Tag Archives: Author Interviews

Nobody Eats Parsley – and Other Things I Learned from my Family with David Oakley

06 Friday Nov 2020

Posted by in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

.

Nobody Eats Parsley. Sit down, grab a beer and let me tell you some stories about my family. They’re so ridiculous you may think they’re fiction. Like the time I went to a drive-in X-rated movie without realizing my parents were in the next car. Or how I let my kid throw a rock through the living room window. There’s the time I bought a camouflage thong in a bait shop, and the time I ruined a kid’s birthday party. And the other time I ruined a kid’s birthday party. There’s no way I could have just made these stories up. I can’t guarantee that they will make you laugh, but I can guarantee that I didn’t make them up.

DAVID OAKLEY has been telling brand stories at BooneOakley for years. He has won many prestigious honors, including the Kaopectate Award in the eighth grade for having diarrhea of the mouth. His first book, Why Is Your Name Upside Down?, is full of stories from his life in advertising. Despite this, he was recently inducted into the North Carolina Advertising Hall of Fame. He lives with his wife Claire and their dog Walter in Charlotte, where they raised Sydney and Lucas. He loves his family very much and hopes they still love him after reading Nobody Eats Parsley.

Hi David! Let’s dive right in, huh? What do you love most about Writing?

I’ve got an ego, and sure, I enjoy the attention that authors get. (Like being asked to be on Morgan’s blog! I’m very excited about this, by the way.) But when it comes down to it, I write because of the way it makes me feel. And because of the way it makes you feel when you read it. I like surprising people and making them chuckle. It thrills me, it excites me, it invigorates me. Writing, and making people laugh, gives me meaning and purpose in life.

How did you get your start writing?

Storytelling is such a big deal in the South. I grew up listening to my grandma tell stories of growing up as a tobacco sharecropper during the Great Depression. I was fascinated at how much humor there was during such hard times. She always made me laugh and I really like laughing. So, I decided that that was what I wanted to do. The only difference is that I write my stories down. And her stories were better. LOL

Is there an Author you consider your inspiration?

I read my first David Sedaris book in 2007, and he instantly became my favorite author. His story “Big Boy” about an unfortunate incident in a bathroom at a dinner party made me howl with laughter. Not only because it was so absurdly ridiculous, but because it was so relatable to me. I thought to myself, stuff like that happens to me a lot.

What Inspired you to write your book?

Laughter inspires me. When something happens in everyday life that makes me really laugh or someone around me laugh, I write about what made them laugh. At lot of funny things, (at least they’re funny to me) have happened in my life. I found myself telling these stories and laughing about them with my friends over dinner or beers, and one day I decided that I’d better write them down before I forgot them.

That’s probably every authors nightmare – having a great idea and then forgetting to write it down! Do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?

My stories are about stuff that happens to me and my family, so I write from my POV. I see things through the eyes of a father, a husband and a son, who probably has smoked one too many joints in his life.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

I’ve written two books now, and the characters in them are real life people that I hang out with every day. The first book is about my life in advertising, my work family. And my new book is about life with my real family. So, they do dictate how I write. Because they say funny things. Like my daughter Sydney, who told a friend that my new book, “might not be the best book my dad has ever written, but it’s definitely in the Top 2.”

Although it’s often hard to select just one, do you have a favourite or least favourite character?

My Aunt Hallie, without a doubt, is my favorite character in Nobody Eats Parsley. She’s an 83-year-old church going, sweet tea drinking Southerner who can strike up a conversation with a signpost. She’s sweet, humble, kind and the best natural born trash-talker in the history of North Carolina. Imagine if Aunt Bea from The Andy Griffith Show and Eddie Haskell from Leave it to Beaver had a love child. That would be my Aunt Hallie.

What’s your number one tip for an aspiring Author?

The first thing for an aspiring writer is to keep writing. Just keep writing. Then after you have written for about 10 years, suddenly you’re not an aspiring writer anymore. You’re a writer.

Is there a book you consider a must-read- why?

No, I don’t consider Nobody Eats Parsley a must-read. That’s because I just recorded an audiobook. So, I consider it a must-listen. LOL (Even though I can’t stand the sound of my own voice.)

Do you have a Mantra- a Quote you try to live by?

“To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.” This is a quote from Steve Prefontaine, a runner from the 1970’s.


<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/468177255″>Nobody Eats Parsley</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/user11098752″>Kara McCoy</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

I want to thank David for taking time out of his busy schedule to stop by and talk about his book. Please look for David on his social media network:

Author Website

Twitter: @oakleydavid

Instagram @oakleydavid16

Facebook

Nobody Eats Parsley on Amazon

David is giving away 5 Signed Copies of Nobody Eats Parsley!
Contact him using the form below and he’ll send you one
While Supplies Last!

An Unusual Boy- #Interview with #BestSelling #Author #FionaHiggins

22 Thursday Oct 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

.

Meet Jackson. A very unusual boy in world that prefers ‘normal’.

Julia Curtis is a busy mother of three, with a husband often away for work, an ever-present mother-in-law, a career, and a house that needs doing up. Her only son, Jackson, is different. Different to his sisters. Different to his classmates. In fact, Jackson is different from everyone around him – and bringing up a child who is different isn’t always easy. Then, one Monday morning, an incident at school changes everything; not only for Jackson, but for every member of his family. Julia faces the fight of her life to save her unusual boy from a world set up for ‘normal’.

Bestselling novelist Fiona Higgins returns with a heart-stopping, devastating, but ultimately uplifting story about loyalty, love and forgiveness.

An extraordinary boy. The mother who loves him. The fight of their lives.

Fiona Higgins is the author of four fiction titles and a memoir. She works in the not-for-profit sector and lives in Sydney, Australia, with her stoic husband, three rambunctious children and two aloof goldfish.

Hello Fiona, Thanks ever so much for stopping by to chat with BnV about your new book.  Lets dive right in!  What do you love most about Writing?

I love that writing is an almost magical form of ‘primary production’; writers produce something out of nothing, using only their internal resources.

How did you get your start writing?

Young! As a child, I always loved words – and I still remember, aged nine, the heady rush of winning a poetry competition.  My slightly quirky entry, entitled ‘Ya Local Truckie’, explored the stigma endured by overnight truck drivers. My poem evidently caught the judges’ eye – even though I wasn’t from a trucking family!

What Inspired you to write your book?

I’ve known many children – and adults, for that matter – who are ‘different’ in some way (some with a diagnosis, many without), and witnessed their joys and struggles. An Unusual Boy explores the great strength and beauty that lies in difference, and the healing power of empathy.

I love that.  I believe Empathy, Forgiveness and Kindness are great healers.  Because you have a spiritual perspective, do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?

In An Unusual Boy, I write from two POVs – that of Julia (Jackson’s mother), as well as Jackson himself. It was quite a thrilling experience, tapping into the stream of consciousness of an eleven-year-old boy! (Two of my three children are boys, which helped me channel the pre-teen male.) Despite understanding Julia’s perspective better, I preferred the colourful, imaginative world of Jackson.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

Yes, that’s quite normal for me. They often surprise me. In An Unusual Boy, one of the characters delivered a twist that even I didn’t see coming.

That’s happened to me too.  Although it’s often hard to select just one, do you have a favourite or least favourite character?

Definitely Jackson. He’s a composite of all the wonderful, vulnerable, interesting and quirky children I’ve ever known. Jackson reminds me of a friend of mine from school, Michael, to whom An Unusual Boy is dedicated.

What sets them apart from the others?

Jackson has a strong moral compass – of which the rest of the world is mostly unaware – that governs his choices, as well as some incredible hidden strengths unlockable with a little patience and empathy.

As a successful author, do you have any tips for an aspiring Author?

Write what consumes you.

I so agree.  Outside of writing, what type of book do you like to read and does this differ from the genre that you prefer to write?

 I am a huge fan of fantasy and sci-fi genres, which are wildly different to my genre of contemporary fiction.

Is there a book you consider a must-read- why?

As a writer, one book I always return to is Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. She has some very solid, practical (and humorous) advice for writers.

I’ll have to look for that one!  I’m always looking for my next new thing to learn 🙂 

Thank you so much for sharing your time and talent with BnV.

You can find Fiona across these social media networks

Author links

Website

Facebook

Instagram:  @fionahigginsauthor

Book link

.

~Morgan~

Jaspar the Amazon Parrot – An #Interview with a #YABook #ChildrensBook #Writer

26 Saturday Sep 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

.

Jasper is no ordinary parrot.

He lives in the rainforest, which secrets he’s eager to explore. Jasper loves his home and his family, and he’s also in charge of his younger brother Willie – a responsibility Jasper takes very seriously.

When he meets Charlie – a spider monkey with a penchant for food and a laid back attitude – he realizes he’s in for an adventure he never thought possible.   Even if this means getting into danger and worrying his mother to no end.

Exploring the boundaries of the forest, Jasper understands that there is more to the world around him. Who are the strange new creatures that have come there? With Willie and Charlie by his side, he will soon find out.

.

.

Sharon C. Williams is a native of New England and was raised in Northern Maine. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son and a flock of birds.

Sharon has a B. S. degree in Chemistry. Plus, an A.S. degree in Biology and in Math. She loves to read, sketch, take pictures, walk, exercise, go to the movies, and listen to music. She is a budding bird watcher, and knits on the side. She is a huge sports fan of baseball, basketball, hockey, and football. She is also a shutterbug and is always looking for the next big shot.

.

Hi Sharon…let’s dive right in, shall we?  Tell us what do you love most about Writing? I love the freedom it gives me. You can write about anything you want. All one has to do is look around, feel or do a picture or word prompt. Literally all I have to do is be observant. Making things up out of thin air is magical. I guess it is hard to explain the love I have inside when I write. Perhaps only other writers might get it. It’s pure joy. It’s just hard to explain but yes, pure joy.

I entirely understand!  How did you get your start writing?  My husband had told a friend of mine earlier that he felt I wrote well. Upon her telling me this I thought to myself, “Why not?” I started seriously writing in the Fall of 2009. I had a story in my head that would not let me rest. Having two surgeries at the end of 2009, non-related, gave me a lot of free time to put to paper the story.

What Inspired you to write your book? I started with the idea of writing a book for any future grandchildren I might have. Thinking on  what kind of story to even begin with I literally looked around my house. I was hoping for something to hit me in the face.

Laying my eyes on him it hit me. Jasper. You see I live with my main character. How many people can say that? He is our Amazon Yellow Cheek parrot who we rescued and adopted in 1999 at the age of five.  Knowing I could use my knowledge of birds it just meshed together for me to connect the dots.  Learning about where he is from, the Amazon rainforest, made me want to write about the issues there. Plus, I wanted to engage kids in entertainment and also educate them at the same time.

Pets are such a blessing…and in this case, not only to you! Thats awesome.  So, when you’re writing, are you a painstaking plotter or are you a discovery writer? I’m a discovery writer. I love letting my characters decide where my manuscript goes. I also don’t want to take the time to plot. I feel, as far as I am concern, that it restricts my creativity. I love to free style. Majority of my books have arrived from me free styling.

Although it’s often hard to select just one, do you have a favourite or least favourite character?   You’re right, it is hard. But I would go with my main character, Jasper.  This is do to the close connection and interactions I have with him. We rescued and adopted him in 1999 at the age of five. He has been with us for 20 years now.  He is truly a special animal. His personality and his mannerisms are all over this series. So you see I was already in love with him prior to writing the book.

Ok, that was kind of a gimmie.  How about tips for aspiring writers…what would you best advice be? Believe in yourself and your book. Sometimes you might be the only one who does.

I say that too, but it’s so true.  If you don’t love your book, who else will?  Besides your own, what types of books do you like to read and does this differ from the genre that you prefer to write? I grew up loving horror and mystery. That has not changed. I always been someone who love watching horror films and that just translate to books. Being from Maine I am fortunate to have the great one, Stephen King, in my mist. The genre I prefer to write in is a hard one to answer. I write in a variety of genres and they all excite me- children’s, (I’m known for this one), true life, comedy and action and adventure.

As a writer, but also a reader, is there a book you consider a must-read- and if so, why?   Story Engineering by Larry Brooks. In fact anything by him will help you in some way. I had never heard of writing a book in the way he breaks it down in such an effective form. I just about highlighted the entire book and earmarked the rest. His methods are simple but just so effective.

OK, here’s the hard one…at least, I think so…what is the hardest part of editing- grammar checks, reducing content, or something else? For me it would be grammar checks. I am too good at using past tense and the misuse of commas in my WIPs. But the real hard part is I hate to edit. I rather be writing away coming up with characters, plots and conflict than to take time and work on edits.    I am not one of those authors who edit as I write. I rather just write. So when it comes to this part of the puzzle I am filled with dread.

And just because ….Do you have a Mantra- a Quote you try to live by?  Love your book like no other. If you don’t love it why will anyone else?

I’d like to thank Sharon for sharing her stories about Jaspar with us.  The series sounds perfect for YA readers…or anyone who wants a smile of a read 🙂  

Please look for Sharon’s books on Amazon

Sharon’s Author Page

Goodreads

.

~Morgan~

Kings of Muraine – #BookReview #Spotlight with #Author J.R. Vaineo

10 Monday Aug 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

.

Book Description

My Review

Everything he thought he was, he wasn’t. Everything he thought he understood he had to re-discover to actually learn the truth. Tyler, a 13-year-old who has lost much very early in life stumbles into a shocking revelation that makes such a loss seem inconsequential at best.
Author J R Vaineo has crafted a unique, imaginative and truly fascinating realm of fantasy and magic where things are not as they seem. Readers are taken on an exciting adventure, following Tyler and his companion, Gemma, who seek to unravel a mystery that will ultimately change his life forever.
Cryptic clues and paradoxical numbers confuse and, often, confound both the characters as well as this reader, as the plot thickens. Characters pour out of the pages in droves, and like the many people we run into in our daily lives, some are important and some are just there to fill the void. I might have liked a glossary to help keep the multitude sorted, but having read Charles Dicken’s Bleak House (where there are more characters then you know what to do with) the imaginative array was not overwhelming. They added to the complexity of the tale and gave a true-to-life feel to the story.
Kings of Muraine is the first book in The Journals of Ravier and end with a perplexingly pleasing puzzle that points readers to part two, Hunt the Dragon Within. Thrilling and bewildering at the same time, this is a tale readers will find as difficult to put down as it is to unravel. Recommended for readers who love to not see what’s coming next!
.
Behind the Story with J.R. Vaineo

Let me tell you a little about the beginnings of creating this story. I’m thirty years old now. But the idea for The Journals of Ravier series started back when I was fifteen. It was in the Fall, the first week of school. Oh yeah! I almost forgot to mention I was homeschooled K – 12th grade. Though not an ideal way to grow up, as I spent a lot of time alone, I survived. A lot of things happened, prior to school starting that year. I was never the same. This story helped me to stay sane, during a time in my life when I was lost and lonely; hurting so, so bad inside. I needed an escape. And I got it through writing that first horrible, ugly draft in a spiral-bound notebook. It’s true what the battle-scarred authors say. First drafts are never pretty. The original story began with something like this: ‘What if horses had wings, and could fly? A boy once found this horse, and he named her Angel. He found her in the woods by his home. A boy named, Tyler Craven. This is their story.’ Not a good beginning, I’ll admit. But it was a beginning.

In 2005, around the time Hurricanes Katrina then Rita hit, is when I made the start. It was such a sad year. Yet a good year. Lovely Texans opening their hearts to their Louisiana neighbors . . . that was a beautiful thing. Recently home from a lengthy visit to Texas, my heart was bursting with so many emotions. Through it, I found a love for writing. And here I am, fifteen years later. My third book will be out, at the end of this year or sometime at the start of 2021.

In 2013, I changed the focus of the story. I made it better. Closer to what it is now. Caucasian Tyler Craven became Tyler Malik Ravier—half Caucasian, half Iraqi. Angel was renamed to Awngelic and then finalized as Awngeleik, similar in sound to the name of Angelique. I won’t even mention what Gemma Galloway’s name used to be. I will say this, however. Tadashi’s name was Ted! Amira was Gloria. All the characters were Caucasian. But I changed that, in 2013. Started thinking of new things. New names. New storylines. Then I wrote a rough draft, in 2015. That draft became the foundation for the first three books in Tyler Ravier’s series.

I’ve spent countless hours dreaming of the landscape of Muraine, tweaking it as needed . . . I wanted something unique. See, I grew up in a place with few trees around. Southwestern Wyoming. Always took twice as long for trees to grow to a “normal” size. It was a place at risk of droughts, well, quite a lot. Very dry. Unbelievably windy. Lots of snow, in the winter (usually). As you can imagine, I wanted a place vastly different to escape to. A place with lots of trees. Hence, Paragon was born. A model of excellence. The ideal sort of place I’d love to escape to. I later realized it needed a foreign name. Therefore, Pawv’Ragaen it became. I think that was in 2014.

Writing the books in this series has been a wild ride. I never thought I’d be an author. Though I’m self-published, I’m proud of it. Proud of the work I’ve put it. My writing isn’t perfect, but it is heartfelt. I’m honored to be the author, who’s steering Tyler’s story. Being a writer is so many things, really. I hope the product of my imagination wins you over. And know that I’m just warming up. I can feel it. Tyler demands that more be said than what the three books contain. And who am I to stand in the way of an amazing story being told through his eyes? Truly, there are days I simply feel like the characters are writing the story. That I’m their voice. Lol! I feel what they feel. I laugh with them, cry with them, cheer for them. As they grow, I grow. Not the other way around. Being a writer has changed who I am, as a person. I’m better, kinder, stronger. I actually like who I am. I didn’t, before. I simply existed. But that’s not living.

In parting, I must tell you . . . if you want a dream badly enough, chase it. Don’t give up. Just know that it takes time. Persevere.

Bio

J.R. Vaineo is a self-published indie author, residing in Salt Lake City, UT. In 2018, she published her first book: Kings of Muraine. When she’s not writing, she and her husband, Jessie, have many adventures together. Mostly in cooking, hiking, photography, analytical talks, and fawning over their two adorable fur-babies.

While J.R. Vaineo writes mostly fantasy fiction—combining elements of epic, portal, paranormal, and dark fantasy—she enjoys reading all genres; except, perhaps, for horror stories. After finishing a creative writing program, through the Institute of Children’s Literature, she continued to improve her craft of writing. In 2013, she graduated with her AA degree in psychology. During that time, she expanded on many things, especially focusing on what would prove invaluable for fleshing out characters and plot twists. What started out as a writing prompt, in 2005, has now become a nine book series she is currently working on: The Journals of Ravier. Sometimes, she is quite jealous of the characters’ abilities, found within her own writing. If that is a sign of anything, it is this: Obsession.

All the best,

Julie

.

Find Julie on:

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Instagram

JR Vaineo Author website

.

Where to Purchase

Amazon:

Barnes & Noble:

Books2Read / Other

.

Thank you so much to Julie for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her story with BnV and Word Mongery and Musings 🙂

.

~Morgan~

Word Mongery and Musings – #BookReviewBlog Launch

10 Friday Jul 2020

Posted by in About Me (since you Insist)

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

.

I’d like to introduce you to the newest member of my (Blogging) family….Word Mongery and Musings…a new blog focusing solely on Books, Reviews, Author Interviews…Reverse Views….Editorials about Books…Characters, Plots, Favorite Scenes and schemes….ok, you get the idea, right?

Book blogs, review rendezvous, spotlight sprees, hype headquarters, and chutzpah hullabaloos.  What do they all have in common?

Writers! Word mongers and musers. Oh, and the essential other half of the equation: Readers!

Creation is a two-fold phenomenon. A Yin and Yang, action-reaction, cause and effect, inception and conclusion relationship. Writers create worlds, characters, and circumstances with which readers can connect. Readers search for writers whose creations hold a resonance that seems to speak directly to them. It’s almost a symbiotic relationship where one cannot exist without the other. Or at least, one cannot truly be fulfilled without the other.

The reader reads what the writer writes, then writes about what they’ve read so other readers may also read what was written. That’s where the aforementioned book blogs, review rendezvous, spotlight sprees, hype headquarters and chutzpah hullabaloos come into play. Because as sure as the reader will read what the writer wrote, there are other writers who will write about what was written so readers know what to read.

Are you dizzy yet? So am I.

This is the bewildering boondocks into which each writer wanders when they put the proverbial pen to paper. This is the maelstrom that spins around us in a confusing concoction of words, phrases, jargon, lexical madness and magic that leaves all of us more than a little muddled.

This is the realm into which Word Mongery and Musings will wander, leaving a trail for others to follow. A trail of writings for readers and readers for writers.

Please stop by and say Hi 🙂   OH and don’t worry, there’s plenty of poetry in this brain to keep BnV readers happy 🙂

.

~Morgan~

A Reverse ‘View – #Book #Interviews Backwards

01 Wednesday Jul 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

.

Book reviews are a marvelous thing.  For an author, each one is the Holy Grail; an invaluable treasure we are ever searching to acquire.  Yet, I have found very often after reading a review that I want to know more.  Whether the review is for one of my own books or a tale I want to learn more about, I am always left wondering what else the reader thought.

Limited in most cases to under 300 words, reviewers typically choose and use their lexicon wisely, but how do you adequately summarize a daring adventure, sweeping romance, or beguiling mystery of over 100K words with so few?

Being a creative problem solver, I have thought about this repeatedly, wondering how to free the reviewer of the constraints of social media attention spans and give them the opportunity to pontificate pleasingly and profusely.

Here enters the Reverse ‘View.  Note the apostrophe, please.  It’s placement is intentional. Not only does this title indicate what you are about to see or read is not what you might anticipate, but it denotes, in this case, the omission of the letters INTER.

How often have you read an author interview? Come on now, be honest; how often have you actually read the entire thing?  I confess, I’m as guilty as most, but what if I interviewed YOU?  We do it all the time.  We ask each other what we thought about the movie we saw over the weekend, how the restaurant we went to compared to others; we even ask each other about books we’ve read.

We interview each other.  So why not interview READERS about the books they’ve read?  This is what you want to know…not what the author wants to tell you to make you buy it, but what the reader thought.  Was it good or an epic failure?  Did you read it all in one weekend because you couldn’t put it down? Why? What made it so good?

Now, imagine if YOU could read the reader’s interview and then ask them whatever it is YOU want to know.  It a nifty notion, not? (Ok, I love alliterations, but ‘lest I digress..) Enter the Reverse ‘View.  An interview of a reader.  An interactive interview! Interested? (sorry, it was right there!)

Before I lose you…In the coming weeks (and months, depending on how much YOU like them) I will be posting a series of Reverse ‘Views.  Interviewing readers about books you may or may not have ever heard of… and giving YOU the opportunity to ask them questions too (in the comments, of course!)

I hope you will enjoy them.  I hope you will join them.  And, of course, ultimately, I hope you will read them 🙂

.

~Morgan~

.

.

.

Beautiful photograph found on Pinterest.  Credit Gratefully Acknowledged to the Original Photographer and Artist.  Thank You.

Demons, Chaos, Shadows and Light -The #Creative Dynamics of #Fantasy #Author #D.M.Cain

04 Thursday Jun 2020

Posted by in Poetry

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

.

I’d like to introduce D.M. Cain to you.  A marvelously skilled author who has a new series – A Chronicle of Chaos (The Light and Shadow Chronicles)

D.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for Next Chapter Publishing. The Light and Shadow Chronicles series features a range of books which can be read in any order. The series installments to date include A Chronicle of Chaos, The Shield of Soren, Genesis of Light and Origin of Shadow.

Cain has released one stand-alone novel: The Phoenix Project, a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future. The Phoenix Project was the winner of the 2016 Kindle Book Review Sci-Fi novel Award.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her partner and two young children, and spends her time reading, writing, reviewing, and indulging in geek culture (Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy).

.

Bound by fate. Severed by blood.

In a realm ravaged by war, The Brotherhood of Shadow and The Children of Light will stop at nothing to destroy each other.

The warrior known as Chaos fights in the name of honor and glory. Arrogant and headstrong, he considers himself the strongest in the land, until fate puts him at the mercy of the demon Anathema.

The two strike up an intense rivalry, but their obsession to defeat one another only leads them closer together.

When the forces of Light and Darkness collide, where will their loyalties lie?

Praise:

★★★★★ – “Outstanding. Strongly recommended to anyone who likes young adult fantasy.”

★★★★★ – “A unique and different approach to the old themes of angels and demons.”

★★★★★ – “Fantasy world, demons, angels, complex moral dilemmas. I’m sold.”

.

HI DM  🙂  What do you love most about writing?

I love the sense of discovery and adventure that comes with writing fantasy. Although I plan my work and have an idea where I want scenes to go, there is still a sense of the plot unfolding before me. Sometimes, after a long and difficult day all I want to do is lose myself in my fantasy world.

I know precisely what you mean!  So tell us, what inspired you to write your book?

When I was around ten years old, my friend and I created a whole imaginary world and made up hundreds of stories that existed in those settings. The books I write now are inspired by those stories. As I got older, it became less a passing interest and more of a calling – I couldn’t allow the stories to remain locked in my head forever.

I , for one, am so glad you didn’t!  For me, the story just seems to happen and I just type it out  Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

In order to write believable and likeable characters, an author needs to really get into their heads, and know them inside and out. By doing so, it almost gives the characters life, and with time they start acting on their own! Sometimes I can be deep into a scene and something can happen that I had never intended. For example, in my current novel, a character grabs a flaming torch off the wall and sets fire to a room (which is very much in his character!) and I had no idea that was going to happen when I sat down to write! Characters have minds of their own and sometimes all I can do is to go along with the flow.

Thats often difficult for a non-writer to understand, but characters really do become alive while you’re writing the story.  And so often, the story takes turns you might not expect.  Are you a painstaking plotter or are you a discovery writer?

I have always been somewhere in the middle. I tend to plan my overarching plot points and get to know my characters really well. But it takes a while to get into the tone of a book and sometimes my original plans have to change because they don’t work anymore. I think, for me, the most important thing is to be adaptable and to be willing to change the plot if the story needs it.

What’s your number one tip for an aspiring author?

Get into the online writing community. There are so many fantastic writing groups on Facebook and Twitter. The writing community is fantastically helpful, inspirational and supportive. I have met editors, illustrators, promoters, publishers and many more through my online presence and it has given me a lot of knowledge about the industry. Plus, I have made lots of amazing friends who are always there to motivate and push me, read my work and give tips, or just have a brainstorming session with.

Are there any characters you’ve created that you would like to meet and why?

Hmm.. tricky. Raven from The Phoenix Project is moody and intense, Chaos from A Chronicle of Chaos is arrogant, Callista is too intimidating. I really like Dana and Soren from A Chronicle of Chaos – they’re both friendly and cool.

I liked Raven as well.  His intensity was what drew me into the story.  Do you get drawn into stories too?  If you could live in a book, which one would it be – why?

Again, a tricky question, as all the books I like are in dystopian, war-filled, cataclysmic or apocalyptic nightmares! I wouldn’t mind living in the world of The Magic Faraway Tree – I loved it so much as a child.

Writing really does become our lives, even if we still have day-jobs.  Its fabulous when someone recognizes all your hard work with a stellar review, but What about bad ones? How do you deal with those?

I used to take the criticism badly and get upset for days. But unfortunately, bad reviews are just part of being a writer. Now, I don’t dwell on them but I make sure to read them carefully. They can be a valuable source of advice – if you know what a reader doesn’t like, you might be able to avoid it in future.

Speaking of the future….What’s exciting you about your next project?

My current project is a new novel in my fantasy series, The Light and Shadow Chronicles. The Sins of Silas is so much fun because it is from the POV of the opposing army and I haven’t written anything from them before. It’s great fun to have the characters inverted – the bad guys are now the good guys and vice versa. Plus, Silas Wilder himself is a mischievous trickster and a hedonistic bad boy, so he’s all kinds of fun!

Before you go, can you tell us something about you that we don’t know yet…like…Do you have a Mantra  or a Quote you try to live by?

‘Every book is written one word at a time’ – I like to remind myself of this. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to write the words. Even the classics were only written one word at a time.

You can D.M Cain here:

Amazon Author Page

D.M Cain’s Website

Publisher’s Author Page

A Chronicle of Chaos Book link  

.

I’d like to thank D.M Cain for sharing her valuable time and talent with BnV.  I hope you enjoyed learning more about her amazing work and will take a few minutes to explore her website….its amazing!

.

~Morgan~

Whats Half-a-Million? – #Live #Author #Interviews

02 Tuesday Jun 2020

Posted by in About Me (since you Insist)

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

.

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a LIVE Radio Interview.  Chat and Spin Radio, a UK Based Internet Radio Broadcaster invited me to share a little bit about myself, my books, and why I wrote them.

Did I mention it was LIVE?

Yes, Live!

Me! 🙂

Oh boy, was I nervous…I was pacing around the place two hours ahead of time.  Why?, well, I’ve never spoken in front of upwards of a half a million listeners before! :O

Yes, half a million!

Ok, it was only 5 minutes, but still, it was the most nerve-wracking and exciting 5 minutes of my life…..

PHEW!   It was a joy, it was terrifying, it was amazing!

And yes, that’s a lot of exclamation points, but I really do mean all of them.

Unfortunately, WordPress doesn’t allow me to upload the nifty video I created (If I do say so myself) to share the interview.

So I have only one option, but to share the link to the video (which is on Facebook)

I hope you will pop by and give it a look/listen.

Chat and Spin Radio Live Interview

And if I haven’t mentioned it in a while….THANK YOU!  Because without you, this would all be fairly pointless, now wouldn’t it?

.

~Morgan~

Of #Archangels, #Hypnotherapy and #Psychopaths – #Author Leo Kane!

27 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

.

My friend and fellow author Vanda…oops Leo Kane…has stopped by to share a little about herself, her books, characters, and upcoming projects.  Personally, I want to try out the hypnotism!  No really, read on and find out what Im blathering about 🙂

Hey there Friend…tell us a wee bit about yourself 🙂

Born and raised in the Steel City of Sheffield, England; I spent a lot of my life day dreaming and can’t seem to outgrow the habit. Despite this I gave managed to raise a family of three wonderful girls, a tolerant husband and crazy husky who inveigles his way into my books posing as the hero, Furface. I somehow acquired a career in human resource management and the employment law courts and a Master of Science degree along the way.

I am also a qualified clinical hypnotherapist with a fascination for the human condition. When I am not sending people into a trance and curing their phobias I happily plot my books whilst staring out of windows.

Oh and by the way, I see dead people some of whom are kind enough to chat with me.   (This is entirely worthy of another post, you know!)

 

Do your characters dictate what you write?

Jake, the main protagonist of the Heavensgate Series won’t allow me a moment’s peace until I get his story down exactly as he wants it told. I outline the plot and he derails it. I choose his enemy and he attacks a stranger. I pick him a lover and he runs off with another. The man is a nightmare to write about. He just said I write for him not about him. See what I mean?  (I love this character, Leo!!)

Do you have a Favourite and least favourite character?

The character I love to hate in Book 1 Heavensgate, Hope is Mary Barrington wife of a Darth Vader impersonator and the most dangerous foster parent ever. Despite her very obvious defects she’s a ballsy woman and nobody’s fool. Unfortunately she loves Jake rather too much and, even without her disgusting predilections, she would scare the life out of me.

My least favourite is Joy’s mother, the eternal virgin you can meet in Book 2, Heavensgate, Joy. The woman has no redeeming qualities whatsoever; it’s a kindness to call her a soul sucking wretch. She is based on someone very close to me and for that reason I sympathise with and forgive her.

I would love to meet the Archangel Gabriel, Gabi to his friends, who along with the Angel of Redemption plays a starring role in the series. Gabi and I could have a girly day out having our hair and nails done and shopping for clothes. At the end of a busy afternoon we would relax, gossiping over Earl Grey and cake while sneaking high heels off our aching feet and sighing with pleasure.

Got any fun Tips?

I am better at baking tips if you need any. However, if I must offer some advice to any aspiring author I suggest you read widely, write every day and edit with a ruthlessness that makes you cry, but ultimately makes you proud of your art.

What upcoming projects are you excited about? 

Ooh where do I start?

I am thrilled that Book 3, Heavensgate, Faith will be published very soon. Jake’s story takes a shocking turn when he meets Faith and Mercy – I think this is the first time I’ve surprised him with a plot twist he couldn’t wriggle out of. However, he says that my bad behaviour suggests I may have to write at least one more book for the annoying man.

I am very excited to encourage my talented granddaughter, Keira, as she launches her web-based clothing designs. She also sells bespoke art some of which I am honoured to say are my photographs reproduced on canvas. The clothes and the prints are limited editions, so why not pop in for a peek at: (This sounds awesome…Im off to check it out..OH< wait, we have an interview to finish!)

www.keke-kreation.teemill.com  

Tell us about Book 1 in the Heavensgate series

When Jacob was a child a mysterious girl comforted him at the funeral of the family he accidentally killed.

Years later and grieving for his lost wife and son, Jacob is at Heavensgate. He strongly believes that the dead should stay dead, but he sees things other people don’t see.

Even worse Jacob is besieged by his alter ego the taunting, foul- mouthed, sex-crazed, dangerous, Jake, a personality with a twisted sense of fun and no conscience.

Jacob battles for his sanity and soul surrounded by supernatural enemies and allies as he struggles to free the Keeper of the Forbidden Book and ignore the menacing pink Cadillac that drives by his lakeside lodge every night.

Wherever Jacob goes people die. The cops are moving in on him when a terrifying and seductive presence arrives on the frozen lake.

Now Jacob will discover that even hope has a dark side.

http://mybook.to/Heavensgatehope

Where can we find you?

http://hgleokane.wix.com/heavensgate

http://www.facebook.com/Leokaneheavensgate

http://twitter.com@h-gleokane

.

Its always a delight to spend time with Vanda….LEO …I mean Leo!…. and Im so happy she stopped by to share a little about her books, her characters and her cool new project with her granddaughter. …..tho I was kinda hoping Jake would stop in too….maybe next time 😉

.

~Morgan~

 

 

 

 

A Scope of #Mystery – #CharacterInterviews with a Twist

20 Wednesday May 2020

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

.

Debbie De Louise is a reference librarian at a public library. She’s the author of seven novels including the four books of her Cobble Cove cozy mystery series. Her latest release, Sea Scope, is a psychological mystery. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and three cats.  Today Debbie has stopped by with a character from her book Sea Scope to share a few insights into the book and the characters within.

.

Debbie: Hi, Julie. Welcome to Cynthia Morgan’s blog. Please tell the readers a little about yourself and your role in my book, Sea Scope.

Julie: My pleasure, Debbie. As you know, I’m not the main character of the book. That honor belongs to my niece Sarah Collins. However, I play a large role in the story. After all, most of the action takes place at my home, Sea Scope, that is also an inn. I’m a portrait artist as well as an innkeeper. That’s where Sarah gets her artistic talent from, although she illustrates children’s books instead of penning portraits.

Debbie: That’s very interesting, but isn’t it also true that you’ve had many lovers but have never married?

Julie: That’s correct. My longest relationship was with Bart Donovan. He fancied I was in love with him. I think he was on the verge of proposing when I broke it off.

Debbie: And why exactly was that? Did it have anything to do with Sheriff Donald Marshall?

Julie: You might say that. Of all the men I’ve known, Donald was the one who came closest to winning my heart. In fact, he still may, as we’ve been reunited. I met him during the investigation into the murder at my inn twenty years ago.

Debbie: How awful! Who was murdered and how?

Julie: I can’t talk too much about it because I know your readers don’t like spoilers, but the victim was a young college student, Michael Gamboski, who was staying at the inn that summer. Glen and Sarah found his body by the nearby lighthouse. His death was termed suicide, but, after my niece returned to Sea Scope, strange things started happening that made us consider his death was murder.

Debbie: Please tell us about these strange happenings.

Julie: We began receiving messages written in crayon from my dead nephew, Sarah’s brother, Glen Brewster. Glen died two years ago in a motorcycle accident in California where he was a practicing psychologist. When Glen lived at the inn as a child, he liked to play a game that involved crayon clues.

Debbie: Boy, this sounds like an interesting story if I must say so myself. What about the rest of the family and those who lived at Sea Scope when Michael died?

Julie: I wish I could say nice things about the others, but I didn’t get along with everyone. Glen’s father, Martin, killed himself a year after they moved away from Sea Scope. I never liked Sarah’s mother, Jennifer, much. She drank a lot when she was at Sea Scope and hasn’t stopped. The people I liked best were Wanda and Wendy Wilson. Wanda was like a daughter to me more than a maid. Her daughter Wendy, was friends with Sarah and Glen. The only problem with Wanda was that she was flirtatious. She had Wendy out of wedlock. Russ Donovan, Bart’s son, also spent time at the inn. I think Sarah was attracted to him, but she married someone else after her family moved to New York from South Carolina.

What disturbs me about Derek is that he refuses medical treatment to help Sarah conceive when she desperately wants a baby.

Debbie: What a cast of characters. Is there anyone else in the book we should know about?

Julie: There is one other character. Her name is Carolyn Grant. She’s a children’s book writer and Sarah’s friend. She accompanies her to Sea Scope because Derek is teaching summer classes and can’t join Sarah.

Debbie: Would you have an excerpt to the book that you would like to share?

Julie: Yes. Here’s one that features me and my cat, Al.

As Al circled her legs emitting short cries that signaled his hunger, Julie checked for mail. There was one letter inside the box. It wasn’t in an envelope and bore no stamp. Someone had dropped it off. She figured it was an advertisement, but when she unfolded the paper, she saw that it was a note written in childish handwriting. Each letter had been marked with a different crayon.

“Do you really think you should reopen the inn? How many more deaths do you want on your head?”

Your nephew, Glen

She gasped. Al sensed her dismay and stopped crying, his body alert to danger; the fur on his back starting to rise.

Glen was dead, buried in the family cemetery nearly two years ago.

Debbie: Thank you so much for the great interview, Julie.

You can connect with Debbie at:

Facebook: 

Twitter

Website/Newsletter sign up 

.

Do you have an amazing character from your book you’d love to share with a broader audience?  Perhaps two characters interacting with each other or one interviewing the other.  Drop me a line via my contact info to learn more about authoring a guest post all about them! 🙂

.

~Morgan~

Meet the very talented award winning Author Cynthia A. Morgan

25 Tuesday Jun 2019

Posted by in About Me (since you Insist)

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , ,

I am so honored to have been featured on Guy Lozier’s blog and magazine. Please stop by and enjoy 😊

Guy Lozier

“The Power of Positivity is Positively Powerful!” —Cynthia A. Morgain

Cynthia A. Morgan is an award-winning author; columnist for the national magazine Fresh Life Style, and a member of the Poetry Society of America and Artists for Peace. Creator of the mythical realm of Jyndari and author of the epic fantasy Dark Fey Trilogy, Morgan’s powerful story relates how the power of hope, acceptance and forgiveness can change the world, when positive action is taken to create change.  The only way to achieve peace is to become peace.

Morgan is also the author of the popular blog Booknvolume where over 18K followers can explore Morgan’s own brand of poetry and English Sonnets, musings about life, personal recipes, photography, book reviews and more.

Upcoming projects include a fictional drama in Regency Period England; a foray into the lives of a young housemaid and an immortal archangel in French post-Armageddon earth…

View original post 2,453 more words

Karina Bartow- An #Author who Challenges her #Challenges!

11 Saturday May 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

.

I would love for you to meeet Karina Bartow who grew up and still lives in Northern Ohio.  Though born with Cerebral Palsy, she’s never allowed her disability to define her.  Rather, she’s used her experiences to breathe life into characters who have physical limitations, but like her, are determined not to let them stand in the way of the life they want.  Her debut novel, Husband in Hiding, came out in 2015 and was well-received by readers.  Her second, Forgetting My Way Back to You, was released in October 2018 by Vinspire Publishing and has been praised by reviewers.  She may only be able to type with one hand, but she writes with her whole heart and I hope you will enjoy learning more about her and her books as much as I did when she recently contacted me.

HI Karina 🙂  Thank you for taking a few moments to share your story with BnV 🙂  Lets dive right in, shall we?  Do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?  When I started writing, I tried first person perspective, but I found it confining with so many elements to a plot. Now, I only write in third person so that I can show a broader scheme rather than one corner.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?   For sure! Even though I have a general idea of their personalities from the beginning, they take their own turns I don’t always expect. I just go with it!

LOL, I tend to let my characters tell their own story too! What type of book do you like to read and does this differ from the genre that you prefer to write?   I’ve always enjoyed love stories, so that’s what I started writing. After a few years, though, I was drawn to mysteries, and that’s my preferred genre in which to write. When given a choice of what to read, I still stick with love stories. Call me sappy!

Tell us a little more about your book?    At one point or another, everybody finds themselves wanting a second chance, whether it be missing the mark on an investment, failing to live up to a certain goal, or letting a true love slip away. It’s very seldom, however, that one receives the proverbial do-over.

Charlee Stoll and Hunter Jett become the modern-day exception. After a decade-long estrangement, the high school sweethearts reconnect when Hunter, fresh off a career in arena football, returns to his hometown. Their reunion catches both of them by surprise, and they quickly recapture the love they once shared. When Hunter begins to rethink his choices, though, tragedy strikes. During a heated confrontation, Charlee’s thrown off a horse and sent into a week-long coma.

When she awakens with no clue who he is, he seizes the chance to right his wrongs, but it proves more challenging than he expects. On top of romancing her, he must overcome her father’s displeasure, another ex-boyfriend vying for her love, and her own mission to regain her memory.  Through charm and deception, can he win back her love…before she discovers the truth?

Sounds Fantastic !  You can find Karina’s book here 

Thanks so much Karina for sharing your time and talent with BnV!  I wish you many Blessings and Success 🙂

.

~Morgan~

 

Playing in the Rain- a #Sci-Fi, #Post-Apocalyptic, #Suspense #Page-Turner

13 Saturday Apr 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

.

Sandra J. Jackson is an award-winning Canadian author living in rural Ontario with her family. Her published novels include Promised Soul and Playing in the Rain – Book 1 of the Escape Series. The second book of the series is awaiting publication while Sandra works on editing the final book. She holds a professional membership with the Canadian Author Association and is a member of Writer’s Ink.

Playing in the Rain

When the effects of a hypnosis inducing drug fade, April slowly begins a conscious awakening. Memories of her past are unclear and she has no recollection of her identity or her whereabouts.

As the days slip by, April realizes there is more to life than existing when she is introduced to an occupant who does just that—her sister. The more she learns about her environment the more she wants to escape.

Will April remember her past, her sister? Will she have the courage to leave?  And if she does, where will she go?

Experience through April’s eyes her struggle to remember and her determination to escape in this sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, suspense story.

.

Hi Sandra!  Its  great having you stop by for a quick chat.  Tell us about you.  What do you love most about Writing?

What I love most is that no matter what ideas I might have my characters are the ones who direct the story. They surprise me every time.

I love when they do that!  I like to tell their story, using 2nd person.  Do you have a preferred POV that you write from and why?

Both of my books are written in first person (though Promised Soul does have a couple of chapters written in third). I like the way first person draws readers into a story and makes them feel like they are a part of it.

First person is something I haven’t tried yet.  Maybe one day.  Makes me wonder, does it drive how your write….and Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

Absolutely! I have a quote that I use on my business cards and a few other things. “Only my characters truly know what’s happening—I just hold the pen.”

I wrote that quote because this is how it is for me.

Oh thats so true…I never know where they will lead me. Im often just holding on for the ride!  Playing in the Rain sounds like a marvelous, page-turner!  Where can we find it?

Find it on Amazon

Discover More of Sandra’s Writing

.

Thank you so much for visiting BnV, Sandra.  I am so happy to share your story…and your story!

Blessings and Success 🙂

.

~Morgan~

The Origin Stone – #Fantasy with a #SciFi Twist

06 Saturday Apr 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

.

Emily Renzi thinks she’s going crazy. After her parents move to a quiet village, she senses that something is off about the house they’re living in. Dreams of strange creatures invade her sleep, and mysterious shapes appear in the garden. Confiding in her older brother, Ru, they research the house’s background and find that a scientist disappeared there during World War II. Afterwards, sightings of strange creatures were whispered around the village. Could the creatures in Emily’s dreams and the ones rumored about be the same? And if so, what do they want from her? As she struggles to piece together the truth from the fiction, she finds out that beasts aren’t always monsters – humans, however, are a different matter.

.

Kathryn Rossati is an autistic author and poet who loves weaving tales of fantasy, sometimes with sci-fi or paranormal twists. Her stories tend to have themes of social acceptance and equality, without being preachy.   Kathryn has four middle grade books published under the name Kathryn Wells with Creativia, along with a debut poetry collection, and her latest book, The Origin Stone, which was recently published in March from Nuff Said Publishing.

Kathryn, what do you love most about Writing? Living a life/lives so very different to my own. It’s like being an actor, except without the CGI to be added after your scene’s been filmed. Every story has a new cast that I have to get to know, and the world can be close to my own or the complete opposite. Nothing is impossible, and exploring that is invigorating. True, there are times when trying to get the words down on paper is like pulling teeth, but the end result is worth it. I also find it incredibly therapeutic, as it eases my depression and provides me with a sense of achievement and self-worth.

Can you sum up your life story in ten words or less? Dungaree-loving Mother of Parrots obsessed with the fantastical.

Do you have a Mantra- a Quote you try to live by? Yep, as a woman on the autistic spectrum, I can have very strong interests. However, as being an author has always been my dream, my mantra is, ‘Just Write’. It refocuses me on what I truly find important so I can keep going (it’s also tattooed on my leg just in case I forget). Anyone can write, but being an author takes true commitment and passion.

.

I love that!  Thank you so much Kathryn for taking a few moments of your time to share your story…and your story, with BnV 🙂

Find Kathryn on Twitter 

Find The Origin Stone on Amazon

.

~Morgan~

God’s Hammer- A #HistoricalFiction #MustRead & the #Author who created it.

30 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by in Authors Books Reviews & Interviews

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

.

Eric Schumacher is an American historical novelist who currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife and two children. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended college at the University of San Diego.

At a very early age, Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Those discoveries continue to fuel his imagination and influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God’s Hammer, was published in 2005. He has since published two additional novels, Raven’s Feast and War King. All three tell the story of Hakon Haraldsson, the first Christian king of Viking Norway.

.

His historical fiction novel God’s Hammer is a true must read!

History and legend combine in the gripping tale of Hakon Haraldsson, a Christian boy who once fought for the High Seat of a Viking realm.

It is 935 A.D. and the North is in turmoil. King Harald Fairhair has died, leaving the High Seat of the realm to his murderous son, Erik Bloodaxe. To solidify his claim, Erik ruthlessly disposes of all claimants to his throne, save one: his youngest brother Hakon.

Erik’s surviving enemies send a ship to Wessex, where the Christian King Athelstan is raising Hakon. Unable to avoid his fate, he returns to the Viking North to face his brother and claim his birthright, only to discover that victory will demand sacrifices beyond his wildest nightmares.

.

Eric, What do you love most about Writing?

What I love most about writing is disappearing into my imagination. I will start writing and hours can pass in what feels like minutes. Nothing else I do has that same affect on me.

Do your characters dictate what or how your write in any way?

Absolutely. My characters often throw a monkey wrench into my writing. I’ll be in the midst of writing dialogue or an action scene and suddenly my characters will do something unexpected. I pursue that new angle or direction because it usually feels appropriate for that character. The challenge, though, is that it can take the story in a new direction that may veer too far from historical facts, so I’ve learned to be cautious. Still, it is always a nice surprise when my characters come alive like that.

What’s exciting you about your next project?

A few things have really got me jazzed. While I’m sticking with Viking historical fiction, I am venturing into a new story with all new historical and fictitious characters. Developing those characters has been a ton of fun. I am also experimenting with a different POV, which is daunting and exciting all at once. It’ll be a few more months, but I can’t wait to share the project with the world!

.

For more information, visit Eric’s website

Find God’s Hammer on Amazon

.

.

Thanks so much Eric for sharing your valuable time and talent with BooknVolume.  I wish you all the best success and happiness!

Are you an author interested in sharing your story?  Stop by my recent Author Interviews post to learn more.

.

~Morgan~