C.A. King's Blog, page 6
August 2, 2017
Author Interview: Cindy Tomamichel
Welcome to the next stop on my Quest for #30authors30days. Today's author is Cindy Tomamichel, a writer of action adventure novels, some with a touch of romance. The heroines don’t wait to be rescued, and the heroes earn that title the hard way.
Her first book Druid’s Portal: The First Journey– time travel romance in Roman Britain near Hadrian’s Wall has been published with Soul Mate publishing. She also has a number of short stories and poems published in various anthologies.
Check it out: Amazon Page
Her next book, Druid’s Portal: The Second Journey is in progress. An action adventure time travel with a touch of romance set in Roman Britain. Keep up to date via links below.
Contact Cindy on:
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Google+ ~ Amazon Author page
We'll be discussing Druid's Portal: The First Journey today!
A portal closed for 2,000 years.
An ancient religion twisted by modern greed.
A love that crosses the centuries.
An ancient druid pendant shows archaeologist Janet visions of Roman soldier Trajan. The visions are of danger, death, and love – but are they a promise or a curse?
Her fiancé Daman hurts and abandons her before the wedding, her beloved museum is ransacked, and a robed man vanishes before her eyes. Haunted by visions of a time she knows long gone, Janet teeters on the edge of a breakdown.
In the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall and 2,000 years back in time, Janet’s past and present collide. Daman has vowed to drive the invaders from the shores of Britain, and march his barbarian hordes to Rome. Trajan swears vengeance against the man who threatens both his loves - Janet and the Empire.
Time is running out - for everyone.
Druid’s Portal Excerpt:
The forest echoed with the sounds of battle. She was a ghost, back in the nightmare world of her vision. Every place she looked seemed to hold a new danger, and she could not warn them of the savages hiding in the trees, even now casting aside their bows and drawing swords. Barbarian Picts, their blue-painted faces had a savagery that meant death to the invaders. How could the soldiers escape? One young soldier fell at Janet’s feet, a sword jutting from his shoulder, his face slackening in death. She backed away, her stomach churning.
‘Trajan, behind you!’ shouted one of the soldiers. He turned amidst the rain of arrows, deftly angling his shield, and thrust his sword out at a spike-haired barbarian. ‘For Rome!’
That brings us to my favourite part ~ Q & A. I've been told I ask a few difficult questions, but that's what makes the answers so much more spectacular!
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Time travel romance, although it also fits into historical fantasy.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: I deal with the effect of domestic violence on a woman, and there are some graphic fight scenes.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Druid’s Portal is coming out in paperback in September, and can be preordered now.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: I am writing the Second Journey, planning to have that finished this month.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: My cover won the cover of the month with Books & Benches in June, so a shout out to the artist Melody Pond.
Soul Mate Publishing have been great to work with, and I certainly recommend them.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: The Narnia series is one I read over and over, so out of so many books, they are probably my favourite.
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: A lot of my favourite characters I suspect I would be too scared to talk to- Conan for instance. I suspect I could have a better chat with Hermione Grainger and Crookshanks from Harry Potter. I am sure between books and cats we would have plenty of things in common.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: I left a job nearly 20 years ago with the intention to write a book. While a lot of stuff happened in between, that was probably the point I admitted it as a concrete ambition.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: Have cat, will travel.
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Read extensively in a range of genres. Practice writing poetry, short stories and novels to find your writing style. Join a writers group – they help in so many ways and it is always nice to be able to chat about writing without boring non writers into a coma.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Wasting time in the early days entering competitions when I should have focused on just becoming a better writer.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: Chatting about which hunky actor would play my hero the best because it should get made into a movie!
What great answers! Let's have a big round of applause for today's author!
Thanks for joining me. Until next time - happy reading!
Her first book Druid’s Portal: The First Journey– time travel romance in Roman Britain near Hadrian’s Wall has been published with Soul Mate publishing. She also has a number of short stories and poems published in various anthologies.
Check it out: Amazon Page
Her next book, Druid’s Portal: The Second Journey is in progress. An action adventure time travel with a touch of romance set in Roman Britain. Keep up to date via links below.
Contact Cindy on:
Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Goodreads ~ Google+ ~ Amazon Author page
We'll be discussing Druid's Portal: The First Journey today!
A portal closed for 2,000 years.
An ancient religion twisted by modern greed.
A love that crosses the centuries.
An ancient druid pendant shows archaeologist Janet visions of Roman soldier Trajan. The visions are of danger, death, and love – but are they a promise or a curse?
Her fiancé Daman hurts and abandons her before the wedding, her beloved museum is ransacked, and a robed man vanishes before her eyes. Haunted by visions of a time she knows long gone, Janet teeters on the edge of a breakdown.
In the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall and 2,000 years back in time, Janet’s past and present collide. Daman has vowed to drive the invaders from the shores of Britain, and march his barbarian hordes to Rome. Trajan swears vengeance against the man who threatens both his loves - Janet and the Empire.
Time is running out - for everyone.
Druid’s Portal Excerpt:
The forest echoed with the sounds of battle. She was a ghost, back in the nightmare world of her vision. Every place she looked seemed to hold a new danger, and she could not warn them of the savages hiding in the trees, even now casting aside their bows and drawing swords. Barbarian Picts, their blue-painted faces had a savagery that meant death to the invaders. How could the soldiers escape? One young soldier fell at Janet’s feet, a sword jutting from his shoulder, his face slackening in death. She backed away, her stomach churning.
‘Trajan, behind you!’ shouted one of the soldiers. He turned amidst the rain of arrows, deftly angling his shield, and thrust his sword out at a spike-haired barbarian. ‘For Rome!’
That brings us to my favourite part ~ Q & A. I've been told I ask a few difficult questions, but that's what makes the answers so much more spectacular!
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Time travel romance, although it also fits into historical fantasy.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: I deal with the effect of domestic violence on a woman, and there are some graphic fight scenes.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Druid’s Portal is coming out in paperback in September, and can be preordered now.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: I am writing the Second Journey, planning to have that finished this month.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: My cover won the cover of the month with Books & Benches in June, so a shout out to the artist Melody Pond.
Soul Mate Publishing have been great to work with, and I certainly recommend them.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: The Narnia series is one I read over and over, so out of so many books, they are probably my favourite.
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: A lot of my favourite characters I suspect I would be too scared to talk to- Conan for instance. I suspect I could have a better chat with Hermione Grainger and Crookshanks from Harry Potter. I am sure between books and cats we would have plenty of things in common.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: I left a job nearly 20 years ago with the intention to write a book. While a lot of stuff happened in between, that was probably the point I admitted it as a concrete ambition.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: Have cat, will travel.
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Read extensively in a range of genres. Practice writing poetry, short stories and novels to find your writing style. Join a writers group – they help in so many ways and it is always nice to be able to chat about writing without boring non writers into a coma.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Wasting time in the early days entering competitions when I should have focused on just becoming a better writer.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: Chatting about which hunky actor would play my hero the best because it should get made into a movie!
What great answers! Let's have a big round of applause for today's author!
Thanks for joining me. Until next time - happy reading!
July 30, 2017
Author Interview ~ Samantha Fidler-Newby
I'm still on the quest for #30authors. It's an explorational journey that is going to live well past the #30days. I'm thinking on the lines of #30authors60days! Nonetheless I am enjoying the journey - especially finding out about so many new authors.
We are here today with Samantha Fidler-Newby. I asked for a personal bio to share:
I am a wordsmith who loves to create places for my characters to live outside of my imagination. When I am not writing, I enjoy hanging out with my family and shopping for a great bargain.
Currently, I am going to school for a Master in Applied Arts in Technical Communications at Missouri Western State University. I hope to start freelancing as a Communication Specialist once I have graduated. Being a sponge for knowledge has also lead me to complete a B.A. in Communication, emphasis Journalism (Truman State University) and a Masters in English (Northwest Missouri State University). You can say I am a glutton for learning.
When I am not working a full-time job or busy with school work, I knit, rehab and re-purpose furniture, and go antiquing with my husband. The more things I try, the happier I am.
We'll be discussing the book The Thornless Rose: Fire Blush
A single night can change a person indefinitely. After a vicious attack, a new and dangerous ability awakens in Viviana. Now she can manipulate fire and it’s fueled by her emotions. On top of this, she is having a difficult time controlling herself with all the skeletons she keeps finding in her family’s closet. With this new ability, she must seek training to keep herself from harming others. Scared to leave everyone she loves behind but afraid of losing control at any moment, she must embark on a journey to the Sun Shrine in the kingdom of Calestius for help. Along the way, she will learn secrets of the past that will change her forever.
More information is available on the Author's Website: www.samanthafidlernewby.com
I've been provided with a short excerpt to share! Let's take a look inside:
A pair of sapphire eyes appeared, unnoticed, in the crack of the oak doors as two men in the room quietly argued about what lay on the table by the fireplace. Firelight danced on the walls as Viviana watched the men's faces and listened to the argument escalate. She listened to their voices, but she could not pull her eyes away from the object on the table. The blood-soaked sheet rose and fell, as if alive. The sound of a fist hitting the wooden table snapped her attention back to the two men in the room.
“You must call for her and you know it,” the shorter of the two men growled. She gasped as she realized blood caked them from their heads to their boots.
“I know he needs her, but I am scared of what she must face. He knows so much. If he tells her anything, all will be for naught…all he has sacrificed.” Viviana’s father sighed and sat in his chair. His body shuddered under the weight of his decision. “I will call on her if he becomes worse in the next hour. I do not want to bring her here unless I absolutely have to.” He looked towards the door. She quickly pressed against the frame and waited for the men to start talking again, giving her the chance to escape down the hall.
That brings us to my favourite part ~ Q & A. I've been told I ask a few difficult questions, but that's what makes the answers so much more spectacular!
Question: Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Answer: My favorite character is, of course, Viviana. She is an extroverted and charming young lady who loves her family. This is a big part of who I am and so, I get to live through her. There are things, of course, she can only do and I enjoy giving her some skills I wish I had.
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer: Viviana has sapphire eyes and auburn hair. She is plump but can be athletic when she needs to be. Being a lord’s daughter, she had the opportunity to go to school and learn more than most. This can make her dangerous and a little overbearing at- times, but her good nature makes up for it in the end.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: “You are crying, and you do not cry, Father. Did someone die?”
“Ah, well I will talk to him then. I have my own ways of gathering information.”
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Fantasy. There are kingdoms, knights, queens, creatures, and powers beyond normal humans can possess.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: There is a bit of a flashback of Viviana being attacked by a group of men but there is nothing explicit about the memory. This trilogy is meant for a wide spectrum of people to enjoy and I only put in what I think is needed to get the point across without too much detail.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: The solar eclipse passes through my hometown this year and my writers guild created an anthology with a celestial theme to it. So, we will be out during the weekend (Aug 19th-21st) selling the anthology and our own books too. Then, I have a flea market in Iowa at the end of September. October is when it really picks up again around my hometown for festivals, expos, and conventions.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Yes. I have the second in the Thornless Rose trilogy that I am working on right now. I hope to have pre-ordering ready for the fall and have it out before the holidays pick up. Besides that, I am always working on my freelancing skills and looking for work.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I would not have my book out if it wasn’t for Julie Casey and Amazing Things Press. They are a local indie publisher and she owns it. She is a member of the guild I am in and came to my rescue when I was trying to self-publish. I was struggling with the cover art from a company I hired to do my editing/formatting/cover art. They just didn’t get it and she did. So, I signed with her and I had copies in my hand for my event just in time.
Question: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Please describe the place rather than just a name. The weather, the time of day, the ground, the surroundings, foliage, etc...
Answer: I want to visit Ireland and all the amazing old castles that are out there. My husband and I are hooked on the medieval style and love the lore that goes with them. We’d love to go when the weather is not too wet, but I don’t mind a little rain. I just want to be out when we could spend time in the places at night and maybe do some paranormal investigating.
Question: If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: If Viviana was in a place like that, she would be exploring the surroundings and trying to find out more about the place. She loves knowledge and seeking it wherever she is.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: I think Viviana would want to tell readers that her powers, even as a healer, are a part of herself that she doesn’t always want, but cannot simply rid herself of them. This is a struggle that she knows others must face in their lives and it’s something that connects us all in a way. She must go on a physical and mental journey to find help with them and knows that she is not alone in her quest. She hopes that others will do the same if they need help on their journey in life. Though it won’t be easy, it will be worth it in the end.
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: Anything to do with animals, especially horses.
What great answers! Let's have a big round of applause for today's author! If you are looking for more information simply follow the links!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekworm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegeekworm
Website: www.samanthafidlernewby.com
Thank you for joining me on my quest to find #30authors! Until next time, happy reading!
We are here today with Samantha Fidler-Newby. I asked for a personal bio to share:
I am a wordsmith who loves to create places for my characters to live outside of my imagination. When I am not writing, I enjoy hanging out with my family and shopping for a great bargain.
Currently, I am going to school for a Master in Applied Arts in Technical Communications at Missouri Western State University. I hope to start freelancing as a Communication Specialist once I have graduated. Being a sponge for knowledge has also lead me to complete a B.A. in Communication, emphasis Journalism (Truman State University) and a Masters in English (Northwest Missouri State University). You can say I am a glutton for learning.
When I am not working a full-time job or busy with school work, I knit, rehab and re-purpose furniture, and go antiquing with my husband. The more things I try, the happier I am.
We'll be discussing the book The Thornless Rose: Fire Blush
A single night can change a person indefinitely. After a vicious attack, a new and dangerous ability awakens in Viviana. Now she can manipulate fire and it’s fueled by her emotions. On top of this, she is having a difficult time controlling herself with all the skeletons she keeps finding in her family’s closet. With this new ability, she must seek training to keep herself from harming others. Scared to leave everyone she loves behind but afraid of losing control at any moment, she must embark on a journey to the Sun Shrine in the kingdom of Calestius for help. Along the way, she will learn secrets of the past that will change her forever.
More information is available on the Author's Website: www.samanthafidlernewby.com
I've been provided with a short excerpt to share! Let's take a look inside:
A pair of sapphire eyes appeared, unnoticed, in the crack of the oak doors as two men in the room quietly argued about what lay on the table by the fireplace. Firelight danced on the walls as Viviana watched the men's faces and listened to the argument escalate. She listened to their voices, but she could not pull her eyes away from the object on the table. The blood-soaked sheet rose and fell, as if alive. The sound of a fist hitting the wooden table snapped her attention back to the two men in the room.
“You must call for her and you know it,” the shorter of the two men growled. She gasped as she realized blood caked them from their heads to their boots.
“I know he needs her, but I am scared of what she must face. He knows so much. If he tells her anything, all will be for naught…all he has sacrificed.” Viviana’s father sighed and sat in his chair. His body shuddered under the weight of his decision. “I will call on her if he becomes worse in the next hour. I do not want to bring her here unless I absolutely have to.” He looked towards the door. She quickly pressed against the frame and waited for the men to start talking again, giving her the chance to escape down the hall.
That brings us to my favourite part ~ Q & A. I've been told I ask a few difficult questions, but that's what makes the answers so much more spectacular!
Question: Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Answer: My favorite character is, of course, Viviana. She is an extroverted and charming young lady who loves her family. This is a big part of who I am and so, I get to live through her. There are things, of course, she can only do and I enjoy giving her some skills I wish I had.
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer: Viviana has sapphire eyes and auburn hair. She is plump but can be athletic when she needs to be. Being a lord’s daughter, she had the opportunity to go to school and learn more than most. This can make her dangerous and a little overbearing at- times, but her good nature makes up for it in the end.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: “You are crying, and you do not cry, Father. Did someone die?”
“Ah, well I will talk to him then. I have my own ways of gathering information.”
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Fantasy. There are kingdoms, knights, queens, creatures, and powers beyond normal humans can possess.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: There is a bit of a flashback of Viviana being attacked by a group of men but there is nothing explicit about the memory. This trilogy is meant for a wide spectrum of people to enjoy and I only put in what I think is needed to get the point across without too much detail.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: The solar eclipse passes through my hometown this year and my writers guild created an anthology with a celestial theme to it. So, we will be out during the weekend (Aug 19th-21st) selling the anthology and our own books too. Then, I have a flea market in Iowa at the end of September. October is when it really picks up again around my hometown for festivals, expos, and conventions.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Yes. I have the second in the Thornless Rose trilogy that I am working on right now. I hope to have pre-ordering ready for the fall and have it out before the holidays pick up. Besides that, I am always working on my freelancing skills and looking for work.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I would not have my book out if it wasn’t for Julie Casey and Amazing Things Press. They are a local indie publisher and she owns it. She is a member of the guild I am in and came to my rescue when I was trying to self-publish. I was struggling with the cover art from a company I hired to do my editing/formatting/cover art. They just didn’t get it and she did. So, I signed with her and I had copies in my hand for my event just in time.
Question: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Please describe the place rather than just a name. The weather, the time of day, the ground, the surroundings, foliage, etc...
Answer: I want to visit Ireland and all the amazing old castles that are out there. My husband and I are hooked on the medieval style and love the lore that goes with them. We’d love to go when the weather is not too wet, but I don’t mind a little rain. I just want to be out when we could spend time in the places at night and maybe do some paranormal investigating.
Question: If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: If Viviana was in a place like that, she would be exploring the surroundings and trying to find out more about the place. She loves knowledge and seeking it wherever she is.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: I think Viviana would want to tell readers that her powers, even as a healer, are a part of herself that she doesn’t always want, but cannot simply rid herself of them. This is a struggle that she knows others must face in their lives and it’s something that connects us all in a way. She must go on a physical and mental journey to find help with them and knows that she is not alone in her quest. She hopes that others will do the same if they need help on their journey in life. Though it won’t be easy, it will be worth it in the end.
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: Anything to do with animals, especially horses.
What great answers! Let's have a big round of applause for today's author! If you are looking for more information simply follow the links!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekworm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegeekworm
Website: www.samanthafidlernewby.com
Thank you for joining me on my quest to find #30authors! Until next time, happy reading!
July 22, 2017
Book Review: Agents of Shadow
by Richard CroftonThis is a dark piece of fiction which may not be suitable for all readers. I am putting in my usual warnings ~ violence, torture, vivid murder scenes, human sacrifice, satanic rituals and cannibalism.
The opening scene is disturbing, terrifying and disgusting. Wow! It is also powerful and keeps the pages turning.
This is a gripping tale of a cult - one that could be practicing on any of our doorsteps. That's what makes this story so frightening - it's plausible.
The characters are interesting and well formed. I love how the cult members are from all different professions including a priest (my favourite in the book).
There's a glimmer of hope that a hero is coming in the next book. I can't wait to see how it plays out.
Well written and well done. 5/5
July 21, 2017
Author Interview ~ Dan Melson
Dan Melson is Joining us today as I strive to explore 30 Authors in 30 Days!
Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer in his day job, Dan Melson lives in Southern California with The World’s Only Perfect Woman, two daughters in training to take over the world, and two dachshunds.
We are discussing The Man From Empire (Rediscovery book 1 of 4)The Man From Empire
Life in the Empire has finally settled down. The last of the ston rebels have taken amnesty, and re-joined civilization - or have they? A massive terrorist attack kills millions and the trail leads the investigator straight to a remote world with no known Imperial contact - a world known to its inhabitants as Earth
You can follow Melson on Facebook
I've been given an excerpt to share! Let's take a look inside the book:
No matter what the song says, it does rain in southern California. All the damn time in March of El Nino years.
The most recent storm had finished blowing through earlier that evening. I didn’t like working after dark, but the compliance reports just couldn’t wait any longer. My boss, “Call me George” Martinez, had informed me that the EPA was crawling all over him and that if the hazardous usage and disposal reports weren’t completed by the time he got to work in the morning, I would be joining the ranks of the unemployed. In blue state basket case California, in the middle of the worst economy of the last eighty years. Jerk.
Overall, Riverside’s not a bad town. I’ve got a small apartment not too far from the UC campus. The complex is full of students with a smattering of old fogeys too poor and too stubborn to leave, and working class stiffs, not to mention hybrids like me. The ones I’ve talked to were alright.
But this wasn’t there. The warehouse sits in a commercial district near where the 91 dies and turns into the 215 at the 60 merge. There are some rough people nearby, in the old twenties and thirties housing they threw up back before tract housing. Tiny lots, old decaying houses, ancient plumbing and wiring, never updated. Paint cracked, chipped, and peeling. Calling them Craftsmen would be implying a level of charm that simply didn’t exist. Streets jammed with old junker cars. Chain link fences, neglected lawns, junk left wherever someone dropped it because it was too much effort to clean up. An occasional abuela put in a few flowers that just made the rest of the neighborhood look even more pitiful. Rough people, mostly poor hispanics with the occasional white trash or black, human refuse that just didn’t have what it took to get ahead in the world as it had become. Some were disabled, most simply never applied themselves much. Get a second or third generation in there, and you got some real gangbanging. Easy path to see, damned near impossible to make it work into a real life worth living. Enough to make me appreciate my parents, who escaped that world and made sure I knew enough not to fall back.
The gangs had been cooped up inside most of the previous ten days. El Nino storms came through one after another. Maybe they wouldn’t drown or freeze you, but they were cold, wet, and miserable – at least by the standards of California weather. Nobody came out when it was raining without a good reason why they had to be out there and then, but once it stopped a light jacket would keep you warm, and the hoodies would be out looking to burn off some energy. It’s not like they had anything better to do.
And here I was, a 28 year old woman leaving the building all by myself in the dark just after eight-thirty with no one around. Just bad luck the four guys in jackets walking up the other side of the street at the exact wrong time. No key to get back in – damn “Call me George” to hell. I picked up my pace. If I could get to my car – beater that it is – and lock the doors there was a chance I’d be able to drive away.
Mistake. The hoodies started to run. Now there was some effort in it for them, things were looking worse for me. Cell phone, you say? I could grab the phone and push the number to dial 911, but it wouldn’t do me a bit of good. Typical response time was thirty minutes. By the time the cops showed up, it would be long over. I was about to do it anyway when it happened.
I swear on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that this happened. He looked like an Angel of the Lord, minus the wings. Hanging up there in the air. Well, not hanging – he was falling, though not like he was getting pulled – more like he was riding an escalator that wasn’t there. At least six five, thin as a rail, with a softly glowing sword of all the improbable things. Wearing what looked like some kind of uniform, dark with lighter trim, cut like nothing I’d ever seen.
I don’t know what he did to call attention to himself, but all of a sudden the ‘bangers noticed him. Not just the ‘bangers, but everything’s attention was wrenched towards him as if someone grabbed our heads, sunk hooks into our eyeballs and made us look. Right down to the rats in the dumpsters.
That was enough for the ‘bangers. They hauled out their guns and started banging away. The visitor looked puzzled for an instant, then the sword vanished, and I saw a flash from him. Something in his hand – didn’t did get a good look at what it was. The gang members fell over so fast it was over before I could twitch. Damn! The guy was fast. I’d never seen anything like that even in the movies.
One look showed four lifeless bodies with blood starting to pool. The visitor lit with catlike grace, apparently as unconcerned as if nothing had just happened. I had a decision to make, and I did. I jumped in my car and got the hell out of Dodge. I didn’t want to be anywhere in the neighborhood when the cops finally got there. I didn’t stop to say thanks, I definitely didn’t talk to him, I just jumped in and went. I didn’t slow down until I was home. I might have run a red light or two; I really couldn’t tell you with any certainty.
Phew! That was a little more than a sneak peek!
That brings us to the fun stuff - the Q & A. I've been told my questions are a hard to answer. They didn't seem to phase this author though:
Question: Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Answer: My favorite character in the book is Graciela Juarez, a Hispanic woman living in Riverside California. Grace isn’t perfect, or close to it. She has a flawed past, and she’s made some mistakes. She’s not the sort to seek out the Hero’s Path – but when it is thrust upon her, she chooses to follow it, despite everything it does to disrupt her Plan.
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality
Answer: When we meet her, Grace is 28 years old. She is five foot four, roughly 145 pounds, with medium brown skin, brown eyes and dark brown, almost black shoulder length hair. She’s on the chubby side, not fit. She calls herself a couch potato, from studying for her biochemistry degree and working full time. She is youngest of five children, four girls and one boy. She is a bit of an introvert, but driven by the realization she’s wasted several years of her life and wants to focus on finishing college and starting her career. She’s trying to prove to herself she’s grown up now, by the standards of her Mexican family’s upbringing. She’s above average smart but no genius and she knows it. Sometimes she gets by in her studies by sheer dogged determination. Right now, she has very little social life, mostly visits with family, most importantly her parents and her oldest sister. She is specifically NOT a fan of science fiction.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: Quote 1)
If you know Mexican families, there really isn’t any response to the husband and children thing unless you’ve got the ring and at least a child on the way. That didn’t keep me from trying, “Mama, you’ve got fifteen grandchildren already. Peter is almost my age and sure looks serious about that new girlfriend of his.” Peter had finished his MBA the previous summer and Mama couldn’t be more proud. He wasn’t making much yet, but he did have a good job putting his degree to work. She crowed over him for a couple minutes, and let me get off the phone.
Quote 2)
As he had responded to my last, I realized I had made a real mistake that caused him to drastically lower his opinion of me. And I was more certain all the time that I wanted his good opinion. “I’m sorry. Yes, I think we do, but evidently I’m not one of them.” I saw his point perfectly, intellectually. It’s just that it’s damned hard to imagine someone who’d jump into a hole like that, with risk like that on a moment’s notice, simply because it was necessary or expected under the circumstances. It would be necessary to change some of my most basic thinking. “Yet,” I added, chastened.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Space Opera
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: Two non-sexual adult situations, one with nudity involved.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Unfortunately, not at this time
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: My primary work in progress is another book about Grace, roughly 25 years later. The working title is The Invention of Motherhood, and it is more the beginning of a new series than the continuation of Rediscovery. She and her husband are starting their family, and she’s decided that unlike everyone else in the Empire, she wants to carry the first one naturally.
I’m also working on a fantasy called The Gates to Faerie. I’d say it would be a mixture of urban fantasy and swords and sorcery, depending upon what side of the Gates you’re on at the moment.
The final thing I’m making significant progress on is a fantasy/science fiction crossover, riffing on Michael Moorcock and Roger Zelazny. The hook is that it begins at the moment a metaphorical Pinocchio is promoted to Real Boy.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: The editor-in-chief is my wife, The World’s Only Perfect Woman. Between us, we get a lot of compliments on the job we do. I’ve been doing my own cover art, but I’d like to be able to afford to pay a real artist.
Question: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Please describe the place rather than just a name. The weather, the time of day, the ground, the surroundings, foliage, etc...
Answer: I want to go back to the Scottish Highlands in the summer. Everything is green, there are purple thistles all over the place, and the hills and valleys are just generally gorgeous. Nowhere I’ve been is even close. Most specifically, I want to visit the Isle of Skye, one of the Inner Hebrides. There are generally clouds, but in summer rain generally doesn’t last too long. The coastline is spectacular, rocky and rugged and with all kinds of interesting features like The Old Man of Skorr. Only had about four hours last time, and I didn’t get halfway to Dunvegan Castle, the only fortress in Europe that has never been taken by an enemy, and where the Faerie Flag is kept. I want to poke around the harbor on a summer morning, when it’s cool but sunny. I’d also like to visit Edinburgh again, show my wife Edinburgh Castle and the chapel of St. Margaret and the statue of Greyfriars’ Bobby, the Stone of Scone, and many other things. Edinburgh is enjoyably walkable, and the people are friendly. My favorite phrase from the last visit was, “Pardon me for being an ignorant American tourist, but how do I…?”
If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: It depends upon when in her story arc. When we meet her in The Man From Empire, she’d be quietly looking at all the touristy things, keeping to herself – but she’d never spend the money at that point. In later stories it would change with her situation – her character evolves over time, and in every story the answer would be different.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: Once again, it would depend upon when in her story arc. In The Man From Empire, she’d probably say something like, “This is the only life you get. It’s not a dress rehearsal”
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: Coming from a traditional Mexican family, she’s a good Catholic. She tithes to the church. If she had extra beyond that, probably an animal rescue or zoo.
.
Thank you for your time, you can find more about The Man From Empire by following the listed links. Happy Reading!
Kindle page: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Empire-Red...
Paperback page: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Empire-Red...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Dan-Melson/e/B...
Blog: http://www.danmelson.com/
Real Estate Agent and Loan Officer in his day job, Dan Melson lives in Southern California with The World’s Only Perfect Woman, two daughters in training to take over the world, and two dachshunds.
We are discussing The Man From Empire (Rediscovery book 1 of 4)The Man From Empire
Life in the Empire has finally settled down. The last of the ston rebels have taken amnesty, and re-joined civilization - or have they? A massive terrorist attack kills millions and the trail leads the investigator straight to a remote world with no known Imperial contact - a world known to its inhabitants as Earth
You can follow Melson on Facebook
I've been given an excerpt to share! Let's take a look inside the book:
No matter what the song says, it does rain in southern California. All the damn time in March of El Nino years.
The most recent storm had finished blowing through earlier that evening. I didn’t like working after dark, but the compliance reports just couldn’t wait any longer. My boss, “Call me George” Martinez, had informed me that the EPA was crawling all over him and that if the hazardous usage and disposal reports weren’t completed by the time he got to work in the morning, I would be joining the ranks of the unemployed. In blue state basket case California, in the middle of the worst economy of the last eighty years. Jerk.
Overall, Riverside’s not a bad town. I’ve got a small apartment not too far from the UC campus. The complex is full of students with a smattering of old fogeys too poor and too stubborn to leave, and working class stiffs, not to mention hybrids like me. The ones I’ve talked to were alright.
But this wasn’t there. The warehouse sits in a commercial district near where the 91 dies and turns into the 215 at the 60 merge. There are some rough people nearby, in the old twenties and thirties housing they threw up back before tract housing. Tiny lots, old decaying houses, ancient plumbing and wiring, never updated. Paint cracked, chipped, and peeling. Calling them Craftsmen would be implying a level of charm that simply didn’t exist. Streets jammed with old junker cars. Chain link fences, neglected lawns, junk left wherever someone dropped it because it was too much effort to clean up. An occasional abuela put in a few flowers that just made the rest of the neighborhood look even more pitiful. Rough people, mostly poor hispanics with the occasional white trash or black, human refuse that just didn’t have what it took to get ahead in the world as it had become. Some were disabled, most simply never applied themselves much. Get a second or third generation in there, and you got some real gangbanging. Easy path to see, damned near impossible to make it work into a real life worth living. Enough to make me appreciate my parents, who escaped that world and made sure I knew enough not to fall back.
The gangs had been cooped up inside most of the previous ten days. El Nino storms came through one after another. Maybe they wouldn’t drown or freeze you, but they were cold, wet, and miserable – at least by the standards of California weather. Nobody came out when it was raining without a good reason why they had to be out there and then, but once it stopped a light jacket would keep you warm, and the hoodies would be out looking to burn off some energy. It’s not like they had anything better to do.
And here I was, a 28 year old woman leaving the building all by myself in the dark just after eight-thirty with no one around. Just bad luck the four guys in jackets walking up the other side of the street at the exact wrong time. No key to get back in – damn “Call me George” to hell. I picked up my pace. If I could get to my car – beater that it is – and lock the doors there was a chance I’d be able to drive away.
Mistake. The hoodies started to run. Now there was some effort in it for them, things were looking worse for me. Cell phone, you say? I could grab the phone and push the number to dial 911, but it wouldn’t do me a bit of good. Typical response time was thirty minutes. By the time the cops showed up, it would be long over. I was about to do it anyway when it happened.
I swear on my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that this happened. He looked like an Angel of the Lord, minus the wings. Hanging up there in the air. Well, not hanging – he was falling, though not like he was getting pulled – more like he was riding an escalator that wasn’t there. At least six five, thin as a rail, with a softly glowing sword of all the improbable things. Wearing what looked like some kind of uniform, dark with lighter trim, cut like nothing I’d ever seen.
I don’t know what he did to call attention to himself, but all of a sudden the ‘bangers noticed him. Not just the ‘bangers, but everything’s attention was wrenched towards him as if someone grabbed our heads, sunk hooks into our eyeballs and made us look. Right down to the rats in the dumpsters.
That was enough for the ‘bangers. They hauled out their guns and started banging away. The visitor looked puzzled for an instant, then the sword vanished, and I saw a flash from him. Something in his hand – didn’t did get a good look at what it was. The gang members fell over so fast it was over before I could twitch. Damn! The guy was fast. I’d never seen anything like that even in the movies.
One look showed four lifeless bodies with blood starting to pool. The visitor lit with catlike grace, apparently as unconcerned as if nothing had just happened. I had a decision to make, and I did. I jumped in my car and got the hell out of Dodge. I didn’t want to be anywhere in the neighborhood when the cops finally got there. I didn’t stop to say thanks, I definitely didn’t talk to him, I just jumped in and went. I didn’t slow down until I was home. I might have run a red light or two; I really couldn’t tell you with any certainty.
Phew! That was a little more than a sneak peek!
That brings us to the fun stuff - the Q & A. I've been told my questions are a hard to answer. They didn't seem to phase this author though:
Question: Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Answer: My favorite character in the book is Graciela Juarez, a Hispanic woman living in Riverside California. Grace isn’t perfect, or close to it. She has a flawed past, and she’s made some mistakes. She’s not the sort to seek out the Hero’s Path – but when it is thrust upon her, she chooses to follow it, despite everything it does to disrupt her Plan.
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality
Answer: When we meet her, Grace is 28 years old. She is five foot four, roughly 145 pounds, with medium brown skin, brown eyes and dark brown, almost black shoulder length hair. She’s on the chubby side, not fit. She calls herself a couch potato, from studying for her biochemistry degree and working full time. She is youngest of five children, four girls and one boy. She is a bit of an introvert, but driven by the realization she’s wasted several years of her life and wants to focus on finishing college and starting her career. She’s trying to prove to herself she’s grown up now, by the standards of her Mexican family’s upbringing. She’s above average smart but no genius and she knows it. Sometimes she gets by in her studies by sheer dogged determination. Right now, she has very little social life, mostly visits with family, most importantly her parents and her oldest sister. She is specifically NOT a fan of science fiction.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: Quote 1)
If you know Mexican families, there really isn’t any response to the husband and children thing unless you’ve got the ring and at least a child on the way. That didn’t keep me from trying, “Mama, you’ve got fifteen grandchildren already. Peter is almost my age and sure looks serious about that new girlfriend of his.” Peter had finished his MBA the previous summer and Mama couldn’t be more proud. He wasn’t making much yet, but he did have a good job putting his degree to work. She crowed over him for a couple minutes, and let me get off the phone.
Quote 2)
As he had responded to my last, I realized I had made a real mistake that caused him to drastically lower his opinion of me. And I was more certain all the time that I wanted his good opinion. “I’m sorry. Yes, I think we do, but evidently I’m not one of them.” I saw his point perfectly, intellectually. It’s just that it’s damned hard to imagine someone who’d jump into a hole like that, with risk like that on a moment’s notice, simply because it was necessary or expected under the circumstances. It would be necessary to change some of my most basic thinking. “Yet,” I added, chastened.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Space Opera
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: Two non-sexual adult situations, one with nudity involved.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Unfortunately, not at this time
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: My primary work in progress is another book about Grace, roughly 25 years later. The working title is The Invention of Motherhood, and it is more the beginning of a new series than the continuation of Rediscovery. She and her husband are starting their family, and she’s decided that unlike everyone else in the Empire, she wants to carry the first one naturally.
I’m also working on a fantasy called The Gates to Faerie. I’d say it would be a mixture of urban fantasy and swords and sorcery, depending upon what side of the Gates you’re on at the moment.
The final thing I’m making significant progress on is a fantasy/science fiction crossover, riffing on Michael Moorcock and Roger Zelazny. The hook is that it begins at the moment a metaphorical Pinocchio is promoted to Real Boy.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: The editor-in-chief is my wife, The World’s Only Perfect Woman. Between us, we get a lot of compliments on the job we do. I’ve been doing my own cover art, but I’d like to be able to afford to pay a real artist.
Question: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Please describe the place rather than just a name. The weather, the time of day, the ground, the surroundings, foliage, etc...
Answer: I want to go back to the Scottish Highlands in the summer. Everything is green, there are purple thistles all over the place, and the hills and valleys are just generally gorgeous. Nowhere I’ve been is even close. Most specifically, I want to visit the Isle of Skye, one of the Inner Hebrides. There are generally clouds, but in summer rain generally doesn’t last too long. The coastline is spectacular, rocky and rugged and with all kinds of interesting features like The Old Man of Skorr. Only had about four hours last time, and I didn’t get halfway to Dunvegan Castle, the only fortress in Europe that has never been taken by an enemy, and where the Faerie Flag is kept. I want to poke around the harbor on a summer morning, when it’s cool but sunny. I’d also like to visit Edinburgh again, show my wife Edinburgh Castle and the chapel of St. Margaret and the statue of Greyfriars’ Bobby, the Stone of Scone, and many other things. Edinburgh is enjoyably walkable, and the people are friendly. My favorite phrase from the last visit was, “Pardon me for being an ignorant American tourist, but how do I…?”
If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: It depends upon when in her story arc. When we meet her in The Man From Empire, she’d be quietly looking at all the touristy things, keeping to herself – but she’d never spend the money at that point. In later stories it would change with her situation – her character evolves over time, and in every story the answer would be different.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: Once again, it would depend upon when in her story arc. In The Man From Empire, she’d probably say something like, “This is the only life you get. It’s not a dress rehearsal”
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: Coming from a traditional Mexican family, she’s a good Catholic. She tithes to the church. If she had extra beyond that, probably an animal rescue or zoo.
.
Thank you for your time, you can find more about The Man From Empire by following the listed links. Happy Reading!
Kindle page: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Empire-Red...
Paperback page: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Empire-Red...
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Dan-Melson/e/B...
Blog: http://www.danmelson.com/
July 11, 2017
Author Interview - J.E. Mueller
This week, I had the privilege of chatting with new fantasy author J.E. Mueller.
I am a fantasy author, unicorn lover, and Skyrim addict. I greatly enjoy spending time reading, writing, and playing video games. My writing buddy is usually one of our four cats, but my boyfriend of five years is the one actually cheering me on with all that I do. Even when I make puns.
J.E.Mueller's debut novel is Fire’s Song
Having already lost and given up everything, Key is determined to find a cure for her curse. With her very touch able to kill, she must seek answers from a distance. In this world, if a curse born dies, then the demons win their soul. Without much more to lose, Key decides to try the last of her luck on a village catered to magic born. Her questions unleash events that take her places she never expected existed.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fires-Song-J-E...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorJEMuel...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThePenguinBard
Mueller was kind enough to allows us a look inside the book! Let's check it out:
Darkness had fully claimed the sky and the signs of fire were dwindling as I pressed through the underbrush as quickly and quietly as possible. The further I went the more I noticed how the forest came to life. Crickets chirped, owls were waking up, and the soft rustling of deer filled my ears. It was a calming retreat, if only slightly. I tried to let the earthy smell push the heartache behind me as the sight of the fire finally vanished from view.
The foliage along the path thickened, slowing my pace. Thankfully, the woods took over the lingering scent of burning wood and all I could smell was the dampness of the greenery around me. At least I assumed that it was around me. The world was now turning black due to the lack of clear moonlight.
I eased my pace and calmed my heart as rushing ahead became too risky. I couldn’t afford a broken ankle. This wasn’t the first time I had sped away from disaster, and it was unlikely that this time would be the last. I knew I needed to clear my head.
Sometimes I wished someone would have trained me better to endure this curse filled life or ended this miserable nightmare when they had a chance. Mother, so naive, had been told what was to come. She was a lovely queen, full of life, health, and joy. The mother of five wonderful children, and then a child born with a curse. Not that I was a terrible child. The short straw had been drawn on my life before I was even born.
It had come to pass that her glorious, battle-hungry king wanted nothing more than to expand the kingdom at whatever cost. His strategies were often unmatched; his mind was too clever to fall to traps and poor strategy. He was hailed as a conqueror and he became cocky. He became so sure of himself that he ignored the seer’s warnings to delay the next campaign until the season of storms had passed.
Onward he drove his men, sure of another easy victory.
The skies raged with ice and hail. His men were dying all around him from battle wounds, infection, and sickness. But to the king surrender or retreat were not to be considered. His advisors pleaded with him to turn back, but he would not heed him.
Instead, the king had another plan.
That brings us to my favourite part - the Q. & A.
Question: Who is your favourite character in the book and why?
Answer: Tella. She is a wonderful secondary character that showed up and put herself right into the action. She has a lot to say and won’t back down from what she feels is right, even if that means making me change some things around!
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer: Tella is just shy of turning 16 by the end of the book. She is average height for her age with a more slender build since her magic lets her run faster, among other fun things. She is very bright and bubbly on the outside, which keeps many from wondering about what could be going on inside. Tella is well known for helping out everyone.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: “It’s nice that my gift actually has a use for once. This whole night may be a mess, but still. It’s come in handy,” Tella said as we continued on. “Do you want to hear about how I convinced two town guards to follow me on a nonsense quest?”
“She is actually really convincing,” Clover said, ready to defend herself, “Probably some persuasion magic in there.”
“I really just wanted an excuse to go on a long adventure. Town life isn’t always what it’s cut out to be,” Mara said, riding the story out.
Tella flashed a smile my way. “As I was saying…” She continued on making us all laugh and letting the focus shift off of me.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Medieval fantasy
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content I should know about?
Answer: There is mention of abusive family early on, and some characters aren’t afraid to say exactly what’s on their mind, swears and all.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Hoping to do a few local author events in September in central IL
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Book two is just about half way done. I plan on this being a three book series and already have projects lined up for when I am done with it.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I had a dream team of wonderful helpers.
Rachel Lemons -editor
https://www.facebook.com/LemonsToLemo...
Anika Williams -cover
https://www.facebook.com/RavenbornCov...
Lia Rees -formatting
https://www.facebook.com/liawayward/
Question: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Please describe the place rather than just a name. The weather, the time of day, the ground, the surroundings, foliage, etc…
Answer: I would go somewhere near the water, surrounded by a forest. Maybe the ocean or a large lake. Some place where the waves can be heard, soft sand to walk on and build with, and of course just far enough away from everyone else that it’s peaceful but not isolated.
Question: If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: Tella would be exploring. She would be all over checking out everything within sight, and then testing her skills in the water. Her home doesn't really have anywhere to swim so she’d soak up the experience as much as possible. Tella would also collect any shells and pretty stones for crafting.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: Tella would rather show them how to do something. She loves learning and in turn showing others how to do what she just learned. So, who wants to learn how to fight off some demons?
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: I think she would choose a book that influenced her as a child. One where a character showed great strength and overcame what felt like impossible odds. A fitting real novel would be Ella Enchanted.
Thank you for your time. I've added Fire Song to my wish list and can't wait to check it out!
I am a fantasy author, unicorn lover, and Skyrim addict. I greatly enjoy spending time reading, writing, and playing video games. My writing buddy is usually one of our four cats, but my boyfriend of five years is the one actually cheering me on with all that I do. Even when I make puns.
J.E.Mueller's debut novel is Fire’s Song
Having already lost and given up everything, Key is determined to find a cure for her curse. With her very touch able to kill, she must seek answers from a distance. In this world, if a curse born dies, then the demons win their soul. Without much more to lose, Key decides to try the last of her luck on a village catered to magic born. Her questions unleash events that take her places she never expected existed.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fires-Song-J-E...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorJEMuel...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThePenguinBard
Mueller was kind enough to allows us a look inside the book! Let's check it out:
Darkness had fully claimed the sky and the signs of fire were dwindling as I pressed through the underbrush as quickly and quietly as possible. The further I went the more I noticed how the forest came to life. Crickets chirped, owls were waking up, and the soft rustling of deer filled my ears. It was a calming retreat, if only slightly. I tried to let the earthy smell push the heartache behind me as the sight of the fire finally vanished from view.
The foliage along the path thickened, slowing my pace. Thankfully, the woods took over the lingering scent of burning wood and all I could smell was the dampness of the greenery around me. At least I assumed that it was around me. The world was now turning black due to the lack of clear moonlight.
I eased my pace and calmed my heart as rushing ahead became too risky. I couldn’t afford a broken ankle. This wasn’t the first time I had sped away from disaster, and it was unlikely that this time would be the last. I knew I needed to clear my head.
Sometimes I wished someone would have trained me better to endure this curse filled life or ended this miserable nightmare when they had a chance. Mother, so naive, had been told what was to come. She was a lovely queen, full of life, health, and joy. The mother of five wonderful children, and then a child born with a curse. Not that I was a terrible child. The short straw had been drawn on my life before I was even born.
It had come to pass that her glorious, battle-hungry king wanted nothing more than to expand the kingdom at whatever cost. His strategies were often unmatched; his mind was too clever to fall to traps and poor strategy. He was hailed as a conqueror and he became cocky. He became so sure of himself that he ignored the seer’s warnings to delay the next campaign until the season of storms had passed.
Onward he drove his men, sure of another easy victory.
The skies raged with ice and hail. His men were dying all around him from battle wounds, infection, and sickness. But to the king surrender or retreat were not to be considered. His advisors pleaded with him to turn back, but he would not heed him.
Instead, the king had another plan.
That brings us to my favourite part - the Q. & A.
Question: Who is your favourite character in the book and why?
Answer: Tella. She is a wonderful secondary character that showed up and put herself right into the action. She has a lot to say and won’t back down from what she feels is right, even if that means making me change some things around!
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer: Tella is just shy of turning 16 by the end of the book. She is average height for her age with a more slender build since her magic lets her run faster, among other fun things. She is very bright and bubbly on the outside, which keeps many from wondering about what could be going on inside. Tella is well known for helping out everyone.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: “It’s nice that my gift actually has a use for once. This whole night may be a mess, but still. It’s come in handy,” Tella said as we continued on. “Do you want to hear about how I convinced two town guards to follow me on a nonsense quest?”
“She is actually really convincing,” Clover said, ready to defend herself, “Probably some persuasion magic in there.”
“I really just wanted an excuse to go on a long adventure. Town life isn’t always what it’s cut out to be,” Mara said, riding the story out.
Tella flashed a smile my way. “As I was saying…” She continued on making us all laugh and letting the focus shift off of me.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Medieval fantasy
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content I should know about?
Answer: There is mention of abusive family early on, and some characters aren’t afraid to say exactly what’s on their mind, swears and all.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Hoping to do a few local author events in September in central IL
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Book two is just about half way done. I plan on this being a three book series and already have projects lined up for when I am done with it.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I had a dream team of wonderful helpers.
Rachel Lemons -editor
https://www.facebook.com/LemonsToLemo...
Anika Williams -cover
https://www.facebook.com/RavenbornCov...
Lia Rees -formatting
https://www.facebook.com/liawayward/
Question: If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Please describe the place rather than just a name. The weather, the time of day, the ground, the surroundings, foliage, etc…
Answer: I would go somewhere near the water, surrounded by a forest. Maybe the ocean or a large lake. Some place where the waves can be heard, soft sand to walk on and build with, and of course just far enough away from everyone else that it’s peaceful but not isolated.
Question: If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: Tella would be exploring. She would be all over checking out everything within sight, and then testing her skills in the water. Her home doesn't really have anywhere to swim so she’d soak up the experience as much as possible. Tella would also collect any shells and pretty stones for crafting.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: Tella would rather show them how to do something. She loves learning and in turn showing others how to do what she just learned. So, who wants to learn how to fight off some demons?
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: I think she would choose a book that influenced her as a child. One where a character showed great strength and overcame what felt like impossible odds. A fitting real novel would be Ella Enchanted.
Thank you for your time. I've added Fire Song to my wish list and can't wait to check it out!
June 29, 2017
Author Interview ~ Daryl J Ball
Author Interview ~ Daryl J. Ball
Born in Ontario, Canada in 1977, Daryl J Ball has spent many of his years with one feline pal or another. He developed a love for reading at a young age especially in regards to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
You can subscribe to his newsletter at http://eepurl.com/cPzqqr
You can also connect with him online at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarylJ...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarylBallTM
Ball's Debut Novel is The Tannis Project
Being a nearly 200-year-old vampire comes with a lot of experience...and a lot of baggage.
In his weekly blog, Tannis reflects on the experiences and people that have shaped his life, as well as his budding romance with single mother, Kayla. Adaptation ensures survival but offers little insight on falling in love with a human. Kayla accepts him and his struggles, but can he do the same? Her teenage son, Tie, is a challenge all on his own. He may not be ready for a new father, especially one who's a vampire.
For the first time in his life, Tannis struggles to adapt. Do the rewards outweigh the risks? Having his own family seems like a dream come true, but dreams can just as easily become nightmares.
Here's a look inside the book:
When I was born, my parents gave me the fascinating name of Ignace. I say fascinating because of its’ meaning which is that it suggests I am innocent. There is nothing wrong with the name and I used it proudly for many years. I made the mistake not long ago of revealing that name to Kayla, and she on occasion uses it when she is trying to be sweet and loving, as she feels it should register on a different level with me when I hear it; one of loving familiarity. The truth is, it’s a name that is a part of my past and if it makes Kayla feel good to know it and use it in private when talking to me than that is fine. It is not the name I go by these days nor have I gone by it in quite some time.
How long, maybe you wonder? Even after I was turned in Algeria I clung to that name—the last truly mortal part of my life, a reminder of what I had been, and so an anchor to the world I could never really be part of any longer, the family I could never really properly connect with again.
The Tannis Project is available on Amazon at http://lrd.to/tannis-project
It's time for the fun part ~ Q & A.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Modern Fantasy/Paranormal/Vampire
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: My characters are not nice people, they regularly engage in destructive behaviour both to themselves and others, bear this in mind
Question: What is your favourite Quote?
Answer: It’s from a comic book I read back in the 1990’s, I no longer have it so can’t provide the exact wording but I recall it as “Beware self-doubt, for that way lie dragons”
Question: What advice do you have for new writers?
Answer: Write, keep writing, and find a group of other writers you can turn to with questions.
Question: Where do you write?
Answer: Primarily at home or in a coffee shop.
Question: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
Answer: My characters are real to me in the sense that I can either imagine a conversation with them to find out how they’d handle a situation or I can go inhabit their head-space as it were and become them long enough to decide how they’d handle a situation. It’s a lot like in role-playing games.
Question: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
Answer: Stop worrying about everything.
Question: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
Answer: Novels are a definite preference simply because they allow more time to let my self get lost in and get to know the world they take place in, as well as more time for supporting characters to breathe and have their own arcs.
Question: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
Answer: I tend to make subtle references to other works I’ve written, whether they’re already published or are planned to be. If readers catch them it can be revealing.
Question: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
Answer: Homemade meatloaf. It has never appeared in any thing I’ve written including works that are still in their first draft.
Question: Do you have a writing Motto?
Answer: Try different approaches and be unique.
Question: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
Answer: Early June, 1995. Things went so very badly for family bonds after that, it’d be good to have a chance to do a soft reset in the hopes that mistakes could be avoided and lead to a better outcome.
Thank you for your time!
I'll be checking out The Tannis Project in the coming weeks. Watch for a review coming to a blog near you!
Born in Ontario, Canada in 1977, Daryl J Ball has spent many of his years with one feline pal or another. He developed a love for reading at a young age especially in regards to Science Fiction and Fantasy.
You can subscribe to his newsletter at http://eepurl.com/cPzqqr
You can also connect with him online at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDarylJ...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarylBallTM
Ball's Debut Novel is The Tannis Project
Being a nearly 200-year-old vampire comes with a lot of experience...and a lot of baggage.
In his weekly blog, Tannis reflects on the experiences and people that have shaped his life, as well as his budding romance with single mother, Kayla. Adaptation ensures survival but offers little insight on falling in love with a human. Kayla accepts him and his struggles, but can he do the same? Her teenage son, Tie, is a challenge all on his own. He may not be ready for a new father, especially one who's a vampire.
For the first time in his life, Tannis struggles to adapt. Do the rewards outweigh the risks? Having his own family seems like a dream come true, but dreams can just as easily become nightmares.
Here's a look inside the book:
When I was born, my parents gave me the fascinating name of Ignace. I say fascinating because of its’ meaning which is that it suggests I am innocent. There is nothing wrong with the name and I used it proudly for many years. I made the mistake not long ago of revealing that name to Kayla, and she on occasion uses it when she is trying to be sweet and loving, as she feels it should register on a different level with me when I hear it; one of loving familiarity. The truth is, it’s a name that is a part of my past and if it makes Kayla feel good to know it and use it in private when talking to me than that is fine. It is not the name I go by these days nor have I gone by it in quite some time.
How long, maybe you wonder? Even after I was turned in Algeria I clung to that name—the last truly mortal part of my life, a reminder of what I had been, and so an anchor to the world I could never really be part of any longer, the family I could never really properly connect with again.
The Tannis Project is available on Amazon at http://lrd.to/tannis-project
It's time for the fun part ~ Q & A.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Modern Fantasy/Paranormal/Vampire
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: My characters are not nice people, they regularly engage in destructive behaviour both to themselves and others, bear this in mind
Question: What is your favourite Quote?
Answer: It’s from a comic book I read back in the 1990’s, I no longer have it so can’t provide the exact wording but I recall it as “Beware self-doubt, for that way lie dragons”
Question: What advice do you have for new writers?
Answer: Write, keep writing, and find a group of other writers you can turn to with questions.
Question: Where do you write?
Answer: Primarily at home or in a coffee shop.
Question: Are your characters real to you? Do you speak to them?
Answer: My characters are real to me in the sense that I can either imagine a conversation with them to find out how they’d handle a situation or I can go inhabit their head-space as it were and become them long enough to decide how they’d handle a situation. It’s a lot like in role-playing games.
Question: What piece of advice from other authors do you hear the most but choose to ignore?
Answer: Stop worrying about everything.
Question: Which do you prefer Novels or Novellas and why?
Answer: Novels are a definite preference simply because they allow more time to let my self get lost in and get to know the world they take place in, as well as more time for supporting characters to breathe and have their own arcs.
Question: Are there any Easter eggs in your book(s)?
Answer: I tend to make subtle references to other works I’ve written, whether they’re already published or are planned to be. If readers catch them it can be revealing.
Question: What's your favourite food? Have you ever mentioned it in your book(s)?
Answer: Homemade meatloaf. It has never appeared in any thing I’ve written including works that are still in their first draft.
Question: Do you have a writing Motto?
Answer: Try different approaches and be unique.
Question: If you could change the date to any year past or future, what date would you change it to and why?
Answer: Early June, 1995. Things went so very badly for family bonds after that, it’d be good to have a chance to do a soft reset in the hopes that mistakes could be avoided and lead to a better outcome.
Thank you for your time!
I'll be checking out The Tannis Project in the coming weeks. Watch for a review coming to a blog near you!
Fantasy Book Blog Award
I am honoured to have my personal blog mentioned in a list of top forty fantasy book blogs.
All of my articles, interviews and book reviews found here on my Goodreads blog also appear on my website!
Thank you everyone who reads, likes, follows and comments.
If you are interested in checking out the article -
I'm no. 33
http://blog.feedspot.com/fantasy_book...
If you'd like to read my weekly column for Books & Quills Magazine, you can use the following link.
http://booksandquillsmag.com/author/c...
As always I enjoy all comments and questions.
Happy reading.
All of my articles, interviews and book reviews found here on my Goodreads blog also appear on my website!
Thank you everyone who reads, likes, follows and comments.
If you are interested in checking out the article -
I'm no. 33
http://blog.feedspot.com/fantasy_book...
If you'd like to read my weekly column for Books & Quills Magazine, you can use the following link.
http://booksandquillsmag.com/author/c...
As always I enjoy all comments and questions.
Happy reading.
June 20, 2017
A Reader’s Dream Summer Giveaway
How many books do you read over the average summer? Could you read 80? Because that’s how many ebooks one lucky winner will walk away with in the Books at the Beach Giveaway, including the latest titles from Nora Roberts, Catherine Bybee, Debbie Macomber, and Gena Showalter, plus dozens more. You could also win one of two runner-up $25 Amazon gift cards.
Books at the Beach Giveaway & Book Fair
June 19-30
(Sponsored by the 54 authors listed below)
Alina K. Field • Allyson Lindt • Amy L Gale • Anna Durand • Astrid Arditi • Barbara Lohe • Beverley Oakley • Bianca D'Arc • C. A. King • C.E. Wilson • Carmen Fox • Casi McLean • Catherine Kean • Chloe Flowers • Christa Paige • Constance Phillips • Cynthia Clement • Danica Favorite • Debbie White • Denise Jaden • Dianne Venetta • Elizabeth Rose • Gayle Parness • Helen Scott • Jacqueline Diamond • Jina Bacarr • Josie Riviera • Judith Keim • Karen • Michelle Nutt • Katherine Lowry Logan • Kris Michaels • Kristina Knight • Kristy Tate • Margaret Locke • Mari Carr • Naomi Bellina • PG Forte • Quinn • Raine English • Regan Walker • Sheila Seabrook • Shelique Lize • Soraya Naomi
Stacy Gold • Stella Marie Alden • Stephanie Julian • Stephanie Queen • Sydney Aaliyah Michelle • Sylvia Hubbard • Tamara Ferguson • Tena Stetler • Traci Douglass • Vicki Crum
Enter the Giveaway Here
http://booksatthebeachfair.blogspot.com
And while you’re at it, shop our awesome summer book fair with over 50 fantastic romance titles for you to choose from.
http://booksatthebeachfair.blogspot.c...
Books at the Beach Giveaway & Book Fair
June 19-30
(Sponsored by the 54 authors listed below)
Alina K. Field • Allyson Lindt • Amy L Gale • Anna Durand • Astrid Arditi • Barbara Lohe • Beverley Oakley • Bianca D'Arc • C. A. King • C.E. Wilson • Carmen Fox • Casi McLean • Catherine Kean • Chloe Flowers • Christa Paige • Constance Phillips • Cynthia Clement • Danica Favorite • Debbie White • Denise Jaden • Dianne Venetta • Elizabeth Rose • Gayle Parness • Helen Scott • Jacqueline Diamond • Jina Bacarr • Josie Riviera • Judith Keim • Karen • Michelle Nutt • Katherine Lowry Logan • Kris Michaels • Kristina Knight • Kristy Tate • Margaret Locke • Mari Carr • Naomi Bellina • PG Forte • Quinn • Raine English • Regan Walker • Sheila Seabrook • Shelique Lize • Soraya Naomi
Stacy Gold • Stella Marie Alden • Stephanie Julian • Stephanie Queen • Sydney Aaliyah Michelle • Sylvia Hubbard • Tamara Ferguson • Tena Stetler • Traci Douglass • Vicki Crum
Enter the Giveaway Here
http://booksatthebeachfair.blogspot.com
And while you’re at it, shop our awesome summer book fair with over 50 fantastic romance titles for you to choose from.
http://booksatthebeachfair.blogspot.c...
June 14, 2017
Hamilton Spectator Mention.
I am thrilled to have my book, When Leaves Fall, mentioned in an article in the Hamilton Spectator!
When Leaves Fall: A Different Point of View Story
C.A. King's book in the Hamilton Spectator http://www.thespec.com/whatson-story/...
When Leaves Fall: A Different Point of View Story
C.A. King's book in the Hamilton Spectator http://www.thespec.com/whatson-story/...
May 27, 2017
Book Review: Embellished by Karen Glista
Embellished
I have gone back and forth between a four and five rating for hours now. I'm going with 4.5 on this one.
I like the ideas, the writing and the characters. That is almost everything about the book! It's the warning I have to add to the Novel that's giving me an issue. Although, I understand why the incident happens, I wish Glista had found a different way to further the plot.
Warning: Teen Suicide.
LITRPG is a growing genre that I find fascinating. The plot in these stories is, in some way, infused with a role playing video game. In this case, the main characters are sucked into the game during a storm.
I absolutely adore the fact that humans are cured of all illness when they enter the game. What a wonderful thing that would be if it were true. Those paralyzed could walk again - those with a terminal illness given a second chance at life.
Like most stories, there were a few things I would have changed - Bekka's apparent indifference to her situation at times being the main issue. The same can be said for any series I read though. There is always something I would do just a little differently.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. 4.5/5 stars.
I have gone back and forth between a four and five rating for hours now. I'm going with 4.5 on this one.
I like the ideas, the writing and the characters. That is almost everything about the book! It's the warning I have to add to the Novel that's giving me an issue. Although, I understand why the incident happens, I wish Glista had found a different way to further the plot.
Warning: Teen Suicide.
LITRPG is a growing genre that I find fascinating. The plot in these stories is, in some way, infused with a role playing video game. In this case, the main characters are sucked into the game during a storm.
I absolutely adore the fact that humans are cured of all illness when they enter the game. What a wonderful thing that would be if it were true. Those paralyzed could walk again - those with a terminal illness given a second chance at life.
Like most stories, there were a few things I would have changed - Bekka's apparent indifference to her situation at times being the main issue. The same can be said for any series I read though. There is always something I would do just a little differently.
I am looking forward to the second book in the series. 4.5/5 stars.
