Mimi Sebastian's Blog, page 9

March 28, 2013

Special Guest: Bakari, Egyptian God of Death

This is such a hot treat to have as my special guest today, Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death. My kind of guy :) He comes courtesy of Jean Murray and her Key to the Cursed Series. Bakari’s story is featured in Book II: Soul Awakened. Bakari, Soul Awakened


Please tell us a little bit about yourself?


I am Bakari, a four thousand year old Egyptian god. The son of Asar, the Lord of the Underworld. I am reponsible for guarding the gates of Aaru, the Paradise Isle of the Underworld. My father bestowed upon me the power to kill gods. Five years ago, I was kidnapped by our enemies and entombed in a sarcophagus. I am only here today because of Kendra. She unlocked my tomb and saved my soul.


A terrible thing your enemies did. What other person in your book do you dislike? Why?


Hate would be a more accurate term for how I feel about Kepi, the malevolent goddess who put me in that gods forsaken box. She is the epitome of evil and so kindly locked me in with poisonous black scorpions.


Ow. What was one of the toughest things you have had to do (although the poisonous scorpions must rank pretty high)?  


Wake up every day. After Kendra released me I was in a very dark place. One where life was not worth living, but she changed everything. She was my hope when I had none.


What’s the one decision you’ve made that you regret the most and why?


I have many regrets. The one I regret the most is betraying my father. My vision was colored by greed and lust, and I tried to take what was not mine. I see it so clearly now, but then, I could not see past my deceit.  My brother, Bomani, had always seen me for what I was. I understand that now, but I think it is too late.


Is there an illegal act you would commit without guilt and why?


Killing Kepi – that I would not regret. She is responsible for the curse against man-kind. Her death will lift the curse and allow me to sleep at night.


If you could change one thing about your childhood, what would it be?


I would be more appreciative of my brother, Bomani. I grew up in the palace while he suffered and fought every day in the warrior village. I never truly respected his sacrifice until now. Despite being created by the same father, our differences are too great. I fear he will never forgive me.


Sounds like he’d have an interesting story to tell (hint, hint Jean:) Tell us something about your hometown.


Aaru is more of a realm than a hometown.The ancient Egyptians believe in the afterlife, a life after death. Aaru is just that place. The Underworld River fed by the Nile snakes through the Isle. From the Underworld palace I can see across the water to the fields of grass and riches that await the righteous souls.The white sand beaches stretch for miles along the river. Food is plentiful. There is no suffering, only happiness. The great gates separates Aaru from Duat. It is my job to ensure no one threatens this holy land.


What are you passionate about these days?


Kendra Carrigan is my passion. For as small as she is, she is the most powerful individual. Hell, she broke the spell to release me. Did I mention she is Creation demi-god? According to the ancient laws, our relationship is forbidden. She is worth breaking the law.


She is my Parvana, my butterfly. I owe her my life.


Is there a piece of advice that you have received that has really stuck with you? If so, what was it?


My father told me that if you cannot forgive yourself you can never really look toward the future. He is right. If you are always looking back, how can you see what is coming? I will never forget his words. So glad I took his advice.  


Bakari, I wish you the best and hope you attain your Parvana, and watch out for those scorpions :) [image error]


Book I: Soul Reborn


Amazon Purchase Link


Barnes and Noble Purchase Link


Soul Reborn Trailer


THE HUMAN REALM, HIS BATTLEFIELD.


Asar, the Egyptian God of the Underworld, has been tortured and left soulless by a malevolent goddess, relegating him to consume the very thing he was commissioned to protect. Human souls. Now an empty shell of hatred, Asar vows to kill the goddess and anyone involved in her release, but fate crosses his path with a beautiful blonde huntress who has a soul too sweet to ignore.


DEADLY SECRETS BETTER LEFT UNEARTHED.


Lilly, fearless commander of the Nehebkau huntresses, is the only thing standing in the way of the goddess’ undead army unleashing hell on earth.  But Lilly has a secret—one she is willing to sell her soul to keep. If the Underworld god discovers her role in the dig that released the goddess, she will lose everything, including his heart.


Reviews:


Romantic Times (RT) Book Reviews (Sept2011) -  4/4.5 stars/Scorcher, http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/soul-reborn


Bitten by Paranormal Romance – 5/5 Alpha Howls, Hot http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2011/07/review-of-soul-reborn-key-to-cursed.html


Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11135250-key-to-the-cursed


Night Owl Reviews:  Reviewer’s Top PICK/ 5 Stars (Abigail, Feb2013)  “The first book in the “Key to the Cursed” series was absolutely phenomenal. Anything that deals with old world deities and is written well always hooks me from the get go. This was definitely an excellent book to begin a new series.”  http://paranormal.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Reviews/Angibabi4-reviews-Soul-Reborn-by-Jean-Murray


Book II: Soul AwakenedSoul Awakened, Key to the Cursed


Amazon Purchase Link


Barnes and Noble Purchase Link


Books a Million


Soul Awakened Trailer


LOVE FOR BLOOD OR HONOR


Kendra, an Egyptologist and demi-god in waiting, is the key to unlocking Bakari, the Egyptian God of Death, from his cursed slumber. Desperate to free him, she inadvertently binds herself to the god with a spell that only death will undo. To save Bakari from himself, she may have to sacrifice her innocence, and possibly her soul, before he becomes his family’s worst enemy.


HAUNTED BY SINS OF THE PAST


Bakari awakens to a world at war and a beautiful woman who has tethered his soul to hers. In the wake of his self-destruction Kendra is his only hope of salvation, but another has vowed to keep Bakari from the one thing he craves most– his Parvana. His butterfly.


Reviews:


Bitten by Paranormal Romance, Ollie (Feb2013): 5/5 Alpha Howls, Hot


“I don’t know where to begin to describe the absolutely marvelous job that the author does in not only creating a wonderful world with so much depth and detail, but a story line the has the mystery and intrigue that will keep you glued to the pages.”  http://www.bittenbyparanormalromance.com/2013/01/arc-review-of-soul-awakened-key-to.html?zx=7d4a84f0db7635b8


Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16484518-soul-awakened


Jean MurrayJean Murray Bio:


In her pursuit of a nursing degree, Jean Murray aspired to see the world and joined the Navy. At the end of 2011 she said a heart-breaking goodbye to her Navy family and retired after twenty years of military service. Although her dreams of writing full time have yet to come true, she continues her writing journey and draws inspiration from her travels abroad. She enjoys spending time with her family and of course, writing about the “Carrigan sisters and their mates, Gods of the Underworld,” to bring you the next installment of the Key to the Cursed series.


Author Jean Murray brings a wonderful new spin to the paranormal world with her Egyptian Underworld gods. She broke ground in the paranormal romance genre with Soul Reborn and now continues the Key to the Cursed journey with Soul Awakened. See what readers and reviewers are saying about her new book: Goodreads.


Jean’s Website


Key to the Cursed Site


Wicked Romance Blog


Facebook


Twitter


Goodreads

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Published on March 28, 2013 06:04

March 25, 2013

Exploring Myths and Legends with K.J. Montgomery’s Katie Walsh Series

My guest today is K.J. Montgomery who has released the book Trove, the first book of a series featuring investigative mythologist Katie Walsh. Now a little about K.J.:


K.J. Montgomery has always looked beyond the obvious and firmly believes there are no such things as coincidences. Since her early years, she has yearned for knowledge no matter how obscure and carefully tucked it away knowing that someday she’d find a use for it.


She loves writing as much as she loves reading and often has three or four books, both for writing and reading, in process at any moment. Her stories are smartly written and reflect her love for the paranormal, the excitement of sexual tension, and the lure of a complex mystery.


KJ resides in coastal New England and loves spending time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire where the night skies are painted with brilliant starlight and the heavens seem to be within reach.


KJ is a member of the Romance Writers of America, the New England chapter of the Romance Writers of America, and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal sub-chapter of the Romance Writers of America.


Thanks for stopping by today! Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Hobbies/interests? When did you start writing?


I’ve discovered rather late that I am right-brained person. I like the creative, unknown side of things. I find the challenge of the unknown more exhilarating than frightening. I like to read (obviously) as well as write. I also sew and crochet and I’m a novice quilter. My favorite thing to do is study the night sky. While star gazing I feel a strong connection to the ancestors. While I’ve had stories in my head for years, I seriously put “fingers to the keyboard” only a couple of years ago. I live for the day when I can have a USB port connected to my brain and download my stories (LOL!)


That day may come sooner than we think! Let’s talk about your book, Trove. I love the premise of an investigative mythologist. I also love mythology and earth mysteries so this book sounds like it’s right up my alley. How did you get the story idea for your current title?


I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Atlantis. I am a believer that it in fact did exist. I’ve also been intrigued by the fact that myths and legends from long ago have survived into modern times. Why were these stories so important that they survived? Today, so far removed from the time of their origin, their meanings have changed so that they appear as  puzzling stories. My novels will attempt to provide an entertaining possibility as to what the legends were meant to reveal to us.


That sounds like lots of fun and can’t wait to read about some of those possibilities. What has been one of your biggest challenges so far in your writing career?


Finding the time to write. My day job can be rather time-intensive so it, especially lately, has been quite the challenge to carve out adequate time to write.


I can identify, having a day job myself.


What type of scenes do you enjoy writing the most?


I actually like the back and forth, the intellectual challenge of one character trying to outthink or outsmart the other. I find that intellectual banter can be an intense form of foreplay.


It’s a great way to reveal character as well. I have a blast writing intense scenes between my characters. What has been one of your favorite characters to write?


I actually like Katie. She is a flawed character with issues that affect her relationships with others. If that were all she was though, I don’t think I’d bond to well with her. She is however, a character beginning to see that what she saw as strength was actually a wall she was hiding behind, deflecting the world. But Katie has begun to change and has hauled herself up to the top of the wall and realizes she wants to be on the other side…she’s just not quite sure how to get there. All through The Katie Walsh Mysteries, Katie will continue to evolve and grow into the person she was destined to be.


That will be interesting to follow her growth. What type of protagonist do you like to write? And what type of villain?


I like strong women that are, while not submissive, are not afraid to let their man take charge in the bedroom. And my villain has to be intelligent.


What are your favorite movies?


Ah that’s easy, CONTACT and Gone With The Wind! I don’t know what that says about me, but I certainly think that makes for an interesting if not eclectic combination.


CONTACT was a great movie. I don’t know why I haven’t read the book yet. What book(s) are you reading right now?


Eternal Lovers by V.S. Nelson


Me too! LOL. What does your significant other and family think of your writing career?


I am by virture of birth, a Scorpio born on the cusp of Libra. Scorpio’s are not very open with their innerthoughts. Having said that, Scorpios are extremely methodical and are not prone to doing things on a whim. When I revealed my book to my friends and family, they were very supportive knowing full well that this was a serious and important venture for me.


Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?


Yes, I use a pen name. KJ are my initials and frequently how my friends refer to me; and Montgomery is a family name so I combined to the two.


Do you listen to music while writing? If so, what?


I certainly do. I pick a song that sets the appropriate atmosphere and then loop it over and over so that I almost get into a zen-like state. One of my favorite songs to loop is Adam Lambert’s “Whatya Want From Me” when I’m writing a confrontational scene between my lead characters, Katie and Alec. They are both struggling for control and you can almost hear that song playing over the scene.


And then, when the suspense scenes kick in, I look to pick a track from the Dark Shadows soundtrack…and let me be clear here, I’m referring to the TV show that was one in the 70’s. The music was and is quite good at setting the mood when I write.


As for general listening, I like Maroon5, Train, Coldplay, DejaVu by Dionne Warwick, GooGoo Dolls, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson …


I remember the old Dark Shadows. I didn’t see the remake movie, but heard it wasn’t too good, which is too bad.


If you had a ticket to fly anywhere in the world to do research on your current book or upcoming book, where would you go?


I would head to the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands on the mainland. My ancestral home is Skye and it is at the top of my “bucket list.” Skye possesses a raw, ethereal quality that human occupation and time has only enhanced. And then I would head down the western coast of Scotland into England and Wales as the following volumes in The Katie Walsh Mysteries will follow that path.


I’ve visited England and Wales and they have such a mystical quality to them. What books/authors have inspired your writing?


I’d have to say Jane Austen. I love the way that she wrote her heroines. They verbally challenged the males and yet by the end of the story, the heroine and hero ended with a HEA.


What is next? Any new titles we should be looking for?


The second book in The Katie Walsh Mysteries, Harbinger, should be available later this year.


Yeah! Anything else you would like to share with our readers?


Yes, don’t believe everything people tell you. It is your job as an intelligent being to seek out the truth.


Trove, Katie Walsh Mysteries Trove (Katie Walsh Mysteries) Kindle


Trove Print


Trove sounds like a fun, mysterious read. Here’s the blurb:


Katie Walsh is an investigative mythologist seeking clues that could lead her into the very distant past and uncover the secrets of the mythic Norland. Alec MacGowan is an archaeologist searching for clues in the recent past in an attempt to bring a murderer to justice.


Anonymous lovers five years before, they’re re-united as their worlds collide when they are thrown together to decipher the murdered man’s notes and identify his killer. As the quest unfolds, they are forced to deal with their simmering attraction and hidden secrets.


Can they uncover the secret hidden in the murdered man’s notes before the killer finds them? And can they open their hearts to each other before it’s too late?


Excerpt:


The glass sailed across the room, slamming into the oak door releasing aromatic droplets of rich, well-aged whiskey as it shattered. “Son of a bitch. It’s been nine months since Josh’s murder and I’m no closer to finding the bastard who did it,” Alec MacGowan spat. “The only progress made in the last three months is that I’m thirty thousand dollars poorer.”


Robert Baines stared at the reflection of his younger half-brother in the mirror over his mantled fireplace. It was an unguarded glimpse into the turmoil consuming his life. It was hard to believe that Alec was now forty. The dark, almost black straight hair, the athletic six foot three inch build, and those grey eyes, the eyes of Alec’s father. Robert shifted his gaze to himself. His own hair was medium brown and curly, his height three inches shorter, his eyes of clear sapphire blue, the eyes of their mother. He sighed, bent down and carefully lifted the shards off the hardwood floor. “You’re too impulsive Alec. You’ve destroyed a perfectly good glass.”


“You’ve got millions. You live in this penthouse all by yourself, not even a damn dog. You’ve been well off since you cashed out of the market before the tech bubble burst, so stop complaining about an ordinary glass.”


“Alec, you’re forever acting first and then trying to make amends. It gets old fast. Besides, I told you I’ll reimburse any expense. Now get a towel and wipe up the mess you created.”


Robert’s methodical approach to life, his general calmness, along with his intense interest in Celtic history helped him earn the appointment of a director’s position on the board of the Nordstrom Institute. His general demeanor was a tremendous asset in dealing with the intrigues, subterfuges, and professional jealousies of the research world.


Alec returned with a towel and cleaned up his mess, still fuming at his lack of progress. “I just don’t get it. Two respected academics in runes and not only can’t they translate Josh’s symbols, they tell me there are unknown runes in his work. And then, the icing on the cake, their translations are almost exact opposites of each other and neither one makes any sense when I consider them in relation to the rest of his notes.” He ran his hands through his hair.


“What the hell am I going to do? I’ve run out of options,” he said as he slumped into the black leather sofa cushions.


Robert sat down opposite his brother but remained silent. Alec scrutinized him. Robert squirmed under the close inspection.


“What is it you’re not telling me?” Alec asked. He narrowed his eyes, leaning his arms on his thighs. “You know something.” The silence hung over the room like the Sword of Damocles. “So help me, if I have to beat it out of you I will. Now talk.”


He leaned away from Alec. “There may be another option. However, this one isn’t going to be easy.”


“Easy, what the hell is easy? Seems that word doesn’t exist in my vocabulary anymore.”


“Well, it would involve the Nordstrom Institute.”


“I thought you said that they don’t take outside research requests.”


“They don’t.” Robert rested his interlaced fingers on his slight paunch and explained, “However, employees have access to the databases and in-house experts for research.”


“How does that help me?”


“Currently the Institute is in the process of creating a new division, Celtic Lore to be exact.”


Alec stood, strode to the credenza, and poured himself another whiskey. “Celtic Lore? Who’s heading it? Lucy Millar?”


“No one yet. The lead candidate is Dr. Katie Walsh. She holds a doctorate in Nordic and Celtic mythology.”


“Not seeing the correlation, Robert. How does that help me?”


“While researching and writing her thesis, she became a de facto expert in runes, particularly Anglo-Saxon runes. She actually has a substantial portfolio of runic translations. The Institute is close to awarding her the position as head of the new division.”


“Is it a done deal, or will they consider additional candidates?” Alec asked.


“They’ve informed her that she is the leading and, at this time, the only candidate.”


“So what’s the hold-up? I mean why not just make it official. Is it that she’s not really qualified and the offer is more to satisfy a quota?”


“Well,” Robert started, “Katie, Dr. Walsh, is not your staid, stereotypical academic. She’s no shrinking violet. Some on the board find her no-nonsense attitude suited more for an operational role and not a division head. She’d never accept a quota job. She’s worked hard and earned her reputation by producing viable results. She’s developed a methodology to peel back the layers of time, culture, and changes in language to get to the origins of some of the ancient Celtic and Nordic myths. It was painstakingly slow work most times, but she kept at it and the results, which will soon begin the vetting process, were worth her and the Institute’s investment.”


“Then exactly what the hell is her problem? Why hasn’t she locked down the position?”


“You have to understand where this is coming from, Alec, but Katie is a dear friend of mine. However, I admit that she doesn’t… doesn’t play well with others. Not that she’s mean or vindictive. She just doesn’t play with others, so to speak.”


”Don’t tell me she’s one of those people whose life is their job?” Alec interrupted, shaking his head. “That’s why I find most female academics dry, frustrating, and uninteresting. They have a chip on their shoulder bigger than this room.”


“Look, she works hard and long hours, but I don’t think she lives for the job. It’s just that for now, it’s all she has. Other groups in the Institute will hound the division head for access to the translations and help applying them in their work. The role will, by its very nature, be mostly about appeasing and stroking egos. That’s not Katie’s strong suit.”


Alec laughed. “Sounds like a real wildcat. You sound like you know this creature really well.” He peered closely at Robert’s face.


“I do. As I said she is a very dear friend and don’t refer to her as a creature. She’s actually quite charming. And why the hell are you looking at me like a specimen under a microscope, Alec?”


“Just checking for cat scratches,” Alec joked.


K.J. Montgomery Website and Blog


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Book Trailer


 

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Published on March 25, 2013 07:12

March 22, 2013

Writing a Book Series – Book One as Act One

I’ve wanted to write a series about writing a series :) for a while now, partly because I’m stumbling along, learning as I go, and find that in posting and sharing, I’m learning from others and from the process. I’d love to hear what other writers have learned about writing a book series. Please share your insights, tips, and frustrations, if any. Or, as a reader, things you like or don’t like about book series.


The Necromancer’s Seduction is Book One in a three book Urban Fantasy series. It’s my first book. My first series. Sometimes I wonder what the hell I was thinking. But I guess I wasn’t thinking when the story came, just writing.


Disclaimer: I’m speaking from my experience of writing my series and what worked or didn’t work for me. Everyone has different writing styles and different stories, but that’s also why it’s very cool to hear about people’s different approaches.


There are also many different types of book series. Some are connected by the world and characters, but each book is a book unto itself. The next book in the series may take place in the same world, but may feature different characters facing a separate challenge. Or vice versa. Same characters, different world. And many variations in between.


My series is set in the same world throughout, with the same characters, and has a major story arc that will only get resolved in Book Three. So my Book One has a plot (or in reality a subplot) that gets resolved at the end of Book One, but it ties into and hints at the major story arc that builds and builds until it culminates in Book Three. Think Harry Potter. Each book deals with Harry discovering something about himself and his wizard skills, and resolving one specific threat, but the Voldemort story hangs and builds over everything that happens, influencing things in subtle ways, until the final battle at the end. For example, we don’t learn about Harry being a horcrux until the very end although we are given clues.


I wrote Necromancer Seduction-Book One-with maybe a smidgen of thought to the end of Book Three. And now, after writing the first draft of Book Two and starting Book Three, I’ve altered my mythology some as my characters reveal things to me, and as I develop the story. In hindsight, I wish I would have plotted out my entire series before starting Book One, but my brain is just not wired that way. The story for Book One came out as it came out.


However, despite the changes in my mythology, I’ve made very minor tweaks if any to Book One, and it hit me. I had written Book One almost like it was Act One of the Three Act structure, but for my major story arc. It’s an arc within an arc. Yikes. I do better with diagrams. (Here’s my high tech graphic :)


photo-6


It’s helpful to review the purpose of the Act I or first chunk of a book. Usually, an author introduces the main characters, the basic plot, clears up any important action or events that occurred before the book began, maybe introduce a subplot or two, and some basic clues. And usually, the first chunk ends with a major action scene or complication that carries the story into the second chunk. (Sometimes sagging middles occur because too much was given away in the first chunk.)


What really made me realize that I had treated Book One of my series like the first chunk was that I hadn’t given too much away. I introduced the main characters and gave some insight into their background, but not everything. (For example, my hero Ewan has a major back story problem that impacts his life immensely and I’m not telling what it is until Book Three, although I provide some hints along the way.) I did slip in some basic clues about the world and past events that are important to the overall story arc in Book One, but I’m talking slivers because more wasn’t necessary. The rest comes in the subsequent books.


With Book Two, I reveal lots more, like an Act II. The purpose of Act II or the second chunk: add more complication, grow the seeds planted in the first chunk, provide new clues, expand and inform. The threads are still loose, but closing in. Usually, the second chunk ends with a bigger bang, but we don’t know how things will work out. And in the third and final chunk, pacing increases because we are solving problems and tying everything together. That’s basically how Book Three is panning out. A rush to the endgame, which was mostly revealed in Book Two. There are a few more surprises in Book Three, but it’s basically a race to the finish line.


Using the Three Act structure as a lens to view my three books helped me organize my series in my head, and how much to reveal in each book. Any thoughts and suggestions to share on how you organized/structured your series?


In my next post on writing a book series, I’m going to discuss character arcs and relationships throughout the series.

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Published on March 22, 2013 09:00

March 19, 2013

Special Feature with Mary Buckham, Author of Invisible Recruits Series

I’m excited to have as my guest today Mary Buckham, who has released a Novella and Book One of an exciting new Urban Fantasy series, called the Invisible Recruits. I’ve had the pleasure of taking Mary’s Active Setting class via WriterUniv and learned some great methods of writing strong settings. Now a little about Mary:


Mary was born into a family of artists so as a natural story teller didn’t realize she wasMary Buckham creative until an adult. After working in the financial and media industries, as well as raising five children, Mary turned to writing and now loves creating thrills, spills and spells as she follows the ups and downs of fascinating characters starting with Alex Noziak, the heroine of INVISIBLE MAGIC, INVISIBLE FATE and INVISIBLE POWER.


Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Your interests? When did you start writing?


I wish I had a wonderful, marvelous tale of sitting down one day and deciding to be a writer but my journey didn’t start there. It started with the death of my two-month old son from SIDS or Crib Death one dark December day, a few days before Christmas. He was my fourth child and after his death I had to find a reason to get up every day and put one foot in front of another in order to take care of my other three children. When you experience such a loss you have to dig deep, really deep to discover your own core, your reason for being. For me that was writing. I felt I was meant to share stories with others and that’s what I decided to do, one page at a time, one book at a time.


Thanks for sharing that. I’m sorry for your loss. I have a four year old son and just couldn’t imagine. It’s great that writing gave you something to work through the tragedy.  


What has been one of your biggest challenges so far in your writing career?


Never learning how to type. When I was in high school and college women were pressured into learning how to type so they could be efficient secretaries and assistants. Since I didn’t want to be either I figured if I didn’t learn typing I would be forced to explore other avenues more in line with my Type A personality. So I still hen peck my way through manuscripts. In my next life I’ll learn how to type so I could finish twice as many books!


LOL. I’m not a good typist. One thing I know for sure is you can teach :) How does teaching help you with the writing craft?


We’ve all heard the old adage, those who can’t teach. That’s a bunch of bull-larkey! I think those that teach have the ability to learn and keep on learning and that’s the most amazing gift! I was not trained to be a teacher but found that in sharing what I’ve learned, usually through trial and error, and helping others I have connected with the most amazing writers worldwide. And these are writers of all genres and at different stages in their careers so the give and take of the learning/teaching process is amazing! If I could live two lives simultaneously and had an extra 24-hours a day I’d write full time and continue to teach full time and love both equally.


What type of scenes do you enjoy writing the most?


Action scenes. Maybe it comes from raising five kids. Give me a good skirmish that’s fast-paced and creates winners and losers and I’m in heaven. But I love dialogue scenes too, and scenes rife with sexual tension. Wow, this was a harder question than I realized :)


Yes, with kids, you’re constantly on the move :) . Let’s talk about your Invisible Recruits series. When I read about it on your website, I had so many interesting questions pop in my head. Let’s start with what made you decide to expand the concept for Invisible Recruits from an original story of everyday women brought together to fight international threats, to one where they have extra abilities?


I love the theme of self-discovery for women. Many of us are so defined by our roles in life—daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, volunteer, employee, etc.—that we can easily forget or never realize our own potential.  That’s where the core of the stories started. Everyday women who have a little extra something-something but have hidden or ignored their abilities until tapped to be part of this secret organization. So these women start from a certain self-identity; hairdresser, debutante, temp worker, con artist and kindergarten teacher and expand that into a secret agent status and then have to embrace their otherness until the women they are becoming are nothing like the women they were.


Your book descriptions mention they were endowed with the abilities. How did that happen and did they have a choice?


A lot of us have untapped abilities, but if those abilities are shunned by the people around us it’s really easy to bury them. Think of artists, singers, poets and yes, even writers, who hide their talents rather than risk criticism or ridicule. Then think of abilities that might be a little more challenging for most people to embrace—being a witch or shaman, a psychic, some one able to become invisible for short bursts of time or someone born without a soul. So I endowed my team of five women with these extra abilities, placed them in a situation where they have to use their hidden abilities and then throw them into danger.


One of your heroines, Alex Noziak, is part witch, part-shaman. Tell us a little about how the two magic identities work together or don’t work together. How is she part shaman?


I love the challenges I’ve heaped on Alex. She’s part Celtic-witch from her mother’s lineage, and being witch-born means it’s not a gift one can walk away from, and yet this same mother abandoned her family when Alex was very young. So Alex associates being a witch with losing her family, which is very important to her. Every time Alex uses her magic she fears loss. From her Shoshone father Alex inherited shamanistic abilities that are virtually untapped and include the ability to cross over and communicate in the spirit realm. So Alex is the by-product of two powerful, but very different gifts, and even she doesn’t realize all the ramifications that mixing magic and spirits can bring.


Anything unusual you had to do for research on this book?


For the novella Invisible Prison, I had to learn about the Idaho prison system and magic spells. For Invisible Magic I dug into exotic locations such as a French chateau, a billionaire’s yacht off Monaco and the Maldives. Wish I could say I’ve visited all these locations first hand but that’s still on my to-do list.


Ummm, yeah I wouldn’t mind the Maldives. What has been one of your favorite characters to write?


I love the Alpha men because they unapologetically grab life by the horns and deal with the aftermath later.  But I also love complicated, conflicted characters who are flawed but have good intentions. And villains, there’s nothing quite so juicy as a villain with their own goals and agendas, especially if the reader doesn’t realize that they are a villain. Hint: there are more than one of these in the Invisible Recruit series so keep your eyes peeled for some plot twists based on uncovering bad guys who pose as good guys.


Yes! I love it. I like exploring villians who you think might be redeemable, but then they commit a terrible act, and just cross that line of no return. What themes do you like to explore in your books?


Self-discovery, acceptance, being a fish out of water, learning to expand your comfort zones and trust.


Do you use a pen name? If so, how did you come up with it?


For the Young Adult  Sci Fi/Fantasy series I’m writing with New York Times author Dianna Love we’re using the pen name Micah Caida. The first in that series was published this year and is called TIME TRAP. The second book in that series will be out this November, called TIME RETURN. Otherwise I write under Mary Buckham.


Do you have other interests/hobbies?


Japanese sword fighting. Falconry. Orchid growing. Nah, not really, that’s my younger sister, but I did once have to babysit her red-tailed hawk and feed it raw meat several times a day . Most of my interests and hobbies are much more sedate. I collect ethnic textiles, Japanese prints and folk dolls from around the world. I love to travel world-wide and I am a voracious reader.


Any cool places you’ve traveled to, and do you include anything from your travels in your books?


I’ve been elephant riding in Northern Thailand, slipped across the Mekong River into Laos, climbed the pyramids outside of Cairo and taken part in a Caelih in Edinburgh, Scotland. Okay, the last wasn’t intentional. I couldn’t understand the Scottish directions to stay frozen when they unleashed the German Shepherd attack dogs so when I ran I became part of the entertainment.  I think as a writer all of our live experiences end up in our stories, if not literally, then emotionally. I may not have had to face a Warthog Were like my character did, but that attack dog gave me a good taste of fear!


What exciting experiences and, I agree, I can’t help but slip in little things from my travels in my stories. What book(s) are you reading right now?


LOL! I usually read a new book every day or two so I’m looking at my nightstand now. There’s a couple Robert Van Gulik mysteries with a 13th century Chinese judge as the protagonist, a Lee Child Jack Reacher novel, a women’s fiction book by Emilie Richards,  an Ilona Andrews Urban Fantasy and a Markus Zusak young adult novel.


What books/authors have inspired your writing?


Harlan Coben for his pacing and way of reinventing himself as an author; Dennis Lehane and Barbara Kingsolver for their lyrical writing; Meg Gardiner for her craft ability; the list could be endless.


I’ve been meaning to read Lehane for quite some time so am now more motivated to check out his writing. What’s next? Any new titles we should be looking for?


LOL! Coming up this year INVISIBLE POWER (May release); INVISIBLE FATE (fall release); TIME RETURN (November release) and then I start in on three books and a novella for another member of the Invisible Recruit Agency for 2014.


Anything else you would like to share with our readers?


I’d like to say a huge thank you for every reader who is willing to try a new-to-them author, who is willing to tell a friend about a great book they read and is willing to read in a world where reading is becoming a rarity. It’s because of readers that writers continue to write. To each of you – thank you!


Thank you Mary! The series sounds very exciting and I can’t wait to get started reading them! The Novella, Invisible Prison, kicks off the series.Invisible Prisonm Invisible Recruits


Amazon Link


Blurb for Invisible Prison:


Magic is the last gift Alex Noziak wants but she must embrace it to gain her freedom.


Alex Noziak, part-witch, part-shaman is dumped into the middle of four hostile non-human females and expected to train as a team to protect humans from preternatural threats. Prison never looked so good in comparison.


To save the innocent, Alex must call upon her untested abilities, but at what cost?


Book One: Invisible Magic


Amazon Link


Invisible Magic, Invisible RecruitsHidden from a world unaware of magic, a recently and only partially trained group of operatives known as the Invisible Recruits are the only ones willing to stand between mankind and those powerful preternatural factions seeking to change the balance of power and gain world domination.


Alex Noziak, part witch/part shaman, anticipates facing dangerous preternaturals out for blood . . not fashion week. But when the rookie agent is sent undercover to find out who, or what, is behind a series of world-wide thefts of top-secret intelligence, Alex tangles with the Seekers.


Seekers hunt gifted human individuals like Alex and her squad whose rare powers can keep the balance between human and nonhuman squarely on the side of the humans. Her simple assignment turns into a battle of survival for everyone involved when she crosses Bran, a mysterious warlock, who might be her only ally or worst enemy.


INVISIBLE MAGIC


She has nothing to lose, except her life.


(excerpt)


CHAPTER 2 


I ignored Kelly’s breathing next to me, Mandy’s scowl across from me, and Jayleen tightening both her hands along her sword’s shaft. The late afternoon sunlight was streaming through high clearstory windows around the gym, the hiss of kerosene lamps I’d set up for back up lighting mingling with the quiet. Demon baiting in the dark was suicidal.


My voice was calm and deep as I raised my hands and began the summoning chant once more:


Here in this place and before the eyes of the unbelievers, come forth.


I call the creatures of the elements. The seekers of release who wish to walk amongst the humans.


I bid you to destroy the binds holding you in thrall.


Come. Prove yourselves.


A faint wind brushed against my skin. A hot, dry wind, not from damp Maryland in March, but someplace far away. Smelling of sulfur and brine.


I squeezed my eyes shut and kept chanting, stretching my arms higher, deepening my voice, ignoring the fissure of warning along my skin.


There is a reason for being. Journey here. Now.


May your masters honor and bow before you. Sending you on your way.


You who laugh at the mortals. Come close.


Echo-demon I summon thee!


The wind picked up and I swore I could feel grit and sand abrading my skin. Kelly caught her breath. I kept my eyes closed.


We welcome you demon of the deep. Come play with us. Show us your might.


Demons did love a dare.


The lights in the room flickered then went out. My eyelids flew open. Fortunately the few kerosene lanterns stayed lit even as they cast long wavering shadows dancing across the room and deepening the darkness in all four corners.


Mandy was no longer scowling but sending wary glances over both her shoulders. Jayleen faced where the danger was greatest, head-on, towards the circle. After her childhood what was one lone demon.


Kelly’s breathing came short and shallow. I feared she’d hyper-ventilate before I finished the summoning. But I couldn’t stop now. The echo-demon was too close. I could feel it’s presence like sharp cat claws stepping paw by paw across my exposed arms. The tensing of my neck and shoulders. The knot tightening in my gut.


“Come on,” I whispered, “show your ugly face. Come forth and die.”


Now! Echo-demon. Close nearby as day dissolves into night. Show us your—


The explosion ripped through the room. Tossing me far enough backwards I landed with a curse on my tailbone. Ten feet in front of me Jayleen and Mandy held their positions. They were no longer waiting or wary. Legs braced, swords held high, muscles tensed. They were ready for bear.


Crap. Where was. . .Kelly had winked out. Only her sword shook in the flickering light. The late afternoon sky had clouded over, as if evil brought its own darkness.


And not one but three echo-demons swirled like a bad nightmare in the middle of the gym; twelve feet tall, brackish green in color, scales covering their bodies as they materialized into more corporeal shapes. First one, with three horns sprouting from his misshapen head, then the second, with a gaping mouth of shark-like teeth, and then the third, with a double-forked tail, each ending in a knobby spike.


Oh by the Goddesses, what had I done?


You can find Mary at the following:


Mary Buckham


Invisible Recruits


 

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Published on March 19, 2013 06:45