A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 176
March 5, 2015
Character Interview Number Twenty Six – Lex Fox – Sci-fi/historical
Tell Us About Yourself
Name (s)
Lexington Fox ��� but everyone calls me Lex.
Age
Twenty-five
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I was a first lieutenant with 1st Platoon, 5th Company, 2nd Mounted Rifles Cavalry, under the command of Captain James Houston. Originally from Boston in Massachusetts, I enlisted on my twentieth birthday, July 3rd 1855.
I must admit, I enjoyed serving as an army officer, and the only thing that blighted my life were the circumstances leading up to my death in 1860…on earth, anyways.
Our unit was selected to complete a special mission on behalf of Presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln. Little did we know at the time that our commanding officer���s cousin���Governor Sam Houston of Texas���had arranged the entire thing to support his conspiracy among a number other southern state governors to form their own breakaway confederacy.
Anyway, our supposed task was to escort Princess Inuck-Shen, daughter of Chief Blooded Chin of the Blackfoot tribe, into the Bitterroot Mountain range in Kalispell, Montana. Once there, we were to hand her into the safe custody of her husband-to-be, Snow Blizzard, self-styled Chief of all Cree nations.
It was doomed to failure, for if the wedding went ahead and peace between the plains peoples was forged, it would have strengthened Lincoln���s position in the House, especially against those dissidents who didn���t like the way the war of attrition with the native American peoples was developing.
As it turns out, Snow Blizzard was in on the plot too, and together with a number of other tribes���AND Captain Houston and his ever present lapdogs���he set about hunting us down in an attempt to wipe us out. Of course, the blame would have been put squarely on those tribes sympathetic to Lincoln���s agenda.
It looks like Houston got his way, and I often wonder if our great nation ever split as he intended.
Describe your appearance in 10 words or less.
A cross between Brad Pitt and Jude Law.
Would you die for those you love?
I didn���t get much choice. Although I died doing the job I loved. My father was a colonel in the 2nd Company 1st Mounted Rifles, and like him, I have a strong sense of duty. Dying for what you believe in is the greatest way you can honor those you serve with, and the great nation we strive to protect. In my case, I���ve been given a chance to do that all over again on Arden.
What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strength lies in the fact that I have a strong sense of honor and duty. Give me a task to accomplish, and I���ll always strive to complete it to the best of my ability.
As to my weaknesses? Perhaps, it���s trusting others to have the same high standards I do. My presence here on Arden proves there are too many dishonorable backstabbers hiding behind a uniform…and that���s not right.
Do you have any relationships you prize above others? Why
Hey, I���m only twenty-five and I���m in the saddle for most of the time. But now we���re on Arden? Who knows, there are a surprising number of women here. They���re tough. Strong. That���s because they���ve had to learn to adapt and survive. I can���t think of a better kind of person to settle down with. So we���ll see… J
Can you remember something from your childhood which influences your behaviour? How do you think it influences you?
Yes I can. I was nine at the time, and my own father was on leave from the army. We went to visit his brother, Uncle George, out at Fort Smith in Arkansas. While we were there, a huge group of Plains Indians came into town to trade. It was the first time I���d ever seen any of the Native American people up close, and I found them fascinating, and much friendlier than I was led to believe they���d be.
As a treat, my family went to watch them hunt horses. I saw some of their braves chase after a colt on foot. They kept running and running. It was incredible. I thought, one day, I���ll get to work with people like this and hopefully learn something of their traditions. They were so free, and in harmony with their surroundings, it made me appreciate how much we could learn from them.
Do you have any phobias?
Men without honor. I won���t have them in my company.
Please give us an interesting and unusual fact about yourself.
I can bend my thumb back until it touches my wrist. An absolutely useless skill if ever there was one. Oh, and I can lasso a fly at twenty paces.
Tell Us About Your World
Please give us a little information about the world in which you live.
As I���m sure some of the other guys have already said, Arden is a beautiful. It���s like earth in many respects. Vast sweeping grasslands. Mountain ranges. Forests. But the colors…how can I say this. They���re off. Just when you start to relax, this place reminds you it���s not really home, especially when some of the critters jump out to say hello. They���re not used to humans, so they���re not afraid of us.
Only last week, my patrol were taking a break and enjoying a coffee, when this woodpecker type bird swooped down, perched on the rim of my cup, gave me a ���who do you think you���re staring at?��� look, and then proceeded to wash himself in my beverage!
I couldn���t believe it. Even when I tried to shake him off, he just kept at it until he was good and ready. Then he jumped down, took his good time preening his feathers, and flew away without even saying thank you. That���s Arden! Shame the Horde spoil it!
Do you travel in the course of your adventures? If so where?
As you can imagine, travel is difficult because of the Horde. Thankfully, we���ve got a large supply of bullets to keep them at bay. I love riding out into the Sengennon plains. It reminds me so much of Oklahoma
Name and describe a food from your world.
This is probably getting quite boring for you, as I know you asked some of the other guys this question. But, everyone ��� and I mean everyone ��� loves the rhobexi. God, what a taste. However, I also enjoy provat. It looks very similar to our sheep, and tastes like pork mixed with beef.
What form of politics is dominant in your world? (Democracy, Theocracy, Meritocracy, Monarchy, Kakistocracy etc.)
There���s no real politics here. We���re all survivors, and most of us are from one form of military service or another. That���s spilled over into our everyday way of life. It���s strange really…there���s a disciplined aspect to the way things are done, but, everyone is entrusted with the responsibility to fulfill their respective duty. So in one regard, everything is quite relaxed. I like it. If it wasn���t for that idiot, Houston, I think everybody would be happy.
What is the technology level for your world/place of residence? What item would you not be able to live without?
I come from the nineteenth century. From what I���m told, I lived at a time leading up to a technological explosion on earth…but I guess I���ll never know now. Anyhow, as you can imagine, coming here is like living in a dream. We stick to our own group and methods, especially when we���re out on patrol, but once were back in Arden, wow! It���s like the best of both worlds…My particular favorites are the food dispensers that can serve multiple meals all at the same time, and the sickbay. Life in the saddle can be quite hard, and it���s a refreshing change to be able to heal the niggling injuries we pick up in a matter of minutes. Awesome in fact. J
Anyway, thanks for asking me about my life. You must come and visit once we���ve got the Horde under control. Things will be much more relaxed then and perhaps I can show you around?
Bye for now,
Lex.
Author notes:
Book(s) in which this character appears plus links
��
The IX
Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/IX-Andrew-P-Weston-ebook/dp/B00RM54QBA/
Amazon.UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/IX-Andrew-P-Weston-ebook/dp/B00RM54QBA/
Author name:
Andrew P. Weston
Website/Blog/Author pages etc.
Website: http://www.andrewpweston.com/
Blog: http://andrewpweston.blogspot.gr/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestonAndrew
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Andrew-P-Weston/e/B00F3BL6GS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
March 4, 2015
New Release – The Stolen Tower – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles III
I��am delighted to announce the release on pre-order of The Stolen Tower – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles Book III.��
http://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Tower-Light-Beyond-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00U8A9044/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Tower-Light-Beyond-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00U8A9044/
This one has been a pesky blighter, if I am honest but now it’s here! So what is it about? Courage, sex and sorcery, monsters and mayhem with a goodly helping of love and loss thrown in.
In a dark world where magic is forbidden Mirandra Var, heiress to Varris, must endure her Proving, save her kin and defeat the strange and impossible monsters which stalk the Emerald Valley. She is not alone, and others seek answers to questions as yet unasked. The options are success or death, not just for Mirandra but her companions, her allies and her people.
The search for the missing kin take the adventurers toward Khar’atuk – the mysterious tower labyrinth far from home, where allies must be found and decisions made. On the run mages, elementals, humans with their own agenda, elves, monsters, Witch-Hunters, and a shadowy past – many elements fill this roaring adventure.
So – you may ask how does this link into the previous books? Archos and Dii feature, although not as main characters and Talfor and M’alia from book II accompany Mirandra on her quest. This is a book of new characters and old, pooling their knowledge and skills and finding more questions than answers. Events from Book II have a wider implication, but that would be SPOILERS….
Archos, Dii and their friends will be back soon as primary characters.
Synopsis
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 foe, 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.
The Preorder is currently available on Amazon, to go live on April 3rd 2015.
Interviews with some of the characters will follow.
February 28, 2015
Here is my interview with JP Wilder
A great interview with a great writer.
Originally posted on authorsinterviews:
Name: JP Wilder��������������
Age: 47
Where are you from:
I grew up in Northern Arizona, and I live now in Los Angeles.
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc ��
I come from a relatively large family. I have two older brothers and two older sisters.
I am married to a wonderful woman, Marie, who is both my soul and my conscience.�� Strangely enough, she is also my hero���a strong woman that represents much of what I aspire to be.
I have two great kids���one daughter (14) and a son (11). They are all my hopes and all my dreams.
I have a Masters degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Fine Arts ��� Creative Writing.
My life, my beliefs were mostly forged by my father, a world war II combat vet and my few years spent in the army.
Fiona: Tell us your���
View original 2,050 more words
February 27, 2015
Fantasy, Science Fiction and Literary Heroes in Our Society Guest Post – Sharon Kae Reamer
Name: Sharon Kae Reamer
Location (as I am wondering if it is regional)? Expatriate American now living in Cologne, Germany.
How pervasive do you think fantasy/sci-fi is in our society today?�� It is all-pervasive in the sense that most everyone has seen a SFF movie. But there are many people I meet who have never read a SF or fantasy book. For example, I know many people who���ve seen The Hobbit trilogy and LoTR films but have never read the books. I���ve encountered quite a few people who have told me, flat out, that they would like to read my books but that they don���t like fantasy. I don���t try to argue with them. To each his/her own.
Why do you think this is? ��It suggests that genre literature, in particular, speculative fiction, is still not seen to be something ���worthy��� as literature. Maybe in some sense it is still perceived as ���pulp��� fiction or escapist literature. It is escapist literature, but I view ALL literature as escapist. Maybe because fantasy and SF are not perceived to have social relevance to the problems we face in today���s world (or even historically). But I think that���s a huge mistake in perception, at least from my point of view. If done right, the speculative genre can be a fantastic mirror to aspects of our culture on this planet.
Are these genres seen in a more acceptable light than they used to be?��Yes, probably, but as stated above, mainly in the media of film and television rather than books. Although in YA, I think anything is possible these days. It seems to be the playground where speculative fiction is most highly tolerated.
What makes a ‘hero’? Would you say this definition is different within literature to real life?��A hero is someone who has been forced to abandon his or her ���normal��� life for a greater purpose, be it saving someone they love, a quest to retrieve a magical or scientific artefact for the force of good, or to battle against a negative force to save the world/universe, just to name a couple examples. There are many definitions of what heroism is or does. It can also be a small thing, like being faithful and waiting for someone to return even if there is no hope of it (Ulysses��� wife Penelope comes to mind here).
Ideally, I don���t see a lot of difference between real life and literature heroes, except that real life heroes do not have to deal with magical or science fictional type situations. Doctors Without Borders is a ���hero��� in real life because they save people. Superheroes in fiction save people but on a much more extravagant scale. But DWB are superheroes to me in real life. J
If you’re a writer how do you portray heroism in your books?��My heroine from The Schattenreich series, Caitlin Schwarzbach, will risk anything to save those she loves. To me, that is heroism. It���s a quiet kind of heroism. She doesn���t want to put herself in danger, but she does because she can���t stand the thought of anything bad happening to those she loves.
How important are ‘facts’ in fantasy/science fiction ��� does something need to be plausible to be believable?��There are two famous quotes I think summarize the differences in how things work in fantasy and science fiction:
���Science fiction is something that could happen – but you usually wouldn’t want it to. Fantasy is something that couldn’t happen – though you often only wish that it could.��� Arthur C. Clarke, 2000
���Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible.��� Rod Serling, 1962
In both SF and F, plausibility is a hugely important factor. Otherwise, we cannot take the reader with us. He/she will be left standing in the wizard���s laboratory/launch pad while we go merrily off alone (cackling madly and collecting cats) into the worlds we have built. As a reader, I have to believe that whatever is going on on the page is plausible, be it giant space worms or man-eating unicorns or intelligent slime mold. These things may or may not exist (i.e., they are not ���facts��� in any sense in the world we live in at present), but if they are presented to be an integral and logical part of the world the author has built, in other words, plausible, then I will accept their existence in that world as ���fact��� .
What science fiction/fantasy has influenced you most?�� What would you say the most influential writers/film-makers?��I came of age in relation to science fiction and fantasy reading in the early eighties. Many of those writers are ones that I still think of fondly. Isaac Asimov, Roger Zelazny, Ursula K. LeGuin, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Poul Anderson, Larry Niven, William Gibson, Lewis Carroll, Frank Herbert, Douglas Adams. Andre Norton, Marion Zimmer Bradley. I could go on for a long time. I don���t know if all their works would still hold up now if I read them again. But it doesn���t matter. They were influential in making me a reader of speculative fiction, and so remain very influential.
In relation to films, I���d guess T.O.S.S. that my parents let me watch (my younger brother was not allowed to watch it when the series first came out). I was riveted from the very first episode of Star Trek, and still love the concept. I instantly fell in love with the original Star Wars trilogy as well as the first three Indiana Jones films and simply could not wait for the sequels to come out. It was excruciating. There was also 2001, and a slew of others since then. There were also those weird fantasy/horror films, many or most of them black and white films, I remember from my childhood that influenced me a great deal (most of which I saw on television): The 5000 Fingers of Doctor T, The Haunting, all those monster movies, most of which I watched with my Dad ��� The Werewolf was probably the scariest to me ��� and Invaders From Mars, any Outer Limits or Twilight Zone episode, The Wizard of Oz, Godzilla and Mothra ��� these were all influential to me growing up. My Dad still enjoys trying to get me to watch films that will scare the crap out of me when I visit him. I���m usually a willing participant, but I sometimes regret it afterwards when I���m trying to get to sleep. The first film I ever saw in the movies was 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with Kirk Douglas and James Mason which my grandfather took me to see. It made a huge impression on me.
Nowadays, the fantastical or science fictional movie has loads of special effects and is presented so realistically that if I were a kid growing up today, I���d be hooked on SFF all over again.
Fairy-tales, anthropomorphic personifications, mythical beasts and cultural fantastical persons are all about us ��� such as Santa Claus, St George, dragons and fairies ��� how vital are these for our identity? Are we who we are because of the myths our cultures hold?��My Schattenreich series contains Celto-Germanic deities. Some of the deities portrayed and characterized are purely Celtic. Some have crossover status (i.e., they exist in both the Celtic and Germanic pantheons). My interpretations of these fantastical persons, as such, are vital to the identity and worldviews of the characters in my series. Because the religions I portray do not exist any longer in the modern world in their original form, I don���t really know how important they are to our identity. But because there are a large number of neopagan or modern pagan religions that use some of these divinities in their practice, I believe they have relevance to who we are, even if it is just in recognizing the god/goddess within us. Most of us who have some sort of northern European ancestry can probably relate to the fantastical portrayal of the Celtic and Germanic pantheon. This has continued from early historical times (i.e., during the late Iron Age) right up until the present. I don���t believe in any fantastical creatures, although I think they are important as they give us the means to learn something about ourselves and have formed the basis for our modern culture. In other parts of the world, ancient religions populated with one or more deities are still important to the identity of the cultures. And much of this representation is based on myths, even for the major religions (even those with only a monotheistic pantheon) of the modern world.
So I would say the answer to the second question is: yes, totally.
Here’s some links:
http://www.sharonreamer.com/ (website)
http://sharonreamer.blogspot.com (redirects to sharonreamer.blogspot.de)
https://www.facebook.com/sharon.k.reamer
http://www.pinterest.com/sharonkreamer/
The books in The Schattenreich series (published) are Primary Fault, Shaky Ground, Double Couple, and Shadow Zone. Forthcoming in summer, 2015: Triple Junction (final book)
Primary Fault has been honoured with a Indy B.R.A.G. medallion and Indie Book of the Day.
February 24, 2015
Fantasy, Sci-fi and Literary Heroes in Our Society- Guest Post – Andrew Weston
Today I am pleased to welcome back Andrew Weston, science fiction author, for a guest post on my feature for 2015. ��Here are his views on fantasy, sci fi and literary heroes in society, and its influences.
Name:��Andrew P. Weston
Location (as I am wondering if it is regional)?��Kos ��� Greek Islands.
How pervasive do you think fantasy/sci-fi is in our society today?��I think both genres are extremely pervasive, and you can see that from the focus the entertainment industry devotes them. As an experiment, I researched the internet, using a variety of sites, regarding the top 10 films of 2014 ��� guess what? Science fiction and fantasy dominated every list I looked at. It���s the same story when you peep ahead into 2015. Why is this? Quite simply, because the entertainment industry isn���t stupid. They cater to the obvious demand, and the public would appear to have an increasingly voracious appetite for entertainment that stretches the imagination.
Are these genres seen in a more acceptable light than they used to be?Certainly, because the science fact of today, was very often the science fiction of yester-year. You only have to think of the long running series ���Star Trek��� to see this aspect in an everyday setting. When it first came out, I can remember everyone talking about the handheld communication devices they used to speak with each other around the planet. Doors that swish open when you walk toward them. Hypo sprays, etc. Such things are now common, and people are much more accepting when new and innovative ideas are presented in a factual way. That���s why well written Science Fiction and Fantasy can contribute so well to keeping things fresh.
If you could pick a couple of characters from literature as ‘heroes’ who would it be and why?��My first choice would be the character of Thomas Covenant from Stephen R. Donaldson���s Lord Foul���s Bane series.
He���s an everyday guy who suffers the indignity of contracting leprosy and losing two of the fingers from his right hand. His wife divorces him and takes their son away. Neighbours shun him, and he becomes a lonely hermit of an individual, cut off from society. To compensate, he becomes overly rigid in his approach to life. (Lepers have to exercise extreme caution so that they don���t pick up new infections that can spread their disease further and cause terrible disfigurement). His illness becomes manageable, and he manages to lead a balanced ��� if somewhat lonely ��� life. Imagine his horror, then, when he is miraculously snatched away from reality, and transported to ���The Land��� ��� a place of magic and wonder where the very air brings healing and relief. Although healed, his disfigurement identifies him as a prophesised hero, come to save the land, from the cruel taint of the Creators arch-enemy, Lord Foul.
Mind blowing!
And yet, despite all the wonders he sees and experiences, Covenant doesn���t want anything to do with it ��� and determinedly slogs through every hurdle put in his way, whilst stubbornly clinging to the notion that everything around him is false. He doesn���t want rewards, accolades or special treatment. He just wants to go home. An antitypical hero if ever there was one, because at the end, he ends up saving the Land from destruction. A great character.
My second choice would be an ���old fashioned��� kind of hero, John Carter, (of Edgar Rice Burrows, ���A Princess of Mars fame���, in what became known as the Barsoom Series).
He���s an old style ���man���s man���. An army veteran snatched from home to fight someone else���s war. It had high action in an old-world setting. Sword fights, damsels in distress, daring feats in the face of certain death, and a ���never give up��� attitude. What I liked about his character, is that when he���s originally snatched away, he falls in with a crowd of ���typical aliens���. Green skinned, multi-armed Tharks. They are a warlike race, and because of his superior strength and agility (Due to Barsoom���s lower gravity), Carter soon rises to fame among them. However, Barsoom also has a red-skinned humanoid race, and he soon becomes embroiled in their politics and attempts to bring peace to their troubled world. A great story, and trend-setter of its time.
It has been argued fantasy is full of ‘tropes’ ��� what are your views on this?��I���m realistic about it. Clich�����s will often recur because of the very nature of the genres involved. Look at early science fiction. Popular stories were full of tales about robots, space travel, settling on distant planets. Fantasy novels were often set on ���alternative��� worlds where elves, dwarves, and humans co-existed in an uneasy alliance forged around the use of magic. Sound familiar? Of course it is. Its bread and butter stuff. It���s what you ���DO��� with it that matters.
Here���s an example. Think about what���s popular in TV/Films lately? Vampires, witches, aliens, artificial intelligence. But look at the difference ��� say, between Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. Twilight from the Underworld franchise. The new Battlestar Galactica v something like Edge of Tomorrow. Transcendence v the Anomaly. Like I say, you���re taking similar settings, but it���s what you do with it that matters.
How important are ‘facts’ in fantasy/science fiction ��� does something need to be plausible to be believable?�����Facts��� are the foundation of a good story. If it���s believable, people will be able to relate to what they���re reading. If they relate to it, you capture their imagination. You suck them into your imaginary world and get them involving themselves. That���s exactly what you want. Yes, by all means ��� stretch the imagination ��� make it outlandishly fantasmagorical if you want to. But ensure to base it in well researched ���reality���. Remember, even if your characters live in a world of magic and wonder, unless you���ve done your homework, and established that magical system upon well founded ���laws and precepts��� ��� ���strengths and limitations���, it���s going to sound false and turn people off. You have to consider such things nowadays…or suffer the consequences.
What science fiction/fantasy has influenced you most?�� Who would you say are the most influential writers/film-makers?��Influenced me the most? I grew up with Gerry Anderson. What a mind. Some of his concepts were incredible. Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlet, UFO, Space 1999. I also loved Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. Lost in Space. Land of the Giants. Those influences stuck with me all my life and led to a vivid imagination.
Today, I���d say some of our best film makers are Peter Jackson, JJ Abrams, James Cameron, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas. Of course, the advancing nature of special effects have helped immensely. Nonetheless, films by these guys are guaranteed to draw the crowds and are of high quality. I���d be delighted if any of them decided to take of the IX?
(Perhaps you could give them a call?).
****
Andrew P. Weston is a Royal Marine and Police veteran from the UK who now lives on the beautiful Greek island of Kos with his wife, Annette, and their growing family of rescue cats.
An astronomy and law graduate, he is a contracted writer of fiction and poetry. Creator of “The IX” – and the ���Guardians��� and ���Cambion Journals��� series, has also has the privilege of being a member of the British Science Fiction Association, and British Fantasy Society.
When not writing, Andrew devotes some of his spare time to assisting NASA in one of their remote research projects, and writes educational articles for Astronaut.com and Amazing Stories.
Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/Andrew-P-Weston/e/B00F3BL6GS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Author Website:
Andrew’s latest book is a fine military science fiction – which I featured recently. ��Check it out, you won’t regret it!
Meet some of Andrew’s characters:
https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/2014/10/16/character-interview-number-thirty-daemon-grim/ (not from IX)
And Andrew:��https://libraryoferana.wordpress.com/...
The IX
Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/IX-Andrew-P-Weston-ebook/dp/B00RM54QBA/
Amazon.UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/IX-Andrew-P-Weston-ebook/dp/B00RM54QBA/
February 22, 2015
#3AnthBlast – Three Anthologies Blog Tour
Today I am pleased to be promoting 3 Charity Anthologies. They’re a mix of authors, styles and genres but they are connected – all the authors gave their time and work free of charge and all profits go to good causes.
Three Anthologies to Support Three Great Causes��
Publication Date:��October 4, 2013
Genre:��Paranormal Romance
Charity: Exotic Feline Rescue Center
What is it about the tiger that so captivates? Or about the jaguar that enchants? Why are we so drawn to the lethal grace of the large feline predators of the world?Get ready to purr, growl and roar along with six paranormal romance authors in this anthology of love and shapeshifting kitties. After reading these six unique tales, from the sexy to the sweet, you’ll be guaranteed to be saying… Here, Kitty Kitty…
* * *
In ‘His Jaguar Princess’ by A. Star, jaguar shifter Selene Peters can���t deny her feelings for the tycoon Lucas King. Somehow, he’s penetrated her barriers and become more than just a client, but loving a human is dangerous and she fears her past repeating itself. Could he help her overcome the past or will she sacrifice her happiness and succumb to it? Not if he has anything to say about it…
In ‘In Our Nature’ by Jessica Nicholls, when Mira’s privacy and independence are threatened, she can be very nasty. Daniel is an expert on American mountain lions. His assistance is requested after an ‘incident’ on Mira���s front lawn. When the two meet, they recognise each other in more than one way.
In ‘Divine Passage’ by Dariel Raye, Kimani, a breeder with the power to preserve the human race, must depend on her guardian, Ahkil, a black panther shifter with more than one reason to distrust humans, but his secrets could change the course of her life forever.
In ‘The Distance Between’ by Mia Darien, she’s traveled thousands of miles, looking for a safe place. He’s brought her thousands of miles, looking to not be lonely any more. But they both have secrets. Can they bridge the distance between, and find what they’re looking for in each other?
In ‘Hannah’s Fate’ by Abigail Owen, cougar shifters have allied into groups, together in a rocky alliance to protect themselves against other shifters. Hannah Keller becomes the targeted Mate for Kyle Carstairs, the treacherous soon-to-be Alpha of another group. Meanwhile, Nick Jensen, her childhood hero and longtime secret crush, has returned home with hopes of claiming Hannah for his own. But will he be in time to rescue her from the Carstairs’s schemes?
In ‘Full Moon’ by B. R. Kingsolver, the full moon can get a girl stirred up, especially with a handsome cowboy paying her way too much attention. If it wasn’t for those damned werewolves causing trouble and getting in the way…
Goodreads
Amazon��|��Barnes & Noble��|��Smashwords
Publication Date:��May 10, 2014
Genre:��Contemporary Romance
Charity: American Red Cross
Romance can be found among the darkest of times. In this anthology, you’ll find four tales of sweet romance about those who dedicate their time, and sometimes even their lives, to helping others. 100% of the proceeds go to the American Red Cross.
“Cross My Heart” by Abigail Owen
“A Healing Touch” by Jessica Nicholls
“Lesson Learned” by Crystel G. Smith
“Hope” by Mia Darien
Goodreads
Amazon��|��Barnes & Noble��|��Smashwords
Publication Date:��August 1, 2014
Genre:��Science Fiction & Fantasy
Charity: Wounded Warrior Project
Science Fiction and Fantasy, two genres that are both unalike and inextricably entwined, stretching the imagination to the expansive boundaries of time, space, and magic. These boundaries are often filled with warriors and war, fights and causes worth fighting for, and that’s what you’ll find in this anthology.
From fighting aliens in space to demons in a world of magic, you’ll find many stories to suit your starship’s entertainment collection or your favorite bard at the local tavern…or just your imagination here and now. Sit back and enjoy twelve stories from authors both familiar and new!
100% of the proceeds to be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
“SARAH” by Lee Pletzers
“The Summoned Rise of the Phantom Knights” by Kenny Emmanuel
“Border Patrol” by BR Kingsolver
“The Twelve” by Mia Darien
“Ghosts” by Christi Rigby
“Outside the Walls” by A. L. Butcher & Diana L. Wicker
“My Brother’s Keeper” by Raphyel M. Jordan
“With Our Own Blood” by Jessica Nicholls
“The Connection” by Crystal G. Smith
“A Fly on the Wall” by Chantal Boudreau
“Slacker” by Doug Dandridge
“The Light Bless Thee and Keep Thee” by Mason Darien
Goodreads
Amazon��|��Barnes & Noble��|��Smashwords
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Titles:��Here, Kitty Kitty / Reaching Out / Bellator
Edited by:��Mia Darien
Publication Dates:��October 4, 2013 / May 10, 2014 / August 1, 2014
Genres:��Paranormal Romance / Romance / Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Charities: Exotic Feline Rescue Center / American Red Cross / Wounded Warrior Project
Synopsis
Here, Kitty Kitty
��
What is it about the tiger that so captivates? Or about the jaguar that enchants? Why are we so drawn to the lethal grace of the large feline predators of the world? Get ready to purr, growl and roar along with six paranormal romance authors in this anthology of love and shapeshifting kitties. After reading these six unique tales, from the sexy to the sweet, you’ll be guaranteed to be saying… Here, Kitty Kitty… * * * In ‘His Jaguar Princess’ by A. Star, jaguar shifter Selene Peters can���t deny her feelings for the tycoon Lucas King. Somehow, he’s penetrated her barriers and become more than just a client, but loving a human is dangerous and she fears her past repeating itself. Could he help her overcome the past or will she sacrifice her happiness and succumb to it? Not if he has anything to say about it… In ‘In Our Nature’ by Jessica Nicholls, when Mira’s privacy and independence are threatened, she can be very nasty. Daniel is an expert on American mountain lions. His assistance is requested after an ‘incident’ on Mira���s front lawn. When the two meet, they recognise each other in more than one way. In ‘Divine Passage’ by Dariel Raye, Kimani, a breeder with the power to preserve the human race, must depend on her guardian, Ahkil, a black panther shifter with more than one reason to distrust humans, but his secrets could change the course of her life forever. In ‘The Distance Between’ by Mia Darien, she’s traveled thousands of miles, looking for a safe place. He’s brought her thousands of miles, looking to not be lonely any more. But they both have secrets. Can they bridge the distance between, and find what they’re looking for in each other? In ‘Hannah’s Fate’ by Abigail Owen, cougar shifters have allied into groups, together in a rocky alliance to protect themselves against other shifters. Hannah Keller becomes the targeted Mate for Kyle Carstairs, the treacherous soon-to-be Alpha of another group. Meanwhile, Nick Jensen, her childhood hero and longtime secret crush, has returned home with hopes of claiming Hannah for his own. But will he be in time to rescue her from the Carstairs’s schemes? In ‘Full Moon’ by B. R. Kingsolver, the full moon can get a girl stirred up, especially with a handsome cowboy paying her way too much attention. If it wasn’t for those damned werewolves causing trouble and getting in the way…
Goodreads��|��Amazon��|��Barnes & Noble��|��Smashwords
Reaching Out
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Romance can be found among the darkest of times. In this anthology, you’ll find four tales of sweet romance about those who dedicate their time, and sometimes even their lives, to helping others. 100% of the proceeds go to the American Red Cross. “Cross My Heart” by Abigail Owen “A Healing Touch” by Jessica Nicholls “Lesson Learned” by Crystel G. Smith “Hope” by Mia Darien
Goodreads��|��Amazon��|��Barnes & Noble��|��Smashwords
Bellator
Science Fiction and Fantasy, two genres that are both unalike and inextricably entwined, stretching the imagination to the expansive boundaries of time, space, and magic. These boundaries are often filled with warriors and war, fights and causes worth fighting for, and that’s what you’ll find in this anthology. From fighting aliens in space to demons in a world of magic, you’ll find many stories to suit your starship’s entertainment collection or your favorite bard at the local tavern…or just your imagination here and now. Sit back and enjoy twelve stories from authors both familiar and new! 100% of the proceeds to be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. “SARAH” by Lee Pletzers “The Summoned Rise of the Phantom Knights” by Kenny Emmanuel “Border Patrol” by BR Kingsolver “The Twelve” by Mia Darien “Ghosts” by Christi Rigby “Outside the Walls” by A. L. Butcher & Diana L. Wicker “My Brother’s Keeper” by Raphyel M. Jordan “With Our Own Blood” by Jessica Nicholls “The Connection” by Crystal G. Smith “A Fly on the Wall” by Chantal Boudreau “Slacker” by Doug Dandridge “The Light Bless Thee and Keep Thee” by Mason Darien
Goodreads��|��Amazon��|��Barnes & Noble��|��Smashwords
Giveaway:��There is a giveaway for this blast.��$10 Amazon/B&N G.C. or a $10 credit at the Book Depository.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 21, 2015
Sunday Surprise
Originally posted on creative barbwire (or the many lives of a creator):
And it���s a guest! She���s author of the month on GR Smashwords Authors, so go check her thread for more��� in the meantime, ladies and gentlemen please welcome Jessica West!
Where do you live and write from?
I live in Louisiana, but I write from my imaginary ���man-cave���. I work in a corner of the den, away from the busier areas of my home and facing the wall. It���s easier to avoid distractions that way.
Why do you write?
Sometimes I write because a story (or more accurately a character) has my attention and won���t let go. Sometimes I write to get some negative feelings off my chest. And sometimes I just need to work out some issue or other I don���t quite understand. In doing the latter, I���m able to better understand issues that illicit strong responses within me, and why they do. I share those things so that���
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February 19, 2015
Guest Post – Jade Varden – on Writing and Marketing
Today YA author Jade Varden joins us – here are her tips on writing and marketing.
Jade – over to you.
Advice to newbies:��Read a lot. Find out what sort of stories you like. Re-read your favorites. Read, read, read.
Your best and worst marketing tips:��Market your book by giving people something they can use. What does your book offer them? What questions will it answer? Will they laugh or cry or think because of it? Think about that, and you���ll know how to market it. Don���t market your book by saying ���buy this book.��� Be more creative than that.
What YOU look for in a good book.��I look for a strong main character that I can feel something about. Good or bad, I want to feel something for the character.
The importance of good and consistent characterisation.A character has to stay true to their established personality, but character growth is also important in books.
How to find beta readers.��Use forums to find them. This is a great resource for connecting with other authors and readers.
Please tell us a little about yourself. (A couple of lines.)��Lately I���ve been trying to challenge myself with my writing. I���ve been trying to branch out into new genres, and I���m really enjoying it so far.
On average how many books do you read a month?����What genres do you enjoy?��I don���t really have much time to read beyond doing my own proofing. I love the YA genre, but I���m eclectic. I read mystery, horror, romance, anything that looks good.
When reviewing what are the important criteria? Editing? Plot? ��Which factors do you overlook? (if any).��I look for character and plot development. Pacing is also incredibly important. I don���t want it to be too slow, but not too fast either.
What are your opinions on authors commenting on a review ��� negative and positive?��I don���t think they should do it.
Do you feel it is appropriate to discuss author behaviour in a review, is this a factor which influences your choice?��No and no.
A lot of readers comment about a book with all 4 or 5 star reviews and nothing below as being suspicious? What do you think about this?��I think people probably do this a lot. It���s much easier not to write any text, right?
Do you give negative reviews? ��I give constructive criticism. It has been interpreted as negative in the past.
Do you mainly stick to your preferred genres, or would you consider reviewing outside your comfort zone?��If the plot sounds interesting, I���ll definitely go outside my comfort zone.
Are your characters based on real people?��All of them are based on real characteristics that I���ve seen in people, but only very rarely is one of my characters wholly based on a real person. I pick and choose from people I know and even strangers.
Have you ever used a person you don���t/didn���t like as a character then killed them off?��No, but that���s an amazing idea.
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?��Research is huge when it comes to writing a book, and you need to do as much as you need to do to answer all the questions your readers might have. I don���t necessarily enjoy research because it is time-consuming. I look for credible resources only. Encyclopedias, university websites, newspapers. Don���t use Wikipedia.
Do you think indie/self-published authors are viewed differently to traditionally published authors? Why do you think this might be?��I absolutely do. Indie authors have taken an alternative path, and anything different is suspect.
Do you read work by self-published authors?��Absolutely!
What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers?��Read. Connect with readers. Edit.
What are your views on authors offering free books?��It���s a great way to promote.
Do you have a favourite movie?��Gone With the Wind
Can you give us a silly fact about yourself?��I���m afraid of the shower.
What medium do you prefer ��� e-books, audiobooks or paper books? Would you care to expand on this?��I love, love, love ebooks. It���s just so easy.
When choosing a book what makes you stop and give it a second look?�� What makes you turn away?��The blurb. I���ll always flip a cover over to get to the blurb. If I see any errors in the blurb, I���m out.
Do you read reviews by others and if so do they influence your choice?I don���t, because I want to avoid spoilers. However, I will look at general ratings and if a book has a ton of really low ratings I might think twice.
Do you ���judge a book by its cover?�����I do up to a point. I���ll only turn away from a book if the cover is really poorly done.
Does the behaviour of an author affect your choice to read one of their books?��I usually don���t know much about the author personally when I go to read one of their books.
If you had to pick three favourite books to take to a desert island what would they be?��Gone With the Wind, Flowers in the Attic, Valley of Horses.
Do you think bricks and mortar bookshops are in decline?��I don���t think there���s any question that they are.
Some readers believe all 4 and 5 star reviews on a book must be fake. What are your thoughts on this?��I think that sounds ridiculous.
About the Author
Jade Varden writes young adult novels for teen readers. When she���s not crafting mysteries in her books, Jade also blogs practical writing tips for authors who self-publish. Jade currently makes her home in Louisville, Kentucky, where she enjoys reading and reviewing indie books by other self-published authors. Follow her on Twitter @JadeVarden. Visit Jade���s blog at http://jadevarden.blogspot.com/ for reviews, writing tips, self-publishing advice and everything else you ever wanted to know about reading and writing books.
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JadeVarden
At Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jade-Varden/e/B006QD4LUA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
February 18, 2015
Kiss and Tales 2 – From the Indie Collaboration
I’m not directly involved with this free anthology from the Indie Collaboration, but I have agreed to promote it.
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Kiss and Tales 2: A Romantic Collection by The Indie Collaboration. Book 8! Available in Print & Kindle on Amazon, Free on Smashwords.
Stories and poetry in this collection by Kristina M Jacobs (Author), Chris Raven (Author), Alan Hardy (Author), Greatest Poet Alive (Author),Kottyn Campbell (Author), Margene Wiese-Baier (Author), Margaret Wiese (Author), Madhu Kalyan Mattaparthi (Author), Ailene Openiano Giray(Author).
Cool trivia about BOOK 8 Kiss and Tales 2: A Romantic Collection from The Indie Collaboration:
#1 – Book 8 featured 5 poems from Margaret Wiese who passed away in 1985, donated to us by one of her daughters. They were not published during her lifetime. She lived before the days of computers and Createspace so those were scanned in from original typewritten pages! They were written in the 1950s and 1960s and timeless as if they’d been written just yesterday.
#2 – Madhu Kalyan Mattaparthi & Ailene Openiano Giray are in love. Their love poetry was submitted as a surprise for Valentine’s day for Ailene. That makes Ailene an honorary member of The Indie Collaboration. Very sweet & romantic!
#3 – Kristina Jacobs story “Cedar Falls” was the beginning of a first attempt to write a romance – written longhand in a notebook circa 2011 – and never touched again! It found new life as a short story in Kiss and Tales 2
#4 – The book was originally intended to be titled Kiss and Tales 2: Another Romantic Collection…but since I didn’t catch the cover title difference until today, Kiss and Tales 2: A Romantic Collection it is!!
#5 – This is the first collection where we’ve included Indie art – with two paintings by artist, writer, poet & pastor Margene Wiese-Baier. She submitted a painting of two eagles to go with her poem, “Marriage” and a painting of purple flowers to go with her poem, “Would You Just Let Me Love You”
#6 – G.P. A. Greatest Poet Alive contributed poetry & his alter ego James Gordon gave us his story of middle school love, “Maria.”
#7 – Kristina Jacobs poem “Windows to the Soul” is an acrostic poem.
#8 – One of the things we love about The Indie Collaboration is that our authors live all over the world! In book 8 we’ve got authors in the US, UK & India, but each book is different depending on who in The Indie Collaboration decides to contribute!
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Kiss-Tales-Romantic-Collection-Collaboration/dp/1508428883/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Smashwords link:
https ://www.smashwords.com/books/view/518353
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