Charity Parkerson

Interview of 
Charity Parkerson, Author

Questions by R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Charity Parkerson and I am the award-winning author of several books including 12 Amazon best-sellers. I’m also the co-host of The Melissa Craig and Charity Parkerson show and the owner of Punk & Sissy Publications.  I worked with children for 13 years before moving into full-time writing 10 months ago.  Two years ago, my first book “The Danger within” was published followed closely by “A fighting Chance”.

After realizing that I would have to work just as hard for a publishing company as I would for myself (only for much less money) I decided to attempt self-publishing last year. I’ve made every mistake there is to make along the way but I’ve also met some of the most amazing people. As of today, I have 20 titles available and I’m having the time of my life

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

I don’t remember what it was or what is was about but I do remember that it went in the trash.

Were you inspired by someone or something?

I’ve always been a vivid dreamer and I use those dreams for inspiration for my stories.

What do you like about writing a story?

I love the feeling of peace that comes with writing. I could sit for hours writing and never lift my head.

Can you tell us about your book?

Sarah has been married for ten years but she can’t stop fantasizing about her boss, Charlie. Charlie shares Sarah’s feelings but neither one of them want to hurt Sarah’s family.

How did you come up with the story?

Um… lol! Since this one is erotica I think I’ll keep that a secret :-D

What genre best fits for the book?

Erotica

Are you working on something new at the moment?

I’m currently working on the final installment of my paranormal Sinner series.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

Keep writing and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You never know how far you can go until you try.

Which authors inspire you?

I’m inspired by all authors. It takes a great deal of courage to pour soul onto paper and then quietly watch as the world judges you loudly.

Where can people go to read your work?

My books are available online where most books are sold but here are a few links.

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Charity-Parkerson/e/B004C4I35E/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1348585123&sr=8-2-ent

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Charity-Parkerson/e/B004C4I35E/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1348585166&sr=8-2-ent

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=charity+parkerson

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/charity-parkerson?keyword=charity+parkerson&store=allproducts

Where can people find you on the internet?

Website/Blog: http://www.charityparkerson.com & http://charity-thesinners.blogspot.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharityParkerso

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

Thank you. There are not enough thank yous in the world to express how much I appreciate my readers for allowing me to live my dream. 

Vengeance Wears Black

Vengeance Wears Black
By Seumas Gallacher

Reviewed by R. Murry

The plot has been used many times: The good guys against the bad guys.  However, Mr. Gallacher’s intriguing spin on that basic theme has flashes of believably events that brings in the reader.  We know that drugs and prostitutes are sold around the world, but what is being done to curtail these criminal activities.

Seumas Gallacher, in his detailed novel, gives a plausible and creditable counter measure – a group of black operations experts who work under the legal radar for Interpol.  They are International Security Partners (ISP.)  Former SAS members brought together to do what the legal system are not allowed to do, which is to eliminate international criminals by whatever means possible.

One bombing incident, at the Peking Garden restaurant, brings about a turf war between two criminal groups, one Chinese and another East European, for the control over distribution of drugs and prostitution in the United Kingdom.

An ISP comrade is killed in the bombing, which intensifies their already on going contracted policing of these malcontents.

The plot thickens to the point that it hard, at times, to tell who the bad guy is.  Mr. Gallacher’s character driven story takes us into the background of the international underground.  His characters are many, but they come alive to the point that you believe they are real.  Three characters propel the story forward and keep you attentive: the leader of ISP, a Chinese elder, and a drug lord lieutenant.  Their actions drive the story forward and to an acceptable conclusion.

Seumas descriptive prose delivers an interesting and colorful journey through Europe and Asia, where the drugs and women are imported from to major cities across the world.  Unfortunately, there is much truth to what is in this fictional novel. You won’t put the book down.

Seumas Gallacher’s links are below after his interview:

  

   

Seumas Gallacher

Interview with Seumas Gallacher
Author of 
Vengeance Wears Black

Questions by R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I like to look for the bright side of any situation, and am a passionate devotee of humor of all types, but particularly the droll dry Scots version. I've great respect for the intellect of other people as well as their foibles. None of us is perfect. I came from what others saw as the wrong side of the tracks, the shipyard slums of Glasgow, but my memories of them are among the most vibrant and colorful that I can recall, with a great sense of community back then, salt of the earth people, with a solid sense of what’s right and what’s not. That’s the bedrock of my own philosophy today. I've spent over 30 years working in various areas of the globe, from London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sydney, Manila, and now in Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. The memories are multi-fold and provide lots of base material for my books.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

A long, long time ago I wrote a short story called ‘The Storyteller’, about a man who makes up fantasy stories for kids, with magic frogs, tigers with upside down stripes, and teddy bears who explode when they eat too much. He dies thinking he’s not left any kind of legacy, but his stories have become legend, and so he lives on.

Were you inspired by someone or something?

Like many of us, I find inspiration in diverse facets of life, but on the writing side I pick up on Dickens, and Sir Winston Churchill’s prodigious output. As a teenager, I worked under a Bank Manager in the Scottish Hebrides, named Angus Macintyre, who to me was a mix between Groucho Marx and Einstein, brilliantly insightful, humorous, witty man, full of humanity. He is my most unforgettable character.

What do you like about writing a story?

A writer becomes God when in full flow. The pen, or the laptop key becomes a magic wand, making characters do anything you wish. LUV IT!

Can you tell us about your books?

THE VIOLIN MAN’S LEGACY and VENGEANCE WEARS BLACK are the first in a collection of at least five novels that spin around a trio of Ex-SAS commandos who form their own specialist security firm. The stories involve international crime, drug peddling, people trafficking, murders, arson, and all these cuddly things that bad people get up to when they’re not being angels. It’s not about the SAS a la Andy McNab, because being former commandos, these guys are not bound by the usual terms of engagement when they set about the bad lads.

How did you come up with the concept for these stories?

When I was in the Far East, part of my career involved looking after a troubled shipping company, which needed clearing out of peripheral criminal elements. During the course of that engagement, it was deemed necessary for me to have an armored car with a squad of bodyguards. These were trained by a former SAS officer who was a good friend into the bargain. I guess that’s where the concept started.

What genre best fits for the books?

Most definitely a real combination of crime, thriller, suspense, action, as well as police work. I’m an ‘all-inclusive policy’ author!

Are you working on something new at the moment?

The third in the collection/series is already well under way as Work in Progress. I hope to have that up on Kindle by the end of November this year.

Do you have any tips for aspiring authors?

Yes. First of all stop ‘aspiring’ and ‘be’. If you write you are already an author. Get into it. Read as much as you can of authors you respect and who write in your genre(s). And these days, most importantly, recognize that writing the stuff is only the beginning. The ‘building the platform’ of a social media network is vital. Plus, get into the habit of helping other writers through Re-Tweeting on Twitter, sharing on Facebook and so on. “Paying it forward’ is a very gratifying feeling. The global writing family is the biggest-hearted bunch of guys and gals I've ever known.

Which authors inspire you?

I mentioned Dickens and Churchill above. Of my earlier reading, I doted on Steinbeck and John O'Hara  These days, it’s Lee Child and Stuart MacBride among many others .

Where can people go to read your work?

At present, only via eBooks on Amazon Kindle.

Where can people find you on the internet?

I enjoy immensely interacting with readers and other writers through my blog: http://seumasgallacher.com/

Is there anything else you want to share with your readers?

A plea perhaps that will be echoed by most authors. We live and work for YOU, the reading community. We know it’s impossible for our work to fit everyone’s taste. That’s normal. However, regardless of whether you like or dislike what we write, posting a brief review (positive or negative) on the Amazon pages, for example, is the kindest thing you can do for an author, apart from patronizing his or her work. And finally, Roy, let me thank you for allowing me airtime on your blog. Much appreciated, Sir. Thank you.

The Book of Souls

The Book of Souls (An Imelda Stone Adventure)

Written by Mackenzie Brown

Reviewed by R. Murry

Imelda Stone’s adventure kept my attention for two reading sessions, which is a rarity.  I try to pace my reading to understand the flow of the story for a least three to four.  However, Mr. Brown’s prose captured me with writing that kept my attention.

Two akin souls, Imelda and Edward her father, venture into the world everyone dare not go into – the world of the unknown, where your spirit captures your imagination.

They are out to preserve each other’s souls, unlike that of conforming to that of human beliefs, and the concept of redemption for the world salvation – The Book of Souls.  In their endeavor they must traverse and enter into the unknown, using their moral and intuitive abilities to survive.

For me to explain all that is overcome by the two main characters, I would have to give away the plot.  All I will say is that Imelda with faith and love follows her father into the non-plausible by jumping into a well which represents the unknown.  She does this with such devoutness that she is able to recruit friends to help her fulfill her goal – bringing her father home safely.

Edward on the other hand has his purpose, which is to keep Janus, most likely the devil, from capturing The Book of Souls.  This would strike a negative blow to humanity – the devil having the control of the souls of the world. 

He recruits no other than Merlin, by happenstance, and a strong intelligent man by the name of Bek.  These two icons contribute to Edward’s effort is unintelligible, but effective to the cause. 

Imelda is the linchpin, who in the final act overcomes her fears and adversity to become one of the perfect souls in The Book of Souls by saving the day.  Her soul is what we all should try to attain.

A must read for soul searchers and lovers of overcoming the impossible.

For US kindle go to; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008036ZM6 & http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005F6DT98 Check local market.

Mackenize Brown

Interview with Mackenize

Brown, author of

The Book of Souls (An Imelda

Stone Adventure)

Questions by R. Murry

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I’m a positive person. Very rarely do I suffer mood swings and I’m as happy as can be at present, living the dream as an independent author. I've always loved to read a wide variety of fiction and I love nothing more than reading a good book. I have many other interests. I’m a bit of a keep fit fanatic, I go running as often as possible and this helps my little grey cells get to work on something I’m usually writing. I also take part in a weekly keep fit club that involves an hour of intensive circuit training. I love the theater and movies and like most males I love sports, particularly football (soccer) following Everton one of the two Liverpool based premiership teams. I am happily married and have two teenage daughters.

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

The first properly constructed story I wrote was a rambling horror story, the title eludes me. It wasn't very well plotted or written and overly descriptive. But it was a start.

Were you inspired by someone or something?

I was always fascinated by the exploits of my maternal grandparents and the life they led before and during WW2. I promised myself I’d write their story one day and I did, but as yet this novel isn't fit for publication. My grandfather in particular was a man I looked up to. I still think of him as a personal role model. He was one of life’s true gentlemen.

What do you like about writing a story?

I enjoy the entire process. Getting the first and in my case generally rough first draft down on paper, followed by a process of molding and mending the text in a series of re-writes. These days I've also come to look forward to selecting covers and everything that involves getting a book to market.

Can you tell us about your book?

The Book of Souls (An Imelda Stone Adventure) was written for my daughters and is a book that can be enjoyed by readers from 10 years of age and upwards. I completed the original version some years ago, but always intended to publish it immediately after The Shifting.

11 year old Imelda Stone has always known she was different but could never understand why and on the day she and on the day her family move back to where her father lived as a boy, he takes her to one side and confirms what she has always suspected. She has inherited certain gifts from him, but she realizes quickly that he has disclosed this because something is worrying him. When he storms out of their home in the middle of the night and does not return, the Police presume he has drowned, but Imelda knows different. Voices from the old dry well confirm some of what she suspects, but she soon learns that a cunning creature older than time itself, means to have The Book Of Souls and she must stand in his way, to not only save her father, but the entire planet…..

I plan to write a follow up and already have an idea cooking in my mind.

How did you come up with the story?

If I’m honest I wanted to simply entertain my children. What started as a story, developed into a book and I’m pleased with the result.

What genre best fits for the book?

Young and Adult Fantasy

Are you working on something new at the moment?

I’m preparing the release of my next book, Lost Boys. Set in Liverpool during the political upheaval of the 1970’s, the story is told through the eyes of 13 year old Carol Blake. Unknown to Carol and her friends and most of the local community Delbert Walsh, a retired, world renowned detective is living in the area and is convinced young boys have been abducted over a 20 year period. The disappearance of his own son 5 years before and his inability to locate the boy influenced his heavy drinking and ultimately brought his illustrious career to a halt. But as we join the story Walsh is closing in on the scent….

I am also writing the first draft of a sequel to my first book The Shifting, that I call The Burning.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

Write as often as you can if you enjoy the process. Don’t expect too much from your first draft, but try to finish everything you start and when the first draft is done, edit it until you’re sick of the sight of it.

Which authors inspire you?

James Lee Burke, Stephen King, Howard Spring, F Scott Fitzgerald, Dickens, Steinbeck, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Peter Straub, Raymond Chandler, George Orwell and so many, many more.

Where can people go to read your work?

Amazon only at the moment, but both of my books are available for kindle and in paperback.

For US kindle go to; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008036ZM6 & http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005F6DT98

Where can people find you on the internet?

http://mackbrown.moonfruit.com/

https://twitter.com/mackbrownbooks

http://mackenzie-brown.tumblr.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MackBrownBooks

http://pinterest.com/mackbrownbooks/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6434456.Mackenzie_Brown

http://klout.com/#/mackbrownbooks/

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

I would advise any aspiring author to ensure their work is as error free as possible before publication. It has never been easier for an aspiring writer to get their work in print or e-book format, but I have made mistakes that I have been forced to rectify and learn from. I uploaded a flawed version of The Shifting initially and will not make the same mistake again. A couple of bad reviews can ruin a books chance of success. Even as we speak I have employed the services of a proof reader for my current books and any future publications. As writers we’re blind to some errors in the text and I am only too aware that The Shifting and The Book Of Souls both still contain some minor errors that I can and will correct. We owe it to all indie writers to ensure our final versions are as professional as possible, but most of all to the reader who after all is parting with his or her hard earned cash.

INZARED

INZARED,

QUEEN OF THE ELEPHANT RIDERS

Written by Author L. Leander

Reviewed by R. Murry

We all wanted to run away to join the circus at one time or another – to follow our dream.  It is a difficult decision that few, who are not happy with their present situation, take.  Ms. Leander’s character makes that choice that affects those around her and her farming family forever.

She leaves her mountain hard working family, without telling a soul, and joins the Romanoff gypsy family circus for the mesmerizing adventure of being a headliner – an elephant rider.  The author contrasts the two lives of the young lady, soon to be woman, throughout this novel.  Both are hardworking endeavors. 

However, Bertha, now INZARED, proclaimed by the gypsy ring leader, finds out what many of us never have - work is not work, when you love what you’re doing.  Inzared trains and performs as only a gypsy could, to the applause of her new family and the audiences she and her elephant’s act hypnotizes.  She is a natural on top of a pachyderm.

There is a love story here to the point of pleasant boredom, but it works all in all.  Paytre, owner of the elephant Cecil, falls in love with Inzared; they marry; have a child; and buy the red wagon they always wanted.  Ms. Leander does a much better job at romance than I do.  She details the love affair with cute prose, including the Cecil – Inzared love affair.

Lurking in the background is a spoiler, who disrupts the function of the circus. These upsetting distractions are brought to a conclusion in the last act with an event that literally brings down the Big Top.

This is a read for Romance and Circus’ lovers.  And we all like to laugh and cry.  Ms. Linda Leander does the deed.

Purchased at http://www.amazon.com/INZARED-Queen-Elephant-Riders-ebook/dp/B008FD5O1E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342119804&sr=8-1&keywords=inzared

Linda Leander

Linda Leander, author of Inzared, Queen of the Elephant Riders

Questions by R. Murry

Linda: Can you tell me a little about yourself?

I have to write.  I’m married to someone I love spending time with.  My favorite color is green and I love roller coasters.  I play fiddle, guitar and a few other instruments and am a singer/songwriter.  I like to camp and lead the choir at my church. 

Do you remember the first story you wrote?

It was in the second or third grade and I wrote it about a poor girl.  She had very little and kids made fun of her.  It made me mad so I wrote a story.  I can’t remember what I called it but my mother was impressed, I remember that.

Were you inspired by someone or something? 

I have been inspired by a lot of people in my life.  My parents were very supportive and encouraged me to succeed.  They both wrote short stories and poems (my dad wrote some songs too) and read a lot.  It’s definitely from them that I get my love of books.  My other big inspirations were my fourth grade English teacher, our town librarian when I was a child and my high school band and Literature teachers.  They all saw something in me I didn’t even know I had and encouraged me to share my thoughts and feelings on paper and through music.

What do you like about writing a story? 

The actual writing is what I love best.  Creating a story and writing without thinking.  Getting it on paper.  Not worrying about errors or format or misspellings.  Just writing and being lost in the characters and the plot. 

Can you tell us about your book?

INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders is a story about a poor Appalachian girl in 1843.  She is destined to marry one of the local boys down the mountain.  All her life she has yearned to travel and see things that are new and exciting but the opportunity has never presented itself.  Until now.  A Gypsy circus comes to town and by some twist of fate Bertha Maude Anderson becomes INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders.  She joins the troupe of performers and learns to ride Cecil the elephant.  What happens after that is the story of her becoming a woman, learning to trust and stand up for herself, and enduring prejudice and hardships while seeking to solve a mystery that has plagued the circus for years.    

How did you come up with the story? 

The story came up with me!  Really!  I sat down to write and I couldn’t type fast enough to get the words down.  Inzared spoke to me in her regional dialect and she was just like some old girlfriend I hadn’t seen in years.  Many nights we talked until the wee hours until we drifted off to sleep.  And she’s not done yet!

What genre best fits for the book?

Young Adult Historical Fiction, I think, although mostly adults have read and reviewed it so far.  There is no sex in the book and only two swear words (from circus roustabouts).

Are you working on something new at the moment? 

At present I am finishing the second book in the INZARED Series.  I don’t have a title for it but I’m thinking it will be called something like INZARED, The Healer (Book 2).  My plan is for it to be published by Christmas 2012.

Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

Don’t take critique personally.  It’s hard, I know.  I have enough rejection letters from music publishers to paper a wall, but I finally did get songs published.  It’s necessary to put on a thick skin and believe in yourself.  Take all criticism positively and try to make your writing better.  I have cried at unkind comments and gotten angry over some but after I settle down I think over what has been said and apply it to my writing.  It always makes it better!

Which authors inspire you? 

Thomas Hardy is one of my favorite authors and I love the fluidity of his writing.  Stephen King and J.K. Rowling are great examples of writers with imagination and sheer literary genius.  Margaret Mitchell and Barbara Kingsolver’s description and depth are helpful to me.  When I want an entertaining read, I turn to Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly or Ken Follett and Dean Koontz.  I absolutely love Ann Rule because I get so engrossed in the true crime stories she portrays so well.  There are many, many others!

Where can people go to read your work? 

INZARED, Queen of the Elephant Riders is available on Amazon as a Kindle eBook.  It will soon be out in paperback.

 http://www.amazon.com/INZARED-Queen-Elephant-Riders-ebook/dp/B008FD5O1E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342119804&sr=8-1&keywords=inzared

Where can people find you on the Internet? 

www.lleander.com is my website.  Readers can access my Facebook author page, Twitter page and blog from there, as well as the awesome video trailer for the book.  My Amazon Author Page is here:   http://www.amazon.com/L.-Leander/e/B008IVRNU8/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1346994653&sr=1-2-ent

I’m also on Goodreads and Shelfari. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers? 

I love to hear from readers!  I answer all emails and questions and love to chat.  I review books in my spare time and am currently working to add those reviews to my blog.  My goal is to be the best writer I can be!