Sep 4 2021

Author Alice Ivinya #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Alice Ivinya

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I live in wet and soggy Bristol, UK, with my husband, toddler and dog (oh and an immortal goldfish).

I have loved fantasy all my life. My favourite authors are Brandon Sanderson, Holly Black, Amy Harmon and Robert Jordan.

When I’m not off gallivanting in other worlds, you can normally find me climbing trees with my young son, working as a small animal vet for a charity that treats the pets of people who struggle to make ends meet, hanging out with my church family, or walking the best dog in the world. (And as a vet I feel qualified to say that!)

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I have written stories for as long as I can remember. My first book series was about a group of kids who ran away from home and became rulers of all the sharks in the sea. Worryingly they all got married at the age of 12-14 but that was old to my 8 year old self!

I wrote my first full length novel at 11. It was about a magician’s apprentice who was bad at magic.

Throughout my teenage years I wrote epic fantasy after epic fantasy that my poor parents had to read, even when they went over 200,000 words! As a child I was badly dyslexic and struggled with sentence structure and spelling to the extent that many of my early stories were illegible until I typed them up. It took me much longer than all the other children in my class to both write and type, but I just loved to write and have never been able to stop telling stories. Slowly, wth the support of my parents and teachers, I developed techniques to get around my dyslexia and now it never holds me back.

I now have ten published full length books and seven short stories.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My current series starts with Feathers of Snow and is inspired by the German fairytale, The Goose Girl. I always loved how the original tale coupled gentleness and beauty with brutality and ruthlessness. To me, it is a very powerful tale of the power of goodness and perseverance. Though my tale flips the characters on their heads!

What are you working on now?

I am currently putting the final touches on Feathers of Blood which is the sequel to Feathers of Snow. This book has a lot more action and angst and has been great fun to write!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I often feel the need to pull the expressions my characters are making as I write them to try to work out how to describe them. I must look very strange, so it’s probably a good thing I don’t write in public!

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to keep on doing what I love, which is being a mummy, writing and saving animals as a vet! It would be my dream to be able to earn a little more through my writing so I can devote whole days to it once my son is old enough to go to school.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

My advice to authors who want to write fantasy is to read loads in your subgenre and keep writing. Never give up! Get as many fantasy lovers to read it as you can before you try to publish. Also start simple and master basic concepts in shorter books before your epic 12 book masterpiece!

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I love you all so much! Every time I gain a follower or reader, I do a little happy dance. I couldn’t do it without you!

Alice Ivinya – Fantasy Gossip

Aug 24 2019

Blogger Ira Myriam #interview

Please give a warm welcome to blogger°

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Ira Myriam and I’m an independent, non-profit blogger, with a lot of passion for new upcoming authors. I am always open to meeting new authors and reading new books, but the best part about being independent and no-profit is that I read whatever I feel like and whenever I feel like, which mean that when I love a book, I really love a book. ❤
When people see my reviews they think that I give everyone a five star review, which is only partially true. Yes, I give the books I review five stars, but that is because the only books I read and review are five star books. I have been very fortunate lately, as I haven’t encountered anything less than a great book for a while now.

How did you get started blogging?

I started my blog to thank the authors for their stories and share my love for books with other readers. It rapidly became my passion. In the process I have discovered many wonderful new authors and some amazing books, most of which were debut novels. I started writing about them, interviewing the authors, providing readers with reading lists for long running popular series, and the new and upcoming releases from the authors I follow. And here we are.
Three years later, and 170+ posts, I am supergrateful to all the authors for their stories, for not blocking me when I bug them, and to all the people who follow my reviews and recommendations. I also have a group now, where everyone can post book related stuff as much as they want, and where everyone can find their new favourite books or an author.

What genres of books do you blog about?

I started with the idea that I would blog about urban fantasy and paranormal romance, mainstream. But then sci-fi and dystopian happened and YA fantasy and epic fantasy. And then finally some of my favourite authors came up with contemporary and historical, and reverse harem wiggled its way in, and poetry, so now I literally do not have a genre or theme I would not cover, as long as the material is well written.

Have you ever considered writing a book yourself?

I don’t think I thought about it much because I have zero talent for writing. I can reflect on other people’s work and critically analyse their work, but starting a story from scratch? I wouldn’t even know where to start. Authors are rock stars, I’m just a groupie.

Who are some of your favourite authors?

I used to have several favourite authors many years ago. I think I have about fifty right now, and the number is climbing. I am not a type of a person to forget my previous loves just because a shiny new book came out, so I adopt them all. So now I have favourite authors from years ago and some from few weeks or months ago, but in the end I love all of them and I love all of their books. That is probably the reason for my lack of time and difficulty catching up with all the new releases.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope that someday I get stranded on a deserted island with my kindle and a solar charger and stay there for about two years doing nothing but reading. Or maybe not. That would mean that I would miss all the new releases. I can’t have that. But seriously, I hope that I’ll keep getting opportunities to meet new authors and stay in touch with the ones I already know, read and share their books, and I hope that they never stop writing.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Respect authors. Please don’t support book piracy in any way, it is hurting the authors and if the damage becomes too great, they might stop writing, which would be a huge tragedy. There are always giveaways, review copies, freebies in one book fest or another, get those.

And also, join my group, check out my blog, and keep your eye out because I often give books away for whatever reason I can think of.
And to my authors, please never stop writing. There will never be too many of you or too many stories. There will always be readers eagerly anticipating your next book or story, and love you for it as much as I do. Thank you for all your stories.LinkTree

Ira Myriam’s World of Books

Mar 28 2019

Author Ivy Fox #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Ivy Fox

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Eeeek! The hardest question ever! LOLOL. Okay, so I’m a little bit goofy, a lot dorky and a bit shy believe it or not. Once I feel comfortable with people though, they get the crazy laughs-too-loud Ivy. Hehehe I’m a big kid in a grown up body. Just ask my husband. hehehe

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Oh gosh yes!! In the 5th grade, my school used to do assemblies every Friday where you could put on performances, and my friends and I would always do some play I had written out. I loved it! Seeing my stories come to life was such a thrill that even at the tender age of ten I knew I wanted to write professionally. It was always my dream and I have an attic full of old journals to prove it. hehehe

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I get inspired by all sorts of things. A ballad or a song that holds a lyric that touches my heart, or a photo of the character’s muse. Right now, I’m inspired by anything that is related to forbidden and tragic love. If it touches my heart, then the words come fluidly.

What are you working on now? So at this moment, I’m writing the second book of the Rotten Love duet – Rotten Men.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

Hehehehe! Oh yeah! I hate writing when I have my boys in the house. And when I say boys, I mean my hubby and thirteen year old kiddo. I need silence to concentrate and hear the characters words in my head. It’s hard to do that when I hear Mom and Babe every five minutes. hehehe

What are your hopes for the future?

I just want to continue to learn my craft and try to publish the best stories I can. My main goal is to be able to write that one love story that will touch readers’ hearts and that it stays with them long after they’ve read it.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

JUST DO IT!! If you see the story in your head, just put pen to paper ( or fingers to keyboard) and write it. You will never know if you don’t go for it. Sure there will be days where your insecurities will run rampant. Don’t listen to those pesky voices, but instead pay closer attention to the characters that deserve to make their way into the world. They deserve it and so do you

Do you have anything to say to your readers?

My deepest thanks to all that have bought and read my books and are with me through this incredible adventure of mine. I could not have done this without your support and I will remain forever humbled and eternally grateful. Xoxo

Buy links

Author links

Mar 3 2019

Author Isobelle Carmichael #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Isobelle Carmichael

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Gosh, what is there to say. I’m from Northern Virginia. I love reading and pets. I’m involved with musical theatre when not writing. In fact, my work schedule prompted me to start writing because I am so used to being creative and I needed to fill the void. I’m married with no kids, but I have fur babies.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

It was always in the back of my mind, but fear held me back. I started with poetry and short stories. English was always my favorite and best subject. I read all the time, so I finally decided to give writing a go when my schedule opened up. Suddenly my nights spent rehearsing for musicals were free. As much as I love being a reader. I wanted something more. Queue my desire writing, and with some encouragement from friends, and here I am.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I love paranormal and fantasy genres. Ever since reading the Chronicles of Narnia, A Wrinkle in Time, Ender’s Game, and of course Harry Potter. I would get lost in these words. So when it was time to create my own books I went with what I loved reading. Magic, dragons, shifters, all of those things make me want to pick up those kinds of books. The idea for Blood Moon Magic born out of my crazy brain. I just started writing without thinking.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my Elements of Twilight series, book one comes out March 4th, and book 2 is slated to come out in May, with the final in July. As long the muse speaks that’s the plan.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I like to watch Hallmark movies, or Lifetime movies, things I can semi pay attention to but still focus on writing. I like to sprint after a couple of glasses of wine as well. I have anxiety and so when I’m feeling blocked a glass of wine and sprinting is a great way to break through. Some of what I write is pure drivel, and sometimes it’s gold.

What are your hopes for the future?

I would love to get my second series off the ground this year. My hope is for a four-part high fantasy fae series, and then I have a BDSM novel on the books as well. There are so many other ideas in my head, but those are the ones most in the forefront of my mind.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

FInd your tribe, and keep them close. Ask for advice, and don’t let fear rule you. Make mistakes, write crap, revise, and keep moving. Editing will drain you but that’s where your tribe will come in. You need people that you know you can trust when you’re feeling low. It will happen and it’s ok. Find someone you trust who will help you, someone who’s honest but won’t break you down. I have some amazing ladies in my corner from my author friends, to my editors to my cover designer and my PA. Without them, I would have stopped ages ago.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

Ohhh so weird thinking about having fans. All I can really is thank you so much! Thank you for reading my story, for taking a chance on a new author. Thank you for joining my group and sending me love. Your support keeps me going and I hope to give you something that’s fun to read in return.

Pre-order link

Author link

Carmichael’s Coven- Isobelle Carmichael’s Readers

Jan 15 2019

Author Ivy Asher #interview

I’d like you all to welcome to debut author Ivy Asher of The Lost and the Chosen

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Aw man I never know what to say to this question. I took days to write my Author bio and it’s like 4 lines…lol. Hiya I’m Ivy Asher: I’m a writer, reader, mom, wife, friend, woman, human, and not always in that order. I love books, animals, people who make me laugh, or just love to laugh In general. I like to be real about life, the good, the bad, the brutal, and I value people who feel the same way.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I am one of those people who just kind of floated around, not really sure what I was meant for. I have always been creative, but I never thought being a writer was an option for me. I grew up a bit rough and it forced me to focus on basic needs and not so much goals or dreams. It wasn’t until I became a mom and I was isolated, a bit lonely, and reading a lot… that I just felt this story sitting inside of my soul. So I wrote down what was there in a note book and I started researching programs to use when writing a book.

What was your inspiration for The Lost and the Chosen?

I had this idea about a story of a girl who was tough, but empathetic, and owned who she was. I wrote the kind of girl I wish I could have read more about growing up. The kind of woman who isn’t just one sided but encapsulates all the incredible things that I think most women are comprised of; our mother hearts, and get shit done attitudes, our resilience, and unique compassion. I wanted to write about a raw, bruised but not down kind of girl, because those are the women I know, and what I’m all about. I knew who Vinna would be and then the rest came as I wrote. I personally love Paranormal and RH, so I knew those would be key elements. I just wrote and then I would go back and edit and then write some more, and then one day I typed, the end, and I had a book!

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I listen to music. Not always, sometimes I need quiet to focus, but for all the badass scenes and fights, I have music on. When I wrote the final scene with Talon I had this one song on repeat. I see things like a movie in my head and then I write it down. I’m very visual in that sense. I need to see it and how it plays out and the soundtrack and all of that, and then I put it all in the computer how it plays out in my mind.

What are you working on now?

I am working on book three, getting merch sorted, and putting a website together… all things other authors have told me I need to have…lol. I’ve been approached about the audio rights to this series, so I’m working on that, and I have two other projects in the works. One is a secret and for the other I was asked to participate in an Anthology for charity so I’m brainstorming ideas for that. Mostly I’m getting ready to publish Book 2 and legitimately terrified that it won’t live up to Book 1. So I’m wrestling with some worry and self doubt, and hoping I don’t shit the bed or let any of the amazing readers down.

What are your hopes for the future?

So I’ve never been a big dreamer or goals kind of girl, but I’ll finish Vinna’s story this year, and then I have some other things planned for that world and stories that I see playing out in it. I have some new stories sitting in my soul, waiting to be written, and I’ve started notebooks for them but they’ll have to wait their turn. I’m going to keep writing and hope that people want to keep reading. I never want to do anything else. It fulfills me and calls to me in ways I never knew “work” could. It was what I was always meant for, but never knew to hope for.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Oh man advice…Write… if it calls to you or you have a story sitting inside of your soul, go for it. I didn’t go to school for this, I throw commas around like glitter, most days I feel a little bit like a fluke to be honest, but I had this story that I needed to write. I don’t outline or pre-plan I just sit down and go for it and one thing that has helped me in that process is that I write something that I would want to read. Last but not least I would advise, not to hire people to do anything with your book without a contract; I learned that the hard way, but it was a very valuable lesson. Make sure what’s agreed on is in writing, so that you, your work, and your reputation is protected. A lot of this indie publishing business is referral based and not everyone is trust worthy. Be smart, trust your instincts, and protect yourself with a contract.

Do you have anything to say to your fans?

There are no words that truly express just how grateful and humbled I am by your support. You’ve made my dreams come true and I will never be able to repay you for that! I love and appreciate all of you so much, and I’ll work hard to be worthy of you! Thank you to all of you for reading, for reaching out, for the laughs, and the heart felt words. You’re fam now and I fucking love each and everyone of you!!

And now to you Helle…Thank you for your support…seriously I see you recommending the book and showing me so much love and I just want you to know how much it means to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

About Ivy:
Ivy Asher is addicted to chai, swearing, and laughing a lot (but not in a creepy, laughing alone kind of way). She loves the snow, books, and her family of two humans, and three fur-babies. She has worlds and characters just floating around in her head, and she’s lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing people who support that kind of crazy.

Author links

Ivy Asher’s Sentinels: