Introducing YA Author Des Birch from the UK

Good Morning everyone,

   Today I'll be interviewing Author Des Birch. He writes young adult novels for children. What a great gift to give a child instead of a game or phone because to me a book expands their mind, their imagination. So today we're going to give you some great information for your next purchase of these great YA books for your child, or a niece or nephew, or it could be for yourself.
    So let's get started.
Here is one of the title covers.

1.  How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I have always written.  At school, English was my favorite subject.  When my children were young, I wrote short stories for their entertainment.  Writing books was a natural progression.

   2.  Tell me about your journey as an author… where did it start?

I wrote my first book, the Diary of an Innocent, while I was living in Spain.  It took me about eight months to write, but it had been in my mind for the usual two years before that.  When I moved back to England, I decided that I preferred to write for young minds.  that was when I wrote The Redemption.  the dark waters series began after that, but not before a book on my mental list (which hadn't been waiting in line for the customary two years), bullied its way to the front, demanding to be written.  Lamia is far removed from YA literature, and that is why I published it under the nom-de-plume Juliandes.  I have now written two books in the Dark Waters series and I am working on the third.

   3.  Are you a “plotter” or do you fly by the seat of your pants?

Most books have to serve their time in my mental queue, before they get written.  During this period, I must know the story completely, including the beginning, the end and at least one major highlight.  Then it is a battle, after which each book explains to me why I should write it.  I then choose the winner.  The story is already there.  I never fly by the seat of my pants.

   4.  Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from the natural world and the unnatural people I encounter in my everyday life.

   5.  What’s been the greatest challenge in being a writer and becoming published? What lessons would you share with new writers?

I don't know if this will help other writers, but I believe that it helped me enormously.  It can be very difficult at first, to concentrate on writing quality, storyline/flow, structure and where you last saw a character.  Whilst writing The redemption, I actually lost one of the girls and I had to go back many pages, to find where I left her.  When I was young, I used to read a lot of Hammer horror short stories.  I would read a story, wait a few days and then re-write the story.  It already had structure and storyline, so I could just concentrate on the writing quality.  Eventually I became used to structure and could plan a story it myself.  I have now extended it to my books.

   6.  What you working on at the moment?

I am currently working on the third book in the Dark Waters series.  This takes the hero from the first book and grows him up.  Instead of quests in the Quinling world, his quests are now real as young readers are given a glimpse into the life of an adult.  It tackles things like relationships with parents, love, marriage, raising children, the death of a loved one and finally his own demise.  It is the most difficult book I have ever worked on.

7  7.  What should readers expect from your books?

It is my job as an author, to entertain.  A reader should expect to become immersed in the story and want to turn the page to find out what happens next.  If a reader does not feel inclined to finish one of my books, the reader hasn't failed; I have.

   8.  What’s on your bookshelf? Do you have favorite authors?

I am a non-fiction fan and a shark/natural world lover.  My bookcase is full of these books with odd pieces of psychology and history thrown in.  I hold a BSc (Hons) open, mainly in science, so my bottom shelf is full of old course books.

   9.  And of your own books, which is your favorite?

Oh, don't make me choose.  It might upset the others.  I guess any of the Dark Waters series would do.

   10.If you could write in any other genre than your own, what would it be?

Psychological thrillers.  I like to play with people's minds.

 You can find Des Birch through these social media:

Blog                                            http://desbirch.blogspot.co.uk/

Smashwords                        https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/Sharklet

Goodreads                            https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Amazon                                    https://www.amazon.com/Des-                                                    Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1472236632&sr=8-1

Twitter                                     @AuthorDes

Linkedin                                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/des-birch-              33494598?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Pinterest                                https://uk.pinterest.com/desbirch/

Facebook                                https://www.facebook.com/Author-Des-118110241600887/

Twitter                                     https://twitter.com/AuthorDes

Book Titles:

The Redemption

The Diary Of An Innocent

Different eyes

Beyond Dark Waters

Above and Beyond Dark Waters

“Buy Links”

https://www.amazon.com/Des-Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Des-Birch/e/B004PHLYFO/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1472295636&sr=8-1

Have you attached copies of your book covers and/or author photo?

If not, are you happy for me to use images from your social media feed, website or author page?

Let me Introduce to you to Miss.Toni Michelle of Polished Pages Editing Services

 If you are an aspiring author, indie author and looking for a top of the line editing service, I have Toni Michelle of Polished Pages Editing Service and Binding Dreams Marketing Manager with me today to talk business.
      When you are finished writing your book, it's far from over. Now is the hard part, editing. With you being the author you can't see your own mistakes because you are too close to the story. You need a professional to edit and prep you for your next step.
 Here are a few questions I put together to help you, the author with a experienced editor. Someone who's willing to go that extra mile and put your book out there among the readers. 


1. How long have you been an editor? I started editing in 2004, however, that was not with books. I edited legal docs to be filed with courts. I started editing books in 2012.
2. What publishing houses do you work for if any? Foundations, LLC, Totally Romance Publishing, and The Red Pen of Doom

 
               
3. What kind of references do you offer? I can offer many professional references. Working with publishing companies and freelancing allows me to edit for many different authors.
4. For new authors out there who may not understand the breakdown of your services, what is the difference between content editing and copy line editing? Content editing checks for factual errors, contradictions, and inconsistencies. If the content is fictional, I would check for discrepancies in the plot, character, or dialogue. I check whether the theme has been developed properly, or whether the sub-plots have been integrated into the story line well enough. So, content editing evaluates the content in detail. Copy editing is checking for spelling, capitalization, punctuation, verb tenses and other grammatical errors. It also involves checking for continuity, sentence structure, paragraph lengths, word choices, missed words, and the like. So, basically, copy editing involves correcting the language of the text.
5. If an author hires you for PA/Personal Assistant, what is included? I offer several different packages, so this varies based on the author’s needs and budget.
I took
6. Are you a writer as well? What is your favorite genre? I write, however, am not planning to publish anything soon. A favorite is hard to pick. I really love them all. I guess it is just whatever I am in the mood for that day.
7. Once I had a person edit my work only to find out later she never understood the genre. Considering you edit different genres, my question is, do you read all the different genres you would edit? I do. I am a fan of many genres and edit nearly all. Unfortunately, I do not enjoy reading Urban Lit, so I would not be comfortable with editing same. I do not feel I would be able to provide a quality edit for this genre.
8. Tell me something about you? I am a thirty-five year old mother of six (well, two are stepchildren, but I still claim them as mine) and work full-time from home as an Editor, Author PA, and Marketing Manager. In my free time (I know, what is that?!), I love to fish, snorkel and dive.


If you have any questions you can find Toni Michelle on Facebook under Polished Pages Editing Services or Binding Dreams Market Manager, her email is t-michelle@live.com She also has a blog 
Binding Dreams Word Press Blog 

I thank you for visiting with me and answering such important questions. I hope you'll come back to visit.

Writer's Block is REAL

Omgoodness, I'm so close to the end of my book, but now I find myself stuck like Chuck. It's no playing matter as I'm ready to be done with this, so I can start another book. I've stopped cold against a brick wall. When that usually happens I set it aside and do a little art which is my favorite thing to do when I'm not writing. I brainstorm while I play, then I'm able to finish writing.  Well peeps. That didn't happen. Rolling my eyes in disgust. 

     What's funny, is while I'm writing I get these other character's with their stories entering my mind. I'ts like this door opens and this fine man walks in and says, "Hey babe, come write my story." One of these characters I have been dreaming about for a few days. He's determined and demanding, the shit, but I have to finish what I started so I can get it edited and out to my readers. 

     In desperation, I emailed a great author friend and told her my plot, and she suggested I go back and re-read the last chapter. It took me two days after that to do it. Now, I think I'm good now. I actually want to write. WHAT? It worked. Laughs. 

    So, I have my coffee and I have to go to work later, so I'm off to write for a little while. Have a great day. 

    I do have a question. Do you like books that may not have a followup? Let me a message I'd love to hear from you. 

Oh, my art is on Etsy if your interested. Here is the link. 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Southernprim?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Adult Coloring Pages, Stress Relief, PTSD relief..

This has been a fun week with coming up with ideas to draw. The reason I'm starting this is because this helps people relax from PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  This is for all my military stressed peeps. This is my way of helping. My joy in helping. To all my military peeps you are all my hero's so if my drawings can help you relax and enjoy coloring.. This makes me happy.

 This is my first version of my horn girl then I redrew her for Etsy.  It's not exactly like the first one but Its a run off so I could add more for the person getting her can have more to color. Then my coworker colored the last picture. Too cute right?

These can be found on my etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Southernprim?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Fantasy Adult Coloring pages and Books

Well, I have recently been introduced to Adult Coloring books. I had no idea of such things, but there great for relieving stress, and PTSD/ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or if you just want to color. One of my friends Kelly added me to a group on facebook and told me since you like to draw and paint you should create your own Adult Coloring Book. I'm also thinking of doing a few drawings on acrylic paper so the person can buy the page and then they can use acrylic paints and markers, I just wouldn't recommend water colors. So what do you think of the idea? Leave me comments...

My writing comes first and I'm at the end of finishing my newest book with a new genre other then paranormal fantasy, then onto edits.. growls... so while I'm at work I can doodle if we're not busy. So far I have three done and there on Etsy.

So here is the link so you can check out my new adventure.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Southernprim?ref=hdr_shop_menu

HORROR Writer/Author Alexander Stephen Brown at Geekonomicon 2015

GEEKONOMICON 2015 

Sitting next to me at the Pulp/Writer's Exhibitor section was none other then Horror writer/ author Alexander Stephen Brown. 

He was wonderful and funny and he and his assistant/ friend, Kerry Stevens on his right. They made me feel like I fit right in. I was surrounded by other great authors and publishers and at first I felt like an outsider, but not long after we were all laughing and enjoying our day together. Even though you can't see me, I was actually sitting behind his huge sign. (Which I want one for myself.) 

After talking with Alexander I found out he's published by Dark Oak Publishing. I happened to meet the owner of the company Tommy Hancock who was also there sitting close by pushing his other author's works. I was extremely excited that a publishing house would work extra hard to help his authors. It was amazing. Also Mr. Hancock was down to earth and fun to hang out with.



The pictures below was his setup~ Impressive!!!

 

        Alexander S. Brown has a lot of different Novels out which can be found on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Alexander-S.-Brown/e/B002UN7ZHQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1


Alexander and myself pushing our books~~~~ We had a blast. Later we all even went to dinner together.

                                                                                               

Geek-o-Nomicon in December, Bring the family

Do you enjoy Sci-fi, Cosplay, Star Trek, Vampires or the Living Dead? Well, in December on the 11th,12th, and 13th at the Biloxi Coliseum you can come with the kiddo's and have a blast, but don't come in your regular clothes. This is the time you let your child self come alive and dress to impress but only in costumes.
   

MY NEWS!~~~ On Saturday the 12th, I'll be there among some other great authors and I'll have a table and set up to sell and autograph books, so if you have my paperbacks please bring them with you and I'll love to sign them for you, also I'll be on a panel with the authors talking about writing. If everything goes well, I'll have my new book ready for the event and it's a Contemporary Romance with steampunk elements~~ I'm really excited about this one.

   We will have something for everyone! A Gaming room with everything from video games to tabletop in all its many flavors, a dealers room with variety, celebrity guests from all genres, panels & workshops, an art room and informational displays, photo opportunities with famous props, artists, comic creators, and writers that can sign their work, and more. There will be movie screenings with the guests, contests, activities, dances, games, an illusion show, dinners, an anti-bullying seminar for both adults and children by famous MMA UFC fighters, and much more.

   Welcome all cosplayers, re-enactors, Steampunks, Diesel Punks, Atompunks, Cyberpunks, gamers, fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, Anime, comics, and more. We want the curious and the knowledgeable alike. There will even be real live academics and scientists running about. Fun for the whole family!

Lots of behind the scenes content with costumers, special effects & make-up artists, animators, illustrators, actors, and prop designers, all with answers to your questions. Many charities will also be represented, and we will have a play area for the kids. Geekonomicon will have many different packages to choose from as well: online, at the Door, VIP, founders, dealers room only, etc. Discounts for Military, student & teacher, senior & children under 12 is free, media, and pre-arranged fan and re-enactor groups.
     These are my two books by Paula Hardin and there available on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Paula+Hardin

Just a few pictures from last years event, so much fun going on...

Different Genre's are fun to write

Greetings everyone.
      Sorry about not keeping up, but I'm far from the point of where I have someone helping me network and do the things I need done to get my name out there. Networking takes a lot of time away from writing but it's so important and it can be fun because I've met so many people and gained friends.
       I have two paranormal fantasy books out, which are short stories to get me started. The one I'm working on now is a contemporary, suspense, romance with steampunk elements.  Is that not a mouthful or what? A few weeks ago I entered 1500 words of the beginning into a writer's contest and won fourth place/honorable mention. I've come a long way baby.

Now I have to finish it before the end of the year because in December I'm working on getting a table  on that Saturday at a Geekonomicon 2015 in Biloxi, Mississippi. It's going to be a blast. It's a con like comic con, dragon con the air is full of energy, fun and appreciation for Sci-fi, horror, steampunk, paranormal anything you enjoy that's not NORMAL. Who wants to be normal anyway? I surely don't. So my other story I'm working on will surprise you too because that one is back to paranormal fantasy but not vampires, werewolves or the like. This one will have a different flavor and I hope not to disappoint. So if all goes well I'll have two new books out before the end of the year. Keep in touch..