AUTHOR INTERVIEW L Grubb

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

WITH

L GRUBB

Hello Lucii, How are you today?

I'm doing fabulous thank you! I hope you're well!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I'm 25 and live in Southampton, UK. I have one daughter and a job in a supermarket.

When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

I've always wanted to write something, but never thought I would. Last year, when I started my first novel, I had no internet at home, got bored and decided to let the voices in my head be heard.

How much of your books are realistic?

None of them are based on anyone. The most realistic has to be Cobra & Alexis because the subject matter is very much real.

How many books have you written so far?

I've written 6, writing the next three books too!

Is your real name your author name or just a pen name?

It's my pen name, it was easier to fit on the cover. I don't hide who I am though, everyone knows me haha.

How would you describe yourself?

Creative, open minded, carefree.. I don't take life too seriously and love my friends with all my heart.

Do you have any bad habits?

Yup. I smoke like a chimney and I drink coke like it's going out of fashion.

What are your best qualities?

I think my personality is okay, I get on with everyone, I take things at face value and let pretty much everything wash over my head. I love to banter, I'm filthy minded at times and I speak freely. I think my eyes are pretty nice too.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm reading Hawk by Jo Raven. I love her books.

What were your goals and intentions when you wrote your first book and do you feel you achieved them?

I didn't even think I'd write the whole thing or make it into a series. I didn't think I'd write another series either. I'm just letting my fingers type. It's hard work but I love it.

What is the hardest thing about writing your books and the easiest?

Hardest has to be the plot or storyline. Making sure I get it right. With Cobra & Alexis I found the subject itself hard to write and researched it for HOURS. I've seen the reviews for it and am pleased people thought I executed it well.

Do you have a certain place you like to write ?

Yes, I only write when I'm in bed. Peace and quiet.

Is there a certain subject that you wouldn't write about as a author?

I wouldn't write M/M, Paranormal or Fantasy kind of books. They don't interest me and it's not something I'd read. I love dark romance though but I find it hard to read about Rape in some of them.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Go with flow. Take the reviews and learn from them. Follow your dreams because you never know where it will take you.

Are there certain type of scene that is harder to write than others?

Not really. My strongest suit has to be the sex scenes though, I seem to right them pretty well.

What did you do before becoming an author?

I read maybe 6 books a week, reviewing them and blogging. I still have my blog and I don't think I'd ever let that go.

What is your favourite movie?

Hmm... Twister. I've been watching that since I was a kid and

 I still love it. But the Fast & Furious films are right up

 there with it.

Do you have a favourite song?

Lukas Rossi - Hello. It's a rock cover of Adele's song, Hello. It's better than the original and highly addictive.

What star sign are you?

I'm a libra.

If you had to do your debut book all over again would you change anything?

No. I love my first book. I'd maybe change some of the things and it's going to be re edited when I have time to do it too.

What was your favourite book growing up?

Harry Potter were the books I read as a teen, when I hit 16 I started reading crime novels by Patricia Cornwell, I own every single paperback book of hers. They're simply AMAZING.

What do your family and friends think about your being an author and have any of them read your work?

They're very supportive. My mum buys all my books but she's only read the first one, which was embarrassing to know.

What is your favourite food?

I love Italian food, my favourite is Spaghetti Carbonara.

What are you like in the kitchen and do you have a specialty?

I can't cook. I'm terrible at it. I have a fear of giving people, and myself, food poisoning. I love making cupcakes with my daughter though and I can cook stuff from frozen. I'm also good at shoving stuff in a slow cooker... The cheaters way, I know.

Do you have a any tattoos or body piercings?

I have 17 tattoos and plans for me. I have snake bites, two lip studs, and I have my tongue pierced. I used to have 28 piercings but some of them grew out and some of them can't go back in because I've had operations that have ruined them

Do you write full or part time?

At the moment, it's been full time while I recover from a hernia repair operation, but usually part-time because of work.

Just as you will aspire new authors, what inspired you?

Loads of authors inspired me, Patricia Cornwell, Nina Levine, M. N. Forgy, Clarissa Wild, Kacey Hamford, Sheila Kell, Kira Adams, Kathy Reichs and Karen Slaughter. There are so many more but it will take a lifetime to write them. Every word written in their books inspired me. And I can't really thank them enough.

What can readers expect from you in the next few years with the books that you are working on? Do you have any surprises up your sleeve?

I have a few surprises up my sleeve for the future but until then I'm keeping quiet. I'm currently working on the final book in my MMA series, Jase. And I'm also writing a book with author Abigail Davies called Destroying the Game, which I'm loving... I don't think I've really stopped laughing and I'm pretty sure everyone will hate the characters. I'm also working on the last book in my MC series, Holding onto Hope. I've put that on the back seat for a while so I can regroup, I can't force writing it but I know people are waiting.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Still writing, still signing. In ten years time I'll probably be disabled too so I'll be writing full time then.

Do you have anything else you would like to tell your readers?

I just want to thank everyone who's taken a chance on me and are reading my books. It means a lot to me that people are reviewing and enjoying them. I can't thank my readers enough.

I also have an AMAZING street team filled with amazing ladies who pimp me hard.

PLEASE GO CHECK OUT LUCII'S BOOKS ON AMAZON. 

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF

ROOFIE (21ST JULY)

HOLDING ONTO HOPE (TBA)

ADVANCE REVIEW 14TH JULY 2016

ADVANCE

By

K A DUGGSY

My Thoughts

This was not a genre I normally read it was good I did struggle to read it. But I think that was because this genre is not my usual type of book to read.

The story has loads of drama and suspense throughout. A must read if you are a paranormal fan.

For me I don't think I will able to read the follow up as it was hard for me to read this genre. I would definitely read a different genre by this author but unfortunately this series wasn't for me.

This one is recommended for those who are fans of the paranormal genre

4/5 Stars

STEPBROTHER DADDY REVIEW 14th july 2016

STEPBROTHER DADDY

By

J.L BECK

My Thoughts

This was the second book I've read by J.L Beck, jasper is a cocky, protective and fierce. As well as one hell of a smooth talker. Emily is sweet sensitive and sassy, they have a magnetic force between them he pulls and she pushes away. They need to have their heads knocked together, the electrical  spark between  them is obvious from the start but Emily is to blinded by the past to see what is right in front of her. If she could only let go and let her heart love again she would be whole. There is a few twists and turns along the way as a big surprise. The book had me really emotional and for me this was really close to home for me personally. This was one book I wanted more of, I didn't want it to end. 

Jasper puts a spell on you making you drawn to him, Its like hes hypnotising you. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it to my friends.

Highly Recommended

5/5 Stars

KEEP REVIEW 14th July 2016

KEEP
By
Rachel Van Dyken

My Thought's

 

 You made me laugh, you made me cry and you made me fall in love with a new rockstar,

 Zane 'Saint' Andrews. 

KEEP had more ups and downs than a roller coaster, Rachel I don’t know how you do it you keep writing these amazing stories. You are a absolutely brilliant author and one of the reasons I put pen to paper. You are a great inspiration for aspiring authors.

  

 I couldn’t put this book down, I was completely hooked. I don’t know how you did it but you have made this girl fall head over heels for a new rocker I thought Alec and Demetri were hot and drool worthy. I had all sorts of emotions reading this book, I was in fits of laughter one minute and the next my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest. You've made him so that he could make you drop in to a puddle of goo. The things he says just makes you want to melt and giddy and oh boy did I swoon over this guy. This was a brilliant story I loved every minute of his story. Congratulations on the release and I cant wait for more seaside stories.

This is one series that needs to be made into a movie. 

Highly recommended 

5/5 Stars

Jessica Anhalt

 Interview 

with

photographer Jessica Anhalt

Hello  Jessica, How are you today. Tell us a little about yourself ? 

Hi Louise, thank you so much for letting me do this interview. I’m super excited about it. I am a 28 year old Photographer from Philadelphia, PA. I am married, with no children but I do have the CUTEST dog ever. Besides from being obsessed with photography, I am a HUGE Disney fan, and avid shoe shopper. A girl can NEVER have enough shoes, lol. 

When and what made you decide to be a photographer? 

I don’t even know exactly when I decided. For as long as I can remember, I grew up with a disposable camera in my hand. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was mine, and I have thousands of photos in boxes and scrapbooks in my basement. 

Do you have a favourite  lens that you like to use? 

I do, 28-75MM is my go to lens, but sometimes it depends on what I’m shooting. 

When your off traveling for a job what equipment do you take with you? 

To be honest, when I do travel I don’t take a lot with me. I do have a traveling light system if needed, but when I travel I prefer to shoot outside. Whats the point of shooting in an amazing location if you can’t utilize it? Plus natural light can be SO FUN! 

Do you have a assistant? 

I WISH! That’s one of my goals, I really need one. I carry all of my own stuff, and I do a lot of weddings, so it can be tiring to carry my stuff around and set everything up on my own. I’m hoping that I could find someone this year who is interested in photography, and that we can learn from one another. 

Are there any rules when your doing a shoot? 

It depends on the type of shoot I’m doing.  For instance, lets say I’m at a wedding. My general rule for me is just don’t get in my way, and I say that with a lot of love. I don’t mind other people around me taking photos, but I was hired to be there and take important photos, if you step in front of the first kiss shot for me I have to explain to the client why I didn’t get it. It’s not a fun feeling. For the most part, I’m a super friendly and down to earth person, not a lot of rules especially when I’m working with children. 

(This picture is available to buy from Jessica Anhalt)

Do you have a studio at home?

 I do not, I actually  just recently opened up a portrait studio in my home-town. Prior to that, I would go to clients homes and set up in their homes or outdoors. I love shooting outdoors, I will still be doing that even with my new studio when the weather gets better. 

How do you educate yourself to take better pictures?

 I’m addicted to pinterest, and you-tube tutorials. If there is something I really want to know, that’s how I figure it out. However, photography is just the process of trial and error. 

Who has influenced you the most? 

My Mom. Growing up she was a single mom, busting her behind to take care of me. She always taught me to work hard, do everything with love, and to never give up. I am confident and strong because of her. I really don’t know where I would be without her. She really made me who I am today. 

(This picture is available to buy from Jessica Anhalt)

Have you done a shot with any celebrities/ famous? 

I have not worked with anyone famous. I’ve worked with a few book cover models. I’m hoping this year I can add a few more additional models under my belt. 

Where is the nicest place you have done a photo shoot? 

The best thing about doing wedding photography, is there are a lot of amazing locations and venue’s that I’ve worked at. If I had to pick one, it would be the beach in Nagshead, North Carolina.  

(This picture is available to buy from Jessica Anhalt)

Are there any type of shoots you won't do for any reason?

 Hmm.. I never really thought about it. 

Are there any specific ways you'd like to display  your photo's?  

I save all of my images on my hard-drive after my clients are delivered their images via CD’s. I normally post a “sneak peak” on Facebook, and if I have any favorites they often end up on in my portfolio which I keep in my car for future clients. 

(This picture is available to buy from Jessica Anhalt)

What is the most requested type/layout of shoot that is requested? 

I would say first birthday’s are my biggest requested birthday shoot. Following up to a close second is Newborn and Maternity sessions. 

What are the models like you work with and have you done multiple shots with any? 

I have worked with some pretty amazing models! As I said above, I’d love to add more to my list and hope that this year I can do that. All of the models have been so nice, flexible and pretty much down for anything. There is a local  model, who wouldn’t consider himself a model, that I work with a lot. We do actually have a photoshoot coming up in February but we’ve already done 3 shoots together since 2014. 

What is the most romantic thing  a man has done for you? 

I would have to say my wedding proposal. My husband proposed in front of Cinderella’s castle in Walt Disney World during the fireworks and I’m a sucker for Disney. It was absolutely perfect. 

Do you use ideas for inspiration for any of your shoots from your own personal life?  

I generally just do photoshoots that are requested from parents however, that’s a really good idea and possibly something to think about in the future. 

How does it feel seeing your photos as book covers? 

It’s absolutely AMAZING. Words really cannot express it but I really love it, it’s such a proud feeling. 

(Picture taken by Jessica for Debbie's Debut book)

Do you have a favourite author? 

I have a few. K. Bromberg, Jasinda Wilder,

 and S Donahue. 

Do you like reading and what are you reading now? 

 I am actually reading Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly and  beta reading Shredded to Pieces 

by S Donahue. 

What is your favourite movie and do you have a  favourite actor/actress? 

Everyday my favorite movie changes, but I really love The Notebook and Hook. I love Justin Timberlake, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Whalberg. For actress, I would say that Julia Roberts is one of my ultimate favorites. 

Do you have any annoying habits and funny quirks? 

I’d like to say no but I’m sure that’s not true… I keep everything written down and in my cell phone calendar that seems to be one of the only things that even I sometimes annoy myself with lol. 

Where do you see yourself in ten years time? 

My ten year plan definitely includes being a Mom, I’ve always wanted to be a Mom so I hope that I have a few children in there. and professionally I’d love to see my work expanding to more book covers, model work, publications and awards (I have 3 so far.) I’ve been published in a pin-up magazine before, but I’d love to reach something bigger. 


Thank you to Jessica for my first Photographer interview and for letting me use photos she took from photo shoots. If you are interested in any of the photos of the model's then please contact her at Jessica_layburn@yahoo.com . The photo's that are for sale have notes underneath them.

All photo's are copyright protected to ANHALT PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN. 

Our Life cover belongs to author Debbie Williams.  

INTERVIEW WITH CW

Interview 

With

Retired Officer

C.W

Today I had the amazing opportunity to interview a lovely man, retired army officer, please welcome C.W.

Hello C.W, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am Craig, aged 51 and married to Debbie for 30 years and we have 2 sons, 1 daughter and 1 grandson. I was born in Gosforth, Tyne and Wear, which is just North of Newcastle City Centre, in 1964. My family were originally from Salford and the irony is having been born a Geordie we moved back to Salford in 1970 and I grew up as a “Manc” where as my brother (Glenn) who was born in Salford and had moved with the family to Gosforth, grew up as the Geordie! My mother was 46 when I was born (almost unheard of in those days) My father walked out on the family in 1973 when I was 9, to live with another woman and my mother brought me up from then on. When I left school I wanted to work as a telephone technician with the Post Office or British Telecom as they later become. I also looked at the building trade but failed interviews for both. I ended up working for the Manchester Bus Company as an office worker, which I was good at, but bored with! I joined the Army in October 1983 embarking on an almost 25-year career finishing in 2008.

When did you know that you wanted to join the forces? 

It was a mix of circumstances that led to me joining the army. Firstly I was worried that I couldn’t see a way out of home, and saw myself as being a 30 something still living at home with his mum. At the same time I was going out with a girl who played hockey and we had an eclectic mix of friends, the elder brother of one turned up one night having just finished 22 years in the army, being very generous with money (having just collected his gratuity of about £25,000) and regaling everyone with stories of his time in the forces. It put a seed in my head and I went to the army careers office to find out more. I took the aptitude test, passed and followed this up with a series of tests at a selection center in Sutton Coldfield, again passing which then afforded me entry in the Royal Corp of Signals. Starting my basic training in Catterick Garrison starting in October 1983.

What was the rank you started as when you joined and

 when you finished? 

You always start as a Private soldier, but dependent on the Corp or Regiment you join the name can differ, Royal Engineers are called Sappers, Royal Marines are called Marines. In the Royal Signals this rank was called Signalman, or as it later became know as Signaler to take into account male and female recruits. I was promoted to Lance Corporal in 1986, Corporal in 1988, Sergeant in 1993 and finished up as a Staff Sergeant after promotion in 2005.

What Did specialise in while you were in the RC'S? 

Radio Technician for the first 15 years, then IT specialist. Web Design, Liaison Officer, project and service management 

Was it harder before you had a family in the forces or after. ?

  I got married shortly after finishing my trade training and just before arriving at my first working unit. It was ok until my first child was born, he was barely 6 weeks old when I was sent down to the Falkland Islands for a month, remember this was the days before the internet, mobile phones etc so contact just wasn’t available, not even a phone call. By the time I got back four weeks later, my Son (Mike) had grown so much and appeared to be doing so much and the look on his face was almost like saying “Who are you?” and I found that very hard. 

Does it get any easier when you go on your next tour/assignment? 

After that it was always hard to say goodbye before going away, but once I was away and traveling and having to concentrate on what I was going to be doing I could “switch off”. You had too otherwise you would have never got your job done. But it always made coming home special ;)

What's the hardest part of being in the forces? 

I always said that being in the Army was the case of two extremes. When it was bad it was inexorably bad, it was shit in every dimension in a way that words sometime cannot explain. But when it was good, it was absolutely great! For example I always hated duties (Guard duties, Security details etc) Long hours, boring, no sleep and when I was on my training upgraders course in Catterick, I could do a duty and get no sleep overnight, after doing a day’s training in the classroom, and then have to go back into the classroom and carry on, so you would effectively go over 36 hours without sleep. I always found sleep deprivation bad. Other things that could be bad were getting used to the discipline side of things, don’t walk on the grass, don’t walk around with your hands in your pockets, always wear your headdress (beret) when outside, being told what to do, not able to argue back which went  against the grain of a normal person’s thinking. Ultimately though they develop stronger skills of discipline, camaraderie, patience 

What was your first day like? 

Very mixed emotions. I lived at home with my mum (my dad had left my mum when I was 9) so it was emotional leaving home thinking I wouldn’t be going back again. But once I started the journey and met other people who were also travelling to Catterick in North Yorkshire it became almost like an adventure. Being met at the train station in Darlington by two Corporals in No 2 Dress Uniform with unbelievably shiny boots; the bus trip to the barracks; meeting other people from all over the United Kingdom. To then getting told where my room was, to having my life suddenly revolving around a bed in a room of four with a locker which would hold all my worldly belongings and where I would eat, sleep, read, and do everything for the next ten weeks (duration of basic training) It was a mixed day and having made my bed I actually slept quite well until the next morning

Can you tell us a little about the forces that you were in? 

I did ten weeks basic training, to teach me the basic soldiering skills at one barracks in Catterick, at the end of that I moved to a different barracks but still in Catterick where I then did twelve months training to learn the trade I would be following for the rest of my career. My First unit was at a small Signal Squadron based on an RAF Base in Oxfordshire, where I spent fours years, we were responsible for providing battlefield communications for units who would deploy to Germany in support of the British Army on the Rhine (abbreviated to BAOR) who were effectively the front line of the Cold War who saw the Soviet Union as the big, bad enemy. During my time there I was promoted first to Lance Corporal, then Corporal. After that I then spent 2 ½ years working at a Territorial Army (TA) Unit responsible for communications in support of local government should a nuclear war ever start and threaten mainland UK. During my time here the first Gulf War started, but as I was in a peace time role I was never deployed. After this I returned to Catterick to do my upgraders course upon completion of which I was promoted to Sergeant. Upon completion, I went to Germany for 2 ½ years, again in a role of communications supporting NATO in the event of a threat to peace time in Europe. This eventually led to the unit deploying to Bosnia in support of the NATO operation to bring peace to the Balkans, I didn’t deploy as I had to go into hospital to have an operation on my knee, during my recuperation I was selected for a posting to Cyprus. My role here was covered by the Official Secrets Act and I am no able to discuss in detail. Suffice to say we supported Military Intelligence Agencies in the collection of sensitive intelligence information. It was during my time here that I transferred my trade from radio technician over to IT Support. After 3 years in Cyprus I was then posted to Northern Ireland in support of “the Troubles” I was responsible for all the IT in South Armagh including many reinforced PSNI stations along the border and in considerably hostile territory including Crossmaglen, Bessbrook, Dungannon to name but a few. I would have to fly into a number of locations by helicopter as the roads were considered just too unsafe. After three years doing this I moved to Lisburn where I took up a role in Service Management where I was responsible for the maintenance and support of a Secret Network, its deployment, support, availability, and coordination of repairs, training and much more. This was my last posting and I spent 7 years in this job which I thoroughly enjoyed, I left the Army in 2008 after almost 25 years service as a Staff Sergeant, gaining my last promotion in my final few years.

What advice would you say to a young person fresh out of school who wanted to sign up?  

Seriously? Ten years ago I would say the same as I said earlier about when its good its great, but when its shit, its shit and if you can deal with that then there is no reason why you can’t survive and thrive. 

Now however, it is a smaller force, over stretched, down time is less, there is more stress and I would advise people only to join up for a minimum of three years, get a trade, learn the life skills and then get out. Ultimately there is one sad truth about the forces. You are given a service number when you first sign up, and to the Army that is all you are, a number! Never believe you are the be all and end all in uniform, get in, enjoy what you can, learn what you can, get qualifications, life skills and then get out before it either kills you or destroys you mentally

Can you share any stories from the time you were in the forces? 

There are too many really some funny some sad. I remember once in Cyprus, as a member of the Sergeants Mess we would regularly go to social functions either in the Mess itself, or sometimes outside. On one such occasion we went on a boat trip in the bay off Larnaca on a pleasure boat with e meal setup, dancing, entertainment etc. A friend and I had asked if it was worth taking swimming gear as it was the height of summer and although dark it would still be warm enough to have a “dip”. To which the response was “are you mad!”

Anyway come the night of the trip my mate and I together with our wives found a suitable table and started partaking of the alcohol and enjoying the trip. We sailed out to about a mile offshore where the boat eventually stopped and dropped anchor. It was at this point that loads of people around us changed into swimming gear and started diving into the sea. My mate and I looked at one another as if to say “I don’t bloody believe this” when we both mentally come upon the same idea at the same time. At which point we both stripped down to just our underwear, mounted the rail at the edge of the boat and dived off. The only thing was, we were on the top deck, about 30 feet up from the sea, and it was pitch black! I remember feeling that I had been falling for quite a while before we hit the water. We eventually got back on the boat and returned to our wives who gave us an ear bashing like no other, but we just looked at one another and burst out laughing. Thinking about it now it was absolute madness, but it was fun.

Do you still keep in touch with the men and women you were in the force with? 

One thing that was said to me early on was that in the Army you don’t make friends, but you make acquaintances, but you will make a handful of friends who will remain friends for life. This is true, we have a handful of friends who we occasionally meet up with and it is like meeting family. But you meet old Army mates and there is just an understanding, a sense of comradeship and you talk in a way only someone who has been in the army will understand, in the army we are called squaddies and ultimately when you get out at the end of your career you are called a civvie, but there is a saying. I may now be a civvie, but I will never stop being a squaddie.