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