Why Essays?
Monday, November 30, 2020
The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes: Essays on Victorian England Box Set Volumes 1 & 2 by Liese Sherwood-Fabre Genre: Non-Fiction
Mountain Blaze The Carolina Series Book 1 by Debby Grahl Genre: Contemporary Romance
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Heresy The Heretics Saga Book 1 by C.A. Campbell Genre: YA Dystopian
- Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
Sure. I’m C. A. Campbell, and I’ve been
writing since I was eleven and Lord of the Rings inspired me to pick up a pen.
I live in Kansas City, MO, with my husband and our three ridiculous but
adorable dogs. I like to say I have three careers. Besides writing, I’m full
time faculty at a nursing university, and a part-time neonatal intensive care
nurse. I love my nursing career, but it’s always been a dream of mine to be a
write and publish a book, so I decided to figure out a way to make both things
happen. And here I am, publishing my first novel. Sometimes, you can have it
all.
- How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
Funny story, actually. My characters began
as original characters that I put into Harry Potter fanfiction. I’m sure you
could find it out on the internet somewhere if you really tried (please don’t).
When I knew I wanted to start original fiction, I decided to keep them with me,
because I loved all of them so much. I had the concept of being a ‘Heretic’ --
being different than the world wanted you to be, so I knew I wanted something
along that. And that’s where I struggled for the next ten years while writing
this book.
The theme of ‘being different than what the
world wants you to be’ is something I felt as a teenager (when I first started
this book), strongly. But I had to go on a journey. I had to own that in my own
life--truly make the decision to be myself even though the people around me may
not like it. I also needed to see many other individuals--much braver than
me--who have had to make that decision as well. Only then could I write this
story that addresses the topic at the core of my own story.
How do you dare to be different in a world
that tells you exactly what to be?
- Tell us about your main characters- what makes them tick?
The Heretics Saga focused mostly on two
main characters--Shiloh Haven and Jacob Osgood--while also following three
other ‘main’ characters - and a few friends who join them along the way. In
Heresy, we get to see the POV of three of them.
Shiloh Haven is the orphaned daughter of
heretics whose grown up in a cruel place, called a Haven, with other children
of heretics. As a Haven, she has been despised and had to fight just to survive
in Arcadian society. Because of this, she lives by strict rules in order to
survive--which is all she really wants. This really gets tested over the whole
of Heresy when the survival of people she cares about suddenly depends on her
-- and saving them might mean signing her own death warrant.
Jacob Osgood comes from the complete
opposite of society. As the son of one of the nation’s leaders, he could have
anything he wanted--except freedom. Jake’s a rebel without a cause at the
beginning--doing anything he can to disrupt the perfect dance his father,
United Councilor Samuel Osgood, forces him to perform too. In the story, we get
to see what happens when he actually finds a cause to stand with and something
worth fighting for. But he makes reckless choices and the consequences will be
devastating.
Nicolette Howell is a young rebel who has
lived most of her life on the run. She’s driven by loyalty to the cause
fighting against Arcadia, but when she’s captured, she’s dumped into a strange
world where she’s unsure who to trust, but she knows she can’t escape on her
own. And if she doesn’t escape--more than her life will end.
And Val and Stefani...well, you’ll just
have to read to know a little more about them.
- Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
Oh goodness, so much stories. There were so
many things that ultimately couldn’t make it into the book. I’m sure I’ll have
to write bonus scenes or novellas to show all the things I know about the
characters.
- If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
It would be smoky and woodsy, with a little
sweetness-- like a fire burning cedar, wth just a hint of cinnamon. I would
call it “Smells like Teen Revolution”.
- What can we expect from you in the future?
HERESY is the first book in The Heretics
Saga. Right now, the series is slated to be four books, but it’s always subject
to change. I hope to release them all within two to three years.
- Is there something specific you want to tell readers?
I hope you love my book, but more
importantly, I hope you learn from it. I hope at the end you choose to be a
Heretic--to be fearlessly, unapologetically yourself even in a world where
sometimes that feels dangerous. Because who you are is not wrong. Who you are
is perfect and amazing. And never let anyone convince you otherwise.
- Lastly, a few fun questions: What kind of world ruler would you be?
I don’t know. If it’s anything like being a
teacher, it would probably involve a lot of hair pulling of -- “Why weren’t
they listening?” “I know they hate this new law but can’t they see it will make
them better?” “Why do they hate me? All I’ve ever done is love them.” And then
I’ll probably have servants stress feed me chocolate.
- What book do you think everyone should read?
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. I know, I
know, it’s not fiction, but it’s amazing. Here’s just one quote of a million
from her book. “Because true belonging only happens when we
present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging
can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
- The advice you’d give new authors?
Self-doubt is a liar. Punch it in the face,
and just write your book.
Saturday, November 28, 2020
Phineas Varga and the Revenants of Windsor by A.K. Rouse Genre: Dark Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction
- How did you come up with the title of your first novel?
It was tricky business coming up with a title as the novel is two intertwining stories with different characters, though some overlap, and in some ways, there exists an almost ensemble grouping of characters in many important scenes. The title refers to the lead character and antagonists of the main story-line. There is something about the ring of it that appeals to me, though I can't put my finger on it.
- Have you written any other books that are not published?
Yes. I have written one other book that is not currently published and I am going through extensive edits at the moment. It takes place in the 1950s through the '80s in The United States and has a strong paranormal element to it. I also have the third book, which is the second in the Phineas Varga series, in which I've completed the outline and written several parts, but I am now realizing I am farther than I initially thought from completing that.
- Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
Several. I find that writing two stories simultaneously for part of the time, at least, gives me perspective and the ability to notice things I might not otherwise see if I'm only focused on one work. Often, I'll take a week away from one book to write on the other, and then when I return, things jump off the page needing my attention that I think I would have otherwise overlooked.
- Pen, typewriter, or computer?
Computer, but occasionally I will print out a chapter and edit with pen, then return to make corrections in the electronic file.
- What is something unique/quirky about you?
I am not a fan of social media but use Instagram for work, and I am being told that I need to start using Twitter. I know that in 2020 this mindset is probably beyond "quirky," but I suppose I got a bad taste in my mouth years ago when I tried Facebook. I found myself simply overwhelmed by it all . . . the need to "like" posts, the expectation that I should in turn post things of my own, and the time-suck that could occur when going down rabbit holes regarding people I had neither spoken to nor seen in twenty-five years, etc. I know that there are many good things about these types of apps, and by my not using them, I certainly acknowledge that I am missing out on the daily occurrences of distant friends and acquaintances. However, I am increasingly wondering whether the bad that comes along with them has come to outweigh the good and if man is innately incapable of collectively and positively wielding a tool with such power. That being said, if you email me, I will always respond.
Though part of her childhood was spent in the West Midlands, A. K. Rouse now writes from the United States' great Midwest. Memories of traipsing through beautiful English gardens, forests, and castles during these years provide the backdrop for her stories. Now, you will find her roaming the verdant fields of a music fest or walking the city streets with her husband, three children, and two Irish terriers.
Friday, November 27, 2020
Willow's Way by Cheryl Headford Genre: YA Fantasy, LGBTQ
I have been a fan of fantasy almost all my
life, starting with my mother reading me fairy tales and moving on to authors
like Piers Antony then David Eddings and Tolkien to my obsession with Terry
Pratchett.
The huge scope of fantasy draws me as a
reader and a writer. It’s limited only by imagination. Characters can be placed in any situation,
given any characteristics you want, and inhabit any world you can create. The
way characters think, feel, react, and handle situations are the same because
people are people no matter what situation you put them into, but their
surroundings can be anything you want.
Secret dreams of the authors can be worked
out through their characters. Do you want to fly? No problem. Do you want to
turn your enemies into frogs? That’s possible. Do you want to walk through
fields of flowers full of tiny fairies, to woods steeped in mystery and trees
that talk to you? Do you want to meet a
mermaid? Talk to a dragon? See a ghost? All of these are possible.
Despite all of this I have never taken the
plunge into full fantasy, although I have dipped my toe with a contemporary
fairy tale Draven’s Gate published with NineStar Press. That was
the stepping stone for me to jump in with both feet, and Willow’s Way was born.
Even then, I started in a contemporary setting before leaping through the
looking glass into a world where panthers fly and shadows take form, where
cities are built on sleeping dragons and a fairy prince learns to fly.
To authors, if you’ve never tried fantasy,
give it a try, it’s such a freeing experience. Even if you don’t take it all
the way, write a short and let your imagination have free range. To readers,
give it a chance, find a world that fits your fantasies and let your mind fly
free.
Cheryl
was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until
she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath
hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and
there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in
a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.
Cheryl
has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories
for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary
worlds she created, in play.
Later
in life, Cheryl became the storyteller for a re enactment group who
travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as
having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she
had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own
making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh,
especially from the children, but the reward enormous.
It
was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal
need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only
source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping
the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been
lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still
wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.
In
present times, Cheryl lives in a terraced house in the valleys with
her son, dog, bearded dragon and three cats. Her daughter has
deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. She’s
never been happier since she was made redundant and is able to devote
herself entirely to her twin loves of writing and art, with a healthy
smattering of magic and mayhem
Thursday, November 26, 2020
31 Cents to 43 Countries: Hardcore Tips to Increasing Profits by Dina Preston-Ortiz with Don Ortiz Genre: Non-fiction Financial
31
Cents to 43 Countries:Hardcore
Tips to Increasing Profitsby
Dina Preston-Ortiz with Don OrtizGenre:
Non-fiction Financial
31¢
to 43 Countries: Hardcore Tips to Increasing Profitsgives
managers, entrepreneurial thinkers, and executives a practical guide
on how to optimize resources, capitalize on the unknown while finding
a work-life balance to increase profits nationally and
internationally.
The
reality is that most businesses fail or struggle because of poor
resource management, business planning, and the inability to
adequately lead problem-solving. By overlooking these building
blocks, many potentially successful businesses leave money on the
table.
31¢
to 43 Countries: Hardcore Tips to Increasing Profitsprovides
tips and tricks to increasing an organization's bottom-line. Dina
Preston-Ortiz and husband, Don Ortiz shares their unique
anecdotes for increasing profits through sheer guts and grit, by
being purposeful, adapting and finding innovative solutions in
dynamic environments of constant change.
Learn
how to manage talent, find excellence, adapt in difficult and
controversial situations, do more with less, while keeping clients
coming back for more.
You'll
discover tools for:• Making
good decisions in atmospheres of uncertainty•
Successfully leading in virtual environments •
Creating competitive advantages that can't be copied•
Leveraging talent and relationships to optimize resources•
Finding the right work and life balance
Dina
and Don reveal their own personal stories to help you create a unique
niche in your own industry market. With proven strategies,
their simple 3-section the framework lays out information to help
increase profits.
Dina
and Don have performed in 43 countries through their company, DEO
Entertainment Group. Their practical experience includes speaking,
teaching and working with corporations, entrepreneurs and small
business owners in multicultural virtual leadership and team
development, sales, marketing, management, and business development
while managing tours and performances for the U.S. Department of
Defense, U.S. State Department, and Fortune 500 companies.Their
global award-winning Dina Preston Band has performed over 26
international tours representing the United States as “Ambassadors
of Goodwill” as coined by former Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant.
International performances include entertaining in the Middle East,
Europe, Asia, South Pacific, Caribbean, Central America, Caucasus
Region, Russian Federation and Africa for presidents, foreign
dignitaries, and ambassadors.The
Dina Preston Band has decades of experience performing for “A-List”
Fortune 500 companies. They elevate each event by featuring a
distinct music performance with audience engagement and world-class
fun!
They
have received numerous recognitions and awards, including:- Various
Department of Defense Certificate of Esteem for Desert Storm and
Bosnia
- The
United Nations Protection Force & US Task Force Provide
Promise
- Distinguished Service Certificate in support of the United
Nations Protection Force
- Peacekeeping Operations in the Republic
of Croatia
- Arizona
State University W.P. Carey Spirit of Enterprise Nominee, 2009
Dr.
Dina is the recipient of the AACC Dale P. Parnell Faculty
Distinction, The National Institute for Staff and Organizational
Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, and MCCCD Diversity Advisory
Council Excellence Award. Don is an AZ MPI Member of the Year
recipient, recognized by Ken Bennett, Arizona Secretary of State.
- Various Department of Defense Certificate of Esteem for Desert Storm and Bosnia
- The United Nations Protection Force & US Task Force Provide Promise
- Distinguished Service Certificate in support of the United Nations Protection Force
- Peacekeeping Operations in the Republic of Croatia
- Arizona State University W.P. Carey Spirit of Enterprise Nominee, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Daddy's Home A Holly Jennings Thriller Book 1 by A.K. Alexander Genre: Thriller, Murder Mystery
A.K.
Alexander is the international bestselling author of Daddy's Home,
"Mommy, May I?, The Cartel, and The Michaela Bancroft Suspense
Series.
When
she isn't writing thrillers, she is writing mysteries and young adult
novels under her real name Michele Scott. The author resides in San
Diego, Ca with her family and large crew of animals.
