Rebekah Jonesy's Blog, page 6

March 12, 2018

For writing out loud: A new adventure: Estrada Crates

Good author, good person, doing good things, and making a difference. Also making me giggle like a teenage boy. Read it and find out why.



For writing out loud: A new adventure: Estrada Crates: For a LONG time, I’ve wanted to connect directly with readers. That’s why I’ve done book signings , events where I present my work and ev...
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Published on March 12, 2018 10:52

March 5, 2018

Heshayol

Heshayol The Blood of Dragons Book 2
Over a millennium ago, at their father's command, Tyran and Drast sent the Horned God to the Netherworld in hopes of gaining everlasting life. Instead, they sparked a chain of events that led to the near destruction of the Ash Tree and the liberation of the old gods. Now, with the world waning, the two brothers are freed from Anaerfell to travel to the frozen realm of the dead and resurrect their enemy with hopes of restoring balance. Tyran and Drast journey between time and space with limitless magic at their fingertips to face demon legions, forsaken immortals, and the realization that the malevolence of their father is not yet done.

What a rush. This book was the perfect end to a series of brilliant books that had me yelling every curse word you can think of,  and a few I made up on the spot. This is the second book in the Blood of  Dragons series, and picks up thousands of years after the end of the first book. With all of the main characters, in slightly altered forms, as the first book it also introduces some new characters and gives you a real insight into the gods and their motivations. And a very disturbing insight into their Creator.




Along the way they have to face their own inadequacies, the consequences of their decisions, and the effects those decisions had on the people around them and the entire world. A journey through hell is never easy, but it gets really interesting when you are insane and so are your companions.  As tense and dramatic as this conclusion was, I could not help but laugh my way through reading it. Watching brothers fight is always interesting, but it gets even more interesting when both of them have succumbed to mental illnesses. The dialogue, internal and external, kept me laughing even through the fight scenes. And those were some hellacious fight scenes, pun intended. Drast and Tyran have to enter the netherworld and fight their way down, all the way down, past hordes of demons in order to revive the god they worked so hard to kill in the last book.

As usual I can't say too much without giving away spoilers, and you definitely don't want that. So run out today and snag your copy of Heshayol. If you haven't read Anaerfell, that is still on sale today, March 5, for $.99. Make sure you grab that one too.

If you want to stalk the authors, like I do, you can check them out here.

Joshua Robertson is an award-winning author in epic, dark fantasy. You may recognize him as the dude whose dragons were said to destroy George R.R. Martin's and Christopher Paolini's dragons in a very biased Twitter poll. His first novel, Melkorka, was released in 2015, and he has been writing fantasy fiction like clockwork ever since. Known most for his Thrice Nine Legends Saga, Robertson enjoys an ever-expanding and extremely loyal following of readers. He currently lives in North Carolina with his better half and his horde of goblins. 
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J.C. lives in the Midwest with his wife and two dogs and has an M.A. in English Literature. The first novel in his world, Blood and Bile, was released in 2017. Before completing junior high, J.C. had received his first box set of Dungeons & Dragons and devoured J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Since, he has been heavily influenced by a myriad of fantasy authors, such as Weis and Hickman, Robert Jordan, and Ed Greenwood.
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Published on March 05, 2018 10:34

February 28, 2018

Miranda and JD

JD Estrada, one of my favorite people, interviewed Miranda Oh, with her fabulous message, way of life, amd book title, Chin Up, Tits Out. Check them out.
PSA: don't try to eat while reading this.

https://jdestradawriter.blogspot.com/...

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Published on February 28, 2018 15:00

February 20, 2018

Nahtaia



Sometimes in life were lucky enough to find a book that is so good, so fine, that we want to find the author in feed them cookies and coffee and just give them a hug and begged them to write another book. This is how I felt after reading Nahtaia by Lilian Oake.




Now I have read books by Lilian before. You might remember that I did a book review for The Dragon Cager. And yes I loved that book too. But there was something different about this book, it was just good, clean, sweet, fun adventure. It was also incredibly well written. Now one of the ways this book is a bit different is, it was originally written on Wattpad. At the request of her fans she did not send it through an editor. So there are some typos, but that in no way detracts from the story itself.
This is the story of Nahtaia, a moon fairy in the land of Jaydur. She is a very curious and strong-willed fairy. And of course her curiosity gets her into trouble when she meets a family of humans. Interacting with, or even be seen by, humans goes against the laws of the fairy. To make matters worse, Nahtaia broke this law repeatedly while she was being punished for breaking another law. She knows that as soon as the Ministers find out what she has done she is going to be in even bigger trouble. What she didn't expect was to be punished so quickly, by the powers higher than the Ministers, The Voices of Jaydur. After a mistake that shrinks the human teenager, Kale, down to fairy size Nahtaia is immediately punished with the loss of her wings and her magic.
Hoping to redeem herself, and undo what she has done to Kale, she sets off to plead her case to the Voices. Oren, a pine fairy who has always shown great interest in Natalia, goes with her. He swears up and down that he is doing this to get her out of trouble, like he has always done. But Nahtaia doesn't see it that way. She swears up and down that Oren has always been the one to get her into even more trouble.
How much trouble can a wingless, magicless, headstrong and cranky fairy get into while traveling on foot across the world with a miniaturized human teenager and an arrogant, pushy, but extremely loyal pine fairy? More than any of them could imagine. Each day brings a new encounter and helps teach Natalia the values of friendship and why the rules she so blithely broke were enforced in the first place.
This book is a laugh a minute that will have you falling in love with all of the characters, even the rat. The author says that this is a young adult novel but truthfully this story is good for people of all ages, so long as you like good stories. All of her stories are great. But this one is lighthearted and just makes you feel good while you're reading it. 
I mean look at this face! You can't doubt that she writes about fun loving, mischievous characters! Or that she loves her fans. 

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Published on February 20, 2018 06:00

February 14, 2018

Featuring me on Writer Wednesday: with JD Estrada

For writing out loud: Writer Wednesday: Rebekah Jonesy: Some people wear their heart on their sleeves, but Miss Jonesy wears it there, on her stockings, and on stiletto boots in case you’re wond...



I got to have a lot of fun being interviewed by JD Estrada, author of Only Human and several poetry books that I adore.
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Published on February 14, 2018 15:24

Traitors' Fate book release

Traitors' FateA Queen of Thieves Epic Fantasy Novel



One Death Changes Two Cities Forever
Traitors' Fate (A Queen of Thieves Epic Fantasy Novel)
Ilanna, Master of the Night Guild, has waged a war for eight years to cleanse her city of the rival criminal organization that nearly destroyed it. When she uncovers a ring of slavers trafficking young girls for sexual servitude around the continent, she is forced to venture into the city of Voramis, the seat of her enemy's power, to hunt down the true culprit and put an end to the enslavement of innocents.
But her enemies will not be so easily eliminated. She must turn to the one man certain to get the job done: the Hunter, legendary assassin of Voramis.
The Hunter willingly accepts a fortune in gold to kill one of the richest men in his city. A mansion fortress and a private army should prove no match for his inhuman abilities.
But as he stalks his target, he unmasks a bloodthirsty conspiracy in the guise of a holy mission. If he doesn't stop the men responsible, the gruesome murders will continue and people—including those he has sworn to protect—will die.
Fans of Brent Weeks, Brandon Sanderson, and Joe Abercrombie will devour Traitors' Fate!

Devouring Traitors' Fate is only a good idea when it's a book, btw. It doesn't sound very tasty. Or healthy. Great for the mind and imagination though. Check it out.
Excerpt!
Ilanna peered over the roof's edge at the shadow-cloaked figures below. Three men, wearing the dull-colored, rough-spun clothing of commoners. Wary eyes and hard faces belied their nonchalance as they lounged before the door of what ought to be an empty, abandoned warehouse on the bank of the Stannar River.
She tensed as a figure slid up beside her.
"All is ready, Master Gold," whispered Errik, Master Serpent, his expression grim. "Everyone is in place."
Ilanna drew in a deep breath. Eight years of serving as Master of the Night Guild hadn't diminished the excitement of creeping across the rooftops of Praamis, leaping, running, and flying over the Hawk's Highway. But what they did tonight had nothing to do with thieves' craft.
A hand slipped into hers and squeezed. Ilanna turned to the figure on her left, a dark-skinned woman a few years younger than her. Ria's grip had a strength that reassured Ilanna without need for words.
She nodded. "Give the signal. Move in."
Errik, Master over the assassins of House Serpent, returned the nod and slithered away from the edge, disappearing into the night. A few moments later, a muted tap-tap echoed behind her.
A score of large, heavily-muscled men with scarred knuckles and heavy maces boiled from the doorways across from the warehouse and the surrounding streets. The three guards cried out and reached for their own weapons.
Ilanna didn't wait to watch the confrontation. When it came to ruthless ferocity, the strong-arms and heavy-handed enforcers of House Bloodbear had no match.
She leapt to her feet and darted toward the edge of the rooftop, whipping a strip of greased canvas up and over the rope that stretched across the street. She sped through the air and dropped onto the warehouse roof, rolling with the impact. The thump of Ria sounded behind her.
Ilanna didn't glance back—she had no need to worry about the dark-skinned woman—but sprinted across the rooftop toward the trapdoor that led into the warehouse's upper level. Figures wearing dark grey cloaks seemed to appear from the darkness. She nodded at the apprentices of House Hawk, the third-story thieves of the Night Guild, and reached for the door.
"No!" hissed Tandril, a broad-shouldered youth with a patchy beard and long, dark hair. "I have express orders from Master Hawk not to let you take any unnecessary risks."
Ilanna snorted. "Mother hen Bryden is worried for me, eh?"
Tandril's eyes slid away. Everyone in the Night Guild knew Bryden, Master of House Hawk, had little love for his Guild Master.
"Get that door open and get out of my way, Tandril," Ilanna commanded. "You and the other apprentices need to get back to the Aerie."
Tandril bristled and opened his mouth, no doubt to protest that he wanted in on the action below.
"Mouth shut, and follow orders, apprentice." Ilanna's tone left no room for argument. "The Hawks have done their job to satisfaction. Let the others do theirs."
Tandril hesitated a moment, and Ilanna stepped forward. Swallowing, the Hawk apprentice bent and tugged the trapdoor open.
A hand gripped Ilanna's arm and held her back.
"Me first," Ria said, stepping in front of her and drawing her assegai, a spear with a forearm-length shaft that ended in a long leaf-shaped blade.
Ilanna raised an eyebrow. "Don't for a minute think I'll let you order me around just because I'm sweet on you."
Ria grinned. "I'm pretty sure you will." With a wink, she twirled the spear once and descended the steps into the warehouse.
Ilanna followed a step behind, long, slim sword and dagger held at the ready.
Darkness met her eyes, but the sounds of fighting echoed from the lower floors. Ria slipped through the empty halls with the grace of a desert greatcoat. Ilanna couldn't help admiring the lithe, willowy frame ahead of her.
The sound of booted feet grew louder, and a heavy-set man raced around the corner, lantern jangling in his hand. He lurched to a halt as he caught sight of the two women.
Ria danced forward, her short spear stabbing out like a viper's flicking tongue. The man gave a strangled cry and crumpled. Blood gushed from the puncture in his throat, mixing with the oil seeping from the shattered lamp beside him.
Ilanna pushed past Ria and burst through the next door.
A disheveled, sweat-soaked man leaped to his feet, fumbling in desperation at the breeches around his ankles. His eyes flew wide as Ilanna rested the tip of her rapier against the base of his throat.
"Please!" The man's hands flew up, causing his trousers to drop. "Don't harm me. I-I'm just…"
"I know exactly who you are, Lord Illiran," she snarled, her voice cold as the Frozen Sea.
The nobleman's face turned an interesting shade of beet red, sickly green, and terrified white. "I-I…" he stammered.
Ilanna's lip curled into a sneer. "Better you say nothing, my lord." She spat the words. "I've no mind to kill you, but one wrong word from your mouth could change that."
Lord Illiran's mouth snapped shut.
"Good. Now sit in that corner and don't move. If you're not here when I return, the Night Guild will be paying you a visit shortly. Do you understand?"
The nobleman's head bobbed as he hastened to obey.
Ilanna turned her attention to Ria. The dark-skinned girl hovered over the bed—if a pathetic pile of straw covered in a filthy sheet could be called such—that Lord Illiran had recently vacated. Its occupant was a girl that couldn't be older than thirteen or fourteen, with an emaciated face, filthy skin, and little more than rags for covering.
"How bad is she?" Ilanna asked.
"Bad." Ria pressed a finger to the girl's neck. "Pulse is weak, and her breath is weak."
"Bonedust?"
Ria nodded, her face grim.
Ilanna swore and produced a corked phial from her pouch. "Will one dose suffice?"
"I don't know." Ria's brow furrowed. "The way she's lying there, it looks like they've been over-dosing her for weeks. But I'm no Tyman."
Tyman was not only Master of the poisoners and potion-makers of House Scorpion; he was also the Night Guild's preeminent healer. He had been the one to brew up the potion to counteract the hallucinogenic, paralytic, and addictive effects of Bonedust, the narcotic named for both its color and the way it caused rapid bone degeneration. Its effects simply slowed down the physical decay, but couldn't fully stop it.
Ilanna cursed again. "The moment we're done here, I'll make sure the Bloodbears transport her and any others in bad shape back to Tyman first."
Ria nodded and bent over the girl again. "I think it might be too late for her, but we can hope."
Anger swirled in Ilanna's gut, and it took all her self-control not to lash out at Lord Illiran. The thought of what he'd been doing to the girl, the same age as her own son and too drugged to resist, brought back memories of what had been done to her.
The girl muttered something inaudible. Ria bent her ear to the girl's mouth.
"What's she saying?" Ilanna asked.
Ria shook her head. "It's too faint to—"
"…ti-dote." The girl spoke louder.
"Antidote?" Ria demanded.
The girl nodded, a tiny movement of her chin. Ilanna waited with bated breath for her to say more, but the girl lay listless and silent, her lips blue, mouth hanging slack, only the whites of her eyes showing.
Damn it.
"Go," Ria said. "Do what you need to do. I'll stay with her." She hefted her assegai. "And keep an eye on him."
Lord Illiran refused to meet her eyes as she stalked from the room.

Was I right or was I right? You know you want to read the rest of that. And check it out, it's super cheap at 99 cents for the ebook!
Traitors' Fate (A Queen of Thieves Epic Fantasy Novel)
Author: Andy Peloquin
Coming soon! Feb 13, 2018
Paperback Price: 15.99
Digital Price: 0.99
ASIN: B078XPHZW9


Buy Links:
Amazon Kindle:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078XPHZW9/
Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B078XPHZW9/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37979676-traitors-fate

And of course once you have read it, don't forget to leave a review. Authors survive by their reviews.
Speaking of authors, don't forget to stalk Andy, it's funnier when he doesn't know you've been doing it btw. He still has no clue I am. Don't let the picture fool you. He's actually a giant. Check him out.



Andy Peloquin: Lover of All Things Dark and Mysterious 

I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.

Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!

Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1383986274994456/
Website: http://www.andypeloquin.com 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyPeloquin   
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyqpeloquin
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8KnIEoUDWRJkAhJ16CN5Dw 
Reader List Sign-Up: http://andypeloquin.com/join-the-club/ 
Fantasy Fiends Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFantasyFiends/ 
Follow on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/andy-peloquin 
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/andypeloquin     

www.linkedin.com/in/andypeloquin/ 
https://plus.google.com/100885994638914122147/about  

https://www.facebook.com/andrew.peloquin.1
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Published on February 14, 2018 06:00

February 13, 2018

Dyndaer book 2 of the Kaelandur series

Dyndaer, where the heart that was ripped out of your chest is crushed again.
This is the second book in the series, which chronologically happens after the story of Anaerfell. Once again I suggest going to the authors website and reading all of the books in chronological order. By happenstance I did this myself, for the most part, and it really made the world come alive for me. It also gave me a lot of hope for the future of these characters even as I watched them all die. Because in a world where you cannot only kill the tree of life but also the God of death anything can happen.
Dyndaer picks up the continuing story of Branimir Baran, the bravest of the Kras. If you haven't read the first book in this series, Melkorka, I highly suggest you do not read this review because it will give away a lot of spoilers.
Poor Bran has been through Hell and back. Dorofej, his once master and now friend, made the long journey with him. But now they have separated in order to find what they are looking for. What should have been a simple quest, finding a lost dagger, is now made even more complex by the actions of the Stuhia. Bran hopes that his friend Dorofej knows what he is doing. Unfortunately for him, and the entire world, things are more complex than even the ancient wise man could have guessed.
Once again Joshua Robertson pulls us into a complex and ever-changing epic story. Where villains might be heroes, and heroes might be villains, it all depends on who survives long enough to write the history. If Bran and his newly assembled friends are really doing the right thing, then why does it seem like other heroes are working against them?
This book is another heavy and wonderful book. Just what I would expect from its author. In a world were black and white doesn't seem to exist, and every god can be called evil or righteous, Bran and Dorofej must walk a thin and ever-swerving path in order to save everyone. Thankfully they have heroes, new and some from their past, that help them along the way. If you did read book 1 you are going to be amazed at what happens in book 2. And like me you might also yell at the author for being so mean to poor, sweet Bran.
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Published on February 13, 2018 06:00

January 30, 2018

Melkorka



Melkorka, Mel-frigging-korka. *sigh*
I love the stories by Joshua Robertson. I love the stories from Kalendur that he has written. But this book tore at my heart. Omg, poor Branimir. Because I am nice I warned Joshua that I was going to rip him apart. He is just so mean to his characters. And I was totally fine with in the other books. But Branimir is so sweet, so gentle, so loyal, and in the end it is his unwavering loyalty that drags him down.

But before I get too far into the sadness let me start at the beginning. This is Branimir.

Isn't he cute? Okay not really. But looks aren't everything. Branimir is a Kras. Kept as slaves by the Highborn, Bran knows that his people are dying. In fact he's never even seen a female Kras, not even his own mother. But he is kept so busy with his daily duties he rarely even has time to think about the larger picture, like the destruction of his entire race. The Highborn are a group of magic wielding humanoids who claim to work for the gods, all of the gods.

At the beginning of this book you learn that one of them has broken an unbreakable law. And so, for the first time in history, the Highborn must execute one of their own. As a slave he is tangentially part of that process. Even though he is not part of the execution itself. He and his fellow Kras go about their normal duties, doing anything their masters ask of them. Because what else can a slave do? But even the slaves know this is a very unusual occurrence.  And they don't like it. For very good reason.

After the execution, the entire world changes. Demons pour out of the mountain and overtake their stronghold. Killing Kras and Highborn alike. The few survivors are forced to flee. Bran, a pacifist by nature, goes along with them. Dorofej, possibly the oldest among the long-lived Highborn who has many interesting secrets, insists that Bran be brought along.  He even goes out of his way to protect Bran. Not only are the Kras incredibly loyal, but they can also see in the dark and move faster than any human. But Bran believes there is more to it than just that. He doesn't their voice his thoughts, because the other Highborn would be more than happy to snap his neck anytime he speaks out. Even though they all believe now that Bran. The group must travel to find the Ash Tree, the tree of life, in order to correct the mistakes they have made.

It is amazing to me that so much story was put into these few 301 pages. In true Joshua Robertson style the characters are killed off one by one. Even new characters that joined them later in the quest end up dying. And poor Bran is caught in the middle of this all. Now I made a mistake, because I didn't read the books in chronological order, of thinking that poor sweet Bran would be safe, because I saw him in other books and I knew that his race was long-lived.

Joshua Robertson, the source of all the pain in Kaelandur
That was very stupid of me. This is still a book written by Joshua Robertson. Where there are plenty of things worse than death. Despite my heart ache, and me sending nasty letters to the author, I still adore this book. This is one of the great books that has you constantly thinking about what is right, what is wrong, what makes a hero, what makes a villain, and what is "good" or "right". They say the path to Hell is paved and good intentions. The problem is you don't know your destination until you reach it.



If you are new to Kalendur I suggest going to the author's website here and read the books in chronological order. It makes the entire world, with the interacting story lines come together so beautifully. Actually go there anyway because it also has maps, free novels, and all kinds of other fun stuff. Joshua is another one of those super, duper, awesome authors that keeps in touch with his fans and goes out of his way to keep you informed about his work and even the influences and myths that inspired his work. It's really intriguing. And of course if you want to get the whole series you can save money by buying the box set The Kaelandur Series.

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Published on January 30, 2018 06:00

January 27, 2018

The Suffering

The Suffering
Robert Cano's debut novel is out! I've been reading over his shoulder, figuratively, for about a year now and he is one hell of a writer. He brings to life fabulous characters that you immediately sympathize with. And then he lets life happen to them.

Devani is finally heading home after twelve long years away due to the Great War between the Fae and Satyrs. The war was on the doorstep of her father's kingdom when she was sent away, but finally, it was time to come home. The princess soon finds herself in a position she never expected, especially so close to home - struggling against death itself. Of course, the will to survive is overwhelming, and she finds a way. She may end up regretting this, however, as the gods have other plans for Devani.



Available in Kindle and Paperback
About the Author

A writer or a storyteller? A poet? An artist who has chosen to paint with words, Robert Cano began a journey some years ago which has finally culminated in him finding himself in a position to see the journey gain momentum. Having spent many years studying the art of the written word, he now seeks to share his worlds and mind with the world. A magus with a staff in the shape of a pen and a sword of paper, he weaves his magical worlds. The world of Arduil awaits you.Amazon author pagehttps://www.amazon.com/Robert-Cano/e/B0798JC552/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobertECanoII/Website https://shadowyembrace.com/


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Published on January 27, 2018 06:00

January 26, 2018

JM Landels

Hey readers, today I have a special guest, author JM Landels. She looks quite intimidating doesn't she?! Just wait till you read about what she does!


Heya JM, how are you doing today?

Hi Rebekah, I’m delighted to be on your blog.  I’m JM Landels, and I’m a writer, illustrator, and editor.  In my spare time I also teach people to swordfight from horseback.

Swordfighting. On horseback! I told you she was intimidating! And cool as hell! Ok I'll stop geeking out now. *clears throat* JM, what is the current book you are promoting? 

Allaigna’s Song: Overture is my debut fantasy from Pulp Literature Press. To quote the back-of-the-book blurb, it’s a love story, a family saga, and a coming-of-age novel that braids together the stories of daughter, mother, and grandmother.  It’s about the secrets and lies that families tell each other, but it also has a load of magic, music, and thrilling horse chases.

And you were nice enough to send me a copy of the cover too. Here it is.


Tell us about your world in your book.

The Ilmar was originally the creation of Scott Fitzgerald Gray, who is an editor and writer for Wizards of the Coast. It’s part of his larger world, The Endlands, which he created as both a fantasy gaming milieu and the setting for some of his novels (which readers, and especially RPGers, should definitely check out at insaneangel.com).  As I’ve written the Allaigna trilogy over the years I’ve added my own twists and turns to the geography and anthropology.  By this point you can probably think of it as a mirror universe.

What is your next project? 

Right now I’m tidying up the second and third books in the Allaigna series, which are due out in 2019 and 2020, but I’m also drafting a series of novellas about a 17th century French shepherdess-turned-spy, and having a hell of a lot of fun with them.  Working title for the series is La Bergere, but that’s subject to change.

Who is your favorite fictional character and why?

The Scarlet Pimpernel. Or possibly Marguerite Blakeney.

This is always my favorite question. Are you a pantser or a plotter or both?

I’m an inveterate pantser.  I wish I could plot, because I think it would save me a lot of time, but every time I try, the characters head off in their own directions willy-nilly.  So I’ve given up.

Always good to hear my characters aren't the only rebels. How do you write your books? 

Longhand.  I do almost all my first draft using the fabulous Hour Stories cards by Dale Adams Segal (http://www.thehourstories.com/about.html) alongside my Pulp Literature co-conspirators Mel Anastasiou and Susan Pieters.  We write together for an hour every week.  It’s remarkable how much good material comes out of these sessions.


Longhand. I gave that up when I realized my chicken scratch was getting too bad for me to read any more. Who is your favorite author? 

I can’t just pick one, but I have three I aspire to be able to write as well as: Margaret Atwood for sheer literary brilliance, Barbara Kingsolver for her warmth and ability to stab you in the feels, and Mary Gentle for her amazingly creative characters and worlds.


I do like getting stabbed in the feels too. How long have you been writing? What got you started being an author?

I think I’ve always had the urge to tell stories.  I used to make my own picture books as far back as three or four years old – my mum still has one or two of them.  I’ve got songs and poems dating back to about age ten, and I know I wrote short stories in high school.  I started a historical novel set in the Wars of the Roses around the age of fourteen, but thankfully I abandonned it after a few chapters, since I’m pretty sure it was dreadful.

What is your favorite genre to read?

This sounds indecisive, but I really do love almost all genres.  I vary my input.  I’ll read a contemporary literary novel, followed by hard SF, followed by historical, followed by fantasy, followed by classics.  I don’t like to read the same genre twice in a row.  I suppose my favourites are books that cross genres, like Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell which is fantasy but reads like Dickens or Elliott, or The Time-Traveller’s Wife, which is contemporary lit fic with time travel.

What do you listen to when you write?

Ironically, since Allaigna’s Song is all about a girl who can turn music into magic, nothing.  I used to be a singer and guitartist, so I find music occupies too much of my storytelling brain.  However, I love to draw while listening to CBC radio, and I will do revisions listening to mixes of Bach, Cat Stevens, and L7, depending on my mood.

Ok that is ironic. And I like it.Folks you should definitely check her out, and her book. You know it's going to have some great action scenes. And of course I make the stalking easy with links to find amazing authors. 

Website: http://jmlandels.stiffbunnies.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllaignaSong/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmlandels
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8182339.J_M_Landels
And grab her book here https://www.amazon.com/Allaignas-Song-Overture-JM-Landels-ebook/dp/B073R1HDYR



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Published on January 26, 2018 06:00