Mia Darien's Blog, page 14

Character Interview: Diana Wicker & the Storyteller from ‘The Age of Awakening’ Series

I’m very please to welcome back Diana Wicker, who joined us a few days ago for Ten Questions. Today she brings with her the Storyteller, from The Age of Awakening series. Welcome to you both!

And, as a reminder, the Storyteller of Feyron will celebrate the Midsummer Solstice by offering the new release, The Guardian Child’s Return, free on Kindle from June 19th – 23rd.

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

The Storyteller: I currently appear in two books, The Dreamweaver’s Journey and The Guardian Child’s Return from The Age of Awakenings set of stories.

The first story recounts the tale of the first Dreamweaver to come of age in Feyron in, oh…about three hundred years. It follows her and her friends on their adventure across the four Realms of Light to find the Guardians who have been missing since the last Dreamweaver passed on.

The second story follows after the first and, I think, is really dependent upon some of the information learned in book one. This story brings back familiar faces, but also introduces new adventurers as a group of friends finds themselves journeying to a realm Beyond the Realms of Light in search of something that one of the Guardians has lost.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

The Storyteller: I am The Storyteller of Feyron, the recounter of tales and lore. You’ll generally find me sitting in some comfortable location surrounded by children clamoring for a story. I have found, over the years, that with just a little bit of flair, the lessons of ages past can be ever so much more exciting than when reading from some scroll or tome. And so, I do my best to spin a good yarn for the young when the clans of Faie gather for the Solstice celebrations.

As to what you should know of me…hmmm. To be certain, I had a given name recorded in the Book of Ages back in the days of once ago, but to tell you more of who I used to be would be, well… telling. (winks)

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

The Storyteller: I do appreciate the author taking the time to write out the tales of Feyron. So often with oral histories much can be lost when the storytellers pass and their memories are lost. I do wish she would spend less time focusing on the details and more time just listening and enjoying, wide eyed like the little children, and simply let the magic of the story flow where it will.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

The Storyteller: Oh, I enjoy sharing the tales from Feyron very much, and I hope the author will find time to record more of them. I think the thing I enjoy most about both of the books currently available is that, even if it seems like this one story is wrapped up nicely, there’s always something more to be told. As in so many things in life, one thing leads to another. One story’s ending may be the spark that becomes another story’s beginning.

But there I go rambling far afield from what you’ve asked me. I like both of the stories and the role I have played in them so far.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

The Storyteller: I do very much enjoy being the narrator of the tales of Feyron to the audience. I love interacting with the children and youth listening to the tales in my story, and I hope the reader feels like they’re listening to the tale right along with the children sitting at my knee.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

The Storyteller: As I tell the audience at the beginning of each new tale, “The Realm of Feyron has always been. It is the origin of all things magical, and the axis point where all worlds meet.” There is so much to say about the Realm of Feryon, I certainly hope to be around for some time to come.

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

The Storyteller: There is a third story in the works for the current set of books, and I am looking forward to appearing again as the narrator of that tale. A lot of preparation is going into stories from a new historical era in Feyron, The Age of Fading, which will look back to the events before the Awakening. A great deal of background lore for Feyron and the historical ages has been carefully collected and plans are in place for a future short story collection.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

The Storyteller: This question really gave me pause, but I think I would like to see Cate Blanchett. There’s something about her voice that makes me think she would make an excellent storyteller, soothing to listen to and with just enough of a twinkle in her eye to make you wonder what more she knows about the story that she’s simply not sharing. And, if there’s anyone out there that can pull off the “ever youthful” look with hair of “moon-lit” white with the pastel hues of a pearl, it would definitely be her.

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Author Bio: Diana lives in the balmy climate of the US south with her husband, two children, two dogs, two cats, a cantakerous rabbit, and a dwarf african frog. She enjoys reading, sewing (clothing, costuming, and experimental toy making), and RPG games. (She grew up with the old school paper/pencil style of gaming, but has transitioned happily to the highly interactive world of video games.)

The idea for Feyron started with a map, a place for her daughter to tell stories and live out storytelling role playing adventures with her friends. The lore grew around the map, for every world needs lore if you are going to “live” there. The idea for a series, Tales from Feyron, grew out of the lore, for if you’re going to invent a world, you may as well play there too. The stories are continuing to grow through the various historical ages of Feyron and may yet “ripple” outwards to the Worlds Beyond touched by magic.

Buy Link: Amazon (The Guardian Child’s Return)

Ten Questions with… Diana L. Wicker

Today I am pleased to welcome Diana L. Wicker to answer Ten Questions with Mia! Welcome, Diana! I’d also like to note that the Storyteller of Feyron will celebrate the Midsummer Solstice by offering the new release, The Guardian Child’s Return, free on Kindle from June 19th – 23rd. So if this looks like your kind of story, check it out from Wednesday to Sunday for free!

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Author Bio: Diana lives in the balmy climate of the US south with her husband, two children, two dogs, two cats, a cantankerous rabbit, and a dwarf african frog. She enjoys reading, sewing (clothing, costuming, and experimental toy making), and RPG games. (She grew up with the old school paper/pencil style of gaming, but has transitioned happily to the highly interactive world of video games.)

The idea for Feyron started with a map, a place for her daughter to tell stories and live out storytelling role playing adventures with her friends. The lore grew around the map, for every world needs lore if you are going to “live” there. The idea for a series, Tales from Feyron, grew out of the lore, for if you’re going to invent a world, you may as well play there too. The stories are continuing to grow through the various historical ages of Feyron and may yet “ripple” outwards to the Worlds Beyond touched by magic.

Author Site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-from-Feyron-The-Ripples-of-Power/421079171274185

You can find her books on Amazon (The Guardian Child’s Return)!

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Oh gosh, that’s a tough one…Do I choose nouns? (wife, mom, daughter…) Do I choose adjectives? (organized, efficient…) Do I choose alliteration? (Determined, dependable Diana…) How about – aspiring author multitasking multiple hats

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. I know my first stories were created in my childhood and told to my younger cousins about Dreamland, where our teddy bears take us at night flying on our beds to have grand adventures. As to what was the first story I ever wrote; I would have to say that I’m simply not certain. I have a vague picture in my mind of a story written during elementary school with a big green octopus type monster on the front (illustrated for me by a friend), but I can’t even recall the name of it.

3. What inspires you?

Ah, now that is an easy question…life. Music, movies, television, anime, books, pictures, video games, friends and family…I find inspiration in the world around me, and usually at some inopportune time, like driving, so I hope to remember them long enough to reach a point where I can stop and type them up. I have also found that my writing often takes on the feel of whatever my favorite distraction is while I’m working on a particular plot, such as a movie, anime series, or style of music. Sometimes as I listen to music a song will simply click, and it becomes the theme song for a specific character or plot line and it helps me pull together the random thoughts and ideas that might otherwise fade before I get them written down on paper.

4. What distracts you?

Oddly enough, the same things that can bring inspiration seem to distract me from the creative process; but, if I had to narrow it down a bit, I would say sound. When I’m in the middle of that creative groove, sound is very distracting and disruptive to my creative process. A lot of my story ideas and scenes I know I “must” write come first as pictures, like an anime playing out in my mind that I have to then translate into words to put on the page. Background chatter can really drive those images away before I can get them on paper.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

I’m a sucker for a story that pulls me in and makes me feel. Make me care what happens to the characters and bring tears to my eyes. Make it all seem real and like I am living the story right along with them.

I love a good story and a good cry, as long as there is good closure at the end. I don’t need a happy ending after being brought to tears, as long as everything feels properly wrapped up.

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

The Dreamweaver’s Journey: The Age of Awakenings Book 1

In this story the reader is introduced to Feyron, the realm of magic, and some of the clans living there. We meet the first Dreamweaver to come of age in three hundred years and follow her on an adventure across the four Realms of Light in search of missing friends and the lost Guardians of their realm.

The Guardian Child’s Return: The Age of Awakenings Book 2

Old faces return and new ones are introduced in this tale that leads the youth Beyond the Realms of Light for the first time. Lord Grypos, the great golden griffin, Keeper of Knowledge, sends the youth on a quest to bring back that which he has lost. Along the way they find unexpected danger and adventure.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

This may sound very strange, but I think currently my favorite part of writing the stories of Feyron is reading them aloud to my son. He is very attentive and picks up on the strangest little details and asks very thoughtful questions as we read the tales together. I find that words can flow very differently on a page than they do when spoken, and often I update my story as I read, sometimes swapping what flows from my mouth with what was actually written on the page. And, he’s a good little editor and will tell me to swap stuff back if he doesn’t like the way I’ve changed it.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

I suspect my characters might say that I need to slow down, relax more, and do less. Once upon a time I was a pro at multitasking, and I based my day and workload around my ability to multitask. These days I feel like I’ve got a touch of ADD as I have lots of projects started and half finished, and not quite enough time to get everything done. Hmm, come to think of it, they might be right.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

I suppose it’s sort of cheating to pick The Storyteller as my favorite character, as she is sort of my alter ego by being the narrator of the tales, and, sadly, I really don’t know that many teen actors. It is hard for me to say “this person” is the perfect Aideen or “that person” is the perfect Soifra. So, I’m going to be different and switch it up a bit.

My son once asked me when “they” were going to make the cartoon of my stories so he could watch them on tv, which I think is sort of amusing considering that a lot of my scenes start out in sort of an anime in my imagination. So if someone was going to translate Feyron into visual media, I would choose Hayao Miyazaki to make an anime of the world. I just love his work.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I do have a couple of projects in the works for Feyron currently. A third book is in process for the set of stories during The Age of Awakenings. A new set of stories from an older era, The Age of Fading, has been outlined and preliminary scenes written. I also have a short story set in the works that contains tales of lore such as the children of Feyron might learn of their own history. I plan to tie the different sets of stories together under the series title, Tales from Feyron – The Ripples of Power.

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Thanks for joining us today, Diana, and good luck with your stories!

Character Interview: Marie Lavender & Fara from ‘Upon Your Return’

Today’s character interview has us joined by Marie Lavender and Fara, from Marie’s story Upon Your Return. Welcome to you both!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Fara: The book is Upon Your Return. You could say the book is really about my life, or at least the hardships I must experience to find happiness. I meet Captain Grant Hill and so much happens. It is about my journey to find love, and not just the romantic kind. And despite everything, I do find family.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Fara: Well, I don’t know quite what to say. I suppose I am the main character of the story. I am a girl who dreams of finding a way out of her situation. Even though I know my place, I want so much to find love.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Fara: That is a hard question. But, since you ask, I will be honest. Marie is a strange girl. Have you heard the music she listens to? You can hardly waltz to it. And she’s nothing like my aunt. Not proper. But, she believes in love as I do, and I like that about her.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Fara: I think this is a good story. When I read it, I remember what I went through and all the negative things that occurred…well, I don’t want to relive that. But, Grant…well, I’ll let you read all about him in the book.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Fara: I’m not sure. Marie describes me as an eighteen year old girl who hardly acts the way she should. But, what does that matter? I do not want to be like everyone else.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Fara: I always dreamed of going to a place far away and having adventures. If I could have that, that would be so exciting!

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Fara: Yes, I do know a little of her plans, and I’m not sure I agree with her. The lady is going to follow me to see what happens after the book. She talks of writing about my children.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Fara: Why, I believe Amy Adams would be a good fit. She has the right hair color, you see, and she seems like a pleasant girl.

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Author Bio: Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and three cats. She has been writing for over twenty years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands.

At the tender age of nine, she began writing stories. Her imagination fueled a lot of her early child’s play. Even growing up, she entered writing contests and received a certificate for achieving the second round in one. She majored in Creative Writing in college because that was all she ever wanted – to be a writer. While there, she published two works in a university publication, and was a copy editor on the staff of an online student journal. After graduating from college, she sought out her dream to publish a book.

Since then, Marie has published sixteen books. Marie Lavender’s real love is writing romances, but she has also written mysteries, literary fiction and dabbled a little in paranormal stories. Most of her works have a romantic element involved in them. Upon Your Return is her first historical romance novel. Feel free to visit her website at http://marielavender.webs.com/ for further information about her books and her life. Marie is also on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

A list of her books and pen names are as follows:

Marie Lavender: Upon Your Return

Erica Sutherhome: Hard to Get; Memories; A Hint of Scandal; Without You; Strange Heat; Terror in the Night; Haunted; Pursuit; Perfect Game; A Touch of Dawn; Ransom

Kathryn Layne: A Misplaced Life

Heather Crouse: Express Café and Other Ramblings; Ramblings, Musings and Other Things; Soulful Ramblings and Other Worldly Things

You can find Marie at her website, her blog, and second blog.

You can buy Upon Your Return from Solstice Publishing, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords & Kobo.

Available Now!

The newest installment of the Adelheid series is now available! If you’re ready to take another trip to this strange town, with its unusual citizens, then check out Written All Over Her, and learn more about Detective Nykk Marlowe!

[Amazon] [Barnes & Noble] [Smashwords] [CreateSpace--Print]

Written All Over Her, The Adelheid Series #4

One word can change the story of your life forever.

Abduction. Torture. Surrender.

Eleven months from her adolescence have framed thirty-one years of Detective Nykk Marlowe’s life. Despite the trauma of her past, and the unique physical scars it left her with, she’s built a career as a detective for the Adelheid Police Department.

Her personal life might only consist of caring for her sister and a pet rabbit, but she accepts that.

She accepts that she’ll never be able to be like “normal” people, even the supernatural ones. As long as she can keep the past where it belongs, she’s okay.

But when the body of a teenage girl shows up with the same scars that Nykk sees in the mirror every day, her “okay” life gets turned upside down and she’s forced to confront the past she’s been looking away from for sixteen years.

And when it turns out there’s already more than one victim, the pressure’s on to stop the killer before any more girls are tortured, mutilated, and murdered.

Character Interview: Sarah Lalonde & Bastet from ‘True Form’

Today, please welcome back Sarah Lalonde! This time, she is joined by Bastet from her novel True Form. Welcome!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Bastet: I’m found in the novel True Form. This book is about a curse that imprisons my family to mortal form for the crimes of my sibling. We are called the Originals, shapeshifting felines who once lived in ancient Egypt. The book starts where I am looking for a job at a psychic shop in Ontario.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Bastet: I’m a very confident person with strong psychic ability. Living in ancient Egypt I had a soft spot for children and enjoyed playing music for them. After the curse I began to forget the small things I enjoyed so that I could focus on survival.

I love cats, that should be a given! As an immortal I could shift into any wild cat of my choice. Now with the curse on us, Sun and I take turns between a domesticated cat and the form of a fragile human. This trade happens for ten years at a time. I miss the cat form a lot. I am pretty determined to find the person who is prophesied to break my curse.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Bastet: She’s a lot like Lily, our Spirit Walker in True Form. She loves animals and probably would never allow for Sun or I to taste a wild mouse…ever…. I’d be stuck eating cat food if she were my owner.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Bastet: There’s enough action and drama to keep my mind occupied!

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Bastet: Of course, whatever helps get cats more attention is great I can’t believe people don’t even worship them anymore….

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Bastet: A lot of battles and decisions about love.

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Bastet: I should be in the next two books of the series. Sarah never knows what’s happening until her fingers start typing. So I know details only two seconds after she does.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Bastet: I don’t really know anyone famous. The person would have to love cats.

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Author Bio: Sarah Christine Lalonde is a natural born medium and author. Sarah has had the ability to connect with the other side since she was a child and offers in person and online readings. As a wildlife photographer, Sarah loves animals and is a vegetarian.

Author Site: http://www.sarahlalonde.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorsarahchristine.lalonde

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6450408.Sarah_Christine_Lalonde

Guest Post from Marcela De Vivo

Today is one of those days when I break away from the usual interview posts and am happy to welcome a guest writer, who will share with us her list of seven books that will inspire! Thanks for joining us today, Marcela!

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Top 7 Books That Will Inspire Any Writer

Writing can be one of the most rewarding things in the world to do – when it’s going well. When you’re struggling or just feeling like everything you write is sub-par, it can feel like you’re Sisyphus and that blank page is your boulder.

Whether you’re just starting out as a writer or you’ve got a lot of experience under your belt, there are times when you just need some inspiration to keep the pen moving. These seven books can help provide that inspiration.

1. Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury is an interesting author in that his books have sold well, but he’s maintained critical popularity – something many authors have had trouble doing. Bradbury’s book is particularly inspiring because of how much he clearly enjoys the craft of writing. His spirit is infectious and there are few books as motivating as this one for aspiring writers.

Ray Bradbury signing a book for a young fan in 2004. Image Courtesy of Flickr

2. Wild Mind: Living the Writer’s Life by Natalie Goldberg

Goldberg’s book is a unique one when it comes to books by writers on writing, in that it basically outlines a practical method that new writers can really use. Goldberg skips the hyperbole and goes right into how you can find the time to write, how you can develop your own personal style and how you can overcome writer’s block when it strikes.

3. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Stephen King is one of the best-selling writers of all time. If you’re going to turn to any book for advice on writing, his is an excellent place to start. The book, which does contain many helpful tips for writers, is also a memoir that details his early struggles in life as well as with writing.

4. Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brand

Now a classic, “Becoming a Writer” is a book that should be taught in school – and is in some. Brand’s book is particularly effective in teaching writers with technical skill how to unlock subject matter through techniques that help harness the unconscious mind and how to slow down a speeding creative mind to capture the moment and mood of your thoughts.

5. Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg

Another book by Natalie Goldberg, “Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within” helps bring the concepts of Zen meditation and writing together. In Goldberg’s mind, the two are linked; understanding that can really help most writers.

6. The Right to Write: An Invitation and Initiation Into the Writing Life by Julia Cameron

Cameron’s book starts by asking the simple question “What if everything you knew about writing was wrong?” The book goes on to help authors think outside of the box and forget about modern writing protocol to create better, more powerful text.

7. Page After Page by Heather Sellers

Written in a style that’s humorous and easy-to-read, Heather Sellers’ book “Page After Page” is an excellent read for just-starting-out authors since it addresses the common issues of false starts and overwhelming self-doubt. Part educational, part motivational, Sellers’ book is a must-read for beginners.

Need More Inspiration?

If books about writing aren’t all that inspiring to you or you just need a little more inspiration, grab one of these books and take a break from your own writing. After all, every writer should continue to make reading a part of their daily life.

The Complete Short Stories of Bernard Malamud

Bernard Malamud was a masterful author when it came to creating complex characters that really shined in simple, moving stories. His writing may not be complex or full of obvious technical prowess, but Malamud’s work was clear, concise and effective like few others in history.

His short stories also make a great break from writing since many are quite short and can be read in less than 30 minutes.

The Collected Stories of William Faulkner

Another master of the short story form, Faulkner’s work is about as different as you could get from Malamud’s. Instead of simple, clear language, Faulkner is often verbose. It’s clear that run-on sentences weren’t a concern for the author.

A portrait of William Faulkner taken in 1954. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

While many criticized his style, the rule-breaking and incredible breadth of language could be wildly inspiring for a writer – even if you don’t plan on writing in a similar fashion.

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So, the next time you have writer’s block and are looking for some inspiration, consider taking a break from your own writing and relax with one of these books. You may like as to where it will lead you.

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer in the Los Angeles area whose writing covers everything from health and alternative medicine to marketing, tech and travel. She also writes for Retail Packaging. Whenever she is having a difficult time with writing, she turns to a few of these books for inspiration and a fresh perspective.

You can visit her at her site, and at Retail Packaging.

Ten Questions with… Sarah Lalonde

Please welcome today’s guest, Sarah Lalonde, who is the author of both fiction and non-fiction. Welcome!

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Author Bio: Sarah Christine Lalonde is a natural born medium and author. Sarah has had the ability to connect with the other side since she was a child and offers in person and online readings. As a wildlife photographer, Sarah loves animals and is a vegetarian.

Author Site: http://www.sarahlalonde.com

You can find her books by visiting her website!

 

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Five words I would use to describe myself are loving, compassionate, spiritual, vegetarian, and dreamer.

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

My first full length novel was called ‘Never Death’ and centered on the friendship of two girls who were inseparable. When one of the girls is murdered we go on a journey to her afterlife and see how her soul still interacts with her friend in helping her solve that murder. My English class had an event one night where I read a chapter where the living friend gets therapy to help her cope with the loss. There’s some humorous bits, but I made a few elderly women in the front row cry. They let me know later how inspirational it was for them and how it made them feel more connected to the other side. So, though I was going for light hearted humour- You never know how people will perceive your work I suppose. I ended up losing most of the manuscript after the class was over. I don’t believe I even got a great mark for the story either. I know it was full of errors. That was about 8 years ago. I am always learning and progressing. I’m sure it wasn’t as great as my unicorn story I wrote when I was 7. Nothing beats unicorns

3. What inspires you?

Nature inspires me so much. I love to go for walks with my boyfriend Jeff through hiking trails and discover new things. I will often find new animals to photograph and enjoy adding them to my book as a character. In True Form there are many animals like the beaver, moose or elk, which I’ve photographed out in the wild. Seeing the wild flowers and the blue birds’ starts to feel like its own fairytale.

There is absolutely magic all around us for those who are willing to stop and watch for it. My partner Jeff is also helpful, because he supports me unconditionally. I don’t know what I’d do without supportive souls around me.

4. What distracts you?

My cats distract me. I have two beautiful black cats named Echo and Jellybean whom we rescued at our local humane society. They are leashed trained and you can often see pictures of their walks to the park on my facebook. They both have a tendency to want attention while I write or decide to sleep on my keyboard. I had to make a special spot on the desk beside my computer for them. Echo sleeps there with her favourite blue blanket. This cuts down on distractions.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

As a child my grade four teacher read the class ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ by Wilson Rawls. It’s a story about a boy who wants nothing more than to buy two hound dogs. It’s such a heartwarming tale of love and the bond between the boy and his dogs, that I ignore the fact that its main storyline has hunting (something I am not fond of). That story had the whole class in tears. It inspired me to want to be a writer. I read it about 5 times on my own after that.

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

My first book is a non-fiction book about my life growing up seeing the other side. This book is a gentle reminder of the spirituality all around us and how others can connect. ‘Living With Spirits-My Life as a Spiritual medium’

My second book is fiction and full of magic and psychic abilities. I used a lot of my own wisdom and experiences when writing this first of a series. ‘True Form’

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

My favourite part of writing ‘Living With Spirits…’ was getting my experiences with spirits on paper. I’d like to pass on my wisdom to not only readers but my nephew who is showing many signs of being aware of spirits and to my own future children.

My second book on this topic (If I can ever get around to writing it) will be much more in depth and very interesting!

For ‘True Form’ I loved to be magical. There are no limitations, if I want a child who can speak to animals….I create one. It’s a magical and inspiring place to be.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

Bastet from ‘True Form’ would tell me to have more confidence. She has much more spine than I do. Lily, on the other hand, would say that as long as I’m loving nature and respecting wildlife, I am perfect. She’s a very patient and loving soul.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

I would want to cast Eliza Dushku as Bastet (Can she still pass for an 18 year old ? hehe).

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

I am currently working on the second books to both ‘Living With Spirits…’ and ‘True Form’

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Thanks for joining us today, Sarah, and good luck with your writing!

Character Interview: Stan Morris & Kathy from ‘Surviving the Fog’

Everyone please help me in welcoming back Stan Morris, who was with us before to answer Ten Questions! Today he joins us with Kathy, from Surviving the Fog and Surviving the Fog–Kathy’s Recollection. Welcome back!

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Mia: What is the name of the book where we’ll find you? Can you tell us a little about it?

Kathy: I’m in two books. The first was Surviving the Fog. I had a role in one chapter, and I got mentioned in some other chapters, but I wasn’t like, a major character or anything. My big role is in Surviving the Fog-Kathy’s Recollections. I’m the narrator, so it’s mostly about me and my friends. And my boyfriend, of course.

Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?

Kathy: As I said, I’m the narrator. When the story starts, I’m fourteen years old. I was born in Concord, California which is a city east of the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area, and I was living in Morgan Hill, California when the story begins. I’m blond, I have blue eyes, I’m short when the story begins, and I’m a little introverted. I certainly didn’t want to go to a camp that was supposed to preach abstinence and teach methods of birth control. I don’t know why my parents made me go. I didn’t have any problem with abstinence, and I had no interest in learning to roll a condom over a you-know-what.

Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.

Kathy: He’s okay for an old guy. I mean, he doesn’t treat us like we‘re all super intelligent, super nice kids. If anything, he could have made us a little cooler. At least, he could have made me that way.

Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?

Kathy: Well, except for the part where all my relatives die, I’m good with it. I like Surviving the Fog-Kathy’s Recollections better, because it’s more about the girls. The first book was mostly about the boys, and it didn’t give us girls the proper credit for all the ways we helped the tribe survive. And I like how the second book tells about the families we created.

Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?

Kathy: I like it. I would like it more if it had a cooler title. I would have preferred, The Exciting Adventures of a Beautiful Blonde, or maybe Kathy Leads the Fight Against the Evil Fog. But, oh no! Oksana says we all have to have the same titles, except for the part about it being our different recollections. I like being the narrator, because that gives the book a more honest account, no matter what the other kids say.

Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.

Kathy: Surviving the Fog is a good start, but what happens after that? How do we recreate civilization? And what will happen to the rest of the planet? If you can find an old map that shows the altitudes, you can see where humanity has probably survived and where it has died out. Think for a moment about who lived in the mountains before the Fog came. Those will be the people who rebuild the world. As for myself, I just want my village to be a place where people can live in peace.

Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?

Kathy: Maybe. I know he’s playing around with a story about Dumb Douglas. Why he would want to write about that guy is anyone’s guess. But if he writes a book about Douglas, I’ll probably appear.

Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?

Kathy: Elle Fanning. I saw her in Super 8, and she was so good in that movie. She’s a little older than I was at the start of the book, and since I age in the book, she would be a good choice. Maybe she’s too cute to play me. The real question is who would play my boyfriend, Hector. I think it would be super cool if they could get a Mexican actor who has a good grasp of English.

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Author Bio: Stan Morris (1951-) was born in Linwood, California, to religious fundamentalist parents. He grew up in Norwalk, California and Concord, California, where he discovered the amazing world of hard science fiction and became influenced by conservative atheism and liberal humanitarianism. He moved to New Mexico in 1972, and finally to Maui, Hawaii in 1983. He worked in a variety of jobs at oil and gas companies, driving situations, and computer tech operations. He retired in 2006. His first book, “Surviving the Fog,” was published in 2009. He lives on a farm and grows coffee, avocados, tangerines, peaches, plumeria, a variety of vegetables and herbs, and an incredible amount of weeds. He is married to Rene Yamafuji. They have two sons.

Author Site: https://sites.google.com/site/stanandrene/

Adelheid: Cover Reveal & Release Date!

Are you hungry for some more Adelheid? Well, coming soon, I’ll have more from this preternatural small town for you to sink your teeth into.

Coming May 27, 2013

One word can change the story of your life forever.

Abduction. Torture. Surrender.

Eleven months from her adolescence have framed thirty-one years of Detective Nykk Marlowe’s life. Despite the trauma of her past, and the unique physical scars it left her with, she’s built a career as a detective for the Adelheid Police Department.

Her personal life might only consist of caring for her sister and a pet rabbit, but she accepts that.

She accepts that she’ll never be able to be like “normal” people, even the supernatural ones. As long as she can keep the past where it belongs, she’s okay.

But when the body of a teenage girl shows up with the same scars that Nykk sees in the mirror every day, her “okay” life gets turned upside down and she’s forced to confront the past she’s been looking away from for sixteen years.

And when it turns out there’s already more than one victim, the pressure’s on to stop the killer before any more girls are tortured, mutilated, and murdered.

Ten Questions with… Thomas Hay

Today’s guest to answer Ten Questions is author Thomas Hay. Welcome!

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Author Bio: Raised in Clinton, Missouri. Clinton Senior High graduate, Class of 1961. Radioman in U.S. Navy 1961-65. Thirty-nine year career with TWA/American Airlines. Currently resides in Lake Waukomis, Missouri, with lovely wife Karen, along with some hyperactive squirrels, irritating geese, and cranky old cat fish.

Author Site: http://www.thomaslhay.com

You can find his books at Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble!

About the Writer

1. What five words describe you?

Old fart, funny, ridiculous, friendly, old-fashion, imaginative, stubborn, ornery, cookie monster, comeback kid. Have I gotten to five yet?

2. What was the first story you ever wrote? I mean the really bad one we all have that you’re trying to hide in the back of closet now that you’re published?

I didn’t write stories, I told them. As a kid, I got my mouth washed out more than once. I wasn’t a writer until I wrote my memoirs. Even then, I used a conversational writing style.

3. What inspires you?

My wife, my lake view, and knowing there is life after death.

4. What distracts you?

Cell phones and the zombies that are addicted to them. Chocolate chip cookies are a close second.

5. What’s your favorite story? This can be specific, as in a particular book or even story-driven movie, or general, like “I’m a sucker for a hero looking for redemption story.”

How I met my mother and brother. Those stories will knock your socks off. That’s when I realized that life can be like a box of assorted chocolates, never knowing what may come next. And then there’s the story how I met Monroe (my abductor). That one will blow your mind.

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About the Writing

1. Tell us about your currently available titles.

I have written two books. My memoirs (The Comeback Kid, Memoirs of Thomas L. Hay) and my revised memoirs (An Abduction Revelation: The Comeback Kid Returns). However, there are those who say that “Abduction” is a sci-fi tale.

2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?

I got to relive my live again and then again. I now have a history book that will allow me to live forever. I used songs to jolt my memories. Certain songs reminded me of the people, places, and times of particular life events. I also got to use my imagination, but afterwards, I began to wonder if my imagination wasn’t hidden memories brought to light.

3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!

That I might be a little crazy. Or that I might be one of a few who is not crazy. And, when the going got tough, the Kid got going.

4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?

For me, I’d prefer Mark Wahlberg. Monroe (the abductor) would be impossible to cast. That actor hasn’t been born yet. Can’t say anymore about Monroe, as it would be a spoiler.

5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?

Both my books stand alone. I am working on a sequel of “An Abduction Revelation”. My dreams are telling me that Tom is in one heck of a mess and needs my assistance. Who Tom is would be another spoiler.

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Thanks for joining us today, Thomas, and good luck with your stories!