Month: April 2020

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Book Shelf: tapestry of fortunes

tapestry of fortunes by Elizabeth Berg

Stepped out of my usual genre with this one … again. I was pulled in by the cover. It’s an incredibly beautiful cover. Truly enjoyed this tale of 4 women confronting life. It felt as if I were on the journey with them. Loved it. – Camilla

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VFXxPi

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)

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Meet the Author: The Lilith Trilogy by Kim ten Tusscher

Today we travel to Enschede, a small city in the Netherlands, to chat with Kim ten Tusscher about how traveling, nature, the Northern Lights, the Narrows in Zion National Park, dog sledding, a costume designer, being a go-getter, and trusting her inner voice fit into the plot of Kim’s current and past life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, my name is Kim ten Tusscher. I’m a writer from the Netherlands. I
live in Enschede, a small city near the German border. I’m going to tell
you more about my stories in the following questions, but before that,
let me tell you some other interesting things about myself.

I love to travel and explore. I’m most happy when I’m camping surrounded by beautiful nature. I have slept near a thunderous waterfall, my tent was almost taken down by deer and I’ve camped in places where you can only see a faint light in the distance. I have been husky sledding and seen the Northern Lights. I’m so fortunate that I’m able to do that. And the best part is, I can use all these things in my stories. Lilith goes dog sledding, other characters hike like I did the Narrows in Zion National Park and sometimes I just smell the Icelandic sulfur when I write. Am I weird that I like that smell?

I grew up in a family with two elder brothers. I remember us all sitting
around the dinner table when we were younger. Doing all kinds of things: drawing, making puppets out of clay, painting. I still do those things when I find the time.

Also nice to mention: I have been involved in several movies and series as a prop and costume maker. I made flags for Born of Hope, costumes for Ren – The Girl with the Mark and for A Royal Love. I love the movie world, but not as much as I love writing. That’s why I never went on building a career as a costume designer.

This love for costumes, movies, and stories came together when a friend and I started Hunter’s Prey. She is the singer of a band and wrote a song for a story of mine. We started a crowdfunding campaign and made an epic video clip. You can watch the end result here:

In which genre do you write?

I write epic fantasy. I like my stories to be a bit dark. You might have
a clue who is the hero and who is the villain when you start the story,
but I assure you that will change when you learn more about my
characters. The line between good and evil gets very blurry.

How many published books do you have? What are you currently working on?

I have published nine books so far. Four of them have been translated
into English: City of Illusions (a stand-alone) and the Lilith trilogy.
My translator is currently working on book number five: Blood. That is
the first part of The Tales of the Downfall. It will be released later
this year.

At the same time, I’m working very hard to meet the deadline for my
tenth book. It’s called Storm, which means exactly the same in Dutch as it does in English. It is the final part of the Tales of the Downfall.

Where did the idea for The Tales of the Downfall come from?

Soon after I finished the Lilith trilogy back in 2012 the fans asked me
if I was going to write another story about Lilith. At first, I said I
would never do that. I liked the fact that the readers could have their
own ideas about how her future would be. And I was already invested in another story at that time.

But the fans kept asking me that same question again and again for
years. I finished the series I was working on and started to think: What
would have happened to Lilith? How can I continue her story? And so the ideas came and I started writing this new series with her as the main character.

It was an awesome decision. This story has so much depth and has learned me so much more about the world I created. It’s a tale about war and deceit and despair, but also about hope and working together and looking past prejudice. I’m writing the final chapters at the moment and I’m having so much fun with it.

What is an interesting writing quirk you have, that we wouldn’t know by reading your biography?

You might have heard about plotters or pantsers? Plotters think through the whole story before they start writing, pantsers make up the story as they go along.

I’m somewhere in the middle. I called myself a traveler once. When I go
on vacation, I always prepare. I look up things worth visiting, make a
travel plan, pack cloths fit for what I think I will encounter. But my
trips never go as planned. I will see the highlights and will arrive at
the final destination in time. But between start and finish, I get
distracted. The weather is different than I imagined so I have to change the plans, I find a path that looks very promising and I want to follow. And some attractions may be closed.

This is how I write. I start with a plan, but some things just don’t
work out the way I thought they would. Other paths are way more
interesting and the local people (my characters) are not who I thought
they would be. I explore the story the same way I would explore a new
place. With expectations, but open-minded to better opportunities.

Which of your personality traits has been most useful and why?

I have always been keen to prove to myself and the world that I can
achieve things. I am a go-getter, I think it’s called in English. I know
what I want and I won’t stop until I reach that goal.

It’s a trait that is very useful for a writer. Writing is lonely and it
takes a long time to finish a story. Especially before your work is
published you have to have a clear picture of what you want to achieve.
If not, it’s easy to get distracted and not finish.

You have to give up many things to meet your deadlines. When I’m finishing a story, I’m not very social for the people in my surroundings. At those times there is only one thing I’m doing: writing. And I even gave up a steady income to improve my skills to succeed as a writer. I do believe I have it in me to do this.

This may sound like I am overconfident, but I am not. There are many times I doubt all my decisions. I suffer from imposter syndrome like most people who create things. But my go-get attitude prevents me from giving up.

What advice would your more mature self give to your young self?

Trust your inner voice. I have been paying too much attention to people who I thought would know how to do things. People who said I should be using a pen name. That you have to plot a story because that’s how to write a cohesive one. That you have to write short stories first to learn the craft. I could come up with more examples.

But I can’t plot, I can’t write short stories and I wanted to publish under my own name. And all these so-called good bits of advice put doubt in my heart. Was I really doing it right?

Well, with ten books written and published and many fans I know I am doing something right. In hindsight, all these doubts did cost me a lot of energy. Energy that I should have directed towards something more constructive.

I would want to say to me (and to you): believe that you know how things work for you and what is the right path for you. This is your path to walk and not somebody else’s. It’s a good thing to have mentors, but be picky.

If you could have a fantasy tea or coffee date with an author from the past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would invite Robin Hobb to a tea date. I really admire her writing skills and love the characters she created. I read her books when I’m in the final stages of my own stories and during editing. Her stories are packed with details without becoming boring. I sometimes skip too much. So reading her work while editing my own, gives my stories the right balance of what to describe and what to leave out.

What would I ask? I’m not sure I would be able to ask anything. Big chance I would be star struck and I even might run.

Actually, I met Robin Hobb once. It was on a fantasy festival in the Netherlands and if it wasn’t for a colleague writer, I wouldn’t have been brave enough to go to her. But my colleague knew I wanted to thank her for the inspiration she gave me and the lessons I learned while reading her books, so he dragged me to her table. I gave her one of my own books as a present and we exchanged a few words. She is such a lovely person, so if I can get my nerves under control, it will be an awesome tea date.

Tell us about your most recent book you’ve published.

My most recent story in English is the Lilith trilogy (Bound in Darkness, Broken in Twilight and Born in Light). It is the story of Lilith, a Dragon shape shifter. She was kidnapped when she was a baby and given to a sorcerer to use in the war he is fighting. I think you can understand what damage a fire breathing dragon can cause. Lilith has burned down cities and villages for years and killed thousands of people. The story starts when she decides to run away. She dreams of a peaceful future. To achieve that, she has to defeat her master. But if she does, she may end the world…

When I started to write about Lilith I wanted to create a story without the typical good versus evil plot I see in many fantasy books. Don’t get me wrong, I love to read a good hero story from time to time, but as a writer, I’m not interested in flawless protagonists and evil villains. I love to explore the greyness that everybody has inside them. In the right – or should I say wrong? – circumstances everybody is able to do horrible things and even the villain tries to save his world. The conflict is where their personal goals clash.

Lilith’s story is one of trust and finding your own path in life. Of still seeing the good, when everything goes dark. Standing up for yourself is often the bravest thing you can do. So will Lilith succeed and at what costs?

Did I make you curious?

It was wonderful to have you be a part of MTA! I absolutely adored our interview, Kim. I’m also a go-getter who lets the imposter syndrome sneak into my thoughts a bit too often. I’ve befriended it though, not letting it slow me down. I have two friends who live in the Netherlands and it’s on my bucket list to visit some day. Wishing you all the best! – Camilla

Book blurb:

Being trained as a lethal weapon isn’t enough to stay safe… Lilith needs to be stronger than a dragon to escape.

In a world torn apart by battle, being the only dragon shape shifter known to mankind should be an advantage. But in the hands of a cruel sorcerer, Lilith lives her life in terror. She is scarred by the war she is forced to fight and haunted by the thousands she has burned to death.

But even her deepest fears aren’t enough to keep Lilith in her cage.

Being hunt down by the uncompromising Kasimirh and his followers, Lilith tries to build a new life in hiding. If she fails to stay out of their hands, they’ll return her to a life of terror.

But if she defeats them, the consequences could be even worse… The whole world might come to an end.

Kim ten Tusscher’s books are renowned for the rich characters and the twisted plot. You’ll love this epic fantasy series by one of the best dark fantasy authors of the Netherlands. Click the BUY button and get your copy of this exciting, fast-paced story now!

Where to find the books:

You can find the books on Amazon and in Kindle
Unlimited.

Book Trailer:

Connect with Kim:

website: https://kimtentusscher.com/en.php

social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/554104335409940/
https://www.facebook.com/kimttee/ 
https://www.instagram.com/kimtentusscher/

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Here are a few suggestions on how to further support this author:

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla, Founder and Host

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Meet the Author: Wishes Under a Starlit Sky by Lucy Knott

Today we travel to Manchester, England to chat with Lucy Knott about how being a professional wrestler, Jack Kerouac, being a twin, Johnny Depp, learning Italian, Harry Styles, dance parties for one, and Hulk Hogan come together as part of Lucy’s past and current life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Lucy Knott. I am a former professional wrestler turned Author. It’s just me in my cosy little house in Manchester, England, where you will most likely find me hugging books, drinking lots of coffee and occasionally indulging in a little dance party for one while I whip up recipes from my Nanna and Grandad’s cookbook. Along with my twin sister, Kelly, we run theblossomtwins.com where you can find book reviews each and every week, in addition to lots of delicious Italian family recipes.

How many published books do you have?

I have had three books published with HQ Digital UK. Those being ‘How to Bake a new Beginning’, ‘The Ingredients for Happiness’ and ‘Wishes under a Starlit Sky’.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?

I’ve always loved reading and writing and enjoyed scribbling in notebooks as a kid. I adored the likes of Harry Potter and was very much a book worm growing up. However, I read Jack Kerouac’s book ‘On the Road’ when I was sixteen, because I was going through a Johnny Depp phase and he happened to mention it, and I fell in love with the book and built up a fascination with the Beat Generation and Kerouac’s love for and style of writing.

From that moment I dreamt of being able to write like him and absorbed many of his other books. It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties though that I actually sat down to write. I was in a really happy place in my life and was consuming some wonderful romantic books by the likes of Rebecca Raisin and Holly Martin. I’d had an idea brewing for a while and decided that I would put pen to paper and see what I could do.

What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?

I am a teaching assistant which keeps me busy. I’m always thinking of ideas and activities for the kids and planning for the next day. But 7 days a week I am up at 5am to get my writing in, which I love, and then my evenings are usually spent learning Italian, hanging out with my family, cooking and reading or creating crafts for work. Ooh and I do love watching movies too.

If you could have a fantasy tea or coffee date with an author or famous person from the past or present, who would it be and what would you ask them?

This is where I get excited and have to roll out my giant list and be naughty, cheat and not pick just one…

Author from the past would be Jack Kerouac or Louisa May Alcott. That would be a dream. I have so many questions and feel both conversations would be rather splendid in completely different ways. I think I’d just want to sit and listen to Jack talk and try and figure out how his brain works and Louisa May Alcott, arrgh, I wouldn’t know where to begin.

Author from the present would be Maxine Morrey as I’d very much like to pick her brain on how she writes the most beautiful, kick ass leading ladies and the most lovely men.

Famous people would be Harry Styles. I have a bunch of questions about the differences and similarities between writing books and writing songs that I would love to ask him.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?

I guess it’s not so much of a surprise but really one of the biggest things I’ve learnt, and continue to learn through writing, is that no matter how much my mind tells me I can’t do it, or when I have days where I want to cry and think I’m rubbish, or even when I feel overwhelmed with edits, I actually can do it and I can get through it. It might seem silly or maybe a little obvious but sometimes I’ll sit and stare at my books and think ‘oh wow, I did it’ and I have to remind myself of that occasionally. I think it’s a great lesson for anything in life too.

What is the most crazy or inspiring thing that has ever happened to you?

My twin sister, Kelly, and I were professional wrestlers for thirteen years. We had a lot of crazy things happen during that time but I feel one of the craziest/inspiring things was getting to work with Hulk Hogan on TNA British Bootcamp. We had a lot of pinch me moments where we were like ‘Hulk Hogan is watching us wrestle right now and giving us advice’. We also met our childhood hero Jeff Hardy and that was an incredibly inspiring moment too, one that my sixteen year old self will forever be grateful for.

You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your books. What song do you listen to before speaking? Or, what do you do to prepare yourself?

Right now it would most likely be Harry Styles ‘Adore You’ or ‘Treat People with Kindness’ just because those songs make me happy and get me dancing and feeling positive. I love it when songs just make you feel confident and giddy on life.

If I was being specific to my books maybe for ‘How to Bake a new Beginning’ and ‘The Ingredients for Happiness’ I would put on some Fedez, how about ‘L’Italia per me’. I played that song for my Nanna sometime last year and she smiled listening to it. As both those books are based around an Italian family, I think that song would be perfect while at the same time it would probably make me cry.

For ‘Wishes under a Starlit Sky’ lets have some Little Mix, either ‘Shout out to my ex’ or Breakup song’ to get a little girl power going.

At this stage in your life, what advice would your young self give to your more mature self?

Probably to remember that there was a time when I was thirteen years old where I believed whole heartedly in becoming a professional wrestler and that I went for it without worrying so much about what if’s or that I might not be able do it. I think somewhere along the way to adulthood, all these doubts creep in and we let fear take over when we should remember that we still have the capability of achieving our dreams no matter how big or small. No dream seems too silly or far fetched when we are kids and I always want to hold on to that as an adult.

If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why, what would you do? If you write non-fiction or memories, what fictional character would you invite into your story and why?

I think it would be fun to be Sabrina from ‘How to Bake a new Beginning’ and ‘The Ingredients for Happiness’ for a day because she is the manager of Rock band ‘San Francisco Beat’ and I think it would be quite cool to step into that world and see how it all works. Maybe I could swap places with her while they’re recording their album so I can see what goes into writing, recording and producing a song. Plus, she has the cutest wardrobe filled with skater dresses in the most wonderful and beautiful pastel colours.

What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?

I watched ‘Shazam’ because I think the last time I watched it was around New Year and that was so long ago now. It’s one of my favourites. I just love it so much and was having a day where I needed to smile! ?

Do you believe things happen for a reason? Do you have an example from your own life to share why you believe this?

I do, but in the sense that you have to create the reason, if that makes sense? Some people go through such incredible pain and hardships that I wouldn’t wish to simply dismiss that with an ‘It happened for a reason’. Sometimes life can be so cruel that you just don’t want to believe in any reason for why something so bad happened. But I believe that we can create the reason over time as a way of coming to terms with things and moving forward.

One of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through was my Grandad passing away. My sister and I were living in America at the time. We had been home for Christmas and had planned another visit home in the August. We were four days away from that return trip and our worlds crumbled. Unfortunately the way we found out wasn’t the best due to receiving messages of condolences from family who didn’t realize the time difference and we were in the middle of work. Our parents and little sister didn’t get the chance to prepare us and it was utterly shattering for everyone. Being on a plane flying home knowing that he wasn’t going to be there was one of the most painful experiences I’ve been through.

I have days now, nearly three years later, where I am mad, angry and just want to scream at how it all happened. He was my world and not getting to hug him one more time or say good bye still haunts me, but the only way I can think to get through it is believing that he was giving me a lesson in strength. One of my biggest fears while living in America was something happening to my family and me not being able to get to them. I have now faced one of my biggest fears in life and I am still here and still smiling.

Tell us about your most recent book.

My most recent book is ‘Wishes under a Starlit Sky’ and it’s about script writer Harper Hayes who, after finding out her husband is having an affair, sets about re-writing her own story. She takes a trip with her best friend Madi to see her parents in Colorado where she experiences lots of wonderful adventures and lessons in self-love.

It was wonderful to have you on MTA, Lucy! I love having dance parties for one! It’s my go to feel good time, and what I do when I can’t get out for a walk. I’m fascinated by your past as a professional wrestler. WOW! Wishing you all the best and continued success! – Camilla

Where we can find the books:

It’s available now on Amazon, WHSmiths, Kobo, Waterstones and HarperCollins too.

Connect with Lucy:

Twitter: @theblossomtwins
@LucyCKnott

Instagram: theblossomtwins
LucyCKnott

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla, Founder and Host

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Meet the Book Blogger: Maria and David Marvin of Scintilla

Welcome to this new series! We’re shaking things up at Meeting the Authors. Once or twice per month, MTA is turning the tables to feature Book Bloggers. A huge and hearty welcome to the third book blogger to take the Turning the Tables Plunge!

Today we travel to State College, Pennsylvania to chat with Maria and David Marvin of Scintilla about how merging libraries, children’s literature, being grandparents, Reader Road Trips, being a librocubicularist, Earl Grey tea, owls, chocolate, and dragons come together as part of the their past and current book life.

Tell us a bit about yourselves.

We are Maria and David Marvin, also known as Scintilla. Our blog, www.scintilla.info, was the brainchild of Maria, and she was kind enough to invite David to play along in her toy box.

We are wife and husband, parents, and grandparents. We met in 1985 and married in 1986. We don’t know what every couple does early in their marriage to connect their lives together, but we merged our libraries. In 1999, Maria completed her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, with her project being children’s literature. In 2003 we came with our three sons to State College, PA.

Our oldest son and his wife have three amazing children, two girls and a boy. Becoming grandparents has been an incredible joy. Of course, they are the most beautiful and brilliant children ever born!

Why did you choose to be a book blogger or how did you come to be a book blogger? How long have you been bookblogging?

We began Scintilla in April, 2018, so we are right at 2 years. Our children were getting older and leaving the house, and Maria felt it was important that we have a shared activity that was just ours, that did not involve the children. Since books were always important to us (one of our very first dates was to a used book store in Indianapolis), her idea was to start a book blog. Much more fun than therapy.

Are you accepting requests at the moment? How do you prefer to be contacted?

Although we are accepting requests, we should probably be a little more selective since we are scheduled almost into June at this point! But typically an email to one of the Scintilla addresses is the best way to approach us. Maria does most of our children’s books, so those requests should go to [email protected]. Adult fiction and non-fiction requests can go to [email protected].

What information do you want to receive with the request?

A link to a secure account in the Caymans is always appreciated! 😉 Seriously, though, a little about the book, a little about the author, and maybe some books that might be similar in style and genre are helpful in making our decision. Also, if there are any specific deadlines or preferred dates for us to post. Again, we already have some reviews scheduled for June, so if you are in a hurry to get a review, we are not the right folks to approach!

What types of book blog posts do you offer? Reviews, interviews, book spotlight, guest posts, etc.

We typically do reviews. Sometimes we will review a whole series by an author, sometimes we will spotlight some books that fit a theme (especially with children’s picture books), sometimes we have fun with it by putting a recipe or teatime beverage that would pair well with a book or an author. We have not yet featured any guest posts or interviews, but we are not opposed to doing that someday.

Something that we have a lot of fun doing are “Reader Road Trips.” Maria usually writes these. We have featured local indie bookstores, our trip to the National Book Festival in Washington, DC, and some smaller book festivals as well. These give us a chance to get out and share the book love with others in person, as well as share our experiences with others through our blog.

What is your preferred book format to read? If digital, what digital file do you prefer?

David is old school and prefers print. Maria is more digital. But neither of us is so picky as to reject a book based on the format. Typically we like the .mobi or .epub format, but we have a lot of different e-readers so we can adjust to the formats we are given.

Do you only participate in official blog tours or do you accept requests from authors? Do you accept requests from indie authors, or indie publishers? Would you like to share a few of your favorite blog tour operators?

Dave has done several blog tours with Anne Cater. She is wonderful! He has just signed up to do blog tours also with Emma Welton (damppebbles.com) and Rachel Gilbey (Rachel’s Random Resources) but those are coming up later this spring. We do accept requests from indie authors and indie publishers. We are not opposed in principle to reviewing self-published books, but it is unusual for us to accept those requests. It has happened, though.

What is your preferred genre? Do you read nonfiction, memoirs, or any style of poetry? What genres do you NOT read?

Maria enjoys reading a variety of books, but usually reviews children’s books and cozy mysteries. She will also do the occasional thriller, mystery, or fantasy, especially if a recipe or tea seems to fit well with it! Dave is very eclectic. Science fiction, fantasy, and mysteries/thrillers are his go-to genres, but he also reads non-fiction, poetry, literary fiction, and various others that catch his eye. Maria will confirm that Dave is not very good at romance…nor at reviewing that genre. And it is rare (though not unheard of) for us to do horror. We like sleeping at night.

Do you write a review if you did not like the book? Do you use a star rating system for reviews you write?

No, and no. Our goal is to encourage people to read by giving them good books to read. There are too many books to waste time reading and then writing about a book we don’t enjoy. We don’t use a star rating system. If we like it, we review it. If we don’t like it, we don’t review it. It’s very much a pass/fail type of system.

Once contacted, when can the author or blog tour operator expect to hear from you?

We try to respond promptly, within a day or two. Unfortunately that is not always the reality–Dave recently went through some old emails and discovered to his horror that some requests had been missed going back a few months. He did quickly get back to those authors with an apology. Like we said above, though, replying and accepting does not mean we will always get to the reading and reviewing quickly.

What is your favorite aspect of bookblogging?

The goal for us was to have a project that brought us closer together. Talking about books, going on our Reader Road Trips, planning future reviews, working together on a labor of love has strengthened us as a couple and been a lot of fun. The other terrific aspect has been making new bookish friends. Dave has made an author friend in NYC who Maria believes must actually be his long-lost brother. We have become part of the local writers’ group (shout out to the Nittany Valley Writers’ Network!) and have become good friends with some local authors through that group.

What is an interesting reading quirk you have?

Maria is a librocubicularist and whenever possible likes to read a book in one sitting even if it has a heavy page count (think, last 4 Harry Potter books — one of the many reasons picture books are a superior format).

Dave has been known to read a series out of sequence, but he hates doing it and complains vigorously when blog tours, time, availability, etc. require it.

What would you choose as your mascot, spirit animal, or avatar and why?

Maria has been fond of owls since she saw Archimedes in Disney’s Sword in the Stone; so, long before they were pop culture trendy. She has owls on stationary, tote bags, pens, and mugs. However, her spirit animal would actually be a dragon, because … well, it’s a dragon. Dave loves cats, but Maria is deathly allergic to them, so they are his animal in spirit only.

What are you currently reading?

Dave is reading a couple of poetry books, American Sonnets for my Past and Future Assassins by Terrance Hayes and Tricks of Light by Thaddeus Rutkowski. Maria is devouring the latest Tom Clancy novel by Marc Cameron, Code of Honor. Actually, she devoured Pigeon Has to Go to School, by Mo Willems and did a re-read of Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg with the grandkids for the book’s 30th anniversary.

What do you do when not reading or writing book blog posts?

Maria is loving the whole grandma gig. She is “Mimi” to our three preschool grandchildren, and loves spending as much time with them as possible–as well as the adults they live with. In addition to playing Grandpa, Dave enjoys being a volunteer on-air host for WPSU radio and is editing his first novel.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through reading and book blogging?

Maria spent years reading academic journal articles, literary theory/criticism, and pretentious technical writing; now she’s totally ok reading things that are light, trendy, even cheesy, that she would have been embarrassed being caught reading 10 years ago. Beach read anyone? Pass the potato chips.

Also, spending 4 hours wrestling with the backend of WordPress is a legitimate thing that can greatly expand your adult vocabulary and use of metaphor.

What is the most enjoyable thing you’ve found through reading?

Different levels of chocolate intensity (milk, semisweet, dark) can greatly enhance the reading experience when matched to the appropriate literary genre. However, certain genres (like spy thrillers and satire) will always be best suited to salty snacks. Likewise, a cup of tea (earl grey, hot) can keep one going during a long reading session.

What do you miss about being a kid?

Reading a classic for the first time and savoring the experience.

What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?

We went to see 1917 with Dave’s sister and her family when we went to visit them. Dave’s sister was dying of cancer, and she wanted to see that movie. That was the last time we got to see her.

A giraffe knocks on your door and is wearing a bowler hat. What does he say and why is he there?

Hello, I have this delightful chapter book, Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa about a fellow giraffe who finds a pen pal in a penguin. Do you perhaps know any inquisitive little folks who would enjoy such a tale? Anyone who likes the adventures of Flat Stanley would surely appreciate such a story. You do know someone, that’s great, please pass the book along with my compliments. Thank you kindly, must really run now, no time for tea. Have a pleasant day.

If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?

Seriously, did you not see that chipmunk? Why are you resisting a trip to the groomers–do you like running into furniture? Decide if you’re going to tattle, I’m not going to share.

It was wonderful to have the two of you on MTA. I am so deeply sorry to hear about your sister, Dave. Sending much love and warm hugs as you work your way through losing her. I am inspired by how your book blog came to be and that it has been so meaningful to your relationship. Here’s wishing you all the best!! – Camilla

Website: www.scintilla.info

email: [email protected]

[email protected]

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Meet the Author: Nightmare Asylum and Other Deadly Delights by Sonia Kilvington

Today we travel to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus to chat with Sonia Kilvington about how becoming a journalist, teaching ESL, being accused of stealing, and The Invisible Man come together as part of Sonia’s past and present life.

In which genre do you write?

I write in many different genres as I like to challenge myself, and I don’t want my writing to be predictable. I began writing murder mysteries and have two books with a detective, who moved out to Cyprus at the same time as I did! Over the last couple of years, I have concentrated upon writing short stories, in noir, crime, psychological horror and a couple of ghost stories. To push my boundaries, I decided to write a science fiction story, and I came up with the idea of infusing human emotions into a ‘companion android’ who would not have the emotional intelligence to control or understand them. The story is called ‘Perfect Love,’ and it’s the best thing I ever have written. Its included in my short story collection; Nightmare Asylum & Other Deadly Delights.

Can you tell me something interesting about your career path – were you always a writer?

I became a journalist by accident after moving to Cyprus. I submitted a couple of poems and a short story to two local magazines, both of whom contacted me and asked me to write articles, features and do interviews for them. It wasn’t paid work, but there were some nice perks, and I learnt a lot about how to structure ‘real’ stories and features. I eventually moved on to write for a business magazine and a gorgeous Russian glossy based in Limassol, as a staff journalist. After the financial crash, all of the magazines closed and I worked freelance for quite a while, before finding a passion for teaching ESL to Chinese children online; which is a job that I am currently enjoying.

Has the Covid19 virus changed the way you work?

The children that I teach have been trapped inside their apartments for months. Most of them are tired and bored, and they complain about getting too much homework from their online schools. Sometimes they can be a little boisterous as they cannot run-around outside to burn off any excess energy. I have been teaching most of them for two years; bonds have been made, and I feel privileged to watch them grow up and be a small part of their lives. With the current situation, I try to be more patient and tolerant. I attempt to keep the lessons light and fun. The Chinese company that I work for has been very good to me. I enjoy working with people from other cultures, as there is always something new and different to learn. I think this keeps me sharp and more connected to the world, which, in turn, improves my writing.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you?

When I was at university, I used to dream about being a writer and would write at home, not daring to show my work to anyone as I suspected I didn’t have much talent or many skills. One day in a literature class, we were asked to copy the style of a war poet, write a line and read it out loud. When my turn came to speak, the lecturer, whom I didn’t like at all, glared at me and said, “You stole that, I’m sure it’s from somewhere… but I can’t quite place it.” I was mortified to be accused of cheating until I realized – she can’t tell the difference, and she has studied this poet for years… It was a weird, light bulb moment, as a sneaky little voice whispered into my ear “what if you really can write?”

Which of your personality traits has been most useful, and why?

My husband says I am dogged; I don’t give up trying, because I find it difficult to let go of things even if they are not working. It’s a blessing and a curse.

At this stage in your life, what advice would your young self give to your more mature self?

Never lose your sense of fun, or give up on your dreams.

What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?

I watched the new version of ‘The Invisible Man’. It was 5 a.m., and I was wide awake, looking for something to do. I really enjoyed the old black and white version with the guy swathed in bandages, wearing dark glasses. It’s a great story, so I thought I’d watch the new movie starring Elizabeth Moss. I love her acting in the ‘Handmaid’s Tale,’ as her character June/Offred, uses cunning and ingenuity to survive. Miss Moss has a lovely face, but she is never ashamed of looking ugly or evil, and there is no thought, fear or idea that she seems afraid to communicate. She excels in playing characters which are simultaneously a victim and an aggressor, and I enjoy the dramatic tension this brings to her performances. It’s something I have tried to recreate in the characters in my own stories, especially ‘Women’s Work.’ Modern technology has moved on dramatically since the first movie came out, and this hi-tech version didn’t disappoint.

If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why.

I wouldn’t want to be any of my characters in Nightmare Asylum, as they don’t have an easy time of it! Although, I’m part of those characters, as they all contain elements of me and my experience; but in disguise.

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?

People always say the same thing about my writing – I would never have dreamt that you wrote that, as it’s so unlike you. In real life, I try to be a positive person and help others when I can. I don’t really know where the dark stories come from, but I have learnt that the nightmares must be a part of me. My story Nightmare Asylum is based on a reoccurring dream that I had in my twenties. I combined it with my belief in the paranormal, to make something I hope is quite frightening. It certainly frightened me…

What’s your favourite place to visit in your country and why?

I love to visit Polis in my home for the holidays. It’s a beautiful place and we have found a nice secluded hotel where they make their own jam and preserves. There is no entertainment so, it’s a quiet place to write, and if you do manage to be awake at 5 a.m., you can go to the beach and watch the baby turtles hatch and tear along the sand, throwing themselves recklessly, headlong into the tide. It’s a wonderful experience to watch.

Tell us about your most recent book.

My most recent book is an eclectic collection of short stories, ‘Nightmare Asylum & Other Deadly Delights.

It was wonderful to have you on MTA and to learn more about you and your writings. Wishing you all the best Sonia! – Camilla

Nightmare Asylum – Despised by day, tortured by night.

A midwifery student’s life disintegrates into a terrifying nightmare, after a disturbing encounter with the notorious child killer, Evelyn Green. Dark secrets from Lydia’s past unleash a truth that conjures her fears into unspeakable horror.

Other Deadly Delights – Tales from the psychotically unsound and deadly deluded.

A stalker turns serial killer; a cleaning lady is imprisoned in the basement, there’s a prophetic warning for a woman in peril, and an android with love addiction, plus many more… a deliciously dangerous collection of short stories, ranging from psychological horror to paranormal, sci-fi and noir.

Dare you enter the nightmare Asylum?

Where we can find it:

It’s available on Amazon in kindle and paperback versions, although I am still dreaming of an audiobook…

Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nightmare-Asylum-other-Deadly-Delights-ebook/dp/B083R5YMX2/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=Nightmare+Asylum&qid=1578909796&s=books&sr=1-5

Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/Nightmare-Asylum-other-Deadly-Delights-ebook/dp/B083R5YMX2/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nightmare+asylum&qid=1578910007&s=books&sr=1-5

More about Sonia:

Sonia Kilvington is a journalist and fiction writer from the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus. She has published many articles, travel features, short stories and interviews in glossy magazines. She loves to write dark and disturbing short stories in genres such as noir, crime, ghost and Sci-fi. Her online writing credits include Out of the Gutter Online, Spelk fiction, Pulp Metal Magazine & Near to the Knuckle. Her new short story collection, Nightmare Asylum & Other Deadly Delights – published by Close To The Bone, is available on Amazon.

Connect with Sonia:

Website: https://soniakilvingtonwriter.com/

Amazon author page https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sonia-Kilvington/e/B005FDXFQS/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

FB writer’s page: https://www.facebook.com/soniafiction/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Soniacyprus (@Soniacyprus)

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonia-kilvington-26b2b721/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniakilvington/?hl=en

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4898959.Sonia_Kilvington

Contact email: [email protected]

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Meet the Author: The Space Between Time by Charlie Laidlaw

Today we travel to the east of Scotland, near Edinburgh, to chat with Charlie Laidlaw to discuss how the University of Edinburgh, Eddie Calvert, being a street actor, visiting 19 countries, becoming a journalist, having thick skin, Charles Dickens, and a swimming pool each play a role in Charlie’s past and current life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Paisley, central Scotland, which wasn’t my fault. That week, Eddie Calvert with Norrie Paramor and his Orchestra were Top of the Pops, with Oh, Mein Papa, as sung by a young German woman remembering her once-famous clown father. That gives a clue to my age, not my musical taste.

​I was brought up in the west of Scotland and graduated from the University of Edinburgh. I still have the scroll, but it’s in Latin, so it could say anything.

I then worked briefly as a street actor, baby photographer, puppeteer and restaurant dogsbody before becoming a journalist. I started in Glasgow and ended up in London, covering news, features and politics.

I then took a year to travel round the world, visiting 19 countries, after which, surprisingly, I was approached by a government agency to work in intelligence, which just shows how shoddy government recruitment was back then. However, it turned out to be very boring and I don’t like vodka martini.

​Craving excitement and adventure, I ended up as a PR consultant, which is the fate of all journalists who haven’t won a Pulitzer Prize, and I’ve still to listen to Oh, Mein Papa.

​I am married with two grown-up children and live in east of Scotland near Edinburgh. And that’s about it.

In which genre do you write?

Literary fiction.

How many published books do you have?

Three – The Things We Learn When We’re Dead, The Space Between Time and Love Potions and Other Calamities.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?

I’ve always been a writer, from primary school. I wrote my first “novel” in my early teens and, by the time I was 21, I had written three more. All were gibberish. But I then became a journalist and learned how to write lucidly. Writing is a trade, and you have to learn it…there are no short-cuts.

What does your ideal writing space look like?

My actual writing space looks exactly like a desk, with a computer on it, because that’s what it is. My ideal writing space would involve lots of sun and a swimming pool.

What are you currently reading?

The Strawberry Thief by Joanne Harris, the fourth in the Chocolat series. It’s a masterclass in descriptive writing, and told through multiple first-person narrators.

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?

I don’t know! I find that odd ideas come to me, and the trick is to figure out why they came to me, and how can I use them. Inspiration only ever comes in small chunks…you have to take that first idea and then ask “what comes next” over and over, until you have a plot and story for a book.

What do you do when not writing or marketing your books?

Worrying about not writing or marketing my books. I do worry too much!

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?

Writing is a deeply personal thing. It’s just you against a blank computer screen, and the blank screen often wins. But writing becomes very public when your book is published – and it can then be judged. The surprising thing I’ve learned is that I don’t much care if someone doesn’t like my book…I have a thick skin I didn’t know I had.

What is the most enjoyable thing you’ve found through writing?

The final full stop. Writing a book is a lengthy marathon, and it’s always good to finish. In my case, I’m just finishing book four so will have that final full stop in the next few weeks…but then it’s back to editing, editing, editing!

Do you journal write or keep a personal diary? Has this helped with your published writings? If so, how?

I don’t keep a journal or diary. My life is not interesting enough to write it down. But I do always have a notebook with me, even in bed, so I can write down even the smallest of ideas. Every budding writer should do the same, because an idea forgotten is a great novel lost.

What is the most crazy thing that has ever happened to you?

Being threatened by a man with a gun in Dubai, and being given an armed bodyguard by the Palestinian Liberation Organisation in Beirut (not the same person with a gun).

If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?

Why did you pee on the floor? Why did you pee against that chest of drawers? Why did you pee on that chair?

What are you currently working on?

A novel inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. My books are all, in their own way, about the choices we make and how that impacts on our future. A Christmas Carol sums that construct nicely.

Tell us about your most recent.

The Space Between Time follows Emma from childhood into adulthood. On the face of it, she appears to be the luckiest girl in the world. She’s the daughter of a beautiful and loving mother, and her father is one of the most famous film actors of his generation. She’s also the granddaughter of a rather eccentric and obscure Italian astrophysicist.

But her seemingly charmed life begins to unravel, and Emma experiences love and tragedy. Ultimately, she finds solace in her once-derided grandfather’s Theorem on the universe.

The Space Between Time is humorous and poignant and offers the metaphor that we are all connected, even to those we have loved and not quite lost.

It was great fun having you on MTA, Charlie. Thanks for adding some laughter to my day. I’m adding ‘The Space Between Time’ to my ‘to be read’ list. Sounds like a wonderful story! Wishing you all the best! – Camilla

My book can be found at:

All 3 books can be found at:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=the+things+we+learn+when+we%27re+dead&crid=31ZWYTBBAWLMH&sprefix=the+things+we+learn%2Caps%2C145&ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_19

Connect with Charlie:

W: www.charlielaidlawauthor.com

T: @claidlawauthor

F: @charlielaidlawauthor

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Latest News: Top Interviews with Most Views for March 2020

Interview with Most Views for March 2020:

#1: Tina Hartas of TripFiction

 Interview with Second Most Views for March 2020:

#2: Love Earth Now by Cheryl Leutjen

Interview with Third Most Views for March 2020:

#3 Maybe Baby by Carol Thomas

Interview with Fourth Most Views for March 2020:

#4 The Twelve Man Bilbo Choir by Peter Staadecker

Top Three Countries With the Most Traffic to Meeting the Authors in March 2020:

Thank you for taking the time to read more about these authors and book bloggers, and for sharing the interviews on this website. A great deal of work goes into these interviews by all involved. Deep gratitude! –Camilla, Founder & Host

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Meet the Author: The Runaway by Linda Huber

Today we travel to Lake Constance in N.E. Switzerland to chat with Linda Huber about how being a physiotherapist, the Brownie Guide Book, a 1940’s drowning, the magic of childhood, cutting her own hair, and Agatha Christie play roles in Linda’s past and current life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Scotland, but came to Switzerland over half a lifetime ago intending to stay for a year – and here I still am. After working as a physiotherapist and then retraining as an English teacher after a back injury, I was lucky enough to be able to transform my hobby of the past thirty-odd years – writing – into my ‘job’. I’m hybrid published, with both traditionally and self-published books – nine psychological suspense novels as Linda Huber, all set in the UK, and five feel-good novellas set right here in Switzerland under my pen name Melinda Huber. Nowadays, I live on the banks of beautiful Lake Constance in N.E. Switzerland, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer and what ignited your author’s flame?

I can tell you that exactly: I was seven years old and in the Brownies, looking through the Brownie Guide Handbook for a first badge to do. I decided on the Writer’s Badge, wrote the required little story and thought, ‘Wow. This is cool. This is what I want to do.’ Long story short, I’ve never stopped.

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?

If I tell you that I’ll be giving away the entire plot, so I’ll tell you about an older book, The Cold Cold Sea.

One day back in the late nineties, I started to research my family tree. This was before the internet was helpful with things like that, so first of all I wrote to various relatives asking for info. One of them, an elderly distant cousin, sent diagrams of several families on her branch of the tree. One showed a mother and father with three children. The first two children had names and dates, but the third name, Agnes, had one word beside it: drowned. I was dumbstruck. In the 1940s, a little girl in my family had died, and I’d never known she’d existed. Then I started to wonder… how do parents cope with a loss like that? How do they react, what do they tell the other children, how can their world carry on? Then I thought: what if they don’t cope? And that was the beginning of the idea for The Cold Cold Sea. (I found out later that Agnes had drowned at a swimming pool, aged eleven. Isn’t that tragic?)

What are you currently reading?

Ninety-nine per cent of the books I read are some form of crime fiction. However, at the moment I’m reading Helen Pryke’s Innocenti Saga, a trilogy about the fictional Innocenti family, all the way from the Great Plague to the modern day. It’s set in Italy and the UK, and it’s mesmerising.

What do you miss about being a kid?

The magic. The feeling that the world’s in front of you and anything is possible. The endless summer days with freedom to play. Knowing my parents would always take care of me. Santa Claus. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to go back, just for a day?

List three interesting facts about yourself.

1. I cut my own hair. (I bought a Flow-Bee decades ago to cut my kids’ hair. Neither would let me anywhere near them with it, but I started doing my own, and I haven’t been to a hairdresser for over twenty years now.)
2. I write my shopping list in a mixture of English and German, depending on what I’m thinking and who I’m with at the time.
3. I collect pottery sheep.

If you could have a fantasy tea or coffee date with an author from the past, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I would choose Agatha Christie, and I’d ask her how she came up with plots for the dozens of books she wrote. She must have been a phenomenally imaginitive woman; I’d love to be able to think like that!

What’s the last movie you watched and why did you choose to watch it?

Yesterday I watched an Agatha Christie film on TV, which is probably why I immediately thought about her for the last question. It was Evil Under The Sun, with Peter Ustinov. I’ve seen it already and think I watched it again for the distraction; at the time of writing we’re in week 3 of Corona lockdown here in Switzerland, and the world isn’t a happy place.

If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?

Our Shiva is sadly no longer here, but I would have LOVED to ask:
1. How come you’re always hungry?
2. Why is rolling in something totally disgusting the best idea ever?
3. What do we have to do to make you sleep an hour or so longer in the morning?

Tell us about your most recent book.

It’s The Runaway (psychological suspense). Nicola, her husband Ed and their fifteen-year-old daughter Kelly move from London to the seaside town of St Ives. It’s supposed to be a fresh start for the family, but things don’t go as Nicola had hoped…

It was lovely to have you on MTA, Linda. I also miss the magic of childhood. What a lovely thought. Wishing you all the best, and take care during these strange times! – Camilla

Blurb for The Runaway:

Keep your secrets close to home…

Bad things happen in threes – or so it seems to Nicola. The death of her mother-in-law coincides with husband Ed losing his job and daughter Kelly getting into trouble with the police. Time to abandon their London lifestyle and start again by the sea in far-away Cornwall.

It should be the answer to everything – a new home, a new job for Ed and a smaller, more personal school for fifteen-year-old Kelly. But the teenager hates her new life, and it doesn’t take long before events spiral out of control and the second set of bad things starts for Nicola.

Some secrets can’t be buried.

Or… can they?

Where to find the book:

At the moment it’s an ebook on Amazon, with the paperback coming later in the year. (NB – my books are all written in British English)

Connect with Linda:

Amazon Author page: viewAuthor.at/LindaHuber
Website: https://lindahuber.net/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorlindahuber/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LindaHuber19
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/linda.huberch/

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Meet the Author: The Third Sun – Daughter of the Phoenix by Victoria J. Price

Today we travel to the south of England to chat with Victoria J. Price about how car journeys, border collies, the West side of Highgate Cemetery, swims in the sea, The Last Unicorn, punctured tires, and Puzzlewood in the Forest come together as part of Victoria’s past and current life.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I live in the south of England, not too far from Heathrow airport and Windsor Castle. I’ve always loved writing—more specifically I’ve always loved telling stories in words and pictures and was always coming up with a story from a young age. Car journeys to visit family were often spent hastily creating a newspaper or magazine with my recent news to gift to family on arrival.

I try to make time for writing every day, amongst work and other day to day responsibilities. When I’m not writing you’ll find me walking my two border collies or making jewellery at my bench.

In which genre do you write?

I write young adult fantasy but I have lots of ideas bubbling away for other genres, including some nonfiction ideas, too.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve done or experienced to help create a scene?

Not so much strange, more spectacular—I visited the West side of Highgate Cemetery, in London, to research the opening of The Third Sun: Daughter of the Phoenix Book One (it also crosses over with the end of The Angel’s Calling: Daughter of the Phoenix Prequel.)

The cemetery is accessible by guided tour only and features some incredible Victorian architecture and above ground catacombs. Much of the cemetery is completely overgrown with ferns and ivy and bushes and it has the most wonderful atmosphere. I’m so glad I went to experience just how breathtaking it is.

What is the most amusing thing that has ever happened to you?

It definitely wasn’t amusing at the time but looking back it’s completely ridiculous: getting a puncture on the beach on Fraser Island, Australia, in a 4×4 that we couldn’t figure out how to release the spare wheel from.

They brief you on several things before you’re allowed to take a 4×4 across the island: 1. That you have to get off the beach before the tide comes in or you will be stranded. 2. If you see a wild dingo, get back in your vehicle, because they are dangerous. 3. Avoid the landing strip on the beach at all times. 4. Forget being able to use your mobile phone, because there’s no signal anywhere on the island.

So you can guess where this is going…we got a puncture, on the landing strip, amongst a pack of dingoes, in the pouring rain, with no phone signal, and hundreds of vehicles flying by at 80kmph because no one had time to stop and help! Safe to say…my husband saved the day!

If you were trapped in a cartoon world from your childhood, which one would you choose and why?

Without a doubt it would be in Peter S Beagle’s The Last Unicorn (after the unicorns are freed, of course). If you’ve seen the animated film you’ll understand why—it’s beautifully painted and the unicorns are everything you’d expect from a majestic, magical creature.

Regular cartoon shows that I loved were Care Bears, the original My Little Pony and Star Bright, who I think all had cross overs at various points. They all shared a similar art style and all had a little sprinkle of magic.

If you could turn into one of your characters for a day, which one would it be and why, what would you do?

An easy question! I’d be the Lady Noor. Noor is a witch from the parallel world of Ohinyan. She can fight, she can fly a glider, she can create incredible illusions, and she’s an excellent spy. I can’t wait to give Noor her own book, she deserves it.

If you could ask your pet three questions, what would they be?

I have two border collies, Jessie and Blue. They’re both very affectionate, both have very unique characters and both obsessed with toys and food. I’d ask Jessie if her little brother bugs her, I’d ask Blue if he could stop responding to “woof” and actually respond to “speak” like we’ve practiced, and I’d ask them both what their perfect day would be. Although I’m pretty certain I know: all the walks, all the food, all the toys, and all the cuddles. They’re not bad writing buddies, either!

What’s your favorite place to visit in your country and why?

Ooh, far too many to choose from. The UK is absolutely stunning. Cardigan Bay in Wales is wonderful, as is the Minack Theatre in Cornwall, Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean, Durdle Door in Dorest…we really are spoilt for choice here.

I love to swim in the sea, and Autumn evenings at sunset can sometimes be the best time to do that on the south coast – glorious sunsets, calm waters, and a quiet beach, perfect!

What are you currently working on?

Right now I’m working on book two of the Daughter of the Phoenix series. The Eternal Dusk continues Fia’s (from Earth) and Alexander’s (an angel from Ohinyan) story, and like book one is told from three points of view. Only the third POV character is different between books one and two! It’s YA fantasy, and you can expect witches, shapeshifters, elemental magic, an epic fantasy world, and lots of witchy activities in London, too.

Tell us about your most recent book and where we can find it.

The Third Sun: Daughter of the Phoenix Book One is my first published book. It’s a YA fantasy.

Thank you for featuring me!

It was wonderful having you be a part of MTA and great to learn more about you! Wishing your all the best, Victoria! – Camilla

Blurb:

The sun is dying, the windows to Earth are closing. Time is running out.

After the death of her sister, eighteen-year-old Fia Aldridge knows one thing for certain: she doesn’t belong anywhere. But then she tumbles into the parallel world of Ohinyan—a world where angels and witches walk amongst mankind.

An ancient darkness is taking advantage of the dying sun, and Ohinyan needs Fia’s help. She soon learns that her arrival is not entirely by accident and that Alexander, leader of angels, is not the guardian she thought he was.

Torn between their feelings and their duties, together they must find a way to return Fia to London before the darkness consumes her and she is trapped in Ohinyan forever.

A richly woven tale drawing on ancient myths and legends, bursting with adventure, elemental magic, angels, witches, shapeshifters and slow burn romance. Fans of Brigid Kemmerer, Laini Taylor and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials will devour The Third Sun: Daughter of the Phoenix Book One.

Where to buy:

The Third Sun universal Amazon link: https://mybook.To/TheThirdSun

More on the prequel:

The Angel’s Calling free download: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/kk08lsshrb

The Angel’s Calling free four part audio drama: https://www.buzzsprout.com/411730/3057214-the-angel-s-calling-part-1

Connect with Victoria: 

Website: https://victoriajprice.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoria_jprice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriajprice/

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

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Book Shelf: The Full Monty

The Full Monty by Wendy Holden

Absolutely not my typical genre of choice. Yet, I interviewed the author, Wendy Holden, and have been making my way through books she’s written.

I very much enjoyed the story and am looking forward to seeing the movie now. I had a wonderful time getting to know the characters and being a part of the transformation for each of them. Loved it! –Camilla

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2JMT8n7

Go here if you’d like to read Wendy’s interview …

Meet the Author: One Hundred Miracles by Wendy Holden

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To support this website and the author’s interviewed, visit Support MTA for suggestions. Thank you! – Camilla

(The above are amazon affiliate links.)