A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 53
December 11, 2016
Book Spotlight: Christmas Lites VI
As faithful readers know, for the last few years I've been privileged to be able to contribute to the wonder charity anthology series, Christmas Lites, that help raise money for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. And this year I am included in the newly released Christmas Lites VI with my story Fate and Faerie. So here;'s a look at the book, plus a little trailer I whipped up ffor my story. Enjoy!
Christmas Lites VI
Cthulhu wants to wish you a Merry Christmas. The Fae sprinkle their fairy dust to ensure your light never fades. Assassins and adventures alike keep the spirit of life alive. Even the mob brings their family to the dinner table for glorious feasts. Feel the magic of the season, the spirit of giving, the love of friends and family. Discover bright new worlds, blood-pumping adventures, true love and heartbreak as you explore the stories inside these covers.For the sixth year in a row, authors from all over the world combined their efforts and talents to create the anthology in your hands. Not for fame or fortune, but to help those in need. Every dime raised from this anthology goes straight to those who provide the assistance to these people. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has been helping in ways we can never imagine for years, and we are happy to help support their efforts.
Please visit their website at www.ncadv.org for more information.
LIST OF AUTHORS:(In order of appearance)
D.T. DyllinFiona RentonJG FahertyAngela Yuriko SmithMonica La PortaOttilie WeberS. Patrick PothierCassie McCownKaren Cutler DrecktrahAnna McCownAnnabelle KristufekBrandon EyeMarcus EdwardsKiara EhsaniZoe BakerBrett TalleyA. F. StewartPhil CantrillLora ChristineVered EhsaniTricia KristufekFrank SmithMisty BakerSimon HuntleyAmy Huntley
Christmas Lites VI is available at Amazon
Trailer for Fate and Faerie
And be sure to check out the other books in the series as well!
December 7, 2016
Drabble Wednesday: Creepy Christmas
So after a hiatus last month due to the flu and other things, Drabble Wednesday is back.And today on Drabble Wednesday I’m celebrating the Horror Holidays. Do join me for three tales of blood and jingle bells…
The Christmas Party
Come in, come in. The more the merrier, isn’t that what they say? We have food and drinks waiting for you. The guests shuffled in, ushered along by festive Christmas music. They moved slowly through an open door, and saw a wondrous spread of hors d'oeuvres, champagne, cocktails, and more. They smiled. You see, just what we promised. The best Christmas party of your life. The new arrivals mingled with the earlier crowd. Behind them the doors closed. Their hosts raised a glass in a smiling toast, vampire fangs gleaming. Did we mention? This will also be your last Christmas.
~*~
The Ghosts of Christmas
Scrooge wasn’t the only one you know. And it wasn’t like the story at all. Those ghosts weren’t trying to help. They showed us visions, that part was true, but they tempted us, dangled desires and wealth like bangles on a pretty Christmas tree. Whispered in our ears about what we could have, if we just agreed. They came to both of us, Scrooge and Marley. They wanted the partnership, you see. But old Ebenezer was smart. He didn’t listen to those ghosts. He rejected their promises. He changed. Me, well, I was greedy. I acquiesced. I sold my soul.
~*~
And for the last offering, (with apologies to Clement Moore), here's a skewed bit of the cherished holiday, coming in a slightly longer than 100 words…
A Visit from St. Nicholas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the housecame the smell of dead creatures, yes, even the mouseThe stockings were shredded, all tatters and bareamid ruins and bloodstains and the odd broken chair
The children were slaughtered all snug in their beds,with most of their brains gone away from their heads.And Mama stopped screaming when she bled from her throat,while I fled that room as quick as a goat.
And behind me he came, with, oh, such a clatter,A’ growling and snarling, and after brain matterI ran for my life, a Christmas most foul,With zombie St. Nicholas here on the prowl
The Christmas Party
Come in, come in. The more the merrier, isn’t that what they say? We have food and drinks waiting for you. The guests shuffled in, ushered along by festive Christmas music. They moved slowly through an open door, and saw a wondrous spread of hors d'oeuvres, champagne, cocktails, and more. They smiled. You see, just what we promised. The best Christmas party of your life. The new arrivals mingled with the earlier crowd. Behind them the doors closed. Their hosts raised a glass in a smiling toast, vampire fangs gleaming. Did we mention? This will also be your last Christmas.
~*~
The Ghosts of Christmas
Scrooge wasn’t the only one you know. And it wasn’t like the story at all. Those ghosts weren’t trying to help. They showed us visions, that part was true, but they tempted us, dangled desires and wealth like bangles on a pretty Christmas tree. Whispered in our ears about what we could have, if we just agreed. They came to both of us, Scrooge and Marley. They wanted the partnership, you see. But old Ebenezer was smart. He didn’t listen to those ghosts. He rejected their promises. He changed. Me, well, I was greedy. I acquiesced. I sold my soul.
~*~
And for the last offering, (with apologies to Clement Moore), here's a skewed bit of the cherished holiday, coming in a slightly longer than 100 words…
A Visit from St. Nicholas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the housecame the smell of dead creatures, yes, even the mouseThe stockings were shredded, all tatters and bareamid ruins and bloodstains and the odd broken chair
The children were slaughtered all snug in their beds,with most of their brains gone away from their heads.And Mama stopped screaming when she bled from her throat,while I fled that room as quick as a goat.
And behind me he came, with, oh, such a clatter,A’ growling and snarling, and after brain matterI ran for my life, a Christmas most foul,With zombie St. Nicholas here on the prowl
December 4, 2016
Book Spotlight: A Mighty Rolling Thunder
Today I bring you a spotlight for the newly released post-apocalyptic/urban fantasy, A Mighty Rolling Thunder by talented author Kerry Alan Denney. Plus, there's a Raffecopter giveaway for a chance to win an ebook of this release!
So enjoy my minions...
A Mighty Rolling Thunder by Kerry Alan Denney
Spring, 2024: Two spirit hordes break through from another dimension, and make half the world’s population vanish. The spirits possess the survivors, dividing them into two groups: those who fight to retain their humanity, and marauders who destroy everything in their paths.
Artist Livi DeSilva is fleeing from possessed killers when she meets Conor McLain, a man suffering from amnesia. Outnumbered and outgunned, Livi and Conor team up and fight off homicidal lunatics and ruthless gangs, only to end up cornered by their deadliest foe: billionaire Victor van Danz, a psychopath who commands the new world’s dark forces. Victor craves immortality, and kidnaps Livi. He believes that when he kills Livi in front of her collection of canvases and absorbs her life energy, he will transform into a god.
With only Conor, two amazing dogs, and a band of plucky children to aid her, Livi must harness the power of the spirits inside her and use it to defeat Victor—or die in the clutches of a madman.
A Mighty Rolling Thunder is available at:
Amazon
Goodreads
A Mighty Rolling Thunder Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Trailer
Author Bio:
Colleagues and readers have dubbed Kerry Alan Denney The Reality Bender. The multiple award-winning author of the paranormal/ supernatural thrillers Marionettes (June 2016), Soulsnatcher (April 2014), Dreamweavers (August 2015), and the critically-acclaimed post-apocalyptic sci-fi/ horror thriller Jagannath (Permuted Press, February 2015), as well as numerous published short stories, Kerry blends elements of the supernatural, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in his work: speculative fiction at its wildest and craziest. With joy, malicious glee, and a touch of madness, he writes reality-bending thrillers, even when the voices don’t compel him to.On July 24, 2015, Jagannath became a #1 Amazon bestseller. On March 31, 2015, Soulsnatcher won 2nd Place as 2014 Book of the Year in The Drunken Druid’s International Book Award competition. Kerry's novels have received numerous rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and Jagannath and Soulsnatcher each received a rave blurb from New York Timesbestselling author James Rollins.
For more information and to contact Kerry, go to http://www.kerrydenney.com
So enjoy my minions...
A Mighty Rolling Thunder by Kerry Alan Denney
Spring, 2024: Two spirit hordes break through from another dimension, and make half the world’s population vanish. The spirits possess the survivors, dividing them into two groups: those who fight to retain their humanity, and marauders who destroy everything in their paths.
Artist Livi DeSilva is fleeing from possessed killers when she meets Conor McLain, a man suffering from amnesia. Outnumbered and outgunned, Livi and Conor team up and fight off homicidal lunatics and ruthless gangs, only to end up cornered by their deadliest foe: billionaire Victor van Danz, a psychopath who commands the new world’s dark forces. Victor craves immortality, and kidnaps Livi. He believes that when he kills Livi in front of her collection of canvases and absorbs her life energy, he will transform into a god.
With only Conor, two amazing dogs, and a band of plucky children to aid her, Livi must harness the power of the spirits inside her and use it to defeat Victor—or die in the clutches of a madman.
A Mighty Rolling Thunder is available at:
Amazon
Goodreads
A Mighty Rolling Thunder Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Book Trailer
Author Bio:
Colleagues and readers have dubbed Kerry Alan Denney The Reality Bender. The multiple award-winning author of the paranormal/ supernatural thrillers Marionettes (June 2016), Soulsnatcher (April 2014), Dreamweavers (August 2015), and the critically-acclaimed post-apocalyptic sci-fi/ horror thriller Jagannath (Permuted Press, February 2015), as well as numerous published short stories, Kerry blends elements of the supernatural, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror in his work: speculative fiction at its wildest and craziest. With joy, malicious glee, and a touch of madness, he writes reality-bending thrillers, even when the voices don’t compel him to.On July 24, 2015, Jagannath became a #1 Amazon bestseller. On March 31, 2015, Soulsnatcher won 2nd Place as 2014 Book of the Year in The Drunken Druid’s International Book Award competition. Kerry's novels have received numerous rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and Jagannath and Soulsnatcher each received a rave blurb from New York Timesbestselling author James Rollins.
For more information and to contact Kerry, go to http://www.kerrydenney.com
December 2, 2016
Interview With Author Theresa Pocock
Today I have a great treat, an interview with historical fantasy author Theresa Pocock, who stops by to chat about her newly released book (paperback available from bookbaby), Elizabeth Tudor. Enjoy!
Interview with Theresa Pocock
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I’m just a girl who is trying to make her way in this world. No… well I am a mom, a wife, a Christian, and an author. I feel like everything I do fits into those four fields.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book? Well, as a history major, when you learn about the sixteenth century you can’t help but learn of Henry VIII and all his wives and his shenanigans. I of course was fascinated with the subject but something my teacher said in passing one day sparked the idea for this book; what if Henry’s claims that Anne Boleyn entranced him really were true? The idea stuck and when I began writing it was just a natural topic for me to explore. In ELIZABETH TUDOR: Ancestry of Sorcery, Anne and Elizabeth come from a long line of sorceresses, but Anne makes certain that her daughter, the potential queen of England, will be the most powerful one yet. I am very excited about this story. I feel that it is a strong retelling made more interesting with the sparkle of magic and the tragedy of star crossed love.
How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
Ten years. I’ve completed 6 books. ELIZABETH is my first publication.
Of all the books you've written, do you have a favorite?
To be honest which ever book I am reading, writing, editing, is the best book ever. Because naturally all the things I wish authors would do in the books I read for pleasure I do in my book, which automatically makes it the best in my mind, right?
Why did you decide to write in the Fantasy genre?
Well I always felt it was the only genre worth reading, that is until I turned 30. Now I find merit in many other genres. My WIP is actually my first non-fantasy story about a celebrity dating service and I am loving it. You can read my whole description at www.theresapocock.com.
Who is your intended readership?
Probably women and teens, all of my stories have a strong romantic element to them. That’s just me. I feel like I write the angst of teen love quite well and the tenderness of mature love also. So I would say anyone who likes romance. (not sex)
Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
As I said above ELIZABETH TUDOR was inspired by the idea that Anne Boleyn really was a sorceress. That she bewitched Henry and that is why he did all he did. My inspiration was a contrast between two things actually. First, I read an amazing book called Eragon when I was 25. I was so inspired by how young the author was. I read that the author couldn’t get a publishing deal and that he had to do some pretty amazing things to get his stuff out there. Then I read a truly ridiculous story which got published no problem and I kind of took that as a challenge, I guess. I also thought if a teenager can write so can I! That was when it became real. That’s when I began plotting.
What did you enjoy most about writing your book?
I love that I get to tell these cool stories. I love researching. Like with ELIZABETH TUDOR, I wanted it to be as historically accurate as possible. I read everything from novels, to encyclopedias, to her journals, to her speeches, to her bank statements, just to assure that I would have things correct. I can get lost in the researching.
What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
It took me and entire year of consistent writing during naps times and early mornings and evenings to get ELIZABETH done. I don’t have a great memory and that is exacerbated by the fact that I’m dyslexic so when I am dealing with people and places and loads of facts I’m connecting, I must review every day. If I leave it for a week or something its literally like starting from scratch.
What advice would you give beginning writers?
I would tell them to write 500,000 words before you commit yourself. I would also say don’t force it. If you have a story to tell it will come out. That doesn’t mean it’s easy that just means you won’t be able to leave it alone. If you can’t leave it alone you’re an author and you need to do your prerequisites. Which are: Read a ton. I feel like this is imprinting. You imprint good writing in your mind, all the while you practice. Research the elements of writing. How to show not tell, how to change tense, how to write tension, how to plot things out. Figure out if you’re a pants-er or a plot-er. Have people read your stuff and get some opinions. If you do these things and you have a story to tell the ability to get it down on paper will come. So never ever lose hope. Then I say write an amazing query letter and send it to me at www.bigworldnetwork.com as of January 1, 2017 I am the new submissions manager there.
Are you working on another book?
I have something I am so excited about. It is a fantasy set in the Garden of Eden. I call it GUARDIANS OF THE GARDEN. Briefly, it’s about a family that protects the garden of Eden from those wanting to gain immortality by eating of the tree of life. As time marches on they gain fantastic powers to protect the garden from advancing technology. My story starts in the chaos of a PREapocalypse world and a betrayal from inside the garden. I have a really amazing agent looking at it right now and I have high hopes. I’m also putting some of my work on Wattpad you can check it out for just go to: www.theresapocock.com and see what strikes your fancy.
Author Bio:
Theresa Pocock is not a history buff but she is a history lover which lead her to study the subject at BYU-Idaho. However it was here obsession with the literature that sparked the idea to write. Since, that desire has become an annoyingly relentless compulsion gnawing at her attention and focus, As her list of story ideas grows longer and her free time gets shorter it has taken tireless dedication to continue writing. Utilizing earily mornings, nap-times, sport practices and many many late nights has born fruit though in the form of six wonderfully crafted novels which she hopes to share with the world. After sixteen moves, three kids, four dogs, and a few fish, Theresa and her family currently reside in Washington state. For now.
Interview with Theresa Pocock
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I’m just a girl who is trying to make her way in this world. No… well I am a mom, a wife, a Christian, and an author. I feel like everything I do fits into those four fields.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book? Well, as a history major, when you learn about the sixteenth century you can’t help but learn of Henry VIII and all his wives and his shenanigans. I of course was fascinated with the subject but something my teacher said in passing one day sparked the idea for this book; what if Henry’s claims that Anne Boleyn entranced him really were true? The idea stuck and when I began writing it was just a natural topic for me to explore. In ELIZABETH TUDOR: Ancestry of Sorcery, Anne and Elizabeth come from a long line of sorceresses, but Anne makes certain that her daughter, the potential queen of England, will be the most powerful one yet. I am very excited about this story. I feel that it is a strong retelling made more interesting with the sparkle of magic and the tragedy of star crossed love.
How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
Ten years. I’ve completed 6 books. ELIZABETH is my first publication.
Of all the books you've written, do you have a favorite?
To be honest which ever book I am reading, writing, editing, is the best book ever. Because naturally all the things I wish authors would do in the books I read for pleasure I do in my book, which automatically makes it the best in my mind, right?
Why did you decide to write in the Fantasy genre?
Well I always felt it was the only genre worth reading, that is until I turned 30. Now I find merit in many other genres. My WIP is actually my first non-fantasy story about a celebrity dating service and I am loving it. You can read my whole description at www.theresapocock.com.
Who is your intended readership?
Probably women and teens, all of my stories have a strong romantic element to them. That’s just me. I feel like I write the angst of teen love quite well and the tenderness of mature love also. So I would say anyone who likes romance. (not sex)
Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
As I said above ELIZABETH TUDOR was inspired by the idea that Anne Boleyn really was a sorceress. That she bewitched Henry and that is why he did all he did. My inspiration was a contrast between two things actually. First, I read an amazing book called Eragon when I was 25. I was so inspired by how young the author was. I read that the author couldn’t get a publishing deal and that he had to do some pretty amazing things to get his stuff out there. Then I read a truly ridiculous story which got published no problem and I kind of took that as a challenge, I guess. I also thought if a teenager can write so can I! That was when it became real. That’s when I began plotting.
What did you enjoy most about writing your book?
I love that I get to tell these cool stories. I love researching. Like with ELIZABETH TUDOR, I wanted it to be as historically accurate as possible. I read everything from novels, to encyclopedias, to her journals, to her speeches, to her bank statements, just to assure that I would have things correct. I can get lost in the researching.
What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
It took me and entire year of consistent writing during naps times and early mornings and evenings to get ELIZABETH done. I don’t have a great memory and that is exacerbated by the fact that I’m dyslexic so when I am dealing with people and places and loads of facts I’m connecting, I must review every day. If I leave it for a week or something its literally like starting from scratch.
What advice would you give beginning writers?
I would tell them to write 500,000 words before you commit yourself. I would also say don’t force it. If you have a story to tell it will come out. That doesn’t mean it’s easy that just means you won’t be able to leave it alone. If you can’t leave it alone you’re an author and you need to do your prerequisites. Which are: Read a ton. I feel like this is imprinting. You imprint good writing in your mind, all the while you practice. Research the elements of writing. How to show not tell, how to change tense, how to write tension, how to plot things out. Figure out if you’re a pants-er or a plot-er. Have people read your stuff and get some opinions. If you do these things and you have a story to tell the ability to get it down on paper will come. So never ever lose hope. Then I say write an amazing query letter and send it to me at www.bigworldnetwork.com as of January 1, 2017 I am the new submissions manager there.
Are you working on another book?
I have something I am so excited about. It is a fantasy set in the Garden of Eden. I call it GUARDIANS OF THE GARDEN. Briefly, it’s about a family that protects the garden of Eden from those wanting to gain immortality by eating of the tree of life. As time marches on they gain fantastic powers to protect the garden from advancing technology. My story starts in the chaos of a PREapocalypse world and a betrayal from inside the garden. I have a really amazing agent looking at it right now and I have high hopes. I’m also putting some of my work on Wattpad you can check it out for just go to: www.theresapocock.com and see what strikes your fancy.
Author Bio:
Theresa Pocock is not a history buff but she is a history lover which lead her to study the subject at BYU-Idaho. However it was here obsession with the literature that sparked the idea to write. Since, that desire has become an annoyingly relentless compulsion gnawing at her attention and focus, As her list of story ideas grows longer and her free time gets shorter it has taken tireless dedication to continue writing. Utilizing earily mornings, nap-times, sport practices and many many late nights has born fruit though in the form of six wonderfully crafted novels which she hopes to share with the world. After sixteen moves, three kids, four dogs, and a few fish, Theresa and her family currently reside in Washington state. For now.November 30, 2016
Book Spotlight: Collected Christmas Horror Shorts
Today I have a book spotlight for Collected Christmas Horror Shorts, presented by author Kevin J Kennedy, and featuring a host of talented writers serving up a side of creepy Christmas cheer. Enjoy!
Collected Christmas Horror Shorts
Christmas is often thought of as a time of joy and cheer, a time for giving to others, a time of celebration and love…. Well this year some of the best voices in horror fiction decided to band together and tell you some tales about a different kind of Christmas, so grab yourself a mug of hot chocolate, close the curtains, lock the door and get comfy. This will be a Christmas like never before!
Collected Christmas Horror Shorts is available at:
Amazon (US)Amazon (UK)
Featuring:
12 Days (Psychopath Remix) by J.C. Michael (poem) Thy Will be Done by J.C. Michael Tommy’s Christmas by John R. Little Naughty or Nice by Veronica Smith Santa's Midnight Feast by J.L. LaneHung With Care by Ty SchwambergerSanta Came by Peter Oliver WonderIn the Bag by Tim Curran The Christmas Spirit by Lisa MortonThe Tome of Bill Cristmas Carol by Rick GualtieriKilling Christmas by Andrew LennonAll Naughty, No Nice by Michael A. ArnzenA Disappointed Shade of Blue by C.S. Andserson (poem)Stuffed Pig by Steven MurrayThe Night Before Christmas by Suzanne FoxBetter Watch Out by Willow RoseDeck The Halls by Xtina Marie (poem)Christmas Market by Amy CrossMerry Fuckin' Christmas by Kevin J. Kennedy The Veil by Rose GarnettThe Last Christmas Dinner by Christina BerglingThe Present by Israel FinnChristmas Carole by Lisa VasquezSlay Bells by Weston Kincade
Kevin J Kennedy is the author of The Tale of Sawney Bean and a regular contributor to Horror and Young Adult anthologies. Kevin lives in a small town in Scotland with his wife, step daughter and two strange little cats.
Collected Christmas Horror Shorts
Christmas is often thought of as a time of joy and cheer, a time for giving to others, a time of celebration and love…. Well this year some of the best voices in horror fiction decided to band together and tell you some tales about a different kind of Christmas, so grab yourself a mug of hot chocolate, close the curtains, lock the door and get comfy. This will be a Christmas like never before!
Collected Christmas Horror Shorts is available at:
Amazon (US)Amazon (UK)
Featuring:
12 Days (Psychopath Remix) by J.C. Michael (poem) Thy Will be Done by J.C. Michael Tommy’s Christmas by John R. Little Naughty or Nice by Veronica Smith Santa's Midnight Feast by J.L. LaneHung With Care by Ty SchwambergerSanta Came by Peter Oliver WonderIn the Bag by Tim Curran The Christmas Spirit by Lisa MortonThe Tome of Bill Cristmas Carol by Rick GualtieriKilling Christmas by Andrew LennonAll Naughty, No Nice by Michael A. ArnzenA Disappointed Shade of Blue by C.S. Andserson (poem)Stuffed Pig by Steven MurrayThe Night Before Christmas by Suzanne FoxBetter Watch Out by Willow RoseDeck The Halls by Xtina Marie (poem)Christmas Market by Amy CrossMerry Fuckin' Christmas by Kevin J. Kennedy The Veil by Rose GarnettThe Last Christmas Dinner by Christina BerglingThe Present by Israel FinnChristmas Carole by Lisa VasquezSlay Bells by Weston Kincade
Kevin J Kennedy is the author of The Tale of Sawney Bean and a regular contributor to Horror and Young Adult anthologies. Kevin lives in a small town in Scotland with his wife, step daughter and two strange little cats.
November 13, 2016
Interview with Kevin S. Chambers, Author of God's Rogue
Today I have an interview with writer Kevin S. Chambers, who chats about his new novel God's Rogue, his screenwriting and other tidbits. Enjoy.
Interview with Kevin S. Chambers
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
First off, thanks for taking the time to post this. I generally try to let my work talk for me, but this I guess is more about me right? Anyways, I currently reside in the North West, where I attended school at Western Oregon University, for Earth Science. Since about 2009 I’ve been writing, or attempting to write my own novel. Originally I had Awakening, that I shopped around, and never got anywhere with. After a few years attempting this, I made the switch to screenplays, where I’ve had more success, including two produced shows/web-series, Starship Orion, and Daughter of Time. The first season of DOT should be coming early next year.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
I have a list of novels to write, and a list of TV shows and movies I’d like to produce. When I was down in LA last February, I met up with a potential distributor/production company for Daughter of Time, which is about Time Traveling Assassins. Anyways, when I was down there, they mentioned they were looking for movies, Naturally, I brought up God’s Rogue, which was meant to be a TV show. Well they asked if I could write it into a movie, which I did. As I wrote, I realized there was a lot there. As such, I decided to turn it into a book. Which combines the concept of Ancient Aliens, and the value of human life. Personally I believe in the value of life. An individual only has one life, and it’s theirs to live. The main character Kaden Hunt, who has discovered hidden talents in the human genome, takes up a fight against two Annunaki. During his fight, he begins to discover who he once was in previous lives. As he begins to discover, he realizes there are enemies much more powerful out in the universes.
Who is your intended readership?
Young adult and up, who like to have a reading experience take them on an adventure, while challenging them mentally. I ask questions, that I want the reader to think, what if I was in the position.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
My writing routine is a bit different I guess, I usually get all of my ideas from dreams. Where I will write them down. Sometimes I’ll let the stories play out in my head, and leave it at that. Others, if I really love the characters, and story I will begin to write either a novel, short story, movie, or television show.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Growing up I had a learning disability in English and Grammar. It started as an IEP, which I worked hard to get down to a 504. Even now I have trouble with English and Grammar. My editor would often call me, as he pulled his hair out in frustration.
Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?
First let me dive into a bit of my reading history. When I entered Middle School, I stopped reading, thinking it was uncool. Well in 2007 a teacher gave me a copy of Eragon, which I sat on for over a year. Finally I started reading it, and I fell in love with the series and reading. Well in the fall of 08 I saw two actors from Power Rangers were in Legend of the Seeker. Once I saw what it was about I began to watch it. I noticed that it was a book. Well since that time, I’ve been a huge Terry Goodkind fan, you can see similar themes in God’s Rogue.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
I do love to dance, especially line dancing. I don’t mind kayaking, fishing, exploring. I have this idea of going to Ireland, and letting my feet guide me, get me lost. Really just exploring the world around me, is such fun. I have great friends who like to go along with me.
Are you working on another book?
Spoilers. Yes, I’m working on The Travelers Tower. Which is the second book in the series. I’m also beginning to rewrite Rogue Mage, completely unrelated.
What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your book?
I want to tell stories, and entertain people. Let’s also be honest, I want to make a good living off this, to allow me to do other things.
In addition to writing novels, Kevin S. Chambers has a series, Daughter of Time (Time Needs an Assassin) currently in post production that should be available next year. When not writing, or on set, he’s at home with his wife and dog, out playing baseball, or fishing.
God's Rogue by Kevin S. Chambers
Kaden Hunt has been fighting a hidden war for humanity, alone. A war that changed one night when his oldest friend tried to kill him. Now Kaden the most powerful human in existence has drawn the complete focus of Enki and Shamash the two warring leaders of the Annunaki; the aliens who created humanity. Both are determined to stop Kaden from becoming what he once was, who he once was. For if he becomes the Traveler a more powerful enemy will be freed.
God's Rogue is available on pre-order at Amazon and launches November 14th.
Interview with Kevin S. Chambers
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
First off, thanks for taking the time to post this. I generally try to let my work talk for me, but this I guess is more about me right? Anyways, I currently reside in the North West, where I attended school at Western Oregon University, for Earth Science. Since about 2009 I’ve been writing, or attempting to write my own novel. Originally I had Awakening, that I shopped around, and never got anywhere with. After a few years attempting this, I made the switch to screenplays, where I’ve had more success, including two produced shows/web-series, Starship Orion, and Daughter of Time. The first season of DOT should be coming early next year.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
I have a list of novels to write, and a list of TV shows and movies I’d like to produce. When I was down in LA last February, I met up with a potential distributor/production company for Daughter of Time, which is about Time Traveling Assassins. Anyways, when I was down there, they mentioned they were looking for movies, Naturally, I brought up God’s Rogue, which was meant to be a TV show. Well they asked if I could write it into a movie, which I did. As I wrote, I realized there was a lot there. As such, I decided to turn it into a book. Which combines the concept of Ancient Aliens, and the value of human life. Personally I believe in the value of life. An individual only has one life, and it’s theirs to live. The main character Kaden Hunt, who has discovered hidden talents in the human genome, takes up a fight against two Annunaki. During his fight, he begins to discover who he once was in previous lives. As he begins to discover, he realizes there are enemies much more powerful out in the universes.
Who is your intended readership?
Young adult and up, who like to have a reading experience take them on an adventure, while challenging them mentally. I ask questions, that I want the reader to think, what if I was in the position.
Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
My writing routine is a bit different I guess, I usually get all of my ideas from dreams. Where I will write them down. Sometimes I’ll let the stories play out in my head, and leave it at that. Others, if I really love the characters, and story I will begin to write either a novel, short story, movie, or television show.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
Growing up I had a learning disability in English and Grammar. It started as an IEP, which I worked hard to get down to a 504. Even now I have trouble with English and Grammar. My editor would often call me, as he pulled his hair out in frustration.
Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?
First let me dive into a bit of my reading history. When I entered Middle School, I stopped reading, thinking it was uncool. Well in 2007 a teacher gave me a copy of Eragon, which I sat on for over a year. Finally I started reading it, and I fell in love with the series and reading. Well in the fall of 08 I saw two actors from Power Rangers were in Legend of the Seeker. Once I saw what it was about I began to watch it. I noticed that it was a book. Well since that time, I’ve been a huge Terry Goodkind fan, you can see similar themes in God’s Rogue.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
I do love to dance, especially line dancing. I don’t mind kayaking, fishing, exploring. I have this idea of going to Ireland, and letting my feet guide me, get me lost. Really just exploring the world around me, is such fun. I have great friends who like to go along with me.
Are you working on another book?
Spoilers. Yes, I’m working on The Travelers Tower. Which is the second book in the series. I’m also beginning to rewrite Rogue Mage, completely unrelated.
What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your book?
I want to tell stories, and entertain people. Let’s also be honest, I want to make a good living off this, to allow me to do other things.
In addition to writing novels, Kevin S. Chambers has a series, Daughter of Time (Time Needs an Assassin) currently in post production that should be available next year. When not writing, or on set, he’s at home with his wife and dog, out playing baseball, or fishing.
God's Rogue by Kevin S. Chambers
Kaden Hunt has been fighting a hidden war for humanity, alone. A war that changed one night when his oldest friend tried to kill him. Now Kaden the most powerful human in existence has drawn the complete focus of Enki and Shamash the two warring leaders of the Annunaki; the aliens who created humanity. Both are determined to stop Kaden from becoming what he once was, who he once was. For if he becomes the Traveler a more powerful enemy will be freed.
God's Rogue is available on pre-order at Amazon and launches November 14th.
November 11, 2016
The Fallen of War: A Remembrance Day Poem
The Fallen of War
See those fields of red, where the poppies grow,over trampled grass, while the mourning wind blowsWhere the ghosts still walk, where their bones still lieThose legion of the fallen, under the cold grey sky
The echo of footsteps tread in the raven’s crychased in the gloaming by each mother’s sighRemember, remember they once stood as men,below ashen clouds, beyond a stalwart when
Brothers forever, inscribed in their bloodside by side, through rain and through mudAcross chaos and smoke, that battlefield wide,a crucible forge, where they lived and they died
Only names remain, evermore etched in stoneMortality’s relics, buried past dust and boneOur memories resonance, as the sun sets lowSee those fields of red, where the poppies grow
© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved
November 1, 2016
Book Spotlight: Ambulatory Cadavers
October may be done, but the undead are making an encore appearance today, with a book spotlight on the Regency Zombie novel, Ambulatory Cadavers by McCallum J Morgan. Enjoy.
Ambulatory Cadavers by McCallum J Morgan
Two cousins. One on the verge of a great discovery—and excessive power, wealth, and infamy—the other on the verge of an odious marriage. Lyra will stop at nothing to achieve her father’s dream of dissolving Parliament into so much anatomical sludge, searching out the farthest reaches of science and the arcane arts. Until her own dreams begin to awaken, jolted by the electric sparkle of an artist’s eyes. Alice’s worst nightmares begin to awaken as great expectations weigh upon her and her answer to a very important question is awaited. Lacking a strong constitution, Alice can only run from her problems—until she runs into a strange young man of questionable occupation and discovers her cousin’s terrible plans.The dead are about to rise, the Lords are about to fall, and things are about to get creamy. And high society will never be the same again.
Ambulatory Cadavers is available at:
Amazon
Author Bio:
As a child, McCallum always wanted to write a book. He scribbled in notebooks, drew pictures, and lived largely in a world of make-believe. Into this fertile field a seed was planted. Notebooks began to fill and they didn’t stop. It was a soaring waltz with words among the silvery clouds and he loved it. He was thirteen. McCallum discovered the Institute of Children’s Literature and enrolled in their writing course, Writing for Children and Teenagers. For their second, advanced, course, he rewrote those bursting notebooks. Now McCallum is eighteen and working on the sequel, and enjoying every minute of it knowing that finally, it’s real. It’s not just a pile of notebooks anymore, it’s A Hole in the Ice. His other books include A Hole in the Sea, the sequel to A Hole in the Ice, and a horror comedy called Ambulatory Cadavers.
Website: www.mccallumjmorgan.weebly.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/mccallumjmorganTwitter and Instagram: @McCallumJMorgan
Ambulatory Cadavers by McCallum J Morgan
Two cousins. One on the verge of a great discovery—and excessive power, wealth, and infamy—the other on the verge of an odious marriage. Lyra will stop at nothing to achieve her father’s dream of dissolving Parliament into so much anatomical sludge, searching out the farthest reaches of science and the arcane arts. Until her own dreams begin to awaken, jolted by the electric sparkle of an artist’s eyes. Alice’s worst nightmares begin to awaken as great expectations weigh upon her and her answer to a very important question is awaited. Lacking a strong constitution, Alice can only run from her problems—until she runs into a strange young man of questionable occupation and discovers her cousin’s terrible plans.The dead are about to rise, the Lords are about to fall, and things are about to get creamy. And high society will never be the same again.
Ambulatory Cadavers is available at:
Amazon
Author Bio:
As a child, McCallum always wanted to write a book. He scribbled in notebooks, drew pictures, and lived largely in a world of make-believe. Into this fertile field a seed was planted. Notebooks began to fill and they didn’t stop. It was a soaring waltz with words among the silvery clouds and he loved it. He was thirteen. McCallum discovered the Institute of Children’s Literature and enrolled in their writing course, Writing for Children and Teenagers. For their second, advanced, course, he rewrote those bursting notebooks. Now McCallum is eighteen and working on the sequel, and enjoying every minute of it knowing that finally, it’s real. It’s not just a pile of notebooks anymore, it’s A Hole in the Ice. His other books include A Hole in the Sea, the sequel to A Hole in the Ice, and a horror comedy called Ambulatory Cadavers.
Website: www.mccallumjmorgan.weebly.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/mccallumjmorganTwitter and Instagram: @McCallumJMorgan
October 31, 2016
Halloween Week: Book Spotlight - Doll
For our last Halloween Week post, I bring you a look at the YA horror novel Doll by Miracle Austin.
Doll by Miracle Austin
Welcome to Frost High; I bet you’ve heard about or currently may be attending. Small school, lots of secrets, a popular mean girl, Pepper Fox, and of course a few outcasts--Tomie Dupuy, Sarifena Green, and Opal Dawn--who all shined on Pepper’s tormented list, since junior high. Opal shined the brightest. Tomie, Sari, and Opal made a pact and traveled to Monroe Creek, Louisiana with the goal to end their torment in an untraditional way. Sometimes things don’t end up, as we wish. Fate always possesses a way to redirect everything. Will they finally find the solution to their agonizing problem or will all spiral out of control, as they never anticipated?
Be Careful What You Wish For…
"Doll is a frightening 5 star read with enough scary voodoo magic to give just the right amount of twists and turns." ~Brandy Corona, best-selling author of Midnight Outbreak~
Doll is available at:
Amazon (paperback) Amazon (kindle)
Author Bio:
YA/NA Cross-Genre Hybrid Author
Miracle Austin works in the social work arena by day and in the writer’s world at night and weekends. She’s been writing since junior high and Drive by The Cars being one of her biggest inspirations.She enjoys writing short stories with horror/suspense being her favorite genres; however, she’s not limited to.
Her debut release was a YA/NA paranormal novel, Doll, which released on 2-14-16. Doll won the Purple Dragonfly Award 2nd place in the Young Adult Fiction category 2016. Her second release will be a very eclectic collection of short storie of diverse themes--Boundless, to be released in the Winter of 2016.
She enjoys attending diverse book festivals and comic conventions, where she has been so honored to be one of the panelists on some. She hopes to conduct more author visits at junior high and high schools in the future. Miracle resides in Texas with her family.
Website: www.miracleaustin.comTwitter: @MiracleAustinInstaGram: MiracleAustin7
“Lingering fiction that ignites diverse mind journeys and beyond…”
Happy Halloween!
October 30, 2016
Halloween Week: Book Spotlight On The Witch of Willow Lake by Leta Hawk
Today's post for Halloween Week is another book spotlight, this time on the paranormal mystery, The Witch of Willow Lake by Leta Hawk. This is the newest edition to her Kyrie Carter: Supernatural Sleuth series, and I have a look at the book and an excerpt. Enjoy!
The Witch of Willow Lake by Leta Hawk
A book of local folklore may hold the key to solving a mystery…
Left with unanswered questions after the paranormal investigation at Willow Lake College, Kyrie Carter vows to discover the events leading up to the fire in Appleton Hall’s bell tower that took Mary Bollinger’s life in 1958. Her research leads to a book of legends written by a local historian. Kyr’s sense of obligation borders on obsession as she redoubles her efforts to locate the out-of-print book. She is cautiously optimistic when the book arrives anonymously to her workplace.
…but is it also a portal for an evil from the past?
Almost immediately, Kyr is plagued by terrifying visions—a cabin in the woods, a mysterious woman who calls to her, ominous words chanted in an unfamiliar language. Discovering evidence of a witch in Willow Lake’s past leads Kyr to believe her visions are more than bad dreams, and that there is more to Mary Bollinger’s story than anyone realized.
When Mary’s fiancé, Warren McKnight, agrees to break his decades-long silence about the fire, Kyr and Spook return to Willow Lake. Something in Warren’s account of that tragic night tells Kyr that she was not the witch’s first target, and she will not be the last, unless she can find a way to defeat the evil spirit.
The Witch of Willow Lake is available at:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Excerpt:
Without warning, my vision suddenly narrowed as it had earlier, and Sean’s cabin again wavered and morphed into the same primitive structure I’d seen when we first arrived. The air around me shimmered, and I couldn’t tell if it was day or night. The familiar sounds of the woods faded into a muffled rushing sound that made me wonder if I were dreaming, even though I knew I was awake. I wanted to cry out, but my throat constricted so that I could barely breathe, let alone speak. I doubted anyone would hear me anyway.
The shimmering air settled, and the noise in my ears silenced. A single shutter partially covered the window of the little cabin, and I watched as a figure passed by. At the same time, I became aware of the now-familiar voice chanting inside the house. A soft gasp escaped my throat, and the chanting ceased abruptly. As though the person inside sensed my presence, she came closer to the window, and a gnarled hand threw the shutter open. I ducked behind the closest tree, which wasn’t anywhere near being wide enough to hide even my slim frame.
After a moment the figure left the window and moved in the direction of the door. My heart pounded loudly in my ears as I heard the latch being lifted, and then the door slowly opened. A short, heavyset woman stood silhouetted in the doorway. The firelight behind her made a reddish glow around her form. Although I couldn’t make out any features, I knew this woman was malicious. My eyes widened in horror as she turned to face the very tree I hid behind. She raised a hand and beckoned to me. “We’ve been waiting for you. Come; it is time.”
My feet began to move of their own accord towards the little cabin. A second voice, one I didn’t recognize, spoke in my mind. Don’t go to her! You must escape, now! Ione’s voice joined the other one. Be careful, Kyr. She means to do you harm! My own voice joined the others, screaming for my body to stop moving towards the cabin, to run in the opposite direction, but my feet would not comply. Step by halting step I kept walking towards the cabin, until suddenly, my foot came down on a twig, snapping it in two.
The sound wrenched me out of my stupor and broke whatever spell I was under. I shouted, “No! Leave me alone!” Dropping the lantern in the path, I dashed back to the outhouse, slamming the door and sitting on the ground with my back against the door, heedless of dirt, bugs, or whatever else might have been in there with me. I drew my knees up to my chest, covered my ears with my fists, and squeezed my eyes shut.
Author Bio:
Leta Hawk had her first encounter with a ghost at four years of age. Since then, she has been fascinated with ghoulies and ghosties and all things that go bump in the night, and now she writes about them. She lives vicariously as a ghost-chasing mystery solver through her Kyrie Carter: Supernatural Sleuth series, which includes The Newbie, School Spirits, and The Witch of Willow Lake.
When Leta isn’t penning spooky stories, she can be found rounding up dust bunnies, or tackling Mt. Dishmore and Laundrypile Peak in her Central Pennsylvania home, which she shares with her husband Mike, sons Wesley and Wayde, and black lab Raven (but no ghosts).
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And so ends today's post for Halloween Week, but be sure to pop by tomorrow on Halloween. And don't forget my Halloween Horror Haiku Giveaway (live until October 31st) You can find it by clicking on the Giveaway Tab at the top of the blog or this link: Halloween Horror Haiku Giveaway!
