Zora Marie's Blog, page 6

Felix’s Scribe Assaph Mehr

Author of Murder In Absentia, Assaph Mehr is Felix’s scribe. I’ve heard that Felix isn’t a very thankful customer on another blog (apparently Assaph hasn’t paid Felix his cut), but we won’t speak of that here. So, I’ve heard what Felix does (find his interview here), but what do you do Assaph?

Try to write as often as I can.

Don’t we all. Now, tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing. 

I started to write only recently. I had my nose in a book since I was a child, and whilst seeing my name in print was on my bucket-list, I never thought to actually go and do something about it.

I had the idea for a fantasy detective story and for the particular twist ending for a while. Then one hot night in January 2015 my wife complained that she had nothing good left to read, so I just sat down and started writing. And I didn’t stop until I finished the novel.

Have a blurb for that novel?

A young man is found dead in his bed, with a look of extreme agony on his face and strange tattoos all over his body. His distraught senator father suspects foul play, and knows who to call on.

Enter Felix the Fox, a professional investigator. In the business of ferreting out dark information for his clients, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician – but something in between. Drawing on his experience of dealing with the shady elements of society and his aborted education in the magical arts, Felix dons his toga and sets out to discover the young man’s killers.

Murder in absentia is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. This is a story of a cynical, hardboiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.

This is a story of Togas, Daggers and Magic – for lovers of murder mysteries, ancient Rome and fantasy.

How did you go about getting published?

Once I finished the manuscript, I looked at the publishing industry. It was very clear that there is almost no chance for a virtual unknown to break into the major publishers – who mostly seem in troubles themselves, and unsure of what they do in this rapidly changing market.

I therefore created my own publishing house – Purple Toga Publications – and went about treating it like a business. Besides being guaranteed a “contract”, the rest of my book was produced professionally, by working with experienced freelancers. That includes editing and proofreading, cover design, web presence etc.

I have not regretted this decision for a moment, even though it does mean quite a bit of work.

Work, that it definitely is. So, what is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

My first novel was written late at nights, when everyone was asleep. Then we were joined by a baby boy… Now I sleep when I can

Review of The Secret King: Truth Hurts

This review is a bit different from my usual reviews as this particular book was an audiobook, my first audio book to be exact. I must say, this was an excellent audiobook to break the ice with!

It’s a short story that was the perfect length for today’s drive to the college and hike from the parking lot. It’s full of feeling, heart, and imagery the fills your imagination. The voice artist was superb with her unique voices for the various characters that truly made them come alive.

Now off to procure more of this author’s audiobooks to fill my drives with, and maybe work on editing my own book? Oh wait, I should probably write that paper for class first.

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David Finn

Author Name: David Finn

Series Name: The Asanti Series
What is your chosen genre, and why?
I call my books “epic sci-fi fantasy action!” The Asanti Series works well in that genre because I mix fast paced action sequences with some slower character beats and romantic or personal moments between characters. A lot of my influences such as Julian May’s excellent Saga of the Exiles or indeed many comic books use this blend of action and light sci-fi/fantasy to good effect. I find it gives me room to move as a writer and I can keep the story moving fast!

Name of your most current book, and if it’s a series, what is the series title and how many volumes are anticipated?
My series is titled The Asanti Series, and is planned to be a 7 book series.

The first two books are Demorn: Blade of Exile and Demorn: City of Innocents. The first two books in the Asanti Series were written together and always intended to be released close to each other or together at the publishers option. Demorn: Blade of Exile was released in December 2015 and Demorn: City of Innocents in mid January 2016. Demorn: Soul Fighter, Book 3 in the Asanti Series, is coming later in 2016.

Summary for your most current book.

Demorn. Blade of Exile. Wandering Sword. Dimensional Exiles. Demon Gods. Savage Assassins. Sexy, epic fantasy action!Demorn will go anywhere, sell her blade to the gods themselves, to resurrect her dead girlfriend’s soul!Reality is collapsing. Fracture Event aftershocks have destroyed the Mirror World of Asanti. Demorn, deadly sword for hire, has been the exile of a dead world since she was thirteen.Demorn seeks vengeance. Her girlfriend Kate lies dead in a fantasy dimension, her soul ensnared. Underneath a sassy attitude and an addiction to card games and equally dangerous blondes, Demorn cannot forget the Fracture Event that tore Asanti and herself apart – even though the rest of the universe has…

Demorn is haunted by dreams of a magical dimension. She belongs to the Innocents, a Clubhouse of mercenaries and assassins based deep inside the dazzling future city of Babelzon.

On a secret mission for the Innocents, Demorn uncovers a terrifying conspiracy cult of multi-dimensional demon gods hiding in plain sight. Betrayed and forced to flee into the Grave Dimension, Demorn must face the horror of a reality virus, an Ultimate Fate destroying dimensions and worlds just as it destroyed Asanti!

Demorn, the ultimate mercenary, must risk everything in a dark, desperate quest for something bigger than a bounty if Babelzon and everything she loves are to be saved…

Praise for the Asanti Series!

“A vivid lead character and a crazy-brilliant core premise make this more than just another action-wracked high concept thriller. But it’s ALL THAT too!” (Chuck Dixon, writer of Batman, Bad Times, Levon Cade series)

Who is your favorite character in the story?

Tough question, as I love them all in some way! However, Demorn, sword for hire, dimensional exile, is definitely my favourite and so she should be, as she carries much of the action and POV of the books so far! I try to write it so Demorn carries a fair chunk of my personality and feelings, as she blazes through the worlds of Firethorn and Babelzon, on her mission from the gods, with the blazing sword of Xalos bursting from her ruby heart!

There are also side characters such as Alex, her favourite frenemy, and chief rival at the Innocents, or Toxis, Demorn’s soul sister, and probably the best fighter in the book, who I am very fond of and they will all have a role to play as the Asanti Series continues!
Why?
I am attracted to intense characters and I try to play off that to make them and their POV relatable. I deliberately give Demorn a sarcastic sense of humour which I can write into, and I think it helps the reader acclimatise to a fast paced action story which features two connected but different worlds!
Are there any short stories or companion novella’s?
At this stage The Asanti Series is just the two books available, however I have notes and a rough outline for a mini series featuring Alex and Guard Dog, and this could take the form of a comic mini series or a self contained novel. Right now I’m nearing completion of Demorn 3, Demorn: Soul Fighter, which introduces a new character to the franchise, Iverson, who will play a big role in at least Book 3 and 4 and will likely have a series running concurrently with the Asanti Series as we progress.

What inspired you to write it?

I had written a couple of dry runs at the Asanti Series, not the exact same plot or pitch, but similar beats of bounty hunters or investigators aside a light sci-fi universe. I had just finished about a 100K word first draft of a piece that eventually ran out of steam but had plenty of potential.  Then, as per my Amazon bio, I was watching late night Tv in the dead of night, and suddenly the character of Demorn came to me, unbidden, almost fully formed! I straight away knew that she was an assassin working out of the Innocents Clubhouse, and I knew she would be dragged from her future city into the fantasy world of Firethorn! My writing muscles were well honed as I had just written 100K over the previous 9 months or so, and basically with this new pitch screaming inside my head I was able to blast through the first part if Book One in a weekend!  In the end the word count for both books total was around 190K and with my editor we got each down to the 90K range. Writing the books took some time, and with all the rewrites included, I would say the whole process took around or just over 18 months.

In terms of writers that inspire me the list is long and I feel bad for not including people so apologies universe! – Julian May, PD James, Chuck Dixon, Greg Rucka, Suzanne Collins, Grant Morrison, Ed Brubaker, Lee Goldberg, Robert E Howard. These people are all great writers and have taught me a lot. “These are a few of my favourite things”, to quote the old song!

Character Interview with Felix the Fox

Felix here is from Murder In Absentia and his interview makes me want to read his book faster. Yes, I said faster as I’ve only been allowed myself a few minutes of reading time while waiting for classes to start. Though I might have to dedicate a bit more time to this one so I can read more than a page at a time as this book deserves so much more.

Well, enough about me, how old are you Felix?

34

Do you have a family? What are they like?

My parents passed away some time ago. I have no siblings, and I certainly have no intention of being saddled with a wife.

How was your relationship with your parents? How did they influence you?

I had a good relationship with my parents. I learned a lot about trading from my father, and have only fond memories of my mother.

How would you describe your childhood?

Mostly a typical one for a boy growing up in my decent-but-cheap part of town. Things became interesting when I was sixteen, and passed the entry exams to the Collegium Incantatorum. The day I learnt that I was accepted and will learn magic at the official college, was the happiest day in my life.

Magic? That’s cool. So, I have to ask, what’s your greatest fear?

Probably that I will talk myself into something my big mouth won’t be able to talk me out of. Look, I’ve faced plenty of sticky situations. I’ve been in the legions. Only an insane man does not feel fear. I’m just smart enough to see it coming, and avoid these situations. Well, usually.

If you had to name the thing you hate most about yourself, what would it be?

Hate is a strong word. I wish I could have completed my studies, and become a full-fledged incantator. Life would have been a lot different… But I came to terms with that, and with other episodes in my past I wish remain unpublished.

I see… So, what is your greatest strength? 

I never see things in black and white. I know a little bit about many things, just enough to get things done. And I do get things done, for those who pay me.

Do you have a weakness?

Me? Nah.

I thought for sure you’d say something about money, but oh well. So, have you traveled? Happen to have a favorite place?

Yes, I travelled. I walked with the legions half across the continent – and hated every minute of it. The cases I deal with for my clients occasionally take me to other cities around our growing empire. But in the end, I think my favourite place is my own garden, with it’s atrocious fountain, in my own home, in my own city. There is no other place in the world like Egretia.

Hahaha, I know what fountain you’re talking about, it’s definitely unique… So, other than your lovely fountain, is there something from the past that haunts you, keeps you awake at night?

Yes, but I don’t expect talking about it will make it any better.

What is your biggest secrete?

Really? In a public interview? Uh… I’m susceptible to a good squid sausage with fish sauce.

Speaking of animals, do you have a favorite?

Squids. Especially roasted on a stick. Tried gryphon once – the lion part was too gamey, and the bird part tastes just like chicken. Can’t beat a good squid-onna-stick, drenched in Egretian fish sauce.

Hey, someone finally has something I haven’t tried! Thanks for the rundown on gryphon, I think I’ll check that one off my want to try list.  So what is it exactly that you do for your clients?

First, they are my customers, not clients. “Clients” means something a little different to us Egretians.

As for what I do, I solve their problems. You see, people are mostly clueless about the workings of real magia in our world. Most run-of-the-mill detectives have no clue in how to deal with the more esoteric cases. On the other hand, the full incantatores are usually too snooty and too expensive to help in simple matters. Or, sometimes, people would just like to keep matters away from the official eye of authority. So there is a place for someone who knows a little about a lot, and can get problems resolved quietly and reliably.

Oh, sure, it’s purloined jewellery, missing persons, cheating spouses that pay for my bread and fish sauce. The occasional debunking of charlatans, confirmation of ancient scrolls, and even, rarely, a real magical ring were what would one day fill my memoirs. But sometimes, just sometimes, there is that really odd case….

To learn more about Felix’s really odd cases (which I must say real is strange no farther than I have gotten), you’ll just have to check out Murder In Absentia as that’s all we have time for today. Thanks for stopping by Felix!

Learn more about Felix and his author at http://egretia.com 

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Review of Lost Lands (Changing Times Part 2)

Written by Shaun L. Griffiths, the Lost Lands is one of the best books anyone could ask for. If you like a heartfelt and action packed story in an intriguing world filled with the most wondrous characters, then this is it. This may be the second book in the series, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it even though I’ve not read a single page of book 1.

Each scene is taken up from a different character’s point of view, there were a few times I had to step back for a millisecond to catch that the new scene was replaying a fight from a different point of view, but I wouldn’t have it any other way as you’d lose that extra layer of feeling and understanding.

Overall, if you’re one to like a fascinating and action-packed story that’s layered with history, then this one is for you. I for one will most definitely be reading the next book in the series whenever it should come out.

If you’d like to meet Shaun L. Griffiths, check out the interview I snagged with him here: http://blog.zoramarie.com/interview-with-author-shaun-l-griffiths/

 

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Interview with Author P. J. Benney

What do you do?

I write predominantly fantasy and science-fiction but I plan to branch out in the future. About 50% of what I read is SFF. I try to read some literary fiction as well for variety.

Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing. 

I started writing seriously in about 2008. I read a little fantasy and science fiction and thought, huh, this is easy. I could do this. How wrong I was. Everything I wrote was awful – but we all start somewhere! Along with a few friends, I participated in National Novel Writing Month in 2009 – for those of you who aren’t familiar, go to nanowrimo.org for details! – and successfully wrote the worst historical fiction known to man. To this day, zero people have read it (a record I intend to keep.) After that, I came back every year. I credit NaNoWriMo with my decision to study Creative Writing at university. Three years after graduating, I published Déjà Moo as a Kindle ebook.

What is Déjà Moo: A Lawnmowers, Inc. Novel you ask? Well, look no further!

When his prize-winning Holstein vanishes from Hyde Park, celebrity cattle-trader Daniel Wesley finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that threatens to destroy his future and rewrite his past. As the story unfolds on live television, reclusive witch Cynthia Pannettière grows certain her missing ex-boyfriend is behind the disappearance.

Cynthia and Daniel join forces to track down their respective loved ones, but with a detective hunting a loose werewolf in Camden Market, a coven of magi controlling London’s biggest news channel, and a reporter desperate to expose a public scandal, it’s only a matter of time before the city discovers both the fate of the bovine superstar, and the existence of magic itself…

So, how did you go about getting published?

I originally sent the manuscript out to about a dozen agents. I don’t think any of them knew what to do with a novel about a celebrity cattle trader. The ones that got back to me praised my style, tone and sense of humor, but apologized that they weren’t sure how to market such a niche piece of work, and one even said they hoped I would prove them wrong. I thought it was a really reasonable response, and decided to self-publish.

What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

My place is anywhere with coffee, music and a desk. I prefer longer writing sessions, i.e. weekends, but that’s not always an option so I’ll take an evening slot when necessary. Really, I’ll make the most of any opportunity. No excuses!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love cooking, rollercoasters and hedge mazes. I’m also big on television. I love a historical/period drama. Anything with sword-fights and poisonings and royals.

That seems to be the trend nowadays. So, do you have a favorite animal?

Apart from cows? My Patronus is a dolphin.

Cows are cool, I’ve even had the pleasure? of bottle feeding a few over the years. Now, on to one of my favorite topics, do you have a favorite myth? If so, tell us about it!

The legend of Atlantis. That was actually what I wrote my first ever (terrible) novel about. I read Plato’s Critias, where the story originates, and thought it was supposed to be a kind of example, or analogy for an imagined “perfect city” rather than a factual account of a real place. But it’s inspired so many contemporary stories that I can’t help but love the idea of a lost city.

 

Tell us about your next book project. 

I’m writing a sequel to Déjà Moo entitled Bovine Intervention. It picks up about three months after. All the characters have gone their separate ways, but a single occurrence quickly reunites them – whether they like it or not. This also started life as a NaNoWriMo draft, and I’m working on version 3 now, so I have a good idea how it’s all going to end!

That’s awesome, so what are you reading now?

Several books. As always. Firstly, The Bees by Laline Paull. It’s about the innermost workings of a hive, told from the perspective of a newborn bee who is put to work. It’s incredibly oppressive and almost fantastical, but really compelling. I love bees so it’s a good fit for me. I’m also reading The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. It’s a collection of short stories surrounding the colonization of Mars. Last night I started We Won’t Feel a Thing by J. C. Lillis. It’s a YA novel with a sci-fi twist. I haven’t got very far but I loved Lillis’ other book so I’m expecting great things.

So, where can we find you?

Well, you have some options. One is my website www.dejamoo.co.uk. I try and post regular updates including news, resources, promotions and other fun articles.

The other is my twitter account, which is the best place to contact me or read about what I’m up to; you can find me @pjbenney.

Well, it was a joy having you P. J. Benney and I hope to hear from you again sometime! 

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Author Interview with Bryan Pentelow

We have Bryan Pentelow, author of Sea Change (Sci-Fi), Sprocket and the Great Northern Forest and 3 other books in the Sprocket Sagas (Children’s Fantasy). So, tell us about Sea of Change.

Be careful what you wish for, you may get it. If you could have your way, if you had all the information at your fingertips, if anything was possible, could you cope? Would you control it or would it control you? See what can happen when all is possible. Could you avoid the unintended consequences? Would you want the responsibility? A retired man dissatisfied with his lot, trips over taking a short cut home and makes a find that will change his life and the world he lives in.

 

What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

I have a pocket-sized laptop with a rudimentary word processing software on it which I take everywhere and write wherever I can find a chair and something to rest the laptop on. When at home I transfer the typo-strewn mess onto my main laptop and use Word to edit it. This way I can work when the muse strikes.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Amuse 4 grandchildren, which takes up quite a bit of time. Then there is our house and garden to keep presentable. When did I ever find time to work?

Tell us about your next book project.

I have two currently running the first is the fifth Sprocket Saga, Sprocket and the Pax Dracus which offers an unusual solution to wars and the refugee problem. This is because my oldest granddaughter has finished the other four and wants another one yesterday. The other is a sequel to Sea Change which will be a proper book and now stands at 70,000 words and still going. This expands the themes of Sea Change and introduces some new ones. My main problem with this is that many of the ideas which started as science fiction are rapidly approaching science fact.

What are you reading now?

The second in E.M.Swifthook’s Fortune’s Fools trilogy. I read the first and Immediately bought the next.

Hm, I just may have to add that to my already lengthy list of things to read. What’s your all time favorite animal? It can be mythical.

Dragons and English Bull Terriers both of which have staring roles in the Sprocket Saga books.

Dragons are a favorite of mine too! So, do you have a favorite myth? If so, tell us about it!

Probably the Arthurian Legend is one of my favorites tho it is run a close second by many of the Greek and Norse myths. The tale of Arthur and his Round Table Knights has everything a good legend should have. The fight of good against evil, friendship, romance and betrayal, really bad villains, magic and sorcery, combine that with the King under the hill who will ride to the country’s aid at times of crisis and it can run and run. It also has a list of characters with exciting back stories and any one of whom can be spun off to another complete story. What a gift to any author as a source of ideas. The latest interpretation I have come across, though not directly Arthurian, is Steve McHugh’s Hellequin series which has characters from the Greek and Norse pantheon mixed in to give any fantasy buff a real treat. If you’re not familiar with these books you are missing a real treat and to cap it all he is a fellow Yorkshire author.

Do you have a sale or event coming up anytime soon?

Sprocket 5 Sprocket and the Pax Dracus will be released before Christmas So keep an eye out for news.

Now, we need links to find you! 

https://www.facebook.com/bryan.pentelow Join me on here to get news of new books reviews and upcoming literary events. Because of my links with many other independent authors, the news will have a widespread and appeal.

For my books see Bryan Pentelow on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk If you have any questions or would like to try some of my FREE READS email to penworkspublishing@gmail.com. This will keep you clear of all the trash which crops up on my normal email address.

Awesome! Thanks for joining us! 

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Interview with Victor Acquista

We have Victor Acquista, author of Sentient and Pathways to Health–An Integral Guidebook.

ATTEN ETTEN AYASTEN—“We are the Superior Mind”—rally cry for the telepathic Mind Warriors of T’rox, intent on being the supreme sentient race in the galaxy. In the distant past, our species narrowly escapes complete genocide by these warriors. We place our hope in a colony, but are forced to genetically block our own telepathic consciousness in order to evade detection. The loss of connected consciousness has devastating consequences.

T’rox is now a dying civilization, stagnant, and plagued by infighting. Their discovery of the Lost Colony, Earth, reinvigorates and unites their society under the banner of new conquest. The unique genomic profile of schizophrenia holds the key to unlocking the genetic block to unify humanity in shared consciousness, our only hope for survival. Unaware and unprepared, humanity’s fate lies in the hands of misfits and outcasts.

What do you do?

Previously a primary care MD, then a medical executive. Now am writing and speaking full time.

Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing.

All my writing is intended to raise consciousness. Many influences converged to inspire me inclusive of philosophy, spirituality, science-fiction, consciousness studies to name a few.

How did you go about getting published?

I entered a Twitter pitch event, had a tweet favored, and this led to a manuscript submission and eventual acceptance by Mirror Matter press.

That’s cool, I wondered if the Twitter pitch events worked. What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

I’m nonconformist in my approach to writing. When the muse grabs me I write intensely and become totally immersed. In between, I remind myself that I should be writing. Despite the oft-repeated recommendation to write every day, that approach has not worked for me. I think the downtime is actually the prep time for creativity to gestate.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? Full-time job, pets, hobbies?

I enjoy home gardening, listening to music, contemplation.

What’s your all time favorite animal? It can be mythical.

I have an affinity for crows. They are extremely intelligent.

Cows, cattle, I’m seeing a trend (if you’ve read my other recent posts you’d understand.) So, do you have a favorite myth? If so, tell us about it!

Mythology and myths fascinate me and in some ways enthrall me; however, I do not have a favorite.

I understand that one, I’ve been digging through a lot of myths in art history and I’m loving every second of it! Now, tell us about your next book project.

I have completed “Serpent Rising” which is book-one in a two book adventure series: “Saga of Venom and Flame”. Presently I am about half done with a satire and I have a fantasy book currently gestating and waiting to be birthed.

What are you reading now?

I usually read more than one book depending on what inspires me at the moment. Presently I am actively reading, “Brother to Dragons, Companion to Owls” and “Secrets of the Mind”.

Do you have a sale or event coming up?
I’ll be running a sweepstakes contest Oct. 17 through Nov. 15th for “Sentient” T-shirts and signed posters as well as books. Find details here! Starting October 17th. 


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Authors and Events!

Are you thinking about going to a comicon or other events to sell your books? Then here’s some advice for you!

Don’t go into it thinking you’re going to make big bucks. Let’s face it; it’s more of an advertisement and way to build your credibility than a book sale. If you have several books for sale you might get lucky, but this would be the exception.

In order to make your money back from the expenses I would suggest having things other than your books to sell. For example, I hope to have a small stock of handmade wood burnings to sell along with some other pieces, this way I can afford to go.

Another thing, don’t be afraid to ask another author to go in with you on a booth. Make sure it’s okay with the event organizers. Most will be fine with it if you ask nicely.

Things you should have/do:

1. Books (the obvious, I know)

2. Banner, poster with your book cover, or other insignia to draw attention to your brand.

3. Bookmarks with your information, a business card will work but I think the bookmark with your information works better.

4. Something other than books to draw people’s attention. If you don’t have something else to sell then dress up, it will encourage people to stop by.

5. Don’t be afraid to talk to people! I know several of us don’t like to talk that much but you’ll do better if you do. I just keep reminding yourself that they’re just as nervous (if not more nervous) than we are about striking up a conversation. You may have to take the first step, if someone is lingering in front of your table, TALK TO THEM!

6. Have a way to collect e-mail address for your newsletter, and make sure they know they will be added to your newsletter list. Ideas to get e-mails:

A signup sheet
A giveaway basket where they give their e-mail address and name on a slip of paper as the ‘ticket’ to be drawn for a prize.

The prize could be a wide range of things, but make it interesting and appropriate for your audience. It doesn’t have to be expensive, cheap (but nice) things work just as well.

7. Advertise that you will be at the event, even if you only advertise on social media and your website, it will help. And send out a reminder a day or two before the event to increase the chances of people actually coming.

8. Go with a GOOD attitude! You’re there to have fun and connect with readers!

Have any other tips or advice? Please leave a comment! I would love to hear what you have to say!

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Interview with J.W. Luff

Today we have J.W. Luff, author of Virago 4, The Ebih, The Alal, The NOAH Equation, The NOAH Remnant, and The NOAH Warriors! 



That’s quite a line-up, so do you have any jobs outside of writing? 

I work as a pilot for a contractor in the oil and gas industry.

Not sure how you found time to write so many novels and be a pilot! Now I want to know more. Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start writing. 

I’m 57 years old and I’ve always enjoyed getting lost in an exciting book. During the summer of 2011, I was dealing with a lot of pain in my back and fatigue. Turned out I had colon cancer and didn’t know it. During my days off I started putting a Science Fiction story together on my computer. After my surgery, I continued writing and I had no idea it would turn into the first novel in the Virago 4 series. To me, this is a ministry. I grew up in the sixties and I remember watching a black and white Lost in Space episode where the Robinson family kneeled down and prayed to God after surviving an adventure. You just don’t see that anymore. People of faith today are usually shown in a very negative light.

What is your writing process? Do you have a time, day or place you like to write?

Since I don’t have a set schedule (very dependent on the weather). I usually write where ever I can. Hotel room, at home, airport lobby or sitting at our office. I pull out my laptop and start banging away. I don’t use an outline. God puts the story in my head and I sort it out and put it in a document. Yes, I know literary majors are shaking their heads.

Ha! I can relate to that one, I’m usually a pantser myself. So, what do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

Of course, I love to fly. When I was four I saw an airplane zoom over the house and told my mother that was what I wanted to do. No one in my family had any kind of aviation background. I’m married to a very wonderful and supportive woman. My wife found out she had kidney cancer in 2012. Her kidney was removed and she was cancer free until 2014 when it came back in her spine. After radiation, she is once again cancer free but she will be on chemo for the rest of her life. I focus on taking care of her and flying full time. I have been teaching myself 3D animation using it to create book trailers for my novels.

3D animation you say? So I should come pick your brain when I delve into that, just kidding. What’s your all time favorite animal?

I’ve always loved eagles. The type of flying I do is low level, around 500 feet above the ground. I’ve had them soar by my noisy airplane with a look as if to say, “what are you doing in my hunting area?”

Do you have a favorite myth? If so, tell us about it!

I like the Predator series. I admire the code that they live by.

Tell us about your next book project. 

Currently finishing up The NOAH Warriors. It’s the final installment of the NOAH Equation series. Hoping to have it finished in the next couple of months. An alien race known as the Draki has invaded and enslaved the Earth’s population. They’re about to get an eviction notice.

What are you reading now?

The Battle Won, by Chis Russo

Okay, now this one is for the other authors that stop by, any marketing tips you’d like to share?

I’ve had very good luck with book trailers. I consider them an animated book cover. Quite a few people have told me they would not have considered reading one of my novels because they were not Science Fiction fans. However, after watching the book trailer they became intrigued by the story line. Using the 3D software I can create scenes right out of the book. And of course, blogs like yours.

Awe, thanks, it has helped drive up traffic. So, where can people find you?

wwwfacebook.com/jwluff and www.amazon.com/author/jwluff

Cool, off to find you on facebook! Thanks for stopping by. 

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