A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 149
October 26, 2016
Character Interview Number 40 – Nalia
Tell Us About Yourself
Name: Nalia
Age: 16
Please tell us a little about yourself. I was born on a planet much like earth, but with two moons, I live in a village called the Lost Winds. This planet is situated in another galaxy far away from the galaxy where the blue planet Earth is. However, this planet is also blue and life has existed here for billions of years. The essential celestial gasses such oxygen, hydrogen, carbon- dioxide and nitrogen have also made us much like the people of the planet earth.
Describe your appearance in 10 words or less. I look like a human, but taller and thinner than an average human girl of my age. I have curly blue long hair all the way to the waist and a leopard skin. I have three fingers on two hands and three toes on two large feet. My eyes are blue and small serrated teeth. I have an upturned nose. I don’t have eye-brows, but a narrow forehead. I wrap myself with a sarong, like piece of cloth.
Do you have a moral code? If so what is it? I am a survivor in a volatile world beset with poverty. Political upheavals have destroyed the social fabric of our village. I try what needs to be done within the parameters of my ability. I am a nondescript person of no consequence. But I’m also fiercely independent. These are the circumstances that have shaped me.
Would you kill for those you love? I have not been in that situation, so I don’t know. I am just trying to be alive. But I know that I’m no killer, but a lover.
Would you die for those you love? Probably not. I’m also selfish. I want to live and try to help others to live.
What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses? My poverty cripples me somewhat. But I am resilient and hard-working. I am also clever. I know how to survive.
Do you have any relationships you prize above others? Why? My relationship with my friend, Tahu was unique. She and I grew up together; went to the same school in our village until she left for the city. I have a special bond with her. I have strong feelings for her.
Do you like animals? Do you have any pets/animal companions? I like farm animals. Cows and goats, for instance. We sell them as prized breed, drink and sell their milk for sustenance.
Do you have a family? Tell us about them. Yes. I have a mother and a father. My brother was adopted by my parents. He was a foundling, and left to die as a toddler of three, when my father found him on the edge of the village.
Can you remember something from your childhood which influences your behaviour? How do you think it influences you? I have seen pretty horrific stuff in this short life. My experience has hardened me somewhat. I have no illusions about reality. It is a harsh place and this has made me selfish. However, I do believe it could be much worse. I still love my dear family and want to get them the best possible life I could. All this is probably reflected in my dreams but I’ve heard far worse happenings with far-fetched stories.
Do you have any phobias? Not that I know of. I am very brave.
Please give us an interesting and unusual fact about yourself. My dreaming is unusual and interesting. I have seen a whole spectrum of life go by in my dreams. I have seen desperation among my friends that has driven them out of the village in search of a safe land. This herd instinct of self-organization has been depicted. Because I also see myself knitting these stories in pink honey comb pattern. It is almost as though I am pulling their strings of fate from a long unending yarn. In Greek, it’s called moirae.
And then I also see a whole new world of happiness, free of fear and pain. This is a particularly interesting episode. It almost feels as though a surreal utopia called Shingdi, of the imagination has come about. A transformation into a transcendental reality of a metaphysical world has occurred; found only in death. However, I never wake to see the reality.
Tell Us About Your World
Please give us a little information about the world in which you live.
Two moons orbit in my planet. There is much turbulence here as the forces of two moons dominate our moods and philosophies. It is a very strange world which is almost Earth-like, yet people speak a language not spoken on Earth. There is intergalactic interactions between my planet and other planets from various galaxies. Earthlings have traveled through our space. We know about their culture, occupations, habits and customs as they know of ours. There is much exchange of culture.
Does your world have religion or other spiritual beliefs? If so do you follow one of them? Please describe (briefly) how this affects your behaviour. Yes, people have a faith in the Lost Winds called Mohammedan. But I am no follower of any faith. My folks in the village follow several faiths. Faith does not seem to influence much in the way of any moral standing on this planet. People go about their chores in life, killing, cheating, loving as usual. Faith does not seem to take much effect in the moral conduct of my people. On Draviland, there is another faith called the Jesuit faith which is predominant there.
Do you travel in the course of your adventures? If so where? Yes. I travel to the city from the village in dreams. And I also travel to faraway galaxies and countries separated by great many oceans and space.
Name and describe a food from your world. Salted fish. Wet rice. Grass tea.
Does your world have magic? If so how is it viewed in your world? Music and natural features are magical. A planet of orange soils, purple waves and black streams. Apart from it everything else is cold reality. However, the dream carries other elements from other planets in peculiar, magical blends.
What form of politics is dominant in your world? (Democracy, Theocracy, Meritocracy, Monarchy, Kakistocracy etc.) It is democratic but has a strange combination, verging almost on autocracy and theocracy. The rule of law allows for the party in power to kill the opposition or any dissenting factor in the society. And yet, they come to power through people’s votes and elections. The moment they come to power, they want to remain in power for life like anointed monarchies. People, don’t seem to matter much after that. Because, in the hands of such a ruling party, governance basically becomes self-serving and dictatorial.
Does your world have different races of people? If so do they get on with one another?Yes. Humans from planet earth can settle here. They are free to choose. The society won’t stop them.
Name a couple of myths and legends particular to your culture/people. Earthly banshies are a popular legend and myth which seeped into the culture.
What is the technology level for your world/place of residence? What item would you not be able to live without? It is not a particularly tech world. But what they would not be able to live without is the winged space ships called the buraq to transport people from one galaxy to another. However, there is pervasive use of telephones in some more advanced countries on the planet.
Does your world have any supernatural/mystical beings? Please tell us about some. The Buraq is a mythological winged animal fashioned to build our space ship. It is operated by the power of lightning. In the course of one night, Buraq could transport people across space from one galaxy to another at the speed of light.
Within your civilisation what do you think is the most important discovery/invention?The use of telephones and the space-ship.
Name three persons of influence/renown within your society and tell why they are influential (Could be someone like Christ/Mandela/Queen Elizabeth or a renowned figure from a non-human/fantasy world.) Mohammedan and Jesuit have influenced people’s religion. Buraq is a mythological non-human/fantasy which has shaped the spaceship and intergalactic travels.
Author notes:
Book(s) in which this character appears plus links
Nalia appears in Moirae only.
Author name: Mehreen Ahmed
Website/Blog/Author pages etc.
Moirae on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYMIGTW
Website: http://www.cosmicteapot.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mehreen.ahmed.3551
Amazon author page: https://amazon.com/author/amazon.com.mehreenahmed
Boo! Fore! Horror Anthology #Halloween
I’m pleased to share Boo! Fore! Amazon link
A mixed bag of tricks and treats, this Halloween anthology is sure to have something for everyone.
Moving On – Leland Dirks
Beneath a Bloated Yellow Moon – Nicole Storey
Floating – Laurie Boris
Miss Clemency Fisher – Mark Morris
Letter From the Road – Erin McGowan
Masquerade – LB Clark
Dead Broke – Jen Daniele
A Tricky Treat – Ann Cathey
Full Moon Rising – Nancy DeCilio Gauthier
Ghost Ship – Kristina Jackson
Hiding – Joshua Lay
Sensitive Skin – JD Mader
The Watcher – AL Butcher
Blood Brothers – Erin McGowan
Robin Hood – Laurie Boris
Smoke on the Wind – Ann Cathey
Hitchhiker- Leland Dirks
Untitled – Rich Meyer
Cautionary Tale – LB Clark
Clown Harvest – Jen Daniele
Personally I’ll be avoiding the clown one as I don’t want nightmares but the others are a great mix.
All the profits go to a veterans’ charity to help soldiers and ex soldiers deal with mental health issues such as PTSD.
Boot Campaign’s reboot: http://www.bootcampaign.org/reboot/
Over the next week or so I’ll be interviewing the various authors involved.
#Horror #Halloween #Indieauthors
October 25, 2016
Interview with AL Butcher
My latest author interview:) #Fantasy #Lightbeyondthestorm
Today. I’m pleased to welcome AL Butcher to the blog. Alexandra is the author of several fantasy novels as well as being a poet.
1) To start with, could you introduce yourself and tell us about your current project?
Hi, I’m Alexandra (A.L Butcher), British fantasy author and poet. My current project? Which one…. Let me see – I have a couple of Tales of Erana novellas I’m working on, a horror anthology, another poetry collection, and the next novel in my series.
2) Would you mind sharing an excerpt with us, or a favourite quote?
Shivering, Dii pulled her old wool cloak around her and looked at the sky, the stars now fading into the grey dawn. Mages could sense the weather, so Dii knew that more rain would follow this day; even now she could sense the pressure in the air. Hunger made her belly grumble, and as…
View original post 1,878 more words
October 24, 2016
Blog Tour – Kyra Halland – Chosen of Azura – #Fantasy
Title: Chosen of Azara
Author: Kyra Halland
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Hosted by: Ultimate Fantasy Book Tours
Are you a full time author or do you have another job as well and if so how do either of these fit in with writing time?
After being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker for twenty-seven years, I now consider writing to be my full-time job, even though I don’t work full time hours or make a living yet.
Do you write on your novel daily or do you try to have days off?
I work every day except Sunday, which is a day for rest, family, spiritual renewal, and scrapbooking.
What do you think is the most effective marketing is for your books?
I’ve been having a good deal of success lately in cross-promotions with other fantasy/science fiction authors. When we all pool our resources, we can reach so many more readers and help everyone do better.
If you have a ‘baddy’ in your book, can you tell us a little about this character?
My villains usually have what they think are perfectly good reasons for doing what they do. Mostly, they think they know what is best for everyone and try to impose that through whatever means necessary, for the greater good of course, without regard for the rights of the people being imposed on or what they really want.
Is there any romance in your story and if so can you tell us a little about this?
My novels always have romance in them! In fact, that’s why I started writing, because I couldn’t find fantasy novels that handled romance in a way I found satisfactory. I like stories where the developing relationship has an influence on the fantasy plot, and where the couple have to work together to solve the story problem. The romance in Chosen of Azara is between Sevry, who has been searching for a very long time for the woman who holds the magic that can bring his destroyed homeland of Savaru back to life, and Lucie, who inherited a magical secret from her great-grandmother but she doesn’t know what it means. It seems like a hopeless romance, between Sevry’s duty and Lucie’s family obligations, but somehow things work out
October 19, 2016
Audiobook Narrator Interview Number 10 – Charissa Clark Howe
*Name: Charissa Clark Howe
*Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a Presbyterian Minister, wife, mom of three, and marathoner, as well as being an audiobook narrator.
How did you become involved with audiobook narration and production? I have been involved in theater for most of my life, both acting and singing. Since I’ve had children, that hasn’t been logistically feasible, but I have dearly missed acting. One day, I was listening to the NPR radio show “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” and the host mentioned to a caller that she had a “very distinctive voice.” She thanked him and said that she’s an audiobook narrator. Something lit up inside my head and I thought, “Wait a minute. . . you can do that as a job? That sounds amazing!” So I went online and did a quick Google search for “how to become an audiobook narrator.” I stumbled across the Audiobook Creation Exchange website and the rest is history!
Tell us about some of the titles you’ve narrated. Do you have a favourite amongst these? I recently narrated two novels that I absolutely love. One is “Paper Doll” by Joe Cosentino and the other is “Angela’s Coven” by Bruce Jenvey. They are very different books, but both have great messages, fun characters, and a great deal of heart. I am hoping to start narrating more books in both of those series in the future.
Do you have a preferred genre? Do you have a genre you do not produce? Why is this? I started off with little non-fiction books on things like Microsoft Excel and internet marketing, just to get my feet wet. But I quickly got bored with those. My favorites are light-hearted novels. I will not produce romance novels. I won’t even read romance novels on my own time. I don’t see any value in them.
What are you working on at present/Just finished? I’m currently working on a four part philosophy tome, and a few shorter novels.
*Tell us about your process for narrating? (Be as elaborate as you like.) I like to start by skimming the books to get a feel for the characters. After that, I just start recording. That means I often have several takes of different pieces, but I find that keeps the story fresher for me as I read.
What aspects do you find most enjoyable? I love studying and learning how to act with new accents.
Do you consider royalty share when looking for books to narrate? If not why is this? I do consider royalty share when narrating, but I’m very picky about the quality of books I’ll pick up for royalty share. I’m still a bit of a newbie at this audiobook narration gig, but I also don’t want to spend hours reading something that’s not really very good.
Do you listen to audiobooks? All the time!
*With many people owning MP3 players do you think this is the future of storytelling? I don’t think it’ll take the place of reading books for one’s self, but I do think that it’s really a great medium that I’m happy to see taking off. My family and I listen to many audiobooks together in the car and we have elderly and blind family members who all appreciate being able to listen to books. It makes them accessible in new places and to people who might not have had a chance to read many books before.
Why do you think audio books are becoming so popular? I think I just answered that above.
October 16, 2016
Author Interview 118 – Joe Cosentino – Mystery/Romance
Welcome to Joe Cosentino.
Thank you. It’s great to be with you in cyberland.
Please tell us a little about your writing – for example genre, title, etc.
As a college professor/department head forced to read journals, assessment reports, and articles on the world of academia, I read and write mystery and romance novels for entertainment—and sanity. My five Jana Lane mystery novels feature Jana Lane, who was America’s most famous child star until she was attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. In PAPER DOLL, as a thirty-eight-year-old beauty and mother of two living in a mansion in picturesque Hudson Valley, New York, Jana’s flashbacks from her past turn into murder attempts in her present. Jana visits the California movie studio she once called home, which leads to a romance with the devilishly handsome son of her old producer. There Jana uncovers a web of secrets about everyone she loves, including the person who destroyed her past and threatens to snuff out her future. In PORCELAIN DOLL (Wild Rose Press), Jana makes a comeback film and uncovers who is being murdered on the set and why. Her heart is set aflutter by her co-star, America’s heartthrob Jason Apollo. In SATIN DOLL (Wild Rose Press), Jana and family head to Washington, DC, where Jana plays a US senator in a new film, and becomes embroiled in a murder and corruption at the senate chamber. She also embarks on a flirtation with Chris Bruno, the sexy detective. In CHINA DOLL (Wild Rose Press), Jana heads to New York City to star in a Broadway play, enchanted by her gorgeous co-star Peter Stevens, and faced with murder on stage and off. In RAG DOLL (Wild Rose Press) Jana stars in a TV murder mystery series and once again life imitates art. She is also reunited with Chris Bruno, the detective who got away. Through the course of the novels, Jana reclaims the inner strength and fortitude she had as a child, a good message for all of us. Since the series is set in the 1980’s, I had a great deal of fun with the hairstyles, makeup, clothing, music, and attitudes of that wonderful era. As a professional actor, I was able to use my insider knowledge of show business for a realistic and captivating series. Each novel has a shocking ending you won’t want to miss. I want to play Jana’s comical old world agent Simon Huckby in the TV series. Make me an offer, producers!
Where do you find inspiration?
As an actor I worked on stage and screen with stars like Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Holland Taylor, Jason Robards, and Nathan Lane. I knew my first novel series would be about show business, since show business has always been such a huge part of my life. As an avid mystery reader, it was clear to me that my novels would be page-turning murder mysteries with clever plot twists, engaging characters, romance, and lots of clues leading to a surprising conclusion at the end of each novel. Since I come from a funny Italian-American family, humor plays a role in my novels too. My mother said recently, “You should write a novel about me.” I replied, “You’re in every one of them.”
Are your characters based on real people?
I have always been fascinated with ex-child stars like Hayley Mills, Shirley Temple, Patty Duke, and Brooke Shields. So my heroine, Jana Lane, is an ex-child star.
I have another mystery series, the Nicky and Noah comedy mysteries, published by Lethe Press. Since I am a college theatre professor/department head, and theatre departments are havens of mystery, secrets, romance, and high humor; the series takes place at an Edwardian style New England college. There are five murders per book. My colleagues kid me that if they annoy me, I’ll kill them in my next novel. In DRAMA QUEEN (Divine Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award for Best Mystery, Best Crime, Best Humorous, Best Contemporary novel of 2015) theatre college professors are dropping like stage curtains. With the inept local detectives, it is up to Directing professor Nicky Abbondanza and Acting professor Noah Oliver to use their theatre skills (including playing other people) to solve the murders, while Nicky directs a murder mystery onstage. In DRAMA MUSCLE (Rainbow Award Honorable Mention) Nicky and Noah have to use their theatre skills to find out why musclemen are dropping like weights in the Physical Education department while Nicky directs the Student Bodybuilding Competition. In DRAMA CRUISE (releasing December 1), Nicky and Noah go on a cruise to Alaska, and discover why college theatre professors are going overboard like lifeboats while Nicky directs a murder mystery dinner theatre show onboard ship. The fourth book, DRAMA LUAU (not released yet), has Nicky and Noah putting on a luau show as muscular male dancers drop like hula skirts. As the series progressing, Nicky and Noah fall deeper in love, and the readers hopefully fall deeper in love with Nicky and Noah. I want to play Martin Anderson, the department head character, in the TV series. Producers, I’m still here waiting for offers!
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 look up things on the internet all the time. However, the best research for a writer is to travel. I went to Washington, DC to write SATIN DOLL, the third Jana Lane mystery. With the Nicky and Noah mysteries, I took a cruise to Alaska for DRAMA CRUISE, and I took a trip to Hawaii for DRAMA LUAU. I visited the stunningly gorgeous and magical island of Capri for my romance novella, A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (Dreamspinner Press). Finally, I spent some of my summers at the New Jersey shore to write my Cozzi Cove novels published by NineStar Press about handsome Cal Cozzi and his guests at a beach resort at the New Jersey Shore. COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK (book 1) received a Rainbow Award Honorable Mention and TBR Pile Book of the Month award. COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD (book 2) is also out now. COZZI COVE: STEPPING OUT (book 3) releases January 23. COZZI COVE: NEW BEGINNINGS releases after that. Cozzi Cove is another potential television series!
Is there a message conveyed within your writing? Do you feel this is important in a book?
While my books’ primary function is to entertain, each includes a strong message of the importance of acceptance for all.
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?
These decisions are generally made by my various publishers based on sales, so buy all of my books! The five Jana Lane mysteries are available in ebook and paperback. The first Jana Lane mystery is also available as an audiobook. What fun it was to go back to where it all started with PAPER DOLL and produce the audiobook. Actress Charissa Clark Howe captured the essence of Jana Lane perfectly, and she also did a fine job with all the other characters in the novel: Brian (Jana’s husband), Rocco (Jana’s producer), Jackson (Jana’s best friend), Mark (Jana’s greatest fan), Tamara (Jana’s sister), Scott (Jana’s father), Simon (Jana’s agent) and more. Balancing humor, romance, and mystery perfectly, she hit every beat. I couldn’t wait for the ending, and when it came I was totally shocked!
The Nicky and Noah mysteries are available in ebook and paperback. The first novel, DRAMA QUEEN, is also an audiobook performed by the multitalented Michael Gilboe who makes me laugh every time I hear it. He does an incredible job voicing all twenty-two characters.
My Cozzi Cove romance novels are ebooks and paperbacks. My Dreamspinner Press ebook romance novellas, An Infatuation and A Shooting Star (loosely based on my high school and college years respectively), are joined together in my own paperback anthology called IN MY HEART, which just won a Rainbow Award Honorable Mention. My other two ebook novellas, THE NAKED PRINCE AND OTHER TALES FROM FAIRYLAND and A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS release as audiobooks in November and December respectively, performed by the gifted actor Joel Leslie who has a large following. I can’t wait to hear them.
What are your opinions about authors commenting on reviews? How important are reviews?
Reviews are very important, especially until an author and/or series takes off. I don’t comment on my reviews, but I relish in the rave ones as well as in the messages from readers who tell me my books made them laugh, cry, feel romantic, surprised them, or altered their life or opinions in some way. I don’t read the few negative reviews. If you don’t like a book, stop reading it after Chapter One. What do you gain by writing a negative review of something? It’s your karma, and as they say, “Karma can be a bitch.”
What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers?
Rather than just picking the murderer out of a hat at the end of a mystery, a good mystery should be very carefully outlined with clues, red herrings, inversions, shocks and surprises. When a reader finishes a book, he/she should be satisfied that the various parts equalled the whole: engaging characters, captivating locations, realistic dialogue, clever plot, interesting theme, and clues that led to the perfect ending revelation.
Most authors like to read, what have you recently finished reading? Did you enjoy it?
I’ve read all nine Tales of the City books by Armistead Maupin; every Agatha Christie novel, short story, and play; and each Mary Higgins Clark romantic suspense novel. When reviewers compare my novels to theirs, I am incredibly flattered.
Can you give us a silly fact about yourself?
Like my Nicky Abbondanza character in the Nicky and Noah mystery novels, I’m a vitaminaholic.
PAPER DOLL, the first Jana Lane mystery
by Joe Cosentino
http://myBook.to/PaperDoll_JC
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/paper-doll-joe-cosentino/1119623024?ean=9781499279474
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/621640
https://www.omnilit.com/product-paperdollajanalanemystery-2000052-152.html
Audiobook by Charissa Clark Howe on Audible: http://adbl.co/2ek6Kpf
Audiobook by Charissa Clark Howe on Amazon: amzn.to/2dkgvSe
Jana Lane was America’s most famous child star until she was attacked on the studio lot at eighteen years old. Now a thirty-eight-year-old beauty and mother of two living in a mansion in picturesque Hudson Valley, New York, Jana’s flashbacks from her past turn into murder attempts in her present. The local suspects include Jana’s down-on-his-luck husband with a dislike for living off the fruits of his wife’s young labor, Jana’s sister and male friend (who both have eyes for Jana’s husband), Jana’s show business father, her deranged loyal fan, and Jana’s young Guy Friday who covets her fame and shares an uncanny resemblance to Jana. Forced to summon up the lost courage she had as a child, Jana visits the California movie studio she once called home. This sends her on a whirlwind of visits with former and current movie studio personnel. It also leads to a romance with the son of her old producer—Rocco Cavoto—the devilishly handsome filmmaker who is planning Jana’s comeback both professionally and personally. With Rocco’s help, Jana uncovers a web of secrets about everyone she loves, including the person who destroyed her past and threatens to snuff out her future.
“Mr. Cosentino has produced a masterpiece of mystery” “The story gripped me from the start and there were enough twists and turns, with a bit of romance thrown in for good measure, to keep hold of me until the end of the book.” “Great book, can’t wait for book 2.” Readers’ Favorite
“Paper Doll is a superbly crafted mystery with an eclectic cast of characters that will engage you and elicit some very emotional responses as you are completely caught up in the events that unfold in these pages. Everyone has secrets and the people in Paper Doll have them in spades!” Fresh Fiction
“If you like novels that are filled with new and old Hollywood, and a range of sub-plots, you are going to love this!” Saguaro Moon Reviews
“I liked that there was enough evidence for each of the suspects to keep me guessing until the very end.” Molly Lolly Reviews
“Joe Cosentino knows how to keep his readers’ interest with every page.” Universal Creativity Digital Magazine
“The setting, the characterization and the plot keep you turning the pages.” The Book Mistress
“Joe Cosentino has crafted an engaging tale of secrets, lies and deceit set in that crazy, ego driven scene called Hollywood.” Deb Sanders
“The suspense this book holds is amazing!” “You will absolutely love this book!” Stormy Night Reviews
Bestselling author Joe Cosentino won Divine Magazine’s awards for best mystery novel, best humorous novel, and best contemporary novel of 2015. He is the author of the Jana Lane mysteries: Paper Doll, Porcelain Doll, Satin Doll, China Doll, Rag Doll (The Wild Rose Press); the Nicky and Noah mysteries: Drama Queen, Drama Muscle, Drama Cruise (Lethe Press); the Cozzi Cove beach series: Cozzi Cove: Bouncing Back, Cozzi Cove: Moving Forward, Cozzi Cove: Stepping Out (NineStar Press); and the romance novellas: In My Heart anthology (An Infatuation & A Shooting Star), A Home for the Holidays, and The Naked Prince and Other Tales from Fairyland (Dreamspinner Press). As an actor, he has appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. Upcoming novels are Drama Luau and Cozzi Cove: New Beginnings. http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4071647.Joe_Cosentino
Amazon: Author.to/JoeCosentino
Battlefield 1066 -Spotlights – Victoria Zigler
#SWauthors #History #Childrensauthor
Name: Victoria Zigler, or Tori for short.
Tell us a bit about yourself I’m a blind vegetarian poet and children’s author. Born and raised near the foot of the Black Mountains of South-West Wales, UK, I now live very close to the town of Hastings on the South-East coast of England, UK. I share my home with my Canadian husband, and our gang of rodents (which currently consists of 3 degus, 1 gerbil, 2 rats, and 2 chinchillas) and spend most of my time either reading or writing.
Set during the Battle of Hastings tell us a little more about your story
My Battle of Hastings story is about a young boy named Eadweard who, along with his best friend, Cerdic, thought it would be fun to join the ranks of men marching to fight in the battle, even though they officially aren’t old enough and had been forbidden to do so by their Fathers. They have dreams of being great war heroes, but soon discover the reality of war is nothing like what they imagined it to be.
It’s a children’s historical fiction story, but I’ve put an “eight years and older” warning on the book’s blurb, because some of the scenes in the story really aren’t suitable for readers younger than that, in my opinion. After all, it is a story about a battle, and I can’t show the reality of war without showing some violence and blood.
What prompted you to write this one?
I wanted to branch out and try other genres, and this year being the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings inspired me to write a story about the battle. I quickly decided that I wanted to tell the story of the events of the battle reasonably accurately – as much as can be done without a time machine, which I don’t have access to, unfortunately. But I also wanted the story to be from the point of view of someone who wasn’t some famous war hero. Part of my preference for someone who wasn’t a great war hero was because I wanted the person to be a child, and part of it was because I wanted fighting to be new to him. I wanted to tell the story of the battle, while at the same time showing that war isn’t the amazing adventure some people think it to be. I also wanted the book to be suitable for middle grade readers, which is why it needed to be a young lad who was the main character. After looking up everything I could find on the battle, and letting those thoughts simmer in my mind for a couple of months, I sat down to write the story, and “Eadweard – A Story Of 1066” is the result. To my knowledge, Eadweard and Cerdic themselves never existed. However, boys like them would have, and the battle itself was very real.
How much research was involved? I already knew some of the details of the battle, partially from doing an essay on it during the time I was homeschooled in my teens, and partially because I live not far from Hastings, and it’s almost impossible to live close to Hastings and not know one or two facts (especially when you have an interest in history, as well as random facts, so pay attention to those kinds of things). However, I still made sure to spend plenty of time researching my facts as accurately as possible. I also happen to be very close to someone who is a huge history buff, a fellow writer, and essentially a walking encyclopaedia, so I asked him if he’d be a beta reader for me. Thankfully, he agreed, so was able to help me out with anything I wasn’t sure about.
What was the most fascinating thing you learned from this experience?
I’m really not sure how to answer this one. I found the whole thing fascinating; I like history.
Who do you think is one of the most important historical figures in British history?
I think the most important person in history is whoever figured out how to create and manipulate fire, because fire is the most useful thing in the world. It doesn’t matter if you benefit from the things fire does for us directly by sitting in front of a roaring blaze, or indirectly by benefiting from the power that’s caused by a chain reaction started by burning some kind of fuel, if you’re a human being, chances are you’ll be benefiting from fire in your daily life… Especially in extremely cold weather. Although, not quite as much as you might have had Thomas Edison not figured out about electricity.
Who do you believe to be the rightful claimant – William or Harold Godwinson? Why?
I think Harold is the rightful claimant. I know William believes Harold promised him the throne, but it’s William’s word against Harold’s on that one. Besides, even if he did, Harold was given the crown by people who held enough authority that their choice to do so was accepted. As far as I’m concerned, that’s that; once he’s king, he’s king. If everyone thought that way though, the battle wouldn’t have happened, and neither would many others throughout history.
What other books have you written?
How long have you got? Haha! No, I really mean it! OK, I’ll summarize: to date, I’ve published seven poetry collections and 42 stories of various lengths (including “Eadweard – A Story Of 1066” and the story that was published in the “Wyrd Worlds II” anthology). My “Kero’s World” and “Degu Days Duo” books are semi-fictionalized stories based on the lives of my actual pets, my “Magical Chapters Trilogy” and “Zeena Dragon Fae” books are fantasy stories, my “Toby’s Tales” books are based on my own adjustments after losing my sight, “My Friends Of Fur And Feather” and “Rodent Rhymes And Pussycat Poems” are pet themed poetry collections written for and about real pets I’ve owned or known, the rest of my poetry books are random collections of poetry, all my stand alone stories are aimed at children of middle grade reading level or younger and cover a few different genres (though they’re mainly fantasy stories, fairy tales, animal stories, or some combination of the three) and my story in “Wyrd Worlds II” is a fantasy story. I have plans for plenty more in the near future.
Character Questions
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
My name is Eadweard, and I’m nine years old, though I’m tall for my age, so look a little older. My Father isn’t a rich lord, but we have enough money to live comfortably, and for my Father to have two sets of armour. His new armour is much nicer than the old stuff, but the old armour is still in good enough condition that he kept it for me; he says I’ll grow in to it properly one day.
What faith do you hold? Are you devout?
I’m no priest, nor do I plan to become one. I believe in God though, of course, and say my prayers.
What is your moral code?
My Father always taught me that a warrior should be prepared to die to defend their leader and loved ones.
Would you die for your beliefs?
I don’t actually want to die. I know I should be prepared to do so, but that doesn’t mean I want it to happen. If I’m going to die though, I want it to be in a way that will bring honour to my family, and make my Father proud of me.
Would you kill for them?
I would try to. Though that’s not as easy to do as it looks. It turns out fighting with practice swords is a lot easier than fighting in a real battle.
How did you become embroiled in this battle for the crown?
Well… *Looks guilty* I wasn’t supposed to be involved. My Father said I wasn’t ready for battle, and ordered me to stay home. My best friend, Cerdic, was told the same by his Father. We disobeyed though, and found a way to join the ranks of marching men. You won’t tell our Fathers, will you?
Honestly – who do you think is the rightful claimant?
King Harold is the rightful claimant, of course. The Witon said he should be King, and they wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true, would they?
Were you afraid during the battles?
I tried to pretend I wasn’t, so the others wouldn’t think me a coward, but I was afraid throughout most of the battle. I’m pretty sure Cerdic was too. Part of my fear was fear of what my Father would do if he found out I’d disobeyed him and found a way to join the battle after all, and part of it was the actual battle itself.
Have you a family?
I’m my parents’ eldest child. I have three younger siblings. My eldest sister is only a year younger than me, and often helps our Mother to keep an eye on our younger brother and sister, who are hardly more than babies.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to have already shown my skill in battle, and gained enough notice as a great warrior that my heroic deeds are rewarded. That would make my Father proud. Then he won’t be quite so angry that I disobeyed him when he said I wasn’t ready to join a real battle.
Links/cover etc.
Author links:
Website: http://www.zigler.co.uk
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/toriz
Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Zigler/424999294215717
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/victoriazigler
Blog: http://ziglernews.blogspot.co.uk
Buy links for “Eadweard – A Story Of 1066”
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/652726
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eadweard-victoria-zigler/1124182601
Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/book/eadweard-a-story-of-1066/id1137551399
Also available from other sites Smashwords distributes to… Paperback coming soon!
October 14, 2016
Battlefield 1066 – spotlights – Barbara G Tarn
Name: Barbara G.Tarn
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in the boot-shaped country dripping into the Mediterranean sea, but having lived abroad at a young age, I currently feel international, a woman with no country that sometimes is quite sick of the whole crazy planet. I love history, especially the Middle Ages (11th to 13th century), and making up stuff, although I learned the value of research even for the craziest idea – be it fantasy or science fiction. I write mostly SFF these days, having exhausted any will to talk about current events and today’s people.
Set during the Battle of Hastings tell us a little more about your story
Here’s the blurb: Nineteen-year-old Robert Malet followed William the Bastard to England to claim the English throne. The battle near the small town of Hastings is the beginning of the Norman conquest of England, but also of Robert’s second life.
A vampire in 12th century Europe traveling, fighting and meeting his siblings in darkness, changing names through the years when his mortal life is gone.
Follow Robert Malet, Brother Geoffrey, Robert Capuchon and Mercadier through the years. History and fantasy based on medieval chronicles for a Vampires Through the Centuries novella.
What prompted you to write this one?
When Steph Bennion suggested we write something around the Battle of Hastings, I thought it would be the prefect setting for one of my vampires stories. The original idea was about a Viking woman through the centuries who could be at the battle of Hastings. Just an episode of her long life – she pursues her love through the centuries without turning him into a vampire, simply looking for his next reincarnation!
Meet Olek from The Light Behind the Storm @libraryoferana #POTLReads #FridayReads
Here’s a great interview with Olek – the Shadowdancer
#Fantasy #Lightbeyondthestorm
POTL: All Things Books, Reading and Publishing
Today, it is our pleasure to welcome Olek – the Shadowdancer from The Light Behind the Storm series by A. L. Butcher.
Greetings to you. I am the Shadowdancer, but you may call me Olek.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Stupidity. I don’t mean a lack of learning for most folks have not the luxury of education. I mean a failure to notice what is before them, or if they do to simply dismiss it as of no consequence.
Unfortunately, Erana is inhabited by many stupid people – those who do not see the truth but instead choose to ignore what is obvious.
What is your current state of mind?
Cautious. I am always so. If I were not cautious I’d likely be dead. I am a hunter of men, and of lies, sometimes of property and I seek to know my enemy and my prey…
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October 9, 2016
Book Spotlight and New Release- Dragon Moon – Fantasy
Dragon Moon Release!!
Hey peeps!! I’m happy to announce that my latest Young Adult Fantasy, Dragon Moon is available for pre order at the fabulously low price of 99c! This is a huge saving, and from Thursday 13th October, the price will be $3.45 so get it while it’s on offer!
Save the dragons, unite the races, no sweat.
I’m nineteen and wish I had a clue about my future. Instead of my own bed, this morning I woke in the strange land of Lur Neval. My name is Scarlett, but the Nevalese call me Dragon Mage. Seems it’s my job to preserve the all-important dragons and oh, while I’m here, bring peace to the warring clans. Piece of cake if I can outwit Madoc, the manipulative, evil seer who wants every dragon destroyed. Whatever it takes, I’m here to fulfill my destiny under the light of the Dragon Moon.
Buy Links
Amazon UK goo.gl/HolHgO
Amazon USA goo.gl/WXyIdl
Kobo goo.gl/TMrKcV
Smashwords goo.gl/jQszpx
Nook/B&N goo.gl/utlgGe
iBooks goo.gl/66Jbwu
Don’t forget it’s available at the ridiculous price of 99c until release day which is 13th October, 2016
Go get it!
