Interview with YA fantasy author Francina Simone

I have the pleasure of interviewing Francina Simone about her new young adult urban fantasy novel, The Keeper’s Vow. It’s the first book in the Guardians Trilogy.

During her virtual book tour, Francina will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card (winner’s choice) to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too.

Bio:

Francina Simone is a writer of Epic Urban Fantasies brimming with Magic and Moral Ambiguity.

From the time Francina Simone entered kindergarten, she loved to read and share words with her friends. When she was in the fifth-grade, she was scared to read aloud and so the teacher concluded she wasn’t very good at reading—Francina read anyway.

Francina left her middle school book club behind for the daunting and exciting life as a high school freshmen. She was quickly told Young Adult books were childish and she should concern herself with finer literature—Francina read them anyway.

Francina waved good-bye to her high school life and strutted into University with her YA books and graphic paper to take notes. She witnessed the birth of a YA trend where publishers flocked to sell their stories to teens…stories that were underdeveloped and glaring with structural issues. The message she heard as a consumer was simple—common belief is YA readers aren’t good enough readers to discern quality stories or they are too childish to tell the difference.

Francina dropped her degree in chemistry and decided enough was enough—and set out to write the quality* stories her fellow readers deserved.

After her formative years she moved to Japan, with her best-friend and husband, land of some of the worlds best story-tellers and creators of unique manga. There she worked on her stories and the quest to understand what authenticity* in story means.

Now she lives in Boise with her husband, son, cat, and Catahoula. She spends most of her time battling the terrible-twos and puppy-dom. But when things are quiet—you can hear frantically typing away; her mind far away with her characters in their quest to make the right decisions in a world brimming with magic and moral ambiguity.

Welcome, Francina. Please share a little bit about your current release.
The Keeper’s Vow is a story that speaks on the complexities of love, race, identity, and the role we play in the lives of the people around us. It is all told through the eyes of 16 year-old Katie Watts. She is not a blank slate a reader can just “insert” themselves into, she is a strong opinionated girl (though not always graceful in delivery) and for the events that unfold in her three book story—she has to be.

What inspired you to write this book?
I totally wanted to write the paranormal story I wanted to read. I loved books like The Mortal Instruments, and Vampire Academy, but they either didn’t have the world-ending, true-to-life situations I love reading or they focused way too much on the romance as a plot. I like my books a little more gut wrenching and balanced when it comes to Fantasy plot vs Romance.

Excerpt: Here is a sneak peak of a turbulent situation Katie and Tristan find themselves in after fighting off a pack of werewolves:

Mr. Heckler turned his attention to Tristan. “Why didn’t you call security? We have procedures for situations like this.”

“Do your procedures include letting three werewolves snatch a girl off her porch?”

 Mr. Hecklers face turned purple. Spit flew out of his mouth as he spoke. “Innocent people could have been on these streets.”

“Well you should have been protecting them. You have procedures for situations like this.”

Mr. Heckler moved toward Tristan but thought better of it. “Watch it boy. As far as I’m concerned you’re the reason they were on this street!”

“He saved my life,” Katie said, feeling her own rage. Her heart still pounded from hearing a gun go off so close to her head.

“We wouldn’t have let anything happen to you. We would have—”

“Done nothing. I was in the back of that van. I was as good as dead without him. You didn’t even have the decency to show up until it was all over. Those wolves could have killed us.” She didn’t know if the fire she felt was from her pain or anger. How dare they blame him for what happened. How dare they look at him like he was a monster. Like he was a half-breed.

“Enough. Come inside, Katalina,” Tristan said, holding out his blood stained hand to her.

She grabbed it. The look of pure disdain on Mr. Heckler’s face did not go unnoticed. “The school does not look kindly upon discrepancies like this. We have procedures.”

“Bigot,” she shouted at him. Mr. Heckler stiffened and the street fell silent. All eyes were on her. The same expressions from the Christmas party. Shock, horror, and disgust.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Right now I’m working on two books. From the Ashes, which is book three in the Guardians Trilogy and an Epic Fantasy. I will be bridging the world between Urban Fantasy and High Fantasy with this and I’m super excited to see how this all plays out. There is a cast of 5 main characters from different walks of life in a kingdom filled with magic and danger. I’ll be sharing sneak peaks on my blog.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I decided I was a writer sometime in 2012. I had just watched the Black Swan and something about authenticity and art imitating life and how as an artist I have to throw myself into it even if it drives me mad, just really spoke to me. So I put my foot down and decided if I wanted to be an author I’d have to decide I’m a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I am a full time writer and a stay at home mom. Being a writer means I’m also a business manager of a Brand and being a stay at home mom means I’m a cook, maid, organizer, referee, dog walker, cat cuddler, book reader and more. I spend the mornings working on my platform (which is fun I just get to hangout and chat with book people all day). I spend my afternoons either reading a book for review for my YouTube channel or filming videos, and in the evenings I try to get in as much writing as possible. These days with my book launch means less writing and more of the other stuff. In between all that “routine” stuff I juggle a screaming toddler and hyper active puppy.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I listen to music on repeat and “movie trailer” the book scenes in my head before I write them.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An accountant. I was weird and liked math an awful lot. I think mainly I just didn’t want to be like other people…which is strange because accountants are abundant.

Links:

Website | Twitter | Youtube | Facebook | Mailing list | Amazon

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

Thank you for having me.

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Interview with novelist S.J. Francis

Today’s special guest is novelist S. J. Francis and we’re focused on the debut novel, Shattered Lies. During S. J.'s virtual book tour, 2 lucky people will win an autographed copy of the novel. Details for how to enter for a chance to win are below.

Bio:

S. J. Francis is a freelance writer with over three hundred publication credits, a University Lecturer with doctorates in English literature, Mass Communications, and Law, and most recently, a novelist. S. J. writes for many publications, as well as regularly contributing to the local newspaper. S. J.’s background also encompasses working as a television producer. A frequent traveler, S. J. has resided in thirteen states and three countries. A confirmed bibliophile, when not writing S. J. can be found reading a good book, or spending time in the outdoors.

Welcome, S. J. Please tell us about your current release.

Shattered Lies is labeled by the publisher as women’s fiction/mainstream. For me, it is also contemporary, family saga, epic. Shattered Lies focuses on a family and the aftermath of what happens when long buried secrets and lies surface.

Kate Thayer has a good life as a veterinarian, running the family horse farm—until she uncovers an act of unimaginable treachery by those she trusted most and learns that everything she knew about herself was a lie. Her paternal grandmother, the woman who raised her, is behind a number of devastating secrets Kate is compelled to discover. But the deeper she digs, the more betrayal she finds, changing her life in ways she could have never foreseen.

What inspired you to write this book?

I have more ideas in my head to write than I could ever possibly write. The idea for Shattered Lies came to me in July 1999. I didn’t aspire to write a book back then, but hoped to do so one day. Life just kept getting in the way. There was no inspiration for Shattered Lies. It was just an idea, a one line sentence I came up with. What if? Shattered Lies was always going to be set down south. I just never knew where until I moved to Mississippi. When I moved there, Shattered Lies basically wrote itself. I always believed that people are all basically the same. Good and bad. No matter where people are, despite sex, color, religion, what have you, when it is all said and done, we’re really all the same. What if I pushed that question into a “perfect Southern family”?

Excerpt from Shattered Lies:

She knew that bigotry existed, but she had never experienced it quite like this before…

 Kate couldn’t say anything for a moment. She was just too astonished. “Wh—what? Excuse me? What you did you say?”

 The other boy with brown hair spoke, “Sorry, miss.” He giggled too. “You have to excuse my friend. He’s a little drunk.”

 “How old are you two?”

 They didn’t look older than eighteen, and had acne breakouts on their cheeks, but she knew better than anyone that looks could be deceiving.

 “We’re old enough,” the rude one said.

 Sam returned just as the rude one spoke again and pointed, “Hey look, it’s the Jolly Giant Nigger.”

 Kate shot to her feet so that she was between Sam and them.

 A porter was with Sam. “Is there a problem, miss?”

 “Yes,” she said without facing him. “We’d like to change our seat.”

 “Of course, Sam asked too. We have another place for you over here, if you both come with me.”

 Kate moved to leave. The two young men said nothing, which was a good thing. She swore she could feel her blood boiling in her veins. If they said one more thing…

 Sam stood aside to let her exit and then she heard the young man. “Goodbye now, Uncle Tom.” Giggling. “Enjoy your meal, Uncle Tom, so nice to see you.” More giggling. “Dumb nigg—”

 He didn’t have a chance to finish. Kate snatched the water glass from the table, threw the water at him, slammed the empty glass down hard on the table directly in front of him, and glared into his eyes. “You disgust me! It’s people like you who have turned this world into shit!”

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m working on a novel about friendships and family in Hollywood. Again, secrets and lies play a major role. I also have a draft for a sequel to that one.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was in high school, I was complaining to a close friend of mine how many story ideas I had in my head and what I should do with them. She suggested I begin writing them down and sending them out for publication. At that time I didn’t consider myself a fan of writing, though, I always had a gift for doing so. I thrived on it. After a few seconds, I realized she was right. I had to write. That was when I decided I was a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

For me, I’d say I write full time since I write any chance I get. I also lecture at my University in English, Creative Writing and Law. No matter what I’m doing, showering or walking my dogs, I’m always in some way writing in my head. For me, I don’t find time to write, I make the time. Whether it is just a sentence or a paragraph, I write it down.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I can’t write in silence. I find that I need some kind of background noise to keep me writing. I watch TV or listen to music, usually music that somehow feels like the piece I am writing about. This might distract other writers, but for me it keeps the ideas flowing. In fact, I don’t think I’d be able to write without this background accompaniment.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to do everything. Of course, that wasn’t realistic. I loved writing in school, though at the time, I didn’t know it. When teachers assigned book reports or papers to write, while other children were lamenting about it, I went right to work on it. I “aced” all my English classes. It was only natural that I’d become a writer since I decided there was too much math and science involved to become my first career choice of being a veterinarian.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I hope readers will take the time to read Shattered Lies, whether you borrow it from a library, a friend or purchase your own copy. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. In Shattered Lies, the reader should expect an awakening of the senses, high-charged emotion, controversial language and thoughts.

My blog tour is just beginning and will run into January 2016. To find out more on where to find me on the internet, or about Shattered Lies, please check out my website for updates.

Also: In celebration of the launch of my debut novel, Shattered Lies, I’m launching a giveaway on my website in which I will award two (2) readers a personally autographed printed copy of Shattered Lies. All you have to do is contact me on my website using “giveaway” in the subject line. Tell me your name and mailing address and how I should autograph the book should you win. On December 12, 2015, I will pull two names from those that contacted me and send them a printed copy of the book. All you have to do is read and enjoy and pass it along to other readers. Good luck!!

Go to my website for more information and my blog tour schedule.

Other ways to connect with me on social media include:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | Goodreads 

Pre-order purchase links for Kindle | Black Opal Books | Smashwords

Thank you, S. J.

Interview with debut novelist Justin E. Geary

Today's guest author is debut epic fantasy novelist Justin E. Geary to share a bit about his book Midnight’s Cloak, Book One Of The Age Of The Wrath Series. He's at the start of virtual book tour with the Virtual Book Tour Cafe.

Bio:

Justin E. Geary lives in western Maryland, where he spends his time reading various authors and exploring different subjects. In addition to fiction, he enjoys history and some science. He is the nephew of 1942 Pulitzer Prize winner Laurence Edmond Allen. 

Justin’s hobbies are chess, pool, and writing epic fantasy. He started reading Edgar Allen Poe with interest at the age of sixteen and started writing screenplays at the age of nineteen. Screenplays were unfulfilling for Justin because they lacked depth. 

Later on, he wrote his first novel at twenty-one and Midnight’s Cloak, his second at twenty-four. After finishing the rough draft, Justin decided that fantasy was his escape from the world. Without a college education, Justin decided to seek editorial help, sinking twenty-one hundred dollars of his own money into the editing and proofing of his manuscript. Justin calls the expense a small price for something he loves so dearly.

Welcome, Justin. Please tell us about your current release.

Midnight’s Cloak is an Epic Fantasy novel about a Prince named Raziel, who becomes a very powerful Clonan. Raziel’s magic is tainted and very strong. He leads an army to the city of Quenendor to conquer it. The first battle of the world war is in Quenendor. You will be introduced to the key players of the story in the first novel and you will see them start to grow and develop as characters. I have humorous characters and situations to lighten the story up a bit. To better help readers zero in on my work, I would say that my series is similar to Robert Jordan’s books. I really don’t want people to buy the novels who are not interested in the genre. It’s as important to me that you enjoy the book as it is getting paid. I want to get paid but I want readers to get what they want for the money as well. Sample chapters are available on Amazon.com if you’re curious.

What inspired you to write this book?

I don’t know if anything actually inspired the book so much as the words just started coming out. I can’t really explain where they came from. While my work is influenced by Jordan, I try to stay creative.

Excerpt:

After a half hour of travel Aramina woke up.

“You okay sweetheart?” Lot asked.

“I think so,” Aramina said. “I take it the Cael are dead.”

“Yes. Why didn’t you use your magic?” Lot asked.

“I started to, then one of them jumped me from behind. After that everything became hazy,” Aramina said.

“You’re not dizzy or anything?”

“I feel fine,” Aramina said softly. She looked to the right where Clophues rode the gelding and had Snowflake’s reins.

“His name is Clophues. I don’t think he would have shot you. He was just scared.”

“The Cael were chasing him?” Aramina asked.

“Yes.”

“Could you let me down so I can ride Snowflake. This saddle is a bit uncomfortable.” Lot stopped Tracker and Aramina climbed down. Clophues stopped his horse as well. She went to Clophues.

“May I have my horse back, please?” Aramina asked.

“Maybe I’ll give her back to you, but I’d like a kiss first,” Clophues said, simpering. Aramina stuck her hand out, expecting it to be filled with Snowflake’s reins. “I’d prefer a kiss on the lips,” the West woodsman said, perking up.

“I’d be careful with her?” Lot warned. Aramina dropped her hand and looked back at the samurai. Her look told him to shut up. Lot watched the two of them intently. She turned back to Clophues. “I can’t kiss you from up there,” Aramina said. Clophues bent sideways to get closer to her. When he got close Aramina grabbed his ear hard and yanked him from his gelding. The West woodsman hit the ground, grunting. Lot chuckled.

“Would you like another?” Aramina asked angrily.

Clophues stood up and brushed off his coat. “You’re mad,” he said.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I have already started Shadowlance, the second novel in the Age of the Wrath series. I would like the next novel to be longer. This one was only about three hundred and sixty pages including Appendix and Glossary. The second book will focus on Clophues’s perspective, who is a character in the first novel, and a new character Clio. While my plot is often character driven, Shadowlance focuses on the staff and the struggle to get to it.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I wrote "Wall Climbers," which was my first short story, I was shocked at its potential. I’d written hideous screen plays at seventeen, but they were so bad, it’s embarrassing.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

It’s my dream to write full time but I don’t. Right now I’m collecting unemployment and looking for work. People don’t seem to understand the amount of work that goes in to writing a good novel. I have to write it, get it edited, proofread, double check the proof because I’m obsessive compulsive, submit to a publisher, and pay them to put it in print. It’s a lot of work and lots of money goes into preparing it. I promised myself I’d give this novel two years of marketing efforts, if I don’t make it by then, I’m going to find a job and say to heck with it. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My obsessive compulsive behavior during the proofing phase is my quirk. I suffer panic attacks at this time because I try and make the manuscript absolutely perfect. I have to expect a hundred and ten percent from myself, because I have to know I’ve given it my all. I have to know I’ll never stop writing the books but if there’s no demand for them it’s like walking into a brick wall.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an Indian (Native American.) I used to go to the Pow Wows in the area and get my face painted, and always loved visiting the Indians in front frontier town when I was a child. I can remember one time where I saw this authentic plains Indian chief headdress at a Pow Wow. It was ninety dollars and I had eighty from my birthday. I begged mom for that headdress but she wouldn’t bend. I settled for a Dream-Catcher. Reflecting on it now I’m glad she didn’t buy it because I would have ruined it while playing.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

If you like my novel please keep an eye out for the next one. While I’ll do my best to promote, it’s more difficult for self published authors because we do all of the work ourselves. My Kindle is $2.99 and is free in the lender’s library for Amazon Prime members.

Thanks for stopping by, Justin. Happy virtual book touring!

Readers, you can follow Justin on Twitter and purchase his book through Outskirts Press.