INTERVIEW WITH COLLEEN M. CHESEBRO!
Colleen M. Chesebro
Please help me welcome, author Colleen M. Chesebro to Jemsbooks Blog Segment, Interview an Author.
Welcome, Colleen. It’s lovely to have you here today.
Please step up on the platform – it’s all yours.
Please tell us something about yourself.
Hi, my name is Colleen Chesebro. I’m an Air Force veteran and a retired bookkeeper who loves to write paranormal stories, poetry, and novels. A few years back, I met an elemental being, I called the swamp fairy. Not only did this experience send me down a new life path, it also ignited my imagination. I even wrote book called The Swamp Fairy.
My writing career began when I was eighteen years old. I enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school as a Chapel Management Specialist. (Don’t ask me the year… it was long ago). One of my first writing jobs was to update the historical records for the chapel at Moody AFB, Georgia. At the time, I didn’t realize this job would help me when I went to college, but it sure did.
Through the years, I’ve always found the time to read and write, and I’ve always dabbled in writing poetry. In 2014, my writing career took off after I started my first blog at colleenchesebro.com. I also have a second blog, which is a group blog I formed with some close author friends called The Sisters of the Fey. I’ll tell you more about that later.
Currently, I host a weekly Tanka Tuesday poetry challenge where I give the participants two words to use when they write their poetry. The poets must find synonyms for those two words to be used in their Haiku, Senryu, Tanka, Haibun or Cinquain poem.
I also write flash fiction and participate in the Carrot Ranch Weekly Flash Fiction Challenge at carrotranch.com as often as I can. Writing poetry and flash fiction have helped me to hone my writing skills. I think it’s the brevity of words that really makes you think.
jjspina: Wow, you certainly have a lot on your plate, Colleen, with two blogs and more.
What process do you need in order to write?
I like to start my writing day with a guided chakra clearing meditation. This is one of my favorite videos: https://youtu.be/_4auAzCIoj8. It’s only 15 minutes long but gets my mind where it needs to be to write.
I have a room that is flooded with sunlight which I’ve dubbed “my creative room.” It’s filled with plants, crystals, fairies, witches, and photos of my husband and grandchildren. Most days I burn incense to Kwan Yin, the goddess of compassion, asking for her guidance in my writing.
Once I’ve gone through this ritual, I’m ready to write.
jjspina: Hmm, this is all fascinating the way you prepare to write. That’s why you are so creative.
How do you come up with ideas for your stories?
I have a strange imagination, I suppose. I also have the most vivid dreams. Many of my writing ideas pop into my head. If I’m looking for the strange and unusual to write about I turn to the Ancient Aliens television show. Seriously, they share information about myths and gods I’ve never heard of before. I literally take notes, do some research and come up with ideas for poetry and short stories.
jjspina: Wherever and whenever your muse comes, go with it.
What hobbies do you have when you are not writing?
I love to crochet with thread and create old fashioned doilies. My mother passed away when I was three years old. In my early twenties, I taught myself how to crochet with thread when my grandmother gave me two doilies my mother had made years ago. I decided it would be my tribute to her.
I made this runner for my Great Grand Niece
jjspina: How wonderful that you dedicated your crochet to your grandmother. I’m sure she is watching over you and as proud as she could possibly be. How beautiful, Colleen!
Please share your books with us and a synopsis of each.
Title: Fairies, Myths, & Magic ~ A Summer Celebration
ASIN: B07DTSBH4T
Release Date: June 17, 2018
Purchase from: Amazon & FREE on Kindle Unlimited
Country Tagged Universal Book Link: Smarturl.it/FairiesMythsMagic
Blurb:
Step into a world where fairies, dragons, and other magical beings converge in a collection of poetry and short stories inspired by the celebration of Litha, the Summer Solstice.
Meet Drac, a dragon cursed by his own poisonous deeds, and two pixies who help an old man remember a lost love. You’ll meet a pair of fairies with a sense of humor, and a young girl who fulfills her destiny after being struck by lightning. Learn what happens when a modern witch’s spell goes terribly wrong. Meet the Sisters of the Fey, a group of Slavic Witches who sign a pact with the Rusalki Fey to preserve their magic for the good of all.
Atmospheric and haunting, the prose and poetry, will rewrite the mythologies of the past bringing them into the future.
***
I was thrilled when this book reached the distinction of being a #1 New Release in Poetry Anthologies.
Title: The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy, Book One
ASIN: B01MU69MXT
No of Pages: 252 pages
Release Date: December 30, 2016
Purchase from: Amazon & FREE on Kindle Unlimited
COUNTRY TAGGED UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK: smarturl.it/HSCSwampFairy
Blurb:
Fourteen-year-old Abigale Forester, recently orphaned and a ward of the State of Illinois moves from Chicago to Florida to live with her aunt, her last living relative. Magnolia Forester becomes her legal Guardian, and together they claim an ancient inheritance; land that belonged to Abby’s mother’s family for generations.
Holding onto the only piece of her mother Abby has left, a calcite pendant and her mother’s most sacred possession, she discovers the truth of her legacy. The pendant is more significant than she could possibly imagine. Forged from a giant mystical heart-shaped stone found on the very swamp land Abby now owns, it holds the power of her ancestors.
But with that power comes greater responsibility, one that pits her against Rafe Cobb, a greedy land developer, who will stop at nothing to own Abby’s swampland.
As Abby learns to be part of a family again and explores her love of horses with friends, Savanna, and Blake, the swamp slowly gives up some of its secrets. She is summoned by a primeval nymph, who teaches Abby that her true destiny is to protect the nymphs from evil in an ever-changing modern world.
Can Abby save the swamp and the Naiad Nymph Clan from certain destruction before it is too late?
jjspina: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, Colleen. Here is my review below from Amazon.
March 22, 2018
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As a bonus to go along with the book, my dear friend, Irene Skov-Hansen, from IreneDesign2011, created and designed two amazing styles of calcite fairy pendants just like the one that Abby Forester wears in The Heart Stone Chronicles. The pendant, along with the book makes the perfect gift for that special girl in your life.
jjspina: These necklaces are lovely, Colleen. Your friend is quite talented.
What are you working on currently?
Currently, I’m working on a book called, The Sisters of the Fey – Genesis. The story is about eight women who are healing Slavic witches. The women align with the Rusalki Fey to save magic and the old ways from the Byzantine Monks who have made their way into the back county. I promise lots of excitement and magic.
The fun part is that this idea came to me after I combined forces with seven other authors to start a blog called the Sisters of the Fey. The authors are: Annette Rochelle Aben, Deborah Bowman, Wendy Anne Darling, Tina Frisco, Debby Gies, Marjorie Mallon, Adele Marie Park, and me. You can find the link here: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com/. These women have inspired me to write this new book. I’ve managed to capture their personalities in the storyline. It will be fun to see if my readers can figure out who is who.
jjspina: These are a lovely group of ladies including you, Colleen. I have visited this blog and enjoyed reading the posts from all of you. Ooh, I look forward to this new book.
Colleen’s Bio:
Colleen M. Chesebro is an American Novelist who loves writing about paranormal fantasy and magical realism, cross-genre fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. She loves all things magical which may mean that she could be experiencing her second childhood—or not. That part of her life hasn’t been fully decided yet.
A few years ago, a mystical experience led her to renew her passion for writing and storytelling. These days she resides in the fantasy realm of the Fairy Whisperer where she writes the magical poetry and stories that the fairy nymphs whisper to her in her dreams.
Colleen won the Little and Laugh Flash Fiction Contest sponsored by the CarrotRanch Literary Community.com in November 2017 for her piece, called The Bus Stop. Her debut novel, The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy won gold in the 2017 AuthorsDB.com cover contest.
Colleen lives in Colorado with her husband and her two Pomeranians, Sugar and Spice. When she is not writing, Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and friends. She also loves gardening, reading, and crocheting old-fashioned doilies into works of art.
Feel free to get in touch with me below on the contact form, or you can email me at colleenchesebro3@gmail.com.
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Thanks for sharing your lovely blog with me today, Janice. I had a great time.
It was my pleasure to have you here, Colleen. I found your answers to my questions fascinating. I wish you all the best with your books and much success with your future endeavors. I look forward to reading your new book of poetry and short stories. It’s on my TBR list. Please feel free to come back again now that you are part of Jemsbooks Blog family and share new releases.
Thank you, readers, for stopping by to read about this fascinating and creative author. Please visit her links and check out her books and blogs for some intriguing reading.
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Blessings & Hugs!
Janice
Great Interview! We (Julie and i) have an Air Force vet who is now an electronic engineer with Northrup-Grunman! SO, you can’t be all bad, Colleen! 😀
Loved the interview! Great and Jolly Good, Janice! ♥♥
Thank you, Billy Ray, for stopping by! Hugs
Ha, Ha! Billy Ray, thanks. My husband is a 24 year disabled Vietnam Vet. We are a military family! ❤ Glad to find my fellow vets. 😀
♥
Lovely interview. It was great getting such insight into Colleen.
Thank you, Mae! 😘🤗
Thanks, Mae Clair. It was time to tell the world about my new fun! 😀 ❤
Fascinating interview! I enjoyed learning more about Colleen. I’m excited for her new book, Sisters of the Fey – Genesis. It reads exciting. Thank you for hosting this interview, Janice! 😀 xx
Thank you, Yashti! 😘🤗
You’re welcome. ❤
Thanks, Vashti. I actually got an idea from your book. My Slavic witches are descended from the dragons – who are the fallen angels!! I love the inspiration we all give each other. ❤
It’s great seeing Colleen here today, Janice. I had no idea she was writing a book about the Sisters of Fey.
I’ve known Colleen since my early days of blogging. She’s a wonderful individual who goes out of her way to help and support fellow writers.
Hugs to you both.
Thank you, Hugh, for your kind words. Yes, Colleen is a lovely lady. 😘🤗
Awww, Hugh. You’re making me blush. Our writing has sure sent us on a journey of discovery, wouldn’t you say? You were my first blogging friend and I’m eternally grateful for your friendship. ❤
What a wonderful interview of Colleen. Thank you, Janice! I learned quite a lot, such as serving in the Air Force and also crocheting. A pleasure to read.
Thanks, Jennie! She is quite a talented lady! ♥️
Indeed!
Thanks, Jennie. I’m quite eclectic but am having the time of my life. It’s about time. ❤
Kick up those heels, my friend, and live it up! 🤪🤣🤗😘♥️
Indeed it is, Colleen! Best to you, and eclectic is wonderful.
LOL! Thank you. It was great meeting you. ❤
Same here, Colleen. ❤️
What a treat to come by and see my Sister of the Fey being featured here Janice. What a fabulous interview girls! Colleen is truly magical! ❤ ❤ Hugs! xxx
Thank you, Debby! Yes, she is and a lovely person too! 😘 ❤️ 🤗
Fact! ❤ xx
Hi, Sis… I revealed a bit more about the Sisters of the Fey book… Thanks for all your lovely support. ❤
Yes you did, much appreciated!!! 🙂 ❤
Many thanks for having me over to your lovely blog, Jan. I had a great time. Hugs and love. ❤️❤️❤️
My pleasure. Loved having you! ❤️ xx
Reblogged this on The Sisters of the Fey and commented:
I had a lovely visit with Jan Spina. Stop by and say hello! ❤
Lovely time with you too, my friend! ♥️
Fantastic interview. xxx
Thank you, Adele Marie! ❤️
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
It is Colleen Chesebro’s turn to be lightly grilled by Janice Spina today. Tales of the paranormal and magic and that is not just in Colleen’s writing. Find out more about this very Fey lady and great friend to writers…
Thank you so much, Sally for sharing! 😘🤗♥️
Thank you very much Janice, for another great interview! Colleen is another wonderful peron i have the pleasure to know via internet. And as i read and see, a very creative too. Best wishes, Michael
Thanks for stopping by, Michael. 😀
Your postings are really appreciated, Janice! Always with a great pleasure. Best wishes for the day. Michael
Thank you again, Michael, for your kind comments. 😆
Sorry, there is a “s” missing in “person” (1st line). 😉 Now i think its time to use my new keyboard.
🤣🤪
What a shame indeed. Commenting on writers blog with such mistakes. 😉
I blame mine on the self-correcting keyboard! LOL! 🤭
Colleen is so very talented and it is a terrific way to learn that here! ❤
Yes, she is Annette. I had fun learning more about you both. 🤗 ❤️
Wow, you’ve led an interesting life, Colleen. I love the doilies. How many hours would one that size take to create?
Great interview, Janice!
Fascinating stuff, Colleen. (And this is coming from another Ancient Aliens fan, so I know fascinating.) Wishing you all the best!
I was fascinated to read that you crochet. I know how to hold the crochet hook but that’s about it. My late aunt, however, created beautiful lacy designs similar to yours. I guess that particular creative gene abandonned my side of the family. Great interview. 🙂
Thank you, acflory, for stopping by. Crochet is an art and Colleen is a talented crocheter. 😆
My pleasure, and yes, her work is quite beautiful.
Yes, it certainly is. 😆