I'm One Of the Greats!!

At least, this blog award says so, and I believe it. Every word!

This award came from Rose over at The Golden Road blog. Even though the rules don't say to thank the tagger and link back, I'm gonna do it anyway... 'cause I'm NICE like that.

So, here are the RULES...

Copy & paste the award to your blog.
Answer the questions given below (everyone answers the same questions every time).
Award 1-5 bloggers who are some of your favorites, give a quick description of why you chose them, and let them know you tagged them!

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Here are the QUESTIONS...

1.) What are some of your tips for the background of blogs? Layout, colors, etc.?
Er... I would say, try to go for colours that suit you, but are also rather pleasing to the eye. Me, I like green and dark colours, because I find my eyes object to overlong exposure to bright computer screens. And sidebars make a blog interesting, and give insight to what kind of person you are.

Source

2.) What are your favorite blog topics to write about?
I like to write about writing, about movies and music, about books, about me... about anything, really. I also post about clay. I guess I'm a random kind of writer! (Or blogger.)

Source

3.) What are some of your favorite blog topics to read?
I really love to read anything that's written well, is engaging and fun to read, and gets my interest. I like writing and art blogs, "crafty" and food blogs, and blogs that deal with book, movie, or music reviews. Hairstyle blogs are fun, too.

Source

4.) What is your biggest blogging tip for newbies?
Be yourself. Don't get too preachy. Sappy posts, or sanctimonious posts, or "I am such a deep thinker" posts can be a turnoff, if that's ALL you do. Try to make your posts light, funny, and engaging. You don't always have to be the joke-a-minute blogger, but when you go for a thoughtful post, truly try to make it THOUGHTFUL and not a soul-searching journey into treacle-town.

5.) Why did you start blogging? 
Because I am primarily a writer, and as a writer I wanted to network with other writers. :)

Facebook

I Tag:
No one!

S'r'ously, I iz too tired to tag and nominate peoples. So, I shall enjoy this award, and if you'd like it, nominate yourself, blog, and tag. Knock yourself out.

Until next time, cheers! God bless!

Cat

P.S. And stay tuned. On May 20th, I shall be posting an interview with Angelia Almos, author of HORSE CHARMER. She's going on a blog tour, and she'll be stopping by to talk about her book, and answer a few questions. :)

http://angeliaalmos.blogspot.com

Ebenezer's Locker: Character Interview with Rhonda Zymler

Hey everybody, I'd like you to meet Rhonda Zymler, the main character of Anne Johnson's novel EBENEZER'S LOCKER.

Hello, Rhonda! Thanks for being here today.

Hi there. My mom told me to remember to say thank you for having me. So, thank you for having me.

How old are you, Rhonda?

I'm twelve. I'm in sixth grade. What grade are you in? You look like you're in high school or something.

How would you describe yourself?

I don't know. Not that good at school, I guess. But I have really cool best friends, Mica and Ashley. So that makes going to school bearable, even though I get yelled at like fifty times a day. I think I make my teachers and the principal pretty nervous.

So what can you tell us about Corbin Elementary School?

Well, it's in Marklebury, my town. I guess the building's been there basically forever, like over a hundred years. It used to be a school for psychics, though, before they turned it into a school for just, well, normal kids. I used to think it was a really boring place, but then there was this ghost who showed up. Two ghosts, actually.

When did you meet the spirits that haunt the school?

I was at my locker one morning, late for first period as usual, and I get this sort of chilly, windy feeling. And then I started seeing these notes written on my stuff, telling me to find locker 176. Which was dumb, since I have the last locker, and it's number 175. The notes were signed "Ebenezer," which is a pretty weird name unless you're watching "A Christmas Carol." So I knew something was up.

What is it about these spirits that draws you?

Oh, they don't draw me. More like I draw them. They're practically obsessed with me, it seems like. Won't leave me alone when I'm in the school building. Maybe they'll finally be happy if I can find that stupid locker that doesn't exist.

What does it feel like to travel back in time?

That's a secret. You have to read my story to find out! I was really scared to do it, but it was the only way to find the locker. My friend Mica's neighbor, Tallulah Radley, is a medium, and she decided this would help me communicate with the spirits and solve this mystery.

So Anne Johnson wrote your story, did she? Tell me, do you think she did a good job?

She's awesome. But I think she got frustrated sometimes because I kept doing things that surprised her. She's totally organized, unlike me, so it made her jumpy that I wouldn't behave. But she should have known that behaving is not one of my specialties.

As a bonus question, what's a secret about yourself that you didn't tell Anne?

I bet she doesn't know I have a banana sticker collection. You know, the oval-shaped stickers they put on bananas? I make my mom buy every single brand of bananas she can find, so I get all different stickers. My dad got me some really cool ones when he went to a law enforcement seminar in Hawaii once. As of today I have sixteen different types of banana sticker. Sixteen! I bet you don't know anybody with more than that.

When will your story be available for purchase, Rhonda?

You can buy Ebenezer's Locker as an e-book starting June 1. I'm counting every hour of every day. Because by then school will be out for the summer, too!

Thank you so much for coming over and visiting, Rhonda! I really had fun talking to you. Hey! Do you think Anne would like it if I posted links where readers can visit her?

Yeah, she definitely likes links.

Anne can be found at her website, her blog, and on Facebook and Twitter.

Anne E. Johnson's novels:Middle-grade paranormal mystery, EBENEZER'S LOCKER, MuseItUp Publishing (June, 2012)
Spacepulp sci fi, GREEN LIGHT DELIVERY, Candlemark & Gleam (June, 2012)Middle-grade historical, TROUBLE AT THE SCRIPTORIUM, Royal Fireworks Press (July, 2012)
Website: http://anneejohnson.com/
Writer's Blog: http://anneejohnson.blogspot.com/

How to Pass a Degree with Confidence: an author interview with Anthony Fox

Hello everyone! Today I'd like to welcome author Anthony Fox to The World Crafter's Inkspot.

Anthony is the author of HOW TO PASS A DEGREE WITH CONFIDENCE, a motivating self-help book on how to pass a university degree with confidence. It contains detailed information for those individuals contemplating an under graduate or post graduate degree, as well as insightful stories from the writer's own experiences. It was recently published on July 29, 2011, by Chipmunkapublishing.

Hello, Anthony! Thanks for coming. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in London. As a young boy I went to school in America before returning to England to finish my education. I also lived in Australia before leaving for America with my parents. In England I studied art at Bideford Art College.

From an early age I wanted to be a writer / artist. Ever since I can remember I have been drawing and writing. Around the age of 12, I became a keen reader of history, archaeology and science. Throughout my life I have been a dreamer and thinker, always trying to understand the wonders of the world. I have an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Ooh, London. I could tell you were British from the way you phrase your sentences. I love British authors! In a writer's "rule of three", three of my more favourite authors, J.R.R. Tolkien, James Herriot, and Diana Wynne Jones, are all British writers.

Continuing with the "rule of three", what do you think are three of the most important things in your life?

My children come first - Colleen my daughter and my son Jamie - and then there's me. After that, well I guess whatever is most urgent. Love, hope and charity.

What was your goal in writing HOW TO PASS A DEGREE WITH CONFIDENCE?

I wanted to write a book that shared my experience so that other students could avoid some of the pitfalls I faced, and also have a useful study guide to help them focus of gaining that degree. On a more personal level, I wanted to become an author and was proud of the achievement of having a book published.

You should be. Publishing a book is an enormous achievement, as well as a terrific confidence booster. Before you decided to pursue a degree, and before you wrote HOW TO PASS A DEGREE WITH CONFIDENCE, what did you do for a living?

Over the years I have had many jobs, from salesman to office manager, power station technician to construction worker, as well as an IT consultant. Before starting my degree I worked as a carpenter and really enjoyed the satisfaction of working outdoors and making things with my hands.

Very neat! You were certainly an all-around kind of man, weren't you? How did this influence your decision to pursue a Master's in Software Engineering in Artificial Intelligence?

It didn’t. My interest in computers goes back many years before, to when I was building computers and writing code as a teenager. From an early age science has always been a keen interest of mine with the words and voice of Carl Sagan resonating in my head.

You actually wrote computer code? That simply staggers me. I don't think I could write computer code to save my life!

So what triggered the idea to write a how-to book?

I noticed there was no comparable book on the market that gave an insight to university life which would also be a useful study guide to passing a degree. I also wanted to share my experience so that other students could achieve what they wanted. And that it was never too late to start.

That's very true. Good for you for pursuing such a goal!

So, tell us a little bit about HOW TO PASS A DEGREE WITH CONFIDENCE.

I describe the book as an interesting, innovative, and motivating self-help book on how to pass a university degree with confidence by providing, not only the do’s and don’ts of college life, but also insightful and fascinating examples from my personal experiences. It was written using the knowledge I gained as a student representative as well as the achievement of gaining an MSc and a BSc Honours degree. Comprehensive and detailed information is provided to help those individuals contemplating an under graduate or a post graduate degree visualise and achieve their goals. Each chapter recalls a personal experience that helps to reinforce the academic topic. Topics include:

1.) How to write your project or dissertation

2.) Exam preparation

3.) How to research

4.) Time management

5.) How to reference correctly

6.) Critical thinking

7.) How to study

8.) How to revise (with a bonus anecdote of When A Girl Came Knocking At My Window)

9.) How to build confidence

10.) The need to set goals

11.) Student perspective

12.) How to cope with stress

13.) How to cope with meagre funds

14.) How to score more goals than Casanova

15.) Ten tips for university

and much more. Also there’s a bit more meat on the bone. Read the chapter why understanding critical thinking is so important.

Exam Preparation and Time Management were two of my more favourite chapters. I especially liked When A Girl Came Knocking On My Window. It showed a great example of managing your study time, as well as being hysterically witty.

How long did it take you to write your book?

Around 6 months, maybe longer. I originally started the project in mid-2005 but because of illness and other mishaps I didn’t start seriously until mid-2010.

What were the biggest obstacles for you on your road to publication?

At times, fear of rejection was my biggest obstacle. I had read so many horrid stories, about how difficult it is to get published or to find an agent.

Rejection really is an enormous barrier for writers. Those evil little letters are just so dispiriting! Do you plan on writing more books in the future?

Yes. I am currently working on a couple of book projects; one is a crime thriller novel and the other a non-fiction book.

Ooh, a crime thriller! That ought to be good! Can't wait for it.

So what is your main suggestion for people who are thinking to pursue a degree?

I recommend you ask yourself this question: am I doing this for me? If you are, that’s great, because if you’re enthusiastic about your task then you’re halfway there to gaining that degree.

Totally off topic, but I understand from your book that you like to dance the salsa. Aside from that, are there any other hobbies or activities that you enjoy?

One of my daily occupations is walking and exploring the countryside and the coastline, especially since I spend a lot of time on the keyboard. When I am in the mood then art becomes my passion. To relax I like to read books and watch films. I love a good story.

Me too. Good stories are rare and beautiful things.

Thanks so much for your time, Anthony! Congratulations on your success, and here's to many more published books. (Hurry up with that crime thriller.) :-)

You can find Anthony at his blog, How to Pass a Degree With Confidence, as well as on Facebook. 

The print version of his book is available for purchase on Amazon, or you can purchase and download the e-book version here.

Again, thanks so much for the interview, Anthony.

My Beginning: Interview with Author Melissa Kline

Today I’d like you to meet Melissa Kline, author of the YA science-fiction novel MY BEGINNING, released July 1, 2011 through Lucky Press LLC.

Hello, Melissa, and welcome!

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I penned my first novel at the age of thirteen and have been writing consistently for fifteen years. I have completed ten young adult novels and several short stories. My preferred genre is young adult but I write non-fiction and children’s books as well. My calling is to connect with others and give hope through writing. My debut young adult, science fiction novel, MY BEGINNING, was just released by Lucky Press, LLC! Learn more about me and my books at www.melissaklineauthor.com

Where did you get the idea for MY BEGINNING?

The idea for MY BEGINNING came to me in a dream where I experienced an adventure through the eyes of 16 year old Ivory. She lived in a dangerous and toxic world where children were forbidden to venture outside. The dream was so vivid and unusual that I knew upon awakening that it was something special.

Ooh! That's really neat! Dreams sometimes hold the best ideas, don't they?
How did you come up with the names for Ivory and Aidan?

Ivory's name was inspired by her features - the color of her skin and hair. I pictured her as an infant in the institution, wondering what the authority would have named her. Ivory was a perfect fit.
Aidan originally had a different name. During the editing process it had to be changed. While choosing his name I really wanted it to be unique. The name Aidan has become very popular, but I think it is a good fit.

Was Ivory based off anyone you know in real life?

Not intentionally but I think her characteristics are very similar to mine. I see a piece of myself in all of my characters.

I understand what you mean. I think some of my characters sometimes display characteristics that I wish I had!
Where does Ivory’s story take place? (Is it Earth in a far-distant future, or some other planet or world?)

Ivory's story takes place here on Earth in the future after a devastating plague wiped out nearly every living thing. I didn't define a specific time period, but I would say sometime between 2200-2500.

How long did it take you to write your novel?

It took me about 2 months to complete the first draft of MY BEGINNING with a newborn in tow! I would write all of my ideas down on notes during the day, then string them together at night.

Sounds like you were kept pretty busy! :)
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey on the road to publication, from when you conceived the idea of “My Beginning “to when Lucky Press accepted your manuscript for publication?

After completing MY BEGINNING I cleaned it up a bit and shared it with friends at a writing workshop, then put it away and started a new project. I originally submitted a different book to Lucky Press and was very detached from MY BEGINNING, not having looked at it for well over a year! When my current publisher asked if I had anything else, I was a bit nervous submitting MY BEGINNING. I was detached from the story and it was a genre Lucky Press had never published! I sent the manuscript anyway thinking there was no way that it would ever be considered, but my publisher immediately fell in love with it.

That's fantastic that she loved it. I bet you went through the roof when you got your acceptance letter! Could you give us a brief synopsis about MY BEGINNING?

MY BEGINNING is a young adult science fiction adventure told through the eyes of Ivory, a girl who has lived her entire 16 years of life trapped within the cold, hard walls of an institution. A devastating plague wiped out scores of people and animals, polluting the earth and requiring that children never venture outside. Or is that all a lie? Ivory and Aidan decide to find out. They escape the institution and find a world unlike anything they had ever known.

What’s your writing routine?

Right now it is very chaotic! I am a mother of two busy boys so any chance that I get to write, I take it. I'm a big note taker - I jot down notes all day long and when I can steal away a chunk of time, I have at it!

What’s the one thing you’d tell other authors struggling to get published?

Believe in yourself and never give up!

Last, are there any other hobbies you have, other than writing?

Yes, I am a very creative person and enjoy using various methods to bring my characters to life. For MY BEGINNING I created character sketches and collages, built an institution scene using miniatures, wrote a screenplay, made a book trailer and collected "props" including uniforms, textbooks, Ivory's necklace and institution keys. I use these tools for visual inspiration and fun! You can view these and other character creations on my website: www.melissaklineauthor.com

Oh, so very cool! I love it when there's a complimentary talent you can use to visualize your worlds and settings. That's fantastic.

Thanks so much for your time, Melissa, and congratulations on your debut novel!

You can visit Melissa at her website, and you can also find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can purchase her book from Amazon and Barnes and Noble, or you can get a more personalized novel directly from her.


Because I loved her trailer so much, I'm posting it here again, for all of you to enjoy.