Chrystalla Thoma's Blog, page 6
June 25, 2013
Guest author interview and free promo: JAN RUTH
Today’s guest is author Jan Ruth who writes contemporary women’s fiction – as she puts it: “Love stories with strong, identifiable characters, about family life and relationships.”
Jan is offering her book “The Long and the Short of it“, a collection of five short stories, for FREE for three days starting today, so grab a copy, read the interview below, and get to know this amazing author from Wales, UK, today!
Where to get it:
Chrys: Hi dear Jan, welcome! Could you start by telling us a little about yourself?
Jan: Real life is so boring isn’t it? I’m in my mid-fifties… yikes when did that happen? One son in London, two step-children in New Zealand. I live in a very rural area of North Wales called Snowdonia, UK. Love the hills, horses, dogs, books.
Chrys: When and why did you start writing?
Jan: Always loved books since being a small child and then the stories followed on. I’ve never thought of a reason why, I think I was encouraged by a good teacher at primary school initially. I just enjoyed it, and then I won little prizes, but it didn’t really develop until my early twenties. I was unhappy in my first marriage and I guess it was something of an escape.
Chrys: What genre(s) do you write and why?
Jan: I write contemporary fiction with a strong romantic theme. I do believe in ‘write what you know’, or what is close to your heart. Novels about real people and their complicated relationships have always drawn me, both in preferred reading choices and in my own writing. There’s no fluff or flowers though, and you won’t find any handcuffs either! Plenty of pace, even the odd spot of manslaughter and arson, plus a good sprinkling of humour. The Welsh landscape features a lot, it makes both a romantic, and a dramatic background.
Chrys: What are your current projects?
Jan: My current work in progress is called Silver Rain and again, romance and drama aplenty in the Welsh hills. This one features main characters in their fifties. I don’t do cliche!
Chrys: What do you find particularly challenging about writing?
Jan: Stopping to make dinner? Currently; to write a love story where the main characters are in their fifties!
At first it was keeping a handle on all the many aspects involved, the plot, the characters, the development, the dialogue, all of it really. Writing is a craft that has to be learnt. It’s still an on-going battle for improvement, always more to learn as with any skill. The most difficult part now, for me as a self published author, is the editing and polishing and then the promoting.
Chrys: What inspires you?
Jan: Life. Interesting people and funny situations. The landscape, horses, music.
Chrys: Can you tell us a few words about your current titles?
Jan: I currently have three full length novels and one set of short stories and excerpts called The Long and the Short of it which will be FREE for two days 26th/27th June.
The Long & The Short of It. FREE 26-27th June.
An emotive collection of stories and excerpts from the Welsh Mountains of Snowdonia.
Five short stories, followed by a full chapter from each of Jan’s three full length novels. Over thirty thousand words of humour, the complications of relationships and the poignancy of love.
This is a short, funny excerpt from one of the stories:
Tom gave the group a furtive glance and sidled into the shrubs to relieve his bladder. He pushed through a thicket of gorse; no sooner was he in an uncompromising position when two things happened. First of all he spied Helga’s unmistakable shape through the trees, but there was something else unmistakable too. What the… what on earth? She was stood, braced, like a man taking a pee. Helga was clearly, unmistakably, a man!
Tom’s mobile suddenly sprang to life, but before he could silence it, the theme tune from Live and Let Die filled the small copse with a dramatic burst of music. Helga quickly turned and met his eyes and for a nanosecond of embarrassed shock, both men stared at each other.
Tom fumbled with his flies, then with the phone. It was Melanie. Fighting his way back out to the beach with one finger in his ear to drown out the raucous laughing of the group, Tom tried to make sense of what she was saying; something about suspenders?
‘I can’t hear you! Slow down and speak clearly.’
‘I’ve been SUSPENDED!’ she yelled, ‘Is that clear enough? We’ve been found out, Tom. Uncle Charles wants your cheating head on a plate.’
Chrys: Sounds excellent! Where can we buy your novel(s)/stories?
Jan: My website carries all the links for each title.
Chrys: Links??? 
Jan: Website: http://janruth.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanRuthAuthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JAN-RUTH-Author/152542251518210
Email: jan@janruth.com
Contributing Blog: http://authorselectric.blogspot.co.uk/
June 18, 2013
Teaser – Rex Aftermath
Hi guys, readers of all ages and genders and orientations and religions – Rex fans. As you may know, Rex Aftermath is being written right now, and I thought to give you a taste… So here is the opening of Book 4 – not yet edited or proofread. Fresh from the oven, for your eyes only. Here you go.
(this is copyrighted material)
Rex Aftermath
The alley was empty. Cold wind whipped empty cartons and made tins roll and clink. Elei shivered in his jacket, hands shoved in his pockets, his Rasmus a comforting weight at his hip. The ancient semi-automatic was the only thing left from his past – Pelia’s present.
Then again… He lifted a hand to his throat, to the necklace of black dots, mark of Rex, his dominant parasite. Yeah. The gun hadn’t been Pelia’s only gift, and the snakeskin on his skin was another reminder of his past. A memento of the constant battle raging inside him between Rex and telmion, the two parasites too busy fighting each other to kill him – on most days, at least.
Kalaes leaned against a grimy wall covered in peeling posters, his arms folded across his chest, eyes half-closed. The fine white lines of palantin marked the side of his neck, stopping at the black dots of Rex. He looked relaxed – deceptive for someone who didn’t know him. His dark hair stood in defiant spikes, barely ruffled by the wind.
“Anything yet?” Alendra was hunkered down by Kalaes’ feet, checking her gun, hair catching the afternoon light in a bright halo.
“Nothing from where I’m looking,” Kalaes muttered.
Elei peered around the corner into the other street and shook his head.
“Are you sure they’re coming?” Alendra clicked the safety of her gun on and lifted her face, cat-like eyes sparkling.
Kalaes huffed and closed his eyes as if about to take a nap, standing there. “If not, a spanking is in order. I’ll let you do it, if you beg nicely.”
Alendra snorted and Elei reluctantly pulled his gaze from her to check the street once more. They were relying on Mantis’ contacts to meet the most important street gang leaders of Artemisia, or at least those agreeing to meet.
“And if they don’t agree to help?” Alendra whispered, voicing their fears. She stood and holstered her gun, her movements jerky.
What if the street kids didn’t aid them create a distraction so that Mantis and his ragtag army, together with Hera and Sacmis, were able to take hold of the war machine they’d found in the north of Dakru and set up the real attack?
“They will,” Kalaes said, his dark eyes opening, scanning the street on his side, his expression betraying no impatience, fear or anger. “Relax.”
June 13, 2013
Launch Party for “Boreal and Jonn Grey” Complete Season 1 boxset!
THE ELVES ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RUN HIDE IT’S THE END OF DAYS!!!!!!!!!
WELCOME TO FINN AND ELLA’S WORLD…
The Boxset with the Complete Season 1 of the series is here, too!
During the 13th century In Iceland, epic poems and tales called Edda in Icelandic (plural: Eddur) were written down. Two main collections exist today, the Poetic Edda, also known as Sæmundar Edda or the Elder Edda, is a collection of Old Norse poems from the Icelandic medieval manuscript Codex Regius (“Royal Book”). Along with the Prose Edda, the Poetic Edda is the most expansive source on Norse mythology.
These epic poems and tales spoke of the aelfar – the elves. Tall and pale – their name means ‘white’ – these trickster beings brought misfortune and illness, and exchanged healthy children with sickly changelings.
Now the Gates are opening once more between worlds and the elves are back.
Ella Benson, Paranormal Bureau agent, fights all that comes through the Veil – dangerous Shades crossing into our world. But increasingly dangerous creatures are slipping into her city, her work partner has just gone missing, and a mysterious – and, frankly, quite hot — guy saves her life. His name is Finn and, as it turns out, he’s a natural when it comes to fighting the Shades.
When after centuries of peace the Gates between the worlds start opening and our old enemies, the elves, make a comeback, Ella needs a new, temporary partner. Enlisting the mysterious Finn is a no-brainer, until she realizes he is guarding dangerous secrets of his own.
Together with Finn, and the fate of the world on her shoulders, what’s Ella to do but grab her weapons and figure it all out, one way or another.
Read the complete First Season of the series Boreal and John Grey, books 1-5 (The Encounter, The Gate, The Dragon, The Dream and The Truth) at a special price with an Author’s Note at the end.
This is urban fantasy verging on paranormal romance. A sexy love story set against a backdrop of dragons, trolls and magical portals, fast-paced action scenes and suspense.
The first episode in the series is free so you can sample it – here:
Read a short excerpt from Episode 2: The Gate:
Fast food would save the world if the elves didn’t take it first, Ella thought as she paid the delivery boy and carried the boxes of chop suey inside. She closed the door on the chilly breeze and shivered while crossing over to the living room table. Mike had promised to find Finn something warmer to wear from Scott’s closet, but they’d have to go shopping for clothes sooner or later.
She set the food down and went in search of Finn. The sound of blades being honed drew her to the bathroom. Oh yeah. Finn priorities. About to fall over from exhaustion, but who cared when there were knives to be cleaned and sharpened?
“The food’s here,” she called.
He didn’t even look up, focused on his task, the whetstone screeching against the metal of the blade. Had he heard her?
Shrugging, she returned to the living room. She wasn’t all that hungry herself, not since she’d been told of Simon’s death, and even less since seeing his body at the morgue.
It was barely midday and she was bone-tired. With a sigh, she curled on the sofa and pulled the book from her purse.
Grarssaga. Simon had been dating an oracle. No wonder he’d realized before all of them what was going on. Sarah, his girlfriend, was at the hospital. Ella wondered if someone had informed her that her boyfriend was dead, torn open by a…
She swallowed hard, chased the images from her mind. She opened the book, but the letters swam before her eyes. Torn open by a wolf, according to Finn. A white, scaly wolf. The picture just wouldn’t form. Scaly? What the hell? She couldn’t recall ever reading any description of the animals of the aelfar.
Or it was all in Finn’s mind. Maybe something perfectly mundane had killed Simon; maybe the lab had been wrong about the DNA.
Yeah, and pigs could fly.
Oh and before I forget!! To celebrate with you, I set my short story Dreamdancer, featuring dreamdancers and their cousins, the elves, free today. In case you don’t have it, grab it now.
Happy Elf Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 7, 2013
Book feature: bestselling thriller “Shattered” by Karl Jones – on sale!
Thank you for having me on your blog today Chrystalla. I hope your readers enjoy what I have for them.
Shattered is my debut novel, and has been out for 18 months now. During that time it has been a consistent bestselling, reaching the top 20 for Drama in the UK over the last few weeks.
For just 99p/99c you can enjoy this bestselling drama/thriller, and if you’re an Amazon Prime member you can borrow the book for free any time in the next three weeks.
Blurb
A VILLAGE IN TERROR, A KILLER ON THE LOOSE, AN AUTHOR LOOKING FOR HIS NEXT BESTSELLER. IS THERE A CONNECTION?
After the grisly discovery of a mutilated body, the small community of Greenville is held in the terrifying grip of a serial killer.
Author Jason Denton immediately falls under suspicion, and while Sergeant Underwood is determined to prove his guilt, no matter what how he has to do it, the relatives of those being killed aren’t so keen to wait for justice.
Caught in the middle is Donna Harp, a young constable partnered with the sergeant. She isn’t convinced the author is guilty, and is determined to catch the killer, whoever he may be, but is she being swayed by Denton’s charm?
Where to find it:
Excerpt
“What have you got against Michael Davis?” Donna wanted to know. “I know you think he’s a prick, though I’ve never heard anyone else say much of anything bad about him, other than he’s a bit full of himself. And let’s be honest, you’re just as bad in that respect. But do you actually have a reason for thinking he is capable of murder?” Gordon didn’t answer; he merely kicked the crushed packet of crisps and dropped heavily back onto the bed. “Personally I’d pick you as a murderer ahead of Michael, especially after earlier.”
“If you guys hadn’t come when you did I would have finished that asshole.”
“But why? You must have a reason for believing Michael is the one who killed Danielle. If you know something you have to tell us,” Donna insisted. “This isn’t just about your cousin, Gordon, Emma’s missing as well.”
You can find more samples on Wattpad at http://www.wattpad.com/7884206-shattered-donna-harp-series#.UbGsZECThAE
June 4, 2013
Hearts in Exile Release Day Promo – author Misty Parker
Today I’m taking part in author Misty Baker’s Release Day promo for her fantasy romance novel Hearts in Exile!!
Blurb:
In Tallenmere, fate has a way of catching up with you…
Somewhere, hidden in the waters of the Southern Sea, lies an island unlike any other. Within the amber glow of its pyrogem-laden cliffs, legend says the very heart of the dragon god Drae keeps the island, and its occupants, alive.
Loralee Munroviel, daughter of Leogard’s High Priestess Arianne, had no idea what she would face when she arrived by boat ten years ago and was left alone in exile. All she knew about Draekoria’s inhabitants was written in one tattered notebook. Now, her life revolves around keeping Drae’s descendants happy. Never in her life did she imagine being a Dragon Keeper.
Captain Igrorio Everlyn, known as Sir Robert to his unit of Holy Paladins, has faced his share of hell, battling the evils of Emperor Sarvonn’s tyranny and the dark god Tyr’s abominations. But none of that compares to the ten years of hell he’s been without Loralee, presumed dead.
One freak storm changes everything. Now the two of them must fight to reestablish the delicate balance of the island before the dragons take things into their own hands. Through it all, they discover the secrets that kept them, and their hearts, exiled for a decade.
Excerpt From Chapter Three:
After a shipwreck, Sir Robert wakes up in a strange cottage, only to find Loralee, the love of his life, whom he thought had been dead for a decade…
“I don’t understand. What is this place?”
“It’s an island. Very few know of its existence.”
I shook my head, trying to clear the fog of this confusing dream come to life. “But, why would you be here, and why would you be sorry? Unless…”
The words wouldn’t come. My racing mind pitched in to help. Unless she didn’t want to marry me after all.
Wrenching pain I’d kept tucked inside broke free, and I clambered to my feet. Loralee followed suit, backing herself into the small dining table.
I tried, but could not hide the bitter anger in my words. “How could you do this to me? Do you have any idea what I’ve been through?”
Her eyes widened. She clutched the table with one hand and her robe with the other. “What you’ve been through? I didn’t want this. I was forced here.”
“What do you mean, forced here? Where are your shackles?” My voice roared through the little cottage as I gestured around me with one arm. “Where are the bars? This looks like no prison I’ve ever seen.”
Her voice cracked the air, rivaling with my own. “I was betrayed, forced into exile. Don’t you understand? I never wanted to leave you. I never wanted anything so much as I wanted you.”
Pacing away, I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. I had to calm myself, to let the weight of this discovery, the improbability of her explanation to sink into my water-logged brain.
I couldn’t bring myself to look at her just yet, so I stared at my bare feet instead. “Why didn’t you tell me, write to me?”
“I tried. I begged the supply ship crew to bring my letters to you. They always took them, but never brought one in return. I suspect they destroyed them, but I had no way of knowing.” She sucked in a shaky breath as though trying to hold back her tears. “I never stopped loving you.”
Turning back to face her, I felt like a mindless beast. Here I was, raging against the love of my life when she’d all but been brought back from the dead.
“Loralee.” I eased toward her. She cringed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Without a word, I leaned in and pressed my forehead to hers, allowing myself to breathe in her scent for the first time in a decade. We stood suspended like that for a while, lost in time, and emerging from a purgatory neither of us had imagined ten years ago. I would have been content to stand like that forever, but Loralee burst into tears and wilted to the floor.
I followed her down and opened the quilt to wrap us both inside. I held her tight while she cried.
While I cried.
I finally got enough breath to speak again. “What did you mean by forced here? They told me you were…” I couldn’t say it, not with her warm and so very alive against me.
“I know.”
The weight of it all came crashing down on me. “This is my fault, isn’t it? You’re here because of me.”
She made no attempt to wipe her cheeks, but shook her head and stared at the rafters as though entreating the gods. “No, it’s not your fault. Not at all. There is so much to explain, I don’t know where to start.”
I couldn’t comprehend any of it, so I focused on the here and now. “You found me on the shore?”
She nodded.
“The crew, Francis…did you find anyone else out there?”
“No, I had Xax-, I mean, no, I searched but didn’t find anyone else.”
The familiar weight of grief squeezed my chest, and a few more tears escaped before I could stop them.
She pulled me close and whispered, “I’m so sorry. I know how much you loved him. We all did.”
“We all grieved for you. You’ve been here…all this time?”
“Yes.”
“By the gods, Loralee, I’ve missed you so much.” I put my wet cheek against hers and pressed my lips to her soft skin. “Part of me died the day I thought you… please…just tell me how you ended up here.”
Loralee took a few deep breaths and finally pulled away from me. She caressed my cheek and smiled weakly. “I’ll make us a pot of tea. And then, I think we should start at the beginning, back to the Great Plague and when we first met. Do you remember that?”
Smiling past the sadness, I covered her hand with mine and closed my eyes. “How could I ever forget?”
Bio:
Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger’s Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya’s Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind’s ‘Sword of Truth’ series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.
Mysti’s other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University’s six week free course, F2K.
Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder’s Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
Contact the Author:
Blog: www.mystiparker.blogspot.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221
Twitter @MystiParker
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4625596.Mysti_Parker
The Tallenmere series is available at www.melange-books.com , Amazon, B&N, and many other online bookstores.
June 1, 2013
Cover stories with elves
Hi guys! How is everyone? This has been a crazy month. I’ve had family visiting from Costa Rica, Central America – my wonderful parents in law. They stayed here for the whole month, and we traveled to Crete for a week, too. I’ve never eaten so much good food, and we chilled out in the medieval city of Chania together with my husband. It was great.
Meanwhile, I finished writing episode 5 – the final episode in my Urban Fantasy series Boreal and John Grey. Final for Season 1, of course, as I’m planning to write at least one more season (after I have finished my other series, Elei’s Chronicles).
The cover for episode 5 was done just like the other four – a picture of the same model, same fonts, same layers. I will do a reveal next week, or whenever the episode goes live.
BUT!!! I needed a cover for the whole season, which I plan to release soon after. What to do??
I had two main options: 1) put on the front the cover of episode 1. Several people advised me to do this. and 2) make a new cover.
Here is option 1:
Being the cover art addict that I am, I decided to make a new one – with Finn on it, of course! isn’t he gorgeous? and see how it went. Here are my attempts for your eyes only:
Please note that I’m not obsessed with pretty boys. Really, I’m not. It’s all in your mind. 
And another:
The “titles only” option:
But I wasn’t really happy with them… I’m difficult when it comes to covers. I made another one:
Okay, and then I fell in love with this last one and it was all over. lol. Honestly. I decided this was the one – the contrasts and colors. So this will be the official cover for the boxset of season one. The talented author and graphic artist Nathalie Hamidi has made this into a boxset for me:
This is the unofficial reveal, just for you. I will make an official one once the boxset it released. Thanks for following me on my cover art adventures. Have a great day, keep calm and continue reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 12, 2013
Elle Casey’s Huge Spring giveaway – and mine!
Hey everyone! I hope you’re all doing very well. I’ve been sort of absent because:
a) I have family visiting from Costa Rica
b) It was Easter! (christian orthodox Easter)
c) I was writing!!!
Ahem, yeah. *forces herself to stop jumping about and type*
Today I’ve gathered you here to tell you that YA/NA author Elle Casey – yes, the awesome Elle Casey! – is organizing a huge giveaway on her site with the participation of many authors, including yours truly!!
Just to remind you: YA is stories about teens (around 15-18) and NA is about young adults (18-25 or thereabouts with more profanity, adult themes and possibly sex).
So what are you waiting for? Head over to Elle’s site and fill in as many forms as you like for the books that strike your fancy!
Elle Casey’s Spring giveaway
You can also find most of the books on the clickable list on Elle’s site – click on the screenshot below to be directed there!
As for me, I’m giving away 15 copies of The Encounter (Episode 1 of Boreal and John Grey) – NA urban fantasy, and 10 copies of Rex Cresting (Book 2 of Elei’s Chronicles) – note that Rex Rising is now permanently free – just go to amazon and download your copy to start reading the series!!
Have fun!!
May 9, 2013
New release – episode 4 of Boreal and John Grey “The Dream”
Hi boys, girls and droids. I’ve been holed away for some time, writing. I’m hoping to finish Season 1 of Boreal and John Grey this month, and finally episode 4 is out!! (episode 5 is in the works)
Do you know this series? Do you like kick-ass heroines, angsty boys, action and suspense, and elves? Then this is for you!
It all starts with the elves. Centuries ago, they tried to invade us and failed. Now they are back.
Paranormal Bureau Agent Ella Benson knows her job: fight the Shades living between worlds and keep everyone safe. But then her partner goes missing, a mysterious guy saves her life, and increasingly dangerous creatures slip into her city. After centuries of peace, the gates beyond the Veil are opening and an old enemy is returning: the elves.
A lot happens after this. Finn and Ella become partners, and all that she knows are turned on their head. The Gates are opening; the elves are lurking behind them, ready to cross; the white animals of Aelfheim are roaming free.
And she has given her heart to Finn, even though she doesn’t want to acknowledge it.
So, without further ado, here is what episode 4 is about:
Suspicious about Dave’s nature and motivations, Ella decides to conduct her own investigation, trying to figure out if he’s a rogue Guardian or just human. Meanwhile, Finn seems convinced Ella doesn’t trust him — and Ella isn’t sure who she trusts anymore. However, her feelings for Finn cannot be denied. As her nightmares worsen, more animals cross through the Gates and the Shade attacks intensify, targeting Finn, Ella is only certain of one thing: she has to find out who John Grey is and stop him from opening a stable Gate or else the Elves will launch a full scale invasion and take over her world.
So… here you are. One more episode, and I promise you a real ending, no cliffhangers.
Although that doesn’t mean a Season 2 won’t happen… I’m too fond of my characters to abandon them that easily.
Happy reading!!
April 20, 2013
Black Sheep blog tour – Book #3 release
Happy Saturday morning everyone! I hope you’re having a relaxed weekend with lots of time to read… because book 3 in the Black Sheep series by author Kia Zi Shiru is live! Don’t forget to scroll to the end to read an excerpt!
The series is New adult with gay protagonists and looks amazing. I got my copies and can’t wait to read!!!
Black Sheep Trilogy (Collection)
Black Sheep follows Vic, his sister Anne, his best friend Adam and his new boyfriend Jack as they are learning to deal with Vic’s past and illness while at the same time dealing with their own lives.
Black Sheep: Letting go of the Past
Vic is struggling to begin a relationship with Jack while at the same time he is is trying to overcome the trauma of the year before. Jack knows something is wrong but can’t get Vic to open up about what happened, no matter how hard he tries.
Black Sheep: Loving in the Present
Vic seems to be overcoming another bout of depression but as he seems to be getting better the lives of the people around him are turning worse. After a clash with Adam Vic seeks help in a place he shouldn’t, unknowingly putting Jack at risk.
Black Sheep: Fighting for a Future
Vic’s bad streak doesn’t seem to be ending soon and everybody has to deal with losses of their own. Until the doctor gives Vic the worst news of all, he is dying. This finally jars Vic into action, he wants to make all his loved ones happy before that happens.
But time is running out quickly and he isn’t sure he will be able to reach his goal.
Buy links:
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/ZBdoqd
AmazonUS: http://amzn.to/YxvM87
AmazonUK: http://amzn.to/ZbNws7
Webpage: http://5timeschaos.com/blacksheepcollection
So here is Kia, ready to talk about her series and her views of the world:
Chrys: Hi dear Kia! Welcome back! To start, can you tell us of a gay protagonist (other than your own) than you like?
Hmmm, through the time I’ve read quite a few gay books and I’m trying to think of one that really stood out to me. I think it must be When love comes to town by Tom Lennon, an Irish author. It was either the first or second book with gay characters that I read and it really influenced my own writing. The main character Neil goes through such changes over the course of the whole book, from scared about being gay to trying to accept who he is and making friends within the LGBT community. I like (what I remember, it has been a couple of years) the openness of the character to all the things that he experiences.
Chrys: Is there a book with gay protagonists or main characters which inspired you early in your career?
Both When Love Comes to Town and The Days of Bluegrass Love by Edward van de Vendel (a Dutch author) have influenced me immensely. They were the only gay books that were in the library in the youth section when I was a teen. I don’t know if it’s any different yet but these two stories really helped me not just realise about gay characters but have also greatly influenced the way I approach writing gay characters as both don’t have stereotypical gay characters. Nothing about fashion, floppy wrists or any of that stuff. These were male characters that I knew from other youth books, they were just gay.
Chrys: What would be your dream cast if your series was turned into a movie?
I always get this question during interviews and I never know how to answer it. I’m not that much a visual person, a character is often a combination of character and only a few physical characteristics like Adam’s colourful hair, Vic’s long black hair and his sweatbands, Jack’s long hair and his smile. This makes questions like this hard to answer since the cast is more about internal characteristics then external.
Chrys: What makes your protagonist memorable?
I think his strength, something that isn’t as much explored in the first two books but a lot more in the third book. Vic isn’t just a victim of his own past any more but even though his own life isn’t getting any better he is able to connect to an inner strength that has only been visible a couple of times in the first two book. That, and that he is just really caring to all the people around him, which sometimes gets him in trouble. For me what always stood out about Vic was his love. When I think of Vic I think about love, loving and protecting the ones around you.
Chrys: How is the state of YA fiction regarding gay characters? are there good books/enough books/not enough/not good?
I think the market is getting better, there have been more books coming out in the last few years and a lot of places are paying special attention to all of it. The growing amount of blogs dedicated to YA and NA LGBT fiction is a good thing and hopefully spur on more people to write in the genre but not just in a sexual way. I hope that in the coming years gay fiction will move away from the coming out story and the sex story and open up the reading world to both regular life and maybe gay fantasy heros. I’d love to see less focus on being gay and more focus on what it actually means in the same way as we look at straight characters that go through everyday struggles.
Chrys: Have you had responses from gay readers about your books?
I had a few replies to the story when it was still being ran as a serial, they were usually good replies. Since publication I’ve had reviews from both straight and gay men and they were always very positive. Which makes me both really happy and always scares me slightly, as I’m always scared to do something wrong. Which is my own fault and has more to do with my perfectionism and less with the great support I’ve had for my works since release.
Chrys: What about sex? do you think you’ll ever have explicit scenes in your books?
Black Sheep Trilogy doesn’t have any explicit sex scenes in it (or any sex scenes at all) and I didn’t intend on this, it simply happened because of the characters. My upcoming New Adult paranormal/urban fantasy series Otherkin Spirits has multiple sex scenes in it. Both because that is how the characters are and because it is written for an older age group. I had a lot of fun with exploring this.
Chrys:Thank you for stopping by! This has been very interesting for me. And I honestly can’t wait to read this series!! And don’t forget that book 3 has just been released:
Black Sheep: Fighting for a Future
Jack is dead, Adam is back in the hospital in the worst condition he’s ever been and Vic believes it’s all his fault. That he’s the reason everyone’s hurting and that there’s only one way to end it – to end his own life.
Then the doctor bears bad news, Vic’s own condition has worsened and his days are numbered.
This is the wake-up call Vic needs. Maybe he can, for once, make people happy before he hurts them in the worst way possible. He hides his condition from everyone, not wanting anyone to worry while he’s trying to make them happy.
But time is running out. Will Vic see his wish fulfilled before the end comes?
Buy links:
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/Z7Bmk4
AmazonUS: http://amzn.to/Z3vqCK
AmazonUK: http://amzn.to/16ygRw2
Excerpt from book 3 Fighting for a Future:
Excerpt
~Adam~
I sit, looking around the room, waiting for Tom to be done with his placement so he’ll come over. It’s boring being on my own in the hospital. Normally I have my laptop or at least some books with me, but next to my bed there is only a bag with clean clothing, no books or anything to entertain me.
A soft knock diverts my attention to the door. Tom is standing there with a broad smile on his face and my laptop bag in his hand. He can be such an angel.
“They told me you’d probably be awake by the time I returned from my placement so I thought I should bring you something. How are you feeling?” The words keep coming as he walks around the room, putting my laptop on the table and leaning against my bed. His mouth smiles but his eyes are sad.
“How long have I been out?” I feel the stubble on my chin. “More than a night, I would say.”
“A few days. They did a couple of tests on you but they were scared your body wouldn’t be able to handle another attack in such a short time.”
“They drugged me.” It’s not a question, it’s a statement. “You allowed them to drug me because it was easier on you? Because they asked for it?” My anger flares and Tom cowers. That is wrong, Tom doesn’t cower for anyone like that, especially not for me. What has happened while I was out? Was the attack that bad?
Tom sits down next to the bed on a chair, just out of my reach, and sighs. “You almost didn’t make it. I was not going to take the chance that you’d die.” He shakes his head, the next words barely audible. “Not you. I wasn’t gonna lose you.”
“What do you mean?” I reach out, the pain on Tom’s face reflected in my own heart. I don’t know what happened in the past days but it must have been bad, really bad.
Tom looks at my hand and then at my face. He stands and pulls me in a close hug.
“I don’t know how to tell you this,” Tom whispers, his voice thick with tears.
“Tell me what?” I’m scared, scared about what is going on, what has happened.
About the author:
Kia Zi Shiru is a Dutch girl studying English and Creative Writing in the UK. Amongst her interests she finds writing, reading, doing research and learning different languages (including but not limited to: English, Dutch, French, German, HTML, Java, PHP and Assembly). Her writing and reading habits include books with Young Adults, gay themes, strong female or minority characters and fantasy elements (more often than not all at the same time).
You can find me:
Website www.5timeschaos.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/kiazishiru
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/KiaShiru
And if you want to keep up to date you can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/vvShb
April 9, 2013
New release plus free promo for Boreal and John Grey!
NEW RELEASE!!!
Good day boys, girls and adroids. I hope you’re having a great month.
I have good news for those of you who like urban fantasy and/or have been following my urban fantasy series “Boreal and John Grey”: Episode 3 is finally out!
So without further ado, here is the cover, blurb and link:
Summary:
Centuries ago, they tried to invade us and failed. Now the elves are back.
Finn’s revelation has placed Ella between a rock and a hard place. Unsure how to reconcile herself to his true nature, she struggles with trust issues and her feelings for him. Add to the mix her discovery that her dead ex-partner harbored more secrets than a library book can contain, and Ella has just about more than she can handle. With the snow wolves and dragons loose, the out-of-season heavy winter and a return of the mysterious Guardians, Ella’s week is looking sucky at best — if the world doesn’t end first.
Link to:
FREE PROMO!!!
To celebrate the release of episode 3 (at last! at last!) – I have set episode 1 FREE, for those of you who would like to give the series a try:
So, give my elves a try! They’re sexy and some of them are pretty evil – pretty nevertheless! – and there are mysteries and portals and Shades and lots of childhood traumas… It’s fun, I promise!! 
Happy reading!
