Archive for the ‘Interview’ Category

 

 

If you loved Catnip, Toilet Paper, and Lasers, this new collection of cat poems will tickle your whiskers and your funny bone.

 

 

 

Title: Catnip, Plushie Balls, and Q-Tips: Cat Poetry: The Art of Being Feline

Author: M.G. Rorai

Publication Date: September 30, 2023

Pages: 178

Genre: Poetry/Cats



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Ever wonder why there are “mews” in “amewzing”?

 

‘This collection of cat poems will tickle your whiskers and your funny bone. They’re the purr-fect way to brighten your day and celebrate the furry friends in your life.

 

Prepare to laugh out loud as you read about cat adventures with magnets, candles, strawberry milkshakes, and plush balls—but don’t let me ruin the surprise, you’ll have to read to find out! 

 

Get ready to laugh your tail off!

 

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple | Scribd | Smashwords

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Interview With Author M.G. Rorai

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I’m excited to find out all about your new book, Catnip, Plushie Balls, and Q-Tips!
Can you tell us about the main characters (the kitties!)?

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Most of the kitties are just anonymous cats, reaching out to tell their tales of mischief and being
annoyed by their human (doesn’t every toilet paper roll need a good shredding??), but the
consistent narrators of the book are my two kitties, Socks and Elsa.
They are a sibling pair, and I’ve had them for about three years now. When my husband and I
were looking into getting our next cat, we checked the local shelters and came across Socks. He
was cute and adorable; at the time his sister was absent, as she was getting spayed. We took him
home, fell in love, and immediately went back for Elsa.
And they are a sleepy playful pair. If Elsa’s on the cardboard, Socks must have it. If Socks is on
top of the cat tree, Elsa must shove him off. The sleepy part comes in when they’ve spent their
energy and curl up together on said cat tree, cardboard, or even my futon couch, as if their little
spats were just passing clouds of fray.
So of course their antics are woven throughout this book, along with the previous one, Catnip,
Toilet Paper, and Lasers. You can see Elsa’s obsession with food and Socks’ infatuation with
cardboard. And I couldn’t leave out the battle with the auto litter box.

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I know you get this asked many times, but why poetry? Have you been writing
poetry all your life?

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I’ve always been a busy person, so short stories and poetry made time for me. I like being able to
see the beginning, middle, and end of a project instead of something that forecasts further ahead.
But as I progressed in my writing career, more poems collected together, and my stories
occasionally got longer.
With poetry, the rhyming felt like a puzzle putting the words together. A relaxing puzzle. This
and prose helped me throughout my academic career, balancing out hectic schedules with a
stress reliever.
Poetry is also a form of painting with words. It allows my thoughts to paint unique
images in a way different from my stories. Some people think in words; others in
images. I mostly think in images and love the artwork my brain creates when I put words
to paper. I hope some of that passes on to readers when they read my books.
Poetry’s just always been there, poking through occasionally between stories. While I
may not have written poetry all the time throughout the years, I’ve mostly been writing in
some form or fashion, whether it be poetry, books, blog posts, copywriting, or something
else that let my creative side bust a move from my very logical and analytical job.

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Do you have a “real” job other than writing, and if so, what is it? What are some
other jobs you’ve had in your life?

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My main job over the years has been as a teacher. I started out as a college Biology instructor,
working part-time at sometimes up to four different colleges in a semester. This was my living
for about four years. Then I became a full-time high school science teacher, but still taught
college at night. After about six years of high school, I was offered a full-time job as a
professor at the college I had adjuncted at since 2010, and I took it. I still work there.

Other jobs? I think grad school is a job, as I pretty much breathed school and lab 24/7. It was a
pretty stressful time. But other than that, I’ve worked as an Internet researcher at a recruiting
firm before stepping into the world of teaching. You could say I was a career student who briefly
stepped out into the world for some job experience before dipping back into academia. But
through all of this I wrote, not necessarily poetry, but mostly prose. I started taking poetry
seriously again during the pandemic, and my old poems spoke to me like flower petals
pressed in the pages of a favorite book.

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Does a big ego help or hurt an author?

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I think it depends on what that big ego is used for. Imposter syndrome is a big problem among
authors, and probably many fields—people just don’t think they are doing well and give up when
they aren’t succeeding fast enough. Or they see their work as subpar that will never go
anywhere. If ego is used to combat that low self-esteem, then yes, definitely it can be a big help
to motivate the author to keep going.
Where ego hurts is when it inflates the author to the point that their work is above all reproach.
Their words are golden and not even their readers’ or editors’ opinions matter. I once heard the
story of an author so full of themself that they refused editorial services for their latest book
when they’d had editing for the past ten or so books. And guess what? Their next release was
riddled with mistakes, and fans definitely complained.
But I can’t speak much to the effects of inflated ego as I lie more in the former category.

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As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

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Definitely a werewolf. The power and control they have in shapeshifting, but also keeping
animal abilities in human form, to me speaks of perseverance and motivation. I think they strive
for their goals, and meet their goals (not the wild brainless type, but the ones with human
intelligence), and that dedication and discipline to stay the course resonates with me. It says
when you’re down, you finish. When you want to quit, you keep going, because the
werewolf always gets their goal. They are strong and they use that strategically. It may
sound silly, I know, but it’s motivating to me.
Personally though, I’d rather choose a werecat, because cats are more awesome than dogs, but I
grew up on werewolf movies and comics, so the werewolf imagery is stuck in my mind, and
that’s what I associate strength with. But one of my favorite weekend house shirts has a
werecat drawing on it.
I would like to add a disclaimer and say that I am not a furry, I just appreciate the
characteristics of the werewolf/werecat. Also, I would like to add that I am aware that
weres are fictional – this question didn’t specify real animals only.

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What advice would you give a writer working on their first book?

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After the honeymoon period of, “Wow! I’ve written a book!” has ended, don’t expect your
book to immediately go viral and fly off the digital shelves. You may think your book is
awesome, and it may be, but there are tons of other books being published right alongside yours,
so you’ll need to figure out a clever way to get your book noticed by the masses.

Also, if you self-publish, not everything has to be high cost. Publishing on digital platforms,
such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo, etc., is free, and editors and covers don’t
have to break the bank. The issue isn’t cost, it’s quality. You need to find services that will get
your book polished and noticed.

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What would you like to say to your readers and fans?

.
Meow!
Laughing aside, I hope you enjoy my books and more to come. Just know that I write
when I can as my day job keeps me uber busy, so it’s mostly writing on weekends and
sometimes in the mornings before work. I generally publish when I can, but usually a
month or two apart from each release. I do try to stay active on my blog though to keep
everyone updated on changes/releases—you can find it here at
www.WrathofKitties.com.
Also, life is too short not to enjoy things. Go pet a cat, read a good book, and remember
that you won’t get this chance again. May you have many moments of mews, mirth, and
mischief.

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Book Excerpt  

 

The magnets are so cute

that I must knock them off

but get yelled at for this,

so the new approach is soft.

 

I sit by the fridge

staring at those squares

and when Human isn’t looking

I lick with tongue hairs.

 

All was going good

until one was quite sticky

leaving a bad taste,

and I’m not so picky.

 

I bite at the air

to get rid of the taste

then knock down that magnet;

good riddance, post-haste.**

 

 

 

 

About the Author
 

 

M.G. Rorai enjoys hanging with her cats and annoying her husband. Her latest book is Catnip, Plushie Balls, and Q-Tips.

Author Links  

Website | Facebook

 

 

 

 

 

Sponsored By:

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 

Godzilla: The Monster Fight Record is a two volume series that examines the fight history throughout Godzilla’s film career.

 

 

Title: Godzilla: The Monster Fight Record Series

Author: Patrick Kelley

Publication Date: 

Pages: Volume 1 – 309, Volume 2 – 430

Genre: Nonfiction/Reference



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Godzilla: The Monster Fight Record is
a two-volume series that provides a history of all the monster battles
throughout the Godzilla film series. After seven decades and almost
forty films, Godzilla has earned the title of King of the Monsters. The
Godzilla films have showcased the King’s legendary battles with
larger-than-life opponents like the three-headed King Ghidorah, the
winged guardian Mothra, his robotic doppelganger Mechagodzilla, and the
original giant monster star King Kong. The Monster Fight Record analyzes
these titanic battles to determine an informed and accurate win-loss
record for Godzilla and all of his monster co-stars. Fans of kaiju and
classic science fiction films will enjoy a trip down memory lane while
also getting a sports-style analysis of the monster battles, complete
with statistics and win percentages for each beast.

Buy Links:

Amazon Book 1 | Amazon Book 2 | Barnes & Noble

 

Book Excerpt  

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Why Godzilla?

What images come to mind when you think of your favorite childhood movies? Some of you might recall specific moments and characters from the films you grew up with, but is your love of those movies so deeply entrenched that even the opening vanity logo is enough to elicit a rush of pure, nostalgic joy? Many adults my age might picture the simple white castle against the blue background and hear the comforting tune for “When You Wish Upon a Star” swell up before the words “Walt Disney Pictures” are revealed. While I do seem like a contrarian from time to time, I must admit that it is hard not to get swept up in the magic of seeing that classic vanity card. Disney’s logo began many childhood journeys of wonder, comedy, and fantasy for me. However, there is another cinematic logo I place above it. This logo holds a special place in my heart that not even the Walt Disney Company could ever occupy. 

東宝: Imagine those characters surrounded by a bold white circle illuminated by a bright spectrum of colorful rays of light against a predominantly blue backdrop. It was the emblem of Toho Company, Ltd., and seeing that logo prepared me for what I was going to witness: bizarre, larger-than-life creatures; giant irradiated dinosaurs rising from the ocean depths; alien cyborgs coming to invade the Earth; multiheaded flying dragons raining down lightning bolts from the skies; and powerful gods and goddesses of ancient myth carrying out their age-old rivalries in a world unprepared to handle them. I was about to see monsters! Best of all, there was a great chance I was about to see another adventure starring the greatest of them all, Godzilla, the King of the Monsters.  

Before continuing, I should point out that Toho isn’t limited to producing monster movies. Over the years, the studio made comedies, romances, and historical dramas, including some from famed director Akira Kurosawa. However, I can’t help but think of Godzilla as the icon of the studio, like Mickey Mouse is for Disney. My love for the Godzilla character, series, and franchise transformed into a near-lifelong hobby. Some of the most cherished moments of my childhood revolved around discovering, watching, and rewatching the King’s classic movies. 

It was not always easy having Godzilla as a passion. Being an American fan before the age of the internet meant that finding all those movies was hard to accomplish. Whether scouring through TV Guides or going through the shelves of old local video stores, my self-imposed scavenger hunt was exhausting at times. However, the search yielded its rewards more often than not.

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Interview with Author Patrick Kelly:

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When did you come up with the idea to write your book?

As a lifelong Godzilla fan, the idea of a win/loss record for the King of the Monsters is something I thought about for decades. As mentioned in Volume I, I came across documented fight records from various sources, but I never fully agreed with the results. However, I never documented my own record until the COVID lockdowns of 2020. At the time, I was single, living alone, and unable to go anywhere. Fortunately, I was able to telework during this time, so at least I had my job. However, as the weeks continued on, I became more and more bored and frustrated with the situation. I have been an introvert for as long as I can remember, but even I was feeling cooped up and anxious about it after a while. I guess it is true what they say: You can have too much of a good thing.

One way I tried to pass all my newfound free time was by rewatching the old Godzilla films. As I watched the films again, the idea of documenting my own win-loss record came to mind. I thought about going beyond what was shown in past records and thought about developing a full methodology for recording wins and losses for Godzilla and the many monsters that inhabit his series of films. After a while, it got so big that I thought “Maybe I should publish this” and so I did.

Who is your publisher and how did you find them or did you self-publish?

I self-published. Good old Amazon made the process mostly simple.

Do you believe a book cover plays an important role in the selling process?

Absolutely. It is important to catch the eyes of potential readers and a cover helps with that. I can’t tell you how many times I was in a bookstore or a store looking to buy a video game, and it was the cover that got me to at least give it a look.

How hard was it to write a book like this and do you have any tips that you could pass on which would make the journey easier for other writers?

As a first time author, I was woefully unprepared for the entire process. Every time I felt like I made progress, there was some other aspect to getting to publication that demanded my attention. For example, it never dawned on me to have a foreword for the book. Because I was handling this whole project myself, every new development came as a surprise. Once I decided I needed a foreword, I thought “How do I even ask someone to write a foreword?” I made a list of candidates, narrowed it down, and sent out three requests to three different people hoping that at least one of them would reply. Well, imagine my surprise when all three of them replied and were enthusiastic about writing the foreword! I ended up using all three of them. I greatly appreciate Barry Goldberg, John Lemay, and James Rolfe all contributing to this project.

Because my books are closely tied to a lifelong hobby of mine, I found it difficult to maintain a balance between making the book enjoyable for fans without alienating the uninitiated. To keep that balance, I had to break some habits. For example, one of the monsters is named Moguera, and the 90s version of that monster is a robot whose name is an acronym, so its written out as MOGUERA. Because I’m a fan, I’ve used both Moguera and MOGUERA almost interchangeably without even really thinking about it. However, the question of how to write Moguera/MOGUERA’s name came up during the editing process because I used both. To fans, they would think nothing of it, but readers unfamiliar with the series were bound to be confused by it. This type of issue also came up due to a problem with my covers. Volume I is listed as covering 1954-1975 and Volume II covers 1984-2021. Most fans would look at that and not question anything because all Godzilla fans know there were no films between 1975 and 1984. However, I’ve been asked already on three separate occasions by non-fans why Volume II begins with 1984, and this is before they even cracked open the book. Ideally, I would have liked to go back and fix the covers to address this issue, but unfortunately, I was too far along to change it. I did not want to simplify things too much because I did want fans to enjoy my books and making it too comfortable for non-fans would have frustrated them. It was a balancing act that I strived to achieve.

My best advice to any aspiring writers is to be willing to accept criticism and always proofread! Editing is probably the single most important part of the process and I found that there is no such thing as proofreading too much. Also, do as much research as possible instead of jumping into it head first like I did.

What other books are you working on and when will they be published?

Right now, I am focusing on my family and my full-time job. I do have ideas for future books, including: continuations of the Monster Fight Record to include the rest of the King Kong films and Gamera films; a book comparing the original Japanese versions of the Godzilla films to their American edits; and a fan’s perspective on the history of WrestleMania!

I think any one of those books would be fun to tackle, but nothing is set into motion at the moment.

What’s one fact about your book that would surprise people?

The first draft of the manuscript was one volume and over a 1000 pages long! Thankfully, I was able to trim it down and split it into two books to make the information more digestible.

Finally, what message are you trying to get across with your book?

My biggest message is that Godzilla is fun. My books only cover one aspect of his everlasting appeal.

Thank you again for this interview!  Do you have any final words?

SKREEONK!!! (look it up)

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About the Author
 

 

Patrick
Kelley was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, and is a
lifelong monster movie fan. He spent his childhood becoming familiar
with the classics like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, King Kong,
the works of Ray Harryhausen, and of course his favorite, Godzilla. His
many other hobbies include sports (particularly Football), movies, and
television, but when he’s not indulging in those activities, he enjoys
spending time with his lovely wife and newborn daughter.

Visit Patrick on Twitter at http://twitter.com/patrickgbook.

 

 

 

 

Sponsored By:

 

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 Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) ,  324 pages
GenreHistorical Romance
PublisherJean Jacobsen
Release date:   Feb 2020
Content RatingG: Wholesome

Book Description:

Tragedy brings them together. Will love tear them apart?

New York City, 1832. Clarissa Tanner is carefree and lighthearted until the sudden death of her parents. Forced to pay off family debts or lose her horse farm, she’s given one choice: auction off her beloved horses or reluctantly enter 1830s New York Society social season to face the dreaded marriage market.

Nicholas is a man on a mission, searching for his missing brother. Fearing Liam may be the victim of foul play, Nicholas needs to keep a low-profile while conducting his search. He takes a position as a dance instructor, providing refresher lessons to the beautiful but distracted Clarissa.

​Clarissa and Nicholas find a connection through grief and movement as they fight their attraction to one another. Will they give in to their desires and find true love or will family obligations keep them apart?

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Bookbub
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Interview with Jean Jacobsen, Author of Clean 19th-Century Historical Romance

Jean Jacobsen is an exciting new voice in the clean and wholesome historical romance genre. Her debut novel, Clarissa, has captured the hearts of readers with its strong heroine, roguish hero, and captivating storytelling set in 19th-century America. In this interview, Jean shares insights into her writing process, inspiration, and upcoming projects.

Q- How did you become interested in writing clean and wholesome historical romance set in the 19th century?

  1.  I have always been fascinated by the 19th century and its societal norms, especially how women navigated within those constraints. As for clean and wholesome romance, I believe that love stories can be just as powerful without resorting to explicit content. I want my readers to be able to enjoy my books without worrying about inappropriate content.

Q-What inspired the story of Clarissa?

  1.  She popped into my head and wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote her story. Clarissa is a young woman who is forced to navigate the high society marriage mart to save her family’s horse farm. She is not looking for a prince to rescue her, but instead, she must rely on her own strength and resourcefulness.

Q- Your books feature strong heroines and roguish heroes. How do you create such compelling characters?

  1.  I believe that characters are the heart of any story. For me, it starts with developing a strong sense of who they are, their motivations, and desires. I also like to give them flaws and vulnerabilities, which makes them more relatable and human.

Q- What can readers expect from your upcoming projects?

  1. Liam is the second book in the series, which follows a new set of characters but is still set in the same world as Clarissa. It’s a story of redemption and forgiveness, with a large dash of suspense and adventure.

Q- What advice would you give to aspiring writers in the clean and wholesome historical romance genre?

  1.  Write the story that you want to read. Don’t worry about trends or what’s popular. Focus on creating compelling characters and a story that resonates with you. And don’t give up, even if it takes a while to get published. Persistence is key.
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Meet the Author:

Jean Jacobsen is an award-winning storyteller of Sweet, Historical Romance. Featuring strong female characters, roguish heroes, and 19th Century adventure tales. She pens stories that transcend the heart and always have a happy ending. Because of Jean’s deep passion for history, she includes real events from the time period, making her stories come to life as they transport you to a by-gone era. Join her on the next adventure.

connect with the authors: website ~facebook bookbub goodreads 
 
 
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Clarissa by Jean Jacobsen Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

 

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Night of Mysterious Blessings by Sally Metzger
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 5-8), 40 pages
Genre Picture Book/Early Reader
Publisher Elk Lake Publishing
Release date:   November 3, 2021
Format available for review:  print-softback (USA & Canada), PDF
Tour datesNov 7 to Dec 16, 2022
Content Rating: G. My book is rated G because it has a Biblical world view. 
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MY REVIEW
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I tell you, this story resonated with me. A restless night, struggling to sleep, mind filled with anxiety and stress. Whether young like the boy in this story, or mature, like me, we’ve all been there. Tossing, turning, still…. no sleep. He tries everything, and then someone turns him in a new direction to seek and find rest. And finally, he sleeps.

Told through rhyming and fun and delightful illustrations, the message is clear. Leave it all to God. He’s always there to take away your worries and fears. I wish I was a better writer. Could put into words how relaxed and calm I felt as I read further into the book and was guided by it’s message.

At the end of the book, the author includes discussion questions and some fun craft instructions. A special story for families to read together and so timely after the past couple of years.

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5 STARS
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Book Description:

Have you ever had great big tingly goosebumps? Or tossed and turned too long on a sleepless night? Have you ever seen tall shadows dance in your doorway? Or found a RELAX-let-go peace deep inside? In Night of Mysterious Blessings, you’ll share in the adventures of a boy and his beloved dog. Enter this curious, oh-so-mysterious night, and be amazed at what you see in the morning’s light. Best of all, uncover the priceless key to worrying less and smiling more.

​So many books stress God is always with us. How fantastic for a book to proclaim the Scriptural truth that God is also within. It’s a lifelong gift for children to discover God makes his home inside them while their hearts are open to receive the mystery.

 
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
BookBub
add to Goodreads
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Interview with Author
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When did you start writing? 

I loved creating stories long before I could write them down. My sister insisted at night, “Tell me a story.” I’d make one up as I went along. My sister always seemed pleased, but her standards weren’t high. She usually fell asleep at the story’s climax. I started telling my own story in the second grade through a diary.

Are there any secrets from Night of Mysterious Blessings you can share with your readers?

It’s not a huge scoop, but one little-known fact is that I didn’t plan the twist at the book’s end. I was writing the story to its intended conclusion when a more exciting and meaningful ending came to me. I thank my Muse, who is simply Divine.

What is a vital message of your book?

I’d love for kids to know what I needed to hear as a sometimes-fretful child—God loves us so much, He has chosen to live within us. The knowledge that the Spirit dwells within can give kids comfort, strength, confidence, and a good night’s sleep.

The book has a discussion, crafts, and activity section. What’s one popular suggestion?

Kids are excited about going on the “Blessings Hunt,” searching for and listing big and tiny blessings each day. Then, at the week’s end, they share their daily treasures with a parent, grandparent, or someone special in their lives. The following heart-to-heart is extremely popular with their lucky listening partners and the children.

Would you rather live in the city or the country?

The country. The desk where I write has a picture window beside it, and I can watch deer taking their morning walk. I often look away from my computer screen, quiet my mind, and do some window gazing—renewing my energy and inspiration.

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Meet the Author:

As a teacher, spiritual director, and retreat leader, Sally Metzger has helped young people discover God’s boundless love for them for over 20 years. She developed and taught a course in faith formation for university students, religion teachers, youth ministers, and parents, and she is the author of two children’s books, Night of Mysterious Blessings and Jesus, Were You Little?

​Sally has a Master of Theological Studies degree, focusing on pastoral care, and is active in chaplain ministry. Her message: It’s Raining Grace! And through God’s power, we can find and joyfully fulfill our purpose in life. Sally is married to her high school sweetheart, cherishes her children and grandchildren, and enjoys outdoor adventures and travel.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads 

 
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NIGHT OF MYSTERIOUS BLESSINGS Book Tour Giveaway

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

christmas bulbs beach photo: Christmas abulb22.gif

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Young-Adult Fiction (18 +), 286 pages
Genre:  Action-Adventure/Fantasy
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   July 30 2022
Content Rating: PG. The author thinks the book is G-rated. A reviewer said it had some curses. Some may consider “Holy crap” is a curse.

 

“If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It’s filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters.” Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite

“Harry Potter meets Sky High. If you’re a fan of young adult stories where protagonists go to mysterious schools to train their superhuman abilities, don’t miss out on Grady Whill and The Templeton Codex.” Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorite

“Carole P. Roman has created a world that is unique, inhabited by characters that young people can easily relate to because of their similar concerns about growing pains… This book has a strong message and theme that deserves to be read.” 
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Reader’s Favorite


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MY REVIEW

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I’ve read many of Carole’s books and enjoyed them all. This book and it’s character’s are my favorite now.

While this is a fantasy about learning their hidden talents and how to harness them, Grady and his friends also have to face all of the coming of age middle school challenges and angst. It sure brought back memories.

Take a look at the wonderful cover for this book. It’s perfect for the adventure inside.

Action, adventure and mystery along with realistic and likable characters made this a swift read. Read it straight through and enjoyed it so much I wanted it to be longer. I can only hope this is a series so I can dive back in and cheer these characters on.

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5 STARS

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Book Description:

Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open! The prestigious institution is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

​If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?

Buy the Book:
Audible ~
 Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
add to goodreads
Also from the Pen of Carole P. Roman:

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Giggles Galore Jokes, Riddles and Fun Facts for Kids of all Ages by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Children’s Fiction , 170 pages
Genre:  Humor
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   August 2022
Tour datesNov 7 to Dec 2, 2022
Content Rating: G.

Book Description:

What’s more fun than a rainy afternoon?

A rainy afternoon with Giggles Galore!
Treat yourself and your child to this fun-filled book of jokes, riddles, and exciting bits of information.

Entertain your friends and family with a wide variety of jokes that include funny foods, animal antics, jolly jungles, farcical farms, dizzy dinosaurs, hilarious holidays, and a host of humor from all over our wacky world.

Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book and give a welcome relief from all the giggles.
There’s even a section where budding comedians can learn to create new jokes.

Lastly, join Carole P. Roman’s beloved character, Susanna Maya Logan, for a short story about why we must use humor wisely, or it may not be considered funny by everyone.

A great tool to help a reluctant reader, Giggles Galore is the perfect way to practice social skills and develop friendships.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N
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Interview with Author Carole P. Roman
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1- How long have you been writing?

I began writing in 2011 with my first book Captain No Beard An Imaginary Tale of a pirate’s Life.

2-Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Every day I meet with my sons, and we kick around ideas for storylines. We serve as each other’s beta readers as well as inspirations.  Writing Grady brought back the smell of gym locker, sweaty socks, and everything else associated with being the mom of teenage boys.

3- What advice would you give budding writers?

Set realistic expectations. Don’t quit your day job, and realize that your book is not for everyone.

4- If you could put yourself as a character in your book, who would you be?

I think I identify with Grady more than any other character. I have felt that pit of insecurity lodge itself in my gut, making me question everything I do. I love his loyalty and how he stands up for his autistic friend. I hope I was that kid in school.

5- Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?

I either feel like writing or not. When I don’t, I will sit at the keyboard and just write. I’m always surprised at what I produce, even though I wasn’t in the mood.

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Meet the Author:

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

connect with the author: website twitter facebook bookbub ~ goodreads

 
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GRADY WHILL AND THE TEMPLETON CODEX Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Kidnapped Killer

by Nina R Schluntz

Genre: LGBTQ Dark M/M Paranormal Romance

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One brief encounter and Jimena is determined to make Nic his at all costs. He wants him to be completely and utterly at his mercy. But, popular, gorgeous Nic doesn’t see Jimena. He is background material at best.
Until Jimena drugs him at a bar and ties him up in his basement.
If that didn’t get Nic’s attention, then the dozen or so bodies buried in the basement he’s tied up in does.
Nic feeds on souls. They taste better if they are flavored by strong emotion, usually fear or pain.
Jimena tastes different. His soul is flavored in obsessive love, focused on Nic. He’s never been loved by someone before, even if it is an unhealthy love and Jimena wants him dead. Not in a hateful way, but in a, I don’t want anyone else to have you, kind of way.
If only Nic could convince him to try being a normal boyfriend, he might be able to feed off Jimena’s soul for a few decades.
A deadly dance begins. A demon wanting to be loved and a serial killer wanting to kill his lover.
If they can find a balance, they might just find they’re perfect for each other.

**Get it FREE!!**

Amazon * Goodreads

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Interview with Author Nina R. Schluntz

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When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

 

I was holding a pen and scribbling gibberish from the start. Before I even knew how to write words, I was jotting down tales in a notebook I carried around. My earliest memories are of me in the backseat of the car, writing away, then getting annoyed later when I couldn’t read my notes, because it was just scribbles.

 

What is your favorite writing quirk (about yourself)?

 

I can stop writing in the middle of a sentence, then come back weeks or months later and pick right up where I’d stopped. My brain just has a pause button. I don’t take notes or anything either. The stories do change if I wait too long, but I can still pick up the paragraph or sentence from right where I left off.

 

What do you do when you are not writing?

 

The things most people do, watch tv or movies, read a good book. Recently I got into hydrangeas—I do not recommend them. They are up their with orchids in the care department, at least for us non-green thumb folks.

 

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

 

The brainstorming process is my favorite. When the stories and characters are just in my head. Once I start putting them on the pages, it turns into work. All that editing and such.

 

How do you know when a book is “the one” to write?

 

When I think of a scene that gives me a physical response. Whether crying or butterflies, if the idea makes me feel something, then I know it will for the readers too.

 

What do you think makes a good story?

 

The ones that give you that emotional kick in the gut. You need to get invested to the point you are hurting or cheering right along with the characters.

 

What comes first, for you, character or plot?

 

Scenes. There will usually be one scene that I think of, and then the whole story is written around bringing that pivotal moment to life.

 

What was the spark or inspiration for this story?

 

I have a friend who is a beta reader and he has always wanted me to write a vampire story. He loves vampires. I decided to make a reluctant pairing. A vampire who doesn’t want a mate, he has been scorned to many times. And a human man, who, like many of us, doesn’t think he can get pregnant. His attraction to the vampires actually repulses him and makes him want to fight them even more, giving people just cause to think he’s a vampire slayer.

 

The story includes three love stories. All three are reluctant pairings. One is a man who gets turned into a vampire, despite trying to avoid such a thing all his life. And the last is a woman who has not tested positive as someone who can be a surrogate, yet fate has other ideas.

 

How did you decide on the title of your book?

At first it was Vampire Dairi, but I figured no one would know what a Dairi is. Dairi is a substitute, proxy or agent. I went with Surrogate for a Vampire, so the readers would understand better.

 

Describe your book in five words (or less), and why?

 

Vampires need humans for reproduction.

 

And not in the traditional sense! The men can get the human women pregnant! You’ll have to read it to find out more.

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Nina Schluntz is a native to rural Nebraska. In her youth, she often wrote short stories to entertain her friends. Those ideas evolved into the novels she creates today.

Her husband continues to ensure her stories maintain a touch of realism as she delves into the science fiction and fantasy realm. Their three cats are always willing to stay up late to provide inspiration, whether it is a howl from the stray born in the backyard or an encouraging bite from the so called “calming kitten.”

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

Join us for this tour from Aug 18 to Sep 14, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Call My Name: A Novel by Jenni Ogden
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  384 pages
Genre:  Literary/Women’s/Bookclub Fiction
Publisher:  Sea Dragon Press
Release date:   April 2020
Formats Available for Review: print (USA only), ebook (MOBI FILE
(FOR KINDLE), EPUB, PDF, NetGalley download), audiobook (Findaway
download, NetGalley download)
Tour dates: Aug 18 to Sep 14, 2022
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: Has
childbirth/abortion/adoption/surrogacy themes, the brief description of a rape in the past by a Japanese guard of a prisoner in a POW camp in Sumatra in WWII (not explicit but of course disturbing and violent). A mention of cannabis smoking when characters are young, mild in-context use of f-word and other expletives.

(more…)

 

 

Join Us for This Tour:  July 5 to July 25

Book Details:

​Book Title: LIES AT HER DOOR (A Psychological Thriller) by A.A. Abbott
Category:  Adult Fiction 18+, 220 pages
GenreMystery, Psychological Thriller, Domestic Thriller
Publisher:  Perfect City Press
Release Date: July 5, 2022
Content Rating:  PG + M: The book has references to adultery (not explicit), kissing and drugs. It features mild blasphemy and profanity.

Book Description:

She forgot about her childhood friend… until his body is found under her
garden. Can she prove she didn’t commit the decades-old murder?

 Lucy Freeman struggles to find satisfaction in life. Trapped in the shadow of her rock star brother, the thirty-two-year-old craves more than her
days at home caring for her terminally ill mother. But her routine takes a turn for the horrifying when a giant sinkhole collapses the earth outside their house and reveals a skeleton.

 Shocked to discover the bones belong to a former member of her sibling’s band, Lucy’s worst nightmare comes alive when police suspect her of the killing. And as she turns to her dying parent’s diaries in a desperate search for vindication, she’s entangled in a dark and complicated truth.

Will unearthing long-buried wrongs prove lethal?

Lies at Her Door is a heavy-hitting psychological thriller novel. If you like strong character growth, overcoming dysfunctional relationships, and revealing unexpected secrets, then you’ll love AA Abbott’s chilling whodunnit.

BUY THE BOOK:
AMAZON

BookBub
​add to goodreads
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Lethal Assumptions

The C.o.P. on the Scene Mysteries Book 1

by Kassandra Lamb

Genre: Crime Mystery

Judith Anderson’s no-nonsense attitude and confidence served her well in her climb to homicide lieutenant in the Baltimore County PD, but that confidence is shaken when she finds herself one step behind a serial killer—just eight days into her new job as Chief of Police in a small Florida city.

The first victim, a female college student, may be a case of wrong place, wrong time. But the bodies keep coming, with a mishmash of MOs, and the murders may be linked to various cases in nearby Jacksonville.

While Judith assumed the CoP job would be challenging, she’s finding it harder than she imagined to establish her authority without alienating and be more hands-on without micro-managing. Plus, evidence is stacking up that there’s a leak in her department.

Who can she trust? If she makes the wrong assumption, the wrong decision, it may be her last. In a race to save lives, she’ll draw on every talent and instinct that made her a star in Baltimore. But will it be enough this time?

Fans of JA Jance’s Sheriff Joanna Brady and JD Robb’s Eve Dallas will love this new female cop on the scene!

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Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

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Check out the related series here where Judith from Lethal Assumptions makes her first appearance in Police Protection!

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An Interview with Kassandra Lamb, Author of the New Series, A C.o.P. on the Scene Mysteries

 

Welcome, Kassandra! First I’ve got to ask, what does the name of the series mean?

 

I debated long and hard about that, and asked for input from the other authors at misterio press.

 

I very much wanted to convey that this was a police procedural series. At first, I’d considered calling them police thrillers, but that implies a really, really rapid pace. The stories are definitely fast-paced, but they are also character-driven, so maybe not quite thriller pace.

 

The protagonist is a homicide lieutenant from Baltimore who takes a job as Chief of Police in a small Florida city. One of her reasons for making the move is that she’s tired of riding a desk. She figures that, in a small department, she can be more hands-on, i.e., go to the scenes of major crimes.

 

So C.o.P. means Chief of Police, but actually spells out the word cop. That, plus “on the Scene” seemed to best convey the theme of the series.

 

What inspired you to write this particular series?

 

Bottom line, I bore easily. I like a lot of variety in my life and in my writing.

 

Well, except for men… let me take a moment to reassure my husband of 45 years about that exception.

 

But in most things, I like variety. I’m an avid mystery reader, as well as a writer in that genre. So I love to explore the various subgenres of mysteries.

 

My first series, the Kate Huntington Mysteries, were traditional whodunnits with an amateur sleuth. But I had one book in that series that was more like a cozy and one that was definitely a thriller, complete with a ticking clock.

 

My second series, the Marcia Banks and Buddy Mysteries, are cozies (not quite finished that series).

 

So I felt the urge to try something different—police procedurals!

 

Tell us more about your main character in this series. Is she at all like you?

 

Heavens no! The main character that is most like me is Kate Huntington, in the first series. But even she is more patient and more consistently caring than I am. I like to think of her as my better self.

 

The protagonist in this new series, Judith Anderson, was a secondary character in the Kate books. She was the police detective who sometimes helped amateur sleuth Kate and sometimes was at odds with her.

 

Also, Kate is a psychotherapist, so at times Judith called on her as a consultant.

 

And in the new series, Judith occasionally calls Kate up from Florida, to pick her brain about cases.

 

Why is your first series set in Maryland, and the other two in Florida?

 

When I started writing the Kate Huntington Mysteries, I still lived in Maryland, where I grew up. But it wasn’t until my husband and I retired to Florida that I really had time to complete and polish the first few books in that series. So I set the rest of the series in Towson, Maryland as well, the county seat of Baltimore County, the county where I lived as a child and young adult.

 

Towson holds a special place in my heart because that is where I first taught psychology, at Towson University. That was my all-time favorite job. I loved the folks in the psych department, and I loved teaching there.

 

But I love living in Florida now. I started the second series after we moved there, so it seemed natural to set it in Florida. Also, it’s a lot easier to explore places where I want to have certain events happen when I live close by.

 

As for this new series, in Police Protection, the last book in the Kate series, Judith Anderson plays a key role, and she is getting a little fed up with the bureaucracy and politics of a big police department.

 

So I decided to move her to Florida, to a small force where she’s in charge. And after living in north central Florida for 17 years, I now know that area as well as I once knew Towson.

 

What are your plans for this new series?

 

With my first two series, with amateur sleuths, it was challenging to come up with plausible reasons why they would keep getting involved in murder investigations.

 

Well, the really cool thing about a police procedural series is that you don’t have to explain why the protagonist keeps tripping over dead bodies. So Judith will have a major homicide case every few months—as fast as I can write the stories!

 

Thanks, Kassandra, for meeting with me today. Best of luck with your new series.

 

Thank you for having me!

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The Kate Huntington Mystery Series

Start reading the series for FREE!

Amazon Series Page

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In her youth, Kassandra Lamb had two great passions—psychology and writing. Advised that writers need day jobs—and being partial to eating—she studied psychology. Her career as a psychotherapist and college professor taught her much about the dark side of human nature, but also much about resilience, perseverance, and the healing power of laughter. Now retired, she spends most of her time in an alternate universe populated by her fictional characters. The portal to this universe (aka her computer) is located in North Central Florida where her husband and dog catch occasional glimpses of her.

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Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Wicked Crimson

A Myths and Legends Anthology

Genre: Mixed Paranormal

with stories by

Shakuita Johnson, Stephanie Kelley, Stephanie Ayers,

Kelsey D Garmendia, Aubrie Nuttle, E.S. McMillan, L.M. Adams

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Ancient cultures often tell tales of ancient legends…
Gathered are 7 such tales told from 7 perspectives.

Shakuita Johnson
Magic Gods

Stephanie Kelley
Pas de Deux

Stephanie Ayers
Broken Chords: Fosse’s Song

Kelsey D Garmendia
The Music

Aubrie Nuttle
Embrace My Ashes

E.S. McMillan
Dita’s Choice

L.M. Adams
Twisted Eventide: Pieces
Tainted Blood and A Twisted Christmas

Goodreads * Amazon

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Shakuita Johnson is a 34-year-old Psychology major. When she isn’t going to school or working, she is doing what she loves most. Writing. She started writing in middle school. She would write poetry in her room or the middle of the night. Then she was introduced to short stories in a creative writing course her senior year. Her love for paranormal and supernatural started with R.L. Stine Goosebumps books and TV shows, Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles, and Christopher Pike books. She is an avid reader with over 100 books on her bookshelf and 1000 plus on her iPad. She also loved to watch Charmed and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with her mom.

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Website * Facebook * FB Page * Twitter * Instagram

Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads * Newsletter

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Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

I have always enjoyed writing. I wrote a lot of poetry in high school, but I didn’t start writing my first book until the end of 2011 and published it Dec. 2013! I served 8 years in the United States Air Force. After that I moved to Boston to work on my Master’s in Public Admin. I’m currently back in my hometown. I’m a Scorpio. I enjoy music and the arts. I’m the oldest of brothers. I have 3 biological and 2 stepbrothers. I have 11 nieces and nephews and currently child-free.

 

Tell us something really interesting that’s happened to you!

When I was working in the military a chain-link fence almost fell on top of me. It was like something out of Final Destination. I moved out of the way just in time. No one else was around and it probably would have been a while before someone found me and I don’t even remember if I had my phone on me or not.

 

What are you passionate about these days?

These days I’m passionate about crafting. I make journals and notebooks because I’m obsessed with also buying them. I thought if I could make them myself it would lessen my spending but that was a lie. I still buy notebooks and the raw materials to make journals and I believe I’ve spent even more money on it.

 

What inspired you to write this book?

I’m super into anime and I decided to do something along those lines with paranormal. So, I decided to write a book about a fox yokai or Kitsune as they are referred as in Japan.

 

Where did you come up with the names in the story?

I decided to use Japanese names since the setting is Japan-like and there are some really beautiful names and their meanings can vary depending on what characters are used when writing them.

 

What can we expect from you in the future?

I have so many projects but I def will be finishing my first series that started with the first book I wrote. I have other series/trilogies I have started and some I need to start. I have some erotic shorts I need to finish, and I plan to possibly do a shared world if I can get the interest.

 

Who designed your book covers?

My book covers are mostly designed by Daria Brennan of https://beegraphica.com. Its been great seeing her grow in her craft from the first book cover she’s done for me til the most recent ones she’s designed. I have also used L.M. Adams, and three other cover designers.

 

Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.

It’s def something different from the norm. I try to stay away from what’s considered mainstream and write something outside the box. It seems lately everything follows the same formula, and I don’t like to read things that read like every other book. I like diversity and stories that push the envelope. I like to think that I write stories like that. I write what I would want to read. There is nothing wrong with reading the same sort of stories but I like writing off beat things and I write for those who are of the same mind.

What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?

 

This is hard but I’d say:

Anne Rice

R.L. Stine

V.C. Andrews

Christopher Pike

Shelly Laurenston

Kresley Cole

Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice

Patricia Briggs

L.M. Adams

Kim Harrison

 

There are many more I read but I find myself rereading these authors and I’ve def read Queen of the Damned dozens of times.

 

What book do you think everyone should read?

A Child Called It. It really highlights some of the things children suffer at the hands of those who are supposed to love them and how lacking our resources still are when it comes to the safety and welfare of children that are really in danger.

 

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing since at least high school that I can remember. I took a creative writing class where I also wrote my first short stories but before that it was mostly poetry, and I journaled a lot.

 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?

Yes, my favorite is paranormal followed by fantasy

 

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading manga and light novels. There are so many I don’t know how I keep up. But the last book I read was The Call of Crows series by Shelly Laurenston. Some of the manga I’m reading are:

 

Tokyo Revengers

The Time I Reincarnated As A Slime

My Hero Academia

Unromantic

Ring

Counterattack of Pregnancy

My Weird Roommate

Equipoise

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