interview – Nat Kennedy Books

I’d like to introduce you to Neil Heath-Hartley, who is joining me today to share a bit about himself, his writing, and his writing process. He’s just launched a newsletter, so this is your chance to sign up to keep updated on Neil’s upcoming projects. You can also find him and his books at Goodreads: Neil_Heath_Hartley.

Welcome, Neil.

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: Let me start by thanking you for this opportunity to answer your questions. My name is Neil Heath-Hartley, and I stay in Kempton Park, South Africa with my husband. I write in many genres: children, fantasy, LGBTI+, with a range of audiences from toddler to adults. I cater for everyone. My website is http://www.neilwrites.co.za and I have just recently launched a newsletter I am so EXCITED about.

<Nat Kennedy>: A newsletter a great step, and a lot of work. What should we expect from your newsletter?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: I am going to include sneak peaks into my books as well a competition or two. I also have a Facebook page where I promote all four books that I have available

<Nat Kennedy>: Tell us about your daily writing procedure.

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: Because I work full time, I only basically write one hour a day (during lunch time).

<Nat Kennedy>: I’m with you on that. Finding time to write is always difficult, and an hour a day is better than many. I’m impressed you have four books out!

What was your ‘ah ha’ moment when you realized you wanted to be a writer?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: My “Ah-ha” moment came when I discovered that there were not many gay authors that actually wrote about things that happen in the gay community, and when I started my gay book, Behind the Mask, the story just flowed out. It’s almost two years that the book has been out, and I’m planning to make it a series

<Nat Kennedy>: I think it’s important to have authors with real experience write the books we read. Thanks for sharing those with us.

You’ve only got an hour a day, so you must use that time wisely. What do you do for writer’s block?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: When I get writer’s block I try take a break for a white and just pick up my diary and scribble words, trying to get new ideas, by the way I am a pantser.

<Nat Kennedy>: A Pantser! Oh no! I don’t see how you guys can do that. I need an outline.

What are you working on right now?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: Currently I am working on a Thriller, Underneath the Rose’s Thorn. It follows a female serial killer as well as a gay character, no spoilers will be mentioned.

<Nat Kennedy>: Spoilers be gone! Thanks.

What writing has inspired you?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: Growing up I read Sydney Sheldon and Mary Higgins Clark, and they were my idols. I have to include JK Rowling in my list of favorites. I also found a Youtuber Jenna Moreci that is amazing with advice regarding being an author and writing tips.

<Nat Kennedy>: Where do you get your ideas from?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: My ideas come to me at any time, any place, sometimes I can just sit and something will pop into my mind, then I jot done my idea on my phone or piece of paper

<Nat Kennedy>: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: I would tell my younger self to start earlier with any marketing courses and to learn as much as I can regarding this wonderful art

<Nat Kennedy>: What would you choose as your writing mascot/animal spirit/totem?

<Neil Heath-Hartley>: My logo on my newsletter is an octopus, however I would go for a butterfly, they so fragile however they are free to be wherever they want to be

Thank you for stopping by and chatting, Neil.

I’d like to introduce you to Morgan Brice, who is joining me today to talk about her new book, Treasure Trail, as well as inspiration, marketing, and the fact that writer’s block only has the power you let it.

: Hi everyone! I’m Morgan Brice. I write urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, so plenty of sexy thrills and spooky chills. My books all involve magic, supernatural creatures, and hot sexy men finding their HEA.

: Sounds perfect. Right up my alley all around!

: My bestselling Badlands series is set in Myrtle Beach, SC with a sexy psychic medium who pairs up with a hot homicide cop to catch a killer. There are three books in the series (Badlands, Loose Ends, and The Rising) so far, with more to come.

In my Witchbane series (Witchbane, Burn, Dark Rivers so far), Seth and Evan team up to stop a group of dark warlocks who have been carrying out a century-long killing spree. If you like shows like Supernatural, Vampire Diaries or Buffy, this is your kind of story!

I also write urban fantasy and epic fantasy as Gail Z. Martin. All of my urban fantasy worlds as both Gail and Morgan overlap and crossover, so the characters all know each other and interact in one big, haunted universe!

: So, Morgan, you’ve a new book coming out! It looks very exciting with your signature thrills and chills. Tell us more about it.

: I’ve got a brand new series that just launched: Treasure Trail! It’s set in another beach town, Cape May, NJ. Erik used to track art fraud and bust up forgery rings, but after a close call, he moves to Cape May to make a fresh start. Ex-cop Ben is also starting over, and sparks fly when the two men meet. But when old scandals and murders come to light, they’re going to need each other and every bit of luck to get their happy ending!

I ‘found’ Cape May when we visited to plan our daughter’s wedding, and totally fell in love with all the big Victorian houses, the beach, the food (OMG!) and all of the history. So many plot bunnies! I always try to match main characters to the the location. So in this case, Erik’s background in art preservation and stopping art fraud and relic theft was perfect for a town that is so into art and antiques. Ben’s background as a former undercover cop in Newark who needs a fresh start also seemed like a great fit—both for Erik and for Cape May!

: That sounds like a good way to find a new location. I’ve never been there myself, so I will have to read your book to get a good sense of the place! I also love the combination of art expert and ex-cop. I can’t wait to see their chemistry.

So, you’ve got quite a few books out there. What writing rituals work for you?

: Coffee! I drink a lot of coffee when I write. I’m also usually an afternoon writer, because I’m not really a morning person.

: I’m a tea drinker myself, but yes, the fuel of the writer! Caffeine!

Tell us, what was your ‘ah ha’ moment when you realized you wanted to be a writer and would require all that coffee to keep you fueled?

: I’ve always written stories from the time I was a kid. I loved being able to entertain my friends. I’d write a story, or a fan fiction of one of our favorite series, and they’d read it, and then bug me to write something new. I loved telling stories and knowing other people enjoyed them. When I was 14, I realized that the writers who were writing then wouldn’t always be around, so there had to be new writers or there wouldn’t be any more books! That’s when I decided I wanted to be a writer, too.

: Okay, now for the tough question. Give us your wisdom! What do you do for writer’s block?

: I don’t really believe in writer’s block. As my friend John Hartness says, there’s no such thing as ‘plumber’s block’ or ‘electrician’s block’. If it’s your job, and how you make your living, you get up in the morning and do it. Writing is how I make my living. But sometimes, if I’m having trouble with a scene or a chapter, I have to pull back, research and write a better outline. Being stuck comes from not having a clear idea of where I’m going. It means I’m missing a piece. Doing some research and revising the outline has always worked so far to get me going again!

: I’ve heard other professional writers say exactly the same thing. It’s a job, you sit down and do it. But thanks for the hint. I sometimes feel uninspired and stuck. But then, don’t fall down the research hole, either! It’s can be a hard balance.

Now, what all your fans want to know. Once we’ve read Treasure Trail, what’s next? What are you working on right now?

: I’m editing Flame and Ash, which will be the next book in my Witchbane series. I’m also working on two more of my Gail books that will come out later this summer. Then back to more Morgan books!

: I’m inspired by your productivity!

Writing new things, polishing, editing, and also taking the time to get your books out there. What have you found to be the best ways to market your books?

: I love going to conventions like GRL (GayRomLit) and Coastal Magic and meeting readers and being on panels. I also love chatting with folks on Facebook and Twitter. It’s also fun to be a guest blogger and to take part in Facebook parties and takeovers with other authors. And I also really enjoy doing cross-promotions with other authors. Getting out there and meeting people, in person or online, works for me!

: You make it sound fun! An extrovert! I love your energy.

You’ve got some great and varied worlds. What writing has inspired you? And where do you get your ideas from?

: I have learned so much from reading other authors in the genre. I love the stories, and I also find motivation.

I get my ideas everywhere! News articles, history, documentaries, ghost books, mythology, books about legends and lore, traveling to new places, going on tours—truly everywhere!

: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

: Hang in there. Don’t get discouraged. It takes longer than you think it will, but you’ll get there eventually!

: And last, but definitely not least. The most important question in this interview…. What would you choose as your writing mascot/animal spirit/totem?

: I have two dogs, a Maltese and a Golden Retriever, so I already have my mascots!

: Ah, lucky! Thank you so much, Morgan, for joining me today. Treasure Trail is available now at these locations (and there’s a Giveaway too, go to the bottom of this page):

Buy Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

About the Author

Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions. Characters from her Gail books make frequent appearances in secondary roles in her Morgan books, and vice versa.

On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.

Other books include Witchbane, Burn, Dark Rivers, and Badlands. Watch for more in these series, plus new series coming soon!

Join my Worlds of Morgan Brice Facebook Group! Get the early scoop on upcoming books and new series, see new covers first, enjoy insider news and special contests and giveaways! Plus it’s where I get my beta readers and launch team!

Author Links

Amazon

Facebook Group

Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail)

Twitter: @MorganBriceBook

Website

BookBub