A Journey of Words--Blog Tour: Patricia Stover-Creepers

The "A Journey of Words" Blog Tour is making a stop to talk with author Patricia Stover about her story, "Creepers."

Author name: Patricia Stover

Title of your AJOW story: Creepers

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A bitter old woman in a competition to win a gardening contest finds a creepy greenhouse.

What inspired you to write this story? It was the first story I had ever written. I wrote it for my first creative writing class years ago. When I heard about the AJOW anthology I wanted to be a part of it but the deadline was closing in and I didn't have a story. I dug through some of my old writing and came across this one, originally titled, "The Perfect Garden."

How long have you been writing? About 9 years

What genre do you usually write and why? Horror. I grew up watching horror films and reading Goosebumps.

What else are you working on writing at the moment? I am writing my first book, "Hitchhiking With The Devil".

What advice do you have to give new writers? Write as much as you can, and what you don't know about writing, research.

How can people discover more about you and your work? 

www.PatriciaStover.wix.com/PatriciaStover orwww.facebook.com/authorjkenedy

A Journey of Words- Blog Tour: Marlon S. Hayes, Daddy's Boy

Today we check in with the super Marlon S. Hayes to talk about his story, "Daddy's Boy."

Author Name: Marlon S. Hayes

Title of my AJOW story: Daddy's Boy 

Synopsis: A man takes a long dreamt of road trip with his father, in an attempt to heal long held grudges and wounds.

What inspired me to write this story? After I wrote it, I realized the story sprang from all of the questions I would have liked to ask my own father, a deceased heroin addict, who was also a brilliant, talented artist.

How long have I been writing? I've been writing since I was 11, but I didn't take it seriously until 2013, when I published my first book.

What genre do I usually write in and why? I don't have a genre, other than plain fiction. I constantly challenge myself to write about different subjects, in order to become a better writer.

What else am I working on/writing at the moment? Finding a publisher for a novel, publishing a coffee table book of poems, editing a short story anthology, and my main WIP is tentatively titled "My Calling," the tale of life through a serial killer's eyes. 

My advice to new writers? Just write. Follow the processes of reading, writing, rewriting, and learning. Repetition makes a writer better.

How can people discover more about me and my work? Follow me daily @ Marlon's Writings on Facebook, where I post poetry, short stories, and updates

https://m.facebook.com/marlonswritings/

A Journey of Words-Blog Tour: Susan Gibbons--21 Minutes

On our first of two stops today, we visit with author, Susan Gibbons, about her story, "21 Minutes."

Author Name: Susan Gibbons

Title of your AJOW story: 21 Minutes

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A woman who is a germaphobe and has OCD tendencies rides the public metro.

What inspired you to write this story? Being a germaphobe with OCD tendencies, I thought "What could be the absolute worst journey of my life?" (because that's what I always think) and this story appeared. 

How long have you been writing? I had a poem published in an anthology when I was around 9 or 10 years old. A friend of mine, like a lot of kids, wanted to be part of a band and I wrote some songs. I kept a journal of little stories here and there. I still have them. In 6th grade, I had an idea to write a book that I finally finished when I was 44 years old! It is a novelette called "The Veil" and will be published as part of a 3 story inspirational-romance set.

What genre do you usually write in and why? Romance and inspirational-romance. I don't feel there is enough real romance or inspiration today. Romance isn't sex. Inspiration isn't a video game.

What else are you working on writing at the moment? My first romance book "The Mirror" will be out in autumn 2016. It is the first of The Dreamers Trilogy. I am revising and editing the other two books, as well as I've started a new book and am finishing up the 2 inspirational-romance set that goes along with "The Veil". This inspirational-romance set characters interact at least once with one or more characters of The Dreamers Trilogy.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? Never give up! I had a dream of being published when I was in elementary school. At the age of 45, that dream is finally coming true.

How can people discover more about you and your work? (Link to your blog/facebook/etc) FB: www.facebook.com/authorsusangibbons Website: seuglea.wixsite.com/authorsusangibbons

and Twitter: @WriterSGibbons

A Journey of Words Blog Tour: J. M. Ames, "The Last Ride"

For today's stop on the "A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, we chat with author, J. M. Ames about his story, "The Last Ride."

Author Name:  J.M. Ames

Title of your AJOW story: 

The Last Ride

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: 

A recollection of the narrator’s life and the many adventures he has had with his lifelong friend.

What inspired you to write this story? 

My closest childhood friend.

How long have you been writing? 

Professionally, since the start of 2016. As a hobby, off and on since I was 8 years old, back in 1983.

What genre do you usually write in and why? 

I am a pretty diverse writer. The Last Ride is creative nonfiction and stands out as the only nonfiction story I have. The rest of my body of work is fiction – be it mystery, adventure, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, or drama. I do plan on writing at least one short story in every major genre, if nothing else to stretch my abilities.

I pull from my life experiences when I write. Every story I have has at least a part of it that is based on something I have experienced in my life. In the case of The Last Ride, the entire story is. I find that I do my best writing when I write from the heart. Like most people that have been around for many decades, I have many experiences that lend themselves to each genre. I’ve been devastated, I’ve been in love, I’ve been horrified, I’ve been quite fulfilled, I’ve been filled with wonder, I’ve laughed so hard I couldn’t breathe. If I can relay those feelings to my readers, I’ve done my job well.

What else are you working on writing at the moment? 

I have several stories in various stages of development, ranging from shorts like The Last Ride to an epic 6-novel series. The two items you should expect next from me are a horror short for the next Scout Media anthology (A Haunting of Words), and a suburban fantasy novelette titled Phil. I am also working on a coming of age superhero story with my 9-year-old daughter.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? 

Write from the heart. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help, but don’t take other’s word as gospel. Most importantly – never stop writing!

How can people discover more about you and your work? (Link to your blog/facebook/etc) 

Website: https://jm-ames.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JM-Ames-676104905864145/

Twitter (@J_M_Ames): https://twitter.com/J_M_Ames

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-m-ames-985011119

The "A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, Day 8: Victoria Griffin, "Bottom of the River"

Today we chat with author Victoria Griffin, and feature her story, "Bottom of the River."

Author Name: Victoria Griffin

Title of your AJOW story: “Bottom of the River”

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A man takes a kayak down the river, revisits his life, and decides whether or not he has a future.

What inspired you to write this story? I began with an image of a kayak on a river. Once I began writing that image, the character’s story made me continue.

How long have you been writing? I have been writing as long as I can remember. I have a folder of scary stories from first grade, but my first publication was my junior year of high school, 2011. That was when I began to consider myself a writer.

What genre do you usually write in and why? Most of my stories are horror, suspense, drama, or some combination thereof. During creative writing class in high school, I absolutely loved the stillness in the room when I would read a suspenseful piece. That feeling is always in the back of my mind while I’m writing—is the reader tensing up yet?

What else are you working on writing at the moment? I am querying my suspense novel, Ghostlings, and drafting another, Left at the Sycamore. The former explores the ability of desperation to steal a person’s judgment. The latter deals with a topic I am extremely passionate about: the culture of belonging in southern Appalachia, as both an asset and a poison to the region.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Your life will never stop and say, “Okay, now write.” Your words will never fall pristine and polished onto the page. Writing is work. You have to wedge it into your schedule and tear apart your drafts line by line. But writing is the most rewarding work you will ever find. You get to create and to find truth in an inconsistent world. Remind yourself why you love writing, and do whatever you need to to keep working at it.

How can people discover more about you and your work? 

Website/Blog: VictoriaGriffin.net

Facebook: Facebook.com/victoriagriffinfiction

Twitter: Twitter.com/Victoria_grif7

The "A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, Day 7 -- Dennis Doty, "The Flying Tiger"

For today's stop along the "A Journey of Words" Blog Tour trail, we feature author Dennis Doty, and his story, "The Flying Tiger."

Author Name: Dennis Doty

Title of your AJOW story: The Flying Tiger

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A man wanders back to the old home place and finds himself talking to a pile of scrap lumber about the places they’ve been and the things they’ve done.

What inspired you to write this story? I was searching my memories for something to write about and somewhere among the dusty boots and broken bones I stumbled upon a childhood memory.

How long have you been writing? I wrote a couple of “creative” term papers in college, then just didn’t write again ‘til around 1989.  I started putting out a monthly newsletter for a bookstore I owned and caught the bug.  I started writing fiction while between jobs around 2004.  I didn’t start my first novel until 2015.

What genre do you usually write in and why? I write a lot that could be called Western or western themed, but I also write a lot of military, historical, slice of life kinds of things. 

 

What else are you working on writing at the moment? I am always writing short stories and essays and I have two Western themed novels in progress.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? Write.  Write any time you get a chance even if it’s only a few words.  Read.  Read anything you can get your hands on.  Read books in and out of your genre, read magazines.  Heck, if you don’t have anything else to read, walk downtown and read the window advertising.  Share.  Share your work with other writers and readers and try to get honest feedback.  Not the kind your kinfolk will shovel at you, but the real deal.  Ask what works and what doesn’t and why.

How can people discover more about you and your work?  Mostly you can find me at home writing, but if you can’t get out my way you can find me at www.dennisdotywebsite.com or www.facebook.com/authordennisdoty1.

"A Journey of Words" Blog Tour: Dawn Taylor - The Double Nickel Tour

For today's stop on the "A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, we visit with author Dawn Taylor and her story, "The Double Nickel Tour."

Author Name: Dawn Taylor

Title of your AJOW story: The Double Nickel Tour 

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A woman on her first international flight discovers her real journey is one of self-enlightenment.

What inspired you to write this story? A similar journey I took to overcome my fear of traveling.

How long have you been writing? Since I was a child, professionally since 2014.

What genre do you usually write in and why? I love suspense and mystery. My current manuscript is psychological horror.

What else are you working on writing at the moment? I am writing a collection of short stories with the common theme of “twist” endings. 

What advice do you have to give to new writers? Set a schedule and write as often as you can.

How can people discover more about you and your work? (Link to your blog/facebook/etc) 

https://www.facebook.com/authordawntaylor/

"A Journey of Words" Blog Tour: Douglas Esper, "Broken Wing"

Author Name: Douglas Esper

Title of your AJOW story: Broken Wing

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A young couple travels across the country to visit relatives. Along they way they pickup an unexpected passenger burdened with an old family secret.

What inspired you to write this story? My obsession with the impact our encounters with strangers have on the course of the universe and how those ripples effect our lives for generations.

How long have you been writing? More importantly, I’ve been creating stories since before I could put them down on paper.

What genre do you usually write in and why? This is one people keep telling me I need to figure out. I get that writing in one genre is easier to market, but so far I’ve jumped from thriller to new adult to horror, to sports fiction, to general fiction, to sci-fi, to western, to... I think if I could get myself to pick just one it would be mystery...or thriller...or suspense...or...

What else are you working on writing at the moment? a suspense/thriller novel, In The Watershed about a group of plane crash survivors stuck in a blizzard in the Rocky mountains...and one of them is a killer. A short story collection tied loosely together by blood relations, coincidence, greed, and an old Turkish rug. A young adult fantasy series that begins in a black and white world and our main characters aim to learn the secret power held in colors.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? Have faith in what you're doing and don't let yourself get bogged down by rules and other obstacles. 

How can people find out more about you and your work? www.douglasesper.com

"A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, Day 4: David Williams, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66"

Today marks the release of "A Journey of Words!" ( scoutmediabooksmusic.com )

Today is also the day we profile author David Williams and his story, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66."

 

David Williams

Author Name: David Williams

Title of your AJOW story: Get Your Kicks on Route 66 

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A man, recently diagnosed with lung cancer, decides to travel Route 66 as his last hurrah.

What inspired you to write this story? My dad did Route 66 a few years ago and decided to do it again this year. It was around the time he decided to go again that I had the idea for the story.

How long have you been writing? Since around 2013, had an idea while in the shower, which I am working on as my first novel.

What genre do you usually write in and why? The novel I am working on is a Crime Thriller, which I hope will be the beginning of a series.

What else are you working on writing at the moment? My novel needs some attention after a hiatus to write Get Your Kicks ... and I am developing ideas for A Haunting of Words.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? Write as often as you can and never give up. Join a writing group of fellow writers to learn from such as Fiction Writing on Facebook.

How can people discover more about you and your work? Find me on facebook at David Williams - Author and my blog/website atwww.davidwbooks.com

 

"A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, Day 3: M.R. Ward - "The Open Road"

Today's featured author is M.R. Ward. 

Sometimes it's all about the anticipation. When "A Journey of Words" was still in the proofreading process, all I kept about was M.R. Ward's story, "The Open Road," and how absolutely terrifying it was for those who had read it. I can't wait to read it, myself. 

M.R. Ward

Author Name: M.R. Ward

Title of your AJOW story: The Open Road

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: A weekend trip turns into a nightmare as four friends find themselves on a collision course with the supernatural.

What inspired you to write this story? I wanted to tell a scary story, one that would stick with the reader long after the last line. 

How long have you been writing? A year, or twenty-five, depending on your view. At thirteen, I spent a year writing stories, but lacked life experience and technical knowledge. Twenty years later I began writing a novel, but quit after a few months due to self-doubt. I never stopped creating stories in my head, though, so in 2015 I decided it was "now or never" and have remained consistent. 

What genre do you usually write in and why? Horror. I find it entertaining.

What else are you working on writing at the moment? I’m working on a short story that’s more along the lines of a paranormal love story. I’m also continuing the novel I started five years ago.

What advice do you have to give to new writers? You have to take a chance and really give your best effort, but that means putting in the time and doing the work. No one can write your story for you. 

How can people discover more about you and your work? (Link to your blog/Facebook/etc.) 
www.facebook.com/mrwardauthor/ 
Instragram: www.instagram.com/m.r.ward_author/

Remember: "A Journey of Words" will be released September 1. 

Paperback is available for pre-order at scoutmediabooksmusic.com

Kindle version available for pre-order at Amazon.com

 

"A Journey of Words" Blog Tour, Day 2: Brian Paone, "The Whaler's Dues"

It's day two of the "A Journey of Words" blog tour. Today we feature author Brian Paone, and his story, "The Whaler's Dues." Brian is also the owner of Scout Media, and the man responsible for curating both "A Journey of Words," and a previous anthology, "A Matter of Words."

Brian Paone

Author Name: Brian Paone

Title of your AJOW story:  The Whaler’s Dues 

Post a brief synopsis of your AJOW story: An unquenchable love for an unobtainable stripper. A stolen mandolin. The rattlesnake trail. A journey on a whaleboat. Heavy water. A secret infinite world of cursed islands. An ancient legend. A changing of the guard. Strange avenues … the whaler’s dues. 

What inspired you to write this story?  Jethro Tull’s “Rock Island” album

How long have you been writing?  I wrote my first short story in 7th grade in 1988. My first published work was a novel in 2007.

What genre do you usually write in and why?  I write exclusively in a genre called rock fiction, which is a sub-genre of musical fiction, when a single song, an entire album, or the span of a band/artists complete work is turned into fiction, using the literal lyrics to directly create the plotline and story arc, and usually the title of the book/story is taken directly from the song/album that the work is an adaptation of.

What else are you working on writing at the moment?  A short story for the 2017 anthology, “A Haunting of Words,” which will be an adaptation of Porcupine Tree’s album, “Fear of a Blank Planet.” And my next novel that I am currently writing is about the eight months my wife was deployed to Djibouti, Africa, and left me home alone with two toddlers. Every night I would send her an email, usually quoting song lyrics from our favorite bands at the end. I am compiling all those songs, and will use those specific lyrics to drive the story forward.

What advice do you have to give to new writers?  Beware the procrastination demons.

How can people discover more about you and your work? 
www.BrianPaone.com
www.Facebook.com/BrianPaonesNovels

 

"A Journey of Words" Blog-Tour Day 1: Jacklynn M Desmond, "Six Miles to Suring"

Jacklynn M Desmond

Author Name: Jacklynn M Desmond

Title of story in "A Journey of Words": Six Miles to Suring

Synopsis: A young woman fleeing an abusive relationship with her baby runs into some supernatural troubles.

What inspired you to write this story? A sudden, paranoia inducing episode of Deja vu while driving home from my parent's cabin "Up North". For about thirty seconds I was absolutely convinced I was going in circles. 'What if?' took over from there.

How long have you been writing?
Fourth grade. Mrs. Law's class. I got bored.

What genre do you write in? 
I have no idea. All over the board, really. I seem to like dead people.

What else are you writing at the moment? 
I'm working on the next "of Words" submission, an erotica piece for an anthology, a sequel to my novella "Sixteen" and have some back burner projects. Because ADD is real.

How can people discover more of your work? https://www.facebook.com/Jacklynn-M-Desmond-248333411971713/?fref=ts

"A Journey of Words" is available for pre-order at: scoutmediabooksmusic.com

The Rock Star is Dead; Vanilla and Beard Shall Reign

  I'll keep this one somewhat short.

  Last night, December 31, 2015, Motley Crue played their final show ever. They are done, having signed a Cessation of Touring agreement to seal the deal. No more will rock fans be able to see their brand of loud, explosive performance full of volume, scantily clad dancer/backing singers, spinning drum sets, and fiery overload.

  On Monday, December 28, 2015, the great Lemmy Kilmister passed away. Neck and neck with Keith Richards as rock star most likely to outlive the earth itself, his death from cancer shows that even our seemingly bulletproof icons can die. And sadly, someday, so will Keith Richards.

 

  Our rock stars are dying, retiring, fading into the dusty sunset. There will be no more. The era is ending.

  In this new age of internet and social media, there really can't be rock stars. The attention span of the new millennial generation is such that as soon as a song is danced to enough times, it is discarded to the wind like so much detritus. Dirt washed from our hands. 

  One could argue for the Jack Whites, the Black Keys, and others who enjoy popularity these days, but from what I've been able to see, these acts couldn't care any less about giving their fans their money's worth. Shoe-gazers extraordinaire, they'll be happy to charge you $75 - $90 to come watch them stand in one spot and look at the ground while they play their fare. I don't dispute their talent, only their level of giving a fuck.

  

  The Stones are old, The Who and Black Sabbath are currently on their final tours. In the next ten years we can expect a mass die-off of our original rock heroes. Current rock stars will fade away; the Foo Fighters have now been around over twenty years. Rob Zombie is fifty. Soon, they too will take their walk into the days of what was. 

  

  I hope that someday a handful of bands will appear that not only play loud, scary Rock 'n' Roll, but will make parents hide their daughters from their world conquering loins. Who will put on concerts worth talking about for many years after. Who will give fans their money's worth, Goddamn it!!

 

  Until the appearance of those new rock messiahs, enjoy your vanilla and beard.