Zoe Adams's Blog, page 11
January 10, 2014
Heroes and Villains - Cover Reveal!
To all who are reading this,
I'd like to welcome you to the blog cover launch for Heroes and Villains, which is my first erotic short for Hot Ink Press. I'm so excited about this book, since I've been working, tweaking and altering it for several months! There's some amazingly talented people who are helping me out on the Facebook launch and I implore you all to come over and have a gander! Even though I'll be posting things here afterwards too.
So, here's the moment we've all been waiting for. I present to you my cover, created by the wonderful Riley Steel!
Blurb:
Katie and Frankie are enemies. Have been since the start of university, and nothing will ever change that. Nothing.
When the prospect of a costume party is thrown into the mix, it's the opportune moment for Katie to showcase her true nature - geek. Enter into the mix a charismatic young man, dressed to match her own theme, things become very interesting for the young virgin.
Coming to a Kindle near you on January 16th.
Please feel free to comment on this post, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
I'd like to welcome you to the blog cover launch for Heroes and Villains, which is my first erotic short for Hot Ink Press. I'm so excited about this book, since I've been working, tweaking and altering it for several months! There's some amazingly talented people who are helping me out on the Facebook launch and I implore you all to come over and have a gander! Even though I'll be posting things here afterwards too.
So, here's the moment we've all been waiting for. I present to you my cover, created by the wonderful Riley Steel!
Blurb:
Katie and Frankie are enemies. Have been since the start of university, and nothing will ever change that. Nothing.
When the prospect of a costume party is thrown into the mix, it's the opportune moment for Katie to showcase her true nature - geek. Enter into the mix a charismatic young man, dressed to match her own theme, things become very interesting for the young virgin.
Coming to a Kindle near you on January 16th.
Please feel free to comment on this post, I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
January 2, 2014
47 Ronin - A Review
To all who are reading this,
Today is the first post of 2014, so I must heartily wish you all congratulations and welcome! I am hoping to bring much more content to the blog this year and I am beginning the year by granting you - a film review. And this is a film I saw at the cinema during 2013... Well, New Years Eve morning.
I must let you know - there may be spoilers.
Length: 119 Minutes
Release Date: 26th December 2013.
Synopsis: A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonour of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Studio: Universal Studios
Director: Carl Rinsch
Writer: Chris Morgan, Hossein Amini
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibaski
MPAA-Rating: 12A
I was sceptical when I first heard about this. Whilst it was going to keep to the true story of the forty-seven Ronin who avenged their masters, it was including a high fantastical element. I thought, "if you're doing a historical film, why can't you keep it historical?" A Ronin is a samurai without a master - I thought I better clear that up before we continue. Reeves has a tendency to have one facial expression during his films, and it's very rare to see him smile. I'm not a fan of his films, but I thought I could forget it for this Whilst some critics are giving it negative reviews, I found it to be quite good. It is Westernised so that subtitles are not needed, and does not detract from the overall viewing. The story is sound and includes much of the traditional story, in which forty-seven Ronin did indeed avenge their masters. The graves are visited in December of each year, which people pay respect to. The sweeping shots of the landscapes are breath-taking and you feel drawn into the world - even knowing that it is not like it to this day. From the buildings to the gardens, they are there to be noticed. Even tiny details make it all that worth while - there was a lovely meditation area, complete with sand garden (recently raked) that just adds to the beauty. The costumes worn by the female cast are splendid - beautiful silks and fabrics that are historically correct. Even to the detailing on make-up and hair, I found myself in awe. There are wonderful Noh theatre masks and the samurai armour is brilliant. These generally show who the characters are supposed to be. However, a little general knowledge of the film and the culture may be useful for some viewers. There have been master craftsmen working on the sword designs of the katanas'. There are some obvious special effects to make them glow, and there has been many stuntmen, women and coaches putting in the work to show the true way to handle a katana and learn the ancient arts. There are certain ways of holding the blade and the seppuku ritual shows it to the full of extent. This is a ritualistic suicide by men of honour who disembowel themselves by cutting the stomach with their blades. Reeves character (Kai) is a half British, half Japanese young man, known as a 'half-breed' due to his parentage. Found with three long scratches on his face, people believe he is cursed and the samurai do not accept him, especially their leader Oshi (Sanada). This does not stop Mika (Shibasaki) from falling in love with him. When his life is put on the line, she defies her father and causes great embarrassment to the family. With this in mind, plans are put in motion for a near death, caused by a witch's spell. Mika's father commits honourable suicide, and his warriors are forbidden from avenging the death - Kai is sold into slavery, Oshi is thrown into a pit to "think on what to do", and Mika is taken to be married after her mourning time. A year on, revenge is on the cards as Mika prepares to marry Lord Kira (Asano). Lord Kira is under the spell of a witch and wishes to rule all of Japan, and aims to with the help of her. Reeves' character seems almost supporting in relation to the fabulous cast on offer, who have no issues with acting in English. His character has been created for the film, which adds to the fantastical element of it (I won't give away his back story as it is essential for later parts of the narrative), and the romantic aspect, which I believe has been included to bring in a newer audience. The love between Kai and Mika seems perhaps a little cold, but this may add to the authenticity. Their love would not have been allowed and this is in keeping with the ending. I, however, preferred Lord Kira - much more handsome than Kai, but that's personal preference! I also found Mika a little lack-lustre, and whilst she keeps to the idea of a demure young lady, loyal to her father and society, I wanted her to kick butt. To be able to use a katana, and not wave a tiny little knife around in a suitable spot in the story. There could be more to her character, and I feel if it were perhaps novelised, she would be more fleshed out. That being said, 47 Ronin, is an enjoyable film. As a fan of the culture, I am not ashamed to say this was a drawing point to the film. Don't let the culture off-put you though. The reality behind the film is rich in detail and life, and the film adds to a heritage full of honour and respect. Just like a real samurai. Yours, with eternal ink, Zoe --- Currently reading: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch
Today is the first post of 2014, so I must heartily wish you all congratulations and welcome! I am hoping to bring much more content to the blog this year and I am beginning the year by granting you - a film review. And this is a film I saw at the cinema during 2013... Well, New Years Eve morning.
I must let you know - there may be spoilers.
Length: 119 MinutesRelease Date: 26th December 2013.
Synopsis: A band of samurai set out to avenge the death and dishonour of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.
Genre: Action / Adventure / Fantasy
Studio: Universal Studios
Director: Carl Rinsch
Writer: Chris Morgan, Hossein Amini
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Ko Shibaski
MPAA-Rating: 12A
I was sceptical when I first heard about this. Whilst it was going to keep to the true story of the forty-seven Ronin who avenged their masters, it was including a high fantastical element. I thought, "if you're doing a historical film, why can't you keep it historical?" A Ronin is a samurai without a master - I thought I better clear that up before we continue. Reeves has a tendency to have one facial expression during his films, and it's very rare to see him smile. I'm not a fan of his films, but I thought I could forget it for this Whilst some critics are giving it negative reviews, I found it to be quite good. It is Westernised so that subtitles are not needed, and does not detract from the overall viewing. The story is sound and includes much of the traditional story, in which forty-seven Ronin did indeed avenge their masters. The graves are visited in December of each year, which people pay respect to. The sweeping shots of the landscapes are breath-taking and you feel drawn into the world - even knowing that it is not like it to this day. From the buildings to the gardens, they are there to be noticed. Even tiny details make it all that worth while - there was a lovely meditation area, complete with sand garden (recently raked) that just adds to the beauty. The costumes worn by the female cast are splendid - beautiful silks and fabrics that are historically correct. Even to the detailing on make-up and hair, I found myself in awe. There are wonderful Noh theatre masks and the samurai armour is brilliant. These generally show who the characters are supposed to be. However, a little general knowledge of the film and the culture may be useful for some viewers. There have been master craftsmen working on the sword designs of the katanas'. There are some obvious special effects to make them glow, and there has been many stuntmen, women and coaches putting in the work to show the true way to handle a katana and learn the ancient arts. There are certain ways of holding the blade and the seppuku ritual shows it to the full of extent. This is a ritualistic suicide by men of honour who disembowel themselves by cutting the stomach with their blades. Reeves character (Kai) is a half British, half Japanese young man, known as a 'half-breed' due to his parentage. Found with three long scratches on his face, people believe he is cursed and the samurai do not accept him, especially their leader Oshi (Sanada). This does not stop Mika (Shibasaki) from falling in love with him. When his life is put on the line, she defies her father and causes great embarrassment to the family. With this in mind, plans are put in motion for a near death, caused by a witch's spell. Mika's father commits honourable suicide, and his warriors are forbidden from avenging the death - Kai is sold into slavery, Oshi is thrown into a pit to "think on what to do", and Mika is taken to be married after her mourning time. A year on, revenge is on the cards as Mika prepares to marry Lord Kira (Asano). Lord Kira is under the spell of a witch and wishes to rule all of Japan, and aims to with the help of her. Reeves' character seems almost supporting in relation to the fabulous cast on offer, who have no issues with acting in English. His character has been created for the film, which adds to the fantastical element of it (I won't give away his back story as it is essential for later parts of the narrative), and the romantic aspect, which I believe has been included to bring in a newer audience. The love between Kai and Mika seems perhaps a little cold, but this may add to the authenticity. Their love would not have been allowed and this is in keeping with the ending. I, however, preferred Lord Kira - much more handsome than Kai, but that's personal preference! I also found Mika a little lack-lustre, and whilst she keeps to the idea of a demure young lady, loyal to her father and society, I wanted her to kick butt. To be able to use a katana, and not wave a tiny little knife around in a suitable spot in the story. There could be more to her character, and I feel if it were perhaps novelised, she would be more fleshed out. That being said, 47 Ronin, is an enjoyable film. As a fan of the culture, I am not ashamed to say this was a drawing point to the film. Don't let the culture off-put you though. The reality behind the film is rich in detail and life, and the film adds to a heritage full of honour and respect. Just like a real samurai. Yours, with eternal ink, Zoe --- Currently reading: Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch
December 8, 2013
What a year...
To all who are reading this,
Well, December has come around fast. November had no blogs due to personal reasons, but you'll all be happy to know that the interviews and much more blog content will be coming your way in 2014.
Speaking of the future, there are a lot of things to come...
There will be multiple anthologies available featuring my short stories!
One is related to steampunk (First Steps), and I was amazed at the feedback I'd received.
The second is a charity anthology, to help a library in need, and this is on the subject of goddesses (The Weaver). I loved writing that one so much!
There may be an urban fantasy erotic piece (Hungry Like the Wolf) too, but it is too early to say...
Best Before End should be finished and released sometime during January/February. This is the final instalment in the series, and of course I'm sad to see it come to a close. On the other hand, there is plenty more to come.
My next trilogy will an urban fantasy for the YA, so fingers crossed. It's in planning stages now.
Hot Ink Press are publishing two of my erotic short stories - Heroes and Villains, and Propagate the Seedlings. They are both incredibly different, and I hope, steamy and saucy.
Who knows what else 2014 will bring for me in the writing world? After all, 2013 has brought me so much too! Countless shorts, two novellas and so much more... I have graduated from university and gained a career, all in the same year.
I'm very lucky to be supported by some amazing people - family, friends and literary brothers and sisters. I wouldn't be here without them all, and there's too many to list so I do apologise.
So, in case, I don't see you all before then, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Possession by J. R. Ward
Well, December has come around fast. November had no blogs due to personal reasons, but you'll all be happy to know that the interviews and much more blog content will be coming your way in 2014.
Speaking of the future, there are a lot of things to come...
There will be multiple anthologies available featuring my short stories!
One is related to steampunk (First Steps), and I was amazed at the feedback I'd received.
The second is a charity anthology, to help a library in need, and this is on the subject of goddesses (The Weaver). I loved writing that one so much!
There may be an urban fantasy erotic piece (Hungry Like the Wolf) too, but it is too early to say...
Best Before End should be finished and released sometime during January/February. This is the final instalment in the series, and of course I'm sad to see it come to a close. On the other hand, there is plenty more to come.
My next trilogy will an urban fantasy for the YA, so fingers crossed. It's in planning stages now.
Hot Ink Press are publishing two of my erotic short stories - Heroes and Villains, and Propagate the Seedlings. They are both incredibly different, and I hope, steamy and saucy.
Who knows what else 2014 will bring for me in the writing world? After all, 2013 has brought me so much too! Countless shorts, two novellas and so much more... I have graduated from university and gained a career, all in the same year.
I'm very lucky to be supported by some amazing people - family, friends and literary brothers and sisters. I wouldn't be here without them all, and there's too many to list so I do apologise.
So, in case, I don't see you all before then, I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Possession by J. R. Ward
October 31, 2013
Trick or Treat!
To all who are reading this,
Happy Halloween! If you are a practising Wiccan, then Blessed Be! And to everyone - young, old, rich, poor - be safe in what you are doing. I will be donning my Alice in Wonderland costume (because I finally have one, and Alice means so much to me), eating junk food, drinking, and watching horror movies. Sounds like a plan to me.
I thought I would be generous and offer you a short story, all in the Halloween spirit! Psychological horror, and perfect for a spooky night in. All I have to say is, you have been warned.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
In the Doctors Chair
I never told anyone what I saw coming out of the fog that night. And that's why I'm here, isn't it, Doc? You think I'm crazy like everyone else. They call me other stuff too, but it's all on record, isn't it? What were they - oh yeah: whacko, nut job, mental, basket-case, loon. But I'm not, Doc, I'm not. I'm sane, as sane as you. I can see the smirk on your face, but let me tell you this, it's no laughing matter. You see, he's been stalking me, ever since I was a kid. I remember having this God awful nightmares and when I woke up, he was there. Leaning over me, this terrible stink filling my nostrils. I thought I was going to be sick. I hid under my quilt, trying to breathe in whatever detergent my mother used. When I peeped out, he was gone. That's it Doc, keep writing. I need you to tell my story. I need someone to know. Help me out - give a girl a chance? He haunted my dreams from then on. Always on the periphery, when you're inches away from waking. That's where he’d be, black coat flapping in the non-existent breeze. I didn't see him again until a year ago. Halloween 2012. The same evening I came to you. I was taking my kid sister home. She'd been this disco at school, and when she came out shivering, I'd handed her my leather jacket. We walked home, the lights flickering overhead with each step we took, the fog gathering about us. When we got to our house, she went running down the pathway, swinging on the gate to open in, and flinging herself through the front cover, calling for our mother and father. If I hadn't heard my name I wouldn’t have turned, but it was his plan; I know it now. I turned and he was there - leaning against the gate, as casual as you please. He tipped his wide brimmed hat, before turning his gaze to me. That's when I screamed. A skull stared back, its jaw open in what I assumed as a grin. The bones had a yellowish tone, which made me think of an old persons toe nails. He pulled a scrap of fabric from beneath the brim of his hat and over his face, like a mask. My fathers face stared back, wrinkled lines and all. The only difference was his empty eye sockets where the flesh flapped in the breeze. He opened his black coat, the one he had always worn in my dreams. Covering his skeletal frame, was a suit of skin. The flesh was of all tones and ages, expertly and surgically connected with black thread. The remains of piercings glinted and tattoos crossed and intersected in grotesque patterns. He reached for me with sword-like fingers, waggling them - like this! I screamed and shrank back against my front door, which had slammed shut. His whisper cut through my vocal cords, silencing me. "Room for one more." Everything's a blur after that. I don’t remember him taking any part of me, or whether he swore to find me again, but when I woke hours later, there was my family leaning over me. My father reached for me, concern etched over his features, but in my mind it was the creature… Doc? Doc, why have you gone quiet? Why have you stopped writing? Doc? Oh God! God, help me! It's... It's you... The Slender Man.THE END © Copyright - Zoe Adams (2013)
Happy Halloween! If you are a practising Wiccan, then Blessed Be! And to everyone - young, old, rich, poor - be safe in what you are doing. I will be donning my Alice in Wonderland costume (because I finally have one, and Alice means so much to me), eating junk food, drinking, and watching horror movies. Sounds like a plan to me.
I thought I would be generous and offer you a short story, all in the Halloween spirit! Psychological horror, and perfect for a spooky night in. All I have to say is, you have been warned.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
In the Doctors Chair
I never told anyone what I saw coming out of the fog that night. And that's why I'm here, isn't it, Doc? You think I'm crazy like everyone else. They call me other stuff too, but it's all on record, isn't it? What were they - oh yeah: whacko, nut job, mental, basket-case, loon. But I'm not, Doc, I'm not. I'm sane, as sane as you. I can see the smirk on your face, but let me tell you this, it's no laughing matter. You see, he's been stalking me, ever since I was a kid. I remember having this God awful nightmares and when I woke up, he was there. Leaning over me, this terrible stink filling my nostrils. I thought I was going to be sick. I hid under my quilt, trying to breathe in whatever detergent my mother used. When I peeped out, he was gone. That's it Doc, keep writing. I need you to tell my story. I need someone to know. Help me out - give a girl a chance? He haunted my dreams from then on. Always on the periphery, when you're inches away from waking. That's where he’d be, black coat flapping in the non-existent breeze. I didn't see him again until a year ago. Halloween 2012. The same evening I came to you. I was taking my kid sister home. She'd been this disco at school, and when she came out shivering, I'd handed her my leather jacket. We walked home, the lights flickering overhead with each step we took, the fog gathering about us. When we got to our house, she went running down the pathway, swinging on the gate to open in, and flinging herself through the front cover, calling for our mother and father. If I hadn't heard my name I wouldn’t have turned, but it was his plan; I know it now. I turned and he was there - leaning against the gate, as casual as you please. He tipped his wide brimmed hat, before turning his gaze to me. That's when I screamed. A skull stared back, its jaw open in what I assumed as a grin. The bones had a yellowish tone, which made me think of an old persons toe nails. He pulled a scrap of fabric from beneath the brim of his hat and over his face, like a mask. My fathers face stared back, wrinkled lines and all. The only difference was his empty eye sockets where the flesh flapped in the breeze. He opened his black coat, the one he had always worn in my dreams. Covering his skeletal frame, was a suit of skin. The flesh was of all tones and ages, expertly and surgically connected with black thread. The remains of piercings glinted and tattoos crossed and intersected in grotesque patterns. He reached for me with sword-like fingers, waggling them - like this! I screamed and shrank back against my front door, which had slammed shut. His whisper cut through my vocal cords, silencing me. "Room for one more." Everything's a blur after that. I don’t remember him taking any part of me, or whether he swore to find me again, but when I woke hours later, there was my family leaning over me. My father reached for me, concern etched over his features, but in my mind it was the creature… Doc? Doc, why have you gone quiet? Why have you stopped writing? Doc? Oh God! God, help me! It's... It's you... The Slender Man.THE END © Copyright - Zoe Adams (2013)
October 22, 2013
Interview With... Maya and Nicholas
To all who are reading this,
Today, we get a chance to speak to not one, but two characters. They're like chalk and cheese! I am speaking about Maya and Nicholas, who are present for Blood and Milk: The Fall of Grace, the upcoming second in a vampire series by author, Danielle Farman of Vamptasy Publishing.
Interestingly, Danielle and her first novel Blood and Milk: Tainted Dreams, were the first to feature on the first author spotlight I ever did!
Let's get this show on the road!
Name: Maya Meadows.
Name: Nicholas.
Hi! Can you introduce yourself for the readers please?
Maya: Sure. I'm Maya Meadows. My friends call me, Mye.
Nicholas: I am Nicholas.
So... Tell us about yourself.
Maya: Not much to tell. I live in a flat with my rabbit. I work for a crap wage at a crap job. My boyfriend combusts if exposed to sunlight. You know, the usual.
Nicholas: I am the lead song writer and singer for the band Serendipity. I also write novels and plays. For many, many years I have dedicated my life to the Lord. God rewarded my loyalty by bestowing me with a great gift. A gift to rid the world of evil.
What's a day in your life like?
Maya: Pretty mundane. I get up and go to work. I come home and vegetate. Sometimes Yasmin or Rhys visits. Adrian too. Things are more exciting with those guys around.
Nicholas: My days are spent resting. But I also take time to write lyrics for our band, and to work on my projects. I also use what time I have to research the locals, and track down the evildoers. I will not stop until every last one is ended by my hand.
Describe yourself in five words.
Maya: Weird, caring, anxious, sarcastic, blunt.
Nicholas: Blessed, unappreciated, determined, practical, pure.
How would others describe you? (In five words).
Maya: It really depends on who is describing me. Nicholas would describe me as 'sinful, blasphemous, ignorant, harlot, rude'. Or words to that effect.
Nicholas: Those who do not see the greatness in my actions describe me as 'evil, insane, hypocritical, manipulative, possessive'. But what do they know? Their ignorance will not get in my way.
Do you have an anthem for your life? And by that I mean a song!
Maya: Sunshine lolly-pops and rainbows... Just kidding. Ever heard Fear of the Dark by Iron Maiden.
Nicholas: I write my own songs and those are the anthems for my life.
What film title sums up your life at the present moment and why?
Maya: Creepshow. Well, at times it feels that way.
Nicholas: God's Army. Although, the film itself is in no way like my life.
What book title sums up your love life at the present moment and why?
Maya: Are there any books called Blood and Milk? Or maybe just Paradise Lost.
Nicholas: My 'love life'? I have devoted my life to God. I gave no need for fleeting relationships.
What motivates you? Life hasn't been easy...
Maya: The smiles of those I love.
Nicholas: My craving for blood. And my loyalty to God.
What's your aim in life?
Maya: to try and not fall apart, and to keep those dear to me safe. That part is proving to be difficult...
Nicholas: To use my thirst for blood to put an end to all that is evil.
What's your biggest fear?
Maya: The people I love dying, or being hurt.
Nicholas: Someone or something preventing me from carrying out the work of God.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Maya: Staying alive.
Nicholas: Ridding the world of the scum and vile creatures known as 'criminals'. It is an on-going achievement.
Who do you admire the most?
Maya: Adrian. How he manages to keep on smiling I will never know. If I had to live his life, you would find me in a mental institute.
Nicholas: God, of course.
You're having an intense spring cleaning (at the end of summer, early autumn). What is easy to throw away? What is hard to part with?
Maya: The thought of my doing a spring cleaning is amusing. You would understand if you ever visited my home. I guess the easiest thing I would throw away would be the clothes I still have that don't fit me anymore. Although, I would probably pass them on to Becky. What would the hardest thing be? Probably my old boots. They have holes in them, but I still love them.
Nicholas: I do not keep anything I would deem 'easy to throw away'. If something is not of value to me, it does not get kept in the first place. Everything I do value is kept, and is therefore not thrown away during a 'spring clean'.
What would I find in your refrigerator right now? I'm hungry...
Maya: If you actually find food, I will give you a medal. I need to go shopping...
Nicholas: Have a look. I dare you.
Be sure to check out Blood and Milk: The Fall of Grace on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com on October 15th!
You can also find Danielle here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Danielle-Farman/498541266856780?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/JesterJinxAlternativeModel
Twitter: @Danielle_Farman
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Today, we get a chance to speak to not one, but two characters. They're like chalk and cheese! I am speaking about Maya and Nicholas, who are present for Blood and Milk: The Fall of Grace, the upcoming second in a vampire series by author, Danielle Farman of Vamptasy Publishing.
Interestingly, Danielle and her first novel Blood and Milk: Tainted Dreams, were the first to feature on the first author spotlight I ever did!
Let's get this show on the road!
Name: Maya Meadows.
Name: Nicholas.
Hi! Can you introduce yourself for the readers please?
Maya: Sure. I'm Maya Meadows. My friends call me, Mye.
Nicholas: I am Nicholas.
So... Tell us about yourself.
Maya: Not much to tell. I live in a flat with my rabbit. I work for a crap wage at a crap job. My boyfriend combusts if exposed to sunlight. You know, the usual.
Nicholas: I am the lead song writer and singer for the band Serendipity. I also write novels and plays. For many, many years I have dedicated my life to the Lord. God rewarded my loyalty by bestowing me with a great gift. A gift to rid the world of evil.
What's a day in your life like?
Maya: Pretty mundane. I get up and go to work. I come home and vegetate. Sometimes Yasmin or Rhys visits. Adrian too. Things are more exciting with those guys around.
Nicholas: My days are spent resting. But I also take time to write lyrics for our band, and to work on my projects. I also use what time I have to research the locals, and track down the evildoers. I will not stop until every last one is ended by my hand.
Describe yourself in five words.
Maya: Weird, caring, anxious, sarcastic, blunt.
Nicholas: Blessed, unappreciated, determined, practical, pure.
How would others describe you? (In five words).
Maya: It really depends on who is describing me. Nicholas would describe me as 'sinful, blasphemous, ignorant, harlot, rude'. Or words to that effect.
Nicholas: Those who do not see the greatness in my actions describe me as 'evil, insane, hypocritical, manipulative, possessive'. But what do they know? Their ignorance will not get in my way.
Do you have an anthem for your life? And by that I mean a song!
Maya: Sunshine lolly-pops and rainbows... Just kidding. Ever heard Fear of the Dark by Iron Maiden.Nicholas: I write my own songs and those are the anthems for my life.
What film title sums up your life at the present moment and why?
Maya: Creepshow. Well, at times it feels that way.
Nicholas: God's Army. Although, the film itself is in no way like my life.
What book title sums up your love life at the present moment and why?
Maya: Are there any books called Blood and Milk? Or maybe just Paradise Lost.
Nicholas: My 'love life'? I have devoted my life to God. I gave no need for fleeting relationships.
What motivates you? Life hasn't been easy...
Maya: The smiles of those I love.
Nicholas: My craving for blood. And my loyalty to God.
What's your aim in life?
Maya: to try and not fall apart, and to keep those dear to me safe. That part is proving to be difficult...
Nicholas: To use my thirst for blood to put an end to all that is evil.
What's your biggest fear?
Maya: The people I love dying, or being hurt.
Nicholas: Someone or something preventing me from carrying out the work of God.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Maya: Staying alive.
Nicholas: Ridding the world of the scum and vile creatures known as 'criminals'. It is an on-going achievement.
Who do you admire the most?
Maya: Adrian. How he manages to keep on smiling I will never know. If I had to live his life, you would find me in a mental institute.
Nicholas: God, of course.
You're having an intense spring cleaning (at the end of summer, early autumn). What is easy to throw away? What is hard to part with?
Maya: The thought of my doing a spring cleaning is amusing. You would understand if you ever visited my home. I guess the easiest thing I would throw away would be the clothes I still have that don't fit me anymore. Although, I would probably pass them on to Becky. What would the hardest thing be? Probably my old boots. They have holes in them, but I still love them.
Nicholas: I do not keep anything I would deem 'easy to throw away'. If something is not of value to me, it does not get kept in the first place. Everything I do value is kept, and is therefore not thrown away during a 'spring clean'.
What would I find in your refrigerator right now? I'm hungry...
Maya: If you actually find food, I will give you a medal. I need to go shopping...
Nicholas: Have a look. I dare you.
Be sure to check out Blood and Milk: The Fall of Grace on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com on October 15th!
You can also find Danielle here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Danielle-Farman/498541266856780?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/JesterJinxAlternativeModel
Twitter: @Danielle_Farman
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
October 20, 2013
Interview With... Ada McEwan
To all who are reading this,
Today we are meeting Hot Ink Press author, Ada McEwan, who is talking about her debut novel!
Exciting stuff, huh?
---
Name: Ada McEwan
Age: I'm forever 25! Okay, fine, I'm really 37, but who counts these things anymore?
Location: Midwest
Hi Ada, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. My husband and I literally fell in love with each other the moment we met and we married each other just a couple of weeks after that. Everyone thought I had gone completely insane, but... Now being married over a decade, I think he deserves some sort of medal or something.
2. I am a HUGE animal advocate and use my spare time to network and advocate for various rescues.
3. I am also a candle-maker for my home business, Raven Hollow Candles.
What made you want to be a writer?
I've always wanted to be one. I don't recall any time NOT wanting to write. I think it was ingrained into me before I was ever born.
What motivates you to write?
A little bit of everything. Love, stress, life changes, depression, pain. I could list at least a thousand things here easily.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I try to have some sort of mental organisation going on even though my muse loves to throw me for a loop and sway me in all sorts of directions.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
Writers block is a tough one to overcome. I usually take a break for a few days and just get my thoughts in order and just keep on trying.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Oh my! I'm having flashbacks to my high school English class where our teacher used tough love on us. She always made sure we knew the difference with words; then, than, affect, effect and how important comma placement is for proper sentence structure. (I am sure this is full of them).
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
The most influential book I have ever read was The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. I read it when I was going through some tough times with anorexia. I was so wrapped up in my illness and it was so well written and so descriptive that I could become so engrossed in her story of the Mayfair Witches that it would distract me from real life. It inspired me to be a more descriptive writer and to start really pushing some boundaries and getting out of my comfort zone.
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Yes, most definitely. Several places will come up in a few of my WIPs.
Your most recent publication is Confessions of a Small Town Librarian. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Yes, in the past year I have had a short story titled The Inheritance that was included in the debut anthology Bella Morte for Hot Ink Press. I have had numerous poems published throughout my life, during school and including one in Darkest Desires from Hot Ink Press last year.
What is Confessions of a Small Town Librarian about? It certainly sounds interesting!
Well, I will let a reviewer tell you what it is about...
Kim McNiel writes; "Hot, Hot, Hot! This was a very intriguing and sexy story. Anna is the town librarian who finding some hidden journals about the towns history and residents. As she takes the journey to find out about these people, she becomes involved with very sexy Ben. After a few moments together, they have a chemistry that will knock your socks off. I'm not going to give spoilers, but hot and steamy read with some mystery behind the scenes, then this is your book."
What drove you to write erotica?
To be completely honest, I write it because I want people to actually feel what I am trying to portray. I want them to see that erotica can be beautiful and romantic. It is all about the emotions for me.
Many will not know this, but you also work with scented candles with Raven Hollow Candles. Can you tell us more about it?
Raven Hollow Candles is my baby. It all started when my daughter would have really bad asthma attacks. After many trips and tests with an allergist, we found that the pollution from the paraffin wax candles would induce an asthma attack. So months and months of research led us to soy wax. It is a clean burning, renewable resource that is healthy for your home and you. It was a Mother/Daughter hobby that started off as us giving them as gifts and then the rest was history. I am going into my third Christmas season with Raven Hollow and I am happy where I am today. I only work with soy, I never use any additives and I only use premium essential oil. It is important to me to be as close to natural as I can be without sacrificing quality.
What does the future hold for you as a writer?
Well I am going to keep writing more of Confessions of a Small Town Librarian. Writing is my thing, my outlet for artistic expression. I am going to be finishing up my Raven Hollow series and work on my historical romance that is based on my hometown.
Thank you for such a fantastic interview, Ada!
Be sure to check out Confessions of a Small Town Librarian on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com now!
You can also find Ada here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ada-McEwan/104971756277931
http://ravenhollow.wordpress.com/
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Today we are meeting Hot Ink Press author, Ada McEwan, who is talking about her debut novel!
Exciting stuff, huh?
---
Name: Ada McEwan
Age: I'm forever 25! Okay, fine, I'm really 37, but who counts these things anymore?
Location: Midwest
Hi Ada, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. My husband and I literally fell in love with each other the moment we met and we married each other just a couple of weeks after that. Everyone thought I had gone completely insane, but... Now being married over a decade, I think he deserves some sort of medal or something.
2. I am a HUGE animal advocate and use my spare time to network and advocate for various rescues.
3. I am also a candle-maker for my home business, Raven Hollow Candles.
What made you want to be a writer?
I've always wanted to be one. I don't recall any time NOT wanting to write. I think it was ingrained into me before I was ever born.
What motivates you to write?
A little bit of everything. Love, stress, life changes, depression, pain. I could list at least a thousand things here easily.
Do you have a particular writing process?
I try to have some sort of mental organisation going on even though my muse loves to throw me for a loop and sway me in all sorts of directions.
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
Writers block is a tough one to overcome. I usually take a break for a few days and just get my thoughts in order and just keep on trying.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Oh my! I'm having flashbacks to my high school English class where our teacher used tough love on us. She always made sure we knew the difference with words; then, than, affect, effect and how important comma placement is for proper sentence structure. (I am sure this is full of them).
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
The most influential book I have ever read was The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. I read it when I was going through some tough times with anorexia. I was so wrapped up in my illness and it was so well written and so descriptive that I could become so engrossed in her story of the Mayfair Witches that it would distract me from real life. It inspired me to be a more descriptive writer and to start really pushing some boundaries and getting out of my comfort zone.
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
Yes, most definitely. Several places will come up in a few of my WIPs.
Your most recent publication is Confessions of a Small Town Librarian. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Yes, in the past year I have had a short story titled The Inheritance that was included in the debut anthology Bella Morte for Hot Ink Press. I have had numerous poems published throughout my life, during school and including one in Darkest Desires from Hot Ink Press last year.
What is Confessions of a Small Town Librarian about? It certainly sounds interesting!Well, I will let a reviewer tell you what it is about...
Kim McNiel writes; "Hot, Hot, Hot! This was a very intriguing and sexy story. Anna is the town librarian who finding some hidden journals about the towns history and residents. As she takes the journey to find out about these people, she becomes involved with very sexy Ben. After a few moments together, they have a chemistry that will knock your socks off. I'm not going to give spoilers, but hot and steamy read with some mystery behind the scenes, then this is your book."
What drove you to write erotica?
To be completely honest, I write it because I want people to actually feel what I am trying to portray. I want them to see that erotica can be beautiful and romantic. It is all about the emotions for me.
Many will not know this, but you also work with scented candles with Raven Hollow Candles. Can you tell us more about it?
Raven Hollow Candles is my baby. It all started when my daughter would have really bad asthma attacks. After many trips and tests with an allergist, we found that the pollution from the paraffin wax candles would induce an asthma attack. So months and months of research led us to soy wax. It is a clean burning, renewable resource that is healthy for your home and you. It was a Mother/Daughter hobby that started off as us giving them as gifts and then the rest was history. I am going into my third Christmas season with Raven Hollow and I am happy where I am today. I only work with soy, I never use any additives and I only use premium essential oil. It is important to me to be as close to natural as I can be without sacrificing quality.
What does the future hold for you as a writer?
Well I am going to keep writing more of Confessions of a Small Town Librarian. Writing is my thing, my outlet for artistic expression. I am going to be finishing up my Raven Hollow series and work on my historical romance that is based on my hometown.
Thank you for such a fantastic interview, Ada!
Be sure to check out Confessions of a Small Town Librarian on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com now!
You can also find Ada here:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ada-McEwan/104971756277931
http://ravenhollow.wordpress.com/
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
October 4, 2013
Blog Hop - Tag You're It!
To all who are reading this,
I was tagged in a blog hop game of sorts by dear friend and fellow author Shaun Allan. The idea initially intrigued me and after reading the blog in which I was tagged in, I was looking forward to answering these questions that he has left me.
So let's begin...
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on two novel length projects. Both are incredibly different...
My untitled WIP is an adult paranormal. The plot follows special criminal investigators and friends, Kayla Wiggins and Stefan Croft. A spate of murders are occurring around their home town, each paranormally linked. The novel is planned and I have nine-and-a-half chapters currently written (prologue included). The paranormal element is clear throughout the synopsis, but also deals with the crime element of things, such as police procedures, and romance, which is very girlie (for me).
The second WIP is a YA urban fantasy novel and has a working title - Hybrid. The plot follows Ruby Grint, who struggles to deal with the failings of university and a degree. Her life is turned upside down, when she moves into a house of lycanthropes (werewolves, to those who don't know). The novel is planned and I have twelve chapters currently written.
Both of the novels are close to my heart and I hope to complete them both and submit them to publishers.
How does it differ from other works in its genre?
Whilst both ideas are already quite prominent in the genre, I hope I can try and produce something different that readers and fans will want to try too!
In the case of the adult novel, I am compiling two best selling genres into the one idea. Crime is a genre I have only read, so reading it differs greatly for me.
In the case of Hybrid, I think it differs because there are not many female characters. She is a strong and realistic character, not weak and wilting over men, which I have seen quite often in current YA fiction. I want people to like her and support her, and of course, the boys I have created too.
Why do you write what you do?
Most of this I managed to say, in some point or another, during the final essay I ever wrote and submitted at university. And yet again, I could write an essay in response to the question, but I'll try and keep it short and sweet.
1. I write to escape.
2. I write what I like to read.
3. I write because there are subjects close to my heart that I want to express.
4. I write because characters scream at me until their stories are told.
5. I write because I simply have to.
How does your writing process work?
When the idea comes, it's jotted down, whether its plot or its character traits. If I know I want to work on it, I try and flesh it out, planning it into a synopsis that I can try and follow. This has worked in my favour just recently. I feel like it's helped me out loads, having a structure to work to.
Sometimes words and phrase come to me when I least suspect it. I always carry a notebook and pen, and when all else fails, I use my mobile. When that time comes, I write. I can go through spurts of creativity from one project to another, and I get so happy when things come tumbling out, especially when they make sense.
I don't set myself specific time slots in which I can work to, but I set myself word limits, like deadlines. Usually this is 1000 words a day, and I always aim to hit this target.
Thanks once again to Shaun for inviting me to play this game. In future though, don't slap me on top of the head though when you tag. That's not so fun.
I'm passing the baton on and tagging some lovely ladies and I hope they have some fun! Please welcome:
Sarah Jayne Carr
Victoria Jane Chisholm
Amanda Dawn Gatton
Thanks for reading!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Carrier by Sophie Hannah
I was tagged in a blog hop game of sorts by dear friend and fellow author Shaun Allan. The idea initially intrigued me and after reading the blog in which I was tagged in, I was looking forward to answering these questions that he has left me.
So let's begin...
What are you working on right now?
I am currently working on two novel length projects. Both are incredibly different...
My untitled WIP is an adult paranormal. The plot follows special criminal investigators and friends, Kayla Wiggins and Stefan Croft. A spate of murders are occurring around their home town, each paranormally linked. The novel is planned and I have nine-and-a-half chapters currently written (prologue included). The paranormal element is clear throughout the synopsis, but also deals with the crime element of things, such as police procedures, and romance, which is very girlie (for me).
The second WIP is a YA urban fantasy novel and has a working title - Hybrid. The plot follows Ruby Grint, who struggles to deal with the failings of university and a degree. Her life is turned upside down, when she moves into a house of lycanthropes (werewolves, to those who don't know). The novel is planned and I have twelve chapters currently written.
Both of the novels are close to my heart and I hope to complete them both and submit them to publishers.
How does it differ from other works in its genre?
Whilst both ideas are already quite prominent in the genre, I hope I can try and produce something different that readers and fans will want to try too!
In the case of the adult novel, I am compiling two best selling genres into the one idea. Crime is a genre I have only read, so reading it differs greatly for me.
In the case of Hybrid, I think it differs because there are not many female characters. She is a strong and realistic character, not weak and wilting over men, which I have seen quite often in current YA fiction. I want people to like her and support her, and of course, the boys I have created too.
Why do you write what you do?
Most of this I managed to say, in some point or another, during the final essay I ever wrote and submitted at university. And yet again, I could write an essay in response to the question, but I'll try and keep it short and sweet.
1. I write to escape.
2. I write what I like to read.
3. I write because there are subjects close to my heart that I want to express.
4. I write because characters scream at me until their stories are told.
5. I write because I simply have to.
How does your writing process work?
When the idea comes, it's jotted down, whether its plot or its character traits. If I know I want to work on it, I try and flesh it out, planning it into a synopsis that I can try and follow. This has worked in my favour just recently. I feel like it's helped me out loads, having a structure to work to.
Sometimes words and phrase come to me when I least suspect it. I always carry a notebook and pen, and when all else fails, I use my mobile. When that time comes, I write. I can go through spurts of creativity from one project to another, and I get so happy when things come tumbling out, especially when they make sense.
I don't set myself specific time slots in which I can work to, but I set myself word limits, like deadlines. Usually this is 1000 words a day, and I always aim to hit this target.
Thanks once again to Shaun for inviting me to play this game. In future though, don't slap me on top of the head though when you tag. That's not so fun.I'm passing the baton on and tagging some lovely ladies and I hope they have some fun! Please welcome:
Sarah Jayne Carr
Victoria Jane Chisholm
Amanda Dawn Gatton
Thanks for reading!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Carrier by Sophie Hannah
September 30, 2013
Writing Challenge - Day 15
To all who are reading this,
Day fifteen on the ELEMENTAL challenge. This piece is the final story I have to bring you. If you have been with me through this journey, then thank you. It means the world to me to - those views! It's been a great experience - there's so much I could say, but it will get emotional.
And don't forget, if you have any questions about my works or anything of the sort, please don't hesitate to get in touch! You can always post a comment below!
So... here's the fifteenth story.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
ELEMENTAL WRITING CHALLENGE
DAY 15. - SPACE
There was something about science that Fran hated. She got good marks in her other classes but Biology, Chemistry and Physics were just passable. Maybe because it was always so boring - even with dissections and experiments. Monday morning Physics was the worst. She waited outside the classroom with her fellow pupils, deep in conversation with Hayley and Annette. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Mr Bolton coming down the corridor, beaming wildly. "Follow me class!" They all stared after him as he bounced down the stairs of the science block. Eventually Fran, Hayley, Annette and the rest of the class did follow him, only to find him on the tennis courts. As he took the register, he handed students different sized balls. To Fran, she got a small white netball. She looked at it in puzzlement, before tossing it into the air and catching it. "You're the moon." "What?" she asked. "You'll see." Within the hour of science class, Fran found herself enjoying it. In fact, she would even go as far as to say it was, well, fun. Mr Bolton had them demonstrate, using the balls, the placements of constellations and planets. When speaking about gravitational pulls, students would circle each other, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Mr Bolton threw tennis balls to illustrate his point about shooting stars and soon, other classes were staring out of the window, to marvel at these new methods that he was employing. "Your homework is a one thousand word essay on the planets. Detail please! Use what you've learnt today." That night, Fran worked on the essay harder than she had ever worked on her science homework before. She ignored the constant beeps of her phone and computer. She drank energy drinks and studied the set textbook before reading her essay out loud to her mother, to make sure it made sense. On Wednesday afternoon, she was the first to hand in her paper to Mr Bolton. On Monday morning, Fran was nervous. As she walked into the classroom with a, "Morning sir," she saw her essay on her desk. Graded A. She smiled - science and space. It was a cool combination after all. THE END© Copyright - Zoe Adams (2013) Currently reading: Born of Ice by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Day fifteen on the ELEMENTAL challenge. This piece is the final story I have to bring you. If you have been with me through this journey, then thank you. It means the world to me to - those views! It's been a great experience - there's so much I could say, but it will get emotional.
And don't forget, if you have any questions about my works or anything of the sort, please don't hesitate to get in touch! You can always post a comment below!
So... here's the fifteenth story.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
ELEMENTAL WRITING CHALLENGE
DAY 15. - SPACE
There was something about science that Fran hated. She got good marks in her other classes but Biology, Chemistry and Physics were just passable. Maybe because it was always so boring - even with dissections and experiments. Monday morning Physics was the worst. She waited outside the classroom with her fellow pupils, deep in conversation with Hayley and Annette. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Mr Bolton coming down the corridor, beaming wildly. "Follow me class!" They all stared after him as he bounced down the stairs of the science block. Eventually Fran, Hayley, Annette and the rest of the class did follow him, only to find him on the tennis courts. As he took the register, he handed students different sized balls. To Fran, she got a small white netball. She looked at it in puzzlement, before tossing it into the air and catching it. "You're the moon." "What?" she asked. "You'll see." Within the hour of science class, Fran found herself enjoying it. In fact, she would even go as far as to say it was, well, fun. Mr Bolton had them demonstrate, using the balls, the placements of constellations and planets. When speaking about gravitational pulls, students would circle each other, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Mr Bolton threw tennis balls to illustrate his point about shooting stars and soon, other classes were staring out of the window, to marvel at these new methods that he was employing. "Your homework is a one thousand word essay on the planets. Detail please! Use what you've learnt today." That night, Fran worked on the essay harder than she had ever worked on her science homework before. She ignored the constant beeps of her phone and computer. She drank energy drinks and studied the set textbook before reading her essay out loud to her mother, to make sure it made sense. On Wednesday afternoon, she was the first to hand in her paper to Mr Bolton. On Monday morning, Fran was nervous. As she walked into the classroom with a, "Morning sir," she saw her essay on her desk. Graded A. She smiled - science and space. It was a cool combination after all. THE END© Copyright - Zoe Adams (2013) Currently reading: Born of Ice by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Interview With... Shannon Eckrich
To all who are reading this,
This is the final interview of the month and we are ending it with an upcoming novel from Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Press!
Let's meet the woman herself.
---
Name: Shannon Eckrich
Age: Not telling!
Location: Delaware
Hi Shannon, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I believe in ghosts and aliens.
2. I've been with my husband since I was fifteen years old.
3. I'm absolutely terrified of praying mantises.
What made you want to be a writer?
The funny thing is I had no intentions of being a writer. I was creative in many other ways, but I never thought in a million years I would write a novel. My biggest inspiration was Twilight. After that, I woke up the next day and began writing. I wanted to create my own world and characters. And I wanted to be able to control the ending. I'm really happy I did start writing even though it hasn't been easy. But nothing beats slipping away from reality and into your own imaginary world. Everyone needs to get away sometimes.
What motivates you to write?
Definitely music.
Do you have a particular writing process?
My writing process is fairly simple. First, I create my rough draft. This is pretty basic stuff. I don't get into a lot of detail, and I don't have an outline. My main goal is to just get the entire idea out of my head and onto the computer. After the rough draft is complete, I reread the story and add in the detail, change the chapters around, and make any other changes that need to be done. Once I'm finished, I rewrite it again. This time I make sure the format is correct. I reread it again, checking for grammar, spelling etc. Then I send it off to my betas!
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
Writing block is my nemesis! But, if it happens to strike, I'll listen to music to give me some more ideas.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Always start your chapters with a hook and end with a hook. You must give the reader a reason to turn the page. If not, they may put your book down and not pick it back up.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
The most influential book I've ever read was If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Her voice is awesome, and it really makes you think. What if I was the only one to survive a car crash and my family died? Would there even be a reason to come back? The book had such an impact on me that I was in tears.
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
All the time. I'm sort of the quiet person in the room that sits around plotting ideas while everyone is in deep conversation. Everywhere I go I always ask myself, "What if?" I think a majority of writers do that.
Your most recent publication is Haunting Lia. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Yes, I have a YA novel out now called Other Side of Forever. It's available through most online book stores. Here's the synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Allie Anderson's telekinetic powers are anything but useful - she can't bring her father back, can't stop her mother's downward spiral into alcohol, and can't keep her from falling in love with Ethan Bradley. loving Ethan is easy but it comes with a hefty price: Ethan is prohibited by his people from interacting with mortals - because he isn't mortal himself. When Allie and Ethan's love is discovered, there's someone who will do anything to keep them apart. If Allie can't learn to control her powers and fight to save Ethan, this dark entity will make every attempt to sop her beating heart. And if that happens, not even the energy of an immortal can bring her back.
What is Haunting Lia about? It certainly sounds interesting!
Thank you so much! I think if readers like a little dark in their paranormal, they'll love this one!
Death is her destiny. But she has other things in mind.
Lia Starr's life isn't a fairy-tale. It's a reality overflowing with scary monsters, death and betrayal - a past she left behind when she entered her new foster home. Now, with a loving family, a sister she's always craved, and relief from the gruesome corpses that tormented her as a child, she's finally content. Until a freak accident changes everything.
The monsters are back, and their mission is simple: drag Lia straight to their murky hell. When Aiden, an apparition, appears to Lia, she has hope once again. Because Aiden can cross the veil between the spirit world and the earthly dimension, physically fighting off the monsters and sending them back. With Aiden's determination to keep her safe and his absorbing blue eyes, Lia can't help falling on love with him. But who is he, and what does he really want? As Lia and Aiden's relationship deepens, so does the mystery surrounding him.
Once Lia finds out Aiden has traded his soul to save her, she enters the darker dimension where nightmares are reality, ready to kick some serious butt. But surrounded by twenty-eight mutilated monsters and a deranged cult leader intent on bringing his dark world to the surface isn't what Lia expects. And even worse, she must face her traumatic past in order to destroy them. If she fails, not only will she lose the guy she loves and face certain death, but she will also risk the one thing she can't afford to lose: her eternal soul.
What drove you to write Young Adult Fiction, especially what some would deem as paranormal?
For some reason I just seem to connect more with my YA side. And I love the paranormal!
Most will not know this, but you need a glass of Pepsi before starting writing. Why is this? What is it about Pepsi?
Ha ha, have you been stalking me? Just kidding!
Yes I do drink Pepsi all the time, and I definitely prefer it over Coke. It's fizzy and sweet and refreshing, just like the characters I bring to life in my head.
What does the future hold for you as a writer?
I don't focus on the past or the future. I try to concentrate on the now. And, for now, I'll continue to write to the best of my ability, for the reader and for myself, as long as the characters and the stories stay alive in my head!
Thank you for such a fantastic interview, Shannon!
Be sure to check out Haunting Lia on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com on October 11th.
You can also find Shannon here:
https://www.facebook.com/hauntinglia
https://www.facebook.com/authorshannoneckrick
www.shannoneckrich.com
---
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading:
This is the final interview of the month and we are ending it with an upcoming novel from Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Press!
Let's meet the woman herself.
---
Name: Shannon EckrichAge: Not telling!
Location: Delaware
Hi Shannon, thanks for joining me! So what are three interesting facts that you'd like to share with the readers?
1. I believe in ghosts and aliens.
2. I've been with my husband since I was fifteen years old.
3. I'm absolutely terrified of praying mantises.
What made you want to be a writer?
The funny thing is I had no intentions of being a writer. I was creative in many other ways, but I never thought in a million years I would write a novel. My biggest inspiration was Twilight. After that, I woke up the next day and began writing. I wanted to create my own world and characters. And I wanted to be able to control the ending. I'm really happy I did start writing even though it hasn't been easy. But nothing beats slipping away from reality and into your own imaginary world. Everyone needs to get away sometimes.
What motivates you to write?
Definitely music.
Do you have a particular writing process?
My writing process is fairly simple. First, I create my rough draft. This is pretty basic stuff. I don't get into a lot of detail, and I don't have an outline. My main goal is to just get the entire idea out of my head and onto the computer. After the rough draft is complete, I reread the story and add in the detail, change the chapters around, and make any other changes that need to be done. Once I'm finished, I rewrite it again. This time I make sure the format is correct. I reread it again, checking for grammar, spelling etc. Then I send it off to my betas!
How do you manage the deadly problem that is writers block?
Writing block is my nemesis! But, if it happens to strike, I'll listen to music to give me some more ideas.
What is a piece of writing advice that you will always remember?
Always start your chapters with a hook and end with a hook. You must give the reader a reason to turn the page. If not, they may put your book down and not pick it back up.
What is the most influential book you have ever read, and why do you think so?
The most influential book I've ever read was If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Her voice is awesome, and it really makes you think. What if I was the only one to survive a car crash and my family died? Would there even be a reason to come back? The book had such an impact on me that I was in tears.
Have you ever derived inspiration from your home or from anywhere you have visited?
All the time. I'm sort of the quiet person in the room that sits around plotting ideas while everyone is in deep conversation. Everywhere I go I always ask myself, "What if?" I think a majority of writers do that.
Your most recent publication is Haunting Lia. Have you had any publications prior to this?
Yes, I have a YA novel out now called Other Side of Forever. It's available through most online book stores. Here's the synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Allie Anderson's telekinetic powers are anything but useful - she can't bring her father back, can't stop her mother's downward spiral into alcohol, and can't keep her from falling in love with Ethan Bradley. loving Ethan is easy but it comes with a hefty price: Ethan is prohibited by his people from interacting with mortals - because he isn't mortal himself. When Allie and Ethan's love is discovered, there's someone who will do anything to keep them apart. If Allie can't learn to control her powers and fight to save Ethan, this dark entity will make every attempt to sop her beating heart. And if that happens, not even the energy of an immortal can bring her back.
What is Haunting Lia about? It certainly sounds interesting!
Thank you so much! I think if readers like a little dark in their paranormal, they'll love this one!Death is her destiny. But she has other things in mind.
Lia Starr's life isn't a fairy-tale. It's a reality overflowing with scary monsters, death and betrayal - a past she left behind when she entered her new foster home. Now, with a loving family, a sister she's always craved, and relief from the gruesome corpses that tormented her as a child, she's finally content. Until a freak accident changes everything.
The monsters are back, and their mission is simple: drag Lia straight to their murky hell. When Aiden, an apparition, appears to Lia, she has hope once again. Because Aiden can cross the veil between the spirit world and the earthly dimension, physically fighting off the monsters and sending them back. With Aiden's determination to keep her safe and his absorbing blue eyes, Lia can't help falling on love with him. But who is he, and what does he really want? As Lia and Aiden's relationship deepens, so does the mystery surrounding him.
Once Lia finds out Aiden has traded his soul to save her, she enters the darker dimension where nightmares are reality, ready to kick some serious butt. But surrounded by twenty-eight mutilated monsters and a deranged cult leader intent on bringing his dark world to the surface isn't what Lia expects. And even worse, she must face her traumatic past in order to destroy them. If she fails, not only will she lose the guy she loves and face certain death, but she will also risk the one thing she can't afford to lose: her eternal soul.
What drove you to write Young Adult Fiction, especially what some would deem as paranormal?
For some reason I just seem to connect more with my YA side. And I love the paranormal!
Most will not know this, but you need a glass of Pepsi before starting writing. Why is this? What is it about Pepsi?
Ha ha, have you been stalking me? Just kidding!
Yes I do drink Pepsi all the time, and I definitely prefer it over Coke. It's fizzy and sweet and refreshing, just like the characters I bring to life in my head.
What does the future hold for you as a writer?
I don't focus on the past or the future. I try to concentrate on the now. And, for now, I'll continue to write to the best of my ability, for the reader and for myself, as long as the characters and the stories stay alive in my head!
Thank you for such a fantastic interview, Shannon!
Be sure to check out Haunting Lia on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com on October 11th.
You can also find Shannon here:
https://www.facebook.com/hauntinglia
https://www.facebook.com/authorshannoneckrick
www.shannoneckrich.com
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Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
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Currently reading:
September 29, 2013
Writing Challenge - Day 14
To all who are reading this,
Day fourteen on the ELEMENTAL challenge. This piece is the penultimate piece of fiction, and if you've got this far with me - then I thank you. Not long left now.
A bit of trivia on this piece - this centres around one of my mother's favourite artists (at the minute).
And don't forget, if you have any questions about my works or anything of the sort, please don't hesitate to get in touch! You can always post a comment below!
So... here's the fourteenth story.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
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ELEMENTAL WRITING CHALLENGE
DAY 14. - TIME
"Time waits for no one, That's why I, Can't wait on you," Rod Stewart crooned on the stereo system. Emily could see him now, blonde hair, big nosed and Converse. He'd be swinging his hips, whilst a row of anorexic singers harmonised with him. She turned her attention back to the bar. Men and women alike were giggling and playing drinking games, alcohol flowing through their systems. When it came to a Bank Holiday, young and old alike flocked, needing a reason to act like idiots. Not like her though - working as usual, lost in her thoughts of Brett. Her handsome soldier boy fighting the good fight for Blighty. She sighed, and finished wiping the side of the bar down. Slowly she began making her way through, collecting pint and shot glasses, pouring the dregs into one to throw down the sink. One of the younger lads reached for it: "Dirty pint!" he chanted. Brushing him off, Emily continued, humming the song under her breath. "Em?" She jumped in surprise when a warm calloused hand touched her bare elbow. A glass toppled and smashed, to the sarcastic applause and shouts of the revellers. "Brett?" She hadn't seen him in such a long time. The last time she had managed to Skype him on the computer, he had been called away for patrol and she had seen him for all of a minute. Her face lit up. As he dropped his bags, she placed the glasses on the nearest table and leapt into his arms, holding him tight. "You're not expected back yet!" she sobbed against him. "Surprise," he said sheepishly and let her down onto the floor. As she tried to regain composure, wiping the tears that trickled down her cheeks, he dropped to his knees as Rod Stewart repeated the chorus. "Time waits for no one, That's why I, Can't wait on you," Rod Stewart and Brett sang. From his pocket, Brett produced a small red box, and opened the lid, revealing a silver ring with a sparkling diamond. As there was a lull in the music, he said those magical words: "Will you marry me?" Emily dissolved into tears once again, as she nodded her head furiously. Brett's grin rivalled one of a Cheshire cat, as he reached for her hand and slid the ring onto her finger to the cheers and "Congratulations," of the Bank Holiday publicans. THE END© Copyright - Zoe Adams (2013) Currently reading: Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur
Day fourteen on the ELEMENTAL challenge. This piece is the penultimate piece of fiction, and if you've got this far with me - then I thank you. Not long left now.
A bit of trivia on this piece - this centres around one of my mother's favourite artists (at the minute).
And don't forget, if you have any questions about my works or anything of the sort, please don't hesitate to get in touch! You can always post a comment below!
So... here's the fourteenth story.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
ELEMENTAL WRITING CHALLENGE
DAY 14. - TIME
"Time waits for no one, That's why I, Can't wait on you," Rod Stewart crooned on the stereo system. Emily could see him now, blonde hair, big nosed and Converse. He'd be swinging his hips, whilst a row of anorexic singers harmonised with him. She turned her attention back to the bar. Men and women alike were giggling and playing drinking games, alcohol flowing through their systems. When it came to a Bank Holiday, young and old alike flocked, needing a reason to act like idiots. Not like her though - working as usual, lost in her thoughts of Brett. Her handsome soldier boy fighting the good fight for Blighty. She sighed, and finished wiping the side of the bar down. Slowly she began making her way through, collecting pint and shot glasses, pouring the dregs into one to throw down the sink. One of the younger lads reached for it: "Dirty pint!" he chanted. Brushing him off, Emily continued, humming the song under her breath. "Em?" She jumped in surprise when a warm calloused hand touched her bare elbow. A glass toppled and smashed, to the sarcastic applause and shouts of the revellers. "Brett?" She hadn't seen him in such a long time. The last time she had managed to Skype him on the computer, he had been called away for patrol and she had seen him for all of a minute. Her face lit up. As he dropped his bags, she placed the glasses on the nearest table and leapt into his arms, holding him tight. "You're not expected back yet!" she sobbed against him. "Surprise," he said sheepishly and let her down onto the floor. As she tried to regain composure, wiping the tears that trickled down her cheeks, he dropped to his knees as Rod Stewart repeated the chorus. "Time waits for no one, That's why I, Can't wait on you," Rod Stewart and Brett sang. From his pocket, Brett produced a small red box, and opened the lid, revealing a silver ring with a sparkling diamond. As there was a lull in the music, he said those magical words: "Will you marry me?" Emily dissolved into tears once again, as she nodded her head furiously. Brett's grin rivalled one of a Cheshire cat, as he reached for her hand and slid the ring onto her finger to the cheers and "Congratulations," of the Bank Holiday publicans. THE END© Copyright - Zoe Adams (2013) Currently reading: Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur
