Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Blog Tour: Sigil of the Wyrm by A. J. Campbell

Thursday, 3 September 2015

Blog Tour: Sigil of the Wyrm by A. J. Campbell

I have a jam packed post for you today, as I join the blog tour for the fabulous new urban fantasy release, Sigil of the Wyrm, and its talented author A. J. Campbell. I have a bit on the book, its trailer, a quick Q and A with the author on geeky things, a giveaway, and most delightful of all a Fireside Chat interview with one of the book's characters, Kate Avery. So read on, and enjoy!

Sigil of the Wyrm by A. J. Campbell

Available on:

Amazon

Xchyler Publishing web page

About the Author:

Born and raised in the wilds of Northumbria, A.J. Campbell was brought up on a diet of stories and local folklore, of which the Legend of the Lampton Worm was a perennial favourite. She eventually left her home town to study English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwick and now lives in Hampshire, (which she persists in calling the “wrong” end of the country), with her fiancé and a succession of dead houseplants. At weekends she can often be found dressing up and pretending to be other people, immersing herself in the lives of fictional historical characters—or as it is better known, “LARPing”. She makes her own costumes and has a weakness for detective stories.

And for a little insight, here’s a quick geeky Q&A from our author:

Star Wars or Star Trek?

Trek when I want to think, Wars when I want to feel.

Hunger Games or Divergent?

Hunger Games

James Bond or Jack Ryan?

Bond. Who’s Jack Ryan?

Sherlock: Robert Downey, Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch?

They’re both excellent, but I have to express a slight preference for RDJ

Spock: Leonard Nimoy or Zachary Quinto?

Again, both fantastic actors, but Quinto just edges out Nimoy.

X-Men or Avengers?

Impossible choice! X-Men has far more decent female characters, I’ve been into it for longer, and I love the latest film reboot, First Class and Days of Future Past… but Avengers had Joss Whedon writing the movie screenplay…

Aliens or Predators?

Neither. Or both at once in Regency England.

Minions or Penguins?

I’m assuming we mean the penguins from Madagascar, not just any old penguins? In which case I choose Minions.

Batman or Superman?

Wonder Woman.

Harry Potter or Pirates of the Caribbean?

Love both, but am going to have to choose Harry Potter because they were books first.

Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Rolling Stones.

Peter Jackson or James Cameron?

Peter Jackson every time. Can’t stand James Cameron.

Steven Spielberg or George Lucas?

Spielberg.

Vampires or Werewolves?

Werewolves

Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte?

Jane Austen

Marvel or DC Comics

DC over Marvel because a) Wonder Woman and b) Birds of Prey

LARP or MORPG?

LARP

And now for the featured character interview...

Fireside Chat with Kate Avery

“Welcome everyone, to another Fireside Chat. I’m Richard Dale, your host. Today, our guest is Kate Avery, Pirate Queen of the Weirding World.” Richard nods to the woman sitting opposite to him. “Welcome Kate. Why don’t you begin by telling our audience a bit about yourself.”

Kate smiles, coyly, “What, and ruin my mystique? Really, Richard, apart from the devastatingly good looks and mind like a steel trap, I’m quite ordinary. I’ve even given up the seafaring life to run a jeweler’s… for the time being.”

“Fascinating. From the sea to a shop, quite the change.” Richard tosses her a smile. “Being a Pirate Queen must have lent itself to some exciting moments. Do any of your adventures stand out as especially memorable?”

“Hmm…” Kate ponders the question for a minute. “I think that’s one of those ‘I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you,’ questions. Most of the really interesting ones are those where I haven’t yet been pegged as the culprit, so, unless you really care to live dangerously…”

“Um, no. I’ve had my fill of dangerous interviews, thank you.” He suddenly leans in closer. “Rumour has it that your marriage to the Baron is in trouble. Care to elaborate?”

Her voice suddenly becomes firm.“On that subject, I’d rather not,” She says, flashing our host a dangerous glance, which in an instant softens into a rather stilted laugh. “What I mean to say is, I’ve never been the sort to kiss and tell. Let’s just say, I’m not ruling anything out at this point in time.”

“Well then, on the to the next question. What is your connection to Richard Lampton and Lampton Wyrm?”

“Not so much a connection to him as to his uncle. Everyone in the Weirding knew Tom Lampton, and then when he died, I felt I owed it to his heir to help him adjust to his new life. He hadn’t been brought up to it, see?” She shrugs. “Call me an interested well-wisher, if you like.”

“How very gracious of you.” He glances to his right. “Oh, I believe it’s time for tea.” They are interrupted by the arrival a gentleman carrying a tea tray. He sets it down and waits to pour. “Care for a cup? It’s excellent. Earl Grey.” Kate nods. Two cups are poured and served. Richard takes a sip. “See, excellent. All right. Moving on. What is your favourite part of the Weirding World?”

“The Jewellery?” she laughs. “I do have something of a fascination with gold and gems, and of course in our world they have far more hidden properties than in yours. There are secret places to unlock, hidden treasures to find – and of course diamonds are a girl’s best friend!”

“Indeed. On a different subject, do you have any hobbies?”

“Hobbies?” Her forehead wrinkles. “I’m not sure I’d have time. I enjoy a drink and a smoke and a game of cards once in a while? I’m not sure that counts.”

“I do believe it’s close enough. What is your idea of perfect happiness?”

“Getting my own way.”

“I don’t think on comment on that answer. What one word best describes you?”

“Formidable.”

“I definite agree with that assessment.” He gives a gentle laugh. “One last question. How do you want to be remembered, what legacy do you want to leave behind?”

“Well, since I rather intend on never dying, I’m hoping the question will never arise. I would, however, be happy to be known as ‘the one that got away’ – in all possible senses of the phrase.”

“Well thank you Kate, for agreeing to this interview. It’s been a delight. I’m Richard Dale and that concludes our Fireside Chat.”