Today I would like to introduce you to fellow Author Lesa Kay Smith, who is a registered nurse from a small town in south central Iowa. Lesa felt a strong desire to write the story of the tragic loss of her middle son, Brandon, in 2008. Beautiful Gift is the story of how she found him in the afterlife, how she communicates with him, and how she- and the rest of her family- have an ongoing relationship with him.

Hi Lisa, Please tell us about your book(s):

Beautiful Gift is a memoir about a mother’s love and how she survived the wrenching loss of her son, how she searched for him and found him in the afterlife–with the help of a brilliant clairvoyant–and how their conversations across the great divide convinced her that her son wasn’t lost and blossomed into a new stage in their relationship, enlarging both of their spiritual learning and light.

What Inspired you to write your book?

After the death of my son in 2008 I started receiving signs from him on the other side, dimes mostly. Which led me to start journaling and thinking about the afterlife and what it entailed. I was also inspired to send a message of hope to others who had suffered the same great loss. I searched in many places to find some ways to cope and find direction on how to cope myself. I realized there were not many. I decided to write this book to bring that message of hope. My thought process was if I could just help one person get through this shattering grief it would fulfill my purpose.

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

Purpose and passion are a must when writing. Write about what you know and your experiences. 

To give readers an idea what you offer, are you willing to share a brief excerpt from your book? (less than 300 words, please)

I’d never tried to contact a loved one who had passed, and I had no idea what to expect or how a meeting with a medium worked. I felt totally apprehensive about what I was going to hear and learn today. But I was determined to find my son. I was shaking when I dialed the number. I heard the phone ring a couple of times.

 “Hello,” Jamie answered, in a voice so sweet and soothing it put me to ease.

I poured out my reason for calling, being careful not to give away too much information because I wanted to be sure that Jamie was legitimate- that she truly had the rare gift of what used to be called second sight.

“Is my son there?” I asked urgently, suddenly filled with excitement that I could possibly make contact with Brandon. “Yes,” Jamie said, “he is.” Then she went on to say, “I see a gun. Is that what caused your son’s death?”

What is your blog about, what do you offer on it?  

My blog offers different accounts of things that have happened and continue to happen, since my son has passed.

Why did you start your blog?

To share the stories my family has experienced.

Conversely, is there anything you find difficult to write about?

The first chapter of my book called “The Darkness” was by far the most difficult thing I have ever written. Having to dig deep and bring back what had happened was difficult. 

OK, now the part that most authors dislike…Please tell us about YOU:

If you were asked to Describe yourself in 5 words, which would you choose?

Mother, Spiritual, Grateful, Determined, Intuitive. 

When you are NOT writing, do you have a favourite pastime?

Travel and Music. 

What is most important to you?

The most important to me is family no question.

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Lesa’s story is one I felt compelled to share and I hope you may also find it Inspiring and might choose to Please visit Lesa at her blog 

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~Morgan~

Today I am talking with fellow Creativia author James J. Cudney.  Hi James. …oh sorry, you like Jay,,.. Hi Jay!

Please tell us a little about yourself and your writing:

James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in New York City, but I’ve traveled all across the US (and various parts of the world). After college, I spent 15 years working in technology and business operations in the sports, entertainment and media industries. Although I enjoyed my job, I left in 2016 to focus on my passion: telling stories and connecting people through words. My debut novel is ‘Watching Glass Shatter,’ a contemporary fiction family drama with elements of mystery, suspense, humor and romance. I typically write in contemporary or historical fiction, mystery, thriller or suspense, with a focus on family drama.

Outside of writing, I’m an avid genealogist (discovered 2K family members going back about 250 years) and cook (I find it so hard to follow a recipe). I love to read; between Goodreads and my blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, I have over 500 book reviews which will give you a full flavor for my voice and style. On my blog, I started the 365 Daily Challenge, where I post a word each day that has some meaning to me, then converse with everyone about life. There is humor, tears, love, friendship, advice and bloopers. Lots of bloopers where I poke fun at myself all the time. Even my dog has a weekly segment called “Ryder’s Rants” where he complains about me. All these things make up who I am; none of them are very fancy or magnanimous, but they are real and show how I live every day.

Everything doubles as something else when you live in NYC. For me, it’s the dining room, my favorite space in the apartment, where more than just my cooking is on display! As I look out the windows onto a 12th floor terrace, various parts of nature (trees, bushes, flowers, bugs & animals) inspire me to write. Ryder, my 10-year old shiba inu, usually lays on my feet, growling when I shift positions too many times or when I forget to share my food! Although he’s only 20 pounds, he’s quite strong and pushy. But how else can you pen the best story possible without these things by your side?

Tell us about your book(s): 

Watching Glass Shatter, my debut novel, a contemporary fiction and family saga novel, was published on October 8^th, 2017. It’s a 6-month look at a family affected by the death of the patriarch and a secret he leaves behind in his will. The secrets send his widow, Olivia, on a journey to re-connect with each of their 5 adult sons before she learns the full extent of something that happened many years ago to Ben. The book is structured to show important scenes in each family member’s life, alternating chapters for all the major characters. Readers get to see each family member’s grief, but they also learn of more secrets being kept from Olivia and her eventual reactions to each off them. As she begins to unfold the mystery, the story brings everyone back together for a family meeting which should have taken place years ago. It’s almost too late when it finally happens, but through it all, every card is put on the table and the walls are broken down. Some characters will be ok; some will not be. It’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. I also just announced there will be a sequel in the Fall of 2018 which will have a similar look at what happens to the family after everything is finally revealed – or was it!

Father Figure, my second novel, in its final editing stage, will be released in early 2018. It’s the story of two women, separated by about twenty years, each trying to discover who they are. Amalia Graeme suffers at the hands of a vindictive mother, but she desperate to find love and escape her small Mississippi town. In Brianna Porter’s story, which takes place 20 years later in NYC, she finds a connection to Amalia while trying to locate the father she never knew. In alternating chapters, each woman’s life takes a few steps towards something positive, but she is pushed back down by the people around her. Readers will see what happens in one chapter and then understand the impact on the other woman nearly 20 years later in the next chapter. It’s a story about parents, children, love, loneliness, maturity and devastation. No characters are safe from loss in this one, especially when someone is desperate to keep a secret hidden. Ultimately, Amalia wants her freedom and Brianna wants to meet her father. Unfortunately, those two things cannot happen at the same time.  

Are you a painstaking plotter or are you a discovery writer?

I am a painstaking plotter. I write a very detailed 30-page outline before I begin writing the story. Once I have a very strong handle on the story, I will entertain changes along the way as characters speak to me and idea appear. Let’s say 90% plotter and 10% discovery! 

Although it’s often hard to select just one, do you have a favourite or least favourite character? 

I adore everyone in the Glass family, from my first novel. Ultimately, I have two favorite characters. One is Olivia, the matriarch who must address all the secrets in the family. The second I cannot reveal until 11/20 after my “favorite character” poll is completed. I am planning a surprise for fans of my work which is dependent upon which character wins this poll. To see more, check out:

Watching Glass Shatter – FAVORITE CHARACTER POLL

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors? 

Writers need to know why they write before they can be successful. It’s a bit like knowing your objective or goal with anything. Until you know the outcome, it’s hard to navigate a path or even know when you’re truly finished. If it’s fame and fortune, then you have to spend equally as much time marketing and promoting as you do writing. If it’s creativity, and all about reaching people, then write great stories and post them free on as many sites as possible. If it’s a balance of both, you need to do something every day to work towards your goal, whether it’s writing 500 words or sending out a few tweets. Knowing your tone, style and voice as a writer, but also as an author and a person, is equally as important to your success. 

To give readers an idea what you offer, are you willing to share a brief excerpt from your book? 

“Because one by one, I’m losing them. I’ll never again have those intense innocent dreams. I’ll never be that little girl who imagines falling in love, stripping petals off a forget-me-not until the last one says, ‘he loves me so.’ I won’t ever get to dance in a magic that heals the world. And my heart knows what darkness lies in wait each night, stealing a piece with every sun that sets and moon that rises.”

Olivia’s eyes glistened from the stars yet to disappear across the morning sky. She couldn’t cry anymore even if she wanted to. “Was I a good mother?” She screamed at the top of her lungs, long and piercing, scattering a few birds out of the trees above them.

Diane covered her ears as she rushed over to her sister. She at first went to cradle her and provide comfort, but a wave of energy consumed Diane, and she instead shoved Olivia into the pool. Diane’s hands trembled as she watched what she’d done, releasing the pressure from a seventy-year-old radiator valve long overdue. A gasping hiss rose above the pool’s gentle waves.

As she sunk to the pool floor, Olivia found relief forming within her body from finally telling someone else what had transpired. Kicking her feet with the swiftness of a school of fish escaping a shark, she shot to the surface and swam to the edge for safety. “Was that necessary?”

“I’m sorry, Liv. I… I… thought it would help. You were so intense.” Diane’s eyes shined as though she suddenly realized everything Olivia had spewed. “What do you mean dying?” 

Do you have a blog?  What is the link? 

Yes, This Is My Truth now started in early 2017 and can be found @ https://thisismytruthnow.com. I have over 500 book reviews, author profiles with Q&A, the revealing 365 Daily Challenge and fun polls, awards and tags. There’s something for everyone!

What do you enjoy writing about most?

Family connections, relationships, secrets and drama. It’s what we live every day, but if I can do it in a way where readers both learn and enjoy themselves, I’m completely in my element.

OK, now the part that most authors dislike (bwa-hahaha!) Please tell us about YOU and Describe yourself in 5 words: 

Organized, Introspective, Obsessive, Open-Minded, Eclectic

When you are NOT writing, do you have a favourite pastime? 

Genealogy. I’ve assembled a family tree going back to the 1700s with about 2500 people. I love researching past connections and finding new branches to explore.

Do you have a Rule to Live By? 

It’s as simple as “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” I have very high expectations for myself and for other people; I try to do the fair thing on all occasions. It’s hard to balance getting your feelings hurt with progress, but I try not to take anything personally. I just want to help people figure out how to be more careful and considerate. 

Is there a “Charity” or “Cause” you feel passionately about & Why?

I’m an animal lover, so pet care is very important to me.

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You can find Jay at his social places here:

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Today I’d like to introduce you to A.J.Griffiths-Jones who was born near Shrewsbury, Shropshire. She has traveled extensively in her career and has recently returned to England after ten years working as Language Training Manager for a prominent bank in Shanghai.  A.J. has studied genealogy for many years and has a special interest in the world of Victorian crime.

After researching the life of notorious poisoner Dr.Thomas Neill Cream for many years, her debut book ‘Prisoner 4374’ was published in May 2015.
She is currently working on a second ‘Jack the Ripper’ related book, together with a series of novels.

Hi A.J. Please Introduce us to your Blog.  What is it all about?   What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

I like to keep my website as varied as possible as I have a lot of interests & I’m very aware that my readers come from all walks of life. I post book reviews, original recipes that I’ve created, updates on my historical research, things that I love & I have recently started interviewing celebrities in a page called ‘Five Minutes With…’where they are asked a few random questions for fun. 

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

I’ve always been inspired by history, in any shape or form, whether it be people, events or fashion. I love to research a subject first & then put a new spin on an old tale.

Conversely, what do you find difficult to write about?

I am hopeless at writing about romance. I’m a bit of a closed book when it comes to emotions & any scenes that require a splash of love I struggle with.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

I would love for my readers to grasp how much time & effort goes into creating a book & to understand that not authors are millionaires. There are so many fantastic writers struggling to get their books seen & talked about, so I try to introduce new & upcoming authors at every opportunity.

How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?

I have earned a lot of respect in crime circles, that being my main area of expertise & interest, which has given me the opportunity to share parts of my work that my readers wouldn’t usually be exposed to. It’s also taught me never to take things for granted, as you never know what’s just around the corner. 

What Inspired you to write your book?

I have been researching the unsolved crimes of ‘Jack the Ripper’ for as long as I can remember & after a serious illness I was unable to work, which gave me the opportunity to create my first book. After that, I decided to try my hand at writing cosy mysteries, inspired by tales that my grandmother had told me. Five mystery books later, I’m now looking at new ways to challenge myself.

From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

I like to put myself in the shoes of the person that I’m writing about, to imagine what they’re seeing, thinking, doing & even smelling, to try to get a very real perspective on my characters. My first book, ‘Prisoner 4374’ was written in an autobiographical sense & really helped readers to understand the man behind the crimes.

How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?

I have a very dry sense of humour which I think shows through in my writing. My characters often roll their eyes or have exaggerated mannerisms & quirky personalities. I can be quite ‘deep’ too, depending on what I’m working on & I’m not afraid to experiment with different styles.

What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?

I prefer historical crime but realise that to grow as a writer I must be prepared to try different genres. I recently completed my very first children’s book, which was completely out of my comfort zone. I’m pleased with the result and it’s helped me to explore a whole new creative side that I didn’t know I had.

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

I always plot out the bare bones of my stories & create the characters by making profiles before starting. I like to know everything about them before writing, their likes/dislikes, how they’re connected to other characters, what they look like, how they speak etc. The only thing that I don’t do is decide upon the ending, I like my characters to lead me along & shock me in the last chapter.

Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?

My favourite character is Grace from ‘The Seasiders’, the long suffering wife of lazy, overweight Dick. Set in the 1960s, this book shows how traditional women were in those days, taking care of the home, cooking meals from scratch every day & treating a night out at the local pub as a big event. Grace is also a free spirit in her own way, which readers will see as they progress through the tale, and she has a few ingenious surprises up her sleeve!

Share an insight or secret about your book(s). 

When writing ‘Prisoner 4374’, my Ripper suspect book, I put up photographs of Dr. Cream, my subject, on my desk & all the writing was done at night by candlelight, because I wanted to feel as though he were penning his own story. I’ve used actual sentences from Cream’s prison files & letters to add to the authenticity and there are actually two chapters in the book that feel more like they came directly from me than him. Weird I know but it works well.

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

I believe that there is a reader for everyone. You can’t expect to write a bestseller first time around, and you may need to try several different genres before you find your comfort zone but keep at it & listen to your readers.

Would you like to share an excerpt from the book or a poem or two to give readers an idea what you offer?

This is from ‘Prisoner 4374’, the end of Chapter Nine : ‘For now I will leave you with the vision of Dr. Thomas Neill relaxing in front of a roaring fire, with legs stretched out akimbo, boots strewn across the floor and a good book at his side. A plentiful supply of opiates lined the infamous medical bag and a fully replenished stream of murderous deeds furnished the good doctor’s dreams. Life was grand, and it was just about to get better.’

If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

I’m easy going & take life one day at a time. I’m passionate about things that I believe in & non-confrontational about the things I don’t agree with, although I don’t take criticism easily. I’m young in my outlook & terrified of old age but I try to enjoy everything that I do & live life to the full.

If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?

I would love to meet Albert Einstein. He was an eccentric genius, with a crazy fashion sense. I’d love to hear his thoughts on today’s world & with that twinkle in his eye, I know we’d have a good giggle.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

I love travelling & with that comes reading, naturally. Having lived in China for a decade, I’m very curious about other cultures & lifestyles. After finishing writing each new book, I usually book a holiday with my husband & most of the time it’s to a different location. This also gives me chance to catch up on some new author’s work & recharge my batteries, so to speak.

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination.  Have you ever been there?  What makes this place Irresistible to you?

I love New Zealand. We travelled around both islands in a winnebago about seven years ago & the scenery was spectacular. Some days we would be on the road & not see another vehicle for hours. You can be on a beach watching seals at breakfast & have supper in the shadow of a mountain glacier, it’s just the most diverse country that I’ve ever been to.

Do you have a Mantra?

Work hard, play hard. Seriously, you only get one shot at life so I work hard & then enjoy the fruits of my labour with some serious relaxation. I’m married but don’t have children which gives us the freedom to explore the globe & chill out with spa breaks, but when we’re working, we work very, very hard.

What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?

I’m passionate about many charities & causes but having had friends & family members who’ve had cancer, I would have to say that the MacMillan Trust is top of my list. The nurses there do a fantastic job of caring for both the ill & their family members and very often go above & beyond their duties to ensure that the cancer treatment, after effects and sometimes death, is dealt with in the most sympathetic & professional manner. They really are amazing.

You can find AJ at her social places:

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Please allow me to introduce fellow author E.C. Hibbs.  E.C. is the author of several novels, including the Tragic Silence series and MIPA Nominated YA fantasy Blindsighted Wanderer, and co-author of the award-winning charity anthology Dare to Shine. She also writes under the non-fiction pseudonym Charlotte E. Burgess, producing books on meditation and New Age subjects.

As an artist, she works in a variety of mediums such as graphite, acrylic paint, papercutting, and digital photomanipulation. She  holds a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and a Postgraduate Diploma in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Chester.

Besides writing, she reads obsessively, her favourite genres being the classics and all kinds of fantasy. She enjoys Disney and horror films, practising Shotokan karate, archery, hiking up mountains, and playing with her very cheeky cat Millie-Moo. She also models for the UK Alternative Fashion Fest in aid of local charities and S.O.P.H.I.E., and is an avid supporter of WWF.

​She resides in Cheshire, North-West England, where she co-owns the family business Earthkin alongside her mother.

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Please Introduce us to your Blog.  What is it all about?   What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

I used to run a traditional blog on my website, but I’ve recently moved over to YouTube because I find it more interesting to talk about topics to the camera. I tend to speak about writing tips for authors, which I often break down into five steps. I also cover my favourites from across the creative world, my thoughts on certain topics, and the occasional tag for fun. You can find me at www.youtube.com/echibbs

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

It’s usually my readers and watchers getting in touch to tell me what areas of writing they are struggling with – I try to structure my posts around genuine problems, and it helps me to give back to everyone who enjoys my books and content. And sometimes an idea will just pop up out of the blue! I never really know!

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

I want to show my fellow authors that while writing can have its problems, there is always a way to solve them and create the book you want. All you need is patience, determination, and a sense of humour!

Tell us about your book(s):

I would class my books as all falling in the Young Adult fantasy range, but no two are ever the same. I’ve written medieval fantasies, paranormal thrillers, gothic stories, and more – each one dealing with different age groups, themes and locations. I suppose the thing which links them all is that they are all very character-driven. I really feel that characters must be believable, whether they’re protagonists or antagonists, for a story to work. So all of mine have layers to them and I spend a lot of time working out their psychologies, to make sure they are as real as possible.

What Inspired you to write your book?

I’m often influenced by myths and legends from around the world, but for The Sailorman’s Daughters, I didn’t need to look too far. It’s inspired by a story from Cornwall called The Mermaid of Zennor, combined with a few other maritime folktales and myths. It’s a common theme that sailors are seduced by mermaids, who then wreck their ships. But I thought, what if one sailor came home to his family on the land, but also had another child: a mermaid child? From that, the book was born.

From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

I prefer third-person because I feel better equipped to move between characters and get a multitude of angles on a story. But I wrote first-person for the Tragic Silence series, and I didn’t mind it at all. I suppose I’ll just use whichever POV best suits the story in question!

How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?

I’ve been told that my style is quite lyrical, and I would agree with that. Growing up I read a lot of classic literature and I think the old way of writing has rubbed off on me. I like creating prose that lets the mind wander a little, and ties in with the world and characters.

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

I’m a bit of both, but I only let each kind of writing take centre stage at certain times. I spend a lot of time preparing for a book – it’s often longer than what I’ll spend actually writing. I do a ton of research and character development and then write the bare bones of the story in a walkthrough. I use that to figure out where the chapters need to be, find any plot holes before the real work begins, and then allow it to be like a guiding hand so I don’t wander too far off track. But with that done, when I actually write the story, I can really explore and go deep without worrying too much, because I’ve made myself an anchor with all the preparation work. I think it’s best to try and walk the line between both.

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If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

I’m a 26 year-old animal lover, Disney freak, and chocoholic. I’m also what you’d probably get if Wednesday Addams, Alice in Wonderland and Tinker Bell were thrown together.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

I’m also an artist, so I love drawing, painting and paper-cutting – all my artwork can be found on my website alongside my books. I also use paper-cutting for my family business Earthkin, which I run along with my mother – we sell handmade figurines and silhouette jars as well as jewelry and clothing. In the activity department, I enjoy archery, karate, and hiking.

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination.  Have you ever been there?  What makes this place Irresistible to you?

Without question, Finland. It might seem like a strange one to pick, but I absolutely adore being up in the Arctic, driving a husky sled and sitting under the Northern Lights. I go there as often as I can.

What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?

I’ve supported WWF ever since I can remember, and especially since I studied animals and wildlife at university. Another one I’m really passionate about is The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a UK charity which aims to stamp out prejudice, hatred and intolerance. I actually organized and co-authored an anthology on their behalf called Dare to Shine, which was released last year.

Thank You so much E. C. for sharing your time and talent with BnV 😉

Please do visit E.C. at her social places:

Website: www.echibbs.weebly.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/echibbs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/e_c_hibbs

YouTube: www.youtube.com/echibbs

Earthkin: www.earthkincircle.com

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~Morgan~