Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I'm Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter). The author I have interviewed next is Christopher Wager (chriswager on Twitter). I asked Chris some questions he has never been asked in any other interview. I'm certain you will enjoy learning more about him. He is very talented and successful.

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us a little about your nationality?

Chris: My family has roots in what used to be the Communist Chec Republic, which is in the democratic Czechoslovakia.

Scarberryfields: When you finished your debut novel, did you miss the characters?

Chris: Yes, I made mention to this in the novel preface. Five years is a long time to spend with a group of people. A second book would be like revisiting old friends, no family.

Scarberryfields: While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Chris: This would have to be my wife, Karen, one of the smartest people I know. Her ability to spell anything is super natural.

Scarberryfields: With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or complain about the time spent away from them?

Chris: Writing the novel became a real family project, I love my family for all their support and encouragement.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Chris: Yes, writing is a much needed creative outlet for me, and an escape into a world I have never been until I write it.

Scarberryfields: When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Chris: Yes, I become completely emerged in my writing, then the story takes on a life of its own. I am merely the vessel to the outside world.

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Chris: Yes, my son’s favorite thing to do is to look for plot holes in my writing.

Scarberryfields: What do you do when you aren’t writing? Do you have any hobbies or a job?

Chris: I play the violin and have many interests including reading, my whole family are big readers.

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published?

Chris: It was a how-to entitled 101 Helpful Painting Hints

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your book(s)?

Chris:   My titles can be found at Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and other book carrying retail sites around the net. It’s a little strange to see your title in Chinese. My most recent release is Stow Away.

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter). My next interview is with author, Zoe Sharp. I’m very impressed with the success of the many books she’s written. I have asked her some very candid questions and I think you’re going to enjoy her answers. I did.

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us a little about your nationality/ancestry?

Zoë Sharp: I’m a Brit with all the usual mongrel ancestry, I think — Scots and Irish and Welsh all mixed in. Much like my accent, which is also a mishmash of bits and pieces from all over the northern half of the UK.

Scarberryfields: When you finished your debut novel, did you miss the characters?

Zoë Sharp: Yes I did. Maybe that’s why I started on a sequel almost right away, and I’ve now just finished edits on book ten in the Charlie Fox series, DIE EASY.

Scarberryfields: While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Zoë Sharp: I usually muddle through, mainly because I use punctuation for its original purpose, which is to tell the reader where to pause. Therefore, I write with a definite rhythm in mind and try to use punctuation to give the reader that same rhythm as they read the book. However, if I’m really stuck I turn to my father, who was a technical editor and learned Latin. His grasp of the rules of grammar are far superior to mine.

Scarberryfields: With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or complain about the time spent away from them?

Zoë Sharp: I think the people around me accept that being a writer is as much a part of who I am as my height or the colour of my eyes. Some things are just hard to change and you simply have to accept them.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Zoë Sharp: In one form or another, I’ve made a living from words since 1988, so that’s been a huge benefit, of course! But, more than that it’s an outlet for my creativity and my imagination. What’s that saying? “The biggest journeys a man can make are inside his own head.” That about sums it up for me. Even on the most frustrating days, I wouldn’t contemplate doing anything else.

Scarberryfields: When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Zoë Sharp: I try not to, but inevitably other things tend to be a little neglected when I’m in the throes of a book. If it’s flowing, then I want to keep writing. And if it’s not going well I don’t feel I can stop until it is. Real Catch-22 situation.

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Zoë Sharp: Yes, and I still do — the ones I know will be absolutely ruthless and give me a totally honest opinion, even if it makes me mewl a bit. No point in them reading it otherwise.

Scarberryfields: Do you read ebooks? If you do, and write reviews, do you have any special process you use to write a review?

Zoë Sharp: I do have a Kindle, which I bought when I was converting my backlist for that format and wanted to make sure it would read without coding errors. And although I still prefer the ‘dead tree’ version, I do read and increasing number of ebooks. I occasionally post reviews on Goodreads, which copy through to Facebook, but only of books I like or really like. There are enough critics in the world and if I don’t like something I’d rather not say anything at all. I try to pick out the elements that most appealed to me, without giving away any plot spoilers.

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published?

Zoë Sharp: Hmm, well, edits are done for DIE EASY: Charlie Fox book ten, which will be out in the UK in October and US in Jan next year. The previous book was FIFTH VICTIM: Charlie Fox book nine, but I also have a standalone crime thriller that will be out later this summer called THE BLOOD WHISPERER, and short stories in ACTION: Pulse-pounding tales edited by Matt Hilton, and this year’s MWA anthology VENGEANCE, edited by Lee Child.

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books? 

Zoë Sharp: Bookstores, the libraries, or online, particularly on Amazon. The full list is on my website — http://www.zoesharp.com — with links as appropriate.

Scarberryfields: I want to thank you, Zoe for taking the time out from your very busy schedule to answer these questions.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know you better and again, I am very impressed with your writing.

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter). I have interviewed author, Des Birch (AuthorDes on Twitter). He is one of my favorite UK authors. As many already know, he helped me with my writing back in 2011. I lost his guidance when he started taking a class. I was crushed at that time, but he assured me that if I desperately needed his help, he’d be there for me. Well, he was. I have asked some questions, Des has never been asked online before. Enjoy!

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us a little about your nationality/ancestry?

Des: I was born in 1954 by caesarian section in a small country hospital in county Limerick, Eire.  My mother was very ill after my birth and the hospital didn’t have a baby unit, so I was transferred to another hospital and didn’t see my mother for a few months.  I tell people that this accounts for the soft spot I have for nurses, but male friends assure me that this is common among my gender.  I moved to England while still a baby.

Scarberryfields: When you finish writing a book, do you miss the characters?

Des: No never.  The characters live on inside me and when the story eventually fades I can still relive some of the more exciting passages. If you have lived your writing experience, the memories will remain with you just as vividly as those of your physical experiences.

Scarberryfields: How do you go about picking the names of your characters in your books?

Des: If I am writing about characters from a different country, I Google lists of common names for that country.  If not, I use a book that caught my eye at a car-boot sale.  It is called ‘The Big Book of Baby Names’, a curious title which seems to imply that there is also a Big Book of Adult Names.  I tend to go for some of the more unusual names like Vashti and Ashanti (used for two of the otters in Beyond Dark Waters).

Scarberryfields: The synopses for your books are very good. Did you refer to any written materials for guidance?

Des: No, I’m not very good at taking advice (often to my detriment).  I think my life would have been much easier had I mastered this simple task!  I always seem to want to learn things for myself; often the hard way.  Perhaps this gives my writing a slightly different tilt.  I see writing as a pure experience in which there are no taboos.  If graphic sex or graphic violence are an integral part of the story, why omit them?  The sequel I’m writing to my YA book includes the death of a loved one.  Some people might think that it is not a fit subject for children, but many children are forced to go through it so why not explain the steps in the grieving process and say why it is not only all right but absolutely necessary?

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Des: From a cynical point of view I could say it was the only way I can get people to listen to me.  Seriously though, some of my writing is set purely to entertain and some of it set to teach.  What we give to others also benefits us.

Scarberryfields: When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Des: Ha ha!  Julie (my wife) can never understand that while I’m writing or studying I will have my email sites and Facebook open.  Some years ago a study was completed on teenagers doing their homework.  The study concluded that they learnt better with music or TV on than they did by studying in silence.  Having familiar things around me allows me to feel more at ease and therefore able to concentrate better.  I found out today that the building in which I will be taking exam later this year, is situated near a river.  I’m so happy because being close to water is the best possible setting for me.

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Des: I was living in Spain when I wrote my debut novel.  My partner at the time read it and gave me a lot of constructive criticism.  Then we discussed what was missing from the story and I did something that ‘experts’ say is not only unwise to try, but impossible to do: I added another character and wove her into the story.  Now I can’t imagine the story without her and I happen to know that she is Becky’s favourite character.

Scarberryfields: What do you do when you aren’t writing? Do you have any hobbies or a job?

Des: Yes I work full time in engineering.  I am also studying the final course for my BSc Honours with the Open University.  Some of the things I have learnt about the natural world have been put into my YA novel.

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published?

Des: The last book I wrote was a bully!  I had arranged my year to include finishing the sequel to my YA novel, as well as completing my Uni. course.  I then had a few books patiently waiting in line to be written.  From out of nowhere this novel jumped into my head fully complete and demanding to be written!  I couldn’t ignore it as it was interfering with my studies.  The book was completed in three months.  It is called ‘Lamia’ and its scene is set high up in the Colombian Andes where drug barons rule.  The story tells of one girl’s struggle for survival after being captured by the mountain-men who work for the drug barons.  This is a place where life is cheap and both sex and violence are a part of everyday life.  I also write books for young people and I wouldn’t want them to look-up ‘…also by the same author’… and start reading Lamia.  For this reason I wrote it under the nom-de-plume ‘Juliandes’.

Scarberryfields: Where can people find your books?

Des Birch: US - http://www.amazon.com/Des-Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref

Des Birch: UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Des-Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref

Juliandes:  US -  http://www.amazon.com/Lamia-ebook/dp/B008AK8VVW

Juliandes:  UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lamia-ebook/dp/B008AK8VVW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342942826&sr=8-1

Thank you, Des. It has been such a pleasure getting to know you just a Little bit better. Thank you so much for taking time out from your busy schedule to answer my questions.

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter).  I have now interviewed authors, PJ Hawkinson and Karen Wodke (Wodkehawkinson on Twitter). I have wanted to interview this writing duo for a long time. Not only am impressed by their writing talents, but I consider them both friends of mine. I’m certain you will enjoy getting to know them a little better, as much as I have.

Scarberryfields: Please tell us about everything you have written (published and unpublished).

PJ and Karen: Catch Her in the Rye, Selected Short Stories, Volume One---Blue, Selected Short Stories, Volume Two---Alone, Selected Short Stories, Volume Three
Betrayed and Betrayed-Alternate Ending
Zeke, our latest novel, just released
And Tangerine, which is coming soon

Scarberryfields: Once you finish writing fiction, do you miss the characters in the books?

PJ and Karen: We missed Brook and Lance, from Betrayed; that’s why we enjoyed writing Betrayed-Alternate Ending because it was like being with old friends. There are also a number of characters in our short story volumes that hold a special place in our hearts, but they’re too numerous to mention.

Scarberryfields: While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

PJ and Karen: We often turn to The Bedford Handbook for the majority of our issues and make visits online for those we are still unsure about.

Scarberryfields: With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or complain about the time spent away from them?

PJ: My husband is extremely supportive; he even steals my proof copies when I finish with them. The rest of my family are involved with their own activities and my writing doesn’t affect them much.

Karen: My husband is not much of a reader, so he doesn’t get too involved with my writing. However, he is glad I can work from home now because he knows I’m much happier this way. And he does attend our book signings.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

PJ: I dream. Vivid, wild, and crazy dreams. Writing is a way for me to turn my dreams into tales that others can enjoy. Working with Karen is the most beneficial thing that has happened for me. The two of us round off each other’s works and make the finished project much better than what I could produce alone.

Karen: PJ’s right. We work well together and there is a huge advantage to having input from two people. For me, writing is not only enjoyable, but it’s definitely an outlet. In addition to that, it’s a great way to make a living. I think the biggest benefit for me personally is the freedom, freedom to be in control of my own schedule and to do the kind of work that is gratifying.

Scarberryfields: When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

PJ and Karen: Absolutely not, because we need to let our readers know what’s coming next and attend to the promotion of our completed books. Plus, we like to stay informed on current works of other writers. It can be a bit of a distraction to network while we are working on a project, but one we feel is worth it. Connecting with readers and with other authors is something we really enjoy.

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

PJ and Karen: At this time, we have not used Beta readers and have no plans of doing so in the future.

Scarberryfields: Do you read ebooks? If you do, and write reviews, do you have any special process you use to write a review?

PJ: I read mostly ebooks since I got my Kindle. I haven’t done many reviews; although, I have read several books that I need to post reviews on. I don’t have a special process, but I need to develop one.

Karen: I love my Kindle, but I do enjoy the feel of a “real” book in my hands. So, I read both. I try to leave reviews for most books I read. In reviews, I try to cover the technical aspect of the author’s work (skill level of the writing, lack of typos, good editing, etc.), along with the delivery of the plot, whether a story is interesting, the author’s voice, etc. Most important to me is whether I enjoyed the book and believe that other readers will also like it. I don’t focus a lot on plausibility because all fiction is just that, fiction, but I do like the implausible to be presented in a way that is consistent with the story and believable in the context of the tale. In my reviews, I look for the positive aspects of the work, even if I don’t agree with the content, unless something is just so outrageous or preachy that it stands out in a negative way.

I find that writing a lot takes time away from my reading, though.

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published? Also, where can we find this book?

PJ and Karen: Our new release is Zeke, a dark novel of sexual obsession, psychological manipulation, and looming peril. It’s about Sue Cox, a naive college student who falls for the exciting new clerk at the local used bookstore. Captivated by Zeke’s brooding good looks and menacing but irresistible charisma, Sue capitulates to his will, leaving her wide open for exploitation. Zeke begins to exert subtle control and entices her to leave town with him. As they travel, his behavior grows more deviant and increasingly volatile.

After Sue’s car is found deserted in an outlying cemetery, the police dismiss her parents’ concerns since it appears Sue left willingly. The Coxes immediately hire William Falstaff, a small-town private investigator. He begins his inquiry with only two objectives: first, to verify that Sue’s departure is voluntary; and second, to provide her family with information on her whereabouts. A simple case. However, he soon finds himself locked into a chase to save Sue’s life. The driving question in Zeke is will the investigator find her in time or will she become another victim of this cunning sociopath?

An interesting point about Zeke is the fact that we set the novel aside more than once, due to our dislike of our title character. For a while, we allowed our personal feelings about him to interfere with our writing. We found excuses to work on anything other than Zeke. But as we expanded on the part played by the hero of the tale, William Falstaff, PI, it seemed to give some positive counter-balance to the despicable behavior of Zeke. At first, we didn’t plan on the investigator playing a very big role because it’s not a detective story, but fleshing out Will’s character renewed our interest in finishing the manuscript. Probably no one will like the character, Zeke; but we hope readers enjoy the book, Zeke. 

Zeke is available at

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/180705

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J9DH2M

Nook at Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zeke-wodke-hawkinson/1112034199?ean=2940014592161 

It will also be available in paperback soon.

Scarberryfields: What can you tell us about your next writing project?

PJ and Karen: We are currently revising Tangerine, our futuristic novel, for re-publication, hopefully by the end of July, 2012 in e-format.

We are going to begin our fantasy novel. PJ has a world already built inside her head, and we and plan to bring it to life on the pages of our next book.

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books?

PJ and Karen:

On Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/wodke-hawkinson

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wodke-Hawkinson/e/B00572KLX2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

On Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/wodkehawkinson

And they can visit our website: http://wodke-hawkinson.com/

Or our reader/authors site: http://findagoodbooktoread.com/

We’d love to connect with more readers and fellow authors on twitter also: @WodkeHawkinson

Or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wodke.hawkinson

PJ and Karen: Thank you, Becky for this opportunity to be interviewed on your site.

Scarberryfields: This has been great getting to know both of you a little better. I wish the both of you, continued success with your writing.

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter). I have interviewed author, Pamela Scholes. Hope you enjoy reading her heartfelt answers to my questions:

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us a little about your nationality/ancestry?

Pamela: I suppose I do not look too deeply into that. I have just always thought that above all I was my own human being first.

Scarberryfields: Please tell us about everything you have written (published and unpublished).

Pamela: I have been writing all of my life. I have just published my first book this year but I have so much material to work with that I don’t often know where to start next. I have many short stories, which I would like to see as a four set compilation and a self-help book in the works as well. My genre is not specific, as I like to mix things up and offer up different avenues of myself so that I may reach various avenues of others.

Scarberryfields: Once you finish writing a poem or fiction, do you miss the characters you’ve written about?

Pamela: Particularly my poetry I do miss. It is always such a compilation of work over time that they become like dear friends to me in which I am often afraid to part with and share. I must confess though that I do still go back and visit them from time to time, it is amazing what hearing your own words speak back to you have to say. We just don’t realize how much we inspire ourselves. So, yes I do miss them when they are gone.

Scarberryfields: While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Pamela: to be straight honest with you, I am horrible at punctuation. I know I take advantage of using dashes and such but that is how it is in my head. I read a lot of the older original conversational and inspirational poems and since that is my same general way of writing, I simply excused my errors in my first book as saying that I thought poetry had more leeway with things like that. I am trying a better approach since the next book is very different than this first one. Let’s hope I get better at it! I see a work in progress ahead on that note.

Scarberryfields: With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or complain about the time spent away from them?

Pamela: My mother has always pushed and believed in me as a writer, she knew it long before I did. To me I had thoughts and feelings that would not come out in voice so they came out in the written word. Besides, when I am away from them it is usually at 2:00 a.m. and they are asleep anyway. They don’t know it when they miss me.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Pamela: Oh, yes! Writing is my passion, my outlet, and at times a therapeutic purging. As I said, what will not come out in voice comes out in the written word. It benefits me by forcing me to loosen up and just let go, to explore new avenues and open new doors to myself so that I may share self-discovery with others. Writing has opened my eyes to so much and I know that every life we touch touches ours. I love sharing those experiences. I want to encourage people not to look at life through a faded lens but rather through life’s eyes and see the large beautiful picture. I have come to know myself better and who I am so perhaps this will help me in helping others. The blank pages before me give me motivation to dig deeper inside to share the flowers I have sown in my garden within me. It has made me appreciate so many things that we tend to rush past; it has made me appreciate and respect time. Today is a promise and tomorrow is a blessing.

Scarberryfields: When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Pamela: When I work I shut off everything, except my phone, it is my lifeline. I can get into what I call my “zone” and when I am there, I am no longer aware of what is going on around me. I mean if the house caught on fire I would probably be the last one out because I get so absorbed in what I am working on. I have a place inside that I go to write so the outside surroundings or close by technical ones, do not really disturb me.

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Pamela: I did subject my mother to much reading and re-reading as I was preparing my first book. Some of the poems were written for certain people and if they read it, I hope they recognize it. I use experiences of my own-I am a Gemini so I can often spare one side- and those of friends and total strangers. I listen to everyone for they all have a story that day and though we may never meet again I have walked away with something that will come back around and somehow be perfectly fitting for what I am working on at the time. It is those stories that inspire all writers, I believe. I borrow all that I can from life and the people it places in my path. Everyone is placed in our path for a reason and it matters not how long they stay for they are there to serve a purpose at the time. Some stay only a short time while others stay forever and if we are lucky we will learn from both.

Scarberryfields: Do you read ebooks? If you do, and write reviews, do you have any special process you use to write a review?

Pamela: I love to read, always have but as of late the time to do that has diminished. I have thrown myself into writing so heavily that it steals my time to read. I try to give reviews on the things I read for I think we inspire each other as writers. I want to give people that push they need when they see a good review on their book for I know how inspirational and motivational it can be. I believe in “sharing the love.”

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published? Also, where can we find this book?

Pamela: I currently have my first release, “Through the eyes of Life”, available on Amazon and B&N and I am proud that it has held 5 stars. No “horn blowing” here just a little personal accomplishment. My second book shall be out, hopefully, by the end of July. I have tightly crossed fingers, so tightly crossed some days that I fear I may cut off my circulation!

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books?

Pamela: I am available online at Amazon and B&N and many other online stores as well.  I don’t even know everywhere that it is available but I do get much feedback from my “contact” tab on my website and those come from all over the place. I received one from a lady in Australia and she loved it, said she has read it three times already. I almost wanted to cry I was so touched. You can find me on FB and at pamscholes.com. My website will lead readers to direct links to find me. I hope that readers will find one of them on their coffee tables or night stands, that is where I like to think I would find them. I can also be found on Twitter with many “feel good” words posted to give readers an idea of what the book is about. I have enjoyed the journey of the first book and for those who read it then I wish you as bountiful a journey in reading it as I had in writing it. I hope my words come across with a fiery, deep down passion that simply reaches in and grabs you.

Scarberryfields: Thank you, Pam for answering my questions. I have enjoyed getting to know you better. I wish you the best with your published works and those in the future.

Hello and thank you for visiting my blog today. I am Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter. My next interview is with a very interesting and talented author. His name is Reb MacRath. You are all going to really enjoy this, trust me!

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us a little about your nationality?

Reb: For me, that's the trickiest question.  And it's one that taps into the heart of everything I've written, so I'll give it my best shot.  I'm an American, twice over.  I've written about this experience at length in my next ebook, Nobility.  To summarize:  I was born in Buffalo, NY but renounced my citizenship in Toronto, Ontario.  Though I'd planned to become a Canadian, I never did...and drifted as a stateless person for the next seven years.  Realizing what I'd done in 1976, I began a long legal battle to return to the States.  I was granted a Green Card in 1979...remaining stateless for another half-decade, until I formally re-became an American citizen.  By that time I'd been 'Nothing' for nearly a third of my life.  The price was high, but worth it because I'd learned a wonderful lesson:  Before, I'd been haunted by the sense of arbitrariness. I had had nothing to do with my having been born in this country, but I'd come back knowing I was one in my blood and in my bones.

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us about your ancestry?

Reb: Born Irish.  But, once again, I'd had nothing to say about that.  Scotland has always called to me.  And twenty years ago, when I first started to write a thriller called Southern Scotch, I identified so strongly with the hero that I adapted Scotland as my spiritual source. 

Scarberryfields: Please tell us about everything you have written (published and unpublished).

Reb:  I had a long apprenticeship.  In Canada I developed a successful freelance practice, writing book reviews and personality profiles for the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun and various literary 'zines.  The highpoint was a 13-part series sold to the Toronto Star about quitting smoking, which went on to appear in all major Canadian papers.  This background proved to be useless when I returned to the States.  And it would be another eight years before I published my first novel, The Suiting, with Tor.  That was in 1988.  Tor also published Makoto in 1990.  Though I'd always wanted to write mysteries, I found myself firmly locked in the horror genre.  When Tor passed on my next book option, I moved on to Dell, which published Mastery and Angel Kiss, in 1991 and 1993.  And then began my long stretch in The Desert.

Scarberryfields:  What happened?

Reb:  Changes in the industry, decline of the horror genre, and a disastrous change in agents...I think I'll spare y'all the details for now. I only thought I was alone.  Nearly all the bright stars then went under as well. Midlist Monsters like myself.

Scarberryfields: Once you finish writing a poem or fiction, do you miss the characters you’ve written about?

Reb:  Yes.  I miss Boss MacTavin, the hero of Southern Scotch, terribly.  The sequel's already completed.  So we'll have a groovy reunion when I get to revise and proof it.  But then we'll be apart a while. I've been so busy e-pubbing my Desert books, I haven't started Boss 3.

Scarberryfields: While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Reb:  The long apprenticeship I mentioned gave me a solid foundation, I think.  Plus, I went on to work with some world-class editors at both Dell and Tor.  I still have my old copy of The Chicago Manual of Style and find Google a trustworthy guide for fundamental matters.  Finally, I trust my ears and eyes:  'Between you and I?'  Noooooo, no more than we'd say 'Between you and we'.  Etc.

Scarberryfields: With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or complain about the time spent away from them?

Reb:  I live alone these days. For a long while I saw that as a curse, but now it's a blessing and a matter of choice.  I chose an unusual job to give me time to write in sustained stretches, something I'd never been able to do.  Basically, I work third shift: 7 nights on, then a full week off.  I tell young ladies, whom I meet to think of me as a sort of grounded airline pilot:  I'm a lot of fun when I'm around...but my hours are irregular.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Reb:  Where else could I get to star in my own home movies, saving whole worlds that I've wrecked in real life?  The pay's nothing to brag about so far, but I enjoy top billing.

Scarberryfields: When you are writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Reb:  So far, I haven't had to. Then again, I'm rewriting and proofing a series of books, I labored on for years.  Ask me again next year, when I begin Boss 3!

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Reb: No. But over the years I've come to appreciate the importance -no, the necessity of having a core of these readers.  The great trick is to find a group that's supportive and loyal, yet also fearlessly frank. 

Scarberryfields: Do you read ebooks? If you do, and write reviews, do you have any special process you use to write a review?

Reb: I bought a Kindle reader recently and am putting it to good use.  There's some amazing ebook talent out there and part of my job, I believe, is keeping current with my field.  I've just started writing reviews on my readings.  As a matter of fact, the Kindle reader assists me in the process, since I enter my notes as I go and highlight passages I like. 

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published? Also, where can we find this book?

Reb:  I've provided the particulars above for my four trad-pubbed books (under the name Kelley Wilde).  These are all out of print, but most can be found on Amazon. 

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your new books?

Reb:  From now through 2013, I'll publish all of my Desert Storm books written since Angel Kiss in 1993—as ebooks on Amazon Kindle.  These will all be updated, revised and in keeping with my present standards.  Readers can find The Vanishing Magic of Snow and Southern Scotch on Amazon. By the end of July, Nobility will join the front line of my siege.  Next year, joining the new books, will be a 25th Anniversary edition of my first book, The Suiting.  If the interest is there, I may revise and reissue the other 3 Kelley Wilde books.

Scarberryfields: What makes a novel a Reb MacRath book?

Reb: My books are all thrillers, but in their own way.  I'm sick of books I can't put down. Anyone can write one with a half-dozen hooks and some narrative glue. I offer books you can, will and must put down repeatedly in order to gather a tan in the sun of their style or savor a tryst with a foxy young phrase.

Scarberryfields: Say, Reb, just one last question...How old are you, anyway?

Reb: Oh, that's on a Need to No basis. :)

Scarberryfields: Thank you so much, Reb. After reading your answers to my questions, I could hardly wait to post this on my blog. To have you and all of the other authors, consent to having me interview them, I now feel like I know all of you so much better. I am certain all of the people taking the time to read these wonderful interviews, will feel the same. I feel so honored.

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am Rebecca Scarberry—Scarberryfields on Twitter. I have another treat for you. I have interviewed author, Robert P. French. He wrote two novels: Junkie and the sequel, Oboe (unpublished). Robert has never been asked the following questions and you will find his answers very interesting.

Scarberryfields: Can you tell us a little about your nationality/ancestry?

Robert: First Rebecca, thank you very much for doing this interview, I really do appreciate it.

I'm a dual citizen of Britain and Canada. I was born in Oxford, England and raised in London. I lived in Spain and Sweden for a while but settled in Canada and made my way slowly westward to Vancouver.

Scarberryfields: When you finished your debut novel, did you miss the characters?

Robert: I knew that I would write a sequel and that the characters would come along with me on the ride, but there is one character who dies in Junkie and whom I really, really miss. While writing the sequel, Oboe, several times I wanted to bring him back to life. Unfortunately, it's difficult to work the undead into a crime fiction, mystery novel.

Scarberryfields: While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Robert: I went to a school where a huge emphasis was placed on correct grammar, so I trust my own judgment. I follow George Orwell's six rules of writing, especially the last one "Break any of these rules sooner than saying anything outright barbarous." I frequently make a conscious decision to break the rules of grammar where it will add strength or impact to the writing. Although the Oxford Dictionary says that it is now OK to split an infinitive, it's one rule I never break. My characters however are real people and break the rules all the time.

I use a great independent editor, Lisa Rector-Maass, to help me with the big things and my wife and four of my friends were very helpful in proofreading.

Scarberryfields: With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or complain about the time spent away from them?

Robert: I have a very supportive family. My wife is amazing. I absolutely could not have done it without her support and encouragement.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Robert: It's not made me rich yet but hopefully that's a matter of time. :-)) It certainly makes me happy because it has become my passion.

Scarberryfields: When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Robert: I go to the Vancouver Public Library to write, it is peaceful, quiet and provides a perfect environment for a writer. When I am writing, everything is shut off.

Scarberryfields: Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Robert: My wife read draft 2 and helped with proofreading the final draft.

Scarberryfields: Do you read ebooks? If you do, and write reviews, do you have any special process you use to write a review?

Robert: I only read ebooks now. I like writing reviews because it helps encourage and support my fellow indie authors but I don't consider myself a 'professional' reviewer so I don't have a formal process. I just focus on what I liked about each book.

Scarberryfields: What is the last book called that you completed and published?

Robert: My debut novel, Junkie. I just sent the sequel Oboe to my editor, so I expect that it will be available in August.

As an aside, in the five years before I penned the first words of Junkie, I started several other novels and completed one which just wasn't good enough. Those five years were my 'apprenticeship'.

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books?

Robert: Junkie is available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.

Scarberryfields: Thank you so much, Robert for answering my questions. Congratulations on your success and I look forward to reading Oboe.

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I am Rebecca Scarberry (Scarberryfields on Twitter). I have a treat for you. I have interviewed author, Douglas Wickard. He is the author of the popular novel entitled, A Perfect husband. I have asked him some questions, he has never been asked before. ENJOY!

Scarberryfields:  Can you tell us a little about your nationality/ancestry?

Doug: I am Scandinavian, German on my mother’s side and American Indian, English on my father’s side. In other words, a mutt.

Scarberryfields:  Have you always lived in Los Angeles, California?

Doug: I was born in Ohio, but left home early, at the age of sixteen and joined the Navy. By the age of twenty-three I had traveled the globe (join the Navy – see the world). My last duty station was Port Hueneme, California. Upon finishing my enlistment, I was hired for a lab tech position at UCLA Hospital, thus my roots in Los Angeles. After three years, I moved to New York City and lived there until 2000 when I moved back to Los Angeles.

Scarberryfields:  When you finished your debut novel, did you begin to miss the characters in your story?

Doug: For the most part, once I finish a novel, the characters leave me alone. I’ve tied up the loose ends so they are content. It’s when I start writing again that the characters begin to swim in my head and rattle my thoughts. Sami can be very persistent in her need to get to the page.

Scarberryfields:  While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you turn?

Doug: I’m pretty good with grammar and punctuation. My Achilles heel is spelling. I have dictionaries placed strategically throughout my house. I use them for the most ridiculous of words. Usually every day words. Thank God, for spell check.

Scarberryfields: Does writing benefit you in any way and if so, how?

Doug:Writing has always been a portal for self-expression. I began as a teenager writing poetry, then short stories. I wrote my first musical -- WAITING -- when I moved to New York City. From that point forward, my writing has been a gradual progression of different styles and formats. I never held myself back. I always allowed myself creative freedom.  

Scarberryfields:  When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?

Doug: Yes. I can’t have distractions in the zone. It has to be 100% focus. That’s why I usually write early in the morning, before the sun comes up. I love that quiet, dark time.

Scarberryfields:  Did you use any family member as Beta readers for your debut novel?

Doug: I did. I chose six people, including my family. They were excellent choices. They gave me honest, constructive feedback. One of my sister’s was so invested in Sami she wrote a three-page synopsis of the book. It was emotionally moving to read somebody’s intimate take on the story. And, then, another sister didn’t like the book at all.  Honesty.

Scarberryfields:  Have you completed any other works?

Doug: I have three complete trunk novels. I’m sure at some point they will see the light of day. I am also working on the sequel to A PERFECT HUSBAND called A PERFECT SETUP.

Thank you so much, Doug for answering my questions honestly and without hesitation. It has been a pleasure knowing you over the past five months. As you know, I read your debut novel and wrote a 5* review. I am looking forward to reading A Perfect Setup. Certain I will love it, because I love your style of writing.