K.N. Lee's Blog, page 67

5 Star Review for The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld!

By, Sean Eagle on Goodreads.com
 A fantasy adventure tale with a bite!

 For her debut novel, K.N Lee weaves a fast paced, vivid and detailed world, full of intrigue, sweet action and most importantly... interesting characters.

I enjoyed the build up of the world through the different perspectives, whether through fallen angel Halston, the still enigmatic Raven, or of course our resident bad-ass Koa.

Although set and drawn from some familiar concepts like vampires and mystical creatures, the world feels original and comes alive through its own history and every character has an interesting twist or back-story.

Koa is a little bratty, but i look forward to seeing her grow as a character as she continues to kick butt across Europe, the Netherworld or whatever other cool places this adventure might lead!

There is no doubt that I'll be picking up this sequel on day one! 


Available on Amazon!

Koa Travels to Puerto Rico!

I just spent a week in beautiful Puerto Rico! Alas, it was not simply a vacation, but a chance to meet fans and make new ones. I gave away a few copies of The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld, and look forward to visiting other areas around the world. It is time for Koa to be introduced to the world. Who is ready? 
Comment with suggestions for locations that I should schedule book signings!
Get your copy on Amazon today!
www.TheChroniclesofKoa.com

An interview with author, Karl Larsen!

Where are you from?  Originally, I grew up in Irmo, SC which is just outside of Columbia. The little ol' town of Mebane, NC served as my second hometown during my teenage years. I've also lived in Greensboro, NC and Lexington, SC but that doesn't count. I live in Columbia now. What inspired you to write your first book? The inspiration for my book came from a number of things. At the age of 25, I had gone through some major ups and downs that led to the discovery of a forgotten passion--writing. It was something I had always enjoyed all through school but never tried to pursue it. Then I thought… "if I can write a book I can do anything." Strangely, that's worked ever since.
Very inspiring! Do you write full-time or part-time? How do you balance your writing life with your family/work life?  I write in my free time. I’ve started a few new projects that will allow me to explore different avenues like film, public art, and journalism. My job allows me the time it takes to sit down and engage if I'm feeling it. It’s a wonderful balance. I love it.
What jobs have you held that influence your stories?    My first job ever was at a Quizno's Sub. I was just out of high school. I didn’t make much money but I ate pretty good and my friends always ate free! After bailing college, I worked in retail management for a couple years holding various positions in a large home improvement store. I can’t lie. It was hell. I wasn't for me. The jobs you hold certainly influence the way you live your life. In my case, they set the stage for scenes from my book.
Do you have a specific writing style? Many who know me have told me I write exactly how I speak. "Raw" is what I hear the most. Whatever that means… Writing, to me, is the best way to express myself. When speaking, I stumble through words in certain situations but writing just seems to come naturally, and I'm able to say exactly what I mean and exactly how I mean it.
How did you come up with the title? "W a n t.", the title of my first book was inspired by the word itself. 'Want', its definition, and its misuse left me searching for answers, not just about the word, but my life, why I wasn’t pursuing my dreams. In turn, my life began to flourish. My title is tattooed across my forearm; not for marketing, but to serve a constant reminder to never settle. It also makes for a great conversation starter. ;)
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Without getting to crazy about the topic… basically, in a nutshell: Always pay attention to your desires. Follow your passions. Create something. You will never go wrong.
Great message! How much of the book is realistic? All of it!
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? My books is a combination of life events growing up a lost, passionless boy searching for a calling, itching to define myself and my a philosophy built on a concept of the word ‘want‘ and redefining it by positive actions. It wasn't until I put it all together did I know I had the material for a book. The end of my story is left wide open. 
I think I've just written a book. What now?
What books have most influenced your life most? I can’t say that there is a stack of books that exists that inspired me to create my own. “The Hidden Power” by Thomas Troward blew my mind psychologically and redirected my thoughts and energy in a new direction which ultimately, led me exploring different ways of expressing myself. I never set out to write a book. It just came with inspiration. I just so happened to harness and capture a moment at the right time. It was perfect timing!
I will have to look that book up! If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?  My own father is a writer and has always been a great mentor, especially when it comes to writing. I guess the apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree... I hate that saying and I really don't like apples.
What book are you reading now? Facebook. No, really...
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? K. Nycole Lee, duh. 
Why thank you! I'm quite honored! What are your current projects? I’ve got a few projects in the pot but will require full-time dedication and I just don’t have that at the moment. Right now, my energy and excitement are directed toward public art projects. I also dedicate most of my extra time giving back to my city through community service. These are passions that have stemmed from my work.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.  All of my family have been super supportive in my decision to write so they're always #1. Honestly, my friends in both North and South Carolina have really come through for me in so many ways. Whether it’s buying the book, promoting it, or helping me with events, I couldn’t have gotten my name or book out there without them. I'm also fortunate to live and work in a community that supports the arts. My work has been embraced. From book signings to radio time, countless organizations and local businesses have been there for me! I am very thankful that! Wait, that was two…
That's great that you have such a solid support system. Do you see writing as a career? In a sense, yes. For now, my goal is to still get my message out in as many ways possible. I’m not so much about my book but more about what do with it and what I can do to grow and promote the message, and not so much a product. 
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? Not a single thing. Since it’s my life on paper, it’s exactly the way it should be. It’s a timestamp. I can always look back at those moments and smile knowing I captured it. 
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? It’s funny you ask that. While writing my final chapter, I found myself reflecting on that very question. It actually took some digging to answer. In elementary school, my class was given a writing assignment and entered into a school-wide contest. The topic was how to change the world. Though I can’t remember exactly what I wrote about, I remember winning and having to read my story over the intercom to the entire school during the morning announcement! It's crazy because its exactly what my book is about: changing the world. Ironic?  I think not.
Can you share a little of your current work with us? Nope. That’s top secret. ;)
Oh, I see. We are intrigued by the mystery! Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? I have the attention span of a gnat so staying focused is extremely difficult. Besides that, depending on the topic, most of my writing seems  to flow effortlessly. I just let it out and let my wonderful editing genius pick me apart until I get it right. She won't get this interview so I'm sure I'll get an earful once she reads it.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?  Favorite author? I've never really been an avid reader. I just don't have the time or the attention for it. Tell you what though… R.L. Stine killed it in the Goosebumps series. Those stories scared me to death as a kid. I'd do anything to have the entire collection again.
Ha! I remember reading those as well. Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? I save my traveling for fun.
Who designed the covers? Believe it or not, I've designed my own covers. When I have visions in my head, I rarely trust others with my ideas, in fear they won’t be able to duplicate what’s in my head. I try and try until I get it just right. I know with a little time and patience, I can make it happen. 
Excellent! Your cover is quite impressive and grabs the readers attention. What was the hardest part of writing your book? EDITING. I'd be nothing without my editor! 
I couldn't agree more, editing is very important. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? Absolutely! As I wrote, I learned things about myself I don't think I would have ever learned if I wouldn't have taken the time to figure it all out and write it down. It's taught me patience, and has given me the strength and inspiration to accomplish anything. My book and message are embedded in every waking thought and action. I must live what I've created.
Do you have any advice for other writers?  Nothing specifically for writers. For anybody pursuing a passion: It doesn't matter what is: music, literature, art, whatever. Always do your best and never half-ass when it comes to your work. Also, be sure to find time EVERY SINGLE DAY to work on your projects whether it's a paragraph, illustration, promoting. Don't lose steam and don't be lazy. You'll thank yourself later.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? Thank you.
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life? Basing a book on a word and its origin can sometimes be very tedious. The research was intense. I remember spending countless hours in the library piecing together the timeline and the etymology of a word that's hundreds of years old. I wanted to give up. On top of that, building a philosophy and new definition for it, well… yeah. When it finally came together, it was the greatest relief in the world. What do you think about e-publishing versus technical publishing?  Personally, I'm not a fan. Nothing beats the feel of a physical book. At least, thats what I've been told by most readers or as one told me, "You can't sign my Kindle. I want a book!"
Very true. I don't think I'll ever stop adding to my physical library! So, Mr. Larsen, do you have an agent or publisher? How did you go about finding one?  Nope. I'm happily self-published. There was no doubt in my mind that it was the way to go. It's given me the freedom to let my project grow beyond the book and has kept me humble. The struggles are there but I embrace them. At the end of the day, I'm not out to make money. I'm not out to have fans or followers. Every book I sell is a personal transaction, signed and shipped by me. I prefer it that way.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Australia. Need I say more?
If you could have any super power, what would it be? Who is to say I don't already possess one?
Thank you for such an excellent interview! I'd love to know what your super power is...but I understand the need for secrecy ;) -K.N. Lee
For more on Karl Larsen:  http://wantthebook.com/   Twitter.com/KarlLLarsen Facebook.com/WantTheBook  
 

Review of The Education of Lilanoir Rue by, Morgan Jane!

The Education of Lilanoir Rue is an excellent prequel to Morgan Jane's upcoming Sanguis City series! I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastical short story about a girl named Lily. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humans live on reservations and vampires have taken over. The imagery is brilliant and the story is fast paced. Honestly, I wish it was longer, but alas, it is a short story and meant to elicit the readers interest in the full length novel!
Even thought the author alludes to the fact that Lily isn't a normal human, she doesn't reveal too much of her abilities or differences. I appreciated this, because it definitely added to the suspense! What we do learn is that she has super human strength, she's fast, and has fangs. I cannot wait to find out what happens next and find out what happened to her love interest, Crow!  Available on Amazon
For More on Author, Morgan Jane: Twitter   Website

Writing Challenge with Author, Karl Larsen!!

The Challenge :
In 2000 words or less, write about an issue that you are passionate about. Be creative, make a story, or an essay, poem...whatever you choose! This is your chance to showcase your skills to readers!
  The Result : The Day I Asked Myself the RIGHT Question Karl Larsen
The day I asked myself the right question just so happened to be the day I unearthed the most unexpected of passions. In the spring of 2010, while blazing my own path as an inexperienced writer, I found myself pecking at my laptop, for hours on end, as if it were my job. In reality, it was my job. Writing had been something I had always loved to do, but simply never did. At the time, inspiration was all around me and, once again, writing emerged as an escape from myself. But this time, it was different, and so was my material. My thoughts and feeling about my life and the events I had overcome paved the way for a new kind of thinking. For the first time in my life, I allowed myself to revisit the dark secrets from my past that had since been long ignored, trying to make sense of my life and what was next for me, uncovering vital components in my search for inner peace, future success and an as-yet undiscovered passion. It wasn't long before a collection of ideas, thoughts and recordings became something much, much bigger. My soon-to-be book was more than my job; it was my life.
I often wrote from the comfort of my own home. It definitely had its perks. Days when the weather was nice were the worst. Those were the days I'd gaze out my sliding glass door into the back yard which was canopied by large oak and pine trees. I loved nothing more than spending my day outside, so being cooped up in the house often drove me stir-crazy. Days when focusing on my work was impossible, another escape was needed —an escape FROM my escape. Having the attention span of a gnat didn't help either. To get away and recollect, I'd seek refuge on one of the many paved walkways that weave and tunnel through my neighborhood and wooded areas. There, I'd relax and piece together my next entry or go into deep thought about the world and the meaning of life. I wasn't far into my project when the effects of what I was writing began to toy with my reasoning. I still had yet to understand and harness the ideas tumbling around in my head, one of which just so happened to be the topic of passion. I had yet to find it.
Late that spring, while walking, a candy bar wrapper blew into the creek alongside the walking path. Before it could be washed away, I quickly veered a couple of feet, reached down and picked it up. A trashcan wasn't but fifty feet away, just around the bend. I continued walking, scanning the ground for litter scattered along the path. Let's just say, it was more than I wanted to carry. At this point, focusing on anything but litter was nearly impossible! A feeling came over me in a way I couldn't ignore. Who was overdue for a good deed? This guy. So I turned back to the house, grabbed some gloves and a shopping bag, to spruce up the area. While in search for anything glass, paper, plastic or aluminum, the more I saw, the more I picked up, and the more I picked up, the further I went. In less than ten minutes, my bag was full and I wasn't even five minutes from my home! I thought to myself, “Maybe the issue was bigger than I realized…” Little did I know what was in store for me.
Later that week, I visited the local big box home improvement store to purchase a "picker-upper-grabby-thingy." At least, that's what I always called them. The plastic shopping bags I had hoarded and stuffed into a cabinet in my kitchen for no particular reason would suffice for this mission. Without planning to venture too far from the house, bags upon bags were stuffed. I was amazed. Too scared to venture out onto the main boulevard from which my road fed — the challenge frightened me — I didn't try. A month or so passed. I kept writing, still contemplating whether or not to take on the challenge of one of the busiest boulevards in town. I traveled down it multiple times a day. With my eyes now opened to all the debris, it was disgusting, to say the least.
Soda and beer cans rested in the gutter along the curb. Plastic bags blew in the wind. Shards of glass and aluminum sparkled in the medians. Plastic bottles rolled across the street, and paper took refuge in the wooded areas along the heavily traveled mini interstate. What was I up against? One of the largest shopping areas in the state just a half-mile away, a major interstate and two more boulevards come together in my community. Countless big box retailers, drive-through restaurants, banks, gas stations, hotels, movie theaters, car dealerships, strip malls, churches, apartments and even a theme park — all surrounding one massive mall. And all of it spilled into my community of about 500 houses and a couple of apartment complexes. This wasn't going to be easy. The big question was whether or not I could do it all on my own.
I remember getting angry at the fact that people would commit such a thoughtless act as littering. It just didn't make sense to me. Directing my anger at the city and the non-profits who supposedly had programs in place to deal with the issue, or so I thought, didn't solve anything. I asked myself, over and over again, "Why isn't anybody doing anything about this?" One day I finally asked myself the right question: "Why am I not doing anything about it?" And from that moment on, it became a personal goal to single-handedly change my community. I didn't want help. I didn't need an organization, committee or group of volunteers. I just needed to do it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and, even more so, prove the power of one. So that's what I did. Sixteen heavy-duty trash bags later, I had completed my mission. Feeling accomplished, I knew my work was far from over. To keep from having this ever happen again, I got in contact with a local non-profit organization that allowed me to continue doing this under their umbrella. Not long after, it was official. I had adopted a section of highway. The signs are up and dedicated to my now-finished book, W a n t.
For the last year and a half, it may be safe to say that I've made a difference in my community. It's visible. Once a week, I set time apart from my schedule to do my duty as a citizen of my city, county and state. I've gone off the beaten path, picking up in wooded areas, residential areas, parking lots, creeks, ponds, you name it. I've traveled to other cities to help others with their Adopt-A-Highway efforts in hopes of keeping it going. Just recently, I implemented plans to take my project to the next level by creating, designing and instituting a citywide campaign to restore my city's beauty and amplify its potential. My vision is to push my city and state into the forefront of beautification and pride, and it all starts from the ground up.
This is my passion. And this is only the beginning. Honestly, I owe it all to my book. Without it, I can't be sure that I would have found this passion or any other love. Passion is inside of all of us, waiting to be captured and harnessed. If we step back and take a quick glance at what we're NOT doing as opposed to what we are doing, the answer will always present itself. The power of one can change the world — even if it's one word at a time. As much as I love this challenge, I have realized I must cut myself short, for I must prepare for yet another big challenge. I'm meeting with the mayor in less than 48 hours from now about my project so I must sign off. Thank you, for this wonderful opportunity.
 For More on Karl Larsen:

WantTheBook.comTwitter.com/KarlLLarsenFacebook.com/WantTheBook

Body Double- Writing Prompt/Short Story

You wake up and get ready for the day. You walk downstairs and see yourself lying on the couch...asleep. What do you do?  Response by author, Lawrence BoarerPitchford:
Carl realized he was standing in the hall. The dark seemed to close in around him, and the dim unearthly orange glow of the hallway lamp made the scene even creepier. There was a crack in the wall, outlined in a sharp purple light. He approached it, and realized it was a doorway in the solid stone wall of the hall. He’d live his whole life in this house, and he'd never seen a doorway, secret or otherwise in this hallway. He reached for the edge and pulled, and the wall slid open to reveal a broken hallway filled with a black light. Looking down, the white, fluffy rabbit slippers he wore glowed brightly under the illumination. A strange feeling was climbing up his spine; don’t go in there. But, Carl had rarely listened to that inner voice, and for the most part turning a deaf ear had served him well. He stepped through, turned and realized the doorway was gone.



A filthy wall, covered in white tiles glowed brightly. The hallway was from the floor to chair-railing covered in peeling green paint, and it covered the doors that lined the hallway too. Above him bare bulbs hung from the high ceiling and slowly moved from side to side. He moved down the hallway, and came to a set of double doors with a small glass window cut into each side. He looked through and could see a wide room with tiled walls, and a bright light shining down. Several creatures stood in the room, all of them wearing dull green smocks and surgical masks.



He pushed the door and slipped in. His curiosity was overriding all common sense. The creatures looked bipedal, and almost human, but they were not human. One of the things mumbled something in a very low tone, and another handed it a shiny metal tool. Carl approached and now could see a human shape under a white sheet on a table. Straps were over the limbs, and he came around to see a wide eyed human male look on in horror. Carl’s heart raced, and his own eyes went wide at the sight. The person was being cut open, while awake, his mouth covered with some material clearly preventing his screams from being heard in the room.



One of the creatures turned and looked at Carl. It pulled its mask down. Carl stepped back in shock, for the face of the monster had smooth features, with no nose, sunken eyes, and a plain mouth. There was no pity in those eyes, and Carl knew they would do to him what they were doing to that poor fellow. Now, common sense kicked in and he turned and ran for the door. His legs were growing heavy as he ran. “Halt,” he heard from behind.



Carl bolted through the doors and ran down the hallway. He tried to see where a crack of light might be. He ran, and his legs were slowing. Glancing over his shoulder he saw two monsters come through the double doors. They had shiny metal hooks, and they were coming for him. He put his head down and ran harder, forcing his legs to work. As he came to a corner, he saw a glimmer of white light at seam by some rotted molding along the wall. Clawing at it, he forced it to open and stumbled out into the hallway of his home. Shoving the door closed, he heard the creatures behind the wall as they passed, then the doorway shut, and he was alone.



Crumpling to the floor he sobbed for a moment, but not for himself, for the person he left behind in that place. Climbing to his feet, he moved down the hallway to the stairs, then saw that the light was on down below. He took hold of the railing and walked down. At the bottom he looked into the library and saw the door was open. Approaching, he peeked around the corner and saw someone on the couch. The smell of dust and old books assailed his nose. The person was snoring, then he realized it was he who snored.



Carl came awake with a start. He looked around. It was dark, and he was in his soft bed. Sweat was on his arms and face. He exhaled, chuckled and reached for the light switch. “Foolish old sot!” he said out loud, and turned on the light. In his mind he was thinking of making a pot of tea, and getting a few biscuits to tide him over until breakfast… but when the light came on, a creature with smooth features, no nose, and sunken eyes was standing there with a hypodermic syringe and needle.



“We’ll have you back where you belong in two shakes of a lamb’s tail,” it said.

An Interview With Author, James DeAcutis!!

Where are you from?      Born in Da Bronx, New York and moved to Yorktown Heights, NY when I was 15. What inspired you to write your first book?      I’ve been a dreamer since I began to dream and when I learned to first play guitar I began to write songs. As I progressed through my 20’s I’d written nearly a hundred songs but then began to realize that I wasn’t going to become a rock star I began to channel my creativity towards story-telling. Starting a family curtailed my creativity a bit but when I lost my job in 2008 I decided to write the story, Peter Cooper and the Pirate King, that had become all too clear over the years. Do you write full-time or part-time? How do you balance your writing life with your family/work life?      I try to be a full time writer but until I am earning a real living by writing I have to consider it part time. Unfortunately, when things are stressful at home it’s hard to not only find the time to write but being in the right mind-set to be able to write. What jobs have you held that influence your stories?      I’ve never held a job that influenced my story-telling but the jobs I’ve held have inspired me to be a writer.
Do you have a specific writing style?      No. Not sure what you mean by “style” but the way I write is my own. You will not read any other writing like mine…for better or worse.
I actually like your style! It is quite gripping. How did you come up with the title?      As a songwriter I’ve always been interested in and adept at rhythmic word-play and musical sounding titles. The title Peter Cooper and the Pirate King sounded rhythmic and musical to me and, fortunately, fit the story too! lol
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?      I think the message I most like to impart is that we may not always realize who we are and what our potential can be. If we, like Peter, were asked if we’d want to be in the perilous situations he found himself in we’d all say “of course not!” but, having found himself in those situations the mild mannered boy persevered and survived. Another message I’d like young readers to grasp is that it’s cool to be nice and humble…you don’t have to be a smartass or bully to be admired.
How much of the book is realistic?      Not much really. I mean, apart from the magic it all is based on reality and could happen but the main part of the story is supernatural…
Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?      Not really but the “Christmas Story” that Mr. Lankey tells, I did use the apartment building I grew up in as the model for the building the story takes place in. But, the story is not one that happened to me. (I also used the building layout for my short gothic-horror story “The Endless Staircase which is on my blog). Although the story’s main town, Harmon, is a fishing village I did think back to the clean and decent Bronx neighborhood I grew up in as I wrote the chapter.
What books have most influenced your life most?      R is For Rocket. It was the first book I brought that didn’t have pictures in it. I was 12 and it went with me on a summer vacation that year. I read a short story every night from my top bunk in the cabin we stayed in and it made me love reading.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?      Ray Bradbury
What book are you reading now?      None right now but I just finished The World Jones Made by Philip K. Dick. Great book. I’m a sci-fi/horror junky
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?      Honestly, now that I’m writing I don’t have much time to read.
What are your current projects?      I’m putting together  a collection of my short stories (many of which can be found on my blog) and am on chapter 3 of the second Peter Cooper book.
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.        poverty
Do you see writing as a career?      I hope so!
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?      I think I could have tightened up chapter 3 a bit but otherwise I’m very happy and proud of my book.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?      No specific moment but I’m one of those annoying guys that are often lost in their own world. I have a bad tendency to tune out the world and write music and stories in my head when I should be doing laundry…
I can relate! Can you share a little of your current work with us?       Sure. My blog is jamesdeacutis.wordpress.com        There’s a bunch of stuff there. Would love to hear critiques of my short stories and which should be part of my first book collection. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?      I’m not sure…do you mean by my writing or what I expect the reader to interpret? From my perspective writing is hard…or, should I say, good writing is hard. I hope my writing is good. I try… From a readers perspective I put in a lot of pop-culture references as well as actresses and musicians names and lyrics and double-entendres and puns and… I hope there’s a lot there to entertain and confuse and I hope that readers will email me at petercooper13@live.comif they have any questions or figure out my bad jokes!
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?       Ray Bradbury. He has a way of painting beautiful pictures with words that both a thirteen year old and a thirty year old can love and appreciate. He writes in a way that is simple but isn’t simplistic yet is simply beautiful.
I will definitely have to look Mr. Bradbury up! Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?      So far not yet but the more research I do the more it occurs that I may have to travel to meet “fans”.
Who designed the covers?      I published through CreateSpace and they worked with me on the cover design.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?      Starting and then organizing my notes and characters. Once I started the hardest part was getting through the first 4 – 5 chapters. Once I got that far I couldn’t stop!
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?      When I wrote the first one I tried to put in as much as I could in fear that it might be the only one. What I learned was to edit as you write and save some for later. A tight, crisp story works best and never forget to trust your readers to be able to fill in the blanks. I’ve gotten more compliments from readers who lied that I didn’t get into ever bit of minutia in every scene.
Do you have any advice for other writers?      See above… Don’t give up… Don’t forget to start… Write the best story you can. Unless the height of the girl’s heel is important don’t include it! Draw the picture and use only as much color as necessary.
Excellent advice, James. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?      Love me and my book! And if you don’t please tell me why so I can learn.
Great answer! We'll try to give some feedback! What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?      I did a lot of research into sailing ships and pirating as I have little experience in either subject and of course reading the story 5, 6, 7+ times and editing it became somewhat mundane but I hope I did a good job. What do you think about e-publishing versus technical publishing?      Don’t have enough experience to answer. Would love to be able to get into book stores though… Good luck with your quest to get into book stores! Do you have an agent or publisher? How did you go about finding one?      Not yet If you could live anywhere, where would it be?      In a nice, paid-for house with my own office… If you could have any super power, what would it be?      A tickle-ray. Because if you can make evil people laugh uncontrollably how evil can they be?
Excellent interview James! Thank you for participating. It was a pleasure!- K.N. Lee For More On James DeAcutis: www.twitter.com/jdeacutis
jamesdeacutis.wordpress.com

Love is Daunting- A Poem

Love Is Daunting K.N. Lee
Love is dauntingOn the best of daysHis love his hauntingIn many ways
There's much to exploreSweet kissesWarm hugsAnd I yearn for moreWretched lonelinessCreeps in and lingersWith cold fingers I trace his nameOn fogged windows And embrace the painNo one knowsIf he'll return I hope he knowsHis memory burnsInto my soulSettled in so deepThat his voiceAwakens meFrom my sleep
Love is dauntingOn the best of daysHis love is hauntingAnd in my heartIt stays

Rise of the Flame: Excerpt (Meet Lilae)

For those of you that don't know about my fantasy trilogy, Rise of the Flame...I think it's time I introduced my characters and give you a sneak peek. 
From Rise of the Flame Meet Lilae: K.N. Lee
Winter never seemed to end in the north of Eura. The air was chilled and yet Lilae still ventured to the lake for a morning swim. The sun wouldn’t rise for another couple of hours, and Pirin and the twins would join her shortly to begin practice.Dressed more like a boy than the twins would dare, Lilae betrayed her appearance when her bright red hair bounced free from her hood. It fell in long ringlets that shone beneath the moonlight. It remained red…for now. She was calm. Only when she was upset would the tresses change colors. She snatched off her cloak and stepped out of her brown leather pants and oversized blouse.Lilae took a few steps into the lake and sunk into the cool water. She let out a guttural sigh of relief and let the water encircle her. Somehow the cold didn’t bother her. The chill didn’t make her shudder or cause her to become ill later. Lilae had accepted the fact that she was…different.Lilae went underneath the surface and closed her eyes. She felt the heat of her body fade as she swam. Alone, she thought. This is how I like it. She swam. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness of being underwater before dawn. The inky depths didn’t frighten her. They called to her. She swam deeper and deeper until her feet touched the muddy ground. She stood there, fighting gravity.Her lungs began to burn after a few moments and she forced herself to stay down. She had to push herself, challenge herself. Her eyes began to see colors beneath the surface and she finally gave in.When she ascended her cheeks had become a pale blue. She breathed in the crisp air, filling her desperate lungs. She lied back and outstretched her arms as she swam beneath the moon. She looked up at the dark sky. The crescent moon was bright and serene. It calmed and relaxed her, until she saw something change in the normal pattern of the stars.Her eyes searched for the meaning of such an abrupt change and she feared the worst. She knew what the change meant. Her fears were intensified when she heard her name being called.“Lilae!”She straightened her body in the water and looked towards the shore. There stood Delia in the black shadows of the forest, her staff in one hand, and Lilae’s cloak in the other. She looked eerie standing there, only her pale face illuminated from beneath her wool cloak.Lilae didn’t waste time. She swam to shore faster than anyone Delia had ever seen. She quickly got out of the water and covered her body with her clothes. She took her heavy cloak from Delia’s grasp and flung it over her shoulders.“What is it? What’s happened?” Her breath escaped her lips like a puff of smoke in the darkness.Delia looked her over, then at the sky once more. “It’s time to move on. Get dressed. We need to leave before dawn.”Lilae nodded, pulling her pants back on and tucking them into her boots. She didn’t protest. If it had been a few years ago, then she would have cried and pouted. She would have been defiant and tried to run away and stay with another family in their village. Now, at almost eighteen, Lilae was used to their nomadic lifestyle.Only recently had she been told why they moved so much. Lilae was being hunted. Delia had escaped the Underworld in order to protect Lilae from whomever tracked her. They stayed nowhere more than a year, sometimes leaving after only a few months. Lilae had grown used to avoiding friendships and relationships. It was better that way. No one to hurt you, she thought with a sigh. No one to hurt.They went through the forest to their little cottage on the edge of town. It was a small building, built into a hill. It had once been a cave and Pirin had made it into a home. The squat chimney protruded from beneath the soil and puffed smoke into the gray sky. Lilae and Delia silently headed towards the short wooden door. Lilae had to duck as she walked in. Inside everyone was already awake. They glanced at her and without a word, they returned to their preparations. They all moved slowly as the cold air in the room bit at them. Pirin put his arm around Lhana. She stopped packing and stood there with tears in her eyes. She buried her face in Pirin’s shoulder and sighed. “Why? Just tell me why?”He smoothed her blonde hair and kissed her cheek. “You know the answer already. They are coming. We don’t have time to waste.”She frowned. “Let us stay behind. Let them come.”Pirin grabbed her by the elbow.Lilae sat up and tensed. Her eyes went from Lhana’s stunned face to Pirin’s stern expression.The room fell quiet.Pirin lowered his voice, but Lilae heard every word.“We stay together. She is my responsibility.”Lhana swallowed and tried to look defiant. Her voice wavered. “But I thought she was the responsibility of the Elder.”Pirin pulled her closer. “I will not hear another word about it.”Lhana blinked, surprised by his actions. She nodded. “It’s just been so long. I’m tired of this life.”The creases in Pirin’s forehead relaxed. He kissed her on the lips. “Don’t worry.” His voice softened and let go of her arm. He held her in an embrace. “We will have a home again soon. You must remember, this is what the Ancients want.”Everyone went back to packing their weapons. Lilae looked up at Lhana and felt the tension in the air. She knew that these moves were especially hard for Lhana. Lilae wondered if the Ancients knew how much Lhana hated her. She wondered if Pirin knew. Lhana looked at Lilae with eyes of resentment. The look in Lhana’s eyes hurt Lilae more than anything. She’d give anything to finally feel that woman’s love.Lilae looked down at her muddy boots. She was aware that she was to blame for their constant moves. Everyone knew that Delia was protecting Lilae for some great deed, for something important. Lilae just wished she knew what that deed was. An Elder was sent to guide her. After seventeen years, Lilae grew anxious to learn the truth.They all hastily enjoyed their last grand breakfast of buttered toasts, eggs and fried potatoes, aware that this meal might be the last they would have for quite some time. They all ate silently, and packed the rest in sacks. Lhana also packed dried toasts and fruits for the journey. They would have to buy more supplies and food as they went on, or rely on Pirin to hunt while in the wilderness.While the others gathered their things, Lilae sharpened her dagger. Packing for her was always quick. She had nothing of value. She wore her only trinket of worth around her neck. It was a simple silver necklace with shiny stones around a ruby. Besides that, a sack of clothing and an extra pair of boots was all Lilae needed.Her dagger, however, was Lilae’s most precious belonging. Pirin had given it to her years ago, and she trained with it more than any other weapon he introduced. Sure, she could use a sword, quite well actually. But it was close combat that she enjoyed.Lilae looked towards the twins. They were identical. Both had straight, blonde hair and Pirin’s hazel eyes. Their only physical difference was Jaiza’s mole beneath her left eye. Risa and Jaiza seemed to take their time, deciding between dresses and trinkets that they had acquired. They were twenty and traveling was wearing on them as well. They wanted husbands. That was clear, but their father would not allow it. The family had to stick together. Lilae sighed to herself, thinking that she didn’t really belong to that family.Lilae sensed that they wanted her to believe that she was their child, but she knew. She could feel that she was different. Even still, she would never voice those thoughts to any of them. The first time such a notion even occurred to her had been when she was only six years old. When out playing in the woods she had slipped on wet leaves and fell down a hill, crashing face first into a boulder. She walked home sobbing. The entire side of her face was raw from the blow and scraped nearly to the muscle. No one was home, except Lhana. Lhana couldn’t be Lilae’s mother. She took one look at Lilae, seeing her tear streaked face and the injured cheek and put her hands on her bony hips.
            “I fell—“Lhana raised a hand, silencing her. Lilae’s mouth hung open as she watched the young woman stare down at her without a shred of love in her eyes.“I don’t even want to hear about it. Go to bed,” was all Lhana said. Her face was emotionless and she turned her back on Lilae without another word, returning to shucking corn for supper. Lilae stood there…stunned. Lhana never rushed over to Lilae like she had expected. She didn’t hug her and ask her if she were all right. Even at six, Lilae knew that’s what a real mother would have done. She had seen Lhana kiss and coddle the twins whenever they had a splinter in their finger from hauling fire wood, or when one would hit her head on the side of the table when playing too roughly. It was such stark contrast how Pirin treated her and how his wife did. Still, she knew she didn’t fit in, and she never let Lhana see another tear.Jaiza finally grunted in exasperation and chose an old worn book and her favorite dress. She stuffed it begrudgingly into her bag. She reached for her bow and arrows and headed towards the door. She didn’t look at Lilae as she passed her. Risa was a terrible archer. She was too impatient, but she made up for her lack of archery skills whenever she had a sword in her hand. She was a master with any blade. Risa grabbed her scabbard and quickly followed her sister.Lilae shook her head, thinking they were way too concerned with their possessions than she approved of, and went back to sharpening her dagger. She was ready to move on. Another village meant another chance to start over. Once everyone was ready Lilae hooded herself and followed the procession into the woods. Soon the sun would rise and the farmers would go out to tend to the cattle and crops. They quietly crossed the village to the path leading east. Always east. Delia led the way. She cut through the darkness as they left the paths to walk directly into the thickness of the woods where the grass was knee high and the hungry bugs were ready to feast on any exposed extremities that they could find. They were all used to it by now. It would be just another long, hard, journey to a foreign land.Lilae watched as she occasionally looked into the sky at the moon. Whenever she saw Delia look into the sky that way, she imagined that she could actually see the Ancients, peering down at them from their homes in the Overworld. Lilae glanced upwards and saw only stars.Everyone was silent as they walked. Risa and Jaiza offered the occasional chatter to one another. Lilae enjoyed the quiet; it gave her a chance to practice all that she had been told about tracking the forest.“Lilae?” Lhana called. “Come here.”Lilae looked to her eagerly. She hurried over. “Did you need something?” Always so eager to please. She bit her lip, realizing how anxious she sounded.“Yes. Go ask Delia if we can stop in Treon.” Lhana avoided eye contact with Lilae. Lilae couldn’t understand why that woman refused to look at her. “Go now Lilae. Ask her for me.”Lilae nodded. Her eagerness evaporated. She crossed before everyone and went far ahead to Delia. She eyed Delia’s staff. It was sturdy, with green vines wrapped tightly around it, and Lilae always wondered why she always carried it. Delia could walk faster than all of them.“Ah Lilae,” Delia said. She gave Lilae a loving pat on the shoulder.“Lhana wants to know if we can stop in Treon.”Delia shook her head and looked up at the sky again. “No. We don't have time.” It was final.Lilae looked back. Lhana would not like the news, but she would never speak against Delia. It was comforting having Delia around. She was more like a mother than Lhana had ever been, and a protector. However, whenever Delia wasn’t around or looking, Lhana would find a way to torment her. It was as if she took an unspoken revenge out on Lilae, whenever she had the chance.“How are you doing Lilae? You always worry about everyone else. What about you, dear?”The question perplexed her. Who cares how I feel? She was content with living in the shadows of the twins and just going with whatever Delia and Pirin ordered. “I’m fine.” She stuffed her gloved hands into her pockets to warm them. “I am ready for a new journey. I think I feel more at peace in the wilderness. You know? No one can be mean to me. No one can hurt me.” She shrugged it off and forced a smiled to Delia. She didn’t want to complain. “No one can hurt you Lilae,” Delia said. “Unless you let them.” Lilae nodded. “You’re right. A new town should be interesting. You know how I just love to terrorize the girls and boys.” She joked to hide the fact that she really didn’t like meeting new people. Each village just meant new people to judge her, tease her and make her long for the peaceful solitude of travel.Delia chuckled softly as she glanced at her. “I’m glad to hear it. Risa and Jaiza want to get married. They always have. You know you’re different right?”“Yes Delia, I know.” Lilae thought about how different she had felt, all of her life. “I guess I don’t care about the same things that they do.”“What do you mean?”Lilae looked over her shoulder at the others. Pirin was quiet, and yet everyone listened when he spoke. Lilae had heard the tales of his time served as a soldier and later as a captain. There was no better warrior to train her and the twins. The moves didn’t seem to bother him either. Like Delia, he seemed to know when it was time to move on and did so with a stern look. That look was especially puzzling to Lilae. It was as if he knew something, and for just a second, she was almost sure she saw fear hidden within his eyes. Lilae couldn’t help but wonder what could ever frighten Pirin.Lhana simply hated uprooting the family. She couldn’t help decorating their home and settling in, which made it harder when it was time to leave it all behind. She had become hardened by their lifestyle, so much so, that Lilae half expected Lhana to disappear into the night one day and return to Auroria. “Well, I do not care about friends, or boys, or starting a family of my own.” Who would want me anyway? She looked ahead with a serious face. She knew better than to get ahead of herself with such thoughts. A small smile formed on Delia’s lips. “Of course not.” She gave Lilae a wink. “You’re too young to think of such things.”Lilae looked to her, raising an eyebrow. “Am I?” She thought a moment. She couldn’t see a boy falling in love with her or raising children of her own. That didn't mean that she wouldn't like a handsome boy adoring her and professing his love for her. She just didn't think that was possible. She looked odd. She acted differently. It was better to not dream of those things. “Don’t most girls get married at my age?” She stepped over a fallen tree and waited for the others to do the same.The grass grew taller nearing their necks. Grass covered in ice, making it sharp so that they had to walk through with caution. So many years of walking, of moving. When would they stop?“Sure, some do. There are scores of young girls who at the first sign of womanhood begin bearing children too. And they will continuously do so until the seed no longer catches. But that’s not the life for you. You have a future Lilae. There’s a bigger, more important, task for you than just producing babies. You are different.”“How? Why?” It was painfully clear to Lilae that she was different, but she didn’t know why. “Because there's something wrong with me?”“No Lilae!” Delia waved a flippant hand, as if what Lilae had said something ludicrous. She gave her a serious look. “There's nothing wrong with you. Yes, you are special. You have a very important destiny.”“But why Delia?” She was desperate for answers. For as long as she could remember, she had just went with whatever Delia or Pirin said was best. “How am I special? Why are people hunting me?” She knew her past. She knew of her birth and everything, and still she didn’t know why any of those things had happened. “I mean, I’ve never hurt anyone. I have killed, but I follow the judgment of The Winds. Those people deserve it.”Delia was silent for a moment. She looked into Lilae’s green eyes. She had looked into those large eyes thousands of times. They were a bright green when Lilae was calm and a deep emerald when she was upset. This time, however, Delia saw something new. Something had been brewing inside of Lilae since the day she was born, something that only Delia knew about and watched for every day. There was the faintest movement, a light deep within them and Delia nearly stopped in her footsteps. The time had come. Ever since the day the Underworld was invaded, and many of the other Elders destroyed, Delia had been waiting for a shred of hope that the world would be put right again. She waited for the balance to be somehow restored.Delia smiled. Her eyes searched Lilae’s. The light was the sign she had waited for. The light was the key to Lilae’s gift, to her power. She patted Lilae’s shoulder and continued to press ahead into the thick forest. “Soon Lilae, you will see,” she whispered, more to herself than to Lilae. “She is ready.” Delia thought to herself, and to the Ancients above.The Ancients heard her and sent word to the Guardians. At each barrier, of the four realms across the entire world, the giants stretched and opened their eyes. They were ready to release the locks on The Barriers. Before, no one could pass, not even the Ancients who had created them. They had been built specifically for that purpose. To protect the races from one another. To protect them from the other Ancients who would seek to destroy the balance of the world.Now they awaited the arrival of the ones that could destroy The Barriers. It was time for someone to let the races free from what evil was about to be released. The Guardians pushed the doors. A hazy film stretched from its top to the smooth, black ground. And then, they returned to their posts, their golden swords ready at their waists and waited for Lilae’s arrival. 

Last Day! Beautiful Stranger by Glenna Maynard

Book Description
Publication Date: April 10, 2013 A New Adult Romance Novel recommended for 18 and up.

In life we face choices chances and consequences. Grace Montgomery never dreamed hers would lead her to The Masquerade Club, and a fast paced life of sex, drugs, and music. When Evan Brown walked into her life he was too good to be true. Since meeting him her life has been flipped upside down. After a chance encounter with a handsome stranger, Grace finds herself thrust into a relationship with Country Music sensation Jaxson Hayes and torn between two loves. When hidden truths are uncovered will she be able to let go of her past and embrace her future?
Today is the last day to get this novel for 99 cents on Amazon!!

Review by Morgan Jane!5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! April 10, 2013 By morganjane Format:Kindle EditionBeautiful Strangers was a fun read that kept me guessing and made me all sentimental at the end. What more could you ask for?

Grace is not your typical romance heroine and that is why I loved the book! Grace isn't innocent, she has already been hurt. She is tough, sexy and unapologetic. Grace has her vices and she is not above going down on her ex boyfriend to get what she needs either. Yes, she has problems and even though she has every right to blame others, she doesn't. You won't find her whining or playing damsel in distress. Instead she is trying to do the right thing and fix her life. While trying her best to get away from a horrible situation, her passionate nature allows her to be swept away in another love affair. Jaxson, aka sex on a stick, is just what she needs to give her the strength to leave Evan and other things behind for good. Even though she is torn between two men, it's choosing herself that allows her to find out who she loves in the end. What a great ending! Must read! Comment |