Author Interview

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry. @Scarberryfields on Twitter and the author of Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, the Jumper series of illustrated children’s books, and Where Love Takes You. I have a treat for you. I’ve interviewed author/book publisher, Steve Caresser (@ePrintedBooks on Twitter).

Rebecca: What year did you start up your book publishing business? 

Steve: In 2000 I started schooling for the self-publishing field. I helped several people along the way and I believe I launched my “One Stop Self-Publishers Shop” called ePrintedBooks in 2005. Link: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/ebookservices.html  

Rebecca: How long have you been writing fiction? 

Steve: Well, I’m not sure. Some years back I recorded my first poem and posted it on my website and Twitter. In a short time it got over 100 grand reviews. In shock, I asked several who had given a listen if they thought I would ever be a poet. They all said, “You are a poet!” Link: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/SteveCaresser/poems/poems1.html 

Rebecca: What are the titles of the books you published/and will soon publish. What genres are they, and what age group are they written for? 

Steve: In 1965 while I was still in grade school I wrote “The Phantom cow”. It’s a comedy that I recently dug up from my old attic. I’m currently editing the book. While in school back in 1970 I wrote a short story about a fishing trip. My teacher made copies and posted them around the school as an example of good creative writing. I then ran into some serious roadblocks in my life and stopped writing. I believe I started writing fiction again in 2005. “The Scared Crow “is my first published novel. It’s a small town detective mystery I wrote for my ten-year-old granddaughter. In book 2 (it’s underway and I’ve not told anyone this yet) I’ll soon be introducing “The Sherlock Holmes Quad Squad”. It’s about a pair of teenage girls and a pair of teenage boys who team up to solve crimes across the globe. This will be a young adult series. Link: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/SteveCaresser/Index.html You can listen to the prologue for The Phantom Cow: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/SteveCaresser/AudioBooks/PhantomCow/PhantomPrologue.html

 

Alien Checkmate” is an upcoming series of young adult novellas about the world’s next alien invasion.

“The Five Gallon Bucket” is a book I published containing some old wine recipes I have developed and used in my life.

 

“The Sunshine Series” is an upcoming young adult series of novellas about a young girl who becomes an investigator, trying to find those responsible for her mother’s murder. “Just Wandered Into Town” is book one in the series. Link: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/SteveCaresser/index.html  

I wrote and published “What Every Married Woman Needs” to help men have a happier marriage. 

Rebecca: What age group do you enjoy writing for the most? 

Steve: I enjoy writing for young adults the most. 

Rebecca: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? 

Steve: When I’m not writing I enjoy collecting wild herbs in the area and filming more for my upcoming “Wild Herb Hunt” show. I enjoy filming more on our show called “The Whole World News”. And like most authors, I enjoy tweeting other authors’ books. I enjoy BBQ cookouts with the family, going to the park, and our swimming hole, way out in the middle of nowhere. I also enjoy my online radio show, "The Steve Caresser Show". I play oldies from the 60's, 70's and 80's. http://thestevecaressershow.playtheradio.com/index.cfm

Rebecca: What are you currently writing? 

Steve: I’m currently writing a mystery sci-fi thriller for young adults called “The Herbalist”. It’s about the ‘Herbalist’ who comes walking out of nowhere (fades in and out), and the only people that can see him are the sick in hospital beds. His pet Doberman and his black panther are always with him and he’s wanted dead or alive by the medical industry. I’m going to leave it at that. 

Rebecca: Thank you for answering my questions, Steve. It’s been a pleasure to have you as my book publisher over the years. You’ve done a great job on my author page and interview on your website. Thank you for promoting indie authors like me and others on so many social media sites.

  

Steve: You’re a lot of fun, Rebecca. I enjoy working with you and tweeting with you. Thank you for taking the time to interview me.

A Step Back in Time

Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry, @Scarberryfields on Twitter, and author of seven self-published books in four different genres.
 

Prior to moving to Winslow, Arkansas in 2007, I lived on a farm in Oregon for 12 years. I miss raising chickens the most.  In spite of the tornadoes here, my husband, Rick and I now feel we’ve landed in paradise (the Boston Mountains of Arkansas). It’s definitely ‘a writer’s paradise’.
 

Above is a picture of my Oregon farm where I raised chickens and I had a vegetable garden.
 

Before we left Oregon, we sold just about everything we owned and packed our little 2004 Chevy Aveo hatchback with a few clothes and one cat. We stayed with Rick’s elderly aunt for six months in Rogers, Arkansas while we searched for property to buy. We searched in four surrounding states. We didn’t have much money and we were lucky to find the 5 acre farm on a creek we now own. It was in foreclosure. It was overgrown with silver maple trees and the hay was nearly as tall as I am. I couldn’t resist buying the property when I saw the creek with my very own waterfall and all the wildlife.

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a four bedroom home on the property, but it would have cost a minimum of $25,000 to make livable. There’s also a well house with a hand dug well inside. We had the water tested and found out it was contaminated, like most of the wells in the surrounding area. There’s also a chicken coup, and a tin shack.

 

The four bedroom home with ivy growing around the front and chimney.

 

We decided to get a loan and have a 2 story cabin built. It only cost us $7,500. We did a lot of the work ourselves like drywall, paint, and flooring. We decided not to put any plumbing in for a new septic tank would have been necessary. We couldn’t afford that and with the well water undrinkable, it seemed useless. We were happy to have power. I felt like we’d stepped back in time. . . A time when few had indoor plumbing. It was actually kind of fun. Well, until winter hit. The solar shower was out of the question. We started heating water for bathing indoors or we drove over an hour to a cousin’s house.

 

 

  

The above picture is the cabin upstairs bedroom

 

 

  

We were working fulltime and once we had most of the cabin interior done in August 2007, we moved in. Rick built an outdoor enclosed shower stall. We used a solar shower bag for bathing, bought bottled water, and used a microwave, barbeque, and campfire for cooking.  We adopted a female cat, living in the old house, and ended up with thirteen cats. We saved enough money to have the females spade. I now have four cats and two strays sleeping with the outdoor cats in the old house. We also had an underground metal shelter installed by the cabin and bought two weather radios. Very scary when you hear a report on the weather radio saying a tornado is headed straight for you!!

 

 

Thomasina, the cat we adopted.

 

In 2009 I started handwriting a novel. I didn’t own a computer nor did I know a whole lot about them. I’d used a computer on my job as a HMO claims analyst, but I’d only learned how to use their customized program to pay claims. My father passed away October 1, 2009 and I inherited enough money to have a three bedroom custom home built on the farm. Before they started building the new home, an ice storm hit. We were without power for 9 days. 15 trees came down (damaging the old house and chicken coup). It took us days to cut a path to the main highway.
 

We moved into the new home September 27, 2009. We quit our jobs and I started writing full time. I finally got a laptop in 2011, obtained internet service, and joined Twitter. The first week I owned the laptop, my pc got a virus. I was wishing that I had a teenager in the home to help me. The kids today grew up using computers. I didn’t. It’s been a major struggle learning to use the pc properly, type my novel, socialize without high speed internet service, and keep my pc virus free. We finally got city water 2 ½ years ago.

 

                                          

 

 

 

 

My waterfall in the fall.

 

 

 

Picture showing my metal underground shelter, painted red. 

 

We sold the Aveo to a local farmer and I now have this Hummer. I love it! My husband has one too.

 

 

 

                                                        Rick's Hummer.

                    

 

Just one of the great sunsets here in the mountains with a storm headed my way.

The novel I’d written has never been published and never will be. It’s in need of way too much editing and not really worth my time. In 2012, while sitting on my front porch, the story lines for Messages from Henry and Rag Doll popped into my head. June 14, 2012 I self-published Messages from Henry and on December 9, 2012 I self-published Rag Doll. I’m now writing my eighth book and as long as I can keep my pc working, I’ll continue to tweet, blog, and have fun.

My Amazon author page: http://smarturl.it/0z9brq

Libraries: A Great Place to Visit

Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m the author of seven books, written in four different genres, and @Scarberryfields on Twitter.

My oldest sister reminded me a short time ago about how much fun it was to visit a library as a child. That has never changed for us. She reminded me of how great it was to smell the books, lining the shelves, as soon as we walked in. That smell was mixed with freshly polished wooden banisters, shelves, and tabletops. It was one of my favorite places to be. My life at home wasn’t peaceful nor did my parents encourage me to read. I visited the library and borrowed books because I was able to read those wonderful stories and escape. A place to borrow books my parents couldn’t afford nor wanted to buy for me.

It was wonderful to have a smiling librarian walk up to me and ask what I like to read, meant so much to me. My answer was always, “I love animals.” They always guided me to just the right book for me. Not only did I love the books I read, but I thought to myself, I’m going to write stories like this one day. Well, I’ve done just that. 

The libraries have changed a bit since we were small, but you can still smell the books when you walk in. The children of today are able to get on computers to read many books, my own included. I have to say, I’m still thrilled to see many children holding books in their arms as they walk out of the library. I hope they have one of mine. I’ve donated a few copies of my children’s books in paperback.

 

Please continue to take your children to libraries and encourage them to read. It’s important!!

An Update on my new book and screenplay

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m @Scarberryfields on Twitter and author of seven books (written in four different genres) that many seem to enjoy.  I have to admit, writing for young children is my passion, but I’m writing a new novel. Like my popular short story, Rag Doll, this story will have many twists and the ending might shock many readers. I’ve only written approximately seven thousand words so far. It’s a crime drama set in California. I think this story about a toddler named Chelsea will touch your hearts. I’ve already sent a portion of this story to my beta readers and they tell me they can’t wait to read the rest of it.

My main focus in the near future is to attempt to please all of the young children who love my children’s books, by getting Jumper, the friendly red beach ball, on television. I’ve been told that I’ll get the copyright for the script this month (January). Six days a week I walk a mile to my mailbox to see if it’s arrived.  Several television producers are waiting for me to send them the script. As I’ve said before, my main focus is to get the public broadcasting service to buy this and turn it into an animated cartoon series, similar to Sponge Bob Square Pants. I don’t care about wealth. I just want to please the children. Where I live, PBS has eliminated nearly all Saturday morning cartoons. 

I sell most of my Jumper series in person. Even my husband acts like my publicist. When he goes to town he tells everybody he meets that his wife is an author. He has sold many copies of my Jumper series right out of the back of his Hummer. I’ve also gotten many requests for signed copies of the series. No matter where these people live, I’ve given them a price, they’ve sent the money, and I’ve mailed them. This series is very costly for me to self-publish, but I’ve donated the entire series to a women’s shelter in Maryland and several libraries. Here’s a picture of a ‘thank you’ from the children in the shelter. I can’t show you the picture of one little girl holding volume one for her mother has requested I not do so. Her daughter read Jumper to all the little ones in the shelter and they loved it!!

If you have young children, please keep reading books to them. And if your child loved one of the books you read to them, please post a review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A true Christmas Story:

 

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m author Rebecca Scarberry (@Scarberryfields on Twitter).  I have a true Christmas story to tell you. I wrote this story three years ago and it was posted on an author’s website. It’s since been deleted. Therefore, I thought I’d post it on my blog.

Christmas in Arizona 

It was November of 1997 when my husband, Rick decided we needed a vacation away from our problems.  He and his brother had inherited property in Fort Mohave, Arizona when their father died. We thought the property most likely needed some sprucing up before it was put on the market for sale. Therefore, that’s where we headed for three months in our Jeep and our big red dog named Taz. It took many hours to get from Rogue River, Oregon to Arizona, but we were just happy to be headed for a warmer climate for the winter.

Once we arrived, we found that some teenagers had broken into the mobile home and destroyed it. There was a two-car garage attached to the mobile and unharmed. Therefore, we insulated it, and decided that’s where we’d live for the next three months.

We didn’t have much money, so we went to a thrift store and bought a used mattress, used thirteen inch TV, bedding, and camping gear, including a kerosene heater.  Once we had the electricity turned on, we were so happy to discover the fridge in the mobile worked.  Most of the time we cooked on a campfire and we took showers at Rick’s cousin’s house, seven miles away.

We spent most of our time burning trash and sightseeing. There was an old swing set on the property. It was in good condition. It had three swings and a slide. The only thing it was in need of was a fresh coat of paint. We decided to put it near the roadway with a sign on it we’d made, using cardboard. The sign read, “FREE”.

The next day, while we were sitting by our campfire, a young man, driving an old rusted pickup truck; stopped by the swing set.  He got two little girls out of the truck and they were looking at the swing set. The little girls were around three and four years old. Their little dresses were torn and dirty, just like they’re adorable little faces, and they were barefoot. The father saw us and shouted, “Is this swing set still free?”

We walked over to the three and Rick told him it was free if they wanted it. The father looked at his little girls and said, “Well, girls. I could paint it and then you’d both have a Christmas present. What do ya say?” The little girls smiled up at their father and shook their heads.

After Rick helped the young father load the swing set into the back of the truck, the little ones looked up at Rick and said, “Merry Christmas, Mister.” We both wished them all a merry Christmas and they went on their way.

 

A Special gift

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m author Rebecca Scarberry (@Scarberryfields on Twitter) and author of seven books written in four different genres. As many of you already know, one of my favorite things to do is to help newly published authors learn to market their books better. I’m not an expert, and it’s been a struggle for me to learn to write fiction better and get noticed. In 2011 (before I had published), I was a book reviewer on two different review teams. This was a blessing. By reading all of the wonderful books written by self-published authors like Des Birch, Scott Bury, Micheal Rivers, Derek Blass, @Wodkehawkinson, @rsguthrie, Diane Major, Dave Perlmutter, John Dolan, Patricia Paris, Steve Caresser, and so many others; my writing skills improved. I’m honored that author, Dave Perlmutter mentioned me for my kindness in his 2^nd book, My Way.

 

A very short time ago I started sending many new writers to author, Steve Caresser, founder of ePrintedBooks, for all their needs. Many signed up for promotional packages, book covers, etc. As a result, Steve has given me a free promotional package. I feel honored to have been given such a wonderful gift. I can’t thank Steve enough. I want to thank all of you who’ve tweeted my author page on his site and shared it on Facebook. The last time I counted 177 had tweeted it. I find that amazing and without a doubt, I’m very pleased.

I never check my sales on Amazon. Therefore, I don’t know if this has resulted in more sales. I just wait for the royalty check to be deposited in my account each month. The link to my author page is: http://www.eprintedbooks.com/Rebecca_Scarberry/ I hope you’ll check it out and utilize the services provided by ePrintedBooks. They are very reasonable. Trust me, I've compared prices.

The Truth Be Known

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m @Scarberryfields on Twitter and the author of seven books, written in four different genres. I didn’t plan to write in four different genres, it just happened that way. I didn’t think I’d be writing any more books, and actually promised my husband I wouldn’t so that I could spend more time with him. Well, I’m now writing a new novel. It’s an adult crime novel with many twists and turns. I might never publish the book, but this one, I’ve now entitled, THE TRUTH BE KNOWN; has my mind spinning out of control. As a result, I’ll be spending less time online so that I can do all of the necessary research for this new book. Trust me it will have twists that will knock your pants off. Well, maybe not your pants, but it will at least knock your socks off. If you know me, and many of you reading this do; I’ll most likely be tweeting just as much as I normally do. It’s important to me to support all of the authors, supporting me on Twitter such as @JohnDolanAuthor, @dianemajor1, @CliveEaton, @osbornrobertsr, @Norm_Clark, and many others.

Tweeting works well for me as far as selling my books or at least getting my followers to download a couple of those I currently offer free (Rag Doll & Messages from Henry). Just this morning, November 3^rd, an author told me he has a grandchild and just bought volume 1 and 2 of my Jumper series. This occurred because I’d asked a reader/reviewer of Rag Doll if she had children. She said she didn’t have any children, but she’d told all of her friends with children about my Jumper series.

 

My Amazon author page: http://smarturl.it/0z9brq 

 

I’m writing again!

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m @Scarberryfields on Twitter and author of the hit novella, Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, the Jumper series of children’s books, and the sequel to Messages from Henry, Where Love Takes you. The sequel was written in collaboration with British author, Francis Potts (@FPotts on Twitter).

I’m so excited! I’ve come up with the idea for a new mystery novel. If you’ve read my short story, Rag Doll (free everywhere), you can be certain this novel won’t be predictable and it’ll have a big twist in the end. I can’t wait to write the 1^st sentence.

My Newest Release

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I'm Rebecca Scarberry, @Scarberryfields on Twitter, author of Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, the Jumper series, and Where Love Takes You.

I'm happy to tell you that on September 6, 2014 I released volume 4 in my Jumper series of children's picture books, Jumper & Friends. It now has nine 5 star reviews. Yesterday I received my order for the book in paperback, and I've already sold them all.

I don't plan to write another book in the series. I'm going to focus most of my attention on getting the copyright for the screen play (consisting of one episode for television), and sending it to the television producers who've requested it. According to many parents, if I succeed in getting Jumper on television, their children will be very happy.

 

For sale in ebook and print. Amazon Link:

 

http://www.smarturl.it/i1jjcp

 

COVER REVEAL    

Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry, @Scarberryfields on Twitter and author of Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, Jumper series of children’s picture books, and Where Love Takes You.

Here’s the cover for volume 4 in my Jumper series. The book will be released around September 16, 2014 or sooner. The series is written to be read to age four through seven over several reading sessions. Eight year olds are able to read all the books in the series on their own.

EXCERPT:

 

Hi! Humans call me the red ball, but Jumper is my real name. With the help of Mr. Wind, there were several times when I jumped from my wire basket, in front of Little Tykes Toys & Bikes.

On occasion, the store clerk or the store manager tracked me down and took me back to the store. They didn’t care about a ball’s dreams.

It was a happy day for me when two-year-old Tony’s mother bought me. He’s now four years old and he loves me so much. He takes me just about everywhere with him.

I’m here to tell you all about my exciting new adventures with Tony and his best friend, Emily. Bouncy Brianna lives with Emily. She’s a red ball too and we’ve become good friends. I call her Bouncy for short.

CHAPTER ONE

Boat Rides 

“Tony, Emily’s on the phone!” Tony’s mamma shouted from the kitchen.

Tony took me into the kitchen with him, put me on the floor, and took the phone from his mother.

“Emily, I was just thinking about you. What’s going on?”

With the speaker phone on I could hear Emily’s reply.

“My dad’s taking me to Wannabe Lake tomorrow. It’s going to be a lot of fun. He’ll take us sailing on our boat.  Some neighborhood friends of mine will be there too. They’re brothers and their parents have a speedboat. Their father will take us water skiing. Well, sort of water skiing. We’ll be in a big inner tube and Mr. Saints will pull us behind the boat. It’s called tubing. Do you wanna come?”

“Can I take my red beach ball?”

Emily laughed.

“I knew you’d ask me that. Yes, I’ll be taking mine with me.”

Wow! I really looked forward to seeing Bouncy once again.

Tony’s father walked into the kitchen.

“Daddy, Mamma’s going shopping tomorrow and Emily has invited me to go to the lake Saturday. Her dad’s taking us sailing. Will you take me?”

“Sure. I love sailing.”

“Emily, my dad says he’ll take me.”

“Cool,” Emily replied. “I can’t wait for you to meet my friends, Kyle, Kian, and Lizzy.” You’ll like them.”

“I know Lizzy. She goes to my day care.”

“Are you sure it’s the same person? Does the Lizzy you know have long light brown hair and violet eyes?”

“Yes! Big violet eyes and long eyelashes.”

“That’s her. She lives down the street from me. When I see her today, I’ll tell her you’ll be there. Meet us at the boat dock at eleven o’clock.” 

The link to my Amazon author page: http://smarturl.it/0z9brq

  

Update:

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m @Scarberryfields on Twitter and author of: Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, Jumper series of children’s picture books, and Where Love Takes you. 

I’ll be publishing volume four in my popular children’s book series in September. It’s called Jumper & Friends. 

I’ll be asking all of you to vote for your favorite cover in a week or so.  

Here are some of the rave reviews posted for my Jumper series:  

Five Star Review: “Jumper by Rebecca Scarberry is a delightful story for children of all ages. Follow the hilarious and sometimes scary adventures of Jumper, a red beach ball with feelings as he is taken on a mystery tour with his owner, Tony and family.” 

~Simon O’kill, author of The Phantom Bigfoot series 

Five Star Review: “What a feel good children's story about a friendly red beach ball who wants an adventure in Carnival Castle. Jumper finds it's more than an adventure to even get there. Lovely illustrations, easy to read, and a story children will love. With characters like Gracie Gray, Mr. Wind, Bella, Suzie, and Tony to name but a few, this book will be a winner with children. Definitely one I will read to my nephew's son when he is old enough. I recommend this enchanting little tale.” 

~Diane Major, author of Like Hell Itself (book 1 and 2, Children of Fury, and many more 

Five Star Review: “After reading the second book to them, my kids told me to get the author’s attention and ask her to turn the book into a TV kiddie series, just like SpongeBob and Blue’s Clues!” 

~Arianne, a young mother of two small children 

Five Star Review: “The author is hoping to create a television series for these characters. Join me in wishing her success with this venture. Jumper and the cast of characters surrounding him certainly deserve a wider audience of children and parents.” 

Dean Schechinger, author of The Unicorn Scandal, The Monster Doctor, and many more children’s books

 

Please keep reading books to your little ones.

UPDATE regarding my new release

Hello, thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry (@Scarberryfields on Twitter), author of the hit novella, Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, Jumper series of children’s books, and Where Love Takes you (written in collaboration with Francis Potts:@FPotts on Twitter).

It looks like I won’t be publishing the fourth book in my Jumper series of children’s books, JUMPER SAILS, until September of this year. I really hate to delay this book for so many young children have been waiting patiently for the next book. My young fans are also waiting patiently for me to get Jumper on TV. I’m doing my best. I’m still waiting to get the copyright in the mail. I want the copyright because it lasts forever and holds up in a court of law. Many film producers are patiently waiting to read the script for  the episode I’ve written. One of them is affiliated with Disney. Please cross your fingers I can get Jumper, the funny talking red ball on TV.

Here’s a preview audio clip of book one, narrated by one of my favorite authors, Jessie B. Tyson (@JessieBTyson on Twitter):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uV_SsTa2Abo&feature=youtu.be

NEW RELEASE COMING SOON!

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m @Scarberryfields on Twitter and author of Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, the Jumper series of children’s picture books, and Where Love Takes You.

Next month I’ll be self-publishing the fourth book in my hit Jumper series of children’s picture books. It’s tentatively called JUMPER and FRIENDS. The funny talking red beach ball will be back to thrill age four and up by telling them about his latest adventures away from the toy store, Little Tykes Toys & Bikes.

I’m so pleased that not only children love these books, but parents as well. I’ve tried very hard to not only entertain the little ones, but their parents as well. Mission accomplished!

This is the cover for volume one in the series:

 

I desperately need your help entitling the 4^th book in my popular Jumper series of children’s picture books. Jumper is a friendly talking red beach ball owned by Tony, a four-year-old toddler. In this stand-alone book, Jumper goes tubing on Wannabe Lake, goes to his first magic show, goes on a hay ride before Halloween, and has great fun riding in the bucket of Tony’s favorite Christmas gift, a miniature electric tractor. I only want the title to consist of three words. Link to book one if you’d like to read the sample: http://smarturl.it/ij1p4x  tominopictures@gmail.com tominopictures@gmail.com

BLOG TOUR

Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry (@Scarberryfields on Twitter). I’m author of Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, The Jumper series of kidlit, and Where Love Takes You.

I hope that you enjoy your visit and will go on to sample the blogs of other writers, highlighted below. We are part of a growing international community of writers, working to introduce each other’s blog to a wider audience. Anne Allen, http://www.findingmother.com/writers-blog-tour-turn/ Christine Findlay, Chair of Bookmark Blair (Blairgowrie Rattray and The Glens Book Festival) in Perthshire, Scotland, invited us to take part. See www.efindlay.blogspot.com

Gillian also invited Rita Roberts and Michelle Higgs  to follow her on this tour.

Now it’s my turn to answer the 4 questions posed:

1.      What am I working on?

I’m not working on anything right now, but I have another twisted short story like Rag Doll rattling around in my head.

2.      How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I’ve self-published six books in four different genres. I’d say Messages from Henry is unique due to the hero, Henry, being a homing pigeon. It’s a highly original novella and very popular with all ages. My short story, Rag Doll, has many twists and turns, a unique setting, and a huge twist at the end. Some are now calling me the new O’Henry. My Jumper series of children’s books is unique because Jumper is a funny red beach ball, telling all about his adventures away from the toy store, Little Tykes  Toys & Bikes. So many parents and grandparents told me the little ones they read the books to want Jumper to be made into a children’s television program. I’ve finished writing the script for one episode (per the request of two film producers). I’m in the process of getting the copyright. Where Love Takes You is the sequel to Messages from Henry. I feel that it’s unique because it’s not only a transatlantic romance set in England, but most of it is about racing pigeons. Yep! It turns out Henry isn’t a homing pigeon after all. Henry and his mate, Cecilia are racing pigeons.

3.      Why do I write what I do?

I simply write because it’s fun and I want to continue to entertain readers worldwide.

4.      How does my writing process work?

I start out with one main character and decide who will be telling the story. I then decide what the setting will be. I make an outline. The outline consists of a brief description of the beginning, middle, end, and all of the characters. There are only two books I’ve written where I didn’t do it this way. Those books are Messages from Henry and Rag Doll.

Author Spotlight
Author, Des Birch is in the Spotlight!!

The blog that you're about to view may contain content only suitable for adults.

 Hello. Thank you for visiting my blog today. I’m Rebecca Scarberry (@Scarberryfields on Twitter), author of Messages from Henry, Rag Doll, Jumper, Jumper Bounces Back, and Where Love Takes You. Des Birch is an excellent author and I hope you enjoy getting to know him better.

Rebecca: Would you please tell us a little bit about your nationality and where you live?

Des Birch: I was born in Limerick, Eire.  I came to England when I was less than a year old, so I don’t remember much about Ireland, apart from the occasional holiday.  The hospital in which I was born didn't have facilities for children, so I had to be moved to another hospital.  Unfortunately my mother was too ill to be moved, so I didn’t see her for the first few months of my life.

Rebecca: What books do you have published and do you have any works that you’ve written, but not published?

Des Birch:  I published Beyond Dark Waters, The Redemption, The Diary of an Innocent, and Different Eyes. I am currently working on two sequels to ‘Beyond Dark Waters’: ‘Above And Beyond dark Waters’ and ‘Somewhere Beyond Dark Waters’.  I am also working on a novel called ‘The Road To Chequered Sunlight’.  This shows the making of as well as the mindset of a mass murderer.  It is very violent and very explicit and so it will be published under my nom-de-plume ‘Juliandes’.

 

Rebecca: What do you do when you are not writing?

Des Birch: I work full time as a welder.  I enjoy pottering around in my home workshop, making things from wood.  I fish with mine and Julie’s boys and generally love being out in the countryside.

Rebecca: Before you self-published, did you send any of your manuscripts to any traditional publishing houses?

Des Birch: Yes.  My first novel was published by Pearl Press.

Rebecca: Have there been any times when you can’t concentrate until you write a story or poem that’s stuck in your mind?

Des Birch: This is something I wish I could control!  It happened recently with a poem called ‘The Kingdom’.  It was so clear in my mind that everything else I was writing was swamped.  The worst case of being distracted was when I was working on ‘Somewhere Beyond Dark Waters’.  There was something wrong with the structure and I wasn’t really certain that ‘Above And Beyond Dark Waters’ should not have been written first.  At that point another book ‘Lamia’ shot into my mind, demanding to be written first.  Who was I to argue?  I wrote ‘Lamia’, am now working on ‘Above And Beyond Dark Waters’ and have decided that after about 130 pages, I will need to completely restructure ‘Somewhere Beyond Dark Waters’.  Confusing times!

Rebecca: Have you won any awards for any of your books?

Des Birch: I was lucky enough to have been awarded the ePublishing Writer’s Award of Merit for my book ‘Beyond Dark Waters’.

Rebecca: Before I self-published you were my mentor and you were extremely helpful. Have you ever considered doing this again for other aspiring authors?

Des Birch:  It is very kind of you to say so.  I always like to help people, but since I work as a welder all week, time is at a premium.  I don’t think I would refuse to help anybody who might ask, but it would have to be a minimum involvement on my part.

Rebecca: Do you dream of any of your books being made into a movie?

Des Birch:  My children’s series begs to be made into a movie.  Reviews cast it as ‘An important book’ and one which should be ‘Mandatory reading in schools’.

Rebecca: If you could be anything except for a human what would that be?

Rebecca: I’ve seen pictures of you on Facebook where you’re petting tigers and swimming with sharks. Can you please tell us about this?

Des Birch:  This all stems from my love of wildlife.  When I was about 10 years old I saw a shark cage on our black and white TV.  I swore that I would one day be looking through those bars at a top predator.  A few years ago I fulfilled my dream off the southern coast of South Africa.  This is also where I took the opportunity to interact with big cats.

 

Rebecca: Have you ever published any sexy stories?

Des Birch: I’ve written a few but not actually published any.  If you allow it Becky, I’ll attach my favourite one to this interview.

Rebecca: Of course. I’m sure everywould love to read it. I’ve posted it below:

 THE WAIT

   The queue was long in the dark, dismal room.  People waited like sheep, standing in endless lanes, occasionally shuffling forward, only to continue with their lonely vigil.  ‘They’ were in charge; ‘they’ said when you could move forward to your fate.

   She looked around her nervously.  Officials in plain clothes stood around nonchalantly, but she knew that they were really secret police.  Cameras viewed them from every wall, watching for the slightest hint of change in the faces of the men and women, resigned to their fate.

What would it be like this time?  She glanced around her again, but he was not there.  Perhaps nothing would happen!  More people entered the room, their looks immediately compliant with their surroundings.  She shuffled forward again.  As the angle of her view changed, her eyes were drawn to the dark paneled door.  Her heart missed a beat, for she knew what lay behind that door.  She had been taken through it before.  She shuffled forward again, rounding one of the bends, when she saw him.  His back was to her but she would know him anywhere.  This tall, blond, muscular man in a plain white, short-sleeved shirt; the man who had first led her through the dark paneled door.

She stood there looking at the ground, trying not to call attention to herself.  Perhaps he would not notice her.  She looked at the long queue in front of her and as he turned and smiled, she knew the fate that awaited her.

“Come with me,” he said as he took her roughly by the upper arm and led her towards the paneled door.

She made a weak attempt at struggling, but it was more for show than as a serious attempt to break free.  There were looks of pity on the faces of the others, but also of relief that it was not they who were being led away.  Suddenly, boredom was what they sought.

She was pushed into the almost empty room as the blond man closed the door.  There was a large table in the centre with restraining straps at the four corners.  She backed up against the wall, a cold shiver running over her skin.

“Are you ready to hand over the book now?” he asked as he stood in front of her.

She stood silent, her eyes lowered.  He took off his shirt in readiness for the task ahead, his muscles bulging.

“I see that you’ve not yet come to your senses!”

He spun her round to face the wall, leaning her forward to balance on her hands.  She was paralysed in that position as his hands slid around her body and began to unfasten the buttons on her blouse.

“Are you sure you won’t hand it over?” he asked as he lowered her arms, slipped off her blouse and sprang the catches on her bra, sliding it from her shoulders and dropping it to the ground.

He turned her round to face him.  She made no effort to cover her naked breasts.  His hands cupped them, squeezing the nipples.

“I do have ways of making you hand it over,” he said menacingly.

“Then you’d better do your worst, Claus,” she said as she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips onto his.

Her trembling body was obedient to every touch of his powerful arms.  His hands and mouth contorted her body until she cried out in ecstasy.  He easily picked her up, her limp body resigned to his will as he placed her on the table.  She obediently stretched out on the cold surface,   as he restrained her wrists with the straps.  Then his hands tore at the rest of her clothes until she lay naked, feeling the straps being tightened around her ankles.

Now he could slow down, teasing her body with his hands and lips, certain in the knowledge that she couldn’t escape.  She moaned at his touch.

“Please!” she begged; “Oh please!”

She thought of the people standing in the queue who would hear her pleas.  They would feel pity at a young girl being tortured.  If only they knew!  The door was not locked.  Anybody could just walk in and see her lying there spread-eagled naked on the table.  Perhaps they would join in with the ‘torture’ and Claus would have to let them, otherwise their secret would be known.  Her feelings grew more intense at this thought.

He lay on top of her and she gasped as he entered her.  He moved slowly at first, agonisingly slowly until her body strained at the bonds.

“PLEASE!” she begged.

The people in the queue would once again feel pity for her.  His movements grew faster and more powerful.

“Are you going to hand over the book?” he gasped.

“No! No! No!  Oh GOD, Nooooooo!

“Are you sure?”

Yes! Yes! Yes!  Oh GOD, Yessssssss!

Suddenly she was dressed again and standing at the front of the queue.  She obediently handed the book to the woman behind the desk.  The woman glanced at her, tearing out the first page and stamping the military insignia on it.

She picked up the book and returned it to her bag.  Putting her money in her purse, she headed for the front door.  The blond man held it open for her.  She tapped him on the arm and he bent down to hear what she had to say.

“You were magnificent!”

“Thank you madam,” replied the bemused man.  “We’ll see you again next week.”

“Oh I do hope so,” she said, as she left the post office and looked forward to the next pension day.

The End

Des

 

Rebecca: Thank you so much for answering my questions. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you a little bit more.

Links:

Lamia: http://smarturl.it/i8stdq

Beyond Dark Waters: http://smarturl.it/qoyq4z

The Redemption: http://smarturl.it/alx6ok

The Dairy of an Innocent: http://smarturl.it/ggrogm

Different Eyes: http://smarturl.it/hr7bfp

Website: http://desbirch.org/?page_id=173 

Facebook: des.birch.1@facebook.com