Author Interview Ruby’s Letters Tour

I’m interviewing Maggie van Well, author of paranormal romance “Ruby’s Letters”. My questions are bolded, Maggie’s replies are in regular font.

What’s the hardest part of being an author?

Finding enough chocolate!! Seriously, coffee and chocolate–they’re in the writer’s toolbox. Also, writer’s block. There are times where I fear I’ll never write another decent story again. I once went 8 years without writing anything new. Now that’s scary! Dealing with rejection is no day at the beach either. You have to develop a thick skin in this business–or a weird sense of humor, which I think I’ve got covered.

Can you give us a short synopsis of Ruby’s Letters?

What inspired you to write this book? Back in the day when I owned a fireplace and chimney restoration company, I visited a 19th century brownstone in Harlem. The house was gutted, and we were renovating all the fireplaces. The kitchen fireplace was huge! My husband jokingly said, “you could hide a dead body in there,” and that’s when the wheels in my head started turning. Not that i was thinking of murdering him in that way. Just to clarify *:D big grin

Here’s a short synopsis:

You never know what you’ll find behind the wall of a closed up fireplace.

Emma Hopkins is a recently divorced chimney sweep trying to make it in a man’s world. When she wins a huge job in Brooklyn Heights , she finds more than she bargains for; a sexy general contractor who makes her blood boil and an evil spirit who wants her dead.

Ryan Atkinson struggles to keep his once-successful general contracting business alive, but horrors in his past have made him a shell of the man he once was. Now he has to face those fears to save Emma from a murderous ghost hell-bent on revenge.

Together, Ryan and Emma become ghost hunting partners, hoping to solve the mystery behind Ruby’s letters. What they uncover is a one-hundred year old murder and a budding love that can’t be denied.

How many hours per day do you spend writing?

That’s a hard question to answer. I work at home, but I also help my husband with his business, plus I have four kids, 3 dogs, and 2 doves. On any given day, I can write anywhere from 2 – 12 hours…or more if I’m in “The Zone.” I’ve been known to procrastinate on occasion–okay, a lot. During those times, I play hidden object games. They’re addictive. Seriously, don’t try them. They’re evil.

Name your top five favorite books.

Knight in Shining Armor, by Jude Deveraux. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K Rowling, Key of Light by Nora Roberts. The Awakening: Britton by Abby Niles.The DaVinci Code by Dan brown

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m working on book #2 of my small town series, Live and Laugh on Long Island. The first book, Love Emergency will be out in the next few months. The second book,Angels in Seashore Cove will be out sometime next year. These are small town contemporary romances, but some have a little paranormal, or suspense. All have a light humorous voice. Well, I think they’re humorous, but I also think I’m funny…so…

About The Book

Title: Ruby’s Letters

Author: Maggie van Well

Genre: Contemporary / Paranormal Romance

You never know what you’ll find behind the wall of a closed up fireplace.

Emma Hopkins is a recently divorced chimney sweep trying to make it in a man’s world. When she wins a huge job in Brooklyn Heights , she finds more than she bargains for; a sexy general contractor who makes her blood boil and an evil spirit who wants her dead.

Ryan Atkinson struggles to keep his once-successful general contracting business alive, but horrors in his past have made him a shell of the man he once was. Now he has to face those fears to save Emma from a murderous ghost hell-bent on revenge.

Together, Ryan and Emma become ghost hunting partners, hoping to solve the mystery behind Ruby’s letters. What they uncover is a one-hundred year old murder and a budding love that can’t be denied.

Author Bio

Maggie lives on Long Island with her husband, four insane children (no idea where they get that from) and three entertaining Italian greyhounds; Rosie, Stripe and Santa’s Little Helper (yes, that’s his real name). She also has two ringed-neck doves, because, ya know, who doesn’t like getting woken up at 2 in the morning by cooing?

She loves the ocean, and feels blessed to be able to go to the beach whenever she wants. She is addicted to café mochas, Godiva chocolate, and hidden object games. Seriously, there’s an intervention in her future.

Links

http://www.maggievanwell.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieVanWell

Cover Reveal Party I Woof You From the Bottom of my Heart

I’m also hosting a cover reveal party today! The cover reveal is for “I Woof YOu From the Bottom of my Heart”, an adorable children’s book.

About The Book

Title: I Woof You From the Bottom of my Heart

Author: Kathy Vassilakis

Genre: Children’s Book

The idea to write this book came from my daughter and my dog. This book was written to show children how special a bond and friendship they can have with their dog. Dog’s are wonderful pets and love us unconditionally. They will protect and love us no matter what. Children deserve to learn that at a very young age and grow to love all animals. Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character

Author Bio

Personal Biography of Kathy Vassilakis

Kathy Vassilakis used to work in the corporate world. She majored in accounting from Brooklyn College and followed her dream to work in corporate accounting for 15 years until she became a mom.

Being a mom was her dream all along and she left accounting to raise her beautiful daughter Sophia. She’s been writing stories for her daughter for quiet some time and decided to write her first children’s book of many to come I Woof You From The Bottom Of My Heart.

The idea to write this book came from my daughter and my dog. This book was written to show children how special a bond and friendship they can have with their dog. Dog’s are wonderful pets and love us unconditionally. They will protect and love us no matter what. Children deserve to learn that at a very young age and grow to love all animals. Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character.

Growing Up

I grew up in Brooklyn NY. I was the second child out of two. I have one sister named Joanne and always had animals. We had many dogs throughout my childhood from Pomeranians to Chows. I also had ducks, roosters, chickens, bunnies and many more animals. I was and still am a huge animal lover.

My love of books started when my mother used to read wonderful stories to my sister and me every night. She always tried to teach us both languages Greek and English. My parents were born and raised in Greece so Greek was their first language. Most of the stories she read to us were in Greek but that started my love for reading and writing. I learned both languages and am now fluent in writing and reading Greek which I am very proud of.

Family

I’ve been married now for five years and have one beautiful daughter. My daughter Sophia is 17 months old and she is my whole world. I also have a Japanese Chin named Bella. My husband, Greg, has always supported and believed in me, and my family will always be my inspiration.

Creating I Woof You From The Bottom Of My Heart

I have spent twenty years writing stories and brainstorming ideas for children’s books with my family. I came up with the characters Sophia and Bella after my own family. I was inspired by my daughter and the relationship she has with Bella and created I Woof You From The Bottom Of My Heart to teach children ho special a bond they can have with their dogs.

Compassion for animals is greatly connected to goodness of character this is the motto of the book. All animals deserve to be loved, respected, and treated right.

After a lot of hard work and many sleepless nights, I was finally able to publish my first book: I Woof You From The Bottom Of My Heart. To me, finally seeing my book in print and being able to share it with the public has made all the late nights and long hours worthwhile.

Links

Website- http://www.kathyvassilakis.wix.com/iwoofyou

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/IWoofYouFromTheBottomOfMyHeart

Twitter- https://twitter.com/Vassilakis0515

Amazon- http://amzn.com/1500576085

Barnes & Noble- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-woof-you-from-the-bottom-of-my-heart-kathy-vassilakis/1120334279?ean=9781500576080

Reader’s Favorite review- https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/36144

Book Excerpt from Journal of a South African Zombie Apocalypse

I’m sharing an excerpt today from a YA horror/dystopian book about zombies. Yep, you read that right – zombies! And just in time for Halloween. Enjoy!

Book Excerpt

There was a brief silence before Katlego finally spoke.

‘Okay, everyone ready?’

We had our weapons drawn. Rik and I had our spears and Pa was gripping his crowbar. Dirk had pulled out his massive hunting knife.

‘On the count of three, we step into the alley. Spread out evenly to draw them apart. Take out the brain and put them down… fast. ‘

We nodded and, on three, we fanned out into the alley. They knew we were there immediately and suddenly their docile shuffling turned into a determined walk towards us. Ironically, one of the lady zombies headed straight for me. She was dressed in a dark blue uniform and I soon realised she must have been a nurse.

The blue pants were now ripped and stained, and her eyes were a dark red, with dry blood caked around the sockets. My heart started racing again. I kept repeating don’t be scared, don’t be scared in my head, and tried to remember Pa’s words about using fear to survive. Taking a deep breath, I charged at Nurse Zombie with my spear, aiming for below the chin. I came in a little too fast and got the angle wrong. The spear pierced under her chin, but came out by her ear, totally missing the brain.

The spear was lodged and it was like I had a zombie on a lead. She tried to move in every direction, but I fought her, pushing and pulling. What now?

I decided I needed to get the spear loose, so using all my strength, I pushed, channelling all the power in my legs like a rugby player in a scrum. I started to jog, forcing her to reel backwards. Then I suddenly stopped. Nurse Zombie toppled backwards and her weight let me pull the spear loose. As she landed on her back I jumped forward, plunging the spear through her left eye. Lucky shot, but it worked. I spun around, hoping Pa had seen my handiwork, but it looked like everyone had been concentrating on their own kill. Pa’s eyes met mine.

‘You win?’

I nodded and smiled.

About The Book

Title: Journal of a South African Zombie Apocalypse

Author: Lee Herrmann

Genre: YA Horror / Dystopian

Pages: 180 pages

Publication Date: August 2014

ISBN Number: 978-0-620615-92-1

South Africa has been infected. The army and police failed. Government fell. And now the dead roam the streets.

Journal of a South African Zombie Apocalypse is a post-apocalyptic story set in South Africa, 2 years after a mysterious outbreak has ravaged the country. No one seems to know how it started, but the reality is that most of the rainbow nation is mindless, walking zombies and it’s survive or be eaten.

After their supplies run out, 16 year old Kon, his brother and father leave their Pretoria home and embark on a journey for a new home. They Come across Kat and Dirk, two fellow survivors on a mission to reach Robben Island, a reputed safe haven. Together they embark on an epic journey across the country. Along the way they befriend other survivors, and face an unrecognizable new world filled with new, unpredictable dangers.

Oh, and there’s lots and lots of zombies.

Journal of a South African Zombie Apocalypse is a coming of age story in a very different South Africa, and chronicles one family’s fight for survival against the walking dead.

About the Author

Lee Herrmann was born and raised in South

Africa. He has always had a fascination with zombies and has numerous contingency plans for the eventual apocalypse. Therefore, while he waited, it made sense to write a book about zombies in South Africa.

He has a great love of by comic books, movies, television and popular culture, and cites his zombie favourites as 28 Days Later, Dawn of the Dead and The Walking Dead.

He currently works in a near-zombie environment as a Content Manager for a big corporate firm in Johannesburg and has had a varied writing background including copywriting, writing for web, radio and magazines. He is also the author of the mystery title, The Manservant Mysteries ( www.TheManservantMysteries.com).

Lee lives in Pretoria with his wife Dina, and two sons, Max and Nik. Every Saturday night he can be found going to the movies with his best friend Steve-Dave.

 

Links

www.saza.co.za
https://www.facebook.com/JournalOfASouthAfricanZombieApocalypse

Book Excerpt from Hard Love

About The Book

Title: Hard Love: The Pleasure and the Pain

Author: William J. Warren

Genre: Poetry

A poetry collection by author William J. Warren

Author Bio

William J. Warren resides in Florida and has won several awards throughout the years in honor of his creative writing.

Links

Amazon: Amazon

Google Books: Google Books

B&N: B&N

Book Excerpt

Illumination

Ever saw a person Illuminate a room when they came into it

Or maybe it was you one day, one time, and you knew it

The countenance on your face was a light in a dark place

Or a star but in close space never too early and never too late

Always the right time and always the right day

Cause your words are a breathe of fresh air to hear and intake

Radiating with grace from your feet to her face

Elegant with taste pure and unlaced

Higher than a Queen but something like an Ace

It was gloom before you came in the room

But you never made haste always a smile on your face

People get stuck in place as if starring into space At the moves, you make and the steps you take

You are a sunny morning after a long night of rain that makes me happy to forget the pain

The countenance on your face is a light in a dark place or a star but in close space

Ever saw a person Illuminate a room when they came into it or maybe it was you one day time and you knew it

Author Interview Outcasts of the Worlds Tour

I’m interviewing Lucas Aubrey Paynter, the author of science-fiction fantasy novel “Outcasts of the Worlds”. My questions are bolded, author’s responses are in regular font.

What’s the hardest part of being an author?

 Largely, it’s been the continuous fear that anything I’ve written will be too strange and alienating and that the reader won’t be able to accept the oddities of the story for what they are that they might see the overall work for what it is.

 Seriously, I wrestled with the prologue and the first chapter more than anything else, in heavy part trying to establish the peculiarities of what Flynn and Jean as the first protagonists are without it feeling distracting. Whether I’ve succeeded or not, it’s in the wild now, but I hope from the early chapters on, the story will engage and not repel the reader.

Can you give us a short synopsis of your book?

 Flynn has drawn many people close. He has gained confidence and trust. He has been welcomed into families. He has ruined lives, sold out those who thought him a friend. He has destroyed communities, ensnared trusting hearts, left his victims helpless. Only now does he begin to regret.

 Imprisoned, Flynn faces a choice: freedom, despite his sins, or the punishment he deserves. His selfish choices will take him far, beyond the ruined Earth he has known all his life. He will find himself in the company of those unwanted by nature or deed. And for all the horrible things he has done, he may find the chance to do something good with his life, if he can only force himself to be a better man.

What inspired you to write this book?

 Outcasts of the Worlds is something I’ve been developing for a long time, and at first it was a love of epic fantasy and eclectic, ensemble casts. Along the way, it became complicated, as redemption stories and ambiguity tangled in more and more. Outcasts is meant to go to dark places and deal with characters who’ve done dark things but, for it all, I feel it’s the most optimistic thing I could write.

How many hours per day do you spend writing?

 The amount varies. I try to write at least one scene every day I have the time, and that usually takes a few hours. And, to be realistic, a portion of that is spent staring at the screen, re-reading what I’ve written and wondering if it’s working.

Sometimes whole paragraphs are deleted. Occasionally, I just start over. If things go well though, a few hours. If they’re going badly, I may be there until I figure out what isn’t working (which at times comes down to what character I’m focusing on), but I end up stuck at my desk quite a while longer before anything gets done.

Name your top five favorite books.

To note, the numbering is probably quasi-arbitrary. Probably. A few of the books may also be quasi-arbitrary. But these are ones I really like.

 1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – That’s where I started and, hell, that’s probably where half of everyone started.

 2. A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony – The Xanth series has become increasingly mixed for me as time has gone on, but there’s a lot I loved about the first entry, and it had me reading Anthony’s works for years to come.

 3. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson – Yes, I saw the Will Smith movie first (which I don’t think was all that bad), which led me to look into the book and–in short? I adore the book. I wrote a paper in college on it entitled “All Hail Our Vampire Overlords, or Much Ado About Staking.” My Rocky and Bullwinkle themed title landed me a B. I have no regrets.

 4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson – Though a good read in its own right, I appreciate Jekyll/Hyde’s role in literary culture more than anything else. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Jekyll and Hyde being the same person was supposed to be a plot twist! It’s the older spoiler in the book! (so to speak)

 5. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling – This is probably an odd one to round this list out, but aside from the excitement of the ending, I consider Half-Blood to be the dullest of the Potter books (in terms of events). It was also a favorite to read though, as I ate up the backstory material that was finally being doled out.

What are you working on now?

Outcasts of the Worlds is the first book in a (presently) unnamed saga. The second book in said (presently) unnamed saga is titled Killers, Traitors and Runaways. Think happy thoughts, everyone.

About The Book

Title: Outcasts of the Worlds

Author: Lucas Aubrey Paynter

Genre: SciFi Fantasy

Beyond the remnants of Earth lie many worlds, connected by pathways forgotten and invisible. They were left by the gods and have been found by Flynn.

A confidence man. A liar. A monster. Flynn has seen himself for what he really is and has resolved to pay for everything. Even if it means spending the rest of his days locked in Civilis, a tower prison for society’s unwanted – “half-humans” gifted by the fallout of nuclear holocaust centuries past.

Jean, a prisoner in the neighboring cell, has different ideas and despite himself, Flynn finds himself joining her daring escape. After rescuing her friend Mack, the three flee Civilis as Flynn pieces together the hours before his capture and finds himself drawn to an abandoned facility where a rift to another world opens at his nearing.

Together they will venture farther beyond the stars than humanity ever imagined, find others like them that will never belong, and tangle with forces both ancient and immortal. They stand alone, hated and scorned – and the last hope of making things right in a cosmos gone terribly wrong.

Author Bio

Lucas Aubrey Paynter holds a Creative Writing degree from California State University Northridge—which looks really good when one talks about how they want to write for a living. A fan of engaging storytelling in any medium,  he spent years developing the worlds, characters and conflicts that Flynn and his company encounter, before settling at his desk and writing Outcasts of the Worlds, the first part of a much larger tale to come.

Currently residing with his wife in Burbank, California, Lucas enjoys reading in a variety of formats, potentially overanalyzing character motivations and arcs, and the occasional good, stiff drink.

Links

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/outcastsoftheworlds
Twitter – @OutcastWorlds
Website – www.outcastsoftheworlds.com
Book Trailer – http://youtu.be/7lL9bHigFyc

Amazon – Amazon

Barnes and Noble – B&N

Feedbooks – Facebook

Book Review A Differet Kind of Safari by Helen C. Hipp

Title: A Different Kind of Safari

Author: Helen Hipp

Genre: Children’s Books

Has a book ever changed your life? Not just inspired you but helped you to see you’re life differently? In a tale that celebrates differences “A Different Kind of Safari”  addressing the many questions life asks by offering up lighthearted, ever-changing perspectives that transform personal challenges into opportunities. Engaging and fun young children begin to figure out how they are the same and different from other people, and how they feel about the differences. Full of fun and enjoyable teachable moments that move children and allow them to make personal connections with the characters handling of similar fears, interests, and concerns that they experience.

I love kids books! I find that libraries too often focus on books for grown ups, and not for kids, so I’m always eager to review a kids book in my spare time. “A Different Kind of Safari” is a unique book – rather than just tell a story, it gives responses to some of life’s most intriguing questions, but in such a way that children will understand it too.

The story focuses on a young boy who meets a hippo on a safari, and that’s when the adventure begins. Ray, the main character, is different from other children and struggles to fit in. His friend the hippo offers him some interesting perspectives and life lessons, mostly through stories and adventures. The book isn’t preachy at all, instead it’s a fun adventure for parents and kids to live through together.

Author Interview Shawndirea Tour

I’m interviewing Leonard D. Hilley II, author of fantasy novel “Shawndirea”. I hope you enjoy the interview! My questions are bolded, author’s responses are in regular font.

What’s the hardest part of being an author?

The hardest part is the isolation. Writing requires the author to be alone with the keyboard, typewriter, or notepad while shutting out the outside world to zone in on the characters and their world. This is difficult when you have a family and minimizes one’ social life, too. Books don’t write themselves, so you have to plant yourself in the chair and write.

Can you give us a short synopsis of Shawndirea? What inspired you to write this book?

Shawndirea was originally a backdrop story to the novel, Devils Den. I had planned for this to be a novella (~40,000 words), but the characters came to life and took over, making the book an epic novel (148,000 words). The reason these characters are so powerful is because they were characters from a novel I had started over twenty years ago. I abandoned the novel, but the characters remained in my mind, slowly maturing and waiting for their opportunity to come to life on the page.

Synopsis: An entomologist mistakenly captures a faery, shredding her wings, and vows to return her to her realm. Along the dangerous journey, they fall in love, and he must make the choice of staying in her realm or returning back to his home.

How many hours per day do you spend writing?

On weekends, I try to write four to five hours per day. During the week, due to teaching, the hours vary based upon my schedule. I have learned to write more in less time. Sometimes I believe this happens because I make notes whenever new ideas strike me. I keep notebooks everywhere. And even when I’m not writing, the ideas percolate in my mind.

Name your top five favorite books.

This is difficult.

The Great Book of Amber by Roger Zelazny

Servants of Twilight by Dean R. Koontz

I, Asimov by Isaac Asimov

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the sequel to Shawndirea. I’m also finishing up a sci-fi thriller about an alien virus that a doctor discovers that has no known cure.

About Shawndirea

Title: Shawndirea

Author: Leonard D. Hilley II

Genre: Fantasy

Often the smallest unexpected surprises garner the most demanding dilemmas, which proves to be the ordeal that entomologist Ben Whytten faces. While netting butterflies to add to his vast collection, he mistakenly sweeps what he thinks is the most spectacular butterfly he has ever seen into his net. Upon examining his catch, Ben is horrified to discover he has captured a faery and shredded her delicate wings into useless ribbons.

Devastated, Ben vows to take Shawndirea back to her realm, Aetheaon; but he discovers that doing so places their lives into immediate danger. To get to Aetheaon, they must pass through a portal rift deep inside the haunted cavern, Devils Den.

Once they cross the rift, Ben enters a world where mysteries, magic, betrayal, and power struggles await. He must adapt quickly or die because Aetheaon is filled with enchanted creatures and numerous races where chaos often dominates order. And since Shawndirea’s destined for the throne of Elvendale, opposing dark forces plot to prevent her from ever reaching her kingdom again. The faery’s magic isn’t enough to fully protect them, so he must trust other adventurers to aid them during their journey.

Author Bio

Leonard D. Hilley II currently lives in the mountains of Kentucky with his wife, Christal, and their two children.  He is the author of The Darkness Series–Predators of Darkness: Aftermath, Beyond the Darkness, The Game of Pawns, and Death’s Valley.

Links

Book link: http://www.amazon.com/Shawndirea-Chronicles-Aetheaon-Book-One-ebook/dp/B00KYTQWUY

Blog link: http://deimosweb-hilley.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @Deimosweb

Facebook Author Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leonard-D-Hilley-IIauthor-page/157289854329916?ref=hl

Shawndirea is available via Kindle Unlimited as well.

Author Interview School of Deaths Tour

Interview time today. I’m hosting an interview for the book tour for YA fantasy novel “School of Deaths”. My questions are bolded, and the author’s responses are in regular font. Enjoy the interview!

What’s the hardest part of being an author?

Finding the time to get everything done, when you work another job, is a huge challenge. Marketing, editing, and drafting all take immense amounts of time. For me, marketing has been the most challenging of those three, but of all three the hardest issue remains finding the time.

Can you give us a short synopsis of School of Deaths?

Susan Sarnio, a thirteen-year-old girl in suburban Maryland, can’t stop losing weight. Her parents fear an eating disorder, but the truth reveals itself when a man in a hood appears at Suzie’s doorstep with a scythe: Suzie is a Death.

Suzie is forced to spend one year at the College of Deaths, where she’ll train to become a full Reaper, bringing souls from the Living World to the Hereafter. At the end of her year, if she passes a test, she can return home. Once at the College, Suzie realizes something is wrong. She is the first female Death at the College in a million years, and she suspects her sudden presence is no accident. She struggles to fight an overwhelming amount of sexism from both classmates and teachers, while also trying to unravel the reason she’s been brought there.

Suzie makes friends with her two housemates, and grows as a Death. She learns to use a scythe, and participates in Reaping souls. She also learns that long ago, souls were reaped by Dragons. Now, the College fears all contact with Dragons, but could the Dragons be responsible for her entrance there? A race of strange beings called Elementals serve the Deaths, yet the Elementals also struggle for respect, much the way Suzie does.

Can Suzie survive her year, and will her curiosity help her, or will it lead her down a more dangerous path?

What inspired you to write this book?

The idea for SCHOOL OF DEATHS emerged when I was finishing my graduate degree at Oxford University. I spent four months abroad, far from everyone I knew. Every week, I traveled somewhere I had never been before. I would climb castle ruins in Wales and visit cathedrals in England. One of my favorite trips was to Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. After misjudging the time it’d take to get there, I became stranded. The tourist office was closed, and I couldn’t find a hostel. I walked from pub to pub asking if I could sleep above their bar.             The next morning, having slept none, since I’d found a room over a noisy pub, I crept to Barras Nose before dawn. Barras Nose is a stone peninsula, or rocky outcropping jutting into the Celtic Sea, just north of Tintagel. Tintagel itself is a small island with castle ruins on its cliffs. Some believe it to be the birthplace of King Arthur.  When I reached Barras Nose, the winds howled so fiercely that I had to crawl on all fours to keep from being blown into the ocean below. Then dawn broke.  No other humans were in sight. I struggled to keep my balance, but watched the sun rise on the ruins of the ancient castle, listening to the thunder of waves pounding the fifty foot cliffs I clung to. Wind battered me with ferocity, and I imagined a character being buffeted by winds, completely alone. I envisioned  Suzie, alone in a world of men, buffeted by sexism.

How many hours per day do you spend writing?

It really depends on the time of year. During the summers, I can spend 40 hours a week on writing. During the school year, particularly before a major production in the drama department, I sometimes go several weeks without writing at all.  Generally I try to spend at least a few hours every week working on my writing.

Name your top five favorite books.

Lord of the Rings, Pillars of the Earth, Harry Potter, Good Omens, His Dark Materials

What are you working on now?

I am currently editing “Sword of Deaths,” the second novel of “The Scythe Wielder’s Secret,” which releases this spring, following the print release of “School of Deaths” this winter. I have also started work on the third and final volume in the series.

About The Book

Title: School of Deaths

Author: Christopher Mannino

Genre: YA Fantasy

Thrust into a world of men, can a timid girl find bravery as the first female Death?

Thirteen-year-old Suzie Sarnio always believed the Grim Reaper was a fairy tale image of a skeleton with a scythe.  Now, forced to enter the College of Deaths, she finds herself training to bring souls from the Living World to the Hereafter.

The task is demanding enough, but as the only female in the all-male College, she quickly becomes a target.  Attacked by both classmates and strangers, Suzie is alone in a world where even her teachers want her to fail.

Caught in the middle of a plot to overthrow the World of Deaths, Suzie must uncover the reason she’s been brought there: the first female Death in a million years.

Author Bio

Christopher Mannino’s life is best described as an unending creative outlet.  He teaches high school theatre in Greenbelt, Maryland.  In addition to his daily drama classes, he runs several after-school performance/production drama groups.  He spends his summers writing and singing.  Mannino holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education from Catholic University, and has studied mythology and literature both in America and at Oxford University.  His work with young people helped inspire him to write young adult fantasy, although it was his love of reading that truly brought his writing to life.

Mannino is currently working on a sequel to “School of Deaths” as well as an adult science fiction novel.

Watch the trailer here

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AeszKiTz0k

 

Links

All purchase links can be found at http://www.christophermannino.com/school-of-deaths.html#.U81VLPldWSo

www.ChristopherMannino.com
http://poetsfire.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/CTMannino
https://twitter.com/Ctmannino
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00K2XOP88
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8108129.Christopher_Mannino

Giveaway

There is a tour-wide giveaway for free ebook copies of the book. Participate by filling in the form below: you can participate by either commenting on one of the blogs participating, or tweeting about the book.

 Go here to participate in the giveaway. 

There is also a tour-wide giveaway for an Amazon gift card, value $20. All you need to do to participate is sign up for the author’s newsletter, and fill in the form below.

Go here to participate in the giveaway.

Promo Post Phoenix Rising

I’m hosting a promo today for contemporary romance “Phoenix Rising”. Enjoy!

About The Book

Title: Phoenix Rising

Author: Leila Lacey

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Phoenix James is plus sized dynamo, she is tall and light skinned, very earthy and eclectic in the way she dresses.

Phoenix is funny and fun loving; she has the personality that can make friends in the desert. Outgoing and charismatic, easy to talk to. She is the girl that all the girls want to have as a friend and the girl that all the fellas think is cool. She is loyal to her friends and family to a point of sometimes hurting herself if they are not being true to her.

She is single and has no kids, she has been married once and that relationship ended in divorce after he cheated on her. Although on the outside she seems totally confident and comfortable in her own skin to the public; she is sad and insecure about her weight and finding true love, Because of her insecurities her choices in men have been bad and most times disastrous.

Nick Crowne is 6’2” with broad shoulders and chocolate brown skin and brown eyes. He was born and raised in Britain so has and accent. His dimple on his right cheek gets him out of a whole lot of trouble with the ladies. Always being a slender man he is not much of a gym rat but still has an amazingly toned body with a deep sensual voice; he was married to the love of his life who died in a car accident 6 years ago, with their two year old daughter. He is not looking for nor does he have a desire to be in a relationship. He has decided that he will never let that pain touch him again. Besides the fact that being married to him was dangerous because of his family.

Nick is a man with culture and pride in being a black man. He donates extensively to scholarships for under privileges black children to go to college. He is a shark in business and a teddy bear in private.

He does not lie or sugar coat things he feels that, is just a way to cause more heart ache in the end. Being that he is so blunt and honest many people feel he is cruel and do not understand him. Born to a…. what American’s would call mafia family, he once worked 3 jobs and went to school full time to create a good life for himself and his family outside of a life of crime. He has worked hard for all he has and will fight dirty to keep it.

Author Bio

Leila Lacey is a romance author living in Michigan. With 3 Amazon Best Selling Books. Her unique, yet titillating, genre blurs the lines between romance, interracial love and erotica. Now in her late 30’s, Leila has been passionate about writing since age 10. She can often be found traveling the world, enjoying water sports, listening to jazz music or volunteering at Vista Maria, a local youth program for young women. Leila, above all else, loves her friends and family. It is with their support that she is able to create magical scenes of true human intimacy on every page. Follow Leila Lacey on her endeavor to be America’s next New York Time’s Bestselling Author!

Links

http://www.leilalaceyromance.com

https://www.facebook.com/leilaslaceromancebooks

https://twitter.com/leilalacey1

US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MXSLACY

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phoenix-Rising-Goddess-Leila-Lacey-ebook/dp/B00MXSLACY/ref=la_B00K82W080_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1411990238&sr=1-3

Author Interview with Camela Thompson

I’m interviewing Camela Thompson today, author of mystery / thriller “All The Pretty Bones”. My questions are bolded, author’s responses are in regular font.

What’s the hardest part of being an author?

This is my first book, so I can only judge by what I’ve experienced thus far. I would have to say that self-promotion has been the most difficult aspect for me. I’m shy and introverted, so shouting my name from the imaginary rooftops of the Internet feels a little strange. I worry a lot about annoying people. In other words, it’s not my strong suit! I do enjoy all of the very cool people I’ve met through Twitter. It’s really fun to be able to interact with people, although I probably post way too many pictures of my adorable dogs.

Can you give us a short synopsis of All The Pretty Bones?

Imagine living in the shadow of a stalker – known for violent behavior – for ten years. When Olivia Kardos finds out that she is dying of terminal cancer and her stalker is back in town after a brief hiatus, she hits her breaking point. She decides to kill Mark Porter. Olivia knows that a business professional who has spent her life running is ill equipped to face off with Mark. She seeks help and finds aid from an unlikely source – an illegal arms dealer. While Olivia is preparing for a confrontation, her ex, Homicide Detective Sean Howard, is called onto a case and shocked by what he sees: an exsanguinated and brutally stabbed woman who could pass for Olivia. As time goes on, it becomes apparent that monsters may be real.

What inspired you to write this book?

When I was fourteen, a nineteen-year-old man took an unhealthy interest in me. I had never dated or encouraged him, but he would call me repeatedly, say really frightening things, show up at my classes, and leave stories of what he wanted to do to me. It escalated quickly and was terrifying! I was lucky that he lost interest after I called him on all of the restraining order violations and he was arrested several times.

When I hear about cases in the news that didn’t end as well as my own, I tend to get emotional. It didn’t take much for me to wonder what would push someone to break the rules and fight back. (I would never encourage anyone to do so! It’s very dangerous and illegal.) I also love vampire books, and the options that open up when you aren’t restricted by the real world’s rules. The two just organically blended.

How many hours per day do you spend writing?

I wish I could say hours! I still work full time, so I squeeze in as much as I can on weekends and set aside two weeknights. I would say it averages out to one to two hours per day, if you don’t count all of the writing I do during my day job.

Name your top five favorite books.

Ask me this question on any given day and you’ll probably get a different answer. In no particular order: The Shining, Fiend, Sharp Objects, I am Legend, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

What are you working on now?

Book 2 of The Hunted Series (All the Pretty Bones is Book 1). I’ve also had a horror novel that has been banging around in my head, begging to get out. It’s about a struggling couple who finds a dog under their front porch. They realize they have invited more than the dog into their home when strange things start happening at night. The dark secret hidden by their realtor leads them to wonder whether this new presence is a result of the house’s violent past. The working title is Charlie’s Shadow.

Thank you so much for the interview! It has been a real pleasure. You had some fabulous questions.

All The Pretty Bones

Title: All The Pretty Bones

Author: Camela Thompson

Genre: Paranormal Thriller

After ten years of living in the shadow of her stalker, a diagnosis of terminal cancer pushes Olivia Kardos to take matters into her own hands. Her final days will not be spent isolated from the world nor hiding like a hunted animal. It’s time for Mark Porter to die. Going against a trained killer alone would be foolish, but the handsome arms dealer who offers to help her has a dark secret of his own.

Homicide Detective Sean Howard has tried to push his ex out of his mind, but his next case brings her crashing back into his life. A woman is found exsanguinated and brutally stabbed in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood and she could be Olivia’s doppelganger. As more women are murdered and the similarities grow, Sean can’t shake the feeling that Olivia is next.

In a world where demons and vampires lurk just beneath the surface, what you don’t know can kill you.

Author Bio

When I was a little girl, I loved writing stories about animals doing amazing things. Ducks could speak with humans, and hamsters had a suspicious tendency to follow plot lines that were strikingly similar to Indiana Jones. I grew up, found a career, and got married, forgetting the need to tell stories. A week cooped up in my house with an illness resulted in a random decision to write a novel. That first novel will probably never see the light of day, but it woke up something that had been dormant for years.

Despite dabbling in many genres, there is a driving force behind my stories. I love writing about women who shine in difficult circumstances. I will back them up against the wall and sit amazed as they manage to come out on the other side stronger than ever.

 Links

Website: http://www.camelathompson.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8548767.Camela_Thompson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Camela-Thompson/1473446329557330

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CamelaThompson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=8935820&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CamelaThompson/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/camelat/