E.G. Stone's Blog, page 14

Author Interview: Jeffrey Kippel

Jeffrey Kippel
1. We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.

Right now I have begun writing book 2 in The Ridiculous Adventures of Serbinand series: Godfried’s Turn. While doing that I am also an Ambassador for the RethinkFIT Initiative. It’s mission is to empower and help people love better how they think, feel, act, look and dream. I also coach and mentor individuals who are driven to achieve their potential and enhance their life.
2. In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.

Well my book provides an escape from it all with a comedy… well a laugh out loud sci-fi comedy book & audibook It’s called The Ridiculous Adventures of Serbinand and it’s a true case of humour, escapism and an anything goes kinda of trip to another world. It’s also about self discovery and growth with a bunch of laugh out loud moments in between. It is a blend of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, Family Guy, with some Star Wars thrown in
3. As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)
editing! yuk!!!!
4. Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?
the creativity… making stuff up that is fun, funny and expands the imagination…
5. If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)
Douglas Adams’s humour… and some of Stephen King’s “hook” abilities….
6. Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

Well this kind of thing sort of happened in the book, as the characters did all get together and go on strike as they didn’t like that path I took with them. So they did kinda kidnap me and the story… I gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse lol and let them know how famous they were going to be and the extra “gifts” I would give them to enjoy!
7. You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?
Well Godfried will surely win! He is holding all the cards… I think. The stakes are the future existence of time, space, the universe and all that is!
8. Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)

Let the words flow… sometimes thinking gets in the way and that can interrupt the entire creative process… so thinking, that is the trap!
9. Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

I love hearing other people laugh when they read what I wrote. My goal is to donate as many books as I can to libraries, schools, hospitals, community centres and partner organizations so that those who really need to laugh, to get away from any sadness, stress, depression, etc they may be experiencing. Also as an ambassador for rethinkFIT I have layered the book with empowerment messages so my goal is to get people to change the way they look at things , one of my favourite quotes: “ when you change the way you look at things, the thinks you look at change”

my website is: www.serbinand.com and on it there is a sneak peak of both the book and audiobook. The audiobook is awesome, the voice actor beat out almost 100 others in the auditions, and it takes the story to a whole new level!

Book Review: Whispers of Stone by Allegra Pescatore

If you haven’t read book one of Allegra Pescatore’s The Last Gift books, then I definitely recommend you do, because this book will not make much sense otherwise. If you have read the first book, though, then you will absolutely love this sequel. 

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book picks up right after Where Shadows Lie, and my goodness, let me tell you the drama is intense. I had almost forgotten what was going on in book one, but once I remembered, I was eager to get right back into the story and see our characters. In essense, the Lirion king is dead and the queen is missing, leaving Elenor in charge with political hyenas nipping at her heels. The death of the Red dragon has left chaos in its wake and the Gatekeeper is trying to control powers that were difficult at best to control. Meanwhile, there is scheming from all sides and by forces that have been meddling behind the scenes since the beginning. I can say no more without serious spoilers, but I can say that this book is one of those that weaves a magical and rich tapestry, threads interconnecting and knotting together in wonderful ways.

2. Thoughts on the characters

While the plot is richly complex and detailed, the characters are what really make the story for me. I am thrilled to have so many characters who struggle with issues that come from within themselves as well as without. It makes them relatable and real and makes each struggle they have so much more intense for me. Elenor is my favourite (not that the others aren’t wonderful) and I cannot wait for the third book, where I fully expect she will kick some tailfeathers.

3. Favourite part

I was going to say the character growth, and while that is truly magnificent, it pales in comparison to the baby mock dragon. Because, let’s be honest, I really want one. 

4. Critique

My only real critique is to do with me not remembering events of book one. I had a hard time getting caught up on what was happening and who was where, since most of this book doesn’t reference the first except to move forwards. Perfectly fine as far as construction goes, but it’s been a while since I read the first book and it took me a minute. Definitely recommend reading this book shortly after the first, unless you have a prodigious memory.

Overall, I would say that Whispers of Stone is another great book by an author who manages to weave words and characters together to make a story so complex and real that you can’t help but be swept away. Excellent.

Book Review: You Left Me No Choice by Kelly Blanchard

You Left Me No Choice is the fifth instalment of the Chronicles of Lorrek series by Kelly Blanchard, and my goodness does the drama increase.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book takes place about a thousand years before the previous book, depicting events surrounding the kelliphs, dragons and the Thymord Order. In this book, Rykeldan, the kelliph king, is searching for his soulbound, Therina, who rejected him after he broke the Dragon prophecy. His search is violent and encompassing humans and dragons alike, leaving little choice but to fight back. But how to kill a being who cannot be killed?

The plot for this book is generally outlined in some of the previous book by characters who reference these events, but is much, much more detailed. The plot involves ag reat number of political entities and personal vendettas, each one somehow working together to solve the biggest problem: Rykeldan. I found the plot very interesting, and it explained a great deal about this particular origin story.

2. Thoughts on the characters

While some characters, like Rykeldan, Therina and a few others were central to the story and familiar from previous books, there were also a very large number of other characters. In general with these books, I find that the characters really make the story, and this book was no exception. However, there were a lot of characters to keep track of and I found myself getting a little lost at times. While I appreciate a well woven story with many details, the number of characters here seemed a little too overwhelming for keeping the story straight.

3. Favourite part

The dramatic scene near the end with the dragons and two kelliphs. I can say no more than that because of spoilers, but my goodness! The drama! Very exciting.

4. Critique

As mentioned above, the number of characters in this book was a little difficult to follow. Otherwise, I really did enjoy it.

Overall, I would say that book five of the Chronicles of Lorrek series is another great instalment of an adventure that encompasses races and worlds, magic and technology, and all the things in between.

Book Review: Silver Knowledge by Emilie Knight

There is something almost intriguing about short stories. I generally read full-length novels where the details are many and the questions are (usually) answered quite neatly. Short stories, such as Emilie Knight’s Silver Knowledge tend to raise more questions than answers and have so many mysteries to solve that I just really like them.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Errol after he receives a mysterious pen as his inheritance from his father. When he writes with this pen, he receives a message. And it turns out that the message saves his life. This leads to a string of events that shapes Errol’s life as he finds love, happiness, and plans for the future. All with the hope and simultaneous threat of the pen hanging over him.

I really, really liked the premise of this book. A pen that sends mysterious messages as you write with it? I’m hooked. Butt he way that this plot was laid out left just enough doubt as to what was going to happen that I couldn’t help but be intrigued. And the ending! Oh my!

2. Thoughts on the characters

It can sometimes be difficult to get to know characters in shorter stories, simply because we don’t spend as much time with them. However, Errol may be an exception to that rule. He is, at first, a little angry at his father for leaving him a pen when all he wanted was something more out of their relationship. But when he learns what the pen is…well, let’s just say that Errol is quickly moulded into the shape of a true believer. This is fascinating to read as he interacts with the world, since he is shaped by something that other people could not possibly comprehend. Does this make him different? Special? Just a little abnormal? I don’t know, but I love it.

3. Favourite part

The pen. Okay, yes, that is literally the point of the story, but it’s a PEN that WRITES back! Cue excited squealing.

4. Critique

My only real critique for this story—as is usually the case with short stories—is that I want more! I wish there were more adventures, more stories, because I just loved this one so much.

Overall, I would say that Silver Knowledge is a story that has the perfect amount of suspense, consequences, characters to love, and an ending that just steals the breath away. An excellent story.

Author Interview: Michael Paul Scott

Michael Paul Scott

1. We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.

I am excited to say that I am wading ankles-deep in the work-in-progress sequel to my debut novel: Freewilds – The Cult & the Constable. The title is still undecided, but I am leaning toward Freewilds – The Lost & the Faithful

2. In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.

My first ever novel, Freewilds – The Cult & the Constable, is a detective noir mystery set in an original dark fantasy world with elements of horror. It follows Lukarde Alfans, a brilliant detective whose investigations into a string of horrific murders led him to become the next target of the perpetrators of these horrid acts, the Cult of Ebon. Framed for murder and forced into exile, Lukarde travels across treacherous lands and storm-ravaged seas to the Freewilds, a region long ago declared forbidden. There, the former constable seeks answers and evidence, a fresh start, and relief from the terrors that plague his traumatized mind whenever he closes his eyes.

The sequel is still in the works, but I can reveal that it picks up about a year after the events of the first novel, building upon the suspense and intrigue, and focusing upon a tormented anti-heroic protagonist of shattered faith and dubious motives.

3. As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)

God… this part, if I’m honest with myself. I am trying to embrace the marketing, advertisement, and publicity-based aspects of being a self-published author, but for me, writing the novel was the best fun I’ve had in… maybe ever. Challenging, yes, and harrowing at times when I experienced a few dreadful bouts of writer’s block… but incredibly rewarding. I am hopeful that in due time, I will come to find the business aspects of all this just as exhilarating and fulfilling.

4. Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?

When I hit a stride. I had a fourteen-hour marathon writing day at one point while working on the first draft of Freewilds – The Cult & the Constable, and I clocked nearly 18,000 words, most of which survived all the way through to the final draft. If only I could have bottled that energy, drive, and inspiration so I could take a sip or two when things slowed to a crawl!

5. If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)

Can I choose two? I’m going to assume I can choose two. Stephen King for his tenacity and ability to produce quality work quickly and efficiently… and Tom Clancy for his ability to research and master his subject matter so well.

6. Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

I won’t lie to you; things are going to get worse before they get better, Lukarde… but you chose the exact wrong time to do this, man. One of these days, if the stars align and the Divines smile upon us both… your story will entertain and inspire so many people, and I will be so proud of us both when, and if, that time ever comes.

7. You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

So, it’s me, Lukarde Alfans, and Neer from H.C. Newell’s Curse of the Fallen are enjoying a game of poker…

I can’t claim to have the best poker face, so I would fold and leave it to the two of them. Neer is a daring soul who isn’t averse to taking risks, so long as those risks don’t involve endangering her friends. I can’t imagine she would have a problem going all-in if she got a strong enough hand… but I also think that unlike his creator, Lukarde Alfans would have a quite effective poker face. No offense, Nerana… but I think Lukarde’s ability to bluff would win out in the end. (Also, read Curse of the Fallen! It’s pretty great, in my humblest of opinions).

8. Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)

Being too derivative, firstly. There is so much out there in the fantasy genre, and I think I inoculated myself a bit from this issue by blending dark fantasy with a detective protagonist and some police-procedural flavour.

Secondly, a writer should be bold and take chances… but it is so easy when writing horror to stray from unsettling and creepy into gratuitous and revolting, so including such aspects in my fantasy detective story required a deft and delicate approach at times.

Finally, there is a fine line between trusting the reader to piece things together and painting with too broad a brush and leaving too much to chance when it comes to building an effective mystery. Just as important as show, don’t tell is show enough… but not so much that it all becomes too obvious or insulting to the reader’s intelligence.

9. Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

Well, how about I inundate you with links to my social media, places to buy my book, my podcast, and sure, I have a great recipe to share as well!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freewilds-michael-scott/1140159160?ean=9781737085522

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/freewilds

https://www.booksamillion.com/search?filter=&id=8337511124263&query=Freewilds%3A+The+Cult+%26+the+Constable

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21805194.Michael_Paul_Scott

https://reedsy.com/discovery/user/michaelscott3674

https://www.facebook.com/TheFreewilds

https://www.instagram.com/TheFreewilds/

https://michaelscottpublishingcompanyllc.tumblr.com/

https://www.pinterest.com/MichaelScottPublishingCo/_created/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefreewilds/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqZQMK7IsnQQf7Q7ph77y6w

https://anchor.fm/michael-paul-scott

A Not-half-bad Chocolate Cake Recipe

2 cups sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup of cocoa

2 teaspoons of baking soda

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1 teaspoon of salt

1 packet of single-serving hot cocoa mix

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 cup of orange pekoe tea (brew with three teabags, at least, more if you’re daring!)

1 cup buttermilk

3/4 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Combine all the dry ingredients, then add all the wet ingredients, then add the wet ingredients. Beat for a few minutes on medium and pour into a buttered bundt pan. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Cool for a bit (but not too long, because bundt pans can be a pain if the cake gets too comfy in there) before you dump the cake out of the bundt pan. Apply vanilla bean ice cream and devour before anyone’s the wiser. Serves 1. (I kid… kinda).

Author Interview: Tahani Nelson

Tahani Nelson

We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.

Currently I’m finishing up the editing process for the final book in my fantasy series. Faoii Ascended is the highly anticipated conclusion to the Faoii Chronicles and I’m incredibly excited to share the ending of this tale with all of you. It releases on November 16, and I could not be more excited!

In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.

My debut series, The Faoii Chronicles, is an epic military fantasy that features strong heroines and matriarchal societies. It follows the evolution of the Faoii Order—the protectors of Imeriel. Wielding both magic and blade, these women have held back ancient evils and maintained sacred rites for millennia. But when a dark war uncovers secrets that even the Faoii cannot keep hidden, it starts a chain of events threatening the free will of an entire continent.

As old leaders fall and new ones rise to take their place, a warrior, a thief, and a launderer all strive to fix what’s been broken. But none can see how their actions affect the Eternal Tapestry—and all are unknowingly bound to the Threads that the others grasp.

In an intricate tale that spans centuries, The Faoii Chronicles is both empowering and immersive. Everyone has the power to forge their own destiny—and even the smallest actions can change the Weave in monumental ways.

As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)

I think that most Indie Authors struggle with marketing. There are so many books out there—it’s nearly impossible to be seen in that literary sea. A lot of the time it feels futile to even try. I do enjoy the parts of marketing I actively seek out, though. I enjoy interviews and meeting new people. I do all of my events, signings, and readings in armor, and that’s a lot of fun. I think even the worst parts of any industry can be made enjoyable if you’re willing to take risks and try new things.

4. Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?

I love that moment when a new idea or story forms at the back of my head and starts scratching behind my eyeballs. I love exploring worlds and cultures no one has ever seen, bringing them to life with ink and prose. And, above all, I love seeing other people connect with those words that I created out of nothing. To have someone recognize me at an event or message me on social media just to say that they enjoyed my work? That’s absolutely divine, and it can keep me going for months afterward.

5. If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)

I marvel at Stephen King’s just… complete lack of Imposter Syndrome. He’s able to write without fear or doubt. Never worries that his writing isn’t good enough for those who will read it. And that amazes me.

King has said in multiple interviews that he never gets stuck or feels like he has to go back and erase what he’s already written because it might be a bad idea—only that it can be improved with editing at a later step. He seems so completely unfazed by critique or self-doubt. I would give almost anything for that. I fight Imposter Syndrome constantly, and it’s often crippling. To be able to just… write? That sounds like a dream.

6. Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

Well, Ehryn. If you hadn’t faced everything I put you through recently then surely you wouldn’t have even had the strength or will to kidnap someone, would you? Look at you. When we met, you were willing to give everything of yourself just so others would accept you. You found purpose only in other people’s joy. You cared more for their happiness than your own. Now you’ve grown into a warrior, able to change the Weave in a million different ways—able to guide others and help them find themselves without the turmoil you had to endure. You’re a beacon of hope for all that will follow in darkness after you, and for once you’re willing to stand up for yourself—to face those that hurt or disregard you. Tell me, Ehryn: Are you not worthy?

7. You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

I just finished re-reading Fahrenheit 451. It’s kind of ironic that Ehryn, Guy, and I would be the three to find ourselves at that table, because we all kind of want the same thing: For stories not to be forgotten. To carry forward something that will outlive us.

As for stakes, I think we would play for stories. Winner gets to pick which ones to carry forward. Not that it would be much of a game. Guy Montag would win hands down, since he actually plays poker in his book. I don’t think either Ehryn or I have ever had the chance.

8. Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)

There are a lot of traps in the writing industry, but I think Comparison is the worst.

Listen: Don’t spend your time and energy comparing yourself to other Indie Authors—Especially comparing yourself to the version you see on their social media. Comparison is the thief of joy. There will always be someone who writes more each night or who makes more in royalties or who has more awards. There will always be reasons to think you’re not good enough. And focusing on those things will sap the joy out of writing faster than anything else.

Instead, try to think back to the beginning. Those moments of joy and excitement and passion when you first called yourself an author. That person would be so proud of how far you’ve come. And rightfully so.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone other than the person you were a year ago. Or five. Or ten. Make that person proud. The rest will follow.

9. Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

Faoii Ascended, the last book in theseries, releases on November 16. I also have a supplemental anthology filled with stand-alone stories that further explore the universe coming out on October 20. The anthology (titled The First Faoli and Other Stories) is not necessary as part of the Faoii Chronicles, but I wanted to offer a gift to my readers as thanks for them standing by me through this entire journey. I could never have come this far without my Faoii Army.

Shields up!

Book Review: Do You Trust Me? by Kelly Blanchard

Book 4 in the Chronicles of Lorrek!

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book goes back in time, to a point in Lorrek’s past where a) he fell in love, and b) where certain events started taht would change his entire future. I’d get more detailed, but, you know, spoilers. 

The plot of this book was very interesting indeed because it explores a point before the first three books, where Lorrek is already the super-powerful sorcerer prince to Cuskelom, his fingers in so many pies that you can’t quite count. This book was not that. Here, he is still in training to Countess Verdrra, and he has to deal with a new student, Eldrila, whose presence is meant to shake things up. Well, they certainly do that! Assassinations, political schemings, and Lorrek’s brothers being terrible. Such fun.

2. Thoughts on the characters

The characters in this book were mostly familiar, but since these events happen before the first three books, we get to see a different side to the characters. They are younger, certainly, but also have fewer dimensions than they do in the first arc, which is fascinating. Rarely do I get to read characters devolve (okay, that sounds terrible, but it’s not really) to a point where situations start off something new. Yes, prequels are common, but they don’t often happen to this extent. Very nice.

3. Favourite part

Trying to evade the future. Ah, whoops! 

4. Critique

I haven’t really got a critique for this book, except to say that my goodness, Lorrek’s brothers were really, really terrible people before book one! I wanted to smack them over the head more than once. Not a critique on the story, just a note from a reader.

Overall, I would say that book four starts off a really great arc in this series and I am super excited to keep going. Excellent book!

Book Review: Dragon Tempest by J.E. Taylor

Sometimes, it feels like the world ended with the pandemic. But, if J.E. Taylor’s book, Dragon Tempest is anything to go by, it could have been a great deal worse.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book takes place about a decade after a pandemic (perhaps not ours, the situation is unclear) reduced the human population enough that the world felt strangely quiet. Due to this quiet, a vast number of ancient beings—leviathans, sea serpents, and dragons—rose from the depths to retake their throne. The humans stood in their way. Enter young Holly Woods, a soldier trying to fight the monsters. She goes to negotiate the human’s surrender and ends up fleeing with the help of a renegade dragon, armed with a potential weapon to rekindle the human’s war against the beasts. 

In general, I think the plot for this book was relatively creative. I like the idea of ancient monsters rising up during the humans’ end of days. It brings a certain je ne sais quois to the end of the world. Also, dragons. I’m a sucker for dragons. There were a number of tiny issues I had with the plot, though, some holes that just made things a little hard to swallow. For one: the food. I don’t understand how Mik could have so much food. Also, the ending. It just sort of…switched gears, changing the whole angle of the book into something else entirely. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

I like Holly. She has spunk for someone who is facing really awful situations. And she seems to be very intelligent about thinking problems through, which is nice.

I will say that her commander’s motivations didn’t feel very authentic to me, though I understand his actions were necessary to move the plot forward.

3. Favourite part

The honey. Yes, that sounds weird, but I promise you it’s not and it’s great.

4. Critique

There were just a few too many believability issues with this book for me. Specifically, the food situation, the ending, certain character motivations. There were others, as well, but those were the main ones. They just added up to me having a hard time with the believability of the story. Yes, I know this is a fantasy and there are dragons and such, but the details matter to me.

Overall, I would say that Dragon Tempest was a good book with a fun adventure and likeable characters.

Author Interview: William Tchatchou

William Tchatchou,

1. We’ll skip the “tell us about yourself” because coming up with something on the spot is, truly, the bane of an author’s existence. So, let’s start with something a little easier! Tell me what you’re working on at the moment.

Currently trying to work on The Boy King, Book 2 and figuring out what to do with a short story I wrote years ago set in the same universe.

2. In as much detail as you would like, tell me about your book(s) that are already out/on the way.

I’m a new author so the only thing I’ve published was Hotel of Madness so far. Now Hotel started out as a “what if” story where I explored what would happen if zombies invaded a anime convention but then I decided to do a little more with the premise and give the zombie outbreak a supernatural bend. And from there I figure why not throw in a supernatural detective type to save the world from zombies and the many angle ones.

3. As far as the writing process goes—including such things as conception of idea all the way through to money in the bank—what is the least favourite bit? (Everyone has one!)

Well I don’t really plan things so my writing process is a bit chaotic. It’s really chapter by chapter and sometimes premises change drastically if I don’t have a good “feeling” about what I’m writing. When in doubt I always try to think to myself “What is the most interesting part of this story?” and just right that instead of worrying over “well I got to go from point A to 1.a before I can go to point B”.

4. Conversely, what is the bit of the writing process that gets your writery brain grinning?

That moment when you finish a chapter and you’re not sure if it’s a good place to drop off the reader but at the same time you feel “done” and you feel proud of yourself.

5. If you could steal any author’s ability to improve your own work, who would you steal from and why? (e.g. Tolkien’s language skills, Douglas Adams’ humour, etc.)

Charlie Huston ability to write an asshole, the effortless ability to delve into nerdy topics like Charles Stross, and the Stephan Kings ability to write the mundane.

6. Now for some fun! The main character of the book you’re working on (or have recently finished) has kidnapped you for ruining their life. How will you explain that what you’re doing is for the best?

I hope he understands that every second he buys for life on earth there is someone somewhere that is grateful even if they don’t know it. And maybe that is a small constellation prize but if we had to switch places I’d take that.

7. You, your main character(s), and the protagonist of the last book you read are playing poker. What are the stakes? Who will win and why?

Well I’m bad at poker so, it’ll be between my main character Arthur Curry and Will Wight, Cradle Series main guy Lindon. The stakes is the Arthur’s copy of the Necronomicon and Lindon’s crafting talent. They’d both cheat but Arthur has a slight advantage due being able manipulate probability.

8. Let’s face it, writing is hard. What do you think are some traps to avoid in your particular area of expertise? (Whether that be your genre, your knowledge of plot, your character building, your world building, etc.)

I’d say don’t be bogged down in all the details. We are all tempted to throw the kitchen sink at our world building and characters and sometimes that’s necessary and sometimes it really isn’t.

9. Anything else you’d like to add? Plots to take over the world, for example. Upcoming release dates, links and things, maybe even your favourite chocolate cake recipe.

I need the Gorillaz to have an album as good as Demon Days so I can write another book.

Book Review: I’m Still Alive by Kelly Blanchard

One of the benefits of diving into a series, especially an epic fantasy (and sci-fi) series, is that I get to see all the character and story arcs and connect all the dots into the larger picture. The third book in Kelly Blanchard’s Chronicles of Lorrek, I’m Still Alive, ends one story arc and dives into another, with all the usual magic and mayhem that you expect from these books.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book takes place one year after the end of the last book, following Lorrek and Vixen as they try to stop Princess Mordora, who has unwittingly been targeted by an ancient artefact. They are trying to undo the damage that she has done, while also uncovering secrets of an ancient past, and dealing with everyone else who gets pulled into the situation. 

This plot starts pulling in a lot of threads from the distant past, which undergirds the rest of the series. The threads become more intricate, drawing on things from the previous books as well as introducing world lore in such a way that familiar characters reveal a great deal more than we knew. As always with these books, the plot is very detailed and pulls the reader in a lot of different directions, all of which end with one of those dramatic gasps as we get to the finale. 

2. Thoughts on the characters

Most of the characters in this book are familiar, so much of the development is merely to do with learning more about them and how they interact with the world. Included in this development is the introduction of events that happened some many generations ago, which set of a series of chain reactions that won’t be fully realised until much later in the series. Which was quite clever, but also frustrating for the reader—at least for me, as I am one of those, “I want to know all the stuff now!” types. Ah, c’est la vie.

3. Favourite part

That snarky bit at the end, where Lorrek is thumbing his nose at….sorry, spoilers.

4. Critique

My only real critique for this book is one of those annoying, nitpicky things that us reviewers pull upon when we can’t find anything else to critique; I would have liked a little evidence of some of these dramatic past events to appear in the first two books, if only to hint at what was to come. It’s really not necessary, since we learn all that we need as the series progresses, but it’s possible that I’ve read too many mysteries in my life and like books to have clues as to future events. Only really a problem if you grew up with a mystery book in hand before you leaped into the fantasy genre. So…not really relevant to the book at all.

Overall, I would say that I’m Still Alive is a great third book to a great series, starting off on more story arcs and bringing in a lot of details that really make these books worth reading.