"QUEEN OF THE WEEK" CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"QUEEN OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR
SCARLETT RAINS

                                                     


Welcome!
Let me pour you some tea, which is Lavender today, and please help yourself to some finger sandwiches and a raisin nutmeg scone. I made them fresh this morning.


Thank you, Nancy. I’m happy to be here. These scones are to die for!


Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.


I’m an Ohio girl. I never reveal my city anymore. I’m a little gun-shy since a stalker showed up at my home. I write under a pseudonym, partly because of that and because I’m a private person. I was reared non-traditionally. Most of my early childhood was spent in foster homes, the remainder in an orphanage. I learned some incredible life-lessons there that have contributed to my ability to write characters that feel real. I have a Masters degree in a clinical field and hope to be learning the rest of my days. Believe it or not, at the age of fifty-three, I’m enrolled full-time, taking courses that interest me. I’m a wife, mom, granny, student, loyal friend and many other things. I’m a Christian. My faith has always been central to who I am. It is my anchor.


Are you a traditionally published or Indie author?


I love answering this question. There are so many obstacles for Indie authors: mentioning the word can set traditional heads nodding. My contract offer from a traditional publishing house (which shall go un-named) is in my desk drawer. Perhaps I’ll frame it. I found the formulaic scripts they were interested in too restrictive for my style. I started my own imprint, and published. I hope to publish other authors in the future.


What are your hobbies?


I’m a reading freak. My tastes are eclectic. The only genre I don’t often explore is horror. But, maybe I just haven’t read the right horror story? I’ll have to put down my trowel and check it out. Trowel? Funny you should ask. I’m seldom without one in hand. If there is a pot to be found with dirt in it, there has to be a plant that needs a home. Aside from reading and gardening, I’m a tennis player blessed with a husband who is not only my life-partner, but not half-bad as a doubles partner either.


Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration?

 The Finishing of Lady Amelia is my latest release. The book really shouldn’t have happened. It sprang to life as I was working on Betrayals of the Heart (the third book in my Sisters of the Heart series and one my fans are waiting on). But, too many memories of my childhood at the Home, and thoughts of three sisters-in-law who grew up in similar institutions, kept flooding my mind. It seemed to me that this YA story, set in 18th century England, was just the thing for young female readers. The fact that it was cathartic to write was a bonus.


How did you become a writer? When did you start?


I’ve written, off-and-on, since I was able to hold (and chew) a pen. Writing stories has been an escape for me. I took a break from writing, other than for my own pleasure, for years. My career as a clinician was so demanding of my time that I could barely drag myself through the door at night. I had nothing creative left at the end of the day. My husband might beg to differ. I whipped up some amazing concoctions that I passed off as dinner during that time. (Beanie and Weenie, meet Mac and Cheese. I’m quite sure you were meant to be together.) My perspective on life changed after my battle with breast cancer in 2008. Writing has become even more important to me since I kicked cancer to the curb. It gives me such joy to create a tale that takes a reader away from their troubles awhile. I know how important that is.


How long did it take you to finish your first book?


I’m guessing here, but, I think it took about 2 years for the first version of Promises of the Heart and nearly seven for the final.



Where do you like to write?


I close myself off in my office, surrounded by my collection of books, watch the sun shine through the stained glass ornaments dangling in the window…listen to the birds sing (and my dog snoring) and let the stories come. It’s Heaven on Earth!


Favorite author(s)?


I have so many. My two favorite novels would have to be Gone with the Wind (Margaret Mitchell) and Katherine (Anya Seton). I love Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte. I can become somber at times in my writing. I blame that on my past and their influence. The thought of reading books by Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer can set me to quivering with excitement. I am also very fond of Julia Quinn’s work. Her humor appeals to me. There are just too many others to mention.


How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more?

I’ve written three in my Sisters of the Hearts series: Promises of the Heart, Seduction of a Bluestocking and The Finishing of Lady Amelia. The series is set in 18th century England. Betrayals of the Heart, the 4th book, coulda-woulda-should’ve been finished at the start of the year but that pesky Amelia kept bugging me to tell her tale. Betrayals is in the ‘tweaking’ stage now, so it will be out soon. I promise.


Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books?


That would be lovely, thank you. The following links are a starting point to find books in my series:


http://www.amazon.com/Scarlett-Rains/e/B005D5IQ1W
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promises-of-the-heart-scarlett-rains/1018716817?
ean=9780615328911&itm=2&usri=scarlett+rains
https://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=Scarlett+Rains&adult=on


What about a link to your website?


You can find me at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CWNEPO. I enjoy hearing from readers and friends. My favorite means of doing that is via my blog. Please, stop in and visit at: http://
scarlettrainssistersoftheheartsblog.blogspot.com/.


Scarlett, it's been a privilege to interview you. Thank you so much for stopping by and I wish you great success with your books.


Thank you for inviting me to spend time with you, Nancy. I hope you will come visit my blog for an interview soon. I’m excited to hear about your latest work. Your book, the Ghost Orchid Murder, is on my GoodReads TBR list: can’t wait to read it.


Blessings to you, and all your readers.

QUEEN OF AFTERNOON TEA CELEBRITY AUTHOR INTERVIEW

"KING OF THE WEEK"
CELEBRITY AUTHOR
 
 JERRY GUARINO     

Welcome! Let me pour you a cup of tea and we'll get started. Help yourself to a sandwich and a scone. We'll also be having a lovely persimmon cake for dessert today.

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in northern New Jersey, outside New York City and then went to college at Rutgers, majoring in English and American Literature.

What inspired you to become a writer?

All my life I’ve wanted to write, forming the ideas for my stories in my head.  I wrote in college, but didn’t submit anything for publication.  Then I started writing again last year.  My stories came rushing out, like a dam with a hole in it, publishing thirty-five stories in one year.  Although I wish I had started sooner, the benefit of waiting was that I had lots of life experience to base my writing on, including settings and characters I have known.  Once I have an idea, it only takes me an hour or two to write a story.

How did you decide on your book's genre?

My book is an eclectic collection of short stories so there are many genres included.  There are love stories, humorous tales and mysteries.  Most of them have unusual plots, twists and surprise endings, much like O. Henry stories. Perhaps some day I’ll settle into one genre, but for now, I get an idea and explore it into a story. Maybe that’s why I have avoided the novel so far, because I’m still finding my writing voice.

What is/are your favorite genre(s)?

I like well-written fiction, nothing too complex, with humorous or satirical themes.  For example, I like the Yes, Minister stories by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay, very funny political satires about the British bureaucracy.  But I also love the stories of Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain and Anton Chekhov and great American writers like Hemingway and Steinbeck.

Are you currently reading anything?

I continue to read the many short stories of Mikhail Zoshchenko, a Russian author.  His work is very funny, while making a statement about the frustrations of the people in communist Russia.  If you haven’t read The Bath House, you need to; it’s only a few pages long, but is a classic story that I’m sure you will like.

Who or what is the driving force that keeps you going?

Once I realized that I had a gift as a writer, I was compelled to see how far it would take me.  I’ll keep writing until no one wants to publish my stories, which thankfully hasn’t happened yet.  I only wish I started earlier.  It’s great when a magazine accepts my story for publication and even better when people tell me they enjoyed reading it.

How do you balance your personal life with your writing career?

Good question.  During the day, I’m a teacher, leaving me some time to write in the late afternoon, weekends and the summer.  While I write, my wife does crafts, like scrapbooking, making jewelry and quilting.  But we always get together at dinner; we have a good balance of work and play.

Tell us about your book.

Café Stories is a collection of 26 stories, previously published in magazines around the world.  Because I have so many different types of stories, the book appeals to a wide audience.  Although there are certain stories that stand out, most people have their own favorites.  I selected the name because my stories appeal to so many different people, like you would see in your local coffee house.  Students, retired people and everyone in between can find stories they like in my book.  Since many of the stories are short, you can read one in the time it takes you to have your coffee and pastry.  I wanted my book to be an oasis from the stress of daily life, even if you only have five minutes to spare.

How do you create your characters?

The advantage to beginning to write later in life is that I have had so much experience.  Many of my stories have a biographical element to them or are based on people I have known and places I have been.  I may exaggerate the qualities of a character for effect, particularly when I am contrasting their motives and behavior with others.  More than anything else, I want my characters to be memorable, but not necessarily likable.  Characters, along with setting and plot, combine to make a story.  You need all three.  Myra McIlvain, the author of Legacy, described my characters this way.

“Jerry Guarino's Cafe Stories sends his readers on a merry chase through a wild array of micro/flash fiction--humor, satire, and pathos. He artfully captures gentle souls and slick cons, the high brows and their unsuspecting victims in characters that step from the page to engage the reader. Guarino finds the tiniest trait that creates zany folks the reader wants to protect or strangle. Often at the same time. Prepare for the surprise twist at the end. He gets you every time.”

Do you have any upcoming events or book promotions?

Besides this wonderful opportunity on your site, I have been asked to guest blog on other writer sites, done some book signings, in coffee houses (of course J) and have participated in programs with the Women’s Literary Café.  I will be doing a reading in Sacramento later this year for a magazine that has published my work.

Where can people find you and your work on the web?

As I write stories for the next book, Café Stories Deux, those will be on the website of the magazines that publish them.  You can check my website for links, http://cafestories.net.  I’m also glad to send a story to anyone who requests one, whether they want to read a love story, funny tale or mystery.  Of course my book is available as a kindle title to read on their computer or tablet, for less than a cup of coffee I might add.  

It was lovely to get to know you today, Jerry, and I wish you all the best success with your writing. Thanks again for stopping by!

***

Contact information and bio:

Jerry Guarino

email: jguarino.author@gmail.com

http://cafestories.net

twitter: @cafestories

facebook: http://on.fb.me/uFShnw

amazon book link = amzn.to/uZ3ylb

A Modern Day O. Henry

Cafe Stories is an anthology of 26 critically acclaimed stories by Jerry Guarino, previously published in magazines in the United States, Canada, Australia and Great Britain in 2011.

Like mysteries, these stories have twists and turns, unexpected consequences and surprise endings, much in the style of the great William Sydney Porter (aka O. Henry). But instead of 19th century New York, the stories take place in contemporary New York, Boston, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The collection includes love stories, humorous accounts and even a few science fiction tales. Like O. Henry, Mr. Guarino's style appeals to a wide audience, men and women of all ages. Editors, publishers and authors around the world have high praise for his writing.

"His style is simple and consistently powerful, his storytelling a triumph of art over artifice."

Ben Price (Zouch Magazine and Miscellany)

"His writing is consistently fresh and inventive. His stories grab from the beginning, then hurl the reader into surprising and powerful endings. Definitely a must-read."

Earl Wynn (Thunderune Publishing)

"Each story is well crafted with the natural elegance of a natural writer...a real treat for the reader.

Scott Wilson (The Fringe Magazine)

"Jerry Guarino's Cafe Stories sends his readers on a merry chase through a wild array of micro/flash fiction--humor, satire, and pathos. He artfully captures gentle souls and slick cons, the high brows and their unsuspecting victims in characters that step from the page to engage the reader. Guarino finds the tiniest trait that creates zany folks the reader wants to protect or strangle. Often at the same time. Prepare for the surprise twist at the end. He gets you every time."

Myra McIlvain (Author of Legacy)

We think you'll find Cafe Stories a wonderful addition to your library, on a bookshelf or as an e-book on your computer or tablet. Relax in your favorite coffee house with this book. You'll be glad you did.

Love Stories

- The Devil's Orchestra

- Double Sting

- The Duke of Yelp

- First Love

- In the Mood

- The Love Beads

- Pie or Die

- Practical Goldberg (A Love Story in 3 Parts)

- The Tightrope

- Trick or Treat

- Unfaithful

Humor

- Coq a Doodle Do

- I am the writer; I speak for the programmers (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)

- Preheat the Microwave.Com

- The Rich are Going to Hell

- Traffic Stop with Annie Kim

- You Don’t Have to be High to Crave White Castles: A Rant

- The Waiting Room

Science Fiction

- Operation ICU

- UFO

- Under the Apple Tree

More O’ Henry style

- 30 Minutes of Hell

- 30 Seconds of Hell

- The Black Hole

- The Grand Poobah

- In and Out

- The Thief

Cafe Stories paperback ISBN = 978-1467962940

Cafe Stories kindle ISBN = 978-1-61914-4476-7

About the Author

Jerry Guarino is an author and teacher living in the SF Bay Area. His upcoming book, Cafe Stories, is an eclectic collection of 26 critically acclaimed short stories previously published by dozens of literary magazines in the United States, Canada, Australia and Great Britain. He is the author of Cafe Stories, The Devil's Orchestra and The Chess Table. Here are a few reviews of his work: "Guarino's style is simple and consistently powerful, his storytelling a triumph of art over artifice." Ben Price (Zouch Magazine) "Jerry's writing is consistently fresh and inventive. His stories grab from the beginning, then hurl the reader into surprising and powerful endings. A must read!" Earl Wynn (Daily Love) "Each story is well crafted with the natural elegance of a natural writer." Scott Wilson (The Fringe Magazine) He is currently working on a murder mystery for the stage. Follow him on twitter @cafestories and his website http://cafestories.net