Sharing space with two authors I admire on Amazon.it. Life is awesome!
Books
Love is Love. Nothing Else Matters
A friend of mine, C.R.S., just posted a comment about my Ginecean Chronicles on Facebook and I must share.
“It’s day two of hearings in the Supreme Court regarding the equality of marriage for same sex couples and everyone is changing their profile picture to show support… A thought came to mind… how about if, in an alternate universe, it was it the other way around? What if in an alternate universe there were only same sex couples and heterosexual couples were “discriminated against by society and the Law”? Well…my friend Monica La Porta covers this topic in her “Ginecean Chronicles”…”
Julia Hughes
Today, I have a special guest on my blog, author Julia Hughes. She just released a YA fantasy novel, The Griffin Cryer, which I recently read and highly recommend. One of the many five stars reviews this novel has already received says: “Among the vast sea of titles labeled for young adult readers, The Griffin Cryer is a gem worth discovering. Julia Hughes’s novel is a fresh take on griffins’ folklore, and her fifteen years old heroine, redhead Frankie Shaunessy, is fierce and full of life. The story flawlessly intertwines the expected drama of a teenager in high school with the unexpected factor of parallel universes temporarily opening into ours. By calling her dog, Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his Rider. What happens next is a ride full of action that will make you laugh and cry along the way. I couldn’t put the book down. For young adults and adults young at heart.”
Now, let’s read Julia’s answers to my eight questions.
When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
An Explorer! I wanted to find lost pyramids, discover the resting place of the Titanic, and be the first woman on the moon.
The first book you read was…?
I’m pretty certain my first ‘read alone’ was “One Rainy Night” written and illustrated by Pelagie Doane. It’s about a little girl who couldn’t resist the gentle patter of rain falling, and slipped out of her bedroom in her nightgown to explore the dark and rainy night.
You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
My English teacher kept embarrassing me by reading out my work to the class. It wasn’t until recently that I had time to write a full blown novel, then I discovered just how much I still had to learn!
As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
In fiction: Thrillers – I’m also a proud beta reader for Stephen Spencer, an indie writer whose Paul Mallory Adventures are in my opinion amongst the best. Non fiction: I’m currently reading Bill Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything.”
No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
LOL my last kindle read was “Linda of the Night” an excellent fairy tale, and I’m not hiding anything!
You write…?
With more passion than expertise – There are three Celtic Cousins’ Adventures – “A Raucous Time“; “A Ripple in Time” (check out the beautiful artwork on this one’s cover!) and “An Explosive Time“. “The Bridle Path” is my romance, I was enormously pleased when someone commented it read like an old fashioned Mills & Boon but with an edge!
Finally, “The Griffin Cryer” is my latest title, written for the YA audience, but suitable for anyone who’s ever dreamed of riding on the back of a griffin.
The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
Any! Seriously, I cherish each and every positive review – from the one liners “enjoyed this book!” to the most amazing readers who really make a connection and want to express more fully what they took from the story.
What’s next…?
“The Griffin Cryer” is to be published as a paperback, and should be available at all good bookshops, as well as your favourite online stores round about the 20th March. To celebrate, a free promotional run of “The Griffin Cryer” in ebook format is planned for 26th – 30th March. I hope your readers will grab a copy for their kindles – there’s also a free contest to win a signed paperback copy of “The Griffin Cryer” and entry couldn’t be simpler. Anyone leaving a comment on this post at your site will be entered automatically, or your readers can enter by ‘liking’ and leaving a comment on the Griffin Riders’ facebook page. Tweeters can follow and retweet Griffin Riders on Twitter for extra entries. In addition to the first prize, there’s also runners’ up prizes up for grabs – including all three “Celtic Cousins’ Adventures” in ebook format, and some very special prizes donated by the griffins of Ella-Earth.
Julia’s website: Julia Hughes
Tweet to @Tinksaid
“The Griffin Cryer” is free from 26th March – 30th March – why not download a sample on your kindle now so you’re ready to roll with Frankie and friends!
Behind the fictitious world of Ginecea, the real Earth
Several decades ago, there was this girl who hoped she was a boy. Not because she didn’t like being a girl, but because she had been taught boys could do everything they wanted in life. It deeply angered her, but she didn’t think she could do anything about it. And so she grew, ugly duckling she was, with a black and white sense of right and wrong. She couldn’t stomach the injustices dealt on daily basis on the weaker links. She knew first hand.
The girl became a woman and had kids, a girl and a boy. She raised them to believe they could reach the moon and beyond if they wanted. Then, one day, she woke from a long, fuzzy dream and realized she could too travel to the end of the universe and back if she only dared. So she started writing. The first attempts were laudable, but lacked in fire. She needed to dig inside her soul to find the spark to ignite others’ minds. The answer was there, before her eyes. Kids were being bullied nowadays not because of belonging to the wrong, lesser gender, but because their affections were seen as sinful. Kids her children’s age lost the will to live in a society that wouldn’t accept them. Some of her dormant anger woke. She knew that society rules change and what is accepted now wasn’t a century ago.
What if, she thought, our world had evolved in a different way?
While listening to a woman standup comedian talking about the imminent demise of men due to the possibility of cloning oneself, several questions formed in her mind. What if our Earth was ruled by a matriarchal society? What if heterosexual love was considered a perversion? Who decides what’s right and wrong then? What happens to life as we know it?
Ginecea, the land of the women, was born that day. And with it the people inhabiting it with their hopes and dreams, strengths and flaws. Mauricio, the slave, and Rosie, the President’s daughter. Pax, the young, wealthy socialite, and Prince, a man who despite his name can’t decide of his own life. Couples who met by mistake and couldn’t help to fall in love. Men and women who have to fight to obtain the most basic right: the freedom to live their lives. But society is a behemoth whose power is gained and maintained by herding people, making them believe there is only one way to live. You are either in or out.
Thankfully, there’s always someone who thinks fighting for human rights is important. Or so the girl who turned to be a woman who went on writing believes. Even when the wrongs are made up.
Behind the Scenes of Angela Roquet’s Covers
I’m always impressed by the amount of work that goes into creating a successful cover. Angela Roquet is here today to talk about the making of her covers. For a chance to win her urban fantasy novel Graveyard Shift enter the great Indie Giveaway.
I still have a day job as a graphic designer, so that experience came in handy when I designed my covers. Of course, the covers I usually design are for real estate guide books. I used photoshop for all of them, and I decided from the beginning that I wanted to use really vibrant, bright colors to draw the eye. The first cover is green, and the image is one that I drew by hand and scanned in. It’s a picture of Lana, my main character, from the backside, holding her scythe over her shoulder. I sharpened the image in photoshop and injected some color. Then I used a few fun yet legible fonts to add the title and my name. I used 
some beveling and shadowing features to enhance the text. I used a more basic font for the cover blurb and subtext. The cover for book two is purple. I took a photo of a boot and applied some artist brush effects to make it look more like a cartoon, and I used the same special brush tool to add the red blood splotches that I used on the scythe for the first book cover. I threw a few daisies in the background to tie-in with the title. The third book cover is a sky blue. I used the silhouette of a crow and added the red blood splotches again. I really like how it turned out. I think keeping it bold and simple is key when it comes to covers.
About Angela
Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet is a great big weirdo. She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. She no longer collects paperback books, because she can’t fit any more in her office, however she does collect ebooks. She has an unhealthy obsession with television shows created by Joss Whedon and fantasizes about him directing television or film versions of her novels. Angela’s favorite book/movie is The Wizard of Oz. She likes a little coffee in her cream, and her favorite food is sushi, even though it’s takes her FOREVER to make. Angela is a peace loving, tree hugging hippy who tries to buy organic and local as often as possible. She’s a fan of renewable energy sources, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone, she’s a fan of you, too. Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she’s not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows. You can find Angela online at http://www.angelaroquet.com
Angela’s first two novels GRAVEYARD SHIFT & POCKET FULL OF POSIES are now available in select stores and on Amazon.com in print and for the Kindle!
http://www.angelaroquet.com
http://www.facebook.com/adroquet
http://www.twitter.com/angelaroquet
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Roquet/e/B0030CVZ72
http://www.goodreads.com/AngelaRoquet
http://www.youtube.com/angelaroquet
Clare Davidson
Clare Davidson is a delightful British author I had the pleasure to meet on the tweetverse. She introduced me to the wonderful world of Friday Snippets, and so I find it rather fitting her interview is out today. She is also the mind behind this great Indie Giveaway I’m proud to be part of. Her fantasy novel, Trinity, is filled with mystery, creativity, great characters, setting, and suspense. It could be yours by entering the Indie Giveaway.
When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
A teacher. A show jumper. A teacher. A yard manager. A teacher… can you see a theme here? Now I’m an adult and I AM a teacher, all I want to be is a writer 😉
The first book you read was…?
I honestly can’t remember. Probably one of the Peter and Jane primary school reading books. My Mum frequently tells me that I’d struggle through Peter and Jane and then sit and read comics fluently. The first book that I remember reading and having a strong impact on me is The Book of Three, by Lloyd Alexander. Although come to think of it, Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat probably came first! Both lovely books for very different reasons.
You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
When I got high marks in creative writing during my GCSEs. Although in hindsight, I’m not sure how much of that depends on true creative flair, rather than jumping through curriculum hoops.
As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
I should say fantasy, as that’s mainly what I write, but my reading tastes are actually very eclectic. I’ll happily read most things, as long as the blurb catches my interest, I enjoy the writing style and get on with the main character.
No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
I don’t think I’m hiding any dubious titles in my kindle! I have quite a bit of YA fiction in there, including Rick Riordan and Anthony Horrowitz. I’d have been embarrassed to admit to either of those in the staff room in my old job, where all the English teachers used to read quite high brow stuff or popular literary fiction.
You write…?
Fantasy, mainly, although I’m dabbling in some science fiction as well. I’ll broaden that 
out–I write speculative fiction 🙂
The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
That people enjoyed it at all. Maybe that’s a little trite! I love it when people specifically say that they enjoyed the world and characters I created. I’m especially pleased to hear/read praise about the magic in Trinity. I spent a lot of time agonising over how it was all going to work.
What’s next…?
An urban fantasy novel, titled Reaper’s Rhythm. I’m not sure when it will be out, as it’s in my editor’s hands at the moment, but stand by for more information when I have it! Reaper’s Rhythm is the first of a series and I’m already working on the second book. It’s quite different to Trinity and also darker in tone, but still aimed at a young adult audience, albeit the older end of the range.
Thanks for having me over, Monica 🙂
My pleasure, Clare!
About Clare:
Clare Davidson is a character driven fantasy writer, teacher and mother, from the UK. Clare was born in Northampton and lived in Malaysia for four and a half years as a child, before returning to the UK to settle in Leeds with her family. Whilst attending Lancaster University, Clare met her future husband and never left. They now share their lives with their young daughter and a cranky grey cat and an insane white kitten. Clare juggles family life with writing, teaching and a variety of fiber craft hobbies.
Where to find Clare:
https://www.facebook.com/ClareMDavidson
Ruth Ellen Parlour
I’m pleased Ruth stopped by to answer my 8 questions. She is one of my Friday Snippet’s partners in crime and the author of the fantasy novel Earth Angel. Epic, entertaining, and fast-paced read, Earth Angel could be yours. Just enter the Indie Giveaway.
When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
A few different things. I wanted to live on a farm so I could have lots of animals. But I’ve also always wanted to be a writer.
- The first book you read was…?
No idea what the very first book was. Possibly the very hungry caterpillar. I was very fond of a book called My Zoo and The Big Blue Balloon.
- You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
I used to write stories about horses going on adventures with a typewriter when I was about 8 years old and make my own illustrations. I’ve always loved to write whether I was good at it or not!
- As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
I love fantasy and always have. I don’t mind reading other genres if the story is good. I’m a fan of strong characters
- No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
I have my own book on my Kindle. Nothing unsavoury though.
- You write…?
I write fantasy mainly but recently I’ve written two sci-fi short stories. I love writing about flawed heroes and strong women. I like my characters to change and develop through the story.
- The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
I love when people ‘get’ my characters and when they say how much they loved them, and want to know more about them. Mostly I just love it when people enjoy my stories.
- What’s next…?
Well, I’ve just now entered one of my shorts in a competition. I’m going to try and enter another competition but need to chop 1,000 words of my story to fit into the parameters of the competition! I’m writing some short stories based in the world of Earth Angel and eventually, I’ll get back to work on my new novel waiting in the wings.
Thanks again for having me!
About Earth Angel
Eardesha is protected by the twelve Gods and their Earth Angels. Fighting against her destiny as an Earth Angel, Faith is returning to the temple for her lover who she had to leave behind. Gabrielle, a criminal, escapes from prison only to be guided back by the God’s to help Faith stop a war. Threatened by invasion from the Krieger, Eardesha’s military trains convicted criminals into a brutal and disposable army. Gabrielle and Faith discover a power the Gods have kept secret for thousands of years, a secret that would change the future of Eardesha, and use it to stop the war.
About Ruth
Ruth is an independent author of young adult fantasy. She is in training to be a crazy bunny lady, currently owning one chubby lop called Bandit.
Blog
Twitter
https://twitter.com/RuthEParlour
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ruthellenwrites
Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6466109.Ruth_Ellen_Parlour
Angela Roquet
Urban fantasy author Angela Roquet has stopped by my blog to answer a few questions. Her Graveyard Shift is a darkly comic and imaginative read. Enter the Indie Giveaway to win a copy.
- When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
I wanted to be an animation artist for Disney or Cartoon Network. I doodled little picture stories all the time.
- The first book you read was…?
The first book I remember reading was “The Cookie Monster and the Cookie Tree.” It was one of my favorites as a child. I still have it, although the spine is duct-taped together now.
- You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
When I was in grade school, a lot of my friends enjoyed my illustrated stories. In high school, an English teacher saw a script I was writing for an animated show and suggested that I write it as a novel instead. So I did, and I’ve never looked back.
- As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
I really enjoy a lot of different flavors of literature, but my favorite is Urban Fantasy. I can’t get enough of MaryJanice Davidson, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, Laurell K. Hamilton, and those like them.
- No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
Umm, I intentionally read books that raise eyebrows, so I can’t say that any of my books are hiding. I’d say that the book in my library that freaks people out the most is “The History of Hell.” My “Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc.” series is set in the afterlife, so that was a good research book.
- You write…?
Urban Fantasy. I have an overactive imagination and a scientific nature about me that enjoys making fiction as believable as possible.
- The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
Well, I did receive a great cover blurb from MaryJanice Davidson, my favorite best-seller. I’m pretty sure I will squee about that until my dying day. Other than that, I once received a constructive critique from a competition judge that was full of praise, which thrilled me to no end, especially considering the judge was anonymous. One of the things the judge suggested that really made me smile was that I should omit my disclosure page. The page insisted my writing was not meant to offend, that it was merely entertainment. The judge said that I should never apologize for my work. That really stuck with me, and I did omit it from later versions of the book.
- What’s next…?
Oh boy, so much! I’m working on book three of my Lana series, due out in April, and I hope to complete the fourth by the end of the year as well. I’m also working on a standalone YA novel, and I have another adult series in the works too. I can hardly keep up will my imagination, but I try.
About Angela
Urban Fantasy Author Angela Roquet is a great big weirdo. She collects Danger Girl comic books, owls, skulls, and random craft supplies. She no longer collects paperback books, because she can’t fit any more in her office, however she does collect ebooks. She has an unhealthy obsession with television shows created by Joss Whedon and fantasizes about him directing television or film versions of her novels. Angela’s favorite book/movie is The Wizard of Oz. She likes a little coffee in her cream, and her favorite food is sushi, even though it’s takes her FOREVER to make. Angela is a peace loving, tree hugging hippy who tries to buy organic and local as often as possible. She’s a fan of renewable energy sources, marriage equality, and religious tolerance. As long as whatever you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone, she’s a fan of you, too. Angela lives in Sedalia, Missouri with her husband and son. When she’s not swearing at the keyboard, she enjoys painting, goofing off with her family and friends, and reading books that raise eyebrows. You can find Angela online at http://www.angelaroquet.com
Angela’s first two novels GRAVEYARD SHIFT & POCKET FULL OF POSIES are now available in select stores and on Amazon.com in print and for the Kindle!
http://www.angelaroquet.com
http://www.facebook.com/adroquet
http://www.twitter.com/angelaroquet
http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Roquet/e/B0030CVZ72
http://www.goodreads.com/AngelaRoquet
www.youtube.com/angelaroquet
Jason T. Graves
Jason T. Graves
Today, I’m pleased to have on my blog author Jason T. Graves who playfully accepted to answer my eight questions. His Blood Roses is an original and intriguing take on vampire and biblical mythologies with multiple twists and turns. Enter the great Indie Giveaway for a chance to win a copy.
1. When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
Honestly? I wanted to be an astronaut… I always was a bit of a space case.
2. The first book you read was…?
I have no clear memory of this, but it was probably Go, Dog, Go by P.D. Eastman. I still love that book, although my kids keep stealing it from me. The first novel that I read was Melor, King Arthur’s Page by Catherine Owens Peare.
3. You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
I have written fiction for 35 years, but never finished anything beyond a few thousand words. Writing my Master’s Degree thesis in 2011 taught me the discipline to sit down and write a large body of work, and rewrite, and rewrite. It was shortly after graduation that I started working in earnest on my first novel, which I finished in 25 weeks and published in 2012. I am uncertain if I am “good” at writing, but it makes me happy and people enjoy reading what I scribble.
4. As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
I don’t have a favorite, although I favor science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction. I read pretty broadly—as time permits—in both fiction and non-fiction. A writer friend inadvertently introduced me to urban paranormal erotic romance, which was an eye-opening experience.
5. No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
The Daemon Whisperer by Candice Bundy. It’s a great read, so long as you’re not squeamish about blood and sex.
6. You write…?
Whenever I can, on whatever topic seizes me at the moment. I am a disordered writer in many ways. I’m quite certain I’d be a greater success at this endeavor if I could be more disciplined about writing a certain number of hours every day (and recognize that social media doesn’t count).
7. The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
“When is the sequel coming out?” is always a good one. It’s a nice vote of confidence that someone likes your stuff enough to spend more money on it. Also, having my work compared to well-known authors is thrilling, but it is a lot to live up to.
8. What’s next…?
The sequel to Blood Roses is Morning Stars, and it is scheduled for release in late summer 2013. If people like the first book, they’ll like Morning Stars even more. The plot is tighter, there are new people and places, and things just get weirder and more beautiful.
I am also working on a paranormal thriller/horror novel set in the forested mountains of North Carolina, a dark and gritty near future urban thriller/romance, and a children’s novelette. That should keep me busy this year, although I have fans clamoring for more about Gretchen Thyrd, the heroine of my On the Bridge novella. Having too many ideas is a tough problem to live with 😉
About Jason
I live in North Carolina with my family and a menagerie of small animals. When not spousing, parenting, and teaching, I listen to the voices in my head and write down what they say. I think that cheese is one of the top ten things ever created by humans.
Where to find Jason and his novels
http://jasontgraves.com Website
https://cleverfoilhat.blogspot.com Blog
https://www.facebook.com/Gravesbooks
https://twitter.com/JasonTGraves
https://goodreads.com/cleverfoilhat
Blood Roses on Amazon: http://goo.gl/YwkKA
On the Bridge on Amazon: http://goo.gl/Ww7jq
Elisa Nuckle
The sun shines over Seattle and its suburbia, birds sing on trees, and I’m pleased to start the week by interviewing Elisa Nuckle, the author of Dominant Race. For a chance to win her scifi novella about genetically altered humans, enter the Indie Giveaway. 
1. When you were a kid you wanted to be…?
A musician or a pro volleyball player. Then I started reading like crazy and started writing at around 11 and knew I didn’t want anything but that. Been actively pursuing a career as a fiction writer ever since.
2. The first book you read was…?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough one. The one I remember that had the most impact was Julie’s Wolf Pack by Jean Craighead-George. From there I started gobbling up chapter books really quickly.
3. You discovered you were quite good at writing when…?
I liked writing journal entries. When I was 11 I figured, hey, why not make a fanfic of this one anime I like? A year later I hand wrote, in bright pink gel-pen, 50 pages of a fantasy story involving shapeshifting lion-wolf-ish creatures from another world. Haha.
4. As a reader, your favorite genre is…?
Fantasy. As a writer, I’ve found myself leaning more towards science fiction, which surprised me at first. I still do both, but right now more scifi than fantasy.
5. No, really, what’s that title you’re hiding in your kindle…?
I admit I read some romance books I wouldn’t want to name because, well, the people I know would embarrass me about it to no end. Haha.
6. You write…?
Science fiction and fantasy. Sometimes they have heavy romance subplots, other times it’s pretty bleak.
7. The praise about your writing you like the most is…?
I think the fact that a reader once told me I could make them care while still making it an easy read was a good compliment.
8. What’s next…?
Dominant Race is the book available in this giveaway. Its sequel, New Fate, is almost 
finished. Then I plan on tacking the third and final book in the Modified Trilogy. Afterward, on to my fantasy series!
About Elisa
Elisa Nuckle is a twenty-something aspiring fantasy and science fiction novelist. It’s always been her dream to chase ideas down and put them into concrete words. Currently, she’s undergoing enlightenment at a community college in Houston, Texas, and plans on getting an English major in the hopefully-not-too-distant future.
Monica La Porta 