It’s the last day of the Blogger Book Fair, so be sure to check out all the great books and events, including the giveaways and the Reader’s Choice Awards. I hosted some great authors on my blog this week. Here’s a final look at their books–maybe you’ll find your next read among them!
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Day 4 of the Blogger Book Fair! There’s still time left to check out the BBF directory for links to all of the great authors and bloggers who are participating. Thief of Hope is doing well in the Reader’s Choice Awards over at Shut Up and Read, so stop by and cast a vote if you haven’t done so yet. And don’t forget, leave a comment on any of my BBF posts this week and you’ll be in the running for a $10 Amazon gift card!
Today I’m pleased to welcome fantasy author Nicole Zoltack to the blog! First let’s check out her books.
Woman of Honor (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book 1)
Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother’s horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn’s wish and she begins her long years of training.
Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparring classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.
The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King’s Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything… her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.
Available formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6370163-woman-of-honor
Purchase links for Woman of Honor:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Woman-Honor-Kingdom-Arnhem-ebook/dp/B0021L9YDK
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-one-nicole-zoltack/1111374792?ean=9781612529905
Knight of Glory (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book 2)
Ranulf, the Speican lord, is dead, and Arnhem is safe, or so the Arnhemians believe.
Sir Geoffrey and his companions have just completed a mission for Queen Aislinn when he receives word of the Speicans attacking Arnhem. Geoffrey and his party, which now includes exile Jenanna, split up and rush to different kingdoms to ask for aid. Even as he fights for his kingdom and his life, Geoffrey finds himself torn between his new friend Jenanna and the mysterious lady Celestia he left behind in Arnhem.
Enlisting help is infinitely more difficult than they anticipated and to make matters worse, rumors abound that the Speicans have enlisted a mage to work unspeakable, forbidden magic. The war between Speica and Arnhem has just begun. Will Geoffrey survive the battle to live another day and discover which woman he truly loves?
Available formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7801193-knight-of-glory
Purchase links for Knight of Glory:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Glory-Kingdom-Arnhem-ebook/dp/B003AKY5U8/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-two-nicole-zoltack/1111929175?ean=9781612529745
Champion of Valor (Kingdom of Arnhem trilogy, book 3)
The war between Specia and Arnhem now reaches the sea after the selkies discover the Mystical Conch Shell of the Sea has been stolen. Selliki the selkie sets out to find it, and Gabrael, the mage she loves. No union between a selkie and a human has ever had a happy ending, but neither can ignore their feelings. Each night, they experience terrible, real dreams that show how doomed their love is. Add the war, and their love is impossible. Only one kingdom will prevail; that is, if the world doesn’t end.
Available formats: ebook and paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11150044-champion-of-valor
Purchase links for Champion of Valor:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Arnhem-Book-Three-ebook/dp/B004YTFGLQ
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kingdom-of-arnhem-book-three-nicole-zoltack/1103130624?ean=2940012459756
Coming Soon:
Black Hellebore, first in a new superhero romance trilogy – Heroes of Falledge
Expected release: October 2013
Available formats: ebook & possibly paperback
Publisher: Desert Breeze
Nicole is also doing a Rafflecopter giveaway for the Book Fair, so check it out and you can win some fun prizes:
Interview with Nicole
1. Which books/authors have most influenced you as an author and why?
J.R.R. Tolkien and J.K. Rowling (There’s just something about authors that use initials…) I have always loved fantasy and these two writers are masters at creating rich worlds you can’t help put fall in love with.
2. If you could meet one of your favorite fictional characters, who would you choose and why?
Oh, tough question! Since I love dragons, I guess I’ll go with Saphira from Eragon. Would be so amazing to ride a dragon!
3. What fictional world would you most like to visit?
I would love to be a student at Hogwarts!
4. What advice would you give your pre-published self, knowing what you know now?
Never give up, try to write every day, read as much as you can and not just in your genre.
5. Waiting for the next season of Game of Thrones is hard, but now’s the time to prepare. What three things do you want to have on hand when the Others come down from beyond the Wall?
Confession time: I haven’t read or watched GoT yet. It’s on the to-do list, I swear! But it sounds like a sword and shield and a horse might be a good idea, from my limited knowledge.
Okay, I totally struck out with this question. Had to try, though! We are all toast when the Others come. I’m not sharing my stash of dragonglass!
Bio:
Nicole Zoltack loves to write fantasy/paranormal, romances, horror, historical, for adults and young adults, novels, short stories, and flash pieces. She doesn’t want to get boxed in by genre — she might be claustrophobic! She’s also an editor for MuseItUp Publishing and works as a freelance editor.
When she isn’t writing about girls wanting to be knights, talking unicorns, and zombies, she spends time with her loving family. She loves to ride horses (pretending they’re unicorns, of course!) and going to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, dressed in period garb.
Where to find Nicole:
Author website: http://www.nicolezoltack.com
Blog: http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.com/
Twitter @nicolezoltack: https://twitter.com/NicoleZoltack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNicoleZoltack
Google+: https://plus.google.com/112850281244279638997/posts
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2887586.Nicole_Zoltack
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolezoltack
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nicolezoltack
Day 3 of the Blogger Book Fair! Be sure to check out the BBF directory for links to all of the great authors and bloggers who are participating. And don’t forget, leave a comment on any of my BBF posts this week and you’ll be in the running for a $10 Amazon gift card!
Today I’m pleased to welcome Jennifer Barry, author of the YA novel Side Effects, to the blog!
High school can be Hell on Earth, a fact Isaac Matthews knows all too well. How is a guy supposed to deal with Anxiety Disorder, adolescent hormones, and college and career choices all at once? On top of all that, he meets Grace—the beautiful, outgoing new girl who shakes his very foundation and grounds him at the same time.
What he does is try the medication that’s supposed to make him better, knowing that there’s a chance he could just get worse. Warning: Side Effects may include increased heart rate, dry mouth, interrupted speech, elevated body temperature, and dizziness or lightheadedness upon seeing her smile.
Get your copy of Side Effects on Amazon now!
Interview with Jennifer Barry
1. Which books/authors have most influenced you as an author and why?
Oh, I’d have to say every book I’ve ever read. Even the bad ones show me what NOT to do. If I delve down into the inspiration, the lessons learned, I’d say Side Effects was influenced largely by my love for The Catcher in the Rye. Holden’s a bit of an asshole (can I say that on your blog?), but Salinger isn’t afraid to let us all the way into his character’s mind. Dark and dirty, light and funny, we see it all.
2. If you could meet one of your favorite fictional characters, who would you choose and why?
I’d have to say Anne Shirley. I imagine hanging out with her for the day would be the most fun. There’s a sweetness and light to her that I think could only serve to soothe my soul. That’s why I visit with her as often as possible—especially when I just really need a lift.
Oooh, I adore Anne Shirley!
3. What fictional world would you most like to visit?
I think Narnia during the reign of High King Peter, Queen Susan, King Edmund, and Queen Lucy would be idyllic. CS Lewis built an amazing world and made us all wish for our own Narnia.
If Narnia is full, I’ll take the next ticket to Hogwarts, thank you.
4. What advice would you give your pre-published self, knowing what you know now?
An English degree—even experience as an English teacher—does not mean you’ll be a good editor. Find a great editor who can help with plot development as well as storytelling devices (active vs passive and show vs tell). Interview editors before you choose. The quality of your story depends on the people who help you polish it.
5. Waiting for the next season of Game of Thrones is hard, but now’s the time to prepare. What three things do you want to have on hand when the Others come down from beyond the Wall?
Oh, man. I’m rarely without answers, but you got me with this one. I haven’t read or watched Game of Thrones, so I’m completely unprepared for these Others. They sound ominous, though, so I’m going to go with the Invisibility Cloak, the Elder Wand, and the Resurrection Stone.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer M. Barry knows she’s in trouble when people use her whole name, so just Jen is fine. She started her creative career in opera performance, a skill she now only uses on Friday nights for karaoke. Since leaving the stage, she has written fantasy and contemporary novels for young adults and worked as a freelance blogger and ghostwriter. She also works with independent writers and publishers to edit and prepare novels for publication.
In addition to writing and editing, she loves to drink coffee, consume entirely too much Cherry Garcia, laugh at herself on her blog, and watch live music. Jen lives in Nashville with her husband, Liam. They just bought their first house and are freaking out about taxes, redecorating, return on investment, and a million other grown-up things. Life is officially weird.
You can find out more about Jennifer and her book at http://jennifermbarry.com.
It’s Day 2 of the Blogger Book Fair! Be sure to check out the Reader’s Choice Awards over at Shut Up and Read. Thief of Hope is in the running in the Fantasy-Mature (2) category. Votes are appreciated!
Today I’m featuring Eileen Sharp, author of The Unspeller and the Book of Days.
From the author of Certainty comes a fantasy set against the ticking clock of magic’s end. The Unspeller and the Book of Days is an extraordinary fantasy about a powerful family and an ungifted child. Aesa Jereward finds himself the center of suspicion and fear, a possible sign of the foretold End of magic. Being part of a rich bloodline with deep magic only increases his misery. With the help of his extraordinary siblings and a dragon of mysterious origins, Aesa must find his own path in the destiny of magic.
Check out Eileen’s blog for more information on her and her books: http://eileensharp.wordpress.com/
Author Interview: Eileen Sharp
1. Which books/authors have most influenced you as an author and why?
I was really influenced by Lloyd Alexander – his High King series was so perfect. I’ve never forgotten how I felt finishing the last book in the series. I was twelve and blown away.
2. If you could meet one of your favorite fictional characters, who would you choose and why?
Edward Cullen. Seriously.
3. What fictional world would you most like to visit?
Middle Earth, or Pern. Both of them are so beautifully vivid and they really suck you in and make you wish they were real.
4. What advice would you give your pre-published self, knowing what you know now?
Be patient and a little discontented with everything. It can’t hurt to go for perfection!
5. Waiting for the next season of Game of Thrones is hard, but now’s the time to prepare. What three things do you want to have on hand when the Others come down from beyond the Wall?
I know this is shocking, but I haven’t read Game of Thrones or watched the series.
Hmm, striking out so far with my Got question!
It’s time for the July 2013 online Blogger Book Fair! Check out the BBF directory for links to all of the great authors and bloggers who are participating and the fun events scheduled for the fair. I’m excited to be hosting four authors over the next four days: M.L. Guida, Eileen Sharp, Jennifer Barry, and Nicole Zoltack. Hope you’ll read about them and their books! Plus, I’m going to give away a $10 Amazon gift card. All you have to do is leave a comment on any of my BBF posts here and you’re in the running.
For Day 1 I’m featuring M.L. Guida, author of A Pirate’s Curse! She was kind enough to answer some fun interview questions. First, let’s read about her book!
Like a dark angel, Captain Kane O’Brien rescues Hannah Knight and her father from drowning after vampire pirates murder their crew and sink their ship. Struggling to control and hide her telekinetic powers, Hannah discovers the honorable and bold captain possesses his own secrets.
Every full moon, Kane turns into a vampire. Finding out Hannah not to be the cabin boy she resembles, but a beautiful, luscious woman, tempts all his appetites. Desperate to be free of his curse, Kane considers handing Hannah over to a demon. But after Hannah uses her power to save his ship from his immortal enemy, Kane can no longer deny his attraction and vows to protect Hannah with his life.
To find true love, they must combine their powers to defeat evil vampires, thwart Hannah’s misogynist fiancé and escape a crafty demon.
Get your copy of A Pirate’s Curse on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ML-Guida/e/B0076R7VSO/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Author Interview: M.L. Guida
I’m very excited to be participating in the Blogger Book fair and for being a guest author on Cindy Young-Turner’s blog. I’m a paranormal romance writer and write both historical and contemporary romance. The supernatural has always fascinated me and I fell in love with vampires at a very young age. Something about a hot guy sucking on your neck, mmmmm. I wonder why?
1. Which books/authors have most influenced you and why?
There are so many authors that I have influenced me and I will name of few. Christine Feehan and Sherrilyn Kenyon have influenced me based on their world building. They took vampires and created a new vision rather than relying on the same traditional story.
Based on their trail blazing, I was able to create my own world of vampirism. Instead of being bitten and being turned, my vampires are created by drinking from a cursed lake and turn into vampires during every full moon.
My new book, A Pirate’s Curse, is on sale for .99 on Amazon during this tour. Find out if Kane can break the vampire curse.
2. If you could meet one of your fictional characters who would you choose and why?
I’d choose my hero, Kane O’Brien. He’s honorable, determined and flawed. He feels responsible for his crew being cursed and vows to make them human again, but turning over an innocent girl to a demon isn’t something he’s willing to do. Vowed to find another way, he’s not afraid to challenge the forces of evil. Someone I’d want to have around when I’m frightened. Every time there’s a full moon, I think of Kane.
3. What fictional world would you like to visit?
Besides Kane’s world, I’d want to visit Dean Winchester’s world. By watching the series Supernatural, I learned how to write about touch male characters and how they deal with internal and external conflict. I love the battle between the brothers, and the fierce loyalty they have between each other. One of my favorite episodes is with Madison. She’s a woman turned into a werewolf and Sam tries to find a way to cure her, but in the end, Dean and Sam have to admit defeat. The ending is emotional and although not a HEA, its still one of my favorite episodes. I won’t give the ending away.
I have to admit one of these days I’ll have to use Madison in a story. I love that name. Perhaps, Dean and Sam, too.
4. What advice would you give your pre-published self, knowing what you do know?
I’d tell myself think out of the box. There are many different paths to getting published and putting all your hopes into one chest leads to disappointment. When I first started, I wanted to get an agent and be published by the big six. The big six publishers are not the only catch out there. There are other ways to be published and pursuing these other paths is exciting. Maybe some day, I’ll try to get an agent and land a lucrative contract, but for right now, I like throwing my hand into self-publishing and small presses. So, my advice would be—take a risk. Don’t be afraid to take an alternative road.
5. Waiting for the next season of Games of Thrones is a challenge, but now is the time to prepare. What three things do you want to have one hand when the Others come down from the Wall?
I have to admit I’ve not watched this show. I know groan, groan. But I can list three things. You’ll have to tell me if they would work.
I figure the brothers would be able to figure out what to do with anything supernatural and well, the Colt can kill anything supernatural. I’m anxious to watch the next season of Supernatural!
M.L. Guida lives in Colorado near the Rocky Mountains. She loves to take her cocker spaniel, Sadie, for walks on the trails behind her house. The supernatural has already interested M.L. and even as young girl, she’d read Alfred Hitchock’s Three Young Investigators, her favorite being the Mystery of the Green Ghost.
Today, she continues to love the superantural and one of her favorite shows is Supernatural. Yes, she’s a Sam and Dean Winchester fan. Her favorite monster has to be a vampire and after reading Dracula and Ann Rice’s vampire series, fell in love with vampires. She also loves to write about angels and demons, the constant battle between bad and good.
M.L. Guida just finished obtaining her Master of Arts in Creative Writing and now currently, has two masters. The other being in a Master of Social Work.
She currently is writing for Passion in Print with her Angels of Death series and has a contract with Lyrical Press and will be releasing a new paranormal novella in March 2014. She is currently working on her new Legends of the Soaring Phoenix and plans to release the first novel in the summer of 2013.
She is a member of Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Cindy Young-Turner 