Welcome, Elaine Calloway!!
1. For those who might not be familiar with you, would you be a dear and tell the readers a little about yourself? How did you get your start in the writing business?
(Elaine) Thanks, happy to be here! I’ve written since I was young. I’m one of those bizarre people who has every day of junior high and high school written down in journals. As I grew older, I began to write short stories and eventually novel-length fiction. While several of my paranormal/urban fantasy books are available, the main series I’m working on is my Southern Ghosts Series, which readers are enjoying.
2. Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, please share how you handle it.
(Elaine) I’m still learning how, LOL. One thing to note is that writer’s block is different from not being motivated. Or procrastinating because the author is afraid of failure/success/the reappearance of bellbottoms/etc.
I write my books on the computer. To combat a real block, I will hand scribble down notes of what I intend to write, what needs to happen in a specific scene. Somehow the freeness of handwriting breaks through the block. And that’s what it’s all about—tricking your mind into working for you, not against you.
3. Contrary to what some people envision about a romance writer’s life, it’s not all glitz and glam. Well not for the majority of us. With that bubble sadly busted, when you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?
(Elaine) I enjoy reading (don’t we all?) but I admit I have the bad habit of Netflix binging. There are few truly amazing shows out there, so when the ones I love come on Netflix (LOST, Bloodline, Dexter, The Walking Dead), I get hooked and watch them. LOST was probably my biggest vice. There were a few days where that’s all I did. Laundry and watch 9 episodes of LOST. *looks around, waiting to be judged* That extreme is only for really, really good shows though, which I believe help me as a storyteller so it’s not all wasted time.
4. I know many writers, such as myself, keep their pastime/career a secret. Do those close to you know you write? If so, what are their thoughts?
(Elaine) My friends and family know that I write and they have been wonderfully supportive. That being said, I don’t tell anyone at my day job that I write. I have a fortunate situation where I have freedom/flexibility at my day job. As long as deadlines are met, I can balance day job responsibilities and writing.
5. Will you share with us your all-time favorite authors? If you’re like me, it’s a long list so give us your top ten.
(Elaine) In no particular order, with the exception of Dennis Lehane being first, here you go: Dennis Lehane, Cornelia Funke, Pat Conroy, Terry Kay, JR Ward, Deena Ward, Tiffany Reisz, Jennifer Weiner, Liliana Hart, and Diana Gabaldon.
6. If you could choose one book to go to the big screen, yours or otherwise, which book would you choose and whom would you love to see cast in the parts?
(Elaine) You should visit my Pinterest boards! I have photos all set up with who would play which character. (https://www.pinterest.com/elainecalloway/)
I would probably pick the first book in my Southern Ghosts Series, “No Grits, No Glory.” I set the book in Savannah, one of my favorite places on Earth, and I could see it doing well on the big screen.
Cast? Main heroine – Linda Fiorentino. Main hero – Tom Cruise. Heroine’s older brother Declan – James McAvoy.
I’m not one of those huge Tom Cruise fans, but the way he looked in “Rock of Ages” playing a musician is very close to how I pictured the character.
7. Would you care to tell us what you’re working on now? That is if it’s not top-secret information. If so, just whisper it in my ear. I swear it’ll go no further.
(Elaine) I’m continuing to write books in the Southern Ghosts Series. Book #3 (Krewe of Souls) comes out Nov 18 and I’m putting the finishing touches on it before sending it to my editor. I have 8 books planned for the series, though I haven’t decided which state to do next. Maybe Tennessee. Or Kentucky. The characters for both those states are vying for my attention and I can only pick one.
My other series, The Elemental Clans, still has 1 more book I want to write. Likely in 2016.
8. Where can we find your stories, and is there a particular reading order?
(Elaine) My books are available on most major retailers like Apple, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc. For buy links and to see the order, visit http://www.elainecalloway.com/books/
9. Would you please share how your present and future fans can contact you?
(Elaine) Yes! I love hearing from readers and fans.
My website has a contact form here: http://www.elainecalloway.com/contact/
Readers can also find me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/authorelainecalloway
And Twitter here: https://twitter.com/writerscanvas
And Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/elainecalloway/
10. Before we conclude this enlightening interview, do you have anything else you’d like to share? The stage is all yours.
(Elaine) Feel free to reach out to me with any further questions! I also speak to groups about indie publishing and the business aspects of marketing, so use the contact form on my website if you’re interested.
Thanks again for having me here!
Thank you, Elaine, for sitting down with me. It was truly a pleasure!!
Ladies and gents, I want to also thank you for stopping by today. Your visits always warm my heart. Now before you run off to the real world, stick around a bit longer and check out The Southern Ghosts series.
As always, feedback – comments- questions- or a simple howdy is all welcomed and appreciated. *big smile*
Brianna fled to Savannah to escape the voices of the dead. Just when she thought she’d left all paranormal things behind, she discovers her house is haunted. Not just haunted, but haunted by Southern ghosts. These persistent beings not only hide her white shoes after Labor Day, but they leave grits-caked dishes in the sink, and swear to wreak havoc on her life – – unless she helps them.
Steven put Savannah in his rearview mirror years ago to follow his passion for music. When his band splits up and he can’t reach his little sister for weeks, he races home—only to learn his whole family died in a mysterious house fire. The house Brianna now lives in.
Together, Brianna and Steven learn who murdered Steven’s family and become caught in a web of intrigue.
Steven put Savannah in his rearview mirror years ago to follow his passion for music. When his band splits up and he can’t reach his little sister for weeks, he races home—only to learn his whole family died in a mysterious house fire. The house Brianna now lives in.
Together, Brianna and Steven learn who murdered Steven’s family and become caught in a web of intrigue.
—–> REVIEW <—–
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
When I first started reading this story, I kept hearing in my head “I See Dead People”. Man, I really want to watch The Sixth Sense again. That movie, like this book, was awesome!
Virginia was, by far, my favorite ghost. Gotta love a woman (ghost) who sings off key just to irritate someone. That’s gonna be me one day (if ghosts are real and I become one).
However, the best parts of the book came towards the end.
Two tear jerking reunions. I mean, I didn’t actual cry, but for softies out there —- grab a tissue. Very sweet!!
I must mention why I gave this story 4❤ instead of 5. Unless I missed it, I don’t think Elaine explained how Begley knew Brianna broke into his office. Did he have cameras setup? If she explained it and I missed it, please let me know.
Heart Rating System
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤
WANT MORE !!
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| Book 2 Kindle Paperback |
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Book 3 Kindle |
I like this genre. Great job, ladies.
Fantastico!! Thank you for visiting. Come again soon!! 🙂
Thanks James for stopping by! Hope you enjoy!
I didn't mention this on the review but your covers are absolutely perfect. Kudos to the design team!! I can't wait to read and review more from you. *hint hint, nudge nudge*
Thanks!! Yes I lucked out with my designer!!!
PS thanks muchly for your kind review 😉 Glad you enjoyed the book!
For the Begley scene, I had made brief mention of Brianna leaving a desk drawer open. Will be more clear with cameras in the future 😉 great work and review though!
Thank you (regarding future camera tidbit) 🙂
And you are most welcomed.
PS, The review is shared on GR.
Thanks! Could you also share on Amazon?
Yes ma'am. On my way there now.
DONE!!
"Thanks for your review of No Grits No Glory: Southern Ghosts Series, Book One (The Southern Ghosts Series) (Volume 1)
We're currently processing your review and we will email you as soon as this is complete."
Many thanks! Amazon review #s really help visibility 🙂
This my get me back in to the paranormal genre 🙂
Thanks Kam 🙂
TANYA
Oh, I know you'll like this series. Superb!!
Thanks Tanya and hope you enjoy! I love ghost stories and there are 8 planned for this series.
No drive thru food for me. I'm taking my lunch to work and using the mealtime money to buy these books. Allison
I'd pick books over greasy takeout food too. Enjoy them!
I think that's the best comment I have ever heard, y'all 😉 thanks muchly and enjoy!
Thanks again for having me here today, Kameron! Anyone else have questions or comments, I will be popping in and out today 🙂