Virtual excerpt stop for Seven Point Eight by Marie Harbon

Today is a virtual book excerpt stop for the sci-fi novel Seven Point Eight by Marie Harbon.

Blurb about Seven Point Eight:

'The Truth Will Set You Free'

In the second installment of the Seven Point Eight series, the legacy of the OOBE project weighs heavily on the conscience of Dr Paul Eldridge. Tahra Mamoun needs to muster all her courage and venture back into the alternate dimensions of reality. Through a series of challenging, surreal and frightening experiences, she comes to comprehend the destructive power she can yield and must face her own demons in the process.

Paul continues his quest to understand the ancient knowledge of the cosmos, while dark forces seek to hijack his research to further a secret agenda. With their lives in jeopardy, Paul and Tahra confront their enemies against an international backdrop featuring the pyramids of Giza and the peaks of Switzerland.

Meanwhile, Sam and Ava endeavour to uncover their past, even though it may irrevocably change their lives.

In a tale of courage and tragedy, love and betrayal, their lives are interwoven around the demons of one man, Max Richardson, who'll stop at nothing to achieve his objectives.

Written in the style of a TV series, Seven Point Eight draws together quantum physics, psychic powers, alternate dimensions, time travel, past lives, ancient wisdom and conspiracy in a soap opera for the soul.

It’s the ideal read for lovers of sci-fi, contemporary fantasy, paranormal, metaphysics, ‘Lost’, ‘Fringe’, ‘Touch’, and Dan Brown books.

Marie will be awarding a free copy of Seven Point Eight: The First Chronicle via Smashwords and a 12 e-book swagbag including, sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal, and YA titles to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. To be entered for a chance to win, leave an e-mail address with a comment below. And to increase your chances of winning, visit other tour stops and leave additional comments.

Seven Point Eight Character Profiles

Name: Tahra Mamoun

D.O.B./Star sign: 7^th Nov 1944, Scorpio.

Profession: I work at The Institute for Max Richardson as a psychic spy, helping out in the Cold War with my remote viewing abilities. However, in my first adventure, I worked closely with Dr. Paul Eldridge on Project OOBE, where I projected my consciousness into alternate dimensions of reality.

Celebrity/person lookalike:  I’m represented by New Mexico actress Monique Candelaria, who featured in ‘Ten Year’, ‘Bless Me, Ultima’ and an episode of ‘Breaking Bad’.

Qualities: I would describe myself as passionate, courageous, driven, adventurous, dedicated, devoted and emotional. Suffice to say, I have a darker side, which has been exacerbated by Project OOBE.

Likes: Exploring and knowing that there’s more to life than what we can see with our physical eyes. I also like to share that with others, and be a part of something big and exciting.

Dislikes: People who try to control me, those who bullied me as a child, and a lack of true love in the world.

Name: Max Richardson

D.O.B/Star sign: 13^th December 1920, Sagittarius

Celebrity/person lookalike: Some say the actor, Henry Cavill, looks like me.

Profession: I’m the CEO of two research organisations, The Establishment and The Institute, both of which are subsidiaries of Weinberg Associates.  I oversee projects commissioned by private individuals and corporations, that’s as much as I’m willing to divulge.

Qualities: I have my feet firmly planted on the ground, coupled with a shrewd business sense and an eye on the future. I’m patient, organised, methodical and wise, although I party as hard as I work.

Likes: The good life, wine, women, horse riding, and a host of fine things.

Dislikes: Failure, not getting what I want, and losing money.

Name: Dr. Paul Eldridge. I have a PhD in Quantum Physics, hence the Dr prefix.

D.O.B/Star sign: 21st February 1921. I'm not a great believer in astrology but my star sign is Pisces, identical to my favourite scientist, Albert Einstein.

Celebrity/person lookalike: Some people say I resemble the contemporary actor, Michael Fassbender.

Profession: I'm both a physicist and a university lecturer, although the latter I've only been so for a few years.  I've been a researcher in residence working for Max Richardson at The Establishment and The Institute although now I'm managing my own ground-breaking projects. My quest is for the truth, because that’s my vision for the future of humanity.

Qualities: I’d describe myself as intelligent. My students always looked up to me so I would say I have a degree of charisma and good leadership qualities. I value investigation and breaking boundaries, I'm not afraid to be bold. It's been pointed out I'm somewhat impetuous; maybe, I'm enthusiastic and driven although I don't see myself as reckless.

Likes: Albert Einstein, physics, science, the cosmos, space exploration... you get the gist. Spiritual matters draw my interest too. I also enjoy the outdoors, horse riding and the occasional pint of fine ale.

Dislikes: Narrow-mindedness, negativity, people who treat others with disrespect, not being able to follow my dreams.

Name: Ava

D.O.B./Star sign: 19^th November 1967, Scorpio

Celebrity/person lookalike:  I’ve been told I look a little like Dianna Agron, from Glee.

Profession: I graduated with a degree in genetics. Currently, I moved from working in a biomedical research lab to researching on the Human Genome Project. Science is my passion.

Qualities: I regard myself as a rational person due to my scientific background, but in some ways, I think of myself as compassionate and sensitive too. Sometimes, people try to take advantage. I’m not afraid to make difficult decisions and pride myself on my independence, although I’m a sucker for true love as much as the next person. Helping others is as important in life as success, it really isn’t all about money. We need to look out for each other, and not just ourselves.

Likes: Music, particularly Sam’s compositions. I also enjoy entertaining, science, and companionship.

Dislikes: Not knowing who my real parents are, selfish and untrustworthy people, and my life being so weird sometimes.  I wish it were more rational and straightforward.

Name: Sam

D.O.B./Star sign: 31^st October 1972, Scorpio. Yeah right I know, Halloween.

Celebrity/person lookalike: the actor, Nicholas Hoult when he has longer hair.

Profession: Artist, musician – I play piano and guitar. My band, Loaded Bites, plays gigs around the local pubs and clubs.

Qualities: I’m confident in my artistic and musical abilities, and find passion in expressing myself creatively. At heart, I’m a true romantic and equally arduous about my love interests. Some say I’m a little cocky, but they don’t know me well enough to pass judgment.

Likes: Music, rocking out, art, parties, guitars, and my motorbike..

Dislikes: My father because he’s critical of my career choices, and keeps the identity of my mother from me. Therefore, I hate negativity. I can’t stand people who are obsessed with money either, and dead people talking to me.

Author Bio and Links:

Marie Harbon has worked in both the retail and fitness industry. She has a degree in sport and fitness, and taught group exercise for several years, delivering aerobics and Pilates. For two years, she delivered BTEC sport courses and has also instructed dance and sport with children. 

Marie is a member of Nottingham Writers Studio, Her future plans include not only completing the 'Seven Point Eight' series, but involve writing YA, children's and adult books, short stories, novellas and scripts.

Aside from writing, Marie is a self-confessed fabric geek and purveyor of beautiful, often ostentatious bags, bustiers and clothing. She lives in the town of Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, which is in England.

Website | Marie on Facebook | Book on Facebook | Twitter

Interview with YA fantasy author Bisi Leyton

Today is a virtual book tour stop for young adult fantasy author Bisi Leyton and her novels Wisteria and Myopia (Book 1 and Book 2 in the Wisteria series).

Bisi will award a $15 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour. If you'd like a chance to win, make sure to leave an e-mail address with a comment below. And for more chances to win, comment at other tour stops. You can find the dates here.

Bio:

Bisi Leyton was born in East London in 1978. She grew up in London, Nigeria and the States, listening to the stories life and love from aunts, cousins and big sisters. She lives in London, but has worked around Europe including France, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, and the Czech Republic. She has a fondness for reading graphic novels.

Welcome, Bisi. Please tell us about your current releases.

Here’s a blurb for Wisteria:

Sixteen year old Wisteria Kuti has two options—track the infected around the Isle of Smythe or leave the only known safe haven and face a world infested with flesh eating biters. But even with well-armed trackers, things go wrong and Wisteria ends up alone facing certain death, until she is rescued by the mysterious Bach. Uninfected, Bach is able to survive among the hordes of living dead.

Eighteen year old Bach, from a race known as The Family, has no interest in human affairs. He was sent here to complete his Great Walk and return home as a man—as a Sen Son. The Family regard humans as Dirt People, but Bach is drawn to this Terran girl, whom he has never seen before, but somehow knows.

Hunted by flesh eaters, cannibals, and the mysterious blood thirsty group called Red Phoenix, Wisteria and Bach make their way back to the Isle of Smythe, a community built on secrets and lies.

And here’s a blurb for Myopia:

Sixteen-year-old Wisteria has embraced her deep bond with eighteen-year-old Bach, a member of a supernatural race called the Family, despite the risk of his family finding out. Should Bach’s people discover his bond with a human, Wisteria will be guaranteed a painful and bloody death—but somehow, being together is more important.

Their bond is tested when empirics, an elite group of Family investigators, are sent to the Isle of Smythe under the orders of Bach’s father to find artifacts stolen by the humans. They’re to find the artifacts at any cost. Among the empirics is Bach’s old friend, the stunning Alba, who has learned about Bach and Wisteria’s secret relationship, and surprisingly accepts this. With no one else in the Family to turn to, she becomes Bach’s ally and confidant, but possibly more.

As the empirics start to take over the town, Wisteria is torn between trusting Bach and the safety of the humans on Smythe. She soon realizes that she and Bach are on opposite sides of the war between the Family and Humans, and there is no middle ground. One of them must choose a side.

What inspired you to write this series?

I wanted to write a story about a girl who was average or a little less than average. She’s not prettiest, skinniest, tallest, or most kick ass. She’s just a girl stuck in her situation and trying to make the best of it.

Excerpt from Wisteria:

Wrapping her arms around herself, she moved away from him. Once again, humiliated and feeling foolish. “Goodnight, Bach!” She strode angrily to the side of the roof in order to climb down.

He grabbed her and held her back

The guy came here just to tease her, yet again! Didn’t he know he was hurting her? Didn’t he care? “I’m tired of all this nonsense. I’m actually tired and need some sleep. I’m done with this. All of this!” She should’ve left the roof when she saw him appear. “Let go, so I can go.”

“Wisteria, it is not that.” Exhaling heavily, he released her. “My people could kill you if they knew I wanted you.”

This wasn’t at all what she’d expected him to say. “What?”

“I am in love with you. I do not know why, but I am. And it is selfish, because I just want you for myself.” Sadness filled his eyes as he spoke.

“Why would they do that to me?”

“Because you are human and because we see humans as Terran, or dirt people.”

“And you believe that too? So why are you here, living among us, if we’re so disgusting?”

“You are not disgusting. You are beautiful.” Rubbing his temples, he seemed troubled and bewildered. “I came to Terra as a rite of passage. To be considered a man, to take a journey and experience the wild.”

“The wild?”

“I chose Terra, or Earth, because I came here as a child. Your people treated me so badly in the past. When I learned about the Nero disease, I wanted to see your world.” He paused. “You were right when you said there was something wrong with me.”

“Bach, it cannot be that bad.” Stepping up to him, she stroked her fingers along his biceps.

The sweet motion made him smile at her, but he still looked distressed.

“Like about Garfield, you let him live with you. And now you’re here with me.”

“You are not like the rest.”

“Neither are you. You’re not so cold and cruel like Enric or patronizing like Felip. They think they’re better than us. You just hate people because you’re a jerk, Bach.”

“Ha.” Bach laughed. “A jerk?”

“You’re a big jerk.” As the final word rolled from her lips, he kissed her.

She was stunned for a second. His lips tasted like a strange, tantalizing spice.

He squeezed her against his larger frame and rested his right hand on the small of her back.

She fidgeted, unsure about what to do with her hands. She tried to kiss him back, but she struggled because she was so short.

Excerpt from Myopia:

“I promise when I know for certain what is going on, I will tell you and we will help Coles understand, but right now my father has gotten involved and that makes everything more complicated.”

“Why?”

“For one, if he finds out I am communing with a free human.” He shuddered. “I do not know what he would do.”

“Probably not any worse that my mum, if she finds out you’re here right now,” she joked and stopped playing. “She’ll kill you and your dad will murder me.”

Pulling the guitar out of her arms, he put his arms around her.

They’d spoken about the gravity of their relationship a few times, but they’ d never been able to figure a way out that would result with one of them walking away unharmed. The threat wasn’t her mother. Although she didn’t like Bach, since Major Coles had welcomed him into the island, the worst her mother could do was lock Wisteria away.

His father was a different story. Bach’s father was the Sen of the Third Pillar within the Family. He was a powerful leader who on more than one occasion had killed free humans for communing with members of the Family. There was no vice considered more heinous, disgusting, and malicious as willingly loving a human. The price of that was blood—human blood.

Both factors resulted in them meeting in secret for the last four months. They settled on the church clock tower, weeks before he’d left for Jarthan.

“Do you want me to tell Coles you’re back?” She stretched herself across the lush rug. “Did you get him a present too?”

“There is a lorry full of ammunition parked at the end of the bridge, leading to town. I am sure Major Coles knows I have returned. I also brought him some medicine he said the hospital needed.” He pointed at several white boxes which sat in the corner.

“Bullets and pills,” she murmured. “Nice. Anything for my mum?”

He looked at her as if she were insane. “She would shoot me in the face if she ever saw me. The only reason she would not torture me is because I saved her life.”

“So basically, you’re saying my mother isn’t good enough for a present?” She glared at him.

Rubbing his temple with his right hand, he tried to explain. “Listen—”

Laughing, she hugged him from behind and laid her head against his back. “I’m joking.”

“That is not funny.”

She kissed the back of his neck, and then lay back down.

“Your mother is…” He turned to talk to her and saw her adjusting her skirt over her legs.

He was taken aback by how beautiful she was. Many people, human or Family, couldn’t see it for some reason, but she was the most beautiful woman he knew.

She finally noticed his stare and bit her plump bottom lip. “What’s wrong?” Frowning, she sat up.

He shook his head. The thoughts he was having were not something he could share with her.

“Are you all right? You’re completely red and you never turn red.” She touched his face tenderly.

It seemed to burn him and he backed away. “I am fine.” The images in his mind changed to what he’d like to do with her. He wondered how many escorts she’d had and what it would be like for him to really love her.

More pictures flashed through his mind and some didn’t make any sense. The last one was of him and the Seven Elders standing over the cliffs overlooking the Astolat River, as his brothers tried to drown a tanned half-human half Famila baby—Their baby. Did this actually occur and he was just now remembering it, or was it a fear he had harbored, should they ever conceive a child? “I have no intention or interest in a physical relationship with you,” he abruptly blurted out. Nothing good could come of anything like that happening between them.

She gave him a blank stare. “Okay.”

“You mentioned earlier that we had not talked about something. I am guessing that is what you meant.”

“Um, yes,” she said quietly.

“It cannot happen between us,” he replied.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m currently editing the Aporia, the third book in the Wisteria series. Here is an excerpt:

Bach had never thought he would see her again. He never wanted to see her again. One thing he knew about Wisteria Kuti was that she was as complex, as she was self-centered and manipulative.

“Bach—” Wisteria started to say.

Bach was never going to let her in his head again.

“Enric, she does not talk to me.” He warned his friend. “Locate Lluc and get her out.” He hated her with everything in him. Seeing her again, just made him loath her more.

 “Nothing would make me happier,” Wisteria smirked coldly.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I suppose when I was a teenager. I’d just watched First Knight and that inspired to write a novel, I’ve not finished that particular novel, but that was when I realized I wanted to be 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 don’t write full time, so I have to make time in the evenings and weekends to get in as much writing as I can.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I watch television or rather I have the television on while I’m writing. Generally, I like watching police procedurals, cartoons (Ben Ten, Johnny Test or Thundercats), and sometimes the Twilight Zone.

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

A brain surgeon

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I want to thank them for all their support and I hope they enjoy Wisteria and Myopia. 

For a free copy of a Wisteria short story, you can join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/o8zv1

Ways to connect with me:

Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Buy links:

Wisteria:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XRI3BA

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008XRI3BA

Barnes and Noble: http://goo.gl/rfS1J

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/257049

Kobo: http://goo.gl/3Sjkv

Paperback Lulu: http://goo.gl/90mIF

Myopia:

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A4Q4DSA

Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A4Q4DSA

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/253371

Interview with romance novelist Cheryl Douglas

Romance author Cheryl Douglas is here today to talk a bit about the first book in her Nashville Nights series, Shameless.

Cheryl will be awarding: two (2) $20 Amazon gift cards to randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Also, Cheryl will be awarding ten (10) trading card/cover flat packs to randomly drawn commenters during the tour (US/Canada), ten (10) digital books from the Nashville Nights series (winner's choice) to randomly drawn commenters during the tour and two (2) Swarovski crystal necklaces to randomly drawn commenters during the tour (US/Canada).

If you want more chances to win, follow the tour and comment at other stops. The more you comment, the better  your chances of winning. Remember to leave an e-mail address so you can be contacted!

Bio:

Cheryl began her professional career as a nutritionist, but her love of books started at an early age. She studied writing for many years before she decided to pursue her passion as a full-time career. After receiving constructive criticism from several well-known authors, Cheryl finally had the confidence to write her first romance novel.

The first book in the Nashville Nights series, Shameless, was a book that had been dwelling in Cheryl’s subconscious for years. For her, the surprise came when the manuscript began taking on a life of it’s own. Characters came to life, secondary characters became more prominent, outlines were forgotten, and a single title evolved into an eight book series, and another eight book spin-off series entitled Nashville Nights, Next Generation.

One word would aptly describe Cheryl: workaholic. She lives and breathes her writing, when she’s sleeping, watching TV, driving, reading… it’s always in the periphery of her mind. Her imagination rarely takes a holiday, even when she escapes to a sandy beach with her husband and son, she’s planning, plotting, outlining, and daydreaming.

Cheryl feels blessed to be able to get up every day and do something she loves. The thousands of fans who have embraced the Nashville Nights have made that possible. She writes for the readers who ask for more, she writes to satisfy the muse residing inside of her, but most of all, she writes because she couldn’t imagine doing anything else with her life. It took her thirty-seven years to decide what she wanted to be when she grew up, but now that she knows, she’s convinced she’s found her purpose.

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

I’m currently working on book three in the Nashville Nights Next Generation series, Game On. The Nashville Nights series includes eight books in the first series, and the spin-off series, Nashville Nights Next Generation consists of eight books and a special edition holiday novella.

What inspired you to write this book?

The series started with Shameless, and it was my love of country music that inspired this book. It’s about country music superstar, Trey Turner, who’s at a low-point in his life. He knows he can’t continue down the self-destructive path he’s been on since his divorce. He’s a broken man, trying to find redemption as he comes to terms with his tragic past and the people he’s hurt along the way.

Excerpt: Chapter One:

Trey Turner tipped the plastic bottle and watched the little white pills scatter across the desktop. One would take the edge off; twenty would end it all. He considered his options. He wasn’t ready to give up; he couldn’t do that to his family.

He put one of the pills on his tongue and swallowed it with a mouthful of scotch as the phone rang. He knew it was the morning radio show calling to interview him. His manager, Luc Spencer, had arranged it and, despite his protests, Luc insisted it was necessary. The public was demanding answers; it was time to end the speculation.

He checked the call display and pushed the button to activate the call. “Hello.”

“Trey, Johnny Madson, KX790 in Nashville. How the hell are ya this mornin’, buddy?”

Trey rubbed his eyes, willing the pill to take effect. “I’m good.”

“We’re going live in three minutes. Stand by.”

Trey endured the longest three minutes of his life as he waited for the radio host to return. He glanced at the list of questions and answers his publicist, Avery, had provided. He’d been doing this long enough to know they always surprised you with questions they knew were off-limits. He hoped he was sharp enough to dodge the bullets this morning.

“Trey, we’re live. Our listeners are anxious to hear about what’s been happening with the king of country music. Where’ve you been, man?”

“I’ve been in the studio working on the next album.”

“That’s what we like to hear. Tell me, when do you plan to release it?”

“By early next year, I hope.”

“Can we assume you’re planning a world tour to promote the new album?”

In his current state of mind, just the thought of a tour was overwhelming, but he owed it to his fans and his label. “That’s the plan, Johnny.”

“Good stuff. I know your fans are looking forward to that. We get calls and emails about you every day. People want to know what you’ve been up to. They’re dying to know when the new album’s coming out.” He laughed. “The pressure’s on, man.”

“Yeah, I know. I plan to deliver the goods.” If only he could figure out how to break through the mother of all creative blocks and write a song he wouldn’t be embarrassed to attach his name to.

“So why did you decide to sign with a new record label, Trey?”

Because my old label was putting pressure on me to get off my ass and produce a record, he thought, considering the fall-out if he came clean. He was tempted to tell the truth and accept the ramifications. He was so tired of living a lie, pretending to be the man, the musician, everyone expected him to be. “There was just a difference of opinion with the old label. No hard feelings.”

“Are you expecting this album to go platinum like all the others?”

Platinum, hell he would be satisfied if it didn’t end his career. “We’ll see what happens, Johnny. It’s up to the public to decide.”

“So, you’ve been spotted around town with some of the most beautiful women in Nashville. Is there anyone special in your life right now?”

He clenched his jaw in frustration. He had come to expect this question, but he still resented it. “No, not really.” Megan would take offense, but he didn’t care.

“You are one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. Think you’ll ever marry again?”

“No.” The only woman he wanted to call his wife was determined to forget he was alive. He’d had his one chance at forever and he blew it. He sure as hell didn’t deserve another one.

“Can you tell us about the car wreck you were involved in last year, Trey? We understand a woman and young child were killed. Your Hummer and their mini-van were hit by the driver of a tractor trailer who fell asleep at the wheel, right? Rumour has it you were lucky to escape with your life. That would have been a hell of a loss for country music, man.”

Trey wanted to tell him the loss of life that occurred was much more valuable than his, but he kept his mouth shut. He could imagine the headlines: Country Superstar Trey Turner Wishes He Had Been the One to Die in Fatal Crash.

“I’d rather not discuss that, Johnny.”

“Sure, I understand. We’ve all heard you’ve fallen off the wagon after three years of sobriety. Is that true, Trey?”

He glanced at the highball of scotch to his right. “I’d rather not get into it.” Which he knew was akin to admitting guilt. His manager and publicist would go ballistic, not to mention his record label. He had to end this call or risk digging himself a deeper hole. “Look, man, it’s been good talking to you, but I gotta roll.”

“Yeah, sure. Thanks for talking to us, Trey. We’re all looking forward to the new album, so don’t keep your fans waiting too long.”

“I’ll try not to. Thanks, Johnny.” He pressed the button to end the call.

His hand shook as he reached for the crystal glass. He took a long swallow of the amber liquid, savouring the familiar burn on the way down. He knew it was toxic, eating him alive from the inside out. He hated that he needed it, hated the fact that alcohol was the only thing that seemed to take the edge off and calm the fear and anxiety so he could get through another day.

He looked up at the ceiling. “What the hell am I gonna do?” he whispered. He needed help, was desperate for guidance, but had no idea where to turn. His faith had been tested to the limits, and he couldn’t face the idea of admitting the truth to his friends and family. He had never felt so alone.

He knew that every day he lived without creative inspiration was another day closer to sealing his fate. He couldn’t stall his manager and record label forever. They expected answers and he knew he had to tell them the truth; his career was over. But every time he tried to tell his best friend and manager, he panicked. He was terrified that, without music, he was looking into the abyss of a dark, empty, meaningless future. His music was the only thing he had left.

He pulled the newspaper clipping out of his desk and stared at the black and white photo of the little girl who had died in the fiery crash. Six years old, the same age his daughter would have been. Trey couldn’t comprehend why he had been spared when a little girl with her whole life ahead of her had been taken. If he could, he would have traded places with her in a heartbeat, given her a chance at the life his daughter deserved. A knock on the door of his studio interrupted his reverie and he silently wished he could escape. Escape the questions and expectations of a world where he no longer felt he belonged.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m in the middle of working on Nashville Nights Next Generation right now, and I’m so excited about every book in this series. When we came to the end of Nashville Nights, my devoted readers let me know they weren’t ready for the series to end, so I decided to write a spin-off series about the children of the characters we fell in love with in Nashville Nights. It’s been a long and rewarding journey, and I’ve loved every minute of it!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I started to feel like a ‘real’ writer when I started to get fan mail! Whether it’s readers connecting with me on Facebook, or emailing me to tell me how much they love my books, that’s always the highlight of my day. The writing and editing can sometimes be grueling (though I wouldn’t trade it for anything else in the world), and hearing from my readers is like the reward for my hard work. It’s nice to know that what I do matters to so many people.

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 do write full-time. I gave up my ‘other’ career as a nutritionist because I knew I couldn’t do both well. My fortieth birthday was on the horizon, and I began to realize if I ever wanted to do this, it was time.

I write seven pages or 1,500 words six or seven days a week. I love writing so much that I rarely feel the need to take a break. In fact, I even take my laptop on vacation, and sneak away from the beach to write!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write in the most awkward position. I have two desks in my house, yet I choose to write scrunched up on the loveseat in my bedroom sitting room. I usually end up with a pain in my neck and back, but for some reason, I’m able to write better there than anywhere else, so I figure the aches and pains are worth it!

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

I was looking through a school treasury book my mother had tucked away not too long ago. When I was in the first grade, I said I wanted to be a journalist. From grade five on, I was the student editor of my school yearbook and newspaper, so I’d say I was destined to be a writer.

Anything else you want to share with the readers?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Facebook

Thanks, Cheryl. Happy touring!

Readers, remember to leave an e-mail address with a comment below if you want a chance to win any of the wonderful gifts Cheryl has up for grabs!

Interview with YA author Makayla Yokley

Today's guest is YA novelist Makayla Yokley. She's touring her novel, The Ruby Curse.

Makayla will award a free digital copy of The Ruby Curse via Smashwords to one commenter at every stop. For a chance to win, leave an e-mail address with your comment below. For more chances to win, visit other tour stops and comment there.

Bio:

Makayla Yokley is a college student who lives in Kansas with her somewhat evil cat named Cujo. She likes to write fiction of all genres. Currently she is majoring in Liberal Arts.

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

The Ruby Curse is a steampunk/fantasy novel about Violet Seymour, an escaped convict who is a link in an ancient bloodline of Heroes. When mages start disappearing across the steam-and-clockwork powered land of Arcova, Violet is enlisted to help find them. It’s either that or she goes back to jail. But what is the price of freedom when death stalks those who dare look for the mages?

What inspired you to write this book?

Fairy Tales. I wanted the Violet Chronicles to have all the necessary elements that makes stories into fairy tales. Within the story itself I’ve made some of the characters reflections of their fairy tale selves, but made some changes to fit my setting. Not all of the characters are fairy tale characters, but quite a few of them are.

Along with being filled with fairy tale characters, the “Violet Chronicles” is also filled with the themes and motifs one might find in a fairy tale if you look deeply enough at them. I can’t be very specific without ruining it, unfortunately!

The Ruby Curse specifically, though, was sort of my twist on a Russian fairy tale whose name I can’t find anymore. In its very early stages it started out as a Tolkien-esque fantasy that just wasn’t clicking right in my head. I scrapped the idea and decided to recycle it later and turn it into a steampunk/fantasy. Ethan and Aurora are the only ones who retained most of their qualities from the first idea, though they’ve been altered somewhat to fit the new world of course.

Excerpt:

The next thing I knew was the smell of piss and rotting wood.

A dull throb pulsated in the back of my head, moving to the front in an almost wave-like motion. Through the haze I tried to remember where I was and how I had gotten there. The last thing I could recall was being bashed on the head and little black dots peppering my vision, stealing the world away into darkness. If I tried to remember more, a shock of pain erupted without warning until I was subdued once again.

There are no questions here in the kingdom of concussion.

I remember I was doing something bad. Hardly anything to get in a tizzy about when it’s me doing it, but being able to remember anything at all was an accomplishment. In the grand scheme of things it didn’t really matter. I was still in a place where the floor— or at least what I assumed was the floor— was warm and metallic against my back.

A gob of blood sat idle under my tongue. I tried not to swallow it but some things were easier said than done. Just when I was sure I had no other choice, I tilted my head askew and spat it out. I could feel the warm, sticky wetness trailing out of the corner of my mouth and streaking across my cheek. I could still taste the bitter, coppery sensation on my tongue.

 Somewhere in the darkness that condensed the entire world into a tiny, limited space, a disembodied voice floated up and pierced through the dizzy haze.

“Oi! Look there! She’s awake!”

It was a man. I was certain of that much. His voice was rough, irritable, and had an accent that at first seemed very strange to me, but I soon recognized it as the kind of vocal slur usually found in the south. The important thing was, though, he was undeniably Arcovan.

“Hey! Hey you! You ain’t dead?”

Another man joined in and his accent matched the other man’s to the syllable. But his voice was lighter and gave the impression of being off balance.

“Clearly!” the deeper-voiced man said. “If she is dead then she’s a zombie, and that’s rubbish. Don’t be stupid!”

“Oi! Who you callin’ stupid?” the lighter-pitched man asked.

“This bloody stupid fool right ‘ere!”

The sounds of their voices faded away into obscurity, depriving me of certain bits and pieces of the conversation until I could no longer follow what they were going on about. Through the pain I willed my eyes to open. The edges of things blurred together into a great unintelligible mass that hung around me like a soupy haze.

But then things started to take shape. Artificial light from the gas lamps outside streamed in through the thick black bars that made up the window at the very top of the room. Fat copper pipes ran every which way on the ceiling. A puff of white steam shot out of a loose valve and settled down on my face in little wet speckles.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Currently I’m working on the second book in the Violet Chronicles, Briar Light. It’s slow goings but it’s going none the less. It’s definitely going to be one the fans like (or at least I hope so!) because we get to look deeper into the backgrounds of the characters and, to me, that’s always fun.

Other than that I don’t have anything that’s far enough along in its progress to be worth mentioning. Most of what I have are little side projects that may or may not ever make it out of my piggy flash drive. We’ll just have to see!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Truthfully, I’m still coming to terms with it. That sounds bad but all this time I’ve always considered it as something I just DO, like breathing or walking. It’s been a part of me and what I do for so long that I don’t think I’ll ever have that “ah-ha” moment where it becomes a concrete thing. It’ll always just be something I do compulsively. If I didn’t do it I don’t think I’d know what to do with myself. Sometimes I open my Word program and start typing on whatever project that happens to be occupying my mind at the time without ever realizing I did anything.

Now that I’m thinking about it I don’t think I’d have it any other way. It’s like finding yourself in a truly good relationship. It’s comfortable. It’s home.

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 don’t think you’d call me a “Full-Time” writer, exactly. When I’m not writing I go to school and work in my college’s library, but whenever I find some downtime I usually write in a notebook I have stored in my backpack. I never like to leave home without it because I never know when I’m going to get time enough to work, but I’m always glad I have it even when I end up not being able to use it.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Sometimes I seem to write better while listening to songs from old Disney musicals like “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, “Pocahontas”, “Hercules”, movies like that. I can’t explain it, but something about them helps get the creative juices flowing. My muse must be a Tinkerbell-esque creature!

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

I’ve wanted to be everything from a writer to a chocolatier (Like Willy Wonka!). I entertained the idea of being a pirate for like a day and a half, for about forty-five minutes I wanted to be a game designer, I wanted to be a painter and an actress— actress lasted the longest, I think. I remember wanting to be a lawyer when I was little but there was way too much legal jargon involved. Even now I’m letting my mind dance around being something else, but I’m always going to come back to this because it allows me the freedom to do all those things without being diagnosed with anything!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Just that I hope that, if they end up sticking with me all through this crazy ride, they will be prepared to see me throwing my hat into several genres. I’m not the kind of person who can build a nest in a certain genre and be able to sit there comfortably. I’ve always got an urge to try new ideas and new things, so sitting still in one niche is somewhat impossible.

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Thanks, Makayla. 

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