Coffee and a Keyboard

If you’re like me, you probably get a tune stuck in your head every now and then. Sometimes it makes sense. You heard it on the radio, or wherever and it just stuck with you for the rest of the day. Some songs make less sense. Maybe you haven’t heard them in a while, but there they are, playing over and over inside your head. It almost seems like a form of madness. Especially when the song just repeats one line over and over or if it just stays stuck in there days despite your best efforts to replace it with something else.

This morning I woke up with “Hair” by Lady Gaga in my head. I listened to it last night, shortly before I went to bed. Makes sense. It’s not a bad song, but it’s just the chorus, since I don’t really know the rest of the song. And then for some reason when I was getting coffee I had a line of “Where the Streets have No Name” by U2 play through my head for no apparent reason and then go away again.

It’s one of those great mysteries.

So what about you? Are you prone to getting songs stuck in your head? Does it bother you? Are there any particular songs that seem to stick better than others?

Book Details:
Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Publisher: R.J. Buckley Publishing (Oct. 31, 2011)

Synopsis:

It is bizarre to say in our civilized culture some human beings still act out in a violent primitive manner causing bodily harm and death. For this reason alone incarcerating facilities will always exist. The terror of being thrust into a world in which time cannot be calculated, distance cannot be measured, and our own true existence is in question is incomprehensible. In 1971, a mysterious stranger warned a small community of their impending doom. She prophesied that if they ignored her warnings they would experience a chain of devastating events. The outcome of their fate would remain in whether they chose to believe in something that could not be scientifically validated. Is it safe to say that unexplained phenomenon does exist? If you asked the people of Patton, they would say, “Of course it does and its name is Lola.”

My thoughts:

This book has all the elements of the kinds of stories I love; a mysterious person with a warning, a small tight knit town, a curse, complex relationships. Barbara Watkins does a great job of pulling all of those elements together into a story that really is hard to put down. Just when you think you have something figured out, another element comes out of nowhere to throw you off track and keep you guessing, but without feeling forced or as if it’s a deus ex machina.

With such a complex cast and so many emotions,  thoughts, etc. flying around, I would have liked to have seen more physical descriptions of things and people. Even the town the story takes place in, Patton, could become another character with a little more description just to help the reader really feel as if they are there. As far as the people, a little more show and less tell would go a long way to flesh them out a little more, especially Lola. She’s a great character and as I read, I couldn’t wait for her to make another appearance.

“Hollowing Screams” is definitely a solid story in the Paranormal/Suspense genre. You know from the onset that you’re going to be going for a crazy ride and it once you’re on it, there’s no turning back.

Author Info: Barbara Watkins was born on October 6th 1959 at the Missouri Delta Hospital in Sikeston Missouri to Jackie Dean and Betty Lucille White. She attended Sikeston High School where she met and would later marry her childhood sweetheart Jim Watkins. Wasting no time, they started a family.

Writing in the genre of supernatural/psychological thrillers’ she loves to evoke a sense of terror and fright like no other for her
readers. In 2005 her novella, ‘Behind the Red Door’ caught the attention of Escape Artists Studio, and in return they requested the
manuscript for review. Her dream is to one day see her work adapted to film. Currently she is working on yet another
psychological thriller and promises her readers won’t be disappointed.

I’m a huge fan of Motown Music. There are so many great songs and voices, it’s hard to pick a favorite. But not only is Motown’s music some of the best, true American music ever produced, it was also a powerful force in the Civil Rights Movement.

Berry Gordy, who started Motown didn’t get directly involved in civil rights himself, he left that to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the NAACP, although he did support them by donating money.

Gordy and Motown’s contribution to the movement was more subtle, but no less important. By having his artists present themselves with poise and sing songs blacks and whites could both relate to, he helped bridge the racial divide in the U.S.

Even the song lyrics served this purpose. On the surface many Motown songs are about love, romance, having fun, but if you dig a little deeper, many of them had other meanings you could take away from them as well.

Take Aretha Franklin’s “Think” for example. On the surface, it seems like a song about a troubled relationship,

I ain’t no psychiatrist,

I ain’t no doctor with degrees,

but it don’t take too much IQ, 

to see what you’re doin’ to me.

but you can also see that it’s a song about the state of affairs in the U.S. at the time and the wish that people will come together.

The “freedom” refrain shows this and this line:

You need me and I need you,

Without each other, there ain’t nothing neither can do.

Songs like this did a lot to carry Dr. King’s peaceful message forward, while at the same time bringing people together with great music.

Think about when you go to a concert. You’re all there because you have at least ONE thing in common, you like the band or artist you are there to see. Music, by itself in this way is an amazing unifier. Because of this, it helped propel the movement forward in ways that may not even have been conscious or obvious at the time, but are entirely evident now.

What is your favorite Motown song?

Happy New Year everybody! I hope you all had a fantastic holiday season, no matter what or how you celebrate and am hopeful that this year will be the best one yet.

Besides, the holidays, I had a birthday in December. A milestone birthday – the big 35. Somebody asked me, do I feel 35? I hate that question, because I never feel my age, regardless of what that age is. I always feel much older (when I barely have the energy to keep up with my daughter) or much younger (when I still ponder what I’m going to be when I grow up).

At any rate, it was a good birthday. I actually spent it doing some Christmas shopping, but picked up a couple of CDs (gasp!) for myself for my birthday. There was a time when I bought CDs weekly. Mostly because I was a wedding DJ, but it was also a great excuse to buy whatever band or artist tickled my fancy at that time too. Unfortunately, in the 13 or so years since then, there has been precious little that I’ve actually wanted to plunk down the money for. And FAR long ago are the days where I’d carelessly by a CD based on one song in the hopes that the rest of the CD would be as good as that one song.

But there I was at Target (since, you know, most of the music stores are extinct) and I found myself flipping through the CDs. Then a song popped into my head. “Good Life” by One Republic. I like that song. I like the words, the message, the music…it’s definitely one of those songs that I would carelessly plunk down money on the whole CD in the hopes that the rest of the album is that good. So…I did. And…it was!

The only other song I’d heard from them, or knew I’d heard from them was “Apologize” which when it was getting a lot of airplay was billed more as a Timbaland song “featuring” One Republic. I liked that song too, but didn’t give it too much more thought than that, but when I heard “Good Life” for the first time, it kind of blew me away. I can’t tell you why, it’s just one of those things that hit you in the guts. Few songs have that effect on me, but when they do, it’s awesome.

So I bought the CD and played it while I finished up the rest of my shopping and then left it in the car so I could listen more and then brought it inside so I could listen to it at my computer and when I work out…you get the idea. It’s one of the first albums in a LONG time that I hear something new every time I listen and I’ve listened to it a LOT since I got it.

The band formed in 2002 and is from Colorado and get this…they are all actual musicians. Yes, they all play real instruments and all of them play more than one. I think it really comes through in the scope and depth of the music. Which I find sad. I mean, great for them, but sad that these days real musicianship is a rarity.

In any event, if you haven’t heard of this band, please do yourself a favor and check them out. “Good Life” is getting a lot of airplay at the moment and Disney even used it in one of their commercials, so you have probably heard it. Just in case you haven’t, I’ve posted the video below. I’ve kind of adopted it as my anthem for this  year.

So here’s to a GREAT year and a GREAT life!

How was your New Year’s? Any plans or goals for the upcoming year? Any great music you recently discovered?

In 1995 I worked with an agency that sent me out on calls for extra work on television shows and movie sets.

I enjoyed working as an extra at first.  However, over time, I enjoyed less and less the long hours spent waiting around for scenes to be shot.  I wanted to be a principal actor.  Then, I wouldn’t have minded the wait.  And since I had a full-time job at the time, my availability was more constrained than most of the other extras that were devoting full time to their acting careers.

The agency sent me to do extra work on television shows like “New York Undercover,” “Central Park West” and of course “Cosby Mysteries.”

“Cosby Mysteries” was an American television series that starred the one and only Bill Cosby.  It was the first television series to star Cosby since the “Cosby Show” (Wikipedia).  Bill Cosby played the lead character Guy Hanks, a criminologist, who worked for the New York Police Department.

I remember always watching the weekly series and wishing I was a member of the cast.  The character I envisioned playing, besides playing Guy Hanks sister-in-law, was his secret stalker who lived in the same apartment building just across the hall from his apartment.  He would see me every day in the hallways or on the elevators and would say hello, but had no idea that I was his secret stalker.  I would watch him and follow him whenever I could.  I had my character’s lines all written in my head. J

You will then understand my shock upon learning from my agency that I was to report to the Cosby Mysteries set to work as an extra.  I could not believe it!  This was a dream come through.  I started thinking out loud what I would say to Mr. Cosby on the set.  There was a burning question that I just had to ask him.  It was simultaneously an unbelievable and believable moment for me.  JUST AMAZING!!!

I was very excited to go on set.  I packed my bag with my change of clothing for the different scenes the night before.  I was always organized and ready.  I do not remember the title of the episode.  I do remember that the actor Paul Anthony Sorvino was in the episode.  The scenes were shot in lower Manhattan at the City Hall Building.

In one of the scenes, Bill Cosby had to walk by me to get to his location and I remember staring at him because I had that question to ask him.  Cosby apparently felt my penetrating stare and looked at me, smiled, lifted up his right hand, pointed and shook his index finger at me and said “youuuuuu” with a smile.  I looked at him and smiled back.  Oh Boy!  The pressure mounted.  I wanted to ask my question but did not.  I was afraid to approach him.  Actually it was not allowed. So I was told.  It was overall a great, memorable experience.  Mr. Cosby was fun to watch, he took his work seriously.

The question I had for Mr. Cosby was how does someone like me get to be a regular on the show?  I missed my opportunity.

I am so happy I am able to write about it now.  Unbelievable!  Life is truly a circle.

Alexia Fraser

Author

www.alexiafraser.blogspot.com

Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige. Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay. As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future. Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is Alexia Fraser’s first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.

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About Memories of Mom

Memories of Mom (M.O.M.) is a poignant story about an extraordinary mother, written by a daughter who loved and cared for her during her last lap of life.  This story is written from the heart, and will inspire love and affection in millions of daughters and sons who will someday be caring for their elderly parents or loved ones.  It is about undying love, unyielding sacrifices and compassionate role reversal.  The circle of life.

When you hear the name Johnny Mathis, the song “Chances Are” probably immediately pops into your head. But for me, it’s Christmas music, which is why I’m talking about him today. When I was younger, it was always Johnny Mathis playing in the house around Christmas time. (But I like “Chances Are” too.) Even now, it’s never 100% Christmas until I hear at least one Johnny Mathis song…hopefully, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” or his version of “The Christmas Song.” My parents were big fans of his and we even saw him live at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia one year. I don’t remember very much of the show, but I remember enjoying it.

I wonder what it would have been like though if Mr. Mathis had gone with his original career choice…athletics. He received 4 athletic letters while he was in high school! Track and field, basketball, and was even asked to attend the 1956 Olympic team trials as a high jumper. Luckily for music fans, at the same time, he also had a meeting in NYC with a record label. He had a choice to make, and he chose music.

Since then, he’s sold over 350 million records worldwide, and received the Grammy Lifetime achievement award in 2003. He’s also kept ties to his athletic side by hosting several golf tournaments and has an annual track and field meet held at his alma mater, San Francisco State.

He’s also worked with charitable organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the YMCA.

And he’s not showing any signs of stopping.

So what is your favorite Johnny Mathis song, if you have one?

Kate Snow married the wrong man for the wrong reasons. Paul Delacroix was smitten with Kate the first time he laid eyes on her and was willing to do anything to have her. She was raised in a large, impoverished family near the slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho. He was the sole heir to his family’s Los Angeles-based multibillion-dollar corporation. It should have been a fairy tale romance, but it wasn’t.

Book Details:
Genre: Mainstream Fiction – Drama
Publisher: Wise Bear Media (April 25, 2011)

Synopsis:

Kate’s marriage unravels when she discovers a mysterious safe room which harbors her husband’s darkest secrets. The legacy of the family business is at stake, but power is not always about money. Their showdown results in a shocking twist of fate—a destiny Kate never saw coming.

Invisible Snow is a classic family drama about wealth, power, greed, and redemption. Marriage is a delicate dance of power between lovers, but Kate and Paul Delacroix are strangers caught in a disparate union somewhere between betrayal and truth. Confronting their true selves for the first time results in an epic clash of wills where only one will prevail.
My thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It’s much longer than I thought it would be due mostly to lots of detail about the characters, even non-main characters, which for me, tended to slow the pace. That said, when the book hits the halfway mark, all those details showed their value as they served to cement the characters and their motivations into the reader’s mind, making them more real and understandable.

“Invisible Snow” is a complex story about people and their relationships that I think most people can relate to whether or not they are in an powerful family or not. For me it was the story of a woman finding her inner strength and overcoming her obstacles, which made for a good read. I’d definitely recommend this book and I hope to read more of Quinn Barrett’s work in the future.

Here’s the trailer:

 

Author Bio:

Quinn Barrett is a native of Southern California, currently residing in the West Los Angeles area. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in English, she worked as a corporate business development strategist specializing in emerging growth technology, software and Internet companies.

She is married and raising a teenage son. Her hobbies include reading, walking, golf, cooking, and travel.

Invisible Snow is her first novel.

You can visit her website at : www.quinnbarrett.com

Hello everybody! Today I am very happy to welcome Dianne Hartsock, author of “ALEX” to Coffee and a Keyboard. Thank you so much for being here!
You’re very welcome. Thanks for having me as your guest today.

When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in first grade, a two paragraph story about a giraffe. I can’t remember much about it, except that everyone liked to visit him at the zoo. I was very proud when the story was pinned up on the wall for everyone to read, the teacher liked it that much. And I’ve been scribbling stories ever since.

What inspired you to write your latest book?
The first novel I attempted was a fantasy/adventure, which is still looking for a home. As I became more involved in the life of my main character, I began to wonder how he would fair in a modern setting. In his world, this character is considered a magic user. What would he be labeled in today’s society? Would he be accepted, or forced to live away from others? Would he have been born with this ‘gift’ or would it have developed over time?
I found these questions intriguing and began my research into psychic abilities. Most people seem to develop their talents in their late teens. I wanted to show how Alex had been born with his gifts, and how the trauma of his childhood brought them out even stronger than is usual.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
One reviewer summed ‘ALEX’ up for me very nicely. ‘Overall, I am left with a new definition of what love is: an emotion that can endure through life and death. Love isn’t over-romanticized as something that will conquer all, but love makes life worth living.’

What books have most influenced your life most?
The fantasies of Tolkien and C.J. Cherryh, whose characters I always seem to fall in love with, those flawed, wonderful heroes. Ray Bradbury’s stories which remind me of the joys and fears and wonders of childhood. Richard Bach, who opened my mind to possibilities and Douglas Adams, who reminds me not to take myself so seriously.

What book are you reading now?
‘The Dead Town’, book five in Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein series.
The war against humanity is raging. As the small town of Rainbow Falls, Montana, comes under siege, scattered survivors come together to weather the onslaught of the creatures set loose upon the world. As they ready for battle against overwhelming odds, they will learn the full scope of Victor Frankenstein’s nihilistic plan to remake the future—and the terrifying reach of his shadowy, powerful supporters.

Now the good will make their last, best stand. In a climax that will shatter every expectation, their destinies and the fate of humanity hang in the balance.

Oh I LOVE that series!!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Abandoned by Alex’s father, his mother raises Alex in isolation, physically and emotionally abusing him as she tries to drive the ‘badness’ from him inherited from his father. With no one to show her differently, they both suffer under her emotional confusion.
It broke my heart when I researched child abuse. The horrible things people do to their children. It hurts to know that a child is suffering even as I’m writing this down. I made it through the research somehow, but no matter how bad things got for Alex, it’s nothing to what some children endure every day.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Just relax and write! Don’t try to copy anyone else’s style. Write the words as they come to you and worry about cleaning up the mess later. It’s the best way to find your own unique ‘writer’s voice’.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
A million things. I read books like mad. I enjoy going out for coffee or lunch with friends, live music and browsing antique stores. I also like walking on the beach, hiking, having a good laugh, and sitting by the fire with my husband.

Where can we find more information about you and your current projects?
Blog: http://diannehartsock.wordpress.com/
FB: http://www.facebook.com/diannehartsock
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/diannehartsock
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4850270.Dianne_Hartsock

And of course, last but not least…do you have a favorite brand, flavor, type of coffee?
Seattle Mountain 100% Arabica whole bean, Costa Rican French Roast. A mouthful to say, I know, but so rich and yummy!

ALEX
Solstice Publishing: http://amzn.to/ikCVTW
Amazon: http://amzn.to/ikCVTW
Alex is twenty and confused.  He always is.  The world presses on him with its horrors and pain, with scintillating auras that pierce his eyes and drive the migraines deeper. He hears the cries of children, the screaming women. He sees the brutal images of the tortured victims. He feels out of control and his mind slips…
Severely abused as a child, he is left with horrible scars on his body and even worse scars within his mind. Even though it puts him in danger, he’s compelled to help those who call to him. He’s driven, motivated by his visions to rescue them and uncover the killer. When he can, he helps the police; yet some detectives suspect he’s the cause of the problem, not the solution. Often, Alex finds himself alone and afraid in a world he doesn’t always comprehend.

Dianne Hartsock lives in the beautiful Willamette Valley of Oregon with her incredibly patient husband, who puts up with the endless hours she spends hunched over the keyboard letting her characters play.

She says Oregon’s raindrops are the perfect setting in which to write her tales. There’s something about being cooped up in the house while it pours rain outside and a fire crackles on the hearth inside that kindles her imagination.

The intricate and fragile nature of the mind is always fascinating.  Having worked with the public through various careers, Dianne has come to respect the resilience and strength of the human spirit. She’s always trying to capture that spirit in her writing.

Currently, Dianne works as a floral designer in a locally-owned gift shop, which she says is the perfect job for her. When not writing, she can express herself through the rich colors and textures of flowers and foliage.

Dianne’s books include Trials of a Lonely Specter and Alex.

You can visit Dianne Hartsock at: http://diannehartsocksalex.wordpress.com/

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Get Rid of Your Daughter’s Dreadful Boyfriend

Terri Giuliano Long

In Leah’s Wake tells the story of a family in collapse. Sixteen-year-old Leah, a star soccer player, has led a perfect life. When she meets a sexy older guy, attracted to his independence, she begins to spread her wings. Drinking, ignoring curfew, dabbling in drugs—all this feels like freedom to her. Her terrified parents, afraid they’re losing their daughter, pull the reins tighter, pushing when they ought to be pulling, and communication breaks down. Soon there’s no turning back. Twelve-year-old Justine, caught between the parents she loves and the big sister she adores, finds herself in the fight of her life, trying desperately to pull her family together.

Your daughter is nothing like Leah, of course. A lovely young woman, she respects you – and herself – far too much to ever date a bad guy, never mind a boy you detest. Here, on the off chance that she does, are five things, inspired by Zoe and Will, that you can do to ensure that your beloved daughter does not follow in Leah’s wake.

1)     The first time you lay eyes on the awful boyfriend, be rude and dismissive. He’s a jerk. You can tell by the way he dresses; you see it in his eyes; you’ve heard rumors. You have great instincts. So go with your gut. Let him – and your daughter – know that nothing he does or says will ever change the way you feel. You can’t stand him. Period. If your daughter argues or cries, even though it breaks your heart, try to ignore her. She’s a teenager, a slave to her hormones, incapable of making a decent decision. Once they realize you’re serious, they’ll end the relationship. And she’ll find a guy who deserves her.

2)     If, God forbid, he sticks around, criticize him at every possible turn. Make pointed remarks about his family, his friends, his clothes, the way he walks or talks or combs his hair. Be relentless. The goal is to get under his skin. If he resents you enough, sooner or later he’ll resent your daughter too. Sure, it will hurt when he dumps her, but you’ll be there to pick her up, comfort her. It’s in those dark times, when we’re down, that we appreciate the people who love us, the importance of family. When it’s over and she’s dating again, she’ll see the light, realize what a horrible boyfriend he was, and she’ll thank you.

3)     Make her feel guilty. If you’re Italian or hail from some other guilt-inducing culture, you can stop reading. You’re a master at guilt-tripping already. The rest of you: let your daughter know how hurt and disappointed you are. Cry, whine, pray aloud, lie in bed with your shades drawn. It’s not only you she’s disappointed, either. Your entire clan, dead or alive, is disappointed in her. Dear God. A grandparent or favorite aunt or uncle must be rolling over in his or her grave. In fact, the entire town is talking about her. Everyone thought she was better, smarter, kinder, or more mature than she’s proven to be. If, in a guilt-induced depression, she hurts herself – well, you meant well anyway.

4)     You’ve tried. You’ve truly tried. Now drag out the big guns: with a look of pure disgust, let your daughter know, in no uncertain terms, she’s chosen a loser. Translation: she’s a loser. Compare her to the “good daughter,” a sister or cousin, the child of a friend, any girl who dates (in your humble opinion) a half-decent guy. Make these comparisons often – daily if necessary – until they sink in. Stop at nothing. Resort to cruelty, if you must, insults or name-calling. However tempted you are to loosen up, hang tough. She’s your daughter. You love her. You’re doing this for her good. It hurts you more than it could ever hurt her. Under your disapproving eye, her resolve will evaporate. She’ll do anything to return to your good graces – even if it means cutting loose the detestable boyfriend. If she falls into a depression, see number 3. You tried.

5)     Sorry, friend, you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. Grit your teeth:  time for drastic measures. Give your daughter an ultimatum. This is your house. As long as she’s living under your roof, she will obey your rules. Cut the kid loose or get out. Those are her choices. If she cries or makes excuses or threatens to leave, ignore her. Do not, under any circumstances, deviate from the plan. You must go through with this. It’s your last hope. If threats don’t work, nothing will. Dig deep. Make a list of boyfriend’s character flaws and refer to it often. Remind yourself: you are the parent. You are in charge. Repeat if you have to. Make it a mantra. I am the parent. I am in charge.

Be warned: while these strategies work with some teens, they backfire with others. You may find that, rather than pushing boyfriend out of your life, you push your daughter away. For an idea of how that can play out, please read In Leah’s Wake.

AUTHOR BIO

Terri Giuliano Long is the bestselling author of the novel In Leah’s Wake. Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her free time, she enjoys walking, traveling, and listening to music. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook. In an alternate reality, she might be an international food writer. She lives with her family on the East Coast and teaches at Boston College. In Leah’s Wake is her debut novel.

Website: www.tglong.com

Blog: www.tglong.com/blog

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tglong

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tglongwrites

BOOK INFORMATION

 IN LEAH’S WAKE

Terri Giuliano Long

Pages: 368

Format: Paperback, Kindle

ISBN: 1456310542

Hello everybody! Today I am very happy to welcome Emyln Chand author of “Farsighted” to Coffee and a Keyboard. Thank you so much for being here!
Thank you for giving me a home on your blog today—it’s great to be here!

When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing since before I could write, if you know what I mean. I’ve always loved inventing stories or “tall tales” as my parents call them. I wrote and illustrated children’s books for my younger brothers when I was still in grade school. In fifth grade, I wrote a short MG novel. I tried writing screenplays in high school but never got very far with those. Really, I started writing seriously about two-and-a-half years ago when the local paper offered me a book review column. That gave me the courage and consistency to write novels. Farsighted is my second written but first published.

What inspired you to write your latest book?
Everything started with a single image—my face in these tacky oversized sunglasses reflecting out at me from the car’s side mirror. I was daydreaming while my husband drove us across Michigan for my sister’s wedding. Something about my image really struck me in an almost horrific way. I felt the glasses made me look blind but found it so weird that there was still a clear image within them; it seemed so contradictory. At the time, my book club was reading The Odyssey, which features the blind Theban prophet, Tieresias. I started thinking about what it would be like to have non-visual visions of the future and began forming a modern Tieresias in my mind. Lo and behold, Alex Kosmitoras was born. I didn’t want him to be alone in his psychic subculture, so I found other characters with other powers to keep him company. Thank God for my poor fashion sense.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
My primary goal is to tell an interesting story that people will find entertaining and be glad they read. I also wanted to take YA back to its intended audience—young adults—and to infuse the existing canon of literature for teens with diversity, to teach readers about the beauty of other cultures and other ways of life. I also hope that Farsighted is a book that leads to introspection—what would I do if put in Alex’s place? Did Alex ever have a choice or was this path his destiny? What would it be like to see the world the way he sees the world?

What books have most influenced your life?
In truth, I’m influenced by everything I read (for better or worse). My primary writing influences are JK Rowling for awesome world-building and unrivaled dialogue-writing skill, Anne M Martin for first making me love books, John Irving for incredible characterization, Suzanne Collins for riveting action, and Vladimir Nabokov for seamless and beautiful prose.

What book are you reading now?
I’m reading Scorpio Rising by Monique Domovitch (a wonderful woman who is both a friend and a Novel Publicity client). I’m a sucker for literary fiction, so I’m just eating Scorpio up!

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
The hardest part was getting started! I spent about three months trying to talk myself out of writing Farsighted. It’s too ambitious, my inner critic pointed out. You’ll never get it done, not in the way it deserves to be done, it pressed. But there was another part of me that couldn’t resist; I knew I had to at least try before giving up. So glad I decided to be an optimist for a change!

Do you have any advice for other writers?
My advice is this:  Have fun with your writing. Don’t put pressure on yourself or your story and don’t try to fit either into some type of mold. Not every work HAS to be published, but every work will teach you something, and it will make you a better writer. Find the joy in writing, and you won’t go wrong.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I like to work, haha. No, seriously. I run my own company, and I love my job. Work is relaxing. When I’ve worked too hard and have to call it quits for the day, I like reading on my Kindle, taking bubble baths, and watching Glee (or more recently, The Big Bang Theory). I also have 5 birds, a dog, and a husband.

Where can we find more information about you and your current projects?
I’m everywhere. Seriously, Google “Emlyn Chand” plus your favorite social media site, and you’ll find me. My website is www.emlynchand.com and my favorite networking sites are Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and GoodReads.

And of course, last but not least…do you have a favorite brand, flavor, type of coffee?
I am a hardcore coffee addict—sometimes drinking as much as 16 cups of coffee per day. And I just got a Keurig coffee maker for my birthday, and I love it! I still drink the exact same brand of coffee I’ve always enjoyed—Dunkin’ Donuts. Now I just have more fun preparing it

About Farsighted

Alex Kosmitoras’s life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he’s blind. Just when he thinks he’ll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival—an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to “see” the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit www.emlynchand.com for more info. Don’t forget to say “hi” to her sun conure Ducky!
Farsighted is her latest book.