E.S. Barrison's Blog, page 20
October 23, 2020
More Bedtime Stories for Cynics – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 stars)
Do you have a desire to listen to more cynical tales? Well Nick Offerman is back with an array of stories to warm that cold heart of yours. Or, well, ice it over. Once again, we journey back into our story books to learn about a woman cursed to be a frog, Amelia Bedelia’s illness, and the Little Drifter that Could…plus more! But don’t expect these stories to have a happy ending. Far from it. So sit back, relax, and take enjoy a moment of schadenfreude.
All-in-all, this second group of stories is better than the first. With more time to invest into each tale, an narrators as talented as Sir Patrick Stewart, we’re bound to have some laughs! Yet just as with the first audio book, some stories stick, while others don’t. They’re crude, not for everyone, and many might just turn away in disgust. In fact, while I’m generally not easily offended, there was one story I could not listen to in this narrative about a dog. It just hit a little too close to home for me and made me uneasy.
Overall, More Bedtime Stories for Cynics is still an amusing listen…and there is bound to be a gem or two that you’ll enjoy. Plus, with narrators as great as these, who can keep away?
What’s it about?
Nick Offerman and his posse of high-profile guests present this series of 12 short stories written in the style of classic kid’s tales, but with a decidedly adult approach.
If children’s literature is any guide, we should all be able to magically fall asleep simply by saying goodnight to the things we can see from our beds. But any adult knows that our work anxieties and shameful memories would rather stay up all night and chat. That’s where Offerman and Co. come in—with clever and occasionally downright dark parodies of the classic kids genre. What really happened after Snow White died, from the perspective of the one medically trained dwarf? A naive wizard professor reports back from the trenches of an underprivileged school of magic. A middle-aged man is haunted by the voices of his own aging body. The stories will make you laugh, cry and probably squirm a little.
Performers include: Patrick Stewart, Alia Shawkat, Jane Lynch, Aparna Nancherla, Harry Goaz, Mike Birbiglia, Ellen Page, Rachel Dratch, Gary Anthony Williams, Nicole Byer, and Matt Walsh.
More Bedtime Stories for Cynics on Goodreads
October 22, 2020
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★☆ (4 / 5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.85 / 5 stars)
Kyle Keeley is your normal 12-year old boy. He likes playing a wide variety of video and board games, while he hates reading. So why would he care about the new library opening in town? But then he learns that Mr. Luigi Lemoncello, the creator of some of Kyle’s favorite games, is also the primary benefactor of the new library, Kyle is determined to be a part of the lock-in on opening night. But…just like all of Mr. Lemoncello’s games…there’s a surprise! When morning comes, all twelve kids are still locked inside the library…and they have 24 hours to escape and win an amazing prize!
In a story reminiscent of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Night at the Museum, and other classic tales, we venture with Kyle and his friends Akimi, Miguel, and Sierra as they try to escape the library and win. Along the way, they are presented with challenging puzzles and cheating classmates that bring their biggest talents to the head. No one’s skills are left unturned, and each child is quickly presented as a valuable member of the team.
The lessons in Mr. Lemoncello’s Library are the types that many children can take as they read the story. Teamwork is preferred, selflessness is rewarded, and cheaters are villainous. In addition to these lessons on teamwork, an innate curiosity about local libraries and reading is planted throughout the pages. While children will be swept away by the magic of Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, they will also (hopefully) want to venture to their own library as well.
This is overall a fun story that children will enjoy. In fact, I had fun listening to it as well. Yes, it is predicable, and some pieces are a little dated (for instance mentioning the PS3 and some books that might not be popular bookshelves today), but overall it is a fun-take on a Willy Wonka styled story. Will I pick up the sequel? Perhaps one day. While it’s not on the top of my reading list, it is definitely a library I would like to explore again.
So whoever you are, go on an adventure at your local library…and maybe pick up a story about Mr. Lemoncello’s Library as well!
What’s it about?
When Kyle Keeley learns that the world’s world’s most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town’s new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to be there! But the tricky part isn’t getting into the library—it’s getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must catch every clue and solve every puzzle to find the hidden escape route!
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library on Goodreads
Black Hollow – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25 / 5 stars)
After one of his many drunken stupors, James Brown returns home to tragedy. With no where else to go, he wanders the streets, only to be mesmerized by the captivating Elene. He immediately wraps himself up in her lies and travels to her family’s estate, Black Hollow, where secrets lie around every corner. As he navigates the halls of the villa, his own past climbs out to haunt him. But who is the monster in this house? And will James’s survive to tell his story?
In a compelling story filled with suspense that keeps you at the edge of your seat, we are transported back to Boston in the late 1800s. Myria Candies paints imagery that makes you feel like you are right there with her characters. The suspense is there: you can hear a pin drop, you can feel the air turn cold, and sense the way fear ruptures through James as he tries to escape Black Hollow. I was able to picture this as a ninety-minute horror film that I would watch during Halloween. The story seems haunted, only to show us who the true monsters are: the people.
Yet, while I was drawn into the story and was basically able to read it in one sitting, I almost think it was too long. The writing is a bit too passive, which worked in some places to increase the suspense, but often times I felt like we could see the emotions but not actually feel them with the characters. This ended up impacting my perception of the main character, James: if we had really felt his emotions, I think I might have ended up with a better understanding of his own desires and interests. Perhaps this inability to understand James, seeing him more as the passive narrator, is what makes Elene so much more striking though.
Speaking of Elene, what an interesting character! I was compelled by her, but still, by the end of this, I still don’t understand her true motives. I don’t think anything needs to be wrapped up nicely, but was she actually evil? Or was she a product of her environment just like her siblings? Perhaps the uncertainty is what makes her such a mesmerizing character…she deceives even the reader.
With all that being said, Myria Candies does paint a story equal to a suspenseful horror movie. It would be bound to compel audiences and keep them at the edge of their seat.
So if you want a quick, suspenseful story, check out Black Hollow. If anything, you’ll get a decent chill from the manor as you navigate it with James.
What’s it about?
In the city of Boston, James meets the captivating Elene. Mesmerized by her beauty, in a destitute position, he accepts an invitation to join her and a mysterious man to their estate to attend to the sickly Amelia. Lies, murder, ominous occurrences and a professed love cause him to stay way past his desire. Every turn at Black Hollow, uncovers hidden secrets and dark stories from the past. All to reveal the truth behind why he was brought there in the first place.
Black Hollow on Goodreads
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Valerie Evans
Today we are talking with Valerie Evans about her creative process. Valerie Evans is the author of the Anberlin Chronicles.
About Author
Valerie Evans has been writing since she was in middle school and started the first book of the Anberlin Chronicles back in 2012. All three parts were published earlier this year in a staggered timeline. She has always loved fantasy and bringing stories to life so she’s excited to share more stories from Anberlin as well as a new project involving werewolves.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
Kindred Spirit focuses on Aria Tate who is a witch that sees ghosts and lives in a very supernatural town. Vampires, werewolves, witches, an occasional demon, and the many unaware and aware humans call Anberlin home. The trouble starts when she saves an injured man’s life only to learn that he’s a hunter of people like her then worsens when her childhood imaginary friend, Faith, returns in adult form. Suddenly, the pranks of her childhood and Faith’s current behavior seem malicious and alienating which leads her to wonder if maybe it was more than just an overactive imagination and what Faith wants from her.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
Funnily enough, a movie called Imaginary Friend starring Lacey Chabert started me on this path. It dealt with an imaginary friend coming back as an adult and her questioning her sanity. However, I was disappointed to learn it wasn’t supernatural so I began crafting a story of my own where it’s definitely supernatural but the what isn’t so obvious. Who better to draw things dark and malicious than a witch with some strange hobbies?
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Aria Tate comes from a long line of witches but also has an unfortunate side effect of seeing ghosts. She runs a junk shop with her brother’s girlfriend and tries to be as normal as possible. While I didn’t have any particular real life person, her appearance as red hair and green eyes was inspired by my Irish ancestry. I translated my love of thrift stores and all things strange into creating her store.
Jeremy Hayes came from far too much Supernatural. The idea of hunting supernatural creatures intrigued me, but I also wanted to play with the idea of can people change when given all the facts? He grew up with a limited view of the supernatural then gets dumped into the middle of it by crossing paths with Aria. He’s forced to face supernatural creatures are more than he realized and begins to question if he can continue to kill them so indiscriminately.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
In a lot of ways, Anberlin is like the town where I grew up. It’s small and everyone knows everyone. Strangers are rare and the businesses are locally owned. It’s a lot more interesting with its supernatural citizens, though!
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
It was originally intended to be a stand-alone novel except new questions arose. Hints were dropped, and I found myself learning more about where Aria’s magic came from. An event took an unexpected turn and gave me a chance to explore “magic comes at a price”. It wasn’t intended to have such a romance angle, but Jeremy and Aria’a chemistry popped up almost immediately so I had to explore it deeper.
What is your writing process like?
I’m an outline person, but I normally do it in chunks of 5-7 chapters with basics ideas or hints then write the meat of it freehand. I try not to edit as I go unless I left off unsure of a scene. I’ll sometimes write scenes out of order then have to find where they fit into the rest of the story.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I love the writing phase because I finally get to see all these choppy notes become a cohesive story. It always takes me fun, unexpected directions, too, so it’s like an adventure where you don’t have to leave the house.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
The most difficult part was the confidence part because I’m overly critical. I’d had people praise my work in school assignments or writing fanfiction but making an entire world and characters of my own was new. I actually overcame it through conversation and a supportive network in my real life so I took the step to finish and publish.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I’ve read so many great authors but Holly Black started my fantasy obsession; however, I’ve shifted away from fairies to more mainstream fantasy species. A close friend and my sister inspired me, too, because both had early access to the first draft of Kindred Spirit and encouraged me to make that push toward self-publishing and getting my stories out. And the rest is history!
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Write the story you want and be true to your own vision. Don’t be afraid to write something new and strange!
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Valerie Evans, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 20, 2020
A Meeting with Medusa – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★☆ ☆ (3/5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.25/5 stars)
After an accident aboard the Queen Elizabeth, an experimental helium-filled airship, Captain Howard Falcon is never the same. He is disconnected from his friends and companions, focused on finding a purpose for his newly augmented life. When he hatches an idea to venture to Jupiter with his technologically advanced body, the last thing he expects is to discover creatures halfway between humanity and beast: the creatures he dubs the Medusa. But are they what he is searching for, or will he continue to wander aimlessly unsure of his role in life?
This novella has spread its tendrils of influence far and wide throughout the realm of science fiction. Through multiple novels, and even in infamous television shows such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, we have had countless exposure to creatures like the Medusa that Falcon encounter on Jupiter. The fact that this story has stood the test of time is a testament in itself.
Yet, as with many short stories and novella, often times they fall victim to their length. Falcon’s ultimate revelation isn’t woven into the narrative as much as I would like; his internal conflict isn’t as prevalent as his fascination with the Medusa. I think, ultimately, with a bit more length or understanding of his augmentation, the reader would understand his conclusion in greater depths. Instead, it read a bit more like a report of events, rather than giving us an inward look at Falcon’s struggles.
That being said though, I am glad I read this story. It gives me a glimpse at where some of my favorite sci-fi shows and books have derived influence.
Although, just like Falcon, I really would have loved to explore the “big red spot.”
What’s it about?
Taking place partly on Earth and partly in the atmosphere of Jupiter, the story tells of Howard Falcon, the captain of a new and experimental giant-sized helium-filled airship. When an accident causes the ship to crash, Falcon is badly injured and takes over a year to fully recover.
A Meeting with Medusa on Goodreads
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with Cynthia Vespia
Today we are talking with Cynthia Vespia about her creative process. Cynthia Vespia is the author of Karma, Kobra, and more!
About Author
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
It’s a superhero series called Silke’s Strike Force. Book 1 is Karma. 2 is Kobra. 3 is Kaged and 4 is Khaos. I did the spelling that way with the “K” on purpose just to have a theme.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
When I started, superheroes on the big screen and TV were all the rage. I’ve always loved superheroes and comics so I decided to make up my own.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
My main character is Silke (silky) Butters. I got the name when I was working at The Wynn in Las Vegas. Someone checked in using it. We get a lot of aliases in Vegas hotels! I wrote Silke to have a good heart and pure intentions so I could challenge her. She starts out a little naïve and as her powers grow she does as well. I also made her American Indian to change things up from the norm.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
The story takes place across New York and Los Angeles. Isn’t that where all superhero stories are based? Heh heh
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
Silke’s Strike Force started out way different! Originally it was a story about female investigators. Silke was a Caucasian blonde. It evolved into this massive superhero story with military and sci-fi undertones. Crazy stuff happens when you’re a writer.
What is your writing process like?
I used to be a panster but I realized it was hurting my story. Because Silke’s Strike Force is my first big series I needed to plot it out more to have a throughline between all 4 books that links them up. But I don’t over plot either. It stifles creativity. I just put down the nuts and bolts then let the characters surprise me.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Character creation is my favorite for sure! I’m also partial to developing villains. I guess because you have more freedom. For instance, my villains The Sin Squad are full of a bunch of powered people named after the Seven Deadly Sins. In writing them I got to explore each of their unique stories and what brought them all together.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
I wrote part 1 Karma in 2017. Then life kicked my ass. So the hardest part was trying to get back in the mindset to finish the rest of the series. Part 2, Kobra was so hard to write. But I got through it and I’m very pleased with the outcome.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
Dean Koontz. I read a book of his called Intensity when I was in school and wanted to create stories like that. I met him a few years later!
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
Learn the rules of writing and then break them! Don’t be afraid to take a risk with your writing. It’s your story, have fun!
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in Cynthia Vespia, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
October 19, 2020
The Mystwick School of Musicraft – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Audio Book Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Total Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Amelia Jones always wanted to go to Mystwick School of Musicraft like her mother. But after she flubs her audition, she doesn’t think it is possible…until she receives her acceptance letter in her tree house while composing a tune. But little does she expect the chaos her acceptance letter causes: she was never supposed to come to Mystwick School of Musicraft. But magic has a funny way of working, and the school offers Amelia a trial period to prove herself. How can she manage to prove herself when it seems like someone is trying to sabotage her? Is it her roommate Darby, the grumpy Professor Pinwhistle, or…a ghost? And can she overcome her own self doubt in time to prove she belongs at the school?
In a story reminiscent of Harry Potter, but with a musical twist, we venture with Amelia Jones to Mystwick School of Magic, and experience both the magical nature and detrimental trials of the school. We learn, through Amelia’s own telling, the different rules of magic, and all the threads of knowledge weave together giving way to the confrontation with the ghosts of Amelia’s past…literally.
This isn’t just a story about magic though: this is a story about believing in yourself, and that the strongest magic, no matter how cliché, is what we have inside of us. It may have been the narrator’s storytelling in this audiobook, but from beginning to end I saw Amelia as a real individual. She isn’t some prodigy, she isn’t perfect; in fact, she is flawed like the rest of us. These flaws are what make us unique…and what helps magic grow.
Children need stories with these types of lessons. Amelia Jones isn’t the chosen one, she isn’t perfect, and even with her natural gifts, she struggles. But, it also shows how working hard and using flaws to your advantage will reward you.
I feel I cannot go without addressing the elephant in the room. Yes, there are a lot of elements similar to Harry Potter…but in all the right ways! We have a magic school, based out in Colorado, with different “houses” based on their instruments: percussion, brass, string, or woodwind. But, there have been many stories with similarly magical schools, so in this case I find mimicry to be the kindness form of flattery. Amelia Jones’s story takes the best elements of Harry Potter and enhances on them…not just with musicraft, but also with representation. While Amelia Jones has bushy red hair and pale skin, the rest of the cast is diverse: Darby is of East-Asian descent, Kai Kupoor is of Indian-descent, and from there the background cast consists of multiple races and ethnicities. And it doesn’t stop there! There is even mentioned of a character in a wheelchair who is not once tossed aside. These elements will speak to children of all different backgrounds, and this is something that has been criticized in Harry Potter over the years.
Will this book be the next magical edition to grace most children’s libraries? Maybe. It definitely has the potential! I do hope to have more adventure with Amelia in the future and tie up a few of the loose ends.
So if you want something to fill a magic-school-sized void, look no further. You, and your children as well, will love this.
What’s it about?
Amelia Jones always dreamed of attending the Mystwick School of Musicraft, where the world’s most promising musicians learn to create magic. So when Amelia botches her audition, she thinks her dream has met an abrupt and humiliating end—until the school agrees to give her a trial period. Amelia is determined to prove herself, vowing to do whatever it takes to become the perfect musician. Even if it means pretending to be someone she isn’t. Meanwhile, a mysterious storm is brewing that no one, not even the maestros at Mystwick, is prepared to contain. Can Amelia find the courage to be true to herself in time to save her beloved school from certain destruction?
The Mystwick School of Musicraft on Goodreads
October 18, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with S.W. Raine
Today we are talking with S.W. Raine about her creative process. S.W. Raine is the author of The Techno Mage.
About Author
Raine is Canadian, born and raised, and constantly moved in between Ontario and Quebec with her military family. She moved to Michigan, USA, in 2004, where she currently still resides with her husband and son.
She has always had a vivid imagination and loved reading and writing from a very young age. She took courses in Children’s Literature through ICL in Illinois, and released her debut New Adult Steampunk adventure in 2020. She has participated in NaNoWriMo for over a decade and is currently a Municipal Liaison for the Detroit region.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
The Techno Mage is about a trio of friends, a mythical man, and a mission to destroy the mythical airship Faugregir.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
I’m a total Pantser, and the only inspiration I had was an image of an airship that appeared as a floating island instead.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
I had originally created the trio (Ikarim, Arteus, and Magaliana) for a Steampunk Role Play that never really took off. The only inspiration I had was a random image of a blond man as my avatar for Ikarim, and a woman with long blonde dreadlocks wearing tan overalls that I had seen long ago.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
When I created the trio for the RP, all three were mechanics. And since Arteus was the son of Doktor Gesselmeyer–a wealthier scientist–it just made sense to have them be in Germany, working as a side-gig for the old man.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
I deleted a few scenes, but I also ended up deleting an entire character, as well! It broke my heart, but he’ll make his reappearance proper in the spin-off. 
October 17, 2020
Asmodeus: The Gift of Lust – Book Review
Book Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75 / 5 stars)
Can love heal a demon filled by lust? It sounds cliche, but for Asmodeus, King of the Demons, bearer of the Gift of Lust, he never believed in love. He saw his life as a constant circle: meditation, bestowing his gift, and repeat. But when Jophiel, Beauty of God, shows up in a veil of light, he is drawn to her in more ways than one. But is it just lust again, or something else? And does it put his reign at risk?
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as it is outside my usual reading realm. With the title “Gift of Lust”, I was worried that I ventured into erotica which is one of the few genres I don’t read. While there are of course a number of vivid sex scenes in the book, as expected with the word “Lust” in the title, the story’s plotline was far more than that.
We are taken on both Asmodeus and Jophiel’s journey as they learn more about one and other, as well as about how lust can lead to love, and lust in the act of love is not a sin in itself. The story does well to paint the demons in a different light: the “Seven Deadly Sins” are only deadly when acted up deviously. Sex is not bad. Pride is not bad. Envy is not bad. These are a part of the human condition, after all. Asmodeus does not mark every person who fulfills their sexual desires, but only those who have the intent of doing wrong. Jophiel is thoughtfully used as evidence in this, show naivety, generosity, and curiosity as she navigates through the complicated feelings around lust and love.
Since romance is not my usual genre (although I read it from time-to-time), I was most drawn to the external conflict brewing outside of Asmodeus and Jophiel’s infatuation with one and other. With the knowledge that more books about the Sinful Seven remain, I anticipate seeing how this battle for power will play out through different the eyes of different characters…and I definitely look forward to it!
With all that being said, I do offer a warning to some people who may pick this book up. I did end up enjoying the story ultimately, but the beginning you are seeing Asmodeus as a true demon. He acts with nefarious and selfish intent, with his gift of lust as his guiding force, and it causes him to perform acts that might make some readers uncomfortable. These decisions are needed to foster Asmodeus’s growth, as well as kindle the relationship between him and Jophiel, but they are demonic…so be wary of that, at least.
But with that being said, despite that initial moment, I did enjoy the story. It’s more than I expected, and I am really looking forward to Beezlebub: Gift of Gluttony! Definitely worth the read.
What’s it about?
Once an angel, Asmodeus has earned the position of King of Demons, crawling his way up after leaving Heaven. His job, for all eternity, is to tempt humans with his gift, the sin of Lust, marking the weak, while still maintaining control over all other demons. After several millennia of fun, the pleasure he’d once gotten from his existence is gone. Or it was until Jophiel, Beauty of God, shows up at his place unexpectedly. Now, for the first time in a long time, he’s enjoying himself again—at her expense.
Jophiel, Beauty of God, angel of illumination, wisdom, and perception, has been tasked with the most challenging job of her long existence, a task that may just end her life. She needs to bring a demon home, to Heaven. But not just any demon. Asmodeus is one of the Royal Seven, the King of Demons. She knew going in that he’d fight her at every turn. But as prepared as she believed herself to be, she soon finds out that she’s no match for him. Because demons fight dirty.
To make matters worse, there is one among them who demands more power. In a world full of evil, where human souls are at stake, can they work together to defeat a common enemy and restore balance?
Asmodeus: The Gift of Lust on Goodreads
October 16, 2020
A Discussion of Creativity & Writing: An Interview with S. Courtney
Today we are talking with S. Courtney about her creative process. S. Courtney is the author of Bound to You, Bound by Destiny, and Unapologetically Nessa.
About Author
S Courtney is new to the published writing community but has been a lifelong writer and began creatively writing in junior high. She is the author of the paranormal romance, Bound to You, a fast paced read full of action that will make you both smile and sigh. The dynamic between Kayden and his wolf Phoenix is awesome, while the relationship between him and Kamari is sweet enough to melt a heart. Trouble is coming and it may be more than Kayden can handle. But not if Kamari can help.
This is book one in the series, Bound by Destiny, the second book of the Bound Series is available now and Unapologetically Nessa will be released in November of 2020.
So let’s get into the questions!
First, tell us about your book!
Bound to You is a paranormal romance about a local artist who has an obsession with drawing a particular wolf she always dreams about and an Alpha leader who also enjoys painting a woman whose face he never sees but he knows, she’s the one. During a turn of events he comes into town for supplies and catches her drawing this wolf, but wait…that wolf…is him! It is a tale of two people “drawn together” by fate.
How did you come up with this idea? What inspired you?
After extensive reading on Wattpad, I noticed a pattern that I wanted to break. I wanted the heroine to be strong and fearless, not timid and weak and I wanted the hero to be strong but soft hearted, not smug and arrogant.
Tell us a little bit about your main character(s). Were you inspired by anyone particular when writing them?
Kamari Lee is a representation of myself, she’s independent but also a big sweetheart who can be a bit naive, she is supported by her best friend who constantly reassures her that her true love is coming even after her most recent heartache.
What about your setting? What inspired you to choose where the story took place?
Lovenshire was made up in my imagination, I never say exactly where the town is located but I always think Wyoming or Montana. It is a small town at the base of the mountains and lots of forestry.
Obviously, stories change from their initial inception. How has your story changed while working on it?
It constantly changed, especially while editing you have to make sure everything connects and that the story flows smoothly. The plot twist in the middle of the story came out of nowhere and it seems to be everyone’s favorite part.
What is your writing process like?
I don’t plan or outline, I literally begin writing and then I go back and read. I may make notes in my phone but I like free writing, it works for me. I write any chance I get unless my characters are quiet then I don’t force it. It is their story I’m just writing it down.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Intertwining the stories from the other books whether it be a line, a scene, or more. I enjoy people realizing that this is another POV to a particular moment in the story.
What was the most difficult part in writing your book? How did you overcome it?
Trying to explain a new creature not known outside the book and their power and characteristics. I took some time to think about how I wanted them to look when in power and once complete I was very proud.
Now let’s talk personal inspiration: did anyone or anything inspire you to be a writer?
I’ve always loved writing but a lot of friends and family encouraged me to publish.
Finally, do you have any words of inspiration or tips to new authors?
To be yourself and be open to talking with others about their experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask questions because they are the very same questions we asked and finally, be confident in your writing! It may have been done a million times but none of those are from you, tell us how you would write it!
Thank you for joining us today! If you’re interested in S. Courtney, check out the links below!
Social Media
Books
Until next time,
E.S. Barrison
