Ghost School: What Readers Are Saying

Only out a few days and reviews are already coming in for Ghost School..

Four straight 5 Star reviews!!!  I'm excited!!!

Read this book!!  You will not be disappointed.

Ghost School On Amazon

William Diaz: Author Interview & Spotlight

Please welcome to my blog, William Diaz, author of Inquisition.

Blurb:

Inquisition is a dark fantasy that begins in Premia, the home of smuggler Dean Jayden, an advanced city that is the jewel of the continent of Falcotta.


There are men and women in Premia's underworld who seek power.  Then there are those more ambitious who search relentlessly for the fabled Blood Moon Scrolls, a powerful spell split into four ancient scrolls, when recited, unleash a force of deadly proportions, and are believed to be hidden somewhere in Falcotta.  And then there's Dean Jayden. Those who stand in the way will be crushed.  Only one can claim such a prize in the midst of blood and chaos.

Buy it here:

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Bio:

I am a self-published author.  I published my debut novel Inquisition, the first book of the Blood Moon Chronicles in Oct/2014.  I worked on the manuscript for three years.  In that same month I published my first short story, a horror titled Holy House with Dapper Press.  Recently I published my second short story, a sci-fi about a female galactic assassin titled Scarlett with Meizius Publishing.  It was featured in Volume one of their sci-fi digest Grey Matter.

Interview:

1. Tell me about Dark Fantasy. What sets it apart from regular fantasy?

First of all, thank you for having me.

I think with dark fantasy there are more liberties with the darker elements of storytelling. Dark fantasy to me reflects a more dire realism as opposed to regular fantasy.

2. I see that Inquisition is listed as Book 1. How is it coming on Book 2 and what other projects are you working on?

Agents Of Chaos, the 2nd book of the Blood Moon Chronicles is in its fourth draft; I'm hoping to release it for Summer 2016. I've also started on the first draft of the 3rd and final book of the Blood Moon Chronicles, Death March. Outside of the BMC, I'm working on a new fantasy series called the ICONs of Mayhem and it revolves around an underground organization of hardened warriors, spies and assassins. The other is sci-fi novel I'm working on is based on my short story called Scarlett. It's about an intergalactic assassin.

3. Did you try and find an agent publisher for your book or did you always plan on self publishing?

I submitted my manuscripts to a few agents and traditional publishers, for reasons of their, who've refused. That was when I decided to self publish; I wanted to expose my readers to something that they perhaps haven't read before and not wait for someone to make that decision.

4. What have you learned as an author/self-publisher that you wish you knew when you first started out.

Ha! As an author, I wish I would have started on this journey a lot sooner. As I self published author I learned that it takes a lot time and work to promote, edit, write, seek artists for book covers, market your work. But I know the rewards are worth the effort.

5. I see from your bio you have published a couple of short stories through traditional publishers. Tell me about your experience with that.

You know, I had fun writing those short stories. Holy House was the first of my stories to be published through a traditional publisher (Dapper Press). To be honest, I was shocked they picked my story! Scarlett was the second story that was published through Meizius Publishing for their sci-fi magazine Grey Matter. I thought it would be a cool idea for Scarlett to be incorporated as the all-around bad ass chic, who just happens to be an assassin.

6.. Give me three great reasons to buy your book.

It's captivating, it's hard to put down and it's a different type of fantasy that you just have to try out.

Follow William at these places:

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Inquisition Facebook Page

It's Alive! Ghost School is Here

Buy it here......
Ghost School on Amazon

More Magic
More Mayhem
More Mighty Thor

A dangerous and powerful magical device is stolen and Jewel is recruited by a shadowy government agency made up of witches with special abilities to recover the device. Jewel soon finds herself matched against a power even greater than hers and must rely on her friends from Norma Jean's School of Witchery for help. 

When Jewel finds herself pitted against an army of Zombies, things really heat up. 
It doesn't help that someone has put a bounty on her head. Secrets are revealed, romance takes an unexpected turn, and a new world of adventure is opened up. Ghost School is full of action and surprises and the magic and mayhem continue to grow in this exciting sequel.

A big thank you to Hans Markus, best beta reader in the world. When I took a second job over the summer and my writing trickled down to almost nothing, he kept up the cheer leading and encouragement.

Thanks also to Caryn Mock and Tim Cox for the editing and proofreading help. I think this is my finest book yet and I can't wait to start hearing back from my readers.

The awesome Mirella Santana did another great job with the cover!

For those of you new to my books, be sure and check out Book One in the Norma Jean's School of Witchery series available here.

Update.... Print version now available

Ghost School Print version on Createspace

Which Witchy Witch Book Would I Want You to Win

Why this one, of course.  I plan on giving away up to 287 copies of this cute witchy Halloween short story at the All Hallows' Reads event...

That's pretty cool.  Click on the link below, join the event, then show up for my first author spot at 5 PM (Eastern US time) on Friday October 30th. Participate in the event by commenting, asking a question, entering the various giveaways anytime from then until the event is over.  Once you participate, send me a PM on facebook with your e-mail address and I will send you a free pdf. It's a 20 page cute, witchy story about a kitten familiar by the name of Midnight on her last life, looking for that perfect witch.  She finds the witch, now the only problem is the witch doesn't know she's a witch.  Midnight has her work cut out for her.

All Hallows' Reads Book Party

This is an amazing lineup of awesome authors...

If you love witchy books like me, you will want to be at this party!

All Hallows Reads: Be There

I'm so excited to be part of this event.  The cool thing about is not only will I be participating as an author, I am really looking forward to it as a fan.  Many of these authors are among my favorites and all are in my favorite genres. 

This is a Facebook event that will run from October 29th through November 1st so even if you can't be there the whole time, you can find time to visit and interact with some of these great authors.  I have two one hour slots, Friday October 30th at 5 PM and Sunday November 1st at 10 AM.  I hope to see you there!

Facebook Event Link: Join Here!!!

There will be great games, fantastic prizes, and some crazy, scary good authors.

I want to start by spotlighting just two of these great authors, Lilo Abernathy and Fiona Quinn.  I'm a fan and I am looking forward to their slots.  Check out these two reviews I did of their books...

Amazon Link: Buy it here!

Amazon Link: Buy it here!

To top it all off, the second book in my Norma Jean's School of Witchery series is releasing the week of the event. Look for sneak peeks and special excerpts and chances to win some autographed copies.

Join in on the fun!

Enter All Hallows' Reads: If you Dare!

V.S. Holmes: Author Interview and Spotlight

Please welcome to my blog, V.S. Holmes, author of Smoke and Rain, the first in the epic fantasy quartet, Reforged.

Blurb:

I expected a hero to save us all. Turns out, I was thinking of the wrong part of the story.
In the beginning, we aren't saved. The world is broken. There are only pieces and grief.  Depending on the story, the fruit of grief is vengeance or justice or hardened resolve. The pieces must be gathered and flames kindled before I'm reforged. I don't know what shape I will take. Those pieces might become  a hero...

...or a monster.

 A mad king’s genocide destroyed Alea's home and left her sanity in tatters. The struggle between the gods and their creators fills the world with war. Caught in the crossfire of a conflict she knows little about, Alea wants only a quiet life. Trouble is, the darkness roiling in her mind may be the one thing that could end the bloodshed.

A storm brews within her, and not even the gods will be safe when it breaks upon the world.

Excerpt:

The 31st day of Valemord, 1251

    Despite having spent most of his last thirty-two hours on horseback, Bren's whole body hummed. His broadsword was drawn, stained with Laen blood. In the early dawn light he could make out the flashing flanks of the horse ahead. He saw his men dismounted along the forest's edge and slowed. His horse's muscles trembled from the effort to bring them this far. The Miriken stood in a wide circle around the base of a tree. They looked shaken, but no weapons were raised. Bren halted at the sight of the body lying amongst the roots.    He dismounted, armor clanking softly in the stillness. “Her guards?”

    One soldier shook his head. “Gone, sir. They were here, working on her, but when they saw us closing, they took off.”
   “Cowards.”
    Bren frowned at the man who interrupted. He edged closer to the body, noting the surroundings. The girl was still. Her skin had the bruised cast of death, but he knew to take no chances. Finally, within arm's reach, he crouched. He tugged off a glove and felt for a pulse. “She's dead. Good shot, Doric.” He sat back on his heels thoughtfully. “Sorier, you and Gorden start digging. Everyone else, make camp nearby. We're done.”
    His men slowly lurched into motion. He knew they were as tired as he, and they all deserved sleep. Besides, this is it. He could not look away from the girl's face. Her eyes were wide and her brow furrowed. He knew that expression. He noted the depressions where her guard's had knelt and the scattered evidence of attempted surgery. He finally found his knife and began to work on her fingers. The job was quick, and he had the small token wrapped in his kerchief within a minute.
    The strength left Bren's limbs all at once. He managed to sit in the dirt with some dignity, but rested his head between his armored knees. The smell of blood was so familiar it went unnoticed among the other battlefield scents. He was tired of it. He tugged his helm off, too stifled by the smell of his own sweat. After several deep breaths he lifted his head.
   “Fullsen!” Even his battle-shout sounded weary. They had reached the tree line two hours after dawn. The six Laen he had tracked from the mountains were finally dead. He managed to haul himself upright and be standing when the boy skittered to a halt before him.
   “Lieutenant, sir?” He swayed where he stood, and he no longer had an arm on his right side. He seemed not to notice either.
   “You wounded?” Bren peered at the dirty bandages.
   “Healer fixed me up proper. Got a good story for the women!”
    Bren shook his head. Fullsen's age was closer to a toddler than a man. “Can you pen a missive?”
   “Surely, I scribe with my left anyways.”
    Bren nodded once. He could not say that his own hands shook, that he feared he would be sick all over the parchment if he tried to write the letter himself. He tossed over his writing kit and gestured to the campstool someone had erected for him. “Address it to Milord King Azirik. He's on the coast now, I think.” He shook his head to clear fog from his thoughts. “We found the women. Just south of Marl Bodi, as expected. There were only six. They had guards, but we separated them. The Laen were cut down. One among them was the girl. She wore armor, and the others protected her above all else, above their own lives. We chased her to the Hartland, but she was already dead, shot down during pursuit.” He paused, as much to draw breath as to fight back nausea. Is it normal to feel this way when war is over? “I am confident that she was the Dhoah' Laen. I will await your orders. Signed Lieutenant Barrackborn.” He handed over the carefully folded kerchief. “Send this with it.”
    Fullsen had carefully scribed each word, tongue clamped between his teeth in concentration. When Bren finished he glanced up. “Lieutenant, sir, permission to ask a question?”
   “Yes?”
   “Sir, is this true? What you just had me write. Did we really destroy the Dhoah' Laen?”
    Bren frowned. “Yes. I suppose we did.” They had won. He had won the war his king began two decades ago.
   “You killed her?”
    Bren almost nodded, then shook his head. “Doric killed her. Arrow in the back.”
    The boy leaned forward, his eyes hungry for more of the story. This was the event every Miriken boy was trained to work towards. “Did you see them? Did you see her? What did they look like?”
   “I did. They were tall, I suppose. Hair blacker than night and skin that glittered, like dusted with silver.” He knew it sounded stupid, too poetic, but Fullsen was a boy, and a boy would not care. “Their eyes were silver. You could feel their power, cold, like walking the beach in winter. It was strange. Everything around them, even battle, seemed muffled.” He sighed. “I've fought them many times, but this was surely different.”
   “What about the Dhoah' Laen?” Fullsen asked, rocking forward on his toes. “Was her skin made of metal? Did she have the black claws? Blue blood?”
    Bren glanced up, staring at the boy, but not seeing him. He saw a face frozen in panic. Clouded eyes. "No. She looked like just a girl.”

Buy it Here:

Amazon

Bio:

V.S. Holmes lives with her artist partner in a Tiny House (yes, like the FYI television show) and owns far too many books for such a small abode. Her favorite genres include fantasy, science (of both the non-fiction and fiction varieties), and most anything else she finds in her hands. While not writing, she works as a contract archaeologist in New England.

Interview:

1. Congrats on your new release. How has the feedback gone so far?

Thank you! The release has been fantastic. I've had a lot of support from fellow authors and am really impressed by the community. So far the feedback has been wonderful as well -- 4 and 5 stars! I'm so pleased.

2. That's a long book. Writing Epic Fantasy must take a lot of time. Are all your planned sequels to be of similar lengths? What is your writing routine and how long did it take you to write this book?

Fantasy tends to err on the long side. A lot of the epic fantasies now are in the 120K word range or more. My sequels are all of comparable length to the first. The second book, Lightning and Flames, (out in May!) is just over 100K. Originally the quartet was a duology, but I chose to split the books in half so as to be more manageable to a variety of readers, not just die-hard fantasy fans.

My writing routine is often "wherever, whenever." I have a full time job that requires a lot of travel and very few nights at home, so that has changed my routine a lot. I try to get 500 -2000 words a day, usually in the evening. I have several projects going on at a time -- one manuscript will be undergoing final edits while I'm revising another and often rough-drafting a third. Smoke and Rain technically began in 2003 as a stand-alone, but I've been working on this iteration (and the series) since 2006.

3. What authors and books influenced you growing up that led you to write in that genre?

I loved Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness quartet as a kid as well as Robin McKinley's Blue Sword and Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel. All have women that are at turns tough and tender.

4. What has surprised you about the publishing experience so far? What has been something that you wished you knew at the beginiing?

I wish I'd known how difficult formatting a cover could be -- formatting the book was a breeze in comparison -- and known to set time aside to face all the obstacles that arose after the book was complete. Luckily I've got some troubleshooting now for my future work.

I did a lot of research about both traditional and indie publishing, so there weren't many surprises. I think something I wasn't expecting, though, was how fantastic the community is. There are so many fantastic writers on social media -- Twitter is my favorite -- with whom I've been able to connect.

5. What would you say to someone reading this that might convince them to give your book a try?

There are two prominent journeys in my book -- the overarching journey of the characters through a war-torn landscape, but more importantly the journey of trying to find footing after losing oneself. Everyone has slipped into a dark place after loss or change. The undercurrent of Smoke and Rain is very much in that vein. 

Follow V.S. Holmes:

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Nadja Losbohm: Author Interview & Spotlight

Please welcome to my blog Nadja Losbohm, author of the paranormal and urban fantasy novel, The Huntress.

Book blurb

Ada Pearce is an average young woman. She is 5’4” tall, overweight, and doesn’t play sports of any kind. Shortly after her 21st birthday a mysterious priest informs her of her destiny as a huntress. Ada doesn’t believe that story at first, but when she finds out that creatures of the night threaten the human population, she accepts her destiny, gives up her former life, and moves into the secret rooms of St. Mary’s Church, which had been built hundreds of years ago, and begins her training.

In flashbacks, the protagonist herself tells her story, beginning with her first meeting with the enigmatic and unapproachable priest, through her first year of training and her secret life, to the problems she encounters on her first hunt, and the issues which crop up when a priest and a woman live together…

The Huntress – The Beginnings: a charming mixture of science-fiction, fantasy romance and humor.

Book excerpt

I ran down the street. The glow of dawn was slowly breaking above the rooftops. There was a wonderful play of colors that started off with yellow before it turned into pink and purple then finally blended with the remnants of the nocturnal blue. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I ran like mad through the backyards and felt something running down my arm. I immediately knew it was blood. My blood.

That damn beast must have had a go at me with its claws. That’s another scar. Great! I already had a notable assortment of those. Almost every type of monster had left a mark on me, except the vampires, and I really had no intention of getting too close to those.

Racing through town, I felt like I was running in place. The church wasn’t yet within sight. “Please, please, please!” I begged and looked over my shoulder. Panic overcame me after I realized that the monster had caught up with me and was getting ever closer. Shit! Why was I so slow today? I ran through an empty intersection. The traffic lights were on orange, like every night after a certain hour. I turned around the corner at the Chinese restaurant where red paper lanterns hung down golden tassels and colorful plastic flowers sat on the windowsills. I zigzagged hoping to shake the monster off, but it was no use. It was still on my tail. Desperate, I whispered Father Michael’s name and tried to imagine what he’d say to spur me on and make me run faster. But then I saw the church tower. The cross on top looked down at me. Thank God!

I gathered every bit of strength I had and raced down the alley towards the church. I ran, winding my way around the trees. I heard the monster panting behind me. I couldn’t see it, but it sounded like it just dashed through beds of flowers. In the corner of my eye, I saw rose bushes and soil flying about. People would probably think that a bunch of drunkards were on a rampage again. Then I saw Father Michael. He was standing on the stairs in front of the church door. His dark silhouette paced restlessly back and forth. The lanterns’ yellow light cast a black shadow on the walls of the church.

   I was so glad to see him I started crying. That’s not a good idea, Ada! The tears obscured my vision. I blinked a few times, but the tears in my eyes just wouldn’t stop coming. I called Father Michael’s name and saw how he turned abruptly. His cassock fluttered. How long had he been waiting there for me?

   I couldn’t wait to reach him and be inside the safe haven of the church walls. My feet weren’t quick enough and I stumbled. I tripped over the curb. I thrashed around with my arms before I fell down flat on my face. I felt my hands and knees scraping the asphalt as I heard Father Michael shouting. I struggled back up on my feet and looked at the church. The Father came running towards me across the square. “Where’s the sword?” he shouted.

   I automatically reached to my side but there was nothing. Damn! I must have dropped it as I fell. I looked around and saw it a few meters away. Just as I wanted to run and get it, the Father pushed me aside and grabbed it. I watched the scene with big, wide eyes. My heart almost stopped when I saw the monster getting ready to jump. The Father stood there calmly. He looked like a statue holding a sword and waiting for the right moment to use it. The monster took off and pounced at him. One of the two screamed but I couldn’t tell who. The only thing I could clearly discern was the Father standing right under the monster, which was hovering over him. Father Michael’s arm swung up before the sword slashed the monster’s belly open. The Father turned and whirled around before he finally settled on his knees behind the dead monster.

Mesmerized, I glared at him. I had never seen anyone move like that. He was as gracious and supple as a dancer, yet as precise and relentless as a machine that had only one purpose: to kill.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him as I walked towards him. He took my breath away. He looked like a knight on his knees before his king, offering his sword in allegiance.

   “That was … incredible!” I murmured, looking back and forth at him and then the dead monster.

Father Michael raised his head and looked at me, but didn’t really see me. His eyes were distant, almost veiled. He seemed to be in some kind of trance. He blinked before the veil fell off.

   "Yeah, really incredible!” he repeated sarcastically. He got up. “What the hell was the matter with you?” he said, snapping at me. He came towards me and stood right in front of my face. He was so furious, he panted and breathed quickly. I felt every breath of his on my skin.

   He scared me and I started to stutter. When he started swearing, I knew he was really, really mad.

   “You’re hurt,” he interrupted as his tone suddenly mellowed. He grabbed my arm roughly to check the injury. Feeling the pain, I took a strong, deep breath.

   “I’m sorry,” he said gently, his eyes softening. “You go on ahead. I’ll be right with you and see to your wounds. I just need to take care of this here,” he said, pointing at the dead monster.

Buy it here

Amazon

Brief bio

Nadja Losbohm was born on December 14th, 1982 and lives in Berlin, Germany. Her first fantasy novel "Alaspis - The Search For Eternity" (German edition available only) was published in 2012. Since then she has published the popular series of fantasy romance books "The Huntress". In German there are parts 1-5 available (ebook and paperback). "The Huntress - The Beginnings" is the first part of the series and the first English book Nadja Losbohm has published.

Interview:

1. I love urban fantasy and I am curious what books and authors influenced you growing up. What made you decide to be a writer?

I’ve loved fairy tales and fantasy books since I was a child. I grew up with the Brothers Grimm fairy tales and “A Neverending Story” by Michael Ende. I think this is why I also like to write in this genre. It’s just great to become a part of a fictitious world and to escape from everyday reality. But it was Karen Marie Moning who really influenced my writing style. I love her “Fever”-series. Her way of writing and telling the story is brilliant; I had so much fun reading these books.

When I was 19 years old, I found out about the works of an artist, who’s also an actor, but he does so many different things: painting, photography, music, writing. That really impressed me. I always liked to draw and paint, but his many-sidedness made me want to try something new. That’s when I decided to write my first fantasy story.

2. How hard has it been to get into the English market? Tell us about your efforts and what you are doing to try and make your book a success here.

It is pretty hard to get into the English market. I don’t say I’ve made it yet. I’ve been given only a handful of chances and opportunities, but I cherish them all very much! The first thing I did was trying to get into contact with English speaking book bloggers, but I never got any replies. So, if there’s anybody who’d like to read and review my book or would like to do an interview – just let me know. 

Facebook was a great help. I found the Fantasy Sci-Fi-Network there. Members of the FSFNet are international authors coming from different countries. They were so welcoming and friendly to me. They offered me to do interviews with me and help me to promote my books. They are a great bunch of people! I also did a giveaway, where you could download my ebook “The Huntress” for free or I lowered the price. I regularly post on Facebook and Twitter. I also try to write more English short stories to find new readers, who can read these online for free.

3. Did you always plan on self publishing or did you try and find an agent or publisher first.

No, I did not plan on self-publishing at first. Like many other authors, my dream was to find a huge publishing company, but after I sent my book to several publishers I had to face up to reality. I didn’t get replies or received refusals. But I thought it would be a pity not to share the story with others. So, I started self-publishing it and I’m glad I did.

4. What have you learned as an Indie author that you wished you knew when you first started out?

I wished someone would have told me the truth about how many authors are out there.  I had no idea. I wished someone would have told me how hard it can be to wait and how much work it is to be an indie author, but I love what I do, so I don’t give up.

5. What are you currently working on now and do you have plans to have any of your other books translated to English?

At the moment, I’m working on my first German children’s book with short stories and poems about values, which are important to me, such as tolerance, help, respect and hope. I’m also working on a new series of books with one of the characters from “The Huntress”. I do have plans to translate one of my books. It’s the second part of “The Huntress”. And together with a fellow author, Leisl Kaberry, I could already translate a poem. Hopefully more is going to come. There’re lots of plans and ideas.

6.  What can you say to those reading this today that might convince them to give your book a try?

If you’re looking for a unique story, if you like strong female characters, who never give up, “The Huntress” is your book. It is funny, exciting and romantic. It has elements of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, paranormal, humor and love.

It is a quite personal story and written with much blood, sweat and tears. “The Huntress” is a matter dear to my heart or I wouldn’t have fought for her to get translated, which took almost two years. I had so much fun writing this story. I know there’s some kind of uncertainty about translated books and maybe “The Huntress” is not perfect. But please give her a try. It’s worth it.

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