Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I'm Rebecca Scarberry (@Scarberryfields on Twitter), and Indie author of a novella, MESSAGES FROM HENRY, and a short story, RAG DOLL. I have interviewed a multi-published author, Ed Benjamin (@colbenjamin) on Twitter. Enjoy!!

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

Ed: Well, I am an American.  I was born in Oklahoma, but I grew up in Alabama and North Carolina. I entered the United States Air Force, after graduating from college.  I never flew airplanes, but spent much of my 27-year Air force career supervising and training people, who worked on airplanes. 

My wife and I live in the Texas Hill country north of San Antonio, Texas in a community called Bulverde, Texas.  We live in a rural area with assorted cats, raccoon, squirrel, birds, and other creatures.  We are cat lovers.  We currently have four cats, but have had as many as eight cats at any one time.  All of our cats were rescued (abandoned) when they came to us.

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

Ed: Absolutely, my characters are like my family.  Once they visit and allow me to write about them, they remain with me.  I think about them often.  I wrote some short stories about 15 years ago and found myself thinking of those characters the other day.

I love the characters.  For me, they take over and tell their own story.  I may start out thinking I will want a character to act in a certain, way but more often than not, they take on a life of their own, and push me out of the way.  All I have to do then is to stay at the keyboard and help them tell their story.  They get ahead of me sometimes and I can hardly keep up. I think I lose some things they want to say, but I hope they forgive me.  I’m going to keep trying to help them tell their stories.  I have a lot of demands in my life, but lately I’ve been giving more and more time to my characters.

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

Ed: Normally, I turn to family members.  My wife is a librarian and an accomplished editor in her own right.  She helped me with my most recent novella.  My son has helped me with my nonfiction book, on getting government business.

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

Ed: Since I’m older, there’s only my wife and I.  She is very busy with volunteer work for the local library, and volunteers as the committee chairperson for a Texas Library Association subcommittee, which publicizes the Texas Bluebonnet Reading program.  Therefore, we’re both very busy with our projects and we meet in the evenings for a little TV.

After I retired from the Air Force, I became a proposal writer.  I write proposals to help people get business with federal, state and local governments.  I do some of that work in a home office, where I also do my writing.  My wife is used to my hermit-like activities.

Scarberryfields: Do you travel to places you mention in your stories for research sake?

Ed: Yes, my wife and I take a big trip every year.  I do try to absorb my experiences in light of how my characters might react to various stimuli.  My next big fiction project will involve my character in a situation, which will incorporate several trips we have taken.

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

Ed: No, but I should.  It takes a lot of my time to interact via the social networks, especially when I have a proposal assignment, as well as trying to keep up with my fiction.

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

Ed: Sometimes, my wife. However, I have been known to launch off on my own.

Scarberryfields: Do you feel social networking as a marketing tool, is beneficial?

Ed: Yes, if I can only figure out the formula for success.  I think I spend too much time on Twitter, trying to publicize my books.

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

Ed: This year I completed and published a novella entitled, “Harry’s War” about a USAF fighter pilot flying Combat Air Patrol over present day Iraq.  He encounters eight Iranian fighters, gunning for him.  The story describes Harry before the incident, during the incident, and then the aftermath; where he must deal with unexpected consequences.

 Scarberryfields:  Are you working on something new?

Ed: I currently have three works in progress.

One project involves taking some information from a nonfiction book I published in 2009, and add some information.  I plan to write a book focused on preparing proposals for the federal government.  My original book, which sold very well, was more of a secondary school primer to help people get business with federal and state governments, and to get grants.

My second project is to develop and update a novella I wrote in 1998 about an UFO abduction gone wrong from the visiting aliens’ point of view.  It was, and will remain a black comedy.

My third project is to continue my research for a full length Harry Miles novel.  I have the start in my head and am doing some research so that when Harry takes over the story, he’ll have a base of information to use.  I don’t want to give up any details at this time, but it will be exciting and fraught with drama, as Harry continues to battle within himself (but a lot of that is up to Harry).

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books?  

Ed: They can find “Harry’s War” for 99 cents wherever eBooks are sold. Here are a few links:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Harrys-War-ebook/dp/B00794LZTU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1330731706&sr=1-1  http://t.co/hSl1Izh Barnes and Noble Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/harrys-war-ed-benjamin/1108892555
Sony Reader: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/ed-benjamin/harry-s-war/_/R-400000000000000624702
Apple iBookstore: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/harrys-war/id502735441?mt=11&ls=1 And other digital markets.

My nonfiction book “Cash In on the Obama $3 Trillion Spending Plan” at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.

My original novella, “The Mission” (electronic only) at http://flowingwaterpress.com

Scarberryfields: Where can people find you on the internet?

My Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/:-Ed-Benjamin/e/B002VBKGJG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1355870026&sr=1-2-ent

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1780627&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/EdBenjaminAuthor 

 

 

 

Hello. I'm Rebecca Scarberry, Scarberryfields on Twitter. I'm also the author of Messages from Henry, and Rag Doll. I have interviewed author, Kirk Hisko, @KirkHisko on Twitter. I enjoyed learning more about him, and certain you will also.

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

Kirk Hisko: I’m Canadian. I was born and raised in Renfrew, Ontario, and currently reside there.

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

Kirk Hisko: No, because they never really leave my head for very long. Since I’ve created such a large world with The Wizard’s Tale, and there are so many different characters, I’m always thinking of new situations for them to be in.

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

Kirk Hisko: I’ve done the majority of the editing myself, but one person I do turn to a lot is my wife, Robin. She loves reading and has been very helpful with the process.

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

Kirk Hisko: Robin has been so supportive of me on this writing journey. She has always encouraged me to finish The Wizard’s Tale. If it hadn’t been for her, I don’t think this book would be published.

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

Kirk Hisko: I have a busy mind, so I’m constantly doing multiple things while I’m in front of the computer.

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

Kirk Hisko: Yes. Again, my wife, Robin, has been more than happy to help. She’s read through The Wizard’s Tale multiple times, and has even read the second book in the series, which is almost complete.

Scarberryfields: Do you feel social networking as a marketing tool, is beneficial?

Kirk Hisko: Promoting a book online is a lot of work, but I enjoy that aspect of it, and I think it can be very rewarding if done properly. It’s also an essential way to connect with readers.

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

Kirk Hisko: The Wizard’s Tale. It’s the beginning of my epic fantasy fiction series.

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your book? 

The Wizard’s Tale is available on the kindle, amazon, & kobo. They can also check out my website: http://thewizardstale.com/ which has links to all three.

 

 

I’m also on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewizardstale

And twitter: https://twitter.com/KirkHisko 

Rebecca, thank you so much for having me on your blog. I really appreciate the opportunity. What you’re doing here for authors is incredible. Take care.

 

Scarberryfields: You’re welcome, Kirk. I’ve enjoyed learning more about you, and I hope your book is a success.  

Hello. I'm Rebecca Scarberry, Scarberryfields on Twitter. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I have a new interview. I have interviewed a very talented, kind author, Michael J. Foy, @michaeljfoy on Twitter. Enjoy!

  

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

Mike: American, but born of Irish parents who tried to instill in me an appreciation of other cultures. They failed… at least for my childhood years. Now I’m almost worldly.

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

Mike: No since most of my main characters leave something of themselves in me. For instance Jamie McCord of Future Perfect is sensitive to cold due to his lower than normal body temperature. Ever since writing him I like winter a lot less. And summer a little more.

I wrote Sherlock Holmes into a short story and had become much more observant. Unfortunately, that didn’t last. I still can’t pick out the mayonnaise that’s right in front of me in the refrigerator.

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

Mike: I’m very fortunate in that regard since I make my living by placing talent in the publishing industry. I’m shamefully rich in editorial connections.

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

Mike: They neither support nor complain. They’re totally indifferent with one exception. They complain when I ask them to read a passage or two.

Scarberryfields: Do you travel to places you mention in your stories for research sake?

Mike: For the most part, I’m inspired to write scenes from places I’ve already visited. It’s rare that I stray from personal experience although I admit that I’ve never visited Saturn’s moon Titan. That appears in The Kennedy Effect and I did use a combination of research and imagination to bring that scene to life. A beautiful place but bring a heavy jacket.

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

Mike: I didn’t think about that till you posed the question but yes, I guess I do. I try to limit distractions and allow my mind to wander.

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

Mike: Yes, I can get them to read certain passages and give me feedback after an appropriate bribe. Seriously, though I don’t like to tip the plot even to those very close to me until it’s complete and polished. 

Scarberryfields: Do you feel social networking as a marketing tool, is beneficial?

Mike: I do. Until recently, I could’ve been described as a social networking recluse but I’ve come to enjoy Twitter in particular. I see the value and fun in connecting with people interested in similar things. The exchanges can be provocative and thought provoking. Sometimes they seed my imagination for new stories or themes. I’d like to think my tweets offer something of value too.

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

Mike: The last book is called The Kennedy Effect. It’s about JFK but not our JFK. This one comes from a parallel reality and visits ours to make sure our time line continues without interference. And that includes ensuring that JFK’s assassination happens as our history dictates.

My imminent book release is titled Ghosts of Forgotten Empires, Volume 1. It’s a sequel to my first book Future Perfect.

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your books?

 

Mike: Amazon.com is where all are available in print and kindle versions.

Hello. I'm Rebecca Scarberry, Scarberryfields on Twitter and the self-published author of MESSAGES FROM HENRY. I have interviewed a debut novelist, Cassius Shuman, @CassiusShuman on Twitter. This is one of my favorite things, spotlighting debut novelists. You're going to love his answers, I did.

Scarberryfields: What is your background as a writer?

Cassius: First off, thank you so much Rebecca for hosting me on your BLOG!

Scarberryfields: My pleasure.

Cassius: I started my writing career as a broad journalist on radio and in television. Working in that fast-paced environment was the foundation for my writing. I've also written full-length stage plays and screenplays. I'm currently adapting a book ("Without Remorse" by Dr. Vonda Pelto) with my screenwriting partner, Jim Koski, about an unemployed single mother of two who, after obtaining her Ph.D. in Psychology, takes on a newly created position at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail with the task of preventing suicides amongst the country’s most notorious and high profile serial killers, including the Freeway Killers (William Bonin, James Munro & Vernon Butts) and the Hillside Stranglers (Kenneth Bianchi & Angelo Buono).

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

Cassius: I was born in Newport, RI, but raised in Dartmouth, MA (where the story for my novel is set) after my mother remarried. My mother is German and Portuguese. My father is Irish, French, Swedish and Dutch. My father has done extensive research on our lineage and determined that we're related to the Kennedys.

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

Cassius: I always miss my characters. They haunt me. I can't get them out of my mind. In fact, I feel quite schizophrenic because they're like real family to me.

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

Cassius: Thankfully, I've written enough that I don't encounter these problems too often. But, the Word program grammar and spell-check, as well as thesaurus are quite useful.

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

Cassius: I find that it is tough to be a writer and be present all of the time. Most often my mind wanders into plot points and story ideas. However, most people who know me understand that I am an extremely creative person who can withdraw while producing, or working on my latest literary endeavor. As far as relationships go, that can be a little trickier. Thankfully, I've been with some very supportive partners in this regard.

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

Cassius: At times, writing can be an escape. I get lost in my story while I'm writing. In fact, I've forgotten to stretch, eat or go to the bathroom while writing. That's how absorbed I can be in my stories. So the benefit is not only flexing and expanding your creative muscle, but hopefully writing something that moves and touches people in some way and makes the world a better place.

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

Cassius: No, and I often watch either ESPN or COMCAST Sports (Boston) because I'm a little bit of a sports junky. I will also check FB and Twitter periodically so that I feel connected to the world. Writing is a solitary exercise, so the less I feel isolated the better for my productivity. I need to keep my mind stimulated to keep the creative juices flowing. So checking FB and Twitter accomplishes that, as well as keeping me connected to other writers, like you Rebecca. :)

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

Cassius: Absolutely!  This is probably unorthodox, but my mother followed along as I was writing. I would subsequently send her three chapters. She would in turn provide me with feedback. So I guess you could say that she was my editor and critic all rolled into one throughout the writing process. And she reads a lot, so it was invaluable to me.

Scarberryfields: Do you feel social networking as a marketing tool, is beneficial?

Cassius: Yes! It is essential to promoting your work to the global marketplace. I also like that I can interact with people all over the world about my book or stories. Relationships with people are the key to everything. And I value my reading audience because they can promote the cause associated with my book. In the case of The Dead Boy’s Legacy, the cause is missing children. I am donating a portion of the proceeds to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, as well as doing charitable work against Human Trafficking.

Besides, I wouldn't be on your BLOG if it weren't for Twitter. :)

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

Cassius: My first novel: The Boy’s Legacy.

Scarberryfields: Where can readers go to find your book? 

Cassius: They can go to my website: www.cassiusshuman.com

Or they can go to (Amazon)...

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dead-Boys-Legacy-ebook/dp/B009WYLJ3W/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1

Or (Barnes & Noble)...

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dead-boys-legacy-cassius-shuman/1113628474?ean=9781935961765&itm=1&usri=the+dead+boy%27s+legacy

 

Thank you, Rebecca!  I've enjoyed being on your Blog! :)

Cassius Shuman