AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Jake Parent

An interview with Jake Parent, author of Cristina.

 

Hi! Welcome to Zigzag Timeline. Can you tell us about your background as an author?

I’ve definitely had more than a few ups and downs in life, and I think that, more than anything else, provides the raw material for my work. All my characters are struggling in some way. It could be external or internal, but all of them are imperfect in one way or another, just like the rest of us.

What got you into writing?

I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Since I was six years old at least. But deep down I’m always a reader first.  To me, there’s no better way to stir the soul than through the power of the written word.

What was the first idea you had for your book, and how did the story grow from there?

I used to live in a small California beach town like the one the story is set in. The place was paradise, but there was also a kind of seedy underbelly of people addicted to drugs, homeless, and just barely hanging on. So it always provided plenty of fodder for imagining strange goings on.

Among your characters, who's your favorite? Could you please describe him/her?

Cristina is definitely my favorite character. She’s a bad ass single mother who, despite having gone through hell, is still able to find a way to love her daughter and life in general. The book is dedicated to single moms, because I can’t think of anyone who is more courageous.

What's your favorite scene from your novel? Could you please describe it?

I’m pretty proud of the ending. Obviously I can’t describe it without giving away a lot, but it’s always my goal as a writer to come up with stories I’d like to read myself, and this one certainly accomplished that.

What's your favorite part of writing? Plotting? Describing scenes? Dialogue?

Good writing is a symphony of emotions, one that takes patience, creativity, observation, love, and dedication. When I find that balance, there are few things I enjoy more in the whole world. But I’m not sure there’s any one thing that stands out. I really love everything about it.

How long does it take you to write a book? Do you have a writing process, or do you wing it?

I think most good books are written in 3 or 4 months. Anything more than that and the world you’re creating gets stale or overdone. Cristina was written in 3, most of those days spent typing away with my newborn daughter sleeping on my chest.

As far as process, I’m definitely a wing it kind of a guy. I come up with an idea and then just start writing. I always tell people who are just starting out that it’s important to remember that writing is not just a form of communication, it’s also a method of thinking. So just open up that computer and get typing. See where your imagination takes you.

What is it about the genre you chose that appeals to you?

Above all else, I write books I would want to read. And whether its Stephen King, Bukowski, or Maya Angelou, I've always felt like a seductive setting and a compelling, driving narrative are the things that most draw me into a story. Since these are the fundamental building blocks to a good psychological thriller, there's nothing I like to write more.

Are there any books or writers that have had particular influence on you?

I read widely and books are a huge part of my life. My storytelling is also influence by a wide array of artists of all types. A few of them are Charles Bukowski, Stephen King, Maya Angelou, John Steinbeck, Honoré de Balzac, Ella Fitzgerald, John Sanford, Jimi Hendrix, Ernest Hemingway, Greg Graffin, Pablo Picasso, Rickey Henderson, and Mac Dre.

Did you ever surprise yourself when you were writing your book? Characters who took on lives of their own? Plot elements that took unexpected turns?

If I finish my day of writing and haven’t experience the feeling of surprise, I consider the effort mostly failed. Only when I’m shocking myself, trying something new, doing things I myself never even thought of, do I really think I’m putting in maximum effort to tell an original and compelling story.

Thanks for stopping by!

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2aF9M3P

Smashwords link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/649111

Website: http://www.jakedparent.com

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jake Parent is the author of Cristina, a new psychological suspense novel. His first book, Only the Devil Tells the Truth, was a #1 Amazon Bestseller. His influences include Charles Bukowski, Stephen King, Maya Angelou, John Steinbeck, Honoré de Balzac, Ella Fitzgerald, John Sanford, Jimi Hendrix, Ernest Hemingway, Greg Graffin, Pablo Picasso, Rickey Henderson, and Mac Dre. He grew up in San Jose, CA but now lives in the Washington, DC area.

Sign up to receive alerts about new releases from Jake Parent (and that’s the only thing that ever gets sent to this list): http://eepurl.com/bXzepr

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Lillian Corrigan

An interview with author Lillian Corrigan.

 

Hi! Welcome to Zigzag Timeline. Can you tell us about your background as an author?

Although a newly published author, I’ve been writing my whole life. Journaling has helped me find clarity and understanding through many of life’s challenges. Knowing its value, I hope to use my writing to inspire others in gaining new perspective, deeper faith, greater hope, and better confidence, especially during difficult times.

I enjoy nature and being outdoors. My family, including my dogs, is my greatest treasure. I like simple things like gardens, animals, sunshine, warm breezes, not to mention pizza and ice cream.

Escaping into new worlds, I find reading both exciting and relaxing. Storytelling, especially by the older generation, fascinates me. I also adore old architecture. Visiting antiquated buildings with original stonework, carved wood, and blurry glass, leaves me wide-eyed.

What got you into writing?

One day, someone said, "You should write a book; you already have the story in those wonderful letters you've written about 'this.'" Initially I shrugged it off, but the seed was planted. That seed sprouted and grew until one day, I grabbed a keyboard and started to type about recent events. At first, it was just more journaling. The exercise helped me understand everything better. Eventually I saw a new perspective. I learned that there is both positive and negative in every experience. Perception is key. I started to value the lessons in the challenges I had faced. After discovering the hidden treasure under the mud and muck, I told others about it and realized that people related to what I'd been through and to what I was saying. A new goal surfaced: I would use my writing to encourage and offer hope to others in similar circumstances. The book became a passion. I cultivated it, studied, took classes and worked until it shined. My husband will be thrilled when I start cooking, cleaning, and helping to cut and stack the woodpile again! Still immersed in my dream, I tweaked, exaggerated, modified, counseled, and in the end, this novel was born. My greatest hope is that principals contained in this story do indeed affect, touch, and especially inspire, those who need it the most.

What was the first idea you had for your book, and how did the story grow from there?

Celebrating one of my greatest heroes inspired this novel. I wanted to capture his essence and philosophies and share them. So, in thinking about his life, I took key elements to create a part-true story that would affect others positively.

Among your characters, who's your favorite? Could you please describe him/her?

Oh, that is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child. Mitch, my hero, is of course a favorite. He is a brazen old handman, confident and fully human. Mandy, who some may call the ghost, is also a special person with a unique role. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the handsome big-kid, Ti? I’ve also got pet characters. Champ and his famous appetite has to be my favorite four-legged personality.  

I love that my characters are real. They are strong and weak, smart yet goofy, sometimes awkward and unsure, and make mistakes. But they stick together, pray together, and love together through it all.

What's your favorite scene from your novel? Could you please describe it?

I have many favorite scenes, but several I don’t want to spoil. So, one I’m willing to elaborate on is when Mitch raises his glass to toast his son. He jokes about praying to the “wrong” saint, deciphering the reason he came to own so many animals. An engaged audience chuckles. Readers can then feel the silence after Mitch clears his throat to continue. “Royal castles are built from bricks; majestic mansions are constructed with sticks. Everyday moments build a lifetime of love, friendship and cherished memories.” The toast explains the title and many themes conveyed up to this point come together in a fabulous a-hah moment.

What's your favorite part of writing? Plotting? Describing scenes? Dialogue?

Using analogies that enhance a description.

How long does it take you to write a book? Do you have a writing process, or do you wing it?

It takes years for me since I work another job. My process is to start with an idea-dump, then begin to organize, strategize, edit and enhance the parts that add the most value.

What is it about the genre you chose that appeals to you?

I’ve always enjoyed attending and facilitating retreats. Helping others who have doubts, insecurities, or confusion about something they are going through is truly an honor. I hope that my writing will carry that forward. I’m also a fan of every Hallmark movie ever made. So sappy stories clearly work for my taste.

Are there any books or writers that have had particular influence on you?

Absolutely, Mitch Albom and C.S. Lewis.

Did you ever surprise yourself when you were writing your book? Characters who took on lives of their own? Plot elements that took unexpected turns?

Yup. It’s particularly gratifying after struggling with a concept or a part of the story that just isn’t working perfectly, and then, suddenly, an inspiration occurs. Unexpectedly, it turns into one of your favorite scenes.

For example: the title took a long time, several surveys that probably annoyed my friends, and weeks if not months of prayer. But when it finally came to me one morning, it was a perfect fit for my hero's life and philosophy.

What are some of your mantras?

Learn forever. Grow from challenge. Don’t stop believing in yourself. Keep the faith. Love lasts.

What advice would you give other writers?

Write often; carry a notebook and never miss an opportunity to capture a creative thought. Talk to other writers; bounce ideas off them. Ask friends how a difficult passage sounds. Don’t be shy about getting input or flat out asking for help when you need it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Website:

http://www.bricksandsticksnovel.com/

Author Bio:

A survivor in more ways than one, newly published author Lillian Corrigan uses writing to cope and to hope. She dreams of inspiring others to find the light within life’s many challenges.

Born in New York Lillian’s family moved to the New Jersey suburbs before she could walk or talk. As a young person, she was quiet and studious. During summer months, she led her sisters in games of “school,” aspiring to become a teacher. Young Lillian enjoyed ice-skating, bike riding, swimming, calligraphy, as well as building and creating things—whether out of Legos, food ingredients, or scraps, she experimented, formulating new results each time.

Lillian graduated at the top of her class from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She obtained her MBA from Rider University. Her career has included segments working in industry, teaching and management.

Reading “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C. S. Lewis in middle school ignited her first love of literature. She enjoys reading, especially inspirational fiction, as well as writing. Lillian has used journaling as a means to learn, understand situations more deeply, and grow from difficult experience ever since she can remember. She finds storytelling, especially by the older generation, fascinating. Also fond of antiques, old furniture, historic buildings, and even ancient ruins, intrigue her.

Lillian enjoys facilitating retreats. She has conducted workshops on a variety of topics from how to utilize software applications to make tasks more efficient and effective, to finding strength and goodness in the face of adversity and hardship. Her favorite places are in the mountains. Things that inspire her include special people, puppies, flowers, and the small miracles found through and with others every day.

Lillian’s aspirations include more writing: books, editorials, and self-help articles, as well as offering coaching and formatting services for other authors wishing to self-publish.

LET ME FLY FREE is out now!

Hey everyone! My fire nymph novella, LET ME FLY FREE (A Fated Stars Novella), is out now in e-book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble! And it's only 99 cents! It takes place in the same universe as my first Fated Stars novella (TELL ME MY NAME), though it can be read as a standalone. Check it out :-)

Fire fears nothing. And Elaia is about to show her world that she doesn’t, either.

Like the rest of her kind, fire nymph Elaia is bound to her homeland, a forest whose borders were closed centuries earlier in a peace agreement between the humans and the enchanted creatures of the Terrestrial Realm.

But her heart is as restless as the flames she casts, and she secretly yearns to defy that order.

When a mysterious threat creeps into the forest, an invisible beast that leaves a trail of death in its wake, Elaia is determined to fight back and protect her people. Before she can, however, she must learn what the beast is … and the answers lie beyond the borders of her land.

Defeating this evil means she’ll have to go outside the rules, but she’ll do anything to find the answers she seeks—even if leaving her homeland means not only breaking the law, but risking her own life.

BOOK REVIEW: DEBBI (Helen of Mars, #0.5) / George Ebey

TITLE: DEBBI (Helen of Mars, #0.5)
AUTHOR: George Ebey
PUBLISHER: Glass House Press
AVAILABILITY: Barnes & Noble

GENRE
Young Adult - Science Fiction

REVIEW
In the not-so-distant future, gamer girl and engineering prodigy Helen Hunter enters a prestigious battle bot competition sponsored MARSCORP, a company that sends rovers to mine Mars. Except she's not just doing it for the thrill of it. MARSCORP has grown notorious for making lots of money off the dreams of would-be Mars explorers--by selling them expensive equipment and whatnot then taking a cut of their revenues in exchange for giving them a chance to profit from Mars' rich ore deposits. In that sense, they're rather like scammy, leeching self-publishing outfits (*cough* Author Solutions *cough*) that reap unscrupulous profits off the dreams of authors with their overpriced and often terrible services. Sorry for getting a little off-topic... Just wanted to show y'all how evil this bad-guy corporation is ;-).

Anyway, Helen's dad, certain that his knowledge of geography will give him an edge over the competition, is determined to send a rover to Mars despite the financial risks. Helen, a practical and mature teen, fears that his ambition will lead their family to ruin. And so she enters the competition in hopes of winning the grand prize: a free Mars rover that will let her dad chase his dream without possibly losing the house.

DEBBI is Helen's bot, which she built herself and controls with the help of her fellow gamer girl and BFF, Misty. This novella is a short, fun little read full of robot battles and nerdy references... catnip for a nerdy gal like me! And can I just say, how awesome is it to see an unapologetically nerdy teen girl as the heroine of her own story? STEM girls rule!

Brave New Girls cover

Okay, disclosure time. Not only do George and I share a publisher (Glass House Press), but I was also a huge fan of Helen going in. The first story starring Helen (which actually takes place after DEBBI), titled Helen of Mars, was one of the shorts in the anthology I co-edited, BRAVE NEW GIRLS: TALES OF GIRLS AND GADGETS (we donate all proceeds from sales to the Society of Women Engineers' scholarship fund, so if you want to find out what happens to Helen next and support a good cause... *hint hint nudge nudge*). Does this make me biased? Well, I'm always going to be biased toward stories featuring smart, independent heroines, especially STEM-y ones, so...

Helen of Mars illustration

Back to DEBBI! In this little novella, George Ebey paints an awesome near-future sci-fi world. The concept feels like something that could actually happen... dare I call this hard sci-fi? The robot battles are really fun to read, full of detail and action and strategy and some amazing visuals. Helen's the kind of character you eagerly root for. She's bright and determined, and though she's somewhat shy, she doesn't take crap from anyone. So if you like girl engineers and robot battles, you should totally check this one out!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
George Ebey is the author of the forthcoming Phoenix Saga, a series of fantasy adventure tales for young readers soon to be published by Glass House Press.

Prior to turning to the world of Middle Grade and Young Adult adventure, he got his start by writing works of mystery and suspense. Ebey’s previous titles include: Broken Clock; The Red Bag; Dimensions: Tales of Suspense; and Widowfield.

These days he’s proud to be an author with Glass House Press as well a contributor to the International Thriller Writer’s online webzine,The Big Thrill.

BOOK REVIEW: Viral Airwaves / Claudie Arseneault

TITLE: Viral Airwaves
AUTHOR: Claudie Arseneault
PUBLISHER: Incandescent Phoenix Books
AVAILABILITY: Amazon

GENRE
Science Fiction--Dystopia/Solarpunk

REVIEW
Years ago, a deadly plague devastated the world and claimed Henry Schmitt's mother. A new power rose from the aftermath, uniting multiple nations under one totalitarian banner. Though Henry just wants to lay low and eat his instant noodles (and boy, does he love those damn noodles!), his life is upended one evening when a mysterious man comes to his home--pursued by a soldier hellbent on capturing him. 

The soldier, it turns out, is Hans Vermen, an army captain known for rounding up members of a ragtag rebel group hiding in the mountains. And his quarry is the rebel leader, Seraphin, also known as the White Renegade. Henry hopes to resume his humdrum existence even after the confrontation between the two, but soon finds himself pulled into a revolutionary movement he has no stomach for. After learning an earth-shattering secret left behind by his late father--one that could shake the nation to the core--Henry realizes he has no choice but to step up for the first time in his life. And so armed with a hot air balloon, radio waves, and a determined sense of what's right, Henry sets off to unleash a truth that could change the world.

Man, I really enjoyed this book! I've always been a big fan of rebel stories--from Star Wars to V for Vendetta to the Lunar Chronicles, etc.--and I'm happy to add Claudie Arseneault's VIRAL AIRWAVES to my collection of "dogged underdog" stories. First off, Henry is a delightful protagonist. He's not just a reluctant hero--he's an incompetent one who has to figure out what this whole rebel business even means. He can't shoot, can't strategize, can't even work up the courage to leave home at first... He's as unlikely as they come. And seeing a character start from such a place and then grow into the hero of the story is incredibly satisfying. Also, he's very sympathetic, believable, and relatable. Because let's face it: If this world turned into a dystopia, most of us would probably be Henrys.

The book also features a fantastic cast of supporting characters. Actually, I'm not sure if "supporting" is the right word, since one of them feels more like a co-protagonist. Hans Vermen is cast as a villain of sorts initially--an establishment crony responsible for the deaths of many of the good guys' friends. Yet his backstory is plenty sympathetic--he became such a single-minded hunter of rebels after their leader killed his brother, and everything he does ultimately comes from a place of love and grief. You soon get the feeling that the Union was using that love and grief to fashion him into a weapon, practically to the point of brainwashing. When a rebel named Andreal shows kindness and generosity in spite of his past, Hans begins questioning his worldview, and we're set up for a fantastic redemption arc. And boy, do I love me some redemption arcs! I really loved watching his character develop over the course of the book as he's forced to confront himself and decide what kind of person he wants to be. And I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to reveal that he also wrestles with his sexuality, adding a compelling facet to his character and some much-needed gay rep to the world of sci-fi.

VIRAL AIRWAVES also features really interesting world-building, depicting an alternate world (possibly Earth, possibly not) in which petroleum is all but gone, and so most technology is distinctly old-fashioned. Airships, balloons, radios, and pistols. The rebels dwell in a low-tech mountain hideout consisting mostly of caves and tunnels. Yet there are hints that the world used to house more advanced technology, which gives the book a "regressive future" type of feel. A little post-apocalyptic, and yet almost idyllic in some ways. The world wasn't destroyed; humanity just scaled back.

Though Henry is ostensibly the main character, this book is about more than one young man's journey. It's the story about characters within a larger world, with multiple plotlines that diverge, then intersect, then diverge, then intersect, weaving in and out of each other to form a riveting narrative about revolution, friendship, and finding out not just who you are, but who you could be. It's got thrilling twists, exciting action, touching character relationships, and some quirky humor (especially in the bits starring Henry "Noodle Man" Schmitt). I stayed up way too late two nights in a row reading this book and was rather sad when it was over, because it's just that good.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stories have always been an important part of my life. From reading to roleplaying to writing, I can’t think of a moment characters haven’t lived in my head and I’m proud to be able to share them at last. I'm a proud asexual writer from Quebec City, lover of squids and hot air balloon, and I aim to provide awesome LGBTQIAP+ science fiction and fantasy!

Here's my Shore Leave schedule!

Hey everyone! This weekend is Shore Leave, a fan-run sci-fi/fantasy convention in Hunt Valley, MD
(near Baltimore). I'll be speaking on a few panels and hustling in the Dealer's Room. Here's my panel schedule:

Friday, July 15

6PM-7PM Why We Love Sci-Fi (Hunt Room)

Saturday, July 16

12PM-1PM Kick Ass Women Heroes (Salon A)

Sunday, July 17

11AM-12PM Step One: Writing! Step Three: Published (Derby)

3PM-4PM Does Author Gender Matter? (Chase)

4PM-5PM Connecting With Readers in the Modern World (Concierge)

You can also find me in the Dealer's Room all three days. The Dealer's Room hours are:

Friday: 2PM-8PM
Saturday: 10AM-7PM
Sunday: 10AM-5PM

Hope to see y'all at Shore Leave!

BOOK REVIEW: Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper, #1) / Daniel Jose Older

Title: Shadowshaper (Shadowshaper, #1)
Author: Daniel Jose Older
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Availability: Amazon (and more)

GENRE
Young Adult--Urban Fantasy

REVIEW

There's been a lot of praise for Daniel Jose Older's YA urban fantasy SHADOWSHAPER, and let me start by telling you that it's all merited. Every last bit. This is an incredibly well-written book that combines the fun of teen adventures with rich cultural details.

Sierra Santiago plans to spend her summer painting murals and hanging out with her friends in their Brooklyn neighborhood. But then a painting starts crying real tears, and soon, a zombie-like creature attacks, throwing Sierra's world into disarray. Sierra, with the help of a fellow artist named Robbie, starts piecing together clues from the past and discovers the world of shadowshaping—using magic to infuse spirits into art. Her own familial bonds to the magic turn out to be stronger than she could have imagined—which is both thrilling and dangerous. Someone is killing off the shadowshapers, and Sierra soon finds herself a target.

Holy moly, this was a good book! Full of humor, adventure, magic, thrills, and a fantastic cast of characters, SHADOWSHAPER had me hooked from the start. I loved everything about it—the voice, the plot, the characters, the setting, the descriptions, the magic… Like I said, everything. I got this one on audio, and Anika Noni Rose's amazing narration gave it extra sparkle, breathing life into an already vivacious tale. The right narrator can make or break an audiobook, and I'm happy to say that Rose took SHADOWSHAPER to the next level.

Confession time: I actually finished this book about three months ago and have been meaning to write a review ever since. Why the procrastinating? Well, frankly it's my reviewer insecurity kicking in. This happens when I read a book so good, I don't even know how to adequately express why I love it. And then I feel like I'm short-changing a book I adore. But what can I do other than gush in my own way?

Sierra is a smart, funny, strong, confident, independent young heroine who's easy to love. She's proud of her heritage and won't stand for any old-school prejudices, even when it comes from within her own family. She's a heroine for a new generation, one that's more diverse and aware of the prejudices that plague us and, frankly, tired of reading about the same types of (straight/white/male) protagonists over and over. I loved how Sierra's Puerto Rican heritage is an integral part of who she is—from her family life to how she presents herself to the origins of the magic.

Not only is SHADOWSHAPER an important book for tackling matters of racism and sexism and colorism, it's also just a damn good story. Teens wielding magic, searching for clues in a frenetic city, and taking on a dastardly villain? Who doesn't love a fun adventure like that? Part of what makes this book so brilliant is how it weaves its social commentary seamlessly into the story, so you're absorbing its themes and messages while following Sierra on a supernatural quest for answers.

Anyway, better commentators than me have written worthier reviews of this amazing book—take one look at the Editorial Reviews on Amazon to see what I mean. I just want to say that I highly, highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend SHADOWSHAPER (especially the audiobook version) and I can't say enough how much I loved it. And I was soooooo excited when I found out that there will be TWO SEQUELS! That's right, this is a trilogy opener! Though for those of you who don't like cliffhangers, don't worry--this book has a pretty satisfying conclusion while leaving room for more :-)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel José Older is the author of Half-Resurrection Blues (book one of the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series from Penguin’s Roc Books) and the upcoming Young Adult novel Shadowshaper (Scholastic’s Arthur A. Levine Books, 2015). Publishers Weekly hailed him as a “rising star of the genre” after the publication of his debut ghost noir collection, Salsa Nocturna. He co-edited the anthology Long Hidden: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History and guest edited the music issue of Crossed Genres. His short stories and essays have appeared in Tor.com, Salon, BuzzFeed, the New Haven Review, PANK, Apex and Strange Horizons and the anthologies Subversion and Mothership: Tales Of Afrofuturism And Beyond. Daniel’s band Ghost Star gigs regularly around New York and he facilitates workshops on storytelling from an anti-oppressive power analysis. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at ghoststar.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter.