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I strongly believe that all it takes for a tween or teen to get hooked on reading for life is a well-written young adult series. I’m happy I got the chance to meet an author who has written such a series! The Dani Trueheart series follows fifteen-year-old Dani in her journey of becoming a pop star. Questions arise when she wonders if this is really what she wants or if she is doing it for others. Now, I got the chance to learn from author Michele Kwasniewski where her motivation came from and her tips on becoming a published author of a young adult series.

What inspired you to write a book?

I worked for years in film and television and retired once I had a baby. Even after I retired, every time someone found out about my career, their face would light up and they would fire questions at me about the celebrities I had met, where I’d traveled, and any Hollywood gossip I could share. No one ever really understood the long hours, hard work, and questionable ethical situations I’d experienced during my career. With reality television and social media, becoming famous is easier than ever, and I wanted to shine a light on the dark side of fame and just how much damage a life in the spotlight can cause, especially to a young person.

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?

I’ve always been an avid reader and I have created my writing style by reading a host of different authors: Margaret Atwood, Gabriel García Márquez, Ruth Ware, Stephen King, Laura Purcell, Haruki Murakami, Liane Moriarty, Jane Green, M.R. Carey to name a few. I glean techniques from all of them. I think reading is my biggest tool as an author – I am constantly improving my ability to write every time I open a book.

It is often said that to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?

Yes, I do. Anyone can write, but I think the passion that exists when you believe in your subject is what makes a story “unputdownable”. I write all the time without passion – taking the minutes for my school board meetings is one example. It’s helpful not to be passionate in that case so I can deliver a clear, unbiased record of the meeting. But if I’m writing a novel, I find believing in the story I am telling drives my writing – from making sure I get every detail of the research correct to ensuring that my characters have the depth and texture that is key to creating authentic and captivating characters. I know that when I’m passionate about my story, that energy comes through to the reader. As a reader, I want to get swept up, see life from a different perspective or maybe learn something new. If the writer can’t be bothered to believe in their subject why would I spend my time reading it?

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who writes only when they feel inspired?

When I’m working on a book, I have a set schedule for writing, or I’d never get anything done. We’ve got a child in middle school, so as soon as I get him out of the house, I come home, have breakfast and get to work until I have to pick him up. I try to work while he’s out of the house, so I’m available to him after school. But sometimes, if I’m on a deadline, I’m stuck writing while everyone’s at home. It’s a bit harder to concentrate, and I don’t feel like I work as well under those conditions, but I make do. When I’m in between projects, my writing schedule is a bit more fluid. It usually takes me a while to flesh out a new book, and I find I do my best thinking while I’m working out or working around the house. Currently, I’m percolating on my next project, so there’s a lot less writing happening and a lot more cleaning out of cupboards.

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?

My writing style is very approachable. I’m not a high-literature author, though I am a fan of literary fiction. I’m proud that I have written a trilogy that appeals to avid readers and those who don’t necessarily love reading, and I credit my topic for bridging that gap. Most everyone has dreamed of being famous or becoming a rock star at one point in their lives. By tapping into that universal dream, I was able to build on that enthusiasm and create a story that touches a broad audience. I’ve had young and older readers, both female and male, connect with my books. Being able to connect with such a varied audience is quite an achievement for an author.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the most natural aspect of writing?

The hardest thing about writing for me, honestly, is believing in my ability to write. I read a ton and I know what type of stories I want to read. But I struggle with my confidence as an author even after having written three books. Do I have a story people want to read? Do I have the skill to tell that story? Will people read my books? I guess the silver lining to that uncertainty means that I will always keep striving to write the best stories I can.

The most natural aspect of writing for me is the whole idea of storytelling. I love coming up with what motivates people and their actions. I never tire of following a thought or story idea and seeing where it can take me. I come up with ideas throughout my day, layering things I see and experience into my writing. Listening to people talk, asking questions…it’s like I’m researching a story in every conversation and I love that.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?

I had writers’ block while starting my latest novel. It stemmed from not being sure of how to finish my YA trilogy. I had some very specific wishes from readers about how they wanted the series to end, which were at odds with what I had envisioned when I had started writing the series. The writer’s block threw me into a panic for a bit because every time I sat down to write, nothing came to my mind. But once I realized the block was stemming from my own indecision, I realized I needed to step away from my computer and take some time to brainstorm what I wanted to achieve. Once I made my plot decisions, I created a story spine (Google Ken Adams Pixar Story Spine – it’s a revelation) to help me stay motivated and make sure I touched on all the plot points I wanted to hit. Normally I don’t outline at all, so using a story spine was a new tool for me, and it definitely sparked my creativity.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

I have two pieces of advice for aspiring writers. The first – just write. Many people talk about how they’re going to write or what they want to write, but very little writing actually happens. Making the time commitment to write is hard, but it’s necessary. Just get the words down on the page. First drafts are rough and messy, so don’t worry about being perfect or grammatically correct. Just get your story elements down. It wasn’t until a friend told me to just write and not worry about being perfect in the first draft that I understood everyone’s first draft sucks. It’s the editing and re-working that leads to a sold finished product. The first draft is all about shoveling sand in the box. Building elaborate sand castles comes later with every draft.

Secondly – beta readers are invaluable to writers. They tell us if our story makes sense if what we’re trying to say is coming across, and what isn’t working. It can be hard to hear criticism of something you’ve worked hard on, but most writers are writing to be read, so it’s important to listen to feedback from readers you trust. You don’t have to take any advice your beta readers give you, but you’d be surprised what feedback you get on your writing when you allow someone else to read it. Beta readers have been very helpful in writing my trilogy.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

FALLING STAR, the final installment of my YA series, was just published, and I’m currently working on pitching that trilogy as a television series. I’m researching a couple of book ideas and hope to start writing in the next month or so.

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

Thank you to everyone who has given my books a chance. Thank you for spending your time and money on my work. As an author, I don’t think I can say this enough to readers. Every sale, review, every time you post about a book online or tell a friend, you are making my dreams come true. And thanks to Book Smugglers Den for giving me a platform to talk about my series! I appreciate the support you give unknown authors like me.

You can purchase your copy of Rising Star on Michele’s website and be sure to follow her on social media for updates on her upcoming books and potential television series.

Hi Book Worms!

Posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. See Disclaimer and Disclosure for more details.

I hope your year in reading is going well. I came across a book that I know fantasy readers will enjoy. The Serpent and the Firefly, is a newly imagined and sinister world lurking just beneath our own. This fast-paced stand-alone has something for every kind of fantasy lover. From a head-strong heroine with newly-discovered powers to a devilishly handsome demon shapeshifter, Courtney Davis has devised an instant fan favorite.

I was excited to interview Courtney and learn more about her beginnings and new book.

What inspired you to write a book?
I have always loved to read; even as a kid, I was a big reader. Judy Blume and R.L. Stein, when I was in elementary school turned into Victoria Holt by the time I was in Jr. High and had smuggled a few of my mom’s romance novels too. The idea to write came from the love of a good story, and my first success was in 8th grade when I wrote a short story called Santa’s Sweat Shop, a kind of horror Christmas story. As I grew, so did my desire to write and I started my first novel that I would go on to finish when I was eighteen. Creating something for other people to enjoy the way I enjoy reading is my ultimate goal.

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?
For The Serpent and The Firefly in particular? No, but I do think that in general, I find inspiration in almost everything I read. I love a story that makes me want to stay up all night, damn the consequences, and a story that makes me sad when it’s over, not because the story was sad but because the journey is over. That’s what I strive for in my writing.

It is often said that to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?
I think that makes perfect sense. If I don’t think what I’m writing is good, why would anyone else? That doesn’t mean it has to have a moral or a message, but it better be entertaining.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who writes only when they feel inspired?
I try to write every day, I hate going a full day without at least opening up my story. I write early morning, late at night, and on my lunch break. I write on weekends, and I rarely miss a day of at least trying. Some days I don’t get anywhere, and some days I don’t even open my laptop, but those are rare. Writing is my life, it is how I relax, how I have fun, and how I hope to someday make enough money to quit teaching.

Tell us about your writing style; how is it different from other writers?
I think I have a fast-paced style with long-winded sentence structure. I am often editing and think, did I really ramble a sentence as long as the paragraph? And at the same time, my stories are not long, they aren’t epic fantasies, I like to think of them as beach reads, vacation books, things that will give you a great story, lots of bang for your buck and leave you with a smile. No extra fluff to wade through if I can help it.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the most natural aspect of writing?
The hardest thing for me is to advertise my books. I am not good at talking myself up, or my books, I’m not a salesman, it’s hard. I wish I could write, send it off, and never have to deal with it again. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy events and talking about my books, it’s just hard for me as an introvert, and I don’t feel like I’m good at it, and I don’t like doing things I’m not good at…
The most natural thing is coming up with ideas, I have a million, and I could sit and write for hours most days with no problem. If only I didn’t have a job, or kids, or a husband, or animals… lol.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
When I’m feeling blocked, I do two things. The first thing I try is to go back to the start of the story and re-read everything, a lot of times, that gets me feeling inspired again, and I’m ready to go. If that doesn’t work, I set the story aside and work on another for a while until I feel the inspiration for the other story again.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
Don’t expect everything you write to be great. Try and be honest with yourself and harsh. If it’s good, put it out there; if you aren’t sure, don’t. Or, at the very least, get an opinion from someone, not a relation or good friend, they will likely lie about how amazing you are.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
I am finishing up a dystopian romance right now and am finishing up a trilogy that will release starting in August. The Atlantis series is coming out with 5 Prince Books, Aug, Nov, and Feb. The first book is, Vampires of Atlantis, the second is Aristotle’s Wolves and the third is Descendants of Atlantis.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
I just started up a Kindle Vella story! My first attempt at it, the story is called, A Vampire’s Guide to Human Ownership. Check it out and see if you like my style. I also have a free read completed on my website for readers to check out.

About Courtney Davis

Courtney Davis is the author of A Spider in the Garden and writes urban fantasy, paranormal fiction, and science fiction, known for skillfully incorporating romance and humor into action-packed adventures. A member of the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Writers Alliance, she is a master world-builder and most enjoys exploring interactions between human and non-human characters. Davis resides in Idaho with her husband and children, teaching elementary school, reading, writing, and soaking up the sun.

Learn more about Courtney and grab your copy of The Serpent and the Firefly on her website at https://www.authorcourtneydavis.com. You can follow Courtney on Twitter @AuthorCDavis and on Instagram @authorcourtneydavis

If there is one thing I admire in an author is hard work and integrity. That is what you’ll find with David Richards, author of Letters to the Virgin Mary. Richards is a business professional, life coach, yoga instructor, and self-development speaker. That is a lot to manage on top of being a successful author of a contemporary religious fiction novel. David finished this piece over the course of the pandemic and is fascinating to hear his story of being an author. Enjoy!

Posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. See Disclaimer and Disclosure for more details.

What inspired you to write a book?

Since I was a teenager, I had always wanted to be a writer. I had some success with my writing in high school, majored in English with a writing option in college, but didn’t know how to translate th

at into a career, so I joined the Marines. Eleven years after leaving active duty, I published my first book. Writing for me is a discovery of my Self, through the medium of storytelling. My most recent book, Love Letters to the Virgin Mary, was a huge psychological and spiritual challenge. The concept initially came to me way back in October of 2019, before the pandemic became a thing. Then, in the Spring of 2020, I was inspired to take the story in a specific direction. The challenge was…how to pull it off?

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?
Love Letters was inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. In high school, I had an idea for a story where the creature was still alive in the modern age, hanging out in the docks and taking shelter in abandoned warehouses. It was the idea that the creature had an eternal soul that would not rest until he found his bride.

It is often said that to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?
100%. If you aren’t breathing life into the characters you’re creating, it’s going to show in the writing and the story. For eleven years, I tried to write horror stories. I’d write about a hundred pages, but then the story would lose steam. When I look at it now, I wasn’t creating believable characters. In a way, it’s like acting. The reason actors get paid so well is that their job is to convince us that the characters they’re playing are real. As a writer, you want your characters to be relatable.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?
It’s evolved with every book. I wrote my first book mainly on the weekends, when I wasn’t working. My second book was written early in the morning before work, with a few hours put in during the weekends. In working on my third book, I journaled for two years, writing when the inspirational thought or idea came to me. Once I had a sense of how to tell the story, I took time off from work and wrote for a few hours every morning until I finished the first draft. The second draft was then written at night. In general, I’m writing now at night. I’ve started work on a sequel to my last book but am writing without any sort of expectation. I have a very loose sense of the framework, so just sit down, and let things flow. What I’ve written is very powerful so far…I’m excited to see where it takes me. Once I have a sense of the whole of it, I’ll start working on the first draft.

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
I write a lot with pen and paper. I journaled more than a thousand pages of journal entries while working on Love Letters. It was like a sculptor, chiseling a block of marble, whittling away all the things that weren’t part of the statue underneath. I believe, if you want to sculpt your mind as a writer, a pen and paper are how that sculpting takes place.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the most natural aspect of writing?
Like anything, writing takes practice. I didn’t have a great appreciation for this for about ten years; I was so busy with work and everything else in my life, my sense of writing as if I’m taking the time to sit down and write, what comes out must be golden. It was a naïve position. With that said, the hardest part for any writer is finding your authentic voice. Before I published my first book, I envisioned myself as the next Stephen King, but King has a very distinct style that he has honed with razor-sharpness over the course of his incredible career. My writing has matured tremendously between my first book and my most recent one because I focused on finding what made me unique.

The most natural aspect of writing is writing from your voice. By “your voice” I mean the voice that creates all your characters. It creates your settings, it sets the mood, and the atmosphere for the places you create. While my first book was a #1 international bestseller, it was poorly written in my opinion. I was grateful that it changed people’s lives, but I struggled with my voice in its writing. My second book, The Lighthouse Keeper, stretched me as a writer, and I started to find my voice with that book. The biggest challenge in writing Love Letters was finding the voice of one specific character, a Roman General from nearly two thousand years ago. Finding his voice was very much a path to finding my own. Once I found him, my writing took off. Now, whenever I sit to write, regardless of what I’m writing, it’s very easy to write from my voice.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
YES! I wrote what amounted to a hundred-page outline early in April of 2020 for Love Letters. It was very cerebral…basically a conversation between two different colored pens in a journal. One was the voice of conditional love, the other was unconditional love. It was spectacular. I may publish it at some point. The following weekend, I rewrote it, but the story expanded a bit further than the original outline. I ended up rewriting the outline four weekends in a row before the story started to take a shape in a way that had real substance to it. I was elated but also intimidated. I had never imagined a story of this scope before.

By mid-May, I was ready to start writing…but when I sat down to write it, nothing would come out. In fact, trying to write and take the story in the direction I wanted it to go induced palpable anxiety. I stepped away from writing for a few weeks before trying again in June. The same thing happened again. That’s what led me down the path of journaling…I wanted to sort out my thoughts. I journaled until November of 2021…almost two years. That was an extreme case, but Love Letters was a grand undertaking. The biggest tip for overcoming it is to journal. Journaling allows you to pour your thoughts out onto paper, without expectation or judgment. No one is going to read your journals unless you decide to share them. You can write whatever comes to you at the moment. I’ve written some things that I thought might be useful in the story, and then there were times that what I wrote was just garbage. In a way, journaling is like sorting out the clutter in your mind, allowing you to focus, and eventually, the story takes shape. Trust the process.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
Make time for writing, and silence the internal editor. One of the biggest struggles I faced early in my writing career was thinking everything had to be perfect. I might spend an hour trying to fill a page. Just write. There’s a wonderful book called, Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. A great technique she recommends to connect with the writer within is to set the timer on your phone for three minutes. Have a pen and paper nearby. Once the timer starts, don’t let the pen come off the page until the timer goes off. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, etc. Don’t even worry about the margins. Just write. It’s amazing what you can produce when you get your mind out of the way.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
Yes, I’m currently working on a follow-up to Love Letters. The working title is, The Silence That Whispered. I’ve written around a hundred pages, sketching ideas, and seeing what life they have in them. There’s some incredible content so far. I’ll keep writing to see where it takes me. Once I see the whole story, I’ll get to work.

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

If you’re an aspiring writer, take the plunge. Make the commitment. There are universes within you, waiting to be discovered. No one on the planet sees the world as you do. Share your view with the world.

You can be featured here too! If you’d like to submit an interview or guest post, please send an email to contact@booksmugglersden.com, and we’ll get back to you within 7 – 10 days.

If you’re looking for a quick romance novel to read just in time for Valentine’s day, check out Our Perfectly Blended Chaos by Pavithra Iyengar Ramesh. Pavihra was so kind to answer our questions about what it was like publishing a book. She also talks about what her journey as a writer has been like and where it will go.

Posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. See Disclaimer and Disclosure for more details.

What inspired you to write a book?
Back in school, I started writing small articles for a Sharjah daily newspaper. When I was appreciated for my writing, I knew this is something I would want to do at a big level. After moving alone to live away from my parents in another country, I knew there is something I wanted to tell the world. Hence, my first book was released which is partly autobiographical. I love bringing life to words and derive inspiration from daily life situations.

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?
As a child I loved the book ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank. Definitely with time, good books like The Secret and The Kite Runner played a big role to go ahead and start writing a book of my own.

It is often said that to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?
I feel that writing is a beautiful art. As a fiction writer, I know that imagination is the key to my stories. How it comes across to each reader is exclusive but I know for sure that I believe in the beauty of what I write. It is true that you must believe in the the emotions, clarity and outcome of what you wish to convey to your readers.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who writes only when they feel inspired?
I do not have any set schedule. I write when the mood and timing are right.

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
When I write, I try to bring out a blend of emotions and relationships like Romance, Friendship, Revenge. I try to bring out varied emotions and not just focus on one because life is usually a mix of all and not just one. The ups and downs are true and through my fiction I love to bring out the rollercoaster aspect of life.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the most natural aspect of writing?
The hardest thing about writing is the thought about it reaching my readers the right way. It’s like a fear to make sure you are accepted and loved for your book. The most natural aspect is the flow of words that comes the moment I begin writing.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
I have definitely experienced Writer’s block especially since I am not a full time writer. It has also lasted a few months when I had lots of personal changes going on in my life like becoming a mother. The only way I could overcome it is the drive to get back to track and the inspiration to do something that I have passion for.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
Each one of us has our own journey, create a path that is unique to you. Best writing is derived from absolute love for it. Make sure to follow your inner voice and pen down what comes from your heart.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
I’m working on Women centric articles as a new mother which got published by a prestigious Magazine and an international Newspaper.

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

My new book ‘Our Perfectly Blended Chaos’ is one amazing ride of love, friendship, romance and revenge. Please do go ahead and read, it’s available as a kindle e book for you all to access easily. I am sure it is a light hearted yet keeping you hooked kind of a book that you would enjoy!

 

 

You can be featured here too! If you’d like to submit an interview or guest post, please email contact@booksmugglersden.com, and we’ll get back to you within 7 – 10 days.

Hi, book and movie lovers alike! I am super excited to be a part of The Sound of Violet tour. The Sound of Violet follows Shawn who is desperate to find his soulmate. He goes on one awkward date after another until he encounters the alluring Violet. He starts dating her, but his autism and trusting nature keep him from realizing that she’s actually a prostitute. Shawn thinks he’s found a potential wife while Violet thinks she’s found a ticket out of her trapped life.

This funny and dramatic award-winning story takes all kinds of twists and turns and has been adapted into a major motion picture. Allen Wolf was kind enough to share with us his journey of making his novel into a feature film.

How did you come up with the story for The Sound of Violet?

A friend and I were laughing about the challenges of navigating the dating world in Los Angeles years ago. Even though I was married, those days were still vivid in my mind. Those conversations inspired me to write The Sound of Violet about two dating-challenged people from entirely different walks of life who are the opposite of each other in significant ways. The woman is paid to be with men and has a skewed view of love. The man is autistic and struggles with forming relationships as well as physical touch. And he has his own idealistic view of relationships. I thought bringing those two together would make a fascinating and dynamic story and could teach us something about love.

I can relate to Shawn’s dating journey because it reflects some of my own journey when I was a single man in Los Angeles. Even though I’m not on the autism spectrum, I struggled with many of my main character’s issues, such as meaningfully connecting with women, being naïve in relationships, and struggling with building intimacy. The woman he falls in love with works as a prostitute, which he doesn’t realize. I thought she would be a vivid contrast with Shawn, who has a faith background and saved himself for marriage. He resists touching because it’s too intense for him, while she’s forced to touch others. I thought that would make a compelling story.

Can you tell us about the book?

The Sound of Violet is about a man who believes he has found his perfect soulmate, but his autism and trusting nature keep him from realizing she’s actually a prostitute looking for a ticket out of her trapped life. The novel allows readers to experience a love story between two people who are unlikely to fall in love. The main character is autistic, and I mainly wrote the novel from his perspective. He’s very trusting, so when he meets Violet, he believes she’s an actress when she’s really a prostitute. I wanted the reader to experience the rollercoaster of the relationship mainly through his eyes with glimpses into Violet’s world.

Can you tell us about your movie, The Sound of Violet, based on your novel? 

The Sound of Violet is a romantic comedy about a man who believes he has found his perfect soulmate, but his autism and trusting nature keep him from realizing she’s actually a prostitute looking for a ticket out of her trapped life, so the storyline is the same as the novel. When people enjoy the movie, I hope it also makes them more aware of human trafficking while helping them to see autism through a new lens. I wrote, directed, and produced the film. We had a fantastic team of actors and people who worked behind the scenes to make it happen.

The movie first opened in theaters, and it was a thrill to experience the audience reacting to all the moments that had come alive from the book. It was a strange sensation to see the characters come to life on the screen.

While the novel is set in New York City, I changed the movie’s location to Seattle so readers will have a whole new experience in watching the film. We were able to film in some fantastic places, which showcase areas of Seattle that you don’t usually see in movies based there. I made some changes to the characters. Natasha, who is Russian in the novel, is named Nadia in the film. She’s from India and is too shy to talk. I combined the characters of Flynn and Shawn’s boss Jake so that Jake is more of a central figure.

In the book, I’m able to explore the inner lives and thoughts of the characters with words, while in the movie, you’re able to experience the story visually, which brings a whole new dimension to the story. Our composer, Conrad Pope, created a lush score that also helps bring the story to life.

What was the process like bringing The Sound of Violet to life from the novel to the screen?

It was a monumental effort to bring The Sound of Violet to life on the screen. I first relocated the story from New York City to Seattle, which I knew would be a friendlier city to make the film. I changed locations for scenes in the novel to be more visual for the movie. I wanted to explore Seattle’s beautiful landscapes for the film, so I featured scenes in Gas Works Park, the shipping yards, alongside the enormous bridges and different spots around the city that you usually don’t see featured in Hollywood movies.

I wanted to cast unknown actors in the lead roles so the audience wouldn’t have any preconceived notions of who they were while watching the film. This movie is the debut of our two lead actors, and they pulled off stunning performances. I also had to find ways to tell the story in a tighter timeframe, so I condensed some scenes and took out others.

I wanted the experience of watching the movie to be different from the book, so while the story beats are identical, the movie’s journey takes you on various twists and turns than the novel.

When I write a novel, I’m able to concentrate on the inner lives of the character. But in creating a movie, I have to communicate all of that through the actors’ performances. There were several moments on the set when it struck me that the characters I had written for the page were walking and talking in front of me. That was surreal! I was so thankful to be surrounded by such a talented team of actors and the crew who worked tirelessly.

Composer Conrad Pope created the soundtrack for the movie, which we also recorded in Seattle with a 54-piece orchestra. I appreciate how he draws out the emotional beats of the story through his musical craftsmanship.

How have audiences responded to the movie?

Audiences have been very enthusiastic about the film, which you can see through their reviews. People have written me emails or told me in person how meaningful the movie was to them. On the opening weekend, we were doing Q&As in major cities. At a Q&A after the New York City premiere, a woman told the audience she’s a former ‘Violet’ and said she loved how our movie was “all about hope and reminded me of the importance of loving people, understanding people for who they are, where they are, and loving them anyway.” She texted that to me, which is why I’m quoting it.

At other Q&A screenings, autistic audience members told me how much they could relate to the main character’s challenging dating journey. Autistic people have reached out to me through social media, letting me know how much they appreciated the movie as well.

What was it like seeing the characters from your novel come to life in the movie?

It was surreal to see the characters and story from the novel come to life for the film. It struck me that the characters I had written about in solitude had become living and breathing human beings. Now, when I read the book, I picture the faces of those actors.

How can we watch The Sound of Violet?

Our movie is available to stream on Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, and Google Play.  It’s also available on Blu-Ray or DVD through Amazon or Walmart. The Blu-ray, DVD, and Apple TV version feature bonus content, including a discussion with the cast about the making of the film, the composer discussing the creation of the score, and the Blu-Ray and DVD exclusively features the director’s commentary with the lead cast, and the music video “Anywhere But Here” from 5-time Grammy Nominee Brandon Heath. The film also has subtitles in Español.

You wear many different hats beyond being an author. How do you balance being an author, a filmmaker, a game creator, and a podcaster?

I start most days around 4:00 a.m. and sometimes even earlier. In those early morning hours, I’m able to work on my creative projects without interruption. I try to work on a project consistently and chip away at it day after day. Then, one day it’s finished, and I’m able to move on to something else. Starting any new project feels like standing at the base of an enormous mountain, and it can feel overwhelming to think of what’s ahead. But if I can move forward with one small step after another, eventually, I will discover I’ve made it to the summit. It takes a lot of perseverance, but it’s worth it when I see my creative work come to life and hear how what I’m doing is having a positive impact on people’s lives.

Where do you find inspiration?

Since I started hosting the Navigating Hollywood podcast, I’ve been inspired by my guests, who have overcome tremendous odds to succeed in the world of film and television. I’m also creatively inspired by my family, friendships, and adventures I’ve taken around Los Angeles and the globe. I love watching my kids create entire worlds using boxes and construction paper. Their limitless imaginations spur me on. I always feel creatively recharged when I visit museums, experience a great movie, enjoy a game night, or visit Disneyland.

What did you learn when writing this story?

When I first started writing the story of The Sound of Violet, Violet’s character was an “empowered hooker” that you typically see portrayed in Hollywood movies. But then, as I researched prostitution, I realized that the vast majority of these women are being trafficked. Or, they were sexually abused, and they’re reliving that trauma as prostitutes. I then consulted with several organizations that work with trafficked people, which opened my eyes tremendously. I took a whole new direction in creating Violet’s character, and I think it reflects the reality of someone caught up in prostitution today.

I also learned a lot about autism while researching Shawn’s character. I have a relative who is autistic and consulted with several others to accurately portray Shawn’s character. There isn’t one standard description of an autistic person, so I crafted a character I thought was best for this story. While I was prepping the story, I talked to two different mothers whose autistic sons had unknowingly started relationships with prostitutes, which brought some realism to the story I had created.

While we were making the movie, one of our key cast members was autistic, and he consulted with our lead actor to make sure his portrayal was authentic.

What does the title mean?

The title The Sound of Violet has a double meaning. The main character Shawn has a condition called synesthesia which allows him to hear sounds in colors. So if he’s staring at the color violet, he will hear a sound. The main character’s name is also Violet, and she comments to him that he should be with someone whose colors sound right to him.

What do you think happened to the characters after the book ended?

I’m working on a sequel to answer that question.

About Allen Wolf

Allen Wolf has won multiple awards as an author and filmmaker. He is also the host of the popular Navigating Hollywood podcast where he interviews film and TV professionals about what it takes to thrive in entertainment.

He married his Persian princess, and they are raising their kids in Los Angeles. Allen loves traveling around the world and hearing people’s life stories. He is an avid fan of Disneyland. Allen wrote, directed, and produced the feature film adaption of The Sound of Violet, which is now available on Apple TV, Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play, Blu-ray, or DVD.

Authors who have the ability to create a book series always cease to amaze me. How much planning and organizing goes into crafting a series that easily transitions from one book to the next is, to me, a difficult task. Got too far extreme and the storyline makes zero sense. Be too cautious and the series gets dull.

I discovered a new crime detective series written by Mauro Martone. In his most recent book, the reader picks up where the first book, Kertamen, leaves off and picks right back up following lawyer Stephen “Monty” Montgomery. The Orcadian File, is part Dan Brown’s Angel and Demons, mixed with Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Keep reading to see the mind behind these two well-written books and advice Mauro has for authors.

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What inspired you to write a book?
I had published some short stories prior to writing my first book and a few people suggested that I write a novel. I think additionally, I was intrigued at the time by all the various suggestions that the Scottish Referendum had been rigged and so I wrote my first book Kertamen.

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?
Of course. I have always been influenced by other writers, ever since I was young. I think that Kertamen is influenced by other fantasy writers such as Anne Rice, Kipling, Dickens, and Richard Grahame. Grahame was a favourite of mine as a child, and I would watch his Wind in the Willow series on TV and find escape within it. He probably convinced me that fantasy, combined with one’s imagination, can be merged to produce stories. Whereas Anne Rice showed me in later years that it is feasible to turn these ideas into serious adult thrillers. So, at least where Kertamen and The Orcadian File are concerned, I was motivated by these writers. I have also always been influenced by writers such as George MacDonald Fraser, Valerio Massimo Manfredi and Conn Iggulden and their approach to historical fiction.

It is often said that to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?
That would depend upon what one is writing. Had you asked Tolkien that question for example, and I suspect he may have said that what he had written was purely the product of a vivid imagination but based upon his own theological beliefs. I believe that it is possible to fuse the two, but in answer to your question, no…….not always.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who writes only when they feel inspired?
Yes, it really is a case of when my muse is with me.

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
Well, other writers have said my dialogue comes across as colloquial but that the pace is swift and intense. Personally, I don’t see that, but then I tend to write the narrative and then sit back and leave the reader to decide.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the most natural aspect of writing?
Every story has a beginning. I think that must be the hardest part – the first word or paragraph. Finding the idea is easy enough yet formatting it and starting that initial sentence is the hard part. It is natural for a bard or storyteller to have ideas, and some of us keep notes with various ideas scribbled down etc, but starting that first page is always the tricky part.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
No, not yet thankfully. Sure there are periods wherein I cant go near a story and instead enjoy watching films, but then I tend to find motivation in that and so return to my writing more often than not.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
Yes, I am working on a fictional novel based around the infamous 1960’s Bible John murders in Glasgow.

What is the first book that made you cry?
Watership Down. Which I think may be the only book that made me cry until this Christmas when I read Manfredi’s Odysseus: The Return. Toward the end when Odysseus finally steps foot on Ithacan soil after all those years and is meet by his goddess, I found a tear appear in my eye.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
I am regularly asked this. Sure, write about something you enjoy, are interested in or care about. Otherwise the process can become a chore and then you may encounter Writer’s Block.

 

 

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Hello Smugglers! I received a copy of The Green Girl and the Serum from the author, Sean Armstrong. It is the first book in its series following Stacey Roberts, a woman with green skin. Why is she green? Why is she on the run? Who is she running from? I guess we’re both going to find out! In the meantime, learn what Sean has to say about being an author.

What inspired you to write a book?

I was inspired by a number of things at the time when I wrote my first two books in my green girl series I was one out of work and two broke up with a then ex-girlfriend. As a way of challenging and distracting myself I began working on the first two books.

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?

There were a few authors who inspired me one of these was JRR Tolkien.

 

It is often said that in order to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?

I agree with this statement.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?

When I get up first thing at six in the morning the first thing that I do is turn on my computer and write.

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?

My writing style is very fast paced I do this due to the fact that I am aiming my books at Young Adults.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?

For me, the hardest aspect of writing is the editing side I would say that if anything, it’s one thing that I hate doing. The easiest side and most enjoyable aspect of writing for me is putting together the creative side character creation, plotting and mapping out the story and also the setting which to me is a character in itself.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?

Writer’s block, for me, is something which all writers experience to me what I normally do when I experience this is just take maybe an hour or two off from my computer and give myself time just to keep my mind free of thought. After I have had long enough, I am back at my desk writing.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?

Yes, push yourself, challenge yourself, and also never doubt yourself or your abilities as you might surprise yourself.

Are you working on something new at the moment?

Currently, I am working on the fifth and sixth manuscripts in my Green Girl series these books will complete my series, and once completed, I am looking maybe to work on a new project.

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

I am a disabled author who suffers from mild cerebral palsy as well as mild learning difficulties.

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Plenty of working mothers deal with the same societal expectations and battle the whisperings that working moms can’t have it all. Motivational speaker Celina Mattocks aims to help women with that negative self-talk in her debut novel, 54 Flights. Talking to Celina, we enjoyed learning where 54 Flights derived from and how it helps working women who are looking to start a family.

What inspired you to write a book?
My best friend from 7th grade and I would write stories after school together. I told her that one day I would write a real book. Years later, I was transposing more than a decade’s worth of journals from print to google docs when I realized there was a good story baseline here – one that could be shared with a broader audience.

Was there a book or author that you admired that played a role when developing your book?
I’m really into personal development and personality theory, so. I used the psychology theorists Karen Horney (social unconscious) and William Bridges (transitions) to structure my book!

It is often said that in order to write something, you must believe in what you are writing. Do you agree with that?
Yes!

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?
I was working full time, so writing was set aside for 8-10pm ET.

Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
I am an action-oriented writer that prefers to write in a cause-and-effect manner. This comes from my study in Journalism and my professional writing in the business context. I flesh out my stories, adjectives, and descriptors after the fact.

What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing? What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?
The hardest part of writing is not being critical of my work. I see new areas for improvement each time I read! The easiest part is telling a story.

Have you ever experienced “Writer’s Block”? How long do they usually last? Any tips you would like to share to overcome it?
Yes, my writer’s block lasted approximately 6 months, in between my first and second drafts. I couldn’t even look at the manuscript. One day I forced myself to pick it up and realized it wasn’t so scary. My advice would be similar to Anne Lamott’s ‘Bird by Bird’ – the key message is to take it one day at a time.

Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
There is no time like now.

Are you working on something new at the moment?
Yes! I’m publishing my book as a non-fungible token (NFT) and also using my book to speak to groups about banishing your negative self-talk and living your best life.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Yes! My book is not only for women. One book review said it well; “54 Flights is a very engaging, even entertaining book that – quite literally – could change your life. Though seemingly written primarily for women, its main underlying message—transitioning from a focus on what we do to a focus on who we are—is universal, and most men would greatly benefit from reading it, and putting it to practice.”

About Celina Mattocks

Celina Mattocks is an adventurous Management Consultant for a Global Fortune 500 company focused on enterprise-wide change enablement (people adopting large change).  “54 Flights” is her first literary work, a ‘Coming Of Self’ story where Alexandra struggles to banish Despy (her Despised Self) and live her full potential as a career woman turning mother.  Celina was educated at American University in Washington, DC where she earned her Master of Science degree in Organization Development, and Salisbury University in Maryland where she received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Communications and Spanish. Celina has consulted with many companies in the United States and overseas. She is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. You can follow Celina on her website www.leadlivelearn.com and on social media.

Twitter: @celinaryan1
Instagram: @LeadLiveLearn
Facebook: @54Flights
LinkedIn @CelinaMattocks
LinkedIn Page: Lead, Live, Learn

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