Hello my dear friends!

I know it's been a while between posts, but I'm doing my best to finish up the rough draft of the new Evans series. Yes, they are not done yet! Yay! I received so many requests to keep it going that I couldn't find the heart to put my beloved friends away forever. I'm just about done with the rough draft of the Evans Domination Series, Book One. As the readers of Sunshine Rising learned, there was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, and sure enough, they have not finished their battle with the Mexican cartels.

So, what's the new book about? Well, without giving away the entire plot, I will say that they are searching for El Padrino (who, by the way, is not the real El Padrino who was arrested some time ago. I did not base my character on him at all, and I had never heard of him until I began researching this new book. I wanted to put that out there, just in case, LOL). Book One will be introducing some new characters who will be relevant in future books, but our favorite Evans characters do make an appearance. Zach is trying his hardest to handle El Padrino the legal way while Hayden, Andrew, and Ian are planning to go rogue. When Zach is called into a human trafficking case based in Tucson, he works hard to tie it back to El Padrino. Stay tuned for a frightening, yet very real, story to come.

With that being said, please watch out this summer for the new book, Hope Is Calling, The Evans Domination, Book One. We're looking at a late-June release date, but I'll post once it's ready to go.

I hope all of my friends are doing well, and thank you for your patience with me last year. I know I was only able to release two books instead of three, but I'm trying hard to make up for that this year. If only I could fix my back! Ugh.

Don't forget to stay tuned. I'm sending the information to my cover artist today, and hopefully she'll be working her magic in time for the June release. 

Hugs to my readers out there! Take care.

Although a little late in posting, here is my continuing series of scenes from my books. I've chosen Eyes on Tango, one of my favorites to feature next. A jungle adventure, a vacation gone awry, and the beginning of the mystery is falling into place. 

Please enjoy seeing some of the scenes where Dani and Hayden began their road to love, where Rocky and Micaela reveal their plans, and where Zach begins to find the information he needs to catch the bad guys he and Ian have been hunting for months.

From the ruins in Tulum, Mexico, up the Mayan Riviera to Playa del Carmen and finally Cancun, Mexico, the two lovers run for their lives in search of escape from a beautiful land turned deadly.

I hope you have a fun time exploring the sites with Dani and Hayden!

Here it is, six weeks following surgery, and it's just one week to go before Kat's Last Chance is released. I'm down to the wire and still doing my best not to overdo things at home. I had my X-rays completed and saw my wonderful surgeon yesterday, so let's start there with a quick health update.

So, six weeks later and I'm still using the walker on occasion. I've had two more spills since my last entry, both times coming out of bed. The sciatica that started the Friday (day 9 post-surgery) behind my knees is still present, and I was concerned about that. At times I feel as though my ankle is twisted, and if I crouch, I can't get back up because the pain is so intense. I discussed this with my surgeon yesterday, and he made a lot of sense. After all, for a year-and-a-half, I worked primarily from my bed, with pillows beneath my knees bending my legs. It was impossible to straighten them without pain. He so wisely informed me that those nerves are now being stretched, pulled on and realigned. It will take time for them to heal, especially since they were inflamed for so long. That gave me hope. He also mentioned that physical therapy will probably help that heal up, so I'm now screaming, "Get me in PT!" ☺

With that being said, I should be receiving a phone call next week to start, yippee! I'm eager to get going, for I still feel weak and tired at times. I know a lot of that is the busy-ness of life and having a family to take care of, but I also feel as though much of that is because I have lost a lot of my muscle tone over this period.

Pain-wise, I feel a lot better and am weaning off my medication. I still get twinges in my back complete with muscle spasms, especially in the morning, but overall I'm already feeling so much better than prior to surgery (THANK YOU, DOC!) If it was not for the sciatica behind my knees going down to my toes, I think I'd be so much more active (energy depending). I am walking every day, and plan to keep extending the distance as much as I can.

I've been given the approval to start driving up to half-hour increments. I must start off slowly and work my way up. From my residential location, that's a huge help. Everything seems to be so far away. I have been driving now for over a week, and at first it was very painful. I never realized just how much you use your abdominal muscles until I first got behind the wheel that day. Also, twisting is a bit difficult, and I'm not all that comfortable relying solely on mirrors, so I have my daughter keep an eye out for me as well. Once again, my surgeon was so wise when he told me to heed the signals of my body. I'm taking it slow to be safe. I carry precious cargo!

Both incisions have closed completely, and I'm using a cream called Revitol to see if that helps fade it a little. I found that online through a Google search of the best scar removal creams. It came in second before Mederma, so I hopped on Amazon and bought a jar. I've been using it twice a day, so we'll see how that goes. After everything I've been through, I don't even mind if the scars stay - they're BATTLE SCARS, baby!

The muscles around my abdomen are still very tender, and they are hard along the incision line. I've heard from others who have had c-sections that it's normal and will eventually go away. That was a relief, for Oscar hit me square on in the stomach with his popped basketball (crazy dog), and I buckled in two. Ouch!

Before I move on to Kat's book, I just want to shout again to my friends and family for helping me out so much. Kathy has been a godsend to me, driving from a half-hour away to take me into Phoenix for my appointments, and I can't thank her enough (even though this book is hers, coincidentally, LOL). Also to Shannon for being my rock these days. My two girls are working so hard to help me that it brings tears to my eyes. With my oldest in college now, I call us the Terrific Trio. And to all my online friends, thank you for the emotional support. You have been there through the tough times, and I will NEVER forget that.

Now on to Kat! Seven days left. I'm cleaning up the final draft and using the physical proof to do so. It will be released on time, I promise. It's been very busy, but I'm determined to put in whatever hours it takes to finish up. I will have it available right on October 25th via Amazon and Smashwords. Barnes and Noble may take up to a week or so after, but iTunes and Sony I believe are almost instantaneous these days. I'll add the links to my site as they appear and announce on my Facebook page when it's present at the various sites. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. I still recommend the surgery for those in my position, even though the recovery time is so long. It is worth a few months of weakness to live a pain-free and relatively normal lifestyle. Just make sure you don't do too much or your body will let you know.

Until next time! Hugs, everyone!!

September 5, 2012, I went in for an ALIF and TLIF surgical procedure on my back. You can review the entire story in the posts below, but this is to be my one month update.  As you can see from the photo, I am still using the walker, but I am up and moving around - yay!

I mentioned before that on my first weekend home I developed sciatica in my calves and behind my knees. Yes, I know, that's a very strange spot to have it, especially since I have very little pain in my buttocks and thighs. I hardly notice it there. But that has continued now two weeks later. (I'm sincerely wishing it would heal up, but I'll continue to keep you posted on that.) 

I can say that the sciatica has eased. It's not quite as intense as it was at first unless I stand for too long or sit for too long. You can see in the photo attached that I am standing with my left leg bent. That is the most painful leg, and the pain can escalate quickly. When standing, I must continue to move from side to side or the pain becomes so incredible that I am forced to my knees. At one point, I had to crawl out of my closet until my daughter, Shannon, could help me climb back into bed. The same thing has happened from sitting too long. One time following a trip to the restroom, I almost 'lunged' (would have if physically strong enough, haha) back to my bed. I immediately lie flat when this happens and wait for the pain to lighten up. That is the worst problem that I'm facing at this point in time, and I plan to speak with my surgeon and pain management doctor in the next couple of weeks when I go in for my follow ups.

Drivers beware! I am back on the road! 

No need to run for the hills; I am just teasing. I'm not dangerous, I promise. 

I drove for the first time following surgery on Wednesday of this week, just a quick half-mile journey to a doctor's office down the street from us. The appointment was for my daughter, and I made her stop texting and put down her phone and help me with an extra pair of eyes and ears because of my limited motion. I never truly realized how much you use your abdominal muscles when you drive. Perhaps it was because I was nervous or perhaps because I drive a BMW ("the man and car are one" is right ,sheesh!), but I found it to be a bit more difficult than I thought. My surgeon had told me to heed my instincts on driving, so for now I will only drive when necessary and follow his instructions to keep my journeys to 10-15 minute trips on local streets only. This is not one thing I will be daring about.

Following the doctor's appointment, we had to make a quick stop to drop off her prescription, and by the time I was done I had to take a pain pill and lie down. It was exhausting, which is such a strange feeling because I'm so used to being active and busy. You can really tell that your body is not quite ready to go full-steam ahead, and I am constantly reminded when I do "too much". 

When you come out of surgery, the hospital staff is very insistent that you monitor your 'movements'. Since my appetite still has not returned completely, I had been resorting to drinking shakes, eating fruits and having a light dinner. I ended up having a blockage that almost sent me to the ER. That was a miserable time, and probably the worst part of my recovery so far. So for those who find themselves not following orders to a "T" and slacking off a bit, please make sure you're taking care of business! It took me a couple of days afterwards to feel better, and I'm still feeling nauseous at times.

After all my frightening news, I do have some icing to go on the cake! The good news is that both incisions are healing up very well. The back incision is completely closed and now a long, pink scar. I still have two steri-strips left on my abdomen out of six, and one spot where one had fallen off is still slightly open, but they are not giving me any trouble at all. If it wasn't for the sciatica in my calves right now, I don't think I would need any pain pills at all. Every now and then, it seems as though I can "feel" the rods in my back. They ache a bit. I also have a tender spot in my stomach, but I believe it's just muscle pain where they're coming back together.

I am very excited to get to the point where I no longer need medications at all. Going back to just a multivitamin is my goal, and I'm determined to get there sooner or later. I would be a lot more active with my walking if not for the sciatica, but again I believe part of that is my body telling me not to do too much. I run an active household with children and pets, so the bending, twisting, lifting and household chores that I'm not supposed to be doing sometimes have me doing more than I should. I know, I know, I must take it easy. It's just easier said than done when there's no one else around at the time to help. 

Of course I must get back to work! I have been online a little bit here and there, but I am mostly keeping my hours limited. I still have some sleepless, uncomfortable nights, so I try to rest during the day. However, I have finalized the cover for Kat's Last Chance, The Evans Family, Book Four and still plan to release it this month. My official date for release will be October 25th, barring any further complications. 

I hope this pleases everyone! I know a lot of you have been waiting for the arrival, and I promise you that even though I've been out of the loop for some time I am still preparing to have an on-time release.

This is my first reveal of the new cover. I hope you love it as much as I do. A special thanks goes out to An Author's Art once again for taking my words and turning them into magic for me. Thank you Laura!

Physically, I will continue to focus on recovery. I will see my surgeon again on the 16th, and we will then determine when I can start physical therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to get moving again. It's been a long road, and it feels as though the end is in sight.

Lastly, I really must put out a giant thank you for all the cards, flowers, well wishes and best hopes that I've received from you all. I plan to frame all the get well cards and mount them on the wall in my office. Every time I open the PO Box, I have been brought to tears by the kindness you all have shown me. (Ask Shannon on our blog if you don't believe me, haha). You are the best readers out there, and I can't say thank you enough! It has helped me remain optimistic in times of pain, and it has warmed my heart to know that so many people care. Thank you all so much!

Does anyone else ever Google images of scenes where books they’ve read take place? I admit I do sometimes no matter how detailed the description is. Although I’m not necessarily a visual learner, there’s just something to be said about being able to see with your own eyes where a particular scene took place. 

With that being said, I’ve gone through some of my old photo albums to locate photos of places I’ve visited that appear in my books. I decided to post them here in the hopes some of you may take as great pleasure in seeing the locations as I do. So let's start with lovely Hannah's Blessing. Although I haven't been lucky enough to tour the islands from a luxurious yacht, I've been down there a few times and have to say it truly is a magical place.

I hope you enjoy this series of posts!

In Hannah's Blessing, the main characters are fortunate enough to take a tour of the Hawaiian Islands via a luxurious yacht. There was some snorkeling, swimming, a day at one of the beaches, of course sightseeing of the islands and naturally a luau. From the ship, these photos could very well be some of the views our characters saw, enjoyed and stored away for a lifetime of memories. 

This blog post originally appeared on January 16, 2012 on http://collettescott.blogspot.com.

I am proud to feature one of the hardest working and helpful authors I have had the pleasure to meet. Patti Roberts is the author of the hugely popular and fantastic young adult fantasy/paranormal series, Paradox. Between researching her descriptive settings, writing her colorful and captivating stories and marketing her wonderful work, Patti is always very helpful, friendly and supportive. She is the true definition of gracious and caring, and I am so happy to have her appear on my blog again to discuss her new release, the second book in her Paradox Series, Progeny of Innocence. Thank you, Patti, for joining me today. It's great to have you back!

Collette: So let's start with the basics. Tell us a little about your background. When did you start writing? 
 
Patti: I started writing with the intent of publishing in 2009. I was feeling very down and misplaced after a failed relationship, and I wanted to do something positive…. I needed to do something positive. I wanted to herd up all my unresolved emotions and put them to good use. So I went out and bought a new laptop computer and started writing. Hence the reason Paradox – The Angels Are Here is a little bit EMO! Writing has been the best therapy and I have never been happier or more fulfilled! I highly recommend writing to anyone that finds themselves in a similar predicament. That is when I started writing and how the Paradox Series was born. Out of the ashes…

Collette: I agree completely! I often say that writing is cathartic. So where do you get your ideas? 
 
Patti: For every warp of life imaginable. Awake or asleep. And a creative and overworked imagination.

Collette: What is your writing process? 
 
Patti: I run different scenarios around for particular chapters in my head. I give the characters dialogue to see were it leads. It is one thing to have an idea for a story line but it isn’t until I bring in the characters to see how their personalities would react in particular circumstances that I really know how it has to be written.

Collette: Do you write full-time now? 
 
Patti: I do pretty much. However, much of that time is also spent planning marketing and promoting.

Collette: That's for sure. A full-time job in itself!

Collette: The Paradox Series is well under way with the recent release of the second installment. Can you tell us a little bit about Paradox, Progeny of Innocence? 
 
Patti: Two Worlds. One Ancient and One New. An immortal enemy still driven by the desire of being the One supreme power of an ancient kingdom. The prize he seeks to fulfill his desires - A young girl, Grace, trapped in the middle between Heaven and Hell. But who can Grace trust? There are those around her that live and die to protect and those that want only to destroy. Who could you trust when the enemy hides in plain sight and looks just like you. Were could you run when your enemy is faster, smarter, stronger…
 
Collette: How long did it take you to complete? 
 
Patti: Progeny took eleven months to research and write.

Collette: Your settings and descriptions were very detailed. Can you describe your research into your
subject this time around? 
 
Patti: Same as always. Hours of research into ancient civilizations, myths and legends. From the tiniest red shiny bead found in the blistering Utopia desert to the magical realm of ancient forest trees. And of course a vivid
imagination…
 
Colette: And you obviously have that! Okay, so can we talk a little bit about Grace? She's a young woman coming of age in this story, and she is certainly growing. Can you tell us about her inner motivation and how Juliette influences her? 
 
Patti: Grace knows she is different even though she isn't ready to accept that fact just yet. She senses a danger in knowing who she really is so she keeps most of those thoughts to herself by writing in a hidden journal. She has visions of a girl named Juliette. But she doesn't quite understand why or who this Juliette is. Through Grace, Juliette is also starting to come to terms with a past that she thought was long gone and buried. 
 
Collette: You have also introduced some new characters, most notably Damon….Hmmm. Is Grace developing a love interest for the future installments? 
 
Patti: Grace is certainly at an age where love is a priority of any "normal" teenage girl. And Grace so badly wants to be normal. So when Damon Draco comes along she is instantly drawn to his boyish good looks and mysterious charm. But is there more to it than just a teenage crush…

Collette: Another favorite is Keyla. Will she be playing a prominent role in the series? 
 
Patti: Most certainly. Keyla is everything precious and pure. Within her she holds powerful abilities pasted down from an almost extinct race of people that stretches back to the time before time. The ancient Bakhna Rakhna People from the southern mountains.

Collette: Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances? 
 
Patti: I name some of my characters after friends that have inspired me. Sometimes I will take a friend's personality and blend it with one of my characters to make them become more real. More dimensional. I give all of my characters birthdates, favorite colors, particular things they like or dislike. Imagine what their parents are like. Even if I never write about those things. It makes my characters more real.
 
Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters? 
 
Patti: My thoughts and feelings most certainly.

Collette: Tell us about your cover. Did you design it yourself? 
 
Patti:  Yes, I chose three covers for Progeny and then I submitted them to the public to vote on. The cover that came in second (girl in purple mask) I made into a Special Edition that comprises of the first 2 books in the series. I source the cover art (Dreamstime) and then design the titles and fonts. I love cover art – I do judge a book by the cover!!!
 
Collette: Where did you get the inspiration for your cover? 
 
Patti: I can spend hours looking at pictures online. For my covers, locations and my characters. I have to have faces for my characters when I am writing dialogue for them. I search until I find a face that matches my character. Then I print it out and have it on a corkboard in front of me. I feel I can be more consistent with my characters traits and dialogue if I have a firm image of them to look at.

Collette: Are you still writing the series? If so, what will your future projects entail?

Patti: Next on the agenda is book 3.that is due to be released this year  (2012).I will know in the next few months about how I want the 4th book in the series to go.

Collette: Does your reading inspire you and your work? 
 
Patti:  Most certainly. It puts my head in the right place. When I wrote for the ancient world I read the Game of Thrones. So does artwork. Finding the right artwork for my ancient world is just as important to finding the right face for my characters. Let's face it. We are not talking about an everyday world here. 
  
Where can we find you online?
 
Blog: http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/
Book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_jTh7rj38
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paradox-Series/150822348341990 
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Patti-Roberts/e/B004RXY0OI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1 
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=sr_nr_p_n_binding_browse-b_mrr_2?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3APatti+Roberts%2Cp_n_binding_browse-bin%3A368165031&bbn=266239&sort=relevancerank&ie=UTF8&qid=1326647494&rnid=492562011
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=patti+roberts 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/980856.Patti_Roberts
 
What formats are your books available in? ebook and paperback
 
Where are your paperback books available for purchase?Amazon and Createspace.
 
Patti, as always, thank you for stopping by my blog. It's always a pleasure! I wish you all the continued
success with your imaginative and fantastic writing projects!

My teenage daughter is a huge fan of Patti's series Paradox. Eagerly awaiting Book Two of the series, she read it in just two sittings and  happily posted a review. Though brief, I think her words say it all: 
 
"This book was so hard to put down, it was SO good. It was even better than the first. I found that it explained some things that were left unanswered in the first, and I loved how it went more into detail in the past. I'm SO excited to read her next one!"

This post was originally published on November 30,2011 on my blog, collettescott.blogspot.com.

With  the passing of the Patriot Act in what seems a lifetime ago, I think many  Americans thought everything would be okay. However, Linda Hawley presents a  different spin on the invasion of  government into the private sector. What if  the government was monitoring us via microchip inserted in our driver's  licenses? What if the government was listening to every word we said at every  time? Ms. Hawley has taken that line of thought one step further with the first  book in her series, Dreams Unleashed. I am very pleased to announce that the lovely Linda Hawley is here to share a little more about her spine-tingling, edge-of-your-seat thriller, the first in her series The Prophecies.
 Collette: Welcome, Linda. I’m so happy to have you here. Can we start with  the basics? Tell us a little about your background. How was The Prophecies Series born?

Linda: I was an executive on a plane flying from Dallas to Seattle when, upon landing, the plane nearly crashed.(I have flown all over the world in all kinds of weather, and it was the very worst experience on a plane that I'd had.) In the airport later, I wrote down the experience while it was fresh in my mind, amazed that I was alive. I then emailed it to my assistant. When I got back in my office the next day, my assistant said, "That was incredible; you should write a book. "I was shocked by his words, but let them marinate in my mind. Not long after, Ann Torgeson (my protagonist) was born.The final chapter in Dreams Unleashed (book 1 of The  Prophecies) was inspired by my experience.
 
Collette: That’s some scary stuff. What is your  writing process?
 
Linda: I'm a night writer. Some of my best scenes I wrote at one in the morning. I pretty much write every day. I usually know the first and last chapter of every book, and often write them first. For the rest of the novel, I write down 12  phrases of milestones in the story, and then write to them chronologically. I never get more detailed than that, because  I need to keep it open to activate my creative juices. For the most part, I fly off the seat of my  pants when writing stories.

Collette: Do you write full-time now?

Linda: Yes

Collette: Were you inspired by someone/something to write the genre you’re writing in?
 
Linda: Dystopian thrillers are what I love; both in books and movies. Nothing could be more exciting for me.

Collette: How long have you been working on the series?

Linda: I started Dreams Unleashed (book one) three years ago, but in March 2011, I discarded all but 1/8 of the book, and rewrote  it; it was published two months later. I wrote Guardian of Time (book two) in three months; it was published Oct 2011.I am  writing book three now; it's the final book in the series. I'm comfortable writing three novels per year.
 
Collette: Can you describe your research into your subject?

Linda: I'm a news junky; I read about five news sources every day. I understand what's going on in the  world. I look for trends of discord to  use in my dystopian thrillers. I research like crazy, because most of the technology, locations, and historical  information are real. In The Prophecies, the fiction includes the characters and the things that they do. However, Remote Viewing, Project Stargate,  RFID tracking, and many other things are real --all of them discovered in my research.
 
Collette: Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances?

Linda: All except Chow Lai, and a couple of new characters in Guardian of Time.
 
Collette: Do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?
 
Linda: Ann's character includes the best parts of me.

Collette: That’s pretty cool, Linda.

Moving on to Dreams Unleashed. Here’s the blurb for the story:
 
Book 1, The Prophecies, A Dystopian Thriller Series

It’s the near future, and society is government controlled. Technology tracks everyone, and personal privacy does not exist. The hope for freedom lies in the operations of an underground organization, GOG, which fights against worldwide oppression. Their most powerful weapon is Ann Torgeson, a paranormally-gifted operative. When her powers release the seal of The Prophecies, she becomes a weapon against the government, which relentlessly pursues her. 

Question everything is the theme of Dreams Unleashed.

Collette: Your series is a mixture of adventure and intrigue, yet Ann still manages to remain a ‘woman’. She’s a female Jason Bourne but also a mother who loves her daughter and a wife who loves her husband. Can you tell us how you managed to balance her tough and soft sides?

Linda: I think women are amazing--smart, intuitive, joyful, spiritual, thoughtful, aware, loyal, sensual, funny, etc. In movies, however, women are rarely multidimensional, especially with their sensuality. I wanted to create a powerful, feminine woman who did not wear high heels, stockings, or a little black dress, but who was not a tomboy. I wanted her to be a thinking woman who considered the state of the world, and for her to be a warrior who was willing to risk her own life to fight for what she knows to be right. With all this intensity, I softened her character by making her laugh at her boyfriend's jokes, and to be enticed by compliments from her boss.

Collette: Yes, she is a multi-dimensional character, for sure. One of my favorite things about Ann is that she’s a tough and capable character with a strong sense of what is right. Can you tell us a little about Ann’s message?

Linda: Ann's message is to open your eyes and look around. Take something mentioned in one of the books, and Google it to find out what's happening in your own country. You're likely to be surprised. In The Prophecies, I'm not trying to scare you, but it's likely that I will do just that if you consider that most of the technologies in the book are real--right now.

Collette: What's the biggest surprise readers can expect from reading this series?

Linda: Adventure. Ann travels all over the globe, and I've described these adventures visually, so the reader can see it in their mind's eye. It's an armchair traveler's delight. 
 
Collette: Without giving away too much of your story, can you tell us what’s in the works for Ann in later installments of The Prophecies Series?
 
Linda: I can't answer this one very well [without giving too much away], but I'll give you a little teaser. The final book in The Prophecies series (yet untitled) will answer all of the open questions from Dreams Unleashed and
Guardian of Time (books 1 and 2).The ending is quite spectacular; I suspect readers will be thrilled.
 
Collette: Do you have plans to continue writing following Ann’s final chapter? If so, what will your future projects entail?
 
Linda: I have a stand-alone novel I'm writing. My dad's father (my grandfather) died a hero in a notorious battle in Germany right before the end of WWII. The first scene in the novel is the final battle scene, and as he's dying, his life flashes before his eyes. Since it's historical fiction, I'm working hard to present a visual story (like all my writing).It's called 'An American Orphan.' It's a surprise for my dad. I expect to be finished in March 2012.
 
Collette: Ok, so make sure you don’t tell him we’ve posted this interview. Where can we find you
online?
 
Book Trailer on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctR4NDgwSSc&feature=youtu.be
Author Website: http://www.lindahawley.com/
Facebook Fan Page:http://www.facebook.com/ThePropheciesSeries
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Unleashed-2nd-Prophecies-ebook/dp/B005YIQYIU/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319555407&sr=1-2
Amazon.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005YIQYIU
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/98527
B&N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams2-unleashed-linda-hawley/1106955115?ean=2940013306615&itm=2&usri=linda%252bhawley
CreateSpace:https://www.createspace.com/3696178
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12973680-dreams-unleashed-2nd-ed
Shelfari: http://www.shelfari.com/books/23896326/Dreams-Unleashed-(The-Prophecies)
LibraryThing:http://www.librarything.com/work/book/79452349
 
Collette: What formats are your books available in?
 
Linda: All eBook formats and of course Print. 

Collette: Thank you so much, Linda! I wish you all the best with your writing projects!

This post originally appeared on March 23, 2012 on http://collettescott.blogspot.com.
I have had the great pleasure in becoming friends with the multi-talented and extremely intelligent author, Ilil Arbel. In addition to writing in multiple genres, Ilil is also an expert in the field of mythology and folklore. She brings this expertise to life in a charming and exciting young adult fantasy novel, The Cinnabar Box, which my  daughter recently read and enjoyed tremendously. I was able to entice Ilil to make an appearance on my blog to talk about The Cinnabar Box as well as some of her other projects. Please join me in learning more about this fascinating author, Ilil Arbel! 
 
Hello Ilil! I’m so happy to have you join me today. Thank you for agreeing to appear on my blog. So let’s get started with a little bit about you:

A Bit About Ilil Arbel:

Collette: Tell us a little about your background. 
  
Ilil: I am all mixed up. Born and raised in Israel, I studied in Paris, and then moved to New York where I still live, fighting for survival in Manhattan. But that’s not all, I also have a shady past… I did not start writing until later, as a career change. I was a scientific illustrator for years! During those years, I studied mythology, folklore, history and literature, some formally and some on my own, so when I decided it was time to make a career change, I was ready for writing. I think I always wanted to write, though. My grandfather was an author so it felt good to follow in his footsteps. 
 
Collette: That’s so interesting! A scientific illustrator? So you’re quite the artist - well rounded.

Collette: How often do you do collaborations?
 
Ilil: I collaborated with only two Authors. The first was an expert on the field of extraterrestrials, and I wrote two biographies based on his notes. The other was editing Lord David Prosser’s delightful Barsetshire novels. I highly recommend Lord David’s books, by the way.
 
Collette: Oh, I do too! I love Lord David’s humor and his stories! He’s one of my daughter’s favorites as
well.

Collette: So, tell me, where do you get your ideas?

Ilil: I walk in the street, and suddenly the ideas leap out of my bizarre subconscious mind and demand attention. We do a lot of walking in New York, so the ideas keep coming to harass me. I am sure books also trigger thoughts, but it is less obvious. 
 
Collette: And I’m sure there’s plenty in Manhattan to trigger a story, hee hee... So were you inspired by someone/something to write the genres you’re writing in?
 
Ilil:The Lemon Tree was inspired my mother’s stories about her life in Siberia and her family’s year-long journey to Tel Aviv. She was a superb storyteller. For general fiction, I would say that W. Somerset Maugham made a strong impact on me and I learned a lot from his short stories and autobiographical material. For biography, I was inspired by the style of Andre Maurois. For fantasy and magic, I learned mostly from the great Lord Dunsany; he invented mythologies! 
 
Collette: What is your writing process?
 
Ilil: I write the story mentally, telling it to myself. Then I sit and type it on the computer. I rarely write by hand since I like to write fast, keeping up with the thoughts. If I get stuck and don’t know what the next scene is, I let my thoughts drift and suddenly it feels as if a door is opened and I step into the solution. From the technical point of view, I read yesterday’s writing before I start on today’s writing, so it will be a smooth transition. When the story is done, I rewrite, edit, and proofread several times. Then every book goes to a proofreader to make sure it’s professional and clean. 
 
Collette: Do you write full-time now?

Ilil: No… I wish I could, but life is expensive these days! I need a day job.

Collette: What is your current day job?
 
Ilil: I work as an indexer. Believe it or not, it’s a lot of fun, like playing with a puzzle. I index both databases and books. 

A Bit About Ilil's Writing:

Collette: You have written quite a bit so far and in different genres. You have somewhat of a memoir, The Lemon Tree, that’s on my Kindle eagerly waiting for me to start. How about a bit of a teaser into that amazing real-life story? 
  
Ilil: Here is a segment, about an incident that took place as the family was traveling on the Trans-Siberian Railway from Siberia to Tel Aviv, and reached Manchuria under very dangerous conditions. 

…Then
another unbearable thing happened. A policeman motioned Papa to follow him to the men’s department. Papa looked back at us, his blue eyes full of pain. “It's
all right, girls,” said Mama quietly. “You will follow me to the women's department, and soon we will meet Papa in the hall again. Don't worry.”At that moment, however, I wasn't worrying about myself, but about Papa. I couldn't bear the thought that he was alone; at least the three of us were together. If only Sasha were here to be with him, I thought, it's so unfair, so unfair, poor Papa, all alone . . . “Don't cry, Ida,” said Mama firmly and put her arm around me. “You will attract attention.” Somehow I managed. Mama's immeasurable inner strength never failed me.

We were received by a very tall woman, dressed entirely in black. She even wore a black fur hat, like the hats of the Cossacks. Over her forehead peeked a few gray hairs and her face was wrinkled, not with friendly laugh lines around the eyes, but with vicious lines, pointing down around her mouth. She smelled of mildew, and reminded me of Baba Yaga, the horrible witch that ate little children in the Russian fairy tales. 

This looming apparition went straight to Feera and mumbled: “undo your braids and then take off your clothes.” Feera stood naked and shivering from the cold, with only her loose hair reaching her ankles and covering her back. The witch raised her eyebrows with surprise at the magnificent hair, but did not utter even one soft word or try a little smile to relax the terrified child. After Feera was searched I repeated the procedure. When Mama's turn came my heart stopped beating. I observed the speed with which she took off her coat, with the buttons loaded with gold coins, and her stockings' garters which also had some coins in them. The witch took the belt filled with all our paper money immediately. She didn't even bother to check what was in it. She knew. Wordlessly she waited for us to dress and led us to another room.

At least Papa waited there already. It was the office of an official who took care of “criminals” like us, those who dared to smuggle some necessities of life. The official methodically recorded the list of our offenses. Suddenly, he raised his head and looked sharply at us as we stood there, pale and desperate. His eyes rested on the lemon tree in Mama's hand and he asked: “And what's that?”  

Mama's fingers went white as she clutched the pot to her heart. We all had the same thought: he will never believe us. He will dig the pot, searching for valuables, and the lemon tree will die of shock. 

“That's all I have left from my eldest son, who sowed this lemon tree with his own hands. He died recently,” said Mama.

The official's eyes softened. He continued to stare at the little, upright lemon tree. On a chair, next to his desk, the witch left all her loot, including Mama's belt. The official, with a sudden gleam in his eyes, looked at the belt, and then at us again. He seemed to hesitate. Suddenly, he extended his hand to the belt, shoved it at Mama and said: “Take care of the lemon tree and of your daughters.” He hastily handed our papers back to Papa, poked his head out of the door and called: “Next traveler!” motioning us to hurry and leave so that no one would witness his act of kindness. He, too, was afraid.

Collette: Thank you, that's wonderful. You are even currently writing a book on your blog in installments. Tell us a little bit about “A Book in Progress”?

Ilil: It’s called The Golden Rule. This is the strangest book I have ever done. I wanted to write the life story of Hillel the Elder, a prominent Jewish scholar, lawmaker, and leader who lived two thousand years ago. I adore him; he was a lovely human being. The Encyclopedia Britannica claimed it can’t be done, reflecting the view of almost everyone that Hillel’s life was too shrouded in legend. This was a challenge, so naturally I decided to write it anyway. I figured if you take the legends and lay them out against the exciting, violent history of the time, as faithfully recorded by contemporaries, and then add a lot of material from other Jewish sources, it can be done. Since it would take years to write, I figured the way to get it out to the public right away is to write it online, as a blog. So every Sunday I place a new segment. I was surprised and delighted by the showof interest by readers. The book is of course free of charge and available to everyone on my website.
 
Collette:  I have been following this story, and it’s fascinating stuff! The amount of research into Biblical times is staggering and well-written. Anyone who enjoys that time period is bound to learn something new, Ilil. You are to be commended.

Collette: And your “Personal Histories”, would you like to share a bit about that interesting journey?

Ilil: My personal histories were never done professionally. I did it as a hobby since I think everyone in the world has a story that should be told, and I had an opportunity to interview several elderly people who were extraordinarily interesting. A few samples are available on my website; I would love to come back to it someday, either as a blog or as a book. 
 
Collette: With your background in mythology and folklore, do you plan to continue in that vein or with more historical/memoir stories?

Ilil: I will probably come back to it eventually. For the moment, they will be used
for the sequel to The Cinnabar Box. 
  
Collette: Okay, so we’re back to the story that my daughter read and loved! Let’s talk a little bit more about your YA novel, The Cinnabar Box. My daughter recently finished that novel and truly enjoyed it. She had a few questions she’d like to ask you about your adventurous story:

Collette: How long did that story take you to complete?

Ilil: It took about six months. 

Collette: Can you describe your research into your subject?

Ilil: I did not need much research, to be honest, since this is the type of mythology I know well. I checked for accuracy against my mythological dictionaries. 
 
Collette: She found it very informative the way Donna traveled to alternative worlds. Did you draw on your background in history, mythology and folklore to describe them so accurately? 

Ilil: Yes, all the characters and locations are based on accurate mythological or historical figures and situations, even the vegetable lamb, the balalaika-playing toad, and the Devil’s School. Except for one thing– the flood scene is based on a horribly realistic dream I had when I was about twelve years old. 

Collette: Are there going to be more stories about Donna and Yolanda?

Ilil: Yes, I am hoping to start a sequel soon. 
 
Collette: Now that’s what she wanted to hear! 
  
Collette: Her favorite character was Bartholomew. Did you have a favorite character in the story? 

Ilil: I liked him too. It’s a toss up this irresistible donkey, and Camellia, the elegant camel who wears pearls and a flower behind her ear. 
  
Collette: Are any of your characters based on real-life friends or acquaintances? 
  
Ilil: No, never. I make them all up. I don’t want to upset my friends…
 
Collette: Haha, I know what you mean! So do you ever incorporate yourself into your characters?

Ilil: Not deliberately, but I am sure some weirdness must seep into them. 
 
Collette: Are you still writing? If so, what will your future projects entail?

Ilil: Yes, why stop? Writing is great fun. The Golden Rule will take years to research and write. But in the meantime, I am also trying my hand at my first detective story. I can’t give details since the publisher wants to wait on that for a while and swore me to secrecy. But soon all shall be revealed!!!

Collette: Considering how well rounded you write, do you have a favorite genre to write or do you write what stories come to mind?

Ilil: I like to try many different things, but I think my favorite is biography of historical figures.

Collette: How often do you read?
 
Ilil: I read every single day since I have learned how to do it. I think the only day I missed was the day my son was born. It would have been awkward to ask for a book under the circumstances. 
 
Collette: That's true. Besides, I'm sure you were busy! So what is your favorite genre to read?

Ilil: For entertainment, I prefer late 18th and 19th century British classics. For nonfiction, including research, I love ancient Jewish history and folklore. 

Collette: Does your reading inspire you?

Ilil: Reading is not an option for me, it’s a necessity, so it’s hard to decide if it is an inspiration or a horrible addiction… 
  
Where can we find you online?
Blog: The Golden Rule (blog/a book in progress): http://ililarbel.weebly.com/a-book-in-progress.html
Website: http://ililarbel.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1092849415
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ilil+arbel
Amazon.uk:http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=ilil+arbel
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/254172812
Angela Thirkell Society of North America: http://www.angelathirkell.org/
Encyclopedia Mythica:http://www.pantheon.org/areas/featured/witchcraft/

Collette: Where are your books available for purchase?
 
Ilil: Most convenient are Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. The books are also on a bunch of independent sellers but I can’t keep track. I am sure some are pirated… 
  
Collette: What formats are your books available in?
 
Ilil: The books that are available for sale exist in paperback and/or on Kindle. The free books on the Angela Thirkell Society and Encyclopedia Mythica can be downloaded and saved on your computer as PDF or Word. 
 
Collette: Thank you so much, Ilil! It was fascinating to learn more about your work and your writing. I wish you all the best success and we can’t wait for you to release The Cinnabar Box’s sequel!
 
As I mentioned, my daughter enjoyed this book so much that she wanted to write a review. Once she started it, she was unable to put it down until the end. She reported that she was totally engaged with the characters, feeling their fear, excitement, sadness and stress. By the end, she was so caught up in the story that she did not want it to end and is thrilled with the news that there will be a sequel. Here is her review:

Though somewhat slow at first, don't let that deceive you. Once you get into this book it's hard to put it down. It was a great story, well written and so descriptive you could almost feel like you were in the book. I loved the travels that Donna and Yolanda took, and the adventures they participated in were at times breathtaking. I would definitely recommend this book and hope she writes more!
 5+ Stars


 

This interview was originally posted on September 20, 2011 on http://collettescott.blogspot.com. I really enjoyed my visit with David, as he is a very good friend of mine and quite the gentleman.

I am truly blessed to be able to chat with one of the most witty and entertaining men in my acquaintance. Lord David Prosser is the author of The Queen’s Envoy, a charming and humorous story that kept me giggling long
after I finished the book. Not only does this story ripple with humor, but the characters come to life as very human and very fallible individuals that you can easily relate to.

Collette: When did you start writing?

David: Probably about 59 years ago but whoever saw my writing on the wall didn't recognise my true genius then. I started writing Books this year around my 60th birthday after someone liked a fake diary entry I did of my day. She wanted more and so I wrote the first book. Not to worry though, she's better now.
 
Collette: And where did you get your ideas?

David: Mainly from real situations that are easily exaggerated. I think people identify with situations they've found themselves in though I'm not sure many would own up to the toothpaste accident from Book 1.

Collette: Were you inspired by someone to write the genre you’re writing in?
 
David: I would have said no, but I've been told I write in a Wodehouse vein and I always did like Jeeves and Wooster.
 
Collette: What is your writing process?
 
David:  Pen to paper, paper to computer and then change things as I type up. I don't have set times as I never know when I'll be free so I write when the urge takes me and when I can.
 
Collette: How did you begin to collaborate with Ilil Arbel?
 
David: We had a mutual friend that I hadn't heard from in a while and I wanted to know if she knew where he was......probably hiding from me. We became friends and it was she that got the phony diary. As I had no experience and she persuaded me to write she became my editor as a penance.

Collette says: Hiding from you… penance? No way! I don’t believe a word of it. Okay, so do you write full-time now?
 
David: No. Unfortunately my wife is very ill and I don't have much time. With my own health issues I'm thinking of booking a parking bay at the hospital. Maybe I can sit there and write.

Collette: My thoughts are always with the lovely Lady Julia. 

Collette: For those who don’t know much about The Queen’s Envoy, could you summarize it in a sentence or two?

David:  A totally naive man is appointed as an unofficial envoy to HMG. Sent out to save his country from embarrassment with nothing more than a stiff upper lip can he avoid the clutches of the bad guys and the good girls who aim to divert him?
 
Collette: Very well put! I did so love the young beauties trying to seduce his innocence away from him, and Lady J’s stoic reminder that he’s one step above ‘oblivious’.  With that being said, how did you come up with the idea of The Queen’s Envoy?

David: I had to produce a history from before Lord David gained the Title and I didn't think a job in Local Government was quite gripping enough.
 
Collette: How long did it take you to complete?
 
David:  About 6 weeks in total but I had less time limitations then and bucket loads of enthusiasm.
 
Collette: Lord David goes from humble man to secret spy. Why do you think he maintains his innocence while he is thwarting assassins, blackmailers and financial gurus? 

David: I think he's always been a little shy and certainly naive. He feels that it's luck that helps him solve all the problems so gives himself little credit.
 
Collette: Can you describe Lord David in a few sentences? What is he like? What does he want? Goals, strengths, weaknesses, etc.

David: I wonder which one you want? He's rather Edwardian in look and dress, mainly quietly spoken and tries to be a gentleman in every sense of the word. He wants world peace but is not so naive as to think it likely to happen. His goals are to keep his family safe and his strengths are that he will not be diverted from right as he believes in justice. His weaknesses are probably that he will not be diverted from right and he believes in the law rather than justice which don't always seem to be the same thing.
 
Collette: That sums him up perfectly. Sir Oscar plays a rather large role in keeping Lord David humble. Can you tell us a little bit about this star of the show?
 
David:  Oscar is the unofficial alarm cat in the household who knows that only Lord David is daft enough to wake at the first mioaw, and if he doesn't then he will move at the second scratch or the third bite. Oscar has the usual high opinion of himself that cats have and he's now decided that the universe of the village revolves around him. He's actually 17 now and becoming much more of a house cat though he's never admit that in his blog.

Collette says: My favourite spot in the book was Lady J tossing Oscar at the postman. She seems like quite the lady! Can you tell us a little bit about Lord David’s better half?
 
David: Lady J is probably the only master Oscar recognises. She's a sweet natured person but tends to be much more practical than David so perhaps appears on occasion to be a little short with him. There's no doubt she loves him, but like most women likes to be the winner when it comes to a difference of opinion. She also has the knack for levitating his wallet out of his pocket without him noticing. Loves animals especially her horses and riding is the only thing that makes her get up early. Someone you'd always want on your side.
 
Collette: Lady J and Ysabel also prevent Lord David from becoming too egotistical. Why do you think that is?
 
David: I think they're just trying to show they retain the common touch and that the Title hasn't changed them though they accept the Title has given them certain privileges. They feel that people will lose respect if they act too high and mighty even though they have a position to maintain. David hasn't changed at all but they foist all their worries on to him rather than accept it may be them.

Collette: You based many characters on your real-life acquaintances. What sort of reception have you received from them? 
 
David:  I take the phone off the hook and tell them I'm the Butler and his Lordship is out. In reality no-one has minded so far though one person asked why I'd given her only one eye, and I didn't even remember I had. If I ever become a best  seller I think I'll arrange guided tours round the local spots in books one and
three.

Collette: We shouldn’t forget Oscar’s lawsuit, right? I wonder if he will relent now that you are giving him his due. Are you still writing despite Oscar? If so, what will your future projects entail?
 
David:  I have started book four but circumstances have brought it to a halt for now. This is a sequel to The Queen's Envoy, and I am offering friends the chance to appear in a chapter each based on their home town and using their own skills to help me solve a case. I freely admit this is a device to boost
sales as hopefully they'll all want copies for their families. I might even make double figures in sales like this.
 
Collette: Can you tell us a little bit about The Barsetshire Diaries?

David: This is an attempt to remind people of life in a small village and the eccentricities of those who live there. When Anthony Trollope wrote about Barsetshire it had the gentry and the towns and villages. Seventy years later Angela Thirkell updated the stories and continued along the same theme. Seventy
years later I've tried to do the same but in a humerous way.
 
Collette: How often do you read?
 
David:  I try to read for an hour before sleep each night. The longer I stay awake the longer I read so I'm on two books a day now.
 
Collette: Now that makes me jealous! So do you have a favorite genre to read?

David:  Very difficult. I like books by John Grisham, Terry Pratchett, Dick Francis, Sue Grafton and Harlan Coben so it covers a lot of genres except romance because I can't afford the tissues. 
  
Where can we find you online?

 Blog: http://barsetshirediaries.wordpress.com
 
Website: http://lorddavidspage.weebly.com includes Oscar's Blog

Facebook: David Michael Prosser and Author Lord David Prosser
 
Amazon:
Lord David Prosser http://www.amazon.com/Lord-David-Prosser/e/B004I7CFTU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
 
Amazon.uk: 
Lord David Prosser http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lord-David-Prosser/e/B004I7CFTU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
  
Other: The Red Room, Bookbuzzr.com, Authorsden.
 
Where is The Queen’s Envoy available for purchase? Lulu.com, Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, B & N
 
Collette: What formats are your books available in?

David:  My Barsetshire Diary and The Queen's Envoy are in paperback and on Kindle. More Barsetshire Diary is paperback only at the moment.
 
Collette: Do you have a release date for your next book? 
  
David: Not by a long chalk having done only a chapter and a half at the moment.

Collette: Every little bit helps. I wish you the best of luck with your future projects. If they are anything like The Queen’s Envoy, we are sure to enjoy. Thank you so much, David! I am so happy to have 
had this chat with you. What a hilarious story you have. A great read!
 
David: It's been a real pleasure, Collette. Thank you for giving me so much leeway, it was fun.
 
Collette’s review: If you are looking for a charming and entertaining read in which you will giggle your way through, then this book is it! From almost the very first page I was bubbling with laughter, and the trend continued to the end.

When a young government official, whose only concerns in the beginning stem from a minor motor vehicle accident and his wife's penchant for swiping his wallet, is suddenly the bearer of the title, Lord of Bouldnor, and pressed into Her Majesty's service, our small-village gentleman suddenly becomes an English hero. With characters such as wife Lady J and daughter Ysabel, who keep Lord David humble, and Oscar the cat, who reminds Lord David on multiple occasions just who is the boss in his family, Lord David fills his new role with the humility of a saint. Sent on various missions, Lord David swiftly and matter-of-factly saves the crown from financial ruin, blackmail, and diplomatic assassinations with the ease of a pro, only to return home to his loving wife and daughter and his eternal nemesis, Oscar, as though nothing ever happened.

With characters such as Dr. Jekyll and a cafe owner who inadvertently poisons him as well as a small village that spreads gossip via jungle drums, Lord David's story is entirely way too entertaining not to enjoy. Though not a fast-paced spy adventure, you will laugh your way through and love this humble James Bond with his self-deprecating humor and eager to please disposition. I highly recommend David and Ilil's story for a great laugh.