2020 Interview: M.K. Anthony

Hello.  My name is M.K. Anthony.  I live in rural northwest Pennsylvania with my husband, our young daughter and our crazy coonhound puppy.  Being just a family of three, you’d think it’d be peaceful and quiet but it’s the exact opposite.  For example:  I’m trying to answer these questions and my husband decides to walk in strumming his guitar.  In turn, my daughter screams in excitement and begins dancing around the room.  My life is chaotic but I love it!  Currently I’m an Assistant Manager for our local Ace Hardware store. 

Do you have any hobbies?

Puzzles!  Now if only I can find the time to do one.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My family and I enjoy camping along the banks of the Allegheny River.  We try to visit at least once a year. It’s always peaceful and I can normally get some long overdue reading done.

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?

Scotland, definitely!  It’s been a lifelong dream of mine, to explore the Highlands.

Do you have pets?

Yes, I have a guinea pig named, Peppa and a redbone coonhound named, Taco.  (Both names were picked by my daughter.)  Plus, several chickens and guinea fowl.

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?

Purple, especially when it’s accompanied with teal.  

What was your favorite book as a child?

I didn’t really get into reading until I was a teenager.  I loved anything by V.C. Andrews.

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?

Procrastination, for sure!  I need to stop putting things off.

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working? 

I love Celtic music and it’s my go-to when writing.  The fiddles and flutes always sweep me off to faraway lands.

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?

I’m not one to re-read books, but I have Shana Abe’s Drakon series.

Are you an introvert, extravert, or ambivert?

I’d have to say, ambivert.  I was painfully shy as a child but by some miracle, I broke out of my shell.  Working in customer service for the last 20+ years has definitely helped me.

Does pineapple go on pizza?

No, that’s not for me!

How many places have you lived?
I was born in New Jersey and lived there for almost thirteen years, before my parents moved us to Union City, Pennsylvania.  It was hard in the beginning but I’m so thankful that we moved to this small town. 

What was your first job?

My first job was as a dog bather for my mom’s dog grooming and boarding kennel business.  I helped with the family business for over ten years before taking an Innkeeper job for a Bed & Breakfast.

What is your favorite down time activity?

That would have to be going for a motorcycle ride with my husband and friends.  We don’t get to do that very often.

Are you an outdoor type? Have a green thumb?

I love the outdoors!  We have a humongous vegetable garden this year and this will be our third year canning.  It’s very gratifying to grow and preserve our own food.

If you could live inside a movie, which would you choose and which character would you be?

I had a hard time with this question for some reason.  I told my four year old and her response was, “You can be Poppy from Trolls!”

Are you the type to take a dare?

No, not really. 

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?

Dreams can come true!  Never give up on them!

What books, other than your own, would you highly recommend?

Some of my favorites are the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, the Green Rider series by Kristen Britain and the Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn.  As you can tell, I’m a huge fan of series.

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?

I began writing stories around fifteen years ago.  Just something I did for fun.  Years later, I woke up from an intense dream and thought that would make an interesting story.  I instantly starting writing and before I knew it, I created this whole world and characters that I completely fell in love with.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?

After several rejection letters and many doubting moments, I stumbled across a local publishing company.  It’s been a bumpy road but I finally have my story in book form.  I’m currently getting my second book ready for publication.

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

Legends of Breena: Guardians of the Queen – A dramatic fantasy novel about a royal guard who discovers her soul mate and her destiny.  The book is available in e-book, hardcover and paperback.

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/authormkanthony  

Website: www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book=guardians-of-the-queen 

2020 Interview: Laura Hervey

Laura Hervey: I am blessed to teach 9th grade English at my alma mater. With two married children and three grandchildren, I keep myself busy making memories and sharing experiences.

Do you have any hobbies?

I play the piano, consider myself an amateur photographer, and love to read, especially on the beach. I do jigsaw puzzles to remind me that sometimes walking away will help me see how things fit together, especially when I’ve overlooked something that’s right in front of me.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I don’t really have a favorite vacation spot. I love to travel with my family, and all of us enjoy lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Swimming, fishing, boating, and lounging on the beach make the best family vacations.

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?

I have always wanted to go to Ireland. My paternal great-grandparents immigrated from Ireland, and my grandfather passed on his pride in his Irish heritage to his children and grandchildren. Even my adult kids love that they are part Irish and plan to visit Ireland. If money and time weren’t issues, I’d love to spend a whole summer exploring Ireland and immersing myself in the history and culture.

Do you have pets?

I have two dogs. My mini dachshund is an old girl who mostly loves to sleep. My German shepherd is a Velcro dog that wants to be wherever I am. 

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?

My favorite color is purple. I love that there are so many shades of purple that I never get bored. Purple is my feel-good color and my signature color, too. I wear purple so often that my students sometimes say, “Mrs. Hervey, you’re not wearing purple today.”

What was your favorite book as a child?

My favorite book as a child was The Poky Little Puppy. I think I’ve always been a dog lover at heart. Plus, the poor puppy eventually learns that choices have consequences. 

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?

My house is never as clean or organized as I would like. I love order but find sorting, purging, etc. to be mind-numbingly boring. 

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?

I definitely re-read some books. I love Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility.

Does pineapple go on pizza?

It’s not my favorite topping, but pineapple and ham on pizza create a mouth-watering option.

How many places have you lived?

I currently live in my hometown in western New York, where I have resided for most of my life. I spent 7 years in Meadville, PA, and am an Allegheny College alum. I also met one of my dearest friends, author Gloria Clover at a St. David’s Writer’s Conference many years ago. I also lived in Iowa for one year before moving back to my hometown.

What was your first job?

Like so many girls, my first job was babysitting. But my first “real” job was during my senior year in high school. I worked at a fast food restaurant that later became Burger King. I averaged about 60 hours a week, which of course, would be illegal now.

What is your favorite down time activity?

I love Hallmark movies. Knowing there will be a happy ending relaxes me, especially if I’m super-stressed. I also love inspiring movies about people who overcome what appears to be insurmountable obstacles.

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?

Don’t ever let anyone pressure you into doing something that your gut tells you is wrong. It might be right for someone else but still be wrong for you.

What books, other than your own, would you highly recommend?

I think every woman should read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I love books that emphasize God’s grace, especially when a woman believes she’s gone too far for God to want her.

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?

I remember the exact moment that I knew I wanted to be a novelist. It happened in a class taught by my all-time favorite teacher. We were reading The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury—which is kind of funny because I write romance. My aha moment came when I realized Bradbury had created a whole world with words. My next thought—I want to do that—didn’t come to fruition until years later because unfortunately I had the crazy idea that only geniuses could write novels. It wasn’t until I took a creative writing class after I finished my BA in English that a wise professor told me that I’d never find my own voice until I stopped trying to write like Hemingway or Faulkner.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?

My first published works were short: short stories, articles, poetry, devotionals, greeting cards, and opinion pieces. I would have preferred to continue with the traditional publishing route, but I felt compelled to indie publish my first novel, Scarlet Tears, so I formed my own publishing company, Alabaster Box Press, and now operate as a DBA.

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

I currently have two published books, Scarlet Tears and Light in a Dark Place. Both books are available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Readers can find me at www.laurahervey.com or on Facebook @AuthorLauraHervey.

2020 Interview: William A. Wright and Dale Ann Edmiston

Brave Knight Writers-- William A. Wright (Bill) and Dale Ann Edmiston, married 16 years

Do you have any hobbies?

Bicycling, especially the Great Allegheny Passage lately. Also, all of the fantastic bicycle trails in Western PA. Organic gardening (asparagus, green beans, carrots, and beets are our favorites).

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Love to stay home, although we’ve been a lot of places, we don’t typically revisit the same place

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?

New Zealand

Do you have pets?

Currently, 1 beagle, and a cat for each floor of the house (3). We had ducks and chickens in the past.

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?

Gray, apparently. We have a gray stone house.

What was your favorite book as a child?

“The Young Children’s Shelf of Books”, all the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drews, and by age 11, Taylor Caldwell

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?

Better marketing skills

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working?

Top Christian/ 3rd Day/Lauren Daigle/Hillsong United

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?

Yes, The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis

Are you an introvert, extravert, or ambivert?

yes

Does pineapple go on pizza?

and with salmon

How many places have you lived?

too numerous to count, but started here, also the west, the south, and Europe

What was your first job?

Bill- Dad’s Dairy Queen- (age 12)
Dale-Paper route (9th birthday)

What is your favorite down time activity?

READ!

Are you an outdoor type? Have a green thumb?

Yes and yes on both counts for both of us

If you could live inside a movie, which would you choose and which character would you be?

Don’t pay much attention to movies, although we are looking forward to Antonio Sabato Jr.’s new production company.

Are you the type to take a dare?

No

Do you have a favorite motto or quote that applies to your own life?

Phil 4: 8 &9

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?

Pray. Early and often.

What books, other than your own, would you highly recommend?

Anything by C.S. Lewis, John Eldredge, or Priscilla Shirer

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?

Bill’s Irish. A need to embellish, I guess. He has helped me so much with my life and career, 
I want to help him with his writing endeavors.

How do you choose your settings (fiction) or topics (non-fiction)?

Places we’ve been and people we’ve talked with.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?

Self published Havasupai in 2015. Pursuing mainstream publisher for next novel. Bought and read every book on publishing there is.

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you: 

Havasupai- Adventure leads to redemption
St. Croix- Adventure leads to renewal
The Instead- To be announced
The Gift- Sequel to St. Croix
Hitchers- Adventures in 1969

BraveKnightWriters.com 

2020 Interview: Amy Bovaird

Hi! I’m Amy Bovaird. I grew up in a small town in Northwest Pennsylvania of less than 3,000 people. High school sports play a big role in the town, even for adults. Football and basketball draw a big crowd, especially when rival schools play each other. On the outskirts of town are fruit farms and grape vineyards. We’re a typical family of six, two brothers, a sister and me. I’m the third. My father distinguished himself as a tree removal expert and operated his own business for over seventy years. In its heyday, he ran three crews. My mother took calls and did the accounting for the business. I’m quiet until you get to know me – love studying foreign languages, learning about other cultures, and trying new foods.  I lived overseas for nearly twenty years and taught English to nonnatives in a career that lasted twenty-two years. In the last few years I also taught Spanish.  

Do you have any hobbies?

I like taking photographs, walking, running and hiking. 

What is your favorite vacation spot?

Growing up, I loved going to my grandmother’s house a couple of hours away. As an adult, I don’t have a favorite getaway, but I do enjoy a trip to the mountains.   

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?

I’d go to Machu Pichu in Peru. I’ve always wanted to go there, just for the experience of climbing it. 

Do you have pets?

I grew up with a cat, and had my own cats. I had a black lab mix, who I adored. He passed away about five years ago. I now have three cats to keep me company. I am a big animal lover, though. 

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?

I’d have to say red or shades of red, because it seems to burst with energy and high definition. It makes me feel cheerful, looks professional and I wear it well. 

What was your favorite book as a child?

I didn’t have a favorite book, but loved Scholastic Arrow books we ordered from school. They had titles like Carole Moves In and The Wednesday Witch, Jenny Lind and the Listening Cat. I read my sister’s Trixie Beldon series books. I loved the hard backs covers and the beautiful portraits of Honey and Trixie on the inside. I used to go to the library and sign out 3-5 books each time. We were fortunate to have a good library in our town.  

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?

Procrastination. It takes me a long time to finish things. 

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working? 

I’m not so much into music. In the fifth grade I discovered Jim Croce and played his best hits constantly. I like 60s, 70s and 80s music, probably because I know the words to them, like Carole King, Journey, some of the more popular songs of the Doobie Brothers (like Old Black Water), and, of course, popular love songs. If someone points out a song and the lyrics are meaningful, I adopt that singer for awhile. 

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?

Yes, I used to re-read the Trixie Beldon books, but I do re-read some memoirs or books that take place in other cultures.

Are you an introvert, extravert, or ambivert?

I guess I’m an ambivert, depending on the occasion. Living overseas has helped me to come out of my shell. I’m never loud, though. I remember my eighth grade English teacher writing in my autograph book at the end of the school year “To one of the loudest girls in my class” (He meant ‘quietest’ as he was rather sarcastic). I’ve moved around enough to feel confident with myself. 

Does pineapple go on pizza?

Sure, it can go on pizza sometimes. 

How many places have you lived?

In the states, I attended colleges in West Virginia and Oklahoma. I worked in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and Oregon. Overseas, I lived in Colombia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Japan, Egypt, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates. 

What was your first job?

I worked during the summers at my dad’s tree removal business as a “stick-picker,” raker, and wood stacker. 

What is your favorite down time activity?

I love reading, sometimes watching television. 

Are you an outdoor type? Have a green thumb?

I love the sunshine and run if it’s sunny. Otherwise, I’m happy to stay indoors. 

Are you the type to take a dare?

I’m not typically one who takes on dares, but I did once and wished I hadn’t. 

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?

Be resourceful, persistent and courageous. Don’t be swayed from pursuing your goals / dreams. 

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?

I’ve always loved writing and creating. As a senior, I skipped lunch and the free period to write my first serious short story (with the lyrics of Leo Sayer’s song as the basis for the plot (I Think We Fell in Love Too Fast). I was so serious. I was going to be a writer. When I went overseas, I started writing newsletters, and devotionals, and editing the professional newspaper in our college as well as the yearbook. I was thrown into a situation where I ghostwrote a book. It took me a year to chronicle that love story. Completing this book gave me the confidence to write my own memoirs. My goal was to write about my travels.  But as it turned out, the topic of my first book was inspired by my orientation and mobility training, where I learned to use a white cane due to vision loss. It’s still my biggest selling book. Each book I write is inspired by my experiences and faith journeys. 

How do you choose your settings (fiction) or topics (non-fiction)?

From my experiences. Some of my settings are right here in Northwest Pennsylvania. In my second memoir, I added six foreign settings. In my third book, the setting was mainly the United Arab Emirates. 

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?

I started small, with a poem in the high school newspaper that my sister allowed me to put in because I wasn’t in high school yet. I’m a good essay writer, so just before the graduation ceremony at my associate college, I wrote an anonymous letter (essay-type) to our president about my experience. He read it out loud at our graduation. It was a proud moment for me, though only my brother-in-law guessed it was me who wrote it! The newsletters, and editing jobs came next. In 2004, I wrote a story published in a religious magazine for the Anglican church. After I took correspondence courses, I sent a story about my dad to a well-established secular magazine. The article was terrible, but the topic was so unusual, the editor worked with me to rewrite it. I received $75.00 for it. After a couple years of pitching to low-paying magazines, I decided to publish my own books. I average a book every two years. 

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

• Mobility Matters: Stepping Out in Faith – is about my orientation and mobility training and coming to terms with losing my sight. 
• Cane Confessions: the Lighter Side to Mobility – has 27 stories of life with and with and without my cane.  (lots of culture, and humor!).
• Seeking Solace: Finding Joy After Loss – contains 45 devotions of moving on after child loss, divorce and the death of my father. 
• Hitting a Home Run: Blind and Thriving –is about the diagnosis of my eye condition and subsequent career decisions (e-book) 
• A Time to Dance: Finding Joy after Child Loss – is a sweet short memoir of how God showed me he loved me on one special Valentine’s Day (e-book) 

My website is AmyBovaird.com. It looks beautiful and was created by Rebecca Reidmiller, the virtual assistant, who used to work for me.  My books are available on Amazon.com in regular, large print and kindle. They’re also available in audio format on Amazon, iTunes and Audible. 

2020 Interview: LK Hunsaker

Thanks to Leana of Leana's Books & More
for the photo.

Hi, I’m LK Hunsaker, also writing as Ella M. Kaye. I have two grown kids, one an ABA tutor working with autistic kids, the other a partner in his dad’s wood restoration and custom builds business. They each have three kids, five of which are between 6 and 1. I help take care of all five. Yes, it gets loud and chaotic around here. I pretty much live in an art studio/day care center these days. And I’m so very grateful they are now all right here so I can enjoy them and watch them grow. We’re an Army (RET) family who planted ourselves in West PA because we loved the area while passing through on our travels.  Along with my writing, I do admin and design work for my husband and son’s business. Now and then, I do some of the same for a sand therapy center. I started the West PA Book Festival back in 2015 to try to help the many local authors I’d run into help get the word out about their books. I love how it’s grown! Oh, I also have a degree in liberal arts and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which I use in my books.

Do you have any hobbies?

Far too many! I’ve always been into art and have recently become obsessed with acrylic painting. I dabble in music and play with a beautiful acoustic guitar and the piano when I can find quiet time.  I sew and love to make pretty things for my granddaughters (sewing for boys is not nearly as fun). I’m an amateur gardener, and this year, my husband put up a nice garden space for veggies to go along with my flower gardens (so far, we have a dozen pretty green tomatoes of two varieties coming along well). I’m a bit of a photo bug. And I very much want to get into playing in clay on a wheel. The little ones and I do a lot of arts and crafts together.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

The beach. Lake, ocean, sea, even a large pond. I love water. Acadia Park, Maine is one of my past favorites, and I loved the book research trips my husband and I took to Bennington VT and Williamstown WV on the bike. 

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?

I would probably go back to Italy. We were there on a whirlwind tour through Europe 30 years ago, by train, while stationed in Germany, and I loved seeing all of it, but Italy grabbed me. It could be my Italian roots. I was also grabbed by Ireland and Scotland (roots there, too) and hope to get back. But Italy...  Although I also want to do an east coast lighthouse tour. So it would be kind of a toss up.

Do you have pets?

We have a very stubborn 13-year-old yellow lab and a very hyper 4-year-old lab/border collie. Both were rescues of sorts since their owners had to find other homes for them.

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?

Yellow. I also love blue, green, teal, and recently coral, but yellow has always been my favorite because it looks warm, cheerful, and inviting.

What was your favorite book as a child?

As a young child, I adored Dr. Seuss books. I still most enjoy reading those to our grands. As a preteen, I fell in love with The Hardy Boys and read every one our little library had, which thankfully, was a good many. Now I’m collecting all of the older versions of them I can find.

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?

My overall health. I’ve gained major strides in defeating much of my social anxiety and am still working at that, but currently, I’m focusing on the physical push. That has always been a weak point. I can’t tell you how much I detested P.E. class. I did, though, take dance all the way through my growing up years, so if it’s fun enough, I’ll do it. Currently, I’m on my third 100 intentional mile walking challenge. On days, I grimace and force it. Overall, though, I’m finding my slow progress through plenty of injuries and illnesses fulfilling.

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working? 

I love lots of genres (pop, rock, country are the main ones) and have lots of favorite musical artists. For writing, when I want music (it does often help me focus), I go for classical, Celtic, or lyrical soundtracks, or sometimes Andrea Bocelli since I can’t understand many of the lyrics, anyway, although I do plan to learn Italian when I can make some time. For a bad day, my MANY-years-now go-to is Kenny Rogers. He can soothe and uplift like magic. Rest in peace, Kenny. For more upbeat needs, usually Bay City Rollers, Sawyer Brown, Journey, or Sugarland. For venting needs, Nickelback or Matchbox 20/Rob Thomas. For walking, I often use the soundtrack for The Greatest Showman.

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?

You know, I don’t re-read books. My shelves are ridiculously full of not only those I’ve read and can’t part with, but those still waiting to be read. I often hit library sales to supplement my bookstore binges. I did re-read the first romance that I somewhat remembered reading way back in my teen days and ended up skimming because I already knew the story and I was far less impressed the second time. I am considering re-reading the Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes, but I haven’t gotten to them again yet. So many incredible books, but I have to sleep sometime. I prefer new stories to those I know. There are very few movies I re-watch, too, unless someone else turns them on and I’m doing other things at the same time.

Are you an introvert, extravert, or ambivert?

I’m an extremist introvert/social phobic who enjoys people but has trouble being around them. Social media was made for people like me, and I spend too much time there. ;-)

Does pineapple go on pizza?

I haven’t tried it. I would, but I haven’t. I didn’t think I’d like bacon with ice cream, but that’s really pretty good. You never know.

How many places have you lived?

I was raised in central IL, at 21 moved to TX with my Army husband, then Germany (West Germany at that time) where my daughter was born, MA (just west of Boston) where my son was born, GA (just west of Savannah), VA (just south of D.C.) during the times of the D.C. snipers and 9/11, and finally PA after my husband retired from the Army and we got to choose.

What was your first job?

Babysitting. I did that quite a bit while young. Otherwise, H&R Block as a tax preparer. No, I do not like math, but I’m good at logic. Mom worked for and later owned/still owns an office, so I got a bit of a push into it. I’ve also done retail and 2 day care centers in the infant room. I’m good with babies. :-)

What is your favorite down time activity?

Down time... That’s generally after I give up trying to get work done because I’m too tired and go read in bed. But, I also love being on the back of the bike just cruising around enjoying the scenery. I’m not sure I can really call that down time, since I’m often thinking about story plots at the same time. I’m a bit of a workaholic. I do love to swim, though. I grew up taking swimming lessons, up to junior life guard. Now that I’ve found a nice place nearby, I hope to do that a lot more often. 

Are you an outdoor type? Have a green thumb?

Yes and no. I love nature. I love trees and flowers. But I detest insects and crawly things. I have a few flower gardens that I don’t keep up with well because there are only so many hours in the day. I’m doing well with basil and parsley in large containers on my back porch, but I can’t seem to grow spinach. My husband put up a small garden this spring, fenced in to keep the deer out, and it’s looking beautiful except the cabbage that will have to be pulled out because it’s more holes than leaves. He helps water it because... well, because I may not get to it when I should. So, no, I don’t really have a green thumb, but I do keep trying. Playing in the dirt is good relaxing therapy.

If you could live inside a movie, which would you choose and which character would you be?

Preferably, a movie would be made of my Rehearsal series and I’d jump into that in the role of Susie. Her life can be pretty tough, but it’s very adventurous and full of music and true friendship. Other than that, maybe My Best Friend’s Wedding as Jules because, yes, she screws everything up, but she comes around and fixes it and she has a good heart. I love romantic comedies. 

Are you the type to take a dare?

Nope. I have no need to prove anything to anyone who would ask me to do so.

Do you have a favorite motto or quote that applies to your own life?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. For me, it’s as basic as you can get. I’m ridiculously far from perfect, just like anyone else, but I do my best to be respectful, since I expect to be treated respectfully. Of course that doesn’t always happen, but you lead best by example.
Also, “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Picasso. 

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?

To young people: Listen. No, really listen. Realize you’re seeing from your own perspective, but that’s only a small drop in a huge bucket of what’s really going on. Look farther and deeper. Learn on your own. Don’t just buy something. Look it up. In several places. Question yourself constantly.

I grew up listening to my large family discuss politics and there were always at least two well-developed contrasting sides to every discussion. These were all people I loved and they often vehemently disagreed and had good reasons to disagree, but before leaving the gathering for the day, they hugged and told each other to take care. Agreeing isn’t always necessary, or possible, but listening is, as is respect.

Two major things I remember from Grandpa, one of the wisest people I’ve known: “You can learn something from anyone,” and “Remember who you are.” It makes me sad to see so many young people ashamed of who they are. There’s no need for it. We are who we are because that’s who we’re supposed to be. Accept yourself and respect yourself.

What books, other than your own, would you highly recommend?

I could list so many here, but I have to say, being a big supporter of local authors and indie authors, do yourself a favor and find some locals and indies who are writing well outside the “big pub small options” genres. Only the current “in” genres get published and promoted by the big commercial pubs, but there are so many more options and genres being mixed and blended and blurred. Such a richness that is often overlooked. Also, watch bookstore clearance bins for author names you don’t know. I’ve found those are usually some of the best books. They just didn’t get the huge advertising bucks so you know the authors’ names.

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?

It must be innate, since I started writing musical plays for my siblings, cousins, and myself to act out for our family gatherings way back when I was 7-8ish, at best guest. In junior high, a friend and I wrote screenplays and exchanged them for comment/critique. Hers was Star Wars fanfic and mine was Emergency (TV show, remember it?) fanfic. I still have it. It’s pretty atrocious! You have to start somewhere.

How do you choose your settings (fiction) or topics (non-fiction)?

Characterization is my strong point. My books always focus mainly on character development, and the settings stem from that. The first published, Finishing Touches, is set in my hometown area. The Rehearsal series is set in Massachusetts, just outside Boston, but in a fictional town, in honor of living there for some time and loving the area. Off The Moon and Moondrops & Thistles are set mainly in NYC due to the main character’s career. Protect the Heart is set in old time Idaho in honor of my husband’s hometown area. Under my pen name, Ella M. Kaye, I’m doing things differently and working around related settings (Lighthouses, Rural areas, Cities), fitting the characters to their environments and social situations.

All of my books, under both LK Hunsaker and Ella M. Kaye, revolve around the arts and have a lot of psychology/family issues because those are my strongest interests.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?

A bit of a long story that I’ll try to keep short: After writing for YEARS without thoughts of publishing, my husband asked what I was going to do with it. Um..? Shrug. I’m doing it because it keeps me sane through taking care of my little ones pretty much by myself with no family or friends around? Not good enough? I figured it was. But with the seed planted, I started researching the publishing business and looking at the sad statistics that kept yelling in my face, “You don’t FIT! Forget it! We don’t want that right now. BANG! (door closed)” I mix romance with literary fiction, and that wasn’t a genre. At all. Way back in 2002 or so when I started researching. It’s still a hard sell, but it’s coming around lately. Anyway, I decided not to bother with the agent/contract route. I’m pretty independent. I figured I’d just do it myself. There was no Kindle/Nook/Kobo back then. The only options for going it alone were 1) pay someone to print a ton of books and hand sell them, or 2) use one of the newly emerging presses that would do the formatting and print them on demand so you didn’t have to sink $5,000 or whatever into boxes of books to store in the garage. 

Obviously, I went with plan 2. It added to the “hard sell” factor since that also made them more expensive than equal length traditionally published (commercial) books. As soon as better options came along, I jumped on them, establishing my own company, buying a block of ISBNs, doing my cover art using my art and design training, and figuring out how to do the formatting. It was a HUGE learning curve, but worth it. My books now come out under my own Elucidate Publishing, using Ingram for printing/distributing prints and Smashwords for my ebooks. I’m not restricted as to what I can write, and they stay competitively priced with the big guy pub books.

An aside, I started using the term Indie Publishing way back before I ever heard the term being used because the “experts” kept insisting that “self-publishing” only covered option 1 and the other was just “vanity” printing. I objected to being called a vanity author because it was not for my own vanity. I believe my stories can reach people, touch them, help them understand other viewpoints, and entertain, as well. I work very hard on them. I’ve taken a novel writing course on top of my own studies and avid reading. I’m not a vanity author. I’m independent just like indie musicians (not the genre, but the publishing process). So I decided my “literary romances” were “indie published” and I’ve never looked back. Okay, at times I do. It’s tough to market yourself without a big press background. It’s an awful lot of work doing so much on your own. But overall, the control and freedom are worth the extra effort.

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

Under LK Hunsaker, I have 9 novels out. Four are from my massive Rehearsal serial/saga, and the early ones are being revamped currently. Three more will follow, plus a sequel and possibly a prequel. I also have a children’s picture book out called Stanley: A Raindrop’s Story that tells of a little raindrop that always finds the hardest places to fall. Plus, there are so far two write/color/sketch books for my Write the Light In project, one for adults with writing prompts, and one for kids with a growth chart, favorites lists, and space for photos as well as for writing stories. You’ll find them at LKHunsaker.com.

Under Ella M. Kaye, I have 6 novels out under two series: Dancers & Lighthouses, and Artists & Cottages. The newest WIP will be the first in the Songwriters & Cities series and is set here in the West PA area. My hope is to have it out by the end of the year. You’ll find them at EllaMKaye.com. 
(Since everyone asks, I decided to do books under a different pen name because they are more romance, less lit fic than my LK books. They still have psychology and family mixed in, and along with whatever art is highlighted, they deal with mental health issues.)

Thank you to all for stopping by! Yes, I do tend to be verbose in my books, as well. I like to read fully fleshed stories without a lot of extraneous info and description, so that’s how I try to write them. 

2020 Interview: Peggy Loughner Fisher

Hello everyone…my name is Peggy Loughner Fisher and I am honored to be included in this interview with authors!
     I have been around for many years as I am 71 years old and my favorite hobby is working on my personal genealogy.  My interest in genealogy started back in 1975 when my mom shared that our lineage went back to royalty in England and we were from the MicMac Indian tribe in Nova Scotia.  This perked my interest as I thought “I MUST BE A ‘ROYAL’ INDIAN”!  After many years I documented that we were in the palace in England BUT tracing back to our relative being a SHOEMAKER in the palace!  Our Indian lineage goes directly back to being related to Chief Sachem Henri Membertou (B.1510-D.1611) who was the first chief of the FIRST NATIONS MicMac tribe!  My sons always teased me that I was related to the MicMac Paddy Wack Give a Dog a Bone Indian but I have full documentation to Chief Membertou.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Maui, Hawaii.  The big reason is because my oldest son has lived there for 22 years!  Maui is truly paradise!!!

Do you have pets?

At the present time we do not have any pets since our dear 14 year old Sadie dog crossed the rainbow bridge on January 1, 2020 and we still are not able to look for another pet since Sadie was the BEST!!!

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?

When people ask me my favorite color I always say YELLOW because it is bright & cheery and I try to remain the same!

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?

My life came full circle when I became AMMY (which is what my two grand daughters call me).  Family means the world to me!!

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working? 

Music is my therapy!  My music genre includes the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and hymns.  Whenever I struggle I go to MUSIC to calm me down!

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?

Traveling throughout my life I always heard tidbits about my daddy, Earl E. Loughner’s, military life as a POW in Japan for 3 ½ years and his journey on the Bataan Death March in the Philippines.  After seeing the movie “Unbroken” five years ago, the thought came to mind that I needed and wanted to keep my daddy’s legacy alive.  After I read his only interview after he returned from WWII to the hometown newspaper, I knew I needed to keep his history alive.  My first thought was to write a book for his future generations.  That is how “DADDY CAME HOME” got started!

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?

I chose to self publish the book to make sure nothing would get changed.  However, by self publishing I also became my own advertiser.  To date there are over 700 copies out in circulation!

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

I have given many presentations, participated in vendor shows and I refer interested people to my website:  www.daddycamehome.com 

     My book “Daddy Came Home” has touched my heart in so many ways and has fulfilled my goal to keep my daddy’s legacy alive.  I have a hard time being referred as an author and I am deeply humbled to be included in the West PA Authors Group!!!

2020 Interview: Patricia Miller

Hello. I am Patricia Miller. I live in Sugarcreek, Ohio with my husband, my adult daughter, and her goldendoodle, Benny. I have an adult son who lives in his own place north of us, whom we visit often. I have 2 college degrees and I have worked as a mental health clinical counselor-supervisor for nearly 30 years. I currently work full-time in a hospital-based Intensive Outpatient Program and part-time in an Outpatient Private Practice.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to travel and I am especially entranced with castles and castle-like structures and mansions. I also like to hike and bike. The longest I have ever biked in one shot was 34 miles. I enjoy binging on Agatha Christie movies and books, British murder mysteries and science fiction (space travel) series episodes.

What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere a cruise boat can take you. LOL I also like flying to all-inclusive international resorts. If there are beautiful structures and mansions there, all the better! 

If you were given a ticket to anywhere and spending money to indulge, where would you go?
Europe. I’ll probably need about 3 weeks to hit everywhere I want to see. :)

Do you have pets?
I grew up with dogs and usually have one all the time but we took a break after our family dog died. Then, my daughter (who still lives with us) was nearing completion of her medical office training and asked for a goldendoodle as her graduation gift. Thus, we have Benny. He’s very ornery and we all love him.

What is your favorite color and what do you love about it?
I didn’t think I had a favorite color as I love many. But, my daughter just pointed out to me that I tend to buy purple items. She’s right!

What was your favorite book as a child?
The earliest I can recall loving books would be Golden Books. Ironically, a part-owner of that company sold his share and used the money to build a castle in Ohio which is (by chance) my favorite castle in Ohio in which to stay. I stay there at least 2 times a year. 
I also remember loving to read Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mystery Books too. I quickly found Agatha Christie soon after that.

What is one thing about yourself you’d like to change or are trying to work on?
For some time I have made it a regular habit to avoid negativity in my life and in my thoughts. Life is too short to waste in that way. I’m also looking forward to semi-retirement in about 4 years when I will be able to do more of what I like to do, such as writing.

What music genre/singer/band is your go-to for a bad day? For working?
I wrote books 1 & 2 in my YA Sci Fi Romance trilogy (The Joshua Trilogy) entirely while listening to 30 seconds to Mars. (Their old stuff) But most of the time you will find smooth jazz saxophone cd’s in my car.  My favorite is Boney James whom I saw in concert last year. He’s awesome! Check him out!

Do you re-read books? If so, is there one in particular?
Absolutely! I love all Agatha Christie books and stories, Sherlock Holmes, well all British Lit actually. And, yes, I read and watch them over and over!

Are you an introvert, extravert, or ambivert?
Ambivert. I enjoy interacting and spending time with my close friends and family but I also really enjoy my alone time. Sometimes, I book a suite in that favorite castle-like resort, to get away by myself, which also gives me uninterrupted time to write.
When I have to have a public event, I get a bit nervous before, but once it gets started it usually goes well and I end up enjoying it!

Does pineapple go on pizza?
LOL Absolutely not! But, I’m allergic so I guess I’m biased!

How many places have you lived?
I have always lived in Ohio. Born and raised a Buckeye. But, I love to travel and seeing Frank Loyd Wright’s Waterfall House in PA is on my bucket list.

What was your first job?

Salad Bar attendant at Blue Drummer Steak House.

What is your favorite down time activity?
Looking for and watching old British murder mystery movies, mostly Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. Again, I also like traveling, even if it’s just a weekend getaway.

Are you an outdoor type? Have a green thumb?
I wouldn’t consider me the outdoor type even though I like to hike and bike. After these activities, I will admit I like heading inside to beautiful accommodations with air conditioning.
As far as flowers go, I kill all inside flowers but I have great luck with outside flowers and bushes.

If you could live inside a movie, which would you choose and which character would you be?
Ariadne Oliver in any Agatha Christie story that features this famous mystery writing crime fighting sleuth.

Are you the type to take a dare?
Not typically!

Do you have a favorite motto or quote that applies to your own life?
“If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you have never done.” --Unknown
And I am very accepting so I would also have to say “Live and let live.”

What is one thing you’ve learned through experience that you’d love to pass along to others?
Positive attitude, willingness to listen and learn, hard work and persistence pay off. Have the courage to try and don’t let the fear of rejection take away your dreams.

What books, other than your own, would you highly recommend?
Any and all Agatha Christie books, of course.

On to writing: what inspired you to start creating stories/non-fiction? How long ago?
During my junior year in high school I took a class called British Literature. This is where my love of literature ignited, specifically British.
I learned to love and appreciate sci fi while watching original episodes of Star Trek with my brother. I then discovered Agatha Christie. When I would read, I'd started thinking “wouldn’t it be cool if the story went this direction or took this turn?” so I decided to start writing short stories of my own. This then led to a novella and then to full-length novels.

How do you choose your settings (fiction) or topics (non-fiction)?
So far, my settings are mostly inspired by places I have visited. Such as the library in which my first “Joshua” book starts in, taken from the library of the first college from which I graduated.
I have plans to place a teen paranormal in a castle-like hotel/resort like my favorite one I visit several times a year in Ohio.

Can you tell us a bit about your path to publication?
After writing several short stories, novellas and a full length novel, I started to attend writing and publication conventions all over the US. I also joined several professional writing associations. These contacts led to my connection with an editor who lives in CA who really liked my work. He eventually urged me to seek publication. After several rejections, I eventually found a few options and I made a decision. My current publisher provided me with an amazing cover designer who lives in Tennessee. After I release the final installment in my YA Sci Fi trilogy, in addition to more mystery collections, I plan to move on to other genres such as paranormal, cozy mysteries and others. Therefore, I might seek additional contracts with other publishers who specialize in those genres, hopefully an agent someday too. Who knows? :)

Finally, please tell us about your books and add your website so we can find you:

Find me on FB at this link : https://www.facebook.com/patriciamillerauthor 

Website: http://pmwritescom.wordpress.com


Joshua: Life After Theos: Book 1 in The Joshua Trilogy, YA, Sci Fi, Romance; Finalist in the 2019   

Next Generation Book Awards in the category of Young New Adult Ages 17+.    5 Star Editorial Review from Indies Today as well as from readers. 

Review quotes: 
 “Wit and humor jostle for space beside the awkwardness inherently associated with adolescence. Add in a touch of suspense from a malicious antagonist bent on exposing their extraterrestrial origins and you have a delightfully crafted young adult alien romance.” “Miller is a rare talent, a true gem of a writer.” …”captivating dialogue,”... “relatable characters,”...”tension you can feel in your gut,”...”just the beginning of good things to come from Patricia Miller.”


Joshua: Breaking Free:Book 2 in  The Joshua Trilogy, YA, SCI Fi, Romance

Sometimes it takes going back to finally BREAK FREE!

5 Star Editorial Review and from readers alike.
Review quotes:

“Such a fun novel...content is light and the subject matter relatable...Miller has really upped the ante in terms of the strong bonds forged between the characters...chocked full of humor, particularly from Josh’s inner dialogue...if you’re looking for a delightful afternoon read, there’s hardly a better option than curling up on the couch with Joshua: Breaking Free.”



** Book 3 being written as you read this and coming out in 2020!

Mysterious Tales of the Unexplained:
Volume 1 Mystery Collection with 10 scene sketch illustrations

Singing specters, secret passageways, unsolved clues, abandoned mansions, old photo albums and hidden motives are all found in the four stories making up this unique collection, Mysterious Tales of the Unexplained. A young sleuth solves a mystery surrounding a creepy, community theatre in Break A Leg & Knock 'Em Dead. She then goes on to investigate the apparent suicide of a wealthy factory owner in House up on the Hill. In Picture on the Wall, a mother/daughter restoration team experience ghostly encounters in an old, abandoned mansion. And six young friends go on a mystery weekend at a spooky inn, deciphering clues and exploring the mysterious property, only to find much more going on than they thought.

Review Quotes:

“So, I finished your latest book and I have to tell you, I was fooled--TWICE!”...”So many twists and turns...I really did not expect that ending in the novella.” “Your character, Kelsie Raymound, really made me think of Nancy Drew.”...”Kelsie is now my favorite sleuth!”

Go to Patricia's website for buy links and cover art.