Author Interview with Peter Hindley

Author Interview with Peter Hindley

Fictitious Chronicles had the pleasure of interviewing author, Peter Hindley. He is one of the authors of the book: The Perfect Crime a story of truth or fantasy.

We asked Peter to tell us a little about himself and this is what he had to say:

I was born in Kent, England and spent my formative years living on the outskirts of London.

Now I am pleased to say that my home is here in France surrounded by new and true friends who have accepted me and taught me so much about the priorities in life; and I am very blessed to be living in an area that I have grown to love. I am home at last.

Five years ago I had the chance to leave the UK and start a new life in Southern France, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I bought a house just outside a quiet village and although I had planned to live a quiet life; events took over and now I seldom have time to catch up.

When I moved here my intention was to walk to the village to buy bread, shut the gates and quietly write. But that tranquil life never happened; something far better did.

I started a dance class in the village as a ‘thank you’ for the welcome the people here have given me but certain parties created problems so I decided to stop that and now just coach a couple who compete in Ballroom dance competitions. This has resulted in me visiting many places in France and Spain as an observer and jury member of competitions, and gaining many more friends in both countries.

Do you have a full time job? I will answer, tongue in cheek: ‘No, I do not have time for such luxuries’, or alternatively ‘give me a break, there are not enough hours in the day, or days in the week, as it is.’

When did you first start writing the book?

It was in March 2002, my brother died in unconventional circumstances, namely 4 or more places within his home and what followed did not conform to the normal in so many ways. That was when I started to record everything that followed that was linked to his death. Did he die naturally or was he helped in some way in unclear: Even today as I write this I have still not discovered what happened to him around the time of his death. Two or three people certainly do know the truth, but for whatever their reasons, they remain silent regarding what really happened that day in the spring of 2002.

The story develops into a complex journey of discovery and a far reaching exposé (we do name and shame) within the United Kingdom.

If this all sounds very heavy and dull you would be mistaken because although the various subjects included may be serious, I have deliberately added pieces which should make the reader laugh. There are mentions of the paranormal. There are also many questions asked of the reader so they too become part of the journey; they become the detective. The result of this is that I have been frequently told “The Perfect Crime …” is a compelling read.

Last year we gained a piece of information which was the perfect ending for this book and we did manage to finish this book and it was published last October. You will notice that I use ‘we’ in the previous sentence because my co-author and niece, Susan Goodsell, has in recent years, contributed to the creation of this book: It must be said that we work remarkably well together.

Our story did not end on page 293 of “The Perfect Crime….” so now the sequel has been started. Work on that continues as time allows because now there is the promotion of published book to add to my lengthening ‘to do’ list.

Do I you experience writer’s block?

Perhaps yes, but when it feels right to put words on paper they flow readily; I just use the technique I use for everything in my life: I follow my intuition knowing that if I do not, things go very wrong.

Is there an author who has influenced you?

An author no, but I enjoy words. I had an uncle who was extremely precise in his diction and use of the English language; one of his most frequent questions was “What exactly do you mean by that Peter?” He would use it whenever there was even the slightest ambiguity. Then one day I asked him the same question, that made him collapse with laughter; it must have been a first time he had someone asked that question of him.

Is there an author you would particularly like to meet?

It would be the true crime writer Gary C King, simply because since publishing the book we have met and communicated via the internet and he now feels like a genuine friend.

Are there any authors that have grabbed your interest recently?

Several have but one which I found particularly interesting was Lynne McTaggart and her book “The Bond” as it contains many concepts which could change the way we look at the world around us.

Who designed the book cover?

Nicole Kuhn; it was organised by the publishers and I think Nicole did a splendid job: It captures something of the essence of the book. To be honest when I first saw the cover I was very surprised and it shocked me to my core, but now I feel it is superb, it could not be better.

Do you have advice to give to other writers?

Here I would give the same answer no matter what subject I was asked about, that is: Do what feels right for you. Remember that any form of copying dilutes and degrades, so be yourself and be original.

Hot news: the book is being translated into French.

A look at the book:

BLURB:

Events have accurately been recorded since the time of Alan’s death; they combine to reveal an intriguing story. Did he die naturally or was he helped in some way? Has a crime or two taken place? Some may think so. Maybe there is a conspiracy. If so, how far it may extend is unclear. Nothing is quite as it should be.

This unique book evolves from a simple account to a vast scandalous exposé, a true and topical account showing a fascinating view of human nature, society, and the establishment in the United Kingdom. Many questions are posed for the reader and evidence is laid bare as you take a journey of discovery.

The story and writing style changes drastically as the twists and turns in the narrative expose themselves. Ultimately it reaches a logical end, but that is not the end of the story. A sequel is already underway.

“The Perfect Crime a story of truth or fantasy” by Peter Hindley & Susan Goodsell

Blog: www.howsafeisawillintheuk.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/peter.hindley3

Twitterhttp://www.twitter.com/snakehips99

Publishers: www.rosedogbookstore.com

Available via RoseDog Books, Amazon and elsewhere

Available as paperback and Kindle etc.

My Playlist

I have been pestered and prodded and poked at to make this playlist, and so I have. I write fantasy, romance, mystery/thriller, and young adult, and these are just a few (a very few) of the songs that inspire me to write what I write. If you have read my books, you may recognize a few of them. Those that have graced the list and my books are those that hold a special place in keeping my sanity on track. Enjoy! 

 

 

Track Name	Artist	Album
Everything You’re Breathing For	The Parlor Mob	And You Were a Crow
Shake it Out	Florence and the Machine	Ceremonials
Call to Arms	Angels and Airwaves	I-Empire
Should’ve Known Better	Sick Puppies	Tri-Polar
Erase Me	Kid Cudi	Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
Sorry	Art of Dying	Vices and Virtues
Ruthless	Something Corporate	North
Make Me Wanna Die	The Pretty Reckless	Light Me Up
Old Man	Redlight King	Something for the Pain
This Is What Rock N Roll Looks Like	Porcelain Black	This Is What Rock N Roll Looks Like
Savior	Black Veil Brides	Set The World On Fire
Summersong	The Decemberists	The Crane Wife
You’re A Wolf	Sea Wolf	Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low
Rebel Love Song	Black Veil Brides	Set The World On Fire
A Little’s Enough	Angels and Airwaves	We Don’t Need To Whisper
Midnight City	M83	Hurry Up We’re Dreaming
Nightcall	Kravinsky feat. Lovefoxxx	Drive Soundtrack
Blackout	Breathe Carolina	Time Of My Life

*For a full list of songs, check out my playlists

 

Interview with Author Holly Hood

Today I would like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine. Growing up together I had the pleasure (and the pain) of getting to know her. Whether she was dancing her butt off to 80s teeny bop music, scaling refrigerators in record time, or terrorizing the neighborhood with locust shells, I have seen the lighter and darker sides of her, as well as the shades in between, and I love them all! I can tell you from first-hand experience that she is a character full of wit and grace and good humor, all of which reflect in her writing. From the start of her popular series Wingless, to her latest Perfectly Hopeless, I have been with her every step of the way as she labored for hours trying to birth these creations that have a tendency to wrench an exquisite range of emotion from its readers and all I have to say is…You go girl! I am so proud of you!

I give to you Mrs. Holly Hood.  

Who are you? What do you do?

Who am I? I am a girl with the hopes and dreams of a teen just moving to Hollywood in hopes of super-stardom. I do many things; some of those include bossing around my children, cleaning, cooking and rock climbing on my down time. Maybe not the rock climbing, but hey, a girl can make things up. I’m a laid back, quiet person. My favorite color is purple—used to be green. It’s really hard for me to describe myself.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Yes. I was a very bored child. I spent days trying to entertain myself when I wasn’t playing with friends. So, on my down time I created these imaginary worlds where I could be whatever I wanted. This blossomed into writing it all down on paper. It was an escape.

What inspired you to write your first book?

That would be the vampires. I was at home watching this crazy fad take hold of the world. And me being the stubborn girl that I am, crossed my arms and said I could do that, but in a whole different way. That’s when I came up with the story Wingless. It was a book with a forbidden love, sure. But the love wasn’t a hopped up sparkling vamp with depression issues, mine was a troubled grim reaper with life issues.

How did you come up with the title?

That’s a really good question that I have no answer for. I named the book before I wrote it. And then I found it went with the title. Go figure. I’m weird like that.

How much of the book is realistic?

*looks over shoulder* There are a lot of parts that pertain to some aspect of my life in all my writing. I won’t say which ones or anything, but most times it’s just how I would feel or handle a situation in fantasy land. (I’ve been told that place exists. I just need the map to find it.)

What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?

Oh how you make me laugh. Yes! I do. I write every day, and when I don’t write I am editing or thinking about a new story or one that is close to finished. I go through withdrawals, start twitching and have night terrors if I can’t release the creative demons that live inside my brain. It’s scary stuff.

What motivates you to write?

Everything. When I am mad, I write. When I am sad, I write. All emotions make me want to create a new world. I can watch TV or a movie and BAM! An idea hits me. I can see someone on television and a million ideas just jumped at me. I love that.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

I’d say they are made up. I like creating really screwed up worlds for my characters. I like pushing them to the brink of insanity. It’s fun.

Do you have a specific writing style?

Yeah, it’s called the I-write-first-and-ask-questions-later writing style. I don’t believe in change. That’s why I am still rocking the same 70s hairstyle. (Side note: I wasn’t even born in the 70’s so this is a lie). I think your first run should be what you go with in a book. I write it, sometimes I plot things out, but for the most part it’s what comes to me. I usually write in first or third. And I have to have music playing when I am writing, but not during editing.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

No, I had my doctor write me a prescription. *grins* I hate to say this, but no. I don’t even know what that is like.

Do you see writing as a career?

It was what I was meant to do. I believe that. So that would be a big fat, yes.

What are your current / future projects?

Current project is getting Gypsies back on the market. Doing a re-vamp. Then I am hoping to finish Boonville. And also get Ink 2 out there before the end of the year. I also started another series, Love Hurts, and I plan on writing that book soon too.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Yes. I learned that people actually like my writing. And I learned what passion means. I found mine the day I realized other people enjoyed my stories.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes. I want readers to see that people are strange. People are messed up and I want them to cry. I will allow a bit of laughter, I find it’s acceptable to let them laugh occasionally in my books. But my main goal is to leave them haunted by my stories. If I can have someone thinking about my story long after they read it, then I did my job.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

My latest is Perfectly Hopeless. And that would be a no. Sure, sometimes my endings are hard and I struggle with them, but I really like the way it turned out. So that would be a no.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I would say murder. It’s always hard to kill anyone that means something. Other times I am like Christian Bale in American Psycho dancing around to “It’s Hip to be Square” as I bludgeon my characters. *laughs evilly*

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Do they have any for me? What about an even trade? You can’t get something for nothing, can you? Write every day. Forget what you think is cool, or what others think is cool and just write from your heart. If you don’t have a heart, write from your esophagus. Put yourself in your characters shoes, close your eyes for a moment, envision the moment, you will be surprised what you can come up with. And lastly, don’t take it so seriously, it’s writing, it is supposed to be fun. If it wasn’t, then you should do something else, like shaving buffaloes in exchange for cracker jacks.

What book are you reading now?

I’m not reading any book right now. If I was that would be kind of rude. I am doing this interview for you. But before this I was reading Fifty Shades of Grey. It’s a book unlike any book I ever read, but I am really into it. I plan on reading the other two as well.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Poe, because he had this darkness about him. When you read his work you’re sucked into this dark, haunting place. A place where you want to leave, but at the same time you want to be there. Every time I read his work, I wonder what he must have been like in real life.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Entity? *runs for the dictionary* Booze and gambling….no, my friends. I have two great friends, Brandi, aka the angel of darkness and all things punk, and Katie, aka Red. They both love writing and there is no better people than them two to support me.

Finally, do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to say…thank you. Thank you for reading and putting up with my mentally unstable imagination. Thank you for the support!

And there you have it folks! A glimpse into the quirky ramblings of a mentally unbalanced woman in obvious need of professional intervention, who brings to the table wonderfully creative works put together for your entertainment.

Somebody call Dr. Spaceman! (pronounced Spa-che-men) Mrs. Hood needs her meds...

Ink

http://www.amazon.com/Ink-ebook/dp/B005IAQD26

Goodreads 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3071384.Holly_Hood

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHollyHood

Interview with Brandi Salazar

*taps mic*

Today I had the honor of interviewing a great author and also a close friend. Brandi Salazar is the author of several new books. If I had to describe her writing style I would say: creative, sometimes dark, humorous and original.

Brandi knows how to create a well developed world in her stories. She does an amazing job at creating frightening scenes as well as the lighter side of things. Brandi has a real knack for romance in her stories and the reader is always in store for a great relationship in Brandi's books. So please enjoy the interview. Take a moment to get to know this promising new indie author and check out her books. Thank you!

1.I know you very well, but the readers don't, so tell me a bit about yourself.

I am a mother of three lovely children and have been married for 11 years to a pretty great guy. Currently, I am earning a degree in business, but what I really want to do when all is said and done is book editing. I’m a pretty average girl. I enjoy photography, writing and I love reading to an almost unhealthy degree. Sweet tea is my vice of choice. I wear heels with my jeans and I wish on shooting stars often. My sense of humor is dark and sarcastic and I love to scare people at every opportunity—my husband will probably die of a heart attack one day.

2.When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Very recently, actually. I really started taking it seriously when a friend of mine started taking hers seriously, and I just rolled with it. When I think back on it, I have been writing since I was little, say five or six. I got really into it in junior high when my long time best friend and I would exchange short stories and whacky poems as we waited for the school doors to open each morning or throughout the day in class when we should have been listening to the teacher’s lecture. Summer school was totally worth the laughs we had.

3.I wonder who that friend was, anyways,what inspired you to write your first book?

A friend of mine started writing and as I read hers I thought, there’s no reason I can’t do this. I gave it a shot. It was rocky at first, but once I got into it, I became completely absorbed and ideas started rolling in one after the other. Basically, I got the bug.

4.The bug, its a hard thing to shake. What books have influenced your life most?

For me, it’s not so much the books, but the authors who wrote them. Richelle Mead, J.R. Ward, and especially L.A. Banks. They each are very powerful, successful businesswomen who are highly educated and they saw their dream, recognized it, and sought to make it a reality. I love to challenge myself, and I admire and respect those who do the same.

5. What a great answer.If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Well, that’s a tough one. Although the above mentioned women jump to the front of my mind, I think the one writer that I could truly consider a mentor is Holly Hood. Of course you all know she’s an indie author—a quite successful one at that—and part of this blog. But she is also the person who I look to for guidance in this crazy world of writing. She figures out all the ins and outs of the business and through her efforts I have learned a great deal. She is also my biggest champion. We all have our moments, and she is my go-to gal when I need inspiration or a quick pick me up.

6.I'm blushing over here. I will pay you later for the compliment. What book are you reading now?

Nothing at the moment, but I plan to start in T-minus one hour…give or take 60 seconds. I just finished the second book in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, so Fifty Shades of Freed is next on the chopping block.

7. I myself am reading those, Mrs. Salazar *inside joke* What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Reading is my go-to for entertainment. Nothing compares to getting lost in a world of fantasy. If for whatever reason I can’t pick up a book, I am generally spending time with my family. Currently, my husband and I are finishing up Gears of War and when we’re not doing that, we are taking in scary movies with our girls (our son HATES scary movies).

8.I can confirm this to be true. Some days she is nowhere to be found all day. The girl might be the fastest reader I know.Where do you get your ideas for your books?

Like the great Stephan King, I get my ideas from my dreams. Those come most easily for me to write because they have a tendency to burn themselves into my psyche.

9.That has yet to happen for me, but I think that is so cool. What new author has grasped your interest?

I usually come by my authors late in the game. Like a used car, new-to-me authors would include Claudia Grey, Jennifer Ashley, and Meagan Hatfield. But the person I am most impressed by is a fellow indie author I met on this writing website called Webook: Kimberly Reeves. She’s one of the most talented writers I have come across, and I have been rooting for her success since I picked up her first book and fell head over heels into it.

10.If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?

As I mentioned before, I am going to school to become an editor. Since starting this whole writing thing I have noticed that I get the most enjoyment from editing. I like the organization and the detail work of it. So, yeah, that’s my ideal career.

11.What was your favorite chapter to write and why?

Put me on the spot why don’t ya! Scouring my brain, I would have to say my favorite chapter would be when Trent takes Jessica to his house for the first time in Addicted to Magic. They share some intimate moments that I find both raw and beautiful. It’s a moment when I really got to see Jessica’s vulnerability and Trent’s softer side.

12.I enjoyed that chapter too. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?

I have always been fascinated with witchy storylines, but the idea that witchcraft could be dangerous in more than a spell casting kind of way intrigued me. Honestly, it just kind of fell together. I didn’t go into it saying, yes, this is exactly what I want from this one, but more like it evolved from the opening page. I didn’t know what was going to happen until it happened.

13.Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

I have several, but the closest one is the second in my Brotherhood series, A Warrior’s Betrayal. It will pick up after the last where Erias is trapped in the underworld, a prisoner to Persephone while topside Cheyenne and Behr get a little cozier as they deal with her grief over losing him.

14. And I look forward to reading it.How do you market your book(s)?

I don’t do too much at the moment. I prefer to concentrate on writing them and making them available, and pretty much let the chips fall where they may. What I do involves a margin of plug-ins on Facebook, the blog, of course, and I seek out a few reviewers. That’s it! I know it sounds lazy, and it probably is, but I’m not seeking fame or fortune. I just want to write it, and if people like it and it sells, great! If not, well, it is what it is.

15.Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Don’t bother with the hype. You don’t need to watch the market for what is popular currently. Write what you know and love. That is where your inspiration will come from, and it will show in your writing. Develop a pattern and stick to it. Write a little every day, or on a designated day of the week, just so long as you are writing. Look for inspiration everywhere, especially in areas that evoke emotion. I like to watch the Discovery Channel. End of the world kind of stuff, angels and demons, that sort of thing.

16. Great advice.If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?

That’s a tough one because it changes so frequently. If I had to choose, I think it would be Rose from Vampire Academy. Not only is she a kick ass vampire slayer, but she has a group of great and loyal friends, hotties galore who are all falling at her feet to be with her, and a no nonsense attitude that screams “Don’t mess with me!”

17. If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want?

Well, I would have to request presidency. Seriously, if I found myself on an alien planet; I want to be the one making the rules. You never know what those creatures have up their sleeves (probes anyone?).

18.If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Considering that people keep telling me that I look like Reese Witherspoon, I guess it would have to be her. I have the teeth part down to a science!

19. You so do.If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

The Eternal Procrastinator.

New book Buried Secrets

http://www.amazon.com/Buried-Secrets-ebook/dp/B0075VOJ4U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328466766&sr=8-1

Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4810728.Brandi_Salazar

Twitter

https://twitter.com/#!/brandellavanela

Kindlegraph

http://www.kindlegraph.com/authors/brandellavanela