Author Spotlight – Rebekah Dodson

Introducing Rebekah Dodson

Rebekah Dodson is a prolific word weaver of romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels. Her works include the series Postcards from Paris, The Surrogate, The Curse of Lanval series, several stand alone novels, and her upcoming YA novel, Clock City. She has been writing her whole life, with her first published work of historical fiction with 4H Clubs of America at the age of 12, and poetry at the

age of 16 with the National Poetry Society. With an extensive academic background including education, history, psychology and English, she currently works as a college professor by day and a writer by night.

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

Hello! I am a world traveler and history buff who started writing about 20 years ago, and publishing just 5 years ago. I dabble in a little of everything: romance, fantasy, science fiction, and time travel. I enjoy playing piano and have a band with my two teenage kids, and we are huge video game enthusiasts!

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Beyond the Mask is an anthology put together by Fiction-Atlas Publishing, and I’m excited to work with an excellent team of writers! This anthology benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which donates money to aid families who have children with cancer. It’s an important cause I’m passionate about, and I’m excited to donate my story, Super Sam, to this project.

Super Sam is about a lonely housewife who, after a car accident, discovers her husband’s “lab work” has given her super powers. Among super sense and strength, she also developed kinetic energy weapons. When a drug dealer moves on to her street and tempts her teenage son, Sam realizes she must jump into action before someone else’s baby is harmed.

Who is your intended readership?

My readers are anyone that enjoys action, suspense, and rich, detailed dialogue. I love to share worlds with readers as well.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing when I was about 12. I was home schooled, and my mother often let me choose between language arts or math. I picked language arts every time! I was an avid reader and enjoyed writing my very own “fan fic” about characters from Lord of the Rings, Anne of Green Gables, and Chronicles of Narnia.

By the time I was 16 I had already written a novel (though it is now lost to the ages on some abandoned 3.5″ disk!), and after graduate school at the age of 30, I published five books which eventually become the Postcards from Paris series. In the last five years, I have written and published 25 novels and seven short stories.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

One of my favorite authors right now is Cassandra Clare. Her ability to craft another world in her urban fantasy, and especially her historical fantasy, is just amazing. I aspire to write like her. I am also a huge fan of Charlaine Harris (of True Blood fame) and her first-person story telling!

What advice would you give beginning writers?

My advice would be before you finish your novel, connect with as many people in your genre as you can. Social media is a great tool for this! As soon as you finish your novel, however, make sure you give it to professionals. Hire a good editor and a professional cover designer. Don’t ever try to edit yourself!

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

My most recent releases, the science fiction/dystopian series Life After Us, all started because I heard the song “Leaving on the Jet Plane” about four years ago. I had the image in my head of boyfriend leaving his girlfriend behind in the Portland, Oregon (my home state) airport. Then I thought: what if the airport is attacked? Blown up? And the boyfriend is to blame? It snowballed from there…until I mentioned it to my best friend at the time, who made it even worse by giving me idea after idea after idea. Over the next 9 months the entire series was written, all becuase of a little song and a golden idea.

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

I play piano and also like to play dungeons and dragons. I’m a huge fan of video games such as Tomb Raider, Skyrim, and Fallout, and I’m really looking forward to the new Kingdom of Hearts release! In my other off time, when I’m not teaching, I love to study history. I will watch any documentary and often get lost in TEDtalks about different historical issues, specifically British or medieval.

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

My next release is the final book in the Life After Us series, Daisy Song, which is out on February 12nd with Happy Ever After Publishing. I’ll be putting out some romance thrillers and contemporary romance after that, but I also plan in completing my time travel series, The Curse of Lanval, in 2019. Stay tuned on my website for more release dates!

Beyond the Mask: A Fiction-Atlas Superhero Anthology

There’s so much more to each hero beyond the mask…

Fighting crime is not always a walk in the park.

The power to protect citizens comes at a price… your identity.

How do you live an ordinary life when you can do such extraordinary things?

All proceeds from the print and digital sales of this book will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an organization that is a superhero to the many children diagnosed with childhood cancers. ALS’s mission is to change the lives of children with cancer through funding impactful research, raising awareness, supporting families, and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.

Buy Now: E-Book

Author Pages:

Amazon

Where to find Rebekah Dodson:

Website (Rebekah Dodson), Twitter, Instagram, Newsletter, Facebook

Author Spotlight – Jacob Rundle

Introducing Jacob Rundle

I proudly served in the United States Navy for eight years. After my time as a Navy Sailor, I decided to move to New Orleans to start a new life. I worked mundane, retail jobs in the Crescent City until I decided to pursue my passion of writing. And now, I am finishing up my debut novel, and it’ll be released February 2019.

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

I love everything to do with the Fantasy genre. The world has so much going on currently, and we all need an escape. I don’t love just one sub-genre of Fantasy. They all have a place in my heart.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

My debut Novel, Augur of Shadows, is a twist on the idea that the universe is maintained by ethereal beings who are omniscient. My main character, Henri, starts having prophetic dreams of an evil the predates anything anyone or any being has ever encountered. The Primordial Evil makes its way to the Earth to devour it in entirety. With the guidance from other spiritual beings and deities, Henri and his two friends, Etlina and Siméon, venture on an adventure to complete a task that will bring forth an event that’ll aid them with the future evil.
My writing process is quite different than other writers. I outline the big ideas and characters, and while I am writing, I allow the story to flow and to take its own form. I always keep in mind, “if I was in this world, how would it go”.

Who is your intended readership?

Personally, my intended readership would be everyone. Now, officially, my novel falls under the Young Adult/New Adult areas, so the age range from 12-25 years-old.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Growing up, I always had so many stories in my head. My mother always wanted my brothers and me to embrace our imagination. I allowed my own personal self-doubt and fear prevent me from writing the novel that I have always had in my head. Now, I am embracing my passion for creative writing, and I have learned so much about myself.
Since I have embraced my love for putting words to paper, I am always jotting down notes about new stories, characters, etc.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

I have alway loved Stephen King, Anne Rice, JK Rowling. Currently, I am really enjoying the works of Jenna Moreci and Vivien Reis. They have written so beautiful work.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

The biggest piece of advice would be to just start writing those words. Your first draft will not be the best, but who cares. Getting that first draft completed is an amazing accomplishment, and you should be proud. Don’t worry about editing, revising, or anything else you worry about. Secondly, you must believe in yourself. You can do it. You can write the story in your head. Thirdly, surround yourself with positive and motivating people.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

As I was editing Augur of Shadows, I got into my main character’s mind, and I started to think that I was Henri, realizing that that wasn’t the case at all.

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

I love to beta read for other authors. It motivates me to better my writing and critical analyzing skills. Besides reading, I love to study foreign languages and cultures. There is so much knowledge in this world, why wouldn’t I want to learn it all?

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

I am currently writing Book 2 of the Destined Series, and I am participating in National Novel Writing Month, and my project will be the first book in a new series that I will be putting out later next year.

Augur of Shadows: Book 1 of the Destined Series

When grief stricken seventeen year-old Henri starts having prophetic dreams that tell of a future where he and his two friends, Etlina and Siméon, are burdened with the responsibility to bring about a cataclysmic event in order to save the entirety of existence from the primordial evil. Through the guidance of otherworldly beings, Henri and his friends venture on their paths to fulfill what is needed to ensure the survival of the universe.

With their intertwining endeavors, Henri and the others venture on

exploits through lands of myth and mystery. In the process of fulfilling their obligations, they begin to form a much-needed bond, which helps propel them forward to do what is needed to guarantee existence in the future. Will Henri and his friends achieve what is necessary to save the entire universe and reality itself?

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Author Pages:

Amazon

Where to find Jacob Rundle:

Website (The Writer’s Alley), Twitter, Instagram, Blog (Author Jacob John Rundle Blog), Facebook

Author Spotlight – Katherine Gilbert

Introducing Katherine Gilbert

Katherine Gilbert was born at house number 1313 and then transplanted to a crumbling antebellum ruin so gothic that The Munsters would have run from it. She has since gained several ridiculously-impractical degrees in English and Religious and Women’s Studies. She now teaches at a South Carolina community college, where all her students think, correctly, that she is very, very strange, indeed.

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

The decaying nineteenth-century mansion in South Carolina I mention in my bio was so creepy many people simply refused to enter it. They were the smart ones. About ten years after I finally managed to escape it, I was told by a family friend that it had burned down. He was quite surprised, when I laughed in hysterical relief. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by the gothic and paranormal, although I demand large doses of humor to make life worthwhile.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

Lydia, the main character in Protecting the Dead, has spent the first 18 years of her life being raised by parents who intended from the start to sacrifice her to a demon, so she’s got some definite social anxiety disorder issues she’s having trouble overcoming. She’s decided the way to be happy is to just be the most normal person possible and ignore anything weird or strange. Since she ends up getting a job at a supernatural apartment complex filled with werewolves, cat people, ghosts, vampires, and many other creatures of the night, this isn’t easy for her. Her attraction to her angelic boss doesn’t help matters, either. It’s really a character’s journey from an uncertain past to a future where she starts to realize that embracing weirdness can lead to happiness.

Who is your intended readership?

Hoo boy–where to start? First off, I don’t do dark or gritty. To my mind, life has too much of both those qualities as it is. There are also too many unpleasant people out there in the real world either causing or enjoying the suffering of others. I’ve never wanted to spend my free or dream time with them, so (while this type may show up as a villain) they will never be my protagonists. I actually like a character I can, well, like. In other words, if you root for Sauron over Frodo or Aragorn, I’m not the writer for you.

Two of my greatest loves, as well, are humor and the weird or paranormal, so that kind of tells you something about what you should be expecting (well, if you toss in that there are romances, too). My writing is full of strange, funny, quirky characters in weird, paranormal situations.

Another aspect of my writing is kind of a quirky spirituality. Nothing in my novels will resemble any religion you ever heard of. There are both angels and demons in Protecting the Dead, but they probably won’t fit most preconceived religious notions. Still, I’d rather create worlds where the protagonists and their friends are working toward seeing good happen in the world and helping out all those around them.

It was only after my novel was published that I came to realize how much it doesn’t seem to fit most people’s expectations. If you approach it solely as a romance, the protagonist’s journey is really only partly about her relationship, so this may throw you off. If you approach it solely as urban fantasy, it will seem weirdly humorous and light. If you expect it to be a typical (i.e. rigidly codified Christianity) inspirational, your brain will probably explode. My sister attempted to define it once as an inspirational comic paranormal urban gothic romance. I guess I’d just say it the way I do in my newsletter. My writing is for those times you want humor, romance, and the paranormal–and you aren’t willing to settle for just one.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I actually started out as a fan fiction writer for a show I was obsessed with. At first, the stories all filled in the blanks left by the episodes, but, once the show ended a few years later, I branched out into alternate universe stories. I realized through these that I was actually able to create my own plot and characters. In fact, the characters always know where they’re going, even when I haven’t a clue. I just need to get the time to put my fingers on the keyboard and let them tell me what they want written about them.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

There are a lot of favorite authors for me, but Terry Pratchett probably comes out on top. He mixes humor, fantasy, the supernatural, and real-world truths and concerns with absolutely seamless brilliance. I’ve reread some of the Discworld novels so many times I’ve nearly memorized them.

As to my inspirations, there are a couple. First, my sister listens to every chapter as I write and is unbelievably supportive. It’s wonderful to have someone who really gets me listening to what I’m working on. Second, a lot of my novels come from either dreams or the seed of a real-life encounter. Protecting the Dead was inspired by a run-down apartment complex my sister and I visited. When she asked about the tenant turnover, she was told, “Oh, our residents never leave.” Thus, my brain started sizzling. Third, though, are just the characters themselves. When I finally published this first novel (after years of trying), a friend asked me why I never gave up. I told her truthfully that I couldn’t betray my characters that way. They wanted their story told, so I needed to do what I could to see that that happened.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Mostly, as I said above, if this is something you really want to do and the stories are just burning in your mind, don’t give up. This is true even when: you’re halfway through writing and either realize you have no idea where this story is going or it takes off in a sudden new direction you never expected; agents and publishers are thoroughly uninterested in your work; you’re bogged down in editing which seems to be driving you close to madness; the thought of trying to “create a platform” for your published work makes you want to hold your head; nobody’s buying your book; or some of those few who review it just say some version of, “Whuh?” Trust in your characters; do the best you can for them and yourself, and, whenever possible, help out others, as you go along.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

In Protecting the Dead, there’s this little old Jewish woman who keeps popping up in Lydia’s dreams. For the longest time, I was as clueless as she was as to who this old woman was and why she kept invading my story. It was only partway through a chapter about halfway through the novel that it finally dawned on me who she was (although, to avoid spoilers, I won’t explain further).

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

My hobbies are mostly mundane (tv, movies, books). As to what I’m passionate about, I suppose spending time with my sister and friends. I love to go on small adventures somewhere beautiful or strange, whether it’s a place I’ve never seen before or one I’ve been to any number of times. Honestly, too, even if my sister and I go nowhere, just spending time laughing and talking with her is one of my greatest joys. I utterly, thoroughly scored in the cosmic sister lottery, and I always enjoy my good fortune.

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

I’ve got one book I’m writing and another I’m editing. For the one I’m editing, it involves magic and some demonic secrets in an antebellum mansion on the Battery in Charleston, SC. Sometimes hidden family secrets can reach out to grab you.

Protecting the Dead

After a childhood filled with demons and her devil-worshiping parents, Lydia longs for a quiet, normal life, a safe haven somewhere blissfully dull. Being the manager at the Roanoke Apartments seems to fit that bill. But Lydia soon learns that you can’t leave the past behind so easily. She finds herself faced with unclogging drains for werewolves, conducting nightly vampire counseling sessions, and caring for two talkative cats. Then there’s the

distraction of Geoffrey, the hottest, and most angelic, boss anyone ever dreamed of. As if that isn’t enough, the demon who nearly killed her shows up to finish the job. So much for a peaceful, simple life…

Buy Now: E-Book, Paperback (Coming Soon)

Author Pages:

Amazon, Smashwords

Where to find Katherine Gilbert:

Website (Facebook)

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Author Spotlight – JK Allen

Introducing JK Allen

JK Allen began writing the day after she learned to write and hasn’t looked back since. Her work is featured in several anthologies and Angelborn is her debut novel. She loves all genres, but especially loves YA and fantasy, and can often be found lost in a book. Or on Facebook.

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

I received my degree in Creative Writing in 2010 and got really serious about my writing. It’s been a dream of mine to be an author and I’ve been working hard to make my dreams come true ever since. Common themes in my writing include identity, everyday magic, and the kind of courage found in ordinary people.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

High school is all about boy meets girl, girl gets demon mark, and girl discovers she’s half angel at least that’s how it is for Ginny Gracehurst. Ginny gets caught up in a world she never knew about after getting a demon mark. Now she needs to figure out who she is and how to stay out of the hands of a powerful half demon hell-bent on using her for his own plans. Can she keep herself and her loved ones safe?

Who is your intended readership?

Anyone who loves YA and urban fantasy.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I wrote my first story when I first learned how to write and never stopped. I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until I was older, but I was always writing something. Poems, songs, short stories, I always had a pen in my hand. Writing has always been such a big part of me.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

I love such a wide array of authors from Jane Austen to JK Rowling. I feel there’s so much to learn from everyone.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Write first, edit later. It’s so important to just create first before putting on the more critical hat of editor. Just get the draft down. You can perfect it later.

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

I love drawing and painting when I’m not writing. Being creative really fuels me. I also adore reading.

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

The sequel to Angelborn, Heavenfire, is slated for an April release. Right now it’s with the publisher waiting to get edited. I’m excited to keep the story of Ginny going.

Angelborn

High school is all about boy meets girl, girl gets demon mark, and girl finds out she’s half-angel. At least that’s how it is for Ginny Gracehurst.

Sixteen year olds have a lot going on in their lives, and Ginny is no exception. Grades, homework, pimples, oh and now the sudden appearance of a demon mark. And discovering her father, who she thought was dead, is actually the great angel Grace. Who is very much alive.

With unforeseen powers growing, she has to figure out who she really is. While also staying out of the reach of a powerful half demon who is hell-bent on bending her to his will. The Alliance, an organization that is supposed to help people like her, is threatened by her potential gifts. They are more invested in their own hierarchy than in upholding their divine mandate. It’s up to her and a new friend, Aiden, to protect not just herself, but the ones she loves.

Buy Now: E-Book

Author Pages:

Amazon

Where to find JK Allen:

Website (Facebook), Twitter, Instagram, Blog (Hijinks blog), Facebook

Author Spotlight – Assaph Mehr

Introducing Assaph Mehr

Assaph has had his nose in a book since he was five, so it wasn’t surprising that he turned to writing. All those years reading on ancient Rome, sci-fi, fantasy, and mysteries while practicing various martial arts, travelling the world, and working odd jobs lead to some interesting combinations in his stories.

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

G’day!
I read voraciously and eclectically, but I grew up of classic Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I also read a lot of mysteries, and was joyous when I found the sub-genre of historical mysteries.
I always dreamt of seeing my name in print, but that seemed something for retirement. Until one day, rather randomly, that I started to write. And haven’t stopped.
Considering my reading tastes, I write what I want to read – a mash-up of Ancient Rome detective and Urban fantasy.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

This is the second Story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic. It tells of Felix’s second big case, where he was hired by a rich landlord who found tenants are abandoning his apartment buildings, spouting tales of horrific events and whispering that the old gods – the numina – came alive and cursed the buildings.

Felix, dressed in a toga and armed with a dagger, is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician – but something in between. Whenever there is a foul business of bad magic, he’s hired to sniff out the truth. Now he must separate fact from superstition – a hard task in a world where the old gods still roam the earth.

The stories are set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. They are the cases of a cynical, hard-boiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.

Who is your intended readership?

If you like Urban Fantasy such as Harry Dresden and are curious about historical settings, or – conversely – if you love works of Roman detectives such Lindsey Davis and Steven Saylor and are open to supernatural and fantasy elements – this is the book for you!

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

Pretty soon after starting reading, which was before the official age to get a library card. I did end up getting my very own library card, reading voraciously, borrowing my sister’s card so I can start reading the adult fantasy shelf, and reading even more.

I haven’t planned on being a writer, until – decades later – my wife said she ran out of things to read. So that evening I started writing a story that has been kicking around in the back of my head. Thus Murder In Absentia was born. By that point I was fairly certain I not only want to, but am, a writer.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

I don’t think there’s enough space to list them all here…

On the Roman historical fiction side, probably Colleen McCullough, Steven Saylor and Lindsey Davis stand out. The last two also cover historical mystery novels, and I will only add the amazing Boris Akunin for his incredible Erast Fandorin series.

On the fantasy side too many to mention, from classics like JRR Tolkein and Fritz Leiber, to modern authors like Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett.

There are other historical fantasy detectives out there too… I’ll mention Barry Hughart, with Bridge of Birds – one of my all-time favourite books!

What advice would you give beginning writers?

If you want to write, write.
Unless you park your ass in a chair and put words on a page, you won’t get anywhere.

If you want to write well, read.
Read voraciously, in and out of your genres. Read anything that catches your fancy (and thing why). Read about writing. And then go and write.

If you want to publish, persevere.
If you’re going the trad route, it takes a lot of submissions, a lot of rejections, and a lot of time. So take a deep breath, keep writing, and keep submitting.
If you’re going indie, do it properly. Get yourself proper editors, proper cover designers, and proper book producers. Play to your strength, and pay for professionals to cover gaps.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

My wife is too scared to read my books, so she reads them only during daylight hours.
Also, Felix (my cat) is responsible for Felix (my protagonist). Because he walked into the room and sat behind my computer when I was thinking what to name him.

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

Family, martial arts (30 years of practicing various arts), reading, avoiding yard-work, dealing with invading Australian wildlife. You know – life.

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

Currently writing a novella in the Stories of Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, and then it’s on to the third full-length book! Titled In Victrix, the novel sends Felix into the lives of gladiators and women in the republic.

In Numina

This is the second story of Togas, daggers, and Magic – for lovers of Ancient Rome, Hardboiled detectives, and Urban Fantasy.

A rich landlord finds tenants are abandoning his apartment buildings, spouting tales of horrific events and whispering that the old gods – the numina – came alive and cursed the buildings.

Enter Felix, a professional fox. Dressed in a toga and armed with a dagger, Felix is neither a traditional detective nor a traditional magician – but something in between. Whenever there is a foul business of bad magic, Felix is hired to sniff out the truth. Now he must separate fact from superstition – a hard task in a world where the old gods still roam the earth.

In Numina is set in a fantasy world. The city of Egretia borrows elements from a thousand years of ancient Roman culture, from the founding of Rome to the late empire, mixed with a judicious amount of magic. This is a story of a cynical, hardboiled detective dealing with anything from daily life to the old forces roaming the world.

Praise for the Stories of Togas, Daggers, and Magic series:
“Mehr creates a vivid cast and an equally vivid setting in which magic just seems to fit in perfectly.”
— Richard Knaak, NYT best-selling fantasy author of Legends of Huma

“Mehr’s imagined world based on ancient Rome feels at once familiar and dreamlike.”
— Ruth Downie, NYT best-selling author of the acclaimed Medicus series of Roman mysteries

Buy Now: Paperback, E-Book

Author Pages:

Amazon

Where to find Assaph Mehr:

Website (Felix the Fox Mysteries), Twitter, Instagram, Blog, Facebook

Author Spotlight – Ed Ireland

Introducing Ed Ireland

Ed Ireland was born in Philadelphia in 1954. In January of 1955, the hospital he was born in was torn down. Presumably, they didn’t want anything like that happening ever again.
In 1972 he joined the military where his wanderlust surfaced. He has called many places home while on his way to his current place in Miami. He claims his penchant for wandering is now at an end here in the shadows of Hemingway.
On the personal side of his life, he is a rabid Philadelphia Eagles fan, a self-confessed video game addict and a proud supporter of wildlife issues.

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

Well, I’m the very proud father of 2. I enjoy gardening, cooking, and photography. I despise writing, but you know, the voices won’t let it rest. I wish I could say I was one of those precocious child writers who pushed their first novel at 4, but it just ain’t so.
I didn’t start writing until much later. About 40 years later. The voices were polite then…now they’re just demanding. I’ve asked for a divorce but they say no.
Anyway, I mentioned that I am involved in animal rights, and I am. I wish I could open my home to any and all animals that need help, but that’s what they call a zoo and you need special permits and stuff. And way more room than I currently have. So I work primarily with one group of animals, wolves.
Wolves suffer relentlessly. They are persecuted by those who just can’t or won’t understand them. I try to educate and a portion of my sales goes to a wonderful lady on Long Island who sends mine and the thousands of other donations to wolf sanctuaries across the nation. Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure Tim doesn’t have enough web space for me to go on anymore.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

My book is entitled “The Last Ranger of Sarn”, but it’s not quite my latest. Last Ranger was previously released by a new publishing company that promised the world and delivered a small dog park instead. But, I have taken it back, re-edited line-by-line, added a bit of new content, and recovered it.
It’s a classic epic fantasy with clear-cut villains and heroes. It follows the MC, Vespias from birth. I show her as a real person who has a typical child’s life. Then, an event changes her. Her story begins to take a dark turn, but with help and love from her family, she takes her lessons from the dark and moves on to a better time.
A better time that’s not to be had unfortunately. Hers is a story about normal, average people thrust into extraordinary circumstances. A person either rises to meet the challenge or doesn’t. But just because that ordinary person rises, it’s not a guarantee of winning.

Who is your intended readership?

My fellow geeks of course. I’m practical about it. I don’t expect my book will find its way into the boardroom of Chrysler or the pulpit of Saint Rita’s church. But, if you like adventure, if you like action, if you like romance, horror, and/or philosophy, then you’re my target audience.
My book isn’t YA, not that I even know what the hell that is anymore. It’s got mature moments. It has some adult language. It also has a good story behind it. It introduces characters that I’ve nurtured for years and presents them in a way designed to make you care about what happens.
This is the start of a series, so I need readers who are willing to become friends with my people. I can promise, they won’t let you down.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I still don’t want to be a writer. Writers do stuff. They walk around in fancy “smoking jackets” while they puff on pipes. They drink brandy. They have Irish Wolfhounds.
I quit smoking, my best jacket is in storage since it never gets cold enough to wear it here, and I have a Saint Bernard and a Pit-mix. My dogs aren’t regal, they’re goofy.
My problem is these stories that keep popping in my brain. Sometimes I can will them off, but other times…they are as persistent as a crack-head who saw a dollar bill in your hand. To make matters worse, and Tim can back me up on this, I have an old Cuban lady named Marisol as my muse. She just keeps pushing and pushing…

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

My inspiration was the first writer I ever read, J.R.R. Tolkien. I think that having him as inspiration is about the only thing I’ve done right. I also very much enjoy reading Gregory Maguire. Now, if you don’t know who he is, just avoid the dirty looks Marisol and I are giving and listen.
He wrote Wicked. Not the popular yet silly Broadway musical, but the book Wicked, The Life and Times of the Witch of the West. It’s a dark, political look at Oz before Dorothy arrived and started killing people. In that first book he taught me this; every tale has two sides to it. I try to incorporate that into my books. Yes, one side may be good and the other evil, but there can also be similarities to each other. Or sometimes, maybe good is not all it’s cracked up to be.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Stay with it! They say you don’t really get good until you’ve written a million words. I don’t know what my excuse is, but I know I refuse to give up. Don’t begin with the idea of becoming an international darling before you’ve even finished your first work. In my case, I write because I need to get these stories out.
Do I want to be on the NY Times Best Seller List? Of course, but if just one person buys my book and lets me know they liked it, then I’ve done my part.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

No. Nothing amusing ever happens to me. Ever. Well OK, sometimes. Like when we went to go buy a puppy. We went with the plan of getting a Chihuahua or a Dachshund. We looked at them both and just out of curiosity, my wife wanted to see the “cute, little fuzzball Saint Bernard pup”. She was adorable, performing all the requisite puppy tricks to steal your heart.
Now mind you, I wanted a dog I could walk around the mall with. You know, while wearing a fancy smoking jacket and puffing on my pipe. Instead, I have this gigantic beast…she’s just under 7 months old and already tipping the scales at 80 lbs…who could drag me around the mall with little effort.
I know, what a madcap life I live.

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

My Philadelphia Eagles. I’ve suffered with this team all my life and they finally gave me a Super Bowl win! Dilly dilly!!!!
I’m also on the threshold of another life first achievement, buying a home. Once established in said home, I can start up that garden for real, instead of a few potted plants. I’ve already got the plans for all the veggies, blackberry and raspberry bushes and banana trees ready to go. And what goes hand in hand with all this fresh, healthy stuff?
Cooking. I love to cook. So much so that I’m also planning a cookbook with my Grandmother’s old recipes. But, I also have my vices. I spend too much time on video games. I’m addicted. But, it could be worse I guess.

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

Next up is a complete edit to the 2nd book in the series, “Blood Moon Sacrifice”. The third book is already underway, and then there’s the cookbook. Marisol has been kind enough to keep throwing plots at me so who knows which one she’ll pick to antagonize me with.

The Last Ranger of Sarn; The Journals of the Huntress

Castia is shrouded in hate. Darkness advances in the wave of undead that sweep across it. Undeath it seems, comes in many forms. The slow, shambling, unspeaking horror that makes the living run. However, it has other faces.
Faces of friends and neighbors. Faces of children and elders. Faces of loved ones.
Extraordinary times call for heroes, but who are they? They can take on their own faces, like war-hardened generals, mystics and wizards, or the bravest of soldiers. Heroes are those special enough to stand in the face of death and smile. There are other heroes as well.
Heroes that call on love and hope to help them stand and face the terror. The unassuming butcher or blacksmith who fights to keep his or her family alive. Sometimes, it is a young girl, thrilled to plan for her wedding. A wedding that will have to wait until the undead are no more. It may be that the most unlikely of heroes come from the most unlikely of places.
This is the story of one such hero. Vespias never wanted the war to turn its ugly head towards her lands. It came nonetheless. She is the last person who should fight, but without her knowing, life has prepared her for these moments. It has secretly forged a hero from the mundane and ordinary. A hero that might just win the war and return her world to normal.
Or not.
The Last Ranger of Sarn brings you into Vespias’ world. It tells her story and holds nothing back. These journals of hers compliment the story, showing what she felt at the time. They appear throughout giving the reader a glimpse into her mind. A glimpse into what it takes to be a hero. A glimpse into what heroics cost and a sense of wonder if the cost was worth the end.

Buy Now: Paperback, E-Book

Author Pages:

Amazon

Where to find Ed Ireland:

Website (Ed Ireland), Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook

Author Spotlight – Lori Drake

Introducing Lori Drake

Lori Drake writes from her home office and assorted coffee shops around Austin, Texas. When not busily writing or editing, she enjoys reading, video gaming, fiber arts, and playing with kittens. These are all mutually exclusive activities, no matter what the kittens would have you believe.

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

I’m a red-headed scorpio, so my mom had her hands full when I was a kid. Writing has always been a part of my life, though I went long periods where I didn’t write anything. I wrote my first novel in 2008, and I don’t know if I’ll ever go back and edit it for publication, but I’m still rather fond of the story.

I live in Austin, Texas with my husband and two full grown cats that we still think of as kittens. My husband calls them “kittens-not-kittens.”

I have no children, so my books are my legacy. Think about that the next time you dog-ear a page. Just kidding! Buy the books, and do whatever you want with them. But definitely read them. I do recommend that.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

I just released the third book in my Grant Wolves series, Grave Threat. It’s my favorite of the series so far, and it really challenges Joey–the female protagonist–to step up to the plate while her Alpha is out of commission. Joey is such an interesting character. She’s not your average smart-mouthed urban fantasy heroine. She has a lot of attitude, but she’s still figuring out how to walk the walk as well as talk the talk. In book one, we found out that she was sheltered for most of her life, not even trained in fighting the way her older siblings were. Since then, she’s grown into an “heir apparent” role, but she’s never been truly tested until now. It’s a trial by fire, and she learns a lot of lessons about how hard it is to make those tough calls she’s always been so quick to criticize in the past.

Who is your intended readership?

My readers are those misfits that love a good werewolf story that doesn’t revolve around an alpha looking for a mate. They don’t mind profanity, and enjoy a diverse cast of characters. (While my protagonists are straight–as far as I know, anyway–there are gay & bi supporting characters.)

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’m not sure! It was never a big dream of mine. Writing was always something I enjoyed doing, but I wasn’t able to see myself doing it professionally for a long time. I always worried that if I did it for a job, I wouldn’t love it as much. It wasn’t until 2017, when I was preparing to launch my first book, that I thought, “You know what? I can do this.” I haven’t looked back.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

Music inspires me. I’m always listening to music while I write, and I make playlists for all of my books while I’m writing them. I fill them with songs that remind me of characters, scenes, or themes from the book. Once the book is released, I like to share those playlists in my newsletter. I like the idea of people listening to them while they read.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Don’t be afraid to share your work with someone. Write in a vacuum, but don’t edit in one. My writing grew in leaps and bounds when I joined a critique group, and it also helped to boost my confidence.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

My best friend is terrified of werewolves. Seriously, she won’t read books about them or watch movies featuring them because the whole messy in-between of bones cracking and human faces growing snouts just wigs her the hell out. I purposefully designed my werewolves as creatures whose transformation was magical rather than physical. There are no snapping bones, contortions, or half-man, half-wolf forms. The air shimmers, and poof! That human is now a wolf. Finally, a werewolf story she can handle.

I dedicated my first book to her. She cried when she found out.

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

Hm, what to mention that isn’t in my bio… tea! I love tea, especially loose leaf tea. The coffee shop where I frequently write won me over with their wide assortment of loose leaf teas. I prefer black over herbal, and nothing too fruity.

I’m also a bit of a weather geek. I took a few meteorology classes in college and I find it completely fascinating. I’d like to go storm chasing one day, and I don’t care what anyone says… Twister is a great movie. (Rabbit is good, Rabbit is wise.)

I also volunteer with my local animal shelter as a foster mom during kitten season, because KITTENS. Need I say more?

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

Okay, just between you and me… I’m currently working on a spin-off featuring a popular side character from the Grant Wolves series. The only hint I will give is: He’s not a wolf.

I guess that was two hints.

Grave Threat

Mind control is a terrible thing to waste.

Joey and Chris are finally settling into something remotely resembling normal in their new hometown. It’s great, aside from being in separate packs.

But when Joey’s Alpha is kidnapped, it’s all wolves on deck, and what begins as a ride to the rescue devolves into the road trip from hell. The situation only gets worse when Chris, too, is taken.

Now Joey is left seeking allies in unfamiliar territory while the captives fight for their free will as well as their freedom. Can Joey reclaim her loved ones before they’re lost to her forever?

Grave Threat is the action-packed third installment of the gripping Grant Wolves series. If you like strong women, powerful magic, high stakes, and underdog tales, this is the book for you!

Buy Now: Paperback, E-Book

Author Pages:

Amazon

Where to find Lori Drake:

Website (Lori Drake’s Website), Twitter, Facebook

Subscribers to Lori’s newsletter receive exclusive sneak peeks, playlists, free books, release dates, and other insider info.

Author Spotlight – Vivienne Savage

Introducing Vivienne Savage

Vivienne Savage is the pen name of two best friends who write everything together. One works as a nurse in a rural healthcare home in Texas and the other is a U.S. Navy veteran. Both are mothers to two darling boys and two amazing girls.
All of their work varies in steam level, so pop by the VS website for details on which series is right for you!

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

Hi! Two of us plot and write our books together because we’re big friends. We met each other in an online roleplaying game about Harry Potter back in 2011 and have been pals ever since. Then one day, we realized we had too many stories to keep between the two of us and a writing career was born.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

My most recent book is The Hidden Court, part of the Paranormal University series. It’s about a young woman named Skylar who is the descendant of Cinderella’s faerie godmother, and chronicles her journey through magic school and learning to become her own person.

And about being true to yourself. Skylar doesn’t actually want to be a faerie godmother. In my paranormal universe, magicians, shifters, and vampires get to become sentinels, which are basically magical FBI agents who police the supernatural world.

It took us two years to build the world up and write the first book. We also outlined books 2 and 3 at the same time.

Who is your intended readership?

Anyone who likes modern fantasy but doesn’t mind some swearing and violence.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I started writing when I was about 9. My parents bought me a Mac and I’d sit on my computer writing up awful stories.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

I’m a horror fan. Stephen King and Anne Rice have been inspirations since I was in single digit years. My mother never cared about the content of the books I read, as long as i read them and enjoyed it. I (Nicole) and Alisha can say the same thing about both our moms and credit them for fostering our love of books.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Accept that your earliest works will suck, but look forward to improving and getting better.

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

Nicole has a pair of green cheek conures named Sunrise and Moonbeam. Sunrise hated her teenage son for two years, for no actual reason. If he gives the bird a snack, she’ll snatch it from him, throw it down, then bite him.

Alisha came to visit and had the honor of meeting Sunrise once, of course, and Sunrise hated her until Allie opened a container of yogurt. The bird loves yogurt, and came over to be friends with her until the yogurt was gone.

Our male protagonist, Gabriel, has a pet sun conure named Amaterasu who loathes Skylar. We totally added her into the story in honor of Sunrise.

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

I play video games, read, and play with our animals. We’re both big gamers, but we’re also moms so we do that crap too XD

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

Finishing up a sci-fi romance series and the next Paranormal University novel! We’re on the final chapter. Home stretch, home stretch, home stretch!

The Hidden Court

Skylar’s only dream since childhood has been to become a sentinel, a supernatural agent trained to fight paranormal threats. Unfortunately, it’s a role assigned to non-fae only, and she’s doomed to a life of babysitting privileged mortals.

When her first year at the PNRU begins, it doesn’t take long to discover the magic school has serious issues. Between the rogue vampire attacks in Chicago and a rising student body count, she is convinced something sinister is at large. Too bad the indifferent university staff disagree.

Befriended by a shifter who is as frustrating as he is attractive, Skylar soon finds herself trapped in the middle of a centuries-old feud and forced to take matters into her own hands… before her first year away from home becomes her last.

Check Out My Review: (Read on Amazon)

This book is a great read, and the romance element just adds to what would be an otherwise great story.

Starting a new school can be difficult enough, but when you’re going to a school for supernatural students things are always going to be a little different. I loved how each of the races had a unique perspective on not only each other, but the history of the magical world, and the events that are going on around them.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a suspense story without something going on to raise the tensions between the various races, or the individuals, and the author delivers on this in a wonderfully entertaining way.

What really surprised me though, is how much I came to care for the supporting cast of characters, just as much as I did for the protagonist and the love-interest. There is a great variety in the characters, and each of them has qualities that set them apart, as well as compliment each other.

I received a copy of this book as an Advanced Reader Copy, in return for an honest review, but I’ll definitely be adding more of this author’s work to my collection…

Buy Now: E-Book

Author Pages:

Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble, Kobo

Where to find Vivienne Savage:

Website (Vivienne Savage, fantasy author), Twitter,Instagram, Facebook

Author Spotlight – Anna Applegate

Introducing Anna Applegate

Anna Applegate is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author. Her debut trilogy, The Ariya Adams Trilogy, is available now. She started out as an avid reader who kept finding that she wanted an extra scene, or alternate ending in the books she was reading. After being challenged to try to write her own story, the words poured out of her and she has pursued writing ever since.

Anna loves reading, romance of ALL kinds, sappy chick flicks, paranormal literature, shooting stars, Disney, nerdy fandoms and having an imagination.

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

So, hello! 🙂 My name is Anna Applegate. I live in rural Pennsylvania with my husband and four incredible kiddos. When I’m not writing, I’m a marketing assistant and meeting/conference planner. I’d love to someday be able pursue writing full time. I have a coffee addiction that I refuse to try to break and enjoy thinking that I can actually sing during my commute to and from work each day.

I’ve loved reading my whole life and I’ve always had an active imagination. I’m a big fan of happy endings in the books I read, which makes me a sucker for any kind of romances — paranormal, historical, time travel, fantasy, etc. But I do love other genres as well! I’m a big fan of people doing what they are passionate about and dreaming big so that is what this writing journey has been about for me.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

My latest book was Sacrificed (Book 3 in the Ariya Adams Trilogy). It was released this past December (2017). The Ariya Adams Trilogy was my first debut into the writing world. I started back in 2012 and published Protected (Book 1 in the Ariya Adams Trilogy) and Awakened (Book 2 in the Ariya Adams Trilogy) back in 2013. I went on an unplanned writing hiatus and desperately missed it.

I finally got around to finishing Sacrificed last year and was so excited to get it out to everyone! I had some wonderful people reaching out and checking on the progress, even after that 4 year gap! So it felt wonderful to finally get that out.

I was definitely sad to say goodbye to Ariya and the gang from the series. They were the first characters I really wrote, and they’ll always have a special place in my heart. Ariya Adams is a college aged student, in her final year at Kingsbrook College. She learns quickly that her life is not at all as normal as she thought it was. The trilogy is a paranormal romance / urban fantasy mix, but I also have suspense and some mystery in there. One day I would love to write a historical romance, and I was able to add in some modified history into the Ariya Adams Trilogy with information about a bloodline of Protectors. Protectors are a group of vampires, and you can learn all about who they are, what they do and their history in the trilogy!

The trilogy has a variety of paranormal creatures in it including vampires, werewolves and warlocks. The series takes place in a few different locations, the school where our main characters attend, Germany, Colorado and a few others. There’s daring escapes, kidnappings, romance, mysteries, suspense and big bads that you love to hate! Plus, the trilogy is full released now and available on Amazon and it’s a part of the Kindle Unlimited Program!

Who is your intended readership?

I’ve noticed a wide range of ages and backgrounds in my readers lately, which has been incredibly fascinating to me. I feel like I write the books that I want to read. I’m in my early thirties and a Mom, so I enjoy escaping to another world sometimes. My books are written with characters who are college aged and older. I’ve noticed that there is a definite increase in my readers who are 35-50. So I feel like I write for other people who like to get away into the pages of a book — whether it’s getting away from job stress, kiddie stress, whatever stress. I feel like while the sexual content is mild in this upcoming book, there is some violence (not intense, and not very graphic).

In my previous trilogy, The Ariya Adams Trilogy, there was sexual content and violence, so I’d say that trilogy would be for 18+.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I had taken a Creative Writing elective in High School and I loved every minute of it. I had such an easy time with assignments, at least the ones where we got to write fiction! So I always enjoyed writing. I never thought in a million years I’d have my work out there, or write a book for that matter.

I had graduated college and was working for a wonderful company with a few other women my age. We all had similar reading tastes and devoured books. I was reading 2 books a week, and that was on a slow week for me! I just couldn’t read enough. I was starting to sound like a broken record with my friends at work, telling them — well what if this had happened? Or I wish they would have explored this part more. Finally, one day one of my friends said, well if you think you can do better, try it! We all laughed, and I went home that night and thought about it. I did NOT think I could do better by any means, but I thought to myself that it might be fun to try to write.

Before I knew it, I had 60,000 words of a book. I felt a spark I had never felt before inside of me and suddenly, all I wanted to do was think about my story and find out where it was going (remember, earlier I let you in on my secret that for my first 3 books, I had NO PLAN! haha). I had started reading an H.P. Mallory Book, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble (Book 1 in the Jolie Wilkins Series). In the back I saw a note that she was an Indie Author / Self Published. I had no idea what that meant and I looked into it. She had written a Self Publish Guide, which I bought and suddenly the Indie Author world was opened before my eyes! I hopped into a Facebook Group, met my two writing sisters who provide critiques and motivation for me and have become dear friends, and I haven’t looked back! I had a bit of a hiatus during my trilogy (well, longer than a bit, but life got crazy). But now, I’m back to writing and excited to be pursuing my passion again.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

It’s so hard for my to pick favorite authors. Being a part of B2BCYCON this year, I saw so many Fantasy works. It reminded me of my childhood. Growing up, my parents read me books like The Hobbit. My childhood fear wasn’t monsters under my bed, it was Gollum. I was terrified, and still to this day I get goosebumps hearing “My Precious.” I have always enjoyed reading, and I think it’s because my parents instilled that into me at a young age. As I got older, my Mom would read me the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, and when I started reading more on my own when I was older, I gravitated towards Agatha Christie novels. So fantasy, mystery, suspense, those books grabbed me and shaped what I loved to read. When the paranormal romance genre took off, I think really when I was in college I got into it the most, I loved everything about the genre and the books I was reading, because I felt like it was capturing everything I had loved mixed together in one genre! Some of my favorites in the genre I write would have to be Amy Bartol and H.P. Mallory. But really, in this age of self-publishing, I am constantly discovering new authors who grab my attention. This world is FILLED with talented people and I love that there are so many who are willing to share their stories with us. I am first and foremost a reader!

What advice would you give beginning writers?

I went through a really hard time in my life right as my second book in my trilogy was coming out. I had been on a roll when I first started. I was so excited about writing and discovering this entire new world I hadn’t known existed. But then life happened, like it so often does. I went through some very hard personal times, then went through some happy times, then became a Mom and that changed everything. Suddenly, I let my writing go altogether. People would ask me occasionally when the third book was coming out, but I had been so far removed from everything that I let doubt overtake me completely. I thought no one would care if I didn’t write it, that it didn’t matter. I had such bad writers block, I thought I was done. Plus, I kept using the excuse that I didn’t have time. But then I started talking to some small business women who broke everything down into simple facts. I had a woman ask me if I had enjoyed writing. YES! Had it made me happy? YES! Could I find 30 minutes a day to write, everyday? Uhhh…I hesitated. She made it even more simple … Was I willing to make writing a priority? I had to think about that. I needed something in my life again for me, and writing had given me such a wonderful outlet. I was able to meet new people, and connect with new friends and create whole new worlds in my mind. It is such an amazing feeling. So I said YES! And guess what? I may not have had 30 minutes a day to write at first, at least I didn’t think I did. But I could find 30 minutes 3 times a week. So I did that and soon enough, I was in the groove. I had created a habit out of writing, and I stuck with it. Even if I got 2,000 words out and had to delete all of it later, I was writing again. For me, I just need to get the words out onto paper. Then when I edit I can tweak and idea, erase stuff that was garbage and rewrite it. But if I can break past that initial barrier and just get the words down, it usually makes the rest of the process easier! And I DO have the time — that’s 1 less TV show, or setting my alarm a little bit early 3 days a week. Writing is my passion, and I needed to make it a priority again, schedule time for it like I was doing for everything else!

Do you have any amusing writing stories or anecdotes to share?

I wish I had something interesting to share here 🙂 I love a pretty boring “Mom” life, Tim 🙂 haha I’ll have to start thinking about how to spice things up haha!!

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

I’m a nerd at heart, so when I’m not writing, I’m probably binging on shows like Doctor Who, Timeless, or other Netflix / Hulu shows, or reading 🙂 I have four wonderful kids who keep me quite busy as well — two of them being twin toddlers, so the opportunity for hobbies was pretty much eliminated when they were born. I’m slowly working back up to having some again, i.e. writing. My other hobbies will have to start developing again as my kids continue to grow up!

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

I just finished Book 1 of a Duology! It’s a paranormal romance / urban fantasy, with vampires and some other creatures that I can’t give away just yet. It also includes vampire hunters! Book 1 is titled “A Hunter Within.” I’m shooting for a July 2018 release, and will have more information on the specifics of that date in the next few weeks. Right now the first draft is done and I’m working through edits with my beta readers and writing sisters. The book will be officially off to my editor on June 8th!

I loved writing this one. It by far was the quickest I’ve written a book. I started this past January and the first draft was completed and sitting at around 80,000 words by the last week in March. I used an outline for the first time, and as much as fought writing that way, I may be hooked now! I previously wrote a paranormal romance trilogy, The Ariya Adams Trilogy. For that one I just sat down at my computer and typed away, no plan, nothing. For this book, I tried to approach it with a bit more organization, and it worked out as far as how quickly I could get words to paper. I did want it to be a stand alone book, however it morphed into two books as I wrote, and I didn’t want to fight it! So I’m really excited about this book and its release!

The main character is Jules Parker. She’s reserved, only keeping a few close friends, the main two we get to meet early on. She’s a bookworm in her last year of college studying to become a Research Scientist. We start the book off seeing her in an internship she’s worked hard to obtain at a prestigious company. The problem is, the company has some secrets that Jules discovers early on that make her wary. She lives with her Aunt and has since she was a child and her parents died in a car accident. There’s definitely some mystery around this one, I’d like to think some suspense, and then of course romance and lots of paranormal!

Protected (Book 1 in the Ariya Adams Trilogy)

She thinks she’s a normal college Senior. He knows she’s anything but.

Ariya Adams has no idea she’s descended from blood so powerful and rare that her life is infinitely more precious than any ordinary woman’s—especially to James Rymer.

James enters her life and stirs up feelings she can’t explain. He becomes a part of her world almost overnight, but Ariya senses he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to figure out what it is.

When “normal” becomes a thing of the past and fantasy enters Ariya’s reality, she’s soon faced with dangerous revelations, the least of which is that everyone she loves has been keeping secrets from her. With a paranormal evil she’s only beginning to comprehend threatening her and her friends, Ariya will have to choose between duty and love. Through it all, she’ll learn to never underestimate the power of blood.

Read the series fans are calling “captivating,” “page-turning” and “not your typical vampire story.”

Buy Now: Paperback, E-Book

Then continue to read the rest of the Trilogy with “Awakened” and “Sacrificed”

Author Page:

Amazon

Where to find Anna Applegate:

Website (AnnaApplegate.com), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook

You can also reach out to Anna on her personal Facebook

I also have a Facebook Reader’s Group that I can interact with everyone a bit more personally than on my Facebook business page.

Join the Readers Group here

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Right now I’m hosting an EXCLUSIVE Character Contest for people who are a part of my Newsletter Subscription list. The winner will have a character named after them in my upcoming novel.

The next Newsletter is going out April 24th and it will have the last chances to enter for that opportunity, with the contest closing on May 8th.

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Author Spotlight – Lesley Donaldson

Introducing Lesley Donaldson

I love creating fantastical worlds with compelling characters who take you on a journey away from the stress of your everyday life. My debut fantasy, “The Queen’s Viper”, was a Semi-Finalist in the 2016 Kindle Book Awards. If you like your stories so realistic you feel like you’re there, I’m sure you’ll love this grim-dark blend of historical and contemporary fantasy.

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

My stories take you to times and places that no longer exist… or do they? I love writing stories that blend real events with magic and supernatural elements, often with dark humour or tones.

The stories I write range in genre, from magical fantasy and adventure, to horror and space opera (the latter being in development). For me, creating compelling characters we love, or love to hate, is the most important part of the creative writing process.

My debut fantasy, “The Queen’s Viper”, was a Semi-Finalist in the 2016 Kindle Book Awards. I’m pleased to announce that I’m inviting fantasy readers to be in the sequel, “The Wrath of Atticus”, or to create a character with plot involvement for the conclusion of the series. My Kickstarter campaign offers all the details: http://bit.ly/WrathofAtticus.

I’m a hobby medievalist, a nurse, a special needs parent, and an often companionable wife.

Could you tell us a bit about your latest book?

I wrote a blog post talking about real historical artifacts that I integrated into Viper’s story. http://writerlesleydonaldson.com/tudor-artifacts-fantasy/
Originally, Viper didn’t have a name. Then I came across a less than flattering image of Queen Elizabeth I holding a black snake (which had been painted over by white roses to hide it). Viper’s name and her role in history fell into place.

My latest book, “The Wrath of Atticus”, is the sequel to “The Queen’s Viper”.

Viper is a villainous protagonist caught between the mystery of her immortal past and the malice of mortals in the present. Her journey is a re-imagining of Celtic folklore in a seamless blend of historical and contemporary fantasy for a mature audience.

The first book follows Viper across two timelines: Tudor-Elizabethan England and modern London. Viper stumbles across the young Tudor Princess Elizabeth and a Crown Jewel that unlocks Viper’s repressed memories. To secure a path to her past, Viper ensures Elizabeth’s safety, setting the threatened princess upon the Throne of England. Viper’s journey leads her to Annys, the unforeseen enemy who imprisons her for 400 years.

Then, in 2012, Viper is inexplicably freed from her magical prison. With the help of her Foundling Owain, and his eclectic cadre of helpers, Viper sets off for revenge upon the descendants of those who imprisoned her, starting with Queen Elizabeth II. All the while, a malicious figure exerts his influence from the shadows.

Will immortal Viper overcome the power surging within herself even as Queens of Britain try to control her?

In the sequel, “The Wrath of Atticus”, anti-hero Viper may have forgotten her past, but it’s about to catch up with her. Grudgingly obligated to help mortals prepare for a prophesied war, Viper’s torn between helping her allies and pursing her own, selfish interests.

Visions of the past reveal that the mysterious Atticus has hunted Viper since the Iron Age, when Viper aided in Queen Boudica’s rebellion against invading Romans.

Before Viper uncovers the truth about Atticus, an assassin arrives from Veyandra, the Otherworldly home Viper has never seen. He gives her a warning she can’t ignore. Viper must choose her path before new enemies determine her untimely fate on the summer solstice.

Who is your intended readership?

Speculative fiction readers, mature audience

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

My entire life has been about stories, even when I took a detour and studied/worked in nursing. My first story was at the age of 3 about a cat named Dimples. If I wrote that story now, Dimples would be a bio-hacked lab cat subjugating humankind for their own good.

Do you have a favorite author, or writing inspiration?

This question is always hard for me to answer, because I find so many authors and series enjoyable to read. Stephen King and Dean Koontz have a lot of room on my shelves. I also like Shirley Jackson and Robin Hobbs. Lately, I’ve spent more time reading Canadian authors.

What advice would you give beginning writers?

Read a book twice: once for fun, and the second for dissecting what made it work. Learn the strategies of crafting before you let your imagination loose. Many of the emerging authors I speak too have lots and lots of creative ideas, but lack the skill to integrate them into a publishable story.

Give yourself lots of time and push your creativity.

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

I love travelling with my family, and when time allows, I throw on garb and re-create certain aspects of medieval history. No plagues please!

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

My Kickstarter (http://bit.ly/WrathofAtticus) had a huge boost within the first 24 hours. Even though it’s successfully funded, I’m taking backers on the journey to the $3000 stretch goal so I can release a book of short stories for free.

The short stories represent my range and tone, from fantastical (plus or minus monsters) to slipstream. My editor and I are bantering titles about. The current working name is “The Crying Leaves”.

The Wrath of Atticus

Immortal anti-hero Viper may have forgotten her past, but it’s about to catch up with her. Grudgingly obligated to help mortals prepare for a prophesied war, Viper’s torn between helping her allies and pursing her own selfish interests.

Visions of the past reveal that the mysterious Atticus has hunted Viper since the Iron Age, when Viper aided in Queen Boudica’s rebellion against invading Romans.

Before Viper uncovers the truth about Atticus, an assassin arrives from Veyandra, the Otherworldly home she has never seen. He gives her a warning she can’t ignore. Viper must choose her path before new enemies determine her untimely fate on the summer solstice.

 

Check Out The Kickstarter Campaign

Author Pages:

Amazon, Smashwords

Where to find Lesley Donaldson:

Website (Lesley Donaldson – Author of Speculative Fiction), Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Blog (Lesley Donaldson – Author of Speculative Fiction), Facebook, LinkedIn, Newsletter (Escape for Free!)