Mia Darien's Blog, page 16
March 11, 2013
Ten Questions with… Hazel Nutt
You’ll remember that Hazel joined us a little while back with a character interview, and now she is here to answer Ten Questions with Mia!
…well, actually, this interview is with ”Lady Doherty, Parent of the Pen-Name ‘Hazel Nutt’” …but you get the idea. 
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Author Bio: Hazel Nutt is a baby who is nutty about nature, especially squirrels, whom she often has a good natter with. They tell her their secrets and her parents help her write them down to share with the world, as picture books.
Loving nature is really important to her and Hazel Nutt hopes to make sure that lots of other kids get nutty about nature as well, starting with squirrels!
Author Site: http://www.hazelnutt.com & http://www.whatsquirrelsdo.com
You can find her books (What Squirrels Do When You Are Not Looking, What Squirrels Do: The Squirrel Olympics & What Squirrels Do: Just for Fun) on Amazon!
About the Writer
1. What five words describe you?
Tired, but young at heart
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?
When I was 10, I wrote a story about gnomes. It was based in a gnome factory and the gnomes came to life and caused mischief by painting each other garish colors. They also liked to climb out the window of the factory to play with gnomes in gardens (gnomes of the world) and encouraging them to go on adventures and essentially go missing! Funny thing is I have never liked gnomes – not then or now!
3. What inspires you?
Hazel, my two year old daughter. She makes me a better person and make me smile everyday. She also inspires me to write. I come up with so many picture book ideas everyday, I don’t get to write them all down, or even remember them!
4. What distracts you?
Again, Hazel! She has so much energy, it can all be rather draining – keeping up with her, keeping a train a thought, trying to write something down with her tugging at the pen, or even remembering the reason why I walk into a particular room!
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 like thrillers that have plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing to the end and are impossible to put down, until the very last page.
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About the Writing
1. Tell us about your currently available titles.
As a family, we have created a trilogy of picture books about squirrels, our daughter provided the inspiration, Mum the words and Daddy the illustrations.
The What Squirrels Do is a trilogy of picture books that gives people an insight into these curious creatures, not EVER revealed to the public before. It will shock you to know some of the devious tricks squirrels play, it will solve some of life’s mysteries, like why there are shopping trolleys in the middle of the woods or why car alarms go off in the middle of the night.
These books will make you laugh, as they cannot fail to bring a smile to the faces of both toddler and whoever is reading the book to them – Mummy, Daddy, brother, sister, grandparent or carer.
The three books are:
What Squirrels Do When You’re Not Looking
What Squirrels Do – The Squirrel Olympics
What Squirrels Do Just For Fun
2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?
My favorite part of writing these stories was creating fun rhymes out of the ideas we had for what squirrels might do when we are looking the other way (or should I say the secrets that the squirrels told Hazel Nutt and she told us).
A huge thrill was receiving the proof copies of the books and actually have them in our hands, but the biggest thrill of all was that the real Hazel loves to be read these books multiple times everyday.
3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!
The characters in the book are Hazel Nutt and lots of squirrels. I think if the squirrels had anything to say to me, it would be stop sharing our secrets with the world! Hazel Nutt would say “I love you’ to me.
4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?
The real Hazel would play Hazel Nutt – The Squirrel Whisperer!
5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?
I would like to do a mother/daughter collaboration picture book project with Hazel. She paints some pretty amazing pictures for a two year old and some of them even look like recognizable animals. She would be the illustrator and I would write mini stories or poems for each picture included.
I would then promote it by suggesting to different toddler groups that they do collaboration projects with toddler paintings and parents’ writing and sell their books for fund raising for toys.
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Thank you for joining us today, and good luck with your stories!
March 7, 2013
Character Interview: Tista Ray & Jishu from ‘Melancholic Delight’
Once again, we welcome Tista Ray to From Mia’s Desk! Today she joins us with Jishu, a character from her book Melancholic Delight. 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?
Jishu: I dwell in the pages of ‘Melancholic Delight’. I’m so grateful to my creator Tista Ray for bringing me to live in her romance novel; else I would have been lifeless and unknown for God knows how long.
Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?
Jishu: I am Jishu, a boy who charms the people around. I was happy all by myself but then out of the blue love came, and I got tangled with an unfathomable girl. From the moment I fell under her gaze, she seemed to want me. Then why did she appear so mysterious to me? I’m confused. I love her ….but does she know to love? I’m doubtful. So, please read the novella and lend your helping hand to me. I am waiting…..for your suggestions.
Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.
Jishu: I pleaded for days before she agreed to immortalize me in the pages of history. She’s so obstinate that I had to keep on nagging till she wrote my sweet romance on the blank sheets of paper.
Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?
Jishu: I like the way I teach Sri the gist of love, changing her life forever and urging her to spread the message of true love.
Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?
Jishu: Certainly! My author gave me an opportunity to let my words be heard to a million.
Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.
Jishu: I will still be the same happy go lucky boy whom you may suddenly encounter one day. Beware of my love may blow you off your feet!
Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?
Jishu: I guess she has no plan for a sequel. Nevertheless she has promised me that I will be back in her thoughts every time she writes. I will be in her memory, that’s my only hope for now.
Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?
Jishu: Do I have a choice? Let me tell you secretly, my creator’s too imaginative. She thinks she will make it into a film herself the day I will be born in the face of the earth as a human. So absurd! Shh…I should better keep shut.
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Author Bio: Tista Ray, a near 18 years authoress penned her debut novella ‘Melancholic Delight’ and have got published in January 2013. She’s an Indian by birth. She’s actively involved in writing newspaper articles and is keen in making a difference to this world.
You can find her books published in India here and here, or for international customers, you can contact her directly at Goodreads to discuss purchasing a copy!
March 4, 2013
Ten Questions with… Tista Ray
Today I am pleased to welcome Tista Ray, author of Melancholic Delight, to answer Ten Questions with Mia!
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Author Bio: Tista Ray, a near 18 years authoress penned her debut novella ‘Melancholic Delight’ and have got published in January 2013. She’s an Indian by birth. She’s actively involved in writing newspaper articles and is keen in making a difference to this world.
You can find her books published in India here and here, or for international customers, you can contact her directly at Goodreads to discuss purchasing a copy!
About the Writer
1. What five words describe you?
Truthful, trustworthy, constancy, self-confidence, punctuality
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?
No boasting but I guess I never wrote such a story (I mean a really awful one). From early days of my writing career I have got almost all my writings published in local newspapers. Though I have a few stories and poems of mine in my closet but they are in store for future publishing.
3. What inspires you?
It depends. Sometimes it’s nature that motivates me to write a line or two. But mostly it’s some acquaintance of mine in whom I find my central character. Their words and ways stirs my imagination and I end up knitting a story whose central character has a striking resemblance with someone really known to me.
4. What distracts you?
Any interruption like someone calling me when I am busy writing. I really get so irritated that I can’t refrain from being angry.
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.”
The list’s endless. Yet I will name ‘The Fifth Mountain’ by Paulo Coelho as my best read.
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About the Writing
1.Tell us about your currently available titles.
My debut novella is ‘Melancholic Delight’. It’s a young adult novella that takes the shape of an epic romance.
2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?
I love to bring my characters to life. In a sentence I like to be at one with them.
3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!
Maybe they would complain for lack of fantasy and overly poetic dramas. They surely didn’t enjoy a realist’s company.
4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of their story?
I would rather like to have newcomers in the film. I’m sure to groom them in a way that befits the character.
5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?
Yes, I’m working on a suspense thriller with a romantic angle. It’s about a journalist’s quest for the reasons of his wife’s death. But what he finds instead is a dark secret of a multi-millionaire actress based in America. The project’s still in the planning stage and so there might be some alterations when it comes out.
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Thanks for joining us today, Tista, and good luck with your stories!
February 28, 2013
Character Interview: Hazel Nutt from “What Squirrels Do When You Are Not Looking”
Today’s guest is Hazel Nutt, “star” of the What Squirrels Do series of children’s books! I think she is our youngest guest to date. 
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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?
Hazel Nutt: You can find me (Hazel Nutt) in the What Squirrels Do Trilogy of Picture Books.
What Squirrels Do: When You’re Not Looking
What Squirrels Do: The Squirrel Olympics
What Squirrels Do: Just For Fun
I am the toddler narrator revealing the secret life of squirrels that nobody knew before. These books give people an insight into these curious creatures. It will shock you when you find out some of the devious tricks squirrels play, it will solve some of life’s mysteries, like why there are shopping trolleys in the middle of the woods, and they will make you laugh.
Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?
Hazel Nutt: I am the baby who talks to squirrels, although the squirrels depicted have had their identities changed to protect their privacy. As some of the other squirrels might not appreciate the secrets that have been shared with me! Although I don’t feature in every picture I am the reason why these books exist! Just call me Hazel Nutt, the Squirrel Whisperer.
Other than that I’m a normal toddler, throwing terrible two’s tantrums, trying and succeeding in wrapping my parents around my little finger.
Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.
Hazel Nutt: The author is a wonderful person, she’s smart, she has lots of energy and an all round lovely toddler, with a mischievous streak! She will go far. The author is me
Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?
Hazel Nutt: I love being in the stories and books that I am in, as I am the creator of it all. It is the secret live of squirrels in my own words. Even the ideas and concepts in the drawings are all mine (although my Dad drew them) making the books cute and fun, just like me.
Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?
Hazel Nutt: Yes, I like being a character in the book. I think that it is only fair that I am, as these books are my brainchild.
Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.
Hazel Nutt: I hope to have plenty more conversations with squirrels and reveal even more secrets, as long as I don’t get nuts thrown at me by the squirrels who don’t want their secrets known! You never know I might start talking to other animals.
Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?
Hazel Nutt: There will be plenty more stories, my parents and I have a book full of ideas with brand new squirrel secrets and I will feature in every one, even if it is in just one picture. The next venture will be four books revealing What Squirrels Do in the different seasons and no-one will be able to guess the contents, before they are published!
Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?
Hazel Nutt: If the books were made into a film within the next year, I would play myself and the squirrels could be played by the ones they had in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Johnny Depp version). Otherwise, I would have to audition 2 year old’s myself who could play me – I have to be in control!
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Author Bio: Hazel Nutt is a baby who is nutty about nature, especially squirrels, whom she often has a good natter with. They tell her their secrets and her parents help her write them down to share with the world, as picture books.
Loving nature is really important to her and Hazel Nutt hopes to make sure that lots of other kids get nutty about nature as well.
She also likes to blog about her observations on life and teach other toddlers how to train their parents.
Author Website: http://www.hazelnutt.com
Books Website: http://www.whatsquirrelsdo.com
What Squirrels Do: When You Are Not Looking
Buy Link: Amazon
Buy Link: Amazon – Print
What Squirrels Do: The Squirrel Olympics
Buy Link: Amazon
Buy Link: Amazon – Print
What Squirrels Do: Just for Fun
Buy Link: Amazon
Buy Link: Amazon – Print
February 26, 2013
Book Spotlight: Pam Funke & “The World at War”
And, as promised, here is the book spotlight to complement today’s belated author interview!
Author Bio: I am the proud grand-daughter of a pastor and have spent the majority of my life in the church. I am a Christian author who enjoys writing many different things. My love of reading and writing led me to write for the enjoyment of others.
Author Site: http://thefourhorsemenseries.blogspot.com/
You can find Pam at Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Her books are available from Amazon. And you can see a trailer for it on YouTube!
Book Blurb: The second book in the exciting Four Horsemen Series. Join General Alexander Ludlow as he continues on his mission to save the world. At least that is what he thinks that Operation Dark Angel is all about. He is however starting to suspect that this mission is not all that it’s cracked up to be. The world is in complete chaos as major nations wage war on each other and the world is on the brink of World War III.
The Group is secretly continuing Operation Dark Angel with much success. Unknown to the rest of the world they are the ones who are behind the strange and devastating attacks on Israel and around the world. What is it that they are really after when they are supposed to be bringing peace to an out of control world?
Italian President Nicolaitanes Balac is steadily gaining political power and recognition. The entire world is watching this one man and wondering if he will be the one to save them from the chaotic spiral that the world is headed towards. Is he really who he appears to be or is he something much more sinister? Can he save the world? Do we even want him to? Is this who mankind should rely on for help or will this be the worst mistake that mankind has ever made?
Book Excerpt:
Chee Tsang, China’s Chief Executive, gathered the country’s military officials together. He was ready for payback. How dare Israel attack his beloved country? Beijing is now just a smoldering disaster zone. This fact alone both angered and saddened him.
General Baojia Chan stood nearby looking over intelligence and working out a war strategy in his head. First we will attack Israel with missiles then a surprise attack with our massive army.
“General, I want your opinion about something. What will we gain from this? How will this attack on Israel benefit the people of China?” Chee Tsang asked.
General Chan looked back at the papers he was reviewing before looking at Mr. Chee Tsang. “Well, I think that this will only work as long as we contain the element of surprise. We then enter the country from here and here,” Baojia said pointing at the military map.
“I see. But would we not have a greater advantage point from here and here,” Chee asked.
“I have planned for the Immediate Action Unit to drop forces in at those locations,” General Chan replied.
“But I thought that we primarily used them to protect the country from terrorism, riots, and the like. If we use them in our attack, won’t that leave the country defenseless?” Chee asked.
“Yes, the IAU is primarily used for that purpose but as they are extremely good at tactical maneuvers we will be using them to strengthen our military forces. The Snow Leopard Commando Unit will be protecting our country while the military is deployed,” Baojia replied.
“Very well then, how long before we can make this happen?” Chee asked.
“It is being done as we speak sir. In a matter of hours we will have our troops in the air,” Baojia replied.
General Chan has done well, although I wish that he had waited for my approval. Chee turned and faced General Chan. “You are doing a fine job. As I am not needed here I will be off taking care of more pressing issues. Do not disappoint me,” Chee said. He then turned and left the room.
General Chan turned back to his staff. “How much longer before the planes are loaded with the troops and equipment?” he asked.
“Sir, they will be ready for takeoff in approximately two and a half hours,” the young soldier replied.
“Excellent. Now I want you to launch the missiles at Israel. We will start by creating chaos and panic and then the real fun begins,” General Chan ordered.
“Yes sir,” the soldier replied. He then typed in the target locations, the order codes, and hit send.
Ten Questions with… Pam Funke
First off, this was supposed to be posted yesterday, but a small glitch on my part has led it to be posted a day late, alongside the Book Spotlight that will be posted next. My apologies!
Today’s guest for Ten Questions with Mia is Pam Funke! Welcome, and thank you for joining us!
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Author Bio: I am the proud grand-daughter of a pastor and have spent the majority of my life in the church. I am a Christian author who enjoys writing many different things. My love of reading and writing led me to write for the enjoyment of others.
Author Site: http://thefourhorsemenseries.blogspot.com/
You can find Pam at Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Her books are available from Amazon. And you can see a trailer for it on YouTube!
About the Writer
1. What five words describe you?
Creative, honest, caring, loving, inspirational.
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?
The very first completed novel that I wrote was Operation Dark Angel, which was published last year.
3. What inspires you?
Compassionate people, people who help others without looking for a reward.
4. What distracts you?
Chaos
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.”
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About the Writing
1. Tell us about your currently available titles.
Operation Dark Angel is currently available. My second book The World at War will be available soon.
2. What’s your favorite part about writing these stories?
Having people read them and enjoy what I wrote.
3. What would your characters say about you? Be honest!
Well some of my characters would like me but others would not. That’s to be expected as some of them are so very evil and vindictive. The ones who would like me would say that I am a person who truly cares about everyone; someone who would go out of the way to help someone. They would say that I’m outgoing, creative, honest.
4. Who would play your favorite character if they made a movie of your story?
Hmmm, I would say Della Reese should play Katie Farnsworth.
5. Do you have any projects currently in the works you want to talk about?
I am currently working on my next project entitled A Valley Experience. It’s about Brianca Euley, a popular girl who feels unloved by her family and runs away right before her eighteenth birthday. She doesn’t quite know what it is that is missing from her life but she is desperately trying to find it.
She is seeking love in all the wrong places, in the clubs and with various men. But no matter where she looks they all seem to fail her in the end. Will she ever learn that what is missing from her life is God? Will she discover the wonderful love that only God can provide or will she continue down this path of destruction?
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Thank you for joining us today, Pam, and good luck with your stories!
February 21, 2013
Character Interview: M. A. Donovan & Galen from “The Golden Horn”
Today’s guests are M. A. Donovan and Galen Hawkeye, from the fantasy novel The Golden Horn. 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?
Galen: The book is called ‘The Golden Horn’. In the book, you’ll find a little romance, a lot of adventure, and death-defying feats. It’s about a magical world that is threatened by a dark warlord who enslaves the kingdom. I am forced out of hiding to confront this mad man and push his demonic forces back into the shadow realm. Unfortunately, I must keep my background a secret or the villagers I aid would turn on me. Without me to help, the land would fall. It’s up to me and my friends to bring light back to my beloved kingdom so I embark on a search for an ancient weapon, The Golden Horn, that was created by the gods themselves. If anything can turn the tide in this war between light and dark, it would be the infamous horn. I must find it or die trying.
Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?
Galen: My name is Galen Hawkeye, but people refer to me as ‘The Hawk’. I play the main character and have to overcome the sins of my evil lineage to become the hero of Shandor. I was born of a noble gentleman and a fairy mother, but my father went mad when he found out and ordered my mother and her kin slain. I have suffered much under my father’s wrath. He turned to the shadow realm to achieve dark powers with the ultimate goal of becoming lord of all. He wanted me to follow in his wake, but my heart is good, so I started on my quest to destroy him and his plans. Being of noble descent, I studied hard under the guidance of many masters. I am an expert swordsman, fighter, and lover. My fairy blood allows me special powers but I’m far from being magical. That’s what my best friend, Olstek, is for. He’s a mage with considerable power. I have never been in love until I met Alyssa, but only fate can tell if we’re compatible.
Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.
Galen: M.A. Donovan is a fine author indeed. Without her, I never would have been born in the first place. She likes to throw many obstacles in my way but yet always allows me to see them through. I’ve had a lot of scares but in the end, I survive them all.
Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?
Galen: I love the action; however, some downtime would be great. It seems like I never get any rest. It’s very tiring, being a hero.
Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?
Galen: Absolutely. It beats being of flesh and blood. At least in a book I can do amazing feats and always find myself standing tall. In real life, dead is dead. There’s no magic that can revive a lost soul.
Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.
Galen: It’s a happy one. The kingdom is free and prosperous. My father’s estate is generous. My people can live in peace. And as for me? I’ll ride in and carry off the love of my life to live a bright and long future with me.
Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?
Galen: Well, a gryphon appeared to me in a dream and I saw many future adventures planned for me and my friends. In fact, I saw something about a dragon army coming up that I’m called to battle. I can’t wait. Dragons are tough adversaries, but I have no doubt I’ll prevail.
Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?
Galen: Keanu Reeves maybe because he’s a great action type of guy and I can see him wielding a sword any day.
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Author Bio: M.A. Donovan is the author of several published short stories and an article on karate. She has self-published three non-fiction books, a short story collection, and two novels. She lives in Michigan with her dog, Sheba, and is holding a contest to give away free copies of this book plus a special gift from Donovan. To be entered, all you have to do is craft a genius “Letter to Your Hero” (can be a fictional hero or a real-life one) and send to kariah@donovanfantasyauthor.com . Five winners will be chosen the first week of March 2013.
Author Site: http://www.donovanfantasyauthor.com
Author Blog: http://www.freethewriterinside.com
Read the first three chapters for FREE: http://bit.ly/XC5pst
Buy Link: Amazon
Buy Link: Print
February 14, 2013
Character Interview: Raphyel M. Jordan & Aly from “Prossia”
And back yet again–just can’t seem to get rid of this guy ;D– is Raphyel M. Jordan, but now he’s brought along a guest. Today we welcome Aly, from (naturally) Prossia!
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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?
Aly: Hi. I’m in a sci-fi novel called “Prossia,” written by Raphyel M. Jordan. It follows the journey I take from my home-world to another planet, after getting drafted into a galactic war. While there’s– what do you call it– action in the story, it’s mainly about becoming your own person. I think the author calls it a Young Adult coming-of-age story.
Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?
Aly: Me? Oh. . . um, well, I’m not that interesting, actually. My, now my palms are sweating. ^_^ Uh, my name is Alytchai of the Kutenbriun Tribe. Technically, it would be “Alytchai the Younger,” but my mammai passed away a long time ago. People call me Aly for short, though. I’m. . . oh, how do you say it again? Ten-and-seven years old? Or is it seventeen years old? Whatever. I’m a Young One in my age grouping, if that helps.
Anyway, my father used to be the sparring priest of the tribe before I got old enough for school, so a lot was expected out of me when it came to using my being. Oh. Sorry. Um, long story cut short, “being” is the ability to form energy from one’s hand. I’m afraid I can’t do that, unlike everyone else, but I tried to make up for my imperfection by focusing on close-quarter-combat. I’m tall for my age, so I have an advantage with that sort of stuff. Oh, and I LOVE to sing. It’s so refreshing, and it’s nice being able to put a smile on people’s faces whenever I do. Beyond that, I’m just a typical mastra.
Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.
Aly: Huh? A bit of a random question, don’t you think? Hmm. Well. He seems nice, and his locks are really cool. Actually, come to think of it, he goes about things the way I do a lot. It’s creepy! Haha! Failure is not an option for him, and when he falls short of something, I think it hits him pretty hard, even though he likes to put up a strong face, something I wish I could do. He’s an ambitious lad- I mean- guy.
Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?
Aly: Hmm, well, the story I’m in is my life, and you know what? It’s hard! Haha! One day, I was just going to school, worrying about silly things like my grades and making sure I did a good job working the fields after class. Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, people are trying to kill me, and I’m doing the same. I had no idea death was so. . . easy. I won’t complain. I’m a soldier now, right? This wasn’t what I had in mind when I wanted to see the world beyond my home, but I think meeting unexpected challenges is what builds character in people, right? At least, that’s what I tell myself to get through the day.
Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?
Aly: It’s. . . interesting, I guess. I bet my friend, Catty, would say the same thing. You did an interview with her a while back, right? She said hers was fun, but she won’t let me read it, of all the nerve! Whatever. I bet she probably said something about Raphyel that she doesn’t want to get repeated. Truth’s Grace, that girl. If it’s a boy, she’s intrigued by default.
Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.
Aly: Actually, I don’t look that far into the future anymore. No, it’s not a depressing reason, I promise! It’s just, well, I used to wonder about things so far beyond imagination, but now I’m thinking that looking too far ahead distracts me from what’s happening now. See, when you’re a soldier, every morning you wake up is a blessing. When you see just how fragile the line between life and death is, I can’t imagine how one can’t appreciate living even more. So, I take everything in the instant now, more than ever.
Don’t your Young Ones have a saying these days? “You only live once? Yolo?” I think that statement can either encourage being reckless with one’s life, or responsible. It’s such a profound proverb, since it offers both options. But I’m hoping the young people of this planet are wise enough to take the latter route.
I mean, the world is amazing, when you stop to look at it. Even your world, Earth. The clouds, the birds, the grass. And even then, your sentient Earthling race has developed so much more than a Goolian. You’ve championed the skies with flight. You communicate on a global level with the simplest of ease. All of the things you probably take for granted, why not just stop for a minute, and appreciate their miracle? I don’t want to miss a single second of being thankful for how awesome life is, so I take it one day at a time, with the utmost caution. If I meet my end tomorrow, then I want to say that I, at the very least, appreciated and respected life’s worth as best as I can.
I guess that’s why I try to be the best soldier possible. War questions life’s worth, and somebody has to be willing to stand up against it. I suppose Truth’s Grace figured I was decent enough for the challenge, and that’s the most humbling reward I could’ve ever gotten.
Wow. And here I am, rambling the way Catty would! Sorry! I hope I was making sense. I know I can be a bit weird at times. Haha! I guess that’s why one of my nicknames was Aly the Weird when I was still a Little One! 
Mia: It’s okay. What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?
Aly: Actually, it’s funny that I just mentioned my early childhood, because you’ll be reading about it really soon! I think you Earthlings use the term, “prequel,” right? He also said having to wait 3 years for another book is way too long in his line of business, so it’ll be free. I don’t think Catty’s a fan of the free idea, but I think that’s her business-upbringing talking to her. I, on the other hand, think giving away a book for free is a great idea!
It’s funny though. Even though it’ll be free, I’m seeing that Raphyel is putting a lot more effort into making sure this next book does better than “Prossia” did. I think he feels there’s an important social message in it. It’s probably something to do with how I used to get bullied or something. Oh well, if my story helps others, I’m all for it!
Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?
. . .
I’m sorry for my “foreigner” ignorance, but what’s a movie? Wait a minute. Did you ask Catty this during her interview? She better not be holding out on me when it comes to your rituals! Okay, could you hold on second please? I need to send her a text with this cellular device we just bought. If she knows what a movie is, she can probably explain it in the way a Goolian can understand it.
. . .
Ohhhhh! How neat! You get to watch stories in a “movie!” That sounds like so much fun! I loved listening to stories around the campfire when I was younger. I bet it’s really interesting getting to see them come into real life.
Well, I’d have to get back to you on this one since I don’t know enough about movies. Oh, and are you sure you’d like to watch my life? I don’t know how your species is about violence, but I have nightmares all the time, after seeing some of the things I’ve encountered ever since we got into the war.
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Author Bio: Raphyel Montez Jordan, born February 10th, 1985, grew up in a Franklin, Tennessee household sensitive to the creative arts. As a child, his hobbies were drawing favorite cartoon and video game characters while making illustrated stories. This passion for art never left and followed him all the way up to his high school and college years.
It wasn’t until college when he underwent a personal “renaissance” of sorts that Jordan took his interest in writing to another level. When he was 19, he started writing a novel for fun, taking inspiration from the constant exposure of different ideas and cultures that college showed him while staying true to the values he grew up to embrace. However, when the “signs of the times” influenced the story and the characters to spawn into universes of their own, he figured he might possibly be on to something.
Author Site: http://www.raphyelmjordan.com/
Buy Link: Amazon
Buy Link: Barnes & Noble
February 12, 2013
Guest Post: “Youth Realizing Their ‘It’” by Raphyel M. Jordan
As some of my readers may recall, we had Raphyel Jordan’s company a few months ago with some interviews around his novel Prossia, and he’s back to talk to us some more! Today is a guest post during his blog tour. Welcome back, Raphyel, and may today’s readers enjoy!
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Cover Art by Raphyel M. Jordan
In “Prossia,” we follow the journey of a girl named Aly, who was simply trying to make it out of her equivalent to high school (she’s an alien) one day, and killing in order to survive the next. She learns what I was learning when I started writing the story , just how fast the world can become a madhouse. I’ve had some readers say the opening parts of my novel feel like a Disney movie that gets ripped with reality without warning, and I intently wrote it in that fashion. Transitioning into a grownup isn’t always graceful, casual, or determined for one’s convenience or age. So, when the book was published, and I was in need of a marketing campaign, it asked the one question with my ads: “Where were you when you had to grow up?”
The process of growing up is one that must be made alone. Even if people know about the hardship you’re enduring, you’re the one left with the burden of not knowing how you’re going to get through the obstacle. And who’s to say you’ll only face grownup decisions at the designated age of 18? Many individuals have lost that sense of innocence years before society dubbed them “grown” due to drugs, rape, child abuse, death, and I’d even put excessive bullying in there as well (“kids will be kids” isn’t an acceptable excuse).
But alas! There’s always the possibility for greatness after the storm. Even though my book’s protagonist suffers hardships from every level, we see her face the challenges as best as possible. Sure, she may gripe about it, she’ll wish her burden was someone else’s, her faith in herself and others will get shaken without mercy, and her entire perception of how wonderful the real world is will come to a devastating end. Even so, Aly presses on because she has a stubborn inner will that refuses to let life defeat her, even when she so desperately needs to just let go and give in.
And that’s what inspired me to write “Prossia,” seeing that awesome stubbornness and determination in young people firsthand. It seems society has already designated my generation and the one before me for failure. They say we complain too much, and only want what was inherited by the generation that came before us without putting any effort into anything. And while there does seem to be an obnoxiously loud minority of individuals in our age group that have those traits, I know there’s more to the leaders of tomorrow. Trust me. I’ve seen it firsthand.
I saw it when young single mothers were top of the class, knowing what they doing now would lay out a better future for their child. I saw it when I went straight to work after being at school all day, came back to campus around 12:00 am to finish a ceramics project, and other people were in there as well because they had no other time to work on their assignments. I saw it when friends flipped buggers, only making minimum wage, barely able to pay bills, but still finding what little ounce of time to study for their finals. I saw it when all of these young people, when they were all scraping bread crumbs to keep their nostrils over water, have enough strength to tell me that I could do it because they could.
Moreso, I’ve seen the strength in youth even before the “college years.” A 14-year-old boy had to be the man of the house by taking care of his blind mother and two younger siblings. A little girl inspires an entire community to rally around her family so her father can get money for his cancer treatment. A young Muslim girl inspires an entire nation filled with underprivileged women to stand up for their rights to an education when an extremist group tries to silence her with a bullet to the head. If these aren’t signs of power, I don’t know what is. These people found their “it” factor, and in spite having people look down on them because of their youths, they stood up because they saw no other choice but to do so. If someone didn’t do “it,” who would?
“Prossia” Art by Raphyel M. Jordan
However, sometimes we need to be reminded that we even that potential for strength and determination, especially when our personal worlds are coming to ruin the way Aly’s was in “Prossia.” We need to be reminded that it’s okay to doubt. It’s okay to be unsure. Hey, it’s even okay to cry and break when life is at its worst.
Regardless, BE SURE TO HOLD ON TO YOUR “IT.”
And no, your “it” may not be the rallying call that will end world hunger or change governments, but it very well may be the thing that makes a stranger’s day a little better. So, find it in knowing that there are other people in similar trenches of life with you, even if they’re a continent away. Find it in the faith you have, that has taught you to take life one step at a time with each passing day. Find it in yourself, that amazing stubbornness telling you to press forward even though the facts are telling you it’s a waste of time and effort. Trust me. “It” is there. You only need to know where to look.
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Enter the giveaway! It lasts from February 11 to March 11.
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Author Bio: Raphyel Montez Jordan, born February 10th, 1985, grew up in a Franklin, Tennessee household sensitive to the creative arts. As a child, his hobbies were drawing favorite cartoon and video game characters while making illustrated stories. This passion for art never left and followed him all the way up to his high school and college years.
It wasn’t until college when he underwent a personal “renaissance” of sorts that Jordan took his interest in writing to another level. When he was 19, he started writing a novel for fun, taking inspiration from the constant exposure of different ideas and cultures that college showed him while staying true to the values he grew up to embrace. However, when the “signs of the times” influenced the story and the characters to spawn into universes of their own, he figured he might possibly be on to something.
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You can buy the book on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or find out more about “Prossia” on Goodreads and Facebook, or track down the author at his website or Twitter!
February 7, 2013
Character Interview: Ira Nayman & Noomi from “Welcome to the Multiverse”
We’ve had the pleasure of Ira Nayman’s company here on From Mia’s Desk a couple of times now, and happily we welcome him back along with Noomi, from his newest release, Welcome to the Multiverse (Sorry for the Inconvenience). Hello 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?
Noomi: It’s called Welcome to the Multiverse (Sorry for the Inconvenience). It’s not the title I would have chosen – it’s too long and it’s kind of silly. I would have gone for something like Both Barrels Blazing or Sky Bandits of the Frozen North…even though it doesn’t take place in the sky…and there aren’t really any bandits…and the only vestige of the frozen north I come close to is a popsicle I eat before Chapter Four starts. Still, Sky Bandits of the Frozen North – that’s the kind of title that screams out adventure, don’t you think? Welcome to the Multiverse (Sorry for the Inconvenience), that screams out bureaucratic indifference, doesn’t it?
Not that I’m complaining. When I auditioned for the part, I was up against some pretty stiff competition. Sally from When Harry Met Sally was keen to do a genre other than romantic comedy, and I know that Ripley from all of those Alien movies would have killed for the part. Literally. I watched my back for several weeks after I got the news. To be honest, I would have been happy being an alien extra in the cantina scene. [EDITOR'S NOTE: the cantina scene was dropped from an early draft of the novel.] When my agent told me I was going to play the lead, I decided it would be churlish of me to complain about the title.
Umm, so, yeah, maybe I need to work on keeping my resolutions better.
Anyhow, Welcome to the Multiverse takes place in a conceptual space where travel between dimensions has been perfected. There is an organization called the Transdimensional Authority that monitors traffic between universes and investigates possible illegal cross-dimensional activity. The novel is about one such investigation.
Mia: Tell us a little about yourself. Where do you fit into the story? What should we know about you?
Noomi: At the start of Welcome to the Multiverse, I have just graduated top of my class at the Alternaut Academy and am about to start working at the Transdimensional Authority. This doesn’t go exactly as planned – the less said about that, the better! – but, eventually, I do become an investigator. When a body is found near some equipment somebody has been tampering with, my partner – “Crash” Chumley – and I are called in to investigate.
What should you know about me? I’ve wanted to work for the Transdimensional Authority all my life – there is nothing else I’ve ever wanted to do. Nothing. Ever. In the course of the novel, we travel to several different dimensions, some of which have other versions of me – very different versions – I would say radically different versions. They’re not me. I’m me. So, there!
Not that I’m competitive or anything.
Oh, and there are 238 ways to kill a man with chopsticks. Not only do I know them all, but, as you will see from Welcome to the Multiverse, I invented one of them!
Mia: What do you think of the author? Be honest. We won’t tell.
Noomi: He’s a nice guy. You know…
Mia: I know… what?
Noomi: Okay, you dragged it out of me: he’s soft. He wouldn’t last a day in the Alternaut Academy! Not a minute! Not even an hour! He’s the sort of person who cuts himself when he’s thinking about shaving! Alpha male? Please! There isn’t a letter in the Greek alphabet that would describe him! But, uhh, I’m sure he’s nice…
Mia: How do you feel about the story you’re in?
Noomi: It’s kind of quirky, what with a Tension Bouillabaisse recipe, a Will They or Won’t They Have Sex? scoreboard and characters like the lurker in the shadows of the alleyways behind the eyes of inmates in asyli for the awkward. Not my cup of tea, really. Give me a good hardboiled detective novel – something by Dashiell Hammett, say, or Hansard.
Mia: Do you like being a character in the book?
Noomi: Transdimensional Authority investigators live for the work, not any publicity that the work might bring them.
Mia: Really?
Noomi: Naah! The organization’s press agent made me say that. I’m thrilled to be the central character in a work of fiction – Just like Kate Middleton!
Mia: How do you see your future? Without giving anything away about the story, naturally.
Noomi: I plan on being the main character in 17 novels which, unlike most series, only get stronger as the series grows, not lamer. Those 17 novels will have four spin-off novels featuring secondary characters, three comic book adaptations, two television series and a breakfast cereal. By the end of the run, I will have made an indelible impact on the culture for at least seven generations to come!
Not that I’m egotistical or anything.
Mia: What do you know about your author’s plans? Can we expect to see you in any future stories?
Noomi: I know nothing about the author’s plans, but you can expect to see me in future stories. It’s not like I’m gonna give him any choice – did I mention how soft he is?
Mia: Let’s say they make a movie about this book. Who do you want to play you, and why?
Noomi: Myrna Loy. Okay, she was taller than I am, skinnier, and not as…umm…melatonin rich. You know, skin-wise. Especially now that she’s dead. Still, she smoldered. You…you’re not buying that, are you? Okay, then: a young Whoopi Goldberg, but with more attitude.
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Author Bio: The odds are good that Ira Nayman has been writing humour longer than you have been alive. That thought scares him more than it does you, although he also finds it perversely comforting.
Author Site: http://www.lespagesauxfolles.ca
Buy Link: Elsewhen Press
Buy Link: Amazon
