Click the link below for the webshows I’ve been on:
Webshows I’ve Been On Playlist:
2022 (click below:)
Local newspaper author interview (promoting books, Patreon, and new audiobook)
2020 (click below):
“The Hunter and The Bringer “Series Blog Tour Page:
(A book reading, two videos, blog stops, and four interviews)
June 2017 Interviews:
Editor Charlene’s Blog Interview for “Fallen Star Dust” blog tour
December 2015 Interviews:
“New Beginnings” Bonus Tour Interview with Dan Wright
August 2015 Interviews:
Interviews by Samantha Marie (Facebook Page)
Weekly Spotlight on Rose Montague’s “Fantasy Fun Reads”
May 2015 Interviews:
Guest Interview on Holly Barbo’s Website
April 2015 Interviews:
January 2015 Interviews:
Literal Exposure (for A Sweet, Little Dream blog tour)
Reviews from Here (for A Sweet, Little Dream blog tour)
November 2014 Interviews:
Mineral Area College Alumni Magazine
September 2014 Interviews:
Meet my Characters Challenge- Interviewing MY characters Stary and Umbra
June 2014 Interviews:
Farmington Froggy Station Interview
Farmington Daily Journal Newspaper Article
March 2014 Interviews:
Pandragon Dan (for Spirit Vision blog tour)
Author’s Curtilage (for Spirit Vision blog tour)
Sheenah Freitas Blog (for Spirit Vision blog tour)
January 2014 Interviews:
December 2013 Interviews:
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To see the interviews I have given to other authors on my site, CLICK HERE for an easy link to all of them on a tagged archive page.
Examples of Interviews I’ve Given:
April 2015:
I have a real treat for you guys! Please welcome author, talented voice actor, and Disney/classic 80’s and 90’s cartoon lover, Mr. Will Turner, author of the “Reynard City” graphic novel series!
- Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing? I grew up in a market town called Beccles in the county of Suffolk. For as long as I can remember I’ve always loved writing. As a child I loved cartoons like X-Men, Samurai Pizza Cats etc as well as Roald Dahl books so that could explain the odd mix in the stories.
- Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not? The first book I published was Mix Tape: The Will Turner Collection, a collection of short stories, poetry and sketches based on the idea of a mix tape and all the odd mixtures you get when you make one for someone. It came about because me and my brother made mix tapes for each other when we went to uni.
- What are you currently working on, writing wise? Just finished doing a rewrite on the next couple of issues of Reynard City. It’s a story I’ve been wanting to tell for a few years now!
- What is your favorite character you have ever created and why? A genuinely tough question. Cliché as it is this is like saying “who are your favourite children?” That being said AK Girl and Wondervixen are probably who I enjoy writing most- AK Girl is like my personality when performing. She is very bubbly, energetic and her enthusiasm can sometimes be a bit annoying. By contrast Wondervixen is the one who works hard and is a bit more introverted and tends to find it harder to deal with her problems.
- Do you have to write in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later? Depends what I’m writing- Reynard City is based on an overall arc that I am working on with a clear ending eventually coming. With comedy sketches it can often be as simple as a one sentence idea on a phone!
- What was your path like until you found writing? To be honest writing has always been a part of my path. What has been harder is making it work- I do a lot of gigs to pay the bills as well as the fun stuff!
- How is your relationship with your publishing company? With Reynard City I am the publishing company! In effect I’m working with a team and it’s great. With Mix Tape and Publish America (who published it) I’ve got no complaints- they did all they promised but it was a bit early in my writing career and I didn’t fully appreciate the work involved.
- Tell us about your covers. As a comic covers are vital and everyone wants to do them. However this is why we changed so the artist working on the comic gets to do the cover- it is about every page coming to life and it helps when the cover properly ties in with the events in the comic. Artists like Dan Butcher, Susie Gander and Nicholas Webb have very distinct styles and in their own ways they draw people in and often I’ll pick them based on the nature of the comic. Dan seems to suit the dark stories, Susie can handle the emotional side well while Nicholas has an interesting combination of cartoony and dramatic.
- What inspires you to write? I feel a responsibility to the people who have made Reynard City happen- we have got people who do artwork for us, act for us, make merchandise etc. This is a project that deserves to be better known because it is not just mine- a lot of people have worked hard and it and I want to repay the faith they have shown in it. We have people who have made forums for us, said it helped them through tough times and so much more- I like the fact I have shared this with some great people.
- How do you get book reviews? I tend to ask- it’s hard but worth it. Basically you need to be prepared to do a lot of work.
- What is harder: writing, editing, or marketing? I would say marketing- Writing and editing are part of the gig for me but marketing involves skills that I need to work on. Although I do work hard it I know I can do better!
- If you could publish every book idea you’ve ever had, how many books would you have out right now? I’d probably have three books, a play, five films, three sitcoms and an animated TV series!
- Have you ever considered co-writing a book or series with another author? We have had a number of writers on Reynard City including Dan McKee, a very talented local comedian and comic writer. When it comes to writing books I think we’d need to establish a routine- I’ve written sketches and a play with other writers but generally speaking I tend to be the one that writes something up after the ideas are finalized!
- What do you do to relax? I love comedy and have performed with local groups. I also enjoy karaoke, walking while listening to the radio and I’m a supporter of Norwich City football club (though that’s not always what you’d call “relaxing!”) When I get the chance I love going to the cinema- TVs and computer screens just aren’t the same!
- If you could tell your 14 year old self one thing, what would it be? Everything takes longer than you think and things aren’t always what they seem. But don’t let that get you down!
- What advice would you have for this upcoming generation? Without wanting to sound like an old man I would have dreamed of having this easy access to cameras, video uploads etc- take full advantage of all the tools available to you!
- Have you ever read a book that changed your outlook on life? Lots of them- Burton on Burton was great because he seems very passionate about his work and it kind of reassured me that he was also a normal sounding guy that gets perceived as “weird.”
- Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of? How about one that is overrated? With classic literature I’d have to say George Orwell’s Animal Farm- a very sharp bit of satire. I also love Crime and Punishment as well as any number of Victorian Gothic stories.
- Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing? I’m open to a range of music- however when it comes to influencing writing I would probably say David Bowie has that oddness that creeps into a lot of what I write, as does Sgt Peppers.
- If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why? Reeves and Mortimer I count as one due to their delightful surrealness. Another would be Orson Welles because he was a man of great vision and influenced radio, cinema and the theatre. The final choice is a tough one because in terms of role models you also want to pick people who help you and influence you in a positive way- so I’m going to cheat and say my friends and family.
- Dog or cat person? I was scared of dogs as a child but then I’m not a big cat person either. Therefore I plead Switzerland on this.
- What do you want to eat right now? Ate just before writing this so I’m good for now. For those curious it was coffee andsponge cake.
- If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be? The original version of Robocop.
- What is your favorite holiday or time of year? Christmas in Beccles- it is a beautiful small town. Watching It’s A Wonderful Life with my mum, opening presents with the family, a fab roast dinner- I love it.
- Anything else you would like to add? I would just like to say a big thank you to Dan Wright, Casandra Porter, Dan Butcher, Susie Gander, Nicholas Webb, Rach Nobes, Amanda Appel, Gizzy Linnell, Linda Hook, Jim and Jo Keeble, Norwich Kitty, Mark Margason, Holly McKeon, Dr Vincent M Gaine, Laura Landamore, Jess Austin, Mark Marx, Cmore Trix, Samuel Victor, Jed Soriano, John Paul Guerra and Abi Woodrow and a whole ton of other people that make Reynard City happen.
Sample of volume 26 of “Reynard City.”
Bio of Will Turner:
Robert William Turner (known as “Rob” or “Will” depending on the project he is working on or if you are one of his many creditors) is a writer from Norwich, Norfolk (UK). His first novel was published in 2004 (Mix Tape: The Will Turner Collection). Since then his writing work has been varied, covering everything from B2B magazines to scripts for documentaries. However his first love is the online comic and collaborative art project Reynard City.
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November 2014
I am so honored to announce my super special guest, the humorous, talented, dashing, slashing, kick-butt, knowledgeable, and just all around amazing, Mr. Dan Coglan AKA Samurai Dan. You’ve heard me mention him several times in my anime convention reviews and how I got to work with him in June for my first ever writing panel. I am tickled pink that his dream is finally coming true. His latest work, “Fenris Firar” is now published! Dan is here today to answer some questions for us in style. Let’s give him our attention. Take it away Dan the Man! =)
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Welcome! Let’s get this started. Can you tell us three things about yourself that the world wants/needs to know?
- Tall people are no more prone to cannibalism than short people.
- Hair loss does not directly equate to memory loss.
- Just because someone doesn’t get his/her first novel published until they are in their 40’s doesn’t mean they aren’t serious about their craft.
Did your childhood affect your writing? Can you share a fun memory from your youth?
My childhood is where I actually began writing stories. In third grade, at age 9, I wrote one page monster stories and sold them all over school for spending money. Classmates, kids from older grades, and even some of the teachers bought them for a nickel or dime each.
How did the life of a samurai find you? How do you use this passion now?
The way of the Samurai grew out of a childhood that I never really outgrew, and combined my passion for swords (SHINY!) with a desire to protect people.
In addition to teaching martial science, and being everyone’s big brother, I use the skills acquired over 25 years of training to survive marriage!
Tell us about your lovely wife and children, human and furry.
I have been married forever…I mean, since June 1st, 2002, to Jillian Coglan, who I have the privilege of traveling and performing with. She is my soulmate, and I am not saying that because she’s standing over my shoulder as I type, armed with a rather large, sharp knife. Well, not entirely for that reason.
I have one son and one daughter. That is enough for me. My options are now filled. Michael is 23 and works in a bank; Amanda is 21 and works at Olive Garden.
We have two akitas, Naya (mom), and Kuma (son). They are the most amazing animals ever, and totally outrank me around the house! They get fed first, hugged the most, and greeted with the most enthusiasm. And well they should! Fortunately, they get to travel with us to many conventions and ‘perform’ with us.
What are some of your hobbies when you are not writing or slashing things with your sword?
I love sports, and still play basketball, football, and softball when I have the opportunities. I am also a big fan of other weapons than just swords, and spend way too much time researching and training with a variety of firearms and cool things that go “bang.’
Reading ranks high on my list of favorite things to do, but I don’t read nearly as much now that I am writing more regularly.
I also ride a motorcycle, and have since I was 13 or 14. Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t ever drive anywhere if I didn’t have to; I’d just ride my Sportster.
What was the first story you ever wrote, for fun or published? Tell us about it.
The first story I remember writing was a short story about the Wolfman and Frankenstein’s monster duking it out in the forest during a full moon. I believe I followed that up with the Wolfman fighting with the Creature From The Black Lagoon.
Apparently I have always had werewolves on the brain…J
Now, on to your newest book. Can you give us some information “Fenris Firar?”
Fenris Firar is a novel about an outlaw biker gang that invades a small town in Western Texas. A local guy gets bitten protecting a Cub Scout during a campout, and slowly turns into a werewolf. After attacking and nearly hurting his girlfriend, he runs away and joins the gang. Unwilling to live the depraved and inhuman lifestyle of the Pack, he fights to take control of the bikers and protect the family that he left behind as well.
Werewolves, bikers, Norse mythology…Wow! Where did all these themes come from?
These themes came from my warped little brain…seriously, aspiring writers are encouraged to ‘write what you know’ first, and then learn to branch out, takin on more difficult subjects and research new things. I took that to heart when deciding to write my first full novel, so I told a story about my childhood favorites (werewolves), and motorcycle (passion), and violence (vocation).
The Norse mythology came into play when the bikers needed a cool name; something more original and memorable than “Los Lobos,” which was my first idea. Lame, huh? People of the Wolf in Norse sounds MUCH cooler.
What character do you relate to the most?
Strangely, I don’t identify strongly with the main character, Drew. Most authors tell stories of a character that they want to be, or pretend to be, but in this case, I based the main character loosely on my son.
I relate the strongest to one of the deputies, Ray Becker, who suffers from feelings of inadequacies, but comes through when the chips are down.
Who is your favorite character?
In addition to Deputy Becker, I like Ramona. Being kick-ass and hot is always a great combination, but her vulnerability and desire for a better way of life make her more appealing and likeable than just another pin-up girl character would be.
Do you have a quote from the book you can share with us?
No. Sorry to ‘cop out’ but without a frame of reference, no quote is going to sound very good. I have favorite parts, but not single lines…and now I’m a bad interview. I knew I’d screw this up!
There is a scene where Drew goes back to school after getting bitten, and his arm all wrapped up, and his best friend pushes all the other kids away and tells them that later they can all sign Drew’s face, rather than the normal signing the cast itself, that I liked.
What is the hardest part of writing a book for you?
IT TAKES SO LONG!!! I love telling stories, and writing is the most amazing form of expression for story-telling ever, but just a first draft takes between 4 and 6 months for a well-developed story. I want to be able to tell it all at once!
What do you do to get inspired, to get your writing juices flowing?
I normally go for a short motorcycle ride first thing, and just use the trip to empty my brain, and let the story tell itself in the silence of my head.
~Feel free to insert joke here~
Are you working on any future projects or events?
I am working on several projects right now. The sequel for Fenris Firar is in the editing stage right now (grr!), and I am working on two storylines right now as well, and not getting nearly far enough on them!
Any advice you want to give to aspiring authors/entertainers?
Advice to other authors…how about, “Don’t go! It’s tough out there. Stay home with your parents; let them worry about it!” Sorry, I couldn’t resist the speech from Rodney Dangerfield at the end of “Back To School.”
I have lots of advice; panels worth. In a nutshell, I would tell people to go for what they feel passionate about, but to invest the time and effort to create a worthwhile product, whether that’s a story, or a comedy monologue, or even a report for a school project.
A final note or word of advice for me sir?
I would advise you to only interview worthwhile people, and stop wasting your time on people like ME!
If you want some possibly personal advice not for attribution, here it is: stay away from doing work that smacks of fanfiction, stories that simply build on someone else’s foundation. There are only 9 or 16 original storylines, so you don’t need to be original, but it should be YOUR world, YOUR characters, and YOUR concepts, if at all possible.
Okay, that’ snot just for you. I advise all storytellers to try for that. Hollywood may have to recycle stories and characters because of copyrights and franchise stuff, but we shouldn’t be limited by that. The world is ready and waiting for the next great hero or heroine, and even villain!
About Dan Coglan/Samurai Dan:
Check them out at Samurai Dan & Jillian You can purchase Fenris Firar here.
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December 2013
I had the honor to do an author interview exchange with a well-known Australian author, Clancy Tucker. We sent each other questions to answer and post them on each other’s websites. My responses will be on his website (which is updated with amazing blogs daily) in January sometime. I will let you guys know. Now, it is my honor to introduce my first author guest, Mr. Clancy Tucker:
Author to Author Q and A
Created by: Morgan Straughan Comnick
- Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing? I was born in Australia, but I am well-travelled, having lived in four countries. Yes, I am sure that I write young adult fiction because of my childhood. I still recall what it is like to be a kid. Hence, I have role models in all of my stories. Sadly, many kids today would not know what a role model is.
- Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not? It was a short story called, ‘Topsy The Orphan’, based on my mother’s early childhood. Topsy was her nickname as a kid. The story is about a rabbit family, and I still have the original manuscript.
- What are you currently working on, writing wise? I am revising the manuscript for my next book – Pa Joe’s Place. Also, I am deeply involved in research for a possible non-fiction story. It involves a famous incident, and alleged murder, that happened about 12 years ago in Australia and made world headlines for months. Hopefully, I might just have the evidence that will again be world headlines. Not a word more will I say. Watch this space …
- What is your favorite character you have ever created and why? Difficult question to answer. I use male and female protagonists. However, probably Smokey ‘Gun’ Danson; the main character in my first book – Gunnedah Hero. Why is he my favourite? Smokey is a very noble character with ethics, loyalty, empathy and passion.
- Do you have to write in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later? I have an idea and shoot from the hip. The story takes on its own life. I never plan a story. It normally takes me three months to write a manuscript of 100,000 words, working 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week.
- What was your path like until you found writing? I first wrote when I was about eight-years-of-age.
- How is your relationship with your publishing company? It’s excellent, considering that I’m the managing director of my own publishing company. However, I’m always seeking interests from traditional publishers. Should they come to fruition, I would be prepared to negotiate on most things except two: changing the stories I write, and the covers for my books.
- Tell us about your covers. As a photographer, I do my own covers.
- What inspires you to write? I am well-travelled, and have done my travelling with an open mind. Travelling is the best university on earth. Also, people inspire me. I am very intuitive, perceptive, observant and interested in what goes on around me and the world.
- How do you get book reviews? With great difficulty, but I’ve been lucky enough to have had some brilliant reviews which can be seen on my daily blog:http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au/p/book-reviews.html
- What is harder: writing, editing, or marketing? Writing is very easy for me. It just rolls out. Editing or revising is a discipline you must accept as part of the journey and a major part of learning your craft. You cannot become intolerant of sitting for hours with a red pen, looking for better ways to write or say things in a manuscript. Marketing is an absolute pain, but sadly necessary. It takes me away from what I’m good at – writing. However, I write a daily blog and have a variety of guests from around the world. My blog has introduced me to some fantastic friends. I am always seeking the silver bullet.
- If you could publish every book idea you’ve ever had, how many books would you have out right now? I’d say at least 500. I have a folder where I keep ideas that I’ve jotted down on various scraps of paper. Trust me. I will never live long enough to write what I have.
- Have you ever considered co-writing a book or series with another author? No. Doubt I would do it. Nor would I write science fiction or fantasy.
- What do you do to relax? Not enough. I read, keep abreast of world affairs, fish, watch sporting events, and entertain.
- If you could tell your 14 year old self one thing, what would it be? Not sure what you mean, but anything is possible, providing you are passionate enough. If you want to be a writer, find something you are passionate about and write passionately about it.
- What advice would you have for this upcoming generation? Leave your mobile phone and laptop at home and get out and do things. Travel, learn, observe, smell and do things for others. Life is short … use it … there is plenty to do.
- Have you ever read a book that changed your outlook on life? No, not really. Writing did! It’s great therapy for an open mind. Retain your own voice and let it out.
- Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of? How about one that is overrated? Mm … writing, reading, music and food are very subjective, like most things in life. So, who am I to judge? However, it always shocks me that Harper Lee wrote one book that sold 42 million copies – ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’.
- Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing? No. I write in silence.
- If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why? I have many, and for the same reason: Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Junior, My mother, Lech Walesa, Gandhi, the king of Thailand, Aung San Suu Kyi, Princess Diana – people with passion, empathy and a great belief in human rights. They also did things because they believed it was right.
- Dog or cat person? Australian cattle dog.
- What do you want to eat right now? Thai food.
- What is your favorite holiday or time of year? Summer. I hate the cold.
- Anything else you would like to add? Thank you, Morgan, for inviting me. I wish you enough …
Check out his website for inspiring blogs and updates on his works: http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au/ Website: www.clancytucker.com.au Youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=clancy+tucker&sm=12
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