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.”

The Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And be sure to check out the other stops on the blog tour

Saturday, Aug. 29
Alex Campbell
Perpetual Chaos of a Wandering Mind

Sunday, Aug. 30
Lurking Musings
Slithers of Thought

Monday, Aug. 31
The Deep, Dark Library
Cobblestone Scribe

Tuesday, Sep. 1
Lucy Ayrton, Performance Poet
T.N. Payne, Author

Wednesday, Sep. 2
Richard A. Usher, Media Creative
Alex McGilvery's World

Thursday, Sep. 3
Scott E. Tarbet, Author
Are You Afraid of the Dark

Friday, Sep. 4
OMega W
Danielle E. Shipley
The Author Visits

Saturday, Sep. 5
R. A. Ridley
Didi Lawson, Author
Musings, Amusings, and Bemusings

A Trip to the Time Traveller's Reunion-Part Two

A Trip to the Time Traveller's Reunion-Part Two

As promised, here’s the next thrilling installment of my steampunk adventures at the Time Traveller’s Reunion.

My first stop upon arrival was the vendor building, located in Sherbrooke Village’s Temperance Hall, to set up my book table for Mechanized Masterpieces. That room fairly burst with a wonderful eclectic mix of artisans and merchants with an astounding spectacle of Victorian style clothing, steampunk jewelry, leather goods, crafts and contraptions.

A Steampunk Wii Remote

Exhibits ranged from The Monkey’s Paw Curio Shop, with its delightful array of trinkets and gewgaws, to The Graces’ Attar Natural Perfumery (where I bought some Airship Pirate Soap), the Tandy Leather Factory, and the Steampunk Montreal table with an amazing presentation of steamed-up gadgets, just to name a few.

Most of my Saturday was spent in the vendor room, though I did venture out for my Q and A in the afternoon, where I sat in the Village Courthouse and answered questions from my eager public.

In the early hours of the evening, everyone sauntered down to the What Cheer Tea Room for a delicious supper (and I highly recommend their desserts, so tasty). To end Saturday evening there was an entertaining cabaret, featuring the talented band, Eli August and The Abandoned Buildings and a showing of short movies from the Silent Film Era.

So ends today's installment of my steampunk adventures. Come back tomorrow for more on the workshops and Sherbrooke Village.

Mechanized Masterpieces Book Launch Party!

Today’s the day! The Book Launch Party for Mechanized Masterpieces: A Steampunk Anthology!

Come help me, and all the other talented authors celebrate the astonishing world of goggles and gears as we turn Facebook into a blustering, chugging wonderland of Victorian steam.

All the authors will be on the hotseat to answer your questions, each taking turns throughout the party, plus there will be trivia, an internet scavenger hunt, with lots of cool prizes to be won, such as posters, free books and jewelry.

So please join us on Facebook later this afternoon:

https://www.facebook.com/events/339286706194431/

And you can check out Mechanized Masterpieces: A Steampunk Anthology on Amazon or Barnes and Noble

You can also check out my interview and a review of the book here: http://dinaraeswritestuff.blogspot.ca/2013/04/steampunk-author-af-stewart-stops-by.html

Q and A with fantasy author Jen Wylie

Today, please welcome talented fantasy author Jen Wylie as she stops by the blog to answers some questions and chat about her writing:


1- Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.

I'm a stay at home mom of two darling boys. When I'm not reading or writing (or editing) I putter about with various crafts. Otherwise I try to to be Supermom and keep my chaotic house in some semblance of order. I suppose I should also note I live in Ontario, Canada. Yes we get a lot of snow. I dislike snow. :P

2- How long have you been writing?

I started writing in public school, but really got into it in high school. It was just something I wanted to do, needed to do. I have so many stories in my head and they need to come out. I did go to university and got a degree, however things happen, as they tend to do, and I ended up being a Mom rather than finding a career. I wouldn't change that for the world. I didn't write for a number of years when the kids were little but once they were a bit older, and my brain started functioning again, the need to write came back. Writing is something I can do from home, so I certainly lucked out there. :)

3- Can you to tell us about your current writing projects?

I recently finished a young adult fantasy book which has been submitted to my publishers. I'm currently working on a sequel to it. I'm also puttering at a few other books and short stories. I sometimes almost wish my mind would stop coming up with ideas for a while so I could get caught up. :) My second short story to be published in March is currently in edits, so that has been keeping me busy as well.

4- Why did you decide to write in the fantasy/paranormal genre?

I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction. My mother is an avid reader and before I even hit the teens she had me reading her Pern books. I love magic and other worlds and the unknown. Of course we can't forget to throw a little romance in too. :)

5- What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?

The hardest part is stopping. There are so many things which can happen it is easy for a book to go on forever. I often have trouble finding an ending, even when I am planning a sequel. Many of my books have turned into a series, at least in the planning stages.

6- What kind of research have you done for your stories?

If I need to research I do so with the most wonderful Google. I rarely research in advance, but do it as I go. Since my books are all in worlds of my creation there often isn't very much I actually do have to research.

7- What advice would you give beginning writers?

Always keep writing. You can always improve, and practice helps this. Not only do you need to know how to write, but to edit. Research editing online, make sure you are using correct grammar and punctuation, be wary of being repetitive in your word use. If you can find readers or editors to go over your work then use them. Fresh eyes are always helpful.
If you are searching for a publisher I definitely recommend you create a web presence. Most either require this or it is an added bonus. Have a website, twitter, facebook, blog. Even if you aren't published yet you can gain followers over time. It is also an excellent way to meet authors, agents and publishers.

8- Who has inspired you as an author?

I don't really have any inspirations. I've just always loved reading and writing and it just comes to me. I have too many favorite authors to count, and too many supportive loved ones and friends to mention. :) I'm a lucky girl I guess.

9- What’s next for you?

Editing, editing, writing, editing... My next short story, The Forgotten Echo will be released March 1, and my fantasy novel Sweet Light in May, both through Echelon Press. I've a number of shorts and another book also submitted, and am writing away whenever I have the time on new work. I'm currently looking into getting a clone so I have time to mop the floors.


Here's the blurb for Jen's debut short story (available as a short e-book), Jump:


Jump by Jen Wylie

If you were told to jump off of a bridge would you?
Perhaps it would depend on who was doing the asking. Our heroine has spunk and a sense of humor, however suffers from an extreme case of inappropriate clothing. When things take a turn from dangerous to worse what will she do when fantasy becomes reality? Warning: May include hot leather clad men, singing and demons.

Jump is available at OmniLit :   http://www.omnilit.com/product-jump-493574-234.html
Barnes & Noble:  http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?ean=9781590807354
and Amazon:

















Jennifer Wylie was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. In a cosmic twist of fate she dislikes the snow and cold.
Before settling down to raise a family, she attained a BA from Queens University and worked in retail and sales. 
Thanks to her mother she acquired a love of books at an early age and began writing in public school. She constantly has stories floating around in her head, and finds it amazing most people don’t. Jennifer writes various forms of fantasy, both novels and short stories. Sweet light is her debut novel to be published in 2011.
Jennifer resides in rural Ontario, Canada with her husband, two boys, Australian shepherd a flock of birds and a disagreeable amount of wildlife.

Her website: http://www.jenniferwylie.ca/
Her blog: http://jlwylie.wordpress.com/