Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

One Word Interview with Chantele Sedgwick

Today's One Word Interview is with Chantele Sedgwick, author of the delightful YA fantasy novel Not Your Average Fairy Tale. (A boy fairy godmother. What could be better than that?) Welcome, Chantele!

 You've been set down inside a fairy tale. What character are you? 
Belle

With that huge library? Sign me up too!

If you could have lunch with any historical figure, who would it be? 
Emma Smith

Wife of the prophet Joseph. I would love to meet her as well. She seems like such an amazing woman.

What fictional world would you most like to live in? 
Hogwarts

Oh, I'd love that too. But those shifting staircases would take some getting used to!

You are performing on Broadway. What show are you in? 
Hairspray 

That sounds fun! I'd ask your favorite song or which character you'd be, but you're one word is up for that question.

Which character in your book is the most like you? 
Kendall

I like her. She is able to rise above so many challenges. 

Thanks so much, Chantele! It's been great having you here in the writing chair.

Chantele Sedgwick grew up playing the harp and singing with her sisters. Little did anyone know, she always had stories in her head, and was surprised when someone told her it wasn't normal. After she had her second baby in 2007, she finally realized she should take her daydreams seriously and write them down. The discovery of first love, first kisses, and the many emotions teens go through, pushed Chantele to find her niche in writing young adult fiction. Some of her stories share a few of her own experiences, but most of them are just fantasies she wished happened to her as a teen. She's a sucker for a great love story and always enjoys a happy ending. Her debut Not Your Average Fairy Tale was published in 2012 by Crescent Moon Press, with the sequel coming in 2013. When she's not writing, Chantele can be found spending time with her husband and four silly kids, reading the newest YA novel, or driving her sisters crazy with random story ideas. Connect with Chantele on her blog or on Twitter.

Monday, May 20, 2013

LDS Writer Blog Fest: An Ocean to Cross

Today is Kayleen Hamblin's LDS Writers Blog Fest. Here's my contribution.

It occurred to me recently that when Lehi's family reached the land of Bountiful after eight years of wandering in the wilderness, they probably thought they had reached their promised land. (See 1 Nephi 17:4-7) But the Lord had something better in store for them, and first they had to cross an ocean. No wonder Nephi's brothers were skeptical. I would be too. (Yeah, I have a lot more in common with Laman and Lemuel than I care to admit.)

I think writing (and life) is a lot like that sometimes. We get an agent or get published or achieve some other goal and think we have arrived, but God says, "Hang on. I have something better in store. You just have to cross this ocean."

And crossing an ocean can be tough! Good thing God will carry us across. So, whatever the ocean is in your life, don't be afraid to cross it! Happy sailing!






Don't forget to visit the other participating blogs:


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

One Word Interview with Tristi Pinkston

Today I am pleased to welcome my friend, author Tristi Pinkston to the writing chair! Tristi writes delightful cozy mysteries and a host of other genres. Welcome Tristi!

You have to solve a murder! What fictional detective do you want to help?

Miss Marple

Oh, excellent choice! You'd figure it out in no time.

What one historical figure would you like to have lunch with?
 

Anastasia 

That would be interesting. Solve that mystery once and for all!

Your favorite author is coming over for dinner. What are you serving? 

Catered

Smart. Very smart. More time for chatting and/or going all fan-girl, right?
 

Which one of your MCs do you have the most in common with? 

Addie

From Turning Pages. If she's half as awesome as you, then she must be a wonderful character.

House is on fire! What do you grab first?

 Children

Ah, yes. They are the most important!

Thanks so much for being with us, Tristi! You can learn more about Tristi and her awesome books on her website and her blog.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

One Word Interview with Terry W. Ervin II

Today, I'd like to welcome my long time friend and colleague, Terry W. Ervin II, author of the wonderful First Civilization's Legacy series, which includes. Flank Hawk and Blood Sword. Welcome to the writing chair, Terry!


Zombie apocalypse! What fictional character do you want by your side?
Ash (from Army of Darkness)

Sounds awesome. I'm going to have to check him out!

What character trait do you share with your MC, Krish? (One of my favorites!)
Loyalty

An important quality to possess. I love that about Krish.

Which mythical creature would you most like to be?
Sea Serpent

Very cool. Very mysterious!

What historical figure would you most like to have lunch with?
Winston Churchill

That would be an inspirational lunch!

You're stranded on a desert island. What's your must-have item?
Handaxe 

Very practical indeed. Thanks so much for being here, Terry!

 Terry W. Ervin II is an English and science teacher who enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction.


Terry’s First Civilization’s Legacy Series includes FLANK HAWK and BLOOD SWORD, both released by Gryphonwood Press. He is focused on completing SOUL FORGE, the third novel in the fantasy series.

In addition writing novels, Terry’s short stories have appeared in over a dozen anthologies, magazines and ezines. The genres range from science fiction and mystery to horror and inspirational. Terry’s newest release through Gryphonwood Press, GENRE SHOTGUN, is a collection containing all of his published short stories.

To contact Terry or learn more about his writing endeavors, visit his website at www.ervin-author.com and his blog, Up Around the Corner, at uparoundthecorner.blogspot.com