Sue Perkins's Blog, page 21
July 5, 2012
How do you manage your time?
I have been very remiss lately in keeping this blog up to date. Blame it on illness in the family, stress of work etc., but now I'm back and intend to keep up to date with my blog, Twitter and Facebook.
Like all authors I'd rather write than do anything else, but it's just not possible to spend as much time as I'd like writing, promoting and researching. I welcome other authors to leave a comment on how they manage their time.
Personally I only have a few days a week I can give to writing, and even then life intervenes. Today was wonderful, I was able to work the whole day on polishing a submission and sending it off to a new publisher.
Tomorrow I hope to get another book sorted re edits so I can give it a final read through over the weekend. So this week my writing time has been good. How do others manage?
Like all authors I'd rather write than do anything else, but it's just not possible to spend as much time as I'd like writing, promoting and researching. I welcome other authors to leave a comment on how they manage their time.
Personally I only have a few days a week I can give to writing, and even then life intervenes. Today was wonderful, I was able to work the whole day on polishing a submission and sending it off to a new publisher.
Tomorrow I hope to get another book sorted re edits so I can give it a final read through over the weekend. So this week my writing time has been good. How do others manage?
May 25, 2012
Good morning Gail Delaney
My Inspiration
To talk about my inspiration for Janus and for Phoenix Rising as a whole series, I have to first talk about my inspiration for The Phoenix Rebellion, it's predecessor.
The greatest inspiration for this series came from the question "What if..."
What if we had first contact with a superior alien race in the early 21st Century? What if those aliens looked like us, spoke like us, and told us they were our ancestors? What if they promises us health, prosperity and technology under the pretense of simply wanting to help their brethren?
What if it all was a lie?
The Phoenix Rebellion answers those questions, right down to what happens when the lies are revealed. What do we do?
Phoenix Rising is the aftermath of all the answers. It has been just a year since humanity rose up and fought back, and reclaimed our world. We are a fraction of the people, the population, we had once been. Our world is beaten, but not broken. Our people weak, but still strong at heart. But, in all that, we still have enemies.
Book One: Janus speaks of duplicity, of masks we wear, of lies we tell -- not always for the purpose of deceit, sometimes just as protection.
It's been a year since Humanity rose up against their alien oppressors and took back Earth from the Sorracchi. The war left Earth devastated, crippled, but not beaten. Under the leadership of President Nick Tanner and in collaboration with their new Areth and Umani allies, the Earth seeks stable ground again.
John Smith of the Areth was a soldier before his queen asked him to serve as ambassador to Earth, and he is out of his element. Restricted in his position from carrying a weapon, he has no way of defensing himself or his adopted son when the Xenos -- a group of Humans wishing to purge the Earth of all alien influence -- decide they want him dead.
Jenifer is a soldier for hire, and answers to no one but her own common sense. She first refused the "job" of serving as John's bodyguard, but a glimpse at the heart of the man convinces her to accept the responsibility.
John has two faces: a soldier and an ambassador of peace. Jenifer has two faces: the steel-skinned warrior and the forgotten person she once was. Too many people hide behind masks, and it's those hiding who want John dead.
If you would like to read The Phoenix Rebellion before reading Janus, you can purchase it now at Desert Breeze Publishing as a 4-Book pack. Save nearly 30% off buying the books individually!
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-312/The-Phoenix-Rebellion--dsh--dsh-/Detail.bok
If anyone would like to read a free prequel novella to the Phoenix series, email me at gail@gaildelaney.com, and I'd be happy to send you a pdf copy.
I'd like to share an excerpt from Janus, available 21 May 2012.
Excerpt:
"I think Jackie might be able to help us out with your security detail while Connor is recovering." Nick motioned toward the couch where John had previously been sitting. "She knows all about the attacks and the threats against your life."
John sat and leaned forward on the couch, his hands linked and his elbows resting on his legs, focused on Jacqueline. "What do you think?"
"I think if you want to stop an assassin, you hire an assassin."
Nick paused in his descent into his chair, quirking an eyebrow before he finished sitting. "Who?"
"You probably don't know her. But, I guarantee you, if you want the ambassador's ass protected -- no offense, Ambassador -- she's the one that'll do it for you."
"Am I to assume this person isn't exactly official?" He grinned, because very few things since the Humans fought back and retook their planet could really be termed as official.
"Assume anything you want, Ambassador." Jacqueline sat on the edge of Nick's desk, obviously comfortable and at ease in the presidential office. But, John noted the way her gaze slid to the family photos on the desk -- specifically one of her with Michael and their daughter Nicole -- and just as quickly, she looked away. "All I'm saying is she's the best there is if you want someone dead, or if you want to keep them alive."
"Is she Phoenix?" Nick asked. Which really meant: Was she part of the resistance before the war?
John had garnered through his time with Nick Tanner the right answer to the question held a lot of weight for him when it came to determining loyalties. With the major threat of Sorracchi oppression gone, most of the world population had started to come together to rebuild. But, volunteering after the winner is chosen was a very different thing to Nick than being part of the fight.
"Officially?" Jacqueline flipped her long, black hair behind her shoulder and moved from the desk to perch on the arm of the couch. She was a stunning woman, John would readily admit, lean and strong, with rich latte skin and dark eyes to match her dark hair. He knew little about her except she'd practically been raised by Phoenix, and she was raising a little girl with Michael, Nick's son. And right now she was harboring a whole lot of pain she wasn't about to let anyone see. "We've collaborated."
Nick made a small sound in the back of his throat, and rocked in the chair, the aged mechanisms creaking slightly. For several moments, the chair squeaked under his habitual rocking as he rubbed his fingers across his lips.
"She was with me when I found Jace Quinn."
Jacqueline's statement immediately stopped the rocking, and John carefully watched the unsaid communication between the two of them. It was no more than a meeting of the eyes, and a slight nod from Nick.
"I trust Jackie with everything precious to me. And if she says this woman -- whoever she is -- can be trusted to protect you, then I think you should seriously consider it, John." Only then, when he said John's name did he look away from Jacqueline.
"Good enough for me."
May 18, 2012
The Deathly Portent by Elizabeth Bailey
The Georgian gentleman’s version of the Little Black BookWomen who fell from grace in the 18th Century had few options open to them. Get married with speed was top of the list. Preferably to the fellow with whom you did the deed, but frankly anyone of respectability would do.
If Darcy had not intervened to get Lydia married to wicked Wickham, as Lizzie Bennet points out, not only Lydia, but her four sisters would have been tainted and probably doomed to spinsterhood since they had no money to bribe a prospective bridegroom into overlooking the disgrace.
The Bennet girls were lucky. In reality, the family would likely have disowned Lydia. When Wickham tired of her, she was young and pretty enough to have found herself another protector. As time went on, Lydia might have drifted in the direction of Covent Garden where she could well have found herself portrayed in a couple of extremely frank paragraphs in the annual publication of Harris’s List of Covent-Garden Ladies.
This fascinating little volume was started in 1757 by one Samuel Derrick, as a venture to get himself out of debtor’s prison. His lively descriptions of the ladies who made themselves available for a gentleman’s amours proved so popular that he not only procured his release, but he started a phenomenon that continued until 1795.
Almost all the ladies spoken of as being of good education evidently fell into “the life”, as it was popularly called, by way of seduction and subsequent abandonment.
Like Miss Char-ton of No. 12, Gress Street, who “came of reputable parents…yet the address of a designing villain, too soon found means to ruin her; forsaken by her friends, pursued by shame and necessity; she had no other alternative...”
Seduction was not confined to the educated classes. There was Miss Le-, of Berwick-Street, Soho, who “was debauched by a young counsellor, from a boarding-school near town, where she was apprentice.”
Then there was Miss We-ls, of No. 35, Newman-Street, daughter of a Welsh farmer, who is described as being “as wild as a goat, of a sandy colour, her features are small, and is a tight little piece.” She was sent to London when young where “a young gentleman ingratiated him so far into her graces, as to gain her consent to make him happy by her ruin, under a promise of marriage” and then he subsequently “abandoned her to the reproaches and calumny of a merciless world”.
The majority of the ladies featured in this entertaining little black book for your pleasure-seeking young buck were in their teens or early twenties. An example is Miss Townsend, nineteen, of whom we learn that “the use of the needle first fired this lady’s imagination with the use of a certain pin”. This sort of witty euphemism abounds.
Perhaps it is not surprising that the anodyne of choice for a number of the ladies is strong liquor. Like Miss Godfrey, a commanding female, who “will take brandy with any one, or drink and swear, and though but little, will fight a good battle.”
The women are delineated in detail, depending on their particular attractions: “she is amorous to the greatest degree, and has courage enough not to be afraid of the largest and strongest man that ever drew weapon in the cause of love”. Or non-attractions, as “but a middling face, with large features, a coarse hand and arm, and in stature short and clumsy”, but she is “an excellent bedfellow”.
Their looks are described: “of a middle size, black eyes, plump made and her skin good” or another with “fine blue eyes that are delicious”. We are told about good teeth and “sweet breath”, in a day where these ere rare. We hear about “yielding limbs, though beautiful when together, are still more ravishing when separated”.
Disposition is mentioned, whether she is “agreeable” or “animated with no small degree of vanity” or indeed “a pompous heroic girl, without either wit or humour”. There is a figure to suit every taste, and an accommodation for every sexual whim. We learn whether or not she has a keeper (which doesn’t stop any lady selling her favours elsewhere) and what it may cost our young man about town to enjoy her charms.
One or two guineas appears the norm, with here and there a more expensive luxury on offer. The genteel Miss Le- above, who was led into sin, is only seventeen and a “has a piece of the termagant about her”, but she commands three or four guineas for her services, which include birching for those so inclined. While Miss - of Wardour Street, who is “but newly arrived” and “darts such irresistible glances as can scarcely fail to engage the hearts of the beholders” will not accept less than five guineas. Mrs Ho-fey, on the other hand, who “calls forth all her powers to give delight with uncommon success” will happily settle for half a guinea.
A guinea (one pound, one shilling) seems a pathetic sum to us. Yet these women were the middling class of prostitute. They could not aspire to the heights of high-class courtesans like the later Harriette Wilson, whose clients included the Duke of Wellington, but they were a good deal better off than the street corner girls who plied their trade for a few pence, or a few shillings at best.
But whether they earned a pittance or a fortune, many women ended up selling their bodies to make ends meet. There were 50,000 prostitutes in London in 1797, according to a contemporary magistrate’s account. That statistic argues a lack of opportunities for women to find gainful employment. The better bred, the fewer the options.
It’s tempting to withhold sympathy for our Covent-Garden ladies when you convert their earnings to the present day. In today’s money, a guinea is worth around £60. A lady’s maid was paid less than that in a year! And no doubt worked a lot harder. While Miss Le- with her five guineas was getting buying power to the tune of our £300 every time she lay flat on her back!
What’s more, these ladies of the night could afford to please themselves how they lived, which was more than could be said for most wives, be their husbands lord or boot boy. They lived in comfortable apartments, had a great deal of freedom, could pick and choose among their clientele, and enjoy all the entertainments on offer in the shops and theatres of the time. And all at the trifling cost of respectability.
The downside was the future. The lifestyle was no sinecure. There are very few females over thirty in Harris’s List. Assuming one could avoid a dose of “the pox” or any other disease and live, what to do when the charms of youth faded? How many of them were canny enough to salt away a quantity of takings as insurance?
A few, one assumes, if they had garnered sufficient fortune, might be lucky enough to marry. Others are mentioned as having moved into brothel-keeping themselves. But the rest?
What happened to Sally Robinson, who was given five shillings at the age of fifteen to cure her of the clap “which she got from her deflowerer”? On the town in 1761, what hope had “a tall, fat girl” of any kind of living thirty years later? Or Kitty Buckley, who was one of the few older females and already 35 in 1761? She was “reported to have ruined twenty keepers” because she was “as wicked as a devil, and as extravagant as Cleopatra”. Since she had been in the bailiff’s hands about three times a year, did she end her days in prison?
While Harris’s List is a delight in many ways, there is something a little distasteful in the warts-and-all public exposure of a whole generation of unfortunate females, whose only mistake was to succumb to the lure of sensual gratification.
Besides marriage or prostitution, was there any other way out for the fallen woman? If they were lucky, or had kind and generous relatives, there was hope. Transported to another place, perhaps with an allowance, they could start a new life under an assumed name - but with the shadow of the past always ready to catch up with them.
This is of course a familiar theme in our modern take on the historical romance. Our heroine is plucked from this life of shame and obscurity by the love of a good man. What better way to compensate her for enduring such punishment for what was, to our twenty-first century thinking, perfectly natural behaviour?
As for the luscious Covent-Garden Ladies, who had the gumption to use the only means they had of making a decent living - good for you, ladies!
Elizabeth Bailey’s latest Georgian historical crime was published by Berkley Books (Penguin) in the US on 3rd April 2012, and comes to the UK on 7th June. Her sleuth Ottilia, now wife to Lord Francis Fanshawe, is drawn by insatiable curiosity to investigate the murder of a blacksmith in the village of Witherley, where Cassie, a young woman with second sight, is stigmatized a witch and blamed for the death. What terrible secret is Cassie hiding that makes her feel unworthy of the love of Aidan, the new vicar, who has taken up the cudgels in her defence? More info at www.elizabethbailey.co.uk
May 1, 2012
Cover for The Sixth Key
The cover for my fantasy romance "The Sixth Key" has been approved and is ready to go with the release date in July. Take a look - hope it makes you want to know more.
To be normal in a magical world is bad enough, but Riley is caught in the middle between the deviant Mute and the magical people who rule Sacral. Two men fight on opposite sides for their world and Riley is caught in the middle.
April 19, 2012
Reva's Quest 4 star review
Sorry it's been a while since I posted here. I do have a good excuse. I've travelled from the bottom of the world to the top. i.e. New Zealand to England. Now I'm recovered from the journey I'd love to share with you the review from Long and Short Reviews for my Middle Grade novel Reva's Quest.Click on the link to see the review.
Long and Short Reviews - Reva's Quest
April 7, 2012
Scotch Broom has arrived
Welcome Marva Dasef and the latest in her "Witches of Galdorheim" series. "Scotch Broom" takes place in Scotland and I can't wait to read it. I'm honoured to host Marva on this pre blog tour. Welcome Marva.
BOOK RELEASE APRIL 6!
SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD – Available beginning April 6th
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q
Blurb:
Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.
While dodging the goddess’s minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.
Into the Woods
In Scotch Broom, I try to connect my version of witchcraft to some of the “common knowledge” about witches, but I feel it’s my duty to show that many of those prejudices are simply the mundane world’s fear of magic. Since way back in the middle ages, people have planted rowan trees by their front door because they’re supposedly a ward against witches. I’m not sure whether they worked, but I’d put good money against it. I think that a tree might stop a witch, but they more likely were polite enough to not cross a threshold where they are unwelcome. Here’s some additional information on rowan trees from http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/mythfolk/rowan.html. There’s much more in the article if you’re interested in the subject.
“In the British Isles the rowan has a long and still popular history in folklore as a tree which protects against witchcraft and enchantment. The physical characteristics of the tree may have contributed to its protective reputation, including the tiny five pointed star or pentagram on each berry opposite its stalk (the pentagram being an ancient protective symbol). The colour red was deemed to be the best protection against enchantment, and so the rowan's vibrant display of berries in autumn may have further contributed to its protective abilities, as suggested in the old rhyme: "Rowan tree and red thread / make the witches tine (meaning 'to lose') their speed". The rowan was also denoted as a tree of the Goddess or a Faerie tree by virtue (like the hawthorn and elder) of its white flowers.”
Excerpt:
Kat’s lost in the Otherworld and picks up some companions along the way. She’s with her first companion, Sianach the Stag, when they come upon a thick forest patch of rowan trees. This does slow down Kat’s progress while she tries to figure out how to get into the woods.
“Oh, great! You found the grove,” she yelled and sped up to catch him. At the edge of the rowan grove, she smacked face first into something invisible. “Ow!” Kat shrieked, holding her nose. She drew her hand away to check. “Dang it. I’ve got a bloody nose.”
Sianach stood stock-still facing away from her, not answering or even seeming to hear her. Holding out her hand, she felt the barrier keeping her out of the rowans.
“What the—?” Then she remembered rowans were wards against witches. She couldn’t go into the grove.
The stag turned and walked back out of the woods. “I’m sorry. I forgot you couldn’t come in.”
Kat dabbed the blood from her upper lip with her sleeve. “I noticed.” She looked left and right. “Maybe I could walk around.”
“No, the trees will not let you pass on either side.”
Kat put her hands on her hips and considered. “Isn’t there another way?”
“No.”
“Maybe—” Kat sent her thoughts toward the nearest rowan tree. She figured it couldn’t hurt to try. The tree rewarded her with a soft brush that tickled her brain. “Hey, that’s cool.”
“What is cool?” Sianach asked.
“I think I can talk to the trees. Maybe ask them if I can go through.”
The stag snorted. “Talking to trees. I doubt you can do that.”
“My gift is talking to animals, no offense, so maybe—” Kat closed her eyes and imagined the tree with ears and a mouth. She whispered to them, asking them to listen. A trembling breeze passed between her own ears. She felt Sianach move from her side. Opening her eyes, she saw what might be the face she imagined. Just a bit of rough bark had shifted, giving the appearance of a craggy, ancient man on the tree’s trunk.
“What do you want?”
Kat smiled and turned to Sianach, who had moved back several paces. His own limbs trembled now. “I’ve not seen such magic before,” the stag whispered. “You are a strong witch.”
“Oh, not so strong. The rowans are obviously highly intelligent and evolved trees. After all, how could they keep witches at bay if they were mere wood?” Buttering up the tree couldn’t hurt.
She turned back to the tree. “If you would be so kind, will you allow me to pass? I mean you no harm.” She listened for a response and was on the verge of giving up when the tree answered.
“Why do you want to pass?”
“I’m looking for the Hall of King Connor.” She pointed her thumb over her shoulder at the stag. “Sianach said we have to go to the other side of your grove.” Another lengthy silence passed while Kat waited patiently. The trees might be intelligent, but they didn’t exactly rush things. Still, this ten minutes for each sentence was about to drive her batty.
“Pass by.”
“Thank you.” Kat walked into the grove with no trouble. Sianach shook his head and followed her. The pair made their way through the rowans
* * * *
About Marva:
Marva Dasef lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a fat white cat. Retired from thirty-five years in the software industry, she has now turned her energies to writing fiction and finds it a much more satisfying occupation. Marva has published more than forty stories in a number of on-line and print magazines, with several included in Best of anthologies. She has several previously published books. Her latest pride and joy is the Witches of Galdorheim Series from her super duper publisher, MuseItUp.
Watch Marva’s Blog at http://mgddasef.blogspot.com for announcements on giveaways throughout the Merry Month of May.
Where to find her:
MuseItUp Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/MIU-MarvaDasef
Blog: http://mgddasef.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/MarvaDasef
Twitter Handle: @Gurina
Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarvaDasef/videos
BOOK RELEASE APRIL 6!
SCOTCH BROOM: Book 3 of The Witches of Galdorheim
A magical trip to Stonehenge lands a witch in the Otherworld where an ancient goddess is up to no good.
Marva Dasef: https://sites.google.com/site/mdasefauthor/books/galdorheim
MuseItUp Buy Link: http://tinyurl.com/ScotchBroomMGD – Available beginning April 6th
Scotch Broom Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYnRmbvPp7Q
Blurb:
Kat expects to have a great time on her graduation trip to Stonehenge. However, from the moment she leaves the witches’ arctic island, Galdorheim, she gets in nothing but trouble. Her younger half-brother tries to horn in on her trip, she gets lost in the magical Otherworld realm, is led astray by a supposed friend, then she has to confront a Scottish goddess who’s fallen on hard times.
While dodging the goddess’s minions and trying to find her way out of the Otherworld, Kat soon learns she shouldn’t underestimate the old has-been for one second; the crone still has a few tricks that can drain a witch’s magic in a flash. To make matters worse, Kat's brother secretly followed her into the Otherworld. Now he’s in danger too. Kat has to go one on one with the goddess to save herself and her brother.
Into the Woods
In Scotch Broom, I try to connect my version of witchcraft to some of the “common knowledge” about witches, but I feel it’s my duty to show that many of those prejudices are simply the mundane world’s fear of magic. Since way back in the middle ages, people have planted rowan trees by their front door because they’re supposedly a ward against witches. I’m not sure whether they worked, but I’d put good money against it. I think that a tree might stop a witch, but they more likely were polite enough to not cross a threshold where they are unwelcome. Here’s some additional information on rowan trees from http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/mythfolk/rowan.html. There’s much more in the article if you’re interested in the subject.
“In the British Isles the rowan has a long and still popular history in folklore as a tree which protects against witchcraft and enchantment. The physical characteristics of the tree may have contributed to its protective reputation, including the tiny five pointed star or pentagram on each berry opposite its stalk (the pentagram being an ancient protective symbol). The colour red was deemed to be the best protection against enchantment, and so the rowan's vibrant display of berries in autumn may have further contributed to its protective abilities, as suggested in the old rhyme: "Rowan tree and red thread / make the witches tine (meaning 'to lose') their speed". The rowan was also denoted as a tree of the Goddess or a Faerie tree by virtue (like the hawthorn and elder) of its white flowers.”
Excerpt:
Kat’s lost in the Otherworld and picks up some companions along the way. She’s with her first companion, Sianach the Stag, when they come upon a thick forest patch of rowan trees. This does slow down Kat’s progress while she tries to figure out how to get into the woods.
“Oh, great! You found the grove,” she yelled and sped up to catch him. At the edge of the rowan grove, she smacked face first into something invisible. “Ow!” Kat shrieked, holding her nose. She drew her hand away to check. “Dang it. I’ve got a bloody nose.”
Sianach stood stock-still facing away from her, not answering or even seeming to hear her. Holding out her hand, she felt the barrier keeping her out of the rowans.
“What the—?” Then she remembered rowans were wards against witches. She couldn’t go into the grove.
The stag turned and walked back out of the woods. “I’m sorry. I forgot you couldn’t come in.”
Kat dabbed the blood from her upper lip with her sleeve. “I noticed.” She looked left and right. “Maybe I could walk around.”
“No, the trees will not let you pass on either side.”
Kat put her hands on her hips and considered. “Isn’t there another way?”
“No.”
“Maybe—” Kat sent her thoughts toward the nearest rowan tree. She figured it couldn’t hurt to try. The tree rewarded her with a soft brush that tickled her brain. “Hey, that’s cool.”
“What is cool?” Sianach asked.
“I think I can talk to the trees. Maybe ask them if I can go through.”
The stag snorted. “Talking to trees. I doubt you can do that.”
“My gift is talking to animals, no offense, so maybe—” Kat closed her eyes and imagined the tree with ears and a mouth. She whispered to them, asking them to listen. A trembling breeze passed between her own ears. She felt Sianach move from her side. Opening her eyes, she saw what might be the face she imagined. Just a bit of rough bark had shifted, giving the appearance of a craggy, ancient man on the tree’s trunk.
“What do you want?”
Kat smiled and turned to Sianach, who had moved back several paces. His own limbs trembled now. “I’ve not seen such magic before,” the stag whispered. “You are a strong witch.”
“Oh, not so strong. The rowans are obviously highly intelligent and evolved trees. After all, how could they keep witches at bay if they were mere wood?” Buttering up the tree couldn’t hurt.
She turned back to the tree. “If you would be so kind, will you allow me to pass? I mean you no harm.” She listened for a response and was on the verge of giving up when the tree answered.
“Why do you want to pass?”
“I’m looking for the Hall of King Connor.” She pointed her thumb over her shoulder at the stag. “Sianach said we have to go to the other side of your grove.” Another lengthy silence passed while Kat waited patiently. The trees might be intelligent, but they didn’t exactly rush things. Still, this ten minutes for each sentence was about to drive her batty.
“Pass by.”
“Thank you.” Kat walked into the grove with no trouble. Sianach shook his head and followed her. The pair made their way through the rowans
* * * *
About Marva:
Marva Dasef lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and a fat white cat. Retired from thirty-five years in the software industry, she has now turned her energies to writing fiction and finds it a much more satisfying occupation. Marva has published more than forty stories in a number of on-line and print magazines, with several included in Best of anthologies. She has several previously published books. Her latest pride and joy is the Witches of Galdorheim Series from her super duper publisher, MuseItUp.
Watch Marva’s Blog at http://mgddasef.blogspot.com for announcements on giveaways throughout the Merry Month of May.
Where to find her:
MuseItUp Author Page: http://tinyurl.com/MIU-MarvaDasef
Blog: http://mgddasef.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/MarvaDasef
Twitter Handle: @Gurina
Book Trailers: http://www.youtube.com/user/MarvaDasef/videos
April 5, 2012
Maple Express by Peter Brandt
I'm delighted to welcome Peter Brandt to my blog today. He's kindly agreed to be interviewed and also to provide us with an excerpt for his new release "Maple Express" which I reviewed on my blog yesterday.
What gave you the idea for "Maple Express"?
Well, first off hello Sue and thank you for having me here today.
Maple Express is a truly unique book for me. I read the news and a doctor was talking about a medical condition that the medical community all agreed was a certain way, and I thought, “what if they are wrong?”
So - I took that same scenario and wrote Maple Express in a way that explains my belief, which runs contrary to the medical profession by the way. I am not saying what I believe is right, but merely giving the reader an alternate way to look at it.
The problem is that if I tell you what the “what if” was I would be giving away the storyline so you’ll have to read the book to understand what I am talking about.
I know what you mean as I have read the book. What was your creative process like leading up to beginning "Maple Express"?
I am like an addict who has overwhelming cravings. I get this feeling and I have to sit down at a computer or with a pen and pad of paper and start writing. The story begins to flush itself out in my mind and before long, I have the overall storyline all written out.
I always look at the story from a high level from start to finish. This gives me a firm idea where the story is starting and where it will end. Most of the time I begin to write and most of the middle fills in as I go along, although sometimes I am stumped.
Maple Express is an example of being stuck. I had a clear idea where the novel started and where it would finish but how the story would be carried along just wasn’t there. I shelved this book for over a year until our old neighbors started bugging me to finish it. It finally came to it and I finished writing it.
Did you have to do a lot of research to write about a 16 year old girl?
No, not a lot. Maybe I could have done more because being a male, we do think somewhat differently than women, but I have two stepdaughters and I can see how they act as teenagers. As well, I have many friends with daughters and having issues with their mother in their teen years seems to be a standard theme. That is why Sara has some issues with her mom.
Who was Maple Express aimed at? Teenagers and young adults in general or the females of that age group?
Maple Express is aimed at young adults in general, and although the story is about a girl, the story is for all young adults, male or female. My books are all about kids being able to take control of their lives and going from someone told to be quiet and do as they are told to someone that can take control of their life and the direction it is heading.
What is your favorite genre to read and write?
Wow, good question. I read everything - young adult, adult, fiction, non-fiction, news - you name it. It really comes down to the story for me. If the story sounds good then I want to read it. A great cover also draws me in. I used to love horror but as I get older my nervous system doesn't like it anymore.
For writing, I am now strictly into young adult fiction. I wrote both my own memoir - a humorous look at my 20-year career in the Canadian Forces and my dad’s memoir of being forced into a Russian prisoner-of-war camp at the age of 14. After these two I decided to focus exclusively on young adult.
The reason I love writing young adult is because I was a pretty dull, immature kid growing up and I realized later on in life that I was just a late bloomer. I have really become what I wanted to be, although I didn’t have a great start. My self-esteem was pretty low as well as a kid, so I love to write about young people who are pathetically normal who blossom into something really special when given the opportunity.
Are you equally good at telling stories orally?
Absolutely. I love a good story and I really think that if you’re a good storyteller than you can be a successful author. I am an actor as well and I love being able to become someone totally different from who I am in real live. I did a movie once where I had to be a mean father who punches his son and wow did I have fun showing a dark side of me on film. I am nothing like that in real life by the way but it was fun to act that way.
What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?
When I get into writing mode I take one day every weekend, usually Saturday (where I live the weekend is Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday) and I write the whole day. This usually works out to about 10 to 12 hours. As well, during the week I try to write at least one hour a night.
Last year I took a week off for vacation and wrote the whole week. Wow, did I ever get a lot accomplished.
Deep down inside, who do you write for?
Another great question. I think we authors all write for ourselves, otherwise we couldn’t keep doing it. I personally love telling stories and I find I need to write just to keep my head cleaned out for the next great story that comes along.
Your mind is your work tool. How do you take care of it?
I am a ferocious reader. I read news, stories, novels, help books, you name it. I really think if you aren’t a good reader, it’s hard to be a good writer.
It is amazing how the brain works. The more I sit and write trying to develop a story idea the more my brain tries to figure it out for you. I have read that the brain is a goal oriented organ and if we tell it that we want something it will work trying to give it to us. However, there is no substitute for sitting in the chair and writing.
Does reader feed-back help you?
Yes to a point. I have some people that I can take criticism from but my wife isn’t one of them haha. It’s too personal if she says something to me so we have decided not to go that route. I have an editor who can tell me anything and I listen to her because when it comes to my manuscripts she is a genius.
Every writer has his or her own style. That’s what makes reading so much fun. If we all wrote the same way if would be pretty boring. I have my way and I don’t think I could change even if I wanted to, so I love comments and understand we all have our own tastes. If someone loves my book, or doesn't love my book that is their personal opinion and I respect that.
What do you surround yourself with in your work area in order to help you concentrate?
I have a really cool office with posters, my guitar and violin, autographed photos from actor friends, old hockey pictures of me and I made my office like this because it makes me want to spend time there, and when I am writing I spend a lot of time there.
As well, I can’t write a thing without music pouring through my headphones. I have over 65,000 songs in my digital music collection. I have a pair of Sony stereo headphones I wear that keep me focused.
(I am wearing them right now listening to the Q107 Toronto radio station online while I write this.)
I have a great glass desk, a top of the line keyboard (because I am very selective about my pens and keyboards) and an Ikea chair to sit in while I write. I need to feel comfortable.
As a side note, I would love it if famous writers showed us where they sit and write their books. Wouldn't it be cool to see where Stephen King or JK Rowling sit and write?
I think this is such a cool idea that I've made a video for my blog that shows my readers exactly where I go to do all my writing. They can see my office, desk, computer and they can compare what I have with what they have. I like that it gives me something personal I can give my readers about who I am and where I do my thing.
What are you working on now?
I went to Los Angeles last September to visit family and I fell in love with the place. We went through Hollywood and Vines in LA as well as traveled through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley. I though "what a perfect setting for my next book" so I started writing a book about a young man by the name of Taylor (I have a Taylor guitar which I love, hence the name LOL.)
Taylor disappears while walking to school and two months later is found wandering along the Pacific Coast Highway. He doesn’t know who he is, where he was, and how he got there. Shortly after his return, a young girl begins to enter his vivid nightly dreams and he realizes he’ll have no peace unless he finds out who she is and what she wants.
I have another novel already written and ready for publishing titled “Holly Alexander and the Mystery of the Courthouse Square.” This book will be released next in Summer / Fall 2012. I grew up with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries and I decided to write a book in that style. I loved those books growing up. They were the Harry Potter books of my generation.
Thank you for having me on your blog. I have some great prizes for people to enter to win who are following my blog tour. Good luck in the future and all the best.
Pete
MAPLE EXPRESS
By
Peter Brandt
BLURB: Sara Maple has a comfortable life—the only child of a wealthy family—a best friend who does everything she asks—and the admiration of most of her schoolmates. Unfortunately, her temper and “indestructible” attitude quickly place her in a very precarious position.
“The Maple Express” is a powerful novel that captures the author’s take on the miracle of the human mind. “The Maple Express” delves into the actions and consequences of a young girl who has never had to take responsibility for her actions before. The story brings the reader into a world where Sara’s determination to find her way off the train sends her on an emotional trip that bonds her to her new friends and changes her life forever.
Both young and old readers will love the emotional journey Sara Maple takes them on as she deciphers the obstacles that confront her. Sara’s story ends with a surprise twist and leaves the reader with a sense of discovery about his or her own humanity.
The three girls giggled at Mr. Freezen as he walked around the cafeteria, stopping and talking to some of the boys that were being excessively loud.
“Oh, my God — he doesn’t even know it,” Jenny snorted and then burst out laughing, lowering her head and banging her fist, causing the dishes and milk containers to bounce up and down on the table.
Julie had her arm around Sara’s and the two of them were laughing just as hard. The cafeteria was abuzz with the sounds of kids talking, louder and louder to get the edge above the other voices until a crescendo of voices drowned out any semblance of understanding.
When the hair finally tickled his ear, Mr. Freezen pushed his hand through his hair and tossed his comb-over back into place on top of his head. As quick as lightning, he pulled out his comb and straightened it.
A couple of the boys fought to contain their giggles while he combed everything into place. The rest of the cafeteria continued with their own lives with no indication of what was transpiring within feet of them.
The group watched him point his comb at the boys and say something before he left.
“Someone should tell him that the comb-over look is dead,” Julie quipped.
“Not me,” Sara said, a shot of fear on her face as she fidgeted in her seat.
Once Mr. Freezen left the boys’ table, they erupted into laughter. They watched a young man wipe tears from his eyes.
“He’s so cute,” Sara mumbled, but Julie overheard it.
“Why don’t you ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance?”
“Yea, yea I will. I just need to find the right time.”
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
It only takes a few minutes of thought before Peter Brandt can devise a scenario that would make a fantastic story, and minutes after that before it begins to fill itself in.
“I have been able to think up stories all my life but it’s only been in the last seven years that I realized I was abusing my creative side by not writing them down.”
Peter retired from the Air Force and began a new career as a Technical Writer. His writing abilities have allowed him to work in Canada, the United States and even in the Middle East.
But its Peter’s love for stories that has brought him into a new realm of writing. His humorous memoir about his life as a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces and the tragic memoir about his father’s life in a Prisoner-of-War camp at the age of 14 allowed him to refine his writing before he began to venture in writing Young Adult fiction.
“I have a very unique way of creating my stories. It begins with a craving, like a recent smoker who just quit cigarettes but still feels the addiction. I can’t shake it until I sit down and begin to let my mind wander. Many times I start my quest for a new story by wondering - What If. Soon after I begin to write and can usually get the first draft completed within a few weeks.
Maple Express began as a “what if” question and I’d share it with you but it would give away the storyline.”
I always write my stories as I would see them on the movie screen, which is why writing screenplays are also something I do. I am shooting a short film I wrote with a friend of mine within the next couple of weeks with another film shortly after.”
Peter has taken formal lessons in acting and has enjoyed some success as an actor in TV and film before his day job as a Lead Technical Writer required him to move out of the country.
“I can honestly say I have landed in the perfect job for me. I love to write...doesn’t really matter what I write, creatively or technically, writing is a pleasurable experience. It has allowed me to travel and for that I am grateful.”
Peter grew up with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew hardcover books.
“I loved them. I remember sitting under my blanket after lights out, sweating from the heat and the fear that gripped me as Joe and Frank carried on with another of their adventures.”
It is with these wonderful stories in mind that Peter wrote “Holly Alexander and the Mystery of the Courthouse Square.” This young adult novel will be released summer / fall 2012.
“I never really grew up. I have tried to write for adults but I find it difficult. I was a small, shy, and bullied kid growing up. I was nothing special. I had terrible grades, no idea what I wanted to do with my life and girls...wow, totally foreign to me. After I joined the Army those years faded quickly and I guess it has caused me to want to get those years back.
That is why I crave writing about young people who feel they are nothing special until I put them in a position where they have no choice but to become someone they never dreamed they could be. It is very uplifting for me to make heroes out of young people who believe they have nothing to contribute. It’s an eye opener for me as well as for them when it happens.”
Pete continues to write and publish through Simple Simon Publishing, a different type of publisher.
“Simple Simon Publishing is all about turning authors into entrepreneurs. For too long authors have felt dependent on the closed loop publishing industry to discover them and make them successful. Simple Simon’s philosophy is you are not just an author but the best person in the world to sell your product...you and your writing.”
Peter and his wife Carly have five kids who are all grown and on their own.
LINKS
www.peterabrandt.com is my personal site.
www.simplesimonpublishing.com is where my books are for sale.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/140570 is where Maple Express is for sale at Smashwords for $1.99
Peter has some original prizes he's giving away at the end of his tour. Two winners will win a pint jug of Butternut Mountain Farm Vermont Pure Maple Syrup, Grade A Dark Amber, in honor of the main character of The Maple Express, Sara Maple, from the small town of Mapleton Vermont. One grand prize winner will win an awesome Bachmann Trains Pegasus Ready-to-Run HO Scale Train Set. Also, the blog host with the most comments will win a 2012 Canadian (1 oz) Silver Maple Leaf Coin in an "Air-Tite" Capsule.
For details of where you can follow Peter's tour visit:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/virtual-book-tour-maple-express-by.html.
What gave you the idea for "Maple Express"?
Well, first off hello Sue and thank you for having me here today.
Maple Express is a truly unique book for me. I read the news and a doctor was talking about a medical condition that the medical community all agreed was a certain way, and I thought, “what if they are wrong?”
So - I took that same scenario and wrote Maple Express in a way that explains my belief, which runs contrary to the medical profession by the way. I am not saying what I believe is right, but merely giving the reader an alternate way to look at it.
The problem is that if I tell you what the “what if” was I would be giving away the storyline so you’ll have to read the book to understand what I am talking about.
I know what you mean as I have read the book. What was your creative process like leading up to beginning "Maple Express"?
I am like an addict who has overwhelming cravings. I get this feeling and I have to sit down at a computer or with a pen and pad of paper and start writing. The story begins to flush itself out in my mind and before long, I have the overall storyline all written out.
I always look at the story from a high level from start to finish. This gives me a firm idea where the story is starting and where it will end. Most of the time I begin to write and most of the middle fills in as I go along, although sometimes I am stumped.
Maple Express is an example of being stuck. I had a clear idea where the novel started and where it would finish but how the story would be carried along just wasn’t there. I shelved this book for over a year until our old neighbors started bugging me to finish it. It finally came to it and I finished writing it.
Did you have to do a lot of research to write about a 16 year old girl?
No, not a lot. Maybe I could have done more because being a male, we do think somewhat differently than women, but I have two stepdaughters and I can see how they act as teenagers. As well, I have many friends with daughters and having issues with their mother in their teen years seems to be a standard theme. That is why Sara has some issues with her mom.
Who was Maple Express aimed at? Teenagers and young adults in general or the females of that age group?
Maple Express is aimed at young adults in general, and although the story is about a girl, the story is for all young adults, male or female. My books are all about kids being able to take control of their lives and going from someone told to be quiet and do as they are told to someone that can take control of their life and the direction it is heading.
What is your favorite genre to read and write?
Wow, good question. I read everything - young adult, adult, fiction, non-fiction, news - you name it. It really comes down to the story for me. If the story sounds good then I want to read it. A great cover also draws me in. I used to love horror but as I get older my nervous system doesn't like it anymore.
For writing, I am now strictly into young adult fiction. I wrote both my own memoir - a humorous look at my 20-year career in the Canadian Forces and my dad’s memoir of being forced into a Russian prisoner-of-war camp at the age of 14. After these two I decided to focus exclusively on young adult.
The reason I love writing young adult is because I was a pretty dull, immature kid growing up and I realized later on in life that I was just a late bloomer. I have really become what I wanted to be, although I didn’t have a great start. My self-esteem was pretty low as well as a kid, so I love to write about young people who are pathetically normal who blossom into something really special when given the opportunity.
Are you equally good at telling stories orally?
Absolutely. I love a good story and I really think that if you’re a good storyteller than you can be a successful author. I am an actor as well and I love being able to become someone totally different from who I am in real live. I did a movie once where I had to be a mean father who punches his son and wow did I have fun showing a dark side of me on film. I am nothing like that in real life by the way but it was fun to act that way.
What discipline do you impose on yourself regarding schedules, goals, etc.?
When I get into writing mode I take one day every weekend, usually Saturday (where I live the weekend is Friday and Saturday instead of Saturday and Sunday) and I write the whole day. This usually works out to about 10 to 12 hours. As well, during the week I try to write at least one hour a night.
Last year I took a week off for vacation and wrote the whole week. Wow, did I ever get a lot accomplished.
Deep down inside, who do you write for?
Another great question. I think we authors all write for ourselves, otherwise we couldn’t keep doing it. I personally love telling stories and I find I need to write just to keep my head cleaned out for the next great story that comes along.
Your mind is your work tool. How do you take care of it?
I am a ferocious reader. I read news, stories, novels, help books, you name it. I really think if you aren’t a good reader, it’s hard to be a good writer.
It is amazing how the brain works. The more I sit and write trying to develop a story idea the more my brain tries to figure it out for you. I have read that the brain is a goal oriented organ and if we tell it that we want something it will work trying to give it to us. However, there is no substitute for sitting in the chair and writing.
Does reader feed-back help you?
Yes to a point. I have some people that I can take criticism from but my wife isn’t one of them haha. It’s too personal if she says something to me so we have decided not to go that route. I have an editor who can tell me anything and I listen to her because when it comes to my manuscripts she is a genius.
Every writer has his or her own style. That’s what makes reading so much fun. If we all wrote the same way if would be pretty boring. I have my way and I don’t think I could change even if I wanted to, so I love comments and understand we all have our own tastes. If someone loves my book, or doesn't love my book that is their personal opinion and I respect that.
What do you surround yourself with in your work area in order to help you concentrate?
I have a really cool office with posters, my guitar and violin, autographed photos from actor friends, old hockey pictures of me and I made my office like this because it makes me want to spend time there, and when I am writing I spend a lot of time there.
As well, I can’t write a thing without music pouring through my headphones. I have over 65,000 songs in my digital music collection. I have a pair of Sony stereo headphones I wear that keep me focused.
(I am wearing them right now listening to the Q107 Toronto radio station online while I write this.)
I have a great glass desk, a top of the line keyboard (because I am very selective about my pens and keyboards) and an Ikea chair to sit in while I write. I need to feel comfortable.
As a side note, I would love it if famous writers showed us where they sit and write their books. Wouldn't it be cool to see where Stephen King or JK Rowling sit and write?
I think this is such a cool idea that I've made a video for my blog that shows my readers exactly where I go to do all my writing. They can see my office, desk, computer and they can compare what I have with what they have. I like that it gives me something personal I can give my readers about who I am and where I do my thing.
What are you working on now?
I went to Los Angeles last September to visit family and I fell in love with the place. We went through Hollywood and Vines in LA as well as traveled through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley. I though "what a perfect setting for my next book" so I started writing a book about a young man by the name of Taylor (I have a Taylor guitar which I love, hence the name LOL.)
Taylor disappears while walking to school and two months later is found wandering along the Pacific Coast Highway. He doesn’t know who he is, where he was, and how he got there. Shortly after his return, a young girl begins to enter his vivid nightly dreams and he realizes he’ll have no peace unless he finds out who she is and what she wants.
I have another novel already written and ready for publishing titled “Holly Alexander and the Mystery of the Courthouse Square.” This book will be released next in Summer / Fall 2012. I grew up with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mysteries and I decided to write a book in that style. I loved those books growing up. They were the Harry Potter books of my generation.
Thank you for having me on your blog. I have some great prizes for people to enter to win who are following my blog tour. Good luck in the future and all the best.
Pete
MAPLE EXPRESS
By
Peter Brandt
BLURB: Sara Maple has a comfortable life—the only child of a wealthy family—a best friend who does everything she asks—and the admiration of most of her schoolmates. Unfortunately, her temper and “indestructible” attitude quickly place her in a very precarious position.
“The Maple Express” is a powerful novel that captures the author’s take on the miracle of the human mind. “The Maple Express” delves into the actions and consequences of a young girl who has never had to take responsibility for her actions before. The story brings the reader into a world where Sara’s determination to find her way off the train sends her on an emotional trip that bonds her to her new friends and changes her life forever.
Both young and old readers will love the emotional journey Sara Maple takes them on as she deciphers the obstacles that confront her. Sara’s story ends with a surprise twist and leaves the reader with a sense of discovery about his or her own humanity.
The three girls giggled at Mr. Freezen as he walked around the cafeteria, stopping and talking to some of the boys that were being excessively loud.
“Oh, my God — he doesn’t even know it,” Jenny snorted and then burst out laughing, lowering her head and banging her fist, causing the dishes and milk containers to bounce up and down on the table.
Julie had her arm around Sara’s and the two of them were laughing just as hard. The cafeteria was abuzz with the sounds of kids talking, louder and louder to get the edge above the other voices until a crescendo of voices drowned out any semblance of understanding.
When the hair finally tickled his ear, Mr. Freezen pushed his hand through his hair and tossed his comb-over back into place on top of his head. As quick as lightning, he pulled out his comb and straightened it.
A couple of the boys fought to contain their giggles while he combed everything into place. The rest of the cafeteria continued with their own lives with no indication of what was transpiring within feet of them.
The group watched him point his comb at the boys and say something before he left.
“Someone should tell him that the comb-over look is dead,” Julie quipped.
“Not me,” Sara said, a shot of fear on her face as she fidgeted in her seat.
Once Mr. Freezen left the boys’ table, they erupted into laughter. They watched a young man wipe tears from his eyes.
“He’s so cute,” Sara mumbled, but Julie overheard it.
“Why don’t you ask him to the Sadie Hawkins dance?”
“Yea, yea I will. I just need to find the right time.”
AUTHOR INFORMATION:
It only takes a few minutes of thought before Peter Brandt can devise a scenario that would make a fantastic story, and minutes after that before it begins to fill itself in.
“I have been able to think up stories all my life but it’s only been in the last seven years that I realized I was abusing my creative side by not writing them down.”
Peter retired from the Air Force and began a new career as a Technical Writer. His writing abilities have allowed him to work in Canada, the United States and even in the Middle East.
But its Peter’s love for stories that has brought him into a new realm of writing. His humorous memoir about his life as a soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces and the tragic memoir about his father’s life in a Prisoner-of-War camp at the age of 14 allowed him to refine his writing before he began to venture in writing Young Adult fiction.
“I have a very unique way of creating my stories. It begins with a craving, like a recent smoker who just quit cigarettes but still feels the addiction. I can’t shake it until I sit down and begin to let my mind wander. Many times I start my quest for a new story by wondering - What If. Soon after I begin to write and can usually get the first draft completed within a few weeks.
Maple Express began as a “what if” question and I’d share it with you but it would give away the storyline.”
I always write my stories as I would see them on the movie screen, which is why writing screenplays are also something I do. I am shooting a short film I wrote with a friend of mine within the next couple of weeks with another film shortly after.”
Peter has taken formal lessons in acting and has enjoyed some success as an actor in TV and film before his day job as a Lead Technical Writer required him to move out of the country.
“I can honestly say I have landed in the perfect job for me. I love to write...doesn’t really matter what I write, creatively or technically, writing is a pleasurable experience. It has allowed me to travel and for that I am grateful.”
Peter grew up with the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew hardcover books.
“I loved them. I remember sitting under my blanket after lights out, sweating from the heat and the fear that gripped me as Joe and Frank carried on with another of their adventures.”
It is with these wonderful stories in mind that Peter wrote “Holly Alexander and the Mystery of the Courthouse Square.” This young adult novel will be released summer / fall 2012.
“I never really grew up. I have tried to write for adults but I find it difficult. I was a small, shy, and bullied kid growing up. I was nothing special. I had terrible grades, no idea what I wanted to do with my life and girls...wow, totally foreign to me. After I joined the Army those years faded quickly and I guess it has caused me to want to get those years back.
That is why I crave writing about young people who feel they are nothing special until I put them in a position where they have no choice but to become someone they never dreamed they could be. It is very uplifting for me to make heroes out of young people who believe they have nothing to contribute. It’s an eye opener for me as well as for them when it happens.”
Pete continues to write and publish through Simple Simon Publishing, a different type of publisher.
“Simple Simon Publishing is all about turning authors into entrepreneurs. For too long authors have felt dependent on the closed loop publishing industry to discover them and make them successful. Simple Simon’s philosophy is you are not just an author but the best person in the world to sell your product...you and your writing.”
Peter and his wife Carly have five kids who are all grown and on their own.
LINKS
www.peterabrandt.com is my personal site.
www.simplesimonpublishing.com is where my books are for sale.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/140570 is where Maple Express is for sale at Smashwords for $1.99
Peter has some original prizes he's giving away at the end of his tour. Two winners will win a pint jug of Butternut Mountain Farm Vermont Pure Maple Syrup, Grade A Dark Amber, in honor of the main character of The Maple Express, Sara Maple, from the small town of Mapleton Vermont. One grand prize winner will win an awesome Bachmann Trains Pegasus Ready-to-Run HO Scale Train Set. Also, the blog host with the most comments will win a 2012 Canadian (1 oz) Silver Maple Leaf Coin in an "Air-Tite" Capsule.
For details of where you can follow Peter's tour visit:
http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/virtual-book-tour-maple-express-by.html.
April 4, 2012
Maple Express Review
I recently read a book called Maple Express by Peter Brandt. As Peter is a guest on my blog tomorrow, I thought I'd put up the review first so you can see what we are talking about. Enjoy
Title: Maple Express
Author: Peter A Brandt
Publisher: Simple Simon Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Inspirational
Length Full - 178 pages
Age Recommendation: 14+
Review:
Spoilt little rich girl describes Sarah Maple exactly. Her parents struggle for normality in their home, but Sarah knows the marriage is broken, probably beyond repair. She works this to her advantage, getting a car from her father and making her mother feel guilty enough to bale her out of any trouble.
"Maple Express" begins with Sarah showing her true colors at school, then skipping class to go to a sale. Unfortunately she crashes her car. When she regains consciousness she is on a train, a very weird train which seems to be traveling from nowhere to nowhere. She has four traveling companions. Loving, caring Sadie, Rebecca who's only a child and Alanis who is reserved in an abrasive sort of way. There is also the volatile Arden who appears to think he's in charge. Sarah's determination to get off the train drags the others into her scheme and the adventures begin.
The first chapters of this book bring Sarah to life. The author lets us look inside her head to see how this spoiled teenager justifies her actions toward her parents and her peers. I got a little confused when Sarah woke up on the train, but after her first attempt to escape the "Maple Express" I realized what was happening and looked forward to seeing how the author solved the problems which continuously popped up in front of Sarah.
While not a "show stopper" this book is a pleasant read and would appeal to teenage girls, especially those with lack of self-esteem. Teenagers may see a little of themselves in the characters as the author shows how even those who are considered popular can have doubts. The book might help them see their true selves and where there is room for improvement.
Buy Links:
Publisher: Simple Simon Publishing
Smashwords
Website: Peter Brandt
Visit tomorrow and see what Peter has to say about Maple Express, plus there's an excerpt and a chance to win a gift if you leave a comment.
March 31, 2012
Book Cover Contest - I won!!!
I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me in the Books in Sync Cover Contest for March. I'm delighted to say that I won! Actually my cover artist Gwen Phifer was the real winner, but it gives me a warm glow too. Thanks to Gwen and thank you Books in Sync, but most of all thank you to the people who voted.
http://www.booksinsync.com/bookcovercontest.html
http://www.booksinsync.com/bookcovercontest.html
March 17, 2012
Three month update
It's hard to realise the first three months of 2012 have slid by so quickly. While the northern hemisphere enters its spring and summer, here in the southern hemisphere we have autumn. Our summer in New Zealand wasn't too bad, but not as lovely as usual, but I have to admit this weekend is turning out to be absolutely gorgeous.
In February I was delighted to host the Young Adult and Middle Grade Blog Bonanza with many authors of this genre visiting the blog and providing so much entertainment and information for writers and readers alike.
So far 2012 has brought me three contracts - one Young Adult, one contemporary romance and one fantasy romance.
I'd love for all visitors to my blog to leave a comment telling us what the first three months of the year have brought for you.
In February I was delighted to host the Young Adult and Middle Grade Blog Bonanza with many authors of this genre visiting the blog and providing so much entertainment and information for writers and readers alike.
So far 2012 has brought me three contracts - one Young Adult, one contemporary romance and one fantasy romance.
I'd love for all visitors to my blog to leave a comment telling us what the first three months of the year have brought for you.
