Sunday, December 23, 2012

What a Difference a Year Makes!

 
 
As we come up to the end of 2012, I thought I'd look back and reflect on what's happened to me over the last 12 months, because, as you'll see, it's been a period that has brought quite a few changes!
 
Why - only this time last year, I was a writer without a home!
 
Although I'd put the Guardian concept together over many, many years - I hadn't done anything about it until recently. It was the summer of 2010 before I actually began laying out the framework for what would become the Guardian Series.
Having seen how much material I had, I was initially horrified. It would have taken nine books, (YES 9 BOOKS) to have told their story in the way I originally devised.
 

Think about it! I was unknown. Unpublished. And who in their right mind would even consider the risk of accepting a new kid on the block who had a nine book series to offer.
So, in the October of 2010, I adjusted the framework and began writing Guardian Angels - the first book in what would become a new style, 6 part adventure.
(I know...6 is soooo much 'safer' than 9) :) ha ha...
 
 
By May of 2011, I'd completed the first draft.
Of course, I was impatient...(The big kid in me with all the dreams of grandeur wanted 'it' all - and wanted it now), so I began approaching some of the major publishing houses and agents out there who were guaranteed to make me famous...Right?
HA! - You can guess what happened.
But thankfully, in amongst the inevitable rejections, there were some wonderful gems of wisdom. In two of the larger, and one of the smaller houses I'd originally approached, the editors were kind enough to see the potential of my offering, and gave me some advice.
I took that advice on board...LISTENED to those who knew better...and made some vital adjustments.
By the October of 2011, I had redrafted Guardian Angels into the format you now see.
So I started applying again...
 
However, this time, I thought I'd use my head instead of my heart.
While I'd been working my butt off to get the work done, I'd also been doing some homework.
We can't all be Raymond E Feist, or J K Rowling, securing the major houses almost from the word go. So, I began hunting for the smaller publishers who were established, and actively looking for new authors to expand their existing genre base.
From the October of 2011, I approached three. By December, I'd received positive interest from two who were keen to proceed!
I'm very glad to say - I found Angie at Pagan Writers Press.
 
 
So - there I was, only a year after I began writing, discussing contracts for the 2012 publishing slots, with a reputable, established publishing house! (Let me hear a 'Woo-hoo!')
Because REMEMBER - I'm only talking about this time last year!
 
So! What's happened since then?
 

Well - quite a lot really.
Although I'm new, I'm glad to say, I listen.
The Guardian Concept is a fantastic idea. One day, I'm sure it's going to be known everywhere. However, I'm keenly aware that - at the moment - my skill level is nowhere near the 'concept' level.
(BUT - one day - it will be :)
So, what could I do to improve my writing ability?
My publishers, Pagan Writers Press suggested I try things outside of my comfort zone - (In my case - Sci-fi). They were toying with an idea of using the KDP select facility on Amazon.
Who wanted to try!
I though...'I'll have a go' - and devised the short story,"Fairy Tail". A Noir - dark, erotic, paranormal thriller.
Guess what? It was accepted! So - although I was waiting for my 1st major Novel to be published, THIS story went out first...
AND, it got to number 11 in the Amazon charts for erotic stories!
(I Know! Me - Number 11 in erotica!...I feel very slutty - I'm a naughty boy, please don't tell my mother what I do for a living...ha ha :)
 
But this had given me an incentive to TRY things outside of the Sci-fi genre. As time passed, I began preparing ahead with new concepts. Idea's I wouldn't ever have normally considered.
The result is something I'll mention later...The Cambion Journals.
In the interim, time was counting down.
My first major release - "Guardian Angels" was drawing ever closer.
The cover concept was adjusted from an idea I had originally devised into something better, and as the time drew near I realized...WOW! This is actually going to happen!
THIS was an actual paperback book you could hold in your hands...Mummy!
The 31st of August 2012, saw the release of my first major novel. Needless to say, I was delighted.
BUT - I wasn't prepared to sit on my laurels and think the hard work was over. I've always been a 'busy bee'. I've always strived to push myself. That wasn't going to stop.
 
 
My earlier experiment with Fairy Tail spurred me on to try other things.
For one, my research had highlighted the fact that the 'romance/erotica' genre was one of the most difficult to write. If an author can establish a sound level of competence within this field, it will reflect across the rest of their work. However, I didn't - and still don't - want to become known for romance/erotica.
But - I'm not daft enough to ignore something that can - and has - improved the quality of my writing.
So, I devised a semi bioautographical, romance based story and adopted a psoo - a sudo - another name, to see if I could crack it in the romance world.
Ta-dah! - Under the pen name of Alexander West, I did! My short story, A Fresh Start, was kindly accepted by Secret Craving Publishing, and published at the beginning of October 2012.
Personally, I'm very happy that this development was able to come to fruition, because - boy oh boy - has it paid off elsewhere! (See Cambion Journals) P.S. For those of you who don't know me - its pseudonym - I was kidding!
 
 
Another facet I'd continued to develop, was the Paranormal genre.
To my delight, I discovered I really enjoyed delving into that side of writing. So, I had another go at a short story.
This time I devised a semiautobiographical military action/thriller based in the jungles of South America. Of course, I added a Paranormal slant to it, that gave the story extra bite!
It seemed to work...
This story was published through Pagan Writers Press on 15th October 2012, and I was stunned to see it rise to number 21 on the Amazon Charts for Action/Adventure.
Way to go Pagan Writers Press for encouraging me to step outside the comfort zone.
This story really brought a simple truth home to me. When you write, write about what you know. What you're passionate about. It reflects in your writing.
 
 
 
There was I, a Sci-fi fan for all these years, with the Guardian Concept waiting to flourish, dipping into the realms of the paranormal...with erotic undertones hovering at the edges...
 
 
What was the result?
Welcome to the world of Augustus Thorne.
Augustus is a part human/part Incubus hybrid, cursed to walk the narrow divide between the demon world and ours.
He is afflicted with a hunger he can barely control, and hates what he is with a vengance.
In fulfilment of a promise to his mother, Augustus has spent the lonleycenturies of his life exploiting the advantages of strength and speed his hybrid nature gives him, and hunting down and destroying any and every demon he can find. 
Of course, there is one demon in particular he cant wait to lay his hands on...His accursed father, Fanon.
The Cambion Journals is a sexy, paranormal adventure that follow's the life of Augustus as he uses his experiences and the details contained within family diaries, to discover more about himself, his origins, and the shocking secret world he is forced to delve into.
Of course, the more he discovers...the more complicated things get!
The Cambion Journals - The Rage of Augustus - Coming June 2013 - with Pagan Writers Press
 
So, there you go.
These have been some of the great highlights from my year.
Last year, I was still homeless.
Now? Not only do I have three stories published through Pagan Writers Press, but my contracts for the second book of the Guardian Series, entitled "Guardians" and for the opening story of the Cambion Journal trilogy, "The Rage of Augustus" are in place for 2013. 
The sequels to both books are also on their way for the following year's schedules too.
(Again - courtesy of Pagan Writers Press)
Wow! What a difference a year makes.
 
Not only has it been a rollercoaster ride, but along the way I've met some great new friends and working colleagues. People, who I'm very glad to have met.
I'm also becoming established within the 'authors world' as my stories get out there and the quality of my work increases.
Thanks to the people I have around me now, I'm sure things will only get better!
Has your year been this good?
 
Take care everone,
Have a great holiday - and even better 2013...
Andy :)
 

 

Friday, December 21, 2012

LAST DAY

To catch a rip-roaring Paranormal Action Adventure

 

 
Remember!
Blood-Moon is FREE on KDP Select at Amazon...
 
 
Don't miss out on the perfect gift to celebrate the world surviving...
as sadly
THIS offer does end today :)
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

PWC's Mad Mayans "End of the World" Party


Hi Everyone - and welcome to my Giveaway in support of the above event.
 
Entry is simple
 
All you have to do is leave your email address in the comments section of this post. And then next week, I will select one entrant at random to receive the package below
 
I know! Ooooh! :)

Can't you just see yourselves with this stuff?
Well, you know what you have to do!
 
Take care - and have a great day!
Andy
 
 

Free on KDP Select at Amazon

December 19th - 21st

 

Blood-Moon


Treat yourselves to a festive fright filled package this Christmas between the 19th - 21st of December.
 
Good for you - Great as a Gift - the perfect present to keep people quiet for a while and quaking in their boots
Treat yourself
 
You know you want to...

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Guardian Angels - Buy The Book Tours

Final Day!

 
Sadly, this tour has reached the end. On this final day, you can find us at:
 
November 28, 2012 - Reginamayross'sBlog
November 28, 2012 - DforDarla's Definite Reads
 
Please try to stop by for a virtual break. Enjoy the blogs and take part in the fun.
AND
A very special 'thank you' of course to:
Buy The Book Tours
and all those who opened their 'homes' to help promote Guardian Angels.
 
I hope you enjoyed it :)
 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tour Stop for the 27th

 
 
 
The penultimate day of the Guardian Angels Tour finds us at:
 
November 27, 2012 - From thePen of Mae Clair

Don't be shy - Come and say hello :)

Monday, November 26, 2012

Guardian Angels Tour Stop

26th November 2012

 
Today, the Guardian Angel Book Blitz is stopping at:
 
November 26, 2012 - Author Jinni James
November 26, 2012 - Let's Get BOOKED!
 
Feel free to drop by and take part :)

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Tour Stops for the 25th

 
 
Today's tour stops will be held at:
 
November 25, 2012 - Just One More Chapter
November 25, 2012 - AuthorsCafe 
Drop by for a virtual coffee and a brief dip into the world of the Guardians.
See you there...
:)

Friday, November 23, 2012

Guardian Angels Tour Stops

 
 
Hi everyone.
Today's tour stopovers (Courtesy of Buy The Book Tours) are at the following sites:
 
November 24, 2012 - Delphina Reads Too Much
November 24, 2012 - Writerly Ramblings 
Please stop by and take a look.
Have  agreat day now! :)

Today's Tour Stops

 
 
 
 
Hi everyone.
Today, my tour will be stopping over at:
 

November 23, 2012 - Anatea's Bookshelf
November 23, 2012 - WorkadayReads 
 
Please stop by and enjoy yourself at the above blogs.
Take care now :)

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Today's Tour Stops

 
 
Don't forget!
Today's tour venues are:


November 21, 2012 - BitsyBling Books
November 21, 2012 - FLY HIGH
November 21, 2012 - RinnReads
 
Please stop by and join in the fun.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Guardian Angels Tour

 

Hi everyone - welcome to the new tour for Guardian Angels with
Buy The Book Tours.
Below are a few dates for your diaries.

November 21, 2012 - BitsyBling Books
November 21, 2012 - FLY HIGH
November 21, 2012 - RinnReads
November 22, 2012 - NightOwl Reviews
November 22, 2012 - Laurie's Thoughts andReviews
November 23, 2012 - Anatea's Bookshelf

November 23, 2012 - WorkadayReads
November 24, 2012 - Delphina Reads Too Much
November 24, 2012 - Writerly Ramblings
November 25, 2012 - Just One More Chapter
November 25, 2012 - AuthorsCafe
November 26, 2012 - Author Jinni James
November 26, 2012 - Let's Get BOOKED!
November 27, 2012 - From thePen of Mae Clair
November 28, 2012 - Reginamayross'sBlog
November 28, 2012 - DforDarla's Definite Reads
 
Join in the fun! I look forward to seeing you there... Andy
 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Blood-Moon Tour

 
 
Hi everyone.
Remember - The Blood-Moon tour is ending in a few days.
 
Here are the list of stops
 

November 9, 2012 - DforDarla's Definite Reads
November 9, 2012 - Author Jinni James
November 10, 2012 - Night Owl Reviews
November 10, 2012 - Books, Books The Magical Fruit
November 11, 2012 - Just One More Chapter
November 11, 2012 - [Insert clever quip here]
November 12, 2012 - Romance Writer Sara Walter Ellwood
November 12, 2012 - AJ's Tattered Pages
November 13, 2012 - That's What She Read
November 13, 2012 - Oh, Chrys!
November 14, 2012 - Apocalypse Mama
November 14, 2012 - Reginamayross's Blog
November 15, 2012 - My Escape
November 15, 2012 - The Bookworm
November 16, 2012 - Lacey Wolfe
November 16, 2012 - A Soul Unsung
November 16, 2012 - Mom With A Kindle
 
Please stop by and see what's happening.
See you there!

Monday, November 12, 2012

November Guest Interview

Hi everyone, I'm very pleased to introduce you to this months Guest.
An Award Winner no less!
Jean Joachim
 
Jean, tell us a bit about yourself. What don’t we know about you from the official bio?
I’ve been writing non-fiction articles and advertising copy for twenty years. My first published book was non-fiction. I thought I liked advertising and marketing until I started writing fiction full time. It’s my passion beyond any other work I’ve ever done. I get out of bed each morning early, anxious to visit my characters again and tell their stories.
I understand you won an award recently? Tell us a bit about that.
I’m deeply honored to have been chosen Author of the Year by the New York City chapter of Romance Writer’s of America.
Tell us a little about your latest release.
 
Love Lost and Found is my newest book. It is unique because it’s a military romance I wrote with Ben Tanner, a retired Marine. We wrote it on the Internet while living 800 mile apart.
What made you choose that title? And, where did the idea for your story come from?
We chose that title because our hero and heroine are two people whose hearts have been broken. They’ve lost love but find it again in each other, accidentally.
What was the most difficult thing/scene to write in this story?
The scene where Tara leaves St. Thomas to go on assignment. She’s a journalist and must now leave the new love of her life, Mick. Mick is going back into combat and they don’t know when they will see each other again. This was a very emotional scene for me as I felt their pain and worry about his safety.
Please tell us about any future projects you are planning.
I am planning a six book series called Hollywood Hearts. The books will be published every other month in 2013 by Secret Cravings Publishing.
How many books have you written? 
I’ve written 12 books so far.
Personal Round.
Jean, are you a reader?
I’m an avid reader. I read everything I can get my hands on.
How do you find time to write?
It’s my work and the thing I love to do most. So it’s easy to block out writing time.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. Boring isn’t it? I always thought being a writer would be the best thing in the world. And I still think so.
What advice would you give to writers just starting out?
Keep writing! Get good editors and listen to their advice.
Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?
It that happens, I take a walk and think about the character’s back-story. Once I’m in touch with them, the story begins to flow again.
Can you tell us something quirky about yourself that readers might not know already?
I was a tomboy and could run and compete with the boys when I was in elementary school.
Is there a genre(s) that you’d like to write that you haven’t tackled yet?
Yes, regency romance. I will need help with the research. I do plan to pursue writing that one story as soon as I fulfill my other commitments.
What cocktail would you say best describes you and why?
Cosmopolitan – sweet but packs a punch.
What would you say are your top 10 list of movies?
While You Were Sleeping, Serendipity, Valentine’s Day, Holiday, The Holiday, Anything with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers,  Kate and Leopold, You’ve Got Mail, French Kiss, Pride and Prejudice (5 hour BBC version)

Off the top of your head.
A dream? A happy ending of any sort.
A nightmare? An unhappy ending, death and destruction.
Favorite Book? Tie: Pride and Prejudice/Dodsworth (Sinclair Lewis)
Favorite Music? Rock and Classical.
Favorite Quote? Just Do it.
A Fantasy? I keep those for my books! *blushes*

Jean, thank you so much for being here with us today, and for telling us a bit more about yourself. Where can we find out more about you?
Jean’s Bio

Jean Joachim is an author, married, a mother of two boys and owner of a rescued pug named Homer. She writes contemporary romance and has twelve contemporary romance books published with one more scheduled to be release within the coming months. Jean has been writing non-fiction for over twenty years and fiction for three. Her review column, "Movie Choices for Kids" has been syndicated on parenting newspapers websites for the past 12 years. A native New Yorker, she still lives in New York City.
Regarding your latest release. What are the links? Love Lost and Found.
 
 
 

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Blood-Moon Tour

 

Hi everyone,
Just to let you know - from November 9th - 16th there will be a Bookmark Blitz Tour
courtesy of:
Buy The Book Tours:
 
 Pop along to their site between those dates to see how things go.
Thanks for stopping by.
 
Andy :)
 

Monday, November 5, 2012

New Contracts

 
Hi everyone. I'm delighted to announce I have just received two new contracts from:
Pagan Writers Press
 

The first is for "Guardians" book two of the Guardian Series, and the second was for the first book in a brand new Paranormal Adventure series, "The Cambion Journals - The Rage of Augustus."

More details will follow in a few days, and will be visible in the side bars on this blog.

May I take this opportunity to say a big 'Thank You' to Angie at Pagan Writers Press, who continues to turn my dreams into reality...

I look forward to sharing these new stories with you - hopefully during 2013.

Take care now!

Andrew P Weston :)

 

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Star Guest Interview - November 2012


Hi everyone, to begin November with a bang, I thought I'd try interviewing someone as mad as myself. Someone, who - I must confess - it was well worth the effort breaking into the asylum for.

It was an interesting experience conducting our chat in a padded room - but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves swinging about!

Yes, I'm proud to introduce you all to none other than...
 

Tad Williams

 
 


Hi Tad,

Your fans will already know quite a bit about you and your books.

You’ve had a colorful past: singing in a band, selling shoes, designing military hardware, hosting a syndicated radio show, working in theater and radio production and teaching in both grade school and college, to mention just some of your previous jobs.

As an author, you’ve won acclaim for your Memory Sorrow & Thorn Series, Shadowmarch Series, and The War of the Flowers, Caliban’s Hour, Otherland – and a personal favorite of my wife, Tailchasers Song.

So...tell us something about yourself that’s a bit different. What don’t we know about you from the official bio?

I'm a hermit by choice. I have a wonderful family and tons of great friends, but I am jealous of my solitary time -- my thinking time -- and that's a reason I tend to stay up late, long after everyone else has gone to bed. I would almost always stay home than go anywhere, even the swingingest party you can imagine. (My wife is not so much of a stay-at-home, so I rouse myself to accompany her out just enough to keep her from going crazy. Well, any crazier than she already is, considering who she married.)

You have a story that came out recently, the 1st book in the Bobby Dollar Series, The Dirty Streets of heaven. What’s it about?
 
 
It's about an Earthbound angel, Bobby Dollar, aka Angel Doloriel. He's a pretty normal heavenly functionary until he gets involved in something so big that both sides are upset with him, and that's when the demons and angels really hit the fans.

What made you choose that title? And, where did the idea for your story come from?

The title was actually a replacement for my original, "Angels Rush In", which my publishers didn't much like. I made "Dirty Streets…" up on the spot to avoid extra work. That's how I roll.

Please share a particular detail about the main character.

Bobby has a lot of me in him, which is one reason I enjoyed writing the books (I've already finished his second volume of adventures and am about to start number three.) He has a sense of humor, and since he's the narrator I get to let my own sense of the absurd loose. When you're talking about how the universe really works, you have to be able to enjoy absurdity.

This story has a different style to your other books, it’s harder, grittier. Did you find this style a refreshing change?

Yeah, but mainly I enjoyed writing in a more contemporary idiom. My fantasy/science fiction books often require me to write in a less natural voice -- often the voice is the major thing that lets you know what kind of story it is. Bobby's alive (after a fact) and around now, today, and he lives in the same world we do, he just spends more time behind the scenes.

What plans do you have for Bobby Dollar?

I'd like to keep writing his books, although once I finish these first three I suspect they will be more like single volume crime/mystery books with a repeat protagonist. I want to be able to write one and then write something else without people having to wait for a necessary sequel.

How many books have you written altogether now?

Hmmm. Have to count. Three long four-volume trilogies. (I know, it's become a bad joke.) Two ordinary standalone novels and two short standalone books, one of the latter with Nina Kiriki Hoffman. Two young-adult fantasy novels (the Ordinary Farm books) with my wife, Deborah Beale. And two collections (so far) of short fiction. And now the first two Bobby Dollar, although the second won't be published until next year. What's that? Twenty-two? Sounds about right. If I wrote shorter books I'd have published twice that many.

What advice would you give to an unpublished writer?

It's always the same, because I'm no more of an expert than anyone else on selling in today's weird market of self-publishing, dying brick-and-mortar book business, etc. I tell people to read widely, and in fact to avoid their genre when they read as often as possible if they want to write genre fiction. (Otherwise you become influenced by other writers and ideas in your own genre and it becomes incestuous and shallow very quickly.) Read broadly, including lots and lots of non-fiction, especially history and science. (Yes, even if you write fantasy. ESPECIALLY is you write fantasy.) Another important thing is to write regularly, even if you don't write a great deal at any one sitting. And last, FINISH THINGS. You'll change your mind, your ideas, your style, and your skills during the course of even a single book, so if you go back and start over each time you will be creating a spiral that never goes anywhere. Finish the piece, then go back and rewrite. If you have a major idea-change along the way, make a note and continue as if you had already implemented that change for the rest of your first draft, then fix it in rewrite. Again, the idea is to learn how to finish things, not just start them.

Do you have anything new in the works and can you tell us a bit about it?

I mentioned the second Bobby Dollar book, called "HAPPY HOUR IN HELL." I'm editing that now. I also have a bunch of short stories coming out in the next year, and hope to begin a few new things as well. And my book "TAILCHASER'S SONG" is being made into an animated film, and the "OTHERLAND" books are the source of an almost-released MMORPG, expected out in a few months. There's also some other work of mine under film option, but no news to share yet.

What do you think makes your book stand out in today’s market?

Sense of humor and imagination, I think, which have always been strong points of mine (I believe.) Also, I don't just invent characters to hold places in a plot, I try to make them real and then deal with their complexity, no matter how frustrating to me ordered sense of plot and narrative.

What was the most difficult thing/scene to write in this story?

In all the Bobby Dollar books, I think his relationship with the woman in his life is the most complicated and difficult to create, because it's one of those loves that marks you for life, and I've had one (and still do.) Fortunately, mine worked out, but that's nowhere near as likely for Bobby. But I want to stay true to those feelings, since they shaped who I am today.
 

Tad, thanks for that info. I'm sure all your fans will be rushing to buy Dirty Streets of Heaven - IF they haven't already got it - and are already looking forward to the sequel... BUT - let's make things a little more personal.

 
Give me a list od things you would love? (Anything you like…)

The only car I ever really craved was an X-type Jaguar, when I was a kid. Still sorta do.

I'd love to live in London again, and I'd also like to live in Italy for at least a year.

I'd like to live in or travel in Germany long enough to get good at German.

I like all kinds of music, from classical to show tunes to classic rock to hip-hop to death metal, and would listen to even more, even louder, except that I have to make space for thinking, and I just can't do proper book thinking while listening to Rammstein or the Wu Tang. That's when the classical and ambient come out.

My favorite movie is still probably The Tin Drum and I couldn't even tell you why. I'm also extremely fond of The Wizard of Oz and Das Boot and The Innocents and My Fair Lady. Oh, and A Fish Called Wanda. If you can see a pattern there, let me know.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Basketball, hanging with my kids, ruthlessly mocking our household pets.

Where do you hail from and what do you love most about your hometown?

I grew up in Palo Alto, CA., the college town for Stanford U., and when I was growing up it was the loveliest, most open-minded place to be a suburban kid you could imagine.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An archaeologist, 'til I found how how much work it was.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

Getting started. That's always the tough part, every single day.

Do you ever suffer from writer's block? If so, what do you do about it?

I don't believe in it. Sometimes a story just needs more time, or even a pause. But some writers worry that their talent will dry up, and every dry spot seems like the first knell of approaching doom. I'm not that way so it's not a problem for me. Sometimes I just have to put something aside, but that's only because it's a complicated problem that my subconscious needs to work on. (And my conscious mind may need to take it slow, too.)

Who is your favorite author and why?

Impossible to choose, really. Depends on what I'm reading and what mood I'm in. I will say that Shakespeare has given me more than just about anyone else, though.

What books have most influenced your life?

MARTIAN CHRONICLES; LORD OF THE RINGS; THE ONCE AND FUTURE KING; TITUS GROAN; GRAVITY'S RAINBOW.

How did you deal with rejection letters?

With the smug (and highly uninformed) certainty they didn't know what they were talking about.

What's the weirdest thing you've ever done in the name of research?

That's a long story, but it had to do with assuring a secretary in Durban, South Africa that I wasn't standing in a window of the building across the street from her naked.

Do you have any must-haves while you are writing?

Reasonable quiet and minimal distractions. The occasional nap.

Can you tell us something quirky about yourself that readers might not know already?

I have an excellent falsetto. If there is every a huge Motown revival and they're short of the "ooo-oo-oooh!" guys, I'm so there.

What do you think makes a good story?

Something that makes the reader want to learn more. Afterward, something that makes the reader care about the characters.

Was it love at first sight for you when you met Deborah?

It was friendship at first sight. We didn't fall in love until we met the next time. Then it was the Thunderbolt. (Like Michael C. in "The Godfather".)

What did you notice first about her when you met?

That she was gorgeous, smart, and had an excellent sense of humor.

What has been the highlight of the last month?

Excellent reviews of the first Bobby Dollar and good health for my family.

 

 Okay – Thanks for sharing those more personal details. NOW, lets let’s make things fun and bring out the quirky sense of humor your fans love you for:


Let’s have a drink! What cocktail best describes you and why?

If I just want a drink, it's usually a G&T or a margarita. If I want to sip and think, I might order Campari and soda or a good beer.

We enjoyed our drinks sooo much, one thing led to another and we ended up at a bar in the city. What kinda bar did we end up in? (Don’t worry – I won’t mention a thing to Deborah)

Nothing to hide. I like pubs and neighborhood bars where people talk and laugh. I don't mind sports on the TV if things are slow, but normally the (or the company one brings along) should be enough to make it enjoyable.

Our outrageous antics got us arrested. WHAT were we arrested for?

You got arrested for doing something stupid. I got arrested for trying to explain to the police why it was a crucial way to defend against a possible alien invasion.

At our trial, we pleaded temporary insanity on the grounds of diminished maturity and it worked! We now find ourselves in a nicely padded room with a selection of toys to play with. If you can only choose one, which would you pick? – And why?

A tire hanging from a chain?

A car door, complete with working electric window?

A toy clown from the horror film “IT”?

A teddy, ready for throwing – complete with pram?

A squeaky sponge mallet?

A copy of the Karma Sutra? (Why are you looking at me like that?)

I would take pages out of the Kama Sutra, personalize them for the guards, each one explaining how fun it would be to do that to them. Then I'd sign your name.
(Thanks Tad!)

Quickfire Round 
 

Speedos or mankini?

I'm a trunks man, if we're talking about swimming. I'm not letting anyone see the farm until they put a down-payment on it.

Jennifer Aniston or Penelope Cruz?

They're both lovely women. Penelope would probably be easier to sneak through customs, because she's smaller.

Chuck Norris or MacGyver?

As I tell my son, yes, Chuck Norris the internet meme is incredibly cool. Chuck Norris the washed-up actor is kind of a nasty, right-wing SOB.

Blade or Underworld?

Blade, baby! I'm a Marvel man, for one thing. Plus Blade's just cooler. Too bad about Wesley and his tax problems. Dumbass.

Wine or beer?

For sipping and talking over dinner, wine. For hanging out on a hot day, beer.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate. And no, that was not why I chose Snipes over Beckinsale.

Candlelight or dark?

Depends. If it's walking through the house at night, I'd prefer some light. We have pets.

Rolling Stones or Stone Roses?

Like 'em both, but EXILE ON MAIN STREET and LET IT BLEED are as eternal as the Sistine Chapel Ceiling, and easier to reach.

Skiing or surfing?

People get hurt doing that shit.

Alien or Predator?

Alien all the way. Come on, H. R. Giger design, Sigourney and Yaphet Kotto and Ian Holm, versus Arnie, Jesse Ventura, and a much less scary design except the cool crustacean mouth? Not close.

Ferrari or Lamborghini?

As if I'd ever get to drive either one fast enough to matter. It would basically just be huge insurance bills so you can worry about getting bird-crap on a three hundred thousand dollar car. No, I survived my Speed Racer days and I'm content now to drive a minivan. I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine.

And Finally...
Someone once came up to me and told me they felt like being reckless. As a joke, I suggested they run really fast, straight into a wall – just to see what would happen. Guess what? They did!
What suggestion/advice have you given to others that you wish you hadn’t?

Come on over any time.

What place to travel is on your Bucket List?

Need to see China and Japan. Would like to spend a few months in Greece and Turkey. Wouldn't mind getting to the moon someday, if it's available.

What would you REALLY like to say to all those on Facebook who keep sending game requests? (Go on…Vent it! Vent it!)

After a while, I got so I didn't even see them. Now you reminded me.

Have you ever been fraped on Facebook – and did you enjoy the experience?

It won't happen to me because I log on from home and my kids and wife don't know how to use my ergonomic keyboard, which among other things has all the function and command keys switched around. When they try without asking me, they always come sheepishly up to me and say, "I can't figure out your damned keyboard." Hee hee.

Have you ever shaved a part of your body – other than on your head?

Yes. I have long, bushy elbow hair that must be kept trimmed back or else I knock silverware and dishes off the table.

Have you ever been stopped by airport security?

Apparently there's some kind of crazy bastard with my name, so I get stopped almost every time. I hope he's enjoying himself, because I'm not enjoying being mistaken for him.

Are you banned from anywhere?

Other than several very touchy women's dorms, a few cities, an odd county or two, and the big F. A. O. Schwarz toy store in Manhattan, no.

What’s the fastest you’ve driven?

In a vehicle? About 150. Late at night on the 280 freeway out of S. F. when I was young and stupid. (As opposed to now, when I am middle-aged and stupid, but no longer interested in driving fast.)



Tad, - that's it my friend. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with me today. I’m sure everyone will love this interview and remember it for a long time…I have to dash, evidently I've got a date with a prison guard!
 Thanks for being such a great sport..
 
CHEERS, ANDY!

Remember everyone - you can find out more about Tad Williams on his website: