S. B. Redstone will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Writer Wonderland – Promo December 9 – S. B. Redstone
Tell us about yourself:
No controversial life. No mysterious lifestyle. From the time of my youth, I had a desire to express my imagination and creativity, but attaining a well-paying career took precedence. With only a twenty-four hour day as my parameter, I completed college, attained master’s degrees in clinical social work and school psychology, then a post-graduate education in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, while being employed as a protective services worker, saving children from the horrors of parental neglect and abuse. Family came next. Remodeling my homes. Working days at agencies and then schools, and eventually nights, and weekends in my private practice. In my forties, with some free time, I became an accomplished artist, wrote short stories, and then attempted a novel. That stopped when I decided to write a psychology/personal improvement book, Taming Your Inner & Outer Bullies: Confronting Life’s Stressors And Winning, which was published by New Horizon Press Books. I have been featured on radio programs, write articles on human nature and relationships, and do lectures. Finally, after more than a half a century, I write novels full time. With my kids grown, with their own families, I reside with his wife, computer, and golf clubs, tennis racket, and bowling balls in New York and Florida.
What was your first book?
My first is a horror novel, as Stephen King was like my mentor, titled Succubus Resurrection, which has been revised a hundred times, has not been accepted by a worthy publisher.
Describe your first break.
A sad story with a happy ending. A Sinister Obsession, my mystery thriller, was sent to literary agents. No interest. It was sent to some publishers. No interest. To my joy, it was accepted by an independent publisher. They went bust a week later. To my joy, it was then accepted by another independent publisher. Lies. More lies. The worst—total embarrassment as they did no edits as promised. Took my novel away from them. Finally, it was accepted and published by Black Opal Books and all that they promised came true. A Sinister Obsession has received great reviews.
What is your favorite genre to read? To write?
I will read any book from horror, to suspense thriller, to mystery to romance including the classics as long as there are wonderful characters and a unique plot. I was first interested in writing horror as it allowed me to develop the skill of using graphic language and expressing powerful feelings. Demented characters and horrifying scenes were fun to create. But, now I’m more interested in love.
Are Happy Endings are must in your stories?
Yes and no! My heroes and heroines have happy endings. But, for the villains, they can’t have their diabolical, narcissistic dreams come true. No happy endings for them.
What makes a protagonist interesting?
The protagonist must drive the story and battle against the main hero or heroine’s hopes and dreams. The protagonist must be the antithesis of the theme of the story and the battle must be expressed in the highly emotional dialogue. In Stardust Dreams Lance Forrester’s protagonist is his travelling companion Sage Saint Charles. They battle each other throughout the novel, which brings out the best in each of them. However, the protagonist is not a stagnant figure. People can change. It’s an amazing interchange with many surprises.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
Expressing your imagination, creativity, and seeing it come alive on blank pages. If I sell a few books, that is just the icing on the cake.
What is the worst thing?
Marketing my books. Spending more hours designing and engaging in promotions than writing. I am no salesman or marketing specialist. For all the efforts, success is more often than not fleeting.
Pantser or plotter?
I am both a plotter and pantser. I don’t put any words on a computer screen until I’ve written the entire book in my head first. I need to know the beginning, middle, and ending to see if the story is feasible or not. The main characters, in general, are designed in my head as well. Once I have everything in place, I make a chapter by chapter outline to give me a foundation to build a great story. Then, I let my unconscious run wild, letting it develop the details and the in-depth personalities of the characters. I just go along for the ride.
What do you see the direction of your future writing taking? What can we expect next? Give us a little taste.
For the time being I am thinking romance. Senior romance. I just completed a new genre. I wrote a comedy drama, similar in nature to a Neil Simon play, Plaza Suite. It is about a magical fifty-five and over retirement community where its ensemble of residents have the opportunity to live their earlier lives over again. It examines the real life issues of seniors: infirmities, depression, lost dreams, and relationships. Grand parenting is highlighted. Some residents will find their happiness and others will reject it.
Just for fun
Cat or dog person?
I am a dog person. Your best friend who is willing to help without reservation. I’m no loner. I’m the life of the party.
Favorite food?
Steamed lobster
Favorite book?
This is hard. There are so many. Okay. I’ll pick. Wuthering Heights. It represents all those individuals who will foolishly throw away true love, like Scrooge, for meaningless reasons, while others will never give up their desires for true love, no matter the struggle.
Favorite movie?
If my favorite book was hard, this is impossible! The Magnificent Seven. I’ve seen it a hundred times. Good against evil. Some of my favorite stars: Steve McQueen, Yul Brenner, James Coburn, and Charles Bronson are in it.
Favorite holiday?
Hanukah. Lots of gifts to give and receive. Family closeness. Great food.
Would you rather be the prince or the villain? Why?
I could never be the villain. Villains want to achieve their happiness through the suffering of others. That could never be me.
Who has more fun, orcs or hobbits?
Orc’s have more fun. Since they are not hampered by guilt, shame, or morality, they truly love killing and causing mayhem. In addition, since there are so many of them sex must be a real passion.
BLURB:
Lance Forrester is a dreamer. After a celebrated career as an astronaut and engineer, he and a friend build a secret spacecraft to seek their destinies in the stars. But his friend dies and Lance is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Desperate not to succumb to his fate, he convinces an acquaintance, ailing actress Sage Saint Claire, whom he hasn’t seen since high school, to join him on his quest to reach an advanced alien civilization which can heal them both.
Unfortunately, true life is not a Hollywood movie, as much as Sage might want it to be, and problems abound. Mistakes in the past have turned Sage into a bitter old woman, and she turns out to be a less-than-perfect traveling companion which no amount of optimism, youth, or good health can cure. Can these two intrepid octogenarians-turned-immortals overcome the emotional scars of their pasts and achieve true happiness, or are they doomed to suffer for their mistakes, no matter how far from Earth they go?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
I knew that the truth in my heart reflected in my old, weary eyes. “Yes, I do. Look, I’m no slick-talking salesman, as you can see. I’m just a scientist and engineer, but I truly believe there is a statistical probability of success. But even if I’m wrong, and our voyage ends up to be pointless, so what? Think of the fun you’ll have. Imagine the excitement and wonders of space travel that come before our long sleep.”
I paused to dramatize my resolve and let a burst of quixotic energy erupt from me. “Cherish the adventure!”
It wasn’t her fears that I was battling against, but a lifetime of distrust. My confidence in a successful mission collapsed.
“Of course, you have no reason to believe a word of what I’ve told you. You don’t really know me, except through my noted accomplishments. But I can’t disappoint you because I’m only offering friendship and hope.” I pushed my point harder.
“Sure, we can die here on Earth. We can die in space. Or we can awaken on a remote and caring world that saves us! We are the captains of our fate, not the Grim Reaper—yet!”
Tell us about yourself:
No controversial life. No mysterious lifestyle. From the time of my youth, I had a desire to express my imagination and creativity, but attaining a well-paying career took precedence. With only a twenty-four hour day as my parameter, I completed college, attained master’s degrees in clinical social work and school psychology, then a post-graduate education in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, while being employed as a protective services worker, saving children from the horrors of parental neglect and abuse. Family came next. Remodeling my homes. Working days at agencies and then schools, and eventually nights, and weekends in my private practice. In my forties, with some free time, I became an accomplished artist, wrote short stories, and then attempted a novel. That stopped when I decided to write a psychology/personal improvement book, Taming Your Inner & Outer Bullies: Confronting Life’s Stressors And Winning, which was published by New Horizon Press Books. I have been featured on radio programs, write articles on human nature and relationships, and do lectures. Finally, after more than a half a century, I write novels full time. With my kids grown, with their own families, I reside with his wife, computer, and golf clubs, tennis racket, and bowling balls in New York and Florida.
What was your first book?
My first is a horror novel, as Stephen King was like my mentor, titled Succubus Resurrection, which has been revised a hundred times, has not been accepted by a worthy publisher.
Describe your first break.
A sad story with a happy ending. A Sinister Obsession, my mystery thriller, was sent to literary agents. No interest. It was sent to some publishers. No interest. To my joy, it was accepted by an independent publisher. They went bust a week later. To my joy, it was then accepted by another independent publisher. Lies. More lies. The worst—total embarrassment as they did no edits as promised. Took my novel away from them. Finally, it was accepted and published by Black Opal Books and all that they promised came true. A Sinister Obsession has received great reviews.
What is your favorite genre to read? To write?
I will read any book from horror, to suspense thriller, to mystery to romance including the classics as long as there are wonderful characters and a unique plot. I was first interested in writing horror as it allowed me to develop the skill of using graphic language and expressing powerful feelings. Demented characters and horrifying scenes were fun to create. But, now I’m more interested in love.
Are Happy Endings are must in your stories?
Yes and no! My heroes and heroines have happy endings. But, for the villains, they can’t have their diabolical, narcissistic dreams come true. No happy endings for them.
What makes a protagonist interesting?
The protagonist must drive the story and battle against the main hero or heroine’s hopes and dreams. The protagonist must be the antithesis of the theme of the story and the battle must be expressed in the highly emotional dialogue. In Stardust Dreams Lance Forrester’s protagonist is his travelling companion Sage Saint Charles. They battle each other throughout the novel, which brings out the best in each of them. However, the protagonist is not a stagnant figure. People can change. It’s an amazing interchange with many surprises.
What is the best thing about being a writer?
Expressing your imagination, creativity, and seeing it come alive on blank pages. If I sell a few books, that is just the icing on the cake.
What is the worst thing?
Marketing my books. Spending more hours designing and engaging in promotions than writing. I am no salesman or marketing specialist. For all the efforts, success is more often than not fleeting.
Pantser or plotter?
I am both a plotter and pantser. I don’t put any words on a computer screen until I’ve written the entire book in my head first. I need to know the beginning, middle, and ending to see if the story is feasible or not. The main characters, in general, are designed in my head as well. Once I have everything in place, I make a chapter by chapter outline to give me a foundation to build a great story. Then, I let my unconscious run wild, letting it develop the details and the in-depth personalities of the characters. I just go along for the ride.
What do you see the direction of your future writing taking? What can we expect next? Give us a little taste.
For the time being I am thinking romance. Senior romance. I just completed a new genre. I wrote a comedy drama, similar in nature to a Neil Simon play, Plaza Suite. It is about a magical fifty-five and over retirement community where its ensemble of residents have the opportunity to live their earlier lives over again. It examines the real life issues of seniors: infirmities, depression, lost dreams, and relationships. Grand parenting is highlighted. Some residents will find their happiness and others will reject it.
Just for fun
Cat or dog person?
I am a dog person. Your best friend who is willing to help without reservation. I’m no loner. I’m the life of the party.
Favorite food?
Steamed lobster
Favorite book?
This is hard. There are so many. Okay. I’ll pick. Wuthering Heights. It represents all those individuals who will foolishly throw away true love, like Scrooge, for meaningless reasons, while others will never give up their desires for true love, no matter the struggle.
Favorite movie?
If my favorite book was hard, this is impossible! The Magnificent Seven. I’ve seen it a hundred times. Good against evil. Some of my favorite stars: Steve McQueen, Yul Brenner, James Coburn, and Charles Bronson are in it.
Favorite holiday?
Hanukah. Lots of gifts to give and receive. Family closeness. Great food.
Would you rather be the prince or the villain? Why?
I could never be the villain. Villains want to achieve their happiness through the suffering of others. That could never be me.
Who has more fun, orcs or hobbits?
Orc’s have more fun. Since they are not hampered by guilt, shame, or morality, they truly love killing and causing mayhem. In addition, since there are so many of them sex must be a real passion.
BLURB:
Lance Forrester is a dreamer. After a celebrated career as an astronaut and engineer, he and a friend build a secret spacecraft to seek their destinies in the stars. But his friend dies and Lance is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Desperate not to succumb to his fate, he convinces an acquaintance, ailing actress Sage Saint Claire, whom he hasn’t seen since high school, to join him on his quest to reach an advanced alien civilization which can heal them both.
Unfortunately, true life is not a Hollywood movie, as much as Sage might want it to be, and problems abound. Mistakes in the past have turned Sage into a bitter old woman, and she turns out to be a less-than-perfect traveling companion which no amount of optimism, youth, or good health can cure. Can these two intrepid octogenarians-turned-immortals overcome the emotional scars of their pasts and achieve true happiness, or are they doomed to suffer for their mistakes, no matter how far from Earth they go?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
I knew that the truth in my heart reflected in my old, weary eyes. “Yes, I do. Look, I’m no slick-talking salesman, as you can see. I’m just a scientist and engineer, but I truly believe there is a statistical probability of success. But even if I’m wrong, and our voyage ends up to be pointless, so what? Think of the fun you’ll have. Imagine the excitement and wonders of space travel that come before our long sleep.”
I paused to dramatize my resolve and let a burst of quixotic energy erupt from me. “Cherish the adventure!”
It wasn’t her fears that I was battling against, but a lifetime of distrust. My confidence in a successful mission collapsed.
“Of course, you have no reason to believe a word of what I’ve told you. You don’t really know me, except through my noted accomplishments. But I can’t disappoint you because I’m only offering friendship and hope.” I pushed my point harder.
“Sure, we can die here on Earth. We can die in space. Or we can awaken on a remote and caring world that saves us! We are the captains of our fate, not the Grim Reaper—yet!”
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Steven Rosenstein, penname S. B. Redstone, had a career as a school psychologist and private practice Licensed Clinical Social Worker on Long Island. Always seeking the truths of human nature, he wrote a personal improvement book, Taming Your Inner & Outer Bullies: Confronting Life’s Stressors And Winning, published by New Horizon Press Books. He has written articles on human nature and relationships, given lectures, and appeared on radio shows. Always having a vivid imagination, he first became a successful writer of short stories. His mystery thriller, A Sinister Obsession, was published by Black Opal Books. As an expert in the field of human psychology, he has an exceptional ability to develop realistic and exciting characters in his novels. Many of my characters have been taken from his clinical experiences. Stardust Dreams is his first romance novel, although romantic relationships stand out in his other works. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers Org and Romance Writers of America. He resides with his wife in New York and Florida.
Social Media Sites
http://sbredstoneauthor.com
https://twitter.com/sbredstone
https://www.facebook.com/steven.rosenstein1
https://www.linkedin.com/hp/?dnr=R9edkGJYR_ZoaLFGR9iocL3vQ3ZFzLg5XD3e&trk=nav_responsive_tab_home
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5336425.S_B_Redstone
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112531054226952285537/posts
Buy Sites
http://www.amazon.com/Stardust-Dreams-S-B-Redstone-ebook/dp/B00XBJBET8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1431982975&sr=8-5&keywords=stardust+dreams
http://blackopalbooks.com
Steven Rosenstein, penname S. B. Redstone, had a career as a school psychologist and private practice Licensed Clinical Social Worker on Long Island. Always seeking the truths of human nature, he wrote a personal improvement book, Taming Your Inner & Outer Bullies: Confronting Life’s Stressors And Winning, published by New Horizon Press Books. He has written articles on human nature and relationships, given lectures, and appeared on radio shows. Always having a vivid imagination, he first became a successful writer of short stories. His mystery thriller, A Sinister Obsession, was published by Black Opal Books. As an expert in the field of human psychology, he has an exceptional ability to develop realistic and exciting characters in his novels. Many of my characters have been taken from his clinical experiences. Stardust Dreams is his first romance novel, although romantic relationships stand out in his other works. He is a member of the International Thriller Writers Org and Romance Writers of America. He resides with his wife in New York and Florida.
Social Media Sites
http://sbredstoneauthor.com
https://twitter.com/sbredstone
https://www.facebook.com/steven.rosenstein1
https://www.linkedin.com/hp/?dnr=R9edkGJYR_ZoaLFGR9iocL3vQ3ZFzLg5XD3e&trk=nav_responsive_tab_home
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5336425.S_B_Redstone
https://plus.google.com/u/0/112531054226952285537/posts
Buy Sites
http://www.amazon.com/Stardust-Dreams-S-B-Redstone-ebook/dp/B00XBJBET8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1431982975&sr=8-5&keywords=stardust+dreams
http://blackopalbooks.com
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