Liars In Hell – Blog Tour and Giveaway #HistoricalFantasy #Fantasy #PerseidPress

In Hell, everyone’s pants are on fire.

Liars in Hell

A Heroes in Hell Anthology

by Janet Morris

Genre: Dark Fantasy Anthology

In Hell, everyone’s pants are on fire.

Hell is a real place. Anyone who has broken a commandment winds up there. That’s pretty much everybody.

Satan is the boss. You’re okay until you’re not. But never fear, all your friends are here. As well as everyone you’ve ever heard of.

For what they have been up to lately, be sure to check in. Thrill to new stories by Hell’s damnedest: Janet Morris, Andrew P Weston, Michael H. Hanson, S. E. Lindberg, Joe Bonadonna, Chris Morris, and Richard Groller.

The Seven Degrees of Lying – Janet Morris & Chris Morris

The Liar, the Witch, and the Ward Robes – Andrew P. Weston

Bait and Switch – S.E. Lindberg

Fibbers in Hell – Michael H. Hanson

The Münchhausen Trilemma – Richard Groller

Hell’s Bells – Joe Bonadonna

School of Night – Janet Morris & Chris Morris

**On Sale for Only $2.99 until the end of the month!**

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

Best selling author Janet Morris began writing in 1976 and has since published more than 30 novels, many co-authored with her husband Chris Morris or others. Most of her fiction work has been in the fantasy and science fiction genres, although she has also written historical and other novels. Morris has written, contributed to, or edited several book-length works of non-fiction, as well as papers and articles on nonlethal weapons, developmental military technology and other defense and national security topics.

Christopher Crosby Morris (born 1946) is an American author of fiction and non-fiction, as well as a lyricist, musical composer, and singer-songwriter. He is married to author Janet Morris. He is a defense policy and strategy analyst and a principal in M2 Technologies, Inc. He writes primarily as Chris Morris, but occasionally uses pseudonyms.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Bookbub

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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

choice of print or ebook copy of Liars in Hell,

$10 Amazon giftcard

– 1 winner each!


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What is something unique/quirky about you?

We breed Morgan horses. We consult with Morgan breeders to help them choose breeding combinations to achieve a desired result.

We are also song writers; Janet plays bass guitar and Chris sings and plays guitar. We have an album on MCA records. Look for Christopher Crosby Morris on Soundcloud or N1M.com

Can you, for those who don’t know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?

Janet wrote her first book in 1975 and Chris was the first one to read and comment on it. Their marriage survived. A routine emerged where Chris would read aloud all the new drafts and we would make edits on the spot. After a few books Chris’ ideas became frequent enough that we agreed he should have credit for writing, whereas before we had kept separate Janet’s storytelling and Chris’ songwriting. The rest, as they say is history.

Who is your hero and why?

Heraclitus of Ephesus, a pre-socratic philosopher, whose Cosmic Fragments foreshadow our knowledge of reality and how to perceive it. Among his precepts is the statement that change alone is unchanging. We’ve worked Heraclitus’ fragments in here and there throughout our books.

Which of your novels can you imagine being made into a movie?

All of them. We write cinematically, our books are vivid adventures undertaken without knowing the destination.  I, the Sun, The Sacred Band, Outpassage and M.E.D.U.S.A. are particularly suited to film. The Threshold Series is a feast of opportunities for today’s special effects creators.

What inspired you, to write School of Night?

We are trying to change what many people think hell is. In other words, we don’t believe in a hell below when people right here and now are struggling to address all sorts of social ills. So in a way, we’re just showing in our stories that no matter where you are in life, you have to learn to deal with people and situations that are very different from your expectations. Of course people are suffering torments, many of which are self-generated from failing or refusing to understand what’s going on. What inspires us is the notion that even the devil needs rehabilitation, perhaps more than any of the damned souls. In our last story in Liars in Hell, the spymaster Frances Walsingham is forced to explain to a plague god that human souls are totally misunderstood by the likes of angels, demons, and that that misunderstanding is the root of all suffering.

Convince us why you feel Liars in Hell  is a must read.

Liars in Hell is a collection of stories by different authors expressing different viewpoints about handling difficulties which at times seem to threaten everything we hold dear. Amazingly, writers from different backgrounds converge on main themes that are sure to strike a chord with readers who simply love a good tale.

Who designed your book covers?

Most of our covers, including Liars in Hell, are realized by Roy Mauritsen, a gifted graphic artist.

Advice to writers?

As for advice to writers, here is all we know: write the story you want to read. Start at the beginning, go to the end, and stop. Seriously. From start to finish you must inhabit the construct in a manner that makes the reader choose to continue; if you, as the writer, can’t feel what it’s like being there, your readers can’t either. So close your eyes, look at your feet where they are standing on the story’s ground; tell me what you see. Tell me what you hear. Ask at the end of each paragraph ‘what happens next?’. If you lose touch with it, wait until you’re back inside it. Tell the story that comes to you, and from you, to me.

Scourge – Blog Tour and Giveaway #Fantasy

Three undertaker brothers fight the monsters who killed their family—and uncover a plot larger and far more dangerous than they ever imagined.

Scourge

A Darkhurst Novel Book 1

by Gail Z. Martin

Genre: Dark Epic Fantasy Adventure

Three undertaker brothers fight the monsters who killed their family—and uncover a plot larger and far more dangerous than they ever imagined.

In a city beset by monsters, three brothers must find out who is controlling the abominations. The city-state of Ravenwood is wealthy, powerful, and corrupt. Merchant princes and guild masters wager fortunes to outmaneuver League rivals for the king’s favor and advantageous trading terms. Lord Mayor Ellor Machison wields assassins, blood witches, and forbidden magic to ensure that his powerful patrons get what they want, no matter the cost.

Corran, Rigan, and Kell Valmonde are guild undertakers left to run their family’s business when guards murdered their father and monsters killed their mother. Their grave magic enables them to help souls pass to the After and banish vengeful spirits. Rigan’s magic is unusually strong and enables him to hear the confessions of the dead, the secrets that would otherwise be taken to the grave.

When the toll exacted by monsters and brutal guards hits close to home, and ghosts expose the hidden sins of powerful men, Corran, Rigan, and Kell become targets in a deadly game and face a choice: obey the guild or fight back and risk everything.

Scourge is a fast-paced, action-packed, monster-filled fantasy adventure with non-stop twists and turns, loyal brothers, found family, forbidden magic, vengeful ghosts, high-stakes intrigue, and dangerous secrets set in a vibrantly visualized world.

Amazon * Audiobook * Audible * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Gail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy, steampunk and more for Solaris Books, Orbit Books, Falstaff Books, SOL Publishing and Darkwind Press. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities and the Night Vigil (Sons of Darkness). Epic fantasy series include Darkhurst, the Chronicles Of The Necromancer, the Fallen Kings Cycle, the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, and the Assassins of Landria.

Together with Larry N. Martin, she is the co-author of Iron & Blood, Storm & Fury (both Steampunk/alternate history), the Spells Salt and Steel comedic horror series, the Roaring Twenties monster hunter Joe Mack Shadow Council series, and the Wasteland Marshals near-future post-apocalyptic series. As Morgan Brice, she writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance, with the Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow series. Gail is also a con-runner for ConTinual, the online, ongoing multi-genre convention that never ends.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

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Swift Six Character Interview – Kirin Aradhya

Character Name: Kirin Aradhya

Which book/world do you live in? Second Eight – The Three Rings

Tell us about yourself: Hmm, not much to tell really. I like being outdoors, fishing, collecting. I like to eat, a lot. I recently found out that I was a Nephilim, so that’s kinda cool.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? I’m pretty carefree, which could go under both of those categories, I guess. I’m hella strong when I turn blue – when I alter Nephilim. I’m pretty much indestructible too, which makes me a pretty effective meat shield for our team.

I can be pretty impatient, but Master Fudo is helping me with all that.

Name three important people/creatures/institutions in your world (such as lovers, pets, government institutions, leaders, gods etc).

Director Travis, I mean he raised us all.

Marcus is my best friend, and roommate.

And I guess Captain G. He’s kinda like my father, even though he isn’t.

What does ‘heroism’ mean to you? Looking out for the little guy. Especially since I used to be the little guy.

What do you think of your ‘creator’? I think he and I would get along. I’d like to take him fishing.

Give us your favourite piece of advice: Be still. That’s what Marcus and Master Fudo tell me when I get angry. If I can just calm down and breathe, everything will be OK.

Book Title: Second Eight – The Three Rings

Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/groups/546850003663157

https://www.instagram.com/thesecondeight/

https://www.thesecondeight.com/

https://a.co/d/9rqdIxf (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-  Byrom/author/B0C4V7DQ7T?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true (Amazon author)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34370933.Brian_Byrom

Book Spotlight – The Second Eight #Fantasy /Mythological

Title: Second Eight – The Three Rings

Author: Brian Byrom

Genre: Fantasy, Religious/mythological

Main character description (short). Marcus Byrne – Stoic. Kind, compassionate, loyal, trusting, smart. People like Marcus, and are drawn to his underlying leadership ability. His personality is governed by his father’s philosophy, largely based on the writings of Marcus Aurelius.

Synopsis: In short, this is Demons and their minions vs. Angels and their human allies, primarily the kids at St. Alexis. The Devil wiped out these kids’ families and they want revenge. But they are kids and are going to need some help. Their parents’ old friends, some demons looking for redemption, and a pile of mythical weapons just might do the trick. It’s fun, scary, philosophical and enlightening.

In Hell, Lucy’s been plotting her revenge for centuries. It’s almost time for her to make her play for the throne, but she has a few loose ends to tie up before she can strike. Step one is eliminating the kids at St. Alexis. 

Once the fighting begins, the kids will discover that their greatest weapons are their faith in and love for each other.

Brief Excerpt 250 words:

Chapter 42

Something about the way Aayo was moving struck Byrne as odd. He was advancing, but slowly, reluctantly, as if he wasn’t sure if he wanted to attack or not. Byrne was prepared to defend himself nonetheless, but about ten feet before he would have made contact, another monster exploded out of the water and took Aayo over the side of the boat, into the black water.

“What… was that?” He looked behind him at Furfur only to see that he was just as shocked as he was.

“That… isn’t possible.” Said Furfur, rain steaming off his flaming body.

The Oni was gone, but the threat from the sky remained. Byrne looked up and shouted, “Incoming!” as hundreds of sigbin descended from the clouds.

Furfur reacted quickly and bounded through the air with lightning speed. He bounced from vermin to vermin, igniting each one he touched.

Byrne followed suit, cutting them down by the dozen as the ones that got past Furfur swarmed around him, gnashing at him with their long claws and their abnormal, asymmetric teeth. Through the swarm Byrne saw the second clone making another dive toward the boat. He had already made it past Furfur, who was climbing higher and higher into the sky as he torched the flying rats. This one’s all mine.

Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)?

Readers should buy Second Eight – the Three Rings if they are looking for a fun, clean, fast-paced fantasy that isn’t a difficult read. It doesn’t get bogged down in massive world building or dozens of characters, making it a light, easily enjoyable weekend book. (It is also appropriate for anyone over 12.)

Links etc.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/546850003663157

https://www.instagram.com/thesecondeight/

https://www.thesecondeight.com/

                        https://a.co/d/9rqdIxf (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-  Byrom/author/B0C4V7DQ7T (Amazon author)

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/34370933.Brian_Byrom

The World of Erana – The People -Part I

The fantasy world of Erana – which features in my Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles series, and the Tales of Erana is a complex world. Magic is illegal – but magic doesn’t know that and it doesn’t care. Mages are illegal, adepts are illegal but still magical people exist, mainly in hiding or unaware that’s what makes them a little faster, a little more talented, a better healer, a craftier thief or whatever. The Order of Witch-Hunters hate magic and seek to divide and rule.

But who are the people of Erana?

Races:

Humans – humans are the predominant race and the shortest-lived. Most humans are not magical if they are pure-blood humans, but it’s not unheard of. They come in many colours – the mainland people are largely pale-skinned but in the Far Isles and some of the Northern areas the people are dark-skinned, and the people who dwell in the Emerald Valley are dark-haired, olive-skinned folk.

Witch-Hunters are all human (or at least look human).

‘Passer’ humans – they have in their ancestry Elven or Trollish blood. It can be several generations back. They look human, but often these are the folk with a bit of magic. If they know of their elven ancestor most would keep it quiet.

Elves – Legally all elves are the property of humans – slaves. They have no rights in law and any elf who moves around must have papers from the human who owns them.

The Forest Elves dwell in the Shimmering Forest, their ancestral home. Much of it is remote, mysterious and unexplored by humans. Many elves are magical to a degree, but at a cost. The elves were once the predominant and most powerful race, but wars and the feared Plague decimated them – spreading to the human and Trollish lands and bringing much death. The elves are still blamed for the Plague and humans are wary.

There are a few Elven towns and villages within the Shimmering Forest, but for the most part the once-great civilisation is gone. Technically even Forest Elves are slaves – and periodically the Slaver raid the Forest, or the Witch-Hunters purge any elven settlements.

Hunters and traders (where they can be) the Forest elves live precariously on what the Shimmering Forest has to offer – with a little light agriculture where the land permits it.

City Elves – these folk live among the humans, either having been born there or having been captured and sold by slavers. Within the larger towns and cities, they are forced to dwell in the poorest area – the Enclave. Some elves live in the homes of their masters and many are harshly treated.

Elven women are considered attractive and are often taken (mostly against their will) to be Kepts to rich men. Male elves too – are taken to work in the brothels, and elves of both sexes usually end up with the hard, dangerous jobs – mining, physical work in the quarries, servants in the houses of the rich humans doing….whatever the human wants.

Half-Elves – legally with the same rights as elves (i.e none) half-elves are the offspring of an elven (or half elven) parent and usually a human parent. They are taller and stockier than elves but generally have pointed ears, an angular face and the wider set eyes of their elven heritage.

Trolls – The Trollkind live in the mountains and hills, and generally avoid humans. They are large, with curved horns on their heads and the male warriors have hard dermal plates on their bodies. Their skin colour ranges from black through to red, grey, even blue now and then, and often similar to the land around their home. They have long, curly hair and pointed ears.

A warrior race they are the only matrilineal race. Their rulers are always women – Shaman – powerful, wise women renowned for their ability to tell fortunes, and the future. The male warriors – called Hirik – are shapeshifters – able to transform into wolves or bears. They are a spiritual people – they honour the gods and respect for their patron god or goddess is very important.

Outsiders see them as strange, rather barbarian as the are often tribal wars, but kin is very important – and alliances can span decades and mountain ranges.

Most humans would never have seen a troll in the flesh.

In a dark world beset by tyranny and lies can love and magic entwined bring freedom? Dark adult fantasy with sizzling sorcery, romance and revenge.

The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles Book I

In a world of forbidden magic, slavery and lies a group of outlaws seek a legend. Facing monsters, Witch-Hunters, hardship and unwelcome truths they must find what has been lost, and discover who they are.

Dare you follow?

The Shining Citadel – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles Book II

Mirandra Var must prove her worth to rule and find the deadly mystery within the StolenTower. If she succeeds, she will become the leader of her tribe. If she fails, there will be no tribe to lead.

The Stolen Tower – The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles Book III

All the books are available as ebooks, paperback, large print paperback, hardcover and audiobooks.

Book Spotlight – Kingdom of Men

Basic Book Spotlight

Title: Kingdom of Men: Sister Worlds Book 1

Author: Tiffany Nicole Terry

Genre: YA Fantasy

Main character description (short). KaLeah is happy being a recluse alongside her stoic father, even if both seem out-of-place in their village. Awkward and masculine, she is rejected by both girls and boys. Forced to protect a hyper-girly child, she is thrust outside of her comfort zone in more ways than one.

Synopsis: KaLeah’s adventure doesn’t begin when a phantom dragon shows her a mysterious object in the woods. It all begins when this news upsets her father. He takes off from their village and doesn’t return. She journeys out to find him, only to find danger and imprisonment instead. The mysteries she unravels is bigger than anything she could have imagined.

Brief Excerpt 250 words: KaLeah took a slow, silent breath and docked her arrow, pointing her nose in the direction of the sound.  After a long day of hunting for big game without luck, she was glad to have finally locked onto an easy shot. 

She could tell from the grunting and shuffling sounds that it was big, but she didn’t care.  KaLeah had carried home large forest beasts before, and she wasn’t afraid of a little exercise.

KaLeah stalked closer to the sounds coming from a clearing up ahead.  She knew the woods well and could picture the grassy clearing.  She moved carefully through the thick forest foliage, using only her hearing to guide her to her target. 

It was rare for animals to make so much noise, but she assumed it was most likely injured.  Since it was in the clearing, it would be a quick shot straight to the heart, wrap it up with some vines, and then home before dark.

She readied her bow, took one step toward the edge of the trees, and froze.  Crouched in the clearing beyond her was a monster with glistening emerald scales.  It gracefully lifted its long, slender neck, and turned its jet-black eyes to hers.

Why should readers buy this book (50 words max)? Three young women, two planets once inhabited by dragons who want the girls to finish the war they started centuries before. With their newfound sisterhood save them from the men, machines, and monsters determined to kill them?

 

Links etc.

https://www.tiffanynicoleterry.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@tntauthor

https://www.facebook.com/tiffanynicoleterryauthor

https://www.instagram.com/tiffanynicoleterry/

Swift Six Author Interview – Cassie Greutman #Fantasy

Name: Cassie Greutman

Please introduce yourself (250 words or so): Hi! My name is Cassie, and I write fantasy. Mostly urban fantasy, but I do have fun in other sub-genres, epic and portal if you want to know specifically.

Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc (short): I have two series out right now. One is the Penchant for Trouble series, an urban fantasy about a fae girl being raised in the human foster care system, and a portal series, called the Arnath Chronicles.

When did you start your writing adventure? What was the inspiration for it? As a kid, I read through every book at our library that I found interesting, and most of them twice! So I started writing my own stories.

What writing plans do you have for the future? I have so many different projects in the works right now. A sea monster story coming out in a Mythicological Creature anthology, an epic fantasy story in a collection of dragon stories called Dracos, and book 4 in my Penchant for Trouble series.

What do you like to read? I’m all over the fantasy/sci-fi spectrum when it comes to reading. I also enjoy a mystery occasionally, or a contemporary story.

What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you’d started your writing adventure?

Just stick with it. You’ll find people who love your work, and it will make you keep on even when it’s early mornings and late nights, just to put a smile on someone’s face.

Author bio and book synopsis

Cassie Greutman is a small town Ohio girl who has always loved stories in any form. You can usually find her typing away at her computer or playing out in the barn with her ponies.

A fae girl in the human foster care system has to fight against her own Council to stay with the only people who have ever cared about her. Her foster parents.

Links/Social media

TikTik: https://www.tiktok.com/@cassiegreutman

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/writeranrider89

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgreutman/

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Cassie-Greutman/e/B079VSM6QK/

Swift Six Author Interview – Jon Cronshaw

Name: Jon Cronshaw

Please introduce yourself (250 words or so):

I’ve been a full-time author since 2017. I’ve zig-zagged between high fantasy, post-apocalyptic, and gamelit. I’m trying hard to stay focused on writing fantasy stories, but that doesn’t stop the Muse teasing me with ideas for space opera tales.

Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc (short)

My main fantasy series is called The Ravenglass Chronciles, this is a 21-novella series where each book is inspired by the tarot. My latest novel, Dawn of Assassins is set a few hundred years after The Ravenglass Chronicles and tells the story of a pair of thieves who are recruited by a master assassin. But they’re thieves, not killers.

When did you start your writing adventure? What was the inspiration for it?

I’ve worked as a professional writer for most of my adult life, mostly in journalism. I’ve written stories, comedy scripts, and lyrics since I can remember, so I’ve always had that drive to tell stories. When I saw I could bypass corporate publishers and produce books on my own terms, that’s when I decided to follow this as a career path.

What writing plans do you have for the future?

To keep writing stories in my Ravenglass Universe. As I establish the universe, I want to branch out into other media and work with other writers. There’s potential for video games, movies, and comics. It’s very exciting. It’s also meant that when I get an idea for a story, I ask myself whether it will fit in the Ravenglass Universe. If it doesn’t, I thank the Muse and move on. 

What do you like to read?

Books! And lots of them! I read in most genres. My favourite stories tend to be fantasy. Give me banter and swashbuckling and you’re onto a winner.

What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you’d started your writing adventure?

Just because someone’s got a system that works for them, it doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.

There is no magic bullet.

Author bio and book synopsis

Jon Cronshaw is a full-time fantasy and speculative fiction author based in Morecambe, England.

Born in Wolverhampton, he has a PhD in the history of art and has written for local and national newspapers across the UK.

He’s an avid reader, podcaster, and history geek.

Dawn of Assassins:

Two friends. A master assassin. One deadly choice.

Fedor and Lev are thieves…not killers.

They lead a desperate life in the tunnels of Nordturm, conning and stealing to buy their next meal.

But when an assassin recruits them against their will, they are forced into a life they do not want and cannot escape.

If they leave, they will die. But if they stay, they must kill.

Can they survive the master’s relentless evaluation?

Is loyalty stronger than the will to live?

Will their friendship last the ordeal?

From the best-selling author of The Ravenglass Chronicles, comes a new thrilling adventure featuring a new cast of unforgettable characters.

You’ll love this high fantasy series, because these unlikely heroes have a story you won’t be able to put down.

Links/Social media

https://joncronshaw.com

https://facebook.com/joncronshawauthor

https://youtube.com/c/joncronshawauthor

https://instagram.com/joncronshawauthor

You can also find Jon Cronshaw’s Author Diary wherever you listen to podcasts.

Swift Six Author Interview – Tahani Nelson #Fantasy #MilitaryFantasy #Femaleheroes

Name: Tahani Nelson

Please introduce yourself (250 words or so): My name is Tahani Nelson, and I’m the author of the Faoii Chronicles, a female-led military fantasy series. I’ve always loved reading, but growing up I struggled to find heroines that I could identify with or aspire to be. Women in classic fantasy always seemed to be damsels in distress or love interests. Even when I could find an awesome heroine with dreams and aspirations, more often than not it seemed she’d meet a guy halfway through the novel and that would be her main focus. I was so over love triangles by the time I turned 16. So now I write all the heroines that young me looked for and couldn’t find—and it turns out I wasn’t the only one searching. Together, we’ve built the Faoii Army—readers that have followed me through everything and come out the other side triumphantly through every obstacle. I think at this point I’m most famous for always attending readings, signings, and events in full armor and warpaint. I know a lot of people told me it was weird when I first started doing it, but you don’t get anywhere in this world without taking a few risks. And let me tell you—a fantasy lover will cut across a room to talk to someone in cool-looking armor. It’s a great conversation starter, and even if someone doesn’t buy my books the first time they pass my booth, there’s no question that they’ll remember they saw me.

Tell us about your book(s) – title, genre etc (short) The Faoii Chronicles is a completed military fantasy series that focuses on the unforeseen aftermath of war. We all have the power to forge new destinies and futures—but ripples can cause tidal waves, and even the smallest actions can change the Eternal Tapestry in monumental ways.

When did you start your writing adventure? What was the inspiration for it? According to my father, I’ve been writing “books” my entire life. I didn’t really start exploring it seriously until high school, though, when I wrote a 360,000 word monstrosity filled with tropes and two-dimensional characters. But I’ve always had supportive, loving people in my life, and they helped me to practice and hone my craft.  I published my debut novel, The Last Faoii in 2017, and with the incredible support of the Faoii Army, it’s grown beyond anything anyone ever expected. It’s truly been an honor.

What writing plans do you have for the future? Honestly, I don’t know right now. The Faoii Chronicles have been the center of my existence for so long that I’ve kind of forgotten what my life was like before I started it. Now that the series is complete and available everywhere, I’m paralyzed by choice. I can keep writing military fantasy or I can move on to something with dragons or I can explore the science fiction world I created in a short story called “Honeysuckle Sky.” I’m free to do anything. I have no doubt that inspiration will strike and carry me forward the same way it did for my first series. You haven’t heard the last of me.

What do you like to read? I love fantasy, but I also come back to the classics quite often. Fahrenheit 451 is my favorite novel of all time, and I read it anytime I worry about whether or not my words have worth. When I search for something new, I try to support indie authors, because I know how much of a difference a single sale can make sometimes. And ripples can cause tidal waves.

What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you’d started your writing adventure? Stop comparing yourself to other writers. There will always be someone who writes more than you each night. Who sells more copies or who attends more events or makes more in royalties. It is so easy to get discouraged when you’re constantly comparing yourself to other authors—especially on social media. Those highlighted reels of other people’s “best of” moments while you only focus on your “bloopers” track. Comparison is a thief of joy. It is a soul crushing habit made specifically to extinguish whatever sets your soul on fire. Instead, I encourage you to think about where you were a year ago. Or five. Or ten. That person in the earliest stages of writing would have believed you could ever come this far. They would be so proud of you. And rightfully so. You’d be their hero. YOUR hero. And that’s exactly how it should be. If you must compare, then only compare the author you are now to the author you were then. And keep going. I can’t wait to see what author you’ll be.

 

Author bio and book synopsis

Tahani Nelson is an author and English teacher in Billings, Montana. With hundreds of 5-star reviews and an ever-growing army of Faoii at her back, Nelson has become a common attendee at author events, Renaissance festivals, news programs, and conventions across the US– always wearing full armor and a face resplendent with warpaint. While her most notable appearances have been at the Indie Audiobook Awards and Fantasycon discussion panels, she most frequently gives presentations about empowerment and creating strong, healthy female role models in modern media.

Synopsis of The Faoii Chronicles

The Faoii Order is the shield of Imeriel. Wielding both magic and blade, these women have held back ancient evils and maintained sacred rites for millennia. But when a dark war uncovers secrets that even the Faoii cannot keep hidden, it starts a chain of events threatening the free will of an entire continent.

As old leaders fall and new ones rise to take their place, a warrior, a thief, and a launderer all strive to fix what’s been broken. But none can see how their actions affect the Eternal Tapestry—and all are unknowingly bound to the Threads that the others grasp.

In an intricate tale that spans centuries, The Faoii Chronicles is both empowering and immersive. Everyone has the power to forge their own destiny—and even the smallest actions can change the Weave in monumental ways.

 

 

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The Last Forest – Excerpt #Fantasy #Shortstory #Dystopian

The Last Forest (c) A.L. Butcher

The whine of the chainsaws, and the rumble of iron machines cut through the growing sound from the forest. Death came on tracks of metal and wheels of rubber. The monkeys who commanded the machines waited, smoking and pointing towards the edges of the forest. “Where do we start?” one asked, eyeing the trees.

“Make your way to that big old one – the tallest. That will take out plenty when it falls. Look it’s three-quarters rotten anyway! Break the heart of the forest and tame it! That is how it’s done, lad.” The speaker pointed towards the Great Oak, satisfaction creased his face, and power gave his countenance a smirk. The monkey who walked on two feet was lord of the land and knew it well. He had brought death to the flora and fauna of this land, and their sap and blood soaked the soil. And he ignored the cacophony of music around him.

“This is the last patch of woodland in the country, the only unspoiled wilderness left,” someone said, from the back. “Must we?”

“It’s coming down. It’s needed for houses – people are more important than trees. They are just plants.” The foreman glared at the speaker, as the wind began to blow around them. “It’s not the last, there’s that coppice over in Haydock, and the Amazon of course.”

“The Amazon went a decade ago, boss. And that place in Haydock was bulldozed last year.” The first speaker reminded him.

The boss shrugged. “Not my problem. We have our orders. Now get to it, there is no place for conscience or sentiment here.”

The machines snarled, they spat their poison breath and rumbled forward, inexorable, awful. Monsters of modernity, some had called them. Progress had been their name from others. All the trees understood was the choking stench and the inexorable roar of impending death. Trees are not complicated, but they are not stupid. The knowledge of the wood pulsed through every branch and root; the force of nature, the will of life to survive surged.

Crack! The sound of tons of wood uprooting drowned the roar of the engines. It was the sound of defiance. Earth showered from roots, and leaves swirled as the mighty trees moved. Nature stopped; from red fox, and blackbird to tiny grey mouse life paused – the cry of war flowed through the ground, squeaked from the lowliest and sung from above. ‘We come! We stand! We fight! Nature Rises!’

Birds swooped, squawking at the monkeys who walked on two feet. Beaks were sharp, and eyeballs soft. The brave robin and the humble thrush dived, their song the sound of battle as they flew towards danger. ‘Be gone! Be gone!’

The humans flapped their arms against the onslaught.

“Get away, filthy creatures!” one monkey yelled. “I hate birds!” His flapping arms knocked birds to the ground, and some rose up for another onslaught. Others lay broken but roused the song to inspire their comrades.

“What is this? Alfred Hitchcock been ‘ere?” The foreman cried, trying to bat away the crows, pecking at his face. Blood flowed, feathers flew, and the beat of the Primal Song changed again – the music surged as other creatures joined the fray.

Available as an ebook and audiobook https://books2read.com/TheLastForest