Paul Dennett - The Goalkeeper Part 1

Paul Dennett joins us today to share his book The Goalkeeper Part 1.

Where do you currently live?
Sydney, Australia

Tell us a little bit about your life.
I've worked in a normal job for a great company for eleven years. Recently they were kind enough to let me go part-time to have a shot at being an entrepreneur and I've just released my first book for sale on Kindle. My actual real dream is to become a sporting superstar but too much partying during my twenties - and a lack of any sporting talent - has prevented this from happening!

When did you first start writing?
When I was six.

What was your very first story about?
It was a recount of a day spent racing my plastic dinosaurs down a slippery dip. It was not picked up for publication.

Did you experience anything you’ve written yourself?
No - I have experienced the opposite of it though - my book deals with a successful sportsman.

Who are several of your greatest literary inspirations?
Douglas Adams and Irvine Welsh. Also, although he doesn't write novels, Bill Bryson.

What kind of education have you received, and how has that affected your writing?
A science degree. It taught me how to be succinct.

How much research time customarily goes into your projects?
Quite a lot. Because my work is aimed at improving people's vocabularies while being entertained, I spend a lot of time choosing which difficult words to weave in and making sure the meaning of the words is abundantly clear from context.

Who is your favorite literary character?
Bruce Robertson, from Irvine Welsh's novel, Filth. He is the most horrible, despicable, repugnant character imagineable. I'm not sure it is a good thing that I like him so much!

Who is your favorite character of your own creation?
Forbes Zanchester. After realising his dreams of becoming a successful soccer player are finished, he takes up goalkeeping and discovers he has prodigious talent.

If you were ever to write an autobiography, what would its title be?
'I'm amazed this has been published', the Paul Dennett story.

Tell us about your featured book.
The Goalkeeper Part 1 is a fun journey as Forbes discovers his stunning goalkeeping talent and starts to amaze people. But its main point is that every chapter the reader learns ten difficult words without really having to try.

Why did you write that?
Everyone says that the best way to learn new words is to be a voracious reader - you gradually encounter them and your subconscious works out what they mean. I thought, why not condense the process? Write a normal novel, but strategically add in lots of difficult words and make it as uncontrived and free flowing as possible. It's meant to be like a vitamin shot of words.

Is there anything special you would like your potential readers to know?
There are not actually all that many words separating an OK vocab from a great one. My hope is that my readers enjoy the story for its own sake, and marvel at how their subconscious just picks up the new words. And obviously if you have a big vocab it benefits you in so many ways.

Where is the one place you’ve traveled where you’ve felt most like you fit in?
London. It is 12,000 miles from Sydney, yet I instantly felt at home.

What activity or hobby, besides writing, do you find most enjoyable?
Bowling in cricket. It's a bit like pitching in baseball. When you deliver a ball that sends the stumps flying in all directions it is a stunning feeling.

What was your favorite childhood toy?
Big Ted, a small yellow teddy bear. If I was asked a question and didn't know the answer I would apparently proclaim, 'Big Ted doesn't know that.' Psychiatrists would probably have a field day with that.

What is your most valued personal possession in life? Who gave it to you?
My big television. I gave it to me.

If you lost the ability to see every color but one, which one would it be?
Green

How do you treat people you’re not fond of?
Politely.

What is hiding in your closet as we speak?
25 t shirts that I had printed with a catchy slogan on them that I've been too lazy and timid to try to sell.

What do you see as your greatest achievement?
Actually deciding to have a go at writing.

What, to you, is absolutely wrong?
1. Violence. 2. Illogical thinking - it amazes me how many people deny the moon landing yet believe in ghosts.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Whenever you use 'should' in a sentence, replace it with 'must'. For example, 'I should join a gym'. I almost never follow this advice though.

If you had to explain the concept of “love” to someone who’s never heard of it before, how would you?
Love is when you have feelings for someone else that are similar but stronger to the feelings you have for yourself.

What about “hate?”
Hate is an intense hostility. It is occasionally justified (for example I'd hate a person who deliberately burned down my house), but usually an indication of a lack of intelligence.

You’ve decided to buy an exotic pet, what do you go for?
A chimp. I'm fascinated by their intelligence.

What do you classify as an “Adventure?”
Doing something you've never done before that scares you - preferably in a good way.

If you could learn one new thing instantly, what would it be?
How to play tennis three times better than Federer. More realistically, how to speak French.

Finish this sentence. “I sometimes find it hard to…”

I sometimes find it hard to consistently back winners at the races.

Our thanks to Paul for stopping by to answer our questions. Find his book below with your eyes, then let your clicking finger guide you.

Sadie S. Forsythe - The Weeping Empress

We are very pleased to have Sadie S. Forsythe with us today. She is promoting her book The Weeping Empress.

Where do you currently live?

Manchester, England, though I grew up in and out of the South-Eastern United States.

Tell us a little bit about your life.

By my life I assume you mean my upbringing and such. I had a somewhat unconventional childhood. We moved around a lot, so I was lucky enough to see a lot of American culture. There is a surprising amount of regional variation. I have often drawn on this wealth of experience in my writing. It also means that I am quite used to being the outsider of a group. As a result I tend to think little of the cultural distance between others and myself. This has come in useful as an adult. After university I spent seven years working in child abuse investigations. This is a job that would have been extremely difficult if I wasn’t able to clearly distinguish between practices that are simply foreign to myself and those that are patently abusive. The years I spent working with the families involved with the welfare system definitely affects my writing. It provides a well of hopeless, despair I would never have been able to reproduce without it. Though this is not to suggest that I saw no successes or heart-warming moments too.

When did you first start writing?

This is actually hard for me to answer. I’ve always been a reader, and I tell myself stories almost constantly. But it wasn’t until relatively recently that I started consistently writing them down. The problem is that I’ve felt like a writer for a lot longer than I have actually been writing.

What was your very first story about?

The first story I actually wrote down was when I was in my early teens. It was during one of the family’s frequent moves. I was stuck in the back seat for days as we drove from Tennessee to Washington State, and I hand wrote about 90 pages. I vaguely remember it to have been about a concubine who became a warrior. I guess I had already developed my penchant for strong female leads.

Have you written anything that you were too afraid to let anyone read?

I’m afraid to let people read everything I write. I am chronically insecure about it, but I just force myself to take a deep breath and move forward.

Did you experience anything you’ve written yourself?

Since I write fantasy that would be a little difficult. However, I think some of my personal worldviews slip into my stories from time to time.

Who are several of your greatest literary inspirations?

There are far too many to list, but I’ll try. I have to start with Anne McCaffrey simply because she was the first author to really grab me by the lapel and refuse to let go. It has probably been twenty years since I read my first Pern book, and I can still recite The Watchwher song. I admire Isaac Asimov for the way he could write stories almost fifty years apart with the same narrative voice. Frank Herbert’s ability to create an atmosphere that just absorbs the reader is definitely inspiration worthy. Lastly, all of the Bronte sisters deserve an honorable mention simply for being who and what they were, when they were.

What education have you received, and how has that affected your writing?

A fair amount is the short answer to this. I started college at seventeen, got a Bsc in Anthropology with minors in Comparative Religion and Archaeology. I wanted to be Indiana Jones, though any Archaeologist worth his salt will tell you Jones is a tomb raider, not an Archaeologist. I then moved across the pond to the UK and completed an MA in International Criminology. After a number of years as a professional I returned to university for an Msc in Social Change. I’m not done yet. One day I will be Dr. Forsythe. I may be 90 by then, but I am nothing if not persistent. My education absolutely comes through in my writing. It affects my choice of language, the way I, and by extension my characters, approach a problem, and complexity of issues I address.

How much research time customarily goes into your projects?

I don’t do a lot of up front research for a story, or at least not for the stories I have written so far. However, I tend to do a lot of spot research to verify things as I go.

Who is your favorite literary character?

I don’t know that I have a favorite literary character, but I have a favorite character type. It’s the extremely strong male who hides his strength behind the façade of a bumbling idiot. Though not one of my favorites, Clark Kent/Superman would be an example everyone could recognize.

Who is your favorite character of your own creation?

This is hard to answer. It’s kind of like being asked to choose between your best friends. It is probably Senka from The Weeping Empress, but it’s hard to consider Senka on his own because he and Muhjah are so intertwined. I love the way he is so comfortable in his own skin. He’s damaged and he knows it, but it doesn’t hold him back. He depends of Muhjah to provide him with what he lacks and that is enough.

If you were ever to write an autobiography, what would its title be?
Barefoot in the City - I generally consider myself an earthy, natural kind of gal, but reality seems to be determined keeps me among the metros. I sneak out to slip my naked toes in the grass, have been known to dance in the rain and under the full moon.

Tell us about your featured book.

The Weeping Empress is my first novel. I’m really excited about it. It’s an epic fantasy about a modern woman who becomes the subject of scrutiny when she is named fulfiller of an arcane prophecy in a previously unknown land. Scared and uncertain of her immediate future she joins forces with two local troublemakers. Together they try to change their fates.

While it should appeal to adult lovers of fantasy and fiction, it will be especially appealing to those who appreciate Japanese manga or anime. Such readers will feel right at home in the atmosphere of Dashkalil.

Why did you write that?

The initial seed came from an off-hand comment about the often encountered plotline in which some pure, good-hearted young girl is magically whisked to a far away land to save the world (usually with her untainted love). I commented that these girls never seem to mind. They leave home, family, and friends behind without a second thought, adjusting easily to their new surroundings. I wondered aloud how a real woman, one with something to loose, would deal with the situation. “I might just go mad.” I said. And so a story was born. I had to walk a delicate line to avoid creating just one more of the very plotlines I was wishing to parody, but I think I accomplished it.

Is there anything special you would like your potential readers to know?

In my spare time I study Japanese, and the Japanese have a charming habit of asking, “Please take care of me” when they meet new people. I am humbled by the reception The Weeping Empress has thus far received, and would ask that the readers continue to treat it (and me) with such kindness.

What’s a negative trait about other people that you most notice, or that bothers you the most?

I dislike it when people feel the need to one-up all the time. If you won $10, he won $12. If you ran 5 miles, she ran 6 – that kind of thing.

Do you ever notice it in yourself?

I don’t think I do this. I am conscious that sometimes in an attempt to relate to people I try to share similar stories to theirs, and if I do this too much it could come across as one-upmanship. But as I am aware of it, I generally manage to keep myself within acceptable limits.

Do you own any kind of art collection?

I don’t, thought I do own a number of signed Audrey Kawasaki prints. I would happily collect her art if only I could afford it.

What is the hardest thing about growing up?

Loosing the excuse to do ridiculous things. The young can dress up in costume, or stay up all night, or sing at the top of their voice at the bus stop without being thought loony. Such behavior is overlooked with an amused, though admittedly condescending “oh, they’re just young.”

Was it worth it?

Absolutely, I don’t know about others, but when I was young I didn’t have the confidence to do such things. I was shy and awkward. As an adult I may have to moderate my behavior, but I am much more comfortable with who and what I am.

What is something you absolutely must have in your kitchen?

Good coffee. I don’t care if I have to make it in a pan and drink it out of a bowl as long as it is good, smooth coffee.

What is pain to you?

A sign that something in wrong – I don’t like pain or anything, but I also don’t consider it a wholly bad thing.

What is your dream house?

My father was a builder, who spent most of his free time remodeling whatever house we lived in. I was extremely lucky to live in some practical pieces of art. He had a very Frank Lloyd Wright like style. My dream home would be one built by him, on a couple of acres, near running water and a small forest…with fast internet.

Where would you want this house located in our wide world?

Middle Tennessee - I want to travel and see the world, but when it is time to settle down I want to be close to family.

You’ve been forced under various circumstances to choose a personal motto. What is it?

There is pleasure sure in being mad which none but madmen know. John Dryden said it first, but I think it is fabulous.

Have you ever received a present you really hated? If so, what was it?

Years ago there was a large teddy-bear shaped candle that was being passed around the family as a Christmas present. Whoever got it the first time, and I don’t even know who it was, hated it and so did everyone else. It became a joke, so getting the bear for the year became a laugh.

What’s the first thing you would do if you could become invisible?

Freak out, I rather like my corporeal form.

Do you ever have recurring dreams? What is your most common one about?

I used to. They were really frightening, often about questions of what constitutes true evil. I was too young to be facing such questions though, so they just scared me.

What is the kindest thing that anyone has ever done for you?

I don’t know what the kindest thing might have been, but the most recent thing to give my heart a little flutter was an airmailed box of pastry. I wasn’t able to make it home for the holidays this year. Every Christmas my Aunty makes fabulous Viennese Almond Pinks. They are one of my all time favorite things. She wrapped, boxed and paid the exorbitant price to express a small box of pinks to me as a surprise. I wanted to cry I was so happy.

Our special thanks to Sadie for taking the time to answer our questions. Her book can be found in eBook and paperback format. Start with the link below.

P.A. Woodburn - Cries in the Dark

P.A. Woodburn is with us today to talk about her book Cries in the Dark.

What is your name?
My writer name is P.A. Woodburn, but I go by Ann. 

How old are you?
If I get much older I’ll be dead. 

Where do you currently live?
I live on Bainbridge Island in the Pacific Northwest. 

Tell us a little bit about your life.
I was born in Northern Ireland. I have lived in England, Scotland, Libya and Egypt. I now live in the US where I have lived in Hawaii, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. I have had numerous jobs some of which were: gathering potatoes, working in a bake shop, waitress, nurse, laboratory technician, teacher, fundraiser for various organizations, real estate sales person, civil service, financial worker for State of Washington and care giver.

When did you first start writing?
It was a ghost story in Hawaii. It was terrible.

Have you written anything that you were too afraid to let anyone read?
Embarrassed maybe, not afraid.

Who are several of your greatest literary inspirations?
There are so many, and I read new writers all of the time.

What kind of education have you received, and how has that affected your writing?
I have a bachelors in microbiology and completed half my training as a nurse. I research things carefully.

How much research time customarily goes into your projects?
That depends on the project and how much prior knowledge I have. I sometimes continue with research even after the book has been written.

Who is your favorite literary character?
Again there are so many. I read so much that it would be impossible to select one character.

Tell us about your featured book.
Cries in the Dark is a novel about a premed student who discovers that she can communicate telepathically with animals. Alex, the heroine gets a job in a chimpanzee laboratory. On her first day at work her friend is killed by a chimpanzee. This starts several ‘accidental’ deaths all involving people with laboratory connections. Also several chimpanzees disappear from the lab. Alex’s boyfriend disappears and she is left to help the chimpanzees and solve the crimes or be killed herself.

Why did you write that?
I like to write mystery/thrillers that educate and intrigue as well as entertain.

Is there anything special you would like your potential readers to know?
If I use violence in my books. It is not just gratuitous violence. It is violence that can or would happen under those circumstances.

What activity or hobby, besides writing, do you find most enjoyable?
Reading, swimming, traveling, art but I also spend a lot of time looking at homes and how to decorate them.

What is your most valued personal possession in life? Who gave it to you?
I don’t attach much value to personal possessions. They are all temporary. However, I can’t bear to be without a computer.

If you lost the ability to see every color but one, which one would it be?
That would be a nightmare. I am very attracted to colors. I don’t have a favorite color, but tend to chose bright colors.


We'd like to thank P.A. Woodburn. Her work can be found below.

Penni Jones - The Utopia of Noah Lazarus

It is a pleasure to have Penni Jones with us for an interview today. Her featured book is The Utopia of Noah Lazarus.

How old are you?
I'm from the south, where you never ask a lady her age. But since I'm no longer in the south and not much of a lady, I guess I can tell you: 36.

Where do you currently live?
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Tell us a little bit about your life.
I have two preschool-aged children. They keep me busy all day. I write as much as possible at night.

When did you first start writing?
I've been writing since I could hold a pencil, but I took a very long break. I started writing again almost five years ago. Watching my son learn to walk inspired me to get over my fear of failure. He'd fall down and get back up over and over again. I realized the fear wasn't natural and I could get rid of it.

What was your very first story about?
I don't remember. I used to write non-sensical stories in high school about decaying produce and hairy legs. My first attempt at a real short story was for an English class, and it was terrible. I think it was about a nerdy girl who runs away with a mechanic who's a high-school drop-out.

Have you written anything that you were too afraid to let anyone read?
Yes! But I've written even more stuff that I did let people read and shouldn't have.

Did you experience anything you’ve written yourself?
The protaganist in my first novel had some of my characteristics and experiences. I shelved the book, so I'll never have to tell anyone what those are.

Who are several of your greatest literary inspirations?
Kurt Vonnegut, Mark Haskell Smith, Ariel Gore, Christopher Moore, to name a few. I'm inspired everytime I read a great book.

What kind of education have you received, and how has that affected your writing?
I have a business degree because I was trying to be practical. But it's not practical to ignore your dreams in favor of a desk job. I'm grateful for my education, because it made me a more rounded person. However, I sometimes regret that I didn't study creative writing instead.

How much research time customarily goes into your projects?
I usually read books and watch documentaries for research, so quite a few hours. I don't over do it, though. If I lose interest, I move on.

Tell us about your featured book.
My book is about three women who escaped a cult as teens after killing the leader. One of the women is summoned to return, and no one sees her alive again. The other two are pulled back in to save loved ones that remain on the compound.

Why did you write that?
I've always been interested in cults and why some people turn to them. I saw a documentary about Wayne Bent and the Lord our Righteousness Church, and realized the ideas I had for my book weren't unrealistic.

Is there anything special you would like your potential readers to know?
My book is fast-paced with a lot of characters. Get ready to hold on tight!

Where is the one place you’ve traveled where you’ve felt most like you fit in? I went to NYC recently and I couldn't believe how comfortable I was there. I'm from a small town in Arkansas, but didn't feel out of place in the City at all. I've always heard New Yorkers were rude, but I didn't find that to be true. I loved the energy in the streets.

What activity or hobby, besides writing, do you find most enjoyable?
Reading, watching movies, going to the gym, cooking, and spending time with my family.

What was your favorite childhood toy?
My Hot Wheels. My son found my collection recently. I let him play with them, but only under strict supervision. Some of those cars are over 30 years old.

If you lost the ability to see every color but one, which one would it be?
Blue- both of my kids have blue eyes and I'd hate to not see them.

How do you treat people you’re not fond of?
I try to be polite but not fake, but it's difficult.

What is hiding in your closet as we speak?
Birthday presents for my daughter.

What do you see as your greatest achievement?
Pursuing my writing dreams, and, of course, becoming a mom.

What, to you, is absolutely wrong?
Judgmental people- everyone has their own issues, problems and circumstances. It's not for us to decide what's right and wrong for everyone.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You make your own happiness.

If you had to explain the concept of “love” to someone who’s never heard of it before, how would you?
That's tough because they are so many kinds of love. I guess I'd say that love is the feeling you get when you would do anything to protect someone.

What about “hate?”
Hate is intolerance's older brother.

You’ve decided to buy an exotic pet, what do you go for?
I don't think I could go for any exotic pet. They kind of creep me out.

If you could learn one new thing instantly, what would it be?
A foreign language-I'm not sure which one, but it would really freak people out if I were suddenly bilingual.

Finish this sentence. “I sometimes find it hard to…”
Keep my mouth shut.

Who is your most favorite literary character?
Tyler Durden-he's a multi-faceted 'everyman' with issues galore.

Who is your favorite character of your own creation?
Kricket, the protaganist in the book I recently finished writing. She's a kick-ass mama.

Jodie is my favorite character in the Utopia of Noah Lazarus. She was the most relatable for me. She drinks too much and feels at home in a dive bar.

If you were ever to write an autobiography, what would its title be?
Nobody's Moral Compass


To be or not to be?
To be. How can we not?


Our special thanks to Penni for taking the time to answer our bothersome questions. Check out her work right away, and take your vitamins. Both are good for you.