First, I want to thank all my fellow October Frights Hoppers who provided a week full of wickedly dark delights in the form of folklore, wonderful stories, and fascinating peeks at their books. It was a thoroughly enjoyable hop. I'd also like to thank everyone for all the shares and comments, and everyone who stopped by to view and read.
And now for the giveaway winners.
Here are the winners of my October Frights Rafflecopter Giveaway.
The winner of the prize of an ebook copy of Horror Haiku and Other Poems:
Joey Ross
The winner of the prize of an ebook copy of Killers and Demons II: They Return:
Judi Torres
Congratulations!
Both winners have been notified.
In the event the prize can not be awarded to a winner, an alternative name will be chosen.
And if you didn't win, you still have a shot at a copy of Horror Haiku and Other Poems, plus a really cool poster of the cover, in my Halloween Horror Haiku Giveaway
So adieu from the October Frights Blog Hop.
The blog shall return to its regularly scheduled programming next week.
And don't forget my Halloween Week starts October 24th!
Today I'm part of a blog tour for author Chantal Gadoury, and her latest book Allerleirauh. I have for you a lovely interview with Chantal, and a peek at her delightful novel that includes an excerpt and the book trailer. Plus, there's a giveaway. Enjoy!
Interview With Chantal Gadoury
Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself.
I’d love to! My name is Chantal Gadoury. I’m twenty seven years old, and I love to write! I love to paint (mostly acrylics), drink coffee (iced or hot, I’m not picky!), watch historical romances and Disney movies! I love to spend time with my Mom, sister and furry Yorkie-brother Taran. Sadly, my Dad passed away in August 2015 and have since, missed him more than I can describe.
I am a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University with a degree in Creative Writing, and have since, published two novels: “Seven Seeds of Summer” with Waldorf Publishing and “Allerleirauh ”as my first self-published manuscript.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?
I sure can! “Allerleirauh” is a retelling of the beautiful Grimm Brother’s Fairy Tale (entitled the same thing.) It’s a story about a King who promises his dying wife that he will only remarry a woman with the same golden hair. He searches the land for a new wife, only to be unsuccessful. It is only as he glances in the direction of his maturing daughter that he realizes his search can come to an end – his daughter, Aurelia has the same golden hair and the same features of his late wife. Aurelia makes a plan to try to deceive the King and buy herself time to escape the castle by asking for dresses made of impossible things: sunbeams, moonbeams and star dust and a coat of a thousand furs. When the King succeeds, Aurelia is forced to leave and disguises herself in the coat. She runs to a neighboring Kingdom where the Prince and his men find her in the forest.
Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity, fearful of being found by the Mad King. Unexpected love is found between Aurelia and the Prince, and is challenged with an approaching arranged marriage between the Kingdom and a neighboring ruler. With the possibility of discovery hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the difficulties of her past with her father in her journey of self-discovery before the Prince and his entire Kingdom learns the truth of her real identity, and she looses him forever! (Thrilling right?)
How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?
I’ve been writing since I was in the second grade. My first book ever, made by the hands of my teacher was called “My Trip to New Jersey” and my second, “Lyle Lyle is a Star for a While.” You know, home-made books are the best! In the sense of real publishing, my first novel was called “Seven Seeds of Summer,” based on the Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone. “Allerleirauh” is my second.
Of all the books you've written, do you have a favorite?
So far, I’d say “Allerleirauh” is my favorite. It’s come to mean a lot to me. A friend of mine inspired the motivation to write it, as the fairy tale has always been in the back of my mind since I was a child. It’s been the kind of fairy tale I’ve always wanted to write, and at times now – I really miss the writing process with Aurelia and the Prince!
Why did you decide to write in the fantasy genre?
It’s always been the preferred genre for me. When I was in college, I really tried to do what my classmates were doing – write realistic fiction. But I didn’t feel as though I could really explore myself and explore my writing while doing that. I used to always say, “If I want to write realistic fiction, I can just turn on a TV and watch it. It’s called Reality TV.” Now, I kind of see how I’m wrong about that, but I still prefer being able to write about Castles and Princesses, or Greek Gods or Mermaids. It’s just a preference. It’s easier for me to do what I want as a writer.
What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?
Being consistent has been a struggle for me, and being able to describe something without “telling.” Sometimes in the Fantasy realm, you as the author make something up and you have to describe it to the reader. It’s also hard to keep things “realistic” in an unrealistic world. Even if it means that paranormal or magical things happen – you still need to make it seem completely necessary and believable that the world has these elements. There always needs to be a reason as to why a place or person is the way it/they are.
What did you find most challenging about writing your book?
The rape scene that happens in “Allerleirauh” was very challenging. You might think I’m weird when I tell you that I listened to “Earn It” – (a cover of it) during the entire time that I wrote the scene. I went back and forth about if I wanted to include a scene like that, or just fade to black. Do I allow the reader to see what happens to Aurelia, or do I just let you think what you want? Eventually, I came to realization that I wanted to write a book that was going to be uncomfortable; to show some realness to things that happen in our world today. Those girls don’t get to “fade to black” and check out – and neither should my readers of “Allerleirauh.” It’s an element to Aurelia’s character, and it’s really important. It was challenging because I hated every minute of it, but I knew I was trying to make a really important message come across to readers.
What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?
I love to paint in my free time. I’ll often look up painting ideas on Pinterest or look up those Paint Nite ideas and try to remake them myself. If I’m not doing that, I love to watch movies. I’m not sure if that’s really a hobby, but I’d say Netflix sure could be one if it really wanted to be. I love to go to the beach and walk around. I love to go on drives on sunny days. Mostly just paint and craft and write. Tumblr is a hobby for me – I love to RP with my online friends! (Nerd Confession: I’m a Huge Disney fan, and I RP as characters from Disney on Tumblr.)
Are you working on another book?
I wouldn’t call it a book yet, but I am working on two projects. At the moment, I’m still just trying to feel them out – which one I feel most passionate about. I have a mermaid story (completely original) that I’d love to write – if not now, someday. And I wanted to dip my toe in some nonfiction – personal essay – kind of writing. Once I figure it out, I’ll be sure to let you know!
And now for a peek at Allerleirauh.
Allerleirauh byChantal Gadoury
Once Upon a Time…
In the Kingdom of Tränen, a King makes a promise to his dying wife to only remarry someone who has her golden hair. With time, the King finds his eyes are turned by his maturing daughter. Realizing her father’s intentions, Princess Aurelia tries to trick her Father by requesting impossible gifts: dresses created by the sun, moon and stars and a coat made of a thousand furs. When Aurelia discovers his success, she knows she must run away from her privileged life and escapes the kingdom disguised by the cloak and under a new name, “Allerleirauh.”
Aurelia enters the safe haven of the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht, where she is taken under the care of the handsome and gentle Prince Klaus. Hoping to not be discovered by her father’s courtiers, Aurelia tries to remain hidden under her new false identity. Unexpected love is found between Aurelia and Prince Klaus and is challenged with an approaching arranged marriage between the Kingdom of Saarland der Licht and a neighboring ruler. With the possibility of discovery hanging in the air, Aurelia must face the difficulties of her past with her father in her journey of self-discovery before the Prince and his entire Kingdom learns the truth of her real identity, and she loses him forever.
“If you ever decide to remarry, you must marry someone who is as
beautiful as I and has my golden hair.” The words seemed to echo all around the
darkened, red room as my dying mother whispered them. Candles were lit all
across the room, creating a gloomy and death-like atmosphere around us as they
flickered against the stone walls; the only solace of light were the flames,
curling out from the fireplace. My
mother’s hair, like spools of golden thread, lay against her forehead, clinging
to her dying, pale skin as she lifted her hand, reaching out to my Father for
his answer. My mother, the Queen, was dying in her bed with my weeping father
on bended knee, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles and the corner of her
lips.
“My wife…” His words were soft and full of a clouded grief I knew I
didn’t understand. My father and mother were hardly ever affectionate behind
closed doors. I often saw them together in the throne room, together in my father’s
den, but never close; never touching. His loss of her was a mystery to me.
“Promise me,” she hissed at him, her breathing was growing faint as she
shifted and grunted, trying to look at him more closely. Perhaps it was her
only solace that her husband, my father, would never truly love anyone after
her. Perhaps she hoped a new wife would only be a constant reminder of his
first.
I stood in the background, watching the scene between my mother and father,
clinging to the thick red bed drapes, my own golden curls tied back with a
black ribbon. I had been pulled from my tutoring lesson with Mousier Rayner,
learning French from the brittle books of my father’s library and had dressed
for the occasion of my mother’s death in a simple black dress. I hadn’t known
how to feel as the black silk brushed against my skin. I felt almost as if we
were being paraded into her room to watch her die like an animal. Was this how
life truly was?
We were born, lived the life God
granted us, and then, just as quickly, our flame dulls until it becomes a wisp
of smoke in a darkened room and we’re gone. As the servants and house-hold
hands guided me into the room, I stood frozen in the back. It was often said by
the Courtiers I looked much like my mother; I had the same golden hair and the
same blue eyes. I wondered now how true it really was. Did I truly?
I felt fear as her last breath slipped between her lips, her hand slowly
falling from my father’s shoulder. Everyone in the Kingdom knew the King did
not have a male heir, and in turn, would need one to carry on the Royal Line. Who
would be next? I could see eyes staring at me; I was my Mother’s reflection: my
Mother’s legacy. I felt a cold shiver run up my spine as I heard my father
reply, “I promise.”
About the Author:
Chantal Gadoury is a young author who is originally from Muncy, PA. Chantal enjoys to paint in her spare time, drink a good cup of coffee when she can and appreciates watching her favorite Disney classics with loved ones. When she’s not busy crafting or reading, Chantal is dedicated to her family at home: her mom, sister and a furry-puppy-brother (and her Dad, who has now lives in heaven.) As a 2011 college graduate from Susquehanna University, with a degree in Creative Writing, writing novels has become a dream come true!
Today we welcome a little dystopia, and join the blog tour for the sci-fi novel Kingdom City: Revolt by author Ben Ireland. It is the sequel to Kingdom City: Resurrection, and continues the riveting story. I have a peek at the book, an interview with Ben Ireland, and a fantastic Rafflecopter giveaway.
So may I present...
Kingdom City: Revolt by Ben Ireland Paul Stevens has survived a terrorist attack, medical experimentation, and an attempt by the government to “neutralize” their rogue subjects. However, his escape cost him his wife, and now he battles to overthrow Brian Shuman, the dictator responsible for her death. With the kidnapping of his daughter and the disappearance of his son, he must choose between saving what may remain of his family or the fledgling rebellion on the verge of collapse.
How did you come up with the concept of your story?
Before I wrote books, I thought to myself “I want to write something, but it needs to be cool.” I decided that epic items, like swords, are cool. And then those epic items being needed for something completely unexpected. It was around the swords Fury and Serenity that the entire Kingdom City universe grew. Admittedly, it’s a much more manual thought process than i’ve had with most of my other story ideas; they usually just come to me. But I don’t think that Kingdom City is any less rich or exciting for that.
How did you come up with the title?
My little brother LOVES Dungeons & Dragons. Years before I called myself a writer, he was drawing a map for a campaign he was planning and I walked up behind him. He couldn’t think of a name for the capital city of the kingdom, so he called it Kingdom City. I thought that had an amazing ring to it so I stored it away for later use. Once you read the books, you’ll understand why they are subtitled Resurrection, and Revolt.
Please provide some insight into or a secret or two about your story.
Revolt is not just about the physical fight against what the Representative is trying to do to the population of Kingdom City, it’s also about the internal revolt of the characters against their internal natures. Paul is torn between leading the revolt and forsaking everything to save his family. There are also several characters that are dealing with internal conflicts that aren’t apparent at first. Through a careful reading, I think you’ll be able to figure out who is hiding something.
What was the most surprising part of writing this book? I was most surprised by how dark it was. I was always fascinated by things that were a little dark and gritty, so I set out to create something edgy. Once I was done and I reread the book, I was taken aback by how dark it had actually become. Reading the first chapter again after not seeing it for several months made me think ‘oh gee, I wrote that?’ I think darkness in art is important to help us see the light and good in life. Though I believe some authors take that too far. RR Martin is a prime example. I feel that artists that write darkness simply because it’s “realistic” miss the point of art. What was the hardest part of writing your book, and how did you overcome it?
Finding time! I love writing and I love telling stories. I haven’t experienced writer's block, so to speak. My mind it brimming with stories and ideas and the fountain hasn’t run down, let alone run out. As a worker and a father I did the only thing I could do to find time. Sleep less. Some weeks I was going on three and a half hours a night when I had to. What activities best give your brain a break? How do you unwind? Anime and X-files. Though i’m all caught on on X-Files.
What's up next for you?
Kingdom City part 3. Working title is Retribution. The original working title was Redemption, but that sounded way too optimistic for Kingdom City.
And now for some important geeky insight from the author:
Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Trek
Hunger Games or Divergent? Hunger Games
James Bond or Jack Ryan? Who is Jack Ryan? (Googles it...) I still don’t know who he is.
Sherlock: Robert Downey, Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch? Downey.
Spock: Leonard Nimoy or Zachary Quinto? They’re both so good in different ways. Not a fair question.
X-Men or Avengers? I would have said X men up until the recent Avengers movies.
Aliens or Predators? Aliens. I mean, there is no escaping them. I don’t care how many wrist mounted bombs you have.
Minions or Penguins? I’m insulted by this question.
Batman or Superman? I’ll get back to you after I see the movie.
Harry Potter or Pirates of the Caribbean? Is it even a comparison? Harry Potter.
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles.
Peter Jackson or James Cameron? James. Peter lost my respect with the Hobbit movies. Seriously, though, how could we not see that coming after he made King Kong?
Steven Spielberg or George Lucas? Steven. George lost my respect with episodes 1-3.Go watch the Red Letter Media review on Star Wars 1 -3 and get back to me.
Vampires or Werewolves? To fight with, against, or to kiss passionately?
Follow our blog tour and Rafflecopter giveaway for the chance to win great prizes!
Visit each blog each day for more ways to enter. KINGDOM CITY: REVOLT is Book 2 of the near-future dystopian series by Ben Ireland, with strong science fiction and urban fantasy elements.
Don't forget to enter our KINGDOM CITY: REVOLT blog tour Rafflecopter give-away below, on the blogs above, on our Facebook page, or on Rafflecopter, with daily chances to win!
