New Year New Day

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year Celebration. I find myself excited for the chance at a brand new start.

It reminds me that the Bible says that God's mercies are new every morning. God gives us strength through the day...every day. Remember that He is holding our hand and will be with us through each day.

Today I would like to introduce you to another author friend of mine. You will enjoy this interview with Mike Culbertson who writes Outdoor Humor, CampingTitle: Adventures that Bite adventuresthatbite.com

1. How long have you been an author and when did the desire to write (the writing bug) bite?

How ironic, when did the writing bug bite and the title is 'Adventures that Bite.' Haha. The writing bug, mmm...I'd say the writing bug hit me with this last book 'Adventures that Bite.' I had so much fun embellishing stories that I fell into a different world. I'm sorry, the stories really are all true. I have been an author since 1988 when I wrote my first how-to book. The writing was just ok but the layout was horrible. Back then we didn't have Word Perfect and I ended up paying someone lots of money to do the layout. My editing skills were also in what I call the infant stage.
2. Why did you choose the genre you write in? Are there plans to write in another genre?

Humor has always been a part of me and when I began this last book I finally felt free. Writing humor is so much fun. I do have another humor book written but needs more tweaking. Still working on the twist. If the publisher wills it, the title might be 'Adventures that gave me the Willies.'I think everyone wants to write a mystery and so do I. Whether I could pull it off would be a different story. The hero in my mind has been established but not on paper. A page turner might develop but not anytime soon.
3. Please tell about each title here:

The Backyard Tanner - How-to-book, tanning hides and furs, antler mountingAdventures that Bite - Campfire tales of dangerous creatures (mosquitos, porcupine, bobcat, bear, etc.) Adventures that gave me the Willies - Still cranking out the twist.

4. Do you do speaking engagements? Tell about your subject matter.

Have only done one speaking engagement and had a ball. Every year the local library has a reading from a local author to kick off the camping season in late spring. One of the gals at the library had read my book and suggested to her superior that I should do the reading. After finding me via email it was confirmed. The library posted flyers and sent word to the schools. The place was packed and the questions kept a coming. Funny how out here in the Pacific Northwest, when camping stories are introduced, the name Bigfoot always comes up. One example from a listener, "you mean there are more than one of them?" Had a blast!

5. What has been your most rewarding experience as an author?

When the manuscript was accepted by the publisher of my choice. It went something like this; Email from the publisher three months after submission...We have received your manuscript and it is currently under review. You should hear from us in 8 to 10 days.Email 10 minutes later...I have just finished two of your chapters and am still laughing. You are the funniest writer I have ever read and am willing to offer you a contract right now.

Mission accomplished.

6. Where can your books be purchased?

Amazon, tatepublishing.com or adventuresthatbite.com

At this time the audio is only available from Tate Publishing. I don't have a link on the website yet. In the last chapter 'Sasquatch the Savage Rock Chucker,' there is an actual sasquatch scream that sends the hairs up on yer neck. Skeptics beware.

7. How can readers reach you through twitter? through facebook? through your blog? through your website?

Feel free to write me on the Adventures that Bite facebook page anytime. Hopefully I will have a contact button on the website soon.

8. What was your biggest surprise at being an author?

I guess when I was called an author, always considered myself a (well I can't use that word) a mmm...master storyteller.

9. We all know that writing can be a lonely occupation, what do your family and friends do to lift you up when you are down?

Nothing lonely when I write, I get charged up from it. Almost always ok in my surroundings and try to be available when someone else is down. Haven't done it yet but if I do get a little down I'd probably make a phone call to one of my quirkie friends. Is that a word?

10. What is your favorite past time or hobby besides reading or writing?

Traditional archery, I love the smell of cedar.