Interview with Jen Selinsky

Hi, Jen, it's nice to have you on the blog today. We've been FB friends for awhile, and I'm constantly amazed by your prolific nature! Please, tell us about your current WIP or most recent release.

I am currently working on many different titles, but one which I am most looking forward to is the release Runaway Choo Choo, which is soon to be published by Pen It! Publications.  The publisher already sent me preliminary sketches by the illustrator, and they look really good.

Have you really published 170 books? Drop a link to your author page, please!

I know it sounds like a lot, but I have really published over 170 books.  Most of them are poetry titles, and a good portion of them are less than 100 pages, but I also have written books in many different genres.  Here is a hyperlink to my Lulu author spotlight.  The bulk of my work can be found there.

Do you have a day job, or is writing your bread n’ butter?

I work part-time as a professional librarian (used to be full-time), but I hope that I can make a complete transition to writing for a living someday.

When and where do you do your best writing? Do you have a special routine?

I don’t have much of a routine when it comes to writing, especially since inspiration can strike at any time!  It seems, however, that I do a lot of my best writing at night.

If you could go backward or forward in time, would you? Where and when?

If I could travel in time, I would like to go back to England during the ‘60s and/or the ‘70s.  How I would love to meet some of my favorite musicians, especially the ones who are no longer with us.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about the Lord and all the gifts He has given me.  Besides writing, I enjoy the beauty of nature, especially when walking outside.

Describe yourself, not physical, the inner you . . .

I feel that I’m a multifaceted individual with a lot to offer.  When the desire to write gets a hold of me, there is no stopping any creative endeavor which I choose to bring to life.

What’s your favorite book (s) or who are your favorite author (s)?

One of my favorite books is Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.  Some of my current favorite writers, poets, and musicians include: Sylvia Plath, Ellen Hopkins, James Patterson, Peter Gabriel, and Steve Hackett.

What are you currently reading?

One of the books I am currently reading is A Dead Guy in the Summerhouse by Marian Allen.  It’s an engaging story full of mystery!

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I would love to go to England, as I am an Anglophile and am fascinated with its history and culture.  I am also a great fan of classic rock, and it would be interesting to see some of the places associated with a few of my favorite bands.

What would you like readers to know about you and/or your work?

I would like for people to know that even though I started out writing poetry, and that it constitutes the bulk of my work, that I have expanded to include many other genres.  I have published adult coloring books, cookbooks, children’s picture books, short stories, novels, essays, and quotes.  My hope is for my readers to see that I have something for everybody!

Author Bio: 

Jen Selinsky was born in Pittsburgh, PA.  In 2003, she earned her bachelor's degree in English from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.  In 2004, she earned her master's degree in library science from the same school.  Jen has worked as a professional librarian for over eleven years.  She has published more than 170 books, many of which contain poetry.  Her work can be found on the following sites: Lulu, Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Pen It! Publications, and Buy Me Books Now.  She has also been featured in publications such as: The Courier Journal, Explorer Magazine, Liphar Magazine, and Indiana Libraries.  Jen lives in Sellersburg, IN with her husband.

Links to Social Media:

My Amazon Author Page: Jen's Amazon Page

My Facebook Author Page:  Jen's Facebook Author Page

My Facebook Personal Page:  Jen's Facebook Personal Page

My Twitter Page:   Jen's Twitter Page

My Instagram Page:  Jen's Instagram Page

My Pinterest Page:  Jen's Pinterest Page

My Goodreads Author Page:  Jen's Goodreads Page

My Blogs:

Jen's Good Reads

Jen's Favorite Authors

Genesis: Inside and Out

Official Website:

Jen Selinsky

My Book Links:  

Lulu

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Kobo

iTunes

Smashwords

Pen It! Publications 

Buy Me Books Now

5 Things New Author's Should NOT Do

This is what you should NOT do when you're starting out in the writing biz ...

1. Don't assume everyone loves you or your work

2. Don't enter a contest against your agent's wishes -- yes, I actually lost mine when I entered a contest against her wishes

3. Don't assume you know what's best for your book just because you wrote the darn thing -- see #2

4. Don't assume your editor will catch every little mitsake in your writing -- fine-tooth it yourself

5. Don't rely ONLY on your and your editor's fine-toothing abilities -- use beta readers -- every time


There, those are just a few things you should NOT do in this indie press business.

Now, what should you do?

Here's the main thing...

When you DO find someone who loves you and/or your work, cherish them and never let them go -- especially agents, editors, publishers, and most important of all -- READERS!

Lisette Brodey ~ author of Molly Hacker is Too Picky!

Hello blogworld! Today ( a couple of days late), I'm welcoming Lisette Brodey, a very talented author.  Read on to find out what else makes Lisette tick:

You seem very creative.  What is your favorite form of expression, the written word, the stage, film, photography, or other?

For me, it is definitely the written word because it’s what I do best. In a different lifetime, I would like to do more with my acting, but being only a SAG-AFTRA background actor right now doesn’t give me much opportunity to express my creativity. I absolutely love photography and have a good eye for it. I’d love to have more training, though, and, oh yeah, a MUCH better camera.

Give us a blurb about your book.

At thirty-two, newspaper reporter Molly Hacker vows to never attend another wedding until she has had her own. And that’s a problem because Molly’s younger sister, Hannah, is going to be married in one year. Armed with snark, wit, and fabulous good looks, “Picky Molly” embarks on a quest to find Mr. Right in her hometown.

Things get complicated fast. In no time at all, Molly has four “men of interest” and the memories of a lost love to send her overanalytic, befuddled mind into serious overdrive. Determined not to let her “helpful” girlfriends help her right out of another relationship, Molly tries to keep mum on the state of her love life. Her BFF male coworker, Randy, becomes her closest confidant as he stumbles over romantic issues with his new Mr. Right, Kyle. Meanwhile, Molly’s BFF gal pals aren’t too happy about being left out of the loop.

Tweaking Molly’s last nerve is the town’s most visible socialite, Naomi Hall-Benchley, who, for self-serving reasons, is hell-bent on setting up Molly, and she doesn’t care who she has to manipulate or hurt to do it. Just how far will she go?

Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! takes the reader on a yearlong romp through Molly’s mind and a joyride through her life. Her dating life, town secrets, a group of quirky, crazy characters, and Naomi’s machinations collide head-on at a holiday gala that will change the social landscape of Swansea forever. As the New Year rolls in, Molly gets earth-shattering news. Can she go on? Will life ever return to abnormal again?

  

What are you working on now?

I’ve just finished publishing a book of poetry that my mother wrote in her 20s and 30s. I’ve been working on this project for over five months. The book, available in paperback, Kindle & Nook editions, is called My Way to Anywhere by Jean Lisette Brodey. On my website, readers can read my blog, A POET IS PUBLISHED – A MERE 50+ YEARS LATER, which includes an interview with my mother.

As far as my own work is concerned, I’m 50,000 words into my fourth novel, a YA paranormal. I’ve actually started my fifth novel, a novelization of a play I began writing at the age of 17 (and finished in my late 20s) and have many notes for my sixth novel, which I suspect will be my greatest effort of all.

  

What has been the most exciting day of your life so far?

Can I get back to you on that one? I’m hoping my most exciting day is still in front of me.

What sort of music do you like?

I have very eclectic taste in music. My favorite singer of all time is Marvin Gaye, and I really love R&B. I also like pop, vocal standards, rock, show music, jazz, classical, and some Irish music, especially by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem.

What makes your heart race?

When I mistakenly tweet out a personal message to someone and am in a furious rush to undo the damage!

What food or drink must you have in order to function?

Fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, and popcorn (only when I’m at the movies).

Any words of advice about writing or getting published?

First, whether you plan to self-publish, go with a small press, or seek out an agent to be traditionally published, don’t be in such a rush that you query with what amounts to an unedited draft or worse, a published one. 

It’s tough for writers because there are not only several options for publishing, but no matter which route you go, you’ll have to wear many hats. The good news is that there is a wealth of information out there in the form of social media contacts, blogs, articles, and on and on. Do your research. Don’t take one person’s opinion as gospel. Get to know the lay of the land. We all make mistakes, and in hindsight, most of us wish we’d done a whole lot of things differently. My advice is to have as much patience as possible and to make sure that your work is polished and edited before you attempt to share it with the world. It will help you to have fewer regrets later on.

What would you say to your childhood self if you could see her today?

Well, most of what I would say to her wouldn’t be something I could publish for the world to see. (I know, Ann. Not a great response for an interview!) But my main message would be: Stay focused, finish what you start, never give up, and understand that the greatest barriers in your life often are the self-imposed ones.

Oooh, I love that line, Lisette.  Thanks so much for letting me pick your brain. 
Now folks, check out these links to find out even more about this talented woman:

Website: http://lisettebrodey.com/
Molly Hacker site: http://mollyhacker.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisetteBrodey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrodeyAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2774659.Lisette_Brodey
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lisette-Brodey/e/B002TBELOY/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Vallory Vance ~ Romance Author & a Contest or Two

Hi folks, still running the two contests so click on these links if you want to Win a Kindle Fire or one of several gift certificates  CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE BOOKS~A~FIRE WEBSITE  or 
You may also enter once from this website: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c666d44 

And don't forget to send me your pic reading All for Love to be entered in my other contest for a $25 gift certificate--details in the title bar above.

Now, read on for Romance!

Today I'm going to introduce you to a fellow Texas author named Vallory Vance.  She writes scorching hot romance novels that will have you reaching for the ice water.  So come along, turn on the box fan, and enjoy the excerpt from her novel Music for Her Soul!

Vallory Vance is the pen name for a color inside the lines, Human Resources professional living in the Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex by day. After her family consisting of a husband of almost twenty years, three kids and two dogs have filled her evenings with laughter, she sits down to her laptop to write tales of the first moments of falling in love when nothing else seems to matter.
As a fortieth birthday present to herself, she decided to share her stories of romances that range from sweet to spicy.

Author ~ Vallory Vance

I have always enjoyed writing. In elementary school, I wrote short stories. In high school, I wrote poetry. In college, I wrote plays. Then I entered the real world and my writing stopped with the exception of emails and procedural manuals.

At forty, I decided to reclaim my passion for writing. I am lucky that my husband and children are supportive and give me time each day to write. The three-year old isn’t as supportive as the rest, but he’s trying!

I have a lot of favorite authors because I read across many genres. At the moment, I’m reading NYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp and loving it!

My favorite quote about writing is - There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed. ~ Ernest Hemingway

I have this hanging on my wall.

Music For Her Soul Blurb

Single mom Lena Spencer is showing her sexy side for the first time in a life that has revolved around an aggressive pursuit of her PhD and learning to live without the father of her daughter, Ethan Holden. Returning to town after a ten month tour with the single goal in mind to reclaim Lena’s heart, Ethan gives his greatest performances--musical and otherwise.

Music For Her Soul Excerpt

Bastard! Why wouldn’t he let her go? Any effort to turn away was thwarted by the draw of the brilliant white spotlight following his solitary figure mounting the steps to the stage. He looked resplendent in the simple shirt unbuttoned past his collarbone, stretching over his taut chest and falling unfettered to his tapered waist. His jeans wrapped snugly around his slim hips as he stood with his legs spread slightly apart, his back arching backward. His fingers masterfully tapped the trumpet’s keys, making it sing a song that exploded a scorching, shameless lust within her. 

He steadily fingered the instrument, resonating tones that wrapped her body in a cocoon of deliciously illicit memories of what had taken place that first night. She brought a finger to her mouth and glided it over the smooth edges of her teeth, suckled it, and grazed it over her arid lips. He had taken her breath away and he was doing it now. Any resistance she once had coupled willingly with the notes of his siren song and floated away. 

Entranced and on the verge of an old-fashioned swoon, she was saved by the sharp piano chords. “Gone boy, whoo…whoooo!” a woman’s voice rang out, and the crowd burst into thunderous applause as Ethan bowed to the pianist and stepped to the rear of the stage. 

She could have run to him right then. Damn the show, damn the crowd. But he hadn’t loved her enough to come back for her, his most important obligation. She twisted in her seat, relieving the ache that stirred between her crossed legs. 

Her head swam and she sank back into her chair, unable to tear her eyes away from him. The memory of his caress kindled old flames of desire and ignited new ones. Shifting uncomfortably in the hard, wooden chair, she cursed him not for her desires, but for the painful choice she had to make where he was concerned. 

At last, the lights came up amid a series of claps and whistles. Ethan strode off stage and headed in her direction. Breathe, damn it. Her entire body tensed, bracing for the feel of his fingers heated by the vibrations of the keys grazing her skin. 

An amorous pang clamped her thighs shut and she pressed her lips tightly together lest the sound of unmistakable want emerge without her consent. 

“Did you enjoy that?” he whispered. 

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Music-For-Her-Soul-ebook/dp/B008YGYQN4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1345221926&sr=8-3&keywords=vallory+vance

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/music-for-her-soul-interracial-erotic-romance-vallory-vance/1112520851?ean=2940014908542

All Romance: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-musicforhersoul-917152-149.html

Online Connections:

Vallory V ~ A Romance Author Blog: www.valloryv.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ValloryVance