Book Spotlight: Heavenfire

Today the blog is a part of a book tour, for the YA Urban Fantasy, Heavenfire by JK Allen. This is book two in the Angelborn series. Enjoy.

Heavenfire by JK Allen

A divine sword, magic tomes, and uncontrolled power. Can 16-year-old Ginny Gracehurst keep them from an obsessed half-demon?

After retrieving the only thing that could set Jacob’s demon father free, half-angel Ginny has a new mission. She and Aiden are charged with collecting the Eternal Tomes, which teach how to use sigils in the Angelic Tongue.

They are in a race against Jacob and his minions, who can travel anywhere in a matter of seconds. Allowing demonkind to learn those sigils would spell disaster for them all. In order to get what he wants, Jacob needs one more thing besides the Tomes—Ginny herself.

Heavenfire is available at ThreeFuriesPress

And at Amazon in Paperback

Book One, Angelborn is available at Amazon

About the Author

JK Allen wrote her first story when she first learned how to write and hasn’t looked back since. Common writing themes that can be found in her work address identity, everyday magic, and the type of strength that can be found in ordinary people. Several of her short stories and four poems are featured in anthologies.

Angelborn is her first novel in her debut series with Heavenfire continuing the journey. She is currently working on the trilogy as well as several shorts, while researching for a new series in the works. Her reading tastes are as varied as the genres she enjoys writing, from Jane Austen to J.K. Rowling. When she’s not writing, you can find her painting, drawing, or lost in another world between the pages of a book. Or on Facebook.

You can find her on:

Instagram Facebook  Twitter  Pinterest  Website  Amazon

Book Spotlight: The Crafting of Chess

Today I have another book spotlight, on the young adult, GameLit, science-fantasy novel, The Crafting of Chess by Kit Falbo. Enjoy.

The Crafting of Chess by Kit Falbo

Nate wants more to life than moving from town to town, hustling chess with his con-man grandfather or wagering pick-up games online. A new immersive game opens up the chance to bring in a steady paycheck. Maybe enough to convince his grandfather to stay straight. Little does he know how his actions will change his life.

The Crafting of Chess is available at

Amazon and Goodreads.

About the Author

Kit Falbo is a stay at home father who loves reading and writing Science fiction and fantasy. He spends his time in the pacific northwest, enjoying the gray skies. That is when he is not playing games and hanging out with his children.

Riftmaker Blog Tour: Character Spotlight on Heather

Today I welcome the Riftmaker blog tour and have a spotlight for you for the character of Heather from the book. Riftmaker is a steampunk portal fantasy by Phoebe Darqueling and looks fabulous. So enjoy...

Meet Heather

Like all members of The Chosen, Heather’s name comes from nature. When her people were driven out of the city to fend for themselves in the forest, they adopted this practice to set them apart from the greedy, progress-obsessed denizens of Excelsior. Although her name may come from a flower, Heather is all leather and no lace. When I found this photo spread by Pixie Vision of Felicia Day in Steampunk military garb, it felt a lot like this character.

She is a member of an elite strike force that operates on both sides of the rift. On one side, she’s a human with a long, scarlet braid. On the other side, AKA our world, she’s a panther. She spends so much time moving between the two realms, the speed, balance, and ferocity of her panther-self bleed into her human shape. Heather is a predator through and through, which leaves little room for remorse.

Her father is the leader of The Chosen, but her mother was lost on a mission to the other side. Heather is her father’s right hand woman, and never fails at her missions. But despite her frequent trips to our world, she has led a sheltered life with only her father’s words to show her the shape of things. If his plan succeeds and The Chosen take over Excelsior, her world will become a lot bigger. There’s no telling how new the experiences or the new people she encounters will change her, and it may not be for the better.

Here’s a little taste of Heather with an excerpt from Riftmaker.

As Cirroc peered at the oblivious people below, he found it difficult to think of them as the same as the faceless “enemy” the Commander referred to. Unlike the encampment in the forest, there were children in the kitetown. He shuddered to think of the members of Brigade descending upon them.

He glanced at the woman at his side, her eyes staring fixedly at the dancers. Heather did not acknowledge him with her eyes, but when she sensed his regard, her hungry leer widened. “Shall I give the go-ahead?” she asked as she surveyed the gather, nearly salivating with her desire to pounce.

A torch smoldered a few yards away, giving them a meager light to see by—not that the Brigade really needed any. Though the Brigade occasionally came inside the city’s walls, most often their missions took them through the rifts to explore on the other side. The entire corps was each some breed of feline in their otherworld form, and most retained some of the enhanced night vision of their species as a result.

“I am your commanding officer, Heather, and when we are in the field, you will call me ‘sir.’ Is that clear?” Cirroc snapped, sounding far more confident than he felt. He would not admit it to anyone, but he found Heather’s proximity both unsettling and oddly riveting.

She turned her strange, almost glowing eyes to him, and he could feel their pull. He’d just given her an order, but just like her father, a sliver of his mind was telling him to obey whatever she said instead. The lenses the mask she kept at the ready on top of her head flashed in the firelight. “Of course,” she purred, “sir.”

“Then, yes, give the signal,” he answered, both eager for her to leave and loath to set her among the happy crowd below. Heather reached for the torch to signal the others on the adjacent rooftops, the wicked brass claws on her gloves catching the firelight. Heather and her comrades were all outfitted with this kind of gear to help them climb, but Cirroc could imagine the damage they could also do to flesh.

He caught her shoulder as she turned to go. “And I don’t want any casualties,” he warned, leveling his gaze. “Is that clear?”

“But he didn’t say anything about that at the briefing,” she whined. Looking down at his hand on her arm, she added a sneered “sir” that dripped with malice.

Cirroc released her arm, but managed not to flinch or give in to her unblinking gaze. “Our goal is to cause a little chaos and get what we came for. Nothing more, nothing less,” he replied.

“As you wish…” she purred. “Sir.” 

Riftmaker by Phoebe Darqueling

Save his boy, uncover a conspiracy, and master opposable thumbs—a dog’s work is never done.

Buddy’s favorite thing is curling up for a nap at the foot of Ethan's bed. Then he stumbles through a portal to a clockwork city plagued by chimeras, and everything changes… Well, not everything. Sure, his new human body comes with magic powers, but he’d still rather nap than face the people of Excelsior, who harbor both desire and fear when it comes to “the other side.”

He discovers Ethan followed him through the portal and underwent his own transformation, and it becomes Buddy’s doggone duty to save him. Buddy finds unlikely allies in an aristocrat with everything on the line, a mechanic with something to hide, and a musician willing to do anything to protect her. Using a ramshackle flying machine, the group follows the chimeras deep into the forest and uncovers a plot that could reshape the worlds on both sides of the rift.

Riftmaker is available at:
Amazon
Other Retailers
In Paperback
Smashwords
Goodreads

Riftmaker is available for $3.99 from Amazon and a variety of other e-book retailers. Print price is $18.99 from Amazon and the Our Write Side store.

Find more character spotlights, book reviews, guest posts, and interviews with Phoebe Darqueling during the Riftmaker blog tour, Jan 24 - Mar 6.  

Do you like free books? Sure you do! Get a FREE COPY of The Steampunk Handbook right now.

About the Author

Phoebe Darqueling is the pen name of a globe trotting vagabond who currently hangs her hat in Freiburg, Germany. In her “real life” she writes curriculum for a creativity competition for kids. She loves all things Steampunk and writes about her obsession on SteampunkJournal.org. You can find her short stories in the Chasing Magic and The Queen of Clocks and Other Steampunk Tales anthologies, and her contributions to the collaborative novels, Army of Brass and Esyld’s Awakening.

You can find more of Phoebe’s antics on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Book Spotlight: In Pursuit of the Pale Prince

Today I have a book spotlight for you with the YA fantasy novel, In Pursuit of the Pale Prince by Mark Wallace Maguire. Plus, there's a brief excerpt from the book. Enjoy.

 In Pursuit of the Pale Prince by Mark Wallace Maguire

The Southwen are going to war against the northern kingdoms held together in a fragile alliance by The Pale Prince. Scattered and outnumbered, there is one symbol that can unite them.
It is the lost crown of Ellesund.
Only I know where it is, and only I can deliver it.
My name is Arestus and this is my story.

Told through the eyes of 12-year-old Arestus of The Wood this is a great new addition to the YA fantasy canon. 

In Pursuit of the Pale Prince is available on Amazon

Excerpt from In Pursuit of the Pale Prince

We ate in silence. Dusk dropped and the moon rose. Waxing full.
“A full moon, Cirin. Is that good luck?” I asked.
“What do you think?”
“My father said it was always a good night for healing. A good night to walk in its rays and ward off bitterness. He said it was a good night for a child to be born.” My stone-faced friend was silent. “What do you think?”
“I’ve heard many of us say many different things. An old lady from The Burned Lands told me it was a good omen. A good night to begin a journey or a marriage. I’ve had a young man from Southwen tell me it was evil. It was the eye of the gods judging us and we needed to purge ourselves on such a night.”
“What do you think?”
He looked at me and gave a thin smile.
“I think it is a good night to see, but not to be seen. And I think it is time for you to rest with your questions. I will take the first watch.” 

About the Author

Mark Wallace Maguire is an award-winning author, journalist and columnist who lives south of Atlanta. He is the author of six books, including the highly-praised Alexandria Rising Chronicles for which he was named a Finalist for Independent Author of the Year and a Georgia Author of The Year nominee.

Website

Halloween Week: The Lovely Dark

Today I bring you witches, with a book spotlight for the dark YA horror novel, The Lovely Dark by K. A. Last. Enjoy.

The Lovely Dark by K. A. Last

Three teenagers. 

One witch. 

Twelve souls.

Harvey Anderson always knew the universe was against him, but there’s a lot of stuff he never expected to happen, like having a crush on the most popular girl at school, and then falling into a giant hole in the middle of nowhere with her. And if that wasn’t enough, somehow they managed to release a soul-sucking, ancient witch as well. So yeah, there’s that. You’d think it’d be pretty hard to beat, but knowing Harvey’s luck, it’s about to get a whole lot worse. 

Available on Amazon

About the Author

K. A. Last was born in Subiaco, Western Australia, and moved to Sydney when she was eight. Artistic and creative by nature, she studied Graphic Design and graduated with an Advanced Diploma. After marrying her high school sweetheart, she concentrated on her career before settling into family life. Blessed with a vivid imagination, she began writing to let off creative steam and fell in love with it. K. A. Last is currently studying her Bachelor of Arts at Charles Sturt University, with a major in English, and minors in Children's Literature, Art History, and Visual Culture. She now resides in the countryside on the mid-north coast of NSW.

Amazon Page

Interview With Author Daccari Buchelli

Today I have a terrific interview with author Daccari Buchelli, who stops by to chat writing and talk about books. Enjoy!

Interview With Daccari Buchelli

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

Gladly. My name is Daccari. I’m a 24 year old author from Britain and have been passionate about books for as long as I can recall. 
When I was younger, I read to escape reality, but as I grew older, I found that reading actually helped me to understand and navigate my own reality. I found I could relate to the problems faced by my favourite characters (both internal and external) and as a result, I discovered new solutions to any obstacles I faced.
Aside from writing, I enjoy art and photography, having drawn since I first began to read. I also find great pleasure in learning about social psychology and astrology.


Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Certainly. My latest book (currently a work in progress) is entitled Foresight and is a thriller aimed at young adults. Having put this title aside for some years, I took up my progress with it at the end of last year and am beyond excited to have it nearing completion.
The story follows Evylia Wilde, a troubled teen with a terrible secret. For as long as she can remember, she’s been able to see things, strange visions that defy reality.
As Evy learns the truth of her parent’s disappearance when she was a toddler, she begins to connect the pieces of a much larger puzzle, and will learn that her powers are more complicated and deadly than she ever imagined.


How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?

Oh Gosh. Well, the first thing I remember writing in my free time was a short story about my sister and I as royal mermaids. I think I was around eight at the time. I found that when I wrote, all the passion in my soul simply poured into my words. I encouraged myself to write more, read more, and to give all my passion to this craft.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any copies of that first story that triggered the depth of my passion as the computer my sister and I shared quite literally blew up and ceased to function thereafter. When I think back, I begin to tear up, for those first few pages that sparked my gift for writing were and still are the most dearest possessions I could ever hope to own.
Since then, I continued to write, self-publishing (though only privately so I could order my own copies) half a dozen novellas, which only I hold a copy of. It is my intention to redraft these titles at some point and to release them as a box set of chilling fables.
To date, I have publicly self-published two books, both parts of an enchanting epic fantasy series, ideal for young adults. Phoenix and Symbiote are like children to me: both took several years to complete and each taught me something of value by the time I’d finished writing them.
Foresight will be the first thriller novel I’ve written so I’ll be eager to see what feedback I receive once it’s finished.


You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?

I used to mainly focus on the fantasy genre, but as I mentioned above, I’m not trying my hand at the thriller genre, which I have to say would be my favourite to write in. Why? Well, ever since I was a child, I’ve had a rather morbid personality. I would go through phases where all I would think about was the darker side of human nature, the hows and whys of the disturbed and depraved. 
That’s not to say I was obsessed with such practices. I merely enjoyed concocting stories about bloodsucking monsters and brave detectives, of brave heroines and forces of greater evil.
Writing in the thriller genre gives me a way to pen down my darkest fears and thoughts, a way to live vicariously through my characters so that I may express such dark musings in a healthy way.
Although the fantasy genre will always hold a special place in my heart, it is the thriller genre that I believe I will continue to write in until my dying days.


Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?

My inspiration for Foresight actually came (as do a lot of my ideas) from an aspect of my own life. Ever since I was of primary school age, I used to have these blank moments in my memory, which at the times were rather confusing for me.
I’ve since come to realise (with the help of psychologists and neurologists) that what I was experiencing is known as dissociation, when the brain is so overwhelmed by what it’s feeling/experiencing that it shuts off the conscious mind and leaves you feeling like you’re watching life go by around you. You feel numb, like you’re not really present in your own body.
The two forms of dissociation that I suffered (and still struggle with almost daily) are called depersonalisation and derealization, which means dissociating from your body and your identity, as well as from your general surroundings. As such, I used to begin thinking I could see or hear things that probably weren’t there, but this was usually if I was incredibly tired. 
As I grew up, I also began experiencing what felt like visions, in the sense that I would have the most unremarkable, odd daydreams that wouldn’t really make sense. A week or so later, I’d find that what I’d seen in the daydream would actually happen in real life. And I suppose that’s where the spark of an idea for Foresight really came to fruition.


When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?  

Almost as soon as I could read/write, I knew that I was destined to be a writer. It wasn’t simply a want. It was a dire need, a need to be heard, to be recognised. It was a solemn need to seek validation of my thoughts and feelings, to show the world as many aspects of our reality as is humanly possible. Whether it be the good, the bad, or the ugly, I want all of it to be shown to the public. I don’t see any use in hiding aspects of the human condition from those that experience them every day. We, as people, need a way to find solutions to our problems and I think- what better way to do that than to really delve down into some of the topics that not everyone is willing to discuss.


What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

Hmm, this feels a bit like a toss up between not fully understanding the people around me, and experiencing things in a very different way to others.
It quickly became apparent to my mother that I wasn’t like other kids. She worked as a childminder until I was about fourteen and she was adamant that there was something profoundly different about me. I wasn’t like any of my four elder siblings, I was a very strict and isolated child. I knew what I liked and disliked, and I liked things that way. I used to line up all my toys in colour or height order, I would ‘walk funny’ and had weird obsessions.
Although my mother wanted me tested at age 7, with my primary school refusing, I was actually assessed and diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of 22 (so just shy of three years ago now.) As part of the Autism Spectrum, my mother finally felt that she had sussed me out, so to speak. She finally felt that all of my differences growing up made sense.
What is most challenging about being on the Autistic Spectrum with regards to writing is how you perceive the world is such a unique way that trying to explain things in a way that most other people will understand can be near impossible. I have to force myself to try and imagine what it would be like to not be Autistic, to have a non-Autistic brain and non-Autistic experiences of the world. 
There is an intense difference between how you would see the world (as an Autistic or non-Autistic person) and relating experiences, emotions and events to the majority of the population in a way that they’ll understand is definitely my greatest challenge. It likely always will be.


What advice would you give beginning writers?

I think the best advice anyone can give you is to be yourself. Write what you know. When I used to hear that phrase, I thought it meant to write about the genre you know best or to write about things you’d studied, but I think it all comes down to personal experience. If you have experienced intense heartbreak, use that experience to fuel a romance or romantic component. If you feel like you’ve been cheated in life, use that experience and emotion to influence a character’s decisions.
I think the best thing you can do as a writer is to draw inspiration from the world around you. Use what you see and experience as a means to create and to bring new life to characters. Express your innermost fears and desires through your write. Experiment and develop your own style and don’t put too much face in most of the writing advice you see plastered around.
All you really need to know is what the concept and premise of your book will be, and then I think you’re more or less good to go.


What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?

When I’m not writing, I love to sketch, giving physical form to the thoughts and ideas circling round my brain. I’m passionate about photography, social-psychology, the paranormal (spirits, demons, legend and folklore.) 
I’m only 24 but there is so much that I want to explore in life and so much that (given the free time) I would love to study. I have a great passion for so many areas of life and until the day I die, I intend to live each and every one delving head-first into those passions.
I think that’s how life should be. We need to focus on what makes us truly want to live.

About the Author:

I’m an eccentric, British born writer with a great love of art and nature. Writing has always been my main outlet for expressing emotions and experiences that I find hard to share with others. This is due to my being on the Autistic spectrum. I like to leave traces of myself behind, like breadcrumbs, in the hope that readers will share in my journeys. I rule my pen and page with passion and can’t imagine my life without the magic of stories.

 You can find Daccari Buchelli at 

        Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  Pinterest   Google Plus   Youtube   Website   Blog

A Spotlight and Interview for the Monster Huntress Blog Tour

Today the blog joins the tour for the new YA fantasy book release, Monster Huntress by David Wiley. The book is a YA fantasy, and the first in The Young Huntress series. I have a look at the book, plus an interview with the author. Enjoy!

Monster Huntress (The Young Huntress Series Book 1) by David Wiley

Consecrated with her mother’s blood and blessing.

The world tells Ava she’s just a little girl who should know her place, but Ava wants a sword not a crown.
Ava and her father are following in her mother’s footsteps, hunting monsters in the 13 Kingdoms, seeking revenge for her mother’s untimely death. Little do they know that the monster responsible is building up a dangerous force. When The King requests the help of Ava’s father in exchange for her becoming a princess, Ava is not pleased. Can Ava escape her fate and the obnoxious prince of Harborg to live the life she’s always known, or will the dark plans of the monster catch her in his trap.

David Wiley combines the action of Tomb Raider with the fantastical elements of The Witcher to create the exciting world of The Young Huntress high fantasy series.

Track down Monster Huntress today and slay your need for good fantasy.

Monster Huntress is available on Amazon

An Interview with Author David Wiley

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

I grew up around stories. I would frequently bring stacks of books to his mother at bedtime, always eager to have another book read before bed. Several decades have passed since those days, but little has changed: I still have a passion for stories. I am a complete and total storyteller at heart, and that is always where I find my enjoyment. I would still tell stories even if I knew no one would ever read them because that is the way I am wired.

When I’m not writing, I can often be found enjoying the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Sarah J. Maas, and many others. I also like to delve into the literature of the Anglo-Saxons, such as Beowulf, and the Icelandic Sagas.

During my free time I also like to sit around a table with others, pulling out modern board games such as War of the Ring, Mage Knight, Lignum, A Feast for Odin, and many other games.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

The world tells Ava she’s just a little girl who should know her place, but Ava wants a sword not a crown.

Ava and her father are following in her mother’s footsteps, hunting monsters in the 13 Kingdoms, seeking revenge for her mother’s untimely death. Little do they know that the monster responsible is building up a dangerous force. When The King requests the help of Ava’s father in exchange for her becoming a princess, Ava is not pleased. Can Ava escape her fate and the obnoxious prince of Harborg to live the life she’s always known, or will the dark plans of the monster catch her in his trap.

Do you have a favourite character? If so, why?

Ava, for sure. I fell in love with her character when I first penned her to life in Ogre Hunt. My heart and soul has poured into her story, and I hope to someday have my own little girl who can be inspired by the fiery young protagonist. She is not so much a reflection of who I am, but rather a picture of what I hope my daughters would be: bold, strong, persistent, motivated.

Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?

There are so many great stories out there now with female protagonists, so I’m not breaking new ground here, but there can never be too many books featuring a strong female lead. My son can walk into any library or bookstore and grab a fantasy book that has a hero he can identify with and strive to be like. I wanted to make sure my daughter, should God bless me with one, will have that same opportunity. 

So really, in a way, this book has always been for her. The little girl I’ve dreamed of being a father to, bonding together in a way that only a father and a daughter can bond. I wanted to make sure she could find those books that she could fantasize about and reenact with her friends much like I used to do with the Star Wars movies. If she wants to hunt down monsters, I’ll happily provide her with the sword and let her imagination take her places that I’ve dreamed up in print.

What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your book?

Honestly, to spread the story I love to readers. If one person reads and loves the story, then I’ve been successful at my mission. Obviously, I’d love to reach a larger audience but it isn’t about becoming rich and famous for me. I want to find readers who love the type of stories that I enjoy writing. My sincere hope is that this story reaches those people, and that they would find ways to contact me and let me know their reaction to this book.

Can you tell us about your writing process? Where do your ideas originate? Do you have a certain writing routine?

Writing time is a premium for me most days. A lot of my focus, lately, has been more on revisions and marketing – both important tasks but far from what I want to do. I like to go on walks to generate ideas, as there is something inspiring about being outdoors. I also am a huge fan of writing prompts, as they often form little nuggets of ideas that can roll into larger plot points later. At worst, I can flesh out some worldbuilding that takes place in another place or time from my main series.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?

It would be Tolkien, particularly inspired by his main trio of books: The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. At this point in time I don’t even know which one is more of an impact, but I am continually rereading and diving into everything Tolkien created. While they come through in more subtle flavors in a work like Monster Huntress, you can see some of the narrator humor from The Hobbit layered into a shorter work of mine: A Merchant in Oria.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Just write. Your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Stopping to clean up every detail in Chapter One until it is perfect will prevent you from ever reaching Chapter Two. Power through the story while it is fresh in your mind and the creativity is flowing. The rest can be added, subtracted, or fixed later. After it is finished.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? Any hobbies?

I play a lot of board games. Not your Monopoly or Clue or Risk, but the modern era of board games. We're in a renaissance of gaming right now, and there are few things I enjoy more than sitting at a table with other people and playing a game like War of the Ring, Castles of Burgundy, Kingdom Builder, or Mystic Vale (to name a few).

About the Author

David Wiley is an author of science fiction and fantasy stories, choosing to write the stories that he would love to read. His first fantasy novel, Monster Huntress, will be published by OWS Ink, LLC. in April 2018. His novella, A Merchant in Oria, is set in the same fantasy world but follows a different cast of characters on an adventure that challenges the notion of what it takes to be a hero.

His short fiction has previously been published in Sci Phi Journal, OWS Ink, and King Arthur anthologies by Uffda Press and 18th Wall Productions. David resides in central Iowa with his wife and son, and spends his time reading, writing, and playing board games.

Website  Facebook Page  Twitter

Interview With Historical/Steampunk Author Kyle Newton

Today I have an interview with author Kyle Newton who writes two of my favourite genres, steampunk and historical. Enjoy.

Interview With Kyle Newton

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?

Greetings, my name is Kyle Newton. I grew up in a very small blue-collar town nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. My mother bred my creativity by watching Star Trek and reading Tolkien, so it didn’t take long for my interest in writing sci-fi/fantasy to bud and blossom. I indie-published my own series, “The Penny Punkers Series,” as well as having been published in several magazines such as Bete Noire. My first book to hit #3 in steampunk was “Revolution’s Reign,” a novella that came as a short story challenge from my magnificent girlfriend. Now, I write novellas about historical fiction for teens and young adults.

How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?

I have been writing most of my life if you include all the time I preferred writing poetry in school rather than doing math or science (Although still important, I just found myself lost in poetry). I’ve indie-published 3 soft-covered books and 6 ebooks. “The Penny Punker Series” take up the majority of my publishings, which is a fictitious steampunk universe I created. Then there’s “Revolution’s Reign”, which is a standalone historical fiction.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a favourite?

I’d have to say my current favorite is, “Revolution’s Reign.” Having to find that sweet balance of historical accuracy, peppered with fiction so the plot still makes sense, really helped push my limits and helped me grow as a writer.

Do you have a favourite character? If so, why?

For “Revolution’s Reign,” I’d say my favorite character is Annie Oakley. She might not show up until later in the story, but I find her time in it to be very unexpected and full of energy. I think I reflected on more of her determination and dedication than anything else for her character. And the fact I was able to find a place for her at all made me very happy.

Why did you decide to write in the steampunk genre?

I’ve always loved the Victorian era and found myself studying different aspects of it throughout my life. And I mean it, I even did a school report about the popular clothing and what they saw as “mainstream.” I guess my love for Tolkien’s fantasy world and my fascination for the Victorian lifestyle kind of fused together one day and thus, “Revolution’s Reign,” came to be.

What is the hardest part of writing historical fiction?

First, I want to say I absolutely LOVE writing historical fiction, but the same reason I obsess about it is the same reason it frustrates me. The amusement comes from having a “bare bones” story already laid out for you. It’s then up to you to decide how much escapism you want in your story. “Revolution’s Reign” definitely holds a lot of creative licensing, but then you can find the “Dear America” books and discover there’s very little fiction in them. I find these two are good comparisons for showing how wide the spectrum of historical fiction is. It’s that amount of freedom that really makes it fun for me, testing my balance of captivating creativity and historical accuracy.

What do you enjoy most about writing in the steampunk genre?

Similar to historical fiction, steampunk has a thin line of “must haves,” and the rest is really up to you. What makes steampunk so beautiful is that it doesn’t take much to establish its presence, it all depends on how you add it to your book that makes it a worthwhile genre. Like in “Revolution’s Reign,” I may reference larger economical changes to establish a different Victorian/colonial age, but their rifles and boats are the only distinct changes the reader really interacts with. I also love hearing from readers and getting opinions through reviews, that way, I can keep elevating my steampunk game for them. No matter what, I always add a flavor of steampunk to my writings, so reader input is crucial to me.

You write in several genres. Do you have a favourite? And if so, why?

Steampunk is easily my favorite. It’s always fun for me to add a wild west heroine, or an eloquent Victorian villain into the mix. I read a lot of historical fiction when I entered Junior High School and didn’t really stop since then. That’s what drew me to studying history, by learning how much of the book was made up and how much of it was real. My first two publications were for historical magazines, focusing on warfare. From there, I got published in Bete Noire’s magazine with my short story, “Wulver of the Highlands,” which was my first crack at historical fantasy. From there, I found adding steampunk elements to be a bit more interesting and more my style. Not long after that, “Revolution’s Reign,” was published. A month later, it hit #3 in its steampunk genre and #1 in Dieselpunk.

Who is your intended readership?

Since “Revolution’s Reign,”  I’m noticing more teenagers and young adults picking up my books. Which, I really enjoy. My interest in being a writer started around the sixth grade, but the small blue collar town I grew up in made flourishing artistically almost impossible. I hope my books can reach other teenagers to show them that if you have a passion and stick to it, you can get out and make a name for yourself.

What’s your next project? Any upcoming book secrets you care to reveal?

I recently got in touch with the Mount Washington Cog Railway in New Hampshire and got to write a mystery book for them involving the train station. It was a fascinating challenge because I’ve never written in this genre before. It proved to have its own story arc-issues I never anticipated due to the unfamiliar structure of building a mystery. It’ll be the first one out before Christmas. Around that time, I am going to have another colonial fiction novella out for my teen and YA readers. The last two years I’ve been trying to get my books published in between school semesters, that way students can have something to relax with around those initial days of new classes and the stress that comes with getting used to the schedule.

You can find Kyle's book, Revolution's Reign: A Steampunk Military Adventure, on Amazon.

Book Spotlight: Being Human

Today I have a book spotlight, for the YA paranormal novel, Being Human by Patricia Lynne. Enjoy.

Being Human by Patricia Lynne

For Tommy, there is only one thing he needs to do: survive. 

Only surviving isn't that easy. The hunt for blood can be tricky when humans know to fear the night. Desire sits on the edge of his mind, urging him to become the monster humans think he is. Vampire Forces, a special branch of police, is determined to turn every vampire to ash. Tommy included.

The only human Tommy can trust is his twin brother. A bond connects them, and with Danny's help, Tommy starts to understand the human world he struggles to survive in. He'll learn what friendships means and feel the sting of betrayal, find that sometimes the worst monsters are very human, and come to understand that family means more than blood.

Tommy just wants to survive and he knows what he needs to do. But with the number of humans that mean more to him than a meal growing, Tommy learns there's more to life than simple survival. He'll discover being human doesn't mean being a human.

Being Human is available at:

Amazon  Smashwords  Kobo  Barnes and Noble  iTunes


Book Trailer

Author Bio

Patricia Lynne never set out to become a writer. In fact, she never considered it an option during high school and college. She was all about art. On a whim, she wrote down a story bouncing in her head. That was the start of it and she hasn't regretted a moment. She writes new adult under the name Patricia Josephine.

Patricia lives with her husband in Michigan, hopes one day to have what will resemble a small petting zoo, has a fondness for dying her hair the colors of the rainbow, and an obsession with Doctor Who.

For more on Patricia, check out her sites.

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Enchantments And An Interview With Author Claire Plaisted

Today I have a delightful interview with author Claire Plaisted and a look at her newly released book, Enchantments. Enjoy!

First, the interview...

 Interview With Claire Plaisted

Why don’t you begin by sharing a little about yourself?

My name is Claire Plaisted. I was born and grew up in England, though the last 26 years I have lived in New Zealand with my husband and three children.

I am a Multi genre author and Indie Publisher.  I fell into writing in 2012 quite by accident whilst researching for a Family History Book for a client. This book is yet to be published.

My Publishing Business – Plaisted Publishing House Ltd., has just celebrated 3 years. I love to help other indie authors and have several anthology groups along with two magazine groups to assist with marketing. It’s a blast and everyone is so friendly in the groups

My hobbies are Family History Research, Reading, Walking.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Enchantments was first published in an Anthology in 2015. It was always meant to be published as a book in its own right.  Since then the story has been re-edited, updated with cover and teasers made.

The story is about seven young adults aged 21. Some know who they really are, and others don’t.  The story starts with Farron which is written in first person. She has dreams which make her restless, she receives impossible messages which disappear as fast as they arrive. Farron is one who doesn’t understand the world she is about to become involved with.

Each character is a Chosen One. They are given Animal energy to help save the human world from the Shadow Master and his minions.

How long have you been writing, and how many books have you published to date?

I have published twenty-six books in various genres. I have one series called Garrett Investigations Bureau which I am updating at present. A novella series under a pen name (Beth Bayley) and a children’s series called Girlie Adventures (About a blue ladybug). This last series also raises funds for various different charities worldwide.

Do you have a favourite character? If so, why?

I adore Yuri. He is a security guard in my Garrett Investigation Bureau Series.  He is amazing. About 6’7”, African American, muscular and has a Russian father. He is funny, cool and I want to hug him and gaze deep into his gorgeous coffee brown eyes

Why did you write this book? What was your inspiration?

I wrote this book to see if I could write a YA Fantasy. I had no idea what would happen or if my muse would speak to me.  What I ended up with is a book about training young adults how to save their world.

Other than that, I tend to say the muse spoke and I wrote down what they told me too.  I have no real clue where the stories come from. I’d never anticipated being an author.  These days I do what the muse tells me… well when they aren’t away on their summer holidays in the northern hemisphere—sunbathing. I’ll catch up with them soon and put them all back to work.

What did you find most challenging about writing your book?

Editing has always been the biggest challenge—which is why I am updating a lot of my already published books. I have learnt so much from so many wonderful Indie Author friends, it has been an amazing journey. I now have a process I go through. I use Grammarly, Pro Writing Aide and Stylewriter.  I also read the manuscript as an eBook which—for me anyway, makes errors jump out.  My manuscripts will never be perfect to everyone due to the mixed English I use. However, they take you away to another world or place and give great enjoyment.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?

I love C S Lewis and his Narnia Series. I also love some of his quotes. The best one being about writing a children’s book for children of all ages.  To me this means children from one – one hundred.  I still re-read his stories today and learn something new each time.

How do you research your books?

Google is a good friend. However, I have various places and people I can turn to for help, depending on what I want to know. For historical I belong to several research group where I can reach out for information. For guns and fight scenes I will ask friends who are knowledgeable about various situations. Sometimes I will watch movies or ask my son—who has black belt in taekwondo, to act out the actions so I can write them and make sure they work.

Are you working on another book?

I have to many book drafts to count.  I have two more books of my own to get out this year prior to Christmas. I also have four clients’ books on the go right now along with two anthologies to do and my monthly magazine. Most of this keeps me busy and happy.

Books to watch out for are:

Girlie and the Ninja Ladybugs – book 4

Ghostly Writes Anthology 2017

Ancient Relics – book 6 of Garrett Investigation Bureau

Children’s Fairly Tale Anthology 2017

Enchantments will also have another four books in the series…Well if the muse comes home.

And now for the book...

Enchantments by Claire Plaisted

The Shadow Realm had found a gap in space and time, a place where they could observe the Human world before they claimed it as their own.

Farron is one of seven chosen to embark on an epic adventure against the Shadow King and his evil Realm; but how can seven Humans fight against the perils of the Shadows of Death?

Because they're not really Human...

First born sons and daughters of the Bul'ith, Farron and the others must accept the truth and the animal energies they are given, heed the words of their trainers and defeat the Realm of the Shadow King if they ever wish to restore their world.

You can find Enchantments on Amazon

Meet the Characters who will keep the human world safe from the Shadow Realm.

They thought they were human…and though their DNA was similar and they each had human ancestry their lives were about to change…so you could live.

Farron – Bul’ith – British living in America

Praxel – Bul’ith – American with Egyptian Ancestry

Briar – Bul’ith - American

Ruben – Human American with European heritage

Fleur – Bul’ith – French Canadian

Mitsuoshi – Bul’ith – Japanese heritage

Maxwell – Bul’ith – New Zealander with British & Maori Blood

Bunita – Bul’ith - Indian

Meet their Trainers and the Animals they will be matched with.

Qwain and the Wolf

Quawn and the Falcon

Ngaire and the Cheetah

Avron and the Black Bear

Avrain and the Anaconda

Nikau and the Komodo Dragon

Kendrall and overall leader and the Wild Boar

Meet the Shadow Master and be careful of his minions…They are daring and act quicker than most can move. Their claws could grab your ankles at any moment and suck your soul.

About the Author

Claire Plaisted lives in Rotorua, New Zealand with her family. Rotorua is one of the main tourist stops for a cultural Maori experience with lots of things to do, be it walking, cycling, museums, spa days etc.

Claire is an Multi Genre Indie Author, with side lines in genealogy where she researches and formats family history books for clients. Claire also developed a business to help Indie Authors self-publish, assisting over thirty clients so far.

Claire has published twenty-six books.  Two are short stories, six are part of a series which is called ‘Garrett Investigation Bureau.’ She has one adult fantasy, one children’s mythical story. Along with six contemporary romance novellas under her pen name ‘Beth Bayley.’ Claire has a children’s book series called Girlie Adventures. The first three are now available. ‘Girlie and the War of the Wasps,’ ‘Girlie and the Quest for Pedi’s Family and ‘Girlie’s Circus Adventure. They are adventure story for children from four years upwards. Each one sold gives 40% to a charity. The first book is, in essence about healthy eating and the book will help raise funds for ‘Chasing a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes.’

Claire's Links:

www.claireplaisted.wordpress.com
www.twitter.com/rotosis1
www.amazon.com/author/claireplaisted  
www.amazon.com/author/bethbayley 
https://www.instagram.com/rotosis 

www.billionaireromances.wordpress.com

www.facebook.com/claireplaistedauthor

www.facebook.com/garrettinvestigationbureau

www.facebook.com/girlieadventures

www.facebook.com/billionaireromances

www.plaistedpublishinghouse.com
www.facebook.com/plaistedpublishinghouse
www.facebook.com/groups/indiepublishingnews