Author has written 6 stories for Romance, and Action. Massachusetts Books have published over 20 stories of mine ranging from short allegory to novels. They are all available from all digital platforms and streaming apps. I would like to personally highlight Hoopla and BorrowBox, two of the best library apps in the world today. They are game-changers in the world of paid membership. It costs nothing to download either apps and you can borrow movies, music and e-books for FREE. All you need is a library card from your local or university libraries. Even if you don't have a library card, they can help you set up an account. Please give yourself a treat and download either Hoopla or BorrowBox. All my stories have been birthed on FictionPress. This was where every one of them were germinated and formed. Uploading daily to FictionPress has given me the discipline to work on my story. I am prone to laziness so a commitment to write one chapter a day gets me to the finish line. And since I hate disappointing people who follow my stories, this has been an excellent solution. This has been my process: When the story is complete, it is sent away for editing, so don’t be surprised if the published book is slightly different from what appeared here. When the editing stage is completed, it is sent for proofreading. Once published, the story is cut down to an excerpt of three or four chapters on FictionPress. This is the maximum I am permitted to share once the ebook is out on the market. About my stories: I believe in heroes. This is why soldiers are often, but not always, the main protagonists in my stories. They are the kind of heroes who are often faceless. They don't get the recognition they deserve for the sacrifices they make. So, I feel it is up to creative people like me to raise their profile. I also want to highlight the cause that is dearest to my heart: Soldier On - Australia and The Warrior Returns. These not-for-profit organisations are involved in helping returning soldiers and young veterans who are suffering from mental and physical issues. I donate fifty per cent of all royalties from the Cameron Series to their causes. Would you please help me, help them? I know what it's like to battle PTSD. I suffered it for years after the death of my son, Timothy. He was fifteen when he was taken from us - tragically and cruelly. He was here one minute and gone the next. Having been there myself, I can't leave anyone suffering from trauma alone by the wayside. We are soldiers in our own right, as we travel this road of life, let us pick each other up along the way.' I believe in the kindness of people so by extension this is the theme of my stories. As a writer, I like to keep my conversations realistic so funnily enough, although I don't swear in real life, a few of my characters do. Ha, ha. Perhaps it's my subconscious release. For me, writing is as essential as breathing. Seriously, the only reason I'd stop writing would be if I'm incapacitated or dead. Working for a living gets in the way of my writing which I find very sad. In the ideal world, all I'd be doing is entertaining you. That would be my utmost wish. My published books via Massachusetts Books: As Angelin Sydney The Man in the Shadows Courting Pippa Mosaic Promise Me From a Place of Blood and Tears Lifesaver in a Bikini - Prequel to the Cameron Series The Cameron Series: Return to Cameron Country #1 Cameron of the Skies #2 Cameron of the Seas #3 Oh, It's Complicated Series: Loving Faith and Faith #1 Geeks in Love #2 Short Stories: Three Men, Little Alvin and a Tonka Truck When Angels Dare Writing as Jack O. Daniel The Colour Series: One Night Stand #1 Last Pursuit #2 Don't Stand Still Stand-alone Novella: Scorched You can reach me via Facebook (Angelin Sydney and Jack O. Daniel author FB accounts), Twitter (@Angelin_Sydney), Instagram (writingangel) A little Q&A for you to get to know me When you're not writing, how do you spend your time? When I'm not writing, I'm working. And I'm daydreaming, and I'm reaching out to friends. I live a very simple life, but I like to think that it is rich in many ways. What inspires you to get out of bed each day? Apart from my children who I adore with all my heart and soul, story-telling inspires me to get out of bed every day. I love to regale people with plots that twist and turns, and I love to share characters who are alive and dynamic and who are lovable even if they're flawed. Who among us aren't? How do you discover the ebooks you read? By trawling the internet and reading reviews. I seek out new and old writers alike and I always, always review. I know how hard it is to come up with a story, to write it, edit it, proof-read and how much of a solitary experience it is. A review lets the writer know that I care and that he/she isn't alone. And when the book is good, I will recommend it. Do you remember the first story you ever wrote? Yes, the first one appeared on fanfiction.net for a TV show called 'Flashpoint'. It was a one-shot, but it received such a positive response from readers that I became addicted to writing. It became a catalyst for me in terms of creating contemporary fiction. What is your writing process? Daydreaming is my writing process. It always starts with an idea about a story, and then the characters follow from there. I always know where to start and how it will end, it is the middle part that I try to work out as I progress. I try to write a chapter a day, time permitting. I'm lucky as I'm one of those people who can think of five stories, and not get confused by the different plots and characters that are in my head. I have conversations with them, too. (LOL) I've told friends that only writers can talk to imaginary persons and still be called 'sane'. Do you remember the first story you ever read and the impact it had on you? I'm afraid I can't remember having passed my half-century. That's a long time to be living and reading books. How do you approach cover design? With cover design, I have a trusted artist I work with, for those who may be interested, her name is Caitlin Beresford. Cover designing is a collaboration, it is important that both the writer and the designer come to a consensus on what makes for a fitting cover. So far, I've loved all my covers but I'm also open to changing them in the future to keep the stories fresh. What do you read for pleasure? I read a lot of mystery thrillers, spy novels and anything that makes me feel excited. What is your e-reading device of choice? I read with my smartphone, Android and desktop, so pretty much whatever happens to be handy at the time. What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you? I'm a terrible marketer. Honestly, I need help in this department. It is such a shame because everybody says I'm a terrific writer. Well, the most unread terrific writer. Kidding aside, I hope this would change soon. I hope that readers would try to make contact. Wouldn't it be nice if someone can brag one day and say, 'I became her friend before she's famous.' I better add a smiley here - don't want people to think I'm full of myself :). No, I quite humble actually. |