Alliteration, Assonance, Echo

Ellen Mansoor Collier

& the JAZZ AGE MYSTERIES

By Steven D. Malone

This evening, I am visiting with delightful author, Ellen Mansoor Collier, writer, journalist, entrepreneur, and flapper. She reminds me that, in the summers of her youth she worked as a reporter for a Houston community newspaper and once served as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance writer and editor whose articles, essays and short stories have been published in a variety of national magazines. She reviewed mysteries for The Houston Chronicle. A flapper at heart, she's worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations, and she's the owner of DECODAME, specializing in Deco to retro vintage items. Collier lives in Houston with her engineer husband and hyperactive Chow/Shepherd mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

FLAPPERS, FLASKS AND FOUL PLAY is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, BATHING BEAUTIES, BOOZE AND BULLETS, released in 2013. GOLD DIGGERS, GAMBLERS AND GUNS came out in May 2014, followed by VAMPS, VILLAINS AND VAUDEVILLE in 2015. The Jazz Age Mysteries series!

Good evening, Ellen.

Good evening.

So, Galveston, huh?

When you grow up in Houston, Galveston becomes like a second home. I had no idea this sleepy beach town had such a wild and colorful past, and became fascinated by the legends and stories of the 1920s.

Your writing style is fresh, charming, and comfortable to settle into my lounger or a beach chair in the sun. Also, I think your style closely fuses with Jasmine Cross, Jazz, your main character. In fact, you give us rich, full, and human characters. Vivid prose. The sense of setting is detailed and genuine. Where do you get your ideas?

Real life, researching and reading.

Okay, simple enough. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

I’m a former magazine editor/writer in real life and also worked as an intern for a small newspaper during one college summer, so I use that experience to flesh out Jasmine’s workplace and the sexist attitudes of newspapers, especially for women at that time. In my novels, I portray my heroine, Jasmine Cross, as a feisty society reporter who longs to cover real news and become an international correspondent like famed Victorian journalist Nellie Bly. Personally I don’t have the stomach for hard-boiled crime or war stories. I can barely watch local news!

That can be tough, right enough. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

When the juices are flowing, I’m surprised that I can knock out a short chapter in an hour or two now. First I see the scenes play out in my mind and just write down what I visualize.  Still I do get blocked and usually get some exercise or take a walk, anything to take my mind off writing.  I refuse to stare at a blank page or screen since it seems to make things worse. Usually it’s a red flag that something is wrong with that chapter or scene and I need to let my subconscious figure out a solution.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I’m a pantser who plots a few chapters ahead though I have an overall idea of where the story is going before I begin.  Once I’m engrossed in the story and “in the zone”, I come up with new ideas and plot twists that I might not have imagined otherwise.

As a “pantser” myself, I too like to be in the zone. Personally, I really love the names of your books. How did you come up with the titles?

I like alliteration and wanted to stand out from the crowded field of mysteries — but now I’m seeing somewhat similar titles.

Imitation is the best form of flattery. And, it might also be a sign of how far reaching your work actually is.

About your book covers. I love them as well. Very eye-catching. Tell me about that.

I’m very visual and wanted the covers to depict the Jazz Age at a glance.

I like using authentic Art Deco illustrations for my covers – all the covers except for Bathing Beauties are by French Deco artist George Barbier (c. 1920s). I selected the artwork, and collaborated with my brother, Jeff, a graphic artist, to develop the covers. Later, I came across a 1920s photo of a flapper at her typewriter wearing a fancy frock and I thought, “That’s Jazz!” Afterwards, I decided to update all of my covers so customers who prefer “realism” can have a choice. Lots of work!

Now, let’s talk about “self-publishing” and your experiences with publishing in general. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

I tried to get an agent during the worst economic time, when publishing was in a flux and the economy was on the rocks (2009-2011). Agents and editors were afraid e-books would destroy the industry and bookstores were closing by the hundreds. Finally, after coming close to getting an agent — but no cigar — I decided to do it myself since I’m a magazine journalist with an editorial background. Besides, my brother is a graphic artist and several friends are editors.  So glad I did it on my own — I’ve heard horror stories about agents and publishers, not to mention authors who only make a quarter for each paperback sold. A lawyer friend finally got an agent after four years, only to wait for a year while she made excuses and never submitted his manuscript. During the time he spent searching for agents (three years), I wrote three more mystery novels!

Who said being a writer was easy?

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

Sure, I’d try to build more of an online presence but personally I’d rather sell trade copies than e-books.  I find people are more invested in your novels if they have a physical book in their hands.  That’s why I spend more time marketing to retail outlets than doing all the necessary busy work online: Call me a rebel, but I don’t blog or tweet or promote my books on social media. I’ve worked as a freelance writer/editor most of my adult life and like to get paid for my time! Blogging and tweeting just seem like so much extra work to me but my writer friends are doing very well with their blogs.

Well then, what are you doing to market your work?

Mostly cold-calling retail outlets and shops. I found out the hard way that major bookstores (B&N) are definitely not interested in indie authors. Good thing I’m stubborn and rebellious (like my heroine)! I refused to let that intimidate me and tried to find “creative outlets” who don’t care that I’m an indie; in fact, they don’t even ask. Now my novels sell in luxury hotels and resorts in the Gulf coast area, as well as area book/gift shops.

I’ve tried paid blog tours which help get the word out, but unfortunately my blogger friends admit they’re pressured by editors, publicists and agents to only review books published by the Big Six (or is it five now?). So while I may get a few sales and reviews, I find most blog tours are a waste of time and energy and money.

These are great things to know if one is an “indie” writer. As far as marketing goes, what advice can you give to us self-published authors?

My advice to indies is: Discover what is unique and special about your novels and target your books to that market, e.g.: If your book centers on a candy store or bakery or spice shop, locate shops in your area who might want to sell your books. Say your novel involves pets or animals, perhaps a grooming salon or pet shop may want to sell your books. I admit, I wasted a lot of time running all over town just to sell a handful of books — or hitting a dead end. People love free books but they may not have the budget or authority to stock your books in their shops. Initially, you may have to put your books on consignment at mom and pop shops to prove they can sell out — and be sure to keep track of your inventory!

Wherever I go, I try to pass out postcards with my book covers and info printed on the front.

In addition, I’ve set up at a few antique shows and sold several books per show (usually 10-20).  Not only do I make twice as much selling my novels directly, I’ve made new friends who come back for the latest titles. So far, I’m the only author who sells books along with vintage items — and my books seem reasonable in comparison. LOL.  A few dealer friends also display my books and/or postcards on their tables during major antique shows.

Why not ask your friends and contacts about various markets that might be interested in featuring your books? They may even be willing to set up a book-signing or talk. (I’ve done several book-signings in Galveston.) Also I’ve donated my books to area charities and fund-raisers — not only is it a great way to make new friends and contacts, your books receive wonderful publicity and exposure. Once you find that unique niche, you may hit just the right target market for your novels.

 The real trick is finding key people who are willing to read your book!  Then, with good timing and lots of legwork, your books may sell themselves. Good luck — and “think outside of the big box shops”.

 Also I need to add that the reason I market to stores is I like to see my books on actual shelves — that’s an author’s dream come true!

It truly is an author’s deepest dream. Your advice is profound and, well, nearly overwhelming. Do you have any final advice just for aspiring writers?

Don’t worry about creating a “masterpiece,” just get it down on paper.

Thank you, Ellen, for taking the time to be with me today. I especially appreciate your generosity and wisdom. I wish you the best of luck.

Please see more about Ellen M Collier at the following sites:

Website:

http://www.flapperfinds.com/

etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MODERNEMILLIE?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Ellen-Mansoor-Collier/e/B009ACIJ5C/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1Barnes & Noble:

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Ellen%20Mansoor%20Collier%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6452242.Ellen_Mansoor_Collier

Vikings!

Who doesn’t like Vikings?

by Steven D. Malone

Today, I’m pleased to interview John Snow. Mr. Snow is the author of “The Viking Series”, historical action-adventures with supernatural elements that begin in 967 AD Norway. The books tell the tale of Sigve the Awful as he grows into a mighty warrior struggling to protect his land and people in a time of great upheaval. Four books are now in print, The Slayer Rune, The Lethal Oath, Red Gold, and The Bitch Queen.

What has especially pleased me about The Viking Series is that, so far, the stories deal with the struggle for power between the bloody-minded kings in the land of the Northmen. I think this is a fresh and captivating approach to the treatment of medieval Nordic literature.

Good morning, John.

Good morning to you.

Please begin by telling us a bit about yourself?

I’m a Norwegian who is very interested in our ancestors, the Vikings. I like sailing, hiking in the mountains, reading books, and writing novels. The last years I have been writing Viking stories under the pseudonym John Snow, but my real name is Terje Hillesund. I’m married and have two boys, one who’s grown-up and another, at eleven, whose name is Odin.

Do you have a “day job” as well?

I’m a professor in mass communication theory at the University of Stavanger.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I have been writing academic texts throughout my career, but when I started writing fiction, I realized I enjoyed it. Still, I don’t picture or present myself as a writer in the meaning “fictional author”.

I don’t know, you might qualify as an author of fiction by now. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

These days I like to follow the spring unfold in our garden and in the beautiful nature around us.

What does your family think of your writing?

I believe my wife thinks it takes a bit too much time…

Hmm, my wife can share those feelings some days. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to see the world and, when I was 16, I wanted to go to sea, but my parents wouldn’t let me. I had to wait until I was 17.

One day I would like to hear those stories. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

The Nobel Prize-winning author Knut Hamsun has inspired almost every writing person in Norway, me included.

Oh, I remember him. He pioneered psychological literature with techniques of stream of consciousness and interior monologue. A big influence in much of modern literature. Writers like Kafka, Hesse, even Hemingway.

I have also been fascinated by the Old Norse poetry and sagas, by the Greek tragedies, and in recent years by George R.R. Martin and his Song of Ice and Fire. I like literature that examine the many dramatic variants of human relations however perverse or tragic.

In what way are you influenced by the Norse literature?

In addition to using old mythological themes as a basis in my own books, I try to let the Norse gods and the supernatural forces be real and play a part of the action in my stories. To regard magic forces as super-natural phenomena is a modern and rational way of looking at the world. For the Vikings, gods, giants, disir, powerful swords, shape-shifting, foretelling, and peoples’ ability to perform seid (magic) are natural parts of life, and should in my view play an important part of any Viking story. What we call fantasy is, for me, Viking realism.

Myth and the super-natural phenomena, as well as Viking stories, are very popular here.

What literary character is most like you?

I don’t know about “most like”, but I have read and followed the unnamed hero in the book “Hunger”, by Knut Hamsun, seven or eight times.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written four books in The Viking Series and I must say my favorite book so far is The Lethal Oath. It starts with a funeral and a lot of oath swearing, but as Sigve (the main character) starts following his lust and breaks the oaths, he soon finds himself in big trouble. And I mean big trouble.

I have loved the vivid depiction of life in those lost times and the richly drawn, empathetic characters you have given us. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

The most surprising thing is how easily characters, action, and stories come to my mind, and how difficult it is to find the right words for the story. I am, remember, writing in a second language. Norwegian is my mother tongue.

Your prose and tale-telling work well for me.

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

No.

That is excellent. Not many authors can say the same.

What motivates you to write?

As soon as I sit down with my pen (first draft is always by hand) the images and stories start working, and that is very inspiring.

What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?

No, I write when I have some spare time, usually in the evening.

What are the most important elements of good writing? According to you, what tools are must-haves for writers?

I guess the most important is to develop a writing style that is both personal and engaging. It is also very important to have an editor, some fans, or other persons, who can criticize and give advice.

Excellent thoughts. Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?

Everything is purely imaginative, but I believe most writing is creative treatment of past experiences.

Yes, I think a writer cannot separate, or take himself out of, what he or she writes. Where do you get your ideas?

I get my ideas from my knowledge of Viking life and history, and of the mythology and religious beliefs of the time. In addition I know quite a lot of real life characters, both men and women.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

I do have a rough outline, which is sometimes adjusted, but I must know where I’m heading.

How did you come up with the titles?

I play with different titles that I believe will both sell and tell.

Let’s talk for a minute about the business of being a writer. Getting published and marketing your work. Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?

I have self-published my books in digital formats only and I have never tried to get the books published by a publisher, so the challenges have been more technical than editorial.

These days that is a grand strategy, I think. If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect getting it published that you would change?

I am writing books in a series and, looking back, there are things I would have done differently in all my books, in particular at the level of composition. The first book I have actually rewritten twice, which is easily done when you publish the stories as e-books.

What are you doing to market your work?

I try to be active in social media, but it takes more time than I have. Without a well-known author’s name, it is extremely difficult to reach an audience, so in addition I have spent some money on Facebook advertising, which I know have given positive results.

What’s working best in your book marketing?

I don’t know. I have done exactly the same marketing in the United States and the United Kingdom, but for some mysterious reason my books have sold more and more in Great Britain where I now have more than 90% of the sale.

I enjoyed your books and try to share any posts you have on Google Plus, and on twitter. Maybe this interview will garner you more attention among American readers. There is great interest in Vikings over here.

What project are you working on now?

Just now, in my mind, I’m playing with different plot lines for the fifth book in my Viking series. My hero, the fictitious Sigve the Awful, has joined the hird of the Norwegian king, Harald Greycloak, who is deeply entangled in the power struggles among the kings of the north. Trying to be as historically correct as possible, I want to give Sigve an important part to play in the very violent actions than ensue.  At the same time, without losing reliability, I want to explain some of the historical events as the result of supernatural and mythological forces that are playing with and forcing the actions of the characters.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?

No, I haven’t started writing yet, I’m afraid my readers have to be patient.

Your series is a great read. I will try to be patient.

Finally, since I have many readers that are or want to be writers, do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Yes, don’t work alone: let someone you trust criticize your texts.

What should aspiring writers be reading?

Different kinds of literature, and don’t be afraid of the classics.

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

Yes, if you like my books, spread the word.

I will.

Thank you again, John. I do appreciate you being a part of this. The best of luck in all you do.

Find John Snow and his work on the following sites:

https://www.facebook.com/WriterJohnSnow/

http://theslayerrune.blogspot.com/

http://www.thevikingseries.com/

https://plus.google.com/u/0/101094114248425118795

It is my pleasure to interview Christoph Fischer today.

Christoph is a brilliant novelist, long time blogger, and a prolific book reviewer. He became one of my earliest supporters when I started publishing and I’m honored that he agreed to this interview.

Good morning, Christoph. Can you begin by telling us a bit about yourself?

Yes, Steven. I am a German “expat” living in rural West Wales with my partner and several dogs. I’m an avid reader, a vegetarian and a cyclist. My interests include psychology, politics, films and history.

Knowing how it is to be a writer, I must ask; do you have a day job as well?

Currently I support my partner’s business where I can, but I’m mainly a house husband.

We have that in common. Not as easy as many believe. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I never had that realization. It all started out as an experiment and never stopped.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was 39. A psychic had told me I would write a book, and since I had some spare time, I began making notes for a short story, which turned into a full novel.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Walking with my dogs, cycling, reading, watching good films and comedies, seeing my friends…

What does your family think of your writing?

They are incredibly supportive and my biggest cheerleaders, even though it takes so much of my time with them.

I’m curious, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to become a famous singer. I didn’t have the voice for it, though, and knowing more about that lifestyle, I am glad it never worked out.

Yes, I’ve often wished that there was music in my heart but the world is better off without that extra discordance. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?

There are too many.

I think I will miss that list. That might be a possible blog post in the future.

Tell me, what is your biggest failure?

When I look back at my life: failing people by letting them down would be some of  my greatest regrets. I think most of us have made some selfish choices they later on wish they hadn’t.

I agree with that, having choices of my own to regret. What is the biggest lie you've ever told?

Your mother is lovely.

Ouch! What is your biggest fear?

Kanye West.

Wow! Scary guy. What literary character is most like you?

In film and TV, it would be Monica in Friends.

I’ll need to take a second look at the reruns tonight. If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I’d like to fly like Superman.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Christoph Fischer flying over buildings in a single bound. I can see it now. Let’s talk about your work.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Ten so far. I don’t have a clear favorite. The Luck of the Weissensteiners is special as it is my first. The Healer is special because it was a surprise hit in an unknown genre. Conditions was the first book I ever wrote and Ludwika is my most successful and accomplished. I love the others, too, of course…

The Luck of the Weissensteiners was the first thing of yours I read. A great book. Memorial. I loved the “humanity” found in your characters. And I thoroughly enjoyed the picture you drew of life under Nazi occupation. We needed the reminder of just how horrific it was in those years. I recently purchased The Gamblers and look forward to others.

What project are you working on now?

I’m currently writing a murder mystery set in rural England. It is a fun project and has little to do with my other work. I’m also working on a sequel to The Healer.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?

I’ve contributed two short stories about my youth to Brenda Perlin’s anthology “Punk Rocker”, which will come out in May. Then there is a novel called “African August” about a young banker’s adventures in Uganda. The book will be part of a charity anthology in aid of the Santa Paula Animal Rescue Centre.

I will be looking forward to seeing these. And I appreciate your generosity toward what sounds like a worthy cause.

I have always been astounded at your work ethic. I wish I had your energy and determination.

Where do you get your ideas?

From curiosity and from real life.

Do you work with an outline, or just write?

A bit of both. I start with a plan but that usually changes quite a bit throughout the process.

What do you do about writer’s block?

I stop writing and spend time in the real life or with marketing until the block is over and the story catches up with me.

What motivates you to write?

The topics and the stories. They need to come out, so I write.

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

Back then editing and formatting was the hardest part.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect getting it published that you would change?

No. It all worked out fine in the end and it was a great learning experience.

Another thing I can’t but notice is your marked talent for marketing your work. Personally, I’d rather get poked with a sharp stick than try to sell my stuff.

What are you doing to market your work?

I have a website, a blog, several busy Facebook pages and twitter accounts.  I attend book fairs and create regular discount promotions…

What should you be doing to market your work?

Contact agents and publishers, create mailing lists and organize giveaways, explore new platforms and clone myself three times to get it all done…

Cloning. Now that’s an idea worth considering. What’s working best in your book marketing?

Twitter and promotional campaigns.

Finally, as many people reading this will be fledgling writers, do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Believe in yourself, don’t take criticism to heart, and keep writing and working on your craft.

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

Readers: Please leave reviews for as many of the books you’ve read as possible. They make a huge difference for us authors.

Fantastic. Wise words.

Christoph, again I want to express my profound appreciation for your taking time to talk with us today. It has been an honor.

Take the effort to get to know this author. He is a treasure. Please find out more about Christoph Fischer and his novels at the following sites:

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: http://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks