Guest Blogger: David Diamantes

Solstice:
Tell us a little about "Dead Pen Pal". what inspired you to write it?

David:
We’ve all heard stories about people who were mislead and taken advantage of by criminals who misrepresented themselves on the internet. Very few people truly grasp the fact that every mouse click leaves an indelible footprint that never goes away. Every site you visit, every email, blog post, or tweet lives on. When someone is murdered, the police sift through the victims contacts. Sometimes the search leads to some pretty high profile members of the community. I wanted to write a story where that is the central issue.

Solstice:
Do you have a favorite character you have written?

David:
My favorite character in DEAD PEN PALS is Detective Andy Debbs. He is politically incorrect and a good, no B.S. cop. He doesn’t pull punches, but doesn’t mind having fun. I enjoyed writing dialog between Debbs and his fellow detectives.


Solstice:
What are you currently working on?

David:
A followup involving the same detectives investigating the death of a punk rock musician on tour (among other things), and a work of historical fiction involving a Civil War spy.


Solstice:
How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?


David:
I’ve been writing since childhood, undoubtedly, in response to a traumatic childhood. Why else would anyone subject themselves to it?


Solstice:
How do your family/friends feel about your writing?


David:
Supportive (I think). When I dedicated my first book to my wife years ago, she said she’d wait for the movie to come out rather than read it.

Solstice:
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

David:
Still in the saddle, working as a fire protection consultant and writer, writing novels on the side.

Solstice:
Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

David:
If you want to make money, get a job paying below minimum wage and spend the time you would be writing working. You will make more money.
If you can’t resist the temptation, write, rewrite and persist. Be persistent but remember, even the most successful writers have real day jobs.

Solstice:
What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?

David:
I’m all over the place reading, but I have to say Ross Thomas’ MISSIONARY STEW sticks in my mind, as does CHICAGO LOOP by Paul Theroux. They both involve subjects that make people squirm. I’m one that can’t resist opening the body bag.

Solstice:
On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

David:
SONS OF ANARCHY of course, because I’m so straight-laced in person, and MODERN FAMILY because I’m politically incorrect enough to appreciate a TV show that celebrates sterotypes.


Available at: http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Dead-Pen-Pals%252d%252dPDF-EBOOK.html

New Release: Hooked by Jim Baugh

“HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.



“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.



In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.



The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.



This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.



50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.



Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.



Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.


Available at Solstice Publishing
http://www.solsticepublishing.com/products/Hooked-%252d%252d-PDF.html

Guest Blogger: Jim Baugh

"Hooked" Is Coming Soon!!!!

“HOOKED” is based on the true-life story of Virginia outdoor television producer Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh Outdoors TV is one of Americas most diverse and entertaining outdoor programs and has been in syndication since 1989.



“HOOKED” is a hilarious look behind the scene stories of filming a southern outdoor TV show. From the Chesapeake Bay to Key West these on location excursions will make your sides hurt with laughter. A cast of sea faring characters full of color and humor. From the docks in Gloucester Virginia to the Atlantic Ocean and a boat load of jolly swashbuckling Pirates. The stories and characters in “HOOKED” are timeless and span a period of over forty years.



In contrast, “HOOKED” also explores the solemn drama of dealing with divorce, death, and mental illness.



The story also delves into the totally crazy insane world of mid-life on-line computer dating. This is a hilarious look at dating in the computer world after 25 years of solid marriage. These “Dating” stories are contemporary, racy, scary, cheerful, timeless, and based on true events. Anyone who is old enough to date will soon relate to “HOOKED” as the comical reference for dating in the new millennium.



This adult romantic comedy story also relates to the power and testament of faith.



50 Years of an exciting action packed extremely charismatic colorfull life and career, packed into 28 chapters . It is a fast ride for sure.



Bio: Jim Baugh has been producing National and Regional television shows for 25 years. Programs include: Jim Baugh Outdoors TV (220 episodes), Ski East, Classic Fishing. Fishing Virginia and, RV Times.



Jim Baugh has written over 300 columns for numerous magazines during the last 20 years including: Motor boating Magazine, Fishing Smart, The Chesapeake Angler, The Sportsman Magazine and Travel Virginia Magazine.



Jim Baugh's Interview Part One:
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

I started off writing music at age eight, then continued and eventually got a degree in music. I started writing copy and script in radio over thirty years ago and have been writing columns for magazines for the past 20 years. The Chesapeake Angler, Motorboating Magazine, Travel Virginia Magazine, etc. I first wanted to write a screenplay when I was in my early forties about 10 years ago.


When did you write your first book and how old were you?

“HOOKED” is my first book. However I have written over 300 magazine columns and hundreds of blogs. I also have my own cooking DVD.


How many books have you written? Which one is your favorite?

“HOOKED” is the first book


What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

Pretty much non stop. I wrote the book in 12 days. It took a lot longer to edit, but the initial manuscript was done in 12 days


What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Probably writing phonetically. I have done voice over work for thirty years and I always write phonetically to help my voice over read. This does make editing a real bitch.


Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Real life. Everything I write has happened to me at one time or another.


What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Produce Jim Baugh Outdoors TV, write and perform music, fish, drink rum with sand under my feet looking at blue water. Chase the red head, play with my Chocolate Lab, and I have six Parakeets. I breed them.


What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Just how hard it can be emotionally. The old saying, “Writing is easy, just sit at your typewriter and bleed”. Very true. Many times I would have to walk away because I was so distraught with emotion. It was very difficult at times. On the other side, I never laughed as hard in my life. Compacting so many elements onto so few pages, can be overwhelming at times.


What do you think makes a good story?

For me a story has to be compelling and also have clever wit. Humor is a big plus for me.


Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer?

Yes. Sit at your typewriter and bleed like the wrest of us!

Seriously, write what you want straight from the soul. Never look back and don’t take any prisoners.

Interview with M.J. Croan

Born on an abandoned cattle station in the searing heat of the Australian outback, Sheeba after surviving an opportunistic attack by a family of wild boar, is rescued from marauding buckaroos by Kaz The Wise One, a rather eccentric but well meaning kookaburra. Unable to care for the estranged dingo pup, Kaz with Sheeba dangling precariously from his beak takes her home to the more forgiving climate of the coastal bush. Here in the early hours of dawn, he places the helpless whelp in the pouch of a barren, but profusely lactating old female kangaroo, known to the entire group as Aunt Gerty.

Acceptance by the entire mob of kangaroos is not a forgone conclusion, but with the help and mentorship of Big Red, the leader of the group, Sheeba is accepted by the adult roos but shunned by the younger joeys. Desperate to be just like all the other young kangaroos, but spurned at every attempt because of her short hind legs, puny tail, and golden color, Sheeba finally has to accept that she is a dingo, and if Kaz the wise one is to be believed, is of royal blood.



Part One of my interview with M.J. Croan


Mini Bio

My name is Malcolm James Croan, but I much prefer Callum (Gaelic for Malcolm.) I was born in Edinburgh Scotland on the 1st of November 1948. I mention this because, coincidentally it happened to be ‘All Saints Day,’ and by a stroke of good fortune for my mother, her birthday also.


My father Robert Croan known as Bob was a managing partner in the family business known as Robert Croan and Son’s. A fish and kipper curing enterprise of considerable size on a nationwide basis. Unfortunately the son’s did not refer to me, but to the previous generation, the business having been started by my grandfather, and his brothers. As it would turn out I would have to make my own way in life. But it has to be said that I did have a fairly privileged upbringing, which included a public school education. In the UK, public means private education. St Josephs College Dumfries, it also happened to be a boarding school. This male bastion was administered, and controlled by the Marist brothers. A religious order that in time I would come to rebel against, and eventually at the tender age of twelve, I would abscond from.


The rest of my education was somewhat patchy, but I think it is safe to say that I probably would have been voted the least likely student to ever write anything worthwhile. My spelling was abominable and my English grammar probably no better than average. But I always had a good imagination, a talent which for some inexplicable reason was completely overlooked by the educational system of the day. I also had an insatiable desire to discover for myself what lay over the horizon.



Solstice:
what inspired you to write Princess Sheeba?

M.J. Croan:
Originally, a means to an end.



Solstice:
Do you have a favorite character you have written?


M.J. Croan:
Oh yes! ‘Princess Sheeba.’ She is the ‘Lion King’ of the dingo world. Inspired by my own travels in Australia, and my own dog ‘Sheeba.’ My partner and I rescued her from the local dog pound some years ago. As to how a dingo ended up in Newfoundland I can’t answer, but I am convinced that she is at least in part dingo.



Solstice:
What are you currently working on?


M.J. Croan:
I am currently working on a thriller entitled ‘Retribution.’ A story of a kidnap gone wrong, brutal murder, and revenge.



Solstice:
How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?


M.J. Croan:
I have been writing on and off for thirty odd years. It all started as a quick way to make some extra cash. I am still trying.


Solstice:
How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

M.J. Croan:
My first wife could not accept that my characters were purely fictitious. Her lack of enthusiasm for my work was definitely a negative influence. However I have since been blessed with a partner whose enthusiasm is even more positive than my own.


Solstice:
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

M.J. Croan:
I am sixty-two years old now. God willing my writing will be recognised, and perhaps being produced, or at least considered for a motion picture. The trick is not just in the writing, but in who reads it.


Solstice:
Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

M.J.:

Use the internet. Join writing sites. webook.com, authonomy.com etcerta.

Solstice:
What is your favorite book? (one that you have read) and why?


M.J. Croan:
It would have to be the ‘Thorn Birds’ by Coleen McCulloch. She brought to life a land that I was already familiar with. And the depth of her characters inspired me to take up my pen and try to emulate her skill. I can only hope that I have succeeded in some small way.



Solstice:
On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

M.J. Croan:
This would have to be ‘Two and a Half Men.’ The show in itself is quite shallow, but the writing is quite brilliant. I guess I have a secret desire to write comedy, maybe I will get around to it one day?


Solstice:
Thanks M.J. for taking time to talk with us today. Before you go, tell your readers where they can find you.


M.J. Croan:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567385947
http://www.youtube.com/user/CallumC8888
http://callumc.wordpress.com/ (Short stories, poetry, and much more).

http://www.wix.com/intthriller/malcolmjcroan (Definitely worth a visit. Included radio interview).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1449535410/ (Purchase: ‘Right Hand Up To God’).

http://twitter.com/#!/Callum8888

Hello everyone,
Please enjoy this interview with Carlos Pozo


Mary and Charley are archaeologists with a difference. Since her accident on a mountain in Peru, Mary can think of nothing but crossing over into the world of the dead. Bound to her wheelchair, she eventually manages to decipher the inscription on the Inca stone. In "The Explorers," she and her husband proceed to work out the details of a deadly ritual. Call it success or failure, in the end their basement is a river of blood, Charley has crossed over, and Mary pays a horrible price.


Interview with Carlos Pozo Part 1
Here is Part one of my 5 Part interview with Carlos Pozo

Solstice:
What are you currently working on?

Carlos:
I'm working on "More Than tales III." The second one should be coming out soon.

Solstice:
How long have you been writing? What influenced you to start?

Carlos:
I have been writing for fifteen years. I wrote my first story in high school which caught the attention of one of my teachers, who begged me to enter the school writing contest. I refused. I was embarrassed. It was not until my senior year in college that I started thinking about writing again. But it was not until three years after graduation that I put my first stories on paper.

Solstice:
How do your family/friends feel about your writing?

Carlos:
They still can't believe it.

Solstice
Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

Carlos:
I hope to be writing full time.

solstice:
Do you have any advice for new or aspiring author?

Carlos:
Don't think is going to be easy.

Solstice:
That is good advice. It's hard work. First the writing. Then the promoting, but it's what we authors do LOL.
On the fun side, what is your favorite television show and why?

Carlos:
I'm what some people might called weird, nerd or geek. One those names, I don't know which is the right one. I like The Twilight Zone and Tales From The Crypt. I know almost everybody has seen those shows but I'm really into those type of shows. They make me think on the unusual.

Solstice:
Well you have certainly written some awesome books. So keep watching those shows LOL.
Before we go let me ask you one more question.
Where can readers find you like facebook, twitter, etc.?

Carlos:
I haven't set up anything yet. Believe it or not I'm a shy person. I will have all those things soon (facebook, twitter etc….) I promise. At the moment you can contact me at: Guaraguo2@aol.com.

Solstice:
We look forward to getting all that information soon. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me today.

Keep out an eye for part 2 of my interview with Carlos Pozo author of :
More Than Tales
The Explorer