Patrick Hodges says – “I guess I am the classic “late bloomer.” I had to sit in the front row of the class picture every year in elementary school; I didn’t reach my present, permanent height until the year I got my driver’s license. It took me a long time to “grow up” mentally, too; I was probably the least goal-oriented person you could ever meet.

I always enjoyed reading books, though I was convinced that I was not, and never would be, creative enough to come up with an original idea or story without cobbling it together from things I’d already seen.

And so, in my mid-forties, imagine my surprise when a story was born inside my head, and nine months later had grown so large that I couldn’t hold it in any more. I’m sure many writers tell similar origin stories, but I sure wouldn’t wish a three-decade gap between high school Creative Writing class and, you know, writing something actually creative.

Better a “late bloomer” than a “never bloomer,” I guess.

What else? Oh, yeah, I live in Arizona with my amazing wife Vaneza, and our kids, June, Benji, and Sunshine (two are dogs and one is a cat, I’ll let you figure out which is which).”

VISIT THE WEBSITE

   

Patrick Hodges says – “I guess I am the classic “late bloomer.” I had to sit in the front row of the class picture every year in elementary school; I didn’t reach my present, permanent height until the year I got my driver’s license. It took me a long time to “grow up” mentally, too; I was probably the least goal-oriented person you could ever meet.

I always enjoyed reading books, though I was convinced that I was not, and never would be, creative enough to come up with an original idea or story without cobbling it together from things I’d already seen.

And so, in my mid-forties, imagine my surprise when a story was born inside my head, and nine months later had grown so large that I couldn’t hold it in any more. I’m sure many writers tell similar origin stories, but I sure wouldn’t wish a three-decade gap between high school Creative Writing class and, you know, writing something actually creative.

Better a “late bloomer” than a “never bloomer,” I guess.

What else? Oh, yeah, I live in Arizona with my amazing wife Vaneza, and our kids, June, Benji, and Sunshine (two are dogs and one is a cat, I’ll let you figure out which is which).”

VISIT THE WEBSITE

   

Rhonda discovered she had a knack for storytelling after she was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. To avoid dwelling on her own mortality, she sat down with pen and paper and got out of the way of her subconscious mind. Words and characters poured out of her from some hidden place inside her soul. Writing was not only cathartic and healing but kept her sane.

Her first novel, MY LAST DAY, gained the representation of agent Ben Camardi, at Harold Matson Company in New York. This is a heart wrenching tale of a young woman seeking love and closure on her last day of life. Her second and third novels, HEALTH NUT CAFE and RETURN TO RUBY’S RANCH, were quick to follow. Each story has a contemporary romantic flavor, a solid family dynamic and a paranormal twist. RETURN TO RUBY’S RANCH, debuted with five star reviews on Amazon and SoulMatePublishing.com in November 2016. HEALTH NUT CAFÉ is due out in 2017. ESCAPE FROM RUBY’S RANCH, Book 2 to the Ruby’s Ranch Series, is currently under the pen.

Rhonda lives in central California with her Kisa, (Knight in Shining Armor), their beautiful and talented daughters, their handsome Labrador, Dutch and two mischievous pugs, Geddy and Ruby. When she’s not writing, she’s supporting hospice patients as a volunteer coordinator, playing golf with her husband, or reading the latest masterpiece from one of her favorite authors. Rhonda is a member of the RWA – PAN community and the local chapter, Yosemite Romance Writers.

VISIT THE WEBSITE

Return to Ruby’s Ranch Available at Amazon & SoulMatePublishing

Escape from Ruby’s Ranch, Book 2 Ruby’s Ranch Series soon to release!

Paranormal Contemporary Romance, Health Nut Café to release in 2017!

Rhonda’s Webpage: https://www.rhondafrankhouserbooks.com/

Follow Rhonda on Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

21 Things You Should Know About This Author

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

I’ve gifted On Writing, by Stephen King most often. The Watchers by Dean Koontz is a close second.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

I’m not sure I use anything every day. If I plan to try to write, I play guitar instrumental music and try to forget my day job for a few minutes before reading the last scene I wrote at my previous session to restart my writing brain.

What word do you misspell most often?

Vacuum or diarrhea

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

I don’t take anything too personally.

I listen to the advice of people who know more than I do about the industry.

I trust my characters.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon by Krista Lynn Hero to Hold by Sheri Humphreys

What is your favorite word?

Persistance

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

Thesaurus

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

She finally got it right!

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

Popcorn and Diet Coke

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Rhonda discovered she had a knack for storytelling after she was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. To avoid dwelling on her own mortality, she sat down with pen and paper and got out of the way of her subconscious mind. Words and characters poured out of her from some hidden place inside her soul. Writing was not only cathartic and healing but kept her sane.

Her first novel, MY LAST DAY, gained the representation of agent Ben Camardi, at Harold Matson Company in New York. This is a heart wrenching tale of a young woman seeking love and closure on her last day of life. Her second and third novels, HEALTH NUT CAFE and RETURN TO RUBY’S RANCH, were quick to follow. Each story has a contemporary romantic flavor, a solid family dynamic and a paranormal twist. RETURN TO RUBY’S RANCH, debuted with five star reviews on Amazon and SoulMatePublishing.com in November 2016. HEALTH NUT CAFÉ is due out in 2017. ESCAPE FROM RUBY’S RANCH, Book 2 to the Ruby’s Ranch Series, is currently under the pen.

Rhonda lives in central California with her Kisa, (Knight in Shining Armor), their beautiful and talented daughters, their handsome Labrador, Dutch and two mischievous pugs, Geddy and Ruby. When she’s not writing, she’s supporting hospice patients as a volunteer coordinator, playing golf with her husband, or reading the latest masterpiece from one of her favorite authors. Rhonda is a member of the RWA – PAN community and the local chapter, Yosemite Romance Writers.

VISIT THE WEBSITE

Return to Ruby’s Ranch Available at Amazon & SoulMatePublishing

Escape from Ruby’s Ranch, Book 2 Ruby’s Ranch Series soon to release!

Paranormal Contemporary Romance, Health Nut Café to release in 2017!

Rhonda’s Webpage: https://www.rhondafrankhouserbooks.com/

Follow Rhonda on Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest

21 Things You Should Know About This Author

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

I’ve gifted On Writing, by Stephen King most often. The Watchers by Dean Koontz is a close second.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

I’m not sure I use anything every day. If I plan to try to write, I play guitar instrumental music and try to forget my day job for a few minutes before reading the last scene I wrote at my previous session to restart my writing brain.

What word do you misspell most often?

Vacuum or diarrhea

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

I don’t take anything too personally.

I listen to the advice of people who know more than I do about the industry.

I trust my characters.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

Blood Stones: The Haunting of Sunset Canyon by Krista Lynn Hero to Hold by Sheri Humphreys

What is your favorite word?

Persistance

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

Thesaurus

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

She finally got it right!

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

Popcorn and Diet Coke

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Renee Rothberg, who guides and teaches through Energy Guidance Complete, began this work through a circuitous route. She was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, received a BA in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin, received a degree in Paralegal studies, and worked as a legal assistant in Houston and Manhattan. She then moved to Israel, where she worked for many years in technical writing. During both of her previous careers, Renee was aware of her need to be working with people either through nutritional counseling or through some other work that she was unable to define.

After Renee’s children were born, she began studying—kinesiology (Brain GymÒ, Applied Kinesiology, Vision Circles), Libra Method: holistic balance for spine and joints, aromatherapy, and nutrition. Renee is a certified Libra Method practitioner in Israel.

Renee became aware of her connection to Spiritual Presence and higher healing in the summer of 2012. Since then, she has written two guidebooks for healing, has developed Energy Guidance Complete, has published books about life, healing, the soul, relationships, a personal account of her experience with Energy Guidance Complete, a short play, and three books of wisdom poetry. She is currently working on four more books and continues to be the voice of Spiritual Presence through books, articles, blogs, seminars, and private sessions at her clinic and through Skype.

VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

21 Things You Should Know About This Author

 

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson. It’s an account of the 1900 storm that hit Galveston, Texas and the meteorologist who resided in Galveston at the time. I’m from Galveston, and I found this book to be compelling and informative.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

Walking outside. The walk clears my head and gets my mind focused.

What word do you misspell most often?

from (I tend to type form)

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

My writing is not really my own, because I sort of take dictation. The main things I do are to remove myself from distracting places, use a notebook and pen, and keep the notebook with me at all times, because opportunities arise to write throughout the day.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah and rereading Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler.

What is your favorite word?

connection

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

thesaurus

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Me? Really?

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

almonds

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

It depends on the picture and the time each person has to think about it.

What animal are you most similar to and why?

People are animals; does that count? J

How would your best friend describe you?

Available and open minded

What keeps you up at night? (and don’t say howling dogs)

Meal planning and songs that get stuck in my head

What is one thing you will never do again? 

rappelling

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? 

A yummy and nutritious vegetarian meal. Yumtritious!

What is the best compliment you have received – or would like to receive?

That my writing is bringing change. A few people have told me this compliment. I’d be very happy to hear it more often.

What question do you hate to answer?

Renee Rothberg, who guides and teaches through Energy Guidance Complete, began this work through a circuitous route. She was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, received a BA in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin, received a degree in Paralegal studies, and worked as a legal assistant in Houston and Manhattan. She then moved to Israel, where she worked for many years in technical writing. During both of her previous careers, Renee was aware of her need to be working with people either through nutritional counseling or through some other work that she was unable to define.

After Renee’s children were born, she began studying—kinesiology (Brain GymÒ, Applied Kinesiology, Vision Circles), Libra Method: holistic balance for spine and joints, aromatherapy, and nutrition. Renee is a certified Libra Method practitioner in Israel.

Renee became aware of her connection to Spiritual Presence and higher healing in the summer of 2012. Since then, she has written two guidebooks for healing, has developed Energy Guidance Complete, has published books about life, healing, the soul, relationships, a personal account of her experience with Energy Guidance Complete, a short play, and three books of wisdom poetry. She is currently working on four more books and continues to be the voice of Spiritual Presence through books, articles, blogs, seminars, and private sessions at her clinic and through Skype.

VISIT THE WEBSITE

 

21 Things You Should Know About This Author

 

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

Isaac’s Storm by Erik Larson. It’s an account of the 1900 storm that hit Galveston, Texas and the meteorologist who resided in Galveston at the time. I’m from Galveston, and I found this book to be compelling and informative.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

Walking outside. The walk clears my head and gets my mind focused.

What word do you misspell most often?

from (I tend to type form)

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

My writing is not really my own, because I sort of take dictation. The main things I do are to remove myself from distracting places, use a notebook and pen, and keep the notebook with me at all times, because opportunities arise to write throughout the day.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah and rereading Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler.

What is your favorite word?

connection

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

thesaurus

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Me? Really?

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

almonds

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

It depends on the picture and the time each person has to think about it.

What animal are you most similar to and why?

People are animals; does that count? J

How would your best friend describe you?

Available and open minded

What keeps you up at night? (and don’t say howling dogs)

Meal planning and songs that get stuck in my head

What is one thing you will never do again? 

rappelling

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? 

A yummy and nutritious vegetarian meal. Yumtritious!

What is the best compliment you have received – or would like to receive?

That my writing is bringing change. A few people have told me this compliment. I’d be very happy to hear it more often.

What question do you hate to answer?

Karen S. Bell ~ Walking with Elephants was her first novel, although she is not new to writing. She was a theater critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly tabloid in Jacksonville, Fl and earned a Master’s in Mass Communication from Oklahoma State University. For 15 years Karen worked in Corporate America as a technical editor/editor/writer and experienced first hand the politics and intrigue that goes with that territory and the balancing act that comes with being a working mother. She says – salute all those mothers who are the glue that holds their families together while pursuing the nine to five brass ring. Karen lives in Fl. with her husband and their two furry kids. Their non-furry children are grown and live in Virginia near DC, Los Angeles, and Mainz, Germany and she has three grandchildren.

VISIT HER WEBSITE

 

 

21 Things You Should Know About This Author

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

When I first published Walking with Elephants self-publishing was quite new. It was recommended to give away the book to build a platform. I got more than 2000 downloads. An impossibility today because there are so many freebies. My guess is just a fraction of those 2000 read the book because I never got tons of reviews afterwards.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

Sitting in front of my computer because it puts me in a work mode. Currently, I am creating an audible book and must use my computer.

What word do you misspell most often?

Their.

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

I just write anything to get started and it morphs into something. I take cues from the world around me for storylines. I read good literature.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

The Goldfinch. 11/22/63

What is your favorite word?

F**k

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

thesaurus

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Rolling with it.

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

I don’t eat while writing.

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Words have more worth to me. I love words. When a I digest a piece of art or photograph the words to describe it have the meaning. To me things only exist when you can talk about it. Feelings are one with words for me.

What animal are you most similar to and why?

Cat. Loving but independent. Curious but cautious.

How would your best friend describe you?

Funny, happy, sociable.

What keeps you up at night? (and don’t say howling dogs)

Donald Trump

What is one thing you will never do again? 

A job interview.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? 

Roasted meat, potatoes, asparagus and Greek salad. Homemade pistachio cake.

What is the best compliment you have received – or would like to receive?

You look like you lost weight.

What question do you hate to answer?

Have you found a literary agent?

Crowds, small groups or ‘go away’?

I enjoy being alone. I like the company of a few friends. I hate crowds.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I will Survive.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Beware of mood swings.

What is the one question you wished I would have asked you? Why?

Why do you write? Because the answer defines me. I write because I must. Because I love it. Because it’s my creativity and my human expression

Karen S. Bell ~ Walking with Elephants was her first novel, although she is not new to writing. She was a theater critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly tabloid in Jacksonville, Fl and earned a Master’s in Mass Communication from Oklahoma State University. For 15 years Karen worked in Corporate America as a technical editor/editor/writer and experienced first hand the politics and intrigue that goes with that territory and the balancing act that comes with being a working mother. She says – salute all those mothers who are the glue that holds their families together while pursuing the nine to five brass ring. Karen lives in Fl. with her husband and their two furry kids. Their non-furry children are grown and live in Virginia near DC, Los Angeles, and Mainz, Germany and she has three grandchildren.

VISIT HER WEBSITE

 

 

21 Things You Should Know About This Author

What book have you gifted the most? Why?

When I first published Walking with Elephants self-publishing was quite new. It was recommended to give away the book to build a platform. I got more than 2000 downloads. An impossibility today because there are so many freebies. My guess is just a fraction of those 2000 read the book because I never got tons of reviews afterwards.

What is the one productivity tool you use every day? Why?

Sitting in front of my computer because it puts me in a work mode. Currently, I am creating an audible book and must use my computer.

What word do you misspell most often?

Their.

What three things do you do to be a successful writer?

I just write anything to get started and it morphs into something. I take cues from the world around me for storylines. I read good literature.

What are the titles of the last two books you have read?

The Goldfinch. 11/22/63

What is your favorite word?

F**k

What do you use more often – a dictionary or a thesaurus?

thesaurus

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

Rolling with it.

What is your ‘go to’ munchie or drink while writing?

I don’t eat while writing.

Is a picture worth a thousand words? Elaborate.

Words have more worth to me. I love words. When a I digest a piece of art or photograph the words to describe it have the meaning. To me things only exist when you can talk about it. Feelings are one with words for me.

What animal are you most similar to and why?

Cat. Loving but independent. Curious but cautious.

How would your best friend describe you?

Funny, happy, sociable.

What keeps you up at night? (and don’t say howling dogs)

Donald Trump

What is one thing you will never do again? 

A job interview.

If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare? 

Roasted meat, potatoes, asparagus and Greek salad. Homemade pistachio cake.

What is the best compliment you have received – or would like to receive?

You look like you lost weight.

What question do you hate to answer?

Have you found a literary agent?

Crowds, small groups or ‘go away’?

I enjoy being alone. I like the company of a few friends. I hate crowds.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

I will Survive.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Beware of mood swings.

What is the one question you wished I would have asked you? Why?

Why do you write? Because the answer defines me. I write because I must. Because I love it. Because it’s my creativity and my human expression

James DiBenedetto is the author of the Dream Series and the Jane Barnaby Adventures and he lives in Arlington, Virginia with the love of his life and a white cat who rules the roost. His passions are photography, travel, the opera, the New York Giants, and of course writing. JJ is devoted to writing books with a sense of mysticism to entertain and perhaps invite his readers to suspend belief in a way they might never have. Since he was very young , he has always been intrigued with the supernatural and things that can’t be explained rationally.

By always asking way too many questions, it piqued his interest to the point of setting his writing off and running when he grew up! All the curiosity building up all those years were finally getting put into words to captivate readers. And it hasn’t ended. His main goal is to share all the stories he has inside, putting pen to paper. And that’s how the Dream Series was born. JJ welcomes queries and feedback from his loyal readers. You can email him at [email protected] or at his website www.jjdibenedetto.com.

VISIT THE WEBSITE

James DiBenedetto is the author of the Dream Series and the Jane Barnaby Adventures and he lives in Arlington, Virginia with the love of his life and a white cat who rules the roost. His passions are photography, travel, the opera, the New York Giants, and of course writing. JJ is devoted to writing books with a sense of mysticism to entertain and perhaps invite his readers to suspend belief in a way they might never have. Since he was very young , he has always been intrigued with the supernatural and things that can’t be explained rationally.

By always asking way too many questions, it piqued his interest to the point of setting his writing off and running when he grew up! All the curiosity building up all those years were finally getting put into words to captivate readers. And it hasn’t ended. His main goal is to share all the stories he has inside, putting pen to paper. And that’s how the Dream Series was born. JJ welcomes queries and feedback from his loyal readers. You can email him at [email protected] or at his website www.jjdibenedetto.com.

VISIT THE WEBSITE