Aurora Springer's Blog, page 56

Interview with Roz Marshal for Ninja Writers #Fantasy #Giveaway

Interview with Roz Marshall for Blog Hop at http://www.whatisaplot.com/science-fiction-fantasy-giveaway-blog-hop/
Question. Tell us about your book(s).

'Unicorn Magic' (http://amazon.com/dp/B01LZSO1DH ) is a clean Urban Fantasy set in USA-Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp's 'Feyland' universe and first published in Samuel Peralta's short story anthology 'Chronicle Worlds: Feyland'.

In it, Scots teenager Corinne MacArthur finds herself asking some improbable questions. What if unicorns were real? What if fairyland was right around the corner? And what would happen if magic started bleeding into everyday life...?

Question. What is the one thing you can’t write without?
Coffee!!

Question. What’s your favorite paranormal creature and why?
I kind of have to say unicorn, don't I...?

Question. What is the first book that made you cry?
Probably 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. But there have been a few!

Question. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

Both! Every story I write has a beginning, middle and end - even the shortest short story.

But several of my books are part of series (not serials) where a different character is the lead in each story, and there are threads of a larger overall plot that concludes in the final episode. 'Unicorn Magic' is a good example - it's part one of a 4-book series, but is a complete story in its own right.

Question. What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
'Talking to Luke' by Diane Ryan (http://amazon.com/dp/B01G0YYQUY)

Question. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

It depends on the book. For my skiing series (Secrets in the Snow) it was based on experiences I'd had and places I'd been, so the only real research I did was on some snowboarding tricks (since I'm more of a skier than boarder).

For the 'Celtic Fey' series I did some research into Scottish myths and legends, mythical creatures (such as unicorns) and also some bigger legends which I can't divulge as they'd be a major spoiler for #4!

I'm contemplating writing something historical next, and that obviously needs a *lot* more research, if you want it to be believable and set within the correct period. So it'll take longer to prepare and outline.

Question. What are the ethics of writing about historical figures?
Well, that's something I'm grappling with right now. The historical series will feature some very famous people from history. So I have to try and fit with what's known about them - without altering historical fact - whilst making my story sit in the gaps or shadowy areas of their lives. It's an interesting challenge, as you need to build a page-turning plot around all of that. Time will tell if I manage it!

Question. Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes! I leave little clues or 'Easter Eggs' in the earlier books in a series that only come to fruition in later books. There's a clue right at the beginning of Unicorn Magic that won't make sense until book 4. And there's a big hint in 'Kelpie Curse' (the follow-on to 'Unicorn Magic' that I don't think anyone's picked up on yet!Unicorn Magic: A Feyland Urban Fantasy Tale (The Celtic Fey Book 1)

Roz Marshal can be found at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Roz-Marshall/e/B00GSREZPU/
Find her FREE book and many others at http://www.whatisaplot.com/sff-giveaway/

Please check out the other interviews at  http://www.whatisaplot.com/science-fiction-fantasy-giveaway-blog-hop/

Grotesque Parody of a Man - Snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #Superheroes

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
By popular demand, I’m continuing from a scene with a gargoyle in action. Estelle is walking to St. Swithin’s College after dark when another student, Betty, sees what she calls a ghoul climbing the church wall. Estelle switches to Starrella and finds her flying horse, Rockette.  You can read last week’s snippet here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2016/11/super-invisible-costumes-snippet-from.html
Revolving in a semi-circle, Starrella touched a warm neck and moved her hand down the mare’s body. Visible briefly as a ghostly figure, she scrambled onto the broad back, “Let’s fly!”  Thrusting her wings down, Rockette soared toward the church tower. The uncanny man-shape had climbed to the top. On closer inspection, the figure resolved into a grotesque parody of a man, all gray and mottled like weathered stone. Its arms and legs were twice the normal length, a long tongue drooped out of the creature’s oval mouth and a short tail dangled at its back. Bounding on its stumpy clawed feet, the misshapen creature lunged straight at Starrella and Rockette. Its clawed fingers clutched for them. Starrella shuddered in alarm. How could it perceive them in spite of their invisible nanocoats?

The book is on pre-order for release on December, 6th. Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c Pre-order US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/ International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Book 1, Super Starrella (99c) With a New Cover! US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d

Romance lovers - Find FREE & 99c eBooks (Nov 18-19th): rozmarshall.co.uk/romance

As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers. 

This Week's Specials in SciFi, Fantasy & Romance #eBooks #Freebies

Even on the week before Thanksgiving, Indie Authors are holding several special promotions. 

1) SFF Mega Free - Nov 14-20th: 

Over 100 FREE eBooks in Science Fiction & Fantasy
Choose your favorites and subscribe to the author’s newsletter http://deanfwilson.com/promo

2) Select from our 99c eBooks in SciFi & Fantasy - Nov 14-20th
http://deanfwilson.com/99c-books/

3) If you prefer Romance, check this weekend's discounted Kindle eBooks - Nov 18-19th
rozmarshall.co.uk/romance
Or Sample one or two of my Stories combining Adventures in Other Worlds with Romancehttp://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html 

Re-release of THE SCARLET EMPRESS by Susan Grant #SciFiRom

THE SCARLET EMPRESSThe 2176 Freedom Series, Book 2***New York Times Bestselling AuthorRITA WinnerSusan Grant

About The Scarlet Empress:Shot down over North Korea, Air Force fighter pilot Cam “Scarlet" Tucker is imprisoned and put in bio-stasis. She is awakened 160 years later to learn that her wingmate and best friend also survived. Now the “legendary” Banzai Maguire, Bree is being held for treason in the country that was once the United States.
Cam has problems of her own—big problems. She’s in the masterful hands of Prince Kyber, the dictator whom her friend thwarted. He won’t get fooled again. With the mysterious Shadow Voice urging revolution, and her friend in chains, Cam wants the sexy emperor on her side—and maybe a whole lot more. But her role in the thrilling mission to save her country has to come first. Banzai wouldn’t surrender, and Cam won’t either. It’s time to give a royal butt kicking, and Cam knows just where to start.
Praise for The Scarlet Empress:
“I am well aware of the toil and blood it will cost you to come to me, Banzai Maguire, but come to me you must. Hear my words; heed my call. I am waiting for you.”—The Voice of Freedom, heard on the Trans-Malaysian Interweb, October 2176

“Exhilarating! As Bree fights for her life, Cam finds herself confronting one of the most powerful men in the world. Grant’s writing remains vivid whether describing astounding futuristic advances, depicting a vicious gun volley or drawing a poignant love scene.” — Publishers Weekly
“Grant’s futuristic military romance demonstrates her trademark qualities of humor, passion, and devotion to duty, as well as a riveting David-and-Goliath conflict. Especially timely in view of current events, The Scarlet Empress offers a thrillingly pointed reminder of the cost of freedom and the continuing sacrifices required of those who value liberty.” — Booklist
“A pulse pounding, heart stopping, and spectacular conclusion to the 2176 Series; a fantastic plot with great twists, turns, hot romance and nonstop action.” — Paranormal Romance Reviews

The Scarlet Empress excerpt:
Chapter One
Rocks pelted a sleek black sedan making halting progress through the streets of New Washington, D.C. Hastily erected electronic barriers restrained an angry mob. Black-clad UCE police were too overwhelmed, trying to keep the protestors in one place to worry about the few who got free.A small group ran onto the road and emptied their arsenal of rocks at the approaching sedan. A proximity alarm beeped inside the vehicle, and the driver braked.“Go!” UCE Supreme Commander General Aaron Armstrong rapped his knuckles on the clear barrier separating him from his driver. Do not stop, he mouthed to the sergeant, who floored the accelerator. There was a thud, a jerk of the steering wheel. A body tumbled over the bumper, striking a corner of the windshield before rolling off into the street.How am I to avoid hitting them when they throw themselves at the car? Once more, he pressed the phone to his ear. “Back with you, Mr. President—”A flaming pipe glanced off the hood and whacked the shatterproof windshield.“Yes, yes, I know,” Armstrong grumbled. “Next time I’ll take a heli-jet.”The sedan accelerated. Armstrong could no longer see the individuals in the crowd or read the slogans on the signs they carried. The vintage American flags—it seemed every protester brandished such an artifact now—became a broad, neutral blur. Speed had canceled out the fury of the mob.The general relaxed against the rear passenger seat. It was recently upholstered in UCE blue; he could smell the new leather. He lifted the phone back to his ear. Before he could speak, a communicator resting in his other hand vibrated—once, twice, three times. His fingers flexed convulsively around the unit. It repeated the code, as he had hoped. Finally.He had waited long enough for this moment. Too long, he often feared of late.“Hello? Are you there, Aaron?” the president was shouting into the phone.“Indeed I am.” A smile curved the general’s mouth. “And with news. Good news.”There was silence on the other end of the phone line. It was the closest he had ever heard Julius Beauchamp come to breathless anticipation.“We found her,” Armstrong told him.“Banzai Maguire…”“Yes. We’ve a positive location. The team is in place.”“Grab her! Despite our every effort to stop those broadcasts, the damage done, Aaron…it is incalculable. Banzai’s ability to escape us has reached mythical proportions amongst our citizenry. They say she turns to air to slip out of any trap, that she catches bullets with her teeth. She can change the minds of men with a single look.”“Surely you don’t believe that, Mr. President.”Beauchamp growled. “I want her heart on a platter.”“A bit medieval, that, but it can be done.”“Banzai is the worst threat we’ve faced in two centuries. Her weapons? Passion. Inspiration,” the president spat. “That’s my job, Aaron—my job to inspire the people, not this outsider’s. She doesn’t know jack about our world. Her actions prove it. She doesn’t understand how only we, the UCE, stand between world peace and chaos. I want her silenced. I want her gone.”Armstrong smiled. “All but done, Mr. President. All but done.”“And the second pilot? Lieutenant Tucker? Could she have been raised, too, like the legends suggest? Any sign that she survived?”“None yet. She was not in the cave where Banzai first surfaced, though they were said to be buried there together.”“A paradox. How do you explain it?”“Interference by an outside party is my hunch. Someone wants her as badly as we do. If Cameron Tucker’s alive, Mr. President, I’ll find her. Meanwhile, we soon will have Banzai.”Ahead, several hundred protesters broke through a barrier and surged into the street, setting off the black sedan’s proximity alarm once more. A soft computerized voice repeated the warning, “Stop. Obstruction in roadway. Stop.”The general exchanged a sharp glance with his driver. The car didn’t slow.“Don’t let Banzai get away, Aaron,” the president warned.“Have no worries.” The general flicked a speck of dust off the steel toe of his boot. “The team is moving in. There’s nowhere for her to go.”They say she turns to air to slip out of any trap, that she catches bullets with her teeth. She can change the minds of men with a single look…The president might very well fret the growing legend, but Armstrong had an advantage no one else did—he knew Banzai’s Achilles’ heel, her one weakness. The chink in her armor was his son.By the time the first of the rocks began hitting the windshield, the general had ended the encrypted call. Crossing one leg over the other, he settled in for a turbulent ride to the White House. Nothing could affect his mood now. At long last, Banzai Maguire was his. 
Pre-order Links
SCARLET:
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-scarlet-empress-susan-grant/1006169370?ean=2940156989614iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-scarlet-empress/id1167538659?mt=11Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-scarlet-empress-1ARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thescarletempress-2158343-343.html Amazon: available November 15th
Author Bio:
When NY Times/USA Today bestselling author and Air Force veteran Susan Grant isn’t driving an 18-wheeler (AKA a 747 jumbo jet) she loves writing romantic, action-packed stories featuring gutsy woman and honorable men. Flying to exotic places and trying every kind of food imaginable helps Susan bring her sci-fi worlds alive for readers. She is a winner of the prestigious RITA award for her book Contact, an alien abduction sci-fi romance.
My social media links:
Twitter: @flyerdreamerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Susan.Grant/Website: www.susangrant.com

Super invisible costumes - Snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #Superhero

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
By popular demand, I’m continuing from a scene with a gargoyle in action. Estelle is walking to St. Swithin’s College after dark with Diane and Julian when they hear a scream. Another student, Betty, sees what she calls a ghoul climbing the church wall.  You can read last week’s snippet here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2016/11/spooky-shadow-snippet-from-gargoyle.html Estelle makes an excuse and runs off to switch to Starrella in the final line: Sprinting past the church, she dived into a dark archway.
“Rockette!” she rolled the nanomask over her head and slid her fingers along the label of her costume, adjusting the nanofabric to the almost invisible setting. Her motion destroying the reflective illusion of invisibility, the hazy outline of Starrella appeared as she ran toward her friends. The creature still clung on top of the wall like an ugly ornament. Diane and Julian huddled together, while the professor hovered over Betty. Where was Rockette? She couldn’t climb a vertical wall after that weird creature; she would have to ride on the winged mare. “I’m here. Standing right next to you,” Rockette whinnied in her mind. “Shucks, these invisible costumes are super great; I can’t even see myself.” Feathers glimmered as she flapped her wing tips.

The book is on pre-order for release on December, 6th. Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c Pre-order US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/ International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d
Book 1, Super Starrella (99c)US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d
Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d


As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments.
Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Spooky shadow - snippet from Gargoyle Hunt for #WeWriWa #Superhero

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I am posting snippets from Book 3 of Secret Supers. It’s at the final polishing stage, so please let me know if you see any problems.
BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
By popular demand, I’m continuing from a scene with a gargoyle in action. Estelle is walking to St. Swithin’s College after dark with Diane and Julian when they hear a scream. Another student, Betty, sees what she calls a ghoul climbing the church wall.  Last week’s snippet is here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2016/10/ghoul-climbing-wall-snippet-for-wewriwa.html The final sentence was: She pointed a shaking finger at the church on the opposite side of the street, “Over there.”
“What’s going on?” Julian exclaimed. “There!” Betty’s sharp cry pierced their ears. A dark form, like the elongated figure of a man, clambered over the arched entrance to the church. The spooky shadow reached the apex of the arch and stood motionless. Betty moaned and slumped onto the paved street. The professor tutted; Julian crouched on one knee to examine her. “I’ll go for help,” Estelle said. She fingered the transparent sleeves of her nanosuit, the special nanofabric created by Farleon technology was only microns thick and as tough as Kevlar. She wanted to be out of sight before switching to Super Starrella and chasing the uncanny quarry. Sprinting past the church, she dived into a dark archway.

Since the story is seasonally spooky, I’ve set the book, Gargoyle Hunt, on pre-order for release on December, 6th. Secret Supers, Book 3, Gargoyle Hunt - 99c Pre-order US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/International: http://authl.it/B01MDT6Y7Y/?d

Book 1, Super Starrella (99c)US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d
Book 2, Starrella Falls US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d
Special Freebie: 
FREE Nov 4-6th Short Prequel to Grand Master’s Trilogy Grand Master’s Cat : http://authl.it/B01IHSVHFS?d When Grand Master Griffin investigates a wrecked spacecraft, his efforts to rescue the survivors lead to feline disruptions of his plans.
As always, I’ll be happy to reply to your comments. Please return to www.wewriwa.com to sample the works of the other writers.

Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers is available for pre-order #Superheroes #amwriting

Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3 of Secret Supers is available for pre-order
Danger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. Under pressure to succeed, Toby is trapped in a web of deceit. The two supers must catch the crooks in less than a week to salvage his reputation.  
Buy Link for Gargoyle Hunt: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MDT6Y7Y/


Excerpt - First Gargoyle Sighting
A scream echoed from the stone walls of Catte Street and Estelle ran toward the noise. She stopped at the intersection, recognizing the couple at the corner. Professor Philpot was attempting to pacify Betty Moss, the young woman who had been scared to go out after dark. The professor looked at Estelle. His voice was apologetic. “Miss Wright, I offered to escort Betty through the streets. She’s upset because she thinks she saw a movement in the shadows.” “I did see it! A ghoul climbing up the wall. Right up a vertical wall!” Betty’s voice was shrill with indignation. She pointed a shaking finger at the church on the opposite side of the street. “Over there.” Diane and Julian raced round the corner. “What’s going on?” Julian exclaimed. “There!” Betty’s sharp cry pierced their ears. A dark form, like the elongated figure of a man, clambered over the arched entrance to the church. The spooky shadow reached the apex of the arch and stood motionless. Betty moaned and slumped onto the paved street. The professor tutted. Julian crouched on one knee to examine her. “I’ll go for help,” Estelle said. She fingered the transparent sleeves of her nanosuit. The special nanofabric created by Farleon technology was only microns thick and as tough as Kevlar. But, she wanted to be out of sight before switching to Super Starrella and chasing the uncanny quarry. She sprinted round the corner and dived into a dark archway. “Rockette!” she sent the mental summons. She rolled the nanomask over her head. Running her fingers along the label of her costume, she adjusted the nanofabric to the almost invisible setting. Appearing as a hazy outline, Super Starrella raced back around the corner to the church. The creature still clung on top of the wall like an ugly ornament. Diane and Julian huddled together and the professor hovered over Betty. She scanned the tops of the buildings. Where was Rockette? She couldn’t climb a vertical wall after that weird creature; she would have to ride on the winged mare. “I’m here. Standing right next to you,” Rockette whinnied in her mind. “Shucks, these invisible costumes are super great. I can’t even see myself.” Feathers glimmered as she flapped her wing tips. Motion destroyed the reflective illusion of invisibility. Revolving in a semi-circle, Starrella touched a warm neck and moved her hand down the mare’s body. Visible briefly as a ghostly shape, she scrambled onto the broad back. “Let’s fly!”  Thrusting her wings down, Rockette soared toward the church tower. The uncanny man-shape had climbed to the top. On closer inspection, the figure resolved into a grotesque parody of a man, all grey and mottled like weathered stone. Its arms and legs were twice the normal length. A long tongue drooped out of the creature’s oval mouth, and a short tail dangled at its back. Bounding on its stumpy clawed feet, the misshapen creature lunged straight at Starrella and Rockette. Its clawed fingers clutched for them. Starrella shuddered in alarm. How could it perceive them in spite of their invisible nanocoats? She cried, “Fly away!” Rockette snorted and dodged. A crooked hand clamped onto her rear hoof and dragged her down. Opening her fist, Starrella flung fire balls at the awful creature. Its mouth gaped impossibly wide, tongue protruding like a snake. It staggered backward, releasing Rockette’s leg. The mare leaped free. Wings raised, Rockette circled at a cautious distance from the weird man. Its round eyes followed the flying horse and it raised a knobby fist, ready to strike. Moonlight beamed through a gap in the clouds, striking the grotesque head. The creature melted into nothing. The flat roof of the tower was empty. “Gone!” Starrella gasped aloud. “Where did it go?” Leaning over the parapet, Starrella peered down at the street. No one was visible, no repulsive caricature of a man. She groaned, “We’ve hit on a mystery. Where did it come from and where did it go?” “Don’t care if I never see that ugly man again,” the mare neighed.

Secret Supers SeriesSuper Starrella, Book 1, 99cStarrella Falls, Book 2Gargoyle Hunt, Book 3, on 99c pre-order
What Readers say about Super Starrella:“Fun Exciting Read. This story has it all, a young woman who becomes a super hero: A super villain, mysterious boyfriend from another planet, conflict between good and evil, and trying to do the right thing helping others.”
“Fun and fascinating! This is a fun, supernatural adventure that takes readers into a new realm of super heroes and adventure.”
“Star power. Wow, great story. I was hooked from the beginning.” 

Re-release of THE LEGEND OF BANZAI MAGUIRE by Susan Grant #SciFiRom

THE LEGEND OF BANZAI MAGUIREThe 2176 Freedom Series, Book 1***New York Times/USA Today Bestselling AuthorRITA WinnerSusan Grant

About The Legend of Banzai Maguire:
The year: 2016. While flying a peacekeeping mission over North Korea, Air Force pilot Bree "Banzai" Maguire is shot down. Instead of the North Korean troops she expected, she finds herself captured by a mad scientist and put in bio-stasis. When she wakes, everything has changed. It's 2176, the world is in crisis, and she is a hotly contested prize. Once, Banzai's job was to protect democracy; now a mysterious voice claims she must bring it back.
The year: 2176. U.C.E. Commander Ty Armstrong is a decorated SEAL, combat veteran, and part-time treasure hunter. Seeking one elusive prize has become a personal obsession for him: Banzai Maguire, who was never found after her mysterious disappearance 160 years earlier. His quest to find her remains takes him into enemy territory where he discovers that not only is she very much alive, he might have already fallen in love with her. But before he can bring her to safety, they are captured by the charming, yet ruthless, Emperor of Asia. Ty vows to escape with Banzai at his side. But his captor has other plans for him—and for Banzai Maguire.

Praise for The Legend of Banzai Maguire:
“If Grant’s faithful fighter jet descriptions don’t snag readers from the outset, her fierce, funny, tough-as-nails heroine will. With its cliffhanger conclusion, awe-inspiring characters and droll humor, this book is a strong launch for a very promising series.” — Publishers Weekly
The Legend of Banzai Maguire excerpt: Prologue
If you have the chance to live life to the fullest, do it. Don’t hold back, don’t be afraid, take the absolutely biggest bite out of this existence that you can. The rewards are immeasurable, the eventual fulfillment soul-deep. I know. I guess you could say that I’m an expert on the subject. I’ve lived two lives, both of them to the hilt.My name is Maguire, Bree Maguire. But you know me as Banzai, even now, after years of accumulated titles, honors, and a marriage have lengthened my legal name to the point where I can’t help sighing long and silently at official events attended by those who expect and actually enjoy that sort of pomp, pageantry those closest to me know I’d rather avoid—the same people who know I never would.Ceremony is a small sacrifice to make, you see. Once, I gave up everything that is important to a person. But, I would have died for my country, if asked. Instead, I was reborn into something better, something stronger. The United States was, too.My quest took me to places I never imagined—not only geographical, but of the heart. It was how I first met the man who would be everything to me.Now that I’m one hundred years into this winding path called life, my children tell me that I should record my memoirs before I pass on and leave the chore to the official biographers, who’ll no doubt use the opportunity to make me into more of a legend than I already am—to my dismay, because the men and women I consider the true heroes went on with their lives after their deeds were done, some quite humbly and certainly without the idolization directed toward me and my husband. They are the ones who deserve our remembrance, those men and women. And now, here in this record of what happened, they will receive recognition.You may wonder if our pasts were as colorful as they seem, if our adventures were truly as fantastic and wild as you learned in school. Why, yes, they were. They were all that, and more…
Preorder links:
BANZAI:
Nook:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-legend-of-banzai-maguire-susan-grant/1006148813?ean=2940156902651iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-legend-of-banzai-maguire/id1167537788?mt=11Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-legend-of-banzai-maguireARE: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-thelegendofbanzaimaguire-2158341-343.html

Amazon: available November 15th

Author Bio:
When NY Times/USA Today bestselling author and Air Force veteran Susan Grant isn’t driving an 18-wheeler (AKA a 747 jumbo jet) she loves writing romantic, action-packed stories featuring gutsy woman and honorable men. Flying to exotic places and trying every kind of food imaginable helps Susan bring her sci-fi worlds alive for readers. She is a winner of the prestigious RITA award for her book Contact, an alien abduction sci-fi romance.
Social media links:
Twitter: @flyerdreamerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Susan.Grant/Website: www.susangrant.com

Ghoul climbing the wall - Snippet for #WeWriWa #Gargoyles

Welcome to another Sunday with Weekend Writing Warriors . Here, writers in different genres showcase their stories with 8-10 sentences. Join the fun and read our snippets.
I have begun posting snippets from Book 3 of Secret Supers. It’s still at the editing stage, so please let me know if you see any problems.
Draft BlurbDanger is the last thing on Estelle’s mind when she visits the University of Oxenford for a summer course. But, mysterious thefts and shadowy figures spur her into action. With Toby five thousand miles away, Estelle and her winged horse must hunt for the culprits alone. Soon they are embroiled in a mixed bag of aliens and ancient magic. Toby’s unexpected arrival throws her into turmoil and spurs events into a climax. 
You can read the beginning of the story here: http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/2016/10/starrella-in-oxenford-snippet-from-book.html
By popular demand, here is a snippet from a scene with a gargoyle in action. Explanation: On the first evening in Oxenford, Estelle andd her friends are walking back to St. Swithin’s College after dark.A scream echoed from the stone walls of Catte Street and Estelle ran toward the noise. She stopped at the intersection, recognizing the couple at the corner. Professor Philpot was attempting to pacify Betty Moss, the young woman who had been scared to go out after dark. The professor recognized Estelle. His voice was apologetic, “I offered to escort Betty through the streets. She’s upset because she thinks she saw a movement in the shadows.” “I did see it! A ghoul climbing up the wall. Right up a vertical wall!” Betty’s voice was shrill with indignation. She pointed a shaking finger at the church on the opposite side of the street, “Over there.”

Buy Links for Book 1, Super Starrella (99c)US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C7WC8R6/International: http://authl.it/B01C7WC8R6?d

Buy Links for Starrella Falls, Book 2 of Secret Supers US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HT1W8AW/International: http://authl.it/B01HT1W8AW?d

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Grand Masters' Galaxy as Mythic Fiction

Grand Masters’ Galaxy as Mythic Fiction
In my Grand Masters Series, the galaxy is ruled in secret by the Council of Twelve Grand Masters. They are a powerful, contentious and deadly group of entities. Some have counterparts in mythology, like Pashtari Hanuman with the face and serenity of a Buddha. Others have a mixture of origins, like the Red Queen Morrigu, an amalgam of Celtic and Hindu myth, with her ruby eyes, four arms and strawberry blonde braids.  Others have no obvious mythical precedent. Radjuserresembles an octopus and exudes orange slime. The planetoid, Amarylla Threeleaf, communicates by rustling her leaves and emitting scents.
Grand Masters’ GalaxyTeleport through the galaxy in this thrilling SciFi Adventure Short Prequel: Grand Master’s Cat AmazonGrand Master’s Pawn, Book 1 Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&NGrand Master’s Game, Book 2 Amazon  iBooks  Kobo  B&NGrand Master’s Mate, Book 3 AmazonRead about this series HERE
The titles of the books in the main Trilogy suggest the chess analogy. The heroine, Violet, like Alice in Alice Through the Looking Glass, jumps through a portal to the next planet and a new adventure. She travels to more than a dozen planets and two moons during the Trilogy. Violet has the task of probing into the secrets of the Grand Masters. During her adventures, she acquires allies: the fierce dragon lord Ythris, barbarian Kondric with an unexpected skill for explosive chemistry, and of course, her crafty Grand Master, the Griffin. Athanor Griffin schemes to use Violet as bait to overthrow his enemies on the Council. 


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