Interview with Author Nicole Dunlap

Bee L. Kirk

When did you know writing was your passion?

Nicole Dunlap

I was real young and in my mom’s busted-up car with no radio. I couldn’t sing so I started telling stories to pass time as my my mom drove from Long Beach to do the “kiddy exchange” with my father who lived in San Bernardino.

Bee L. Kirk

Do you write full time?

Nicole

I wish. I am full time employed as a social services representative, but I hope to one day write full time when I retire.

Bee L. Kirk

How many books have you published?

Nicole

I have three books published in a family saga, Miss Nobody, Miss Scandalous, and Miss perfect, with one book that I need to finish to round off the list.

Bee

What advice do you have for new authors?

Nicole

Develop a thick skin. Not all stories are for all people. You will get a review from a reader who thinks the story should have gone left when it went right. Read every review, take some of your fans advice, oftentimes it is useful. That is the beauty of readers, they can pull out themes and morals to a story that you don’t even know you’ve weaved together. I was so proud of my work during a book club meeting I was invited too. Yes, that is the upside of connecting, fans, and reviews.

Bee

Do you have any events coming up?

Nicole

Yes, Miss Perfect will be free on 10/10 to 10/11 on Kindle.

Bee

Do you think we will ever have a female president?

Nicole

Soon and very soon, time is on our (women’s) side.

Bee

What kind of music do you listen to?

Nicole

Oh, my “I Heart Radio” can get a little mellow, a lil’ romantic, and all that. Coldplay, Emile Sande, King of Leon, Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Drake, and when I’m feeling like taking it back to the 90s SWV, Tony Tone Toni. Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary will inspire me any day. That’s all I can think of right now.

Bee

Will Smith or Pres. Barack Obama? Why?

Nicole

These are hard questions. Both. I am like that. Take me to Bobby Flay’s restaurant and I can’t chose so I won’t chose right now. I love Will Smith when it comes to the aspect of movies. I love the ambition (and the marital love) of Barack!

Bee

How old are you?

Nicole

Twenty somethin’. Closer to the middle *wink wink. No, really 27 and I had to count. See, these are some hard questions. Hehehe.

Bee

Steak or Hamburger? Why?

Nicole

Prime Rib, baby! It’s all about the select and choice piece of meat that melts in your mouth and momentarily makes you forget all sanity.

Bee

Movies at home or at the theatre? Why?

Nicole

Both. Pixar, Disney, and other high quality cartoons must be seen at the movie theater. Action films, suspense, Bruce Willis, Will Smith, Kiera Knightley (and all of her historical films) must be seen on the big screen. I try to keep up an appearance about a few times a month and the drive-in theater keeps me sane as I recall that I have HBO, a full DVR and all that good stuff.

Bee

If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?

Nicole

I wanted to be an archeologist, though my fear of all furry rodents, dirt, digging, etc have gotten the best of me. I still love rocks.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nicoleydunlap Website: http://t.co/HQENvUIP1m Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F1H2OHO

My interview with the Intriguing K N Lee

Bee L. Kirk

When did you know writing was your passion?

K. N. Lee

I knew that I wanted to be a writer since childhood. Creating characters and worlds has been a passion of mine that will never fade.

Bee L. Kirk

A lot of authors I’ve spoken with have felt the same way, including myself.

How many books have you published?

K N Lee

Right now, I have four books published. The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld is an urban fantasy that centers around a half-blood on a mission to break her mother’s curse. Thicker Than Blood is a paranormal collection. Wicked Webs and Empty Your Heart are poetry collections.

Bee L. Kirk

You’ve been busy, are you self-published? Do you have a literary agent?

K N Lee

I am currently self-published through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, however, I am on a quest to finding a literary agent to represent my fantasy trilogy, Rise of the Flame.

Bee L. Kirk

I wish you the best in that. Having accomplished so much in such a short amount of time, I was wondering how old you were?

K N Lee

I am 27.

Bee L. Kirk

Awww, you’re still a baby. I think you’re going to have an amazing career.

What genres do you read/write?

K N Lee

I enjoy reading fantasy, horror, sci-fi, classic British and French literature, and historical fiction. Most of my stories are fantasy, sci-fi, and horror.

Bee L. Kirk

I would never’d imagined one of your writing genres as horror. I guess the old homage is true about not judging a book by it’s cover (smile)

Do you have any events coming up?

K N Lee

I will be at the World Fantasy Convention in Brighton, UK October 31st through November 3rd. I am also releasing the sequel to The Chronicles of Koa called Lyrinian Blade this December. Yes, there will be parties, blog tours, and prizes. Check

www.thechroniclesofkoa.com

for updates.

Bee L. Kirk

How do you come up with your book ideas?

K N Lee

Most of my ideas come from my dreams. I keep a dream journal by my bed and each night I will literally wake up and jot down stories. This is why I have chronic insomnia!

Bee L. Kirk

I keep telling myself to do the same thing but I keep forgetting. I’m going to go and put a journal by my bed, right now.

Is there a message you try to relate through your writing?

K N Lee

I try to steer from anything cliché and formulaic. I may take a worn out trophe and spin it on its head, making it my own. I grew up reading Anne Rice, and I believe that she has the best vampire lore, so, when I created my vampires, I took it into an entirely different direction, and I created new species and creatures. I’d like to convey the message that not everything is what it seems…especially in my writing.

Bee L. Kirk

Who is your favorite character from one of your novels and why?

K N Lee

Lilae is my favorite character. She is the heroine of my soon-to-be released fantasy trilogy, Rise of the Flame. She encompasses all of my fears, doubts, and even experiences from my childhood, and takes those things and uses them to her advantage. She is one badass heroine! Aside from her, Halston, from The Chronicles of Koa is my other favorite. Blonde, British,

clever, and a techy genius, he is my perfect man. Too bad he isn’t real… Ha!

Bee L. Kirk

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

K N Lee

I see myself traveling the world with a book deal under my belt, perhaps a tv show or movie based on one of my stories, and a cozy cottage in England, Scotland, or Ireland. One thing that will always remain the same is that I will always write new stories, no matter where I am.

Bee L. Kirk

What kind of music do you listen to?

K N Lee

I listen to classical, Celtic, and movie soundtracks. I also enjoy Euro & indie rock, such as Coldplay, Portishead, Royksopp, and Imogen Heap. What do I listen to literally every day? Traditional Celtic/Gaelic music such as Enya, Clannad, Loreena Mckennit, and Hayley Westenra.

Bee L. Kirk

What is your writing process like?

K N Lee

My writing process starts with a dream, or nightmare. I take a character and let them lead the way. Most of the time I am not even sure where the story is going, but that is the beauty of the writing journey. My characters have the power, I simply wield the pen. My stories are very character driven, however, I am not opposed to utilizing outlines and jot lists.

Bee L. Kirk

How important has social media been to your success?

K N Lee

Extremely important. I remember when I thought that Twitter was silly, nonsensical, and just a way to be publicly vain.

Ha! How wrong I was! I am so glad that I gave it a chance and was introduced to the magical world of indie authors. Twitter, Facebook, blogs and Linked In are critical to an author’s success. You know what publishers and agents like to see? They like to see an already established author platform. That means that one must gain a strong presence in the social media community.

B L. Kirk

If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing?

K N Lee

If I wasn’t a writer, I would either be a children’s doctor, artist, or teacher in a faraway country.

Bee L. Kirk

Do you believe in ghost? Why or Why not?

K N Lee

Oh boy. This is an interesting question. I am not sure. I had an experience as a child that convinced me that they were real, but as an adult, we try to rationalize things and now I am not certain. To cope with that experience, I’d like to think that there is another explanation. It’s just easier than thinking that there is a paranormal entity watching me. *shivers*

Bee L. Kirk

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. I look forward to reading your work and becoming a fan. Best wishes to you!

Author K N Lee’s Information:

Twitter

Instagram

Website

Purchase Link

I know how to Restart the Government Shutdown

It's yours...

I've written my entire life, minus the first few days after my birth. I love to write, and share My opinions. No harm, now foul because everybody has one or at least they should. The wonderful thing about opinions is the fact that they are all original. Now your opinion may sound like someone else's but it's not. It came from your experiences, your trials, and life through your eyes. There's not another human on this earth who has observed the all the sights and sounds that you have. No other soul has participated in every conversation you've been a part of, ect. Therefore, your opinion and his opinion and her opinion and my opinion are all organic, give or take.

It's not personal...

So here's my opinion on why Democrats and Republicans don't agree....on anything.

Red and Blue, Blue and Red, Donkey, Elephant, Left, Right, Wealthy, Poor, Middle Class, Man or Woman, Educated, Uneducated, Religious or not...Black or White?

They don't and won't agree because each party believes and comes from different places, backgrounds and levels of knowledge. Neither nor either being wrong or right. So why don't they just agree to disagree and agree to do what's best for mankind, you know, the thing that would benefit people the most.

Because that would bring them back to square 1, which is no where.

Walks of Life..

How can a child who's never had a new pair of shoes, is being raised by his grand parents and sees crackheads on a daily basis believe he/she will one day go to Harvard? If they've never been exposed to something, how can they know it exist? If no one tells them that they can achieve great things and this is how to reach that goal, how do they know what to do?

I have another question...If I have never been judged by the color of my skin or texture of my hair, how can I know what it's like to be discriminated against. If I've never had to worry about getting a job because somebody knows somebody who knows somebody who will hire me whether I finish college or not, why would I care about the employment line?

My opinion is that every Democrat and Republican should spend a day in the shoes of the people they DON"T represent. Live the lives of the people they don't fight for. Find out why they are passionate about what they believe. Listen to what their reality is. Step from behind your, 'I'm right, their not', wall. Give change a chance. We are all the same and different, which is a beautiful thing. 

Your different makes my different, novel. 

There is an answer to our problems but it lies the midst of an uncomfortable realm which is called someone else's reality. 

Step back and then step up. This is the land of the Brave, we can do this. There's always a solution or there would be no problems.

Just a Thought...

***Book Review*** for NightLife New York by Travis Luedke

I sadly anticipated the last page of this book, I just couldn't wait to write this review!
This was the second Vampire novel I read so it had a lot to live up, of course comparing it to my experience with Twilight. I didn't feel anything could come close to that series, but I was pleasantly surprised. The cover makes your wondering eye stop and take notice of the figure and background layout. I was kind of expecting something cheesy and revisited.

But I was instantly connected to the main character, Aaron Pilan. He seemed so relatable, maybe because I used to wait tables and understand what it's like to want the night to end as quickly as possible, hopefully with a pocket full of 10's and 20's. The action starts almost immediately, gently ushering your mind to the explosion of what happens next!

Hurry up eyes and mind, read, read, read. I couldn't wait to get to the next paragraph, sensing that Author Travis Luedke wouldn't disappoint. He gives just enough to keep you coming back and then lets you settle down a little bit in order to gain some vital information about the characters Aaron and Michelle.

He takes you there and leaves you wanting more. I couldn't believe I was so drawn into the characters lives, needs and wants. It was a little scary. Love, passion, otherworldly. Not once did I want to stop reading this book. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. I need it ASAP.

I would recommend this book to all book lovers, it's worth it.

The Bee Count: 9

1-3 Bee’s => Sorry I read it

4-5 Bee’s=> I found watching paint dry more exciting

6-7 Bee’s=> Congrats on Publishing a book

8 Bee’s => Very Good Book, Would Recommend it!

9 Bee’s=>Extremely Glad I read It!! & can’t wait to talk about it on my Internet Radio Show (The Honey Hour, http://www.DFWiradio.com)

10 Bee’s=> I can’t breath, I want more, RIGHT NOW!

Author & Reviewer, Bee L. Kirk
http://www.beelkirk.com

Author Travis Luedke's Information:
Email:
http://www.twluedke@gmail.com

Amzon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Nightlife-York-Series-ebook/dp/B0090P1MIU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1380608452&sr=8-1&keywords=nightlife+new+york

***Book Review*** for The Bad Parent by Dominique Wilkins

I really enjoy reading and reviewing books. I always look forward to learning something new, experiencing a different aspect of life. I'm an avid FB visitor, ie, Book Clubs and the likes so when I seen the title and blurb for 'Bad Parent', I downloaded it.

The title made me feel a certain kind of way, like maybe I could relate to the story because I sometimes feel like I'm not the ''Best" parent in the world. I always feel like I could do better, so I was open to the Authors attempt to relay their message.

'The Bad Parent" by Dominiqe Wilkins is a story about a single mother struggling to work and maintain her sainity while doing it. One of her children is hyper active and suffering from an attention deficent disorder, one that causes him to lose his composure and disrupt his class while at school.

I expected to read a more intriguing story but was left wanting and questioning the message of the book. It took me a week and half to read the book because it didn't grab my attention. I finished it because, I never start a book and not read it completely.

The subject matter could have proved to be a great starting point for a very good conversation but lacked the depth needed to pull the reader in. It always felt like I was being forced to read it, instead of wanting to get to the next page.

Dominique Wilkins attempt to convey a thought provoking story is note worthy and I would read her work again, but 'Bad Parent' didn't do it for me. I look forward to reading some of her other work.

The Bee Count: 6

1-3 Bee’s => Sorry I read it

4-5 Bee’s=> I found watching paint dry more exciting

6-7 Bee’s=> Congrats on Publishing a book

8 Bee’s => Very Good Book, Would Recommend it!

9 Bee’s=>Extremely Glad I read It!! & can’t wait to talk about it on my Internet Radio Show (The Honey Hour, http://www.DFWiradio.com)

10 Bee’s=> I can’t breath, I want more, RIGHT NOW!

Author, Bee L. Kirk

http://www.beelkirk.com

Author's Information
http://www.amazon.com/The-Bad-Parent-ebook/dp/B00B77TW5E/ref=la_B007LZOZ7G_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1380524044&sr=1-4

***Book Review*** for Miss Perfect by Nicole Dunlap

Oh My Goodness, just writing this review makes me regret reading the end of this Saga.

It’s my hope that Author Nicole Dunlap finds a way to keep The Shaw Family Saga going for another three books, at least!

Miss Perfect has a way of bringing to light issues that can be found in the lives of anyone with past regrets. The secrets we keep are often our downfall and this book has a plenty.

I’m going to try my best to avoid any spoilers.

Drama, love, mystery, sensuality and personal demons are all collectively entangled in the conclusion of Raven Shaw’s tumultuous life. She continues to try and come to terms with her mother and the Love of her life, all the while attempting not to make the same mistakes with her daughter that her mother, Charlene made with her.

Miss Perfect allows you to live through her troubled soul, on the verge of finding happiness. The suspense kept me guessing and second guessing and playing out what I wanted to happen in my mind.

I would highly recommend The Shaw Family Saga to anyone who wanted an adventure of human, emotional triumphs and disappointments.

The Bee Count: 9

1-3 Bee’s => Sorry I read it

4-5 Bee’s=> I found watching paint dry more exciting

6-7 Bee’s=> Congrats on Publishing a book

8 Bee’s => Very Good Book, Would Recommend it!

9 Bee’s=>Extremely Glad I read It!! & can’t wait to talk about it on my Internet Radio Show (The Honey Hour, http://www.DFWiradio.com)

10 Bee’s=> I can’t breath, I want more, RIGHT NOW!

Author, Bee L. Kirk
http://www.beelkirk.com

Author, Nicole Dunlaps information:
http://www.nicoledunlap.com

Twitter
@nicoleydunlap

Available on Amazon