Interview A.J. Wharton Author of Rebirth
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about A.J. and her new release Rebirth, book one of the Birds of Change.
What defines you as an author? As a person? Are they one in the same?That’s a really tough question, I’d say I’m defined by my experiences and relationships. I pull a lot of what I create from those around me, and I try and focus it and sculpt it into something enjoyable for my audience.
What inspired this particular story?
I had a lot of inspiration when writing this particular story, I had dreams for several weeks outlining the events in the book. After awhile it became hard to think of anything else, and I sought an outlet to express the ideas that I was having. I find I draw a lot of references and imagery from current sci fi and anime tv shows. Heavens lost Property being my favorite.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
When I’m stuck in a certain section I will attempt to write what is happening in someone else’s POV. Actually, some of the scenes I wrote trying to get through the writers block ended up in the final manuscript.
What inspired you to write?
For my day job I travel for long hours and I find comfort in audiobooks. One author really stuck out to me and I fell in love with her style (Susan Illene). After completing the sensor series, I felt more capable of really voicing what I wanted to relay to the audience in book format.
How long have you been writing?
Off and on for several years, this book would make my first completed manuscript though.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer?
I did, and they couldn’t be more proud. My father is spreading the word with everyone he knows. I first mentioned it off handedly and surprised them. I have been so passionate about this book that I tend to not shut up about it.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
Not really, I mean there are parts of each character that will correspond to how I’d act or react. If I had to pick one I saw the most of myself I’d say Korarina.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
I feel that Rebirth really conveys a lot of strong feelings about self-identity. Its important to know who you are, to feel comfortable in your own skin. There are several moments when people are thought less of because they are unique. It’s important to remember that being unique is one of the best things someone can be.
Where do your story ideas come from? If they come to you in the middle of the night, do you get up and write them all down?
Mainly in the form of dreams, and yes sometimes I write them down. Other times I will blurt them own to my partner who will contribute thoughts on it.
Do you find it easier to write from a male or female point of view? Why?
No not really, I find when I’m really thinking about what the character would do its more about personality than gender.
Why do you write what you write? Contemporary, paranormal, suspense, etc.
I write what I write because the paranormal has always fascinated me. Along with Mythology, there is always a different avenue to explore with all the possible variations of creatures and beings out there.
If writing is your first passion, what is your second?
I am definitely passionate about writing, for a while I would have said my first passion was photography, but I think writing has taken its place as number 1.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I play a lot of video games on my PlayStation or I watch any one of a number of sci fi or anime’s.
My usual go to for television would either be Dragon Ball Super, Heavens Lost Property, or Seven Deadly Sins. For games I’m currently playing the 2nd Tomb Raider in the reboot series.
You’ve got a time machine, a cloak of invisibility, and one hour. Where would you go, and what eavesdropping would you do?
I’d go to the future, probably at least 100 to 200 years. Learn about some of the most popular technology or stock trends, and when I get back I’d invest in profitable endeavors.
I hear that!
Click on the cover to read more or purchase!
A peek between the pages of Rebirth.
A rustling chain nearby; my body feels weak and heavy as the darkness surrounds me. Cold numbness fills my body. The razor-sharp wind cascades past my face. A shattering noise wakes me up to the icy wind whipping across my body. The current turns me over and over as if I’m a mere plaything for the air around me. My eyes spring open and struggle against the oncoming current. I am high in the air above the city. Beneath me, bright lights of buildings stretch as far as I can see. I panic as I fall faster and faster toward the ground.
“Aaaaaaahhhhhh!”
A bright light emanates from behind me and lights up the night sky as the pulse of power fuels an explosion above me. I twist and turn as I rocket toward the ground. Something is attached to me and squirming to get out of my reach. Got to hold on; got to hold on just a little longer. A black, crumpled mass tears from my body, its claws ripping at my flesh as it disappears above me. My body rocks from it, picking up pace as my arms flail around, helpless against the downward pull of gravity. Beneath me, I recognize the building as the one they had shown when Praetor Fraus delivered his announcement. It isn’t how I remembered seeing it though. When I last saw it, it was charred and broken, but this building looks pristine. The city fills my vision as I soar closer and closer. Brilliant glistening buildings formed almost a perfect circle: the edge of the city outlined by crystalline magenta walls.
A mangled voice comes from behind me, but the wind makes it hard to make out what it is saying. I see through the glass ceiling of the building and I try to change my path, but I burst through the glass as fire surrounds me.
Tumblr- https://angelawharton90.tumblr.com/
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime.Good Luck with Rebirth!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged A.j. Wharton, Birds of Change, Rebirth, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 1 comment.
Interview with Casey Wyatt, Author of Dead Girls Don’t Sing!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Casey Wyatt and Dead GIrls Don’t Sing. I’ve got to check this one out!
What inspired this particular story, Casey? My main character, Cherry Cordial aka Charity Belmont is a former vampire stripper who ends up living on Mars (see Dead Girls Don’t Cry). In the first book, Cherry finds her true love, Ian and they settle an undead colony on Mars. I don’t want to say more (spoilers!) but, while that adventure ended, Cherry’s past was an unexplored treasure. I had so many unanswered questions about Cherry’s family. I knew Jonathan (her maker and first husband) had to be holding things back. Did her brother and her sisters go on to live quiet, mortal lives? And who were the visitors that appeared at the end of book one? I needed answers!! And so, Dead Girls Don’t Sing was born. I may have answered those questions, but there are more for Dead Girls Don’t Lose.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books? I want my readers to have fun and to go on an exciting adventure. I write the kinds of books that I like to read too. My eyes gloss over if a book is “important” or has dense walls of descriptions because I’m the kind of person who gets impatient reading long greeting card prose. I’m all about dialogue. Banter is the best, and so is a story that makes me stay up half the night wondering how it’s going to end.
What do you like to do when you are not writing? I love to read but my favorite activity is to go to museums with my younger son (and sometimes my older son too). We enjoy museums so much that I created a website, Museum Maniacs (museummaniacs.com) and a Facebook page too (https://www.facebook.com/MuseumManiacs/). At the moment, the website is bare bones (the day job and writing consume most of my day) but the Facebook page sees more action. I’m also a crafter (knit, crochet, embroidery, cross stitch) and I’m a lapsed artist. I grew up drawing and painting mostly from life and now I’m learning Manga/Anime styles. I recently bought a HUION Kamvas digital drawing tablet and CLIP Studio Paint to “help” me learn. Yup. That’s my story and I’m sticking with it J.
You’ve got a time machine, a cloak of invisibility, and one hour. Where would you go, and what eavesdropping would you do? First off, you’d never get the time machine or the cloak of invisibility back. Because seriously, I’d want to see everything. The past, the future, even the present (I’d probably sneak onto movies sets and Doctor Who). I totally get why Doctor Who stole the TARDIS. I have a degree in anthropology and I have no idea where I’d start first. So many choices!! But if I have to choose, I’d visit Heron of Alexandria (and that famous library).
Thank you so much for hosting me today. I love to chat so if anyone has any questions or comments, fire away! My social media contacts are listed toward the bottom of the page.
Click on the cover to read more or buy!
A peek between the pages of Dead Girls Don’t Sing!
Tiny pokers stabbed my eyes.
Another body, warm and hard, spooned against my backside.
Ian always felt so good, comforting and real.
His hand wrapped around my waist, cupping the underside of my breast. A cool sheet slid off my bare shoulder.
I was naked and in bed. A snippet of memory interrupted my appreciation of my husband’s hand.
Wasn’t I running from something . . .?
Fingers trailed along my spine, heading south. The touch was wrong, unfamiliar and rough.
Hold on. That wasn’t Ian. I shouldn’t feel the warmth of sun against my skin either. We lived on Mars, where it was colder than a witch’s tit.
If not Ian, then who was touching my inner thigh?
My eyelids snapped open like a shade on a spring. Bolting upright, I bared my fangs and grabbed the man’s wrist.
Oh, holy hell. I was in bed with another man. I rolled away and slammed into a different body. Shit, make that two other men. Two eye-poppingly gorgeous men.
Hey, I might be dead, but I’m not dead dead.
“Mistress? Have I displeased you?” said the man whose wrist I was about to shatter. Stunning blue-gray eyes. Dark stubble lined his chiseled jawline. His dark hair was mussed and complimented his swarthy skin tone. Dried blood smeared his neck. A red trail led to puncture marks.
The other man’s brown muscled chest rose and fell in rhythmic sleep. His body was fully exposed on the white sheet. Puncture marks lined his neck, his groin and his very erect penis.
My cheeks heated like a furnace. Clearly, we’d had a good time.
“No. Leave me. Both of you go to your rooms.” I dropped his wrist. The man woke his drowsing companion, and they left as I’d commanded.
Damn. I wished I could get the other men in my life to be so compliant.
Other men? There were other people important to me. Why couldn’t I remember them?
I’d kill Jonathan if he was messing with my mind again.
But yet… that idea didn’t feel right.
Somewhere in a dead corner of my memory, this moment seemed familiar. Jonathan, sensing my unhappiness with our “arrangement,” had spent the early years of our relationship attempting to please me.
This must have been my slut phase, where we’d bring home gorgeous men and I would feast and fuck while he watched. I enjoyed knowing it bothered him that I wouldn’t sleep with him. Only the mortals that we found in gaming dens, brothels, even at society events. The only other thing I would take from Jonathan besides his money was his blood, and only out of necessity.
Fucking hell. Ian’s go-to phrase—I remembered him now—helped resurface the reason why I was reliving this not-so-proud moment in my past.
The plague. The Lost Ship. The time stream. My daughter.
Oh, dear God. I hoped she was safe.
“Good morning, my pet.” Jonathan read a page of the morning newspaper while sipping tea from a dainty cup. He sat on the balcony situated outside my bedroom. From his vantage point, he could view the bed and my doings in Technicolor glory.
My heart lurched at the sight of his arrogant beauty. I had forgotten how full of life he’d been, especially in this time period. And, oh, how handsome he was. His raven hair glossy with blue highlights sparkled in the early morning sunshine. The strong line of his jaw and perfect Roman nose coupled with full lips made it hard not to stare at him. He hadn’t yet acquired the weariness that having a Family would place on him.
In later years, after much bitterness between us, I no longer saw him anymore. The beauty was tarnished, and we became as passionate as two coworkers passing the time until their shift ended. He had become someone I had to endure rather than enjoy. Not that I ever really “enjoyed” him because of the circumstances surrounding our sham marriage.
The horrid image of his death, when he’d knelt, offering Thalia his head, shattered the peaceful moment. With a plaintive look, he commanded that I accept his fate and mine. We both knew that Thalia, the dead queen’s heir apparent, was a vindictive bitch. She blamed me for her mother’s death and Jonathan refused to bow down to her. So, he did what he always did. He protected his Family by sacrificing himself so we could escape. In his last moments, regret had filled his eyes. The wish that we could have been different together had been silenced forever.
Seeing Jonathan again and remembering was worse than reopening a wound and rubbing salt in it with a lemon juice chaser. If only I could apologize to him for how awful I’d been. I hadn’t been blameless in wrecking our relationship. I could have tried harder to accept my fate instead of punishing him at every turn.
The temptation to blurt out the truth bubbled inside, until I had to force myself to look away from him. Would this Jonathan be willing to help me? Or would he use my current predicament to his advantage?
No. I couldn’t, wouldn’t chance it. Not with the entire colony’s lives hanging in the balance.
Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve. Sew it on a patch and you’d have my life’s motto.
Yup. Regrets sucked.
Jonathan placed the teacup down and smiled. “Did you enjoy yourself? You seemed a bit surprised when you awoke.”
Surprise didn’t cover how I felt. That word was too puny, too inadequate. After a few seconds, I found my voice again.
“Yes, we had a good time. Thank you.” It sure looked that way.
He acted like finding his wife in bed with other men was no big deal. It wasn’t like I would keep them. To him they were more like pets or meals with legs.
But now, with a century of wisdom tucked under my belt, instead of relishing in his annoyance, I realized something. He was sad. With himself or me, I wasn’t sure. And it didn’t matter. I had a mission to accomplish. A future to save.
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Casey Wyatt, Dead Girl's Don't Sing, Time travel, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
Interview Karilyn Bentley Author of Devil Take Me
Give a warm welcome to Karilyn Bentley, author of Devil Take Me, the fourth book in her urban fantasy Demon Huntress Series, Just released January 22, 2018!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Karilyn and Devil Take Me.
That sounds like an ominous adventure to say the least! Now I’ve read the series, what can we expect from Devil Take Me?
Hi Tena! Thank you for having me on Author’s Secrets today! I’m really excited about my new release, Devil Take Me. It’s the 4th book in the urban fantasy Demon Huntress series. This time a demon haunts Gin Crawford, trying to convince her it’s offering a peaceful eternal rest. Yeah, right. Never believe a demon, no matter how much you want what it offers. Can she stop it before it kills again? Tune in to this exciting episode to find out! 🙂
I love writing Gin’s story. She’s a flawed character so I have to write her so the reader will identify with her while keeping her true to herself (which is a little bitchy). I came up with the idea for Gin and her twin T one evening while sitting on my porch. I was working on two different ideas, one of which was a crazy ER nurse who had empathic abilities (aka Gin). Her chapter was funny since I was going for a laugh. The other story line was of a boy hiding under a bed while a demon attacked. Not so funny. For whatever reason, I decided to join the two together. The original first scene in the first book (Demon Lore) of the series was cut, but the plot with the boy remained. Combining the two plots led to the Demon Huntress idea and the rest is history. The 5th book will come out later this year. Cant wait!
Now, let’s have some fun with the speed round!
<Only two words allowed> Tough for a writer. <evil grin>
1.What is your favorite book of all time? Game of Thrones
- Where do you relax to read? Couch
- What sound drives you right up a wall? Scrapping noise
- What sound relaxes you? Waterfall sounds
- Favorite drink? Hot tea
- Walking in the sand, shoes or barefoot? Barefoot!
- Favorite pet: My dogs
- Snow? Love or hate? Love it!
- Doing dusting is like nailing jello to the wall.
- Rock and Roll, Country, Jazz or Classical? Rock and roll
- What can’t you leave the house without? My phone
- Calender or not; Paper or electronic? Yes (calendar); electronic
- Favorite place to write. Kitchen table
- What is your decadent indulgent? Cornbread w/syrup
- You’ve just won $1,000.00, you have only 24 hours to spend it, so what will you buy? Kitchen table
- Plotter or panster? pantser
- Introvert or extrovert? introvert
- Flight or fight? flight
- Favorite Monster? Mike Wazowski
- Magic or Not? Magic
A little about Devil Take Me!
A demon attack…
Reeling from a personal tragedy and abandoned by all she loves, the world’s newest demon huntress, Gin Crawford, sinks into a deep despair. She’s forced back to reality by news of a large number of people committing suicide, all on the same night. Suspecting demon involvement, Gin must work with her sexy but estranged mentor Aidan Smythe to track who, or what, is behind the deaths.
Leads to a new discovery…
As they come closer to finding the culprit, they realize their employer, the Agency, is hiding its own secret, one which threatens Gin’s very existence. New discoveries reveal that even those dedicated to eradicating evil can be bought. Can Gin and Smythe forgive each other and work together or will they fall under the demon’s thrall?
A sneak peek between the pages of Devil Take Me!
My ringing phone postpones our usual argument. I glance at the caller ID. “Hang on.”
I set my plate on the coffee table and run-walk to the kitchen, swiping the talk button.
“Hello?”
“You’re right.” The tight tone of Smythe’s voice lets me know he’s not happy about the matter. “Despite the Agency not reporting any demon appearances, the likelihood of a demon outbreak in Dallas is high. The number of suicides is abnormal. I checked.”
“Nice to talk to you too. So what are we going to do about it?” About the demon. About the suicides. About us. Pick one.
Of course he avoids the tutu-wearing elephant sitting between us, choosing the safer territory of demons. Then again, I asked about the demon and suicides, not us.
“You working tomorrow?”
“Not tomorrow. But I am the next day.”
“I’ll be at your house at seven in the morning. Be ready to go.”
With those words, he ends the call.
Not a bad start. At least he talked. More like growled. Beggars can’t be choosers, can they?
You can find all Karilyns’ books here: Amazon: iBooks, Banes&Noble, The Wild Rose Press
More About the Author:
Currently working on her urban fantasy series, A Demon Huntress, Karilyn Bentley blends magic, dark fantasy and romance mixed with a touch of funny that her readers expect and love. When she’s not busy writing, Karilyn enjoys reading and recently learned she loves sledding down hills into snowbanks. Stop by her website at www.karilynbentley.com and discover your next paranormal read!
You can also find Karilyn at the links below:
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Devil Take me!
Views: 24
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Adventures, Demon Huntress Series, Demons, Devil Take Me, Karilyn Bentley, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 19 comments.
Karilyn Bentley, Author of Demon Lore
Welcome Karilyn Bentley who joins our spooktacular Halloween celebration with a 99¢ Sale on Demon Lore! Book 1 of A Demon Huntress Series.
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Karilyn and her Demon Lore.
Tell us something no one knows about you. Once I read the Little House on the Prairie series as a child, I knew I wanted to be a writer just like her childhood idol, Laura Ingalls Wilder. It took over twenty years to make my dream come true but I finally got my chance after placing in The Wild Rose Press’s Got Wolf contest. Now I blend fantasy and romance mixed with a touch of funny.
Good for you!
I”ll take a moment here to review Demon Lore.
I love October and Halloween! So of course I had to read Demon Lore a book about magic, demons, evil, and weird. Demon Lore is funny, scary, crazy and snarky. Did I say I love snark? Well I do and Gin makes snark into an art form. In this story, Gin is an ER Nurse with empathic abilities. Her twin brother is Tonic who talks to ghosts. Who names their kids Gin and Tonic? Had a good giggle over that.
After hearing unusual sounds, Gin shoves into a hospital room where her doctor friend has sustained life-threatening injuries. When she floats through his mind she sees a bracelet that he refuses to let go, though it may cost him his life. Then suddenly the bracelet is in her pocket as the doctor is rushed to surgery. Should she put the bracelet on? Her twin has something to say about that. Who was that stranger with the dead black eyes? What Agency and who is Detective Smythe? I could tell you, but I’d have to kill you, and that would be a shame because you wouldn’t get to read this page turning tale!
Did I mention the fork, spiked-tongue demon she may have the hots for or the sexy guardian that may or may not be a good guy? Just a few questions you’ll find the answers to in Demon Lore.
I loved A Demon’s Lore and look forward to finishing the rest of the series.
Okay, here we go with the Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Star Wars series
Favorite book: Fires of Winter by Roberta Gellis
Last book read: Illumination by Susannah Sandlin
Favorite color: Green
Stilettos or flipflops: Stilettos
Coffee or tea: tea
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: ebook or paperback
Pencil or pen: pen
Favorite song: Demons by Imagine Dragons
Streak or not: NOT!
Favorite dessert: cherry cobbler
Favorite junk food: anything with chocolate in it
Favorite thing to do to relax: read
Champagne or gin: champagne
Paranormal or Historical: Paranormal
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Wonder Woman
Favorite TV show: Supernatural
Hot or cold: Cold
POV: First
I’d die if I don’t have: my cell phone
Review or Not: Review
Please tell us a little about Demon Lore
Gin Crawford has enough problems dealing with her empath abilities. Finding out she’s the world’s newest demon-slayer is the last thing she needs. Unfortunately, when she slips on a mysterious bracelet she is given no other choice. On the plus side, her new gig comes with Tall, Dark and Handsome, a mage who may or may not have her best interests at heart. Thrust into a power-play between good and evil, Gin must choose a side before she becomes the next victim in the ongoing battle.
A peek between the pages of Demon Lore
“Let’s take you to a room.” Laura rises, pulling on my hand. “I think you’re in shock.”
Yeah, ya think? But the shock she thinks I’m in is not the only shock I’m experiencing. Not only am I dealing with the emotional trauma of seeing my friend shot and lying in a pool of his blood, but a million questions about the shooter rush through my mind. Who was that evil man? Why did he want Will’s bracelet? Really, what was so important about a bracelet? Couldn’t he have just broken into Will’s house and stolen the thing instead of shooting Will?
I rise to my feet, my head swimming, and put hand out to T for support. He grabs my palm and squeezes, and instantly I feel better. Laura grabs my other arm and together we walk down the hall toward an empty room.
Something rattles in my pocket, hitting against my work cell phone, a metallic clink. Odd, nothing but the phone should be in my pocket. I shake loose of Laura’s grip and stick my hand in my scrubs.
One phone. One…I pull the object out and stare. Gulping in a deep breath does nothing to calm my speeding heart. My stomach makes a pit and shoves my body into the gaping maw.
“What’s that?” Laura and T ask simultaneously.
Silver links shift, catching the light. Something’s carved into the metal, words, runes, a recipe for disaster, who the hell knows. I’m too busy staring at the thing as if it’s going to bite me. Which, judging from what happened here today, it very well might.
How the hell did it get into my pocket?
Will’s special bracelet lies in my palm, the links glowing under the florescent lights and the cold bite of metal against my skin makes me…happy.
Demon Lore can be found at:
Where to find Karilyn:
Website: www.karilynbentley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarilynBentleyAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/karilynbentley1
Blog: http://plottingprincesses.blogspot.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4051943.Karilyn_Bentley
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/karilynbentley
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ba_0Rf
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Demon Lore and your 99 cent SALE!
Views: 35
Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Demon Lore, fantasy, Karilyn Bentley, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy by Tena Stetler with 12 comments.
