Serena Akeroyd's Blog: All Things Serena! , page 310
September 4, 2013
AN INTERVIEW WITH RON GRIFFIN
On his debut novel: Blood Stained Lives!
On today’s blog, I’m...
AN INTERVIEW WITH RON GRIFFIN
On his debut novel: Blood Stained Lives!
On today’s blog, I’m spotlighting a new author: Ronald Griffin. I’ve put some questions to him but before that, here’s a short biography!
Ronald Griffin is a 31 year old Author who grew up in Georgia and still lives there today. His current writing style includes paranormal fantasy and horror. He has been writing since he was 9 years old when he wrote a Tiny Toons Adventure skit for his class and it was well received. From there, he was absorbed with writing about Superheroes but once high school hit, the supernatural started calling him, especially the werewolves. This is where his latest The Blood Lives Saga was born.
You can either find him locked away in his writing cave or at his local Cracker Barrel where he supports his fantasy genre reading habit. His Author idol is the husband and wife writing team: Ilona Andrews. He has thoroughly enjoyed their magic series novels and feels encouraged that they are from his same state. When not writing, you can find Ronald spending time with his daughters (ages 3 and 9) and his son (age 7). He can be found spending time making precious moments with them and hopefully passing along the writing bug to them.
So, Ron, I know you love to read and write paranormal fantasy and the Blood Stained Lives is within that genre, but what’s this book about?
Well. it is a paranormal fantasy about this one man’s journey to become the hero he was born to be. He has many trials along the way that he must make his way through.
And within this book, is there a message you want readers to grasp?
The importance of friends and family. When you have them on your side anything can be done.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
Getting it started. I didn’t realize there was so much work in self-promoting. I am just glad I have made some wonderful friends along the way.
Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?
This is my first novel and although yes my dream is going to come true, but I believe there is much more to do to keep that dream alive.
What does your work space look like?
My work place varies, sometimes I write from my bedroom, the dining room where I can look out the sliding glass doors or the locations that are mentioned in my novel. Sometimes it is good to write from the actual locations.
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Take time for yourself every now and then. Do not let the writing consume you all the times because it can cause you lots of unnecessary stress and your story could suffer from it.
Do you think the first novel may be a little bit rushed? Do you think you should have put more detail into your characters?
Rushed? No, I do not think so. I wanted a novel that was gripping and fast paced from start to finish.
As for the more detail into my characters. Yes, I did leave a lot of questions unanswered and add characters into the story before giving them much of a grand appearance and such. All for a reason.
The story I have in mind is much too grand to add into one book. I will be releasing two series branched off from this novel. Blood Stained Lives is the first in the Blood Stained Saga series which will be four novels. I already have the titles, and plots picked for the novels. I will also be releasing a series of novellas online titled Blood Stained Origins which will focus on the individual character histories. So expect more back story on every character you come across.
Sounds really exciting, Ron. I’m a fan of the paranormal myself and I’m sure a lot of my readers are too! Good luck with the release!
Website: www.BloodStainedSaga.com
Blog: http://ronaldgriffin.blogspot.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BloodStainedSaga
Blood Stained Lives will be on sale at:
September 3, 2013
AN INTERVIEW WITH A… MONA! Admit it, you thought I was going to say vampire! So, I thought it...
Admit it, you thought I was going to say vampire!
So, I thought it would be pretty neat if I interviewed Simone, the first character in my #NaughtyNookie series. I’ve interviewed guest authors over the years, and in my time, even done an interview with a band; but never with a fictional character. But of course, to me, Simone is very much alive.
Knowing her inside and out as I do, I thought I’d pass on the love into this intriguing woman who is filled with self-judgments, criticisms but has a very solid belief of what is right and what is wrong and to whom, life hasn’t been very kind.
So, Mona, where were you born?
I was born in Georgia, in a tiny town just outside of Atlanta that makes Backwater, USA, seem like its hugely populated. I hated Fountain Springs. If I take my entire life into account, then the worst years took place there. I’ve lived in New York ever since I was 18. I escaped from Fountain Springs as soon as I’d graduated. This isn’t where I’d call home, although it’s where my two best friends, Marina and Eddie do; so, for the moment, NYC is where I lay my head and where I call home.
Where do you go and what do you when you’re angry?
If I’m honest, I rarely lose my temper. I’ve learnt to be laid back over the years and not let too much grate on my nerves. That stems from a point in my life where I could have let bitterness overtake me. I’m too smart to be wasting myself cleaning and I don’t want to offend any cleaners out there by saying that. But I wanted to be a doctor, but life and the huge cost of medical school nipped that in the bud.
I was a shoe-in for a scholarship, until my father blackened my name and that dream disintegrated into nothing as dreams had a tendency of doing where he was about.
Through it, I’ve discovered a love of poetry. I hope to one day release a book.
Is your refrigerator filled with moldy cheese and a few cans? What’s on your bedroom floor and nightstand?
Moldy? You have to be kidding me! You did read that I’m a cleaner, right? I’m pretty anal about those kinds of things. I won’t even stay in hotels, because I hate the idea of sharing a bed!
My living environment mirrors my Type-A personality. Neat, clean and everything in its proper place. I’ve a cheap rug on my bedroom floor and on my nightstand, an alarm clock. Neat as a pin doesn’t describe the amount of time I waste on making sure my home is clean.
What is one memory you have from your childhood kitchen? What smell do you associate with that and why has it stuck in your brain for so long?
*Mona grimaces*
I have very few happy memories of my childhood home. The most fun I had was at school; I loved learning and being out of the house. My father was a control freak and he abused my mother. Most of my memories of the kitchen actually center around her preparing something in a way he didn’t agree with and then him punishing her for that mistake.
There were a handful of times, when he had to work away on business. My mother was always happier, when he wasn’t around. I doubt she’d ever have admitted that though. On those few occasions, we made blueberry pie. My father hated blueberries so she never made it until he went away. I have a sneaking suspicion that it was her favorite dessert. I can still smell that sugary sourness wafting through the house and the taste of the buttery crumble of the rich pastry. My stained tongue and the purply-blue fingers from wiping them around the plate to catch each drop of intensely fruity syrup… good times.
It was one of the few occasions I remember being really happy as a child. To this day, even though they’re outside of my budget, I’ll always pop some into my grocery basket if I see them.
What do you do on a weekend? Work? Or play?
I work six days a week, but on Sundays, it’s my day to be me. I always have a bath, filled with bubbles and soak in it for hours. That and the books I devour while submerged are the few indulgences I have. Then, I drift around. Do some grocery shopping; hang out with Marina or Edwina or both. Have a coffee and a chat. Just be.
What’s your most treasured possession?
The photo album I have of my grandfather, when he served during the war. Even though there was a war going on, you can’t see that from his face. Or the people/soldiers around him.
I think, in a way, those images will always be imprinted on my brain. They taught me to toughen up. When life hands you sour cherries; you just have to make them sweet. And if, back then, people could find happiness during the world’s darkest moments, then how can I complain about my life?
Which living person do you most despise?
*Mona laughs*
Can’t you guess? Definitely, my father! I don’t even know if he’s dead or alive. Christ, what an admission. But he was a cruel taskmaster who used his religion to justify his appalling behavior. To be honest, I went past hating him a long time ago. But there’s no one else I’ve ever come close to despising.
What is your greatest regret?
My greatest regret is that I didn’t have a decent relationship with my mother. Maybe if I had, we’d still be in touch. Instead, I’m totally isolated save my friends. It isn’t a nice thought knowing that you’re completely alone in the world.
How would you like to die?
Christ! What a morbid question! As low as I’ve sunk during my lifetime, never once have I thought about dying. Let’s be more positive, eh? How would I like to live? Well, of course, happily ever after!
What is your motto?
Just like my granddaddy; semper fi. Always loyal. That’s me. Through thick and thin.
If you’d like to know more about Simone, then find out in #FallIntoLove! Now available on Kindle.
#FallIntoLove on US Kindle: http://ow.ly/nFnfk
#FallIntoLove on UK Kindle : http://ow.ly/nFn7f
AN INTERVIEW WITH A… MONA!
Admit it, you thought I was going to say vampire!
So, I thought it...
Admit it, you thought I was going to say vampire!
So, I thought it would be pretty neat if I interviewed Simone, the first character in my #NaughtyNookie series. I’ve interviewed guest authors over the years, and in my time, even done an interview with a band; but never with a fictional character. But of course, to me, Simone is very much alive.
Knowing her inside and out as I do, I thought I’d pass on the love into this intriguing woman who is filled with self-judgments, criticisms but has a very solid belief of what is right and what is wrong and to whom, life hasn’t been very kind.
So, Mona, where were you born?
I was born in Georgia, in a tiny town just outside of Atlanta that makes Backwater, USA, seem like its hugely populated. I hated Fountain Springs. If I take my entire life into account, then the worst years took place there. I’ve lived in New York ever since I was 18. I escaped from Fountain Springs as soon as I’d graduated. This isn’t where I’d call home, although it’s where my two best friends, Marina and Eddie do; so, for the moment, NYC is where I lay my head and where I call home.
Where do you go and what do you when you’re angry?
If I’m honest, I rarely lose my temper. I’ve learnt to be laid back over the years and not let too much grate on my nerves. That stems from a point in my life where I could have let bitterness overtake me. I’m too smart to be wasting myself cleaning and I don’t want to offend any cleaners out there by saying that. But I wanted to be a doctor, but life and the huge cost of medical school nipped that in the bud.
I was a shoe-in for a scholarship, until my father blackened my name and that dream disintegrated into nothing as dreams had a tendency of doing where he was about.
Through it, I’ve discovered a love of poetry. I hope to one day release a book.
Is your refrigerator filled with moldy cheese and a few cans? What’s on your bedroom floor and nightstand?
Moldy? You have to be kidding me! You did read that I’m a cleaner, right? I’m pretty anal about those kinds of things. I won’t even stay in hotels, because I hate the idea of sharing a bed!
My living environment mirrors my Type-A personality. Neat, clean and everything in its proper place. I’ve a cheap rug on my bedroom floor and on my nightstand, an alarm clock. Neat as a pin doesn’t describe the amount of time I waste on making sure my home is clean.
What is one memory you have from your childhood kitchen? What smell do you associate with that and why has it stuck in your brain for so long?
*Mona grimaces*
I have very few happy memories of my childhood home. The most fun I had was at school; I loved learning and being out of the house. My father was a control freak and he abused my mother. Most of my memories of the kitchen actually center around her preparing something in a way he didn’t agree with and then him punishing her for that mistake.
There were a handful of times, when he had to work away on business. My mother was always happier, when he wasn’t around. I doubt she’d ever have admitted that though. On those few occasions, we made blueberry pie. My father hated blueberries so she never made it until he went away. I have a sneaking suspicion that it was her favorite dessert. I can still smell that sugary sourness wafting through the house and the taste of the buttery crumble of the rich pastry. My stained tongue and the purply-blue fingers from wiping them around the plate to catch each drop of intensely fruity syrup… good times.
It was one of the few occasions I remember being really happy as a child. To this day, even though they’re outside of my budget, I’ll always pop some into my grocery basket if I see them.
What do you do on a weekend? Work? Or play?
I work six days a week, but on Sundays, it’s my day to be me. I always have a bath, filled with bubbles and soak in it for hours. That and the books I devour while submerged are the few indulgences I have. Then, I drift around. Do some grocery shopping; hang out with Marina or Edwina or both. Have a coffee and a chat. Just be.
What’s your most treasured possession?
The photo album I have of my grandfather, when he served during the war. Even though there was a war going on, you can’t see that from his face. Or the people/soldiers around him.
I think, in a way, those images will always be imprinted on my brain. They taught me to toughen up. When life hands you sour cherries; you just have to make them sweet. And if, back then, people could find happiness during the world’s darkest moments, then how can I complain about my life?
Which living person do you most despise?
*Mona laughs*
Can’t you guess? Definitely, my father! I don’t even know if he’s dead or alive. Christ, what an admission. But he was a cruel taskmaster who used his religion to justify his appalling behavior. To be honest, I went past hating him a long time ago. But there’s no one else I’ve ever come close to despising.
What is your greatest regret?
My greatest regret is that I didn’t have a decent relationship with my mother. Maybe if I had, we’d still be in touch. Instead, I’m totally isolated save my friends. It isn’t a nice thought knowing that you’re completely alone in the world.
How would you like to die?
Christ! What a morbid question! As low as I’ve sunk during my lifetime, never once have I thought about dying. Let’s be more positive, eh? How would I like to live? Well, of course, happily ever after!
What is your motto?
Just like my granddaddy; semper fi. Always loyal. That’s me. Through thick and thin.
If you’d like to know more about Simone, then find out in #FallIntoLove! Now available on Kindle.
#FallIntoLove on US Kindle: http://ow.ly/nFnfk
#FallIntoLove on UK Kindle : http://ow.ly/nFn7f
September 2, 2013
ARE YOU READY FOR THE LAUNCH?! I’ve already revealed the cover art for part two of the...
ARE YOU READY FOR THE LAUNCH?!
I’ve already revealed the cover art for part two of the #NaughtyNookie series. And if you missed it, then here it is!
#CrazyLittleThingCalledLust is currently with the proofreader and it’s already passed through the beta reader – sounds like some kind of laxative. Disgusting thought lol. Forgive me! So, I’m waiting to hear back from her and once that happens, I’ll be uploading Crazy Little Thing Called Lust on to Kindle and Smashwords as well as Barnes and Noble.
Hopefully, that will be at the end of the week. And to celebrate, I intend to offer #FallIntoLove, the first part of the #NaughtyNookie series for free this weekend.
For those of you who haven’t read it, it will be a great chance to know what’s happened before checking out part two!
Anyway, if you can’t wait until then, here are the links! :)
#FallIntoLove on US Kindle: http://ow.ly/nFnfk
#FallIntoLove on UK Kindle : http://ow.ly/nFn7f
ARE YOU READY FOR THE LAUNCH?!
I’ve already revealed the cover art for part two of the...
ARE YOU READY FOR THE LAUNCH?!
I’ve already revealed the cover art for part two of the #NaughtyNookie series. And if you missed it, then here it is!
#CrazyLittleThingCalledLust is currently with the proofreader and it’s already passed through the beta reader – sounds like some kind of laxative. Disgusting thought lol. Forgive me! So, I’m waiting to hear back from her and once that happens, I’ll be uploading Crazy Little Thing Called Lust on to Kindle and Smashwords as well as Barnes and Noble.
Hopefully, that will be at the end of the week. And to celebrate, I intend to offer #FallIntoLove, the first part of the #NaughtyNookie series for free this weekend.
For those of you who haven’t read it, it will be a great chance to know what’s happened before checking out part two!
Anyway, if you can’t wait until then, here are the links! :)
#FallIntoLove on US Kindle: http://ow.ly/nFnfk
#FallIntoLove on UK Kindle : http://ow.ly/nFn7f
August 31, 2013
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.Winston Churchill
I...
Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
Winston Churchill
I wholeheartedly agree with this. But I think to make it a tad more PC, we shouldn’t term it as failure :D Perhaps switch failure with life? And the lessons it throws at us. :) I think retaining enthusiasm throughout the bumps in the road that are struggles and strife that every human encounters on a daily basis is even harder than retaining optimism after failing!
Have a great Saturday peeps, and don’t forget, my brand spanking new novella is now available on Kindle! And part two, #CrazyLittleThingCalledLust is coming soon!
#FallIntoLove on US Kindle: http://ow.ly/nFnfk
#FallIntoLove on UK Kindle : http://ow.ly/nFn7f
August 30, 2013
AWESOME FEEDBACK
You know, the best part of publishing a work that has been in your head for...
You know, the best part of publishing a work that has been in your head for yonks, is the feedback that comes from it. And that’s definitely the case, when that feedback is all positive.
I’ve got to say I’m one of these types that LOVES A*s. I can’t help it. And the review equivalent of 5 stars just thrills me! However, 4 stars are just as awesome and I’m getting quite a few different opinions from all walks of life. Men to women; authors to reviewers.
Check this out:
“If erotica is something you enjoy, you will want to check out this new series.”
Julie at the Crew Review
“This is a short story, but there is a lot of action packed into the pages.”
Jaime at Kaina’s Book Blog
“I know the author has another couple of stories up her sleeve. I for one will read them to see if she can pull it off again with such story-telling skill.”
Ron Askew, Author of Watching Swifts
“I love the introspection Ms. Akeroyd entertains inside her heroine’s mind. Her analysis of the inner workings of the female psyche is dead on … so is all the pleasure we can derive from being women!
A great read. Would have loved for the story to go on. Will read this author again.”
Joss Landry, Author of Mirror Deep
I seriously couldn’t be happier! :) What a way to end the week!
#FallIntoLove can be found on:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
August 29, 2013
REVIEW: ST MICHAEL BY ANNA STROMJJELLE
My Review: 4 stars!This short story recounts the tale...
REVIEW: ST MICHAEL BY ANNA STROMJJELLE
My Review: 4 stars!
This short story recounts the tale of a sexually-frustrated and bored housewife, Vanessa, whose husband has a tendency to ignore her, when he’s not ordering her about. Following his latest dictate, she sets about redecorating their swish Kensington flat.
At the interior decorating firm she selects to use for the project, she meets hunky Mark and takes a shine to him.
As part of the project, they have to travel down to a ‘haunted house’ in Wales and in the midst, have a few bouts of sex.
On the whole, I quite liked the premise of the bored housewife taking her pleasure in the hunky workman who is a decade her junior. Vanessa is well suited to the role of cougar! However, I don’t think she’s well-developed as a character; I think her ennui could be transmitted to the reader a tad more fiercely. Mark is merely the receptacle of Vanessa’s lust and while he blushes a lot, he doesn’t do much else… apart from the obvious!! :D And some could say, that’s quite enough!
Anna Stromfjelle sets the scene quite nicely; I like her descriptions of locations and situations. But in all honesty, I think this novella is too short for its story. A lot could happen and the horror aspects could be lengthened to make the entire scenario a lot more dramatic. I’d have preferred reasons for what happened, when it did - don’t want to say too much!
All in all, it’s a quick and raunchy read and does what it says on the tin. For my liking it’s too short. But, definitely worthy of 4 stars! There’s a part of the writing method I don’t like, a switch from past to present, but on the whole, I really like the idea and the way Vanessa resolves the situation. Quick thinking on her part!
Review: St Michael by Anna Stromfjelle
My Review: 4 stars!
This short story recounts the tale of a sexually-frustrated and bored housewife, Vanessa, whose husband has a tendency to ignore her, when he’s not ordering her about. Following his latest dictate, she sets about redecorating their swish Kensington flat.
At the interior decorating firm she selects to use for the project, she meets hunky Mark and takes a shine to him.
As part of the project, they have to travel down to a ‘haunted house’ in Wales and in the midst, have a few bouts of sex.
On the whole, I quite liked the premise of the bored housewife taking her pleasure in the hunky workman who is a decade her junior. Vanessa is well suited to the role of cougar! However, I don’t think she’s well-developed as a character; I think her ennui could be transmitted to the reader a tad more fiercely. Mark is merely the receptacle of Vanessa’s lust and while he blushes a lot, he doesn’t do much else… apart from the obvious!! :D And some could say, that’s quite enough!
Anna Stromfjelle sets the scene quite nicely; I like her descriptions of locations and situations. But in all honesty, I think this novella is too short for its story. A lot could happen and the horror aspects could be lengthened to make the entire scenario a lot more dramatic. I’d have preferred reasons for what happened, when it did - don’t want to say too much!
All in all, it’s a quick and raunchy read and does what it says on the tin. For my liking it’s too short. But, definitely worthy of 4 stars! There’s a part of the writing method I don’t like, a switch from past to present, but on the whole, I really like the idea and the way Vanessa resolves the situation. Quick thinking on her part!
Marketing Woes & Tips To Stop Depression :D
As an author (you’ve no idea how awesome it feels to say that or in this case, write it!) I’m finding a lot of my time sucked up in marketing and often, for a lost cause.
In my video blog, I mentioned how I’m enjoying social networking. And that’s no lie. I am.
But I saw a post on the Facebook group: Marketing For Authors and it made me question a few things.
Firstly, let me say, it’s one of the most useful groups I’ve come across on Facebook. Found many, but for advice and help, this is really the best.
But on there, someone was saying how time input into marketing isn’t equating into sales and I guess it’s the same for me.
I think my only problem is really with the time I spend on marketing, which could be put to more use writing; but let’s face it, I have to chill out sometimes, right? I can’t be working and writing all the time! I think you have to approach your social networking with a firm frame of mind; it’s not going to open a ton of doors for you, but you’ll meet some pretty awesome people along the way, learn a hell of a lot, have fun, find inspiration and if what you do turns into one sale, that in turn, turns into a review, then your work is complete. And the cycle goes around again.
My advice? Have fun, don’t spread yourself too thin and don’t expect to make a million with one book. :D
Wow, I sound like I’ve being doing this a long time- hah! No, I haven’t but I feel like I’ve picked up a lot of stuff along the way. :) And one thing you have to do: must, must, must, is pass on the love.
That’s what the whole reviewing thing is about. I don’t really have time, but, it’s worth it if I can help a fellow author.
I’ve already had quite a few emails regarding reviewing, so that’s awesome. And if you’re an erotica writer looking for reviews, then check out my review policy for more info.
That being said, if you fancy some #NaughtyNookie, then check out my novella, #FallIntoLove on US Kindle: http://ow.ly/nFnfk and
#FallIntoLove on UK Kindle : http://ow.ly/nFn7f.
Another 5 star review popped on Amazon and Goodreads today! Woohoo!
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