Featured Author: Preston Randall

Preston Randall

Preston Randall was born in Philadelphia but moved to Canada at an early age and currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia. After graduating with a B.Sc. in Biology he pursued an administrative career spanning thirty years, seven of which were spent in the Caribbean. Although always interested in creative writing, it wasn't until after returning to Canada in 2007 that he published his first short story.

A dedicated distance runner, Preston has a personal best of 2:35 in the marathon and completed the Boston Marathon in a respectable 2:47. He now runs for fun and fitness and only competes in the marathon vicariously through the characters in his latest story.

In 2011 Preston joined an online writing community at BookRix.com, and has since received awards in 3 writing competitions including 1st place in a Journalism Writing Challenge, 3rd in an open fiction contest, and 1st again for Flash Fiction (Drabbles). Although known for his humorous characters and descriptions, many of Preston's stories include veiled and not-so-veiled messages regarding serious issues of the day.

 

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.

This story deals with some sensitive issues but not in a heavy-handed manner and the ending should leave readers with a great deal of satisfaction at how all the crazy characters and situations are interconnected and resolved (and it’s funny too).
 

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?

My wife and I are completely hooked on a number of reality TV series including “Big Brother” where the goal is not to get voted out of the Big Brother house by the majority. Individual competitors are obviously selected based on the volatility of their personalities and everything short of physical violence is widely encouraged. Watching the show is like driving past a car wreck – you know you shouldn’t stare but it’s almost impossible to look away. It could be great research for writing as you get insights into how people generally react under stress. But I don’t kid myself—I think the real appeal is watching “bad” social behavior and feeling good about yourself for not being as dysfunctional as those in the show.
 

Who or what inspired your last book?

As an aging distance runner I’ve long come to realize my competitive days are over and it’s now mainly a battle to make it to the finish line in one piece. One day while I was out jogging my imagination took over and I wondered if there were any circumstances that would allow me to actually win a marathon in my present condition. I don’t’ want to give too much away, but anyone who reads the story will understand what my twisted mind came up with. 
 

Most embarrassing moment?
When I was 10 or 11 years old, our family hosted a BBQ for all the staff from the University Department where my mother worked. My older brother and I were trying desperately to be “adult” and engage in conversation with various staff members. At one point in front of a relatively large group of people, one of the staff asked what the difference in age was between my brother and me. Before my brother could say anything I confidently blurted out that he was six months older. Everyone in the group burst out laughing and my brother found many opportunities over the years to remind me what an idiot I was.

Scariest moment?
When I was about 16 a friend offered to drive me to Ma-Me-O Beach in Alberta for one of their infamous weekend dance-parties. As we wanted to arrive fully lubricated at the end of the 35-mile drive, we opened up a case of beer and decided to use the back roads to avoid being stopped by the local police. After numerous beers, I was instructed to look for a landmark by the side of the road—a large white house—which would indicate the need to make a sharp left-hand turn leading into town. My friend was notorious for driving like a maniac and true to form when I signaled for the turn he cranked the wheel hard left without slowing down from about 60 mph. We slid straight into the ditch and all I remember is a stream of beer hitting me in the face (from the open bottle in my lap) and then total disorientation as the car flipped and rolled about 30 yards into the bushes. Miraculously we pried our way out of the crushed vehicle with only a few minor cuts and scrapes. But after staggering back to the road we saw that we had missed a telephone pole by about 6 inches. We hitchhiked into town and got cleaned up, but I’ve often wondered at the seeming randomness of fate—some being tragically killed in incidents like ours while we walked away virtually unharmed. 

Preston's Book: The Unbelievable Story of How I Met Your Mother

Daniel Zurenski feels like a total loser, but he's about to encounter a crazy array of characters who are going to change his life forever. It starts with Fred Zimmerman (and his unique pet) who scrubs pots at The Spaghetti Barn restaurant and accidentally sets off a disastrous chain of events. There's the volatile restaurant manager Paolo and his greasy head chef nephew Tony. Then there's a fanatical sports reporter named Bruce Jagerski who dreams of winning a marathon if only he didn't have such a bizarre running style. All come together during marathon race weekend in this hilarious tale which will keep you guessing right to the finish line.

Get Preston's Book 

This Week's Featured Author: Mark Tedesco

Mark Tedesco

Mark Tedesco is a published author and history teacher in Los Angeles. He was born in California but lived for many years in Europe. There he developed a unique perspective which is apparent in his teaching and writing.
 

Mark's current work is a work of historical fiction on the forth century soldiers John and Paul. Mark enjoys drawing the reader into the historical genre especially of the ancient world. I am John, I am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome is this work which Tedesco considers to be his greatest.

Besides writing, Mark's passions run the gamut from archeology to sports and fitness. His colleagues consider to him to be somewhat of a Renaissance man. He enjoys imparting to his students his thirst for life and happiness. This thirst, or quest, is apparent in every work Mark devotes himself to.

We ask Mark some questions:

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?

I would travel to the ancient world, to Rome, Greece and Egypt. If I could avoid getting the Plague or dying in battle, I would enjoy the grandeur and drama of ancient civilizations and travel to see the wonders of that world. I would wander the streets of Rome and gaze up at the temples and painted statues and walk through the bazaars of Alexandria while listening to the many languages of visitors and residents. Yes, the ancient world would be where I would time travel.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?

Writing comes as naturally to me as eating a meal. It wells up inside of me and most of what I write is already completed in my head. I do not know how that happens but it manifests itself as the need and desire to write it down. Other times, there is nothing welling up; I cannot force it. It is the waft of inspiration that blows through or remains calm.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Since being published, the most rewarding experience is meeting and getting to know people that I would never come across in my daily life. From transgendered persons to Catholic priests, from male to female, gay and straight, from academics to bodybuilders; all these people and more have come across my path in the wake of “I am John, I am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome” being published. This book has made my world larger.

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?

A true author is an artist and writes out of his/her need to write. It is a passion which is its own reward. Commercial success is icing on the cake, but if it becomes the motivating factor, the creative core becomes stale. Commercial success does not equal greatness and I hope that aspiring authors write something great.

Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is....

One book I wish I had written is a historical novel on the daughter of Cleopatra, whose name was Cleopatra Selene. Some years ago I became fascinated with her life. I began doing the research of the time she lived in Alexandria with her mother, her subsequent move to Rome and living in the house of Octavia, Mark Anthony’s wife, and then her marriage and crowning as queen. It was as if Cleopatra’s dream for her son was realized instead in her daughter.

But when I sat down to write the book I realized, though interested in the person’s history, I felt no inspiration. I cannot “force” the writing process. It either unfolds naturally or it doesn’t happen at all. I left this project and, since then, others have taken up the task and several novels have appeared about Cleopatra Selene.

But still, sometimes when I picture her as a child in Alexandria, or as a young woman and object of curiosity in Rome, I think of what an interesting tale I could have woven…

How long do you generally let a story idea ‘marinate’ in your brain before you start the book?

I have no control over how long I let a story “marinate” in my brain before actually writing it. It usually happens one of two ways: either a scene in the book is played out in my head and I simply write it down, or the first lines come to my head and when I start writing the rest flows. If it is a historical novel, this happens towards the end of my research; if it is poetry or prose based on my experience, it happens unexpectedly. It is a process that I have little control over, which would prevent me from working as a writer for a T.V. show or writing on demand. I am fine with that.

Something your readers would never guess about you

Weightlifting is my hobby and I love to lift alone or with friends. The gym is part of my daily routine and I love to set fitness goals or just let off steam by physical exercise. Also, at least twice a week I am asked if I am in the military or am a police officer; I am neither but rumors still spread. A coworker stopped me in the bathroom once to inquire: “I heard you fought in Desert Storm!?” I laughed.

Who or what inspired your last book?

When I was visiting a friend in Rome nearly ten years ago, he told me the story of John and Paul, two soldiers who lived under the reign of Constantine. When he told me the last recorded words that John said to Paul, I wondered about what type of life they lived up to that point that enabled them to have such a bond with one another and a conviction about the meaning of their lives. This started me on a quest to find out more about these two soldiers. After that, the book wrote itself.

What is your favorite scene in the book? Which scene or characters were the most difficult for you to write and why?

My favorite scene in the book is the conversation between Constantina (daughter of Emperor Constantine), John and Paul on their journey to Rome after she is rescued by the two soldiers from a kidnapping attempt. Sitting in front of glowing coals, their conversation grows more intimate as Constantina inquires about the relationship between the two men. She perceives it is one of loyalty and firm commitment but also that it is something more. John attempts to put it into words, comparing it with others who always perceive a space between themselves and the other person, whereas between John and Paul “there is not this space”. When he looks over to Paul for conversation, the tears in his eyes confirm his consensus.

The most difficult scene for me to write was the scene towards the end of the story when Fulvia, the sister of John, is brought some tragic news. Without giving the plot away, the writing of this scene took a toll on my emotionally and tears were rolling down my face as I typed the words.

Describe your book in five words.

Loyalty, honor, love, faith, commitment.

Mark's Book - I am John I am Paul: A Story of Two Soldiers in Ancient Rome


The events surrounding the lives of John and Paul are seen through the eyes of John, a 4th century soldier serving in the Roman Empire under Constantine. He finds himself imprisoned for reasons he does not fully comprehend. He then reflects back on all the events that have led him to this point.
 
Events in the Empire are changing as Constantine tries to consolidate his power. In the struggle Constantina, the daughter of Constantine, is kidnapped by his rival Lucinius.

John and Paul volunteer for the mission of rescuing her and so set out for the north.The harrowing circumstances of her rescue are recounted, and the precarious journey

back to Rome by the two soldiers and the daughter of the Emperor.

Reviews 

"Adventure, intrigue, faith, commitment, love and hate and everything between! Mark Tedesco has done it again, fashioning what is arguably his best work yet! He entices you on a phenomenal journey into the fascinating lives of two 4th century Roman soldiers, John and Paul, in a tale of loyalty and love that grabs you by the throat from the very first sentence and holds you spellbound, gasping for air as you're swept from chapter to chapter with barely a moment to breathe. An unbelievable marriage of fact and fiction that will leave you applauding or appalled but never bored or indifferent. A must read!" -Tony McEwing, Fox News

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Featured Author of the Week - Kurt Browning

Kurt S. Browning currently lives in Northern Utah with wife Ann M Browning and their children.

Kurt has been in the construction industry for most of his career and in currently studying chemical engineering at the University of Utah. Some of his hobbies are: (of course) fishing, running, and playing with the kids.

We asked Kurt some questions:

Who or what inspired you to write a children's book? 

I went fishing with my cousin and his son.  During the trip, my cousin caught the biggest fish out of our group.  My cousin’s boy kept proudly reminding me that his dad had caught the biggest fish.  While we were gathering our gear to head home, another fisherman walked by and showed us his catch.  Needless to say it was at least 4 times the size of my cousin’s fish.  This didn’t faze my cousin’s boy; he was still proud of his dad and continued to tell me how his dad’s fish was the biggest of the group.

The next day I sat down and wrote this story.  I drew upon some memories of my childhood and looked at the way my children reacted to the things I did.  The story fits the way I felt about my dad and I’m sure many others can relate.

How long did the process take from coming up with the idea to printing your first copies?

 I actually wrote the story 3 years before I ever did anything with it.  It took a lot of prodding from my wife to finally submit the manuscript.  Once my manuscript was accepted, it took about 16 months until I had a final copy in my hands. I never anticipated that producing a children’s book would be such a long process. 

What has your experience been like since release day?

 Writing a book leads to promoting a book.  Since the release date, I have been promoting my book.  This means doing book signings, networking and contacting people.  Because I am a new author, I have been focusing on letting people know about my book.  Selling a book doesn’t happen just by putting a copy on a shelf somewhere. 

Any advice you can offer new authors who are considering writing children's books?

If I were to give advice to someone considering writing children’s books, I would suggest to focus your writing to an audience you know.  For example, I wrote my book with my children in mind.  I thought to myself, “What would they enjoy reading?”  I love reading my book to my children and it makes it much sweeter when they tell me how much they love it.

Do you have another book in the works? Can you tell us about it?

 I currently don’t have any books in the production process.  I am, however, working on several stories and I hope to have a new book out in the next year or two.

Kurt's Book - My Dad Took Me Fishing Today

Who's your hero? Is it someone close to you? Perhaps even your dad? Father, author, and college student, Kurt Browning shows how much a boy's dad can mean to him. My Dad Took Me Fishing is a heartwarming example of the strong bonds between father and son and the everyday activities that can bring them closer together. Explore what it means to look at a true hero through the eyes of a child!


                             Get Kurt's Book

This Week's Featured Author - Marilynn Dawson

Marilynn Dawson

Marilynn grew up in a solid Christian home, coming to Christ at the age of 7. She has been actively involved in Church life since age 10, including activities such as joining her Mom and sister in singing special numbers, choir, teaching Sunday School, leading Sunday School open session, planning Sunday School lessons, and more. Marilynn attended both public and Christian private schools growing up. She attended North Island Community College on Vancouver Island and Trend College in Kelowna, BC, obtaining certificates in receptionist work and CompTIA A+ computer repair.

Throughout her life, Marilynn has written poetry and published a few of them in the American Poetry Anthology (two issues). She currently does freelance work for a technical blog in Alberta. She's also written numerous unpublished articles on end-time eschatology and the news, written unpublished short stories, word studies and more.

Marilynn lives with her two teenagers, cat and gerbil, in Kelowna BC Canada.  Her day job sees her fix computers and engage in multimedia for her church.  In the evenings and on weekends she's a soundtech doing various events through the year from funerals to workshops to concerts and weddings.  Marilynn sings in the choir and sang on her church's praise teams for several years.

 

Marilynn's book - Mom's Little Black Book

As our youth graduate high school and head out into the world, many parents wonder if they've done all they can.  Is there one more thing we can do before our youth spread their wings and fly the coop?  Is there one more bit of advice we can offer to ensure that they'll be equipped for the road ahead?  The answer is YES! 

Taken from Idea Creations: Book Review
by Kathryn E. Jones
http://idea-creations.blogspot.ca/2013/05/book-review-moms-little-black-book.html 

"Mom's Little Black Book," by Marilynn Dawson is a short, inspirational read that blends quips, Bible quotes, meditation opportunities and 'light' reading for the teen who is about to leave home to start life on his/her own.  

Divided into 6 subheadings (spiritual, household, personal care, interpersonal, grocery and financial), "Mom's Little Black Book," offers teens exclusive rights to all that Mom knows and is willing to share about living life with spiritual grounding and a super clear focus. 

Consider these helpful hints:

"Help those who are in need. One day it could be you."

"Clouds are very emotional creatures. They cry at special occasions."

"Racism is pointless. Look at the Panda.! He's black, white and Asian, and everyone loves him!"

"You are the only Bible some people will ever see."

"You know you're tired when you put the dishes in the fridge and the milk in the sink."

"Talk to God. He loves to hear about your day and how you feel."

"Remember prayer is a fancy word for communication between you and God. Give him time to respond."

"Don't hoard God's blessings for yourself. You may just be the delivery conduit."

If one of your children is leaving home for college this summer, or getting married, or perhaps they have just decided it's time to live on their own, "Mom's Little Black Book," is for them.

Instead of talking until you're blue in the face about what they should and shouldn't be doing to remain a strong, active Christian, give them this book.

Get Marilynn's Book

Contact Marilyn