Pu’ka and the Pirates by M. L. Scholl

9/17/2023

Multi-volume, multi-genre, multi-series author, M. L. Scholl introduces us to the fourth volume in the Nature Coast Calamities, “Pu’ka and the Pirates”:

Bernie moved to the Nature Coast to be near family and to fish. The Irish roots of Citrus County welcomed him. So did the Gaelic Folklore which is so important to the Irish. Mostly, he just blinks and carries on, but when bodies turn up he has to get involved. Will he figure out if Pu'ka did it? (Who the heck is Pu'ka?) Will he have to protect his family? Did the Pirates get their just desserts?

I enjoy cozy murders quite a bit. I don't need a lot of blood and gore to be entertained. I have read quite a few of the author’s books and have always enjoyed the reading.

Old pirates never die they just steal away to make room for new pirates. There will always be pirates, too. I love the combination of old Irish mythologies combined with the modern-day scourge of piracy. I hope that Pu'ka and Bernie meet up again.

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Puka-and-the-Pirates-M-L-Scholl
https://www.goodreads.com/-puka-and-the-pirates

You can connect with the author:
https://twitter.com/MaryLScholl1
https://www.facebook.com/maryluschollauthor
https://www.instagram.com/maryluscholl
https://www.amazon.com/author/maryluscholl

My review of the second volume in the Nature Coast Calamities, “Big Foot and The Bentley”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/big-foot-and-the-bentley
My review of the first book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Camper Catastrophe” can be found here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/camper-catastrophe-by-mary-lu-scholl
My review of the second book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Mobile Mayhem” can be found here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/mobile-mayhem
My review of the third book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Birds, Bees and RVs” can be found here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/birds-bees-and-rvs-by-mary-lu-scholl
My review of the fourth book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Trailer Trauma”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/trailer-trauma-trailer-park-travails-book-4
My review of the ninth book of the Trailer Park Travails series, "Fatal Philandering": https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/fatal-philandering

Tags: cozy, murder, mystery, Florida, pets, dog, cat, brother, pirates, neighbors, fiction, action, fishing, leprechaun, spirit, shape-shifter

Copyright © Mark L. Schultz 2023 except for the author’s introduction

77 Comments

Mary L Scholl

9/18/2023 08:24:49 am

Thank you Mark! There are so many rich characters in mythology and folklore. I am already working on the next one. Just to complicate life, I'm also starting book ten of my other series...

Mark

9/18/2023 10:45:24 am

You are welcome. That is certainly good news for your fans of both series.

First question.

I am guessing you are of Irish descent. I have quite a bit of UK blood in my genetic background. I am curious, are there a substantial number of Irish people on the Nature Coast of Florida?

Mary L Scholl link

9/18/2023 11:47:31 am

Actually, there are. The capital of Citrus County is Inverness. That's just one example, but I have found that quite a number of people have congregated here. There is an American Irish club that meets regularly. St Patrick's Day, of course has made everyone just a little bit Irish, but it is especially big in Inverness. I couldn't resist the title to the book before this one, InverNessie.
My own family is American Irish back to my grandparents, my great grandparents on my mother's side were immigrants.
On the other side, I'm a little of everything many generations back - including a little bit of Apache.

9/18/2023 12:32:32 pm

At one time, in our country, Irish were heavily discriminated against. The Irish are truly geniuses, with an official proclamation of St. Patrick's day everyone wants to be Irish. Poof! No more discrimination.

New question.

Where did the idea originate to write about a pair of Irish brothers in Florida?

9/18/2023 01:37:03 pm

I wanted a change. I wanted to see if I could write from a male point of view. I needed (wanted) to tie the two series together (security) and this was the relationship I came up with.

9/18/2023 01:47:40 pm

You were motivated to expand your writing ability and expand the world of your characters. I did notice that some of them have appeared in both series. I love that sort of stuff.

New questions.

Why did you make the brothers have a specific cultural flavor such as Irish?

Did you have another nationality in mind before settling on Irish?

Mary Scholl link

9/18/2023 04:55:12 pm

It was always Irish, Irish folklore is so rich in stories. My grandfather told stories for hours. I went to Ireland about ten years ago and lived it - and soaked up more stories... I thought the stories needed more of a common theme than just location. I suppose it could have been a hobby, like so many cozy mysteries, but I wanted Bernie to have diverse interests.

9/18/2023 05:49:53 pm

People have lived in Ireland for a long time. Plenty of time for stories to grow. That must have been such special time for you to be in the land of your grandfather. Do you have family there still or did they all emigrate to somewhere else?

New question.

Will Bernie or his brother take a trip to the Emerald Isle in a future book?

9/18/2023 06:12:45 pm

Have to think about the trip to Ireland... Hmm... I'm sure there are relatives there somewhere but my mother has a serious antipathy towards past family so it's easier to let it go for now. Most did come over, however.

9/18/2023 07:01:03 pm

Maybe Bernie and Ralph will get to meet some unknown relatives.

My wife own's a square foot of a castle in Scotland, Dunans castle. Now, it's Lady Margaret this and Lady Margaret that.

New questions.

Will we see more of the wily shapeshifter in a future book?

How do you deal with a difficult section in a WIP?

9/18/2023 07:44:02 pm

That is so cool about the castle! I should have curtsied when I met her!

I'm related to witches and horsethieves...

One of my beta readers said I should do another series on Pu'ka's travels. But I also had another say she was in love with Bernie and I needed to concentrate on more of him. Maybe both...

When I have trouble with a section I just go write something else. A poem, a short story, a rant...

9/18/2023 07:54:41 pm

Milady says all is forgiven. You can curtsy next time.

Your beta readers are split. What a terrible problem to have. Bernie is quite male, he is slightly befuddled and misses some of the hints that women are dropping around him.

Writing something else is a good solution. I have heard from a few new writers that they don't know how to start their book. I tell them to write the ending first or something easier in the middle.

New question.

Do you use music or some other stimulus to cultivate a feeling within that will help you write certain types of scenes?

9/18/2023 08:18:40 pm

Starting somewhere else in the story is a great idea. Citrus Writers is hosting a preparation for nanowrimo the end of October. I'll give you credit for that suggestion!

Outside stimulus, for me, is pretty much changing location in the house. I don't go outside to write because I get distracted pulling weeds. Digging holes. Chopping branches. I listen to audiobooks while I garden. Sometimes when I lose focus, I'll listen to a random selection until I work out the scene. I guess that's my version of musical influence - stories and nasturtiums.

9/19/2023 07:28:12 am

Rick Hall is a writer, guest blogger and a client. He wrote a great guest blog about non-linear writing. Here is the copy-and-paste link: http://www.wordrefiner.com/guest-blogs/non-linear-writing or you can search his name in the box below. I think he provided the initial idea for me.

Changing location within the house is a great idea when going outside proves to be too much of a distraction. I love nasturtiums, the blooms and leaves are edible though kind of peppery. They also make a good companion planting around tomato plants, protecting the roots and warding off many pests.

New question.

Are there any secrets people are bound to find when they read your books?

9/19/2023 08:37:05 am

Anyone who reads my books knows way too much about me! Nearly all of the interactions, conversations and even scrapes are from real life, mine!
The ubiquitous 'they' say write what you know, and what do you know better than yourself? It is important to me to write realistic characters, to make the reader either love, respect or maybe just feel empathy for, them. Maybe that's why I rarely have truly bad characters as my killers. I think everyone must have a motive, even if it's misguided, flat wrong, or self-serving. That motive justifies their actions to themselves, it's up to the reader to decide if it was motive enough for them. If I don't think so, I'm as likely to feed them to an alligator at the end as not.

9/19/2023 11:34:03 am

That explains why your writing seems so real, you have lived all of it. Very nice.

I completely agree with you about realistic characters. Even the antagonist needs to be a real person with their own desires and dreams. The antagonist should think they are the hero in the story they are writing.

New question.

Is there a particular type of scene that is harder to write than the others?

9/19/2023 03:07:31 pm

There's a reason there's no love scenes in my books!

9/19/2023 05:47:08 pm

Love scenes are kind of awkward. The emotions are deeply felt and must be difficult to write well. The physical component is a poor substitute also but serves as a distraction from the deeper issues.

New question.

Is there any particular time of the day that ideas usually hit you?

9/19/2023 06:16:22 pm

Usually I get the best ideas about 20 minutes before I have to quit to do something else. Late afternoon is good. Conveniently, it's usually too hot to be doing yard work at that time.

9/19/2023 07:10:16 pm

That is kind of funny but not surprising. The muse doesn't seem to show up when an author is in need, only when their mind is on something else.

Try this idea and let me know how it works. When writing and you know how the chapter ends but are not sure about the next chapter, stop in the middle of the first chapter, leave yourself a note or two. In the next writing session finish off that chapter and don't be surprised if the problematic chapter flows easily.

For me, a native Oregonian transplanted to Florida, it's too hot to do much outside most of the year. I now understand the sun birds. Those people who travel between the northern tier and the southern tier to avoid the blistering heat and freezing cold. I am here for the grandkids.

New question.

Is it hard or easy to connect with your muse, why do you think it is that way?

9/19/2023 08:16:49 pm

Hard, usually. Perversity.
When I'm stuck, I go back and read the last couple of chapters to get back in the zone. While that usually works, I wind up editing as I go and frequently run out of time.
Sometimes I work on a totally different project. Last summer I compiled a family cookbook spanning seven generations of family recipes. Not as impressive as it sounds, and I didn't include pictures... but it was fun.
This time I'm digitally reproducing my family genealogy my dad's mother compiled by hand and typewriter. A HUGE job.
I really prefer hot weather, but this last year I think it's either hotter or I'm just losing resiliency.
Dripping on your keyboard is rarely a good thing.

9/19/2023 08:56:05 pm

At times, many authors complain about how stingy their muse is beside appearing at odd times.

You have good plans for dealing with problem areas. Redirecting attention and effort can make a big difference in the long run. You keep moving forward on one project or another. I commend that highly.

New questions.

Have you received any feedback on a story that influenced the next book?

For your own reading, do you prefer e-books or physical books?

9/20/2023 08:54:30 am

I almost hate to admit it, but the novels aren't written exactly FOR me. When I wrote the first one, it was. After that, the more people who told me they liked my characters, the more I wanted to supply them... So, I guess that IS for me, because I can never get enough of hearing people laugh or hearing them quote something I wrote. Hearing my own escapades retold - and knowing I actually lived through that - never gets old.

So, any and all feedback has spurred me on to the next one.!

At night I prefer paperback because they don't leave bruises when they fall on my face.

Ebooks are just soooo convenient. In line, in a waiting room, in the passenger seat of the car... Audiobooks when I'm driving, cooking, gardening...

9/20/2023 09:16:59 am

I am glad I asked that question. Your answer is delightfully honest. We are quite a bit alike. If I was a writer, I would be doing the same thing. I enjoy sharing smiles and helping people laugh. It improves the day of everyone withing earshot.

Paperbacks are much lighter, no doubt. We have no space for a mountain of physical books, even though I love to hold them in my hands. I prefer ebooks, now, purely for logistical reasons. I even read on my phone sometimes, with the Kindle app.

New questions.

How do you convince readers to write a book review?

How do you handle bad book reviews and trolls?

9/20/2023 09:26:14 am

If I could convince people to leave book reviews I would be better known! Begging begets. Cookies contribute. Sad eyes sometimes suffice.
Reminders get me the side-eye...
I've only gotten one review that really hurt my feelings... So I ignore it.
Trolls, I wonder if there is an Irish equivalent of a troll? Aren't they German in origin? I don't have Trolls I don't think...

9/20/2023 10:53:30 am

Almost every author wants more reviews! I certainly cannot fault them for that desire. More reviews usually lead to more sales. Word of mouth is the easiest way to sell books. The next most fruitful way to sell books is an in-person appeal. Meeting people out in the real world. I do recommend authors keep a box of books in their car and one in their backpack or purse.

According to Wikipedia, trolls originated in Norway and Norse mythology. The trolls that most authors encounter come from all over. In either case trolls are definitely evil creatures and demonic.

If that one bad review didn't have any constructive criticism, then you took the right action. Trolls also need to be handled with a big ignore button.

New question.

What marketing strategy has had an immediate impact on your daily sales?

9/20/2023 01:18:16 pm

I have to admit, Amazon Ads is first. If I let my end- dates lapse, sales tank immediately. Personal appeal is next, either first person (including Facebook) or third person - your efforts. I seem to sell a few more each time there's a story in the newspaper, or the Peddler's Post. If I address a group, libraries, the county, that helps. You can't rest on your laurels, though...
Digital is forever, but that only helps while people are looking at it. That reminds me, I needed to check my ads for Halloween!

9/20/2023 02:05:57 pm

Some authors do well with Amazon ads others with Facebook ads. Both seem to require nearly constant adjusting for maximum sales. Still others shy away from those platforms and pursue other opportunities. Like so much of life, there is no one size fits all and there is always something new to learn. It's wise to not have all of your eggs in one basket or your books on only one platform.

New questions.

What is the best strategy for using ads on Amazon? If you don't wish to share that information, I understand.

Have you thought about doing a book trailer?

Could you make your own?

9/20/2023 04:38:21 pm

I am happy to share with anyone who trusted my answers! Where would I be if no one had shared with me (you included!)?
Keep after them. Keep your end dates within about 30 days (renew them). Advertise the first book of the series only (the exception is the first 30 days after a new book is out). Keeping the advertising to the first book encourages follow-through and helps judge the merits of your book and the ads by how the others sell. Two or three ads a week for each book.

I do trailers! Video and audio! It's fun!

9/20/2023 04:47:55 pm

Thanks for sharing those tips. I rely on authors, like yourself, to explain the nuts and bolts of ads. Let's talk more about ads.

New question.

It is my understanding that an author bids a price for how much they are willing to pay per click with a maximum budget they set per month. Please correct any misunderstanding on my part.

How long did it take you to determine the best PPC for ads?

9/20/2023 06:42:14 pm

There are several decisions to make first. Do you want to write your own description or let Amazon use the cover copy? I do both. You need to decide if you're going to advertise all formats together? Keywords can vary between ebooks and print. You can gather or reap different words by searching by format as well as genre. 100 to 300 words. It is generally understood that their suggested cost-per-click is higher than necessary. The first book of a series requires less than a stand-alone, I bid .34 - .36 for Camper Catastrophe (first in series). You can let 'them' adjust your bid or hold them to it. I usually choose 'down only' so I don't get surprised. Most of my actual paid clicks are roughly 23c. I also put a max of 5.00 a day per ad and NEVER have hit it. I did a lot of deep breathing when I started. Now I only check once a week or so, when I make new ones. Stand-alone books, I usually go about 39c. I run 100-150 ads at a time, some are still performing after a couple of years. I weed out non-performing ads every month or so.
I also run ads in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany. That gets tricky because of exchange rates.

9/20/2023 07:05:53 pm

Thank you for all of that. Quite fascinating. I didn't think about the exchange rate in foreign countries.

New question.

Have you taken any classes to learn about this facet of the business that you would recommend?

9/20/2023 08:06:16 pm

Amazon Ads with Bryan Cohen. I freely admit I haven't finished all his videos, I'm still a small fish. However, they are there for when I'm ready, and his online forum of experts and other authors is awesome.

9/21/2023 08:13:01 am

Thank you for that recommendation.

If you haven't already done so, check out Dave Chesson at Kindlepreneurs.com. He is very focused on mastering Amazon ads and categories.

New questions.

What is your favorite book not written by you?

Which of your books is your favorite?

9/21/2023 09:01:05 am

Trilogy of the Rings. Amazing work. I'm partial to this one so far...

9/21/2023 09:48:23 am

Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy is amazing! It is not only one of my favorite stories it was also my introduction to the fantasy genre. I was given a paperback set when I was in the 8th or 9th grade. I read the set three times before I graduated from high school. I also read The Hobbit once or twice in that time.

The movie adaptations are the best and most faithful to the books, in my opinion.

Many authors say the same thing. Their current or most recent story is their favorite.

New questions.

What is your favorite motivational phrase that keeps you going?

Which famous person, living or dead, would you like to meet?

Which famous author?

9/21/2023 10:47:13 am

This too shall pass...
Good, bad or indifferent, that's true. I read it as enjoy the moment or wait for the next day...

Lucille Ball or Carol Burnett - maybe Bob Hope. Amazing people.

Stephen King! Because he's not crazy!

9/21/2023 11:42:53 am

That is a good saying. Very few things are permanent in this life. Everything changes, even the weather.

I love all three of those fine comedians. They were so talented.

I have heard it said there are two kinds of writers, those who are insane and those who are good at hiding it. Mr. King fits in there somewhere. I will let others decide where.

New questions.

What are your thoughts about mentoring beginning writers?

Have you ever done any beta reading for another author?

9/21/2023 03:30:03 pm

Citrus Writers is 'Writers helping writers'
We do community outreach presentations. The next one is in October in Inverness. That will be our third. We also sponsor a scholarship for HS seniors, writers. I've helped at least two writers publish books in the last few years - one is by Dr John King (I don't recommend it, btw, depressing) and another by a retiree from the Pacific Northwest. His and one other I didn't do much with the writing, but walked them through formatting and self-publishing. The self-publishing I've helped several people with.
I don't ever charge anyone because if I do I'm working for them. If rather be able to walk away, or just feel good about it when we're done. My sister has 63 children's books, now. I formatted, proofread and published the first 20, then she took over.

I've been a beta reader for three other established writers.

I feel like a pretender - can't believe they want my opinion...

9/21/2023 04:50:31 pm

Citrus Writers are doing so well! I love all of that outreach and help. Someone somewhere needs a nudge to get back to writing.

Tell the inner liar too shut up. You are doing great things and many love your books including me. Each and every one of us struggle with imposter syndrome. Tell your inner liar to leave you alone and talk with me, I will ignore her when she calls on your behalf. Terminal hold is real.

New question.

Have you ever felt like giving up or taking an extended break from writing?

How long did it last, if you did?

9/21/2023 08:07:06 pm

You're so 😋 sweet.

Funny enough, I was talking about it just this afternoon. Then I read this last entry of yours. So it lasted about 2 hours.

Love the terminal hold comment. And, thank you. I was serious about this afternoon.

9/21/2023 08:21:49 pm

Thank you. It is hard enough to write, publish and market books, without human interaction it can be even harder.

Another possible record breaker for the shortest extended writing break! Seriously, your fans will be glad to know it was so short.

I have low moments also. At that time, I go to my website and read the contents of one page, Acclaim from Authors. I am reminded of why I do the work I do, serving authors with proofreading and promoting. Reading those testimonies lifts me up.

I believe you.

New question.

What books do you think every author should read, and why?

9/21/2023 08:49:26 pm

You should believe you have added value to each of your clients! I know I have become a better writer in trying to keep your esteem. I think I've had fewer errors each time...

I think writers should read from all genres at last once in a while - it's character building! Religious text, science fiction, romance, biography. Each genre approaches a story in a different way. I don't have any specific books. Did you ever read Old Mother West Wind stories? There are so many good books that can affect the way you see things.

9/22/2023 09:13:17 am

Thank you, I appreciate your encouraging words. You are doing better.

Writers need to read in their genre a lot, but I completely agree that reading outside of their genre is important.

I have not read anything by or about Old Mother West Wind. I have not even heard of it before.

There are a lot of books that can change your thinking. Choose wisely.

New questions.

Do you write poetry?

What does poetry mean to you?

Why is poetry important?

9/22/2023 09:30:53 am

I used to. Mostly in school. Once as a senior prank I picked out five teachers, 2 I had classes with at that time, 2 more I had the previous semester, and 1i didn't even know. I decided a simple 5 line poem for each. The first line, for that instructor, was always the same. For example, "beware green-eyed teapots". They always rhymed and never made any sense. I then put them in their office mailboxes once a week for a month or so. One day my government teacher called me up to the front of the room before class. On his desk was a stack of my poems to him, and photocopies of all of them is sent to the others. He looked at me and said "Miss Garrison, never play poker".
After class I asked if he was going to tell the others. He laughed and said no, let them figure it out!

THAT, oh and an assigned epic, four pages of heroism, is the sum total of my poetry.

9/22/2023 05:47:54 pm

That is a fun prank, very creative! That teacher had a good sense of humor.

New questions.

Is there a genre you have secretly wanted to try your hand at, but haven’t?

What genre is it?

9/22/2023 07:21:13 pm

I would like to write a longer novel, still mystery, though. My stories just seem to end! Some would argue that this series, Nature Coast Calamities, is already fantasy. Trailer Park Travails is already classified as paranormal to some because of the ghosts.

Romance is just not part of my world anymore. I'm to boring to write a memoir. I don't know enough about military to write one of those dramas...

9/22/2023 07:51:08 pm

You have written your books with a touch of paranormal, including this series. Every reader of this book reads it differently than the other readers. Each filters your book with their own needs and desires. I am not surprised that some readers get something different than others. For me, a mythological creature could be fantasy or supernatural or a combination of both. While Pu'ka plays a very serious role in the story he also has a softer side.

What if Madame Curie solved mysteries while in secondary school? So many stories start with those two, innocent, little words.

New questions.

Have you ever gone on an organized writer's retreat?

What benefitted you the most from that time?

9/23/2023 08:08:38 am

No, I haven't. When I could afford it I worked too much (sold my leave back every winter)

No confidence, I would be exposed?

What if I had? Would I be farther along in my journey? What if I had found the door in the back of the wardrobe sooner? What if the Army had recruited me as a spy? What takes would I tell then? Would I be allowed to?

9/23/2023 08:52:35 am

Selling leave back is something I did a lot also.

The what-if questions are fun until we start perseverating. I used to get caught in that whirlpool when I was younger and still have to redirect my thoughts sometimes.

Keep looking in the back of the wardrobes, you will find that door if you haven't already.

New question.

Are you a plot-driven writer or a character-driven writer?

9/23/2023 10:57:29 am

Definitely character driven. I hear questions in my head, but they are "What would Patty say next?" "What SHOULD she say?" and, lastly, "What's the most inappropriate response she could have?" Then I go with the last one.

What happens next depends on the dialog...

The fact that you can clear your mind and go on is a testament to your strength of character

9/23/2023 11:03:50 am

Those three questions are very important! I love that you usually go with the last question. That explains a lot. Patty makes me laugh so much. I also love how self-aware she is and is slightly contrite about her actions, sometimes.

New questions.

What are the easiest parts of writing for you?

Do you use character sheets, timelines, maps or anything else to keep the reading smooth and avoid logical errors in your writing?

Mary Lu Scholl link

9/23/2023 12:02:40 pm

Good questions!

The easiest answer to the first one is that the easiest part is talking about it. I have absolutely no fear of public speaking and enjoy it immensely. I prefer having a little time to prepare, but was once in an international extemporaneous speaking competition. I was a member of Toastmasters - a wonderful organization. Besides, when you're talking about it you're avoiding the actual writing...

The longer the series get, the more prompt sheets I have to keep up so I don't forget who has what color hair or eyes. Who died. Who went to prison...

I also keep a list of funny lines or subjects, exploits etc to draw from as I happen to remember them.

Some of the mysteries - like this one, require a very strict timeline to keep everything straight and not give something away before I should. This one in particular got complicated with three points of view in the same story and at roughly the same time.

9/23/2023 01:20:35 pm

You crack me up, sometimes, Mary! Public speaking is the top fear many writers have. But not you, you embrace it and other things to avoid writing, tongue in cheek of course.

When you are the expert, public speaking is much easier. Extemporaneous competitions are another matter entirely. That takes a lot of speaking skill so you can baffle them with bullshit when you are not real knowledgeable about the topic.

More years than I can count or care to recall, a local DJ had a contest where the correct caller had to speak about something without saying "um" for 30seconds, a common verbal pause used by many people who want to finish their thought. It was astounding how few actually won.

Character sheets are a good idea for exactly the reasons you mentioned. This story was more complex than the others I have read. I recommend character sheets even for a single book. More than once a hair color or eye color change has caught my eye while proofreading and I am not even looking for stuff like that.

New question.

On average, how many words do you write at a time or how long do you spend writing in one stretch, in one day?

9/23/2023 01:28:51 pm

I wasn't kidding when I said inspiration hits me when I only have a little time left! I might work for an hour on advertising and 'schmoozing' which for me is staying in contact with people. Then maybe a half hour actually writing. I do spend a lot of 'unproductive' time writing. As in thinking about how to get the story where I want it and what I can or can't do. I think reading other novels in my genre also counts as schmoozing because I learn. Right now I'm reading all my Agatha Christie books. In my dreams...

9/23/2023 02:20:20 pm

The business of writing takes a lot of time away from writing. Completely true!

I think that a lot of writers work so hard with querying a manuscript because they only want to write. They don't want to get their hands dirty with running a business that has the prime goal of selling their book. So, they spend many hours, weeks and months selling their book to agents and publishers. All of that time and effort before they even sell one copy. When they get a contract, and the book is published they get only a percentage of the profits. Plus, the publisher won't do much beyond listing the book on their website in terms of marketing. The author will learn that they are responsible for marketing their book if they want to sell very many.

In your dreams, you will live and write for many more years. I will read and proofread for many more years, also. May all of our dreams come true.

New questions.

Do you have a website or a blog where fans can get to know you and buy your books?

What is the link?

Who did you build it with and why did you choose them?

9/23/2023 04:28:19 pm

Alas, it was a dark and stormy night and I embarked on a quest for the perfect website. I found several options that enticed me with colors and promises and clouds. My head was turned by their flattery and I accepted an offer. And another offer. At least one more offer.

Unfortunately, in the light of day I was unable to recall any of them, much less recreate the colorful and promising sites I was promised.

So I have two facebook pages, on is Mary Lu Scholl Author and the other is Mary Lu Scholl. However, if someone wants to get to know me, all they have to do is read my books... I am an open book.

I do have a twitter account - except that it has somehow been alphabetized to an obscure letter.

I have Instagram but can't find anything on it except my grandson and my niece and your wife.

I might even have Tik Tok, but I doubt it.

https://www.facebook.com/maryluschollauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/MaryLuScholl

Now I've disappointed you with my technophobia...

9/23/2023 05:13:14 pm

No, comrade, I am not disappointed at all. You sound quite human and normal to me. Social media is a struggle in more ways than one.

I put nearly 100% of my social media efforts into Twitter. I post things on LinkedIn, Facebook and WordPress a few times a week. I haven't touched my Instagram in probably two years. I finally wrote a new blog on my website, the first in about five years. I shared tips on proofreading their own work for authors.

You are doing fine as far as I am concerned.

New questions.

Do you have a favorite quote from a book?

Do you have a favorite fictional character?

9/23/2023 08:17:58 pm

This might seem a little weird, but the quote that comes to me most often was a general in Dune. He said a leader should give a few instructions as possible (they were setting up camp) because once he gives instructions on a matter, he will always have to do so. He has better things to do.

I think that whenever I was giving instructions and whenever I hear someone barking out elementary instructions.

Kind of weird, but I tried to think of another quote that I thought of more often and couldn't.

My favorite character is Samwise Gamgee, Frodo's companion.

9/23/2023 08:56:04 pm

I like that quote quite a bit. It makes sense to me. I also liked the books Herbert wrote, but the story went downhill after his son took over. The movies were fun but never as good as the picture that developed in my mind.

Samwise was okay in the books, but Sean Astin, the actor, really brought the character to life and he almost took the show over. I felt that Frodo, as portrayed by Elijah Woods in the movies, was weak. I do acknowledge that he had a difficult role to play, nearly succumbing to the influence of the ring.

New questions.

Do you have a favorite scene in Pu'ka?

Do you have a favorite quote or line from your book?

9/24/2023 07:13:28 am

I do. The final showdown. Bernie, incongruous in his shorts, socks, boots and spurs, and knowing it. He's putting dignity aside and shouldering the responsibility of subverting justice. He both approves and disapproves of Pu'ka; understands him. But, he loves his brother, and he takes his fraternal obligation seriously. Then his careful and regretful preparations come to naught and his honesty and earnest intentions are his only weapons.

9/24/2023 11:54:24 am

That was a powerful scene. It was just right.

What an author doesn't write can be just as important as the words on the page. Too many authors think every detail of an action needs to be revealed. That kind of prose slows the story down quite a bit.

New question.

If you could trade places with one of your characters in your book, which one, which scene, and why?

9/24/2023 02:52:46 pm

That's a pretty tough call. They all have their issues. Dr Catherine has to put up with JJ or I'd pick her. MaryAnn in the mobile home park might be a good call. Bernie - well, Bernie would be tempting.

As to what scene - lol - I lived most of them before they did!

9/24/2023 03:30:06 pm

Bernie is a good choice. He is a nice guy and has a house with some land. Having a vegetable and flower garden is a great thing.

New question. That question and the next question are some of the new ones on the Word Refiner channel.

If you could meet one of your characters in real life, which one would it be, what would you do for three or four hours, and why?

9/24/2023 04:24:13 pm

Pu'ka. I would let him/her/it tell me stories

9/24/2023 05:54:12 pm

That is a great choice! I didn't think of that one, but it makes perfect sense. You know the others all too well. They have no secrets from you.

New questions

When you are writing, is it hard to think of names?

What is the process you use to choose names for your characters?

9/24/2023 08:12:04 pm

It is hard! I think of all the names I like, then throw out any who belong to my immediate circle of friends or family, because I prefer to have them speaking to me. I tend toward alliteration, which I know isn't particularly realistic, but to me they are pleasing to my mind's ear. Lately I have to recheck my earlier books and the lists of characters so I don't reuse them in a way that would be confusing.

9/24/2023 08:59:37 pm

I admit to adoring alliteration almost always. It can get cumbersome at times. ;-)

Names are very important to authors of many different types of fiction. I have heard off websites that offer the popular baby names by decades going back for hundreds of years, sometimes. I believe that they might be available by country or region also. Think about when and where one of your characters was born and look up the popular names from that time.

New question.

What is the process you go through to come up with a title for your books?

9/25/2023 03:50:27 am

I promptly looked up baby name sites, thank you!
Alliteration figures heavily in my titles, as well; I'm sure you've noticed. I think it makes them easier to remember. For me the title comes very early in the story formation and is more categoric than specific. Of course, with the Bernie series, the cryptid is important...

9/25/2023 09:12:03 am

You're welcome. As they say in the artillery, I aim to please.

Character names are a big deal for so many authors.

Many authors bring a slight supernatural influence into their books. One author's protagonist is visited by his dead wife while trying to solve mysteries. She brings lots of humor into the story.

New questions.

Has your writing today changed much from your first book?

Have you ever thought of rewriting an early book, why or why not?

9/25/2023 12:20:49 pm

Lol, aim...

I think I've gotten smoother and paced the stories better. You would be the one to tell me!

I had a spicy romance I wrote when I was about 28 or so. I republished, self-published, it about five years ago but I've never been really happy with it. I think I could do better but I'm not motivated enough to stop or delay other projects...

9/25/2023 01:01:02 pm

Your writing is pretty smooth. The pacing is doing well also. The triple POV gave me a slight pause each time it changed, but nothing severely detrimental to the story.

Reworking that spicy romance story would be a good candidate when you need something different to work on.

New questions.

Where do you find inspiration for your books?

Have you had any experience with plagiarism and how did you deal with it?

9/25/2023 02:29:31 pm

Thank you for the compliments!

Since the stories are contemporary and set locally, inspiration is all around me. Having lived with four husbands helps, too. Their points of view on EVERYTHING were different. That makes one adaptable and tolerant, I think. 16 years with one, 13 with another. I was less tolerant of the first two... (2 years and 3 years)

Not really plagiarism, but someone told me book was pirated and available as an ebook on some other website - Camper Catastrophe - I contacted the immediately and they took it down.

9/25/2023 05:12:14 pm

You are welcome.

The ability to adapt and tolerate a certain amount of uncertainty is a good trait to have. It allows for wiser judgements, I think.

Pirating is not any better than plagiarism, that is for sure! You handled that perfectly. Have you checked recently to see if they have continued to follow through? Did they offer to reimburse you for the lost royalties for the books of yours they sold?

Last question.

Have you gone on any literary virtual blog tours?

9/25/2023 05:45:21 pm

Asking for reimbursement never even occurred to me. Neither did following up. (Me, smacking myself up side the head.)

I don't think I have. I've been featured on a couple of blogs, is that the same?

9/25/2023 07:00:06 pm

Another item for your to-do list. Ask them how many of your books they sold.

I don't think that is quite the same thing. But it's close. Here is a copy-and-paste link about blog tours. Do This, Not That – Blog Tours
https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2020/06/do-this-not-that-blog-tours Or you can hit the search box below.

Our time together must come to an end. It is always a delight to chat with you. I have enjoyed your books so much. Patty makes me laugh so much.

Until next time, keep on writing.

9/25/2023 08:49:31 pm

I have learned so many things both from you and to preserve the image of me you project! You've made me a better writer. Thank you - until next time!

Pu’ka and the Pirates by M. L. Scholl

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