Book Spotlight: Servants of Stone

Another book spotlight today for the historical, supernatural horror novel, Servants Of Stone by Sean Eads and Josh Viola. Enjoy.

Servants Of Stone

Evil has a new home--and it’s a place called New Vineland.

The town appeared almost overnight, as if summoned from the shadows, complete with a looming stone tower at its heart and a general store that promises to fulfill your deepest desires... for the price of your soul.

Drawn by a witch’s secret summons, the curious and the desperate are flocking to New Vineland, unaware of the doom that awaits them. But the witch didn’t count on Harold Goodman--an adventurous young Englishman with an unshakable moral compass and a burning desire to uncover the truth behind the tower's dark power.

Joined by an enigmatic stonemason, a salty old sailor with more wisdom than he lets on, a haunted warhorse with a hero’s heart, and a gifted young girl just awakening to her magic, Harold sets out to challenge the evil that fuels New Vineland.

The battle for the town--and the souls within it--is about to begin.

Book Link: https://getbook.at/Servants

About the Authors

Sean Eads is a writer and librarian living in Denver, Colorado. He is originally from Kentucky and has a Masters degree in literature from the University of Kentucky and a Masters degree in library science from the University of Illinois. His first novel, The Survivors, was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award. His third novel, Lord Byron’s Prophecy was a finalist for the Shirley Jackson Award and the Colorado Book Award. His fifth novel, Confessions, was also a finalist for the Colorado Book Award. His favorite writers are Ray Bradbury, Herman Melville, Cormac McCarthy and Ernest Hemingway.

Website: www.seaneadswriter.com

Joshua Viola is a Colorado Book Award winner and Splatterpunk Award nominee. He co-authored Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver - The Dead Shall Rise, an official prequel to the beloved video game series, which became the 4th most funded graphic novel of all time on Kickstarter, raising over $1.4 million. He edited the Denver Post #1 bestselling horror anthology Nightmares Unhinged and co-edited Cyber World, named one of the best science fiction anthologies of 2016 by Barnes & Noble. He co-authored the comic book slasher series True Believers with Stephen Graham Jones, featuring official cameos from icons like Jamie Lee Curtis, R.L. Stine, Jeffrey Combs, and Barbara Crampton. As a producer, he has contributed to films such as Aliens Expanded, The Thing Expanded, TerrorBytes, Shelby Oaks, Shrine of Abominations, Deathgasm II: Goremageddon, and the recent Deathstalker reboot directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void, Psycho Goreman), starring Daniel Bernhardt (The Matrix, John Wick) and produced with Slash from Guns N’ Roses. In 2024, he founded Bit Bot Media with musician Klayton (Celldweller), a multimedia company focused on original and licensed IP, including The Terminator, Legacy of Kain, Evil Dead 2, and more. Bit Bot also collaborates with Canadian film studio Raven Banner Entertainment on film productions, merchandise, and distribution, including titles like The Autopsy of Jane Doe and the documentary Hate to Love: Nickelback. Joshua’s video game development includes work on titles such as The Rocky Horror Show, Pirates of the Caribbean: Call of the Kraken, Unioverse, The Smurfs, TARGET: Terror, and others. He is the owner and chief editor of Hex Publishers and resides in Denver, CO, with his husband and son.

Website: www.joshuaviola.com

Book Spotlight: Arthur Dux Bellorum

Today I have a book spotlight for you, a historical fiction about one of my favourite legends, King Arthur. So I present to you, Arthur Dux Bellorum (A Light in the Dark Ages Book 4) by Tim Walker. Plus, there's an excerpt. Enjoy.

Arthur Dux Bellorum (A Light in the Dark Ages Book 4) by Tim Walker

From the ruins of post-Roman Britain, a warrior arises to unite a troubled land

Britain in the late Fifth Century is a troubled place – riven with tribal infighting and beset by invaders in search of plunder and settlement. King Uther is dead, and his daughter, Morgana, seizes the crown for her infant son, Mordred. Merlyn’s attempt to present Arthur as the true son and heir of Uther is scorned, and the bewildered teenager finds himself in prison. Here our story begins…

Arthur finds friends in unexpected quarters and together they flee. Travelling through a fractured landscape of tribal conflict and suspicion, they attempt to stay one step ahead of their pursuers, whilst keeping a wary eye on Saxon invaders menacing the shoreline. Arthur’s reputation as a fearsome warrior grows as he learns the harsh lessons needed to survive and acquire the skills of a dux bellorum, a lord of war.

Tim Walker’s Arthur Dux Bellorum is a fresh look at the Arthurian legend, combining myth, history and gripping battle scenes. Although in a series, it can be read as a standalone novel.

Fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Mathew Harffy will enjoy Walker’s A Light in the Dark Ages series and its newest addition – Arthur Dux Bellorum.

Arthur Dux Bellorum is available at Amazon

A Light in the Dark Ages series

Book One: Abandoned

Book Two: Ambrosius: Last of the Romans

Book Three: Uther's Destiny

An Except from Arthur Dux Bellorum:

Artorius (the young Arthur), Merlyn and Gawain are being pursued by Mordred’s men. They arrive at the former Roman colonia of Lindum (modern day Lincoln)

WITH CARE AND vigilance, the troop of riders moved without incident for two days, following the Fosse Way northwards into the well-cultivated region of Linnius and to the town of Lindum. Merlyn dismounted and gathered the party behind a blackthorn thicket when pale stone walls came into view. Looking at the drooping shoulders of his tired companions, he reassured them.

“This town was built by the Romans as a colonia – a commune for retired legionaries, much like Bedwyr’s home. Many of the occupants will be the descendants of ex-legionaries and we can expect a favourable welcome.”

“How do you know that?” Artorius asked. “They may be friends to Morgana and Mordred.”

“I know because last year I spoke to their council. Lindum is governed by a council of elders from the Coritani tribe, and they elect a leader, in the Roman way. They revere Ambrosius and his mother, Justina, as if they were gods.”

“Are they not Christians?” asked Artorius, who had read scripture to his tutor on Hector’s farm.

“The Christian faith is also strong.”

Merlyn scanned their attentive faces and continued, “However, Artorius has a point. Since the time of my visit much has changed. They may have pledged allegiance to King Mordred and regard Artorius as a fugitive and so, to be cautious, I shall go ahead with Varden and Bedwyr to announce our arrival. The rest of you stay out of sight in the trees. If armed soldiers come pouring out of that gate instead of us, then flee to the forest.”

“Would they not also regard you as a fugitive, Merlyn?” Artorius asked.

Merlyn laughed, “Perhaps, but I have faith in their friendship and hope they would allow me my liberty. I feel this is a more likely outcome – let us go.”

A pensive hour passed before Varden returned and bade them follow him into the town.

To Artorius’s keen eyes, the bridge approach over a dry ditch and stone gatehouse were almost identical to Venta’s, but in well-maintained condition. Inside, the town was a bustle of activity with a multitude of people going about their business. Varden led them along the straight central thoroughfare, past two-storey townhouses interspersed with livestock pens, to an open square lined with market stalls. This was dominated by an imposing imperial building, ringed by a columned portico reached from a dozen steps.

Merlyn and Bedwyr stood at the top of the stairs, flanked by ten or so men dressed in white tunics belted at the waist in the Roman fashion. Once dismounted, attendants took the reins of their horses and led them away.

“Come and join us!” Merlyn shouted down to them, as a curious crowd started to gather. Looking about, and noticing the guards, Artorius could see why Merlyn was content for Flavius to dress them like Roman cavalry.

“Welcome, my brothers!” a white-haired elder called, beckoning them to climb the steps. “I am Maddox, elected chief of the council governing Linnius, the region that surrounds our town. Please enter our senate building that we may hear of your journey.”

The elders led the way into a huge hall with a high ceiling held up by white stone columns carved in the Greek manner. The walls were draped with tapestries depicting an odd combination of hunting scenes and Christian saints. Their hobnail boots echoed as they were ushered across a marble floor to sit at benches flanking long banqueting tables. The elders took their seats on a raised platform. Spring water treated with herbs was served, whilst Merlyn gave an account of their escape from Venta and journey to the farming colonia near Calleva. He introduced Gawain and Bedwyr to the elders, each standing to bow in a knightly fashion, and then walked to Artorius and clasped his shoulders in both hands.

“This is Artorius, the true son and heir of King Uther Pendragon, of the bloodline of Ambrosius.”

About the Author

Tim Walker is an independent author based in Windsor, UK. His background is in marketing, journalism, editing and publications management. He began writing an historical series, A Light in the Dark Ages (set in Fifth Century Britain), in 2015, starting with Abandoned, set at the time the Romans left Britain. This was extensively revised and re-launched as a second edition in 2018.

Book two, Ambrosius: Last of the Romans, was published in 2017 and the third installment, Uther’s Destiny, was published in March 2018 (winner of One Stop Fiction book of the month award, April 2018). The adventure continues from March 2019 in the fourth book, Arthur, Dux Bellorum.

His creative writing journey began in July 2015 with the publication of a book of short stories, Thames Valley Tales. In September 2017 he published a second collection of short stories – Postcards from London. These stories combine his love of history with his experiences of living in London and various Thames Valley towns.

In 2016 he published his first novel, a dystopian political thriller, Devil Gate Dawn, following exposure through the Amazon Scout programme. In 2017 he published his first children’s book, The Adventures of Charly Holmes, co-written with his 12-year-old daughter, Cathy, followed In 2018 by a second adventure, Charly & The Superheroes.

Author Website | Newsletter sign-up | Amazon Author Page | 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.

Halloween Week: Spotlight on The Birthrite Series

Welcome to Day Five of my Halloween Week!

Today I am spotlighting a dark fantasy book series, The Birthrite Series by Tiffany Apan. The third book in the series, Kindred, will be released on Halloween and I have an excerpt from that novel, as well as a trailer and a giveaway. Plus, I have the Halloween Horror Group Giveaway over on Instafreebie. Enjoy.

The Birthrite Series by Tiffany Apan

Kindred (The Birthrite Series, #2) 

It is the summer of 1933 and nearly two years since that fateful Halloween night in Plains, New York.

Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, eighteen-year-old Cletus Blake spends his days working to help his family through the massive economic recession spreading throughout the United States and many other areas of the world. As society struggles to accept that the economic surge of the 1920s are long gone, Cletus also clings to the memory of his last phone conversation with his cousin Dorothy. Having formed and maintained a relationship with two of her close friends - the recently married Reginald and Gail Carr Johnson - the three find solace in regular communication with one another.

Like Dorothy, Cletus possesses supernatural abilities inherited through his bloodline. His vivid dreams and visions - including ones of a beautiful young Romani woman and twin baby boys - continue to increase in strength. Meanwhile, Reginald and Gail begin falling prey to dark adversaries that have been lying in wait.

Evil surrounds at every turn, old friends race to help, and ancient evil re-emerges. A war between worlds brews beneath the surface, threatening to rip the protective seams that keep the portals sealed.

Then in the midst of it all, Cletus happens upon a caravan traveling through his Ohio town. The very familiar Romanichal family's history ties not only to his own past, but to all the kin of the four men that experienced worlds outside of their own on that summer solstice in 1844. All are linked to a future that will reunite the Blakes and the Livingstons, two families that at one time, shared a very unlikely friendship.

Kindred is the second full-length novel in The Birthrite Series. Picking up from where Descent and Sacred Atonement: A Novelette left off, the story continues to challenge all that is known about light and dark, good and evil. Passion, intrigue, and secrets abound as history unravels. Revelations uncovered in previous installments are given new perspectives, taking the reader on a thrilling ride into a world where nothing is ever what it appears to be.

Kindred will be available on October 31st
Pre-order it here: Kindred


And don't forget the great Birthrite giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Trailer

Excerpt from Kindred:

His eyes darted about and breath hitched when he saw the property of the Fleming Orphanage surrounding him. The summer breeze turned into a crisp, autumn chill as the song flowed with the wind that carried it. Leaves fell from their branches, blanketing the ground, seeming to undulate with the notes being played.

He was compelled toward the woods, feeling Dorothy's presence and the grave danger she was in by being here. Confused and disoriented, he looked around, calling out to her, but she was nowhere in sight.

His voice was getting lost in the wind stirring up as it carried DeBussy's song. The woods and empty buildings of the former orphanage took on menacing shapes, as if they were alive and mocking him. Every fiber of his being wrenched when he heard a distant howling from somewhere in the woods. His breath grew rapid as his lungs took in the icy air. The song to the moon faded and the sound of someone humming another familiar tune took over.

 All the Pretty Little Horses...

Cletus tried moving in the direction of the hill, knowing that it would take him away from the property, but the wind increased in strength and invisible arms seemed to hold him back. He heard the howling again, only this time, it was much closer, sounding unlike any animal he knew of. A foul stench started crawling out from the buildings as the windows radiated a deep red glow.

(Like blood...)

The glow pulsed, spreading throughout the property as the stench of death and decomposition engulfed him. His body stiffened upon hearing a bloodthirsty growl closing in behind him.

He tried to run, but his feet were planted to the earth. He could sense it inching closer, crunching over the cold, drying leaves. The creature's rancid breath assaulted his nostrils before it let out a deafening roar. Then the creature pounced, pummeling the young man forward…

And here are the other books in the series...

Descent (The Birthrite Series, #1)

Visions of infant twin boys, clouds, a young woman taking her own life, and a collision of space, time, and realms...

On the eve of Summer Solstice in 1844, four men in different areas of the world share an experience that impacts not only their own lives, but those of the future generations. The first man is Nicolae Ganoush, a young Romany fugitive from a slave village in Wallachia. The second is Jonathan Blake, an eighteen-year-old Irishman in the American Midwest who finds himself falling in love with a young woman from a nearby Sioux village. The third is James Livingston, a prominent figure in colonial America, and the fourth is Hector de Fuentes, a sixteen-year-old from Tuxpan, Mexico with special gifts and visions enhanced by a mysterious and wondrous cave. Each man carries his own inner battle, unbelievable ancient truths deep within their lineages, and demons that are much closer to home than any of them would like.

Descent is available at:

Smashwords

Amazon

Sacred Atonement: A Novelette (The Birthrite Series, #1.5)

"He wondered how she would react to seeing him. Not just his physical appearance, but seeing him for the first time since what happened between nearly a year ago. And what would happen once she found out what he really was?"

Sacred Atonement: A Novelette is available at:

Smashwords

Amazon

Made in Heaven (The Birthrite Series Short)

It has only been two and a half months since Reginald and Gail returned from that fateful night, a strange set of circumstances, and world they never thought could exist.

Made in Heaven is available at:

Smashwords

Author Bio:

Author photo by Jessica Sullivan

Tiffany Apan grew up among the thick forests of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was there she began honing artistic abilities and received much of her creative inspiration. A misfit among her peers (she was the only one in her fifth grade writing class obsessed enough with Vikings and Norwegian mythology to write poems about them), Tiffany was highly active in the artistic community in Wilkes-Barre, PA, involving herself in all music, theater, visual arts, and writing. Eventually, she settled quite comfortably into a role as “that artsy kid in black” who sits in a coffee shop, drinking endless amounts of coffee and tea while writing furiously in a journal or sketchpad.

After graduating high school, she left the Northeastern PA ghosts for the Southeastern PA zombies (Pittsburgh). Upon the move, Tiffany became involved with the indie film scene, landing supporting roles in a couple films. This also gave way to the release of her music with partner in crime, Jason English. Since then, she has gone on to act in several films and theater productions with starring and supporting roles, release music to critical acclaim, and receive accolades for her writing and producing.

The Appalachian Mountains serve as a backdrop for many of her stories, including The Cemetery by the Lake and The Birthrite Series.  You can check out more of her work (writing, music, film, etc) on her website, blog, Amazon, and other social media.

AUTHOR AND BOOK LINKS:

http://tiffanyapan.com

http://tiffanyapanwritingproject.blogspot.com

http://facebook.com/tiffanyapanfanpage

http://facebook.com/birthriteseries

http://twitter.com/TIFFANYAPAN

http://amazon.com/author/tiffanyapan

http://goodreads.com/tiffanyapan

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/tiffanyapan

And now the Halloween Horror giveaway!

Over 30 Free Books and Stories in this horror giveaway!

A mix of horror, paranormal, dark sci-fi and fantasy.

Check it all out here!

Halloween Horror Giveaway!

Interview With Author Theresa Pocock

Today I have a great treat, an interview with historical fantasy author Theresa Pocock, who stops by to chat about her newly released book (paperback available from bookbaby), Elizabeth Tudor. Enjoy!

Interview with Theresa Pocock

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

I’m just a girl who is trying to make her way in this world. No… well I am a mom, a wife, a Christian, and an author. I feel like everything I do fits into those four fields.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Well, as a history major, when you learn about the sixteenth century you can’t help but learn of Henry VIII and all his wives and his shenanigans. I of course was fascinated with the subject but something my teacher said in passing one day sparked the idea for this book; what if Henry’s claims that Anne Boleyn entranced him really were true? The idea stuck and when I began writing it was just a natural topic for me to explore.

In ELIZABETH TUDOR: Ancestry of Sorcery, Anne and Elizabeth come from a long line of sorceresses, but Anne makes certain that her daughter, the potential queen of England, will be the most powerful one yet.

I am very excited about this story. I feel that it is a strong retelling made more interesting with the sparkle of magic and the tragedy of star crossed love.

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

Ten years. I’ve completed 6 books. ELIZABETH is my first publication.

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

To be honest which ever book I am reading, writing, editing, is the best book ever. Because naturally all the things I wish authors would do in the books I read for pleasure I do in my book, which automatically makes it the best in my mind, right?

Why did you decide to write in the Fantasy genre?

Well I always felt it was the only genre worth reading, that is until I turned 30. Now I find merit in many other genres. My WIP is actually my first non-fantasy story about a celebrity dating service and I am loving it. You can read my whole description at www.theresapocock.com.

Who is your intended readership?

Probably women and teens, all of my stories have a strong romantic element to them. That’s just me. I feel like I write the angst of teen love quite well and the tenderness of mature love also. So I would say anyone who likes romance. (not sex)

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

As I said above ELIZABETH TUDOR was inspired by the idea that Anne Boleyn really was a sorceress. That she bewitched Henry and that is why he did all he did. My inspiration was a contrast between two things actually. First, I read an amazing book called Eragon when I was 25. I was so inspired by how young the author was. I read that the author couldn’t get a publishing deal and that he had to do some pretty amazing things to get his stuff out there. Then I read a truly ridiculous story which got published no problem and I kind of took that as a challenge, I guess. I also thought if a teenager can write so can I! That was when it became real. That’s when I began plotting.

What did you enjoy most about writing your book?

I love that I get to tell these cool stories. I love researching. Like with ELIZABETH TUDOR, I wanted it to be as historically accurate as possible. I read everything from novels, to encyclopedias, to her journals, to her speeches, to her bank statements, just to assure that I would have things correct. I can get lost in the researching.

What did you find most challenging about writing your book?

It took me and entire year of consistent writing during naps times and early mornings and evenings to get ELIZABETH done. I don’t have a great memory and that is exacerbated by the fact that I’m dyslexic so when I am dealing with people and places and loads of facts I’m connecting, I must review every day. If I leave it for a week or something its literally like starting from scratch.   


What advice would you give beginning writers?

I would tell them to write 500,000 words before you commit yourself. I would also say don’t force it. If you have a story to tell it will come out. That doesn’t mean it’s easy that just means you won’t be able to leave it alone. If you can’t leave it alone you’re an author and you need to do your prerequisites. Which are: Read a ton. I feel like this is imprinting. You imprint good writing in your mind, all the while you practice. Research the elements of writing. How to show not tell, how to change tense, how to write tension, how to plot things out. Figure out if you’re a pants-er or a plot-er. Have people read your stuff and get some opinions.  If you do these things and you have a story to tell the ability to get it down on paper will come. So never ever lose hope. Then I say write an amazing query letter and send it to me at www.bigworldnetwork.com as of January 1, 2017 I am the new submissions manager there.

Are you working on another book?

I have something I am so excited about. It is a fantasy set in the Garden of Eden.  I call it GUARDIANS OF THE GARDEN. Briefly, it’s about a family that protects the garden of Eden from those wanting to gain immortality by eating of the tree of life. As time marches on they gain fantastic powers to protect the garden from advancing technology. My story starts in the chaos of a PREapocalypse world and a betrayal from inside the garden. I have a really amazing agent looking at it right now and I have high hopes.

I’m also putting some of my work on Wattpad you can check it out for just go to: www.theresapocock.com and see what strikes your fancy.

Author Bio:

Theresa Pocock is not a history buff but she is a history lover which lead her to study the subject at BYU-Idaho. However it was here obsession with the literature that sparked the idea to write. Since, that desire has become an annoyingly relentless compulsion gnawing at her attention and focus, As her list of story ideas grows longer and her free time gets shorter it has taken tireless dedication to continue writing. Utilizing earily mornings, nap-times, sport practices and many many late nights has born fruit though in the form of six wonderfully crafted novels which she hopes to share with the world. After sixteen moves, three kids, four dogs, and a few fish, Theresa and her family currently reside in Washington state. For now.

Interview With Author Ulff Lehmann

Today I have an interview with fantasy author Ulff Lehmann, and a look at his book, Shattered Dreams. Enjoy.

An Interview With Ulff Lehmann

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

Hi, I'm Ulff Lehmann, and while I am German I have decided to write in English. Primarily because I spent two thirds of my reading-life reading English novels. I have lived in the USA as an exchange student, and while I have always been interested in story telling, it was only in my early twenties that I started to write. After a few years being unable to put the phrases I wanted to say on paper, I realized that while I was reading a hell of a lot, up to 6 novels a month, all of these books were in English. Once that realization set in, I switched from German to English and haven't looked back since.

That I am a writer and a storyteller, I think my subconscious was always aware of, but instead of following my heart, I chose a career in banking. A career which did not last beyond the 2 years of training, which I finished more or less intact. After that I tried my hand at being a college student, but dropped out after a thankfully unsuccessful attempt to emigrate to the US. I came home, and stood before the shambles of my life, so to speak. No apartment, no job, no money in the bank. I moved back in with my parents, found a job doing temp work, found an apartment, reclaimed some normalcy.

Sadly normalcy isn't all it's made out to be. Jobs came, went, until I crashed. I recovered, got another job, crashed again. During that time, my best friend finally convinced me to go to therapy. Behaviour therapy set me straight, made me realize who and what I am, and I wrote my first two novels, Shattered Dreams and Shattered Hopes, during that time.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Shattered Dreams is the first part of a trilogy, a story that I have been developing for the better part of 25 years, actually. It is a multi-viewpoint story, the style pretty much inspired by A Song of Ice and Fire, with chapters bound together by the specific dates something or many things are occurring.

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

I think my first short story, a precursor to Shattered Dreams, was released in a German fanzine sometime in 1994. I had been dabbling before, but never on any grander scale. Shattered Dreams is my first published novel.

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

Currently I am writing the third part, Shattered Bonds, and while I will always cherish Shattered Dreams as the first creative task I ever brought to an end, I would have to say that Bonds is my favourite.

Why did you decide to write in the fantasy genre?

It was the first genre I really delved into as a reader. Greek, Roman, Germanic Mythology, I've read so much fantasy, I cannot remember it all. I'm fairly certain that I will turn to other genres, eventually, once I have said all I wanted to say in fantasy for the time being.

What is the hardest part of writing fantasy fiction?

Assuring people that not only is your work no Tolkien clone, but that you have never even finished The Lord of the Rings because it bores the crap out of you.

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

Fucking with people's preconceptions.

Who is your intended readership?

First and foremost I write stories I would want to read. That being said, since my tastes have changed dramatically over the past decade or so, my intended readership is basically anyone who likes a good book. The whole genre thing, the strict adherence to sticking to a specific kind of novels, be it fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, horror, is, in my opinion, rather narrow minded. A book's good when it's good, and if the story of a romance novel grabs my attention, I'll read that too.

Are there particular challenges in writing for your core readership?

Since my primary audience is, initially at least, myself, yes there are. I'm a tough nut to crack, I'm my own worst critic, and to read anything without my inner editor screaming blue murder at stuff I dislike is impossible. Prose has got so boring, to me at least. Show me a book that has every sentence of almost every passage begin with "He..." or "She..." and I show you a writer who never bothered to polish his prose. Fifth graders write like that, and I hate it. Beginning every sentence differently, weaving words into something exciting, that is tough.

What did you enjoy most about writing your book?

Finishing it.

What did you find most challenging about writing your book?

Finishing it.

Did anything surprise you about the process of writing your book?

The stupid characters refuse to do what I want them to! Seriously, the more I got to know the characters, the less the preconceived path I had laid out made sense. In the end, I let the characters choose.

What did you hope to accomplish by publishing your book?

My first hope was to finish what had begun during my days at therapy. Finishing the novel was a huge step for me. Publishing the book, is close second. Truth be told, I had not thought much further than that. Yes, I wanted people to be touched by it, and given that one reader has already started to read the book again, I believe I have accomplished just that.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

To me there's a difference, between conscious and subconscious realization. I've always been creative, in terms of story telling. I discovered role playing games in my early teens, and lived out my natural desire to tell stories there. When I started developing my main character for the short stories (who would later become the protagonist of the novels) I think I had an inkling, but since I was so stunted in the self awareness department, I did not really follow through. When I started therapy in earnest, that's when it literally punched me in the face.

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

A three part question, fun! I start with the routine, because the process and the routine go hand in hand. The day before I return to writing, I make sure to go to bed so that I wake up at around 8 to 8:30 in the morning. From there, I fix a cup of tea (well, tankard is more appropriate, seeing that the bugger holds 0.75 litres) switch on my TV and watch one episode of a drama and two episodes of a sitcom. I also have my breakfast during that time. When the second episode of whatever sitcom is done, I shut off the TV, switch on the stereo to blast something metallic through the speakers, loud enough that it will reach me under the shower. After that, and before I get dressed, I change the song to The Blood of CuChulainn and then get into my clothes. With the final notes of Blood ending, I open my windows, put on my shoes, grab whatever non-fantasy book I am currently reading and head to my favourite café. There, I enjoy the novel whilst drinking a large cappuccino. Then, with my mind clear, I return home, switch on my writing computer and the stereo with my "writing-soundtrack" and begin.

The process is rather straight forward. I check where I left off, recheck some of the previous chapters to get my bearing, and write. I generally have a good idea of what I want to do, where the story will go, and while that first day of writing is mostly spent fixing some stuff from where I left off and before, I add another few pages before I stop. The following days are the same, only now I am fully back in the zone and new pages start flowing.

Ideas... good question... I'd say the primary idea comes from somewhere between waking and dreaming, that blank space between thoughts. That sounds better than, I get some damn good ideas under the shower, or while taking a dump, or shortly before falling asleep, which is the shittiest time to have any ideas because you have to get your ass out of bed and write the ideas down. The rest is basically following these ideas with logic.

What is your greatest challenge as a writer?

Making sure everything is logical.

Do you have a favourite author, or writing inspiration?

George R.R. Martin, Bernard Cornwell, Tad Williams.

How do you research your books?

I read non-fiction.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Read, read, read, read, and read outside your comfort zone. If you only play in your sandbox and never in the forest or whatever, you will never understand the larger world. And stop looking at fucking Twilight for inspiration! You get about the same amount of crap from staring at used toilet paper!

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

Movies

How did you become interested in movies?

Best alternative to reading books.

Are you working on another book?

I am currently working on the last part of the trilogy that starts with Shattered Dreams.

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

Not sure yet. I want to finish the trilogy first, then worry about what comes next.

Author Bio:

German born but English writing author, Ulff Lehmann, was raised reading, almost any and everything, from the classic Greek to Roman to Germanic myths to more appropriate fiction for children his age. Initially devouring books in his native language, he switched to reading English books during a year long stay in the USA as a foreign exchange student.

In the years since, he has lost count of the books he has read, unwilling to dig into the depths of his collection. An avid fantasy reader, he grew dissatisfied with the constant lack of technological evolution in many a fantasy world, and finally, when push came to shove, he began to realize not only his potential as a story teller but also his vision of a mythical yet realistic world in which to settle the tale in he had been developing for 20 years.

Author's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ralchanh/

Shattered Dreams by Ulff Lehmann

For two years the mercenary Drangar Ralgon has kept his back to his dark past. Afraid to live, afraid to die, Drangar tries to ignore the abyss that lies behind him. Now, faced with a war he wants nothing to do with, he finally turns around and gazes back.

Inspired by the vigorous style of George R.R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, and in the vein of historical fictioneer Bernard Cornwell, SHATTERED DREAMS brings to life a stark, uncompromising tale of a man's path to redemption.

You can find Shattered Dreams at:

Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)