Interview - Rebecca Forster

Hello people! After a long time without posts, I bring you something really cool. Please welcome Rebecca Forster, an amazing author of thrillers, on an interview. She's worked on advertising, she's wrote traditionally published books and she's been publishing her books the indie way. She's achieved "bestselling" status, which is something all authors would want to and you can read all of her books digitally. Check it out on her E-thrillers page or her Early Books page.

More information: http://www.rebeccaforster.com

- After publishing traditionally, why go Indie? 

I could see traditional publishing changing. Book stores were closing, retail outlets were cutting back on space for books, and the costs of production were rising. That meant that traditional publishers were tightening up on what they were buying, distribution was limited, and retail costs were rising. Like any author, I want people to read my work (and hopefully love it) and with the new distribution channels, publishing independently seemed like a great opportunity. I love that my work will never be 'out of print', that I can price my novels so that even the most voracious reader can afford them, and that there is potential for readers in other countries. This is a very exciting time for writers.

- How many books do you have nowadays? Traditionally and independently published? 

I have written 25 books and am working on number 26. Of those, 3 are independently published: Expert Witness (book 4 of the legal thriller series), Before Her Eyes (a thriller with a fantasy edge), Wilde's Gamble (a fun, short, romantic suspense)

- Do you write more than one book at a time? 

 I have many books planned, but when I write I concentrate on one at a time. With the witness series, however, I pay close attention because a detail that appears in any of the books might have consequences on the next ones. Readers are very sharp and will notice.

- Do you have a favorite among your own books?

Each book is special at the time I write it, but there are two that stand out. Before Her Eyes was inspired by personal events - the passing of my father and father-in-law within three months of each other. I wondered what people would sacrifice to stay alive and what your last thoughts as death approaches. Those were the themes I explored in this thriller. Hostile Witness, the first in the witness series, is also a favorite because the characters are so real to me. I love the way they grow with each book, but I first 'met' them in Hostile Witness.

- What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write? 

I am not very good at sex scenes. I love portraying relationships, but I get too embarrassed by anything graphic. I guess that's why I write thrillers.

- Which genre do you feel it would be a challenge to write? 

Science fiction would be the most challenging. I would love to try my hand at dystopian literature.

- Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why? 

I love Hannah. even though she's sixteen-years-old she is an old soul, a loner, but a person filled with incredible honor and courage. I tend to be a bit of a loner, and I hope I would be as honorable as Hannah if I were faced with a dire situation.

- Which writer/book would you mention as an inspiration? 

Stephen King. Scott Turow.I love those two authors. I think King is a master of characterization, and I love Turow's plots.

- Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read? 

I don't read much when I'm working. When I'm between books, I read a ton. Lately, I've been reading indie authors. I am in awe of the talent that is out there. David Wisehart (Devil's Lair) was the first indie I read and it was beyond fantastic. I usually read thrillers but this was a historical fantasy based on Dante's inferno. Not only smartly written but incredibly exciting. Johnny Oops by Arthur Levine and The Santa Shop by Tim Greaton are some incredible indie novels I've read lately.

- What inspires you? And how's your writing environment - music, place, etc.?

Funny you should ask. I just started doing Pintrest and the first board I put up was about things that inspire me. I am inspired by the small things people do - the way they look and sound, how they hold themselves. I'm inspired by my mom and my sons (one's in the Peace Corps and the other is striking out with his own business). I travel a lot and am inspired by destinations - city or country, land or sea. I used to try to work at home but I got too distracted. For the last 12 years I've gone to a small coffee shop near my home. It's very eclectic. I start to write about seven in the morning and leave around one or two in the afternoon. There are come regulars but there are always new people coming in. I plug into talk radio or music (country western, show tunes, classical). Then it's home to chores or to answer e-mails. There's always something to do. Writing is only part of the process. Every minute of the day is filled with something related the the current WIP or books that are already published.

- What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? 

New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc.I recently signed with Trident Media Group with the intent of exploring traditional opportunities while still pursuing indie publishing. I've been re-energized as an indie - pushing creative boundaries, being responsible for the total package, interacting more with readers - this is truly the Wild West of publishing and it's a thrill. I also have two screenplays in development - one based on my USA Today bestseller, Keeping Counsel - and another which is a sweet romantic comedy inspired by my grandfather. The witness series is in talks to become a television series. Fingers crossed. You just never know what can happen.

My work in progress is Eyewitness, book 5 of the series. I hope to publish it in November or early December. There is one more witness book planned after that. Then I would like to take Before Her Eyes and create a series based on the sheriff, Dove Connelly. I love the overlay of fantasy in the forest town in which he works. There is always a real explanation for what happens but following the fantasy path was such an exciting thing for me as a writer.

Unread Interview: Tim Marquitz

Please welcome Tim Marquitz, author of Skulls, to today's Unread Interview. But first, a reminder! We have a Giveaway up, for Skulls, Tim Marquitz's book, so please, take your time to click on the banner below and sign in for the giveaway - we have a signed "paper" copy for the USA and 2 digital copies for international readers! (I postponed it until today May 5th, so that's your last chance!)

Now, today's Unread Interview.

Summary by Amazon: Life held little interest for Jacob - until he found death.

Abused and neglected, Jacob's only solace comes when he is alone in the woods or in the arms of his new girlfriend. But when he stumbles across a hidden bunker filled with human skulls, he learns what true suffering is. Drawn to examine the skulls, he finds there is more than just empty blackness behind their lifeless stares. Through their eyes he watches them die.

With every glance, he witnesses another murder, the memories of the dead playing out inside his mind until reality becomes a blur. A primal cruelty awakening, Jacob returns to the morbid comfort of the skulls, over and over again. But when he happens upon a fresh skull, a victim tortured and slain for his amusement alone, he knows his time has come. Face to face with death, Jacob must choose whether to resist the darkness that dwells inside or condemn himself forever, murdering his innocence on the edge of an axe.

Tell us a bit about your book (s).

TM: My most recent release is a crossover young adult horror book, entitled Skulls, released through Damnation Books. It’s about a teenage boy, Jacob, whose life isn’t the best. His mother has left him, his father is an abusive drunk, and his stepmother pretty much ignores him. His father recently moved them to Ruidoso, New Mexico, a touristy town in the middle of the mountains.

The story starts when Jacob stumbles across a hidden bunker filled with human skulls. He’s drawn to examine them and learns they’re all the victim of a serial killer. By staring into the skulls, Jacob is able to watch the death of each through their own eyes.

My first book is part of the Demon Squad series, entitled Armageddon Bound. The main character, Frank “Triggaltheron” Trigg, is the nephew of the Devil. The premise of the world is that God and Lucifer call a truce and leave existence behind to fend for itself. With the leadership of Heaven and Hell gone, the angels and demons are now scrambling to define their lives, suddenly given free will. Overall, the book follows Frank as he struggles to help keep the world safe from the machinations of the supernatural forces turned loose. It’s an action-packed, snarky, and perverse story wrapped up in an Urban/Dark Fantasy package.

Have you ever wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing "seriously"?

TM: I think I’ve always wanted to write, I just didn’t have the proper motivation in life. Around ’95, a buddy of mine showed me a novel he’d written and it kind of helped ignite the passion. I started exploring my ideas and writing stories, but I was still lacking the skill to make them decent. Finally, determined to do it right, I hooked up with a small writing group and they really got me focused.

Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read?

TM: I try to read all the time, but it doesn’t always happen. I tend to go to bed just a little earlier so I can squeeze in some reading before I fall asleep. I also take my Kindle with me so I can sneak a few pages in here and there.

Much of what I read is horror or fantasy. I’m a huge Clive Barker fan, so I read everything he puts out, as well as Jim Butcher. More recently, I’ve read all the Dexter books by Jeff Lindsay, The George RR Martin series, The Song of Ice and Fire, a good bit of Brian Keene, and I’ve just finished off Patrick Rothfuss’ Name of the Wind and Wise Man’s Fear.

What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write?

TM: I like writing in general, but the more odd, or different a scene, the more I enjoy it. I like being able to stretch my imagination out and create something that isn’t common. While my books tread upon familiar themes, I like being able to twist the idea just enough to make it mine. Any time I can experiment with a visual is when I’m having the most fun writing.

Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why?

TM: I definitely relate to all my characters because they’re all a piece of me, in some small way. That said, I think Frank and I are the closest. He’s basically me without the censors of a polite society. He says what he thinks and doesn’t sugarcoat it or try to dance around people. He just lives his life, the world’s opinion be damned.

Which genre do you feel it would be a challenge to write?

TM: While I believe I could write anything, I imagine romance would be the hardest. As my wife can attest, I don’t know much about the subject. Any romance book I wrote would come across like a Hallmark card on steroids.

What inspires you? And how's your writing environment - music, place, etc.?

TM: I need relative peace and quiet to write. I don’t really need any special place to write, but I can’t have any kind of consistent interruption or I start to lose the immersion that’s necessary to write well. I don’t listen to music either because I find I’m inspired by the mood it creates. The feeling infiltrates my head and starts to influence the direction of my writing, which often runs contrary to what I’m trying to get across.

What would you say about the book - your words, no blurbs! - to convince someone to read your book?

TM: For Skulls, I’d say it was a whirlpool of psychological horror that tries to drag you down into the abyss right along with Jacob.

As for the Demon Squad series, I’d likely say it was an action-packed, roller coaster ride of violence, horror, and perverse snarkiness, with undertones of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files.

What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc.

TM: I’m always writing something. Right now, I’m working on a sword and sorcery type book, entitled Witch Bane. I’ve also just recently completed the first book in an epic fantasy series I’m writing, and intend to start sending out queries to agents soon.

As far as publication, I have the second Book in the Demon Squad series coming out on June 1, from Damnation Books, and my YA Horror book, Skulls, was just released, on April 1^st of this year.

If you’d like to learn more, you can check out my web site at: htt://www.tmarquitz.com


Thank you Tim for your generosity on the giveaway and thank you for your time for the interview! Good luck with your carreer!

Unread Interview: Graham Park

Please welcome Graham Park for this week's Unread Interview! Graham is promoting his latest book No Hope for Gomez and he was already featured on a guest post here on the Brazilian Bookworm.
You can read an excerpt of No Hope For Gomez here (right click, download pdf).

Unread Interview is a series where I feature authors whose books I couldn't accept for review because of time or logistics issues.

From Amazon: 

We've seen it all before, many times, but this time it's different. If only slightly. When Gomez Porter becomes a test subject in an experimental drug trial, he is asked to keep track of any strange experiences through a blog. What Gomez isn't ready for, is so many of his experiences suddenly seeming strange; the antiques dealer trying to buy his old tax papers, his neighbor boiling salamanders on his balcony at midnight, the super sexy lab assistant who falls for him but is unable to express herself in terms outside the realm of science. But when one of the trial participants turns up dead and another goes missing, Gomez begins to fear for his life. No longer sure who he can trust and which of his experiences are real and which merely drug induced illusions, he decides it's time to go underground and work out a devious plan.

Tell us a bit about your book.

It's the age-old tale: Boy meets girl. Boy stalks girl. Girl already has a stalker. Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.

When Gomez Porter becomes a test subject in an experimental drug trial, he is asked to keep track of any strange experiences through a blog. What Gomez isn't ready for, is so many of his experiences suddenly seeming strange; the antiques dealer trying to buy his old tax papers, the phone-sex salesman who hounds him day and night, the super sexy research assistant who falls for him but is unable to express herself in terms outside the realm of science. But when one of the trial participants turns up dead and another goes missing, Gomez begins to fear for his life.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing "seriously"?

I think I started to pen down little stories from the moment I learned to write. Most children develop a healthy immunity to needing to put their ideas to paper, I suppose, understanding inherently that nothing good is likely to come of it and more productive pursuits can be found. But I never did. I never quite figured out how _not_ to write.

Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read?

I read just about every night. I’m not a very fast reader, though, so it takes me a while to finish a book. Usually longer than it takes me to find another one. So right now I’m reading about 8 books, ranging from fiction to non-fiction.

What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write?

I usually don’t start on a scene until I have some good ideas for it, things I want to try out or bits of information I want to develop. This also means that I’m looking forward to seeing how a scene will turn out. Scenes that I never develop much enthusiasm for might end up being cut from the story. Which is reasonable, I think; if there is nothing exciting I feel like doing with the scene, then there’s a good chance the story doesn’t actually need it.

Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why?

All of the characters are pretty dear to me. Some because they think just like me, most because they are so different. They force me to go places I haven’t been before, think in ways that are not my own. You can find some real mental ‘gems’ that way.

What inspires you? And how's your writing environment - music, place, etc.?

I prefer to have things nice and quiet when I write. As far as inspiration goes, I try to have that before I start writing. When I sit down, I don’t want to have to go looking for ideas. Instead, I start working out an idea that occurred to me earlier. This way writing stays fun and there’s not much pressure.

What would you say about the book - your words, no blurbs! - to convince someone to read it?

“No Hope for Gomez!” is a very special book. For one thing, it has an excellent width-to-height ratio, which is very important. It also has an odd number of pages and its weight is just perfect. Apart from this, the story is nice too, so that’s bonus right there.

What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc.

There are some short stories floating around based in the Gomez universe, and there are some spin-offs on the way.


Thank you Graham for your time, you are welcome to come back anytime!

Unread Interview: Shay Fabbro

Please welcome Shay Fabbro for this week's Unread Interview! Shay is promoting her book The Chosen

Unread Interview is a series where I feature authors whose books I couldn't accept for review because of time or logistics issues.

From Amazon: The Mekan hoard threatens all life in the galaxy and only the Chosen, a select group chosen by fate, can fight these metal monstrosities and save those that call this galaxy home. But when one of the Chosen is murdered, the untimely death could spell doom for all.
The Mekans were created to mine for precious resources. However, something goes terribly awry when they dig uncontrollably, destroying all life on the planet. The Masters of Gentra, keepers of the prophecy, send Guardians to guide and protect the Chosen, who hail from four very different worlds. When the Guardians reveal to the Chosen their role in saving the galaxy, their lives are cast into turmoil. The death of one of the Chosen renders the Gentran prophets blind to the future. The Gentran Masters are not certain the Chosen can fight the Mekans without the help of prophecy.
The Chosen are not certain they can simply sit by while the Mekans destroy their worlds.
This series will bring the reader face-to-face with an age-old question: How much of our lives are preordained and how much of our future do we determine for ourselves? Do you believe in fate and destiny or do you believe that your life is what you choose it to be?

The Chosen can be purchased through Smashwords , Amazon, CreateSpace, andBarnes and Noble. Autographed copies are available through Signed By the Author!

Tell us a bit about your book (s). 
The Chosen: Book One of the Portals of Destiny is a scifi/fantasy novel about a group destined to save the galaxy from the Mekans. This novel involves five planets and lots of "main" characters, which I think makes it interesting. There is a little something for everyone :) The diverse  nature of the aliens having to come together and work together makes for some very complex interactions and conflicts. By the time the reader reaches the end of the 3rd book in the series, they will come face-to-face with the question of fate vs free will.  I hope to shake their foundations just a little ;)

Have you ever wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing "seriously"? 
I used to write a lot when I was younger. One of my favorite things to do was to write a sequel to the latest Piers Anthony book I was reading. His books were so amazing and I would be so into the characters that I wouldn't want to put them aside. I wished I would have saved some of those. While in high school, I took a creative writing class and was told that I had some talent. But I also had this logical side that argued against going to college to be a writer. I knew that most didn't make it big, and that there was no guarantee of making a career out of being a novelist. So I turned to my other love: science! I pursued a career that was a little more safe and a little more secure. I got the idea for The Portals of Destiny series in a dream while I was getting my PhD in Human Medical Genetics. I started writing things down, and before I knew it, a novel was being born right before my eyes.

Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read? 
I have always been an avid reader and I have always read things that most people probably wouldn't consider appropriate for my age group. I was reading Tolkein and Piers Anthony in late elementary/middle school. I tried reading Judy Bloom and such but the books weren't deep enough for me. Once I got my hands on fantasy for the first time, I was HOOKED! These novels enabled me to delve into worlds that were real to me. I enjoyed losing myself and going on adventures with the heroes and their sidekicks. Now that I am writing more, I find I don't have as much time to read, but I still try to read a little every day.

What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write? 
For me, dialog is hard. It isn't easy giving each character their own personality, and to make that personality come out in the way they speak. Sometimes, I spend the most time editing the dialog because after the first rough draft, the spoken parts sound too formal and stiff. One thing that helps is that my characters come to life in my mind, so I can often let them speak and it begins to sound more natural, and flows better.

Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why? 
For this book, I took pieces of myself and divided them up between all of the characters, and then added other personality traits that don't necessarily have anything to do with my personality (or not that I will admit anyway). My new YA/fantasy novel, Dangerous Reflections (published soon), involves a heroine that is very much taken from my personality. It's weird to say this, but I love Alexis Davenport much like a younger sister. Even though I am the one writing about her being bullied at school, I find myself growing angry with the bully and wanting to step in protect Alexis.

Which genre do you feel it would be a challenge to write? 
Romance or erotica. I have a tiny bit of romance but no erotic scenes at all. I have the maturity of a 12 year old boy, so I am not sure I could even write a love scene that lasts pages and page with a straight face. It's hard enough for me to teach reproduction to my college biology class ;)

What inspires you? And how's your writing environment - music, place, etc.? 
My dreams inspire me! I have some crazy, weird, violent dreams. Instead of letting them frighten the wits out of me, I write them down, hoping I can use them for a short story or novel in the future. I have some awesome ideas for thriller/mysteries that I got from dreams!

What would you say about the book - your words, no blurbs! - to convince someone to read your book?
The Chosen is a book that will take you on a galactic adventure that involves multiple planets, intriguing plot twists, battles, personal conflict, murder, redemption for man, prophecy, interesting alien species, and an shocking ending that will leave you begging for the second book.

What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? 
New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc. I am working on two manuscripts at the moment. The first is Dangerous Reflections, a YA/fantasy novel about a fifteen year old girl who is dealing with some tough issues. To make matters worse, she is seeing strange girls in mirrors. But things get really wild when Alexis is transported back in time through the mirrors, to protect the timeline from a man hell-bent on changing the future. I am also working on the second book in the Portals of Destiny series, Shattered Destiny. The Chosen are ordered to travel to each other's worlds, there to learn more about one another. It is imperitive that they learn to trust and respect each other. But things go terribly wrong when some of the Chosen are killed, bringing the galaxy closer to its doom. The reader will be left wondering if they can fight the Mekans, and fulfill their destiny. I will continue to self-publish rather than try to find an agent (failed miserable with The Chosen). I like maintaining control of my work.


Thank you for your time, Shay! Good luck with your book.

Unread Interview: Marc Johnson

Please welcome Marc Johnson for this week's Unread Interview! Marc recently released his ebook Catalyst: The Passage of Hellsfire and he's been looking to promote it, so I offered him a spot on my "everyone is welcome" Unread Interview!

Unread Interview is a series where I feature authors whose books I couldn't accept for review because of time or logistics issues.

From Amazon: 

For centuries, the kingdom of Alexandria has protected Northern Shala from the monstrous creatures lurking in the Wastelands. Now, a dark force threatens that fragile peace.

Far from home, Alexandria’s princess is abducted. When a young villager named Hellsfire stumbles upon her and her captors, he rushes in to rescue her, alone and unarmed. His fear and fury unleash an uncontrollable magical force that grants him the power to save the princess—and change the world.

Hellsfire has never craved nor dreamed of power. But such magic as he now possesses has not been seen in Northern Shala for a thousand years, since the devastation of the War of the Wizards and the creation of the Wastelands.

Now Hellsfire must leave all he’s ever known, and make a dangerous journey to learn to master this wild, ferocious power—power he knows he is not ready to wield. More difficult still, he needs to master his emotions. If he can’t, the power will consume him, Alexandria will fall, and darkness will eclipse the land, destroying everyone he loves.

In the dead of cold, the spark shall burn...

You can also purchase Catalyst: The Passage of Hellfire at Smashwords.

Have you ever wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing "seriously"?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer, since I was a little kid. While I’ve always taken my writing seriously, I would say when I started sending my work out to agents and publishers, that’s when I decided to go for it. I must have been about 15 or 16 then.

Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read?

I read a ton. I usually read between 3-5 books at a time, averaging about a book and a half a week. The books I read vary. I try to read at least one non-fiction, but the rest depend on my mood. Sometimes I’ll be reading a sci-fi book and a horror one. Other times, I’ll be reading chick lit and historical fiction. I try to mix things up. Strangely enough, even though I write fantasy, I don’t read that much of it.

What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write?

I love to write the scenes involving Hellsfire and Krystal. They’re the heart of The Passage of Hellsfire and if I do it correctly, I get a bit worked up over those two. It might be because I draw from my own experiences with women, while writing about that pair.

My least favorite scenes I hate to write are probably the ones dealing with the opening and exploration of a new city. I have to remember that while I can picture the city in my mind, others can’t.

Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why?

I probably relate to Hellsfire the best. I was younger and confused once, and felt frustrated at myself and world. I also wanted to make a difference and change things.

I also relate to Cynder because I’m a bit more cynical and sarcastic than I was when I was younger.

Which genre do you feel it would be a challenge to write?

They’re all pretty tough to write, but I would say historical fiction might be the most challenging. You have to base your book on events that happened and people that exist, yet records are sketchy and you don’t have a time machine to visit them. While you can take certain liberties, you should also be truthful. Also, people know the endings so there’s little to no tension. People have to care about your characters than the plot. It’s a very tough and delicate balancing act.

What inspires you? And how's your writing environment - music, place, etc.?

I would say my dreams inspire me since my ideas come from them.

My writing’s environment pretty sterile and boring. I sit in front of a computer in my cramped apartment. The only interesting thing is I put my feet up and recline my chair. I’ve left marks over the years because of that and have fallen from time to time. Sometimes I’ll have music or the TV on, and other times I won’t. I’m very fickle.

What would you say about the book - your words, no blurbs! - to convince someone to read your book?

I would tell them that if they liked Star Wars: A New Hope, The Matrix, or Lord of the Rings, that they would like my book. I think people could relate to my book because everyone can relate to a coming-of-age story, no matter its form. There’s also romance in it and someone once said that every story is a love story. It’s also an adventure filled with magic, wizards, and dragons for the people that like that sort of thing.

What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc.

I plan on releasing one book a year for The Passage of Hellsfire. It’s only a six-book series and I gave myself a bit of a head start by having a few of them already written. They’re going to need a lot of editing and revising though. I also know where the story’s headed so none of that pesky writer’s block.

Thank you Marc for your time Good luck with your book and I look forward to reading it, as soon as I buy my Kindle (hopefully sooner, not later).

Interview: L.L. Reaper

L.L. Reaper is, actually, two people. I was amazed to hear it, they write as one, so I decided I had to read it and I had to interview them and find out HOW they manage to do it! Their book, Black Widow and the Sandman is already out on paperback.

From Amazon: Children in Cuba are suffering an agonizing death. The cause-a toxin released by a terrorist organization hell-bent on genocide. The scientific community is at a loss, and the Cuban government can no longer hide the truth from its citizens. Cuba's only chance lies in the capable hands of a reclusive scientist from the country that is believed to be behind this terrorist attack-the United States of America. Roman "The Sandman" Tate is the most sought-after mercenary in the world. When he is ordered to protect scientist Jeanette "Black Widow" Mason, he finds she is much more than scientific equations. The two join forces to create an antidote and stop those responsible for the mysterious illness before more children die and Cuba follows through on its promise to retaliate.

Buy from Amazon or The Book Depository.

Tell us a bit about your book.

Children in Cuba are suffering an agonizing death. The cause-a toxin released by a terrorist organization hell-bent on genocide. The scientific community is at a loss, and the Cuban government can no longer hide the truth from its citizens. Cuba's only chance lies in the capable hands of a reclusive scientist from the country that is believed to be behind this terrorist attack-the United States of America.

Roman "The Sandman" Tate is the most sought-after mercenary in the world. When he is ordered to protect scientist Jeanette "Black Widow" Mason, he finds she is much more than scientific equations. The two join forces to create an antidote and stop those responsible for the mysterious illness before more children die and Cuba follows through on its promise to retaliate.

This is one sexy suspense the likes you’ve never read.

How is it writing with 4 hands? How do you divide it, each one writes one chapter or do you sit and write it at the same time?

First we discussed the plot, then wrote an outline—always keeping the lines of communication open. Then we start to writing. We divide the scenes according to who the perspective character is (whose point of view the scene is written from). Once one of us finishes a scene, we send it to the other to review and rewrite as needed.

Our outline is living, so the plot does change as we write, but it all works out great.

How do you manage your time? Do you get together x hours a day to write, do you follow a writing schedule or you just write whenever you feel inspired?

We each have our own writing schedule. We have an end date for the first draft or edits and just work together to make our dates.

Black Widow and the Sandman talks about Cuba and the USA, have either of you visited Cuba? 

Not yet, but we both plan to.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing "seriously"?

Though we’ve both written since we were young, we didn’t start seriously writing or consider being published authors until we were adults.

Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read?

We both read a lot. We are both big fans of Sci-Fi, thrillers, suspense and romance (from erotic to sweet). Mainstream, fantasy and historicals round out our list. Okay, let’s be honest, we read just about anything.

What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write?

Favorite—Scenes where characters discover something about themselves or someone else. Action scenes are also fun to write.

Least Favorite—Informative scenes. Of course you have to come up with an exciting way to give information, but sometimes one plus one equals two and there’s little excitement you can put into there.

Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why?

My writing partner and I poured a lot of our own personalities into Jeanette (Black Widow) and Roman (the Sandman). The few people we allowed to read the novel who know us have commented how these characters are much more like us than any other characters we’ve written.

Which genre do you feel it would be a challenge to write?

Christian Fiction.

What would you say about the book - your words, no blurbs! - to convince someone to read your book?

In this sexually seductive suspense, your reading experience will be taken to a whole new level. Don’t be scared, give it a try.

What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc.

The Spanish release of Black Widow and the Sandman is upcoming. We are also writing the second installment of the series, Hell Hath No Fury. The story picks up a year later. My writing partner also has a Simon and Schuster novel coming out in August and is writing his second book in that series. Busy, busy, busy.

Thank you so much for having us. It has been fun.

Unread Interview: RG Cordiner

Welcome R.G. Cordiner for this week's "Unread Interview".

Unread Interview is a series where I feature authors whose books I couldn't accept for review because of time or logistics issues.

From Amazon: They destroyed the mighty Mayan Empire. What hope for a few shipwrecked survivors?
A South American cruise. It should have been a once in a lifetime experience. And it was. But not in the way they imagined. Barely surviving a horrific shipwreck, the remaining passengers have to try and cope with finding food, water, shelter, let alone the constant arguments. 
And then there are the bugs. Not the sort that you squish and then get on with your day. Oh no. Toe biters, pond skaters, assassin bugs and harvestmen that drop down on top of their victims – all of these could be found in your garden. But on this lost island they are all at least twenty times their normal size. Trapped on an island with a six metre long giant centipede with armoured plates was not on the cruise itinerary. Now all they want is to get off – without being squished! 

Also available on paperback at Amazon and The Book Depository (with free shipping worldwide)

1. Tell us a bit about your book (s).

I have written 3 middle grade novels:

Treasure Lost is a rollicking pirate adventure involving 2 brothers and a giant reticulated python!

Bug Island is the story of a group of shipwrecked passengers who have to try and survive an island full of giant bugs, including a 6 metre long centipede!

Candy Wars: The Tooth Fairies vs The Candy King involves a brother and his sister who find themselves caught in a battle between the tooth fairies and an army of candy creatures!

2. Have you ever wanted to be a writer? When did you start writing "seriously"?

I always was interested in writing but it wasn't until I started teaching that I started to write seriously.  The lack of exciting, contemporary books for kids led me to try and write.

3. Do you read much? What kind of books do you usually read?

I don't read anywhere near as much as I would like as I use any spare time I have for writing.  However, when I do read I like fantasy, such as Terry Pratchett, or books with a comedic slant, Ben Elton for example.

4. What are your favorite or least favorite scenes to write?

I love writing scenes involving action and cliffhangers - changing to a different scene just at a key moment.  I find the beginning of a story sometimes difficult to write as I am keen to get to the action!

5. Do you relate more to any of your characters? Why?

Only in an aspirational sense - I like to live vicariously through them.

6. Which genre do you feel it would be a challenge to write?

Romance

7. What inspires you? And how's your writing environment - music, place, etc.?

My wife.  I try and get up at 4am to write and then about 5:30 it is time to get ready to go to school (I teach 7 year olds)

8. What would you say about the book - your words, no blurbs! - to convince someone to read your book?

If you want to read an exciting adventure, try one of my books!

9. What are your plans for the future, writing-wise? New books, sequels, publishing deals, etc.

I am currently writing Candy Wars II: Sweet Revenge




Good luck R.G. with your books and any new ones you're writing. Thank you for your time!