Interview With Mort Herman

Hi folks. Today I am interviewing Mort Herman. Mort was a guest on my blog a few days ago, with his book release, Future’s Edge.

Mort, Tell our readers about you.….
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, I earned a Masters degree in Electrical Engineering and have worked in high-tech industry for 35 years. Throughout my tenure in Corporate America, I gained valuable insight into the business of technology and its revenue-generating capabilities.

Currently, I live on the Jersey shore. When I’m not writing, I am an avid sailor, a wood sculptor and a charter member of the Arts Society of Keyport. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I designed and project managed the implementation of three, concrete free formed sculptures that replace destroyed public art in the town of Keyport, NJ. Currently, mosaic artists are applying glass to these sculptures, depicting points of interest around Keyport and the Raritan bay.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day? 
Life is full of possibilities. I never know what each day will bring.

If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?  
James A. Michener. I am blown away at the detailed research he does for his books. When it comes to historical fiction, he is the master and has been a big influence in my writings.

What’s the story behind your latest book? 
Future’s Edge, the seed is a story about the future of our planet. It addresses many of the problems we face today from overpopulation, future energy sources, worldwide governments, technological addiction, greed, survival and human complacency.

Tell us your writing process.  
I am lucky to have a compelling storyline for my trilogy. It provides the boundaries for my writing, as I never have to worry about what to do next or how the story will end because I have it all in my head before I start to write. When I write, I have what I call an imaginative mode where I set down the sequences of the story, create characters and map out the flow. I give myself a lot of freedom. In another mode, I develop the characters, incorporate unexpected twists and create conflict. And of course there is the polishing phase where I smooth over the bumps, leading to a credible first read by my beta readers and then the editors. Many times, I choose which type of writing I want to do depending on many things. I could get a spark of inspiration or good idea and off I go, finding a way to integrate it into the book.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Its funny because if someone told me when I was 25 years old that I would publish a Science Fiction Novel, I would have laughed. Then, all of a sudden (May 2012), an idea came to me and in 3 weeks, I had my compelling story. From that singular burst of creativity and inspiration, I have embarked on a mission to finish the trilogy. Book one (Future’s Edge, the seed) was published in September 2014 and I am nearly done with a good first draft of the second book (Future’s Edge, the discovery).

Tell us about your main character
Sam Greenhut, is a technical genus, coming from a long line of famous Greenhut scientists. In 2230, he is responsible for the Global Network, an entity that delivers unlimited energy and information to an insatiable, needy planet. With a backdrop of complete societal dependency on the Global Network, Sam clings to his humanity, preferring to interact with his fellow humans on a face-to-face basis, holding dearly to the principle of self-reliance. When Sam discovers dangers to the smooth operation of the Global Network, the corporate and governmental powers to be, ignore his warnings. Torn between his technical responsibility and his desire to escape his plight and family legacy, Sam is faced with decisions that will dictate the future of our planet.

What are you working on next? 
I am finishing the second book in the trilogy, called Future’s Edge, The Discovery.

Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
My imagination

Who are your favorite authors?  
James Michener, Isaac Asimov

What do you like to do with your free time?
Sailing, volunteer work.

Tell us about your plans for upcoming books. 
The Trilogy

Where can people find you on the web?

My website is www.futuresedgebook.com
Facebook
Amazon
Linked-In
Goodreads

Any final thoughts? 
To me, writing is a very satisfying, learning endeavor. My story has naturally led me to research a variety of truly diversified topics. From ancient cultures (Inuit and native American), to botany, geology, future technology trends, Arctic exploration and seafaring vessels of the 18th and 19th centuries, each area, like a puzzle piece, has found its way into the novel. The story is the magnet that attracts these ideas, making for a richer final product. I have learned a lot, delving into areas I never thought I would go.

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Interview With… Daniel Gray, author of Why Women Cheat

Hi folks. I am chatting to Daniel Gray, author of Why Women Cheat.

Daniel, What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Honestly what inspires me to get out of bed every day is the future me. I’ve had an extremely difficult life, and the only constant is my wish to be whole and happy. This question lets me know how far I’ve come. I’m inspired to be a better me.

If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
I would hang out with Neil Degrasse Tyson. I would talk to him about the universe, physics, and his personal challenges being a being black genius. There are theories that I would like to share with him and I would hope I could peak his interests.

What’s the story behind your latest book?
My book has two themes. The first is my personal experience of entering the world of the pickup artist. I started in the Pickup Artist community after teaching chess for twelve years. For me it was another learning endeavor. The second is attempting to use three anonymous female writers to display the elusive “Inner Woman.”

Tell us your writing process
I spend my time studying and pondering difficult questions and topics, and when I discover something amazing then I write about it.

Do you have any advice on what has and has not worked for you that you can share with other authors?
Promotion is a must, if you want to sell books. There are a number of things that I learned after completing this book. I wrote this book with utilizing free advertising; ie the media. The title is controversial, the topic is controversial, and the chapters are all controversial. This was the intent even before I began writing, the free advertising. Without trying very hard I was booked on 15 radio and podcast shows. What didn’t got as planned was the stereotyping that ensued. I learned a valuable media lesson, if you are willing to play a role, the media wants you. When people hear the term “Pick Up Artist” it engenders an image of an unscrupulous, manipulative, odd character. I was told beforehand in some places what they expected from me. The truth is there is only one body of knowledge out there about women, one of the most difficult things to deal with in most men’s lives. Most men I know, who are in the community, don’t fit the bill of what people expect for a Pickup Artist. If I would wear a funny hat, makeup, and black nail polish I would certainly get lots of airtime. Before you start writing, you will certainly need some controversy to get on the air, but consider the role they will expect you to play. If that’s not the role you are comfortable with, try again. This is where I am now. I love my book, but it’s not what people expect. My final advice for writers is this. Don’t worry about whether you make a best seller right now. Start writing your next book, because you are an awesome writer!

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I never dreamed that I’d be a writer. I spent about a decade dealing with severe PTSD. I did therapy, group therapy, pills, meditation, hypnosis, NLP, and anything I thought would help. My problem was all that I am, was trapped inside of me. One day I decided to write it all down as a form of therapy. To let it all out. The book was over 700 pages long. After I edited the hell out of it, it’s now only over 500 pages long. Honestly, it’s not a good read. Too many ideas mashed together. I still published it on Amazon, just for my own personal growth. Instead of saying how much my book was a failure, I realized that I had at least 10 different book ideas in that book; at least. “Why Women Cheat” was based on only two mentions in the giant book. I was right about the controversy, but I don’t like the negative attention. I don’t think I’m emotionally stable enough to fill the roll of a heel. In any case, I have many book ideas. It feels good to write and get myself out there. I don’t mind so much if I’m not super successful right now.

Tell us about your main character:
There are four characters, three anonymous female writers and I. Hmmm, they are real people.

What are you working on next?
I’m writing a book on the economic history of the United States. You may be wondering why would I go from a pickup artist book to economic theory. The truth is, economics and math are simple to understand. They are predictable and not at all terrifying. Economics is fun, but women are just a bit more fascinating.

Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
I wouldn’t call it extraordinary but I can play the piano. I was apart of the famous chess team the “Raging Rooks” when I was in middle school. I have a degree in Mathematics from Vassar college. I’m a comedian, and I’m right now starting an acting career(I need to keep letting myself out.) I can sing and performed quite a bit. Also, I’m an expert Salsa dancer.

Who are your favorite authors?
I don’t have any favorites right now. When I’m intense about a subject, some of the best authors stand out. But I’m not intense about any studies right now.

What do you like to do with your free time?
Right now, I write in my free time. Soon, it will be writing and auditioning. Hopefully, I’ll start dancing salsa again soon.

Tell us about your plans for upcoming books.
After I write my book about economics, I plan to write books about religion, physics, and personal identities. I do have more books in mind, but I think life may catch up to me somehow and sidetrack my plans.

Where can people find you on the web?
the website is thedanielgray.com. Mostly under construction. It will reflect my acting and books soon. You can of course follow me @harlemdragon

Any final thoughts?
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and myself with you. It feel good to be at this moment in my life.

Book Tour ~ Why Women Cheat: Confessions of a Pickup Artist by Daniel Gray

About the Book
Title: Why Women Cheat: Confessions of a Pickup Artist
Author: Daniel Gray
Genre: Non-Fiction / Relationships

Why do women keep falling for pickup artists?  I’ve seen it with my own eyes many times.  I’ve witnessed the inner transformation take place right in front of their significant others; unbeknownst to them.  it’s as if I, and people like me, exist in an alternate universe; like the Matrix.

This book is about:
*Lifting the veil of pickup artistry.
*Informing women about the most popular tactics.
*Teaching attached men how to use these tactics on their own women.

In truth, such a subject is difficult to explain in words.  Many guys, including myself, spend thousands of dollars to learn directly from someone who knows.  I attempt to bridge that gap with three anonymous female writers from around the world.  They are informative and entertaining.

After reading this book, women will have a clearer understanding about what motivates them, and men will recognize that unknown thing that has escaped them their entire lives.  Men and women, single or attached will find this book eye opening.

What are you waiting for?  Don’t you want to know why women cheat?

Buy the Book on Amazon:

AUTHOR BIO

By the time Daniel Gray was 24 years old he had sex less than 30 times.  As a member of the world famous chess team, The Raging Rooks, and a professional chess coach he decided to study the subject of women intensely.
Writing “Why Women Cheat” was part therapy, part confession, and partly to share with others what he thinks is lacking in most relationships.

Though Daniel has had success with women, he has been celibate for the last 3 years.  Hopefully, not for much longer.

Book Trailer

The Tunnel ~ Movie Review

The Tunnel (2011)
IMDB Rating: 6.0
Stars: Bel Deliá, Andy Rodoreda, Steve Davis, Luke Arnold
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Plot: An investigation into a government cover-up leads to a network of abandoned train tunnels deep beneath the heart of Sydney. As a journalist and her crew hunt for the story it quickly becomes clear the story is hunting them.

Review: This is one movie I have been wanting to see for a while, so when it showed up on Netflix the other night, it was a case of “turn off the PC and the lights and get into it”.

The story follows that of TV journalist Natasha Warner (Bel Deliá) and her crew who go looking into the state’s government idea of using the abandoned train tunnels under Sydney as water recycle plant. However the homeless use the tunnels as shelter, and the government doesn’t want to acknowledge the constant disappearances of the homeless.

With the cover-ups the crew decides to check out the tunnels themselves, especially after a somewhat strange interview with a homeless man who once lived in them.

The Tunnel, while shot from the “found footage POV”, is truly an exception to the film-making genre, and one that I highly recommend.

Keep watch for Aussie actor, Luke Arnold, who also stars in a TV series I reviewed a while back, Black Sails.

Verdict: Don’t go to Sydney underground 🙂
Rating: 8 out of 10.

Teo’s Massive Game Request Challenge

So a mate of ours posted a nice little status today on Facebook. “Please keep sending me game requests”.

Along the way, he mentioned, “Sure why not”, in response that we would create a special Facebook event just for that.

So.. Challenge Accepted

https://www.facebook.com/events/1431963683790628/

You know the drill… The more requests the better 🙂

Interview with Su Halfwerk

Hi folks. Today I am chatting with Su Halfwerk. From a tender age, the written word left a strong impression on Su. Later on, the scary, terrifying, blood chilling books became the object of her interest. Somehow, in her mind, the blossoming of romance in the midst of that mix, was only natural.

Her style in Horror combines the shuddery terror with an element of surprise, some would even call it an enigmatic twist. While in the world of Paranormal Romance, she transforms the desire to scare, into a quest to seduce and tantalize .

Su, thanks for being here today. Tell our readers about you.
I’ve been told that I have a dark imagination and a wicked sense of humor. I love Italian and Indian cuisine, for the latter, the spicier the better. I read in the Paranormal romance, horror, suspense, and historical romance genres. End of the day, I’m just a woman who’s trying to leave her mark on the world.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Each day is a new beginning, a promise of the fulfillment of personal and professional dreams.

If you could hang out with one famous person for one day, who would it be and why?
Nora Roberts. Her “In Death” series gives me goosebumps whenever I read it. I would love to find out her process for writing it. If you haven’t read the series, please do. Eve Dallas and her Roarke shouldn’t be missed.

What’s the story behind your latest book?
Every now and then, I become obsessed with a topic which turns into a story. After extensive research, I gathered that determination can turn into blinding obsession. How far can obsession mislead someone? Is it wise to continue with it even when danger is in sight? And so Aberrancy was born. Robert Williamson allowed his obsession to drive and ruin his life. He’s convinced a witch had her sights on his family, fortune, and career and vows to never let her go without punishment.

Tell us your writing process
I start with an outline where I pour all my thoughts and ideas. After that it’s a matter of finding the time and right circumstances to sit and write. Loud noises and interruptions really hamper my style :).

Do you have any advice on what has and has not worked for you that you can share with upcoming authors?
I admit I’ve been lacking in the promotion department, but this is what I learned: Time and dedication will take you a long way. Promote yourself and your writing every day, utilize social media networks to spread the word. Contact reviewers, interact with other writers as well as readers, and keep your name out there. However, do it without the constant “buy my book” shpeel. Don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you. Joining groups and tribes just to share links about your work is boring. It’s also rude if you don’t respond to questions; it shows you weren’t listening. Why would anyone listen to you? Instead, be interesting enough that potential readers will look for you and your work.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
In 2002 I had my son. I became this super hygienic mom and I stopped painting because of turpentine and other chemicals. At the time my reading tended to be all about Stephen King and since I’ve already read everything till that stage, I was going out of my mind without an outlet for my creativity. Writing was safe, clean, and I can do it even in bed. Once I started, I couldn’t stop.

Tell us about your main character:
Robert Williamson is a stubborn man. He got it into his head that a witch was responsible for ruining his life and career; and nothing was going to stop him from avenging himself. He uses what remained of his sanity to track her down, face her, and demand explanations.

What are you working on next?
Not sure yet. I have a couple of ideas floating around in my noggin. One is paranormal romance and the other is serialized dark fiction story.

Do you have any special/extraordinary talents?
It’s a skill more than a talent. I can read 4 languages but speak only 3 of them. Oh, and I also paint. You can see some of my work here: http://www.pinterest.com/suhalfwerk/my-paintings/

Who are your favorite authors?
Stephen King, Nora Roberts, Richard Laymon, and Karen Rose.

Where can people find you on the web?
I haunt these places online:
Website: http://www.su-halfwerk.com
Blog: http://www.suhalfwerk.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Su.Halfwerk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SuHalfwerk
Instagram: http://instagram.com/suhalfwerk/

Any final thoughts?
Thanks for the opportunity to visit your eHome. I enjoyed answering your questions and will love to hear from you and your readers.

Book Tour ~ Aberrancy by Su Halfwerk

ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Aberrancy
Author: Su Halfwerk
Genre: Horror

Robert Williamson, esteemed judge, adoring husband, and doting father, has his flawless life snatched away, leaving him damaged beyond repair—damaged by a witch whose taunting presence spells his destruction.
Before exacting his revenge, Robert is hell-bent on digging out explanations.

His demands are wild, his interrogation method peculiar, and what he seeks most might well cost him what remains of his sanity—and he knows it. Despite horrible odds, Robert refuses to give in.

Aberrancy is a gripping dark tale of lives lost…to a different kind of evil.

GIVEAWAY
Win an ebook copy of Aberrancy and a $25 Amazon gift card.

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About The Author

Su Halfwerk writes in the horror and paranormal romance genres. From a tender age, the written word left a strong impression on her, later on terrifying, blood-chilling books became the object of her interest. Su’s style in horror combines shuddery terror with elements of surprise; some would even call it an enigmatic twist. In the world of paranormal romance, she transforms the desire to scare into a quest to seduce and tantalize.
When not writing, Su is designing book trailers for herself and other authors.

Buy Links
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Smashwords
B&N
Kobo
Apple

Book Trailer

EXCERPT

Her arms were secured to the wooden chair’s arms with six coils of duct tape. The same was done to her feet and the chair’s legs. Another set of layers—twelve to be exact—secured her midsection to its back.
“I don’t have much,” she said. “Take whatever jewelry I have. Take my bank card and pin code, just let me go.”
He slammed his hand on the table, the solitary candle shook without toppling to the ground. The bottle of fizz did though, and was smashed on the floor. “I don’t want your money.”
“Then what do you want?” Liquid leaked out of her eyes, presumably tears.
“Answers.”
Her glistening eyes shifted sideways. “What?”
“You heard me. Proper and reasonable answers will be your salvation.”
“Answers to what? I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even know you.” Under her breath, she muttered to herself, “This isn’t happening. This isn’t happening.”
“You thought I wouldn’t find you.” He smirked.
She inhaled sharply. “My name is Delia Kane. I’m a—”
“—high school history teacher,” he mocked. “A small town spinster who hasn’t taken a single step out of her little town except to relocate here to teach.” He paused. “Isn’t this the spiel nowadays to connect with your abductor? To humanize yourself by spilling a summary of your bio no matter how fake it is?”
She blinked sweat out of her eyes. “That’s my life you’re talking about. Hold on a second…how come you know so much about me?” She squinted at him, studying his face. “Who are you?”
The night was humid. His borrowed orderly shirt was sticking to his back. “Who am I?” He backhanded her hard enough to hurt his hand. “Stop playing tricks. You might not know how I found you this time but you know damn well who I am.”
She sniffled; mucus ran out of her crooked nose. “I swear to God, I don’t know you. There must be a mistake.”
Surely she could make out his face in the dim light. Then again, maybe she’d lost her memory from the last accident she had. Or, as per her habit, she was lying.
He glanced at the microwave’s clock. Twelve o’clock. It had taken her over four hours to awaken from the drug he’d injected her with, longer than he’d anticipated going by his wake-up record. Unlike him, her body wasn’t used to it.
“Maybe I should tell you a story. You know, to help you remember.” They had time. No one would stop by at this late hour on a school night.
And if anyone showed up, he would introduce their guts to her butcher knife.