 Thank you to Stephanie N. Pitman for being my guest author this month. Her debut novel, Honorable Disgrace, is my book pick of the month this month. Based on a true story, this book will have you running a gamut of emotions with every word. It is a great read and you can purchase it at any major online outlets.
(M.M. Roethig) You can tell a lot about a person by their favorites so I always love to ask . . . What ‘s your favorite type of ice-cream? (Stephanie Pitman) Vanilla Bean, or sometimes Blue Bunny’s Banana Split. Simply delicious! (MM) I love vanilla too. You can add so many things to vanilla. :) (MM) What’s your favorite writing beverage? (SP) I drink water mostly. Every now and then, my sweet husband will surprise me with a cup of Bengal Spice Herbal Tea, and that is definitely the best beverage ever. (MM) Do you have any favorite writing snacks you like to have on hand? (SP) No. If I have anything to munch on, I do more munching than typing and that really puts a damper on getting in my word count. (MM) How did you discover your love for writing? (SP) I wrote my first book in 1st grade, completely illustrated by myself as well I might add J I still have it somewhere, but I couldn’t tell you what it was about. But I loved seeing my name on that front cover. (MM) When did you begin writing and was your intention to become an author at that time? (SP) It wasn’t until I was pregnant with my first child when I came across a writing aptitude test that I really started to think about writing. It’s been 14 years since my son was born and though I’ve written many books and started many others, my first book was only published this past February. (Happy note: February was the month I became a mother for the first time. That month is kind a special for me) (MM) Tell us about Honorable Disgrace. This was a personal experience you endured. How hard was this to get out on paper? (SP) It took me 5 years to write this. Part of that was because it brought up so many hard memories. But I began writing it because I started having nightmares. It had been fifteen years since I had been raped and I thought I’d overcome the horror of it, but those nightmares told me different. After several weeks of them tormenting me, I began to journal about it. That turned into trying to rewrite the ending. What if I had told someone about it sooner? Would my attacker have been brought to justice? Would I have gotten the help I needed then? Going at it from that angle helped me to put some closure on my feelings about the attack, my hatred for the attacker and my grief over my sister’s part in it, my feelings of betrayal. And then the big question. If I wrote this with the intention of it being read, becoming a book, would it help someone else who’d gone through a similar experience? I am grateful to know that after only a few months out, a lady approached me, someone I didn’t know, and told me she was taking my book along with her to her counselor and using it to help her with her past. So, yes, it was really hard at first deciding to write Honorable Disgrace. But all the remembered pain and anguish has been worth it. First, it helped me. I can talk about it and I no longer feel it was my fault. I have forgiven my sister and my attacker, which has helped to leach poison out of my life, and move on from it. Second, I know already it’s helped at least one person. And that’s enough. (MM) That is so amazing! I truly commend you on taking that step. To know it helped not only you, but a stranger--what a gift! (MM) Do you have any rituals? (SP) Not really. I seem to do my best writing at night after the kids have gone to bed, but it’s hard to pull myself away from my husband time to write. Once I get going, I can write for hours. Except when I am writing my initial first draft. That’s rough. I guess that’s why it’s called a rough draft. Ha, ha. I do find that when I first begin a new story, its easier for me to write in a notebook. Something about the blank white page and that cursed cursor flashing gives me writer’s block something fierce. I do have one thing I love to do, but I don’t always do it. I like to wrap myself up in a blanket from my chest down like a burrito, hobble over to my desk and tuck my 5 lb Chihuahua in the folds over my chest and write while she nestles down to sleep. (MM) Awww, that sounds like a wonderful way to write! (MM) How many hours a day to you devote to writing? (SP) Do you write every day? I wish I had time to write every day. But I think the key is “making” time. Extra time doesn’t just fall in your lap. You have to make the effort to it. Winter time is much easier, less outside distractions, plus I get some puppy snuggle time. (MM) How did you come up with the title and was this the original working title? (SP) Honorable Disgrace was always the title. I’m not quite sure how I came up with it. It just came to me when I was thinking about how I wasn’t really disgraced by what happened to me, even though I felt so ashamed and that even though horrible things happen to someone out of their control, doesn’t mean they don’t have worth. I was also thinking about how when people are discharged from the military that sometimes they are honorably discharged and sometimes not. (MM) Very thoughtful title. I loved it, but knowing the story behind the words makes a greater impact on me. (MM) What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you and your writing? (SP) I read anything, but I really love Julie Kagawa’s writing. She’s written quite an array of series, all fantasy, that grabs my attention and doesn’t let me go. Other’s authors who I love and have an influence on my writing are Brandon Mull, JK Rowling, Andrea Cremer, Stephen King, Jennifer Fallon, Rick Riordan, and Cassandra Clare. Fantasy and paranormal are is my favorite genre to read and is what I write. Honorable Disgrace is the exception. It was the book I never intended to write, but I feel the one that was screaming the loudest to be written. I actually put aside a trilogy I’d been working on to get it done. (MM) What are you reading now? (SP) I’ve taken a break away from YA (but not fantasy. I just can’t get enough) and I am reading Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series. They are huge thick novels with such tiny writing I am only on the second book and that’s taken me a month. I do have the excuse of moving to put in there, plus training for a long distance relay race, lol. (MM) Tell me more about Honorable Disgrace. What was the hardest part to write? Is there a message you want your readers to grasp? Is there one scene that stood out to you the most? (SP) The hardest part was definitely the rape scene. Angie endures a much more violent experience than I did, but my sister was in the next room like Angie’s and I felt completely helpless and forsaken being able to hear her, but her not coming to my rescue. My main message would be for readers, especially those who’ve gone through rape, to know that no matter what happens to us, even if we are not in control of that moment, we are in control of our lives. We can choose how we react to things and what we are going to do about them. Don’t give the power to our attackers (or negative influences) to dictate who or what you are going to be in life. You are valuable. And I’d have to say my favorite scene was when Cory came to the rescue, and in close second is when Cory refused to let Angie push him away. He stood up for what he wanted. (MM) What’s next for Stephanie Pitman? (SP) Next is to get my butt back to the computer and get writing, ha, ha. I haven’t written in several months and I am feeling wholly unauthor-ly. Before the move, I started working on a paranormal romance set in Paris. Andrea finds herself in the midst of a 100+ year old murder, haunted by ghosts and a certain dark haired hunky historian, only to realize it’s her reincarnated self’s murder. My hope is to get it through the rough draft by the end of September and get a few revisions under my belt by the end of the year. There, I’ve said it. It’s out there, now people keep me accountable. J I also plan to get the first book in my trilogy, Tlaloc, done by the mid to end of February. I can do it. I just have to do like I said and sit my butt down to write. (MM) Do you have any advice for other writer? (SP) Write. That’s the only way it will get done. And don’t doubt yourself or compare yourself to other authors. You are completely unique. Believe in what you can do, and write. (MM) Where can we follow you? (SP) Lots of places J My website, www.literarypitstop.com has links to my social network, but here’s a few. Twitter @stephpitman11 Facebook under Stephanie N. Pitman and you can purchase my book at this link http://tinyurl.com/p5gzr2k on Amazon. Also, if you find yourself running in Southeast Idaho, you may come across me out on the road. You can follow behind there if you like, but please don’t pass me. I don’t like to feel slow. (MM) Last question: Flip flops or tennis shoes? (SP)This is a tough one. Is bare feet an option? I definitely prefer flip flops, but I love my tennie’s. You can’t run in flip flops. Thank you again, Stephanie, for guesting on my blog today! You've got an amazing story to share. Thank you, my friends and fans, for stopping by today! Michelle Marie Stephanie N. Pitman has taught preschool for over 12 years and is a motivated entrepreneur, currently operating two successful businesses with her husband, Travis. She is a writer of fiction and nonfiction. Her first novel, a YA Contemporary, Honorable Disgrace, is based on her own story of overcoming the ugly side of life, betrayal and rape. She is a graduate of the Institute of Children's Literature and an active member of the SCBWI. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband of 16 years, and their two boys, visiting the beautiful splendor and diversity of their home state of Montana. Along with being an avid reader and dedicated writer, she enjoys pushing herself to her best by competing in triathlons, relay races, and half marathons along with being a Zumba and Yoga Instructor.
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 Thank you, Norma, for being a guest on my blog today!! I always like to start off my Q&A sessions with a very important question: What ‘s your favorite type of ice-cream?
Vanilla straight up is best but I’ll eat about anything in the ice-cream family. (I'm not going to lie, I love vanilla too. You can add anything to vanilla!) What’s your favorite writing beverage? I generally only drink water, but on occasion I break out the milk and graham crackers. Do you have any favorite writing snacks you like to have on hand? I’m trying to get out of the habit of snacking while I write. It’s a terrible distraction. I eat pretty much anything that I can eat with one hand and type with the other. I’m trying to keep fresh veggies around like baby carrots and stuff so that I don’t kill myself. (That's great advice! I think I'll adopt some of Norma's ideas on this one.) How did you discover your love for writing? I learned that I liked it in high school writing poetry for an English class. I mainly wrote in my journal though until later on. When did you begin writing and was your intention to become an author at that time? I was reading Harry Potter to my girls at the time. While out walking I was thinking “I wish I could write stuff like that and make money.” The thought then immediately came to me “how do you know you can’t if you don’t try?” I started writing then and I haven’t stopped. Tell us about Gift of Lie’s. How did you come up with the premise for your book and what was your biggest influence while writing? I love the story of Aragorn and the elfish princess in Lord of the Rings. That whole forbidden love thing sort of fascinates me. From there I got onto the idea of “what if” they really had no choice but were stuck with each other no matter what they did. Do you have any rituals? I wish I did, I’d probably get more done. How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write every day? I go in streaks. Sometimes I write every day and some times I don’t write for weeks. How did you come up with the title and was this the original working title? The title refers to the “gift “ of the mind that the evil governor has. Yes it eventually became the working title although for a while I called it Soul Mates. What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you and your writing? There are so many I hate to make a list because it will be sadly incomplete, but a few authors are Jane Austen, C S Lewis, Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters, Mary Stewart, Mercedes Lackey. What are you reading now? I’m embarrassed to say that I’m re-reading the Harry Potter series. Tell me more about Gift of Lie’s. What was the hardest part to write? Is there a message you want your readers to grasp? Who is your favorite character? The underlying message in The Gift of Lies is about prejudice. Often we judge others because we don’t really know anything about them. What’s next for Norma Rudolph? I’m still working on the sequel to TGOL and there are a couple of other things in the works that I’d rather not get into in case I jinx myself. Do you have any advice for other writers? Write what you’d like to read, make it as perfect as you can, finish it and then go for it. (This is some fabulous advice. Where can we follow you? http://normasnovels.blogspot.com/ amazon.com/author/normarudolph https://twitter.com/booknut77 https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13393995.Norma_T_Rudolph https://www.facebook.com/normarudolphauthor?ref=aymt_homepage_panel There are other places if you really want to stalk me . . . just kidding, don’t do that that would be creepy. Last question: Flip flops or tennis shoes? Depends on where I’m going. Definitely flip flops where I can, but if not a pair of slip on canvas tennies are a good alternative. I’m also rather fond of comfy hiking boots. Thank you, again, Norma for stopping by my blog today! All you book fans out there, follow her blog and get in on a give away happening right now to celebrate the re-release of Gift of Lie's. Thank you for stopping by and Happy Reading! Michelle Marie  Thank you, Rachel, for being a guest on my site.
You can tell a lot about a person by their favorites so I love to ask . . . What's your favorite type of ice-cream? Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food; it’s a chocolate lover’s paradise. What’s your favorite writing beverage? I usually drink coffee or water while I write. Do you have any favorite writing snacks you like to have on hand? Since I don’t like healthy snacks, I try not to have any snacks on hand. I could easily devour a large bag of Funyuns or M & M’s in one setting. How did you discover your love for writing? When did you begin writing and was your intention to become an author at that time? I have wanted to be a writer since I was four years old. I guess my grandfather who sat me on his knee and told me impromptu stories that he created inspired me to create stories of my own. I wrote my first “book” (more like a short story) in fifth grade, and a friend illustrated it. My mother still has it in storage. Tell us about Elise’s Choice. What how did you come up with the premise for your book and what was your biggest influence while writing? One evening as I hiked a walking trail at the University of Missouri-Columbia, my mind began to toy with the familiar Disney version of Cinderella. I questioned, “What if Cinderella hadn’t fallen in love with the prince? What if she wasn’t beautiful?” The answer to these questions and more weaved themselves into Elise’s Choice. But don’t expect a retelling; the answers led the story in an entirely different direction. Here’s the synopsis: A stranger A legend A choice that will change Elise’s world Elise and her best friend Anton grew up in the medieval village of Petheralm, where life, though hard, is good. When a stranger arrives in her village injured and unconscious, his handsome face and sweet demeanor capture Elise’s heart. However, according to ancient legend, the forest surrounding their small town is enchanted, and any stranger unworthy to enter the village would be stopped there. The village is leery of this stranger and wants nothing more than for him to leave. Elise pays no mind to the silly legend, and is shocked to discover that he’s no ordinary peasant as everyone first thought. Before the stranger is strong enough to leave Petheralm, she is forced to make a startling choice between following her dreams and following her heart. Although Elise feels strongly that she made the correct choice, the day soon comes when she and everyone she loves must deal with the repercussions of her choice. My biggest influences while writing were my husband and my peer editing group. I bounced ideas off them, they helped me work through tough scenes, and they lent encouragement. Do you have any rituals? When I experience difficulty in writing certain scenes, I take a walk or a shower, tidy the house, or work with my plants. I have mentally written entire chapters while participating in these activities, brushing my teeth, and/or styling my hair. How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write every day? Since I teach, I don’t have a regular writing schedule throughout the school year. I write when I have a spare moment, and cram as much writing in a weekend as possible. However, I do manage to write a little every day. How did you come up with the title and was this the original working title? My novel is about the consequences of choices, and the protagonist’s name is Elise. Although simple, the original title fits like a glove. What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you and your writing? I read a lot of indie authors because I feel they are overlooked and underrated by a vast majority of readers. One of my favorites is Anita Valle. Her Nine Princesses series is entertaining and well-written. Of course, Raine is on my TBR list as well. I hesitate to read mainstream novels (i.e. books with upcoming movies, celebrity book club choices, etc.). I firmly believe in Haruki Murakami’s statement: If you only read the books everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers, and Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin have influenced me and my writing. Someone once told me that my writing style reminded her of Charlotte Bronte. That was one of the best compliments I’ve received. What are you reading now? Currently, I am reading Cerulean Isle by G. M. Browning. If you could adapt this book, or any of your writings, which one would it be and who would play your main characters? If I could adapt Elise’s Choice into a movie, I would want the following people to play the main characters: Elise: Molly C. Quinn; Anton: Asa Butterfield; Ludiford: Jamie Campbell Bower Tell me more about Elise’s Choice. What was the hardest part to write? Is there a message you want your readers to grasp? Who is your favorite character? The hardest part to write was the ending. I can’t explain why or I’ll spoil it, but I seriously considered changing the ending simple because I found it difficult. It was absolutely gut-wrenching. The message I want readers to grasp is that choices have consequences, and not all consequences are negative. Good and poor, your choices have the potential to affect those around you. It’s difficult to choose a favorite character, but I am partial to Elise. The novel is written in first person from her point of view, so I (mentally) spent the most time with her. What’s next for Rachel Stiber? Since the publication of Elise’s Choice, I decided that I am going to write a series using the kingdom of Ogden and specifically the village of Petheralm as a setting. The series will be entitled Maidens of Petheralm. All of the novels will be stand-alone stories regarding characters from Elise's Choice. Chronologically, the story on which I'm currently working is the last of the series, but it ties the closest to Elise. While it is not necessarily a sequel, it takes place sixteen years after Elise's Choice and focuses on a character that readers seemed to be the most curious about. It will be the next novel to be released. Do you have any advice for other writers? Simply write, and write often. Where can we follow you? Please visit my website, Rachel’s Ramblings, at www.rachelstiber.com and like my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Rachel-M-Stiber/530248957109874?ref=aymt_homepage_panel I can also be found on Goodreads at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8460777.Rachel_M_Stiber Last question: Flip flops or tennis shoes? It depends on the weather. If it’s warm, definitely flip flops. However, in the winter, I prefer tennis shoes. Thank you, Rachel, for being a guest on my site! Happy Reading, y'all! Michelle Marie  A huge thank you to Debra for being a guest on my blog, and for being such a great sport. I was supposed to spotlight her last month, but all excuses aside, I was unable to get her on until now.
Enjoy the interview and be sure to check out Debra's works! What’s your favorite type of ice-cream? I absolutely go crazy for Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food. It’s a chocoholic’s delight. What’s your favorite writing beverage? If I eat or drink while I’m writing I get distracted. I’m one of those rare people who has never had a cup of coffee or tea and I don’t care for wine. I gave up diet soda a couple of years ago so now I’m pretty much a water, milk, fruit juice (and smoothies) type of gal. Do you have any favorite writing snacks you like to have on hand? Nope, I start writing as soon as I get up in the morning and don’t even have breakfast for three or four hours. However, if I have chocolate in the house I will go through a couple pounds a week. Yeah, it’s an addiction. How did you discover your love for writing? I teacher friend of mine, Rick Farr (Hi Rick!), made writing a book a year-long assignment for his eleventh graders. I thought that if they could do it, so could I. I wrote my first novel on summer vacation and it was so much fun to do that I’ve been writing one or two novels a year ever since. When did you begin writing and was your intention to become an author at that time? I started in 2002 and it was a total shock that this obsession would take over all my time. What was your inspiration for A Soul’s Kiss? I had read a novel years ago (I’ve forgotten the title) that was about a woman in a coma as told by all the people around her. I wondered what was going on in her head. What if she could leave her body? What if she could get into other people’s dreams? The idea expanded from there. How many hours a day to you devote to writing? Do you write every day? I try to write all morning with a goal of 1000 words a day. I usually write 5 days a week. How did you come up with the title for your book? Originally I called it Pocket of Uncertainty, then Kiss My Soul, but my publishers wanted A Soul’s Kiss and I agreed that it sounded best. What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you and your writing? I love the classics and I’ve read everything by the current biggies. Probably Dean Koontz had the biggest impact on me. What are you reading now? I am on the beach in Florida for 5 weeks and right now I’m reading John Grisham. If you could adapt this book, or any of your writings, which one would it be and who would play your main characters? For Edge of Escape I can see Alexander Kock (Junior in Under the Dome) as the psycho stalker. In A Soul’s Kiss I’d pick Josh Hutcherson for Tyler and a young Taylor Swift look-alike for Jessica. Tell me more about A Soul’s Kiss. What was the hardest part of your book to write? Is there a message you want your readers to grasp? The main character, Jessica, falls into a coma and her spirit splits away from her body. Dealing with love on a supernatural plane can be exciting, strange, wispy, scary, suspenseful, and moving. Actually it can be all those things when you’re healthy and awake, too. There are lots of messages (be self-aware, don’t judge, love is right under your nose), but mostly I want readers to enjoy and savor the adventure of reading for pleasure. Do you have any advice for other writers? Learn grammar, edit a lot, read your work out loud, and don’t be in a rush to get published because a book takes a long time to develop and get all polished up for the public. Last question: Flip flops or tennis shoes? Tennis shoes, definitely, and a sweatshirt or t-shirt and jeans. Thanks for having me. I enjoyed the interview. I hope your readers will check out all of my novels. By the way, I have two more that recently became available for pre-order on Amazon, so please take a look at Exodia and Out of Exodia. Thanks you for stopping by!  I had the privileged of interviewing Cindy C. Bennett! Not only is she an amazing author, but a wonderful person, both professionally and personally.
What’s your favorite writing beverage? Water (boring, I know) Do you have any favorite writing snacks you like to have on hand? Chocolate, usually dark
https://www.facebook.com/authorcindycbennett?ref=tn_tnmn https://twitter.com/#!/cinbennett http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4116333.Cindy_C_Bennett
In an effort to share new reads and authors with you, I've decided to dedicate a page to every month to authors that I have either newly discovered, or ones that I go totally 'fan-girl' on as I follow their publishing adventures. Please stay tuned as our first interview will hit the air the first part of February. I hope you love hearing about these fabulous authors as much as I love following them!
Happy Saturday, y'all! Michelle Marie |