Helen Garraway's Blog, page 56
June 29, 2021
Author Interview – Heather Pruitt
Today, I am talking to fantasy author, Heather Pruitt, author of the Anelthalien series. I am excited to announce that her second book launches today! Congratulations Heather, and welcome! Please tell us a little about your series
Heather: Earth Quaking is the second book in my fantasy series Anelthalien. Earth Quaking continues the story of four teens who were brought to the land of Anelthalien by mysterious necklaces. The first book, Anelthalien, sets up the story, and Earth Quaking really dives into the action. The four main characters start encountering their enemies, struggling with this strange land, and begin to question if they can trust one another. The theme of Earth Quaking is trust: who can you trust, what can you trust, and how do you know who or what is trustworthy?
Helen: Congratulations on the release of your second novel; you must be so excited. Tell us why the book is called Earth Quaking.
Heather: The title Earth Quaking contains so much meaning that echoes through the layers of the story and characters. The four necklaces that take the four main characters to Anelthalien are each connected to an element and an elemental spirit. In Earth Quaking the earth necklace, element, elemental spirit, and the character wearing that necklace are all brought to the forefront of the story. Each of those also deal with some kind of problem that causes them to “quake” in some way. That “shaken” theme overflows into all the other characters as well. Their relationships are splintered; some are broken, but some are only temporarily shaken.
Helen: Sounds very deep! It sounds like each character will have a lot to overcome. You write fantasy, but your deep christian beliefs play a part as well so don’t they?
Heather: I love writing fantasy because it helps me step outside of myself, eagerly and easily learn lessons, and then step back into reality and recognize how much I need those lessons. With fantasy I can go battle an evil queen but then return and apply the courage I learned. I can sit and listen to the wise mentor but then return and recognize that his lessons helped me in my relationships. Christian fantasy takes it deeper–it teaches me to open my eyes to who God really is and reminds me God really can do anything.
Helen: I am sure your readers would like to know if you have more books in the pipeline. What are you currently working on?
Heather: My current WIP is the fifth book in the Anelthalien series. Like Earth Quaking, it focuses on one element and the characters tied to it. The book is packed with action and secrets that start unraveling. It dives so deep into hard questions and paralyzing emotions. I love writing it so much even though it has made me cry and worry about my characters more than any other book so far.
Helen: This is probably one of the most difficult questions an author faces, but who is your favourite character from your series?
Heather: I have two favorite characters in Anelthalien for two very different reasons. Kindle, the main character whose perspective the story is from, is very dear to me because she is so much like me and I learn about myself from her. Tad is my other favorite character because he shows how so many of us are defined by what others think and say about us and also that those conceptions are absolutely not who God made us to be. His character shows that God has placed deep in each of us a specific purpose. Tad starts out feeling so worthless, but his journey through Anelthalien gradually instills in him a sense of purpose. His growth is very encouraging.
Helen: Just to finish with, who do you prefer to write? Heroes or villains?
Heather: I enjoy writing heroes and villains because in Anelthalien the heroes and villains are like two sides of one person. Certain heroes and villains share personalities, and the more I write, the more I realize that being a hero or villain has less to do with the personality type and more to do with the choices each character makes. I like writing both because it shows me that we are all one choice away from being a hero or a villain.
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today; I’ve enjoyed chatting with you. I wish you every success with your new novel Earth Quaking, and look forward to the next.
About the Author:
H.A. Pruitt is the Christian fantasy author of Anelthalien, and lives with a rowdy herd of guinea pigs and a sarcastic husband. H.A. Pruitt never intended to be an author and would have been happy to keep her vast imagination to herself, but God decided she would be perfect to write and illustrate the story of Anelthalien that he has given her. Now her mission in all she writes and does is to listen to, obey, and glorify God.
You can find more about Heather via:
You can purchase Heather’s novel from Amazon:
Anelthalien:
UK: eBook | Paperback | Hardback
June 27, 2021
Summer Solstice-What does it mean to you?
The summer solstice marks the middle of the year. Midsummer or ‘Lithia’ is the longest day on our calendar, and to many, not only heralds the start of true summer but also a period of renewal.
The long sunny days (for some!) help us recharge. I think the idea of taking time to re-energise ourselves after a tough year is an important one. Longer days not only make us feel lighter and more engaged with everyone and everything around us, it gives us a chance to reconnect with whatever is important to you.
Personally, I like the idea of spending the symmer solstice with your loved ones. A day to celebrate each other and the life we lead. We may not be dancing around a bonfire to herald in the new summer, but there is no reason we can’t celebrate each other anyway. And for those of us who may be alone this summer solstice, lighting a candle and appreciating the light can be your own personal celebration.
Photo by Nikita Kachanovsky on UnsplashMusing about the Summer Solstice made me think about some of the celebrations I created for the world of Remaragen, most of which revolve around the Goddess Leyandrii. The key celebration is the Confirmation of a Lord of the Watch.
Under the gaze of the Lady, the new Lord swears his life to the protection of his people, the Land and the Lady. By becoming a guardian, the Lady imbues them with enough magic to connect them to their Watch, joining the guardian with Her and the Land, each sworn to protect the other.
Guardians protect the people, the people nurture the Land, the Land provides for all and the Lady watches.
There are many guardians from different walks of life, guardians of lore and history, of the Lady’s sacred places, to the Watch guardians, and those that revere the tall sentinal trees found in the Lady’s groves. Then of course there are the Sentinals themselves; the men and women who swore thier lives to the Lady Leyandrii to help protect the world of Remargaren.
Who are the Sentinals and what happened to them? How did they end up encased in the tall sentinal trees for over three thousand years? As Jerrol travels though Remargaren trying to understand what the Lady expects of him, he wakes some of the Sentinals. Through his interaction with the Sentinals we get a glimpse into their previous lives, and a sense of continuation through the Watches and their adherence to the Lady’s Lore.
Passing down the guardianship though their familes, celebrating life through bornings (birth), joinings (marriage) and leavings (funerals) follows the cycle of life and the progression of the year from Janu through to Decu and the turning of the year, a year end celebration. The waxing and waning of the moon guides the Lady’s attention and has a much stronger presence in Remargaren than the sun.
The Sentinal SeriesThe Sentinals Series will have at least five books and two novellas, as I wrote book four I needed to understand the details about how the Sentinals ended up in the trees, and so was born the prequel.
Protection and protecting those who can’t protect themseves is a key theme of my epic fantasy series. Building a world, complete with beliefs and a history, adds more depth and context for the adventures that occur. I hope you have joined the journey.
Novella o.5: Sentinals Stirring (Free if you sign up to my newsletter.)
Book One: Sentinals Awaken
Book Two: Sentinals Rising
Book Three: Sentinals Justice (Preorder-Available September 7th)
Author Interview – David Hopkins
Join me as I chat to David Hopkins, author of the Dryad’s Crown series of novellas as he releases the third installment. You can find A Red Moon over Rhyll on pre-order on Amazon. Welcome David! Please tell us a little about the Dryad’s Crown series.
David: The Dryad’s Crown is a high fantasy series. It has dragons and fey and goblins and dark gloomy forests and all the things we love about fantasy. But ultimately, The Dryad’s Crown is about Silbrey, a person who deals with her traumatic past, the loss of her husband, her relationship with her children, and her strange connection to nature. It’s a big story. There’s a lot to explore. The series will consist of ten novellas. The third book, A Red Moon Over Rhyll will be available on Tuesday, June 29th through Amazon Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. It’s available for pre-order right now. (See links at end of interview).
Helen: Ten novellas is an enormous undertaking, congratulations on the release of the third installment. Your covers are very delicate and nature orientated, tell us how you chose the design.
David: I’m fortunate that my wife April is a graphic designer. She’s designed the covers with licensed art by Julia Dreams on Creative Market. Since we’re on a schedule to release these novellas every three months, we needed something that looks good, which can be put together on a deadline and works as a series. The covers don’t give away anything plot wise. Instead, they establish an earthy aesthetic—and could also look like a collection of fairy tales. Each cover features small touches that distinguish them and have meaning within the story. For A Red Moon Over Rhyll, the bees are significant. I wanted the covers to have an original appearance and be easily identified. April did that very well. Also, I didn’t want the exterior cover art to compete with the interior illustrations of Daniel Decena, which are absolutely stunning. Daniel has his own style, so the covers needed to not go off in a different direction.
Helen: The covers are beautiful. You have set yourself quite a goal to release a novella every three months. What made you write this story?
David: I’ve been writing fiction for the better part of two decades, but I’ve never told a story with such an epic scope, not like this. For me, that’s part of the appeal of The Dryad’s Crown. By the end of it, you’ve witnessed Silbrey’s life. This massive character arc, a story of wonder and hope and beauty, an amazing heroic adventure. As the author, I’ll be with you to the very end—and we’ll experience it together.
Helen: Have you always written high Fantasy?
David: I’ve been all over the place as a writer. Visit my website (https://thatdavidhopkins.com), and you’ll see for yourself! For many years, I wrote comic books and graphic novels in a variety of genres. Every book was something different. Emily Edison was an all-ages superhero story. Karma Incorporated was a story about con artists. Astronaut Dad was the coming-of-age family drama and historical fiction. I was determined to prove how versatile the comic medium was. Shifting genres felt like, at times, a sacred mission and at other times, an indulgence. Beyond comics, I also worked as a journalist, writing magazine features. I co-wrote a memoir about a burlesque dancer from the 60s. My short story collection is a smattering of different genres. And my last novel was an apocalyptic satire. To any fans, I have to apologize. You enjoyed something I’ve written, and then I’m off in a completely different direction. It’s made me a much better writer, but it’s not a good way to “build your brand.”
I was at least a little consoled to see Neil Gaiman make a similar confession in the introduction to The Neil Gaiman Reader: Selected Fiction. He worked in comics, in journalism, and as a novelist. I’m no Neil Gaiman, but at least, we’ve both been guilty of similar crimes.
For the foreseeable future, I write high fantasy. That’s my favorite genre to read and watch. It’s the one that comes most naturally to me. Going forward, I hope to stay on task—and build my reputation as a fantasy writer. I have plenty of stories to tell.
Helen: You must be writing at every moment! Do you prefer silence or music playing in the background.
David: For The Dryad’s Crown, I’ve been listening to a lot of Sam Lee (https://samleesong.co.uk/), especially his new album, Old Wow, which is just amazing. In particular, the song “The Moon Shines Bright” is the unofficial theme for the series. If I could license it for a book trailer or audiobook, I absolutely would. It is such a sad, tender, and wise song. The world offers no plans or promises. Our time is not long. Cherish it. The lyrics connect the cycles of plant life, particularly trees and flowers, with that of a person’s life—and in that way, it feels a bit dryadic without being too direct.
Helen: I must admit I have a playlist when I write as well. Though I’m often so deep in the story that I don’t realise it’s finished, so silence works for me too! Authors tend to read a lot, do you have a favourite book?
David: For an author who has had a difficult time settling on a single genre, Moby-Dick is a good choice. Yes? It straddles several genres and defies easy definitions. I discovered the novel late in life. When I first read Moby-Dick, I liked it and then I hated it and then I loved it. This peculiar novel does that to the reader. From time to time, the story just occupies my thoughts. It’s had an effect on me. I spent a lot of time just in awe of what Melville created, the world he built for his audience. It’s not a fantasy novel, and yet, it absolutely feels like one to me.
Helen: Thank you so much for spending time with me today. I wish you luck with the launch of third book on July 13th. Just to finish, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
David: Anything by Ursula K. Le Guin. She’s always at the top of my recommendations. She’s definitely a writer for writers. Her style has a grace and brilliance—like Joan Didion, but not as showy. As far as books I’ve read recently, The Unbroken by C.L. Clark is the best novel I’ve read this year. It’s stunning. Powerful. Entertaining. Hugo worthy! I can’t say enough good things about it. Other books I’d recommend would be: A Master of Djinn by P. Djeli Clark, The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman, Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner, and the Galaxy Run series by Sam Renner.
About the Author:
Sign up for David’s newsletter at thatdavidhopkins.com
David Hopkins writes a little bit of everything. His work includes the novel WEAR CHAINMAIL TO THE APOCALYPSE, the short story collection WE MISS ALL THE GREAT PARTIES, and the burlesque memoir THE WILD AND WAYWARD TALES OF TAMMI TRUE. David has been a regular contributor to D Magazine, Smart Pop Books, and Fanboy Radio. He has written op-eds for the Dallas Morning News and Chicago Tribune, comic books and graphic novels in a variety of genres, and even a few D&D adventures.
IndieReader described WEAR CHAINMAIL TO THE APOCALYPSE as “a black humor-filled romp through the end times that starts with a bang and doesn’t relent, mixing in moments of suspense and pathos.” Also, from the review: “Overflowing with personality and told in a distinctive voice, the book details a creatively imagined post-apocalyptic world one would want to spend more time in.”
You can find more about David via:
You can purchase David’s series from Amazon:
Book One: A Slow Parade in Peneryn
UK: eBook
USA: eBook
Canada: eBook
Book Two: A Hidden Burrow Near Barcombe
UK: eBook
USA: eBook
Canada: eBook
Book Three: A Red Moon over Rhyll Pre-order (Launch 13th July 2021)
UK: eBook
USA: eBook
Canada: eBook
June 25, 2021
Book Review Alert: Ash Crooked Fates by Sky Sommers
Reviewed: June 25th, 2021
Released: June 20th, 2021
Genre: Fairytale Retelling
Ash is the third book in the Magic Mirrors Saga; a retelling of the Wizard of Oz and can be read as a standalone. Thie book is quite unique in that you can choose your ending. You’ll see what I mean when you get there!
When Cinderella’s estranged mother Mellie goes to Oz in search of her baby-daddy, she needs a crew to deliver the proof of their liaison – her youngest daughter, Ellie – to the Emerald City. Hijacking someone else’s search & rescue crew? Not a problem. So what if it’s the feared Fairy Queen Morgana’s rescue mission to find her only son.
A cowardly lion and a brainless scarecrow as per the manual are already lined up for the save. The tin-man is already in Oz…somewhere. Darn those iron mirror portals and fae men. Read More…
June 21, 2021
Author Interview – Sky Sommers
With the launch of her novel retelling the Wizard of Oz story, I am joined today by author Sky Sommers who released Ash Crooked Fate on June 20th! Welcome Sky. Congratulations on the release of your book. I thoroughly enjoyed your retelling of Cinderella from the viewpoint of the evil stepmother, it was brilliant, laugh out loud at times, and really made you think about how stories and history can be twisted by the person telling the story. You can find my review of Cinders here. But on with the intervew! Sky, please tell us a little about your new novel.
Sky: Hi, Helen and thank you for having me! Ash: Crooked Fates is a retelling of the Wizard of Oz based on 2 books – Baum’s and Volkov’s. It’s a young adult fantasy with a few adult chapters mixed in (nothing too untoward, no overt sex scenes or anything). A villain from the first book (well, more like an antiheroine), Melisandra aka Mellie, who keeps shoving her kids to live with strangers goes to Oz because, after all, she does want a happily ever after. With the wizard. And their youngest daughter Ellie who is supposed to be 3. Except due to peculiarities of time in different dimensions she turns out to be 17. While Ellie traipses along the yellow-brick road with the Cowardly Lion (who is really Beast’s son) and the Brainless Scarecrow (who is her guardian angel), she doesn’t know her companions are really there to find Tinman who is a long lost fae prince. All sorts of adventures befall on the travellers, including the poppy field and the flying monkeys and as Ellie keeps pining after Tinman, her dark angel is pining after her. So, a love triangle with a slow burn romance. I swear I didn’t intend to write Cinders as a quick hook-up, Embers as a rekindling romance and Ash as a slow burn one, it just happened.
Helen: I love the way you look at these stories from a different perspective, and inject humour and an insight into why people behave the way they do. The cover is gorgeous, such beautiful colours, tell us your thoughts behind it.
Sky This is a custom-made cover. My cover artist Rusham is amazing and his work ethics are just out of this world! He researched the successful genre covers and we decided the 17yo girl needed to be up front and personal on the cover because the story is mostly about her voyage, finding herself and finding her family. The Emerald City had to be in the background at the end of the yellow brick road. The red dots were a last-minute addition to refer to the poppy field incident. I didn’t want to crowd the cover with men, as there is a love triangle developing in the story, but if I would have had 2 men and 1 girl on the cover, then it could have been misinterpreted as a reverse harem story, which it isn’t. I didn’t want to put the girl’s parents (the protagonists in the adult part of the story) there either, the cover would have been too crowded.
Helen: And the title Ash Crooked Fates, how did you decide on that name?
Sky: Ash is the 3rd and last book in a trilogy (although quite possibly not the last book in the Magic Kingdom series) and I had fun for a while figuring out the Cinders-Embers-Ash titles. The subheading had to be about Fate – not going to air spoilers, but there’s a Goddess – and lives of quite a few characters are not going according to the plan they had in their heads, hence Crooked Fates in the multiple.
Helen: This is your third retelling, is this the only genre you write in?
Sky: Fairy-tales, YA and adult fantasy (grown up themes, but no erotica, mostly fade-to-black, actually), but also branching out into speculative fiction.
Helen: How do you come up with the ideas for your books, and the twists that all make such great sense once you put them all together?
Sky: I usually start hypothesising what could have happened next, after the happily ever after or after ‘the end’. Or I read a fairy-tale and spot the HUUUUGE gaps (like in Thumbelina) and I just have to go and fill them. Or just yesterday, an author friend posted a quiz about fairy-tale names, I conjured Yumiko Blackwood out of my pen name Sky Sommers and on a dare, I wrote a flash fiction piece called Yumiko and the Battlefrog. Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to look and wonder.
Helen: Tough question now – Out of all your books, who is your favourite character?
Sky: My fave character – that’s such an unfair question, Helen!!! They are all my babies. If I have to choose a favourite child, it would have to be Marina, the Goddess of Luck and soon also Fate, who ended up in the Magic Kingdom as the local witch and lived to be 66 only to be returned the day after she left Earth into her 25yo body. Because I can make her say the most outrageous things and everyone would just think she’s sassy. She’s probably my bossy, insane, kooky alter ego.
Helen: Sorry, I had to ask! Us readers want to know these things! Easier question then (hopefully!) What are you currently writing? Tell us about your WIP.
Sky: Which one of them? I have at least three: a short story I’m writing as a thank you for my Ash ARC readers called To Cure a Curse (a Belle&Beast retelling) and let me tell you, Belle did try to fix Beast’s curse because the kiss didn’t work and it all backfired rather spectacularly on the entire bloodline. The 2nd is This Time Around, a speculative (scifi-ish) fiction, where I have to fix a few plot holes about cloning and timeline-lines. And the 3rd is a romance between a Goddess and a light angel seeking forgiveness that will be book 1 in the Goddesses Saga (of 10 books), which will first appear in the Dark Realms Anthology (we have 35 authors and books!!!) in October 2022.
Helen: That all sounds so amazing, and keeping you very busy! I am beyond excited about the Dark Realms Anthology as this will be the first book I’ve written outside my Sentinal series. Though I currently have two ideas and can’t decide which one to use! With so many projects how do you fit writing into your daily life?
Sky: I have Tuesday evening to write. And Monday and Thursday and Saturday and Sunday evenings – when I’m on a roll, I can’t help it and my hubby & kids have learnt to live with it. Mommy needs a hobby to keep her sane.
Helen: What about your writing environment do you listen to music or prefer silence?
Sky: I used to all the time. Now I only listen to music when I get stuck and then the lyrics and sometimes the beat of the rhythm suggest avenues I haven’t noticed before.
Helen: If you didn’t write fantasy books, would you write in a different genre and if so what would you like to write?
Sky: I will and I am, in fact, writing in speculative fiction next – This Time Around, a book about cloning in post-Brexit London in year 2101 is out in October 2021 (up for pre-order).
Helen: I know most authors also read a lot. Do you have a favourite author, or book?
Sky: Jenny Crusie, hands down – she writes romcom with killer dialogue and unforgettable plots. I’ve been gifting her ‘Bet Me’ book and getting my friends hooked on her books for years. Years!
My favourite book is Jenny Crusie’s Bet Me – it’s got an unlikely romance between a gorgeous hunk and a homely actuary who have killer dialogues, super awkward family meets and exes who just don’t let up. It’s a fun romp that I keep re-reading every few years, makes me laugh every time, although I know what’s coming and it is also inspiration for writing dialogues in my own books.
Helen: What are you currently reading?
Sky: Currently, beta reading Unwish by Lynda Simmons, it’s a LOTR-reminiscent YA epic fantasy – us indie authors have to stick together and help each other out whenever we can. Also reading Jen Kropf’s A Soul As Cold as Frost – because I loved her short story in our Enchanted Water charity anthology and I want to know how the future Captain Hook fares. Also reading Wishes by Starlight because I want to know what happens to Jacque Stevens’ Elya from Letters by Cinderlight. And just a tad of regency romance by Bree Wolf called How to Live Happily Ever After – her books are entertaining period-true historic romance and that takes my mind off my plot holes.
Helen: Wow, not only writing multiple projects, also reading mutliple books, all at the same time! Out of the books you’ve recently read which would you recommend?
Sky: Oh, this is a great question, I always recommend the authors I love (see my Bookbub and Goodreads page, if you don’t believe me). Recent reads and loves: Alice Ivinya’s Enchanted Melody; Lyndsay Hall’s The Fair Queen; Esme Rome’s The Rose Kiss was one of the most original Belle&Beast stories I’ve read in ages (and I’ve read tons); Jacque Stevens’ Letters by Cinderlight was a lovely Russian royalty themed Cinderella crossed with Match Girl, and K.A.Last’s Dance of Wishes was a unique retelling of a rare fairy-tale of 12 dancing princesses. The closest book that reminded me of my favourite author was Anne Harper’s Fake It Till You Make It, it was absolutely hilarious. I can go on, do stop me.
Helen: It’s been a pleasure chatting with, thank you so much for for joining me. Congratulations again on your new release Ash Crooked Fates. Just to close us out, can you tell us what advice you would give other authors?
Sky: Write every chance you get, if it is 5 minutes, 55 minutes or just 1. A creative writing course instructor who works for The Guardian said something along these lines to me and it stuck.
About the Author:
Sky was born to Estonian-Russian parents and for most of her life has lived and worked as a lawyer in Tallinn, Estonia, with brief escapes to Finland and the United Kingdom for work/study and to all but the top and bottom continents in search of her muse.
Her debut e-book in 2012 was about ancient goddesses running amock, trying to get their wilted powers back. She then proceeded to indie publishing her own ebooks and paperbacks and found her way from myths and legend via the Angelic Agency to fairytales retold for young adult and adult audiences. So far, Thumbelina has been updated for suspicious adults, a more sinister version of Cinderella was released on 21.12.20 and an adult Red Riding Hood retelling is about to be released on 21.03.21. A Wizard of Oz retelling and several short stories are in the works.
All her books are linked by some character or another and she loves making you choose at the end – by letting you pick an ending to read – one for the optimist and a slightly different one for pessimists (well, except in the Cinders-Embers-Ash trilogy because only Douglas Adams could pull off a trilogy in 5 parts). She lives in a house with a small garden with her husband and mostly one, but on occasion plus four kids.
You can find more about Sky via:
You can order Sky’s novel from Amazon:
You can purchase Book One Cinders here:
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook
Link book on Amazon Canada: eBook
And Book Two Embers here:
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook
Link book on Amazon Canada: eBook
Or Book Three Ash Crooked Fates here:
Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook
Link to book on Amazon US: eBook
Link book on Amazon Canada: eBook
As an Amazon Associate I may earn commission from purchases made using these links.
June 20, 2021
Author Interview – Bekah Berge
Celebrating the launch of her YA Fantasy novel, Needlework, I am joined today by Indie author Bekah Berge. Welcome Bekah. Congratulations on the release of your book. I have it on preorder and can’t wait to read it. Please tell us a little about your novel.
Bekah: Needlework is a YA Fantasy that follows four musicians as they vie for a coveted spot on the main stage at the prestigious Olive Branch Music and Arts Festival. Needlework is the name of a band and the dynamic between the four musicians is often a complex and chaotic friendship. They love each other, but they’re also four very different people. It is a story about friendship and loyalty, pain and grief, love and healing. One of the main character’s suffers from chronic pain, which is something I suffer from. So writing about that issue was deeply personal and I feel like I opened up and wrote down a lot of my own thoughts and feelings in a way that I’ve never done before, and those things ended up in the final book. Also, there is a trigger warning.
Helen: How brave to share your own thoughts and experiences, but I think that would make the writing more honest and relatable. They do say every book has a litle piece of the author’s soul in it. I think your book my have more than most. What made you begin writing?
Bekah: Writing for me began as a way for me to deal with my thoughts and emotions. It was very therapeutic and to this day remains a way for me to process the world around me. So I suppose it’s not so much who inspired me, but what inspired me. I spin tales based on emotion and music. Both are critical in my ability to write a story.
Helen: It sounds like music is very important to you. Do you listen to music as you write?
Bekah: I do! I don’t listen to music when I edit though, interestingly enough. When I’m writing I often listen to instrumental music (Audiomachine is a big one) and I create playlists for every book. Every single book I’ve written has one specific song that conveys the “mood” of the book. I use that song almost as my anchor, while I plot the rest of the story, as well as create the rest of the playlist. Music and writing for me are very connected.
Helen: I listen to music as I write as well. Though silence works when the playlist ends and I don’t notice! Your book, Needlework has four main charcters, each I am sure was fun to write. Do you have a favourite character out of the four?
Bekah: My favorite character from my book is Nova. She’s the drummer in the band and she’s the true heart of Needlework. Nova is who I aspire to be. She’s intelligent, kind, loving, fiercely loyal, talented, and humble. She also has a ton of fire and spunk. It was an absolute joy to write about her and have her personality be such a shining beacon of hope within the story.
Photo by Josh Sorenson on UnsplashHelen: She sounds amazing! I am not surprised you chose her. Tell us a little about your writing process. Where do you write? Where are you most productive?
Bekah: I do all my writing in bed. I like to be snuggled up with tons of pillows, a heated blanket, and I can stay like that for hours and hours.
Helen: That would be very nice today! As I write this it is raining outside, very grey and miserable. At least we can escape the weather with so many wonderful books to choose from. Congratulations once again on the release of Needlework. I look forward to reading it! Just to close us out, when you have time to read, what is your favourite book?
Bekah: My favorite book of all time is Brightly Burning by the incredible Mercedes Lackey. Spoilers ahead! So the book follows this young kid who is a loner, a loser, he’s picked on, his family forgets that he exists…basically a lot of things I related to when I was a teenager. He then finds out that he can summon fire. His Companion finds him (a telepathic, magical spirit white horse) and takes him on this journey that gives him a sense of belonging. It’s not a happy story. I won’t spoil the ending, but it was a story that hit me hard as a teenager and then remained special to me throughout my 20s. Highly recommend giving it or any of Mercedes Lackey’s books a try. She’s a phenomenal writer!
About the Author:
Bekah Berge fell in love with all things mystical at a young age. Her love of stories led to her writing her first book in her early twenties, and she’s never looked back since. When not scribbling down fantastical tales, she enjoys traveling, gardening, vegan baking, and brewing the perfect cup of tea.
She also suffers from a rare chronic pain condition called CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) and to learn more visit: CRPSBookshelf.com.
You can find follow Bekah via:
Email: bekah.berge7@gmail.com
You can order Bekah’s novel from Amazon today:
Needlework
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June 18, 2021
Author Interview – Jason P. Hein
I am joined today by author Jason P. Hein the author of The Varsian Kingdom. An epic medieval fantasy series, consisting of four books and some additional short stories set in the same world. Jason welcome, please tell us a little about your latest book.
Jason: My latest book, The Axion: A Varsian Kingdom adventure, is a stand-alone novel set in the same world as my previous 4 book saga. The book also uses three of the main characters from the original saga. It is an exciting tale of exploration beyond the edges of the known world, but quickly turns into a race against time. The three traveling companions must locate all the missing pieces to an ancient tomb to stop the spread of a great illness across the land. The only problem? The pieces are scattered across a dozen realms.
Helen: It’s great that even though your Varsian Kingdom saga is complete with four books published, there are more books for us to read in the wonderful world you created. Tell us about how you decied on imagery for the cover
Jason: The cover to the Axion shows the three main characters. The Phoenix Champion, Roldin the Dwarf, and Malock the wyvern. The fringes, or outer evils, are shown behind them. The vast expanse of desert is thought by most to be impossible to cross. In the foreground we see the sand fade into the vegetation of the newly discovered realm, The Kingdom of Duality.
Helen: It is a wonderful piece of artwork. What as the story behind the title?
Jason: The title, The Axion, actually comes from a slightly scientific (mostly theoretical) concept of dark matter and energy. This is intentional, as I plan to write a futuristic saga of books set in this same world as a science-Fantasy, and this Axion concept of dark energy will play a big role in the future technology of the land.
Helen: You had just finished your Varsian Kingdom saga, what made you write this book?
Jason: After finishing my original saga (and the prequel that goes along with it) I must admit, I felt a little lost. The Varsian Kingdom had consumed a good 14 years of my life! I’ve got so much world building done for this universe, and I love it so much, that I could hardly bring myself to leave these characters and their world behind. At the same time, I knew I couldn’t just keep writing more books to an endless saga. So, I wrote a stand-alone novel set in the same world instead.
Helen: I know how you feel. I have seven books written in my series, though only two published, and I am so invested in my characters it’s difficult to let the series finish. But all good things must come to an end as they say. What made you first start to write?
Jason: As a young child I watched movies like Anne of Avonlea and Little Women, where writing books was showcased in one way or another. For some reason, that always drew my interest, but I always assumed it was for “educated” or older people. Then, when I was around ten years old I watched a movie called “The Best Bad Thing.” The movie ends with the main character, a young girl, writing a book about her experience. Somehow, seeing a child writing a book changed everything for me. It was as if a light flipped on in my head and made me realize, “Anyone can write a book.” I started writing, and never stopped.
Helen: Writing a series is an amazing achievement. Where do you get your ideas from?
Jason: Most of my ideas start with a simple thought, some with a dream, or some with a comment that sparks a creative idea. The Varsian Kingdom started with the idea of a hero who didn’t have any special abilities, but became a hero simply because they were willing to do the right thing. It grew and morphed from there, as most stories do. My second book was sparked by a day-dream, and the third by a dream I had at night while sleeping.
Helen: It is interesting what sparks an idea, and all of a sudden you see it scrolling behind your eyes. Capturing it is the challenge. Tell us about your current work in progress.
Jason: My current WIP is the most unique piece I’ve ever written. It’s my first attempt to branch outside of my typical Medieval Fantasy genre. It will fall more into the Urban/Paranormal fantasy genre with (possibly) a sub-genre of romance. (We’ll see how the characters decide to behave).
Helen: Tell us a little about your work enviroment and how you fit writing into your daily life?
Jason: Most of the time I like silence. I write by myself, in my room, with no lights, and total silence. (Usually)but occasionally I do listen to something instrumental and fantasy sounding. Anything with lyrics is a distraction. I always find myself concentrating on the song lyrics instead of my writing.
Fitting into my day? That is a difficult task a lot of times. I’ve done anything from obsessing over my writing on days off of work, to staying up way to late after the kids are asleep, to writing a few paragraphs here and there on my phone during breaks at work. Every little bit adds up.
Helen: Do you tend to plan out your books, or are you a pantser and let the story take you where it will?
Jason: I think I’m a good mix of the two. I always plan it out and have a pretty good outline, but I start writing with full knowledge that the end product will only slightly resemble that outline. That saying, the characters take on a life of their own… it’s more true than some people may realize!
Helen: Characters do have a way of leading an author down unexpected plot lines! Do you prefer writing or editing?
Jason: I much prefer writing. It’s the creativity of writing that appeals to me the most, and the majority of that is completed by the time editing comes into play. I don’t mind editing, though. It’s just a completely different process.
Helen: Talking about characters, who is your favourite character from your books?
Jason: I’m still partial to my main character, Leila. I guess, in a way, I know her well enough to empathize with her emotions. She’s a strong character, but she doesn’t really want to be. She has to be. In a lot of ways I find that strangely relatable.
Helen: Which type of character do you enjoy writing the most? Heroes or villains?
Jason: I’m usually partial to writing the hero, but in general the most enjoyable thing for me is to write a character with a fresh and unique personality. There are always those characters that are similar to some other character in your work (or someone else’s work) but then you run into those few that are without a doubt their very own, wholly unique personality. Those are always the most fun for me to write.
Helen: Most authors are also great readers. What is your favourite book?
Jason: My favourite book is still the Silmarillion by Tolkien. The detail, the imagination, the depth… there is just so much there in such a small book.
Helen: Thank you so much, Jason for spending time with me today. I really appreciate it, and I enjoyed talking with you. Final question, what piece of advice resonated with you as you write, and what advice would you give to others writers?
Jason: Not sure who all I’ve heard it from, but a lot of people repeat it. “You can edit a bad page, but not a blank page.” As to advice, first off, you are your own worst critic. Second, unless your family and friends are exceptionally honest… don’t use them to judge your work. Third, taking criticism is hard, but we need it. Just remember (and learn) where the line is between constructive criticism and destructive criticism. If it’s truly constructive, take it to heart. If it’s destructive, throw it out with the garbage.
About the Author:
Growing up on a secluded farm in the panhandle of Oklahoma, Jason P. Hein developed a unique point of view and literary sense as a young child. With few friends and little to entertain him, his imagination ran wild! With iconic names such as C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien as literary inspirations, epic tales began to unfold inside the confines of his mind. These stories soon became the backbone for a rich fantasy land, now known as “The Varsian Kingdom.”
As years and education expanded his mind, so they expanded the Kingdom of Varsia. With the launch of “The Varsian Kingdom Series” Jason is now offering his world for the exploration of intrigued minds and fantasy readers alike!
You can find more about Jason via:
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The Axion
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June 15, 2021
Cover Reveal – Sentinals Justice
Book Three of the Sentinal Series
Pre-order eBook now!
Release Day: September 7th, 2021
Blurb
Sentinals Justice is the third book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.
The third installment of the Sentinal series takes us to the frozen north, to the Grand Duchy of Elothia. Border tensions with Elothia force King Benedict to send a diplomatic envoy to sue for peace. Benedict has his hands full with Vespiri and Terolia, he can’t afford a war on his northern border as well. Commander Jerrol Haven is sent to broker peace. Having met Grand Duke Randolph the thirteenth before, Jerrol hopes their previously successful negotiations will assist in a speedy resolution and allow him time to discover how to rescue Birlerion from the Ascendants.
Meanwhile, the Chapterhouse has received a request for a scholar to assist in searching for signs of the Sentinals in Elothia. Taelia is assigned the task, because Scholar Torsion is also missing after the attack at the Watch Towers.
Amidst escalating tensions, and conflicting needs, Jerrol journeys to Elothia, hoping to meet with Randolf before the Ascendants can influence him. Escorting Taelia is an unexpected bonus. Can Jerrol stop Elothia and Vespiri from going to war? Will they find more Sentinals? And can they find out where the Ascendants took Birlerion and Torsion before it is too late.
Sentinals Justice concludes the opening trilogy…though the adventure will continue!
Get ready for Book Three – Purchase the first book Sentinals Awaken now:
Book Two: Sentinals Rising
June 14, 2021
Book Review Alert: Grandfather’s Will by Rebecca Lange
Reviewed: June 15th, 2021
Released: March 31st, 2021
Genre: Christian Fiction
After billionaire Henry Woodruff loses several family members in a horrible accident, his grandchildren Rebecca, Noah, and Amber McNeil are now the official heirs. Although they never desired to be put into his will, Henry has every reason to believe that the tragic plane crash was not just an unfortunate accident but a planned murder. Feeling that his children were somehow involved, he has to develop a plan before his grandchildren get murdered. Read More…
Author Interview – Nadine Roman
Joining me today to chat about her YA fantasy novel, Legion of Loch Ness is Nadine Roman. Welcome Nadine. Congratulations on the recent release of your novel.
Nadine: Legion of Loch Ness is a novel based in modern day Chicago. I have always been fascinated by the origin of fairy tales and the more I learned about it the more fascinated I become with introducing it into the modern world. We all enjoy fantasy novels that are usually set in fantasy times and countries. I thought it would be fun to explore the lives of our main characters dealing with fantasy in every day life in our experience.
Helen: I bet you had great fun with that idea. I can imagine the misunderstandings arising with a fae character experiencing the modern world. What made you want to write this particular book?
Nadine: I’ve been a voracious reader my whole life. After reading many books I evolved to a point where I thought it would be fun to write a book of my own. Then I found myself making different scenarios and ending to the books I was reading and it made me want to write my own. Too often I wanted an alternative ending and more depth to the books I was reading so I decided to give it a try.
Helen: Who inspired you to write a novel? It is not easy to take an idea and complete a whole book. Did your family support you?
Nadine: A lot of my family members thought I had a way with words and thought I should write. They planted the seed in my head, and it grew form there. My father was my main inspiration to write. My great grandfather owned newspapers that were sold in three different languages in Asia. The most popular section of the newspaper was the short story section and my father said I had inherited my great grandfather’s gift for storytelling.
Helen: That is wonderful story. It must be a great feeling to continue the family tradition! So you’ve completed your debut novel, have you caught the bug? Is their a new project in the works?
Nadine: It’s really interesting. After finishing my Legion, I felt like I wasn’t done with my characters and I started planning it before releasing the first one. It is a lot darker and edgier. I’ve based it in London which is one of my favourites cities. I’m absolutely loving reuniting with the characters from Legion.
Helen: Characters do have a way of growing on you. Who was your favourite character to write?
Nadine: I enjoyed writing Chris the most. He was supposed to be a minor character, but his personality became such fun to write that he became one of my favorite characters. Another one of my favorites was Melusine because I was so fascinated by her story as one of the first incredibly powerful women and bringing her into the modern world and having her fall in love with a modern an has been an absolute adventure.
Helen: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me about your book. Just to round us out, how do you fit writing into your daily life?
Nadine: It’s very hard to fit it in, however, the pure joy of escaping into my books and hanging out with the amazing characters makes it worthwhile. As hard as it is to carve time out to sit and write properly every time I enter the universe it is equally hard to pull myself out.
You can find Nadine on:
Author Website
Goodreads
Instagram
Legion of Loch Ness
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