TIME GAME and book one EYE OF THE STORM: THE FIRST TOKEN - D. A. Featherling

Dear Readers, today’s interview is very different. My friend, Dorothy Featherling, came up with an interesting new concept. I think you’ll like it.

Welcome back, D. A. What has drawn you to writing  and creating this product?

I have a 13-year old grandson who loves to read. I wanted to provide him with decent reading material in a genre he enjoys. That was time travel. I started thinking about what kind of time travel book would someone, say 9 – 16 years old enjoy? There have been lots of time travel books written, so I needed to find an original way to get the protagonists from one time/place to another. I decided on a board game to do that.

I designed a board game (Time Game) and have had it produced and do have it available for sale through local vendors and through my websites. It’s a game of luck…not skill…and anyone ages 12 – adult can enjoy playing it.

The series of books I’ve based on the game will be a 13-book series, one book for each illustration on the game board. I’m up through Book 7 (published to date) and working on the 8th one. My reading range has expanded to adults, so now I say my market is ages 9 – 99.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I don’t know how quirky it was…but it certainly shook up my sister and my mom. We had been somewhere and I was driving them home, taking some side streets to get to their neighborhood. I spotted a couple of tree stumps in someone’s yard. Cut stumps which had been put out by the curb to be picked up by the trash people. My creative instincts shouted coffee table so I stopped the car, got out and rang the doorbell of the house and asked the owner if they minded if I took the stumps. Needless to say, they were a bit surprised, but gave permission. I put the stumps in the trunk of the car and resumed the driver’s seat. All the way to my mom’s house I kept hearing “I can’t believe you did that’s” from my sister and my mom. But hey, I figure you don’t ask, you don’t have. I’m big on asking.

I love that story. You sound a lot like my husband. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve been a reader all my life (make that avid reader, like on average one book a day when I’m not busy), but I never tried my hand at creative writing until about 1999 when I read an article in Reader’s Digest asking what you would do as a career if you didn’t have to worry about training, time, finances, education, etc. Without thinking, the thought popped into my mind… “I’d write books.” It really surprised me because, even though I loved to read, I’d never thought about writing books. I stuffed the thought into the back of my mind, but it kept coming back until I finally figured “how am I going to know I can/can’t unless I try?” So I tried. That began my writing journey. Since 2013, when I started writing full time, I’ve published 22 books so I guess writing was definitely in my future.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My favorite genre is mysteries. I also enjoy many suspense books, action/adventure/thriller books as well. I do read some historicals and some romances. 

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I’ve written and published 22 books. Four of those are non-fiction (2 are just e-books), and the rest fiction. I’ve written two different mystery series, a romantic comedy series, an end times series, the afore-mentioned time travel/sci-fi series, and a romance. Probably the most unusual was the non-fiction cold case murder I wrote about that occurred in 1930 in the town I now live in. That was quite an experience, but I’m pretty sure I solved the case.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I am blessed in that I am retired from a day job, so can pretty much keep my own schedule. Things do tend to come to me in clumps for some reason – usually groups of three…so occasionally I’m juggling many plates at the same time. But I can usually manage to stay on track and take time as needed for health issues and other necessities (like grocery shopping…ugh).

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

There is a faith element in all my books. When I started the Time Game series of books, I wanted to offer readers something exciting, yet clean, and not weird supernatural as is so prevalent today. I think I’ve accomplished that with this series and the responses I get from readers of all ages pretty much confirm that. I can’t take the credit, the Lord gets that, but I appreciate Him letting me help.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Probably a cat. I love cats. Unfortunately, my allergies don’t allow a pet, so haven’t had one for years. But they are SO independent and graceful, I just love them. I know I don’t qualify for the graceful designation, but I am independent and can relate to cats on that level.

What is your favorite food?

This is a toughie. If you mean just one food item…it would have to be carrot cake with 4-inch thick icing (if only they’d make it that thick). If you mean food types…probably Mexican food (Tex-Mex). All of it.

Is it hard to break into the children’s market?

Being independently (indie) published, it’s a bit different. I did try for a short time, when I began the Time Game series, to see if any agents were looking for children’s/middle grade books. Only found one and she never responded to my query. So I went ahead with my indie publishing (in which I’d done all my other books). The marketing is challenging. But then marketing is these days for all writers.

What advice would you give to an author wanting to do that?

Occasionally, I now see there are agents who are soliciting those types of books, so I’d encourage authors who want to write for children to try traditional publishing if they want to. But if they don’t mind the marketing aspect, indie publishing is an avenue to explore. Advice? Try to come up with an original idea…one that hasn’t been done to death and find a fresh approach. It is possible.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

 Eye of the Storm: The First Token is book one in the Time Game series. It introduces the series, the board game, and twins Marcus and Samantha Willoughby. I switch back and forth between them in scenes and chapters so they get equal time. Therefore, the book can be enjoyed by both males and females. The idea came from discovering information about an actual shipwreck that took place on the Great Lakes in 1898 (no, not the Edmund Fitzgerald). The wreckage of the ship in my book hadn’t been found for over a hundred years and hasn’t received the publicity it might have earlier. But it was a great story and I enjoyed weaving my characters into an actual event that was quite dramatic and exciting and I hope, set the tone, for the adventures to follow.

Again, I’d like to mention that the board game (Time Game) was the basis for the themes for all the books in the series and can be played by 2-4 players, including adults. It moves fast but has enough pitfalls to keep it exciting.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I have two different websites. One for the Time Game series books and game:

http://www.timegameseries.com

Another for all my books (including the Time Game series and game):

http://www.dafeatherling.com

I’m on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/D.A.Featherling/

E-mail is: dafeatherling@gmail.com

Thank you, D A, for sharing this new game and book series with us. I’m intrigued by it, and I’ll want to get the game for my oldest great-grandson for Christmas. I’ll start him on the first book, too.

Readers, here is a link to the paperback.

Eye of the Storm: The First Token (Time Game Series) (Volume 1)
The book is also available on Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory or country if outside North America. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:

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KISSING FROGS - D A Featherling - One Free Book

Welcome back, Dorothy. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

More and more books! Seriously, I’m publishing a number of titles of books already written, and trying to write second books in two series, plus readying book one in a third series. I’m hoping to have a bit more time to do marketing in the not-too-distant future, and I have several book signings lined up over the next couple of months. I’m also doing some video blog interviews to help promote my work and a magazine article on me scheduled in early 2014. Other than that … only the Lord knows! I’m just trying to keep up with Him!

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m the next to oldest of 4 girls. My oldest sister is a published author of non-fiction books for the middle-school age—she’s published about 14 books to date. My two younger sisters are also very creative, but in different areas. I have one son, a DIL, and one grandson who is almost 9 years old and the apple of my eye. I’m blessed that I live in the same town with everyone except my older sister, but she’s only about an hour’s drive away. The sisters do shopping and lunch every couple of months or so.

That sounds like fun. My only sister has been with the Lord for several years. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

I’ve always read voraciously. Obviously I don’t have as much time to do so as I once did, but I still love to read. The main thing I’ve noticed is a sharpened awareness of techniques other writers have used, how their stories are put together, and what works for me as a reader and what doesn’t. I guess I’ve gotten more analytical in what I read which does take a bit away from the reading experience. On the other hand, I’ve gotten some valuable insights as to things to do, or not to do.

What are you working on right now?

I write in multiple genres. Right now I’m about to start a two-fold project. I need to write book two in my first mystery series It’s Murder at the Office. And, I’m beginning an edit for my futuristic suspense, Time Out (book one of the Out of Time series) which I hope to have completed by February of 2014.

What outside interests do you have?

I serve on a couple of church committees, I enjoy spending time with my sisters, and of course, seeing my grandson as often as possible. I’m trying to curb my shopping tendencies, but I still enjoy looking, especially at home décor things and clothes. I’m also still involved to some degree with my home staging business which I’ve had for over 4 years. Doing some video interviews on a blog on that.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

A lot of it depends on the genre of the book, of course. Since I usually have a general idea of what the story will be about before I start, that dictates to a great degree where the book most logically should be set. Most of my romantic comedies and mysteries are set in average cities during contemporary times. The futuristic suspense, of course, is out of this world! 

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

It would have to be James Bowie. As an ultimate defender of the Alamo, his biography (fictionalized and otherwise) has always fascinated me. He had a tenaciousness and vision I’ve found admirable. And who wouldn’t want to talk to a genuine Texas hero?

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

How tough a discipline it needs to be to succeed. I thought one could just sit down, start pounding on those keys, and produce a masterpiece. I didn’t realize about re-writing, editing, more re-writing, etc. I might have not found it so tough to keep going if I’d realized just how much discipline is required. Of course, it’s well worth it in the end.

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

I’m trying to be less critical of others and also be aware of any snippets of pride that try to rise up within myself. I’m still a Work in Progress … thank goodness, His patience is limitless.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

Read. Read. Read. Read your Bible to get the inspiration and relationship with the Lord you will need so you’ll know what you are to write. Read all types of good literature (including classics) so you know what good writing is truly like. Read widely in your genre. If you don’t know what others are doing, you won’t see trends and what readers want. I think you can also gain from watching some TV shows in your genre … as long as you don’t overdo it and waste time.

Tell us about the featured book.

Kissing Frogs is a contemporary romantic comedy—book two in the Second Time Around series. It’s based on the saying “Before you find the handsome prince, you have to kiss a lot of frogs.”

The back cover blurb reads:

Until she decides to look for a husband, Em Snider is so-o-o-o in control of her life. But her trip on the internet matchmaking highway soon shows her that she can’t control the journey.

Her first encounter is a warning. There are toads out there! A Christian internet matchmaking service provides Em a chance to discover Prince Charming, if she can survive the shocks.

Em is soon ready to quit … or will true love still come about in a way she never dreamed if she’ll quit stepping on the brakes and let God be in control?

Please give us the first page of the book.

It would be a whole lot easier if I could just pick up a tranquilizer gun and bag my quarry with a single shot. Unfortunately, that method is generally frowned upon when husband hunting.

Not that I’m desperate, but after hours and hours on the computer reviewing online dating and matchmaking services, I could get that way fast.

It’s all the fault of those ads I saw on TV yesterday. The ones touting an Internet matchmaking service. Very trendy these days.

I watched it with a bit of a sneer curling my upper lip. Romance for a lifetime. Right! This gal has indulged in enough romance—and has the scars to prove it—for this lifetime and probably another one or two as well.

Anyway, nobody wants a fifty-something, independent female for a romantic relationship. At least not anybody I know.

On the other hand …

My reverie is rudely interrupted by a sharp pain in my left ankle.

“Salem, that hurt!” I glare at my unrepentant white Persian whose main mission in life is to remind me who is in charge of this household and call me to order when I don’t follow my assigned duties.

His Royalness marches down the hall in arrogant silence toward the kitchen and his meal. I, knowing my place, walk the appropriate humble ten paces behind.

“No wonder I named you Salem.” I mutter to make sure he doesn’t hear me. “You are such a trial.” My ankle twinges in sympathy.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is: www.dafeatherling.com

Facebook Author page: www.Facebook.com/D.A.Featherling

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing this new book with us. It sounds like a fun read.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Kissing Frogs - Paperback
Kissing Frogs (Second Time Around) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

SAUCE FOR THE GOOSE - D A Featherling - One Free Book

Welcome back, Dorothy. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I have many different interests and like variety in my life, so it’s not illogical that I

write in multiple genres. I love humor in writing, so it crops up to some degree in most of my books—or at least in the title/series title. Mysteries are probably my favorite kind of reading personally, so I had to try my hand at that.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

When my precious grandson toddled over to me as a two-year old and said, “I love you, Grandma.” I melted, and am still melting now that he’s an 8 year old. We have a very special relationship.

How has being published changed your life?

It’s changed my focus and my schedule! I spend a good deal of time now marketing my books (and myself) including setting up book signings and speaking engagements. Trying to juggle all of that, plus carve time for writing and editing keeps me busier than ever.

What are you reading right now?

Believe it or not, I just finished re-reading a couple of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan books. I know. I know. Sounds juvenile. But they aren’t just for kids. He was quite an adventure writer and I love those kinds of books. I’m getting ready to read Ronie Kendig’s Military Dogs series. Such a fantastic writer.

I love the Tarzan books, too. And Ronie is one of my favorite authors. What is your current work in progress?

I’m working on a new mystery series Staged for Murder about a home stager who keeps getting involved in murders. I hope to have it out by fall. First title will be Murder Outside the Box. I’m now also editing a romantic comedy, Kissing Frogs which I hope to publish this month, and beginning to edit a futuristic suspense, Time Out which should publish in late summer.

What would be your dream vacation?

No doubt about it—it would definitely be a trip around the world. I’ve always wanted to do that. If I could only go one place? I’ve always wanted to backpack through Greece.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Sometimes the settings are obvious—e.g., if I’m writing for my It’s Murder at the Office series, then an office or business setting will be used. For specific kinds of offices/businesses, I let my imagination roam to come up with something that’s different, yet readers can still relate to it. I really dislike doing the same old, same old so I try to be as original as possible.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I love to know the inside story of things/events, so my curiosity bump could only be satisfied to talk to someone who is in the know. I’d pick George W. Bush. He’s an interesting person in his own right, but would know all the classified secrets. If he’d share, of course. (But then, they’d probably have to kill me if he did!).

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love the outdoors, so a day in the country or the woods recharges me as nothing else. The beach, too. I also like to cook and entertain family and friends, but I have to admit, I’m a reading addict. I normally read at least one book a day (which is probably why I don’t go to bed very early!).

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

It’s a physical one. I have fibromyalgia (chronic nerve ending musculo/skeletal pain) so sitting at the computer for long periods of time is a major challenge. I try to pace myself, but I get caught up in what I’m doing and forget to stop and take a break. I’m trying to watch that, but fail more than I succeed.

I have to pace myself at the computer, too, and I get caught up. So I bought a kitchen timer for my office. I set the amount of time when I need to get up and walk. When the bell goes off, I’m up walking. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read, read, read. Especially in the genre in which you intend to write. See what others whose writing you admire are doing and how they do it. Take online or other classes about writing to get the basics, attend workshops and conferences when you can and never, never limit your imagination. It’s a precious gift.

Tell us about the featured book.

Sauce for the Goose is a romantic comedy. I said I love writing humor and this is one I really enjoyed doing. Let me quote the back cover for you:

The girl has got to go!

To save her son from a romantic mistake, Laurel Edmonds renews some former relationships of her own. Complications abound when new beau Mike Hudson is added to the mix.

Her romantic dilemmas, her plot to save her son, and worries about her mother, aka The Bus Queen, force Laurel to cope with a fake engagement gone real, a surprise wedding, and a confession she never imagined she’d have to make.

So far it’s getting 5-star reviews on Amazon.com

It sounds like a fun read. Please give us the first page of the book.

“So what did you wish for when you blew out your candles?” His mischievous grin told me my son had a zinger ready for my response. Sometimes I wondered if Ross were really twenty-two years old, or only a ten-year-old in an adult suit.

“Ah, that would be telling!” I tried to assume a mysterious expression. Ross loved to tease, and after years of allowing him to do so, I knew the expected repartee. In reality, I hadn’t had anything in mind as I blew out the candles.

To keep from starting a fire, as well as to cope with the demoralizing effect forty-four lit candles would have on me, I’d chosen those green and white numbers with a wick. Still, the double fours caused a momentary panic on my part. Fifty wasn’t that far away.

“C’mon. You can tell your number one man.”

He wouldn’t stop unless I said something. I open my mouth and blurted. “I wished for a husband.”

The minute the words popped out of my mouth, I cringed.

Ross’s mouth dropped open. He tried to speak, gulped once, swallowed, tried again. “A husband! Are you serious?” A series of emotions, not really identifiable, flitted across his face.

Bad mistake.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.dafeatherling.com. It contains information about me and my books and will give details on upcoming events where I’ll be speaking and/or signing books. I can also be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D.A.Featherling?ref=hl

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing this book with us.

Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.

Sauce for the Goose

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

IT ADDS UP TO MURDER - D A Featherling - One Free Book

Today's book is a debut novel for author D A Featherling. Remember, Readers, you must follow all the instructions at the bottom of the post to be included in the drawing.

Welcome, Dorothy. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think all authors, whether consciously or unconsciously, put bits of themselves into their characters. You use things that have happened to you as part of the plot and that’s deliberate. The character traits though tend to creep in and many times you don’t realize you’ve let that happen until after the book is done.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Hmmm. I’m not a very quirky person physically – I tend to be more quirky mentally and it shows in some of the situations my characters find themselves in – guess it’s that subconscious kicking in!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I started writing creatively in junior high – I’ve done journalism, technical writing, and business writing for years, too.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love mysteries and suspense, I enjoy humor in romances. I read a lot – sometimes as much as one book a day (I read fast). Fiction, of course.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Oh, some days I think we all feel like a hamster in a cage. If it weren’t for the time I spend daily in Bible reading and prayers, first thing in the morning, I’d never survive. Plus I’m a big “to do list” maker.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Depends. Sometimes a name will just pop into my mind. When that doesn’t happen, I go to the Social Security website and, based on the age of my character, I go down the list of popular names in that birth year until one “clicks.” When I named Homicide Lieutenant Nick Vaughn in It Adds Up to Murder, I used that method for his first name. I knew he was of Irish descent, so I looked up a list of Irish surnames on the web and searched until I found the right one.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

A lady in my Bible study class several years ago was going through a very rough time in her life. She’d been wanting to ready one of my manuscripts. I printed off a copy of a romantic comedy and gave it to her to read. She must have read continuously, because a few days later she called me and gushed about how good a writer I was and how much she enjoyed the book. She said it gave her a chance to escape her troubles for a while and it had meant everything to do that. To me, that was my first major writing accomplishment.

I so agree that touching a reader deeply is a real high. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Wow! Never really thought about it -- but probably a cat. I love cats. They are so independent, yet give so much enjoyment to their owners (on the cat’s timetable, of course.)

What is your favorite food?

Not sure I can zero in on a single dish, but I love Mexican food and Chinese food – things with flavor and spice.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Initially it was finding the time to write (which I think challenges most writers). The past few years it’s been trying to spend the needed time at the computer without aggravating my body. With fibromyalgia, as I have, you don’t overdo or you pay for it.

Tell us about the featured book.

It Adds Up to Murder is book one in a series entitled It’s Murder at the Office. Abigail Newhouse’s longtime job has ended due to loss of funding. To pay the bills, Abby begins working as a temporary. Her first long-term assignment at a management company lands her in the middle of murder. She wants to help solve the crime, but isn’t sure if handsome Homicide Detective Nick Vaughn just wants her out of the way to keep her safe, or if she’s a prime suspect. Abby finds her life at risk when she confronts a merciless killer.

Please give us the first page of the book.

The CFO’s expression twisted into a sneer. “You’re a temporary necessity, Ms. Newhouse. Don’t expect much of a welcome.”

I fought the urge to make a face at Viola Grimes. What a horrible woman. How dare she be so rude? I clamped my lower lip between my teeth and tried not to chew.

After ten minutes of exposure to her abrasive personality, I wanted to jump up and walk out of the office, but leaving was a luxury a temp couldn’t afford. Not one with a house payment due in two more weeks.

So, I, a recently laid off university employee, put on my best stoic mask and slightly inclined my head to acknowledge her words.

There’s little else I recall about the interview, which came across more like an inquisition. If I were as mindless and incompetent as she insinuated, I ought to be sitting in a corner babbling and drooling.

I paid polite attention to the do’s and don’ts that spewed from between her thin lips and tried not to focus on her frizzy perm, flabby face, and beady brown eyes.

If her list of rules were an example of what working for Viola Grimes would be like, I was in for a major challenge.

Sounds interesting. How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.dafeatherling.com  It contains information about my books (my second book, a romantic comedy named Sauce for the Goose, is just out) and more about me by browsing my “Fiction a la carte” menu on the site.

Thank you, Dorothy, for sharing your new book with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
It Adds Up to Murder (It's Murder at the Office) (Volume 1) - Amazon.com
It Adds Up to Murder (It's Murder at the Office) - Kindle

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com