A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 113
June 15, 2018
Book Spotlight – Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse – Fantasy/Bundle
Title: Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse
Author: A. L. Butcher
Genre: Fantasy/Mythic/Dark Fantasy/Short Stories
Main character description (short).
“I am Saelth and I have come to slay your monster,” he announced. His words were bold and his demeanour bolder. Behind him rode the fiercest of his band, axemen and archers, trackers and swordsmen. A mean crew indeed and feared about the land; fur-clad and blooded, they were blades for hire.
Synopsis: He who bargains with monsters beware! A hero forges an unholy bargain with a witch and learns magic never forgets.
In a land of forbidden magic, a mysterious cave holds both riches and danger for three adventurers who discover a mighty treasure and a terrible secret.
Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse Excerpt
© A. L. Butcher
On the nights when the moon rose to its fullest, its light a silver sheen upon the roof of the Great Hall, a terrible monster came. His voice was like the rasping of flesh on a blade, his countenance blighted and ugly, twisted like melted flesh with great weeping sores and a putrid smell. Many warriors had tried to vanquish this foul creature, and now their bones lay with the prince’s in the barrow to the east of Eadsham, the settlement that had been forged by blood and toil by the first king, Aedwin. Widows were aplenty and many children made fatherless from this awful beast. Doors were bolted and barred, and not even the lord himself dared to face it. Such was his shame.
The king grew ever older and wishing to marry a man of bravery and honour to his daughter messengers once more rode out north, south, east and west in search of a hero, one with the fortitude to face this cursed beast, as they had done so many times before. On a night when clouds covered the moon’s light and rain fell in drops the size of marbles, the sky was rent with lightning as a great human warrior rode to the gates of the village. “I am Saelth and I have come to slay your monster,” he announced. His words were bold and his demeanour bolder. Behind him rode the fiercest of his band, axemen and archers, trackers and swordsmen. A mean crew indeed and feared about the land; fur-clad and blooded, they were blades for hire.
“We have slain creatures from nightmare and beasts that made grown men piss their drawers. Your curse will be lifted if the price is right!” His band nodded, for their rates were high indeed so that only lords and kings could afford their blades.
“No weapon forged by man can vanquish it! You’ll simply earn your place in the Hall of the Dead,” someone called.
Saelth looked around for the one who had spoken. “Then I shall go to the Halls of the Dead a hero, not one who cowers behind the table, or beneath the bed. I am no coward, nor simpering woman. Nothing is all powerful, or unable to be vanquished, save the gods.”
Why should readers buy this book?
The Warrior’s Curse is a tale of greed, adventure, monsters and the price of magic, set in a dark fantasy world. But it’s also a tale of people, their weaknesses and what some will do for power. It is a story within a story, as we start with a group of adventurers plundering a cave and learn of dark deeds and unholy bargains.
If you like mythic style fantasy, fast-paced adventure with a twist then you’ll love this.
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Links etc.
Universal Link – all the major e-book stores) https://www.books2read.com/WarriorsCurse
Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2Ei0EGe
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1534782052/
The Warrior’s Curse also appears in Here Be Monsters
books2read.com/HereBeMonstersBundle
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June 13, 2018
Here Be Monsters Bundle – Now on Preorder
I am delighted to announce the latest in the Myth, Monsters and Mayhem series of fantasy bundles. Here Be Monsters is now available on preorder.
Here Be Monsters
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We love to fear them and fight them. Monsters come in many forms, from the monsters within to the monsters outside and under the bed. Dare you venture into the caverns and the castles? Dare you enter the darkness of an accursed soul?
An eclectic collection of dark creatures and those who fight them. You have been warned.
Here Be Monsters features 19 tales of myths, monsters, and mayhem.
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Universal Link books2read.com/HereBeMonstersBundle
Amazon https://amzn.to/2JKTGrX
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/here-be-monsters-10
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2JBwvUY
I-books https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1397846083
Bundlerabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/b/here-be-monsters
Featuring
Monster Town” by Steven Savile
“The Magic of Fabulous” by Michele Lang
“A Murder of Crows” by DeAnna Knippling
“Minotaur” by DJ Chamberlain
“Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse” by A. L. Butcher
“Blackbeard’s Aliens” by Robert Jeschonek
“Caught Between Monsters” by Stefon Mears
“Night Terrors” by J.A. Pitts
“Beasts of Tabat” by Cat Rambo
“Demon Daze” by Deb Logan
“A Knot of Trolls” by J.M. Ney-Grimm
“The Stolen Tower” by A. L. Butcher
“The Maker, the Teacher, and the Monster” by Leah Cutter
“One Red Shoe” by Russ Crossley
“Dawn of the Chupacabra” by Kyle Bergersen
“To Be a Monster” by Jamie Ferguson
“The Beast of Talesend” by Kyle Robert Shultz
“Children of the Monster” by Russ Crossley
“The Genie’s Secret” by Robert Jeschonek
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June 2, 2018
Pride Month Promo Offer – Cross-Blog Posting
June is Pride Month. Celebrate the glorious diversity of love and the world. Posting this for a great blog, helpful to indie authors.
Promo Opportunity for LGBTQ Fiction/Romance Books!
June is Pride Month and https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/co... are hosting a month-long event entitled Promotion With Pride. We’re huge supporters of LGBTQ human rights including the right for every person to be who they are, love whom they choose and to walk proudly.
It is open to all authors who write gay/lesbian/bi/trans/queer fiction/romance.
For $5 USD per book spotlight, it is an inexpensive book promo with huge upside. We have the social media reach of 30 million and will be promoting across all social media platforms. Interested in participating, please fill out this form and we will be in touch:
https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/contact
There’s still time to sign up![image error]
May 29, 2018
Swift Six Character Interview – Marie McCathy
Name: Marie McCathy (was Susan)
Which book/world do you live in?
You’ll find me in Marie’s World, which is one of the books in the Susan Family series. Susan is the name of our family.
Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.)
I’m a dancer, who’s just had all her secrets outed to the whole world. I’m the star of a reality TV show about dancers. My dance partner is Derek who is finding out all the secrets I kept from him. Like my estranged husband and someone who has been chasing me for eight years. I own several dance studios throughout the US and one in Scotland. I have returned to Aberdeen as it’s my safe harbour in which I plan to ride out the storm and hide from Harold. He’s my estranged husband and the owner of a huge wrestling company. He’s also the man my father owed a huge debt to.
I’m a mix of Canadian and Scottish.
How do you see your world?
I live in a Shark world where its very cut throat. Dance always have a code to take care of each other, but Hollywood is the cutthroat part. I often have people staying at my home in Los Angeles and Chicago. I just don’t ever rent out the house I share with Layla in Aberdeen.
My world is very fast pace and sometimes people get lost in it.
What part do you play in this tale?
I’m the beating heart of this family. I’m the reason that Layla has become bitter and so angry. I have always been the person that stands in front of my family to protect it. Now I might not do that. I might just walk away. I’ve carried them all for long enough now.
Do you consider yourself a good person/creature?
Yes. Most people don’t get to see the real me. I guess they will get to see everything that I have been trying to hide my whole life. I don’t know what they will think of me now.
Do you follow any religion?
Catholic.
What is your favourite colour/food/music (pick one)?
I have to eat a diet designed for dancers. I’m into Country and hip-hop music. I like red and black, funny that is my hair colour.
Links to book etc
Swift Six Set 3 – Character
Name: Marie McCathy (was Susan)
Which book/world do you live in?
You’ll find me in Marie’s World, which is one of the books in the Susan Family series. Susan is the name of our family.
Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.)
I’m a dancer, who’s just had all her secrets outed to the whole world. I’m the star of a reality TV show about dancers. My dance partner is Derek who is finding out all the secrets I kept from him. Like my estranged husband and someone who has been chasing me for eight years. I own several dance studios throughout the US and one in Scotland. I have returned to Aberdeen as it’s my safe harbour in which I plan to ride out the storm and hide from Harold. He’s my estranged husband and the owner of a huge wrestling company. He’s also the man my father owed a huge debt to.
I’m a mix of Canadian and Scottish.
How do you see your world?
I live in a Shark world where its very cut throat. Dance always have a code to take care of each other, but Hollywood is the cutthroat part. I often have people staying at my home in Los Angeles and Chicago. I just don’t ever rent out the house I share with Layla in Aberdeen.
My world is very fast pace and sometimes people get lost in it.
What part do you play in this tale?
I’m the beating heart of this family. I’m the reason that Layla has become bitter and so angry. I have always been the person that stands in front of my family to protect it. Now I might not do that. I might just walk away. I’ve carried them all for long enough now.
Do you consider yourself a good person/creature?
Yes. Most people don’t get to see the real me. I guess they will get to see everything that I have been trying to hide my whole life. I don’t know what they will think of me now.
Do you follow any religion?
Catholic.
What is your favourite colour/food/music (pick one)?
I have to eat a diet designed for dancers. I’m into Country and hip-hop music. I like red and black, funny that is my hair colour.
Links to book etc
Amazon UK: Amazon UK
Amazon US:Amazon US
May 28, 2018
Reviews – do they influence you?
I ran a poll similar to this a while ago but I am interested to know if your views have changed.
How influential are book reviews to you? There are some folks who say they will not buy a book with negative reviews (of course that’s relative – what constitutes a ‘negative’ rating? 1 star out of 5? 2? 3?). Some people read reviews to look for opinions similar to their own. There are people who never read reviews. And everything in between.
Personally, I will review a book I read, but not every book – I don’t have the time – and if I really can’t think of anything beyond a line or two then it probably isn’t worth it. I am contrary – I usually don’t read the reviews before I buy. Usually. Unless it’s only got a couple of 1 stars. What appeals to me in a book is rather genre dependent – so it can be hard to judge one against another.
The poll runs for 1 week – and I will report on the findings afterwards. Get voting peeps.
May 26, 2018
Spring Surprise – Last Few Days
The Spring Surprise Bundle is due to end on 31st May. It’s the last chance to get this great mix of stories and to celebrate it will be only 2.99 for all 13 books from 27th May-31st May.
https://bundlerabbit.com/b/spring-surprise
https://books2read.com/SpringSurpriseBundle
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The season of spring ushers in a time of rebirth; new life comes forth, trees emerge from their winter slumber and the cycle of nature begins again. Plans unfold, new adventures commence, and the past is washed clean. At least . . . that’s the theory.
In this mixed-genre bundle, tales of hope, fresh beginnings and emerging dreams, dangerous new lives and daring schemes awaken the springtime in us all.
Curated by A. L. Butcher and published by Kydala Publishing
Perilous Chance J.M. Ney-Grimm
Easter at Glosser’s Robert Jeschonek
Eden’s Eyes Sean Costello
Queen of May Linda Jordan
The Forsaken Man Marcelle Dube
Mother of the Waters Leigh Saunders
Temporal Dreams Lesley L. Smith
Quests Volume One: The Paths of Water and Air Barbara G.Tarn
The Brownies Holiday Rita Schulz
Second Spring Karen L. Abrahamson, Karen L. McKee
Sarvet’s Wanderyar J.M. Ney-Grimm
My Favourite Genre Is…. Part 2
I have just finished a rather tacky true crime book (I find some of this genre are good/interesting and well written but many are too sensationalist). Anyway, I was scrolling through my kindle, and gazing forlornly at the myriad of bookcases at a loss – what shall I read next?
There is a poll attached to this post – please vote on it and I’ll read and review a book from the winning genre.
The Absolute Best 3 Tips for Effective Blogging
Good Advice
There’s usually a right way and a wrong way to do something. That’s just in case you want to keep it simple, because there’s a wrong way, slightly less wrong, slightly better, and so on…
Some ways lead nowhere at all. They only exist in order to provoke anger.
The truth is that if you want to know how to become an effective blogger, then it’s important to read the following words carefully. Your future as a blogger depends on it.
View original post 309 more words
May 22, 2018
Swift Six Author Interview -Kristal McKerrington – Romance
Name: Kristal McKerrington
What attracts you to the genre in which you write?
Wrestling has had a big influence on me my entire life. I have longed to make their lives better just like I did when I was a dancer for other dancers. I love dance, romance and this was the only chance my friends who have passed on could have their dance characters finish a great adventure. An ending they would be proud of.
What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d known when you started your writing adventures?
Write every single day, you’ll get better with practice and don’t let whatever publishers stop you for having your story out there. Read every day, watch something like TV or a movie at least four times a week. These are the tricks that will improve your writing. Keep notes, ask your characters questions and keep a notebook where you write down things about the characters that make them whole.
If you could have dinner with any famous person or character who would you choose?
I would choose to have dinner with Dwayne Johnson, Jeff Hardy, Vince McMahon for the famous people. I would rather have a WWE dinner party. If its a character then I have to say I would like to have dinner with Claire from the Morganvile Vampire series by Rachel Caine. I’d like to have her for dinner.
Who has been the greatest influence on your own work?
My husband, Rachel Caine, Catherine Cookson, Shane Helms, Rhyno, Joe E Legend, Rick Riddle, Raphaello to name a few. I have others to thank – like Katherine Tegan, Lydia Sharp, Melissa Miller, Kathi Sprayberry and Emma. I would like to think Jane Austen has a hand in my writing style. Debi Glori for getting me started down the writing trail. Barney Cohen for being what a lot of us writers long to be. Colleen Hoover for her excited behaviour. Alyxandra Harvey for keeping my spirits up when I have been at my lowest. Dinner party at my house, open invitation for you always.
Do you think the e-book revolution will do away with print?
No, I don’t think it will, because there is a huge number of people who are always going to like the feel and smell of the book. You don’t get that with an ebook. I think that is what keeps us readers loyal and special.
Which 3 books would you take to a desert island and why?
I can’t take just three, but I would take three series. I would take the Lakehouse saga by Rachel Caine, Alyxandra Harvey’s Vampire Chronicles and Sherrlyn Keyon’s Dark Hunter series. That should keep me busy for a really long time.
Author bio and book synopsis
I’ve had Arthritis since I was 2 1/2 years old, I’m 29 now. I spend most of my writing with my cat Bob. I like reading with my soon to be husband Ian. I just completed start writing fiction, Jane Austen module, Maternal Health and introduction to screenwriting. I’m doing more courses through future learning.
I’m a keen blogger and have a blog where I review books.
Links
Social media
https://www.facebook.com/kristalsmckerringtonsfanpage/
https://www.facebook.com/SusanFamilySeries/?ref=bookmarks
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Links to book etc
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maries-World-Kristal-McKerrington-ebook/dp/B077J3Q6VP/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1526829340&sr=8-1
May 17, 2018
Book Spotlight – Healing Springs – Lesbian Romance/Paranormal Romance
Basic Book Spotlight
Title: Healing Springs
Author: Rhavensfyre
Genre: Lesbian Romance, Lesbian Paranormal Romance
Main character description (short).
Selene and Amy are the two main characters, and it is as much Amy’s story as it is Selene’s. Both left Healing Springs right after school and now are hovering right around 40 years old before returning home. However, there is a third, and very important character that threads its way through the story…and that is the springs itself. The Springs has a few things to say about how things are supposed to be, and where Amy and Selene are going.
Synopsis:
Falling out of love is one thing, but purposefully forgetting it is another. Selene McAlister is a successful author who had it all. Best-selling novels, a beautiful beach house, a fast car and perfect health…until one rainy night that changed her life forever.
Selene had to be cut from the wreckage of her sports car, and despite horrific injuries, she survived. Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, she couldn’t decide…not when she had to deal with the aftermath of her injuries every day after that.
Broken and battered, scarred and in pain, she was a ghost of her former self, but that wasn’t the worst of it. The accident had taken something more important from her than physical health…it had robbed her of the ability to write…and taken huge chunks of memory along with it.
Now, at forty years old, she’s being forced to move back to Healing Springs and return to the small family Inn her mother owns. Returning to her childhood home was never a part of her plans. On top of everything else that happened, it only served to convince her that her life was a total failure, and that she had nothing left to look forward to other than a lifetime of pain and isolation.
Amy Fontaine is a successful businesswoman and photographer. She is also Selene’s best friend and has been since before High School. She’s not the type to let Selene retreat from life and succumb to self-pity, not if she has anything to say in that matter. Maybe that’s why Amy was the last person Selene wanted to see when she returned to Healing Springs.
Fortunately for Selene, her friends and family were having none of it. They would find a way to reach Selene and show her that she still had worth…and in Amy’s case…that she was still worthy of love.
Brief Excerpt 250 words:
“Every year, your grandmother would tell the tale while the bonfire burned, adding to the spice of the family ritual, only it wasn’t just a story. It was a warning. A warning to beware of wanting a thing so bad that you wish for something that should never be wished for. A wish made when you’re in pain and hurting so bad that your wish turns into a curse, and you pay, Selene. You pay every day after that, even if you had the best intentions. Even if you meant to curse yourself and no one else…because nothing can happen without it affecting the people around you, just like ripples travel across a disturbed pool.”
Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)?
This novel is dedicated to all the strong women out there that wake up every day and struggle with disabilities, both visible and invisible. Their fight is what inspired this novel, and in some small way, perhaps they can find their way to their own Healing Springs.
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Links etc.
