A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 131
June 10, 2017
Swift Six Character Interview – Lord Archos – fantasy
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Name/Race/Species/Age etc:
Name: Archos Terrian Stormrager, Lord of Tremellic, Lord of the Arcane Realms, Lord of the Storm. I am the Oncoming Storm. Lord Archos will do.
For you Lord Archos will do.
Race: I appear human, but in reality I am the last Skychild who walks this land. My father was a human sorcerer and my mother an Elemental – one of the servants of the Sky Goddess. I have met her perhaps three times. The woman who raised me as her own died so many years ago. All humans who carry magic have elven blood, and distant in my father’s line is such a lineage.
There are perhaps less than half a dozen people in all Erana who know this – for I am a sorcerer, and that alone means I am an outlaw and my secrets are deadly. If the Order of Witch-Hunters knew of what I truly am I am certain they would redouble their efforts to deal with me. As it is because of my position both as a nobleman and the relative seclusion of my home, plus monthly bribes and backhanders to those in power mean for now I am ignored. If I am careful. Recently I have been more… forthcoming with my powers and skills and it has been noticed.
Not even I can take on large numbers of Order soldiers, especially when they bring banecrystal weapons.
Age: *Shrugs. I was born before the arrival of the last Plague and the instigation of martial law. That was centuries ago. One looses track.
Which book/world do you live in? I live in Erana. This world features in the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – which detail my adventures and those of my companions; Tales of Erana – these are tales of lore and adventure.
I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me? *Smiles. Because I am a Powerful Sorcerer, because I know a good deal of history and lore and because we will likely meet magic on our adventures. Despite the best efforts of the Order to irradicate it, magic persists. Can you deal with monsters, demons, terrible wounds and forbidden lore? I didn’t think so.
But then again I am not a man to take orders, from anyone. So why should I agree to accompany YOU? Turn your question around – what can you offer me to tempt me to leave the safety of my valley?
Tell us about your companions? How do they see you? Ah, my allies. Olek, my faithful Olek. He is a better man than I. We are closer than brothers, although to the outside world he is but a servant. Elves and half-elves can be nothing more. I trust him with my life, and he has saved it so many times. Once I took him from the execution cell – bought his life with gold and guile but he has repaid that many times over. No one knows more about me, and no one serves our needs with such devotion. Olek is clever, and the most skilful thief and assassin in the land.
Do I have lady-friend? Yes, my beloved Dii’Athella. Poor Dii, for her life was hard and she survived with a determination and will I have rarely seen. Dii is a joy, she sees life with such wonder and such capacity to love. Despite all that has befallen her still she is kind, gentle and curious. We are bound in love and magic, nothing is stronger. Some say not even death can break bonds such as ours. I hope with all my heart we never have to test that theory, although it’s been close on more than one occasion.
Ozena is Olek’s lady. She came to me asking for aid to rescue her sister and the elves from her village. Such was young, naive and frightened; for her to as the assistance of a strange human would have taken a good deal of courage and necessity. Now she has bloomed into a talented young woman, a great archer and tracker and she speaks her mind. Yes indeed.
There are others, of course. My Steward Simon – who manages the villages and lands in my stead, especially when I am not available. He is a man whom I trust implicitly; he’s an excellent forger – and a man who sees far more than most about people. Of course, the villagers don’t know his past but Simon has served me for twenty years – and my people understand why we live as we live in seclusion. There is more freedom in Tremellic than any other settlement this side of the Far Isles. There are no Witch-Hunters, no slavers and such liberty is defended to the last man. One day I am sure the Order will come in numbers, and we will not go lightly. Simon ensures the villagers know what they have under my protection.
How do they see me? Dii loves me, Olek loves me, Ozena – I am not sure. She is a little apprehensive. I often appear arrogant and aloof – but for good reason and all know not to provoke my temper. I have taken many lives by my own hand and those of my allies. Do not trifle with me, and you will not feel my wrath.
Love is far more a powerful tool than fear but fear has its place. A person will die for loyalty and love of another. But the wrath of the Oncoming Storm is terrible.
What’s your most heroic exploit to date? The Shining Citadel. We found the lost elven citadel of Lor Ar’thinis. We almost died in the endeavour and the price paid was high – for the truths we found there may yet destroy us. Not to mention the loss of the Tree of Always. But we have that Power now, that knowledge and the hope it will bring when the time is right.
What’s your greatest failure? The death of my brother, so long ago. That I too late finding Dii to save her from the ‘attentions’ of the Order. That my spies and allies are not enough in number that they may be everywhere. That the Order of Witch-Hunters still blight this land with their pernicious law. I have buried more friends than I like to admit and mourned many others. The fight we fight is a costly one.
Where do you think you’ll be in a decade? *Looks thoughtful. I scry now and then to see the future but it’s a dangerous pastime; a friend told me war is coming and I believe her. I may well be dead in a decade, or up to my armpits in gore. Perhaps if I am very lucky we will triumph and free this land from the tyranny. Who knows in uncertain times.
Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item) Dii. My Dii’Athella. Her light shines brighter than the sun and her kindness will likely save us all, should we live that long. Dii is far more than she knows, and even I know. Her magic is wild and off the old sort for she carries the Blood which Flows with the Light. Dii has bloomed like the flower which is ner namesake and we are all the better for it.
I suppose my other great love is magic. You must understand we live in a world where magic is forbidden, hunted down and chained. But magic is under the rule of no man, not in truth for it is everywhere and finds it way to be seen. The Order thinks they can stamp it out. For three hundred years they had tried and failed, although these days magic is afraid and hides its face. Magic is knowledge and knowledge is power, and freedom. One day the magic will truly return and it will no longer be a shameful secret.
Links to book etc
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles series – an adult fantasy/fantasy romance series, with a touch of erotica.
The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I
In a dark world where magic is illegal and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.
18 rated.
Audio editions narrated by Rob Goll
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2bPpspP
Amazon.com audio http://amzn.to/2iBgmQV
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2i2KJfE
Amazon UK audio http://amzn.to/2iXfIdc
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2iB9PWl
I-books http://apple.co/2j0pYW2
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bGqZvO
Audible http://adbl.co/2hHT8El
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/members/ebook/overview/XDOAydON
The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book II
Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome and monsters from ancient times abound: share the romance and revenge, magic and passion, and the wages of greed in a world of darkest fantasy.
(18 rated)
Now in audio narrated by Shakespearean actor Rob Goll.
[image error]Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2c5LghC
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iqOXkr
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hHRv9K
I-books http://apple.co/2j0B4u8
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2iOOWoB
Audible UK http://adbl.co/2iSW5GF
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2j1DSnF
Audible.com http://adbl.co/2i3tf5t
Brief appearance in
The Stolen Tower – the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book III
What stalks the land cannot be, but is.
Where magic is outlawed a troll Shaman calls from her deathbed to her heiress, Mirandra Var, daughter of the storm. Mirandra vows to find her missing kin, sort friend from for, and claim the dangerous secrets guarded by unthinkable creatures. If she succeeds she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails there will be no tribe to lead.
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2ivJjeL
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/2hKF4Ns
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2hKOZTv
I-books http://apple.co/2iBiA2E
Bundle Rabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/products/detail/stolen-tower
June 9, 2017
Swift Six Author Interview – Melody Klink
Name: Melody Klink
What attracts you to the genre in which you write? Young Adult has a magic about it that always brings me back; the stories and characters aren’t desperately childish and naïve, yet they haven’t been hardened by years and a world of experience. Outlandish things are still possible, and magic still lurks in the small things.
What piece of writing advice do you wish you’d known when you started your writing adventures? Don’t try to make every word perfect in the first go! First draft like crazy, then go back and shine it up. And then do it again. And probably a third time… but any which way, don’t expect perfection in the first go ’round.
If you could have dinner with any famous person or character who would you choose? Wow, this is a tough one! Hmm. I think I’d have dinner with Carl Sagan; he was such a poetic and insightful scientist, and his words are just as pertinent today as ever. He made my already-vast love of the stars take on new meaning, and majorly inspired my poetry writing!
Who has been the greatest influence on your own work? Joseph Campbell, by far. His works on mythology and the archetypes of story are invaluable, both in writing and the real world. By knowing the intricacies of a hero’s journey, you have a deeper understanding of what your characters must do within their own worlds to succeed, or how to turn them into villains. (Deepest apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien, who comes in at 1½ on the influence scale.)
Do you think the e-book revolution will do away with print? This is a conflict for me. The realist in me says, it’s a definite possibility; the convenience and price differences are already great boons in the e-book industry. The artist in me hopes that the printed word never goes anywhere, because I desperately cling to my books. That’s not to say I don’t do e-books, I just prefer holding a book, smelling its pages, feeling its weight, marking all through it or keeping it clean and sacred.
Which 3 books would you take to a desert island and why? Garden Spells – Sarah Addison Allen. This book is like coming home for me; it’s my “anxiety read,” as it calms me and helps me refocus on things that really matter. Allen describes things in such a magical way, her writing is lyrical and intoxicating.
Stardust – Neil Gaiman. It’s no secret that Gaiman is adept at whisking us away from our current time and place- why focus on being on a desert island, when you can be… okay, a muddy field isn’t much better, but the magic is there.
The Norse Myths- Kevin Crossley-Holland. Everyone needs a hero’s tale to read on a deserted island!
Author bio and book synopsis Please introduce yourself (250 words or so):
While pretending to be a human, Melody Klink likes to write down words. Lots and lots of them. All to gain the admiration and trust of the human masses.
Wait. I mean… Melody Klink is a lovable little scamp with a sweet tooth for all things coffee. Spending her entire life nose-deep in books and writing, she always manages to have one more adventure to tell the world. When she’s not scrubbing stray words out of the squishy bits of her brain, Melody can usually be found spending copious amounts of time on Xbox Live, fangirling over comics, studying various sciences, and yes! Even reading. She may or may not be addicted to memes, Futurama, and crafting things poorly. While her first foray into publishing was Bad Mood Boogaloo, a book for toddlers, she also enjoys writing novels, and has several titles in the works. She currently resides in the Mid-South with her husband, daughters, and one annoying cat.
Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc (short) Godeater: The Second World – Young Adult Fantasy, mythology-based. Gods are reincarnated into kids from North Dakota to battle an immortal-killing ancient creature.
Diamond Marked: The Tales of El’Anret – Young Adult Fantasy, Faerie story with lots of fabled creatures. A mortal girl is marked as the queen of the El’Anret, the Faerie world, and must battle mythical foes to keep her rightful place. Includes three novellas from the mortal and Faerie worlds: Queen of Diamonds, Jack of Diamonds, and King of Diamonds.
Links
Social media
https://twitter.com/AuthorMelK
https://www.facebook.com/melodyklinkauthor
https://www.goodreads.com/MelodyNKlink
https://www.instagram.com/authormelk/
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June 5, 2017
Blog Tour Book Spotlight – Hunted -Paranormal/Fantasy
Title: Hunted #2
Author: Aoife Marie Sheridan
Genre: Dark Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance
Release Date: 6th of June 2017
Book Cover Designed by: Ultimate Fantasy Books
Edited by: Magpie Editing
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Blurb:
19-year-old Abigail is going from the frying pan to the fire. Cast into Hades unexpectedly, she narrowly escapes murder and torture–only to find herself kidnapped by Nicolas Frost, the man who tried to kill her. Sundered from her beloved Daniel and friend Cathy, the tortures and mysteries of Hell itself await Nicolas and Abigail.
As her captor leads her to an unknown fate, she discovers her true destiny. To save her home, Abigail may have to ally herself with enemies–unless the horrors and predatory wraiths devour her first.
Buy Links
AMAZON
KOBO: https://goo.gl/ZrpiY3
SMASHWORDS: https://goo.gl/63iJH2
NOOK: https://goo.gl/Q5Phck
ITUNES: https://goo.gl/ohRFIe
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Author Bio:
Aoife Marie Sheridan has loved reading from a very young age, starting off with mills and boon books given to by her grandmother. Her love for romances grew, by the age of 14 she had read hundreds of them.
Aoife has a passion for writing poetry or in her eyes her journal entries. It was something she did throughout her teens and into her twenties. Aoife won first place for two of her poems and had them published at a young age of just nineteen.
Aoife’s first book Eden Forest (Part one of the Saskia Trilogy) took first place with Writers Got Talent 2013. Aoife continues to write tales of fantasy and romance.
To find out more about Aoife Marie Sheridan you can visit her at:
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Book Spotlight – Diamond Marked: The Tale of El’Anret – YA/Fantasy
Title: Diamond Marked: The Tale of El’Anret
Author: Melody Klink
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Main character description (short). This book cycles around a mortal named Hazel Leigh Mac Tíre, a Faerie prince named Gideon, and their son, Jack. Leigh is marked to be the Queen of the Faerie world, in which she must usurp a renegade queen– who happens to be Gideon’s sister. Their son, Jack, deals with the fallout and uprising that follows.
Synopsis: Inside a mortal girl lies the heart of the Queen of Diamonds, true ruler over El’Anret, the world of Faerie.
Inside a Half-Human, Half-Fae boy lives the soul of a Stag King, mysterious and powerful creature of legend, capable of transforming worlds… or destroying them.
And neither of them belong.
In a world of myths and monsters, it will take them both to usurp a renegade queen— one who stole the crown and made the whole of El’Anret bend to her will.
The Faerie world will never be the same.
DIAMOND MARKED: The Tale of El’Anret combines the stories of the Faerie and Mortal worlds into a single collection. Queen of Diamonds, Jack of Diamonds, and King of Diamonds are included in their Author Preferred text editions.
Brief Excerpt 250 words: With a flourish, Gideon crossed a ringed finger over his heart, where the X lingered in the air before evaporating. “I swear to you, Queen of Diamonds, that I did not take torch to your land. However, I did warn you that she would come, and she would fight.”
Her grip on his shirt relaxed. “Lex is already—”
“Fighting? Of course. You haven’t had the displeasure of knowing her very well. She’s… tenacious, to say the least.”
“Why didn’t you stop her?”
“With what? Me and my army? Your Majesty, she has power beyond me. She has… things at her disposal which make her incredibly dangerous.”
Gideon paused, pursing his lips as he looked away. Leigh followed his gaze, looking towards the sun that hazed along the horizon.
“You need to go home. Twilight is coming.”
“Twilight always comes, Gideon, and I have yet to be scared of it.”
As he turned back to her, there was a softness to his eyes—a fear that made them shine, even in the encroaching darkness. “You have never known Twilight as you will before long.”
With a nod, he was gone.
The sounds of nighttime swelled all about Leigh, crickets and creaks and all the little noises that keep you awake at night. She turned back toward the farm, cradling her arms as she walked. The diamonds that shimmered under her fingertips felt like fire—like the same fire that started to rise in her belly.
The fire that would scorch an empire, or be doused by the tides of war.
Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)? It’s a heart-wrenching tale about love, loss, and the desperate desire to do what’s right, even in the face of grave adversity, and even if you don’t belong. Faeries, monsters, shapeshifters and other worlds adorn every page- Diamond Marked is a fabled journey beyond the barrier of our own world.
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Links etc.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35291795-diamond-marked
https://www.goodreads.com/series/198703-tale-of-el-anret
May 31, 2017
Book Spotlight – Doctor’s Orders Audio Book #MM Romance #Audio
Doctor’s Orders by Lucy Felthouse Now Available in Audiobook Format! #audiobook #audible #gay #romance #kink
Lucy Felthouse’s M/M erotic romance novella, Doctor’s Orders, is now available in audiobook format. Narrated by voice artist Peter Revel-Walsh, you can now listen to this kinky BDSM tale on the go!
Doctor’s Orders Blurb:
Hospital porter Aaron Miller isn’t expecting a very exciting birthday. He and his doctor boyfriend, Blake Colville, are working opposite shifts, leaving Aaron to go home to an empty house and the prospect of another shift the following day. Just as he’s leaving work, however, an unexpected sexy encounter in a supply cupboard leaves him feeling in a much more celebratory mood. And an impending dirty weekend away with Blake just puts the icing on the non-existent cake. But who needs cake when you’re dating a dominant doctor?
Audio links:
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2qrwuEu
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2r5Tmxf
Audible UK: http://adbl.co/2qC8gYf
Audible US: http://adbl.co/2qx230E
iTunes UK: http://apple.co/2r7iZO5
iTunes US: http://apple.co/2qvQxGW
eBook available here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/doctors-orders/
*****
Author Bio:
Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller) and The Persecution of the Wolves. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 160 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. Subscribe to her newsletter and get a free eBook: http://www.subscribepage.com/lfnewsletter
Release blitz hosted by Writer Marketing Services.
May 29, 2017
Course Review – Mindfulness and Meditation
#Mindfulness #Fibromyalgia #meditation #courses
As some of you may know I suffer from anxiety and have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. It sucks. But it could be worse.
Anyway one of the suggestions from my GP was to find a Mindfulness course, this helps to deal with anxiety and the suffering caused by chronic pain and chronic fatigue.
My partner and I have both used Udemy.com and thus that is where I went. Mindfulness and Meditation teaches a new way to look at life and the world. It focuses on the moment, the now. The tutor, Libby Seery, is experienced in her field and presents the course well.
From the course homepage
What are the requirements?
Everything you need for a life changing experience is contained within the course
The only thing you will need to get the most from this course is somewhere quiet to practise the meditation
If you prefer, you may use a chair or yoga mat, but these are optional and certainly not essential
Suitable for every level
What am I going to get from this course?
Live in the here and now
Experience the joys of life and how it feels to live in the present moment
Master the art of meditation with guided audio and silent meditation
Learn to overcome physical and emotional pain with the use of mindfulness techniques
Discover how you can apply mindfulness to make profound positive changes to your life starting immediately
Learn to appreciate everyday events in a mindful way, bringing you a happier, healthier life
Develop a greater sense of self-awareness
What is the target audience?
This course is perfect for those people wishing to explore mindfulness for the right time as well as those people looking to further their experience of mindfulness
It is a great introduction to meditation, both silent and guided
It is a great tool for anyone wanting to manage emotional and physical pain
Take this course if you want to discover a more meaningful and joyful life
Show less
I have found the techniques useful. I try the breathing and meditation exercises when I need them. At first, it’s difficult to adapt one’s mindset – anxiety means one focuses on the future and the now and catastrophises. Mindfulness tries to teach you that today, now might be crap/painful but it’s not always like this. Focus on yourself – what your body is doing and how it feels and accept it. Focus on the good things – the birds in the trees, the sun on your face or whathaveyou.
It teaches to try and focus on the positive (which is really hard some days) and do what you can do. A small victory is still a victory even if that victory is getting through the day or a particular task.
The course composes of meditation exercises, videos and lectures and diaries. There is no timeline – it can be done in your own time.
Has it made a difference to me? Yes, I think so. I try the ‘now’ exercises, the breathing and some meditation. My anxiety is a lot better – but it tends to flare up then retreat anyway. I do think Mindfulness is a positive and healthy way of seeing the world. It’s very easy to get drawn into the ‘what if’ scenarios, and the negative, destructive thinking. It is hard to change the way one thinks and I do find myself reverting sometimes. I believe you get out what you put in. If you give Mindfulness a chance, work at the meditations, the changing outlooks then you’ll get a lot more benefit that expecting it not to work.
This course is not free but Udemy often has sales – I think I paid $10 or similar and it’s worth it. When I am stressed or really zonked I can’t write anything useful and so it’s helping this aspect.
Swift Six Character Interview – Spencer
#Swiftsix #graphicnovel
Name: Spencer Abbot
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Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.) Hello, there. My name is Dr. Spencer Abbot, and I (unlike most of the family I’ve married into) am mostly human. The only part of me that is not 100% natural is my lower left leg.
I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me? Never know when you’ll need a medic on some sort of adventure. Also, I’ve been learning magic lately, and it’s been going well. So, a mage might also be useful.
Tell us about your companions? How do they see you? Starting with Travis, he seems to see me as a tall twig that walks and needs protection. I love the guy, but he has an even worse track record than I do in terms of staying out of trouble. Next is my wife. I’m sure she loves me, but I do wonder how much longer her patience will hold out. When someone’s husband and older brother both find themselves in mortal danger on a semi-regular basis, it might push them to worry. I imagine the weed helps. She thinks I don’t know about her growing it, but I do. I choose not to argue, though, and if it’s what she needs to cope, then who am I to stop her? My mother-in-law’s sister and her friends seem to view me the same way as Travis does. I promise I’m getting stronger.
What’s your most heroic exploit to date?
Well…there was that time that I had gone with a much more experienced mage to rescue Travis from this mage’s son. It was the first time I’ve ever encountered a dragon in real life.
What’s your greatest failure?
Trusting the woman that claimed that she could help me with an anniversary gift for my wife. I still have scars from it, even if the nightmares have mostly subsided by now. And then I made that mistake again with my first magic instructor.
Where do you think you’ll be in a decade?
Ideally, I’ll be living a peaceful life with my wife, our son, and Travis. Hopefully without losing any more parts of my body.
Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item)
I have a few: helping people (it’s why I went into medicine in the first place), my wife Gemmy (she’s honestly the sweetest I could ever hope to meet), and Travis (after all we’ve been through together, how could I not list him here?) are the three big ones.
Links to book etc
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May 28, 2017
Swift Six Character Interview – Coel – Fantasy
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#Fantasy #swiftsix #characters
Name: Coel.
Which book/world do you live in? Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake – set in the world of Erana. I understand it’s a little like your world once was, but with more magic.
Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.) My name is Coel, I’m human and I live in Varlek, the primary city of Erana. It’s not where I was born – but that’s another story. Valek is a jaded old crone but she shelters many sins beneath her gown, so for now I stay.
I’m an adventurer – why should I recruit you to accompany me? Songs. Everyone needs music – although they might not know it. Music is free and equal to those who it touches. Music cares not if you are man or woman, elf or human, slave or free. Music can never be tamed, not truly. And songs can rouse a man to war, or love, or glory. I’m a bard; a singer of songs and teller of stories. Take me along and your deeds shall be remembered and retold.
And I am… flexible in my tastes so if you feel the need for a bedwarmer then I can please. Or if you need information then I can be persuasive.
Tell us about your companions? How do they see you? I don’t have many ‘companions’ here. There’s Elsa – she’s friendly enough but then that’s her job. Oh and the Thiefmaster. Yes, him. He’s not exactly a companion, more of an employer. Not that I had much choice. He must like be, or think I’m useful. I’m still alive.
What’s your most heroic exploit to date? I stole a valuable item from right under the nose of the owner – an odious slaver – and laid his wife. Apparently, the man is now a laughing stock. Oh and then there is Arabella – but you’ll have to read my adventure for that story.
What’s your greatest failure? I don’t always think things through. I can’t see all the outcomes. But then who can?
Where do you think you’ll be in a decade? Dead. Unless I am very lucky indeed.
Do you have a great love? (This could be a person/trait/item) Music. Which I’m learning is a type of magic. When I sing I am free. When I sing I can be anyone, or anything. It doesn’t last forever, but sometimes it lasts long enough. But I’m just a conduit for it. Music does what it pleases with me. Sometimes I sound like a dying cat, sometimes I sing like a god.
There was a woman too – Arabella of Jaeden. And I’m quite fond of young Halecome – he’s sweet if rather dim.
Links to book etc
Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake
Coel, the bard, thinks his life has taken a turn for the worst, but he hasn’t met the Thiefmaster yet. An ill-conceived notion of earning more money to pay off his debt and escape a dark past leaves the minstrel in a situation he can’t escape and with a deadly bargain. Will he survive his mistake? Who is this mysterious patron?
Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2pQADCj
Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2orn0s9
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/696686
Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2puZ4WL
Print Editions
Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1546421726/
Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1546421726/
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Random Friday
Check out this ‘Secondary Worlds’ Sci-fi and Fantasy Bundle.
creative barbwire (or the many lives of a creator)
And it’s here! The Fantasy bundle is live!
Go get it on Bundle Rabbit or your favorite retailer (if you pre-ordered it, it should come to your device today)!
And to celebrate, please check this interview with the man without whom this wouldn’t have been possible: ladies and gentlemen, Chuck Heintzelman talking with Johanna Penn! I do mean The Johanna Penn! And if she suggests e-book bundling, you should listen! 
May 25, 2017
Swift Six Character Interview – Travis
#Graphicnovel #Horror
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Character Name: Travis Malone
Which book/world do you live in?: Hell Bent
Tell us about yourself: Well, I’m pretty damn hard to kill, for one thing. Also, I’m part-monkey. Both of those come from some genetic stuff my mom did. Not like that, though! I’m adopted, and she’s a scientist. Also, my hair grows a little every time I come back from the dead.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths, hm? I’m…uh…well, I guess I’m kinda cute in some way? I know I’m not that smart. Hell, if I were, I might’ve made it through college. I’d say I’m perfectly fine, but the multiple nightmares and shit have made that a complete lie. Uhh…please don’t tell McManus, Jesse, or my dad that one. They’d totally take advantage of that. Plus, my nose is too big, and… Damn. I think I focused on the weaknesses a little too much.
Name three important people/creatures/institutions in your world (such as lovers, pets, government institutions, leaders, gods etc).
Ooh, first up is Spencer. Dude’s my best friend, has been since we were kids, and he married my sister a few years ago. And then there’s the law enforcement around Hell Bent..UGH, they need to fix that. Seriously, homelessness isn’t a reason to experiment on people. Actually, the only good reason to experiment on someone is if it’s to help people, AND if you, y’know, get the test subject’s permission (Thanks for that one, mom!). Oh, wait. I need to pick a third one. That’d probably be my mom, Dr. Serena Taylor. She adopted my sister and me when dad threw us out. And as it turns out, she’s one of the leading scientists working with genetics and cybernetics.
What does ‘heroism’ mean to you?
Heroism, I guess, would be when someone does whatever they can to help someone else, no matter how much it might hurt them.
What do you think of your ‘creator’?
Do NOT get me started on that psycho! Do you know how many different labs I’ve been taken to against my will because of her?! Oh, and then? Then we have the times I’ve died and come back and then been killed again. And y’know the worst part? She says I’m one of her favorites!
Give us your favourite piece of advice: “Play through pain”, I guess. I dunno. I really can’t remember too many different pieces of advice, and I suck at giving it out. Though I will say to be careful about random strangers offering to help you get some pictures taken. Sometimes they’re friendly and legit. Other times, they turn out to be a serial killer that creates snuff films.
Links to book
Visions: http://a.co/7r6yv6d
Retribution: http://a.co/diK2Q6m
Destruction: http://a.co/6FFtSx3
Start of arc 2 (Deception): http://a.co/gVOpegE
