E.G. Stone's Blog, page 15

Author Interview: Anthony Almato

Anthony Almato

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’ve just finished the second book in my series. Well, the third draft of it, at least. Book 1 took me 4 years to release, and I finished the attached novella – Free Worlds of Humanity 1.5: Short Stories from the Free Worlds; at the same time, that book will come out in January of 2022. Book 2 in the Free Worlds of Humanity saga, Tensions Rising, is where most of my focus is now. I’m refining it through my process to make sure all my characters stay in character, and I don’t leave any plot holes.

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

Free Worlds of Humanity occurs in a distant future society throughout a region known as occupied space that includes Earth. The exact time is unknown because an event had happened thousands of years earlier, known as the Great Darkness, where the whole of humanity on every single air-breathing world abandoned advanced technology and lived in the shadows of their former glory. When the light returned, only a shred of humanity returned with it. As the new civilizations of the Free Worlds of Humanity rose, they all had forgotten what it meant to be good-willed and true to each other. The Great Darkness caused such devastation and loss that those who survived did so through brutality, force and subjugation. Only the Free Worlds of Humanity are considered enlightened now. Each of them is unique, with a common theme of its people living within some form of caste system where most of the population live at the bottom.

In the colonized planets forming the Free Worlds of Humanity, everyone falls into a caste of some kind.

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!)

Book 1, Free Worlds of Humanity, released on 9-17-2021. I began concepts for this story during my senior year of high school in 2001. My original thought behind world-building was to turn it into a real-time strategy (RTS) video game. I drew concepts and wrote in my free time on the physics within the story. I would spend random amounts of time doing it through the years. Then put everything back on the shelf until I felt like doing it again for a few months here and there every year. Around 5 years ago, I found over 300 pages in a storage box that included story detail, world-building, societies, characters and more. My wife raised an eyebrow and wondered where I found all the free time to work on so much stuff. I had no idea what to do with all this stuff. Who would? I had wondered if I should make it into a comic book, try to pitch it as a game concept to developers, or maybe make a tabletop board game from all the details. For the life of me, I can’t remember where the idea to write a book came from, but I spent lots of time researching what to do, which included second-guessing myself numerous times because I had never ever read a book, let alone written one. It wasn’t until I reached out and got a response from Mercedes Lackey, a NYT best-selling published author with over 135 books on the market. She convinced me to write this book myself, which is what I did. Without her push, it might never have happened. I started writing the first draft 4 years ago and finished it within 90 days at 300,000 words. Then the refining started.

What I found interesting through the process of writing it out was how much real-world events started taking shape with similarities to how the rich politicians of Free Worlds acted and responded to public affairs. The reason book 1 took 4 years to write was because I had gone through it nearly twenty times from start to finish and kept tweaking and refining. It also went through four rounds of professional editing/proofreading. That extended everything by another year.

I spent more time on my story bible wiki page to expand on the world-building for the series. I’ve always found that when I enjoy a show or movie, the first place visited afterward is Wikipedia or somewhere that has more rabbit-hole falling details that no one would know unless they did a deep dive into it. I wanted that for Free Worlds and created www.FreeWorldsofHumanity.com – a complete detailed lore page filled with everything about the societies, characters, battles, ships, planets, and tons of illustrations.

Something about the story must interest people because I had nearly four hundred sales within the first ten days of release.

The worst part for me is not writing. Because of this crazy process, I’ve spent the last three months working on marketing and networking. It’s left little time for doing what I enjoy most, which is writing the darn thing! Lol. When I get into my flow, nothing stops me at all. I’ve never had writer’s block and don’t understand what that concept even means. Once I sit down and focus, it all flows from my fingers quickly.

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

The hard twisted nature of my story. These characters literally crawl through crap, evil, and terrible things occurring within their stories. These people are so strong and keep moving one leg in front of the other to get out. It’s not over the top to the point of being unbelievable. The sense of realism from my advanced readers was something I was complimented on besides my writing style.

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 really wish I could answer this question without feeding you a line… but I can’t because I’ve never read a book in my life. From community stories I’ve read across places like Reddit and Quora, I’ll say that GRRM’s TV version of Game of Thrones was something I tried to model my story after in the sense of the corruption level. If I could learn to do that better with some added humor, that would be cool.

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?

Considering that my story follows five main character story arks through individual POVs, I’d have to refine it down to one of them. I’m picking the one that wouldn’t kill me without hearing me out first… lol. Mace Applegate, an employee from the Federate Corporation, 5th and final of the recognized Free Worlds governments with seats inside the Capitol Forum on the relations station. He’s a calm, calculating man who slowly evolves throughout book 1 to a person who becomes numb to things, and while he might hate me forever, I don’t see him or any of the characters ever believing what I did to them was for the best, he’ll at least let me live.

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?

While I’ve never read a book in my life, I can associate it with the last TV show I watched, which was Foundation. I’d say between Hari Seldon, Gaal Dornick, and Brother Day, around a table with Henry McWright, Kathryn, Mace Applegate, Isabel Sideris and Master Gunnery Sergeant Askar; the stakes are rather interesting.

Math genius might be able to count the cards in such a way as to calculate the odds of winning (Hari and Gaal.) But I could see them being intimidated, sitting across a table with a Dolrinion sentinel in full battle armor with countless markings of battle across his war plate. Henry McWright can manipulate any situation, including people, bending them to his will, and Kathryn, oh Kathryn, wouldn’t spend five minutes playing this game. She’d want nothing to do with it. Mace is a math guru himself, being the best programmer within the Federate Corporation. He might put up a good fight.

The stakes would be simple. Brother Day would want to kill anyone who beat him, Henry would meet the challenge by calling in a Colonial Hellfire assault, Askar might kill everyone if the mood strikes him, and Isabel would be plotting her way of motivating anyone outside to her cause.

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.)

My process is part sprinkling and part winging it. I have a general sense of the direction I’m going in while writing, but as the words come out onto the page, let’s take a general conversation between two characters, it comes to life on its own. I’m not thinking in my head about how the conversation is taking place. It’s literally happening in real-time as I write it. I’ve changed directions numerous times through book one. I also hit a few plot holes square in the face, but it took no more than five minutes to write myself out in a believable way each time. The world-building for me took place over twenty years, so I had a solid foundation in my head on how everything worked without the need to check through pages of writings for reassurance that what I had put on the paper was legitimate to the lore. I’ve never experienced writer’s block. My first draft of book one took 90 days and ended at 275,000 words.

Refining everything is the hardest part. That takes patience and stamina. The only trap I can think of is a trap you set for yourself. Stay off social media, don’t watch the news, or fall into a rabbit hole of arguments posted in your feed. Immerse yourself into character and write. That is also something I do while writing. I turn my brain into the character chapter I’m writing at that moment. I become the character. I think like them and try to sound like them in my head. Character acting in a sense. That’s how I spend each day of writing. One day is a chapter of Henry McWright. I give myself an accent (in my head) and become Henry for the day. Even in real-life dealings, I respond and act as if I were the character for that day. My wife can tell you all about that. I’m a peach on days when I’m pretending to be a 63-year-old warrior who is grief-stricken from endless wars.

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.

The world-building of Free Worlds of Humanity was very important to me and took 20 years to develop. I’ve got so much fun stuff for readers to explore at www.freeworldsofhumanity.com – be warned. There are spoilers there that will give you details from book 1. The attached novella for book 1 will release on January 14th, 2022, followed by book 2’s release in August of 2022. I’ve already started on the attached novella for book 2, which I think will excite readers because of its direction to expand on the lore of Free Worlds. The characters all have distinctive and independent voices, and I think your listeners would enjoy their personalities. Even if they don’t approve of one, there are five to choose from

Book Review: The Immortal by E.G. Creel

Oddly enough, in reading the many fantasy books that I read, I haven’t read all that many about hidden immortals in modern society, which is strange because it’s actually a very popular sub-genre of urban fantasy. I think it’s just a matter of the right books crossing my desk—or not. In the case of E.G. Creel’s The Immortal, however, it took that sub-genre and explored it quite well.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Emma, who went to an island on vacation and ended up the only survivor of a culling by a group of immortal Vikings. These Vikings must eat a human heart every so often or their bodies will remain old while they march through time. Emma, as the only survivor and now witness to the secret, is adopted by the leader of the Vikings, Bjorn. Only, two problems. Emma may have the key to saving the Vikings and she also may be losing her heart in an entirely different manner.

As far as originality goes, I really liked the plot. It was unique, interesting, and had a few twists and turns that I did not expect in the slightest. In that regard, I liked it quite a lot. However, I think things moved too quickly for Emma. She went from surviving what was basically a massacre, to trusting these people with her life and more in a matter of days. That seems highly unlikely, and sort of ruined the rest of the plot for me, no matter how interesting.

2. Thoughts on the characters

In general, I liked the characters a lot. Emma is strong and capable, not afraid to start living her life. The Vikings all have unique and interesting personalities. The interactions are sweet, even funny at times. And the way Emma reacted at the end of the book was wonderful. But again, her nearly split-second decision to start trusting the Vikings after what happened to her friends was really hard for me to swallow.

3. Favourite part

The ending. It was stellar and fascinating.

4. Critique

As mentioned previously, the change in Emma from terror to trust was just too quick for me to really get into the book.

Overall, I would say that this book had a very unique plot, great characters and an ending which I thoroughly enjoyed. If it weren’t for that one detail, I would say this is a great book. As it stands, I will say it was good.

Book Review: I Still Have a Soul by Kelly Blanchard

In book two of Kelly Blanchard’s Chronicles of Lorrek, we have action, adventure, some misunderstandings that may or may not have caused an entire war, and all the magic and mayhem you could want.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book picks up where the first left off, with our sorcerer, Prince Lorrek of Cuskelom, trying his best to figure out what’s going on because his memories were taken by Roskelem in an effort to exact revenge on Lorrek for a number of different events. Lorrek, with absolutely no idea who he is, is tasked with killing the assassin Vixen in order to get his memories back. Of course, this isn’t as simple as it seems.

As always with Kelly Blanchard’s books, the plot never goes in the direction that you anticipate. Characters and events move in an organic fashion that tends to take any predictability out of the story. This isn’t to say that a reader has no idea what’s going on, because that is not the case. It’s just that familiar plots in fantasy novels have no bearing on this series, and it is wonderful.

2. Thoughts on the characters

These characters are, for the most part, the same cast that we met in book one. They are explored a bit more deeply, and with insights that come from new interactions with other characters and new events. They are pushed to the limits and then challenged in ways that are unique and interesting, and their reactions are fascinating to read. They are all uniquely wonderful characters. Except Roskelem.

3. Favourite part

Vixen. All the staby bits. Because it seems like a perfectly rational response to the situation.

4. Critique

I haven’t got any major critiques for this book, to be honest. I like the plot, and I like the characters. I do wish that the ending wasn’t quite so…well, spoilers…as it was, but that’s just the author being the author and I can do absolutely nothing about that except to say, “No! Why?!” and then sniffle along while I reach for the next book.

Overall, I would say that I Still Have a Soul is a great continuation of The Chronicles of Lorrek series!

Book Review: Remember the Butterfly by Rebecca Marsh

A lot of the books I read are possessed of magic or science or mystery or love, so it is a rare pleasure when I get to read a book that delves into the soul of people. Rebecca Marsh’s Remember the Butterfly is just such a book, an exploration of love and loss.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Jillian, who is dealing with survivor’s guilt after the death of her sister, and who is also experiencing unexpected tragedy when her desire for a child ends in a series of failures from fertility treatments. Just when she gives up all hope, she gets the chance to become a mother. But even that isn’t as secure as she would hope, and she may have to give up everything for the one she loves.

This book is a heartwarming story about a woman learning what it means to love and to live, even after tragedy. It does involve a lot of situations that seem normal, if incredibly unfortunate, but when put together into one life seem almost incredible. There are a lot of pieces that went into Jillian finding her happiness, and while I am pleased with how the story turned out, it did feel like a lot.

2. Thoughts on the characters

I liked the characters, in general. They felt like they could be real people with real lives, though there was an exceptional amount of tragedy in their lives specifically. They had enough depth to feel like they could be real, but I found myself a little disconnected from them. It is possible that this is because this book was focused mainly on having a baby and trying to build a family, since that is something I’m not especially keen on. I think, however, that it was a bit more than this. Jillian felt almost single-minded in her desire, which added a touch of two-dimensionality to this. I don’t think that this is entirely accurate, since a lot of time passed between scenes and the story simply focused on these things, but most of her desires were the only thing she thought about.

3. Favourite part

I think the turn into Keelie’s story was probably my favourite part, though I can say no more for spoilers.

4. Critique

I think my biggest critique is the piece I mentioned above, about Jillian’s desires being almost single-minded and thus leaving her character a little flat. It made the story more about the plot than it did the characters, which is effective in some genres, but not one I’ve seen often in women’s fiction, where the story takes place primarily on internal thoughts and actions.

Overall, I would say Remember the Butterfly was a good story, heartwarming, and nice to read on a snowy afternoon.

Book Review: The Crown’s Sorrow by Kelly Blanchard and Matthew Dale

The Crown’s Sorrow is the third book in the Hand of Sorrow series by Kelly Blanchard and Matthew Dale, and we are now getting into the heart and soul of the story. Not to say that the first two books weren’t significant or full stories in of themselves, but this book is where certain details get tied together and events really start to move.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Ensula as she tries to protect her kingdom from being harried by neighbouring kingdoms that still follow the Fane of Tenillith. In doing so, she hires the Five Houses of assassins to effectively reduce the royal families of the various kingdoms, inadvertently hiring Adrik, former Inquisitor and friend. 

There is a great deal of drama in this book on both sides of the story, following Adrik and Ensula. I can’t reveal a lot of it because it would spoil a great many things, but events in this book were a lot more involved and even a touch darker than the previous two books. It felt like the plot was intensifying in very vibrant ways, giving the characters a great deal more to fight for, and consequently more to lose.

2. Thoughts on the characters

In conjunction with the plot moving in new, unexpected ways, the characters too felt far more intense, far more involved and deep. This was a very good thing for the main characters, because it means that us readers get to see more of them and learn more about them, as well as watch them evolve over the course of the story. However, some of the side characters by comparison felt like looking at shadow after staring at the sun; a little lost in the afterglow. While this is fairly common in stories with large casts of characters, this is the first time i’ve noticed such a phenomenon in this particular series. However, it’s not really that big of an issue since the story is about the main characters more than any others.

3. Favourite part

Ensula got very, very dark there for a while. I liked it a lot, because it showed how far she was willing to go, but it was also a bit frightening. Very well done.

4. Critique

There’s a particular character in this book who starts out very well and who ends up not so well. I can’t reveal his name for spoilers, but he’s an idiot. A really big idiot.

Overall, I would say that this third book is a great expansion on the series and I am most curious to see where the rest of the story is going, because now I am well and truly invested in these characters’ lives.

Author Interview: Crystal Cherie

Name, please!

Crystal Cherie

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.

Haha, I appreciate that. At the moment, I am working on drafting book two of my newest series, The Divine Houses. I’m also working to do hefty revisions on a fan-favorite from Wattpad, Lucky and the Killer.

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

I just released House of Pluto (literally this week). It’s brand new, and I’m so excited to see how that goes. It’s the first book in my new six-book series, and I’m honestly rather proud of it. It’s my hope that it will appeal to fans of both Harry Potter and Sailor Moon. There’s a little bit of magic and stars with just a dash or two of evil.

Book two is coming in December of this year. I do also have a stand-alone book, Deleted, that’s available. It was my first novel, so take that with a grain of salt.

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!)

My least favourite bit is definitely formatting and editing. Formatting feels tedious to me, even when there is a template from a publisher, and line-editing is delicate work.

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

Why, the writing, of course! Drafting is my favourite part, hands down. I love the imagination aspect to it, and it’s really neat to watch my characters come to life.

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.)

Cassandra Clare’s skill for world building and plot. I loved her Mortal Instrument’s series and have always thought she does a good job in those areas. It also wouldn’t hurt to have Jude Watson’s pacing and character development.

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?

“Haha, look now, you’ll be stronger for it in the end, and I’ve been through some crap, too. You’ll survive. But yeah, please let me go. We’ve still got work to do.”

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?

Lennox will win because he’s cool, calm, and mostly collected, and we’re probably playing for keys from the series. Either way, I’ll lose because I’ve never played poker.

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.)

*Show more than you tell.

*Don’t kill characters for no reason.

*Most people don’t dig love triangles (“MOST” not all, don’t murder me).

*If you’re a pantser, learn to plan even if it’s just a little bit.

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.

Keep reading, keep writing, and it’ll all work out in the end. Much love to everyone and thanks for having me!

You can find House of Pluto here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09FKQ3N54?pf_rd_r=C9CJWK7E0NRWBBP0EE9R&pf_rd_p=8fe9b1d0-f378-4356-8bb8-cada7525eadd&pd_rd_r=7d759ddd-4444-4ed1-ac1b-4f162e704cb1&pd_rd_w=PaxWc&pd_rd_wg=G9kgS&ref_=pd_gw_unk

House of Neptune (Book 2) should drop December 2021, so keep an eye out for that!

Book Review: The Vargarian Sire by Katharine E Wibell

After the intensity of The Twelve Tasks, book one of the Djed Chronicles by Katharine E Wibell, I was not entirely sure what to expect with book two, The Vargarian Sire. It somehow managed to be everything that book one was, and more.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book picks up one year after Katie was sent back to Earth, having completed the twelve tasks that proved her to be the Djed, saviour of the twelve worlds and defender against the darkness. She is pulled back to Wect in time to solve a mystery that is killing worlds and brining monsters through gateways where they should not be. During this struggle, Katie encounters her old friends, Ike, Sar’ra, and Gullfaxi. She also meets some new friends, and new enemies.

The plot for this book was just as intricate as book one, with each action Katie made leading into something significant that has the possibility of changing the fate of the twelve worlds. I like the intricacy, but there was also a little lack of direction that the first book had. This time, there were no set tasks to fulfil, but a mystery that must be solved. This was perfectly fine, but I felt like I was meant to be reading something a little more structured after book one. Still, I enjoyed the plot!

2. Thoughts on the characters

The characters in this book were mostly familiar, with Katie as our hero and her friends as loyal assistants. There were a few new faces, though, which I think added spice to the story. I will say I still don’t like Sar’ra—she feels a little too spiteful for someone who is meant to be a friend to Katie. Also, Thomas was just a bit too rude to be someone I like as well, despite his significance to the plot.

3. Favourite part

Fenrir! I shall say no more because of spoilers.

4. Critique

Mostly, my critique is that Sar’ra and Thomas were both meant to be characters helping Katie along and yet were not very fun to read. They just had a bit too much attitude and were putting Katie down a bit too much for me to enjoy.

Overall, I would say that The Vargarian Sire was a great second book to a series that looks as though it will have great promise.

Book Review: Fae or Foe? by Craig Deenan

There are a lot of fairy stories out there these days. The stories of history that have grown through the ages have become incredibly popular, and for good reason. The Fae, those creatures just across the invisible barrier, with good or bad intentions, are a tempting prospect. However, there are also a lot of paranormal romances involving the Fae out there, and it’s nice to see something as straightforward as a coming of age adventure story, such as Craig Deenan’s Fae or Foe?, the first book in the Cracklock Saga.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Jack Crackley, a boy going about his business at school and on his paper route, until one day, in the midst of some trouble, he begins to see odd creatures. When he’s attacked, he not only learns of beings called Fae that wander around this world, but also of a larger plot to cause him—and his friends—harm.

This book follows the relatively straightforward coming of age pattern, where the main character finds out he’s special and then has to do his best to save either the world or those around him who are in danger. In this case, it’s the latter, but with hints to the former. I like the story; it has enough twists that the plot isn’t entirely predictable, but it also is comforting in the familiarity. A good plot, though there are a lot of threads by the end that need tying.

2. Thoughts on the characters

A lot of time, these sorts of stories can have a main character who is either too noble (read, noblebright style stories), or entirely the opposite. Jack reads very much in the middle of those two, more like a normal teenager who is dealing with some difficult things. He’s not annoying to read, and he’s not ridiculously noble, either. He’s just a good kid in some weird circumstances, which I really appreciated. The other characters around him read very much the same way, excepting the antagonist(s) of the piece. They read a bit more like caricatures rather than villains with a twisty back story. However, the characters are generally quite good.

3. Favourite part

Dorcas the brownie is absolutely my favourite out of the entire book, and I dare you to prove me wrong.

4. Critique

The ending of the book is a cliffhanger, which is perfectly fine in the grand scheme of things, since this is the first of a series. However, this cliffhanger left most of the threads of the story in book 1 untied, which is a little problematic. I like to see all the threads except for one or two overarching plot points tied up. That way you have a complete story that transitions into the next story rather than stopping a story right in the middle of important information. I understand that there was drama that needed to be there in order to edge into book two, but so very many threads were left untied that I just felt like the story was incomplete in a very large way.

Overall, I would say that Friend or Foe? was an entertaining read with characters who were enjoyable and a plot that was not standard, with enough familiar elements to draw you in. A good book.

Author Interview: Billie Kermack

Name, please!Billie Jade KermackWe’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’m currently finishing up the third instalment in my Dark PNR series, It should be released around Halloween. I also have a collection of contemporary stand alone romances n the g.

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

AWOKEN and ASCEND are the first two books available in the series, book three HALLOWED will be released shortly. This dark PNR series follows our protagonist Grace O’Callaghan battling after the untimely loss of her father. Girl meets boy; easily the most common occurrence in most YA/NA friendly novels, this union is different though. Itis a dark modern-day love story that’s more Grimm than Disney; if singing mice and dancing crabs are what you were looking for, this is not the book for you. Seances, time travel, and torture, however – if that’s your thing, you just might fit right in.

Hidden away most of his life, Beau had successfully managed to mask his gift from the world. Having the ability to commune with the dead wasn’t exactly the best conversation starter, and that was okay, he didn’t much like people anyway, until he walked back into Gallows Wood and into Grace’s life. 

The deeper Grace delves into Beau’s world, the further she wanders from the safety of her own. Plagued by the spirit of a sadistic serial killer long dead, Grace must harness what power she can to defeat him and stay alive. Awakening family secrets that Grace could never have imagined to be true begs the question: Had she been surrounded by magic longer than she had thought?

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 is by far the part of the process I dislike the most.

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

I love working with a pen and paper, so my favourite part of the process is before I even sit down at a computer. I have random notebooks and loose papers everywhere in my house.

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’ve never thought about this before, is that strange? What jumps to mind is Dean Koontz ability to scare a reader to the point of questioning whether to continue.

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?

After saying something sarcastic and highly inappropriate (as is my nature) I would probably try shifting the blame to a more likely suspect.

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’m currently researching contemporary romances for my next project so I would assume they were playing strip poker, the death of a loved one would be at stake and my protagonist would kick ass with her new witchy abilities because nothing means more to her then those she holds dear.

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.)

Firstly you are creating a world that lives in your head, it can be whatever you want it to be so never limit yourself. Secondly you should never worry what people will think about your work, not everyone is going to like your work all the time, you write for the ones that are moved by your creation. Thirdly, know your characters inside and out; things as simple as almost drowning at the age of three or hating the taste of marmite could alter how your character behaves in situations; it’s the little details.

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.

Taking over the book world would be ace and I’m working my butt off to get there but for now, its just writing, writing and more writing. I’m hoping to have my third instalment completed and ready for consumption by October 2021. I also write a blog offering help, tips and advice for other authors like myself The Sable Scribbler – Tips, Tricks, Inspiration and Next level writing

Instagram – billiejadekermackauthor

Book link – (available in ebook, paperback and Audible)

Awoken: Shadowed Veil Series (Audio Download): Billie Jade Kermack, Heather Vicky Walker, Billie Jade Kermack: Amazon.co.uk

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@BJKAwoken-Author

Book Review: Someday I’ll Be Redeemed by Kelly Blanchard

I enjoy books (and series) that twist and turn and take unexpected detours along the way, making the journey end up somewhere entirely new. Kelly Blanchard’s Chronicles of Lorrek is a series that does just that, and Someday I’ll Be Redeemed, the first book, wastes no time in throwing you into the deep end.

1. Thoughts on the plot

This book follows Lorrek, sorcerer prince of Cuskelom, as he reappears after ten years of absence following a creature attacking his home and sending him into a void. The only thing is that none of his family know he’s back, and he’s going to keep it that way until certain schemes can be set into motion that will fix the mistakes he made all those years ago.

The plot, while seemingly relatively straightforward from the very (very) brief synopsis I’ve given, is not at all that simple. Lorrek’s life intertwines with those of his brothers, Theran, Heldon and Honroth, as well as the assassin Vixen, the mysterious sorceress Fawn, and many others. One action set into motion in one part of this land of science-fantasy is enough to ripple outwards into unknowable dimensions. The plot is twisty, yet easy to follow, and absolutely does not end up where one would expect. Very well thought out.

2. Thoughts on the characters

 These characters are…very complicated to get to know. Lorrek is the main character and there are still facets of his personality and story that I feel I haven’t fully examined, and I’ve read the books before. That being said, I absolutely love the characters. They are well thought out, have enough depth to drown in (a good thing, I promise), and interact with their world in fascinating ways. I love all the different perspectives and enjoy the way their lives twine together.

Except Roskelem, but everyone hates him.

3. Favourite part

The sneaky nature of the author who lets certain things creep up on you in the plot and then, suddenly, they become really important and you’re left wondering how in the world that could possibly happen. It’s pretty fantastic.

4. Critique

*Cough*Roskelem*Cough*

No, but really, my only real critique for this book, and the others in the series, is that it takes me a minute to get into the style of the story. This book is told from third person omniscient perspective, and it is not one I encounter often. However, after the first couple of chapters, the prose starts to flow quite well and I start to enjoy the style, because it means I get to know what characters are thinking before everyone else knows what they’re thinking. This is also the style that lends itself to accidentally throwing the book against the wall, because if the characters would just talk to each other, then there would be less drama. Okay, not really. There is no chance of less drama, and I love it.

Overall, Someday I’ll Be Redeemed is a great start to this epic science-fantasy series, and I am thrilled to be rereading the series!