A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 146
September 20, 2016
Author Interview 116 – A J Dalton – Fantasy
Welcome to A J Dalton
Where are you from and where do you live now? From Croydon, now living in Manchester, UK. I also live online a lot. My website is www.ajdalton.eu, which is a portal for those who like fantasy, and which gives plenty of advice and steer to aspiring authors. And I’m on facebook and twitter, blah blah.
Please tell us a little about your writing – for example genre, title, etc. I’m the UK’s leading author of metaphysical fantasy, mainly cos all the other writers are dead. It wasn’t me. I wrote the first new-wave zombie book back in 2008, called Necromancer’s Gambit. I then did a trilogy for Gollancz, starting with Empire of the Saviours, which sold very well in Germany for some reason (they either have good taste or no taste). Now, I’m doing a trilogy for Grimbold Books: The Book of Orm (2015), The Book of Angels (2016), and The Book of Dragons (2017).
Research can be important in world-building, how much do you need to do for your books? Do you enjoy this aspect of creating a novel and what are your favourite resources? My fantasy novels tend to be second-world and psychological, so I don’t need to do much research. Mind you, I’ve taught English all round the world, and other cultures definitely influence my writing. I’ve also learnt a number of martial arts – I’m one of your better authors when it comes to writing a bloody fight scene. But the only book I’ve ever done historical research for is ‘I Am a Small God’, because it’s about a minor Greek god who survives through different eras – so I had to get human historical details right. I don’t enjoy researching that much, as it slows down the writing. Unlike Hilary Mantel, I prefer the writing to the research.
Is there a message conveyed within your writing? Do you feel this is important in a book? Yes, a number of philosophical themes, including the impossibility of true freedom. I actually coined the sub-genre of ‘metaphysical fantasy’, which is now a category of fiction within the Amazon website.
Do you self-edit? If so why is that the case? Do you believe a book suffers without being professionally edited? I self-edit because I’ve been an English language teacher for like 20 years. I have better grammar and punctuation than anyone my publishers can supply. BUT I do use a reading group to spot typos and continuity errors – and they give me emotional support too (very important during long winters).
Do you think indie/self-published authors are viewed differently to traditionally published authors? Why do you think this might be? Yes. There is a (false) idea that self-published work is inferior to stuff published by the mainstream. This idea is wrong, and probably an idea put round by those with a commercial agenda. Basically, publishers reject commercial-standard manuscripts on a daily basis simply because the publishers (falsely) believe the market is only looking for certain things. Look at Marlon James (Booker Prize Winner) – his books were rejected by everyone. Charlaine Harris’s True Blood series was rejected by every single publisher until vampire fiction was suddenly fashionable again.
What are your opinions about authors commenting on reviews? How important are reviews? I think authors should be able to comment on reviews, especially reviews that are unfair. BUT that’s not how things work, I’m afraid. Any author commenting on a review gets accused of silencing free speech, etc. It’s a shame.
What are your views on authors reviewing other authors? Ha. Authors are often very enthusiastic about the genre in which they write. They’re readers too. They often want to share their enthusiasm. BUT if the review isn’t entirely positive, the reviewing author will suddenly find their own books start getting reviews that aren’t entirely positive too. Tit for tat. It’s a shame.
What experiences can a book provide that a movie or video game cannot? Well, F. R. Leavis said a book was ‘active entertainment’ but a movie was ‘passive entertainment’. I tend to agree. A book makes you work harder than a movie. But a book and a movie serve different functions. They both have their strengths.
What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers?
Develop your selling skills – cos writing it is far easier than selling it
Ignore feedback unless you’re getting similar feedback from a range of readers
Learn to master narrative perspective and avoid ‘intrusive author voice’ – if you’re not sure what that means, check my short essay and the cited examples in Art of the Novel, by Salt Publishing.
Most authors like to read, what have you recently finished reading? Did you enjoy it? My guilty pleasure is Gotrek and Felix, by the Black Library. Very strong characters, with well constructed moral dilemmas, and good fight scenes.
What are your views on authors offering free books? If an author has a range of titles, then giving one away for free can win you readers for your other titles. Look, authors make very little money as it is, so we’re not doing any of this to make money really. We’re doing this cos we have something we want to share with people. Giving away a few books never really hurt. And if the person who got the free copy passes it on, they’ll help recruit new readers for you and your other titles.
Do you have a favourite movie? Rollerball, James Caan. The individual fighting the world… and winning.
September 19, 2016
Character Interview Number Thirty-Nine Jamela Thomas, et al
Name (s) Jamela, Ms.J and LJ Thomas (nonfiction)
Describe your appearance in 10 words or less. Medium height African American woman
Do you have a moral code? If so what is it? Yes. I treat people the way I want to be treated.
Would you die for those you love? Yes. I value life and the people I love add value to the world so I would die to save their life.
Do you have any relationships you prize above others? Why? Yes, I prize my relationship with my mentors in life. These are spiritual mentors. They help keep me grounded and guide me through difficult time.
Do you have any phobias? Yes, bridges and heights.
Please give us a little information about the world in which you live. I live with multiple sclerosis and have been for over 20 years. I am a proud wife, mother, and grandmother. I am a co-owner of a music production company and I enjoy cooking, singing and crocheting in my spare time. I volunteer a great deal in my congregation and cherish time with family and friends.
Name and describe a food from your world. Hmmm a food from my world. That would have to be baked macaroni and cheese. This is pasta, milk, eggs, a little butter and cheese. After the pasta is cooked, everything is mixed together and placed in the oven for 30-40 minutes. This is comfort food.
Name a couple of myths and legends particular to your culture/people. We all like fried chicken and watermelon. We are all on welfare or do drugs. We are all uneducated. We all have talent in sports.
What is the technology level for your world/place of residence? What item would you not be able to live without? The technology my world is parallel to society. I have to say that I would not be able to live without my cell phone. I spend a lot of time talking to family, friends, clients, and others.
Author notes:
Book(s) in which this character appears plus links
Kidnapped in Love (http://amzn.to/2bPVPS2)
Kidnapped in Love2:Backfire (link coming later this month)
Author name: Jamela
Website/Blog/Author pages etc.
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9727897-lj-jamela
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljthomas1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamela/568449613189000
Website: http://info74085.wix.com/jamela
Jamela/Ms. J has been writing for 35+ plus years. She currently resides in the Atlanta, Georgia Metro with her musician/videographer husband. She reads almost anything and writes mainly fiction. She dabbles in poetry, prose and other non-fiction works. She has been published in regional magazines and newsletters. She released a medical book on Multiple Sclerosis in 2012. Her collection of short stories which focuses on women surviving relationships, And I Trusted You, was released in 2013. She released a 2nd edition of What Is This World Coming To? (a collection of YA sci-fi short stories) in 2014. In 2014 she also released Kidnapped in Love, Because I Love You, Unknown Factor and Run Trilogy. She enjoys, reading, singing and obviously, writing. Jamela/Ms. J believes everything good will take hard work and is worth having, especially if it benefits others.
Kidnapped in Love2: Backfire
COVER REVEAL
COMING FALL 2016
Trisha has dealt with the death of her husband and being kidnapped. Her life is good now and she and her children are happy after losing James. She can finally breathe again and let her guard down. She does so and falls in love with the man of her dreams. It was unexpected, to say the least. But, things are not always what they seem. Trisha will do anything to protect the children she loves and the life she has built. But she has skeletons in her closet which threaten the happiness of her entire family. Will she end up paying for past sins, real or imagined? Will her children suffer? Or will Trisha come out on top, again?
And I Trusted You
http://amzn.to/2bQnmXY
Kidnapped in Love
http://amzn.to/2bPVPS2
What Is This world coming To?
http://amzn.to/2bzM9jT
Run Trilogy (Hit & Run, You Better Run and Who’s Running Now all in one volume) http://amzn.to/2cduZr6
Includes the following:
1. Hit & Run http://amzn.to/2bZaJIV
2. You Better Run http://amzn.to/2bR3Adl
3. Who’s Running Now http://amzn.to/2c7eXvm
“The past finally catches up to Jeff and the running may not be the same.”
AMB Shorts http://amzn.to/2c7e5qy
This is a collection of flash fiction and short stories, quick reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat and then some. Get ready for your action fix to be satisfied. Roll call; betrayal, conspiracy, lies, drama, crime and more. Are all present.
1. Cruel Intentions http://amzn.to/2bAAErh
2. Your Love http://amzn.to/2caq4nW
3. Quickie http://amzn.to/2c3sLrW
4. Mr. & Mrs. Santiago http://amzn.to/2cdu3mq
5. Unknown factor http://amzn.to/2c7f9Lo
6. Family Gathering http://amzn.to/2bzMPpr
7. Run Trilogy (Hit & Run, You Better Run and Who’s Running Now all in one volume)
http://amzn.to/2cduZr6
website/blog and author links:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9727897-lj-jamela
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljthomas1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamela/568449613189000
Website: http://info74085.wix.com/jamela
Release Blitz for In the Flesh by K D Grace
Out Now! – In The Flesh: Book 1 of The Medusa Consortium
In The Flesh Blurb:
When Susan Innes comes to visit her friend, Annie Rivers, in Chapel House, the deconsecrated church that Annie is renovating into a home, she discovers her outgoing friend changed, reclusive, secretive, and completely enthralled by a mysterious lover, whose presence is always felt, but never seen, a lover whom she claims is god. As her holiday turns into a nightmare, Susan must come to grips with the fact that her friend’s lover is neither imaginary nor is he human, and even worse, he’s turned his wandering eye on Susan, and he won’t be denied his prize. If Susan is to fight an inhuman stalker intent on having her as his own, she’ll need a little inhuman help.
EXCERPT 3 In The Flesh: Susan’s Secret Writings:
I wasn’t alone in the dark. I knew that the first time I entered the crypt at Chapel House. I could feel a presence there, almost as though someone stood just behind me, about to reach out and touch me. The shiver over my skin was not so much from fear, though certainly there was an element of fear, as it was from longing, bone-deep longing. I could barely breathe for it, I could barely stand under the weight of it, and I couldn’t imagine how such an ache, such a hunger could exist inside my flesh and not tear me apart. I was astonished that Annie seemed completely unaware of anything out of the ordinary, and to be quite honest, I wasn’t anxious to share it with her.
She continued to chatter on about her plans to make Chapel House over with a state of the art kitchen—she who didn’t cook, and a master suite that would rival the finest hotels in London. Strange that I could listen with one part of my brain and comment on her ideas for an open plan living space, for a library in the choir loft, for a wet room in the sacristy, while with another part of my brain I felt like every cell of my body was responding to whatever it was, whoever it was that I was certain waited there in the darkness, just beyond the beam of Annie’s Maglite.
***
The departmentalizing of Annie’s plans and the feel of the presence in the darkness became much more difficult when I felt the closeness of a warm, hard body against my back and the humid nip of a kiss on the nape of my neck. I explained away my little gasp of surprise to Annie by saying I’d almost lost my footing. I should have been frightened. I should have been terrified, and believe me, I was. But by the time I felt a large hand splayed low against my belly, by the time I was certain of the maleness pressed hard and low just above my butt, I was far more intrigued than I was frightened. Even if terror had won out, I don’t think I could have forced myself to move as the hand in the darkness migrated to cup my breasts and thumb my nipples, first one, then the other, and the slow grind and undulation from behind became more demanding.
“The roses, they smell lovely.” I managed a breathless response to Annie’s ramblings about plans for the overgrown mess of a garden. “You might want to consider a scent garden.”
She laughed. “I can’t smell anything, but then you were always the one with the sensitive nose. Of course I’ll make sure there are lots of roses.” She knew they were my favorite, but I couldn’t imagine her not smelling them; the scent was nearly overwhelming in the tight space of the crypt. To my surprise, as she rambled on about a patio with a Jacuzzi, the smell of roses was subsumed in my own scent and the humid, piquant scent of a man well aroused. The hand on my breast began a slow, torturous descent, and I wanted nothing more than for Annie to keep talking, keep planning, anything to keep her from dragging me away from this place, at least for a few more minutes.
I asked about the Jacuzzi, hoping that would give me another minute. By the time she got started about the sites she’d looked up online and the builders she’d talked to, I was rocking back against the hardness, craning my neck to yield as much bare skin as possible to teeth and tongue and lips all soft and warm and wet and sharp and hard and demanding. Oh,
I tried to be as unobtrusive as possible, but looking back, I wonder how the hell Annie couldn’t see? How could she have missed it? But she rattled on and on about some builder just up the road near Keswick who was supposed to be really good, some guy named Michael. Like I gave a fuck.
The study suddenly felt stuffy and overheated, and Michael’s grip on my hand convulsed. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t look at me.
Magda paid little attention to either my discomfort or Michael’s. She just kept on reading.
He was cute, Annie said. That led to observations about this Michael’s broad shoulders and nice arse and speculation as to whether or not he would be any good in bed, and was it wise to seduce him before he put in her Jacuzzi or wait till after and seduce him in it. All the while I nodded and pretended to be interested.
I was thankful for the extra time, but Christ, how could she not notice me standing there, legs apart, rocking back and forth and shifting from foot to foot like I had ants in my knickers? In truth, what I wanted in my knickers surely couldn’t actually be there, and yet I felt it, fucking hell, how I felt it! I swear, I could feel muscle and sinew. Hell, I could feel the actual shape of an erection as though we were both naked, as though all he need do, this dark being who surely was just my imagination, was bend me over and open me, me struggling to keep my breathing quiet, me struggling to focus enough attention on my friend that she wouldn’t suspect I was about to come. Oh yes, I was terrified. I would have, should have, run, if I hadn’t been so intrigued, so turned on. I just wanted one more second, and then another and another.
In desperation that shocks me even now as I write this in the dark silence of Annie’s flat, I grabbed onto a wrist that I swear was as solid and warm as my own and guided the caress, the tease, the fondling of fingers and palm down my belly toward where I really needed it to be.
Annie yammered on about this Michael, all the things she’d heard about him, all the things she wanted to do to him—at least I think she did. My God, my whole body felt alive, every cell, every molecule. I could damn near feel the coursing of my own blood through my veins. You have no idea what an exhilarating combination fear and arousal make. I lost track of what Annie was saying, and the air was filled with the scent of sex. I could smell him, actually smell this phantom man, who was as near release as I was, and I was sure, as my knees gave beneath me, I felt the warm wet of his orgasm against my lower back. And then for an instant everything around me was silk and darkness, so perfect, so ecstatic. But just beyond that warm tight space, I knew. I knew as well as I know my own breath, I was terrified, and what I felt was like no terror I’d ever known before and, holy God in heaven, I want to feel it again.
And then I was shivering on my knees against the stone floor in the crypt at Chapel House.
“Susan? Susan, you’re scaring me.” Annie’s worried face invaded my field of vision before she half-blinded me with her Maglite. “Are you all right? What the hell happened?”
“Sorry, I got a little lightheaded there. Probably just blood sugar. I missed lunch,” I lied, stumbling quickly to my feet, making a quick swipe at the back of my skirt, surprised to find it was dry. Glancing over my shoulder into the narrow beam of the Maglite, I saw only the empty darkness of the crypt and the tunnel that led back to the rusted barred door. But I was certain someone was there, someone I hungered for way more than I hungered for food. And I was equally certain that I would have Him.
eBook:
Print:
About K D Grace
Voted ETO Best Erotic Author of 2014, and a proud member of The Brit Babes, K D Grace believes Freud was right. In the end, it really IS all about sex, well sex and love. And nobody’s happier about that than she is, otherwise, what would she write about?
When she’s not writing, K D is veg gardening. When she’s not gardening, she’s walking. She walks her stories, and she’s serious about it. She and her husband have walked Coast to Coast across England, along with several other long-distance routes. For her, inspiration is directly proportionate to how quickly she wears out a pair of walking boots. She also enjoys martial arts, reading, watching the birds and anything that gets her outdoors.
KD has erotica published with Totally Bound, SourceBooks, Xcite Books, Harper Collins Mischief Books, Mammoth, Cleis Press, Black Lace, Sweetmeats Press and others.
K D’s critically acclaimed erotic romance novels include, The Initiation of Ms Holly, Fulfilling the Contract, To Rome with Lust, and The Pet Shop. Her paranormal erotic novel, Body Temperature and Rising, the first book of her Lakeland Witches trilogy, was listed as honorable mention on Violet Blue’s Top 12 Sex Books for 2011. Books two and three, Riding the Ether, and Elemental Fire, are now also available.
K D Grace also writes hot romance as Grace Marshall. An Executive Decision, Identity Crisis, The Exhibition, Interviewing Wade are all available.
Find K D Here:
Websites: http://kdgrace.co.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KDGraceAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KD_Grace
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kdgraceauthor
Release blitz hosted by Writer Marketing Services .
GIVEAWAY!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8b9ec5be168/ ?
September 18, 2016
Author Interview 115 – Jamela
Welcome to Jamela.
Where are you from and where do you live now? I am originally from South Carolina, but live in the Atlanta Georgia metro.
Please tell us a little about your writing – for example genre, title, etc. I write both nonfiction and fiction. I prefer fiction short stories. My latest release is the final part of a series called Kidnapped in Love2:Backfire.
Where do you find inspiration? I can find a story in anything. A phrase, a picture, a memory or anything.
Do you have a favourite character? If so why? I do not have a favorite. But, if I had to choose a most admired character, it would have to be, Danielle Steel’s Annabelle Worthington. I love the resilience of Annabelle and the way she succeeded regardless of the obstacles she faced.
Do you have a character you dislike? If so why? There is no character I dislike. However, I have to say that James is the character I feel has the most ruthless traits.
Are your characters based on real people? My characters are never based on real people.
Have you ever used a person you don’t/didn’t like as a character then killed them off? No. Generally, I do not kill of characters. This series is an exception because there are two deaths in the first book.
Research can be important in world-building, how much do you need to do for your books? Do you enjoy this aspect of creating a novel and what are your favourite resources? I enjoy researching and all aspects of it. I am a life-learner so anything I am curious about or do not know is great for me. I use Google to pull up search results. Then I go through and click the scholarly peer-reviewed articles to read. If none of these are available, I use the gov, edu, and professional reference site. I never use about.com, any wiki sites and rarely .com sites.
Is there a message conveyed within your writing? Do you feel this is important in a book? The message conveyed is that the things we do come back to us. I do feel this is important because I hope readers will think about how they treat others.
Sort these into order of importance: Great characters; great world-building; solid plot; technically perfect. Can you explain why you chose this order? (Yes I know they all are important…)
Solid plot
Great characters
Great world-building
Technically perfect
In what formats are your books available? (E-books, print, large print audio) Are you intending to expand these and if not, what is the reason? My books are always available in trade paperback and eBook. I do not do large print or hardcover since I want the books to remain affordable. However, if I get enough requests for other formats from the readers, I will make them available.
Do you self-edit? If so why is that the case? Do you believe a book suffers without being professionally edited? I do self-edit, because I am an editor. However, I have several others read the book before it is made available to the public for sale. I do believe every book should be professionally edited. Someone who is objective and a professional should edit the book. The author is too close to the story and will not see all of the errors. This is the main reason a professional editor should edit any book rather than the author.
Do you think indie/self-published authors are viewed differently to traditionally published authors? Why do you think this might be? I think traditional authors may feel in the back of their mind that self-published authors have either taken the easy way out because they did not want to put in the work to get published by a traditional publishing company.
Do you read work by self-published authors? Yes.
What are your opinions about authors commenting on reviews? How important are reviews? I do believe reviews are extremely important. However, I do not feel authors should dignify reviews by trolls (persons who purposely place only negative reviews). I do feel authors should interact with readers.
When buying a book do you read the reviews? I read one or two reviews. However, the reviews do no weigh in the decision as to whether or not to purchase the book.
What are your reviews on authors reviewing other authors? I feel that authors are uniquely qualified to review a book. As writers, they have a better understanding of how a plot should flow and how characters should be developed.
What experiences can a book provide that a movie or video game cannot? Books tend to give more detail. Movies and games much provide an experience within a specified timeframe. This is not the case with a book and the author is able to really develop he plot and characters to their full potential for the story.
What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers?
Write, write, write
Read, read, read
Never give up
What are your best marketing/networking tips? What are your worst? My best marketing/networking tip is to engage readers/fan/followers/friends and pay attention to what the trends are. Make sure you use social media. My worse tip would have to be don’t worry about marketing/networking.
Most authors like to read, what have you recently finished reading? Did you enjoy it? I recently completed reading the Bible. Yes, I enjoyed it very much.
Can you name your favourite traditionally published author? And your favourite indie/self-published author? My favorite, indie/self-published author is a tossup between Aija M Butler and Karen D. Neal. My favorite Traditional author is James Patterson
What are your views on authors offering free books? I think free books are a good way to exposure readers to an author they may not usually read.
Do you have a favourite movie? I have two favorite movies 1. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou and 2. The Color Purple
Do you have any pets? No.
Can you name your worst job? Do you think you learned anything from the position that you now use in your writing? My worse job was as an inserter for a local newspaper. I learned that the workplace is full of varied personalities and little snatches of conversation rarely tell the whole truth. I use this in my writing to this day.
Can you give us a silly fact about yourself? I love to watch cartoons, Tweety and Sylvester
Book links:
And I Trusted You
Kidnapped in Love
What Is This world coming To?
Run Trilogy (Hit & Run, You Better Run and Who’s Running Now all in one volume) http://amzn.to/2cduZr6
Includes the following:
Hit & Run http://amzn.to/2bZaJIV
You Better Run http://amzn.to/2bR3Adl
Who’s Running Now http://amzn.to/2c7eXvm
“The past finally catches up to Jeff and the running may not be the same.”
AMB Shorts http://amzn.to/2c7e5qy
This is a collection of flash fiction and short stories, quick reads that will keep you on the edge of your seat and then some. Get ready for your action fix to be satisfied. Roll call; betrayal, conspiracy, lies, drama, crime and more. Are all present.
Cruel Intentions http://amzn.to/2bAAErh
Your Love http://amzn.to/2caq4nW
Quickie http://amzn.to/2c3sLrW
Mr. & Mrs. Santiago http://amzn.to/2cdu3mq
Unknown factor http://amzn.to/2c7f9Lo
Family Gathering http://amzn.to/2bzMPpr
Run Trilogy (Hit & Run, You Better Run and Who’s Running Now all in one volume)
website/blog and author links:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9727897-lj-jamela
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljthomas1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jamela/568449613189000
Website: http://info74085.wix.com/jamela
Author Interview 114 – Milton Davis – Sci/fi/Fantasy/Black Fiction
Welcome to Milton Davis
Where are you from and where do you live now? I’m originally from Columbus, Georgia. I currently live in Metro Atlanta, Georgia
Please tell us a little about your writing – for example genre, title, etc. I’m a research and development chemist by training and a science fiction and fantasy writer by choice. I write science fiction, fantasy, steampunk and other types of fantastic fiction based on African/African Diaspora culture, history and tradition.
Where do you find inspiration? I get inspiration from a variety of sources; current event issues, music, art, reading history and other sources. You never know when the muse will strike.
Are your characters based on real people? My characters are very seldom based on real people. I don’t want to piss off anybody I know. I have based a few characters in my historical fiction novels an real people, usually historical figures.
Have you ever used a person you don’t/didn’t like as a character then killed them off?No. That’s a waste of time in my opinion. Besides, I wouldn’t want someone I don’t like to soil the pages of what I do for enjoyment for any reason.
Research can be important in world-building, how much do you need to do for your books? Do you enjoy this aspect of creating a novel and what are your favourite resources? I have a collection of historical reference books where most of my info originates. I also do a lot of research on the internet. I also utilize the Auburn Avenue Research Library archives. They have one of the largest collections of books by and about people of African/African Diaspora descent in the country.
Is there a message conveyed within your writing? Do you feel this is important in a book? Mine is a message of inclusion. It’s simply if you don’t see yourself in something, put yourself there. That’s what I do with my books.
Sort these into order of importance: Great characters; great world-building; solid plot; technically perfect. Can you explain why you chose this order? (Yes I know they all are important…) For me the story is the most important thing. So I would say solid plot, great world-building, technically perfect, great characters.
In what formats are your books available? (E-books, print, large print audio) Are you intending to expand these and if not, what is the reason? My books are available in e-book and print format. I’m considering audio but haven’t made the leap yet.
Do you self-edit? If so why is that the case? Do you believe a book suffers without being professionally edited? I hire editors but I also edit after the editors. I want the editor to look for typos and/or grammatical errors or some logical issues. Other than that don’t touch the story. I self publish so my stories will reach people exactly the way I write them.
Do you think indie/self-published authors are viewed differently to traditionally published authors? Why do you think this might be? We are. There is this belief that you must suffer through the gauntlet of mainstream publishing to be a true writer. That’s bullshit. There also the image that if you’re self publishing it’s because your writing wasn’t good enough for a ‘real’ publisher. That’s bullshit, too.
Do you read work by self-published authors? Yes. As a matter of fact the majority of the books I read are by self publishers, mainly because they are writing the type of books that I’m interested in reading.
What are your opinions about authors commenting on reviews?How important are reviews? Reviews are important but I don’t think writers should comment on them. It sets a bad precedent and can work against the writer. People will be reluctant to not only review but also read a book by a writer if they have to fear retaliation.
When buying a book do you read the reviews? Yes.
What are your reviews on authors reviewing other authors? Another author is just a reader when he or she reads. So they should be allowed to review another writer. In many cases their reviews may be more insightful because they practice the craft.
What experiences can a book provide that a movie or video game cannot? A book is a more immersive experience. It has the room and the time to build a more complete world and draw the reader deeper into the story.
What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers? Write every day, write to finish, and don’t spend forever on the first draft. Writing is revising.
Most authors like to read, what have you recently finished reading? Did you enjoy it? I just finished reading Everfair by Nisi Shawl. It’s an enjoyable alternate history tome.
Can you name your favourite traditionally published author? And your favourite indie/self-published author? My favourite traditionally published author is Charles R. Saunders. My favourite indie author? That’s tough. I’ll say it has to be between Balogun Ojetade and Ronald Jones.
What are your views on authors offering free books? I don’t agree with it except on rare occasions.
Do you have any pets? No.
September 17, 2016
Book Promo – ‘Legends of Windemere: Charms of the Feykin’ is Live! — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog
Return to Windemere in Charms of the Feykin! To make a champion fall, one must wound their very soul. Nyx is leading the charge to rescue Delvin and Sari, who have gone missing in the southern jungles of Windemere. Battling through the local predators, the champions are surprised when they reunite in the Feykin city of […]
Why Authors Need to Be as Accessible as Possible — Memoir Notes
Originally posted on A Writer’s Path: ? by Katie McCoach As an author today, you know that every reader is valuable. You love your readers; you want to keep the ones who are loyal and reach new ones. That’s what promotion and growing a business is all about – reaching new consumers. That’s why…
via Why Authors Need to Be as Accessible as Possible — Memoir Notes
September 15, 2016
Now Available in Audio: Shattered Mirror by @libraryoferana #poetry #books #audio
Here’s my latest book spotlight:)
POTL: All Things Books, Reading and Publishing
Title: Shattered Mirror – A Poetry Collection
Author: A.L. Butcher
Genre: Poetry
Book Blurb:
A short collection of poems dealing with politics, war and the vagaries of life.
Excerpt:
The Glass Eyed Monster
© A. L. Butcher
The monster reaches,
To tear the poison sky.
The poet’s wife
Weeps tears of blood within her grave
A prophecy of Promethean fire.
The monster’s glittering eyes, multifaceted
Reflecting an eternal desolation.
Creatures within the steel belly,
Slaves to the god of commerce,
In the service of the damned.
A foul concrete skin
Mocks the soul of the mother of creation
Hideous spires, like claws through Heaven.
A modern monster
Born of the hand of man.
∽※∽
Buy Links:
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IL6L8FK
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01IL6L8FK
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/651668
Createspace https://www.createspace.com/6444126
Now Available in Audio —
Amazon UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shattered-Mirror-A-Poetry-Collection/dp/B01LDBMYF8/
Amazon US https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Mirror-A-Poetry-Collection/dp/B01LDBN2TK/
Author Biography: A. L. Butcher is the British author of the Light Beyond…
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September 14, 2016
The Persecution of the Wolves – Lucy Felthouse
Out Now – The Persecution of the Wolves by Lucy Felthouse (@cw1985) #PNR #thriller #shifter
Blurb:
Werewolf brothers Matthew and Isaac have lived in the peaceful village of Eyam, Derbyshire all their lives. The villagers know what happens every full moon, and have their reasons for keeping quiet. But this secrecy comes at a cost—the brothers can’t risk romantic entanglements.
Then, at the full moon, a sheep is slaughtered on Eyam Moor, by what could only be a large animal. Even the brothers’ staunchest supporters begin to have their doubts about who—or what—could have done it.
As the brothers fight to clear their names, things are complicated by unexpected opportunities to indulge their lust. Isaac is intrigued by a handsome newcomer to the village, and a vivacious visitor is happy to offer Matthew her all.
Can the men prove their innocence, or is their centuries-old secret about to be revealed to the outside world, bringing their carefully-crafted existence crashing down around their ears?
PLEASE NOTE: This book was previously published as Pack of Lies—the content has not changed. The novel also contains both M/F and M/M scenes.
Buy links: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/the-persecution-of-the-wolves/
Excerpt:
As Matthew and Isaac Adams opened the front door to their house, the telephone started ringing. Matthew sighed. “Typical. No rest for the wicked. I’ll answer it, you go and get ready for work.”
Isaac nodded and headed off to do as his brother advised. Matthew, the older of the two, walked toward the ringing phone and snatched it off the hook. Then, remembering that the person on the other end of the line would have no idea what a rough night he’d just had, he made the effort to inject some politeness into his tone.
“Hello? Adams residence.” Isaac had told him time and time again that the last part about the residence was old-fashioned, that people didn’t say that anymore, but Matthew couldn’t seem to shake it.
“Hello, Matthew? It’s Richard.” The village vicar’s voice, even though he’d only spoken four words, sounded strained, almost panicked. “You boys just get back?”
“Yeah, a moment ago. Why, what’s up?”
“I, uh… I got a call. A dead sheep has been found up on the moor. Not just dead. Mutilated. Like a wild animal attack.”
An unpleasant feeling wormed its way under Matthew’s skin and his stomach flipped. “Oh?” He paused, then figured he had nothing to gain by not saying the next words he wanted to. “You don’t think it was us?”
The vicar’s gasp was instant, one of genuine surprise. “Lord, no! Absolutely not. I just phoned to let you know and I was wondering if you’d come up there with me and take a look? You and Isaac are probably more qualified than anyone else in the village to tell what did this.”
“Isaac has to work, he just went to get ready. But yes, I’ll come up. I’ll let my brother know where I’m going, then I’ll be straight over. Are you at the rectory?”
“Yes. Okay, I’ll see you soon. Thanks, Matthew. Bye.”
“Goodbye.”
Matthew hung up the phone with another sigh. The horrible feeling that had crept under his skin and taken over his gut seemed as if it was there to stay, and it was never a good sign. The vicar’s news was surprising, yes, but he also had an inkling that it was going to spell trouble, or at the very least, inconvenience for him and his brother.
Pulling in a deep breath in an attempt to calm his jangling nerves, Matthew walked upstairs and toward his brother’s bedroom. The door was closed. He knocked. “You decent?”
“Yeah,” Isaac replied, “close enough.”
Stepping into the room, Matthew looked at his brother. He was half-dressed, ready for his shift at the doctor’s surgery, where he was a general practitioner. “Sorry to interrupt, mate, but that was Richard on the phone. They’ve found a mutilated sheep up on the moor, and he’s asked me to go with him to check it out.”
Isaac paused with one arm pushed into his shirtsleeve. “He doesn’t think—”
Matthew cut him off. “No. He was quite adamant about that. He just thought we’d be able to help figure out what did it. I explained that you’ve got to go to work, though. I’m going to head across there now and go up with him.”
“I could phone in, let them know I’ll be late.”
Matthew held up his hand. “There’s no need, brother. Relax. Just go to work and help the sick people. I’ll let you know what—if anything—I find out.”
Opening his mouth, then closing it again, Isaac seemed to have thought better of whatever he was going to say. He continued to dress. “All right, I will. But make sure you let me know what happens. Send me a text or something, and I’ll phone you as soon as I have a gap in between patients.”
Matthew grimaced. He hated texting. Hated mobile phones, actually. Technology was one of the things he disliked most about modern-day life, though he realized it was a necessary evil. It solved as many problems for him and his brother as it created, so he dealt with it as best he could. Fortunately, Isaac had always had an affinity with computers and phones, so he tutored Matthew.
“Yeah, all right. I’d better go and find my phone first then, eh?”
Smirking at his brother’s rolled eyes, he left the room and headed for his own bedroom, where he thought he’d left the device the previous night before he and Isaac had headed for the caves. Immediately spotting the mobile phone—which Isaac often made a point of telling him was akin to a brick—he grabbed it, stuffed it into his pocket, and made his way downstairs.
Retrieving his keys from the hook by the front door, he called up to his brother. “I’m going now, Isaac. I’ll see you after my shift at the pub. I’m working until closing time.”
“Okay. Don’t forget to keep me posted!”
“I won’t.” As if he could forget. The dead sheep was going to be a big thing, he just knew it. The vicar might not think he and his brother had anything to do with it, but some of the other villagers might. When there was no proof either way, just his and Isaac’s word, it was understandable, really. Since he and his brother changed into wolves every full moon, it was a natural conclusion to draw. Particularly since normal wolves had been extinct in England for over five hundred years.
*****
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) and Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller). Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 140 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 and Facebook. You can also subscribe to her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9
So, what’s it like being a Supporting Artist?
A slightly different style of art to my own – but a great opportunity to get local kids interested in TV and film work.
Local to the Bristol, UK area.
Being on a film set is an exciting, creative hub of activity. It can also be a long day. And it can be all of these things, all at the same time. It’s where the magic happens, but it isn’t where the journey starts.
The day starts at the Unit Base. It’s a bit like a communal waiting area – or a campsite. Here you will find all the trucks and trailers needed to facilitate a film production. The Costume and Make-up trucks are parked here along with the artists trailers and the ever important Catering Truck and Dining Bus.
It’s here that the cast and crew are fed, the actors get into costume, hair and make-up, and the day’s plans and schedules are discussed. All before the days filming starts.
For a Supporting Artist, or an SA as they are known, the Unit Base is where they spend the…
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