Sep 6 2022

Author Matthew J. Stott #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Matthew J. Stott

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is Matthew and I’m an author residing in Illinois with my wife, two children, and pug. I’m a huge geek when it comes to all things fantasy and sci-fi and belong to a number of fandoms like Marvel, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, which are all huge inspirations for my stories.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Since about the 4th grade in elementary school, when I was first taught about creative writing, I’ve gravitated toward storytelling. This turned into a passion in my later youth to become an author one day. I wrote short stories for fun over the years until I felt ready to pursue my first novel. So yes, for as long as I can remember.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Like I mentioned before, my favorite movies and shows are a big inspiration for my writing. Specifically for my current book/series, I fell in love with a video game franchise called Kingdom Hearts where a kid and his friends leave their simple island life and travel to all these amazing worlds. I was always fascinated with the idea of portals and different realms and knew I wanted to craft a story around that concept, hence how “The Portal to Aardon” was born.

What are you working on now?

Right now I’m gearing up for the release of my debut novel, which is very exciting, but at the same time I’m working on the sequel as this series is set currently to be three books. This second book is going to take all the magic, action, and emotion of the first book and amp it up fifty notches.

Do you have any quirks while working?

I’m not sure if you’d call it a quirk, but I like to listen to various scores while I write. That is, instrumental music without lyrics, which I feel strikes the perfect balance of stimulating the brain without being too distracting. I also find motivation for my writing in commissioning artwork of my characters so I can see them come to life, as well as creating “mood boards” which are basically pictures/artwork that showcase the aesthetics and themes of your story.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes for the future are to 1) have my debut novel sell well, so that my sequel books will have the audience they deserve and 2) complete my series in a satisfying manner while continuing to grow my author presence across social media so that I can eventually afford to quit my day job and write stories for a living.

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

My main advice would be to start networking and building a social media presence as soon as they can. The publishing industry can be a frustrating and overwhelming place, and having writer friends and people there to support you who understand what you’re going through is crucial to your success as an author.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

I hope you’ll check out my YA fantasy novel, “The Portal to Aardon,” when it releases on Sept 13 and leave an honest review. I’ve worked so hard on this story and feel it will resonate strongly with readers. I’m absolutely grateful for all the friends, family, and fellow readers/writers who have supported me in any way along my journey. Thank you!

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Aug 24 2022

Princess of Stone by @VictoriaLarque #amreading

Princess of Stone (Fractured Queendom Trilogy Book One)

In a broken world the small Kingdom of Chardour fights for survival. Desperate to form alliances before neighboring kingdoms devour its riches and people, the princess – left alone after a tragic accident – strikes a deal at great personal cost.

Never meant to rule, Eliza has little time to learn, and even less time to accommodate her grief, if she wants to step up and lead her Kingdom.

Can she unify her divided people and keep them safe from the brewing war around them? Or will her lack of experience, coupled with her unorthodox lifestyle cut her reign short?

Jun 4 2022

Looking for your next summer read? #amreading

Looking for your next great read? Get mine or my colleagues work on Butterdragons website in audio book, ebook and paper back!

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Feb 10 2022

Pre-order: Venom and Stone: Cursed Women Series, Book One by Erin O’Kane

Venom and Stone: Cursed Women Series, Book One

Once upon a time…
Legends of knights in shining armour. The story of the fair maiden who sacrifices herself to save her family. Myths of objects of power so great that they will grant your every wish and desire.
That’s how all good stories start, right?
Not every story has a happy ending.
Who hears the tale of the cursed? Those who are tasked with guarding these objects of power your heroes are so determined to steal from us?

My name is Maya, and I am one of the cursed, trapped for eternity. Love is what cursed me, and love is what will free me, but I’ve learned the hard way—men only want me for what I guard, and I will kill every last one of them before I let them take it from me.

*
Betrayed by her first love, Maya was cursed and is now stuck living as a gorgon, a creature feared and hated across the land. Found by King Marcus, she’s found purpose, working by his side. Until three foreigners arrive and change everything she thought she knew.
Will the curse ever be broken, or will Maya stay a monster forever?

Venom & Stone

Please note this is an RH fantasy standalone and is aimed at readers 18+ . This story contains dark themes that might upset some readers.

Feb 4 2022

Author Victoria Larque #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Victoria Larque

First Interview

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hey, thanks for having me. *sips coffee* I guess I’m still the same weirdo you interviewed waaay back.

But concerning myself, I am V. I write books. Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance. I grew up in Namibia (a beautiful country directly above South Africa) and now live and work in the German woods with my husband.

What has happened work wise since our last interview?

Many things! I have almost finished my first series, The Myre Series, that I have self-published. It only needs one additional book and will be done! Wooot!

Then I was snagged by a Butterdragons Publishing and have thus far published two novels with them. I am also featured in two anthologies with BDP and it has been a blast so far.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

My Duology (the second book released on the 30 of November) plays in Namibia for the most part, and obviously the nature and feel of my home has been very inspiring when it comes to those books. Other than that… dunno… Hahaha. My dreams? My dreams are crazy, and filled with fantastical ideas and inspirations.

What are you working on now?

Right now I am working on editing my first novel in its German version to release it in January. Furthermore I am finishing up a standalone, called Lakeborn, and am trying to get time in to write that fifth book in my Myre Series. So… Busy, busy, busy!

Do you have any quirks while working?

Hmmm. I listen to music. That’s it. No real quirks, sorry

What are your hopes for the future?

To actually – for once – deserve a little orange bestseller tag. That would be awesome. And generally to be able to live off of my writing.

What have you learned about publishing since our first interview?

That the hardest part about writing and publishing is marketing. Writing the book is easy in comparison.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you for standing at my side and reading my books. I actually know most of you by name by now and I am very lucky to get to interact with the people reading my stuff. You are awesome!

I hope to be able to entertain you far into the future!

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Jan 25 2022

Lakeborn by Victoria Larque #amreading #newrelease

Happy release day Victoria Larque

Lakeborn

Eyes as deep as the bottom of her lake. A heart as wide and alive as the forest surrounding it. A voice as soft as the wind rustling through trees and as melodic as waves on pebbled ground. A power that is rooted within her very soul, the soul of her lake. She passes time flipping stones and dipping her toes. She has never asked for anything but peace. This is her lake. The lake of dreams, the lake of truth, the lake of life. And she will do anything to defend it.

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Jan 10 2022

Shale City: Child of Blood and Tears (A Punk Fairytale Book 2) by Dani Julian #amreading

Shale City: Child of Blood and Tears (A Punk Fairytale Book 2)

Fifteen years have passed since Ashe and his newborn daughter, Scarlett, fled the horrors of Shale City. They have spent those years in relative safety, and as Scarlett has flourished toward womanhood, so has her strange blend of fox and faun magic. As the years fall away, Ashe trains his daughter in the ways of bow and blade, of mosh pits and street fights, all the while forbidding her to use the abilities with which she has been gifted.

With a teenager’s willful spirit, Scarlett chooses just once to disobey, discovering too late that she cannot take back the events she sets in motion, nor the grief they bring. Soon, the pair find themselves back on the road, hunted by forces they were so sure they had escaped.

Now, hiding out with her father in the shabby port of Irontide, a town infested with criminals, hooligans, and skags of every race, Scarlett must discover who she truly is…and the cost may well be higher than she ever imagined.

Written and richly illustrated by international bestselling storyteller Dani Julian and featuring more cover art by acclaimed concept artist Summer Dale, ‘SHALE CITY: Child of Blood and Tears’ is a gritty punk coming-of-age fairytale steeped in magic, blood, and the raw angst of growing up.

Dec 23 2021

Author Rowen Black #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Rowen Black

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My Name is Rowen Black and I am 33 years old with a male cat that i have had for years, I come from a large family who is very close to one another. My cousin is actually a RH author.. not naming names 🙂

Have you always wanted to become an author?

Yes i just wanted to make sure i could write an entire book before i got excited.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Knightwood Academy my MFC beat it into my head.

What are you working on now?

Monster Kisses and Vicious Queen

Do you have any quirks while working?

Music I love to listen to music.

What are your hopes for the future?

To continue to grow as an author and publish more books.

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

Just write what you want and never look at reviews.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you all so much it warm my heart that you all love my characters and books so much and i love your theories.

Dec 17 2021

Author Larae Mitchell #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author Larae Mitchell

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and many of my ideas come from the lore of different native tribes in and around the United States. I have kept my sense of wonder by trying to see the world through the imaginings of my grandchildren. Nerida Kai and Shattered Reflections were born from a desire to normalize feelings after the loss of my twenty-three-year-old son in 2017. I often judged or felt judged during the period of grief. Believing there is no right or wrong way to grieve I sought to show grief as a necessary part of life. Laughing, crying, sitting quietly or even screaming into the void, in the aftermath of loss, does not alter the love you share with the departed. I wish love and light to all who share this journey. I look forward to sharing many more stories with you in the future.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

No, I actually wanted to be a librarian. Unfortunately, education is expensive in the United States. I’m pretty sure writing has turned that frown upside down. I had no idea I would enjoy sharing stories as much as I do.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Nerida Kai was inspired by a day spent with my granddaughters. The story contains little pieces of each of them. I wanted a way to portray grief to the young without judgement. We don’t speak often enough about what loss looks like and everyone feels awkward as they go through it for, he first time. Being able to open a discussion on the topic, even with the young, is very important to me. Shattered Reflections is a fictionalized version of my journey through pain to enlightenment. The women in the story were inspired by my mother, myself, and my daughters.

What are you working on now?

I’m very excited to announce, right here right now, that I have a new YA Fantasy series coming soon. I’m currently developing a modern-day fantasy based on ancient Egyptian beliefs and magics. I look forward to revealing more in the months to come. For now, it’s your exclusive!

Do you have any quirks while working?

I work very early in the morning (3-5AM) because I need absolute quiet and no interruptions or what I write is a disaster. Editing; however, requires music with a beat.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to continue writing and finding an audience for my work. This life may not have been my first choice, but I love it. I’m fortunate to be married to a wonderful man who encourages me to write full time. I’m living the dream.

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

Don’t be discouraged. Your work may not be a fit for the mainstream and that’s okay. Keep pushing forward and be brave enough to put it out there anyway. You never know who you might impact. A graphic artist is an asset, Levi Pottorff really pushed Nerida Kai from prayer to vision. He can be found on Twitter @braskaranger if you like what you see.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Release your magic. Your feedback and encouragement keep me writing. We are doing this together and I depend on you. Reach out to me through my website or e-mail to receive a bookmark, signature plate, and backpack tag. First come first serve there are only thirty available. Thank you, for everything!

AuthorLaraeMitchell@neridakai.com

Nov 20 2021

Author K.R. Fajardo #interview

Please give a warm welcome to author K.R. Fajardo

Tell us a bit about yourself…

My name is K. R. Fajardo and I am an indie author from East Texas. I currently have 4 self-published books and many projects in the works. My genre of choice is fantasy but I also dabble a little in paranormal fantasy and paranormal romance. My interests include 80’s music (specifically 80s hair bands), reading(of course), RPG video games (Assassin’s Creed and the Witcher are my favs), and watching movies. Dr. Pepper is my caffeinated beverage of choice.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

To be honest, I never considered it an option. Kind of like becoming a movie or rock star, it was one of those things that was reserved for the privileged few. I always loved reading and the escape it gave. And for years I had this one character running amok in my head, driving me crazy at night, but it wasn’t until my youngest child started to school and I found myself with some free time on my hands, that I decided to sit down and put some words on paper. One hundred and twenty thousand words later, K’s story was finally free. Shortly after that, I discovered self-publishing was a thing that existed, and fumbled my way through the process. And I am so glad I did. I have learned so much since then and met so many wonderful people from all over the world. It truly has been an adventure learning to be an author, but I don’t regret it one bit, and I never want to give it up.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

The Shadow Chronicles series is literally the voice in my head that would never shut up. K has rooted around in my mind for as long as I can remember. I think she is the embodiment of everything I wish I was. Strong, fierce, drop-dead gorgeous, and yet still vulnerable. And she is a vampire, because they have always fascinated me. Her story is unique in that it is told from the point of view of the other characters in the book. Her thoughts and feelings are never revealed, and that leaves her open to the interpretation of the reader.

What are you working on now?

Currently I am working on revising Stalking Fate for a rerelease with Butterdragons Publishing. The story is getting a complete overhaul with lots of new content that I think readers will enjoy. I also have several projects, including on Fae book and a paranormal romance in the works that will hopefully be ready for release next year.

Do you have any quirks while working?

Silence. I am easily distracted, so no music or TV’s can be playing in the background. Also, I have developed the habit of lighting a candle while I work. I like the aromas they emit and find it soothing to have the flame flickering nearby.

What are your hopes for the future?

To keep writing stories. It is every bit as much of an escape as reading and it is my own world. Would I love to say that I will one day be able to quit my day job and just write, sure. But that is the dream isn’t it. If it is meant to be, it will be. In the meantime, I will just do me and have fun creating new worlds.

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

Beware wolves in sheep’s clothing. In particular vanity presses. If someone offers to publish your book but then tries to charge you to do so, run. You can self-publish your book for a fraction of what those people are charging. Also beware all the so-called ‘coaches’ that are running around out there. Don’t get me wrong, there are some legit sites out there that will be of great help and many reputable coaches. But there are also just as many frauds. Social media can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. I have found many wonderful cover designers, editors, and formatters using these resources. I just recommend you do your research, speak to other authors, and interview any new prospective business before you send your money their way.

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you so much for sticking by me. I have had to deal with a lot of personal tragedies the last couple of years. This year in particular has been devastating. And through all these hard times, it has been your words of encouragement and patience that has helped me pull through. Finally, I have found my way back to writing, and it is all because of you guys. I love and appreciate each and every one of you. And you all have a special place in my heart.