Meet The Author 27/05/2016

K. A. Cross presents...

Kelsey Jensen

About Kelsey

Kelsey is an amateur baker, a non-lethal cook, a wine lover, a Bob Seger groupie and a die-hard fan of all things leather, fringe, silver, classy, and sparkly. She has an addiction to silver rings, Diet Pepsi, and adding so many books to her TBR that she’ll never finish, even if she keeps reading beyond the grave. She’s always held a love for reading and creating stories. When she was little, Barbie’s were the characters who lived out her stories, but as she got older The Sims took over. That was until Anna Pierce entered her life and demanded that Kelsey put her story down.     

Want to know more?

1. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

I can’t really say that I decided to become a writer. 

 

I’ve always loved reading. I had these grand ideas running through my head when I was little but absolutely no patience to put them down. 

 

My Barbie’s, then Sims, lived the stories in my head. 

 

At least until the MC from Pierce My Heart, Anna Pierce, introduced herself and started telling her story that I really thought about actually writing something. It was when I started putting her story down (watching and experiencing it all unfold) that I started to actually think about putting it out there for others to enjoy. 

 

2. In what kind of environment do you work best in?

Quiet. 

 

While I write I can handle music, but it’s usually so low I can barely hear it. But, when I edit, I need silence. T.V. completely off (not just muted), no music, and completely closed off in my room. Otherwise, I’m distracted. 

 

Then again, I look a different direction and I get distracted.

 

My attention span sucks. 

 

3. How did you come up with the idea for your latest book?

I was mowing fairways (of all things) one day, listening to my go-to playlist for chilly, gray days when Anna introduced herself and started talking, and what she told me ended up being the Prologue.

 

As she went on, she introduced me to all the people in her life, but it was always just her talking to me. The only person who butted in was her love interest, and that was when I tried suggesting things. 

 

Neither was a fan.

 

I learned after the 3rd boycott to just let them tell me their story.

 

4. Do you ever base your characters on people you know?

None of my characters are reincarnations of people I know, but certain characters have certain aspects of people in my life.

 

For example: Anna’s style choices. Her hairstyle, her love of silver, rings, fringe, and deep, dusky colors is all me. But she’s definitely more upfront and independent than I am.

 

Her family itself pulls bits and pieces from my own family, but none of the characters are exactly like someone I know. 

 

A lot of who they are is just that. 

 

Who they are.

 

5. Do you ever wish that some of your characters were real?

They’re very real in my head.

 

But, yeah. A lot of them, actually.

 

I’d get a kick out of being around Joanna, and Gail. Joanna is hilarious on her own, but they’re two peas in a pod and hoot together.

 

Evan is best friends dream. Maddy is a sweetheart. Mia is a firecracker. Victoria is crazy. Lucy is da bomb. And all the boys are funny, yummy, and swoonworthy!

 

I haven’t gotten to know Grace, Jolene, and Payton well enough, but if what I do know is any indication, they’d be rad.

 

6. Do you plan out your books or do you just go with the flow?

I’m go with the flow.

 

I write down all sorts of details. Bits and pieces that I need to come back to and make sure they’re resolved, but I don’t plan. 

 

I just listen.

 

7.  Who is your favourite author?

Well that’s an impossible question. How about I give a small list?

 

Kristen Ashley, R.L. Mathewson, Aurora Rose Reynolds, Jovee Winters, Marie Hall, Alexa Riley, Tara Sivec, L.L. Collins, L.A. Casey, Reese Madison, Shelly Crane, Ruby Dixon, Noelle Adams, Brynne Asher, Chelsea M. Cameron, Linda Kage, Natasha Anders, Sugar Jamison, Stacey Marie Brown, Marie Force, and Andria Large. 

 

Just to name a few.  :P

 

8. What’s your favourite genre?

ROMANCE.

 

I’m all about the HEA’s. 

 

Throw in humor, mystery, suspense, sci-fi, even horror, as long as romance is the lead and I’m game.

 

9. What’s next for you?

Well, Pierce My Heart is the first standalone in my Women of Willbrook series, so I’ll be moving on the another couple after. I just haven’t decided, or rather, they haven’t decided who yet.

 

In the meantime, I’m steadily working on a sci-fi alien romance that I’m kind of excited about.

 

I don’t even have my MC’s name, but her best girls name is Minnie and I totally adore her!

 

10. What’s your favourite movie?

That’s just as impossible as a favorite author!

 

Killin’ me here!

 

Um, okay.

 

I’m just gonna throw names out there, cool? Cool.

 

Steel Magnolias. Rock of Ages. Miss Congeniality 1 & 2. Leap Year. Strange Magic. Marvel Movies. Percy Jackson movies. The Other Woman. Dirty Dancing. ALL Disney Princess movies. The rest of the good Disney movies. Overboard. Joyful Noise. Safe Haven. Mamma Mia. My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Bridesmaids. Silver Linings Playbook. Alice. Malice in Wonderland. She’s The Man. Twister (I liked the movie before I moved to Kansas). MiB 1, 2, & 3. Expendables 1, 2, & 3. Red 1 & 2, One for the Money. Olympus Has Fallen. 

 

Yeah...That ended up being longer than I thought. 

 

Most of those are favorites and the rest are movies I can, and do, watch over and over again.

 

11. If you were stranded on an island which three items could you not live with out?

Hoping my family was with me, I’d go with my Kindle (which would make no sense since there’s no electricity, so how about a box set of KA’s Rock Chicks?), feminine hygiene products (no one ever thinks of those, but I don’t want to use bamboo/palm leaves), and a knife? Or maybe some tennis shoes (ouch, rocks)?

 

I don’t put myself at risk to get stranded. 

 

Not unless you count losing power during a storm as stranded. 

 

Ha.

 

12. If you wrote an autobiography about yourself what would you call it?

Why are you reading this? Don’t you have anything better to do?

 

No?

 

Mouthful? 

 

I’d probably go with something witty and corny.

 

Seems to fit. 

 

13. What’s your favourite season and why?

Definitely Fall. 

 

I love all the colors, the smells, the styles, the activities. 

 

Just everything about it.

 

14. Do you have a nickname?

When I was little my parents called me thunder thighs because I was always hurrying to get somewhere. 

 

But, if you even think of calling me that now, I can’t be held responsible for my actions.

 

I answer to Kelsey, Kels, Kel, Marie, and on “special” occasions, my full name. Though, those are the times I really don’t want to answer.

 

15. How do you handle writers block?

Sometimes I can write my way through it, other times I’ll jump to my sci-fi romance to switch things up, but most of the time I just back away. I’ll read a book, play a game, bake/cook, watch a season in a day on Netflix.

 

Something that gets my mind off of it.

 

Fortunately, most of the stuff I do has the potential to inspire and usually does.

 

16. What’s your favourite writing snack/ drink?

I don’t have a snack, but Diet Pepsi is my go to drink for everything.

 

17. If you weren’t a writer what would your dream job be?

Hmm.

 

Owning a bakery? Interior designing? Wife and mother? Teaching? Rich woman who travels the world on a whim and spares no expense? 

 

18. Sweet or sour?

How about a little of both? 

 

If not, I guess I’ll pick sour.

 

19. Would you prefer a quiet night in or a night on the town?

It all depends on my mood and who I’m with, but usually a night in. Though, it doesn’t have to be quiet.

 

20. If you could go back in time what one piece of advice would you give yourself?

LISTEN TO YOUR PARENTS!

 

21. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

If I told you, I might have to kill you…

 

Just kidding!

 

I’d just make sure you weren’t able to tell anyone, ever.

 

But, you’d be alive!

 

(Too threatening?)

 

22. Do you believe in fate?

Wholeheartedly. 

 

23. What was the last thing that made you cry?

Steel Magnolias.

 

Gut-wrenching and beautiful.

 

24. For many of us writing is not our full time job, what is yours?

I work at a golf course.

 

I bartend, prep cook, help set up rooms, work the golf shop, answer phones, cook food in the grill, and mow fairways. 

 

Everything but lifeguarding and the accounting.

Pierce My Heart

It all began with a choice...

Anna Pierce had, by all accounts, a blessed life. She grew up in a home full of laughter, love, and support. Where the biggest problem she faced (other than how to deal with her family's crazy antics) was deciding her plans for college. Little did she know the ugly path her choice would drag her down.

A choice that left her free-falling...

Fast forward five years. Her life still held that same laughter, love and support, but it was no longer full. A shadow hung overhead, waiting. Always threatening.

Until he caught her...

Jake Taylor stormed into her life and turned her world upside down. He made her feel things she'd hidden away from; made her face life again. But, most importantly, he helped her find the light. 

And gave her happily ever after...

Still want to know more?

You can find Kelsey here:

Website:  http://kelseyjensenauthor.weebly.com/

Blog: http://kelseyjensenauthor.weebly.com/blog 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelseyJensenAuthorPage

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KelseyJAuthor 

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/KelseyJAuthor 

Pinterest:  < https://www.pinterest.com/KelseyJAuthor/> ​

Book Links: < https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26822046-pierce-my-heart >

Forums: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/17510170-kelsey-s-happily-ever-after?page=1   

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kelseyjauthor/

 

Meet The Author 06/03/2016

K. A. Cross presents....

Lynne Stringer

About Lynne

Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels. Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. She lives in Australia with her husband and young son. 
Lynne is the author of the Verindon trilogy, a young adult science fiction romance series. The first book, The Heir, was release in June 2013, followed by The Crown and The Reign, which completed the trilogy. Later this year will see the release of her latest work, a YA contemporary drama entitled Once Confronted.

Want to know more?

1. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

 

When I was four I decided I wanted to be a writer, although the year before, I'd decided I wanted to be an actress and that remained the dominant desire for much of my youth. However, I was too shy to try and get into acting professionally, so gradually writing took over as the dominant desire. I think both desires were motivated by the same source - I like to tell stories. 

2. What's your favourite thing about being a writer? 

Allowing other people to experience the worlds inside my head and finding out that they love them too!

 

3. Do you ever base your characters on people you know?

 

The female protagonist in my trilogy is based a little on myself. I think all my protagonists have a piece of me in them. I haven't based any other character on anyone else, though. 

4. Do you ever wish that some of your characters were real? 

Yes. I'd love it if Dan, the male protagonist in the Verindon trilogy, was real. There's also a character in another one of my stories that I wish was real. His name is Will and he's a loveable guy. 

5. Do you plan out your books or do you just go with the flow? 

I find writing outlines boring so I usually charge in and start writing. I do have an outline of sorts in my head before I begin, but sometimes the characters tell me that something different is going to happen and I tend to follow their lead. 

6. What’s your favourite genre? 

Young adult is my favourite, especially if it's mixed with fantasy or science fiction. I also like historical novels, and just about everything I read has at least a touch of romance in it. 

7. What’s next for you? 

I've just had another novel accepted for publication. It's a contemporary drama and is called Once Confronted. It's about a girl who's the victim of a violent crime and needs to learn to forgive her attackers. It's due for release in September/October 2016.

 

8. What advice would you give to someone just starting out? 

Don't race into it, especially if you're going to self-publish. Take your time and get it right the first time. There's nothing worse than putting out a poor quality book because you haven't done your homework, and ruining your reputation as an author because of it. And make sure you find a professional editor and take their comments and suggestions seriously. 

9. What’s your favourite movie? 

E.T. -The Extra-Terrestrial. It's been my favourite movie ever since I saw it when I was eleven. 

10. What’s your favourite season and why? 

Autumn. I don't like summer because of the heat, but I don't like it too cold either. Autumn is just right. 

11. How do you handle writers' block? 

I'll write anyway, even if it's complete rubbish. Sometimes it can help you get your mojo back and you can always go back and fix up the bad bits later on. 

12. If you weren’t a writer what would your dream job be? 

Professional editor, which is what I am paid to do! :-) 

13. Sweet or sour? 

Sweet. 

14. Would you prefer a quiet night in or a night on the town? 

Definitely a quiet night at home. 

15. For many of us writing is not our full time job, what is yours? 

I'm a mother full time, and a professional editor part time. Only one of them I get paid for! 

The heir

Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. The only good thing about school is the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father's multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah's best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who is there for Sarah, but she can't shake the feeling there is something strange about him. Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn't know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes? Sarah is desperate to uncover the truth, but it could take her to another galaxy, and change everything she believes about who she is. Will it bring Dan and Sarah closer together or tear them apart? The Heir is the first book in the Verindon Trilogy. 

Buy it here:

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heir-Lynne-Stringer/dp/1921632445

Still want to know more?

You can find Lynne here:

Website: www.lynnestringer.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7007776.Lynne_Stringer

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lynne-Stringer/e/B00BT60S1K 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnestringer.author/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHeirNovel

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lynnestringer/

Meet The Authors

K. A. Cross Presents....

Shel-Bee, Wilnona Marie, Jade Dee and Lin-Dub

About the ladies

Shel-Bee is fifty two. She is a spoken word poet and admirer. She has done numerous book readings. She found her quintessintal prince charming years ago and has remained married to him.

Wilnona Marie has done multiple book readings. She is thirty six and has been a writer for over a decade, a published author since the age of seventeen.

Jade Dee has been doing bilingual religious public speaking for a decade. She organizes, and performs in spoken word,public speaking,and book reading venues. This is her first book. She Is thirty and married for five years.  She was looking for Mr. Right for years, and almost gave up faith after witnessing what bad divorces her friends and family were involved in.

Lin-Dub has a New York based show in women empowerment ands blog with the same message. Shel-Bee is fifty two. She is a spoken word poet and admirer. She has done numerous book readings

Want to know more?

1.    When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer? 

Jade Dee:I do not know it just happened upon me one day.

Wilnona: In the second grade we had to write book for class, the teacher read my free write

Lin Dub: I was about seventeen years old when I rechinize it was something I really wanted to do.

2.    In what kind of environment do you work best in?

Jade Dee:Anywhere. Really, I say inspiration is all around you. 

Wilnona: Whenever Wherever just as long as the ideas are flowing

Shel-Bee:  I write throughout the day, while doing work.

Lin-dub: I have a room in the basement

3.    What's your favourite thing about being a writer? 

Jade Dee: Looking at my ideas come to life on the page.

Lin-Dub: the freedom to express my thoughts

Shel-Bee: hoping my words can help someone not make the same mistakes I did.

4.    How did you come up with the idea for your latest book? 

Jade Dee:Willona asked me to join her on her incredible book.

Wilnona: My sister told me to write a book of my poems and short stories.  I said no poems don’t sell.  Later that day I went to my cardiologist.  I told her some stories about my divorce and dating after the divorce and she said I should write a book of stories about that subject . Once again I explained that collections of poems and stories don’t sell. Three days later I went back to my dentist for the first time. Eventually she mentions if I had written my book of poems,yet. I gave in to the peer pressure and I wrote the book.

Shel-Bee: the kids had grown up and my husband didn't need me as much and I wanted to find myself. These poems come from that transition.

Lin- Dub: Wilnona invited me to be part of this book. I accepted.

5.    Do you ever base your characters on people you know? 

Wilnona: I think the all fiction is based loosely on fact. That being said,maybe.

6. Do you ever wish that some of your characters were real? 

Jade Dee: I did not write this character but, defineiy Laurie from the book.

Wilnona: Yes, I wish I could be Jasmine Melanie Malone from my suspense novel series.

Shel-Bee: I want to be the main character in Hiw to introduce hope

Lin-Dub: Haillie 

7. What do your family and friends think about your book/s? 

Jade Dee: They are still in shock I let someone have some of my work to be published.

Wilnona: Everyone knew I would be a writer no surprise here

Shel-Bee : everyone is surprised

Lin-Dub: everyone is super supportive

8. Do you plan out your books or do you just go with the flow? 

Jade Dee: I always go with the flow I think its better that way.

Wilnona: The books I plan out take years to write.  The ones I let wander they turn out awesome and I feel great about them.

Lin-Dub: I brain storm than plan out my books.

9. Who is your favourite author? 

Jade Dee: Mickey Spillane

Wilnona: Mickey Spillane

10. What’s your favourite genre?

Jade Dee:Mystery 

Wilnona: Chick Lit

Shel-Bee: Cozy mystery

Lin-Dub: whatever someone suggests. I'm open that way.

11. What’s next for you? 

Jade Dee: I am writing in the prequel of And I Thought Divorce Was Bad

Wilnona: I am writing the second to the childern’s series, my first chick-lit with another author, the Prequel to this book, I am re-releasing my autobiography and the last installment of the suspense series is on the editor’s desk.

Lin-Dub: I'm going to work some of my own stuff.

Shel-Bee: I am working on the prequel to this book.

12. What’s your favourite movie?

Jade Dee:Yes its girly, but, Pride And Prejudice 

Wilnona:The Magnificent Seven (I know it’s a classic, but it was done well.) 

13. If you were stranded on an island which three items could you not live with out? 

Jade Dee: Water, Tampons, crackers

Wilnona: Since Jade is bringing the practical stuff I am going to hope we are on the same island, so I am bringing my Iphone, hand crank battery, and Jameson.

Shel bee: books galore, hand sanitizer, pop corn

Lin-Dub: makeup, accessories, & water

14. If you wrote an autobiography about yourself what would you call it? 

Jade Dee: This crazy life of mine.

Wilnona: I do concur Jade Dee you should name it that.  Your life is amazing & interesting (putting it nicely)  I am narcasstic so I name mine after myself.

15. What your guilty pleasure? 

Jade Dee: Cake, I love it!!!

Wilnona: Fried Chicken ,a cold Orange Crush with vodka.

16. If you weren’t a writer what would your dream job be? 

Jade Dee: I am doing it an ASL interpreter.

Wilnona: Neurosurgeon

17. What three words best describe you?

Jade Dee: Short, inviting, and tomboy 

Wilnona: writer, eccentric, fun

18. If you could go back in time what one piece of advice would you give yourself?

 Jade Dee:  Don’t sweat the small stuff and do not worry about frenemies

  Wilnona: Buy stock in Starbucks, purchase apple stocks in the mid-nineties, and get hired at Instagram.

Shel-bee:That everything has a time.

19. What was the last thing that made you cry?

Wilnona: My bank account.

Jade Dee: Seeing someone give a sandwich to a starving homeless man. He was so grateful, it touched my heart. It was so beautiful to see a person actually care, not just profess it.

Shel-Bee: my friends from laughter

Lin-dub: memories 

20. If you could have any super power what would it be and why? 

Wilnona: To Fly, airfare is ridiculous with all those fees.

Shel-Bee:  to read people's hearts

Lin-Dub: making a success of whatever for myself and others

21. If you only had one more day to live how would you spend it?

Jade Dee: On a beach,with friends, family, and a good book.

  Wilnona: In Las vegas. 

  Shel-Bee: With my family and a good book

   Lin-Dub: I want one good party and my family/friends

22. For many of us writing is not our full time job, what is yours? 

Jade Dee: ASL Interpreter

Shel-Bee: Housewife

Wilnona: C.O.O

Lin-Dub: Receptionist 

And I Thought Divorce Was Bad With Other Life Lessons

Buy it here:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/And-Thought-Divorce-Was-Bad-ebook/dp/B0165YN8JE