A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 193

Character Interview Number Nineteen – Taryn Estella Magill -Paranormal/Mystery

Tell Us About Yourself


Name (s): Taryn Estella Magill (My parents were really into “Great Expectations.” I have no idea where the “Taryn” came from.)
 
Age: I just turned 30 about two months ago. One of the paranormal experts I talked to told me it was this significant birthday that might have set the wheels in motion for my, um, new “gift.”


Please tell us a little about yourself. I work as a multi-media artist– photography and oil paints. Organizations, companies, and even private individuals pay me to recreate images of buildings and other structures that are dilapidated and in ruins. I work a lot with historical societies. In some cases, the buildings have been severely damaged in a fire or have fallen in. I use my imagination and degree in historical preservation to create a painting for my clients that shows them what the buildings would have looked like in their prime.
 
I USED to rely on my imagination and knowledge of architecture to do my job. But now, when I look through my camera, I can actually see the past. Sounds like a dream come true for someone like me, right? It would be, if the things my camera showed me didn’t keep pointing out death and murder.


What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses? My biggest strength is that I have a big imagination. I also work well alone and don’t always have to have someone standing over me; in fact, I kind of hate that! I might be single, but I don’t feel like I have to have a man in my life. I’m an adventurer at heart and have never felt the need to be tied down. My weaknesses? I don’t make friends easily. I feel awkward around people I don’t know and some people take that as bitchiness. Of course, I also have a huge weakness for peanut butter milkshakes. That will come back to haunt me and my waistline one day, for sure.


Do you have any relationships you prize above others? Why? My best friend, Matt, is someone I’ve known since I was a kid. He helped get me into the whole urban exploring thing which led to my career path. As soon as he could drive we would hop in the car and go looking for old houses, abandoned factories, ruined churches, etc. We’ve been known to crawl through windows and shimmy up drain pipes to get into some of those places so that I could take pictures. Well, now they call it “urban exploring.” I guess it really sounds more like breaking and entering!
 
Do you have a family? Tell us about them. My parents died in a car wreck when I was a kid. We were never really close. Before they died, they sent me to stay with my grandmother and she raised me. She’s gone now, too. The only living relative I have is my Aunt Sarah who lives in a wonderful old farm house up in New Hampshire. She’s a recluse and kind of a town character, but I think she’s fabulous. I haven’t seen her in many years, though. Matt is the closest thing I have to family.
 
Can you remember something from your childhood which influences your behaviour? How do you think it influences you?
When I was little, I was playing in an abandoned house with a group of other kids. I got separated from them and ended up down in the basement alone. Another little girl appeared and I followed her, thinking she was showing me the way out. She wasn’t. She took me to a small room in the basement and as I watched in horror, she settled onto the hard dirt floor and then disappeared. I tried to tell my parents about it but they thought I was making it up. Years later, when the house was demolished to make room for condos, the construction crew found the body of a child buried in the basement. She had been murdered. After that incident, I learned not to talk to people about anything I saw or felt. I pushed it away.
 
Do you have any phobias? I don’t do snakes or spiders. This is a challenge since most of the places I work in haven’t been taken care of and are wild with both. This might sound weird, considering that I almost always work alone and in some pretty isolated and creepy locations, but I’m really afraid of the dark. I don’t like sleeping by myself either. I have awful nightmares nobody has ever been able to explain. My parents tried to drug me as a kid, thinking it was everything from depression to ADD, but nothing worked. I just can’t take the night.
 
Please give us an interesting and unusual fact about yourself. Well, right now the most interesting thing about me is that when I look through my camera I can see the past. This doesn’t happen everywhere I go, and I can’t control it, but it’s something that I don’t think will get old any time soon.

Tell Us About Your World

Please give us a little information about the world in which you live. Well, it’s the present time in my world. Still, I live most of my life in the past, at least figuratively. I’m constantly surrounded by old houses, outdated furniture, and remnants from yesterday. I like to look at a place and try to imagine what the people who once lived there felt, looked like, and loved. Sometimes, I get so engrossed in a job that it’s a culture shock to step back into the 21st century and see a McDonalds.
 
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. I am constantly amazed at how accepting the people I encounter are of the paranormal. I live in what’s known as the “Bible Belt” and not only are people seemingly okay with the fact that a place is haunted, they talk about ghosts as if they’re part of the family or community. I think this has to do with a strong sense of belief in the afterlife. I personally don’t follow any one spiritual path but I feel closer to a greater energy force when I’m outside, alone.
 
Do you travel in the course of your adventures? If so where? I’m always on the road. My job takes me all over the country. I’ve painted antebellum mansions in Mississippi, abandoned taverns in New York, and train stations in Massachusetts. I have an apartment in Nashville, but I’m hardly ever there. I live out of my car and suitcase. Most of my clients don’t have a ton of money so I can’t be extravagant when I travel. I consider a hotel with indoor corridors (you know, one where you can’t just drive your car right up to your door) to be the height of luxury.
 
Does your world have magic? If so how is it viewed in your world? When I first started seeing things in my camera I began looking around on the internet for some explanation. I was shocked to find out that there are so many communities for psychics, ghost hunters, and even vampires. Spending so much time thinking about the past, I’d forgotten how much things have changed and how magic is, in some ways, not only accepted now but encouraged. You can take classes these days to enhance your abilities! And then there are all the TV shows…I felt like I’d been living under a rock!
 
Does your world have any supernatural/mystical beings? Please tell us about some. My own personal world is dominated by ghosts. Not just as in dead people, but ghosts of the past. I see furniture, curtains, picture frames…It doesn’t happen everywhere I go, but if a place has held onto a memory for too long or there is some type of unfinished business then it seems I can pick up on that energy and the world around me transforms back to the time period it can’t let go of. The first time it happened, I thought it was a fluke. But now it’s happening more and more and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.


Book: Windwood Farm 
Author: Rebecca Patrick-Howard
Amazon link: http://tinyurl.com/m2mjyck 
Author website: www.rebeccaphoward.net
Book website: Taryn’s Camera

Author Interview Number Fifty – J. Woods

Welcome to J. Woods

Where are you from and where do you live now? I am from and currently live in Toronto, Canada

Please tell us a little about your writing – for example genre and title. Anything Romance! My first series was a paranormal romance and this new series I am currently writing is a contemporary romance series.

Where do you find inspiration? I can generally find inspiration anywhere, other books, movies, music, a stroll through the park – and I tend to have an overactive imagination which I guess works well for me ;)

Do you have a favourite character? If so why? I don’t think I could pick just one – I fall a little bit in love with all my characters but my favourites are when I write strong female roles, the take charge, bring it on heroines.

Do you have a character you dislike? If so why? I don’t think there are characters that I dislike per say – there are characters that I have written that reside on the side of evil and my keyboard definitely felt the brunt of those raging emotions.

Are your characters based on real people? I never base an entire character on one particular person – I tend to take specific traits from people and combine them into one person.

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 LOVE this aspect of creating a novel! I like to do a lot of research both before and during my writing – knowledge is power! My favourite resources, hmm… I’m big on documentaries and biographies! And I love to pick people’s brains; I ask a lot of questions.

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? Right now my books are only available in e-books and expanding into print definitely lies in the future.

Do you self-edit? If so why is that the case? Do you believe a book suffers without being professionally edited? I do not self edit – I have a wonderful editor who has to deal with all of my gibberish! I do think a book suffers without being professionally edited only because a writer will spend hours upon hours with their novel and when they have to go back to apply edits and refinements, for me at least, I get stuck in that tunnel vision. An editor provides a fresh set of eyes and that can truly be what makes or breaks a book.

Do you read work by self-published authors? I love reading self-published authors since I am one myself! I go through books like candy and self-published novels are a big part of the throng for me.

What experiences can a book provide that a movie or video game cannot? A book is so mental where a movie or a video game is more visual. With books, the reader has the ability to create the world as they see it, whether it was the way the author intended or not. They provoke imagination in a way that another form of entertainment can’t provide.

What three pieces of advice would you give to new writers? Keep writing, never give up, don’t get yourself down on bad reviews.

What are your best marketing/networking tips? What are your worst? The best marketing tip I received was just to keep writing, the more you write and put out there the more you are exposed!

Most authors like to read, what have you recently finished reading? Did you enjoy it? I LOVE to read – obsessed, probably my favourite thing to do. Recently, I read the latest in Bella Andre’s Sullivan series called Just To Be With You, which was fantastic and I am currently reading Brenna Aubrey’s At Any Turn which I am definitely enthralled in.

Can you name your favourite traditionally published author? And your favourite indie/self-published author? Oh I couldn’t pick just one! I read too many genres to pick one particular writer, but anyone that can give me a happy ever after story… well you’ll have me hooked!

Do you have any pets? I do! I have one wild cat whose name is Stitch J

Can you give us a silly fact about yourself? I can be a huge nerd. I love anything sci-fi – sit me in front of an Ancient Aliens marathon and you won’t see me for hours… possibly days.

Book links, website/blog and author links:

Gilded Feathers:

Amazon.com: Gilded Feathers (Gilded Feathers Series, book 1) eBook: J Woods: Kindle Store

Gilded Promise:

Gilded Promise (Gilded Feathers Series, book 3)

Savage Seduction:

Savage Seduction (A Savage Series Novel)

Here is my interview with Jack William Finley

eranamage:

An excellent interview with Jack Finley

Originally posted on authorsinterviews:

Name Jack William Finley





Age 46





Where are you from





Indianapolis Indiana-USA





A little about your self `i.e. your education Family life etc





I never know how to answer questions like these. I suspect I need an editor when answer such question as much as I ever do.





I grew up in the 70’s on a diet of Cop shows and war movies and House of Mystery, House of Secrets and Sgt Rock comics.




I spent my childhood pretending to be a soldier or a policeman. I suspect I started out something of an Arthurian Romantic. I’m not sure how well that served me. I did a poor job living up to my own standards and when at an older age when the reality clashed hard with my romantic visions of it my world became much darker, a lot more Horror fiction, more villains, more scars and more ghosts. I…

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Editor Interview Number Seven – Jillian Leigh

Hi, welcome to the Library of Erana and thank you for talking to us today.

Thanks for having me!

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Jillian Leigh. Like Batman, I have two identities: one is as an author of historical romance, the other is as an editor. Unlike Batman, I don’t wear a tight-fitting suit to fight crime. Instead, I get to fight word crimes in my pyjamas (sorry, bad joke, I know). I work with several publishers as a content and copy editor, as well as providing freelance editing and formatting services for indie authors.

Perhaps I should point out that I don’t actually work in my pyjamas—though I could if I wanted to. That’s the beauty of this job!

How did you get into this line of work?

Going through the process of being edited myself—and seeing editors at work—served as a catalyst for getting me started. I’m also an ex-English teacher and I’ve been writing, critiquing and judging contests for a long (long!) time. I’d always been interested in editing, but once upon a time, opportunities to have a career in publishing were rather limited. Fortunately, changes in the industry over the last decade have opened up things for editors as well as writers. I’ve been lucky enough to slide in sideways, so to speak.

Are there genres you refuse, if so why is that? Do you have any you love?

I never say never. If I turned something down, it would most likely be because of graphic physical or sexual violence, or because I found the content offensively discriminatory in some way. Thankfully, that situation hasn’t arisen yet. While I’m open to all genres, I do have my favorites, of course. I particularly enjoy all sub-genres of romance as well as erotica, women’s fiction, historical fiction, New Adult and Young Adult fiction. I think my understanding of romance makes me better suited to that genre as well.

Are you also a writer?  If so do you self-edit or do you use the services of another editor?

Yes, I’ve been writing for quite a while. My work goes through a publisher, but if I were to self-publish, I would definitely hire a freelance editor. Everyone needs another set of eyes on their work, because even the most careful and talented of writers still has ‘blind spots’—problem areas they don’t even know are a problem.

What are your opinions of self-edited work by authors?

Every writer has to do some editing—i.e. revising and redrafting in order to make the book stronger. It’s a pretty rare author who can whip up a first draft and call it a day. But I know you’re talking about authors who publish their books without having them professionally edited. I believe that authors who choose to do this are missing out on some major benefits:

Professional editing can save the author from embarrassing bloopers or needless typos (and the harsh reviews that often result from either);
It makes the book (and by extension, the author) look more professional;
It’s a valuable learning experience for any writer, new or experienced.

I understand that sometimes authors are reluctant to seek out an editor. One reason often cited for this is the cost involved. But I would argue that in this competitive environment, editing is more affordable than ever before, and there are ways to find funding for this purpose if money is tight. Another reason some writers forgo professional editing is that they’re afraid the editor will butcher their book. This is why getting a sample edit is so important. Authors should also remember that, whilst they are paying for the editor’s advice, they aren’t obliged to take it if they feel it interferes with their voice or style. Look at the issue behind the advice, and see if there’s another way to fix it—one that you feel comfortable with.

Have you ever refused a manuscript?

On a couple of occasions, I’ve turned down a copy editing job because I felt the manuscript needed more structural work first.

Have you ever had an author refuse your suggestions/changes? If so how did you deal with it?

Not that I’m aware of. But, as I said above, ultimately, it’s up to the author to decide what’s best for the book. I always tell authors that I’m happy to discuss the reasoning behind my suggestions. An author is more likely to agree with my suggestions if s/he understands the rationale behind them, agrees that there is an issue to fix and figures out the best way to fix it (whether that’s the way I suggest, or something even better).

Editors often receive a bad press in the writing community, what are your thoughts on this?

Yes, I’ve noticed this. We do get accused a fair bit of being frustrated writers on a power trip! I have to say, though, sometimes this distrust of editors is merited. I think we’ve all heard horror stories about the editor from hell who rewrote the book the way she wanted it, or who apparently couldn’t find one thing she didn’t want to change.

On the other hand, sometimes that distrust is founded on ignorance or inexperience. Some authors are surprised by the extent and scope of their edits, particularly if they’ve never been through the editing process before (e.g. through traditional publishing), they haven’t been exposed to intensive critique by others, and they haven’t yet learned to separate their product from themselves. (I don’t mean that to sound patronizing; it’s hard for any of us to separate our ego from our work. However, professional writers must do it to a certain extent if they’re going to survive in a harsh industry.) Receiving a lengthy editorial letter or mark-up on every page can be an uncomfortable, humbling experience for even the most confident of us, and especially if the author isn’t accustomed to receiving impartial feedback.

And, as if that isn’t enough, the relationship is further complicated by the fact that, except in rare circumstances, pretty much all communication is conducted long-distance. Take away body language and tone of voice, and what sounds matter-of-fact to one person might sound harsh to another. There’s an art to writing comments that are neither too long-winded nor too curt. I don’t know that any of us manage that 100% of the time.

Please could you tell us about the process involved with editing for, say, a 100k word Manuscript.

If I’m doing substantive (aka content) editing, the first thing I do is read the entire book a couple of times. At this point, I don’t do anything with the manuscript. I’ll jot down notes, but basically my role is that of a reader. After I’m familiar with the story, I’ll consider where, in my opinion, the book could be made stronger. Usually I’ll write a summary for the author with specific examples, and provide suggestions or alternatives to assist in fixing the issues I’ve raised. If the author agrees with my assessment, s/he goes ahead and revises as needed. After we’re both happy that the basic structure of the book is solid, I’ll look at things line by line—the logic of cause and effect/stimulus and response, sentence construction, word choice, POV violations, showing vs. telling, and whatever else crops up. All changes are tracked so that the author can accept or reject changes and see the comments I’ve made.

When I’m copy editing, I’ll read a portion of the manuscript to get a feel for how the author writes, but then I basically start at the beginning and go through it line by line. I make sure that the basics (spelling, punctuation, grammar) are correct, but I also check for clunky, overly long or repetitive sentences, I make sure that the right word is being used in the right place, and I do some basic fact-checking as well.

What is the difference between proof-reading and editing?

Proofreading, whilst its meaning has become more generalized over time, is essentially about checking for errors. Editing goes beyond that, to look at clarity, conciseness, and matters of style and technique.

Do you have a part of the process you really enjoy? Is there a part you don’t?

I must say this is the most enjoyable work I’ve ever done. Some manuscripts are harder work than others, but even the toughest one is still a lot easier to whip into shape than a hormonal teenager who hates writing essays!

Outside of your work as an editor do you read for pleasure? What genre do you enjoy the most?

I read a lot. I can’t imagine an editor (at least a fiction editor) not enjoying reading, not loving language and books and stories that take you out of yourself and into another world. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I particularly enjoy romance (contemporary, historical, erotic, NA). On the other hand, I also love an interesting biography, and I enjoy true crime, history and historical fiction as well.

If so do you find yourself editing the work as you go or are you able to “switch off?”

It really depends on how much there is to edit J. A few typos here and there don’t worry me too much. I’m more likely to be pulled out of the story by the constant misuse of words. When an author—who is a wordsmith by trade—can’t be bothered to choose the most exact word, or even one that makes sense, I have to wonder what they think writing is about! I must admit I also find it difficult sometimes to finish a book that is obviously someone’s first effort at writing and isn’t ready to be out there yet. That’s when I really wish the author had received some helpful feedback and advice, if not from a professional, then from a writing group or critique partner.

What advice would you give to someone starting out as an editor?

Be patient and start slowly. Don’t be disheartened if the world doesn’t come knocking on your door right away. As with authors, discoverability is one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face. Try to find some opportunities to get your name out there. Do your best work.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to self-edit?

Don’t.

OK, I realize that may not have been the most persuasive argument, and not particularly helpful advice. So, for anyone who wants to go it alone, here are some things you can do to prepare your book for publication:

 

After you’ve written the first draft, set it aside for a time and work on something else. Then come back to the manuscript, preferably after a month or more (you’ll have achieved a bit of mental and emotional distance from the book by this stage), and read it through. You’ll be amazed at how many things you see that need fixing.
Look at the book scene by scene. Is every scene pulling its weight? Does the book begin and end strongly? Is there rising tension? Are your characters’ goals significant enough? Are the conflicts, whether internal or external, serious and complex enough to sustain the plot? Could you eliminate or consolidate sub-plots/characters/scenes? Have you used the most effective point of view in each scene? Does the pacing vary throughout the book—quicker in scenes of action or tension, and slower in love scenes or moments of introspection? Have you ‘shown’ the story rather than ‘told’ it? Is your writing vivid, with strong verbs and specific adjectives?
Invest in one or both of these books: Getting the Words Right by Theodore Cheney and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King. Both are well worth buying for their in-depth advice.
Find some beta readers who enjoy your genre. Rather than inviting them to give their general impressions, ask them to answer specific questions about your book. Then use the information they give you to make further improvements.
Use some of the free online editing tools available. You can find some of them at http://editminion.com, https://www.autocrit.com, and  http://prowritingaid.com. They’re not infallible, and they do limit how much text you can have analysed at one time, but they will help you to see where you’ve overused words or used clichés.

Tell us a silly fact about yourself.

I have no spatial awareness or map-reading skills whatsoever. I can turn the map 360° and it still doesn’t help. My husband would actually rather ask for directions than rely on my navigation!

 

Please add any links to your blog/website etc.

Thanks for having me! If anyone is interested in getting touch with me, please visit http://firstlookforauthors.com or email me at info@firstlookforauthors.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fish, the Fighters and the Song-Girl – Review – Fantasy

The Fish, the Fighters and the Song-Girl – Janet and Chris Morris.

This is another great collection of stories from the Thieves’ World/Sacred Band of Stepsons mythos seamlessly woven into a larger tale of what starts out as a simple journey. However nothing is simple where the demigod Tempus and his band of fighters is concerned, at a whim of one god or other as they are.

Some of the stories recount previous adventures, cunningly sculpted as a training tool for the younger Stepsons, and some are new, reminding the reader of why this series and this world are so exquisitely crafted. There is humour, albeit dark, love in many forms, loyalty above and beyond the norm, and of course a good helping of heroes – mythic and mysterious, dangerous and deadly but heroes nonetheless.  These are heroes in the mould of Odysseus or Beowulf, and the tales bring the reader closer to our mythic past.

The action starts early and does not let up, even for a moment, and the reader is drawn into the tempestuous world of war and its aftermath and is not for the faint of heart. This is gritty and many-layered with characters real enough to stay with a reader for some time to come.

The Fish the Fighters and the Song-Girl (Sacred Band of Stepsons: Sacred Band Tales)

Helpful Online Writing Resources

eranamage:

Good post for writing resources.

Originally posted on Kelly's Adventures in Writing:

Hello again, Kelly here.  Well, not much to report yet on the writing front, so I thought I’d talk about some helpful writing resources I’ve used online in my years of learning about writing.  Some you may be aware of already, but some may be new to you.  So, here we go…




Online Mentors

- Holly Lisle

Hers is one of the first websites I found when I started learning about writing years ago.  She’s published many novels (Arhel trilogy, Cadence Drake series, among others) and has been a full-time author for years.  She is very passionate about writing and about helping others to succeed at writing.

I’ve purchased a few of her writing books (Create a Plot Clinic, Create A Character Clinic) and have found them very helpful.  She has other big writing courses (How to Think Sideways, How to Write a Series, How to…

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Character Interview Number Eighteen – Captain Robert James Benedict – Pirate

Tell Us About Yourself

Name (s): Captain Robert James Benedict

Age: (strokes graying, auburn beard) Forty, give or take a decade or so

Please tell us a little about yourself. I be the captain of the Mistral Thief. I’ve made me an honest fortune. (grins) It never seemed enough. (pauses) Now Eileen, that was a fiery lass to make into a fine pirate. It was Jas that was part o’ a longstandin’ debt ta be paid and irritatin’ at that. I threw him in tha brig and he carried on, shoutin’ and screamin’… for hours. (rolls eyes) Oh, did I mention he has a temper? More fierce than a tempest, and more quick ta appear. That boy is goin’ ta get himself in a heap o’ trouble one day. Will serve him right, if ye ask me.

Describe your appearance in 10 words or less. I be a ruggedly handsome pirate, er, gent that is.

Do you have a moral code? If so what is it? Moral code. (blank stare) By which ya mean, do I follow said laws? Only me own.

Would you kill for those you love? I’ve killed for less.

Would you die for those you love? Nearly did for one lass.

What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses? I be smart, cunning, a clever negotiator o’ sorts. Weakness, have I none.

Do you have any relationships you prize above others? Why? Tha only relationship I’ve had is with tha sea. Well, Eileen, but alas it was not meant ta be.

Do you like animals? Do you have any pets/animal companions? Waste o’ time if ya ask me. What use have I for an animal on me ship?

Do you have a family? Tell us about them. (groans) Aye. Tha whelp, Jas, is me descendant. (shakes his head) Tho’ at times, I’d call him more of a mistake than a man. Tha village idiot.

Can you remember something from your childhood which influences your behaviour? How do you think it influences you? Uh, somethin’ from me childhood? (beads of sweat form on his brow) Nay. Nothin’ of interest to ye. I was but a humble lad, makin’ me way an’ me fortune on tha Swallow. I ‘ventually … commandeered me own ship, the Mistral Thief.

Do you have any phobias? Nay, I fear nothin’.

Please give us an interesting and unusual fact about yourself. Interestin’? Such as when I freed tha air god to possess that boy’s body? (coughs) Ah, I jest! I did manage ta transform Jas inta a right true pirate. I thought Eileen had done well, but Jas… Hate ta admit it, but he took to it like a fish ta water. Took me years before I could captain me own ship. For Jas? Months. ‘course, he was a wee bit motivated, his wife ‘n son…well, ye know.

Tell Us About Your World

Please give us a little information about the world in which you live. (shrugs) I live on tha sea in a galleon ship, a right beaut. Black as tha night, swift as tha wind. She be tried and true, tha only woman I can trust save for… (clears throat)

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. I follow me own rules. Before Pete, I believed nothin’. Gods and goddesses? Never thought I’d see tha day… Changes nothin’.

Do you travel in the course of your adventures? If so where? Reveal me hideaways? I’d sooner kill ya than do that. Press tha issue and ye’ll be meetin’ Davy Jones personally.

Name and describe a food from your world. Grog, Rum. Any spirit will do.

Does your world have magic? If so how is it viewed in your world? Aye. Daria, Pete and tha soul trap. That be tha magic I’ve seen…and wish ta forget. Not many know it exists. Don’t much care that they do. Changes nothin’ fer me.

What form of politics is dominant in your world? (Democracy, Theocracy, Meritocracy, Monarchy, Kakistocracy etc.) Politics? (snorts) I be a pirate. Me word is tha only democracy needed aboard me ship.

Name a couple of myths and legends particular to your culture/people. A changeling, steals children, feeds on their souls. But I discovered, feeds on any human.

What is the technology level for your world/place of residence? What item would you not be able to live without? Technology? What be that? Does this haveta do with that ‘in her net’ or ‘he male’ Eileen was prattling on about?

Does your world have any supernatural/mystical beings? Please tell us about some. Listen hear, mate. I believe ye be repeatin’ yerself. Magic, gods and goddesses, myths and legends, I answered ye straight and true. Do ye doubt me word? No? Perhaps ye are an addlepate.

Author notes: Second on the Right is a fantasy novel which delves in the origin of Captain James Hook and his motivation to seek revenge on Peter Pan. All is not as it seems. This is not your typical J.M. Barrie Peter Pan. The novel is set to release on Barrie’s birthday, May 9th of 2014.

Book(s) in which this character appears plus links

Second on the Right

http://www.elizabethlos.com/book/

Author name

Elizabeth Los

Website/Blog/Author pages etc.

http://www.elizabethlos.com

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorELos

LA MIRADA, CALIFORNIA — Local author and cancer registrar Elizabeth Los of La Mirada, will debut her fantasy novel, Second on the Right, May 9, 2014.

“I was prompted to write ‘Second on the Right’ because the first time I read Peter Pan and watched the Disney movie I felt Captain Hook needed more to his back story than was revealed. Fans around me cheered for Peter Pan. I thought it odd, considering this young boy had, prior to the start of the story, cut off Hook’s hand and fed it to the crocodile. That was no action of an innocent boy. My mind began to weave a story for Hook, one where he originally was the good guy, a family man. Following the events of his first encounter with Pan, perhaps he had changed not only physically but mentally as well. And that is where we see the captain when J.M. Barrie’s story begins.”

Spawned from an ancient promise, treachery and intrigue follow the protagonists through our world and one lost to the waves. Bound by an invisible bond, they are thrust into a fantastical world of pirates and demons.

James Benedict is a just man haunted by evil. Pushed to the edge, everything stripped from him, a new man arises . . . a man whose name strikes fear into the hearts of all who hear it: “Captain Hook”.

Eileen Davis was a timid woman. Through a fateful cruise she finds herself in the company of the Captain of the Mistral Thief. With his guidance, and the meddling of the local barista, she eventually finds her inner strength.

Will the two of them unite through time to fulfill the promise of their ancestors or will tempers ignite leading all to failure?

Second on the Right is Elizabeth’s first novel that lives up to the high standard that J.M. Barrie began.

Elizabeth holds a degree in Cancer Information Management as well as General Management. She plays the piano for a local church, provides computer support for family, friends and work, cares for sick animals when the need arises and raises two children, all while working full-time. Elizabeth conducts author interviews and reviews books, films and albums on her blog, http://www.elizabeth.com, and founded “Genre Specific Review Group”, a Goodreads community group aimed at helping other indie authors.

Elizabeth is available for interviews and appearances. For booking presentations, media appearances, interviews and/or book-signings contact authorelizabethlos@gmail.com.

Author Interview Number Forty-Nine – Cas Peace – Blog Tour

Cas Peace joins us again to talk about her new release.

 

Please introduce yourself…

Hi, my name is Cas Peace, and I’m the author of the triple-trilogy high fantasy series, Artesans of Albia. Many thanks for inviting me onto your blog!

 

Please can you tell us where you are from?

I’m from the UK. I live in North Hampshire, in southern UK, about an hour south-west of London.

 

How long have you been a writer?

I began writing my fantasy series in 2001, and carried on writing while I tried to get the first book, King’s Envoy, accepted for publication. It wasn’t until 2010 that I had success with a publisher.

 

Are you promoting a particular book?

Yes, I am – three, in fact! I have now published the entire first Artesans trilogy, but I have also recently had to become a self-published author. Therefore, I am promoting all three books that make up this first trilogy. They are King’s Envoy, King’s Champion, and King’s Artesan.

 

What genre do you write in or do you write across the board?

My main focus is epic fantasy, but I also have a non-fiction book out there. Published in 2008, For the Love of Daisy is the life story of a beautiful, mischievous Dalmatian I used to own. She developed spinal problems and became disabled and the book documents the therapies and treatments we used to help her. It’s a book of hope.

 

Can you give us the plot, characters and theme of your story or if this is a poetry book, can you give us the feel of it?

The overall plot is that a mysterious Albian Baron is determined to rid the realms of anyone who possesses the Artesan gift. One of my main male characters, Taran, accidentally uncovers the beginning of this plot, and pays the price. The books follow Taran as he deals with the consequences of his actions, and thus introduces those who will oppose the Baron – Major Sullyan and the other members of the Albian military forces.

 

Where did the idea come from?

It came from a kid’s TV program that aired in the 1970s (I know, I’m showing my age!) The main character in the TV show was a magician who solved crimes, and the show was called Tarot, Ace of Wands. A tiny idea stuck in my mind, which was, if you were someone born with a certain power, but no knowledge of how to use it, what would you do? If there was no one else like you, who could you turn to? This germ of an idea stayed with me for 40 years until I finally got round to exploring it!

 

Did you have to do a lot of research for your latest work?

I have done some research into English medieval history, because that is the setting for my books. I also researched the details of sword-fighting. It was great fun!

 

Do you think your writing is improving the more you write?

Definitely. But the biggest influence on my writing style is my US editor. She constantly shows me how to tighten my writing, and where I tend to over-describe. I can fully recommend getting a professional editor if you can afford one!

 

Did you have any problems during the writing process of your latest work?

Not problems, exactly. There were a few scenes where I had to do some more research, and there were others I felt reluctant to write, mainly because I didn’t feel I was informed enough to make them credible. But other than that, the story flowed very freely.

 

What is it about writing that you enjoy so much?

I love becoming so absorbed in what I’m doing that I forget what’s going on around me. I often forget to eat, and my two dogs have to come and nudge me when it’s time for their walk! I also love creating new worlds, and experiencing the thrill of having a complete stranger connects strongly to my work. It’s a wonderful and humbling feeling.

 

How much planning goes into a book?  Do you spend a long time planning or do you just start writing and see where it leads you?

I’m not a planner, not with fiction, anyway. I begin with an idea, and as I think about it, I usually end up with a beginning, middle, and an end. That’s as far as I go before I start writing. I like my characters to take me over and dictate what has to happen. As their natures develop, and they have experiences, so my writing and plot develop too.

 

Do your fans encourage you to keep writing and do they give you ideas?

I certainly have fans who keep asking for the next book in the series! I find that really exciting. I can’t say any have given me ideas, but that’s probably because they know all nine novels have already been written.

 

What is your experience of the Publishing industry?

Pretty positive, for someone who recently lost their publisher! When I began submitting, I knew nothing about publishing. I learned as I went on, and I was fortunate to receive much personal and encouraging feedback from agents and publishers. When I finally got an offer from indie publisher Rhemalda Publishing, I knew a little more about what I was doing. I learned still more from Rhemalda, about the actual process of publishing and about marketing, so when they were recently sadly forced to close their doors, I felt able to take on the mantle of a self-published author.

 

Have you had some good reviews for your book?

I’m thrilled to say that all of my reviews so far have been positive. I have a range of 5, 4, and 3 stars, which I’m very pleased with. Some have been glowing – one reviewer even said my series was “better than A Game of Thrones”!I was elated by that one, I can tell you!

 

If you couldn’t be a writer what would you do instead?

I am actually a qualified horse-riding instructor, and I have a deep love of horses, so I could go back to that, I suppose. But if I’d known about it when I left school, I might well have trained as an archaeologist. I’m fascinated by ruins and ancient sites.

 

Your favourite Author is…

That’s a tricky one. It’s a toss-up between JRR Tolkien, Stephen Donaldson, and Anne McCaffrey. Don’t make me pick one!

 

Have you got a book trailer?

There’s a series trailer, here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ORbCO_wGI

 

What do you do to wind down?

I have two dogs, so walking and playing with them helps me unwind. I also love gardening, and I grow cacti, so looking after my plants is fun. My husband owns a 35′ sailing yacht, and although I’m no great sailor, and sometimes get seasick, a sunny day on the waves is a pleasant way to spend a day. That, or visiting with family.

 

Do you belong to a friendly writers group and does it help?

I don’t actually belong to a writers’ group, although I have given talks to a local one. But I am still in touch with some of my fellow ex-Rhemalda authors, and we often help each other. I think writers’ groups are very valuable.

 

What is your experience of editing and polishing your manuscripts?

Being a freelance editor myself, I do as much as I can to make my work polished and error free. Yet I believe that no writer can effectively edit their own work – we are all too close to it. I use the same editor I had at Rhemalda – she is thankfully available as a freelance. She keeps the editing of my books consistent, and frequently amazes me by what she finds in my thousand-times checked manuscript!

 

Any tips for all our budding authors out there wondering how to get started?

The best tip I can give is to write! You can plan, and research, and write notes, and make character profiles as much as you like, but you can’t call yourself a writer until you actually write. And when you do write, write with passion, emotion. Write from the heart. Above all – enjoy it!

 

Link city – as many as you need to guide us round your internet trail…

Website: http://www.caspeace.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cas.peace

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CasPeace1

Original Songs: http://www.caspeace.com/downloads/songs

 

 

Friend against friend, lover against lover, ally against ally.

 

Conflict is coming …



Nine months have passed since Brynne Sullyan helped forge an alliance between the realms of Albia and Andaryon. A fragile peace reigns as both sides recover from the events of the previous year. Then mysterious raiders strike Andaryon villages. Attempts are made on the life of Albia’s High King. As Sullyan scrambles to find those responsible, unseen enemies threaten to pull apart everything she has worked for, including her marriage.





To betray either one would break her heart, but if conflict is inevitable, she must make a choice …

The alliance begins to crumble, and Sullyan finds herself caught between two monarchs: the king she’s sworn allegiance to, and the man she loves as a father. 

Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.com | Amazon.com  

Series Synopsis:
On a foolhardy foray into a foreign realm, Taran Elijah is attacked by a terrible weapon known as the Staff. Killing its wielder, he escapes into Albia, inadvertantly carrying the Staff.

Concerned by the vicious raids that follow Taran’s actions, Major Sullyan of the High King’s forces crosses into Andaryon to seek diplomatic resolution to the crisis. She is captured and tortured by Lord Rykan, aspirant to the Andaryon throne.

Slowly dying, Sullyan escapes his clutches. She offers her skills to the Hierarch in defense of his throne, finally confronting Rykan on the field of battle. Her handsome Captain and lover, Robin Tamsen, embarks on a desperate quest to recover the Staff. But Rykan’s greedy General, Sonten, is two steps ahead of him.

If Robin cannot lay hold of the weapon before Sonten does, Sullyan’s life and the lives of all Artesans are forfeit.





The race for the Staff has begun.


Review Quotes:

“Cas Peace has a most beguiling method of pulling you into this very well thought out world she has created. You simply fall in love with her characters, and then you cannot put the book down.” -P C Dodge, Amazon Reviewer.
“If you enjoy being whisked away to the realm of fantasy, I strongly suggest this unique, special read! Hands down, one of the best fantasy series I have ever read!” -Ashley L. Knight, author of FALWYN


“I have just loved this entire series. Cas Peace is a master storyteller, providing a depth and breadth of information about her worlds and their people that is just staggering. Her characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and I have very much enjoyed reading this series. I am also looking forward with great anticipation to her next novel in this series. I heartily recommend this series to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy, strong world-building and beautiful storytelling. Highly recommended!” -K. Sozaeva, Amazon Vine Voice and Top 1000 Reviewer.



Cas Peace’s Artesans of Albia trilogy immediately sweeps you away:  the drama starts with King’s Envoy, continues unabated in  King’s Champion , and climaxes in  King’s Artesan , yet each volume is complete, satisfying.  The Artesan series propels you into a world so deftly written that you see, feel, touch, and even smell each twist and turn. These nesting novels are evocative, hauntingly real.  Smart.  Powerful.  Compelling.  The trilogy teems with finely drawn characters, heroes and villains and societies worth knowing; with stories so organic and yet iconic you know you’ve found another home—in Albia.



Now there’s a fourth book on Albia’s horizon:   The Challenge , also Book One in Peace’s forthcoming sub-series, the Circle of Conspiracy trilogy, proof of more Albian tales on the way.  So start reading now.  I, for one, can’t wait to find out what will happen next. -Janet Morris:  The Sacred Band of Stepsons ; the Dream Dancer series; I, the Sun; Outpassage

 

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can.



 Cas’s other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing.





 Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.

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Book Review – Invisible Romans

Invisible Romans: Prostitutes, outlaws, slaves, gladiators, ordinary men and women … the Romans that history forgot – Review.

An interesting book dealing with the little known aspects of Roman society as most sources deal with the elite – largely because the elite and those who write for and about them left far more sources from which to work. Most of the sources used here are from funerary or fiction accounts, such as Golden Ass or the graves of slaves and other poor workers. The Elite had the means to leave us better records, the poor folk did not.

It was nice to see someone speaking up for the ‘Invisibles’ in this society – such as slaves/freedmen, women, the poor and the more common soldier or gladiators and mostly the topics were dealt with in some detail, sources were referenced and the authors arguments were coherent.

However, the chapter on outlaws and pirates was a bit vague and I am not sure was needed, although the authors comments about ‘otherlaw’ vs ‘outlaw’ and the bandits not wanting to actually change the ruling elite just simply not be subject to its laws were interesting. There were also quite a few generalisations and the bible was quoted and used as source material, which I am not sure really worked for me. Although some of it may be reasonably contemporary I felt it was used too much as a valid source.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Invisible-Romans-Prostitutes-gladiators-ordinary-ebook/dp/B0054461MI

Writing Blind …

eranamage:

Victoria Zigler was kind enough to be interviewed in my posts about the challenges facing blind authors and readers. Here she is once again, discussing her books and the challenges she faces.

Originally posted on Words On A Limb:

We asked author Victoria Zigler, to share with us her experiences as a writer and voracious reader. Here is her story.

My name is Victoria Zigler, I’m twenty-nine years old, and I’m a self-published author of children’s books and poetry.  I also just happen to be completely blind.

I was born with Glaucoma, which robbed me of the sight in my left eye at some point during my childhood, and later robbed me of the sight in my right eye.  I don’t know exactly when my left eye stopped being useful, but I can tell you that I had the eye out shortly before my sixteenth birthday, because by that time all I could see with it was light and the light caused me severe pain.  Seven years later there was a drastic change in what I could see in my right eye, and eight months after that, a few…

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