Author Spotlight J.W. Snootz

Interview:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

Probably when I was 5 and knew I could tell secrets and share stories with my friends by writing notes and short stories.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

Anywhere from a few days to a few weeks usually. Some books take months or years to plot out and get just the way I want them and then when I decide it’s time it usually comes out quickly. Though I try not to rush and usually take time off until the writing is ready to pour out again.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Just depends in the summer I am usually more busy and write less, but when I get into writing mode it’s usually six to eight hours straight followed by a day off or two and then another day the same way.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to let the reader feel like they have some control over how the stories play out, for me at least I hate knowing how a story will end three pages into a book, unless that’s the writer’s intent. I don’t mind cliffhangers so I guess you could say I like to give you just enough to let you decide how things will go or could go.

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Real life, my own messed up childhood, many ideas just come to me when I least expect them.

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was ten when I finally finished it although I spent a long time working on it, and never really felt like it was finished.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I play golf, play with my kids, other sports, work out, eat junk food, watch Marathons of great movies, spend time with the family. Edit which I hate. Travel.

8. What does your family think of your writing?

Most support it, I am sure there are some who don’t but they choose not to let me know that which is also fine with me. I do it for me, and for the people who enjoy the books. Not to please anyone else.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Vhamps is probably my favorite so far. I have written dozens many remain unfinished and never to be published works that should never see the light of day. I do however feel like they help make me better in the long run.

11. Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Don’t believe everything everyone else tells you. Do what works best for you. If it’s like me and it takes you three days off between sessions, then do that. If you are more like other writers, you can schedule yourself 6 hours a day of writing then do that. You need to find your own best way and don’t be afraid to try new things. Take advice

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

They usually tell me they don’t normally read my kind of books, and they were surprised they liked them. Which to me is a huge compliment. They also usually ask me about my home life and my kids, and if I myself am a swinger or a vampire. They ask great questions and often interaction with fans helps steer me toward new directions which I really love.

13. Do you like creating books that are for adults? Or do you write more than adult books?

I have several book ideas for children but am still waiting for the right moment to come to put them into production.

14. What do you think makes a good story?

I like questions and answers that lead to more questions. I like to think when I read and be both challenged and entertained.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a writer, and an inventor I have many failed attempts at both but I will always keep trying.

Bio:

J.W. Snootz here! I have been writing since elementary school, by never learning to print as a child, and having to learn cursive writing inspired me to write a lot as a youth. Writing my first novella at only 10, and staying in the 100 page realm for a long time, finally getting a push from my wife to create more elaborate stories here I am. Growing up all over the Midwest and traveling extensively you will always find some truth in all the stories I write.

I love to write in a variety of different genres and enjoy reading a lot of different story types as well. I love 80's movies, Bruce Lee Marathons, all things horror and zombies. I also love to hear from and interact with the fans and other authors so always feel free to say hi and share your kind thoughts.

You may visit my website and find out more about me, my social media outlets, and my books of course www.jwsnootz.com

"If you don't like the truth then don't make it the truth!"

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Author TJ WEST Spotlight

Interview:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
Over two years ago, I began my journey as a writer. I have always loved writing, but fell out of it after I had my kids. What made me start a book is when a friend of mine and I were discussing it. The idea churned inside my head, and things started happening.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?
I don’t pinpoint on how long it takes me. The average is about 2-3 months, if I’m on a certain deadline, or if the ideas keep coming.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I don’t really have a schedule haha. But I do try to treat it as a job. I write as much as I can (without getting distracted from FB, and doing house chores) until my kids get home from school. On the weekends I don’t really write. I might, but not all the time. I try to limit it for the weekdays, only.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’d say it would be...when I start a new chapter, I outline it with only the dialogue. Once that’s all done, I go in for the kill and fill in the blanks with the meat. Having all the dialogue down first, it helps me process the situation better, and allows me to develop the story easier. While I was writing my second book - Purple Rain - a friend of mine suggested that idea to me, and ever since then, I’ve been writing that way. It has really helped me.

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? 

Honestly, every crazy idea comes from my head or experiences that have happened to me in my life. Of course there are people/models that have influenced a story, but all in all, the ideas just come to me. I could be laying in bed, ready to fall asleep when a new series will come to mind. It has happened - recently in fact. LOL. And it drives me bonkers because I’m already overloaded with stories, that another series is cray cray. Can’t help it. That’s how my mind works.

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book in high school, during my senior year (17-18yrs old). It was a historian romance. When I look back at the book, I find it ridiculously funny. First, I did not write in first person, yet wrote in third. I don’t write like that anymore, because I get more feeling from first person, I get to express myself better, if that makes any sense. Second, the way I told a story was so melodramatic - kind of like November Rain. A lot of people love that story, but it’s a little cheesy.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
I’m a TV whore - guru. Yep, I can make a list of shows for you, if you’re interested in something new to watch? Haha. I also love spending time with my family, going to the movies, having cocktail nights with friends. Things like that. I’m very simple and a homebody.

8. What does your family think of your writing? 
They’re all still kind of fascinated, actually. I don’t really feel comfortable when a member asks me, “Are you selling a lot of books?” Weird questions like that make me uncomfortable. I don’t generally like to talk about my books with certain family members just because they ask weird questions. And me writing for adults only escalates those questions - like they cannot believe I write stuff with sex in it. It’s like shocking for them or something. It’s just weird, hahaha.
My mom doesn’t approve of my genre, so for her I am planning on writing a contemporary romance story with no bad language and limited use of sex. *sigh* wink emoticon

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
How much money I have spent on them.. LOL No joke. Some people make their own covers or get stock photos. I use a photographer, I have a designer, format designer, but thankfully I have a good friend who helps edit. It’s just a lot of $$$ and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pay myself back with my royalties because, unfortunately, sales are not going well. You’d have to be a USA bestseller in order to get those royalties. So yeah, spending a lot of money on my books really surprised me.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written and published 7 books, and writing my 8th as we speak. I cannot choose a favorite. Every book I write is my favorite at the moment. Each book means something different to me, because the characters have different stories.

11. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they? 
What has really helped me become a better writer is reading. I read a lot of books and see different techniques, grammar, punctuations. I truly believe we learn through reading. Every book that I have written I have improved.
In the beginning of my journey, especially through my first book, I hadn’t really founded my voice yet - my writing style. It took quite a few books to get to that realization on who I was as a writer, what my style was, what my voice was. The more you write, the more you’ll improve. Keep reading books. Get the feel of someone else’s voice, to find your own. Does that make any sense at all? Probably not. LOL.

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I do hear from my readers on occasion. A lot of them are in my readers group. They compliment on my writing, my books all the time. I love their energy, their enthusiasm. It makes me feel amazing. They are always telling me how much they love my books, my stories. It doesn’t get any better than that.

13. Do you like creating books that are for adults? Or do you write more than adult books? 
I really do love writing for adults. I like to get my mouth dirty and grungy, so at the end of the day I need to wash it out with soap. LOL. I live through my characters. What they say may not be exactly what I would say as myself. I only hear what they would say or do in their story, so it needs to be written down. It wouldn’t be a story if it weren’t that way. It’s what makes this all so much fun. I can be another person and say outrageous, dirty things that I normally wouldn’t say to a family member hahaha.
Like I have mentioned in one of the other questions above, I am planning on writing a standalone for the readers who don’t quite like the taste of bad language or descriptive sex scenes. My mom, for example, will not have anything to do with my adult, erotic stories. So for her, I want to make a clean novel just for her, because I know she really wants to see what I am capable of as a writer.

14. What do you think makes a good story? 
I am a very simple writer. I don’t use big words that someone has to look up on Google to get the definition. That’s just not who I am. I’m not quite sure what makes a good story. Maybe a story that has emotion, drama, sex...not too much sex, unless it’s necessary. Like in My Melody there was a lot of sex, but these two characters had to have that in their story. Also, an easy, meaningful topic. Really? I wish I had the words to tell you what makes a good story. I don’t though. I’d hope the readers would enjoy what I put down for them, in hopes they’ll continue reading my books.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be many things - a singer, actress, artist (painter, I loved to draw), teacher. But at the end of the day, being a stay at home mom was all I ever wanted to be. Strange right? I got my wish. Sounds sad, but I never saw myself as someone important, or someone with a high paying job. I wanted to have kids. I have my 2 kids now, but they’re both in high school, growing up. Writing came out of nowhere, and I seriously have enjoyed every book I have written, even though it’s cost me tons of $$$$. It’s been a great adventure.

Bio:

Stay at home mom who got inspired by Indie Authors, self publishing. I've always liked to write and have always had an over active imagination. I wrote a book in High School and re-wrote it for about 20 years and was never satisfied with it. It still sits on my computer today.
I love reading. It's another passion of mine.
I've been very active with my kids education. I've been a part of PTA for many many years and have always volunteered. That has been a joy for me, being there for my kids. Now they are getting older and I have time to write. I'm enjoying this process very much and hope to continue and be successful. Wish me luck!

Stalk her:

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Email: Authortjwest@gmail.com
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Author t.h snyder Spotlight

Interview:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
About three years ago, shortly after reading a few incredible stories.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?
It honestly depends on my schedule. If I have the time to devote to it, the book may only take a few weeks.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I do work a full time job, writing unfortunately takes a back burner. I try to set aside time in the evening once my kiddos are in bed. Other than that whenever time is free I pull out my NEO2 and dive into a story.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I always write the last chapter or epilogue first.

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
It’s all a spiraling spider web in my head.

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I was 34 about to turn 35.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Reading of course, lol. I also like to spend time with the kiddos, friends and family.

8. What does your family think of your writing?
They are amazing and so supportive, I couldn’t ask for a better team to cheer me on.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
It is extremely time consuming. If I could add an extra few free days in my week I’d be stoked.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
To date I’ve written 19 stories…can’t quite pick a favorite. That’s like asking a parent who they love more, lol.

11. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Follow your heart, trust your gut and always do what you believe. Becoming a write is not an easy accomplishment. It takes time, perseverance and a lot of support. Never give up.

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Hearing from my readers is honestly one of my favorite things about being an author. Whether they love or hate something, their feedback means the world to me.

13. Do you like creating books that are for adults? Or do you write more than adult books?
My genre of choice is adult romance, however I have written a young adult and an erotic romance.

14. What do you think makes a good story?
Amazing characters, an incredible story and an intense ending.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher.

Bio:

t. h. snyder is my pen name.
I was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania Sept 1979.
For nine years I worked in the field of higher education while earning my Bachelor and Master Degrees in Management from University of Phoenix.
I'm a single mother to two amazing children that are my world.
I became an avid reader in spring of 2012 and since has read over 300 books. My genre of interest ranges from Romance to thrilling Paranormal.
This is more than just a hobby for me, it’s a passion to read the words of great authors and bring life to their stories with my reviews and character castings.
I started writing my first novel in June of 2013 and anxious to see where this journey takes me!!

Author of the Touch Series, Pierced Love, the Cursed Series, the Fight Series, Obsidian Desire, and Finding Us

Author of Best Selling Young Adult Romance Pierced Love
Author of Best Selling Erotica and Contemporary Romance

Stalk her:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorthsnyder/timeline
Website: https://www.thsnyder.com
email: ths0979@yahoo.com

Shauna Kruse Photographer Spotlight

So are you looking for a photographer to get you that book cover picture that you are looking for then check out our Spotlight for the next two days.

*********Photographer Spotlight*********

Shauna Kruse of Kruse Images & Photography: Models & Boudoir

Proof galleries available with a wide variety of models, poses and styles! Contact me to view and pick out your exclusive book cover. Payment plans available!

Interview:

1. How did you decide that you wanted to be a photographer? 

I’ve always loved taking photos. My mom gave me her camera when I was 8, and I was always that person with a camera wherever I went. Then after college I kind fell into a photography job at Heavenly ski resort and the rest is history

2. What is your favorite thing to take pictures of?
I love taking photos at military homecomings for Operation Love ReUnited. It is the most amazing feeling in the world watching these families reunite and being to capture that moment in time for them.

3. What is the craziest or weirdest thing that has happened to you on a shoot?
That’s a hard one! So many random, crazy things happen during shoots. We always have gawkers, people honking, or taking photos thinking I may be shooting someone famous. When I was shooting with Matthew Hosea, we threw him on a giant horse, and the horse may have gotten a bit..um…excited? It was pretty funny.

4. When you started taking pictures did you think they would end up as book covers?
I had no idea! I didn’t even know it was a possibility until two years ago.

5. How long did it take before someone said I want that picture for my cover?
I launched my model page at the end of February 2014, and sold my first cover to Vicki Green less than a month later. So not long at all

6. How many book covers are the pictures that you have taken on?
Around 260 covers licensed? Most of them haven’t been revealed yet. Not bad for less than two years!

7. What is your favorite part about being a photographer? 

That’s a hard one. I love capturing a moment, I love being able to show people what I see through the lens, and give them that moment forever. I enjoy being able to make people laugh and I love the response when they see the photos!

8. Do you read the books that your pictures are on?
Yes! I am extremely behind on my reading right now, but I do read them

9. How old were you when you started taking photos? 
My mom gave me her old camera when I was 8, and I’ve been taking them ever since!

10. What do you like to do in your down time? Down time? What’s that?
Haha I Love hockey. That’s my break and my release during the season. In the summer I like to go read by the water and escape for a bit

11. What does your family think of your photography? 
My family is beyond supportive and extremely proud of me. My parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and do what I love. I was raised in a small business household, so we have always been outside of the box thinkers. I really am blessed to have the family that I do. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

12. Do you have a favorite picture out of all the ones that you have taken? If yes can we see it?
I don’t have one favorite. I have a ton of favorites haha So hard to choose! A couple of my favorites were snatched up for book covers immediately, so I can’t share them. I’ve sent some of my others with these questions

13. Do you have any suggestions to help someone to become a photographer? If so, what are they? 
Practice, practice and more practice. Learn your camera and learn how to get a gorgeous photo straight out of the camera before you even think about editing. Too many people think they can take a sub-par photo and “fix” it in editing, but that’s not okay. Make sure you have pro equipment and know how to use it before you even think about charging for photos. A lot of people seem to think if they buy a DSLR they are instantly a professional photographer. I worked for a company for 8 years before I started my own business. Then I took a lot of free photos when I started my business, and made sure I bought the correct equipment. I had my business for 4 or 5 years before I launched my model page. So even though it looks like I just appeared here, it was a long road to it. I know we make photography look easy, but it isn’t just picking up a camera and snapping a photo. There is a lot of learning, lighting, adjustment, failing, learning again and work to get these amazing photos. I am constantly learning and growing, each and every single shoot.

14. Do you hear from your fans much? What kinds of things do they say? 
I have some pretty amazing fans that have been following me since I launched my page. And of course new ones every single day. I love when someone writes me and says I inspired them, and that they want to help make a difference. To me that’s the most important part of what I do.

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? 
I was all over the place. Haha I do remember wanting to be a Marine Biologist since I love the ocean, and animals, and loved science. But then I learned how much math I would need and changed my mind. I have a degree in Environmental Policy and Planning, and loved my classes, but just couldn’t find my niche with it. All through school I didn’t take photography classes because I was focusing on my degree, yet here I am. The Universe has a funny way of placing you exactly where you should be.

https://www.facebook.com/KIPmodelsandboudoir/?fref=ts

Spotlight on Author Jaime Whitley

Author Jaime Whitley

Interview:

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I always had a love for writing deep down. It guess you can say it was always about finding the time in my life to take the leap and start my journey.

2. How long does it take you to write a book?

I wish I could say seven days. Wouldn’t that be great?! Honestly, it all depends on what life has going on at the moment. Being a mom and wife always comes first and I don’t have the most normal schedule being a military spouse. So with that said, I wrote Twist of Fate in thirty days and Dante’s Redemption in a little under forty. Ava’s Revenge took me longer since my husband was deployed at the time. So it’s really all about what’s going on at the time. Having two kids under the age of four, definitely keeps you busy.

3.What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

SILENT. I usually stay locked away in a room in my house or at my neighbors house while he’s at work. I take my hat off to the other authors that can write an entire book while listening to music. I can listen to a song to get me into a scene, but that’s it. I get distracted way too easily and just can’t concentrate with music playing. If I go to a coffee shop, I end up talking or people watching so that doesn’t work for me either. I try not to word counts as goals and set up chapter goals instead. I go into the day with an idea of how many chapters I want to get done that day and go to work.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t think I have one. Does that make me boring? LOL

5. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I like to do as much research as I can. Although it’s fiction I like to do my research. Luckily, I have a lot of family and friends in the military, law enforcement and medicine so those areas are easy for me to write about. I research everything. I will never just assume something and put it in my book. That’s a pet peeve of mine. As for idea’s, it’s really just whatever pops in my head. Random ideas just come and go and I think, that would be a great book and some not so much.

6. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

June 2014, and I published it in July 2014 and I was Twenty Nine years old.

7. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I love to spend time with my husband and children. I also enjoy reading and spending time with our friends and listening to good music and being outdoors.

8. What does your family think of your writing?

They have been nothing but supportive since the very beginning. I couldn’t have asked for a better family.

9. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The amount of support my husband gives me. LOL Seriously though, he comes home from work, grabs the kids and encourages me to write. After a long day of being at work, you would think he would want nothing more than to relax with his family. He really is amazing when it comes to my writing.

10. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Five books in total. It’s so hard to pick a favorite. I would say Twist of Fate because it is my baby but I also love Levels because it was stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something totally new.

11. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Make sure you have thick skin. People can be cruel in the book world. You have to remember not everyone is going to love your work and that’s okay. I don’t love everything I read. Everyone has different taste and that’s totally okay. People can forget to be kind to one and other from time to time and you shouldn’t let that discourage you. Do what you love because you love it and don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something. As long as you believe in yourself that’s all you need.

12. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I hear from my readers all the time. I LOVE talking to my readers. When I get messages as they are reading my books is probably my favorite messages. I laugh and get angry with them as they read along and it’s just so great to be there for them and be able to connect with them. As for what they say…. I’ve been told, I’m evil for making them ugly cry, I better get book two out asap, It can’t end like that! And a bunch of other fun stuff.

13. Do you like to create books for adults?

All my books are for adults so I would say so LOL.

14. What do you think makes a good story?

You have to have a good twist. It doesn’t have to be something bad, it can be something totally amazing, but there has to be something, something that gives the story that life changing moment for the characters. That this changes everything moment. Because to me, without that moment in the story, what are they fighting for?

15. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a veterinarian for the longest time. I can’t quite remember what age that dream went away but eventually it did and here I am living a perfect life I never dreamed of but wouldn’t change for the world. I have a beautiful family and a bunch of love stories waiting to be told.

Bio:

Jaime Nicole Whitley is a wife and a stay at home mom to her two children. She grew up in New Jersey where she continued her education and became a medical assistant. She now lives in North Carolina where her husband is stationed with the Army.

Stalker links:

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

Twitter: @jaimers0327

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Website: http://authorjaimewhitley.blogspot.com