Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 29
April 1, 2014
Book Review: Obsidian Eyes by A.W. Exley
Synopsis:
1836, a world of light and dark, noble and guild. The two spheres intersect when seventeen-year-old Allie Donovan is placed at the aristocratic St Matthews Academy. More at ease with a blade than a needle, she finds herself ostracised by the girls and stalked by a Scottish lord intent on learning why she is among them.
She begins to suspect the underlying reasons when soldiers arrive to see her friend, Zeb, a mechanical genius. On the hunt for answers she breaks into his underground laboratory. There, Allie discovers he is not just constructing sentient mechanical creatures, he is building a devastating new weapon for the military.
The guilds want the weapon and Allie is trapped by ties of blood. She must obey the overlord of the guild and deliver up her friend, unless she can rely on bonds of friendship, to save both their lives.
About the Author:
Books and writing have always been an enormous part of Anita’s life. She survived school by hiding out in the library, with several thousand fictional characters for company. At university, she overcame the boredom of studying accountancy by squeezing in Egyptology papers and learning to read hieroglyphics.
Today, Anita writes steampunk novels with a sexy edge and an Egyptian twist. She lives in rural New Zealand surrounded by an assortment of weird and wonderful equines, felines, canine and homicidal chickens.
Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter
My Review:
I do like a bit Steampunk. And a YA steampunk novel has the potential to be amazing. Obsidian Eyes was, for me, a little hard to get into. It felt like I was thrust into this new world pretty quickly and given quite a large amount of information in the beginning to find my way. I did enjoy the book, once I got into it – however I’m quite an impatient reader and if this hadn’t been for a tour I might have given up on it sooner, and therefore missed out.
The characters were very YA, and although this could be deemed as cliché, I always find the youth adult dynamics between protagonists welcoming and especially needed when there’s a whole new world, that they are living In, to learn about. This story is told third person and head hops between the characters, which as you probably already know, isn’t my bag. I find it hard to relate to the characters in this way and much prefer first person narrative – this is just me – it has to be a pretty amazingly written book to have me think otherwise.
From a writer’s perspective, the beginning was a bit clunky for me and there was a lot of ‘show don’t tell’ moments. Stray sentences that give us history on characters where they shouldn’t be, is a bit lazy. Don’t tell us the character is military, show us through his stance, his language, or even through a brief mention of it in his dialogue with another character. Once the essential information has been ‘told’ though, the book quickly starts to enter into the ‘show’ phase, which is much better, and held my attention easier.
The front cover is great – definitely will stand out and shows that its YA with a dash of steampunk, so two thumbs up on this.
Overall I’d give Obsidian Eyes 3 out 5 stars – if you’re looking for something different and want to expand your YA tastes, then pick it up today.
Filed under: Book Review
March 31, 2014
Book Review: Twas the Darkest Night by Sophie Avett
Synopsis:
Remember the story about the troll who lived under the bridge—yes, well, that twit didn’t have to pay rent.
Owner and operator of Bits and Pieces, and resident expert on charms and glamours, Elsa Karr is a witch with a sour frown and a list of things to do as long as Thor’s hammer. Top of the list is saving her father’s shop from ruin. If she isn’t trying to claw her way out of debt, she’s arguing with her cat, Fenris, or shoveling carts of cake into her gob. She’s not interested in romance or the vampire who rents the flat above her shop. All she wants is a little peace and chocolate–fine, all right! All right! The vampire is kind of screw all cute. (Curse him.)
The disgraced son and heir of the Wingates House vampire clan and a mad-man to boot, Marshall Ansley spends most of his time working and dodging his mother’s phone calls. Marshall is beyond family. He’s beyond everyone, actually. Don’t be daft, he especially doesn’t do…Christmas. But behold, the plague brings an original flavor of annoyance this year when his boss tasks him with acquiring the account of a recluse fey and her upcoming Gothic clothing boutique, Sinister Stitches. That is the ONLY reason he’s bothering with his shrewish landlord. No, that’s it. No…really. Fine, if you insist, the witch might be a tad bit…all right, she’s adorable. (Damn her.)
Scrooge meets Scrooge. Dominant meets Dominant. Tempers…spark. In each other, they may have unfold a tale that only comes to pass on the darkest of nights.
About the Author:
Sophie Avett is kind of a nerd. Like not even one of the cute, hip ones everyone brags about nowadays. More like the socially awkward hippie who eats way too much bread and dreams about being a dragon from behind towers of mythology books. Um…yeah. Picture old, tattered paperbacks and comic books–mostly Batman and Wonder Woman–dwarfing a tiny desk, with just barely enough room for the troll who writes there and the 70 pound hell-hound that insists of laying it’s wet nose on top of her bare foot.
Granted not the most exciting existence, but she tries to make up for it by writing romances populated with her own peculiar ilk of paranormal beasties. Trolls, wyverns, the obscure Nordic brownie–she likes to keep things interesting. And bloody. (And mostly naked–but, we’ll keep that bit between us.)
Sophie Avett loves to hear from her readers. (Hi, mom.) So if there’s something on your mind, feel free to leave a message after the scream.
http://sophieavett.weebly.com/about.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SophieAvett
Post-Its, the Blog: http://sophieavett.weebly.com/post-its-the-blog.html
Brimstone Pub, the Blog: http://thebrimstonepub.com/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7779293.Sophie_Avett
My Review:
I do love a character with a sense of humour and Twas the Darkest Night certainly delivers that. Described as a dark, paranormal Charles Dickinson style Xmas story, it was pretty much that. I really wished I’d read it round Christmas as it was brimming with food for festive thought. It is part of a longer series, and I must admit that I really wished I’d read the other books first. There is a glossary of ‘world’ terms, however it kind of made the flow judder a little, as I had to keep going to back to find out a term to appreciate the joke.
From a writer’s perspective, the main character was what made this book for me. To have a supernatural stuck in the same messes that us ‘normal’ people end up in was quite refreshing. The Cat, Fenris was also a lovely addition and really reminded me of Alice’s Chesire Cat (who is one of my favourite literary characters of all time) It was also lovely to read about a protagonist that doesn’t suddenly get it all (I think this is because I’ve read a lot of YA recently) but has to work to get what she wants. The adult scenes were written very well and just in their appearances too – which in this type of fiction is a must.
The front cover is pretty and shows the characters well. A very, very competitive genre, Paranormal Romance is one where the cover really has to stand out, My only criticism here is that Xmas should have played more of a role on the front.
Overall, I’d give Twas the Darkest Night 4 out 5 stars, don’t wait till Christmas, pick it up now!
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Sophie Avett
March 29, 2014
Book Spotlight: Joshua’s Mistake by A.S. Fenichel
Synopsis:
Accused of treason and the murder of her Psychic Special Forces team, Tessa is in the custody of the FBI. She’s shocked and terrified when the most powerful Psi Agent in the world shows up to probe her mind and discover her guilt or innocence.
Joshua never expected to find a victim of one of his probes attractive, but he can’t seem to leave her behind when all hell breaks loose. Saving the stunning blonde means being drawn into a psychic war that will definitely end his career—and likely both of their lives.
The rhythm of their psychic auras hums to perfection and neither can fight the bond, but it’s all ripped away by a madman with a grudge. Tessa falls into a coma, and Joshua will have to risk his heart and soul to pull her back from the brink.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Available at: Ellora’s Cave Soon to be available on Amazon, B&N, Kobo and wherever fine eBooks are sold.
About the Author: 
A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.
A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
Multi-published in erotic, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. is the author of the Mayan Destiny series, Christmas Bliss and many more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be brining you her brand of romance for many years to come.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5154640.A_S_Fenichel
https://twitter.com/asfenichel
https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel
https://plus.google.com/113195747154467378107/posts
http://pinterest.com/asfenichel/boards/
BUY LINKS:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joshuas-mistake-as-fenichel/1118974687?ean=9781419991042
http://www.amazon.com/Joshuas-Mistake-A-S-Fenichel-ebook/dp/B00J8N6SXS/
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/joshua-s-mistake
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: A.S. Fenichel, Elloras Cave, Fenichel, Joshua’s Mistake, Joshua’s Mistake by A.S. Fenichel, Psychic Special Forces
March 28, 2014
Interview with Katherine Clements
Tell us about your publishing journey…
I worked on The Crimson Ribbon for almost four years before I got a publishing deal. During that time I wrote short stories, had a few publications in magazines and online, and won a couple of competitions. I’m sure all those things helped when it came to attracting a literary agent. I decided I wanted to try the traditional publishing route and worked hard on preparing submissions. I was lucky to be signed up by a great agent pretty quickly. We worked together on another draft of the manuscript before it got sent out to a select group of publishers. The day I got the call was one of the most memorable of my life – a dream come true. Once the deal with Headline was signed, I worked with my editor on a final draft and copy edits. It’s been a steep learning curve to publication and I’m sure it’s only the beginning.
What do you love about being an author?
I love that I’m finally getting to do the thing I’ve always dreamed of. I love being able to lose myself in my work. I’m a total history buff and write historical fiction, so I get to spend time in my imagined versions of the past. When the writing is going well, everything else is good. There is nothing quite like the quiet joy of a productive writing day.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
Great question. I’m a huge fan of historical adaptations so I’ve thought about this a lot. The problem is, I have a clear idea in my own mind of what my characters look like, so I can never find a match. I would have to leave the casting to others. But ideally I would pick relatively unknown actors in the lead roles. Sometimes, big names carry too many associations.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
17th century England, of course! I’ve been researching and writing this period for years now and I’m still not tired of it. I would love to drop into London in the 1640’s, to experience the sights, sounds and smells, but also the early years of the Restoration period. Charles II’s court would have been a lot of fun.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
To not listen to the negative voice in my head. I wasted a lot of valuable time not writing because I thought I would never be any good.
Where do you write best?
At home, in a quiet space. I also like to take myself off on writing retreats from time to time. I find being alone, away from the concerns of day-to-day life, is always productive.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
I just read Evelyn Waugh’s A Handful of Dust. I adore Waugh’s beautiful prose, clever characterization and dark humour. There are some excellent short paragraphs in this book; a good lesson in the power of economical writing. And the characters are believable, amusing and tragic in lots of ways. Loved it.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I don’t know – it’s always been historical for me. Historical allows me to create other worlds in the same way that fantasy or horror might, so perhaps I’d go for one of those.
Where can fans find you online?
On Twitter @KL_Clements
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/KatherineClements
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: headline publishing, historical fiction, katherine clements, The crimson ribbon
March 27, 2014
Book Review: Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel
Synopsis:
There comes a time in every witch’s life when she must choose her path. Darlena’s friends have already chosen, so why is it so hard for her to make up her mind? Now, Darlena is out of time. Under pressure from Hecate, the Queen of all witches, Darlena makes a rash decision to choose Red magic, a path no witch in her right mind would dare take. As a Red witch, she will be responsible for chaos and mayhem, drawing her deep into darkness. Will the power of Red magic prove too much for Darlena, or will she learn to control it before it’s too late?
DAUGHTER OF CHAOS is the first in the RED MAGIC paranormal YA trilogy.
About the Author: 
Jen McConnel first began writing poetry as a child. Since then, her words have appeared in a variety of magazines and journals, including Sagewoman, PanGaia, and The Storyteller (where she won the people’s choice 3rd place award for her poem, “Luna”).
She is also a former reviewer for Voices of Youth Advocates (VOYA), and a proud member of SCBWI, NCWN, and SCWW.
A Michigander by birth, she now lives and writes in the beautiful state of North Carolina. When she isn’t crafting worlds of fiction, she teaches writing composition at a community college. Once upon a time, she was a middle school teacher, a librarian, and a bookseller, but those are stories for another time.
Twitter @Jen_McConnel, and visit www.jenmcconnel.com to learn more
My Review:
Paranormal entities seem to come in and out of fashion. We had vampires, then zombies and now it seems that witches are ‘in’. I’m not really a believer in writing about what’s ‘in’ apart from the timing issues (it takes quite some months to write a book) it can dilute your characters and taint the author’s theme and premise. I’m unsure as to whether Daughter of Chaos was written in the successful wake of Beautiful Creatures, or was well underway before all the witchery kicked off – either way it’s a far superior book.
A world where magic is accepted is a much more interesting one to me than one where it’s hidden. This freedom allows the author to go places that the ‘secret’ constrictions fences off. The opening to this book really sets the tone of this, when a goddess appears in the character’s living room, disturbing her popcorn and TV session.
From a writer’s perspective. I must admit that it took me a while to feel for Darleana. From her random declaration to ‘red magic’ to her humourless and bland reactions to events. Maybe I’m too old for certain YA books, but I always feel that a really good YA should span the generations. Characters are tricky things for authors, you make them too crazy and readers get annoyed, you make them too soft and readers want to slap them. Darleana did seem to tread a fine line between these traditional YA facets, so I certainly didn’t hate her or want to shake her by the shoulders till her chewing gum drops out. But I wasn’t really invested in her either. I need to point out here, that this character apathy is purely down to me and my own tastes. I can still remember what it was like to be a teen, and back then I’d have probably wanted her as a BFF.
The front cover is beautiful and really stands out – so this book will certainly stand out when readers are scanning through blogs, e-shops and the like.
Overall I’d give Daughter of Chaos 4 out of 5 stars, a promising start to a YA series. If you hankering for some spellbinding prose, look no further.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Daughter of Chaos by Jen McConnel, Month9Books 
March 25, 2014
Book Review: Dead Awakenings by Rebekah R Ganiere
Synopsis:
Evaine, a struggling New York theater student, enters an unsanctioned drug trial in an effort to pay bills. She awakens in a derelict hospital, chained to a bed with no memory of who she is, or how she got there. A band of pale skinned men, led by the gorgeous Luca, burst in, whisking her away to safety.
Once at Haven House, Evaine is introduced to The Family. Like them, she has become A Deader, a reanimated Undead.
Luca is hell-bent on stopping the experimentations, and killing those responsible. He has no time for a Newborn who is struggling to control her rages, hunger, and powers. Nor does he have the desire to deal with the feelings she’s awakening within him.
Despite their best efforts, Evaine and Luca find their connection intensifying when suddenly, she remembers not only who she is, but also her fiancé, Tristan; who is still looking for her.
Torn between her first love and her new heart’s desire, Evaine runs back to Tristan putting everyone in danger. When a rogue faction of Deaders, called Feeders, attempts to kidnap her, Luca suspects Evaine is the key to the experiments.
Can everyone band together to keep Evaine off the cutting table of those she escaped from? Or will second death tear her away from everyone, for good?
About the Author:
Rebekah grew up on both the east and west coasts and currently lives in the Los Angeles area. From the Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein to The Stand by Stephen King, Rebekah immersed herself in other people’s made up worlds. She began writing in junior high and then found she liked pretending to be other people’s characters in high school. Lettering in drama she went on to study theater in college as well. After college she continued acting till becoming a mom. Ultimately, she ended up going back to writing her characters down instead of acting them out, so she could stay at home with her kids.
Rebekah is a member of Romance Writers of America and is a board member of both the Fantasy, Futuristic, & Paranormal and her local Los Angeles chapters. When she isn’t spending time telling the lives of the characters constantly chattering inside her head, you can find her with her husband and four children; reading comic books, gaming, at the movies or taking care of the menagerie of pets. A dog, a rabbit, two bearded dragons, and three tortoises. Wonder woman, the escaped snake, has yet to be located.
Twitter: @VampWereZombie
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/VampiresWerewolvesZombies
Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/VampWereZombie
Youtube: http://youtu.be/YiCqYd9UBMk
My Review:
What an awesome premise! I really wanted to read this book after seeing the front cover and reading the back cover blurb. It was an exciting and different to the other paranormal books out there.
Strictly speaking I’d class it as New Adult fiction due to the protagonist’s age and the books contents, although I know that the whole YA/NA/Adult debate is still kind of subjective.
From a writer’s perspective, I would have liked the action to start from the get go. Chapter 1 was a little boring to me and could lose a less patient reader (which would be a shame) I realise that you need to set the scene, introduce a character that the reader will care about etc. but I still think that this can be done just as easily from chapter 2 and grab the reader by the balls from the very first line. Knowing the protagonist’s love life, relationship with her mother, college history and dreams can wait.
I also feel that if it had been told first person, rather than third, it would have bonded the reader to Evaine quicker and really put them smack in the middle of the action.
The front cover is great, very Buffy-like and really sells the book. It has the main character on there and will stand out – two dead thumbs up!
Overall I’d give Dead Awakenings 4 out 5 stars – if you’re looking for something different, here’s your next book!
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Dead Awakenings, Dead Awakenings by Rebekah R Ganiere, Rebekah R Ganiere 
March 24, 2014
Book Review: Mistress of Merrivale by Shelley Munro
Synopsis:
A marriage of convenience…full of inconvenient secrets.
Jocelyn Townsend’s life as a courtesan bears no resemblance to the life she envisioned in girlish dreams. But it allows her and her eccentric mother to live in relative security—until her protector marries and no longer requires her services.
Desperate to find a new benefactor, one kind enough to accept her mother’s increasingly mad flights of fancy, Jocelyn is nearly overwhelmed with uncertainty when a lifeline comes from an unexpected source.
Leo Sherbourne’s requirements for a wife are few. She must mother his young daughter, run his household, and warm his bed. All in a calm, dignified manner with a full measure of common sense. After his late wife’s histrionics and infidelity, he craves a simpler, quieter life.
As they embark on their arrangement, Leo and Jocelyn discover an attraction that heats their bedroom and a mutual admiration that warms their days. But it isn’t long before gossip regarding the fate of Leo’s first wife, and his frequent, unexplained absences, make Jocelyn wonder if the secrets of Merrivale Manor are rooted in murder…
Warning: Contains mysterious incidents, a mad mother who screeches without provocation, scheming relatives, and a captivating husband who blows scorching hot and suspiciously cold. All is not as it seems…and isn’t that delicious?
About the Author:
Shelley Munro is tall and curvaceous with blue eyes and a smile that turns masculine heads everywhere she goes. She’s a university tutor and an explorer/treasure hunter during her vacations. Skilled with weapons and combat, she is currently in talks with a producer about a television series based on her world adventures.
Shelley is also a writer blessed with a VERY vivid imagination and lives with her own hero in New Zealand. She writes mainly erotic romance in the contemporary, paranormal and historical genres for publishers Carina Press, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. You can learn more about Shelley and her books at http://www.shelleymunro.com.
WEBSITE: http://www.shelleymunro.com
BLOG: http://www.shelleymunro.com/blog
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/ShelleyMunroAuthor
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/ShelleyMunro
PINTEREST: http://www.pinterest.com/ShelleyMunro
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/ShelleyMunro
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Shelley-Munro/e/B001JOWGNK
My Review:
I am really starting to enjoy a good bit of historical romance. Mistress of Merrivale is written very much like a ‘Jane Eyre’ style, only brought up to date – I know that sounds crazy as it’s historical fiction! I found it easy to read and hard to put down.
From a writer’s perspective (and this is my only criticism) is that Jocelyn is described by both the author, and other characters, as being plain in looks, and to me it doesn’t ring true when you look at descriptions of real-life courtesans. A courtesan was always considered a great beauty and accomplished in some art form. As nice as it is to write about a ‘plain’ lady (and some publishers even demand this in their guidelines now) I much prefer my fictional characters to be at least pretty (I know I’m soooo shallow) I read to escape the mundane, not to be faced with it.
The front cover is lovely and captures the essence, time period of the book – which is really all you can ask.
Overall, I’d give Mistress of Merrivale 4out of 5 stars, a historical romp with heart.
NEWSLETTER: http://eepurl.com/A2xfH
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Historical Romance, Mistress of Merrivale, samhaim publishing, Shelley Munro
March 22, 2014
Interview with Lee Thompson
Tell us about your publishing journey…
Thank you for the questions, Nicky! Early on it involved lots of crying; these last few years it’s been more joyous. I wrote for eight years without selling anything because I sucked. Then a few things happened that changed everything.
First, agent Ethan Ellenberg (who I dedicated my forthcoming Suspense novel A BEAUTIFUL MADNESS to) looked at some of my work and gave me valuable feedback and showed me where I needed to improve.
Second, my hero Tom Piccirilli was super helpful (I also dedicated A BEAUTIFUL MADNESS to him). I think he’s one of the nicest and most talented writers around.
Third, I met a couple other writers on Zoetrope who were as serious as I was and we learned from each other.
Then things these last couple years get hazy because so much has happened. After I started hand copying some of my favorite novels, I really started learning my craft. I started selling short stories professionally to places I love like Shock Totem. I started getting blurbs from heroes like Tom Piccirilli, Jack Ketchum, Brian Hodge and Robert Dunbar. My publisher DarkFuse has been incredibly supportive of my work and Shane Staley is an inspiration in a lot of ways.
I ended up finding out what themes really mattered to me and ran with them and that helped. I have successful friends who have given me advice, listened to me whine, pimped me, and helped me in a number of other ways. I met writer Les Edgerton at Bouchercon (The World Mystery Convention) and we had a great time talking and drinking. He read my novella WHEN WE JOIN JESUS IN HELL and referred me to his agent. I write so quickly that I’ve decided I better use some pen names, but so far I haven’t. I’ve had enthusiastic book reviewers like Peter Schwotzer at Famous Monsters of Filmland, Anita Siraki at Hell Notes, Mercedes Yardley at Shock Totem, Jennifer at BookDen, etc., all help spread the word about my work. I’m pretty fortunate. Most of all I think a writer has to be persistent. And I’m very persistent.
What do you love about being an author?
Drinking mostly. Creating worlds populated by strong but severely flawed characters. Interacting with readers since I’m a reader first and an author second.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
John Gardner’s version of Grendel. I’d eat pizza while he tormented and ate the Danish warriors.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
For my forthcoming Suspense novel A BEAUTIFUL MADNESS I’d have Robert Duvall play the anti-hero’s cracked father Eddie Wood, and have Leonardo DiCaprio play the protagonist Sammy. I can’t imagine better actors for those roles.
As a horror writer you are looking to scare readers – what scares you?
I’ve never considered myself a Horror writer, just got plugged in that box for some reason. As to my fears: I’m scared of not reaching my potential, and not loving the good people in my life deeply enough because I’m selfish. Other than those things, a lobotomy scares the hell out of me. Not only is the process terrifying, the end result is mind-numbing.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I’d sell the time machine and buy a beach house in San Diego and a mountain retreat in Colorado Springs. I like the present.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
Don’t piss your life away. I didn’t start writing until my late twenties and I was shitty and miserable without some kind of purpose in my life. When my mom had a stroke and went into a coma I needed some way to express and analyze my fears, my anger, and my uncertainty. Writing fit the bill and I can’t imagine doing anything else for a living.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
A genie. It’d be fun to watch people wish for things they’d wished they hadn’t?
Where do you write best?
On my keyboard.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
NAMELESS: THE DARKNESS COMES by Mercedes M. Yardley. I thought it was terrific, sad, edgy, and beautiful, just like the author. Go read it!
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
Overall, I like the Suspense label best. Everything I write is Suspense, whether it’s realistic or supernatural, so I can kind of cover a lot of ground that way.
Where can fans find you online?
Lee Thompson’s website: http://leethompsonfiction.com
Twitter: @DivisionMythos
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4651572.Lee_Thompson
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lee-Thompson/e/B004TTJM98
DarkFuse: https://www.darkfuseshop.com/Lee-Thompson/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/LeeThompson
Thanks again for the interview, Nicky!
“Lee Thompson knows his horror-noir. He fuses both genres together in the turmoil of terror, tragedy, blood, guilt, and lost chances at redemption.”–Tom Piccirilli, author of THE LAST KIND WORDS
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: A beautiful madness, Author advice, darkfuse, horror, interview with a horror author, Lee Thomspson
March 20, 2014
Interview with Wynne Channing
Tell us about your publishing journey.
Tens of thousands of readers have gone on the What Kills Me journey and it remains a top-rated read on Amazon. That to me was an awesome surprise. I published the story with no expectations. I wrote it in six months for fun and wanted to share it with the world. I followed it with I Am Forever to thank the fans and I’m now working on the third.
What do you love about being an author?
Hearing from fans. I always do a little (slightly uncoordinated) happy dance when a reader reaches out to me on Twitter, Facebook, email, etc.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Dracula. I’ve heard he could be quite the charmer. Hopefully, we’d eat some uh, chicken.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
I get asked this question often and to be honest, I have no clue. Everyone sees your protagonists differently and I prefer to leave it to their imagination.
What is the hardest part when writing a sequel?
Not peeing my pants on release day. I was terrified of disappointing fans of What Kills Me. But at the end of the day, I just had to write a story that was true to the characters and one that I felt good about. I’m happy with I Am Forever. A lot more thought went into the world building, the motivations of the characters, the history, etc. I hope fans will enjoy it and will look forward to Book Three.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I’d go back to the ‘90s so I could listen to amazing R&B and read my Christopher Pike books again.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
Don’t worry. Whatever happens, you’ll handle it.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
I’d be one of those cherubs in Disney’s Fantasia. They just look so freaking happy all of the time.
Where do you write best?
Coffee shops.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
The last book I read was S.M. Boyce’s Heritage, the third book in her Grimoire series. It’s awesome. I highly recommend.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I’d love to write adult horror. I’m also writing a non-fiction finance book.
Where can fans find you online?
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Google+ | Pinterest |YouTube |Amazon Author Page
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: wynne channing
Book Spotlight: Fangs and Furs Box Set
Synopsis:
Things don’t shift any better than this. One cutting edge read after another, of Fur & Fangs brings you six steamy paranormal reads from five best-selling authors.
FANG CHRONICLES: MANDY’S STORY
By D’Elen McClain
Every beastkind knows you don’t mess with a Kodiak bear—everyone that is except Mandy, the wolf-pack Alpha’s sister. When Mandy hears whispers that the bad attitude bear, Honey, has chosen a mate, she takes matters into her own hands because her wolf decided months before that Honey was hers.
Website/Blog- www.fangchronicles.com
BIG BAD BEAST
By Skhye Moncrief
Each wants the other, but neither can stand to be in the same room together…And each has secretly lusted for the other like a dark explosive sin. Stand back and watch the fireworks light up the Minnesota Territory’s post-apocalyptic sky because the BIG BAD BEAST can’t help but to huff and to puff and to blow Josie’s house in…
Website- http://skhyemoncrief.com
FERAL FASCINATIONS
By Skhye Moncrief
Their blood lust flares hotter than a solar storm…She seduced an earthling to create their were-assassin blood bond. Shanghaied to fight a war between vampires and werewolves, his gut shouts escape. But humanity needs a hero. Colliding in a universe of psychic mind-reading games, each realizes trusting the other is as dangerous as buying into their FERAL FASCINATIONS.
Website- http://skhyemoncrief.com
THE GEORGIAN EMBRACE
By Sky Purington
When Devin, a mysterious stranger claiming to be from the future, appears on her Georgian’s worksite everything changes for eighteenth century Isabel. Even as smoldering, unavoidable desire ignites between them they must struggle to stay one step ahead of the time-warping house caught in Calum’s Curse. Better yet, the rival werewolf determined to finish the legacy it began.
Website- http://www.skypurington.com
CARNAL THIRST
By Celeste Anwar
When Danior found the woman being drained of life by one of his clan, for some unfathomable reason, he knew he could not allow her to die. Against the ruling of the council, Danior secrets her away, taking her through the change from human into vampire and forever changing life as she knows it. But the move ensures they will be outcasts–hunted to the death by his people.
Website- http://www.romancewiki.com/Celeste_Anwar
THE PROTECTORS DAMON
By Teresa Gabelman
The Vampire Council Warriors have been ordered to train social workers how to protect themselves against vampire attacks. VC Warrior Damon DeMaster’s and social worker Nicole Callahan clash at their first meeting. Even as sparks fly and tensions mount, Nicole and Damon depend on each other to protect the children of both races against the new drug hitting the streets, Crimson Rush.
Website www.teresagabelman.com
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: anthology, Bewitching book tours, Celeste Anwar, D’Elen McClain, Fangs and Fur box set, FERAL, paranormal romance, Shifters, Skhye Moncrief, Sky Purington, Teresa Gabelman, vampires
