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I recently met Fantasy Author Jacob Peppers via Facebook.  Really what caught my eye was the cover of his new release.  I was just drawn to the character, wondering what was happening and why he looked so distressed (so me, right?!)  So I reached out the Jacob to see if I could find out more.

Jacob Peppers lives in Armuchee, Georgia with his wife and three dogs.  His short story, “The Lies of Autumn,” was  a finalist for the 2013 Eric Hoffer Award for Short Prose.  His other short works have been published in various literary journals.  He is the author of A Sellsword’s Compassion, a debut fantasy novel and book one of The Seven Virtues, and The Silent Blade, a Seven Virtues novella.

Hi Jacob..Thanks for taking some of your valuable time to chat with me about your writing and your book that so intrigued me.  So tell me…..

What Inspires and stirs your creativity? Oh, that’s a pretty long list.  I’m much more of a discovery writer than a plotter; I tend to write from situations and, at most, will have a few scenes I know I want to include in the book when I start a draft.  Because of this, I’d say I’m inspired daily–books I read, movies I watch, and interactions I have.  All of those feed into the writing, and I think, for me at least, they help to keep it fresh and challenging.

Tell us about your book(s):
My recently published novel is A Sellsword’s Compassion.  I published it with an accompanying novella, The Silent Blade, that comes before it in the chronology of the world.  As for A Sellsword’s compassion, it follows Aaron Envelar, a jaded sellsword who lives in the poor district of one of the kingdom’s major cities.  Aaron stumbles on the assassination of a prince and ends up getting wrapped up in a conspiracy involving the remaining royal siblings who are all battling for dominance of the kingdom.  Aaron finds himself followed by mythical assassins, a man with superhuman strength, and a ball of light claiming to be the embodiment of compassion.  The last makes for some fun back and forth when you have a man whose life has taught him only to look out for himself, and he ends up feeling things in a way that he hasn’t in a very long time.  Of course, he also gets some special abilities because of it, so maybe it’s an even trade.

What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
I’ve written in quite a few genres.  It’s in my nature to have a lot of projects going at once which is why I’ll be releasing The Son of the Morning, book one of the Nightfall Wars in early November, and another, as of yet untitled, novel in early December, another first for a series.  I write on a lot of things at once, so I try to make this up in volume, minimizing the wait between sequels as much as possible.  My short stories range from thriller to literary to horror and The Lies of Autumn, the short story that was the finalist for the 2013 Eric Hoffer award, is really a suspense story.  That being said, my biggest love is always for fantasy–what can I say?  I’m a grown man that loves magic.

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
Best advice?  Well, I’ve heard some great advice in my time so that’s a long list.  I think one of the major themes of Stephen King’s book, On Writing, encapsulates some of the best advice I could give.  If you want your writing to be your job, treat it like your job.  You don’t watch Netflix for five hours while you’re on the job–not if you want to keep it anyway.  You put in the time and you put in the effort–the book doesn’t get finished by magic.  Although, sometimes it can seem like it did.  Otherwise?  Brandon Sanderson has made some great points on this in his YouTube videos of his Creative Writing classes.  For example, any book or movie that I really like, I try to dilute that down as much as possible and ask myself what it was that struck me?  What was so powerful that I lost sleep to read it or to watch it?  That was some great advice for me, and I don’t think anyone would disagree that those two guys know what they’re doing.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?
Hmm … sleeping?  No, seriously, I tell people you can describe my life by the three W’s.  Writing, working out, and spending time with my wife (in no particular order, of course, I’d rather not get divorced today.)  Aside from that?  Ping pong, video games, just about anything that gives me the chance to beat someone else–I have a tendency to be pretty competitive.

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination.  Have you ever been there?  What makes this place Irresistible to you?
That’s easy–Ireland.  My wife and I went there a few years back, and it was incredible, the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.  I guess it’s hard to pin down one thing that makes it so irresistible.  It’s so green there, so uncultivated.  I’m a country boy at heart, and I’ve a love for open spaces, I guess.  It’s also the way people are there–the pace of life is slower and that’s a part of it but not all.  I’ll tell you this–we were there for over a week, and I heard one horn honk the whole time; it was me when I was climbing out of the admittedly disappointing rental car.  Overall, I think there’s just a rhythm, a beat to the culture that’s subtle but powerful anyway.  I love it, that’s all.  I’d be there right now if the wife gave the go ahead but hey?  We live on hope.

Do you have a Rule to Live By?
Oh, probably a billion of them.  I guess the one that I always tell myself, at least regarding my writing, is that there may be people out there (and there are, I promise, plenty of them) that are smarter than me, people who are better or more talented, but there will never be someone that works harder than me.  I’m a big believer in controlling the controllables and letting the rest fall away.  Cormac McCarthy addresses this in No Country for Old Men (one of the best books I’ve ever read) and I’m paraphrasing here, but basically it says if there’s nothing to be done about it, it’s not a problem it’s just an aggravation.  I believe that, but I think that means also that, for me at least, I need to hold myself accountable to doing everything I can, as often as I can, the best that I can.  It’s something I tell myself every time I sit down to write and, hopefully, it shows though in the books.

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Stay up to date on Jacob’s latest works by visiting his website and joining his mailing list at www.JacobPeppersAuthor.com.  You can follow him on Twitter at @PeppersJacob or visit him on Facebook at  http://bit.ly/2wNRhGr

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~Morgan~

 

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I recently had the opportunity to speak with Fantasy Author T J Green about her book and writing.  T J Green was born in England, but moved to New Zealand 10 years ago. She currently lives near Wellington with her partner and her cats Sacha and Leia. When not writing she does lots of reading, gardening and yoga.

In a previous life she’s been a singer in a band, and has done some acting with a theatre company – both of which were lots of fun. On occasions she and a few friends make short films, which begs the question, where are the book trailers? Coming soon…

Tom’s Inheritance is T J Green’s first book, the sequel is called Twice Born, and was released in February 2017. She is now working on book 3, and also a few short stories which further expand the world of Tom in the Other.

Other projects include a book set in the real world – whatever that is – but there will be unusual things happening.

**** Bonus***  Tom’s Inheritance is available for free through Bookfunnel !!! – The Fey, the Lady of the Lake, and a summons to wake King Arthur

Please Introduce us to your Blog.  What is it all about?   What sorts of posts do you lean towards?

My blog is http://www.tjgreen.nz and primarily it’s a website about my writing and current projects. I talk about my characters, and background info that has influenced my books. I also read lots, so I review books of all kinds under the Reading Room. I host the occasional guest blog too.

What Inspires and stirs your creativity?

All sorts of things. I’m drawn to mysteries, fantasy and myths, and love the way that we all tell stories about our everyday life.

What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?

No particular message, but I hope whatever I post is interesting and informative.

How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?

I’ve found I have more to write about than I thought I would – I wasn’t particularly keen on having a website initially, but knew I needed one. I’ve found I really enjoy it. I also love reading, so writing book reviews and helping out fellow indie authors seemed a natural progression – although not all the book I review are indie- published.

Writing a blog regularly is good writing discipline too.

Tell us about your book(s):

I have two books published at the moment, and I’m writing the third. They’re all part of an Arthurian Fantasy series. Tom’s Inheritance, the first book, is about a boy called Tom who goes looking for his missing grandfather and ends up in the Other. He finds he’s been summoned by the Lady of the Lake to wake King Arthur from his long sleep on Avalon. It’s a reboot of the Arthurian legends, set in the Other. There’s some old Arthurian characters and lots of new ones!

Twice Born is the second book, and it’s a mystery and adventure. Tom and King Arthur look for Nimue, a missing witch, and find out Merlin is involved. And there’s dragons too!

Book three – tentatively titled Galatine’s Curse, is all about Tom’s sword and it’s very strange history, which plunges them into another adventure.

What Inspired you to write your book?

I wrote a short story – which you can get if you subscribe to my newsletter – and from that the story developed. I always wanted to write a modern fairy tale, and it just evolved.

From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?

I like close third person point of view, I find it gives me more freedom in writing. First person is too restrictive, but I’m sure at some point it will be a POV I’ll use.

 

What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?

Mystery, fantasy, adventure, magical realism, but I enjoy writing non-fiction too.

Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?

I’m really a discovery writer. I start out with a loose idea and go from there. At some point I have to plot, but the act of writing helps it unfold.

Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?

My favourite character is probably Beansprout – Tom’s cousin – she’s feisty and fun, but Bloodmoon is a character in my second book, who comes back for book 3, and he’s great! There’s no least favourite – yet!

Share an insight or secret about your book(s). 

Tom is the name of my 7 year old nephew – I named the lead character after him. He quite likes it!

What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?

Keep writing, don’t give up. Learn how to market effectively – still working on that one! And always hire a professional editor and cover designer – unless you’re a whizz with graphics.

 

Would you like to share an excerpt from the book or a poem or two to give readers an idea what you offer?

Excerpt from Twice Born – Chapter Three – 

They had been looking for nearly an hour, taking their time drifting through the warren of buildings, before they had any joy. Walking down the start of one of the Holloways, they saw a vast tree to their left, pressing against the bank at its back. There was a narrow cleft in its trunk, above which a small sign announced The Hollow Bole. Peering upwards through the leaves they saw small windows scattered along thick and misshapen branches. Ducking to avoid hitting their head on the low entrance, they stepped into a small hall hollowed out of the trunk and followed the narrow spiralling stairs upwards into the gloom. They emerged into a larger hall built into a broad branch overlooking the Holloway and the edge of the square. There were no straight edges anywhere. Instead, the chairs, tables and balcony were an organic swirl of living wood.

A dryad, green skinned and willowy, stepped out of the shadows and said, “Can I help you?”

Thinking they were alone, Tom jumped. Arthur remained a little more composed and said, “I’m looking for an old friend who passed through here, probably a few weeks ago now. Can you confirm if she stayed here?”

“And what do you want with this friend?” the dryad snapped.

“She hasn’t arrived where she should have, and I want to find out if anything has happened to her,” Arthur said, trying to keep the impatience out of his voice.

The dryad went silent for a moment. “It depends who it is. Her name?”

“Nimue. Our mutual friend Vivian asked me to find her. She’s worried.”

The dryad was startled. “Nimue? The witch?” She spat out “witch” viciously.

Now Arthur was startled. “Yes, Nimue, one of the priestesses of Avalon. Or witch, as you choose to call her.”

“They are all witches on Avalon,” the dryad replied disdainfully. “Yes, she stayed here for a few days. And then she left. I don’t know where,” she added, to avoid further questions.

Please tell us About YOU:  If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?

I’ll quote my twitter page, it’s a good summary – Author of Tom’s Inheritance and Twice Born – Arthurian Fantasy. Reader, blogger, book reviewer, mildly addicted shopper, gardener, cat lover, yoga obsessive.

If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?

Lawrence Durrell – my favourite author ever! I’ve read all of his books, many times.

When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?

Reading and gardening.

Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination.  Have you ever been there?  What makes this place Irresistible to you?

I love Asia. I love the people, the markets, the weather, the food, and the shopping. Bali is a big favourite!

What “Charity” or “Cause” do you feel passionately about & Why?

I’m a big advocate for women’s rights, and to end violence against women. I also find it very disturbing that women’s access to family planning is being reduced, and that women’s choices are being eroded. Too many people think it’s acceptable – it’s not.

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Please be sure to stop by and visit T J at her social places:

Website: http://www.tjgreen.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjgreenauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tjay_green
Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/Mount0live/boards/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mountolivepublishing/
Contact: tjgreennz@gmail.com

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~Morgan~

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Today I am welcoming fellow author C.B Pratt, who will be sharing one of her Fantasy Characters with us through a Character Interview. The longest C.B. Pratt has ever lived in one place is seven years. Now somewhat settled in Orlando, Florida, she shares a house with a wizard, a snoring dragon disguised as a dog, and lots of bookshelves overloaded with arcane knowledge. A mix of wanderlust and a lifelong addiction to myths and fantasy fiction gave her the idea to write about Eno the Thracian, a traveling hero for hire of the Bronze Age. When not writing, C.B. is letting the dog out…then letting the dog in…then letting the dog out…

Her Character’s Name: Eno the Thracian

Her Book/Series Name: Hero for Hire

While all the Big Name heroes are off fighting the Trojan War, Eno the Thracian is the hero of choice for anyone with a mythological problem, from a mini-dragon menacing your flocks to a goddess on the edge of destruction. With a body like living rock, a deep knowledge of life, death, and olive oil, Eno lives up to his motto: Swift Sword, Reasonable Rates. Starring in five stand-alone but connected novels, Eno the Thracian has found friends and fans all over the world.

So…how’s the hero business these days?

First off, you have to understand what a ‘Hero’ is. He’s not just brave, daring, and astonishingly handsome…wait. Let’s start over. It’s a job. Like artist or philosopher. You want to entertain, you hire a musician. You want to build a fountain, you hire a stonemason. You’ve got a monster tearing up a vineyard, you hire a hero. Lately, the man for the difficult jobs has been me.

I apprenticed for a half dozen years or so with another professional Hero before taking over his contracts when he retired to marry the wall-eyed daughter of a local baker. He gave me a sword and a start in life. But what really boosted my career was the Trojan War. With all the usual heroes off fighting and the kings neglecting their kingdoms, there’s a lot of opportunities for a useful guy like me. And monsters have been increasing lately, both in numbers and in size. It’s a growth industry…if you live.

Tell us a little about where you grew up. What was it like there?

I grew up in the mountains of Thrace, with the sheep, the shepherds, and the wolves. My tribe is the Maedi. While our womenfolk live in huts year round, the men follow the herds, going up to the high country for the summer grasses and returning in the winter. We worship the same gods as the Greeks; some claim that Ares first came from our lands. While I love my home-land, I haven’t been back much. I grew up bigger than most and when I was about 16, I came down to the ‘civilized world’, where I’ve met more scoundrels, dangers, and lies than I would have met in a lifetime in the hills. Of course, I was never all that crazy about sheep. Not the greatest conversationalists.

After a few years, I settled in Athens. It’s an up-and-coming town, where the temples are slowly being replaced with stone, the king doesn’t get into much trouble or charge high taxes, and the weather’s good. I get a lot of clients from word of mouth but also from my sign in the agora: Hero for Hire. All monsters dispatched from carnivorous geese to Minotaurs. Special rates for multiples. Eno the Thracian at the sign of the Ram’s Head, one flight up.

What can you tell us about your latest adventure?

The biggest case I have had so far came about because of Aphrodite’s Thunderbolt. I saw this girl in the marketplace and – bam! – I was in love. But my purse was empty and her father was asking for a big bride-price. So off I went to catch a living Harpy. I figured I’d get paid twice for the same monster – once by the king of the island the Harpy was terrorizing, once by another king who liked to hunt monsters for trophies. Only it didn’t work out like that. Somehow the simple cases always turn into something worse…so much worse.

What did you think when you met a god for the first time?

A wise man makes his offerings and prayers to the Gods, but hopes in his heart never to meet one. I haven’t been that lucky. The Gods started taking an interest in me during this case; never a healthy place for a mortal to be. When I first met Aphrodite, I was overwhelmed by her beauty, awed by her power, and terrified by the ‘motherly’ interest she took in me. She made me her warrior, whether I liked it or not. Henceforth, I was working for Her. And her enemies became mine. But a goddess’ enemies are on a scale far exceeding anything I’ve ever fought before. When the fate of Olympus rests on a mortal’s shoulders, a wise man runs away. I guess I’m not that bright.

What was the scariest thing in your adventures?

Jumping blindly into the Underworld, with a extremely pissed-off minor goddess under one arm…dying on the way down. That is a moment I try not to remember, thank you very much. Actually, that wasn’t as bad as what happened later on…

Tell us a little about your friends.

There’s something I refer to as ‘hero math’. It doesn’t matter how many people start out on an adventure, the hero comes back alone. That’s why I try not to involve too many people in my ventures but somehow they keep showing up. Like Phandros. A drunkard and former teacher to the 50 sons of Pharaoh, he started getting the idea that I need somebody to look out for my interests. So he started tagging along and, if I’m going to be completely honest, he did help…a lot.

Whom (or what) do you really hate?

Everybody always thinks I must really hate monsters…but I don’t. You know, they didn’t ask to be born part-dragon, part-goat, part-lion. If it were up to me, I’d move them somewhere that they can’t get into trouble with people…or cows. But sometimes you have to take strong action. What I don’t like is people who decide to be evil. They always  have good reasons for turning bad, which they usually want to tell me all about in excruciating detail. I don’t have much patience with evil viziers, power-mad queens, or spoiled princelings…especially when they’re trying to kill me in inventive and painful ways.

What’s your favorite pastime? Any hobbies?

I’ve learned to enjoy cooking. I’m a big guy; I eat a lot. It gets expensive eating out on the road all the time. I live above a taverna in Piraeus Port called the Ram’s Head. They’re nice folks who don’t mind taking messages when I’m away. I also collect Minoan pottery when I can afford it, which isn’t often. That stuff is getting rarer all the time and you wouldn’t believe the counterfeiting that goes on. Mostly, though, my off-hours are spent training. Muscles like these don’t build themselves, you know.

What does the future hold for you?

It’s a little crazy, maybe, but I’ve been thinking about starting a school for heroes. There’s a lot that you need to know *before* you start the on-the-job training or the ‘getting killed’ part. For instance, cleaning ichor off your leather armor, knowing which head of a hydra is the leading one, and the vital importance of ducking early and often. Most of these young hot-heads just set off with a magic sword and helmet and have no idea what the Hades they’re doing. That’s not so bad but they tend to find a lot of trouble and someone like me has to get them out of it.

For the immediate future, though, I have a trip planned back to Thrace to see my mother. How much trouble could that be?

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Please be sure to discover more about C.B through visiting her social places:

Link to book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Hire-Historical-Monsters-Thracian-ebook/dp/B00D6KPC1S

Link to book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19272592-hero-for-hire

Website : https://www.cynthiapratt.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBPratt

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/CB-Pratt-683927558302432

Hero for Hire, The Stone Gods, Dark Mountain, Rivers of Sand, and Eno and the Dragon. The first two are available on Audible. Also a free novella, Eno and the Pirates: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/EzHcA

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Morgan

Today I am delighted to share a character spotlight by my fellow Creativia Author Kenna McKinnon.

 

Kenna is a Canadian freelance writer, author of SpaceHive (2012), and Bigfoot Boy: Lost on Earth, as well as Benjamin and Rumblechum, The Insanity Machine; Blood Sister; Short Circuit and Other Geek Stories; DISCOVERY: A Collection of Poetry, Den of Dark Angels, and Engaging the Dragon. Her most memorable years were spent at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with a degree in Anthropology. Kenna is a member of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta and a professional member of the Canadian Authors Association. She has three wonderful children and three grandsons. Her hobbies include fitness, health, drawing, reading, walking, music, cooking and baking for friends.

 

Mark your Calendars!  SPACEHIVE WILL BE FREE OCTBOER 16 – 22, 2017. PUBLISHED BY CREATIVIA AND AVAILABLE ON AMAZON, B&N, SMASHWORDS, ETC. WORLDWIDE  .http://mybook.to/spacehive

A 12-year-old boy, Jason Anderson, finds himself kidnapped by giant alien wasps in a ship called SpaceHive, from which he wants to free himself by destroying the wasps and saving the world. However, the Black Wasp General Vard wants to stop him from this, and if he’s successful, will cause Jason to experience the end of the Earth as he knows it. Can Jason save Earth or will the vicious General Vard kill humanity and inhabit Earth?

 

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION FOR THE CHARACTER:

General Vard is the head of the Black Watch, a fierce army composed of giant alien wasps from the planet Jive Hive, who attempt to colonize Earth. They have transported many of the inhabitants of their planet to Earth on a huge mothership, and are using General Vard’s Death Machine to decimate most of Earth. General Vard is very vicious and does not hesitate to impale his Lieutenants with his poison barbs or use his sword on them. He is the main antagonist throughout the story.

Q:        Hi, there, big boy. What is your name and where do you hail from?
A:        I’m General Vard, of course, in charge of the Bee Queen’s army of mighty wasps from the planet called Jive Hive, in another star system from this puny Earth.

Q:        I see. Can you describe yourself for our readers?
A:        Of course. I’m very proud of my stature, eight feet tall of pure venom, black and yellow striped, and wearing a military tunic with many medals. My face strikes awe into anyone, including my Lieutenants, whom I don’t hesitate to impale with my poisoned barbs if they offend me.

Q:        Hmm. What brings you and your army to Earth?
A:        Not only my army, but thousands of giant worker Bees and the Queen herself, were transported to Earth by the mother ship. The Jive Hive, our planet, was overpopulated and, as usual, our age-old solution was to immigrate. We’ve done this countless times over the centuries. We need more water, more fruit, more habitation for our growing population and our dear Queen.

Q:        Who is your Queen?
A:        Unfortunately, our old rather weak Queen was left behind on Jive Hive. We have a new Queen, suitable for our temperament, which some of the worker bees such as Banter, Bipp, and Zibb consider ill tempered. However, she is very dear to me. I will protect her with my life.

Q:        So, there are too many of you on Jive Hive?
A:        Yes, there are too many of us. The hive has to find a new home. My army, the Black Watch, has been scanning the skies for hundreds of years and keeping a check on our population. The Imperative is to colonize. The whole Jive Hive planet was abuzz with the news when we told them. Our queen said this one, called Earth, is a plum ripe for the picking and only eight lightyears away. We were tired from the long sleep when we arrived. It was a brand-new adventure for us. A new Jive Hive.

Q:        To bad there are beings here, right?
A:        Too bad we have to kill them all. But the new planet’s green and warm. The wasp scouts said that it’s abused by its inhabitants, though. Their fault then and all the more reason to kill them. We must take it while we can.

Q:        Have you met any of the inhabitants?
A:        Yes, after killing thousands around the area we landed in, which was a remote spot the Earthlings call Canada, our worker bee Banter kidnapped a local boy called Jason. He has proven a big mistake to have on board the SpaceHive.

Q:        Why is that?
A:        He’s a very disruptive young Earthling. I understand his father is a scientist and working on a weapon to use against us. I wouldn’t be surprised if this young Jason knows more about it than he lets on. I think he’s dangerous but Banter protects him as though he is a pet. Disgusting.

Q:        What do you think the outcome of this battle will be, General Vard?A:        We have the Death Machine, which would incinerate all of Earth if we were to use it, but we can’t do that because the purpose of our trip is to populate this green and warm planet. So instead we use it selectively on the inhabitants, who use anything in their disposal to keep us away. Why, their generals have even used a nuclear bomb on the site we landed. Very disruptive to the atmosphere, but we managed to escape to a country called India. Unfortunately, the boy Jason was with us. He is proving to be more than a match for my Lieutenants.

Q:        The story is not over yet, General Vard. I suspect you will have much more to tell before the tale is done.
A:        Yes, well, I must get back to my army now. I must deploy the Death Machine against the countryside and try to keep the vegetation, local animals, vegetables and fruit, and especially the rotting fruit available and delicious. My planet depends on me.

Q:        I can see that you are a very important Wasp, General.
A:        See you soon, raccoon. I picked up that expression while on Earth. And by the way, step out of my way or I’ll run you through with my poisoned sword, weak Earthling with a pale face.

Q:        Very funny, General Vard. Thank you for talking to us today.
A:        You might want to tell your superiors that all of Earth is in danger, and soon.

Q:        Okay. Well, I think our next interview might be with the boy Jason.
A:        If you can find him, the manipulative little wretch.

Q:        He sounds like a good soldier to have on our side.
A:        I hate children. They’re such unpredictable citizens. I love to have order in my Army. It is imperative. The worker bees, Banter, Bipp, and Zibb, unfortunately, have taken a liking to this one. I’m sure that we will succeed in colonizing Earth and destroying the inhabitants. The only hope they have is a couple of youth. What can go wrong?

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Thank You So much Kenna for sharing your character with BnV today.  I must but this book on my TBRList 🙂

Please do visit Kenna and discover more about her and her writing.
Author’s blog: http://KennaMcKinnonAuthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennaMcKinnonAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KennaMcKinnon
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennamckinnon
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=kenna+mckinnon

 ~Morgan~

 

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Today I am delighted to introduce you to fellow Fantasy Author Lyra Shanti.  Lyra is a novelist, poet, playwright, and songwriter. Her love of theater inspired her imagination, and also introduced her to her partner and soulmate, Timothy. Together they live in Florida where they are perpetually entertained by their two insane cats. Lyra is a lover of nature, animals, anime, music, theater, movies, myths, and of course, books.
Lyra’s epic sci-fi/fantasy series, Shiva XIV, is currently in its third installment, Riddle of the Gods. The fourth chapter, The River of Time, is due out in late 2017, with one additional book to follow.

 

Today she is introducing us to one of her characters: Pei, the brave priest turned warrior from her epic sci-fi series Shiva XIV. 

What was it like growing up as a Dei priest, and then later as a “Lan” teacher for Ayn, the messiah of your people? Was it difficult? 

Pei: It was rather peaceful growing up at the Holy Temple on Deius. My own teacher, High Priest Meddhi-Lan, was also Ayn’s teacher. He raised us both like sons, though I was older than Ayn by 14 years. I was charged with the task of helping Ayn to study more often, which proved to be quite the challenge. *slight laugh* Ayn was a little wild when he was young, always making jokes and avoiding his lessons. I admit, I miss that joyful exuberance he had as a child. If only we could stay the way we are as children…

You seem to fall in love instantly, and hard. How does the romantic love factor impact any of your life-altering decisions? 

Pei: Oh, I… I don’t know. I try not to fall as hard or as fast these days, since it always gets me in trouble. But… I admit that love has influenced my mind and heart on a few occasions, especially when it came to joining the Lirhan on Kri. The transition of leaving the priesthood to become a warrior wasn’t easy. I had to change my entire mindset from a man of peace to a man of protection. I like to think I’m pleasing the Gods in what I do, but ultimately, I’m just trying to make myself happy… and protect those I love in the process.

Can you tell us about your childhood? What about your family?

Pei: I don’t know that much about my biological background. I’m an orphan, you see. I was told by the previous high priest, Amun-Lan that my parents left me at the temple without a word of why. I consider my family to be the man who raised me, Meddhi-Lan, and Ayn, who is like my little brother… albeit a very powerful one.

What’s your favorite food? 

Pei: I used to be a vegetarian at the temple, but these days? I love roasted meats, and I like traditional Deiusian food, specifically nutty stews or maybe mint ice cream. Mmm!

Would you choose personal happiness over universal peace? 

Pei: No, my guilt would get the better of me, and I wouldn’t be able to sleep. How those ruled by greed can do it is beyond me. They must have no conscience.

How do you define being a hero? Do you think you are one? 

Pei: I think of heroes as those who willingly face their fears and step into harm’s way so that they can help those less fortunate or in danger. There are all kinds of heroes though. Even just lending an ear for a friend or caring for a sick person can be heroic. It all makes a difference in whatever form it may be.   Am I a hero? I certainly hope so. I try my best to be a good man who cares for others. It’s my ideal.

Is war necessary? How do you balance your religious teachings with the violence of being a warrior? 

Pei: I don’t think I’m qualified to answer if war is necessary. However, I can say that violence isn’t natural for me. My religious teachings gave me respect for all life, and for the universe. But my later experiences showed me the anger and fear that exists in the hearts of all living creatures. That fear and anger is something the Dei priests believe they can control, but all they are really doing is hiding their emotions… and hiding from the world. I don’t want to hide, not do I want to be excessively violent. The Lirhan do not seek violence where it’s not necessary. I personally fight because I believe it’s the only way to stand up for what’s right, but I would never pick a fight where one didn’t need to occur.

What do you think of the planet Kri and its king, Atlar? 

Pei: Kri is fascinating. It’s a place of much philosophy and art, and has many old temples and architecture. They have gods, though they don’t seem to worship them as much as the religious do on my planet (Deius.) And I find their system of government fascinating; it’s a democratic monarchy. King Atlar is a fair and just king, as far as I can tell. I have a great deal of respect and love for his noble heart, sense of justice, and fearless courage.

Do you like your self image? Do you think you’re handsome? 

Pei: Oh, um… *blush* What a question! I suppose I’m alright, certainly not ugly… I don’t think. But beauty is subjective, isn’t it? I’d like to think I’m attractive, at least to those I myself am attracted to.

Why haven’t you done an interview before? Why are you so shy? 

Pei: I assume it’s my Dei upbringing. I find myself more at home with observing, rather than participating. 

What’s the one reason you think readers would love to read about you in the Shiva XIV series? 

Pei: Well, I don’t know if they would love me, but I personally like my willful determination. I think it’s my best quality. As for why readers would love the story, I can only say that I myself love its star, Ayn. He will forever be my younger brother, if not by blood, then by spirit. I am fascinated by his journey into the great man he is fated to become. I may lose faith in many things in this universe, but never in Ayn. He is pure. He is the light. He is my hope. I’m not sure if he knows all that, but it remains the truth.

Thank you Lyra for sharing your character with us.  Definitely enough to spark MY curiosity 🙂

You can Read more about Pei in the Shiva XIV series here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B01FURVPQA/

And be sure to visit Lyra at her social places:

Lyra on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lyra-Shanti/e/B004RZZEXW/

Lyra on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlyrashanti/

Lyra on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lyrashanti

Lyra’s website: http://www.lyrashanti.com

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~Morgan~

 

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Today’s Character Spotlight is through the talents of his creator, Author Susan Marcus. Former museum professional and puppetry artist, Susan Bass Marcus published her fantasy novel, Malevir: Dragons Return in 2015. The sequel, Where Dragons Follow, is planned to launch by early 2018. Her stories have been published in After Hours (print), on bewilderingstories.com, and the Fall Fantasy Anthology out of Cloaked Press coming in Autumn, 2017.

Today she is portraying Nnylf Geb Eunan with another edition of Dragonwolder in Depth.

“With us today is one of the land’s most famous dragons, Draako Geb Lugent. Two Silver Dragons lead Dragonwolder’s flokks and Draako is one of them. He is also my friend. Hello, Draako. Thank you for joining us today.”

DGL: No, the pleasure is all mine. And we’re more than friends. You’re my dragonrider. We’ve shared many adventures.

NGE: Thanks.  We sure have. You are a young, but accomplished member of the Orferans dragon clan. Can you share where you and your large family live?

DGL: Yes. Everyone knows our lairs lie deep in a cavern we call the Cave of the Ancestors.  A network of tunnels running through the mountains and underearth connects our lairs to many places across Dragonwolder. Our world has two chains of mountains, the Veiled Valley, a vast desert, swampy lowlands, and a rough, forbidding sea.

NGE: When I was a boy and unaware of you and your clan, your mother, the blue dragon Anadraka, and mine would meet secretly near our village, Fossarelick.

DGL: On the other side of the Veiled Valley, far from our lairs.

NGE: People in my village feared and hunted dragons. My sister Azile and I were really young when Anadraka brought us to the Cave of the Ancestors to meet you, in hopes of making peace.

DGL: Under, let’s say, trying—

NGE: Terrifying—

DGL: Terrifying conditions, the Malevir’s second attack on my clan.

NGE: Our chronicler describes that attack and other struggles with the Malevir in her account Malevir: Dragons Return. What does “dragons return” mean?

DGL: People from your village and other settlements in the Veiled Valley feared us for a long time. The Malevir burned fields and killed livestock then spread lies that we dragons were attacking the very people we were supposed to protect. Your mother and mine convinced them to trust us and we came out of hiding. We returned to the Veiled Valley as allies against the Malevir.

NGE: Why do dragons protect Dragonwolder from the Malevir?

DGL: We obey and cherish the Ways of the World. Dragonwolder is our world and our Way is its protection. Most of the Veiled Valley’s people and magical creatures depend on us for their safety. The Malevir has powerful magic and he wants to destroy us, but we’ve managed to defeat him, at least for now.

NGE: With the help of magical giants and a radiant energy source that gives your kind your fire, intelligence, and many different magical powers.

DGL: Yes, that’s the Mystic Scintilla. The Malevir wants to take it, maybe even destroy it, so that we dragons will be nothing but giant lizards.

NGE: You’re no simple lizard. Please describe yourself.

DGL: Well, I’m a bit bigger than your family’s cottage. My scales were blue and dotted with silver when I was a wyrmling, but now I’m all silver. Silvers are destined to lead dragon clans. In my case, my father, Lugent and I lead the Dragonwolder flokk, multiple clans.

I have two powerful hind legs, a pair of strong, wide wings that fold at my sides when I’m not flying, and two arms shorter than my hind legs but useful. My paws each have long opposable thumbs, and three fingers tipped with thick, sharp claws. My jaws have an array of sharp teeth and two sets of fangs protrude in front. My large eyes glow amber when I am content, but turn red if anger floods through me. Otherwise, they are green. A thick webby frill fans out at the base of my neck just above my rider’s hump. All in all, a pretty scary creature, aren’t I?

NGE: Not at all! Rather, awe-inspiring. What passions drive you, my friend?

DGL: I am devoted to my clan and my rider. The need to protect both drives me. I like a good plan and I always want to know where I am going. Because I like to complete tasks, sometimes I act impulsively and that gets me into trouble.

NGE: Tell our audience about your special powers.

DGL: I can’t reveal all of them but I have a way of shooting lightning instead of flames if my target requires it. All Silvers and Blues—I have some Blue in me—can blast a foe with a paralyzing cone of cold. Above all, I am an excellent flyer.

NGE: You said we’ve managed to defeat the Malevir for now. Will the creature return to trouble us?

DGL: The chronicler’s latest account, Where Dragons Follow answers that question better than I.

NGE: Can’t wait to read it. Draako, thank you for sharing your time with us. Your story is for the ages and I hope more people beyond Dragonwolder will hear of it someday.

DGL: My story is linked to yours. Thank you!

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Please be sure to visit Susan through her social media sites:
Website: http://www.malevircom and
Blog site: susanbassmarcus.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MalevirDragonsReturn
Twitter: @AuthorSMarcus

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~Thank You so much Susan for sharing your character with us 🙂  I need to read the book now!!!

~Morgan~