Category: Author Interview

Interviews with authors about their new releases or their writing

Noelle Rhan Johnson

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Noelle Rahn Johnson is back for another visit with me. She’s a fellow Midwesterner!

Author Bio

Noelle currently lives in Northern Minnesota with her husband, their four children, and a few pets of the 4-legged kinds. She spends most of her days puttering away on the keyboard with a breathtaking view of a lake in her backyard as a source of tranquil inspiration. She and her husband were high school sweethearts and will celebrate their 28th year of wedded bliss in August of 2020. She enjoys fishing, reading, shopping, writing, and spending time with her family, granddaughter, and new grandbaby expected in June 2020.

Noelle not only thrives on her love of writing, weaving worlds full of passion and romance for her readers to crawl into, but also the excitement of her readers when they know she’s getting close to another release date. She plans to release many more books in the coming years for their enjoyment.

Be warned, no matter the genre of her work, Noelle’s books will all contain explicit language and sexy romance scenes! 18+ audiences only!

Tell us about yourself.

Well, I’m a married woman, have 4 kids, 1 grand daughter and another grandbaby on the way, due in June. I live in northern Minnesota on a small private 131-acre lake. The people here are friendly but private. Minnesota nice is what we call it. I’ve been writing my 18+ romance books since 2014, and released my first book ‘In Pieces’ September of 12015.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I didn’t want to be an author. The characters stalked me, and I wrote down a ‘short story’ and asked my hubby what he thought of me writing a book. So, I went with it and haven’t stopped.

What genres do you like to read? 

I read what I write. So, it would be romance, 18+, I love reading romance and having it be a story, not just all sex.

Are these the same genres you write in?

Yes, I write what I know. I also write from experiences I’ve had, or heard about from others.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

LOL, glad you asked. I have all 10 of my books as 18+ for sex and language. BUT I also have a children’s books written, it’s just waiting for me to get enough money to pay for the illustrations. I already have the illustrator picked out and she’s ready to go!

What is your current release or project?

I just had a new release in December 2019. It’s the second book in the Shadows series- Hidden in the Shadows. I’m also combining the Pieces 3 books into 1 trilogy set, crossing fingers- in January 2020. I’m also writing a stand-alone book called ‘The Queen’s Justice’. It’s a second chance, love triangle, suspense, 18+ romance.

Tell us about the key characters.

LOL, Jamison is a hunky dark chocolate meaty man, and his ‘mate’ is a skinny red-haired white boy.  It’s a male/male romance- shifter style!

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

Squatting on the forest floor, hidden behind and under the tall, thick ferns, Jamison watches as a red macaw flies and dodges trees, scrambling away from two other macaws chasing him.

When the red bird miscalculates his turn, and flies head on into a tree, the other two birds squawk and fly away.

Jamison lumbers over to where the injured bird lays. Seeing that the bird may be injured, he carefully picks it up with his huge, thick hands and cradles it into his massive chest. He brings it to his home to care of it until it heals.
When Sam wakes, he’s no longer in the forest trying to get away from the aggressive female and male shifters. But now he’s lying on a soft leather couch. In someone’s home.

The female and her boyfriend wanted a three-some, but Sam’s not bi, he’s totally GAY!

He knows he won’t have children the normal way, but adopting isn’t out of the question. Sam’s lived his adult life alone. His parents abandoned him when he came out to them as gay. And that didn’t sit well with their flighty and all-mighty life style.

When Sam meets Jamison’s almost black eyes, attraction, heat and ‘mate’ screeches through his brain. Sam’s a skinny white boy with flaming red hair.
Will this lumbering, muscular, dark chocolate skinned, shifter of a man want him?
Could the hulking man want more than just him and a roll in the leaves?
Will their animal shifter be accepting of each other?
One flying and the other a chest pounding, beefy shifter?

Share an excerpt

I don’t know if I can really post that here, its not for the weak of heart or someone looking to ready about 2 sexy men in a sexual act. (wink wink)

This is in Samuel’s POV-

“Touch me, Samuel. I’m yours.” His voice is quiet, rugged and full of want for me.

At his words, he pushes his hips towards me a bit more and all I want to do is pull off his underwear and see what he’s hiding behind the thin material on his hips. I run my hands up the sides of his hips, lean forward and rest my chin on his hard cock. I can feel it thump my chin.

“Oh God, Samuel, just take them off. I can’t wait until your skin touches mine. I’m so fucking hot right now for you.” He pants.

Do you have a favorite scene?

The whole book??? The fight scene towards the end is a goodie, and the very end, that’s a romantic scene.

What advice would you give a beginner?

NEVER GIVE UP!!! Write, write, write, and seek out help from other authors. I’ve mentored 4 newbies last year already.

Social media links: – Amazon- http://amzn.to/B5gWiE

Facebook- Facebook Author page- www.facebook.com/AuthorNoelleRahnJohnson/

Facebook Profile- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009651673610

Twitter- Twitter- https://twitter.com/noelle_rahn

Other- Website- www.noellerahnjohnson-author.com

Here’s a FREE ebook!!

Lies–

A stand-alone book

https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/YtHEQxdH

Secrets Past-

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J1Y78PZ

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/3yDJOB

Remote in the Shadows– book 1 in the Shadows Series  

Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HLT2K89

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/mvKMa6

Hidden in the Shadows- Book 2 in the Shadows Series-

Amazon US- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y5T22XY

Universal- https://books2read.com/u/bxvBZl

Pieces Trilogy Set-

Amazon- US- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YL9QJFS

Returning for Ryder book 1- M/M

Amazon- http://amzn.to/2GHrzsj

Universal – https://www.books2read.com/u/4DAYgD

Taking a Chance book 2- M/M

Amazon- https://amzn.to/2r5CCEH

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/bQBlgE

Keelin’s Return book 3- M/M/F

Amazon- https://amzn.to/2k7iC1s

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/mVZl2P

This freebie is going through edits to fix a few errors, and wont be reposed out there until end of January.

In Pieces book 1–

Amazon-http://amzn.to/2EvSbMk

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/bo6AE1

Shattered Pieces book 2–

Amazon-http://amzn.to/2EBegcg

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/m2X5Mo

Broken Pieces book 3–

Amazon- http://amzn.to/2E6mnjx

Universal- https://www.books2read.com/u/b5OEkl

Branden LaNette

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview, Book Tour

Once Upon a Time, Bitches

Branden LaNette came to me through a tour company.

Author Bio

Branden LaNette doesn’t look like a typical author but she has long ignored what she “should” do, say and look like. On her own at a very young age, Branden eventually found herself with the wrong guy, the wrong job, and a bleak future. The fairytale she was promised as a child never materialized.

Finally, Branden decided that she wanted something different for her life, and realized no one was going to do it for her. Prince charming wasn’t coming to save her—she’d have to save herself.

Step by step, decision by decision, through major trials and tribulations that would stop most people in their tracks, Branden learned how to turn heartbreak into happiness and self-judgement into inner joy.

Today, Branden LaNette is an entrepreneur, coach, speaker, wife, and stay-at-home Mom to six C-section babies (ages 1-16) and way too many f-ing pets. Somehow, however, she manages to juggle all of this effortlessly (a blatant lie) while pushing her way through the kinds of fear and self-doubts that whisper within all of us (totally true) to achieve her goals. Her most recent dream come true is this book, one that is destined to have a major impact on millions of women across the globe (or at least nine people in Michigan.)

Through it all, she has found her happiness, her joy, and more importantly, her voice. 

Tell us about yourself.
I am a wife, and a mom to six kids. I thrive on dreaming big ridiculous dreams, and I love spending time in a quiet room by myself. I’m a walking paradox. I’m always finding ways to grow and things to improve. I annoy my kids because there’s always a life lesson in every conversation. I also run my own business and have currently taken on the role as a published author, and I couldn’t love my life more. OK, I’m lying. I can give you a list of 1000 things that would make me love my life more and I’m chasing every damn one of them… my mind never turns off. 

When did you know you wanted to be an author?
 Since grade school, teachers have put whispers in my ear about a natural talent I had for writing. It was a seed planted in me as a kid, a natural talent that I was born with. It hasn’t played out exactly like I thought it would, but I am excited to have a voice where it matters. Everything has worked out for me splendidly and I’m grateful for that. I am my happiest when I am creating something with words on paper.

What genres do you like to read? Are these the same genres you write in?
Currently, the genre I’m published in, is definitely my current favorite read. My personal growth is so important. I am shaking off years of toxic beliefs and thoughts that had me restricted from growing. I used to thrive in make-believe and write fiction like crazy, but I think this came from not thinking it could be my reality. Now that I know truth is better than fiction, I’m obsessed. My second favorite, I’m definitely a sucker for vampires and werewolves. I don’t think that’s ever going to change. I wouldn’t ever write in that genre but it is definitely a great read. Stephen King also mesmerizes me. His mind is like nothing else that this universe has experienced. 

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?
I wrote this for adults, but a lot of moms with teenagers have expressed their children’s love for it. A little language never killed anyone, but it has made me feel like I probably need to release a book for teenagers, with maybe one with less F bombs. If they could skip through the years of bullshit I endured. Their life would get an incredible jumpstart on what it is to be happy and not give a f**k what anyone says or thinks. I am a mom that has homeschooled and experienced my kids being in public school. I have a lot to say about these subjects, so I think teens need me to step up for them. 

What is your current release or project?
Once Upon a Time, Bitches is my current release, I am incredibly grateful at the traction it has gained. 2020 will be the follow up of this book – and even bigger and better.

Tell us about the key characters
There is no key character when it comes to my book, other than you. This is about you owning and taking responsibility for your life and then doing something to change it if you’re not happy. If you’re not joyful and content, this is your truth to discover. 

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

My publisher wrote this so here it is!

That’s Branden on the cover. Yes she has a boy’s name, a Mom bod, and her tattoos are not photoshopped. She doesn’t look like your typical author and she sure doesn’t look like the next self-help Instagram sweetheart. However, besides being a wife, mom to six kids (plus others with fur), coach and business owner, Branden is the author of the new book, Once Upon a Time, Bitches. It’s a fast paced, in your face, expletive laced, nothing held back message to women everywhere: There is no magic fairytale, but if YOU work at it enough you can come pretty close to creating your version with a happily ever after. But first, no more whining and no more damsel locked in a tower, bullsh*t. Is it possible to design a fairytale life? Control your destiny? Be the hero in your story? Branden thinks there is and she wants to help you. 


Share an excerpt

Sometimes my dreams conflict with the needs of my family. I need my sanctuary to let my mind create as it was meant to, which doesn’t always match up with my husband’s schedule. While he is sound asleep at 8:30 each night, I’m blasting some random BoJack Horseman on Netflix and knocking out word count in bed, wedged between a sleeping baby and cranky toddler. When he wakes up, as the sun starts peaking over the horizon, I am closing my laptop and finally falling asleep.

Dreams don’t require perfect circumstances to be achieved. And as one of my mentors, John Maxwell, said: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.”

I don’t complain. I just do the work.

And I don’t throw in the towel when things get tough. If I did, I’d be throwing it in a hundred times per day.

“But you don’t understand, Branden—I’ve got to work. I’ve got bills to pay. I’ve got a family. I’ve got obligations. I’ve got to volunteer for the bake sale at my daughter’s school on Saturday. My back is out. My car is in the shop. Someone stole my laptop. My boss wants me to work the weekend. I’ve got this, I’ve got that. I’m stuck!”

Stuck? What do you mean, you’re stuck? You’re not a f-ing tree. Your roots aren’t planted, bitch—unless you want them to be. Take responsibility for where you are. Be mindful that it was all a choice, and if you don’t like it, this is your do over.

Move your bitch ass, damnit!

If you think you were going to get to this point of the book and I was going to start cutting you slack, you haven’t been paying attention. Maybe that “I can’t do it” bullsh*t works on other people in your life. It doesn’t work on me. I’ve been through too much and come through it to accept bullsh*t excuses.

Do you have a favorite scene?
The favorite part of my book, is the part where I encourage you to forgive the people that aren’t sorry… I have a lot of magic in these pages, but I feel like we have to free ourselves from the burden of the past to step into the future fully. The most powerful movement in my life was forgiving my mom. She’s never been sorry. It was freeing. 

What advice would you give a beginner?
My dearest beginners. You’re going to feel like quitting, no matter what you do. The magic comes from pressing on even through the hardest moments. The only time you can fail is if you quit.

Social Media

Website: BrandenLanette.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Branden.Lanette

Twitter: @Branden_Lanette

Instagram:@@Brandenlanettel

Hashtags: #OnceUponaTimeBitches #OUATB

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Time-Bitches-Fairytale/dp/1947814869/

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Kristal McKerrington

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Kristal McKerrington and I met through a mutual acquaintance.

Author Bio:

Kristal appeared on the BBC as a child, she also did appearances on the BBC Radio stations. Kristal had a great deal of interest in studying medicine before she became a author. Kristal retired from dance 2008. 

XoXo Publishing gave Kristal her start in publishing with her first book “Freedom Is Earned”. She went on to write several pieces with them. She has been a professionally published author since 2010. She’s been a best selling author for XoXo Publishing. She’s appeared on TMZ a few times and enjoys their banter. Kristal is a huge fan of Viking mythological. She has been a fan of wrestling since she was 5 years old. She has received positive feedback for her wrestling storylines from former WWE writers and current members of staff within the company. Kristal has a love for horse riding. Kristal has gone on to write several horse themed books and keeps her focus on doing several different kinds of romance.  Kristal signed with Firefly and Wisp Publishing for the sports romance  novel called Pinned. First wrestling themed novel for the thriving independent company.   She loves to read, she often likes to read Sherrilyn Kenyon, Catherine Cookson, Rachel Caine, Megan Duncan  and others. 

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kristal, I’m thirty years old and I come from the Shetland Islands, currently staying in Glasgow. I have two cats called Bob and Stefano. My long suffering partner who is also my best beta reader, Ian.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

When I turned 18 after winning a contest and Debi Gloria told me my eye for detail belonged in books. I was to consider following that dream.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I do read a lot of fantasy, young adult and some adult fantasy. I have a great love and passion for them but I like my historical writers like Catherine Cookson and Lesley Pearse too. I tend to write Sports Romances and I’m now branching into fantasy, even trying my hand at a thriller or two.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

Its for the new adult mostly however it does appeal to adults. I think that young people who love wrestling but want  more tend to fall in love with these books.

What is your current release or project?

I just released Charlie’s Fight which is one of the two prequels we are releasing in this series. We are about to launch Being Amber which is the second one. Its a more dance, life or death start for Amber.

Tell us about the key characters

For Charlie’s Fight its about Charlie, a young Marie and Layla. We learn how they go from where they grew up into Scotland. How they get dragged into the dance world that leads them to fame and what breaks the family apart.

In Being Amber, we focus on Amber’s story. How she finds out about being a step sister to the two dancers she idealized. The traumatic experience that she goes through in order to find out how she had a wrestling father, the mystery man who hovered over her life. We see how she has led a crew to cover come major challenges in her life.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

Charlie’s Fight: Reclaiming Honor

One man has a chance to reclaim all he’s lost. He’s up against impossible odds.

Being Amber

Amber—Scottish dancer drawn to Marie and Layla… Amber—proud and stubborn… Unsure about elements of her life, Amber trains her Street Dance team as she was taught by two famous women—Marie and Layla. An act of violence brings a revelation that rocks Amber’s world. Marie and Layla are far more than outstanding Street Dancers with a fabulous reputation—they’re Amber’s half-sisters. Yet another chapter of the Susan family opens with Being Amber. The plucky young woman fights to retain her own identity while also becoming part of the Street Dance world.

Share an excerpt

Charlie’s Fight: Reclaiming HonorImagine you’re the father of the two most famous twins in the world, and they created their success without you. That is what was in store for me so many years ago. Through those who chose to give me a chance, I will be able to finally able to tell my story to the world. I’m not proud of this tale, yet it’s a story that needs to be told. Ever since Layla, my youngest twin, revealed all the secrets about my life, one of the most powerful wrestling companies in the world and my oldest twin, Marie’s, life I have felt compelled to fill in the gaps that Layla left.

            As you learn about Marie’s life after the book drops, and of course Layla’s journey to that point, I wanted to share the story of what they were like before the cameras were flashing. I remember them as innocent little girls. Sometimes, it’s hard not to see them this way. All I can do now is hope that sharing what I know of my life and what made them who they are now will give you all a much better look at the bigger picture.

            Marie will continue to face judgement for what she does because she stands out. I couldn’t be more proud of the woman that she became who continues to lead our family into the future. Her journey to get here was a hard one. I know through her time standing on her own two feet that she learned lessons I should have been the one to teach her.

            All I can do is be the father I was meant to be before the road, wrestling, and my own agenda took over. I think that is the main lesson I learned as a father. Nothing is simple nor is it easy to make things right for another person. I hope that you will learn from my failings and find a better path to walk.

            Life sometimes throws us a curve ball and I used to complain about those people who let their lives go to ruin. I used to sit on the other side of the locker room judging them for using drugs or alcohol to make it through the day. I just didn’t understand how someone could allow their lives become a car wreck.         

            Maybe it was the control freak in me.

            My life would teach me a lesson in this. I soon found myself experiencing what led people into the depths of despair and what made them lose control over every part of their life. I was completely clueless to what I actually had at home. I didn’t have an inkling what waited for me or what I’d missed. I’d been living in some sort of bubble and when I got my eyes opened, the sights before me were horrifying.

            I never thought I’d face this situation. I’ve witnessed others go through this and I always wondered why they didn’t just leave or take control over it. I couldn’t understand until I faced it with my own life and saw what damage the world could do to your family if you weren’t there to protect them.

Do you have a favorite scene?

I have to say its when Marie rises to the challenges that she has to face.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Just keep your head on straight and understand that the readers have to come first.

Social media links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kristalsmckerringtonsfanpage/

Twitter https://twitter.com/K_McKerrington

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kristalmckerrington/

Website: kristalmckerrington.com

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/kmckerrington/

Purchasing linkshttps://www.amazon.com/Kristal-McKerrington/e/B004KRVFTO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_7&qid=1575581798&sr=8-7

Dave Harvey

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Dave Harvey and I met through a mutual acquaintance. We both write science fiction.

Author Bio

David Harvey has seven books published on Amazon. The first three books are a Trilogy, a fictional / science fictional series. He started writing in June 2014 and long before conclusion was reached, realized it was better suited to a Trilogy.

A lover of animals, his life is managed by two very active, very large dogs and every morning at 05:30 they drag him to the beach individually. It was a painful learning curve to find out that individually, they react differently to other dogs on the beach, but collectively they ‘pack’ and have managed to cram enough stress into his life to last several lifetimes.  

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1951. I spent my early years in Linbro Park, a suburb of Johannesburg, on a small holding of peach trees, asparagus and rhubarb, exploring the long disused next-door cemetery, avoiding snakes and grandpa’s beady eyes. (And they were eyes that missed nothing). From there the family relocated to a farm in Chingola, Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia). Given the farm was carved out of virgin forest, it was back to avoiding snakes and other denizens of the thick bush – but all good learning curves. From Zambia the family relocated to Rhodesia (later Zimbabwe) and from there I attended university in South Africa. Somehow it seemed that all my school years were spent at isolated boarding schools, buried deep in the bush in both Northern Rhodesia and Rhodesia. After University I was called up for military service and essentially spent the next five years involved in the Rhodesian bush war. When it finished, when Rhodesia became Zimbabwe, I emigrated back to South Africa where I now live in Cape Town.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

In 2006 a series of traumatic events occurred in my life which turned it completely upside down. It took several years to recover and one way of coming to terms with it was, I believed, to write about it. That never really happened but in 2014, I decided to write a novel and somehow incorporate my life story into the novel. That thought turned into a Trilogy, “When the Sun Blinked” in which I am one of the characters who survives the devastating plane crash.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I only read fiction. My Trilogy, “When the Sun Blinked” is a partial science fiction/fiction. My second series, the Retribution books are fiction.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

“When the Sun Blinked” Trilogy is open to young adults and adults, with some very mild sex and very little bad language, but the Retribution series is really only aimed at adults. We’re talking here about a drug Cartel after all. Language for them is as it comes.

What is your current release or project?

Book 5 of the Retribution series.

Tell us about the key characters

       Mmm. The key characters range from Benito Alfieri who is the psychopathic head of a drug and poaching Cartel in Cape Town, South Africa. With him is his equally psychopathic nephew Dimitri who looks after cocaine distribution through the Night Clubs in Cape Town they provide security to. Then there is Cesar Quevedo who is an out and out killer and is responsible for the poaching operation. They poach abalone and export it to China. However, Cesar has discovered love and a softer side to him has emerged. He still kills without even thinking about it, but he is in love.

On the other side are three main characters who collectively own a muscle car restoration business in Hout Bay, just down the road so to speak from Cape Town. They ran afoul of the Cartel very early in Book 1 and have been fighting a low-intensity war with them ever since. They have made it their mission to bring the cartel down, as a result.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

For the current work in progress, I don’t have one yet, so I have included the blurb for Book 1 Seeds of Revenge as that sums up the start of the trouble between the two groups.

Retribution Book 1 – Seeds of Revenge

Hout Bay and Camps Bay, two suburbs along the beautiful Atlantic seaboard next to Cape Town, South Africa, become the setting of three childhood friends, now adults who, relocating from America thanks to a dual American and South African heritage, establish their long- cherished dream business in Hout Bay, a short distance away from Camps Bay.

With ready cash from early investments in Bitcoin they pay for their business, their cars, houses and lifestyle up front, in full, using their profits. Which in turn unwittingly attracts the attention of a family kicked out of Colombia by authorities cleaning up the drug trade. They re-establish themselves in Camps Bay, taking aim at the growing heroin trade in the Western Cape.

The Colombians believe the Hout Bay business is a front for drugs and therefore competition and an initial low-scale approach to establish their version of the truth escalates when abalone poaching is thrown into the mix.

Sucked into something totally at odds with their world, the Hout Bay dream is threatened by the Camps Bay drug and abalone world.

Because the Colombians have their own dream – a world of drugs, violence and now abalone poaching. They don’t care who gets hurt or what it involves to grow their empire. After all, they’ve been doing it for a long time and no-one is going to stop them.

Share an excerpt.

Ivan Lipsky took his hands from the table, reached behind him and in a swift movement, placed both hands back on the table, this time holding a Glock pistol, on its side and mostly hidden by his hands. His movements suggested he’d had some experience in the heavy stuff.

Oscar looked at the gun and then at him and said. ‘Seriously?’

Paulie meanwhile leaned forward slightly and placed his huge hands on the table, relaxed but alert and waiting to see how Oscar wanted to go forward.

‘Please understand,’ Ivan Lipsky said. ‘This is nothing personal but,’ he shrugged, ‘business is business.’

‘So where exactly are you going with the gun thing? I mean you heard my phone conversation with my boss. He wants nothing to do with you, so how does …’ Oscar bent his head sideways and leaned it close to the edge of the table, looking to see where the Glock barrel was pointing, then sat up straight again, ‘ … pointing a gun between myself and Paulie help you achieve what you can’t. I mean you could sneeze and accidently shoot us, not so?’ He looked at Paulie for confirmation.

‘He could yes. Probably be very noisy and messy though.’

‘Exactly, so what does shooting one or both of us do to advance your cause here?’

‘You don’t think we’re serious, do you? I mean, are you two are like the local comic act? If I shoot you, then maybe Tom and Jerry and Trevor downstairs understand that their happy little cushy life here is over. Then we move to the next establishment and the next until we control Stellenbosch.’

‘The two of you?’ Paulie asked.

‘We’ll get the understanding settled for now yes, and then others will follow.’

‘Okay,’ Oscar sighed. He looked at the time and said. ‘Look, I really do need to get back to Cape Town, so here’s what I think.’ He leaned forward slightly and looking at Ivan Lipsky, beckoned him closer. ‘I reckon you have about a ten percent chance of pulling the trigger before there’s a hundred percent chance of my hurting you very badly. And of course then there’s Paulie. So that’s where we are.’

Ivan Lipsky’s face whitened in anger and he started to say something as Oscar’s right hand moved in a blur to his pocket, he pulled out the collapsible baton and as it came forward and snapped out, the solid heavy steel pipe hit Ivan Lipsky’s gun hand and smashed it. As he screamed in agony, Paulie’s hands snaked out, wrapped themselves around Victor’s head and smashed his face into the table. Then he stood up abruptly, lifting the table and pushed it over, on top of the two hapless men.

‘Should we?’ He looked at Oscar who nodded and both men jumped on the overturned table further crushing the two men underneath. Then they stepped off, lifted the table and pulled the two unconscious men out.

Do you have a favorite scene?

When my ‘good’ characters are practicing a deception act that will enable them to place a bomb behind the petrol tank of a truck filled with a ton of cocaine. They have already ambushed two of the Cartel trucks, destroying the contents. This time they want the Cartel to discover the bomb, so they know they are being very specifically targeted.

What advice would you give a beginner?

It is hard, hard work. You create make-believe worlds, fill them with make-believe people who have make-believe conversations in make-believe situations. Then, as if that is not bad enough, you have to sell it.

If you are serious, keep plugging away and never give up. It is not an instant road to success, but you can keep the dream alive by believing and working and believing some more and working even more. Readers will review your work, if you are lucky. Some will like it, some will ate it and some will pan you in reviews. Suck it up and keep believing. Keep the faith!!

Social media links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DavidHarveyAuthor/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100006022067807

Twitter:- https://twitter.com/DaveHarvey99

Instagram – davidharvey89

Other

https://allauthor.com/profile/daveharvey/

Purchasing links

https://www.amazon.com/David-Harvey/e/B078XLGRFH/ref=dbs_p_ebk_rwt_abau

Lucy Irving

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Lucy Irving and I met through a mutual friend. Her book in non-fiction and about abuse so please take care of yourself.

Tell us about yourself

I am Lucy and my entire life I’ve been a victim of abuse. Yet, I have always had a big personality and lots of strength. I am 38 yrs old and by the time I was 19 years old I had already had several cervical cancer cell procedures, abused child, a victim of domestic violence, and two of my three children that have passed away died. So by 19 I had endured more trauma than the average person. I lost myself more with the abuse from my husband because my first child passed away due to one of his attacks on me. The emotional pain was to much to handle and I fell into addiction and suffered an over dose on the anniversary of my second child’s first birthday/deathaversary. A near death experience gave me the strength to give my life back to God. Soon he answered my prayers and sent me an amazing husband after the last time my abusive husband almost killed me with a golf club. After four miscarriages and an extremely hard pregnancy I was blessed with an amazing miracle, a living son. Life was wonderful until I became pregnant with twins and miscarried one. Then one night I accidentally delivered my son alone in my bathroom and he was still-born. Because of the trauma I now live with ptsd, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. It took me a long time but I finally decided that I have the strength to keep going, and that there is joy and happiness in life no matter how much trauma a person might have to live with. I’m beyond honest, blunt and determined. And I refuse to ever give up. I am blessed and honored to be able to help other’s through the pain that I have been forced to live with.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

My entire life I have loved to express myself with words. But when I realized how much my story was actually helping other’s I realized that I NEEDED to write.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I love any non fiction book and movie and yes, this is what I write in.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

My book is for adults and young adults. I also reach out to other’s about teen dv.

What is your current release or project?

My current book “My Cry to God” was self published but recently picked up by a traditional publisher and re edited and re launched.

Tell us about your key characters.

Main character is myself re named.

Please share a blurb

My Cry to God is the story of Lucy Irving, a young Christian woman who struggles to overcome many great obstacles in her life as she searches to find herself through her faith. The events in this book are based on the real life experiences of the author.From a young age, she deals with mental abuse from her whole family and physical abuse from her siblings. In her teenage years she is diagnosed with a life threatening disease that causes her to reevaluate her view of the world and her perspective on life. As she grows older, she finds herself drawn to men who at first provide her with a sense of safety and security, but ultimately end up making her feel even more broken than she had before, but she desperately wants to find love. All the while she questions her faith as she learns one lesson after another about the world and her purpose in it. Lucy yearns to become a mother, but she endures a number of heartbreaking miscarriages, as well as multiple stillbirths. In addition to suffering damage to her cervix in her youth, she is the target of her husband’s violent outbursts, which harm more than just Lucy herself. Her troubles in carrying a child to term eventually cause her to spiral into substance abuse, which alienates her even further from her already estranged family.Lucy deals with many difficult challenges in her life, including cancer, mental health issues, substance abuse, spousal abuse, difficulty having children, and many other issues. Though Lucy does not always feel as though God is by her side, as many of her struggles in life lead her to question whether God loves everyone equally. She especially has a hard time believing that God cares about her to the extent that he cares about others in the world, as she deals with a great amount of pain and tragedy during her lifetime. After decades of soul-searching, she ultimately comes to a decision about the role God plays in her life and the path she wants to take.

Do you have a favorite scene?

My husband tells me “I’m not marrying you for a baby, i’m marrying you for you”

Many people tell me this is their favorite scene also.

What advice would you give a beginner?

My advice to beginners would be “always follow your heart and never give up on your dreams”

Amazon link: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2F1733794697%2Fref%3Dcm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_oo22Db30W9H5D%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR38PbF4hs7ZkdKWERbSdD9iEAQv62v3cDojMXKc4cMTckC0OGIhkdH_OFo&h=AT1R6ti0iliw69C5DXN2o76kEwmeAoR6ID20ROhfGCKzV1v63UAHYKY6u1WMaUl-cSLJTpdQxPhE_8c1h8Tl6wbho0j0WwbL_6E7PnrvC0GVRy2s6LQifbVdLks9VbWLIuEMeaoGBdSaO3O-wRAslg

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlucyirving/

Instagram: lucyirvingauthor

J.C. Seal

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

J.C Seal and I met through social media. She’s from Germany which is on my list of places to visit! She also mentions one of my favorite authors – Anne McCaffrey!

Author Bio

Janina Carol (J.C.) Seal

I’m from Germany, from the beautiful Black Forest area. I live in a small townhouse with my loving husband, my wonderful teenage daughter and my eighteen years old tomcat. To pay my bills, I work part time as a lab technician in cancer research. I only started writing in October 2018, but loved to read all my life.

Maybe you wonder, why does someone from Germany write in English? I still remember the first English book I ever read. Staying in the USA as an exchange student when I was sixteen, I picked a random book at a public library, ending up with “Dragonsong” by Anne McCaffrey. It was the beginning of my passion for stories reaching beyond the confines of the mortal human world, and also the beginning of my love for a language that’s so much more expressive than my native tongue. When finally risking the step from reader to writer, the language was out of question.

When I’m not writing, I like playing computer games or watching crime series on TV. I’m also part of the parents’ council at my daughter’s school and a committee member of the garden club around the corner.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi, my pen name is Janina Carol (J.C.) Seal. I’m 47 years old. I live in Germany, in a small townhouse, with my husband, daughter and tomcat.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

All this started in October 2019, followed by the craziest months in my life. I’ve always loved reading, but never thought about writing before. It was triggered by a dream I couldn’t get out of my head. A switch was flipped inside my head. Suddenly all those words were there, inside me, pressing their way out. I published a free fan-fiction short story playing in Aimee Easterling’s werewolf world, in October 2018 on AO3.

My pen-name Janina Carol (J.C.) Seal was created on Wed, Nov 14, 2018 at 10:32 AM. It was originally only meant for a short story I co-authored with Aimee Easterling. About the same time, I started writing Fallen Angels.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

Let’s answer this in reverse. After writing Fallen Angels (Angels and Demons, Book one), I asked my editor TE Tim Blackburn (www.wassup-authors.com) what genre it would fit. He told me, it was fantasy, paranormal, adventure with a bit of romance. It turned out, these are also the genres I like to read the most. I obviously unconsciously chose to write what I like to read.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

It is suited for new adults and adults. It is a romance, after all, so there are some love scenes in it.

What is your current release or project?

My current release (December 2019) is the second book in the Angels-and Demons series. It’s called Angels Descendants. Part of it playes in Greece, where the main character of this book has been born. There will be Greek Gods and mythology, lightning and thunder, burned houses, a love story of course, and you will be introduced to Lucifer’s son.

I have also finished writing the first draft of book three, Angels Nemesis.

Another project I have been part of is the 31 Overlook Hotel – 31 authors, one hotel of a story. Book collaboration at its finest! 31 authors working together in one book – and I mean, working together, not just writing a chapter each‼️ Characters from each author’s book, invited to an All Hallows Masquerade Ball, now stuck at 31 Overlook Hotel, a hotel that defies Space and Time. The only way to ever leave this creepy place again, is to solve the mystery that holds them in its grasp. And the best thing is, it’s for FREE!

Join us at the 31 Overlook Hotel here: https://www.facebook.com/31OverlookHotel/

Tell us about the key characters

The protagonist of book two is Jason Tim, a young man who has denied his heritage all his life, calling his father a nutcase, running away from home. Until one day, something happens that turns his whole life upside down. He suddenly finds himself on The Chariot, the ancient vessel of the Gods, a place only known from history books. Realizing that his father told the truth all along, he must return to Earth to find him. Finally back, he is hunted by unknown foes, needs to come to terms with the changes in his life, and unravel the mystery of his own heritage. Learning that his girlfriend had been blackmailed to spy on him, he needs to unravel her heritage as well to keep her safe from abilities she cannot control, while struggling to accept his new role within the Angel community.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

I think my description of the main character would do well as blurb. Lovely, by asking that question, you just saved me a lot of time writing a blurb!

Glad to help! Share an excerpt

Angels Descendants

Angels and Demons, Book two

Prologue

The truck came out of nowhere. It crashed into the driver’s side of my old Chrysler with the bone chilling screech of metal on metal, the sound of grating metal rattling though my mind as my head hit the frame of the car with brutal force. Celine screamed next to me, then my world went dark. I don’t know how long I faded in and out of consciousness. Everything that happened afterwards was a blur. Celine was repeating my name again, and again, between sobs. Excruciating pain raging along the left side of my body, accompanied by the sirens of the ambulance. Suddenly, a blinding light struck my eyes…

“The pupils don’t react, severe trauma of body and brain. He needs to go to emergency surgery – NOW!”

An oxygen mask appeared on my face. I felt myself fade away into oblivion.

CHAPTER 1

Coma

Coming to my senses again, standing in the middle of nowhere, everything around me was plain white, except for me. I looked down at my body, frowning. I knew I had been hurt quite severely in the car crash. Why did everything appear to be whole?

“Well, I guess I’m dead, then,” I spoke aloud, hearing my voice as a faint whisper. The whiteness swallowed all sound.

Was this heaven or hell? I had been an ordinary person, not bad or evil, but no saint, either. Baptized a Catholic, going to church was part of my life only on Christmas Eve once a year. Not really believing in any religion, where would I end up? Was there really a heaven, or a hell?

A sound to my left made me turn. I walked toward it. After a moment, agitated voices filtered through the white haze. They were speaking a strange language I was amazingly able to understand.

“It wasn’t my decision. You know very well why we stopped going down to help,” a woman spat out.

A male voice responded. “How did he get up here. He shouldn’t be here at all! He’s none of our business.”

“He was supposed to have a future, marry his girlfriend, have children. Because we neglected our jobs as Guardians, we have to deal with the consequences now!” a third, younger voice chimed in.

“Be quiet, Deedee, you’re much too young for this,” the first two voices replied in unison.

A sarcastic laugh reached my ears. “Too young? It doesn’t matter how old I am compared to you. I came of age a long time ago. I was born down there. Let me go back, start doing what we were created to do again. Maybe, I can do a better job than you, Dad! Perhaps, you’re getting too old!” the third voice replied icily.

A sigh escaped my lips. This couldn’t be true. They were bickering about failures. I shouldn’t even be here? The hit to my head must have made me go crazy, all this just a figment of my imagination. If my memory served me right, one of the doctors had mentioned brain damage. It seemed like I just had to find out.

My sigh must have reached their ears, because “Dad” called out.

“Since you’ve heard us, you might as well come over here, boy.”

I slowly started to make my way through the whiteness, until my left shin thumped into something solid. My left side tingled. I cried out in remembered pain.

“Oh, Dad, that’s enough now!”

The voice, belonging to the girl, sounded annoyed. Somebody clapped hands. The fog lifted to reveal a storage space full of wooden crates, old furniture, historic statues, other strange looking clutter. Where had I ended up, a smuggler’s den? The storage area of a museum? Looking down, I could see a small metal chest. That’s what my leg had bumped. Turning around, I finally took in the persons belonging to the voices that had reached my ears.

A bearded man with long, slightly curly hair. His brown hair mixed with white. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a well-toned body clad in tight-fitting jeans and shirt. His silver-grey eyes flashed in my direction with barely concealed ire. The woman looked younger than the man. She had long brown hair. She had a friendly smile on her lips. Her well-formed body was concealed by a flowing ankle-length dress. The daughter was stunningly beautiful! Her strawberry blonde hair was braided in intricate patterns around her head. She grinned at me openly. I felt myself blush as my eyes travelled down the length of her sparsely clad body.

She held out her hand. I shook it with my mouth hanging slightly open, my brain muddled with desire.

“Welcome to the Chariot,” she greeted me.

Do you have a favorite scene?

Yes, I do.

Sword still in hand, I turned to Zeus, looking him in the eyes. The attitude towards his offspring reminded me so much of my own father, it was impossible to stifle the words gushing uncensored out of my mouth.

“How can they grow tall, if you keep them locked up in a golden cage?

How can they grow strong, if they never feel the harsh rays of the midday sun, or the chill of night?

How can they grow roots that go deep, if they miss either nourishment or water?

How can they grow resilient, if they are never submitted to the blows of a gale?

How can they learn to appreciate diversity, if they are kept apart?

How can they learn control, if there is no consequence in failure?”

What advice would you give a beginner?

Oh, you mean, like the blind leading the blind, since I’m a beginner myself. I guess the most important thing is, stay true to yourself. Don’t give up, don’t despair. Don’t let anyone tell you to stop writing. Find a community of like minds. Indie writers are special, they help each other. Don’t be afraid to reach out to one of us.

Social media links:

Gain-your-Wings and submit to my newsletter here: https://gain-your-wings.mailchimpsites.com

If you want to know more about me and my universe, you can find me here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJCSeal/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/de/J-C-Seal/e/B082336LYP?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1574954329&sr=8-1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jcseal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.seal/

Twitter: @AuthorJCSeal

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-seal

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.de/JaninaCarolSeal/angels-and-demons-trilogy/

Xinxii Publishing: https://www.xinxii.com/j-c-seal-98747

books2read.com/u/4XZop5

Or you can contact me for comments or suggestions. Just send an e-mail to: j.c.seal@web.de

Avery Moore

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Avery Moore and I connected through a mutual friend. I learned about a new genre with her interview!

Author Bio

Avery Moore is author of dark romances featuring angsty heroes, bad boys, and delicious reverse harems. Always a happy ever after!

Tell us about yourself.

So, I’m Avery! I like to think I’m a bit of a rebel princess. Like, I want a guy to hold a door open for me but smack me on the ass too?

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I was writing stories as a tiny little kid but really I never dreamed that being an author was possible for me until much later.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I obviously adore romance, and all kinds really. I can enjoy a sweet romance but if I had to choose, I’d say I prefer the more steamy read. And away from romance I like a good women’s fiction book, if that’s what they’re called. Authors like Jodi Picoult and Anita Shreve.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

It’s a dark romance, definitely for adults

What is your current release or project?

So Mercy is the first book in the Kings of Cambridge series. It’s a high school bully romance reverse harem, meaning the main character Leah has several love interests and doesn’t have to choose between them. She does, however, have to overcome some pretty tough things to get to the point of having her harem of adoring men!

Tell us about the key characters

Leah is spunky, fierce and tougher than people imagine. She’s been through a whole world of pain and it would be easy to imagine she’s given up – but she’s not going down without a fight!

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

I didn’t choose this.

But here I am: at Cambridge Prep.

Surrounded by rich, entitled brats who all bow down to the three boys they call the Kings of Cambridge.

Three boys so devastatingly handsome, but oh so cruel.

Ace, Hunter and Ricardo.

The boy who broke my heart three years ago, and his two best friends.

Ace summoned me so that they could toy with me, and then…

… destroy me.

But they underestimated me.

I may be broken, but I’m not ready to fall apart.

I’ve survived worse.

Years ago, he told me he was the King.

He called me Queen.

And I’m ready to claim my throne.

Share an excerpt

I raised an eyebrow. I’d only had that one cup of coffee and did not have the bandwidth for this chick’s energy. “You need to turn it down a notch. I’m not late.”

She rolled her eyes and fell into step by my side. “Cambridge Prep is preparing us for greatness. And great people arrive early.”

“Are you for real?” I asked at the same moment as she burst into a snicker. Up close, I saw that her face was covered in freckles and her green eyes were full of mischief. Her skirt was also way shorter than the uniform code specified. She could grow on me.

She held a hand out and I spotted a tiny tattoo on the side of her index finger. She saw my eyes and pulled her hand away, lay her finger across her top lip. The tattoo was a tiny moustache.

“That joke’s going to get old fast,” I said, then shut my mouth. “I’m sorry. That was rude.”

“Rude… but true,” she shrugged. “But it’s fucking hilarious for now. Anyway, I’m Ri.”

“Leah,” I mumbled. Moustache-tattoo-girl seemed nice – actually she seemed hella cool in a rebel way – but I wasn’t ready to drop my guard right away. “So, you hang around the bridge waiting for fresh meat often?”

“You’re kidding?” Ri asked with a smirk. “Cambridge Prep doesn’t take transfers once the year’s started. You’re like, a total celebrity already. I figured I’d come and check you out.”

“Well, here I am, you’ve checked me out.”

“Feisty, aren’t you?” Ri said, then she put the moustache tattoo across her top lip and took on the accent of an upper-class Brit. “We’ll sure beat that out of you, Miss Grouchy Pants!”

“How old are you?” I asked with an eye roll, but I had to admit the girl had a knack for accents.

“Old enough to know better,” she grinned. “And 18, if that was a serious question. We’re in the same House, by the way.”

I nodded. It was too early to know whether that was good news or not. But she’d turned up to greet me, which was more than anyone else had bothered to do. She seemed like my best shot at making a new friend. Lord knows I need all the help I can get with that.

“So, what do I need to know about this place?” I asked. If she was here to check me out, I might as well scope her for information too.

“Oh, nothing,” she spun a strand of hair through her fingers as she spoke.

“You’re blushing.”

“I am?” Ri gave a giggle. “Peril of being a redhead. So, you’re a Cali girl, what else do I need to know?”

I narrowed my eyes but batted away the concern. “There’s really nothing to know about me. I’m as dull as people come.”

“Hmm,” Ri pondered. “That’s not true.”

“I appreciate the compliment but you don’t even…”

“It’s not a compliment. I told you, Cambridge Prep doesn’t take students once the years’s started. If they’ve made an exception for you, you must be a big deal.”

“I’m not.”

“Well, your parents then?”

The plural in her question was like a dagger to my heart. So many kids my age took it for granted, having two parents who loved them enough to stick around for them.

“No,” I snapped.

“Fine, be like that,” she said with a huff as we approached the main building. We climbed the imposing steps together, but she’d put a little more distance between us.

“I’m not being difficult,” I said. I didn’t want to walk through those doors, into this whole new world, having made an enemy instead of a friend. “It’s just… parents are a bit of a touchy subject for me.”

Her eyes widened.

“My dad came here for a job, and my mom… she isn’t around.”

“Is she in jail?” Ri asked with a devilish grin. It was the strangest thing. Nobody was allowed to talk about my mom. I kept my memories of her private and spent time with them, tending to them like a garden. I should have lost my shit, but the question was so ridiculous, so unexpected, I laughed. I laughed and laughed and laughed until the bell rang out.

“Shit,” Ri interrupted her own laughter. “Now we’re late. Come on, we’ll say you got lost and I rescued you. Deal?”

She held out her pinkie and for a second I thought maybe things were going to be okay after all.

“Deal,” I wrapped my pinkie around hers and then we burst through the doors.

Straight into him.

Do you have a favorite scene?

Ah, now that would be telling… 😉

What advice would you give a beginner?

If you want to write, write. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, or that the genre you love to read or write isn’t literary enough.

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/averymooreauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/averymooreauthor/

Purchasing links:

Mercy: http://www.mybook.to/mercy

Books two and three are up for pre-order and are priced at just 99c only while on pre-order – the prices will rise on their release dates!

Fierce: http://www/mybook.to/fiercekoc

Passion: http://www.mybook.to/passionkoc

Jamie Della

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Jamie Della and I connected through a mutual friend. She writes non-fiction.

Author bio

JAMIE DELLA has studied magick and spirituality from around the world for more than twenty years. As a practitioner of healing arts, she leads workshops and ritual retreats on earth-based spirituality. Jamie is the author of eight books, including The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft and The Wicca Cookbook (both available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your local shop). She also writes the “Herbal Journeys” column in Witches & Pagans Magazine and several of her essays and articles have also been featured in online and print publications such as SageWoman Magazine, edible Institute, Rebelle Society, Manifest-Station, among others.

Tell us about yourself.

I am an artist and a mother who seeks to find the truth and beauty through writing and leading workshops of empowerment. I came of age as a proud Mexican during the Feminist Movement and this has colored the way I see the world. It has taken me a long time to understand that woman’s soft power is not weak, but at the crux of all manifestation and creation. I love to write about the upwelling of Divine Feminine power. When I’m not writing, I am either at my potter’s wheel, teaching at women’s retreats, guiding Goddess rituals, backpacking, road-tripping, or hosting our AirBnB guests. Sometimes I sneak off to my hammock by the creek running from the Eastern Sierra to the Quaking Aspen grove in the backyard.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I have identified as a writer and storyteller since I was 7-years-old. I wrote stories of things I wanted to better understand, like natural disasters and why some people run away while others stay. Sometimes I would create a story through dialog and pictures and write them out like a movie strip. I would paste the ends of paper onto pencils stuck into either end of a shoebox. When I turned the pencils, the story would roll out like a movie. I’ve kept a diary since I was eleven, which turned out to be my primary Muse for my second book, The Teen Spell Book: Magick for Young Witches.

I became an author when I followed my heart to leave the corporate world and study healing through massage and Reiki. While developing my healing practice, I wrote stories in parable format for kids that I hoped to one day place in Highlights Magazines and essays for literary, foodie, and nature magazines. During this time, I found work with a literary agent as her assistant and reader. Within two years of working with Julie Castiglia, an editor contacted her looking for a writer for a Wicca cookbook. Julie suggested I write the proposal, and now twenty years later, I have eight published books, a blog and several published articles and essays.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in?

I alternate between self-help and spirituality books to novels or memoirs with strong female characters. Through writing and reading, I enjoy exploring female characters who must call upon courage and strength to fight social injustice, prejudice, tyrannical relationships, or personal demons and limitations. I am interested in the hidden figures from our collective past who have held together family and community while fighting for creative expression, individuality, dignity and equality.

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

My latest book, The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft, is for pre-teen through adulthood. Originally published as The Teen Spell Book: Magick for Young Witches in 2001, The Book of Spells was written as a learn-as-you-go magickal cookbook, with spells instead of recipes, and magickal correspondence, such as moon phases and crystals, instead of ingredients. For the updated The Book of Spells, I cut thirty spells that are specific to teen life and added eight new spells based on the wisdom I have gained in the last eighteen years, plus beefed up the first third of the book that contains information on magickal correspondence and paths of Witchcraft. All of my spells fortify the opposite virtue of feelings and thoughts that contradict our original innocence, infallible lovability and Divinity to co-create a world of our choosing. Most of these debilitating and isolating feelings and thoughts began at the root of our individuality, when we were teens, however, can continue to plague and undermine our success and happiness throughout our lives until we address them head on. This is what makes my newest book a perfect fit for people aged from 9-109.

What is your current release or project?

I am currently promoting The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft. Meanwhile I began a magical realism memoir, Walking Between Rooms, by writing every day in November 2019 for NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. Walking Between Rooms is based on twenty years of research into my family history to address belonging, loyalty, class systems, and personal strength. Sometimes I write fresh words and sometimes I incorporate excerpts from unpublished works (a script, two novels and two memoirs) to weave together a story that spans 300 years.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

The Book of Spells is a detailed and comprehensive encyclopedia of magickal correspondences with fifty spells designed to help readers uncover their Divine essence, whether they are new to the Craft or advanced practitioners. In this revised edition with new spells, Della’s voice is stunning and radiates such calm as she guides readers through a variety of rituals and visualizations including those for releasing negativity, increasing bliss, healing a broken heart, and finding your Spirit guides. 

Share an excerpt

The Book of Spells: The Magick of Witchcraft excerpt used with permission by the author.

BLESSING YOUTHFUL INNOCENSE

When I began editing this book for its revival, I felt embarrassed about some of the seemingly frivolous spells and my youthful, outrageously hopeful point of view. I was just exiting my Saturn’s Return, a cosmic right of passage, and about to experience the death of three parents, divorce, raising three teens alone, the loss of career, and a wavering of my faith. Yet, I stand tall today because of my youthful innocence and the wisdom I gained by going through Saturn’s Return.

            Whereas Earth takes 365 days to circle the sun, Saturn takes approximately 29 years to return to the same place in the sky that it occupied at the moment of your birth. Saturn’s Return, which occurs between the ages of 27 through 33, feels like the ground beneath you shifts, the things you relied upon lose their value or disappear, and most everything you knew as a Truth (with a capital T) changes entirely. It is a time to let go of trying to figure out anything and allow the mystery to unravel and reveal itself to you. You will emerge new, and stronger than before by learning to trust your inner guidance.

Saturn, also known as Father Time, offers an invitation to have faith as you grow deeper into your unique self. There is no point in rushing Saturn as He is the God of agriculture and you cannot force a tree or your spirit to grow faster than what is natural and right timing. Saturn represents faith, solitude, self-discipline, and self-respect. He is not humored by indulgent whining about being young and not knowing – the answers will come in time. He does not heed self-recriminations of what you should have known – the past is gone and must be accepted. It may sound harsh, but can you feel some relief in Saturn’s restoration of your original and everlasting innocence?

On a Saturday, incidentally a day that was named in honor of Saturn, a day for doing spells to release, set out an indigo or black cloth. On the cloth, place a digital timer such as your phone, black and blue stones or crystals, and a small dark bowl filled with water. Burn copal incense. Take three deep breaths and clear your mind. Repeat the chant:

Oh Saturn, Father God of Solitude

Grant me a forgiving attitude

To accept folly as timely sense

And bless my youthful innocence

Set the timer to your current age and let it count down to zero. As each number passes, recall a moment from that age and send your younger self the blessing of acceptance. Repeat the process as many times as needed, coming up with new or difficult to forgive scenarios or until you can’t come up with a new memory from your youngest age. I started doing this at 15-years-old, using the microwave to count down. I believe its one of the many reasons why and how I can step back into time and viscerally recall what it felt like at varying ages to heal my emotional wounds with repeated acceptance.  I offer this gift to you.

What advice would you give a beginner writer?

Just write. The hardest part is always getting started. Don’t worry about writing to some unknown perfection. Writing is like peeling back the layers of an onion to reveal your own unique spirit. If you are shy with admitting truths to yourself, it may take awhile to find your voice. The writer’s voice is the most important aspect of writing; more important to pace or dialog or structure. To write your truth powerfully and clearly try daily journaling, such as the beloved daily pages from the Artists Way. Spend some time exploring your creativity without judgment – just pure expression.

Social media links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamiedellawrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bksideofwind

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedellawrites/

Other www.jamiedella.com

Blog link www.jamiedella.com/blog

Purchasing links

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-spells-jamie-della/1131086515?ean=9781984857026#/

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Book-Spells-Magick-Witchcraft/dp/1984857029?pf_rd_p=dd4f5b57-ba5b-418b-a348-64ec62df14cc&pd_rd_wg=mBC11&pf_rd_r=WRSEXB4NSZZPJ33XXPZ5&ref_=pd_gw_cr_simh&pd_rd_w=DJ4S4&pd_rd_r=0e9f36f4-065d-4b56-8e06-b3d16066c791

Lori Aisling

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Lori Aisling and I met through mutual friends. I love that she considers herself a country girl!

Author Bio

Lori Aisling lives her life wrapped up in the fantasy worlds that dance around in her brain. Blessed with the gift of gab, Lori started her obsession with storytelling by working in the radio industry. Her desire to delve deeper into other worlds has led her down a path overflowing with magic, survival, love, and honor. Lori lives in Colorado with her lovable brute of a BF on a little farm. When she’s not writing, she’s probably playing with goats, chasing chickens or sinking her fingers into the dirt of her garden.

Tell us about yourself:

Hmm.  Where to start?  I am a simple country girl that was raised on a cattle ranch in western Colorado.  After high school graduation, I moved to Alaska to be closer to my family that had relocated there.  After a couple of years, I realized the cold and dark winters were not something I was going to be able to handle, so I got in my car and started driving.  I ended up in eastern Washington in an itty bitty town that somehow called to me.  I had taken a job in a gold mine in the bush of Alaska, so I lived in Washington in the winter and worked in the mine in the summer.  Cooking for a 24-hour crew of gold miners will open your eyes- let me tell ya.  It was an amazing experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I saw more bears than people in those summers, about drowned at one point, and saw scenery that most people never get to view.  Since we were completely off-grid (there wasn’t even a road to get there), I added to my already impressive knowledge of sustainable living.  I began writing at that time- having no TV, radio or phone service opens you to other methods of self-entertainment.

Back in Washington, I was offered a job at a radio station and decided to take it.  I worked as a live DJ for a morning show (and gosh darn it, we were damn funny!) and I also learned how to record shows and produce commercials.  I had a great time and met some amazing people in the years that I worked there.  When the depression of 2009 struck, the company I worked for was hit hard.  Many of the full-time employees were laid-off at that time, and I was one of the casualties. 

I had been in communication with a friend from Colorado for a while and it almost seemed that the lay-off forced me to make some tough decisions.  I had never had any desire to return to Colorado, but I didn’t want to give up on the budding relationship I was in.  So I yet again packed all my belongings and headed across the country.  I have been back in Colorado for 10 years now, and I am happy to report that the relationship was worth it.  He drives me insane and I gladly return the favor at every opportunity.  I work for a water conservancy district and live on a small farm. I enjoy gardening, canning, cheese-making, and a million other self-sustaining tasks. Writing has been a passion since I was young- a way to give life to the worlds and characters that live in my head. I am thrilled to be able to show readers my worlds and just hope that they decide to stick with me for a while– I have a lot to show them!

When did you know you wanted to be an author:

Honestly, I never really thought it would happen for me.  I just assumed that my writing would be simply ‘for me’.  But about a year ago, I decided to give it a try and I am so glad that I did.  I have dreamed of seeing a book that I wrote in print since I was in elementary school.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the genres you write in?

I will read darn near anything: true crime, mystery, historical fiction, romance, even some political non-fiction if it’s poignant– there isn’t much I shy away from.  However, I always return to fantasy.  It’s my #1 favorite genre and always will be.  As a child, I might have read Little House on the Prairie and Black Beauty, but I was absolutely engrossed with The Wind in the Willows.  Life is so real– books are a wonderful way to get a break from the reality of the daily grind. I highly doubt I will ever write outside of the fantasy genre- it’s just where my brain lives.

Is your book for adults, young adults, or children?

Adults.  I may release a book someday that could work for a YA audience, but I tend to be quite graphic in my writing. 

What is your current release or project?

The Change: Earth Realm was released on the 24th of October.  It’s a post-apocalyptic/Dystopian fantasy trilogy. I am currently finishing the re-writes and polishing of book 2; The Change: Four Others- and hope to have it released before Christmas.

Tell us about the key characters

Let me warn you- I am in love with these characters, so forgive me if I get a little worked up telling you about them!

Bristol- She is our main character and the key to saving Earth (no pressure, right?!).  This girl is the total package- smart, savvy, and wily- yet compassionate and devoted.  I wrote Bristol to encompass every trait all us ladies work towards in the path to better ourselves.

Ristan- Here’s an insider tip that I haven’t told anyone except my editor- Ristan is actually the character that is telling me this story.  Most people would assume it would be Bristol, but it’s not.  It’s this big, strong, alpha male that is dedicated to Bristol and her quest.  He has a very ‘no holds barred’ approach to life, but he’s quite soft when it comes to her. This guy hides a beast inside- literally- and when awoken, expect stuff to get broken.

Bror- Bror is the ‘Viking’ of the bunch- blue-eyed, blonde hair, and tall in stature.  He embodies comfort and understanding for Bristol, so you can expect him to give you a big case of the ‘feels’ when he’s not slaying demon-spawn. 

Bane- You’ve heard of a ‘silver-tongued devil’, right?  Well, Bane is silver-eyed instead, and with his dominating personality and incredible knowledge of the gods and their powers, he adds a lot to Bristol’s team.  If you like your guys with a hint of ‘dom’ in their character, he’s your daddy.  I won’t say more since he enters the series late in book 1.  You’ll have to read book 2 to really get a taste of Bane.

Caspian- Cas plays a very small role in book 1, so like Bane, you’ll need to continue the series to really sink your teeth into this funny and friendly member of the team.  Sneak peek- every one of her Other’s has been granted traits by numerous gods- Caspian’s jovial and easy-going nature is also host to one of the most vicious and destructive powers that could ever be bestowed.  This green-eyed darlin’ should not be underestimated.

Jessie, Jayson, & Boz- These are Bristol’s three best friends.  Jessie is a red-headed, fiery female who is also a tiger shifter, Jay is a blue-eyed vamp with a penchant for brutality, and Boz is the loyal, sweet-natured Fae.  Unlike many other series, her friends aren’t just ‘filler’.  These three are legitimate fighting machines; each of them bringing unique gifts to the table. 

Their loyal steeds- I have to mention the horses.  Any reader who loves the different breeds and appearances of horses will love this element of the book.  Not only are they a mode of transportation, but they are also an integral part of the team. And yes, Max is real and the most incredible horse I have ever had the honor of knowing. 

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

A Nebraska farm girl who is more then she appears to be.  Four powerful warriors created to guide, defend, and empower her at all costs.

A decade ago, an apocalyptic event raptured the majority of the planet’s inhabitants, the remaining citizens left scrambling to survive in this new world.  Now, hordes of evil beings wipe out the town Bristol was calling home, and she finds herself as the focus of a story too impossible to be true.  Fighting demons, beasts, and her destiny, Bristol will need to embrace this game the gods have created in order to succeed.  Awakening her power, relying on her friends, and reuniting with the four men that hold an equal stake in this battle will lead her to the pinnacle of her journey.

The continued existence of Earth hangs in the balance.  Literally.

  • Reverse Harem
  • Trigger warning: This novel contains violence, including sexual violence, which some readers may find disturbing.
  • Mature audience- 18+

Share an excerpt (up to 800 words).  

      Ristan’s eyes blazed amber and she saw his fangs emerge. His body seemed to morph, becoming even larger. His hands ended in sharp, black claws that shredded one side of Fear’s face. “You must run, Bristol! This is the only chance we have to save you and the realm.” The thought came at her as a snarl and Bristol scrambled to her feet, running out the door and down the street, heading the opposite direction that they had come when they entered the town. She ran hard, pumping her legs, her lungs screaming for more air. Tears streamed down her face, leaving Ristan filling her with dread. As she approached the outskirts of town, in the thick darkness she saw movement headed at her at a breakneck speed. Phase was running straight at her, his eyes glowing the same amber as the man for whom he was created. Seeing the giant warhorse filled her with resolve. If he would run headlong into the battle, she would not run from it. “Wait for me, Bror. I cannot leave him,” she said, resolved.

     “Bristol, NO!” Bror screamed in her head. “Fear will kill you! If you die, all is lost!” The anguish was apparent in his thoughts, yet she could not walk away from this. As the horse neared her, Bristol braced herself and softened her knees. Right as he was about to pass her, Bristol reached up and grabbed the saddle horn, swinging her right leg into the air. Flinging herself onto his back Bristol leaned into the horse’s mane. “Go to him,” she commanded the steed. The horse laid his ears back as his neck stretched forward and he raced across the gravel street back in the direction she had just fled. Coming up fast to the bar, she saw Ristan stumble out the door. Blood marred his features and he leaned into the doorframe for balance. Black tendrils of inky ooze were sliding through the windows, and following him out the door, trying to surround him. Phase let out a snort and a whinny and Ristan looked up. “Grab onto me, Ristan. I will not leave you here. If you die, I die. Leaving you is not balance. You are mine.” She heard Bror screaming in her mind, his fear for her apparent as she projected to both of them. Approaching at breakneck speed, she leaned off to the side of the horse, extending herself, crooking her elbow. Ristan hooked her arm in his and swung up behind her. Never breaking stride, Phase continued to run at top speed, Bristol leaned over his neck, Ristan wrapped around her back.

     “Gods, Bristol! Where are ya, girl! Ristan!” Bror was frantic in his thoughts.

     “I have him, Bror. We will find you soon. Keep riding. Keep yourself and my friends safe, we will catch up soon. None of us can risk getting captured. I will never leave either of you behind. You will not sacrifice yourselves for me. You are my Others, not my lambs to be slaughtered.”

Riding at a full run around the outskirts of the town, Phase dodged obstacles, cleared fallen trees and kept his footing as they raced from the settlement in the direction the rest of the team was headed. Leaving the mayhem behind them in a cloud of dust, Phase carried them into the safety of night.                                                                                                                                                     

Do you have a favorite scene?

I think I do- and then I re-read a section and change my mind.  However, I really do love the scene with Bristol, Bror and Ristan in the mountains when the guys are helping her hone her powers.  I feel that this particular section really cements the bond between the team.  The character building that takes place is really relevant and important in giving readers an ‘insider look’ at the dynamics of the group.

What advice would you give a beginner?

Heck, we are all beginners, right?  If you have written one book or one hundred- every new manuscript is a fresh story with its own challenges and hurdles.  As an infant novelist myself, I tell myself every day to just keep writing.  Whether it’s ten words for five thousand– don’t let that story get away from you.  The world needs your tale. 

Facebook links:

Author profile:  https://www.facebook.com/lori.aisling.7

Public Group:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/728726604242532/

Amazon author page:   https://www.amazon.com/Lori-Aisling/e/B07ZBQ462V?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

Grace McGinty

by eileentroemel, posted in Author Interview

Grace McGinty came to my attention through a mutual acquaintance.

Author Bio

Grace McGinty is the author of titles such as The Redeemable, Bright Lights From A Hurricane and Newly Undead In Dark River. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading in a hammock in the warm Australian sun.

Tell us about yourself.

Hi everyone, my name is Grace McGinty and I am an Australian author of Paranormal and Contemporary Romance. I’m a librarian by day, and a creator of sassy heroines and sexy heroes at night. I have an assortment of pets, a hopeless chocolate addiction and will probably be crushed by my TBR pile one day.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I was six. I wrote a story about a girl who became friends with a ghost in a cave. I loved that I could make my own stories, invent my own people, and have the goodie conquer the baddies every time.

What genres do you like to read?  Are these the same genres you write in? 

I read all genres of books, but YA Fantasy has to be my favourite at the moment. I’ve always been a fantasy fanatic, from the first time I read The Lord of The Rings in the 7th grade. I don’t actually write in either of these genres, but never say never, right?

Is your book for adults, young adults or children?

The majority of my work is for adults. However, I do write books for young adults and new adults as well.

What is your current release or project?

My current release is a novella called ‘Hunting Isla’. It is a reverse harem paranormal romance.

Tell us about the key characters:

The book centres around Isla, a foster kid who makes an impossible split decision to disappear without a word, and the three boys who won’t rest until they find her. The book switches between POV between Isla, Axel, Wyatt and Archer.

What is your blurb or synopsis of the book?

Sometimes a simple choice, like opening a window, can alter your destiny forever.

Five years ago, Isla’s life was as happy as it had ever been. She’d finally had a place and people to call her own. But a split second decision irrevocably changed her life, and there was no going back.

Axel, Archer and Wyatt have spent the last five years hunting for Isla across the country after she disappeared from her home one night. Determined to find the girl that completed their Pride like no person before or since, they track her to Louisiana, and are prepared to beg her to come home.

But what they find down in the Bayou changes everything, and they soon find themselves in a life or death battle with a psychopathic lion monarch, as they desperately try to convince Isla that not only can she trust them, but that they all belong together.

Hunting Isla is the prequel novella to the Black Mountain Mates series.

Share an excerpt

“Lala,” I whispered her name softly, and her eyes shot to me. My heart stopped as I took her in. She looked like death. Her skin was grey, her hair a stringy brown mess, her clothes hanging from her bones. She smelled like she hadn’t showered in a week and the dark circles under her eyes made it appear as if she was death walking. I took in a deep breath but couldn’t smell the underlying chemical scent of drugs. Not that any part of me believed my Lala would take drugs. Not after her upbringing.

 “Wyatt?” She whispered my name back on barely a breath, her head shaking like she couldn’t believe it. She looked past me to Axel, letting the gun fall from her limp hand.

“Axel.” The relief in her voice was palpable now. Archer had made it through the back of the house, and he cleared his throat behind Isla’s back.

She looked over her shoulder and let out a small smile. “Archie.”

And then she crumpled, toppling face-first toward the ground. Only Archer’s quick reflexes saved her from serious injury. He pulled her back towards his body and then scooped her into his arms.

“She’s burning up.” She was sick, not on drugs. I knew it.

Do you have a favorite scene?

Oh, I do. There is a pretty big plot twist in the middle of the first chapter, and I love it. My favourite part of being a writer is throwing things at my readers and hoping they hang on for the ride. I won’t share it because spoilers!

What advice would you give a beginner?

Hmm, this is a tough one because advice is not one-size-fits-all. But I’ll try.

The beginning and end of your book is going to flow so easily it will be like words are pouring out of your fingers, but the middle is hard work. Just keep at it. Ten words today is ten words you didn’t have yesterday. Word sprints are your friend. Also, don’t edit until the end. The first draft is just shovelling sand. It’s the first edit where you mould that sand into a castle.

Social media links:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GraceMcGintyAuthor/

Twitter @McGintyGrace

Instagram @gracemcgintyauthor

Other website: www.gracemcginty.com

Purchasing links www.books2read.com/HuntingIsla