iโ€™m finished with The Hailwic Chronicles. Perhaps a standalone thriller or horror story?


How has writing changed/altered your life?
Iโ€™ve been writing stories since I was a kid, though I canโ€™t say they were always good. I remember having a notebook with a Pikachu on the front of it and writing short stories about Pokemon in it. I wrote and rewrote stories about a boy and a dragon in Jr. High. Itโ€™s something that Iโ€™ve always loved to do when I had the time, but I didnโ€™t get serious about it until 2019. I decided that year that I would finish writing a novel and pursue self-publishing. It was this path with writing that made me realize that I can set a goal and follow through with it until the end. It made me realize what I was capable of and that I could follow my dream of writing books like I always wanted to do. It gave me a purpose.


Who are your favorite authors and why?
Christopher Paolini wrote the Inheritance series. It became my favorite book of all time. Eragon introduced me to a world of dragons and magic like I had never read before. I was excited to read each book the moment I got my hands on them.

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter series. Iโ€™m not much of a fan of her these days, but I wonโ€™t deny that her books filled many years of my life with magic. Not only did I love Hogwarts, but so did my friends, my cousins, and the people around me. It was something that brought many of us together in discussion and excitement. I mean who didnโ€™t secretly hope that thereโ€™d be an owl pecking at your window with your Hogwarts letter in its beak?

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I think audiobooks are an awesome new way of enjoying the books we love. I myself would love to have audiobooks done for my own work, but it’s not in my budget at the moment. I think there are many people out there who would love to read more, but just donโ€™t have the time to sit down and do it. Audiobooks provide a way to allow them to enjoy a good story again while driving to work or doing the dishes.


What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
I think connecting with other local authors has been a good way to learn about other book events. Putting myself out there has been the best tool so far. Sharing posts on social media helps at times too. But no matter what, it is difficult. Iโ€™m not sure if Iโ€™ve found the best way yet, but Iโ€™m working on it.


Do you believe writing should be censored โ€“ that some topics should remain taboo?

No, I donโ€™t think so. We learn by opening our minds to other experiences, worlds, cultures, and languages. To restrict these topics, no matter how extreme some might think they are, is to keep us in a bubble. I think it’s dangerous to believe that one’s way of thinking is the only way. And if the topic is dangerous, I think itโ€™s important to learn why it is.


What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I hadnโ€™t thought about it before, but I think it is a good idea depending on the material youโ€™re writing. There are some things that certain people may not want to read because it could bring up a bad experience they have been through. Trigger warnings should definitely be used for anything graphic.


Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

I sell much better at events than on social media. The only time I have done extremely well on social media is around the time of release dates. As I said in a previous answer, marketing is hard.


Where can people find you and your work?
You can find my books on Amazon!
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Shifter (1)
https://a.co/d/bW47ze6
The Hailwic Chronicles: The Forgotten Prince (2)
https://a.co/d/6inHi8O
You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok: @authorkendraslone
My website is: http://www.authorkendraslone.com

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Jennifer Shaw

Your Name: Jennifer Shaw

Pseudonym (if you use one): J. M. Shaw

Genre(s) of your work: Fantasy Adventure

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Callum Walker Series:

  1. The Ascension โ€“ 2021 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition)
  2. The Convergence โ€“ 2022 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
  3. The Fractured Veil โ€“ 2023 (First Edition); 2026 (Second Edition Expected Release)
  4. Forsaken Souls – 2025

Bio:

J. M. Shaw is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. Sheโ€™s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a hobby; itโ€™s a passion.

In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling โ€œtoo muchโ€ or โ€œtoo different.โ€ Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her charactersโ€”flawed, searching, and deeply humanโ€”resonate on a personal level.

When sheโ€™s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Growing up, I felt different, somehow out of place in the world, but I didnโ€™t know whyโ€”my autism diagnosis later in life eventually gave me that clarity.

I have always gravitated toward superhero and fantasy stories, filled with characters whose abilities likewise set them apart. These early protagonists shared my challenges and insecurities, yet they found ways to navigate their differences and make something good of themselves, often while concealing their secrets and finding their place in the world.

What drew me to these stories was the suggestion that my neurodiversity might not be a flaw. They gave me hope that, if I could only discover my purpose, my personal disparity might become an asset rather than a hindrance.

Writing fantasy allows me to explore identity, power, and self-discovery. It is my sanctuary, where I can imagine a world in which differences arenโ€™t flaws, but strengths waiting to be claimed, proving that Iโ€™m not broken, just a little lost.

How has writing changed/altered your life?

For the past thirty years, writing has been my constant. What began as an outlet for my thoughts and feelings, providing a platform to analyze the world, slowly became my passion. As I experience life with heightened intensity, unable to filter my senses, writing has become my grounding force. Writing gave me a point of focus through which to slow my thoughts, process my emotions, and turn my internal noise into meaning. It changed my life, giving me a means to understand myself and manage the stress of daily life, and I canโ€™t imagine how I would have survived without it.

Who are your favorite authors and why?

I enjoy the genre variability of Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and Michael Crichton. Each authorโ€™s work reflects a fearless creative vision, inspiring me to embrace my own wild imagination.

More recently, Iโ€™ve discovered Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, and Brent Weeks, whose fiction blends moral complexity, deep characters, high-stakes adventure, and honest insightโ€”qualities I admire and strive to embrace in my own writing.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

I recognize the appeal of audiobooks, and their convenience is undeniable for those who struggle to read, whether due to impairment or time constraints. As I recall, similar questions were raised when ebooks were first introduced, and theyโ€™ve not only persisted, but become a mainstream alternative to physical books. I therefore believe that, as audiobook accessibility continues to increase, they will find their niche and prevail, much like their digital predecessors.

That said, I donโ€™t think audiobooks will replace physical or electronic books, because we all experience the world in different ways, and not every reader will enjoy exclusively listening to stories. Many, like me, enjoy holding something tangible and seeing the words with our own eyes.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

Though online media is vital, Iโ€™ve found my most meaningful success through more personal engagementโ€”author talks, interviews, podcasts, and book signings. For me, the word โ€œmarketingโ€ is intimidating and confusing, so I tend to think instead of simply showing the world that I existโ€”connecting face-to-face, answering questions, and speaking from the heart about my passion. Giving people that glimpse of the storytelling beyond the page fosters a deep connection between author and reader.

Aside from public appearances, word of mouth is another powerful way to reach a potential audience, driven organically by genuinely engaged readers who have fallen in love with your writing.

Conversely, paid advertising, whether through Amazon or social media, has proven far less effectiveโ€”at least in my experience. While such methods increase visibility, that exposure rarely translates into sales or sustained readership. It is, therefore, an approach that should be considered carefully and with realistic expectations.

Do you believe writing should be censored โ€“ that some topics should remain taboo?

I do not believe that all writing should be censored, though there are some exceptions that I wonโ€™t go into here. Widespread restrictions not only inhibit creativity but are also an unrealistic expectation.

Society is constantly evolving, and whatโ€™s taboo today might be widely accepted a decade from now. Conversely, what is permissible today might be offensive within a few years. A universal standard of censorship is therefore untenable.

Just because one individual deems something inappropriate doesnโ€™t mean that everyone will. There are countless differing beliefs, opinions, and comfort levels regarding what is considered acceptable. This multiplicity, the gift that gives us an endless variety of art and ideas, also gives rise to ongoing controversy within our society. This begs the question: if we canโ€™t even agree on whether it is art or garbage, who among us is qualified to decide what should or shouldnโ€™t be censored?

Even if we could agree upon a list of criteria, we would then need to apply those conventions to every written work across the ages. Think of all the historical works that would be lost to modern standards, and all the stories of today that would never have been published if our predecessorsโ€™ censorship standards from their time had continued to this day.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

In lieu of broad censorship, I absolutely agree with the use of trigger warnings. Stories are powerful, and emotional responses are expected. It makes sense that readers should have the opportunity to make informed decisions, as they would with film or television, before they become invested in a novel. This is an act of compassionate consideration for those navigating trauma, conservative boundaries, and differing levels of maturity, and I wholeheartedly agree.

That said, no one personโ€™s trigger is the same, so, as with censorship, where is the line between thoughtful consideration and trying to accommodate every possible sensitivity?

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?

I found that most of my sales happen in person, rather than online. During author events and book signings, the first book in my series is most frequently purchased, which is understandable since Iโ€™ve written a series, and readers want to start at the beginning. In the days and weeks after an event, however, I often find that subsequent books in my series are purchased afterward, either online or by readers returning to the store.

Those live conversations allow me to share my passion, creating a level of trust and enthusiasm beyond what is typically achieved through social media or advertisements. Such moments allow readers to ask questions and connect with the author. The benefit to this approach is that you are not just selling; you are bonding with potential readers, often leading to one of the most effective drivers of long-term readershipโ€”genuine, organic word-of-mouth.

Where can people find you and your work?

My books are available at select Indigo and Chapters locations across Alberta, as well as online through Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble. The descriptions and links to my books, social media, and Goodreads can be found on my website.

Website: www.jmshawauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmshaw_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmshawauthor

Email: jmshawauthor1@gmail.com

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Greta Lynn Uehling

Your Name: Greta Lynn Uehling

Genre(s) of your work: Cultural anthropology

 

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):

Decolonizing Ukraine (2025)

Everyday War (2023)

Beyond Memory (2004)

 

Bio:

Greta Uehling is a cultural anthropologist whose research focuses on the subjective experience of war, conflict, and population displacement. As professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she teaches courses for the Program in International and Comparative Studies and is a Faculty Associate with the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Based on her fieldwork in Ukraine that included over 150 interviews, Uehling is the author of three books: Beyond Memory (2004); Everyday War (2023) and Decolonizing Ukraine (2025) as well as two edited volumes International Studies: Perspectives on a Rapidly Changing World and Migration and the Ukraine Crisis: A Two Country Perspective. In 2025, she embarked on a new project in Tbilisi, Georgia that builds upon both her artistic experience and anthropological insights.

 

Why do you write in the genre that you do?

Perhaps first I should explain my genre: I write ethnography, which is a qualitative approach that entails immersing oneself in the life of a community and using participant observation to understand it as deeply as possible. Throughout my career, I have been drawn to writing ethnography because it provides a way to generate the kind of thick description that readers need to supplement the more abstract knowledge on a topic they can gain from other sources. This approach makes it possible to develop theory from data, rather than testing a pre-existing hypothesis in a top-down manner. My career in anthropology has convinced me that people are not only wise but authoritative commentators on their own experience and there great value in listening. This way of writing becomes especially critical for the communities I study, such as refugees and other migrants, because they are often spoken about in ways that eclipse their authentic voices. Ethnography enables one to keep their words and perspective present. Especially in contexts of displacement, marginalization, or war, writing becomes a way to refuse erasure. It preserves testimonies, complicates simple narratives, and insists on the humanity of those whose lives are misrepresented.

 

How has writing changed/altered your life?

Writing has changed my life by providing me with a creative outlet. Like photography, it sharpens perception: moments that once seemed ordinary become the raw material for insight and I find myself noticing more. Writing also sharpens the mind. An idea that initially feels vague or inchoate becomes something I want to articulate, evoke, and refine. In this sense, writing brings the gift of agency because to write is also to decide what matters.

 

More than anything, writing has opened me to connection. In order to generate an ethnography, I speak with many people and being invited to inhabit someone elseโ€™s perspective – and to share my own – is a profound honor and privilege. It creates a kind of bridge between someone elseโ€™s inner world and my own. In a sense, like the displaced people I work with, I am continually trying to push back the limits of my understanding and imagination. There is always a new frontier of knowledge and creative expression that I want to find a way to cross.

This connection extends to my readers and listeners. Especially since the publication of my last two books, I have received many live speaking invitations and have appeared on many podcasts. I find it very gratifying to engage with readers and potential readers on the topic of my work. 

 

Who are your favorite authors and why?

The novelist Fiodor Dostoevesky is among my favorite authors because, through his masterful use of inner dialogue (unheard of at the time he was writing), he takes readers into the most intimate chambers of his charactersโ€™ inner lives. In his hands, they move between the sublime and the depraves, gripped at times by profound anxiety and existential insecurity. Yet they also discover, oftentimes against the odds, pathways that allow them to endure. Dostoevskyโ€™s work lays bare the raw discomfort of being human while illuminating the forces that enable one to carry on.

Another favorite is Gabriel Garcรญa Mรกrquez. Where Dostoevsky descends into the tormented landscapes of the psyche, Garcรญa Mรกrquez moves outward, widening the frame to encompass the mythic, the historical, and the cosmological. His characters are shaped as much by the uncanny forces that swirl through places like Macondo as by their own inner lives. I especially appreciate the way he reveals how people are swept into cycles of memory, repetition, and collective destiny. He writes from an enchanted vision of the world, where the marvelous is somehow continually being woven into the fabric of everyday life.

 

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?

Speaking as a professor at the University of Michigan, I would say I occupy the middle ground. A growing appreciation for different learning styles means that audiobooks have become an important and indeed highly encouraged way of making course content more accessible. Along with administrators and professors, students are also looking for ways to better absorb new ideas, and audiobooks can be a valuable aid in that process. At the same time, nothing can fully replace the experience of engaging in a close reading of a written text.

I say all of this with the full awareness that artificial intelligence is already transforming how people learn and interact. A year or two from now, I suspect many people will not only be reading even less but listening to fewer audiobooks as well. They may increasingly rely on summaries and, I am afraid, potentially miss out on the rush of pleasure that comes from discovering a text on oneโ€™s own.

 

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?

To my own surprise, I have found social media to be an effective marketing tool. Over time, consistent posting and maintaining visibility appear to build both trust and recognition. Had you asked me this question even two years ago, my response would have been very different. For instance, I have received several generous invitations to travel and speak about my most recent book, Decolonizing Ukraine, from individuals I have never met but who follow my work on social media.

I would argue that there are no inherently โ€œbadโ€ marketing tools, though the effectiveness of specific strategies depends on the book and its intended audience. For my books on Ukraine, such as Everyday War and Decolonizing Ukraine, a significant portion of the readership cannot attend in-person bookstore events. In these cases, online engagement is essential for disseminating the bookโ€™s key insights. In this context, the role of a skilled book publicist is invaluable. Authors benefit from someone who can both develop a coherent strategy and manage its implementation effectively.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?

I think trigger warnings are a gesture of respect that acknowledge that readers and viewers have varying capacities for coping with potentially disturbing content. Thinking about the number of conflicts, wars, and crises in the world today, it seems clear that we live in an era of perpetual emergency, in which the previously unthinkable is continually emerging. I think of trigger warnings as a way to stave off the desensitization that could potentially result from this and to limit the normalization of violence and injustice.

 

Where can people find you and your work?

The best place to find out more about me and my work is my website:

https://gretauehling.com/ Here, people will find clips and full versions of the interviews I have done.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greta-uehling-phd-b9154a2b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greta.uehling

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Joe Chianakas

Your Name: Joe Chianakas

Genre(s) of your work: Young Adult, LGBTQ+, Horror

Titles/Year of Published Work(s):
Singlets and Secrets (2023)
Pride and Persistence (2024)
Darkness Calls (2025)

Rabbit in Red (The Complete Trilogy, 2015-2018)

 

Bio:
Joe Chianakas is a queer author, professor, and LGBTQ+ advocate. His young adult novels Singlets and Secrets and Pride and Persistence reimagine the underdog martial arts story through a queer lens and have been celebrated for their authentic representation and emotional depth. His latest novel, Darkness Calls, is an atmospheric horror story inspired by childhood adventures and haunted nostalgia. Joe is a multi-time Teacher of the Year, a professor of communication as well as creative writing. Recently, he won the 2025 River City Pride Arts & Entertainment Award for his work that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. He lives in Peoria, IL with his husband Brian and the best dog in the world, Bailey.

Why do you write in the genre that you do?
I gravitate toward YA and horror because theyโ€™re both about transformation. YA is that raw, vulnerable time when youโ€™re figuring out who you are and what you stand for. Horror, at its core, asks what we fear most and what weโ€™ll do to survive. For me, combining them creates a space to explore identity and resilience. And as a queer author, I want to tell stories where LGBTQ+ characters arenโ€™t just surviving but are saving the world.

How has writing changed/altered your life?
Writing has helped me process grief, identity, and the messy, beautiful parts of being human. Itโ€™s also given me the gift of connection. When a student or reader tells me they saw themselves in my work, or that my books made them feel less alone, it reminds me exactly why I do this.

Who are your favorite authors and why?
Stephen King is the first author who kept me all night reading, and I will always love him for that. TJ Klune writes queer stories with so much heart, hope, and joy, and I just appreciate that so much. My classic fav is Ray Bradbury for the atmosphere and my modern fav is Erin Mortegensen for the most magical stories.

Do you believe that audiobooks are the wave of the future, more of a passing fad, or somewhere in between and why?
I think theyโ€™re here to stay. Audiobooks make stories more accessible, whether for people with different learning styles, busy lives, or disabilities. Iโ€™ve also found that when a book is narrated well, it adds a whole new dimension to the story. Theyโ€™re not replacing print, but theyโ€™ve earned their place alongside it.

What have you found to be a good marketing tool? A bad one?
Authenticity has been the best tool. When I share honestly about my books, my teaching, or my life as a queer author and husband, that connection resonates far more than any flashy ad. A bad tool is any approach that screams โ€œbuy my book.โ€ Give us a reason to buy your book.

Do you believe writing should be censored โ€“ that some topics should remain taboo?
No. Storytelling is one of the safest places to explore the darkest and most complex parts of humanity. Silence doesnโ€™t protect anyone. Honest conversation saves lives. That doesnโ€™t mean I want kids reading explicit content. Not wanting kids to read sex scenesโ€”fine, of course. Not wanting kids to read a book about a person just because they are queerโ€”absolutely not okay.

What is your opinion of Trigger Warnings?
I think theyโ€™re a form of care, not censorship. A trigger warning gives readers the autonomy to choose when and how they engage. Especially in YA, where readers are often encountering certain topics for the first time, I see them as a sign of respect.

Do you find that you sell better in person (at events) or through social media (like a personal blog, website, or Amazon)?
In-person events are the best. Thereโ€™s nothing like handing your book to someone and having a real conversation. That said, social media has allowed me to connect with readers I never would have met otherwise. The best success comes from balancing both.

Where can people find you and your work?
Website: www.joechianakas.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joechianakas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chianakas
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joechianakas
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Joe-Chianakas/author/B015UJP0GE

 

 

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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 โ€“ 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 othersโ€™ 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 received 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.”


128 comments

    1. Hi Donna;
      My pleasure. As an independent author myself, I know that marketing is key and getting the word out by any means is crucial.
      Thanks!
      Sue

      Like

  1. Hi Sue. Thank you for including me in this roundup of four writers. I read all the interviews with pleasure. The CWA includes so many interesting members. I enjoyed meeting my fellow interviewees via your blog.
    Susan Bass Marcus

    Liked by 1 person

  2. It’s nice to see Teri here — always good to know a little more about her. I had to laugh about her friends being more careful about what they say. ๐Ÿ˜€ It’s funny how many people worry they’ll be “in the book” when they learn you write. Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I definitely have some new books to order (Zombie turkeys – still chuckling). I just finished my fifth book and I’m taking a year off to just read and read and read. Thanks for the great interviews.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, LB! That’s the point of the interviews – to give everyone a chance to find out about each other. Thanks for reading and feel free to spread the word! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Like

    1. Cool! Thanks so much for doing that! We got both Noodle and Monkey from our local Humane Society when they were about 6 months old. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Like

  4. Great Meet and Greet. The questions are fresh, not often asked, with great answers. I focused on Diana’s but you seem to have a good selection of authors. Diana–Love your list of favorite authors–100 Years of Solitude (so appealing). The trigger warning for a rape. Yep. Audio books–I’m definitely considering that also. Excellent interview.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui. I found it impossible to list my favorites, so just pulled books off the top of my head. Lol. And awesome that you’re considering audiobooks! I do no marketing and still get sales. It’s a great market and you can do them for free if you do royalty share. Have fun with it!

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    2. So glad you stopped by! And thank you! I do try to get some different types of questions in. After a while, it gets boring for both author and reader to regurgitate/read the same material. Have a most groovy day! ๐Ÿ™‚ Stop by again (or follow along!)

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  5. It’s great to meet and greet the talented authors here. It’s lovely to read about them, Sue! I know you’ve interviewed a book narrator and probably his way of reading your book wasn’t exactly what you wanted. I’m glad your iPhone has a voice feature reading the books. I couldn’t get mine to work. I may eventually get an iPhone just for that purpose!

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    1. Thanks so much ๐Ÿ™‚ I can’t believe it myself – great folks giving their time for the interviews. I really appreciate every one. Thank you for stopping by!!

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    1. Bookbub is so intimidating, Betsy. The cost is ridiculous, but worth it and it’s the only promotion place I’ve tried that actually covered the cost with sales. You are brave, girl! Keep it in mind, and when you’re motivated, give it a try. Thanks for stopping by Sue’s to read the interview. Happy Weekend!

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  6. Super set of interviews, Sue! I came via Diana’s blog and it was awesome to find out a little bit more about her and her writing. The same with the other authors who are new to me. I have a common love of so many of the same books! Now I’ve found you I’ll be back for more ๐Ÿ™‚

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    1. Welcome and thank you, Chris! So glad to have to visit (and join in on the fun). ๐Ÿ™‚ I appreciate the kind words – and, yes, Diana’s interview was wonderful!

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  7. How fun to see Priscilla here and learn a little about her. I have her latest book on my kindle ready to go. And I couldn’t agree more with the benefit of blogging and building relationships. I wouldn’t read a book by a rude blogger either, but if they’re friendly and engaging, I’m happy to! Great interview. ๐Ÿ™‚

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  8. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful and very impressive interviews. I headed over from Darlene Foster’s blog, and wow i also found the interview with Sharon Marchisello. They are writing wonderful books, and the Amanda series is for me one of the best i ever had found for children. Thanks also for introducing to new authors and their work. It will be a pleasure to also have a look on their work. Best wishes, Michael

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    1. Thank you so much for the words, Michael. I appreciate you reading the blog. Are you following? You’ll get new messages in your mailbox if you do. Yes, I welcome ALL authors to partake if they wish to do so. If YOU are an author, I’d certainly invite you as well! Just shoot me an email (srovens@yahoo.com). ๐Ÿ™‚

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      1. Thanks for the great postings, Sue! I had to look up, if i am following your blog, and yes, i had to klick the button first. -) Thanks for the reminder, because WP most times in the past had locked me out of followed blogs. Maybe a kind of fitness training. Lol Best wishes, Michael

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      2. LOL. I totally get it! No worries! I’m the least tech-inclined person in the world, so I’m always wondering if people are even seeing my answers. lol.

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  9. I love reading about these authors from the authors’ “mouths” (or more likely, their pen) themselves. I feel such a kinship with each one. Darlene is one of my favorite bloggers and an incredible writer of “tween” books. And now I have new authors and books to explore thanks to this blog. Well done!

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    1. Thank YOU, Jan! Please feel free to follow the blog (if you aren’t already). My blog is open to all – every genre and professional level are welcome here.

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    1. I agree, Priscilla. I’m against any kind of censorship, BUT, having said that, an author has to “own it”. Thanks for reading!! ๐Ÿ™‚

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