Greetings, cool peeps! My guest this week is author Dean Mayes from Australia.

Welcome, Dean! Tell the cool peeps about yourself.

Hi Molly! Firstly, I must thank you for having me at the Swansea Herald. This is a real honor for me. So, about me – well, I’m on the ‘wrong’ side of 35 and I live in Adelaide, Australia with my wife, Emily and my two children, Xavier (5) & Lucy (2). Adelaide is this wonderfully eclectic, provincial city that is situated on the shores of the Gulf of St. Vincent here in South Australia and is renowned for its wine industry, its architecture and its festival culture.

Ours is a hectic household – as you can imagine – with our day jobs, school runs, sporting commitments for Xavier and toddler dancing for Lucy and all the other minutiae of our little suburban existence for which we constantly wish we had 25 or 26 hours in one day. And somewhere in there, I’ve managed to eke out a ‘minor’ career as an author.

When did you first develop a love of writing? (My undercover sources tell me that purple dragon stickers were involved.

Yeah (hah, hah), my love for writing began in my 3rd grade class under my teacher Mrs. Furnell, who gave me my first-ever writing award: the purple dragon sticker. For the longest time, I sucked at her creative writing class and I routinely turned out rubbish. All that was required of us at the time was for us to come up with a group of, say five or six words and then incorporate them into a short creative paragraph. Anyway, one day, I totally changed tack and produced a short piece about a soldier’s experience of war that was partly based upon a conversation I had with my grandfather at around that very time. For a 9-year old, I think I must have hit it out of the park as purple dragon stickers were notoriously rare and to get one from Mrs. Furnell was a huge deal.

Some authors are meticulous outliners, others plot as they go along, and many are in the middle somewhere. How about you?

To me, writing and imagining is all consuming and I often compare to art. It’s very similar in fact and I think, in my case, I’m very abstract. For many, writing follows a particular structured path involving planning and construction of plot and character before hand, but I can’t work like that. Often, I’ll figuratively throw a dollop of paint on the canvas and see how it falls. Then I’ll work with it to see what I can draw out of it. That’s not to say that I don’t structure at all, but my initial structuring is very basic. So long as I reach the plot milestones I’ve set for myself, my journey toward each of them is quite open. I discover things along the way about the plot and character and I’ll often go with them instinctively. So far, it has served me well.

Your novel, The Hambledown Dream is on my ever-increasing to-read list. Please, tell the cool peeps all about it.

The Hambledown Dream actually began as a blog. At the time I started writing it, I’d virtually given up on the idea of ever being published, because I felt the industry was too closed shop, but I had this story I passionately wanted to tell and blogging seemed the right fit. I just wanted to get this story out there. After a short time of putting it up in weekly installments, quite unexpectedly, I found I had this following who were enthusiastically ‘tuning in’ to catch more of this unfolding story. I had no inkling that it would lead to my being discovered (by Michelle Halket, Creative Director at Central Avenue Publishing).

The Hambledown Dream is described as a paranormal romance but it doesn’t follow a conventional path – even though it’s a kind of timeless story. I can best describe it as a love story that not even death can conquer – where two unconnected lives are affected by the same tragic event. In Australia, a good and kind young man is torn from the love of his life by cancer while another young man – half way across the world in Chicago – lives on the razor’s edge in a dark and seedy underworld. He is rescued from a near fatal drug overdose at the very same moment. What happens next is an incredible journey of discovery and redemption spanning two continents. For reasons that are borne out during the course of the story, my American anti-hero is forced to reassess his life, once he begins having visions and dreams of life and a love he has never known. The Hambledown Dream is populated by very real and warm characters and situations. I’m very proud of the novel and it’s had a great response – far more than I ever dreamed it would.

The Hambledown Dream is dedicated to the memory of a journalist, Matt Price. Would you tell us about Matt?

Yeah, I dedicated The Hambledown Dream to the memory of an Australian journalist, Matt Price who, to me, was a literary hero. He penned a regular column for our national daily The Australian called ‘The Sketch’ which was a mix of politics and satire. Though Matt loved politics, he loved to ‘take the piss’ out of it even more. He was a lovely, urbane man who was able to talk to both sides of the political divide and he was highly regarded. As a storyteller, Matt Price was wonderfully rich and talented. He died in 2007 after a short battle with brain cancer. He was only 46 and had a wife and beautiful young children.

I know that you’re nearing completion of your second novel. Would you tell us a bit about it?

I am indeed. I’m in the middle of my first major edit of the new novel, which carries the working title Gifts of the Peramangk. It tells the story of a young Aboriginal girl named Ruby who is an incredibly gifted violinist but who lives in crushing poverty and domestic violence in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. She has been taught by her aging grandmother, Virginia who, herself was taught the violin during one of Australia’s darkest periods – The White Australia Policy of the 1950′s. It’s shaping up to be a real special story, though I still have a fair bit of editing to do as well as a lot of cultural fact checking before publication. The novel is challenging in that it’s quite different, stylistically, to Hambledown but also because I as a Caucasian am telling an Aboriginal story which many people regard as pretty risky – at least here anyway. It has the potential to be controversial but I’m not deterred by it. The story has been handled with a great deal of care and I’ve researched it heavily going in. I think the final product will be both powerful and inspiring.

Your publisher is Central Avenue Publishing, founded and run by Michelle Halket. Care to sing the praises of your publisher?

Working with Michelle Halket and her team at CAP has been an amazing experience and it has been a wonderful example of geography being no boundary in terms of working and creative partnerships. We’ve been able to video conference and hold “meetings” in the same fashion as I suspect any publisher would and it has been just as fruitful. We’ve planned and discussed my projects at length via email and we’ve developed an enviable line of communication. Michelle is such an astute judge of literary talent, as evidenced by CAP’s impressive catalogue and she is a trail blazer – having forged a formidable enterprise in a rapidly evolving publishing environment. I’m particularly proud of my association with Michelle and CAP.

The world of publishing is changing so rapidly. It’s hard to keep up. Any thoughts about the ever-evolving landscape? Predictions?

My only prediction is that it is going to remain unpredictable for at least the next couple of years as the rise of digital, independent and self publishing continues unabated.

It’s been alarming to see so many of the big book stores both here in Australia and in the U.S. founder so spectacularly – and not just because of the digital phenomenon. In order for them to survive, they’ve needed to adapt quickly and I guess for some of them, that adaptation came too late. There has been a litany of reports of poor financial practices and misguided business decisions which has lead to the closure of a number of chain stores and thus reduced the bricks and mortar presence of book stores overall. My experience has shown me that a lot of the book stores are incredibly short sighted and conservative when it comes to stocking their shelves. For example, they seemed quite happy for copies of a certain major franchise involving sparkly vampires to gather dust on the same shelf space for months and months on end, yet they were reluctant to support emerging authors for a few weeks – if at all.

The digital landscape remains in flux too as the new giants on the block vie for the attentions of the marketplace. And in that I’ve been concerned at the lengths emerging authors have gone to in the pursuit of best seller rankings and visibility for their product. For example, I’ve long held an antipathy towards the 99c price point for published works because I think it has the potential to cheapen the market overall. Especially when one considers the amount of work an author might pour into their stories – 99 cents is all they think it is worth? Also, some of the selling programs that are being touted by the big e-tailers concern me in that they seem highly inflexible and impose an exclusivity on the author and their product which, in my mind, runs counter to the whole notion of being independent.

My undercover source also tells me that you’re notoriously non-genre specific in your reading and writing? Would you elaborate for the cool peeps?

I’m notoriously non-genre specific in both my reading and my writing. I’ve tried my hand at a few different styles in my various writing projects and indeed, The Hambledown Dream crosses over the genre lines a fair bit. I have a number of samples in the articles and shorts section at my website that people can download view. I’ve experimented with elements of horror, science fiction, abstract literature, erotica and romance as well as magazine styled articles.

Likewise, my library at home is stocked with everything from romance, to science fiction, to literature, to pop culture, to biographies, to Star Wars…and Star Wars…oh! Did I say Star Wars? One of my favorite authors is Simon Winchester who is renowned for tackling subject matter many would regard as painfully obscure and extracting totally riveting stories from them. His titles The Surgeon Of Crowethorne & The Map That Changed The World rank among my favorite books of all time. That second title by the way, is all about the world’s first geological survey map of Great Britain. I mean, a map! Yet it is such an interesting account that one can’t help be suckered in by it.

I hear that you love to cook. Please, tell us all about it. And don’t forget to mention what time dinner is served. ☺

In my down time, I’ve a love for cooking, which has been partially inspired by Australian chef Bill Granger, whose books and shows I love. He is actually self taught and he developed this unique and rustic style which suits almost any occasion and environment. The man can make a gourmet dish out of just about anything and he’ll do it in almost any environment. I love trying to emulate his recipes – and so does my family, thankfully. And, like him, I’ll cook anywhere – indoors on my Smeg, outdoors on an old truck rim firepot, the BBQ, an open fire. Anywhere that I can create and indulge my love for experimentation. Dinner time at my house is usually served at half past…

I believe that music is a big part of most people’s lives. What kind of music might we find you listening to?

I’m a music nut and I’ll devour everything from Dire Straits to Debussi, Bob Dylan to Bananarama, Pink Floyd to Pink. Music has informed my literary works – especially ‘Hambledown’ and also this new novel – and I have explored vastly different musical forms in order to hone my story telling.

I was one of those who *suffered* the “Zach Braff Effect” in 2003 when the movie “Garden State” came out and since then, I’ve gone way off the mainstream, which has lead me to some really wonderful musical discoveries (some of which, I’ve chronicled at Dean from Australia under a series titled “There Need Be No Other Title”). At the moment, I’m listening to a lot of indie material from the likes of ‘The Decemberists’, ‘Trainwreck In Sarasota’, ‘These Animals’ & New York indie folk rock band ‘Swear & Shake’ – who, I’ve gotta say, are one of the best discoveries I’ve made in the past year.

If you could have a dinner party and invite your favorite fictional characters, who might we see seated around the table?

Wow – that’s a curve ball! Umm, let me think about that for a moment.

Well, first up I’d have Judi Dench’s “M” from the James Bond franchise – but more because she’s Judi Dench than anything and I love watching her being interviewed. She mixes a wicked sense of humour with a bohemian sensibility that would be welcome anytime.

I’d also send an invite to Rutger Hauer’s “Roy Batty” (from the movie Balderunner). Despite his rather messianic disposition, I regard the ‘tears in rain’ speech he gave at the climax of that movie to be one of the most moving speeches ever spoken hands down and the guy can play chess like a bandit so he’d have to be in.

I’d love to have Nikita (as portrayed in the CW series by Maggie Q) – because…I am a man and Maggie Q is gorgeous.

Howard Hesseman’s Charlie Moore, from the 80′s sitcom ‘Head Of The Class’ would be another must have because he was a cool teacher whose classes were rarely boring…(?) – mainly because he had a bunch of gifted, smart alec teens to deal with. I imagine he would make a great conversationalist and debator.

Martin Clunes’ ‘Doc Martin’ – a haemophobic (not homophobic to be clear) London surgeon practicing general medicine in a quaint seaside village in Wales – would also be a must have. He doesn’t suffer fools and is quite prepared to call a spade a spade – or a recalcitrant patient an idiot…if it is warranted of course. However, underneath his gruff and unforgiving exterior, is a surprisingly sensitive and compassionate soul whose sense of duty is without question. As a man of medicine myself, I imagine he would be an engaging personality at the dinner table.

Finally, I would have to include Phryne Fisher, who is the delectable protagonist from a series of books called Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries by Australian author Kerry Underwood. Set in 1920′s Melbourne, Australia, Phryne Fisher is this fearless heroine who works as a private detective, using a combination of sharp investigative skills, a quick wit and sassy sexiness to solve crimes. The books have just been made into a sumptuous television series down under with Essie Davis (The Matrix Reloaded, The Slap) in the title role – which, I think, is an inspired choice – because…I am a man and I think she is gorgeous.

What do you know now that you wish you knew five years ago?

I kinda wish that I had a better handle on marketing both of myself and my work as an author. It’s been a huge learning curve for me and alot of what I have achieved marketing wise – particularly with Hambledown – occurred some period of time after the book was released. I really didn’t have any concept of the breadth of book blogging sites that were out there when I started and I stubbornly confined myself to the pursuit of the mainstream media outlets which yielded pretty well zilch.

What do you hope to know in five years that you don’t know now?

Will The Simpsons still be on T.V.?

I’ve been forever called picky, but I maintain that we’re all picky creatures. What are you picky about?

I have this annoying tick whereby I can’t walk by a bookshelf without rearranging the books on it by height. This is especially true for my children’s respective bookshelves and I can often be found spending inordinate amounts of time rearranging their library like Raymond Babbitt on acid. I mean, how hard is it to line up the Mr. Men books side by side anyway!

I also went through a period of being overly concerned about my skills at writing dialogue – so much so that I ended up a little too much like the ‘Close Talker’ from Seinfeld. I spent a lot of time observing and documenting people engaging with one another in conversation, how they spoke, what emotions they portrayed, their hand gestures and expressions. In the process, I got a little too inside their personal spaces and very nearly ended up getting a punch on the nose. I’ve since learned to observe from a minimum safe distance. How is your personal space right now btw?

Any parting words for the masses? Any shameless plugs? Where can people find you online?

I have long been a fan of the Irish comedian Dave Allen, who had a late night/chat show on British TV back in the day. He always used to sign off with the words – ‘Good night, good luck and may your God go with you’. I have always felt such an understated openess and welcoming in those words and I often have them in mind when I am interacting with people.

My official site – http://www.deanfromaustralia.com – is the best destination for people who want to keep up with my goings on. I try to blog there at least once a week and it is the best place for readers to sample my short story work – including some work-in-progress previews of the new novel, to download a free audio book sampler of The Hambledown Dream (read by me in my Hugh Jackman-esque Australian accent) and to download audio interviews I’ve done over the past year or so.’ And of course, readers can purchase signed copies of my novel The Hambledown Dream in both print and digital formats direct from the site.

I am represented by Michelle Halket at Central Avenue Publishing

I keep a page at Facebook where I am known to brain fart on occasion but it’s also where I like to do a lot of cross promotion of fellow authors and artists and musicians. Invariably, those promos end up as fully blown features at his website under my ‘There Need Be No Other Title’ series at Dean from Australia Dot Com.

Goodreaders can find me at GR

And Amazonian Kindlers can find me and The Hambledown Dream on Amazon.com

Tags: Adelaide, Australia, Australian novelist, Central Avenue Publishing, Dean Mayes, Matt Price journalist, Michelle Halket, The Hambledown Dream

Greetings, Cool Peeps! Please join me in welcoming debut author Racheal McGillivary as my very special guest.

Thanks for being here, Racheal. So, tell us, when did the writing bug first bite you?

When I was fourteen. I had always been an avid reader, but poetry caught my attention, and I decided to take a poetry class. From there I wrote my first short story when I was fifteen. I have tons of composition books littered with poems. I stopped writing after high school. I never thought it was anything I could make a future with, until I met Lisette Brodey. I had already seen so many people self publishing books, and making a living doing what they love. And when I met Lisette, I became more inspired. I felt like I could do it too. (She even told me so). So, I wrote.

This is a very exciting time for you. Your first novel, Essence, has just been published. What is the book about?

Yes it is! Essence is about Chryanthe, Chrys, who is a sixteen-year-old nymph living in a forested grove in Macedonia. After her father was murdered when she was twelve, things haven’t been the same. Her mother is distant, her peers are indifferent, and with the exception of her best friend, Galene, Chrys feels utterly alone. When strangers enter the grove who turn out to be gypsies, things start getting even weirder in their sleepy little grove. Chrys falls fast for the handsome Talon, but nymph-human relations are strictly forbidden, and Chrys’ mother reminds her of this when she gives her an ultimatum: stay with Talon and be exiled, or fulfill her duty to the grove and become the next Chief Supreme (leader). But, when the Chief Supreme becomes deathly ill, Chrys must race against time to catch a killer before it’s too late.

What inspired you to write Essence? Where do your characters come from?

I had originally started off writing a completely different book about a girl who seduces men unwillingly. She has a magical hold over them, like a siren. But, a hundred pages in I scrapped my first book when I read Cassandra Clare’s City of Lost Souls. My original villain idea for Lillith, fell through. So, I took what I have always loved (Greek mythology) and my new love (fantasy) and put them together. And I wrote Essence.

My characters came out of thin air. Except for two people. Talon is my son. I gave him the same name, and same features but made him older. And Adelpha who plays a small part came from a girl who used to work the main gate on the military base I use to live in.

I don’t know any author who isn’t thinking ahead to her/his future books. Do you know what’s next? Do you plan to write in multiple genres? How do you envision your future as an author?

I actually have six books on my bucket list. For most of them, I have written the first chapter. And yes, they do vary in genre. The next book I plan to release is Just for Kicks, a middle-grade superhero book with plenty of snarky comments and funny lines. Then, I plan to follow up Essence with Elude. Then, Untold Cravings. A young adult adventure/ romance book with a very unusual twist. Then, I plan to finish up my Nymphs trilogy with Entrap, the last book. After that, I have When the Daisies Grew Wild, a cute, country, romance novel that has that feel good vibe to it. And last, but certainly not least, I plan to write my husband’s grandmother’s biography.

Some authors are meticulous outliners, others plot as they go along, and many are in the middle somewhere. How about you?

I like to just write. I start from the beginning and go. I tried to outline, plan, plot, nothing worked. But, I do like a good pen and some legal pads in bright colors!

You’re a voracious reader. Please, tell the cool peeps about the books we might find on your shelf on your Nook.

Oh goodness! So many! I have the House of Night series, the Mortal instruments, Infernal Devices, Wings, Tithe by Holly Black, Amanda Hockings books, All Lisette Brodey books, The Taker and the Reckoning by Alma Katsu… those are just a few.

You learned responsibility early in your life when you became a teen mom. Can you tell us what that was like?

Very hard! I had options, but I chose to be a mom. And I would say it was the best choice. I had to work two part-time jobs, and finish my senior year of high school, but I did it. When you truly want something, you go to the ends of the earth to make it happen. I didn’t want to give up Damion and I didn’t want to give up my future, so I chose both.

Please, tell us more about your family. What is it like to be a military wife?

I met Justin during my Sophomore year of high school, and we may have only dated for two weeks then, but he left a lasting impression on me. We reconnected later in life and fell in love. Being a military wife was difficult as well. I had become pregnant with my second son, Talon, and found out two days before Justin left for Afghanistan. It was scary, but he came home safe and in time to see Talon born.

Social media is terrific, but it can be a great big time vampire, too. Everyone has different thoughts about the use and misuse of it. What are yours?

Social media is a very temperamental thing. It is misused quite often and can lead to many horrible things. But, it can be a very useful tool for anyone to promote themselves or their work. I personally just try to use social media as a way to promote, and try to keep my personal life offline.

The world of publishing is changing so rapidly. It’s hard to keep up. Any thoughts about the ever-evolving landscape? Predictions?

It’s crazy! I still am a hardcore paperback lover, but I do use my Nook often. There are always new ways to improve and upgrade the technology world. I have no idea what they will come up with next, but you can never go wrong with a pen and some paper.

Aside from reading, writing, and spending time with your wonderful family, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time. Yeah, I know, you’re probably saying, “Spare time. What’s that?”

Ha ha, very true. Spare time is hard to come by. But when I do have a chance, I like to crochet (and no it’s not just for old ladies), and I like to learn new things. I am always on YouTube searching up How to’s.

I’ve been forever called picky, but I maintain that we’re all picky creatures. What are you picky about?

I am very picky about things when they are important. I was recently scorned for being too picky about my book cover! By the cover artist I had originally hired! Can you imagine?

Where can people find you in cyberspace?

I am everywhere! Or, at least I try to be! You can find me on Twitter or on Facebook under Racheal McGillivary or on my blog. My novel, Essence, can be purchased on Amazon.com.

Any parting words for the masses? Any shameless plugs?

Never change yourself, your writing, anything to fit the mold of society. I have never been considered normal, but when I got older, people appreciated me for that. And I never have had an enemy. Thank you for having me, Molly!

Tags: Essence, Essence novel, fantasy writer, military wife, nymphs, Racheal McGillivary, teen mom

Welcome, Ben! It’s fantastic to have you as my guest.

Hi, Molly. Thanks for having me.

You’re from Pontypridd, Wales. Would you describe your hometown to us?

It’s dull, grey and always raining, and we have lots of hills. It is ok — a bit of a shithole to be honest. There is nothing really for people to do here. A lot of people drink a lot out of boredom, or maybe that is just the people I am surrounded by. LOL. It really is a beautiful place in the mountains, but the towns are crap. It’s quiet where I live, so I guess it’s nice. I just wish that the sun would come out once in a while. LOL!

Please tell us about your early years. What kind of childhood did you have?

It was okay, I think … It involved a lot of singing and performing in primary school. I used to participate in a lot of plays. I even got to play Santa one year! Singing in primary school was cool. We got to sing a lot of cool songs like the Beatles. I was in the choir, but got thrown out ‘cause I was not the most behaved of boys! The worst thing I remember about my childhood is my dad leaving, but that is a different story for another day.

When did your love of music begin? How long did it take you to realize that you had a true talent that would become your life’s work?

I have always been interested in art, anything artistic. I began drawing and thought I was going to go to art college at one point, but other things happened. I started writing stories in secondary school. I worked on writing a few books but never actually managed to finish them. I left school at 16, and that is when my friend Paul sold me his guitar. I was always dabbling in music and singing, but never tried to play instruments or take it further. My friend saw I had an interest in the guitar, sold me his, and the rest is history, and also ash, as I burnt that guitar for firewood, don’t ask!

I started staying in to play instead of going out and getting drunk. LOL! That guitar saved my life I think! So I owe him! I paid him £100 for that guitar. My second guitar was bought from Pete Rawbone, ex BenSem member, for £10, and I still haven’t paid him back!

A tattletale tells me that you were a bit naughty in high school, and didn’t get the best grades. Any truth to that?

I was naughty; lol! I wasn’t nasty, just playful; the truth is I was bored. The teachers were useless, there was no encouragement from them whatsoever, they really didn’t care. I had to leave school and have a friend see my talent, the music teachers saw nothing, because they were never there, and took no interest unless you were a teacher’s pet. I was never challenged with the work, and never revised for the exams. I had really low grades except for art. Now looking back, it may have been a good idea to have tried, but I don’t regret anything I have done, because it may not have got me here.

So, don’t keep us in suspense. What path did you take after you left high school?

I left school at 16. I tried the work route, but that was never going to happen. I cut grass in the local cemetery, I helped build the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, I painted and decorated, worked on computers in sales, cleaned toilets, worked in Game station, worked in Argos and loads more. I was trying to keep money in my pocket whilst chasing the dream. All I wanted was to play music and sing. I never had a clue or plans for my future. I just had a guitar and myself. For me, that was my contentment, well, most of the time!

You were born Craig Andrew Semmens. How did you become Ben Semmens? What happened to Craig Semmens?

I created Ben in the shower one day when I was at my lowest. I needed someone or something to get me past it all, to give me the strength because I’ve struggled with depression all my life. I have got through everything with Ben, he is the other me, and I have got through everything I have with him. Ben is my way of dealing with all the hard things in life, and so far it’s worked, apart from some very low points, but that is too dark to discuss here. Craig is still here, too!

On a similar note, you began as BenSem but are now Ben Semmens? Why did you make the decision to fly solo?

I had some truly great times with BenSem, I have to be honest I never saw us splitting up. Things happen, people grow old, and become a pain. LOL! Everyone who was in BenSem was amazing, great friends, and awesome people. I think the band ended after Western Lights. A lot happened. We had done lots of shows, and at the end, everyone was drained mentally and physically, and cracks started appearing. I always kept writing and when the original BenSem split I went back to the studio with new members, and recorded more. Sadly it wasn’t me, it was loud; it was brash and it was chaotic. It was great but not where I saw myself going. It took me two weeks to make the decision that it was the end, and that it was time to go off on my own. It’s been lonely and very hard, but I am glad I did it. If any mistakes are made they are mine, and I only have myself to answer to. Things have been going better than ever, and I deal with my stress not others and it’s bliss.

Your music is truly something special. How would you describe your music?

It’s from my heart and off my sleeve. It’s my life, my emotions, and my ups and my downs. I would describe it as sad, but with hope, and everyone needs hope. I just hope it helps people as it has helped me. My music is my serenity.

You recently came to America via a company called Pledge Music. I know this was an extremely exciting and rewarding opportunity. Please, tell us all about it.

Pledge is a great way to give artists the creative freedom music needs, and give fans what they want without a record label getting in the way. The music industry is ruined because of the labels, and I have all the freedom I want in creating. Pledge is the way forward. I’m doing what I love with no idiots telling me how to dress etc. I am living the dream. Sex, drugs, and rock n roll is old-fashioned; it’s all style and no substance. It should be all about the music, and Pledge makes it about the music, the fans, and nothing else. I love it.

I recorded the album with Ben Thomas, a very talented man. I had to go to the Cumberland Island in the USA to work with him, but man it was worth it. It was amazing, and I learnt so much from him, and the island is beautiful. I could get use to the sun instead of Welsh rain. Going back to tour soon, so excited about that!

I know that the U.S recording opened your eyes to a lot of things? Anything you can share with us?

It was truly a dream come true, and a blessing. I am very lucky to have experienced this, and I owe it all to management and the fans. I’m already writing another album, as I was inspired so much on the island. It also shows that no matter how crazy an idea sounds, if you want it to happen, you can make it happen.

Where can the cool peeps hear your amazing music?

We have finished the album and those who have pledged have received the download. We are still working on the artwork and putting the CD together which we are hoping to get out asap. The fans have been waiting so patiently, and I really am grateful for their support and patience.

The music is available on www.bensemmens.com or www.facebook.com/ben.semmens.music or www.youtube.com/bensemmusic. If you would like to pre-order the new album you can go to www.pledgemusic.com/projects/bensemmens

I‘m going to be a little Julie Andrews for a moment. What are some of your favourite things?

LOL! I love computer games. They help me escape and chill. There is nothing better than a good zombie movie, and I am a major comic fan. I love all things Batman, and have a strange connection to the Joker. My favourite author is Stephen King. I love the stories, and the worlds that he creates. I’m currently reading the Dark Tower books at the moment, and they are awesome! I like all things chocolate, and a good burger or pizza is my idea of good food.

Okay, so now I’m Julie Andrews evil twin. Well, maybe not so much, but what are your least favourite things?

I hate bullies. I hate working out, but it must be done, and I can’t stand mushrooms, but I think a lot of people know this now Mushrooms are the food of the devil, apart from magic ones!

I’ve been forever called picky, but I maintain that we’re all picky creatures. What are you picky about?

I’m picky about food. A bad chip or fat on bacon makes me feel sick, so I have to pick them out. I usually end up with a small pile of food on my plate that I won’t eat. If I ever eat at your house please don’t think me rude, I am just fussy.

Who are the artists who have inspired you? Whose music might we find you listening to on a lazy Sunday afternoon? A crazy Saturday night?

I will listen to anything. If it has a good tune, and I dig it, it deserves my attention. I think I have been influenced by many artists. A lot of artists my mum used to listen to when I was young have influenced me. I was brought up on a lot of country music, and old crooners. On a Sunday you can find me listening to Nat King Cole, Joe Cocker, Cary Brothers, Greg Laswell, there are loads … On a crazy Saturday you will find me listening to, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, and Iron Maiden.

A lot of music inspires me.

Any parting words for the masses? Where can peeps connect with you?

Keep it real people, and if you fancy a listen check out:

Website
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Take care all and thanks for reading. And Molly, you rock! x

Tags: Ben Semmens, BenSem, Constant Dream, Craig Andrew Semmens, Outside The Box, Pledge Music, Pontypridd Wales, Western Lights

Greetings Cool Peeps,

Please join me in welcoming author Gareth Stokes as my guest this week.

Welcome, Gareth! Tell the cool peeps about yourself.

Hi, Molly. Thanks for inviting me. I’m a retired truck driver, teach guitar part-time, hug people and kiss them on the cheek and so far have managed to do so frequently without getting arrested. I write fiction across different genres and read across different genres because I do like variety in all things, live in the southeast of the UK, have a passion for washing dishes, music, idiosyncratic people, sniping about politics, love marmite and grilled cheese on toast, the Lord Of The Rings Trilogy, and sneaking into quiet churches to mess about on the big ol’ pipe organ.

A rare occasion when I’m not squirreled away writing. A night out with my girlfriend. I think she’s laughing because I’ve got my arm around her. Most people do laugh when I give them a hug. Don’t know why that is! Maybe I need to change my cologne.

Your novel, 5 Minutes, sounds intriguing. What’s it about? What inspired you to write it?

The core of – and in fact the inspiration for – this story is how children are too often victims of fickle politics. The story includes the execution of the Russian Royal Family in the early 20th Century, the struggle of single mothers in today’s society, even the young men sent to fight in wars, not even out of their teens. In this sci/fi adventure, the spirit of Tsarina Alexandra Romanov cannot rest after witnessing the execution of her children, and travels through time to a universe 5,000 years in the future. She becomes the autocratic leader of the colonised planet, Excel – and creates a duplicate Russian society. Her mission is uncomplicated and merciless: to use the resources of this planet, and those of the Universe itself, to destroy Earth as a savage act of revenge for the death of her children. It falls to the Tsarina’s eldest child, a strong opponent of Excel’s political infrastructure, to head off to Earth in an attempt to save it from destruction. Along the way, the would-be saviour must overcome a number of obstacles, some too bizarre to adequately describe here, and rely upon (amongst other quirky characters) a thinking/bitchin’ spaceship, an android with unreliable programming, and two young children each of whom possess special gifts. Will the Earth be saved?… is a question which teases throughout the novel – and the answer is not necessarily what you may expect.

I find it interesting that your story mixes tragedy with whimsical humor. How do you balance that?

Because this story involves that certain amount of dark tragedy, I felt it necessary to counterbalance this with some flighty humour, which is diagrammed through the characters, certain unethical events, and great chunks of convoluted dialogue. After all, no matter the genre, fiction is so often an imitator of real life – a muddle of tragic humour. We all endure those days or events which are heartbreaking, but also (often in an arbitrary fashion) those days when everything seems somewhat nonsensical and silly. I enjoy fiction that is a microcosm of reality – and reality is almost always a little bit of ugly and a little bit of daft! It’s rather like taking a bitter pill followed by a spoonful of sugar.

You’ve told me that your novel isn’t genre-specific and that it crosses several genres. Please, elaborate.

I knew I wanted to write a science fiction – but not a purist one. Although I was inspired by Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, et al, I had so many motivations from a host of different genre writers that I felt the need to take this story across platforms. So it has history, politics, comedy, adventure, satire, and a little of my own humble philosophical musings. I believe it works – although I would say that, wouldn’t I? … The important thing was to blend these aspects in and around a straightforward adventure story with an underpinning of observational narrative. For which reason there is a character in the story, Adelphi Galvuurt, who is the narrator for much of the book. He gets to comment on the political environment of both the 21st Century and my futuristic dimension of Time. In summary, I gave him an artistic license that I don’t feel I personally am entitled to. (It’s a bit sneaky but it’s jolly good fun craftily whispering through the mouth of your character!)

I love psychological thrillers. I hear that you have one called Universal Language. What’s it about? Where did you get the idea for it?

Once upon a time, in a land far away and a decade almost forgotten… I had a cabaret act, and toured the club circuit in the northeast of England. This provided the germ of the novel’s idea in that the protagonist, Gary Price, has managed to take his ‘act’ one step further than I ever did… he’s on the brink of a big breakthrough. However, family issues have dogged his life and now threaten his ascendance to fame. Troubled by the guilt of past failures, haunted by the reminder of a childhood tragedy, hunted by a perverse killer, now the consequences of that terrible tragedy are forced back into his life by an old school ‘friend’. It’s a story of ambition, failed marriage, struggling relationships with your children… and revenge from a twisted antagonist who is more crazy than Gary ever gets on all the booze in his kitchen cupboard.

How much of you do you put into your books? Does one have more of you than the other?

I would say that 5 Minutes has a fair proportion of my political disillusionment and cynical attitude woven into the narrative. And Universal Language has the backdrop of my early-life musical ambitions and stage performing. But that’s about as far as it goes. For one thing, no one would want to read this unknown author’s thinly disguised autobiography… hell, most of us don’t want to read the autobiographies of so many non-entity Z-list celebrities but we have them shoved in our bookstores – so I aim to keep my fiction as far away as is humanly possible from my real life. For another thing, as tempting as it may be to some writers to use real people and events from their lives, it’s wise to remember a book can sometimes be a mere hop and a skip away from a libel action if you’re not very careful how you portray someone you’ve met. So, not to defy the old adage: write what you know… I really prefer to simply make stuff up! The less it has to do with me the more enjoyable the creative process.

What future writing projects do you have in the works or in your head? Anything you can share?

I’d like to write a cookbook – but I can’t cook. Or one of those self-help ‘How To Improve The Inner You’ books – but I think my inner-me is beyond redemption. Then again, a whim I also have is to write a D.I.Y. manual – but the last time I changed a light bulb I (honestly) broke the light fitting. So I think I’ll go with writing some supernatural-themed short stories for my next project. I need a little break from writing the Big Novel format, Molly.

Do you have any secret quirky writing habits that you’d like to expose to the world RIGHT NOW? ☺

On one side of my desk I have a thermos of tea, and on the other a glass of beer. I make story notes in my phone memory, but frequently forget where I put the damn thing. So I stare at a blank screen until I am able to draft some carefully laid plot lines, which I then proceed to totally ignore by taking the story in a completely different direction. If I get a block, I will just type…anything, anything…even a shopping list – until some sanity comes out of the mess. I like lots of computers around me, even though I can only use one at a time. (I used to prefer writing in my car at scenic locations, but I’m getting old now and need my comfort!) And I frequently listen to TV in the background because if it’s too quiet I can hear my own breathing and that really bugs me.

A less-than-sufficient writing environment – but it got me through 3 lots of edits.

A few years ago – a more comfortable writing environment – surrounded by more computers than I could possibly find a use for!

The world of publishing is changing so rapidly. It’s hard to keep up. Any thoughts about the ever-evolving landscape? Predictions?

I wouldn’t dare make any predictions – big corporations control this environ now where once upon a time book lovers did. It’s all about the accountants, isn’t it? But I am thrilled with this current e-volution, especially through Amazon Kindle. Needless to say it’s opened doors for so many writers who would otherwise end up on an editor’s slush pile simply because that editor hasn’t time to wade through the mass of unsolicited manuscripts. Online and affordable POD publishing has now leveled the playing field so we all get a chance. What comes next?… well, it rather looks like a war between Amazon and the rest of the world, which is a shame. But I would conclude that the market is now more diverse, buoyant and exciting for writers and readers alike.

Where are you from, Gareth? Where have you lived and where do you reside now?

Born in the Midlands of the UK, hauled up north by my parents when I was 15 to a rather rough housing estate ‘cause Dad took a teaching post up there, and I moved down to the London area 15 years later for better employment opportunities. So I’m a hybrid of middle, up, and down the country – and I have the strange dialect to prove it!

Dad. Taken when I was a mere sprat of a brat! Ex-Air Force and a canny business man. Passed away 1993.

Can you tell the cool peeps about your childhood? What are some of your fondest memories?

I am the eldest of four boys so growing up was a little chaotic, however my dad was a strict disciplinarian so we didn’t get away with too much nonsense – though God knows I tried. I remember of all the times my father told me off, there was one incident when I got caught snogging my girlfriend (I was 12) by the girl’s dad. Well, the outraged father chased me home, my mother threw a fit, and my dad, strangely, just said ‘behave yourself’…. And then winked at me. Ha ha – he had to pretend to be angry when I reckon he was thinking ‘that’s my boy!’… I loved playing soccer, cycle racing, making model aircraft (undoubtedly because Dad was in the Royal Air Force during WW2 and I was childishly fascinated with some of the “adventures” I overheard)… And I recall adding 50 candles to my mother’s birthday cake and watching with horror as they all melted into the icing. Of all the many presents I got over the years, the best two: a guitar and a typewriter. These two gifts shaped my lifelong interests in music and writing. Happy days. ☺

Mother’s 50th birthday. She gave me a drum roll right before I brought her cake in…. the one where all the candles had melted into the icing. Hmmm!

Unbelievably cheesy promo pic for my cabaret act back in 1980. We used to bravely leave this in club dressing-rooms with a contact number. (I can only laugh in hindsight.)

Durham cathedral … one of the scenic locations where I would park my car, enjoy the vista, and begin the journey of learning to write on my little Olivetti typewriter.

My favourite car – a classic Ford Capri circa 1977 – and the vehicle in which I would scurry away to those scenic locations and write short stories. (Or fiddle with the cassette player!)

What kind of books do you enjoy reading? Favorite films? Music?

I’ll read anything, Molly. I’ve been through phases – sci-fi, murder-mystery, thrillers, horror…but these days it’s whatever takes my fancy from the product description. (Never mind the cover – it’s the book’s bio that attracts me.) With music I’ve also been through phases – from jazz to rock and all between – but I’m fairly settled now on rhythm ‘n blues and swing. As for films – I like to be surprised. The Book Of Eli was one I watched recently and was thoroughly swept away – brilliant! I do also like thrillers and thought-provoking books and movies, but (and I’m really sorry about this readers) I’m not a big fan of Harry Potter, Twilight, or Avatar. I admire them all greatly for the skill involved to appeal to such a broad audience – but they just don’t do it for me. Should I hang my head in shame?

I’m always interested in the different jobs writers have had. What are some of the favorite and least-favorite jobs you have had?

I’ve been a milkman (Lord, that hurt my feet!), a shop assistant, car valet, photographer’s assistant, logistics & freight officer, car-rental assistant, door-to-door salesman, oh and a host of other jobs all of which paid the bills but none of which gave me any job satisfaction. However, I did enjoy driving jobs, and of course touring the cabaret circuit.

I’ve been forever called picky, but I maintain that we’re all picky creatures. What are you picky about?

I’ll have to snip this answer because (a) I’ve taken up a lot of your web page already and (b) there’s just TOO many to detail. So, summary: Tea… is not hot enough straight out of the kettle – it must be microwaved for 30 seconds / drivers… should never pick their noses at traffic lights or stop signs – unless they’ve got tinted windows and I can’t see them! / Underpants… I can not buy myself – too embarrassed for reasons I don’t understand (which is strange because I can shop for a girlfriend’s ‘Lady Products’ at the pharmacist without any embarrassment but I can’t purchase my own underwear! / self-obsessed people with sky-high vanities… just get off my radar! / fashion police… I’m a scruffy little tyke and proud of my usual attire of pyjamas and bathrobe / And… people who appear on reality TV shows – then act like big celebrities… Yuk, get over yourselves!!!

Any parting words for the masses? Any shameless plugs? Where can people find you online?

Life is like…noooo, I wasn’t going to say a box of chocolates – it’s like a weekend in cabaret. Saturday night, lousy gig, the audience hated my act, I got jeered off stage. Went home thoroughly depressed with myself. Sunday night, exactly the same act as the night before, but it’s a great gig, applause, cheers, encores, and a nice pay-cheque. Everything seems to be a balance of the rough with the smooth. I got a smashing 4-star review for a short story I published, followed by a crushing one-star the day after. I have a day where everything just works out neatly, followed by a day of utter stupid. If you can accept that peak-and-trough life pattern, that all things are a curious mixture of “Excellent!” and “Oh crap!”……..I think you can pretty much deal with anything. Well, try to!

My books are on:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

I’m on Twitter

Facebook

Facebook Author page

And finally – Goodreads

Thanks ever so much for having me here, Molly. I’ve had a crackin’ good time. Hope your US readers could cope with my Brit spelling! And to any and all of your readers who may be authors, I wish you all sincere best wishes for your writing projects. Good luck all… it may be a jungle out there – but it’s fun to scrape your way through it ☺

One of my grandchildren. Is she trying to get away? Yep – do need to find a new cologne! (Note to self: Must stop hugging people without warning…)

Tags: 5 Minutes, British novelist, Gareth Stokes, Midlands UK, Russian Royal family, Universal Language