Notes from NaNo: Week Five

Since I post here on Thursdays, I decided to use my November (aka NaNovember) posts to give all you NaNo writers some fun plot points, characters, and other to incorporate into your works-in-progress if you get stuck or fall into a writing slump. For Week Five (and the last day of NaNo!), find the ending associated with your horoscope sign* and use it, subvert it, or incorporate it elsewhere into your book!


Aries: Everyone becomes friends and they ride off into the sunset together.

Taurus: Your main character kills your antagonist, but not before your antagonist reveals their plot/intentions.

Gemini: Your main character and their love interest get married.

Cancer: Your main character gets an exciting job offer.

Leo: A cliffhanger. Any cliffhanger.

Virgo: Your antagonist changes their ways and decides to become a better person.

Libra: Your protagonist goes back to their former life, but with different interests/desires.

Scorpio: A major character dies, and it's arguably your protagonist's fault.

Sagittarius: Someone has a baby.

Capricorn: Someone almost dies, but is saved at the last moment.

Aquarius: Your main character decides to be alone for a while.

Pisces: A dragon eats both your protagonist and antagonist.


*Note: I have no training or expertise with astrology. This is purely for fun!

Meet Will Damron in this Debut Author Spotlight

The Tercentennial Baron (The Bellirolt Chronicles Book 1)

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

#In5Words Honor yourself and honor others.

2- Will you continue doing audiobook narration?

Absolutely I will continue doing audiobook narration! That has allowed me the resources to publish my book the way I wanted. I plan to narrate for at least the near future.

3- Did you learn something new about audiobook narration from your new writer point of view? Or have you approached writing differently thanks to your narration skill?

I think I’ve always been best as a narrator when I perform the book as if I wrote it. That sort of ownership is essential when you take on the telling of any story. In terms of writing, I’ve gained a much deeper appreciation for how a book SOUNDS when read aloud. Rhythm, pacing - that all clicks into place. If the book can’t be read aloud easily and fluidly, you need to edit more.

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

A brief tale: I was obsessed with Star Wars as a kid; that was my first introduction to another UNIVERSE that someone else had created. So the first story I ever wrote was a total take-off on Star Wars. I think I even called it “Space Battles.” (I was in 3rd grade; give me a break.) It was literally a Luke vs Darth Vader story with different names, but somehow I knew I wasn’t just doing it for fun. I was starting to explore taking a world I loved and making it my own. I never finished that story, nor any other, until The Tercentennial Baron.

5- What ignited your passion for writing?

Reading other stories I loved AND watching movies. Probably movies even more! Just look at my previous answer. I knew as a young kid I wanted to create other worlds that people would want to be a part of.

6- What made you want to write a historical fantasy?

I love history, and I love fantasy. It really was that simple. I haven’t even read much historical fantasy, but to me history is a kind of fantasy in itself, because it concerns other worlds that have now fallen away - where lives were totally different - and yet parts of them still remain with us today. That, to me, is kind of magical, and the perfect set-up for a mystery.

7- Would you share a picture with us of a view of Scotland?

Glen Coe - one of my favorite parts of Scotland, with some of the most dramatic scenery. My fiancee and I hiked through there and fell in love with it.

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

Short term, I want to reach the point where I can make a living solely on my writing. By which I mean, my own original stories - not writing on assignment. Long term, I want to expand my repertoire of written work to many different series, not just the Bellirolt Chronicles. I want to create a variety of different worlds that fans can explore, so many different kinds of readers can enjoy my work.

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

Oh boy… I’m sure it’s a toss-up between my mother, my sisters, and my fiancee. How do you measure such a thing? They each appreciate different things about my work. But I think one thing they can all agree on is they feel very connected to the journeys of the characters in the book. And they can’t wait to read more about them.

10- Have you ever used a sword, perhaps while acting?

I have, indeed. I was trained in 18th-century swordplay while acting at Colonial Williamsburg, and one of my best friends and I did a sword fighting scene there that ran for well over a year. We used the 18-century smallsword, which also makes a brief appearance in my book…

11- 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 are many scenes I hope will resonate, but I don’t want to give any of them away! As for emotions, I hope readers feel fear for the danger the main characters find themselves in, curiosity to discover the truth, and the chilling sense of awe that comes as that truth is revealed.

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

Learning to pursue revealing the story, not creating the story. I can create lots of things, but only one in a hundred of them will really serve the story and the characters. Once I learned to view the story as something to be discovered, all the pieces of it finally fell into place.

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

I would say the Baron’s green eyes. It’s never explained why his eyes have a tendency to glow a vibrant jade green, but they are what has marked him throughout history. And of course, eyes are the windows to the soul, and the Baron has quite a tortured soul.

14- #DiversityBingo2017 What's your favorite book that covers a square on the card?

I am forever a fan of Toni Morrison’s “Song of Solomon”, as it had a tremendous effect on me when I read it in high school. And that certainly fits with Author of Color, Biracial, Black, and Person of Color on the Cover.


15- Which character has your favorite Personality Contradiction?

I can think of many personality contradictions in the Baron’s character, but I think my favorite is in the character of Granny McGugan. She protects the young hero, Percival (her grandson), by being exceptionally manipulative and tyrannical toward him. It’s all based on her deep desire to shield him from harm, but it manifests itself as outright cruelty sometimes.

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

Honestly, I don’t think I know enough about the business to answer that yet. At the moment, the change I’m focused on making is introducing my book to the world, and I think that every enjoyable story encourages more people to read, to talk about it, and even to add their own contributions. And the more people are contributing, the more involved and connected we all feel.

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

I am most motivated by the description on the back cover, and if a trusted friend or two shares their passion about the book beforehand. If a friend can sell me on it (and I’m pretty skeptical by nature), I will probably check it out.

18- How will you measure your publishing performance?

Number of books sold, and the responsiveness of fans to the books (as in, they share it with others, they say they want to see more, etc.).

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

I had been thinking about self-publishing for a while, as I was submitting the book to agents and editors. When I finally hit my 75th rejection, I decided to stop giving the traditional publishing world a chance, and take on the project as my own business. I was very attracted to the amount of control I could have over the final product compared to what I would be afforded as a debut author with an established publisher.

20- What is one question (or discussion topic) which you would like the readers of this interview to answer or remark on in the comments?

How do you most often discover new books that you HAVEN’T heard about from friends? Examples could be ads (online, in magazines, on billboards…), reviews by a particular blogger, reviews in a particular magazine, recommendations by your favorite authors, etc.

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

I would love to share this one review that AudiobookDJ posted a few weeks ago - it was actually the first review the book received! Based on the overwhelming positive response the print version has received on Amazon, I don’t think this experience is unique to people listening to the audiobook, though you should certainly check that out if you like audio!

Here is the review: http://audiobookdj.squarespace.com/home/2017/10/15/the-tercentennial-baron.html

As for more about me, I am an audiobook narrator with over 200 titles recorded in the last few years, in genres ranging from fantasy to sci-fi, YA, literary, nonfiction, and thrillers. I have won an Audie Award (one of the highest honors in the audiobook business), two Voice Arts Awards, and numerous Earphones Awards. “The Tercentennial Baron” is my debut as an independent author, and it’s a story I’ve worked on since before I became a narrator. If you enjoy fantasy, the supernatural, Scotland and Scottish history, sweeping epics full of mystery, or even just spooky ghost stories, I really believe you’ll love this book.

You can find me on social media on Twitter @jwdamron, Instagram @jwdamron, and Facebook @Damron.Stories. Feel free to check out my website as well - http://www.willdamron.com - though it’s undergoing renovations right now and a brand new one will be going live within a few weeks!


The Tercentennial Baron (The Bellirolt Chronicles Book 1)

Blast From the Past #4

It's November. It's NaNoWriMo. I'm an ML this year. I got revision notes back from my agent last month that I'm still working on. My husband is completely renovating our living room, right before we have a bunch of family in town for Thanksgiving. Something's gotta give, and this month it's new content for Operation Awesome. So I've picked through some of my old posts and picked out a few to feature this month.

This one is just for fun. It's on using punctuation correctly to convey tone.

Notes from NaNo: Week 4

Since I post here on Thursdays, I decided to use my November (aka NaNovember) posts to give all you NaNo writers some fun plot points, characters, and other to incorporate into your works-in-progress if you get stuck or fall into a writing slump. For Week Four, find the meal associated with your horoscope sign* and incorporate it into your book!


Aries: An all-vegetarian dinner with a bottle of root beer.

Taurus: Cheeseburgers, french fries, and avocado milkshakes.

Gemini: Spaghetti with ketchup instead of marinara sauce.

Cancer: Three bottles of wine.

Leo: Steak, potatoes, and 100-year-old scotch.

Virgo: Fried fish, coleslaw, and champagne.

Libra: Cereal and unpasteurized milk.

Scorpio: Banana bread, chili con carne, and oysters.

Sagittarius: Cans of beer, ice cream, and edible flowers.

Capricorn: Thanksgiving dinner, but with quail instead of turkey.

Aquarius: Hot tea and basil sorbet.

Pisces: Hummus and pita, tomato juice, and Boston Cream Pie.


*Note: I have no training or expertise with astrology. This is purely for fun!

Debut Author Spotlight will Return

The Debut Author Spotlight will return next week.
J has been hit by a deer.

Blast From the Past #3

It's November. It's NaNoWriMo. I'm an ML this year. I got revision notes back from my agent last month that I'm still working on. My husband is completely renovating our living room, right before we have a bunch of family in town for Thanksgiving. Something's gotta give, and this month it's new content for Operation Awesome. So I've picked through some of my old posts and picked out a few to feature this month.

Today I'm revisiting one of my favorite topics: Query letters! This post isn't about how to write query letters, but when to write query letters.

Lockwood & Co. TV Series!

I am so excited to find out that my favorite series, Lockwood & Co., is hopefully going to be turned into a TV series!!! Which always brings about all the questions of how well it will be done. Will they stay true to character descriptions?

Take Lucy, our main character. She's described as a bit thick about the hips, and not exactly pretty. So will a blond, skinny starlet then be cast? I hope not! Lockwood is tall and slim. George is chubby, and really likes cake (me too).

Then there's the world-building, which is fabulous. Will we see that woven into the series? Will there be references to how the Problem (ghosts after dark) has affected the entire country, and to the earliest agents (ghost hunters) that fought them? And the profitable industries that have bloomed because of the Problem (iron & lavender- ghosts can't stand either of them)?

Will we see the different agencies that employ children to fight what adults can't see? Will they be in their snazzy uniforms (I need those snazzy uniforms, I really do).

And how will the ghosts be portrayed? Truly creepy, or cheesy?

So lots of questions!! If you haven't heard of Lockwood & Co., I encourage you to check them out! Right away! Go do it!

(You know how we bookish people are about pushing their favorite books on people...) ;)

Notes from NaNo: Week 3

Since I post here on Thursdays, I decided to use my November (aka NaNovember) posts to give all you NaNo writers some fun plot points, characters, and other to incorporate into your works-in-progress if you get stuck or fall into a writing slump. For Week Three, find the cliche associated with your horoscope sign*, flip it or subvert it or do something entirely unexpected with it, and go to town!


Aries: A prince saves a princess from a dragon.

Taurus: Your main character is 'the chosen one.'

Gemini: Your antagonist is a mustache-twirling, cardboard villain.

Cancer: Your main character is lamenting 'the one who got away.'

Leo: One of your female characters is different from 'all the other girls.'

Virgo: Your book starts with your main character waking up.

Libra: Your main character described themselves while looking in a mirror.

Scorpio: Your main character succeeds at everything they try.

Sagittarius: Every person your main character encounters falls in love with them.

Capricorn: Your main characters has at least one absent or neglectful parent.

Aquarius: Your main character has a dream with clear symbols that guide them through the rest of the plot.

Pisces: Your main character has no flaws and makes no mistakes.


*Note: I have no training or expertise with astrology. This is purely for fun!

Blast From the Past #2

It's November. It's NaNoWriMo. I'm an ML this year. I got revision notes back from my agent last month that I'm still working on. My husband is completely renovating our living room, right before we have a bunch of family in town for Thanksgiving. Something's gotta give, and this month it's new content for Operation Awesome. So I've picked through some of my old posts and picked out a few to feature this month.

If you are stuck while doing NaNo (or just stuck at all, whatever), get the brain juices flowing by doing personality tests for your characters.

Flash Fiction Contest #37

Today is National Vanilla Cupcake Day! Are you planning on indulging in a vanilla cupcake? ;) (I actually had donuts for breakfast, so I think I've had my quota of sweets today...)

Submit your flash fiction piece about a vanilla cupcake in 150 words or less for a chance to win! Rules found here.

Notes from NaNo: Week Two

Since I post here on Thursdays, I decided to use my November (aka NaNovember) posts to give all you NaNo writers some fun plot points, characters, and other to incorporate into your works-in-progress if you get stuck or fall into a writing slump. For Week Two, find the new character associated with your horoscope sign* and go to town!


Aries: A young child with a too-large backpack.

Taurus: An elderly couple who finish each others' sentences.

Gemini: A woman who's the president of her company.

Cancer: A middle-aged man with an unusual hobby.

Leo: A teenage boy with a talent he's often mocked for.

Virgo: A dog who has a favorite person.

Libra: A cat who's traveled the world.

Scorpio: A teenage girl who's planning to run away from home.

Sagittarius: A baby who learns to talk way too early.

Capricorn: A hamster that gets lost in the house.

Aquarius: A cranky old man with a secret.

Pisces: A four-year-old girl who changes the world.


*Note: I have no training or expertise with astrology. This is purely for fun!

Meet Karen Osman in this Debut Author Spotlight

The Good Mother

1- Have you ever had a penpal?

I had so many pen pals growing up - it was an amazing way to experience the world before social media. I had penfriends in Canada, Germany, Ghana, France, and loved receiving their letters every month.

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

Hard-working, focused, determined, empathetic, and slightly obsessive!

3- Living in Dubai, have you been at the top (level 148) of the Burj Khalifa?

I have! My husband took me there and it was an incredible sight from the top.

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

It doesn’t explain why I’m a writer but feedback is so important to me. I had one reader message me to say that she hadn't read for so long as she was so busy working and looking after her children. She told me that she enjoyed The Good Mother so much that she's now determined to get back into reading again and making a little time for herself again. It’s stories like this, that make all the hard work worthwhile.

5- What ignited your passion for writing?

I'd love to be able to tell you the answer to that - there's never been one moment or incident. Since I was a child, I have always written; diaries, stories, letters....it's more of a need. It doesn't quite make sense to me either!

6- Do you ever get recognized/identified in public as being on the "Ahlan’s Hot 100 People" 2017 edition?

No, however, that was a great moment and the photo shoot was a lot of fun. To be recognised as contributing to the UAE's cultural landscape was a great honour.

7- Would you share a picture with us of your book surrounded by luxury?

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

I currently have a three-book deal with Head of Zeus and currently working on my second book. I have a goal to have a first rough draft written before Christmas and ready to send to my editor early 2018.

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

That person is my husband. When I asked him this question, he replied: "Knowing the circumstances in which you wrote it." He is referring to the fact that I was pregnant with my second son and very tired looking after my toddler!

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

The theme of motherhood is present throughout the book and I'm sure some of the scenes will resonate with mothers everywhere. But for me, books have always provided an escape - a chance to relax from work or obligations and I hope The Good Mother does this as well.

11- In your opinion, is it better for the average person with a small budget to engage in experiential travel or transformational travel, and why?

Any type of travel in my opinion is worth doing – you can always discover something new about yourself.

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

My editor, Sarah Ritherdon – she’s fantastic and I really admire how she can take a manuscript and improve it.

13- Did you have other titles in mind for the book before it went to publication?

Yes, the original submission for The Good Mother was called Dear Michael.

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

The colour red is mentioned a few times in The Good Mother for different characters and is a symbol of danger.

15- #DiversityBingo2017 What's your favorite book that covers a square on the card?

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts


16- Which character has your favorite Personality Contradiction?

All three characters – Catherine, Alison, and Kate have personality contradictions and it’s difficult to choose one. Probably Kate though – she loves her children and wants to be a good mother but feels frustrated at the same time.

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

It’s not a small change but using libraries regularly and supporting book shops is my way.

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

It depends on the situation but usually the description on the back of the book is the deciding factor for me.

19- How will you measure your publishing performance?

As a debut novelist, I have had tremendous support from my agent and publishing house, not just writing the book but also promoting it. I will measure commercial success mainly by book sales and feedback in the market.

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

This was mainly taken out of my hands as I won the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Montegrappa Writing Award. As part of that prize, I had the support of an agent who helped me go down the traditional route of publishing as opposed to self-publishing.

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

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

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

http://www.karenosman.com
https://www.karenosman.com/bio
Buy The Book


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The Good Mother

Blast From the Past #1

It's November. It's NaNoWriMo. I'm an ML this year. I got revision notes back from my agent last month that I'm still working on. My husband is completely renovating our living room, right before we have a bunch of family in town for Thanksgiving. Something's gotta give, and this month it's new content for Operation Awesome. So I've picked through some of my old posts and picked out a few to feature this month.

Today, I invite you to read one of my first posts for OA, which was on beta readers.

Notes from NaNo: Week One

Since I post here on Thursdays, I decided to use my November (aka NaNovember) posts to give all you NaNo writers some fun plot points, characters, and other to incorporate into your works-in-progress if you get stuck or fall into a writing slump. For Week One, find the plot idea associated with your horoscope sign* and go to town!


Aries: A tall, dark, and handsome stranger arrives in town. When he removes his hat and coat, your main character realizes he's a [fill in the blank].

Taurus: Your main character cannot live without [fill in the blank]... until they have to.

Gemini: Your main character gets into a friendly, yet competitive, game of [fill in the blank] with your antagonist.

Cancer: No one understands your main character better than [fill in the blank], so when that person goes missing, your main character has to take action.

Leo: A fair/carnival/circus comes to town. Your main character goes, accompanied by [fill in the blank].

Virgo: Your antagonist always wanted to [fill in the blank], but couldn't make it happen. This explains a lot about their motivations.

Libra: Your main character looks up [fill in the blank] in the dictionary, and it guides their actions through the next several scenes.

Scorpio: Your main character finds an abandoned animal at the side of the road. So your main character [fill in the blank].

Sagittarius: One of your characters slips and falls. Your main character reacts by [fill in the blank].

Capricorn: Your antagonist has a soft spot. It's [fill in the blank].

Aquarius: Someone deeply insults your main character, saying [fill in the blank].

Pisces: Your main character falls ill. Their symptoms include [fill in the blank].

*Note: I have no training or expertise with astrology. This is purely for fun!

One Last Word of NaNo Encouragement

Today is Halloween, or as I like to call it, NaNoWriMo Eve. I hope you've read Jaime's NaNo Prep posts this month; they are full of great tips for getting ready for a month of writing until your brain oozes out your ears. Kidding! (The ooze comes out your nose.)

A question I've posed to the WriMos in my home region is, "What's going to stop you?" In other words, what do you think your biggest roadblock to finishing NaNoWriMo with 50K words will be? Name it, face it, and if you can, make a plan to overcome it.

I know you can do it. Write on, WriMos!

Writing Slump Woes

I've been in such a writing slump lately. And it's not that I didn't want to write, it's just I'd been so busy with another creative endeavor, that when I did get two seconds to myself, I was too drained to find even one more drop of creative juice within me.

I decorated a wedding reception last weekend, so the month before that involved endless trips to various stores, buying supplies--and returning supplies, when the first idea I had for a theme just didn't pan out.

And before I was asked to decorate the reception, I had just started to pull apart my living room, so that I could paint it. Now that I'm done with the reception, I'm hoping that I can knock out the painting this weekend, and get everything back to normal, so that I can sit down and refocus on my story. Last night, I did manage to take one word--ONE WORD!--and move it to a different place in the same sentence. Now that's some forward momentum, lol!

Here's a pic from the photo booth that I did for the wedding, with my little guy posing. He kept telling me he was going to "kiss me and marry me". Sorry, kid, your dad got there first! ;)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Preparing for NaNoWriMo: One Final Trick

November is National Novel Writing Month, otherwise known as NaNoWriMo. It's an entire month dedicated to writing, or, more specifically, to amassing fifty thousand words on an original novel. Last year, over 400,000 writers from around the world participated. The NaNo website helps you track your word count, provides regional support and chat boards, and allows you to "win" when you hit your 50,000-word goal. Every November, bookstores, coffee shops, and 24-hour diners fill up with writers - you can practically feel the creativity in the air! NaNo provides a great community, and it's a great motivation for starting or continuing a novel project. 2017 will be my seventh year tackling NaNo, and I can't wait to get started!

That said, there are a few ways to set yourself up in advance for NaNo success. We'll explore these each Thursday in October, so you'll be ready to hit the ground running on November 1st!

Writing every day for a month (or for long stretches of time over several days during the month) can be really tough. A lot of writers drop out of NaNo part-way through - the time commitment is nothing to sneeze at. And it can also feel disheartening when a project you started on November 1st begins getting bogged down around the middle. You might encounter writer's block, or just feel like your time could be better spent doing something else. You might open that Word doc, or your notebook, and get queasy at the idea of spending an hour or more working on your book.

But before you close that document or notebook, I want to give you one tip to help you keep writing when you really, really don't want to. It's a very simple tip, but it nearly always works.

End your day's writing in the middle of a sentence.

That's it. It doesn't even have to be an exciting, eventful sentence, though that never hurts. But it's so much easier to start writing each day when you know all you *have* to do is finish that darn sentence from the day before. Chances are, you'll do that, and then you'll keep going. Let's try it:

1) Katya couldn't believe her ears: had Emilio really professed his love for her? That's a complete thought. Where do you go from there? When you pick up the book the next day, you have to stay within the confines of Emilio's confession, whether you want to or not.

2) Katya couldn't believe That's an incomplete sentence and it can go a lot of different places. Maybe she couldn't believe her luck, or what had just happened, or in some aspect of her religion, or a million other things. The point is, when you're greeted with this sentence fragment on a new writing day, you have to get your creativity flowing right away to figure out what Katya couldn't believe. It's not hard to finish a sentence. And once you do, then you're already writing! You might as well keep going, right?

What do you do on days when you really just don't feel like writing?

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.
--
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

Reading Roundup!

Another reading roundup! Need a good book to read as winter settles in? I've got a list for you:

 I read this last year, and already raved about it on our favorite books of 2016 post. I reread it because I loved it so much, and I still love it.

 A retelling of The Great Gatsby, but the characters are on a debate team at a fancy prep school. Super fun.

 I've never read John Grisham before, and I wanted to see what all of the fuss was about. While I didn't love his writing style, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read. The man know how to write suspense.

I read this on a whim because it was available through my library's ebook app. I was so glad I did! It's a retelling of Labyrinth (which may also be a retelling, but I don't care!), and it's beautiful. Can't wait for the sequel.

 Another reread. This is You've Got Mail, but with a restaurant owner and a newspaper food critic. Wow, three retellings/reimaginings in one reading roundup? That's a new record for me. This one makes me feel warm and fuzzy, and hungry. And DEFINITELY try the coconut cake recipe at the end. It's amazing.

 I gave Brigid Kemmerer another try after feeling sideswiped by the paranormal elements coming out of nowhere in her last book. This book was much more to my taste. Would definitely recommend, especially to teen readers.

This is the second book in the Reality Star series. It's so fun, and Laura does a great job of building off the first book and deepening the relationship between Jen and Justin without feeling like we're just retreading the same ground. Can't wait for Reality Wedding to come out next year!









I have been reading this book all year, taking it slowly, trying to internalize its concepts. It's very empowering. I'm sure it will be a book I read over and over again. I even bought the workbook!











I wanted to read the third book in this series, so I had to start over with the first one. This is excellent epic fantasy.










Book 2 feels like a lot of set up for book 3, but is still a good read.

Whew. This book was huge. I felt like the ending was satisfying, but it took a lot of twists and turns to get there. Overall, I would definitely recommend the series to anyone interested in fantasy.

Flash Fiction Contest #36

It's fall, which means you've probably seen a pumpkin or two sitting about. Write a piece of 350 words with a pumpkin(s) in it, and enter it by noon on Sunday 10.15, EST, in order to win! Rules found here.