Interview with Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie – Author

~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

 

 

Today I am happy to welcome Kristy Feltenberger Gillespie, Author of Jaded, a YA thriller, and Even in Death which is a collection of ten short stories. You should know that Kristy has dropped the price of both books to $.99.

Come on in Kristy and make yourself comfortable. You’ll have to excuse the animals running around but we just got a new foster Boxer and the rest of the clan are trying to make him feel as uncomfortable as possible so maybe he will go away. Pay no attention to them. I am so glad you stopped by Fiction Favorites.

Kristy Thanks, John! I have three dachshunds and two cats so I feel right at home!

John I imagine you have your hands full as well. So Kristy why don’t you tell us a little about yourself where you grew up, siblings, family life, education, and how you got to where you are now.

Kristy: I’m from Johnstown, PA and I bleed black and gold; Go Steelers!

John: Wait. I have to interrupt and let you know I’m a Steelers fan as well.

Kristy: No way. What a small world.

John: Yeah, my wife is from Mt Lebanon PA and I found it a good idea to adopt the Steelers.

Kristy: Patrick, my husband of 4 years, is a 49er fan so I bleed a little red and gold, too. Scott, my younger brother, lives in Pittsburgh but is a Vikings fan which makes absolutely no sense considering he’s never been to Minnesota. Even though, Northern Virginia has been my home for over ten years, I’m not a Redskins fan.  I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in school counselling, and I’m working towards a School Library Media degree. I moved to Northern VA to attend grad school and can’t imagine a better place to live… although living near the ocean would ideal.

John: As you can see the Gulf is pretty nice too. How long have you been writing and who if anyone got you started?

Kristy: I’ve written for as long as I can remember. My mom has probably been my biggest influence because she has always encouraged creativity.

John: What is your genre? And would you like to write in another?

Kristy: I write young adult fiction, adult fiction/short stories, and poetry.  I would love to write a film script one day.

John: I imagine a script would be pretty complex. So you must have a reason for writing other than putting words on paper. Why is it you write?

Kristy: I have so many ideas in my head that I have to write them down in order to make space!

John: What a great reason. Who would you say are your favorite or most influential authors and why?

Kristy: F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sylvia Plath because they are simply amazing.

John: I enjoyed both as well. What is your latest (published) book called and what is it about?

Kristy: Even In Death: A Short Story Collection – ten short stories that explore the thin line between love and hate; extreme emotions even death cannot destroy.

John: Sounds great. What was the inspiration for the story?

Kristy: Each story has been inspired by various things. For example, “A Flower Story,” (where flowers are delivered long after a person is alive to smell them) stemmed from a random conversation with a co-worker.

John: Was there anything about the collection that caused you worry?

Kristy: I was a little afraid that my short story collection would be “too dark” for most people, but that hasn’t been the consensus.

John: Sounds like it’s getting a good reception. Is your book going to be part of a series?

Kristy: Sort of; I plan on writing another short story collection with a similar theme.

John: I always have to ask about process. Are you a plotter (Work with a plan) or a pantster? (fly by the seat of your pants)

Kristy: Plotter for novels, pantster for short stories. Short stories are so much easier because I tend to write short and sweet.

John: I feel the same about short stories. It’s relaxing  to a degree to write them. What are you working on right now?

Kristy: Hunted, the sequel to my YA Thriller, Jaded, and I’m also working on Blinded, the prequel.   

John: Can you give your readers a blurb?

Kristy: Here’s the synopsis for Jaded: Jade has spent her entire life within the confines of the eye-color- obsessed Nirvana commune. She dreams of experiencing freedom, but travel to the Outside is forbidden. Besides, she’s a dutiful daughter who never breaks the rules. As her seventeenth birthday approaches, however, she realizes just how little she wants to follow the commune rules. She doesn’t want to undergo another eye color surgery, or immediately choose a life partner or follow her parents’ life paths of teaching or wine making. In fact, her green eyes suit her just fine, she’s never even been on a date, and she’s passionate about photography. And yet she’s resigned to do as she’s told because it’s easier for her to close her eyes and follow orders.
Her Grandmother Ruby’s murder is the catalyst that causes Jade to open her eyes wide for the first time in her life. She’s devastated yet determined to find the killer and their motive. With help from her mysterious friend Tyrian, and Peaches, the commune leader’s sweet daughter, Jade unearths dark secrets which include her mother’s illicit affair, her maternal grandparents’ escape from Nirvana, and a plethora of murders. To make matters worse, someone is hell-bent on ending Jade’s mission for the truth, and that someone is most likely the killer.
Jade can’t continue conforming to an evil society and yet she fears the Outside is just as corrupt. If she resolves to flee and is caught, the punishment is banishment to the slave cabins…and blinding.

John: What can your readers look forward to in 2015?

Kristy: Hunted and Blinded should both be out by then!

John: Thanks again Kristy for the interview. It was interesting and I’m sure your readers will look forward to the release of  Hunted and Blinded  Where can your readers find your books, your blog and Twitter address.

Kristy:  Amazon link for Jaded:   http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00II0UUSQ  Not to forget I just reduced the price to $.99.

 

Amazon link for Even In Death:        http://www.amazon.com/Even-Death-Short-Story-Collection/dp/0692228055/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407526096&sr=1-1-fkmr0&keywords=Kristy+Feltenberger+Gillesie As a reminder I reduced the price to $.99.

 

Keep Calm & Write On Blog: http://kristyfgillespie.com/

Twitter: @KFGillespie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristy.feltenbergergillespie?filter=3

Ten Things Not to Do If You Are Over Seventy Years of Age

~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

This list was inspired by having the opportunity to be around some of my peers over the last couple of weeks. Also, Kevin Brennan author of Occasional Soulmates had a great post last Saturday about his 79-year-old mother. You can read that one HERE

10 If you are over seventy, make sure the foreign object you think is in your food is really there. If you don’t, at best the store manager will give you your money back but will give you that “old person” roll of the eyes. At worst, the object turns out to be your glasses that fell off while you were looking closely to find out what it was. This will be discovered by the customer service person surrounded by twenty other shoppers.

9 If you are over seventy, do not think you can ride a bicycle at top speed, wipe out and bounce like you did when you were fifty. If you do, at best you will have a nice reminder as you soak in a hot bathtub and eat aspirin like M&Ms. At worst, you will be among the lucky few spending a number of hours in the ER surrounded by one hundred really sick and injured people who all got there ahead of you.

8 If you are over seventy, do not try to leave the house without your glasses. If you do, at best you won’t be able to read the credit card terminal at the checkout counter and sign whatever is there and it matches what you bought. At worst, you will be clueless when the bank teller asks you to sign the withdrawal slip made out for you and four days later you read in the local newspaper where the teller is spending three weeks on Aruba.

7 If you are over seventy, do not decide the surfing competition looks winnable since there is only one entrant in the seventy and above bracket. If you do, at best you will have nothing more catastrophic than looking like a fool. At worst, you will wipe out and ground yourself on the beach where the medal committee will erect a monument in your honor.

6 If you are over seventy do not think your dance routine is still in. If you do, at best the rest of the crowd will be laughing behind your back. At worst, your routine will take up so much room and bump so many people the bouncer will remove you for your own protection

5 If you are above seventy, do not go anywhere near a Karaoke machine. If you do, at best you will get a short slow song you can handle poorly. At worst, you will pull a rap number and will scare yourself with the words that scroll across the screen  reminding you being scared is not good for your pacemaker performance.

4 If you are over seventy, do not drive in the left lane ever. If you do, at best you will wonder what all those hand signals mean in the context of driving. At worst, you will have a monster truck come so close to your rear bumper you will be forced to look in the rear view mirror only to swerve into some hapless seventy year old next to you.

3 If you are over seventy, do not raise your arms above your head if you are wearing short sleeves, if you do, at best you won’t notice the extra movement of skin and will think the wind is picking up. At worst you will cause enough stares to stop traffic with those undulating biceps that seem to have fallen.

2 If you are over seventy, do not go to a restaurant any time earlier than 7:00. If you do, at best you will get the early bird menu and won’t really find green Jell-O to your liking. At worst, a youthful server will insist that you will truly enjoy the breaded fish sticks instead of the of the large juicy steak you were intending. “Besides,” she says. “It is much easier to chew.”

1 If you are over Seventy, do not try to tell stories about how great it was in the old days. If you do, At best you will be finishing your stories to yourself. At worst, you will notice people running away as you come close and it won’t be because you have worn the same clothes for five days. (well, maybe)

Return of Monster Maker Fun!

~ John W. Howell ~ 1 Comment

Another fun exercise by the master Charles Yallowitz. Make up a word and challenge his brain.

Charles Yallowitz's avatarLegends of Windemere

Back in April, I did something that I called the ‘Monster Maker Fun’.  I asked people to give a list of nonsense words and I turned them into monsters, items, and fictional rituals for a week. Here’s an example that was given to me by John W. Howell last time:

Meagain

“A majestic horse that roams the prairie of Southliver.  Most of them are white and brown, but there have been sightings of black, red, and purple colors.  Unlike other horses, the Meagain gives off an odd glow that is stronger depending on the purity of the spirit.  They are also much more intelligent.  People have been able to communicate clearly with these animals even without a common language.  Meagains are also good problem solvers and those in captivity have been known to pick locks with their narrow tongues.  Avoid getting kicked because they have barbs on their hooves that…

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday.

~ John W. Howell ~ 16 Comments

 

This week’s Stream of consciousness prompt is the letter “s.”  If you would like to learn more about this fun exercise go to http://lindaghill.com/2014/10/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-october-1114/  and ask for Linda Hill. Oh yeah, tell her John sent you. Here is my contribution to this week’s prompt “s”

The exercise is to write the first thing that comes to mind after seeing the letter “s.” I have to admit the first thing on my mind is simply silly subjects submitted Saturday summarily sanctioned sanctimoniously. I know that is a mind or mouth full but there you have it. The ranting’s of a truly deranged mind.

My second thought on the letter “s” had to do with those people who say shoot instead of shit. I have always found them to be genteel and of good manners. I have wished to be like them but whenever the opportunity arises I always revert back to the base element.  Take hitting my thumb with a hammer. I want to say shoot, but it never seems to work out. Also asking someone to pick up something they have thrown down never seems to have the punch when you say, “excuse me would you pick up that shoot over there?”

I guess I am doomed to continue to show my lack of education and breeding by continuing to ignore a very effective way of lifting my speech out of the shoot and into a higher plane. (Doesn’t sound right somehow) Oh, shoot maybe I need more practice. Damn what is this on my shoe? I wish people would pick up their dog shoot. Maybe the English have it right. Just say shite and be done with it.

 

Friday JohnKu and TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 15 Comments

 

margarita pitcher

Friday is here. Okay everyone. Today’s margarita special is made with freshly squeezed key lime juice, Tapatio Tequila Blanco, Cointreau, and agave nectar. It is shaken and served over chipped ice. You can elect to have it blended till frozen and also salt or no salt on the glass. With the margarita I am offering a selection of salsa including green chilies, peach and spicy tomatillo.  So step up and place your order. It is Friday after all. Oh yes, today’s JohnKu (a term coined by Words4jp)  is titled Rest and I hope you like it.

Rest by John W. Howell © 2014

When the last day comes,

Will there be anyone who says?

I wish to work more.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 7 Comments

 

 

Wednesday once again. I always love Wednesdays for two reasons: 1. It means Friday is within reach. 2. I get to tell a story. Of course, telling  story requires having someone around to read the story. That someone is you and I am very happy to have you here today. I hope you like this little story and yes, it is about one of our favorite characters, Frank. It is titled the Bank.

The Bank by John W. Howell

“Frank, when we going to knock off the First National?”

“Oh, I don’t know Dave. What’s so special about the First National?”

“I hear they give lollipops to the kids in the drive through.”

“Yeah, so what?

“You and I could go through the drive through and while we were taking the money we could demand that the clerk put all the lollipops in a bag too.”

“Sheesh Dave. I wonder how I manage to pull off any of these jobs without your insightful strategic planning input.”

“Strategic what?”

“Planning you idiot. Planning. Can you imagine pulling up to a drive-through and flashing some heat and demanding anything? The clerk could just duck and we would be hanging out with nothing. Oh yes, the camera would have our license plate number in full color.”

“Okay Frank. I got a little carried away.”

“Dave, focus. We are going into this bank and we will grab the pres before the time lock goes off on the safe. We will then fill these bags and take off before any alarms. You got it?”

“Yeah Frank. I got it. One question though.”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“You think they have lollipops here too?”

Top Ten Things Not to Do While Trying to Decide What to Watch on TV

~ John W. Howell ~ 27 Comments

 

 

Ten things not to do when trying to decide what to watch on TV

This list was inspired by a recent visit to a friend’s house and observing some of the ways the friend decided which shows to watch.

10 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not take a suggestion from anyone ages fourteen to eighteen. If you do, at best you will be lost in the translation. At worst, you will see and hear things that will keep you up at night.

9 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not use the newspaper reviews as a guide to good programming. If you do, at best you will be asleep earlier than normal. At worst, you might find yourself wondering if you should discontinue your cable service.

8 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, don’t ask someone else what they want to watch. If you do, at best you will get an icy stare when you ignore the suggestion. At worst, you may end up watching this and other shows in the privacy of the garage.

7 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not scroll through the guide hoping something good will jump out at you. If you do, at best you will have to review one-hundred and sixty channels that are basically the same. At worst, those in the room may call an audible and you will lose your remote privileges for heaven knows how long.

6 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not call a friend for a suggestion. If you do, at best the friend will want a report on the show. At worst, you will hate the show and either lie to the friend or turn a friend into an enemy.

5 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch and your in-laws are there, simply hand over the remote. If you don’t, at best they’ll miss their favorite show and hate you forever. At worst, they might like your selection and decide to return on the nights that it is on since they can’t remember which channel to tune.

4 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch and your significant other wants to do something else, turn the set off. If you don’t, at best you be watching the show alone. At worst, you might be watching the show and it will be your only company for the long cold winter.

3 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not rely on the network hype about the “best new show of the season.” If you do you do, at best you might waste a half hour. At worst, you might waste a whole night depending on how many network hypes you followed.

2 If you are trying to decide which show to watch on TV, do not think the DVR will help. If you do, at best you may end up with a bunch of shows and no disk space. At worst you may have recorded all the clinkers of the season and while reviewing them miss the best.

1 If you are trying to decide which show to watch on TV, do not use any kind of gambling prop to help with the decision. If you do, at best the odds of getting something you want to watch are the same as the odds against you. At worst, your prop will be no more favorable to you in selecting a good show to watch than it has been in delivering sure thing winners.

How to Promote and Market Your Book by Madi Preda – Review

~ John W. Howell

 

 

Madi Preda is the genius behind Author’s Promotion a firm which has helped countless authors with not only book promotion, but also in planning and the execution of complete book marketing plans. This book was written for those of us who do not have unlimited resources to spend on getting our name and our book’s name in front of readers. Madi has put together a comprehensive guide-book to follow to success. She has done so with easy to understand instructions on what steps are necessary to maximize the author’s exposure.

Madi begins by setting the tone for what will be a recurring theme for an author. The theme is if all you want to do is write and not try to sell your work, you’ll get what you deserve, nothing. She tells a story about what would happen to a baker who only wanted to bake and not sell. This parable really hit me between the eyes. I could not imagine anyone who doesn’t want to push their product, yet authors appear to be unique in this regard.

Madi lays out her book for maximum utility. She has chapters written on how to do subjects like book proposals, public relations, marketing, PR, Network and social media, selling more books, video trailers, book tours, blogging, newsletters, book distributors, websites, media press kits and many more.

In addition, Madi provides practical information in the form of case studies, examples and toward the end of the book a section on resources which puts valuable places to go for an author to announce a book and to continue to raise awareness. These resources are many that are not generally well-known.

This book was very informative and a fun read in addition. I would recommend it to any author who is not content with how their book is selling presently in addition to the unpublished and soon to be published authors. If an author utilized just part of the information in this book, I believe the author would be benefitted immensely by increased sales. It is a must read for anyone who thinks being an author is merely writing a book.

 

Shattered Daydreams Blog Tour – Nonnie Jules

~ John W. Howell ~ 9 Comments

 

 

I am very pleased to host the final stop on the Nonnie Jules Shattered Daydreams Blog Tour. Her tour has had some amazing stops for the last week and I am honored Nonnie chose Fiction Favorites as the final appearance for what has been an informative and inspiring journey. Please join me in a welcome to Nonnie Jules a very talented person. Nonnie the post is yours.

Hi and welcome to Day 7, the final day of my SHATTERED DAYDREAMS Blog Tour!

Before I get started, let me give you a little background on me first.  My most important job is being a Mom!  It is the hardest and yet the most rewarding job one could ever hope to have.  (Men, so sorry you will never get to experience what I’m talking about).  After having produced two of the most special daughters in all the land, I knew that I would somehow become an advisor to other parents, so becoming an author of Parenting Guides, was almost a given.  That was my niche, but I also wanted to tell another kind of story.  It was still going to be about children, but it would have a darker side to it while still conveying a message that I wanted to bring attention to.

In November, 2013, I published my debut novel “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND.”  Now, I know most of the novels you probably read are romance and fantasy, light, airy tales, but this one was going to take you to a place that some of you had never been, and unfortunately, some of you have.  This story was going to pull you down before it brought you up.  It intentionally was meant to make you cry before it made you smile.

We all have a purpose here on earth, even child molesters, murderers and the other monsters who offer nothing but horrid havoc to our society.  And although I don’t know for sure WHAT their purpose could possibly be, it is my belief  that GOD makes no mistakes, so in my mind, they are here to teach us lessons…to keep us on our toes, to remind us to be more mindful of our children and loved ones.

The mother in DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND, missed the mark on all of the above counts.  She was truly one sad excuse for a parent.  Actually, I count her among those monsters mentioned, and from this point on, you have my permission to refer to her as anything other than a MOTHER.

I’d like to conclude my SHATTERED DAYDREAMS Blog Tour by asking all who are in range of my virtual voice to please spend more time thinking of the many ways you can help a child.  Whether it’s your own heading down the wrong path or one born of another, who cannot seem to find their way.  Let’s give them the nurturing and the love they need to succeed.  Let’s listen to them and not discount their voices; let’s take the time to learn their world and their challenges so that we may help them to cope better and to even conquer the maze they will find themselves in.  We must be the examples, the role models and the cheerleaders to and for them. And if you are witness to any abuse of a child, please, don’t hesitate to step in and notify those that preside over such issues.

We spend quite a bit of time on books about fantasy, dragons, money, sex and more…well, today, spend your time and money on a book that will help you to help a child.  I am Nonnie Jules, Mother, Child and Parent advocate, Wife and Author.  I hope my words have moved you into action in a positive direction.  #LetsMakeItAllAboutTheChildren 

I thank you so much for having me today.  If you would like to visit each leg of my tour (click HERE for the line-up) as each day I offered a bit more insight into the lives of children who are abused, as well as the mothers who sit back and allow it to happen, or are the culprits themselves.  I also shared excerpts from the book for your reading pleasure.  Ladies and Gents, this week, you’re invited to partake of SHATTERED DAYDREAMS, as shared through the eyes of my main character, Maiya James.

If the passage mentioned above peeked your curiosity for more, please pick up your very own copy of “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND.”  The content inside is enough to put you on the right track if you even remotely resemble (God forbid), this kind of mother.  But if you’re just in the mood for a really good read, I guarantee, you won’t go wrong with this one!

From this day forward, let’s do our best to ensure that all the Maiya’s of the world are taken care of, loved and protected!  John, thanks for having me.  It’s been a pleasure!  Guests, please share your comments below.

BOOK TRAILER

AUTHOR BIO:

Nonnie Jules is the mother of two beautifully kind daughters, who along with the help of her husband, have turned out to be two of the greatest assets to this world.  THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO RAISING (ALMOST) PERFECT DAUGHTERS is her first published piece of work and two weeks after publication, it hit Amazon’s Top 100 list, where it reached the #7 mark.  With all the violence which is being exhibited by some children today, it is her vision and goal to get THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE…into the hands of everyone who breathes around a child.  She feels the only way we can make this happen, is if we are all working from a common blueprint.  Ms. Jules strongly believes that every opportunity we are given with a child, should be a teaching one for us and a learning one for them.

 

So far, Nonnie has authored two more books “DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, NIGHTMARE’S FRIEND” and “SUGARCOATIN’ IS FOR CANDY & PACIFYIN’ IS FOR KIDS!” where she shares her no-holds-barred style of teaching us all about support and social media.  Her second parenting guide {THE GOOD MOMMIES’ GUIDE TO BULLY-PROOF KIDS} is due for release the beginning of January, 2015 and the sequel to her debut novel, DAYDREAM’S DAUGHTER, shortly after.  (Both have been delayed due to her extensive workload withRave Reviews Book Club).

She is a fan of the well-written word, and so along with 3 partners, she started 4WillsPublishing Co. in November, 2013 to assist other writers in putting out their best work ever.  By December, 2013, she had founded the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB where in less than a year, the membership has rapidly grown to well over 500.  If you’re not a member yet, this is your personal invitation to JOIN US!

As you can see, she is an Author on the move and if you’re interested in keeping up with her, here is her contact info:

Twitter:  @nonniejules

Facebook:

Blogs/Websites:

4WillsPublishing.wordpress.com

BooksByNonnie.wordpress.com

NonnieWrites.wordpress.com

AskTheGoodMommy.wordpress.com