WRITER'S SPOTLIGHT—MICHAEL OFFUTT AND STEPHEN TREMP

But words are things and a drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought and

produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.

~Lord Byron

There are many reasons for starting a blog but in our community most have started their blog because they’re writers. It gets a writer used to meeting deadlines, choosing interesting topics to write about, and writing on a regular basis. Blogs help with getting one accustomed to being a presence in the cyber world. It’s a practical way of learning the promotion ropes and builds a following. Blogging is also a great way to find support and encouragement and that’s important when you’re that odd duck called a writer. J

No matter where you are on the road to publication there are common issues that face all writers. Those who aren't published have this perception, somewhere in the back of their brain, that those who are published no longer face problems in their writing. That’s not so. True, published authors have more experience and more confidence in their abilities but they still have tough days when the words won’t come. They still have jobs and families that eat up their time when they’d like to be writing. They still have things they struggle with. 

And that common denominator is one of the reasons I started my blog with the theme: 

Sharing the tears and laughter, the glitches and triumphs, authors face in the pursuit of their ambition to write.

Periodically, over the next few months, I want to highlight writers from my writing community published and unpublished. I want to share some of their struggles and triumphs. Really we aren't all that different in those areas. Michael Offutt and Stephen Tremp were both willing to answer a few questions for me.  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

BUY: AMAZON, APPLE I-BOOKS, B&N,

Michael Offutt 

What excites you about the genre you write? 
I think it's fun writing about people who live extraordinary lives in fantastic worlds.

For you, what’s the best part of writing a story?
The beginning, hands down. It's easy to get excited about a new project.
What do you still struggle with as an author? 

You can find Michael: 
Website/blog,
Twitter, Goodreads.

Writing conclusions.

Give me a triumph/strength—something you’re proud of or something you've overcome as a writer? The feeling that I'm a special snowflake. I think feeling that one is "special" is dangerous to anyone because it can cause a person to overlook opportunities because they are waiting for something else that will never happen.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Release Date March 10, 2014

Stephen Tremp

What excites you about the genre you write?

That it’s as real as science fiction can be. Remember, shows like Star Trek used futuristic science concepts that are today common technology. And science is unlocking the secrets of our universe in an exciting, and alarming, pace.

What amazing breakthrough discoveries will we see in the next twenty five years? What will our world be like? What cures will we have? Will we be mining asteroids and terraforming portions of Mars? The stuff if science fiction of today could be reality in a very short time. 

For you, what’s the best part of writing a story? 

Working with my editor. This is where we put it all together and add that additional Wow Factor! I can see the fruit of my labor about to come to pass. And I can spend much more time with the family.

What do you still struggle with as an author? 

Time. I can write two to three really good books a year. I just need to the time to do it. So this year I will write a couple novellas about 150-200 pages each.

Your can find Stephen:
WEBSITE/BLOG,
GOODREADS

Give me a triumph/strength—something you’re proud of or something you've overcome as a writer? 

Researching and finishing a trilogy. Originally, my story was a screen play that turned into a book. But as I filled out the outline, it soon became two books, then three. I’m proud I stuck with it through all kinds of trials. It wasn't easy. But I stuck with it.

Thank you Michael and Stephen for taking the time to answer my questions!

• Have you read Michael Offutt or Stephen Tremp's books? If you haven't stopped by their blogs lately, pop over and say hi!

HEALTHY AND WISE: STAYING PRODUCTIVE

Staying healthy isn't always easy in today’s world, is it? Most of us work at a desk, have tight schedules, we’re stressed, out of shape and/or overweight, we don’t get enough sleep, and healthy eating is a adding lettuce and tomato to that burger. An exercise routine is either a New Year resolution forgotten on January 2^nd, or is reduced to running for the bus or to the car on our way to yet another appointment.

No wonder we’re tired, cranky, or sick.

A sedentary lifestyle is not good for anyone, regardless of age or occupation. It takes effort on our part to change the pattern and make choices to keep us healthy. This doesn't necessarily mean we have to change everything at once but analyzing our patterns and incorporating gradual changes will help clear the way to a healthier you.

I've learned the hard way that getting healthy and staying healthy takes effort and some of the necessary choices require dedication to maintain. Like millions of men and women in the workforce I have to juggle my family, a ranch with animals, social media, and creative writing with my employment. I don’t have an office to commute to daily; I work a virtual office job from home. My job entails sitting, whether I’m answering phones or doing contract writing. Deadlines (stress) are a way of life. Here are some things that helped me.

I need energy and a clear mind. This means I need to get plenty of sleep. I can assure you that is easier said then done. Writing to deadlines tends to make for some late nights. I make sure that I space those late nights with three solid nights of eight or nine hours of sleep. Sleep is vital to good health and being able to function properly. If I don’t get enough sleep I’m going to be running on empty by mid afternoon and cranky, tired, stressed, and not productive. I also tend to schedule some nap time after lunch to refresh me. Burning the candles at both ends every day never healthy or wise.

Drink plenty of water. Your body performs best when it’s properly hydrated. I’ll be the first to tell you that I love coffee and always have, but I usually drink a couple of cups in the morning and depending upon my mood, a one in the afternoon or in the evening. Caffeine has never worked to keep me awake it tends to quiet my mind and calm me rather than keep me awake.  However, I always have bottled water on my desk. I drink at least two thirty-six-ounce bottles a day. Water keeps me fresh and alert. If you don’t like the taste of water try adding a slice or lime or lemon to your water bottle.

FYI: caffeine and sugary sports drinks might give some a boost in energy, but they aren’t a substitute for sleep or water. Neither is healthy in large doses. Put the Red Bull away. J

Choose healthy food. I always eat something for breakfast. For me that means a good cereal with fruit and almonds or an omelet. I have food allergies so there are many foods (especially processed foods) out there I can’t eat—like wheat and some whole grains. Since I can’t eat whole wheat I tend to choose potato or combo of gluten free flours but sparingly. I tend to eat more protein and rely on fruit and vegetables for my carbs. Lunch is always light.

Research shows our circadian rhythm is at a low point between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and so one is normally a bit tired about then. If you eat a heavy meal or high carbs at lunch it tends to make you even drowsier because blood and oxygen is diverted from your brain to your digestive track. I find high protein/low carb to be the best lunch for a productive afternoon. My snacks, when I have them, are usually fruit or veggies. I love celery (or apple slices) with peanut butter. These types of snacks tend to boost my energy rather than deplete it like chocolate, cake, and cookies.

Exercise. It’s good for the body and brain. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that energize your mood, relieve stress, boost your self-esteem, and trigger an overall sense of well-being.

I walk. Not as much as I should but I’m working on that. I've been known to put on a fast paced dance song and dance. Most dance songs are maybe five minutes? Gets my blood moving and my heart pumping. I also do stretches. Stretching throughout the day can help reduce pain and pressure on your muscles that often accompanies sitting for long periods.

I do light exercise after eating. It will help get your blood flowing and will help to ward off fatigue. At lunch I try to get outside (regardless of the season) in the sunshine for ten-fifteen minutes and breathe in the air and soak up the vitamin D.

Staying healthy and productive isn't always easy especially when we we’re stuck behind a desk for long periods of time everyday. But, it is do-able with some planning.

• What’s helped you stay healthy and productive each day?  

STEPHEN TREMP: SHARING LAUGHTER AND COFFEE

My guest is Sci-Fi author, Stephen Tremp. He's the author of The Breakthrough Trilogy and Opening, is the second book in the series. He's sharing his latest book and some laughter with us. 

Thanks Sia for hosting me on my Grand OPENING Tour!  I opted for some Bloopers and Boners that had to be edited out of the Star Trek episodes to share with your readers. 
Enjoy!

 

~@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@~

A scientific breakthrough of such magnitude it could radically alter the future of humanity—for better or worse—is in the wrong hands. Graduate students from M.I.T. have stolen a breakthrough in wormholes from renowned Professor of Physics Nicholas Fischer. Their leader, Nick Fischer Jr., has convinced the group to assassinate powerful politicians and World Bank executives, privy to the discovery, to prevent them from using it for their own New World Order agenda and egregious profits. Using wormholes for swift, traceless, attacks and exits, they execute the first mission. Fischer Sr. is arrested for the murders, having been framed by his son.
Chase Manhattan, man of danger, and part of a new breed of modern-day discovery seekers, desires to settle down. He’s met a beautiful woman he hadn’t seen since high school and seeks a long-lasting relationship. Ready to leave crime-solving behind, he’s taking a position as an associate professor of physics at UC Irvine. His idyllic plans are interrupted when he uncovers the scheme. Excerpt (starring the antagonist) 
You can also read the first chapter on Amazon.

BUY: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords 

Stephen Tremp has a background in information systems, management, and finance and draws from this varied and complex experiential knowledge to write one-of-a-kind thrillers. His novels are enhanced by current events at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and other scientific research facilities around the world. These potential advances have the ability to change the way we perceive our universe and our place in it! You can visit Stephen Tremp at Breakthrough Blogs.

My Writing Journey And Lessons Learned

My guest is debut suspense author, Stephen Tremp.

I always enjoy learning about different authors’ journey to publication. We all learn lessons along the way of any career choice. When we apply them, it increases our chances at being successful. No matter what career we’ve chosen, it always involves the ambition succeed, a willingness to work hard, and self-discipline to stay on the course we’ve chosen and make the necessary changes for success. The journey is rarely an easy road to travel but it is worth the time and effort involved.

I didn't always want to be a writer.

From my childhood through teen years I wanted to be an artist. I could draw and paint just about anything; still shots of an old barn back dropped against a harvested field or actions scenes of heroes and villains locked in mortal combat. A lady friend wanted to write children’s stories and mentioned I would be an excellent illustrator. It was only after reading her drafts a transformation began inside of me. I decided what I really wanted to do was write. My journey began. Poems, short stories, and finally a novel that soon turned into the Breakthrough trilogy.

As I began writing every day, I hit the proverbial Writers Block. "Writers Block is when the voices in your head stop talking to you". I found two techniques helpful to overcome this obstacle.

First, I run “What if …” scenarios though my mind. These two words have inspired writers and poets to pen masterpieces that are now considered literary classics. I have taken this same premise and developed a trilogy. What if there has been a breakthrough in some of these scientific theoretical theories (what physicists believe may be true but cannot be verified in the lab). What if the discovery has been stolen and used to kill innocent people. What if a hero needs to rise up and put an end to technology gone too far before he is killed?

Also, here's a little exercise I do too. I ask myself a question, "What would I be if I could be anything other than a writer?" I would be a tour guide at a reknown museum like the New York Metropolitan, the Louvre Museum in Paris, or the British Museum. I would love to talk to people all day about art, history, and culture.

Okay, now what can I do with this?

There have been great books and movies with a museum as a setting. Dan Brown's Angels and Demons begins and ends in a museum. The Thomas Crown affair with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo was a very good movie about a rich and successful playboy who amuses himself by stealing artwork. Loved Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller.

So now the gerbil in my head is once again running inside the wheel and I'm thinking again. I can sit down and begin writing something, even if its just a chapter.

As with all authors, I've had my disasters and thrills.  One of my thrills was last year at Mission Viejo Reader’s Festival (Mission Viejo, CA), I had the pleasure of meeting readers, signing my books and I met some very interesting people. Later in the day, Dean Koontz was to speak. I was there, not just to hear him speak, but to meet him afterwards, have him sign a book, give him a copy of Breakthrough, and take a picture with him. I was four for four, hitting for the cycle. This is definitely one of the high lights of my young writing career.

I don’t know if he will keep my book, let alone read it. I would imagine he receives manuscripts and books every day in the mail from his fans. But who knows, maybe after one of his 80-100 hour workweeks, spending time with his family, and taking care of business, he’ll find time to read and enjoy Breakthrough.

I've learn a lot in my writer's journey and one of the most important things is having the support of your family. I would like to thank my wife and family for supporting me during these past three years of researching, writing, and promoting BREAKTHROUGH. Often, all they see of me is the back of my head as I’m writing. But I always allow them to interrupt. I never tell them, “I’m busy.” I’ll take a few moments, answer a question, solve a problem, or ask them to let me find a breaking point, and then they can have my undivided attention.

• What have you learned in your writing journey? Or if you're not a writer, in your career's journey?

 

Sia, thank you for inviting me to be a guest blogger. And thanks to everyone stopping by. It’s been a pleasure meeting you all.

Breakthrough blurb:

A scientific breakthrough of such magnitude it could radically alter the future of humanity—for better or worse—is in the wrong hands~ * ~ * ~

The Information Age is moving at breakneck speed. Breakthroughs in areas of science that were once fodder for science fiction are now becoming part of our everyday life.


A group of graduate students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology has stolen a breakthrough in opening and stabilizing Einstein-Rosen Bridges, commonly known as wormholes., that allows them to instantly transport people from one location to another. Their goal is to assassinate any powerful politician and executive controlling the world’s banking system that would use this technology for their own greedy gain rather than the advancement of mankind.


In south Orange County, California, young Chase Manhattan, part of a new breed of modern-day discovery seekers, seeks to leave behind his life of danger and adventure and settle down as an associate professor of physics at University of California-Irvine. He also desires to build a lasting relationship with a beautiful woman he has not seen since high school.


His idyllic plan is postponed when he soon uncovers the diabolical scheme on the other side of the country. He realizes he is the one person who can prevent more murders from happening and either control or destroy the technology. Once the M.I.T. group understands Chase and his friends have the ability and motivation to not only take the technology from them, but also thwart more killings, Chase finds himself in their crosshairs, the top-of-the-list target on their assassination agenda.


As the death toll mounts, Chase and his friends must battle this group of misled zealots from M.I.T. on both coasts and in cyberspace in a thrilling, desperate race to determine the outcome of this monumental, once in a millenium discovery that will drastically change life as we know it—for better or worse. You can purchase Breakthrough as soft bound or e-book here

Stephen has a B.A. in information systems and an MBA degree in global management. He is currently completing his doctorate program in business administration.

Stephen spent over ten years in consumer finance for some of the largest companies in the industry, holding numerous management positions. After many years of writing short stories and poems, Stephen has taken the last two years to fulfill his lifelong passion: write and publish Breakthrough.

He has four more suspense thrillers to follow.



Blog Awards and Appreciation

This past Monday I was awarded a lovely blog award by blogger extraordinaire, Helen Ginger--Straight From Hel. It means a lot to me because she has taught me many things since I started my blog sixteen months ago. What I really appreciate is her availability when I had questions. From her I learned about Twitter and sharing buttons and whatnot. She also has some very informative posts on all manner of subjects.  If you haven't checked out her blog you should.

Another blogger who has taught me much and when she doesn't know the answer she's knows who to put me in touch with, is Houston A.W. Knight, aka Hawk. Thanks to her and the wonderful Lea, my blog expanded to a 3 column template and Lea helped me coordinate colors and HTML--I knew nothing about them when I started.  Hawk, like Helen, is approachable, both are writers, both knowledgeable about writing, the publishing market, and both have been very supportive. They're very cool ladies with some solid blogs.

I read many blogs and have a nice circle of cyber blog friends as a result. Those I enjoy I list on my own blog with links. It's a way of giving praise to their blogs regardless of how often they post. When I see a good article posted on one of the many blogs I follow, I try to tweet them, or put them on my facebook wall. This way others will see them too. It's a way of showing appreciation and paying back or paying forward, depending upon how you look at it, to some wonderful bloggers.

To have someone like Helen, who watched me start and build my blog, give me this award is an honor. It may seem silly to some, but having experienced bloggers give commendation is special. For one, we know the effort needed to consistently publish a blog. This one is called the Meat and Potatoes Award. It tells you that the blog content is more than fluff but offers some solid information. Helen passed this award to five bloggers and I in turn am to do the same.

 "This prestigious award goes to a particular group of wise and experienced bloggers who have proven themselves over the course of time, trials, and tribulations.

If you're looking to follow someone’s guidance for writing, publishing, promotion, and thought provoking articles, then I suggest you look at this group:

• Nancy Parra This writer's life 
• SIS Beth, Brenda, Barb, Brandy, BJ, and BRO Krys Sisters In Sync

• Mason Thoughts in Progress
• Hawk  Houston A.W. Knight
• Roxane Peace Garden Mama

If you get the chance, stop by and say Congratulations. I'm sure they'd appreciate it.

Coming up on OVER COFFEE in June: Christie Craig and Faye Huges, Kate Douglas, Kathryne Kennedy, Marie Force and several others.

Regarding interviews, what authors would you like to see interviewed and why?