K.L. Bone's Blog, page 15
August 1, 2015
Book Giveaway, Aug. 1-15!
Between now and Aug. 15th, 2015 free e-copies of Heir to Koloso, the second novel in the Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series, are available in exchange for anyone willing to leave an honest review as part of a giveaway with the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad on Goodreads! Other novels that are also available for the first two weeks of August include:
The Storm and the Darkness by Sarah M. Cradit
Light In Darkness by Brandy L. Rivers
Fahrenheit by Alex Rosa
The list of available books will be changed every two weeks. Please click on the following links for full rules & details!
Link to Dauntless Indies Read & Review Squad Goodreads page – https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/152746-dauntless-indies-read-and-review-squad
July 1, 2015
Germany, Romania & the Dracula Workshop
Last week, I attended the International Conference Beliefs and Behaviors in Education and Culture in where I was a presenter in the workshop titled: Where’s the Place of Dracula: (De)constructing Stereotypes in the Study of the Mythical Space in Literature and the Arts.
The conference was held at the West University of Timișoara, Romania. Everything from the actual conference to the tour of the Romanian countryside was absolutely amazing! And what better place to hold a Dracula conference than in Romania, where Stoker set his famous novel.
However before I went to Romania, I first decided to spend a few days in Munich, Germany, a country I had always wanted to visit. After landing in the city, my first full day was spent exploring downtown. Sights included: Marienplatz, which is a plaza showing several beautiful examples of Gothic architecture. It was referred to by one local I spoke with as the ‘Heart of Prague’ and a glance at the magnificent structure which forms the center of he Plaza, I could easily see why it would be referred to in such a way.
We also went to the Residenz Munchen. composed of a series of elaborate buildings consisting of the households of important figures, elaborate artwork, to an opera house which was by far, my favorite of the buildings I was fortunate enough to view.
And of course, and perhaps most importantly, the Hard Rock Cafe! (I am an avid pin and shot glass collector)
We met my friend, Hans, for lunch. He is photographer, fellow writer and Dracula scholar, author of several Dracula research books including the Dracula Bram Stoker Travel Guide, a project he is working on with fellow author, Dacre Stoker.
We also went to Nymphenburg Palace, which was nothing short of breathtaking from the elaborate rooms (which reminded me a lot of the Strahov Monastery in Prague):
Outside photograph of Nymphenburg Palace
Inside photograph of Nymphenburg Palace
To the garden which featured statues of the Greek Gods. It was a special site for me, as a lover of classical Greek and Roman history and literature.
Altogether, we spent three wonderful days in Munich before heading back to the airport for a thankfully much shorter flight, to Timisoara, Romania. The conference organizers were kind of enough to arrange transportation, so all of the conference attendees had rides awaiting them to their respective hotels, which was very much appreciated.
The conference itself was filled with speakers on various subjects dealing with various issues concerning everything from the education system, to contemporary issues facing Romania and surrounding countries, to what I had been invited to speak on – Dracula. The key note speech on Stoker’s Dracula was given a Prof. of Gothic literature. The speech would begin the discussion for the workshop which took place the following day. The workshop itself was a wonderful gathering of vampire enthusiasts; from professors in the field to graduate students to a few select authors and independent researchers. Topics covered included, but were certainly not limited to: The possible location of Dracula’s Castle the impact of vampire texts upon actual locations; family dynamics in vampire film; to people who self-identify as ‘real’ vampires in one form or another. Each speaker was amazing and had something very unique to offer to the building group discussion and I was honored to be a part of it.
Speakers of the Dracula Workshop – photo credit to: http://benecke.com/
The last day of the conference was a group tour into Transylvania where the highlight of the visit was a castle which serves as a possible contender for a might have inspired Bram Stoker when he sat down to write the story of the now famous Transylvanian count. It was an impression, imagination-inspiring place, to say the least.
I absolutely loved getting to explore Corvin Castle, but to have the opportunity to do so alongside a group of people who love the vampire story as much as I, made it absolute magic!
In front of Corvin’s Castle, Romania
To see more photographs, visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/klboneauthor
Book Giveaway July 1-15, 2015
Between now and July 15th, 2015 free e-copies of Heir to Kale, the first novel in the Rise of the Temple Gods fantasy series, are available in exchange for anyone willing to leave an honest review as part of a giveaway with the Dauntless Indies Read and Review Squad on Goodreads! Other novels that are also available for the first two weeks of July include:
Dark Blessing: A Crimson & Clover Lagniappe by Sarah M. Cradit
Others of Edenton – Box Set 2 by Brandy L. Rivers
The Ship has Sunk by Michelle Graves
The list of available books will be changed every two weeks. Please click on the following links for full rules & details!
Link to Dauntless Indies Read & Review Squad Goodreads page – https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/152746-dauntless-indies-read-and-review-squad
To the books listed specifically for July Part 1 – https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/12081738-july-read-and-review-part-one
May 27, 2015
Boston & American Literature Association Conference
I spent the weekend on a trip to Boston, where I was a speaker at the 26th annual American Literature Association Conference. It was my first time in the area, so I was excited both for the event and the trip itself.
I spoke on the panel titled: Nobody Understand Me:Evil Kids in Children’s Literature along with four other wonderful speakers, focusing on a variety of aspects, including both film and literature representations of the darker side of children.
My specific paper was well-received and I really enjoyed the lively discussion which followed both during the Q & A and at the following lunch, where everyone gathered in a nearby park for sandwiches.
I also attended several additional panels, including speeches on the work of Octavia Butler (I’ve completed some work on her novel, The Fledgling), Ellen Glasgow (a ‘southern gothic’ author), the Victorian afterlives, and for fun, a panel on detective novels — among a few others.
I also walked around the Boston Library which was very impressive and located directly across the street from the conference location. I had a chance to speak with fellow authors and scholar on any and all aspects of our shared loved of literature.
After the conference was over, I scheduled a few days to travel through New England. First, we went to Salem, Massachusetts and explored the town. A few of the houses date back to the 16 and 1700s, which was really cool. My father, who made the trip with me, is a big American History fan so he was loving exploring the history of both Salem and the area surrounding it. We also saw a few things focusing on the witch trials and explored a bit of the history in that regard as well.
Then, walking down the street famous for it’s witches, leave it to me to find…a vampire! So of course, I could not resist having my picture taken with him.
Then dad and I decided to take as side-trip from Massachusetts to Maine in order to visit the Portland Lobster Company. It is a small building, super-crowded where people order their lobster and then wait a solid hour before being given a seat at a long wooden table outdoors in the dock.
There were a ton of people, a live band, and a cool ocean breeze blowing across the water, disrupted by the occasion sound of boats passing by. Amazing food and we had a great time just sitting there listening to the music for several hours before beginning the journey back to Boston. My dad had always wanted to have Maine lobster in Maine, so it was a check off the bucket list.
Our last day there, we visited a place I had always dreamed of seeing — Harvard University.
That is me sitting on the steps of one of my dream schools. (Still waiting on that acceptance letter —beginning to think it got lost along with my acceptance to Hogwarts) The tour was student-lead and the guide was very knowledgeable, revealing different points of history along the tour, including the buildings where a few award winners and a President (or two) had stayed.
We also, of course, went to the Hard Rock Cafe. I am a big pin collector.
Overall, it was a great trip and I enjoyed by the conference and getting to see a part of the country where I had never traveled before.
May 9, 2015
Book Giveaway – Sat. May 9, 2015
BOOK GIVEAWAY!!! – Sat. May 9, 2015
Greg Wilkey, Author of YA Fiction‘s page and KL Bone’s author Facebook page are giving away signed copies of their novels. Greg will be giving away copies of “Growing up Dead” and KL Bone will be giving away copies of “Heir to Kale” to four randomly selected winners, two from each page, who will receive a copy of the novels from both authors.
If you would like a chance to win, in Greg Wilkey’s contest post or in KL Bone’s, comment and tell us — “As we approach the summer months, what kinds of books do you like to read on vacation?” Want to increase your chances, feel free to enter on both author’s pages!
Pages with the posts to enter the contest can be found here:
Greg’s page – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greg-Wilkey-Author-of-YA-Fiction/351753751608643?fref=ts
KL Bone’s page – https://www.facebook.com/klboneauthor
The contest will run until midnight, EST and winners will be announced the following morning, May 10, 2015.
Good Luck!
March 12, 2015
Novel Release – Heir to Koloso
Cover design by Skyla Dawn Cameron
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you. That is your destiny, Princess of Kale, Princess of Koloso, heir to both.” – Prophecy of the Kalian Twins
The struggle for the throne intensifies as twin Princesses Ameria and Mariana are forced to contend with their bitter rivalry and haunted past. In this sequel to Heir to Kale, the sisters learn that they must first expose the secrets of their past before they can begin to unveil their shadowed destiny.
Awaiting the Temple bout which will determine her fate, Princess Mariana struggles to unite a Kingdom long bereft of leadership. She must navigate a labyrinth of rival families, powerful lords, and the ever-widening rift between those who serve the Temples and those who do not. Unprepared and still grieving the loss of her mentor, Mariana must decide for herself what is right for the kingdom and who, if anyone, can be trusted.
Meanwhile, Princess Ameria is determined to discover the true identity of her father’s killer and is willing to risk everything in order to find the answers she seeks. Embarking upon a quest which takes her from gleaming Temples to darkened castles, she endeavors to learn the truth about her family, the Prophecy, and the future of the Kingdom. Eventually turning to her estranged grandfather, the powerful and dangerous Lord Riccard, Ameria uncovers a truth about her family’s past from which will threaten to challenge the very foundations of her beliefs.
However, as the sisters come closer to revealing their past and the prophecy which haunts their future, the wraiths watch from the shadows, an ever-present reminder that time is running out and that the fight for the throne looms upon the horizon.
Now Available!
On Kindle:
Paperback:
March 6, 2015
Heir to Koloso – A Preview
Prologue
(Almost 26 years ago)
The temple of Ziazan hosted a tournament once every thirteen years. It was an exclusive event, where only proven Royal Champions of the previous twelve tournaments were invited to compete. To the winner went fortune, title, eternal glory, and above all, admittance to the Kalian Defendant Team. In the history of this sacred event, only one man had ever won all thirteen of these tournaments. After today, there would be another.
The crowd gathered to witness the impending fight was larger than any had ever seen. People swarmed, crushing themselves against the bodies of others in hopes of gaining even the slightest glimpse of what was sure to be the fight of the century. In the top level boxes reserved for those of royal and temple status, there was not an empty seat. Every defendant, temple master, high-ranking student, lord and lady had gathered for this event. Seated across from the tournament mats in an isolated box set slightly higher than most of the crowd, sat King Nicholas Dektra, dressed in satin robes of deep crimson along with his eldest son, Crown Prince Darek. To their left in matching robes of gold sat High Priest Seth, Lord of the Kalian Temples and spiritual leader to the Gods along with Master Michael, Master of Kale and a former Golden Defendant.
A sense of anticipation filled the air and all seemed to be holding their breath waiting for the final match to begin. Lady Annabelle had just been defeated by both of the champions who were preparing to face off, taking her place as the third best fighter and highest ranking woman in the land. Now all that remained was to see which of the remaining two fighters would win the title Champion of the Kalian Temples.
Normal tournaments were fought in pairs, two on two. However, at the thirteenth tournament, teams disappeared and partnerships dissolved, each man fighting one on one to prove himself worthy of being call the greatest fighter in the land. Lord Leonardo and Prince Eadmund of Kale had been partners for over fifteen years. Today, for the first time, they would face each other on the temple mats and at long last, discover who was the best.
Down a dark marble hallway, standing in front of a silver mirror, stood Lord Leonardo Desato. His blond hair was cut short and his jade green eyes seemed darker than normal in the dim light of the borrowed bedroom. He was dressed in long satin pants and a long sleeve shirt also of satin. The sleeves were cinched tightly at his wrists but remained loose and comfortable along his arms. The material was designed in elaborate circles of gold, silver, red, pink, black, yellow, green, blue, white, purple and then back to gold, swirling around him with all the colors of the Kalian Temples. All Royal Champions invited to compete in this monumental event had worn the same.
Prince Eadmund stood before a similar mirror, buttoning the last of his sleeves to his pale wrists. His height a few inches over six feet, the prince stood at an exact match to his long-time partner. Eadmund’s deep-set blue eyes appeared sapphire in firelight. His brown hair, usually kept long, had been cut close for this occasion, and his usual silver robes were discarded for the rainbow status of his Royal Championship rank.
Eadmund was grateful for the respite that had been granted after his last fight with Lady Annabelle. The former golden student of Koloso had proven herself more than worthy of the fierce reputation which had preceded her. Three years older than the prince, Lady Annabelle had left the tournament a year before Leo and Eadmund had entered, taking her place on the Defendant Team where she now served. It was both champions’ hope that after this fight, they would also be offered placement upon this most coveted of teams.
“Well,” the prince said, turning to his longtime partner. “I guess it’s all or nothing now.”
“Look on the bright side.” Leo turned with a smile. “No matter who wins, neither of us has to marry Annabelle.”
Eadmund laughed softly. “Ah, yes, that would be my brother’s privilege now.”
“Poor bastard. Still, as far as Kolosians go… Did you see those eyes?”
“Pale, pale blue, like ice on the highest mountains. No wonder they call her the ice princess.”
“Well, it will be ice queen once she marries your brother.”
“Very true.” Eadmund gave a slight laugh.
“Still, could you imagine yourself tangled up in that long black hair?”
Eadmund swung lightly at Leo’s left arm, but Leo stepped back his arm swept through the air. “Are you allowed to fantasize about the future queen?”
“Only until she actually is queen,” Leo replied. “If she were Kalian, I might have fought your brother for her.”
Eadmund sighed. “I know. I was really hoping that Joanna would beat her for the top slot. It makes me a little nervous, considering my brother’s lack of training or temple loyalty. Next thing you know, the royal children will grow up Kolosian.”
Leo visibly shuddered. “The high priest would never allow it.”
“Thank the Gods. Still, I wonder how my brother is going to handle her. She might be too much for him.”
“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about it, do we?”
“No, I suppose not.”
Leo glanced up at the clock on the side of the wall. “Looks like it’s almost time.”
“Yes. I suppose we should be heading that way.” The two men’s gazes met.
“No matter what happens,” Leo began.
“I know.” Eadmund offered a smile. “We are Kalian.”
“Partners… to the end.”
Now available Amazon!
Paperback:
February 18, 2015
Game of Thrones & Northern Ireland – pt. 2
For Valentine’s this year we decided to forgo the traditional dinner out and instead opted to go on a tour of several filming locations used for the popular HBO show, Game of Thrones, based on the bestselling A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. This tour consisted of several locations used primarily in the first season of the show in Northern Ireland.
Our first stop was Inch Abbey.
This is where Robb Stark was declared King of the North by his men who chose to swear loyalty to him.
The actual location is an abbey which dates back to the the 1100s.
It is also the site where Robb Stark learns of his father’s death and tell his mother that he intends to kill those who had murdered his father and wronged his family.
Next we went to Castle Ward, the filming location of Winterfell.
Sitting on over 800 acres of land, the area once belonged to the Ward family has since become a UK National Heritage site. Because of this, all of the extra pieces of the set which were built for the show had to be removed once filming was done. It should also be noted that CGI was used in several instances in order to increase the magnitude of the buildings used for various shots.
This is standing inside of the main courtyard of the Castle, which dates back to the 1500s.
It was here that we were given a brief history lesson of the castle, the surrounding area, and how it came to be a filming location for Game of Thrones. It was also here that visitors were given the option to wear costumes from the show while embarking upon an hour walk around the grounds featuring some beautiful landscapes.
At the end of the walk, we also came upon Audley’s Castle which was used as the filming location for The Twins; the castle occupied by The Freys.
Interestingly enough, Audley’s consists of only one tower, not two. The second tower was added through the use of special effects in the television show.
It felt a little surreal to actually be standing in the same location as where these famous scenes were shot, not to mention the hundreds of years of actual history which took place around the scenes. A truly wonderful combination of fantasy and history.
Our third stop was to Tollymore Forest.
This was the filming location for several shots from the very first episode of Game of Thrones, including the opening scene beyond the wall and where the Starks find the direwolves.
Last, but certainly not least, we actually got to meet two of the actors – Odin and Thor.
They played direwolf pups Summer and Grey Wind, in part of the first season.
Overall, I really enjoyed to tour and had a wonderful time.
January 24, 2015
Heir to Koloso Cover Debut
Cover design by Skyla Dawn Cameron
“Fear to the fearless. Hope to the hopeless. Mercy to those who hate you. Death to those who love you. That is your destiny, Princess of Kale, Princess of Koloso, heir to both.” – Prophecy of the Kalian Twins
The struggle for the throne intensifies as twin Princesses Ameria and Mariana are forced to contend with their bitter rivalry and haunted past. In this sequel to Heir to Kale, the sisters learn that they must first expose the secrets of their past before they can begin to unveil their shadowed destiny.
Awaiting the Temple bout which will determine her fate, Princess Mariana struggles to unite a Kingdom long bereft of leadership. She must navigate a labyrinth of rival families, power-hungry lords, and the ever-widening rift between those who serve the Temples and those who do not. Unprepared and still grieving the loss of her mentor, Mariana must decide for herself what is right for the kingdom and who, if anyone, can be trusted.
Meanwhile, Princess Ameria is more determined than ever to discover the true identity of her father’s killer and is willing to risk everything in order to find the answers she seeks. Embarking upon a quest which takes her from gleaming Temples to darkened castles, she endeavors to learn the truth about her family, the Prophecy, and the future of the Kingdom. Eventually turning to her estranged grandfather, the powerful and dangerous Lord Riccard, Ameria uncovers a truth about her family’s past from which will threaten to challenge the very foundations of her beliefs.
However, as the sisters come closer to revealing their past and the prophecy which haunts their future, the wraiths watch from the shadows, an ever-present reminder that time is running out and that the fight for the throne looms upon the horizon.
Now Available:
On Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Heir-Koloso-Rise-Temple-Gods-ebook/dp/B00UC8C5DU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Heir-Koloso-Rise-Temple-Gods/dp/1508753911/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
December 16, 2014
Words on the Vine
Rusty Grape Book Signing – Dec. 13, 2014
Saturday night was the first annual Words on the Vine book signing at Rusty Grape Vineyards in Battle Ground, WA! The night was a great success with good wine, good friends, and great readings provided by the attending authors. The authors were, from left to right:
K.L Bone (me), Greg Wilkey, Sarah M. Cradit, Brandy L. Rivers and Alys B. Cohen.
The night began at 5pm when everyone began to arrive and continued until almost 8. Once everyone was settled with wine and pizza, the actual reading began. For the first part of the signing, each of the featured authors read various chapters from their featured novels. It was great to be able to sit and listen to authors share both their work and their passion for writing with the gathered audience. Brandy started us off by graciously agreeing to speak first, followed by Alys and Sarah who all read from their paranormal romance/fantasy series. Brandy has published multiple books in her Others of Edenton series and Sarah, who I met in New Orleans at the Anne Rice conference, writes a single series titled The House of Crimson and Clover. Then Alys is working on a trilogy, the first book titled: Sacred Blood.
There was a short break before my own reading where I read the first chapter of my newest book release, Black Rose, and my brother in his far more animated voice, agreed to step in and read a chapter from my YA series, Rise of the Temple Gods: Heir to Kale. This was followed by a reading from our out-of-town guest speaker, the wonderful Greg Wilkey, who treated listeners to a reading from his newest book release, Death Runs in the Family, the first book in his newest YA, Neither Nor Series.
After the reading the panel participated in a Q & A, answering some interesting questions from the audience which ranged from our inspirations, to our writing methods, to specific questions about our individual texts. The group as a whole had some great answers and thoughts to share with listeners.
After the Q & A the authors took some time to speak with fans both old and new, sign books, and to chat both amongst themselves and with others. A special shout out to Shane and Taletha – it was so great to meet you both! Also to Kate for making the drive up to the vineyard, I loved seeing you there!
I was also surprised with a cake by a friend, Barbara, decorated with Black Roses in celebration of the release of my newest novel!
I also owe a big thank you to Heather and Jeremy, the owners of the Rusty Grape Vineyard, for allowing us to use the venue for the event! I am so appreciative of your kindness and generosity. Also to Tracy for manning the sales table and helping to take care of book sales while the authors were busy talking.
Finally again, a thank you to the authors who came out to speak and to make the evening a success! Especially to my fellow author and friend, Greg, who flew in all the way from Tennessee to attend the event!
Here are links to the websites of authors who attended:
Greg Wilkey, author of the Mortimer Drake vampire series – http://www.gregwilkey.com/
Sarah M. Cradit, author of The House of Crimson and Clover series – http://www.sarahmcradit.com
Alys B. Cohen, author of the Sacred Blood series – https://alysbcohen.wordpress.com/
Brandy L. Rivers, author of the Others of Edenton series – Http://brandylrivers.com
