Isis Sousa's Blog: Tragic Books' news, page 9

Smashwords page & interview

I started a page for me on Smashwords last evening - and also added my book The XIIIth hour at Duskland there for sale.

You can check my author page on Smashwords HERE: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/vi...

And you can read the interview HERE: https://www.smashwords.com/interview/...

Are you on Smashwords too? Feel free to share your link here with me! :)

Back again and catching up with GoodReads

After the horrible sight problems, my vision is back to normal and I will now catch up with the messages and activities on GoodReads!

I am also finishing some of the pending reviews I have on my list! :)

Must share the great news that now I am handling my short story anthology over to a professional editor in England. The full anthology "Stories of Duskland" is coming in March, 2014.

Delayed messages and book reviews

Dear friends on GoodReads, besides I have been very busy the last month and had little time to reply your messages or conclude some book reviews, I also got a sight problem.

I've been with foto-phobia (intolerance to light), and fatigued eyes. Therefore i have been avoiding computer and other screens.

As soon as I recover I will conclude the ongoing reviews and feedback you! :)

The XIIIth Hour at Duskland - FREE on Kindle Store only this 24th and 25th September!

Download your free copy of The XIIIth hour at Duskland
- A Dark Fantasy short story, introduction to the upcoming anthology "Stories of Duskland".



on Kindle Store/Amazon!

Only this 24th and 25th September!

Click on this link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7P2HVE

Interview With Marilena Mexi + book review

Marilena Mexi is a Fantasy Illustrator and author friend of mine and has recently published her third novel, Deerward.

I prepared an interview with her, which you see here, followed by a book review:

What was the main difference on the process of illustrating Antara and Ninemia and your latest Novel Deerward? Which one was most difficult and why?

The most difficult part was when I was working on Antara's illustrations, because it was going to be an illustrated novel. So, I had to devote much more time for this book compared to Deerward. That one had no interior illustrations, and the story was more clear in my head. Overall, Deerward took me around 3 months, while Antara took me around 2 years.

Why did you decide to make Deerward a non-illustrated work? Do you plan to make more illustrated books in the future?

I'd love to make Deerward an illustrated novel too, but then it would it be even more difficult for me to find an agent, since no one accepts illustrated adult fantasy novels. Therefore, unfortunately my next books won't be illustrated either.

Did the experience of publishing your third novel work change something within you? Do you see yourself as more experienced, for example?

I don't feel too experienced yet; maybe that's because of the fact that I was forced to self-publish my third book again, so I don't think that procedure taught me something more than I already knew.

Why do you write YA/New Adult works? Which other genres do you like and plan to write?

In general I prefer fantasy themes, so I'd like to focus on that. I write new/young adult because the hero/main character's age is a bit restraining, so the character's age plays a key role in defining the book's category.

Where do you take inspiration for the names of your characters? Why do you think it is important to give them a unique/proper name?

I give names that would fit to the personality of the characters. I spent a lot of time in searching names for both novels; I think that plays an important role in the overall mood of the story, and adds an extra layer of interest.

Do you see any difference in the publishing market from the time you published your first novel and today?

I think that the trend leans toward to sci-fi more nowadays, but I believe that classic fantasy will make a comeback in a few years.

Can you tell us about your current writings? Are you already writing your next book or scribbling new ideas for future novels?

I was going to start a new fantasy novel last summer, but that got delayed due to personal issues and a lack of inspiration. I found out that the "winter" mood is much more inspiring for me and I tend to be more creative during the winter, so I hope I'll start the new novel this winter.

Any message you would like to communicate to your readers?

I'm going to sound a bit cliché, but I'd like to encourage everyone to keep on dreaming and pursue their dreams, no matter how distant or impossible they may seem.

* * *

BOOK REVIEW - DEERWARD

5 out of 5 stars!

I have read Marilena’s first book, Antara and I immediately realized she was a natural born storyteller. Marilena writes from the heart and it reflects in the way she builds her characters.

In her third book, Deerward, I noticed her writing skills are sharper than ever: her characters have very distinct personalities and back-stories, her scenarios are more complex and her plot full of surprises in a fast tempo.

Deerward is not one story, but many. It tells of the hero’s home and birthplace, the story of his life, of his one great love, of different battles against evil, and last: his legacy.

Deerward is a great read for those who like dragons, magic and other epic elements. It is also very exciting, full of action, adventure, love and even twists of sorrow. Alcander, the main character, is good, brave, curious and has a tough decision to make by the end of the book, which is also my favorite part as it reveals more of his personality and internal values.

This is an original story, great for bedtime for those who have a warrior soul… And for those who love a classic epic read!

Art Collab – Artistic Collaboration in the Digital Era - coming this Fall!

“Art Collab – Artistic Collaboration in the Digital Era” is an experimental Art Book unlike any before. It’s a sum of creative juice, brainstorming, will power, friendship, partnership, team work and personal efforts. – Come and get inspired with beautiful and original art, tips and insights for artists and art lovers!

Artists from several countries such as Norway, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Canada, Guatemala, Greece, UK, Spain, Poland, Iran and Ukraine makes this read a celebration of diversity. Its content is made out of an array of techniques and art styles, including digital and traditional painting, drawing, photo-manipulation, photography, 3D modeling, Graphic Design and much more!

Highly recommended for those who like to experiment with creativity and are constantly looking new ideas! Coming this Fall – via Mad Artist Publishing

www.madartistpublishing.com www.sketchoholic.com www.BookPushers.com

- Been coordinating and working on this book project for one and a half years and am REALLY thrilled about having this dream come true during this Fall - Thanks to all who believed in it! :)

image:

Are you an artist? Do you make book/e-book covers?

I was invited to join a group that was just founded by e-book cover designer (and writer) Jade Laredo -

COVER ARTIST FORUM: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...

All cover artists (and those who make interior illustration as well) are invited to join!

Authors, there could be a great place to gather information and insights if you are planning on purchasing a cover or assign an artist.

Join this great group with me :)

Click here: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1...

A horrible summer and a a promising autumn

I had great plans for this summer, such as wrap up the ART COLLAB book I have been working on for one and a half year, painting some personal stuff, promoting my newly baked short story and enjoying my time home with my husband…

Instead I had a horrible July, being sick most of the month, specially during its’ second-half. On top of that, on the very last day of that month, my dear father had a heart attack, which almost killed him.

With that said, I had to cancel some client contracts, summon forces and travel to Brazil ASAP, to help and support my family and be together with my father as much as I could. (He is much better now, but his health is very delicated and my family and I live with the possibility that the “worse” can still happen.)

After the hardship, I am back home, not so well psychologically, but ready to retake professional activities… And perhaps, paint something new…

Now, I hope to wrap up for once and for all the Art Collab book, which counts with so many great guest artists and share this one of a kind work with YOU.

Free on Amazon only today (9th) and tomorrow (10th)!

For those who like to get free Kindle e-books on Amazon, The XIIIth hour at Duskland is right now available for FREE!

It will be also for free tomorrow, 10th August!

Don't miss it!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7P2HVE

Stories of Duskland now has a Tumblr blog!

Stories of Duskland upcoming anthology and the newly published short story The XIIIth hour at Duskland now have a blog!

Check out Stories of Duskland Tumblr Blog:
http://storiesofduskland.tumblr.com/