Author Interview:

Thanks to Mozette of My Reading List (see previous feature), I'm pleased to be able to welcome author Karen Tyrrell to the 'Summer Special'. Karen has kindly answered a few questions for us about her writing, and writing in general.

1. Please introduce yourself to our readers

My name is Karen Tyrrell and I'm an Australian multi-genre writer with #6 completed books. Memoir. Crime. Super Space Kids series. The Rescue Kids picture book series. Three publishers are considering my books for publishing. http://www.karentyrrell.com

2. What book do you think you are most like?

I'm a multi-layered mystery book, with intriguing interwoven sub-plots.

3. What sort of books do you write?

I write fast-paced books which keep adult and children Readers engaged. My stories are based on my intense personal experiences.

4. Can you tell us a bit about your favourite character from your own writing.

In my memoir, ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness, my main character, myself, strives to comprehend the shocking cause of her mental illness and how she will recover.

5. What books/authors have influenced your writing the most?

Jodi Picoult, Jeff Lindsay, Anita Shreve, Katherine Howell.

6. Tell us about the place where you write.

I write in my office, gazing out to waving palm trees and the blue skies of Brisbane, Australia.

7. Do you have any techniques that you use if you get writer's block

Keep writing every day on multi-interest writing projects, switching over when you get stuck on one. Then you can easily pick up another.

8. What are your top 5 tips for writing?

Write every day without excuses. Write what your passionate about. Enlist in writing courses to develop the craft of writing. Join a writer's group that critiques. Turn reject letters around ... RETHINK > REWRITE > RESUBMIT.

 

Thanks again to Karen, it sounds like you have a beautiful place to write!

Now it's over to you: if you enjoy writing then I'd love to read your answers to my questions. You can answer one or two in the comments, or all of them on your own blog (please provide a link so that we can check them out).

Tomorrow I'll be suggesting another place to visit over at 'Living in A Time Warp', before sharing some of my breadmaking recipes on 'Music Helps The World Go Round' 

Summer Sharer: A world of Writing

I guess most of you who visit this blog love writing. Well, you won't be surprised to know that so do I! Yet, I rarely find the time (and sometimes the inclination) to make a start. So, here's a chance to give yourself a reason to write. As usual, do this on your own blog or sociaal networking site and leave us a link, or simply post in the comments. There's a choice of activities today, feel free to do as many (or as few) as you want.

1. Share with us your best piece of writing so far

OR

2. Tell us about what you've been up to this summer

OR

3. Write a short piece of fiction entitled 'A Special Summer'

I can't wait to read your responses!

Tomorrow, check back for an interview with author Karen Tyrell

 

Summer Sharer: Holiday Snaps

I'm sure many of you have been enjoying your summer holidays, either at home or by going away. Whether youve been doing some of our 'suggested activities', going to our 'places to visit', trying out our recipes, or simply doing your own thing we'd love to hear from you.

In particular, this post is about sharing our holiday photographs. Why not share some of your snaps on your blog, website, or social network profile and then leave us a link in the comments so that we can check them out. Please make sure you have the permission to post of any people featured in your pics.

Share your photos of what have you've been up to this summer

Tomorrow I'll be hosting an international giveaway over at 'Crafty Creations'

GIVEAWAY- Assorted signed bookmarks (international)

One lucky winner will be in the for chance to win 5 signed bookmarks as follows:

• Mocked by Destiny by Michelle Richard
• Blind Faith by Michael Schneider
• Pulled by Amy Lichtenhan
• Convergence by J.D. Watts
• Wings of Fate by T.M. Hobbs

There's some beautiful artwork on these bookmarks, and if you're a fan of any of the books (or authors) then you'll definatly want to enter. 


The rules

• If you're under 16 then please ask parental permission before entering
• Open internationally!
• Closing date is 31st August 2011
• Fill in the form to enter

I look forward to welcoming you back to 'The Story Factory Reading Zone' for another giveaway tomorrow

Suggested Activity 10: Do some reading

Do some reading

Our survey respondants said:

My favorite form of entertainment is reading. I love reading, and spend a few hours everyday indulging in reading.

Now, those of you that follow me over at 'The Story Factory Reading Zone' will know that reading is also one of my favourite activities. I particularly enjoy it in the summer, when I can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, or inside in the cool with the patio doors open. I also love the fact that the holidays mean plenty more time to read.

Over to you:

What book(s) would you recommend for the summer?

Pop over now to 'The Story Factory Reading Zone' to be in for a chance of winning a copy of Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer

 

Suggested Activity 5: Find somewhere different to write

Find somewhere different to write

'The Story Factory Reading Zone' readers say that they usually write indoors in the summer, using their laptops, at home or in their van. Personally, I prefer to write outdoors on a park bench where I can absorb the atmosphere of what's going on around me.

I came across a reading challenge a few months ago, where you had to read in a variety of different places. It sounded like a fantastic idea and the only thing that stopped me doing it was the requirement to read in the toilet (something I didn't really fancy). The benefit? The discovery of new places and making sure that you don't just sit in one place all day. Now, apply the same to your writing. The benefit? See new places, maybe discover a new setting or two for your novel. Why not give it a try?!

Over to you: 

Share a photo or story about a new or unusual place where you like to write.

Tomorrow's 'Suggested Activity' will be posted on 'Crafty Creations'

The Week Ahead: Week One

Welcome to the first of 4 'Week Ahead' posts during my August 'Summer Special'. The aim of these posts is to keep you updated with what will happening each week, including any changes from the published schedule. They may also include my response to the 'It's Monday: What Are You Reading?' meme (I don't do this every week, just when I have new reading to announce).

WEEK ONE- Welcome To The Summer!
This week is all about getting the feel for what the 'Summer Special' is about. As well as the launch post, I'll be taking you round all my blogs as I share with you some suggested activities for the summer, one of my favourite recipes and a place to visit. The week ends with the first 'Summer Sharer' and blog feature.
Click on the blog titles to be taken to their main pages.

Day One-     Launch Post (all blogs)
                    The Week Ahead (all blogs)
                    Suggested Activity 1 (Music Helps The World Go Round)
Day Two-    Suggested Activity 2 (Living in A Time Warp)
Day Three-  Suggested Activity 3 (Crafty Creations)
                    Recipe Resort: Peach Sorbet (Blog For The Thought)
Day Four-    Places To Visit 1 (Blog For The Thought)
                    Suggested Activity 4 (Blog For The Thought)
Day Five-     Suggested Activity 5 (The Story Factory Writing Zone)
Day Six-       Suggested Activity 6 (Crafty Creations)
                    Summer Sharer: Wanderer's Tales (Living in A Time Warp)
Day Seven-  Blog Feature: My Book-Crazy Life (The Story Factory Reading Zone)

Over to you: What does summer mean to you?