Category Archives: Interview

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

I started writing seriously when I moved to Alabama a few years ago, but I’d been dabbling at it for years. Writing kind of runs in my family. My mama is a songwriter and my grandmother was a newspaper columnist. Many of my family members are storytellers who are poetic and have a way with words.

When I wrote my debut novel, Play With My Heart, I did it because I had the time (taking a break from another career) and the characters in my head wouldn’t shut up.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written sixteen novels or novellas, but many of them are still in the rough/first draft stage. I tend to write quickly and then take months to edit/revise. So far, four novellas and two novels have been published. I can’t say I have a favorite because I like each new story better than the last.

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Hollywood security guru has strong opinions about gender roles. Can a former SWAT member scarred by her past change his mind?

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

Yes. Dance With My Heart is second in a five book series (Southland Romances), a family saga based on the Baker family. I like to refer to them as the Brady Bunch in boots and blue jeans. I love to read series because I like seeing familiar characters, so I think it was natural for me to plan that way when it came to my own writing. I even have an off shoot series from Southland in the works, different characters with cameos by the Bakers from time to time.

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

My dream cast for Dance With My Heart would be taking the main players from Burn Notice and transplanting them. I wonder if Jeffrey Donavan and Gabrielle Anwar can dance? Bruce Campbell would make a great Big Dan Baker (the dad/tertiary character).

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

They’re all about the power of love. It may look a little different in each story, but that’s the big picture. In Dance With My Heart, the healing power of love is a major theme. Forgiveness also factors into most of my stories, whether forgiving others or ourselves. I guess that can be called the redemptive power of love. It’s the greatest force in the world.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

My next book will release on April 8, 2015. It’s the third Southland Romance entitled “Ride With My Heart”. It has strong Southern gothic elements, which is a bit unusual for a contemporary romance.

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

There are so many authors I admire I’m not sure we have enough room to list them all. I have to mention the talented writers in my RWA chapters of Southern Magic and Georgia Romance Writers. As far as authors I emulate because I want my writing to entertain others as much as their writing has entertained me, I have to give shout outs to Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, Mary Kay Andrews, and Sophie Kinsella.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

This one was tough. I’m going to have to go with one about love.

1Corinthians 13:7-8a says “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for taking the time to read my work. I hope enjoy it. I’d love it if you would leave a review on Amazon/iBooks/Goodreads or anywhere and everywhere. I also love to hear from readers and you can find my contact information on my website http://medawhite.com as well as my newsletter signup form. Best wishes for a lifetime of love and laughter.

You can purchase Dance With My Heart and more through our bookstore  and connect with Meda White on social media and read her biography on her author page.

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

It’s a very long story and I really do not know how to explain it in one interview. Thanks for asking, though.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Books? Novels, novellas, short stories? I’m very prolific, at this point. As to a favorite…isn’t that like asking a parent which child is their favorite? I love the creative spiral of September Ends and how poetry is a main ingredient of the novel’s prose. Yet, I love the story of Tennessee musician Dallas Fortune in The Fortune Series.

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Drunk & Disorderly? What was Dallas thinking? Love & Marriage? Check out #FortuneBrawling Story 2 in The #Fortune Series, the life & loves of musician Dallas Fortune

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

Yes, story 2. There WAS an outline for the series, but like most things artistic, an outline doesn’t always stay on place, does it? We shall see where The Fortune Series goes. I LOVE the new man in Dallas Fortune’s life, Tom Vanderfleet. But, there’s the good looking fortune teller, Ernesto Lorenze. And, what will happen with the relationship between Dallas & Nashville’s guitar god, Billie Joe McAllister?

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Oh my, I really do not know, except the Fairy Godmother HAS to be Dolly Parton. Ernesto Lorenze was based on the looks of Foo Fighter’s drummer, Dave Grohl, but otherwise, I’m open to suggestions.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Generally, the moral of the story is love conquers all, if only for a brief time.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

Yes. Please see above…

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

So many authors, so little space…How do you expect me to list everyone love and admire here?

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

“Believe nothing that you hear and half of what you see.” Southern Proverb; “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” Mark Twain; “Writers happen in the best of families.” Rita Mae Brown

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you very much for your support. I appreciate everyone that has taken the time, and will take the time to read one of my stories. Your love and generosity mean a great deal and I thank my lucky stars for each of you, every day!

You can purchase Fortune Brawling through our bookstore and connect with Hunter S Jones through her author page.

Additional Books by the Author

(Click the cover for more information)

[mybooktable book=”fortune-calling-story-dallas-fortune” display=”summary”]
[mybooktable book=”september-ends” display=”summary”]

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

Probably about 6 years ago, I took my writing seriously. I connected with other writers and crammed like my life depended on it and I’m still learning. But before then, I’ve always been creative. Carrying on imaginary conversations with the characters in my head. When their lives seemed more interesting than my own, I put pen to paper and voila! I also discovered the emerging YA book market, which rehashed my love of reading and high school! Aww, young love!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

My books are like my children, I forget names and dates! Kidding. I’ve published 6 titles, 4 are part of a series. A short story for an anthology and I have 2 titles releasing in 2015 for Turquoise Morning Press. Hidden in my computer, I have 1 NA series I’m currently pitching and 2 YA titles that will not see the light of day!

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A girl, her BFF, a map and a hot guy along for the ride. The prize? A long-lost mother, money and freedom. Finding You, #NA #2015release

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

None of my current WIP or releases for 2015 are part of a series. My YA, Tumble and Fall, has series potential. I have a NA series that I’m currently pitching and it is expected to have 3 books total.

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Oh goodness. Well, for my NA, Finding You, releasing in March 2015, I’d picture Ian Somerhalder as Jackson, my male lead, and Emilia Clarke as the female lead, Jessica.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

To be honest, when I read, I look for an escape and reading for a message feels like that taints my escape. I don’t harbor any ill will towards writers that do it, because I think, especially teens, messages are needed to deal with life. Times are different than when I was a teen and they have harder issues to face. If a reader can’t pull a message from my stories, then I hope they can laugh, or love or cry along with my characters. Let my writing provide an escape.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

Yes. Finding You, NA, releases March 2015 and Tumble and Fall, YA, releases November 2015. I’m crossing my fingers for 2016 releases!

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

Love Sarah Dessen, Abbi Glines, Monica Murphy, and Rachel Van Dyken. I also have a love for emerging authors. They might not be NY Times Best Selling status but they rock, like Amy Spalding, Julie Anne Lindsey, and Margaret Ethridge.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

You gotta fight for your right, to party.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Without them, I don’t get to do what I do and thank you. And send me questions. I love to interact even if its for virtual coffee.

Watch for the release of  “Finding You” in March and connect with Jennifer Anderson through her author page.

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

I began writing in the early 1960’s. I had completed the Famous Writers Correspondence Course on writing fiction. A racial remark heard when I was 15 years old had danced around in my head all those years. To rid myself of it, I started a novel in 1967.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written and published three books, Southern Winds A’ Changing, a novel; Follow Me: The Life and Adventures of a Military Family, a memoir; and Musings, Mutterings, and Aw Shucks, a collection of short stories. Southern Winds A’ Changing is favored.

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“Musings, …,” shares stories with eclectic characters, some of whom embellish true experiences, and show real love, disappointment, friendship.

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

I have thought of writing a follow up to Southern Winds A’ Changing, showing what happened to two of the characters–one white, one black. However, I have a futuristic book started.
When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

The latest, a collection of short stories, isn’t adaptable to film; however the novel, Southern Winds A’ Changing, is. I would like a young, redheaded star that can play Allise in her early 20’s, and Meryl Streep to play a strong Allise in her later life. For African American Maizee, a gentle, loving mother sort, such as the star of “Help.” Quent, Allise’s first husband, would need to portray biases and hatefulness. Their son and daughter would pattern themselves after their father. Nate, Maizee’s son by Quent, would be played with tolerance, intelligence, and bravery. Dro, Allise’s second husband, is loving, supportive, and tolerant.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

The novel, Southern Winds A’ Changing, conveys the idea that racism and intolerance is still a monumental, relevant problem in our nation, and we had better get a handle on it.
“Follow Me: …,” the memoir, depicts long and many separations of husband and father from wife and children, the children’s experiences of changing schools in midterms, of living in a Third World country. And yet, wife and children conclude that the sum total was a happy life with many wonderful experiences.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

“Blast Off,” is the working title of a futuristic novel I am just beginning. If it looks like it will fly, a great deal of research will be required. It will not be coming out soon.

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird), Pat Conroy, John Grisham

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed. (Constitution of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) [1946]
Literature is the effort of man to indemnify himself for the wrongs of his condition. (The Conservative) [1842]
I believe that reason and not creed defines the search for truth, that God embraces all people equally, which leads me to believe that truth and spiritual meaning can be found in all faiths.
Honesty is praised and starves. (Satires I, l.74)

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want my readers to think about history, to ponder why a character might think and act as he/she does, to enjoy humorous stories and wonder what was underlying in other stories.

You can purchase “Southern Winds A’ Changing” through our bookstore and connect with Elizabeth Carroll Foster through her author page.

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

I wrote the book in 2007. Phillis Wheatley and the lives of the many unappreciated black children I have taught were my inspirations.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Louisa is my first book.

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Louisa inspires one to both read and learn no matter the circumstance.It is a historically accurate novel.

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

I am writing a book on Sally Hemings and a memoir.

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Thank God! I would select people with animated faces. An acceptable screenplay would say more through facial expressions than lines. The dialogue would have to make clear that even in Boston slaves were abused. Finally, the genius of Phillis should be emphasized multiple times.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

Louisa appreciated reading and writing and so should you.

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

I have written about a third on each of two books.

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

David McCullough, John Hope Franklin, and Frank McCourt to name three.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you for being a reader.

You can purchase “Louisa” through our bookstore and connect with him through his author page.

When did you start writing and what inspired you to start?

At age 14 I wrote my first frictional story and read three novels. I was hooked. I have been writing for journals, magazines, newspaper columns and books since college days.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

Five. Equally, The Third Mississippi Regiment, CSA, and The Greatest American. All are different genre. Code: Team Zebra is the first suspense and might be my favorite.

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My military and civilian clandestine operations are reflected in Code: Team Zebra—fiction and fact. The reader decides. Check the reviews.

The current trend in publishing is toward series novels as opposed to stand-alone books. Is your most recent release part of a series? If so, where do you see the story going (ie how many books in the series)? If not, do you have a series you’ve written or plan to write, and if so, what is it?

I have a tentative outline for a sequel on Code: Team Zebra. I also have manuscripts intended for publication shortly: “The Night of the Winter Kill” and its sequel “Capricorn.” The latter two involve clandestine operations of the European powers during America’s colonial period. Like Code: Team Zebra, they all have complex, fast paced plots.

When your latest title is adapted to film, and the producers ask for your dream cast, what will you say?

Hmmm? Kevin Kostner, Ben Aflek, Mat Dameon, Mark Wahlberg, Brad Pit and two of Hollywood’s finest actresses–one as a witness protector and the other as a witness’ pretty wife. Then there are the low-lives.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

In this book, Zebra, and the three to follow, the reader will be cognizant of drug-cartels taking control of our streets, the weakness in our judicial system, and the probability of special operations people secretly targeting the problem—the fine line between reality and fiction,

Do you have a new book coming out soon?

The Night of the Winter Kill is next because it is ready for publication. Its sequel (Capricorn) is also ready. Then the sequel to Zebra should be finished and ready for publication. All are the same genre: Fast-paced thrillers (according to reviews of Zebra).

Who are some of the authors you particularly admire or who’ve had some influence on your own writing?

Ludlum, Clancy, Dubois. Oh, and Lamour and Gutherie. But, the influence from others were there much earlier. First were the western authors. Eventually the espionage and special operations penmen. Still, the inspiration included my own life and military experiences around the world, especially the States.

List your favorite quotation or words you live by.

Military: “Death before Dishonor.” On the way to Eagle in the Boy Scouts: “Be Prepared.” An old man once told me, “Every animal has a heart and soul.”

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Of course. Read Code: Team Zebra with an open mind an opinion. The story will influence your thinking about the clandestine world around you–regardless of your place in society. They are watching, and our own are watching them. Don’t believe it isn’t so. Be careful–very careful. And stay prepared. Dale

You can purchase Code: Team Zebra through our bookstore.

You can read our book spotlight  on Code: Team Zebra this Thursday.