Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review!
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

Anders M. Svenning is the name I put on my books. The middle initial stands for Mikael. It is a Scandinavian name and I would give you three dollars if you could email me a more Scandinavian name at Asvenning400@gmail.com, direct money order or Paypal. It’s up to you. In any case, I was born in Manhattan and was moved to Palm City, FL in 2001, with fervency. That is not to say it was a disagreeable move. The Floridian air was asphyxiating and the New Yorker, Anders M. Svenning, started taking on a bit of the Floridian wanton, which seems to be the evident everywhere I turn in this sub-tropic climate; but who is to make complaints when the climate really is an incubator for deviant ideas and creativity, which is a desirable attribute in the publishing industry today, and I don’t speak ill of either deviation or fervency. That Florida has accepted me into its virile bosom—I’m going to be honest with you—has left me rather divalent and with permanence.
 
Q: Which poets have inspired you and how? What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?

The poet who has inspired me most—and there are many poets, from whom I take influence, and from whom I take inspiration—has got to be John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost and Comus, a masque, among other works. His works always seemed to me to have, not only in their content but also in their semantic outplay and severity, a whimsical affectation, which always seems to make itself prevalent in my own works.
 
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?

I have written many stories. A few of them have been published. Three books, that is thrice books, have been published under the name Anders M. Svenning, which is my legal name. I don’t want to jiggle the facts. The three books, in the order they have been published are as follows, and each of them can be found at amazon.com. Search, under books, Anders M. Svenning, and you will find Nonpareil (Tule Fog Press), which is a horror short story collection; 50 States Poetry (Pansophic Press), which is a collection of fifty-one daffy poems; and my latest release, Verdant Grounds, Subtle Boundaries (Adelaide Books), which is a collection of literary short stories, of a seeming and thematic constituency—many of the characters in Verdant Grounds, Subtle Boundaries undergo changes as results of dream sequences.
 
Q: What are you working on at the minute?  What’s it about? 

I am working on a novella, titled Otus in Betulaceae. The novella is to be a part of a book called Téssera Istoríes, which means Four Stories, translated to English. The novella is a story, which takes the reader through three time periods—2017, 1923, and 1453—in the times of the Constantinople unrest. The title of the book, Téssera Istoríes, is Greek in its fundaments. The four stories to be included in the book are “We Are Inmate #881129,” which regards a Greek individual, his travels to the Albanian border and the subsequent occurrences, which take place in New York City, some years afterward; Otus in Betulaceae, which I have described, and which considers the Constantinople evacuations; “The Everest Prognosis,” which incorporates a bank robber, who makes sex with bank employees to gain access to the funds; and “The Sick and Final Ballad of Damselfly,” which exhibits a life of a damselfly in the context of Man. The last two stories of the four may become novellas. I have yet to apprehend the fullness of those two stories.
 
Q: How do you market your books, if you do the marketing yourself?

The Cold Stone Creamery and a car wash, called CarPro, in Stuart, FL and Palm City, FL, respectively, had a visitor, who was I, a couple of weeks ago; and I was successful in setting up in those venues book signings, which are to take place at peak hours, Friday and Saturday evening for the ice cream shop and a Saturday afternoon for the car wash joint. I aim to sell and sign a hundred copies in both venues, all taken into consideration.
 
Q: How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?

Reviews are a pursuit of which I have grown, in the recent months, quite wary. A reviewer may well read your book and find themselves reading the same words as the next reader, but they are letting register this or that for whatever reason, and the context of the story and the mysteriousness of the story is voided by a conceited, or if not conceited, cynical hand, which writes a review, the rating of which may not be a universal perspective. I tend to stay away from reviewers. A good word makes itself prevalent of its own accord. One need not search for literary encouragement.
 
Q: Where do you see publishing going in the future?

There is to be a generator. The generator will take feed. The generator is to recapitulate the imports; and then a story becomes manifest, much like madlibs. This may not happen for forty years.
​

Lewis J. Beilman III lives in Hamden, Connecticut, with his family, dog, and two cats.  He writes fiction in his spare time.  His stories have appeared in Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, ArLiJo, Reed Magazine, and other literary publications.  In 2009, he won first prize in the Fred R. Shaw Poetry Contest.
Outside of writing, Lewis enjoys reading, playing soccer, and volunteering in his community.  He has a law degree from the University of Maine Law School and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Sacred Heart University—but he is first and foremost a writer.
You can find out more about Lewis at www.lewisbeilman.com and on Twitter and Instagram @LJBeilman3.

​Set in New York City, Fourth of July is a dark tale of privilege run amok. Ogden Goodman is a wealthy lawyer who, harried one evening by boredom, hires a homeless man to perform for his family. The success of that evening's performance leads Ogden--and others in his circle--to engage a variety of characters in a host of increasingly outrageous and disturbing activities. Lewis J. Beilman III crafts this satire with skill and humor and creates a world that seems, at the same time, both absurd and all too real.

“[Lewis] Beilman casts the satirist’s stink eye on the gilded lives of the bored and wealthy. Fourth of July is a clever, absurdist tale for the Opposite World where we all dwell now.”
Debra Dean, author of The Madonnas of Leningrad

“Grounded in scene and propelled forward by a satirically dark portrayal of white privilege, Fourth of July boldly depicts the bigotry, racism, and sheer absurdity that still plague contemporary American life. Refusing to offer easy answers or feel-good resolutions, this daring novella forces us to confront issues of class, race, and culture through a seemingly hyperbolic lens that at times can feel all too real. Anchored by self-assured prose, Lewis Beilman skillfully balances an incrementally disturbing plot and cast of central characters with a touch of humor, all of it leading to a powerfully unsettling conclusion. In today’s social and political context, Fourth of July is sure to linger long after it has been read.”
                                    Dariel Suarez, author of In the Land of Tropical Martyrs

David Perlmutter is a freelance writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He is the author of America Toons In: A History of Television Animation (McFarland and Co.),  The Singular Adventures Of Jefferson Ball (Chupa Cabra House), The Pups (Booklocker.com), Certain Private Conversations and Other Stories (Aurora Publishing)  Orthicon; or, the History of a Bad Idea (Linkville Press, forthcoming), and The Encyclopedia of American Animated Cartoon Series (Rowman and Littlefield, forthcoming.) He can be reached on Facebook at David Perlmutter-Writer, Twitter at @DKPLJW1, and Tumblr at The Musings of David Perlmutter (yesdavidperlmutterfan).
  

Abu Sufian – who is also known as The Silent Poet – is a poet, writer and social worker whose writings have appeared in many national and international publications that include newspaper, magazine, literary journals and books. Sufian currently lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and he can be reached at his official Facebook poetry page, The Silent Poet (facebook.com/Sufian.Author). During his undergraduate years when he studied English literature as an academic subject, he fell in love with the poetic world. Finishing his bachelor, he moved to Malaysia in 2013 and recently he earned his MA degree in English literature. During his Master’s study, he has been exposed to Sufi poets like Rumi, Saadi Shirazi, Hafiz, Omar Khayyam. His poems have been greatly influenced by these Sufi and mystic writers and have been published in literary journals including Scarlet Leaf Review, Criterion, Literary Voyage, The Literary Herald, Tuck Magazine, Clairvoyance, and also in the poetry anthologies, Voice of Monarch Butterflies (2016) and Apple Fruits of an Old Oak (2016), Dandelion in a Vase of Roses (2017). All these anthologies were published in USA. His poems have been accepted for publications in a bilingual poetry anthology Where Are You From? which is expected to be published in May 2017.

Photo: © Mahadi Kamaluddin
Abu Sufian is delivering talk on a Research Symposium at International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur

Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review, Abu Sufian!


Scarlet Leaf Review: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Abu Sufian: First of all, thanks for taking this interview. It is a great pleasure for me to be interviewed by Scarlet Leaf Review. I was born in Comilla district of Bangladesh. Since my school years I have been a curious boy. I studied science in my school, and then I moved to college to study business studies. Although I liked literature since my school days, I never thought in a million years that I would become a writer or a poet someday. I did my bachelor in English language and literature, and this gave me an opportunity to read literature more extensively and dive deep into the literary realm. I was amazed by Robert Frost’s magnificent poems; Shakespeare’s enthralling plays; Jane Austen’s reformative novels; and many as such. However, beside my study, I worked as a journalist in Bangladesh for a few years. In 2013, I moved to Malaysia to pursue higher education.

SLR: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?
AS: Yes, indeed. I think everyone’s school days are remarkable and unforgettable; so are mine. And school years have great impact on whatever you do later in your life, because that’s where our mind’s ideas are initially formulated. I am not an exception. I can mention one thing in particular: studying science in school have had a great impact on my writing. Although I quit science and moved to other areas of studies, what I learned about physics, chemistry and biology has been very genuinely stuck in my mind. So, I continued my journey of own to know more about science, our world, life and the universe at large, going beyond the academic study and classrooms. You will see many references of scientific things in my poems and writings. I am very happy about it and that is what makes my school years so dear and important to me.
 
SLR: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?
AS: I was good at English compared to my peers during my school and college years. Over the years, I tried to improve my English as it was the medium of my study both in my undergraduate and in Master’s. By the way, Einstein is my most favorite scientist after the great astronomer Galileo.
 
SLR: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?
AS: When it comes to literature, I don’t aim for any material gain as it is very close to my heart and I nurture creative works as something that will serve the society by entertaining and reforming. So, there is no monetary ambition. My ambition mainly is to transcend some of my messages that I want to convey to the society. And I believe literary works are the most effective ways to influence and reform people’s mind. Other than composing poetry, I am also interested in writing novels and short stories which you will see in coming years, hopefully. In a nutshell, my ambition as a writer and poet is to reform society in a positive way without getting any material gain from it.
 
SLR: Which poets have inspired you and how? What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?
AS: This is my favorite question to answer. I would divide it in two segments: first, the writers who made me love literature and the ones who inspired me to write. Firstly, my love for literature is formulated and fueled by some poets from my motherland (Bangladesh) and some English writers. Among the Bengali (national language of Bangladesh) writers, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Sufia Kamal, Begum Rokeya, Jahir Raihan, Rabindranath Tagore and many more. The English writers include T. S. Eliot, Robert Frost, Jane Austen, John Keats, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, Virginia Wolf, Arthur Miller, Walt Whitman, and many more to count. Secondly, the poets and writers who inspired me to write are not the English or Bengali writers; they are the Sufi writers. In 2014, during my Master’s study, I studied legendary Sufi poets and mystics Rumi, Omar Khayyam, Hafiz, Sa’adi, and Shams Tabrizi. These great poets actually very much formulated and convinced me to write more and more. Although I used to write poems when I was eight, I never thought to get my works published till I am exposed these Sufi writers. I never experienced anything like that before in my life. Their writings are unbelievably enthralling and there are no words to explain the depth and gravity of their poems until and unless someone read their poems and try to comprehend the ideas himself/herself.
 
SLR: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?
AS: So far, I have mainly composed poetry, both in English and Bengali (also known as Bangla) and two short stories. Among the poems, I have about 70+ poems that were published in books and literary magazines. I have not published my short stories yet. However, as I am researcher of English literature, I also produce critical writings that include journal articles, newspaper articles, book reviews, interviews and so on. The readers may have a glimpse of my critical writing at https://iium.academia.edu/AbuSufian. So far, my poems have been published in literary journals including Scarlet Leaf Review, Criterion, Literary Voyage, The Literary Herald, Tuck Magazine, and Clairvoyance. My poems also got published in the poetry anthologies, Voice of Monarch Butterflies (2016) and Apple Fruits of an Old Oak (2016) and Dandelion in a Vase of Roses (2017), these anthologies were published from USA. Some poems have been accepted for publication a bilingual poetry anthology, Where Are You From? It is supposed to be published in May, 2017.
 
SLR: Where can we buy or see them? 
AS: You can buy and see them using the following links:
 
Anthologies:
Voice of Monarch Butterflies: https://www.amazon.com/Voice-Monarch-Butterflies-Eastern-Anthology/dp/1533565198
Apple Fruits of an Old Oak: https://www.amazon.com/Apple-Fruits-Old-Oak-Contemporary/dp/1539428974
 
Literary Journals/Magazines:
Scarlet Leaf Review: http://www.scarletleafreview.com/poems6/abu-sufian-poems
The Criterion: http://www.the-criterion.com/V5/n6/Abu.pdf
The Literary Herald:  http://tlhjournal.com/uploads/products/36__abu_sufian_poem.pdf
Tuck Magazine: http://tuckmagazine.com/2016/10/13/poetry-566/
Hall of Poets: http://www.hallofpoets.com/2016/08/hall-of-poets-poetry-of-week-abu-sufian.html
 
SLR: What are you working on at the minute?  What’s it about?
AS: Currently I am working on some short stories. Writing poems – in both English and Bengali – is something I do on a regular basis. I have been invited by some journals to submit poems, I am working on it. I am planning to start of writing a novel. Hopefully, I will start it soon after the gestation period of thinking process and a little of research. 

SLR: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?
AS: As per as genre is concerned, I follow the postmodern trend. Literature should be open and diverse, there should not be any set rules that writers should follow. In the early 19th century, the romantic poets successfully broke the long-standing tradition of “order, accuracy, and structure” of the Neoclassical period (1660 – 1798), and thus the Romantic Era (1798–1832) brought a tremendous change in literary thinking. If we still follow rigid structure or genre, then we will go backward in history. So, I don’t want to subscribe my work into any genre. But if you want to define it, my poems would fall under the genres of narrative, satirical, haiku, prose poetry and so on. I have plans to write some science fiction novels in future.
 
SLR: When did you decide to become a poet? What was the decisive factor or you just took a pen and starting writing poems?
AS: I think to become a poet does not have much to do with decision or planning as we do it related to many other stuff in our life. It is something like an Epiphany, a feeling and/or a moment of truth. There is an urge deep inside the heart that wants to speak out for truth and beauty. As per as I am concerned, I got the real inspiration from the legendary sufi poets to compose poems and publish. I would especially like to mention the Sufi poets Jalaluddin Rumi (1207–1273), Omar Khayyam (1048–1131) and English poet Robert Frost (1874–1963). Apart from these inspirations, personally I also felt an indomitable urge from within myself to speak out against the corruption and the human sufferings all around the globe. I was thinking a way out to spread my words, and I found poetry as a very powerful tool through which I can inspire many people and thus transcend the ideas I have in my brain.

SLR: What makes you write? What’s the force behind taking your pen and put verses down?
AS: Again, I would say the urge that I feel from within. I feel a strong sense of responsibility as I consider myself to be privileged with a pen and paper, and food in my mouth. Many people in the world can’t even eat 3 times a day, millions of people are homeless. 1 out of every 7 people living on this planet go to bed with hungry stomach; 20,000 children die every day due to malnutrition (according to UN). Having seen all these statistics and the sheer horror they bring along, I could not resist me. I am not a politician, nor am I a wealthy person; so, I can’t fix this thing directly. That’s why I decided to write and raise human consciousness.
 
SLR: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write everyday, 5 days a week or as and when?
AS: I am a part-time writer now. Writing is not my profession, I outlined above why I am eager to write. From my part, there is almost no monetary ambition when it comes to producing literature. I don’t have any specific time, but I love to write at night, especially late at night when most of the people are at sleep. It is a great experience of waking up the whole night and at the end of the night you start writing.
 
SLR: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?
AS: I am not sure where do they (ideas) come from. In my childhood, I heard that, ‘ideas come from God’. I am not sure about ideas’ origin: is it a human mechanism resulting from our biological evolution of the brain, or does a divine source put the ideas in human brain? However, I am sure that ideas exist and they are the key players in whatever we do as human race. My ideas are inspired by a number of things. They include: a movie, a song, a poem, a piece of art, a painting, a photograph, a moment of joy/sadness, an experience and a dream. I don’t see any specific conjuncture, maybe a photograph could be so.
 
SLR: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
AS: Relying on undeniable scientific evidence, I believe it very strongly that all living things evolve and everything evolves including humans, plants and the universe at large. But to be honest, I have not noticed how I have evolved creativity. It is so spontaneous and unplanned process that it is tough to detect the nature of creative evolution. It is something like growing up from infancy to boyhood, and boyhood to adolescence. You know you are growing up, but you can’t detect the process.

SLR: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?
AS: I think the hardest thing about writing is to force the brain to write when it is exhausted, and some occasions, to forget an amazing idea which you previously planned to write something on.
 
SLR: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?
AS: I think there nothing easiest in writing. It’s all about hard work, pushing yourself and strong sense of commitment to society.

SLR: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
AS: Yes, many times in a year I suffer from ‘writer’s block’. I handle it so nicely that it is no more a problem for me. I simply stop writing and try to go somewhere far from where I live, somewhere close to nature. Nature can heal it so perfectly. In the case of ‘writer’s block’, my simple advice for other writers would be: stop writing and go to nature.

SLR: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
AS: As a student of literature, I read a lot of literary stuff. In last few years I have given my focus to many other areas other than literature. The areas include philosophy, science, theology and psychology. It is difficult to give a short list of writers as favorite. However, they include Reza Aslan, Tariq Ramadan, John Hick, Richard Dawkins, Yuval Harari, Alain de Botton and Paulo Coelho. Though I read lots of soft copies, I prefer traditional paperback books.

SLR: What book/s are you reading at present?
AS: Currently I am reading Excellence Without a Soul by Harry Lewis.
 
SLR: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
AS: At the moment, I myself do the editing.
 
SLR: What are your views on social media for marketing? Which social network worked best for you? Any tips on what to do and what not to do?
AS: As I can observer, Facebook is an effective medium for promotion or marketing as it has over a billion users worldwide. Publishers can run ads in Facebook to attract more people to buy their books.

SLR: What is your favorite motivational phrase? What is your favorite positive saying?
AS: My favorite motivational saying is a quote by English novelist & essayist George Orwell: “In a time of universal deceit - telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” The favorite positive sayings are too many to count. However, here is a glimpse of them:
“Silence is the language of God, all else is poor translation.” ~Rumi
“Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.” ~ Robert Frost
“I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” ~Voltaire
“It's the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” ~Aristotle
 
SLR: What advice would you give to your younger self?
AS: Don’t let yourself be convinced by the ideas that are not true.
 
SLR: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
AS: I would love to meet the Sufi poet Rumi. He was a great human being. Till today, he is an inspiration for billions of people. I like honesty and truthfulness in a writer. Rumi does not pretend to know all the truths about life, world and the universe. He tried to know and showed his ignorance and inability to fathom the truth. This is why I like him.
 
SLR: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
AS: Write with honesty and truthfulness. Your writing should spread love and kindness in people. That’s all.
 
SLR: Where do you see publishing going in the future?
AS: It is very evident. The publishing norms will change radically in a about a century’s time. Almost all the publishing will be online publication. Hardcopies will be outdated.
 
SLR: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
AS: Yes, you might ask me about people who helped and inspired me to publish. I would like to thank the editor and poet, Soodabeh Saeidnia. She is a very good friend of mine as well. Her contribution to my writing career is immense and incomparable. She inspires me every step of the way and helps me to get my works published in poetry anthologies that she edited. I can never repay her selfless care and support for my creative writings. Secondly, I would like to thank the editor Michael Lee Johnson who is a great inspiration. Other than this, my friends, family members and most important of them all—the readers who read and like my poems, send me emails, like my Facebook poetry page and thank me for my poems.
 
SLR: How can readers discover more about you and you work?
AS: They can get me via my Facebook poetry page: https://www.facebook.com/Sufian.Author/
They can also search me in Google: ‘Poet Abu Sufian’ or email me at sufiand2k@yahoo.com

Facebook: facebook.com/sufian.iium
Twitter: twitter.com/AuthorSufian
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/abu-sufian-b41253a4/
Instagram: instagram.com/the.silent.poet/
Google Plus: plus.google.com/+SufianImon
Poem Hunter: www.poemhunter.com/abu-sufian/
 
SLR: Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

Renee Drummond-Brown is an accomplished poetess with experience in creative writing. She is a (Summa Cum Laude) graduate of Geneva College of Western Pennsylvania and graduate of The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry (CUBM). Renee’ is still in pursuit of excellence towards her mark for higher education.
She is working on her sixth book and has numerous works published globally which can be seen in cubm.org/news, KWEE Magazine (Liberian L. Review), Leaves of Ink Magazine, New Pittsburgh Courier, Raven Cage Poetry and Prose Ezine, Realistic Poetry International, Scarlet Leaf Publishing House, SickLit Magazine, The Metro Gazette Publishing Company, Inc., Tuck, and Whispers Magazine just to name a few.
Civil Rights Activist, Ms. Rutha Mae Harris, Original Freedom Singer of the Civil Rights Movement, was responsible for having Drummond-Brown’s very first poem published in the Metro Gazette Publishing Company, Inc., in Albany, GA. Renee’ also has poetry published in several anthologies and honorable mentions to her credit in various writing outlets. The Multicultural Student Services Office of Geneva College presented her with 2nd prize in the Undergraduate Essay Contest. Renee’ also won and/or placed in several poetry contests globally.
She was Poet of the Month Winner in Our Poetry Archives, 2017, and in the prestigious Potpourri Poets/Artists Writing Community. The author has been interviewed by Urban Heroes Blog Talk Radio and her poetry aired on Fifth Wall Radio. She has even graced the cover of KWEE Magazine in the month of May, 2016. Her love for creative writing is undoubtedly displayed through her very unique style and her work solidifies her as a force to be reckoned with in the literary world of poetry. Renee’ is inspired by non-other than Dr. Maya Angelou, and because of her, Renee’ posits “Still I write, I write, and I’ll write!”

Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review!
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I, Renee’ B. Drummond-Brown, am the wife of Cardell Nino Brown Sr. and from our union came Cardell Jr., Renee’ and Raven Brown. I am the offspring of Mr. Peter C., and the late Barbara Ann Drummond of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My siblings are Delbert D. Drummond and the late Pastor Shawn C. Drummond. I was born in North Carolina, at Camp Lejeune US Naval Hospital. I am a graduate of Geneva College of Western Pennsylvania; with a Bachelor of Science degree in Christian Ministry Leadership and a Biblical Theology Studies Minor. I also hold a Christian Ministry Associates degree from The Center for Urban Biblical Ministry (CUBM) and plan to study creative writing in the fall semester. My love for creative writing is undoubtedly displayed through my very unique style of poetry. My poetry is inspired by God and Dr. Maya Angelou. Because of them, I pledge this: “Still I write, I write, and I’ll write!”

 
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?

I do feel that my school years, especially; the English, Humanities and Wisdom literature courses taken while in college had a major impact on my writing prose. However, during my earlier years in school; books such as Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and The Great Gatsby by: F. Scott Fitzgerald charted my writing path.
I was an extremely shy student, somewhat awkward and required remedial guidance in math and science in my earlier years. However, writing has always been my oxygen and poetry would later define my voice.
 
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?

I was ‘NO’ Einstein in school, but, English was not a nightmare for me either. In fact, looking back at some of my report cards; I always had pretty decent marks in English and penmanship.
 
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?

Prayerfully, to obtain a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree and become a renown poetess. My long term and SMART goal is to become a household name.
 
Q: Which poets have inspired you and how?  What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?

I have been inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar and Dr. Maya Angelou’s work for years, because, their writings are strikingly similar. As a woman of color; I can identify with their plight through poetic thought/accounts. Their impact and writing prose left a legendary perspective on my worldview. Both writers have affected me in a profound way, therefore, my love for poetry is a template of their legacy. I cannot leave out that I absolutely love, love, love Dr. Maya Angelou’s gift for poetic gab which left a huge impact on my writing prose.


Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?

I have written 5 books thus far and presently working on 6 & 7 simultaneously. My books include “A B.A.D. Poem”, “The Power of the Pen”, “SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER”, “Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight-I’ll Write Our Wrongs!” and an e-Book “Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight.”
 
Q: Where can we buy or see them?

My books are Hardback, paperback and in e-Book form and are available online; sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, Nook and in over 33,000 websites globally. I am published with AuthorHouse Publishing Company,  WestBow Press Publishing Company and The Metro Gazette Publishing Company; Albany GA.-Chief-in-Editor Judith Hampton-Thompson.
 
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What's it about?

I am presently in the photo selection and cover design stage with my up-coming book “A B.A.D. Poem” so WATCH OUT FOR IT!!! However, I don’t want to give away the books clues (just yet) but, what I will say is that the book will drift you on a memory and it is dedicated to the memory of my beloved mother Barbara Ann Drummond. Her initials were used to come up with the book’s title. THIS BOOK IS MY BABY!
 
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?

Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight are a plethora of poetic thoughts penned to inspire and nurture the soul. I am drawn to poetry because you can start a story and finish it all in the same day. For me; short, pithy writes are the way to go.
 
Q: How much research do you do for your books?

Approximately 90% of research went into my poetic accounts because I was attending college while writing my books.
 
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorically speaking) and write that first sentence?

I began writing as early as five years of age (and loved, loved, loved every minute of it). However, because of Publisher Judith Hampton-Thompson, of the Metro Gazette Publishing Company taking a personal interest in my poetry; she challenged me to begin to take my own craft more seriously, which then caused me to fulfill my desire and finally write that book. Nevertheless, I considered myself a writer while at Geneva College; year 2013, when Rutha Mae Harris of Albany, GA., Original Freedom Singer and Civil Rights Activist gave my poem titled: “Ms. Rutha Mae Harris” to Judith Hampton-Thompson, Publisher, Metro Gazette Publishing Company to be published. It was at that very moment that I knew, that I knew, that I knew that I was an Author.
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?

I write full time for now, until Grad school starts in the fall. I try to write every single day 24/7; 7 days a week! As previously stated in my book, “SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER”, “WRITING IS MY OXYGEN” (Drummond, R., p.xii). My favorite hours to write are in the still of the night between 12:00 & 6:00 AM.
 
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?

My writing ideas come from Scripture (The King James Bible), oppression, injustices that reflect periods in time relating to slavery, Civil Rights Movement, and the plight of the 21st century children.
 
Q: How do you think you've evolved creatively?

I have evolved creatively because of this scripture “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2Timothy 2:15 KJV).
 
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

I never write creatively with an outline or plot. I ‘ALWAYS’ write backwards. I must see an ending to create the beginning.
 
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?

The hardest thing about writing is the lost time stolen away from family and friends.
 
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?

The completion phase of each book is ‘ALWAYS’ worth the author’s wait. 
 
Q: Do you ever get writer's block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer's block?

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! I dread writers block. Nevertheless, I had to learn when to hold ‘em’, when to fold ‘em’ and when to walk away from a writing project!!!
 
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

I love to write vs. read! Nonetheless, my favorite authors are Alice Walker (The Color Purple), the late poets, Dr. Maya Angelou and Paul Laurence Dunbar. I prefer traditional paper/hard back books, because, I’m old school and want the book in my hand.
 
Q: What book are you reading at present?

I am currently reading Phenomenal Woman by Dr. Maya Angelou.
 
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?
I am presently working on my newest book cover for “A B.A.D. Poem” and I don’t want to give away the cover design; just yet. However, it is important to note* that I will publish a brilliant 10 year old Author by the name of Angelo C. Collins work, within this book. His parents and I are extremely proud of his highly proclaimed credit.

I am not a picture person; therefore, “The Power of the Pen” book cover was designed in text which included my photo to finally introduce me to my readers/followers. It was my husband’s idea for my photo to be placed on that particular book cover.
I came up with the “SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER” book cover because of the theme of that particular book, which was centered on our past, present and future as African American people. For example: one poem in my book is titled: “Tell ‘em’” which is a poetic account of a 14 year old slave girl who visits my dreams and request over and over again that I “tell ‘em’” all about her troubles which includes her being sold on the auction block. Therefore, the cover “SOLD: TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER” was derived from that poetic account.
“Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight-I’ll Write our Wrongs!” book is a collection of poetic accounts designed to have colorblind justice. Therefore, I used a justice scale of good vs. evil on the book cover (appearing as though evil is outweighing the good) however, this Biblical scripture sets the background tone for the book cover “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you (Matthew 6:27-28 KJV).
Q: Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Definitely yes!!! If one is a visual learner like me; the colors, photo and graphic design is what brings the book title/message to life, which ultimately enhances the buying process.
 
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

The advantage of self-publishing is the fact that you are the Publisher, Editor, and Designer. You get the last say. Buck stops with you!!! YOU’RE IT!!! As oppose to a publisher/publishing house rejecting various ideas as it relates to your creativity and thought.
 
Q: What do you do to get book reviews?

I allow my books to speak for themselves and then I read the various reviews on Amazon. 
 
Q: What are your views on social media for marketing? Which social network works best for you? 

My very first published e-Book is what introduced me to social media in 2015. My daughter and namesake, Renee’, advised me that Face Book was a necessary tool to use to properly market my books/e-Books. Face book and LinkIn are the social media sites that I use to advertise my book links. I also belong to numerous poetry groups on Face book and post poetry frequently. I have been interviewed by Chief-in-Editor Fiona McVie of the United Kingdom, Author Susan Joyner-Stumph of Wildfire Publication Rhythm And Muse Artist, KWEE Liberian Literary Magazine and even graced their cover in May, 2016. I have even been featured as a spotlight poetess online and have won and/or placed in several poetry contests globally which is wonderful media marketing.
 
Q: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

Book give always are always good because it makes the reader connect to you as a writer and want to tell others more about you as an author. On another note* Author Halif Khalif Khalifah just requested of me on Face Book; one of my books for nominees for Black Book Awards for Excellence in Black Literature, which is also another way to promote your work by giving away free books.
 
Q: How do you relax?

I relax with Scriptures, music, meditation and memories.
 
Q: What is your favorite motivational phrase? What is your favorite positive saying?

My favorite motivational phrase and/or positive saying is actually one of my own quotes taken from my book: The Power of the Pen which is "You can’t break me; you didn’t make me” (Drummond-Brown, R., p.xxi). 
 
Q: What is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is The Holy Bible, King James Version; because it’s the ‘only’ infallible truth.
 
Q: What is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is “And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth” (Genesis 8:7 KJV). I absolutely love this quote, because, I see myself as that ‘black bird’ that travels to and fro with an ordained poetic flow.
 
Q: Where can you see yourself in 5 years-time?

I see myself with a Master’s degree completion and possibly (God willing) in a Doctoral program.
 
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would have advised myself to put more emphasis and focus on my education. I would have become a Doctor of Philosophy.  
 
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

The advice that I have to offer to aspiring writers is “education is the key that turns your future” (Drummond-Brown, R.) which is a quote taken from my book as well.
 
Q: Where do you see publishing going in the future?

Because social media has become so technological, I see publishing advancing leaps and bounds.
 
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven't included?

“Step out on faith, find your purpose and write your own legacy” (Drummond-Brown,R.,).
 
Q: How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Readers can discover more about me and my books on the following links . . .
 
Face book:
https://www.facebook.reneedrummond-brown.com
  
Online Magazines:
https://blackfemaleauthors.blogspot.com/2017_01_01_archive.html?m=0  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1815694168756410&set=a.1785500651775762.1073741828.100009475342444&type=3&theater
https://www.joomag.com/magazine/kwee-liberian-literary-magazine-jan-iss-vol-0115-may-issue-vol-0515/0554819001467508398?page=35
 
Author’s Books:

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Pen-Renee-Drummond-Brown/dp/1524640948  http://www.authorhouse.co.uk/Bookstore/BookDetail.aspx?BookId=SKU-001114530  https://www.amazon.com/Sold-Highest-Bidder-Renee%C2%92s-Flight/dp/1504968395  http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-001068789/Sold-To-the-Highest-Bidder.aspx   https://www.amazon.com/Renees-Poems-Wings-Words-Flight/dp/1490887946  http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-001005621/Renees-Poems-with-Wings-Are-Words-in-Flight.aspx
 
My Poetry/Interviews have aired Fifthwall and Urban Heroes Blog Talk Radio:
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-Morneau/e/B010R8THEY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
 
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cubm/2015/01/21/show-29-renee-drummond-brown--graduating-in-may
Fifthwall Radio. Santa Fe, New Mexico. Radio Station, Hosted By Jack Kolkmeyer.   http://www.fifthwallradio.com
https://authorsinterviews.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/here-is-my-interview-with-renee-b-drummond-brown/
 
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
 

Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review!
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am 64 years old, retired, and have been married for almost 45 years to my best friend - my husband, Rich. I have 3 sons, 1 daughter, 1 daughter-in-law, and 7 grandchildren. I currently live in Tennessee but I grew up in New England. I was blessed with a loving Mom and Dad and 2 wonderful Sisters. I was raised in the Catholic Church, which gave me a good foundation for my faith. However, although I knew about God, it wasn't until I was 20 years old, that I surrendered my life to God and really came to know Him as my Lord and Savior. Actually, it is this knowledge of His love and saving grace that inspires me to share it with everyone who has an open heart to receive it through my writing.
 
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?

I really enjoyed school and my favorite subject was always English. My favorite assignment would be to read a book and then write a report about it. I found it very easy to write but, if we had to give an oral report, that was more difficult for me. I have always been a little shy and do not feel comfortable speaking in public. Although my speaking voice has not been my strength, my writing voice has always been strong.
 
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?

I always got good grades for English in school. I remember that I took my Scholastic Aptitude Test in high school and scored such a high mark on the English and Essay portion that I was nominated for the National Honor Society as a result. You mentioned Einstein and it reminded me of the time when I visited the Amercian Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, TN. It was very interesting and informative but spending a few hours learning about all the mathematics and science involved actually gave me a headache. I remember thinking that I would like to visit a Museum of Storytelling next time. :)
 
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?

I would like to continue to write as I feel led by the Lord. For me, I think of my writing not so much as a career, but as a ministry.
 
Q: Which poets have inspired you and how?  What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?

My favorite poet is Maya Angelou. Everything that she wrote - whether books, poetry, essays, or a memoir - she wrote from her heart. Her poetry, especially, touches my heart and affects me in a profound way. Each poem expresses her incredible wisdom and strength of character. I think that many people, including myself, have a new appreciation of poetry because of her.
 
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?

I have written 2 books. The 1st book that I wrote is a memoir called "From My Heart to Yours: A Legacy of Love". The 2nd book that I wrote is called "My Season of Writing: Bible Bedtime Stories, Poems, Prayers, and Songs". My husband teases me that I can make a short story long and I guess that I can make a short title for a book long also. :)
 
Q: Where can we buy or see them?

They are both available for the Kindle and Paperback on amazon.com. They are also available for Paperback on barnesandnoble.com. They are also listed on Goodreads website.
 
Q: What are you working on at the minute? What's it about?

At the moment, I enjoy writing essays about hope for my community Facebook page "Hope for the Daily Grind: Morning Meditations on God's Word". It focuses on the importance of having hope for daily life and the very real hope that we can have by meditating on the Promises of God in His Word. I also enjoy writing poetry as I feel inspired to do so.
 
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?

My books are Christian non-fiction and Christian poetry. I have been inspired by reading books in that genre and hope that my books will inspire people as well.
 
Q: How much research do you do for your books?

For my memoir, I was blessed to be able to ask questions of my Mom and Dad to hear the stories of their life as well as those of their parents. I also looked at family photographs to help me remember stories about my own life. It was a way for me to share the love of our family with my children and grandchildren. For my book of poetry of Bible stories, I spent a lot of time studying the Bible. It was a way for me to share my faith with everyone.
 
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorically speaking) and write that first sentence?

To be honest, although I loved reading books as a child, I didn't have a passion to write until I was 51 years old, in 2004, when my husband was stationed in Iraq. I wrote to my husband faithfully every day, either by email or by letter, sharing news of life back home in West Hartford, CT.  It was therapeutic for me to write creatively from my heart in a positive and humorous manner. It helped me to continue to be optimistic and lighthearted during a difficult year when my husband was so far from home.
 
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?

I write part-time - a few hours a day. My favorite time to write is during my quiet time with the Lord in the morning. That is usually when the Lord places an idea about something on my heart. For example, my 2nd book "My Season of Writing: Bible Bedtime Stories, Poems, Prayers, and Songs" was written during my morning quiet time with the Lord. That is when I first got the deep desire to write some bible bedtime stories and prayers as nursery rhymes for my grandchildren to read at bedtime. After many months of writing, I decided to have the collection of poems published to share not only with my grandchildren but with my family and friends.
 
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?

Usually my ideas come when I am praying or reading the Bible. But they have also come from a conversation with someone or a song that touches my heart or an inspirational book that I have read. I try to stay open to whatever I feel the Lord is placing on my heart to share with others through writing.
 
Q: How do you think you've evolved creatively?

I am enjoying the process of writing more than in the past. I used to be so focused and intense and serious about getting it done, that I really didn't enjoy writing as much as I do now. I had to take breaks every once in a while because I burned myself out. So now, although I definitely want to finish whatever I am working on at some point, I don't put as much pressure on myself to do it as soon as possible.
 
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?

For my memoir, I originally made an outline for the book, which is the story of over 100 years of my family's history. For the book of poetry, I originally got the idea for it during a quiet time with the Lord.
 
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?

When I am in the flow of writing, I lose all sense of time and can easily write for hours. When I wrote my 1st book "From My Heart to Yours: A Legacy of Love" I spent many hours at a time sitting in my recliner using my laptop computer to write. I remember one time that I was literally sitting for hours writing and found that, when I finally did stand up, I was so stiff that I actually had trouble walking. :) So, for me, the most difficult part of writing is to be patient, pace myself, and take breaks periodically.
 
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?

The easiest and most rewarding thing about writing is the ability to share it on my Facebook page and have friends and family read it and respond to it.
 
Q: Do you ever get writer's block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer's block?

I have gotten writer's block, when it feels that the well has gone dry, and the only way for me to deal with it is to take a break from writing for a little while. It is usually because I overdue it and then feel burned out and just need some time to get refreshed and renewed.
 
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

I love to read! My favorite authors are John Eldredge and Philip Yancey. I prefer eBooks because you can change the font to make it larger. I know that I am showing my age now. :)
 
Q: What book are you reading at present?

I am currently reading a book called Prayer by Philip Yancey.
 
Q: Tell us about the covers of your books. How did it/they come about?

The graphics for the original cover of my 1st book was done by one of my sons. I had originally self-published on 48hrbooks.com. However, it did not have enough resolution to be used as the cover for the kindle version of the book on amazon.com. But I liked it so much that I included it on the 1st page of the kindle book.
 
Q: Do you think that the cover plays an important part in the buying process?

Yes - I think that the cover definitely plays an important part in the buying process.
 
Q: What would you say are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing against being published or the other way around?

The main advantage to self-publishing is the ability to get your work published quickly and not have to wait to get it accepted by a publishing house.
 
Q: What do you do to get book reviews?

The main way that I have gotten book reviews is to make the books available for free during the 5 day free kindle book promotion on amazon.com every 3 months. That is usually when most people will obtain my book and write a review.
 
Q: What are your views on social media for marketing? Which social network works best for you?

Social media is a wonderful tool to market my books. I use Facebook to get the word out about my books. I have over 4,500 friends on Facebook so I often share information about my books on my personal page. I also belong to several book groups on Facebook so share information about my books on there, too. Many of my Facebook friends have book blogs so I have done some author interviews and book spotlights on there as well.
 
Q: Do you think that giving books away free works and why?

What works best for me, to have the most people read my books, is the 5 day free kindle book promotion on amazon.com every 3 months.
 
Q: How do you relax?

My husband and I enjoy retirement. I actually wrote a poem called When You Retire about the fact that every day is now a holiday. We love to go on long walks and enjoy nature together. We also enjoy going to the movies, too. And I love to find new recipes to cook for my family. We also enjoy travelling where I always take many pictures and then later enjoy organizing them and putting them into photo albums.
 
Q: What is your favorite motivational phrase? What is your favorite positive saying?

My favorite motivational phrase or positive saying is actually a quote by Maya Angelou. It is "If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded".
 
Q: What is your favorite book and why?

I think that my favorite book is Epic: The Story God is Telling and The Role That Is Yours To Play by John Eldredge. It is a book that delivers a powerful message of truth about the reality of our life being a grand drama with God as the Central Character and the Hero in our own story. It is very interesting and inspiring.
 
Q: What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote from the book Epic is "The Lover of our souls, the One who has pursued us down through space and time, who gave His own life to rescue us from the Kingdom of Darkness, has made it clear: He does not want to lose us. He longs to be with us forever."
 
Q: Where can you see yourself in 5 years-time?

I hope that, five years from now, I will continue to spend time with the Lord as a priority every morning. I pray that I will continue to be open to write whatever He wants me to share. I also hope to continue to enjoy long walks with my husband every day and just be able to spend time with my children and my grandchildren.
 
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to always write for the same reason as when I first began -- to simply bless and encourage another person with the right words at the right time, sharing what's on my heart, and hopefully make a significant impact on their life. 
 
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I would simply advise any aspiring writers to just start writing. If you have the desire to share something that is on your heart or something about your life that would benefit others, than do it. It is not easy but it is very rewarding.
 
Q: Where do you see publishing going in the future?

I think that self-publishng is increasing each day and will continue to do so.
 
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven't included?

I would like to encourage my older readers to take time to write your own memoir for your family and friends. Everyone has a unique story that is significant and can enrich and inspire other people by sharing it. I also would like to encourage the poets who are reading this interview. I feel that poetry is important as a creative way to share and express what is on our hearts with one another.  I originally started writing nursery rhyme poems for my grandchildren based on stories from the Bible as a way to share my faith with them. It was a challenge for me to write in rhyming prose but also very rewarding. I also wrote poems about my love for God and for my family. And I enjoyed writing some inspiring poems about the hope we have in God and also a few humorous poems about my life as well. 
 
Q: How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Information about me and my books and my writings can be found on the following links . . .
 
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/phyllislabriemorneau/
https://www.facebook.com/phyllislmorneau/
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=hope%20for%20the%20daily%20grind%3A%20morning%20meditations%20on%20god%27s%20word
 
Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Phyllis-Morneau/e/B010R8THEY/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
 
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14781769.Phyllis_L_Morneau
 
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
 

 
Welcome to Scarlet Leaf Review!
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I am a professional scientist/University Professor. I have decades of experience writing for academic journals, but I am new to writing fiction. I don’t spend enough time fishing or writing fiction. That needs to change.
 
 
Q: Do you think that your school years have had an impact in your writing career? If so, what were you like at school?
 
Of course! What other response could an academician give? I was a good student, perhaps under challenged at times.
 
 
Q: Were you good at English or like Einstein you excel now in a field that was a nightmare for you as a student?
 
I liked English, particularly sentenced structure and grammar. My focus was on the sciences, not on English. But reading is some of the best training for writing.
 
 
Q: What are your future ambitions for your writing career?
 
Career may be too strong of a word. I hope to continue to have people enjoy my prose.
 
 
Q: Which poets have inspired you and how? What was their impact on your work or your literary perspective?
 
I have never read much poetry, but I have read Walt Whitman. I would say less in was writing and more in perspective. I gleaned “be yourself” from Leaves of Grass.
 
 
Q: So, would you mind telling us what you have written so far?

 
I have two short stories published right here on The Scarlet Leaf Review (The Hitman, April 2016; Stolen Life, July 2016). I have been experimenting with some Flash Fiction and have had a few published.
 
 
Q: Where can we buy or see them?
 
My two short stories are available here on The Scarlet Leaf Review!
 
 
Q: What are you working on at the minute?  What’s it about? 
 
I’m writing a series of middle group (MG) stories about the misadventures of two young teenage boys, “Me and Bart.” The stories are set in the late 1960’s when it was a simpler time with no cell phones and free-range kids. They go on escapades that result in harmless mischief. The stories are intended to entertain. There is no intent to deliver a moral message, just stories about rambunctious young boys.
And of course, I’m still writing cozy mysteries.
 
 
Q: What genre are your books and what draws you to this genre?
 
I don’t have any books, but I am planning to put “Me and Bart” stories into a book.
 
 
Q: Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character from your most recent book?
 
Like everyone else, the best and most popular ones!
 
 
Q: How much research do you do for your books?
 
So far, my stories settings are very familiar to me, so limited research is needed. I do research details to provide realism in my stories. For instance, how long does it take for a body to bleed out when the femoral artery is cut through.
 
 
Q: Have you written any other novels/novellas in collaboration with other writers? Why did you do decide to collaborate and did that affect your sales?
 
I have not.
 
 
Q: When did you decide to become a writer and why? What was the principal reason for taking up a pen (metaphorical speaking) and write that first sentence?
 
I have always enjoyed creative writing. I needed an outlet to escape from work pressures and just started.
 
 
Q: Do you write full-time or part-time? Do you have a special time to write or do you write every day, 5 days a week or as and when?
 
I have no set writing schedule, I write when I have the time, which is not often enough.
 
Q: Where do your ideas come from? Or is it just the spur of the moment, a special feeling you experience or a specific conjuncture that offers you inspiration?
 
Sometimes my ideas come from past experiences, but much of the time, events that occur trigger an idea. If I see a building being torn down, maybe there is a body in a wall cavity. That sort of thing.
 
Q: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
 
I don’t think I’ve been writing long enough to have evolved creatively, but I do feel my writing has improved.
 
 
Q: Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you?
 
I do make sketchy notes for ideas, but I let the ideas take me directions as I am writing.
 
 
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest thing about writing?
 
Writing in a such a manner your reader sees and feels they are part of the story as they are reading.
 
 
Q: Now, what about the easiest thing about writing?
 
I don’t really know. Like most things, doing it well is not easy.
 
 
Q: Do you ever get writer’s Block and if so do you have any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
 
If I am stumbling on a portion of a story, I put it aside and read something.
 
 
Q: Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors? For your own reading, do you prefer eBooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
 
I read short stories; my favorite genre is cozy. I tend to go more for the genre than specific authors. I do a great deal of professional reading and never seem to have enough time to read fiction.
 
 
Q: What books are you reading at present?
 
I’m reading short stories. The last few books I’ve read were nonfiction.
 
 
Q: Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?
 
I proofread and edit my own work, but that is not enough. I use the Scribophile site for editing and proofing. There are terrific writers on the site where critiques are exchanged. I’d recommend the site to anyone that wants to improve their writing.
 
 
Q: Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?
 
No, edit it as much as I can. It is difficult to edit your own work. As a final procedure, I use the voice-to-text option in Word for my final edit. Then I put it up on the Scribophile site.
 
 
Q: Who edited your last book and how did you select him/her?
 
My short stories here on The Scarlet Leaf Review were critiques and edited on the Scribophile site.
 
 
Q: How do you relax?
 
With my family. I like being outdoors.
 
 
Q: What is your favorite motivational phrase? What is your favorite positive saying?
 
What’s the worst that can happen?
 
 
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
 
Sad to say, but it would be an academic text in my field.
 
 
Q: What is your favorite quote?
 
I have several. Most all the good quotes come from “The Wizard of Oz” or the “Star Wars” series of movies.
 
 
Q: Where can you see yourself in 5 years-time?
 
Hopefully a better writer and possibly expanding my writing genre.
 
 
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
 
Let’s just say that all past experiences contribute to one’s character.
 
 
Q: Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
 
Wow, too many (none of them living) to narrow down to one.
 
 
Q: If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
 
Because I’m a biologist, Origin of the Species by Charles Darwin.
 
 
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
 
Get on a critique site, have a thick skin, and listen to advice on the site. Don’t expect to be a good writer when you start. Plan to get better to hopefully become a good writer. Like education, it is a journey, not a destination.
 
 
Q: Where do you see publishing going in the future?
 
More electronic publishing and less print; more self-publishing and less traditional publishing.