Dirty Dozen Character Interviews – Dani Erikson – Bundle/Fantasy/Paranormal/Monsters

Tags

Demon Hunters, demons, Dirty Dozen Interviews, Fantasy, Here Be Monsters Bundle, monsters, Paranormal

Welcome to DANI ERICKSON

• Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m the seventh child of a seventh child, which makes me a hereditary demon hunter. I’m actually the answer to my grandpa’s dream, but he doesn’t know it. See, he set out to create a legendary seventh son of a seventh son – probably drove my grandmother to an early grave in the attempt. As far as he’s concerned, he failed. He got his seven sons, and six daughters as well, but his seventh son, my Uncle Gus, failed him. You see, Uncle Gus and Aunt Ellen weren’t able to have kids.

Grandpa had ignored Mom and Dad until it became clear that Aunt Ellen wasn’t going to give him any grandsons. After all, Dad was only son #5. But then Grandpa realized that Mom and Dad had six little boys, and there was another baby on the way! Mom wasn’t thrilled when Gramps turned his obsessive attention on her, but there wasn’t much she could do about it. Then the worst happened – at least from Grandpa’s point of view. I was born. A girl. Can anyone say, “Major disappointment”?

But the laugh’s on Grandpa, because gender doesn’t matter to a demon hunter. It’s all about the numbers. See, Dad was only the fifth son, but he was the seventh child. Making me the seventh child of a seventh child. I came into my powers on fourteenth birthday, but I’m not admitting any of this to my family. At least, not yet.

And Grandpa? Maybe I’ll tell him his plan succeeded … someday … if I’m feeling generous.

• What is your world like? How does it differ to mine?

I live in Longmont, Colorado, in the here and now. My world is exactly like yours, except I can see the demons who walk right beside us, and you can’t. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Trust me. You’re lucky you can’t see them!

• Is your world populated by different races? How do they get along?

How do demons and humans get along? Depends on who you ask. Normal people don’t believe demons exist. Demons are perfectly happy with that since they feed off of us. Since normals don’t believe in them, they’re easy prey.

Me? I don’t get along with demons at all. I hunt them, with the help of my guardian and trainer. Wick can see them too, and he can fight them, he just can’t kill them. Killing demons is reserved for the hereditary demon hunters of the world. And in this age of birth control and smaller families, there just aren’t enough of us to protect humanity.

• Tell us about your family?

Well, I already told you about Grandpa and his obsessive desire for a seventh-seventh, so let’s concentrate on my immediate family.

I’m the youngest, and only girl, of seven kids. My brothers are Mike, Pat, Evan, Seth, Brent, and Jamie. Mike is in medical school at the Unversity of Colorado, Boulder. Pat just graduated with a degree in engineering. Evan is a senior at CU, studying urban planning, while Seth is a junior, but he hasn’t declared a major yet. Can’t make up his mind. Brent and Jamie are still in high school, a senior and a junior, while I’m just starting my freshman year.

Dad’s an architect with a firm in Boulder, and Mom is a stay-at-home mom. Trust me, with six sons and one daughter, she has a full-time job!

• What is your greatest skill/asset

I have mad skills with knives and swords, and all forms of fighting (from street fighting to martial arts) come as naturally to me as walking. Wick has to teach me the basics, but I catch on faster than Jamie can inhale French fries!

• What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell).

I am a complete failure at lady-like behaviour. Seriously. Fancy dresses, make-up and batting eyelashes? Gag!

• How would you describe yourself?

I’m okay looking, if you like athletic girls. I have long, dark blonde hair with a hint of red, and I typically wear it in a ponytail or a ponytail braid. I’m 5’10” with light brown eyes and I’m a lean, mean, fighting machine!

• How do you think others see you?

Well, my family, especially my brothers, see a helpless little girl. They all want me to act like a girl. After all, we have enough boys in the family.

• What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear isn’t that a demon will kill or maim me, it’s that my family will figure out that I have more in common with an Amazon queen than with a fairy-tale princess – that I’m more of a Rottweiler than the pampered Pomeranian they like to think I am.

• If you could have three wishes what would they be?
• My family would recognize me and accept me for who – and what – I am!
• To rid my high school and my town of all the demons infecting them. I’ll worry about the rest of the country when I’m older.
• I wish I could find a couple more demon hunters to help me. Sometimes the job feels pretty overwhelming

• Do you believe in magic?

Well, duh! I fight demons, remember?

• Tell us about your greatest achievement

I’m a kick-ass demon hunter, and my parents even named me appropriately. I’m Dani Heleen Erickson, which makes my initials D.H.E. – Demon Hunter Extraordinaire!

For the author

Books in which this character appears:

Demon Daze

School Daze 

Family Daze

Challenging Daze

Demon Daze appears in Here Be Monsters

Short author bio:

Deb Logan writes children’s, tween, and young adult fantasy. Her stories are light-hearted tales for the younger set — or ageless folk who remain young at heart. She’s published numerous titles, including short stories, collections, and novels. Her work has been published in multiple volumes of Fiction River: An Original Anthology Magazine, as well as in The Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide series. Author of the popular “Dani Erickson” series, Deb loves dragons and faeries and all things unexplained.

 

Links:

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l9m2v4

Website: http://debloganwrites.com

Facebook: @DebLoganWrites

 

 

 

 

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Here Be Monsters Bundle – Now on Preorder

Tags

book bundles, Fantasy, Fantasy Creatures, Here Be Monsters Bundle, Indie Authors, monsters

I am delighted to announce the latest in the Myth, Monsters and Mayhem series of fantasy bundles. Here Be Monsters is now available on preorder.

Here Be Monsters

We love to fear them and fight them. Monsters come in many forms, from the monsters within to the monsters outside and under the bed. Dare you venture into the caverns and the castles? Dare you enter the darkness of an accursed soul?

An eclectic collection of dark creatures and those who fight them. You have been warned.

Here Be Monsters features 19 tales of myths, monsters, and mayhem.

Universal Link books2read.com/HereBeMonstersBundle

Amazon https://amzn.to/2JKTGrX

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/here-be-monsters-10

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2JBwvUY

I-books https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1397846083

Bundlerabbit https://bundlerabbit.com/b/here-be-monsters

Featuring

1. Monster Town” by Steven Savile
2. “The Magic of Fabulous” by Michele Lang
3. “A Murder of Crows” by DeAnna Knippling
4. “Minotaur” by DJ Chamberlain
5. “Tales of Erana: The Warrior’s Curse” by A. L. Butcher
6. “Blackbeard’s Aliens” by Robert Jeschonek
7. “Caught Between Monsters” by Stefon Mears
8. “Night Terrors” by J.A. Pitts
9. “Beasts of Tabat” by Cat Rambo
10. “Demon Daze” by Deb Logan
11. “A Knot of Trolls” by J.M. Ney-Grimm
12. “The Stolen Tower” by A. L. Butcher
13. “The Maker, the Teacher, and the Monster” by Leah Cutter
14. “One Red Shoe” by Russ Crossley
15. “Dawn of the Chupacabra” by Kyle Bergersen
16. “To Be a Monster” by Jamie Ferguson
17. “The Beast of Talesend” by Kyle Robert Shultz
18. “Children of the Monster” by Russ Crossley
19. “The Genie’s Secret” by Robert Jeschonek

Review – Beneath the Knowe – Anthea Sharp – Fantasy/Fairytale

Tags

Faerie, fairies, Fantasy, Reviews, Reviews 2018, Short story

Review

Beneath the Knowe

5 stars

This is a rich and lyrical short story of fairyland, glamour, one woman’s courage and magical music.

Maeve is a resourceful young woman who wants more from life than marriage to a man she barely knows, and the mundane existence of her kin. She has music within, a glorious melodic soul that yearns to be heard, but women cannot be bards.  When the fairies who ‘protect’ the clan take the chieftain’s baby son, Maeve’s nephew, nothing is to be done. Such is the bargain. Eventually, the menfolk challenge the fairies, and are sent home beaten and ashamed, minus the human infant.

It takes a woman, and a magical, musical soul to challenge the great Fairy King on his own turf -Maeve, and her music. Of course, bargaining with fairies has its price.

I loved this tale, with its vibrant imagery, innocent yet determined courage and a glimpse of the power of Anthea Sharp’s writing. Although this tale is short, it is enough of a taster to want more of this author’s work.  I will definitely be venturing into fairyland with Ms Sharp again.

Beneath the Knowe Amazon UK

Beneath the Knowe Amazon US

New Release! Here Be Fairies Bundle

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book bundles, Bundles, fairies, fairy tales, Fantasy, Fantasy Creatures, Here Be Fairies Bundle

OUT NOW!!!!!!

Here Be Fairies Bundle

https://bundlerabbit.com/b/here-be-fairies

Universal Link https://books2read.com/HereBeFairies

Amazon https://amzn.to/2GTpU6V

Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2HvhsYD

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/here-be-fairies

Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2EFK3rd

I-books https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1370755892

Fairies, fair folk, imps, trolls, and pixies—they haunt our myths from Ireland to Iceland and everywhere else. Join in the fairy fun, or fairy fear, as good, bad, and mischievous they show themselves. Dare you take the trip to Fairyland? No one who returns is ever quite the same.

A 13 -book fairy bundle.

Featuring:

 

Flower Fairies by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Bride Thief by Brigid Collins

Feyland by Anthea Sharp

Phouka by Liz Pierce

The Giving Year by Alexandra Brandt

Summerland’s Paladin by Diana Benedict

Real Girl by Leslie Claire Walker

The Troll’s Belt by J.M. Ney-Grimm

The Clockwork Fairy Kingdom by Leah Cutter

The Kitchen Imps by A. L. Butcher

Faerie Fruit by Charlotte E. English

By Winter’s Forbidden Rite by DeAnna Knippling

Dark Dancer by Jaleta Clegg

 

Dirty Dozen Character Interview – Mab Winthrop – Vampire/Fantasy

Tags

Character Interview, Character Interviews, Characters, Dirty Dozen Interviews, Fantasy, vampires

CHARACTER NAME: Mab Winthrop

• Tell us a little about yourself.

First of all, I really don’t like my last name, so let’s pretend it doesn’t exist from this point forward.  Now, let’s get to the real information such as I’m a vampire and a highly skilled burglar.  My partner and I used to run one of the most infamous crime gangs on the continent until the Great Cataclysm hit, the idiot got sucked into the ground, and the mortals declared war on my entire species.  So, I’ve been more of an assassin and spy for one of the nobles since heists are a little too dangerous now.  I still swipe things that my targets won’t have any use for after I kill them, so I get my kicks that way.  Now that Clyde, he’s the idiot and partner, is back, I’m hoping to return to my roots.  I mean, he’s stronger and more powerful than ever with more of an interest in fighting than stealing, but I’m sure I can smack some sense into him.

 

• Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be?

You might think I don’t because I’m a thief and a vampire, but I do.  Basically, you don’t betray your friends and family.  Top predator or not, mortals still outnumber us, so we have to depend on each other to survive.  You prove to be a traitor and I’ll make sure you don’t get a chance to stab anyone else in the back.  I kind of have a soft spot for kids too, but most vampires do.  I mean, you need the little ones to grow into adults in order for there to be future meals.  Not sure if that’s morality or agriculture.

 

• Would you kill for those you love?

I would and have done that on several occasions.  Not only for those I like, but those I’m okay with too.  Not a big fan of killing on command though, but it’s the only way I can make a living these days.

 

• Would you die for those you love?

I’d prefer not to, but I won’t say it’s never an option.  Being a vampire, I can regenerate a lot of injuries, so the chance of dying isn’t as high as it is with mortals.  Still, I guess I would take a beheading for certain people if I knew they would go on to do great things.  You know, the idea isn’t really sitting well with me, so I think it would be a spur of moment decision that I’d regret with my final breath.

 

• Is your world populated by different races? How do they get along?

I come from Windemere, which is a world of magic and many races.  We have elves, dwarves, halflings, calicos, and a long menu . . . list . . . No, I’ll stick with menu of entrees for my kind.  As a whole, most of the races get along with a few forced onto the outskirts of society like the chaos elves and ogres.  Vampires don’t get along well with the rest of the world, but that might be changing with the Dawn Fangs turning up.  W . . . They can live among mortals and don’t have to kill when they feed, so maybe the hunting and hatred will chance.

 

• Tell us about your family?

Considering I’m a couple centuries old, my only blood relation is my younger brother.  Titus is a vampire too and he’s in charge of the Vengeance Hounds.  They acted as the mercenary side of the gang while Clyde and I did our thief stuff.  My baby brother is a decent swordsman and is huge, so he tends to simply overpower whatever he’s fighting.  The rest of my family would be the gang because we look out for each other.  I know I can depend on them when I’m in trouble and I return the favour whenever I’m called upon.  Not many of us are left since this war started though.  There’s my brother, his two friends, Decker who is more of a partial member, and someone who I refuse to say by name.  I guess every family has that black sheep you want to beat with their own femurs.  She knows what she did.

 

• What is your greatest skill/asset?

Definitely my ability to sneak around and breaking into things.  I know that’s rather general, but I’ve always had a natural talent for getting into places that I shouldn’t be.  That’s basically how I got turned. The gang depends on me to be the best burglar in the world, so I’ve made sure my stealth skills are honed to perfection.  In my opinion, this is a better way to be instead of using brute force.  If you can’t be seen or caught then you can get away with anything.

 

• What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell)?

Thanks for keeping this a secret, but I have to admit that my greatest weakness might be pretty well known.  It’s not that I have a temper since I can remain calm in the face of a lot of frustration.  The problem is that once I blow, I have a lot of trouble coming back down.  I tend to hold grudges, especially towards those I feel have betrayed me.  Titus and Decker tell me that I need to learn forgiveness since eternity is too long a time to be holding onto hate and anger.  Not that they know what they’re talking about since some things can’t be undone with a simple apology.

 

• How would you describe yourself?

I’m a dedicated friend and a highly talented thief who is always willing to share her blood with a hungry ally.  Sure, you don’t want to make me an enemy because I’ll either rob you blind or gut you depending on what you did.  I’m rather easy-going though, so there’s nothing to worry about for the most part.

 

• How do you think others see you?

That entirely depends on who you ask.  Most of the gang sees me as they should, which is the second-in-command and a dependable presence.  There are a few that mistake my honesty and carefree attitude with rudeness, but I don’t deal with nobles enough to care about that.  I will admit that there are some who would call me a stubborn, impatient, angry female dog, but they earned my wrath.  I have no illusions about having enemies.  Is it illusion or allusion?  I always get those mixed up.

 

• Do you believe you will be successful in your quest?

To claim every shiny object in Windemere?  I’m going to do my best, but there are new ones being found every day.  Thank the gods I have eternity.  Although, I might need to change my hiding habits.  I misplaced a few of my stashes, which is why the others keep calling me a vampiric squirrel.  If you’re talking about winning this war with the Duragians then we’ll definitely come out on top.  Clyde is back and stronger than ever.  The two of us together never fail.

 

• Tell us about your greatest achievement

That’s a tough one.  As odd as it sounds, I’d have to say it was making my hydra-skin jacket, which is my prized possession.  It works a little like armour, but I’m very proud of how I got the pieces.  Hydras are pretty nasty even for vampires because they can spew acidic gas and spit poison.  They might not kill my kind, but it takes a long time to heal melted skin and purge those toxins.  I spent weeks sneaking into lairs and snatching scales when the hydras were distracted by other prey.  That still wasn’t as hard as learning how to make clothing without using magic.  Wasn’t easy since the seamstress I was talking to kept asking for Placid blood.  Those things are practically extinct, so I ended up mixing saltwater with elf blood by the end of our deal.  She never figured it out even after she got really sick, which she totally deserved.  Anyway, all of that hard work helped me get this one-of-a-kind jacket that I refuse to part with.

 

 

For the author

Books in which this character appears:

 

Legends of Windemere: The Mercenary Prince

War of Nytefall: Loyalty

Links, short author bio…

Blog
Twitter
Facebook

Website

Amazon Author Page

Bio:
Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn’t working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. Truthfully, his tales of adventure are much more interesting than his real life, so skip the bio and dive into the action.

 

 

Swift Six Character Interview – Rufus Redblade #Dragons #Fantasy

Tags

Character Interviews, dragons, Here Be Dragons Bundle, Heroika, Swift Six

 

3D computer graphics of a female warrior with fantasy dress and sword

Heroika Banner

Name: Rufus Redblade

Which book/world do you live in?

I live in Ilmar, which I understand is featured in Of Blood and Scales – which itself is in Here Be Dragons Bundle and Heroika – Dragon Eaters. I suppose you could say it’s part of my chronicle – although I have never met the bard who sang the song, nor the scribe who penned it.

Tell us about yourself: (Name, race/species, etc.)

I am a Griffin-rider. We used to protect the Archduke and his household before he was murdered. One might say we failed, but a man may be killed in many ways which do not look like murder.

The Griffin-riders are, I suppose you would say, airborne cavalry. We have fought with monsters, men and sometimes magic, but since the new religion has swept the land we were disbanded, now we are scattered. I am now, officially, a mercenary. But I work for the Archduchess Silena if she requires me. I make my money where I can these days.

How do you see your world?

Before the Followers of Arun spread their lies it was a pleasant enough world for a warrior. Border skirmishes, battles with rival houses for the Ivory Throne. The late Archduke brought peace, hard won and hard fought. We maintained the peace, and kept the lands free of monsters, such as hydra. The old gods were more…understanding. Arun is a jealous god and his Followers zealots, one does not disparage Arun’s name in public. There have been a great many…purges.

I have a remarkable, strong and intelligent woman in the Archduchess, and one whom eclipses all other women. I have loyal companions and a fine, courageous griffin. I have money enough to live, and food in my belly. The world is not as bad as it might be for me. Even if I now have to live on the edges.

What part do you play in this tale?

The young princess – who is the last remaining heir – is dying. If she does not live there will be bloody civil war. Peace is worth the cost of my life if it maintains the throne in the correct hands. Silena is regent, and fair, but a woman has never ruled the land. Times must change, but many are loath to see it. I must find a cure for the malady, the curse on the young princess. The Archduchess rightly trusts few and prayers to the new god have brought no response. We must seek the old ways. We must kill a dragon to save a throne.

Do you consider yourself a good person/creature?

Define good. I have taken life in battle, that makes me a killer. I have turned away from the state religion and dabbled in forbidden magic, that makes me a heretic, I have brought about the downfall of a noble house – some would say that makes me a traitor. Good and bad are defined by who is asking, and where he is standing.

Do you follow any religion?

If anyone asks I pay homage to Arun, same as everyone else. In truth I hedge my bets. I have paid homage to the old ways and the old gods. When a man is a warrior and especially a Griffin-Rider one must murmur a prayer to whoever is listening and hope they look favourable on the unworthy such as myself. Religion can be dangerous.

What is your favourite colour/food/music (pick one)?

I have never really thought about my favourite colour. I like good ale and mead, soft bread, firm cheese and good meat. I have eaten far worse.

Here Be Dragons bundle

They stalk our myths and hunt our past—dragons—humankind’s greatest and oldest foe. Good, bad, legendary and deadly. Dare you enter the dragon’s lair?

Tales of dragons, their friends and their foes.

Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, I -books and Nook on the universal link

Universal Link https://books2read.com/HereBeDragonsBundle

Published by Kydala Publishing

 

Heroika: Dragon Eaters

Published by Perseid Press

Available on Amazon, Amazon print and audible.

Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2lRDLPf

Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2lHCrN4

Amazon print UK http://amzn.to/2mpBNnn

Paperback US http://amzn.to/2mwZbhY

Audio – narrated by Rob Goll

Audible UK http://adbl.co/2bnbGu1

Audible.com http://adbl.co/2kXAQp2

Amazon audio http://amzn.to/2mpH6mC

 

3D computer graphics of a female warrior with fantasy dress and sword

Review – Lawyers in Hell #Sharedworld #darkfantasy #historicalfic

Tags

Book review, Book reviews 2018, dark fantasy, hell, Heroes in Hell, Historical Fantasy, historical fiction, Paranormal, Perseid Press

https://amzn.to/2pPSKtm – AMAZON UK

https://amzn.to/2GkYHWw – AMAZON

Lawyers in Hell forms part of the Heroes in Hell shared world. As usual with these anthologies, there is an eclectic mix of stories. Some I enjoyed more than others, but there was nothing I didn’t like. From Guy Fawkes trying to sue Satan (Fawkes believes he is a martyr and thus should be in heaven) to Leonides dealing with a recalcitrant Alexander, to ex-presidents, to succubi causing mayhem and Erra and his Sibbiti (an ongoing theme) there is mischief afoot in Hell.

It shows the talent of these authors that although the stories are clearly written by different people, feature a bewildering array of historical characters in all sorts of weird situations they flow smoothly in a brilliantly crafted world.

Humanity will be humanity – even in hell. And thus individuals wish to sue other individuals and the lawyers who worth and the Hall of Injustice are kept busy. Of course, being hell, nothing is simple, nothing works properly and there’s always a hidden agenda. All the characters have some form of penance to pay – be it taking cases they cannot win, representing demons, facing monsters, dealing with the unpredictable technology, and generally trying to survive Hell. The stories are sad (as I said humanity seeks to be humanity with its many faults), darkly humorous, clever, weird and enticing.

5 stars.

Here Be Dragons Bundle – #Fantasy

Tags

book bundles, Bundles, dragons, Fantasy, Here Be Dragons Bundle

Here Be Dragons – Myth, Monsters and Mayhem

Vol III 

They stalk our myths and hunt our past—dragons—humankind’s greatest and oldest foe. Good, bad, legendary and deadly. Dare you enter the dragon’s lair?

Tales of dragons, their friends and their foes.

Available for pre-order now! Released 31st March 2018

Available on

Here Be Dragons on Bundle Rabbit

Kobo

Amazon. com

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

I tunes

Featuring 13 fabulous dragon-themed stories.

The Crown and the Dragon – John D. Payne

Dragon Writers – Lisa Mangum

Of Blood and Scales – A. L. Butcher

Devouring Light – J.M. Ney-Grimm

Ascension of the Whyte – Karen Wrighton

Of Dragons and Centaurs – Deb Logan

Night of the Clockwork Dragon – Louisa Swann

The Legend of G and the Dragonettes – Russ Crossley

The Dreamweaver’s Journey – Diana L. Wicker

Graybill – Rita Schulz

Star-drake – J.M, Ney-Grimm

Like at Loch Ness – Karen L. Abrahamson

Winter Glory – J.M. Ney-Grimm

 

Dirty Dozen Author Interview – Mandy Eve Barnett

Tags

Author interviews, Dirty Dozen Interviews, kids books, multigenre, Romance

Name: Mandy Eve Barnett

Please tell us about your publications. As a multi-genre author, I have published works in a variety of styles and genres.

My first book, Rumble’s First Scare is a children’s picture book. It tells the tale of a young monster going above ground on his first All Hallows Eve to scare the beings that live there. My other children’s book, Ockleberries to the Rescue, is a chapter book for older children (or perfect for bedtime stories); it is the story of two magical woodland sprites and how they help their forest animal friends. Each chapter is a different animal.

I have one YA novella published entitled Clickety Click, which tells the story of a young orphan, whose guardian’s have a secret identity, which she discovers and why they must protect her until destiny calls.

Currently, my published adult books are The Rython Kingdom, a novella set in medieval England and relaying a troubadour’s adventure’s when he is invited to the King’s court. He aids the King and a lovely and mysterious young woman in saving the kingdom from a vengeful witch. The second novel is The Twesome Loop. A romance with a reincarnation twist set between England and Italy. It is in two time periods 1874 and 2000. The four main characters’ stories overlap in both eras.

What first prompted you to publish your work? I am extremely fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive writing group, who encourage me to write and one member is a publisher. So after some persuasion from everyone, I let Rumble into the world. Once I felt the sheer joy of someone telling me they enjoyed my story there was no stopping me.

Are you a ‘pantser’ or a ‘plotter’? Most certainly a panster, once an idea forms, I let the story flow in whatever direction it wants and edit and revise later. I tried to plot using the ‘romance formula’ once and it was the one and only time I suffered writers block. Never again!

How influential is storytelling to our culture? As a species, we have always relayed stories and I don’t think that will ever change. We have a multiple of mediums to utilize for story telling now from spoken word, to books, to television and film. Even games have storylines. Telling tales is a way to preserve history, be it personal or cultural and, of course, they are the most wonderful entertainment.

Sort these into order of importance:

Great characters

Awesome world-building

Good plot

Technically perfect

 

How much research do you do for your work? What’s the wildest subject you’ve looked at? There is quite a lot of research in my books, although some is personal knowledge gained from past interests, such as reincarnation and the natural world, others are ‘new’. One in particular was intriguing. I read about a body being found in a USA motel five years after the person was murdered. Yep, let that sink in! It was too good a circumstance not to use, so I incorporated it into a manuscript, along with two other unusual real news stories. I then had to research how a body can mummify and what conditions are required for it to do so.

What’s the best advice you’ve received about writing/publishing? Not to expect to be a best seller – it is a pipe dream for the vast majority of authors and you will only be unhappy reaching for an unrealistic goal.

If you could be any fantasy/mythical or legendary person/creature what would you be and why? Oh this is hard as I have always been fascinated with the magical realm. As one of my passions is the protecting of the natural world, I think I would want to be a protector of all animal life and be able to shapeshift in order to save threatened animals.

Is there a message in your books? I actually spent quite some time trying to pinpoint the basis of my writing a while ago. Every story has a basis of love, magic and mystery – without these life is dull and boring so embrace your inner child and love unconditionally.

What is your writing space like? I recently moved and have arranged the master bedroom that I inhabit to my liking. I have a writing space at one end of the room with an L-shaped writing desk in one corner, a multi drawer storage unit full of notebooks, pictures, promotional material etc. and a large sofa chair for reading beside it. A reading lamp has dual purpose for reading or writing as I can swivel it back and forth. I still have to put up my inspirational board and a personal letter from Stephen King (my literary hero).

Tell us about your latest piece? I have just submitted my second YA novella, Creature Hunt on Planet Toaria, to my publisher for editing and am working with an illustrator for the chapter headers. The narrative is set on another planet and tells of four friends battling a large alien monster.

Once I have completed a freelance writing project this month (fingers crossed my client keeps delaying), I will immerse myself into an old manuscript I have left alone for far too long, entitled Life in Slake Patch. It is a speculative fiction story set in an alternative matriarchal society and told by a young man living in this realm, who becomes the catalyst in dramatic changes and conflict.

What’s your next writing adventure? I have two other manuscripts that I plan to publish next year (again fingers crossed). One is a western romance, Willow Tree Tears with a barrel racer caught between two men vying for her love and the other, The Giving Thief is a thriller/suspense, following a young man’s story after he murders someone.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/Mandyevebarnettcom/

www.mandyevebarnett.com

@mandyevebarnett

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6477059.Mandy_Eve_Barnett

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01MDUAS0V

 

 

Bio (short version)

 

Mandy Eve-Barnett is a multi-genre author writing children’s, YA and adult books. Her passion for writing emerged later in life and she is making up for lost time. With five books published since 2011 and five more in progress, she indulges her Muse in creative as well as freelance writing.

Mandy regularly blogs: www.mandyevebarnett.com, where she encourages support and networking for all writers. She is also prolific on social media. As Secretary of her local writers group and President of the Arts & Culture Council she lives her creative life to the fullest.

Mandy currently lives in Alberta, Canada but is originally from England. Her background is diverse and gives her rich experience to utilize in her writing. Mandy has been a nursing professional, a business owner, and a sort after administration expert. She has traveled throughout Europe, parts of America and Canada and was born in Africa.

Mandy is passionate about writing to the point of obsession and she succeeded in becoming a published author in record time. Mandy’s venture into freelance writing has been successful and she and regularly contributes to the Never Been Better page in the Sherwood Park newspaper as well as several anthologies.

Mandy has a new YA novella, Creature Hunt on Planet Toaria coming out in the first half of 2018 and is revisiting and editing a speculative fiction novel, Life in Slake Patch in the second half of 2018. (hopefully to be published in the fall 2018). Other manuscripts in the ‘pile’ are a thriller/suspense, The Giving Thief, and a western romance, Willow Tree Tears. With several requests for a sequel to The Rython Kingdom it has been added to the pending pile.

Read an E-Book Week! Smashwords Sale!

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Free Books, Read an E-Book Week, Smashwords Sale

Ninth Annual Read an Ebook Week Sale!

Smashwords site-wide promotion! 

March 4, 2018 – March 10, 2018

There are tons of books in this sale – here are mine! I am sure there will be more to follow from other authors!

Tales of Erana: Just One Mistake FREE with  code RAE75

Shattered Mirror – A Poetry Collection  FREE with Code RAE75

The Light Beyond the Storm Book I  only $1.50 (half price) with code RAE50

The Shining Citadel  only $1.75 (half price) with code RAE50

The Stolen Tower only $1.62 (half price) with code RAE50

The Watcher FREE with code RAE25