Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Author Interview with USA TODAY BEST SELLING AUTHOR, Luke Romyn - The Legacy Chronicles



Book Description from Amazon: Haunted by the toxic memories of a torturous foster-father, Jacob Hope yearns to make a difference in a world gone awry, trying to accomplish some small scrap of good in an ocean of wrong. Tumbling through life with no true direction, Jake unwittingly reveals a nightmare.

The gates of Hell have been unlocked, and something long imprisoned has broken loose from its shackles to roam free upon the Earth. It cannot be bargained with, it cannot be defeated, and it exists with only desolation in its heart....

Longing to confront such evil but not knowing how, Jake must embark upon a journey not only of destination, but of self-discovery. In his attempts to thwart a fallen angel, Jake must also come to grips with his own part in this almighty drama.

For above it all haunts the inheritance he alone must bear, a legacy which will save or doom all of mankind.


What inspired you to start writing, and when? I just started. There was no great thought put into the process. I’m a very spontaneous person, so when I do things they tend to be on the spur of the moment. I just remember thinking I wanted to write a book, so I did – you know, after I tore out all my hair and finished bashing my face against a keyboard for several years.

What is your preferred genre? Action and Adventure. I’ve always loved Indiana Jones style adventures and try to incorporate a little of that into each of my novels.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy? I just published my eighth novel. There are two series involved in that as well as a standalone novel.

Tell us a little about your book. My latest series asks the question: What if the man chosen to save humanity was just a normal guy? Jacob Hope discovers one day he is the new messiah, destined to walk the human race through Armageddon. Along the way he needs to learn how to fight demons and fallen angels, all the while trying to figure out how to close off the gates of Hell.

Do you have plans for a new book? I’m already writing my ninth. It’s shaping up nicely.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? I recently met Raymond E. Feist at Comic Con. He’s one of my all-time favorite fantasy writers and was absolutely lovely in person.

Was there an Author that inspired your writing? There were, and are, many. Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Lee Child, George R. R. Martin, Raymond E. Feist, David Gemmell just to name a few. Authors should never stop being inspired.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? I would if I wore pants.

What is it that you enjoy most about writing? Escaping into worlds of my own creation and bringing a little escapism into the life of someone I will probably never know.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? I’ve always read paperbacks, but am currently reading on an ereader. On a recent overseas trip I relied solely on my ereader rather than lugging around cases full of books. But an ereader looks so lonely by itself on a bookshelf.

Where do you prefer to buy your books? I recently met the folks from Mysterious Galaxy bookstore in San Diego and loved buying from them.  

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author? I’ve worked with both agents and publishers and have found the indie road works best for me at the moment. That isn’t to say I wouldn’t work with a publisher again, but I love the control and freedom I have as an indie.

What books would you like to read again? I’m currently reading The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen Donaldson for the first time since I was a kid. It brings a whole new perspective to the story when reading it through adult eyes.

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? Definitely none of Stephen King’s. I think Game of Thrones translates the books quite well, but only because, as a television series, it is able to fit in so much more detail. Movies are forced to condense so much that a lot of the story is lost.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)? I usually read more than one book at a time. Apart from the Stephen Donaldson one (paperback) I mentioned above, I’m also reading The Stand by Stephen King (paperback), and A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (ebook).

Who designed the cover of your book? I do all my own cover designs.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? Not a cover alone. But a good cover combined with a fascinating book description would definitely drag me in.

Do you have any advice for other writers starting out? You don’t fail so long as you refuse to give up. Grow a thick skin and plow through all the negativity that is sure to assail you. If your writing touches one person it is all worthwhile.

Do you write under a pen name? If I did I’ve chosen a bad one. Nobody can even pronounce my last name. No, that’s my name on the books, exposed for all the world to see.

Do you ever write in your PJ’s? I write in whatever I’m wearing at the time. The beauty of working in your own home is clothing is always optional.

What are your pet peeves? Whining. I absolutely despise it.

You are trapped on a tropical island – who would you like to be stranded with? Wilson the Volleyball.

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes? You do realize I’m a guy, right? I guess I’ll go with shoes.

Cats or dogs? Guinea pigs.

Tell us about someone or something that just made your day – I got to meet Raymond E. Feist at Comic Con recently and managed to have a short chat with him. He is one of my all time favorite authors and turned out to be a really nice person. I couldn’t stop smiling for the rest of the day.

What is your favorite food and beverage? Chili chicken kebabs. Beverage is lemon squash.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing? Between 8 – 15 hours on my normal weekdays. On the weekends when I work nights I generally only manage about 4 or 5.

What are 3 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)? Pants, hands, and a dash of devastating charm.

Sleep in or get up early? I work days and nights. Sleep is a rare commodity.

Laptop or desktop for writing? Definitely desktop. I need space for clutter.

Your favorite gadget? My Samsung tablet or phone.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? Always in my office, every day without fail.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad. The good ones are great; they’re what authors live for. The bad ones not so much. Not all books are for all readers, and you can’t please everybody. Getting a bad review is like filtering out people who aren’t meant to read your work, but if my writing helps a single person smile or escape from their daily drudgery for a short time, then all the bad reviews in the world are worth it. I don’t write for the people who dislike my work, and as such I shouldn’t be affected by their words.

Do you have a bucket list? Not really. I just like to live for the moment, not for tomorrow or yesterday, just right now.

One of your favorite quotes – “Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors.”

List 3 of your favorite movies? Troy, Gladiator, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed? Game of Thrones.


Publishing his first book, The Dark Path, in 2009 saw it voted in the top 10 horror novels of that year, even though Luke denies ever intending the novel to be classed as horror.

Luke Romyn has gone on to become a USA Today best selling author and is now one of the most popular indie authors in the ever-growing eBook market. 

He personally completes everything from cover art to final formatting, working tirelessly with editors to refine the best stories possible for his readers. The results are international bestsellers you're certain to love diving into. Hundreds of thousands of readers can't be wrong.



Where can your readers stalk you? I’m on Facebook, Twitter, and they can contact me through my website, http://www.lukeromyn.com

Is your book in Print, ebook or both? All my books are both print and ebook.

Do you give free ebooks away in exchange for honest reviews? No, although one of my reviews on Amazon claims I did, which was just weird. All my reviews are from people who felt the urge to share their views, not people who felt compelled to do so because of a free book.

Book links: All the links for my books can be found here: http://lukeromyn.com/the_purchase_links

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.

 

Please support indie authors and share this interview with your friends. 



Patti Roberts
Author/Book cover designer and book formatter - ebook and print.




Author Interview with Tania Elizabeth - The Tier of Eternal Grace




Book Description from Amazon:
BOOK ONE : The Moon Clearing
“She lives of Heart through Battles of Mind”
It was a place of peaceful enchantment. It was a place of all you could dream.
“I have existed always! Where I began I do not know, for all I know is just as I am today!”
As Queen of Eterna Fadas, Tatiana was thought to have lived a life of opulence. Her faith and beliefs were her endearing essence. So why then was it so that beneath the picture of perfection laid torments and terrors even she dare not explain.
Being She came with its prices paid. Being She came with a deal; a contract in which she was to relinquish herself to a rogue of unmerciful fury. A fury of whom she believed she could save. A fury who would settle for nothing less.
Would this be the end of all she ever know? Would this be the end of her existence?

What inspired you to start writing, and when?
I began writing at the tender age of 11. Though in regards to when I decided to become a published author… well… that began within a ride of internal search and growth. One in which led myself on much emotional turmoil and beauty, all at the same time. But one that also allowed me to believe in the truth of who I was – who I am. With this, came my paper and pen, and this be where The Tier of Eternal Grace was first woven.

What is your preferred genre?
Fantasy Fiction of course ;) …with a twist of inspiring word alongside. Though as a reader, I enjoy delving into most genres.

How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?
The Tier of Eternal Grace is a trilogy. Book One, The Moon Clearing. Book Two, The Mirrors Shadow. Book Three, The Souls Cry.

Tell us a little about your book.
The Tier of Eternal Grace series has just had an entire makeover, both inside and out. This has been an incredibly beautiful yet tiring process, but all absolutely worth it. We’re off to LA next year. Big things are rumbling ;)
Every page from beginning to end will keep you enthralled. The characters and their world will become more than just a story read. They will find a way into your very depths. You will become they. They will become you. They are the faeries you thought, but never really knew. They are the faeries whom shall become your own – literally.

Do you have plans for a new book?
As a matter of fact I do, and I will be heading to Far North Queensland to begin my research on some of the magical elements to be found on those pages. Beyond those details my lips are sealed. ;)

Was there an Author that inspired your writing?
Two authors will forevermore be my greatest inspiration, for they made such an impact on myself as a child. Enid Blyton – for it was The Wishing Chair and The Faraway Tree that introduced me to the world of fantasy writing. Secondly… William Shakespeare. It was through his words that I very quickly became enamored with all poetic influences.

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?
I would have to say ‘write by the seat of my pants’. I trust in the process. I trust that the characters will lead myself where it be I am meant to go. Now granted, there are always timelines that must then be worked on, otherwise some things just don’t seem to fit. But for the most part – this girl just allows the story to weave its own magic.

Did you have an editor edit your books?
Yes, absolutely.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
To read: paperback without a shadow of a doubt. Though I do still buy hardcovers when I can, simply because they look phenomenal on the bookshelf. Admittedly, I’m an old fashioned girl. There is something about holding the book in your hands – the scent, the sound of each page turned. You know what I mean ;)

Where do you prefer to buy your books?
Book stores. More often then not… the best books I own are found in one of the little independent tucked away book stores that none really know about.

Are you a self- published (Indie) Author?
Yes, I am an Indie author, and my journey was chosen to hold within this place for the time being, as it has allowed me to understand more about myself, and the world of literary itself.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I have just picked up a paperback of Change of Heart by Jodi Piccoult. I have enjoyed reading several of her books. Will have to let you know how this one goes.

Who designed the cover of your book?
The divine and gifted Miss Patti Roberts. Patti felt the truth and beauty within the magic of thy story. She brought thy enchanted peoples world and their essence to the very cover of thy pages. And the deeper people look into the meanings of each piece on the covers; the more magic stands to be found.

Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it? 
Absolutely. The cover must give you an insight into the pages within.

Do you have any advice for other writers starting out?
My best advice for anyone no matter what you do is to simply believe. If you can do that than you’re half way there. We can be all that we desire – we can do all that we so wish… we just have to trust. Well… that alongside a bit of elbow grease (hard work).

Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Hell yes. Nighttime writing is no better than when I am snuggled up in my PJ’s.

What are your pet peeves?
People who don’t clean up after themselves, impatient drivers, and lights left on. Grrr… always having to follow people around my house turning off lights that are left on unnecessarily.

You are trapped on a tropical island - who would you like to be stranded with?
The loves of my life – my three angels. Can I take a good man along too? ;)

Pick one - Wine, Chocolate or shoes?
Chocolate! Chocolate! Chocolate! That isn’t even a question ;)
While I write, you will often find me with some chocolate at my side.

Tell us about someone or something that just made your day –
One of my twin daughters just played the cello in her second eisteddfod. Was such a proud moment, as is any and every moment just the same for us mummas. These times always bring me to tears.

What is your favorite food and beverage?
Favourite food? Hmm… that would be a good roast pumpkin, feta and pine nut salad.
Beverage? A good chai latte.

How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?
It varies depending on what is going on in my life. As a single mum, I juggle my three angels, home, writing, and a business. Never is there a dull moment in this girl’s life.

What are 3 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
I’d like to think that I have clothes on my back. Not sure people would like me walking around in the nude. LOL
I always make sure I have my sunglasses and my crystal jewelry. Actually feel naked without even those.

Sleep in or get up early?
Get up early baby. I love to greet the morning with a deep breath and a grand and grateful hello J

Laptop or desktop for writing?
Laptop. I love to take my work with me here, there and everywhere. My favourite spot to write would be either in the park by the beach or at my favourite café. I am there so often that the staff call me a part of the furniture.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Much of writing happens at night once my kids are asleep and the quiet surrounds me. Otherwise, at the café or in the park as I mentioned earlier.

Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad – 
I think they’re great – both the good and the bad. All that we receive, does it not allow us to grow? Does it not allow us to better oneself?

Do you have a bucket list?
Yes J But that is all you shall get from me. My bucket list would fill this entire page.

One of your favorite quotes –
Again, the list of quotes I could name would be endless. I could also be bias and state one from within The Tier of Eternal Grace series. Every chapter begins with a quote that aligns with what is happening within that particular chapter.
However, if I was to choose one quote that will forever stand out for me, it would be Napoleon Hill “What the mind can conceive and believe. The mind can achieve.”

List 3 of your favorite movies?
The Notebook, Schindler’s List and Avatar.

What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
Actually, would you believe that the last movie I watched on the weekend just gone was The Notebook. And yes, I still cry my heart out – every time without fail.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Presently all three books within the series are only available in print, but will be available as ebooks within the next 2-3 weeks.

Book links:
Find all my books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all good bookstores.

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.  I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. 












Please support Indie authors and share this post.


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Author Interview – Sandy Wolters – Soul Mates

Book Description from Amazon:

Pulled Back Through Time, Shandelle Is Caught Between An Enduring Love And A Wizard’s Magic

In the beginning of time, one soul splits into two. Lifetime after lifetime, the two souls are reborn and seek to reunite. Like a beacon of light from heaven above, their light shines for each other. Without the other, there is only darkness. A wonderful blessing that can only come from a deeply-bonded love, the sharing of one soul can also be a black curse if something disrupts the moment of their coming together.

Ireland 1323 - Donovan, chieftain of the Clan O'Brien, has unsuccessfully searched his entire adult life, to the detriment of his clan and all those around him, for that elusive possession that will bring his soul peace. He doesn't know what it is, but he will give up everything to find it. One day, he is summoned by the Wizard and told the secret of his obsession—his soul mate. She is no longer living in his time, but there is a way to bring her back to him.

Phoenix 2013 - Shandelle and Ian are embarking on their new life together. She is everything Ian ever wanted but never realized he needed before he met her. Shandelle is a generous soul who lives to make Ian and everyone around her happy. Unfortunately for them both, evil is stalking them. The blood bond duty of a close friend brings betrayal and evil into their lives. How were they to know that the death of a six-year-old girl in the early fourteenth century could have such grave consequences on their lives today?



What is your preferred genre?

My preferred genre is romance, but I write within several different sub-genres – paranormal romance, crime drama/police procedural romance, time-travel romance, contemporary romance.  Most of my books have had a touch of ghostly paranormal events in them.


How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

To date, I’ve written five novels.
 
Maggie Mae,  steamy contemporary romance with a ghostly paranormal twist
Justice For Emily, steamy romantic suspense/police procedural with a ghostly paranormal twist
A Brother’s Love, romantic suspense with a ghostly paranormal twist
Soul Mates, steamy time travel romance
When One Door Closes – Book 1 in the Rock Star Series, steamy contemporary romance with a ghostly paranormal twist

I am currently writing Another Door Opens, Book 2 in the Rock Star Series.  I am also in the middle of a sequel to Maggie Mae.  It will cover Carley and Marc’s story, two secondary characters that readers repeatedly ask me about.

  
Tell us a little about your book.

Soul Mates is a book that took me way out of my comfort zone.  I had wanted to write it for quite some time, but to be honest with you, the thought of doing time travel really scared me. Also, up to that point, while I had written paranormal romance dealing mostly with ghosts and intuition, moving into the fantasy genre where magic and wizards lived was a little bit terrifying.  I wanted to do it right. 

Time travel is tricky because you don’t want to confuse your reader when changing time frames.  It was also a little bit overwhelming for me as an author because not only is Soul Mates a contemporary fantasy romance, it’s also a historical fantasy romance.  That means there has to be differences in many parts of the book such as language, behavior and scenery.

Soul Mates takes place in Phoenix, Arizona, 2013, as well as Ireland, early 1300s.

Thank goodness, it’s been really well received.  I’ve had many people tell me they had no confusion whatsoever over the time changes.  I have to tell you, I breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Soul Mates took first place in the Paranormal Romance Guild’s 2013 Reviewer’s Choice Awards for Best Paranormal Romance Novella.    

Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants?

I never plot.  I’d never be able to stick to an outline.  I know a lot of authors write this way, but to me, it seems very restrictive.  I will say, though, that many times before I start a book, the characters will start to introduce themselves to me.  Pretty soon, they’ll start giving me scenes, so I do have an idea how the book will come together, but I never really know what order I’m going to put those scenes in or even how the book is going to end.


Did you have an editor edit your books?

Absolutely!  My editor is Dannye Williamsen with Your Editing Partner.  She not only edits my books, she gives me tips to become a better author.  She’s wonderful.  I know that when I give her a manuscript, not only will she edit the book, she will be completely honest with me about rewrites.  I trust her.

Dannye also does all of my book covers for me.  She’s put together banners with my book covers and created some really beautiful work that I’m proud to display.  She’s amazing.


Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

E-readers changed my life.  I’ve always read a lot.  Unfortunately, over the years, my vision has dwindled considerably.  I can no longer read paperbacks.  Before e-readers came out, I was purchasing all of my books in hard covers and even going with large print when I could find them.  The cost was very high.  Now, all I have to do is make the print larger on my Kindle and I can read anything!

I am not ready to get rid of any of my print books, though.  My husband is building me a bookshelf that is floor to ceiling and uses three walls.  I can’t wait to display all of my books.  Nothing makes a room warm and cozy like bookshelves stacked high with all the wonderful books you’ve read over the years.


Do you have any advice for other writers starting out?

Yes.  This goes back to the editor question.  When I first started as an indie author, I thought going over my manuscript hundreds if not thousands of times would insure that there would be no grammatical mistakes.  I’m not great with commas or punctuation, but I really thought I had caught all of the words that were spelled wrong.  That was not the case.  My mind knew what word was supposed to be in that particular spot, so when I got to a misspelled word, my mind didn’t recognize it as being wrong.  I just read it as it was supposed to be.

A friend that proofreads for a living contacted me and told me about several mistakes she had found in one of my books.  I was horrified.  She offered to edit them for me and I took her up on it.  While this was a very generous offer, I didn’t realize that this was still the wrong path to go down.

Every author needs to find an editor that has experience with editing novels, preferably novels in your own genre.  It’s a totally different animal than simply proofreading legal documents and papers written by students.  It’s a special talent that takes a certain kind of expertise and it is probably the most important thing an author can do to prepare your books for publication.


Tell us about someone or something that just made your day –

Just yesterday, I was having a particularly bad day.  I started going through my e-mails and found one from someone I didn’t recognize.  I opened it and found this (spoiler alert):

“I have read each of your books four times.  I finished A Brother’s Love last night.  I cry as hard as Pilar when she lost Little Man and his family.  Your writing is great.”

It’s moments like that, when you find out your writing has touched someone that means the world to me.


Where can your readers stalk you?

Blog – Sandy’s Spotlight:  http://sandywolters.weebly.com/sandys-spotlight
Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/Sandy-Wolters/e/B00569J3UI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1


Is your book in Print, ebook or both?

All of my books are available in print at Amazon and digital at all retailers.

Do you give free ebooks away in exchange for honest reviews?

I do give free books out occasionally, but I never expect a review in exchange unless I have approached a reviewer or a blogger.


Book links:

Amazon GEO:  http://ow.ly/Ajynr
B&N:  http://ow.ly/puzEa
iTunes:  http://ow.ly/puzMY
Kobo:  http://ow.ly/qKqvZ



What people are saying about Soul Mates, an award winning time travel romance by Sandy Wolters:

“I was curious to see how switching from the past to the future and back again and again would turn out but I have to say it really works well.” – monica.

“I loved reading about 14th century Ireland and I loved how easily she transitioned from that time period to present day Arizona. I won’t give any spoilers, but I will say if you like time travel romance, and wizardly magic, you will love Soul Mates. Sandy’s writing is, as always, smooth and seemingly effortless. She switches from past to present with ease, and I found myself looking forward to each new passage in time. If you’ve never read a Sandy Wolter’s novel, this is a great place to start. And once you finish Soul Mates, you’ll be looking for more stories by Sandy. She never disappoints.” – Journey.

“This novel shifts back to the 1300′s Ireland and back to the present day frequently. But one has no problem following the story line in either timeframe. This book is magical, literally, with sorcery, magic, and time travel. It is very captivating, the writing is smooth and moves right along. It’s what every romantic wants to read: how true love never dies. Highly recommend.” – Nancy of Utah.

“If you are looking for a romantic escape that is tinged with time travel, drama, excitement and paranormal, then I highly recommend this book!” – Ashley Fontainne.

“Sandy Wolters has become one of my favorite authors in the past couple of years. It’s all been very good and very different but I would have never seen this one coming. Ranging in a time frame from 1323 to 2013 her main characters fall in love through the ages. It’s a beautiful idea and masterfully written and it gives a new meaning to true love forever.” – Abouchard.

“Sandy Wolters is a master wordsmith that weaves beautifully crafted tales of romance that make you a firm believer in happily ever after.” – TeenBlurb.

“I really enjoyed this book. Sandy writes a captivating love story through time travel. I have read 3 time travel books and I must say this one really worked for me. Normally I’m not a huge fan of time travel but this one is good and well written. I’m not one for spoilers but … if you love a true love story … read this book.” – Vikki.

“Shandelle and Ian have known each other through the ages. A plot that began in the 1300s unfolds in the present day. Time travel, secret heros, a Irish chieftain, an evil wizard are woven into a story that is gripping and extremely hard to put down!” – kph.

“Soul Mates by Sandy Wolters offered a completely different take on the typical “soul mates” story. I was afraid the future and past parts of this story would become too tangled and steal from the actual story. Boy, was I wrong. Ms. Wolters did a great job at juggling so much that could be confusing, instead making it not only understandable, but fun and exciting.” – Tina Marie “Tina Reiter”.

Excerpt: 
The first two chapters of Soul Mates can be read here:  http://sandywolters.weebly.com/soul-mates-excerpt.html


Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.  I hope you share this interview with your friends so we can all get to know you a little better. 
Patti Roberts
Author/Book cover designer and book formatter - ebook and print.
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