Noree Cosper's Blog, page 25
February 8, 2013
Blogger Book Fair: Interview with Nathan Squiers, the Literary Dark Prince
Hello friends and lovers. Today is another awesome day of the Blogger Book Fair. We get to sit down with the Literary Dark Prince himself and learn more about his writing and life. May I introduce Nathan Squiers:
When and why did you begin writing? I’ve been a storyteller of some form or another for as long as I can remember, but I’d say my focus on writing became genuine when I was about 13. At first it served as a creative outlet for venting my teenage angst and depression, but, when I was 15 and going through some hard times, I started to write a “creative suicide letter” about a boy named Xander Stryker. What started as a short story, however, compelled me to write more of Xander’s story and, in my efforts to have him find the strength to live, I found my own. The first book of the Crimson Shadow series, “Noir”, is the product of that original intent, and I’ve been writing ever since.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?I’d have to say my early teen years when I first discovered the escape it offered.
What inspired you to write your first book?Pain and depression.
What is your current book(s) about?“Noir” is being re-released in the near future and marks the first book in the Crimson Shadow series; a saga that centers on the tortured and self-destructive young man who, after discovering his vampiric lineage, chooses to be turned so that he can fulfill the legacy he’d been destined for. However, as new truths of his dark past begin to surface, his chosen path becomes harder and harder to follow.
How did you come up with the title?When I was originally conceiving the idea the prospect of being “trapped in darkness” and perpetually drawn to spill one’s own blood motivated the phrase “Caught up in a crimson shadow” was something I came up with.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?Yes/no.Yes – some of what I write is, in some way or another, tied to something that I or a loved one have encountered and conveys the view/impact that lies therein. These, however, are not exactly things inherently exclusive to my life, so I convey them in a way that allows others who can relate feel a deeper connection with the character(s) (ex – I was suicidal, I do struggle with internal conflicts stemmed in depression and rage, I often fear for the wellbeing of loved ones and how my actions/nonactions can impact them, I do find a great deal of magic and power in love and romance, and I feel resentment over the ongoing conflict between what I want to do and what I need to do).No – a great deal of details that define the particular plot in my work—characters, integral events, revelations/life-lessons—are nothing more than a product of my own personal insanity (ex – I’ve never bore witness to a group assault, I’ve never smoked or drank, I’ve never known a prostitute or served in a military or handled a firearm, and I’ve certainly never met any gnarly non-human creatures [unfortunately]).
What books have most influenced your life?I loved reading the Goosebumps and Animorph books as a kid, and, even to this day, I think the elements that drove those stories have inspired my own work. Since then, however, the “Sunglasses After Dark” series by Nancy A. Collins and the “Nightlife” books by Rob Thurman have motivated a great deal of my approach to writing. However, while I am an avid reader and lover of novels, I’m more influenced by comic books, Japanese anime, and horror/action movies over other writing.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?I suppose I’d go with the likes of Rob Thurman (if nothing else I feel that she—yes, “Rob” is short for “Robyn”—would be fun to converse with). Having said that, though, I’d sooner mentor under my favorite filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro (director of Blade II, the Hellboy movies, Pan’s Labyrinth, and a slew of other truly epic flicks).
What are your current projects?I’m currently in the process of re-releasing books 1 & 2 of the Crimson Shadow series, “Noir” and “Sins of the Father” respectively, as well as the first book in my Death Metal series, “Curtain Call”. Past that, I’m working on polishing book 3 of Crimson Shadow, “Killing Loneliness”, and negotiating with a few artists to get my comic book series, “Night Tide: Chronicles of a Vampire Vigilante”, put out. There is a far grander plot in the works, but The Literary Dark Prince is not at liberty to publicize them just yet (stay tuned ;-) ).
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?One of my ongoing efforts is to create a visual scene for readers—something I’ve come to refer to as “cinematic literacy”—and the process of juggling visually descriptive language without bogging down the pacing of a scene is often a struggle (I’ll often find myself asking if I’m being too descriptive and making things move too slow or if I’m moving too fast and creating a scene that’s difficult to envision).With “Death Metal”, because I write song lyrics for the featured band to perform, I’ve found that writing lyrics is incredibly time-consuming and demanding.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?With “Noir”, due to the nature of the content—in which a lot of dark and painful was driven—I found myself hospitalized more times than I care to admit due to panic attacks and breakdowns. It wasn’t uncommon for me to wind up taking several months off from writing the piece so that I could recover from the previous breakdown.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?“Noir” originally started off as a “creative suicide letter” and was only supposed to be a short story; I’d never intended to turn it into a book or anything more than a momentary “legacy” to leave behind. However, as I wrote the piece I found myself compelled to tell more of Xander’s story, and finally felt compelled to make him fight and survive. In doing this, I was forced to find the strength to overcome my own suicidal tendencies.
Do you have any advice for other writers?Never stop writing. There’s going to be ups and downs, and there’s going to be A LOT of criticism and rejection (and, with it, a lot of self-doubt). Through it all, though, if writing is something that you love to do, then you owe it to yourself and your potential audience to continue. The truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as an “almost” book. I’ve met a lot of people who will say that they “almost wrote a book”, and, though it’s an admirable effort, “almost” does not mean a thing. You can’t publish an “almost” book, so it truly amounts to the same as NO book. If your dream is to write a novel, then the first threshold to get past is to have something finished.Though there’s many motivators to quit, it’s those that find the strength to keep on writing that get their work out.
Thanks Nathan. And not a little about the book.
“Crimson Shadow: Noir” (re-release):
Xander Stryker wants to die. Ever since witnessing his mother's murder at the hands of his abusive stepfather when he was a boy, he has spent every day trying to reach that goal. But every night he's denied the death he craves.
When his eighteenth birthday approaches, an unforeseen chance for change is offered when his life is plunged into chaos and he's dragged into a supernatural world of vampires and other creatures of darkness. Caught in the depths of this new reality, mysteries of his supernatural lineage begin to unravel and Xander is given the ultimate choice:
Continue on with his wretched life or begin a new one as the vampire he was always meant to be.
Unfortunately, the supernatural world can be just as unforgiving and brutal as any other and Xander's choice is met with disastrous consequences. Now, with the chaos of the new world pressing down on him, his past reemerges and once again threatens to crush him. Will Xander be able to use his new strength to conquer his fears, or will he succumb to his own bloody darkness...
... and allow it to finally destroy him.
Bio:
After surviving public school, where he spent most of his days locked away in the AV room watching old 80s movies on Laserdisc and planning out his next video project, Nathan began a shaky college career. A love of inventing and telling stories was motivation enough to pursue an education in English, and, as luck would have it, a series of phenomenal professors were presented to get him pointed in the right direction. It was in his first years of college that
Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of "A Prescription for Delirium."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
When and why did you begin writing? I’ve been a storyteller of some form or another for as long as I can remember, but I’d say my focus on writing became genuine when I was about 13. At first it served as a creative outlet for venting my teenage angst and depression, but, when I was 15 and going through some hard times, I started to write a “creative suicide letter” about a boy named Xander Stryker. What started as a short story, however, compelled me to write more of Xander’s story and, in my efforts to have him find the strength to live, I found my own. The first book of the Crimson Shadow series, “Noir”, is the product of that original intent, and I’ve been writing ever since.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?I’d have to say my early teen years when I first discovered the escape it offered.
What inspired you to write your first book?Pain and depression.
What is your current book(s) about?“Noir” is being re-released in the near future and marks the first book in the Crimson Shadow series; a saga that centers on the tortured and self-destructive young man who, after discovering his vampiric lineage, chooses to be turned so that he can fulfill the legacy he’d been destined for. However, as new truths of his dark past begin to surface, his chosen path becomes harder and harder to follow.
How did you come up with the title?When I was originally conceiving the idea the prospect of being “trapped in darkness” and perpetually drawn to spill one’s own blood motivated the phrase “Caught up in a crimson shadow” was something I came up with.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?Yes/no.Yes – some of what I write is, in some way or another, tied to something that I or a loved one have encountered and conveys the view/impact that lies therein. These, however, are not exactly things inherently exclusive to my life, so I convey them in a way that allows others who can relate feel a deeper connection with the character(s) (ex – I was suicidal, I do struggle with internal conflicts stemmed in depression and rage, I often fear for the wellbeing of loved ones and how my actions/nonactions can impact them, I do find a great deal of magic and power in love and romance, and I feel resentment over the ongoing conflict between what I want to do and what I need to do).No – a great deal of details that define the particular plot in my work—characters, integral events, revelations/life-lessons—are nothing more than a product of my own personal insanity (ex – I’ve never bore witness to a group assault, I’ve never smoked or drank, I’ve never known a prostitute or served in a military or handled a firearm, and I’ve certainly never met any gnarly non-human creatures [unfortunately]).
What books have most influenced your life?I loved reading the Goosebumps and Animorph books as a kid, and, even to this day, I think the elements that drove those stories have inspired my own work. Since then, however, the “Sunglasses After Dark” series by Nancy A. Collins and the “Nightlife” books by Rob Thurman have motivated a great deal of my approach to writing. However, while I am an avid reader and lover of novels, I’m more influenced by comic books, Japanese anime, and horror/action movies over other writing.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?I suppose I’d go with the likes of Rob Thurman (if nothing else I feel that she—yes, “Rob” is short for “Robyn”—would be fun to converse with). Having said that, though, I’d sooner mentor under my favorite filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro (director of Blade II, the Hellboy movies, Pan’s Labyrinth, and a slew of other truly epic flicks).
What are your current projects?I’m currently in the process of re-releasing books 1 & 2 of the Crimson Shadow series, “Noir” and “Sins of the Father” respectively, as well as the first book in my Death Metal series, “Curtain Call”. Past that, I’m working on polishing book 3 of Crimson Shadow, “Killing Loneliness”, and negotiating with a few artists to get my comic book series, “Night Tide: Chronicles of a Vampire Vigilante”, put out. There is a far grander plot in the works, but The Literary Dark Prince is not at liberty to publicize them just yet (stay tuned ;-) ).
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?One of my ongoing efforts is to create a visual scene for readers—something I’ve come to refer to as “cinematic literacy”—and the process of juggling visually descriptive language without bogging down the pacing of a scene is often a struggle (I’ll often find myself asking if I’m being too descriptive and making things move too slow or if I’m moving too fast and creating a scene that’s difficult to envision).With “Death Metal”, because I write song lyrics for the featured band to perform, I’ve found that writing lyrics is incredibly time-consuming and demanding.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?With “Noir”, due to the nature of the content—in which a lot of dark and painful was driven—I found myself hospitalized more times than I care to admit due to panic attacks and breakdowns. It wasn’t uncommon for me to wind up taking several months off from writing the piece so that I could recover from the previous breakdown.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?“Noir” originally started off as a “creative suicide letter” and was only supposed to be a short story; I’d never intended to turn it into a book or anything more than a momentary “legacy” to leave behind. However, as I wrote the piece I found myself compelled to tell more of Xander’s story, and finally felt compelled to make him fight and survive. In doing this, I was forced to find the strength to overcome my own suicidal tendencies.
Do you have any advice for other writers?Never stop writing. There’s going to be ups and downs, and there’s going to be A LOT of criticism and rejection (and, with it, a lot of self-doubt). Through it all, though, if writing is something that you love to do, then you owe it to yourself and your potential audience to continue. The truth of the matter is that there is no such thing as an “almost” book. I’ve met a lot of people who will say that they “almost wrote a book”, and, though it’s an admirable effort, “almost” does not mean a thing. You can’t publish an “almost” book, so it truly amounts to the same as NO book. If your dream is to write a novel, then the first threshold to get past is to have something finished.Though there’s many motivators to quit, it’s those that find the strength to keep on writing that get their work out.
Thanks Nathan. And not a little about the book.
“Crimson Shadow: Noir” (re-release):
Xander Stryker wants to die. Ever since witnessing his mother's murder at the hands of his abusive stepfather when he was a boy, he has spent every day trying to reach that goal. But every night he's denied the death he craves.
When his eighteenth birthday approaches, an unforeseen chance for change is offered when his life is plunged into chaos and he's dragged into a supernatural world of vampires and other creatures of darkness. Caught in the depths of this new reality, mysteries of his supernatural lineage begin to unravel and Xander is given the ultimate choice:
Continue on with his wretched life or begin a new one as the vampire he was always meant to be.
Unfortunately, the supernatural world can be just as unforgiving and brutal as any other and Xander's choice is met with disastrous consequences. Now, with the chaos of the new world pressing down on him, his past reemerges and once again threatens to crush him. Will Xander be able to use his new strength to conquer his fears, or will he succumb to his own bloody darkness...
... and allow it to finally destroy him.
Bio:
After surviving public school, where he spent most of his days locked away in the AV room watching old 80s movies on Laserdisc and planning out his next video project, Nathan began a shaky college career. A love of inventing and telling stories was motivation enough to pursue an education in English, and, as luck would have it, a series of phenomenal professors were presented to get him pointed in the right direction. It was in his first years of college that
Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of "A Prescription for Delirium."
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 7, 2013
Blogger Book Fair: Great Book Find: Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1), a Young Adult Fantasy Adventure by S. M. Boyce
Hey beautiful people! For the second day of the Blogger Book Fair I have great book for you to check out. Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon should really enjoy this modern twist on the classic epic fantasy genre. This is a really unique tale with a lot of imagery to it.
Best part? You can grab Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1) for free!
Amazon Rating:Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1): 4.5 Star AverageTreason (Grimoire Saga #2): 5 Star AverageHeritage (Grimoire Saga #3): Available Fall 2013Illusion (Grimoire Saga #4): Available Fall 2014
"The Grimoire Saga has the potential to become a cult classic the likes of the Lord of the Rings”—The Eternal Scribe {Reviews}
"This would make a great movie. A great book. A great TV show. Great everything. I mean, Boyce sells it at the concept, but she doesn't stop there. She delivers."—Rebecca Hamilton, author of The Forever Girl series
Lichgates (Grimoire Saga #1)
Now an international Amazon bestseller. Fans of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Eragon will enjoy this contemporary remix of the classic epic fantasy genre.----------------Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things--Ourea.
Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother's recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book's untamed power. Discovered by Ourea's royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict--a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn't trust anyone... but she's being hunted and can't survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn't know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.
For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.
Welcome to Ourea, where only the cunning survive.
Get Your FREE Copy Now:
Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Kobo | PaperbackRead the 1st Chapter Free | Add it on Goodreads
Treason (Grimoire Saga #2)Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don't go as planned.
Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who--and what--he is. He has to face the facts. He's a prince. He's a murderer. He's a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he's out for blood.
To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.
Buy Yours Now:
Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Kobo | PaperbackRead the 1st Chapter Free | Add it on Goodreads
Heritage (Grimoire Saga #3)Kara Magari isn’t normal, and she finally understands why. She’s forced to face a past she didn’t know she had, and she uncovers an ugly truth along the way.
Braeden Drakonin has been slowly rebuilding his life after the betrayal that tore it apart. He may just get the chance to redeem himself…but it will come at a terrible price.
Learn More:
Add it on Goodreads
Illusion (Grimoire Saga #4)In 2014, the Grimorie Saga comes to an end. Blood is spilled. Love is tested. Loyalty fades. Peace will come at a hefty cost. And in the final moments of the war, both Kara and Braeden will have to make a heartbreaking sacrifice to win.
Learn More:
Add it on Goodreads
About S.M. BoycePublished fantasy author. Twitter addict. Book Blogger. Geek. Sarcastic. Gooey. Odd. Author of the action-packed Grimoire Saga.
S.M. Boyce is a fiction novelist who loves ghosts, magic, and spooky things. She prefers loose-leaf tea, reads far too many books, and is always cold. She’s married to her soul mate and couldn’t be happier. Her B.A. in Creative Writing qualifies her to serve you french fries.
Boyce likes to update her blog a few times each week so that you have something to wake you up in the morning.
Connect with S.M. BoyceWebsite | Blog | Advice for WritersFacebook | Twitter | Google + | Pinterest | YoutubeGoodreads Page | Amazon Page
Don't forget you can enter to win a signed print copy of "A Prescription for Delirium."a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 6, 2013
Blogger Book Fair Day 1: Interview with Kyra Dune
Welcome! Today we kick off the Blogger Book Fairhttp://www.bloggerbookfair.blogspot.com/. This is a massive online book fair with over 170 books from 70 authors. All different genres are available. But the best thing is there are all sorts of events going on at this. Be sure to check the directory to see what different authors and bloggers have going on at their blogs. So, today I'm going to introduce you to the lovely Kyra Dune:
When and why did you begin writing? I started writing when I was nine. My teacher would give us a certain amount of time to finish our assignments and if we got them done early we could sit quietly at our desks and do something else. I always read, but one day I finished my book and I didn't have another one so I just pulled out a notebook and started writing. I've been writing ever since.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? When I was twelve.
What inspired you to write your first book? I was riding in the car and this song came on the radio. It was about a guy who has been out partying all weekend and now he has to go back to work. There's a line that goes 'I woke up Monday morning with a hammer in my hand.' I thought to myself that if he'd been out partying all weekend he probably had a hammer in his head. That sparked the first line of the book and it just went from there.
What is your current book about? Elfblood is about a teenage boy, Charlie, who is descended from a slave elf. He and his friends get hauled off to a prison camp to mine for a dangerous mineral used in the making of bombs. The king wants to start a world war and wipe all non-humans from existence. To try and stop him, Charlie has to find a lost elven magic and learn to control the magic inside of himself.
How did you come up with the title? Elfblood is what people of mixed human and elven blood are called in the kingdom of Angland.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? No
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Stephen King. I admire his fearless approach to writing and his ability to create characters that are so real they leap off the page.
What are your current projects? Rise of the Watchtower (Time of Shadows #4) High Fantasy Series, Dragons of War (Firebrand #3) YA Sword & Sorcery Trilogy, The Black Mountain (Dragonstar #2) YA Epic Fantasy Duology, Web Of Light is an Epic Fantasy, and Angel (working title) Urban Fantasy.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? The first draft is always hardest for me. I'm a panster, so I just sit down and write whatever pops into my head. It makes for a messy first draft but it works for me.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Never give up. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how hopeless it seems, if you really want something you have to keep going after it no matter what hurdles get thrown in your way. My dad taught me that.
Thanks you very much Kyra. Now a little bit about Kyra's book:
Elfblood: Charlie is an elfblood, descended of a conquered people brought to the brink of extinction in the aftermath of a long war. Being able to pass for human gives Charlie an advantage over most of his kind. Only those who look at his record or those he chooses to tell, need ever know his secret. Growing up in an orphanage is hard enough without having to live with that stigma.When soldiers come and haul the kids off to a prison work camp, Charlie finds himself no longer able to hide the truth of what he is. If that isn’t bad enough, the magic buried inside him is growing stronger and more out of control. As Charlie struggles with his own problems, and with the dangers of the work camp, he finds himself swept up in a much larger struggle, one whose outcome could decide the future of the world.
Bio: Kyra Dune was born in Oklahoma, but spent most of her life travelling with her family. Her published novels include: Shadow Born, Elfblood, and Shadow of the Dragon. As a little girl, her favorite books were those that told of ordinary children who traveled to magical worlds. She’s yet to find her own magic wardrobe or rabbit hole, but she hasn’t given up the search. You never know what might be waiting over the next rainbow.
Facebook Twitter Goodreads Website Blog Amazon
And for something a little extra! During the Blogger Book Fair. You can enter for a chance to win a signed print copy of my book "A Prescription for Delirium."a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also, if you loved "A Prescription for Delirium" vote for it on the Readers Choice Award hosted by Shut up and Read.
When and why did you begin writing? I started writing when I was nine. My teacher would give us a certain amount of time to finish our assignments and if we got them done early we could sit quietly at our desks and do something else. I always read, but one day I finished my book and I didn't have another one so I just pulled out a notebook and started writing. I've been writing ever since.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? When I was twelve.
What inspired you to write your first book? I was riding in the car and this song came on the radio. It was about a guy who has been out partying all weekend and now he has to go back to work. There's a line that goes 'I woke up Monday morning with a hammer in my hand.' I thought to myself that if he'd been out partying all weekend he probably had a hammer in his head. That sparked the first line of the book and it just went from there.
What is your current book about? Elfblood is about a teenage boy, Charlie, who is descended from a slave elf. He and his friends get hauled off to a prison camp to mine for a dangerous mineral used in the making of bombs. The king wants to start a world war and wipe all non-humans from existence. To try and stop him, Charlie has to find a lost elven magic and learn to control the magic inside of himself.
How did you come up with the title? Elfblood is what people of mixed human and elven blood are called in the kingdom of Angland.
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? No
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? Stephen King. I admire his fearless approach to writing and his ability to create characters that are so real they leap off the page.
What are your current projects? Rise of the Watchtower (Time of Shadows #4) High Fantasy Series, Dragons of War (Firebrand #3) YA Sword & Sorcery Trilogy, The Black Mountain (Dragonstar #2) YA Epic Fantasy Duology, Web Of Light is an Epic Fantasy, and Angel (working title) Urban Fantasy.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? The first draft is always hardest for me. I'm a panster, so I just sit down and write whatever pops into my head. It makes for a messy first draft but it works for me.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Never give up. No matter how hard it gets, no matter how hopeless it seems, if you really want something you have to keep going after it no matter what hurdles get thrown in your way. My dad taught me that.
Thanks you very much Kyra. Now a little bit about Kyra's book:
Elfblood: Charlie is an elfblood, descended of a conquered people brought to the brink of extinction in the aftermath of a long war. Being able to pass for human gives Charlie an advantage over most of his kind. Only those who look at his record or those he chooses to tell, need ever know his secret. Growing up in an orphanage is hard enough without having to live with that stigma.When soldiers come and haul the kids off to a prison work camp, Charlie finds himself no longer able to hide the truth of what he is. If that isn’t bad enough, the magic buried inside him is growing stronger and more out of control. As Charlie struggles with his own problems, and with the dangers of the work camp, he finds himself swept up in a much larger struggle, one whose outcome could decide the future of the world.
Bio: Kyra Dune was born in Oklahoma, but spent most of her life travelling with her family. Her published novels include: Shadow Born, Elfblood, and Shadow of the Dragon. As a little girl, her favorite books were those that told of ordinary children who traveled to magical worlds. She’s yet to find her own magic wardrobe or rabbit hole, but she hasn’t given up the search. You never know what might be waiting over the next rainbow.
Facebook Twitter Goodreads Website Blog Amazon
And for something a little extra! During the Blogger Book Fair. You can enter for a chance to win a signed print copy of my book "A Prescription for Delirium."a Rafflecopter giveaway
Also, if you loved "A Prescription for Delirium" vote for it on the Readers Choice Award hosted by Shut up and Read.
January 31, 2013
The Next Big Thing: Omega Effect
So I was tagged in The Next Big Thing by David Jon Fuller and Peter Dawes. Here you have it.
Ten Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing:
What is your working title of your book?
Omega Effect
Where did the idea come from for the book?
It’s the second in the series of the Van Helsing Organization
What genre does your book fall under?
Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Gabby would be Cristina Scabbia from the band Lacuna Coil:
For Esais, Brandon Roth:
For Adrian, Shooter Jennings:
For Tres, Andrei Andrei Aaliyah:
For Marge, Jennifer Morrison:
Anyone else, I’m not revealing for purpose of spoilers.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
The Van Helsing Organization hunt down Marge’s demon, only to find one of them is ready end the world.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It will be self-published.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I’m still writing the first draft.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Dresden Files. The Kate Daniels Series.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
It started out from a roleplaying game. I love these characters and wanted to play in their world more.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It has action, an epic story, love and loss.
I’m going to cheat a bit. As I said, both David Jon Fuller and Peter Dawes tagged me. You should check out their blogs. I’m linking some who have already post theirs because well I love their blogs. First, my girl Friday, Jessica Fortunato, author of The Sin Collector Series and Steam, which is released today. Next, Thomas Winship, author of the Vaempires series, who’s has an awesome dark creepy blog. Finally, Paul Anthony Short, author of Locked Within. I’ve been following his blog for some time and I ‘love it. And that’s it. Right you’re only getting three. What can I say? I abide by no rules!
Ten Interview Questions for the Next Big Thing:
What is your working title of your book?
Omega Effect
Where did the idea come from for the book?
It’s the second in the series of the Van Helsing Organization
What genre does your book fall under?
Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Gabby would be Cristina Scabbia from the band Lacuna Coil:
For Esais, Brandon Roth:
For Adrian, Shooter Jennings:
For Tres, Andrei Andrei Aaliyah:
For Marge, Jennifer Morrison:
Anyone else, I’m not revealing for purpose of spoilers.
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
The Van Helsing Organization hunt down Marge’s demon, only to find one of them is ready end the world.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It will be self-published.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I’m still writing the first draft.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Dresden Files. The Kate Daniels Series.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
It started out from a roleplaying game. I love these characters and wanted to play in their world more.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It has action, an epic story, love and loss.
I’m going to cheat a bit. As I said, both David Jon Fuller and Peter Dawes tagged me. You should check out their blogs. I’m linking some who have already post theirs because well I love their blogs. First, my girl Friday, Jessica Fortunato, author of The Sin Collector Series and Steam, which is released today. Next, Thomas Winship, author of the Vaempires series, who’s has an awesome dark creepy blog. Finally, Paul Anthony Short, author of Locked Within. I’ve been following his blog for some time and I ‘love it. And that’s it. Right you’re only getting three. What can I say? I abide by no rules!
January 24, 2013
Cover Reveal: STEAM by Jessica Fortunato
Hello lovelies, I have a special treat for you in time for Valentine's Day:
Steam is a new short story from author Jessica Fortunato. Also from Fortunato is The Sin Collector, The Sin Collector: Thomasand the short story Banished which can be found in the Nocturnal Embers Anthology. She lives in Pittsburgh PA with her family and ever-growing menagerie of pets.You can find Jessica:WebsiteFacebookTwitterPinterestFind Steam, exclusively for Kindle February 1st, 2013!Charlotte Amelia Caprice may seem like an ordinary girl. She has a job she hates, a boss she despises, and zero romantic prospects. Her friends call her Charlie, when she can keep one for more than a few weeks. Though Charlie may seem ordinary, she is anything but. Charlie doesn’t have a heart. Instead, she has a steam driven machine in her chest, always making her feel less than human. Gears and pistons have been using her own body heat to pump her blood for over a decade. There is one small problem. Her heart is beginning to break. When Charlie meets a brilliant man, one who could save her life, she must choose between being heartless and being alive. A simple choice for some, but for Charlie living on steam isn’t easy.
Steam is a new short story from author Jessica Fortunato. Also from Fortunato is The Sin Collector, The Sin Collector: Thomasand the short story Banished which can be found in the Nocturnal Embers Anthology. She lives in Pittsburgh PA with her family and ever-growing menagerie of pets.You can find Jessica:WebsiteFacebookTwitterPinterestFind Steam, exclusively for Kindle February 1st, 2013!Charlotte Amelia Caprice may seem like an ordinary girl. She has a job she hates, a boss she despises, and zero romantic prospects. Her friends call her Charlie, when she can keep one for more than a few weeks. Though Charlie may seem ordinary, she is anything but. Charlie doesn’t have a heart. Instead, she has a steam driven machine in her chest, always making her feel less than human. Gears and pistons have been using her own body heat to pump her blood for over a decade. There is one small problem. Her heart is beginning to break. When Charlie meets a brilliant man, one who could save her life, she must choose between being heartless and being alive. A simple choice for some, but for Charlie living on steam isn’t easy.
January 23, 2013
Excerpt: A Prescription for Delirium
Today I'm giving you the first chapter of my recently published novel "A Prescription for Delirium." A few weeks ago I gave you a playlist and the blurb has been on here several times. Now you get more of a taste.
Hampton, TX, Present Day
Not five minutes in this backwater town and I had a demon sniffing my trail. He scanned the room with the nostrils of his wide nose flaring. His hair lay plastered against his forehead in greasy brown locks. He towered over everyone, even the people standing, as he squeezed between the large round tables and the gathering at the bar. The frayed threads of his jeans and his leather vest matched the dress of the rest of the roadhouse.
I lifted my drink to my mouth and shifted to my second sight. Most people say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Those people can’t see auras. The lights on the walls dimmed, and the air took on a gray haze, like seeing things under water. Colors bloomed out from each human in the building, blending together in a rainbow. The demon was another matter.
The shaggy black dog the size of a pony stood semi-imposed on all fours over the form of the man. Flames blazed from its eyes as it scanned the room. Was there really a dog walking through a busy Texas bar? No. Demons had no corporeal form and had to possess physical bodies. This one chose a werewolf. Dio, I had a hellhound on my ass.
Talk about bad timing. Ose already had some of his minions patrolling. If it found me, it would go running to its master to let him know I was in town. My hunt was in danger of ending before it even started.
Breathe, Gabby.
I leaned forward and let my black curtain of hair obscure my face. The lid of the salt shaker twisted off in my empty hand and I knocked it over, allowing the grains to spill on the floor. The salt should cover my scent. I slid closer to the group at the next table until I looked like I belonged with them.
One of the men grinned at me, his aura a happy yellow orange. “Hey babe.”
I nodded and raised my glass, but kept my gaze on the hellhound. He paused at a man at the bar who had caught my attention, or more his aura did. A ghostly image of a woman leaned over him, whispering in his ear. My hand tightened around the beer mug, but the mutt moved on. I relaxed. The colors around the people in the bar faded, as did the ghost woman when my sight returned to normal. The haze remained, more from cigarette smoke. I turned my head to the front of the bar. One window and one door were not much of an escape route. Fifty feet of inebriated patrons stood between me and freedom.
Two of the three men I had been waiting for walked through the door. A familiar tingle ran down my spine. For a moment, I flashed back to a dressing room, staring down another Romanian hunter. We’d come across the same prey, though he thought it was a vampire. I inhaled, bringing myself back to the present. This wasn’t the twenties, I wasn’t in Paris, and these brothers weren’t Dimitri.
Both had his chiseled features and his straight nose, though their hair was more of a burnt sienna. The one in front wore his cut short and had a tuft on his chin. He towered over his brother, which meant he would be a mountain compared to my small height. The other kept his hair tucked behind his ears. He stood with his arms crossed, wearing a smirk to let the world know he knew everything.
They cast their eyes over the room. The tall one adjusted the glasses on his face and approached the man sitting at the bar. Several women watched them as they passed. A smile touched my lips. The boys knew how to dress to make an impression. Their leather coats and slacks spoke of sophistication yet still provided enough flexibility to move if needed.
I stood and nodded at the boys who’d been trying to talk to me. Rude, but it was time to work. Besides, they were too young for me. I straightened my red tank top and brushed any wrinkles from my jeans. I couldn’t approach them looking like a guttersnipe. A stool opened up on the other side of them. I took the seat and tried to look casual while listening in on the brothers’ conversation. The bartender stood in front of me, waiting for an order.
I pointed to a beer and leaned back to get a better look at the third man. His back remained mostly to me, giving me a glimpse of his bearded cheek and a ponytail a shade darker in color than the other two. Brother number three. I inched forward to hear better over someone’s bad rendition of “Bad Moon Rising.”
“Ader.” The tall man spoke in Romanian. “Your prison sentence hasn’t ended yet.”
“I got out for being brilliant,” the man at the bar said without turning around.
“Does the warden know that?” the third one asked.
If I remembered correctly, this generation of Van Helsings had four boys. Adam, the oldest, had passed away ten years ago. So that left Esais, Adrian, and Tres. The smirking boy had to be Tres he looked the youngest. Was Ader short for Adrian?
Ader chuckled. “The warden didn’t have much of a say.”
Esais, the tall one, pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. He shook his head, letting out a long sigh as he looked at his brothers.
“Honestly,” he said. “First you end up in jail, and now you’re breaking out. You haven’t changed.”
“You expected me to?” Adrian asked.
"Why are you here?” Esais asked.
“Same reason as you. Revenge.”
Tres crossed his arms. “Why do you even care? You were never around when we needed you.”
Adrian turned to face his brothers, causing both of them to gasp. A patch covered his right eye while the other stared hard at Tres. Esais reached out to touch Adrian’s arm, but he pulled away.
“What happened?” Esais asked.
“Not important.” Adrian turned back to the bar. “Who were you told to meet?”
“A woman named Gabriella Di Luca.”
“Any idea what this woman looks like?”
Esais glanced in my direction with hesitation and opened his mouth.
I cleared my throat, raising my hand in a small wave. “Buna seara.”
Adrian and Tres turned their heads with near identical expressions of distrust. They didn’t expect someone to speak their native language here. I was a stranger invading their family circle.
“Who are you?” Adrian asked.
“Gabriella.”
“Convenient.” The word dripped with sarcasm.
We didn’t have time for this. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. My gaze traveled to the table-filled area further in the room. The hellhound’s wiry form had disappeared through a large door to the right. The atrocious singing wafted through there. This would be a perfect time to exit.
“We need to speak, but not here,” I said.
“We’re not going anywhere with you.”
“Ader,” Esais said.
Adrian looked back at his brother. “We have no proof she is who she claims to be.”
“He’s right. You could be a demon,” Tres said.
“Then you already revealed yourselves with your conversation,” I said. “Look, how much do you know of demons?”
“I’ve read several books on the subject,” Esais said. “That question doesn’t answer our doubts.”
“Do I fit the description you were given?”
Esais adjusted his glasses before nodding.
“Then, can we leave? I may not be one, but there is a demon here.”
Two turned their heads, their muscles tensing as they scanned the bar while Adrian kept his eye on me. The hellhound stepped back into the room and turned his head in my direction. His gaze locked on me, and he began shoving his way through the crowded tables and chairs.
I stood. “Too late.”
Like what you read? Be sure to catch more from Gabriella in "A Prescription for Delirium" available NOW on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.
January 17, 2013
Dresden Revisited
A year and a half ago I wrote a post about my enjoyment of the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Now I can say I've worked my way through all the books. I finished "Cold Days" during the holidays. It took me two days and I want more.
Over the course of the books, you really see all the characters grow, and sometimes in not good ways. The events that happen really have effects on them. But the book that really made this evident was "Changes." After what took place, Harry's life, hell, life around the world would not be the same. Harry can't go back to living in his basement apartment with his cat. But you also see how "Changes" really affected those around him like Murphy and Molly. Both were irrevocably scarred from losing Harry and now that he's back, things aren't the same. And I love that.
In a lot of Urban Fantasy series, I see the following: solve mystery/defeat monster of the book/have same relationship argument/gain more power/but don't change as a character. It kind of gets boring. That's one of the reasons I like the Dresden series so much. It shakes things up to the core.
Don't get me wrong, Butcher does have a few writing quirks I don't like. For instance, in some part when Harry goes off on a tangent about something I can see Butcher putting himself in the books. Still, I love the story and that's what matters.
So, which series do you love and why?
January 13, 2013
Review: DEAD RECKONING by K.A. Prekins
Premise (Taken from Goodreads):
Dead Reckoning is an historical adventure of piracy, love and revenge in the Caribbean in the Seventeenth Century.
Leo is born in Spanish Panama in 1659. When he is 12 years old he witnesses the violent rape and murder of his mother by three of the Caribbean’s most feared pirates: Tarr, Blake and Hornigold, and swears revenge at all costs.
Gabriella is trapped in an abusive marriage to a ruthless Dutch slave trader, who is in business with the same English cut-throats. She risks all to escape with her life.
Follow their exciting story as they face threat and challenge on the Caribbean Seas and pursue their quest of revenge; a quest that leads to a terrifying conclusion. But whose head is in the noose?
Note: I received a copy of this book in trade for a fair review.
I never read the first book, however, that was not a problem. This book pulled me in. We start with Leo who makes a vow of revenge after witnessing the death of his mother. Then we switch to Gabriella, trapped in an abusive marriage. I could really feel for her and was rotting for her through the whole book. Though she had never known anything but abuse, her spirit wasn't broken. In fact, she has a will of steel and a fierce independence that led her in and out of trouble.
There is plenty of action as you are taken for a ride on the high seas with a crew of mostly lovable pirates. The only real issue I had with the book is I felt the explanation of sailing got too detailed and took away from the story at some points. Still, not enough for me to put down the book.
Overall: If you like pirate adventures with a flame of romance, then you should read this book.
Pick up your copy today at:
Amazon| Barnes&Noble| AbeBooks
January 10, 2013
Supernatural Hunting Armory: Knives and Swords
I know what you're thinking. Swords? How antiquated. But sometimes a bullet just won't cut it with a supernatural creature. I mean, have you ever seen a vampire die to bullet wounds? If so, it's rare. Sometimes you can accept no substitutions for a good beheading. And if whatever you're hunting is still alive after having its head removed from its shoulder, well, you should run.
A Bowie Knife
So, we'll start with knives. While not the best for beheading, they are easier to conceal than a sword and can do some damage, such as the Bowie knife. This type was actually popularized and named after Colonel James "Jim" Bowie.
A Machete
Standing somewhere between a knife and a sword is the machete. This is a 12-24 inch cleaver like blade which was used to cut through rain forest undergrowth and cutting sugar cane. However, it is considered a sword because several militias and guerrillas have used it as a sword. In fact, the Brazilian Army's instruction for Jungle warfare developed a "jungle kit" that includes a 10 inch machete, a 5 inch Bowie knife, and a sharpening stone. Because of it's cleaver like blade it it perfect for separating the head from the shoulders of any pesky monster.
A "broadsword" with basket-hilt
In the Kate Daniels series, written by Ilona Andrews, Kate uses a broadsword names Slayer. Which she does a lot of. While she is not a hunter, she is a mercenary that tends to go after monsters. She uses Slayer very proficiently. Broadsword is a tern used for basket-hilted sword that became popular in the mid 16th century. It was termed broadsword because the blade was wider than that of the rapier which was also popular during that time.
A Sundang
And the last one I'm going to mention is the sundang, which Gabby from "A Prescription for Delirium" uses. The sundang is actually a sword variation of the kris or keris blade. Keris blades are more of a rapier. The sundang has a straight or sinuous blade and a particular hilt. It has almost lost its point so it is better for slicing that thrusting. Gabby practice Eskrima, usually with her sungdang and a knife in her offhand. Good for lots of bloodletting.
What swords or knives do you thing would work well for hunting supernatural creatures?
Want to know about Gabby and her hunting style? Pick up a copy of "A Prescription for Delirium" available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.
A Bowie KnifeSo, we'll start with knives. While not the best for beheading, they are easier to conceal than a sword and can do some damage, such as the Bowie knife. This type was actually popularized and named after Colonel James "Jim" Bowie.
A MacheteStanding somewhere between a knife and a sword is the machete. This is a 12-24 inch cleaver like blade which was used to cut through rain forest undergrowth and cutting sugar cane. However, it is considered a sword because several militias and guerrillas have used it as a sword. In fact, the Brazilian Army's instruction for Jungle warfare developed a "jungle kit" that includes a 10 inch machete, a 5 inch Bowie knife, and a sharpening stone. Because of it's cleaver like blade it it perfect for separating the head from the shoulders of any pesky monster.
A "broadsword" with basket-hiltIn the Kate Daniels series, written by Ilona Andrews, Kate uses a broadsword names Slayer. Which she does a lot of. While she is not a hunter, she is a mercenary that tends to go after monsters. She uses Slayer very proficiently. Broadsword is a tern used for basket-hilted sword that became popular in the mid 16th century. It was termed broadsword because the blade was wider than that of the rapier which was also popular during that time.
A SundangAnd the last one I'm going to mention is the sundang, which Gabby from "A Prescription for Delirium" uses. The sundang is actually a sword variation of the kris or keris blade. Keris blades are more of a rapier. The sundang has a straight or sinuous blade and a particular hilt. It has almost lost its point so it is better for slicing that thrusting. Gabby practice Eskrima, usually with her sungdang and a knife in her offhand. Good for lots of bloodletting.
What swords or knives do you thing would work well for hunting supernatural creatures?
Want to know about Gabby and her hunting style? Pick up a copy of "A Prescription for Delirium" available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.
December 23, 2012
12 Authors of Christmas: Noree Cosper
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas I give to you:
A Prescription for Delirium
Ninety years ago, Gabriella Di Luca promised to protect the family of her dying lover. She failed to keep that promise. She was too far away to stop the devil that murdered the eldest Van Helsing son. Years later, Gabby learns the devil has resurfaced. She arrives in Hampton, TX, determined to stop the devil before it can lay a bloody hand on the remaining three brothers.
However, madness is spreading through Hampton. She suspects the devil is using this madness to test a drug which has a side effect of demonic possession. Gabby rushes to end the source of the madness only to fall victim to it. For a woman cursed with eternal life, dying is no threat. However, Gabby must stop the devil's plot or risk losing her most precious possession: her mind.http://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Delirium-Helsing-Organization-ebook/dp/B00AFL4JF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354488980&sr=8-1&keywords=Noree+Cosper
And just for fun, here is the trailer:
And 12 songs to go with the books as you read:
Song #1 "This is Gonna Hurt" by Sixx AM
Song #2 "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Song #3 "Bad Moon Rising" cover by Rasputina
Song #4 "Seven Devils" by Florence and the Machiine
Song # 5 "Fight Like A Girl" by Emilie Autumn
Song #6 "Crazy" by Patsy Cline
Song #7 "Crazy" cover by Kidney Thieves
Song #8 "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas
Song #9 "Shallow Life" by Lacuna Coil
Song #10 "Burn" by the Cure
Song #11 "I Wanna be Sedated" by the Ramones
Song #12 "Our Solemn Hour" by Within Temptation
A Prescription for Delirium
Ninety years ago, Gabriella Di Luca promised to protect the family of her dying lover. She failed to keep that promise. She was too far away to stop the devil that murdered the eldest Van Helsing son. Years later, Gabby learns the devil has resurfaced. She arrives in Hampton, TX, determined to stop the devil before it can lay a bloody hand on the remaining three brothers.
However, madness is spreading through Hampton. She suspects the devil is using this madness to test a drug which has a side effect of demonic possession. Gabby rushes to end the source of the madness only to fall victim to it. For a woman cursed with eternal life, dying is no threat. However, Gabby must stop the devil's plot or risk losing her most precious possession: her mind.http://www.amazon.com/Prescription-Delirium-Helsing-Organization-ebook/dp/B00AFL4JF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354488980&sr=8-1&keywords=Noree+Cosper
And just for fun, here is the trailer:
And 12 songs to go with the books as you read:
Song #1 "This is Gonna Hurt" by Sixx AM
Song #2 "Bad Moon Rising" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Song #3 "Bad Moon Rising" cover by Rasputina
Song #4 "Seven Devils" by Florence and the Machiine
Song # 5 "Fight Like A Girl" by Emilie Autumn
Song #6 "Crazy" by Patsy Cline
Song #7 "Crazy" cover by Kidney Thieves
Song #8 "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas
Song #9 "Shallow Life" by Lacuna Coil
Song #10 "Burn" by the Cure
Song #11 "I Wanna be Sedated" by the Ramones
Song #12 "Our Solemn Hour" by Within Temptation
