Erika's Chronicles Vol 1 by K.C. Sheridan

   Before 50 Shades of Grey took the literary world by storm, not many people would admit venturing into the Erotica Genre.  Where most people go wrong is in assuming Erotica is all these stories are about.  Wrong.  
   These are novels that explore one of the most powerful driving forces of the human race: sex.  It's the type of writing that raises many eyebrows and produces an alarming rate of "closet" readers.
   
What gave you the idea to write Erotica?

KCS: My brother kept Penthouse magazines under his mattress.  I took a peek and just happened to come across their forum.  The little stories were provocative to say the least, but they focused solely on the sex parts.  I thought to myself, what if they really had a story to tell?  Then I began writing, hoping to find enough of a balance.  I think there's a difference between Erotica and Pornography.  One turns you on, one doesn't.  If you ask, most women are Erotica fans.  They expect the male to be gorgeous and all, but when that character is intriguing and enchanting, it's much more exciting.  

Erika's Chronicles was too short in my opinion, but that's by design, correct?

KCS: Yup, entirely deliberate.  One of the remarks that stuck with me when I talked to my friends about other Erotica books was that after a while, the sex wasn't even interesting anymore.  They just wanted to know what was happening.  Realistically, no one can be turned on the entire time.  We all have stresses, obligations, a job, and life just gets in the way.  I took the risk of writing scenes that some may find over the top, however, the situations are more real than anyone is ready to accept.  I also wanted for the reader to care for the characters.  I felt a series of shorts was the way to go.

Speaking of characters, is there a real Sean O'Connor?

KCS: (grins) I'll say he's a collage of different men in my life.  He's been a challenge to write.  No one really knows exactly what to make of him, angel or demon.  He's jaded, probably a little afraid, and absolutely insatiable when it comes to... you know.  In many ways, I hoped to create a unique character, a man every woman wants, and every man wants to be.  I've always hated when the male in a romance is so beyond perfect, but once I started writing him, I figured it was my right as an author.

In other words, he's your own fantasy.

KCS: Not just mine, trust me.

What's behind the pages of Erika's Chronicles?"

KCS: The consequences of retaining what makes Erika a woman in a profession where clinical detachment may work best.  Maybe even a glimpse into issues no one has the courage to talk about.  Unlike Europeans, Americans remain conservative and carry all sorts of inner guilt instead of exploring sexuality for what it is.  In Erika's Chronicles, the taboos come out to play.

Does the general consensus that authors like you write "dirty books" concern you?

KCS: Not in the least.  I love the fact that we enjoy freedom of speech.  It took a long time to launch the series.  I've taken a little hiatus to deal with some life issues, but I'm eager to get readers thinking, gasping or needing their significant others beside them.  Most of all, I'm just looking to entertain readers.

In your genre, you do much more than entertain your readers.


   One of the greatest accomplishments of the controversial 50 Shades of Grey was to bring Erotica closer to the mainstream.  Erotica authors are incredibly brave.  Admittedly many won't even use their real names on the byline, but like any writer, they have a story to tell that just happens to have that extra spice.
   Miss Sheridan contacted me, looking for an advance reader for her series.  In an effort to give back to aspiring authors, I agreed, and actually enjoyed the short novella, (the first of the series)and not for the, naturally assumed reasons.  


   

A Wayward Wind by John W. Huffman

   If you've followed my blog, the name John W. Huffman may look familiar.  I had the pleasure of meeting John while struggling to finish my first novel.  His support and encouragement became the push I needed to venture out into the world of Indie Authors, and thus a friendship began.  But that's not the reason his work is featured on this blog.
   When I'm not reading it again, A Wayward Wind has a place of honor on the top shelf of my library.  The emotion within the novel is real, compelling, and easily pulls you in.
   Set back in the 1960's, and touching a bit on the Vietnam War era, John gives you a generous glimpse of the America we were through the eyes of three unforgettable characters.  
   Today, John joins us to give an insight into one of the most beautiful novels I've ever read, A Wayward Wind

Your narrative smoothly moves the reader through an intricate timeline.  How are you able to accomplish such a precise sense of time on the page?

JWH: I originally wrote the whole novel from beginning to end, then split it into the past / present time-frame's to ensure the flow was smooth and that the transitions worked.

Two part question: We meet Jay Harte as an adult, recently home from Vietnam.  He then takes us to his days as a kid.  The realism of your characters begs the question, is there a real Jay Harte? 
Few authors share your gift for characterization, would you tell us a little about Ollie and Hattie?

JWH: Jay Harte was based on myself as a young man.  My name is John Wayne Huffman... so as you can imagine, I hated it.  My friends called me J.W., which eventually was shortened to "Jay".  Oliver Freedman is based on a childhood friend of mine named Truman Oliver, and Hattie Trudeau is based on a young lady I prefer not to name.

You must have your reasons for keeping Hattie to yourself.

JWH: Hattie was the love of my life... I often wonder what happened to her.  I pray life has been good to her.

You most definitely wrote a great tribute to the way she touched your life.  She's tough to forget.  Her role in the novel provides just one of the different layers to A Wayward Wind; different messages that readers will understand depending on their life experience, but what's behind the pages of A Wayward Wind?

JWH: A true experience.  Ollie did live with his aunt, a religious nut, and we did hitchhike to New Orleans to find his mother, who he had not seen since he was six years old when she dropped him off with her sister.  We did become runaways, and I spent three months in the boys reformatory when we were caught some six weeks later.  All the way up to where Hattie is hiding in the garbage can in the alley when Ollie and I are being carted off by the police after Ollie's mother turned us in, is pretty much true... afterwards, it's all fiction.  I never saw Hattie again.

I'm certain I'll be reading it again with a new appreciation.  So, is it safe to assume the confrontation with Ollie's aunt actually happened?  That's one of my favorite scenes in the story.

JWH: I was messed up in the head when I returned from 'Nam, and the old witch had cancer and wanted me to find her sister (Oliver's mother) whom she had disinherited years before.  I did find her and brought her back, where she inherited all that was lost to her when the old witch died.

Every story needs a catalyst, sometimes in the form of a religious nut.  

* * *

   As I've found recently, personal accounts are the most difficult to write.  It takes courage to write the story.  Often, as an author, you're forced to relive events that affected you profoundly enough to commit them to the page.      
   I've looked forward to this blog for some time, and it turned out to be more than I imagined.  John's candor and honesty reflect his passion for the times, people, and events behind the pages of one of my favorite novels, A Wayward Wind.  

   Javier A. Robayo

You can find John's works at 

www.johnwhuffman.com    

One Petal Flower by Kristi Ayers

   When Stephenie Meyer wrote Twilight, she inspired an entire generation to look beyond their world, and fall in love with a being from beyond.  I confess I didn't care to read Fantasy, Sci-Fi or Paranormal until one of my dearest friends told me to read the story of Bella, Edward, and Jacob.  
   A great work of fiction is the genesis for an abundance of novels in that genre as authors begin exploring the "What if...?" Thus Paranormal Romances gained tremendous popularity, connecting not only with its intended teen and young adult audience, but with the public at large.  
   Vampire stories are plentiful now, and there may never be another Twilight, but that didn't stop one author from writing a more original Paranormal Romance.  
   One Petal Flower revolves around Darian, a girl who would give anything for one more day with her late boyfriend, even her own life, inviting good and evil to fight for her heart.

   What inspired the title?

   Kristi: The title came to me as I was writing the end.  I wanted something that no one else already had or at least to the best of my knowledge.  Without giving anything away, there's a scene that directly speaks of the title.  It has a profound meaning of unquestionable love.  I guarantee every girl would love to receive a one petal flower from their true love.

   One Petal Flower... its title offers romance and no reader will be disappointed.  I know I wasn't, and I genuinely felt for the characters.  Chayton in particular.  One of most daunting challenges in writing Young Adult novels is capturing the teenage voice, yet the dialogue in One Petal Flower is well done and believable.  What's the secret?

   Kristi: I'm young at heart, and that's probably why I choose to read the YA genre.  I admire the innocence of the world through teenage eyes; the fierce feelings of first love, and the endless opportunities for the young generation to explore.  Reading a novel is a form of relaxation and escape, and teenagers are all about being free from the confines of the "real world".  Their most important daily activity is socializing.  Many life lessons are learned from simply going to high school.  In One Petal Flower, heartbreak and new love are two things the main character, Darian, goes through.

   I can tell you my teenage experience definitely has given me plenty of material for a story.  One of the cool things of being an author is inviting a reader to get lost in those memories and dreams where we lose ourselves.  One of your characters, Sterling, was particularly memorable to me.  Is there someone who's the basis for him?

   Kristi: Sterling was not a particular person, but rather a collection of temptations.  He was the epitome of evil that held so much mystery that one could not help but to be drawn to him.  His dark looks and Old World charm were enough to capture Darian's attention.  He can be seen as anything that lures teenagers into making wrong decisions.

   What's behind the pages of One Petal Flower?

   Kristi: Overcoming heartbreak, having faith in something you can't see, fighting temptation from the dark side, and finding new love in unexpected places.

    That said, I'm tempted to read it again.  Was it tough to come up with ways to develop a different concept than the usual vampire theme, and how's this novel different?

   Kristi: I love vampires, but I had to stay away from them.  I wanted to go with a different "undead" being.  The one I chose in the end is the opposite of spirits and angels.  This being wants to sway humans to die and join him as companions, but that forfeits the human's chance of going to Heaven.  Every potential choice comes with a consequence.  Darian has to choose her path.

* * *

   I had the privilege of reading this novel in advance then once more when it was finalized.  After this terrific insight, I have no choice but to re-add it to my reading pile.  I miss the characters.  I miss Chayton and my connection with his plight.  I miss that allure of the dark side Sterling provides.  I miss losing myself in a teen's voice, and escaping the Real World behind the pages of... One Petal Flower.

   Javier A. Robayo

   For more of Kristi and her work visit: www.kristiayersauthor.com 
   

Suki by C.F. Winn

   My dad has always said there are books and there are novels.  Many times, as a kid, I've asked what's the difference?  His reply was always the same: "You'll know it when you read one."  And thus began my love affair with writing, and through the many years in between, I've finally learned the difference.  The word book refers to the physical object.  Bound pages in between two covers.  Anyone can write a book.  You see them everywhere.  Now a novel...
   A novel is a fictitious prose narrative of considerate length.  In essence, it's a piece of writing that will touch you, even change you, in unforeseen ways.  A good novel is often full of people that make you wish you knew them in the flesh.  These characters are virtual reflections of someone we know, even ourselves, and connections are inevitably made.
   And then there are novels like Suki...

   In my opinion, Suki stands alone, almost a genre onto its own.  A courageous piece of literature.  Where did the decision to write it come from?

   C.F. Winn I agree with your observation of Suki and genre.  That's been a tough question for me to answer when asked... in part, because of how secretive I've been about its plot.  
   The reasons for writing this novel have evolved right along side the story itself.  To reveal all of them would ruin the experience for the reader but ultimately, Suki had to be written, and here's why: As a society, we label everything and in the case of people, as time goes on, it's hard for us to shake off the roles we've played and to be seen as anything else.  This book is for my kids and grandkids.  I want them to know me as more than the woman who raised them, and as the future old lady they (hopefully) visit once a week.  My writing gives me the opportunity to present myself as more... as a creative human being with a story (or two!) to tell.  That's how I want my family to see me in life, and to remember me in death.  

   I love that fame and fortune never came into it.  That tells me you write from the heart.  Would you tell us about that question on the cover: What does love really look like? 

   C.F. Winn Love looks like every flash of joy I've ever felt in my life... 
   Just writing this answer now is overwhelmingly joyful - I feel the emotion welling up because of the appreciation I feel for the opportunity to share my vision of love.  It comes in so many forms... from when I take a cleansing breath and am surprised by my favorite smell (wood burning in a fire pit) to the inner warmth of a sincere hug from someone who means so much to me.  Everyone's picture is different, yet the same... it looks like anything that makes you feel like the "you" you're meant to be and that varies from person to person.

   I'm privy to the story behind the cover, but I'd like you to tell the readers in your own words.

   C.F. Winn I'm a soccer coach and one evening at practice, one of the girls on my team tugged on my sleeve and said, "Coach, Coach!  Look at the clouds!  It looks like they formed a heart!"  I was very busy running plays, so at first I ignored her... until something clicked.  I looked up and when I did... You've never seen anyone fumble harder than me for the camera in my phone.  It was breathtaking!  And as I was finishing the last of my edits on Suki, I realized it was a perfect picture for my cover.  I've thanked that girl about a million times since then.

   That was definitely a one-in-a-million shot.  Let's talk characters.  Although Savannah carries a good part of the novel, it's Dwayne who becomes a driving force, a source of strength and optimism.  What or who inspired Dwayne?

   C.F. Winn Dwayne is inspired by a real person that I was once lucky enough to know.  I wish there were more people out there like him, because then I would NEVER be asked "What does love look like"... It would be obvious because of people like him.  Savannah is a strong woman, but the Yin to her Yang will always be Dwayne... without him, a piece of her is missing.

   What's behind the pages of Suki?

   C.F. Winn The lines of beginning and end are blurred... I mention reincarnation indirectly, and the epilogue and prologue are purposely flipped, but the idea that we love and are loved on many levels is clear.  

   Giving us this peek into what made Suki means more than you know.  Any words for your readers?

   C.F. Winn Appreciate as much as you can remember to every day, because sometimes, things turn bad and you can never get those moments back.  Don't cheat yourself out of them in the first place.  I'm going to loosely quote Suki here, "Don't waste time on fear and sorrow because nothing is more important than the quality of time you have here with your loved ones on earth."

* * *

   We're always in need of perspective or inspiration.  We want to know someone else understands something we feel and once in a while, we find it in the pages of a novel like C.F. Winn's Suki, written straight from the heart.

   Javier A. Robayo

   You can find Suki at www.readSuki.com 

    

   
   

   

John and Ezekiel by Javier A. Robayo

   I've toyed with the idea of starting a review blog to promote my favorite authors and books I'll remember forever.  It's a bigger undertaking than most people think, but it's so worth the effort.

   This initial post will serve as a pilot.  I still have a hard time with the self-promotion angle of a writing life.  I'd rather speak about others' work.  

   This is a first step and I'll use my short story as the proverbial guinea pig.

   Behind the pages of... will focus on what inspired a piece of writing.  Most often that not, that's the real strength of a book, a novel, a poem or a short story.  After all, one of the questions I've gotten the most is "What made you write that?"  

  The answers can become a novel all unto themselves because what's behind the pages of a story you've come to love, makes you fall in love with it a little more.

   And thus...

   

   What kind of story is John &Ezekiel?

   The story can best be described as an inspirational.  Maybe even spiritual.  It's a story about believing when there's nothing left to believe.  

   Why the title John &Ezekiel?

click to Kindle

  I couldn't think of anything more apt.  In many ways, I was trying to convey a fact of life that I find interesting.  Whether you believe in God, Buddha, Allah, or any other divine entity, you are constantly hoping for a message from above.  The message doesn't come in the shape of a thunderous voice from the heavens.  It comes from many unexpected sources, so unexpected in fact that we may not realize it until we are granted a moment of clarity.  

   At times, the message is perfectly obvious.  Other times, that pearl of wisdom is delivered so obscurely that we fail to get it until later.  

   In the case of John, the message comes from the book of Ezekiel in The Bible.  

   Is there a real John?

  Nearly every character is based on someone we know, or have known throughout our lives.  Sometimes it's something purely physical while other times, it's their spirit or that impression left on us that fleshes out a character.  There is a John.  I actually have a feeling that there have been many, especially nowadays.  Along those lines there have been many people like Jodi, John's wife.  She's someone John will do anything for, good or bad.  And I can only hope we all have someone like Andy, that one special friend or relative that knows when to give you a hug or a backhand in order to get you moving in the right direction.

   
   What's behind the pages?

  Much of the story is based on real events, its central plot point has reshaped my life in many ways.  I can only hope it gives someone else that feeling of not being alone, a reason to believe.

   Note from the author: To you, my dear reader, (at the risk of coming off as someone of little modesty) I'd like to invite you to read John & Ezekiel.  It's my sincere hope you find behind the pages, what I found while writing them.

   Javier A. Robayo