Below, McClelland shares her inspirations for writing the paranormal tale, as well as a dream casting for her characters!

Name: Delphine McClelland

Hometown: Statesville, NC, although I currently live in Charlotte, NC.

Book Title: Dark Obsessions

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Describe your book in ten words or less.

A Dark Tortured Love Story looking at love and hate.

How did you get the idea for Dark Obsessions?

The idea to write Dark Obsessions came to me from my co-worker John who is known for his role as the other brother Darryl on Newhart. He enjoyed the way in which I would retell him the stories of the various books that I was reading. Just by hearing my “stories” he saw a writer in me and pushed me everyday to write a book. I fought him and the idea to write this book for as long as I could until one day an idea for a different vampire story came to me through a dream that I had.

How long did it take to write the book?

It took me about three and a half to four years to write Dark Obsessions. Once the idea came to me it was all that I could do every second of the day until I was happy with the overall story and finally felt like it ended in the right place.

How did you name your characters?

All the names for the characters came to me randomly. I wanted something different and that I did not see in other books that I have read. All the characters names had to fit into the idea of who they were or to fit into there family story. For example the main female characters name is Skylar Montgomery. Her first name has a meaning that will play apart in her story and her last name fits into her family being an important and wealthy family in Charlotte.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?

When I have writers block I shut off my computer and watch tv, read one of the many books I have on my kindle or just hang out with my family to allow my mind to rest and recover. For me it helps my creative process when I allow my mind to focus on something else and then before I know it I have so many new ideas for that particular chapter or for the overall story. Chapters that I may have finished may even get changed to better enhance the new direction in which I am taking the story.

What was your favorite chapter to write?

My favorite chapter to write was Chapter 11 Drawn to Each Other. This is the chapter where the main characters Kairo and Skylar finally lay eyes on one another. Throughout the book they feel each others energy even though they do not know what it is or what is happening to them. Chapter 11 is the turning point in the book. It marks the point in which both their lives are changed forever.

If you had to be stuck on an island with one of the following people, who would you choose?

-A character from your book:

If I was stuck on an island the character from my book that would be with me would be Kairo. He was created with the type of guy that I like in mind so if I were to be stuck on an island I would want him because no matter what was thrown at us I know that I would always be safe and taken care of and I am sure the fact that he is a vampire would be a plus.

-Another fictional character:

A fictional character other than Kairo from my own book I would have to chose Daenerys Targaryen from A Song of Ice and Fire. With her and her dragons we would not be stuck for long and I think that she would be an all around interesting person to talk to and get to know.

-A celebrity, living or dead?

My famous person pick would have to be Bruno Mars. I am huge fan and have been since I stumbled onto the song Billionaire by Travie McCoy. I loved the song and Bruno’s verse and was hooked. With Bruno I would never be bored while stuck on the island as it is important to have great company and entertainment.

Besides writing, what are your hobbies?

Besides writing I am an avid reader. I love to read and can and will read an entire book in one day. I also love to hang out with my friends and family. They are very important to me. I love watching sports, I am huge Dallas Cowboys fan as well as a Tennessee Volunteer fan. I also love watching my nephew play baseball on his travel team the Carolina Bulls.

How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

Still to this day I have not done any big celebrating of publishing my book. I still find it hard to believe that I did it and that people are actually liking my book. When I got my first author copy I did have dinner and drinks and celebrated a little with my best friend Becka who inspired the character of Angelina in the story.

If your book was made into a movie, who would play your characters?

If my book was made into a movie I would want Crystal Renee Hayslett to play Skylar. I love her as Fatima on Sisters and think that she embodies the fight and strength that Skylar has. The character of Kairo was created with Jason Momoa in mind so it I would love for him to take on the role of Kairo.

What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance?

What I enjoyed most about working with Dorrance Publishing was having someone to lean on when things went wrong. My publishing journey was not always an easy journey as I ran into issues and problems from the start. What I loved about Dorrance was that every issue was taken seriously and handled. If all of these problems had of happened and I was the one to have to deal with them and fix them I am not sure if Dark Obsessions would have even happened. Despite the rocky road they produced an amazing product that I am extremely happy with and I would be more than happy to work with them again.

Do you have any book recommendations for your readers?

Deadly Declaration by Landis Wade for the mystery lover, For the paranormal crowd Unchained Desire by R C Alvarez, the Wicked series by Jennifer Armentrout, Everything my Elisa S Amore and the Raven Series by J L Weil.

What advice do you have for someone looking to publish their own book?

Follow your dreams and passion no matter what others stay, think or do, including that small voice of doubt that you may have.

Thank you, Delphine!

You can purchase Dark Obsessions at the Dorrance Bookstore.

Delphine has also been nominated for a Queen City Award for Author of the Year! You can vote for her here until September 24th!

Inspired to publish your paranormal romance novel? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Delphine McClelland, “Dark Obsessions” appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name: Patrice Fentiman

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC

Book Title: Jamie’s Secret

Genre: Children’s/Spiritual

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less:

Patrice Fentiman (PF): Jamie’s Secret is about a young girl’s discovery of magic.

DP: What made you want to write the book?:

PF: I wanted to offer support and recognition of children who experience the magic of seeing, hearing and knowing what others may not.  I was one such child.

DP: How long did it take you to write the book:

PF: Though the book was always a part of me, it took two years to complete my text and confirm my vision of the look of the book.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

PF: There are three things that relieve my writer’s block: 1) walking in nature; 2) meditating; 3) dancing.  Any one or all of these things wipe my cluttered or cloudy brain right away.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

PF: My favorite part of the story is when Jamie admits to having so many questions for the fairies and can barely contain her curiosity.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

-One friend or family member:

PF: I would have my fiancé, Ron, with me.  He is an avid reader, has a huge imagination, is the original renaissance man and is honest in his criticism.

-One fictional character:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar because it was all about transformation and change for the good of all.

-One famous person (living or dead):

Maya Angelou because her life spanned decades of civil, social, political and environmental change and she could speak about ways that we can work together to create a more cooperative world.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

PF: Besides writing, I love to read, mentor children & young adults, play piano, sing and cook.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

PF: I do keep a journal but don’t write in it daily.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

PF: We had a family barbecue.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

PF: As my book is the first of a series of books, this first book only includes three characters that spoke

Jamie –  Skye Dakota Turner

Jamie’s Mother –  Wunmi Mosaku

Jamie’s Grandmother – Aunjanue Ellis

Shaylee (Fairy) –   Hailey Kilgore

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

PF: The most important aspect of the Dorrance Publishing relationship for me was in keeping editorial control of all aspects of my book.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

PF: 1)   The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

2)   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

3)   The Very Hungry Caterpillar  by Eric Carle

4)   I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

5)   The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

PF: Though it may take a little while, allow yourself to fully see, hear, feel and know the story you are writing and why you are writing it.

Thank you, Patrice!

Ready to write your own children’s book? Contact us!

The post Author Spotlight: Patrice Fentiman appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:

Hometown: Loveland, Colorado

Book Title: Parachute Minds: Leap of Fate

Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Jeremiah Sanchez (JS): An exploration beyond the unknown through biological light travel.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

JS: I’ve long been fascinated by the explorers of old, who looked across the horizon and braved the unknown by venturing where no one else dared. That was real. That was visceral. And, in our modern world, it’s something that no longer exists. We’ve mapped out the globe. Adventure has been whittled down to tourism. As the adventurers we innately are, we’ve begun exploring into our solar system, which is incredible! But it’s slow.

Obsessing over these floating details, I remember I was staring at a beam of light breaking through a window, marveling at the intricacies too small for me to see or understand. In a moment of unexpected inspiration, I remember wondering what possible properties of light are yet to be discovered. We’re always learning more of the scientific workings around us. So, the first “what if” of many in my “Parachute Minds” adventure hit me: What if light had elasticity properties? And furthermore, what if we could biologically harness it and leap impossible distances at amplified light speed? From there, the book flew out of me, and I’m currently working on the fourth installment.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

JS: The first book took about half a year.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

JS: My main protagonist, Gideon, is a name that has been on my heart since I was in my teens and one of my friends randomly asked me, “Hey, if you ever have a son, what would you name him?” The name “Gideon” hit me out of nowhere. I thought it sounded trustworthy and adventurous. Like, “Hey, mom, can I go over to Gideon’s house?” Who would say no to that? His name was ready before the story even existed.

My second of three protagonists, Traveler, is the representing embodiment of the call to action in the book. While I do have a first name for him, I wanted him shrouded in purpose. He is an observer, a recruiter, and a traveler, and he prefers title over birth name. And lastly, Dumakleiza, my third primary protagonist, was pure universal inspiration. I needed a new and unique female character that inspired fear and respect, admiration and wonder, and I spent days going over forced names until “Dumakleiza” just popped in my head. Her name is by far my favorite invented name of the series.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?   

JS: I have a small group of trusted individuals whom I call “my parachute minds.” I have shared the plotline with them, all the way through my planned five books of the series. I’ve insisted upon honest, critical, and creative feedback. Whenever I’m stuck or unsure, their perspectives and guidance have given me fresh eyes and inspiration moving forward. It’s all too easy for us writers to hide away as hermits and covet our art, but one of the best decisions I’ve made on this journey was asking for help from other creative and critical minds along the way.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

JS: In the first book, my favorite chapter is easily the first. While it has nothing to do with the scope of the story’s plot, it wholly exemplifies the story’s heart. The majority of the book is saturated in epic adventure, mystery, and danger, but the first chapter is a simple view into Gideon’s soul. Exploring his unconditional love for strangers has changed who I am as an author and a person.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One character from your book:

JS: Ha! Easy! Dumakleiza. She’s a medieval pirate, who’s lived on an island for most of her life, so she’s well versed in fishing, cooking, and survival tactics. And, not to toot my own horn, but she is passionately brimming with confidence, faith, and perceptive intelligence.

b. One fictional character:

JS: Jack Sparrow seems like an easy answer since he’s a master of getting off islands but after thorough consideration, I would say Raymond Reddington from “The Blacklist.” His intelligence, survival prowess, and calm demeanor in dangerous situations, make him an ideal survival buddy. And between James Spader’s captivating voice and Raymond’s poetic darkness, he would be spellbinding to join staring up at uninhibited stars from our isolated beach.

c. One famous person (living or dead):

JS: This one came to me instantaneously. Mark Rober, the NASA engineer turned YouTuber. His vibrant charisma would make him a pleasure to be stuck with, and his ingenuity would make life fun and efficient, and he would be a great teacher to learn from. If I ever made it off the island, I’d have gotten the equivalent of a college education!

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

JS: In all aspects of life, I think of myself as a student (foreshadowing for book #2). I enjoy trying my hand at anything that piques my interest at all, even if I end up proving terrible at it. This year, my business partner and I started a card and board game company, “Alien Architects,” which will be launching soon. Since writing remains my favorite passion, whenever I’m not working on my books, poetry is still my first love. Day to day, I live in the gym, training under strongman influences such as Brian Shaw, Eddie Hall, and others. I’m an independent model and actor, amateur filmmaker, and voice actor. Check back with me tomorrow. I’m always up to something new!

DP: Do you keep a journal?

JS: I’ve always wanted to! However, I tend to put them down and resort to keeping my journal mental.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

JS: By getting to work. I am beyond excited to finally be able to hold a physical copy of my book, but it only makes me want the next steps of this dream even more, and now they’re within reach. I have a YouTube channel, also titled “Parachute Minds,” which discusses subjects similar to those in my books, where I’m promoting the release. And in addition to other promotional work, I’m preparing the second book of the series for publication. Expect more very soon!

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

JS: At this point, I would want Gideon played by Dylan O’brien, Dumakleiza played by Zendaya, and Traveler remains a mystery as to who I envision portraying him best. I’m open to suggestions.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

JS: The freedom. The professionalism, promptness, and guidance, were all ever-present, but at the end of the day, Dorrance ensured that this was my project and that every step met my standards and vision. This resulted in me getting a product I’m truly happy with and proud of.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

JS: Frank E. Peretti’s “The Oath” inspired me as a young reader. Growing up, I loved the imagination and creativity of Michael Crichton’s “Jurassic Park” and Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” The book that most inspired me while doing research for my own books: “The Future of Humanity” by Michio Kaku still blows my mind! And lastly, while it seems like a lazy answer, my book. When I decided to write “Parachute Minds,” I decided not to tailor it to any audience or demographic beyond myself. I wanted to write the ultimate story I would want to read.

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

JS: Create your characters and then let them do whatever they’re going to do.

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Jeremiah Sanchez appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

What was your character like before this event?

In order to properly execute your plot points by showing rather than telling, you need to start by examining how the event will change your character. It could be as simple as changing their mind, perhaps they had a certain plan set in their mind but this event shows them that it’s a bad idea. It could be something big that changes their perception of the world, perhaps a loved one betrays them or they find out a dark secret. Or maybe it changes their perception of themselves, maybe the event shows them that they’re braver or more capable than they previously thought. Either way, a plot point should visibly affect your protagonist in a major way.

How did this event change your character or their trajectory in the story?

There are two ways a plot point can change the trajectory of a story. The first is by fundamentally changing the protagonist themselves, thereby changing any decisions they will make after this point in the story. It could also simply change the trajectory by giving them new information or direction that affects what happens next and the decisions being made.

A plot point doesn’t involve every conversation and scene throughout your book, but rather purely those that lead the protagonist where they need to go to get to your novel’s climax. When you’re writing a scene that can be considered a plot point, make it more obvious to the reader by clearly telegraphing the drama involved. Write in-scene with short and quick sentences so the pacing feels faster. Have your protagonist react to the information or events of the scene through action, mannerisms, changes in dialogue, etc.

What choice did your character make?

Major plot points should always be accompanied by character choice. Don’t make your readers follow a protagonist who lets the world kind of happen to them. Instead, allow your readers to follow someone who is an active participant in the world and in their own story (AKA someone who makes choices). Character choice is, therefore, an excellent way to telegraph to your readers that a major plot point is unfolding in your novel.

When writing a character choice into your plot, make sure to examine it thoroughly. Why is the protagonist making this choice? Does it make sense for them to make this choice? Just because you need your plot to lead a certain direction, doesn’t mean your characters can make choices they wouldn’t make.

How is your character or the events of the story different afterward?

What has changed based on this plot point? From your perspective, likely very little has changed, but you need to put yourself into the minds of your readers. Has their perception of the world you’ve created changed based on the information they’ve learned in this scene? Or was the protagonist about to head somewhere very dangerous when they learned of a different way to accomplish their goal, therefore totally changing the protagonist’s physical trajectory in the plot? Or perhaps a major life event occurs from which the protagonist will spend a significant amount of the book recovering? Think about what has changed for the protagonist based on the scene you’ve created and make sure those changes are telegraphed in the text. Showing, rather than telling, how the story or protagonist has changed will allow readers to see that a major plot point has occurred.

The post Show Don’t Tell: Plot Points appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:

Hometown: Boca Raton, FL

Book Title: Freddie The Fruit Fly

Genre: Children’s

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Zane Stuart (ZS): Optimistic, adventurous fruit fly finds his way in the world.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

ZS: I saw fruit flies in the market, which caused me to recall seeing them occasionally in my kitchen. I started thinking about how a fruit fly might get from the market to someone’s kitchen, and the story took off from there.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

ZS: All in all, it took many years. I wrote the first part of the book pretty quickly. Not knowing how to pursue publishing, the manuscript sat for a long time. Inspiration hit again, and I came up with more ideas about how Freddie’s journey would continue, and I added to the story. I pitched it to literary agents and got good feedback, but none of them decided to go with the book. Years later, I saw an ad for Dorrance on my computer. I sent them the manuscript and they accepted it! I found a great illustrator, and with Dorrance’s help, we finished the book to my great satisfaction.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

ZS: In this case, I went with sound keeping with F for fruit fly. Freddie was an easy choice. And his girlfriend’s name is Francine. Also, my father’s name was Fred.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?   

ZS: Step away, get some fresh air, and come back to it. Be kind to yourself. The inspiration will return.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

ZS: I love the transitions—Freddie really travels. I have great fun coming up with creative ways to get him from one place to another.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One character from your book:

ZS: The lady, because she’s the only human who is relevant to the story.

b. One fictional character:

ZS: Freddie! Because he’s so positive.

c. One famous person (living or dead):

ZS: I would choose George Carlin.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

ZS: Music, jamming with others, playing and teaching blues harmonica, practicing Qi Gong.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

ZS: Not currently, but that’s a great reminder! I used to write Morning Pages, inspired by Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

ZS: Dinner with girlfriend and friends, but I’m always celebrating this achievement.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

ZS: The main characters would be played by Tom Hanks and Drew Barrymore.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

ZS: I enjoyed their kind, knowledgeable, and expert assistance.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

ZS: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda; The Tracker by Tom Brown Jr.; Mousekin’s Golden House by Edna Miller; Black Elk Speaks by John Gneisenau Neihardt; The Horse’s Mouth by Joyce Cary

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

ZS: If you are entertained by your ideas, others will be too!

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Zane Stuart appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:

Hometown: Delavan, Wisconsin

Book Title:

1. Books Can Take You Anywhere
   
2. Too Cool Dazzle
   
3. My Toy Box
   

Genre: Children’s

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Vicky M. Van Dan-Pletsch (VDP):

1. Books Can Take You Anywhere: Let your imagination go!
2. Too Cool Dazzle: To be kind is to be cool!
3. My Toy Box: Open up a toy box, and let the fun begin!

DP: What made you want to write your book?

VDP: I taught our two boys to read at the age of three. When they entered school and ordered books through various companies, I was not pleased with the poor quality of books. I informed my husband that I could write better books. His response was, “Then why don’t you?” Challenge accepted!

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

VDP: Each book took about three days to complete, from start to finish. I have written 14 other books, with the hopes to have them published.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

VDP: Books 1 & 2 have many cultures and ethnicities represented as the book’s characters. With so much racism and hatred in the world, I wanted many cultures represented: White, Hispanic, African American, Asian, Eastern, as well as both boys & girls.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?   

VDP: I am a music teacher who taught in public school for 37 years, retiring in 2017. I still teach privately from my home music studio, on various instruments. I am also involved with the local community band, clarinet choir, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, The American Legion, and church organist/pianist which all keep me busy with the community. I keep busy with our landscaping, baking, cooking, writing more children’s books, craft projects, & working on my second degree blackbelt in taekwondo.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

VDP: Book 1 (pages 29 & 47), as those involved the musical instruments in a band and the symphony/ballet/concert. Book 2 (page 39) that shows Too Cool Dazzle when he finally understands that kindness comes from within, not from what you wear, and when his heart grows in size. On page 45, the boy who had asked for his silky blue tie in the very beginning gives Too Cool Dazzle a huge hug, after Too Cool Dazzle gives him his silky blue tie. Book 3, the last page which includes all the toys throughout the book. Children can find each of the toys and name them.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One character from your book:

VDP: Book 1 (page 27) would be our oldest son, who is a meteorologist. He could predict what we would do in weather situations. Also page 47, as our other son plays the saxophone, so there would be music. Book 2 (page 23), the friend giving Too Cool Dazzle some advice would be my husband, as we are always conversing about various topics. Book 3 (pages 66 & 67) would be either of our two granddaughters, as this is what their rooms look like after we are finished playing.

b. One fictional character:

VDP: I would choose Santa Claus from “Books Can Take You Anywhere” (page 9) because I absolutely love Christmas and everything to do with Christmas!

c. One famous person (living or dead):

VDP: Deceased, it would either be Chopin or Beethoven as I admire their music. Living, it would be the Pope!

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

VDP: I enjoy being with my family (especially with our two granddaughters), listening to and playing all types of music, baking, cooking, working outside in our landscaping, eating chocolate (especially dark… yum), making crafts, playing the piano & my clarinet, reading, writing books, and working on my second degree blackbelt in taekwondo.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

VDP: No, but I do have a special book of various book signings/presentations/workshops, and a scrapbook of those signings/presentations/workshops. The special book contains signatures and  dates of guests who have visited my booths or tables at past signings/presentations/workshops. The scrapbook has newspaper clippings, articles, and brochures of events.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

VDP: With all three books, I made many phone calls to family & friends and posted it on Facebook. Then we celebrated outside, with our favorite beverages, around the blazing fire pit, listening to tunes, and watching the stars.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

VDP: Book 1 would have many stars and characters of different cultures & ethnicities and I’d have to think on that one. Book 2, Too Cool Dazzle would be played by either Michael B. Jordan or Denzel Washington. His friend would be either Tom Hanks or Matt Damon. Of course, there would be others to ask as there are many cultures and ethnicities represented in this book too. Book 3, the child would need to be a young actor or actress, possibly Timothee Chalamet or Giselle Eisenberg.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

VDP: I was very impressed with my first overall phone conversation/interview with Mrs. Barbara Ennis, along with my two assigned project coordinators, Melissa Weisberg and Raquel Ponce. All of these ladies have been helpful with any questions or concerns throughout the process in publishing all three of my books.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

VDP: How about six? “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck, “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, “The Little House” by Virginia Lee Burton, any Berenstain Bears books, and any Dr. Seuss books.

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

VDP: Never give up on your dream or passion to write!

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Vicky M. Van Dan-Pletsch appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:

Hometown: Hays, Kansas

Book Title: Battingham Castle

Genre: Romance/Mystery

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Susan Kosinski (SK): A young man becomes a man from lessons of life.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

SK: For many years I have had stories in my mind. One day I started writing and I couldn’t stop. My husband was amazed that I could spend every day writing almost continuously.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

SK: It took me two to three months to write this book.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

SK: I would just think of names and hope I didn’t name someone who is an actual person.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?   

SK: I have an extra addition to every book I write. I call it Characters of (name of book). There I write down all the characters in the book especially if I use the character just a few times so I can remember all the names. I also write what I want the book to have in it or where I want my book to go. I write any and all thoughts down so I can figure out what I want to say or what direction I want to go in. I must say even if I have a certain direction I think I want to go in, many times my characters get a mind of their own and go in a totally different direction than I thought I wanted to go.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

SK: I loved Troy always being told he was upsetting to women. I also loved his innocence and boyishness and then him becoming a real, gentle, and caring man.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One character from your book:

SK: I would like to be stuck on an island with the main character Lord Troy Bowling, Earl of Battingham because he is a caring person who has the desire to accomplish things in his life. I feel he would be someone who would want to help me find a way off the island.

b. One fictional character:

SK: Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS. I always admired the character. He was all business but there was a hint of humor to his ways. He was demanding of his underlings only because he knew they could do the work and he wouldn’t let them slack in their duties to solve the crimes.

c. One famous person (living or dead):

SK: I would like to be stuck on an island with JF Kennedy. I was in high school when he was President. I thought he was not only good looking but he seemed brilliant to my young mind. It was truly my first encounter with politics and I admired him because of his stamina and policies. I would have liked to learn more about his ways of how he saw the US and the world.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

SK: I like to crochet and read lots of books (almost one a day). I like to volunteer and I also teach third grade Sunday School.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

SK: Not really. I have looked up other authors and one, Jeff Goins, made a comment that stuck with me. He said, “Write something every day,” and I try to but sometimes don’t get the chance.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

SK: I was very happy to see it in print. However, it was overshadowed by my daughter being very ill from cancer. She just recently passed away.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

SK: I’m not into actors and actresses of today. I am very disappointed in the Hollywood of today who are so political.

However, I do like Cameron Mathison from the Hallmark Channels. I think he would make a wonderful Lord Troy Bowling. Cameron never gets any older, he has stayed young forever. Sally Fields would make a pretty good Aspen. Betty White would make a good Lady Matilda Bowling. All three of the first ones named keep their young looks. Last but not least, Jennifer Aniston would make a nice Penny.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

SK: I liked working with Dorrance because they seemed attuned to my desires. They let me be involved in the process of publishing my book.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

SK: Exodus by Leon Uris, Battle Cry by Leon Uris, The Angry Hills by Leon Uris, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

SK: Let your book flow, go with it and let the characters take you wherever they want to go.

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Susan Kosinski appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:

Hometown: Beaver Falls, PA

Book Title: The Masks We Wear

Genre: Poetry

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Kristi Jo Shields (KJS): Inspirational through tough times and relatable to everyone.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

KJS: I’ve always wanted to write one, but never had the time. I was laid off during the pandemic which gave me the opportunity to write my book.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

KJS: It took three weeks to write.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

KJS: Usually I use names that I like. For this book I only named one character, JoJo. JoJo is my daughter’s nickname.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

KJS: I take a break from it. I take a tablet with me everywhere I go so that when ideas come to my head, I can write them down.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

KJS: My favorite poem is Good Morning, River. I wrote this poem at our family camp, sitting by the river enjoying my family sitting by the fire.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One character from your book:

KJS: The character that I would choose would be the father in my book. I envisioned this man to be strong, loving, supportive, funny, and smart. He would be perfect to be stuck on an island with.

b. One fictional character:

KJS: Chuck from the movie Castaway.

c. One famous person (living or dead):

KJS: Dwayne Johnson (of course).

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

KJS: Raising my three children, spending time with friends and family, and going camping with my kids. I also love to play sports with my kids, especially volleyball.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

KJS: No, I don’t keep a journal.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

KJS: I celebrated with friends and family.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

KJS: Mom would be played by Reese Witherspoon, Dad would be played by Chris Pine, and Grandma would be played by Jamie Lee Curtis.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

KJS: The cover illustrator was above my expectations.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

KJS: E.T., The Velveteen Rabbit, Dr. Seuss’s books, Twilight, and The Notebook.

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

KJS: Believe in yourself and follow your dreams.

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Kristi Jo Shields appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

Name:

Hometown: Grove, Oklahoma

Book Title: Stuff In The Cornflakes

Genre: Nonfiction

Dorrance Publishing (DP): Describe your book in 10 words or less.

Stephen Helm (SH): Childhood memories of a loving brother and very abusive parents.

DP: What made you want to write your book?

SH: Time and again the boy wanted to tell someone about the beatings, the terrible conditions, and the sexual abuse by both parents. He was just a kid. He was unable to tell. It was an impossibility for his young mind to deal with. At the age of seven, after his adoption, his mother told him to forget all. He could not and vowed one day to tell the truth. A lie must be wrapped in a nice box with a fancy ribbon. The truth, however, can run naked through the streets.

DP: How long did it take you to write your book?

SH: It took me 6 months to write.

DP: How do you choose the names of your characters?

SH: He was called the “boy” the same way a person would name a dog “dog”.  He simply did not count. “Lonnie” was his brother’s real name. “Leon or old Leon” was his old man’s real name.  “The woman with the long blonde hair,” just could never be called mother on this or any other planet.

DP: What do you do when you have writer’s block?

SH: I sit in our kitchen and talk to my wife. She gives me suggestions.

DP: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

SH: Once they asked Mozart (I’m not comparing myself to Mozart), don’t you think your music has too many notes? He said his music had exactly the right amount of notes. Not one more, or not one less.

I think of my book the same way.  I can’t take this or that part out and say it’s perfect. That’s like asking a mother which part of her newborn baby does she like the best…this arm or that one.  I gave birth to the book, I like it all equally.

DP: If you were stuck on an island and had to have one person from each category with you, who would they be and why:

a. One character from your book:

SH: The doctor who treated the boy. For his kindness and courage.

b. One fictional character:

SH: There are no fictional characters in the book.

c. One famous person (living or dead):

SH: Will Rogers. Picturing him in sandals is what I hope Jesus is like. Someone else already said that.

DP: Besides writing, what are your other interests?

SH: Spending time with my eight grandchildren. And working on another book, “Shoot East Of The Smoke”.

DP: Do you keep a journal?

SH: No, but everyone should.

DP: How did you celebrate the publishing of your book?

SH: I hugged my wife.

DP: If your book was made into a movie, who would play the main characters?

SH: Very hard for me, for the two kids.  Don’t know very many young child actors. For “old Leon” I would suggest the head guard in the “Shawshank” movie. For the “woman with the long blonde hair,” I would suggest Ann Chapman. Would have little in the way of dialog. I hope she would not have an accent. She would really need to be a serious dramatic actress.

To play the doctor, I would suggest Sam Waterston, the star of “Killing Fields”. The boy who would play Lonnie would need to have Native American features with jet black hair and be muscular. The “boy” would need to be skinny and have platinum blonde hair. For the junk dealer: Graham Green. The grandmother would be played by a Native American woman in her sixties.

Her husband, “Burt” would be played by Bob Balaban. Semi coherent, but when lucid fun to be around. The “boy” loved him. The “Angel in the Sun” would be played by an attractive, slender Cherokee woman with jet black hair, which is styled like the late 30’s or 40’s. She wants to hide from everyone the fact that she is Indian. She would not want to openly discuss her relatives or her heritage. The slightest embarrassment to her becomes monumental. Appearance to her is everything.

DP: What did you enjoy most about working with Dorrance Publishing?

SH: Dorrance contained the most honest and direct people. Absolutely professional. Really enjoyed working with them.

DP: Five favorite books of all time?

SH: Any by James A. Michener. The favorites would be “Alaska”, followed by “Hawaii”, “The Source”, “The Covenant”, and then “Texas”.

DP: One sentence of advice for other writers:

SH: Never ever give anyone advice, even if they ask for it. That’s a load too heavy to bear. Try to appear to be the last person anyone would want advice from.

Are you ready to publish your book? Contact us today!

The post Author Spotlight: Steven Ralph Helm appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

It may surprise you to learn that this dark gothic novel started with what amounts to a summer vacation. Author Bram Stoker took a month-long trip between the month of July and August of 1890 to Whitby. At the time, he worked as the business manager for one of the most famous actors at the time, Henry Irving. Stoker and Irving reportedly had a complicated relationship, one which involved long talks that persisted until dawn as the actor attempted to decompress after a show. It is said that these talks and Irving himself could have provided partial inspiration for the character Dracula. It was actually Irving who recommended a stay at Whitby to Stoker, as he had once run a circus there.

During his stay at Whitby, Stoker lived at 6 Royal Crescent on West Cliff. After a week he was joined by his wife and young son and while it became a family vacation in part, Stoker spent much of his time taking long walks alone along the cliffs and researching his current novel. It was on his walks that Stoker discovered Whitby Abbey, the ruin of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century. The gothic and ruinous nature of the structure inspired the Whitby Abbey described in the famous novel by the character Mina Murray.

Stoker also spent a lot of time at St. Mary’s graveyard, which overlooks the town. At the time, many graves were eroding from the weather on the cliff edge and some were merely headstones marking the empty graves of those lost at sea. He used this area to mark down inscriptions and names for later use, including ‘Swales’ which became Dracula’s first victim at Whitby. He also met some retired seafarers there who gave him a taste of some of the local lore, which is said to have inspired some of the lighter moments in the novel.

On August 8th, 1890, stoker walked to the public library which was at the Coffee House End of the Quay. It was there that he discovered a book titled An Account of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldovia by William Wilkinson. Wilkinson’s history mentioned a 15th-century prince named Vlad Tepes who impaled his enemies using wooden stakes. He was known as ‘Dracula’, which in the Wallachian language means ‘devil’. You can probably guess how this inspired Stoker, right?

In addition, while staying at Whitby, Stoker heard of a shipwreck that had taken place five years earlier of a Russian vessel called the Dmitry from Narva. The ship ran aground on Tate Hill just below East Cliff. With a slightly rearranged name, the Dmitry from Narva became the Demeter from Varna which carried Dracula to Whitby.

Although Stoker went on to research for six additional years, learning the intricacies of the lands and customs of Transylvania, the original inspiration for much of Dracula came from Whitby. After a test performance as a play called The Undead, the author changed formats after lead actor Henry Irving said he never wanted to see it again. The novel Dracula was published in 1897 and went on to become one of the world’s most well-known and acclaimed classic horror novels.

The post Locations to Literature: Whitby appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.