Author Archives: Nina Soden

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About Nina Soden

Wife, Mommy, Urban Fantasy Author, Artist, Actress, Director... I'm only as old as I feel and I try to see the good in everyone. I take life one day at a time and focus only on the moment I'm in without fear or worry about the past or the future.

Imaginary Heroes by Michael Seidelman

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His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

Imaginary Heroes
by Michael Seidelman
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure

His friends may be IMAGINARY… but the danger is REAL!

Twelve-year-old Matthew’s life has been incredibly challenging because of his Tourette Syndrome, a disorder which causes uncontrollable movements and sounds. Isolated and tormented by bullies at school, Matthew finds solace in the company of his lifelong imaginary friends, a lovable green monster and a tough-as-nails little girl.

On his way home from school one day, as Matthew is pursued by his relentless tormentors, they all crash into a mysterious underground lair. At first, it seems that being trapped with the bullies who make his life miserable is his biggest problem. That is, until he and the others discover that they are not alone.

Hunted by a menacing presence lurking in the depths, Matthew and the bullies must confront a threat to their very existence. Their desperate mission becomes clear: put their differences aside and work together to find a way to safety before they are all consumed by the darkness.

Although fictional, the book is inspired by the author’s own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette Syndrome. He set out to craft an engaging story while exploring issues many kids can relate to—told from the perspective of someone who has lived them firsthand.

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When Michael Seidelman was growing up, his passions were reading, watching movies, enjoying nature and creative writing. Not much has changed since then.

Working in Online Marketing for over ten years, Michael felt it was time to pursue his passion and began writing The Garden of Syn trilogy.

His latest Middle Grade book, Imaginary Heroes, is personal for Michael. While fiction, the book is inspired by his own childhood experiences with bullying, loneliness, and Tourette’s Syndrome. He set out to tell an entertaining story while delving into issues many kids can relate to, told by someone who has experienced them firsthand.

Michael was born in Vancouver, BC Canada where he continues to reside.

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Can you tell us what your book is about?
Imaginary Heroes follows twelve-year-old Matthew, who struggles with Tourette Syndrome and relentless bullies. He finds comfort in his imaginary friends—a tough girl named Nabie and a lovable green monster named Garby. But when Matthew and his tormentors become trapped in a mysterious underground lair, they must work together to escape before the darkness consumes them all.

What inspired you to write this story?
I wanted to dedicate my next book to my nephew, who’s an avid reader, so I decided to write something for his age group. I was working on the final book in my young adult Garden of Syn trilogy when I heard a radio segment about the host’s imaginary friends—and that sparked something in me. I began thinking about my own imaginary friends from childhood and the challenges I faced, like bullying and Tourette Syndrome. From there, the story came together naturally.

Are any parts of the story based on your real-life experiences?
Very much so. While the book is fictional with elements of fantasy and adventure, Matthew—the protagonist—is similar to me when I was his age. Like me, he has Tourette Syndrome and is bullied at school. Because of his isolation, he still talks to the same imaginary friends I once had: Nabie & Garby. Although I left my imaginary friends behind in kindergarten, I brought them back for this story. The bullies, especially Declan, are inspired by the real ones I encountered growing up.

What was your favorite scene to write?
While the fantastical parts were a lot of fun, my favorite scene to write was when Matthew finally snaps and tells his main bully, Declan, how the constant bullying has impacted his life. It’s everything I wish I could have said to my bullies but never did. Writing that moment was incredibly cathartic.

Did any other books or authors influence your writing?
Absolutely. Growing up, I loved Roald Dahl and Enid Blyton. Their creativity and heart have definitely influenced my own writing style. I also drew inspiration from a few other authors I’ve read over the years who know how to mix humor, suspense and imagination.

Are there any hidden details or easter eggs in the book that readers should look for?
So many! While most might go unnoticed, I’ve included the names of businesses my great-grandparents owned, a former teacher’s name, and references to historic Vancouver companies—even though the story is set in Washington State. It’s a little way for me to honor my roots.

What was the most challenging part of writing the book?
Writing kids wasn’t too difficult—I was one, after all! But writing kids in a different era than the one I grew up in was definitely a challenge. I had to do quite a bit of research to make sure it felt authentic. My nephew and my sister, who’s a teacher, were incredibly helpful in that process.

Do you plot out your stories in advance or make them up as you go?
I’m definitely a “Plotter.” While some authors are “Pantsers” who write by the seat of their pants, I outline everything in advance. I map out the details for each chapter before I even start writing. Sure, some things change along the way, but the major plot points are always planned out from the beginning.

What do you hope kids take away from your book?
First and foremost, I hope they have fun reading it. Above all, I aim to entertain. But I also hope the story encourages empathy—that kids will come away understanding that people who are different from them deserve kindness and compassion just like anyone else.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just want to thank everyone for checking out my books—whether it’s Imaginary Heroes or The Garden of Syn trilogy. If you read the book and want to share your thoughts or ask me anything, feel free to reach out on social media or through my website. I’d love to hear from you!

A Code of Knights and Deception by Eliza Hampstead

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Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling dark time travel romance!

A Code of Knights and Deception
Swords of Time Book 1
by Eliza Hampstead
Genre: Dark Time Travel Historical Romantasy

Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling dark time travel romance!

Sophia

I thought I was trapped in history. Turns out, it’s far worse than I imagined.
I woke up in 15th-century England, a brutal world where women are silenced, superstition rules, and survival depends on obedience. Trapped far from my husband and son, nothing makes sense. I’m a scientist, not a damsel in distress, so I did what I had to—I disguised myself as a man and trained with Henry, the castle’s master-at-arms, learning to wield a sword to defend myself.
But as I carve my place in this world, my forbidden love for Henry shakes everything I believed in. Do I fight to return home—or surrender to a future I never imagined?
Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that Henry is hiding something—something that could shatter everything I’ve fought for.

Ethan

What if the woman you’re supposed to observe becomes the one you can’t live without?
I never meant to fall for her. She’s fearless, brilliant, captivating. Every lesson, every stolen moment deepens the lie—and my guilt. I’m not the man she thinks I am. That my name is Ethan, not Henry, is the least of the lies I tell her.

If she learns the truth, I’ll lose her forever.

And time is running out.

Warning: strong language, steamy scenes, and graphic violence inside. Mention/Description of, but not limited to, abduction, blood, death, amputation, childbirth, death, sexual assault, suicide, violence against children, rape, and torture.
The book is the first in a duology and ends with a cliffhanger.

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Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she’s not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she’s always planning her next adventure.

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What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?

I adore research. Honestly, I probably do more than I need to—there’s something deeply
satisfying about falling down rabbit holes of obscure historical detail. For A Code of Knights
and Deception, research was both the foundation and one of the biggest time sinks. Because it’s set in 15th-century England, I needed to know everything from castle architecture to medieval bathing habits to the political climate of the time.

I started with primary and secondary sources: nonfiction books about medieval life,
particularly focusing on women’s roles, castle structure, daily life, and warfare. I studied
Warwick Castle in depth—it’s the story’s anchor setting, so I needed to understand its
geography, its history, and its evolution over time. I looked into the de Beauchamp family,
who really lived there, and imagined what it would’ve been like to walk those halls as a
stranger out of time.

But research isn’t just about accuracy—it’s about authenticity. I wanted readers to feel
Sophia’s discomfort when she’s forced into medieval gowns, to smell the smoke and sweat
of a castle’s training ground, to hear the Latin chants in a stone chapel. I even researched
medieval beauty standards, toxic cosmetics, and how women dealt with menstruation in an
era without modern hygiene. (Spoiler: it’s grim.)

I also read about VR and neurotech, because Sophia’s journey isn’t magical—it’s grounded
in science fiction. I wanted her time-travel experience to feel plausible, not fantastical, which
meant brushing up on brain-computer interfaces and speculative tech.

And then there’s the emotional research. I ask myself: How would I react if this were me?
What would terrify me? What would comfort me? I take those internal experiences and layer
them into the prose, especially during pivotal moments where Sophia’s isolation, grief, or
yearning is at its most raw.

Research grounds the story—but I’ve learned not to let it take over. At the end of the day, the

goal is emotional truth, not academic perfection. I’m writing historical fiction, not a
textbook. Still, I think readers can feel when the world is well lived-in—and that’s always
worth the extra time.

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How to Create Compelling Sidekick Characters in Urban Fantasy

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In urban fantasy, the protagonist often takes center stage, navigating a world full of supernatural dangers, moral dilemmas, and personal struggles. But while the hero’s journey is undeniably essential, the sidekick—the secondary character who stands by their side—also plays a critical role in the narrative. Sidekicks are not just comic relief or tools for exposition; they are multi-dimensional characters in their own right, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and distinct personalities. When crafted well, a compelling sidekick can elevate the plot, deepen the emotional stakes, and help ground the hero in a complex, magical world.

So, how do you create sidekick characters that are more than just “supporting players”? In this article, we’ll explore the key elements that make sidekicks stand out in urban fantasy, and how they can enhance both the hero’s journey and the overall narrative.

1. Make Them More Than Just Comic Relief

It’s easy to fall into the trap of making sidekicks the comedic foil to the serious hero. While humor is an essential tool for lightening the tone of an otherwise dark and gritty urban fantasy, a sidekick should not exist solely to provide punchlines. In fact, making your sidekick a multi-dimensional character—one who brings more to the table than just jokes—will help them feel real, relatable, and essential to the plot.

The Sidekick’s Role in the Story: The sidekick should have their own personal motivations, desires, and struggles that influence the main storyline. They might have an entirely different set of skills, knowledge, or talents than the hero, making them a crucial partner in the hero’s journey. Whether it’s their unique magical ability, street smarts, or deep understanding of supernatural politics, a well-developed sidekick brings valuable perspectives to the table. Their presence should not just reflect the hero’s actions, but also challenge them, creating opportunities for growth and evolution in both characters.

Consider Butch O’Neal from The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Butch isn’t just Harry Dresden’s comic relief or sidekick; he’s a fully realized character with his own motivations, fears, and backstory. He is a former police officer turned vampire, and his presence in the story challenges Dresden in meaningful ways, both emotionally and narratively.

2. Give Them Their Own Arc

Just like your protagonist, a sidekick should undergo character development throughout the story. While they may not have the same level of narrative focus as the hero, their growth is essential for adding depth to the plot. A sidekick who is static or unchanging risks feeling flat or underdeveloped.

A Sidekick’s Personal Journey: The sidekick doesn’t have to be on the same journey as the hero, but they should have their own goals and challenges that reflect their arc. Maybe they begin the story unsure of their place in the world, but by the end, they’ve developed new skills or come to terms with their past. Or perhaps they struggle with loyalty, torn between helping the hero and following their own moral code. Their arc should intersect with the hero’s journey, creating tension and moments of mutual growth.

In Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, Mercy’s friend, Coyote (aka Adam’s pack), is more than just a helpful ally—his arc involves his struggle with leadership, morality, and love. Over time, his character deepens, contributing to the overall stakes of the plot and showing that sidekicks are often more than just passive participants.

3. Create a Dynamic Relationship with the Hero

The relationship between the hero and their sidekick is one of the most important aspects of the sidekick’s role in urban fantasy. The dynamic should be layered, with tension, loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect. A sidekick who exists purely to support the protagonist without any friction or complexity can feel unrealistic. Instead, consider how their relationship with the hero can evolve over the course of the story.

Conflict and Compromise: A well-crafted sidekick often challenges the hero in ways that prompt growth. The sidekick may have different values, methods, or ideas, which forces the hero to reevaluate their decisions or approach. Whether it’s moral dilemmas, differing opinions on how to handle a supernatural threat, or conflicting personal goals, the tension between the hero and sidekick should drive both character development and plot progression.

In Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, Anita’s relationship with her sidekick and friend, Edward, is fraught with tension. Edward is an assassin who operates on a morally gray spectrum, and their relationship is a delicate balance of mutual respect and mistrust. This dynamic keeps the reader engaged and deepens the conflict within the plot.

4. Give Them Unique Skills or Traits

A sidekick should never be a carbon copy of the protagonist; they should bring something different to the table. In urban fantasy, this is especially true. The supernatural world is often complex and layered, with many different creatures, powers, and knowledge systems at play. Sidekicks can provide vital expertise, access to unique skills, or an alternative perspective that complements the hero’s strengths.

The Sidekick’s Purpose in the World: Whether it’s a specific magical ability, an extensive knowledge of occult history, or street smarts in navigating dangerous urban environments, the sidekick should offer something the hero cannot easily replicate. This makes the sidekick indispensable to the hero’s journey. Their talents and abilities should feel natural in the context of the world you’ve built, and their knowledge should help them contribute to solving the story’s conflicts.

For example, in Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files, Bob the Skull, a disembodied spirit of knowledge, serves as both comic relief and a valuable source of information. His deep well of knowledge is critical to Harry’s success in solving complex supernatural cases. While Bob isn’t physically imposing or particularly heroic, his unique abilities make him a vital member of Dresden’s team.

5. Add Layers to Their Personality

Great sidekick characters often have their own quirks, flaws, and strengths that go beyond their role as a support character. Giving them a rich personality adds realism and depth to the narrative. Sidekicks should be multi-dimensional, with hopes, fears, weaknesses, and virtues of their own. Avoid stereotypes like the “grizzled mentor” or “innocent child” and instead create a sidekick who feels like a fully realized person.

Complex Personalities: A sidekick’s quirks can make them stand out in the story and offer opportunities for emotional depth. Maybe the sidekick is fiercely independent, which sometimes creates friction in their relationship with the hero. Perhaps they struggle with their own insecurities, which may be exacerbated by the danger and supernatural elements surrounding them. These personal complexities not only make the sidekick more engaging but also provide emotional stakes that drive the plot forward.

In Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series, Tara Thornton is Sookie’s best friend and sidekick, but she’s much more than just a support character. Tara has her own emotional turmoil and backstory that influence her actions throughout the series. She has a complex personality, struggling with personal relationships and finding her place in a world full of supernatural creatures. Her emotional growth is just as important as Sookie’s own journey.

6. Make Them Integral to the Plot

A sidekick should never feel like an afterthought. They should have a direct impact on the plot and help drive the story forward. Whether it’s providing essential information, aiding in a confrontation, or making a critical decision that changes the course of the action, the sidekick’s involvement should matter. They are there to help the hero in ways that feel authentic and integral to the narrative, not just to tag along for the ride.

Making Their Role Essential: A sidekick who is essential to the plot doesn’t just help the hero solve the mystery or defeat the antagonist—they add unique perspectives and contribute to the overall resolution of the story. Their choices, actions, and growth should directly impact the hero and the outcome of the adventure. This not only makes the sidekick feel vital to the story but also elevates the entire plot.

For example, in Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson series, Mercy’s sidekick, Stefan, plays a critical role in the supernatural community’s politics and provides valuable insight into the dynamics of werewolves, vampires, and other creatures. He is more than just a secondary character—he is an essential piece in Mercy’s world and contributes significantly to the development of the plot.

Don’t Forget…

In urban fantasy, sidekicks are far more than mere accessories to the hero. They are vital, multi-faceted characters whose presence elevates the story, deepens the conflict, and helps to ground the hero in the fantastical world they inhabit. By giving your sidekick their own arc, skills, and personality, and ensuring they are integral to the plot, you create a character who feels as essential to the story as the protagonist. The best sidekicks are those who grow alongside the hero, challenge their views, and add emotional weight to the narrative. With a well-crafted sidekick, your urban fantasy world becomes richer, more complex, and more engaging, inviting readers to dive deeper into both the supernatural and the very human relationships that drive the plot forward.

The Sculptor Series by Christa Wojciechowski

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The harder you try to escape, the more darkness pulls you under.

Oblivion Black
The Sculptor Book 1
by Christa Wojciechowski
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Dark Romantic Suspense

LITERARY TITAN GOLD AWARD WINNER

The harder you try to escape, the more darkness pulls you under.

Art school dropout Ona Price is forced to clean up after a near-fatal overdose on a Manhattan sidewalk. While in recovery, she lands a job as the assistant to Antoni Azarov, the world-famous sculptor known as The Hands of God. Though he is difficult and brooding, his extraordinary talent reawakens Ona’s passion for art, giving her life the meaning she so desperately craved. An undeniable attraction develops as they work together, but Antoni keeps his physical distance at all costs. When the predatory wife of a wealthy benefactor decides she wants the sculptor for herself, the monstrous secret that fuels Antoni’s art threatens to destroy all.

Oblivion Black is a lush transgressive fairy tale with the Gothic appeal of a Brontë novel. Literary fiction, romance, and thriller fans will appreciate this intense dive into existential confusion, intoxication, eroticism, and the volatile power of beauty.

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Hierarchy of Needs
The Sculptor Book 2

When self-destruction is the only way out …

World-famous sculptor Antoni Azarov, and his muse, Ona Price are ripped apart after a shocking act of violence sends them into their own personal hells.

Trapped in Manhattan, Ona faces her most treacherous enemy, her addiction to heroin, while a dangerous new man claims her desire.

Antoni, an artist defamed, is hellbent on saving Ona before she destroys herself. What he doesn’t know is if she wants to be rescued.

Meanwhile, death haunts them on every corner as a vengeful crime boss called Warlock devours the city, poisoning its addicted population with a flesh-eating drug.

Amid this chaos, Ona and Antoni must struggle against their darkest selves to find a way back to each other—or else give in to the darkness forever.

The propulsive sequel to Oblivion Black, Hierarchy of Needs is an intoxicating exploration of the paradox of love, the chokehold of desire, and the deadly thrills of the underworld. This second book in The Sculptor Series will leave readers fiending for more.

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Darklands
The Sculptor Book 3

The intoxicating finale to The Sculptor Series …

After cheating death in New York, Ona Price’s battle scars run deeper than her disfigured face. Antoni Azarov orchestrates a journey to jolt them out of their artistic dead zone. From the boozy streets of New Orleans to the sultry shores of a Caribbean archipelago, they explore forbidden desires, testing the limits of pleasure and pain.

No matter where their experiences take them, their personal demons hunt them down until their journey ends on a remote lagoon called the Darklands. Will their love survive the dark secrets that threaten to tear them apart, or will the Darklands become the ultimate test of their commitment?

Unveil the dangerous beauty of Darklands, where the human psyche unravels in a sensuous journey that will leave you breathless.

“Darklands is a hair-raising conclusion to The Sculptor trilogy. It reads like a David Lynch erotic fever dream that constantly veers close to the edge of nightmare, ending with a spiritual awakening of biblical proportions. I wept. Adapt this into a movie at once.” —Joseph Sale, author of The Book of Thrice Dead

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Christa Wojciechowski is an American dark fiction writer who has lived most her career abroad. She is the author of The Sculptor Series, The SICK Series, and the founder of the Writers Mastermind virtual writing community.

Christa’s novella “Popsicle” (Crystal Lake) was a semi-finalist in Screencraft’s Cinematic Short Story Competition and second rounder in the Launch Pad Prose Competition. Her short stories have appeared in various publications and anthologies, most recently “Blood Sisters” in the Shadow Atlas: Dark Landscapes of the Americas (Hex Publishers), “Observer Dependent Universe” in the Chiral Mad 5 anthology (Written Backwards), and “The Oasis” selected for the Chromophobia anthology (Strangehouse Books).

Christa Wojciechowski is an active member of the Horror Writers Association and editor at Gamut Magazine. She loves to play Chopin (badly) and sip Hendrick’s gin. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found wandering the world, collecting new experiences.

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What are common traps for aspiring writers?

I have experienced many pitfalls as an aspiring writer. In addition to my own mistakes, I run a virtual writing group of aspiring writers at the writersmastermindgroup.com and watch their journeys. I also work as a digital marketer and book promoter for aspiring writers and have seen the same patterns. The traps are many. I will list the top 3 here.

Not writing:
Most writers hem and haw, let self-doubt prevent them from writing. Many are not even aware that the reason they are not writing. Why is laundry and social media and checking our bank app suddenly is so important? We allow things in to take up space so we don’t have to fill the empty page.

Not preparing:
I wrote a post about First-Time Self-Published Writers’ Syndrome on my blog. I see many writers approaching their writing career with a “lottery mindset.” They scribble out a book, feverishly upload it to Amazon, and wait for overnight success. Sometimes, they don’t even wait for a professional edit or proofread. When they don’t wake up on the bestsellers list, they give up. It’s not because they aren’t good writers. It’s because they didn’t prepare. Book launches are important, and authors must plan months in advance to make them successful. Take your book seriously.

Not promoting:
Ongoing promotion is difficult for even the most successful and experienced authors. For introverts, it’s against all our natural instincts to self-promote. For extroverts, is still difficult to maintain the consistency of promotion to regularly sell books. But no one will know you or your book exists if you don’t put yourself out there.

I tell members of the Writers’ Mastermind to think of promoting as offering yourself instead of selling yourself. You worked hard. There are readers are waiting for your words. Speak your truth and they will find you.

Revary by Abigail Linhardt

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What if we could be the heroes we pretend to be?
Revary
by Abigail Linhardt

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy Adventure

In a small Midwestern town, Celeste and her friends find escape from the pressures of senior year through their tabletop roleplaying games. But when Celeste stumbles upon a way to actually enter their imagined realm, fantasy becomes a reality.
Suddenly, the friends find themselves living out their greatest adventure. In Revary, they can be anyone they want: brave warriors, powerful mages, or cunning rogues. But as they explore this magical world of their own creation, they discover it is threatened by a mysterious force that is causing the fantastic world to vanish into darkness.
With Revary in peril and tensions rising in their world, Celeste and her friends must navigate the blurring lines between imagination and reality. As they fight to save their creation, they’ll confront fantastical dangers and the real-life issues they’ve been avoiding.
“Revary is a spellbinding journey that explores the power of friendship, the courage to face reality, and the magic of storytelling.” –ARC Review

NEW RELEASE!!
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Abi works part-time as a freelance ghostwriter, editor, audiobook narrator, and is one half of the partnership that owns Altered Reality Magazine. She hopes to one day make these passions her full-time job while she hunts for the next bohemian adventure.
She has published works of fiction, poetry, academia, and even won awards for her short stories in science fiction and horror. Her novel, The Trial of Two, was named an Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest 2021 self-publishing awards and won first place in the dark fantasy category in The BookFest Awards. Abi is also a proud mom of ferrets. She currently resides in Kansas.
She is one of nine children–all of whom share the creative spark.

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Call Forth The Moonlight by Z.M. Celestaire

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Standing up for magíq means the world stands against you.

Call Forth the Moonlight:
A Magíqon’s Guide to Gryphon Liberation
by Z.M. Celestaire
Genre: LGBTQ Ecopunk Fantasy Romance

Deubrise is a land blessed by the breath of the slumbering gods. Magíq lives within nature, powerful and beautiful. Few else can harness it besides the gryphons that reside in the mountains near Nico De Falco’s home, and the rare magíqon like Nico’s little sister. But magíqon are shunned and feared by modern society.
To protect himself from such treatment, Dr. Ackerleigh Sebring keeps his magíq a secret. Yet his “radical” teachings of magíqal history gets him fired from Ravensbourne University. Desperate, he finds a gamekeeper job caring for an imprisoned gryphon. Finally, he can be his whole self.
That is, until Nico follows a misguided impulse and frees the gryphon, injuring Ackerleigh accidentally.
Their fates—and feelings—become entangled in their determination to protect the sacred magíq of the gryphon. Ackerleigh and Nico will stop at nothing for the sake of liberation.

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Z.M. (they/them) is a writer, artist, and therapist. Writing and art have been a hobby for some twenty years now since they were a goofy little middle schooler. Z.M. grew up devouring urban fantasy authors like Charles De Lint, Holly Black, and Patricia C. Wrede.
Z.M. lives in Saint Paul with their spouse, human child, and fur children.

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Changing Lanes by Claire Yezbak Fadden

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For fifty-something Roxy Adams, the days are drenched in sunshine and a passion for her boyfriend, Sam Reyes. That is until he turns up dead in the trunk of Roxy’s limo and she’s arrested for his murder.

Changing Lanes
A Roxy Adams Mystery Book 1
by Claire Yezbak Fadden
Genre: Humorous Cozy Mystery, Romantic Suspense

For fifty-something Roxy Adams, life is simple and beautiful. Her days are drenched in southern California sunshine and passion for Sam Reyes, the man she loves and shares a business with.

When Sam vanishes with their savings, leaving only a note behind, Roxy is faced with a harsh reality. Broke and confused, she learns they never owned the business. The actual owner will let her keep her job if she provides him with benefits.

Convinced there’s no knight in shining armor riding to her rescue, Roxy dusts off her chauffeur’s hat and returns to the career she trailblazed twenty years earlier.

With a steady income, new friends, and the possibility of romance, joy slowly replaces insecurity. Foxy Roxy is back. Life is wonderful and exciting once again. Until Sam turns up dead in the trunk of her limo. And Roxy is arrested for his murder.

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Pennsylvania-native Claire Yezbak Fadden lives in Orange County, California with her husband and two spoiled dogs. She spends her spare time playing with her four grandchildren and immersing herself in the words of other authors.

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Ten Quick Things about Claire Yezbak Fadden

Author of Changing Lanes

Born in: Pennsylvania
Lives in: California

First Job: Self-serve shoe clerk

College Alum: San Diego State — Aztecs For Life!

Guilty Pleasure: See’s Candy, Nuts and Chews, of course

Favorite Movie: A tie: It’s A Wonderful Life and Mary Poppins
Favorite Cocktail: Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace
Best Concert: Foreigner
First Book To Make a Lasting Impression: Charlotte’s Web – read it when I was 12.

Life motto:
Used to be: The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory.
Now: Never time to do it right; always time to do it over.
Runner up: Look back, but don’t stare.

This or That with Claire Yezbak Fadden

Pantser or Plotter

Romance or Mystery

Chocolate or Vanilla

Summer or Winter

Paperback or eReader

Morning or Night

White Wine or Red Red, a Cab if you please

Text or Phone Call

Barefoot or Sandals

Cash or Credit

Whiskey or Vodka

Butterflies or Ladybugs

Motown or Classic Rock

Silver or Gold

Lake or Beach

Steak or Lobster

Q&A with Claire Yezbak Fadden

Where do you get the inspiration from for your writing?

Like most writers, I draw my initial ideas from life happening all around – a news article in the paper might spark an idea for example. But when I sit down and begin putting words on paper, the characters tell me their story. I’m a pantser more than a plotter. I know where I want the story to go, but often my vision isn’t the same as my protagonist’s. I show up each day to find out what will happen next. Often, I will be writing a scene and things don’t come together the way I think they should in my mind. I revisit those pages in a day or so and usually discover: I had the wrong people in the scene and/or what I had the character doing/feeling wasn’t what he or she wanted. Sometimes, I discover that a scene I thought was necessary, the characters didn’t need at all.

“Changing Lanes” is your fifth novel. What are the best 3 tips of advice you can give to any newbies out there who can’t imagine finishing one novel, much less five… words of wisdom you wish you knew? when you began?

    I’ve been fortunate to receive so much great advice from my writing friends. My first tip would be to get yourself a writing friend or two – find a trusted a critique partner who has been where you are or is there right now. Your spouse may love you, but no one understands the writing life like a fellow writer. It may take a few tries to find the right partner or writers’ group – just like it takes time to find Mr./Ms. Right. Joining a writers’ association –RWA, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and others, is a great place to start. November is NaNo (National Novel Writing Month) – you might find some local, like-minded writers taking the challenge.

    Second tip: I’ve finally embraced showing up every day and writing. (For years I denied this bit of genius, the same way I used to discount ‘eat less-lose weight’). You hear this advice from lots of accomplished authors because it is true. There are days when cleaning the dust bunnies under the bed is a more attractive option than writing even 100 words. I try to sit at my desk at approximately the same time each day and see what spills out. Surprisingly, most of the time, the characters show up and lots happens. Even if you just sit there looking at a blank screen, you’re training your brain to get to work. And that’s a good thing.

    Lastly, but maybe most importantly, don’t be your own editor. I’m not referring to grammar, spelling, punctuation. I’m talking about letting the words appear on the page, letting the story flow. Believe me, there will be tons of folks with their own opinion of what you should have done, could have done and need to change once you get your story finished. Often these kind critics have competing opinions. Stephen King said “write with the door open, edit with the door closed.” And he’s a man who would know.

    In this book, we get to know Roxy Adams, a fifty-something woman who’s been dumped by her boyfriend. And her sidekick, Alma Sanchez, a sassy thirty-something disc jockey. Are these characters based on any one you know?

      Anyone who’s ever fallen in love runs the risk of getting dumped. That’s happened to all of us at one time or another. So yes, there is a bit of Roxy inside of me. But more importantly, I admire her courage and bravery at starting her life over as she moves toward her sixties. As for Alma, I think she’s the BFF every woman wants. Alma tacitly gives Roxy approval to tackle truths that ultimately lead Roxy to the secure, peaceful life she seeks.
      .

      Writers have a “process” – some like Scrivener, others use word. Some need music, others need silence. Tell us what it looks like when you sit down and wake the muse for writing.

        My process seems like a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle and I only have about 100 pieces so far. Every day, month or year, another piece drops in my lap or is uncovered. So far, what seems to work (in addition to bum glue) is having a dedicated space where I can leave my notes, research and bits of paper splayed across my desk. The next day everything is waiting for me, seamlessly allowing me pick up the story where I left off. I mentioned earlier that writing every day at the same time is immensely helpful. When you’re a writer, other folks don’t seem to understand that this is work. I write early in the day, so I’m able to accomplish a lot before other life demands of seep under my office door. Another reason I write early in the day is the quietness. Peacefulness, before the trash trucks start clanging, works better for my mind.

        What flavor margarita do you like?
        This might be my favorite question. I’m a purist. Give me a Cadillac margarita on the rocks – no salt and I’m your friend for life. No fruity flavors. Same with my tea, no raspberry stuff – black tea, neat.

        What can we expect from you in the future?
        Right now, Roxy Adams and her friends are drawing me into another mystery, but the details are vague at the moment. I enjoy writing humorous cozies and Roxy is an unforgettable character. I’m curious to see what trouble she’ll get herself tangled up in.

        I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about

        Dragonslayer by Jules Cory

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        As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

        The discovery of a sword confirms the Gods are once again readying for war, forcing their chosen heroine to decide between loyalty or betrayal and face daemons of her making.

        The Bard
        Dragonslayer Book One
        by Jules Cory
        Genre: Epic Fantasy Adventure, Swords and Sorcery

        A thrilling fantasy novel of magic and ancient pagan beliefs.
        The first volume in an epic trilogy set in a land of dragons and sorcery.
        Character-led fiction which explores the bonds of friendship and how they can be broken.

        The discovery of a sword that had been lost for generations confirms that the Gods are readying for war once again. The sword holds the secrets to powers thought lost forever. It heralds the return of a Dragonslayer, capable of protecting humankind from the wrath of the ancient deities. But there is a problem. The sword-bearer is a seven year old girl.

        Tallen learns quickly how to negotiate the politics of the royal court as she tries to find a place for herself in the capital city. She discovers a talent for being invisible in crowded places. Infiltrating restricted areas. And stealing precious items. But when her skills are commandeered by the King, she finds herself in a world of magick where her latent talents are being fought over. Unaware of her magickal ancestry, she is unprepared for the secret plots to control her and her powers. Schemes, by both friend and foe, that send her into danger.

        The discovery of the Empathy Crystal forces Tallen to confront her ancient blood-line and the powers lying within her. She finds herself caught in the middle as the fault-line between the old pantheon of Gods and the new monotheistic religion cracks open. The war between neighbouring kingdoms covers the underlying battle for the power locked within the land they are fighting over. And the souls of the people living there.

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        The Seer
        Dragonslayer Book Two

        After leaving the royal court, Tallen finds herself drawn back to the politics of a kingdom increasingly beset by war. The return of her father’s sword comes at the price of reclaiming her heritage as a Dragonslayer, while the stakes for both her personal and her prince’s freedom are becoming increasing costly.

        Sent on a covert mission from her king, Tallen travels to obtain information regarding the stolen Empathy Crystal. However, Tallen soon discovers that there are other plans for her that involve her bloodline and her claim to a potentially lethal weapon. The journey becomes increasingly dangerous as others scheme to control the destructive potential of her Dragonslayer ancestry, resulting in battles with pirates and northern raiders. Her personal enemy, Villermir, is also never far from causing trouble as he learns to control the Empathy Crystal, harnessing its devastating force to crush her.

        While the monotheistic patriarchy of Baila extends its tendrils into the souls of new believers, daemons and the old Gods start to take a more active role in the lives of men. Tallen finds wonders and miracles hidden in her Empathy bloodline, and a strength and resilience in her Dragonslayer blood. But dark shadows are now gathering that will require further exploration of her magical inheritance.

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        The Druid
        Dragonslayer Book Three

        Faulknar is losing the war against Lindvane, with Gallowgla and Hilman joining the fight against the kingdom. Villermir has gained mastery of the Empathy Crystal and is using it to corrupt and despoil the land. Monsters that the Dragonslayer and her dragon were created to destroy have returned to rampage across the Three Kingdoms.
        Having been exiled from Faulknar as a traitor, Tallen tries to hide from her responsibilities and recover from the betrayal of those she trusted. The events within the Three Kingdoms, however, will force her to return to those she rejected and the kingdom she turned her back on. As her powers grow, dark forces swirl around her to claim those powers for themselves with enemies from her past, as well as her Goddess, seeking to use her to realise their own ambitions.
        Tallen must learn to trust those who would help her and embrace her powers, knowing her greatest challenge may come from the darkness that lies within herself.
        The Druid brings Tallen’s story to a violent conclusion, forcing her to face her fears as she fights to protect those she loves.

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        As a veterinary nurse, Jules has often eased the stresses of her canine and feline patients with stories of myth and magic, wizards and dragons. She had published chapters in academic textbooks and professional journals, but has traded the scientific formula and Harvard referencing for the creative freedom of writing fantasy novels.
        The Dragonslayer series follows Tallen as she discovers what it means to be a Dragonslayer, pawn of her king and the Gods, having to navigate between friendship and betrayal, power and corruption, life and death.

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        Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $15 Amazon gift card giveaway!

        What inspired you to write the Dragonslayer series?
        Sometimes random events can be the inspiration for stories and this is certainly true for the Dragonslayer series. There were three items that provided the nexus for the story to revolve around.

        The first item was seen when passing a small second-hand shop with a painting in the window. Although I was drawn in by the scene, it was more than I could afford at the time so I walked on. I resisted for 10 minutes before returning to the shop and buying the painting. That view became Cloud Mountain and the setting for the cottage by the lake.
        The second item was given as a present – a duck-egg blue and rose coloured dragon, curled with its head resting on its tail. The statue is included in the books as my dragon, waiting for her slayer.

        The last item was obtained as a chance finding when sheltering from a summer rainstorm in a nearby shop. The print was of a raven-haired woman holding a sword containing an orange dragon’s eye – and my heroine, Tallen, looked out at me from that picture.
        Polytheistic religions and the possibility of magic has always interested me, and I took those elements, added the three chance items, and wove it all into an epic adventure.

        What are the key messages in the series?
        I think the key messages within stories are personal to those that read them and bring their own experiences, filtering the characters’ journeys through their own needs at any given moment. And, as such, this can change over time.

        However, for me, I think one of the predominant issues facing Tallen and her friends is one of loyalty. Of having to balance duty, obligation and expectation with the desire to keep people safe and maintain treasured relationships. And this can involve different people who have very different ideas about what loyalty and obligation mean.

        One of the factors that developed over the three books is that of fathers and what that can mean in differing contexts. There are a number of father-figures in the books. Some are blood-relatives, while others have found themselves in the position by chance. The interplay between nurture and legacy in shaping someone who depends on you was an interesting theme to play with, for both protagonists and antagonists.

        I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about

        Cowboy Watch by Petie McCarty

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        As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

        Someone—or something—wants Kellen out of town . . .
        Kellen Brand’s inheritance comes as a monumental shock—a rundown farm she doesn’t want and one paroled Watcher all her own.

        Cowboy Watch
        The Watchers Book 1
        by Petie McCarty
        Genre: Paranormal Small-Town Romantic Suspense

        The Watchers Series—Fallen angels cast out of heaven by the archangel Michael for coercing with Satan to gain control. Some of these turncoats—duped late in the game by Satan’s lies—doubled back to seek redemption for their unwitting betrayal. Offered parole in exchange for penance, these Watchers are given the toughest bodyguard missions with little leeway for success.
        One last chance.
        These are their stories . . .

        Someone—or something—wants Kellen out of town . . .

        Kellen Brand’s inheritance comes as a monumental shock—a rundown farm she doesn’t want and one paroled Watcher all her own. Kellen’s eccentric mother believed Watchers to be fallen angels seeking penance by guarding individuals who had lost their way. Seriously? A Watcher?
        Only her mother . . .

        Since Kellen vows no sane woman would choose to live in Riverside, she’s on a mission to dump the old farm fast and to the first buyer who comes along. Unfortunately for her, the only buyer is a resort developer, spurned by a townful of objectors and one handsome cowboy—her neighbor, Luke Thornton. Luke must block Kellen’s farm sale or risk exposure of his own family’s secrets. He can ill afford his immediate and compelling attraction to his new neighbor.

        Someone is watching Kellen, but not who she thinks. Someone deadly and intent on scaring her out of town. Or worse. Luke has a hellish choice to make—step in and rescue Kellen from her threats, or to protect his family, stand by and watch . . .

        On Sale for Only $1.99 for a limited time!
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        Petie spent a large part of her career working at Walt Disney World—”The Most Magical Place on Earth”—where she enjoyed working in the land of fairy tales by day and creating her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her new series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said good-bye to her “day” job to write her stories full-time.

        These days Petie spends her time writing new Cinderella series tales, her new The Watchers series, sequels to her regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and more contemporary romance standalones to go along with her two previous releases—Any Fin For Love and Ambush in the Everglades.

        Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her horticulturist husband and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy who will make a cameo appearance in the upcoming Book 2 of The Watchers series, Christmas Watch.

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        Would you like a chance to win either an Autographed copy of Any Fin for Love by Petie McCarty (US only) or a $20 Amazon gift card (WW) – 1 winner each! Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

        I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about

        Downeyoshun by Art Young

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        As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. That means, when you purchase a book using an Amazon link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission. All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.

        A not-always-sentimental vacation to the ’50s, ’60s, ‘and ’70s. Bring your swimsuit.

        Downeyoshun
        by Art Young
        Genre: Recent Historical Family Fiction

        Sally Osterhoff is a genius. When she grows up, she wants to be a mathematician, a teacher, and a carpenter; and she plans to swim in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics.

        Her mother has other ideas, and will emotionally and physically abuse Sally to fit them. After all, she only wants what is best for her child. But between her father trying his best, the family next door who practically adopts her, and her Aunt & Uncle down in Ocean City where she spends her summers, Sally just might have the support and love she needs to make all of her dreams come true.

        Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights struggles, the Vietnam War, and the early Feminist movement, the story explores the power of found family, and how unconditional love can come from the least expected places. Downeyoshun is a not-always-sentimental vacation to the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Bring your swimsuit.

        Praise about the book:
        “Arthur Young will introduce you to a special world, East Baltimore, and its vacation spot, Ocean City, with his warm Downeyoshun. Not that life is perfect – not all mothers are kind, and the VietNam war casts a shadow. But you’ll feel as if you’ve met new friends as you follow his characters through the challenges of growing up. In his skillful telling, the fabric of a family and a neighborhood comes to life. You may even find yourself becoming a Baltimore Hon!”
        –Pamela Zerba, Contributor Atheists in America, Writer, Creative York Contest Winner

        “Be prepared to fall in love with one of the most endearing literary characters of the century thus far. Ultimately, this is a book about family, the one you’re stuck with and the one you make. By the end, Sally will feel like part of yours. You will thoroughly enjoy your trip Downeyoshun.”
        -Robert Akridge, Writer

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        Art Young is a Baltimore-born U.S. Navy / Vietnam / Agent Orange veteran and cancer survivor. He was once a carny in a traveling gadget show, and has worked as a fire-extinguishing-system installer and serviceman, a brewery’s route delivery salesman, flexographic press operator, licensed boiler-plant engineer, and a storyteller. He much prefers the last.

        Website * Facebook * Instagram * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

        Would you like a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

        I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about