C.A. King's Blog, page 7
May 24, 2017
Author Interview - Tanor Costa
Welcome to another Indie author Interview. This week I'll be talking with Tanor Costa about his debut novel Crown of Delusion
Born in the small state of Rhode Island, Tanor Costa has been writing and creating stories in his head since elementary school. When he’s not writing, he’s watching the newest film, keeping tabs on the sporting world, or listening to an extensive amount of music.
Here's where you can find more information.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Delusion...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tanor_Costa
Here comes the juicy info!
Question: Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Answer: Although I have many favorite characters, and choosing 1 is hard, it would have to be Brant the mercenary.
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer:A middle-aged black haired swordsman with a dark past and crude sense of humor. He is always in his dark leather armor with a sword at his hip and two knives on the back of his belt. Although crude, he can be one of the most valuable allies one could ask for and if in a battle, you’d want him on your side.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer:*Language Warning* Brant chased after Finn who was trying to get the children toward the back. Once he caught up to Finn, he ripped at his shoulder, throwing the leader to the ground.
“I believe we haven’t been formally introduced!” Brant shouted. “I’m Brant and what the fuck are you doing?”
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Adult Epic Fantasy
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content I should know about?
Answer:There are trigger warnings. Language, violence, sexual situations.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer:No
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer:Working on the sequel to the above-mentioned novel titled
“ The Wars of Reckoning Saga Vol. 2: Dawn of the Cloaks ”
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: Editor Rob Bignell, Cover artist Kyle Lancuski. Couldn’t be done without them.
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:Somewhere where the summer is mild and the spring is peaceful. Not too many cities, beautiful landscape. New Zealand please…
Question: If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: Looking for a women he could spend the rest of his life with.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer:Life isn’t the easiest thing to deal with. Find the laughter if you have to, take insults with a grain of salt, and swing with a firm fist.
Thank you Tanor Costa and all the readers out there for joining me this week! Happy reading!
Born in the small state of Rhode Island, Tanor Costa has been writing and creating stories in his head since elementary school. When he’s not writing, he’s watching the newest film, keeping tabs on the sporting world, or listening to an extensive amount of music.
Here's where you can find more information.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Delusion...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tanor_Costa
Here comes the juicy info!
Question: Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
Answer: Although I have many favorite characters, and choosing 1 is hard, it would have to be Brant the mercenary.
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer:A middle-aged black haired swordsman with a dark past and crude sense of humor. He is always in his dark leather armor with a sword at his hip and two knives on the back of his belt. Although crude, he can be one of the most valuable allies one could ask for and if in a battle, you’d want him on your side.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer:*Language Warning* Brant chased after Finn who was trying to get the children toward the back. Once he caught up to Finn, he ripped at his shoulder, throwing the leader to the ground.
“I believe we haven’t been formally introduced!” Brant shouted. “I’m Brant and what the fuck are you doing?”
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Adult Epic Fantasy
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content I should know about?
Answer:There are trigger warnings. Language, violence, sexual situations.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer:No
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer:Working on the sequel to the above-mentioned novel titled
“ The Wars of Reckoning Saga Vol. 2: Dawn of the Cloaks ”
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: Editor Rob Bignell, Cover artist Kyle Lancuski. Couldn’t be done without them.
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:Somewhere where the summer is mild and the spring is peaceful. Not too many cities, beautiful landscape. New Zealand please…
Question: If the character from above were in that place what would they be doing?
Answer: Looking for a women he could spend the rest of his life with.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer:Life isn’t the easiest thing to deal with. Find the laughter if you have to, take insults with a grain of salt, and swing with a firm fist.
Thank you Tanor Costa and all the readers out there for joining me this week! Happy reading!
May 17, 2017
Author Interview: E.A. Comiskey
It's Author Interview time!
E.A. Comiskey is an award-winning writer and nationally syndicated blogger. Her debut novel, More Things in Heaven and Earth (2016, Nuff Said Publishing) has been a best-seller within its category on Amazon and the sequel, Dwelling in Heaven and Earth (July, 2017 - Nuff Said Publishing) is the winner of the Wattpad Fic Awards for Best Supernatural/Paranormal Novel. Her work is broadly described as "speculative fiction" and often includes elements of mythology, fantasy, horror, and romance.
She lives in southeast Michigan with her husband, children, and a veritable zoo of creatures. If there’s a festival in the area, you can bet she’s there, most likely drawing on the pavement with chalk. After all, when you live in Michigan, you go outside whenever you get the chance.
Let's take a look at her book. I've already read this one and loved it!
More Things in Heaven and Earth
"The veil is coming down. What will be revealed about you?"
Simone Fitzgerald battles for a normal life against voices no one else hears. She seems to be succeeding, until an angel appears, asking her to embrace the voices as a gift and stand as The Prophet.
When demons mobilize the beings of legend against mankind, Divine Wrath burns hot against creation. Simone must find the strength to embrace The Light and bring peace to the universe, but she may be crushed under the weight of the burden she's been asked to bear.
Follow an epic journey that takes the earth you know through a time when fairy tale creatures rule and into realms undreamed of.
Ready to give it a try?
Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/More-Things-He...
Amazon Author link: https://www.amazon.com/E.A.-Comiskey/...
Now for the best part - the questions. Some of these are a little tough to answer.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: I always tell people it’s a mythological fantasy. The narrator tells the story through the eyes of a Christian, but there are legends and myths from several cultures woven into the tale.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: The book, as a whole, isn’t overly graphic. There are two scenes, one sexual and one violent, that a few people have said were upsetting.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Yes!
I will be signing books at:
The BlueWater Author Event, Port Huron, MI - June 24, 2017
Kerrytown Book Festival, Ann Arbor, MI - September 10, 2017
We are also planning a launch party for the second book in the series some time this summer. Details will be available soon on my website and social media accounts.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Dwelling in Heaven and Earth, the sequel to More Things, is scheduled for a July, 2017 release and the third book will be available this winter.
I’m working on a few stand alone projects as well that have a lot more humor mixed into the horror. Release info for those will be available soon. Keep an eye out!
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: My amazing editor on this project was Jonina Stump. She waved her wand over my piece of coal and turned it into a diamond.
The talented Paramita Bhattacharjee (Creative Paramita) did the artwork.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: The one with words in it! I devoured books as a child. I remember reading the entire Little House series the summer between 3rd and 4th grade. I was obsessed with Mary Ingalls and made my mother assign chores like, “Clean the straw-tick mattress (make your bed).”
Two years after that I tackled Gone With The Wind, simply because it was the biggest book on my mother’s bookshelf, therefore I assumed it must be the best.
By the time I was in middle school I was the kid who would race through the test so that I could have twenty minutes in the hall with my book. I fell in love with Isaac Assimov, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Frank Peretti. Anything that made me stop mid-page and say, “what if that could really happen?” was my favorite book of the moment.
In retrospect I read a lot of things I would never let my own middle schooler see. I’m guessing my mom had no idea what I was up to.
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: I think I give a different answer every time I’m faced with this kind of question because it depends how I’m feeling that day. For today, I’m going to go with the Spelkenfelter Twins from Dean Koontz’s One Door Away From Heaven. I want them to teach me to be as fearless and full of life as they are!
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: In the fifth grade we had an assignment to write about the Oregon Trail as though you were a member of a wagon train. I crawled into my character’s world and fell in love with seeing life through her eyes. After that, I always had a story in the works. Oddly, it wasn’t until almost thirty years later that it occurred to me I could make a living doing that very thing.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tagline?
Answer: She was knocked down seven times, but she got up eight.
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: You have to be tenacious, tenacious in guarding your writing time, in championing your vision, in finding your support team, and in getting your work out into the world. None of it comes easy, no matter how great of a writer you are, but in the end it is worth every moment.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: I waited much longer than I should have to share my work with the world. If I’d begun working with a professional editor when I was twenty years old… it’s hard to imagine how much further along my path I’d be by now. That said, this is the journey I have had and it’s made me who I am so, no regrets.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: When I first started writing, professionally, it was as a blogger. This was about six years ago and my daughter was in, maybe, first grade. I took her to the library one day and the man working behind the desk said, “Hey! Aren’t you the Hippie Mama who wrote that GMO thing?”
My kid absolutely came unglued. She told everyone she met for the next two weeks that her mom was famous.
Looking for more information?
Website: https://eacomiskey.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazyhippiemama
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eacomiskey
As always thank you to our author for participating and to all of you for reading!
E.A. Comiskey is an award-winning writer and nationally syndicated blogger. Her debut novel, More Things in Heaven and Earth (2016, Nuff Said Publishing) has been a best-seller within its category on Amazon and the sequel, Dwelling in Heaven and Earth (July, 2017 - Nuff Said Publishing) is the winner of the Wattpad Fic Awards for Best Supernatural/Paranormal Novel. Her work is broadly described as "speculative fiction" and often includes elements of mythology, fantasy, horror, and romance.
She lives in southeast Michigan with her husband, children, and a veritable zoo of creatures. If there’s a festival in the area, you can bet she’s there, most likely drawing on the pavement with chalk. After all, when you live in Michigan, you go outside whenever you get the chance.
Let's take a look at her book. I've already read this one and loved it!
More Things in Heaven and Earth
"The veil is coming down. What will be revealed about you?"
Simone Fitzgerald battles for a normal life against voices no one else hears. She seems to be succeeding, until an angel appears, asking her to embrace the voices as a gift and stand as The Prophet.
When demons mobilize the beings of legend against mankind, Divine Wrath burns hot against creation. Simone must find the strength to embrace The Light and bring peace to the universe, but she may be crushed under the weight of the burden she's been asked to bear.
Follow an epic journey that takes the earth you know through a time when fairy tale creatures rule and into realms undreamed of.
Ready to give it a try?
Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/More-Things-He...
Amazon Author link: https://www.amazon.com/E.A.-Comiskey/...
Now for the best part - the questions. Some of these are a little tough to answer.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: I always tell people it’s a mythological fantasy. The narrator tells the story through the eyes of a Christian, but there are legends and myths from several cultures woven into the tale.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: The book, as a whole, isn’t overly graphic. There are two scenes, one sexual and one violent, that a few people have said were upsetting.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Yes!
I will be signing books at:
The BlueWater Author Event, Port Huron, MI - June 24, 2017
Kerrytown Book Festival, Ann Arbor, MI - September 10, 2017
We are also planning a launch party for the second book in the series some time this summer. Details will be available soon on my website and social media accounts.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Dwelling in Heaven and Earth, the sequel to More Things, is scheduled for a July, 2017 release and the third book will be available this winter.
I’m working on a few stand alone projects as well that have a lot more humor mixed into the horror. Release info for those will be available soon. Keep an eye out!
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: My amazing editor on this project was Jonina Stump. She waved her wand over my piece of coal and turned it into a diamond.
The talented Paramita Bhattacharjee (Creative Paramita) did the artwork.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: The one with words in it! I devoured books as a child. I remember reading the entire Little House series the summer between 3rd and 4th grade. I was obsessed with Mary Ingalls and made my mother assign chores like, “Clean the straw-tick mattress (make your bed).”
Two years after that I tackled Gone With The Wind, simply because it was the biggest book on my mother’s bookshelf, therefore I assumed it must be the best.
By the time I was in middle school I was the kid who would race through the test so that I could have twenty minutes in the hall with my book. I fell in love with Isaac Assimov, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and Frank Peretti. Anything that made me stop mid-page and say, “what if that could really happen?” was my favorite book of the moment.
In retrospect I read a lot of things I would never let my own middle schooler see. I’m guessing my mom had no idea what I was up to.
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: I think I give a different answer every time I’m faced with this kind of question because it depends how I’m feeling that day. For today, I’m going to go with the Spelkenfelter Twins from Dean Koontz’s One Door Away From Heaven. I want them to teach me to be as fearless and full of life as they are!
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: In the fifth grade we had an assignment to write about the Oregon Trail as though you were a member of a wagon train. I crawled into my character’s world and fell in love with seeing life through her eyes. After that, I always had a story in the works. Oddly, it wasn’t until almost thirty years later that it occurred to me I could make a living doing that very thing.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tagline?
Answer: She was knocked down seven times, but she got up eight.
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: You have to be tenacious, tenacious in guarding your writing time, in championing your vision, in finding your support team, and in getting your work out into the world. None of it comes easy, no matter how great of a writer you are, but in the end it is worth every moment.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: I waited much longer than I should have to share my work with the world. If I’d begun working with a professional editor when I was twenty years old… it’s hard to imagine how much further along my path I’d be by now. That said, this is the journey I have had and it’s made me who I am so, no regrets.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: When I first started writing, professionally, it was as a blogger. This was about six years ago and my daughter was in, maybe, first grade. I took her to the library one day and the man working behind the desk said, “Hey! Aren’t you the Hippie Mama who wrote that GMO thing?”
My kid absolutely came unglued. She told everyone she met for the next two weeks that her mom was famous.
Looking for more information?
Website: https://eacomiskey.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lazyhippiemama
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/eacomiskey
As always thank you to our author for participating and to all of you for reading!
May 9, 2017
Book Review: Finding Forever
"It's a small world after all." I hope I have you singing along with me. This tune has been stuck in my head since I finished reading Finding Forever by Amanda J. Evans. That one sentence sums up the novella perfectly.
Evans has created an amazing plot that you can tell was well thought out. The end result was an enjoyable light read which, for me, happened to fall on a rainy afternoon.
I enjoyed being able to feel the same hazy unsureness about what was happening as the main character Liz was undoubtedly experiencing.
From a technical standpoint this short novella was text book perfect. Evans crossed all her t's and dotted all the i's.
As is the case with many novellas, the characters aren't quite as in depth as they would be in a full length novel.
I would have liked to have seen a little more focus on the villain's development. Making him larger than life would have made this a five star review.
Finding Forever is a book I will remember and Amanda J. Evans is an author I plan to keep following. I am expecting great things to come!
4/5 stars!
Evans has created an amazing plot that you can tell was well thought out. The end result was an enjoyable light read which, for me, happened to fall on a rainy afternoon.
I enjoyed being able to feel the same hazy unsureness about what was happening as the main character Liz was undoubtedly experiencing.
From a technical standpoint this short novella was text book perfect. Evans crossed all her t's and dotted all the i's.
As is the case with many novellas, the characters aren't quite as in depth as they would be in a full length novel.
I would have liked to have seen a little more focus on the villain's development. Making him larger than life would have made this a five star review.
Finding Forever is a book I will remember and Amanda J. Evans is an author I plan to keep following. I am expecting great things to come!
4/5 stars!
May 3, 2017
Author Interview: K.J. Simmill
It's time for another Author Spotlight! This week, I am interviewing an award winning author. I'm so excited to have had the chance to ask questions!
K.J. Simmill is an award winning British author with books released in both the fantasy and non-fiction genres.
She is a qualified Project Manager, Herbal Practitioner, and Usui Reiki master, with certifications in various fields of holistic therapy.
When she is not writing, she is an avid reader and a passionate gamer. All of her books donate a percent age of royalties to the DMWS
Darrienia is book one in The Forgotten Legacies Series.
It is said that the past always returns to haunt you. Yet some forgotten pasts have whispered names and a debt for collection. Dangerous curiosities stir a hidden darkness, one that patiently waits to seize control.
Within the layers of a divine game the boundaries of reality change. Ancient creatures once again resurface from their slumber, and beings which should dwell only within Darrienia threaten to pierce the veil to the waking world.
Darkness has a way of masking that which would otherwise be seen, and the god, Night, orchestrator of this peril, is a master of such distortion. Nothing is ever as it seems, especially when every action is gently influenced to unlock an unimaginable terror as he guides those chosen to his true ambition. Their actions rousing something far older, and more dangerous, than the threat they first perceived. Its awakening would herald the end and beginning of all.
Will they discover the truth in time? Or will those who should be heroes, become nothing more than the pawns of evil?
K.J. Simmill was nice enough to provide an excerpt from her book:
“Tell me, what do you see?” Night questioned as Seiken blinked several times. When finally his eyes adjusted he realised they were incredibly high. Despite the vision of what lay before him, he did not answer. He merely looked out on a world which was nothing like his own, a world man had destroyed to create a life for themselves. Unlike his own world, the damage caused here was permanent. “Can’t you see it? The deceit, the treachery, the greed. That is the way of the world now. It’s not only the corruption, it is the disregard for Gaea as they slowly sentence her to death with their selfishness. People need to learn their place, they have become too arrogant. Everything is not theirs to take as they wish.” Night’s voice was calm, yet undertones of outrage and disgust lined his words.
“So, you want to destroy them?” Seiken wasn’t sure he quite understood the situation. If Night wanted to destroy them he clearly possessed the power to do so. It made him wonder why all this was necessary. What was there to gain by this method when just a wave of his hand could see all he despised, destroyed?
“Not all of them, but a majority, yes.” Night did not want to eradicate all of humanity, just those unworthy, after all, originally even Zeus himself did not want man upon this world’s surface. He had wanted them to die out having never evolved, yet he seemed fond of them now, but still Night couldn’t help but think by destroying them he would win the favour of someone who he was intent on destroying. “But once my plan is complete, the world will not tremble to man, but man to the world as it was millennia ago.
“The world’s magic has all but been extinguished, although we can thank the Hoi Hepta Sophoi for their role in this, even they cannot take the brunt of the blame. It is down to them,” he gestured through the window in disgust, a burning hatred reflected in his eyes. “Things need to change, those people exploiting the poor to line their pockets with gold, those who take yet never return, the predators and persecutors of this so called society, I call for their eradication. An end to the arrogance even in blatant stupidity, the moral righteousness amongst the worst sinners, the apathy in the face of absolute manipulation, the unfulfilled promises, the sheer lack of will for the betterment of self and others. Out there they are nothing more than self-serving hypocrites and those who would do good, those who would sacrifice to bring others joy, are those mocked the most.
“Those remaining will serve the earth once more, it will be Gaea who is their mistress. I shall simply take back that which was taken from me so long ago. The goddess has waited long enough for the final sign of the prophecy, and now it is upon us, I shall fulfil it.”
“But then, are you not showing them the same persecution you just spoke of.” Seiken was unsure how much he could say, but for the moment he knew there was something Night wanted from him, some reason why he was summoned to his presence. He knew, true to his word, Night would not harm him, or his people, at least not yet. It was a truth he planned to exploit whenever possible, especially if it could give him some information which could be used to their advantage.
“When the world was born, like animals, humans too would hunt and were hunted. It was a world where to survive was to live, and failure cost the ultimate price. Magic ran rampant across the earth and none could tame it. It moulded things in the way they should have stayed, but eventually, they were permitted a way to seal it. Since then, they have grown arrogant, self-absorbed, but soon they shall be re-educated. They shall learn their place upon this world, or be torn from it as things revert back to the natural order.”
If you are like me, that was enough information to grab the book off Amazon. Just in case you want to, here is the link:
https://www.amazon.com/Darrienia-Forg...
That brings us to my favourite part ~ the questions. I have to admit I was impressed with the answers. Some of these weren't easy. I love the tagline!
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Epic fantasy
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: Not for the first two books in the series
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Book three is due to be released Autumn this year
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: I am currently editing the third book in The Forgotten Legacies Series, book four in draft, as is a series prequel, There is also another series in the works to be released a few years down the line. (I like to write a series in draft before the first is released) I am also studying towards my editor/proofreading qualifications.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I would love to mention my alpha reader, but they wish to remain anonymous. But I will say a big thanks to other authors out there, such as Stephen Drake and Richard Crofton who have spent time to give me helpful feedback whilst working in their own brilliant books. I would also like to briefly acknowledge the DMWS (Defence Medical Welfare Service) all of my books donate a percent of royalties to this wonderful charity. I may write fantasy, but I also support the real heroes. The men and women out there who put everything on the line for us. The DMWS is a wonderful charity supporting army, navy, and air force, and the work they do, the support they give, is vital, as is the support of people like us. As I final mention I want to thank you, for hosting me.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: My favourite book growing up, hmm, a tough one. I will opt for The Keys to Paradise by Richard Vardeman
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: I think I would like to meet Medea, from Euripides' Medea. I read this as part of a study course some time ago. I have great respect for her wisdom, her endurance, and yes, it is a tale of tragedy, jealousy, and revenge, but she is one character I would enjoy learning more about.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: I've always had a draw to writing. The first time I remember was as a child, I was so passionate about writing stories my nan purchased a typewriter for me. My parents say I wrote stories from a young age, but I have no real recollection of this. I will be completely honest, until my final years at high schools I had no real grasp of writing. My grammar and spelling was truly awful. One day, thanks to a great English teacher, things started to click. I can't imagine ever not writing, no matter what the future may hold.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: Invest in reality, but don't forget to kiss the dreamer.
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Since we've just discussed taglines I'll quote a popular one "Just do it!"
Sit down, forget grammar and spelling, and pour your story, your soul, on to paper. Details can come later, but the most important thing to do is start. You have a story you want to tell, so tell it. No one else can do it for you.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Before my book was published I was taken on by an 'agent'. This agency was a long running scam, they charged authors for 'admin' costs. At first I didn't suspect anything. I was getting fortnightly updates about who my book had been submitted to, and after a while I as receiving feedback in the form of rejections and manuscript requests. The cruelest thing they did was raise my hopes. I apparently had two publishing companies interested in my work, one which had apparently stated they would run it in paperback, and a consideration from another who wanted to look hardbacks as well as other mediums. This agency was setting up a video conference with the second house to discuss terms, contract, and then get back to me. They sent me the date, the schedule, etc. I remember barely being able to concentrate at work that day, constantly checking my emails. But as the day dragged on I began to get an uneasy feeling. Eventually I checked their website, to find out they had simply vanished. Their site had been removed, their number disconnected. I was heartbroken. I later contacted the two publishing companies who had shown interest, only to discover they had never received any submissions, and they'd had an influx of letters, emails, and phone calls form other authors, like myself, who had been scammed in the same manner. I guess my biggest mistake was not following up on their listed authors to confirm they were genuine. I spent just over a year with them, placing my dream in their hands, and they exploited it. I was naive, but now, because of this experience I constantly second-guess people's motives.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: The best moment with a fan, I struggle socially, if you meet me in a street and started talking the last thing I do is try to sell my work. Likewise I feel awkward discussing the topic and tend to redirect focus elsewhere. So there are few to choose. I think my greatest moments was with my second book. My alpha reader, also a big fan of mine, handed me back a chapter and said, 'You're better than this, this is lazy. It is good, but compared to how you can write it's lazy. Do it again.' I rewrote it, sat on pins as it was read. They are a person of many words. But they handed it back to me and simply said one, 'Wow.' Everything about that moment, their face, the room, the pure honesty and awe in their voice, is forever burned into my mind.
Thank you K.J. Simmill for taking the time to chat!
Hope you'll join me next week for another Author Spotlight!
K.J. Simmill is an award winning British author with books released in both the fantasy and non-fiction genres.
She is a qualified Project Manager, Herbal Practitioner, and Usui Reiki master, with certifications in various fields of holistic therapy.
When she is not writing, she is an avid reader and a passionate gamer. All of her books donate a percent age of royalties to the DMWS
Darrienia is book one in The Forgotten Legacies Series.
It is said that the past always returns to haunt you. Yet some forgotten pasts have whispered names and a debt for collection. Dangerous curiosities stir a hidden darkness, one that patiently waits to seize control.
Within the layers of a divine game the boundaries of reality change. Ancient creatures once again resurface from their slumber, and beings which should dwell only within Darrienia threaten to pierce the veil to the waking world.
Darkness has a way of masking that which would otherwise be seen, and the god, Night, orchestrator of this peril, is a master of such distortion. Nothing is ever as it seems, especially when every action is gently influenced to unlock an unimaginable terror as he guides those chosen to his true ambition. Their actions rousing something far older, and more dangerous, than the threat they first perceived. Its awakening would herald the end and beginning of all.
Will they discover the truth in time? Or will those who should be heroes, become nothing more than the pawns of evil?
K.J. Simmill was nice enough to provide an excerpt from her book:
“Tell me, what do you see?” Night questioned as Seiken blinked several times. When finally his eyes adjusted he realised they were incredibly high. Despite the vision of what lay before him, he did not answer. He merely looked out on a world which was nothing like his own, a world man had destroyed to create a life for themselves. Unlike his own world, the damage caused here was permanent. “Can’t you see it? The deceit, the treachery, the greed. That is the way of the world now. It’s not only the corruption, it is the disregard for Gaea as they slowly sentence her to death with their selfishness. People need to learn their place, they have become too arrogant. Everything is not theirs to take as they wish.” Night’s voice was calm, yet undertones of outrage and disgust lined his words.
“So, you want to destroy them?” Seiken wasn’t sure he quite understood the situation. If Night wanted to destroy them he clearly possessed the power to do so. It made him wonder why all this was necessary. What was there to gain by this method when just a wave of his hand could see all he despised, destroyed?
“Not all of them, but a majority, yes.” Night did not want to eradicate all of humanity, just those unworthy, after all, originally even Zeus himself did not want man upon this world’s surface. He had wanted them to die out having never evolved, yet he seemed fond of them now, but still Night couldn’t help but think by destroying them he would win the favour of someone who he was intent on destroying. “But once my plan is complete, the world will not tremble to man, but man to the world as it was millennia ago.
“The world’s magic has all but been extinguished, although we can thank the Hoi Hepta Sophoi for their role in this, even they cannot take the brunt of the blame. It is down to them,” he gestured through the window in disgust, a burning hatred reflected in his eyes. “Things need to change, those people exploiting the poor to line their pockets with gold, those who take yet never return, the predators and persecutors of this so called society, I call for their eradication. An end to the arrogance even in blatant stupidity, the moral righteousness amongst the worst sinners, the apathy in the face of absolute manipulation, the unfulfilled promises, the sheer lack of will for the betterment of self and others. Out there they are nothing more than self-serving hypocrites and those who would do good, those who would sacrifice to bring others joy, are those mocked the most.
“Those remaining will serve the earth once more, it will be Gaea who is their mistress. I shall simply take back that which was taken from me so long ago. The goddess has waited long enough for the final sign of the prophecy, and now it is upon us, I shall fulfil it.”
“But then, are you not showing them the same persecution you just spoke of.” Seiken was unsure how much he could say, but for the moment he knew there was something Night wanted from him, some reason why he was summoned to his presence. He knew, true to his word, Night would not harm him, or his people, at least not yet. It was a truth he planned to exploit whenever possible, especially if it could give him some information which could be used to their advantage.
“When the world was born, like animals, humans too would hunt and were hunted. It was a world where to survive was to live, and failure cost the ultimate price. Magic ran rampant across the earth and none could tame it. It moulded things in the way they should have stayed, but eventually, they were permitted a way to seal it. Since then, they have grown arrogant, self-absorbed, but soon they shall be re-educated. They shall learn their place upon this world, or be torn from it as things revert back to the natural order.”
If you are like me, that was enough information to grab the book off Amazon. Just in case you want to, here is the link:
https://www.amazon.com/Darrienia-Forg...
That brings us to my favourite part ~ the questions. I have to admit I was impressed with the answers. Some of these weren't easy. I love the tagline!
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Epic fantasy
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: Not for the first two books in the series
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Book three is due to be released Autumn this year
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: I am currently editing the third book in The Forgotten Legacies Series, book four in draft, as is a series prequel, There is also another series in the works to be released a few years down the line. (I like to write a series in draft before the first is released) I am also studying towards my editor/proofreading qualifications.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I would love to mention my alpha reader, but they wish to remain anonymous. But I will say a big thanks to other authors out there, such as Stephen Drake and Richard Crofton who have spent time to give me helpful feedback whilst working in their own brilliant books. I would also like to briefly acknowledge the DMWS (Defence Medical Welfare Service) all of my books donate a percent of royalties to this wonderful charity. I may write fantasy, but I also support the real heroes. The men and women out there who put everything on the line for us. The DMWS is a wonderful charity supporting army, navy, and air force, and the work they do, the support they give, is vital, as is the support of people like us. As I final mention I want to thank you, for hosting me.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: My favourite book growing up, hmm, a tough one. I will opt for The Keys to Paradise by Richard Vardeman
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: I think I would like to meet Medea, from Euripides' Medea. I read this as part of a study course some time ago. I have great respect for her wisdom, her endurance, and yes, it is a tale of tragedy, jealousy, and revenge, but she is one character I would enjoy learning more about.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: I've always had a draw to writing. The first time I remember was as a child, I was so passionate about writing stories my nan purchased a typewriter for me. My parents say I wrote stories from a young age, but I have no real recollection of this. I will be completely honest, until my final years at high schools I had no real grasp of writing. My grammar and spelling was truly awful. One day, thanks to a great English teacher, things started to click. I can't imagine ever not writing, no matter what the future may hold.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: Invest in reality, but don't forget to kiss the dreamer.
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Since we've just discussed taglines I'll quote a popular one "Just do it!"
Sit down, forget grammar and spelling, and pour your story, your soul, on to paper. Details can come later, but the most important thing to do is start. You have a story you want to tell, so tell it. No one else can do it for you.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Before my book was published I was taken on by an 'agent'. This agency was a long running scam, they charged authors for 'admin' costs. At first I didn't suspect anything. I was getting fortnightly updates about who my book had been submitted to, and after a while I as receiving feedback in the form of rejections and manuscript requests. The cruelest thing they did was raise my hopes. I apparently had two publishing companies interested in my work, one which had apparently stated they would run it in paperback, and a consideration from another who wanted to look hardbacks as well as other mediums. This agency was setting up a video conference with the second house to discuss terms, contract, and then get back to me. They sent me the date, the schedule, etc. I remember barely being able to concentrate at work that day, constantly checking my emails. But as the day dragged on I began to get an uneasy feeling. Eventually I checked their website, to find out they had simply vanished. Their site had been removed, their number disconnected. I was heartbroken. I later contacted the two publishing companies who had shown interest, only to discover they had never received any submissions, and they'd had an influx of letters, emails, and phone calls form other authors, like myself, who had been scammed in the same manner. I guess my biggest mistake was not following up on their listed authors to confirm they were genuine. I spent just over a year with them, placing my dream in their hands, and they exploited it. I was naive, but now, because of this experience I constantly second-guess people's motives.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: The best moment with a fan, I struggle socially, if you meet me in a street and started talking the last thing I do is try to sell my work. Likewise I feel awkward discussing the topic and tend to redirect focus elsewhere. So there are few to choose. I think my greatest moments was with my second book. My alpha reader, also a big fan of mine, handed me back a chapter and said, 'You're better than this, this is lazy. It is good, but compared to how you can write it's lazy. Do it again.' I rewrote it, sat on pins as it was read. They are a person of many words. But they handed it back to me and simply said one, 'Wow.' Everything about that moment, their face, the room, the pure honesty and awe in their voice, is forever burned into my mind.
Thank you K.J. Simmill for taking the time to chat!
Hope you'll join me next week for another Author Spotlight!
April 26, 2017
AUTHOR INTERVIEW - Richard Crofton
Author Interview ~ Richard Crofton
I'm happy to bring you another interview of an author you may not have heard about... yet.
Richard Crofton is in the spotlight this week, along with his book Agents of Shadow (The Keepers of White)
Here's a little bit more about Richard:
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, I currently reside in Florida with my wife and five children. Though I’ve been writing stories for most of my life, I’ve only recently gained the courage to share my work. Holding a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Education, I taught English Language Arts for ten years, but now work as an instructor in the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate. I’m an avid lover of animals, backpacking/camping, bowling, chess games, baseball, and homemade Italian food (also love my Philly cheese steaks!). However, creative writing and martial arts are my two main passions, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pursue both avenues.
Agents of Shadow (Book I of The Keepers of White Series)
“It’s during the new moon, when the real monsters come out.”
from Part I, Chapter I
Jamie woke up to discover she was immobile and had been stripped of her clothes. Though she was disoriented, she could see the strange masks covering the faces of the men surrounding her as she lay on a cold, smooth, hard surface. As the grogginess of her anesthetic-induced sleep started to wear off, she thought that perhaps the surface she lay on was not in fact cold. She herself was, for she felt an uncontrollable shivering throughout her whole, naked body. She focused with all her might to gather her bearings, trying to determine where she was and how she got there. Coming around to an adequate alertness was not happening swiftly. Had she not been drugged, she may have still found it difficult to make an assessment of her situation, as it was completely alien to her.
Besides the strange masks, Jamie noticed the figures were cloaked in hooded robes: dark, medieval and intimidating. The masks were plain silver with little design. Mouthless, with only two thin slits for nostrils from which to breathe, they looked thick and heavy on the faces of her captors, as if they were made of chrome. For a moment she was reminded of Greek theater. The deepness of the masks appeared to hide their eyes, though she knew they could see clearly even if she could not. The dark figures seemed to be chanting something very low, and it was too inaudible for her to make out the words. It was almost melodic, but with potential malice in its monotone hum. They were standing around her, not moving from their positions, but their arms were sometimes moving side to side, as if they were passing an object among each other in their circle that formed around her. She may have been able to see what they were doing if she were able to move her head. In spite of all her efforts, she couldn’t budge an inch of her body. She lay flat on her back, forced to stare at the enigmatic men, the strange painted symbols on a low ceiling, and the dull glow of candles on a pointy designed chandelier, all hovering above her. Only her eyes found slight freedom to wander about in their sockets.
Still unable to grasp what was happening or why, Jaime lay there only trying to focus on her surroundings, only trying to understand the where and when other than the why and how. She slowly realized that she must have been lying on a table (more like an altar, judging by the tightness of the robed figures who circled around her), because she could only see the upper torsos and heads of the strangers, which could only mean that she must have been horizontally on a platform as high as their waists. The glowing candles were of a pitch-black color and started to blaze in her eyes with a reddish tint that seemed haunting. Her peripheral vision also sensed the same tint that emitted from the candles in view from directly above. The strange light forced such a pestering impact on her that, now that she was finally formulating complete thoughts, she gathered there must have been hundreds of red-glowing candles in this room: miniature dancing devils, anxiously anticipating something violent but entertaining. It could have merely been electrical lighting, but her head could not turn to its side to confirm anything.
The chandelier above her was nothing large or of anything one would find in a spacious cathedral, but it still implied a sense of something fantastical and unrealistic about this place. The ceiling, and what little of the walls that were in her limited view showed a dull-grey, large, rectangular stone pattern, but they seemed so close, that she started to feel a little claustrophobic. There was a cool, damp moisture and a dank, moldy smell of the place; she could have sworn she was in a sewer as there were so many familiarities… her mind briefly drifted to July 4th, when she was eight years old, the day she and her older brother were playing at the park and found a tunnel that led to the sewer system under their neighborhood.
The only perception that conflicted with Jamie’s theory of being held captive in a sewer of all places was that of sound. The low and indecipherable chanting of the dark figures seemed more than just intentional. There was no echo from any of the sounds she could hear. In fact, every voice sounded so muffled as if no words travelled farther than the very front of their mouths. She started to imagine being enclosed by a protective barrier that one might see on the walls in the room of an asylum’s most unstable patient, rather than by walls of stone. She also wondered if she could turn her head to view the floor; would she see a thick rug instead of stone floor beneath the feet of her captors, albeit unfitting in such a dungeon-like room.
Jamie started to become more awake, and tried to ask where she was. Though weak and mouse-like, she could hear her voice sounding out noise, but because her lips or jaw couldn’t move, save the shivering she couldn’t control, her question was not comprehensible. However, her voice managed to draw more direct attention from the strangers. They were looking directly at her through those thick, plated masks.
“She’s awake,” she heard one of the masked men speak in a low, raspy voice. “Continue with the ceremony.”
Ceremony? What ceremony? Jamie’s grogginess began to dissipate more, and she could comprehend that she was in serious danger, although she had never faced any danger like this, she still recognized it to be so. She tried to gain control of her shivering body, tried to move something: an arm, a hand, an eyelid. If only she could move her head and see what was these freaks were doing… then again, did she really want to? Still, she prayed that she would snap out of this trance and be able to escape from this insanity, but her prayers were not answered.
Sounds amazing, doesn't it? It's in my TBR pile and I'll be posting a review on a later date. Meanwhile, I wanted to ask a few questions.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: It’s a paranormal or supernatural thriller.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: Yes. This book, the series, is very dark and not for the feint of heart. One of the story’s themes is Good vs. Evil, and the Evil is… really evil. Not a recommended read for anyone under the age of 18… and probably not over the age of 70. Also, if you’ve ever been, or you’re likely to be, one of those parents to accuse your child’s poor high school English teacher of promoting witchcraft for covering curriculum approved literature (like The Crucible, The Devil and Tom Walker, Dr. Faust, Macbeth, etc…) or likely to start or join a petition to have your school district remove these readings from the curriculum, don’t read my book.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: I’m fairly new as a published author. Agents of Shadow is my first novel and has just come out in late January 2017. So I haven’t really gotten familiar with how to do or participate in “events” so to speak. The only thing that might relate to an event is the upcoming pre-release of The Keepers of White, Book II: The Paladin’s Message. It should be released by mid-summer, but it will be available for preorder two or three months before its release.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Oh yes. Books II and III of The Keepers of White series have already been written. I’m currently working on Book IV. I’ve also been writing a few short stories here and there, and when I have enough, I will compile them into an anthology. Further in the future, I’d like to try my hand at non-fiction and write a light hearted and humorous memoir about my experiences as a middle school Language Arts teacher.
Question: Is there anyone you would like to mention? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: There are many that I wish I could thank for their support and encouragement when I was working to publish my first book. But to name a few:
Melissa Rinaldi, a fellow English/Reading teacher and former coworker who volunteered to proofread through my manuscript during her winter break (those breaks are extremely valuable to teachers, so I’m forever grateful!)
David Karner, my fellow Dunkin’ Donuts patron and owner of Thunder Mesa Designs for creating such an awesome cover!
Jo Beach, my first beta reader, and valued content adviser
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: The Hobbit
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: From The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, I would like to meet the genie, assuming I’m also in possession of its lamp. I think the reason is pretty obvious.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer, as I’ve always enjoyed it and have gotten complemented on things I’ve written ever since high school. But I think it occurred to me that this was what I was meant to do when I finally got the idea for The Keepers of White series, and first sat down and began typing Agents of Shadow over four years ago. Once I started, I kept going. Eight hours had gone by… correction: eight hours had flown by, and I wasn’t even tired. I just wanted to keep going. That’s when I knew.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: “Glutton for Punishment: The Life of a Middle School Language Arts Teacher and Father of Five”
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Heck, I’m still new. Not a new writer, but a new author, so I’m not qualified to give much advice. What I do know, however is this: if you try to publish your work, you’re most likely going to face so many challenges: rejections, criticisms, confusion, frustration, etc. As a self publisher, unless you have a degree or work experience in marketing, it’s very hard to promote to the point where your book gets in the top 100 on the sales rank. The closest my book got was like, 50,000 something. Some of these factors are out of your control. But there’s only one part of this business that you have complete, 100% control over, and that’s the writing part. So, if you love it, keep doing it. Whether you enjoy success as a best selling author, or your masterpiece that you put your blood, sweat, and tears into is lost within the millions of other little-known publications with only three sales a month, just keep writing. Oh, and back up your work often. I learned that one the hard way.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Truly, the fact that I didn’t start my writing career sooner. I’m 42 and I’ve just published my first novel. I’d written many incomplete short stories, play scripts, and novels, and after getting through so many pages, I would trash my work, thinking it was silly, corny, or just no good. No regrets though. I’m very blessed to have found the courage and inspiration to finally take the plunge. Better late than never.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: Again, still new so my experiences are slim so far. But the one that sticks out the best so far is when I was contacted by a fan via email, who said, “I only have one question about your book: when’s the sequel coming out?” He then referred to me as “the next Stephen King” in his review of the book. In no way would I ever allow myself the arrogance to see myself on the same level as one of my biggest writing inspirations. However, I’d be lying if I said the fan’s complement didn’t make my day.
Here's where you can link up!
https://www.facebook.com/richardcroft...
https://richardcrofton.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/WriterCrofton
https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Crofto...
Thank you Richard Crofton for joining me today ~ and thank you all for reading!
I'm happy to bring you another interview of an author you may not have heard about... yet.
Richard Crofton is in the spotlight this week, along with his book Agents of Shadow (The Keepers of White)
Here's a little bit more about Richard:
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, I currently reside in Florida with my wife and five children. Though I’ve been writing stories for most of my life, I’ve only recently gained the courage to share my work. Holding a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Education, I taught English Language Arts for ten years, but now work as an instructor in the art of Shaolin Kempo Karate. I’m an avid lover of animals, backpacking/camping, bowling, chess games, baseball, and homemade Italian food (also love my Philly cheese steaks!). However, creative writing and martial arts are my two main passions, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pursue both avenues.
Agents of Shadow (Book I of The Keepers of White Series)
“It’s during the new moon, when the real monsters come out.”
from Part I, Chapter I
Jamie woke up to discover she was immobile and had been stripped of her clothes. Though she was disoriented, she could see the strange masks covering the faces of the men surrounding her as she lay on a cold, smooth, hard surface. As the grogginess of her anesthetic-induced sleep started to wear off, she thought that perhaps the surface she lay on was not in fact cold. She herself was, for she felt an uncontrollable shivering throughout her whole, naked body. She focused with all her might to gather her bearings, trying to determine where she was and how she got there. Coming around to an adequate alertness was not happening swiftly. Had she not been drugged, she may have still found it difficult to make an assessment of her situation, as it was completely alien to her.
Besides the strange masks, Jamie noticed the figures were cloaked in hooded robes: dark, medieval and intimidating. The masks were plain silver with little design. Mouthless, with only two thin slits for nostrils from which to breathe, they looked thick and heavy on the faces of her captors, as if they were made of chrome. For a moment she was reminded of Greek theater. The deepness of the masks appeared to hide their eyes, though she knew they could see clearly even if she could not. The dark figures seemed to be chanting something very low, and it was too inaudible for her to make out the words. It was almost melodic, but with potential malice in its monotone hum. They were standing around her, not moving from their positions, but their arms were sometimes moving side to side, as if they were passing an object among each other in their circle that formed around her. She may have been able to see what they were doing if she were able to move her head. In spite of all her efforts, she couldn’t budge an inch of her body. She lay flat on her back, forced to stare at the enigmatic men, the strange painted symbols on a low ceiling, and the dull glow of candles on a pointy designed chandelier, all hovering above her. Only her eyes found slight freedom to wander about in their sockets.
Still unable to grasp what was happening or why, Jaime lay there only trying to focus on her surroundings, only trying to understand the where and when other than the why and how. She slowly realized that she must have been lying on a table (more like an altar, judging by the tightness of the robed figures who circled around her), because she could only see the upper torsos and heads of the strangers, which could only mean that she must have been horizontally on a platform as high as their waists. The glowing candles were of a pitch-black color and started to blaze in her eyes with a reddish tint that seemed haunting. Her peripheral vision also sensed the same tint that emitted from the candles in view from directly above. The strange light forced such a pestering impact on her that, now that she was finally formulating complete thoughts, she gathered there must have been hundreds of red-glowing candles in this room: miniature dancing devils, anxiously anticipating something violent but entertaining. It could have merely been electrical lighting, but her head could not turn to its side to confirm anything.
The chandelier above her was nothing large or of anything one would find in a spacious cathedral, but it still implied a sense of something fantastical and unrealistic about this place. The ceiling, and what little of the walls that were in her limited view showed a dull-grey, large, rectangular stone pattern, but they seemed so close, that she started to feel a little claustrophobic. There was a cool, damp moisture and a dank, moldy smell of the place; she could have sworn she was in a sewer as there were so many familiarities… her mind briefly drifted to July 4th, when she was eight years old, the day she and her older brother were playing at the park and found a tunnel that led to the sewer system under their neighborhood.
The only perception that conflicted with Jamie’s theory of being held captive in a sewer of all places was that of sound. The low and indecipherable chanting of the dark figures seemed more than just intentional. There was no echo from any of the sounds she could hear. In fact, every voice sounded so muffled as if no words travelled farther than the very front of their mouths. She started to imagine being enclosed by a protective barrier that one might see on the walls in the room of an asylum’s most unstable patient, rather than by walls of stone. She also wondered if she could turn her head to view the floor; would she see a thick rug instead of stone floor beneath the feet of her captors, albeit unfitting in such a dungeon-like room.
Jamie started to become more awake, and tried to ask where she was. Though weak and mouse-like, she could hear her voice sounding out noise, but because her lips or jaw couldn’t move, save the shivering she couldn’t control, her question was not comprehensible. However, her voice managed to draw more direct attention from the strangers. They were looking directly at her through those thick, plated masks.
“She’s awake,” she heard one of the masked men speak in a low, raspy voice. “Continue with the ceremony.”
Ceremony? What ceremony? Jamie’s grogginess began to dissipate more, and she could comprehend that she was in serious danger, although she had never faced any danger like this, she still recognized it to be so. She tried to gain control of her shivering body, tried to move something: an arm, a hand, an eyelid. If only she could move her head and see what was these freaks were doing… then again, did she really want to? Still, she prayed that she would snap out of this trance and be able to escape from this insanity, but her prayers were not answered.
Sounds amazing, doesn't it? It's in my TBR pile and I'll be posting a review on a later date. Meanwhile, I wanted to ask a few questions.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: It’s a paranormal or supernatural thriller.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: Yes. This book, the series, is very dark and not for the feint of heart. One of the story’s themes is Good vs. Evil, and the Evil is… really evil. Not a recommended read for anyone under the age of 18… and probably not over the age of 70. Also, if you’ve ever been, or you’re likely to be, one of those parents to accuse your child’s poor high school English teacher of promoting witchcraft for covering curriculum approved literature (like The Crucible, The Devil and Tom Walker, Dr. Faust, Macbeth, etc…) or likely to start or join a petition to have your school district remove these readings from the curriculum, don’t read my book.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: I’m fairly new as a published author. Agents of Shadow is my first novel and has just come out in late January 2017. So I haven’t really gotten familiar with how to do or participate in “events” so to speak. The only thing that might relate to an event is the upcoming pre-release of The Keepers of White, Book II: The Paladin’s Message. It should be released by mid-summer, but it will be available for preorder two or three months before its release.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Oh yes. Books II and III of The Keepers of White series have already been written. I’m currently working on Book IV. I’ve also been writing a few short stories here and there, and when I have enough, I will compile them into an anthology. Further in the future, I’d like to try my hand at non-fiction and write a light hearted and humorous memoir about my experiences as a middle school Language Arts teacher.
Question: Is there anyone you would like to mention? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: There are many that I wish I could thank for their support and encouragement when I was working to publish my first book. But to name a few:
Melissa Rinaldi, a fellow English/Reading teacher and former coworker who volunteered to proofread through my manuscript during her winter break (those breaks are extremely valuable to teachers, so I’m forever grateful!)
David Karner, my fellow Dunkin’ Donuts patron and owner of Thunder Mesa Designs for creating such an awesome cover!
Jo Beach, my first beta reader, and valued content adviser
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: The Hobbit
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: From The Book of One Thousand and One Nights, I would like to meet the genie, assuming I’m also in possession of its lamp. I think the reason is pretty obvious.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: I think I’ve always wanted to be a writer, as I’ve always enjoyed it and have gotten complemented on things I’ve written ever since high school. But I think it occurred to me that this was what I was meant to do when I finally got the idea for The Keepers of White series, and first sat down and began typing Agents of Shadow over four years ago. Once I started, I kept going. Eight hours had gone by… correction: eight hours had flown by, and I wasn’t even tired. I just wanted to keep going. That’s when I knew.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: “Glutton for Punishment: The Life of a Middle School Language Arts Teacher and Father of Five”
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Heck, I’m still new. Not a new writer, but a new author, so I’m not qualified to give much advice. What I do know, however is this: if you try to publish your work, you’re most likely going to face so many challenges: rejections, criticisms, confusion, frustration, etc. As a self publisher, unless you have a degree or work experience in marketing, it’s very hard to promote to the point where your book gets in the top 100 on the sales rank. The closest my book got was like, 50,000 something. Some of these factors are out of your control. But there’s only one part of this business that you have complete, 100% control over, and that’s the writing part. So, if you love it, keep doing it. Whether you enjoy success as a best selling author, or your masterpiece that you put your blood, sweat, and tears into is lost within the millions of other little-known publications with only three sales a month, just keep writing. Oh, and back up your work often. I learned that one the hard way.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Truly, the fact that I didn’t start my writing career sooner. I’m 42 and I’ve just published my first novel. I’d written many incomplete short stories, play scripts, and novels, and after getting through so many pages, I would trash my work, thinking it was silly, corny, or just no good. No regrets though. I’m very blessed to have found the courage and inspiration to finally take the plunge. Better late than never.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: Again, still new so my experiences are slim so far. But the one that sticks out the best so far is when I was contacted by a fan via email, who said, “I only have one question about your book: when’s the sequel coming out?” He then referred to me as “the next Stephen King” in his review of the book. In no way would I ever allow myself the arrogance to see myself on the same level as one of my biggest writing inspirations. However, I’d be lying if I said the fan’s complement didn’t make my day.
Here's where you can link up!
https://www.facebook.com/richardcroft...
https://richardcrofton.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/WriterCrofton
https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Crofto...
Thank you Richard Crofton for joining me today ~ and thank you all for reading!
April 22, 2017
Book Review: Crown of Delusion by Tanor Costa
Book Review: Crown of Delusion byTanor Costa
This book packs a punch. Costa action packs every nook and cranny of every page. I do have to add a warning label though.
~Contains scenes of rape~ violence ~ mature language. Recommended for 18+
The King is betrayed by one of his own. As he falls a single mage and the king's two nephews escape - only to become the scapegoat for the real villain. The three set out on a journey to rally some unusual new allies to aid in their quest for justice.
If you like high-fantasy, the amazing battle scenes alone make this book a must read. You'll need a quiet spot, a cup of tea and a comfy chair.
There is a lot going on and a lot of characters to follow. This isn't a book to skim through quickly, but rather one to enjoy and savour.
The only reason this is a four star rating, was the presence of some odd choice words in the dialogue. At some points the lines simply didn't seem to fit the characters - as if they were speaking in two different time periods. It did bring me out of the world - luckily it was easy to become immersed again. A great ending I wasn't expecting.
This is Costa's first book and I can't wait to see where this author takes us in the future. #authortowatch
This book packs a punch. Costa action packs every nook and cranny of every page. I do have to add a warning label though.
~Contains scenes of rape~ violence ~ mature language. Recommended for 18+
The King is betrayed by one of his own. As he falls a single mage and the king's two nephews escape - only to become the scapegoat for the real villain. The three set out on a journey to rally some unusual new allies to aid in their quest for justice.
If you like high-fantasy, the amazing battle scenes alone make this book a must read. You'll need a quiet spot, a cup of tea and a comfy chair.
There is a lot going on and a lot of characters to follow. This isn't a book to skim through quickly, but rather one to enjoy and savour.
The only reason this is a four star rating, was the presence of some odd choice words in the dialogue. At some points the lines simply didn't seem to fit the characters - as if they were speaking in two different time periods. It did bring me out of the world - luckily it was easy to become immersed again. A great ending I wasn't expecting.
This is Costa's first book and I can't wait to see where this author takes us in the future. #authortowatch
April 12, 2017
Author Interview ~ Karen Glista
My featured Author Interview this week is with Karen Glista
Let's start off by learning about Glista and her work.
Karen is an ardent lover of paranormal romance with a big emphasis on highly defined characters and plot lines that keep you turning the pages. She has been writing for years, spinning countless stories from the real to life characters who roam the labyrinths of her mind. Motivated to share these many beloved, some hated individuals she is now debuting Embellished from “The Chronicles of Orian”
When she is not working as a registered nurse for a major home health agency in the Great Lake State, she enjoys family, friends, cooking, camping, Facebook and Twitter, gardening, online gaming and a dearly beloved dog named Fozzie.
You can find more information, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karenglistabooks or her Website: www.karenglista.com
Embellished
When hunky, eighteen-year-old Travis Kurth lures his sister Bekka to assist him and his friends in an online MMORPG, he has no idea that all their lives are about to change…forever. Ripped from reality by an elemental force of nature, the party of five soon wake in a beautiful, but dangerous, new world called Orian.
Bekka, who is suffering from a genetic disease-the same malady that killed their mother, suddenly finds herself in complete remission but there’s little time to celebrate as one then another of their party falls prey to this unforgiving land.
Rescued from the jaws of death by a battalion of human soldiers under the leadership of Vallas Onisquase, Crown Prince of Adosarath, Bekka quickly discovers that in this antiquated world even refuge comes at a steep price. The arrogant, dangerously handsome Vallas, beguiled by Bekka’s beauty, sets in motion a plan to make her his own, but as fate would have it, the royal entourage falls under attack by a blood-thirsty humanoid faction called Vadarcs.
Abducted, Bekka finds herself deep in Vadarc territory with no chance of rescue. Leashed like an animal, abused, humiliated and placed on an auction block, she is purchased by blood and gold to become the property of Randar Ataurik, a humanoid, tusked, barbarian, Vadarc prince.
Vallas who is completely obsessed with his newly betrothed, demands her return but Randar, in the long-held tradition of Vadarcs, has bound her by blood.
As alliances are formed and the winds of war sweep the land, Bekka finds herself in a deadly triangle caught between two powerful factions. Against unimaginable odds, she struggles to keep herself and those she loves alive.
Embellished is a story of love and heart, second chances, hope, and bolstering courage to face evil, even death, to forge your own destiny.
Embellished is the first book in an epic, paranormal romance trilogy.
Looking to buy a copy of Embellished? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5BZVQ1
Now for the questions. Some of these are a bit tough to answer.
Question: Who is your favourite character in the book and why?
Answer: My favorite character in the book began as Bekka, the heroine, but as the story progressed, I fell in love with the humanoid, Randar Ataurik, second in line for the Vadarc throne. Throughout the book, I found it difficult to choose one, they are both of incredible character, a pair not easily forgotten, but in the end, Randar stole my heart, which was not mine to give. He’s genuine with a love for his race, his family and the very gods who watch over Orian
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer: Randar is a tall, highly muscled, tusked humanoid, critically handsome with undulating torrents of dark hair and eyes to match. Born of royal status, second in line for the throne of Uldrame, he suffers his own demons but battles on with a genuine love for his race and family Defined by temper, his fatal flaw, he is quick to judgment, a volatile powerhouse. He finds himself many a time faced by conflict of his own making.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: ~~~He gazed up at the heavens, then dropped upon his knees. He lowered his head, his face concealed by his thick black mane. Protect our world, oh gods of fire, earth, and rain. Give us freedom from this sorcery and protect us from this evil magic.
~~~“I don’t think you get it woman. I’m in love with you.” He leaned across the table inches from her face with intense eyes. “There...I’ve said it out loud. I will not hide my heart any longer, it’s out...no more pretending, no more avoiding the truth.” He leaned back in his chair and his affect softened. “I love you.”
~~~He rose to his feet with measurable fury. “The Human King has crushed my heart,” he roared. “Let us offer up our dead to the gods and rebuild this village. He will pay with his life!”
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Action packed, YA, paranormal romance.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: No.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: No.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Just now completing book three from The Chronicles of Orian, trilogy. Then its down to the grindstone to complete another of my many rough draft novels.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: Special thanks to patpuppy art and the very lovely Elizabeth Worth who graces both the covers of Embellished and Extolled. Embellished videos can be seen at: karenglista.com
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: It wouldn’t be this world, it would be Orian and I would be outside the castle, Rock Spire, in the kingdom of Adosaroth, traversing the verdant meadows where wildflowers waft, birds sing and morning sun breaking over mountains warms my face.
Question: If the character from above were in that place, what would they be doing?
Answer: Sitting upon a black stallion, high on the plateau…watching me considerably.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: “Come to Orian and warm yourself by my fire. Take of brew, dance and merriment, just be warned, I am Vadarc, no more human than the boar. My lineage fights differently, we live differently, and we love differently and although I welcome you with open arms, do not cross me or bring harm to those I love, else there will be blood, there will be sorrow and there will be gnashing of teeth!
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: St. Jude.
Thank you for your time.
Let's start off by learning about Glista and her work.
Karen is an ardent lover of paranormal romance with a big emphasis on highly defined characters and plot lines that keep you turning the pages. She has been writing for years, spinning countless stories from the real to life characters who roam the labyrinths of her mind. Motivated to share these many beloved, some hated individuals she is now debuting Embellished from “The Chronicles of Orian”
When she is not working as a registered nurse for a major home health agency in the Great Lake State, she enjoys family, friends, cooking, camping, Facebook and Twitter, gardening, online gaming and a dearly beloved dog named Fozzie.
You can find more information, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/karenglistabooks or her Website: www.karenglista.com
Embellished
When hunky, eighteen-year-old Travis Kurth lures his sister Bekka to assist him and his friends in an online MMORPG, he has no idea that all their lives are about to change…forever. Ripped from reality by an elemental force of nature, the party of five soon wake in a beautiful, but dangerous, new world called Orian.
Bekka, who is suffering from a genetic disease-the same malady that killed their mother, suddenly finds herself in complete remission but there’s little time to celebrate as one then another of their party falls prey to this unforgiving land.
Rescued from the jaws of death by a battalion of human soldiers under the leadership of Vallas Onisquase, Crown Prince of Adosarath, Bekka quickly discovers that in this antiquated world even refuge comes at a steep price. The arrogant, dangerously handsome Vallas, beguiled by Bekka’s beauty, sets in motion a plan to make her his own, but as fate would have it, the royal entourage falls under attack by a blood-thirsty humanoid faction called Vadarcs.
Abducted, Bekka finds herself deep in Vadarc territory with no chance of rescue. Leashed like an animal, abused, humiliated and placed on an auction block, she is purchased by blood and gold to become the property of Randar Ataurik, a humanoid, tusked, barbarian, Vadarc prince.
Vallas who is completely obsessed with his newly betrothed, demands her return but Randar, in the long-held tradition of Vadarcs, has bound her by blood.
As alliances are formed and the winds of war sweep the land, Bekka finds herself in a deadly triangle caught between two powerful factions. Against unimaginable odds, she struggles to keep herself and those she loves alive.
Embellished is a story of love and heart, second chances, hope, and bolstering courage to face evil, even death, to forge your own destiny.
Embellished is the first book in an epic, paranormal romance trilogy.
Looking to buy a copy of Embellished? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M5BZVQ1
Now for the questions. Some of these are a bit tough to answer.
Question: Who is your favourite character in the book and why?
Answer: My favorite character in the book began as Bekka, the heroine, but as the story progressed, I fell in love with the humanoid, Randar Ataurik, second in line for the Vadarc throne. Throughout the book, I found it difficult to choose one, they are both of incredible character, a pair not easily forgotten, but in the end, Randar stole my heart, which was not mine to give. He’s genuine with a love for his race, his family and the very gods who watch over Orian
Question: Please describe him/her/they a) physically b) their personality.
Answer: Randar is a tall, highly muscled, tusked humanoid, critically handsome with undulating torrents of dark hair and eyes to match. Born of royal status, second in line for the throne of Uldrame, he suffers his own demons but battles on with a genuine love for his race and family Defined by temper, his fatal flaw, he is quick to judgment, a volatile powerhouse. He finds himself many a time faced by conflict of his own making.
Question: Could I have a couple of quotes from your book of dialogue that shows that personality?
Answer: ~~~He gazed up at the heavens, then dropped upon his knees. He lowered his head, his face concealed by his thick black mane. Protect our world, oh gods of fire, earth, and rain. Give us freedom from this sorcery and protect us from this evil magic.
~~~“I don’t think you get it woman. I’m in love with you.” He leaned across the table inches from her face with intense eyes. “There...I’ve said it out loud. I will not hide my heart any longer, it’s out...no more pretending, no more avoiding the truth.” He leaned back in his chair and his affect softened. “I love you.”
~~~He rose to his feet with measurable fury. “The Human King has crushed my heart,” he roared. “Let us offer up our dead to the gods and rebuild this village. He will pay with his life!”
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: Action packed, YA, paranormal romance.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: No.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: No.
Question: What is next for you? Do you have anything in the works?
Answer: Just now completing book three from The Chronicles of Orian, trilogy. Then its down to the grindstone to complete another of my many rough draft novels.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: Special thanks to patpuppy art and the very lovely Elizabeth Worth who graces both the covers of Embellished and Extolled. Embellished videos can be seen at: karenglista.com
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: It wouldn’t be this world, it would be Orian and I would be outside the castle, Rock Spire, in the kingdom of Adosaroth, traversing the verdant meadows where wildflowers waft, birds sing and morning sun breaking over mountains warms my face.
Question: If the character from above were in that place, what would they be doing?
Answer: Sitting upon a black stallion, high on the plateau…watching me considerably.
Question: If your character was allowed one chance to say anything to your readers, what would he/she say?
Answer: “Come to Orian and warm yourself by my fire. Take of brew, dance and merriment, just be warned, I am Vadarc, no more human than the boar. My lineage fights differently, we live differently, and we love differently and although I welcome you with open arms, do not cross me or bring harm to those I love, else there will be blood, there will be sorrow and there will be gnashing of teeth!
Question: If your character could donate to any charity, which one would he/she choose?
Answer: St. Jude.
Thank you for your time.
April 11, 2017
Book Review: The Fifth Wheel by L.S. Fellows
The Fifth Wheel by L.S. FellowsHow often do Individuals pay attention to the disability rather than the person? What damage does that do? Those are two of the questions asked by Fellows in this Short story.
Fern's life changed drastically after an accident left her unable to walk. She is a strong Female lead, who I enjoyed reading about. Her character harbours a certain amount of resentment, not necessarily because of her disability, but more towards the way others treat her now.
It's no surprise when a scrumptious hunk of a waiter shows interest, it makes her a bit giddy. Drunk on attention, she trusts too easily.
When she goes missing, its up to a group of girls who just met Fern to figure out what happened.
A great mystery, although at times perhaps a bit dry.
A great read on a rainy afternoon. 4/5 stars!
April 8, 2017
Book Review: More Things In Heaven And Earth by E.A. Comiskey|
Book Review: More Things In Heaven And Earth by E.A. Comiskey
Comiskey must have used the feather from an Angel's wings as a quill when writing this Paranormal Fantasy. The flow of the words are that smooth.
God never give us more than we can handle. That phrase has been coined by many people over the years. Comiskey gives it new meaning in this novel.
Simone, the main character hears voices all around her and always has. She soon learns those voices are real and coming from from beyond her realm.
Because of her rare ability to hear, she is chosen as a "word of God" prophet. Her job is to save not only this world but all worlds created by That Which Is.
Comiskey brings a thought-provoking, fresh look at religious battles between Angels and Demons .Apathy in this version is a demon worshipped as a god by a vast majority of the creatures this world knows of as myths and legends.
I enjoyed the underlying message. It is very true - we don't always open our eyes. If we did we might see the rut of indifference man has succumbed to.
This novel is not a light read, however. There is a lot of information to take in and process. Readers will need a quiet time with no distractions to fully grasp everything.
I do have to mention that this is a highly religious piece of work and may not be for everyone.
4.5/5 stars!
Comiskey must have used the feather from an Angel's wings as a quill when writing this Paranormal Fantasy. The flow of the words are that smooth.
God never give us more than we can handle. That phrase has been coined by many people over the years. Comiskey gives it new meaning in this novel.
Simone, the main character hears voices all around her and always has. She soon learns those voices are real and coming from from beyond her realm.
Because of her rare ability to hear, she is chosen as a "word of God" prophet. Her job is to save not only this world but all worlds created by That Which Is.
Comiskey brings a thought-provoking, fresh look at religious battles between Angels and Demons .Apathy in this version is a demon worshipped as a god by a vast majority of the creatures this world knows of as myths and legends.
I enjoyed the underlying message. It is very true - we don't always open our eyes. If we did we might see the rut of indifference man has succumbed to.
This novel is not a light read, however. There is a lot of information to take in and process. Readers will need a quiet time with no distractions to fully grasp everything.
I do have to mention that this is a highly religious piece of work and may not be for everyone.
4.5/5 stars!
April 4, 2017
Author Interview ~ Amanda J Evans
I recently had the pleasure of meeting another new-to-me author. Amanda J. Evans has graciously answered some must know questions about herself and her writing.
Amanda J Evans writes paranormal and fantasy novels as well as children’s stories. Amanda lives in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland with her husband and two children. She was published in several journals and anthologies in 2016. Her first novel Finding Forever was published in 2017 and her forthcoming title Save Her Soul will be released in the summer 2017. Amanda has also secured a publishing deal with Handersen Publishing for a children’s book and this will be released in the fall, 2017. Amanda is the author of Surviving Suicide: A Memoir from Those Death Left Behind, published in 2012.
You can find out more on her on her website
When Liz wakes up on a beach wearing a tattered wedding dress and her dead husband in her arms, all she wants to do is die along with him. Instead she is unexpectedly rescued, but Charles' body is left behind. She is determined to go back and recover Charles body to give a proper burial to her beloved.
All is not what it seems, though. The man helping her out thinks she is crazy and an enemy from the past, intent on revenge, hasn't finished what he started. Liz must find out the truth about the accident and what really happened to her husband. She'll put her life at risk in order to find and keep love forever.
Finding Forever is the debut novella from Amanda J Evans. A blend of mystery and suspense, mixed with romance and unexpected twists. Finding Forever will prove to you that when you believe in love anything is possible.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: The genre is women’s fiction in the mystery, suspense category with some romance too.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: There are some swear words from male characters but no explicit content.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Unfortunately, I don’t. I have been extremely busy putting the finishing touches to my upcoming novel Save Her Soul which is due to be released in summer 2017. I also secured a publishing deal for a children’s book which is being released in fall 2017, so I haven’t had time to organise any events.
Question: What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Answer: I am currently writing book 2 of the Finding Series which is called Finding Freedom. This continues Liz and Charles’ story with some big obstacles that they have to overcome, especially Liz as she learns to move on from her past and her traumatic upbringing. I am also at the editing stages of Save Her Soul as well as edits for my children’s book.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I have to mention my husband for all his patience as I was writing and my mom for all her words of encouragement and support. My children have been very supportive too and I’m delighted to say I am working with my daughter on my upcoming children’s book. She is doing all the illustrations.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: That’s a tough question. I had so many, from Roald Dahl to Terry Brooks as well as all the Enid Blyton books and Ann of Green Gables. I read as much as I could as a child.
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: Another difficult question. I’m going to say Magnus Bane for the Immortal Instruments books. The reason being that I’ve always wanted to be able to do and believe in magic, so that would be exciting. Also the wealth of knowledge he would have would be amazing, not to mention being able to portal wherever I wanted in the world.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: Writing has always been a part of me, so I guess in a way I’ve always known it’s what I wanted to do with my life. I began writing at an early age and wrote my first book when I was eight. It was called The Little Elf Fairy. My parents had it typed up for me and I remember sending it off to Penguin. Of course I received a rejection, but at that age it didn’t mean anything and certainly didn’t stop me from writing. I used to write new episodes for all my favorite TV programs. My writing changed when I became a teen. My father died and my writing stopped. I wrote poetry, but always found that my writing was dark and scarred. Poetry was my emotional outlet as well as some short stories. I didn’t pursue my dream of becoming a writer and even though I scribbled now and again, I think the dream died the day my father did. In my late teen and early twenties, I got the urge to write again, mainly as a way to heal and with the internet I had the perfect outlet. It is only in the past year that I have given serious consideration to my writing and it has been the best thing ever.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: Believe, Dream, and Never Give Up
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Don’t compare yourself to others. Every writer has their own distinctive voice and you have to find this. Trust in your talent and don’t ever give up. If you have a need inside you to write, give in to it. If you can’t think of anything but writing, do it. Nothing is perfect the first time round, but write it anyway. Listen to the voice inside you that screams for release and let it flow onto the page. Believe in yourself and don’t worry about sales. Follow your passion first, and everything else will follow.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Not believing in myself. Not writing when I knew I wanted to. Not placing priority on my writing, and giving up on my dream before it had even begun. I wish I still had all the piece I wrote as a child, so I could look back now and see how far I’ve come. My biggest mistake is that I waited so long.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: The first email I received from a stranger who’d read my book Finding Forever. As this was my first fiction publication I let my inner critic take over a little and was terrified that people would hate it, so that first email from a complete stranger saying they loved my book and could see it as a movie was amazing.
Finding Forever ~ A romantic Suspense Novella
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amanda J Evans writes paranormal and fantasy novels as well as children’s stories. Amanda lives in Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland with her husband and two children. She was published in several journals and anthologies in 2016. Her first novel Finding Forever was published in 2017 and her forthcoming title Save Her Soul will be released in the summer 2017. Amanda has also secured a publishing deal with Handersen Publishing for a children’s book and this will be released in the fall, 2017. Amanda is the author of Surviving Suicide: A Memoir from Those Death Left Behind, published in 2012.
You can find out more on her on her website
When Liz wakes up on a beach wearing a tattered wedding dress and her dead husband in her arms, all she wants to do is die along with him. Instead she is unexpectedly rescued, but Charles' body is left behind. She is determined to go back and recover Charles body to give a proper burial to her beloved.
All is not what it seems, though. The man helping her out thinks she is crazy and an enemy from the past, intent on revenge, hasn't finished what he started. Liz must find out the truth about the accident and what really happened to her husband. She'll put her life at risk in order to find and keep love forever.
Finding Forever is the debut novella from Amanda J Evans. A blend of mystery and suspense, mixed with romance and unexpected twists. Finding Forever will prove to you that when you believe in love anything is possible.
Question: What genre would you say the book falls into?
Answer: The genre is women’s fiction in the mystery, suspense category with some romance too.
Question: Are there any trigger warnings and/or explicit content readers should know about?
Answer: There are some swear words from male characters but no explicit content.
Question: Do you have any upcoming events?
Answer: Unfortunately, I don’t. I have been extremely busy putting the finishing touches to my upcoming novel Save Her Soul which is due to be released in summer 2017. I also secured a publishing deal for a children’s book which is being released in fall 2017, so I haven’t had time to organise any events.
Question: What is next for you? Anything in the works?
Answer: I am currently writing book 2 of the Finding Series which is called Finding Freedom. This continues Liz and Charles’ story with some big obstacles that they have to overcome, especially Liz as she learns to move on from her past and her traumatic upbringing. I am also at the editing stages of Save Her Soul as well as edits for my children’s book.
Question: Do you have any special mentions? (Editor, cover art etc...)
Answer: I have to mention my husband for all his patience as I was writing and my mom for all her words of encouragement and support. My children have been very supportive too and I’m delighted to say I am working with my daughter on my upcoming children’s book. She is doing all the illustrations.
Question: What was your favourite book when you were growing up?
Answer: That’s a tough question. I had so many, from Roald Dahl to Terry Brooks as well as all the Enid Blyton books and Ann of Green Gables. I read as much as I could as a child.
Question: If you could meet any character from any book, who would it be? Why?
Answer: Another difficult question. I’m going to say Magnus Bane for the Immortal Instruments books. The reason being that I’ve always wanted to be able to do and believe in magic, so that would be exciting. Also the wealth of knowledge he would have would be amazing, not to mention being able to portal wherever I wanted in the world.
Question: When did you realize you were meant to be a writer?
Answer: Writing has always been a part of me, so I guess in a way I’ve always known it’s what I wanted to do with my life. I began writing at an early age and wrote my first book when I was eight. It was called The Little Elf Fairy. My parents had it typed up for me and I remember sending it off to Penguin. Of course I received a rejection, but at that age it didn’t mean anything and certainly didn’t stop me from writing. I used to write new episodes for all my favorite TV programs. My writing changed when I became a teen. My father died and my writing stopped. I wrote poetry, but always found that my writing was dark and scarred. Poetry was my emotional outlet as well as some short stories. I didn’t pursue my dream of becoming a writer and even though I scribbled now and again, I think the dream died the day my father did. In my late teen and early twenties, I got the urge to write again, mainly as a way to heal and with the internet I had the perfect outlet. It is only in the past year that I have given serious consideration to my writing and it has been the best thing ever.
Question: If your life was a book, what would be the tag line?
Answer: Believe, Dream, and Never Give Up
Question: What advice would you give new writers?
Answer: Don’t compare yourself to others. Every writer has their own distinctive voice and you have to find this. Trust in your talent and don’t ever give up. If you have a need inside you to write, give in to it. If you can’t think of anything but writing, do it. Nothing is perfect the first time round, but write it anyway. Listen to the voice inside you that screams for release and let it flow onto the page. Believe in yourself and don’t worry about sales. Follow your passion first, and everything else will follow.
Question: What has been the worst mistake you have made in your writing career?
Answer: Not believing in myself. Not writing when I knew I wanted to. Not placing priority on my writing, and giving up on my dream before it had even begun. I wish I still had all the piece I wrote as a child, so I could look back now and see how far I’ve come. My biggest mistake is that I waited so long.
Question: What is the best moment you have had with a fan?
Answer: The first email I received from a stranger who’d read my book Finding Forever. As this was my first fiction publication I let my inner critic take over a little and was terrified that people would hate it, so that first email from a complete stranger saying they loved my book and could see it as a movie was amazing.
Finding Forever ~ A romantic Suspense Novella
Amazon US
Amazon UK
