The StarChild Trilogy by James Courtney and Kaisy Wilkerson-Mills

It's great welcome writing duo, James Courtney and Kaisy Wilkerson-Mills, authors of the soon-to-be-released series, StarChild. First, what's your trilogy about?

StarChild is a science fiction/dystopian trilogy set around the year 3211.  The United States fell, and a new nation, City-State emerged.

City-State is a vile nation that aims to control its citizens through horrific government policies and regulations.  The President is moronic, citizens are labeled and identified by intelligence, and the health care system aims to destroy all of the S-Class geniuses (citizens of exceptional intelligence) to keep civilization somewhat ignorant to government control.

James and I have a blog that tells the stories of various residents of City-State: citystatewritings.wordpress.com

None of the narratives in the blog appear within the novels- the novels have separate plot lines.  The information in the blog will give you more insight into our creation.

What inspired StarChild?

James served in the United States Navy for a number of years.  His love and first-hand experience of politics inspired many of City-State’s rules and processes.

Plus, James and I love dystopian literature.  It is fascinating and intriguing to “foresee” the future of the United States.

If your trilogy was made into movie who would you cast in the lead roles?

Oh my!  That would be a dream!  I would love Kevin Spacey, Robert Downey, Jr., and Zac Efron to be part of StarChild.  However, that may become a little expensive, so up and coming actors (at this particular time) would be fabulous!

Do you find it difficult writing as a team?

Absolutely not!  We find it ten times easier to write together!  If I am stuck on a section or chapter, I send it to James and vice versa.  Brainstorming and prewriting are vital to the writing process, and we bounce ideas off of each other effortlessly!

 

Additionally, James and I are very honest with each other.  If either one of us does not like an idea, we communicate those thoughts and work together to make the storylines and the characters enjoyable, intriguing, and clear for readers.

James and I were friends in high school, so when he asked me to assist him with his writings, I knew the process (and the end product) would definitely be successful. 

What do you plan to work on next?

James and I are currently engrossed in the entire The StarChild Trilogy.  We are feverishly working on Book One: StarChild.  Obviously, this will take a while to complete.

Additionally, James and I hope to publish a separate anthology of short stories that connect to the novel: Tales from City-State.

Lastly, we have a few interesting characters from the short stories and the novels who can “take on” their own novels!

James and I intend on being very busy with City-State for quite some time!

What are you reading at the moment?

I am a full-time English Instructor at my local community college, so as of now, I am reading lots and lots of research papers, essays, and other various assessments.  Summer is coming, so I will be able to actually read a novel!

James is currently reading the Divergent series!  He says it’s great!

What do you like to do in your free time when you're not writing or reading?

James and I both like to spend time with our spouses.  He is married to one of my best friends, Kelly, and they live in Colorado (as stated before, we all went to high school together).  They love their three dogs, and they also love to bike around the trails of Loveland, Colorado.

I am married to my main squeeze, Randy.  He is just about to graduate from nursing school and take the final nursing exam to obtain his official certification as a Registered Nurse!  I am very proud of him!  Randy and I love to exercise and play with our pets, Amaya the cat and Molly the dog.

Where can readers find out more about you? 

The main blog on WordPress:  http://citystatewritings.wordpress.com

Google Plus - http://google.com/+jamescourtney

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/citystateshorts

Twitter:  Kaisy – SciFiWriter @KaisyWMills

             James – Dystopian_Scifi  @jamesacourtney

Many thanks and let us know when Book 1 is released!

Meet Bestselling Romance Author, Sharon Gillenwater

It’s great to welcome romance author, Sharon Gillenwater. First Sharon, could you tell us about your bestselling series, The Callahans of Texas?

Thanks for having me here, Katheryn.

The Callahans of Texas is a contemporary Christian romance series published by Baker/Revell. The Callahans are a wealthy, but down-to-earth ranching family in West Texas with strong ties to the small town of Callahan Crossing.  The three books—Jenna’s Cowboy, Emily’s Chance, and Megan’s Hero—are about the Callahan siblings Jenna, Chance, and Will finding their true loves.  Since they’re a close and loving family, everyone gets involved with the matchmaking.

Sheikhs and Cowboys - A Review of 2013

2013 was quite a year for me. It started off with the publication of my second sheikh romance, The Desert Sheikh, which became a huge hit! Seeing the book reach Number 1 on Amazon and then staying there for 3 months was amazing.

I then went on to write two more sheikh romances, The Sheikh's Beloved and A Bride For The Sheikh, with the Bride romance hitting Number 1 on Amazon yesterday. What a way to end the year!

Talking About Cowboys

Today I'm very lucky to be chatting with bestselling romance author, Jan Romes, about cowboys, Texas and writing The Texas Cowboy. Please stop by and join us at Jan's Blog

http://jantheromancewriter.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-chat-with-katheryn-lane.html

Hope to see you there!

Meet Romance Author, Angel Walker

Today it’s great to welcome romance author, Angel Walker. First Angel, could you tell us about your debut novel, Such is Life?

Such is Life was actually a dream of mine. Literally, a dream about going to my ex’s wedding and my ten year class reunion. I took the main parts of my dream and ran with it. The main character Melissa Jones has to face going to both alone until her attractive and perfect for her assistant Brett Thomas steps in to tag along. Everything imaginable goes wrong on the trip, but Melissa keeps going with a smile on her face and a little bottle of vodka in her purse. That last part was a joke, but not too far off.

If your book was made into a movie, who would you pick to play the lead roles?

I’ve thought about this question quite a bit. I honestly don’t know who I would pick to be the lead role. The character is so much like myself trying to pick someone else to be her would be difficult. Now the men in the book, well, the list never stops. Matt Bomer has repeatedly come to mind, but I’m not sure what woman doesn’t think about him all the time. I’ve also though of Jared Padalecki a few times while writing.

Meet USA Today Bestselling Romance Author, Donna Fasano

Today it's great to host bestselling romance author, Donna Fasano. Donna, what attracted you to writing in the first place?

I came to writing from my love of reading. While growing up, I lost myself in books in order to escape an unhappy childhood.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Romance. I wrote for Harlequin for 20 years, writing sweet romance (as Donna Clayton) and women's fiction (under my own name). I have self-published some of my books. The Merry-Go-Round was my first indie-published book. Reclaim My Heart is my very first Montlake publication. I am proud and excited to have been picked up by such a prestigious publisher.

Meet Romance Author Liza O'Connor

I've just had the great pleasure of being interviewed by romance author, Liza O’Connor, and today I’m thrilled to have the chance to interview her on my site. First Liza, could you tell us about your latest book, Ghost Lover?

Texas Fever! Meet Award Winning Romance Author, KC Klein

I’m about to publish my first cowboy romance and today it’s great to welcome the award winning romance author, KC Klein. First KC, could you tell us about your great books?

I’m really excited because my first book in the Texas Fever series, Texas WideOpen, is now on sale across all major retailers for only $1.99!

 

This story is about a girl, a horse, and her love for the rugged cowboy next door.

Katie Harris always knew she'd marry Cole one day—until he broke her dreams and her heart. But now that Katie's father is sick, she's back home, older, wiser, and nowhere near the love-sick fool she once was.

Cole knows Katie doesn't want anything to do with him. But after so many years, he can't pretend she's no more than a neighbor. Holding his ground was hard enough when she was seventeen. Now that she's her own woman, Cole's heart doesn't stand a chance...

My second book in the series, Hustlin’ Texas is being released December 5^th.

Nikki Logan has always had a bad reputation in the small town of Oak Groves, Texas. Everyone knows that the Logans are a wild bunch, with too much charm for their own good and too much of a knack of finding trouble. Nikki is nowhere close to the type of girl political hopeful, Jett Avery, should hang around with. But I love writing about polar opposites who can’t keep their hands off of each other, and about a bad girl with a heart of gold and of a good boy who can’t for the life of him keep away.

Here’s an excerpt of Hustlin’ Texas:

Meet Romance Author, Jude Ouvrard

Jude Ouvrard

Today it’s great to welcome the wonderful author, Jude Ouvrard.

Hi Katheryn. Thank you for having me on your blog!

First Jude, could you tell us about your books?

At the moment, I have two published novellas. Both of them are romance.

The first one is Under the Sun. It’s a beach read, part of the anthology named Heat Wave. It was released in July 2013. It’s the story of Tracey Howard. She spent the past few years caring for her grandmother and now that she has passed away, she wants to live her life again. She decides to spend the summer at her grandmother's cabin. This is where everything changes. She meets Jackson and begins her new life.

Wonderland is a gay romance about two men. There is poetry at the beginning of each chapters and I think it helps with the emotions of the book. It’s the story of Lucas, he is going through a rough time and he decides to join a poetry class to help him cope. He meets Preston, his teacher and they both connect. Preston is the type of person who's enjoying life and only sees the good. He devotes his life to Lucas, he makes sure he gets everything he wants. This story touches many subjects; gay romance, poetry, last chance at life and unfortunately death. I think it has the power to touch your heart and soul.

Meet Multitalented Author, Michelle Matkins

Today I’m thrilled to be interviewing the wonderful author, Michelle Matkins. First Michelle, could you tell us about your books?

Hi Katheryn!  I’m so excited to be interviewed on your blog. So far, I have written 13 books. Under the name Michelle Ann Hollstein, I’ve written a fantasy trilogy; The Niberia Chronicles, and a cozy mystery series; The Ms. Aggie Underhill Mysteries. I also have a brand new YA Paranormal series; A Lost Souls Novel, written under the name Michelle Matkins.

Why did you become an author?

Honestly, I was bored at work. I know, sounds silly. I was working as an administrative assistant for many years and when I’d finish all of my work, I’d get bored. Most people within the company played Solitaire or surfed the net, but I decided to utilize my time with writing. I couldn’t just open a book at my desk and read like I wanted to, so I figured I’d write my own book instead. When I finished writing the 1^st one, I couldn’t stop. I was completely hooked. I couldn’t wait to get started writing the 2^nd book.

Meet Romance Author JJ Ellis

I always love to talk to other romance authors and today it's great to welcome JJ Ellis, bestselling author of Virgin Voyage. First, could you tell us what your books are about? 

My books are about true love, family, passion and the funny parts of life.  I love adding a dash of comedy to my work!  My current series of romantic comedies have all of the above, plus a beautiful setting (Alaska) and a matchmaking matriarch!

What are you working on at the moment? 

Right now I am writing book five of my cruiseship series. It is the final book and I'm doing it as a part of NaNoWriMo! I am very excited about this book because it is my most anticipated, but I am also very sad because it is the final one of the group.

Meet author Liam Taylor

I haven't had the chance (or the time!) to do an author interview for a while now, but today it's great to welcome Liam Taylor, author of The Shard Chronicles. First, can I ask what your book is about?

It’s about the life of Austin Cooper, a boy growing up in present-day Colorado. Loved and respected by his family and friends, he’s keeping a terrible, disheartening secret from them all. He’s not like everyone else. He has a unique ability that ensures his role as future protector of a powerful object, an object in the ownership of a man, the only other human like him. An object with a true origin lost over the span of time. An object that wants him dead.

After a troubling incident involving Austin, the man departs, searching for answers, and leaving the boy to deal with a new set of problems. He’s displaying more abilities... impossible without possession of the object... and the worst one yet, the school bully, intent on destroying the one person capable of stopping his vicious deeds.

Great Summer Chick Lit! Meet Author, Tracie Banister

Tracie Banister

Today it’s great welcome author Tracie Banister. First, can I ask what your books are about?

My first novel, Blame It on the Fame, tells the story of the five nominees for the Best Actress Oscar from the time they learn about the nomination until the envelope is ripped open and the winner is revealed. Readers get to take a peek behind the velvet curtain and see how the media frenzy surrounding the Oscars affects these five very different women and takes a toll on them both personally and professionally.  

My latest release, In Need of Therapy, explores the world of Miami-based psychologist Pilar Alvarez who's struggling to deal with the demands of her patients, her love life, and her crazy, Cuban family.

What inspires a great book? Meet author Jan Ruth

Today it's great to welcome Jan Ruth, author of romantic drama, who has kindly agreed to talk about what inspires her wonderful books. 

  As a writer I am often asked where I find ideas and inspiration; how do I start to build a whole new world full of make-believe people, and most importantly, just what are they going to do to make themselves so interesting?

I guess you could say, I have around forty years experience of make believe. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t reading, and writing. After a period of false starts, I realised that the craft itself had to be learnt and that has taken perhaps half of my lifetime to date. I am still learning and evolving, and always looking for new inspiration.

Inside the World of Romance Author, Deila Longford

Yesterday romance author, Deila Longford, was kind enough to invite me over to her blog to talk about happy-ever-after endings and today it's great to reciprocate by having her over to mine to talk about her life and her beautiful books (don’t you love the book covers!) Over to you, Deila.

Hello, I would just like to start by thanking the lovely Katheryn Lane for asking me to do a guest post on her blog. I was really faltered that she had asked me to do a post and (I must admit) a little bit nervous about what to write. I am not the world’s best in writing blog posts, but bear with me, I will try my best. I feel that I should start my telling you a little bit about myself. I live in rural Scotland with my family in a country house. My only neighbours are horses and other farm animals. My bedroom window looks over a lake (or Loch as I call it) and every morning I wake up and that view is what inspirers me to write.

Travel Around The World With Savannah Grace

Savannah Grace

I love to hear about new and exotic places and today it’s great to welcome author, Savannah Grace, who has literally traveled to the four corners of the earth! She is now telling her story so that those of us who can’t go all over the world can travel through her books instead. Savannah, I believe your first book is currently on sale for only 99c until 15 April!! What’s it about?

"SIHPROMATUM" (Sip-row-may-tum) is a memoir series of my family's four-year backpacking adventure around the world. The first installment, "I Grew my Boobs in China", is the beginning of an intensely fascinating, sobering, and emotional memoir of an introspective and innovative family adventure.

Tears and Romance with Author Tammy Robinson

Today it's wonderful to welcome author, Tammy Robinson. Tammy, I bleive your first book is called Charlie and Pearl. It's had lots of great reviews, could you tell us what it's about?

Charlie and Pearl is a love story at heart, but in a non-traditional, non sugar-coated way and with the opposite of your Happy-ever-after ending. It’s garnering a reputation as a bit of a tear jerker.

It’s my first published book, but the second book I’ve written.

My Journey As A Writer. Meet Patrick Carr

Today it is great to welcome Patrick Carr as part of his Cast of Stones blog tour and he has kindly agreed to share with me the story of his journey as a writer. Over to you Patrick!

My freshman year at Georgia Tech I ran across a box set of “The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant” in the campus bookstore. This was 1979 so the bookstore was still a spacious place that stocked a lot of books, magazines, and albums. The fantasy/science fiction section was sizable owing to the location and clientele. I opened my prize and for days I read during every spare moment I possessed, sometimes staying up until 2.

Romance and Russia! Meet Jennifer Comeaux

Today it’s great to have Jennifer Comeaux here as part of her Edge of the Past blog tour. First, Jennifer what is your latest book about?

Edge of the Past is about a couple who thinks they’ve finally gotten past all the tough obstacles in their way, but now they’re bombarded with a new set of challenges that are tougher than any they’ve ever faced.

I believe some of the story takes place in Russia. Why did you decide to set it there?

One of the main characters in the story, Sergei, is from Moscow, and I wanted to explore his complicated past there. I thought it would be great to have Sergei and Emily travel to Russia and come face-to-face with the ghosts of Sergei’s past.

If Women Ruled The World. Meet Lori Lesko

Today it’s great to have author Lori Lesko here to tell me abut her debut novel, Our Daughters. Over to you Lori!

Why I wrote OUR DAUGHTERS:

The idea came from a vivid dream, actually of an intense sexual nature. I was having relations with a man (don't know who) and quite enjoyed it. I then remember going out of my room and telling other women about my experience, because they have never had sex. But just then, another woman ran down the hall crying that our good friend (somehow we all lived in this mansion) had given birth to a boy.

We were devastated and grieved for her. Because we knew that wasn't allowed. However, when this woman recovered from her loss and faced her peers, they allowed her to at least stay in the senate as a member. We rejoiced at this news.