The BOOKWYRMS ...

Recently I participated in a Christmas in July blog event that turned out to be lucrative, not only for the wonderful prizes I won, but for something more.

I met some wonderful new friends whose love of books rivals my own. The thought of our new found comraderie ending with the blog event wasn't acceptable, so here I am, hoping that my new friends will join me here to carry on our discussions!

Feel free to comment daily, weekly, or monthly! About books, music, or whatever else happens to be on your mind!

Andrea :O)

Ok, since I just posted on the blog event that I am reading the Diary of Anne Boleyn, by Robin Maxwell, I am going to switch gears and talk about the music that I find inspiring right now. Not only am I an avid reader, but I'm also a writer- I find that the song, "Angels," by Within Temptation can bring out such forceful emotion. Here is the link to a video for it, what do you think?

What song gives you inspiration or evokes powerful emotions in you???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4zfmnwNcRY

Book Review- The Penny Tree

To read my review of Holly Kennedy's "The Penny Tree," please go to:

http://www.highlandlassiesreviews.blogspot.com/

Excellent Blog Award

I just found out that "The Write life of Andrea & Corrina" the Chicks of Characterization were just given an "Excellent Blog Award" by History Undressed!

We are truly honored! Thank you!!!!!

Book Review- The Silver Compass

To see my review of "The silver Compass," please refer to my review page.

www.highlandlassiesreviews.blogspot.com

This book was given 4 **** stars!

Interview w/Song of the Muses author, Hywela Lyn

Today I would like to introduce everyone to another author contributing to the "Song of the Muses," anthology from the Wild Rose Press, Hywela Lyn.

Welcome Hywela!

Your story, Dancing with Fate, is Terpischore's story and the final story in book two of the Anthology. I am going to post your stories blurb and then we'll get started with your interview.

Terpsichore's task --- to restore a love of dancing, to the Celts of Wales -- seems simple. However, all is not as it seems. Danger follows. Legends are threatened; and she had not meant to lose her heart ,or have to save the man she loves by dancing with Fate.

C of C- How long have you been writing
HL- Since I was about fourteen – a long time ago. I wrote a really bad 60.000 word Western by hand. There was a long gap while I did other things, mainly involving horses and long distance horseback riding in the Welsh mountains, although I still wrote on and off. Then, a few years ago I took a month off work to look after my sister’s smallholding while she was abroad, and dug out an old MS of mine which had been gathering dust for several years - an early draft of ‘Starquest’, my first futuristic novel. I loved it when I wrote it and the characters were always with me. I’d just never got around to doing anything with it. I completely revised it and submitted it to The Wild Rose Press and re-discovered my love of writing.

C of C- Are you a plotter or a pantser?
HL- A pantster really – I always have a rough outline for guidance, but mostly it’s writing by the seat of my pants.

C of C- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
HL- Writing ‘The End’ and then starting self editing. Seriously though I’m always a bit sad when I have to say goodbye to my characters, although, in my mind there’s always more going on with them. I enjoy working out a difficult scene and seeing where it takes me, sometimes to a place I hadn’t expected. I love to imagine myself as my lead character and try to get inside her skin.

C of C- Amen to that!

C of C- Where do you find your inspiration?
HL- Sometimes the characters come to me, demanding a story. Sometimes a picture, or a piece of music, or something I see in the countryside will start a story germinating.

C of C- Do you write in short stretches or for long periods of time?
HL- Usually long stretches. If a scene or story is flowing well I hate to have to stop and do something else.

C of C- Do you write in silence or listen to music?
HL- I love listening to ‘mood’ music, which can be anything from classical to folk music. If I’m really engrossed though, often my cd will finish and I won’t even notice, so then I’m writing in silence. I find music helps to get me started though.

C of C- I agree, Hywela. I have certain songs that can pull different emotions from me. Its actually kind of amazing.

C of C- Do you eat or drink while writing?
HL- I find chocolate is a great source of inspiration. It’s also a good reward for achieving a set number of words, finishing a chapter, etc. I sometimes eat fruit or sip fruit juice or tea, but It’s easier to type when my hands are free - chocolate is easier.

C of C- Ah, yes chocolate! Finally someone who admits it!!!

C of C- Do you research your story before you write it, or as you go?
HL- If a story needs research I always do this first – often it can help in the actual plotting, and avoids having to go back and correct something. I usually find I still need to research things as I’m writing, though. If I’m not sure of something I’ll always look it up.

C of C- What have you learned through research that you’ll remember for the rest of your life?
HL- History and myths contradict each other. Always check more than one source of information and use the one that fits your story best. Also, history has a tendency to repeat itself, and there are parallels in most societies.

C of C- I never thought of it that way, but its very true, and thats also a great piece of advice!

C of C- How do you decorate your writing space?
HL- I have pictures of scenery and my horses on the walls, and some soft toys on the book shelves. I try not to have too much on my desk as I need that for books, pens, screen wipes etc.

C of C- Are you a neat/organized writer or is your office and/or space a complete mess with sticky notes everywhere?
HL-I tend to accumulate reference books, dictionaries, notes and cds on my workspace. Every now and then I have a tidy up but it doesn’t last for long. I can’t work in complete clutter but I like to have things I’m likely to use close to hand.

C of C- Does all your writing take place on a computer or do you ever write on pen and paper?
HL- Everything I write is done on the computer these days – I find if I try to write by hand it slows me down and I’m concentrating more on my handwriting than the words. I even type out my rough notes and file them on-line. I do have lots of back ups though – flash drives, cds and a zip drive.

C of C- Thank God for flash drives!!

C of C-What is your favorite time period? And why?
HL- The distant past – or the distant future. For some reason I don’t feel I belong in the present.

C of C- I feel the same way. Strange, eh?

C of C- Do you feel a draw to the people and time period you write about.
HL- Absolutely. I become very fond of them and often play out scenes in my mind with myself as the central character.

C of C- What character did you most enjoy writing?
HL- Jess. The heroine of ‘Starquest’. I still imagine her in varying situations and weave different stories about her. She also appears in the sequel, although another character is the lead in this. Myrddin the hero of ‘Dancing With Fate’ my story for the Wild Rose Press anthology , ‘Song Of The Muses,’ is a favorite of mine as well. Based on a well known mythical figure the more I researched him the more I grew to love him.

C of C- Readers are always curious to know about authors lives. What is the worst job (non-writing related) you’ve ever held?
HL- Working in a government office. It was regimented, boring and laborious – the only good thing about it was that most of the people I worked with were really nice.

C of C- What is one thing you think your readers would be interested to know about you?
HL- They might be surprised to learn that I’m quite a ‘spiritual’ person. I don’t attend Church regularly or anything, because I feel that God or whatever you like to call Him, is everywhere, especially in the mountains and the wild places. I feel a great affinity to the Native Americans whose religious beliefs were tied in with nature, and who therefore treated the Earth with love and respect and never took more than they gave back to it.

C of C- Are you reclusive or do you like being with other writers?
HL- I love being with other writers but most of the time I write alone since I reside in a small village and don’t live close enough to any writers groups. I belong to lots of on-line groups and loops though and have made some wonderful friends over the internet. Most of them I have never met, and most are in the US.. My first proper crit partner, though, who helped me work out the kinks in ‘Starquest’ lives in Scotland and I met him and his wife when I visited Scotland for a short holiday. I don’t know what I’d do without the internet, I have learnt so much from it and made so many friends.

C of C- I know what you mean Hywela, without my internet friends I would be LOST!!!

C of C- Do you find love scenes easy or hard to write?
HL- I love writing love scenes but don’t go in for anything too explicit. I believe love scenes should, above all, be very romantic.

C of C- I totally agree!

C of C- Do you ever act out your scenes?
HL- All the time. Especially when I’m trying to go to sleep at night.

C of C- lol! Only another writer can truly understand that!!! :O)

C of C- How long do you wait once a story is finished to revise it?
HL- Not long enough. Although one is supposed to put a story away for several weeks, I’m impatient to get back to work on it. The revision is where I take time to expand on my favorite scenes and cut out some of the rubbish. I’m lucky if I can last a week. I revise and revise and am never really satisfied – and I still miss things and don’t recognize the waffle!

C of C- I wish some of your impatience would rub off on me!! sigh*

C of C- Is it necessary to have a Critique/Writing partner?
HL- I couldn’t manage without one. It’s almost impossible to spot one’s own errors, however many times one goes over ones work, one is too close to spot everything. Reading and reviewing a partner’s work also gives one an insight into where one is going wrong oneself and helps alert one to the pitfalls. A crit partner who is able to give clear and concise advice and reasons for their suggestions, without hurting your feelings or destroying your confidence, is worth their weight in gold.
C of C- I couldn't agree more!

C of C-Do you allow family and friends to read your stories?
HL- Since most of my family is in Wales and I now live in England, my family is limited to my husband, and although he is supportive, he doesn’t really read much of my writing. I will occasionally ask a friend to read something, but I find my on-line friends and critique partners are more honest and will tell me if something isn’t working, whereas family and friends might just think they have to be encouraging.

C of C- Authors make writing look so easy. Is it harder than most people imagine it to be?
HL- Yes. For me, anyway. It’s one thing to write a good story, it’s another to be sure the grammar, punctuation and everything else is correct. Then you have to ensure there are no plot holes, that all the loose threads have been tied, that the characters speak with their own voices, that they act consistently, that you’re not ‘head hopping’. There are a lot of rules to follow these days, and there are often contradictions. On top of all that, there’s the dreaded writer’s block where you hit a snag and it seems to take forever to write your way out of it. I believe it is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things one can do, though.

C of C- So true, most readers don't really know what goes into writing a good, "industry acceptable story."

C of C- When you write a new story are you apprehensive about allowing others to critique it?
HL- No, I’m anxious to have a second opinion as to whether it’s worth the hard work of revision, or whether I should just shelve it and start again! It sometimes hurts to have your work criticized and torn to pieces, but if it’s done in a constructive manner and makes the book better, then it’s necessary and worth it.

C of C- What advice would you give to a new aspiring writer?
HL- The advice I was given myself a long time ago by Anne McCaffrey when I wrote to her and told her I wanted to write. She wrote back and said: ‘Write what you would like to read.’ It’s not failed me yet. I’d also say develop a thick skin and be prepared to take criticism from people who are genuinely trying to help you with your writing. It’s your story though so be prepared to also stick to your guns.

C of C- Excellent advice!!! .

Thanks so much for being here with me today, Hywela. I've enjoyed getting to know you, and I wish you the best of luck in all your future endevours!!!!!

**TERPISCHORE'S STORY WILL NOT BE RELEASED BY THE WILD ROSE PRESS UNTIL FRIDAY, JULY 25th.**

For more information on Hywela Lyn please go to: http://www.hywelalyn.co.uk/

For more information on Terpischore's story and the rest of the muse anthology, browse the Wild Rose Press. http://www.thewildrosepress.com/

Interview w/Song of the Muses author, Reece Herring

ERATO'S TEARS

Blurb:


A powerful love is cut tragically short. Beyond Hades domain their destiny burns eternally bright. Two lost souls search through time to discover their hidden passion.

In Delphi, Mathias, an outcast Spartan finds a reason at last to abandon his wanderlust in the vulnerable Ambrosia. With the unseen aid of Erato, he tries desperately to conquer her hatred of warriors and bring peace to his unsettled soul. A tenuous hold on love develops, but will their untried bond endure?

Can the Muse of Love overcome the destructive power of one Gods revenge, and right the wrongs of history?

Only ERATOS TEARS will determine.


I would like to introduce everyone to Reece Herring, author of "Erato's Tears," second story in book two of the Song of the Muses Anthology from the Wild Rose Press.


Welcome Reece! I see the Muse authors are making the interview rounds! I am honored to have you here with me today. Shall we get started?

C of C- How long have you been writing?
RH- For about eight years haphazardly but only seriously for a little over a year.


C of C- Are you a plotter or a pantser?
RH- I actually do a bit of both. I will plot when I get hung up on a scene or if I have to put together a synopsis to pitch as I did with Erato’s Tears but other than that I just write it.


C of C- How would you describe your voice?
RH- I have been told I have a strong “voice” but honestly I haven’t a clue how I would describe my voice.
C of C- Yeah, unless you write comedy knowing exactly what your "voice' is, can be a hard question to answer.


C of C- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
RH- I love it all but editing is my least favorite.


C of C- Where do you find your inspiration?
RH- Everywhere even in my dreams.
C of C- I too have awoken with an idea for a book! Its an amazing feeling.


C of C- How do you come up with your ideas/plots?
RH- They just come to me I can’t really point to anything specific but whenever a seed of an idea forms I write it down to come back to later and hopefully develop it.


C of C- Do you write in short stretches or for long periods of time?
RH- Long stretches unless I am trying to avoid writing, in which case every twenty minutes I will be guaranteed to check my email or get up for a drink.
C of C- lol, Oh I know that well, I avoid it more than I do it- which isn't a good thing. sigh*


C of C- Do you write in silence or listen to music?
RH- Both.


C of C- Do you eat or drink while writing?
RH- Far too often.
C of C- :O)


C of C- Do you research your story before you write it, or as you go?
RH- As I go, I figure since there will always be something to research I might as well do it while I am writing it.


C of C- What have you learned through research that you’ll remember for the rest of your life? RH- I can hardly remember where I last saw my glasses or my 21 month olds sippy cup lol. I am sure there are a few things that have stuck with me but at the moment I can’t think of a single thing.
C of C- I know what you mean! :O)


C of C- How do you decorate your writing space?
RH- I use my laptop in the living room to stay on top of my three kids so it’s always a bit cluttered around me.


C of C- Are you a neat/organized writer or is your office and/or space a complete mess with sticky notes everywhere?
RH- I don’t have sticky notes but I can definitely say my organizational skills could use improving. I give myself props for knowing what stories each of my girlie folders holds.


C of C- Does all your writing take place on a computer or do you ever write on pen and paper? RH- Actually my novel I wrote entirely in notebooks and have only recently transferred to the computer. I now write all my stories on the PC but if I have to plot or figure out character names I still map it out on paper.
C of C- Wow, transferring to the computer must have been a job!


C of C- What is your favorite time period? And why?
RH- I pretty much like all history particularly any time before the American civil war.


C of C- Do you feel a draw to the people and time period you write about?
RH- Most of my stories are based in places and times I create since I love fantasy so much. I love creating worlds of my own, but European history is my favorite to read about before the 1800’s.


C of C- What character did you most enjoy writing?
RH- I can’t choose. They are all my favorite while I am writing them.


C of C- Readers are always curious to know about authors lives. What is the worst job (non-writing related) you’ve ever held?
RH- I worked one night shift at a nursing home when I was 18. I would never do it again. I have worked in a deli and I can say food service is not fun either.


C of C- What is one thing you think your readers would be interested to know about you?
RH- That I can get addicted to video games especially Zelda, the SIMs, and Pacman.
C of C- Oh boy do I know that one! I'm addicted to Rock band!!!


C of C- Are you reclusive or do you like being with other writers?
RH- I love being around other writers but I also need solitude from all people at times.


C of C- Do you find love scenes easy or hard to write?
RH- So far I have found them much easier than I thought they would be but after a few more romances I can imagine it getting more difficult to write creative love scenes.


C of C- Do you ever act out your scenes?
RH- I sometimes talk out the dialogue but I haven’t actually played out a scene other then in my mind.


C of C- How long do you wait once a story is finished to revise it?
RH- A week at least but I try for two weeks.


C of C- Do you ever second guess yourself and your writing?
RH- All the time.


C of C- Do you ever stray from your genre? Your comfort zone?
RH- Not too far…yet.


C of C- Is it necessary to have a Critique/Writing partner?
RH- Imperative.


C of C- Do you allow family and friends to read your stories?
RH- Select family and select friends, but most of my family and friends aren’t readers so I have a limited selection to start with lol.

C of C- Authors make writing look so easy. Is it harder than most people imagine it to be?
RH- I think so but everything worth achieving is hard.
C of C- That is so true...


C of C- How long does it take you to finish a story?
RH- Depends on the story it took me about eight years to finish my novel that I worked sporadically on but it took me less than two months to finish Erato’s Tears.


C of C- When you write a new story are you apprehensive about allowing others to critique it? RH- I am always apprehensive not because I doubt my story ideas but because I never feel I can do the story justice with my writing. I am still working hard to improve and I welcome the critiques but I do get nervous.
C of C- That was a very honest answer. I know exactly how you feel and I wonder when that feeling goes away, if ever?


C of C- Which author/(s) are on your must-read list?
RH- I have a lot of authors on that list but a few of those top of the list are Diana Gabaldon, Tad Williams, Sharon Kay Penman, and Marion Zimmer Bradley. That is but a fraction of my must read list and I add more authors every day.


C of C- What is your favorite writing memory?
RH- Getting my first contract for publication.


C of C- Do you have more than one book out now?

RH- This is my second publication with WRP. Soar Into Ecstasy was my first piece published.





C of C- Has your writing Journey been a smooth or bumpy ride?
RH- Somewhat bumpy, eight years ago I just wanted to try and write a fantasy story but with two young children and an unsupportive husband it made finding the time and strength to write difficult. So I wrote very sporadically. After my divorce all I could concentrate on was survival so writing went right out the window. I have been blessed to find an amazing man to share my life and dreams with. With his support and my own renewed desire to succeed this last year has been a much smoother road.
C of C- That's wonderful that you were able to fulfill your dreams! I'm happy for you!! :O)

C of C- What advice would you give to a new aspiring writer?
RH- Take all the advice you can get from other more experienced writers, something I am still doing and will continue to do.
C of C- Hear, Hear! Excellent advice, Reece!!!

Thank you so much for being here with me today! I wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavours!!

To find out more about Reece Herring- go to: http://www.freewebs.com/reece30/

Book Review- The Tin Box

For a peek at my review of Holly Kennedy's

"The Tin Box"

Go to - www.highlandlassiesreviews.blogspot.com

Book Review- The Secret Bride ...

In my continued journey of Tudor history, I have found another great read. Go to-

http://www.highlandlassiesreviews.blogspot.com/

to read my review of "The secret Bride"

IN THE COURT OF HENRY VIII by Diane Haeger

Interview w/Song of the Muses author, Masha Holl

BLURB-

I am the Mistress of Stars and Science.

Urania, Muse of astronomy, despairs: invention rules; creativity has disappeared. Then she meets Daniel Kettering. But his research threatens time, space, and every existing world. His choice: forget science, get eternal life – or else. But first, they must save the universe, defeat Chaos, and find happiness in THE BRIGHTEST HEAVEN.

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to author Masha Holl, her story "The Brightest Heaven" is the first story in book two of the Song of the Muses anthology from the Wild Rose Press.

Welcome Masha!!!


C of C - How long have you been writing?
MH- Forever. I think I wrote my first story in 1st grade (it had to do with squirrels), but even before that I would make up elaborate backstories for my games.

C of C -Are you a plotter or a pantser?
MH- Plotter. But I took some learning. And I still reserve the right to change my mind.

C of C- How would you describe your voice?
MH- Sci-fi/fantasy. But you tell me.

C of C- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
MH- Coming up with new ideas, and then the final polish.

C of C- Where do you find your inspiration?
MH- Everywhere. Listening to my kids, watching TV, reading books, dreaming. Watching people and thinking, “what if?”

C of C- How do you come up with your ideas/plots?
MH- If I knew, I’d be more efficient about it. They just come out of nowhere and invade my mind.

C of C- Do you write in short stretches or for long periods of time?
MH- Both. It depends on how much time life gives me on any day.

C of C- Do you write in silence or listen to music?
MH- Both. Either. I use music as a screen from reality.
C of C- I agree, I also find music can help me infuse emotion into my own writing.

C of C- Do you eat or drink while writing?
MH- I like to drink tea. Or wine, if I get to write late at night.

C of C- Do you research your story before you write it, or as you go?
MH- I research mostly as I go, when I hit a spot that creates a roadblock. Of course, it could happen before I start a story, but usually I can at least see the first scene before I start.

C of C- What have you learned through research that you’ll remember for the rest of your life?
MH- A lot of unexpected trivia that surfaces at odd times and makes my kids sneer at me and call me “know-it-all” (especially when I don’t know something). It’s not so much a single fact, as a lot of information that comes in handy all the time.

C of C- How do you decorate your writing space?
MH- Eclectic graduate-student mess. With an, um, inspirational computer desktop. Right now, it’s from the TV show Moonlight, but it’s subject to change.


C of C -Are you a neat/organized writer or is your office and/or space a complete mess with sticky notes everywhere?
MH- See #12. I have a cork-board bar above my computer with all sorts of notes pinned to it, sticky notes everywhere, books and binders and folders piled all around, and I wage a continuing (and mostly losing) battle with Daughter #2 about the use of MY space and the removal of HER junk.
C of C- That sounds like my house!!!

C of C- Does all your writing take place on a computer or do you ever write on pen and paper?
MH- Mostly on the computer, but sometimes I am forced to take it to hard copy – either to edit, or to clear my mind, or because I simply don’t have access to a computer. I try to stay flexible. I also keep a voice recorder in my purse in case I’m struck by the Muse.
C of C- The voice recorder is a great idea!!!

C of C- What is your favorite time period? And why?
MH- Any time my story requires. Fantasy can take me anywhere, anytime, and even no-where, or no-time. But I think I waver between sleek and futuristic and rich and medieval.

C of C- Do you feel a draw to the people and time period you write about?
MH- Definitely. I live with my characters. I have to be able to “go into” their world and orient myself inside it. I have to love the place where the action of my stories take place.

C of C- What character did you most enjoy writing?
MH- That’s a trick question. In enjoyed writing every single one of them. But The Brightest Heaven is Urania’s story.

C of C- Readers are always curious to know about authors lives. What is the worst job (non-writing related) you’ve ever held?
MH- Any job that keeps me from writing is bad, but the worst was probably as maid in a residence hotel (college job). I didn’t last long.

C of C- What is one thing you think your readers would be interested to know about you?
MH- I was born in Europe. I came to the USA as an adult. When I write about visiting strange lands, and meeting strange people, you can be sure that I’ve experienced firsthand the weirdness and confusion of being an alien and trying to understand what’s happening around you.
C of C- How awesome! So many of us have to imagine these places, not actually experience them!

C of C- Are you reclusive or do you like being with other writers?
MH- I’m rather reclusive, and I definitely hate crowds. But I also need the occasional company of other writers – if only to reassure myself that I’m not completely crazy.
C of C- That seems to be the consensus among writers.

C of C- Do you find love scenes easy or hard to write?
MH- Our household is busy, and I always have to watch for over-the-shoulder, underage readers. Yes, writing love scenes is hard, or at least very tricky!
C of C- Lol, I know exactly what you mean!

C of C- Do you ever act out your scenes?
MH- Not out loud! But I do watch them in my mind as if they were a movie. If I can’t “roll the film” of my story, the scene won’t come and I won’t be able to write it down.

C of C- How long do you wait once a story is finished to revise it?
MH- I try to wait a week, it’s best for the story, but it’s hard. I’m impatient.

C of C- Do you ever second guess yourself and your writing?
MH- All the time. But I have a great critique partner who will always point out the glaring flaws in my stories, so I can trust her judgment when I don’t trust mine.

C of C- Do you ever stray from your genre? Your comfort zone?
MH- Yes.
C of C- You're answer was confident and quick! That's great, some people have a hard time writing anything but what they consider their ZONE.

C of C- Is it necessary to have a Critique/Writing partner?
MH- Oh, yes! Absolutely! You get too close to your own work, you fall in love with your own writing, and we all know what big egos writers have! We need at least one person in our writing lives whom we trust to set us straight.
C of C- I totally agree!

C of C - Do you allow family and friends to read your stories?
MH- Yes. Once the stories are finished, and especially if said family and friends are willing to give a critique. But I won’t show them to just anyone.

C of C- Is there a subject you would like to write about, but don’t because you believe it isn’t marketable?
MH- No. I would write about it anyway and pull it out at the right moment. Or when I’m really, really famous.
C of C- lol, good for you!!!

C of C- Authors make writing look so easy. Is it harder than most people imagine it to be?
MH - …. Excuse me while I pick myself off the floor.
Easy?? Did you say easy? The only explanation I have to why writers keep writing even after all these years is that they’re insane and can’t help themselves. Oh, and there are all those stories and characters in your mind that just scream to get out.
… Did I say crazy?
C of C- lol :O)

C of C- How long does it take you to finish a story?
MH- Anywhere from 4 months to 4 years. Actually, I’ve done it in as little as a couple of days, but that was a 4-page piece of flash fiction. It all depends on the story.

C of C- When you write a new story are you apprehensive about allowing others to critique it?
MH- Not anymore. But I don’t let people critique the s… um, crappy first draft. That one is for my eyes only.

C of C- Which author/(s) are on your must-read list?
MH- Jennifer Crusie. Wen Spencer. Rob Thurman. Jim Butcher. And those are just the really big names. I would need a book to list all the writers whose books I’ll grab happily!

C of C- What is your favorite writing memory?
MH- Getting an A on a creative writing assignment in middle school, having my story read out loud by the teacher, and making the whole class giggle.
C of C- How cool is that!!!

C of C-Do you have more than one book out now?
MH- I have a novella (The Brightest Heaven) and a short story (“The Joining”) contracted by The Wild Rose Press.
C of C- If you want check out these stories go to: www.wildrosepress.com

C of C- Has your writing Journey been a smooth or bumpy ride?
MH- A rollercoaster.

C of C- What advice would you give to a new aspiring writer?
MH- Write with passion. Don’t give up. Writing is an art. Getting published is a lottery where you can only improve the odds so much.
C of C- Great advice, Masha!!!

Thanks so much for being with us today Masha, and good luck with all your future endeavours!!!

To learn more about Masha Holl go to: www.mashaholl.com

Song of the Muses, Book II ...

Starting July 4th, we will be interviewing the authors of "Song of the Muses," book II.

Masha Holl - July 4th

Reece Herring- July 11th

Hywela Lyn-July 18th

You don't want to miss it!!!