Ann Streetman: The IAN Interview

After editing the high school newspaper, I worked my way through the last two years of my college journalism degree on an off-campus professional magazine. Then came a lifelong career in public relations, public affairs, association management, and manuscript editing. Telling the stories of organizations and issues and helping others to do so has been a satisfying occupation.

Since retirement, I concentrate on telling the stories of characters which are a figment of my imagination. Occasionally, I write children’s books populated by animals and real life objects to spark the imagination of toddlers and young readers.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book Her Man in Sorrento.

Ann Streetman: Sarah Millerman meets handsome Navy Commander Nathan Ferrari on the steps of a cathedral in Amalfi, Italy. Nathan is staying at his Aunt Alessa’s beach house in Sorrento, while he is on annual leave from Naval Base San Diego. 

Sarah’s vacation takes unexpected turns as breathtaking as the drive along the Amalfi coast. As Nathan puts it, “You’re an American on vacation. I am an American on vacation. It makes sense for us to have some fun together.” Sarah intends to keep the relationship light and flirty and uncomplicated, as they enjoy dinners under the stars at the beach house and day trips around the Amalfi coast. But it did get complicated.

After the vacation, they continue an uneasy romance in San Diego. Both have been hurt by lost loves. Nathan is essentially married to the Navy. Sarah is focused on finishing her master’s degree in cybersecurity and snagging a great job wherever she wants to go. 

Is Nathan ready for a wife? Could Sarah ever be a Navy spouse? I hope IAN readers will come along for their romantic journey.

IAN: Is your book published in print, e-book or both?

Ann Streetman: Her Man in Sorrento is available only in e-book format at this time.

IAN: Where can we go to buy Her Man in Sorrento?

Ann Streetman: Published in February, 2018, it is available only on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079K5793C. After August 2018, it will be available on other popular e-book retail sites.

IAN: What inspired you to write Her Man in Sorrento?

Ann Streetman: I have a passion for writing about favorite places I’ve visited, Italian characters, and people who serve in the military and the people who love them. Her Man in Sorrento allowed me to exercise all three of these interests in one novel. How could I not write this novel?

IAN: Did you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Ann Streetman: My regular writing process is using an outline, but I create the characters and the major places of action long before I begin the outline. In fact, the outline keeps changing right up to my beginning the last chapter of the first draft. As the characters interact, the plot details and the outline change. I am happiest on a day when my characters simply take control of the plot and send it in a direction I did not anticipate. That’s a good writing day.

IAN: How long did it take to write Her Man in Sorrento?

Ann Streetman: I worked on the book about six months.

IAN: Do you have a specific writing style?

Ann Streetman: My writing style is concise. No flowery language here. Maybe it’s the journalist in me that won’t allow it. Besides that, I never want my “author words” to impede my reader’s interaction with the characters since it is the reader’s own imagination that makes the characters come alive.

Settings are very important in my writing. It’s my job to make the reader experience the environment where a piece of action takes place. More often than not, I let one of the characters describe the details of the setting via his or her internal thoughts or through dialogue with another character. When a character describes the setting, the reader is also getting insight into that character. The description must be detailed and convey emotion that will arouse the reader’s interest and enrich the story line. A good setting implies how the characters feel about their surroundings and how that environment contributes to their interactions at the time.

My writing style includes constant editing as I develop the first draft. When I write a scene that is not quite right, I usually realize it. I’ve learned to fix the problem as soon as possible. When I start a day’s writing session, I read the product of the day before. Then I fix the things that are bothering me before moving forward.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Ann Streetman: The book is titled Her Man in Sorrento because Sarah and Nathan meet there and the Amalfi Coast is so much a part of who Nathan Ferrari is. The title is in keeping with my niche of novels set in places I have loved to visit.

IAN: What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your book?

Ann Streetman: I hope the readers come away believing two imperfect people in their own world can love each other enough to find their way forward together.

IAN: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Ann Streetman: The characters and events are solely the creation of my imagination.

IAN: How is Her Man in Sorrento different from others in your genre?

Ann Streetman: I have carved out a small niche of romance with an international flair. Many of my readers may not be able to visit the places I write about. Perhaps my books can take them there.

The joy of forgiveness and redemption are recurring themes in my books. I am by no means the only romance author who embraces those themes, and I salute others who do.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone

Ann Streetman: My next book is not a sequel to Her Man in Sorrento. I have written one series Love on Life’s Zip Line, and I did enjoy writing it. I hope IAN readers will check it out.

As for the next book, there’s only one thing I can tell you now. The characters will be imperfect people with the courage to find their way forward, whatever their circumstances are. When the IAN readers put down that next book, they will know that chivalry and love tested by real life are alive and well in my books and in my life.

Jennelle L. White - The Ian Interview

I am a Registered Nurse, Author, Poet, Medical Assistant and I have diplomas from Correspondence Schools in Wildlife and Forestry Conservation, Parapsychology, & Animal Care Specialist. I love reading books, traveling, hiking, writing poetry, and love animals.

          

IAN: Please tell us about your latest books.

         

Jennelle White: I am the author of two books:  Growing Up, Poetry and Easiest Short/Long Term Plan For Saving Money.

           

Growing Up, Poetry is about a collection of 46 whimsical poems with pictures that captures that Spirit of Youth. Seeing the world through youthful eyes. For ages 2-7 years old, although adults like the book also. One can experience the joys of childhood and gives everyone a a sense of peace & happiness. There are poems about a puppy, a kitten, stars, the seasons, and many more. Similar to the MG nursery rhymes. From HomeSchooling Library " it's the perfect introduction to poetry for little ones."

Easiest Short/Long Term Plan For Saving Money. it's been said to pay yourself first, at least 10% of your earnings. The problem is that most people may not be able to set aside 10%of their earnings, let alone 20%-30%. My book teaches people, based on your pay schedule, a much easier and better way to save money. Easy to understand as uses basic math and benefits everyone. You don' t have to be a financial guru to use this plan. Not about investments.  From Blue Ink Review - "Out of all the PF books out there on the market, Jennelle White's money savings plan book has the most truthful title." Based on only two steps.

IAN: What formats are your books published in?

Jennelle White: Easiest Short/Long Term Plan For Saving Money - is available as paperback and Ebook.  Growing Up, Poetry is a hardcover book.

IAN: Where can we go to buy your books? 

Jennelle White: You can go to my website: JennelleWhite.com (Has buttons to click on)

IAN: What inspired you to write your books?

Jennelle White: For my money savings plan book- I thought how could I come up with a plan that people can save money regardless of their debts, income, job, and location? I had a dream, got up the next day and wrote it down on paper, then made it into a book.  For my children's picture poetry book - As I young child I always loved reading the Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes so I was inspired to write poems that children could relate to.

IAN: Do you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Jennelle White: No, I did not use an outline. I just wrote down the words as they came to me especially with my children's poems.

IAN: Do you have a specific writing style?

Jennelle White: No.

IAN: How did you come up with the titles?

Jennelle White: For Easiest Short/Long Term Plan For Saving Money - I came up with this title because it is the easiest money savings plan for both short term and long term savings.   For Growing Up, Poetry -  I came up with the title because of my love for nursery rhymes as a child and have experienced life events mostly at the parks I visited when younger and now. Several of my poems are about things I observed in the parks, playing outdoors when I was little, and it was the reason I chose the title - Growing Up, Poetry for my children's book.

IAN: How much of the book is realistic?

Jennelle White: All of it.

IAN: What books have most influenced your life most?

Jennelle White: I love all types of books but I have to say the comic books especially the ones about the Super Heros and The Archies. I love self -help books and books about ghost stories.  Also, religious self- help books. Also other books that were inspiring to me are books about animals, nature, Walt Disney books, and Sesame Street books.

IAN: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books?

Jennelle White: No, I would not change anything. I am quite happy with the way my books have turned out.

IAN: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Jennelle White: Yes.  My interest in writing started when I was in Junior High School. My teacher gave our class a project to make a poetry book of some of our most favorite poems and two of the poems had to be created by each student as their own.  My teacher asked if she could keep my poetry book but l told her "no" since I had worked hard on it and got an A as my grade. She commented on how much she loved my class poetry book. This was the beginning and I was inspired to become a writer when I became a little older.

IAN: Who designed the covers?

Jennelle White: I designed the covers for both of my books. Also, I drew all the pictures in my children's picture poetry book - Growing Up, Poetry.

IAN: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Jennelle White: Yes. Regarding my book: Easiest Short/Long Term Plan For Saving Money - For those who are young, if you start out saving money now, the way I've instructed in my book, you will be on your way to a secure savings plan. You will possibly be able to retire at an early age because of the amount of money you've saved. The possibilities are endless using this plan!  For middle-aged and older adults, using my plan can help you to save for retirement and for an awesome vacation, one that you may have always wanted to go on.

Regarding:  Growing Up, Poetry - my book will leave both children and adults with feelings of peace and happiness. Poetry has been known to decrease stress in children.

It would be a wonderful edition to your children's library. If you liked Mother Goose nursery rhymes as a child then you'll enjoy reading this book as well as it's similar to nursery rhymes.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Jennelle White: Eventually, I would like to publish another poetry book, children's book, and a scary story based on true events that I experienced.

Christine Evelyn Volker: The IAN Interview

Christine Evelyn Volker

Christine Evelyn Volker became intrigued by foreign cultures at an early age, which propelled her to study Spanish, German, and Italian. After securing a BA in Spanish and an MLS at University at Albany – SUNY, followed by an MBA at UC Berkeley, she was drawn to international banking and became a senior vice president at a global financial institution. Her career brought her to Italy, where she immersed herself in the language and made frequent visits to Venice. Venetian Blood, marking a return to her roots in the humanities, just won the Sarton Women’s Book Award for contemporary fiction.

She is currently polishing her second international mystery, this one set in the rainforest of Peru, an excerpt of which was a finalist in the 2018 San Francisco Writers Conference Contest.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Christine Evelyn Volker: Struggling to forget a crumbling marriage, forty-year-old Anna Lucia Lottol comes to Venice to visit an old friend―but instead of finding solace, she is dragged into the police station and accused of murdering a money-laundering count with whom she had a brief affair. A US Treasury officer with brains and athleticism, Anna fights to clear her name in a seductive city full of watery illusions. As she works to pry information from a cast of recalcitrant characters sometimes denying what she sees and hears, she succeeds in unleashing a powerful foe bent on destroying her. Will she save herself and vanquish her enemies, including her darkest fears?

A captivating tapestry of love, betrayal, and family. Venetian Blood is the story of one woman’s brave quest for the truth—before it’s too late.

IAN: Is your book published in print, e-book or both?

Christine Evelyn Volker: I’m pleased that it’s available in print, e-book, and was just released as an audiobook with an award-winning narrator, Gabrielle de Cuir. Amazon.com   BarnesandNoble.com   Indiebound.org

IAN: What inspired you to write Venetian Blood?

Christine Evelyn Volker: My visceral love of Venice combined with a painful period in my own life, resulting in my intense desire to tell a story and leave a mark. That’s how Venetian Blood was born.

IAN: Did you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Christine Evelyn Volker: The first draft took off, crashed, was dusted off again, retrofitted, and I ultimately learned how to fly. Not using an outline meant doing it the hard way.

IAN: How long did it take to write Venetian Blood?

Christine Evelyn Volker: If I were to have consistently worked on it—around six years. Life and love intruded, the manuscript was put in a drawer, taken out again, changed, put back—you get the picture.  That added 20 years. This speaks to my persistence.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Christine Evelyn Volker: The book’s a murder mystery taking place in Venice, Italy, so blood is spilled, and it’s Venetian blood. There’s at least one other interpretation—you’ll have to read the book to figure that out.

IAN: What do you hope your readers come away with after reading Venetian Blood?

Christine Evelyn Volker: Appreciation, and maybe even love, for the miracle of Venice and its history. (Imagine, Venice was a republic for one thousand years!) But more importantly, I hope readers gain insights into characters and cultures different from their own, the need for equilibrium, and respect for all creatures that share the earth.

IAN: How is Venetian Blood different from others in your genre?

Christine Evelyn Volker: Generally, mine has more complexity and nuance. It’s a mystery within a mystery, which includes a protagonist, Anna, whose life is hanging in the balance. She has a big backstory which pervades her disastrous vacation. The setting is not just the mention of a few place names and menu items, but a site appealing to all the senses, one that has a rich past, and is almost a character. I use setting to foreshadow, reflect moods, add mystery, romance, and immerse the reader in the location. This also includes liberal use of Italian.

IAN: Do you have to travel much concerning your books?

Christine Evelyn Volker: Yes, and traveling to the setting of my books is a delight. I’ve been to Venice at least 12 times, mostly when I lived in Milan. I absorb the location – like osmosis. For Jaguar Moon, my next book, I’ll need one more trip to Peru to make sure I’ve gotten everything right.

IAN: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Christine Evelyn Volker: Thank you for taking time to read my work. I’m grateful that I can share my imaginary worlds with you. I hope you enjoy the journey!

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Christine Evelyn Volker: I’m currently polishing Jaguar Moon, a stand-alone international mystery taking place in Cusco and the Peruvian Amazon. In 1993, thirteen-year old Marisol and her younger brother, Raul, escape from the family home in Peru the year after a coup, and flee for their lives. They enter the United States illegally and will live with an aunt who adopts them. More than a decade later, Marisol returns to Cusco, intent on discovering what happened to her parents, and reconnecting with her grandmother. A journalist, like her father, she’s assigned a story about the Amazon rainforest, but the photographer working with her goes missing there.

Marisol’s dangerous journey takes her through the cobbled streets of Incan Cusco, to the winding Sacred Valley, to the lushness of the rainforest and its dark secrets. Exploring the far corners of her country, grappling with nightmares, facing the plight of native peoples, will she be as fearless as her father in seeking the truth?

Carl Lakeland: The IAN Interview

Carl Lakeland

I live in Australia. A one horse sleepy town called Snake Valley, roughly 35 clicks south of Ballarat. You may’ve heard of it. Ballarat is famous for the gold rush of the mid to late 1800’s. I enlisted into the military at the age of seventeen, which the time I’d spent in there gave me much juice to write about. But after leaving the military, I spent my life doing average things and living an average life. Find a girl. Get in a rock band and do some gigs. Make some money and lose it again. Make mistakes. Make the same mistakes. Lately though, I spend time with my wife and my horses, and my manuscripts that mostly live in my head until I get them out into the world. I never had any big dreams for making it in the crazy world of the big time players. I just like to write and the process of doing it makes me happy. I also get a kick out of watching my wife’s face all curl up when she’s reading my latest drafts.

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

Carl Lakeland: Eagle Shield was supposed to be the prequel to Project Amber (My first book)

But I changed my mind and I now call it book #1. It is a military spy thriller. However, my writing style takes me to other places and the story can easily fit into other genres. Yes, it has blood and guts. A whole lot of profanity. I write honestly and I make no apologies. It’s not for everyone and I wouldn’t give it to my kids to read. (they’re now reaching their twenties…) And the story is set in Australia’s outback with all its wonderful locations, flora and fauna. It is very fast paced. And I wrote it with a purpose to be easy to read. Readers will be left panting for breath, so, there’s no point stumbling over complicated words when everything is cracking past, half the speed of light. I have put a lot of effort into giving my characters a voice all to their own. You’ll meet classic outback Australian individuals with their slang and dialect. You’ll meet city folk who speak with an educated tongue. You’ll meet soldiers, cops, intelligence officers, and even someone who is not from this world. If someone was to ask me to describe this story in one line, I’d say, “You’d bloody-well better put your seatbelt on…” 

IAN: Is Eagle Shield published in print, e-book or both?

Carl Lakeland: Yes. Project Amber is in both formats now. Eagle Shield is in print at the time of this writing but will be in ebook very soon. I actually have a ebook on my desktop right now, ready to upload.

IAN: Where can we go to buy your books?

Carl Lakeland: You can grab a copy from links I have on my website. https://carllakeland.com There are too many buying options to list here. You will be spoilt for choice.

IAN: Did you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

Carl Lakeland: I’ve completed a few writing courses before I wrote my first book. In fact, Project Amber was born out of one of the courses I graduated from. The answer to this question is, yes, I wing it. We call it ‘writing into the void’. I have at least attempted to be a good boy and ‘structure first’ but it never worked for me. But I must admit, for me at least, I already have an entire novel in my head before I start to write. Just the way I am.

IAN: How did you come up with the title?

Carl Lakeland: I didn’t have a title until I was well into both books. That’s one thing I tend to leave alone. The reason is that the title is something not to take lightly. A good title will help sell a book. Message to everyone out there, do not write a title straight away. It will come to you when you least expect it. Don’t get all hung up on it. That said, I think I read a book once that was actually called, ‘Untitled”. True.

IAN: What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your books?

Carl Lakeland: A feeling that never leaves. Or at least lasts a long time.

IAN: How is Eagle Shield different from others in your genre?

Carl Lakeland: I wanted to read a spy thriller set in Australia. About ASIO and ASIS. About lies and secrets. I couldn’t find one. So I wrote one.

IAN: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Carl Lakeland: Mathew Reilly. Or, Andy McNab… Or, Lee Child. No… Mathew Reilly. Really…

IAN: What book are you reading now?

Carl Lakeland: Ahem… If only I had the chance. But, I’ve been really into a book called The Hills of Mare Imbrium by Carleton Chinner. A fantastic moonscape sci-fi. Sci-Fi fans won’t be disappointed with this one. Let me tell you…

IAN: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

Carl Lakeland: The Australian Writers Centre. A great bunch of guys to hang out with.

IAN: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Carl Lakeland: It’s a good question and as all writers are, we’re never completely satisfied with our final draft. There’s always something lurking. It’s a matter of letting go, I suppose.

IAN: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Carl Lakeland: Yes. I was thirteen. I wrote a short story for a school competition. And I won. But I was never any good at reading. I was slow and still am to this day. Dyslexia. Even though there must’ve been a whole bunch of spelling and grammar issues, it was the story by itself that got the attention. My very first thriller, you could say. I was thrilled.

IAN: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Carl Lakeland: Mathew Reilly. No fluff. No bullshit. Just in your face writing.

IAN: Who designed the covers?

Carl Lakeland: My covers were designed by Alisha at Damonza.com. But with my input and my choice of fonts. Later, Simon Critchell who was appointed by Aurora House changed a couple of elements. And I was still able to give my own input. I made sure the covers reflected what’s going on in the story. After you read it, you’ll make the connection with tiny clues of imagery included on the cover. I get most annoyed if I pick up a book to read and the cover is all wrong, not reflecting anything.

IAN: What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Carl Lakeland: The chapter called Presence in Eagle Shield. It was very hard and very sad to write. I was in tears as I wrote it. (Absolutely the truth.) I stumbled over it so many times. I even scrapped it and re wrote it. But every time I re wrote it, it ended up the same. It ended up just as hard to write as the others I attempted.

IAN: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Carl Lakeland: The one thing I can offer is this. Don’t give up. Always believe. The universe gives only to believers. The more you believe, the more the universe makes things happen. Read lots. Write lots. And believe in what you’re doing.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

Carl Lakeland: I briefly mentioned Project Amber which is book #2 and it is available now. Book #3 is now in the final stages of the first draft. The Lost Ones. This one is a little relaxed compared to Eagle Shield and Project Amber. And I’m afraid if I mention anything about this book, it will be a major spoiler. And I don’t want to give away any spoilers, folks. 

Visit Carl Lakeland at his IAN Page for more about the author and his books.

B. Roman: The IAN Interview

B. Roman (aka Barbara Roman) is the author of 6 books currently available through Creativia Publishing/Amazon and has been a performing artist for decades, as well as a writer of fiction and non-fiction. “Since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds:  writing and singing.  It's difficult to serve two masters, as they say, but I was compelled to do so.  When I was not singing, I was writing and vice versa. I've learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other.  After writing non-fiction books and articles about the power of music to influence our lives, I embarked on writing fiction where music found its way as an integral part of the plot, particularly in my YA fantasy fiction and children’s stories.” While music and performing still hold a special place, Roman now focuses primarily on “writing the best fiction I can, and with each new book strive to meet my own high expectations.”

IAN: Please tell us about your latest book.

B. Roman: Actually, I have six books:  A trilogy of YA fantasy adventures, The Moon Singer series about a deaf teen who acquires three sacred artifacts that conjure up the mystical ship Moon Singer which transports him to places beyond this world where he creates transforming miracles for everyone he loves. 

In contrast, there is Whatever Became of Sin? - a suspense thriller about a heinous baby-switching scheme rooted in greed, racial bigotry, and political conspiracies.

And two children’s books:  Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings about a hologram in a video game who is accidentally booted to heaven where he must find his purpose and earn his angel wings.  And my latest, Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13, a whimsical story - I call it a cosmic Alice in Wonderland -  about realizing your star potential through the magic of believing. 

IAN: What format can we find your books published in print, e-book or both?

B. Roman: All of my books are available in e-book and print editions.  Hubert in Heaven is also produced in audiobook (Audible) format, with original music, sound effects and professional character actors.  Two books are available in foreign languages:  The Crystal Clipper is translated into Italian and Spanish; Whatever Became of Sin? is also in Portuguese.

IAN: Where can we go to buy your book?

http://author.to/BarbaraRoman

http://viewauthor.at/BRomanBooks

http://mybook.to/OQueseTornaUmPecado

http://mybook.to/Veliero

http://tinyurl.com/ClipperSpanish

http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/b-roman.html

IAN: What inspired you to write your books?

B. Roman: In The Moon Singer trilogy the emphasis is on deaf teen David Nickerson’s anger over his mother’s death and his feelings of abandonment.  He desperately tries to communicate with her through his crystals and his mystical time travel adventures.  After writing those 3 books, I realized there was one important story that was not completely told:  the story of David’s mother.  She is such an integral part of the Moon Singer books, and is David’s primary focus as he deals with many other issues that plague his family.  So I delicately pieced together her life story from her youth to her love affair with David’s father and her untimely death in a car crash - and then to the afterlife where she is faced with the challenge of accepting her fate or finding a way to return to her family.

IAN: Do you use an outline or do you just wing the first draft?

B. Roman: I don’t use an outline in writing fiction, unlike non-fiction which requires it.  I usually “hear” ideas in my head, throw them on paper, move them around, follow them where they go.  Eventually the story takes shape and must follow a structure. And I use extensive “comment” notes in the margin so I know where to add in more detail and make corrections later on.

IAN: How long does it take to write your books?

B. Roman: It took me about a year from start to finish, with many rewrites and refinements along the way.  Although I had the trilogy to give me a good deal of plot threads, I had to do deep research, especially on the afterlife and on classical music pieces (Billie is a classical pianist and her son, David, is a music prodigy). I’m not a very fast writer (because I also work a day job) and it took me about 30 years to write 5 novels, 6 children’s stories, two non-fiction books and 50 songs!  I’m currently working on a new suspense thriller; there’s about a year of work ahead of me on that.

IAN: Do you have a specific writing style?

B. Roman: I tend to write mostly in the present tense.  My novels all have large segments of flashbacks which are written in the traditional past tense.  I feel that present tense adds to the immediacy of the stories and the characters’ conflicts.  I also find it easier to segue between time periods this way. My style does have a “feminine energy” to it.  There is no explicit sex or overt violence in my books, and only a smattering of expletives (in the suspense fiction only).  My books also reflect my own personal feelings about ethics, the environment, compassion toward others, and a metaphysical belief in some higher power within ourselves that we can all invoke; I do my best to weaves these and other philosophies into entertaining stories without being heavy-handed or proselytizing.

IAN: What do you hope your readers come away with after reading your books?

B. Roman: I hope they find that, with all the amazing stories and writings about the Afterlife, how it differs from what we have heard and read; to realize just how much power spirits have over their own destiny.  Of course, one must suspend all disbelief when reading about such things, and embrace the “Impossible” as “possible.” As a writer, my goal is to appeal to a higher consciousness, everyone’s search for life’s purpose and meaning.  I believe readers love magic, mystery, seeing ordinary people in extraordinary situations, selfless acts of heroism and courage.  

IAN: What books have most influenced your life most?

B. Roman: I’m what I call a “head in the stars, feet on the ground” kind of person which I guess explains my intense interest in spiritual/metaphysical issues on the one hand, and in contrast, a penchant for suspense fiction with a legal/political bent. Although not similar to my books, I have been inspired by metaphysical fantasies like “The Alchemist,” “Little Prince,” “Jonathan Livingston Seagull,” etc. because of their ethical and philosophical components. I like John Grisham books, legal and political thrillers, plot driven novels with lots of twists and surprises. And just good family sagas like “The Thornbirds,” and Anne Perry’s magnificent Victorian mysteries.

IAN: What book are you reading now?

B. Roman: Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin - a daunting book to read (700+ pages) because of its lyrical beauty and exquisite detail. All in all, it is a timeless love story ensconced in a glorious fantasy.

IAN: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

B. Roman: At this point, no.  However, ask me in five years. As I go back and read each book, there will probably be lots of areas I could improve or expand on.  But I can’t think about that now. It’s written, it’s done and I move on. 

IAN: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

B. Roman: I can’t really recall when it happened, because I began writing little essays and poems in grade school.  I read voraciously as a kid: poems, novels, the Great American plays, fiction and fairy tales.  Maybe it was my love of lyrics - I knew about 1,000 songs by the time I was 14, and can remember all the words today. I started writing songs and lyrics at a young age as well. Eventually the interests melded together, and I’ve written songs for my children’s books that would probably make wonderful sound tracks! (a dream of mine)

IAN: Who designed the book covers?

B. Roman: The covers for my novels were created by Cover Collection, but are a collaboration.  I find an image that I feel represents the content of the book and the designers work their magic.  My children’s books were illustrated by artists I found on Fiverr.  I’ve also had all of my book covers animated (gifs and videos) by C.K. Dawn Animations.

IAN: What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing your books to life?

B. Roman: All of my books entail intense research.  Sometimes pages and pages of research just to write a paragraph so it is credible.  Even writing fantasy - magical realism, for example, you can’t just make everything up; a basis in “fact” helps make the story substantial.  I have to be “in love” with a story and my characters.  They must compel me and hold my interest from start to finish.  I haven’t a clue how to write for “the market” which changes as we speak.  I think my strengths are my love of the story, finding where the heart is and the universal emotions that might also appeal to readers.  My weakness could be that I write short books - about 150 pages - because endless narrative and detail is not my milieu, which I admire in other writers.  Maybe it’s my fascination with stage and screenplays - they get to the point, tell the stories, reveal the characters and come to a satisfying conclusion fairly quickly.  I could never write a 700 page book.  I’m not sure I have that many years left and I have many stories yet to write.

IAN: Tell us about your next book or a work in progress. Is it a sequel or a stand-alone?

B. Roman: My WIP (soon to be published) is called, “Before the Boy” and is a chilling prequel to the inspiring Moon Singer Trilogy. The plot theme: Even in death a mother guides her son through triumphs and tragedies to his true destiny. 

Billie Nickerson must accept her own mortality as the only way she can assure her son will receive the intuitive gifts he was born to inherit, to save her family - and perhaps the world - from a disastrous fate. But learning that she has died too soon creates a Karmic crisis as Billie tries to escape the afterlife and return to her loved ones.  Though Billie’s life is fraught with danger and dark spirits, and the power that her son David acquires places him in grave jeopardy, the story is an illustration of a mother’s love and devotion that transcends the boundaries of the here and the hereafter.