by Micque Miller for SINC
1. At HoTxSinC, we know you as the author of Skin Deep, which you wrote as Jamie Cortland. I know you’re also a poet, and write non-fiction and metaphysical books under the pseudonym, Wes Alistair. We’d love to hear more about these projects.
After taking a creative writing class, I spent several years writing free verse poetry. A few of my award winning romance and nature poems are included in Shifting Sands, by Weslynn McCallister. It is available both through me and on-line at Amazon.com.
Romancing the Zodiac by Wes Alistair is currently out of print. A new re-edited version with additional content will be released at a later date. The book was initially designed as a poetic introduction to Astrology with herbal remedies for each sign.
Timing is Everything; Astrology is the Key by Wes Alistair, is an introduction to Astrology designed for beginning students of the subject. It is available though Trafford Publishing.com; Amazon.com and through me. Though astrology is fun and entertaining, I have stressed in the introduction that our destiny is determined by the will of God and the choices that we make.
2. Your romance Apache Springs was voted the Best Romance Novel of 2002 at the Florida Writers’ Conference. Would you like to tell us about that book and is it still available? And about the conference, too.
Apache Springs by Weslynn McCallister was set in New Mexico and southwest Florida during the late 50’s and early 60’s of the Twentieth Century. A review by Chas Ridley states, “Weslynn McCallister’s Apache Springs is Annie’s story, and it is also the story of a small town in the late 1950’s and early 60’s. It is a story of families rooted and uprooted, of hearts bound by time and place, of hope everlasting and the possibilities inherent in true love. 4 ½ Stars out of 5 The Romance Studio.
Apache Springs is available at most on-line bookstores; through the publisher at http://www.booklocker.com/books/1249 html. Autographed copies are available through me.
Apache Springs won second place for Best Romance of the year at The Florida Writer’s Conference which was held at The Hilton Hotel in Orlando. The conference, like many other writers’ conferences, offered a weekend of seminars, editor and agent appointments, and several gala events which included a formal award banquet and ceremony. The novels submitted to the contest were judged by readers throughout the U.S. specifically for story content.
3. What made you decide to enter the mystery field? Is there a special story behind Skin Deep?
As a young girl, I loved to read mystery novels, especially the Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene and the Judy Bolten series by Margaret Sutton. Though Skin Deep is a work of fiction, it is based partially upon a true story. I am an avid supporter of the National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI) and a firm believer that those with the disease of mental illness can, with proper therapy and medication, lead normal and successful lives.
4. I saw that you’re now writing full time. Tell us about your other careers since your tastes and interests are so varied.
After working as a secretary, a real estate sales person, and a high fashion runway model, my former husband and I owned an import business for fine liquors. My part in the business was designing the labels for the bottles as well as working side by side with him in obtaining contracts in Mexico and South America. It was a glamorous, exciting time in my life, filled with adventure. Though it didn’t prove to be as successful as we had hoped, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
5. You were a professional model. I’ll bet you have several stories to tell about that profession. Have you written a novel centered around that industry or where your heroine (or hero) may have been a part of it?
To date, I have not written a novel centered around the industry.
Being a runway model was not as glamorous as one might think. The
modeling agency that I worked for insisted that we appear perfect at all times even while in the grocery store or shopping. Being on your feet for hours at a time can be painful; dressers can be irritable; wigs are hot, and alterations before a show is a necessity for a woman of my height. As a young divorcee with two babies and a six year old daughter, hiring a baby sitter and preparing to go to work after a morning of changing and washing diapers was quite a challenge. Modeling is great for building self-confidence and offers experience as far as appearing “on stage,” is concerned. As authors, it helps to have both of those qualities in order to promote our work.
6. You lived in Roswell, NM and you write Sci Fi as well as mystery and romance. Did your interest in sci fi and the paranormal start during your years in Roswell? Have you ever had any UFO experiences?
Absolutely. I was a young child living in Roswell when the UFO crash occurred just outside of town. My step-father was a physician and we did not speak of the crash at home though my parents were well acquainted with the owners of the radio station. Recently, I met Stan Friedman, a nuclear Physicist, UFO researcher, and author at a book signing in Roswell, N.M. I was signing Prophecies of the Ancients while he was signing Crash at Corona which he co-authored. Mr. Friedman was the original civilian investigator of the Roswell incident. If you are not already a believer, he just may convince you that UFO’s and aliens do exist.
As far as UFO experiences are concerned, many times, over New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas skies I have seen unidentified flying objects. On March 13, 1997, I saw the Phoenix Lights while driving North on Hayden Road in Scottsdale. Huge aircraft flying in V formation were directly overhead. The experience was awesome, but at the same time, frightening. Though the video doesn’t do the event justice, you may view the lights at http://www.thephoenixlights.net. On May 18, 2008, Dr. Lynne Kitel, noted researcher and author, appeared on Dateline NBC. The Phoenix Lights is featured as the number one UFO SIGHTING caught on tape by Dateline in their review of the top ten UFO photographs of all time.
7. Many authors start writing during their childhood. Did you start at an early age or acquire the “bug” as a teen or in your early twenties or thirties?
I began writing skits or plays as a young child. My friends and I later preformed the plays for our parents and other friends.
8. You were educated in the fine arts. Tell us which of the arts is your favorite. Have you shown in galleries and is your artwork available?
My favorite is oil painting …seascapes. Years ago, my paintings were in a few galleries. One, an acrylic, which I won an award for was shown in a museum. I haven’t painted in years and no longer have anything available. I have canvasses on hand as well as an easel. When I have the time, I may take it up again.
9. You were kind enough to be a mentoring author for the 2008 Barbara Burnett Sm0ith Aspiring Authors Event. I know this isn’t your only mentoring endeavor. Will you tell us about the others?
Most everyone who has read my bio on my website is aware that I am one of the founding members of a large writers group in Florida which was organized for the purpose of “Writers Helping Writers.” We did not mentor one author at a time, but held seminars at our monthly meetings and organized email groups for writers and aspiring writers to voice their concerns and seek help. A few of the articles that I have written for aspiring authors are “How to Write the Book of your Dreams,” “How to Write and Publish Your Novel” and “Now that I have Written it, What do I do With it?” Aspiring writers are always welcome to email me with their questions. I will be happy to offer suggestions or direct them to a source that will benefit them.
10. Success as an author begins with “THE END”. That’s when we must begin the marketing phase of our work whether we’re published by New York or have chosen small press. You’ve done a lot of signings and appearances, as well as had strong media coverage in the past year. Do you mine these opportunities on your own, or do you use a publicist?
Both. 1001 Ways to Market Your Book by John Kremer offers many suggestions in regard to marketing. Currently, I am using a publicist.
11. Do you have any advice for new authors who are wondering the best way to get their work noticed in this very competitive field?
If you cannot hire a publicist, prepare a marketing plan and be consistent. You will need a professional website and great business cards to begin with. Be sure to send out galleys to reviewers at least three months before your release date. This may not be possible if you are self-published or if you are published by a small traditional publisher. Ask your publisher to issue Press Releases. Arrange to be interviewed on radio shows and TV if possible. Join local writers groups and network. Don’t miss an opportunity to mention your new release; carry a copy of your book on planes, trains, in restaurants and while dining alone, etc.
Tell us a little about each of your books and where they rank in your heart as your favorites.
Wyatt’s Deck, a time travel romance novel by Weslynn McCallister is about Cally Sullivan, a young single woman who is propelled backwards through time. Awakening in Tombstone, Arizona, 1881 she believes that she is still in the Twenty-first century witnessing an historical reenactment of the Old West. It is only when two people who have recently betrayed her convince her that she has traveled through time just as they have, that she realizes her enemies in this time are Johnny Ringo and the Clanton gang, not her ex-fiancée and her former friend. Joining in their frantic battle for survival, they become allies, along with Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp. When Drake Butler, Cally’s secret love and Wyatt’s look-alike discovers she is missing, he makes his way through time to search for her, arriving just in time for the O.K. Corral shootout. Wyatt’s Deck is available through most on-line bookstores and through me.
Wyatt’s Deck required a great deal of historical research, but was my favorite to write. I love stories of the old west, its history, its lawmen, and outlaws.
Prophecies of the Ancients, a sci-fi fantasy novel by Weslynn McCallister is about Jenna Harper who is rescued in the midst of a disaster by the man of her dreams, Prince Karo. Injured in the disaster, she awakens from her semi-unconscious state only to discover she is on her way to cities beyond her wildest imagination. After encountering Drona, the Sorcerer, he vows to make her his or destroy both she and the planet of Aime. Refusing his attentions, Jenna soon falls ill to a deadly virus. When Karo and his crew of men travel to the isle of Beasts to search for an antidote, she and her rival, Elena, fall into the very heart of the prophecy… one that foretells their destiny and that of Aime. Will they be able to put their personal feelings toward each other aside long enough to join forces and save Aime, or is it too late? This novel is available through the publisher at www. mmpubs.com; most on-line bookstores and through me. You may order directly from my website at www.weslynn.com
This book began as a dream that came to me one turbulent night when I was living on a ranch in east Texas. A 420 page novel, it was great fun to write.
Apache Springs which I have already mentioned was based partially upon a true story and specifically written for my mother-in-law who was dying of leukemia. I am happy to say that she read it shortly before she died and enjoyed it very much.
Skin Deep by Weslynn McCallister, writing as Jamie Cortland is about a divorced single mother’s involvement with the wrong man. Ignoring the warnings of her friends and family not to rush into a new relationship with this handsome and compelling stranger, Evelyn Valentino ignores them. Bit by bit the madness that drives her new love is revealed. Her ex-husband, Thomas still loves her and pleads with her to end the destructive relationship before it is too late, but escape is easier said than done. The novel is available through the publisher at www.mmpubs.com, and at most on-line bookstores. Autographed copies are available through me.
This novel required a great deal of research but was well worth it and provided me with a great sense of accomplishment.
- Who are some of your favorite authors, or the authors who influenced your writing?
Ernest Hemmingway, Janet Evanovich, James Patterson, Robert B. Parker, Nora Roberts, Linda Lael Miller, and Nicholas Sparks.
What is your favorite writing medium—poetry, fiction, non-fiction? Or is it impossible to choose one over the other?
Fiction
15. What are some of your favorite mysteries, and why?
All of Janet Evanovich’s mysteries. I love her writing, not only or her great plots but also for her humor and dialog.
16. Do you have a new book in the works? Would you like to tell us about it?
I am working on my first draft of Survivors, a sequel to Skin Deep. My antagonist is a mentally ill man who has a Borderline Personality Disorder. Obsessed with protagonist, Danielle Giardini, he views anyone close to her as his enemy.
17. Some authors believe it’s easier to find a publisher than an agent? Do you work with an agent? If you do, is it a project-specific relationship, or does he or she represent all of your work.
No, I don’t currently have an agent.
. Tell us about your life when you’re not writing? Do you live close to your family? Any pets, or special projects or community service that is close to your heart?
My daughter and son-in-law live in Austin; my step-daughter in Dallas. I do not have any pets, mostly because I love to travel and am allergic to most dogs and all cats. I belong to several groups in Lakeway and am active in my church as well.
19. If you had three wishes, what would they be?
I believe in the old Chinese saying, be careful what you wish for, your wishes just might come true. My wishes are not for me, but for the state of our world with the hope that they do come true.
1. Peace
2. A greener world
3. Abundance for everyone
4. Any closing thoughts you’d like to share with our members?
Follow Your Dreams!
Thank you, Weslynn.
Micqui M
