Author interview with Sky Sommers

I'm delighted to introduce my second author from the anthology 'Third name's a Charm' which was released on April 14th 2024. Sky Sommers writes fairytales, paranormal romantasy and sci-fi and was first published in 2012. So, let's meet her:

'I love anything fairytaley, which is why I look for holes and update those kids stories for suspicious adults, peeling secrets back like onions. I’ve co-authored several charity anthologies that collect funds in support of our oceans, rainforests and communities plagued by wildfires or hurricanes. Sometimes I like to make my readers choose the ending - depending on their disposition (optimists vs pessimists). I live in Tallinn, in a small house with my hubby and 2 kids and am a mood & life coach by day.'

Can she give us a tweetable (tweet here):

'Sky Sommers updates fairytales for suspicious adults with quirky humour and loves to make you choose the ending (optimistic or pessimistic).'

She has published 12 books plus 7 anthologies, so what inspired her to become a writer? 

'Re-reading beloved fairytales as an adult and wanting to plug the gaping holes in them.'

That's such a great idea! What does her daily writing routine look like?
'Get into a good mood and then write for 1 hour or however long I have until I pick up my son from school. Or rewrite, depending what’s most pressing.'

What does she enjoy the most about writing?
'Getting an idea to explain away something I weaved into a story a few books/years ago – and that this new tidbit makes the older information appear as totally making sense in hindsight.'

Clever! What does she find hardest part of writing?
'Rewrites and marketing.'

 

What's the best money Sky's ever spent as a writer?
'Scrivener – love that tool!'

What's the most difficult thing about writing characters who are very different from her?
'Getting into the mood and into the headspace of the character and being there while I write, then switching back to being me as I go about my day. It’s like method acting, you really need to stay in character for most of the time and that means I might not be very nice for days or weeks on end, e.g. when I’m writing selfish villains.'

Oh dear, I'm laughing whilst also feeling sorry for her family! Does Sky read reviews of her books and how does she deal with bad and good ones?
'Yes, always. Good ones I re-read when I’m low on motivation. Bad ones – I look out for honest feedback and try to improve, but the 0 and 1 stars – they’re just not my audience, I guess.'

 

Aww! So moving onto the anthology, can she give us a synopsis?

'Once upon a time, a group of authors accepted the challenge from a fairy tale name generator. Not just once or twice, but thrice! Volume three of these quirky stories features trios and triple threats. 

 

In this clean YA collection, follow the fates of three begotten triplet princesses, be enlisted as the third lucky bodyguard to stave off monsters, see if the third wand works wonders for an unlucky mage, try to discover the true name of a unicorn prince, discover why magical artifacts come in threes, and climb towers with thieves to abduct well-known fairytale characters.
 

Venture into this collection of adventurous stories by award-winning and up-and-coming authors, and maybe you’ll be thrice enchanted. All proceeds donated to a charity in support of reading and literacy.'

 

Wonderful! Would she have a tweetable (tweet here):
'Third Name’s a Charm: Tales of Trios & Triple Threats. Third chances, three attempts, three guesses and three-headed dragons - discover new & beloved fairytales in this set of quirky stories.'

What did she find the hardest part to write?
'Since this is a charity anthology co-authored by 20 authors, the hardest part was actually writing the blurb BEFORE anyone wrote their story. After all the stories were in beta, we adjusted the blurb, but I think inspiration went both ways.'

 

What kind of research did you do?

'Every one of the 20 authors researched fairytales and the rule of three and based on that came up with specific retellings that we then made sure didn’t overlap. Sometimes research and ideation stage takes the longest and actually some beta versions had to be enhanced and researched more to fit the theme of the anthology and it’s only better for it.'

 

It sounds fabulous collaboration between the authors. If you'd like to buy the book or find out more about this wonderful author and their cause, click onto her links below:

Website: skysommers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sky.sommers.9/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommers_sky/

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Author interview with Astrid V.J.

I'm delighted to introduce my first author from the anthology 'Third name's a Charm' which was released on April 14th 2024. Astrid V.J writes fantasy and was first published in 2019. She has indie published 6 novels, 10 novellas and 5 short stories - wow! So let's meet her:

'I am a USA Today Bestselling and multiple award-winning fantasy author, originally from South Africa. I write a whole range of sub-genres of fantasy including historical, futuristic, urban, and fairytale retellings, but the one thing all my writing has in common is an exploration of our human capacity for transformation and achieving success in the face of adversity. For this reason, I term what I write: transformation fiction.'

Can she give us a tweetable (tweet here):

'Astrid V.J. writes fantasy in a variety of subgenres, bringing to life what she calls transformation fiction: exploring our human capacity to achieve success in the face of adversity.'

What inspired her to become a writer?
'When I was 12, I read a book that sparked an idea, which blossomed and grew. I have been writing ever since.'

What does her daily writing routine look like?
'I’m a mother of two young children, I work a day job to pay the bills, and I’m also a wife. There is no daily writing routine for me. I carve out small pockets of time every week to focus on what I love. When I have a chance, even for just half an hour, I’ll write all I possibly can, so I guess even if my routine is lacking I do irregular but highly effective writing sprints.'

Oh wow, that's impressive! What does Astrid enjoy the most about writing?
'I love the whole process of bringing a story to life. I love working on my characters and outlining the story. Writing the first draft is always a fun process of discovery, while the polishing that comes with several rounds of editing is always very rewarding. I guess, for me, the whole process is what gives me life, so I enjoy every moment of it.'

No wonder she finds the time then! What does she find the hardest part of the writing/ publishing process?
'I struggle most with marketing, although I think I’ve gotten better at it with experience. I find it challenging to talk to other people about my writing in a way that doesn’t over- or underwhelm. Finding the sweet spot of giving enough enthusiasm and information without inundating others is hard.'

She seems to have the perfect balance to me! What's the best money she's ever spent as a writer?
'Paying my editor. She is a wonder and has helped me refine my writing wonderfully.'

Good editors are worth their weight in gold! What does she find the most difficult thing about writing characters who are very different from her personally?
'This is a part I absolutely love. I adore doing the research to get into my characters’ shoes and shifting my perspective to see the world through their eyes is a lot of fun. I suppose what is hard about it is the time it takes, but I simply see that as part of the process.'

Does Astrid read reviews of her books and how does she deal with them?
'I do. I appreciate every reader who’s taken the time to write a review no matter what they think. There are so few who actually write reviews, so I totally appreciate that they do. 

Good reviews help inspire me to keep writing, while negative reviews, if I find the reviewer has a valid point about their negativity, helps me do better next time. I have, in fact, re-worked one of my earlier books thanks to a constructive negative review that helped me see where I’d missed clarifying important information that had been misunderstood.'

And this is how we have the power to help writers. If you're unsure how to write a review, do take a look at my previous post here. 

Before we get into the anthology, why has she chosen to be one of the authors featured?
'Many of my short stories appear in permanent charity anthologies supporting causes I care about. This means all profits from these books are donated in perpetuity to specific charities. I’m very honoured to be part of two groups of fabulous authors who participate in these inspirational projects.'

So, onto 'Third Name’s A Charm' - what is her story called?

'My story in this anthology is “Lady of Forests and Seas”'

 

And a tweet that promotes this book (tweet here):
'Third Name’s A Charm is a collection of 20 short, quirky fantasy stories about trios and triple threats suitable for YA and adult readers. All profits will be donated to support global literacy.'
 

 Could she give us a synopsis of her story?

'Johara is travelling her country when news reaches her of Kurtar raiders who've sacked Al-Madeh. Soon after, Johara comes face to face with a former suitor, turned enemy, the prince leading the raiders to pillage her country. After she is captured and her husband tortured, Johara despairs of ever escaping, but she has one unexpected chance to make things right.'

 

That sounds high action! Is this anthology part of a series?

'Yes, but each collection can be read on its own. They are:
Once Upon A Name
Twice Upon A Name
Third Name’s A Charm'

Excellent! What was the hardest scene to write and why?
'The scene in Lady of Forests and Seas that was hardest for me to write is when Johara finds herself captured and feels completely helpless. 

She returns to a frame of mind she thought she’d overcome previously, and being thrown back into that sense of utter uselessness was very difficult for me to capture, but I think I managed in the end.'

Did she need to complete any research?
'This short story is set within a greater world I’ve spent decades creating, so part of the research was done previously. What I had to research specifically for Lady of Forests and Seas was on Mongolian culture and particularly how yurts are constructed as well as the clothing worn during the time of the Mongol Empire.'

It sounds a fascinating short story in a wonderful charity book, so please take a look and help this cause if you can. You can find out more about the author on her links below:

Website: www.astridvj.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064127106021
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrid.v.j_author_official/

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Sneaky peek at our 3-for-1 special treat!

I'm delighted to tell you about my next author interview which is actually three different authors! I know, confusing 🤣 These writers feature in the pictured anthology 'Third name's a charm' which will be released on April 14th 2024. 

It's a collection of short fantasy stories to benefit global literacy programs and our three lovely authors are Astrid V.J., Sky Sommers, and Marie Reed. Astrid will appear on the 15th April. Sky on the 18th and Marie on the 21st, so do watch out for them!

In the meantime, if you'd like to find out more about them, please see their links below:

ASTRID V.J.

Website: www.astridvj.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064127106021
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astrid.v.j_author_official/

SKY SOMMERS

Website: skysommers.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sky.sommers.9/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sommers_sky/

MARIE REED

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormariereed
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormariereed/

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Author interview with Kathleen Marple Kalb

Now Tweetables' 2-year anniversary celebrations have finished, I'm delighted to restart my author interviews with the lovely Kathleen Marple Kalb. She first published in 2020 and writes mysteries which fall into the light/ cozy, historical and contemporary genres. So let's meet her!

'I like to call myself an anchor/author/mom…not in that order. 

Author of mysteries, historical and contemporary, long and short. Long-time weekend anchor at New York City’s top all-news radio station, 1010 WINS -- weekday stay-at-home mom to an amazing teen and wife of a cancer survivor, who’s a fellow journalist and a UCONN professor. (Go Huskies!) 

And yes, I really was born Miss Marple…I’ve spent my life showing my driver’s license or union card to prove it!'

I love this! Has she got a tweetable for us (tweet here):

'Not your grandma’s #cozymysteries! Smart feisty heroines, diverse casts, character-driven plots, and a touch of romance, @MysteryMarple is bringing classics with a modern twist!'

As at April 2024 she will have 7 traditionally published books available, so what inspired her to become a writer?

'From the time I “borrowed” my grandfather’s classic mysteries as a kid, I knew I wanted to write stories like that…but with people like the ones I know, not old English folks!'

What does her daily writing routine look like?

'I write whenever I get five minutes and a flat surface for the laptop! On a typical school day, I do usually get a good block of writing time, but that’s often upended by work or family schedule changes. My best trick is writing down little notes and emailing them to myself so I can work when I have time.'

She sounds like she has a very busy life!  What does she enjoy the most about writing?

'I get to make it all come out right. In my “day job” on the radio, I see a lot of tough stuff. One of the best things about writing cozy mysteries is the sensibility: something bad happened, and a team of terrific, quirky people is going to fix it – without any major damage to the folks we like. A really nice escape!'

What does she find the hardest part of writing / publishing process?

'Getting published for sure! 

I’ve been querying and submitting since 2016, and I have about 300 rejections overall, counting three times through the query process and starting a short story career. 

Eventually, I came to the realization that a rejection means simply: “NO, today,” on one piece of work, which gives it a lot less power. Not that it doesn’t hurt – but it doesn’t rule me.'

What a great attitude and it's obviously paid off too!  What's the best money she's ever spent as a writer?

'Annual dues for Sisters in Crime, the national, New York/ TriState and Connecticut chapters. A wonderful, inclusive, and supportive group with all kinds of craft, writers life, and marketing help, online and in person.'

How many unpublished and half-finished books does she have currently?

'Two on submission. Four more at varying stages under series contracts. Plus a few other things!'

Gosh! So how long does it take to write a book?

'I can go from proposal (Three chapters + synopsis) in a month…but I prefer a little longer!'

I wish I could do that!  What does Kathleen find the most difficult when writing characters very different from herself?

'Really understanding their lives. I try to write characters inspired by people I know…and I’m lucky to have a wide range of colleagues and friends who’ll talk about even the uncomfortable stuff with me. Hopefully that makes my diverse casts realistic and relatable. 

(Important note: I write first-person, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable inhabiting an LGBTQ+ person or someone of color – there are enough real under-represented voices who deserve attention.)'

That's such an interesting point. Does she read reviews of her books? If so, how does she deal with bad and good ones?

'I do. I’m incredibly grateful for the good ones. I won’t lie – the bad ones hurt. Especially when someone completely misses the point of the book and just takes potshots, calling me a lousy writer and such. 

I remind myself that I can’t be that bad a writer if I made it through the conventional querying and submission process…several times.'

Good for you! So onto her book A FATAL RECEPTION which you can pre-order here.  Can she give us a synopsis?

'Gilded Age trouser diva Ella Shane and her Duke are at long last headed for the altar…but they’ll have to handle a murder, a shipwreck, a questionable Polish prince, and any number of other complications on the way. 

Continuing the highly-praised series featuring a Lower East Side orphan who found fame and fortune as a singer of male soprano roles, the latest instalment follows Ella and her surprisingly diverse cast of family and friends through mystery and misadventure…and into the greatest challenge of all for an independent-minded woman and her Victorian swain: matrimony!'

Oh wow, this sounds brilliant fun! Does she have a tweetable for us (tweet here):

'The Diva Who Duels is back…and heading for the altar! In A FATAL RECEPTION, Ella Shane and her Duke face murder, shipwreck, dollar princesses and more before they say their vows. Coming in April from @levelbestbooks!'

I asked for an extract and she's picked one from the Epilogue (with no spoilers!):

'I walked over to him and very carefully took the whisky glass out of his hand.

Gil stared. “Do you want-”

“I want you.”

I took the last of the whisky as a shot and set the glass on the mantelpiece with a firm click. “Close your eyes and think of England if you have to.”'

What was the hardest scene to write in this book, and why?

'The Epilogue, of all things. 

It’s the wedding night scene, after more than two hundred pages of pre-wedding nerves (mostly the Duke’s), and the couple is alone at last. Finding the balance between funny, passionate, and romantic was tough…but I think I hit it!'

What kind of research does she need to do for her series?

'For a Gilded Age historical, I’m researching all the time! There’s always something, from shoes to soap to social mores that has to be nailed down. Plus, I walk the neighborhood, which is near my workplace in New York. But I research while I write, and I get ideas when I research – it works both ways.'

It's part of a series, so what order should people read her books?
'A FATAL FINALE (2020) A FATAL FIRST NIGHT (2021) A FATAL OVERTURE (2022)'

Excellent. So there you have it - an amazing lady with a great collection of work. If you'd like to find out more about her, please use the links below:

Website: https://kathleenmarplekalb.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kathleen-Marple-Kalb-1082949845220373/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KalbMarple

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenmarplekalb/

Threads: @kathleenmarplekalb

Bluesky: @mysterymarple.bsky.social  

Pre-order here: AFatal Reception: An Ella Shane Mystery - Kindle edition by Kalb, KathleenMarple. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

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