Jamie Marchant's Blog, page 40

Move, an urban fantasy, mystery novel

Yesterday, we spoke to Sherri Moorer. Today read a sample of her work, and if you enjoy the excerpt, be sure to buy the book.

Blurb


All Ruby Josen wanted was to get ahead in life. After a decade of lost relationships and missed opportunities, she's ready to move on and desperate to do whatever it takes to get out of her rut. When Ruby meets Bryce, a handsome stranger at the town's spring festival, his offer to turn fate to her favor seems too good to be true. But everything has a price, and Ruby learns that interfering with fate has bigger consequences than she realized. It leaves her to wonder who's really controlling her life and who - or what - Bryce really is.






Excerpt
Prologue“Please state your name for the record.”Simone stared at the detective sitting across the table with suspicious blue eyes. “You know who I am.”Detective Claire Barnes fiddled with the digital recorder on the table between them. “I’m reinstating the formalities. Please state your name.”“Simone Dawkins,” she said, pushing a strand of dark brown hair behind her ear. “Simone, I’m going to cut to the chase. Is there anybody with your company that had a grudge against you?”Simone’s raised her eyebrows.  “Me?”“Yes. You or any of the employees at Goodard Graphics.”Simone stared at Detective Barnes defiantly, pulling her tall, thin body up straight in the chair.  “After all that’s happened, I think you know the answer to that question. I don’t understand why you’re being this way.”Detective Barnes creased her brow, apparently confused. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, so let’s get back to why you’re here. Now tell me, have you terminated anybody? Was anybody disgruntled? Were there any office politics that might have pushed somebody over the edge?”Simone set her jaw. “Somebody just tried to kill me and it’s obviously tied to the other crimes in Tanger Falls. Now please, I need your help.” She reached for the coffee cup in front of her but accidentally crushed it, spewing brown liquid over the steel table. “Crap!” she shouted. “Do you have any napkins around here?”“Forget the coffee; just answer the question.”“No, this is a mess. We need to clean it up.”“I don’t care about the coffee,” Detective Barnes said sternly. “This is the third crime on my case load in as many weeks. Now you’re saying somebody was trying to kill you. I think asking if anybody has a grudge against you is perfectly sensible. So tell me, Simone Dawkins, is there anybody that was pissed off enough to cause all of this chaos?”Simone leaned back in her chair, sighing and running her hands over her face. “I can’t believe this. You keep going on as if you don’t know what’s happening.”Detective Barnes glared at her. “I don’t know what’s happening, so please enlighten me.” She leaned forward. “This had to start somewhere. Where did it start, Simone? What set off this domino effect of madness?”“I don’t know! Things were fine! Everything was fine until,” Simone broke off and her eyes widened in shock. “Oh God,” she moaned, tears welling in her eyes. “What?” Detective Barnes said. “Please, anything helps.”Tears rolled down Simone’s pale cheeks. “Three months ago.”Detective Barnes stared at Simone waiting for more, but Simone sat silently, tears running down her cheeks. “Ok, this started three months ago? What happened?”“I lied.”“Just one time, or was it several times over the past three months?”A sob wracked Simone’s body. “It just kept going on and on and more people got involved. Before I knew it, everybody was tangled up in it.” She sniffed. “I didn’t mean for it to end this way. I never imagined that anybody would get hurt.”Detective Barnes pulled a wadded tissue from her pocket and handed it to Simone. “Who did you lie to?”Simone looked toward the ceiling, the tears in her eyes glinting in the harsh light of the lamp hanging over the table. “Everybody. But I underestimated one person I thought didn’t matter and, well, I was wrong. She does matter. And now she’s going to make me pay.”“Who?”Simone stared at Detective Barnes, a cold look in her eye. “Ruby Josen.”Detective Barnes flipped through her notes. “I don’t understand. How?”Simone shook her head. “I don’t know, but she’s the only one left. It has to be her. There’s nobody else left. I just don’t understand how she did it. I don’t understand how she knew.”“Knew what?”“Everything.”Detective Barnes flipped to a fresh page in her notepad. “Alright, let’s take this from the beginning. Tell me what happened.”

Interview with Sherri Fulmer Moorer

Today's guest is mystery author, Sherri Moorer, author of Move. Get to know her and come back tomorrow for a sample of her work. As always, I love to hear your comments.
Tell us a little about yourself?

By day, I’m a program assistant working in professional licensing. By night, I’m an independent author with published works in several genres. You can find me at my secluded home in the woods, where I life, write, and engage in social media shenanigans with my husband and three birds.
What made you want to become a writer?

I love stories and have always been fond of sharing the tales I come up with. I’ve been writing my creations since I learned how to hold a pencil, but I didn’t get serious about sharing my work with the world until 2001 when my husband and I got a computer.
What genre do your works fall into? 

I write in a variety of genres, but most of my work is classified as mystery.
What about this genre appeals to you? 

All of life is a mystery. We’re always trying to work things out and figure things out in our minds. Sometimes we even create mysteries when there is none! It’s the natural curiosity in all of us to want to work things out and figure out why things are the way they are. I think this is why so many people like mysteries – it allows us to sate that natural curiosity and to work out the riddles of reality in our mind.
Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read? 

Move is actually an urban fantasy mystery novel. In it the protagonist, Ruby Josen, becomes frustrated with the rut her life is in. Every effort to break free results in circumstances forcing her right back to where she’s at. One day, she meets a mysterious stranger at the town spring festival that tells her he can help swing fate in her favor. She doesn’t take him seriously until tragedy strikes her town, leaving her to wonder who – or what – kind of person she’s made a deal with.
What gives you inspiration for your book? 

Reality is the inspiration. All of my novels have been born from asking the “what if” question. My latest novel was inspired by a work move I went through three years ago. Many of my former colleagues didn’t understand why I went along with it and didn’t fight to keep things the same – they just didn’t see the situation the same way I did. Over time the move has proved to be a fantastic change for me and for those affected by it, but I’ve often wondered what “would have been” if I had fought it, or if it fell through. Lo and behold, suddenly Ruby Josen came to me as a character that was one to teeter between embracing and fighting change, and Move was born.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination? 

I mix and match. All of my characters certainly have a root in a real person or a combination of people I’ve known, but I also throw in things I create, characters from other stories I’ve read, people talking about people, etc. I find that having a basis in real people helps me to build a believable character.
Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why? 

That’s a hard decision between Ruby Josen in Move and Jana Lanning in Anywhere But Here. I can relate to both of them because I’ve been where they’re at. The work move I described before was actually preceded by a six year rut where it seemed I couldn’t get anything to make progress in my life. Like Ruby, I was frustrated with being stuck in the same old thing and nothing working, but I also had that background fear of “what am I asking for if this does work?” so I’m sure there was some self-sabotage happening during those years. Jana Lanning in Anywhere But Here had similar problems. She was a recent college graduate that couldn’t seem to get life going. People kept telling her to “grow up” and “get it together,” but all of her own efforts failed and nobody knew how to guide her to getting it right.  I remember how overwhelming life was during those first days of young adulthood, and I think many of my readers are reminded of that when they read that book. I’ve often been told that Jana Lanning is a very likable character and I can see why – it’s because she’s a real reflection of the fear and insecurities we all have from time to time.
What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer? 

E-publishing. It was a pleasant and refreshing surprise to find that I  didn’t need to be traditionally published to reach my writing goals. E-publishing and self publishing are hard work, but I’ve found that the people you work with are pleasant and easygoing, and it’s nice to have freedom and control over your work without having an agent or the “middle men” of publishing tinkering with your work.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you either growing up or as an adult? 

Christopher Pike, the young adult mystery writer, was a big influence on me. Those type of books were popular when I was a teen, and I loved Pike’s work because he has a talent for weaving the perfect tale of playing the characters to the situations perfectly. As an adult, I’d say that C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, P.D. James, and Kim Stanley Robinson have inspired me (yes, I also enjoy reading sci-fi and fantasy).
Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer?  If so, what do you do during the day?  

Oh yes, I work as a program assistant in professional licensing. I license engineers, landscape architects, and professional soil classifiers for the State of South Carolina.
What is your favorite writing tip or quote? 

Don’t write what’s popular, write what’s in you. Tell the story you have to tell and the readers will come.
Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Do you have any other books in the works? 

Not now, but I’m sure that next  idea is just around the corner. Right now, I’m working on promotion for my published works and I’m trying something new: Short stories and flash fiction!
Where can we find you online? (please cut and paste links):
Website and Blog
Amazon.com author page 

Amazon.co.uk

Barnes & Noble  

EzineArticles 

Facebook Page      

Goodreads 

Twitter

Writing.com 

Conversation in the Abyss excerpt

Yesterday we talked with author Michael Brookes. Today read an excerpt from his latest novel, Conversation in the Abyss. 


Blurb Conversations in the Abyss is the sequel to the 5 star rated supernatural thriller The Cult of Me.Stealing Lazarus’s miracle gifted him immortality. Combined with his natural ability of invading and controlling people’s minds made him one of the most dangerous people on Earth. But the miracle came with a price. His punishment was to be imprisoned within the walls of an ancient monastery and tormented by an invisible fire that burned his body perpetually. To escape the pain he retreated deep into his own mind.
There he discovers the truth of the universe and that only he can stop the coming Apocalypse.

Excerpt
Chapter 1Tormented in graceThe miracle’s fire consumed me.How long had I been imprisoned here? Weeks? Months? Years?I knew it was 2011 when the Friar and his team chained me to that monastery wall, but what year was it now?For too long the chill stone had encased my body and spirit. At first the principal torment had been the miracle. I thought stealing it was a good idea at the time. The blessing had sustained Lazarus for over twenty centuries; the thought it might do the same for me had been a beguiling one. Lazarus had been hell bent on starting the apocalypse and destroying mankind so he could be returned to Heaven. Along the way he’d made the mistake of torturing me.That memory haunted me still. The moment that I learned that there were people in this world with talents greater than mine.Naturally I’d inflicted my revenge, stealing the curse others labelled a miracle in the process. Unfortunately the theft came with a cost. The price came in the form of the agony blazing through my wasted flesh. This blessing of eternal life didn’t appreciate being worn by another’s skin. The price started immediately weakening me while the Friar, Hammond and his soldiers imprisoned me in the walls of the monastery. The feel of the sun upon my skin soon faded into a distant memory. Now the only connection I had to the outside world came in the form of muffled chants of the monks. Their hymns and constant prayers seeped through the walls like damp. Their sacred words combined with the mask fixed to my face and together prevented my spirit from leaving my body.How I missed having the ability to soar. I yearned to once again roam high above the earth. The world laid out below me as if I flew like a bird. I could do that at will once. I hadn’t used that ability enough.Even more I missed being able to invade the minds of those I encountered. With a thought I experienced their memories as if they were my own. I could also bend their will with my own like puppets on a string.At first the miracle and confinement were the only torments I was forced to endure. Strange as it may seem I got used to the suffering. They almost became companions. As time passed new pain entered my world. These started as mundane complaints, hunger pangs in my belly, dryness and then constriction in my throat from thirst. These mundane torments provided some diversion for my bored mind. For a time I used my gifts to suppress these pains. Eventually the desires of the body overcame my will and along with the miracle they danced through me. They complimented each other, kept my body wracked and my mind desolate.Even for me depression and despair proved difficult to hold at bay. My state of mind became a serious concern. The pain simply wouldn’t end. My mind began to crumble under the relentless assault. I needed something to distract me. Anything that I could focus my mind on, to separate myself from the twisted pains defining my reality. I sought a refuge and turned to the place that almost spelled my doom many years ago.The abyss became my escape. On the shadowed cliffs above the veil below I found a new home. I didn’t escape the pain completely, but I could hide from it for a while. Sooner or later the pain always dragged me back to my tormented flesh. But for periods of time I freed myself. I delved so deep within myself I reached the very edge of life.The abyss itself remained a mystery to me. I now realised it wasn’t the portal to Hell I’d once assumed. After defeating Lazarus I’d glimpsed Hell as his soul was dragged into the pit. When I stared down into the abyss it wasn’t the same. This was the veil between our lives and what comes next.More than I had during my earlier life, I considered what that meant. What would come next? I couldn’t deny some afterlife existed beyond death. Not that I really had to worry about that particular fate. After all, the miracle protected me. As well as my sanctuary, the abyss eventually turned out to be another of my tormentors. Beyond the veil I discerned vague forms moving in the shadows. I’d first discovered the abyss in my younger days after taking acid. As it had back then the forms became agitated by my presence. Beyond those depths was the ultimate escape. An escape denied me by the miracle. It made me immortal. Or pretty damn close to it.There was no escape in any direction for me.Chapter 2Warnings from tainted lips Friar Francis sipped the strong bitter coffee while he waited for his friend to arrive. He loved Rome, although too much time had passed since his last visit. The ancient city always felt like home and this was the perfect time of year to visit. The spring sun warmed the air as the tourist crowds walked by. Across the square the Friar saw his old friend climb from a taxi.“Some things don’t change.”“Unfortunately we do,” the Friar responded.Friar Francis rose and they shook hands warmly. The waiter arrived before they sat and the Friar ordered two coffees. They both drank their coffees as black as the cassocks they wore.“Do you remember when we first started drinking here?”“Yes, learning of demons in classes and escaping here into the light to watch the world go by.”Father Moran smiled. “The view is just as pleasant as it was back then.”“It’s been too long Ian. Where have you been for the past two years?”“The society has kept me busy in Africa. I’ve been with a team helping the local churches. Interesting work, but it involved more pastoral and care work than my usual line of work.”“Cause for celebration surely?” the Friar commented.“Of course. Most of the cases were simple self-delusion, or symptoms of mental illness. A few turned out to be deliberate cons, a way to get some free medical care.”“Was it really that bad?”“In some places. For some villages the church provides the only local medical care. And of course the continuing famine causes more hardship.” He sipped his coffee. “Having seen some of the hardships they have to suffer, I can’t really blame them.”He accepted a cigarette from the Friar and they both lit up. A young passer-by scowled at them in disgust. They both smirked at the woman in reply.“In the three years I spent in Africa, I saw only one genuine case.”“And is that why you’re back in Rome?”“Yes, but more pertinently here to see you.”“Me?”“Yes my old friend. The last case was genuine, but the demon said some things which made me think of you.”That surprised the Friar. “What did the demon say?”“It’s probably best to tell you the whole story.” He extinguished his cigarette and drained his coffee. “I was officiating at Sunday Mass in one of the small village churches. More of a hut really, but almost the entire village squeezed themselves in. You can’t believe how hot the air got in there.“Anyway, midway through the mass the door suddenly opened and a young man stumbled in. I didn’t recognise him, nor did any of the congregation so I guessed he wasn’t a local. The village constable later confirmed my assumption.“As he entered the church he started to scream and collapsed gibbering to the ground. At first I thought it was just a case of hysteria, maybe drug induced psychosis.”“Are drugs a big problem away from the cities?”“Not especially, but it does happen. I tried, but he wouldn’t be calmed. The nurse who helped minister to the sick at the church’s clinic couldn’t calm him either. It took some effort but we carried him from the church and he finally calmed.”Friar Francis finished his own coffee and signalled the waiter for refills. They both lit another cigarette.“Even though he seemed calmer, I heard him mumbling. Only by crouching close to him did I make any sense of it. I was surprised to hear the man reciting quotes from the Bible in Latin.”Father Moran paused while the waiter delivered their drinks.“As you know speaking in tongues is a sign of possession, but Latin is far from a dead language. It still might have been hysteria or even a deliberate fake. However, what did catch my attention was his perfect recitation. Normally demons only quote scripture in mockery.”Friar Francis leaned forward. “Which passage?”“Revelations chapter 6.”“An interesting choice.” Friar Francis remarked.“Yes, if a little obvious. Anyway, he passed out so we took him to the clinic and let him rest. He slept for almost the whole day before disturbing the villagers again this time with enraged shouts. In several different languages he demanded to see me. It sounded more like the bellowing of an animal. Then he called me by name. Again, not proof in itself, he may have learned my name from the locals. Still I felt convinced this was a genuine possession.”“Why?”“Instinct I guess. When you worked with evil for so long you become attuned to it.”The Friar nodded his agreement.“I entered the clinic; it was just a small room with a handful of metal beds. I found the nurse cowering in the corner and the young man squatting on the bed. He hadn’t touched her, just bellowed for me. She was terrified, but it seemed odd.”“Demons normally enjoy some physical violence.”“Indeed. But this one wanted my attention more than gratification.”“So what did you do next?”“I followed procedure. I checked for the four classic signs. He demonstrated each voluntarily. I’ve never seen such a thing before. He knew what I needed to know and provided the evidence.”“How?”“First he pushed by me, not roughly I hasten to add. He walked outside and to the battered 4x4. He picked up the front end of the truck, not just a few inches from the ground, but clear up to his chest.”“Superhuman strength.”“Exactly and in front of witnesses. Unfortunately I didn’t have a camera to hand. It would have been nice to document it properly. Next he told me of the time I first masturbated and who I fantasised about while doing it. I’ve never told anyone about that.”“So who was it?” The Friar asked with a smile.“I’ve never told anyone and I don’t intend starting now. Although it was more than a little embarrassing in front of half the village I can tell you. I should be grateful only a few spoke decent English.”The Friar chuckled.“At this stage I was willing to take the earlier mutterings as a sign of speaking in tongues. So only the aversion to holy symbols remained. The young man, I never found out his real name, turned his back to me. I pulled a key from my pocket and touched it to the back of his neck. He flinched, but no other reaction. I repeated the action with the key. Again he didn’t react. I then touched my crucifix to his neck and he howled as if I’d burned him.”“He could have been faking it.”“Possibly, but he did present the classic signs. However he then said a strange thing.”“What did he say?”“He said he had a message about the Deathless Man.”“The Deathless Man?”The Friar kept his face blank, but his old friend knew him too well.“I know. It sounded familiar. I immediately thought of Lazarus. But I’d also learned about your success against that particular problem by then. I asked him if he meant Lazarus and he replied no, but the Black Friar would know. I think he meant you.”The Friar stubbed out his cigarette and immediately lit another. “Maybe he does. What was the message?”“He said the Black Friar would have to guide the Deathless Man. He must follow the False Gospel.”“The False Gospel? Is that a satanic text?”His friend shook his head. “I don’t think so. My best guess is he meant the Gospel of Lazarus. There are fragments in the Vatican library. I remember hearing about it during my time as a curator in the library. I’ve not read the text, but I’ve heard mention of it. It’s been kept secret for years, available to Vatican scholars only. I would say it’s your best place to start.”“Did the demon say anything else?”“Not much. It said the Deathless Man is the only hope for humanity in the coming Apocalypse.”“Could this be some sort of distraction?”“It might.”“So what happened then, did you exorcise him?”“No, I didn’t need to. He left the body. Immediately it was obvious the young man had been dead for several days.” “That must have been unpleasant.”“It was.” Father Moran picked up a menu. “Shall we eat?”

Buy now from Amazon:UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BCP08JU/US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BCP08JU/

Guest Interview--Michael Brookes

Welcome Michael Brookes, author of Conversations in the Abyss, as this week's guest. Be sure to come back tomorrow for a sample of his work.
Tell us a little about yourself? As well as writing I am lucky enough to work as a games producer, which means I spend most of my days doing one or both of the things I enjoy most. I will soon be attempting my local Steakhouse’s 72oz challenge. I may explode!
What made you want to become a writer?The simple answer is reading. I’ve always loved to read, and over the years I found that reading stories sparked my own stories, and writing is a good way to set those stories free.
What genre do your works fall into?I tend to put it the horror category, as that is the closest, but a reviewer recently described them as metaphysical thrillers, which sounds much nicer.
What about this genre appeals to you?I’m interested by what frightens people; I also like to peer under the fabric of the universe, to see what I can find.
Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?In my most recent book Conversations in the Abyss we discover how the universe came to be and why us mortals are a threat to Heaven and Hell.
What gives you inspiration for your book?John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ is my inspiration for these books. For me it is the greatest story ever told (http://thecultofme.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/paradise-lost-greatest-story-ever-told.html). It’s a story that tackles the big questions, but also filled me with my own questions, questions that I’m seeking to answer with my own writing.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?I think to a degree you can’t avoid putting some real people in your characters, but I tend to mix and match. So a character is rarely a single person, but built from traits of different people.
Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?Friar Francis is my favorite character so far. He’s smart, sophisticated and not afraid to get his hands dirty.
What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?I think the fact that people like what I write is amazing and certainly surprised me. It still does.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you either growing up or as an adult?I’ve already mentioned John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. For more contemporary works I’m a big Clive Barker fan, and Ian M Banks is my favorite modern author.
Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer?  If so, what do you do during the day?  Not yet, but I work as a game producer which is also pretty cool. I love writing, and I love playing games.
What is your favorite writing tip or quote?Finish what you start. Once you finished one work, you can go onto the next, but make sure you finish something.
Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Do you have any other books in the works?I have a new book coming out soon, I haven’t finalized the title yet, but it’s all about an Internet chat-bot that starts granting wishes. Of course, there is a price to be paid…
Where can we find you online? Blog Facebook Twitter  Amazon
About Michael BrookesMichael Brookes is an Executive Producer with a leading UK games developer. Working in games and writing are two of his life passions and considers himself fortunate to be able to indulge them both. He lives in the east of England, enjoying starry skies in the flattest part of the country. When not working or writing, he can sometimes be found sleeping. Which is good as that is where many good ideas come from.

Altors by Nastasia Peters

Yesterday, we learned more about Nastasia Peters, the writer. Today read an excerpt from her work.


Altors Blurb 

Following the murder of their legal guardian, two best friends suffer the thing they fear most, separation. Solenum and Calycanthus must take the adventurous paths of finding their way back to one another, and as they do so, they will uncover the secrets their land has been hiding beneath a carefully constructed facade for centuries.
An underground war is taking place, kept hidden from the public eye by those called the Altors and Regius. Although unaware at first of what their involvement brings to the people of Zinc, Calycanthus Esquivel’s close proximity to the Altors allows him to uncover parts of the truth, creating an important turning point that may just be the kick the Altors need to beat the Regius. But it is Solenum Everhart who will find the possible key that can lead to a peaceful future. Is Galax Kaminski an exception to the rule that says all Regius are cruel at the core? Will Solenum be able to show him that he may just be the example everyone needs in order to end the hidden turmoil?
While Solenum and Calycanthus change the lives of so many, their new environments forces them to grow, come face to face with danger, death, family connections and just a touch of magic. New friendships are made and love is found as the two best friends work hard on finding their way back to one another throughout a world they always lived in, but was a mystery up until now.
Excerpt
School was supposed to be a bore and it was hard to pretend not to be interested. Especially in history. I loved history. Well, when I’d had a good night of sleep that is. The history teacher’s voice was just so soothing. He kept on talking and talking, barely taking breaks, giving me the perfect lullaby. That, along with the warm sun streaming through the large classroom windows was enough for me to nod off.
I picked up random words on occasion. They weren’t new to my ears. Blue Bloods, Rebellion, Zinc Sea, Palliums. The Blue Bloods were an interesting topic. Those who had once ruled Zinc. They were still around, or so it was claimed. I had never seen them in LV and although my memories from when I was little were foggy or practically nonexistent, I was certain I hadn’t been confronted with them.
Acacia said that LV was lucky, the boarding house was a safe place, somewhere she felt she didn’t need to worry about those types of things. I’d tried talking to her and Lupinus about this, but they said that the Blue Bloods had died out and whatever was left of them was taken care of by the Rebellion. Which the history teacher contradicted as he claimed the Rebellion had gone extinct just as much as the Blue Bloods. It was all very confusing and I assumed nobody had any idea what they were talking about.
What was certain was that in the big cities such as Cobalt City or Iodin City, you could see those who descended from the Blue Bloods walking among all the others. They carried the physical traits resembling those who’d once ruled Zinc. There weren’t any in LV, never had been, and because all the teachers in this town had never stepped outside of this region, their description of the royal descendants wasn’t fact, but only based on rumors that may or may not have come from foreigners that had once passed through.
This topic held my curiosity as the Blue Bloods and Rebellion had once been at war, and it was almost unimaginable for me to picture the situation since peace was all I knew. The details of this war had become hazy, and because there was a lack of documentation, nobody knew what was legend or fact. What was said to be fact was that you could find more Blue Blood descendants in the eastern part of Zinc, like Iodin City and the Wastelands of Xenon, since that region had belonged to them when Zinc had been divided in two. Technically, it was still divided; not because of who ruled, but because of geography.
The only reason LV was so secluded was because it took too long to travel by boat, and those who had done it swore to never do it again. The only passage that allowed you to leave this town by land was so deadly, you didn’t even want think about it. While it wasn’t exactly far to the eastern part of Zinc, the same lack of accessibility blocked it off from the western part.
The Wastelands of Xenon was the overall name given to the eastern part Zinc. And wastelands was truly the right word as it was mostly covered by ‘Immortalis Silva’, The Immortal Forest. It surrounded Iodin City and a bay that was called ‘Sunus Ut Sono’, The Bay that Sings.
Immortalis Silva was said to be a place of mystery, ruled by the trees. If you were to try and reach Iodin City by foot, you were forced to travel through it, which was impossible, as everyone who stepped foot into it, was known never to have returned. The only way one could reach Iodin City from the western part of Zinc, was by ferry. The only ferry that went to that city was located on Iron Island. While the price of the tickets could make you think twice about wanting to go there, it was said that each city in Zinc acted as its own country, having their own rules and ways of living. People rarely traveled from one place to another, least of all Iodin City.
I could understand. Either there was a dangerous forest, a haunting bay, or a sea that was claimed to be endless.
I yawned, letting my eyes close, basking comfortably in the sunlight heating the classroom while the history teacher continued to mutter out his lesson of the day.You can view a longer excerpt at Smashwords or on the author's website

Guest Author Interview, Nastasia Peters

This week's guest author is Nastasia Peters, author of Altors. Read all about her, and remember to return tomorrow for a sample of her work.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in the Netherlands and moved to France when I was 14. That change sort of triggered my need to illustrate, to read and eventually, to write. I live in a pretty full house somewhere in the region called Brittany. I read in my car. I have three dogs, several cats that pretend to be eternally hungry, and I have view on the sea. I have this fun thing where in English I have an accent that is neither French nor Dutch, but to British people I sound American, whereas to American people I sound British. In Dutch I have a very light French accent, and in French I apparently sound like I come from the north.

What made you want to become a writer?
To be honest I don't fully grasp the fact that I am one yet. I thought I'd really get it once I'd hold my book, but it just helps me wrap my head around the idea that I wrote a story, more than I am writer. But I write because I don't want to forget the stories that are in my mind, and I find that writing them down makes me happy. So I suppose I wanted to become a writer because it's an activity, or a passion really, that gives me a sense of accomplishment and joy nothing else can give.
Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?
Altors takes place in a mythical world where the people suffer from an underground war. Those that fight in it are under the impression it'll never end, and then there are those who are completely unaware of the political uproar hanging above their heads. It's a very corrupt place and like anything, no matter how complicated something is, there's always a silver lining and some kind of solution.
In this case, the main characters, Calycanthus and Solenum are the silver lining and help the supporting cast find the solution to end the war. It's very accidental; they were never supposed to uncover these secrets, but after the death of their guardian, they are separated for safety reasons. So as they try to find their way back to one another, they uncover lie after lie and essentially puzzle everything back together. As they do so, they also find out who they are, where they come from and just how much was kept from them.
I believe people should give it a shot as there is something in it for everyone. Anyone can find something they can relate to and that creates a connection. There's also a lot of fighting, back stabbing, joking around, friendships, some I love you's and plot twists going on which anyone who loves a little bit of adventure and fantasy can enjoy.
What gives you inspiration for your book?
RPG fantasy games and a number of songs, sounds and landscape views from around here. 
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
Completely made up. Although I'm sure there are traits in each character that may resemble that of a friend, family member or a past acquaintance,  but there is definitely not a character in the book that i a carbon copy of someone I know. Personally I believe it would be hard for a writer not to use what they've seen, experienced and known in their stories; it happens subconsciously. But, any resemblance to people I know or anyone may know, is strictly part of the reader's imagination.
Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?
That's a tough one. Solenum is so incredibly brave, but fearless to a fault. Calycanthus, on the other hand, has more of a tendency to take a step back and make sure everything is save before taking that step forward, which I love, but hate at the same time because sometimes he takes too much time to think. I would go with one of the main characters, but I actually think they are made better and more thanks to the characters that surround them.
In the first book I believe my favorite character would be Isa Ryder, a Ranger/Pirate that doesn't believe in honorable fights and has no issue stealing the girl away from the hero with trickery and deceit. He always pops up at the wrong times and never fails to disrupt whatever it is the main characters are doing. He's an annoyingly lovable character.

What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?
At first everything seems so easy, but then you're faced with all these issues that have evil spawn in every which direction. I can't tell you how often my eye has broken out into an awkward twitch when staring at my plot line or when a character isn't behaving the way they should and I try to understand how I, myself, managed to do that. It's this big web that is so fragile, and if you cut the wrong cord, everything falls apart.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. It got me through a lot of heavy moments in my life, and I could really relate to the character, the way he locked himself away in the attic to be able to read the book and let the world around him fade away. It's a lovely story, and I can read it again and again.
Do you have a day job in addition to being a writer?  If so, what do you do during the day?  I do, yes. I'm a reviewer on a graphic media website, and I do freelance illustration on the side along with some tutorial writing (on illustrations). My days consist of doing my job as a reviewer, writing, editing, keeping up with the promotion and marketing of Altors, the first book, and then whenever I have some free time, I'll play a game or draw.
What is your favorite writing tip or quote?
I love quotes, and there are some really good ones about writing out there. So I will give you my top three.
Observe, don't imitate.- John M. Ford
Writing is easy; all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead.- Gene Fowler
To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything.- Anatole France
Tell us a little about your plans for the future.  Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?  Do you have any other books in the works?
This may sound dark and what not, but I've learned not to look too far into the future as things always change. I'm not saying that living day by day without making any plans is the way to go, but five years is too far ahead of me. So I honestly don't know where I'll be. I hope I'll still enjoy writing as much as I do today.
As for other books. Regius, the second installment in the Zinc trilogy is to be released in a couple of months and Seers, the third installment, is being worked on as well. I have several ideas for other stories that I may write, but I want to give Zinc my full attention for now.
Where can we find you online? Blog Website Facebook Twitter Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords 

Broken Faith

This was it.  The moment Heaven and Hell would clash.  But which unearthly being would win?  The Fallen Angel or the Hell Hounds?Overtaken by fear, I close my eyes.Kayson is a Fallen Angel who has spent decades running from the Hell Hounds while searching for something that no one else believes can be so, not even God.  Kayson is determined to find a Blood Child.  But when a hound finds Kayson first, he is sure his end has come.Falon, Alpha of the Hell Hounds, destroyer of the blood children, and devoted believer in his master’s plan, is bound and determined to drag Kayson back to Hell with him. Sabrina is a Vampire, a half-breed created from one of Lucifer’s original blood children.  After years of hiding, Sabrina’s fate changes when she finds Kayson barely alive. Against her instincts, Sabrina saves him.  Now she and Kayson are both marked by the Hell Hounds.Emma is an ordinary human, whose only problem is making ends meet, and getting over the hurt caused by her untrustworthy brother.  Her everyday problems become supernatural ones when she finds Kayson and Sabrina hiding in her parent’s backyard shed.Kayson, Sabrina and Emma are unlikely allies, thrown together by chance to fight against the most powerful creatures of the underworld in order to follow their world-changing quest.  But will the broken faith of one break the faith of all?
Broken Faith will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBookstore on April 2nd.For a limited time, Broken Faith will be on sale for 0.99 
Here are some reviews that are already in
"Loved it! I loved the story back ground about the angels and the fallen. How the blood children came to be was AWESOME!!! The story flowed, gave you the perfect amount of back ground info. It just sucked me right in!"  -Carrie, ARC reader
"OMG! Brandy Nacole never seems to disappoint~! This was AMAZING!!! In this new Spiritual, Supernatural twist, has took me on a ride like NO other and BLOWN ME AWAY! Just like all the other books Brandy has written! This one Truly ROCKED!"-Alicia, ARC reader
"This story a epic battle of faith and good will, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Make this your book to read this year it's a must read!!!"  -Jacquelyn, ARC reader
My links:www.facebook.com/authorbrandynacolehttp://www.brandynacole.blogspot.com/www.goodreads.com/BrandyNacole

New Cover REVEAL: A Ranger’s Tale by Mysti Parker

The world of Tallenmere was born in January, 2011 with this first exciting story about Caliphany, an elven noblewoman who longs to leave her gilded cage, and Galadin, the half-elf former pirate who trains her to do just that. To better reflect its place in the burgeoning series and Caliphany's choice between two good men, cover artist Caroline Andrus and I tore down the original cover to make room for a whole new look! 
Join us for this exciting reveal party on Facebook, Friday, March 29 from 5-10 PM EST. Bring a friend, too. There do be prizes, mateys! *$25 Amazon.com gift cardCLICK HERE TO JOIN THE PARTY: https://www.facebook.com/events/103766896485420/
Blurb: In the world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...

High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls.

As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger.

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose.

From that moment on, she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.****You can find the brand new version of A Ranger’s Tale with its shiny new cover at all major online bookstores, including:Amazon.comB&NSmashwordsLuluAll Romance eBooksCoffeetime Romance
About the AuthorMysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger’s Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. Book Three, Hearts in Exile, is expected to be born in the summer of 2013. Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog recently voted #3 for eCollegeFinder’s Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.
Mysti’s other writings have appeared in the anthologies  Hearts of Tomorrow , Christmas Lites , and  Christmas Lites II.  Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine  EveryDayFiction . She is currently a book reviewer for the online speculative fiction magazine  SQ Mag  and has served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K.
The Tallenmere Series: A Ranger’s TaleSerenya’s SongHearts in Exile (coming summer 2013)
www.melange-books.comwww.mystiparker.blogspot.comTwitter: @MystiParkerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mysti-Parker/103786449704221mystiparker@yahoo.com

Excerpt from Neveah: Breaking the Wicked

Yesterday we talked with Angie Merriam. Today read an excerpt from her novel, Neveah: Breaking the Wicked


Kelsha felt the impending war deep in her bones. The feeling excited her greatly. Having her hybrid by her side only stoked the flames in her belly. At times, the thought of her two men actually being one made her feel slightly strange but most of the time she felt like the luckiest woman in Neveah. Who else could claim to be loved by the sweetest, kindest man, while being desired by the darkest most twisted man? Her heart was filledwith love and adoration while her body was satisfied by lust and animalism. Her life could be perfect. Would be perfect, as soon as the Levannah family was dethroned and all of Neveah followed her.
She heard the man’s body stir in the bed as she stood near the window, admiring her land. She could feel his eyes on her, though he didn’t make a sound. Her olive skin was exposed and glistened in the ray of moon-light that grazed through her window. Her ebony hair fell around her shoulders to the small of her back. She felt powerful and sexy standing there with nothing between her bare body and his eyes except the thick strands of her tresses. With each tiny movement a strand would wave slightly exposing a new patch of skin to tease him. Yes. She knew he was watching her.

Demons in the Big Easy is Free

Demons in the Big Easy on Amazon is free today through Saturday. If you don't have it yet, please download, and when you've read it, I'd love a review.

Adventurous in her youth, Cassandra built gateways between Domhan and its parallel realm of Earth. Now she’s too old for that kind of thing. But something is making it easier for demons to pass into Domhan. Not only that, but their behavior becomes inexplicable: whenever Cassandra banishes one, it laughs at her rather than resists, and it promises it will soon devour her essence and that of every resident of her small village. Cassandra is certain such a thing is impossible, for strong wards protect her village.
But then Cassandra’s granddaughter Aine falls through an unstable gateway. Cassandra is the only one within a hundred miles capable of creating a gateway and bringing Aine back. Despite her aching joints, Cassandra goes after her, and the gateway lands her in New Orleans. But something goes wrong with her tracking spell, which indicates Aine exists in four different places at once. As Cassandra struggles to find the true location of her granddaughter in the Big Easy, she discovers the source of the demons’ confidence.  Now, with an unlikely pair of allies—her timid granddaughter and a homeless man who may or may not be crazy—she has to not only save her granddaughter but also prevent both Domhan and Earth from being overrun by demons.

Amazon