Merry Christmas from Clan Dantonville

Merry Christmas and all the blessings of the season

I wish all my lovely readers a very merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and prosperous new year.

In my last newsletter I said that the next time you all hear from me will be from my brand spanking new Wordpress website. Alas, life too often has other ideas and interferes with the best laid plans.

Anyone who knows me well, laughs when using my name and technology in the same sentence. So sadly, my Wordpress website is taking a little longer to set up then I anticipated. But, it is coming together and my Home page is done. Here's the link if anyone would like to check it out and tell me what you think of it http://www.timamarialacoba.com 

And if anyone knows how to add a slider to my Book page header, please let me know. I'd be most grateful.

Until then, I'm posting from my old blogger site.

NEWS ABOUT BLOODWISH AND TERENS

I'm thrilled to announce that BloodWish will be released in time for Valentine's Day - Feb 14th 2018. I can't wait to share this final book in Laura and Alec's story. But, that's not the end. I've listened to my readers who've asked for books on the other guys in the Dantonville Can. So, the next book in the series will be on Terens, which is scheduled for Christmas 2018.

And does he have a story to tell! Let me just say that there's more to "Sexy Terry" than what you've read so far.

I hope you'll enjoy reading it.

Since Christmas is practically upon us, I've been baking. My family is originally from the Czech Republic, and the traditional seasonal cookies, cakes, buns and breads are to die for. They're also waistline killers!

But what the heck, it's only once a year, right?

Unfortunately, here in Australia, Christmas is in summer and the temperature can soar way past the hundred degree mark. Without the good old air-conditioning blasting away, there's no way anyone could have a hot oven going. And what's Christmas without turkey, pudding and cookies?

And being the sharing girl that I am (*wink*) here's a plate of my Czech Christmas cookies.

Most countries, and even individuals, celebrate Christmas with a range of traditions. One of the most famous is kissing under the mistletoe. That one's fun.

While writing BloodPledge, the second book in my Dantonville Legacy Series, I needed a particularly gruesome tradition for Terens and Sam, the once former Roman soldiers. So, it couldn't be anything soft, and being vampires, of course, there had to be some blood involved. It also had to be unique and based on something practical.

I had a ball writing it.

Here's the scene: 

‘Don’t you think it’s ironic. Nobody speaks Latin anymore, yet Frisian’s everywhere—in modern English? Maybe it’s just as well I didn’t waste my time learning to speak yours.’

Cal guffawed, reached for the decanter and poured himself another glass of wine. ‘How you gonna counter that one, Terens?’

‘Only one way I know.’ Terens rose from his seat and flexed his right arm. ‘Brand new model.’

‘By all means, test it out.’ Sam’s chair scrapped across the floor as he too, rose and began flexing his right arm. ‘Ready to lose some fingers?’ The two stood facing each other, grinning.

Kari rolled her eyes. ‘Oh no, not this stupid game.’

Alec leaned toward me and whispered, ‘Maybe we should go for a stroll around the deck.’

‘Why?’ I asked. ‘What are they going to do?’

‘Their version of an arm wrestle.’ Alec looked uncomfortable. ‘They do it every Christmas.’

‘It’s gross, Laura.’ Kari grimaced. ‘The loser must chop off a finger and hand it over. The one with the biggest collection wins.’

‘You’re kidding! At Christmas?’

‘It’s the only time they can do it—good way to test the strength of the Ingenii blood. Any lost appendage regenerates in an instant,’ Alec said.

‘Sorry boys, you know I can’t stay to watch,’ Judy said. ‘If anyone wants me I’ll be in my room.’ She wished us goodnight and kissed Luc and Marcus on the cheek. The men rose and bowed as she left the room.

‘Think I’ll do the same,’ I said when I saw Terens move one of the candelabras aside and pull a blade from beneath his trouser leg. ‘No way am I going to watch them cut off fingers, even if it is some weird Christmas tradition.’

‘Allez, ma petite, this is not for a lady’s eyes.’
‘I agree,’ Kari said, and skipped to my side of the table. ‘Let’s join Judy.’

I still had Alec’s Christmas present. This was a good time to slip away and give it to him.

‘Meet you there, Kari. There’s something I need to do.’ I mouthed the words, 'Present for Alec'.

She nodded, and gave me a knowing smile as she left.
I turned to Alec. ‘I accept your offer of a stroll around the deck.’
With his arm around my waist, Alec led me from the dining room just as Sam and Terens took up their position, elbows on the table, hands clasped, steely gazes locked. Two long, menacing-looking knives lay in the centre of the table.

I shuddered and turned away. 

Did I succeed in making your squirm? If you'd like to read the rest, assuming you haven't read BloodPledge yet, read it here: 

Amazon US   Amazon CA   Amazon AU   Amazon UK 

All books are also available on Kindle Unlimited.

Until next time, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Meet Sci-Fi/Fantasy Author, Jason Crawford

Jason P Crawford was born in Louisiana in 1981. His writing career began in 2012, when he sat down for some "writing time" with his wife and sister-in-law. He has always been fascinated by the magic in the real world, leading him to focus most of his efforts on urban fantasy and science fiction.

In addition to publishing his own work, he has spent time as a freelance writer, preparing articles and ghost-writing for others. Besides Chains of Prophesy, Jason has completed The Drifter, a story about gods walking in the world of men, as well as Dragon Princess, describing the Princess Amalia Therald's true heritage and her struggles to live up to it.

His life life as a husband, father, and teacher (as well as hardcore gamer) have opened up and nurtured a wealth of imagination and given Jason a tendency to flights of fancy, and those flights give rise to his work.

Samuel Buckland is a young man who has it all and is planning for the future. Gregory Caitlin is a businessman and politician. He has designs to bring hope back to a world in need...and he'll be damned if anyone gets in his way!
When the two cross paths, even the angels tremble.
An ancient magic has been rediscovered. Sam must overcome his lack of faith and accept his destiny, or the world he knows will suffer the consequences.
A skeptic who must harness the powers of demons and genies. A zealot who has begun to walk a darker path. Bound together by a stolen secret.
Can any of them escape the Chains of Prophecy?
 

The first novel in the Samuel Buckland Chronicles, Chains of Prophecy is a fast-moving, compelling story that explores the grey line between good and evil, right and wrong. Fantastic creatures combine with all-too-human failings to produce a story that is both spellbinding and relatable. Fans of Supernatural or Constantine will especially enjoy this book!

Get it here: Amazon Amazon author page  Smashwords

Connect with Jason P Crawford on: Facebook 

                                                          Website 

                                                          Twitter 

                                                          Independent Author Network Page

Meet Fantasy Author, Scott Carruba

Born in Houston, Texas into the temporary care of a bevy of nuns before being delivered to his adopted parents, Scott discovered creative writing at a very young age when asked to write a newspaper from another planet. This exercise awakened a seemingly endless drive, and now, many short stories, poems, plays, and novels (both finished and unfinished) later, his first book, "Dance of the Butterfly", has been published. 

The seeds for this tale began with dreams, as many often do, before being fine-tuned with a whimsical notion and the very serious input of a dear friend. 

Before long, the story took on a life of its own and has now become the first book in a planned series. Having lived his whole life in the same state, Scott attended the University of Texas at Austin, achieving a degree in philosophy before returning to the Houston area to be closer to family and friends. 

During this time, he wrote more and even branched out into directing and performance art, though creative writing remains his love.

 A modern dark urban fantasy, telling of two powerful families who uphold a secret duty to protect humanity from a threat it doesn’t know exists. Though sharing a common enemy, the two families form a long-standing rivalry due to their methods and ultimate goals. Forces are coalescing in a prominent Central European city- criminal sex-trafficking, a serial murderer with a savage bent, and other, less tangible influences. Within a prestigious, private university, Lilja, a young librarian charged with protecting a very special book, finds herself suddenly ensconced in this dark, strange world. Originally from Finland, she has her own reason for why she left her home, but she finds the city to be anything but a haven from dangers and secrets. Book One in a planned series.

Buy it here - Amazon  

The tale continues in Sword of the Butterfly, book two of the series, as Lilja and Skothiam continue to fight demons within and without. The infernal forces make a grand play, hoping to stab the world in its very heart. Casualties mount as further tensions rise in the City, threatening the vigilante with a loss of freedom and life. Children become victims of a madman’s design while the hunt is on for a powerful creature wreaking havoc across parts of the U.S. Lilja begins to question herself and her place in Skothiam’s life even as the very treasure they must protect comes under danger.

 Buy it here - Amazon 

Connect with Scott Carruba here: Facebook 

                                                      Amazon author page

                                                      Twitter

                                                      Tumblir   

                                                      Personal page/blog

Here There Be Dragons: Meet Fantasy Author, Miranda Brock.

From an early age Miranda Brock has always loved fantasy and adventure everything. Since she doesn't live in a world of enchanting powers, mythical beasts, and things unbelievable she has decided to write about them. (Although, if you happen to see a dragon flying around, do tell her.) 

Born in southern Illinois, where she still resides with her husband and two children, she grew up running through the woods, playing in creeks, and riding horses. What started out as writing poetry grew into short stories and eventually led to her first novel, Souls Discovered. 

Miranda lives in the country where she finds inspiration in the simplicity and beauty around her. With the help of a ridiculous amount of coffee and some good music she writes whenever she gets a chance.

 

Spin away with young Autumn as she finds a seemingly innocuous gold necklace on her family’s farm and inadvertently uncovers her destiny as “The Keeper.” Autumn’s discovery of the necklace activates “The Window” and alerts both good and evil forces to her whereabouts. Autumn is pulled from everything she knows and tossed into a life of unknowns. Enigmatic enemies called Dehmons hunt her at every turn and if captured the very world she lives in will fall into destruction. With the help of seven Searchers Autumn must learn to use the power she has been given before it is too late.

Will she choose to follow the dangerous destiny thrust upon her?

Will she be able to withstand the temptation of a relationship that could jeopardize everything?

Most importantly, will Autumn be able to find the strength within herself to fight the dead-eyed evil Dehmon souls?

Buy link: Amazon

Connect with Miranda Brock here: Facebook
                                                       The Keepers Way Series
                                                       Twitter
                                                       Goodreads

Meet Candace Osmond - Blood and Iron

Published author and freelance writer/editor, Candace Osmond was born in North York, ON. She published her first book by the age of 25, the first installment in a Paranormal Romance series to which two others were published with it; The Iron World Series.  
Now residing in a small town in Eastern Canada with her husband and two kids, Candace writes full time developing articles for just about every niche, more novels, and a hoard of short stories.

 

Iron & Wine is an Urban Fantasy set in world full of hidden magical places and secret societies cloaked by modern day. In the first instalment of the Iron World Series, young artist Avery Quinn reluctantly leaves behind her quiet and comfortable home in the country and moves to the city with her best friend Julie Ryan. With the expectation that college will be the most exciting part of her life, Avery hopes that her little world remains quiet and simple. But after a troublesome blue sprite looking for help appears in her bedroom one night, her boss turns out to be a three hundred year old vampire, and her best friend accidentally reveals herself as an orphaned pixie, school quickly becomes the least of her worries. Every aspect of Avery’s life explodes with mythical beings and legendary creatures who all play a very important role in her existence. Some are friends, some are guardians, while others quickly become life threatening and deadly enemies. Avery must learn to juggle living in both her world and theirs, but in this magical tale of strange love, strong bonds and scary beings; what once was nothing more than mere fairy tales told to her by her Aunt Tess are now a scary reality and Avery has somehow landed deep in the middle with little or no way out except death or worse…the loss of her humanity.

Interested? Get it here 

Meet Indie Author Jesse Frankel - For Those With A Zombie And Vampire Fetish

J.S. Frankel was born in Toronto, Canada, a good number of years ago and managed to scrape through the University of Toronto with a BA in English Literature. 
In 1988 he moved to Japan and started teaching ESL to anyone who would listen to him. 
In 1997, he married the charming Akiko Koike and their union produced two sons, Kai and Ray. J.S. Frankel makes his home in Osaka where he teaches English by day and writes by night until the wee hours of the morning.

 Let me introduce the Nightmare Crew trilogy. It basically features a vampire, a zombie with a cleaning fetish in the first and second novels, a lab-created hybrid werewolf and sentient water. The first novel, Beginnings, has the blurb as follows: 
    
"Paul Wiseman, orphan and runaway, was looking for a family. He found one—and got a little more than he bargained for in the process. Being an orphan is no fun. Having no friends isn’t much fun, either. When Paul Wiseman, seventeen, runs away from an orphanage to try his luck on the mean streets of New York, he finds himself trapped and almost beaten to death one night. Rescued by a vampire named Angela, Paul goes to her small house in upstate New York where he meets her friends—Ooze, a sentient water being, Sandstorm, who uses his sandy body to blind his opponents, and CF—short for Cannon Fodder—a zombie. The four of them become the Nightmare Crew—beings created by a scientist to fight against the lawless elements of the city. In joining them, Paul finds a family, friendship and maybe even love. However, the company that allowed the creation of these beings wants them back, and they’ll stop at nothing to retrieve what they believe to be their property. It soon comes down to a battle between those born and those created…and it’s up to Paul to fight for the only family he’s ever known."

 Find Jesse Frankel's books here on Amazon

The Dantonville Legacy Series Has All New Covers

It happened so fast that I hadn't had time to boast about my new book covers. I simply updated all my social media headers without a word about it. There were too many other things going on at the same time.
Why change?
Sales had slowed right down and so something needed to be done. Also, although I loved my previous covers, the symbolic images were more reflective of urban fantasy rather than paranormal romance, the genre in which my series of books comfortably sit.
Thanks go to JC Clarke who designed and and created my new book covers.
I love them.

Since I was on a roll, I also updated the book description for BloodGifted, the first book in the series.

What’s a girl to do when she learns she’s the key to breaking a centuries-old family curse? Become dangerously intimate with a jaw-dropping vision of male hotness hiding a secret agenda of his own.

Nothing could be simpler.

Or is it?

When primary school teacher Laura Dantonville learns of her family's dark ancestral legacy, she’s propelled into a secret underworld ruled by magic, mystery and murder, and stalked by vampire clans who would do anything to possess her. For her protection, she’s assigned a guardian not knowing that part of her role in ending the ancient curse that has plagued her family for centuries, involves having a child with him.

And she has one day to make a decision.

With only five years left of servitude to his sire, Alec Munro reluctantly accepts to act as Laura’s guardian or risk remaining in slavery forever. But can he maintain a platonic relationship between them when something far more intimate is required to end his sire’s family curse?

With time running out, Laura must decide to either accept Alec or allow her vampire-hating detective boyfriend to end the legacy his way – by eliminating the undead side of her family.

After all, they’re not human are they?

Being unable to age is just the beginning.

I hope that's a great start for 2017 .😊

For the Love of a Good Fae, Veronica Del Rosa

Number 3 in my parade of indie authors today, and who'll be appearing in Our Books Are Not for Free event, is Veronica Del Rosa.

Hi everyone! I’m Veronica Del Rosa and I write paranormal romance/urban fantasy books. I live in Toronto with my husband and our young son, although before that we lived in Ottawa. The capital of Canada is just way too damn cold for me! Brrr.
I’ve been reading since I was eight years old and realized stories could transport me to a new world. When I was around ten, I fell into the world of romance novels and couldn’t get enough. My mom’s immense collection of Harlequin soon fell prey to me.

I started writing a few years ago when I was complaining about a popular book series. My husband very nicely told me to either put up or shut up. He said if I could write a better story, then do it. Wonder if he regrets that? *laughs* He’s actually been one of my biggest supporters.
Some random facts about me: I love romance novels, but I hate romantic movies. However, I love action movies and the ones that let me turn my brain off for a few hours. I’m a military brat, and while it was hard always being the new kid, it helped me learn independent, plus all that downtime from having few friends meant I could read!
My time slot is Feb 11th at 3 pm. I hope to see you there!

 A novella in the Enforcers and Coterie series. Each one is a standalone book delving deeper into a world where magic co-exists peacefully with the ordinary, for the most part...

Lilith Tremaine spends most of her time in an insane asylum, recovering from a vicious attack, or so the world believes. Craving revenge, she’d made a binding oath to the Light Fae queen, Tatiana. A mistake she can’t undo.

Caymus, an elite warrior for Queen Tatiana, has always followed his queen’s wishes. His latest assignment, however, strains his loyalty. Infiltrate a warlord demon’s stronghold and retrieve a dangerous object. The prize Tatiana dangles convinces him to complete the hazardous mission – Lilith’s freedom.

Feeling responsible for Lilith’s attack and subsequent oath to the queen, Caymus would do anything to free the woman he loves from a lifetime of servitude. Even if it means his own death.

Check out Veronica's Amazon book page here.

Meet Indie Author Sonnett O'Dell

Hi, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Sonnet O’Dell. I’m from Worcester in England and I’ve been writing since I was a kid. My first book was published in 2009 and now I have eighteen titles, with another three/four planned to be released this year. I write mostly for adults, though I have written a couple of Young Adult titles. I tend to stick to Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romances but recently tried my hand at writing something set in the far off future on a different planet.

I have a long running series, The Cassandra Farbank Series, that is set in and around my home town because when I first started I followed very strictly the rule of write what you know. Since then I’ve branched out to start several small trilogies/series and have many stand alone novella’s.

When I’m not writing I’m reading. I try to do a review a week throughout the year, as I love nothing more than a good book. I also write the odd blog post and host interviews with different authors on my blog and if anyone here is interested I still have plenty of open spots on this year’s schedule. I recently reworked my website to showcase all my books more fairly, as I have now moved away from the small press I was a part of and more into self-publishing my work.
You can find me on my facebook page.

Check out Sonnet O'Dell's books here on Amazon

Kris (The Clockwatcher Series Book 1)

Get it here 

Tasty Teaser from BloodWish

It's been a while since I've posted a snippet from my current Word in Progress because, let's face it, life interferes. Although I originally planned to release BloodWish by the end of this year, it's more likely to be making its appearance by April/May 2017.
So until then, enjoy.

As I searched through various drawers, my foot kicked against something solid. A black metal-rimmed trunk sat wedged between several pieces of luggage. It was heavy, and as I eased it out layers of dust made me sneeze. That was good, as it meant the previous housekeeper, whose name I couldn’t bring myself to say, hadn’t been snooping into it. She’d taken my mother’s clothes before so I wouldn’t have put it past her to have pried into all of my mother’s things.

The trunk was locked.

What was in there? What was my mother hiding that needed to be kept in a locked trunk?

I glanced around in case the key was lying somewhere close, or maybe hanging from a hook.

Nothing.

Dumb idea anyway, Laura. If you want something hidden you don’t leave the key where everyone can find it! I’d carry it with me, with my set of house and car keys where they’d blend in with the rest.

The house keys I was in possession of now, didn’t contain any extra keys – Kari and I had tested each one. That left only her handbag.

Judy had always kept it in the middle drawer of her bedside table. It was still there when I pulled it open. I hugged the black leather bag to me and inhaled its sweet leather scent as image after image paraded through my memory.

No more tears, Laura.

I began my search, shunting aside the thought that I was intruding.

For a relatively small bag, it contained so many compartments and pockets, but finally, in a side pocket, my fingers grazed a small key-shaped object.

That had to be it.

Attached was a black velvet ribbon, frayed at the edges. Traces of my mother’s perfume clung to it. Again I inhaled and let the memories assail me – if only for a little while.

Back in the closet, I knelt next to the trunk and inserted the key.

It fit.

           With a click, the lid flew open.

Please Vote For BloodVault in the Summer Indie Book Awards.

I'm thrilled to have my book, BloodVault, nominated in two categories in the Summer Indie Book Awards.
- Best Paranormal Romance Book
- Best Fantasy Book
There are many, many amazing entries, so I need as many votes as possible to keep me in the running.
You can vote EVERY DAY until the end of September.
I'll be so grateful to all those who've read any of my books, and liked them, to please vote.

Sunday Showcase: Meet Paranormal Author Susan Stielow

1. What inspired you to write in your genre?

To feel what it’s like to be young again. That’s why we have so many adults reading YA books these days. To remember what it was like to meet our first love, or first crush. Or to be the underdog who saves the day. Writing YA keeps me young at heart.

2.  If you write a series, how many books can your readers expect?

Three for the Bloodborn Series (Books 1 & 2 are already out) and three to four more in a new series I will be working on after book 3 in the Bloodborn series is finished.

3. How and why did you choose your book cover(s)?

I knew early on that I wanted my covers to match a scene from the books. But since I have an ancient computer, and no clue how to use photo-shop, I sought out the help an amazing cover artist.

4. If you had the chance to spend the day with one of your characters, who would it be and why?

That’s easy, Damen Kingston. He’s nice to look at, funny as hell, has the voice of an angel, and let’s not forget, a bad-ass vampire.

5. Are there any books or authors you admire?

Oh, God yes! Too many to list, but a couple of my ultimate favs is J.R. Ward and her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Darynda Jones and her Charlie Davidson - Grim Reaper series and of course J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter series. I mean seriously? Who doesn’t love her.

6. Do you have a favourite movie or TV show?

XFiles I have been a huge fan of for years, but right now Supernatural and Penny Dreadful are my favs.

7. What do you find the most challenging thing about being an author?

Self doubt. That little demon will get me every time. When he creeps in I will stop writing and walk away for a few days and refresh myself.

8. If money was no object and you could travel to any place in the world for your dream vacation, where would you go and what would you do?

Australia. Steve Irwin is my hero, and it’s always been a dream of mine to visit the Australia Zoo. I balled my eyes out the day Steve past away. It was a very emotional day for me. He was a great man.

9. Tell us about your publishing experience. Did you always intend to be traditionally published or indie published?

Being a writer isn’t easy. Especially when it comes to publishing houses. I tried traditional publishing first. They can be brutal to a new inexperienced writer. I submitted my query letters, my 3 first chapters, and so on; that the publishers ask for. At first I received no responses. Then the rejection letters starting rolling in. And when they say you need a thick skin for this business, they’re not kidding. Some letters were nice and even gave some advice. While others were downright mean. It was tough to take. I started to doubt my writing and whether my story was even good. It wasn’t until a friend read my book and loved it! So I looked into self-publishing and never looked back.

10. What have you learned as an author since you published your first book that you wish you knew when starting out?

Don’t trust ANYONE! Your book is your baby. Do your research when it comes to editors, cover artists, and so on. There are a lot of scammers out there that unfortunately, I fell victim to. Always remember that you get what you pay for.

Book 1 - Bloodborn

 

Book 2 - Scarlet Butterfly 

 

Buy Links - Amazon 

Get your copy of this fabulous series.

Sunday Showcase - Fantasy Author Jennifer Kenny

Today my special guest is fantasy author, Jennifer Kenny, But I'll let her do the talking.


1. What inspired you to write in your genre?

I was drawn towards fantasy elements since I was a teenager. When I say fantasy, it is more than just dragons and wizards. I consider paranormal, urban, all of those other genres that sit under the fantasy umbrella when I say I love fantasy. I live in reality, and I find it boring to read about things I could find in my real life. Coming from a place where I am entertained through fantasy, it was natural for me to want to explore this from a creative perspective. Fantasy is the world that I have always known.

The Extol Series though came about as a response to the new trend with vampire literature. I grew up on stories like Dracula, The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice and The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike. All of these books showed vampires in different ways but to me, they were always damned. They might find acceptance, but it was doomed. This is a defining feature of the vampire lore – in my opinion. Vampires cannot be the hero, and if they are, tragedy follows. I wanted to reclaim the vampire out of paranormal romance genre. And so the idea of a vampire that would never be loved even after he loved her was the first idea about Extol.

2.  If you write a series, how many books can your readers expect?

This should be an easy answer, right? My problem with this question is I am not sure exactly what is going on when it comes to how long Extol is going to be. My original idea was a short story for a university creative writing assignment. (2000 words), but then it got bigger and turned into my NaNoWriMo project for 2015 (50,000 word target), but it became evident at the 25,000 word mark that it was going to be bigger than that.

Extol of Agnatic Dreams comes in at 120,000 words. While developing the story and brainstorming with a beta reader, she asked me what happened next. I told her that was the end, and she pointed out that out was only the beginning. And so Extol of Eildon Fallacy came into being. (current WIP and sitting at 30,000 words). I thought Fallacy would be the end, but as I am writing, I can see that it isn’t. There will be a third book – currently unnamed – and I am ok with that because trilogies work well.

While talking with friends, though, there are many branches I could explore if I felt like it. The past of Braykith, the family lines, The War… so I really cannot say just how big the Extol series will be. I can confirm that it will be at least three books in Evangeline’s story.

3. Are there any books or authors you admire?

Ultimately I respect any author who writes the story they want to write, and not the one that will get sold. I enjoy Stephan’s work (from the 80’s – 90’s mostly), but it is his work ethic and the understanding of the craft that I admire the most about him. 

However, it was meeting George R. R. Martin that changed my life as an author. I kept reading about how discipline writers are, and I just struggled with that some days. George is just like me. A terrible procrastinator who writes with inspiration. It was mind blowing to me that authors could work in ways against the obvious.

Side note: one of my favourite books is Armageddon Rag by George R. R. Martin. Yeah, who knew the guy who wrote Game of Thrones didn’t always write high scale fantasy. I recommend it to everyone.

4. If you had to choose a playlist for any of your books, what would it be?

I have assigned songs for my characters to help me get into the right mood when I am writing them. Right now, Little Mix Secret Love Song is dedicated to Evangeline and Thomas. Glais has Underneath by Adam Lambert as his anthem. If you want to know the main personal story for my three leads, those two songs tell you everything.

5. What do you find the most challenging thing about being an author?

Continued self-acceptance and love. I think any person who pursues a creative field needs to be a little bit of a narcissist. Art, music, literature… all of these things ask for a piece of your soul that you must share with the world, and you want people to sit up and take notice of it.

Part of putting your work out into the world is receiving criticism. After a little while, that negative feedback is going to wear a person out. It is just human nature. If you tell someone they have no talent; even the most self-believing person will start to believe it. Remembering the reason why you wanted to write in the first place is a hard thing to retain, and will be the only thing that keeps you sane.

6. Tell us about your publishing experience. Did you always intend to be traditionally published or indie published?

I think, deep down, all authors want to be traditionally published. Until we get to a place in society where self-publishing is at the same level as traditional publishing, then we will keep having this debate over what is better.

I want the contract so people take me seriously as an author. If I could tell people that Random House published my book (and paid me $15,000 for the privilege) then maybe people might stop thinking that this is just a hobby.

I like self-publishing because I can tell the story that I want in the way I like it. To me, it is important that my brand is honest, and right now I am not sure it would stay that way after the publishers were done with me.

I recently did a one-day course about ‘how to get published’. You can read my blog about it here: http://www.jrkauthor.com/#!Faber-Writing-Academy-Getting-Published-course/c1qtt/578c45980cf256540e9cc132 It was interesting to hear about the process, even though I am still not sure if it is for me. 

I am a firm believer in trying things before you hate them, so I am currently working on a separate book that will be fit for sending to traditional publishers. (Publishers won’t touch anything connected to a self-published book because you have already flooded the market). Maybe it will sell, maybe I will learn how harsh traditional publishers are, or maybe I will realise that there is some merit in traditional publishing.

As Earl to an up-and-coming province, Barret Dilston had difficult decisions to make. Fortunately for him, the decision to give his daughter to a King of mythical power and devious connections to the occult was not one of them. Evangeline was due to wed the future King of Braykith when she was four years old. 

Now a young woman, Evangeline is learning that not everything about her marriage is as it seems. King Quintus refuses to accept her professional manner. His son, and her future husband Glais, barely speaks a kind word to her, and sadly there is no sight of the must talked of Braykith dragon. At first glances, the Kingdom of Braykith is no different to any other. 

Just as she believes she can relax, Evangeline discovers the secret of the royal family that fails when compared to the legends she had been raised on. After the years of training to become a Queen, Evangeline had never been prepared for the truth that lies buried within the lore of the Kingdom. The royal lineage survives on a blood lust, exclusive to the male heirs to the throne. 

Surviving Braykith is not for the faint of heart. 

Book Extract

“You know nothing of what I need.” It seemed Glais had found humour in this moment and not the allure Evangeline was aiming for. Everything about this moment proved that she did indeed knew nothing about his needs as he had pointed out. Also that there was more to flirtation and sex than Evangeline ever imaged was possible.

“It is true that I am innocent…” her thoughts tapered away at his scoffed at her admission. It was enough to turn her cheeks red from his apparent disbelief that it be true. “We have been engaged since we were children. Of course, I am pure when I come to you.” She could not believe that Glais did not think it was so and was suddenly ready to defend her honour against a man who clearly had none of his own. Evangeline managed to raise her face in defiance but she could not meet his gaze. Emptiness sat there in his pupils and Glais would drag her in until she felt breathless and ill. “I belong to you. Take it from me, and no other. I will not fear whatever it is you feel needs to be hidden.”

Evangeline had caught his interest finally. She could tell from the newly controlled posture, the seemingly natural stance gone from his body as Glais regarded her for perhaps the first time as someone worthy of his time. His father had been telling him since her arrival that Evangeline could be trusted just as Kyleigh was trustworthy, but he had never believed his father's insistence until this moment. Glais stood at attention without even realising it, trying to find some logical reason to reject her once more. It should be simple enough for him to force her from this room and back to the other party guests with no story to tell. He would do this for her own life, even if Evangeline did not believe it. He did all of this to keep her alive. The less she knew, the safer she would be.

Evangeline dared a peek at his eyes and instantly she was breathless and had to look away. This was not the first time she would come to wonder if he liked her as a person. Could Evangeline ever be someone he thought of or was Evangeline simply someone to tolerate because both of their families needed this marriage to work? She felt him move, her breath caught in her throat as she feared, and also willed, his hands on her body. Instead, Glais reached for her hand which had stayed behind his neck, plucked it from its perch and steadied Evangeline on her feet.

“Return to the party,” Glais commanded.

Get it here - Amazon 

Until next time, happy reading 😊