Sage Nestler's Blog, page 59

Author Interview: Kristan L. Cannon

As the Summer Splash Blog Tour comes to a close, I am happy to present to you my last author: Kristan L. Cannon!

Bio

Kristan was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario and educated in North Bay and Toronto.  She is a staunch supporter of literacy, reading, and young writer’s programs. She also holds a current membership with The Indie Writer’s Network and is a member of the NaNoWriMo Ambassador’s program.

When not researching or writing, Kristan exists for sailing her classic wooden sailboat with her…cat, friends, and family… or for video games and books when snow and ice have the boat locked in its slip and she can’t get away.

Interview

How long have you been writing?

A really long time. Sometimes dabbling in fan fiction, sometimes being paid for original short fiction.  Sometimes just writing and not letting what I’ve written be seen in the light of day.  There is quite a bit of the latter.

What genre do you write in?

Speculative fiction, mostly.  But I do love edgy urban fantasy and hard science fiction.

Can you tell us about your series?

The Kingdom of Walden is about a post-apocalyptic Sudbury (Ontario, Canada) and how a few enclaves of survivors are fighting for their survival in a new and hostile world.  Civilization has fallen, and while some still cling to the rule of law—and fight to protect it—there are others who want to take over and stamp out not only all trace of the old world but to take it for themselves and to hell with anyone who would stop them.  But, the series focuses on only a few of the people who fight to protect the last bastion of civilization—one that created itself anew out of the ashes of the old while still guarding what the better part of the old held sacred.  Freedom of choice, speech, and general control over their own future.  A safe haven built from people who came together with whatever they could find to recreate what made their society before good.  Each book starts and builds on this overall arc.  They’re fighting to be free from slavery (which has reared its ugly head again) on one side and a tyrannical dictator who rewards disobedience, even just disagreement in his rule, with death.

In the first book, After Oil, the straw that has broken the camel’s back (civilization as we know it) is a hard and brutal winter as the last reserves of fossil fuel run out and the economy grinds to a halt in a Second Great Depression.  Unlike the first one, once there’s no money to be had anywhere, civilization devolves into utter chaos and people die from the violence, or the Siberian-like Canadian winter itself finishes the job.  Only one spark remains, and that’s in the hands of Dr. Sheridan Wither, who lives in the middle of nowhere and is heavily into historical re-enactment.  This massive advantage, and strength, attracts others to use her home and her Manor as a base of operations… and a new nation is soon born with that as the seat of power.

They just have to hold onto it (the big arc through the series is the constant back and forth between the three major factions).

In The Last Iron Horse, Derek, who is Sheridan’s “Ranger”, runs into the second major faction, which is the slavers to their west.  The reality of what being Ranger means hits him fully, both literally and figuratively.  Sheridan also realizes that her life has changed forever as she deals with the weight of a Kingdom on her shoulders… and the political intrigue that attracts.

The third book, which is due out this fall, is Between Silence and Fire.  Colonel Harnet to Sheridan’s east pushes to take over allies of the Kingdom of Walden, and even has the gall to send his people to rile up the Rangers of Walden.  Add to it the looming threat of forest fire threatening the entire area and the rising tensions break into full on warfare.

Ghostwalker will finish the arc regarding Colonel Harnet, and end the war.

Contact Kristan

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/KristanCannon

Twitter handle @KristanCannon

Website:  www.kristancannon.com

 

Anchor of Hope by Kiah Stevens

Title: Anchor of Hope

Author: Kiah Stevens

Rating: 4/5

Synopsis:

27-year-old Ashley Harper has it all – a secure job in the city, a cozy apartment in a great neighborhood, and a high-profile boyfriend who is on his way to becoming one of New York’s top business attorneys. She is successful and has it all . . .or so she thought. After fleeing from Sweet Home eight-years ago following the devastating death of her father, Ashley vowed she would never return. But when her mother decides to get married there, Ashley is forced to return to the sleepy, little town she once called home in Oregon. Having to spend an entire week in the very place she fought so hard to escape she expects to find nothing but anger, resentment, and hostility but instead finds forgiveness, love – and her ex-boyfriend, Jay. Things are not what she expected in Sweet Home. Once again, Ashley finds herself at a crossroads. Faced with an impossible decision—will she trust her head and return to her life in the city and live the life of luxury she has worked so hard to achieve, or will she trust Gods’ gentle guiding and follow her heart back home.

Review:

Anchor of Hope is a sweet, inspirational romance novel that is perfect for those looking for a romance novel that isn’t too erotic.  The story focuses more on drama and tragedy than sexual matters, and that is always something that I enjoy in a good romance novel.  Ashley Harper, the main character in Anchor of Hope is highly relatable and Kiah Stephens’ novel is a perfect novel for women who are at a crossroads in their life.  It is those crossroads that define who we are, and this novel reads like a good Nicholas Sparks novel – moving and heartwarming all at once.

Stephens is an author who understands human emotions and relationships, and she reflected this understanding through every single one of her characters.  I felt myself falling in love with all of them, and I enjoyed Stephens’ perception of “home” and how “home” changes over time for each one of us.  Anchor of Hope is so much more than a romance novel.  It is a realistic look at the human experience, and how even the smallest of events can change who we are.  If you are looking for a new author that will present you with relatable characters and an addictive romantic story, then please look no further than Kiah Stephens.

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM:   Book Review Request Form

*Book reviews are now free, but I am only accepting paperback copies as of right now.  My e-book review list is full.*

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The Northern Queen by Kelly Evans

Title: The Northern Queen

Author: Kelly Evans

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

St. Brice’s Day, England, Anno 1002. At the order of King Aethelred, thousands of Danes are murdered in a frenzy of ethnic cleansing. Outraged, the Danish king, Sweyn Forkbeard, swears he will take Aethelred’s head, and his crown.

But Sweyn needs allies. Chief amongst his supporters is Aelfgifu, an English noblewoman and head of a once great family. She has her own reasons to hate Aethelred and as a pagan, she is sympathetic to the Danish cause. When Aelfgifu marries Sweyn’s son, Canute, war is inevitable.

But if Aethelred is weak, Emma, his Norman queen, is not. And she will stop at nothing to destroy the woman at the heart of the Viking army.

Love, ambition and revenge combine in an epic struggle for justice during the most turbulent period in England’s history. 

Review:

There is nothing I love better than a well-researched historical fiction, and Kelly Evans’ novel is just that.  Her writing was flawless, and she managed to make even the most gruesome events come off as artistic. She also did a fantastic job at explaining events to the reader that the reader might not otherwise have understood, and she did so without sounding like a textbook.  Her novel sprung to life within the first few pages, and those pages are the ones that I use first and foremost to judge the rest of the novel.

The Northern Queen is a rich tapestry of historical events that involve the Vikings and the conflict that came between Paganism and Christianity.  This religious feud led to a lot of bloodshed and fear, and Evans did a magnificent job of portraying both of those conflicts.  Her novel surrounded family and war, and she intertwined both beautifully.  The Vikings were a fascinating people, and Evans did them more than justice.  I have not found a fiction that portrays them as accurately as Evans did, and I cannot praise her work enough.  The editing was flawless, and her voice was effortless.  She is clearly a literary prodigy, and her novel deserves so much more recognition than it has received.

If you are interested in learning more about the Vikings in a completely factual, but fictional way, then The Northern Queen is the perfect book to pick up.

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM:   Book Review Request Form

*Book reviews are now free, but I am only accepting paperback copies as of right now.  My e-book review list is full.*

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX:   Go Indie Now!

 

August 2016 Go Indie Now! Excellence in Literature Award

I am happy to announce that we chose Holly Ducarte as the winner of the August 2016 Go Indie Now! Excellence in Literature Award!  We judged her off of her poetry work in her collection Literary Bones, and she is the first poet to win the award.

Please check out her award page here.

Remember to favorite the post of the author who you would like to win the yearly award.  Each year, readers are able to vote for their favorite of the twelve authors who received the award, and the author with the most likes on their award page will receive the yearly honor in May.

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FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form

*Book reviews are now free, but I am only accepting paperback copies as of right now.  My e-book review list is full.*

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!

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Pretty Girl – 13 by Liz Coley

Title: Pretty Girl – 13

Author: Liz Coley

Rating: 5/5

Synopsis:

Reminiscent of the Elizabeth Smart case, Pretty Girl-13 is a disturbing and powerful psychological thriller about a girl who must piece together the mystery of her kidnapping and abuse. Perfect for fans of books like Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why, Elizabeth Scott’s Living Dead Girl, and Caroline B. Cooney’s The Face on the Milk Carton series, Pretty Girl-13 is a haunting yet ultimately uplifting story about the healing power of courage, hope, and love.

Angie Chapman was thirteen years old when she ventured into the woods on a Girl Scout camping trip. Now she’s returned home . . . only to find that it’s three years later and she’s sixteen—or at least that’s what everyone tells her. What happened to the last three years of her life? With a tremendous amount of courage, Angie embarks on a journey to discover the fragments of her lost time. She eventually discovers a terrifying secret and must decide: what do you do when you remember things you wish you could forget?

Review:

It has been an extremely long time since I have given a book a 5-star review, and Pretty Girl – 13 more than deserved that rating.  Liz Coley is an author like myself – we don’t shy away from serious subjects, and we both like to force the reader to confront things that they otherwise wouldn’t have.  Pretty Girl – 13 is not a pleasant novel, and that is why it excelled.  Coley clearly did her research on mental illness in terms of dissociative identity disorder, and the book kept unfolding like an onion.  As soon as I thought I had everything figured out, Coley would pop out another surprise, and none of them were tacky or ill-conceived.  Each event that was placed in this novel was meaningful and important to the story.

Now, with stories that involve mental illness and abuse, the book is bound to have a mixed audience.  There are those who say that this book isn’t realistic, and others who think that it is perfect for defining the events that occur in the book.  However,  think of it this way.  Do you think that every YA novel about a kid in high school defines every possible high school experience?

Of course not.

Each book is a different take on specific situations, and this book is a well-researched take on dissociative identity disorder.  Coley even states in the back of the book that the situation presented in her writing is extreme, but it does reflect the struggles that sufferers of this disorder go through.  Many of the events that happen to Angie are also consistent with certain kidnapping cases and those who have suffered from incestuous abuse.  It is not impossible that those in those positions could develop this form of disorder, and Coley did a brilliant job at putting the reader in Angie’s shoes.  This book is perfect to allow readers to understand a different perspective and extend their empathy to those who may be suffering from mental disorders.

I would not recommend this book to children under sixteen years old due to the intense scenes and triggering events, but it is perfect for older young adults – through adults looking for a realistic, psychological thriller.

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Brain to Books Author Marketing

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!

As some of you know, I am part of the Brain to Books team that helps undiscovered authors market themselves and learn how to have an online, and in person, presence.

This year, the Brain to Books Con that is in April will have open registration beginning October 1.  If you work with our author marketing experts before then, you can create a very effective marketing strategy at this year’s con.  Please check out the brochure below, and visit our website to learn more about how you can get started in your marketing career.  As independent authors, it is vital that we all know how to market ourselves since we are, essentially, one man teams when it comes to our publishing experiences.  This year I have multiple positions in the Brain to Books Con, and I will have my own booth as well as a blog tour, video discussion, and customer assistance.  If you need anything at all please don’t hesitate to ask, and please click the link below to start your marketing adventure today!

Click Here to Get Started

Please also feel free to reach out to me if you have any upcoming new releases that you would like publicized.  I would be happy to post about your new release here on the blog, as well as all of my social media.  I am here for you, and together we will help you succeed!  And as always, all of our services are free of charge.

Author Interview: Susan Ferrell

This week’s author spotlight is on the lovely Susan Ferrell!  Susan is the author of The Whipple Wash Chronicles, an adorable fantasy series that urges readers to believe in who they are and who they can be.  She is very passionate about her writing and making a difference, and I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing her for this spotlight.

Author Interview

What is your favorite genre to write, and do you write across different genres?

I do not have a favorite genre to write in, but I do have a fondness for comedy, which often finds its way into whatever genre I am writing in. I have self-published works in fantasy adventure, adult comedy, and cozy erotica. Patiently waiting in the background are a Sci-fi and a Paranormal Drama.

 

What has your publishing experience been like?

Self-publishing is an interesting path to take, which as in anything, has its ups and downs. I am a bit of a control freak, but I am a good sport about it. I like the freedom and the control that self-publishing gives me. I also like that I have no one to answer to, no one watching over me, and no one taking a huge chunk of my profits. However, it can also be quite lonely and daunting. Most days I find myself winging it. Testing the waters, seeing what works and doesn’t by trial and error. A traditional publishing house already has that knowledge base and the funding to make things happen. It is quite awesome that Indie Authors are so willing to share our experiences and help each other out. Now, all most of us need is a backer that believes in the vision and can make things happen.

 

What is your advice to aspiring authors?

If there is a story within you to tell, tell it. Don’t worry so much about whether someone else will like it. Just put pen to paper and write it. Be honest with the telling of the story. Which means, tell it from your point of view, not how you think others will see it. They are not inside your head; only you can tell the story. Do your research, to make what you are telling plausible in the reader’s mind. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most Indie authors are quite willing to share their knowledge and experiences. And lastly, have fun. Writing is a spectacular, creative, art form that will take you down paths; you never imagined you would walk on before you began to write.

What do you hope readers will take away from your writing?

That is kind of a tough question to answer because I write in different genres. I suppose for the Whipple Wash Chronicles, which is what I am currently working on, I would hope that readers see that: no matter how small or insignificant you think you are, how desperate the journey is, how insurmountable the odds are, if you have faith in yourself, you can achieve anything, you need only believe.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on the third installment of The Whipple Wash Chronicles – The Long Road Home. I am also working with a very talented artist, Evee Fex-Chriszt, who has come on board to help with the 4th book, which will be a field guide of all things Whipple Washian. There is also a special project I am working on for the release of the third book, a board game. I am very excited about the possibilities of “What If.”

Author Bio

S.D. Ferrell is a writer, self-published author, and creative artist. Ms. Ferrell was born the 1st of October 1960 in Norfolk General Hospital, in Simcoe Ontario Canada. She grew up on a small hobby farm just outside of Simcoe in Windham Centre, with her parents, six sisters and one brother.

Her fondest memories of childhood was on the farm and the time she spent outside with her siblings. They had grand adventures in the forest that curved around the property. She remembers a majestic willow tree with long flowing branches that grew beside the laneway – they swung from those branches until they were giddy with laughter. There were also cherry trees in the front yard that she climbed, and sat on the branches for what seemed like hours on end. Among the leaves she was free to allow her mind to take flights of fancy.

Nature; was a wonderful playground for a little girl with a vivid imagination who would one day grow-up to be a writer. Is it any wonder, Ms. Ferrell says, that my debut novel starts in a forest and one of the main characters throughout the series is a tree.

S.D. is a proud mother to five daughters and a grandmother to fourteen wonderful grandchildren. She presently resides in Simcoe Ontario and is working on the third book in the series, The Long Road Home.

Connect with Susan

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/elsbrier.ink/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/justmesuzied

WordPress:  https://elsbrierink.wordpress.com/

Amazon: amazon.com/author/sdferrell

Connect with her Artist

Evee Fex Chriszt: http://www.evzart.com/

 

Angel by Katrina Kahler

Title: Angel

Author: Katrina Kahler

Rating: 3/5

Synopsis:

– He seemed like Ella’s dream guy…fun, handsome and loving, but there was a darker side to Taylor. Ella was head over heels in love with him…until his jealous aggressive streak destroyed their relationship. Luckily for Ella, her guardian angel protects her from his darkness…until one day when he is forbidden to intervene. –

A totally compelling story that you won’t be able to put down.

Review:

Angel is an intriguing story that involves myth, spirituality, and abuse.  I enjoyed the concept of the storyline; however, I found that the lack of editing hindered my reading experience.

Katrina Kahler has a vivid imagination.  Her take on angels and spirituality was eye opening, but her characters came off as a bit flat.  I felt that instead of letting me live her story, she was telling it to me and I didn’t feel completely immersed.  Each character seemed to be trying a bit too hard to show their personality which, in turn, made them come off as superficial.  However, I feel that if the characters were better evolved and the novel was revised in terms of run-on sentences, this novel would shine.

If you are interested in novels about guardian angels and saviors, then this novel is a great choice.  Once the minor editing issues are looked past, the story does come to life.

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Weekly Update: 08/29/16 -09/04/16

Happy Sunday, Everyone!

This week I will be reviewing:

The Northern Queen by Kelly Evans
Anchor of Hope by Kiah Stephens

We also only have seven more spots open for our special edition Celtic Lore: Myths & Legends Box through Go Indie Now!, and these spots won’t last!  Click on the link above to order your box, and they will ship out in early October.  The author of our chosen novel for this box helped to curate it with me, and it is going to be a real treat.

I have also decided that I will not be imposing a fee on my reviews for new requests, but I will ONLY be accepting paperback versions from here on out as my e-book list is completely full.

I hope you all have a great week!

~Ashley

FOR BOOK REVIEW REQUESTS FILL OUT FORM: Book Review Request Form

IF BOOK REQUEST WEBSITE IS DOWN, EMAIL: peachykeenreviews@gmail.com

SIGN UP FOR GO INDIE NOW! MONTHLY BOOK BOX: Go Indie Now!

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Plot, Plot…And More Plot

Plot is your most important aspect in a novel.  Why?  Well, your plot will define everything.  It will define how your characters turn out to be, what their actions are, and it will even drive your setting and every other aspect you pump into the novel.

Plot has become an element of great interest recently, and I thought it was high time that I discussed it as well.

Many times, when a person doesn’t like a novel, it is either because the characters are too flat (the reader doesn’t care about them), or the story is too slow.  Well, one major way to fix these issues is to re-examine your plot.  Whether you outline your plot in the beginning or write as you go along, you must do one thing upon finishing your manuscript – go back through your novel and write down what the plot is, from beginning to end, and how the events shape your characters.  Are some of your characters too flat?  Then perhaps you didn’t provide those characters with enough plot in terms of personal events.  Much like humans, characters are a product of what they have been through.  If you characters haven’t gone through any struggles or notable events, they will be forgettable and your reader most likely won’t care about them.  To better assess your manuscript and plot, I have provided you with a checklist of things to look for:

1) Are there any plot holes?  Are any of your characters unaffected by events in your plot that should have changed them?

2) Are there any subplots in your manuscript?  Would subplots make the manuscript better?

3) Read your plot backwards.  Do the events at the end make sense based on the events in the beginning of the manuscript?

For example, if one of your characters had a perfect childhood, and ended up a criminal, would that make sense?  Do you have any form of mental incapacities to explain for their criminality?  But more importantly, will your reader believe you if your character has no scars, but has gone down a dark road?  By examining your characters, you need to examine their experiences, and add in extra events if necessary.

Think of plot as the backbone of your novel.  Without a well-executed plot, anything else you put into your writing won’t matter.  You also need to make sure that your plot is original and of your original ideas.  By going back through your manuscript, outlining it and reading it backwards, you will be able to determine if there are any holes you can fill, ideas you can change, as well as making sure that you retain continuity.  Many times authors mix up details in their writing, which can produce a broken plot.  In all circumstances, the author must know more information than the reader, and you don’t want your reader to catch your mistakes.

But most of all, write and write and write.  It isn’t important to examine your plot before you write the manuscript, but make sure to outline it once you are finished to make that novel shine.  Your plot is your tool, and your plot will be what your readers fall in love with.  Know who you are writing for, and work your plot to match that audience.