AUTHOR INTERVIEW - EMERALD BARNES

Emerald Barnes wrote Piercing Through The Darkness which is featured in out Awesome August Giveaway.
http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.com/2011/08/e-book-giveaway-when-we-reach-100.html

1. What is your name, where were you born and where do you live now?

My name is Emerald Barnes.  I was born in Amory, Mississippi and currently reside there.

2. What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?

The name of my novella is “Piercing Through the Darkness.”  The memory’s on the edge of her mind like a word on the tip of her tongue.

3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?

Oh yes. I have one still in the editing stages and another in the first draft stage.  The book in the editing stage, as of right now, is not part of series.  The other book is part of a planned trilogy.

4. How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?

I have been writing for around eight years now.  For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to write.  My need to tell a story and hopefully engage readers to escape life through my characters and created world is what continually inspires me to write.

5. Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?

Yes.  I gladly give away copies of my book for reviews.

6. How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs for your book/books? Who designed the Cover of your books?

The title came to me when the novella was originally a short story.  The idea of my main character being in the dark both literally and mentally and her trying to find her way out of this darkness is what inspired the title.  As far as the cover, it’s symbolic of her finding her way out of the dark.  My sister designed and created the cover for me.

7. Have you ever based characters on people you know or based events on things that have happened to you?

Nothing specific has been based on people I know or an event that happened to me.  However, that being said, I think that sometimes my reality does find its way into my fiction.  And, I do base my fictional world around the real world although they’re technically fictional places.

8. Is there a certain Author that influenced you in writing?

Dean Koontz.  I read his books in high school and loved them so much that I wanted to write something as brilliant as him. 

9. Which format of book do you prefer, ebook, hardback, or paperback?

There’s nothing like holding an actual book in your hand, but with the ease of ebooks as of lately, I’d have to say that they are quickly growing on me.  It’s still hard to replace the feel of a good paperback in your hand though.

10. What is your favourite book and Why?  Have you read it more than once?

My favorite book.  That’s a tough question.  I have so many that I keep going back to.  I think I’d have to say “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins though.  We’re thrown into a dystopian world that is so unimaginable yet so fascinating.  Katniss is such an amazing character to follow as well.  And yes, I have read it more than once.      

11. Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favourite/worst  book to movie transfer?

I think there’s great potential for it.  The script has to be well written to compare to the book though.  My favorite book to movie transfer is probably Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas.  The worst would have to be, undoubtedly, Eragon.

12. What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it? What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)

I am currently reading “The Impenetrable Spy” by Spencer Brokaw.  (A self-pubbed author)  It’s an ebook.  And yes, it’s quite enjoyable for a quick, spy-related novel by a new author.

13. Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one you tried to read but just couldn't finish?

There are actually quite a few.  But one specifically would have to be Moby Dick.  I’m just not a Herman Melville fan. 

14. Are there any New Authors you are interested in for us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for them?

I’m not sure how new of a writer she is, but she’s certainly making headlines lately, and that’s Amanda Hocking.  Her Trylle Trilogy is amazing.  She writes characters you can’t help but fall in love with no matter their flaws.  She weaves fantasy into reality, and it’s simply amazing. 

15. Is there anything in your book/books you would change now if you could and what would it be?

Yes.  There is.  I would probably change the length for one thing.  It’s a novella, but everyone keeps telling me that I should have made it longer. 

16. What do you think about book trailers?

I think they’re a wonderful idea.  I have one for my book.  It helps to peak interest in a book just like it does for movies and TV shows.  You can view my trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIeCI4_3ipc

17. What piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Keep writing.  It’s the only thing that will help you hone your craft.  And editing is the difference between a good story and a great story. Also, never give up on your dream.  If you want to write, by all means, write. 

18. Do you or would you ever use a pen name?

I don’t use a pen name, and I doubt I will.  It’s just not for me.

Where can readers follow you?

Your blog details? http://ebarnes23.wordpress.com
Your facebook page? http://www.facebook.com/fanpageforemeraldbarnes
Your Goodreads author page? http://www.goodreads.com/emerald_barnes
Your Twitter details? @emeraldbarnes
And any other information you wish to supply?  You can add me to your circles on Google+.  URL to my profile is

https://plus.google.com/101744242812023382698/post




Thank you for taking the time out from your writing to do this interview and allowing us to glimpse your world of writing.