Author Blog Tour

Thank you, Linda Broday (insert link), for inviting me to come along on this Author Blog Tour!

Everyone hop on board and travel with us!

1. What am I working on?

I am knee-deep in the final edits of my second Creative Non-Fiction novel, “The Convict and the Rose.” This story is a sequel to my first book, “Flowers and Stone.” It begins at Leavenworth Penitentiary with Luke Stone, one of the main characters, arriving for a lengthy stay. He is bitter, angry and rebellious about being convicted of a crime he did not commit. The other main character, Darlina Flowers, left alone without the man who holds her heart, flounders at the task of trying to live without Luke. Throughout this story, we see tremendous growth in both characters as they face what would appear to be insurmountable obstacles...From literal shackles and chains to drugs and a guru.

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Along with each book I write, I release a music CD of authentic and original music. “Forty Foot High” is the CD that accompanies “The Convict and the Rose.” It is a compilation of music that was recorded in a makeshift studio inside Leavenworth Penitentiary. The title song is the only track not recorded in prison. All of the songs on this CD were written by Rick Sikes. The title song is performed by Jamie Richards, who is a talented singer/songwriter in his own right. (Check out the samples on my web-page

1. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

My work differs from other Creative Non-fiction stories in that they contain characters and dialog written in fiction form. Because the stories are very personal, it was the only way I could separate myself enough to actually write them. Even though they are true stories, they are entertaining and contain all of the elements of fiction writing. The fact that I produce music to accompany each book is also unique and something I absolutely love doing!

2. Why do I write what I do?

The main characters of my stories are Rick Sikes (my late husband aka Luke Stone) and myself (aka Darlina Flowers). Our story is unique and for years, we were told by many people who came to know us that someone should write it. When Rick passed away in 2009, I began to think along those lines and searched for someone to do just that. I awoke one morning to the realization that the only person who could write it was me since I was the one who lived it. So, I took classes, studied everything I could find from sentence structure to formatting. The story is a series of three books and since I’m about to release the second one, I have one more to go. Once the three books and music CDs are completed, I will write a screenplay for a movie.

I love writing and will never stop!

3  How does your writing process work?

Since my stories are true, I don’t have to make up anything. However, for the second book, I had to do lots of research through archives of letters, newspaper and magazine articles and even contacted a prison official for some information, as I was not physically locked up with Rick.

All of that being said, once I am finished with “our” story, I would like to try my hand at fiction writing.

Up Friday, March 28^th is Kristen Smith!

Kristen Smith at http://www.wanderlushh.com is an American girl living and teaching abroad. Words and travel are her passion.

Kenny L. Mitchell, Author of the Loves Me Not trilogy will be blogging during the week of April 6^th at http://www.writerscafe.org/kmitch672004/writing/

Charlotte Ann Moore, author of “Preserved for a Purpose,” will follow. She has been elevating audiences one set of ears at a time as a motivational speaker. www.charlotteannmoore.com