Allison M. Cosgrove's Blog, page 26
April 2, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Bold’
Definition: Fearless and daring; courageous.
There are many things that will stand in your way as an indie author. A lot of things or people that may knock you down or make you feel less than worthy. Heck! You may start to doubt yourself at one point in time or another, but guess what? You can not allow yourself to give up. And don’t regret being you!
If you need to make a splash! Make a splash! If you need to do something different? Do it! Be bold, be courageous. Be you. The world needs you 
Just as you are.
April 1, 2013
Blogging From A to Z — ‘Admirable’
Admirable.
Definition: Deserving respect and approval.
One of the things I have had the pleasure of doing over the last year or so is meet some pretty admirable people. People whose work I admire. The time they spend honing their skills both in their books and their marketing skills. One thing you can never do too much of is learn new things and these folks dont hide the things they have learned. They share!
If you are an indie author who is looking to hone your skills, looking for inspiration or a reader looking for a good read you definitely have to check these wonderful folks out!
And there are more too! These are just a few!
Anyone who you admire? People who have helped you along your way? Tell us about them!
March 31, 2013
Blog Highlighy: Kitty Muse and Me
This week we have the beautiful Kathy Ree’s blog! She promotes and interviews new indie authors!
A bit about Ms. Ree:
“I have recently had my three books picked up by Mountain Springs House Publishing, and my first book will be released in July. Because of Amazon’s KDP Select rules, I cannot publish any excerpts online. The first book, which is being taken over (thankfully) by MSH, is out there already, although I don’t know if I can excerpt that one either–depends on what transpires between MSH and Xlibris, my previous publisher. I also do book reviews and author interviews, tailoring my questions to the book I just read–and maybe what I find on the author’s website.”
You can find Ms. Rees blog here —–> http://kathyree.wordpress.com
March 29, 2013
Q & A with Ashley Barron
Yet another of my favorite indie authors is up today! Please welcome Ashley Barron! Take it away Ash!
*****
What would your bio say?
I love books. For me, a love of reading naturally evolved into a love of writing. I didn’t embrace writing, not as a career choice, until I found the story of Ava Arden unfolding on my computer screen one fine August day.
Before I knew it, a year had passed and the commitment to write one novel had evolved into a roadmap for a series about a group of best friends raised together in Washington, D.C. Short stories also came flowing out of that mysterious place in the brain where creative ideas are formed, and after much research, I set out to self-publish my work.
I’ve never looked back.
When did you start writing and why?
Switching career paths from business to writing wasn’t intentional. I had no plan, no big ideas the day I found myself sitting in my office, hands on the keyboard, typing out the story of a woman who found herself at a crossroad, one that would require her to make a choice between settling for what she had or risking her balanced life in pursuit of what she really wanted. Ava (Book One in the Priya Series) was born.
Once I started exploring the main character, Ava Arden, on the page, I found I couldn’t step away. Thoughts of her world, her choices, her fear and hopes, consumed both my waking thoughts and my dreams.
Still, even though in my mind I was sure of where she was headed, of what challenges and joys she would encounter, it took me longer to complete my first manuscript than I had anticipated. A lot longer! Best I can tell, now that I hang out with writers and authors on a daily basis, this is normal. The first novel is the toughest to write because so many other expectations – and hopes – are attached to it.
I breathed my first real sigh of writer’s satisfaction the day Ava (Book One in the Priya Series) came out in paperback. That was two months ago.
If you are a parent how does being a parent affect your writing and writing habits? Or does it?
Distractions come in all forms – including little humans. I would say the biggest challenge I face as a writer is removing me – my own emotions and judgments – from the storyline. For the first year, I had to practice looking at words, ideas, characters, plots through a different lens when I sat down to write.
Learning how to get right into the story, how to pick up where I had left off without spending too much time rereading the preceding chapters, has been helpful. Working smart is job one in any business endeavor. The challenge is in figuring out what “working smart” means when that endeavor is a creative one.
My method of writing has evolved, too. I find I am using different tools (storyboards, outlines, pictures, index cards) as I prepare a story. I don’t necessarily use any of the tools, not actively, while I am deep in the writing. They are an aide to help me learn my 
characters better, my story better, while I’m dreaming up the plots, scenes, and twists.
That said, I’ve known what would happen in Bonner (Book Two in the Priya Series) for well over a year, and yet, last week, I went back and rewrote the opening chapter. During a particularly feverish writing session, I changed details I’d never discussed with myself (that sounds a little odd, doesn’t it?) before they made their way on the page. The feeling is a bit surreal, but I confess I’m pleased with how the plot has been altered as a result.
Now that I’ve added IndieBookWeek.com to my daily routine, I’ve had to reschedule and reorganize my days, evenings, and weekends. It will take a month or two to find the right balance and to design the schedule best suited to my work and to my personal life.
Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Pearl S. Buck. Her novel, The Good Earth, brought my nine-year-old eyes to tears – and left a deep ache in my young heart – the first time I read it.
After Pearl, about one hundred authors are tied for the number two spot. These authors write everything from romance to history to thrillers to poetry. I’m drawn to the classics and to stories that find a way to bring about a happy ending no matter how painful the road is to reach it.
On the whole, love stories are always my preferred genre. Love in the Time of Cholera, Ivanhoe and Beach Music are a few that stand out as top of the list, as do Big Stone Gap, Remember When, Little Women and Wish You Well.
The fact is if I had a parallel life to live, I’d spend it reading.
What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
Hmm…accomplish. I would like to finish the first eight books of the Priya series by next summer. I’ve got my work cut out for me!
Traditional or Self publishing? Why?
I started out thinking I would pursue the traditional path to becoming a published author. That was two years ago, right at the moment self-publishing was experiencing the beginning stages of its meteoric rise to market domination.
I sent a few queries, did a terrible job at it, researched enough to figure out how much I didn’t actually know about the publishing industry, and changed my path.
Deciding to self-publish came as shock to most of the people close to me. They wondered (aloud) why I would do something so strange and terrible. It took a fair amount of time and energy to explain the future of publishing (as I saw it) and to persuade them that I had made the right decision.
In the end, self-publishing has enabled me to travel roads I had never before considered. I’ve written about them in the blogging and Twitter guide Zero to One Million Blog Hits in One Year and the upcoming Stumbles and Successes series.
Talk about your journey into the wide world of publishing
The beginning of my journey can best be described as “time spent learning through trial and error.” I made a marketing plan, very basic at first, and then set out to learn and grow as a self-published author. I’ve rewritten my plan many times. I’ve taken risks. I’ve opened my mind to the possibilities, even if those possibilities were far down the road. And I’ve always kept my eye on the goal.
Some of the marketing ideas I tried were successful, plenty more weren’t. But I kept at it, kept reading and asking questions and expanding my understanding of how this marketplace works.
I think of Twitter and my blog as my PR team. I have spent much of the last 18 months investing in both, and the results have been 
strong. I’m currently expanding my focus to Facebook, Google+, and Goodreads.
The most important element of self-publishing, in my opinion, is the community of readers and writers an author builds. Finding ways to share and promote the successes of other authors is the cornerstone of my social media activity. It is the reason I recently launched phase one of IndieBookWeek.com.
IndieBookWeek.com is a forum for sharing news, ideas, and information about publishing, writing, blogging, and marketing. New features and opportunities are coming in the weeks and months ahead, all of which are designed to provide a gathering point for writers and readers alike.
Tell us about your book (s)
Politics and murder set the backdrop for a second chance at love in this debut novel by Ashley Barron. Ava blends the emotional impact of a love story with the pulse-pounding twists of a thriller.
Ava Arden has spent three years trying to move past the pain of a failed relationship. With her heart on ice, she channels all of her energy into her successful event-planning business, and into the lives of her best friends, the Priyas. Everything changes the day Kader Thornton, the man she walked away from, shows up in Washington, D.C. with a single goal: to win her back.
On the day of Kader’s return, Ava accidentally uncovers a secret that, if revealed, will expose a private battle for power at the highest levels of government. She soon finds herself hunted by an unseen enemy, one hiding among her friends. One who has already killed and is willing to kill again. When a trap is set for Ava, she walks right into it and disappears. For Kader, finding her is his only priority. But the Priyas, lifelong friends, each famous in her own right, find themselves trapped between helping in the search and protecting their own secrets.
In Ava, the first book in the Priya series, the real tests of their loyalty to one another are only now beginning. In a series that highlights the unique bond of friendships formed in childhood, long-buried secrets will be revealed, hidden alliances will be uncovered, and love will always win the day…but only if it’s true.
What inspired you to write these books (or in this genre)?
I write about love. Sometimes the stories are romantic in nature (Ava, Bonner) and sometimes they are about family relationships (The Birthday, Famous).
I have new books in the planning stages (an action adventure, a YA series, a paranormal) and all will carry a central theme of love.
For me as a reader, love is the most important element of any book I purchase. I would say that as a result I chose to write what I like to read, but that would be untrue. I simply started writing, and love stories filled the page.
Tell us why we should love or hate your main character?
Beginning with Ava, each novel in my Priya series centers on the life of one member of the Priyas, while still carrying forward thriller elements of a story arc that runs through the entire set of books, from Ava to Zara.
The main characters are all female, are in their early thirties, and their individual personalities run the gamut from loveable to despicable. The reader meets about a dozen of the Priyas in Ava, and even with so little information about any but Ava Arden, I’ve already had people declare they are, for example, “Team Bonner” or “Team Eden.” So far no one has said they are “Team Marah.” As the writer of the series, this reaction to Marah Prince’s character is intentional on my part. I suspect that opinions may change when her story is told.
There are very few characters in my novels and short stories that are beyond redemption, no matter what they’ve said or done.
Do(es) your book(s) have a soundtrack?
No, but I would love to pair up my novels and short stories with original works by indie musicians!
*****
Thanks so much Ash for taking the time to answer some questions!
Follow along with Ashley Barron on her website, Twitter (and here) and Facebook (and here and here too!). You can pick up a copy of her books on Amazon.
March 24, 2013
Blog Highlight: Creative Scene Investigation
As you know I search the web in search of other awesome indies. I am going to be highlighting one such indies Blog every Sunday for the next wee while. This week we have the beautiful Genevieve Scholl whom I also interviewed here a few weeks back.
She blogs out about life as an indie and hosts many interviews, reviews books, guest posts and other fun things!
A wee bit about the lovely Genevieve before I pop off and leave you with her blog;
“Everyone asks me about my BIO, but it’s not an easy answer. I always tell people that I’m just a down to earth country gal from a small New York town, who’s living the dream of being a published author.”
You can find her blog here —-> http://csicreativesceneinvestigation.wordpress.com/
Enjoy!
March 22, 2013
Q & A with Charity Parkerson
Up next we have the very lovely and very prolific Ms. Charity Parkerson! Give her a warm welcome
*****
What would your bio say?
Charity Parkerson was born in Tennessee, where she still lives with her husband and two sons. She is the author of several books including twelve Amazon bestsellers. You can like her at http://www.facebook.com/authorCharityParkerson. Be sure to visit her at http://www.charityparkerson.com and you can read her blog at http://charity-thesinners.blogspot.com
Her “Sinners series” was voted one of the top ten best books by an Indie author in 2011- Paranormal Romance Reads
Her book “The Danger with Sinners” was named “Best Book by an Indie author in 2012” by Paranormal Reads Reviews and made finalist for Favorite Paranormal Romance of 2012 in the Australian Romance Reader’s Association Awards.
She was named as one of the top three Indie authors of 2012- Ebookbuilders
She is a member of The Paranormal Romance Guild, is a Goodreads moderator, a member of Coffee Time Romance, and co-host of The Melissa Craig and Charity Parkerson show.
She won author of the week in August of 2011, and is a four-time winner of The Mistress of the Darkpath.
You can follow her on Twitter @https://twitter.com/CharityParkerso
When did you start writing and why?
I started writing poetry when I was a teenager but I put it away after my first son was born. When my second son was born, I decided to try again since I had this story eating away at me. I haven’t stopped since.
If you are a parent how does being a parent affect your writing and writing habits? Or does it?
I’m blessed to be able to write full-time so I have free time during school hours.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I could not even begin to narrow it down to only one. I do prefer historical romance to any other genre but could not write.it.
What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
I’d love for this to always be my career and for readers to love my characters as much as I do.
Traditional or Self publishing? Why?
I don’t believe in being only one thing. I am both and it’s good to have control but it is equally good to have some help every now and again.
Talk about your journey into the wide world of publishing
I started out traditionally published but after realizing that I would have to do the same amount of work for less pay, I decided to try my hand at self-publishing. I have made every mistake there is to make twice but I don’t regret a minute of it.
Tell us about your book (s)
I have twenty-one titles available ranging from military romance, and paranormal romance, to erotica
What inspired you to write these books (or in this genre)?
I’m a vivid dreamer and I write from my dreams.
Tell us why we should love or hate your main character?
I hope that everyone loves my sexy men and women who’ve lived imperfect lives but just like all of us they keep moving forward despite their challenges.
*****
Thanks so much for joining us Charity! Be sure to follow her and check out her latest novels!
March 21, 2013
OFFICIAL RELEASE! ~ A Celtic Tapestry
Moon Rose Publishing has just released their newest book, A CELTIC TAPESTRY! An anthology between eight authors, each one has taken their own twist on one of the Celtic festivals of the year. From sunny spring to chilly winter, everyone’s favourite season is given a fresh and enticing take in this wonderful collection. To celebrate, Moon Rose Publishing is also hosting a fabulous giveaway as part of the release!
Blurb
The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.
Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.
The Trailer!
Excerpt (Shadows In The Dark, Miranda Stork)
The light buzzed and flickered about her head before returning to its static glow. Rebecca gave it a disdainful look, tapping it with one finger. Shaking her head, she returned to brushing her teeth, her tired face reflected in the bathroom mirror. She really needed to rent a new house—the landlord did nothing to fix the faulty electrics. At least it was cheap though.
Laughter floated through from the TV in the bedroom, making her brush faster. She hated missing this program. Rebecca spat out into the sink, running the water to clean off her brush. As she placed it back into its holder carefully, she glanced back up at her face. Her fingers traced the sides of her eyes, where crow’s feet were starting to emerge. Ugh. Rebecca had always been one of the first ones to say that you should grow old gracefully, but she didn’t mean at the young age of twenty-eight. She peered in for a closer look-
What the hell?
Blinking, Rebecca spun around in shock. She had seen a shadow blur past in the landing behind. The blood drained from her body, her limbs going icy with fear. Someone is in my house! With the bathroom door wide open, she had a full view of it. Her head darted from side to side as she tried to look for anything that might be a useful weapon, if she needed it. The bathroom was not the best place to find it. If only I’d had a machete installed along with the bath suite. Finally settling on her straighteners, she padded out into the landing carpet. They wouldn’t have been her first choice, but she was ready to give a good smack with them if she could.
The light in the bathroom buzzed again, flittering on and off as if a moth was caught in its beam. The sound made Rebecca flinch, but she ignored it and slowly tip-toed across the dark landing. She knew better than to shout out, “Who’s there?” She had seen enough horror films to know that you never got an answer, and that was usually how you gave away where you were. There was no noise from the spare room where she had seen the shadowy figure run into. The light in the bathroom finally came on full again, but then the landing light came into life.
The hair on the back of Rebecca’s neck stood on end as she dared a glance at it. She knew full well it wasn’t switched on. It flickered on and off, before finally giving up the ghost and returning to the darkness. A trickle of cold sweat ran down her forehead, making her grip the straighteners even tighter, everything in her body willing her to scream and run away. For a second, Rebecca did think about darting down the stairs, grabbing her mobile to ring the police, and running outside. Really, it shouldn’t even be a thought. She should be doing it.
A noise from the spare room made her look up in panic. Her chest rose and fell rapidly with the silent breaths that were rushing from her lips. Taking a nervous swallow, Rebecca leaned her arm out to switch the landing light back on, and advanced towards the room. The landing light flickered yet again, but stayed on, bathing the landing in artificial yellow glow. Her lips had never felt so dry. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage so fervently she was sure it would give her away before anything else, the blood from it rushing through her ears louder than the laughter from the TV.
Rebecca’s hand trembled as she reached out to push the spare room door open. It slowly swung on its hinges, protesting loudly with a creak. Great. So much for not letting them know I’m here. Moving fast so she didn’t get surprised herself, Rebecca lurched across for the light switch in the spare room. She snapped it on, bracing herself in the doorway, and turned to find—
Nothing.
No-one was there. With the room fully lit, all she could see were the cardboard boxes from when she had moved in. A layer of dust. The carpet. Nothing else. Even the curtains at the window were still. She nudged the door back on itself, to be sure no-one was hiding behind it. Another scan. No, the room was definitely empty. Rebecca let out a deep breath and lowered the straighteners. She gave a nervous laugh, echoing off the walls.
“See, this is why you shouldn’t live alone…silly girl,” she muttered to herself. A ‘ping’ of noise made her look up sharply at the ceiling light. It was swaying. A moment ago it had stood still. A breeze, perhaps? The windows really need that insulation putting around them. It continued swinging, and began to flash on and off, as the other lights had done. As if in response, the bathroom light and the landing light began to do the same. Rebecca refused to be worried by it this time. Damn electrics. But she couldn’t ignore it when she suddenly realised the laughter had stopped coming through from the TV—instead just channelling static.
*‘Copyright of Miranda Stork*
Author Bio
I was born in Guisborough, North Yorkshire in 1987 and have lived in various places around Britain, including Newcastle and Glasgow.
My writing is inspired by various writers, including the vivid characters of Charles Dickens, the imagination of Stephen King, and the gothic imagery of Anne Rice.
My love of horror began at an early age, when I was only three or four. I could read proficiently at the age of three, and devoured fairy-stories, but I always had a bent towards the darker stories, such as the Brother’s Grimm’s tales…Red Riding Hood was always a firm favourite, although I always felt sorry for the wolf, despite him having tried to eat everyone!
I write a mixture of paranormal romance, fantasy, and thriller, all finished off with a healthy dose of erotica! 
Author Links:
Blog: http://writermirandastork.wordpress.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/authormirandastork?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mirandastork
MRP Website Author Page: http://www.moonrosepublishing.com/#!miranda-stork/c17yy
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4279057.Miranda_Stork?auto_login_attempted=true
Book buy links:
MRP Website link: http://www.moonrosepublishing.com/#!a-celtic-tapestry/cayu
Amazon links:
Amazon US http://goo.gl/8vFFV
Amazon UK http://goo.gl/TVzuh
Amazon CAN http://goo.gl/0GRqw
Kobo link: http://goo.gl/BFFWo
And now for the giveaway! Well, what IS the free stuff? Moon Rose Publishing, as part of the A CELTIC TAPESTRY tour, is giving away a ton of good stuff. You could win a print copy of A CELTIC TAPESTRY, a sticker pack, bookmarks, a beautiful necklace and jewelled bookmark from Tara S Wood, or an e-book of the anthology!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7adce33/”; rel=”nofollow”>a Rafflecopter giveaway
Link: https://www.facebook.com/ACelticTapestry/app_228910107186452
March 15, 2013
Q & A with Kameron Brook & Dirk Tyler
I have a special treat for you folks today! A two for one! Please welcome Kam & Dirk!
*****
What would your bio say?
Kameron and Dirk, a passionate couple in and out of the bedroom, has decided to join forces and bring their erotic imagination to life with words. Their solo stories are electric; however, the works they create together will practically sizzle off the page. Yes, they might live in a quiet suburb neighborhood, but they’re anything but tame and unadventurous. A fact you shall read and learn about soon enough.
When did you start writing and why?
We started writing about two years ago. Dirk was first to get published, story – “Voyeur”. Mine came out a few months later, “Girls’ Night Out”. After those two releases, we decided to join forces and collaborate on all future releases. It has worked out beautifully.
If you are a parent how does being a parent affect your writing and writing habits? Or does it?
We are the proud parents of two children, 13-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter. They keep us rather busy but we try to write a couple nights a week or at least jot down ideas for future ideas.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I can’t pinpoint one author I like above all others. I read about a dozen or so quite regularly.
What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
We agree we want others to read our creations and consider the ideas fresh and sexy as hell.
Traditional or Self publishing? Why?
We’ve had four books published through a house and one, “Dreams Really Do Come True” was self-published. Our next, “Sinfully Delicious” will be released through Changeling Press. I can see the pros and cons of distributing both ways. I feel you have more creative control over self-publishing but sometimes it’s nice to hand over a story and let others do the “dirty work”.
Talk about your journey into the wide world of publishing
I knew from the get go Dirk was going to succeed. Me, I’m my own worst critic. It’s why I hesitated sending in “Girls’ Night Out”. I don’t regret doing it for one second now. J
Tell us about your book (s)
We write erotica – M/M, F/F, M/F, M/M/F, and working on a M/F/F.
What inspired you to write these books (or in this genre)?
We believe everyone deserves love and romance. Therefore, our writing genre shouldn’t be limited to heterosexuals.
Tell us why we should love or hate your main character?
We love all our characters. If we didn’t, we couldn’t love the stories.
Do(es) your book(s) have a soundtrack?
No, but I do hum as I write and Dirk usually has rock playing in his ear buds.
*****
Thank you you two for spending time with us! You can follow Kam & Dirk on their website and Facebook.
Or you can follow Dirk & Kam on Goodreads. Follow Dirk & Kam on Amazon
Be sure to check out their latest release! (Published February 14, 2013!)
March 8, 2013
COVER REVEAL! Waking the Phoenix
I am uber excited to share my blog once again with a great friend of mine and the second book in her series! Take it away Lindsay!
*****
Welcome to the official cover reveal of Waking the Phoenix, book 2 in the Mythrian Realm series! Waking the Phoenix is the highly anticipated follow up to Breaking the Nexus, which released on 12/12/12. While there is no official release date set, Waking the Phoenix will be out early this summer!
In the meantime, I will be releasing Warrior Unleashed, a novella featuring Sha’s half brother, a panther Chimerae (shifter) named Achaius. Be sure to look for that this April!
Without further ado, I present the gorgeous cover designed by Blue Harvest Creative!
Blurb:
As the Nexus continues to break down, evil threatens the Mythrian and Human Realms. Millennia ago, only the sacrifice of the Great Phoenix was enough to imprison Ferren, a blood mage with the power to destroy the Human Realm. When the Nexus falls, his prison will shatter and he will be free to walk the earth once more, leaving a path of destruction in his wake.
Chaos engulfs the Mythrian and Human Realms as Ferren fights to escape his prison. Connor and Sha must race against time to find the last of the phoenixes before all is lost. There’s just one problem: the phoenixes have lain dormant for thousands of years. Can they stay alive long enough to save their world?
The key to saving the Realms lies in waking the phoenix.
Don’t miss the first book, Breaking the Nexus, available now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in paperback!
Breaking the Nexus will be on SALE for $2.99 March 8-11 only!
Blurb:
A warrior trying to save humans. A detective searching for a killer. And a powerful romance neither expected.
Throughout history, myths and legends of extraordinary creatures have been told and retold. Fantastic tales of demons and banshees, gryphons and dragons, and of course, magic. Stories that every child grows to learn are nothing more than fantasy…or are they?
Beyond the world you see lies a hidden realm, the Mythrian Realm, inhabited by all of the creatures you’ve been told are mere fiction. Only one thing lies between humans and the truth: the Nexus. A magical barrier erected millennia ago to separate the two realms, it has stood the test of time. Until now.
For Mythrian Sha Phoenix, magic is nothing new. But when she stumbles upon a portal on the verge of collapse, her fate will forever change. Pulled through the portal into the Human Realm, she lands in the middle of Detective Connor Flynn’s brutal murder scene. Soon it is obvious someone is using blood magic to try to bring down the Nexus. Together, Connor and Sha must work to unravel the secrets before the barrier falls and the realms collide.
The Nexus is breaking and all hell is about to unleash…literally.
Buy it now:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Nexus-Mythrian-Realm-ebook/dp/B00AMPXDLQ
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Nexus-Mythrian-Realm-ebook/dp/B00AMPXDLQ
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-the-nexus-lindsay-avalon/1114319812?ean=9780615753140
Autographed Copy: http://lindsayavalon.blogspot.com/p/buy-my-books.html
Meet Lindsay Avalon!
I am a wife, a programmer, and now an author. I have an adorable mini Schnauzer and more books than I have room for. I love reading romance because no matter what may be happening in my life, I can always count on my books to end happily ever after. The day I met my husband was the day I truly began believing in happily ever after. After hearing me complain a few too many times that I had “nothing” to read despite the hundreds of paperbacks scattered around the house, my husband began suggesting I write my own stories. When I finally took his advice I discovered that although I enjoy my day job as a software engineer, my true calling is to be an author.
My sister drilled into me an appreciation for fantasy and mythology, something I try to bring to my books. My debut novel, Breaking the Nexus started as a book written for NaNoWriMo and has grown to so much more. It was the conduit that introduced me to a fantastic group of independent authors who have changed my life in unimaginable ways.
When I’m not writing, I’ve found a passion for blogging and interviewing fellow authors. I also love reading, baking, crochet, sewing sock monkeys, playing video games, and all sorts of random crafts. I have an incurable love of rubber duckies and stuffed animals, and I believe nobody should have to grow up if they don’t want.
Connect with me:
Blog: http://lindsayavalon.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.lindsay.avalon
Twitter: @LindsayAvalon
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568822.Lindsay_Avalon
Q & A with WH Cann
A warm welcome to Mr. WH Cann he comes to us from the realm of the science-fictional! I love Sci-Fi! Enjoy!
*****
What would your bio say?
My passion for reading started from a very young age, but my interest in the fantasy genre started when I was a ten and my father gave me some Conan books by Robert E. Howard and the series Thongor of Lemuria by Lin Carter. My interest in science fiction came later, primarily through of Star Wars and Star Trek.
I am married with two children, both having now left home, my daughter with a family of her own living in Pembrokeshire, my son living and working in Cardiff. I also have two beautiful grandchildren.
I served in the RAF as a dual trade aircraft engineer (Propulsion and Airframes trades) for 8 years, and after spending most of that time at RAF Brawdy, moved back to Cardiff for a few years, finally returning to Pembrokeshire in 1995. After recovering from a back injury, I studied accounting and now work in local government.
When did you start writing and why?
I first started writing in 1998 after injuring my back and had to give up work for a while. I thought I would ‘have a go’ at writing a story, just to see how far I could go and to pass the long days at home when there was little else to do. I did not expect to end up writing what eventually became an epic story of in excess of a thousand pages, split into three long volumes.
If you are a parent how does being a parent affect your writing and writing habits? Or does it?
I am a parent, but both children have left home. However, in the early days of writing, once I had returned to work, I had to juggle and split my time between work and family life; my writing taking second place.
Who is your favorite author and why?
I don’t have a favorite author, and because I enjoy reading a variety of genres, all those I do like have different qualities, which make them all worthy of such a position. Some authors who share most space on my bookshelves are Ian Irvine, Bernard Cornwell, Ken Follett, Terry Goodkind, and Clive Cussler. For me, a good author needs to include good descriptive elements, building the scene and the characters in the mind as one reads, feeding the reader. Yes, we can build a picture in our own mind with little detail given as we read, but I want to know what’s in the author’s mind, what he or she is trying to portray. Then I feel more drawn into the story.
What do you hope to accomplish with your writing?
Ideally, I would like to achieve a modicum of success as a writer. I love reading, and now feel the same way about writing, and want to share my stories with others who are
also passionate about the written word. To know there are people enjoying my work is satisfying and makes it all worthwhile.
Traditional or Self publishing? Why?
When I first completed book 1, I attempted seeking representation by an agent, but only received rejections. I knew it could be a long time before I found one willing to accept my work, and accepted the fact it might never happen. So, I chose the self-publishing route instead. This way I could get my books out into the market where people could enjoy my work. Self-publishing also gives me control over my writing, and I think without editors and publishers pressurizing with deadlines, keeps the passion alive.
Talk about your journey into the wide world of publishing
This part of my literary journey began in the spring of 2011. After a six year break, I thought it was time to get back into writing again, and after reading what had already been written, continued where I had left off on book three in my Fantasy series. My intention was to finish writing the 3rd book, and then polish off the first book with a view to seeking an agent.
However, I had the fortune of meeting another author, who was also an editor and reviewer, to whom I gave the first volumes of both my Science Fiction and Fantasy series, mainly to assess how my writing had developed and to determine the best way forward. After receiving recommendations, I returned to the Science Fiction series and set about rewriting it. Five months later, I approached some agents, but with no success
After reading many articles about self publishing, I thought why not. A month later, in January 2012, book 1 was published. I was expecting this to be a potentially difficult process having read about the problems with formatting etc. Using Mark Corker’s formatting guide for Smashwords, I formatted my book, uploaded it and had it processed and published without complication. Five months after that, I followed the same process for my second book, also without complications.
Tell us about your book (s)
Path to Vengeance and Sorcerer’s Duel are books One and Two in the series The Guardians, which will, when complete comprise five 
books, the third is almost ready for publishing. Although it is categorized as a science fiction, it is in truth, more of a fantasy adventure. Jamie Hall summed it up perfectly in one of his reviews: “Take any fantasy novel and move it forward a few thousand years and this is it.”
The Guardians series follows the life of a young man who suffers considerable heartache, trials and tribulations as destiny guides his life along a path set by prophecy and one he does not always want to take. On this path of life, he faces personal tragedy, ruthless space pirates, a menacing empire bent on conquest and powerful sorcerers.
Path to Vengeance:
When his brother, father and fiancée are killed by Krelathan raiders, Grogaan’s life is ripped apart, causing grief, anger and rage. He vows his revenge and sets about on his ‘path to vengeance’ by purchasing and upgrading four starfighters for him and his friends.
As a result of his intense emotional trauma brought on by his losses, he experiences troubling and disturbing dreams, leading to bouts of severe depression.
Feeling guilty over the loss of his loved ones, especially his fiancée, Grogaan avoids romantic involvement until Joeen, his brother’s former fiancée re-enters his life, causing him more emotional turmoil. This is further compounded by an unexpected encounter with Ellarna, a Senator’s daughter, who he is besotted with.
A chance meeting with members of a long forgotten sect, ‘The Brotherhood of the Teragon Eagle’, on a nearby planet, together with information revealed to him by his mother, prove Grogaan’s unique abilities are due to his family heritage; an ancestor having been a respected wizard and a member of the Guardian Order.
Grogaan and his friends prove their piloting skills and spearhead the counter offensive against the Krelathan raiders. However, it’s his abilities enhanced by his gift of magic that take him and his friends on a path that impacts on the future of the galaxy as foretold by a two hundred year old prophecy; a path he begins to tread while developing a powerful relationship with one of the two women.
Sorcerer’s Duel:
Having survived the Battle of Mabraant and with no system in the quadrant safe to settle on, Grogaan leads his friends on a new adventure deep into the heart of the neighbouring Ladorran Quadrant.
After being reunited with his soul-mate, Grogaan and Ellarna meet the famous Guardian Master Sorann Taggash. The Master confirms Grogaan’s adeptness in magic, and although Grogaan already knew Ellarna was also adept in magic, she was surprised when Sorann reveals the fact to her.
Grogaan and Ellarna under the supervision of Sorann, embark on a training programme to become Guardians. Grogaan’s skills develop swiftly but his emotional control due to past trauma and depression hinder his development. They take a short break to undertake a dangerous mission back to Mabraant, where Grogaan and Kopaz Squadron tempt fate to the limits, and deal another painful strike to the Empire.
During a visit to a neighbouring planet, Grogaan discovers a long forgotten underground installation that contains a sinister secret. It is this discovery, together with Grogaan’s powerful emotions, that sets off a chain reaction that has sinister, dire and tragic consequences. This impacts not only on the lives of Grogaan and many other individuals, but also on their progressing relationships, culminating in a spectacular duel between two powerful sorcerers.
What inspired you to write these books (or in this genre)?
My main inspiration came from the Star Wars universe, of which I have a large number of books, and would give a rating of between 3 to 5 stars, but I wanted to evolve the supernatural element more in line with fantasy style magic.
Tell us why we should love or hate your main character?
I think Grogaan is a likeable character, although this is not necessarily wholly apparent in the first book. He suffers a lot of heartache through no fault of his own; a victim of destiny’s actions on his life, and the influence of an ancient prophecy. Although he struggles with depression and lack of motivation at times, his heart and intent is in the right place, and he attempts to act in the best interests, not only for his own selfish reasons, but for others who have and will suffer, even if it is occasionally misguided.
Do(es) your book(s) have a soundtrack?
Unfortunately, no, but if it did, it would consist of a range of music genres from classical to heavy metal to fit in with the aura and setting of the scenes.
*****
I loved the Star Wars legacy! Thank you so much for taking the time to spend with us today! You can follow WH Cann on his website
Paperback Editions:
Path to Vengeance:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1469989271
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1469989271
Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/3783814
Sorcerer’s Duel:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1478284889
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1478284889
Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/3943907
eBook Editions:
Path to Vengeance:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006X43EY6
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006X43EY6
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/125530
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-guardians-w-h-cann/1111650341?ean=2940033026234
Diesel: http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000125530/Cann-W.-H.-The-Guardians-Path-to-Vengeance/1.html
Sorcerer’s Duel:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00866K9DI
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00866K9DI
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/165675
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-guardians-w-h-cann/1111649700?ean=2940033260799
