An Enchantress of Mysterious Tales, Author Tonya Kappes

 

We found each other on Facebook. I was attracted to her contagious energy and we shared an enthusiasm for writing.   I noticed that she got a lot of writing done and I wondered, how does she do it? Then, I read an article on her blog, How Bad Do You Want Success? The article helped me to prioritize my energy on the one thing that sustained me besides food and oxygen, writing.  I have considered her a mentor ever since.  As if that was not enough, she asked ‘me’ an author with little fan fare to do a guest blog.  Honestly, it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.  Author Tonya Kappes enchanting mysteries are unique. She writes EVERYWHERE she goes and she still managed to rescue birds, a cat and even an orphaned baby rat. It is impossible not to love her.

 

One of my favorite books written by Tonya Kappes is Splitsville.com. It is the first novel in the Olivia Davis Mystery Series and is a double finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Mystery and Humorous Categories. A Charming Crime is the latest addition to her collection. There is always a new book brewing at Tonya’s house and I am sure another book will be coming soon.

 

 

 

I got a chance to chat with Tonya Kappes and asked the following questions.

 

1.      Who or what influenced your desire to be an author?

 

T.K: Oh gosh, that is a great question. I’ve always been a good storyteller, but it wasn’t until my husband encouraged me to write did I let my writer inside me out. I haven’t look back since. All I needed was that one person to believe in me.

 

2.      What advice would you give aspiring author?

 

T.K: Plain and simple, WRITE!!!! Make yourself write every single day.

 

3.      What is the most impactful mistake you have made as an author? How did that mistake make you a better author or businessperson?

 

T.K: I don’t think I have made any mistakes. I’m not perfect, but each step of the way, whether good or bad, helped shape my career. I made sure to document everything. Once I felt like I could help other authors, I started my blog and wrote a non-fiction book that helps authors market and promote their novels from the time they decide to write until the time they type THE END on their career.

 

4.      If you could change anything in the publishing industry, what would it be?

 

T.K: Nothing. It’s a great time to be in the publishing industry no matter what journey to publication you take. I’m not worried about everyone else, I just worry about my career and how to reach my reader.

 

5.      If you had a choice of writing on the moon or on a secluded island which would you choose and why?

T.K: I’d definitely choose the secluded island. I’m not sure how I could write with moon gear on.

 

If you haven’t experienced a Tonya Kappes creation you should.  You can start with the Grandberry Falls Box Set Books 1,2, and 3 [Kindle Edition] and you will get three for the price of two!

You can purchase her novels at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Createspace (print)
Google Books

 

Indiebound
Kobo
Smashwords

Thank you Tonya Kappes for being an awesome human being and taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions.

 

 

An Unyielding Devotion to Write...

I think we have all heard of the phrase ‘starving artist.’ I would be lying if I said, 'I know what it feels like to be hungry and not have food to eat,’ but we all know what it is like to be hungry. Chances are you will not get rich by writing novels but when you are passionate about something, it can consume your life. Artists and authors are not strangers to struggle or ridicule. Overtime your skin will toughen; but if writing is your passion, you are not alone.

 

 

 

It is important to have your book reviewed. If you get a favorable review, it is a gift. Every best seller has readers who love or hate the book. Listen to constructive criticism and ignore destructive criticism. Sometimes people will tear your dreams down when they do not have the means to pursue their own.

 

When you have conflicting emotions use those feelings as a crutch. If the phone is disconnected and you feel isolated from the world, do not worry, you are not alone. Stephen King’s landline phone was disconnected when he got an offer for Carrie. If you are passionate about writing and others validate your ability, improve your technique and let your passion fuel your creativity.

What Happens...While Rebels Sleep?

Last year, the first words of the story were written and three months later, the manuscript was finished. In reality, it was the beginning of an adventure. Rewriting the story took me on a treacherous journey of altering sentences and rearranging sections to improve the flow of the story.

I was in a field of tall razor-sharp grass with a machete in hand, cutting a path through the landscape. Paper cuts littered my flesh. I found bones in the landscape and things that were out of place. When it was over I saw the difference in the rhythm and sentiment of the story.

It is a bittersweet moment when an author releases a book but I am excited to share my story with the world! My new mystery thriller While Rebels Sleep will be available on Tuesday October 16, 2012. 

 

The Blurb:

There is no medical explanation that can explain the reason why Anya Polanski lived. Some would say it’s a miracle and others would say it’s a curse.  She struggled with accepting a past that she knows little about and an unyielding desire to change the future. 

 

Everything changes when she encounters a mysterious young man.  Together they embark on an adventure of a lifetime and put all the puzzle pieces of the past together in the process. 

The Book Trailer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture This, Eat That!

I don’t know of anyone who can live without it. When the aroma fills the room, it seduces our mind and body. It’s an out of body experience when it graces the tongue and our taste buds express disgust or delight. We all share a fondness for food!

We need food for nourishment but it’s also an aphrodisiac. It can explain why food magazines invest money in food photography. The reader cannot smell it; so they create an unbelievable visual experience. There is a science to it but it’s not my expertise. I specialize in eating and writing.

I was fortunate to come across an author who blends the best of both worlds, food and writing. Author Genevieve Scholl allowed me to read a scene from her upcoming novel. I was impressed with her ability to invoke similar feelings that one experiences when eating food. The way she wrote about food made my taste buds salivate. It was like reading a scratch and sniff book.

So, I challenged myself to write about food. The following passage is my attempt.

Kelley cut into the center of the turf. Steam rose from the plate releasing a whiff of pepper, garlic and bacon around her.  The hearty surf oozed melted butter and a hint of melon. She cringed at the thought of the juices colliding. Kelley liked her food untainted, but he took the liberty to order for her. She glanced at him and hoped he did not notice her discomfort.

Writing about food seems easy but it is harder than you think. I did a decent job but there is always room for improvement. It’s clear Genevieve Scholl has perfected the art of writing about food and I suspect she may be a great cook!

The following books were written by Author Genevieve Scholl.     A Mother's Day Murder: Donna's Story and A Father's Day Fatality: Tigria's Story

 

I Write My Heart, You Edit My Soul!



★★★★★

What would you do if you found an editor who finds all of the errors in your manuscript? I know what I would do. A special room awaits my editor. All of his or her basic needs would be met. He or she will enjoy secluded five star meals with a glass of wine. If it is a woman, I will do her hair and nails. On the other hand, if it is a man, I will order pay per view sport events to keep him happy and wax his back hair. Did I mention the door of the room would be replaced with bars?  An evil laugh echoes as I dangle the key on my finger.   Good editors are hard to find!

 

 

 

An editor is every author’s secret weapon. Depending on the length of your manuscript, it can cost $0.50 cents per page or $0.022+- per word to have it edited.  Therefore, I have tested three editing tools to help with the process.

 

Step one          http://www.spellchecker.net/

·         The program has thesaurus, spell, and grammar check.

·         It will not catch missing words.

Step two          http://www.paperrater.com/

·         It provides grammar, spell check and proofreader.

·         You can select the education level and type of document.

·         The software grades the document.

·         It will not catch missing words.

Step three     http://www.naturalreaders.com/download.htm

 

                 ·         Set the speed at negative one or less for clarity. 

 

                 ·         It reads text from documents and WebPages.

 

                 ·         You will notice missing words and discover plot holes!

 

    

Step four            Read your manuscript!

 

                ·           You will notice missing words! 

 

Step five            Repeat step one through four.

 

Using these programs will not take the place of an editor. It is important to familiarize yourself with these programs before you rely on them. Once you have mastered them, you will see the difference. Whether you have an editor or not these tools are helpful. By minimizing errors, an author can increase their chances of having an error free novel.

Sunday News, Author’s Muse.

The Sunday newspaper are a great resource for bargain shoppers and authors. I did not always think that way. When I saw the sale circulars, I was excited. I looked through them and circled the items I wanted. Then, I embarked on an exciting shopping spree.

 

Somehow, after braving the rain, snow or heat to shop, the items spent months or years in my closet with tags attached. I know I’m not the only one. By now, you are probably wondering, what does this have to do with writing? Have you ever introduced a main character and lost sight of, or mixed up their features? Yes?

Then, sale circulars are your new best friend. I use pictures of the models as identification photos for the characters. Did I hear someone say, you can make a chart! Charts are great but they do not work for everyone. I have found a new use for the sale circulars. Instead of using them to put a dent in my finances, I use them to keep my characters feature in order.

How do you keep things in order?

 

Write or Flight?

Things have been strange between us for the past few months and I’m starting to wonder if I have offended him. I am confused. A million things go through my mind. Is he seeing someone else? Does he still love me? One question lingers… Do I really love him?

I do. He saved me from myself. I know it sounds cheesy but he completes me. Please allow me to explain. When he’s with me, I smile, laugh and breathe easier. He’s my oxygen. I am torn and I can’t bear to lose him. He comes home when he feels like it and I am tired of waiting! We’re a team. I cannot do what I do without him. I calm myself and brainstorm for ideas to win him back. I have to make him want me, as I want him.

Everyone appreciates coming home to a calm environment and he is no different. I clean the house, put on some smooth Brazilian jazz and place scented candles in our room. I’m not a drinker but I’m nervous. A glass of wine might take the edge off. Fifteen minutes into the retreat, he arrives. My heart is racing. The closer he get’s I can feel a wave of light current passing through my body and it lingers on my fingertips. I exhale and allow him to caress me.

He’s back! I’m glad we’re working on our relationship. When I say ‘he,’ I’m referring to writing. Writing is my companion. We don’t always see eye to eye but we’re a team. I realize that sometimes he’ll need his space but when I need him I try to do the things that will bring him to the surface. I engage in activities that evoke his spirit. For instance, I take a scenic drive, visit a park, listen to music or attend cultural festivals. Sometimes, inspiration comes from the things that fascinate us. A writer is never short on creativity. Sometimes we are trying to find the right way to express our ideas.

 

I'm curious...how do you set the mood for writing?