Renee's Author Spotlight

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About the Book

Damsels in distress, curses, echoes of faery tales and tragic love affairs swirl together in sixteen stories found in a dragon’s lair by a curious half-fae.

Unexpected changes to reality cause more than one damsel to turn into a strong, independent woman who takes charge of her own life.

A collection of short stories about Faerie and the fae that live in the human realm. A few of the stories had won competitions and all of them had enchanted readers.

Learn their secrets and enter the realm of the fae…

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Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Did you have a hard time sharing your work with the public?

Yes. Joining online writing groups like Wattpad and INK forced me to share my writing with others while honing my skills with their writing competitions.

What genres do you write?

Dark Fantasy, with New Adult and Young Adult as sub-genres.

What is the oddest thing you've ever researched for one of your books?

I research a lot of folklore for my stories, all of it odd, but I think when I had to research the nutritional value of worms it got really weird. One of my characters from "Once..." loves fried worms for breakfast. It turns out it isn't all that strange: worms are a staple food in many communities.

When did you first consider yourself an author?

When I won "Fiction Writer of the Year" on the writing platform INK: Skryf in Afrikaans. It was the first time I knew that my writing was making an impact.

What are your goals as an author?

In five years I would like to be able to make a living from my writing. I want to have a proper backlist and a dedicated publishing schedule. (I've already mapped it out.) Taking over the world doesn't sound too bad, either ;-)

Do you prefer ebooks, print or both?

I like ebooks for non-fiction (unless it's a workbook type) and print for fiction.

What made you decide to self-publish?

I'm from South Africa, which makes getting an agent quite difficult (we have none so I have to query overseas). After winning a publishing competition last year hosted by a local author services company, I knew then that my writing is liked by more than just my family and friends. It was my aha! moment to become an indie author.

What is the best thing about self-publishing?

I get to choose what to write, what to publish, when to publish, who to work with and what the cover will look like. I like the idea of being in charge of my own destiny. It's a powerful feeling to know that getting published doesn't rely on anyone but myself.

What fears do you have about writing and being an indie author?

That I'm deluding myself or running a great con. Getting amazing feedback on my writing -- I got a 5-star review from a book blogger for "Once..." -- helps me dispel those fears. Also, I'm part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group that meets monthly -- it really helps to know that I'm not alone.

Do you write in first or third person, past or present tense, and why?

I prefer to write in limited third person and in past tense. It helps to stay focused on the main character and bring in a bit of mystery -- after all, with a limited view, you only know what the main character knows even if you can guess at what others are thinking when they interact with the main character.

Do you write about real life experiences, or does everything come from your imagination?

My stories start off with something real, but by the time I'm done with it, the story reads like pure fantasy. I like to layer my stories with the real and the imagined.

Do you ever base your characters on people you know?

I have. It makes for fun writing -- especially tormenting a nemesis or "fixing" something in someone's life. Not that I can name names or hint at the stories... You never know when someone might take offense. I can admit, though, that all the faery dogs are based on my rottweilers.

What are you working on now?

A Young Adult retelling of "Snow White" in Afrikaans for the Sanlam Youth Literature Prize. It deals with loss, friendship, love, and other issues teenagers deal with.

What inspired your current work?

I wanted to share the story behind the changes in Faerie and how it influenced the mortal realm when magic and fae were let loose. It is a sort of prequel to other (yet unpublished) books I've written.

What was the hardest part about writing your latest book?

Having to feel the emotions of the various characters as their stories developed -- it made for great plot twists, but I had to deal with emotions not my own.

Friday, 25 May 2018

Sleepless Flame: A #SciFi #Cyberpunk #Novel by Odin Oxthorn

A chronically bored spooky creature, Odin dabbles in a strange array of interests to keep their wandering brain in check. When not writing under the influence of caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks, Odin can be found escaping reality with video games or getting their fingers tangled in a mess of threads and needles. Provided their cats do not scatter the contents of their workspace across oblivion, Odin also creates beaded jewelry and video lessons on YouTube.

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Read the first three chapters of Sleepless Flame!

About the Book

How much havoc could one upstart young Upworlder create?

Thirty years after her exile from her homeworld, Nara was growing weary of the monotony of mercenary life: Do job for Company A, anger Company B, survive the inevitable retaliation. Repeat ad nauseam.

Most importantly, try hard not to anger Galavantier Corp again.

Evading the reach of the ubiquitous Biotech enterprise in the shadows of the Undercity was easy enough. That is, until the unconscious body of the CEO's heir lands at her feet.

Both ignorant of their mutual vendetta, the brazen noble offered a proposal: help him escape Uppercity, and he'd buy every tool of destruction her heart desired. But it was the danger that tempted Nara, not money.

As their business relationship evolves into a tenuous comradery, Nara is thrown into the jaws of her most ruthless adversary. She must now decide what to do with her strange bedfellow-and hope to survive the aftermath.

Sleepless Flame is a faced-paced action-packed scifi story that features a nonbinary protagonist. Follow the exploits of a disgraced war criminal as they navigate a vibrant cyberpunk world full of corporate intrigue while using fascinating automated combat technology and computer skills. Great for readers who enjoy Bladerunner and Shadowrun games.

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Keep reading for an excerpt:

“Ouch! –Oof, yeah?” a voice squeaked through the box.

“It’s Nara. Got something I need.”

“Oh, hi! Come on in.”

After a series of cluttered crashes, screeching metal, and intermittent distressed yelps from the intercom, the door buzzed open. Nara heaved the vault open, waving a hesitant Garrett inside the dark corridor.

With a heavy, echoing clunk, the cavern burst with light, revealing a techno geek’s wildest fantasy. Wires and computer parts were haphazardly strewn all over the floors and the walls, emulating a nest of an enormous gadget-obsessed vermin. Half-built robotics and cybernetic body parts stood vigilant amid the labyrinth of cluttered workbenches overflowing with tools and broken electronic boards. Glinting LEDs flashed sporadic, garbled messages, illuminating the path with a rainbow of jarring beacons.

Making their way gingerly through the shiny perilous mess, the duo entered a clearing in the madness occupied by a desk and a few chairs, also piled with half-finished projects. A scrawny young man emerged from the chaos, bits of shredded circuitry slung around his neck. Upon noticing the visitors, he hastily removed the wiry adornments, placing them on top of a teetering pile.

“What can I do for you?” he asked cheerfully, wiping his hands clean on his jumpsuit.

“This is Art,” she said to Garrett, gesturing toward the technophile. “Art, this is an annoying little sod who keeps following me around.”

“My name is Garrett, actually.” He offered his hand to Art, who energetically shook it. “I hired Nara as a bodyguard.”

“An Upworlder, eh? Well, you certainly have an eye for quality.” The quirky man scratched his nose, leaving a black streak of grease on his tawny beige skin.

“Need a Hawk kit for the armor.” Nara tossed over the newly purchased badge.

The glinting projectile landed squarely on Art’s chest, causing him to perform an impromptu flailing dance as he fought with his limited coordination. He raised it to his face, scrutinizing the serial number on the back of the case.

“Whoa, nice! It’s one of those new Nexuz models,” Art marveled, the enthusiasm radiating across the room.

“It does what I need it to. I don’t care who made it,” Nara stated.

“You know, I could probably tweak its performance a little,” he offered, her remark falling on deaf ears as he mentally tore apart the device. “Make it a bit sturdier, if you know what I mean.”

“You break it, you buy it at double cost,” she warned.

“That’s not fair. You know me well enough.” Art jabbed a defensive finger into the air.

“Exactly. I do know you well enough.” She sighed with a defeated wave. “Eugh, do what you want. It isn’t on my tab.”

“Really? Awesome! You will be totally psyched with what I can do with this thing.” Art’s eyes lit up with glee. He then met Garrett’s worried expression and restrained his excitement with a cough. “Don’t worry, it won’t cost much. I should be able to get what you need in a few minutes. Just let me do this one thing and . . .”

Wednesday, 23 May 2018

Is This Me? - A #Romance #Novel by Tricia Copeland

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia and now lives in sunny Colorado with her family. In addition to the award-nominated Being Me series, her books include Best Book Award Fantasy Finalist series, The Kingdom Journals, Lovelock Ones, a post-apocalyptic dystopian adventure, and Drops of Sunshine, a YA paranormal novella. Find all of Tricia’s books on her website!

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About the Book

Have you ever chosen a path that led you astray?

Amanda has no trouble choosing a college or picking a major. What she does have a problem with is what she would have least expected, a guy. Smart and sexy, Doug is focused on school responsibilities and post-graduation plans. Their paths intersect and Amanda must accept his help or risk losing her scholarship. Determined to maintain appearances, Amanda begins to lie to family and friends. The ease at which she repeatedly deceives those closest becomes disturbing and leaves her questioning: “Is this me?”

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Keep reading for an excerpt:

“You stink, and I already took a shower,” Lila squealed, bringing me out of my trance. Ross grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder, carrying her across the lawn and towards the house.

Mark tapped me on the shoulder. “Hey, I need a shower, too. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Do you want to hang out here?”

He’s abandoning me? In front of two good-looking, shirtless strangers? “Sure,” I heard myself say.

Thankfully, he stood there a minute longer. “I’ll grab a round of drinks.” He darted away.

“Nice spike there at the end,” I commented to Zack.

“Thanks. I see you have a shadow.” He bent down and patted the dog still glued to my leg.

Excusing themselves to replace their shirts, Doug and Zack once again towered over me. Even in my wedges, the top of my head barely reached the middle of Zack’s chest.

Zack spoke before the silence became obvious. “So, Amanda Avery of the famed Avery sisters?”

“In the flesh.” I waved my hands past my legs, not quite sure where he was going with the conversation. Obviously they knew their alums.

Doug continued in an Elizabethan tone. “The beauty of the Avery girls has inspired many brothers to greatness.”

“I’m just glad no one remembers when I flashed everyone on the front lawn when I was three.”

“Your reputation is still intact.” Doug winked at me with his blue eyes.

Mark approached with three plastic cups filled with amber liquid. I wondered if this counted as taking an open drink from someone. At the very least, it went against the no alcohol rule. Not even six hours in, and I was already contemplating being an illegal drinker. Maybe I needed that orientation more than I thought.

Even though I didn’t like beer and had never drunk a whole glass, I wasn’t going to stand there and do nothing. The sip I took tasted bitter, and I hoped my face didn’t betray my attempt at a relaxed facade.

“Not that great, is it?” Doug asked.

“It’s relatively cold.”

Zack held up his cup. “Cheers to that.” Doug and I did the same, and we clunked the cups together. “If I may, my lady, I’m not sure you’re going to maintain your virtue drinking that.”

Doug punched Zack. “Dude.”

I winked at Zack. “Maybe you should stick with flattery and leave Shakespeare to Doug. You have to stay in your niche.”

I was surprised how comfortable I felt with them. Their knack for humor immediately put me at ease, despite their magazine model aura. “So do you guys do this routine on a regular basis?”

Zack held his cup out. “This is a one-time only special showing. If we hope to win the heart of an Avery girl, we have to be creative.”

“And there are only two of us left to be wooed.”

“We would be nothing without your inspiration.” Doug bowed towards me, one hand over his heart.

Zack and I both faked a cough.

Doug grabbed a Frisbee from the lawn. “Frisbee?”

Monday, 21 May 2018

Saving Dabba: A #Mystery #Novel by Randy Rawls

Randy Rawls was born and reared in Williamston, North Carolina, a small town in the northeastern part of the state. From there, he says he inherited a sense of responsibility, a belief in fair play, and a love of country. As a career US Army officer, he had the opportunity to learn, travel, teach, and hone talents inherited from his parents. Following retirement, he worked in other ventures for the US Government. Every job has in some way been fun. Even the dark days of Vietnam had their light moments, and he cherishes the camaraderie that was an integral part of survival in that hostile world.

Today, he has short stories in several anthologies and a growing list of novels to his credit. As a prolific reader, the reads across several genres and takes that into his writing. He has written mysteries, thrillers, a historical, and two fantasy/mystery/thrillers featuring a Santa Elf. The count is now at fourteen and growing. He is a regular contributor to Happy Homicides, a twice-annual anthology of cozy short stories. He also has a series of short stories featuring a cattle-herding burro. Wherever his imagination will take him, he follows.

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About the Book

Beth Bowman is a PI in Coral Lakes, FL who works with a homeless group. When one of them turns up brutally beaten to death, Beth feels obligated to become involved. She learns there is a group in town to demonstrate, Friends Intent on The Environment (FITE) who could be involved. Another murder occurs and evidence points to Dabba, one of Beth's friends. Beth sets her sights on FITE as their demonstrations become more violent. Cloie Morales, the leader of FITE is a formidable adversary, causing Beth to reach deep inside herself.

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Keep reading for an excerpt:

CHAPTER ONE

The first blow killed him. If the attacker had looked, he’d have seen the side of his victim’s head caved in, pieces of the shattered skull exposed. A section of one-inch diameter Number 8 rebar, swung through a full arc, tended to do that to a human head. But the assailant did not notice. His adrenalin flow was too high, his mood too joyous. He swung again—and again. After a few more cranium-crushing blows, his partner grabbed his arm. “That’s enough. Let’s get out of here.”

* * *

Beth’s cell phone went through its standard number of chimes, then fell silent. A few seconds later, it repeated itself. The third time, Beth fumbled on the nightstand, pulled the phone to her ear, and mumbled, “Hello.”

“Beth, I need you to come into the station,” she heard. “How long before you can get here?”

“Huh? Who . . . who is this?” Through sleepy eyes, she saw the call was from the Chief of Police of Coral Lakes. While she had worked with him before, his contact had always been during normal working hours, or better said, after the sun came up. She shook her head, trying to throw the sleep out of it, then rose and stumbled toward the bathroom. “Chief, what are you doing up at this ungodly hour? It’s only five in the morning. One of the things I like about being a PI is that if I do anything at this hour, other than snooze, I get my full hourly rate. Are you hiring me?”

Beth’s experience with Chief Elston began on a negative note when defense attorney John Hammonds all but ordered the chief to stand down from investigating the kidnapping of his five-year-old daughter. Instead, he named Beth to lead the investigation and recover her—at any cost. Since Hammonds had extensive political contacts in the state capitol in Tallahassee, the chief had no choice but to back off and assume a supporting role. Beth’s success raised her profile in his estimation from poor to competent Private Investigator. Didn’t put her on his A-List, but did give her a high B List position.

“Simply another early morning, Beth. It’s the job. And, no, I’m not offering you a position.” The chief chuckled. “I need you to come in though. We have a situation that might affect you.”

She turned on the cold water and put the phone on speaker. “Tell me about it.”

“Not until you’re here. It’s too complicated to tackle over the phone. You might misunderstand and do something rash.”

She doused her face with water, then grabbed a towel to dry it. “Chief, you’re not making any sense. Tell me what’s up.”

“When you get here. I’m putting together a team, and I want you involved. Soon, Beth, please.”

Beth frowned and stopped her drying action, wondering what the hidden message was. What could have happened that would cause the chief to act so strange? Since when was she important enough to be included on a team of his? But, he sounded sincere.

“Alright, give me an hour, and I’ll be there. Make sure the coffee is fresh and hot—and I don’t mean that sludge you serve in the break room. Also, have some donuts brought in. Breakfast is on you.”

Friday, 18 May 2018

Avarice & Charity: A #Romance #Novel by Faye Hall

Come on a journey with me through 19th century North Queensland, Australia and explore the passions and hardships of unique characters.

There is corruption, deceit and murder, as well as cattle rustlers, slave traders and hellfire clubs. Explore townships of Jarvisfield and Inkerman, as well as Ravenswood and Bowen. One book even incorporates my great grandmother's cattle station 'Inkerman Downs Station'.

As well as an author, I am also the most spoilt wife in the world and a very contented mother.

Come and discover all the passion and drama of North Queensland history with me @ https://www.faye-hall.com

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About the Book

Would you risk everything to protect the one you love from relentless greed?

After the death of her mother, Charity Bohdan vowed to carry on her work—providing free treatment to those who are sick or injured. What started off as patching up wounds soon took a very different direction when she was being called to treat young women who'd been brutally raped and left pregnant. She knows the risks involved with treating and re-homing these women, but she can't turn them away.

When Charity is called to treat a drunk's wounded hand, she expects to find some elderly station hand. Instead, she finds a handsome, young man, who isn't drunk at all. As she tends to his injury, she can't ignore the feelings he stirs inside her when their skin touches.

Avarice Licciardi has spent his life working for his father—a greedy, loveless man who has destroyed everyone in his way. But when Avarice meets Charity, a woman with the touch of an angel, he discovers there's something he craves much more than his father's money. He wants this woman to be a part of his life.

As they spend time together, talking of Irish legends and going on picnics, Avarice begins to win the beautiful woman's heart. But then his father orders him to retrieve some hidden papers at Charity's estate. He refuses…until his father threatens to go get the papers himself. Avarice is determined to protect Charity from this brutal man—even if that means deceiving her.

What Avarice finds at her estate is a hidden tunnel with incriminating mysteries far greater than hidden papers. Together Avarice and Charity uncover secrets from the past that sicken their souls as an evil, greedy man threatens to tear them apart in his search for the evidence hidden at the Bohdan estate.

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Keep reading for an interview with the author:

Why did you decide to be a writer?

I love telling stories and my parents always encouraged me to write them down so I didn't forget them. Eventually, those stories became longer and longer.

Where are you from?

I'm from a small sugarcane farming town in North Queensland, Australia that has a very limited writing community.

What genres do you write?

Australian Historical Romantic Suspense

How often do you write?

I try every day but as my husband is a shift worker and I have 5 young children at school this doesn't always happen. I write what I can when I can.

Does your family support you in your writing, or are you on your own?

My family is very supportive in so many ways from web designing, to plot ideas to just listening to me ramble.

Have you ever had a particularly harsh critique?

I think we all eventually get a harsh critique. It goes with the job. First time it happened it was like a knife in the heart, but now I just get up and go outside and walk around the garden for a bit to clear the mind.

What is the best writing advice you've ever received?

That a bad first draft is better than a blank page.

Are you a pantser or outliner?

I usually start outlining but then the story just takes itself wherever it's meant to go.

Do you write about real life experiences, or does everything come from your imagination?

A lot of my own family history goes into my books, but then I elaborate it for the story.

What was the hardest part about writing your latest book?

Given the theme of the series I'm currently working on, I have it harder than usual knowing that I have to stick to a certain subject line.

Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Kingdom of Embers: A #Fantasy #Novel by Tricia Copeland

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