That Girl Gets Around
On my list of things to read… book signing plans in the works. Check out the book and the author!
Josephine – a traveling machine
She’s been to over half the states in the U.S.
She’s been to Australia.
She’s been to Canada.
She’s been to the UK (a few times!)
I am fortunate that I can “see” where she is going a lot of the time – people order copies directly from me or people have won giveaways and contests.
I love going to the post office and sending her to somewhere new. I hope each time she finds a reader who will fall in love with her story, root for her, empathize with her.
The world map on WordPress is awesome. I love seeing that people from China, Germany, and India are reading my posts too. Maybe Josephine will get to travel there soon!
Where are your stories traveling? If you are a reader, how do you decide to read something written by someone in a different country?
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Meet Behcet Kaya
Just last week, I read the debut novel of Behcet Kaya (who goes by Ben). Voice of Conscience
Many reviewers have referred to Voice of Conscience as a Shakespearean Tragedy. Was that your intention?
Not at all. Although I have read Shakespeare extensively, the inspiration for Voice of Conscience was the 1958 movie “The Bravados” starring Gregory Peck, who seeks to avenge the murder of his wife and, in the process, nearly destroys himself.
You were born and raised in Turkey? So was Ramzi. Did you want to write a biographical novel to celebrate your roots and experiences? Or was The Voice of Conscience merely an example of someone writing what they know?
As a first time writer, I wanted to tell a story in a way that would remain in the reader’s mind, a story with the message that vengeance only destroys, and so I wrote the story and based the characters around what I was familiar with. Since most of my readers think this is my biography, I began having doubts as to whether I was a writer or not. In an attempt to find out whether I could write a story completely separate from any of my experiences, I spent two years doing in depth research and completed my second novel, Murder on the Naval Base
Both in your book and in your real life you’ve spent time at the Texas Pancake House in London. As a proud member of the Lone Star State who has never been to England, I have to ask: What’s so Texas about it? Do you know if it is still there? And have you ever spent time in Texas?
The walls of the Texas Pancake house were filled with photographs of scenery of Texas, the booths were large and comfortable, and the portions served were Texas-size. The restaurant specialized in pancakes, and they were so large that most people could not eat more than two. Unfortunately no, it is no longer there. It is now a McDonalds. Yes, I have been to Texas, but only passing through, and I am still amazed with the vastness and beauty of the area, and the fact that it takes more than two days to drive across the entire state.
Other than what you’ve included in your novel what would you like your readers to know about your homeland?
Where do I start? Turkey has 13,000 years of history. Over the centuries, Constantinople, renamed Istanbul in 1923, has been the point where East meets West, the crossroads of many civilizations, and the capital of two grand empires. The Byzantine Empire lasted from the fourth century to the 15th century, when the Ottoman Empire took over, ruling through the end of World War I. Just to name one of our many treasures – in Istanbul, we have one of the greatest houses of worship in both the Christian and Muslim worlds: Hagia Sophia, the Great Church of Constantinople. Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century on the grandest scale possible, it faces Jerusalem. It was later converted into a mosque by the conquering Ottomans and today it’s a museum. Beyond Istanbul, there is Izmir, Konya, Cappadocia, and so many more areas with historical and cultural significance. Our history is rich; the diversity of our landscape is immense; from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea, from Istanbul to the Georgian border. Although Turkey is 90% Muslim, we are NOT an Arab country. Modern Turkey was born in 1923 from the ashes of the old Ottoman Empire and we are proud to be a secular democracy. Our people are friendly and welcoming to more than 31 million tourists a year.
I’m a big foodie and enjoy celebrating good books with a good meal. What’s your favorite Turkish dish?
I have several favorites, all of which are traditional Turkish dishes, including kuru fasulya (white beans with meat), shiskabab with rice pilaf, and siron (very thin bread topped with yogurt, garlic and melted butter).
From what I understand, you’ve been living in the U.S. for years now, after spending time in England. What are your favorite things about the three countries you’ve called home? What made you choose the U.S. for now?
I am proud to say my roots and culture are Turkish, my education and love of learning comes from my schooling in England, and the U.S. is where I feel at home.
Who are your favorite authors? What genre do you prefer to read? Which do you consider your major influence?
My favorite authors are Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, and Yashar Kemal, and I prefer to read classic literature. Being a Turk, I would have to say Yashar Kemal is my major influence. However, in writing my second novel, Murder on the Naval Base, I did extensive research by reading biographies of prominent naval heroes, and many fiction as well as non-fiction novels about the navy.
How did you come to be published by AuthorHouse? In your future ventures in the publishing world, what would you do differently?
Frustrated at not being able to enlist the help of an agent, I decided to self-publish and AuthorHouse was recommended. I would prefer, in the future, to be represented by a literary agent, and published by one of the major publishing houses.
You’ve written two books in addition to The Voice of Conscience. Can you tell us a bit about them?
My second book is Murder on the Naval Base, a murder-mystery about a young navy lieutenant falsely accused of the murder of his wife and former best friend. It is currently in publication in e-book form and available for Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader and Apple. My third book, Erin’s Story is still in progress, and it is the sequel to Voice of Conscience. Ramzi’s daughter, Erin, returns to Turkey on a mission of self-discovery, and in the process finds mystery, intrigue, and love.
How would you feel about having your books made into movies?
Thrilled!! I can see Voice of Conscience being made into a three-part movie (movie of the week perhaps?) and preferably produced by the BBC. Murder on the Naval Base, according to Pacific Book Review, “is easily adaptable for a screenplay and an excellent choice for a Hollywood blockbuster.”
For more information on Voice of Conscience, Murder on the Naval Base, Erin’s Story, or Behcet Kaya himself, check out his site: http://www.behcetkaya.com/
Kendall Grey Interview and Special Whale Video
Not too long ago I posted a review of Kendall Grey’s book Inhale
Describe your books. What genre do you prefer them to be classified? Is this your favorite genre to read as well?
The JUST BREATHE trilogy is 51% urban fantasy and 49% romance. The books mix a lot of ideas that don’t seem to go together—whales, dreams, Elementals, fantasy, music, romance—but I think I mesh them in a way that makes sense. *Knocks wood* Urban fantasy and paranormal romance are my two favorite genres to read.
You are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about whales and whale education. Will you ever write a nonfiction piece on the topic?
I’ve thought a lot about writing a nonfiction whale book for kids. I have gobs of pictures I’ve taken over the years that I could use within the pages. I don’t have the time now, but it’s bound to happen eventually.
What is the first book(s) you remember reading? Has that impacted the way you write?
I read Nancy Drew books as a kid, but I was never a big reader. I’m ashamed to admit I’m still not. I don’t know that any particular book or author has influenced my style. I just write the same way I think. The word “raw” comes to mind. 😉
You’ve got characters from all over the world (and beyond) in your books, did you find it difficult to write and stay true to their dialects? (They read quite smoothly.)
Thank you! Yes, it was difficult at times. I did tons of research on Aboriginal Australians to get Yileen’s dialect down, but it’s nowhere near perfect.
I’ve visited Australia several times and have some friends there who helped me with common Aussie sayings and phrases. I had to cut some of the more obscure references because my editor felt most readers wouldn’t understand their meaning. I wanted to portray the characters as authentically as possible, but she’s right. Quirky Aussie humor goes right over our American heads. Ha!
Do you have a personal favorite out of the characters in your book? Who is it and why?
You’re gonna make me choose? If I can only pick one, I’ll have to go with Gavin. He’s got all the qualities I love in a man—tall, tattooed, Australian, rugged but sensitive, a musician. *Sigh* But I adore the other characters too. Zoe for her dedication to the whales, Adriene for being the perfect best friend, Scarlet for being so bad she’s good, Yileen for his wisdom, and Sinnder for his moral ambiguity.
Photograph by Jemma Milanovic used in the cover of “Exhale” to portray Gavin Cassidy
How did you come across the photographs featured on the covers on Inhale and Exhale?
I found the Zoe picture on the INHALE cover on a stock photo site. The “Gavin” photo for EXHALE came from Deviant Art. Both images took months to find. Funny bit of trivia…the Gavin model is Australian and lives in New South Wales where Gavin does.
Did you learn anything from writing your books? What was it?
The biggest lesson I learned was humility. I wrote the first draft of INHALE almost four years ago and knew it would be a best seller. A deluge of cold-as-a-dead-fish form rejections from agents and editors informed me it was actually smellier than the creamy center of an 8-foot high chicken manure pile. Getting shoved out of my ivory tower was painful, humbling, and exactly what I needed. It forced me to seek help from other writers. I would never have gotten published without my writer friends and critique partners.
Being self published, did you find the responsibility and choices involved in cover art and fonts, etc. freeing and empowering, or a burden?
A little bit of both. I love the freedom and control I have. Many traditionally published authors have little or no say in the production of their books. Part of the reason I chose to self-publish was because I had a vision for my trilogy, and I didn’t want anyone messing it up.
The hard part for me is bearing the “What if?” burden. What if the books flop? What if they’re no good? Every author faces these fears, but I think it’s harder on self-publishers because we aren’t endorsed by the Powers That Be in New York. Many people don’t take indies seriously, which makes promotion and marketing difficult.
In your future ventures in the publishing world, what will you do differently? Why?
So far, I think I’ve done a pretty good job of managing the many the aspects of publishing (writing, revising, edits, more revisions, formatting final drafts, organizing reviews, promoting, developing marketing materials, etc.), but now that I’m close to finishing the trilogy, I don’t think the third book in the series will be ready by my projected publication date of July. The good news is, I’m self-publishing. My boss doesn’t mind if I’m a little late. 🙂 I’ll do my best to meet my self-imposed deadlines, but if I don’t make them, I don’t make them. Now that I’ve been through the process, I should be able to manage future books much better.
Outside of your love for whales, what’s one thing you would want your readers and fans to know about you?
There’s nothing special about me. I’m just a person who wrote some books. I have plenty of flaws, fears, and loud feelings. I’m not afraid to share them. What you see is what you get. 🙂
Thanks so much for having me on your blog, AndiKay!
Additional Notes
INHALE, an urban fantasy romance by Kendall Grey, is now available in paperback and e-book for Kindle (MOBI) and Nook (EPUB). INHALE is the first book in the JUST BREATHE trilogy. Kendall is donating all profits from the sale of the trilogy to programs that educate people about whales and the challenges they face. Watch the video to find out why: http://www.youtube.com/embed/YQfjxacis28
Kendall encourages interested readers to consider purchasing an e-book instead of a paperback. E-books save trees, cost considerably less, and bring in much more money for the whales.
Thank you for supporting INHALE, and most importantly, the whales that need our help.
Check out Inhale’s web page: http://www.justbreathenovel.com/Just_Breathe/The_Books.html
Read my review of Inhale here: https://anakalianwhims.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/inhale-and-be-ready-to-hold-your-breath-a-lot-a-review/
Some of my interview questions have been known to have been inspired by http://riteshkala.wordpress.com/
Giveaway Winner!
The winner of the Elizabeth George giveaway is Ani G W!
Ani G W said,
Following you on twitter @aniheartsjapan and following via email.
Looks like a great read! Thanks for the chance!
Looks like you’ll get to enjoy that book! I know I promised a Scentsy Scent Circle, would you be interested in an upgrade to a Room Spray? I have those on hand. Also, let me know what kind of scents you enjoy… fall or spring.
Titles, Actresses, and of Course Murder… Oh My!
First Edition UK Cover 1933
Title: Lord Edgware Dies
Author: Agatha Christie
Going through my own personal Agatha Christie Crime Collection challenge, next on my list for April was 13 At Dinner. My copies are leather bound editions with 3 titles per volume, in no particular order, so I thought my eyes were just going bad when I couldn’t find the title. Finally I settled on 13 Problems and thought I was ready to go, but opening it up, something didn’t feel right. So it was back to the internet to check over my list.
That’s when I discovered that 13 At Dinner was originally published as Lord Edgware Dies, and low and behold, I actually have a copy of THAT. The story follows the trail of a woman suspected of murdering her husband because, quite frankly, she told everyone he would and then he drops dead. It happens during a dinner party at which there are 13 guests, hence the republished title. But that doesn’t explain why they chose to retitle the book.
I was doing a little research into this phenomena, and discovered that this happens quite often especially in crime fiction. For Christie alone, there’s a fabulously long list of retitles, mostly between the first edition UK and the first edition US:
After the Funeral (UK) = Funerals are Fatal (US)
Death in the Clouds (UK) = Death in the Air (US)
Destination Unknown (UK) = So Many Steps to Death (US)
Dumb Witness (UK) = Poirot loses a Client
(US) Five little Pigs (UK) = Murder in Retrospect (US)
4.50 From Paddington (UK) = What Mrs McGillicuddy Saw (US)
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas (UK) = Murder for Christmas (US)
Hickory, Dickory Dock (UK ) = Hickory, Dickory Death (US)
The Hollow (UK) = Murder after Hours (US)
Lord Edgware Dies (UK) = Thirteen at Dinner (US)
The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side (UK) = The Mirror Crack’d (US)
Mrs. McGinty’s Dead (UK) = Blood will Tell (US)
The Mousetrap (UK) = Three Blind Mice (US)
Murder in the Mews (UK) = Dead Man’s Mirror (US)
Murder is Easy (UK) = Easy to Kill (US)
Murder on the Orient Express (UK) = Murder in the Calais Coach (US)
One, Two, Buckle my Shoe (UK) = The Patriotic Murders (US)
Parker Pyne Investigates (UK) = Mr. Parker Pyne, Detective (US)
Poirot’s Early Cases (UK) = Hercule Poirot’s Early Cases (US)
The Sittaford Mystery (UK) = Murder at Hazelmoor (US)
Sparkling Cyanide (UK) = Remembered Death (US)
Taken at the Flood (UK) = There is a Tide (US)
Ten Little Niggers (Original UK) = And Then There Were None (Current UK) = Ten Little Indians (US)
They do it with Mirrors (UK) = Murder with Mirrors (US)
The Thirteen Problems (UK) = The Tuesday Club Murders (US) T
hree-Act Tragedy (UK) = Murder in Three Acts (US)
Why Didn’t they Tell Evans? (UK) = The Boomerang Clue (US) T
– taken from http://www.gaslightbooks.com.au/checklists/mchanges.html
While looking into that little curiousity, I stumbled onto another bit of fun. One of the characters in this particular Poirot adventure is based off a real historical person. Inspired would be more correct, as Ruth Draper
Draper was known for her monologues, ability to become something new with few props, and to immitate anyone. When Christie discovered Draper she thought “[…] how clever she was and how good her impersonations were; the wonderful way she could transform herself from a nagging wife to a peasant girl kneeling in a cathedral. Thinking about her led me to the book Lord Edgware Dies.” (from Christie’s autobiography
Apparently, Draper loved to perform at parties as well as on Broadway. It was said that she would watch people, taking note on all their little quirks and behaviors, and then turn what she gathered of them into one-person sketch, worthy of all sorts of accolades. She traveled throughout Europe as well and was quite the sensation. The character of Carlotta Adams is one in the same, aside from the small little detail that she doesn’t live to the ripe age of 70 because she gets wrapped up in a murder mystery.
I’m enjoying my weekly sit downs with Christie, and Lord Edgware Dies has been no exception. Its fun, interesting, and Poirot always keeps me on my toes.
Book Love Art – Ophelia’s Quote Mugs
Previously featured as Book Love Art was the fabulous photography of Joel Robison. In that post I mentioned Ophelia’s Quote Mugs, and in this post I’d like to share with you Ophelia’s Literary line. From C.S Lewis to Ray Bradbury, Ophelia’s Quote Mugs combines beautiful art work, meaningful quotes, and the practicality of something in which to drink your coffee or tea. Priced roughly at $14, they are comparable in price to Starbucks merch, but offer so much more.
And an even cooler feature… the art doesn’t stop on the outside of the cup. Take a close look at the insides of these:
Buy one for your cozy reading time from Ophelia’s Gypsy Caravan on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OpheliasGypsyCaravan.
Gothic Picture Books
While picking out picture books, I’m slowly but surely learning that the things that grab my attention may or may not grab Ayla’s, and even if they do grab Ayla’s sometimes maybe I shouldn’t be reading them to her quite yet.
The Spider and the Fly
Then, there’s books that are simple, like Nosy Rosie
How do you decide what to hand them when? On one side, I don’t want to be Phoebe’s grandmother on Friends who turned off all the movies before the unhappy ending and the character didn’t know that Bambi’s mother got shot or that Old Yeller died at the end until her thirties. But neither do I want to be the creepy mother raising her child to disturbing things like “A is for Amy who fell down the stairs,” even though as a teen and adult I find them quite funny.
So again I ask you, how do you decide what to hand them and when? I suppose the age old dilemma for every parent is based in the fear of warping their child, and when it comes to books I have an even bigger problem because its not just about what my child can handle, its the message I give her when I make the decision. I don’t believe in censorship, but I greatly believe in reading guidance.
What are some of your favorite ‘gothic’ picture books? When did you decide to share them with your kids? Or did you let them seek them out themselves?
Male Readers for Outlander Series
After I posted my review for Dragonfly in Amber, I got a Twitter response from author Diana Gabaldon. She stated that although it was a “lovely review” she doesn’t like her books classified as romance because “a) they aren’t b) doing so cuts off ALL the male readers and the female readers who don’t think they read THAT kind of book.” While working in a bookstore and being taught to shelve her books in the romance section, I’d often heard the author had this preference against it, but had never done very much research concerning the matter.
The books are lovely. There is sexual content, but it’s not all ripping bodices and whatnot typical of a romance novel. In that regards I completely agree with her. The truth is, I can’t think of a good section for this astounding author’s work. I think they would get lost in the fantasy section and many bookstores don’t have their own historical fiction department.
What I love most about the books, is that even the store I worked, housed in the romance section, people sought her books out. I agree that placing them in that section cuts off certain new readers, but once introduced, there is no stopping a man from waltzing into that wall of pink and half exposed breast covers to pick out the next in the series. I’ve seen it happen over and over again.
That being said, I wanted to share this fan letter Diana Gabaldon has available on her site:
Thank you from an American Soldier (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE
Ma'am,
I don't know if you will personally read this. I hope and pray you do. No, I am not an obsessed fan. But I am someone who enjoys your work. It has touched me on a very personal level. Please allow me to explain.
I am a soldier in the United States Army and have been for about 18 years. I had my first of three long deployments in 2003. I have deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan. And each time I took your books with me. When I first bought Outlander, I am ashamed to say I only bought it because it was a very thick book. Getting ready to deploy I know that I would have a very long journey ahead of me. On the plane from Louisiana (where I was stationed) To New York to Maine to Italy then into Kuwait I couldn't put the damn thing down.
While I was deployed it was my escape. I sent a message home to my mother to find other books in the series. Lucky she found more. I have to say that your books helped me escape the reality that war can be. When I suffered personal hardships (IED blasts, fire fights and death of my friends) your books were a way for me to escape and even if for a brief few moments a way for me to keep my sanity. I am so very grateful to you for that.
Since my first deployment each time I had to say goodbye to my son, your books were in my rucksack. They are dog-eared and a bit worse for the wear...think Dragon Fly in the Amber even has a huge blood stain on it from when I got hurt. But I repaired them lovingly with what we call 90mph tape. Anyway they have traveled all over the world with me.
It is because of your writing that I have chosen to get my degree before I retire (when ever that will be). I have chosen history for my course of study. Once again...thank you.
I know you are busy but I wanted to let you know how much your work means. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. God bless you and yours.
Very Respectfully,
SSG [name and unit omitted by request]
P.S. enclosed is a picture of me in Iraq on my most recent deployment and one of me at Gettysburg, Pa on mid tour leave.
Staff Sergeant [name and address omitted] Attachment Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Attachment Caveats: FOUO
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE- http://www.dianagabaldon.com/from-the-fans/readers-letters-2/
Isn’t that the most wonderful thing? To have the spawn of one’s imagination be so inspiring and comforting to so many people is such a glorious privilege. That’s something that would inspire any writer to attempt to be such a story-teller. And if that didn’t do it for you, read her bio, its quite impressive: http://www.dianagabaldon.com/about-diana/bio/
The 8th of The Outlander Series is thought to come out sometime next year. I will be reading the 3rd (Voyager) in the next few months. Anyone interested in a readathon?
Post Edit: I found this Outlander Reading Challenge and joined. http://www.thelitbitch.com/?page_id=1314
Anakalian Whims 
Voice of Conscience by Behcet Kaya – A Review
April 28, 2012 at 10:10 pm (Reviews) (behcet kaya, books, culture, debut novel, reviews, social commentary, Turkey, turkish authors, world literature)
Author: Behcet Kaya
Publisher: AuthorHouse
Length: 414 pgs.
Described by multiple reviewers as a Shakespearean Tragedy, Kaya’s debut novel Voice of Conscience
is a little bit Kite Runner and a little bit Bourne Identity, but still something all its own.
Best read in three days (because of its three parts set in Turkey, London, then California), Voice of Conscience follows the life of Ramzi Ozcomert Jr., from his childhood in Turkey and a culture of vengeance and family tradition – to love, marriage, and finally the return to his roots. In the spirit of Khaled Housseini (author of Kite Runner) and Manil Suri (author of The Death of Vishnu), Kaya dives into his own culture and gives us social commentary of a country often overlooked in literature. Addressing deep issues of the human condition througout love, loss, revenge, and guilt from the perspective of a Turkish author, I found the book rather enlightening and educational.
Prior to Kaya’s novel, the only books I had ever read involving Turkey were Middlesex by Jeffrey Euginedes (entire portions of the novel dedicated to the relationship between the Greeks and the Turks) and vampire hunting novels that often use Istanbul as a pitt stop within plot developments. I’ve encountered Orhan Pamuk over and over again, having worked in a bookstore running the literature section for years, but I never actually picked up any of his work, despite their accolades.
I read Part One set in Atamkoy, Turkey in 1962 curled up in my library with a cup of coffee, thinking this little tragedy was going to be more of a depressing, cozy read. Turns out, through Parts Two and Three, I had migrated to my Gazelle
where I can work out and read simultaneously due to its low impact and breezy routine. I’m a mood reader, and the more the story progressed, the more Ramzi got closer and closer to going all mercenary ninja on his enemies, which gave me the desire to be on the move. By the time the book ended, in tradition of a perfect story arch, I was back in a cozy chair with my coffee and a beagle on my feet.
Overall, I appreciate Kaya’s novel and how much of himself he has poured into it. Its an excellent first novel, and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future. My only complaint is in some of the dialogue which occasionally seems to fall a bit flat and is often times too lengthy. (This coming from a girl who talks incessantly and tends to write how she speaks… could be the pot calling the kettle black!) But all in all, well done!
Additional articles to read:
http://www.prlog.org/11463686-behcet-kayas-voice-of-conscience.html
http://www.todayszaman.com/news-273884-international-readers-need-to-discover–turkish-literature–say-publishers.html
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