Interview: M. Yero Morris

What have you had published? 

This is my first attempt of publishing a book

What genre(s) of book do you write? 

Non-fiction

What inspired you to write your first book? 

My life

How long did it take you to write “Odyssey through HELL Exit, Push here: X”? 

2 days, and 6 weeks of editing

What is the working title of your next book(s)? 

Still working on that, It will be likely another eclectic mix of business and life as life is in reality, with a strong focus on innovation  as it has become my specialty. I do need my day job to feed up the research for the next project

When and why did you begin writing?

The book, Odyssey through Hell explains it.  Actually I had a couple of previous attempts; the largest was wiped out by a computer virus 20 years ago that died with the virus. I guess I have my mother’s genes, though that old one would’ve been in the erotic section...Sorry, virus got to my brain’s hard drive.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency? 

Self, still only on Kindle version and working on any opportunity that may pop up. So I’d really appreciate any expert’s help. Though it’s been difficult but fun doing all by myself because it has given me a strong sense of accomplishment

What part of writing books do you find the hardest? 

Starting, and then the editing

What do you do in your spare time? 

I have a ton of hobbies including my boys

Who is your favourite author? 

I have so many. Conan Doyle, Alan Weiss, Woody Allen, Cousteau, DragonLance saga... I've read maybe around and upwards of 1000 books. So, yup, no trends. I do drive Amazon suggestions bonkers

What’s your favourite genre to read? 

Almost all except cheesy stuff. Mainly Fantasy, mystery, humour, hard science... Lately I’ve read mostly business to learn and apply

Do you have any advice for other writers? 

Type away, and get rid of any and all fears. They are worthless. What’s the worst that can happen? Exactly, nothing.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

The book is about my quest of finding the pot of gold, and instead I found something else much more valuable. Hope you do enjoy, and please do leave a review on Amazon! and you can reach me in Twitter @myeromorris

Updates since the book: 

Well, I’ve been getting myself involved in a few projects, mostly in business modelling into ecological solutions, but so wide range that I’ll drive any close minds just berserk, just like Amazon’s suggestions. Still broke, but I’m having so much fun and with awesome projections, so I’m not worried.

Interview: Imran Siddiq

What have you had published?
My debut novel, Disconnect, was released January 2013. i haven't had anything published before.

What genre(s) of book do you write?
Young Adult Science Fiction.

     I do have plans to cross my preferred genre with Horror, Thriller and Techno-Fantasy.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Whilst attending the Festival of Writing in York (UK) in 2011,  I overheard a literary agent mention that there wasn't enough romance in YA Science Fiction. Within minutes the ending to the first book played out in my head and I knew that I had a novel to be written.

How long did it take you to write “Disconnect: The Divided Worlds Trilogy #1”?

The first draft took me three months. It was written in 3rd Person with alternating viewpoints between the make and female protagonist. After some soul-searching, I decided to restrict the novel to the male 3rd Person Limited approach. The redraft took 2 months, and the eventual edits another month. All in all, Disconnect has been a total of 6 months.

What is the working title of your next book(s)?

Disassemble: The Divided Worlds Trilogy #2 - due June 2013

Disrupt: The Divided Worlds Trilogy #3 - due June 2013

Tyler Nitbone and the Snowflake Traitor - due November 2013

The Last Strider - due March 2014

Djinnxed - due June 2014

When and why did you begin writing?

Sitting in a jungle in Borneo, amongst the chattering insects and the sound of something large flapping their wings overhead, I realised that at the age of 29, I was missing something that made my life complete as a child; writing. 5 years on, and I don't feel empty anymore.

Do you self publish your books or go through an agency?

I am known for attending the UK Festival circuit and am recognised by many agents - which is always  good thing. I've had good feedback and promising comments from agents, but haven't delivered enough to get their backing (yet). I will still pursue the traditional route, but decided to get my work out there, and that's why I have self-published Disconnect.

What part of writing books do you find the hardest?

Making sense of what's in my head. I can see it, but sometimes getting detail down can be difficult. I now adopt an approach of Think Less-Write More, whereby I just write, write, write, and then sort out the nagging details later.

What do you do in your spare time?

Spare time? I work full-time, so any spare time I do have is taken up by writing, blogging, tweeting, etc. I do like to read and experiment with digital art. And now again, when the mood is right, I like to garden.

Who is your favourite author?

Terry Pratchett for the world he has given me, and the wit he isn't afraid of delivering.

What’s your favourite genre to read?

YA Science Fiction and Fantasy

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Don't be afraid to ask for advice. We don't know it all, no matter how brilliant we were in English class as children. Join a Writers' Group, gain knowledge from those going through the process, seek out new ways to think about your work. Places like Twitter are amazing for realising that you aren't the only one with writer's block.

     And most of all - when others doubt you, criticise the time you have to write, or try to put you down - don't give in.

     Find the strength within to make the leap.

Some still doubt me - but when I receive a good review and a comment from a stranger thanking me for my work - it makes me smile. It makes me realise that it was all worth it.

     Write.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Since the digital boom of e-books the market has become flooded, and with the ease of creating feigned reviews it can be a minefield to locate a worthy read. I hope readers give me a chance and I am always welcome to view of how I can improve or adapt. Cutting corners to release a novel is the bad way to do things - I never will do that. And if anyone out there is considering self-publishing, I don't mind offering guidance or support to help them make that leap.

     Having your name on the front of a good cover is like plucking a dream from your head and living it.

Disconnect: The Divided Worlds Trilogy #1

Dirtying fingernails in sewers is fast approaching worthlessness for Zachary, a 16-year old Underworld scavenger. When footage of an Overworld girl, Rosa, is discovered, his intrigue heightens at why she expresses sadness with a lavish lifestyle. In meeting Rosa, Zachary is scorned by her opinion of the deprived. She pities him and provides a means for them to communicate. With time, friendship and something that he’s never felt grows; love for another human. Knowing Rosa calls him when it suits her isn’t enough; he wants to meet her, but how? Relationships in Underworld are few, let alone the impossibility with those above the ceiling. Underworld will suffer when plans to conquer Jupiter’s moon, Europa move ahead. Worse is Rosa’s father, a disgraced Overworld ambassador, approving the plan. Zachary must defeat the prejudice of the worlds, sneak within opposing forces, lose friends and challenge Rosa’s sadness. In doing so, a twisted secret is uncovered that may devour the reason he lives; Rosa. In space, love has boundaries.

Goodreads     Amazon US

About the Author:
Imran Siddiq may have tried to leave Leicester a few times, but it's become his place to wake up to, freeze when the heating is off, and serve two cats and, most of all, get down to writing.
He sacrifices every second that he can to writing. A veteran of writing festivals, a constant presence on Twitter, and one who is still able to gobble up all forms of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings, Imran hopes he can bring a smile to others through his stories
Imran’s preferred genre is YA Sci Fi. He has a tendency to throw a droid into every novel –literally every novel. 

http://www.imranwrites.com
http://www.facebook.com/imransiddiqwriter
http://www.twitter.com/flickimp

Review: "Desperate Bid" by Stephanie Cage

“Desperate Bid” contains everything that I think a good romance book needs. It is well written, has a good storyline that keeps you hooked from beginning to end and has characters that you can connect to.

When I read the description of this book I was intrigued. Alex sells his life on an internet auction site to Sarah, a business woman. This story tells the tale of Sarah and Alex and all that they have to overcome, together and alone. After meeting under such strange circumstances is it possible that they can fight all that battles against them to find their own happiness?

Stephanie Cage’s talent has no end. I highly recommend this book.

(4.5/5 Stars)

Review: "Perfect Partners" by Stephanie Cage

“Perfect Partners” is the book equivalent of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ with some romance on the side. A sweet read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Stephanie Cage has a talent that shows throughout this book. Her writing flows nicely and there are minimal errors which makes this an easy and enjoyable read. She has created characters which you grow to love and can easily relate to and a story line which keeps you entertained from beginning to end.

“Perfect Partners” tells the story of Lisa and Redmond, two dancers, who are competing in a dancing competition, “Couples,” in hope of winning the competition and saving Mark and Elaine’s dance studio. Join Lisa and Redmond in their journey to fame or disaster and experience the ups and downs of their life in the dancing world. A couple who seem to be ideally suited but will it work out in the end? And can they win the competition and save the dance studio?

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good romance story (you don’t have to be a huge fan of dancing to enjoy this book).

(4/5 Stars)