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RELEASE: J.K. Norry’s FALL OF THE WALKER KING

RELEASE: J.K. Norry’s FALL OF THE WALKER KING

In Hell’s darkest hour
We all began to pray
Our fallen queen and the Walker King
Would rise and save the day

Author: J.K. Norry
Book: Fall of the Walker King (Walking Between Worlds, Book III)
Genre: Contemporary/Philosophical Fantasy
Release Date: December 1st, 2015

About the series

Some warriors have a special sensitivity, a rare compassion that makes them the perfect soldier for the perfect army. In life, these men and women are superlative fighters and law officers. In life, they often discover that their instinct for justice hinders or destroys their career in a sometimes imperfect army. In life, these souls are bent and broken by bureaucracy. It is not until death touches them that these unique warriors truly come alive. They become Walkers, immortal soldiers in an eternal army that wages constant war on the demons of humanity.

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In the Walking Between Worlds trilogy and companion tales, the world of the Walker is finally revealed. Heroes that have lived in the shadows for thousands of years tell their stories at last, as a new story takes shape in present-day San Francisco. A new Walker is made that must undo centuries of damage as he risks everything in a desperate search for his lost love. One man must forge a path wide enough for everyone who walks between worlds, or see the way of the Walker lost forever.

The angels in heaven have capitalized on the situation rather than correct it, and the dragons in hell rule their realm with fire. Both forces stand against the Walker army as its new king is thrust into power and cast into danger time and again. From epic battles below to all-out war above, these brave patriots of the universe put everything on the line to save an unknowing world once more. If anyone can find a way, it is them . . . but time is running out, and the light is growing dim . . .

Book I – Demons & Angels

Meet the unsung heroes of the supernatural, those who walk between worlds to help humans battle their demons. This is the spellbinding tale of a special group of people whose lives were changed forever when their eyes were opened to a new reality. Watch the ordinary collide with the extraordinary to test the mettle of their souls and the power of their love.

The first book in an exciting new series, Walking Between Worlds, Book I: Demons & Angels introduces us to a new way of looking at both the natural and the supernatural worlds. Join Paul Stone and Kris Reed as they walk between worlds in search of answers and themselves.

Book II – Rise of the Walker King

Step once again into the lives of Walker Paul and his trusted Guide Kris as they delve deeper into the meaning of walking between worlds and battling people’s demons.

Walking Between Worlds, Book II: Rise of the Walker King continues the exciting saga begun in Book I. Now that the king has risen to power, he must look within and without for answers to save both himself and the Walker’s world.

With friendly devils and murderous angels, dragons that belch flames and demons that run like a river, this philosophical fantasy will delight the adventurous spirit that walks between worlds in all of us.

Book III – Fall of the Walker King

Walking Between Worlds, Book III: Fall of the Walker King brings the Walking Between BookIIIEbookWorlds trilogy to a breathtaking and explosive conclusion. Walk alongside characters old and new as they navigate Hellish realms where blood rains from the sky, and Heavenly worlds that would imprison or destroy their very souls.

As war looms above and violence simmers below, a dark danger is lurking between worlds that threatens every realm. A new Walker struggles to fulfill his destiny while the old fight for their very lives. With the fate of all the worlds in the balance, a new way must form to take the place of the old as everything falls away. Yet it must be enough, and it must come in time…

Scroll to the bottom for a full chapter excerpt!

***On sale for a limited time!***

Get your copy of Demons & Angels (Walking Between Worlds, Book I) for just 99 cents

or Rise of the Walker King (Walking Between Worlds, Book II) for $1.99!

Sale runs 11/26-12/3

WBWSale

Jay Norry Bio

JayNorryProfileJay Norry is the author of Stumbling Backasswards into the Light, a spiritual autobiographical novel set in the mountains of the Puget Sound, and Walking Between Worlds (as J.K. Norry), a fantasy series set in San Francisco. He is the owner of Sudden Insight Publishing, an indie publishing company he founded in 2014 as a venue in which to publish his books. In 2016, Jay will join the Underground Book Reviews (www.undergroundbookreviews.org) team as a monthly columnist (Norry’s Toolbox) and indie book reviewer.

Currently Jay resides in Northern California with his girlfriend/Girl Friday, Dawn, and their dogs, Mammoth & Ximena. When he’s not busy writing, Jay enjoys wine tasting, gardening, coming up with new DIY projects, and fixing things around the house MacGyver-style.

Jay’s books are published by Sudden Insight Publishing (www.suddeninsightpublishing.com)

Read his blog on spirituality, writing, and life in general at blog.jaynorry.com

Connect with Jay/J.K. Norry

Website: http://www.jaynorry.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/jaynorry

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JayNorry

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Norry.Jay

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jay_norry

Sign up for Jay’s monthly newsletter, and get the first Walking Between Worlds companion story for FREE! – http://eepurl.com/T3NdD

FULL CHAPTER EXCERPT

Fall of the Walker King (Walking Between Worlds, Book III)
by J.K. Norry

CHAPTER ONE

William stood at the center of the Heavenly space, his head bowed and his gloved hands clasped before him. He had heard of the Walker Council, of course, but he had never had occasion to stand before them. He had also never imagined that meeting them one day would mean standing trial before them on that day.

He wore his custom spelled armor, yet he felt completely vulnerable. He could call upon his key or his weapon with a thought, yet he felt completely defenseless. Paul had told him a little about the council, that an ancient angel with dark skin seemed their best chance at an ally. Yet when William looked upon the first eight unfamiliar faces, he saw nothing but a bunch of stern and ugly old white guys.

The ninth face was old and ugly and white as well, but it was not unfamiliar. Andre had somehow transmuted from Watcher to angel without a break in consciousness. William wondered if making the rules and breaking them whenever you wanted was the best way to run a governing body. It certainly didn’t seem to be the way angels should behave.

“We can read your thoughts, Walker.” One of the round-faced, mostly bald men spoke venomously.

‘But are you listening?’ The Walker thought forcefully.

There was a sly smile on one face at that, and William saw friendly laughter behind the angel’s eyes. He spoke next.

“We do not take action lightly or often, Walker,” he said kindly. “The criticism we receive for our policy of non-interference is rivaled only by the criticism we receive on the rare occasion that we do interfere.”

“My criticism never falls on anyone with the courage to stay their path or keep their word,” William replied calmly. “There is no honor in breaking one’s own code.”

The angel seemed unperturbed, but he also seemed the only one.

“I can see why the Walker King chose you,” he smiled.

“Calling himself a king does not make a man a king,” another angel spat bitterly. “There has not been a Walker King for a great long time, and if Walker Paul was the great Stone Walker, he failed to fulfill his own grand prophecy.”

“We found Walker Paul’s soul, then?” Then angel with the mirthful eyes turned in his seat to address the speaker.

“Of course not,” the speaker crossed his arms and frowned. “He was destroyed by dragon fire, along with Ximena.”

“You’re sure about that?” The smiling angel was clearly amused with the exchange.

“Of course,” he replied tartly. The other angel was clearly not amused. “We would have found them by now.”

“Did we not seal up the realms in between?” His dark luminous eyes twinkled mischievously, and he looked pointedly at William.

“Is this conversation appropriate during this trial?” Andre spoke up, leaning forward and trying to catch someone’s eye.

“You were told not to speak,” the angel’s merry eyes went cold. “You are too close to this matter, and too new to the Council.”

Andre settled back in his chair and folded his arms sullenly.

“And yet you have a point, Angel Andre.” The two angels were clearly battling for control. Now the dour one was smiling, thin-lipped and humorless. “Walker William is on trial.”

“Can we all just stop using that word?” The jovial angel spread his hands. “We already know the outcome of these proceedings. The only three responsible for the destruction of souls seem to have been destroyed completely themselves. Walker William will not be dehumanized, or punished in any other way. In fact, we-“

“Enough!” The dour angel slammed his soft fist into the soft woven light that made every inanimate shape in the room. “If you suspect that they have not been destroyed, you should not speak so blithely about it.”

“Very well.” The angel with the easy smile folded his hands calmly before him. “I will admit that the evidence points to Ximena and the Walker King being destroyed.”

His dour face was turning red now. “And I am happy to get on with our business with Walker William if you will please stop calling that miscreant a king.”

Walker William cleared his throat.

“I destroyed a soul,” he pointed out. “I killed a dragon.”

“No you didn’t,” Andre sneered. “Walker Paul killed that dragon after it gutted you.”

The dour angel shot Andre an irritated glance.

“Besides-” he began.

“Andre destroyed a soul,” William said calmly, holding the accused’s gaze. “He murdered Mason.”

“As I was saying,” the unhappy angel’s icy tone cut in, “even if you had killed a dragon, it would have been because you were following orders. That guilt would fall on Walker Paul, as Andre’s guilt transfers to the Dragon Queen.”

The more pleasant speaker cut in again.

“Now on to more pleasant matters,” he said. “Walker William, you no doubt remember Walker John?”

“Of course.” William nodded tersely. He saw no need to share his assessment of the man. In getting to know other Walkers, he had learned that the appointed leader had struggled with what little authority he had had. On the other hand, nearly every Walker had treated the self-proclaimed Walker King with a respect that bordered on reverence. He looked from one self-righteous glowing face to the next, thinking how impossible it would be to explain what they did not wish to understand.

The jovial angel was looking less than jovial, and William tried to quiet his whirling mind.

“We are prepared to offer you the position vacated by Walker John,” the dour angel said. “You seem to be someone the Walkers are willing to listen to and able to follow.”

“They followed me when I followed the Walker King,” William cut in. “Why would they follow me if I become your stooge?”

“Just because we can read your thoughts does not mean you need to express them all with such brash disdain,” the happy angel didn’t look happy at all as he spoke. “Surely you can step back far enough from your imbalanced emotional state to see that we are all just trying to make the best of a bad situation.”

William took a deep breath and did not voice his next several thoughts.

“What if I refuse?” he asked.

“Then you will be dehumanized.” The dour angel seemed pleased at the prospect. “Your memories of your life as a Walker will be erased and you will live out your mortal life as a normal man.”

William felt his eyes go wide. “My memories will be taken?”

“It’s a new policy,” the dour angel said dismissively.

Andre looked left and right, then decided to venture a comment.

“Also,” he said, “your Guide and your Watcher will be relieved of duty and released from their consciousness to properly pursue their after-earth life.”

The Walker did not like to make decisions based on the feeling that he had no other choice. He thought of the men and women he had fought beside and loved; the Walkers he had trained, and the Guide whose touch made his heart sing. William knew he could not allow himself to be swayed by anger, but what about love?

“Walker William.” The angel’s smile was lighting his features again. “If I may . . . what would Walker Paul want you to do?”

The fluidity within him turned to stone. “What are my duties as a servant to this council?”

“As leader of the Walkers,” the angel’s smile was unperturbed, “you will assist in training new Walkers, you will find new Walkers to replace those we have lost and you will explain the new rules to all of the Walkers. Furthermore, you will assist in rehumanizing the Walkers we have deemed no longer fit for service and finding suitable replacements for them as well.”

“You will also report to the Council daily,” the unhappy angel added with a wry smile.

“Daily?” William frowned.

“We have seen what a Walker can do in a day,” he shot back. “You will report daily.”

The happy angel sighed, allowing his practiced look of infinite patience to fray.

“For now,” he amended.

William addressed him. “What are the new rules?” He wished he had paid attention when the trial had begun; William had assumed that none of this would matter by the time they had tried him, and had not paid attention to their introductions. He didn’t remember any of their names.

“Walkers are once again forbidden from interacting with each other,” he began, then his smile broadened. “Stephan, Walker. My name is Stephan.”

“My job would be a lot easier if I could let Walkers work together, Stephan.” William tried to hide his irritation at feeling so violated.

“The walls between worlds have become dangerously thin due to recent events.” The dour angel refused to be left out of the conversation. “One of those events was the gathering of a Walker army; another was excessive walking between worlds, including unauthorized entry to above and below; still another was the destruction of souls and the misplacement of millions of demons. Every dire consequence the Council is now dealing with would have been prevented by keeping Walkers from gathering. Only the Walker Leader may interact with other Walkers.”

“And only on official Walker business,” Stephan tried to lighten the blow by smiling. It didn’t help.

“Walker movement is restricted as well,” the other angel went on. “Walkers shall not go above or below the seven layers of reality that make up the Earth dimension.”

William narrowed his eyes. “I don’t even know what that means.”

“Ask your Guide,” Stephan responded. “And let all of the Walkers know: we will be keeping an eye on them, particularly the surviving members of the army.”

“Violations will not be tolerated,” added the dour angel, “and punishment will not be lenient.”

“No need to threaten those who have not yet committed any transgression.” Stephan waved his hand in William’s general direction, and something took shape in his hand. “Take that scroll to the new Queen of Hell. We have not been able to establish a clear line of communication with her as of yet, but she is bound by law to update your key to match your new position.”

William frowned. “By what law?”

The dour angel leaned forward and narrowed his eyes hatefully at the Walker. “By highest law. By Council law.”

“And what if she kills me?”

Stephan shook his head. “It is highly doubtful. We would be obligated by law to bring her to justice.”

William almost laughed. “And who would take her place?”

Now the dour angel looked downright pleased with himself. “The Council would act as Hell’s governing body until Creator appoints a replacement.”

Cover Reveal for The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain

It’s here! Dark, gritty psychological thriller The Phoenix Project undergoes a makeover in the brand new Booktrope edition. Completely re-edited and re-designed, don’t miss this stunning cover by the talented Amalia Chitulescu.

The Phoenix Project Cover - Booktrope 

The book will be available to buy soon from a wide range of digital and paperback distributors.

Author: D.M. Cain

Title: The Phoenix Project

Genre: Psychological thriller/Dark thriller/Dystopian

Book Content: Occasional adult language, graphic violence, and mild sexual content.

Original Cover Design from the first edition: 

OLD cover

 

Synopsis:

How can you fight to the death, when you’ve given up on life?

A thought provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice…

A man fights for life—and redemption—in D. M. Cain’s riveting re-released novel, The Phoenix Project.

Britain has descended into chaos as violence and terrorist attacks seethe across this once-peaceful country. Outraged by the steady stream of lawlessness, citizens demand a harsher penal system, and the Phoenix Project is born.

In prisons across the country, inmates fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.

Raven Kennedy, a prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages on within himself, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?

‘The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain is a superbly written debut, soaked in tension and intrigue,’ Jack Croxall, author of the ‘Tethers’ trilogy.

 

D.M. Cain Biography

Profile picD.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for US publisher Booktrope. She has released two full length novels: The Phoenix Project – a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future, and A Chronicle of Chaos – the first in a dark fantasy series. She is currently working on the next novel in the series – ‘The Shield of Soren’ and a novella to accompany it.

D.M. Cain is also a member of the International Thriller Writers and is one of the creators and administrators of the online author group #Awethors.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her husband and young son, and spends her time reading, writing and reviewing books, playing RPGs and listening to symphonic metal.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMCainauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMCain84

Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/XevZH

Website: www.dmcain84.com

Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DMCain/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7888430.D_M_Cain

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzt_E8st1pyfkoTiA4E5jNg

Author Chat: Jason Greensides

First of all, come to Jason Greensides’ relaunch party if you’re reading this on September 30! It’s on Facebook and will include author takeovers, book giveaways, and lots of fun. Click here to check it out and join!

We are excited to announce the relaunch of Jason’s debut novel and help him celebrate, especially with his new cover that drips ambiance. His writing style is engaging, his story entrancing, and he’s passionate about books. What more can you ask of any author? He’s also got another book in the works, but that’s a secret…

On with the interview!

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Question: The Distant Sound of Violence is your debut book. Love the name, and congratulations! How long did it take you to plan it before you began writing it?

Answer: In a sense I’ve been planning the book my whole life, I just didn’t know it. In terms of sitting down and compiling all the research notes, character and story ideas, themes etc., that took three months.

Question: The description of The Distant Sound of Violence sounds like the book focuses on the journey of the characters rather than their destination, which is intriguing. Would you say this was a conscious literary decision or just the way it ended up going?

Answer: This was a conscious decision. I love literary fiction, and I’d always set out to write a novel which focuses on character, theme and emotion, rather than plot. Not to say that the plot wasn’t there, in fact for the first half of the novel I wanted a driving plot to carry me through the second half, which does become more literary, focusing on the consequences of Nathan’s life decisions, particularly his homelessness, and the way his decisions overshadowed his life. I would say I write commercial literary/contemporary fiction. I know the character’s internal life is the thing most important to me, however, I still want the text to be transparent – I want the reader to forget they are reading.

Question: As a work of literary fiction, do you use other art (i.e. books, movies, music, etc.) in your book, whether as references or motifs?

Answer: I do at the research stage, after that I try to forget any of those other things exist.The Distant Sound of Violence cover Martin Amis is one of my favourite authors, and when I write I have a strict ‘no reading Amis policy’ because I’ll just end up emulating his style. In general, of course, I’m influenced by my favourite films and books, as I’m sure most writers are. Important films to me are the New Hollywood films of the 70s, as many of them are concerned with characters living on the edge of society (e.g. Taxi Driver, Badlands, The Conversation), as well as more recent indie or character-driven dramas, such as Monster, One Hour Photo, Les Amants du Pont-Neuf. In terms of fiction, authors such as Joyce Carol Oates, Paul Auster and Michel Faber are in influence, particularly in terms of style and the types of characters they write about – again, outsiders.

Question: What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

Answer: The Structure. The Distant Sound of Violence is a novel of two halves: the first is fast-paced and easily accessible, almost putting it in the Young Adult genre. The second half, however, is slower, brooding, more overtly literary. You might say in the first half I’m really trying to get the reader to enjoy it and get caught up in the drama, and the second half is like, Hey, you came this far, please indulge me a little here… Also, the first half is set over a few months, the second half spans seventeen years.

Question: What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

Answer: It’s hard to say what inspires me to write, because if I wasn’t writing I’d be doing something else creative. But it’s mainly the books I’ve read, those few key books you get lost in, the ones that keep you up at night, that obsess you in your working day. I’d love to write that kind of book, if possible.

Question: Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

Answer: I ask myself key questions about the characters – What does the character want? What do they actually need? What is their main conflict? I’ll do a few sketches with them that don’t encroach on the story I’m about to tell, do a little back story, and a few other details. I’ll visit locations if possible and take photos. In terms of plot, I’ll come up with a vague outline, with a few key events I know I need to navigate to. I certainly don’t like to know all the answers before going in, I want to discover something myself, something I didn’t know was there or was going to happen. That actually happened quite a few times during writing The Distant Sound of Violence, and it’s one of the things I really loved about writing it. There were times when I’d slap my head and actually say out loud, Oh my God! I had no idea that was going to happen! Because as the writer if you don’t know what’s going to happen, then it’s more likely the reader won’t either. On the other hand, my second novel, which I’m still on the first draft of, has a stronger mystery element from page one, so I need more detail about where I’m going this time. It’s safer. You need an idea of where you’re going, generally; research is like packing for an incredibly long journey, one where you should take a map. How detailed that map is is where all writers differ.

Question: If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or nonfiction place – where would you write?

Answer: It depends on the story. At the moment I’m writing London-based novels, so where I am now in west London is fine. I can write anywhere, and have. I’ve been standing on the train platform waiting for the tube after work, pen and A4 paper in hand, scribbling away, getting weird looks from other people. Strangely a lot of background noise like crowds of people and traffic can work for me; silence can be louder than any of those things. Having said all that, the Arctic tundra appeals.

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Bio

author headshot photoJason Greensides has a degree in Video Production and Film Studies and has made several short films, two of which have been broadcast on television, but it’s writing fiction he always returns to.

He’s interested in ‘outsider’ types, those operating on the fringes of society. This inspired him to write his first novel The Distant Sound of Violence. It’s about a group of kids, one in particular, Nathan Dawes, whose philosophical obsessions and criminal connections have all but made him an outcast at school.

Jason is now working on his second novel, another coming-of-age mystery, but on coffee breaks he tweets and blogs about the mysteries of writing, life and the cosmos.

Website: jasongreensides.com
Amazon: mybook.to/TDSOV
Facebook: facebook.com/jasongreensidesauthor
Twitter: @JasonGreensides
Pinterest: pinterest.com/jasongreensides
Goodreads: goodreads.com/Jason_greensides

Relaunch: Karen J Mossman’s STAR STRUCK

Relaunch: Karen J Mossman’s STAR STRUCK

Welcome to the launch week for Karen J Mossman’s novel Star Struck! Today all the way through September 20th, Karen will be visiting a variety of blogs on her tour. Keep your eyes open on Twitter and Facebook for announcements. And now, without further ado, let’s dive into Star Struck. Congratulations, Karen!

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Author:
Karen J Mossman
Genre: Romance/Suspense

Bio

Karen J Mossman’s parents were foster casers, with four siblings and five foster children, and so she spent her early days telling them stories.

“I used to make up fantastic stories, throwing my arms up to emphasise things as their eyes grew wider and wider! Although I wasn’t inspired to ever write for children.”

As a teenager, it was a means of escape. Karen wrote stories to take her away from the madhouse of her home.

Years passed and Karen wrote for pleasure, advancing from notebook, to typewriter, and eventually to computer.

“Writing straight on the screen and being able to backspace, delete and add text was a revelation to me.”

In 2013 after being made redundant she decided to write full time. Over the years she wrote many short stories and decided to self-publish in anthologies with a theme. The first was The Missing, as Karen was fascinated as to why people vanish. Behind the Music followed because she was intrigued about the real people behind stardom. Finally Heroes came along, as she loved a good romance with a twist.

Star Struck is her first full-length novel.

Blurb

When life throws you a curveball, who will there be to catch it?

A story of love, loss, betrayal, friendship and kinship set in 1980s Manchester, with music Star Struck Coverand music of the day.

Joanna Nelson is escaping a broken romance and there is nowhere better than with her sister in London. On the train she meets a mysterious stranger, then in London, a wide-boy cockney, and eventually arrives home with an even more complicated life.

She is also haunted by her childhood, and when her mother turns up, it brings back awful memories. All have consequences that she still carries with her. Thank goodness for her sister and friends to support her. The trouble is, it can get complicated when her best friend is a ‘he’.

Just as Joanna gets her life back on track, everything is turned upside down. Who of her friends will be there for her? Or will she find herself alone?

Review

I found the book to be full of complexity. Joanna is presented with a keen depth of character. Karen J. Mossman brought the layers in this book alive with excellent detail.

Without losing the main story Mossman brought several other smaller storylines into play in a lovely and engaging manner.

This is a story of love gained, love lost, friendships forged and familial connections. Emotional and personal growth occurs amid personal friendships and human interactions.

Mossman, in my opinion, writes fluidly, creatively and delivers a poignant story to the reader.

Jennifer Deese, author of The Orchid Keeper

Excerpt

Unconsciously, the sisters had dressed similarly. Joanna was wearing a short pink skirt and Sandie was in a short yellow one. Their tops were similar too, in contrasting colours and with wide shoulders. Sandie had back-combed her long hair till it was full around her face and she wore a scarf as a hair band. Joanna had moved her ponytail to the side of her head, wrapped it in a pink tie-dye, and let it fall in a long loose drape, to move with her hair.

Joanna knew that being with each other made them both feel good; they felt strong because they were a unit that fitted together. They didn’t need to say things because they understood each other so well. Quite often they would say one thing, but each knew they meant something else entirely.

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Global Amazon link: http://geni.us/b83

What’s next on the map: WIP – Guest Post by James Quinn

I had the pleasure of meeting Get Down With The Awethors participant James Quinn a few months ago and was impressed by his novel, A Game for Assassins. What’s so impressive about it? He has the actual experience in the subject matter: covert operations and other James Bond-type things. To me, this makes his novel much more real and therefore all the more enjoyable.

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I have to confess (and please bear with me as I’m new to this whole writing game, so no sniggering, you guys) that up until recently I thought that WIP had something to do with a wireless internet connection. And no, I’m not making that up…

I’d see people on various forums and FB groups banging on about “WIP this” and “WIP that” and “Oh my WIP is just on a downward spiral.” Poor woman, I thought! Eventually I figured out that it means a work in progress and it all became clear. So the next step along the path, the next big novel, the next project – right I got it now. It sounds nice. Then one of my friends commented that now that the first one was done I should really start on book 2. Errrr…I was so focused on getting the first book finished and into print that I hadn’t even considered getting to work on a follow-up book! Jeez – I’ve got to go through all that AGAIN!

As I’m writing this I am in the midst of a blog tour and about halfway through the expectedA Game for Assassins publicity for the first book. I had always had a plan that the “Gorilla Grant” books would be a 5 book series, charting his adventures and history from the 1960’s up to the present day. Hopefully, if readers take to the character and enjoy the books, that will come to fruition and we can see where the characters from the first book will be a mile or so down the road of time.

A Game for Assassins is what I would class as my Cold War novel. The character of Gorilla Grant, though, is able to transcend that period in history and move around into different locations and adventures. For example the follow up book – SENTINEL FIVE – takes place in the underbelly of Asia and has a very different feel to it. In fact I’m kind of curious to see how Gorilla survives in these environments.

My (rather naïve) idea was that I would finish the publicity for A Game for Assassins, have a summer vacation and then in the autumn move on to starting with book 2. Nice and clean. A bit like leaving one girlfriend, having a period of being single, before moving in with girlfriend number 2. Unfortunately life doesn’t always go along with our plans and I have already started upon my current WIP.

Is there a right or a wrong time to begin a follow-up book? Should writers take a break before committing to another work? I’m not thinking of the time between To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set The Watchmen length here, but enough to give a fresh perspective to an existing set of characters. Perhaps we should go totally off track and try something else? I confess that over the weekend I began to work on a short story totally unrelated to anything else that I have written before. I found it quite refreshing. A change is as good as a rest and all that.

So what do you think? How do you think the characters from A Game for Assassins will develop and change, and where will they end up? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

James Quinn

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Title: A Game for Assassins
Series: The Redaction Chronicles, Book 1
Author: James Quinn
Length: novel (528 pages)
Genre: mystery, thriller, spy thriller, espionage
Synopsis

The assassination of a Caribbean dictator… The “hit” on a traitor in Beirut… The brutal murder of a young CIA officer behind the Iron Curtain… So begins the game…

It is 1964, the height of the Cold War, and British Intelligence is riding high with its top double agent network: Constellation.

But in the secret war fought across Europe the enemy is never far away and soon the agents of Constellation are targeted by an unknown team of assassins. In desperation British Intelligence sends in their best agent to protect the network and hunt down the killers.

Jack “Gorilla” Grant isn’t your typical Cold War secret agent. Short, tough, uncompromising, rough edged. He doesn’t fit in with the elitist spies and debonair intelligence agents. He prefers working at the rough end of British covert operations.

But “Gorilla” is one of the best “Redactors” in the business. He’s an expert at close quarter shooting: quick to the draw and deadly accurate when it comes to the elimination of traitors and extremists on behalf of the British Secret Service (SIS). He is soon drawn into a game of cross and double cross where nothing is as it seems and even the most perfect spy can die in a wilderness of mirrors.

A Game for Assassins is an action packed edge of your seat thrill ride played out across the global stage of the Cold War.

Buy Links

Free with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VQORC0K/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VQORC0K/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00VQORC0K/
Amazon DE: http://www.amazon.de/dp/B00VQORC0K/

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d3e3d66a28/

About the author

James Quinn spent 15 years in the secret world of covert operations, undercover investigations and international security before turning his hand to writing.

He is trained in hand to hand combat and in the use of a variety of weaponry including small edged weapons, Japanese Swords and Hunting Bows. He is also a crack pistol shot for CQB (Close Quarter Battle) and many of his experiences he has incorporated into his works of fiction.

He lives in the United Kingdom and travels extensively around the globe.

Website: http://jamesquinn.webs.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Quinn/1558765681046413
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ape101Quinn

Author Chat: Marnie Cate

Have you ever thought of something fantastic that inspired you to write, whether it was a sentence or an image or even a general idea? Marnie Cate has, and she wrote and published her first book based on it. In fact, it’s the first book in a series. Get inspired by Marnie, who turned a thought into a whole book!

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Is Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic your first book? How long did it take you to plan it before you began writing it?

Remember is my first book. It was really random how I started. Three years ago, these words came to mind: “A blinding light surged through me and I fell to my knees. Stumbling and confused, I found myself being led to safety by Gram. She told me to hide in a crevice in one of the old oak trees that had split.” I decided that day that I was going to write. I started writing without really knowing where I was going.

Do you plan your writing out with outlines, character development exercises, and other pre-writing activities? Or do you just write as it comes to you?

I just write as it comes to me. Typically, I will have an idea come to me that I want to include and it changes my original thought. In my second book, I have issues from the first book that need to be addressed. This has created a new way for me to think about writing but I am still finding that free writing leads to my best work.

Is this book part of a series? If so, when can we look forward to the next book being published?

This is planned to be a series. The second book, Exigency, has a solid start and the ideas that have come to me have confirmed that I do have more than one book inside me to be written.

Do you mostly write in this particular genre or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I never really planned to write in any genre. I think my books will always have their “feet” planted in the world I know and wander into the world I dream.

What do you think makes your work stand apart from other works in your genre?

There are so many fantastic books in the fantasy genre. My thoughts on magic and its origin are different than anything I have read. The relationships that Mara has formed are the true story. I think relationships are universal but I would like to think that my characters are unique and ever changing.

Remember’s book blurb starts out with a quote from the main character’s remember by marnie cate book covergreat-grandmother that changes the MC’s life. Was this inspired by something that happened to you in real life? Or is it purely from your imagination?

“Hiding the truth from you is no longer protecting you. Sit and I will tell you what you need to know.” is spoken by Mara’s grandmother, Mae Veracor (Gram). Gram is the daughter of Genevieve Silver.

I can sadly say I was never told that my family were the protectors of magic. The reality of the story is that I do have a little sister that I adore and I was lucky to have the best grandmother in the world.

Tell us a little bit about the magic in your book, if it won’t spoil the plot. What is it like and how does it work? What’s original about it?

Without giving away too much, I can say that the magic in Remember is elemental magic. This encompasses the ability to call upon the elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth). Many books talk about the elements and their use. In my book, there are not just the elements but the elementals that teach Mara to use her gift.

You’re a fan of Dame Judi Dench, so much so that it’s on your Amazon author profile. What do you love so much about her? Have you based any of your characters on her in Remember?

The character of Mae Veracor is a combination of my grandmother, Judi Dench and my imagination. There is something that can’t be named when I watch movies, television shows or interviews of Dame Judi. She has a spirit for life that is contagious.

What inspires you to write? Music? Other books? Real life events? Just an incredible imagination?

I fear it is my imagination that keeps me writing.

Are you part of any writers’ groups? If so, what do you like about them? How do they help you or inspire you? If not, why not?

I have connected with several writers’ groups: #IndieBooksBeSeen and #Awethors. Both groups have very supportive authors who are about encouraging and helping each other. It is a great way to see that I am not alone on the island of indie authors.

Did you do any research for this book, even by reading other fantasy books?

The only research I did was to make sure that the ingredients in the spells in the book would not hurt anyone if they decided to try it. I would never recommend trying something you read in a book.

Do you read the kinds of books you like to write? Do you watch movies similar to or the same genre as your writing?

When I decided to write, my book reading dropped. I cannot narrow down just one genre of books that I like to read. One thing I did allow myself was to keep up with two series that I had stared before I decided to write. Each is very different from my book. As far as movies, I love all kinds but I do not think there is a movie out there quite like my book. I would love to see my book on the big screen one day.

If you could write anywhere in the world – in a fictional or nonfiction place – where would you write?

Either a flat in London close to the theatre or in a cabin in the woods with no distractions.

~~~

BIO

marnie cate headshotMarnie Cate was born and raised in Montana before adventuring to the warmer states of Arizona and California. Her love of Dame Judi Dench and dreams of caticorns and rainbows inspired her to chase her dreams. One great sentence came to mind and the world of elemental magic and the humans they lived amongst filled her mind. With Remember, the story has begun.

BUY THE BOOK

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1508795320
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/520293
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/remember-marnie-cate/1121537003?ean=9781508795322

SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow me on Twitter: @Marnie_Cate
Friend me on Facebook
Find me on Amazon
Favorite me at Smashwords
Find me on Goodreads

Awethors Event: Why I Love Supporting Indie Authors

Get Down With The Awethors co-creator D.M. Cain graciously suggested that I should do an interview too. As I haven’t published a full book yet, I thought I’d take her up on it in a different way: by telling you why I love all of you.

Indie authors have something really special about them: a sense of community. Why is this so special? Because even though we’re all technically competing with each other, we put that behind us as something that doesn’t need to be acknowledged, as something that is really not the point, and instead we focus on supporting each other. Where else can you find a sense of community that strong?

We exchange books, we give honest reviews, we spread the word on social media for each other, we comment on each other’s work before it’s published. There’s no end to indie authors’ generosity, and it always makes my day to see indie authors working together. Events like the Awethors Facebook event help us not only connect with readers but network with each other. And those relationships last forever.

Just a few of the amazing authors Proof Positive has interviewed and some of the books we’ve worked on!

One of the reasons I started my editing business is to help indie authors succeed, not only through editing but through exposure. I have read some of the most incredible books by indie authors, and I’ve found that I end up reading bestselling traditionally published books mostly to keep up with publishing trends – not because they’re better. This was a big eye opener for me when I first discovered it, and I hope to help open other readers’ eyes  to the fantastic talent right in front of them.

Congratulations to all of you who have had the ambition and courage to publish your own books or even get your start by publishing your own books. I hope to join the ranks of such an awesome group soon.

~~~

Christie Stratos headshotChristie Stratos is an editor and award-winning writer who holds a degree in English Literature. An avid reader of all genres and world literature, Christie reads everything from bestsellers to classics to indies, and is an audiobook reviewer at AudioBookReviewer.com. She is also a writer of short stories, poetry – some of which have already been published – and upcoming novels. She dabbles in all genres.

Connect with Christie

Author website and blog
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest
Goodreads
YouTube
LinkedIn
AudioBookReviewer profile (scroll down!)

Connect with Proof Positive

Facebook
Twitter (same as my personal one!)
Google+
LinkedIn
AUTHORSdb

Awethors Event: Interview with Rocky Rochford

Our eighteenth awesome author in the countdown until the Get Down With The Awethors Facebook event on April 12 is Rocky Rochford. Co-creator of this outstanding event, Rocky has several books, at all different lengths and on many subjects, available for purchase – and some to win!

~~~

1. What will you be sharing with the group on April 12 at the Get Down With The Awethors event? Free book giveaway, sneak peek, merchandise, holding a competition, discussion?

For starters I’ve added a number of works for a free giveaway as part of a book bundle. I’ll be posting cover art, extracts and doing a general Q&A about anything and everything, as well as taking part in our Cover Wars contest.

2. What is your latest book or work, and where can we find it?

The Spirit of Iris is the title of released work, the first installment of the Rise of the Elohim novels (Elohim being the Jewish word for Watchers, Guardians), to which I have a series of four full-length books currently planned.

As a child, I was always most interested in fantasy, first captivated by a series of dreams I used to have about a warrior by the name of Jacka-riah Jackal, whose sole duty was to defend an ancient kingdom and its empress ruler from hoards of monsters and beasts. Then my brother got a Nintendo 64 and I played Ocarina of Time for the first time. Ever since my first quest with Link, I’ve been a huge fan of the Legend of Zelda series, and I played Final Fantasy X a couple of years later, which for me just sealed the deal. Ever since playing this game, I wanted to write something on the type of scale the stories of those video games projected, so this was where the idea first started gathering momentum. Also because of that, with a deep love of Zelda, which led to me working on a number of Zelda parodies, I took to doing my own fantasy story, one that would see a young male protagonist take charge in a bid to free his home world from an ancient evil.

As for where can you find it, it is available on:

3. What drives you to write? Music, an interest in the human mind, is it cathartic for you?

I write purely for the sake of writing, and sleep. I have so much going on in my head that I find it really hard to just switch off, so many fantasies and the like, so writing is a great way to get it all out, make some space and share my deranged musings with all those who are crazed enough to delve into them.

4. What’s your favorite book in the world? One you couldn’t imagine having lived your life without reading.

Oooh tough one, but if I had to pick one, Bram Stoker’s Dracula was the one book I just had to read. I enjoyed it so much more than the film.

5. When will you be at the Awethors event on April 12? All day or at a certain time?

I’ll most likely be on most of the day, as much as I possibly can, to help keep the whole thing moving.

~~~

Author Bio

My name is Rocky Rochford and I am a scuba diving, photo taking, adventure seeking, sword collecting writer and marine conservationist. I’m a handful of years into my twenties, but after living life on the road, going town to town before finally settling down, I’ve gained great insight into the world and her workings. From day one I have been a writer and a writer I shall forever remain.

I like to consider myself to be a student of everything and yet a master of nothing, who does not choose what he writes, but writes what chooses him, be it fantasy, crime, poetry, philosophy or even adventure. After all, life is a journey we all get to experience, just like a good book.

Every read of one of my typed works is another trip into the imagination of my mixed up, crazed and deranged mind. Welcome to the World of Rochford.

Connect with Rocky

Feel free to get connected with me on any of the following site locations:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamRockyRochford?fref=ts
Twitter: @RockyRochford
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/RockyRochford
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7310280.Rocky_Rochford
Personal Website: rockyrochford.wordpress.com

Awethors Event: Interview with D.M. Cain

Our seventeenth awesome author in the countdown until the Get Down With The Awethors Facebook event on April 12 is D.M. Cain. She’s one of the authors who started this wonderful event and her writing is outstanding (first-hand knowledge!). Don’t miss her giveaways!

~~~

1. What will you be sharing with the group on April 12 at the Get Down With The Awethors event? Free book giveaway, sneak peek, merchandise, holding a competition, discussion?

I’ve got 2 swag packs for A Chronicle of Chaos to give away, which will include a paperback copy of the book, a notebook, pen and pack of chocolates. I will also be offering sneak peeks of my upcoming book, The Shield of Soren, and giving some insight into the influences behind my books. I’ll be hosting the event all day so I’ll be around to chat with all the other authors, as well as being available to answer questions.

2. What is your latest book or work, and where can we find it?

My most recent book is A Chronicle of Chaos – a YA epic fantasy, the first in a long series Front coverof 13 or more stories. You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-Chaos-Light-Shadow-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00NJ89B8M/

3. What drives you to write? Music, an interest in the human mind, is it cathartic for you?

I am always inspired by music. I like to listen to large-scale orchestral music, which instantly paints vivid images in my mind. I love to get away from the stresses of being a teacher, author, wife and mother by delving into my own worlds and losing myself in my characters. It is so cathartic for me, even when I’m exhausted from a hard day’s work, and nothing relaxes me more than writing.

4. What’s your favorite book in the world? One you couldn’t imagine having lived your life without reading.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I think it’s the one book I’ve read that has literally everything I’ve ever wanted in a story. It is devilishly witty and funny, but at the same time dark and foreboding. It is the most quotable story I’ve ever read, but hits quite a powerful nerve by the end too. Wilde was an incredible writer.

5. When will you be at the Awethors event on April 12? All day or at a certain time?

I’ll be there for most of the event! For me, it will be 8 am–11 pm UK time (which is about 4 am–7 pm EDT). I might pop off to do other things every now and then, but rest assured I’ll be back. I wouldn’t want to miss much!

~~~

Author Bio

D.M. Cain has been writing since the age of thirteen, but her first full length novel was self-published in May 2014. The Phoenix Project is a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future.

Her second book, released in October 2014, was A Chronicle of Chaos – the first in a dark fantasy series. In February 2015, she began to work with U.S. publisher Booktrope.

She is currently working on the next novel in the series – ‘The Shield of Soren’ and a short story to accompany it.

Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her husband and young son, and spends her time reading, writing and reviewing books, playing RPGs and listening to symphonic metal.

Connect with D.M.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMCainauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DMCain84
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/XevZH
Website: www.dmcain84.com
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DMCain/posts
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7888430.D_M_Cain
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/D.M.-Cain/e/B00LTTX3PA/

Book Links

The Phoenix Project: http://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-D-M-Cain-ebook/dp/B00K974TOM/

The Phoenix Project blurb:

A thought-provoking and compelling dystopian world that will change the way you view justice…

In prisons across the country, inmates are forced to fight to the death in a weekly bloodbath while the nation cheers them on.

Raven Kennedy, a bitterly depressed young prisoner who has never forgiven himself for his unspeakable crime, struggles against his own guilt and self-loathing. But even as the real war wages within him, Raven is forced to battle some of the prison’s most ruthless killing machines. Can he survive long enough to unravel the anger and regret that shackle him—and one day find the forgiveness he seeks?

The Phoenix Project by D.M. Cain is a superbly written debut, soaked in tension and intrigue.” Jack Croxall, author of the Tethers trilogy.

A Chronicle of Chaos: http://www.amazon.com/Chronicle-Chaos-Light-Shadow-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00NJ89B8M/

A Chronicle of Chaos blurb:

In the deepest bowels of Hell, five demons have been summoned, their bonds to the fires of damnation severed. For the first time in millennia, they have been called to the Human Realm to put an end to a battle that has raged for centuries.

The world is split in two – an immense and ancient battleground. The Children of Light and The Brotherhood of Shadow dominate the war-torn land, each yearning to rule the planet. Finally, The Brotherhood has summoned the demons, a weapon that could destroy their enemies once and for all, if they can only keep them under control.

Chaos, a soldier in The Children of Light, basks in the glory of being the highest-ranking fighter of his generation, but his arrogance and impulsiveness prevent him from being given the opportunity to prove himself. He believes himself beyond the law, superior, a god amongst his people, but a fateful coincidence puts him at the mercy of the demon, Anathema.

The two warriors, a demon and a human, strike up an intense rivalry, but their obsession to destroy one another only leads them closer together. They must decide which side they belong on before all existence is sucked into one final Armageddon.

Awethors Event: Interview with Rebecca McCray

Our sixteenth awesome author in the countdown until the Get Down With The Awethors Facebook event on April 12 is Rebecca McCray. If you can’t wait to read her latest novel, get it on Amazon now at a special countdown rate just for this event!

~~~

1. What will you be sharing with the group on April 12 at the Get Down With The Awethors event? Free book giveaway, sneak peek, merchandise, holding a competition, discussion?

Several items: I’m happy to answer questions about my novel and series throughout the day. Two of the giveaway book packages include copies of my e-book. I also expect my book cover to compete well in the Cover Wars! Finally and for the event, my book will be on a countdown special on Amazon (US and UK).

2. What is your latest book or work, and where can we find it?

My novel, The Journey of the Marked, can be found on Amazon (print and e-book). The TMH_FINAL_Amazonbook leans toward fantasy, but with a sci-fi influence and was written with the YA reader in mind, though it appeals to a wide variety of readers. At its core, the story focuses on the value of differences (i.e. ability, culture, perspectives) and how these together can increase the likelihood of overcoming obstacles…like individuals trying to kill you.

3. What drives you to write? Music, an interest in the human mind, is it cathartic for you?

Writing settles me. A story plays in my head constantly. My imagination tends toward the dark and terrifyingly vivid. I find that writing helps me focus in all parts of my life.

4. What’s your favorite book in the world? One you couldn’t imagine having lived your life without reading.

I struggle with questions like these as they’re narrow, so I’ll answer it a little more broadly. There are three genres that have influenced me and that I love: fantasy/sci-fi, mysteries, and culturally-based (auto)biographies. Cultural differences fascinate me as is evident throughout my story.

5. When will you be at the Awethors event on April 12? All day or at a certain time?

I plan to attend on and off during the day. However, as I live in the western part of the US, I likely won’t surface until afternoon for those of you in Europe. You should be able to find me from 9am-11am Pacific Time (17:00 to 19:00 GMT), as well as possibly other times. To help with the day, I volunteered to chaperone the 5pm-9pm Pacific Time slot (1:00 to 5:00 GMT Monday), so I’ll definitely be online then.

~~~

Author Bio

Rebecca always has a story “playing” in her thoughts. If she puts a book down, her imagination grabs the story and starts creating alternate storylines, expanding on the world to which she’s already been introduced by the author. Over time, she began developing the concept of an advanced species that is the imminent example of the “survival of the fittest” evolution theory. That species was the beginning of her series, The Miyran Heir. The first book in the series, The Journey of the Marked, is now available on Amazon.

An avid reader, she enjoys fantasy, sci-fi, mysteries, and culturally-based biographies/travel stories. She is intrigued by cultural differences and this appreciation for variations throughout the world can be seen in her writing.

Connect with Rebecca

Website: www.rebeccamccray.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiyranHeir
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebpai
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/RebPai

Book link:

smarturl.it/journeyofthemarked (one link for all Amazon websites!)

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