C.A. King's Blog, page 11
June 8, 2016
Author Interview ~ Ashley Marie Nestler
Author Interview ~ Ashley Marie Nestler (A.M. Nestler)
Ashley Nestler is a young adult author from Denver, CO. Her first book, "Beautiful Nightmare" was published during her senior year in high school and her second novel "Into The Fog" was published during her first year of college. She is an active author and college student going to school for social work. Writing is her biggest passion and her best method for sending messages out into the world that she feels needs to be heard.
You can also find her at her blog peachykeenbookreviews.wordpress.com where she posts reviews of books as well as writing and publishing tips.
Book Review Blog
Go Indie Box Subscription ~ A new way to buy books.
(taken directly from the website):
"Changing the Literary World by Storm!"
Enjoy our all encompassing 4-D book experience box each month, and give yourself a mental vacation!
What if you could taste, feel, hear, smell and see the story in the books that you read? Well, now you can with Go Indie Now! This is a box meant to bring you a mental vacation by giving you items to allow you to feel, hear, see, taste, and smell the book(s) chosen each month. We also only include indie novels (independently published novels) to bring you new authors and stories you have never seen before.
By subscribing to this box you are joining the movement to make indie books seen, while also broadening your own horizons by trying out new genres and authors. Our box brings you a book experience that encompasses all senses to bring you a one of a kind adventure, and once you jump in you will never go back. Sign up and join the movement today, while also giving yourself a much needed mental vacation!
Go Indie Now! Subscription Website
Beautiful Nightmare
What if the one you love is only present in your dreams?
In the dystopian town of Lunamoon, everything is structured. Humans are created by science and everyone is programmed to follow certain regulations. But one girl, Shawneleigh, never lived up to the Council’s regulations.
Shawneleigh has the disorder of narcolepsy, a disorder that causes her to fall asleep at random times without warning. Because of her illness, the Council banned her to life in a hospital since she cannot be counted on fulfill other duties.
Lunamoonians all receive prophecies for their individual lives through dreams that the Dream Maker sends to them on a continual basis, but Shawneleigh hadn’t received a dream in years until she found herself falling into a dream during her sleeping spells where she meets a man named August, who claims to be the Dream Maker himself. He also lives in solitude and they begin to form a bond. However, Shawneleigh cannot control when she falls asleep and will meet August in her dreams, but he finds a way to manipulate her sleep so that she will visit him more. The only problem is that when she does this, she continues to grow sicker.
“Beautiful Nightmare: Some Dreams Become Your Reality” is novel about love, life, and the importance of those who care about you. This is a novel that will leave you changed.
Into The Fog
A murder, a choice, and an eternal destiny. Welcome to the untold story of sixteenth century England.
Darielle couldn't be happier and more in love with her fiancé, Prince Tarum, until the eve of their wedding announcement when Tarum is murdered. Following the tragedy, Darielle is thrown into a life filled with despair as strangers enter the Tower and change her way of life. However, she begins to find herself drawn to Harlisisle, the new guard for Queen Estelle. Something about him makes her feel as though she has known him before. This attraction ends up unraveling past events in her life that she had long forgotten, and she soon discovers the true circumstances surrounding Tarum’s murder. The truth makes her question the love that she once had for people that she thought she knew.
'Into The Fog' is a roller coaster ride of historical romance and fantasy elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat and asking only one question:
'What if death isn't an ending, but a beginning?'"
Amazon Author Page / Goodreads / Facebook
I had the opportunity to ask Ashley Marie Nestler a few questions about her books this week.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Ashley: My books fall into the young adult fantasy category. “Beautiful Nightmare” is dystopian fantasy and “Into The Fog” is a historical fantasy.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Ashley: Neither of my novels are explicit. They are written for general audiences.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Ashley: In August 2016 I will be releasing the special edition of “Beautiful Nightmare”, which will include an updated story as well as fan art, character profiles, and insights from me. The special edition of “Into The Fog” will be releasing in April 2017 with an updated story, fan art, character profiles, a character map, and insights by me.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Ashley: I am currently working on publishing my third novel, which will be literary fiction and won’t be young adult. It will involve sensitive matter, and I am not allowed to discuss it quite yet, but it will be published under a penname for safety reasons. However, I am putting a lot of my time and effort into my book review blog, Peachy Keen Book Reviews, and the monthly book subscription that I created “Go Indie Now!” that focuses on helping authors get their work out to readers.
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Ashley: My first cover for “Beautiful Nightmare” was created by the wonderful art team at the Stratregic Book Rights and Publishing Agency, who first published it, but the new cover for the special edition and the new cover for “Into The Fog” I purchased from selfpubbookcovers.com. They are an amazing database of independent artists, and once you buy your covers they are never sold again.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Ashley: My favorite book growing up was “The Pact” by Jodi Picoult, and it still is. That book just moved me more than any other book that I have ever read.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Ashley: If I could meet any character from any book, it would be Peter Pan. Peter Pan is my favorite character of all time and I would love to meet him, because I would want him to remind me to always have fun and never lose that childlike wonder.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Ashley: I have been writing ever since I was five years old, but the first time I truly realized I was meant to be a writer was when I would spend recess in elementary school in the libraries working on a novel about the orphan trains and my teacher actually decided to bind it and publish it when I had finished. I still am very close to those characters I have created, and having that first book bound made me realize that I was truly meant to get my word out to the world.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Ashley: If my life was a book the tagline would be: “Beauty from Pain – How One Woman Turned Her Life Around”, no matter how melodramatic that sounds. I have been through a lot, but I finally feel like I am at a place where I am bettering myself and helping those around me do the same.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Ashley: I would tell new writers to make sure that you never lose sight of your love for writing through the harsh process of actually getting published. I definitely lost my passion for a while, but once I got it back I knew that I could never do that again. Don’t lost your love through the process of marketing and receiving reviews that may be less than favorable. Also, love and support your fellow authors, don’t treat them as competition. There is more than enough room in this world for new authors, and to be an author doesn’t mean you have to put another author out in order to be known.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Ashley: Oh man, I would probably have to say purchasing things for publishing that people conned me out of. I feel stupid for having purchased “marketing services” that never came through. Just always be aware of who you are purchasing from.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Ashley: The best moment I have ever had with a fan was when a young girl told me that she thought my first novel, “Beautiful Nightmare”, was bound to be a classic. It warmed my heart to hear someone say that they liked my work enough to consider it a classic. I have always wanted to touch people through my writing, and I am so glad to see it happening.
Thank you Ashley Marie Nestler for taking the time to chat with us! I look forward to brilliant reviews on your blog as well as exciting new ideas from Go Indie Box.
Ashley Nestler is a young adult author from Denver, CO. Her first book, "Beautiful Nightmare" was published during her senior year in high school and her second novel "Into The Fog" was published during her first year of college. She is an active author and college student going to school for social work. Writing is her biggest passion and her best method for sending messages out into the world that she feels needs to be heard.
You can also find her at her blog peachykeenbookreviews.wordpress.com where she posts reviews of books as well as writing and publishing tips.
Book Review Blog
Go Indie Box Subscription ~ A new way to buy books.
(taken directly from the website):
"Changing the Literary World by Storm!"
Enjoy our all encompassing 4-D book experience box each month, and give yourself a mental vacation!
What if you could taste, feel, hear, smell and see the story in the books that you read? Well, now you can with Go Indie Now! This is a box meant to bring you a mental vacation by giving you items to allow you to feel, hear, see, taste, and smell the book(s) chosen each month. We also only include indie novels (independently published novels) to bring you new authors and stories you have never seen before.
By subscribing to this box you are joining the movement to make indie books seen, while also broadening your own horizons by trying out new genres and authors. Our box brings you a book experience that encompasses all senses to bring you a one of a kind adventure, and once you jump in you will never go back. Sign up and join the movement today, while also giving yourself a much needed mental vacation!
Go Indie Now! Subscription Website
Beautiful Nightmare
What if the one you love is only present in your dreams?
In the dystopian town of Lunamoon, everything is structured. Humans are created by science and everyone is programmed to follow certain regulations. But one girl, Shawneleigh, never lived up to the Council’s regulations.
Shawneleigh has the disorder of narcolepsy, a disorder that causes her to fall asleep at random times without warning. Because of her illness, the Council banned her to life in a hospital since she cannot be counted on fulfill other duties.
Lunamoonians all receive prophecies for their individual lives through dreams that the Dream Maker sends to them on a continual basis, but Shawneleigh hadn’t received a dream in years until she found herself falling into a dream during her sleeping spells where she meets a man named August, who claims to be the Dream Maker himself. He also lives in solitude and they begin to form a bond. However, Shawneleigh cannot control when she falls asleep and will meet August in her dreams, but he finds a way to manipulate her sleep so that she will visit him more. The only problem is that when she does this, she continues to grow sicker.
“Beautiful Nightmare: Some Dreams Become Your Reality” is novel about love, life, and the importance of those who care about you. This is a novel that will leave you changed.
Into The Fog
A murder, a choice, and an eternal destiny. Welcome to the untold story of sixteenth century England.
Darielle couldn't be happier and more in love with her fiancé, Prince Tarum, until the eve of their wedding announcement when Tarum is murdered. Following the tragedy, Darielle is thrown into a life filled with despair as strangers enter the Tower and change her way of life. However, she begins to find herself drawn to Harlisisle, the new guard for Queen Estelle. Something about him makes her feel as though she has known him before. This attraction ends up unraveling past events in her life that she had long forgotten, and she soon discovers the true circumstances surrounding Tarum’s murder. The truth makes her question the love that she once had for people that she thought she knew.
'Into The Fog' is a roller coaster ride of historical romance and fantasy elements that will keep you on the edge of your seat and asking only one question:
'What if death isn't an ending, but a beginning?'"
Amazon Author Page / Goodreads / Facebook
I had the opportunity to ask Ashley Marie Nestler a few questions about her books this week.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Ashley: My books fall into the young adult fantasy category. “Beautiful Nightmare” is dystopian fantasy and “Into The Fog” is a historical fantasy.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Ashley: Neither of my novels are explicit. They are written for general audiences.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Ashley: In August 2016 I will be releasing the special edition of “Beautiful Nightmare”, which will include an updated story as well as fan art, character profiles, and insights from me. The special edition of “Into The Fog” will be releasing in April 2017 with an updated story, fan art, character profiles, a character map, and insights by me.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Ashley: I am currently working on publishing my third novel, which will be literary fiction and won’t be young adult. It will involve sensitive matter, and I am not allowed to discuss it quite yet, but it will be published under a penname for safety reasons. However, I am putting a lot of my time and effort into my book review blog, Peachy Keen Book Reviews, and the monthly book subscription that I created “Go Indie Now!” that focuses on helping authors get their work out to readers.
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Ashley: My first cover for “Beautiful Nightmare” was created by the wonderful art team at the Stratregic Book Rights and Publishing Agency, who first published it, but the new cover for the special edition and the new cover for “Into The Fog” I purchased from selfpubbookcovers.com. They are an amazing database of independent artists, and once you buy your covers they are never sold again.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Ashley: My favorite book growing up was “The Pact” by Jodi Picoult, and it still is. That book just moved me more than any other book that I have ever read.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Ashley: If I could meet any character from any book, it would be Peter Pan. Peter Pan is my favorite character of all time and I would love to meet him, because I would want him to remind me to always have fun and never lose that childlike wonder.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Ashley: I have been writing ever since I was five years old, but the first time I truly realized I was meant to be a writer was when I would spend recess in elementary school in the libraries working on a novel about the orphan trains and my teacher actually decided to bind it and publish it when I had finished. I still am very close to those characters I have created, and having that first book bound made me realize that I was truly meant to get my word out to the world.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Ashley: If my life was a book the tagline would be: “Beauty from Pain – How One Woman Turned Her Life Around”, no matter how melodramatic that sounds. I have been through a lot, but I finally feel like I am at a place where I am bettering myself and helping those around me do the same.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Ashley: I would tell new writers to make sure that you never lose sight of your love for writing through the harsh process of actually getting published. I definitely lost my passion for a while, but once I got it back I knew that I could never do that again. Don’t lost your love through the process of marketing and receiving reviews that may be less than favorable. Also, love and support your fellow authors, don’t treat them as competition. There is more than enough room in this world for new authors, and to be an author doesn’t mean you have to put another author out in order to be known.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Ashley: Oh man, I would probably have to say purchasing things for publishing that people conned me out of. I feel stupid for having purchased “marketing services” that never came through. Just always be aware of who you are purchasing from.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Ashley: The best moment I have ever had with a fan was when a young girl told me that she thought my first novel, “Beautiful Nightmare”, was bound to be a classic. It warmed my heart to hear someone say that they liked my work enough to consider it a classic. I have always wanted to touch people through my writing, and I am so glad to see it happening.
Thank you Ashley Marie Nestler for taking the time to chat with us! I look forward to brilliant reviews on your blog as well as exciting new ideas from Go Indie Box.
May 25, 2016
Spotlight on the Author – Rosie Burthom
Spotlight on the Author – Rosie Burthom, author of The Doll – Lillian Darkwood Mystery.
May 29th, 2016, Rosie Burthom will be one of the authors attending a special fundraiser for Fort McMurray. This is a casual event. Please come visit for your chance to talk one on one with the author of The Doll – Lillian Darkwood Mystery, buy a limited edition bookmark, enter raffles or bid on a silent auction item.
Authors Support the Fort Facebook Page / The Starving Artist Cafe
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu / Support Our Thunderclap Campaign
Step into the paranormal with Lillian Darkwood in this quick moving story about a teenager name Janie whose world is turned upside down when her Father ends up in the hospital. Janie finds herself thrown into the world of the homeless. Janie feels her luck has changed when she is given a special doll. Little does Janie know the doll is not as beautiful and cuddly as it looks; the doll ends up being her worst nightmare and may cost Janie her life. It’s up to Lillian Darkwood to return to her past to save Janie’s future before it is too late.
Author Website
Born and raised in Canada, Rosie Burthom spent most of her childhood in British Columbia before moving to Saskatchewan for a year and eventually putting down roots in Ontario. When not writing, she enjoys various hobbies such as making beaded jewelry, hiking, photographing nature and spending time with her boyfriend.
Rosie's writing journey originated in her early teens. She started out writing children’s stories, then expanded her skills into writing personal poetry and short stories. Recently, she has branched out to writing Novels.
Facebook ~ Goodreads
I recently came in contact with Ms Burthom online as part of a social networking project for a couple of events at The Starving Artist Cafe. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions for me.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Rosie: Paranormal Mystery
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Rosie: No
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Rosie: Yes. June 10th I will be at Tranquility Place, Brantford [Ontario] and on June 13th I will be at Telfer Place, Paris [Ontario]. I will be there doing a reading and selling some books to the residence and their families.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you anything in the works?
Rosie: Yes. I am working on the 2nd book in The Lillian Darkwood Series called The Soul Jars. Hoping to be published in 2017.
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Rosie: I’d like to thank my 3 wonderful editors. Bertha Joseph, Brenda Wright and Sandy Gdyczynski
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Rosie: In my early years I loved the Bertrix Potter books. As I got older I fell in love with Mysteries and I read a wide variety of them anywhere from Cozy Mysteries to Murder Mysteries.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Rosie: Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. I find her Who-done-it stories an inspiration.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Rosie: I wrote my 1st short story for children in Grade 8. I got an A on it and that told me I was born to write.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Rosie: And she Walked Away
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Rosie: Talk to other writers whether they write the same genre as you or not. You can learn a lot by talking to others who are also writers.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Rosie: I’m new so I don’t think I have made any yet.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Rosie: I enjoyed seeing their face light up when they tell me how much they loved my book.
You can pick up The Doll – Lillian Darkwood Mystery at the following online retailers:
Amazon ~ Kobo
Rosie: Note: The cover on Amazon, Kobo and Author Website is the new cover for when the book goes for a reprint. The cover on this book right now is different.
Thank you for your time!
May 29th, 2016, Rosie Burthom will be one of the authors attending a special fundraiser for Fort McMurray. This is a casual event. Please come visit for your chance to talk one on one with the author of The Doll – Lillian Darkwood Mystery, buy a limited edition bookmark, enter raffles or bid on a silent auction item.
Authors Support the Fort Facebook Page / The Starving Artist Cafe
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu / Support Our Thunderclap Campaign
Step into the paranormal with Lillian Darkwood in this quick moving story about a teenager name Janie whose world is turned upside down when her Father ends up in the hospital. Janie finds herself thrown into the world of the homeless. Janie feels her luck has changed when she is given a special doll. Little does Janie know the doll is not as beautiful and cuddly as it looks; the doll ends up being her worst nightmare and may cost Janie her life. It’s up to Lillian Darkwood to return to her past to save Janie’s future before it is too late.
Author Website
Born and raised in Canada, Rosie Burthom spent most of her childhood in British Columbia before moving to Saskatchewan for a year and eventually putting down roots in Ontario. When not writing, she enjoys various hobbies such as making beaded jewelry, hiking, photographing nature and spending time with her boyfriend.
Rosie's writing journey originated in her early teens. She started out writing children’s stories, then expanded her skills into writing personal poetry and short stories. Recently, she has branched out to writing Novels.
Facebook ~ Goodreads
I recently came in contact with Ms Burthom online as part of a social networking project for a couple of events at The Starving Artist Cafe. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions for me.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Rosie: Paranormal Mystery
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Rosie: No
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Rosie: Yes. June 10th I will be at Tranquility Place, Brantford [Ontario] and on June 13th I will be at Telfer Place, Paris [Ontario]. I will be there doing a reading and selling some books to the residence and their families.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you anything in the works?
Rosie: Yes. I am working on the 2nd book in The Lillian Darkwood Series called The Soul Jars. Hoping to be published in 2017.
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Rosie: I’d like to thank my 3 wonderful editors. Bertha Joseph, Brenda Wright and Sandy Gdyczynski
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Rosie: In my early years I loved the Bertrix Potter books. As I got older I fell in love with Mysteries and I read a wide variety of them anywhere from Cozy Mysteries to Murder Mysteries.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Rosie: Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. I find her Who-done-it stories an inspiration.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Rosie: I wrote my 1st short story for children in Grade 8. I got an A on it and that told me I was born to write.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Rosie: And she Walked Away
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Rosie: Talk to other writers whether they write the same genre as you or not. You can learn a lot by talking to others who are also writers.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Rosie: I’m new so I don’t think I have made any yet.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Rosie: I enjoyed seeing their face light up when they tell me how much they loved my book.
You can pick up The Doll – Lillian Darkwood Mystery at the following online retailers:
Amazon ~ Kobo
Rosie: Note: The cover on Amazon, Kobo and Author Website is the new cover for when the book goes for a reprint. The cover on this book right now is different.
Thank you for your time!
May 21, 2016
Author Interview ~ E.A. Copen, Author of Guilty by Association
Author Interview ~ E.A. Copen, Author of Guilty by Association
Everything’s bigger in Texas…Including the monsters.
When a young werewolf is murdered on the Paint Rock Supernatural Reservation, the local cops think it’s a drug deal gone bad. BSI agent Judah Black knows better. An occult expert, she knows magick is at work from the beginning. Using only her wits, knowledge of the supernatural and her limited magickal abilities, she must untangle a web of cover-ups and lies before the killer finds his next victim.
Universal Book link (based on location)
I swallowed and forced my fingers to flex out of the fists they'd formed. “Are you implying that I'm not a good person?”
“Both of us know that to be standing where you are, knowing the things that you know...You have seen dark things, Agent Black. You have taken them into your mind and body and made yourself one with evil in ways that no human can truly understand. Does that make you a bad person?” He shrugged. “It makes you alive. It makes you fierce and it makes you powerful, more powerful than any fool hiding behind a gun and a badge. The people of Paint Rock don't need another gun.”
“What do they need, then?”
“Hope,” he said simply and slid a small box across the counter to me. “Supernaturals and Humans alike. I see the spark of that in you yet, girl. Do not lose it.”
Website / Facebook / Twitter
E.A. Copen is the author of the Judah Black novels. She's an avid reader of science fiction, fantasy and other genre fiction. When she's not chained to her keyboard, she may be found time traveling on the weekends with her SCA friends. She lives in beautiful southeast Ohio with her husband and two kids, at least until she saves up enough to leave the shire and become a Jedi.
My Review of Guilty By Association
I recently caught up with D.R. Perry and had the opportunity to ask a few questions.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
E.A. Copen: Urban fantasy
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
E.A. Copen: There is some blood/gore
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
E.A. Copen: Not at the moment.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
E.A. Copen: Right now, I have three different novels at three different stages. The second Judah Black novel, Blood Debt, is with beta readers. The first book in a series of space operas, Broken Empire, is going through a first draft and I’m plotting a dark epic fantasy. As for the Judah Black series, I plan on doing at least 16 of those.
Carol Ann: Is there anyone special you would like to acknowledge? (Editor, cover art etc...)
E.A. Copen: Whoever said never judge a book by its cover never worked in publishing. My cover artist, Ravenborn deserves so many thank yous for all her amazing work, both for the first and second cover.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
E.A. Copen: That’s a hard one. I’d have to say it’s a toss up between Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, depending on my mood.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
E.A. Copen: Samwise Gamgee. He’s the best friend we all wish we had. He goes to Hell and back with Frodo and he has an appreciation for books. How do you not love Sam?
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
E.A. Copen: I tried to escape it for most of my life, actually. Everyone told me writing was a hobby and that I should be working a real job. I worked a lot of so-called real jobs and hated every single one. It was only after I failed at a lot of other things that I found my passion for writing.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
E.A. Copen: Well, I’m going to steal one from a movie and say, “Never give up! Never surrender!” Bonus points if you know the movie.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
E.A. Copen: Write. Stop talking about writing or dreaming about writing or reading about writing. There’s absolutely no replacement for practice. Stop caring how much it sucks. You sucked at walking when you first started that, too.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
E.A. Copen: Comparing my writing career to everyone else’s. I spent too much time looking at everyone else’s success and asking myself what I was doing wrong instead of actually asking people, “Hey, what am I doing wrong?” Most people are more than happy to share tips if you ask. Reach out and connect with other writers. You might just find a friend.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
E.A. Copen: The first time someone posted something about shipping two characters in Guilty by Association, I almost fell over. Several people have asked me when they’re going to hook up. I’ve got to say, this opening trilogy is going to be kind of mean to my shippers.
Thank you for your time!
Have additional questions? E.A. Copen will be available online from 2:00 P.M. To 3:00 P.M. (EST) May 22, 2016, for a Facebook takeover event.
Authors Support the Fort ~ A Fort McMurray Fundraiser – Facebook Takeover
Everything’s bigger in Texas…Including the monsters.
When a young werewolf is murdered on the Paint Rock Supernatural Reservation, the local cops think it’s a drug deal gone bad. BSI agent Judah Black knows better. An occult expert, she knows magick is at work from the beginning. Using only her wits, knowledge of the supernatural and her limited magickal abilities, she must untangle a web of cover-ups and lies before the killer finds his next victim.
Universal Book link (based on location)
I swallowed and forced my fingers to flex out of the fists they'd formed. “Are you implying that I'm not a good person?”
“Both of us know that to be standing where you are, knowing the things that you know...You have seen dark things, Agent Black. You have taken them into your mind and body and made yourself one with evil in ways that no human can truly understand. Does that make you a bad person?” He shrugged. “It makes you alive. It makes you fierce and it makes you powerful, more powerful than any fool hiding behind a gun and a badge. The people of Paint Rock don't need another gun.”
“What do they need, then?”
“Hope,” he said simply and slid a small box across the counter to me. “Supernaturals and Humans alike. I see the spark of that in you yet, girl. Do not lose it.”
Website / Facebook / Twitter
E.A. Copen is the author of the Judah Black novels. She's an avid reader of science fiction, fantasy and other genre fiction. When she's not chained to her keyboard, she may be found time traveling on the weekends with her SCA friends. She lives in beautiful southeast Ohio with her husband and two kids, at least until she saves up enough to leave the shire and become a Jedi.
My Review of Guilty By Association
I recently caught up with D.R. Perry and had the opportunity to ask a few questions.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
E.A. Copen: Urban fantasy
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
E.A. Copen: There is some blood/gore
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
E.A. Copen: Not at the moment.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
E.A. Copen: Right now, I have three different novels at three different stages. The second Judah Black novel, Blood Debt, is with beta readers. The first book in a series of space operas, Broken Empire, is going through a first draft and I’m plotting a dark epic fantasy. As for the Judah Black series, I plan on doing at least 16 of those.
Carol Ann: Is there anyone special you would like to acknowledge? (Editor, cover art etc...)
E.A. Copen: Whoever said never judge a book by its cover never worked in publishing. My cover artist, Ravenborn deserves so many thank yous for all her amazing work, both for the first and second cover.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
E.A. Copen: That’s a hard one. I’d have to say it’s a toss up between Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities and Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, depending on my mood.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
E.A. Copen: Samwise Gamgee. He’s the best friend we all wish we had. He goes to Hell and back with Frodo and he has an appreciation for books. How do you not love Sam?
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
E.A. Copen: I tried to escape it for most of my life, actually. Everyone told me writing was a hobby and that I should be working a real job. I worked a lot of so-called real jobs and hated every single one. It was only after I failed at a lot of other things that I found my passion for writing.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
E.A. Copen: Well, I’m going to steal one from a movie and say, “Never give up! Never surrender!” Bonus points if you know the movie.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
E.A. Copen: Write. Stop talking about writing or dreaming about writing or reading about writing. There’s absolutely no replacement for practice. Stop caring how much it sucks. You sucked at walking when you first started that, too.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
E.A. Copen: Comparing my writing career to everyone else’s. I spent too much time looking at everyone else’s success and asking myself what I was doing wrong instead of actually asking people, “Hey, what am I doing wrong?” Most people are more than happy to share tips if you ask. Reach out and connect with other writers. You might just find a friend.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
E.A. Copen: The first time someone posted something about shipping two characters in Guilty by Association, I almost fell over. Several people have asked me when they’re going to hook up. I’ve got to say, this opening trilogy is going to be kind of mean to my shippers.
Thank you for your time!
Have additional questions? E.A. Copen will be available online from 2:00 P.M. To 3:00 P.M. (EST) May 22, 2016, for a Facebook takeover event.
Authors Support the Fort ~ A Fort McMurray Fundraiser – Facebook Takeover
May 19, 2016
Author Interview ~ D.R. Perry
Author Interview ~D.R. Perry, Author of Barely Awake & Fangs for the Memories
D.R. Perry lives in Rhode Island, where all her books are set. Although she's not a native New Englander, once up north she got so inspired she couldn't leave. A wild Northern Muse attacked. D.R. used Typing; it was Super Effective.
D.R. writes all kinds of things. Mostly, they have strange and unusual elements. Not strange isotopes or Strontium or anything like that, but creatures who are people or people who are creatures. Beware of the Attack Poetry and rampant puns. Keep off the grass, or the song parodies may bite.
She lives with her husband, daughter, and dog in the Ocean State, which she loves to remind people is not an island and not Long Island. D.R. is well aware that her home state has both of those things, but isn't defined by them. Maybe she likes it here so much because it reminds her that she's also more than the sum of her parts.
Barely Awake on Amazon
“Oh, I’ve got a reputation for more than supreme intelligence.” I almost couldn’t believe Bobby was trying to kid around again. Probably just a way to stay awake, but that was my assignment. I could play that game. “Haven’t you heard my big snarky attitude has been everywhere?” “Just today. Mostly, you have a reputation for acing every subject.” He yawned. “Rumor is, you’re the type of girl who never gets Bs.” “Be glad I’m using my academic powers for good, then.” I glanced at the shelf labels as I stalked past them, searching for the right ones. “Oh yeah, I’m glad. I can imagine what might happen if you went over to the Dark Side.” “And that is?” I smirked at the Star Wars reference, imagining the Imperial March playing as I paced the stacks. “Darth Lynn would convince every professor to use a pass/fail rubric. Guys like me would end up with our borderline grades force-choked.”
Bobby Tremain’s life used to seem charmed, but since his dad’s crippling accident, he has an avalanche of problems. He’s the first in his family to have a shot at college, also the first to head north of Louisiana. An early snow calls his Bear to hibernate a week before finals, but he needs to pass or he flunks out of Providence Paranormal College. Lynn Frampton’s loneliness is almost more than she can take. She went to college on the other side of the country to get away from the persistent curse of unpopularity in a small town. Once at college, Lynn’s prickly personality has pushed everyone away yet again. At least, she’s at the top of her class. Bobby needs Lynn’s help to stay awake and pass his exam, and she discovers she needs companionship more than she’d ever imagined. Lynn’s all set to transfer to a school back home, but Bobby thinks she’s his mate. Can he keep awake long enough to pass, and more importantly, convince his love to stay? Let this introductory novella transport you to Providence Paranormal College. Extrahumans of all types abound on this urban campus on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. This Ivy-League college recently opened its doors to anyone with enough talent. The Admissions Department at PPC enrolls humans with extraordinary grades, the magically and psychically inclined, vampires, werewolves, changelings, and even magic shifters like dragons and Kelpies. Come take a tour! If you like YA and NA Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy with strong romantic subplots, you’ll feel right at home here.
Fangs for the Memories on Amazon
“Oh, please. Don’t tell me you’re going to do the whole brooding vampire thing. That trope’s more tired than a hibernating bear shifter.” “There’s a reason we brood, you know.” I shook my head. Blaine couldn’t possibly understand. “Yeah, yeah. I know. The whole ‘I’m dangerous, stay away from me and find a nice normal guy’ thing.” Blaine chuckled. I blinked, surprised because he sounded about as rueful as I felt. “I get it. I turn into a scaly beast with fiery halitosis. Almost everyone I meet is highly flammable. Danger, danger, Will Robinson.” “So why get on my case if you get the whole threat to your loved ones thing?” “Because it’s more bull than a Minotaur. Ladies know what they want, and in this day and age, they go after it. The guy from the wrong side of wherever nobly giving up on love so the girl can ‘stay good’ is so 1985. Of course, you came of age then, so I shouldn’t be surprised.” Blaine kicked at the ground, kicking up some of the grass under the toe of his boot. He stared down instead of out. “Woah, dude.” I shifted my weight and put my hands on my hips. “I came to help investigate, not get dating advice.” “Package deal, my friend.” Blaine turned his head, smirking at me. “You bring it, I advice it.” “Millennials.” I sighed. “Gen-Xers.” Blaine’s eyes rolled so far back in his head he could probably see his brain. “Whatever.” I blew my bangs off my forehead. “I just. Can’t. Even.” Blaine held his hands out in front of him like he held an invisible basketball.”
Memory is a tricky business. No one remembers Maddie May. That’s fine with her; just a side effect of Umbral magic. Unfortunately, she has to take the Magic Theory Lab at Providence Paranormal College. Maddie won’t pass if the Professor can’t remember her. Henry Baxter’s a psychic vampire who can store total recall for himself and others. He’s been in business since 1986, but new regulations mean he needs a degree to keep operating. Going back to college after sixty years on earth is definitely a drag, especially since society treats vampires as second-class citizens. The woman everyone forgets and the man who remembers everything seem a natural pair. While Maddie’s all for it, Henry keeps pushing her away. But what if the only way they’ll survive is together? Return to Providence Paranormal College in this full-length novel. Extrahumans of all types abound on this urban campus on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. This Ivy-League college recently opened its doors to anyone with enough talent. The Admissions Department at PPC enrolls humans with extraordinary grades, the magically and psychically inclined, vampires, werewolves, changelings, and even magic shifters like dragons and Kelpies. Come take a tour! If you like YA and NA Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy with strong romantic subplots, you’ll feel right at home here
Author Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
I recently caught up with D.R. Perry and had the opportunity to ask a few questions.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
D.R. Perry: Paranormal Romantic Comedy for this series so far. In the works, I have some Urban Fantasy Parody and some Historical Urban Fantasy. Those are for next year, mostly. One of the Historicals will be ready sometime this summer, but I might send it to a small press instead. With Historical there's so much to fact check. It might need more eyes.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
D.R. Perry: Barely Awake has a couple of love scenes that focus on emotions. A couple of swear words you hear on broadcast TV.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
D.R. Perry: A bunch! I'm doing the Book Fanatics Launch, Stardust Always anthology release party, the Merely This Ultimate Release Festival, The Longest NightWatch writing competition some local farmer's markets in Rhode Island, and Rhode Island ComiCon.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
D.R. Perry: Book 3 in my series will be out sometime after May 23rd. I'm working on a release per month up through December. My daughter's starting preschool this fall, too. Needless to say, I'm a busy writer and mom!
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
D.R. Perry: Everyone involved in the charity anthologies and events have been awesome. I love working with people on these types of projects. Maybe I do too many, but they're so much fun and for great causes.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
D.R. Perry: The entire Oz series by L. Frank Baum. I read my copies literally to pieces. I love the diverse characters, humor, and fantasy elements in Oz and the surrounding kingdoms. There's so much more to it than what's in the movie.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
D.R. Perry: My goodness, that's a tough call. I think I'd want to meet Samwise Gamgee. He's been a hero of mine for a long time. I have million and one questions for him about how not to kill the plants in my garden.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
D.R. Perry: My heart's known ever since I understood writing books could be a career. But my head just didn't believe it. Here I am about to turn 42, working as a full-time author. It's great so far! I especially love when a line or three crack me up in the coffee shop and the gals who work there nod, smile, and say "there she goes again."
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line? There's so much for each of us, if only we look for it.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers? Start. Let yourself write something, anything, without worrying about whether its shine is copper or gold. And after that, keep on writing.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
D.R. Perry: Not starting. I wanted everything to be perfect before starting. Perfect time, perfect place, perfect light, and music. But that only left me stuck not writing. The only way to get anywhere is to start walking already, even if there's gum on your shoe and litter on the sidewalk, you know?
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
D.R. Perry: Oh wow, I don't have any of those that I know of yet. We've got central air at our house, no need for fans. I'd love to have one with a pretty pattern on it that snaps open and shut, though. Those are very handy on picnics in the summer.
Thank you for your time!
Have additional questions? D.R. Perry will be available online from 10:00 A.M. To 11:00 A.M. (EST) May 22, 2016, for a Facebook takeover event.
Authors Support the Fort ~ A Fort McMurray Fundraiser – Facebook Takeover
D.R. Perry lives in Rhode Island, where all her books are set. Although she's not a native New Englander, once up north she got so inspired she couldn't leave. A wild Northern Muse attacked. D.R. used Typing; it was Super Effective.
D.R. writes all kinds of things. Mostly, they have strange and unusual elements. Not strange isotopes or Strontium or anything like that, but creatures who are people or people who are creatures. Beware of the Attack Poetry and rampant puns. Keep off the grass, or the song parodies may bite.
She lives with her husband, daughter, and dog in the Ocean State, which she loves to remind people is not an island and not Long Island. D.R. is well aware that her home state has both of those things, but isn't defined by them. Maybe she likes it here so much because it reminds her that she's also more than the sum of her parts.
Barely Awake on Amazon
“Oh, I’ve got a reputation for more than supreme intelligence.” I almost couldn’t believe Bobby was trying to kid around again. Probably just a way to stay awake, but that was my assignment. I could play that game. “Haven’t you heard my big snarky attitude has been everywhere?” “Just today. Mostly, you have a reputation for acing every subject.” He yawned. “Rumor is, you’re the type of girl who never gets Bs.” “Be glad I’m using my academic powers for good, then.” I glanced at the shelf labels as I stalked past them, searching for the right ones. “Oh yeah, I’m glad. I can imagine what might happen if you went over to the Dark Side.” “And that is?” I smirked at the Star Wars reference, imagining the Imperial March playing as I paced the stacks. “Darth Lynn would convince every professor to use a pass/fail rubric. Guys like me would end up with our borderline grades force-choked.”
Bobby Tremain’s life used to seem charmed, but since his dad’s crippling accident, he has an avalanche of problems. He’s the first in his family to have a shot at college, also the first to head north of Louisiana. An early snow calls his Bear to hibernate a week before finals, but he needs to pass or he flunks out of Providence Paranormal College. Lynn Frampton’s loneliness is almost more than she can take. She went to college on the other side of the country to get away from the persistent curse of unpopularity in a small town. Once at college, Lynn’s prickly personality has pushed everyone away yet again. At least, she’s at the top of her class. Bobby needs Lynn’s help to stay awake and pass his exam, and she discovers she needs companionship more than she’d ever imagined. Lynn’s all set to transfer to a school back home, but Bobby thinks she’s his mate. Can he keep awake long enough to pass, and more importantly, convince his love to stay? Let this introductory novella transport you to Providence Paranormal College. Extrahumans of all types abound on this urban campus on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. This Ivy-League college recently opened its doors to anyone with enough talent. The Admissions Department at PPC enrolls humans with extraordinary grades, the magically and psychically inclined, vampires, werewolves, changelings, and even magic shifters like dragons and Kelpies. Come take a tour! If you like YA and NA Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy with strong romantic subplots, you’ll feel right at home here.
Fangs for the Memories on Amazon
“Oh, please. Don’t tell me you’re going to do the whole brooding vampire thing. That trope’s more tired than a hibernating bear shifter.” “There’s a reason we brood, you know.” I shook my head. Blaine couldn’t possibly understand. “Yeah, yeah. I know. The whole ‘I’m dangerous, stay away from me and find a nice normal guy’ thing.” Blaine chuckled. I blinked, surprised because he sounded about as rueful as I felt. “I get it. I turn into a scaly beast with fiery halitosis. Almost everyone I meet is highly flammable. Danger, danger, Will Robinson.” “So why get on my case if you get the whole threat to your loved ones thing?” “Because it’s more bull than a Minotaur. Ladies know what they want, and in this day and age, they go after it. The guy from the wrong side of wherever nobly giving up on love so the girl can ‘stay good’ is so 1985. Of course, you came of age then, so I shouldn’t be surprised.” Blaine kicked at the ground, kicking up some of the grass under the toe of his boot. He stared down instead of out. “Woah, dude.” I shifted my weight and put my hands on my hips. “I came to help investigate, not get dating advice.” “Package deal, my friend.” Blaine turned his head, smirking at me. “You bring it, I advice it.” “Millennials.” I sighed. “Gen-Xers.” Blaine’s eyes rolled so far back in his head he could probably see his brain. “Whatever.” I blew my bangs off my forehead. “I just. Can’t. Even.” Blaine held his hands out in front of him like he held an invisible basketball.”
Memory is a tricky business. No one remembers Maddie May. That’s fine with her; just a side effect of Umbral magic. Unfortunately, she has to take the Magic Theory Lab at Providence Paranormal College. Maddie won’t pass if the Professor can’t remember her. Henry Baxter’s a psychic vampire who can store total recall for himself and others. He’s been in business since 1986, but new regulations mean he needs a degree to keep operating. Going back to college after sixty years on earth is definitely a drag, especially since society treats vampires as second-class citizens. The woman everyone forgets and the man who remembers everything seem a natural pair. While Maddie’s all for it, Henry keeps pushing her away. But what if the only way they’ll survive is together? Return to Providence Paranormal College in this full-length novel. Extrahumans of all types abound on this urban campus on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. This Ivy-League college recently opened its doors to anyone with enough talent. The Admissions Department at PPC enrolls humans with extraordinary grades, the magically and psychically inclined, vampires, werewolves, changelings, and even magic shifters like dragons and Kelpies. Come take a tour! If you like YA and NA Paranormal Romance or Urban Fantasy with strong romantic subplots, you’ll feel right at home here
Author Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads
I recently caught up with D.R. Perry and had the opportunity to ask a few questions.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
D.R. Perry: Paranormal Romantic Comedy for this series so far. In the works, I have some Urban Fantasy Parody and some Historical Urban Fantasy. Those are for next year, mostly. One of the Historicals will be ready sometime this summer, but I might send it to a small press instead. With Historical there's so much to fact check. It might need more eyes.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
D.R. Perry: Barely Awake has a couple of love scenes that focus on emotions. A couple of swear words you hear on broadcast TV.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
D.R. Perry: A bunch! I'm doing the Book Fanatics Launch, Stardust Always anthology release party, the Merely This Ultimate Release Festival, The Longest NightWatch writing competition some local farmer's markets in Rhode Island, and Rhode Island ComiCon.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
D.R. Perry: Book 3 in my series will be out sometime after May 23rd. I'm working on a release per month up through December. My daughter's starting preschool this fall, too. Needless to say, I'm a busy writer and mom!
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
D.R. Perry: Everyone involved in the charity anthologies and events have been awesome. I love working with people on these types of projects. Maybe I do too many, but they're so much fun and for great causes.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
D.R. Perry: The entire Oz series by L. Frank Baum. I read my copies literally to pieces. I love the diverse characters, humor, and fantasy elements in Oz and the surrounding kingdoms. There's so much more to it than what's in the movie.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
D.R. Perry: My goodness, that's a tough call. I think I'd want to meet Samwise Gamgee. He's been a hero of mine for a long time. I have million and one questions for him about how not to kill the plants in my garden.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
D.R. Perry: My heart's known ever since I understood writing books could be a career. But my head just didn't believe it. Here I am about to turn 42, working as a full-time author. It's great so far! I especially love when a line or three crack me up in the coffee shop and the gals who work there nod, smile, and say "there she goes again."
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line? There's so much for each of us, if only we look for it.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers? Start. Let yourself write something, anything, without worrying about whether its shine is copper or gold. And after that, keep on writing.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
D.R. Perry: Not starting. I wanted everything to be perfect before starting. Perfect time, perfect place, perfect light, and music. But that only left me stuck not writing. The only way to get anywhere is to start walking already, even if there's gum on your shoe and litter on the sidewalk, you know?
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
D.R. Perry: Oh wow, I don't have any of those that I know of yet. We've got central air at our house, no need for fans. I'd love to have one with a pretty pattern on it that snaps open and shut, though. Those are very handy on picnics in the summer.
Thank you for your time!
Have additional questions? D.R. Perry will be available online from 10:00 A.M. To 11:00 A.M. (EST) May 22, 2016, for a Facebook takeover event.
Authors Support the Fort ~ A Fort McMurray Fundraiser – Facebook Takeover
May 17, 2016
Spotlight on the Author ~ S.D. Ferrell
Spotlight on the Author ~ S.D. Ferrell ~ Author of The Whipple Wash Chronicles
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu / Please Support Our Thunderclap Campaign
Chapter 16 – A Request
Zusie is speaking to Aldwin
“Aldwin, you know as well as I do that I am not the leader of this group. But, if it helps them to believe that I am, so be it. I believe, we are all traveling in the same direction for the same purpose. Some of us are able to direct others, while others are able to follow. Together, we are all trying to accomplish the same thing. You know what I think? Someone out there, past the mountains, in Jasper’s village is the true leader. And through Jasper they are leading us to safety…calling us home.”
Author Website / Facebook
S.D. Ferrell is the author of The Whipple Wash Chronicles a new fantasy adventure series for readers of all ages. Ms. Ferrell was born the 1st of October 1960 in Norfolk General Hospital, in Simcoe Ontario Canada. She grew up on a small hobby farm just outside of Simcoe in Windham Centre, with her parents, six sisters and one brother.
Her fondest memories of the farm were of the times she spent outside with her siblings, and the adventures they had in the forest that curved around the property. She remembers a majestic willow tree with long flowing branches that grew beside the laneway – they swung from those branches until they were giddy with laughter. There were also cherry trees in the front yard that she climbed and sat on the branches for what seemed like hours on end. Among the leaves she was free to allow her mind to take flights of fancy.
Nature; was a wonderful playground for a little girl with a vivid imagination who would one day grow-up to be a writer. Is it any wonder, Ms. Ferrell says that my debut novel starts in a forest and one of the main characters throughout the series is a tree.
S.D. is a proud mother to five daughters and a grandmother to fourteen wonderful grandchildren. She presently resides in Simcoe Ontario and is working on the third book in the series, The Long Road Home.
Amazon
I recently came in contact with Ms Farrell online as part of a social networking project for an event at The Starving Artist Cafe. I must admit, after asking her a few questions, her work has me quite curious. I look forward to picking up a copy of her first book when we meet in June.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Susan: Fantasy Adventure.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Susan: The story is for readers of all ages.
Carol Ann:What is next for you? Do you have any upcoming events?
Susan: Presently I am working on a couple of special projects for the series, but I am not quite ready to disclose what they are. Perhaps by the June 23rd I will have all my ducks in order and announce it at that time.
Carol Ann: Is there anyone special you would like to mention? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Susan: I would like to thank my daughters; Natasha, Kay’la, Whitnee, Elisha and Gabrielle. They have supported me from the start and never once questioned my overwhelming need to find my voice and write this series.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Susan: My favorite book growing up was The Chrysalides by John Wyndham. It is the only story that I actually remember reading. I am sure there were others, but for unexplainable reason that one seemed to stick with me.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Susan: I am a seeker of truth. I think of all the characters in all the books I have read, I would like to meet Jesus. I would like to hear firsthand about his existence and the miracles he accomplished and how he accomplished them.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Susan: I wrote a little book called, Susan’s Brain – A Parable for the human mind. It was a series of emails that I shared with my contacts about; life, being a single mom, getting older that sort of thing. I compiled the emails into a book and printed 10 copies from Staples. Once I saw my work in a book format I was hooked, and knew I had met my calling.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Susan: “Suzie realized early in life that she was on an adventure, little did she know how grand of an adventure it would be!”
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Susan: If there is a story within you tell, tell it. There is only one person in your life that needs to believe that you are capable of doing it; you. Once you believe, others will follow.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Susan: Not believing in my abilities sooner.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Susan: I attended a, “Meet the Author” event with children from an elementary school in Simcoe. They had read The Valley Time Forgot for a novel study, and had created story inspired artwork. After I read from the book we opened the floor for questions. One little girl asked if Jasper was going to be joining us. Well, my heart melted, and then I explained where the inspiration for Jasper came from.
Susan has graciously offered to donate her personal art to Authors Support the Fort – A Fort McMurray Fundraiser on May 29th, 2016.
Authors Support the Fort Facebook Page / Support our Thunderclap Campaign / The Starving Artist Cafe
Thank you for your time!
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu / Please Support Our Thunderclap Campaign
Chapter 16 – A Request
Zusie is speaking to Aldwin
“Aldwin, you know as well as I do that I am not the leader of this group. But, if it helps them to believe that I am, so be it. I believe, we are all traveling in the same direction for the same purpose. Some of us are able to direct others, while others are able to follow. Together, we are all trying to accomplish the same thing. You know what I think? Someone out there, past the mountains, in Jasper’s village is the true leader. And through Jasper they are leading us to safety…calling us home.”
Author Website / Facebook
S.D. Ferrell is the author of The Whipple Wash Chronicles a new fantasy adventure series for readers of all ages. Ms. Ferrell was born the 1st of October 1960 in Norfolk General Hospital, in Simcoe Ontario Canada. She grew up on a small hobby farm just outside of Simcoe in Windham Centre, with her parents, six sisters and one brother.
Her fondest memories of the farm were of the times she spent outside with her siblings, and the adventures they had in the forest that curved around the property. She remembers a majestic willow tree with long flowing branches that grew beside the laneway – they swung from those branches until they were giddy with laughter. There were also cherry trees in the front yard that she climbed and sat on the branches for what seemed like hours on end. Among the leaves she was free to allow her mind to take flights of fancy.
Nature; was a wonderful playground for a little girl with a vivid imagination who would one day grow-up to be a writer. Is it any wonder, Ms. Ferrell says that my debut novel starts in a forest and one of the main characters throughout the series is a tree.
S.D. is a proud mother to five daughters and a grandmother to fourteen wonderful grandchildren. She presently resides in Simcoe Ontario and is working on the third book in the series, The Long Road Home.
Amazon
I recently came in contact with Ms Farrell online as part of a social networking project for an event at The Starving Artist Cafe. I must admit, after asking her a few questions, her work has me quite curious. I look forward to picking up a copy of her first book when we meet in June.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Susan: Fantasy Adventure.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Susan: The story is for readers of all ages.
Carol Ann:What is next for you? Do you have any upcoming events?
Susan: Presently I am working on a couple of special projects for the series, but I am not quite ready to disclose what they are. Perhaps by the June 23rd I will have all my ducks in order and announce it at that time.
Carol Ann: Is there anyone special you would like to mention? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Susan: I would like to thank my daughters; Natasha, Kay’la, Whitnee, Elisha and Gabrielle. They have supported me from the start and never once questioned my overwhelming need to find my voice and write this series.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Susan: My favorite book growing up was The Chrysalides by John Wyndham. It is the only story that I actually remember reading. I am sure there were others, but for unexplainable reason that one seemed to stick with me.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Susan: I am a seeker of truth. I think of all the characters in all the books I have read, I would like to meet Jesus. I would like to hear firsthand about his existence and the miracles he accomplished and how he accomplished them.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Susan: I wrote a little book called, Susan’s Brain – A Parable for the human mind. It was a series of emails that I shared with my contacts about; life, being a single mom, getting older that sort of thing. I compiled the emails into a book and printed 10 copies from Staples. Once I saw my work in a book format I was hooked, and knew I had met my calling.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Susan: “Suzie realized early in life that she was on an adventure, little did she know how grand of an adventure it would be!”
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Susan: If there is a story within you tell, tell it. There is only one person in your life that needs to believe that you are capable of doing it; you. Once you believe, others will follow.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Susan: Not believing in my abilities sooner.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Susan: I attended a, “Meet the Author” event with children from an elementary school in Simcoe. They had read The Valley Time Forgot for a novel study, and had created story inspired artwork. After I read from the book we opened the floor for questions. One little girl asked if Jasper was going to be joining us. Well, my heart melted, and then I explained where the inspiration for Jasper came from.
Susan has graciously offered to donate her personal art to Authors Support the Fort – A Fort McMurray Fundraiser on May 29th, 2016.
Authors Support the Fort Facebook Page / Support our Thunderclap Campaign / The Starving Artist Cafe
Thank you for your time!
May 15, 2016
Spotlight on the Author – Barb Day, Author of Zanzibar
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu
Landlubbers! Come and set sail from the rugged, rocky shores of Labrador onto the tossin’ sea. Aye matey, ye too can join in the escapades on board the Black Fortune. Zanzibar, the youngest pirate on the ship accepts the challenge to rescue the kidnapped Reginald, King of the Sea. Lured by the anticipation of adventure, Zanzibar is off and running on a daring quest. On the decks of the Black Fortune, the crew encounters the pirates of the Treason, and the action explodes. As the scoundrels of the enemy ship try to steal the Black Fortune’s loot, a comical battle takes place. Certain to entertain a large audience, this swashbuckling tale will appeal not only to children, but also to the child in the adult.
Please support Our Thunderclap Campaign
Barb Day is a spoken word artist from Paris, Ontario and a member of the Cambridge Writer’s Collective and Toastmasters International. She has competed nationally at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word for the past four years and performs regularly at various events and festivals across the Province. Barb runs The Brant Rant, a poetry slam that is held at The Starving Artist in Brantford on the first Friday of every month.
I had the opportunity to ask Barb a few questions about her recently published children’s novel. Zanzibar is an exciting tale of the adventures of pirates for children ages 8-12. Pirate lovers keep reading.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Barb: Fantasy – the book is a delightful mix of mermaids, dragons, unicorns, sea monsters, a giant squid, a witch and even Abe the likable Big Foot!
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Barb: No – any fight scenes and violence are very minimal and portrayed in a comical manner to remain suitable for young readers.
Carol Ann: Who is your favourite character in the book and why?
Barb: Zanzibar is my favourite character. Zanzibar was brought up by his father, Darius, aboard the pirate ship, The Black Fortune and lived a life surrounded by the likes of fierce pirates such as Captain Bleak, Toothless, Dour, Bones and Blackjack, but Zanzibar had a good heart and was always willing to lend a hand to help someone down on their luck.
Carol Ann: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Barb: “Zanzibar swaggered in fine pirate form. He drew a bandana from his pocket to tie back his long, dark hair. His earrings and tattoos were similar to the other pirates, but his face did not have the chiseled, weathered lines of the men who had spent all their days at sea.” Zanzibar loves a life at sea, but he is not a fierce and bloodthirsty pirate like his comrades and the crew of The Black Fortune. Although his goal is to someday find gold and become a wealthy man, his kind-hearted personality leads him on many adventures when he is called upon to help.
Carol Ann: Do you have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Barb: “Corsair headed to the tree trunk where she seated herself at one end. Zanzibar had planned to sit beside her, but he was so nervous he tripped over the log and landed flat on his face. Corsair giggled. He swiftly jumped to his feet and brushed himself off. He felt like running off into the bushes. He did not want to look like a complete fool though, so with his best swagger, he headed toward the log, and the two sat side by side in the sunlight.” “Farewell Abe. I’ll miss ye, mate. I truly hope our paths will cross again. Ye saved me life, and y’ar me best friend.” Abe flung his hairy arms around Zanzibar and embraced him so tightly, Zanzibar gasped for air. His voice came out in a squeak. “Lad, let go! Y’ar squeezin’ the life out of me!”
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Barb: Friday, June 17th – reading from “Zanzibar” at the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts in Cambridge, ON Hosting The Brant Rant Poetry Slam from Sept. – June every month at The Starving Artist.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Barb: Eventually there will be a sequel to “Zanzibar” that will focus on the female character in the novel “Corsair.”
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Barb: Cover art by German artist, Nathie Author photograph by Colleen Rintoul Photography Edited by Becky Alexander, Ella Pankatz and Marcie Schwindt Printed by Brant Service Press Ltd. Dedicated to Joan Plyler
Carol Ann: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
Barb:The breeze swept across the sand on the shore. The early morning sky was a misty pink. I splashed through the waves, and my worn boots filled with salt water and became heavy. I felt at home near the water and drawn to the sea. I could feel the spray from the waves and smell the salt in the air. I watched a northern gannet spread its vast wings and take flight.
Carol Ann:If Zanzibar was in that place what would he be doing?
Barb: “Believe me, when I tell ye, I lived many adventure on board that ship. I’ll never forget the great stormy seas in bad weather and the boat swayin’ like a rockin’ horse. We had us some wicked storms, we did. The cruel waves thrashin’ the sides of the ship, navigating forward with nothing but a silver crescent of moon, just barely visible through the thickest fog ye ever saw. Fifty foot waves bashin’ so hard against the rocks along the shore, ye think they’d leave bruises. The raw, angry wind shreikin’ and howlin’ like witches around a cauldron. The slanting rain drummed hard on the deck, and ‘twas bitter cold. ‘It’s slightly rough today, boys!’ Zanzibar would holler, and somehow Captain Bleak would keep the ship movin’ along.”
Carol Ann: If Zanzibar was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he say?
Barb: You can’t live a life of greed and selfishness. Family, friends and generosity are what is important at the journey’ end.
Carol Ann: If Zanzibar could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Barb: Kids Can Fly – a local charity that promotes learning and literacy.
Thank You for your time!
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu
Landlubbers! Come and set sail from the rugged, rocky shores of Labrador onto the tossin’ sea. Aye matey, ye too can join in the escapades on board the Black Fortune. Zanzibar, the youngest pirate on the ship accepts the challenge to rescue the kidnapped Reginald, King of the Sea. Lured by the anticipation of adventure, Zanzibar is off and running on a daring quest. On the decks of the Black Fortune, the crew encounters the pirates of the Treason, and the action explodes. As the scoundrels of the enemy ship try to steal the Black Fortune’s loot, a comical battle takes place. Certain to entertain a large audience, this swashbuckling tale will appeal not only to children, but also to the child in the adult.
Please support Our Thunderclap Campaign
Barb Day is a spoken word artist from Paris, Ontario and a member of the Cambridge Writer’s Collective and Toastmasters International. She has competed nationally at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word for the past four years and performs regularly at various events and festivals across the Province. Barb runs The Brant Rant, a poetry slam that is held at The Starving Artist in Brantford on the first Friday of every month.
I had the opportunity to ask Barb a few questions about her recently published children’s novel. Zanzibar is an exciting tale of the adventures of pirates for children ages 8-12. Pirate lovers keep reading.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Barb: Fantasy – the book is a delightful mix of mermaids, dragons, unicorns, sea monsters, a giant squid, a witch and even Abe the likable Big Foot!
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Barb: No – any fight scenes and violence are very minimal and portrayed in a comical manner to remain suitable for young readers.
Carol Ann: Who is your favourite character in the book and why?
Barb: Zanzibar is my favourite character. Zanzibar was brought up by his father, Darius, aboard the pirate ship, The Black Fortune and lived a life surrounded by the likes of fierce pirates such as Captain Bleak, Toothless, Dour, Bones and Blackjack, but Zanzibar had a good heart and was always willing to lend a hand to help someone down on their luck.
Carol Ann: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Barb: “Zanzibar swaggered in fine pirate form. He drew a bandana from his pocket to tie back his long, dark hair. His earrings and tattoos were similar to the other pirates, but his face did not have the chiseled, weathered lines of the men who had spent all their days at sea.” Zanzibar loves a life at sea, but he is not a fierce and bloodthirsty pirate like his comrades and the crew of The Black Fortune. Although his goal is to someday find gold and become a wealthy man, his kind-hearted personality leads him on many adventures when he is called upon to help.
Carol Ann: Do you have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Barb: “Corsair headed to the tree trunk where she seated herself at one end. Zanzibar had planned to sit beside her, but he was so nervous he tripped over the log and landed flat on his face. Corsair giggled. He swiftly jumped to his feet and brushed himself off. He felt like running off into the bushes. He did not want to look like a complete fool though, so with his best swagger, he headed toward the log, and the two sat side by side in the sunlight.” “Farewell Abe. I’ll miss ye, mate. I truly hope our paths will cross again. Ye saved me life, and y’ar me best friend.” Abe flung his hairy arms around Zanzibar and embraced him so tightly, Zanzibar gasped for air. His voice came out in a squeak. “Lad, let go! Y’ar squeezin’ the life out of me!”
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Barb: Friday, June 17th – reading from “Zanzibar” at the Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts in Cambridge, ON Hosting The Brant Rant Poetry Slam from Sept. – June every month at The Starving Artist.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Barb: Eventually there will be a sequel to “Zanzibar” that will focus on the female character in the novel “Corsair.”
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Barb: Cover art by German artist, Nathie Author photograph by Colleen Rintoul Photography Edited by Becky Alexander, Ella Pankatz and Marcie Schwindt Printed by Brant Service Press Ltd. Dedicated to Joan Plyler
Carol Ann: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
Barb:The breeze swept across the sand on the shore. The early morning sky was a misty pink. I splashed through the waves, and my worn boots filled with salt water and became heavy. I felt at home near the water and drawn to the sea. I could feel the spray from the waves and smell the salt in the air. I watched a northern gannet spread its vast wings and take flight.
Carol Ann:If Zanzibar was in that place what would he be doing?
Barb: “Believe me, when I tell ye, I lived many adventure on board that ship. I’ll never forget the great stormy seas in bad weather and the boat swayin’ like a rockin’ horse. We had us some wicked storms, we did. The cruel waves thrashin’ the sides of the ship, navigating forward with nothing but a silver crescent of moon, just barely visible through the thickest fog ye ever saw. Fifty foot waves bashin’ so hard against the rocks along the shore, ye think they’d leave bruises. The raw, angry wind shreikin’ and howlin’ like witches around a cauldron. The slanting rain drummed hard on the deck, and ‘twas bitter cold. ‘It’s slightly rough today, boys!’ Zanzibar would holler, and somehow Captain Bleak would keep the ship movin’ along.”
Carol Ann: If Zanzibar was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he say?
Barb: You can’t live a life of greed and selfishness. Family, friends and generosity are what is important at the journey’ end.
Carol Ann: If Zanzibar could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Barb: Kids Can Fly – a local charity that promotes learning and literacy.
Thank You for your time!
May 9, 2016
Spotlight on the Author – Nate Friedman, author of The Coffee Monster
Spotlight on the Author –Nate Friedman author of
The Coffee Monster
May 29th, 2016, Nate Friedman will be one of the authors attending a special fundraiser for Fort McMurray. This is a casual event. Please come visit for your chance to talk one on one with the author of The Coffee Monster, buy a limited edition bookmark, enter raffles or bid on a silent auction item.
Authors Support the Fort Facebook Page / Support our Thunderclap Campaign / The Starving Artist Cafe
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu / Support Our Thunderclap Campaign
In a pleasant little town lives a normal family with a mom, dad and two beautiful children. There is just one thing that makes this family different from most other families; they don’t have a dog, cat or pets of any kind. Instead, they have a Coffee Monster! Follow Jenna and James as they try to deal with the Coffee Monster’s antics and help him overcome a personal struggle. Through this simple, but comedic tale, learn about the value of telling the truth, taking care of oneself and each other, and how to work through everyday issues. Most of all, you just might learn that there’s a little ‘Coffee Monster’ in all of us…
Facebook Fan Page
'The Coffee Monster, left alone, went through every part of the kitchen and left a big mess everywhere! The kids arrived home first and saw the gigantic mess. “What are we going to do!? Cried James. “Mom and Dad will never believe that it wasn’t us.” So they both started to clean, as fast as they could. The Coffee Monster just stood in the corner and laughed.'
Personal website
Nate Friedman, a writer born in the rose city Windsor, ON, currently lives amongst kings in Brantford, ON. He graduated university with a Bachelors in Human Kinetics and specialization in Sport Psychology. His education has fuelled a keen interest in how people think and what drives them to be their best. Comedy is his first love, from Jim Hensen’s Muppets to Walt Disney’s perfect cartooning; his desire to be creative has directed him towards writing children’s literature. He enjoys reading to his nephews, two of his biggest fans. He has penned, “The Coffee Monster” and is currently working on his second book, “The Last Hockey Fight,” which should prove to be another Canadian classic.
Chapters / Publisher Website (e-book available too!) / Amazon
I had the opportunity to ask Nate a few questions. If you are on the fence as to whether or not to visit one of this talented author's events, I hope the answers below help you decide in favour of the idea.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Nate: The book falls into children’s literature. The target audience is ages 5-9 years old AND can be enjoyed by kids of all ages ie. Everybody.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content I should know about?
Nate: Just one highly addictive character who can make a mess here and there.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Nate: Currently looking at booking more events for the summer! Look to my facebook page for more details.
Facebook Fan Page
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Nate: There’s always something in the works! I’ve paired up once again with the incredible Saba Bushnaq and we are finalizing “The Last Hockey Fight.” This book could not be more Canadian, in the best of ways! Not to spoil anything (coffee mostly does not) the Coffee Monster series continues!!!
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Nate: Oh wow where do I start… I wasn’t prepared for this… don’t make me speak. My first and biggest shout out goes to my illustrator: Saba Bushnaq. This book would be nothing without her. Sometimes in life amazing things happen, if you wait just the right amount of time and don’t try to control the situation too much. This was one of those moments. Big kudos to the publisher Mirror World Publishing who put up with me and decided to expand their portfolio to children literature to accommodate my book. Lastly, my family and everyone that supports me. A flower can grow to be beautiful with the right amount of sunshine, in an awesome garden and with lots of care- such as everyone around me has helped in one way or another.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Nate: So many great books. The one I remember the most fondly was ‘The Berenstein Bears: The Bike Lesson’ In this book the Dad would teach the child all the important “lessons” about riding a bike, by basically doing it wrong. Very funny. It was also great memories having my dad or grandpa read it to me before bed every night or during the day. Those are the memories you do not forget.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Nate: One jumps out at me, or should I say leaps! Curious George, he’s an intelligent monkey and has such an adventurous life :p Who wouldn’t want to befriend an awesome monkey- I think we would be best pals. There are a few books I would like to “be in” just to see how interesting the world is, like a Game of Thrones or Chronicles of Narnia. But I feel it would be more interesting to talk to characters in the world that are not central to the story in anyway to find out everyone else’s perceptions of the hero/villain because this may change depending where you are/who you talk to.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Nate: There wasn’t a set point in time or big a-ha moment. I’ve always known that I enjoy being creative and coming up with funny ideas. The writing is an extension of this mission- to make people laugh and smile. One of the many platforms, it just so happens that this creativity aligns with writing books so well. I love that the creative possibilities are endless. Characters arise, situations come out, and books then have to be written- it just happens. As with all great things.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Nate: This is a great question. I was actually having a conversation a few weeks ago, where the question that came up is “if you had to write an autobiography, what would be the title and why.” My book would be called LAUGH. I wanted a short title that grabs attention and speaks volumes. There’s nothing more to laugh than laughter and smiles. Such is my personal mantra that you will continue to see. “I want to change the world one smile at a time.” A journey I will take to the end of the world, and around it.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Nate: Write, write anddddd write. Contrary to popular belief, writes aren’t BORN amazing. As with anything you get better as you continue and dare to keep trying. Most of what you write will be complete garbage. With trying and trying you may just write something brilliant once and a while- we go after that. And we don’t listen to anyone that isn’t going to help that happen. Start you 10 000 hours today and you just may become a professional before you know it.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Nate: Not starting sooner! So much of society puts a limit on what can be accomplished with set norms and perceptions about writing being a viable endeavour, looking back on that it’s so plain to see that this is created and not the reality. I’ve now met many full time writers, some going as far as getting movie deals and coming up with ideas and stories for big time networks. It is a possibility, just have to be the first person to believe it yourself. I believe.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Nate: I like reading to my nephews. It is hard to keep them super engaged, but they love the pictures and sit down to hear me read out of respect :P tough crowds. They don’t have much choice in the matter. One of the best experiences I’ve had to date is doing a reading for 200+ kids at a READ convention in Windsor, ON. After my reading the kids all rushed the stage to ask me questions and see if I would sign one of my bookmarks. It’s so awesome to see kids being passionate about reading and great book ideas. This definitely motivates me to write and create more.
Thank you for your time!
The Coffee MonsterMay 29th, 2016, Nate Friedman will be one of the authors attending a special fundraiser for Fort McMurray. This is a casual event. Please come visit for your chance to talk one on one with the author of The Coffee Monster, buy a limited edition bookmark, enter raffles or bid on a silent auction item.
Authors Support the Fort Facebook Page / Support our Thunderclap Campaign / The Starving Artist Cafe
June 23rd & 24th some of Southern Ontario's finest author's will gather together for a two night literary festival featuring games, giveaways, raffles, a silent auction and a Q & A session about any of your writing questions. Normally I personalize my interviews to make my readers feel the characters in the author's books. In this case, however, I would like you to come to visit the Starving Artist Cafe in Brantford Ontario and find out for yourself.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu / Support Our Thunderclap Campaign
In a pleasant little town lives a normal family with a mom, dad and two beautiful children. There is just one thing that makes this family different from most other families; they don’t have a dog, cat or pets of any kind. Instead, they have a Coffee Monster! Follow Jenna and James as they try to deal with the Coffee Monster’s antics and help him overcome a personal struggle. Through this simple, but comedic tale, learn about the value of telling the truth, taking care of oneself and each other, and how to work through everyday issues. Most of all, you just might learn that there’s a little ‘Coffee Monster’ in all of us…
Facebook Fan Page
'The Coffee Monster, left alone, went through every part of the kitchen and left a big mess everywhere! The kids arrived home first and saw the gigantic mess. “What are we going to do!? Cried James. “Mom and Dad will never believe that it wasn’t us.” So they both started to clean, as fast as they could. The Coffee Monster just stood in the corner and laughed.'
Personal website
Nate Friedman, a writer born in the rose city Windsor, ON, currently lives amongst kings in Brantford, ON. He graduated university with a Bachelors in Human Kinetics and specialization in Sport Psychology. His education has fuelled a keen interest in how people think and what drives them to be their best. Comedy is his first love, from Jim Hensen’s Muppets to Walt Disney’s perfect cartooning; his desire to be creative has directed him towards writing children’s literature. He enjoys reading to his nephews, two of his biggest fans. He has penned, “The Coffee Monster” and is currently working on his second book, “The Last Hockey Fight,” which should prove to be another Canadian classic.
Chapters / Publisher Website (e-book available too!) / Amazon
I had the opportunity to ask Nate a few questions. If you are on the fence as to whether or not to visit one of this talented author's events, I hope the answers below help you decide in favour of the idea.
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Nate: The book falls into children’s literature. The target audience is ages 5-9 years old AND can be enjoyed by kids of all ages ie. Everybody.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content I should know about?
Nate: Just one highly addictive character who can make a mess here and there.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events?
Nate: Currently looking at booking more events for the summer! Look to my facebook page for more details.
Facebook Fan Page
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Nate: There’s always something in the works! I’ve paired up once again with the incredible Saba Bushnaq and we are finalizing “The Last Hockey Fight.” This book could not be more Canadian, in the best of ways! Not to spoil anything (coffee mostly does not) the Coffee Monster series continues!!!
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Nate: Oh wow where do I start… I wasn’t prepared for this… don’t make me speak. My first and biggest shout out goes to my illustrator: Saba Bushnaq. This book would be nothing without her. Sometimes in life amazing things happen, if you wait just the right amount of time and don’t try to control the situation too much. This was one of those moments. Big kudos to the publisher Mirror World Publishing who put up with me and decided to expand their portfolio to children literature to accommodate my book. Lastly, my family and everyone that supports me. A flower can grow to be beautiful with the right amount of sunshine, in an awesome garden and with lots of care- such as everyone around me has helped in one way or another.
Carol Ann: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Nate: So many great books. The one I remember the most fondly was ‘The Berenstein Bears: The Bike Lesson’ In this book the Dad would teach the child all the important “lessons” about riding a bike, by basically doing it wrong. Very funny. It was also great memories having my dad or grandpa read it to me before bed every night or during the day. Those are the memories you do not forget.
Carol Ann: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Nate: One jumps out at me, or should I say leaps! Curious George, he’s an intelligent monkey and has such an adventurous life :p Who wouldn’t want to befriend an awesome monkey- I think we would be best pals. There are a few books I would like to “be in” just to see how interesting the world is, like a Game of Thrones or Chronicles of Narnia. But I feel it would be more interesting to talk to characters in the world that are not central to the story in anyway to find out everyone else’s perceptions of the hero/villain because this may change depending where you are/who you talk to.
Carol Ann: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Nate: There wasn’t a set point in time or big a-ha moment. I’ve always known that I enjoy being creative and coming up with funny ideas. The writing is an extension of this mission- to make people laugh and smile. One of the many platforms, it just so happens that this creativity aligns with writing books so well. I love that the creative possibilities are endless. Characters arise, situations come out, and books then have to be written- it just happens. As with all great things.
Carol Ann: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Nate: This is a great question. I was actually having a conversation a few weeks ago, where the question that came up is “if you had to write an autobiography, what would be the title and why.” My book would be called LAUGH. I wanted a short title that grabs attention and speaks volumes. There’s nothing more to laugh than laughter and smiles. Such is my personal mantra that you will continue to see. “I want to change the world one smile at a time.” A journey I will take to the end of the world, and around it.
Carol Ann: What advice would you give new writers?
Nate: Write, write anddddd write. Contrary to popular belief, writes aren’t BORN amazing. As with anything you get better as you continue and dare to keep trying. Most of what you write will be complete garbage. With trying and trying you may just write something brilliant once and a while- we go after that. And we don’t listen to anyone that isn’t going to help that happen. Start you 10 000 hours today and you just may become a professional before you know it.
Carol Ann: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Nate: Not starting sooner! So much of society puts a limit on what can be accomplished with set norms and perceptions about writing being a viable endeavour, looking back on that it’s so plain to see that this is created and not the reality. I’ve now met many full time writers, some going as far as getting movie deals and coming up with ideas and stories for big time networks. It is a possibility, just have to be the first person to believe it yourself. I believe.
Carol Ann: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Nate: I like reading to my nephews. It is hard to keep them super engaged, but they love the pictures and sit down to hear me read out of respect :P tough crowds. They don’t have much choice in the matter. One of the best experiences I’ve had to date is doing a reading for 200+ kids at a READ convention in Windsor, ON. After my reading the kids all rushed the stage to ask me questions and see if I would sign one of my bookmarks. It’s so awesome to see kids being passionate about reading and great book ideas. This definitely motivates me to write and create more.
Thank you for your time!
May 6, 2016
Interview with Maggie Williams, author of Speaking Out, a work in progress.
Interview with Maggie Williams, author of Speaking Out, a work in progress.
“Heed the warnings and get out of there before your significant other decides today’s the day to end you. Because that’s where it will end if you don’t get out!” Is a powerful message that Maggie William's characters would like to send to readers.
Normally, I would write an interview such as this as a short story. I like to take an author's answers and try to get inside the head of their character enough to write a scene as an introduction to their book. This, however, is a different situation. I couldn't even start to pretend to understand what a person who has been exposed to this level of abuse is thinking or feeling, especially since the book was written as a memoir. My hat goes off to Maggie for putting these difficult words to paper and raising awareness in the community for victims of abuse.
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Abused victims will lie to you even though they know, deep down that you know the truth. They will tell you that they love this person or that he/she didn’t mean it. Lies. There’s numerous reasons why someone in that position will lie to you, but the main reason is they are scared. Scared of what would happen to them if the abuser found out that they spoke up. I know because I was a victim and I used to lie just so it wouldn’t get any worse.
I want to tell you right now fight! Get up and fight, tell someone, get help, and get out of the situation. Because believe me if you don’t it will only get worse!
What a powerful message! I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to chat with Maggie Williams to find out more about her book, Speaking out.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Maggie: Yeah, there will be mentions and maybe a couple of abusive scenes
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Maggie: Probably a memoir?
Carol Ann:Who is your favourite character in the book? Please explain.
Maggie: This one is a bit tough. My favorite would be either Perseus or Cloe. The reason being, Perseus is a hero in every sense of the term. He shows Cloe that she could trust again. Cloe because she’s a strong person who overcame her abuser.
Cloe is a big beautiful woman with short, purple hair and is about 5’7. Perseus is her total opposite. He has a shaved head, skinny, and is very tall.
Cloe is shy but confident, too soft hearted for her own good but a firecracker at the same time. Perseus on the other hand has a comedian’s personality, family is very important to him, and he’s very outgoing.
Carol Ann: Are there a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows their personality?
Maggie: There’s no dialogue just yet...sadly I’ve scrapped what I had and am in the process of rewriting it because it wasn’t flowing right before.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events scheduled?
Maggie: Not at the moment but will let y’all know when there will be.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Maggie: I have a couple of projects I’m working on. One with a co author (horror genre) and a few of my own…..one of which will be another memoir, then there’s a couple of romances.
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Maggie: The cover art will most likely be an original made by my bestfriend’s husband, haven’t found an editor just yet. One shout out will be to my mom. She’s been my biggest supporter and inspiration for everything I do.
Carol Ann: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Maggie: Any charity that helps Domestic Violence victims (men and women, not just women)
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Excerpt: Cloe was never very lucky in life. At just seven years old her childhood was ripped from her by Lucifer, her dad’s best friend. As she grew older her trust in men just slipped farther and farther away. When she reached high school she was ready to give up on life. She was drawn into herself and only trusted her sister.
When her dad became ill her life only got harder. Her cousin came down for a visit but when she left Cloe left with her. Cloe did something she never thought she would. She told her cousin of the incident with Lucifer; in turn she told Cloe of what her dad did to her.
When she was twenty one she met and married Demon who she’d thought she loved. When they married he did a one eighty. He began beating her, made it worst when he lost his job. He ripped Cloe away from everyone that she has ever known to somewhere she’d never been, to people she never met. Cloe had a job working for a great company, but never saw the money. A few short months later she’d lost her job, and he beat her. Cloe tried going to her friends house but he always found her and convinced her to go back home with him.
The last time they’d gotten into an argument Cloe left, thought she was leaving for good, but Demon found her and brought her back to the house; beat her until she was nearly unconscious. She lost their baby that day. She decided right then and there that she was going to leave and leave for good.
I'd like to thank Maggie Williams for her time and extend best wishes in the future release of her novel.
“Heed the warnings and get out of there before your significant other decides today’s the day to end you. Because that’s where it will end if you don’t get out!” Is a powerful message that Maggie William's characters would like to send to readers.
Normally, I would write an interview such as this as a short story. I like to take an author's answers and try to get inside the head of their character enough to write a scene as an introduction to their book. This, however, is a different situation. I couldn't even start to pretend to understand what a person who has been exposed to this level of abuse is thinking or feeling, especially since the book was written as a memoir. My hat goes off to Maggie for putting these difficult words to paper and raising awareness in the community for victims of abuse.
Blog Facebook
Abused victims will lie to you even though they know, deep down that you know the truth. They will tell you that they love this person or that he/she didn’t mean it. Lies. There’s numerous reasons why someone in that position will lie to you, but the main reason is they are scared. Scared of what would happen to them if the abuser found out that they spoke up. I know because I was a victim and I used to lie just so it wouldn’t get any worse.
I want to tell you right now fight! Get up and fight, tell someone, get help, and get out of the situation. Because believe me if you don’t it will only get worse!
What a powerful message! I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to chat with Maggie Williams to find out more about her book, Speaking out.
Carol Ann: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Maggie: Yeah, there will be mentions and maybe a couple of abusive scenes
Carol Ann: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Maggie: Probably a memoir?
Carol Ann:Who is your favourite character in the book? Please explain.
Maggie: This one is a bit tough. My favorite would be either Perseus or Cloe. The reason being, Perseus is a hero in every sense of the term. He shows Cloe that she could trust again. Cloe because she’s a strong person who overcame her abuser.
Cloe is a big beautiful woman with short, purple hair and is about 5’7. Perseus is her total opposite. He has a shaved head, skinny, and is very tall.
Cloe is shy but confident, too soft hearted for her own good but a firecracker at the same time. Perseus on the other hand has a comedian’s personality, family is very important to him, and he’s very outgoing.
Carol Ann: Are there a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows their personality?
Maggie: There’s no dialogue just yet...sadly I’ve scrapped what I had and am in the process of rewriting it because it wasn’t flowing right before.
Carol Ann: Do you have any upcoming events scheduled?
Maggie: Not at the moment but will let y’all know when there will be.
Carol Ann: What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Maggie: I have a couple of projects I’m working on. One with a co author (horror genre) and a few of my own…..one of which will be another memoir, then there’s a couple of romances.
Carol Ann: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Maggie: The cover art will most likely be an original made by my bestfriend’s husband, haven’t found an editor just yet. One shout out will be to my mom. She’s been my biggest supporter and inspiration for everything I do.
Carol Ann: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Maggie: Any charity that helps Domestic Violence victims (men and women, not just women)
Blog Facebook
Excerpt: Cloe was never very lucky in life. At just seven years old her childhood was ripped from her by Lucifer, her dad’s best friend. As she grew older her trust in men just slipped farther and farther away. When she reached high school she was ready to give up on life. She was drawn into herself and only trusted her sister.
When her dad became ill her life only got harder. Her cousin came down for a visit but when she left Cloe left with her. Cloe did something she never thought she would. She told her cousin of the incident with Lucifer; in turn she told Cloe of what her dad did to her.
When she was twenty one she met and married Demon who she’d thought she loved. When they married he did a one eighty. He began beating her, made it worst when he lost his job. He ripped Cloe away from everyone that she has ever known to somewhere she’d never been, to people she never met. Cloe had a job working for a great company, but never saw the money. A few short months later she’d lost her job, and he beat her. Cloe tried going to her friends house but he always found her and convinced her to go back home with him.
The last time they’d gotten into an argument Cloe left, thought she was leaving for good, but Demon found her and brought her back to the house; beat her until she was nearly unconscious. She lost their baby that day. She decided right then and there that she was going to leave and leave for good.
I'd like to thank Maggie Williams for her time and extend best wishes in the future release of her novel.
May 4, 2016
Books Are Art ~ A Celebration of the Written Word
On June 23rd and 24th, I will be one of the authors attending a discussion night at The Starving Artist Cafe located at 42 Dalhousie St., Brantford, Ontario. Over the weeks leading up to the event, I hope to bring you interviews with each of my fellow authors. As I wait for my colleagues to answer questions, I thought I would begin by telling you a little bit about me.
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu
My name is Carol Ann King and I am the author of The Portal Prophecies Series.
A little about my books:
The main protagonist, Willow, is a teenage girl growing up on her own in a magical world where the events of the past are a mystery. A series of events set her and her friends on a journey like no other, leading them to a new understanding of themselves, their feelings and their abilities. As they begin to unravel all that previously transpired, they find themselves the sole opposition to a plot that could destroy all existence. The one clue they have is a book filled with hundreds of predictions called ‘The Portal Prophecies’. Deciphering them however, will not be an easy task. Written by someone from their past, the pages are lined with riddle like poems. Even worse they appear to be in no particular order.
Each book is based on a different prophecy leading our heroes and heroines to new places and new friends while experiencing growing pains along the way. The entire series, delves deep into the understanding of magic and self-discovery, all the while questioning the right versus wrong equation on personal levels.
As the books progress, readers will find some new explanations for old tales, myths, legends, folk lore and unusual phenomena that could just make them question the validity of stories we all have grown up with. Vampires, Witches, Ghosts, Monsters, Santa Claus, Atlantis, Elves, Dragons, Faeries, find out the alternate truth to them all.
The Portal Prophecies Series currently has five books available and a sixth scheduled for release this fall!
You can follow my social media for all updates about current projects and new books coming soon.
Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr / Pinterest / Instagram / Youtube / Goodreads / Website / Google+
Other Projects:
Fans of my writing can follow Books & Quills Magazine. I write a column for them which posts weekly along with other articles of interest.
link: Books & Quills Magazine
My blogging
My site http://www.caking.ca is unfortunately down for revisions at the moment.
This doesn't mean that you can't find my blogs and/or author interviews! You can find them right here Goodreads Blog ~ or on my Website under the newly added blog link.
If you are interested in an interview please feel free to leave me a message!
Want to meet me in person? I will be at the following events
May 28th - 9th Annual Brantford Pagan Meet & Greet
June 3rd - 5th - Niagara Falls Comic con ~
Panels for Niagara Falls - 5:00 pm June 4th, and 1:00 pm June 5th
June 17th - HOPE in the Street (Guelph) (4 pm)
June 23rd & 24th 7:00pm- Starving Artist Cafe Writing Panel (Brantford)
August 20th and 21st - Arts Fest (Waterdown)
August 26th - 28th - Fan World Niagara Falls
September 1-4 Fan Expo Toronto
September 17th - Ignite Your Soul Author Event (London)
September 25th - Word on the Street Toronto
October 1st and 2nd - Hamilton Comic Con
Weekends in October - Bizarro's Factory of Fear (Hamilton)
March 17th-19th 2017 - Toronto Comic Con
If you would like some more information on me, follow the links below to interviews and newspaper articles.
http://www.insidehalton.com/community...
http://www.fireandicebooktours.com/yo...
http://sarahefoil.tumblr.com/post/140...
http://www.sharonlipman.com/blogs/pos...
https://cloemarriesreads.wordpress.co...
Don't forget to check out my Ask the Author Groups!
Facebook Group / Goodreads Group
The Portal Prophecies are available at the following fine retailers
Amazon / LuLu / Itunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
Thank you for reading. See you next time. Carol Ann King
Two Day Book Festival / The Starving Artist Cafe / Menu
My name is Carol Ann King and I am the author of The Portal Prophecies Series.
A little about my books:
The main protagonist, Willow, is a teenage girl growing up on her own in a magical world where the events of the past are a mystery. A series of events set her and her friends on a journey like no other, leading them to a new understanding of themselves, their feelings and their abilities. As they begin to unravel all that previously transpired, they find themselves the sole opposition to a plot that could destroy all existence. The one clue they have is a book filled with hundreds of predictions called ‘The Portal Prophecies’. Deciphering them however, will not be an easy task. Written by someone from their past, the pages are lined with riddle like poems. Even worse they appear to be in no particular order.
Each book is based on a different prophecy leading our heroes and heroines to new places and new friends while experiencing growing pains along the way. The entire series, delves deep into the understanding of magic and self-discovery, all the while questioning the right versus wrong equation on personal levels.
As the books progress, readers will find some new explanations for old tales, myths, legends, folk lore and unusual phenomena that could just make them question the validity of stories we all have grown up with. Vampires, Witches, Ghosts, Monsters, Santa Claus, Atlantis, Elves, Dragons, Faeries, find out the alternate truth to them all.
The Portal Prophecies Series currently has five books available and a sixth scheduled for release this fall!
You can follow my social media for all updates about current projects and new books coming soon.
Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr / Pinterest / Instagram / Youtube / Goodreads / Website / Google+
Other Projects:
Fans of my writing can follow Books & Quills Magazine. I write a column for them which posts weekly along with other articles of interest.
link: Books & Quills Magazine
My blogging
My site http://www.caking.ca is unfortunately down for revisions at the moment.
This doesn't mean that you can't find my blogs and/or author interviews! You can find them right here Goodreads Blog ~ or on my Website under the newly added blog link.
If you are interested in an interview please feel free to leave me a message!
Want to meet me in person? I will be at the following events
May 28th - 9th Annual Brantford Pagan Meet & Greet
June 3rd - 5th - Niagara Falls Comic con ~
Panels for Niagara Falls - 5:00 pm June 4th, and 1:00 pm June 5th
June 17th - HOPE in the Street (Guelph) (4 pm)
June 23rd & 24th 7:00pm- Starving Artist Cafe Writing Panel (Brantford)
August 20th and 21st - Arts Fest (Waterdown)
August 26th - 28th - Fan World Niagara Falls
September 1-4 Fan Expo Toronto
September 17th - Ignite Your Soul Author Event (London)
September 25th - Word on the Street Toronto
October 1st and 2nd - Hamilton Comic Con
Weekends in October - Bizarro's Factory of Fear (Hamilton)
March 17th-19th 2017 - Toronto Comic Con
If you would like some more information on me, follow the links below to interviews and newspaper articles.
http://www.insidehalton.com/community...
http://www.fireandicebooktours.com/yo...
http://sarahefoil.tumblr.com/post/140...
http://www.sharonlipman.com/blogs/pos...
https://cloemarriesreads.wordpress.co...
Don't forget to check out my Ask the Author Groups!
Facebook Group / Goodreads Group
The Portal Prophecies are available at the following fine retailers
Amazon / LuLu / Itunes / Barnes & Noble / Kobo
Thank you for reading. See you next time. Carol Ann King
April 30, 2016
A Review of Guilty by Association
Book review by Carol Ann King,
http://www.portalprophecies.com/
by E.A. Copen
I am a paperback girl, so the first thing I notice about any book is the cover. Guilty by Association is a novel I am proud to display in my personal library. The use of blacks, greys and whites, with just the right touch of red mixed in, makes for a spectacular appearance. The online version, in my opinion, doesn't do it justice.
I always find myself flipping through the pages of a new book, before reading it, hoping the formatting is in order, as well as the font sizing and spacing. I appreciate a book that is easy on my ageing eyes. Smaller print can mean breaking out the reading glass, which isn't quite as comfortable and takes me twice as long to finish. Everything about E.A. Copen's book screams read me and it didn't take long for me to give in.
The book is an urban fantasy set in Texas. Rather than a rehashing of the old 'supernatural beings are superior' plot, this story takes a different approach with an unusual, but refreshing twist. The vampires, werewolves, fae and other non-human beings are the ones being ostracized from society and contained to reservations. They are tracked, tested on and restricted in unimaginable ways by the government. I should warn there are strong themes of prejudice woven into the plot, that could borderline being a trigger for some people. The action begins inside one of these reservations.
The main character is a female investigator named Judah, who drives a beat up, 1968 Firebird and works for the government. On her first day, she walks right into a murder scene, that sets up a 'who done it' plot that will keep you guessing all the way through the chapters. As the book progresses we learn she is so much more than just another cliche woman agent. Not only is she a mother, but she has secrets – secrets that are revealed slowly throughout the story.
This action packed novel started on page one and kept me entertained all the way through. The characters are well written and believable, in a supernatural sort of way. I give E.A. Copen 4.6 stars out of 5. I suppose that rounds up to five. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, intrigue and suspense with a tidal-wave of supernatural thrown in.
You can find Guilty by Association on Amazon.
http://www.portalprophecies.com/
by E.A. CopenI am a paperback girl, so the first thing I notice about any book is the cover. Guilty by Association is a novel I am proud to display in my personal library. The use of blacks, greys and whites, with just the right touch of red mixed in, makes for a spectacular appearance. The online version, in my opinion, doesn't do it justice.
I always find myself flipping through the pages of a new book, before reading it, hoping the formatting is in order, as well as the font sizing and spacing. I appreciate a book that is easy on my ageing eyes. Smaller print can mean breaking out the reading glass, which isn't quite as comfortable and takes me twice as long to finish. Everything about E.A. Copen's book screams read me and it didn't take long for me to give in.
The book is an urban fantasy set in Texas. Rather than a rehashing of the old 'supernatural beings are superior' plot, this story takes a different approach with an unusual, but refreshing twist. The vampires, werewolves, fae and other non-human beings are the ones being ostracized from society and contained to reservations. They are tracked, tested on and restricted in unimaginable ways by the government. I should warn there are strong themes of prejudice woven into the plot, that could borderline being a trigger for some people. The action begins inside one of these reservations.
The main character is a female investigator named Judah, who drives a beat up, 1968 Firebird and works for the government. On her first day, she walks right into a murder scene, that sets up a 'who done it' plot that will keep you guessing all the way through the chapters. As the book progresses we learn she is so much more than just another cliche woman agent. Not only is she a mother, but she has secrets – secrets that are revealed slowly throughout the story.
This action packed novel started on page one and kept me entertained all the way through. The characters are well written and believable, in a supernatural sort of way. I give E.A. Copen 4.6 stars out of 5. I suppose that rounds up to five. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, intrigue and suspense with a tidal-wave of supernatural thrown in.
You can find Guilty by Association on Amazon.
