Tag Archives: interview

85 MILLION CHILDREN ENSLAVED!

According to the Huffington Post, “Kentucky state Sen. Paul Hornback, who is also a tobacco farmer, was quick to write off any concerns that advocates may have about kids — as young as 7 — slaving away in tobacco fields.

“We’re raising a society that’s too soft,” Hornback told Bee. “Children need to experience things.”

Should forced labor as young as age seven, involving health hazards such as “… 12-hour days, no breaks and frequent cases of acute nicotine poisoning–” be part of the childhood experience not only in the United States, but worldwide?

Child labor is a grim reality with over 85 million children worldwide enslaved and forced to labor under horrendous conditions. Human trafficking helps feed the monster of child slavery by stealing children from their homes and streets. The United States is not immune. Children slave in Virginia and Kentucky’s tobacco fields.

My novel, Street Harvest, Book 2, Special Crimes Team, addresses the plight of stolen children. Now, Axel Blackwell’s Sisters of Sorrow tackles the horror of child labor. When Axel approached me about the possibility of reviewing his work, I let him know that I only post about novels that entertain, enlighten and empower women and girls. He thought I might like the protagonist, Anna Dufresne. His book is well-written and presents an engaging story of how a young girl refuses to give up her dream of freedom. I’ll let him tell you about his new book.

axel blackwellAxel Blackwell, Author: Thank you Aya, for your kind words (review) about my new novel, Sisters of Sorrow, and for your invitation to discuss it here at your blog. You were one of the very first people, outside of my close family, to take an interest in this tale. I greatly appreciate that and am very happy to have the opportunity to share with you and your readers.

You asked how this story came to be… I wonder that myself, sometimes. I have wanted to write this piece for nearly two years, though I knew almost nothing of what would happen beyond the first fifty pages. I started with one scene very clear in my mind: Anna hiding in the shadow of a beached rowboat while the sadistic nuns hunt for her. The Pacific is behind her, the factory is exploding in front of her, and her only hope of survival is to follow the voice of a ghost into the cisterns below a ruined farmhouse. The rest of the tale grew from there, and it turned out to be one wild ride.

Anna’s journey starts with her lowest instincts – self-preservation, at all cost. The extremity of her circumstance has purged much of her humanity. As the story opens, she has been abandoned by her father. She bears an enormous load of guilt related to the death of her mother and infant brother. She is beat-down, terrorized, and traumatized by the cruelty of her guardians and by the brutal machinery she is forced to operate. Nearly all of Anna’s fire has been extinguished.

But that last glowing ember of hope proves to be just enough for Anna to cling to survival. She escapes the looming horrors of the factory only to rediscover her capacity for compassion, empathy, and love – traits that drive her straight back into the dangers she just escaped, and other dangers greater than she had ever imagined.

I didn’t set out to write a girl-power book, but I believe people (female or male) have vast reserves of strength available to them – if their need is powerful enough.  Also, a character who waits around for a strong man to come rescue her isn’t very inspiring.  I hope that this story is empowering and uplifting to whoever reads it. I wanted my readers to identify with Anna, to see her plight through her eyes. She hopes for rescue throughout her story, whether the rescuer be the witch disguised as a nun, or the voice that speaks to her though the walls, or her fellow-refugee Donny.  But in the final defining conflict, when there is no one left to stand between the evil and the innocent, Anna offers her own life to become that rescuer. This is a story of desperation and courage, and the power of the nobler instincts.

Sister of Sorrow bestsofarAs to Anna’s future, many adventures await. Anna still has much to discover about herself, and about the world of the witches and those who hunt them. I plan to write at least two more novels in this series, and likely a novella-length prequel as well.

Thank you again, Aya, for inviting me to your blog. As writers, we create ideas, images, sometimes entire worlds in the minds of our readers. Those creations influence the way our readers interact with the real world. Thank you for the positive and empowering message you present here. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to add my voice to that message.  I love hearing from readers. If anyone has questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at axblackwell@gmail.com Have a wonderful rest of your day 🙂

Axel Blackwell attempts to define reality through fiction and tease truth from tales. Also, he just tells stories. You will often find him in the woods, or on the shore, or sometimes in a book. He lives with his wife and three children near a misty bay in the Pacific Northwest.ocean and sisters of sorrow

To obtain a copy of Sisters of Sorrow, follow this link:

 http://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Sorrow-Axel-Blackwell-ebook/dp/B00VZO2242/

For more current news about child labor–over 27 articles published on April 27, 2015 by the Huffington Post–and how child labor affects the United States and what is being done about child labor go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/child-labor/

To discover what other tough issues my novels tackle, go to http://www.amazon.com/author/ayawalksfar

 

 

 

 

#FEMINIST #EROTICA: IS IT REALLY GOOD FOR WOMEN?

Feminist Erotica?

Today I am #interviewing Diana Persaud, author of Lucien’s Mate, an erotica novella. I have asked her to talk about what she terms ‘feminist erotica’ and why she writes it.

As my readers know, I support strong women, women who face challenges and make tough decisions. All too often in the past erotica has been more of a man’s fantasy and has revolved around the submission and humiliation of women, or at the very least, had reduced women to parts such as breasts and vaginas to be used and abused.

However, as an author, a feminist, a lesbian and a woman, I would be remiss not to explore what current erotica presents to its audience.  Of course, my question is always: does this celebrate women and their lives, their sexuality or is it simply another mask for presenting women as disposable chattel?

Let’s hear what author Diana Persaud says:

“Feminist erotica. An oxymoron? Not necessarily. The general idea behind feminism is that women and men are equals. Unfortunately, in our society, men are allowed to be sexual yet women are not. We are taught to be ashamed of our bodies and called names if we embrace our sexuality. In the name of feminism, I urge you to stand for your rights. Embrace your sexuality. Be proud of your bodies, no matter what the shape. Don’t listen to the media. They prey on women, making us feel insecure about everything from our physical looks to our sexuality.

You would be very shocked to discover that this #erotica author is pretty conservative. Yet I have embraced my sexuality. I enjoy sex. Often. I have multiple orgasms 99% of the time. If you label me a slut or a whore, you’re about to be shamed. The only partner I ever had is my husband. Frankly, for me, it’s incredibly arousing to know that he is the only one that’s ever touched me intimately. It didn’t matter to him at first but now I think it’s arousing for him as well.

Embracing our sexuality means discovering the things that arouse us. Are you visual? Do you like to watch? Or do you prefer to use your imagination and read? Do you prefer vanilla sex or are you more curious about taboo subjects?

Given the popularity of the 50 Shades series, it seems that a lot of women are now interested in the BDSM lifestyle. I applaud sexual curiosity, but I caution, the fantasy is sometimes better than reality. A long time ago, I asked my then boyfriend to engage in a little light bondage. The moment my hands were bound, I began to think: What have I done? I’m completely helpless and at his mercy. He could kill me or rape me. What if he wants to try something sexual I’m not ready for? I’m not exactly in a position to say no. After about thirty seconds of panic, I asked him to untie me. I was so relieved when he did. I learned a few things about myself. One, I was very naïve. I also realized that it’s ok to satisfy sexual curiositybut only with someone you trust. Obviously, at that particular moment, I didn’t trust him fully.

In my journey to discovering and embracing my sexuality, I discovered erotica. There are so many subgenres, I’m sure there is something for everyone. Almost a decade later, I am writing erotic and I would classify it as feminist erotica because my females are strong women who stand up for themselves. Some might be more submissive than others, but they are not doormats. My main characters treat each other with respect, even if one is more dominant than the other.

In my newest novella, Isabella’s Dilemma, Isabella faces a choice that most women eventually face: housewife or career?

Isabella is a Soldier. In her culture, this is simply not done. Her father expects her to be a housewife. Incidentally, her soul mate has the same expectations. Izzy has to decide which is more important: being a “good” mate an giving up her career to raise (future) children or sacrifice her love life so she can focus on her career. She faces an extreme choice.

Real women make these choices with varying degrees of compromise. Some women stay at home and once their children are old enough, they return to work. Some chose to be a “housewife” permanently while others remain childless and focus solely on their careers, like Oprah.

The wonderful thing about feminism is that we have a choice. We can choose to be full time or part time house wives. We can also choose not to be a housewife. The choice is entirely ours. So embrace your sexuality and read an erotic novella. I hope you will check out Isabella’s Dilemma and see if she made the right choice for her.

~Diana”

One interview cannot change my mind, but Diana has presented some thoughts to allow for exploration of the concept of feminist erotica.  PLEASE remember, that the beliefs expressed in the interview belong to Diana Persaud and do not speak for the author of this blog, Aya Walksfar.

If you wish to learn more about Diana Persaud….

Connect with Diana: www.facebook.com/diana.persaud.146

Blog: http://dianapersaud1.wordpress.com/

Follow Diana on Twitter @LuciensMate to receive tweets about Giveaways and New Releases. Don’t forget to check out her webpage dedicated to Lucien and his pack, dianapersaud.weebly.com.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7314263.DianaPersaud

Discover Diana’s eBooks on:

Amazon.com/Diana-Persaud/e/B00FPOAEAM

Apple: log in with your iTunes account and search Diana Persaud

http://ca.axis360.baker-taylor.com

Barnes and Noble:  Go to Barnes and Noble then search for Lucien’s Mate by Diana Persaud

http://search.dieselbooks.com/index.php?page=seek&id%5Bm%5D=&id%5Bc%5D=scope%253Dinventory&id%5Bq%5D=diana+persaud

Kobo

Smashwords  http://www.smashwords.com/author/dianapersaud

Sony (this site is slow to update new releases)

Don’t miss exciting new posts!  CLICK AND FOLLOW! Every week brings new thoughts and explorations into the world of the mind and soul!

Connect with Aya on facebook and see the awesome VIDEOS and other postings at http://www.facebook.com/ayawalksfar

Have you heard the latest about the heart-breaking case the Special Crimes Team faces now? If not, go to http://www.facebook.com/AyaWalksfarAuthor and check out the updates for Street Harvest, Book 2, Special Crimes Team. COMING SOON! TO BE RELEASED FEBRUARY 21st! Watch for this exciting mystery to become available on Amazon.

#THRILLER : A PERFECT DAY BOOK REVIEW

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1e40b20/

CHECK OUT THIS COOL GIVEAWAY! JUST CLICK THE ABOVE LINK TO RAFFLECOPTER.

#BOOKREVIEW BY AYA WALKSFAR: THE PERFECT DAY

A nail-biting #thriller!

Gunnar Lawrence’s book hooked me from the first page. The author has woven a story full of surprising twists and turns. How does a homeless man figure in a series of seemingly unrelated murders? What does the killing of illegal immigrants have to do with the past war in Iraq?

The descriptions are spare, but they draw the reader right into the scene.

The characters are so well-drawn that I felt like I wanted to help that homeless man, assist that woman and her daughter; and they weren’t even the main characters!

It’s a novel with graphic violence that isn’t gruesome. That is a difficult thing to pull off.

The chapters give the reader different perspectives on the unfolding drama, but it is all woven into a tight story.

The subtle romance in the book doesn’t depend on sex or the ‘hottest looking…’  It’s real and poignant.

The Perfect Day is a story with meat on its bones and heart in its plot. A book that I highly recommend.

WHERE TO FIND GUNNAR ANGEL LAWRENCE:

https://www.facebook.com/gunnarangel.lawrence

https://twitter.com/GunnarALawrence

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445679.Gunnar_Angel_Lawrence

http://gunnarangellawrence.blogspot.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Detective-Paul-Friedman-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B00CKS8FFM/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387042785&sr=1-6

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-day-gunnar-lawrence/1116237807?ean=2940045186636

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/339529

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1e40b20/

Did you find this post interesting? Would love to hear!

Want to get notified of more interesting posts? Just click on the Follow button.

You can also visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ayawalksfar

#INTERVIEW: THRILLER AUTHOR GUNNAR LAWRENCE

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1e40b20/

CHECK OUT THIS COOL GIVEAWAY! JUST CLICK THE ABOVE LINK TO RAFFLECOPTER.

#INTERVIEW WITH #THRILLER WRITER GUNNAR ANGEL LAWRENCE

Why did you write this book?

It’s been on my mind since I first heard of the “Perfect Day” scenario plans discovered by US Military forces shortly after 9/11. It was a sort of “what would happen if” the horror that is a terrorist attack found its way to the most innocent and family friendly destination, Orlando, Florida.

How is your book different from other books about terrorists?

Most books pit an elite trained force (CIA, FBI, etc) against terrorists. In the Perfect Day, when the elite trained forces are scattered to the wind, it’s up to a detective, a reporter and a fraud examiner to do what they can.

Who is your favorite character and why?

I like Paul Friedman. He is a no nonsense kind of detective who is very good at his job. He’s observant, smart and has a personable feel to him. Gary Michaels is complex and has had a rough life going through what he has. It’s hard for me to choose just one.

How would you describe your writing style?

Fast paced. Action oriented.

Do you have other published books?

Yes. The first Paul Friedman thriller is entitled Fair Play. It’s the story of a pedophile and murderer who gets off on a technicality. I make a living as a freelance writer so many of the other books I have published are of non-fiction variety. There are also a number of adult titles that I did for a short period of time. I’m hoping to break out of that type of writing and stick with the thriller novels that I enjoy so much.

What advice would you give to new writers about self-publishing?

Keep writing. It is a hard road but there is an increasing number of indie authors who forego the traditional route and do so with pretty decent results. Things are changing in the publishing industry and it is becoming less and less desirable to opt for the old way of doing things.

How important is cover design and how did you decide on your cover?

Cover design is important because like it or not, people DO judge a book by it. When I saw the image in my search for The Perfect Day cover I knew I had the one I wanted. An hourglass set against a setting sun: it was just haunting.

What do you do when you aren’t busy writing?

I work full time as a freelance writer.  When I am not writing for a new novel, or a work project, I am either reading or working out at the gym.

Who is your favorite author and why?

For thrillers, I really enjoy the Steven James works The Pawn, The Bishop, etc. Lots of action, lots of twists and turns and you just never know what is going to happen.

Five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

Hopefully, putting out a book every year or more. If I am able to sell enough so that I don’t have to write on the ebook or ghostwriting projects, it would be great for me and I could breathe a little more. After The Perfect Day comes the third book entitled, The Consortium. I’m hoping to finish that one in early 2015. If I’m not spending forty hours a week writing other things, it might be sooner.

#BOOKREVIEW BY AYA WALKSFAR: THE PERFECT DAY

A nail-biting thriller!

Gunnar Lawrence’s book hooked me from the first page. The author has woven a story full of surprising twists and turns. How does a homeless man figure in a series of seemingly unrelated murders? What does the killing of illegal immigrants have to do with the past war in Iraq?

The descriptions are spare, but they draw the reader right into the scene.

The characters are so well-drawn that I felt like I wanted to help that homeless man, assist that woman and her daughter; and they weren’t even the main characters!

It’s a novel with graphic violence that isn’t gruesome. That is a difficult thing to pull off.

The chapters give the reader different perspectives on the unfolding drama, but it is all woven into a tight story.

The subtle romance in the book doesn’t depend on sex or the ‘hottest looking…’  It’s real and poignant.

The Perfect Day is a story with meat on its bones and heart in its plot. A book that I highly recommend.

WHERE TO FIND GUNNAR ANGEL LAWRENCE:

https://www.facebook.com/gunnarangel.lawrence

https://twitter.com/GunnarALawrence

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6445679.Gunnar_Angel_Lawrence

http://gunnarangellawrence.blogspot.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Detective-Paul-Friedman-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B00CKS8FFM/ref=sr_1_6?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1387042785&sr=1-6

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-day-gunnar-lawrence/1116237807?ean=2940045186636

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/339529

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1e40b20/

Did you find this post interesting? Would love to hear!

Want to get notified of more interesting posts? Just click on the Follow button.

You can also visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ayawalksfar

#Interview with #ChantalBellehumeur, #Horror Novelist

Interviewer:  I am pleased to have the opportunity to interview #ChantalBellehumeur after having read her #horror novel, Just Another Common Killer. Tell me, Chantal, have you always been a Ripperologist?

Chantal Bellehumeur: No, just since coming back from Whitechapel.  I was fascinated by the unsolved mystery of Jack the Ripper’s murders and took the #JacktheRipper walk, feeling very nostalgic for some unknown reason.  Later on, I started doing research and decided that I wanted to create a character based on this mystery man.  I thought it would be interesting to write about his reincarnation and make him more monstrous than in real life.  I thought about all the evil characters from horror stories as well as real life and kind of meshed them into a single being.   

Interviewer: Was there a lot of research in the writing of  Just Another Common Killer?

Chantal Bellehumeur: Yes.

Interviewer: I noticed that you used a style I don’t often see, and I call it a reportorial style for its tight writing. Why did you use the reportorial style of writing?

Chantal Bellehumeur: It wasn’t a conscious decision.    

Interviewer: If Jack had a dog, what breed would it be? Why?

Chantal Bellehumeur: Jack would most likely end up killing his dog.

Interviewer: What is Jack’s favorite color?

Chantal Bellehumeur: Black

Interviewer: Why does Jack believe he is the reincarnation of Jack the Ripper?

Chantal Bellehumeur: As a child he murders his two sisters in the same fashion as two of Jack the Ripper’s victims.  Under hypnosis, he talked about the unsolved murders as thought he was the Ripper himself and draws a man in a top hat as his self-portrait.  Later on in his life, he starts to have flashbacks of his past life and of the murders he committed…

Interviewer: What author inspires you and why?

Chantal Bellehumeur: I try not to let other author’s work inspire me.  There are a lot of great authors out there with different styles and interesting ideas.  I would not want to steal any part of their work.

Interviewer: What was the first thing you ever wrote? (whether or not for publication)

Chantal Bellehumeur: That’s actually a tough question.  I used to make little books when I was a child so I really can’t remember what the first one was about.

Interviewer: What is your strongest motivation for writing?

Chantal Bellehumeur: I have a passion for it and it is like air to me.  My readers give me that extra push. 

Interviewer: In five years from now, where do you see yourself as a writer?

Chantal Bellehumeur: I hope to have written many more stories…

To find out more about this amazing author:

AMAZON

US Amazon Author page

http://www.amazon.com/Chantal-Bellehumeur/e/B008YX5YGK/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Canada Amazon page

http://www.amazon.ca/Books/s?ie=UTF8&field-author=Chantal%20Bellehumeur&page=1&rh=n%3A916520%2Cp_27%3AChantal%20Bellehumeur

UK Amazon Author page

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Chantal-Bellehumeur/e/B008YX5YGK

Bookstop Cafe

Just.Another.Common.Killer will be sold in this UK bookstore
www.bookstopcafe.com

 GOODREADS 

Goodreads Author account.  Please post reviews.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4538804.Chantal_Bellehumeur

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCJj5joeFDE

7 Novels available to purchase on Amazon + short story published in The Suburban Online magazine.

jack cover art 407697_10152195815435262_230225100_n[1]

Ruby Standing Deer Bestselling Author

Today I #interview #RubyStandingDeer, the #bestsellingauthor of  #CIRCLES, the first book in her  #NativeAmerica series. The second book, #SPIRALS, has also garnered much praise.  Ruby kindly consented to share her thoughts on books, and on life, with us.

Interviewer: What inspired you to write a series about #NativeAmerica several hundred years ago?

Ruby Standing Deer:  I dream a lot. In this dream, a Native elder sat in a chair across from me. He crossed his arms and started into my eyes. “Why don’t you get off your butt and write a book?” he grinned then faded. I jerked up and asked, “What book?”  No answer.

I started to drift off and only moments later, I heard a woman telling me about herself, and about her grandson. At three AM I found myself sitting in my chair with the laptop open. It did not take long before I had written a chapter, then two.  This is how #CIRCLES was born.

Interviewer: I noticed that your books do not contain explicit sexual content, nor do they have excessive violence.  What moved you to write without the sex and violence when many books today have a lot of both?

Ruby Standing Deer: Sex is a scared, private matter to be shared by a couple. Among my people it was not spoken of. I kept this tradition.

Violence, in ancient North America among the various tribes and clans, was not absent by any means. Many times, however, differences were worked out through talk. Even to garner honor in battle, it was not always necessary to kill the enemy. In fact, it was considered far braver to ‘touch’ an enemy than to outright kill them. It was called coup (pronounced coo).
Today, too many books are filled with violence, revenge and hatred. Isn’t there enough? Must it be that way for entertainment as well? Violence is at the core of many television shows, the news, and in real life, in your neighborhood.  Why must it be in all of the stories we read? Isn’t it enough to enjoy #humor, #spirituality, and just relax and read a good story where death is not the central theme?

Interviewer: I write #mysteries, you know the usual mayhem and #murder, but you’re right. There are times it is nice to sit down with a book that  centers around things other than death and killing, and sex, which often confused with love both in real life and in novels.

Tell me, Ruby, who is your favorite character, and why?

Ruby Standing Deer: Bright Sun Flower and Feather Floating In Water–who becomes known as Shining Light– are two characters who remind me of myself. I am the grandmother and the grandson put in one body. I may not have the powerful dream visions they do, but I do experience dreams, and I listen to the Spirits when they speak.

Bright Sun Flower loves life and so does her grandson. They see so much more than others do by just opening up. She is a teacher, and a guide. Throughout the story she tries to pass on her knowledge to the next generation. Like Bright Sun Flower, I also have dedicated my life to passing on knowledge.

In my books, I try to provide something that many #kids today are without: a connection to #tradition. Unfortunately, most kids spend a lot of time in day care centers and other care centers because both of their parents must work. Grandparents, unlike the old days, are often too far away to interact with the kids, even if they aren’t working out-of-the-home jobs. Consequently, the kids lose that connection to the past, to their own traditions. 

Once kids learned from their grandparents and their parents about sacred things, about everyday ways of looking at the world, about how to value and respect all living things. Times have changed and kids are no longer given that. In my books, I show how it once was and hope that some of the teachings that Feather and Bright Sun Flower share will reach across the pages and touch the kids.

Feather is full of energy, curiosity, and has a lust for life. He has to grow up much faster than a child should. He and I share this, as we also share Feather’s curiosity about life. And, heh, maybe we share his mouth, too.

Interviewer: You have published CIRCLES and the second book of the series, Spirals.  Are you currently working on a third book in this series?  If so, can you give us a “back cover blurb” about it and when you expect it to be released?

Ruby Standing Deer: I am two-thirds finished with STONES, the third book. Part of my childhood was spent on the back of a horse. It was there that I learned what true freedom really meant. STONES became much more than a book for me after reading about a man who raced to the wild horse auction, not to get the best horses for his ranch, but to get the best for the slaughter house. Each fall there are many roundups of these magnificent, beautiful, Sacred animals. Many are pregnant and give birth in the holding pens. Their foals die. The slaughter men call the horses and their young a waste of space.

Interviewer: Wow, that’s sad. It’s my understanding that many of these #wildhorses are grazing on public lands that have been leased for extremely low rates to large ranchers and that is where some of the conflict comes in: the ranchers don’t want the wild horses, a part of America’s heritage, to eat the food from the public lands. They want the grass for their cattle and their horses which then increases their profits.

So, STONES illuminates the slaughter of #wildhorses. What’s the rest of the story?

Ruby Standing DeerSTONES is about more than rescuing mustangs from a band who tracks them down for the hairy-faces (what they call whites in the story). The Hairy-faces don’t want Native People to acquire mustangs as it would increase their ability to resist the influx of the whites.

This story is about the journey of two young people, Singing Stone and Dove, both of whom are following sacred tradition.  Singing Stone is protecting a small herd of  mustangs from the Likes To Fight People and the Hairy-faces (whites so named because of the hair on the men’s faces.)

Far away in the Land of Tall Trees, Dove, the daughter of the Holy Man, Shining Light, dreams of the mustang boy. Through visions, she is told that she must go to Singing Stone and help him protect the #mustangs. Another dream tells her she must hurry for danger is closing in on the mustangs.

Interviewer: Will this third book complete the series, or will it run longer?

Ruby Standing Deer: I am not sure if there will be a fourth book. It depends on where I am led. I listen to my dreams, take long walks with my dogs and set my mind free. It is those times I ‘see’ what to do next.

Interviewer: How did you find your publisher? Did you query a lot of publishers, or find one right away?

Ruby Standing Deer: My editor/publisher, and I were in a writing group together a long time ago. The writing group, we both learned, was a scam. You bought ‘tokens’ from the site’s creators. Then, you took the tokens and bid on people in auctions to have them review your chapter. Unfortunately, except my editor/publisher, there was not one writer in the group.

Interviewer: What piece of advice would you give to new writers about working with a publisher?

Ruby Standing Deer: Find one who will listen to you, not tell you what he/she wants. Indie publishers are more likely to work with you, listen to you and then advise you.

Visit Ruby’s website at:    http://www.rubystandingdeer.com

Connect with Ruby on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/ruby.deer

http://www.amazon.com/Circles-ebook/dp/B006TIE72E/

http://www.amazon.com/Spirals-ebook/dp/B00AGO0UOQ/

MEET RONALD ARNEAU, COMPUTER SPECIALIST, SPECIAL CRIMES TEAM

MEET RONALD ARNEAU, COMPUTER SPECIALIST FOR SPECIAL #CRIMES TEAM

Interviewer: Mr. Arneau, thank you for coming to this #interview.

Ronald Arneau: (grins) Just call me Ronald. Everyone except the Special Crimes Team does.

Interviewer: Why don’t they call you Ronald?

Ronald Arneau: (shrugs) Everyone’s too uptight right now.

Interviewer: Why’s that?

Ronald Arneau: (frowns) This case we’re working on…(shakes head) It’s, well, it’s really difficult, but that’s all I can say about it or Lieutenant Williams will skin me.

Interviewer: (smiles) Okay, I won’t ask anything else about the case. I don’t want to get you skinned. May I ask why you wound up on the Special #Crimes Team?

Ronald Arneau: (presses lips together for a moment before answering) Well, the governor wanted me on it. That’s really all I’m allowed to say. I don’t need to piss the governor off. (murmurs very softly: again)

Interviewer: (steeples fingertips together) All right. I don’t want to tick off the governor, either, so we’ll leave that line of questions. Tell me, Ronald, what do you do on the Special Crimes Team? You’re not a #cop, are you?

Ronald Arneau: (Big grin) Not a cop. Don’t want to be a #cop.

I do whatever they need done that involves a #computer. Like the first thing Lieutenant Williams wanted me to do, even before we had our first official team meeting, was to set up everyone’s #laptop and create a Team Room where everything about the case can be posted.

Interviewer: Hmmm… Don’t laptops come pre-installed these days?

Ronald Arneau: (sits up straight and leans toward interviewer. Eyes are sparkling with enthusiasm) Most laptops that the general public would purchase come with a basic operating system and whatever application you order. The laptops for our team require additional software that only the police department has access to, as well as additional security software.

Interviewer: (cocks a brow at Arneau) Hmmm, I get the feeling you are telling me much less than the whole truth with that answer. What is a Team Room?

Ronald Arneau: You can think of a Team Room as a big library where we can securely store all kinds of information about active cases, and even have an archive for closed cases. This allows the team members to share information more easily.

Interviewer: (purses lips, gives a little whistle) Wow, that sounds darn complicated. I’m a technosaur, myself. What else will you be doing once everything is set up?

Ronald Arneau: Well, if they need research, I’ll do that; post #crime scene photos in the Team Room, examine computers or storage devices recovered in raids to extract evidence, trace IP addresses to find where communications or postings originated. If any of the team members have a problem with their laptop I can trouble shoot and help resolve those issues. Like I said before, anything related to a computer is my job.

Interviewer: (widens eyes and rolls them)  Wow! I’m impressed! That’s a brain fry; maybe we can move on to something that I’ll actually understand.

Ronald Arneau: (chuckles)

Interviewer: Do you live in #Seattle?

Ronald Arneau: (face settles into serious look) Yes. I wanted to get my own place, but I’ve kind of put that off for a little while. My dad’s sick.

Interviewer: I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like you’ve lived here for a while. What are some of your favorite things about Seattle?

Ronald Arneau: I grew up in Seattle. I guess the thing I like most about Seattle is the #Pacific #Science #Center. My parents started taking me there when I was a kid.

Interviewer: What do you like about the Pacific Science Center?

Ronald Arneau: (big grin) I love Science on a Sphere. They use computers and video projectors to display these radical images of the atmosphere, oceans and land on an illuminated sphere about six feet in diameter. And the images are dynamic. There’s datasets that let the system explain complex environmental processes. That exhibit just opened in 2010.

Then there’s the Laser Dome….Man, that is so awesome. These laser artists do live laser art set to music. Really slammin’.

The IMAX Theater is really great, too. The Hunger Games is going to be shown there soon.

But I guess one of the things I’ve loved about the Center for years is the Tropical Butterfly House. You walk into this tropical jungle set up and there’s all these different types of live butterflies, just hanging on the plants and walls, and flying around, and sometimes they even land on you. There’s even a chrysalis viewing window where you can watch a new butterfly emerging.

Interviewer: I’ve gone to the Pacific Science Center years ago, but now I’m going to have to make time to visit it again. I’d forgotten about the Butterfly House, and the Laser Dome.

Well, Ronald, I’m afraid we’re out of time, already. It has been a pleasure talking with you.

For those who would like to know more about the Pacific Science Center:

http://www.pacificsciencecenter.org

To learn more about Ronald Arneau, read Sketch of a Murder, Book 1, Special Crimes Team   http://www.amazon.com/Sketch-Murder-Special-Crimes-Team-ebook/dp/B00KU6AIPQ

Sketch of a Murderebook 7 30 2014

 

 

MEET DR. IRENE NELSON, #FBI, SPECIAL CRIMES TEAM

MEET DR. IRENE NELSON, FBI, #SPECIALCRIMESTEAM

Interviewer:  Dr. Irene Nelson is with us today. Thank you, Dr. Nelson for consenting to this #interview.

Dr. Nelson:  (inclines head slightly) My pleasure.

Interviewer: How did you happen to be assigned to the #Special #Crimes #Team, Doctor?

Dr. Nelson: Governor Marleton and I met a few months ago at a conference. When she felt it would be beneficial to create a special law enforcement unit to deal with certain crimes that crossed jurisdictions, she contacted the Assistant Director. They had known each other for years, so it was logical to ask him for input. My name came up, and….(she spreads her hands a little in an open gesture with a small smile) here I am.

Interviewer: Are you referring to the #murders of Dr. James Benning and Roland Henry?

Dr. Nelson: Those cases were assigned to the Special Crimes Team.

Interviewer: Wasn’t Dr. Benning a contributor to Governor Marleton’s last campaign?

Dr. Nelson: You would know the answer to that question better than I would. Politics is not my forte.

Interviewer: From my research, I understand that Lieutenant Williams, the head of the Special Crimes Team, has in the past objected to what he referred to as “Bureau interference.” How did he feel about Governor Marleton bringing you in?

Dr. Nelson: (face very serious) Lieutenant Williams is a dedicated professional law enforcement officer. He recognizes that additional resources can sometimes produce quicker results.

Interviewer: (gives a little grin) Hmm. So he really wasn’t all that thrilled at getting an #FBI agent dumped in his case, but figured that since he couldn’t kick you out, he’d take advantage of the extra help. Is that about right?

Dr. Nelson: (a smile tugs the corners of her lips. Her eyes twinkle) What an interesting theory based on your original question and my response.

Interviewer: I hope you aren’t offended, but I did a bit of research on your career.

Dr. Nelson: I’m honored that you found me that interesting.

Interviewer:  It seems that you’ve taken the long road to where you are today. Your first career was as a heart surgeon then you became a psychiatrist.  Why?

Dr. Nelson: I found heart surgery rather …predictable.

Interviewer: Is that code for boring?

Dr. Nelson: It is never boring to save a life. (She gives a small smile that takes any sting out of her words) I simply find the mind a more interesting part of the human body.

Interviewer: How does a heart surgeon slash psychiatrist– whose father is a well-known heart surgeon and whose mother is an equally well-known gynecologist– go from practicing psychiatry to becoming a Special Agent in Charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and then from there go on to join the Behavioral Analysis Unit, the #BAU, of the FBI?

Dr. Nelson: (raises a brow and quirks a smile) My, my, you really did research my background. (all levity fades from her face) However, you didn’t spread your net quite wide enough. A few years after I began practicing psychiatric medicine, my first cousin, Peter O’Reilly, was murdered in his own home. He had been a Special Agent in Charge for a number of years. His killer was eventually apprehended due to the work of the BAU. Being only children, and growing up in the same neighborhood, Peter and I were exceptionally close.

Interviewer: I’m sorry for your loss, Dr. Nelson. And, you’re right; obviously I didn’t research deep enough. Thank you for sharing.

Dr. Nelson: It’s been many years since Peter’s death, but I still miss him.

Interviewer: (glances at watch) It appears that our time is almost up. We’ve been talking about some pretty serious stuff, so let’s end this on a happier note. Will you share with us one #facebook page that you enjoy, one #restaurant you love, and one place you want to go visit someday?

Dr. Nelson: (a big smile spreads across her face and up to cause her eyes to twinkle) I’d love to. One #facebook page, hmm, (taps lip with index finger) I believe the one I am currently enjoying the most is called Wild and Wise Women; a close second, though, is one called Cops Kind to Critters.

As for a restaurant…. As you know, I live in Virginia and haven’t been in this area for long; however, I met a lovely lady at Pike Place Market in #Seattle and we got to talking. She told me about a small eatery in #Anacortes. She said the town itself was well worth the drive north and she recommended #Gere-a-Deli as the place to have lunch. It’s in an old bank building on Commercial Street. The prime rib sandwich had thick slabs of prime rib, the bread was melt-in-your-mouth fresh, and the deserts are simply to die for.

Interviewer: Wow, now I’m hungry!

Dr. Nelson: (chuckles) You really have to try it out. Now, the last question: a place I would like to visit.  ( a dreamy look settles on her face) There are so many beautiful places in our world: #Mount Haleakala on #Maui in the Hawaiian Islands. I’ve seen photos of it, simply fascinating. #Yellowstone Park, I’ve never been there, but I’ve always wanted to see the geyser, Old Faithful. A cruise to Alaska’s on my list, too. (Her light laugh is like warm chocolate) However, of all the beautiful places I have yet to see, I think the one I would most like to visit is the #Redwood #Forest in California. Even though I am not a woodsy-type woman, I feel it must be so inspiring, so spiritual to walk among those ancient trees.

Interviewer:  I did have the good fortune a few years ago to visit that area. Those trees are truly awesome, and the drive is beautiful.  Well, Dr. Nelson, we are out of time. I want to thank you again for coming.

For those who would like to know more about Dr. Nelson’s choices:

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/wildandwisewomen

http://www.facebook.com/copskindtocritters

Redwood National Park:  http://www.redwood.national-park.com/

Maui, Hawaii:  http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions…maui/haleakala-national-park

Gere-a-Deli, Anacortes, Washington:  http://www.gere-a-deli.com/

To learn more about the Special Crimes Team and Dr. Irene Nelson:

To learn more about Irene Nelson, FBI, read Sketch of a Murder http://www.amazon.com/Sketch-Murder-Special-Crimes-Team-ebook/dp/B00KU6AIPQ

Stay tuned to this blog for all the latest and greatest!

Visit Aya at http://www.facebook.com/ayawalksfar   or   http://www.facebook.com/AyaWalksfarAuthor

MEET DETECTIVE FREDERICK ALBERT, SPECIAL CRIMES TEAM

MEET DETECTIVE FREDERICK ALBERT, SPECIAL CRIMES TEAM

(Interviewer) It is my pleasure today to interview Detective Frederick Albert of the Special Crimes Team. Detective Albert, thank you for coming.

Detective Albert: You’re quite welcome. (sits straight, hands resting on the chair arms, spring-green eyes meet interviewer’s in a friendly gaze.)

Interviewer: We have been getting to know some of the members of your elite law enforcement team. My audience and I would love to get to know you. (Interviewer waits to see if Detective Albert will respond, but he sits quietly) What can you share with us about yourself?

Detective Albert: (elbows propped on chair arms, fingertips steepled lightly together, a slow smile touches his well-shaped lips) There are many things, Ms. Walksfar, that I could share with you, however, since our time is limited I will attempt to stick to the most salient facts.

I spent a number of years in the Marine Corp and when I left the Service I entered the police academy. Fresh out of the Academy, I hired onto the Spokane Police Department where I worked my way up to detective. When the opportunity arose to join the Special Crimes Team, I accepted. Lieutenant Williams has an exemplary reputation as a fair superior with excellent investigative skills. (falls silent and lifts a brow as if to say: next question)

Interviewer: Is the reality of the Special Crimes Team what you expected?

Detective Albert: (tilts head slightly as he watches interviewer for a moment) Is anything in life exactly as we expect? (His slow smile is warm) As for the Special Crimes Team: the team is staffed by dedicated, capable investigators. According to the guidelines set out by Governor Marleton when she formed the team, we are mandated to deal with the worst cases of man’s inhumanity to man. Before I joined the team, I was made aware of our mission.

Interviewer: (He fell silent and went into waiting mode again) Do you live in Seattle, Detective Albert?

Detective Albert: (takes a sip of his coffee that has been setting on the table next to him) Yes, ma’am, I do. Seattle is a fascinating city.  It boasts a wide variety of ethnic foods and cultures; there are theatrical and musical performances one might attend; and the waterfront is awash—pun intended–with interesting activities. How can one not appreciate such diversity?

Interviewer: Do you have any special places, or activities, that you would like to share with us?

Detective Albert: (gaze turns thoughtful) I believe two of my favorite places are the Seattle Art Museum and the University of Washington’s Botanic Gardens, also known as the Arboretum.  Art is uplifting and trees are peaceful.

Interviewer: (glances at clock) Darn it! We are out of time, Detective Albert. It has been such a pleasure speaking with you.

Detective Albert: I assure you, Ms. Walksfar, that the pleasure was mine.

SKETCH OF A MURDER, THE SPECIAL CRIMES TEAM’S FIRST CASE!

Get it here:  http://www.amazon.com/Sketch-Murder-Special-Crimes-Team-ebook/dp/B00KU6AIPQ

Sketch of a Murderebook 7 30 2014

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To learn more about the University of Washington’s Botanic Gardens go to:   http://www.depts.washington.edu/uwbg/gardens/wpa.shtml

To learn more about the Seattle Art Museum go to:   http://www.seattleartmuseum.org

MEET DETECTIVE MAIZIE O’HARA SPECIAL CRIMES TEAM

Interviewer:  This week I am privileged to interview Special Crimes Team member, Detective Maizie O’Hara.  Detective O’Hara, thank you for taking time for this interview.

Detective O’Hara: (smiles) Lieutenant Williams said it would be good for us to talk to you, so here I am.

Interviewer:  Are you a native of Seattle?

Detective O’Hara: No, ma’am. I grew up in Ellensburg, but I moved to Tacoma.

Interviewer:  Were you a detective in Tacoma?

Detective O’Hara: Yes, ma’am.

Interviewer:  What brought you to Seattle and the Special Crimes Team?

Detective O’Hara: (a cloud passes over her face) I…felt like it was in my best interest for my career.

Interviewer:  (lifts brow) Would you care to elaborate on that?

Detective O’Hara:  No, ma’am. (Her lips press tightly together)

Interviewer:  Okay. Let’s talk about something else. What do you think about having a woman as the second in command of your unit?

Detective O’Hara:  (Beams a big smile) I think it’s awesome! Don’t get me wrong, though. Lieutenant Williams is really great, too.

Interviewer:  Why did you become a police officer, Detective O’Hara?

Detective O’Hara:  (All signs of levity disappears) To help women. I want to help men, too, but I became a cop to help women.

Interviewer:  Do you think you’ve been able to do that, so far?

Detective O’Hara:  (A furrow appears between her eyes and her lips turn down at the corners) Yes, I believe I have.

Interviewer:   Then why the down look on your face?

Detective O’Hara:   (Bites her bottom lip) Well…I guess I idolized law enforcement before I became a cop, and for a while after. (takes in a deep breath and lets it out slow) But sometimes, being a cop isn’t enough. As a cop, I have to stay objective, but sometimes, I need to get involved to make sure that justice happens. It kind of…(she shrugs) It kind of wore the shine off the brass, I guess, when I figured that out.

Interviewer:  (after she is silent for a long moment, interviewer speaks) Can you tell me anything more specific about your epiphany?

Detective O’Hara:   No, ma’am.

Interviewer:  You’re a police officer and you serve all of us that way. Are there things that you do to specifically try to help women?

Detective O’Hara:   Well, I volunteer at a domestic abuse women’s shelter. I read to the kids so the women can have their support meeting. You know, so the little kids don’t interrupt and…well, women don’t always like to talk about stuff around little kids. And, I’m going on a walk in November with some women friends to show support for domestic abuse survivors. And, I have a friend with a facebook page and sometimes I post links on it that are important.

Interviewer:  Sounds like you’re pretty serious when you say you want to help women. Why don’t you have a facebook page?

Detective O’Hara:  (ducks head) I’m not very good with techie stuff. (raises her head and gives interviewer a shy smile) I have a girlfriend who’s going to teach me about doing a facebook page. We just haven’t had the time yet.

Interviewer:  I’m not great with techie stuff either. (gives a smile to Detective O’Hara) What kind of links do you post?

Detective O’Hara:  Stuff about domestic violence, and sometimes links to pages where women are doing something important to help the world and each other.

Interviewer:  If there was only one link you could recommend that people go check out, which link would that be?

Detective O’Hara:  (catches lip with teeth and worries at it)  Well…there’s a blog called upworthy.com and they posted this link to a site where these women in Amsterdam do this really powerful dance performance. They’re in the Red Light District over there and they’re dancing in the windows of this building, like an apartment building and there’s all these men gathering on the street to watch them dance because….(a flush reddens her cheeks), because it’s really very sensual. You know?

Interviewer nods

Detective O’Hara;  Anyway, after the dance is over a big sign up on the top of the building flashes and says: “every year thousands of women are promised a dance career in Western Europe. Sadly, they end up here.”  Then it flashes “Stop the traffick. People shouldn’t be bought and sold.” Actually, according to Upworthy millions of people are affected by human trafficking every year; not just women in Europe. Their whole dance was about making people, men especially, understand how terrible human trafficking is.

Interviewer:  Whoa, sounds like a powerful video. I will definitely post that link here. We’re almost out of time. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the women of our audience?

Detective O’Hara: Just…well, just don’t let anyone tell you stuff like you aren’t good enough, or pretty enough, or thin enough. You are enough, just the way you are!And, if they say stuff like that, get away from them because they aren’t really your friend.

Interviewer:  Again, Detective O’Hara, thank you for coming in and sharing with us.

To visit the site recommended by Detective O’Hara:

“Who Doesn’t Like to Watch Half-Naked Girls Dancing? These Guys After They See Why It’s Happening    http://www.upworthy.com/who-doesnt-like-to-watch-half-naked-girls-dancing-these-guys-after-they-see-why-its-happening   (Red Light District, Amsterdam.)

To learn more about Detective Maizie O’Hara, read Sketch of a Murder, Book 1, Special Crimes Team  http://www.amazon.com/Sketch-Murder-Special-Crimes-Team-ebook/dp/B00KU6AIPQ

Sketch of a Murderebook 7 30 2014

Visit Aya at http://www.facebook.com/ayawalksfar