Translate

Thursday, July 13, 2017

A Haunting of Words Blog Tour - Kari Holloway 



Today author Kari Holloway talks about her AHOW story, "Gunpowder & Wool":


Synopsis: Corporal Hulett greets the morning on the eve of battle, readying his men to march forth, but what comes through the ghostly fog of gunpowder and scattershot leaves him defending the merits of battle and the rights of brothers-in-arms.


What inspired you to write this story?: Where I am from, Andersonville, Georgia, is a staple from school field trips, national holiday activities, and the yearly reenactments honoring the men who lost their life for a cause they believed in. Not the cause of the government, but the cause of being beside their neighbors standing up together as a united front. Millions were affected with the civil war, and we like to look at it as an overview, but for the men serving, it wasn’t black and white, ideas vs truth.


How long have you been writing?: Professionally, July 2015 marks the starting point. I wrote Cracked But Never Broken and haven’t stopped writing since. Prior to that, writing was a dirty little secret I hid from everyone, even my parents.

What genres do you most associate with in your writing: Southern fiction is the umbrella I write while the specific genres would be romance (my Laughing P series) and paranormal (my Devil’s Playground series).


What are you working on right now?: I’m working on the third Devil’s Playground novella, the final proofing for the second Devil’s Playground, titled Cry of Gold, which is due to be released in June. Never too Late is headed to the editor to finish up my Laughing P. I’m gearing up a book signing at Xion and having a table at Epicon.


What else do you have available/published:

Cracked But Never Broken (http://books2read.com/CrackedButNeverBroken )

Behind the Lens (http://books2read.com/BehindtheLens )

Forgotten (http://books2read.com/DPForgotten)

Beneath the Mask (http://books2read.com/BeneaththeMasks ) [a perma free short story found on all e-book retailers]

Unbound (http://books2read.com/UnboundAnthology )

Love, Lust, and Scary Monsters (http://books2read.com/LoveLustScaryMonsters )


What advice do you give to new writers?: Just because one idea doesn’t work now, doesn’t mean that idea won’t work later.


For the easiest list, they can check out my site http://KariHolloway.wix.com/fiction or www.facebook.com/k.l.holly. I use books2read links which lead to global and universal links making it a one click button for those around the world.


You can purchase A Haunting of Words (available in paperback and eBook) through the Scout Media online store at: www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/a-haunting-of-words and get an exclusive companion soundtrack CD, or through Barnes & Nobles, Target, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.

Monday, July 10, 2017

A Haunting of Words Blog Tour - Stop No. 4 - J.M. Ames

Today’s A Haunting of Words interview is with author J.M. Ames

Title and synopsis/blurb of your AHOW story: Only The Dead Go Free

Wendy flees from her abusive boyfriend, daughter in tow, to her families’ cabin in the woods, only to discover what is already residing there is far worse. Based on the Transpose song of the same name.


What inspired you to write this story?

The desire to write a disturbing tale about a haunting, coupled with the imagery captured by the lyrics of the song.


How long have you been writing?

Professionally, since January 2016. As a hobby, as far back as I can remember.


 What genres do you most associate with in your writing?

I am definitely a multi-genre author. I don’t really stick to any of them exclusively. I usually try to evoke some kind of emotion, include something unusual\weird, and incorporate a twist. With that in mind, Fantasy (all kinds), Horror, and Sci-Fi probably make up about half of my work. Rock Fiction (stories based on songs or albums) are becoming a fairly common thing for me, too.


 What are you working on right now?

How much time you got? J I have too many works in progress to go through here, so I will go through the ones I think you can see from me in 2017:

Not Yet Dark: War devastates a man’s life, and he goes to extremes to get revenge on those who’ve hurt him. Based on “Masters of War” by Bob Dylan

Fourteen Years: Nonfiction biography of my best friend of 38 years, and his struggle to return his life to normalcy after a horrific accident that left him heavily injured and another of our friends dead.

The River Sticks: An elderly man awakens in the middle of the night to discover his long-dead wife and poker buddies are back for one night only. Stakes are high, as he must now play for his own life. Somewhat inspired by (but not based on) Johnny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.”

I have several other completed works I am actively marketing to various publishers.


What else do you have available/published?

“The Last Ride,” which is available in the A Journey of Words anthology.


What advice do you give to new writers?

Read, a lot. Write even more than that – never stop. Hire a good professional editor. Use Beta readers, but only make suggested changes that you agree with and make sense, or a large number of readers suggest. There are many paths to becoming an author, not just one – find your own path.


List links where people can find your work:

Website: https://jm-ames.com/ (includes links to many other Social Media Platforms)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JMAmesAuthor/

You can purchase A Haunting of Words (available in paperback and eBook) through the Scout Media online store at: www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/a-haunting-of-words and get an exclusive companion soundtrack CD, or through Barnes & Nobles, Target, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

A Haunting of Words - Blog Tour Stop No. 3 - Me!!



Today's A Haunting of Words interview is with Monsieur Moi.


“If It's Not Okay, It's Not the End” - With the help of a late music icon, a newly deceased rock band embarks on a cross-country trip to help their drummer deliver a message to his ex-girlfriend.


What inspired you to write this story?: 

The punk band Rancid has a great song called “Ghost Band.” I heard it one day and knew that I should write about a phantom music group. Originally the band wasn't going to meet anyone famous, they were just going to discuss the possibilities of meeting their late heroes. As a matter of fact, the original title was going to be, “Do You Think We'll Meet Keith Moon?” Then I happened upon a quote attributed to the rock star in question and the entire story unfolded in my mind within minutes. Funny how that works. I feel this is my deepest story yet, even if the premise isn't entirely original. In hindsight I realize it's about regrets. Regret over loved ones left behind to achieve fame, and those used as stepping stones for the same purpose.


How long have you been writing?:

Seriously writing, only three years. With a story published at the end of each year. 


What genres do you most associate with in your writing: 

The majority of my short stories are speculative fiction, but I don't think any of them fit into a Sci-fi/Horror/Fantasy box. I've only in the last few months discovered Slipstream. All ideas I have for possible novels are more contemporary or literary fiction.


What are you working on right now?:

Right now I'm working on my own project. I'm writing a series of short stories involving a government shadow group who over the past century and a half attempt to infiltrate an alien race for their own nefarious purposes. Each story takes place in a different period in time from the 1800’s until now. It's very “pulp” and heavily influenced by old comic books and magazines, such as Weird Tales and Planet Comics. The stories will be strange, violent, funny, and hopefully readers will find it to be entertaining.


What else do you have available/published:

My story “The Most Beautiful Boy” is available in A Matter of Words, and my story “The Errandsman’s Folly” is in A Journey of Words. Both are from Scout Media.


What advice do you give to new writers? 

Keep writing, of course, and always hire a professional editor. A great editor is an invaluable asset. If you use beta readers, which I do recommend, use a balance of men and women. Even if you don't use a beta reader’s suggestions, at least give those suggestions ample consideration. Don't assume your story is perfect simply because you think so. A wise person once said, Your ego is not your amigo.


List links where people can find your work:

ScoutMediaBooksMusic.Com

Facebook.Com/TravisWestWrites

TravisJackFlash.Blogspot.Com


You can purchase A Haunting of Words (available in paperback and eBook) through the Scout Media online store at: www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/a-haunting-of-words and get an exclusive companion soundtrack CD, or through Barnes & Nobles, Target, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

A Haunting of Words-Blog Tour Stop No. 2-Lauren Nalls



Today's A Haunting of Words interview is with author Lauren Nalls:


 “The Rub” is a journey into the hell of the human mind and soul; from the line that splits reality and madness, to the place the rules of the game of life, and death, become blurred. 


What inspired you to write this story?

This story was inspired by one of my current works in progress, I was thinking about what happened “after” and this was the result. I also pushed myself to see if I could write outside my usual genres.


How long have you been writing?

I’ve been professionally writing for three years, but I’ve really been writing my whole life.


What genres do you most associate with in your writing?

Great question! This particular story is way outside my comfort zone as a macabre thriller, and was a challenge for me. I normally write dramatic fiction, historical, and women’s fiction.


What are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on a historical fiction coming of age story. I have a few more works in progress at various stages of development as well.


What else do you have available/published?

My other publications include my short story “Loose Ends,” A Journey of Words (Scout Media, 2016), and a poem, “Burgeon,” published in Fredericksburg Literary Review (spring 2014 Volume 2, Issue 1). I also blogged briefly for Fredericksburg Parent and Family, “Tortoise and Hair series” (2014).


What advice do you give to new writers?

Read, study, practice, and learn from mentors you trust. Keep going, don’t give up. Subject your work to critique but don’t get upset at criticisms. Writing is art and it’s up to the artist to discern what advice to keep and what advice to reject, but always be kind and grateful. That being said, art isn’t completely without rules, we have to learn the rules, or expectations, then break them with intention.


List links where people can find your work:

www.LaurenNalls.com

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaurenNalls/

https://twitter.com/Scribbleglitch

https://www.pinterest.com/scribbleglitch/


You can purchase A Haunting of Words (available in paperback and eBook) through the Scout Media online store at: www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/a-haunting-of-words and get an exclusive companion soundtrack CD, or through Barnes & Nobles, Target, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.

Sunday, July 2, 2017

A Haunting of Words - Blog Tour - Stop No. 1: Monica Sagle 


Welcome to the very first stop on the A Haunting of Words blog tour. Today we meet with Author Monica Sagle


Title / Storm House by Monica Sagle


Blurb / Storm House is about a house that, with every storm, sees the ghostly re-enactment of a murder. A wife killed by her husband. In recent years, the wife has managed to change things and now they take turns killing each other. This time, she thinks she may have found a way to sleep through those annoying storms altogether. 


How long have you been a writer? / I have always written little stories for myself. However about four years ago I decided to take it seriously, learning as much as I could about the craft and art of writing. I joined a critique group for my novel work and I am a member of several on line critiquing groups. 


What genre do you associate most with in your writing? / I generally say that I am a fantasy writer. Although some of my short stories are Sci Fi and speculative fiction.


What are you working on now?/ I recently finished my first novel, (I 'm looking for an agent at this time,) and I have started a new novel.


What else do you have published?/ Storm House is my first publication, but I am hopeful that several other short stories will find homes soon.  


What advice would you offer to new writers? / Learn the craft, then the art of writing, and be prepared to be learning for the rest of your life, as the learning never ends. And find a good critiquing group, either physically or online, to help you hone your craft.


List links where people can find your writing? / I don’t have any places for that at this time, although I am considering a web site soon. For now, people can find me at www.facebook.com/MonicaZwikstraAuthor/ or @monicasaglezwik on twitter.


You can purchase A Haunting of Words (available in paperback and eBook) through the Scout Media online store at: www.scoutmediabooksmusic.com/a-haunting-of-words and get an exclusive companion soundtrack CD, or through Barnes & Nobles, Target, Books-a-Million, and Amazon.