Liss Thomas's Blog: Mingling Myths and Monsters with Mortals, page 6
August 30, 2013
Meet Jeffrey Blount - Author Interview
Enjoy our interview with Jeffrey Blount, Author of
‘Hating Heidi Foster’
Where is the weirdest place you found inspiration?
A rest stop on I-95 just before the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
Who is your favorite character from one of your novels?
Mae McBride from Hating Heidi Foster
If you had a super power, what would it be?
The power to heal all types of sickness and disease through touch.
Self-publish or traditional? Why? My latest book is self-published and I am very happy with how the entire process has worked out. I loved being a part of the cover design and being in charge of the marketing process. However, I do recognize that while things are changing, the traditional path still has the better infrastructure to reach greater audiences and to access traditional media faster. But put simply, as a writer, I want to write and share my work. I would accept and work within either method.
What is your favorite mythical creature?
Dragon
What do you do when you need a spark of creativity?
Listen to music that I feel fits the mood of what I’m writing.
What time of day is best for your writing?
Morning is best in terms of my schedule, but I prefer working late at night.
If you have a spouse/partner, do they read your work? How do they react?
My wife does not read my work until it’s ready to be published.
Star Wars or Star Trek….or both?
Both for sure! But only the original three episodes of Star Wars.
What is your current WIP?
I have two ideas for my next book. I’m plotting them both and then I’ll pick what feels right. But being a little superstitious, I prefer to keep the particulars to myself.
CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR BELOW!
Website: www.jeffreyblount.com
Twitter: @JEBlount
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeffrey-Blount-Author/380638695345248
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Meet Jeffrey Blount - Author Interview
August 28, 2013
Legacy of a Dreamer - Book Hook
Chantal Breelan is a ward of the state, living under the care of a woman who is cold and heartless. Her past is a mystery, and her future is even more uncertain. She can’t recall why she had been taken from her parents and so she’s left with nothing but an empty hole where her childhood should have been. When she awakens from her nightmares, she’s left with terrible, violent images, as well as a boy whose face is oddly familiar, yet can’t be placed.
Scared and alone, Chantal begins to confide in an imaginary friend – a shadow in the shape of a man who stands in the corner of her room. She is comforted when she believes he listens to her. On her eighteenth birthday, Chantal is forced to leave her foster home. She moves to New York City, but the start of her new life doesn’t begin as smoothly as she’d hoped. One night at a subway station, Chantal meets a young boy who runs away from her, and she’s compelled to follow him down into the tunnels. But this Rabbit Hole reveals a world where reality is a nightmare.
Want more??? Check out the trailer below!
EXCERPT from
The creature lunged at the gray-skinned man, thrusting his blade toward his bare torso. The man spun, melting into the darkness, becoming part of the shadow again. He reappeared behind the creature, yielding a blade of his own.
They fought ferociously as Chantal sat frozen on her bed. Each had the ability to move like lightning; each could disappear into the darkness.
“She will die, Warrior, no matter how many you send to protect her,” the creature said, spitting his dark venom onto the floor as he whipped around in attempt to slice at the man’s lower torso.
“Not by your hand, and not while I’m still around,” the gray man said, hacking his blade through the air and just missing the creature’s melon-shaped head.
“You protect her in vain,” it said, landing a punch to the man’s flank.
“She’s survived this long,” the gray man said, plunging his blade deep into the creature’s abdomen. It sputtered, spraying black liquid onto the floor. “And she will survive tonight, just like I said she would.”
He twisted the blade, causing the creature let out a gurgled cry, and a torrent of fluid poured from the creature’s terrible mouth, leaving a puddle on the floor. The thing melted in front of her, joining the filth on the floor. Once the creature had dissolved, the remains sizzled like acid and then disappeared.
The man stood, his blade held out at an angle, the length of it covered in black ooze. His eyes were vacant, his mouth moving as if in prayer. Chantal watched him, horrified and amazed at the same time.
“Nick?” she said. He glanced up and captured her with his angelic eyes.
“You know, I’ve always wondered why you call me that.”
Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales. Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved
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Legacy of a Dreamer - Book Hook
August 26, 2013
Blackout - Chapter 27 - Beyond Pacifica
Photo credit: thelearnedfoot_ / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
Delphina sat on a small bed with Pedro in her arms. He no longer cried but she almost felt his fear as he clung to her. They sat in silence with a soft sniffle or two coming from Pedro. Del watched the door of the cabin, her gun under the pillow and loaded just in case. They heard footsteps above them. Pedro tightened his grip on Del’s neck and shivered. She rubbed his back and whispered reassurance to him.
The door creaked open to reveal Kyran. Del blew out a long sigh as relief washed over her. She felt Pedro relax in her arms. He yawned and closed his eyes, exhausted from the ordeal. Del retrieved her gun and tucked Pedro into bed. They checked his room and the rest of the ship thoroughly to make sure there were no more stowaways. Satisfied they went on deck.
The pounding rain had turned to drizzle and the sea rocked the boat like a cradle. The boat moved north at cruising speed without the engines. No doubt their ‘friend’ had returned to lend them a hand. Kyran pulled Del into his arms, his grip strong and firm.
“I’m fine, Kyran.”
“I know. Just the thought of him hurting you or the boy sent me over the edge. He had no idea who he was dealing with. But he’s gone now. Next stop California. San Jose was it?” he asked.
“No. I think we should go to San Francisco instead. There’s a doctor there, Doctor Ian Harroll who developed a treatment for reducing the symptoms of autism. We owe Pedro that much,” Del said. Kyran pulled her face up to his and stared, a question in his aqua blue eyes. Delphina smiled. “I can’t leave. I can’t picture myself without you now. I’ve decided not to go back.”
“Are you sure, Del?” Kyran asked.
“Yes, more than sure,” Del said as she walked to the boat rail and looked out over the waves. Light shone like slivers through the clouded sky. As the day dawned she realized her old life wasn’t much of a life at all. She worked all the time, avoided her father and the responsibilities he wanted her to assume. She hadn’t really lived. Now, with Kyran, she realized what had been missing; love. She had no intention of letting that go. She looked back at Kyran, who sat on a bench. He gave her a mischievous smile and patted the bench beside him.
Del laughed and walked toward him, her reason for staying, the one who put breath in her lungs. She almost reached him when her vision dimmed. Del slowed as a strangeness swept over her. The earth seemed to tilt just as her eyes rolled back and everything went black.
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Blackout - Chapter 27 - Beyond Pacifica
August 24, 2013
Programming Changes
I have a few programming changes for a while. I normally submit a new chapter for Beyond Pacifica on Mondays and Thursdays. I will only update the online serial on Mondays until further notice. Don’t worry, I have the entire story in my head so it will be completed.
I also have a few guest post lined up also.
My regular schedule should be back to normal by mid October.
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Programming Changes
August 20, 2013
Author Interview - Meet Allie Jean
I love the answers I get from the questions below! Allie Jean, Author of Legacy of a Dreamer answers my quirky questions below.
Enjoy the funtastic Interview!
Where is the weirdest place you found inspiration?
For the Dreamer series I actually found inspiration in a lot of the dreams I myself had as a child. There was also a shadow in my room when I was younger that looked like a man, just like in my book. But I didn’t talk to it or anything. It scared the poop outta me. LOL.
Who is your favorite character from one of your novels?
This is sooo hard! I love my female lead, Chantal. She is so strong and takes everything thrown at her with such grace and dignity. She learns so much about herself in the process and has such strength.
If you have a spouse/partner, do they read your work? How do they react?
My hubby doesn’t read much but he did read my book. Funny thing, I kept my writing to myself for many years, using it as just an outlet. He didn’t know that I’d entered my book into a competition for a publishing contract until I was a finalist. Wish I would’ve captured his expression on film. He was shocked!
What is your favorite mythical creature?
I’m going to go with Angels, even though I don’t think they qualify because I believe they exist. LOL.
Wind up and short Pitch your book to the audience.
My series is about a trouble young woman who has been given the short end of the stick where her life is concerned, yet she tries to make the best out the cards dealt to her. Despite the fact that Chantal suffers from night terrors, or nightmares, she is strong and determination to make the most out of her life. She believes her dreams are just the work of her overactive imagination, until one of the monsters comes for her in the night. From then on, Chantal learns of her true identity, her legacy, and picks up her birthright to fight for herself and other like her.
What is your current WIP?
Book #2 in the Dreamer series is slated to be released October 3rd. I’m actually working on a short story involving those characters as a companion to the novels.
What do you do when you need a spark of creativity?
I don’t need much, honestly. My mind is constantly creating tales. It’s always been that way. A movie, another book, my kids and their banter… Whatever, and my mind creates the back story, the happily ever after, everything in between.
In your current novel, who would play the leads if Hollywood came calling?
Oh lord… My sister has a whole cast list for my characters. She is so funny like that. I think she likes Liam Hemsworth as Mathias, my male lead.
Star Wars or Star Trek….or both? Definitely both. I’m a Next Generation girl, though. Kirk never did it for me.
What habit do you have that annoys those around you most? The fact that I have my laptop in front of me, can carry on a conversation, yet be writing at the same time. It’s funny, but I can see how annoying it would be as well.
Allie Jean was born with an overactive imagination. She spent her childhood inventing stories and telling tales.
Her mind never shut down, even while she slept. Vivid dreams containing extensive, elaborate plot lines of good overcoming evil villains captured her nightly visions, lingering into her waking hours and filling the pages of her well-loved bounded diaries. She was encouraged by her parents, even at a young age, to write down her tales, and it has remained a somewhat secret hobby. As a busy wife, mother and critical care nurse, Allie’s love of storytelling has been reborn through the adventures of her unforgettable characters.
Connect with the Author!
Website: http://www.theromancereviews.com/
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Author Interview - Meet Allie Jean
August 19, 2013
Payback - Chapter 26 - Beyond Pacifica
Kyran shielded Del behind him as he faced the captain in the pouring rain. His eyes shifted between the struggling boy and the man holding a gun to his head. His brain ran through dozens of ways to end the stand off but none of them ended well. He needed to get Pedro out of harm’s way before he could take down Velasquez.
Pedro twisted, pulled and jerked his arm trying to free himself. He wailed and cried as he struggled. For a split second, he locked eyes with Kyran, his eyes pleading for help.
“He’s just a kid! Let him go!” Del shouted. She took a step forward but Kyran held fast to her arm. Pedro reached for her but Velasquez jerked him back.
“You ruined my life!” Velasquez turned the gun on Delphina. “Maybe I make you and the kid pay. Maybe I make you all pay!”
Kyran kept his eyes on Velasquez as he shifted the gun from Pedro to Delphina and back again. He watched the captain’s white knuckled grip, his finger fixed on the trigger. Kyran needed one second, one mistake. Pedro stomped and kicked at the captain. He swung his arm in desperation but Velasquez blocked with the gun and hit the boy across the temple with it sending him to the ground. Pedro tried crawling away, his arm reaching toward Del but he didn’t get far. Velasquez placed a heavy foot on the boy’s back to keep him close. He reached down to grab the boy and Kyran saw his chance.
Kyran released Del and rushed forward. Sparkles engulfed Kyran’s body as he moved toward the captain. The man raised his gun but a strong ripple of energy tore the gun from his hands. Kyran’s body changed and morphed to that of a great white shark launched through the air. His teeth flashed white in the rain. Captain Velasquez’s eyes grew wide in shock before the teeth of the great white snapped around him, pushing him overboard into the churning sea below.
Kyran pulled Velasquez below the water’s surface. He released his hold and turned to face the man. Other sharks began to circle the captain, two great whites and a tiger shark. They bumped at the man as he clawed upward but to no avail. Kyran gave the briefest of nods before he swam toward the surface leaving the sharks to their meal.
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Payback - Chapter 26 - Beyond Pacifica
August 18, 2013
Character Interview - Antagonist, Anukhan
The Antagonist of ‘Finding Monsters’ agreed to an interview a little to quickly. I have taken special precautions in dealing with this interview. I apologize for not getting a picture.
INTERVIEW
Author: Please state your name.
Anukhan: Anukhan
Author: What is your age, please?
Anukhan: It is of no matter to you, human
Author: Ok. Do you have a favorite food?
Anukhan: I enjoy feasting on the less fortunate
Author: You don’t scare me, Anukhan. You agreed to this interview, please answer the questions. Do you have any siblings?
Anukhan: I used to have a brother but he was killed by my own hand.
Author: No doubt. Are you a morning person?
Anukhan: Yes. I do my best thinking in the morning.
Author: What are your hobbies?
Anukhan: Let’s see. Is plotting revenge a hobby? If so I do it often.
Author: Who do you have a grudge against?
Anukhan: Why should I tell you?
Author: I’m sure you’re not afraid to tell me. What could I do anyway?
Anukhan: I’m sure you know there is bad blood between the Bullclan and myself.
Author: I heard it mentioned.
Anukhan: There you have it.
Author: Do you have a dark secret or at least darker than the one eluded to prior?
Anukhan: I have many secrets, the darker the better. Perhaps I should demonstrate. *Attempts to grab Author. Hand glides through without touching* You are a reflection!
Author: I thought it wise to deal with you in this form, courtesy of a few monster friends of mine.
Anukhan: You are a coward
Author: I am cautious and with reason.
Anukhan: You may be safe for now
Author: I’ll take my chances. Final question, Anukhan. What annoying habit do you have that drives others crazy?
Anukhan: I have an annoying habit of getting what I want. You are fortunate. I have no interest in you for now.
Author: Indeed. Thank you for your time, Anukhan
Anukhan: Perhaps the next time we meet, it will be in person *wicked smile*
Author: I don’t think so . . . *dissolves away*
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Character Interview - Antagonist, Anukhan
August 17, 2013
Character Interview - Intense Interview with Saal
Author: Please state your name.
Saal: Saal
Author: What is your age?
Saal: 28
Author: What is your favorite food?
Saal: Raw meat, any raw meat
Author: *Swallows and clears throat* Do you have any siblings?
Saal: I have a sister named Paloma
Author: Are you a morning person?
Saal: No. Be thankful your interview was in the evening, human, or I would have declined.
Author: Do you have any hobbies?
Saal: No
Author: What do you do when you are not serving the head of your clan?
Saal: I am always working for Anukhan. There are no off days.
Author: Sounds exhausting. I don’t suppose you listen to music?
Saal: No, it alerts prey to my presence. I like it as quiet as possible
Author: I suppose you don’t read for entertainment either so instead I’ll ask, what prey is your favorite to hunt?
Saal: *smiles* I enjoy hunting any large game. The Bullclan are easier to hunt than you would think but reptiles are the hardest to hunt without becoming a meal in the process.
Author: You…hunt bulls?
Saal: Not as a meal but for other uses
Author: Do you have a dark secret or is that it?
Saal: It used to be a secret but no longer. Were you the one who revealed it? *cracks knuckles and scowls*
Author: Me? I’m just a human. Moving on, what is your greatest strength?
Saal: I am very loyal to my clan and right causes
Author: If you had a superpower (or another one) what would it be?
Saal: I don’t need a superpower, I’m a Jackal. My strength alone is a superpower to you, human
Author: Final question, Saal. What annoying habit do you have that drives others crazy?
Saal: I have no annoying habits that anyone would be willing to tell me
Author: I believe you, thank you for your time today. I really enjoyed our conversation and I wish you all the best in the monster realm.
Saal: *Nods and leaves*
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Character Interview - Intense Interview with Saal
August 16, 2013
Character Interview - Meet Atian
INTERVIEW WITH A CHARACTER
INTERVIEW
Author: Please state your name.
Atian: Atian.
Author: What is your age?
Atian: 45 by human years. Did you ask Sophie her age?
Author: No, I thought it wise not to.
Atian: Wise indeed!
Author: What is your favorite food?
Atian: I’m a meat eater but I’ve had a few foods in the human realm and I can’t get enough of potato chips
Author: It’s one of my nemesis too. Do you have any siblings?
Atian: No.
Author: Are you a morning person?
Atian: I can’t say I’m a morning person but I do what I have to
Author: What are your hobbies?
Atian: I don’t have a hobby
Author: There’s nothing you enjoy doing when you’re not running the clan?
Atian: Let’s just say I enjoy doing nothing when I have a little down time
Author: I can relate to that!
Author: What do you like to read?
Atian: Mostly I read legal documents. In my spare time, I would rather read war history
Author: I’ve asked this of each of your family members and I feel I should ask you as well but don’t feel obligated to answer. Do you have a dark secret?
Atian: Yes
Author: Thank you for your honesty. Moving on. What is your greatest strength?
Atian: Putting the welfare of others above myself or even above government. Everyone deserves to be treated fairly. Our council does not always agree. I hope I remain king so I can make sure our clan continues to do what is right
Author: I certainly hope so for your clan’s sake. If you had a superpower (or another one) what would it be?
Atian: I wish I could tell when someone is lying.
Author: Final question, Sir. What annoying habit do you have that drives others crazy?
Atian: *Genuine laugh* Sophie says I’m a hothead when it comes to my children. *glazes over for a few seconds before refocusing. He smiles* She said it’s not really annoying. I’m sure I have more annoying habits but we’ll leave it at that one.
Author: Excellent! Thank you, Sir, for taking time to meet with me today. I have genuinely enjoyed our conversation. I hope all the best for your family.
Atian: Thank you, Liss, I enjoyed it as well
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August 15, 2013
Character Interview - Meet Sophie
Charlie’s mother, Sophie has agreed to a rare interview.
INTERVIEW
Author: Please state your name.
Sophie: Sophie Russo.
Author: Sounds Italian.
Sophie: *smiles without answering*
Author: I am not going to ask you your age like I did the others.
Sophie: I appreciate that!
Author: What is your favorite food?
Sophie: I enjoy whatever Dredge prepares from the cooking fires. He’s so talented.
Author: I’d love to give it a try someday.
Sophie: I brought you a small sample of his sweet bread. Everyone should try it
Author: *takes bite* This is fantastic! I guess I can’t get a recipe?
Sophie: I think not! *smiling*
Author: Do you have any siblings?
Sophie: *hesitates*. I have a sister but let’s move on
Author: Yes, of course. Are you a morning person?
Sophie: Yes. The sunrise here in our world is breathtaking. It would be a shame to miss it.
Author: What are your hobbies?
Sophie: I enjoy sewing. Since Missy came to us, I have had more reasons to sew and I love it! She is my favorite customer
Author: So what type of music to you like?
Sophie: I’m not as much a music lover as I am of natural sounds. Water falling, wind blowing. Natural is my favorite magician
Author: What do you like to read?
Sophie: I’m a hopeless romantic but I enjoy thrillers as well
Author: Do you have a dark secret?
Sophie: *Looks nervous* I think I’d rather not answer that question
Author: I’m sorry. I have only a few more questions. What is your greatest strength?
Sophie: I would like to say it’s my compassion but other think it’s my greatest weakness.
Author: I think they would be wrong. If you had a superpower (or another one) what would it be?
Sophie: *laughs richly* I think if I could magically keep my family safe, that would be the greatest superpower any mother could wish for.
Author: Final question, Sophie. What annoying habit do you have that drives others crazy?
Sophie: I keep my cool under pressure. Atian tends to explode before calming down. I tend to stay cool until the circumstance dictates more action.
Author: Thank you, Sophie, for taking time out from your busy life to meet with me today. I wish you all the best with you and your family
Sophie: Thank you!
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Mingling Myths and Monsters with Mortals
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