Guest Author Interview with Sharlene Almond, author of Initiated to Kill

Guest Interview with author 

of Initiated to Kill, Sharlene Almond

Available at...

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk

Two men from two different generations, both initiated into a powerful organization that throughout history has sought control and uses their power for destruction. They leave behind a wake of murder, manipulation and ancient secrets. 

The first man wreaks havoc in and around the Whitechapel district of London, England in the 19th century. While the other stalks his victims in the cosmopolitan city of Seville, Spain in the 21st century; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers—Jack the Ripper.

Guest Author Interview

1.      What inspired you to write?

As cliché as it sounds, writing is in my blood. At an early age, I’ve always enjoyed writing; however, I didn’t really have the inclination to write a full novel, not knowing where to start.

Years later, I finally got the chance to sit down and begin writing. Things really took shape when I set up a word excel/spreadsheet for my chapter outline, making it easier to piece together a novel that made sense. Now I can’t stop writing.

Both a hobby and hopefully one day a job, writing is something I’ve always, and will always love.

2.      What is something interesting about you not many people know?

I’m a bit of an exercise fanatic. Morning and evening workouts keeps the body and mind fresh, kick starts the writing process.

3.      What genre do you like to write in?

Thrillers will always be my number one preference. They’re my favourite to read and write about. With the historical aspect thrown in, which is something else I’ve found fascinating.

Books that is based on a lot of research, a strong plot and characters, and something a little different from mainstream novels.

4.      Have you ever encountered writer’s block? If so, how did you overcome it?

Fortunately, I haven’t encountered writer’s block. Just watching the news or reading history books immediately kick starts the writing process again.

5.      Summarise your novel.

Two men from different generations, both initiated into a powerful organisation that throughout history has sought control and uses their power for destruction. They leave behind a wake of murder, manipulation and ancient secrets.

The first man stalks women of the night in the Whitechapel district of London, England in the 19th century. While the other stalks his victims in the cosmopolitan city of Seville, Spain in the 21st century; knowing that only he could uncover the true motives of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers - Jack the Ripper.

Annabella Cordova quickly becomes embroiled in the conspiracy involving the university she studies at. When her roommate goes missing, it becomes very personal. Her past gradually unveils, as she is closer to this than she could have possibly imagined.
A childhood accident causing permanent deafness enables Annabella to use her other senses to read facial and body language; detecting lies in people, including suspects.

Andres Valero, the troubled detective, returns from forced leave, only to be faced with horrific crimes that brings his memories to the surface.

The novel continuously takes the reader back in time to the 19^th century; creating a psychological profile of the man that wanders the London streets, his paintings depicting crimes only seen by a killer’s eyes. And a boy that’s continuously tormented by his own sadistic tendencies.

With Annabella and Andres combined, they must stop this person at any cost, and reveal a conspiracy hidden for centuries.

6.      Tell me about your characters.

My first main character, Annabella Cordova is a deaf art student at Seville University. She has the extraordinary ability to read people’s expressions, and has the natural ability to tell when someone is lying.

Because of Annabella’s past, her injury and subsequent deafness, she alienates her from people. The art major she strives for allows her to connect to her dead mother, as her mother was passionate about art.

Annabella’s memories of her childhood, and her mother’s death continually haunt her, and the disappearance of her father, whom she keeps on remembering as being abusive.

As the novel develops, Annabella becomes embroiled into the case of the missing girls, quickly bringing memories to the surface that had long since been kept hidden.

The second main character is Andres Valero. Andres isn’t just your typical detective, as you read the novel, you will quickly discover the Andres’ past has lead him to this point. The case of the missing girl reminds him of a case that he longed to forget.

When he meets Annabella, he is skeptical on relying on her talent when she offers to watch interviews, and to tell them if suspects are lying. As the case evolves, he draws closer to Annabella, reluctant at the connection he feels.

Both character’s pasts link to what is happening now. Both a strength and a weakness, neither can be fully prepared for what is about to happen.

7.      Do you plan to write other books?

Absolutely. This book is the first in the series of Annabella Cordova. Because of what has happened to Annabella, the next book reveals a completely different side to her.

The first book she is quiet, naïve, somewhat fragile. But you will see a completely different Annabella. Hardened and determined. And instead of a University student, she is manipulated into joining a vigilante organisation; which has links to her father.

I have written three more. All based in different locations, part-historical and part-present; with either a myth or conspiracy theory that surrounds the case.

About the Author

I am an author that lives in Auckland, New Zealand. A couple of years ago I self-published two of my novels; but now have a publishing contract to re-publish my first novel.

I have a Diploma in Freelance Journalism, a Certificate in Editing and Proofreading, a Diploma in Criminology, a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, currently studying NLP; continuing on to study body language. I have finished my second novel located in Romania, based on the legend Dracula, and the first-ever female serial killer – Elizabeth Bathory. Travelling to the year 2016, where another person mimics her crimes, and a man uses an ancient legend to further hispurposes. Each book unveils another layer. The historical plot reveals why the present day’s events have occurred. The other subplots travel back in time to each of the main characters, and reveals how they have become who they are.

Each book reveals a little more about the main character, and answers questions left open in the previous books.

I have recently finished my fourth novel based on the bubonic plague, and the conspiracy theories that surround that event.

Blog: https://sharlenefreelancewriter.wordpress.com/

Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/Sharlene-Almond/e/B00K3ZK2ZA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SharleneAlmond

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharlenealmond.co.nz?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sharlenealmond/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6626652.Sharlene_Almond

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=272284909&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

Sharon x

Are you a book reviewer or book blogger? Join our book tours reviewers team - Apply Here x

    
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Author Interview with Kathryne Arnold, author of The Resurrection of Hannah and The Fear of Things To Come

Samantha Clark meets with a monthly group to delve into subjects of interest. They dabble in meditation, dream work, and hypnosis — just friends having fun. But lately Sammi is feeling off-kilter and plagued with poor sleep. Searching for a natural solution, she discovers a bitter herb known to induce slumber, whips up a concoction to sweeten the herb, and imbibes. Unbeknownst to her, these areas of experimentation are whirling together to form the perfect storm, one that will blow open an entrance in Sammi’s mind that leads to another world, a door that can never again be closed.

She becomes enmeshed with two friends in a tug of war between life and death: Melissa is dealing with a complicated pregnancy and Julie is wrestling with cancer. Adding to this turmoil is Sammi’s disconnect with her career as a psychotherapist; her life doesn’t seem to fit any longer. Into the drama walks Todd, a handsome, laid-back guy who lightens up her days. Trouble is, Sammi is having a hard time getting close, and a nagging sense of doubt and fear. Like so many times in the past

But the topper to all this is the dreams. They begin innocuously…but quickly morph into mind-blowing spiritual adventures. The crazy nocturnal activity appears to be related to a soulful character trying to make himself known. In a quest to uncover the truth, Sammi researches clues discovered during her nighttime romps. What she finds is another facet of herself…all wrapped up in post-colonial 18th-century clothes. Sammi flies off to New England, and with the aid of the Reverend Clark, her skeptical father, she embarks on an adventure, revealing a tragic, centuries-old mystery. One only Sammi can solve.

The DSM. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A voluminous, invaluable tool used by psychotherapists the world over to diagnose individuals with mental illness. Referenced by Samantha Clark countless times throughout her career, never suspecting that one day it would save her life.

Samantha receives a seemingly innocent but anonymous letter, and overnight her world changes forever. She becomes a victim in a frightening game of cat-and-mouse, a nightmare that begins when her boyfriend, Todd, fails to return to the wellness retreat they own in the woods of Florida. Working closely with police, Samantha and two trusted friends discover that Todd’s disappearance is linked to a series of murders occurring in a nearby county. They soon find themselves prey to a mentally ill patient from Samantha’s past, bent on revenge. With time bearing down, they must weave together the clues found in a succession of ominous letters and the DSM to save Todd. Their mission to unravel the mystery behind the kidnapping plunges them into a terrifying maze of danger, deception, and madness.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH KATHRYNE ARNOLD 

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR WRITING JOURNEY.

Throughout my school years, I dabbled in poetry and short stories, purely for personal self-expression. I experimented with a creative writing class in college, but never pursued my secret desire of a writing career, feeling the vocation was too self-indulgent, not sensible enough for my German blood. Over the next twenty years, I concentrated further on my work in counseling and social services, later becoming a licensed practitioner. Several years ago, due to a deep yearning to express my feelings in a more artistic manner, I literally sat down one day and began writing my first novel. The resultant book, The Resurrection of Hannah, (published in 2011) had been born out of a series of powerful dreams, along with compelling and coexisting experiences that inspired me to create a story that would capture the strength of my emotions. Once bitten by the writing bug, I could not help but pen my second work of fiction, The Fear of Things to Come, which was published in the summer of 2012. I am now in the process of writing another novel in what I consider a unique collection of adventure stories, the third in the Samantha Clark Mystery Series. I occasionally write thought-provoking, inspirational blogs, which are published on my website and other social media sites.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A WRITER?

That I can turn into myself and get in what is termed “the flow”- an emotional and creative space where time melts away. I become one with my writing space and the written word, hours fly by without a notice. I had a longing to shape a tale based around individuals in my life that I believed would make engaging characters. I had a strong desire to experience a higher level of creativity, to literally produce something out of nothing– a fascinating and challenging endeavour I could not ignore.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST ASPECT OF WRITING?

Finding a block of uninterrupted “me time”to engage in writing when I’m not mentally drained, or too physically tired. I work at a demanding full-time job, and being single means I have to take care of every other aspect of my life, leaving little energy left over for creative undertakings. I’ve been very fortunate in that I never experienced the dreaded “writers block”. I’ve been fleetingly stuck here and there, but mostly because something else was going on in my life that was taking precedence. But usually a good night’s sleep or some fun clears my fuzzy brain, and I can get right back into the work of writing.

HOW MUCH RESEARCH GOES INTO YOUR STORYLINE?

Quite a bit of research and study goes into formulating the plot/subplots, overall theme of the novel, character development and any historical elements that might be of importance. I want any subject or activity mentioned in my books to sound realistic, and that I am relatively knowledgeable about that which I write. For example, when writing about the incredible garden at the manse in Gableton (based on Gloucester) Massachusetts where the character Hannah lived, I researched extensively the flowers, greenery, trees, etc. that would have beenindigenous to the area back around 1785. It was then important that I describe every aspect of the garden in a convincing manner, and it was necessary to find pictures/drawings of everything that was to be in this garden in order to be as accurately descriptive as possible.

HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR STORYLINE?

I don’t really sit down much and plan a storyline. I have a rough draft in my head and start documenting a major theme, some characters, plot(s), point of view, etc. I use Microsoft Word and make files for characterization, research, short descriptions of chapters, etcas I’m developing them. I’m big into organization and prioritizing generally in life, so this goes also for reviewing and editing. With the initial writing, often I’m just sort of daydreaming about my book, questioning where it might go, or I sit around, clear my head, and think about difficulties with the writing that I want to hash out. I let ideas flow in and out and try not to censure myself too much, keeping my mind open to new thoughts and possibilities of where the book might go. I became aware along time ago that the writing is not following me, but I am following the writing. The story takes me where I need to go, the path it should naturally take. It’s exciting and fun to see where my mind and ideas lead me. Often this is when I write my best work and it usually makes sense to the story, and if for some reason I later discover that it doesn’t, I can just delete it!

WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU?

What inspired me to write my first book took place over many months after much curiosity with alternative health practices and treatment modalities, which I was always interested in, especially since I work in one of the healing professions as a mental health therapist and hypnotherapist. I met with a group of counselors and nurses that met monthly who had a collective interest in talking about and experimenting with a myriad of subjects, such as meditation, hypnosis, dream interpretation, reincarnation, and the like. Our lives were becoming more intertwined and closer because of our group meetings and the intimacy of some of the topics we discussed, so that played into the book as well.

Several of us were working at a hospice at the time, so we talked a lot about practices used there, such as reiki, aromatherapy, therapeutic touch. We talked often about our experiences at the hospice working with dying patients and their families. I personally had a lot of existential questions, such as the meaning of suffering, what was our purpose here on earth, what about an afterlife, those sorts of things. At the same time, I was also frequenting health food stores and started researching and using more herbs and supplements to help increase my energy level, improve my immune system and sleep, etc.

Well, all of these events and relationships seemed to come together at the same time in my life when all of a sudden I had my first overpowering, I guess you would call it a “dream” experience, which was way more than just a regular dream. It was very surreal, full of color, depth and texture, where I felt I was watching it at the same time I was experiencing it, what one would term an out-of-body experience. I couldn’t ignore what had occurred because of its impact and intensity. I didn’t know or understand what had happened, which sort of shocked me and pushed me into questioning even more about the “here and now”, alternative levels of existence, the way energy manifests itself, and so on. I truly believe, and always will, that I was blessed to have had several extraordinary dream events and know that they happened for a reason, primarily I think to wake me up, to move me along, to help me better reach my potential. So after all these events I mentioned occurred over a period of about 18 months, and upon the urgings of one of the group members to write a book, I just sat one day and began writing.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PUBLICATIONS/AWARDS IF ANY?

 I’m pretty new on the writing scene, so I haven’t won any awards, but I’m hoping to submit some of my work in the future when I have the time. I’ve written the sequel to The Resurrection of Hannah, which came out several months ago. I was pleasantly surprised when The Fear of Things to Come hit the Amazon Bestseller list during a giveaway; it was #16 out of the Top 100 free ebooks in all of the Suspense category. In December 2012, Chique Travel Books published the Chique Travel Anthology 2012, titled “The Beauty and Inspiration of Travel”. I’m proud to say that I was asked to be one of the co-authors for this delightful, uplifting book by a group of wonderful authors.

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT WRITING/PUBLISHING THAT YOU HAVE LEARNT?

Just how much work goes into both. I used to think that you wrote a book and zap, it was out there and people would just want to read it. It is infinitely more difficult than that. You have to really put your work out there, stand behind it, be open to marketing and publicizing your books. I used to be humble and shy talking about my book/blogs, but that doesn’t get you anywhere. People want to hear about your work, your life, how you write, how the heck you got published, etc. So even though I’m still a bit hesitant to talk so openly about my books, it has helped tremendously with public speaking and learning to use the internet to create buzz and exposure for your writing.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NEW WRITERS?

Follow your own voice, your own intuition and style. Develop your own method of putting words to paper, listen and pay attention to your inner callings. Don’t be swayed by others. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. This also holds true for editing, promotion, developing presentations, etc. Learn to really know yourself, and then to believe in yourself. It is obviously important to pay attention to experts in the field, and those that have you in their best interest. Be open, but cautious. Trust your instincts and follow what is important to you. Try not to be influenced too much by other writers that you admire, stay true to yourself. You will hear a hundred different ways you should do something. When overwhelmed or unsure of which road to take, and trust me, this will occur many times in your writing life, I suggest that you stand still, breathe, lighten up and guide yourself toward what feels genuine and honestto you.

OTHER THAN WRITING, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?

I love the outdoors, walking and exercising when I have the time, especially on the beach. After work, I love sitting on my porch and staring at the wide-open bay, a cool breeze flowing over me, with the wind chimes clinking around, just decompressing. I love baking cookies, and of course, eating too many of them. I love to travel, which I never seem to have enough time or money to really indulge. I like to spend quality time with my friends and family. Of course I adore my toy poodle, playing and cuddling with her. And movies, can never get enough of them!

WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE AUTHOR AND WHY?

This is definitely a hard one! Don’t think I can boil it down to one author, but I would have to say Eckhart Tolle. His books are so clarifying and enriching, they feed my soul. Makes me want to be a better version of myself, to strive for excellence, to open myself up more to the universe, to understand and relate to others on a higher, more spiritual level.My favorites are A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose and because I am an animal lover, Guardians of Being: Spiritual Teachings from Our Dogs and Cats.

WHAT FIVE WORDS BEST SUM YOU UP:

Adventuresome

Inquisitive

Genuine

Youthful

Persistent

HOW CAN WE LEARN MORE?

A good way to get a general overview is to visit my website at www.kathrynearnold.com. See the Author tab to read my autobiography, which will allow you to know me on a more personal level. The Books tab lists a brief synopsis of both novels, as well as links that will take you to each of their first chapters. You may check out my Blog page, showing both my recent or past blogs, which are kept in the Blog archive. The Guestbook page allows readers to view or write a review or comment, which I strongly encourage. Please view the Events tab to keep up with my current book appearances as well as all the events I have engaged in since The Resurrection of Hannah launched in Spring, 2011. Lastly, you can use the Contact page to access my various social media sites or to reach me through my confidential email address. 

I have quite an active FB fanpage, website and Twitter account, which I utilize daily, and I’m always welcoming new followers with whom to connect. I have profiles on Goodreads, Amazon Author Central, and LinkedIn. The links to my websites/profiles are listed below. I would love to hear from you!

Website: www.kathrynearnold.com

Fanpage:  facebook.com/arnoldauthor

Twitter:  twitter.com/KathryneArnold

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4901656.Kathryne_Arnold

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/pub/kathryne-arnold/2a/440/69

SheWrites:  www.sheWrites.com/profile/KathryneArnold

Amazon Author Central: www.amazon.com/-/e/B004U2W0XE

I was raised in the northeastern United States, in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and resided in a half-dozen homes or towns throughout my growing up years. My father was a reverend with a flourishing career, moving the family to various parishes as his calling dictated, which I view in a positive light as I was exposed to different communities and lifestyles. After graduating from high school at the age of seventeen, I shook off my less worldly roots when I moved with my father to Massachusetts, a seemingly more sophisticated and progressive state. It was there that I embarked on a learning journey, thrilled at living so close to the sea in the artsy and historic fishing village of Gloucester, the hex signs and covered bridges soon a fond memory.

Thrilled to begin college in New England, I jumped in with both feet and managed to excel in biological and psychological studies, despite majoring in dating. Throughout my school years, I dabbled in poetry and short stories, purely for personal self-expression. I experimented with a couple of creative writing classes, but never pursued my secret desire of a writing career, feeling the vocation was too self-indulgent, not sensible enough for my German blood. I remained focused on psychology and received a Bachelor of Arts degree, upon which I secured my very first “real” job as a Senior Psychiatric Counselor at a group home for adults with mental illness. Wanting to further my learning, I attended Suffolk University in Beacon Hill in Boston, and graduated two years later, obtaining a Masters degree in Counseling and Human Relations.

Soon afterward, feeling weighed down by too many sunless days and frigid winters, I decided to move to a much lighter state, and settled in bustling Pinellas County in southwestern Florida. Over the next twenty years I concentrated further on my work in counseling and social services and became a licensed practitioner. During these years, my career included being a social services director for a nursing center, program manager for a rehabilitation agency, social services consultant for nursing centers, program director of an Alzheimer’s unit, and a hospice counselor.

Several years ago, due to a deep longing to express my feelings in an alternative manner, I literally sat down one day and began writing my first novel. The resultant book, The Resurrection of Hannah, had been born out of a series of powerful dreams, along with compelling and coexisting experiences that inspired me to create a story that would capture the strength of my emotions. I had a yearning to shape a tale based around individuals in my life that I believed would make engaging characters. I had a strong desire to experience a higher level of creativity, to literally produce something out of nothing– a fascinating and challenging endeavor I could not ignore. It was during this time that I moved for a short duration to Houston, Texas where I became a clinical hypnotherapist and a nationally certified counselor, as well as starting a private practice as a psychotherapist.

But I grew “antsy” as my father used to say and decided to move back to friends and family in Florida and worked again at the local Hospice, then more recently in community mental health. Once bitten by the writing bug, I could not help but pen my second work of fiction, The Fear of Things to Come. I am now in the process of writing another novel in what I consider a unique collection of adventure stories, the third in the Samantha Clark Mystery Series. 

Sharon x

   

http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 

http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Interview with author of Hazardous Material, Kurt Kamm

So where does Kurt Kamm Firefighter Stories get his inspiration from?  Does the character 'Bucky resemble anyone in real life?  What is Kurt's favourite TV?  Check out the author interview over at Adriana & JCM

http://writerswithbooks.blogspot.ca/2013/06/hazardous-material-by-kurt-kamm.html

Sharon x

   
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Interview with author of The Persnickety Princess Falcon Storm

About the Author - Author Interview - About the Book - Prizes!!!

About the author:

I was born in the frozen wasteland of Alaska with the unfortunate stigma of being both a daydreamer and left-handed. Starting from an early age, I've filled my life with stories of every sort from my father's hunting trips to the Holy Trilogy (read: Star Wars). In the fourth grade, I became more interested in telling stories of my own than listening to those of others. Doctors—being doctors—attempted to medicate them out of me, but the best cure has always been a pen, a notebook, and my crazy, unrestrained imagination. I continue to whittle away at these stories in my endless search for the one that will finally bring me back to reality. All the while, I secretly hope such a story will never come along. I hear "reality" is far too boring.

Connect with Falcon on his website, Facebook, GoodReads, or Twitter.  

Our Interview with Falcon Storm

How did the story of The Persnickety Princess come about? 
It was one of the wacky conversations that I had with a coworker during the closing shift one night. The idea was initially very dark, mostly because we had been talking about gothic princesses. Lavender started as a bored and spoiled princess sending suitor off on impossible quests, but by the end of the night, she was more like how she ended up in the book. 

Is the story/characteristics based on anyone in the real world? 
The story not so much, but several of the characters received traits from people in my life. I know that no less than ten people went into Lavender's personality, where as Petunia was largely based on the coworker I originally discussed this story with. Upon A. Time is my silly side and Natalie... Well, Natalie is based on a few good witches I have met in my travels, with a smattering of magic and a dash of my own clumsy nature mixed in. 

What started you to put pen to paper? When did you start writing? 
In July 2011, I went to San Diego Comic Con to pitch an idea for a graphic novel with my boss, the artist. We were both in retail and dreaming of ways to actually use our talents. The pitch didn't really happen, but I did get to speak to a lot of writers as well as sit in on a seminar by Christopher Moore. By the end of our week there, I found myself sitting on a plane and writing down character traits and physical descriptions of every character. At the time, I believed it would be a picture book, so I gave my descriptions to my boss. Life sort of cropped up in the mean time and the story was put on hold for a bit. It had been on a back burner for a while when my lovely wife, Emlyn Chand, actually convinced me to start writing it. I started writing on January 1st of this year after I decided to shelve an idea that i had been working on for a year. I had already plotted out the general idea of The Persnickety Princess, but I finally got around to actually writing it. 

How did you feel writing the book? 
It may sound a bit peculiar, but I felt like a dad at bedtime. Weird, right? But as a kid, come bedtime there's always that one story you wanted to hear. As I was writing, I pictured myself telling this story to my future kids. Then, I wrote the story I wanted to tell them. With every revision and edit, it felt like I got to go back and refine the story a bit without the kids whining that it wasn't the way the story went. So I guess, more than anything, I felt paternal. 

Now your book is published what has the feedback been like? 
I've been in a daze since launch. This dream has been building for so long that it almost doesn't feel real now. Feedback has been good and I'm glad that two of my favorite characters seem to be the ones that people want to see more of. (Which is good since both Natalie and Upon will be back in the next book) 

If you could live in a fairytale, which one would it be and why? 
There are so many great fairy tales it's hard to pick just one. The madness of Alice in Wonderland always appealed to me and I could see myself joining the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, but the constant threat of decapitation would weigh heavily on me. Neverland has mermaids and pirates and pixies, oh my. Plus the ability to fly is a strong plus, but the Lost Boys seem to be one boar short of a Lord of the Flies moment. These are the two I always get stuck on, in fact my dreams will probably split the distance when I go to sleep. 

Did you read as a boy? What was your favourite book/s? 
I read everything. It really didn't matter what there was to read, whether it was my language arts textbooks, random books from the school book fairs, or medical reference guides, I loved to read. Favorite books as a boy? That's tough to decide. I remember really enjoying the Encyclopedia Brown books as well as Louis Sachar's Wayside School books, but if I had to pick one that really stood out it would have to be Frank E. Peretti's This Present Darkness. 

Who inspires you with writing? 
I've always enjoyed reading, but it was around 1993 when I started reading Michael Crichton. From then on, I didn't just want to read books, I wanted to write my own. Aside of Mr. Crichton, I was also inspired by Christopher Moore, Terry Pratchett, Louis Sachar, Timothy Zahn (as well as most of the Star Wars Exapanded Universe authors), and last but certainly not least, Emlyn Chand. 

Is there anyone in particular who supports you? 
My wife has been so amazing through this whole process. She was my first beta reader, my first editor, my first cheerleader. I can honestly say that if it wasn't for her support, there's no way I could have done any of this. 

Are there any more stories in the pipeline? 
Well, the next two in the Upon A. Time Tales are Natalie the Not-So Nasty and The Perils of Petunia. Of course, I have another twenty-one ideas for this series that I plan to write. As long as weird or silly ideas pop into my head, I will always have something to add to Upon's wanderings. I also have a side project that I've been working on for a little bit. While I'm not ready to give out very many details about that project, I can say that it will be for an older audience. 

Does your creative side ever stop to relax? How do you like to unwind? 
Unfortunately the creative side is constantly chattering away, so to unwind I have to find something that either redirects that energy or simply entertains me. I play video games, I've participated in community theater, I watch movies, read books, and a lot of the time, I just write something that makes me laugh. 

About the book:

High up in the tallest tower of the purplest castle in the Kingdom by the Sea, Princess Lavender awaits rescue. Desperate as she may be, only the most dashing, well dressed, properly mannered prince will do. Oh, and he must stand exactly four and three-quarters inches taller than her. A princess has got to have standards, after all.

When, finally, one such prince comes to her castle—not to rescue her, but her younger sister—Lavender refuses to be ignored. Instead of waiting for the next suitor to come along, she devises a plan to put herself in danger, thus forcing the upstart prince to forget her sister and rescue her instead.

Well accustomed to getting her way, there is only one thing, unfortunately, that this princess can’t control—her luck. When her plans go awry, putting her in very real danger, will she allow the prince to rescue her as he sees fit? Will he even want to try?

And will anyone be able to find a way to rescue Lavender from her persnickety ways once and for all? Find out in this comedic tale of princes, dragons, and dreams that just may come true.  

The Persnickety Princess is a lower grade chapter book intended for kids 6 to 9 years old (although kids of all ages are sure to enjoy it!

Pick up your copy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords or Kobo Books.  

About the prizes:

Who doesn't love prizes? 

You could win 

(1) a $25 Amazon gift card, 

(2) a $50 Amazon gift card, or 

(3) a Princess Prize Pack, which includes a plush purple dragon, necklace with lavender pendant, The Fairy Godmother's Guide to Being a Princess, tiara and wand party set, and a DVD of The Princess Bride. 

Here's what you need to do...

1. Enter the Rafflecopter contest
2. Leave a comment on my blog.

That's it!  One random commenter during this tour will win the $50 gift card. 

Visit more blogs for more chances to win--the full list of participating bloggers can be found here. The other two prizes (including the awesome Princess Prize Pack) will be given out via Rafflecopter. You can find the contest entry form linked below or on the official Persnickety Princess tour page via Novel Publicity.

Enter Below and Good luck!  

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sharon x

   
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Interview with Karey White author of For What It's Worth plus $25 Amazon GC & Book Give Away

Tour Schedule

For What It's Worth by Karey White
Twenty-four year-old, Abby Benson has dreams of owning her own wedding cake shop. An inheritance from her aunt gives her the ability to make those dreams come true. She hires Dane, a handsome contractor, to help her get the bakery up and running and soon they’re moving toward their own happy ending.

Unsure what to charge for her cakes, Abby has a crazy idea to let the customer decide what they think their cake is worth. This plan has its ups and downs, but the novelty of the idea makes her a local celebrity. When she is interviewed on television about the unusual idea, business booms and Abby has cake adventures she never dreamed possible. But as her fame grows, Abby is swept up in a whirlwind that threatens everything she values. With the challenges that face her, will she be able to determine what is worth the most?

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer

Author Karey White 
Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.

Links

Website * Twitter * Facebook 

Interview with Author Karey White
What or who inspired you to start writing? 
I had a couple of English classes in junior high and high school that sparked my interest. Mr. Higginson and Miss Reynolds were a big part of that.

How did you come up with the idea for the book? 
I delivered a beautiful wedding cake to a bride with a candy-themed wedding. The table decorations were huge glass jars of brightly colored candy and the cake was white fondant with these colorful swirls. The other of the bride saw the cake and expressed her surprise that it was such a bargain. It made me wonder what she'd have paid if she'd determined the price. It just kind of evolved from there.

What would your dream wedding cake look like? 
Either something very elegant, like white-on-white and lacy, or something very playful and interesting, like a hand-painted cake.

What has been the hardest part of writing and publishing your book? 
Finding the time to write is a challenge and I have to guard writing time carefully. After the book is written, the hardest thing for me is some of the things involving marketing and promotion. I feel awkward and conspicuous at book signings. Hopefully it doesn't show too much.

What did you like to read as a girl? 
As a little girl, I loved Nancy Drew and The Boxcar Children. As a teenager, I enjoyed romances.

Who is your favourite author and why? 
This is such a hard question because I read so much and enjoy such a variety. But if I had to base my decision on what author I've read the most, it would be a tossup between Bess Streeter Aldrich and Lee Child. Those two couldn't be more different from each other, but I've read everything either of them have written.

What is your favourite tv / radio programme? 
I don't listen to a lot of radio. If I'm with my kids, they hook up their iPod and we listen to music. If I'm alone, I like to use that time to think and plot and brainstorm. As far as television goes, I enjoy Shark Tank, The Amazing Race and Top Chef. I really liked The Closer and was sad it ended, although it went out in the best possible way.

What is your favourite time of the year? 
My favorite time of year is from Thanksgiving until New Years Day. Good food. Lots of family time. Celebrating gratitude, the birth of our Savior and fresh starts. It doesn't get any better than that.

Do you have a particular favourite Christmas themed book? 
I adore the children's book The Tale of the Three Trees. I cry when I read it.

Besides writing, what else do you like to do? 
I love to cook, read, sew, travel and spend time with my family.

Have you already started writing your next book? 
I'm working on a new romance about a girl who is obsessed with the Matthew Macfadyen Mr. Darcy. It's been so much fun to write and I'm really excited about it.

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card + A Copy of For What It's Worth

Paperback available to US only, Ebook Available Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Praise for For What It's Worth
Reading Karey White’s books, like eating chocolate cake, is always satisfying and brings a smile to my face. For What It’s Worth is light, romantic, and delicious. It’s a great pleasure read. Sit down and get lost in the charming world of wedding cakes and love. As an added bonus, each chapter  starts with a recipe, so it’s a novel and cookbook all in one. A fun read!
—Teri Harman, KSL columnist, Studio 5 contributor, and author of Blood Moon, available June 22, 2013

I just loved the book – loved it. Hated putting it down and hated finishing it. Karey White is my new Maeve Binchy, her writing as warm as the bakery her novel is set in. For What It’s Worth surprised me, made me smile, say “no” out loud in a public place. I love when a character feels like my sister. I didn’t want to finish it, so now I may try the recipes that began every chapter.
—Amanda Dickson, author and radio personality

This book oozes charm, romance, and mouth-watering recipes. If you want to escape reality and curl up with a darling story, For What It’s Worth is the perfect fit. Thank you, Karey White!
—Rachael Anderson, author

This is a book worth every penny of the price. In the business of baking wedding cakes, every detail must be perfection, but this story remembers that real life is oh-so-messy. White’s clear and honest writing left me hungry for good food, a close family, and a little romance. A beautiful marriage of food, family, and faith.
—Regina Sirois, author of On Little Wings, 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award

Sharon x

   
http://www.beckvalleybooks.co.uk 
http://www.beckvalleybooks.blogspot.com

Interview with Daniel Friedmann author of The Genesis One Code

Meet the Author

Daniel Friedmann is CEO of MDA Corp., specializing in robotics. He has a master's in engineering physics and 30 years' experience in the space industry. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed scientific papers on space industry topics. He is also a longtime student of cosmology and religion. 

Author on Facebook          Author's Website          Author on Twitter

Interview with Author

What was the motivating factor to writing the book?

To become an engineer I studied engineering physics, which had a large physics and cosmology component. I realized then that some answers were missing in science, and continued to search for them both in science and in Kabbalah, which I began studying 13 years ago.

Why now?

Once my nephews entered high school and university, I found they had similar questions, and in discussions with them, I became motivated to work harder on the issues.

How long did it take to do the research, write the book, find a publisher and have it published?

I have worked on and off on the issue for a dozen or so years. However, once I focused on this topic it took about 18 months of dedicated work. The bulk of the writing occurred in parallel with the research as I tried to rigorously document what I was finding. Then it took a further few months to write the introductory and background chapters.

What was that process like?

Initially I searched for publishers that I thought would be interested in this topic and wrote individual letters to them - this was a slow process and produced no results. Then I found an online service to blast an email to 250 publishers that yielded interest from 20 or so, and finally 3 publishers and one agent were willing to go ahead with the book.  From the initial email blast to signing a publishing contract took about 2 months. The publishing process was quick, about 4 months, and very focused on editing and formatting. 

The book is organized from the perspective of time -- physical dynamics of the universe all the way to the human/anthropological. How did you choose how to order the book?

The order of the book was natural - I started at the beginning of time and then moved forward chronologically.

How did you pick the points to compare?

The chronology of Genesis and science agree for almost everything so it was straight forward to compare everything. The points of comparison focused on the events described in Genesis. Although science has a more detailed chronology Genesis contains the key highlights.

Who is the audience for this book, primarily?

My main target audience is the 14- to 30-year-olds that come out of our secular system believing science has all the answers and the Bible has become somewhat irrelevant at explaining our origins. I wanted them to know that the Bible actually has answers to questions that remain unanswered by science. Since I started writing the book, I have seen interest from all ages.

How has the book been received, both by those in the religious world and those in the scientific community?

The book is being well received by much of the religious world - although some of those that hold to a literal 6-day interpretation of Genesis have issues with it. The scientific community has not really engaged yet, although a number of scientists have read it and found it thought provoking.  Is there one big hurdle that stands in the way of reconciling creation with science or is it a series of mini-hurdles? Do you see society going towards a reconciliation – ever? Is there some aspect of the two that you cannot reconcile or that remains unanswered for you that you would like to explore in future, either in a follow-up book or in another format? Most items reconcile. The one exception is the age of the earth. The biblical timeline predicts a much older earth than science currently holds. The book discusses this in detail.  

The whole history of Homo sapiens is not dealt with in the book and is the subject of my next book - Adam and the Homo sapiens. I am happy to report that here too there is good agreement between our religious sources and the latest science.

What do you hope non-scientist/religious scholar readers will take away from your book?

My main hope is that they will look at the science presented in the book, take it seriously, not dismiss it, then feel a need to reconcile it with the Bible, and explain that reconciliation to our young adults. In this way young adults will see the Torah in agreement with observation of the creation made via the scientific method.

What has science failed to explain?

The central nugget of the book is that (1) Genesis clearly states that God made most of the universe and life using the powers of nature, and as such, we should not be surprised that we are able to understand most things through the scientific method; (2) the answers that science has recently found have been in our Scriptures/sources for thousands/hundreds of years; and (3) we are told in Genesis exactly where events  outside of nature occurred and therefore where the scientific method will fail – and that is where it has failed so far! For example, science has failed to explain the beginning of the Big Bang, or the nature and source for the human soul. 

Why did you write this book?

For much of my life I have searched for an explanation of our origins in both science and religion texts. When I discovered that the two explanations could be reconciled into a one I decided to share the result in a book.

What does The Genesis One Code mean?

The title “Genesis One” refers to the Bible, Chapter One of Genesis, which contains the creation account. The “Code” refers to a simple formula that translates one “creation day” into time as we measure it. With this formula, 1 creation day equals 2.56 billion years - derived from biblical text wherein science and religion timelines for the development of the universe and life on earth are equivalent. 

How does God Meet Science in your book?

The creation account is all about “God said,” in other words it is a direct telling of the creation events. Scientists have come up with their own account of how the universe came to be based on observation and theory. These two accounts of God and science meet in the book - each is presented according to its sources and is compared and contrasted.

The Genesis One Code is currently available on

  
printed version           ebook version

sponsored by The YP Publishing

The Book of Paul by Richard Long Author Interview PLUS Fantastic Giveaway

Please enjoy this interview with Richard Long, author of the nail-biting supernatural thriller, The Book of Paul. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $300 in Amazon gift cards, 5 autographed copies of the book, and a look into your future through a free tarot reading performed by the author.   

1. Tell us about the spark of inspiration that eventually grew into The Book of Paul. 

The initial inspiration for The Book of Paul came when I wrote the first line of the first chapter called Exercises: “He practiced smiling.” I wanted to explore a character who had been so damaged by childhood trauma that he could no longer feel compassion, joy, affection, and had, accordingly, committed all kinds of horrible acts. I wondered if such a person could ever regain his emotional capacity and be redeemed by love. 

2. What was the research process like for this book (which can at times deal with some pretty heady and—frankly—grotesque goings-on)? Any horror stories to share? 

There are many aspects to the story, so the research was really extensive. I love doing the research almost as much as the writing, so it’s a joy for me to read and learn so many new things. The creation mythology literally goes back to square one and builds from there, tracing the history of Hermetic and Gnostic philosophy, alchemy, druidism and pagan mythology--particularly Egyptian, Greek and Celtic traditions. There’s also a strong science fiction element involving quantum physics, artificial intelligence, life extension and what’s known as The Singularity. Other lines of exploration involved Irish genealogy and what I call the pain culture: tattoos, elaborate piercings and body modifications. 

I made some gruesome discoveries along the way. The most disturbing was the Extreme Body Modification website I stumbled upon, which is one of the most horrifying things I’ve ever seen. I first saw it in the early days of the Internet, which is pretty amazing in itself. I checked recently and it’s still there, though I didn’t have the stomach to peek inside again. I’m actually as squeamish as some of my readers about certain things, which is probably why the horror comes across so vividly. If something scares the hell out of me, it’s easy for me to convey that fear and revulsion. 

3. Tell us about Paul. Who is he and what is his book about? 

The Book is a 4th century codex, the only one of it’s kind. How and why it was made and what it contains is one of the central mysteries of the series, so I’m not going to spill those beans. Paul is every bit as mysterious. When he is first introduced you might think he’s a serial killer involved with the occult in some way. As the story progresses you discover some really unexpected things about him. One thing is clear from the outset – he is one very nasty piece of work. I’ve always felt that any horror novel or thriller is only as good as the villain. I definitely aimed for the fences with Paul. 

4. There is a strong tarot undercurrent to this novel. The protagonist even makes his living by reading the cards. Why did you decide to work it into The Book of Paul, and how does it surface throughout the course of the story? 

I actually did tarot and numerology readings when I lived in the East Village many years ago. The tarot led me to a lot of dark occult explorations, which are mirrored in William’s journey. I was lucky enough to pull out of that nosedive and hop over to the Buddhist side of the fence. William is not so fortunate. The reader gets drawn into William’s world through his first person narration as he talks about becoming a collector of ancient occult manuscripts, which leads him to the tarot. Then he gradually reveals more through his journal entries, which contain the meat of the mythology and all the Hermetic and Gnostic lore. Finally, he discovers that the tarot is actually related to an apocalyptic prophecy, which Paul is determined to fulfill by any means necessary, which is very bad news for Billy. 

5. At almost 500 pages, this is not a short novel. From start to finish, how long did it take you to write, revise, and ready for publication? 

I’ve written over 2,000 pages for The Book of Paul and the series. The first draft of this volume was close to a thousand pages long. I cut out eight characters and their storylines in the second draft, which netted my first agent. She wanted a lower page count, so many of the narrator’s interior musings were cut. Those were actually some of my favorite sections. Then I moved to another agent and he wanted more of the mythology put back in, so it grew close to this size. After six months he hadn’t sold it, so I got sick of the whole process, wrote it the way I wanted, and published it. 

6. The concept of synchronicity plays heavily in this novel. What attracts you to it, and has it proven a heavy influence in your own life? 

I’ve always been a spiritual seeker. I was raised as a Catholic, but the nuns effectively beat those beliefs out of me quickly. Even as a kid, I couldn’t accept the idea of God as the big guy in the sky with the white beard. Science and mythology and my own imagination showed me all kind of possibilities. I first noticed synchronicity when the number eleven kept showing up for me all over the place--addresses, hotel rooms, etc. Someone suggested I get a book on numerology and I discovered that eleven was my “name number” and also a power number. I started noticing all kinds of things after that, coincidences that were just too weird to brush away. Then I read some Jung, and when I got into quantum physics that sealed the deal. Synchronicity for me now is the manifestation of interconnectedness in the universe. There is nothing you can perceive that isn’t connected to you. As the Buddhists say, “no separate self.” 

7. Paul is... scary (we’ll leave it at that). How were you able to effectively become this deranged character, and how did you hang on to your own humanity after the fact? 

I would imagine it’s much the same as when Anthony Hopkins played Hannibal Lecter. He was very disdainful of method actors who got all caught up in identifying with their characters. There’s a famous story about Laurence Olivier and Dustin Hoffman on the set of Marathon Man. Hoffman was a method actor and he stayed up all night before their torture scene together and Olivier said something like, “Why don’t you try acting, dear boy?” 

That being said, I’m not immune to being disturbed by these things. When I wrote the traumatic scenes of him and Martin--well, I cried when I wrote them and they stayed with me for days. So maybe the method is working for me too.

Paul is great to write because it’s like letting my Id out of a cage. I get to play out my most evil imaginings and nobody gets hurt. I also had to find Paul’s humanity to make him really interesting for me. I didn’t want him to be some cartoon monster. Paul is also in a lot of pain; he was traumatized as a boy and his life was changed forever. By the end of the story you get to see many other sides of him. And of course, there’s a lot more to come. 

8. Irish mythology is woven into The Book of Paul, and at one point, Paul even makes a sarcastic quip about the luck of the Irish. Why Irish, and how all does its culture influence the story? 

When I’m writing, I go into a daydream state where I imagine the character and what he or she looks like and where they are and what they’re doing. No outline usually. I sit back and watch and listen. If it’s great the way I imagine it, then writing the dialog is like taking dictation. When I wrote the first chapters with Paul, I was surprised because I kept hearing him speak with an Irish brogue, but his accent went in and out – sometimes really thick, sometimes a little lilt, sometimes no accent at all. So I’m thinking, what’s that about? 

I come from Irish American stock, but my parents told me absolutely nothing about their parents other than to say they were cruel. So that’s the starting point with Paul. He’s the ultimate bad dad. The more I explored Paul, the deeper it led me into Celtic mythology, Irish genealogy and history. I suppose I’m trying to find the missing links of my own heritage. My grandmother was born in Ireland, so I have dual citizenship, even though I haven’t been there yet. I’m thinking I’ll go next year when I’m writing the third sequel. 

9. The Book of Paul is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and in that way, it can be difficult to classify. So tell us, who is your target audience for this novel? 

Given the fact that there are some rough episodes in the story, you might think that the so-called target audience would be men who are into horror, thrills and mayhem. But women actually seem to be my biggest, or at least, my most vocal fans. I’ve been getting some really enthusiastic reviews from men, but even more so from women, who surprisingly seem less squeamish than some of the male reviewers. 

The Book of Paul doesn’t fit into any neat, tidy genre. It’s very complex and like you say, unlike anything I’ve read before either. There’s a Pulp Fiction element to it, with quirky characters in a seedy environment. There’s a major religious/mythological mystery for the Dan Brown crowd. It’s very funny, but incredibly poignant. It’s very disturbing, but there are lots of fast-paced action scenes. There’s romance and kinky sex. Something for everybody. 

10. Why did you decide to self-publish The Book of Paul, and how has the journey been so far?

Read above. The traditional publishing industry in general is like a boxer on the ropes in the tenth round. For fiction it’s even worse. Add first-time novelist to the list and sprinkle on an unclassifiable genre for a little seasoning. I had two agents who were well known and successful, and very enthusiastic about the book. But the editors they reached wouldn’t take a chance on it. I could have kept trying, but frankly, I ran out of patience. 

How has it been so far? The book is out in the world and it’s just the way I wanted it. I have complete control over everything I do, including the cover art, which is also exactly how I want it. The marketing is a lot of hard work, particularly the social marketing, which I had never done before. But that’s turned out to be a lot of fun too. I’m meeting so many great people--other authors and readers--and getting such a strong response on the book that it feels like a vindication. See? I told you so. Nyah! Nyah! Nyah! 

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Book of Paul eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include a Kindle Fire, $300 in Amazon gift cards, 5 autographed copies of the book, and a look into your future through a free tarot reading performed by the author. 

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! To win the prizes:

1. Purchase your copy of The Book of Paul for just 99 cents
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicit or below
3. Visit today’s featured social media event

About The Book of Paul: A cross-genre thriller that combines the brooding horror of Silence of the Lambs with the biting humor of Pulp Fiction. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

About the author: Richard Long is the author of The Book of Paul and the forthcoming young-adult fantasy series The Dream Palace. He lives in Manhattan with his wonderful wife, two amazing children and wicked black cat, Merlin.

Visit Richard on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads. a Rafflecopter giveaway