Author Interview: Aubrey Mace

She blogs here

Her website is here


Aubrey who are you as a person versus an author?

I love to work in the yard, but my allergies have been so bad this year that I haven't been out there as much. I'm a bit of a compulsive weeder. I love to cook. Before I wrote my first book, I was set on going to school to be a pastry chef. In fact, the main character in my next book, Santa Maybe, owns her own bakery, which has always been a dream of mine. And I love to travel, but I've been kind of stuck lately; my sister and mother are my vacation buddies, and my sister currently has two kids under the age of three. I love them a bunch, but they do make it a little harder to pick up and leave! :) I'm also a big reader. I've always got a huge stack I'm working through. Actually, I'm toying with the very sinful idea of putting my current writing project away and just reading all summer.

What genre(s) do you write in?

Spare Change was a tame little chick-lit, and my newest book, My Fairy Grandmother, is a YA/middle grade novel. And the novel I mentioned earlier, Santa Maybe, is kind of a Christmas comedy/romance. So I'm all over the place right now as far as genre goes.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I enjoy being educated myself, but I'm not much of an educator. I'm not expert enough on anything to offer advice, so I'd have to say I'm in it to entertain.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I get most of my writing done at night, since I work full-time. I've tried getting up early, but my brain really doesn't function in the morning. And I do better when it's quiet-- I'm easily distracted, so I tend to seclude myself when I'm working.

Why do you write?

There was no golden moment when I knew I wanted to become a writer. But I have ALWAYS loved books. I love bookstores. I love libraries. I love buying books and borrowing books and lending books. There's that excitement when you read something amazing and you want to share it with everyone you know. I've always idolized authors who can write well so much that I suppose it was inevitable I would want to try my hand at the craft.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate. Unless it's pudding. I have a major weakness for vanilla pudding. I think I could eat it everyday.

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other?

I mainly write in notebooks because they're convenient-- you can take them with you everywhere. If I have a flash of something, I can jot it down and work with it later. I have to really be "in the zone" to type straight from my brain to the computer.

What is your current book?

My current book is called My Fairy Grandmother, and I think it's my favorite so far. It's a fun, slightly dark story about Kaitlin, a nine-year old girl who goes to visit Viola, the grandmother she barely knows. Viola wants to tell Kaitlin the story of her life. Kaitlin is skeptical, but when Viola starts talking about castles and fairies, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary family history lesson. I love this story because it's about good and evil and being terrified but still having the courage to do the right thing. Plus, there's the added bonus of getting to decide for yourself whether Viola's outlandish past really happened or if she's just incredibly senile!

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Take the time to slow down and appreciate the little things. I'm constantly surprised by the things I almost miss when I'm in too big a hurry to look around.

Dogs or cats?

Definitely cats, even though mine is mental. She has anxiety issues, so she pulls her fur out. When I go into the garage in the morning, there's a pile of orange fur on the steps waiting for me.

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I hope I will be remembered as someone who would drop anything for family or friends and who tried every day to be a little bit better than I was the day before.

Oh-- and as someone who can tell a really good story. :)

Tristi's Challenge

I've been waiting for Tristi's July writing challenge and it's almost here. My goal is 2,500 words per day. If you want to be a part of the challenge click here.

What's Your Happiness Threshold? Author Interview: Ally Condie

Her great website is here

Ally, who are you as a person versus an author?

I am a runner, a reader, an armchair traveler, and I'm passionate about being a mother. However, when my kids are grown, I'd love to run more, read more, and travel more.

What genre(s) do you write in?

I write contemporary young adult fiction--but right now I'm working on a YA sci-fi title. Hopefully it works!

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I think I fall in the "entertain" category. I don't ever write with an overt moral in mind--I never think, "This book will teach a lesson about____." Usually, the story is all I think about--how to tell it best, how to make my characters real. I want it to be a story worth caring about and investing in.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I write my best on Saturday mornings. The rest of the week, I'm just trying to cram it in around naptime, and usually it doesn't happen. I'm a morning person, so it's kind of hard for me to write at night (but that's almost always when it has to happen during the week). On Saturdays, my husband takes the kids for a few hours and I get a lot done. It's great!

Why do you write?

I always wanted to be a writer when I was young. I still have the first story I "wrote" when I was four--I had my babysitter write it down while I dictated. Later, I became a high school teacher and remembered how much I loved writing when I was teaching creative writing to my students. I don't think I ever had a magical moment--just a lifelong love of the written word and a desire to write some words of my own.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Vanilla. And chocolate. Do I have to choose? :)

PC, Mac, longhand, other?

I like working on my Mac. It's sleek and pretty and it hasn't failed me yet (knock on wood).

What is your current book?

I recently published a book called Freshman for President with Shadow Mountain (the publishers of the Fablehaven series, The Wednesday Letters, and other books) for the national market. This book is about a teenage boy named Milo who runs for president--even though he knows he can't win--for the best of all teenage reasons: to impress a girl and prove to everyone that he's not a nobody. He ends up getting a little more fame than he bargained for, and in the middle of all that, he's still trying to win the girl, keep his friends, and find out what's going on with his older sister--who came home from college and hasn't been the same since. It's a book that is about growing up and staying true to yourself. I think people will like Milo, and I think they will find a lot to root for in him, and I think this is a hopeful book.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

The key to happiness is having a low happiness threshold. If you let the little things make you happy, there's plenty to feel good about!

Dogs or cats?

Neither. I have allergies and they make me itch!

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I'd like to be remembered as a good mother and a good friend. Actually, it's hard to think of a better epitaph than Charlotte had in E.B. White's book Charlotte's Web: "It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both." Add "mother" to that and it would be just about perfect.

Studio 5 Father's Day Essay Contest

Author Interview: JoAnn Arnold

To see her beautiful website click here

JoAnn, who are you as a person versus an author?

I'm addicted to Genealogy. I enjoying painting, restoring antiques, reading, crocheting, knitting, quilting (by hand), and I'm a huge fan of Star Trek, Star Gate, Star Wars, etc.

What genre(s) do you write in?

Fiction, Mystery, Fantasy.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

I think I would have to say that I do both. In each book I've written there is something to be learned, yet I try to make it an entertaining education.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I try to write everyday. I like to close the door to the outside world where I can work without intruption. In the spring, summer, and fall, I may go out on the patio in the morning while the world is quiet except for the birds. Then I move back into my little room. Or if I'm home alone, I might select another room. I have a portable desk and laptop that can be easily moved. I may write from 6:00 p.m. til 2:00 a.m., or from 4:00 a.m. until someone disturbs me. And there are times I can spend most of a day in front of my laptop.

Why do you write?

Even as a little girl, I loved to write poetry or make up stories that I never let anyone else read. In the later years, I loved writing short plays, elementary school musicals, and plays for my Community Theatre. I've always had this giant imagination and I found writing was a way to put it to work.

What do you read?

I love mysteries, Church history, religious doctrine, historical nonfiction and fiction, fantasy,

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate (but it has to be dark chocolate).

Laptop, PC, Mac, longhand, other? Why?

I have a laptop that goes everywhere with me. I like the freedom of being able to write wherever I might plant myself. When we travel, my husband drives, and I sit in the back seat with my laptop.

What is your current book?

My latest book is "Prince Etcheon and the Secret of the Ancient." I like the review sent to Cedar Fort by a 12-year old girl, so I will quote her.

This book is amazing, fabulous, cool, clever. If I had knowledge of all the words that meant I loved it, I would use them. . . . It starts out when Prince Etcheon's Granny Fela dies and he gets a mysterious note that tells him he is the prince of another land and time. He goes to this beautiful, timeless valley where there is a pretty lady name Tarainisafari, who brings comfort and help, along with an ancient tree and some wise, talking animals that each have something to teach Etcheon before he is ready to embark on a quest with a timepiece to rescue his parents, his land and his people from a terrible king and a wizard.

Another reason you should read this book is because it is original. . . . It came right out of the author's head and I don't think anybody else could think of it. It is adventurous and entertaining. The first sentence draws you in. It holds the readers through the whole book. Another reason is, and I feel it is the best, is it is appropriate. There's no swearing or bad stuff. It shows people that mormons aren't that bad because they don't swear or stuff in their books.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Don't take anybody's word for it. Search out the truth for yourself.

Dogs or cats?

Dogs. (I'm alergic to cats)

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

I think I want to be remembered as a woman who was not afraid to follow her own path. Who never grew up, and who never grew old. Who, when it was time, simply took the next step . I want to be missed by my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren because I brought laughter into their lives and love into their hearts.

And the winner is...C.S. Bezas

Cindy, I'll get your name to Haley and an autographed book will soon be on its way to your mailbox. Thanks for you comment!

Author Interview: Haley Hatch Freeman

Haley Hatch Freeman

She blogs here

Haley, who are you as a person, versus an author?

An absolute passion of mine is sign language and the Deaf culture. I can interpret for the deaf and one of my dearest friends for life is hearing impaired. Before I was married and had kids I interpreted at the MTC for the deaf missionaries and worked for the School for the Deaf and Blind.

The next thing I would consider a passion is teaching and caring for my two children and adoring my husband. I get more satisfaction from seeing my kids not only learn and love to learn than anything. My husband really is my best friend and my world so any chance I get I spend it with him.

I'm a scrapbook consultant so I host parties every month and create projects for them to assemble. I also play the piano and can’t remember when one of my callings in church hasn’t revolved around it. If it’s not the organist in sacrament then it is being the choir pianist, and don’t forget the Relief Society. I use to teach piano until my life become too full and something had to give. And I enjoy camping, playing tennis, watching my Jazz and BYU football teams, and yes I have to admit some reality TV shows.

What genre(s) do you write in?

My book, A Future for Tomorrow, is a work from my heart as it is a non-fiction account of an extraordinary part of my teenage life. However, now I am playing with a fiction series for pre-teens to young adult.

Do you seek to educate or entertain?

Both. My first book was written for the purpose of bringing awareness to the seriousness of anorexia. It aids in the prevention of this illness as well as give parents a tool in helping their loved one as they one endure and overcome this disease. I hope that while I teach, it also entertains my readers, not with laughs, but with the intensity and drama of the situation.

Currently, I am writing purely for entertainment purposes. Mostly because I don’t have another traumatic experience to share, thank heavens. I fell in love with the entire writing and publishing process and don’t want to let it go.

Where do you write your best stuff, and when?

I only write at home in my comfy sweats. There is usually something else going on around me whether it is my husband’s sports game, or my children laughing. I have no problem multi- tasking, usually I enjoy sitting by my husband, not so much breaking up a fight with the kids, and taking a peak at the score, all while creating another twist for my characters to overcome.

Why do you write?

There was a powerful moment in which I knew I was not only suppose to, but personally commanded to write my book. It is depicted in A Future for Tomorrow. You’ll have to read it to fully understand the magnitude of that experience. I now write because I’m hooked.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate, unless I’m pregnant I can’t stand chocolate during those 9 months—with both children this happened!

What is your preferred manner of writing?

My friend and fellow writer introduced me to a cleaver little gadget called the Neo. It has changed the way I write forever. I can now actually do so without being removed from my kids. The Neo is a little typing system that is only a word processor. It’s easy to take with me so I just bus it along wherever the little ones need me to be.

What is your current book?

A Future for Tomorrow is an extraordinary non-fiction account of the author’s actual battle against anorexia nervosa as well as a spiritual triumph against evil. You will be brought into the anorexic mind, shown the fierce war against depression and self-depreciating thoughts and actions; and witness the gravity of the destruction this disease can do. A deeply edifying experience will occur as you journey with the author to the eternal world. There, angels confirm to her gospel truths such as the intensity of Christ’s love, and the sacred and holy nature of our Father’s plan for his children here on Earth.

Besides giving a voice to those of us who have experienced this illness, and giving hope to them and their loved ones, I hope my book also helps the reader realize their divine worth and feel edified as they experience this journey along side me.

One piece of advice/wisdom for the world?

Seek to find out your divine worth and live in a manner that reflects that knowledge.

Dogs or cats?

I love all animals. I was sad to find out last year that my son is allergic to cats so there goes that idea. But we love the dog we have!

What do you want to be remembered for, or as?

Someone who makes others feel good about themselves, a survivor, a loyal daughter of God, a great mother and wife.

Reader Profile: Kimi Martin

Kimi Martin





She blogs here:




Kimi on life:

I guess first I would have to say that I am a mom and my kids are my passion. I have been a stay at home mom for 24 years and have 7 children. My youngest is 4 so I am still knee-deep in mom responsibilities and have to work everything else in and around that. I love music and play the piano and violin and love to sing in the choir. One of my greatest experiences was singing in our stake choir for the Birmingham Alabama temple dedication! However, I find it difficult to keep up with the music other than just incidental playing around at home.

I find that music fills a place in my soul while the reading is as necessary as breathing. I love to read and always have. I learned to read when I was 4 years old and always had a book in my hands, or so it seemed. As a mom, I was always waiting for kids somewhere: preschool pickup line, music lessons, etc. so I have usually had a book to read while I am waiting. I am recovering from ankle surgery right now and have all the time I want to read, it's great!

I have a new passion in blogging and am learning web design, which is a lot of fun! I would like to start writing, other than for my blogs and have started a children's book, but am finding that it's difficult to put what is in my head as a nebulous idea down on paper.

Unfortunately, I haven't yet developed a passion for house-cleaning and cooking but there's always hope, or so my family believes:)

Kimi on reading:

My very favorite genre is historical fiction. I love learning about different places and times and fiction is a great way to do it. I love it when the author gets detailed about what life is like in the culture/time about which they are writing. One of my favorite authors right now is Anne Perry. She gives such details about the Victorian Era that I am always learning new things along with enjoying the mystery.

My least favorite genre is hard to say. I used to think that science fiction would be but then I read David Eddings books and Orson Scott Card. There are some action novels that get too detailed about fighting but if they have a good plot I still enjoy them. I will read just about any genre as long as it is well-written and not obscene.

Books that make me cry, hmmm, I think that a book that will make me cry is usually dealing with family difficulties and tragedies, although any sort of human triumph over difficulties will get to me. Books that make me laugh are usually about the silly things that go on in families, and I do love books of Calvin and Hobbes comics!

If I could pick a dream LDS fiction book it would have to be historically based. We own all the Work and the Glory and Children of the Promise books. I haven't seen anything about the exodus from the colonies in Mexico, maybe they are out there and I've just missed them. I think that would make a great story! I really enjoy Christmas books and think that books always make a good gift. Last year for my birthday I asked for, and received, 2 David McCullough books: John Adams and Truman. Yes, I love biographies about inspirational people. They don't necessarily have to be famous, but I do like to read about people triumphing over their trials.

Why Kimi reads:

For me, reading has always been a visceral need. I have to read and will read what ever is nearby if I don't have a book with me. I don't feel that way about most other things. I like to watch tv and movies sometimes with my family and will crochet while I watch but most of the time there isn't anything worth watching. I don't play sports because, even when I don't have a cast on my leg I am terrible at them but I do like to watch them sometimes! I enjoy doing a lot of things but when I have a bit of free time I usually think of reading first. I have always been drawn to the written word in a way that I am not to other things.The thing about a book is that you can pick it up and read for a few minutes here and there. It makes it easier to fit into a busy day where so many other things just can't. It works well for moms and all busy people so long as you can put it down when you need to. It took me a long time to develop the ability to do that! I read so many books right now that virtually all of them are from the library.

When I buy a book, I look for one that will appeal to several members of the family, all of whom are readers, and/or one that will be read over and over again. Because we live in Massachusetts, we don't have the option of checking LDS books out and don't have an LDS bookstore anywhere close. In fact I have no idea where the closest would be! All LDS books are ordered online or picked up when we are in Utah. For that reason, most of the books we buy are not LDS. Just thinking through our bookshelves, I would say that maybe 20 to 25% of our books are from an LDS publisher.