Interview with urban fantasy author K.S. Augustin

Today’s special guest is KS “Kaz” Augustin. She’s touring her book The Complete Check Your Luck Agency with Goddess Fish Promotions. The book explores the myths and legends of the melting-pot that is south-east Asia. Come for the food, stay for the monsters! (Ghosts included at no extra charge.)

Kaz will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during her tour. To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and comment there, too.

Bio:

Kaz Augustin is a Malaysian-born author of SF, fantasy, romance and combinations thereof! She has worked on three continents and is currently based in the steamy tropics, one degree north of the Equator. She is also Chief Editor of the online magazine, Sci-Fi Romance Quarterly, which is full of release information, opinions and an original fiction piece, all geared towards the genre of SF romance.

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

The Complete Check Your Luck Agency is actually five books in one! It's an omnibus that follows the adventures of Ursula Formosa, paranormal investigator. Now Ursula is a bit of a stubborn character. Although she has psychic abilities, they scare her, and she pretends that they don't exist until, that is, she's forced to confront reality.

What inspired you to write this book?

As much as I like urban fantasy, I found it very much geared to Celtic mythology. Coming back to live in Malaysia after years away, I was surrounded by such different beliefs that I knew I had to attempt to get some of it down in a book. To be honest, I think I only scratched the surface, but I hope that readers like what I managed to include.

Excerpt from The Complete Check Your Luck Agency:

“Did you have any difficulty finding the house?” Evelyn Long asked as she led me up a short flight of concrete steps.

“Well, the taxi driver wasn’t too keen to drive down the lane.”

Evelyn nodded her head. “The ignorant fear what they don’t understand,” she said.

I made a noise that might have indicated I agreed with her sentiment, and left it at that.

“I’m afraid Alfred is still meditating,” she began.

“I’m sorry,” I cut in, a shade too quickly, “I knew I shouldn’t have come. Perhaps I could pay him another visit some other time?”

I turned as if to leave and Evelyn Long grabbed me by the arm. No, “grabbed” was too gentle a term for it. Although her movement was smooth and she appeared to hold me lightly, I knew I would not be able to wrench free of her grasp without breaking flesh or limbs, or both, all of them mine. I looked up at her, startled, but saw nothing beyond polite interest. There wasn’t an ounce of strain on her face, nothing to show that she had me manacled with her slim, delicate-looking fingers.

Who – or what – was Evelyn Long?

“He won’t be much longer,” she said, as if commenting on the weather. “He’s been waiting to see you for more than a month now. We’re both glad you visited.”

And I suddenly realised that nobody knew where I was. Long and his supernaturally strong wife could do whatever they wanted with me, dispose of my dead body no doubt in the acres of primeval jungle behind their house and nobody would be the wiser. A wave of energy suddenly thrummed beneath my feet, a surge so strong I was sure that Long’s wife was able to feel it pulse through my body and travel to hers at our menacing point of contact.

“Why don’t I get you something to drink? You can relax while I fetch Alfred.”

What exciting story are you working on next?

I've got a couple of SF projects on the go at the moment; they're ongoing books in two series, both of them space operas. But I'm also plotting out a new fantasy series involving a thief, a dragon and a curse, although the first book won't be out till mid-2015. I like to plan ahead! :)

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I think I was eleven years old when a story I wrote was chosen to be included in our school annual. It's been a love/hate affair ever since! LOL

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?

Oh how I wish I could write full-time! No, in between writing, I also homeschool my two teenage children and run Sandal Press (http://www.SandalPressOnline.com), a micro-press that my husband and I own. I set aside several afternoons a week and late nights to do my writing and find that having a writing plan really helps keep me focused, so I don't waste too much time on distractions. (You know what kind of distractions I mean, I'm sure.)

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write a full synopsis of a book, and have it critiqued by one of my wonderful editors, before I even sit down and type “Chapter One”!

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

Oh, that's easy, a palaeontologist! I love teh dinosaurz!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

There are no guns in this book! It's all down to brains, skill and friendships.

My website is at http://www.KSAugustin.com and a list of my books can also be found at http://www.SandalPressOnline.com. I occasionally tweet as @SandalPress.

The Complete Check Your Luck Agency is available from:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Apple | Barnes and Noble | OmniLit | Tomely 

Thanks so much, Kaz! 

Interview with mythological fiction author Jennifer Lohr

Baltic Mist - A Timeless Saga is Jen Lohr's newest creation. Jen is here today to tell us about this new cultural heritage, legends, and mythological novel.

Jennifer will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. To be entered for a chance to win, leave a comment below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit other tour stops and leave comments there, too.

Bio:

It all began when she came across Egil’s Saga, written in the mid11th century, chronicling the life of Egil Skallagrimsson. The history surrounding the Viking awakened within Jen an unquenchable thirst for knowledge of the Norse culture. A story was soon born, seen through the eyes of a young woman named Helga, originating from a character in Egil's Saga.

Baltic Mist begins on a farm Norway, and takes the reader through the epic adventures of Helga's enchanting life. Beginning in Book One, her tale falls against the backdrop of Scandinavia's conversion to Christianity. The saga continues in Books two and three to a finale that no one, even Helga herself, could have ever imagined!

A must read!

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

Baltic Mist is a series of three books following the life of a young girl during the Christian conversion. She lives on a farm in Viking-age Norway. After an encounter with Egil Skallagrimsson (an actual Viking, from the famed Egil’s Saga) Helga, our heroine, undergoes some very significant changes guiding her on a path to fulfill her destiny. The reader joins her as she experiences loss, love, death, and relationships during the tumultuous time in Scandinavian history.

What inspired you to write this book?

A long-time history buff, I am fascinated by ancient cultures. I came across Egil’s Saga and there was mention of a young girl who has a life-altering experience, and then the reader hears nothing else of her. I saw a blank canvass and decided to write about her, and what may have happened to her – what she may have been ‘all about.’

Excerpt:

(from Chapter 8 – Frideberg’s Daughter)

There was already a Thing taking place, deciding whether or not to make a marital union official. The idea of it brought me back to the day Helgi mentioned it to Hendrik not too long before, as we all stood in the hall of my home. How I missed father, Helgi and the farm.

Now, these two rival clans were settling their pasts, calling a truce. I stood in the distance, over-hearing a random word here and there. Then I noticed the name of the man who was to marry the young woman.

“…Stormi Bjornsson,” My eyes could not help themselves as they intently looked to see the man who was being referred to. To my surprise, there he stood – the same man who had approached me the previous day near the market. With his confident glare, he embodied warrior strength. I could see the sword he held at his side and the signature name engraved near the handle - it was a famed Ulfberht sword, brandished by only the wealthiest of warriors. Its blade was known to be most resilient and best of its kind.

Indeed, I was not surprised Stormi owned such a prized possession, as he was example to all things larger than life. Others admired him as well, and his smile was one that could win over the grittiest of demeanors. He truly looked as a bear: strong, respected and magnificent.

I forced my eyes to look away from him, as I likely could have for the remainder of the day. I was quickly distracted when a man spit on the ground and spoke up angrily at the idea of unity.

“I would not wife my mangiest bitch to their fattest swine, let alone my sister, here…even if it meant we would be clans who find ‘peace’! They are filthy, the Bjornssons!” One spoke up with harsh words. I chuckled, since there was irony in the moment: This man now accused Stormi and his kin to be less refined, when the crowd here held witness to his ill meaning declaration. As another spoke to him, I learned of his name.

“Resist speaking these ill words, Muerich – leave it!” I could surmise it was his father who urged him under his breath, in hopes no one would hear.

“Ha! I must ask, then Muerich. How filthy would I be standing a hand’s distance to you with my blade at your throat? Do you think I have dirt in my fingernails?” Shouting a question was a man likely to be Stormi’s brother. From the whispers in the crowd around me, I learned his name was ‘Geir.’ He, Stormi and the rest of these men were well-known Swede Vikings and warriors.

No one said a word, and tension grew thick in the field we all now awkwardly stood in.

“I would most enjoy …” Geir smiled as he continued his threat, “giving you such an opportunity to investigate the extent of my filth… ” He fearlessly tuned out the glares from the men in Muerich’s crowd. Boldly, Geir fixated the promising smirk at him.

“Let us see, Geir!” a random voice provoked.

“Yes! Come at us and we can seek the answer for you!” another man called out.

“No – this is the union we seek, here, today!” Reasoned an uncle of Stormi and Geir.

Suddenly, Muerich pulled his sword and charged at Geir. Stormi raised his Ulfberht, waiting the perfect moment to strike it down, and as brutally as he could.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m currently completing books Two and Three in the series (Book Two will be released later this year) and I have a few more projects on the table, which are not Viking-related – I can tell you both take place during the 19^th century in Western America. Once I complete those two stories, I will be focusing back on the ancient Scandinavians, once again. My head is just buzzing with tales!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was in grade school was the first time I decided writing came easily for me. I was very comfortable with my outlet.

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 commit to my writing the same way I do to my life, because all of my stories are a piece of me – I give it my all. But, with that said, there is a balance with the other pieces of my life – like my children, family, and home. I’m a stay-at-home mom of four children (all of which are under the age of 10)…so we’re a pretty busy house! Depending upon the day, I commit 4-6 hours of writing when completing a project.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if you could call it a ‘quirk’ but more like a habit: I usually need music to set the ‘mood.’ Almost like an actor / actress getting into character. It just opens the floodgates of creativity, for me.

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

My first ambition was to work at Burger King so I’d be able to provide my father with an endless amount of free Whopper sandwiches!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I’d like to thank you very much for this opportunity – I enjoy answering questions about one of my passions. This experience has been wonderful, even interviews such as this – thank you!

Social media links:

Book’s Website | Facebook | Twitter | Sellfly | Book Trailer (YouTube) | Character Profile Youtube) | Author Interview (YouTube)

Buy links:

Nook | Amazon Print Copy | Kindle

Review of "Travels in Elysium" by William Azuski

The following review is my contribution to a virtual book tour forTravels in Elysium by William Azuski. Opinions are my own.

Literary fiction blends with Plato’s tale of Atlantis is this metaphysical mystery that takes place on an archaeological dig on the island of Santorini. Travels in Elysium is written in an allegory style. Click here if you would like to read an an online excerpt. 

Author: William Azuski
Fiction / Mystery / Thriller
Rated: Very good (****)
Review by: Lisa Haselton

Twenty-two year-old Nicholas Pedrosa gets the job of his lifetime when he receives an apprenticeship with archaeologist Marcus Huxley. Before he can catch his breath and think about the opportunity, he's already on his way to a non-stop adventure filled with all types of surprises...and never enough time.

‘Then chalk it up to experience, Mr Pedrosa. Trust no one. Believe no one. Question everything. Remember, there is nothing here you can take at face value... No — not even yourself.’

Those words are shared more than once in this novel; they are easy to read and digest, yet also easy to ignore. Working an archaeological dig is tangible and real. The myth of Atlantis, is intangible by definition (as myths are); yet this novel gives the reader something new to think about. Consider mythological Atlantis being the mirror image of the real Athens, in all its glory of purple mountains, fields of green, turquoise water, ever-present sunshine, and more. Then imaging that the people of Atlantis were losing "the fairest of their precious gifts" and that is what caused the city to sink to the bottom of the ocean by an angry God. The journey is filled with clues, like any good mystery, and twists and turns that don't stop.

I found Azuski's writing incredibly appealing. I love mysteries and the ocean, and have always been mesmerized by the lost city of Atlantis, so having all of those combined into one finely woven novel was a treat. He captivates the reader by putting us in the character's mind and letting us experience the tale as he does. What's real? What's imagined? Do we ever know if we're fully awake or dreaming? I thought I knew the answers going into the novel, but I really didn't. And still don't. And I like that. This riveting tale based in mythology is educational and entertaining.

William Azuski was born in the United Kingdom, and is of British and Yugoslav descent. Travelling widely through the Mediterranean since childhood, his frequent sojourns in Greece included several months on Santorini in the 1970s, an experience that provided firsthand experience for his exceptional novel Travels in Elysium and its outlandish local setting. Writing as William Miles Johnson, Azuski is also author of the critically‐acclaimed The Rose‐Tinted Menagerie, an Observer Book of the Year (nonfiction), and Making a Killing, an end of the world satire, both titles recently republished by Iridescent.

Travels in Elysium is an exciting read. It is full of sights, sounds, and smells so intriguing that the fictional world feels tangible. I love when a book pulls me in like that and the world around me falls away. When the only motion I make is turning the page (I still prefer paper to e-reader), for long periods of time, that, to me, is the sign of a great read. I enjoyed being swept away on the tide with Nicholas' adventure to Greece and think you will, too.

Available through: Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Title: Travels in Elysium
Author: William Azuski
Publisher: Iridescent Publishing
ISBN: 978-3-9524015-2-1
Pages: 540
Price: $18.90

Interview with YA novelist Adrienne Clarke

Today is a virtual book tour stop for Adrienne Clarke and her young adult fantasy romance novel To Dance in Liradon.

Adrienne will be awarding winner's choice of a Kindle touch, Nook Simple Touch, or a $100 Apple gift card, and one crystal Faerie necklace similar to what Brigid wore to the Faerie ball to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

To be entered for a chance to win, make sure to leave an e-mail address with a comment below. And if you'd like to increase your chances of winning, visit other tour stops and leave comments for Adrienne.

Welcome, Adrienne. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I think I became a writer because the world inside my head was so real and vivid, sometimes more so than the outside world. In some sense I have lived parallel lives, present in my real and imaginary lives in different ways. Because much of my childhood was spent searching for faeries or reading about them, it is natural that my work encompasses fairy tale themes and other magical elements. In the words of Tennessee Williams, forget reality, give me magic!

Adrienne has previously published short stories in The Storyteller, Beginnings Magazine, New Plains Review, and in the e-zines A Fly in Amber, Grim Graffiti, Les Bonnes Fees, The Altruist, The Devilfish Review, and Rose Red Review. Her short story, Falling was awarded second place in the 2008 Alice Munro short fiction contest. To Dance in Liradon is her first published novel.

An avid reader of fairy tales and other magical stories, a thread of the mysterious or unexpected runs through all of her work. When she’s not writing Adrienne can be found searching for faeries along with her daughters Callista and Juliet.

Please tell us about your current release.

Drawing on elements of Celtic fairy tale mythology, To Dance in Liradon is filled with magic and romance, but it’s also a story about growing up, about the deceitful nature of appearances, and, most importantly, about what it is to be human and to love.

What inspired you to write this book?

The story for To Dance in Liradon has been with me for a long time. I have a shared passion for fairy tales and Celtic mythology, and I knew I wanted to write a book that drew on the magic and romance of both. I’ve always loved stories about the Irish Tuatha De Danann: Tall, beautiful, proud, and amoral, who have a propensity for falling in love with humans. To Dance in Liradon explores what happens when the human and Faerie worlds collide.

Excerpt:

(The excerpt included here shows Brigid’s exceptional talent for dancing. It’s one of the things that set her apart from the other villagers, who believe Brigid’s lightness of step is a sign she’s been touched by the Faerie.)

Brigid allowed the sweet music to seep into her veins and then she was away. Away from the disapproving eyes of the other villagers, away from her mother’s fond but anxious expression, away from Connell and his undecided intentions. Once she was inside the music nothing else mattered. She felt as free and untouchable as the lord himself. As she advanced around the ring, her feet tapping lightly against the ground, she was dimly aware of the other dancers. Two had already left; their desire for more ale greater than their desire for the cake. Ahead of her, Isibeal, Tanner’s daughter, stumbled and Brigid danced around her like the wind.

Brigid never got a cramp in her side or lost her footing. Once she started dancing her tiredness fell away from her like a heavy, velvet cloak. She could go round and round the ring until a new sun rose in the sky. But she would not have long to wait for her victory. One by one the other dancers began to tire. Fin, the Falconer’s son, one of Brigid’s long-ago playmates, fell to the ground gasping for breath.

“No more,” he said before struggling to his feet.

  

Mary, Baker’s daughter, and Isibeal also took their leave. Brigid could feel their jealous glances burning into her back after they rejoined their families who stood around the ring waiting to see who would falter next.

Now only Brigid and Deirdre Faolan were left. The two girls danced alone together on many such occasions. Deirdre did not possess Brigid’s love of music, or her graceful footwork, but she was sturdy and strong from her work in the fields, and the desire to win radiated from her well-muscled limbs. 

The dancers shared the same steps but their movements were as different from one another as the sun and the moon. Deirdre’s brow glistened with sweat, two hectic spots of colour staining her ruddy cheeks, while Brigid felt as cool and weightless as a shadow. But if her feet held some magic, her shoes possessed none. Already worn through in several places, she felt the soles of her feet connect with the hard ground. Still she danced on, her pale face upturned to the sky, which was now well and truly dark. She wished she could dance her way up to the highest star and disappear into the sky’s inky blackness.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m very excited about my novel in progress, Opium Ghosts. It’s a supernatural mystery set in Victorian London at the height of the spiritualist movement. I’ve always been interested in séances, ghosts and mediums, and I loved the idea of writing a historical novel that was part romance part ghost story. The growth of spiritualism also marks a fascinating period in women’s history – all of a sudden young middle class women found themselves in positions of real power. Some of the most famous mediums of the day were teenage girls who captivated their audiences with ghostly materializations, or not, depending on whether you believe in spirits or trickery. I’ve done research for all my novels, but the research for Opium Ghosts has definitely been the most fun.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was in grade two I wrote a poem called “Dreamers,” that to my astonishment made my teacher swoon. It’s my first memory of feeling like writing was something I was good at. After that I was hooked.

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?

My day job involves working as a mediator, but right now I’m on an extended maternity leave. I write the days that my 2-year old daughter is in daycare, and when I can manage it I get up really early to write before everyone else wakes up. It can be a difficult balancing act, but I write because I must – there’s no choice involved.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write all my first drafts long hand – an increasingly odd practice!

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

A writer, a ballerina, and a magician – in that order.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I hope that if you do decide to read To Dance in Liradon you’ll let me know what you thought. Connecting with readers is one of the best things about being a writer. I’d love to hear from you!

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter 

Buy Links:

Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | Barnes and Noble | Kobo 

Thanks, Adrienne.

Readers, don't forget about the fabulous giveaway being offered! To be entered for a chance to win, leave an e-mail address with a comment below. Good luck!