INTERVIEW: C.A. Verstraete

The folks at Flurries Unlimited (FU) were lucky enough to catch up with horror author and miniaturist C.A. Verstraete (CAV) for a one on one chat.  Here's what we discussed.

FU: There are so many different genres to choose from, what inspired you to write about zombies?

CAV: I’ve always enjoyed a good scare, and what’s scarier than zombies? I started watching The Walking Dead like everyone else and I admit I got hooked!

FU: And how do miniatures fit in with that?

CAV: Only that I love to create! If I’m not writing, I’m usually working on something in miniature. It’s my artistic and creative outlet. But as for miniatures and zombies, I haven’t created that scene… yet. I have built a miniature Haunted House with strange inhabitants and a butcher in the back room. That’s all I’ll say. Ha! (The photos are on my website, http://cverstraete.com, click miniatures and Haunted House)

FU:  What kind of crossover potential have you seen between the two? Miniature zombies? Zombies who enjoy dollhouses? ;-)

CAV: See above answer. Actually there are quite a few spooky or horror books and short stories that have involved dollhouses and dolls. Maybe I’ll write a haunted dollhouse story some day. You never know.

FU:  You've written so many books. Which is your favourite and why?

CAV: Not that many. I have contributed short stories to quite a few anthologies, though. I like writing those as I get to explore different ideas, but I have to admit writing about Lizzie Borden has to be my favorite. It was a challenge, but fun, to work the story around her real life and add in some strange background events.

FU: They say that every character has some of the author in him/her. Which of your characters is most like you? In what way?

CAV: I think as a writer you can’t help but put a little bit of yourself in each character. But just a little… I sure wouldn’t want to be like Lizzie! Maybe I’m a bit like Becca in GIRL Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie. High school can be a time of adjusting and trying to find your way in life. Add becoming part-zombie and it makes that even worse. Not that I’d know about that, of course. Ha! (Except on those real late writing nights!)

FU:  So, what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

CAV: Getting Lizzie Borden, Zombie Hunter out has been my top priority for over a year now, so it’s almost hard to think beyond her! Actually, I like her enough that I started writing some short mystery stories with her. I’m also outlining the next book. There are quite a few issues I can address in the next book and I’m not quite ready to let go of Lizzie yet.

FU: Thank you so much for chatting with us.

INTERVIEW: Michael La Ronn

Flurries Unlimited (FU) had the great opportunity to sit down for a chat with fantasy and science fiction author Michael La Ronn (MLR) about his writing, his life and his philosophy of being.  Here's what we talked about.

FU:  There are so many different genres to choose from, what inspired you to write science fiction and fantasy novels? 

MLR: I have a big imagination and I love to tell stories. Science fiction and fantasy let me explore my imagination. When you read good SFF, you always walk away with a different perspective of the world, even though you've just been reading fiction. 

FU: And how did the non-fiction books come about?

MLR: The nonfiction books are more for me, honestly. It's me documenting my growth as an author, and passing along what I've learned to help people who have started after me. They're fun to write and nice buffers between novels. 

FU:  Your Amazon bio mentions a life-threatening illness that changed your life.  Can you give us a little bit more insight into that? How are you different now as compared to before?

MLR: I was ill with a stomach virus and while I was in the hospital, I caught another infection. What should have been a 2-3 hour hospital visit turned into a month-long visit where the doctors didn't diagnose the infection until it was almost too late. On that hospital bed, I realized that I had done nothing with my life. Sure, I had gone to college, gotten a good job, was ready to be engaged---but something was missing. Art was missing. I swore right then and there on that hospital bed that I would become a world-class storyteller and nothing would stop me. 

Most people who know me very well will tell you that I'm fearless. I'm willing to write the stories I believe in, even if they're a little off-kilter, and I'm willing to fail HARD and embarrass myself in public, and I have no problem with it because I also know how to balance that with good business sense and marketing. Life is short. When I'm gone, I'd rather leave it all in my books than have regret about what I didn't write. I definitely didn't have that attitude before I got sick. 

FU:  You've written a lot of books.  Which is your favourite and why?

MLR: Such a tough question! I love all of my books. Each one has a different spot in my heart. But Festival of Shadows will probably always be my favorite. It's about a headstrong teddy bear facing all odds to rescue his owner from the boogie man. Life throws everything at him--sadness, despair, evil villains---but he perseveres and never gives up. But at the same time his heart opens up in ways he never imagined, and he learns what it really means to be brave. That's my own personal, story, too. 

FU:  They say that every character has some of the author in him/her.  Which of your characters is most like you?  In what way?

MLR: X from Android Paradox is most like me. Aside from the fact that he's a seven-foot tall, African-American android who has no problem cracking skulls, he's quiet, introspective and always taking in the world around him. He's always asking questions, always trying to get to the heart of who he truly is, that's how I am, too. If only I had his muscles and strength!

FU:  So what is on the horizon?  What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

MLR: More science fiction & fantasy is always on my horizon. I'll be publishing Book 2 in The Last Dragon Lord series by the end of the year, as well as a new series about necromancers that I am super excited about. 

FU:  Thank you for chatting with us.

TMLR: hank you very much for the interview. I appreciate the opportunity!

INTERVIEW: J. Grace Pennington

Flurries Unlimited (FU) was able to catch up with Sci-Fi and Western author, J. Grace Pennington (JGP), for a one on one chat about her work, her faith and lots of stuff in between.  Here's what we discussed:

FU:  There are so many different genres to choose from, what inspired you to write science fiction?

JGP: My dad has always been a huge fan of science fiction, from Star Trek to Stargate to The Terminator, so he enjoyed sharing those things with me as I grew up and I found I loved the speculative element, the possibilities to explore ideas to such an extreme conclusion, and all the endless potential for creativity. I love coming up with ideas that aren't completely constrained by reality, but aren't fantasy either. I especially love being able to take my characters and my themes and stretch them as far as they could go, in situations that could not arise in the world we know--or could they?

FU:  And how did your western come about?

JGP: I've always loved westerns and was an avid Roy Rogers aficionado as a teen, so when I came up with the plot of Never it seemed like a good fit to put it in that dusty, gritty, Old-West atmosphere. I love the black-and-white nature of westerns, the clear good guy versus bad guy clash, and I thought that would be a good fit for the mystery story I had in mind.

FU:   According to your bio, your faith is very important to you. How has this influenced your writing?

JGP: As a Christian, I want all my books to have a purpose. Sometimes, like for my young adult series, that means they have explicit Christian values and religious characters. Sometimes, like for my western, it means having more subtle references to the characters' faith, and sometimes, like in Implant, it means the characters aren't religious at all, but the book itself promotes what I believe are important values like courage and selflessness. Sometimes it even means writing something that doesn't have a strong message but can bless others by making them laugh. It all depends on the individual story.

FU:  Sometimes religious people are harassed for their beliefs, particularly when they are a public figure or outspoken about them. What has been your experience?

JGP: I haven't had any horrible experiences, though I have had some reviews, specifically on my western, that call it "a sermon in disguise" or say that it would make a great movie if not for the faith elements. I have lost a few friends by being outspoken about my principles, as well. But for the most part I try to be clear upfront that some of my books are overtly Christian, so that people who don't want that won't pick them up to read. On the other hand, I've gotten flack from Christians who say some of my books aren't Christian enough. So I guess you just can't please everyone!

FU:  You've written quite a few books. Which is your favourite and why?
JGP: Such a tough question! I love my series, because I've grown to love all the characters so much and I'm excited to follow them through many more adventures, but I think as a standalone book Implant is my favorite. Again, I love the characters and their relationships. Particularly a rough, grouchy, mysterious man called "Doc."

FU:  They say that every character has some of the author in him/her.  Which of your characters is most like you? In what way?
JGP: Andi Lloyd, the protagonist of my Firmament series, is definitely the most like me. She is affectionate and deeply loyal, a bit easily frustrated, and definitely emotional. She loves those around her passionately, and is as opinionated as I am. However, she's a lot more confident than I am.

FU:   So what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

JGP: I'm working on getting my next book out now! It's the fourth book in my Firmament series, and it's called Reversal Zone. I've been looking forward to this one for years, and I can't wait to see what my readers think! It's off being edited, so I'm hoping to have it published sometime next month. We'll see!


FU: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us.

JGP: Thank you for having me on the site!

INTERVIEW: K.R. Richards

Flurries Unlimited (FU) had the awesome chance to visit with prolific author and medium/tarot card reader, K. R. Richards (KR). We didn't have our fortune told but her are the interesting things we discussed. 

FU:  With all the different genres to choose from, what made you decide to write paranormal romance?

KRR: While I was working on the last books of the historical, Lords of Avalon series, I got the itch to try something different. Although I did include some paranormal elements in the LOA series, I thought it might be fun to do that in a contemporary setting. I read many genres, and enjoy them all. A decade ago I had started planning out a series that revolved around women working in a metaphysical shop. So I just took some of those ideas and created the Decker Brothers Series.

FU: How has being a medium influenced your writing?

KRR: I think it has enhanced my awareness of human emotions, and it also keeps me focused on creating a functional romantic relationship within the story. As a medium, and Tarot reader, I worked in the public doing readings for people at Metaphysical Shops, Psychic Fairs, and Spiritualist Church events. People come to get a reading for many reasons, some just out of curiosity, some just to get their "fortune told." But it isn't fortune telling, it's a picture of your life at the time, the obstacles you currently face, and the mediumship can bring messages from the other side. I'll be the first to admit that quite a few people do come to a Psychic when their love life isn't going well, and not everyone can see clearly when they are in the midst of a bad relationship.

FU: What's the most memorable experience you've had as either a medium or tarot reader?

KRR: There are many that stand out, good and bad. But I will share one that I feel is the most important. While I worked as a Psychic in the community, that was a side job. I worked a 9 - 5 receptionist/admin job for a major hotel chain. I

was in my late thirties, early forties during that time. We had a lot of young employees. I kept positive thought cards, affirmations, etc. at my desk. Many of them stopped to talk throughout the day and would tell me about their problems. One young man was having problems with his boyfriend, and eventually they broke up. He was distraught, estranged from his family at the time, and we talked often during his break up. I gave him a reading and also gave him a list of positive affirmations. By this point, he had no self-confidence, low self-esteem and couldn't conceive how he could go through life without the person he loved. The last time I saw him, he was really upset. So I spoke to his manager to let him know what was going on. He didn't show up for work the next day.

Two weeks went by and he was still a no show. We called his number and could never reach him. His manager did not terminate him. When the young man returned two weeks later, it was to tell us that he had wanted to die when he left that night. He slit his wrists. While he was laying there bleeding, he pulled the affirmations I had given him out of his backpack. As he read through them and remembered what we had talked about - he decided he wanted to live. He called his parents. They called 911. After leaving the hospital, he went home to his family, who welcomed him.

There were so many other experiences that I remember, helping a woman find the courage and confidence to leave an abusive relationship, giving a loving message to a grieving widow, and helping young women to see they must love themselves.

FU: You've written so many books and now two series. Which is your favourite and why?

KRR: I can't say that I have a favorite. I have enjoyed writing them all, and struggled with each one at times too. I would say I was most proud of Lords of Atonement, because it was the last of the Lords of Avalon series and I didn't want it to be boring or disappointing, nor did I want the readers to be let down because they had already figured out the identity of the main antagonist. It was difficult and took a lot of thought and planning, but I feel like I gave them some surprises and accomplished that.

FU: They say that every character has some of the author in him/her. Which of your characters is most like you? In what way?

KRR: I can't really think of one character. I can say some of them have my strengths, and some of them have my weaknesses. Two examples come to mind, first would be Libby from Lords of Honor. She had a large scar on her face and it was difficult for her to accept after she was injured. People stared at her. I was born with a large birthmark on my lower leg. Kids always made fun of it when I was growing up, and I was very self-conscious of it. I even came to hate it in high school. I think Libby's feelings definitely came from that experience. Senny, in Lords of Retribution was "different". In all truth, she wasn't like me , per se, but she came from the experience with my youngest son, who is severely autistic, he has never spoken. So Senny's feelings definitely came from my experience raising my son. The way he was treated, the way his brother felt when people made fun of him, etc. I can remember praying in those early days that my son would start speaking and be able to live a normal life. I read about and investigated everything about autism, trying to find "the way, the thing" that would be the break through for him. There came the time when I had to accept that he would be like he was. So I think Senny came from the memories of those dreams I had to let go of for my son. A man fell in love with Senny, she got married, she gained confidence and though she still struggled, and didn't always fit in, she had a normal, happy life.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

KRR: There are two more books left in The Decker Brothers Trilogy. I'm currently writing Liam's Spell. I'm about to release Book 1 of the Quest for the Shroud historical series, Sinners Take All. The Quest for the Shroud series includes some of the unmarried Avalon Society members from the Lords of Avalon series on their new adventure in Scotland.

I have a two small town Contemporary Romances, set in Mississippi, in the works, along with several Historical series I've planned out. One is about a group of female mediums in Victorian England, the other about a trio of Cornish rakes, and another is about a family by the name of Darke who lives in Penzance, Cornwall.

FU:  Thank you for chatting with us.

KRR: Thank you, K. G. and Flurries of words. :)

INTERVIEW: K.R. Richards

Flurries Unlimited (FU) had the awesome chance to visit with prolific author and medium/tarot card reader, K. R. Richards (KR). We didn't have our fortune told but her are the interesting things we discussed. 

FU:  With all the different genres to choose from, what made you decide to write paranormal romance?

KRR: While I was working on the last books of the historical, Lords of Avalon series, I got the itch to try something different. Although I did include some paranormal elements in the LOA series, I thought it might be fun to do that in a contemporary setting. I read many genres, and enjoy them all. A decade ago I had started planning out a series that revolved around women working in a metaphysical shop. So I just took some of those ideas and created the Decker Brothers Series.

FU: How has being a medium influenced your writing?

KRR: I think it has enhanced my awareness of human emotions, and it also keeps me focused on creating a functional romantic relationship within the story. As a medium, and Tarot reader, I worked in the public doing readings for people at Metaphysical Shops, Psychic Fairs, and Spiritualist Church events. People come to get a reading for many reasons, some just out of curiosity, some just to get their "fortune told." But it isn't fortune telling, it's a picture of your life at the time, the obstacles you currently face, and the mediumship can bring messages from the other side. I'll be the first to admit that quite a few people do come to a Psychic when their love life isn't going well, and not everyone can see clearly when they are in the midst of a bad relationship.

FU: What's the most memorable experience you've had as either a medium or tarot reader?

KRR: There are many that stand out, good and bad. But I will share one that I feel is the most important. While I worked as a Psychic in the community, that was a side job. I worked a 9 - 5 receptionist/admin job for a major hotel chain. I

was in my late thirties, early forties during that time. We had a lot of young employees. I kept positive thought cards, affirmations, etc. at my desk. Many of them stopped to talk throughout the day and would tell me about their problems. One young man was having problems with his boyfriend, and eventually they broke up. He was distraught, estranged from his family at the time, and we talked often during his break up. I gave him a reading and also gave him a list of positive affirmations. By this point, he had no self-confidence, low self-esteem and couldn't conceive how he could go through life without the person he loved. The last time I saw him, he was really upset. So I spoke to his manager to let him know what was going on. He didn't show up for work the next day.

Two weeks went by and he was still a no show. We called his number and could never reach him. His manager did not terminate him. When the young man returned two weeks later, it was to tell us that he had wanted to die when he left that night. He slit his wrists. While he was laying there bleeding, he pulled the affirmations I had given him out of his backpack. As he read through them and remembered what we had talked about - he decided he wanted to live. He called his parents. They called 911. After leaving the hospital, he went home to his family, who welcomed him.

There were so many other experiences that I remember, helping a woman find the courage and confidence to leave an abusive relationship, giving a loving message to a grieving widow, and helping young women to see they must love themselves.

FU: You've written so many books and now two series. Which is your favourite and why?

KRR: I can't say that I have a favorite. I have enjoyed writing them all, and struggled with each one at times too. I would say I was most proud of Lords of Atonement, because it was the last of the Lords of Avalon series and I didn't want it to be boring or disappointing, nor did I want the readers to be let down because they had already figured out the identity of the main antagonist. It was difficult and took a lot of thought and planning, but I feel like I gave them some surprises and accomplished that.

FU: They say that every character has some of the author in him/her. Which of your characters is most like you? In what way?

KRR: I can't really think of one character. I can say some of them have my strengths, and some of them have my weaknesses. Two examples come to mind, first would be Libby from Lords of Honor. She had a large scar on her face and it was difficult for her to accept after she was injured. People stared at her. I was born with a large birthmark on my lower leg. Kids always made fun of it when I was growing up, and I was very self-conscious of it. I even came to hate it in high school. I think Libby's feelings definitely came from that experience. Senny, in Lords of Retribution was "different". In all truth, she wasn't like me , per se, but she came from the experience with my youngest son, who is severely autistic, he has never spoken. So Senny's feelings definitely came from my experience raising my son. The way he was treated, the way his brother felt when people made fun of him, etc. I can remember praying in those early days that my son would start speaking and be able to live a normal life. I read about and investigated everything about autism, trying to find "the way, the thing" that would be the break through for him. There came the time when I had to accept that he would be like he was. So I think Senny came from the memories of those dreams I had to let go of for my son. A man fell in love with Senny, she got married, she gained confidence and though she still struggled, and didn't always fit in, she had a normal, happy life.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

KRR: There are two more books left in The Decker Brothers Trilogy. I'm currently writing Liam's Spell. I'm about to release Book 1 of the Quest for the Shroud historical series, Sinners Take All. The Quest for the Shroud series includes some of the unmarried Avalon Society members from the Lords of Avalon series on their new adventure in Scotland.

I have a two small town Contemporary Romances, set in Mississippi, in the works, along with several Historical series I've planned out. One is about a group of female mediums in Victorian England, the other about a trio of Cornish rakes, and another is about a family by the name of Darke who lives in Penzance, Cornwall.

FU:  Thank you for chatting with us.

KRR: Thank you, K. G. and Flurries of words. :)

INTERVIEW: K.R. Richards

Flurries Unlimited (FU) had the awesome chance to visit with prolific author and medium/tarot card reader, K. R. Richards (KR). We didn't have our fortune told but her are the interesting things we discussed. 

FU:  With all the different genres to choose from, what made you decide to write paranormal romance?

KRR: While I was working on the last books of the historical, Lords of Avalon series, I got the itch to try something different. Although I did include some paranormal elements in the LOA series, I thought it might be fun to do that in a contemporary setting. I read many genres, and enjoy them all. A decade ago I had started planning out a series that revolved around women working in a metaphysical shop. So I just took some of those ideas and created the Decker Brothers Series.

FU: How has being a medium influenced your writing?

KRR: I think it has enhanced my awareness of human emotions, and it also keeps me focused on creating a functional romantic relationship within the story. As a medium, and Tarot reader, I worked in the public doing readings for people at Metaphysical Shops, Psychic Fairs, and Spiritualist Church events. People come to get a reading for many reasons, some just out of curiosity, some just to get their "fortune told." But it isn't fortune telling, it's a picture of your life at the time, the obstacles you currently face, and the mediumship can bring messages from the other side. I'll be the first to admit that quite a few people do come to a Psychic when their love life isn't going well, and not everyone can see clearly when they are in the midst of a bad relationship.

FU: What's the most memorable experience you've had as either a medium or tarot reader?

KRR: There are many that stand out, good and bad. But I will share one that I feel is the most important. While I worked as a Psychic in the community, that was a side job. I worked a 9 - 5 receptionist/admin job for a major hotel chain. I

was in my late thirties, early forties during that time. We had a lot of young employees. I kept positive thought cards, affirmations, etc. at my desk. Many of them stopped to talk throughout the day and would tell me about their problems. One young man was having problems with his boyfriend, and eventually they broke up. He was distraught, estranged from his family at the time, and we talked often during his break up. I gave him a reading and also gave him a list of positive affirmations. By this point, he had no self-confidence, low self-esteem and couldn't conceive how he could go through life without the person he loved. The last time I saw him, he was really upset. So I spoke to his manager to let him know what was going on. He didn't show up for work the next day.

Two weeks went by and he was still a no show. We called his number and could never reach him. His manager did not terminate him. When the young man returned two weeks later, it was to tell us that he had wanted to die when he left that night. He slit his wrists. While he was laying there bleeding, he pulled the affirmations I had given him out of his backpack. As he read through them and remembered what we had talked about - he decided he wanted to live. He called his parents. They called 911. After leaving the hospital, he went home to his family, who welcomed him.

There were so many other experiences that I remember, helping a woman find the courage and confidence to leave an abusive relationship, giving a loving message to a grieving widow, and helping young women to see they must love themselves.

FU: You've written so many books and now two series. Which is your favourite and why?

KRR: I can't say that I have a favorite. I have enjoyed writing them all, and struggled with each one at times too. I would say I was most proud of Lords of Atonement, because it was the last of the Lords of Avalon series and I didn't want it to be boring or disappointing, nor did I want the readers to be let down because they had already figured out the identity of the main antagonist. It was difficult and took a lot of thought and planning, but I feel like I gave them some surprises and accomplished that.

FU: They say that every character has some of the author in him/her. Which of your characters is most like you? In what way?

KRR: I can't really think of one character. I can say some of them have my strengths, and some of them have my weaknesses. Two examples come to mind, first would be Libby from Lords of Honor. She had a large scar on her face and it was difficult for her to accept after she was injured. People stared at her. I was born with a large birthmark on my lower leg. Kids always made fun of it when I was growing up, and I was very self-conscious of it. I even came to hate it in high school. I think Libby's feelings definitely came from that experience. Senny, in Lords of Retribution was "different". In all truth, she wasn't like me , per se, but she came from the experience with my youngest son, who is severely autistic, he has never spoken. So Senny's feelings definitely came from my experience raising my son. The way he was treated, the way his brother felt when people made fun of him, etc. I can remember praying in those early days that my son would start speaking and be able to live a normal life. I read about and investigated everything about autism, trying to find "the way, the thing" that would be the break through for him. There came the time when I had to accept that he would be like he was. So I think Senny came from the memories of those dreams I had to let go of for my son. A man fell in love with Senny, she got married, she gained confidence and though she still struggled, and didn't always fit in, she had a normal, happy life.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

KRR: There are two more books left in The Decker Brothers Trilogy. I'm currently writing Liam's Spell. I'm about to release Book 1 of the Quest for the Shroud historical series, Sinners Take All. The Quest for the Shroud series includes some of the unmarried Avalon Society members from the Lords of Avalon series on their new adventure in Scotland.

I have a two small town Contemporary Romances, set in Mississippi, in the works, along with several Historical series I've planned out. One is about a group of female mediums in Victorian England, the other about a trio of Cornish rakes, and another is about a family by the name of Darke who lives in Penzance, Cornwall.

FU:  Thank you for chatting with us.

KRR: Thank you, K. G. and Flurries of words. :)

INTERVIEW: K.R. Richards

Flurries Unlimited (FU) had the awesome chance to visit with prolific author and medium/tarot card reader, K. R. Richards (KR). We didn't have our fortune told but her are the interesting things we discussed. 

FU:  With all the different genres to choose from, what made you decide to write paranormal romance?

KRR: While I was working on the last books of the historical, Lords of Avalon series, I got the itch to try something different. Although I did include some paranormal elements in the LOA series, I thought it might be fun to do that in a contemporary setting. I read many genres, and enjoy them all. A decade ago I had started planning out a series that revolved around women working in a metaphysical shop. So I just took some of those ideas and created the Decker Brothers Series.

FU: How has being a medium influenced your writing?

KRR: I think it has enhanced my awareness of human emotions, and it also keeps me focused on creating a functional romantic relationship within the story. As a medium, and Tarot reader, I worked in the public doing readings for people at Metaphysical Shops, Psychic Fairs, and Spiritualist Church events. People come to get a reading for many reasons, some just out of curiosity, some just to get their "fortune told." But it isn't fortune telling, it's a picture of your life at the time, the obstacles you currently face, and the mediumship can bring messages from the other side. I'll be the first to admit that quite a few people do come to a Psychic when their love life isn't going well, and not everyone can see clearly when they are in the midst of a bad relationship.

FU: What's the most memorable experience you've had as either a medium or tarot reader?

KRR: There are many that stand out, good and bad. But I will share one that I feel is the most important. While I worked as a Psychic in the community, that was a side job. I worked a 9 - 5 receptionist/admin job for a major hotel chain. I

was in my late thirties, early forties during that time. We had a lot of young employees. I kept positive thought cards, affirmations, etc. at my desk. Many of them stopped to talk throughout the day and would tell me about their problems. One young man was having problems with his boyfriend, and eventually they broke up. He was distraught, estranged from his family at the time, and we talked often during his break up. I gave him a reading and also gave him a list of positive affirmations. By this point, he had no self-confidence, low self-esteem and couldn't conceive how he could go through life without the person he loved. The last time I saw him, he was really upset. So I spoke to his manager to let him know what was going on. He didn't show up for work the next day.

Two weeks went by and he was still a no show. We called his number and could never reach him. His manager did not terminate him. When the young man returned two weeks later, it was to tell us that he had wanted to die when he left that night. He slit his wrists. While he was laying there bleeding, he pulled the affirmations I had given him out of his backpack. As he read through them and remembered what we had talked about - he decided he wanted to live. He called his parents. They called 911. After leaving the hospital, he went home to his family, who welcomed him.

There were so many other experiences that I remember, helping a woman find the courage and confidence to leave an abusive relationship, giving a loving message to a grieving widow, and helping young women to see they must love themselves.

FU: You've written so many books and now two series. Which is your favourite and why?

KRR: I can't say that I have a favorite. I have enjoyed writing them all, and struggled with each one at times too. I would say I was most proud of Lords of Atonement, because it was the last of the Lords of Avalon series and I didn't want it to be boring or disappointing, nor did I want the readers to be let down because they had already figured out the identity of the main antagonist. It was difficult and took a lot of thought and planning, but I feel like I gave them some surprises and accomplished that.

FU: They say that every character has some of the author in him/her. Which of your characters is most like you? In what way?

KRR: I can't really think of one character. I can say some of them have my strengths, and some of them have my weaknesses. Two examples come to mind, first would be Libby from Lords of Honor. She had a large scar on her face and it was difficult for her to accept after she was injured. People stared at her. I was born with a large birthmark on my lower leg. Kids always made fun of it when I was growing up, and I was very self-conscious of it. I even came to hate it in high school. I think Libby's feelings definitely came from that experience. Senny, in Lords of Retribution was "different". In all truth, she wasn't like me , per se, but she came from the experience with my youngest son, who is severely autistic, he has never spoken. So Senny's feelings definitely came from my experience raising my son. The way he was treated, the way his brother felt when people made fun of him, etc. I can remember praying in those early days that my son would start speaking and be able to live a normal life. I read about and investigated everything about autism, trying to find "the way, the thing" that would be the break through for him. There came the time when I had to accept that he would be like he was. So I think Senny came from the memories of those dreams I had to let go of for my son. A man fell in love with Senny, she got married, she gained confidence and though she still struggled, and didn't always fit in, she had a normal, happy life.

FU: So what is on the horizon? What are your new projects? When is your next new release?

KRR: There are two more books left in The Decker Brothers Trilogy. I'm currently writing Liam's Spell. I'm about to release Book 1 of the Quest for the Shroud historical series, Sinners Take All. The Quest for the Shroud series includes some of the unmarried Avalon Society members from the Lords of Avalon series on their new adventure in Scotland.

I have a two small town Contemporary Romances, set in Mississippi, in the works, along with several Historical series I've planned out. One is about a group of female mediums in Victorian England, the other about a trio of Cornish rakes, and another is about a family by the name of Darke who lives in Penzance, Cornwall.

FU:  Thank you for chatting with us.

KRR: Thank you, K. G. and Flurries of words. :)