Linnea Tanner's Blog, page 49
June 12, 2017
Author Interview Paul Schumacher
It is my pleasure to introduce Paul Schumacher, Colorado author of the debut novel, The Tattered Box. I first met Paul a couple years ago in a writing workshop sponsored by the Northern Colorado Writers and was moved by his heartfelt and poignant writing style in another story.
During the day, he works as an electrical engineer and at night, fits his writing into an active lifestyle with his wife, three children, and two cats. I’m honored that I had an opportunity to learn more about Paul and the background to his debut novel. Below is my interview of Paul.
Paul Schumacher, Author, The Tattered Box
INTERVIEW
Tell me about your latest book, The Tattered Box.
It’s a story about a grandson who travels back in time to hang out with his grandpa. Initially, he’s doubtful of his grandpa’s never-ending stories, and frankly doesn’t even believe some of them happened. But then he’s granted this wonderful opportunity to experience them firsthand. Through his experiences, he learns to love and appreciate his grandpa for who he really is. Much of the story is told through innocent items in a raggedy old box from his grandpa.
What inspired you to write a story about the relationship between a grandfather and grandson and the memories they share? Are these characters based on people you know?
The day before my father-in-law passed away, I was taking my then 13-year-old son to school. We were reminiscing about his grandpa, and he said something that really struck me. He wondered how cool it would be to somehow go back in time and hang out with his grandpa. Not only was his grandpa a fun-loving storyteller, he also loved his sports: baseball, bowling, golf, or anything with a ball. My son figured they’d be the best of friends, if only he was somehow granted that wish. Writing this book was one way to fulfill that.
Once I heard my son’s comment and started crafting a storyline in my head, I was hooked. I simply had to share it with the world. I started writing down many of my father-in-law’s stories and eventually fashioned them into a complete novel. Thus much of the book is based on real events. It became a not-so-gentle reminder to me (and hopefully others who read it) that time is short, and I need to learn to better appreciate my fleeting moments with others. Make the most of life! We never know how much time we have left.
Is there a special item in the tattered box that evoked a personal memory for you?
Probably the muddy ball. The story of the ball, which is told in the first chapter, is based almost entirely on a true story that I heard many times from my father-in-law. Every time I read that chapter, it’s like he’s sitting next to me telling me the story. The elaborate hand motions, the strong fluctuations in his voice, the glimmer in his eye as he reveals the punchline. I can see it all.
Have you received reactions/feedback to your work that has surprised you? In what way?
I’ve heard so many wonderful stories from people who reminisce about their own grandparents. Most have such wonderful memories of getting to know loved ones who lived in an entirely different era. Like a complex jigsaw puzzle, attempting to decipher the life and times of someone you barely relate to. Many also had regrets: if only they’d asked more questions. If only they’d spent more time with them.
Specifically, one of my favorite feedbacks was from someone who had an elderly parent who lived far away. As she finished the book, she felt inspired to fly out and visit with her ailing father. Spending time with him while she still could. I felt honored that I played a role in that.
Are you currently working on another book? What are your projects for the near future?
My second novel is a story of secrets and redemption. The working title is I Wish I Had Known and is partly based on some of my own life experiences. It’s about a teenager who mentors some boys younger than him, and he also falls in love with a young woman along the way. But there’s a darker side. He needs to learn to forgive the drunk driver who killed his father, and others need to forgive him for his past missteps. I continued with the inter-generational aspect of The Tattered Box that I find so fascinating. I guarantee you’ll love the ending!
Are you an avid reader? Which books are your favorite ones? Which books inspire you?
I’ve always loved reading, and my list of books is always quite diverse. I read everything from classics to murder mysteries to Christian non-fiction. Lots of topics can capture my attention, and I always enjoy learning from the opinions and writings of others. As far as favorite books, the two that come to mind are A Prayer for Owen Meany and The Jesus I Never Knew. I laugh as I write this as those two books alone are very different, but they have both taught me (in their own unique way) to be a better person and writer.
What is your life like outside of writing?
My family is very important to me. We spend a lot of time doing fun stuff like golf, tennis, watching movies, playing games, or just hanging out. Of course, like all modern families, my kids are involved in their fair share of activities and sports, and I play the role of the proud spectator. My life isn’t about me, and I’m perfectly fine with that. I also fit in work when I can to pay for it all. I’m an electrical engineer by day, husband, father, and author by night.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
This might sound funny, but the first one that comes to mind was a sand wedge I received from my brother when I was a teenager. He filled a shoe box with sand, placed a ball on top, and included a ‘coupon’ for a sand wedge which I desperately wanted at the time. Maybe it was its uniqueness or its presentation, but that Christmas was one of my favorites.
What might we be surprised to know about you?
I certainly don’t look like one, but I used to be an avid runner. I actually completed a marathon a long time ago, a badge of honor I’m darn proud of. I also used to bike a lot, and finished eight MS 150 bike tours (yes, they’re 150 miles).
What simple pleasure makes you smile?
Writing. In my sunroom, on my deck, in a coffee shop. Wherever I find inspiration, that’s where I am. Writing is such a creative process and is such a dramatic shift from the analytical tasks I perform at work. A blank page with no rules on what to say next is pretty exciting to me.
CONTACT PAUL SCHUMACHER
You can contact Paul at the following sites:
You can purchase his printed book and e-book at Amazon
The post Author Interview Paul Schumacher appeared first on Linnea Tanner.
June 9, 2017
Book Review: The Tattered Box
Paul Schumacher, Author of The Tattered Box
Book Review: The Tattered Box
Below is my Goodreads book review: The Tattered Box by Paul Schumacher, a Colorado author.
The Tattered Box by Paul Schumacher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Tattered Box by Paul Schumacher is a memorable coming of age story of John, a young man coming to grips that his own father left him when he was a young boy. However, his elderly grandfather Bill leaves him a tattered box full of items evoking memories of his past. After John is hit by a baseball and knocked unconscious, he mysteriously time travels to 1941 when he again meets his grandfather as a young man the same age as him. It is as if the past, present, and future join into one time. All of the items in the tattered box are still left intact at the beginning of John’s journey in the past. As he adjusts to the pre-WWII culture, he becomes friends with his grandfather whom he fondly calls Bill and shares the moments that the items in the tattered box represent. By learning more about his grandfather, John learns about himself and the importance that memories have for the future.
This is a beautifully written story that is multi-layered with rich symbolism. One of the more poignant scenes is when John and Bill observe an eagle protecting their helpless eaglets in the nest. John comments, “Their father would teach them everything he knew, then suddenly push them out of the nest, forcing them to flap their wings in one death-defying leap.” This is a pivotal scene that will tie into the heartfelt ending, leaving a visual memory that will forever be embedded in a reader’s mind. I highly recommend this book for the rich message it offers that moments of the past, present, and future co-exist between generations.
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June 4, 2017
Thunderclap Apollo’s Raven Flying High Deal!
Thank you to all who supported me on my Thunderclap Apollo’s Raven Flying High Deal that offers the e-book for 99 cents at Amazon on June 6th.
Only one day to go! For those who have not yet participated, could you help me reach my goal of 100 supporters? Just click: Soar with Apollo’s Raven Deal! You’ll be taken to my Thunderclap page where you can click on which Social Media format you would like to post the e-book deal for Apollo’s Raven.
That’s it. Thunderclap will automatically post for you on June 6th. More information on what Thunderclap is and instructions on how it works is provided below.
What is ThunderClap?
Social media is a powerful tool that helps you to engage with other people. It becomes even more powerful when several people post at the same time. That is where Thunderclap comes in. Instead of having your message now and then on Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr, the Thunderclap campaign focuses the effect. Thunderclap will publish the same post on your social media at the very same time as other supporters. This is an effective way to get the message out to as many people as possible. Aggregating the posts helps break through the “noise” of general news.
How to Support My Thunderclap
To participate in my Thunderclap campaign, here are the steps:
By clicking the link above (Soar with Apollo’s Raven Deal!), you will be directed to a page on Thunderclap.
Once there, you can become a supporter of my Thunderclap campaign by clicking one of the social media platforms that you would like to use: Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr. See example screenshot below.
Step 1 Thunderclap Choose Social Media
The default message that Thunderclap will automatically post on your social media on June 6 is provided in the box at the top. See example screen shot below.
Step 2 Thunderclap
To get the special offer, click http://thndr.me/jaBxsu in the message box. You will be taken to a special page on my website where you can click to get the Apollo’s Raven e-book for 99 cents at Amazon.
In addition to the e-book deal, you can sign up to get a free bonus article on Ancient Celtic history. And further, you’ll also be entered into a random drawing for a free copy of the limited hard cover edition of Apollo’s Raven.
May Giveaway Winners Announced!
Congratulations to subscribers who won the May Giveaways:
Grand Prize Hand-crafted Book Stand: Fay Johnson (Below is a photo of Fay who graciously sent me a picture of herself with the book stand and Apollo’s Raven book)
Fay Johnson, Grand Prize May Giveaway
Limited Hard Cover Edition of Apollo’s Raven: Gary Dolman (UK Author)
e-book Apollo’s Raven: Janet Cardoza
Photographs of People Reading Apollo’s Raven:
Below are photographs of people who are reading Apollo’s Raven. If you have a photograph with the Apollo’s Raven book, feel free to e-mail it to me at linnea@linneatanner.com and I’ll post it on my blog.
Skye Griffith Reading Apollo’s Raven
Todd Marshall Holding Apollo’s Raven Books
Sonja Brucklacher with Apollo’s Raven
Kristin James, Narrator of Apollo’s Raven audio-book
Anita Meiss with Apollo’s Raven Book
Joni Petrizzo & Linnea Tanner Holding Apollo’s Raven at Johnson’s Corner
APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT . . .
Thank you for helping to get the word out about my debut novel, Apollo’s Raven. My goal as an author is to connect with authors and readers who love both historical fiction and fantasy. I am looking for new ways to connect with readers that are most engaging.
Thank you for helping me on my first Thunderclap campaign!
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
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May 31, 2017
Tribute Authors Lisette Brody and Uvi Poznansky
It was my pleasure to have been interviewed by Lisette Brody and Uvi Poznansky shortly after the release of Apollo’s Raven in April. The following is a tribute to each of these authors for the generosity each of them extended to me as a debut author. Also below are links to my full interview with each of these authors on their respective websites.
Lisette Brody
Lisette Brody, Author
Lisette Brody graciously reached out to me for an interview that was published on April 16, 2017. I really enjoyed my interview with her because she asked me a unique question about what puts a smile on my face. I was also able to brag about my family. To read the entire interview, click Chat with Linnea Tanner
This is a tribute to Lisette Brody who reaches out to debut authors such as me and highlights them on Lisette’s Writers’ Chateau. She was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. After high school, she moved to New York City where she attended Pace University and studied drama. After 10 years in New York, she moved to Los Angeles, where she held various positions at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and CBS Studio Center in Studio City. She returned to the East Coast and worked for several years as a freelance writer specializing in the entertainment industry. In May 2010 she relocated permanently back to Los Angeles.
Lisette has published a wide assortment of books. Her first published book was Crooked Moon in 2008 followed by Squalor, New Mexico, in 2009, and Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! in 2011. On my reading list is Lisette’s first book in her YA Paranormal trilogy, Mystical High, Book 1 in The Desert Series. For more information about Lisette and her books, go to her website and Amazon.
Uvi Poznansky
Uvi Poznansky, Author
Uvi Poznansky graciously reached out to me for an interview and the opportunity to highlight my e-book of Apollo’s Raven at a reduced price of 99 cents. The deal on Apollo’s Raven is now ongoing until June 5 at Amazon. For more information, click Bargain and Free.
My interview with Uvi was published on April 20, 2017. To read the full interview, click Guest Linnea Tanner.
This is a tribute to Uvi Poznansky who graciously reached out to me for an interview and supports other authors. She is a bestselling, award-winning author, poet and artist. Her romance boxed set, A Touch of Passion, is the 2016 WINNER of The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Awards.
Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm, taking a major part in the large-scale project, called Home for the Soldier. She earned her M.A. in Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan.
She worked first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices.) All the while, she wrote and painted constantly, and exhibited in Israel and California. What an amazing lady!
Her audio book, A Favorite Son, is on my audio book listening list. To learn more about Uvi Poznansky and her books, check her website and Amazon.
The post Tribute Authors Lisette Brody and Uvi Poznansky appeared first on Linnea Tanner.
May 24, 2017
Apollo’s Raven Audio-Book Newly Released
Exciting News! The audio-book of Apollo’s Raven was released today! It is a historical fantasy weaving an epic Celtic tale of love, magic, adventure, intrigue, and betrayal in Ancient Rome and Britannia.
It is free if you try the Amazon Audibles 30-day trial. The program allows you to select two free Audio Books to download during the first month. After 30 days, Audibles is $14.95 per month to download other Audio Books. You can cancel at any time.
Click on Amazon to take advantage of this special offer!
Below is an excerpt of the audio-book before the climatic prisoner exchange to give you a tidbit and flavor of the Audio Book. Click below to listen.
Kristin James, Narrator
I’m flying high with the quality of the narration by Kristin “KJ” James. She adeptly captures the voices of both the Celtic and Roman characters in Apollo’s Raven. It has been a real pleasure to collaborate with this talented narrator from the Nashville, TN area.
Kristin James, Narrator, Apollo’s Raven
Acting has always been KJ’s passion. Starting on the stage as early as preschool, she pursued her passion into college where she received a BA in Communication with a double emphasis in Theatre and Public Relations from Mississippi State University. After college she found herself more and more drawn to voice overs. Several classes, coaching sessions, seminars, research, and a closet-turned-studio later, she now records and produces Audio Books on a regular basis. She has also done several radio commercials for clients such as Advance Financial, TriStar Health, and GAC.
When she’s not recording in her booth, you’ll find her crocheting, playing video games, or running agility with her dogs. Learn more about KJ at her website, Facebook and Twitter.
Winners of May Giveaways to be Announced
The winners of the May Giveaways have been drawn and e-mails have been sent notifying them of their free gifts. Once the winners have confirmed receipt of their notifications, another post will be published announcing their names.
Apollo’s Raven Deals Continue
More deals of Apollo’s Raven will be announced in May and June. Also, tributes to authors who have graciously supported me will be highlighted, as well as links to other book reviews.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Remember, dreams are glimpses into your soul.
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
The post Apollo’s Raven Audio-Book Newly Released appeared first on Linnea Tanner.
May 19, 2017
Head Shots Linnea Tanner
Below are photographs of Linnea Tanner, Colorado Author of the Apollo’s Raven Series. The debut Book 1: Apollo’s Raven is a Historical Fiction / Fantasy that was released on April 10, 2017 at various locations.
Photographs were taken by Colorado artist and photograph, Rebekah West, who is an artist in residence in France. She has also taken photographs of Linnea’s granddaughter, Maylin, who has been featured as a Celtic warrior princess in her blog.
Linnea Tanner Depicted as Celtic Druidess
The photographs below were taken close to Boulder, Colorado.
Linnea Tanner, Author
Apollo’s Raven Series
Linnea Tanner, Author
Historical Fantasy, Celtic Tales, Britannia
Linnea Tanner, Author Historical Fiction / Fantasy Apollo’s Raven
Linnea Tanner, Dust Jacket, Apollo’s Raven
Linnea Tanner, Author
Apollo’s Raven
Other Photographs Linnea Tanner
Linnea Tanner, Author, Apollo’s Raven, Calling on Inspiration
Linnea Tanner, Author, Apollo’s Raven, Magical Moment
Linnea Tanner, Author, Apollo’s Raven, Conjuring Magic
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May 10, 2017
Q & A with Linnea Tanner
It is a pleasure to share my interview with Luciana Cavallero, an Australian Author and Historian, that was recently posted on her website. If you click below, you will find out more about what inspired me to write Apollo’s Raven.
Q & A with Linnea Tanner
Come and meet Linnea Tanner in an interview about her debut book Apollo’s Raven. In her novel, Linnea Tanner weaves Celtic tales of love, magic, adventure, betrayal and intrigue into historical fiction set in Ancient Rome and Britannia. (Click here to go to the interview)
The post Q & A with Linnea Tanner appeared first on Linnea Tanner.
April 25, 2017
Apollo’s Raven Flying High
Support by Fellow Authors
Two weeks after the release of Apollo’s Raven on April 10, I’m flying high with gratitude for the support fellow authors have shown me. They have reached out and graciously provided reviews of Apollo’s Raven or interviewed me. This is a tribute to talented authors who generously support and encourage each other.
Today’s post focuses on authors who provided in-depth reviews of advanced copies of Apollo’s Raven which they posted on their websites. In the next post, I’ll highlight my interviews with two other amazing authors, Lisette Brodey and Uvi Poznansky.
Book Reviews Apollo’s Raven
D. N. Frost
D.N. Frost, Fantasy Author, World-builder, and Cartographer
D. N. Frost is a multi-talented fantasy author, world-builder and cartographer. She inspired my vision of Britannia by creating an ancient map of the southeast region included in Apollo’s Raven. She is writing The Tales of the Known World Series. Her love for role-playing games and knack for storytelling drives her to build the Known World, map its lands, and tell its tales. She loves exploring culture, psychology, and language through her characters and their gripping adventures. Be sure to check out D.N.’s website: DNFrost.com
Below is a link to her in-depth review.
“This well-crafted story evokes the tempestuous political climate of Celtic kingdoms, the unpredictable nature of young love, and the little-understood powers of the ancient Druids.”
Click below to read more:
http://www.dnfrost.com/2017/04/apollos-raven-by-linnea-tanner-book.html
Luciana Cavallaro
Luciana Cavallaro, Australian Historical Fiction Novelist
Luciana Cavallero is an Australian historical fiction novelist and secondary teacher. She has a passion for mythology and ancient history which inspires her to write Historical Fantasy. She is writing an epic series entitled, Servant of the Gods, which blends time travel and a hero’s journey in the mythic backdrop of Atlantis. We share a mutual love for ancient civilizations and mythology and have become good friends. You will find Luciana in the classroom, teaching and promoting literature. Be sure to check her website: https://luccav.com/
Below is a link to her in-depth review:
“From a historical perspective, Apollo’s Raven is a good introduction to what life was like for the Celtic Brits when the Romans invaded. The plot is intriguing, and the forbidden love angle adds to the punchiness of the story.”
Click below to read more:
Book review – Apollo’s Raven by Linnea Tanner
Flying High With Giveaways
I am fortunate that I have been able to fulfill my dream of becoming an author and writing the epic Apollo’s Raven series. As with any great adventure, the most fulfilling part of the journey is to meet fellow authors and readers who share the same passion for ancient history and mythology. As always, I’d love to hear your feedback about Apollo’s Raven and encourage you to write a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and/or Goodreads. This is one of the best ways to help authors and offer valuable feedback to readers.
To show my appreciation for those who subscribe to my website, I am offering current subscribers and those who subscribe to my website by May 20th the chance to win one of the following gifts below.
limited edition of the hardcover book of Apollo’s Raven
paperback of Apollo’s Raven
e-book of Apollo’s Raven
hand-crafted book stand
Winners will be announced during the week of May 22nd.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE: http://linneatanner.com/newsletter/
Be on the lookout for other promotions and deals toward the end of May and beginning of June.
Best wishes,
Linnea Tanner
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April 16, 2017
Awakening by D.N. Frost Book Review
Awakening by D.N. Frost
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Book 1: Awakening by D.N. Frost is an unique, world-building fantasy structured around a prophecy in four movements. The book is mythical, almost dream-like, as the tales of various characters from different fantastical realms unfold and they meet to fulfill their destinies.
In the first movement, the fantastical tale introduces Larin, a young women with mystical powers of foresight and healing. She is sold as a sex slave to an evil elf, but is later saved by Jorn who later plays a pivotal role in the prophecy. From a desert region, another character, Tirrok, begins an odyssey and meets Kingard, a strong mage who drove all evil from the land in past times. And finally, the young Darek, a shape-shifter, joins Kingard to embark secretly to A’lara. It is here the empress has darkmages in her employ that slaughter shifters. The tales of the various characters weave together in the next three movements as the prophecy is fulfilled. The most ominous prediction is that one of them will rise as a daemon and betray them. Only the life forces of A’lara gives hope of overcoming the evil that has encased the city.
The world-building and surreal descriptions of magical feats are original and unique. For example, the healing powers of Laren are vividly described as follows: “Faster and faster, the light rushed until Laren felt her body eroding with the flow of it.” Maps are sprinkled throughout the book to give a visual image of the various regions. At first, I thought the prophecy of Vyedik Ndeloh Dynde is taken from previous legends, but I realized after doing research that the prophet was conjured in the author’s imagination. The story is told from multiple points of views which at time makes the story confusing, particularly in the beginning. However, Jorn and Larin are engaging characters when the story is told from their point of view. The climatic ending is fast-paced and takes unexpected turns. I recommend the book to fantasy readers who love world-building and vivid imagery of how magic works. D.N. Frost Awakening
The post Awakening by D.N. Frost Book Review appeared first on Linnea Tanner.
April 13, 2017
Apollo’s Raven New Release and Kirkus Review
I am excited to announce that Book 1: Apollo’s Raven was released on April 10 and a review of the book by Kirkus was published today.
“A complex and promising start to a new fantasy series.” — Kirkus Reviews
Click on the following to read the full review which provides an in-depth overview of the story: APOLLO’S RAVEN
As a debut author, I’d love to hear your feedback on Apollo’s Raven and encourage you to write your honest review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and/or Goodreads. This is one of the best ways to give your opinion about a book and at the same time give authors your feedback. It also serves as an important guide that readers can use to select their next book.
More information on giveaways and special deals on Apollo’s Raven in May are forthcoming.
Bublish Platform
Another platform that I have begun to use is Bublish which provides a dashboard for authors to create and publicize their books. What is most powerful about this platform is that authors can create what is called a “bubble” where they can publicly provide their insight on excerpts from their books. The following link is an example of a bubble that provides my insight on Chapter 1 of Apollo’s Raven bit.ly/2nVPL36 . In the future, I’ll create other bubbles that provide background as to why I wrote a scene in a certain way. The good news is the site is open to readers as well as authors.
Another powerful tool from Bublish is that authors can draft their next book directly into their system. The author can create a bubble that publicly displays an excerpt from a draft to get comments from other authors and readers. The final plus is the final manuscript can be converted to epub to create an e-book, or downloaded in word or PDF format. The manuscript of Book 2: Empire’s Anvil has been transferred to this site, and I will be seeking comments on certain scenes in the future.
Utube Book Trailer
A new book trailer that my granddaughter, Maylin, created is now on Utube. She is the Celtic Warrior Princess in the video. Check it out by clicking here: https://youtu.be/zJzqMvsNQ8E
Catrin, Celtic Warrior Princess and Druidess
Comments on Blog Posts
There were some issues of leaving comments on the blog posts, but this has now been corrected. I appreciate everyone’s patience as we resolve glitches with the website. Feel free to comment or contact me if you have any questions regarding the book or if you would like to set up a Skype call for a book club.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend!
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