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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.”

RELAUNCH! Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic by Marnie Cate

RELAUNCH! Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic by Marnie Cate

To celebrate the relaunch of Marnie Cate’s beloved first novel, Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic, get it on Kindle for $0.99 / £0.99 beginning October 29, 2015 through November 4, 2015!

Author: Marnie Cate
Title: Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

relaunch sale

Synopsis

Hiding the truth from you is no longer protecting you. Sit and I will tell you what you need to know.

With those words, the secrets of my great grandmother, Genevieve Silver, were unburied and my role as a protector of the elemental magic was revealed.

My name is Marina Addisyn Stone but Mara is what my friends and family call me. I had always felt that there was something missing and that nothing was permanent. Why would I feel that way? I was being raised with my little sister by my grandmother that loved and doted on me. Then, there was Cole Sands. Who could forget the blue-eyed boy that had stolen my heart? What more could a girl need? I always thought I was just being dramatic and that bad things do happen to people but that is part of life. People die. People go away. Little did I know that with one secret, my life would change forever and my new world would be surrounded by the world of elemental magic?

Excerpt

As I felt my determination build, the mirror in front of me began to change and the reflection filled with rippling water. The image made me think of the choppy water of Sparrow Lake. At first, the small waves were calm but the speed and intensity of each movement of the water grew. I found myself being splashed as the waves grew harder and began to slap against the mirror. Standing up, I moved away just in time to watch the mirror before me shatter and the violent water burst out towards me.

The room began to fill with rushing water. Feeling around the room, I searched for an exit. Behind the shattered mirror, I only found solid rock. Looking to the ceiling, I could see the same hard stone. Feeling the emotions build inside me, I began search the floor and walls around me for any exit.

“Damn! Damn! Damn it!” I cried.Remember_Complete

The water did not slow. Instead it continued to fill the room as I frantically searched for my escape. The water soon reached my knees and, what seemed like seconds later, I was wading through waist high water. As the water continued to rise, I was soon struggling to keep my head above water. It was not enough that the water was filling the room so rapidly but soon the water felt alive. The cold waves kept tossing me back and forth as the water rose and I began to feel like I was in a game of Ping-Pong where I was the ball. Soon, I found myself pulled under the icy water and surrounded by thousands of bubbles. Frantically kicking my feet to keep my head above water, I broke the surface.

Remembering the swimming lessons my grandfather insisted on, I thought about the times I spent with my grandfather learning to swim. I began to feel less scared as I recalled his calm voice and gentle words telling me that I would be safe. As I floated in the rising water, it seemed to respond to my emotions. The thrashing became calmer as I focused on my grandfather’s words. My brief moment of peace did not last. Before I knew it, I had almost reached the ceiling that had no exit and I began to panic. At this rate, I would be trapped and drowned in minutes. As if it was feeding off my fear, the water began to toss me around again.

As the water began to rise up my neck and almost over the top of my head, I tried to calm myself. You are the granddaughter of Mae Veracor and the great granddaughter of Genevieve Silver. You are the descendent of strong women. You have nothing to fear. With these words, the water once again calmed and I was able to tilt my head back above the water. How am I going to get out of this?

Remember: Protectors of the Elemental Magic is on sale $0.99 / £0.99 Kindle from Thursday, October 29th to Wednesday, November 4th!

 

Amazon Book link: My Book

 

Marnie Cate Biography

marnie cateMarnie 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.

Other Works by Marnie Cate

Exigency: Protectors of the Elemental Magic – Coming Soon

The story of Mara Stone continues. Her world was shaken but she is a fighter. Facing new adversaries, Mara is learning what it truly means to protect the magic.

Awethology Light – Contribution Story

Beginnings: Protectors of the Elemental Magic (Novellette)

The story of Genevieve Silver and the origins of the protectors of the magic. With the balance of the elemental world shaken, four elementals take on the task of protecting the magic.

Links:

Website: www.marniecate.com

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

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00UJNT7J8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/Marnie_Cate

Twitter: @Marnie_Cate

RELAUNCH: Horizon by William Lloyd

RELAUNCH: Horizon by William Lloyd

Horizon is a book on our must-read list, especially now that it has been relaunched by author William Lloyd. Not only does his sci-fi book have a new cover, it has an extended ending! This debut novel is very personal for William; he merged his own experiences and darkest times with science fiction to develop a strong first book (according to his ratings!) as well as a thirst to write more. Keep your eyes out for this up-and-coming star.

~~~

Is this your first book? How long did it take you to plan it before you began writing it?

Horizon is the first book that I published back in May 2014. I’m actually looking to relaunch it with an extended ending and new cover design.

I was jotting down ideas for Horizon back in 2008, but I never really started writing it until 2010. Then it took me about four years to actually put together the book and have it ready for publishing. During that time frame, I was actually an Assistant Produce Manager for a grocery chain so I kind of had my hands full at the time.

Is this a commentary on the sentient/intelligent technology being forced into our everyday lives and our military?

The story as a whole goes into enemies within the government. For the most part though, you don’t see this until later on. Right now, it’s more of a story about a man trying to discover what happened to his Navy father. Think of it as military men being claimed dead, but actually are still alive because the government doesn’t want any relatives interacting with them.

The main character, Aaron Lambright, is someone who has some common issues: alcoholism and unemployment. Was part of the point of this novel to speak to people with the same issues and deliver the message that even with their problems, they can be heroes in some respect?

Aaron Lambright was me when I was about 19 or 20 years old. I had a failed relationship that continued to just eat at me every single day. I ended up crawling into one of the darkest realms of my own consciousness and didn’t want to come back out ever again. My life was filled with poor decisions when I was younger and what happens with Aaron is the symbolism of my life during that time period.

My message when writing this novel was exactly that. It’s better to meet your calling halfway and pursue it than to constantly feel dead inside because unfavorable events brought you to that dark place.

What kinds of changes have you made for the relaunch of Horizon? Will people who already read it find anything new in the re-release?

Well, there will be an extended ending for all those that felt the ending didn’t live up to their expectations. I have to admit, the cliffhanger was a bit too out of this world for a first novel, but it was a gamble with good and bad effects. Also, there will be a new cover.

Judging by your Amazon reviews, your readers would love to know when the next book in the series is coming out. Do you have an approximate date for them to look forward to?

Currently, I am still piecing together Eversoul. I’m about halfway done with it, and I’d like to have it out by March 2016

Do you mostly write science fiction or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?Horizon

I am currently playing with an epic fantasy called The Temperament Scepter. It’s a trilogy, but I also have spinoff trilogies that will be released after the final novel Resurrection has been released.

I also have been working on a horror/suspense called Afterlife: What Happens Next.

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

The one comment I hear a lot from my reader is my description. I guess the way I portray my stories through each chapter is almost like a movie. I do my very best to have all the senses present in each scene. Also, I tend to tell the story of the villains throughout the novel to have some kind of relatability for my readers.

What is the significance of the cover picture?

The cover of Horizon had to do with politics, corruption, and love. The glass of whiskey on the cover was a representation of the clouded judgement of the government, while the red lace panties were a sense of deception in Aaron’s life with his relationship. The letter was more of a metaphor for the lost soldiers that don’t always make it home and how the deception, corruption, and judgement can lead to the loss of good and brave men.

Is there anything in your life that inspired you to write Horizon, or was this purely from your imagination?

The first half of the novel was about my pathetic life when I started the book. Ha-ha! The ending was more of my imagination with all the different worlds and aliens out there in the universe.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

In the beginning, it all had to do with my relationship with a girl. I eventually found myself writing about my perception of what was going on in politics and how it could affect us 100 years later. I tried to write about some experiences I had with people in my own life like the sentimental talks Aaron has with his Uncle Ron because that was the relationship I had with my uncle at the time. And still do.

I think as far as Aaron’s family goes, I wanted to portray the feeling I had with my own family. I’d say sometimes we feel distant from our parents once we leave home and our relationship drifts apart. Although Aaron’s father was a bit of a drunk as well, I never experienced that with my father. I only used the distance I felt with him at that particular time. I wrote a few scenes about Aaron’s mother more about teaching and pain. This served the point that I have a close bond to my mom, but sometimes we do have our arguments.

Aaron’s brother Lance was added later on because there was a separation between my sister and me. I felt like we didn’t know each other well and it was hard to connect to her as a brother. I created Lance as a way to show the adventurous life that my sister may not know she is actually living right now metaphorically.

Now, as far as Abigail, she is the relationship I have with my current fiancé, which is much better than the relationship I had with the girl I was with back then. Now, I use symbolism with the Chanda II to create the effect of the hell I was living through with my ex.

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

Just an incredible imagination. Ha-ha! When I wrote music, I did it because it made me feel good. I enjoyed touching the strings on the guitar and feeling the warm tones leave my throat when I sang. Most of the lyrics I wrote were real life events. As far as books, my life is implanted in every page.

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?

Currently, I’m with a group of writers called the #Awethors. I really do enjoy this group because they help each other out in this kind of work. There are never any dull moments with these guys especially because all of us are going through the same experience with writing.

I think they’ve inspired me to not think so much about my own writing but to expand my reading to other genres. These guys have really created an environment where we can all listen and act like adults, especially with certain topics.

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?

When I write fantasy, I actually draw maps and outline all of my characters. Then I create about a ten page timeline of each event that happens in each book. I actually describe my outlining procedure on my blog. Now, when it comes to horror/suspense, I normally let whatever is on my mind find its way on paper. I don’t outline those because I think raw ideas bring out crazier ideas.

Did you do any research for Horizon?

The only research I did was about Australia and Alaska. I also sat down and watched politics not work for almost four years.

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

I read different kinds of books to get an idea of how to write those genres. I read a lot of “Walking Dead” comic books because I’m just a huge fan of Robert Kirkman. I also read Stephen King and Steve Alten with their horror stories. I guess as far as horror I read books.

Anything fantasy, I watch The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and any dystopian movie that’s out right now. Also, video games have been a huge motivator to write because the storylines are amazing in some of the science fiction and fantasy games.

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

I would write underneath a glass dome beneath the Pacific Ocean. I have always loved being underwater and going to aquariums. If I could write at the bottom of the ocean, I think it could bring about many ideas that I didn’t even know I had.

~~~

1939913_10151920798247477_463323191_nWilliam Lloyd has a home in Atlanta, Georgia, where he enjoys spending his days playing music and watching football. His specialty genres are horror and suspense as well as science fiction/fantasy. He released his first novel Horizon in May 2014 and is currently working on a new novella called Afterlife: What Happens Next. He loves playing golf, video games on PlayStation 3, and reading horror novels in the evenings. He attended college at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he studied Audio and Video Production.

Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/willlloyd15

Blog: www.williamlloydjr.wordpress.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Horizon-William-Lloyd-ebook/dp/B00MD4U3YE/

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

Rocky Rochford’s Don’t Say A Word is here!

Rocky Rochford’s Don’t Say A Word is here!

We’ve been waiting for it and finally Rocky Rochford has come out with the second part to his Don’t Turn Around trilogy. It’s even better than we’d hoped, and Rocky has been kind enough to share a gripping excerpt in his guest post below. Since it includes explicit and sometimes disturbing content, it’s whited out so that you can only read it by highlighting the clearly marked section. However, if you’d just like to learn about Rocky and his writing, you don’t have to worry about running into something scary; you won’t be able to see the excerpt without highlighting it.

Without further ado, here’s Rocky!

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My name is Rocky Rochford and if you haven’t heard, I am quite crazy, highly excitable and energetic, which, for a writer, are pretty great qualities as it definitely keeps things fresh. When I’m not being crazy (i.e. normal) I’m scuba diving, sword collecting, or, well, rum swigging whilst occasionally writing, which brings us to today’s topic of conversation: my latest work to be released, Don’t Say A Word.

Available for purchase on Amazon as of today (July 1st) is my thrilling horror story that truly engrosses the reader in the story and serves as a great continuation to its predecessor Don’t Turn Around, which if you haven’t read it yet (seriously, you haven’t read it yet?), probably isn’t a bad thing. It would only have given you nightmares, made you flinch when hearing a footstep come from behind, and this one? Well it makes Don’t Turn Around read more like a glorified children’s book, because my killer is back and is taking his craft to new heights, with you in the passenger seat, and if that’s not enough to tempt you, then how about a peak at my boy in action:

Don’t Say A Word Extract:

*Please highlight the white area between the lines with your mouse to see the excerpt, which is explicit and at times disturbing.*


All I could hear was the manager spouting some bullshit. I was too busy enjoying the screams to pay notice, but I’m sure he noticed me making a beeline straight for him.

Talk shit, get hacked to shit.

Fair’s fair.

Three hacks, one result, head cleaved from bone and rolling around on the Persian rug, dyeing it red.

Now ain’t that going to be a bitch to clean?

Talk about murder.

Still plenty more people to kill, so no good getting sidetracked, and what’s this? They’re stuck in the dining room with me?

How can this be?

Oh yeah, I bribed someone to make sure the door was closed and locked after I entered. Rather easy really; all I had to do was break into his home, hold a knife against his two year old’s throat and take a selfie, one I showed him personally upon my arrival.

He was more than willing to comply.

Willing to do anything to keep his family safe.

Yeah, about that.

A happy family reunion not in the cards, not when I forced the mother to kill both herself and infant in the bathtub.

It was either that or I’d do it.

And trust me, my way is always worse.


But if mindless killing isn’t you’re thing, don’t worry, I also write romance, and my latest work is available now. Him & Her is the story of Donny Tyler and his feelings of love, longing and lust for the girl next door.

Both works in the Don’t Turn Around Trilogy are only available in ebook on both www.solsticepublishing.com and all Amazon domains, along with many of my other works, such as my Entwined Saga, a series of paranormal shorts; The Rise of The Elohim Chronicles, a fantasy adventure for everyone; and so many others. There is a Rochford work for one and all. Have a great day everyone!!!

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Author Photo - Black & WhiteMy 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.

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

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: Ben Starling

Author Ben Starling’s upcoming romance book includes something for everyone: corporate criminals, a beautiful island, a mysterious box, the struggle between a successful career and fulfillment, and  even marine life. Ben’s novel sounds like both an epic adventure and a beautiful, honest romance. January 2016 can’t come fast enough! Good thing we’ll have some prequels to tide us over.

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Your debut book (title reveal coming soon) will be published next year. How far along are you in the writing process?

My current novel will be released on January 21, 2016. I am in final edits of the manuscript – nearly there now! Since I find the flow of water critical for spurring on creative activity, I’ve taken to swimming nearly every day to speed up the process. I’m developing gills.

Right now I’m also working on a series of prequel short stories to be released from September 2015, set in the same world as my upcoming novel.

Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming book? The blurb on your website says:

What if to be with the man of your dreams… you had to give up your life? On the verge of losing her job, a side-lined journalist is forced to travel to the South Pacific to untangle a mystery where she meets a reclusive ex-boxer with a message. When a syndicate of corporate criminals invades paradise, she must either defend the island with her life or accept the plum promotion that will save her career.

Other highlights in this tale include: a mega yacht, a super sensitive whale, two environmentalists with a passion for concrete garden angels and Scrabble, verdant tropical island politics, seaweed farming and a faithful blue-footed seabird stowaway. And a love that lights up two lives and reaches past the grave.

Who will this story appeal to? Those who love the works of Nicholas Sparks, Nora Roberts and Colleen Hoover.

What else can you tell us about it? Can you give us a glimpse into your main character?

My heroine Teal’s character came to me out of the ether one day (I credit my muse, Edington – a beloved Great Dane I once had – for that gift). I was so fascinated by Teal that I had to sit down and write her tale.

Teal’s courageous and vulnerable, ambitious but still finding her own strengths and confidence, still determining what she truly believes in. She’s the girl from Nantucket who dreamed of being a reporter amidst the bright lights of New York. And achieved it.

Yet it is not the satisfying path she thought it would be. She’s still searching for the one magical thing that that will make her life complete. When she picks up an unopenable box in the street with her name carved in it, she finds herself headed for a mysterious island on the other side of the world – and maybe to the magic she was looking for.

Ben Starling Banner_15MAY15

Do you mostly write in contemporary fiction or do you dabble in other genres? If so, which ones?

I love mysteries, sci-fi, thriller, contemporary fiction, classics, adventure, historical, great love stories – but am interested in just about everything. I think there’s something to learn from all genres, so I like incorporating strong elements from several different genres when I write.

But while other genres inform my writing, I keep coming back to my true passion. My upcoming novel and the series of prequel short stories to be released from September are contemporary fiction. And perhaps more importantly – they are love stories.

In them, you can expect to find obstacles, ecstasy and some tragedy – I like to write stories about passionate and spiritual kinds of love. Really when you think about the big picture, does anything else matter?

Did you plan this book with an outline, character development exercises, and/or other pre-writing activities? Or are you just writing it as it comes to you?

I am a big believer in the value of planning ahead. Every minute spent planning is a month saved. Maybe more. I don’t have time not to. The Writer’s Journey, by Christopher Vogler should be on every writer’s bookshelf.

And after all the planning is done and the outlines made – I toss them all in the air and gallop off free flowing and four feet off the ground with the wind in my ears. It’s important to plan the route to one’s destination, the final climax at the end of the book. And it’s important to also revel in the journey to get there.

Is there anything in your life that inspired you to write your upcoming book, or is it purely from your imagination?

My upcoming novel was inspired by the loss of my partner at forty-five years of age to ovarian cancer, just thirteen weeks after her diagnosis. In the aftermath, an old friend challenged me to turn that grief into something positive.

Remembering a conversation with a charismatic Polynesian fisherman (I visited there once) about his people’s vision of death and the afterlife, I began to write. The story kind of took off from there.

You have a lot of your own marine art on your website. Does marine life inspire you to write or just to draw?

My interest in marine life has taken me across three oceans over the past three decades. Our oceans are critical for our future. The human body is sixty-five percent water and about seventy-one percent of the earth is covered by water. We can’t do without it.

I have done a fair amount of research on this topic for personal interest over the years – so it is true that the marine theme in this novel is close to my heart. I do worry about what kind of state the world will be left in for the next generation.

Are any of the characters in your book based on people you know or have seen/talked to in real life?

Every character I write comes as a complete surprise! They are like no one I’ve ever met before but, in the case of the good guys, they are people I’d like to meet. They seem to arrive on a beam of light direct from Edington. But the villains frankly scare me!

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?

Yes and no. I don’t attend a scheduled writers’ circle. On the other hand, I do have friends who are writers and journalists. We regularly turn to each other to bounce ideas around. I also work closely with my editor – she helps me and I edit her work in return.

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

Yes, I do read in my genre as well as in others. Maeve Binchy’s work, for example, is always moving, and I was astonished by the movie Titanic. I also enjoy reading across genres and am particularly interested in the way different authors address and solve problems. I read for the intrinsic joy of the story – but I can also convince myself that this is research! Sooner or later a technique I admired in, say, a thriller, proves useful to me and then that time reading delivers a double reward.

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

In a house by the ocean. It would be warm but not hot – and the sea breeze would waft over me. I’d be able to gaze at the waves though an open window. Inspirational!

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BIO

Ben Starling is passionate about marine conservation and boxing, both central themes in his upcoming novel. He is Oxford’s only ever Quintuple Blue (varsity champion five years running), was Captain of the university boxing team, and coached and boxed competitively. Ben graduated from Oxford University with a Master of Arts and an M Phil. He was born in the USA but has lived in the UK since childhood.

Connect with Ben!

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‘You should write a book…’ Guest Post by Maurice G. Miller

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of being consulted on a new author’s debut book cover. We exchanged a few messages on Goodreads and ended up talking quite a bit more about writing and publishing. Maurice Miller, author of the recently released The Budapest Experiment, is an active, sociable writer you’ll want to get to know. Why not start here?

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When sharing life experiences that are perhaps out of the norm, interesting, or compelling, how many of us have heard the phrase ‘You should write a book…’? Having always considered taking on this challenge, I finally decided to dedicate myself to this monumental task. It has been a long, interesting journey so far, and I look forward to both the trials and successes to come as I continue on my writing/publishing career.

In the early 1990s one of my entrepreneurial ventures led me to working as a trade consultant in Hungary. At that time, the country was transitioning from a state to market economy and offered many business opportunities. In the 2+ years that I travelled there, I met lots of characters in both the business and political arenas. The Budapest night life could get quite crazy at times, if your ‘meetings’ and social engagements led you to certain places. For me it was always interesting ‘playing games with the faces’, as Simon and Garfunkle would put it. Sometimes my colleagues would identify people in a crowded room, saying ‘I heard he is associated with the Mob’ or ‘she is one of the Organization’s women.’ It was these real life experiences that inspired me to write my debut fictional novel, The Budapest Experiment.

The book follows the journey of the protagonist, Michael Rousson, an adventurous but struggling American entrepreneur. While Michael shares a lot of the same traits as I did budapest experiment cover photoback then, most of his experiences in Budapest are quite different than what mine were. In the course of doing business he eventually becomes involved in the Russian Mob’s business operations that were centered in Budapest. Enticed and seduced by the Organization’s women, money, and power, he accepts what he thinks is a part-time consulting position with the Mob.

Inspired by things I dealt with back then, philosophical dilemmas evolve as Michael gets a remote glimpse into the darker worlds of sex, drugs, and arms trafficking. ‘At what price does one sell their soul?’ and ‘What is the greater evil in the world? Those that profit from the vulnerable in society, or those of us that just stand by and watch, complacent to the plight and suffering of the human condition around the world.’ The experiences and encounters that the protagonist endures in the book are fictional and extreme, but these questions are ones that we face ourselves, to some extent, every day. How much of our resources of time, treasure, and talent do we allocate to those less fortunate vs. what we keep for our own benefit and pleasures?

On what you might call a lighter note, I should mention that there are erotica scenes in the book. As a newbie author, my decision to include these was a bit of a struggle. I considered glazing over these scenes, but in the end I felt it was important to capture the intimacy between Michael, the ‘Mob women’, and a flirty interpreter. My hope was that by including the details of these encounters, readers would better comprehend the internal conflicts of the main character as well as familarize themselves with the behind-the-scenes life stories of the women he encounters.

Special thanks to Christie for inviting me to guest blog.

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maurice miller headshotThe Budapest Experiment is now available in Print and Kindle eBook. You can check it out here: http://amzn.to/1z1g09v. There are 3+ chapters in the ‘Look Inside’ feature on the Kindle page to help you get acquainted.

You can gets lots more info including my author profile, blog, entry to win one of 15 free eBook copies on June 1, social media contacts, and much more by visiting my website www.mauricegmiller.com.

For those of you on Goodreads, be sure to watch for my second giveaway of 3 authographed author copies starting on Friday May 29. You can check my Goodreads author profile http://bit.ly/1DO6y6k and while you are there please send a friend request.

Thanks.

– Maurice

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