In the Harem

Gary Winstead author of "So You Want To Be A Marine"

For further information on author Gary R Winstead email: Gary Winstead at winsteadgrw@gmail.com

Young: Hello Gary, how are you?

Gary Winstead (G.W.): How about yourself? Thank you for having me on your blog. 

Young: I'm well. Let's start by telling my readers a little about yourself, sir.

G.W.: As I state in my book I was born white trash, (my mom hated that expression), she would say in a deep southern accent “Now boy, we ain’t trash, them people across the field, they is trash.” She was referring to the fact we had a two holer out back and the neighbors only had a one holer. 

Young: Interesting. Tell us, do you have a day job besides writing?

G.W.: I was so successful (yes tooting my own horn) I retired at age 55, eleven years ago. Been running a small cow/calf operation for my granddaughter but we had to sell the herd due to the drought. We kept 4 prize heifers for her to breed and show.

Young: Now you are a full-time writer, tell us when did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

G.W.: I remember back as far as 3^rd grade writing a science fiction novel. (or at least what passed as a novel for a 3^rd grader). Then in 7^th grade it really hit me, the need to put pen to paper. Sadly I had an English Teacher that told me I would never be a published author). I love teachers, they tolerated my ADHD even when no one knew what that was, but this one teacher was out of line.

 

Young: That's not a nice comment to tell a student he'll never be a published author. Tell us how you came to choose the genre you write in?

G.W.: I find it easy to write about what I have personally experienced.

Young: Where do you get your ideas? Were you in the marine?

G.W.: Kind of like a dream in the night. My muse wakes me and says “try this dummy.” Sometimes it works mostly not. 

Young: Do you work with an outline, or just write?

G.W.: I just write.

Young: Do you ever experience writer’s block?

G.W.: Currently I am penning a murder mystery based on the rodeo, but having a hard time with the police part of it. Rodeo is easy. I have been a cowboy my whole life, just not up on police procedure for a murder. But I do have 39,000 words down.

Young: How exciting! Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published? 

G.W.: Many years and 250 rejections later here I am. Forever grateful to Tell Cotton and the great people at Solstice.

Young: If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

G.W.: I'll do more in-depth personality development.

Young: How do you market your work? What avenues have you found to work best for your genre?

G.W.: I use the internet, blogs, as well as my hometown and neighboring newspapers. Plus the good old word of mouth. If I see someone reading I walk up and hand them a care.

Young: Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?

G.W.: More than one, lost in time now.

Young: Can you tell us about your upcoming book?

G.W.: It is a murder mystery set in a small town in Central California. Four rodeo cowboys are in town, trying to make the NFR and one is murdered. The plot centers around the cowboys solving the murder as there are powerful people in town who don’t want the rodeo and are of the mindset that this murder might cause the PRCA to pull out.

Young: What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

G.W.: Chapter one, as I realize I might have made a mistake.

Young: How did you come up with the title?

G.W.: My muse gave it too, me.

Young: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

 

G.W.: No matter how many rejections, never give up.

Young: Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

G.W.: Enjoy and learn.

Young: Last but not least, What do you do when you are not writing?

G.W.: My wife is deep into Alzheimer’s and I am her sole provider so most of my time is spent doing the very best I can for her. After all she made me what I am today.

Young: After all has been said and done, Love is what keeps us going.

G.W.: Well said, Young. Thank you for having me today.

Young: You're welcome, Gary. I hope to see you again soon. Be well and all the best to you, your wife and very success to your books.

For further information on author Gary R Winstead email: Gary Winstead at winsteadgrw@gmail.com

Book review: A Wizard of Dreams (MYRDDIN'S HEIR) series by Robin Chambers

Without doubt A Wizard of Dreams by Robin Chambers is an excellent book for parents to read to children from the age of 7, and for children themselves to read from the age of around 10. This book has a variety of moral vignettes that possess good educational values for young readers, their parents, guardians and mentors. Gordon (the protagonist) has an unseen friend (at least to the naked eye) named Zack. Together they take on the personas of young superheroes - teaching school bullies and immature tyrants not to mess with well-behaved kids. Otherwise, the wrath of Zack, in the guise of Gordon, would befall them.

 Throughout the course of reading this book, I couldn't help but wonder to what extent the story was derived from Mr. Chambers’ memories of his childhood years - growing up in a similar kind of environment and encountering the sort of situations that Gordon and Zack experience. Now that the author is a grandparent, he is writing his MYRDDIN'S HEIR series as a fantasy version of'Remembrance of things past': to pass on his valuable life's lessons to children the world over.

 When all is said and done, this is a wonderful, exemplary book. Not only will it entice every child's active imagination, it also conveys ethical messages to parents and educators - to listen and to pay heed to the voices of the young.

By Bernard Foong (aka Young)

Charming...Amusing...Well Written

One gets the feeling that the author Robin Chambers was writing this book for his own grandchildren. I say that because it is written in a tender, caring and loving manner. Chambers was a teacher and several chapters feature the book's protagonist (Gordon) as he navigates his way through the typical classroom pitfalls of bullies and all manner of unfairness. I think as a teacher it was important for Chambers to have his teaching moment for his young audience.  It is the sort of book that would be great for parents to read to their younger children as I think it would benefit parents greatly.

 

At times I wanted the book to move faster. By the second half of the book when Gordon was around ten years old the book became interesting, exciting and more imaginative. I like this book very much and highly recommend it. A good read indeed!

 

By Walter Bissett.

 

In-the-Harem Guest Author, Penny Estelle

Young: Thank you for dropping by.

Penny Estelle (P.E.): Thank you for having me on In-the-Harem blog.

Young: It's always a pleasure to catch a glimpse into a writer's life; learn of their latest book release and projects. Let's jump in, shall we?

P.E.: Sure, I'm ready. :)

Young: Let's start by having you  tell us a little bit about yourself?

P.E.: I retired a few years back after being a school secretary for 21 years.  I live with my hubby in NW Arizona.  We have 54 acres and we live on solar and wind.

Young: You look too young to be retired. I'm sure my readers will love to know what you do when you are not writing? :)

P.E.: When I’m not writing or working on a project around the house, I love to go 4-wheeling.  We have many dirt roads around here to explore.  I also have 7 grandkids that are the light of my life so we go visit them often.  And of course, there are always the casinos that are about 45 minutes away in Laughlin, NV.

Young: That's delightful. I'm sure my readers will like to know about your books and your writing. :) 

When did you first start writing and when did you finish your first book?

P.E.: Forty years ago, after my first child was born, is when I actually started reading.  I didn’t read as a child, only what was assigned in school.  With a baby, I was up 24/7 so I picked up Rosemary Rogers’ Sweet Savage Love, and was hooked.  Anyway, I thought “I can do this.”  Five years later I had a 300 page historical western romance.  I sent out two query letters and received, thanks, but no thanks replys.  I packed it up and put it in my closet.  It lived there for 35 years.  After having several  books published, I decided to take a look at it, so I dragged it out.  IT WAS SUCH PATHETIC WRITING!  I fixed it up, sent it out, and it was picked up.  Happy days!

Young: You just never know. When the time is ripe, it will bear fruit. :) 

My next question would be: How did you choose the genre you write in?

P.E.: Other than the above story, I actually started out writing adventures/time travel stories for kids (middle grades)  I wrote stories in that genre as working for a school principal, I had tons of material!  After a few years I thought I would give romance a shot – so I branched out.

Young: Can you tell us your challenges in getting your first book published?

P.E.: I was lucky. With Hike Up Devil’s Mountain (one of those MG books) I sent it to Solstice Publishing. I heard back within a couple weeks and they sent me a contract. Solstice is a wonderful company and as my first publisher, have taught me so much.

Young: That is indeed good for my readers to know. My next question is: How do you market your work? What avenues have you found that work best for your genre?

P.E.: For me, marketing is a continual learning experience. I can only say, I do all the social networks, try to appear on different blogs and have guests on mine. I honestly can’t tell you what works best for me. I just keep plugging along!

Young: I guess most authors will agree with you, "I just keep plugging along!" LOL!

What project are you working on now?

P.E.: Nocturnal Press Publications has offered me a multi-book contract for three middle grade stories. I’m almost through with the first one, The Bearded Dude in the Puzzle.

Young: That is good news, Penny. Congratulations!

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

P.E.: I would like to tell them how grateful I am for their time and kind words.  There are a million writers and I am honored they choose one of my books to read.

Young: I thought I'll throw in some strange and weird fun questions for you, Penny.:)

A) Have you ever gone out in public with your shirt on backwards, or your slippers on, and when realizing it, just said screw it?

P.E.: Uhm NEVER!

B) Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?

P.E.: It’s made every day. Sometimes, right before going to bed! LOL!

C) Be honest, how often do you wash your hair?

P.E.: Every other day.

D) Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

P.E.: I do a lot of traveling and when I am on a four lane highway and people are driving like a bat out of hell, and then when they got on a two lane road (one way, each way) and they slow way down. Infuriates me!!!

E) If you had a time machine, what time would you want to live in?

P.E.: Mid 1800s…..For only a week!

F) Do you have a favorite place? 

P.E.: Pacific Beach in San Diego.

G) Do you wear matching socks?

P.E.: Always.

Young: Thanks  for being such a good sport to answer these silly question. LOL!

P.E.: Bernard, thanks so much for letting me barge in on your blog!  I would like to tell your readers about my newest story, Justice Comes to Salina. It’s a short historical western romance.

Justice Comes to Salina

Synopsis

Victoria Stone is the new school teacher in Salina, Kansas.  The people of Salina do all they can to make Victoria feel welcome and her students are finding their way into her heart. Then there’s the town’s sheriff who is getting under her skin and turning every emotion she has inside out.  But in her bag, Victoria isn’t toting books and school supplies.  There is a score to settle in Salina, Kansas, and nothing or nobody is going to deter her from putting things right.

Excerpt

Victoria was interrupted when the door banged open and a tall student sauntered in.  He said nothing but plopped down on one of the back benches, chewing on a piece of grass, his arms crossed, his eyes shut and his legs stretch out into the corridor.  All the students turned to watch him and then their heads pivoted to look at Victoria, their eyes opened wide to see what would happen. 

They all watched as Victoria pushed herself away from her desk and walked to the new student.  She tapped him on the shoulder.  “Excuse me.”  He opened his eyes, not responding.  “Could I please see you outside?”

He sighed loudly and slowly rose to his feet.  The boy was five inches taller than she was.  She followed him out the door, his blonde hair hanging long, below his ears. He wore light colored pants and a faded green shirt.  When outside she asked him his name.

“Adam Jackson.”

“Thank you Adam.  How old would you be?”

“Well, teacher,” he said crossing his arms, “I’m fourteen.  Dang near fifteen.”

Victoria smiled and stepped closer, lifting her eyes to look up into his.  He gave her a cocky grin until he saw those green eyes flare with anger.  “This school starts at eight am.  I will not, let me repeat, will not have some upstart thinking he can come to school when he wants to and I definitely won’t have you sitting in my classroom stretched out, eyes closed, and not wanting to learn.”

He had already taken a step back and said defensively, “Old lady Kensey didn’t care when I made it to school.”

“I’m not…Mrs. Kensey.  Have I made myself clear?”

“Yea, sure.”

Victoria waited, eyes still glittering.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Book Purchase Link:

http://amzn.to/1reMw4g

You can learn more about Penny Estelle stories or herself at:

www.pennystales.com

www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com

http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY

https://twitter.com/Pennystales

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820078.Penny_Estelle

http://www.facebook.com/pennystales

http://www.pinterest.com/pennyestelle

I have a newsletter that goes out for new releases or sales.  If you would like to be notified please sign up @ http://eepurl.com/388Xr

Young: Wonderful having you on my blog, Thank You! I hope you'll come back for another visit.

P.E.: My Pleasure. Thank You for having me, Bernard.