#WEP Debut Author Déjà vu

This WEP challenge seemed like a great reason for a
Debut Author Déjà vu post.

Here are a few blasts from our past.

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Kristin Bartley Lenz

1- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

If writing a novel feels overwhelming, tell yourself to write a short story. Maybe you’ll actually end up with a short story, but good chance it’ll grow into more. #WriteTip

When trying to Show Not Tell, have your character look around her – what does she notice? What does she see, hear, smell, touch? #WriteTip

2- Who is your favorite book review blogger?

Forever Young Adult (http://foreveryoungadult.com/ ) is one of my favorite book bloggers because they have an interesting format (http://foreveryoungadult.com/book-report-grading), and I almost always agree with their reviews. They even have a special series of reviews on Kirkus.

3- What's the best book marketing strategy you've come across?

Show up to support others – in whatever form that takes: sharing good news, going to events, reviewing/recommending other books, encouraging and sharing resources with writers at all stages.

4- What is one question you would like the readers of this to answer in the comments?

What books are on your night-stand at the moment?

5- Have you, or one of your characters, ever experienced déjà vu?

I ‘ve experienced déjà vu several times, but of course I can’t think of the specific situations right now! But just as fascinating to me is the idea of premonitions, ie. sometimes I will get a feeling or a thought about something before it happens.

A couple years ago, I entered a writing contest and the winner was being announced at a large conference. I was in the audience, did not think I had a chance of winning, was totally calm and relaxed and curious as the contest coordinator was speaking on stage, when all of the sudden my heart started racing wildly – and then they called my name as the winner!

Another time, I was driving on my way to speak at a book club out of town and one of my old high school teachers popped into my head. We’d had an altercation my senior year, but I hadn’t seen or hardly thought of her in 30 years. When I arrived at the book club, she was there! She was new to the group, her first time attending, an aspiring author, and she didn’t even remember me. It was so weird.

And then there are a lot of stories of people having a “bad feeling” about something. I really believe in this intuitive energy. Thanks for asking this question – it sent me off to read more about it. Here’s a Psychology Today article about déjà vu that was interesting: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-freedom/201004/the-meaning-deja-vu

Thanks for having me back on your blog, Operation Awesome team!

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Angela Kay

1- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Whenever you have a dream, never give up because you’ll never know where it’ll take you. I never imagined in my wildest dreams I’d be publishing my books, let along publishing for others.

2- You've put out two books since your last interview. Is there another in the works?

I’ve finished the first draft of a cold case thriller, I’m in the middle of a psychological thriller with human trafficking being the center subject, and I just started the second book in my FBI thrillers (“I Can Kill” being the first, which was named awards finalist by American Book Fest.)

3- What is one question you would like the readers of this to answer in the comments?

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

4- Have you, or one of your characters, ever experienced déjà vu?

I’ve experienced Deja vu quite often.

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Cath Schaff-Stump

1- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Writing words is more important than anything else you need to do as an author.

2- Given your Tweet thread, what's your opinion on the Nike Kaepernick ad?

I applaud Nike for the Kaepernick ad. A real hero is one who stands up for their principles. It is sad that this is such a controversial stance. A United States so flagrantly in disregard for the human rights of all peoples, regardless of their origins, should not censure protest against its government. As a white person, I know we are a privileged group who take a lot for granted. Okay, everything. One of the best ways we can ally and make change is to support such efforts, and try to speak about them with other, especially to those who don't see the privilege. So, go Nike. You're doing your job. And go, Mr. Kaepernick. Way to get out there and hope for a time when we are all on the same enlightened page you are on.

3- What is one question you would like the readers of this to answer in the comments?

Can you tell me all about your favorite character from a book or movie? I'd love to hear about them.

4- Have you, or one of your characters, ever experienced déjà vu?

I experience deja vu all the time. I used to think I'd dream things in advance, and then experience them. So, it's a real thing, even though I don't think it has a prophetic cause.

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Jason Disley

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jason-Disley/e/B0034PRF9M/

1- How do you like your coffee? Have you ever had a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and did you like it?

I like a flat white these days. Haven't had a Pumpkin Spice Latte, might wait for Halloween before I do.

2- Who is your favorite book review blogger?

The New Yorker I like the broad spectrum of books covered by this site

3- What have you been up to since your interview?

Where do I start?

Well after my novel Seven Day Fool, I have been writing its sequel Take It Or Leave It. Which sees my private detective Jake Brody drawn into a case spread through Manchester, London and Paris. It sees some character development and his immersion into a much more espionage filled tale as he becomes a person of interest to MI5 - the British Secret Service. The tale is set a mere few months after Seven Day Fool and is set in 1966. England is getting ready to host The World Cup. The Jules Rimet trophy has been stolen, and a mysterious "Pole" is implicated as being involved in what looks like an opportunistic theft. Jake Brody believes that this individual has something to do with Kinga's father who was deported back to Poland at the end of Seven Day Fool. He is offered the task to investigate by the one man in England that he dare not refuse. It is a job offer. Does he "Take It Or Leave It?" I should hopefully have this book finished by the end of 2018.

I still write a lot of poetry and have been performing at spoken word events. I have recorded an album of spoken word called Speakeasy, which is going to be released by Heavy Soul Records. There will be a seven inch vinyl record of two of my poems released in December. One is called Words of Wisdom, and is performed by myself with original music by Rick Blackman. The other side is called Breathless and is recorded in French by Gabriela Giacoman, the lead singer of French Boutik. The music again is original music by Rick Blackman. After this release the album will be released also on vinyl.

I now co-host a regular spoken word /Comedy night called Speaky Blinders which has a great variety of performers sharing their poetry and comedy.

I also published a book of poetry called Songs of Benevolence & Rage this year, and hopefully in December will have an experimental collection titled Beat To A Pulp published. This collection is a complete traditional Pulp style story written in verse form. I have some amazing artwork that will be complementing the collection provided by an artist friend. Who is known as Mr H. It is going to be very different, and is a work I am very proud of. So, as you can see I am busier than ever!

4- What is one question you would like the readers of this to answer in the comments?

What's next?

5- Have you, or one of your characters, ever experienced déjà vu?

Many times personally. Jake Brody certainly has a moment in Take It Or Leave It. It's centered around the female interest and the sense of déjà vu is palpable for him as he is still getting over what happened to Martina Godlewski.

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Matt Harry

1- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

The theme of your story (what it’s really “about”) is crucial. Once you know the theme, it will tell you which characters to keep, what scenes are necessary, and what the ending should be. Stories without a theme may be enjoyable, but they are disposable.

Teaser pic of the next book in the series, which is out May 14, 2019!

2- Who is your favorite book review blogger?

I really enjoy the reviews at @TheAVClub. They’re intelligent, insightful, and often very funny. I base my to-read list on their “Best Of” picks every year.

3- How would Euphemia Whitmore feel about voodoo magic?

I’ll let her answer this one. The following is a quote from her unpublished volume Alternate Methods of Sorcery for Beginners:
"Voodoo magic, while certainly effective, lacks the elan and work ethic required for traditional sorcery. As such it is quite a tempting field for the young sorcerer to pursue. However, a grounding in traditional spell casting fundamentals is recommended before learning easier, alternate methods."

4- What is one question you would like the readers of this to answer in the comments?

Is there anything you’d love to see explored in a novel about teenage sorcerers? The second book in this series, Cryptozoology for Beginners, has been completed, but I’m in the planning stages for the third novel and would love to hear any wish lists!

5- Have you, or one of your characters, ever experienced déjà vu?

I feel like I experience it quite a bit. I’ve even had dreams that I later think actually happened. Naturally this makes me want to write a story about it, but I haven’t figured out a unique way to do it yet.

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The answers ended up at 1400 words. Who knew these blasts from the past would have so much to say?!
We're not competing to win. There's no need for feedback. But it'd be great to keep the conversation going!
So if you feel like responding to some of the questions asked by our authors, that'd be awesome!

Meet Jason Disley in this Debut Author Spotlight

Amazon UK ~ Seven Day Fool
Jason Disley

1- Is http://suavecollective.co.uk/ the only place to get your book, and are there plans to put it on Amazon or other such retailers in the future?

Seven Day Fool is available from the publisher Suave Collective Publishing and Amazon.co.uk it went on the Amazon site a few days ago. I think that as the publisher is only a small independent - it is been sold via Amazon with the stock being sent out by the publisher direct.

2- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

I self publish poetry through Lulu.com - but have always wanted someone to appreciate my writing and to want to publish it on its own merit. Jason Brummell the head honcho at Suave Collective saw that merit in my writing when after having a series of conversations he read an early draft of Seven Day Fool.

3- What makes "Seven Day Fool" a debut novel?

It is the first official story I have had published via a publisher. All of my other books are collections of poetry which have nods to the original Beats in the 50s and the Liverpool poets of the 60s. Apart from my first two collections published via AH Stockwell - all of my poetry is self published. There are also a lot of music references throughout my work. My next project to be released is actually a Spoken Word album titled "Speakeasy"

4- Please share a picture with us of your book.

5- How do you define a Mod club and the mod subculture?

Mod or Modernist subculture is an ever evolving movement of likeminded souls who take what they like from all sorts of sources and take them into new directions. So although to those not "Sussed" it looks all very Retro it actually isn't. Modern day Mods take what they like and assimilate it into their own individual life. For each individual Mod is going to be different. Aesthetically it's about detail and being sharp. Style is paramount. Yes the initial Mod movement is associated with the 1960s but the original Mods were the postwar teenagers who were initially into Modern Jazz in the 1950s - there has been many incarnations of Mod and the multicultural element has always been there. As they have taken on fashion styles from various sources such as Italian and French style next to Hollywood styles and of course music from other countries such as Jazz, Blues, Soul and Ska. I could go on forever and a day to try and explain Mod. A Mod Club is generally a place where these likeminded people would go to listen to great music, some of which is from the past but rare (so therefore new to the listener) or brand new music that may wear it's influences on their well tailored sleeves. It's the place where the "in crowd" feels it should be. But like anything as it becomes mainstream and invaded by the masses - so those that are at the forefront are faced with a decision- either stay still - or keep on moving. Naturally they look to move forward. It's what we would see as quite a "Punkish" thing to do. But it is all about doing it for yourself and your friends. It about making things happen. That is why the scene has endured and evolved - adapting throughout each decade. Sometimes it's more obvious - at other times it's more underground - but it is always there.

6- What five words represent your most notable characteristic or values? #In5Words

Socialist
Cheeky
Romantic
Thoughtful
Stylish


7- Favorite jazz band?

Too many to choose
British - Tubby Hayes
US - anything Miles Davis was involved in


8- Can you share a story from your life that shows who you are as a person and why you are a writer?

When I was about Six my Nana (Grandmother) gave me a ladybird book about Charles Dickens. It had a brief bio about him and pictures from his various tales. At the start of the book there was a picture of Charles Dickens on a stage on his own reading to a packed theatre. From that moment seeing the power of writing I wanted to write. So even at a tender age it has always been an ambition. One that have always had and have never shaken.

9- What ignited your passion for writing?

See above - but also reading a lot.

10- Who is currently your biggest fan? What does that person love most (or "ship") about your debut novel?

I am not sure - I have however had a surprise gift of a ceramic statue of a smart detective style character in a Trench Coat arrive with a card saying "and the award for his writing goes too Jason Disley" from a fan.

11- Do you prefer coffee or tea to drink?

Typically like most Mods it's Coffee. I spend a lot of time going for coffees.

12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader, and is there a particular scene you hope will resonate with readers?

There is no specific emotion - I want readers to feel all of them at whatever given moments. Different situations give rise to different emotions. There is one scene where my protagonist is caught in the pouring rain wearing the wrong type of shoes - he is naturally a bit angry with himself and has taught himself a lesson.

13- What most helped you to improve your writing craft?

Both reading and writing. Being into the Mod scene you have a thirst for knowledge so you are always wanting to know more about something. It's all in the detail. Listening helps also of course.

14- What is the most memorable trait or visual oddity of one of your characters?

I think my character Jake Brody resembling a young Michael Caine. As the book evolves so he resembles Caine a bit more. Adopting the style of hair, clothing and wearing glasses.

15- #DiversityBingo2017 Which squares does your book cover on the card?

Immigrant or Refugees
The story is based around a pair of illegal immigrants escaping there Gangster Father.

16- Which character has your favorite Personality Contradiction?

Jake Brody is a Private Eye - he is clever and thoughtful but also takes some risk which can backfire. So he definitely falls under the Smart but Naive camp.

17- Can you think of any small change in the world you could make to potentially benefit hundreds of other authors or readers?

Make distribution easier. Large chain bookstores can be incredibly hard to agreeing to stock your books on their shelves so therefore you are often limited to online sales. Which is fine - but still doesn't beat picking up a copy from a bookshelf and holding it in your hands before you buy.

18- As a reader, what most motivates you to buy a new book to read?

Either the subject/genre or recommendation from people you know and respect. Eye catching bookcover.

19- How will you measure your publishing performance?

If the first print run sells out - I will be happy and of course actual feedback that it has actually been enjoyed.

20- What are some of your short and long term writing goals?

My goals both long and short are to keep on writing. My dream is to succeed well enough to give up my day job in retail and to be able to write full time. As at the moment it's a juggling act. I have a new poetry collection due to be released early next year and I am also planning a sequel to Seven Day Fool which will see Jake Brody getting involved in a tale set in 1966 in London just prior to the World Cup tournament.

21- What is one question which you would like the readers of this interview to answer or remark on in the comments?

Do they want a sequel?

22- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

Here is an excerpt:

A little taster of SEVEN DAY FOOL by Mordernist Beat Poet Jason Disley whose first novel is available for pre-order via www.suavecollective.co.uk for just £6.99 plus P&P

It is a noir thriller paying homage to the pulp novels of the '40's and '50's but set in and among the Mod clubs of 1965 Manchester.

Strictly limited in number so order now to avoid missing out.
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The Twisted Wheel club could be considered as seedy, but there is something about such places; knowing it’s a seedy den of iniquity just makes a place more exciting, more enticing and seductive. It was dark and very atmospheric and from 11.30 pm until 7.30 am it was the place to go on a Saturday night. All-nighters were simply the coolest things of all to a generation of music loving thrill chasers.

Situated on Whitworth Street, the club was entered via the cafe at Street level, on the left-hand side there was a soft drinks bar, nearby were various tables that record collectors and dealers swamped with their precious stacks of 45's. Nearby were the Gents toilets, where those that dealt in other things, peddled their illicit wares. Beneath them was the warren of rooms not unlike its previous dwelling on Brazenose Street. Tonight's headline act was Junior Walker and the Allstars, an act that would undoubtedly be popular. Billed to play for an hour at 2am when the place would be jumping and in full swing. I could already imagine that the crowd would be an all sweating, hot, giant, moving and undulating single organism, gyrating to the sweet music, as their pills of choice kicked in. Drugs weren't known by their medical and chemical names but instead by their colours. These little tablets of speed, that were: blue, purple, yellow and even red and green, coursing through their bodies, making them chomp on Wrigley's gum and talk about how great everything was. The atmosphere in here is palpable, electric even. The music is inviting promises of love, freedom, loss and desperation and the feelings of new found love again. It is cool to be there - to be part of what is going on.

The disc jockey at this time of night before the live act is called Bongo von Dort. He wasn't one of Roger Eagle's disciples, but he too was enthralled by Roger's immense knowledge of black American music, and in conversations with him, he too would wax lyrical about tunes on the Chess record label or the music coming from Stax. He was as passionate about the music as those out there on the dance floor. He would drop the needle on the record, chomping on his gum, grinning like the proverbial Cheshire Cat as another great tune would take the crowd down another rabbit hole to Wonderland.

Amazon UK ~ Seven Day Fool
Jason Disley