An Interview featuring Author Karen D. Neal

                            Welcome..... Author Karen D. Neal....

Karen has had a love for words since she has been able to speak. Her passion began with her competitive classroom spelling Bees. Her love for speaking continued into High school when she placed third in a state public speaking competition for VOCA. Her dad proudly displays the plaque on his wall to this very day. She never saw her passion developing into what she can only describe today as an amazing blessing. Karen has worked in the medical field for 25 plus years and continues to do what she does best, be a support system for others and provide comfort. She has combined her love and passion to create books of entertainment while touching on real life situations. Karen's first title, "Grey Family Preys."
 

 

 

 

Book Description of  'Grey Family Preys'.....

 

 

Imagine being around the boogey-man as a very small child, only to find out later, that the same boogey-man seems to still have free reign over your adult life, making your life a living hell.
Little Katrina Grey lived life in fear, until one day her prayers had finally been answered. All through life she’d thought she was all alone through the torture she’d endured. Little "Imagine being around the boogey-man as a very small child, only to find out later, that the same boogey-man seems to still have free reign over your adult life, making your life a living hell.
Little Katrina Grey lived life in fear, until one day her prayers had finally been answered. All through life she’d thought she was all alone through the torture she’d endured. Little did she know, someone had always had her back.
Will this person be the one to bring down the demise of Katrina’s boogey-man? Or, will Katrina have to fight this battle alone?
The little fearful girl growing up is no more, but the adult she’s become, harbors hate, revenge and anger. The new Katrina is no longer the prey but she’s now the predator. Anyone naïve enough to cross her or her family will be in for a rude awakening. The Grey Family is no ordinary family. The suspense and drama is definitely out of the ordinary and Katrina refuses to settle for anything less. You'll cry, feel anger like no other, even laugh a little, but what you won't do……. is cross Katrina Grey and live to tell about it!"

 

"Grey Family Preys" was published in June 2013, via Amazon Kindle as well as paperback, and touches on Child Molestation. She later signed with World Haven Agenda for a short period before gracefully departing with the Publishing group.

Karen is now the entrepreneur of Pensive Publishing, a small publishing company that she began in June 2014, and delivered "She Me We", as the first book, a short story written by Neal. This story touches on D.I.D/Multiple Personalities, but delivers entertaining fictional characters that you will love. Karen D. Neal is on her way to becoming a household name and give all praises to God.

It is so great visiting with you.... Karen  ... Let's open up with some questions about you!...


1.  Would you please tell us something about you that you would like for your readers to know?

Yes, I would like to tell them that I am not a crazy woman. LOL My family and friends often laugh about how the readers must view me because of my many demised victims.  On a serious note, just know that God has taken me through some tough times and I am a stronger woman for it.

2.  Where are you from?

I am a Georgia Peach.  I live in the small town of Thomson. 1.5 hours east of Atlanta, 30 minutes west of Augusta.

 

3.  When did you know you were a writer?

I am still trying to figure that one out myself. I have always loved reading for as long as I can remember.  I use to write poems as a young girl on a Saturday night.  All of my older friends were permitted to go out and my mama didn’t play that. (LOL) I guess I was a writer even then but never thought of taking it to the publishing level until October 2012.  


4.  How was life growing up and how does it affect your writing?

I had some scary moments in life that is actually scarier now that I am an adult.  When I look back on what I was faced with as a baby, I cringe because not one adult could have survived the horror of a child’s fear.  We fear for our children because they fear not.  I took lot’s of risky actions as a child such as walking through a path that we as kids developed.  If I see one today, the matured me with the common sense is not trying to go on no short cuts with “snakes and Tigers and bears, Oh my.”  (LOL) I have to put humor into it to live through it but I think you get my point.  I was molested as a very young child and buried some deep emotions.  My writing and humor became my escape through a lot of scary situations.

5.  What motivated you to write and what is your resource process when preparing
     to write a book?

The hardest part of writing a book is staying motivated.  I pray everyday that God lead me with each word or flow of a story. I use the Internet for my facts on things that I have no knowledge of like how to conduct a diamond heist. (LOL) A plot used in GFP. Other than things on that nature, I use everyday life and my out of the box imagination for my resources.

6.  What genre do you write?

My first ever book was actually a children book.  I never published it but I wrote it for my son.  He is adopted and I grew him into that knowledge. I wanted a book on a 2 years old level and could never find one.  His ears are the only ears to hear that story. “My Book Of Many Angels.”  A personal book that followed my son from Heaven down to earth.  How his first Angel was his biological mother chosen by God to carry him until he was brought to the mother chosen to rear him.  My baby encountered many angels before getting to me and I touched on as many of them as I could.  I showed him through his ‘mind’s eye’, how the word adoption was not a bad word.  I knew how mean kids could be and I lived in a small town. I made sure my baby was strapped, so to speak.  I grew him into the knowledge of his delivery here and just how special something like that is. When some approached him about his adoption he knew already.  That is just another word for our family.  He know that God is amazing and I know wherever he goes in life, he know to always take God with him. (Opps, went into mommy mode). That one got lost with an old computer, but the book is etched in my mind forever.   My son still remembers me reading it to him nightly in the rocking chair. I have written Urban, my first baby Grey Family Preys that was published in June 2013.  My second baby,

“She Me We” is written fictionally, but enlightens a commonly overlooked condition called Dissociative Identity Disorder. Simply put, it’s a bout a young lady dealing with Multiple Personalities.

7.  How much of what you write is based on personal experiences.

My first book, GFP is based on my family mixed with half of my imagination.  I lost my one and only sister in November 2012, the hardest 11 months of my life to date.  I have a lot of family memories written in this book. Some readers have compared this book to Tyler Perry’s “Soul Food” but that is my family.

8.  Please share with us of your writing process...

I do a lot of praying and I love listening to music.  Depending on my mood or what I am writing, I choose the genre music that fits. Praying is the biggest part of all though because when I just can’t find the motivation needed, I can always pray about it and just walk away.  Tomorrow’s always another day and God has it fixed already, I just wait to see how he has it fixed.

9.  What genre do you love to read?

I am a true avid reader.  If it catches my attention, I am reading it.  I have books of all genres, but in count I would have to say I have more Urban literature in my library. 

 

10.  What authors do you admire and why?

There are many that I admire, but the one that sticks out is Jackie Collins.  I have every book the woman has written.  Her books are written with such passion and I believe in capturing my readers with my own passion.  When you read my work, I want you to feel as if you are inside the pages.  Her work has always done that for me and I highly admire the fact that after 30 novels and 500 million copies sold, I can only pray to get to that level.  This is a businesswoman as well as a bestselling writer, what’s not to be admired?  I can see myself getting there if I keep God in it. She is 77 and can still write with the best of them and I intend to be writing till the day I can’t.

 

11.  What would you like people to know that they may not know about you?

I am a person that values anyone’s opinion, but at the end of the day I march to the beat of my own.  I do this however with God as my guidance.

12.  What advice would you give others about  your writing in general?

Know your worth.  Everyone that can hold a pen doesn’t necessitate being a writer.  You have to have the passion for it and if YOU believe in yourself then you cannot fail.

13.  Please tell us what you are working on and can we expect a release date soon/or any other
       thing(s) you would like for your readers to know about you and your book.
       Also at this point please share anything not covered above you would like to share with your readers.

I have a part 2 to both books that will be released within this year, so I have a lot of work to do.  I devoted 7 months towards a new writer but things didn’t go as I planned.  They went as God planned and my reward was a life lesson learned in the game of publishing, which is new to me.


Karen  I have had the privilege of reading your latest novel and I would like to share it with your readers of what I thought of your novel.....She We Me.....

Title:  She Me We
Author:  Karen D Neal
Publisher:  Pensive Publishing
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"She Me We" by  Author Karen D. Neal

Book Description....

"Meet the beautiful Tonya and company that are use to drawing the attention of men wherever she go but unlike many women, the attention does not fascinate her. They are all dogs in her opinion and deserve what they get, that is they deserve what she gives them as unsuspecting men follow the beautiful lady home expecting to get to know her better. Tonya meets a young man in the local grocer and unlike many of the men that she meets, she is a little impressed by his swag and would like to get to know him better but has she met her match?

Davin is a young handsome man that is focused on going into the local grocers one day to pick up a steak and beer for an evening of watching sports and talking jive with the fellows until he set eyes on the beautiful Tonya as she is walking into the store. He forgets all about the steaks, watching sports and the fellows as he follows her around the store for an opportunity to get her name and number. He has never had a problem getting to know any female that he set his sights on but could getting to know this young lady prove to be a mistake?

Follow Tonya and Davin in this fast paced mini novella as the surprises unfold on each of them and you too will be hanging on the edge of your seats waiting to see how the drama unfolds."

Why did I read this novel...She Me We?

I was tagged by Author Karen D. Neal on my Face book timeline  and was asked to read her novel.  No, I had never read anything by this author so I thought why not.... and I am so glad that I did!

So, what did I liked about this novel...

I found this novel a bit different  from some my other read that would give you much thought long after the read.  This author really knows how to keep your attention because once you start reading you will find it hard to put down until the end.  And by the way it is a short good read.  I found this read quite a emotional read bringing in all the scariness from Tonya's world.  Wow, it was deep but definitely had a good meaning to it all.  I hope all who read this will receive it. Thank you author for giving us a very interesting, intriguing  and captivating read.  You will definitely be left thinking should the reader be sorry for Davin after Tonya, Penny and Mysti are through with him?  I guess we will have to see what will happen next  in the 'To Be Continued'.  Would I recommend She Me We?
Yes!

14.  Karen....where can we follow you? 

https://www.facebook.com/KDENISENEAL
https://www.facebook.com/karendluv2write?ref=hl
Twitter @niseygrey

15. Also this author has something special for her fans...

There will be opportunities to win FREE copies of this author's 5-star novellas Grey Family Preys and She Me WE. Please check for questions that will be posted on this  author's  page.

   Karen, it has been a privilege to have  done this interview with you  ...
           I hope for you many blessings from God as you pursue your  life's goals....and, since this is the Christmas Holiday Season....May you and your family have a wonderful, safe and blessed holiday season  this December 15, 2014. 


                                           Thank You!

It's May 11, 2014, and I Am Interviewing Author J.A. Schneider On Her Embryo Series...

Author J.A. Schneider

Hello Joyce....Thank you so very much for granting  me this wonderful interview of your wonderful   novels...Embryo 1, 2 & 3 which are full of  'mystery, thrillers and science fiction reads.'

What or who inspired you to write  your wonderful novels:  Embryo's 1, 2, and 3?
The idea for the first EMBRYO came like a lightening bolt when hearing a conversation between my husband (who did OB before switching to Cardiology), and an Ob/Gyn friend who was excited about IVF and its advances in curing diseases in utero. As an author who had already published fiction and non-fiction, I thought about all human discoveries - from fire to atomic energy - and the fact that they can be either good or very bad if they fall into the wrong hands. It was a thought that wouldn't let go. Embryo’s storyline led to more questions; i.e. Okay, what happens NEXT. The two sequels were inevitable consequences of the events in Embryo.
   
How would you describe your  novels? Medical thrillers that have evolved into Doctors-&-Cops  thrillers

How did you come up with such interesting characters  for your novels...1, 2
and 3?
David Levine is based on my husband  Bob, a doctor like they don’t make ‘em anymore, & a physician hero who  served in the Strategic Air Command. Jill Raney is the kind of woman I wish I  were, although there’s’ a lot of me in her: Intense caring about others,  stubborn inquisitiveness, the conviction that “experts” are too often wrong,  and a reckless disregard for those who say Don’t. 

 Did you  have a method used  for creating your characters. And what do you think  makes them so believable?
They just come from the  heart.

 Do you plot your story or do you just get a idea and  run with it? The idea first, then a rudimentary plot that gets me maybe  a third of the way, and then the story just kind of takes over, surprises me. 

 What was the most difficult aspect of writing your  books? Discipline. I should be more disciplined...but I’m always  thinking of the story. 

 Why  do you write? Is it  something you've always done, or always wanted to do, or is it something  that you started fairly recently? I’ve always  written. Was a French Lit major, then worked at Newsweek where I was  influenced by staffers who left and went on to write their novels, then wrote  lots and got lots of rejection letters. But I kept  going...

 Did you have to do any special research for your  books?  I google a lot of stuff, plus Bob loves helping with the medical  details which I interweave as I write.

How did you come up with such beautiful book covers.  Did you do them yourself?I work with Matt Maguire at Cadescent Press (he’s in Manchester, England). http://candescentpress.com Matt is wonderful. I DO start with my own idea, mull it artistically so it will convey as much as possible what the book is about. Then I “discuss” the idea with Matt via email, and he works with it. He alone came up with the first Embryo cover; then for E2 I found a picture of a baby on Stock Photo, sent it to him and asked that the child be put between the crosshairs...and then E3 was mostly Matt’s idea. I only said I wanted a couple running before an explosion. He’s terrific, and super nice, and always encouraging.


 Since I see you have  three Embryo novels... will there be Embryo 4 & when?
Oh yes! I’m  working on it now. Very excited. Love to scare myself too, grin.  :)

 Do you manage to write everyday? Yes. Sometimes a  little, other times a lot, but want to keep the feeling of moving  forward.

 What do you like to read when you aren't  writing? James Patterson, Agatha Christie, & Ira  Levin.

 What genre(s) do you like to read apart from your  novel? THRILLERS! Doesn’t that sound strange for a former French Lit  major? (Some of that was pretty heavy.)

 Who is your favorite  author(s) and why? Ira Levin. I am fascinated by writers who in one  or few words can say it all. News comes that’s sad or terrible, and a  character just says, “Oh?” There you have it; in one word that character has  revealed indifference, shallowness. Writers who excel at this are Agatha  Christie at her best, and the ultimate master, Ira Levin. I am fascinated by  Levin’s ingenious brevity. Scenes that have influenced me hugely are, for  example, the scene in Levin’s “The Boys From Brazil,” where the female former  warden of a concentration camp is about to be brought from her prison cell for  Lieberman, the Nazi hunter, to question. Lieberman is just dying of nerves,  apprehension, feelings boiling with emotion wondering how he’ll react when he  sees her. Finally, her lawyer brings her. The door opens. Lieberman’s heart is  in his mouth…and out simply comes a drab old woman with “a disappointed  mouth.”

“A disappointed mouth!” This person’s entire life summed up in  four words! And we see her, much better than if Levin had gone on and on about  her pallor, sunken features, shuffling gait, depressing German prison uniform.  He could have done that, but he didn’t. With those four words we see that  woman so clearly that it hits us emotionally.

What is Joyce most  thankful for in the world we live in? Being alive, loving, and being  loved.

 Share with us of you and your family, married,  children, education...Married for decades, two adult children,  education? LIFE. Also: Wheaton College, Jr. Year at the Sorbonne, exchange  student in the Soviet Union. Working at Newsweek also taught me a  lot. What are your hobbies? Passionate gardener with  really ugly hands & torn shirts (from thorns). I grow rambler roses that  climb up into the trees, & can often be found on a ladder cutting out old  deadwood. But they’re gorgeous in bloom. P.S. The reason I grow ramblers  (& some climbers) is so the deer can’t reach them. I learned that the hard  way. 

Some writers like quiet, other the noise of a coffee  shop. How about you?  Do you
listen to music or have nose around when  you write or do you like silence? Quiet. How would you  describe these words as related to your novels?  love, friend,
bad  person, intern, investigation, DNA, research, medical, rapist, thriller, baby  and
adoption.   Joyce...just do a few of these...I tried to pull  out some meaningful words
from all three novels.  If you come up with  some better...please add....All important.

I would  like to put a favorite excerpt from each of your novels:(this can be as long  or
short as you would like)



Embryo 1: “Maria Moran’s first  inkling of trouble was the coppery taste in her mouth.”







Embryo 2:  “A doctor cries, ‘Take my gun! Even cops can’t depend on  cops!’”










Embryo 3: “That hospital is the devil’s workshop and must  be destroyed!”






 If you are working on Embryo 4 ...would you  have just a little from it? (Now you don't have to do this if you don't  wish too) smile! EMBRYO 4: CATCH ME  David and Jill help  police track a bizarre serial killer who kills couples. Leaves no  physical evidence, no prints, fibers, DNA. Cops have nothing to go  on.

 What do you hope readers will learn/discover from reading  your novels? That most people are good. And will want to help,  to rescue and comfort. Also...that doctors can help when cops’ hands are tied,  or in ways that even the most sophisticated police forensics never thought of. 

After reading your reviews for Embryo's 1, 2, and 3 how have  your reviews helped you after reading them?
I love my readers.  Their reviews are so cherished, and re-charge my batteries when I’m feeling  tired or discouraged. 

 What is on the agenda for Ms. J.A.  Schneider for 2014-15? Writing more.

Where can we find  out about you and your novels online? ...(email  ...website...etc.)

Website:   http://jaschneiderauthor.net/Twitter:   https://twitter.com/JoyceSchneider1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JASchneiderAuthor? skip_nax_wizard=trueGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5832782.J_A_Schneider



Joyce, Thank you so much for granting me this interview with you over your wonderful novels.  It has been a pleasure and I will be looking forward to your next novel  Embryo 4 which will be coming soon!


Below are three reviews of 'The Embryo Series'               given by Arlena Dean

Title:  Embryo
Author:   J.A. Schneider
Published By: J.A. Schneider
Age Recommended: Adult
 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
 Rating: 5
 Review:

"Embryo 2" by J.A. Schneider was a wonderful sequel to 'Embryo' that turned out to be another good mystery thriller read. The author did a wonderful job with all of the twist and turns in the 'fast paced medical suspense and thriller.' You will find from this read again trying to figure out who this guilty person was. Truly all of the characters were so well developed and captivating only keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what was coming next. All I can say is the writing of this novel gives the reader good writing and a awesome plot that was simply well done. This author has truly done her research with all of the medical terms thought the read. The hero and heroine of this read was simply off the chart in how they were a wonderful obstetrical team that solved medical problems, at the same time they both were faced with all the dangers from this crazy psychopathic rapist and murderer. It only left me saying Wow... what a read.

If you are into a good medical thriller with lots of suspense..."Embryo 2" will take you there and let's not forget about this author's first one...'Embryo' which really takes you to the second novel. Would I recommend? YES!

 

Title:  Embryo 2 Crosshairs

Author:  J.A. Schneider
Published By: J.A. Schneider
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:

"Embryo 2 Crosshairs" by J.A. Schneider was a wonderful sequel to 'Embryo' that turned out to be another good mystery thriller read. The author did a wonderful job with all of the twist and turns in the 'fast paced medical suspense and thriller.' You will find from this read again trying to figure out who this guilty person was. Truly all of the characters were so well developed and captivating only keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what was coming next. All I can say is the writing of this novel gives the reader good writing and a awesome plot that was simply well done. This author has truly done her research with all of the medical terms thought the read. The hero and heroine of this read was simply off the chart in how they were a wonderful obstetrical team that solved medical problems, at the same time they both were faced with all the dangers from this crazy psychopathic rapist and murderer. It only left me saying Wow... what a read.

If you are into a good medical thriller with lots of suspense..."Embryo 2" will take you there and let's not forget about this author's first one...'Embryo' which really takes you to the second novel. Would I recommend? YES! 

 

Title: Embryo 3
Author: J.A. Schneider
Publisher: J.A.S.
Series: Embryo 3
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:


"Embryo 3" by J.A. Schneider was another on of this author wonderful 'adrenalin packed thriller' mystery reads that was the third in this series. Once you pick up any of the 'Embryo's reads you will not be able to put it down this fast read until the end and I found this one was off the chart....well written. We find from this read that there were problems between Jill and David due to what will happen to the baby Jesse. Was adoption in order? What is next for these two? Now we have someone who calls himself the 'devil spawn' who wants to destroy 'the devils' workshop' which was the hospital that Jill and David worked. We see once more that Jill and David will "join forces with the police in a terrifying race to track down a killer, and to prevent an unthinkable catastrophe." Will they be able to save this hospital and their precious Jesse? Now, you must be ready for a lots that will go on in this fast thriller mystery read and this is where I say you must pick up "Embryo 3" to see just how this author will bring it all out to you and in the end ? I really liked how this author was able to bring out all of the little details making this read so very intriguing. Be ready for a read that will have religious issues, medicine, bring on the psychos and all of this will give you one excellent read from the start to the finish. Would I recommend "Embryo 3?" Yes, along with the other two previous novels... 'Embryo and Embryo 2.' "Embryo 3" can be read as a stand alone read however, to really get the depth of it all I would suggest you read them in order. 
 
This was absolutely a amazing series....and I will be waiting for your next one!

Arlena Dean
arlenadean@cox.net
http://agordond.blogspot.com
http://arlenabookreivews-arlenadean.blogspot.com


Again J.A. thank you for the interview.
 
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