Meet Sebastian Wallace...

I've been so wrapped up in Wicked Hunger the last month and prepping for the release of Wicked Power on May 1st, that I fear I've neglected some of my other characters. Ketchup has been stealing the spotlight lately, but I wanted to make sure Bas got an equal chance. 

So, meet Sebastian Wallace from Soul Stone (Escaping Fate #2) and make your own decision on whether he's arrogant, annoying, and out to make Arra's life miserable... or something else entirely. 

Please join me in welcoming Bas. He's ready to tell us more about his role in Soul Stone and why Arrabella, the girl with the dreams, apparently can’t stand him.

Bas: How did I know questions about Arra were coming? Silly me to think you wanted to hear about the curse.

By all means, tell us about the curse first. We’ll save the details about you and Arra for the end.

Bas: (shakes his head) Okay, fine with me. I missed the whole Aztec curse, as I was overseas visiting relatives during the summer. I really didn’t know what was going on with Arra even after I got back until she asked me for a favor. Even then, I wasn’t really sure what was going on, but I knew it was only the first step in a long, weird journey. One that’s probably not ending any time soon.

If you knew that, why did you decide to help Arra?

Bas: Why wouldn’t I help her?

Well… because you two don’t get along.

Bas: I get along with Arra just fine. She just doesn’t get along with me.

So, Arra’s the problem? Not you?

Bas: Of course not.

So, you didn’t give her a goose egg on her head and not apologize? Or get her phone confiscated? Or spill her chemistry experiment? Or…

Bas: Those were all accidents. Every single one of them.

And you wonder why Arra doesn’t believe you. Anyway, tell us about Sibeal Ahearn, the girl who has suddenly become the center of some very strange dreams.

Bas: Sibeal, yes, there’s definitely something weird going on with her. Aside from her creepy reflection. Really, she’s a nice girl. She’s pretty and smart, sweet. Under normal circumstances, the guys probably would have been all over her.

Including you?

Bas: Well, no …

Why not?

Bas: I’m just not interested in her like that. I mean, I want to help Arra figure out what’s going on and make sure she doesn’t die, but not for any romantic reasons.

Who would you like to save… for romantic reasons?

Bas:  Are you trying to get me to admit something about Arra? It’s not going to happen. I don’t know why, but I seem to bring out the worst in her. We’re barely managing friends as it is. I just got sucked up in all of this because she’s Tanner’s girlfriend. I’m trying to help save Sibeal. It isn’t any more complicated than that.

Hmm, if you say so. What if Arra has more strange dreams? Will you help her with whatever they bring as well, or are you done after this one?

Bas: Well, just because we aren’t that great of friends doesn’t mean I want to see her die. If she needs my help again, she knows I’ll be there.

I’m sure she’ll be glad to hear that. Tanner, maybe not so much.

Bas: What’s that supposed to mean?

It looks like we’re about out of time, Bas, so sorry. I guess it will just have to remain an enigma, just like why the whole town of Grainer thinks you can do no wrong. So many mysteries, and only enough room for one more question. What will the dreams bring next? 

Bas: I suppose it would be too much to ask for it to be something good. I’m not really sure, but Arra said something about Oracle Lost the other day. You’ll have to ask her for more details, I was only half paying attention because I was trying to get all of her pencils out of her backpack without her noticing at the time.

Bas, Bas, Bas. I do hope you know what you’re doing. Until we see you again, good luck with the curses, and with Arra. 

See what Bas is up to in Soul Stone in Paperback or Kindle

You can also check out the book trailer for Soul Stone!

Character Interview: Owain (In the Winds of Danger by Linda Ulleseit)

Today let's get to know the determined Owain from Linda Ulleseit's YA fantasy novel, "In the Winds of Danger." 

INTERVIEW WITH OWAIN

In the Winds of Danger

First of all, Owain, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a groom in High Meadow, working with the marvelous winged horse Adain. His rider is Emma, who’s very good to me. I’m sixteen years old, and I have red hair. People say that means I have a temper, but Emma tells them to hush. I was born in Merioneth, near the sea, and came to the mountain town of Tremeirchson when I was eight. I moved to High Meadow when it was founded by Emma and Davyd four years ago.

Tell us about High Meadow.

It’s not a very old place, and most of the inhabitants are young. The majority of the older folks stayed in Tremeirchson when we fled due to bad water. It was critical to move to save the flying horses. High Meadow is deeper into the Welsh mountains than Tremeirchson, in the area called Gwynned. It is remote and hard to find. In the morning, the gray mist comes down from the mountain tops to blanket the town, but it usually burns off by afternoon. High Meadow is supported by patrons from Merioneth, who fund barns to compete in the annual Aerial Games. The Games provide a livelihood for the entire town.

Who’s in charge of High Meadow and how do you feel about them?

Davyd’s in charge of the town. He’s married to Emma. They’re terrific. First Barn is run by Tristan, and Second Barn by Evan. Evan is pretty intense. He has some crazy ideas. I’m glad he’s not my barn leader. Tristan, though, can be weak when it comes to making decisions. So far he hasn’t had any crisis to deal with. Maybe that’s what he needs to be stronger. It’s important for the two barns to work well independent of each other. That fosters a better spirit of healthy competition. If Evan influences Tristan too much, First Barn will lose its autonomy. That would be bad.

Can you tell us about one of Evan’s crazy ideas?

Sure. His latest notion is for a new event for the Aerial Games. Usually the horse perform intricate dances, and they race. Evan thinks an aerial joust will work. It won’t. It’s too dangerous and too hard to see from the ground. Tristan seems to be going along with the idea, though. I don’t know what they are thinking.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

When I became groom to Adain, I was the youngest person ever to hold the position. I’m quite proud of being able to do my duty well to Adain and Emma. You might say Adain and I grew up together under Emma’s watchful eye.

Besides Adain, who is the greatest love of your life?

Is this going to be kept private? You see, I haven’t said anything to her yet. She’s my best friend, but I can’t imagine spending any part of my life away from her. Ana is a groom, too. She’s groom to Clyth, Evan’s horse. We used to work together in First Barn, but when Evan became the leader of Second Barn. Ana left with him. She’s just up the lane now, and we have breakfast in town together every morning, but it’s still hard to be away from her.

What is your greatest fear?

I promised to answer whatever you asked, but this is pretty private. I have nightmares about it, actually, and I haven’t told anyone but Ana about it. Just before I left Merioneth, there was an incident. I don’t remember exactly what happened. My sister was there, then overwhelming grief. My mind blocks out the memories. I am afraid that someday I’ll remember that I was responsible for my sister’s death.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Davyd would say ‘sir’ is my most overused word. I respect him, you see. I call him ‘sir’ because of that. I know he wants me to call him Davyd, but it seems too familiar. He is well respected in town, and Emma, his wife, is well respected in the barns. I suppose I should call her ‘sir’ too. Or ‘ma’am,’ it would be ‘ma’am.’

Which young person do you admire most?

Davyd and Emma are both older than me. Nia is, too, but closer to my age. I’ll pick Nia. She’s a First Barn rider. Nia has a lot of skill and confidence. Some people say she has too much confidence, that it’s arrogant. I don’t think so. Nia is destined for great things. In fact, I’ve heard rumors that she is being considered as leader for Third Barn when it gets ready to open. That would be an amazing opportunity for her, to be the first female barn leader. I know she can do it, but I don’t know how our current barn leaders, Evan and Tristan, will react.

What is your motto?

If you are loyal to others, they will be loyal to you.

Follow me on TWITTER: Linda Ullesesit

Follow me on FACEBOOK: Flying Horse Books

Read my author blog: flyinghorsebooks@wordpress.com

Read my blog about teaching reading and writing: Ulleseit@wordpress.com

ON A WING AND A DARE

Purchase

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wing-Flying-Horse-Books-ebook/dp/B00B3OF412

On Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/282169

IN THE WINDS OF DANGER

Purchase

On Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Winds-Danger-Flying-Horse-ebook/dp/B00BAYT09C

On Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/324425

WINGS OVER TREMEIRCHSON

Read pre-published copy on Wattpad:http://www.wattpad.com/story/7819282-wings-over-tremeirchson

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Character Interview: Nathan Shaw (Reflection by Kim Cresswell)

Let's get to know Nathan Shaw by Kim Cresswell's novel, "Reflection." 

About Reflection

Florida investigative reporter, Whitney Steel, has lived in the shadow of her legendary father long enough. To prove herself she needs to find the "Big" story.

She found it. Now it may kill her.
After receiving a lead pointing to the world's first cloned human, now a small child, Whitney vows to unravel the truth. However, sifting through the facts proves to have dangerous results, including death threats and murder.
When she's nearly killed, but is saved by undercover FBI Special Agent, Blake Neely, he refuses to let her get in the way of his own objective--at least not right away.
Caught in a lethal game between a billionaire obsessed with genetic perfection, his hit man's thirst for retribution, and a Colombian drug lord fresh out of prison determined to make Blake pay for his twin brother's death over a decade ago...
Can they save an innocent child before it's too late?
Faced with tough choices, with deadly consequences for many--Whitney soon realizes that sometimes a story becomes more than just a story.

About the Character

Billionaire biotech company owner, Nathan Shaw, will do anything, including murder-for-hire to keep his clone (a small child) concealed from outsiders. The child is more than an illegal experiment, she’s a genetic copy of his deceased lover. 

Kim Talks with Nathan Shaw

What one word best describes you?

Nathan: “Distinct.“

What are you passionate about these days?

Nathan: “What I have been passionate about most of my life. Genetics and cloning. I do not understand why people recoil at the idea of human copies—healthy manufactured humans.“

You were one of the first companies to clone animals almost thirty years ago. Would you consider cloning humans?

Nathan: “Of course if it was legal in this country. Hopefully, it will be one day.“

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Nathan: “I was Las Vegas Man of the Year six years running and made the cover of Time magazine, twice.“

You just won a huge lottery what is the first thing you’d buy?

Nathan: (Glances at the wall clock) “Apparently, you haven’t done any background on me. If Miss Steel was conducting this interview, at least she would have done her homework first. I own ShawBioGen, a seventy-five billion dollar Biotech company. The last thing I need is money.”

Who should play you in a film?

Nathan: “John Malkovich. Brilliant actor. I heard he gave a stellar performance portraying serial killer, Jack Unterweger, on stage in Vienna.“

Who is your favorite author?

Nathan: “Elmore Leonard. I enjoy his realism writing style.“

Do you play any sports?

Nathan: “No, I run a couple miles daily to keep in shape.“

What would we find under your bed?

Nathan: (Glances at the clock again) “If you are going to continue with this silly line of questioning, we are done here.”

Ok, then…what is something you want people to know about you?

Nathan: That I have done a lot of good in my life. I’ve donated millions of dollars a year to food banks and homeless shelters around the country and will continue to do so. I’ve also put millions into healthcare and scientific research.“

Tell us about your greatest achievement.

Nathan: “There have been so many but I can’t discuss my greatest at this point. Instead I will say…developing medications that cure diseases and improve lives. In particular, genetic illnesses and recessive disorders that devastate families. Apparently, you didn’t read my company’s press kit. You really do remind me so much of the lovely, Miss Steel.”

What was the scariest moment of your life?

Nathan: “When my sister died of Menkes Syndrome, a dreadful disorder that affects copper levels in the body, leading to copper deficiency and extensive neuro-degeneration of the brain and eventual death. Like most children with Menkes, they die within the first decade of life, usually infancy, as Katherine did. She’s the reason I began my research work into genetic disorders.“

Is there a piece of advice that you have received that has really stuck with you? If so, what was it?

Nathan: “The first rule of business. Employees are replaceable.”

If you could apologize to someone in your past, what would you say?

Nathan: I don’t apologize. I have nothing to apologize for. I do, however, have a message for FBI agent, Blake Neely, and the lovely, Miss Steel.”

And what’s that?

Nathan: “Don’t get too comfortable…you are replaceable.”

That sounds like a threat.

Nathan: (Smiles)

About the Author

Kim Cresswell resides in Ontario, Canada. Trained as a legal assistant, Kim has been a story-teller all her life but took many detours including; working for a private investigator, running a graphic design business, and teaching computer classes at a local business school. After becoming disabled with Fibromyalgia and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, Kim returned to her first love, writing.

Her debut romantic suspense, REFLECTION, has won numerous awards including; UP Authors Fiction Challenge Winner (2013), Silicon Valley's Romance Writers of America (RWA) "Gotcha!" Romantic Suspense Winner! (2004) and an Honourable Mention in CARWA's The Writer's Voice Contest (2006)

Lethal Journey  (September 30, 2013)
Real Life Evil – A True Crime Quickie – Book One (November 2013)
RETRIBUTION - sequel to REFLECTION (2014)

www.kimcresswell.ca
www.facebook.com/KimCresswellBooks
http://twitter.com/kimcresswell

Buy the Book

MuseItUp Publishing | Amazon | AmazonUK | Smashwords |  iTunes | Kobo | Barnes & Noble

Available in paperback at Amazon & Createaspace

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Character Interview: Arcadia (Arcadia's Gift by Jesi Lea Ryan)

Get ready to meet Arcadia Day, star of Jesi Lea Ryan's "Arcadia's Gift" and "Arcadia's Curse"

Arcadia “Cady” Day is the star of the Arcadia’s Series by Jesi Lea Ryan. The following interview is a chat between the author and her main character.

Jesi:  Thank you, Cady, for sitting down with me today to talk. I know interviews make you nervous.

Cady:  *Sips her bottle of water* Yeah. This is sort of weird. I mean, as my author, you already know everything about me.

Jesi:  Not everything. I feel like I learn more about you every day. But this interview isn’t for me, but for your fans.

Cady:  *shudders* That’s weird too. Having fans. I’m just a seventeen year old girl from Iowa.

Jesi:  Well, I’d argue that you’re much more special than that, but why don’t I let you tell the readers about it. How would you describe yourself to people who have not read your books.

Cady:  Well, like I said, I’m seventeen. I grew up in a completely normal, somewhat boring, family in Dubuque, Iowa. But then my sister died...my twin. It changed everything.

Jesi:  How so?

Cady:  Well, you know how some twins have a psychic connection or whatever? When my sister died, the psychic parts of us reached out and connected.  Only once she was gone, my psychic part never snapped back in. It’s like I have this big invisible umbrella over me, and anyone who steps under it, I can feel all of their emotions.

Jesi:  But you do more than feel their emotions now, right?

Cady:  *blushes*  Yeah, I guess I sort of absorb their emotional energy, and then I can do things with that energy. Makes me feel like a freak. I don’t like to talk about it, can we move on to something else?

Jesi:  No problem. Let’s talk about the boys in your life. You have sort of a love triangle thing going on. How’s that going?

Cady:  I do not have a love triangle!  My boyfriend is Bryan Sullivan.  That’s it. I know Cane Matthews, my sister’s former boyfriend, has some sort of crush on me or whatever, but I’m not interested. I think he has guilt over breaking up with my sister right before she died, and he is projecting that onto me.

Jesi:  You say you’re not interested, but you have kissed him. And you liked it.

Cady:  *grumbles* Guess I can’t hide anything from my author. Fine! Yes, I kissed him back, and I liked it. He kisses like he could medal in it in the Olympics. But it was just biological. I don’t really want him.

Jesi:  But things are strained between you and Bryan right now. Why don’t you tell us about that?

Cady:  Well, Bryan has a blood disease, hemophilia. It means his blood doesn’t clot, so if he bleeds or bruises or whatever, he will get really sick. He could even die. And one of the ways I can use the emotional energy that I absorb from people is by healing. I can stop Bryan’s bleeding. So for the first time in his life, he thinks he can be reckless and have fun like the other guys because if he gets hurt, I can just patch him up.

Jesi:  So what’s the problem then?

Cady:  The healing...takes a toll on me physically. Wipes me out, causes M.S. like symptoms. Honestly, I don’t want to do it anymore, but I don’t know how Bryan will take it when I tell him.

Jesi:  Do you think he will break up with you?

Cady:  I don’t know. I mean, I don’t think he is purposely using me because I can heal him--We started dating before either of us discovered my talent--but there is a small part of me that wonders if he lost interest in me, if he wouldn’t keep me around because I give him some sort of safety net. 

Jesi:  Sounds like you have some decisions to make there. *Cady nods.*  Okay, well let’s talk about your new friend, Bastian Night. Any romantic feelings there?

Cady:  *chuckles* No! Bastian is hot. I mean, need-a-fire-extinguisher-on-stand-by hot. And we have become very close. But it’s not like that between us. For one thing, he is six years older than me, and at seventeen, that’s a big difference. We are at different places in life. What we have is really more of a brother/sister thing. We have both been tortured and tormented, and now we need each other if we are

going to get our heads back on straight. I help him emotionally, and he makes me feel safe and protected.

Jesi:  Well, Cady, I thought we would end this interview on a fun note.  If you were on a cross country road trip, who would you want in the car with you?  And who would be the driver, the navigator, the backseat driver and the person who leads the car games?

Cady:  Ha! Okay, I guess I’d have Bastian drive. Like I said, he makes me feel protected, and I trust him behind the wheel for long distances. I would totally navigate. Cane would be the backseat driver. He is always trying to tell me what to do and how to run my life. And the car games? That would have to be my telepathic friend, Jinx. She is hilarious.

Jesi: You would travel across country without taking your boyfriend, Bryan, with you?

Cady:  *sighs*  I think this interview is over.

Contact & Social Media Links:

Email:  jesilea@charter.net

Twitter:  @Jesilea  https://twitter.com/Jesilea

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesi-Lea-Ryan/152086598147945

Website:  http://www.jesilea.com

Published Works:

Four Thousand Miles (2010)

Arcadia’s Gift (2012)

Arcadia’s Curse (2013)

Purchase Links:

Amazon Paperback:  http://www.amazon.com/Arcadias-Gift-Jesi-Lea-Ryan/dp/061571885X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Arcadias-Gift-ebook/dp/B008S6K3OG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

Audible:  Coming soon!

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Character Interview: Nell (The King Series by Tawdra Kandle)

Today I'd like to introduce Nell from Tawdra Kandle's The King Series and The Serendipity Debut

It’s always so much fun to chat with a friend, particularly one you’ve grown closer to over the past few years. So I was tickled when offered the chance to interview Nell Massler.   I met Nell five years ago, when I was writing FEARLESS, Book One of The King Series. Based on events in that book, I assumed our relationship would be short-lived.   Never make assumptions about fictional characters.

 Shortly after I began to write the second book of The King Series, BREATHLESS, Nell came to see me. It turned out that her story had not ended, and she actually went on to appear in all four books. And then, as it happened, I found out that her story went on after Tasmyn and Michael’s had ended, so much so that she needed her own book.

 Her story will continue in the Serendipity Duet (UNDENIABLE and UNQUENCHABLE), coming out at the end of this year.

Q: Tell us a little about your early life.

  Nell: As you know, I was the only child of two powerful people. My father’s family is very active politically, and my mother is a strong and talented witch from a magical family whose roots go deep into the history of King. Sadly, my mother was taken from me when I was young. There was a scandal in our family, and I haven’t seen her since she was locked away.

Q: You mentioned the history of King. How did growing up in that unusual town affect you?

Nell: I am the descendant of Sarah, the witch who came to this country with Gravis King after he saved her from burning at the stake in Romania. If the town of King had any first lady, it would be Sarah. After my mother was taken from me, I was raised mostly by aunts and cousins who made sure I understood how important our family is, how essential it is that we continue to use the power Sarah gave us. It has always been part of me.

Q: We had some fan questions sent in for you, if you don’t mind. What is your deepest fear?

Nell: What happened in my junior year in high school was my deepest fear, realized. It was ending up like my mother, locked away. Now I fear nothing.

Q: Another fan question: Do you regret meeting Marica Lacusta? If not for her, would you and Tasmyn have been friends?

Nell: Might-have-beens are fascinating yet pointless. There are so many factors in each and every turning point of our lives. Marica was the most powerful influence on my life since my mother. The idea of losing her made me do things that I regret. And yet. . .without her, my path would be so different. So no regrets. Ever.
As for Tasmyn, would we have been friends? I don’t know. We are so much opposite, in our upbringing and our view on power. What she struggled to accept, I craved and sought out. But in the end, she may have been the person who knew me best, and I think I had a tremendous influence on her, as well.

Q: Last fan question: When will you wake up?

Nell: Here I am. Yes, I’m awake. Where I am, and who I am with, will be a huge part of my story going forward. I have a few surprises up my sleeve yet.

Q: Finally, you have always said that you don’t need a man in your life, that males are weak and easily manipulated. But since I know a few things others don’t, I’ll ask this: could there be love in your future?

Nell: I will just say that the right man can make a woman change all her rules and preconceived ideas. And then I would add that even if there is a component of love in my future, it won’t be anything like Tasmyn’s story. I bring too much baggage to the table to have a sweet romance. Like me, it will probably be difficult, stormy and complicated.   But that’s part of my charm, isn’t it?

Nell appears in THE KING SERIES which can be found on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and iTunes.

 You can find out more about Tawdra and her books on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ and Pinterest.   

  Tawdra Kandle is the author of six books including THE KING SERIES, a young adult paranormal quartet. Born in South Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Child's Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband, and children, both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.

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Character Interview: Rachel Blackstone (Reluctant Medium by GG Collins)

Today I'm excited to introduce Rachel Blackstone from GG Collins' "Reluctant Medium"

Interview with Rachel Blackstone, the Reluctant Medium

Questions by author G G Collins

1.      Returning the dead? Really, what were you thinking?  “I admit that my judgment was leaning towards insane on that occasion. My father died in a car accident a few months earlier, but I didn’t think it was all that inadvertent. The Santa Fe PD couldn’t find proof either way. Then I thought about the Hopi ceremony to return the dead. A kindly shaman, Joseph, told me about the ritual when I interviewed him while covering the Hopi nation for my publication. Things went bad, even though I followed the steps carefully to perform the ceremony. Maybe it was because I have only a small amount of Native American in my family. You know, kind of a built-in fail-safe for people who have no business performing it. At any rate, my father didn’t come back, but someone did, and he was evil.”

2.      Why did you become a reporter? “My father was an award-winning journalist for the Albuquerque Journal. He died working on a story. I guess it was in the family blood, although my brother, the mayor of Santa Fe, must have had a transfusion. I enjoy telling people’s stories. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing a profile, an arts preview or hard news, they all involve people—and everyone has a story. Each are challenging in different ways. Some interviews are anxious and you have to help them relax, trust you. It’s the boring ones that eat your lunch, but I have a way to cope with that. I make a show of taking notes; keep my head down so they don’t see the jaded look on my face.”

3.      You and your friend, Chloe, seem like opposites. How does your friendship work? Rachel laughs. “Well you got me! She likes boots with high heels and I always wear shoes I can run in. Never know when you might need to make a quick exit. Chloe drinks the most gawd-awful herbal teas and vegetarian meals. I love green-chile-cheese-burritos. This is New Mexico, green chile is king! But back to our friendship. Chloe does real estate; I mean does it well, a multi-million-dollar agent. She co-owns the hottest agency in town. Me, I make terrible money, but even she admits my job is more fun. Chloe’s always ready for a journalistic stakeout. And no matter what you’ve heard, we don’t smoke all that much pot. So are we yin and yang? I think we’re more about tolerance and knowing when not to go there. Somehow we manage to work in quite a lot of fun.”

4.      What’s this about you having a spirit animal? “When I lost my mind and tried to return my father there was a sea change. I was chasing that spirit. Next thing I know, other apparitions appear. They included a wolf. At first, I though it was a living wolf and well, I support the New Mexico Lobos, but this was something different. It’s white and sometimes it glows. And while I was afraid at first, it always seems to appear when I needed a heads-up. No, I haven’t named it yet, but I will in Lemurian Medium.”

5.      Why are you a reluctant medium? “Oh good heavens, that’s been blown all out of proportion. Have you been talking to Chloe? She buys into all things New Age. You see a couple ghosts, and people start calling you a medium. There were some odors I picked up on. That depraved spirit had all kinds of disgusting smells. But I’m a journalist, and we are a fact-based crowd. Just because things happen we don’t understand, doesn’t mean there isn’t an explanation. Unfortunately, I haven’t found it yet, so I’m proceeding with caution and a healthy dose of skepticism.”

6.      What’s the secret to mixing humor with horror? “You’ve heard of black comedy? That’s not quite me, but in real life we all have events that trigger fear, despair and shock. Sometimes in a horrific moment, even if it’s wildly inappropriate, a little humor can sneak in and lighten up a bad situation. But mostly, I’m unconventional and so things that are sacrosanct to others, are fair game to me. Regrettably, I’ve found myself in a few hairy circumstances for which there was no other reaction than all out terror.”

7.      What has your author cooked up for your next adventure? “This is truly weird. First, a friend, Stella Dallas—yes, her mother liked Barbara Stanwyck—disappears into a painting at a posh Santa Fe gallery opening. Next thing I know, I’ve got to go rescue her from the astral plane. No, I’m not kidding. G G stays up nights coming up with the strangest ideas possible. But she only has to write them, I have to do all this mind-boggling stuff. But no, she doesn’t listen to me. Back to Lemurian Medium, I won’t be getting any rest until I can find Stella, if I can find her. There are no maps of the astral plane, it’s all hunt and peck. It’s not just unmarked trails, there are evil entities staging psychic attacks. I don’t know how to tell who’s wearing the white hats. For sure, it’s serious. One mistake and I could be forever lost in the cosmos.

“Did you say there were doughnuts?”

Links to Reluctant Medium & G G Collins:

Product Page on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Medium-Series-ebook/dp/B008BVG8UQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF

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Character Bios: Adiana, Nadia, and

It's time to meet a few more amazing characters! 

Today we have Adiana from Karin Rita Gastreich's fantasy novel, "Eolyn," Nadia from Melinda Dozier's novel "Love and Other Games: Trouble with Gold," and Jack from HL Carpenter's "Jack and the Fountain of Youth." 

Adiana of Selkynsen

From Eolyn and High Maga

Karin Rita Gastreich

Adiana’s parents, wealthy merchants from the province of Selkynsen, recognized her talent for music early on. At that time, women of education were being persecuted as the Mage King sought to purge his land of the Magas. Though Adiana was not a maga, her parents feared knowledge of music would make her vulnerable.

Confident the tide of violence would pass, they sent young Adiana to a neighboring kingdom to complete her studies.  While Adiana was away, the purges claimed her parents. Her mother was burned at the stake and her father beheaded. Adiana found herself orphaned, denied of her inheritance, and left to fend for herself.

Adiana’s fate turned for the better thanks to her father’s former steward, who rescued Adiana from withering prostitution and took her in as his own daughter.  Some years later, Mage Corey recruited Adiana into his Circle, where she established herself as his most valued musician. 

A close friend of Eolyn, Adiana becomes a leading figure in my second novel High Maga. Though war separates musician from maga, their paths remain connected. Adiana does not command magic like her friend, but her extraordinary music confers its own power, bringing her both salvation and doom.  

Author Bio:

KARIN RITA GASTREICH lives in Kansas City and Costa Rica. A member of the biology faculty at Avila University, her past times include camping, hiking, music, and flamenco dance.  Karin's first fantasy novel, EOLYN, was released by Hadley Rille Books in 2011, and was nominated for the 2012 Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award.  The companion novel, HIGH MAGA, will be released in April 2014. Karin’s short stories have appeared in Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and A Visitor to Sandahl.   She is a recipient of the Spring 2011 Andrews Forest Writer’s Residency. Follow Karin’s adventures into fantastic worlds, both real and imagined, at http://eolynchronicles.blogspot.com and at http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.com. 

Blog for Eolyn:  http://eolynchronicles.blogspot.com

Blog Heroines of Fantasy:  http://heroinesoffantasy.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Eolyn/110814625640244

Twitter:  @EolynChronicles

Nadia

From: Love and Other Games: Trouble with Gold

Melinda Dozier

Name: Nadia Hoffman

Nickname given by Ty (the hero): Lucky Charm/Lucky Lady

Age: 25

Nationality: Swiss

Occupation: Event Planner at Swiss Sports Association

Hair Color: Blonde

Hair Style: Long, layered

Eyes: Blue

Clothes: Work uniform, per staff handbook; off work she prefers to wear Jeans, Uggs and a big toasty sweater.

Quirk: Don’t tell anyone, but she wears days of the week panties!

Greatest Fear: To disappoint her father.

Pet Peeve: Hates tardiness.

Life Goals: Earn a position at the Olympics Committee Headquarters in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Skills and talents: Although Nadia isn’t a top athlete, she has been an award-winning skier in college. She also is known for her organizational and planning skills.

Excerpt:

 “So, where are you from, Nadia?” He scooted to the edge of the settee so that their knees touched.

She held out her hands and smiled. “Switzerland.”

“Home country, then? I could learn a lot from you.” He rubbed his chin. “Let me guess your sport … You have a classic look about you, like a ballerina … Figure skating?”

She lowered her head and batted her lashes. “No, I’m not a figure skater.”

“Well, you do have that ice queen appearance —”

“I beg your pardon?” She pulled her knees away from his. “I’m not an ice queen.”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that.” Shit. There he went and put his foot in his mouth. “It’s a good thing. You have that perfect lean body and you’re well poised – like someone on the ice.” Shit. He ran his hand over his forehead. Just when he was making some headway into getting to know her.

More information can be found at www.melindadozier.com

Love and Other Games is available at Amazon, B&N and Kobo.

Name: Jack Ponsi Dileonardo Thomas

Age: You wouldn’t believe me

Occupation: That’s sort of difficult to answer. I’m kind of undercover.

Appearance: I look like an average guy.

Jack and The Fountain of Youth

by HL Carpenter

[Jack puts down his pencil.] Look, HL, can you please just interview me? This is kind of—I really don’t like talking about myself so much.

HL: But Jack, even if we interview you, you’ll have to talk about yourself.

Jack: We could talk about Nessa. Sí, that is a great idea. Nessa is beautiful, and smart, and she—

HL: We like Nessa, too. What do you suppose she sees in you that makes her believe your story?

Jack: Story? That sounds like I made the whole thing up. I didn’t. I really am five hundred years old, and I really did come to Florida the first time with Juan Ponce de León. And I really did find fabled fuente, and I really did take a drink, which is why I really am five hundred years old. It’s all true. It’s not a story.

HL: We believe you. That’s why we wanted to write your story—ummm, that’s why we wanted to  write about you and Nessa.

Jack: So what’s the question?

HL: Ummm...

Jack: Sí. Let’s talk about Nessa.

HL: Okay. You and Nessa were both concealing big secrets when you met, and you both had to take a big risk. What made you willing to do that?

Jack: Nessa’s worth any risk. I would brave a hurricane if I thought I could win her love.

HL: If you could change one thing about the way it all worked out, what would it be?

Jack: That Nessa could have met my sister, Maria. They are much alike, and they would have been great friends.

HL: What are you most grateful for?

Jack: That Nessa will have the opportunity to get to know my Tia Bella.

HL: Is there anything else you’d like us to ask?

Jack: No, that’s enough talk about me. Now I have a question for you. What do you know about rabbits?

HL: We loved one once. Why do you ask?

Jack: Because Nessa’s rabbit, Harey, doesn’t like me. I need to know what to do to get on his good side.

HL: Make Nessa happy. That should make Harey happy, too.

Jack: I can do that. [Jack smiles and stands up.] I need to pick up Tia Bella from the airport. Come by Nessa’s later, HL. You’ll want to see how the story turns out. Bring your friends, too.

HL: Thanks for the invitation, Jack. We’ll see you there.

====

Author Bio:

HL Carpenter is a Florida-based mother/daughter duo who writes from their home in Carpenter Country, a magical place that, like their stories, is unreal but not untrue. When they’re not writing, the Carpenters enjoy exploring the Land of What-If and practicing the fine art of Curiosity.

 Book Buy Link:

Amazon book page link: http://www.amazon.com/Jack-The-Fountain-Youth-ebook/dp/B00EYR6M8Y/

Other Works:

The SkyHorse, a young adult novel published by Musa Publishing.

Tovi thinks finding a flying horse is fabulous luck—until a mysterious stranger says finders aren’t always keepers.

Contact info:

Author email: HL_Carpenter –at- HLCarpenter.com

Author Website: http://www.hlcarpenter.com/

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/HL-Carpenter/e/B007SHS9LA

LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hlcarpenter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5820921.H_L_Carpenter