FIVE DAYS OF DRAGON INTERVIEWS, DAY 5 - AN INTERVIEW WITH DAVID JONES!

Hello Eager Readers!  Last day for sharing the guest posts written by the authors featured in the PLAGUE OF DRAGONS anthology (Now Available!).  Today's feature author is DAVID JONES!

Tell us a bit about your story.

The Sky Hunter is a sci-fi military story that introduces us to Ilana, a human warrior who was raised by the Ociel, a race of dragon people, on their islands in the sky. Her past is a mystery, even to her, and that’s partly because of the Ociel, so she resents them. Ilana is relatively new to being a Sky Hunter, and wears a special suit of armor called the Aether Suit that allows her to keep up with her fellow warriors. She descends to the surface world, which is absolutely foreign to her, with the intent to fulfill this final mission for the Ociel elders, and then go off on her own. This story essentially blends Metroid, Mega Man X, Jurassic Park, dragons, and Little Shop of Horrors together in really fun ways, and Ilana is by far the strongest, most badass character I’ve written to date.

Have you written any other dragon stories?

The first book I ever wrote is called Onyx The Half Hero Dragon. It’s still unreleased, but it’s a story that I’ve always loved. I’ve grown a lot as a writer since I started work on Onyx, which has had a ridiculously long development history, but I have every intention to release Onyx by the end of the year. Onyx The Half Hero Dragon is a coming of age story about a young bionic dragon who grew up on a mythic island, and was raised by a mechanical engineer named Sheila. They set out to explore the island they live on to hunt down components for a powerful new weapon, and quickly find themselves caught up in war. There's much more to the story, obviously, but I'm not about to spoil everything here.

Will there be a sequel to The Sky Hunter?

I would love to write a sequel to The Sky Hunter. Ilana's world is full of possibilities, and even I don't know where she's headed.

* * *

Thank you for the guest post, David!  You can find out more about David Jones on his website: http://davidjonesart.com/

FIVE DAYS OF DRAGON INTERVIEWS, DAY 4 - AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL K. ROSE!

Hello Eager Readers!  For the next few days, I'll be sharing a post a day written by one of the authors featured in the PLAGUE OF DRAGONS anthology (Now Available!).  Today's feature author is MICHAEL K. ROSE!

Tell me a bit about your story.

“Brutality” is the story of a young man living on a remote island that is terrorized by dragons every generation or so. It’s written as a first-person narrative, because I wanted the reader to experience the dragon attack through his eyes. My stories generally tend to be pretty fast paced, and “Brutality” is no exception. Once the action gets going, the tension doesn’t really let up until the climax.

Are there any aspects of dragon lore—and, subsequently, modern dragon fiction—that you particularly like or dislike?

I like the idea of dragons as manifestations of certain human traits, and it’s something my story touches on. Think of the Norse story of Fafnir, the dwarf who is transformed into a serpent or a dragon by his greed. In this aspect, dragons are similar to many other creatures of folklore and literature: the vampire, the werewolf, even Frankenstein’s monster. All these creatures reflect the darker things lurking below the surface of our rational human minds.

Are you fond of films like Dragonslayer that depict dragons as mindless, violent animals, or do you prefer your dragons with a bit more intelligence and, perhaps, kindness?

I like both, and there is room for both. While historically, dragons have had very specific roles in human culture, modern writers and audiences have adapted the idea into something much more expansive. The same has been done with the creatures I mentioned a moment ago: vampires and werewolves. And perhaps because they started as aspects of the human psyche, it’s only natural to see ourselves in them and, in many cases, make them heroes in their own right. That being said, I wanted to make this story’s dragons fit the more traditional narrative, although they do have intelligence, which is something the islanders in “Brutality” have to contend with.

* * *

Thank you for the interview, Michael!  You can find out more about Michael K. Rose on his website: http://www.michaelkrose.com/

Author Spotlight: Interview with Rick Trivett

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

My book is called Bubble of Time and is the first installment of the Lyonnesse Tales. It is a light-hearted and hopefully humorous fantasy.

2. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

I like to think the book is suitable for teenagers of all ages. There is no blood and guts, bedroom scenes and the only swearing comes from the top line of the keyboard. I hope there is something in the book for teenagers and adults alike.

3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

I wanted to create a land where life was simpler, where magic still existed and money was not all powerful. However, I also wanted it to be discovered by someone from our own reality. Living in the southwest of Britain, the obvious place to set the series was in the mythical county of Lyonnesse, hence Lyonnesse Tales. But why can’t the rest of us see what was once a kingdom? Simple, because it is hidden in a bubble of time.

4. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

The cover is a collaboration between a local artist, Hazel-Ann Willson and myself. I can’t draw for toffees so I gave her a brief for the original picture, then tweaked it to get end result. I wanted something that would convey being lost, not in space, but in time, thus the fingerpost has whens rather than wheres.

5. Who is your favourite character from your book and why?

6. How about your least favourite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

My favourite character? Hum, I don’t really have a favourite, or to forestall your next question, least favourite. I like all the characters for different reasons, even some that only get a brief mention. Some are charactures of people of people stereotypes I have met, others are merely how I’d like people to be. For instance, the woman that runs the Post Office is based on a school teacher I had when I was seven. A very austere woman who had never married, had long silver hair pulled back tight and pinned into a bun, and always wore a tweed skirt and jacket.

7. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

One thing? Like an artist, I don’t think an author ever really knows when to lay down the brush. That said, I’d have to say I’m happy with it the way it is. I’ve had some negative feedback saying I’m too wordy at times with some of the descriptions, but I think that is because I like to get across the scene as I see it, to paint the whole picture. But I can see how it can interrupt the flow of the narrative and is something I am more conscious of as I’m writing the second book.

8. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

Perhaps that it has sat on a shelf unloved for over twenty years? Back then I was trying hard to be a professional writer, getting poems, newspaper and magazines articles published. I even had my own column in a magazine for a while. But life got in the way as it often does. Now I’m able to give more time to writing, not a lot as I’m still working full time, but I write purely for pleasure and with no deadlines.

9. What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?

I have been greatly influenced by Terry Pratchett and the late Douglas Adams. Both have a tremendous use of verbal slapstick that can only work in the imagination, something I’ve tried to bring to my writing. And to a lesser extent, perhaps Tom Holt or Robert Rankin.

10. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

Like whistling the Warsaw Concerto whilst drinking a glass of water? No not really. I am however, a committed motorcyclist or perhaps should be committed motorcyclist. I own 4 bikes at the moment, all from the late seventies or early eighties and ride as much as possible. My wife and I have just come back from fourteen days riding around France and Switzerland. We covered 2600miles in that fortnight, and that includes a five day and a three day stopover.

11. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

Well there is the website, though I don’t update it as often as I should: www.lyonnessetales.co.uk
Or I’m on twitter: https://twitter.com/LyonnesseTales
And Facebook: www.facebook.com/rick.trivett.18
The book itself can be bought from http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BNWH4KI in the UK.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BNWH4KI in the US and from https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291239 anywhere.

12. What can we expect from you in the future?

Book Two: Quest in Time is on the go at the moment. However, I’m not the most disciplined writer anymore, and working full time it is a bit of a slow burn at the moment, but I hope to have the first draft finished by the end of the year.

After that? I want to continue with the Lyonnesse Tales and have several other story outlines for future books, but I also want to write some serious fantasy/sci fi too.

13. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

TELL OTHERS! Sorry, but getting the word out is the most important thing for any indie author. Other than that, please give feedback, good or bad.

14. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Try and get someone you don’t know to read it first. A neutral opinion is very important and family and friends are sometimes reluctant to be critical. Then when it is ready push your work, really push it and don’t be put off by stacks of rejection letters. If it is good then someone will publish it.

15. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Just that I hope you enjoy the book. Let me know either way and hopefully it will improve the next!

16. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

Ok, here is part of the first chapter:

It was Sunday, and since his girlfriend was away visiting her brother for the day, Dave Unwin was partaking of his second favourite pastime, riding his motorcycle around the myriad of country lanes in Devon. It was early spring, and for once the weather was co-operating and he had not been forced to don his waterproof over-suit. It was still rather chilly so, in addition to his leathers  he was wearing a multitude of layers under his leather jacket and quilted ski trousers over his leather jeans.

If Dave was a stereotypical biker, as the media like to portray them, then by rights he should have been mugging little old ladies, robbing petrol stations, participating in illegal road races, or generally causing trouble. However, he was simply riding for the enjoyment of riding, and the thrill of exploring the largest network of roads of any county in the country. Nor was he travelling at high speed, far from it. Most of the unclassified roads were far too twisty, and the road surface too poor to travel safely at speed. And besides the potholes, loose gravel, lines of tar around old patches, fallen leaves, and mud, there were also the hazards prevalent in a rural setting, like organic landmines left behind by herds of cows, and psychotic pheasants with a death wish. No, Dave was content to ride at a sedate pace, and absorb the world around him. Occasionally he would stop by a gateway or pull in to a lay-by and take a drink of coffee from his thermos whilst admiring the view.

He pulled away from another vantage point, and rode at a sedate pace along the minor road. He was simply riding for the exhilaration of riding and the sense of freedom it generated. Sweeping around bends, and slaloming his way around the multitude of potholes and patches that councils everywhere consider vital for all roads in tip-top condition.

It was a beautiful spring day, with hardly a cloud in the sky. The hedges were in their first flush of vibrant green, growing for all they were worth before they would be trimmed back later in the year once the birds had finished nesting. A sign by the side of the road understated the U-bend ahead, but having ridden this way many times before he was ready for it.

What Dave was not ready for was the imposing bulk of a big red tractor pulling a trailer coming the other way along the road as he went around the bend. Immediately he applied the brakes, the net result of which was to lock up the back wheel, causing the bike to skid on the loose gravel and mud on the road. The tractor coming the other way also braked, skewing itself and its trailer across the width of the road, making it impossible to get past it.

In the mean time, Dave released the brakes and steered into his skid to bring the bike back under control. Even from the low speed he had been doing there was no way he was going to be able to stop on such a loose surface before he hit the tractor. By the side of the road was a gap in the hedge. By a democratic majority of one, Dave voted to head for this gap. It seemed to offer an altogether less painful option than sliding into the tractor .

If he had been able to or had the time to stop and explore exactly why there was a gap between the hedges, then he might possibly have found the remains of the broken sign that was in the ditch next to the gap. He might then have scraped off the lichen and the fungus growing on it, and been able to read what was left of indented lettering, which said:

DANGER!
FOOTPATH CLOSED!
KEEP OUT!

It could have referred to the vegetation but it didn’t, for the gap between the hedges quickly converged. The footpath was more than overgrown - it was undergrown as well. Brambles and dog roses criss-crossed the path like organic barbed wire. Nettles and docks fought between themselves for space amongst the knee-high grass in the middle, and the blackthorn hedges didn’t just loom on the edge of proceedings, they met and exchanged gossip in the middle. A panicked dab of the brakes and a sliding rear wheel informed him that the surface was even more slippery than the road had been and braking was not a good idea. There also appeared to be no room to turn around, not even a gateway or stile, which would mean that even if he could stop he would have to push the bike out backwards through the vegetation, so with no other option forthcoming he kept going.

Dave’s knuckles were white inside his gloves as he griped onto the handlebars, whilst nature tried its best to get to grips with him and dump him on the ground. The dog roses and brambles ripped and tore at various parts of his protective leathers, trying to get at the vulnerable bits underneath. Inside his black helmet, his face was as white as a sheet. His green eyes bulging with fear, as he tried his best to stay in the saddle during that nightmare ride. A part of his brain, that was obviously not up to speed with current events, noticed what a wonderful smell the freshly broken vegetation gave off as he rode through it.

It seemed to last forever. Perhaps it was his lot to spend the rest of his life riding down through that footpath choked with weeds, when without warning the foliage gave way in front of him. It parted to reveal another road. Heaving a sigh of relief, Dave managed to bring his bike to a halt. For a moment he just sat astride his bike, panting with relief. Somehow he had managed to get through it more or less in one piece. Which was more than could be said for his jacket and ski trousers. They were ripped and torn in several places, with the odd thorn sticking right through and into him by the feel of it.

After putting the bike on its stand, Dave pulled off his gloves and helmet, letting his shoulder length brown hair cascaded down around his face, which was clean-shaven apart from a moustache, and still pale with fright. Freed from the confines of his helmet, he began to take in his surrounding.
 
The road he had discovered had the traditional trappings of all little used country lanes. However, the grass down through the middle of it appeared to be meticulously manicured and the potholes had a curiously symmetrical shape to them, but otherwise it resembled any other road long forgotten by the authorities. Carefully he placed his gloves and helmet on the ground, and after a brief pause to pull out some of the more painful thorns, Dave reached into the tattered remains of his leather jacket and took out the map he always carried. He had gotten into the habit of carrying it for those odd occasions when, through no fault of his own, he found himself directionally challenged (or hopelessly lost).

Opening it up, he quickly found the road he had been on and the U-bend. The footpath was not marked, nor, as far as he could make out, was the road he had emerged onto. This rather annoyed him. The map was a good quality one printed by the A.S. (The Ammunition Survey Group) and had been quite expensive. It was the kind of map favoured by ramblers and only covered about twenty square miles but showed every farmhouse, barn, and milking parlour, outside loo, rabbit hutch, and dog kennel. Those people who had been unfortunate enough to have stood still for too long when the survey had been conducted were also marked on the map as well, but what it didn’t show was where he was.

*****

Thank you Rick for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
*****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at authorjejohnson@gmail.com

Author Spotlight: Interview with Hank Smith

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

Addict to Addict Without Parallel/ Relapse Prevention.

Tagline: The beast of addiction is severe and deadly. if you want to understand the realities of drugs and the effects it has on us then please give yourself a break. please read this book.

2. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

All audiences who have or who know someone who has struggled with addiction. I believe that would be just about all of us.

3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

The book derives from the only known cure of addiction. One addict helping another addict without parallel. It is the only proven way to arrest addiction for more than a short period of time. DRUGS DO NOT WORK.

4. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

It's basic. Just a word cover. I made it that way because it's the design of simplicity.

5. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

All who inspired me. Every addict that I know of who has died in the fight of the disease of addiction.

6. How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

Death. addiction always wins if not treated with utmost respect. SURRENDER.

7. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

I would have gotten more serious about doctors prescribing addicts drugs to fight addiction with.
its a sure way to kill them. Not cure them.

8. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

Up to this point. I hand made all my books and i have given away over 500 books to inmates and recovering addicts for free.maybe someday I will be paid for them.

As I was writing on a subcommittee of an unnamed 12 step fellowship. I realized that more people
become addicted to doctor prescribed meds in treatment than in hospitals due to injury. I
guess thats not very fun but its the truth.

9. What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?

I haven't found one quite like mine. it is a spiritual view on addiction and the arresting
assets of the disease of addiction.

10. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I am a musician and i build harleys. and i love to go camping with my kids and my sweetheart.

11. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

hanksmith.us  

904-236-2259...dont prank call me. I work hard at this.

12. What can we expect from you in the future?

I'm working with local teens about bullying and a series of booklets for free at all public schools
so the kids can just grab one off the wall in any hallway. Although, I'm a little disgusted with the
so called lack of funding that is offered for this project.

13. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Give it to someone who it may save them from an untimely death due to the lack of knowledge
that it takes to stay alive from the deadly disease of addiction.

14. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Just speak your mind and write it down. And for gods sakes don't believe that someone will come along and make it happen for you. Prepare to do it yourself. then do it.

15. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

A lot, but we shall remain silent in order for you to say something.

Thanks to the smell of gunpowder in my mouth. if you visit my website and read my book, you will understand that.

16. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

THE BEGINNING
To prevent relapse, we must first began a
life of recovery. The only correct way to begin a
life of recovery is to detox from all drugs, work
the twelve steps and live a spiritual life. If these
“so called - wonder drugs” worked, then why
are millions of addicts going to the clinics every
day like cattle and taking drugs they would have
never even taken in the first place. It seems very
disturbing to me that the vision of recovery is
being catapulted into a blur of deception by
doctors and clinics. The medical field has this
backwards. It doesn't take a very bright star to
figure out that a junkie needs to loose the
crutch and begin a new way of life without
drugs. To put someone on synthetic heroin, or
any other drug, is murder. This is belittling to
do to someone who already has a deadly
problem with addiction. In order to prevent
relapse, we must be clean and free from all
drugs in order to begin to recover.
Recovery is the opposite from the way a
drug addicts mind thinks. It’s deadly to cover up
anything that may be of use to them in a
recovery setting. The point here is to help
them recover from “all” drugs. Not to get them
started on new ones that would have never
even reached them in the first place. What’s
the difference in giving a drug addict heroin,
crack, meth, alcohol or cocaine then giving them
oxy-cotton, methadone, suboxone or any other
drug that the doctors see fit to make money
from? It’s no different from the local drug
dealer. Only this is done legally, and there is no
prison sentence behind it. We wonder why the
relapse ratio is so high on addicts leaving
treatment and recovery centers. Funny how
jails don't give addicts their “FIX” while their
incarcerated. Nor do they give them any as
their being released. Sounds like addicts have a
better chance of surviving the deadly disease of
addiction being in jail instead of treatment. But
sadly enough, most dependent inmates quickly
return to their doctor to be instantly
reintroduced to the same old program of
substitution recovery.
This is absurd, and must be arrested now
in order to begin a new life of recovery. To
believe that recovery is just remaining clean
from the drugs that we “illegally abused” is
absurd. The recovery process from anything
that is destroying our lives must be driven by a
crystal clear vision of what it is that we’re
trying to achieve. The medical field tells drug
addicts to remain clean from the drugs that they
came there using but immediately gives them a
replacement drug. This is insane. It only
creates a brand new situation in an old pattern
of thinking. We must begin with a new way of
thinking. To replace drugs, with drugs, is deadly.
This does nothing for the addict or their quality
of life.

*****

Thank you Hank for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
*****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at authorjejohnson@gmail.com

Author Spotlight: Interview with Hayden Smith

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:
 
In Last Night's Clothes, Fiction, "Part-college coming of age novel, part-expose of the suburban underbelly."

2. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?
 
I wrote this book with 18-25 year olds specifically in mind. I feel they should read it because it encompasses all of the struggles of being a young adult; yet still features unimaginably wild antics to keep both realism and fantasy going.

3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?
 
I used to run a blog called In Last Night's Clothes, where'd I'd share stories from night before and fiction pieces. My book was untitled for a while and after reading my blog, my friend Jenny suggested I name the book after it.
 
It then took on a whole new meaning in the book itself, as the reader discovers.

4. Tell us a little bit about your cover art. Who designed it? Why did you go with that particular image/artwork?

It was designed by Amazon and I choose it because it just felt right. It looks like a party with spooky undertones.

5. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

The mystery friend that my protagonist Colin shares his stories with is my favorite character! Why? Because this mysyery friend is apart of the book from beginning to end, and yet remains nameless, faceless, and genderless. This transcends the pattern we tend to fall into when we read, where we search out and cling to little details that say nothing about the bigger picture.

6. How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

Kate Prescott Lane is my least favorite character, not because of the things she does, but because of what she doesn't do. She just isn't very self-aware and she doesn't care to change regardless.

7. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?

I'd consider changing the format a bit. I was heavily inspired by Flowers for Algernon, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Requiem for a Dream and I tried to shape my work in the same way (with misspellings, vernacular, etc) but a few of my initial readers didn't get it.

8. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

There are no page numbers. It is written as a series of letters.

9. What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?

As aforementioned, I was heavily inspired by Flowers for Algernon, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Requiem for a Dream. My book is similar to those in its subject matter and unconventional style.

10. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

Do stand-up comedy and burlesque count?

11. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

You can visit my blog: leprobleme.tumblr.com or my facebook page: facebook.com/haydenws

12. What can we expect from you in the future?

I'm currently working a second novel (Wildflowers), as well as editing a compilation of poems and short stories  (Fever Thoughts) co-written by my friend John Salazar.

13. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

Tell all your friends! I am my own PR, so any bit helps.

14. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Don't give up, don't settle for less.

15. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

I'd like to thank all of my teachers,  ever.

16. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

"September 24, 2009

It is autumn and that has always been my favorite season. The thin, delicate, little trees that line outermost edge of the sidewalks silently spill their still scarlet-colored blossoms and something about that invigorates me. ...I’m the perfect young gentleman on the outside and anything but on the inside."

*****

Thank you Hayden for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
*****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at authorjejohnson@gmail.com

Author Spotlight: Interview with Mary Ann Bernal

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

“The Briton and the Dane” trilogy
Historical Fiction

Viking terror, brutal force

2. Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

Historical Fiction fans interested in the Dark Ages during the Viking expansion when Alfred the Great reigned. The story incorporates remnants of Roman Britain, which sets the trilogy apart from the usual Dark Ages references.

3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

Initially there were two working titles:  Erik, the Danish Viking and Erik & Gwyneth, which seemed lame, especially since the story quickly evolved into a major saga with a “cast of thousands.”  Since God is my muse, He provides suggestions in the middle of the night, and that is how “The Briton and the Dane” title came into being.  Of course I wrote it down immediately lest it disappeared by morning, and because I keep a writing pad in the kitchen, I was able to read what I had written when I was wide awake.

4. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Erik has been in my head for over twenty years, demanding his story, which was finally published in 2010, but his character is more Hollywoodesque, a larger than life character who is excitingly adventurous, a worldly warrior that women wished to tame.  While I love Erik dearly, I must confess David is my favorite character.  I will not be specific with examples (no spoilers) but suffice it to say his priorities are where they should be with family values.  In today’s day and age, he would be the dependable person who could be counted on no matter the issue.  Some might say that I set the bar too high with David’s character, but then would he not be a person to emulate?   I have heard from many fans that they wished they had a David in their life, so I did “hit the nail on the head” so to speak with my portrayal of this character.

5. How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

This is a difficult question because I really do not have a least favorite.  Yes there are villains you love to hate, but once you discover the reason they behave like they do, you tend to sympathize with their plight.  However, if I must choose, I would pick King Guthrum.  Again I will not be specific (no spoilers) but suffice it to say his priorities differ from those of David.   In modern terminology, he chooses career over family, and his decision or lack thereof, is the catalyst behind the outcome of the second book.

6. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

There is one change that I was fortunate to make with the publication of the special edition of the first novel. I initially used archaic verbiage because I wanted to transport the reader back in time.  However, it proved very difficult for the modern reader, even though “test readers” stated it was easy to read once you got into the lingo.  The second and third novels reflect this change.

7. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

What I found exciting was to finally visit the places I had written about.  I spent two weeks in East Anglia where I came upon West Stow, a well preserved Anglo-Saxon village where “Born of Hope” was filmed.  I also discovered, quite by chance, the Thetford Priory ruins, which was featured on Ghostbusters International.  The paranormal investigators inspected the haunted priory in 1996.  How cool is that!  Unfortunately, I did not meet up with any ghosts when I visited the ruins.

8. What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?

“Viking Warrior” by Judson Roberts focuses on the Danish Viking invasion of Frankia in 845.  His epic adventure also includes treachery and vengeance, which makes for a great story.

9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I have taken Medieval Dance classes and did a demonstration with my fellow dancers from the Barony of the Lonely Tower at a Ren Faire held at the James Arthur Vineyards in Raymond, NE. The Barony is located in the Kingdom of Calontir, a division of the Society for Creative Anachronism.

10. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
Webpage:

http://www.maryannbernal.com

Novels published in association with The Literary Underground

http://www.litunderground.com/MaryAnnBernal.html

You can view the book trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fH1qSGHOSMA

And purchase the books here:

Amazon US

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mary+ann+bernal&x=0&y=0

Amazon UK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mary+ann+bernal

Barnes and Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/mary-ann-bernal

11. What can we expect from you in the future?

“The Briton and the Dane:  Concordia” will be available early 2013.

12. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?

The following references pertain to the book page listed on Amazon.com.  Reviews and ratings are always appreciated.  For readers not comfortable with writing a review, they could check “like” which appears right after the ratings/review  line, beneath the author/illustrator names.  Checking the boxes next to the tags under the Tags Customers Associate with this product is very helpful, and if you have a tag that is not listed, by all means add it.  Customer discussions is another way to generate interest, if not online then talking to friends - passion about any story generates interest.  Word of mouth still works for getting a story “out there.”

13. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

Keep writing and never give up.  If going the conventional route is not working for you, then consider self-publishing - its not as hard as it sounds.  Every successful author has had his/her share of rejections and negative reviews, so you are in good company.  If you have a story to share, tell it.  Persevere and never, ever quit.

14. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

It has been a pleasure to be a guest on your blog.  It is always fun to humanize an author.  Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and for a fun time.

15. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

The Briton and the Dane:  Birthright

Inga and the boys waved at the guards who stood atop the gatehouse when they left the compound. They would arrive at the market well before the midday heat and welcomed the gentle breeze as they walked the dusty road.

The town was bustling by the time they reached the outskirts. The boys held Inga’s hand while she followed the winding street that led to Dalla’s dwelling. James and John stared at the various fruits and vegetables that were carefully placed upon the open carts. They pointed impatiently to their favorite foods and pleaded with Inga to permit them to visit the stalls. Flies buzzed around the hanging carcasses of newly slaughtered pigs, which were ultimately quartered and sold.

Dalla waved excitedly when the brothers broke free from Inga’s grasp and ran to the top of the hill. She embraced the lively children and laughed when they struggled to set themselves free. James and John shrieked when they saw Loki standing in the doorway with his hands behind his back.

“Have you the soldiers?” Both boys asked. “Let us see!”

Loki held his arms above their heads as the boys sought to grasp the ivory figures that were just out of their reach.

“Loki!” Dalla shouted. “Do not tease them!”

“As you wish dear sister,” he replied just as the boys grabbed their precious gift.

Dalla embraced Inga and kissed her cheek before they entered the house. Loki poured ale and wine while Dalla placed a bowl of fruit upon the table.

Inga was delighted when Loki surprised her with a small token and quickly opened the silk pouch that contained an exquisitely-carved bone hair pin.

“This is lovely,” she whispered. “There are no words.”

“It pleases you then?” Loki asked as he held her hand and looked into her eyes.

“Aye,” she blushed as she averted his gaze.

Dalla led Inga to the table and offered her a goblet. She sipped the wine and laughed at the boys’ excitement when Loki surprised them with a superb wooden replica of an ancient Roman chariot.

“The wheels move!” John shouted excitedly when he rolled the toy across the bench.

“You are most generous,” Inga said as she attempted to stand.

Loki came to her rescue after she leaned unsteadily against the table.

“I fear that I am not well,” Inga whispered just before she lost consciousness and fell into his arms.

Loki carried her outside and placed her into the back of a cart. The boys were busy playing and paid no heed to their elders.

“James and John, are you parched?” Dalla smiled when she handed them half-filled goblets.

The boys eagerly drank the sweet wine, emptied their cups in one swallow, and were soon soundly sleeping beside their beloved Inga.
Dalla and Loki rode unhurriedly through the busy streets when they left the market town and headed east.

***

Helga crossed the inner bailey and headed towards her family’s private quarters.  The sun would soon set and the main gate closed for the night. She was not able to find Inga and the boys and silently prayed that they were already in their chambers. She shouted their names while she frantically searched the empty dwelling and hurriedly ran to the gatehouse just as the guards were about to shut the gate.

“Inga and the children are not back,” Helga yelled while she climbed the stairs.  “Do you see them on the main road?”

Helga listened halfheartedly while the soldiers reminded her that the scouting party had already returned and would not set out again until first light. She pushed the men aside as she leaned over the wall and suppressed the urge to scream when she saw the deserted countryside.

Helga held back the tears while she ran to find David who would still be in the great hall conferring with his advisors. She hurried through the open door and was out of breath by the time she approached her husband.

“The boys are not in their chambers!” Helga breathlessly exclaimed.
David quickly rushed to his wife’s side and held her in his arms.

“You are trembling,” David whispered, “why are you troubled?”

“Inga has not returned with the boys,” Helga sobbed.

David shouted for his men to bring the horses and requested that Brother Aidan be found to comfort his wife.

It did not take long for David and his men to reach the market town; the soldiers searched the individual dwellings while David spoke with the local merchants. As dusk became night, the men continued their search but were unable to discover Inga and the children’s whereabouts.

Brother Aidan and Helga watched from the gatehouse as David and his men galloped towards the main gate.

“David!” Helga yelled as she frantically hurried to meet her husband. “I am fearful.”

“There is mischief,” David told her.

“What do you mean?” Helga asked between sobs.

“Dalla and Loki are not known,” David whispered. “Our children have been taken.”

*****

Thank you Mary Ann for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
*****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Author Spotlight: Interview with R.M. Putnam

1. Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and the tagline:

Destiny’s Warriors Pure Evil the third book in the series, is a tale of betrayal and abduction forced by the Lord of Greed. A trek through ancient Persia to rescue loved ones is met with peril at every turn. The heroes encounter slavery, thieving murderous nomads and treacherous terrain as they make their way to Hades then home to the Underworld.

An effort to start anew fails when the Cannibalistic Baalites of Altair make war with murderous vengeful hearts. Magic, myth and mayhem of colossal proportions makes this fantasy-adventure cross genres with pure horror. Will the Baalites take down Hades and the Underworld? Madness takes the mind of man and god as atrocities make blood run cold. Pure Evil is a story like no other, a war like no other as the heroes face horror like no other.

2. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

For me, the title of a book is the hardest to create. I never even think of a title until I have finished the book. Giving it much thought I realized my tale was about evil at its worse, thereby my title is Pure Evil.

3. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

My favorite character is Finn MacCumhal (Finn McCool) he is a legendary person from ancient Ireland. I found the folklore about him fascinating but in my story, I make him my own character only brushing on his legend. Inspired by Finn, I create his fictional son, Lugh MacCumhal of which I make him an even bigger legend. Lugh is an impulsive man who likes to live on the edge completely ruled by his emotions.

4. How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?

This indeed is a hard question, all my characters even the minor ones are like my children… how can I even think one is less than the other.

5. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?

I killed a character too soon in the series. Shovar the Lord of Death was something I should have given more thought to before I wrote in his death then published it. As I look back, he was one of my most interesting characters and now I have lost the opportunity to use him in so many ways.

6. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:

The beginnings of a story for me pop up in the most unlikely places. I see or hear something and then go into my, “What if” mode. As for writing fantasy that was a complete accident because, my first love was Science Fiction.

I went back to college when I was 39 years old. That first semester, sitting in my history class the instructor assigned the class to write a paper on an American Holiday, its origin and so forth. Well, it was the first week of October and so I thought of Halloween. Off to the library I went to do research and there I became mesmerized in ancient history, mythology and folklore.

My research took a few weeks as my study into history opened up to Pre-Christian times back to Paganism where Halloween originated. As I read the information about Celtic history and folklore, my “What If” mode went into high gear.

The paper I finally turned in went from fact to fiction. My instructor gave me a C- a passing grade for all the work and effort I put into the paper but told me Halloween is NOT an American Holiday. I should have written about Thanksgiving, Independence day or Veteran’s Day etc. I was disappointed with the grade until he told me that he loved my paper and that I should complete the story for publication. That was all the encouragement I needed as I embarked into writing my fantasy novel that grew into ten books in the series over the following seventeen years.

Obsessed with my story building fermenting in my mind I dedicated every free moment to writing. I was never without my notebook. I wrote my first story “Destiny’s Warriors The Beginning” long hand during fifteen minutes breaks at work and during my lunch hour. Often I would wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and quickly took to writing in my notebook.

Fearing failure and embarrassment for pursuing a dream that might never come true, I became a closet writer keeping my literary ambitions a secret from everyone I knew except my sons. It took many years of constant dedication reading and rereading, revision after revision but I made the dream come true. Never did I imagine I would write fantasy but there you have it. You never know when a story is about to be born or where it will take you and that is the wonderment and joy of being a writer.

One last word, my series is for mature readers due to adult subject matter and violence.

7. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I make Medieval robes and sell them off my website. At first, I fashioned my robes from the ones worn by my characters then went to a more basic style, which helped me to be more productive. Here is a picture of an Indie movie of which I made the robes. Very exciting for me I even got a credit in the movie.
 
8. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?

http://www.destinyswarriors.com
Website email address: admin@destinyswarriors.com

9. What can we expect from you in the future?

In 2012, my 4th book in my series will be released, titled “Destiny’s Warriors the Black Shadow of Death”. Every year I will release the next book until I reach the final book "Destiny’s Warriors Evil’s Glory, the 10th book in the series."

10. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?

My message to aspiring writers is that you can succeed if you persevere and not let obstacles or rejection affect you. It might take a while but you can do it. I also recommend that you learn every aspect of preparing your novel for publication. Try to get 3 or 4 proofreaders and most important if you can afford it, an editor. If money is a problem, go to your local college and ask an English teacher if she/he can recommend a student to edit your book for a small fee or even for an extra credit grade. Please be sure to give your editor a special note of thanks in your credits. Kindle, Smashwords and CreateSpace has made it easy and fun to publish your books. All you need is a photograph with CreateSpace templates to create a fantastic cover. Google “how to format your book for Kindle, or Smashwords or CreateSpace and save yourself a ton of money. If you can create a story, you can easily learn how to do the formatting for submission. It really is simple and once you have done it, you will see that nothing can stop you from future projects.

11. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

Visit my website for autographed copies of my Destiny’s Warriors Series, and as always, I include a DW bookmark with every book. Do you have a costumed event coming up? Browse through my collection of Medieval robes, each custom sized to length. Mention Jenna’s name in your email to me and get a 10% discount.

12. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us:

* Warning, Pure Evil is for mature readers due to adult subject matter and extreme violence.*

Excerpt for Destiny’s Warriors Pure Evil:

Ben Kedar Hakeem sat in council with his advisors and exalted wizards. The topic was resources that were quickly diminishing. “We must find a way out of Altair! Surely, there are more openings than what we previously used. Samhain cursed the way out to Persia and the God of Hades sealed the way out to the north and into the Land of Hades. After all these years, I find it astounding that none of you, even with magic cannot find a way out! We have depleted the population by over half! We must have meat . . .  fresh meat! I am tired of feeding on the old to spare the young for breeding. The old are nothing more than shoe leather. The next thing you know I’ll have to order my pets for slaughter!”

Ben Kedar looked down at the one-time warrior who sat naked on his knees like a loyal dog beside his master. Stripped of his dignity and birth name, Ben Kedar called him Marid, which means rebellious. Once a warrior of Hades in high standing, now his spirit broken, he was Ben Kedar’s pet, complete with collar and leash, naked and only allowed to walk on all fours for his master. Nights passed sexually entertaining his master with perversions of the extreme. Ben Kedar stroked Marid’s hair, thinking he might just have to sacrifice his prize pet to the butcher for food. He remembered how long the struggle was to train Marid, who resisted more than most with great rebellion. Now, to have him so well trained it seemed a waste to slaughter him.

Looking around Ben Kedar admired the women chained to the alcoves, naked and posed as part of the decor. His mouth watered at the thought of tasting their blood or savoring the delicious taste of their flesh.

Zafir, a high wizard of Hakeem’s court stepped up and bowed his head as he asked, “My Lord, your permission to speak?”

With a wave of his hand, Ben Kedar gestured for the wizard to continue, “There are many ways out of Altair. However, The Great Samhain did more than curse the land bridge into Persia; he clouded all openings with powerful magic. It took many years to find the opening we previously used, which is now sealed. My lord, we can feed on animals . . .  human flesh is not the only way for us to survive.”

Wide-eyed, Ben Kedar stood up in outrage, “You want me to feed on animals like a common peasant! Are you insane, man? I need human blood . . .  human meat from young women and tender sweet infants . . .  how dare you . . .”

The door suddenly burst open as Prince Mukhtar shouted out, “This man can help us!” Mukhtar shoved the man that accompanied him and repeated, “This man can help us. He knows a way out.”

 

*****

Thank you R.M. for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
*****
If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com

Author Spotlight: Interview with Stephen B. Pearl

1.  Quickly, give us the title and genre of your book and a 30-word or less tagline:

Nukekubi: A paranormal, detective novel; Ray, a modern day western wizard, must stop a creature from Japanese mythology from feasting on the people of Toronto Ontario.

Tinker’s Plague: A post-apocalyptic, science fiction, medical and political thriller. A lone man of science must battle a plague released from an ancient Bio-research facility by an uneducated, post-apocalyptic population.

Slaves of Love: e-book: A futuristic detective story of love and madness. Two men trapped in the same body make common cause to save all they love from the crime syndicates of the twenty second century.

The Hollow Curse: e-book: A centuries spanning tale of love and obsession. Soul mates cursed in an earlier life to be forever separated by a gulf of years and social norms struggle to come together and break the curse. 

2.  Who is your intended audience and why should they read your book?

I target people who have a desire to read something that follows the logical consequences of the story. If you are in our world investigating a string of killings committed by a disembodied flying head from Japanese mythology you are going to have to avoid police involvement or wind up in a coat with extra long sleeves.
;-) I’m also targeting people who want to enjoy their read. If there is an agenda in my books it grows out of the logical nature of the world and characters. Some people feel that Tinker’s Plague has an environmental agenda. In fact it is a fairly realistic extrapolation of current trends, nothing more. As a fiction writer it is my job to entertain anything else is secondary.

3. How did you come up with the title of your book or series?
 
For my novel Tinker’s Plague http://www.stephenpearl.com/Books/Books.htm the title was simple because it is about a Tinker, in this context a Doctor of General Applied Technologies, dealing with a plague. The tinker part came from a tinkerer or Jack of all trades.
 
For Nukekubi http://www.darkdragonpublishing.com/nukekubi.html I used the name of the species of mythical beings from which my antagonist is drawn
 
For Slaves of Love: www.clublighthousepublishing.com : The story involves a drug that turns people into Love Slaves by heightening the infatuation response to ridiculous levels.

For The Hollow Curse: www.clublighthousepublishing.com The curse that drives the action was the sores of the title both because of the way it makes my protagonists feel and the fact that in essence it is a hollow thing devoid of real power.
 
For my novel do to be released in March 2013: Worlds Apart: http://www.darkdragonpublishing.com/index.html it is a love story involving a Wiccan Priestess from our world and a wizard from a parallel earth. Thus they are from ‘worlds apart’ yet oddly closer than many who were born on the same world as themselves. I’m doing the gallies for this one at present. It’s a fun read if I do say so myself.
 
4. Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Gods, it’s like asking ‘Who’s your favorite child.’ For me it is very situational. If I was fixing my car I’d want Brad, my tinker from Tinker’s Plague, around. If I wanted a Tarot reading Ray, my modern day wizard from Nukekubi, would be my choice.

If I was single, Joy put down the frying pan I said if, writer nervously glances over shoulder. Yes well, if I were single any of my female leads. I like strong, smart women who don’t put up with a lot of c**p. Astra, from Slaves of Love, might come in handy right now. My computer has been acting up and she’s brilliant with them. 

5. How about your least favorite character?  What makes them less appealing to you?

I have some characters I love to hate, will that do? I tend to like villains that are cultured, urbane, and well mannered. The kind that will snap off your fingers one by one as they have high tea with bone china and impeccable manners. A well known example of the type is the lead terrorist from the first Die Hard movie.

An exception to this rule is Dorrie, the villainess from The Hollow Curse; she is better defined as D in the book. If you read it you’ll know why. She is mean, shallow, deeply wounded and selfish. I frankly don’t like her, but even there there is a transformative ark. That, I think, is key to a villain. There must be some seed of virtue, some slight glimmer of hope that something admirable might grow out of this being otherwise they become a caricature and I tend to lose interest.

6. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?  Why?
I’d update the windmill type in Tinker’s Plague. It would have no real impact on the story, but it would be nice to reflect the latest technology as it is so much more efficient.
   
7. Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your book or series:
 
Fun Facts. OK for Tinker’s Plague all the towns mentioned really exist. I had an exhibitors’ table a few years ago at the Eden Mills Writers Festival. Eden Mills is the town where the troops maintaining the quarantine in the book bivouacked. I will be, or by the time this is posted maybe have, attending Faery Fest in Guelph, June 22-24, 2012. The main action in Tinker’s Plague takes place in Guelph.
 
Cathy, my female lead from Nukekubi, lives in an apartment patterned after one I lived in several years ago. Ray, my lead from Nukekubi, drives the same kind of car I do. Ray’s knowledge of lifeguarding is drawn from my own having held a National Life Guarding Certification for longer than I like to think.

8. What other books are similar to your own?  What makes them alike?
I have had Tinker’s Plague described as the Postman meats the Andromeda strain with a little I am Legend thrown in. (no zombies.)

The post apocalyptic setting and rural communities rebuilding runs parallel to the Postman the fact that I’m dealing with a plague is similar to the Andromeda Strain and I am Legend. Really in writing this one I looked at the facts of what we are doing to the planet and followed my nose.

Nukekubi is in the same vein as the The Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. I will say Nukekubi cleaves a bit closer to the “real” world than Jim’s work. They both deal with a wizard investigating para-normal baddies. And Harry and Ray both have a sarcastic streak.   

9. Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?
 
What’s unique? To me they are just part of my life. I swim better than most folk, I know first aid, and I study metaphysics and science. I’ve been attending a lot of SF conventions lately. I know the rudiments of fighting with several different kinds of sword, I do my own general car maintenance, and I’m a fair home handyman and have traveled most of Canada and the USA and a good bit of England.

10. How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
 
Website:  http://www.stephenpearl.com/
YouTube reading: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlMDmlb-Los@
Face Book: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/StephenBPearl
Blog: http://stephenpearl.blogspot.ca/2012/03/our-energy-future-is-crap.html
 
Reviews:

Tinker’s Plague:

You say you want an interesting post-apocalyptic novel, but The Road is too...Cormac McCarthyesque for you? Why don't you check out Stephen B. Pearl's Tinker's Plague? I read with Stephen at the Ad Astra science fiction convention, and when I was listening to him? Goosebumps. Ira Nayman - Proprietor of The Alternate Reality News Service. - http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/260037809
 
Stephen can truly spin a tale. “Tinker’s Plague” novel really is  the most original post apocalyptic stories I’ve read in…well…forever- Chris A. Jackson author of Scimitar Moon.

The plot is well-done and the author clearly pays attention to modern-day politics and environmental issues. The bleak future painted therein is based on a world (ours, obviously) that didn't heed warnings about pollution and sustainability. Nicole Chardenet – Author of Young Republican,Yuppie Princess.

Wow what a gripping story, loved every page. Andromeda Strain crossed with the Postman with a little bit of I am Legend thrown in ( no zombies ) .... This book is worth getting if you love PA sci fi. Faye - on goodreads 5 stars.- http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/175845033

I am hoping that there will be a follow-up book to Tinker's Plague so I can read more of Brad's travels and adventures. Heather Pearson - http://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/1933157305/ref=cm_cr_dp_syn_footer?showViewpoints=1&k=Tinker%27s%20Plague

Nukekubi:

Nukekubi is an exciting read filled with mysticism and spiritual understandings. Melissa Sizzling Hot Book Reviews: www.sizzlinghotbooks.net
 
"Brilliant! Stephen Pearl reinvents the Paranormal genre!" - Karen Dales, Award Winning Author of The Chosen Chronicles: www.karendales.com .
 
Five out of five stars. At the start of this book I knew I would love it. Linda Tonis Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team: http://www.paranormalromanceguild.com/reviewsstephenpearl.htm
I was absolutely spellbound by this book and I applaud the imagination and creativity the author put in this book. I look forward to reading more by him. I give this book five stars ***** Reviewed by Nora Chipley Barteau Reviewers Helping Authors http://norachipleybarteau.blogspot.com/
 
The writing is exciting and easy to follow. The story is rich, and the characters real and fleshed-out. Nine out of ten stars. Reviewed by Sheena McNeil at Sequential Tart Web Zine: http://www.sequentialtart.com/reports.php?ID=8123&issue=2012-03-26
 
Slaves of Love and The Hollow Curse:
I'm not talking about your grandma's smutty harlequin novels either. Stephen Pearl rocks out these books. The sweet Spot-  http://thesweeteness.blogspot.ca/search?q=the+Hollow+curse
 
11. What can we expect from you in the future?

I’m currently working on the Galleys for Worlds Apart a paranormal romance due out in March 2012. I’m also working on the rough draft of Tinker’s Sea the sequel to Tinker’s Plague and hashing out the tag ends of a story, Three Parts Love, that will be out in the Breathless Press Hot Shorts anthology. I’m in the thinking stage for the sequel to Nukekubi and a comedic peace tentatively named Cats as well as looking at self publishing Havens in the Storm, one of my classic fantasy works because I’d like to see how the numbers stack up against my works published by third party publishers.

12. What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
 
If they could write short honest reviews of my work I’d really appreciate it. Reviews are visibility and visibility is bread and butter in this business. The reviews don’t have to be complex. A simple “I really enjoyed this,” or “It was worth the price of the book,” with an honest star rating can go a long way. Post them on Amazon, Good Reads really any site dealing with books in any way.

If you are feeling really enthusiastic a link from your website if you have one to mine would be fantastic. Maybe a section “Authors I enjoy,” Heck if you want content there are free stories and introductory chapters on my site, lots of authors do this, link to them and people can have a fun free read.

Also word of mouth and remember books make great gifts, hint hint. J
 
13. Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
 
If you aren’t yet addicted save yourself and get out while you can. I’m not kidding. It’s a hard slog and it’s getting harder to make a name for your self all the time.
If you’re trapped do the best work you can. Don’t worry about the “in thing”. By the time you’ve written something to match the “in thing,” it won’t be the “in thing” anymore. Before you pour your heart and soul into shorts have a novel ready to go. The real commercial value of shorts to an author is that they are great advertising. As a literary form shorts are fine in and of themselves, but I’m speaking of the commercial value.
 
Don’t bother anybody until you are over the “It’s my baby and you can’t touch it” stage. The only way to get good is to have others tear your work apart  so you can put it back together stronger than before. If you aren’t ready to do this and bite your tongue on all the things you want to say to defend your work then don’t waste other people’s time or ruin their day.

Remember that if you have to explain the work for people to get it than you have failed as a writer because you won’t be there to explain it to the majority of your audience. Of course some people wouldn’t get an elephant if it was standing on their chests, so take this advice with a little moderation.

If you are ready for constructive criticism join Critters http://critters.org/ it is an online writers group and a valuable resource.
 
Be braced for rejection. Realize that editors have a pile of stories cross their desk every day. They are looking for reasons to reject you, ninety percent of all manuscripts are rejected unread for formatting errors because these can be seen at a glance. So if you watch your formatting you “improve” your odds to ludicrously slim from imposable.

Be prepared to bleed and hurt and have people look at you like you were a retarded Dalmatian. Being a writer is like being on a never ending job hunt, its nerve racking and it seems like your successes are dismissed while your failures are magnified. This is writing, do it if you dare.

14. Is there anything else you’d like to say?
 
Just to thank you Jenna and all the folk who read this interview for giving me a chance to pontificate.

15. And now, before you go, how about a snippet from your book that is meant to intrigue and tantalize us.
 
This is taken from Nukekubi a little over halfway into the book when Ray, the wizard, astral projects in an attempt to locate the Nukekubi. Things don’t go as planned.

Getting back to work, I pictured the Nukekubi in my mind's eye and willed myself towards my foe. Blackness engulfed me like a rising tide of fetid water. Screams echoed on all sides and the stench of decay filled my nostrils. Jagged rocks bit into my feet, and the air felt slimy and thick. Blood-red lightning streaked, revealing the horrors of an abattoir. Fear rose up from the depths of my being. The sporadic light revealed hideous things creeping towards me. I could taste the terror that permeated the place.

"Keep your head, Ray. This is the lower astral, that's all. You can ascend from it. Now how in the name of Ra did I get here?" I spoke to myself.

"Help me," wailed a figure that approached in the half-light. I stared at it. It was female, Asian, middle-aged and dripping wet. Bubbles frothed from its lips when she spoke. She was drowning where she stood. My heart lurched. I knew her. I didn’t know from where, but I knew her and had felt affection for her in some other life.

The wraith released a gurgling howl, giving off an explosion of sickly, mustard-yellow, fear energy that permeated the air. It staggered then stood again.

"Help me!" it whimpered. The call was echoed by others like it. Glancing around I saw shambling, corrupted, human forms on all sides. Each one’s appearance mirrored a hideous, terror-filled death.

I focussed my mind on an image of the Amentet fields, the Egyptian heaven, and willed myself there. Nothing happened!

"Help us," screeched the shambling wraiths that now surrounded me.

"How? I can't be kept in the lower astral!" I muttered to myself as I tried again to leave that darksome place.

"You sought me, wizard. Now taste the fate of those who would challenge their betters." The voice was feminine and could have made a fortune doing phone sex

I spun to face the voice and saw a blood-soaked, human skull. Tentacles of shining red energy writhed beneath it, like some obscene jellyfish. I realized with a disgusted jolt that the tentacles were loops of intestine. The wraiths halted in their progress, hovering in a circle less than two metres away.

I willed myself away from that place, trying to return to my body.

"You cannot escape, human. This is my place, walled in with my power. None may depart without my leave." The sultry tones made the threat and horror of the beings appearance more terrifying.

"An astral pocket, bracketed by the fear and despair of your victims?" I made the connection. It’s a good thing I was on the astral or I would have had to change my underwear.

"You are quick, mortal, but you are also dead. I would have preferred that my earthly child feed upon your flesh, but I will at least taste your spirit." A red tongue darted from the skull’s mouth and swept across its teeth before it vanished and the wraiths about me rushed forward wailing. A line of glowing Nukekubi floated beyond them driving them on.

"NO!" I screamed and drew upon my heart chakra. Golden light exploded from my chest. The wraiths fell silent and halted as the energy enveloped them. It was the first comfort they’d known since their deaths.

"By earth and air and fire and sea, an orb of protection form round me." I spoke the words to focus my thoughts. A moment later a glistening orb of energy surrounded me.

"More," cried the wraiths who rushed me. Mutilated bodies crowded against the orb of protection and cracks began to cover its surface. Stalling them was taking all my concentration.

*****

Thank you Stephen for taking part in my Author Spotlight interview! I hope your writing continues to flourish and we hope to see more of you in the future.
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If you or an author/illustrator you know is interested in being interviewed, feel free to send me an email at jejoescienne@yahoo.com