Helen Garraway's Blog, page 12
June 1, 2024
SoulBreather and Sentinals Justice hit Times Square!
So excited to share that both SoulBreather, book one of the SoulMist series, and Sentinals Justice, book three of the Epic Fantasy Sentinal series were up in lights on the Nasdaq board in Times Square on May 30th, 2024.
Celebrating winning gold medals in the Spring 2024 BookFest book awards.
SoulBreather won the first place gold medal for Paranormal & Urban Fantasy
Sentinals Justice won first gold medal for Epic Fantasy.
Times Square, New York
Sentials Justice
Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review.
“… a truly thrilling setting filled with political and royal intrigue, interpersonal drama, and dangerous games of secrets, warmongering, and missing persons … I would not hesitate to recommend Sentinals Justice to fans of epic fantasy and the series so far; you won’t be disappointed.” K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite.
SoulBreather
Readers’ Favorite Five Star Review
SoulBreather by Helen Garraway is moving and gripping, with a perfect plot boasting the most incredible, cleverly crafted protagonists I’ve enjoyed in recent literature. It’s a wonderful, utterly addictive series launch filled with detailed worldbuilding, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue and adventure. I especially loved the romantic chemistry between Mav and Solanji and their determination for justice and to save others. I nearly devoured this brilliant tale in one sitting. Garraway’s narrative is highly immersive and action-packed. I would recommend SoulBreather to all fans of paranormal fantasy and anyone who loves stories with heart, adventure, feisty heroines, and fallen angels.” Reviewed By Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite
Not started the SoulMist series yet?
Book1: SoulBreather
Book 2: DragonBound
Book3: OblivionGate (On preorder-Releases July 1st, 2024)
Sentinal Series (Now complete.)
Book1: Sentinals Awaken
Book 2: Sentinals Rising
Book3: Sentinals Justice
Book 4: Sentinals Across Time
Book 5: Sentinals Banished
Book 6: Sentinals Destiny
Associated books:
Book 3.5: Sentinals Recovery
Happy Listening!
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or my PNR/Fantasy Romance SoulMist series or Harmony, a standalone Dystopian fantasy. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and a bonus story, Sentinals Discovery, and never miss a notification when my next book is published.
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DragonBound now available on Audiobook!
Book Two of the SoulMist series has now joined SoulBreather and been immortalised by Tim Paige’s amazing narration. You can find it on Audible, Amazon, iTunes or Apple Books. Other platforms coming soon.
All 9 hours and 28 minutes of it. Check out the audio sample and start the adventure now.
Version 1.0.0Now you can meet Solanji and Demavrian whilst you drive, exercise or work. Pick up your copy from Audible, Spotify, Amazon, iTunes or Apple Books. Other platforms available soon.
How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.
Solanji
Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!
Demavrian
Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.
Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.
Readers reviews
“I absolutely adored this book! It completely tops the first book with its coordination of viewpoints, the well-developed plot, and the twists and turns. I really enjoyed the character development and ALL THE REVEALS! I almost didn’t see the ending coming! *Definitely* recommend this book!” Amazon 5* Review
“This was another winner in my book. After reading the first book I only hope that the next one would be as good and to my wonderful surprise, this book was even better.” Amazon 5* Review
Not started the SoulMist series yet?
Book1: SoulBreather
Book 2: DragonBound
Book3: OblivionGate (On preorder-Releases July 1st, 2024)
Happy Listening!
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or my PNR/Fantasy Romance SoulMist series or Harmony, a standalone Dystopian fantasy. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and a bonus story, Sentinals Discovery, and never miss a notification when my next book is published.
Join my email list
By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and Mailchimp to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
Processing… Success! You're on the list. Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.May 31, 2024
Book Review Alert: The Fate in the Flames by Sierra Knoxley
Reviewed: May 31st 2024
Released: February 4th, 2023
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Fate wants me dead. I won’t allow that.
Sakura:
When the hateful shogun murders my family, I flee through the mysterious Ancestors Portal. But instead of reuniting with my loved ones, I’m dragged into a realm inhabited by vicious shapeshifter clans locked in endless feuds. Bloody competitions have replaced outright war, but death haunts me at every turn.
I must survive at all costs. My childhood love needs to know what became of us, and I want revenge, but I never expected to fall in love with the hellhound who hunted me.
Or to be a prime candidate for the great lords’ barbaric, ritualized sacrifice.
If I survive, it will only be to watch my lover compete in the champions’ death-match. He’ll be torn apart if I can’t save him, but what price will a powerful lord of the fox clan ask me to pay?
Surviving fate seems impossible. Or maybe I misunderstood my fate in the first place. Read My Thoughts…
May 25, 2024
Author Interview – Barb Jones
Helen: Welcome Barb. Tell us a little about Rise of the Hunter which released last year.
Barb: Rise of the Hunter is the latest book I released. It is the first in a second trilogy in the world of The Blood Prophecy (Dark Prophecy Series). This book continues the storyline but is told from the villain’s perspective and ties nicely with my tag line: Evil Does Not Die…It Seeks Revenge. Rise of the Hunter is darker than the first trilogy and has a lot more of the witches, Hawaiian Legends, and basically, all around evil concepts due to his perspective. My villain is called The Tall Dark Man and has a sinister purpose for getting his revenge.
Helen: How interesting to write a book from the villains perspective. My assumption is that is your villain on the cover? What were your thoughts behind your design?
Barb: I hired a graphic artist to set my cover with black and red tones, inspired by The Tall Dark Man in the series. He is overlooking the city of Seattle before the book transitions to Hawaii as he contemplates his revenge. I hired a graphic artist to design my cover. In fact, he will design the whole trilogy.
Helen: I love that you are able to continue your series and yet twist it aorund completely. How did you come up with the book title?
Barb: Rise of the Hunter has a special meaning because in the third book of the series, The Tall Dark Man was thought to have been destroyed and we all know evil doesn’t die. This was a perfect way to bring back the villain, this time as the Main Character to his own trilogy!
Helen: What made you write this particular book?
Barb: I love Villains. I also wrote this book because of my readers. Originally, I planned to complete the Blood Prophecy Series with Queen’s Ascension (Book 3) and wrap that up so I can begin a new series. However, when over 150 readers sent emails wanting more – I continued the series while working on other brand new series, a movie project and other standalone books.
Helen: Isn’t that rewarding? When your readers are so invested in your characters that they want more. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Barb: I’ve always been a storyteller as a child. I loved to scare people with stories. It took my fourth-grade teacher to convince me to try putting these scary stories on paper and see what would happen. I did with my first story and about a month later; she had entered me in a newspaper contest for students and my short story won! I didn’t stop writing since then.
Helen: Congratulations! Thank goodness your teacher was so encouraging! Who is your favourite character from your book?
Barb: I love the villains in all my books. But, The Tall Dark Man is my favourite character.
Helen: Somehow, I am not surprised seeing as you are giving him his own trilogy of books! Which genre do you love writing?
Barb: I write Supernatural Thrillers/Horror/Dark Fantasy. I absolutely love the genre and can’t get enough.
Helen: When writing, what is one of the most useful resources you use?
Barb: Because my books take place in different locations, research is key. I don’t just rely on books and the internet to research locations and history; I travel a lot. If I can’t travel, I hire someone from the location to provide me the information I need.
Helen: Oh, lucky you. That’s so cool you get to go on research trips and explore the settings for your books. When writing do you plan every chapter or do your free write?
Barb: A pantser. I never know how a book starts or ends but I know the middle. Sounds strange I know, but I just write. Once I have my characters, I let them “talk” to me to tell me how the story will go. My mind is very overactive at times.
Helen: I tend to know the start and finish, but the middle can be torturous! What are you currently working on?
Barb: I have about 4 new books in progress right now. I write 3 or 4 at a time because that’s the only way my brain can function with this genre. I have the Curse of Mary, Devil Inside Me, Fate of an Angel and Hellhounds in progress. Curse of Mary is about a young woman who discovers that she is the long-lost daughter in a line of gypsies that sold their souls for wealth and power to a demon. Devil Inside Me is about a young woman who learns that not only was she adopted, but she is a descendant of one of H.H.Holmes’ first victims. H.H.Holmes is America’s first serial killer, known for Murder Castle. Fate of an Angel is the second book in the second trilogy of Dark Prophecy Series in the Blood Prophecy world. Hellhounds is the second book in the Heaven and Hell Series.
Helen: Plenty to keep you busy then. Thank you so much for talking to us today. Just to close us out, could you share the best thing is that has happened to you since you began writing.
Barb: I am both self-published and traditionally published. Because of that, I have unique experiences that allowed me to launch Immortal Cravings with 10 other authors to help other authors succeed. Besides having my books out there, I think the best thing is really to help other authors and engaging with my readers at in person events. I do about 24 in person events a year, which includes bookstore signings, and through that, I really engage with my readers. I meet with them for coffee, go on trips. Some have asked to be my PA at events. It’s just a wonderful part of writing that gives me a thrill.
About the Author
Barb JonesI was born in Hawaii, a place rich with culture and storytellers. As a little girl, scary tales about vampires, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches were my favorite kind — much to my mother’s dismay.
The scarier, the better.
My love for the supernatural never went away, even after moving to Seattle, far from Hawaii’s majestic beaches with unusual colors. Nothing compares to the landscapes of Maui, Lanai, or Oahu. But somehow, Seattle stole my heart anyway. It became the place where my love for stories took on a new form, in a book of my own: The Adventures of Little Arthur and Merlin the Magnificent. This book is for kids who love stories, just like I did.
Then I had an idea while sleeping.
One night, my mind began to work overtime. In a dream, I saw a unique storyline involving all the races and an epic battle of good versus evil. It was a modern day plot with a three thousand year old prophecy, The Blood Prophecy. I finished the first book in 2014, The Queen’s Destiny. Two years later, I released The Queen’s Enemy. The last book in the series, The Queen’s Ascension, arrives this year, 2020.
Today, I live in Florida with its beaches and sunshine. But I’m still a Seattle girl at heart. And so all my stories take place in the Northwest.
I always keep to my roots when I write.
Follow Barb:
Purchase Barb’s book: Rise of the Hunter via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you would like to find out about my books then sign up to my newsletter. If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winning Sentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
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Book Review Alert: The House Witch and the Charming of Austice by Delemhach
Reviewed: May 22nd, 2024
Released: January 4th, 2024
Genre: Cozy Fantasy
THERE’S A NEW SPY IN THE KITCHEN – AND IT TURNS OUT TO BE THE COOK . . .
Between his work for the King and Queen of Daxaria and a new (secret) relationship with Lady Annika Jenoure, Fin the cook’s life is anything but tidy.
Annika is being forced from the castle after there are threats to her safety. All the while tension is brewing with the kingdom of Troivack and war seems to draw ever closer.
As if he doesn’t have enough on his plate, Fin is soon promoted from cook to spy and sent into the city of Austice where he must sleuth out the plans of the Troivackian troops allegedly hidden there.
However, an unwelcome visitor is about to knock on his door, and Fin’s world starts to unravel even more . . . Read My Thoughts…
Book Review Alert: The House Witch and the Charmig of Austice by Delemach
Reviewed: May 22nd, 2024
Released: January 4th, 2024
Genre: Cozy Fantasy
THERE’S A NEW SPY IN THE KITCHEN – AND IT TURNS OUT TO BE THE COOK . . .
Between his work for the King and Queen of Daxaria and a new (secret) relationship with Lady Annika Jenoure, Fin the cook’s life is anything but tidy.
Annika is being forced from the castle after there are threats to her safety. All the while tension is brewing with the kingdom of Troivack and war seems to draw ever closer.
As if he doesn’t have enough on his plate, Fin is soon promoted from cook to spy and sent into the city of Austice where he must sleuth out the plans of the Troivackian troops allegedly hidden there.
However, an unwelcome visitor is about to knock on his door, and Fin’s world starts to unravel even more . . . Read My Thoughts…
May 18, 2024
Author Interview – Lisa Haden
Helen: Welcome Lisa. Thank you for joining me today. Tell us all about your book.
Lisa: My current (and debut) novel is called Unprecedented Times and it is the first book in the “Alternative History Trilogy”.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
The world is changed
The pandemic spread, the death toll rose and nations banded together to combat the biggest biological threat since the Black Plague. Now, a fragile balance holds further tragedy at bay.
In this alternative history, follow the spread of the virus through the eyes of four characters, as they desperately seek a path towards a better future. At the World Health Organisation, Clara, a would-be scientist and faithful assistant to Dr Vicente, the Director-General, work tirelessly to alter humanity’s course. Meanwhile, Clara’s twin sister Rosa, along with her police officer fiancé Ben, fight to survive in a world far darker than it once was.
How far will people go to survive? Will we risk losing our humanity for the sake of humanity? Either way, millions will die in these Unprecedented Times…
A science fiction-dystopian story, containing elements of comedy and romance.
Unprecedented Times blends genuine data and statistics from the COVID-19 pandemic into fiction.
BOOK TROPES:
What-IfAlternative HistoryDystopianHigh StakesLethal VirusTicking ClockMultiple Points of ViewThreat to HumanitySecond Chance LoveHelen: Your cover has two scenes on it, what were your thoughts behind the design and why did you choose this cover?
Lisa: The cover of Unprecedented Times is a reflection of the story itself. It is designed to echo a world torn in two, a world consisting of complete devastation and total isolation. These two worlds run in parallel to one another in the novel and it was important to me that this be mirrored in the cover. Without giving too much of the story away, in the book, the virus mutates and we have to decide what to do. Our choices are to do nothing and risk losing up to 70% of the world’s population, extract the infected to avoid further infection, or to eradicate the infected entirely to kill off the virus. This decision is made by the world leaders and it divides the world as we know it, this cover is a reflection of that division.
Helen: It an effective image. Why did you give your book that title? Is there a special meaning or back story about the title?
Lisa: The title Unprecedented Times came from the term that was overused during the pandemic by the media. Everyone called our experience of the pandemic unprecedented, telling us we were living in “unprecedented times”… it seemed to fit my story perfectly. I started writing this story when the virus very first broke out in China, I had a feeling it was going to be something big so when real life started following my story and people began terming it as an unprecedented time, it struck me that this was the perfect title. However, I didn’t expect the pandemic to have quite the impact it did, or go on for as long, in hindsight, everyone is sick of hearing this term now (myself included), if I could go back, I might choose to call it something different.
Helen: I think everyone was surprised by the impact and duration of the pandemic. Why did you decide to write this particular story?
Lisa: When the virus first broke out in China, I followed it closely, I had a feeling it was going to have a global impact. Meanwhile everyone around me was saying it wasn’t anything to worry about and wasn’t going to affect us at all. I remember thinking what if it does? What if the virus spreads? Or heaven forbid, what if the virus mutates into a more lethal strand? My over-active imagination took over and my story idea was formed in January, just a couple of weeks after the virus first broke out.
So I wrote this particular book because I had a story idea that was so vivid in my mind, I just had to put it down, but also because I was going through a difficult time in my personal life. I’d wanted to be an author since childhood and had many story ideas over the years, but I lacked confidence and never believed I was good enough to write and release a story people would actually enjoy.
At the time of writing this I was in a relationship that knocked what little confidence I did have out of me. For more than a decade, I was made to believe I was completely worthless and I wanted out of this unhappy relationship. However, due to the pandemic and being in lockdown with three young children, I was stuck in it. I saw my lack of confidence rubbing off onto my children and I felt like needed an escape from my miserable reality, so I decided to push myself out of my comfort zone and try to gain some confidence back by writing my first novel, if only to lead by example for my children’s sake.
Helen: There are so many hidden impacts from the pandemic, I am glad you found writing as a way to cope with a difficult situation. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Lisa: As a child, I would often write poems and short stories. I loved creating new worlds and expressing emotions through creative prose, just as I enjoyed reading and escaping into other people’s realities. I won my first award for writing when I was about 12 years of age, I wrote a poem for an anti-drugs campaign and it was selected as the winning poem in a competition running across all the schools in my region. Hundreds (if not thousands) of children submitted poems and mine was selected and it was a thrill for me, not to win, but to have my poem enjoyed by so many people.
Helen: Who inspired you to write? Was there someone specific in your life who set you on the writing path?
Lisa: The authors I read growing up who created worlds I would get lost in for hours at a time. Starting with children’s authors such as Roald Dahl and Beatrix Potter, leading into classic authors such as Shakespeare, the Bronte Sisters and George Orwell, and then an abundance of other authors, including Stephen King and Anne Rice.
Helen: Unprecedented Times is science fiction. Is this your prefered genre to write in?
Lisa: I have only released one book so far, a science fiction-dystopian novel. The genre was determined by the story idea I had. However, other story ideas I have had fall into other genres, mainly in the fantasy, science fiction and comedy genres, because these are the genres I prefer to read in.
Helen: Tell us a little about the protagnist of your book, and why you wrote them.
Lisa: I actually have four main characters in my book. When I first drafted the story idea I had one main character, but in reality, the virus impacted so many people in so many different ways, it made more sense to have the story written from different viewpoints. Writing the book this way allowed me to open up the story line even more, making it more personal, more touching and more dramatic. Having a leading scientist in the story gave me the opportunity to explain the science involved, to make the story more realistic. Having sisters in the story allowed me the chance to explore family values and the impact of the pandemic on families. While having a couple in the story enabled me to add romance into the story and explore romantic love, this couple work as a nurse and a police officer and this gave me the chance to show the impact of the virus on those working on the frontline. Writing the story from four viewpoints means that future generations (who didn’t live through the pandemic themselves) will have a better understanding what it was like to experience the pandemic first-hand.
Helen: That is so interesting, and must have been a challenge to keep all those POV’s straight. If one of your protagonists could answer this question, what would they say is the reason we hsoudl read your book?
Lisa: You should read this book because you need to know how bad the pandemic could have been. Yes, the pandemic was devastating, it impacted every person in the world and we lost millions of lives as a result… but it could have been so much worse. This book will make you question what you know, question your own morals and make you reflect on what you would do in what feels like an impossible situation. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you think, but most importantly, it will make you more appreciative of what you have and the people you have in your life.
Helen: Nice answer! Who is your favourite character in your book?
Lisa: Next question please… this is like asking me which of my children is my favourite (answer: whichever child is being the best behaved that day). Hmmm, if I had to choose my favourite character, it would probably be Ben. He is funny and loyal, caring and big-hearted, he has similar tastes in music and books as I do, and he’s kind of cute in a scruffy kind of way. I think in Ben I created the kind of man I could easily fall in love with, so this would probably make him my favourite, but I love all my characters in different ways, even the characters I’ve created that readers love to hate.
Helen: It is a bit of an unfair questions, and gets more difficult as you write more books! Are you working on anything else at the moment?
Lisa: My current WIP is called “New Normal” and it is the second book in the “Alternative History Trilogy”. It picks up where the last book finished, following the journey of the same four characters, answering questions from the first book, while raising more questions which will be answered in the final installation in the trilogy.
Helen: What is the most difficult part of writing for you?
Lisa: With the trilogy I am writing now, the hardest part (apart from finding the time to write) is research. My readers have all remarked that my story is scary because it could have been real, my story could actually have happened. To make the story believable I had to research and understand things like disease control, immunisations, viruses, pandemic spreads and responses to such events. I am not a natural scientist, so all of this was a massive learning curve for me. My story includes genuine facts and statistics, it was important to me that it feel as real as possible, so writing it involved hours upon hours of heavy research and a great deal of planning. The research and planning time took just as much time as writing the novel did, but I firmly believe it was worth it based on the feedback I’ve received from readers so far. The research for book two in the trilogy has taken just as much time, if not more (for reasons I can’t explain without giving away the story), so this has definitely been the most challenging part for me.
Helen: Research can be a veritable rabbit hole. One question leading to another. We writers’ learn a lot of useful and even more useless information! Let’s switch to talking about your writing process. You mentioned just know how much time research takes. How do you fit your writing into your everyday life?
Lisa: With great difficulty (insert crying laughing face here). I am a single mom of three (my children are 12, 8 and 4), my youngest (my son) is autistic and demands a lot of my attention. I am also a self-employed content writer and digital marketer (because I have to pay the bills).
On top of this I have an auto-immune disease (coeliac) and hypothyroidism, so when I do have a spare five minutes to myself, I am completely exhausted (I don’t often get more than 3 hours of undisturbed sleep). So I literally write when I get time.
My children spend time with their father on the weekends, so I catch up on my paid work and house jobs as quickly as I can and steal time for my creative work as and when I can. I would love to write creatively daily, but unfortunately, I have to prioritise real life. However, even when I am not able to sit and write, I still work on the story in my mind, developing the story and the characters, so that the story is like a movie playing in my mind and when I do find the time to write, it all just flows out of me.
Helen: The balance for writers can be difficult. We juggle so many things all at once. WIth such a busy life, do you find you have to plan everything you write, or do you let your writing take you where it will?
Lisa: I am a full-on planner, I have summaries and detailed plans for each of the three books. I have spreadsheets and character profiles, timelines for things character relationships… every detail of my book is planned out so that when it comes to writing the story, it’s a case of filling in the blanks. I do have to do some research along the way, if questions come up or I decide to include a quote for example, but for the most part, everything is planned.
Helen: Do you listen to music while you write?
Lisa: I can’t… I’ve tried this as I know this works for lots of other authors, but it just distracts me. I play keyboard, drums and I’m self-learning guitar, I also had years of singing lessons, so I can’t tune the music out, I instinctively listen to it… and end up typing out the lyrics I am hearing instead of my story, which isn’t great. If I do choose to listen to music (for example if I’m trying to drown out the noisy neighbours), it has to be something classical or instrumental, nothing with lyrics.
Helen: I’m the same, it has to be classical with no lyrics, though on rare occations I will play a cd on loop, and I do tune out the lyrics after a while. For you, already immersed in music I can believe it would be more difficult to tune it out. Do you suffer from writer’s block? And if so, do you have any tips on overcoming it?
Lisa: Play my drums, practice the vocals for my next song, make a cup of tea or a snack, or revisit my story plans. Basically I try to take a small break from writing the actually story itself and focus my mind on something else.
Helen: I love that you play drums. Must also be a way to relieve excess frustration. What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Lisa: The feedback and love and support I have received from my readers and followers on social media and the boost in my confidence has been the best thing that has happened. After being told I was worthless and useless for so many years by someone who claimed to love me, I genuinely expected to be mocked and put down for my creative work (I was told I’m a f***ing idiot for thinking I can do it). I expected nothing but negative feedback, but in reality, I’ve received the exact opposite, I’ve received praise and accolades. This has massively boosted my confidence and both encouraged and inspired me to not just continue writing the next book in the trilogy, but to do achieve another dream even further out of my comfort zone, the dream of becoming a singer-songwriter. Since releasing my first book and receiving this support, I have released a number of songs (available on all major music streaming platform), I have been played on BBC radio, my vocals have featured on another musician’s songs, and I have even released my own GIF range which has almost 80 million views. I don’t think I would have had the confidence to do any of this if I hadn’t had so much support from my followers and readers.
Helen: Congratulations! It is so wonderful to hear about other writers successes, and that you are going from strength to strength. It is also an inspiration to others that writing started and encouraged you on your journey. We are coming to the end of time together and I really appreciate the time you spent chatting with us. Just to finish, what advice would you give aspiring writers?
Lisa: The only limits you have are the limits you impose on yourself. There will always be someone telling you that you can’t do something, that you shouldn’t even bother trying. But actually, they don’t know what you’re capable of, you don’t know what you’re capable of, unless you try! The only way you know for sure that you can’t achieve something is if you don’t try, so follow your dreams, dream big… hater’s gonna hate right? Prove those haters wrong!
About the Author
Lisa HadenLisa Haden, author of “Unprecedented Times” a sci-fi story, dystopian book and the first installment in the Alternative History Trilogy.
A singer/songwriter and lyricist, available to stream on all major music streaming platforms, played on BBC Radio Introducing Show and added to a BBC Sounds playlist.
Also an accidental GIF maker… in addition to being a self-employed content writer/digital marketer and most importantly, a single mom of three, plus two cats.
Follow Lisa:
Purchase Lisa’s book: Unprecedented Times via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you would like to find out about my books then sign up to my newsletter. If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winning Sentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
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May 17, 2024
Book Review Alert: A Song for Kitty by Angela Cairns
Reviewed: May 15th, 2024
Released: August 24th, 2023
Genre: Historical Romance
Lily Matthews had always known Aiden Donnelly, but nothing prepared her for the way their childhood friendship deepens into something more. Set in the turbulent years before World War I, and with preparations for the Coronation of King George and the suffragist movement in full swing, Lily and Aiden’s lives are about to change forever.
A chance encounter with Music Hall star and suffragette activist, Kitty Marion opens a world of possibilities. Lily, apprentice dressmaker, has dreams of designing theatrical costumes, Aiden, talented pianist and songwriter is waiting for his career break. One of them is left behind with a promise, the other is drawn into suffragette activism in the hope of creating a better world for them both. But will this opportunity bring them closer together or be the source of a devastating separation?
A Song for Kitty blends fictional and real-life characters to transport readers to a captivating time in history.
If you love romantic historical fiction, you’ll be enthralled by this gripping story full of powerful emotions, strong characters, and a dangerous conflict. Read My Thoughts…
May 12, 2024
Author Interview – Amber Gabriel
Helen: Welcome Amber. Congratulations on your new release. I love the title of your book, I & the Scaredy Cat. Tell us all about your book.
Amber: I & the Scaredy Cat is my second children’s book. Before I began this series, I had published five books in my low-heat medieval romance/ kingdom adventure series The Edge of the Sword. When my 4th grade students kept pestering me to write a book for them, I decided to write a first-person story that would appeal to all my students regardless of race or gender. In each installment, the MC uses a magical device to help solve a problem. In this case, a stray cat ends up in the garage needing food and shelter. Magical earbuds enable the MC to hear the cat’s thoughts. This leads to the MC having to make a difficult decision in a crisis that could affect the outcome of an important school tournament.
Helen: How wonderful that your students’ were eager for you to write for them. I hope they all enjoy it. What were your thoughts behind the cover?
Amber: Since this book is for my students, I asked a former student to design the cover. The MC’s parents are deployed, and boxes of the family’s belongings are stored in Aunt Mysti’s garage. The cover shows a cat’s eyes peering through a cardboard box with the title and author written in sharpie. The cover of I & the Magic Pen, the first book in the series, shows ink drawings on a sheet of notebook paper.
Helen: What a great idea and a clever cover. Why did you give your book that title? Is there a special meaning or back story about the title?
Amber: First off, the incorrect grammar is intentional. The protagonist is anonymous and never referred to by name or gender. By structuring the title this way, it draws attention to the fact that the main character is unnamed. It also lends itself easily to serialization. Although there is a magical item in this book like there was in the previous one, I & the Scaredy Cat aligns better with the themes than I & the Magic Earbuds
Helen: I have also been asked about the spelling of my book titles. I deliberately changed the spelling of Sentinel to Sentinal. I wanted the idea of a guardian, but not the reference to technology, so we writer’s adapt! Why did you decide to write this particular story?
Amber: Actually, it was inspired by a real life incident. We live out in the country, and a feral cat took up residence in our garage for about a month. During that time, I fed it and provided a litter box and water dish. I saw it three times, barely. It was orange and tailless. When the weather warmed up, it disappeared. The themes from the book arise from years of interactions with students and children of military families. Parents are a child’s primary role model, and children can be very heroic as they attempt to live up to their parents’ examples.
Helen: When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Amber: I’ve been writing stories in my head for as long as I can remember. As a child, I told myself stories to fall asleep once I had to turn the lights out and stop reading. My family would make storytelling into a game on long car rides. However, I didn’t start writing these stories down until a few years ago. I’d been having trouble with insomnia and started typing out my ideas during bouts of sleeplessness. I eventually discovered I had narcolepsy, but in the meantime, I finished a complete novel and decided I loved writing.
Helen: Who inspired you to write? Was there someone specific in your life who set you on the writing path?
Amber: I was homeschooled for most of my elementary years, and my mom modeled the writing process for me. She wrote stories for me and my siblings and bound them together for us to read. Then she would make my stories into a “book.” I still have one I must have written when I was six or seven. My dad self-published a book, and I helped him bind them on a mechanical binder. My grandmother wrote books and drove her motorhome all over the United States selling them. I come from a family of avid readers and writers, so I suppose it was inevitable.
Helen: Congratulations on picking up that pen and writing your own stories and on the release of your latest book. It’s been wonderful chatting with you. Just to finish, could you share with us what the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Amber: The absolutely best thing that has happened since I started writing is that my students have become inspired to write. Getting students to read and write can be difficult, but when I read to them from my children’s book and explained my process, they couldn’t wait to write their own stories. In the beginning, their work emulated mine, but by the end of the year, they had found their own voices. One of my nine-year-old students wrote a ten thousand word book called If a Zombie Apocalypse Happened at School. I “published” it for her and gave all my students a copy. Then everyone’s stories started to sound like hers. It was so great.
About the Author
Amber GabrielEver since I was a little girl, I have loved to read. One of the first books I remember reading was a Wonder Book version of Cinderella. It was in the reading station in my kindergarten class, and I loved the illustrations. I would pick that book out every time, so my teacher finally removed it from the shelf to force me to expand my horizons. Now I have my own copy.
Another book that influenced me very early on was Richard Scarry’s Busy, Busy World. It told a story of two creative painters who painted a mural of a large sun inside someone’s house. I thought the idea was genius, so I drew a large sunshine on my wall with crayon. It was scrubbed off, but I continued to have a desire to express myself artistically.
In middle school, I enjoyed writing, and my English teacher told me I would write a book someday. I loved to read, sometimes reading late into the night. When I was not reading, I was making up stories in my head for my own amusement, but I never wrote them down. I was more interested in drawing and painting than writing. I have since painted numerous works of art, including some very large outdoor murals. You can see some of them if you do an internet search of Paint by Amber.
Over the years, I have had a lot of trouble with insomnia. I had heard that if you write down your ideas, it will help you to be able to go to sleep. That didn’t help, but I did end up writing some complete novels. Recently, I was diagnosed with narcolepsy, and understanding my sleep patterns, along with scheduling at least one nap during the day, has greatly improved my quality of life. The line between dreaming and wakefulness for me is sometimes blurred, and some of my ideas come straight from my dreams. Others are worked out while I’m lying in bed unable to sleep. It was fun to type them out, and I am planning to continue writing. My goal as an author is to write the type of books that I would like to read. My favorite genre is fantasy fiction, and I read and write books that tackle difficult issues but resolve themselves into a happy ending. I hope you enjoy my stories and characters as much as I do. If you search my name and the word ‘author,’ you should be able to find my social media site. I look forward to hearing from you!
Follow Amber:
Purchase Amber’s book: I & the Scaredy Cat via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you would like to find out about my books then sign up to my newsletter. If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winning Sentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
May 11, 2024
Author Interview – Christina Consolino
Helen: Welcome Christina. Tell us all about your book.
Lyndi: The Weight We Carry is a work of contemporary fiction that focuses on family dynamics, sibling relationships, and aging parents. Set in summer 2015, it tells the story of the Raffaelo family as they navigate multiple health crises. Marissa, the only daughter, feels overwhelmed about the unwanted responsibility of maintaining her Dad’s health while juggling work and her own family. When she takes time to listen to and observe both her parents, she recognizes that not everything is as it seems with respect to their health: her Dad’s weak legs are a problem, but her mother’s memory loss might be even more pressing to address.
The book centers on the timeframe before a dementia diagnosis and gives an inside look at what adult children who are part of the sandwich generation grapple with in terms of balancing responsibilities for their parents with responsibilities for their own families. It also serves to paint a portrait of what one family’s caregiving journey looks like.
Helen: An important topic which impacts everyone in the family. What were your thoughts behind the cover?
Christina: I worked with trusted cover designer Kim Wilson of Kiwi Cover Design Co. for the cover. Red is important to the story, as is the butterfly, and I wanted some sort of fade effect because the book deals with dementia and the fading of memories. Other than those criteria, I went ahead and trusted Kim to do a fabulous job, and her cover really captures the essence of the book. It has weight without feeling too heavy.
Helen: Why did you give your book that title? Is there a special meaning or back story about the title?
Christina: From the moment of the book’s inception, I referred to it as The Chocolate Garden. That title referenced the candy that one of the characters makes (she’s a confectioner by trade). However, the book deals with multiple health crises, including dementia, as well as parent and sibling dynamics. It’s a story of love, loss, and grief. That title did not serve the story well.
At some point before I queried my publisher I looked toward one of my favorite poets, Mary Oliver. Her poetry always speaks to me, and I knew that one of her poems about grief might inspire me. Well, I did. One of her poems–“Heavy”–deals with grief and how one carries it. The Weight We Carry encompasses the themes of the book and the feelings of the characters very well.
Helen: It is facinating understanding the reasoning and thought that goes behind a cover and title. Dementia and the dealing with the fallout can be quite difficult and it is also a ‘weighty’ topic. Why did you decide to write this particular story?
Christina: The Weight We Carry is based on my experiences with my family during the summer of 2015, when my parents faced multiple major health crises. Though the crises mainly involved my father, a series of events eventually led to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s for my mother. As a fiction writer, I like to entertain, but as a teacher, education is always at the back of my mind. With this book, much like my others, I wanted to do both. So much is written about what comes after a diagnosis, the trials and tribulations families need to face, the hurdles they must jump. I wanted to show how challenging, and quite frankly, disheartening, the prediagnosis stage can be. I also wanted to let readers know that denial can be an enormous part of the dementia journey, and to take heart—if we got through it, they could too.
Despite how difficult it was, at times, to imagine sharing that story, I’m glad I did. Readers have mentioned how much they relate to the characters or how heartbreaking the story is. That they’ve been through something similar or can see the same things happening in their families. It means a lot to me that my work can help someone else.
Helen: That must have been quite difficult to write at times, but also I believe writing is a form of release. Are you working on anything else?
Chrisina: I often work on multiple projects simultaneously. My third novel of contemporary fiction is titled The Marriage Debt. I usually take on some mental or physical health issue, and this time, it’s menopause. The main character, Nika Stewart, is finding menopause more than she bargained for, especially in terms of her lack of libido, and she’s on a quest to find some balance there while reestablishing a connection to her husband. I also write romance under a pen name (Keely Stephens), and I’m revising the third book in my first series.
Helen: Goodness, that must keep you busy! How do you fit all that writing into your everyday life?
Christina: With four kids, an aging dad I visit every day, and a day job that doesn’t involve writing novels, I have to schedule time to write. I’m an early bird, so getting up at 5:00 has become standard practice for me. I usually get in a good 30-minute session right away in the morning, and then I try to get in at least another before I move onto teaching. I also set aside Tuesday mornings for writing, and I meet with a friend—sometimes in person, sometimes remotely—and we push each other to get as much accomplished as we can in our allotted time. Having said that, I find that sometimes, I only have 15 minutes to spend on writing at a time, and that’s okay. Over the course of a day, 15-minute chunks can and do add up. The main thing to remember is that if you want to write, you will make the time to do so.
Helen: You are an inspiration to all writers, and just shows if you are determined, you will find a way. What is the most useful tool you’ve found when writing?
Christina: Other people! I have two writing groups, each of which serve different purposes. The Plot Sisters swap pages and give feedback, which is integral to the writing process. My books would not come together without their feedback. The constructive critique they give shapes the narrative and helps me see things I miss. The Cute City Bitches (there’s a story behind the name there, but that’s for another day) meet to write, sometimes in short bursts of an hour or two and sometimes for entire weekends. The positive energy there allows my books to grow from a kernel of an idea to a full-fledged novel.
Both groups serve as means of support too. If I need a brainstorming session, help with a plot point, or advice on the best color for a cover, these ladies step up. Finding people who can help you navigate the muddy waters of publishing is crucial!
Helen: I think having others as a sounding board helps to crystallize thoughts. Just as a fresh set of editing eyes find errors our eyes just flow over. When writing do you ever experience self-doubt, or think your writing isn’t good enough? and if so, how do you overcome it?
Christina: For me, this is where the readers make a huge difference. It doesn’t matter how long it took to see my book come to fruition, how many revision passes I had to do, or how many agents skipped over the opportunity to help find the story a home. When a reader says that my work resonates with them and they’ve recommended it to their friends and family, my heart sings, which helps push away the self-doubt. At the end of the day, I want my story to connect with readers, and if it does that, then I know I need to keep writing.
Helen: When writing, do you listen to music?
Christina: When I first started out, I did not listen to music. I thought it would distract me from the words that needed to flow. As I’ve evolved as a writer, so has my practice, and now, I listen to an instrumental (piano only) version of Taylor Swift’s Red when I write. Swift is an incredible writer, and that album is my favorite of hers. Since there are no lyrics, I don’t focus on her words, only mine, and I find that the rhythm of the music helps me enter whatever world I’m writing about that day.
Helen: Have you come across any good writing advice you’d like to share with aspiring writers?
Christina: Not all advice will resonate with everyone, but I’ll give you my two cents. Read widely. Take notes. Heed the advice of the people who came before. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Understand that first drafts will always seem shitty—the magic will come in revision. Make time for writing. Don’t just talk about writing; do it. Find yourself a good support system. Take advantage of resources. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Have fun.
Helen: Such great advice, thank you for sharing. It’s been so such fun chatting with you and learning about your writing journey. Was there anything else you’d like to add?
Christina: My mother always wanted to be a writer. She never shared that dream with anyone, and I didn’t find out until I was cleaning out her house after we moved her into a memory care facility. She didn’t have the support, confidence, or courage to fulfill her dream, and I often reflect on all the unrealized potential that was lost, first with her dementia diagnosis and then with her passing. I don’t mention this to be maudlin or gain sympathy. I want people to understand that personal dreams are important, and working toward those dreams is something to strive for. It may take months, years, or even decades to get where you want to be, but hard work, determination, and perseverance often pay off. Define your dream and go for it!
About the Author
Christina ConsolinoA graduate of the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) with a BA in French and PhD in physiology, Christina taught college-level anatomy and physiology for close to twenty years before concentrating her passion on writing and editing. She’s the author of Rewrite the Stars and The Weight We Carry, and she’s co-author of Historic Photos of University of Michigan. She lives in Kettering,Ohio, with her husband, four children, and a rotating cast of pets.
Follow Christina:
Purchase Christina’s book: The Weight We Carry via Amazon
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you would like to find out about my books then sign up to my newsletter. If you enjoy epic fantasy then the award winning Sentinal series is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free copy of Sentinals Stirring
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
