AOTR Interviews S.A. Brown

This month we are happy to bring you an interview with S.A. Brown. Enjoy and please support this authors work!

AOTR: Please give the readers a brief Bio on you the person and tell us about yourself.

SA Brown: I love telling stories. Even as a child, I made up characters and gave them little lives. I wrote most of them down and still have them in worn-out notebooks. Today, I write for the stage, the screen, and the page. Ultimately, I want to share all of my stories with the world.

AOTR: When did you begin writing?

SA Brown: I started writing at an early age. I was in the sixth grade when I wrote an essay for English class about my grandfather. My teacher entered it in a local contest and I won. From then on, I knew an audience for my stories was out there.

AOTR: What pushed you to write your book?

SA Brown: I would snippets to my friends and they would love it. They would tell me you got to finish this story and do something with these words. People should hear about this.

AOTR: How did you come up with the characters in your book? 

SA Brown: It started out as a coming-of-age story and it still is. The characters just kind of appeared to me, one by one, urging me to tell their story. Over the course of writing, the characters changed and reinvented themselves. 

AOTR: Were the characters and writing the story easy for you, or did you have to outline and do research?

SA Brown:  It was easy when I could focus on the story. I do outline so I can stay on track. 

AOTR: How long did it take you to complete your book? Will there be a sequel. If so, when do you plan to release it?

SA Brown: It took me ten years to get the first draft on paper. That means the story was always in my head, but I needed to get it on paper. The process took so long because I'd write for three months and walk away from the story for three months. Initially, a sequel was not in the works, but as more people read it, they demand a sequel. I am not sure of a release date but it won't take me ten years to get the first draft done. 

AOTR: After reading your book, what do you hope the reader will take away?

SA Brown: Honestly, I want the reader to understand that no matter what wrong you do, no matter who you betray or disappoint, God is always there for you. He is waiting for you to let Him in. God in the sense of whoever is your Higher Power, the existence of whatever or whoever is better and bigger than you.

AOTR: Has anything about the publishing Industry surprised you? 

SA Brown: I feel a sense of 'hurry up and wait' situation. Your deadline is two weeks. Now give your editor two months to get back with you. Hurry up with your idea of a cover and them give your graphic artist time to create it. Time is so relative in this industry.

AOTR: Would you like to share a few things you learn while in the publishing industry?

SA Brown: One thing I've learned is the importance of a marketing plan and the finances of completing that plan. SA Brown is not just an author but a brand that requires lots and lots of time to build. My biggest is lesson is that patience is its own reward. All things come together in due time.

AOTR: If you could write a book together with any author, dead or alive, who would it be? 

SA Brown: I would love to write a book with E. Lynn Harris. He was my favorite author and gave me the inspiration to tell a different kind of story.

AOTR: If your book was made into a movie, what actors would you choose for the characters? Why?

SA Brown: I am actually working on a script adaptation right now. Mehcad Brooks would be a perfect Christian Goodman with Kerry Washington playing Dr. Devin Rainey. Mehcad has the looks and confidence to pull off Christian's bravado. Kerry can show off Devin's tough exterior but also reveal Devin's tender and insecure interior. My favorite character in the book is Dane. I think Wesley Jonathan would do wonders as Dane and would ultimately steal the shine from the two leads. 

AOTR: Besides writing, what are some of your other talents and hobbies?

SA Brown: I love going to the movies. I act, produce, and direct. I golf quite a bit and I love collecting vinyl. 

AOTR: What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring authors?

SA Brown: Learn the craft of writing and then never stop writing. If you have a story, someone somewhere needs to read it.

AOTR: What current projects are you working on? Will you be attending any events, book fairs or have any book signings?

SA Brown: Currently, I am producing a play called Stop the Funeral. I write for a tv talk show called The Attic which is aired on Bounce TV. I am in pre-production for my web series called The Inner Circle. I am working with TBell Actors Studio to improve my acting muscle. I have a lot of pots cooking on the stove.

AOTR: Where can readers find more information on you and your work?

SA Brown: My website, www.sabentertainment.com You can order an autographed copy of Still Not Satisfied. On Facebook, you can add me: SA Brown and Author SA Brown.

S.A.'S ten favorite things:

Shoes: Nike--The only athletic shoe I wear

Season: Autumn, I love watching nature go into relaxation and revitalization mode

Food: Just about any kind of fruit

Song: Cannot narrow that down to one song, not even one genre.

Fruit: watermelon: In the summer, I eat it all day long.

Day of the week: Sunday, my time to relax and still prepare for the week ahead.

Friend/why? I am blessed with an inner circle, not just one friend. We all need each other and are there when the time comes, no matter what.

Radio station: My Marvin Gaye station on Pandora

Blog: SA Brown Blog, www.authorsabrown.blogspot.com

Holiday: Father's Day. It's the time my family has our biennial family reunion in honor of my grandfather, James Brown, whom we lost in 2001. We began the tradition in 2002.

Thanks to the Authors on the Rise Blog for this opportunity to share with you a small piece of my world. Blessings to all!!!

SA Brown

AOTR INTERVIEWS AUBRIANNA HUNTER

AOTR is happy to bring you an Interview with the talented, AUBRIANNA HUNTER. Please show support by buying the author's book(s) or sharing this interview. Thanks in advance!

 Please give the readers a brief Bio on you the person and tell us about yourself.

Hunter: I am 38, almost 39. Married to a Navy Chief, mother of two amazing kids. I live in the suburbs with my family and two Golden Retrievers, who are far more well known in our neighborhood than I am. I love holistic medicine, yoga, meditation. I am a gluten free vegan. However, I wear mostly black, including black or purple lipstick. My friend says I am a hippie in Goth clothing.

 When did you begin writing?

 HUNTER: I know the expected answer is 'I've been writing all my life', and I guess in some ways that's true. I used to write poetry, back in high school. I even one a poetry contest my Senior year. But I've never been much of a journal kind of girl, nor had I ever written short stories. I had always been good at things like college papers, and even speeches and debate, but that was it. I started really writing when I wrote my first book.

What pushed you to write your book?

HUNTER: I actually started writing because I had read a series of really terrible books all in a row. I had read everything by my favorite authors, and just couldn't seem to find anything I didn't hate. So, when I dreamed up a rather creative love scene... I decided I might as well give it a shot. Basically, I liked the stories playing in my head better than what I was reading. My friend and neighbor was a huge boost. She and I like the same authors, so she encouraged me to write. She read my first two books before anyone else ever saw them, even my husband. And she's the one that finally convinced me to attempt to get them published.

How did you come up with the characters in your book?

HUNTER: Usually, one of the characters will pop into my head in a dream. In this case, it was Gia. I could see her as clear as day. It took me a couple days to kind of flesh out her personality, using a couple different influences. Her history is based loosely on a friend, her tattoos are based on my neighbor, her clothing choices are all me! Once she was fairly well developed, I just matched her with the type of person I figured would be enough to scare her, to shake her out of her own comfort zone... And Josh was born.

Were the characters and writing the story easy for you, or did you have to outline and do research?

HUNTER: This particular book was actually very easy. Though I live in SoCal, I have a few friends that live in the Sacramento area and I have been there many times. So, the area was a real place. I changed a few things, like business names, and even added a tattoo shop, but the place was real enough I didn't have to research too much. And the characters were oddly easy in this book. That is usually the case. I will think about a character for weeks or months, until they are as real in my head as my next door neighbor. Once I really know them, writing the book, being comfortable with their dialogue, that's easy and goes pretty quickly.

How long did it take you to complete your book? Will there be a sequel. If so, when do you plan to release it?

HUNTER: Once I actually started writing, it was complete in a couple of months. I actually deleted about eight thousand words two days before it was due, and rewrote the entire ending. I had planned an ending, and wrote it out just the way I had originally envisioned it, but it felt forced, and just very, very wrong to me. So I hesitated to send it to the publisher. Finally, the night before I was supposed to submit it, I deleted it all and rewrote the whole ending. I actually left a party because I had finally figured out what was bugging me about it.

Yes, there is a sequel... I am hoping to be finished by early April. It will be called Hidden Desires... it's Deb's story. A spinoff from Hidden Depths. As for release date, I am hoping May, but I have to finish writing it first!

After reading your book, what do you hope the reader will take away?

HUNTER: With any luck, a few new ideas for the bedroom! Sorry... probably inappropriate, right? In all seriousness, my books are intended to be lighthearted entertainment. If I do it right, I may tug on some heartstrings, possibly bring a little tear to your eye, but you pick it up knowing there will be a happy ending. When they finish the books, I hope the reader feels satisfied with the couple, and happy knowing they finally got it right.

Has anything about the publishing Industry surprised you?

HUNTER: I can't say anything has surprised me, because I honestly had no idea what to expect to begin with. However, I can definitely say I have learned a lot in the last two years. It has been periods of chaos, blended with periods of absolute stagnation. I honestly still feel like I have no idea what to expect next.

Would you like to share a few things you learn while in the publishing industry?

HUNTER: Hmmm... tough question. I guess, if pressed, I would just say to be choosy. Make sure you are comfortable with your publishing house, with their art department, with your contract, and definitely with your editor. I have had a few editors, and have found that it makes an enormous difference.

If you could write a book together with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

HUNTER: Well, I am actually coauthoring a series with Jeremy Laszlo right now, called The Beyond trilogy. Having had that experience, I would definitely say it would have to be someone you get along with on a personal level. It is a lot more intimate in some ways than I would have expected it to be. So... another author... Maybe Kresley Cole. I love her books, and I have to believe that the sarcasm and humor she uses is representative of her personality, which means it would be a ton of fun!

If your book was made into a movie, what actors would you choose for the characters? Why?

HUNTER: Appearance wise, probably Emmy Rossum... she has the right features for how I see Gia, but personality and character, more Pauley Perrette. Abby is my absolute favorite TV character of all time! Or maybe... Selena Gomez? For Josh... Well, I really haven't thought about it, but maybe Paul Wesley, or Jensen Ackles. They have the right look, though Josh's hair is a bit darker. But they each have that kind of clean cut, all American, ridiculously handsome thing going for them.

Besides writing, what are some of your other talents and hobbies?

HUNTER: Hobbies? You mean, I'm supposed to have time for a hobby? LOL... With kids, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and writing, I am usually plenty busy. However, I do make time to work out. I love Yoga, and my current favorite is Brazilian Butt Lift. Absolutely love it! I'm also moderately creative in the kitchen, so I like to try new recipes when I have time.

What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring authors?

HUNTER: It probably will sound like a stock answer, but honestly, just be true to yourself. Find a tone that you like, let a little of your personality shine through your characters, make sure that you are happy with what you've written, then stand by it. If you try to mimic someone else, you aren't really writing your story.

What current projects are you working on? Will you be attending any events, book fairs or have any book signings?

HUNTER: Current projects; I have a few... Hidden Desires, the follow up to Hidden Depths. Book three of the Beyond trilogy I am coauthoring. A follow up to You Can't Go Home Again is also in the works, telling Nina's story. I have another book I am writing right now, Written in Lust is the working title although that may change, and two others started that just got benched because my brain is overwhelmed. LOL.

I will actually be at the Comicpalooza in Houston, TX Memorial Day weekend, and I am also going to try to get to Authors After Dark convention in August in Georgia. Oh, and Parafest in September in Pennsylvania probably.

Where can readers find more information on you and your work?

HUNTER: The best way to keep up with me is to follow me or friend me on Facebook. I post a lot on there. Also, all my books are available on Amazon. If it's not in print already, then it will be soon.

Amazon

Facebook

 AUBRIANNA'S ten favorite things:

Shoes: Either my Doc Marten boots, or platform sandals... black of course.

Season: Fall... Everything is green and gorgeous and the weather is nice without being too cold. Plus it rains!

Food: It's a toss-up between soup and pizza.

Song: Wow... Okay, let's go with Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit. That may be different tomorrow. Oh, or Hotel California.

Fruit: Blueberries.

Day of the week: Sunday... Lazy, relaxed, coffee and family time.

Friend/why? Melinda... My BFF since high school. Love her!

Radio station: 95.5 KLOS - Wide variety

Blog: Probably Erotica Book Club on Facebook... Great books, hot photos.

Holiday: Fourth of July.

AOTR Interviews Jaden Braniff.

 

 

Authors On The Rise Is happy to bring you an Interview with Jaden Braniff author of: The Producer. Please check it out and support.

 

AOTR: Please give the readers a brief Bio on you the person and tell us about yourself.

Jaden: I was born in New West Minster BC in 1972 and moved to Kamloops BC with my family before I could walk.

The decision to become a rock star or an actor bounced around until I finished high school and realized that I needed to get a job to pay bills.

Moving around the West coast of Canada for the last twenty years, I always had a journal with me. Through those years, many stage plays and stories made it to paper but few were selected to hit an independent theatrical stage.

I found that my passion for writing has hit a new level as the barrier that once held me from stepping into the world of “Author” no longer exists.

AOTR: When did you begin writing?

Jaden: I started writing when I joined my first band in Edmonton. We were writing originals in the hopes of becoming rock stars but like many would be musicians, it never became a reality. I had always been interested in stage acting and one summer around the age of 19, I spent most of my time at work or in my apartment. I didn’t have cable and the pad of paper and pen beside me called. I started to have a conversation on paper and within two days I had written a two act play. I never produced it, but it paved the way for more ideas that were floating around my head.

AOTR: What pushed you to write your book?

Jaden: My wife was away at basic training and after the kids had gone to bed and the evening cleaned up, I found myself back in that apartment when I was 19. A musician from Edmonton had pitched an idea to me and after listening to his CD, the ideas started to flow and I had written him a musical based on his idea and music. Once “The Ballad of Elvis Christ” was complete, an old idea that I had while back in Victoria BC flashed and I started the first chapter; it just sort of took off from there.

AOTR: How did you come up with the characters in your book?

Jaden: Multiple personality disorder? I wish I could answer that question easily. I suppose that the most logical answer would be to say, the story told me who they were. I had a concept when I first started, but as the chapters moved along and the characters developed, they sort of told me what was going to happen.

AOTR: Were the characters and writing the story easy for you, or did you have to outline and do research?

Jaden: I wouldn’t say it was easy, but it seemed to flow in a way that I couldn’t stop it. I have had this story bouncing around in my head for at least 20 years and since it takes place in a city that I walked around in for 10 years, the research was as simple as a map. It helps that I come from a technical background as well, so any plausible advancement is based on the things that I am already familiar with. There was a time that I had intended to find photos of either actors or models to place up in my writing space, but I could see them so vividly in my mind that none of the photo’s I found matched what I saw.

AOTR: How long did it take you to complete your book? Will there be a sequel. If so, when do you plan to release it?

Jaden: This first novel took me just over 5 months to complete, but it is only short introduction to the world that I am creating. “The Producer” will be the first of a trilogy. The next installment is entitled, “The Stage” and will be more involved as the intrigue moves out of the city and across borders. I’m hoping that I will have a release date soon, but I’m thinking probably near the end of the summer 2013.

AOTR: After reading your book, what do you hope the reader will take away?

Jaden: That’s a loaded question. I think once the shock of the ending sinks in and the unanswered questions start to raise questions of their own, I’m hoping that readers will take a look around at the world we live in and ask themselves, just how possible the world I have created is?

AOTR: Has anything about the publishing Industry surprised you?

Jaden: I come from a musical background in dealing with labels and distributing companies. I’m not surprised at all that finding someone that believes in your work as much as you do is a daunting task.

AOTR: Would you like to share a few things you learned while in the publishing industry?

Jaden: The things that I have learned are based strictly off the opinions that I’ve read on the internet, and I don’t trust those as far as I could throw a frozen cow off a moving truck. What does surprise me is that with the birth of Kindle and Kobo and every other digital format out there, that an agency/publicist hasn’t followed the trend and milked the digital world for all it’s worth. I think that making an individual known to the world for positive or negative can make the difference in how their art is produced to the world. In fact, I would challenge the lesser publishing companies to take a chance and open a talent division and start marketing authors the same way that talent agencies do. You’d see a change happen real damn fast.

AOTR: If you could write a book together with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Jaden: Rob Grant, hands down. Not many people will know who he is unless I say the name “Grant Naylor”. He is half of the entity that created Red Dwarf, a futuristic sitcom from the UK. The show has on occasion been very campy…lol, on occasion. The two writers do have a series of books that have penned from the world they created. Rob Grant is responsible for the book, “Backwards” and I recommend it highly. That book is a mixture of comedy and intelligence that gets me every time. If I was to ever have a chance to write with someone, it would be him.

AOTR: If your book was made into a movie, what actors would you choose for the characters? Why?

Jaden: I can’t believe that I’m about to say this, but I think for my main character I would probably choose Zach Efron. Some of his work that people may not be familiar with, for example voice over that he did for Robot Chicken, tells me that he may have a darker side to his acting. Liev Schreiber would most definiatly fit into the role of Henry, he does cantacorous well. I think that I would have to say Emma Stone for the role of Samantha. Mainly because she would certainly be able to pull off the attitude. There’s more, but I’d start giving stuff away.

AOTR: Besides writing, what are some of your other talents and hobbies?

Jaden: I’ve been a singer since I was a kid and have had my fair share of bands that I have fronted. Singing is and will always be a big part of my life. My girls both make me sing to them before bed, my oldest has taken to making me recall all of the songs that I’ve ever learned and singing them in order…it’s not by the way. The other talent would be acting. I’ve had some roles, done some stage and it may be part of the reason that I find character creating so easy. The only problem is that because I am six foot two, I tend to be typecast as a police officer. LOL, it’s rather poetic actually. I once played a Victoria police officer on a TV show called, “Alienated” and ten years later, I’m writing about them in my first novel. In fact, to add to your previous question, I would like to play the role of “David”. He’s my federal agent in the book and a very complicated character; I’d like to give it a shot.

AOTR: What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring authors?

Jaden: Listen to the voices in your head. You’re not crazy; it’s just the many personalities that you’ve created over the years trying to get out…Wait, that does make a writer sound nuts. Well then I say enjoy the madness and write, write, write!

AOTR: What current projects are you working on? Will you be attending any events, book fairs or have any book signings?

Jaden: I am currently working on the next installment of the series without trying to let the other ideas sneak in. There was a time when I was working on three plays at once and it drove me nuts so I vowed not to do that anymore; nothing ever really came to completion. I am with the Canadian Forces and where we are at the moment is not very conducive for attending fairs. Once I gain a little more notoriety I intend to venture out more during times of leave and so on, but for now…Must pay the bills.

AOTR: Where can readers find more information on you and your work?

Jaden: Well, like most I have my Facebook page. It’s wide open, so send in those friend invites. I’m working on two blog sites. http://theproducerbook.blogspot.ca/ and http://theproducerbook.wordpress.com/ and I’m willing to answer any questions, queries or hate mail at theproducerbook@gmail.com

Your ten favorite things:

Shoes:

Jaden: LOL, my combat boots and my runners for the gym.

Season:

Jaden: Springer…That’s the season in between spring and summer and not the talk show host.

Food:

Jaden: I make a wicked Indian butter chicken!

Song:

Jaden: Not a fair question as I have been a musician since I learned to use my ears and this could spark an argument that could take down society. Needless to say if it’s played on a rock station, chances are I like it. Oh, and Cookie Monsters version of “You Have Cookie, So Share it Maybe”, mainly because he has more talent than she does.

Fruit:

Jaden: I’m partial to kiwis

Day of the week:

Jaden: When I was young and single, Friday. Each day for me now is pretty much the same and I like it that way.

Friend/why?

Jaden: My wife. Why, because she is the only true friend I have that will hate me, love me, tell me when I’m being an idiot and is not beneath joining me in being an idiot. Plus she’s really hot and I get to see her naked, like daily.

Radio station:

Jaden: CFOX in Vancouver will always be my favorite

Blog:

Jaden: http://theproducerbook.wordpress.com/ HA!

Holiday:

Jaden: That one that happens on the 25 of December. I say it like that because there are so many people in the world that get pissed off about this one that it makes me laugh. I don’t really care what anyone calls it. What I care about, is that I get to spend time with my family and watch the amazement in my girl’s eyes when they tear back that piece of paper. It could be a Barbie from the dollar store, they don’t care.

AOTR INTERVIEWS BEVERLEY HOLLOWED

 

 

 

AOTR had the chance to chat with gifted author Beverly Hollowed. Please show support by picking up her book, Forever And Always, here

 

AOTR: Please give the readers a brief Bio on you the person and tell us about yourself.

 Beverly: My name is Beverley, but my friends call me Bev. I am 38 years old ( did I really just tell everyone my age) and I live in Dublin with my husband and 2 gorgeous sons. Forever and Always is my first published book.

AOTR: When did you begin writing?

Beverly: I always wrote. As a kid I wrote poems and short stories. Then when I was about 18 I tried to write my first full length story, (which was terrible btw) but I tried and tried again. When I had my boys, I found it harder to write at times. But last summer I really got my head back in the game and I began Forever and Always

AOTR: What pushed you to write your book?

Beverly: It was always my lifelong dream to write and publish a book. I always knew I would. I just didn’t know when I would. When I was little my teacher would call me Dilly Daydreams. I was always miles away in my own little world. I had a vivid imagination so writing seemed the logical step for me.

AOTR: How did you come up with the characters in your book?

Beverly: Although all the character are for the most part, fictional. There is a lot of me in Melanie and her journey was very personal to me. Sam has a lot of my husband’s qualities (but he isn’t a doctor). Katie and Lucy have little bits of my 2 best friends in them too.

AOTR: Were the characters and writing the story easy for you, or did you have to outline and do research?

Beverly: I did do some research but mostly the character’s came easily to me. I guess I drew a lot on my own life experiences for the most part. I always do outlines but never stick to them.

AOTR: How long did it take you to complete your book? Will there be a sequel. If so, when do you plan to release it?

Beverly: I completed the first draft in about 3 months. Then there was the editing and some rewriting afterwards. No this is a one book story so no sequel.

AOTR: After reading your book, what do you hope the reader will take away?

Beverly: I hope firstly they will love the characters as much as I loved writing them. I hope Melanie and Sam will find a place in their hearts. I hope they take away the belief that, although sometimes life doesn’t run smoothly, if it’s meant to be, it will work out in the end.

AOTR: Has anything about the publishing Industry surprised you?

Beverly: Yes it has. In particular it is the other writers that surprised me the most. Most of the writers I have met through this whole process have been amazing and so supportive. I know it sounds a little cheesy but it’s like I have found a new family and we all have each other’s backs. I have met some amazing people and I know I have made lifelong friends.

 AOTR: Would you like to share a few things you learn while in the publishing industry?

Beverly: I learned it’s a lot harder and far scarier than I thought it would be to publish a book. It can be a real roller-coaster ride at times but is so worth it. I have learned the most important thing is to EDIT, EDIT EDIT….Biggest lesson I learned is EVERY writer gets bad reviews and you can’t take them too personally. Not everyone will love your book, but that is ok. Finally every writer, even the very successful ones, has doubts, but you gotta pick yourself up and keep going.

AOTR: If you could write a book together with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Beverly: I would love to write with Sylvain Reynard. I am a huge SR fan.

AOTR: If your book was made into a movie, what actors would you choose for the characters? Why?

Beverly: Haha… a little obvious but I love Matt Bomer and kinda had him in my head when I was writing about Sam. Don’t really know who could play Melanie.

AOTR: Besides writing, what are some of your other talents and hobbies?

Beverly: I love music. I listen to music constantly. I make my own jewellery and I love to read. I am a chatter box and could win a medal for talking…or so I am told lol.

AOTR: What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring authors?

Beverly: Don’t give up. If it’s in your heart to be a writer… you are a writer…… But always remember EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!

AOTR: What current projects are you working on? Will you be attending any events, book fairs or have any book signings?

Beverly: I am currently halfway through on my second book, which I hope will be out late spring. Still working on a title. I have nothing confirmed yet but hope to attend some book events over the summer.

AOTR: Where can readers find more information on you and your work?

They can check me out on goodreads.com or through my facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Beverelyhollowed2012Author

Beverley's  ten favorite things:

Shoes: Converse runners

Season: Autumn

Poet: G.H. Monroe

Flower: white roses

Fruit: Banana

Day of the week: Friday

Friend/why? Barbara and Clare (can’t pick one) because I have known them all my life. They know all my secrets

Radio station: 2FM ( it’s an Irish radio Station)

Blog: Authors on the rise blog …of course x

Play: Wicked

Thank you for stopping by AOTR! We wish you much success!