Theresa Jacobs's Blog, page 18

July 14, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: VAL TOBIN

Please welcome Val, check out her interview with me, her books, and like, share – READ.

Tell us about your books, genre, stand-alone or series.


I’ve published seven novels, one box set (The Valiant Chronicles), and some short stories. The Valiant Chronicles is also available as a series of individual novels. My main genre is romance (romantic suspense, paranormal romance).


The Valiant Chronicles set is a supernatural thriller comprised of three novels: The Experiencers, A Ring of Truth, and Earthbound.


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The Experiencers introduces the main characters and the conflict. It’s a story of good versus evil but with the added challenge that some characters believe they’re working for the greater good when they’re not. I’ve always enjoyed exploring perceptions, truth, and reality.


 


 


 


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A Ring of Truth completes the journey after a much darker turn. The two main characters get to a point where they have some closure. Their story continues beyond the scope of the novel, but this was a good place to leave them. I’ve considered revisiting this world a number of times but haven’t started working on anything yet. Instead, I wrote a prequel, which is where Earthbound came from.


 


 


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With Earthbound, I explore the afterlife from the perspective of a murder victim who is instrumental in triggering the epiphany that changes the course of Michael Valiant’s life in The Experiencers. Michael is an anti-hero. With this character, I wanted to explore a number of concepts, one of which was how a person can kill but still be a good person. How can someone like that carry on? How much remorse can one live with? How do you recover from committing heinous crimes if you have a conscience?


 


[image error]Gillian’s Island tells the story of a socially anxious divorcée who confronts her greatest fears when she’s forced to sell her island home and falls for the dashing new owner. The idea for it came to me when I was looking at a website for a friend’s island resort. I thought that would be a wonderful place for an introvert so long as they had someone else deal with the guests. Then, of course, I thought about that saying that no man is an island. The character of Gillian Foster sprang to life from that, and the story evolved around her.


 


 


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Injury is another romantic suspense and grew from my ruminations on what it must be like to be famous and not know your father, to believe he abandoned you. How would that affect a young woman’s self-esteem over the years? Her relationships with men? Would she wonder if her father regretted abandoning her? Was he out there wanting to contact her? Then I took it even further and wondered how her view of herself would change if she discovered her father hadn’t abandoned her after all—that he’d been murdered and her mother killed him. This story begins with the revelation about actress Daniella Grayson’s father and the resulting fallout when the media get a hold of the story.


[image error]Walk-In explores the new age concept of walk-ins but in the context of a paranormal romance thriller. I’d always been fascinated by the possibility that a soul could contract to leave the body and allow another soul to inhabit it. This isn’t possession, because the exiting soul agrees to relinquish the body for another soul. Without getting too much into it, I contemplated what an evil being might do with this and the story evolved from that.


 


 


Storm Lake is a short horror story with children as the main characters. I wanted to take a thirteen-year-old girl and make her a hero. I also have a small non-fiction story in Angel Words by Doreen Virtue and Grant Virtue, which was published by Hay House. Aedammair’s Choice is a short fantasy story that will be published in an anthology for charity with fellow authors from the Indie Author Support & Discussion group.


How long have you been writing?


Ever since I could read (around age five), I wrote. I started putting my work out there around 2000/2001 when I wrote tech articles for Community MX. I wrote for other online publications after that but didn’t get into fiction writing professionally until 2013.


Are you traditionally published, or self-published?


I’m self-published (except for the story in Angel Words, which was published by Hay House.)


If self-published when/why did you take that route.


An author friend who is a hybrid author (traditionally and indie published) discussed the pros and cons with me based on what he’d experienced. He steered me towards indie publishing, and I published my first novel, The Experiencers, in 2013.


Does writing energize or exhaust you?


Both.


How many hours a day do you write?


When I’m working on a draft, I use word count as my target rather than time. I’ll typically target 1,500 words. Sometimes that means I can move on to something else after a couple of hours. Other times, that means I’m pecking away at my manuscript all day.


Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?


I read some of my book reviews. If a bad review contains constructive criticism, I’ll learn from it. The good reviews also provide opportunities to learn. They tell me what readers like about my work, what works.


What was your hardest scene to write?


The scenes in Storm Lake were difficult to write. I don’t like mutilating and killing characters, but this was a horror story, and the situation called for some horrifying stuff.


What is your favorite childhood book?


Harold and the Purple Crayon.


What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?


I enjoy all parts of the artistic process. I love nothing more than taking an idea and turning it into a story filled with interesting characters. Even editing and revising turns me on. What makes me cringe is blurb writing and marketing.


Who is your favorite author and have you ever tried to emulate them?


I have a lot of favourite authors, for example, Margaret Mitchell, Margaret Atwood, Tolkien, Richard Adams, Clive Barker, Stephen King, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Nora Roberts, and so many more. I learn from them but don’t try to copy their voice. As an author, I have my own style, my own voice.


What book changed your life?


The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien changed my life. I read it when I was fourteen and fell in love with fantasy novels then. The Valiant Chronicles is my homage to LOTR. While it’s not a fantasy story, it’s an epic, multi-character journey with the modern world as its backdrop.


Is there anything you want us to know about you or your books?


My main goal when I write a story is to entertain. I want to pull the reader into the life of one or more main characters. Readers will, hopefully, relate to the characters and live vicariously through them. I want readers to get lost in the story and forget about the real world while they’re immersed in my worlds.


Check out her LINKS!


Website: http://valtobin.com


FB page: https://www.facebook.com/valtobinauthor/


Blog: https://bobandval.wordpress.com/


Twitter: https://twitter.com/valandbob


BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/val-tobin


Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Val-Tobin/e/B00KC5S69K/


ALLi profile page: https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/members/val-tobin/profile/


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Published on July 14, 2018 05:37

July 13, 2018

Win 1 of 5 Audible Codes

CLICK THIS LINK TO ENTER

https://kingsumo.com/g/xottch/win-one-of-5-audible-codes-for-the-cimmerians


[image error]EVIL SHADOWS LURK

 

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Published on July 13, 2018 04:12

July 7, 2018

Horror Review “Dreaming at the top of my lungs”

 Twelve Dark Tales From The Mind Of Israel Finn



[image error]Diverse tales:

-A man who is faced with the prospect of losing the most important thing in his life—his son—but instead loses his mind. And then finds himself trapped in a waking nightmare with no way out.

-A frustrated man who curses life for having the audacity to pass him by, but discovers how it feels to be truly forsaken when the universe chooses to teach him a horrifying lesson.

-An outcast who must decide between vengeance and forgiveness in a world turned upside down by war and famine.

-A woman on trial in a world where telling the truth is a crime.

-A man who is living with a very odd houseguest, a visitor who has no concept of war

-A boy who lives in constant terror of someone who is supposed to love and protect him, but who has betrayed that trust. A horror story that examines the real-life beasts who walk among us every day.


Israel Finn is a top-shelf author, he fits right in with the likes of King, Bloch, Ketchum, Matheson and on and on!


Many people are leery about picking up a single author anthology – especially one by an unknown indie –  but with this book, you are left wanting more. Each story is strong enough to stand alone. His writing draws you in, cradles you and just when you think you’re safe, knocks you for a loop. They range from phycological to emotional to out of this world. With 35 reviews, most 5 stars, you don’t have to take my word for it.


Reviewers say:


Dreaming at the Top of My Lungs is a cut above.


Israel is a phenom author who will only get even better.


He paints brief pictures of various horrors—monsters, atrocities, and tragedies—that disturb and provoke but never overstay their welcome.


Well written, engaging and at times disturbing.


To say Israel Finn can write is the understatement of the year. His stories will leave your head spinning and you begging for more


 


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I was lucky enough to grab a paperback when it was first released, with this cover. Now I know I have a jewel on my shelf that one day will be highly valued.


 


 


 


 


 


I am anxiously awaiting a novel to drop. Will it or won’t it? Perhaps Israel will comment and let us know. Until then, get your copy today! 


https://www.amazon.com/Dreaming-At-Top-Lungs-Collection-ebook/dp/B01BPN62KW


 

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Published on July 07, 2018 05:43

June 30, 2018

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

I’m pleased to share my interview with Gordon Bickerstaff! Like, Follow, Share, READ and review!


Tell us about your books, genre, stand-alone or series.


My books are in the crime/thriller genre but not police /detective. They take inspiration from a TV series in the 70s called ‘Doomwatch’ centered around a government department which investigates high-level crimes. So in my books, the department is called The Lambeth Group. The series is now 6 books, and all the stories are stand-alone but there are recurring characters and in each new episode. The series features ex-Special Forces Zoe Tampsin and scientist Gavin Shawlens as the principal protagonists.


How long have you been writing?


I started pulling ideas together and writing scenes about twelve years ago. When I retired in 2011, I started writing full-time.


Are you traditionally published, or self-published?


Self-published. I have been trad published, but they were academic textbooks.


If self-published when/why did you take that route.


I prefer self-pub because it is easy to enhance the stories weeks, months or years later.  Self-pub is less pressure. Even with academic books, I had publishers asking for a synopsis of the next book and the next and their deadlines are rigid because of schedules.


Does writing energize or exhaust you?


Both researching and writing are energising. Editing and marketing are exhausting.


How many hours a day do you write?


Depends on the scene. Creating a new scene can consume 10 hours a day. Modifying, tweaking or enhancing can take a few hours in a day.


Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?


I try to. Good reviewers can provide useful feedback, which has led me to tweak a story. I don’t bother with bad reviews. If someone didn’t like a book, then that is a personal choice. You can’t please all of the readers. I’m a reader, and I’ve read books that weren’t for me. It is also about numbers if I have 20 reviews and only or two are negative then that can be ignored. If 15 reviews were negative, then there is something wrong with the book.


What was your hardest scene to write?


I haven’t found any scene hard to write.  I prefer to research a topic, so I have material to inform me and help me create a new perspective.  Having said that, some of the research I’ve done has been harrowing.


 


What is your favorite childhood book?


The Biggles adventures by W.E. Johns were my favourites.


What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?


One the story is done, going over and over and over it to find plot holes, errors and scene glitches that need to be fixed.


Who is your favorite author and have you ever tried to emulate them?


I like Tess Gerritsen, James Patterson, and Lee Child. I think I am aware of their style and as I enjoy reading them, I aim to reach their standard.


What book changed your life?


Jules Verne ‘20,000 Leagues Under The Sea’ made me want to become a scientist, which I did.


Is there anything you want us to know about you or your books?


Feedback is always welcome.  Try one before you decide. On my Website, there are Free PDF samples of first 8 chapters of each book. No sign-up required.


Please add all your links below.


Twitter                 @ADPase


Facebook             https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012357701552


Website               https://gordonbickerstaff.blogspot.co.uk/


Amazon                https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gordon-Bickerstaff/e/B008KK5Q9W/


The most recent book (June 2018) is ‘Tears of Fire’


Two serial killers have been getting away with murder for years. For them, it’s a well-paid hobby while they bide their time. It’s about to stop when everything slots into place for them to leap to the next level. Payback for the people who killed their parents.[image error]


Lambeth Group investigator, Gavin Shawlens, is on their trail. But all is not as it seems and he is pushed way out of his depth when the killers turn on his family. Gavin’s Lambeth Group partner, Zoe Tampsin, is cut off from him and fighting her own battle to stay alive.


They need to connect, but Zoe will face an impossible choice. Stop the killers before they pull off the most audacious murder that will shock the world and change it forever. Or, rescue Gavin’s family from the jaws of evil.


Thank you Theresa

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Published on June 30, 2018 04:35

June 29, 2018

3 FREE E-BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B01BAS13T2

 


TAKE ONE – OR TAKE ALL – PLEASE REVIEW!
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Published on June 29, 2018 04:48

June 23, 2018

Support Indie

Have you ever wanted to be in the arts?
Or want your name in IMDB? 
But you’re not an artist – or a movie star?

 


Here’s your chance!
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Help an indie filmmaker to bring the Demon of technology to life and get your name listed as an executive producer on IMDB

The short film was written by me, based on my creation of the Demon Brimorie, from the novella, Sudden Death. 


Tagline “Death, there’s an App for that.” 


 


 


 


CLICK below TO HELP

https://igg.me/at/deathgamefilm/x


If you want to read about the Demon Brimorie click here http://theresajcbs.wixsite.com/demons


I know most of us are struggling artists, even if you can’t support via dollars, you can show your support by sharing!
Please SHARE and ask others to share, the wider we go the better chance we have.
We all thank you for that one click! 

 


 


 

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Published on June 23, 2018 07:15

June 16, 2018

Which word works

Did you know that words become outdated?

Well, sure slang like, Daddy-o, 23 Skidoo, and cool-beans, wear their welcome. But I’m talking regular words, and they are listed as archaic when certain grammar programs find them.


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I’d like to know when I became old enough that the language I used was labeled as ARCHAIC – jeez I’m not grandma Moses over here!

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One of the benefits of the new grammar assistant programs, I use the paid version of Grammarly and it helps me a ton with comma usage and spelling. Sometimes it tells me my langue is archaic.


https://app.grammarly.com/?affiliateNetwork=ho&affiliateID=8359&utm_source=program


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And I’m saying, “NO come on,” these words are still used every day – at least by me, some are. Hey, I used the three top words here in one poem.


https://www.amazon.com/Things-Only-Darkness-Knows-anthology/dp/1542889405


UNBEKNOWNST


ASUNDER


BRIMSTONE!  


CLEANSE


NATURAL


Well, this list can go on and on, and it does –  just click on the link to view for yourself. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/explore/archaic-words/


Hmmm, I wonder if dude made the cut?


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Do you have any favorite words that aren’t used anymore? Share in the comments.

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Published on June 16, 2018 05:30

June 9, 2018

No Vacation from writing

I’m on vacation from the day job. I’m one of those lucky people that get to live paycheque to paycheque, so vacation means STAYCATION – there are no fun fancy trips.


It simply means I can act like a kid again, stay up late, sleep in, and weather permitting, lay in the sun all day.


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But I MUST write every day!
[image error]My Camera was crooked – annoying

This is where the weather really comes into play. It’s been cloudy and cool and mostly yucky. Therefore, I get to spend 6 to 8 hours writing every day, rather than just in the evenings like I do after the day job.


Vacation is the bonus to writing. I’m getting tons done and can’t wait until this becomes my permanent lifestyle.


My newest novel may be dropping sooner than I thought – Late summer depending on editing!


Stay tuned for THE USED


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PS I have the talented Eric Lahti to thank for this cover https://ericlahti.wordpress.com/

 


What do you do on your vacations? Write or Play?
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Published on June 09, 2018 05:10

June 2, 2018

Blurb, blurb, blurrr….

You all know the drill. Been there done that. Hated every second of it!
Most of the time I’m not too put off by creating the blurb. Occasionally it’s even fun.
I didn’t create this one, but it’s a blurb with a shameless plug

https://www.amazon.com/World-Unimagined-Speculative-boundaries-imagination/dp/0999683993


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There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of articles, websites, and blogs dedicated to writing the perfect blurb. Google it and see. I’m not here to give advice, I’m here to ask your help!

 


 


I keep re-writing my blurb and posting on a few writers Facebook sites and they keep bouncing back with hems and ha’s
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Here is my last attempt – still searching for exactly the right hook.

 


Wife N’ Death

When Angelica commits murder/suicide, she thought her troubles would end. What came next was worse than her tortured life. In purgatory, she is stalked by the one she killed with no way out.


Until one day, something beyond her control changes.


~


Crystal runs from her troubled past to a new house in a new town, in a nice neighborhood. She believes this will be the best new beginning for her little girl. Not long after moving her daughter begins to act out of character and Crystal blames herself for the change.


Only Angelica knows the truth; that these women should not be in her house.  Now she must find a way to stop what she started. To save the innocent and break her own bonds.


Before evil rules them all.


 


Chime in, tell me what you think – or share your blurb woes

 

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Published on June 02, 2018 05:29

May 26, 2018

How does a scientist write books for kids? Find out here.

Introducing Paul Ian Cross

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Hi Paul, tell us about your books, genre, stand-alone or series.


Hi Theresa, thanks for having me! I’m Paul Ian Cross and I’m a children’s author and scientist from London, UK. I work in clinical research (developing new medicines). I very much enjoy my science career but I also have a real passion for writing stories!


How long have you been writing?


I loved creative writing and art at school; but I was also good at the sciences. I ended up doing a biology degree and went into a science career. I always loved writing but I didn’t think I would be good enough. I now understand that most writers feel that way! I have been writing fiction on and off for around five years, but I’m being doing it part-time for two years now.




Are you traditionally published, or self published?


My first books have been self-published but I’m hoping to move into traditional publishing as well.


If self-published when/why did you take that route.


Breaking into children’s traditional publishing is so difficult that I decided to build a profile first. The best way to do that was to publish my own stories, gain feedback from readers and develop my writing. I hope to submit a manuscript to traditional publishers later this year, but I’ll also continue to self-publish some of my work as well. I feel that a ‘hybrid’ approach will become a much more popular method in future, as you get the best of both worlds.


Does writing energize or exhaust you?


I’d say it’s a combination of both. I think plotting and developing a story really energises me, but the writing process through to editing and polishing the manuscript can become exhausting. Yet, I still love it and I can’t imagine doing anything else anymore.


How many hours a day do you write?


I aim to do at least one or two hours a day. I realised that I make a lot more progress by building writing into my day rather than trying to doing everything in large bursts.


Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?


I do read reviews as I feel that the readers’ perspective is so important to help you develop as an author. There are always some reviews that don’t add any value but more often than not, reviewers will help show you areas where you need to develop your writing. This can only be a good thing in my opinion.


What was your hardest scene to write?


I found it very hard to finish my first novel, The Lights of Time. As a time travel story I wanted the time travel elements to fit together and this was very challenging to do!


What is your favorite childhood book?


One book that comes to mind is my first picture book, Zeeb and the Martians, by John Webster and Ian McCullough. This was the book that started off my love of science fiction, so I probably wouldn’t be writing today if it wasn’t for this book!


What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?


I find there are always excuses not to write and you must actively make it part of your day. The creative process needs time and a lot of effort.


Who is your favorite author and have you ever tried to emulate them?


I have so many favourite authors. I love Kelly Barnhill and Abi Elphinstone. I would love to follow them in their footsteps and have an award-winning novel!


What book changed your life?


A eureka moment came for me at the age of twelve, when I saw a photograph in the newspaper of a Tyrannosaurus rex chasing Jeff Goldblum. A movie with real dinosaurs! Well, they looked real enough to me. My interest sparked instantly. As an avid dinosaur fan, I looked forward to it with great delight. After some careful research, I discovered the upcoming movie was actually based on a book. I couldn’t wait for the summer release, so my Mum bought me a copy of the book instead: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Using a combination of scientific theory and well-crafted storytelling, the book fascinated me. I read it from cover to cover in a matter of days. Me, a reluctant reader, who couldn’t usually get passed the first chapter.


Is there anything you want us to know about you or your books?


I’m really excited to launch my first upper middle grade novel, The Lights of Time in July. I’m currently looking for beta readers so if anyone is interested, please do get in touch on paul@pauliancross.com!


Thank you for having me!

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Published on May 26, 2018 05:00