A.F. Stewart's Blog, page 61

Drabble Wednesday: Disappeared

Today Drabble Wednesday does a vanishing act…





Ghosts
Have you ever been so afraid that you didn’t want to open your eyes?That you wanted to stay in the dark?Because there was nothing you could do to stop what's coming?Every night since we moved into this house I’ve felt that afraid.Whenever they came into my room.They simply appeared at the foot of my bed, mouthing silent words, before vanishing.The dead ones.No one believed me. They sent me to doctors. Told me I was hallucinating.Oh, why didn’t they believe me?They’ll believe now.Now that I’m missing.Now that they’ve taken me.
~*~




Magic
It seemed like a good idea at the time.I mean who wouldn’t want to dabble in magic? Real, honest-to-goodness, change reality magic. And I was good at it. Sure there were a few missteps, but nothing major.Until that one big mistake.Just one bad pronunciation, and boom! Mystical backlash and the guy teaching me the spell is dead.And that wasn’t the worst of it.Despite everything the spell worked.Problem is, I can’t turn it off. And the only person who knew how is, well, deceased.And let me tell you, being invisible gets old quick.
~*~




Hell
What if hell isn’t what we thought?No fire, no brimstone, no devil.Torment, yes, but the rest… I don’t think it exists.I died you see, I’m not sure when, but it’s been a while, and I didn’t go to heaven.I didn’t expect to go there—I’ve never been a good person—but I didn’t expect this.Hell is some kind of limbo.Eternally drifting outside the living world. Watching everything you used to be pass you by. Never touching, never interacting. No one can see or hear you. Ever. It’s a totality of in-between.An invisible hell.


© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved


You may have notice Drabble Wednesday posted earlier today. That’s because it’s a double act today on the blog, with another #B2BCYCON author feature also posting.

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author P.H. Solomon

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/




Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a great interview with fantasy author P.H. Solomon.

Interview With P.H. Solomon


Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I'm a fantasy reader and author living in greater Birmingham, Al with my wife, daughter and two German shepherds. In my spare time, I ride herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required). Additionally, I enjoy reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, I also have a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone my writing. The Bow of Destiny is my first novel-length title with more soon to come.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

The Bow of Destiny is the first book of The Bow of Hart Saga set in the world of Denaria. The main character is Athson who we discover at the beginning of the book as a young adult haunted by a tragic childhood. Events soon begin drawing him into a search for a mythic bow about which he knows nothing even though he's targeted (pun intended) by enemies from his childhood who are seeking the bow. It's an epic fantasy adventure where Athson is never certain what's real or why he's the center of the conflict rising around the bow. Here's the blurb from the book:
Haunted by his past. Hunted in the present. Uncertain what is real.
Athson has seen things that aren't there and suffered fits since being tragically orphaned as a child at the hands of trolls and Corgren the wizard. When a strange will mentioning a mysterious bow comes into his possession, he's not sure it's real. But the trolls that soon pursue him are all too real and dangerous. And what's worse, these raiders serve Corgren and his master, the hidden dragon, Magdronu, who are responsible for the destruction of his childhood home. Athson is drawn into a quest for the concealed Bow of Hart by the mystic Withling, Hastra, but Athson isn't always sure what's real and who his enemies are. With Corgren and Magdronu involved, Athson must face not only frequent danger but his grasp on reality and the reasons behind his tragic past.

Why did you decide to write in the fantasy genre?
I've read fantasy since I was in grade school starting with The Hobbit so the genre is what I'm most familiar with and enjoy (though I do read many books from other genres and non-fiction). At some point, I started having ideas for writing and toyed around with it for many years, this series being foremost in my mind during that time.

What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?
I think that these days, it's important to understand how fantasy fiction has morphed from its earliest forms into more complex literature. Readers demand a higher quality story than simply throwing a good versus evil plot together around exotic setting, magic and special weapons. So it's hard to stay in the bounds of fantasy and yet be original. Since I started this fantasy so long ago, I wanted to cut my teeth on it but it does have older elements within it. So the challenge in completing it was to updating the content and style to appeal to current readers' tastes without compromising the story. In many ways it is a traditional epic fantasy but it is written in a different style with some interesting twists along the way.


What do you enjoy most about writing in the fantasy genre?
I enjoy coming up with all the various settings and characters necessary to create a compelling plot. It gives me a chance to enjoy fantasy as much as the reader (I hope) will. So my goal is to write what I would read and discover the world just like a reader. Fantasy really demands that you be creative in some challenging ways - language, geography, culture, etc. It's intriguing to me to put flesh on the bones and dress it up. When I first see a cover from my artist, it's really surprising to see something tangible that's associated with the book as well as encouraging.


Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?
Currently, my writing process entails blocking enough time to edit or write in the various projects. I currently have so many on my plate that I tend to hop between them a bit too much rather than focusing on just one - but that's a balancing act.
As far as development, I like to create the details of the setting around the kernel of a plot. I think that the fantasy world is deeply entwined with the plot so this is important to get right first in order to get a plot/setting balance clear in my mind. Then I move onto a creative outline which is fluid in nature. Scrivener helps me with this now more than ever since it allows me to make organizational changes easily. Then it's onto the actual rough draft, structural editing, detailed editing (which also includes line editing) and then engaging some readers for feedback followed by final changes. Somewhere along the way, I develop the blurb and work with my cover artist. I also employ an editor with previous experience in publishing - she's great at hitting all the missing points and guiding me toward focus points as well as finding all my mistakes.
My ideas originate from almost anything I come across. Usually, something grabs my attention in such a way that I it may make a good story of some kind. Then I think about how I can throw it into a fantasy setting. I once saw an old car with a missing lock in the trunk. I thought mothers might see that detail with apprehension for their children and it gave me an idea for an urban fantasy story. At other times, it may be  something from a conversation, history or news stories.


What is your greatest challenge as a writer?
As a part-time author it would be so easy to just say, "time". However, I find that my challenges are a little more complex. There will always be distractions that snatch at my focus. But as I've aged some the accumulated ailments get to be a challenge. I have sleep apnea so anything that interrupts my sleep pattern leaves me grasping for mental energy to address writing. I work hard on keeping bright-eyed each day so I can engage my creativity. The other challenge is that current writers must do much more than just write and being a self-published author means I must spend time on the whole production and promotion processes which means balancing these in order to progress on projects in a timely way.


Are you working on another book?
I'm currently working on the next book in The Bow of Hart Saga, An Arrow Against the Wind, and I'll reveal the cover for that book during the Cyber Convention. I don't have a firm date yet on this release but I hope to have released no later than September. Additionally, I'm also writing the rough draft of The White Arrow which is the final book of the series that I hope to release late this year or early 2017. Also, I'm working on a fantasy short story anthology entitled Doors. I hope to release Doors later this spring and I'm also revealing the cover during the Cyber Convention. I've got lots of other ideas that I hope to begin writing as soon as I complete this current series.


What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
Beyond The Bow of Hart Saga my projects include a series entitled Guardians of the Gate. But there are several series to choose from at that point. With the current series, I prefer to hold my secrets close to the vest so as not to ruin reader experience with the first book. However, it is safe to say that the danger Athson and his companions face will catch up to them and I don't expect any of them to escape unscathed.



The Bow of Destiny by P.H. Solomon


Haunted by his past. Hunted in the present. Uncertain what is real.

Athson has seen things that aren't there and suffered fits since being tragically orphaned as a child at the hands of trolls and Corgren the wizard. When a strange will mentioning a mysterious bow comes into his possession, he's not sure it's real. But the trolls that soon pursue him are all too real and dangerous. And what's worse, these raiders serve Corgren and his master, the hidden dragon, Magdronu, who are responsible for the destruction of his childhood home. Athson is drawn into a quest for the concealed Bow of Hart by the mystic Withling, Hastra, but Athson isn't always sure what's real and who his enemies are. With Corgren and Magdronu involved, Athson must face not only frequent danger but his grasp on reality and the reasons behind his tragic past.




Book Trailer






Author Bio:
P. H. Solomon lives in the greater Birmingham, AL area where he strongly dislikes yard work and sanding the deck rail. However, he performs these duties to maintain a nice home for his loved ones as well as the family's German Shepherds. In his spare time, P. H. rides herd as a Computer Whisperer on large computers called servers (harmonica not required).
Additionally, he enjoys reading, running, most sports and fantasy football. Having a degree in Anthropology, he also has a wide array of more “serious” interests in addition to working regularly to hone his writing. The Bow of Destiny is his first novel-length title with more soon to come.



You can find P.H. Solomon at these sites:
Twitter  Facebook  Goodreads  Website Pinterest  Google +  Wattpad  Amazon Author


Current and Upcoming Titles from P.H. Solomon


Book 1 of The Bow of Hart Saga: The Bow of Destinycan be found at these online retailers:
Barnes and Noble, Kobo,  iBooks,  Amazon - Kindle and Smashwords.

Prequel short stories to The Bow of Hart Saga:

Trading Knives - Kobo, iBooks& Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and on Amazon What Is Needed - Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks,Smashwords and Amazon
Additional Titles:

The Black Bag - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords and iBooks
Upcoming Titles:

Book 2 of The Bow of Hart Saga: An Arrow against the Wind due out within a few months (schedule pending). It can currently be found for pre-release orders at these select online retailers: Barnes and Noble, Koboand iBooks.

Book 3 of The Bow of Hart Saga: The White Arrow is due out fall of 2016 (links pending). Doors: Seven Tales of Fantasy : due out in April or May.

Future Works in Planning:

A parallel series to The Bow of Hart Saga is also in process as three novellas.
There will likely be a sequel trilogy for The Bow of Hart Saga and possibly at least a prequel book.
Guardians of the Gate epic fantasy is also a book/series in development.
The Black Glove adventure-fantasy series is also in development.

I'd like to thank P.H. Solomon for stopping by today, and be sure to check out his virtual booth at the convention this April.

Drabble Wednesday: Reflections

Today on Drabble Wednesday, we look into the abyss, and see what is reflected back…




Asylum
They locked me in a room.A sad room.I’m mad you know. Mad. Mad. Mad.That’s what they say.They put me in a solitary place. Threw away the key.They’ll make me better here.They say.I hurt people.Can’t have that.So they brought me here, to the hospital. Isolated.All alone. All alone.At least that’s what they thought.But I have friends.My lovely, lovely friends.They look after me. They whisper their thoughts in my ear. They’ve offered to help me.They’ve offered me asylum.Or did they offer me theasylum.To kill.

~*~



Push
The jagged crack sliced across the mirror. A streak of red dripped down the reflective surface. Blood. She reached out a finger to smear the fluid away, but she couldn’t make herself touch it. She heard her husband screaming in the background.“Why did you make me do it? You always make me do these things!”“I didn’t make you do anything! You’re the one who can’t control themselves!”She screamed at full volume, but he seemed not to hear her.Maybe she was dead.After all, she stared at her motionless body sprawled on the floor under the mirror.
~*~



Perfidy
I hear her call my name, when the moon shines through the black sky and the wind howls against the window pane. The reflection of her face settles in the glass, her dark eyes gleaming hatred in crimson.She haunts me.Her whispers, her accusing looks in my dreams, and on nights like these. I wronged her, and she shifts through reality to abuse me with my misdeed. And I deserve her punishment.She trusted me.I thought I could change. That her darkness would soothe my own. Alas, it was not to be.And betrayal lingers far after death.




© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Ash Krafton

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/

Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a terrific interview with horror/fantasy author Ash Krafton. 

Interview With Ash Krafton

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
Let’s see…I’m a dog mom with the heart of a crazy cat lady. I collect comics, skulls and ravens, and Indian saris. I’m a tea afficianado (Spring Darjeeling, please) and am quite possibly the most enthusiastic fan of prog rock and metal on the planet. (Rush and Blind Guardian are my madrigals. And, yes. I *do* heart Geddy Lee.)
I’m also a speculative fiction author from northeast Pennsylvania. My work ranges from scifaiku small to trilogy-of-urban fantasy novels long, and lots in between. Most recently I released THE HEARTBEAT THIEF under the pen name AJ Krafton.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
THE HEARTBEAT THIEF is an historical fantasy that combines the styles of Jane Austen with Edgar Allan Poe.
It started with a single scene, a conversation between a young woman and a mysterious stranger who steals up beside her at a funeral.
A lot of my stories start out like this, a single scene with no other context. It’s as if I happen across a conversation between strangers and only see one tiny snippet of their story.
Sometimes, the scenes get written and tucked away in an “ideas” folder on my hard drive, lying dormant. Sometimes, a trickle of life stirs within, and a story grows out of that tiny seed.
Sometimes, the seed germinates and grows and blooms into a novel. That’s what happened with that first passage—it was the seed that grew into The Heartbeat Thief.
I went back to the oldest draft of the story and found that original seed. Here is the passage as I’d first written it:
***That frightens you, doesn't?
She didn't turn to look at him. His presence was like a thick fog, tenuous yet flowing, something she felt along her skin. She didn't need to look at him—she knew right where he was. That sense of nearness, something she recognized even for all his strangeness.
She knew him. Didn't know why, or how. And she didn't care. It was simply what was.
She pinched her lips together, watching a woman bent in grief, clutching a handkerchief to her mouth. “Doesn't it frighten everyone? Dying--in such a sudden way—“
Ah, it's not the suddenness, or the surprise, or even the shock. It's the brick wall at the end of the road of life. You don't like the ending, no matter how it comes.
She tilted her head, just enough that she could capture him in her periphery. “No. I don't like the ending.”
He drifted closer, hovering just over her shoulder, like an umbrella. His mouth close to her ear, he chuckled a sonorous tone. Why would you? Your beauty, faded? Your charms, withered? Your friends and admirers, all gone away? You'll die alone, bienaimee. Everyone dies alone.
She tugged her shawl tighter about her shoulders. “Don't say that.”
But it is truth. Oh, if only there was a way to avoid all that.
“No one lives forever.”
Do they not?
His voice held such a curious tone, a tease in the words that caught her attention. “In the afterlife, yes.”
In this life.
She faced him, locking her gaze with his. His dark eyes glittered and a smile tugged at the corners of him mouth. “Why would you say things, here?”
Where better to admit the truth? He stole behind her, trailing his finger along her shoulders. In this place, life meets death. They stare each other in the face. The only difference between them is that the dead no longer care.
He drew back, his sudden withdrawal leaving a cold mist on her skin. The only question that remains is…do you still care, bienaimee?
She wrinkled her nose. “Of course, I still care.”
Then, he said, his voice deepening into a throaty chuckle. Don't die.
She turned to admonish him for his audacity but, when she spun around, he was gone.
***
No way could something like this stay dormant in a dusty old file. The stranger’s mystery and his shadowy threat and the promise of eternal life simply held me captive, and I knew it would haunt me until I wrote it.
That was where The Heartbeat Thief came to life.


 How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
Like most writers, I’d say I’d always been a writer; I simply didn’t start publishing until fairly recently. I began working on a novel idea, which I discarded in favor of a different story that eventually became my first book, BLEEDING HEARTS (Demimonde #1). While writing the book, I also wrote poetry and short fiction. My first piece, a poem called “Note To Self:” appeared in Poe Little Thing in the spring of 2009. BLEEDING HEARTS came out in 2012.
Since then, my published list has grown to five novels, one novella, about 100 poems and short stories, and several articles. I also self-publish (mainly under the imprint Red Fist Fiction). So far, I’ve released one novel, a poetry collection that recently came out in paperback, a stand-alone fantasy short story, three anthologies, as well as dozens of articles on writing and publishing.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a favourite?
They are like children…so if I pick a favorite, the others will resent me and I’ll end up in a crooked nursing home when I’m old and feeble.
I can say that writing each of them was a unique experience, especially when it came to research. Researching a story is almost as much fun as writing it and there was no end to all the cool things I got to do for the sake of “research”. I even got to visit Boston, Massachusetts for the first time in order to lay groundwork for my most recent project.

Why did you decide to write speculative fiction?
I’ve always been the far out kid, the creepy chick, the girl who believed in dragons. Growing up I read a lot of fantasy and horror so it seems my brain is tuned that way. Speculative fiction encompasses everything I love to read—fantasy, horror, science fiction. Anything make makes a person say “What if…?”

What is the hardest part of writing urban fantasy?
It’s important to stay well-read so you can come up with fresh, new ideas. There are so many excellent authors in the field today so the bar is set nose-bleedingly high.

How do you research your books?
Thank goodness for the Internet. I have the whole world, all its culture and history, right at my fingertips.
The majority of my research comes from reading, both on and offline. I also should write off Netflix as a business expense because films help a lot, too. Since I write a lot of fantasy, I do make up a lot of stuff…but even settings need research. Day trips to key locales helps immensely.
I’ve done interviews and consultations with experts, especially for Words That Bind, a paranormal romance featuring a social worker. I felt that, considering the subject matter—the details of a therapist’s practice as well as the concerns of her clientele—I had a responsibility to get the details right and to treat the subject with sensitivity, rather than bend and shape characters to fit my story.

What advice would you give beginning writers?
There is a huge learning curve in the beginning and I think a lot of us go into this business with an established set of expectations. Trouble is, the first lesson you learn is to forget what you think you know.There is a huge learning curve in the beginning and I think a lot of us go into this business with an established set of expectations. Trouble is, the first lesson you learn is to forget what you think you know.
Take time to observe others who are ahead of you on the path to publication. Learn from their highs and their lows. Learn the craft of writing. Learn the ins and outs of the business itself. Reset your expectations and the keep writing, keep submitting, keep getting your stories out there.
Just persevere.

Are you working on another book?
Right now, I’m publishing a serial. The first of this new urban fantasy series is up on Wattpad, where readers can read for free and chat about the story as they do so. CHARM CITY is about Simon Alliant, a demonologist/exorcist from Boston. I’m thrilled to say that it’s been selected as a Featured Story and will be promoted by Wattpad starting the last week of April.
Here’s a blurb for CHARM CITY:
The darkness is rising and one man stands against it: the exorcist mage Simon Alliant. But in Baltimore, he finally meets his match...a part-mortal divinity with the power to whisper away demons.
Simon Alliant is an exorcist who battles demons, whether he wants to or not. Sometimes it's not so bad...he gets to play with magic, after all. But for Simon, magic represents a demon of another kind. He's addicted to magic and it takes more than a handful of charms to keep that particular demon at bay.
Chiara is part Light, part Dark, and stubbornly mortal. The woman has a way with words: she literally talks demons into abandoning their human hosts. Simon thinks that's not the only trick she has up her sleeve-and that's pretty high praise coming from a mage like him.
As intriguing as that may be, Simon has too many reasons to distrust her...one of them being his more-or-less partner, an angelic Watcher. Amidst all the celestial warnings of the rising dark comes a new prophesy that makes him wonder: is Chiara a threat to him and all of mankind?
Or will she be his salvation?
I have four or five stories planned for the series, called “The Demon Whisperer”. The second book MURDER THE LIGHT is in progress, as is a prequel STRAITJACKETS AND HOLY WATER. It’s a little disconcerting writing the before and the after stories simultaneously but still great fun.
Although I really planned for each one to be a 20k word novella, released in serial, I have a feeling that each story will end up full length.

Any plans for future releases?
I’ve got two other novel projects in the works for AJ Krafton, and I’ve been back to the poetry notebooks. Happy to say I’ve had several recent publications of flash fiction and poetry with several more on the way.

Where can readers find you?
Oh, all the usual online haunts: Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Pinterest, Instagram…
I'm always happy to invite readers to stop by my website, www.AshKrafton.com. Lots of books to see, news to read, and links to click. Come on over!
I'd also love it if you'd stop by to check out my newest story on Wattpad. CHARM CITY is here: https://www.wattpad.com/story/56172477-charm-city-the-demon-whisperer-1



I'd like to thank Ask Krafton for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

Drabble Wednesday: World Travel

Today on Drabble Wednesday we travel, journey to cities past, to days dark…





Briefly, in Paris
Such sadness in her eyes, this girl standing silent among the raucous crowds spilling onto the Paris streets. The rest, well, they are here to watch and cheer the spectacle about to unfold. But she is different. Not once, in all my times presiding over these events, have I seen sorrow. At least not in an ordinary citizen.It does her credit, but I wonder why she grieves. I hope those feelings will not lead her into my path.I surreptitiously watch her as I do my duty.She turns her head, averts her eyes, as the guillotine falls.
~*~




The Venice I Adore
Ah, my beauteous city, the splendour that is Venice!How I’ve missed you, drifting your canals while the moonlight plays amongst your shadows.Such magnificence! You are where my heart remains, the only lady I give my fealty.For you and I share much, do we not?Your stone and edifice stay silent, but would they reveal your mysteries, if they could? Would you whisper my secrets? Would you confess my dark deeds? Would you betray me, as I have betrayed?Or would you stay as voiceless as your waters? The waters that swallowed the bones of those I killed.
~*~




Fair Phoenicia
From Tyre we sailed, not three days past, on a trading ship well favoured by the gods.I looked to sell my goods in Crete, cloth of the regal purple, and more. It was to be the making of me, the first of fortunes to fill my coffers.Until fortune turned on a storm of ferocity.Our ship was smashed upon the rocks, casting all to tempestuous waters.Instead of riches, I bestowed my family mourning tears. Instead of prosperity, the sea claimed the entire. I went not to adventure, but into Death’s embrace.Farewell, my Tyre. Farewell, my Phoenicia.


© A. F. Stewart 2016 All Rights Reserved

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Rebecca P. McCray

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/

Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.

Today I have a great interview with fantasy/sci-fi author Rebecca P. McCray.


Interview With Author Rebecca P. McCray


Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I’m something of an anomaly. I built a career (a job that pays the bills) in an analytical, detailed focused field, despite being a creative, big-picture person. What was I thinking? Since my imagination is generally in overdrive, I returned to writing after a hiatus and have thoroughly enjoyed creating a new world, developing my own species, and crafting a compelling storyline.While I grew up in a mid-sized, southern US city, I developed a deep appreciation for differences in cultures, places, and people. My story adapted that interest into a melting pot for refugee species and that’s really how it all started.



Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
My published book, The Journey of the Marked, is the first in an epic series. The genre is a hybrid between gritty sci-fi and fantasy. Most of the species and world are grounded in sci-fi norms, but there are a few distinctly fantasy elements and the overall “feel” of the story tends toward fantasy.The story has a number of plots that separate and then intersect throughout the book. However, these can loosely fall into two main categories: 1) the adventure of five sixteen-year olds trying to reach a training camp and 2) the resulting experiences of their family and friends. The difficulties stem from the fact that these five teenagers are now being hunted by opponents attempting to stop them before they reach their goal.

What do you enjoy most about writing in the fantasy/sci-fi genre?
I enjoy the freedom. As I mentioned above, I have a very active imagination and the fantasy / sci-fi platform allows me to create so many new things: species, plants, creatures, etc. As well, I love removing myself from our own world and being thrown into something not completely different, but separate from our everyday life.

Who is your intended readership?
I wrote the story to include fantasy / sci-fi influences that appeal to readers of those genres, but at the same time, I kept it grounded enough that non-avid readers of those genres can still enjoy it. My initial goal was to write something for the YA reader group that would pique the interest of both genders. I’ve been delighted to find that the book appeals broadly across age groups.

Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?
If I’m being honest, I wrote the book for me. I was looking for a way to take the crazy stories and characters in my head and mold them into a cohesive story. Not everyone will understand this, but I needed to write it. It was only after spending a few years working on and off the story that I realized others might very well enjoy it, too. Then, I got serious.My inspiration results from the many stories we hear of bullying and persecution because of someone or a group being different. I wanted to create a world where there was an abundance of differences, but where each individual can add value in his or her own way.

Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?
One of my biggest focus areas has been writing a cohesive story. I don’t like loose ends. I like complex storylines. What surprised me is how much harder it is to keep track of all those little details than I thought it would be. I’m not much of a plotter, so I don’t outline or map out the details of the story ahead, though I have resorted to tracking details in arrears to be as certain as I can that I don’t leave an unintentionally unanswered question. Readers may be surprised by this, but I love when one of them says “I can’t wait to hear why X happened” or “I’m looking forward to knowing why X character did something.” The vast majority of the time, I’ve already anticipated the question and have an answer built into later books, but on occasion, one of them catches me off-guard because it’s something that I didn’t consider important. If it’s important to a reader, then it’s important to me.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I started writing poetry as either a pre-teen or early teen. Short stories followed shortly thereafter. I knew very early that I loved writing. Unfortunately, an unexpected event threw me off track and it was only after a number of years that I returned to writing. In many ways, I think my writing is stronger than it would have been otherwise because of my experiences in those intervening years. Experience shapes who you are and what you believe and my background is clearly evident in my writing.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?
If Google has been monitoring my search habits, someone might be a little worried. Since I started writing, I’ve become an avid researcher of bladed weapons, as well as other devices. I was delighted the day I found a video on how to throw bolas.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?
I’m writing the last few chapters of book two, The Training Camp. After that, it’s on to editing, but my goal is to publish it this year. Book two focuses on the development of characters from book one. You begin to see strengths of their species, as well as some unique abilities. Despite being at the camp, you might be surprised to find that they still face dangers.


Rebecca McCray is a financial consultant by day and fantasy world-builder by night. Her debut novel, The Journey of the Marked, was a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. She enjoys building out a world that is a cross between high-fantasy and gritty sci-fi and plans to publish the second novel in the series in 2016.As well, she contributed a Miyran Heir short story to a compilation, Awethology Light. Besides being an avid reader, she loves to travel and experience new cultures.


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The Journey of the Marked by Rebecca P. McCray
The mark means honor. The mark invites death.On a distant planet, Eros thrives in the Human settlement he calls home. Raised to follow his grandfather’s noble footsteps, he studies the details of each species that co-exist here. But when the mark appears, he’s called to fight, which changes his life forever.Forced to abandon his home, the mark makes him the hunted. He’s attacked the night he arrives in the city. A tough, street fighter named Kenrya saves his life. When they join others on the same journey, her cynical attitude drives a wedge between the group.Given the perils facing them, can they put aside their differences and trust each other long enough to survive?

Discover this epic adventure where an individual’s unique abilities can change the course of the future.

Find it on Amazon: www.smarturl.it/journeyofthemarked


I'd like to thank Rebecca P. McCray for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Author Tabitha Barret

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/


Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.

Today I have a great interview with urban fantasy/paranormal romance author Tabitha Barret.

Interview With Tabitha Barret

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
Hello!  My name is Tabitha Barret and I’m currently working on my Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance series, “The Third Throne”.  I’m a graduate of Rutgers University.  I met my husband in a creative writing class, though he was engaged to someone else at the time.  (That’s a great story, but it will have to wait.)In my free time, I review books from other Indie Authors and shuttle my kids around to their Tae Kwon Do classes.  Aside from writing, I like watching movies and TV with my kids.  I work a full-time job as a Customer Service Rep for a door hardware company.  I know more about multipoint door hardware than I care to admit.I am new to being a published author, though I’m not new to writing.  I tried writing my first novel in high school, but sadly I was never happy with the final draft.  After that, I stuck to short stories until I wrote the basis for my current series.  Though I had the wrong genre and had a hard time making the story work, I never gave up on the main idea.  20 years later, I found my genre and put my characters to work.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
My current book, The Third Throne: Angel of Vengeance, is the third installment in my award-winning Third Throne series.  (In all, there will be twelve books in the series.)When a dangerous drug lord escapes from the Realm of Nightmares in Hell, he finds a way to raise his former gang members from the dead in an effort to seek revenge against his enemies.  Anjali must hunt the prisoners and drag them back to Hell.  She will enlist the help of a handsome mortal who has more knowledge of her world than he should.  Together, they will try to stop a war that could obliterate an entire city.Balthazar, the Angel of Vengeance, has suffered at the hands of Lucifer and the other Predznak for centuries.  He blames the absence of his Master, Anjali, for his pain.  He made a promise long ago to kill his loathsome master.  Hatred and anger have clouded his mind and his only salvation may come from the very person he is desperate to kill.Can Anjali protect herself from Balthazar’s need for retribution while keeping a horde of reanimated corpses from causing chaos in the streets?  Can she unlock the mystery surrounding the unusual appearance of the undead creatures?


Of all the books you've written, do you have a favourite?
My favorite book is my second book, The Third Throne: Angel of Death.  It’s the first time that really felt a story coming together.  The first book was difficult because I had to create all the groundwork for the series and establish the world, the main characters, and the rules of the world.  I didn’t have as much fun because I didn’t have my entire lineup of characters to play with. By the time I started the second book, I was able to write for Alazar, my Angel of Death, who is brash and sassy, and my lead male Derick, who is sweet and kind.  I was able to move into a new landscape and explore a castle in Romania.  I liked the mortals I created called the Spirit Experts, who just wanted to find proof of the afterlife and spirits.  Unfortunately, a dangerous Forgotten Angel has other plans for them.  My heroine, Anjali, has to find a way to keep them safe while trying not to fall in love with Derick.  I love their relationship and had a hard time leaving the story behind to move to the next book.

Why did you decide to write in the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genre?
I’m a sucker for a good romance, but I like the added layer of danger when it involves paranormal creatures.  I love werewolves, vampires, fallen angels, witches, and ghosts.  I have always been drawn to darker creatures, though I don’t enjoy horror.  I like it when the characters fight to be redeemed in some way because they believe they are unworthy of love due to their dark nature.  Give me a dangerous male who believes they are beyond redemption and a female who can see past their faults, and you have my attention.  Give him fangs, fur, or black wings and I’m all in.  I write what I enjoy, so I framed my series around Fallen Angels who have suffered from the sins they embody and instead of the tempting mortals as was intended, they are now pushing mortals past their limits.  Can they be redeemed?  I certainly hope so!  Yet, in my stories, Anjali is worse than all of the Fallen Angels put together.  She is the Bringer of the Apocalypse, destined to end the world.  Can she be redeemed when love finds her?

How do you research your books?
Google, Google, Google.  I’m convinced that I must be on some kind of watch list.  I write about Hell, zombies, ghosts, drug lords, and werewolves.  I research guns, prisons, and haunted castles.  My browser history alone would scare most people.  I would have never been able to write this series without endless information that comes from a search engine.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?
The best story I have comes from a co-worker of mine.  She had purchased my first book and brought it to the beach with her.  Her male cousin asked her what she was reading.  The next thing she knows, her cousin was sitting under a towel reading my book.  She was surprised because he had never shown any interest in reading before.  When she was ready to leave, she asked for the book back.  He refused to give it to her and said that he was keeping it.  She made him pay for the book on the spot and she ordered a new book.  He finished the book and the cover was so bent up that it was hardly recognizable.  Apparently, I am his new favorite author.

Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?
It always surprises me when my stories write themselves.  I started writing the first three books at the same time.  I found that it helped me build the world in the first book when I knew what I needed for future books.  I was writing a scene for book three and one small comment changed everything.  My main character, Anjali, resides in the Hall of Mirrors.  As far as I knew, the room was created for her and was dormant before she arrived in Hell.  While being held hostage, her Angel of Vengeance drags her through the room and asks how she had managed to get the blood out of the floor and remove the terrible smell.  WHAT??  It dawned on me that someone had owned the room before her.  In fact, two different people had lived in the room.  Two new characters (enemies) were born and with them a whole lot of drama!  Had I not written that line in book three, books one and two would have been very different.  Apparently, my mind knows more of the story than it’s willing to tell me!

What did you enjoy most about writing your book?
For book three, Angel of Vengeance, I enjoyed writing about my male lead Calin.  He is so tortured and scarred that he feels empty inside.  I love watching him open up to Anjali and deciding if he is worthy of her love.  He is a strong man who never backs down from a fight, yet when it comes to women he is so unsure of himself.  Guns he understands, but women are a mystery.  I loved writing his thoughts about their encounters.  It broke my heart to learn about his self-loathing.  He’s one of those characters that I wish I could just hug.

What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
My biggest challenge was creating enough characters to fight a war.  In the beginning, I had a few zombies, but I was told by someone that I needed enough for an army.  An army?  That’s a lot of zombies, and worse, mine are intelligent, indestructible zombies called revenants.  To battle them, I had to add more Celestial Warriors to my lineup.  Instead of three Warriors, I had to create around twenty.  I had to figure out their hierarchy and titles.  It was brutal, but when I was done, I was happy with the scenario.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?

My next project is The Third Throne: Angel of Fear.  An enemy from book one comes back in a big way.  Hel was promised Lucifer’s throne, but was denied when their deal fell through.  Instead, she remained imprisoned in the Hall of Shadows alongside her brethren, the other Germanic gods.  Now it is time to fulfill her vendetta and take over Hell.  Her brother, Fenris, decides to enact his own plan and escapes to the Mortal Realm to destroy all the mortals by turning them into werewolves.  Fenris makes a mistake by turning Riley into one of his pack leaders.  Riley is stronger of mind and body than Fenris expects.  Riley resists his commands and would rather follow the beautiful woman who claims she can free him from Fenris’ hold.



The Third Throne: Angel of Vengeance

When a dangerous drug lord escapes from the Realm of Nightmares in Hell, he finds a way to raise his former gang members from the dead in an effort to seek revenge against his enemies.  Anjali must hunt the prisoners and drag them back to Hell.  She will enlist the help of a handsome mortal who has more knowledge of her world than he should.  Together, they will try to stop a war that could obliterate an entire city.

Balthazar, the Angel of Vengeance, has suffered at the hands of Lucifer and the other Predznak for centuries.  He blames the absence of his Master, Anjali, for his pain.  He made a promise long ago to kill his loathsome master.  Hatred and anger have clouded his mind and his only salvation may come from the very person he is desperate to kill.

Can Anjali protect herself from Balthazar’s need for retribution while keeping a horde of reanimated corpses from causing chaos in the streets?  Can she unlock the mystery surrounding the unusual appearance of the undead creatures?


Buy links for The Third Throne Series:
The Third Throne: Angel of Darkness
The Third Throne: Angel of Death
The Third Throne: Angel of Vengeance



Author Bio:

Tabitha Barret is an Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance author who lives in New Jersey with her supportive husband, two amazing children, and three insane dogs.  She met her husband in Creative Writing class in college, though it took a little convincing for him to ask her out.  In her free time, of which she doesn't have much, she reviews books by other authors, and writes a blog about tips and suggestions for future authors trying to publish their works.  She is currently working on her award-winning "Third Throne" series.



Website: http://www.thethirdthrone.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TabithaBarret
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TabithaBarret
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/thethirdthrone
Goodreads Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24938679-the-third-throne
Blogger: http://tabithabarret.blogspot.com/



I'd like to thank Tabitha Barret for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON Interview With Debbie Manber Kupfer

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/


Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a great interview with YA fantasy Debbie Manber Kupfer.


 Interview With Debbie Manber Kupfer

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?
I’m Debbie Manber Kupfer. I’m an author and puzzle writer originally from London who somehow ended up in St. Louis, MO. I live with my husband, 2 kids, and my “mews” Miri Billie Joe.I divide my time between writing fiction (my fantasy series, P.A.W.S. and short stories in different genres for anthologies) and writing puzzles for Penny Publications and my website Paws 4 Puzzles. I get through my days by drinking gallons of hot tea with milk and sampling the occasional piece of dark chocolate.

How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
I’ve been writing ever since I was a kid, but only started taking myself seriously as a writer in recent years. So far I’ve published the first two books in my series, P.A.W.S. and Argentum , a puzzle book, Paws 4 Logic , and two books of short stories, Will There Be Watermelons on Mars? and my newest release, Tales from P.A.W.S.

What do you enjoy most about writing in the fantasy genre? 
I love to read and write fantasy because I love to dream and in fantasy anything is possible. I can’t imagine writing something that didn’t have some aspect of magic hidden within it.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?I’ve always wanted to write a book, but felt I had all the time in the world to make that happen, then in 2011 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through treatment and I’m happy to say that today I’m cancer free, but the experience made me realize that if really wanted to write I couldn’t delay it any longer. We never know how longer we have.
So in November 2012 I sat down during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and started writing P.A.W.S.
What is your greatest challenge as a writer?Distraction, particularly from the Internet. In order to get any writing done I pretty much need to turn off my modem and write. Then if I get a chapter or two done I’ll reward myself with some time on Facebook and maybe a few dark chocolate mint M&Ms!


Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?I have several including Douglas Adams, JK Rowling, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Cornelia Funke.


What advice would you give beginning writers?Try NaNoWriMo. Every November writers around world gather to attempt to write 50K words in a month. It’s wonderful to have a local NaNo group to cheer you on and for me setting myself a daily goal of around 2K during NaNo months (There’s also Camp NaNo in April and July) really helps me keep on track.
Plus it encourages you to keep going. No, you want have a polished novel in a month, you’ll have a hot mess that will take months of editing, but it’s a start and I’m pretty sure that without NaNo I wouldn’t be published today. 
What do you like to do when you're not writing?When I’m not writing fiction I write puzzles, mainly for magazines and my website Paws 4 Puzzles. I also put together with my son Joey, a puzzle book, Paws 4 Logic, that’s fun for anyone who enjoys logic problems.


How did you become interested in puzzles?Well, I’ve been solving puzzles ever since I was at school and there’s a funny story attached to this. My careers teacher at school once asked me what I liked to do – I answered “puzzles”. He turned to me and said “Crossword puzzles are only useful for solving other crosswords.” I would love to tell him that actually I made a career out of puzzles.
For those of you who read P.A.W.S. look for a similar scene in P.A.W.S. – a kind of Easter Egg and shout out to that teacher of long ago.
What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?Well, I’m currently working on book 3 of P.A.W.S., Labyrinth of Umbrae, and hope to release it before the end of the year.
I’ve also written a children’s picture book, Adana the Earth Dragon and am working with a wonderful artist who is bringing my little Adana to life.
Also look for Tea and Dark Chocolate, a collection of flash fiction stories and poems, coming out soon.Keep in touch with me through my website, Paws 4 Thought, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon or Goodreads. I love hearing from my readers


P.A.W.S. by Debbie Manber Kupfer

When Miri receives a silver cat charm from her omama, Celia, on the night before Celia dies she has no idea that the charm holds a secret, a powerful magic that saved her omama’s life and is about to make Miri’s a whole lot more interesting.Book Link - http://amzn.com/B0129GG6YQ



Author Bio

Debbie Manber Kupfer grew up in London and today lives in St. Louis. She is a writer of puzzles and fiction and the author of the fantasy series, P.A.W.S. She believes that with enough tea and dark chocolate you can achieve anything!


I'd like to thank Debbie Manber Kupfer for stopping by today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON‬ Book Spotlight for Hell School: Fresh Meat

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/


Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.

Today I have a great release day book spotlight for Hell School: Fresh Meat by Heidi Angell.




Hell School: Fresh Meat by Heidi Angell


High school is hard, especially when you're a freshman in a new town, surrounded by people you don't understand and who don't understand you.  Sam was overwhelmed just trying to fit in. Then she is singled out with the first letter.
While some girls envy the “romantics” of this unknown admirer, Sam can tell something isn't right.  Sam wanted to just blend in, but someone's eye is fixated on her.  As the letters and bad poetry continue, so does the nagging in Sam's stomach telling her this is not normal.
When things escalate from strange to creepy, Sam's world becomes a nightmare.  Twisted admiration is stalking her around every corner in the high school from hell….

Hell School: Fresh Meat  is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

You can also join the Geek Street Squad to help promote Hell School: Fresh Meat

Author Bio:
Heidi Angell is a bibliophile, lexicomaniac and wordsmith! She is the author of The Hunters Series, The Clear Angel Chronicles, and The Hell School Series. She also created Royal Prince Vince, and Creative Exercises to Inspire.

When she is not reading and writing, she can be found spending quality time with her lovely family camping, hiking, swimming, or watching movies. Learn more about her and her books at HeidiAngell.com



Heidi Angell’s Social Media Links
Facebook
Twitter  @HeidiAngell
Heidi’s Blog
Google +
Pinterest
Linkedin


I'd like to thank Heidi Angell for sharing her book today, and be sure to check out her virtual booth at the convention this April.

#‎B2BCYCON‬ Book Spotlight for A Year Since the Rain

Today I have another Brain to Books Cyber Convention author feature. Remember, this great event for authors and readers alike is coming to Goodreads this April, on the 8th, 9th and 10th.
Be sure to check out all the details and pertinent links for the event here:http://www.angelabchrysler.com/brain-to-books-cyber-convention-2016/




Now on with the main event, our Brain to Books author feature.
Today I have a great book spotlight for A Year Since the Rain by Shane Wilson.



A Year Since the Rain by Shane Wilson

Alan —a heart-broken and stubborn computer programmer—took much in his life for granted, including the vast supply of water in his town. But when the rains stop falling and the rivers dry up, he begins to realize how temporary it all can be. His life begins to unravel as, across town, a sinkhole threatens to swallow every bit of the place he has come to call home.
Taken on a journey of self-discovery by the magical women in his life, Alan is drawn into an unexpected affair and comes face-to-face with a Mystic who walks through his dreams. For Alan, dreams become a new reality, and reality erodes into something of a dream. As his town transforms into an arid wasteland that crumbles beneath his feet, Alan is compelled by the inevitable to strike out into the unknown or perish.

You can check out the book here:
A Year Since the Rain

Or on Amazon:

Paperback 

Ebook








Author Bio:
Shane Wilson is the author of A Year Since the Rain, a magical realism novel forthcoming from Snow Leopard Publishing (Spring 2016).
Born in Alabama and raised in Georgia, Shane is a child of the southeastern United States where he feels simultaneously at-home and out-of-place. He graduated from Valdosta State University in south Georgia with a Masters in English. He taught college English in Georgia for four years before following love to North Carolina in 2013.
No matter the temperature outside, there is always an iced coffee in his hand when he walks into class in the mornings. He tends to chase the day with a whiskey and Netflix.
Shane has published poetry in Tethered by Letters and the Stonepile Writers' Anthology, Volume III. He is currently at work on a new novel as well as a collection of short stories based on the mythos of and set in the same town as A Year Since the Rain.

I'd like to thank Shane Wilson for sharing his book today, and be sure to check out his virtual booth at the convention this April.