Celaine Charles ~ Author Interview

Posted on May 20, 2021 by Nina Soden

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.

Celaine Charles lives in the Pacific Northwest where she teaches elementary school, writes fiction and poetry, and blogs about her writing journey on Steps In Between.

Her YA Fantasy, Seam Keepers, debuted May 12, 2021 (The Wild Rose Press). Always busy, Celaine is currently drafting the sequel, Dream Keepers, along with a brand-new YA Contemporary Fantasy, Life Song.

Her poetry book, Colors Collected, debuted in August 2019. This book stemmed from her online poetry series, Colors, hosted on Channillo, and awarded Best Continuing Series, Best New Series, and Best Poetry Series for the 2018 Channillo Awards. In addition, she has poetry published with other various presses.

When Celaine isn’t writing, she is usually with family and friends, or hiking among the trees and the flowers in her beautiful evergreen state.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

What inspired you to write this book?

The inspiration for my story, Seam Keepers, evolved from a literal dream and a challenge. I woke up one morning thinking about dreams and if there could actually be different worlds inside dreams. If so, what might they be like? What would their purpose be? How would someone from Earth get to that dream-place? Why would they want to go?

I dove in, drafting my story without any direction or know how. I was soaring on the famous quote to write the story you’ve always wanted to read. I had a human character, a hidden dream world, and a pretty clever dream creature. Then I wrote linearly until I found myself stuck, stuck, stuck. I had no idea how to really plot or develop a book of that scale. I simply grasped ideas and themes I wanted to glean. It was time to do some more reading. What were other authors doing to make their books work?

A couple years later, after almost giving up, I said a little prayer and gave the idea to the stars. Two weeks after that, I met a woman who changed my life. I had discovered she was an author and shared with her my want-to-be-writer secret. She shook her head and said if that’s how I felt, then I already was a writer. She challenged me to start over with a new story idea and write a whole new book without stopping to revise or edit. Her rules were simple, don’t look back, just finish. Her initial thought was that I would complete something, even if it was trash, then be able to go back and finish my original story. There’s a lot of motivation that comes from finishing, I know this firsthand now. But what really happened for me…the new story I wrote became the story I published…Seam Keepers!

Okay, I fibbed a bit. My friend challenged me to write a whole new story, nothing I’d ever written before. But I couldn’t quite bring myself to leave that dreamy setting I had created. So, instead of continuing my original story inside the dream world, I wrote about new characters outside, or what is now the seam surrounding the Dream Realm. I am smiling because now I get to write the sequel, Dream Keepers, picking up with some of my original story ideas from all those years ago.

A literal dream and a writing challenge—that’s how Seam Keepers came to be.

What can we expect from you in the future?

My writing future is glittering in tiny firefly lights. After bringing Seam Keepers to life, I can’t possibly stop creating. I have book two, Dream Keepers, in process now. I have also began plotting a beautiful YA Fantasy, Life Song. Not to mention, I have a fairytale I’m working on with two incredible characters I can’t get out of my head! They will see the light one day. In addition, prompted by a fun challenge from my writing critique group, I wrote a Christmas Paranormal Romance for a holiday themed series with my publisher, The Wild Rose Press. It hasn’t been accepted yet, so I am crossing my fingers. If it’s a big fat rejection, then maybe I will query it somewhere else. Or maybe I will just share it with my followers. It was an absolute delight to write! As always, writing begets more writing…

Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

I have learned immense amounts through the process of writing this book. For one, I am a recovering pantser. Unfortunately, Seam Keepers was created linearly, and most certainly, by the seat of my pants! I started at the beginning and wrote until the end. But then the journey really began. I spent hours re-writing the beginning, re-organizing the middle, changing the ending, re-writing the beginning again, deleting and tightening parts in the middle and end, only to do it all again. There was a total of three re-writes with this book.

Honestly, it’s because I had no idea what I was doing. I trusted I had a story to tell, and like an energizer bunny, I worked my heinie off to write it. Since then, I have learned that plotting (at least for the big scenes) isn’t such a bad idea. I’ve slowed down to take writing classes and trusted in the need for beta readers. Most importantly, I’ve learned to save up money to pay a developing editor so in the end, I can query a polished manuscript.

I find it humorous because I had been told some of these important parts about writing before. I guess I had to struggle to realize them for myself. I remember thinking that my original story didn’t need to follow a plot chart. My book could be that really unique story that breaks the mold. Snicker-snicker! Maybe somebody will do that one day. But for now, little ole me is happy to follow the scenes that work in a story because…I want to share my story. I want to write more books. It is a bit of a game to play, to get your story out there. So, if it means I must organize myself a little more than I used to, so be it!

Let’s just say plotting is my goal, although I have at least one foot in my pants at all times.

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?

As much as I try plotting my book…being a recovering pantser and all…there are times when my characters need to take the reigns and show me the way. They are the ones living the story, so they know best. I find when I try to coerce them in a direction I think they should go, I am usually—mostly—always wrong. Once my characters start to develop into their own beings, I have to trust them. We do a pretty nice job of working together, especially after all our conversations over coffee and during nature walks. Thankfully, they are kind in their tugs to venture down new paths.

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

How can I convince you to read my book, Seam Keepers? If you are looking for a fantastical escape…a contemporary coming of age tale with a new version of good versus evil…a natural (and unforced) friendship-to-love relationship…a story with incredible family dynamics, layered beyond what you could ever imagine…bound to otherworldly realms you’ve never read before…filled with dreams, destinies, demons, danger, and dedicated character growth…where the two main POV arcs actually cross over…and with the pacing needed to keep you reading through to the touch-your-heart, girl-has-found-her-power, boy-claims-his-truth ending…then this is the book for you!

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

If Seam Keepers was a scent, it would be evergreen. The story starts with a dream leading my characters into the woods of the pacific northwest. There’s hemlock and fir, cedar and pine, and with their adventures between realms, these tall beauties were all constant.

Is there a writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?

Maggie Stiefvater is an author I would love to sit down and chat with. Her books tend to carve out a little spot in my chest. She is the master of characterization. Her characters are always original and unique, yet I feel like I might run into them on the street somewhere because they are so real. Her story lines are whimsical and creative, but with layers of reality to ground you. I adore getting lost in her worlds.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since high school (way back when), but I never told a soul. It wasn’t until 2017 that I came out publicly as a writer. My joys have been poetry and fantasy fiction (however during my younger years, when my own children were small, I wrote a few picture books…I’ve yet to do anything with). I hope to keep writing until the end of my days. It feels like such a privilege to do so.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

I read every day and love to read fantasy! It’s my favorite genre. I enjoy both contemporary and epic fantasy. And although I read other genres sometimes too, whatever I read, must have some level of magic so that I can escape reality. That’s why I read…to escape the world as we know it. Well, and as an author, I read to improve my own writing.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I write in silence and with music, both. It depends on what stage of writing I’m in…and how distracted I am. If there is a lot of noise going on around me, then I play wordless background music—usually movie scores, like The Last Airbender, How to Train Your Dragon, The Mortal Instruments, Harry Potter, and many others. If there are no distractions coming from my outside life, then I usually write to the tune of my own voice whispering back the lines I’m drafting or to the computer voice in Word reading back my pages. If I’m at a critical point in my story line, then there’s nothing but silence until I squeal in delight or slump to cry. Again, it all depends on where I am in my writing process.

Pen or type writer or computer?

I pen story ideas in colorful, paper-filled journals, but always I draft on a computer. I love the sound of my fingers pressing keys, and I like to edit as I write, so typing is quicker. Whenever I handwrite, I usually slop my thoughts down in illegible cursive, or doodle flowers and trees, distractedly, so typing is usually the most efficient way for me to create.

Advice they would give new authors?

My advice to new authors: Read books. Write…even when you don’t want to. Take classes. Join writing groups. Go to conferences. Read more books. Immerse yourself in the world of writing. Call yourself a writer. Persevere through rejections and obstacles. Accept that you have room to grow…a lot of room to grow. Keep reading more books. Keep writing. Find a critique group. Create a writing space for yourself. Be kind to yourself. Read even more books! And never—ever—ever—stop writing!

What are they currently reading?

I’ve recently finished reading the Shadow and Bone series from Leigh Bardugo, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, by V. E. Schwab, and loved them. I am currently in the middle of Laini Taylor’s book, Daughter of Smoke and Bone. My TBR pile is enormous but makes me smile!

Would you like a chance to win a $25 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 author Celaine Charles.

Love On The Line by Kirsten Fullmer #giveaway

Posted on May 18, 2021 by Nina Soden

Love on the Line (Women at Work Book 1) by Kirsten Fullmer ~ Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

In this epic and unique love story set in the wild mountains of West Virginia, a young woman and her unlikely friends find their way through multiple job hazards and terrible working conditions to achieve the unexpected.

Andrea never thought she’d live in a camp trailer or work outdoors in inhospitable climates; but eager to leave the stress and tedium of grad-school behind, she sets off with her estranged grandpa, Buck, to build a pipeline through the rugged mountains of West Virginia. She’s determined to understand the man and the family divide that drove him away. Once the job starts, she forms an unlikely friendship with Nick, the rough and tumble foreman of the bending crew. Most of the guys aren’t willing to accept her, and Rooster, the handsome, cocky, tie-in foreman, is determined that she’s a ridiculous distraction.

But building a pipeline is fraught with danger, fatigue, and confrontation as egos collide. Caught up in the all-male social microcosm, Andrea can’t help but understand the pecking order, and she’s at the bottom. Being a woman makes it even more unlikely she’ll be accepted. Buck proves to be a taskmaster, but a kindhearted teddy-bear of a man under a gruff exterior, and Andrea comes to love him, opening herself up to the pain of his past.

Rooster and Andrea are drawn to each other, yet they know an on-the-job romance will only cause problems. Rooster is tormented by his own past, and determined to prove himself to Buck, a pipeline ledged. Messing with the old man’s granddaughter is a line Rooster refuses to cross. But as Andrea shows herself to be a hard worker and a valuable member of the crew, she earns Rooster’s respect and he can’t keep his distance. It seems the couple can’t go back, they can’t move forward, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make sacrifices and take a chance on ruining their credibility in order to be together.

**Only .99 cents!!**

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Kirsten is a writer with a love of art and design. She worked in the engineering field, taught college, and consulted free lance. Due to health problems, she retired in 2012 to travel with her husband. They live and work full time in a 40′ travel trailer with their little dog Bingo. Besides writing romance novels, she enjoys selling art on Etsy and spoiling their three grandchildren.

As a writer, Kirsten’s goal is to create strong female characters who face challenging, painful, and sometimes comical situations. She believes that the best way to deal with struggle, is through friendship and women helping women. She knows good stories are based on interesting and relatable characters.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Would you like a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

My latest book, Love on the Line, is the story of Andy, a woman who chooses to work building a pipeline in the rugged mountains of West Virginia. Why did I write about this? I wrote it partly because I was inspired by the experiences of my own daughter who entertained me with many of her personal experiences as a pipeliner. But I also wrote it because I too chose to work in a male dominated field back in the day. Some of the struggles of women in these fields are upsetting, but many are inspiring and funny, thus perfect material for the kind of books I love to write. Just because not many women choose to do it, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done, right?

More than any time in recorded history, women are choosing to work in male dominated fields. Every day you come across a woman truck driver, firefighter, or pharmacist. And even though it’s become commonplace, many fields stick with their traditional titles such as policeman, draftsman, and even garbage man. Given this plus the infamous glass ceiling, why would a woman choose to spend their entire career fighting an uphill battle? There are a million reasons, but overwhelmingly, the answer I find is “because I want to” or “because the job appealed to me,” or “My dad and grandpa did it, why shouldn’t I?”

When was the idea planted for women to take the jobs they wanted, even if they were traditionally considered only suitable for men? Some would say with Eve, but both folklore and history are filled with women who not only worked at the jobs they pleased, they ruled societies: Joan of Ark and Cleopatra, to name a few. In Victorian times, women who wrote were forced to use a male pen name or work without recognition. But the women of my grandmother’s generation were forced to work at jobs considered appropriate only for men during world war II. They worked everywhere from factories to the fields. Sadly, after a taste of the liberation a paycheck affords a person, these women were expected to quietly step back into the kitchen once the men came home.

My mother’s generation, were blessed with not only their mother’s experiences, but all manner of modern conveniences which allowed them to clean and cook and generally care for their families in a fraction of the time it took their mothers. Many of these women took it upon themselves to “have it all” and step out into the working world, and not just as nurses and schoolteachers. Their bravery gave the women of my generation the encouragement and conviction that we too could plan a career. However, we quickly learned that we couldn’t be super mom and have a demanding and time consuming career without a shift in attitude, and this shift had to come from the men. The change had to happen not just because of the aforesaid glass ceiling on the job, but because we needed help at home.

Do I think only women who work have value, and somehow women who don’t work away from home are lesser somehow? Of course not! In my lifetime I have been a stay at home mom, a sick in bed mom, a full time student mom, an employed full time mom, and a retired mom. All of those words we put on women are pointless when you realize that we are in this together, and we should be supportive and understanding, no matter what roll you chose.

So, take a moment this summer to grab a copy of Love on the Line. Then curl up in a corner with a cup of coffee and prepare yourself for a heartwarming story filled with feminine strength, challenge, bravery, friendship, and romance.

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about Love On The Line by Kirsten Fullmer.

Laurelle Lewis ~ Author Interview

Posted on May 14, 2021 by Nina Soden

Laurelle Lewis is an Australian author, mother of three and home schooler. She has life experience with Autism, Special Needs and Learning Disabilities, through her study and care for her children.

Her aim is to create stories that will inspire children to always live their best life and know that no matter where they are born or who they are, everyone is important.

Check out our interview on YouTube:

Check out HER book below!

(Click on the cover image to order your copy)

(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.)

Tragic Flower: When Fleur meets the strange and exciting Jeffrey-the new kid in town- something tells Fleur she should stay away from him. Before she knows it, she is drawn into his world, but what tragic secret is he hiding?

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Emmanuel M. Arriaga ~ Author Interview

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Nina Soden

Emmanuel M. Arriaga grew up in the inner city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. From a young age, he was obsessed with fantasy and science fiction. Breaking the shackles of a low-income life, Emmanuel developed an interest in science, technology and engineering. He went on to graduate from Pennsylvania State University with a Master’s in Information Science.

For almost a decade, Emmanuel has sought to share his vivid imagination with the world, learning the art of story crafting and eventually becoming an award-winning author. With a love for travel, gadgets and volunteering, Emmanuel is enjoying life and helping others.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Author Interview

Do you read yourself and if so, what is your favorite genre?

I’m an avid reader, I think it’s hard to be a good author if you aren’t. I love science fiction and fantasy, although I have historically biased more toward fantasy than science fiction. I grew up reading epic fantasy novels and that influenced much of my early writing. I love the intersection of magic and technology, it’s an area that is hard to write without falling into the trope of technology until we need to do something impossible and then magic to save the day. I love the novels that build strict rules into their magic that fit nicely into a sci-fi world based on science. In these instances, magic moves away from being this deus ex machina and instead complements the story because you know the limitations of what is possible. The old Star Wars expanded universe is a great example of this.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

This depends on what type of writing I’m doing. If I’m creating a new story or a new chapter, I write best with music. I have tailored pandora radio stations specifically for writing. Certain kinds of music really get my creative energies flowing and I fall into a trance like state that allows me to do my best work.

If I’m editing, I need silence, this is mainly due a habit I have of reading things aloud to make sure it flows wells. I view creating something from scratch as fun, editing as work. Don’t get me wrong, I love editing, but I also view it as work and don’t attempt to tackle it unless I have a higher level of energy than I typically need for writing.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I focus my attention on a single book until I’ve completed that specific draft (i.e. 1^st draft, 3^rd draft, etc.) and then I’ll switch to another novel to be able to come back to the prior novel with fresh eyes. This usually means I have multiple novels in different stages (e.g. 1^st draft complete of novel a, 3^rd draft in progress for novel b, 5^th draft ready for final review of novel c, etc.)

I try and do a minimum of 5 or 6 drafts before I’m ready to move something to the publication stage with a professional editor. Usually with each draft, I have different goals in mind, so subsequent drafts are typically handled much quicker, requiring less edits.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?

This is a hard question to answer. I think the only answer I can give is for shared creative universes, things such as Forgotten realms, Blizzard entertainment, Star Wars, etc. It would have been cool to be tasked with creating the war of the ancients in the world of warcraft universe. We all had a rough idea of what happened during that time, but the novels really did a great job defining the details and building up a narrative for the events leading up to destruction of the well of eternity. Having some set event that you’re responsible for building up to and being given the creative freedom to define the events surrounding what happened would be an interesting experience. It would be a bit hard for me because nothing in my writing is sacrosanct, so I could change a major plot point or story idea because I come up with something better. Having this restriction would be a new experience.

I do plan to play around with this concept in prequal novels within my Foundra Universe, major events have already been established in my current novels, so going back and writing about those events will force me to do this.

Pen or typewriter or computer?

Computer hands down. I’ve been using a computer for most of my life and was an early internet user back in the 90s so my typing speed surpasses anything I could do with pen or typewriter. I grew up having debates on AOL instant messenger which trains you to type fast and accurately.

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.

One of my favorite characters in the book is a side character named Marcus Henson. He’s this big genetically enhanced super soldier who is a tempest on the battlefield and incredibly powerful. He’s also super friendly and like a big teddy bear off the battlefield which endears him to many of the main characters. I’ve had a lot of different plans for Marcus but his primary story arc ultimately plays out in Pride of Ashna. I’ll be honest and say it wasn’t originally what I had planned for him when I dreamed up his character back during the creation of the first novel, but I think fans will understand why I decided to take his character in this direction. This is an example of where the character spoke to me through the writing process and ultimately made a decision that was different from what I had in mind and I just went with it.

What made you want to become an author, and do you feel it was the right decision?

Funny enough, becoming an author was never a dream of mine growing up. It was never a career path that I considered or something that I intended to work toward. I went to college, got a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a completely different profession that I still enjoy to this day. What ultimately led to me writing goes back to a conversation I had on a school bus in my senior year in high school.

I had a friend who I rode the bus with who was as much into fantasy and sci-fi as I was. We used to talk all the time about different books we were reading or things that interested us (we were also into yu-gi-oh cards which was the style at the time). One of the final days before the end of the school year, I started sharing with my friend this sci-fi universe that I had been daydreaming about since I was younger. I went into detail, outlining the major characters, this futuristic society, and the history of this galaxy. It was the first time I had ever shared my private imagination with another human being, and it filled me with excitement. He was hooked on every word I was saying, and I started drawing attention from other students on the bus. I didn’t realize it at the time but many years later after the rush of college was over and I was a working professional in the career I had chosen, that moment came back to me with crystal clarity.

I realized that I was a storyteller and that my imagination was meant to be shared with others. I immediately started writing down that universe and years later, it culminated in what became my first book, Foundra. I also started writing down every dream I had, every moment of inspiration and instance where my mind started crafting unique stories or situations. Writing things down enabled me to retain the moments of inspiration so I could come back later and do something with them. Looking back, I also give lots of credit to my creative writing teacher in high school. That was the most enjoyable class I had in high school which should have been a sign to me at the time! It was in that class that I learned the process of taking creative inspiration and putting it into words. I don’t remember her name, but I wish I could chat with her today and share what her teaching enabled in my life.

A day in the life of the author?

My day is complicated, I have two young boys who are bundles of energy that constantly crave attention. I also hold board positions for non-profits and have a full-time job in the technology industry that demands a lot of my time. Being an author usually fills just a couple hours (if I’m lucky) of my day. The only rule I have is write every day, whether that’s 30 minutes or 4 hours is up to the random nature of my days!

Advice they would give new authors?

Two main things, one for authors who have yet to finish their novel. Finish that novel, get it over the hill. Sometimes people get stuck on chapters and let that stop them from finishing their novel. I think in those moments, you need to write something down, even if it doesn’t fully capture what you’re trying to accomplish and make a note to yourself to come back to it. It’s more important to get to the end of the novel and officially notch off your first draft than it is to leave it in an uncompleted state. Editing is always easier for improving something than working with nothing.

For the new published author, welcome to the world of marketing. You’ll need to get good at this to be successful. I’m so sorry. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that what you wrote will immediately draw readers and make you successful. This is rarely ever the case. You must get good at selling, which is hard if you’ve never sold anything in your life. It’s even harder to sell your own work for some reason, I think this has to do with rejection and us personally feeling rejected when people aren’t interested in something we’ve poured our hearts and souls into. You must get over that and move on, they aren’t rejecting you, that specific book just may not be for them and that’s okay.

Describe your writing style.

Editorial reviewers have commented that my writing has deep thematic threads woven into my prose that is commonly lacking in sci-fi. This is probably due to the way my brain works, everything is interconnected for me and I’m a natural systems thinker. It’s how I remember things and I’m not surprised that this comes through in my writing. Those reviewers have also mentioned that my writing is “smart and clean, with expositional elements slowly introduced throughout the prose, rather than the author subjecting readers to lengthy passages of procedural information,” which I interpreted as I don’t have the bad habit of dumping information on people to “catch them up” so I can continue telling a story. I hate it when authors do that in books, and I usually don’t retain all of whatever it was they just tried to dump on me.

Personally, I just try to relay the movie that’s playing in my head as I write, and I focus on improving the prose more and more until it flows as naturally as I envisioned it. I’m constantly looking at ways to improve my writing and love working with experienced editors who are just as passionate about my books as I am.

What makes a good story?

A good story is one that makes you feel something. You can have the most interesting characters, the most impressive plot, or the most technically proficient writing in the world. But if your story doesn’t elicit an emotional response, it’s forgettable. I have teared up at certain scenes that I’ve written in my books and even gotten angry at characters as situations have unfolded. I put emotion into my stories, and I care about what happens. It’s not just a narrative, it’s a view into another world with characters who have their own lives with motivations, desires, and fears. I think the best storytellers are ones who make you forget that it’s not real.

What are they currently reading?

Right now, I’m reading The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. It’s been on my list for awhile as I was a huge fan of the Mistborn series and his other works Elantris and Warbreaker. I’m also on a quest to read as much classic sci-fi as I can and just recently finished I, Robot by Isaac Asimov.

Emmanuel is the author of the Science Fiction, Space Opera Series: Foundra!

Foundra (Foundra Book 1)

The Huzien Empire has existed for 80 millennia and a powerful invisible force known as the enesmic permeates every aspect of the Twin Galaxy.

Neven is an engineer working for the pinnacle of scientific achievement known as the MinSci on the Huzien homeworld of Thae. His genius draws the attention of one of the immortal Founders and he finds himself drafted into the military as part of an elite group of special forces known as the Founder’s Elites. Not given much time to adjust, his team is called to investigate stories of otherworldly creatures attacking fringe colony worlds.

Soahc is the most powerful wielder of the enesmic in the Twin Galaxy, he’s also incredibly cocky. That is until he senses a powerful shifting in the enesmic that he can’t explain. Terrified that something is horribly wrong, Soahc leaves his comfortable planet and hitches a ride with Neven and the Founder’s Elites as they investigate the carnage on the fringes of the empire.

Neven, Soahc and their allies discover something ancient from another plane of existence. Something that exposes the fragility of their galactic empire as they fight to survive annihilation from enesmic beings.

Pride of Ashna (Foundra Book 2)

In the Outer Rim, a lawless region of space filled with violence, a young girl vows vengeance against the marauding pirate bands who brutally murdered her family.

After enlisting with the zealous matriarchal Ashna Maidens who attempt to police the Outer Rim, Serah’Elax quickly becomes a powerful weapon.

Meanwhile, a ruthless pirate band has taken over a cruise ship deep within Alliance space. They run into unexpected trouble when they encounter a few members of the highly trained force of military specialists known as the Founder’s Elites, who happened to be vacationing on the vessel. Disturbed by the boldness of the pirates, the Alliance tasks the rest of the Founder’s Elites with dealing a powerful blow to the marauders, who normally operate in the Outer Rim, once and for all. However, they quickly discover that things in the Outer Rim are not as expected.

The young warrior and Founder’s Elites must come together to face an extradimensional threat left over from the Rift War that seeks to turn the last bastion of safety in the Outer Rim into something that could threaten the entire Twin Galaxies. Will the new allies have the cunning necessary to defeat this insidious threat or will it tear the Ashna Maidens apart from the inside?

Buy Your Copies Here!

I am excited to have been able to interview Emmanuel M. Arriaga, author of the Foundra series.

An Interview with The Brummet Media Group!

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Nina Soden

Lillian and her husband Dave are the team behind Brummet Media Group, high-fiving cheerfully as they pass each other on the way from checking off one item or other from their long to-do list.

Their business includes Dave’s music studio and percussion accessory products and graphic design work as well as numerous award-winning non-fiction books and popular blogs. Today we help them celebrate their latest book release – From One Small Garden, offering over 300 delicious, nutritious recipes!

Obviously, we know you are an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation?

Here at Brummet Media Group Dave and I wear many hats. Dave is a drum teacher, hosting workshops and private lessons in the Angle Hill Studio located in the lower half of our home. He also designs drum and percussion accessories (watch for our new online store later this year) and he offers drum repairs. When we have enough excess supplies he tours as many school music rooms as he can, volunteering his services to improve their percussion situations. Dave is also involved in a couple of small bands, one provides rock tunes for parties and the other provides background percussive music for smaller and quieter gatherings and events.

I assist Dave where I can in his endeavors and I manage our 2 blogs, deal with members of the media and manage our social media as well. I take care of appointments, greeting new students, cleaning common use areas before and after every appointment/meeting/jam. I am a passionate gardener and sell some of my excess seeds, plants and preserves (jams, jelly, syrup, dried herbs, relish, etc.) in the corner gift shop we set up in the studio or via online FB groups for local gardeners. I’m also a homemaker, managing almost all the household duties – Dave does his fair share of repairs, manly maintenance, walks the dogs, vehicle and appliance maintenance, all that kind of manly stuff. I used to be so much more energetic and once ran online talk radio shows, and did reviews professionally, but now-a-days I have slowed down to a pace I can easily manage.

What is your family like?

I have 2 older brothers who each bore 2 sons and I have one Aunt from my mothers’ side and her family. Larry is a business owner, installing kitchens in high-rise buildings in the Vancouver area (BC, Canada). My other brother works in pest management. My aunt is a retired nurse, actually she taught other nurses. They are all people I admire, for different reasons. Larry is very proactive and motivated about running a business and being a great father. Gary is the brain of the family, knows a lot of languages is constantly involved in some form of education and has travelled a great deal. My aunt was very accomplished in her career and I really admire how high she climbed, how professional she is, how supportive she has been in our lives. We all live very far apart and so FaceBook messaging and emails are pretty much our level of communications. I’m pretty hard to get ahold of by phone because I don’t answer it when I’m involved in something and I’m often involved in something. lol

If it doesn’t bother you, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?

My mother kept us fed and clothed, she hid our poverty from us – but it was a difficult upbringing. She married 4 times, but found happiness in her 4th marriage. All us kids were on our own too young, 14-16 years old, and we all have had to deal with various damage due to traumas we experienced in our youth. I think we’ve turned out ok though. 🙂

Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing?

I love to read – too much. That’s why my eyes are fading on me. ugh. Therefore, I’ve turned to audio books for the most part via YouTube mainly and have thoroughly enjoyed this variation of experiencing books.

I spend a lot of time gardening, preparing for garden season, dreaming about gardening and dealing with garden harvests. My dogs are the love of my life (besides my handsome hubby of course)… and kitty Korma too.

My favorite activity is simply being in the yard, or on the deck, listening to the world and watching the busy bees.

What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?

I suppose if I was to change anything about myself it would be my impatience with others and my impulsive desire to accomplish something constructive. It is hard for me to relax. In fact, relaxing is very hard work… unless it is a summer day and I have a cold drink in hand. I’d also erase the Anxiety Disorder I suffer from.

What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?

I had been encouraged by teachers, friends, family, but never took it seriously until 1999 when I started to look at writing as a real career that I could actually participate in. It took a lot of courage to submit work, at first, but over time I came to know what I could offer, where I shone, and focused on that.

What is your greatest fear?

The thought that my husband will die or become chronically ill is so terrifying. We both dealt with caregiving for our parents and watched them suffer. My mother committed suicide over her chronic illness and depression. I came to depend on my husband more and more as time passed – I can’t imagine life without him. I’ve had a few friends pass away recently, leaving the other spouse behind and it brought such dramatic changes to their lives – including selling their home and belongings and relocation. Yeah, that is my greatest fear.

Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it?

This question actually made me laugh out loud and now my dogs are looking at me like “What? Crazy lady!” I guess I interrupted their nap. They are being so good, letting me work on this without interruption. Yes, I have 3 bookshelves filled with books I have read more than once, some of them a dozen times. Tolkien’s series, of course… I’ve worn out several copies – they started to fall apart and so were replaced… a few times. Startide Rising, Ovum Factor, Troll Hunters… I’ve read these at least a half dozen times.

Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?

No. I never have chosen a book based on the cover, or by reveiws for that matter. I found most reviews are not unbiased, those seen online are often friends or family or paid reviewer services. That’s not to say there are not legitimate reader reviews out there – of course there are as we have pages and pages of reviews on our site showing this. However, even if a review is legit – it is only an opinion. Books, like art, are so very personal. I’ll give any book a chance as long as it is not romance, erotica, political, racist, is well written, and if it holds my attention beyond the first chapter then I’ll finish it.

What is your favorite film based on a book?

African Queen is my favorite movie -based on a book – Rat Race is my favorite comedy though. There’s a great book made into a movie staring John Travolta: Battlefield Earth. Also I loved the movie: Enemy Mine.

Let’s shift somewhat and talk about your latest book release and your writing process.

Tell us about your most recent book release.

Thank you for asking this. From One Small Garden – Over 300 Delicious Nutritious Recipes is loaded with interesting historical and nutritional information, this is more than just a recipe book – it is a way of treating yourself to the healthy delicious rewards of one small garden. It also encourages purchasing locally produced foods, visiting farmers markets, reduces food waste and helps people save money too.

Available @: AMAZON USA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T7YRHPN – OR AMAZON CANADA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08T7YRHPN

How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?

Dave is our book cover designer – he also creates our ads, audio, manages the website, comes up with imagery for our blogs and for the media, and for all our publicity from bookmarks and flyers to magazine photos.

The way Dave explains it: “The significance of the book is to guide others on how to cook some great food with fresh wholesome ingredients that you could potentially grow yourself or get from a local market or farm gate. I intentionally designed he cover to catch the eye of gardeners and portray the journey from harvest to plate. From One Small Garden’s cover was a process that evolved over the years. By the time the final title was decided on the concept of what we wanted to portray was clear – How to cook with fresh produce. If you look at the front cover closely, in the background is an image of our actual garden ghosted out with dishes of prepared food in the foreground – from the garden to plate in a sense. The back cover concept is similar but with images of our freshly harvested produce in place of the food dishes. All from one small garden – is what we have lived for the past 30+ years as a life style and a health choice and we know it saves a bunch of money while having you eat like royalty. “

Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?

I tend to listen to music that will not distract me – so no rock, no lyrics, nothing too sleepy either. Sometimes I’ll put on a fireplace track from YouTube or Netflix and just let that run in the background.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?

Towards Understanding came from the journey of moving past the trauma of a difficult childhood and learning my life could have value, that I could contribute something valuable in this world. Rhythm and Rhyme came from our experimentation with creating rhytmic poetry. Trash Talk came from the fact the series deals with helping people realize the value of their waste, and how to manage it and save a heck of a lot of money. Purple Snowflake Marketing came from the concept of making your business marketing efforts stand out like a purple snowflake in a snowstorm of others who have the same aim as you. And From One Small Garden was chosen for our collection of recipes because it is based on the harvests we have gotten from our garden space.

What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?

I think I use a little of both methods. I tend to rush out my ideas on paper and then organize it. I’ll think about choosing a writing style based on who I’ve determined the reader will likely be and then plot and plan where to go from there. I never write to the reader, talk above them, talk at them, lecture them… I try to come across as if we are visiting and just having a great conversation… but that takes knowing your audience.

Have you come across any specific challenges in writing or publishing?

The greatest challenges for me come from a slight dyslexia issue. I write sentences backwards, sometimes a bit Shakespearean, and I have trouble spelling words when I am in a hurry – I’ll write them how they sound. So I have to be very careful, slow down, re-read, read out loud and then have hubby proof what I’ve written. It takes longer, and can be frustrating as I can lose patience with myself… but it has not been a roadblock.

Are you a self-published/Indie author or did you publish through a traditional publishing company?

Both. Originally, back in early 2000, we went with traditional publishers, then small publishers, and today we are self-published through Amazon. Authors have to be flexible in this ever-changing career. They also need to be proactive in learning their craft and the business activities it involves. It isn’t always advisable to go out pn your own as a new author, having a publisher that walks you through the process is beneficial. However now that we have been in the world of writing for 22 years, and have worked as members of the media as well, we feel we have a good handle on the situation and can manage our work ourselves.

What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?

My eldest brother (Larry Towne) gave me great business advice when we were first starting out, and in one of our conversations he said something along the lines of: “figure out how you can stand out like a purple snowflake in a snowstorm of others who are trying to reach the same goals as you are”. Perhaps my approximation of what he said is not an exact quote, but it was the best advice I ever heard. The best marketing plans will include the answers to: What makes you different, special, worth listening to, worthy of their time, and how can you become memorable to them? Anyway, that advice led to the title of our Purple Snowflake Marketing writer’s advice book. It is in fact a compilation of all the business and media experiences, all the best information we gleaned from numerous courses, conversations, interviews and individual research for over 2.5 decades… all in one book. While the last release was back in 2012, it is still relevant today – in fact it is the guide I follow for every new book, service or product we release.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start writing?

Never make anyone work for anything. Know what the next stage is, what you need to prepare, have it ready before going on to the next step. Have everything you do link back to your blog, website, social media, etc. Treat your writing as a business, keep books for the taxes and learn about the various write-offs you may be able to take advantage of.

Where can your readers follow you? Please list links to any applicable websites and/or social media accounts.

Visit the Brummets via any of the following links:

Guest Post – Author interview with Brenna Harlow!

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Nina Soden

Brenna Harlow (if that’s even her real name) lives happily in her own fantasy land, drinking way too much coffee and reading an endless amount of smutty paranormal romance. She joined the land of the living only to share her love for the creatures of the night, and henceforth has claimed her throne at the Kingdom of Vampires and Fated Mates.

You can find Brenna in any coffee shop that provides free Wi-Fi, drinking her triple shot espresso and stabbing her keyboard to death.

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Where were you born/grew up at?

Born and raised in Northern Georgia, on the cusp of Alabama and Tennessee. I’ve lived in North Carolina briefly, but otherwise I’ve stayed close to my roots. Would I love to move to the snowy mountains of Colorado? Yes. But could I manage being that far away from my family? Eh, probably not.

What do you do to unwind and relax?

I read, and read, and read. Or I’ll fill the tub up and soak in a hot bath. If my kiddo is at her grandparents, I’ll stay in until the bath water gets cold and then fill it back up again. Something about the hot water calms my nerves, and it’s easy to immerse myself into my books.

How to find time to write as a parent?

Simple, write while she plays, eats, and sleeps. Haha. We take walks, and go outside. I read her bedtime stories at night, and watch Disney movies with her. She knows when Mommy is working she has to go and play with her millions of toys inside of her bedroom.

What inspired you to write this book?

I would say that reading a million books with tropes that I loved inspired me to write one of my own. Also, vampires have always and will always be my favorite creatures of the night. I cannot help it. It’s ingrained in my soul. I grew up on Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, The Vampire Academy, True Blood… I may or may not enjoy blood and biting tropes LOL.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I have the next two years pretty much outlined. So this year, I will be releasing the first FIVE books in The SoulBlood Series, one surprise novella that links to The SoulBlood Series, and one super secret anthology project. I’ll be releasing a demon romance standalone in 2022, and finishing off the SoulBlood Series (seven books total). We’ll see what happens after that. 🙂

What book do you think everyone should read?

I always, always recommend anything by Ruby Dixon. If you are new to her, please go pick up Ice Planet Barbarians. It’s the start to my ALL TIME favorite series! If you aren’t into sci-fi romance, you can try out her Fireblood Dragon series!

How long have you been writing?

I, like many others, have been writing since childhood. I think it all started when I was in middle school, and I became obsessed with the now-famous Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I wrote my first original story, about fated mates and high school romance, around that time. I started taking writing seriously in 2019, when I started writing on Wattpad for practice and found out that my writing was actually not that bad and something other people might enjoy.

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

Um, yes! Of course I read, how in the world would I get better at my craft otherwise? My go-to tropes are fated mates, captive romance, protective/possessive alpha males, anything with vampires, blood bonds, yadda yadda. I’m a hardcore romance reader and writer, through and through.

Do you have a favorite movie?

I don’t have a single favorite movie, but I have a favorite genre/sub-genre of movies. Any guesses? Haha, I love horror. Way over the top love, lowkey obsessive. If I don’t indulge in at least one horror flick a week, then something is wrong. My favorite sub-genre of horror is creature films, whether that be zombies (my all-time fav) or aliens, vampires, werewolves, etc.

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

As a person, my spirit animal is most certainly a raccoon. Funny story, I actually rescued and rehabilitated one as a teenager. They’re kind and very similar to a cat, though a little less domesticated. But as an author who writes about vampires, I’ll go with a bat as my spirit animal. Anything that sucks a little blood and only comes out during the night totally fits my aesthetic.

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

I do a ton of market research before writing. I’ll pick up a few top sellers and read them, analyze the tropes, and find out what makes readers gravitate towards that particular book. I’m an avid reader, so my market research is normally just my leisure reads. Before I begin plotting, I outline my characters like crazy. If they are professional NASA scientists, then you best believe my search history is all about what the heck a scientist at NASA does. Most of my plot is all about romance, suspense, and horror/tension. I don’t need to do much research on that, but places, environment, weather conditions… Yeah, authors do a ton of learning with each new project.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely. Writing good books is a profession. I am constantly learning new things about the craft and the business side of this career, but it has never been ‘just a hobby’ for me. (Okay, maybe when I was a kid it was a hobby, but not anymore.)

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?

I prefer to write listening to sounds. I have a playlist that I listen to on Spotify called ‘Lofi Beats for Ghosts’ and it has single-handedly gotten me through almost every draft I have ever written. When I go in to revise and do line edits, I normally turn on my WIP playlist. Current band obsessions are Haley Henderickx, Big Thief, Modest Mouse, Fleet Foxes, Grouper, and a ton of other indie rock/folk tunes.

Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?

I’ve found that I work best when focusing on one book at a time. I normally section out blocks of the month and devote those days/weeks to my WIP. Same goes with revising, if I’m editing one book, I find it difficult to be drafting another. I’m just weird like that.

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?

I’ll most certainly get tons of shade for this, but if I could take Stephanie Meyer’s place and write Twilight the way it should have been written, i’d do it in a heartbeat. Or maybe Rachelle Mead… Her Vampire Academy series gave me life while I was in middle school. Props to her!

Tell us about a favorite character from a book.

So when I was in my late teens, I read a book called Stray by Rachel Vincent. It’s a steamy paranormal romance about werecat shifters, and the FMC Faythe Sanders gave me so much life. She’s strong, knows what she wants (kinda), and kicks ass. It’s so hard to pick a single favorite character from all of the amazing books I’ve read, but she is high on my list.

A day in the life of the author?

*Opens front door* Hello, and welcome to a day in my life. *Gestures wildly to the debris of toys that cover the living room, put there by one tornado of a toddler.*

In this home, we drink coffee non-stop. Here, have an espresso. *Shoves cup of triple shot into your hands* Let’s get on with the tour! Oh, don’t mind my messy bun and leggings, I always look like this.

Here is where you’ll find my computer, which currently has sixteen tabs open, most of which serve as a distraction from the writing I need to be doing. Never mind all that, hows your coffee? *Child screams in the background*

You get the gist.

Advice they would give new authors?

Just don’t stop, and do not get caught up in all of the marketing advice that can easily consume all of your time- time that would be better spent just writing the damn book. Write, and write more, and for the love of all things holy, please do not create your own cover. Yes, you need an editor. Yes, you need a marketing plan- but only once you have the book! Or multiples, if you want to try your hand at rapid releasing. Do NOT get caught up in all of the marketing tactics like I did. Yes, you need to know them. However, you don’t need to know them all in the first month. Slow down.

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!

Witchy, Moody, Anxious, and Nerdy.

Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?

Why yes, I’m glad you asked! Sometime at the end of the year, I have plans for a novella featuring my two main characters for book one. 😉 I’ll leave it up to the imagination on what exactly it’s about, but here’s a clue. “Happily Ever After can be rounded, by two.”

Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in (Name of book)?

Of course! Book one, Blood at Dusk, follows the life of a woman named Kora and a Vampire named Aldeon. Their paths cross, of course. (It wouldn’t be a love story without that, haha). Kora was a Senior at Nashville State Community College before the end of the world came. She was a vegan, bookworm, and partied with her sister on the weekends. Nowadays, she deals with a lot of anxiety and grief (as to be expected).

Aldeon is a vampire from the world know as Azure. He doesn’t remember how he, or his people, got to earth. His mind has cleared from the fog of bloodlust, but his species is still mad, tearing through the human and animal population on this new planet. He wants to help the, but when he meets his fated mate- a human, he has to choose. Save her, or stay true to his kind.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

My most favorite thing about writing this book was sharing my struggles with a select group of writing friends. They have grown into an amazing community who lends a helping hand to all those who need it. Without them listening to my endless rants, I don’t know what I would do. I especially wouldn’t have been able to get this book written without my amazing friend and critique partner, Winter. I owe this all to her.

How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?

The concept for this series was a combination of reading a dragon series that I loved (the male main characters inspired my dhampirs’ protective/possessive/alpha nature) and a dream. Daydream might even be a better world. For a whole month, I would lie in bed and visualize the scenes, and then the next day I would write them. It really was a beautiful process.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Psh, I already have. I wrote this book in a month, and then rewrote it completely a few months later, and then sent it through betas and rewrote pieces of it again, and then changed things one more time before my editor got ahold of it. It’s as good as I can make it at this point.

If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

Kora would most certainly be Emilia Clarke, and Aldeon would probably be… Hm, maybe Joseph Morgan with long black hair. *shrugs* Aldeon is a hard character to cast.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Yes, for sure. My books are not meant for young readers, and there are very mature themes involved. Also, I hear a lot of smack about ‘weak’ heroines. Let me be clear, my characters may seem weak in the beginning (I mean they’ve survived an apocalypse, I feel like they deserve a little credit for that already) but each and every one of them turn their weaknesses into strengths by the end of the book. This is called a character arc and for me, it’s important.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?

Haha, all of the steamy scenes are my favorite. And anything with heightened emotion. The dream about Cece (my FMC’s dead sister) made me cry on my first reread, and then the scenes with Aldeon when he’s super sweet and loving towards Kora… ❤ Heart melts.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

I would say Aldeon, because he’s a hottie, but I feel like that betrays my sisterhood with Kora. I’m weird and totally think of her as a BFF. So, I’d choose to spend my day with her. Maybe we would go and scavenge a book store, or talk about all of the beauty in life. I think she would appreciate that conversation.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

They come from my imagination, though I feel like I may inject parts of my self into them at times. Like Kora enjoys books and is an animal lover. Those are totally quirks of mine. She’s also a little bit softer spoken, which is totally me. Aldeon is super protective, and overthinks sometimes. Also me.

Have you written any other books that are not published?

Yep! I’ve written 4(ish) that have never been published, and three novels that were published using my legal name. I’ve unpublished those books, and hope to one day rerelease them under this pen name. 🙂

If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?

Blood orange, or maybe strawberry lemonade. Or forest scented, mixed with a tinge of vanilla.

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Nitro Cold Brew from Starbucks. And I need to have a candle lit before I begin writing. Don’t ask me why, I just do.

What is your writing process? For instance, do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first? What are common traps for aspiring writers?

I do a basic outline. I like to know what ‘beats’ I need to hit, and I know how the story starts and ends. Those points never change while I draft, but before each chapter, I do a summary. Things change while I write, but I roll with it. I’m not sure what I would do without a simple outline.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

It takes me a month on average to write my first draft. Most of my drafts tend to be around 45-50k. After that, I’ll decide how much needs to be rewritten and then focus on that for another month. At that point, the manuscript is normally clean enough that I can manage a couple of weeks of self edits before sending it to my editor. From the first line to hitting publish, it normally takes 2-3 months. (That is for a full length novel.)

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about Brenna Harlow, author of Blood At Dusk.

Tell Me You Love Me by Kathleen Stone #giveaway

Posted on April 20, 2021 by Nina Soden

Kathleen has been a freelance writer since 1999 and now writes full time. Her work has appeared in Doll World Magazine, Apolloslyre.com, The Lake County Journals, Trails.com; USA Today (travel), Livestrong.com (lifestyle), Essortment, eHow, Answerbag, Examiner.com, Suite101 and YahooVoices. She is the author of the award-winning novel Whispers On A String, the Head Case Rock Novel Series (Head Case, Whiplash and Haven) and Tell Me You Love Me. She also has short stories published in the Secrets: Fact or Fiction I & II anthologies.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Tell Me You Love Me by Kathleen Stone ~ Genre: Contemporary Fiction

What would you sacrifice to protect someone you love?

In 1965 April Toulane’s life is turned upside down on her fifth birthday when her mother marries a man she’s known for only two weeks. The life she’d known is forever changed with the addition of a stepfather and a five-year-old stepbrother who terrorizes her on a daily basis. After a family tragedy the young siblings are thrust into the Hollywood spotlight, surrounded by people whose very foundation is based on secrets and lies. Struggling to grow up and find their way in a world where child stars are forever manipulated and exploited, the siblings form an unbreakable bond vowing to always protect each other when the adults entrusted to take care of them fail at every turn. “Tell Me You Love Me” is the story of April and Auggie Fairbanks, the most sought after faces in show business throughout the sixties and seventies, maneuvering their way through the lies and corruption to learn the truth about their parents and searching for the love and acceptance they so desperately crave.

Goodreads * Amazon

Would you like a chance to win a swag pack? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about Tell Me You Love Me by Kathleen Stone.

Darkness Made by Charlotte E. Pool #giveaway

Posted on April 19, 2021 by Nina Soden

Charlotte Pool lives in Virginia with her husband, two daughters, and three pit bulls. She is a Cardiac Surgery ICU nurse and is currently pursuing her graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Despite her impressive education and professional experience, she wants nothing more than to make s*** up for a living. Hopefully this book will be the start of a new adventure.

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Darkness Made (The Marked Trilogy Book 1) by Charlotte E. Pool ~ Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, SciFi

To become what she was made for, she must lose everything

*Urban fantasy meets paranormal romance meets science fiction in this nail-biting, heart-racing story of loss, love, revenge, and the darkness that lives within us all.*

The town of Landow, Virginia, is a tiny, quiet, suburban sort of place where nothing ever happens, and no one ever seems to leave.

Eighteen-year-old Bexley Rose is quietly resigned to her ordinary life in this infuriatingly quaint town. Aside from the car accident thirteen years ago that killed her father, nothing interesting has ever happened to her.

Enter Asher, a curious newcomer who disturbs the daily monotony of Landow, sparking whispers and rumors among the locals. A peculiar magnetism draws them together. As she spends more time with him, the list of unanswered questions about his past grows, and with it, Bexley’s unease.

But when one of Bexley’s classmates is found dead in a hotel, Bexley finally learns what Asher is doing in Landow. He isn’t human, and soon Bexley won’t be either. Asher’s people have lived in secret alongside mankind for millennia, governed by an international organization known as The Council, and now Bexley is part of their underground world. As the body count in Landow grows, Bexley demands answers. And when she gets them, she finds herself at the center of an age-old prophecy and an emerging war between species.

Goodreads * Amazon

Would you like a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card or a signed copy of Darkness Made? Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

Meet my manuscript! Ten things to know about this beauty!

by Charlotte E. Pool

1) urban fantasy thriller with elements of paranormal romance and a dash of science fiction.

2) this is a kissing book but it is not primarily a romance.

3) dark themes, blood, gore.

4) it is the first in a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. It does NOT stand alone. The second book is in the works.

5) it is written from multiple POVs. Think: Dan Brown. It’s meant to keep you guessing and on your toes. And it all comes together in the end.

6) the sci Fi element is reminiscent of the da Vinci code. Heavy and fascinating. Fiction woven into nonfiction. Lots of research went into this book. Lots of true stories/myths/legends based in real history.

7) if you like slow burn romance and banter this may not be for you. If you like sex and suspense and a little bit of fantasy and magical realism…not to mention some truly “love to hate” characters, then this book is what you’re looking for.

8) it is a vampire book, but not one like you’ve read before.

9) there is a LOT of backstory…duh these characters are hundreds of years old…but you’ll have to wait for the second book for most of it…it will get into WWII era Europe and some wicked betrayal.

10) so think…Vampire Diaries meets The Da Vinci Code meets historical fiction meets Ocean’s 11….yeah…kinda like that!

I am happy to be one of many tour hosts sharing information about Darkness Made by Charlotte E. Pool.

Laurelle Lewis ~ Author Interview

Posted on April 17, 2021 by Nina Soden

Today, I would like to welcome Laurelle Lewis, author of The Boy Next Door and Tragic Flower, as my guest.

What is your name and do you write under a pen name? My name is Laurelle Lewis and I write several different genres under my own name.

Where do you call home? I live in a small country town in New South Wales, Australia.

Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing? I am currently studying a diploma of screen and media specialist make-up, which appeals to my creative side-as I love to draw and paint and create- something I hope to get better at in the future so I can illustrate my own books.

What is your greatest dream? To have a happy and meaningful life- and to see that for my children- oh and to be a famous author too.

Who is your role model? I have lots of role models- my mum- she taught to care about others, be a kind person etc, Oprah Winfrey because she is just amazing with what she has achieved in her lifetime and I also really appreciate the wise words of people like Richard Rohr and Echart Tole.

What is your greatest fear? I hate flying-but I do it when I have too.

Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? There is nothing like holding a beautifully bound book in your hands, but I do love the convenience of E-books, and I only just got into listening to audio-books last year- I absolutely love them. I enjoy drawing while listening to them- I’m currently listening to The Grapes of Wrath.

What is your favorite book genre at the moment? My favorite genre at the moment is paranormal romance- I think it just gives a little edge to romances.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? My latest book is called Tragic Flower (it’s a short story) and it’s about breaking free from the past.

When Fleur meets the strange and exciting Jeffrey-the new kid in town- something tells Fleur she should stay away from him. Before she knows it, she is drawn into his world, but what tragic secret is he hiding?

Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? I like listening to metal music for inspiration.

In your latest novel, who is the lead character and can you tell us a little about him/her? The main character is Fleur- a straight A student who meets the mysterious Jeffrey and her life turns upside down in a very short space of time. She is drawn into Jeffrey’s word, but she ultimately learns an important life lesson by the end of the story.

Are you a self-published/Indie author or did you publish through a traditional publishing company? I am self- published. I enjoy the creative control have over my projects- but I would like to get a traditional publishing contract one day!

If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? As above-more creative control.

What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing?
Just start! Write everyday if you can and treat it like a job!

COMING SOON: THE BOY NEXT DOOR

THE BOY NEXT DOOR is a short horror story. It’s about a girl named Violet, who lives with her mentally unstable father- he’s never been the same since her mother died in childbirth- and when she who gets a new neighbor and she soon realizes he is hiding something disturbing…and it will turn her whole world upside down.

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Carlyle Labuschagne ~ Author Interview

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Nina Soden

Carlyle is a South African USA Today Bestselling, award-winning, and international bestselling author with a flair for mixing genres and adding loads of drama to every story she creates!