Tag: fiction

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Book Shelf: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

First of all, I fell in love with the title of this book. And, after reading the synopsis I just knew it was for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey with Arthur Pepper as he gets to know himself, his late wife, and his two kids while embarking on the adventure of a life time. An adventure that has him following one clue after another as he heals and discovers much more than he anticipated. Loved it! Phaedra has two other novels currently and I read those after this one. 

I interviewed Phaedra Patrick on this website in June 2019. You’ll want to check that out too! –Camilla

Meet the Author: The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/313MtvM

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3110KZT

 

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Meet the Author: The Lost Town of Man’s Crossing by Katrina Hart

Today we welcome Katrina Heart as we travel to the east of England and we learn how cats, magical meetings, daisy chains, and walks with her granddad are a part of Katrina’s past, present and how she marches to the beat of her own drum. Hear it? Let’s read on …

Tell us a bit about yourself. How many published books do you have and in which genre do you write?

Thank you for having me, Camilla. I’m Katrina but most people call me Katie. I live in the east of England with my two cats Smokey and Holly and my mum. I started off writing Epic- Fantasy and later discovered I enjoy writing romance. Currently I have published two full length fantasy novels called Finding Destiny released in 2015 and The Lost Town of Man’s Crossing released in 2019. I have also published a short story called The Naked Sleepwalker’s Christmas and two romance novella, Love in Little Snow and The Flower Angel.

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

The craziest and inspiring thing that has ever happened to me was meeting my boyfriend. See back in 2015 was the release of Finding Destiny by Pilrig press. It was my first book and so as an author I was discovering a whole new world of marketing including Goodreads groups. I joined one where authors could put their book in a pool and readers could pick one to read. To be honest I was very shy with how it worked, but looking down the pool, I got enchanted by a book called 3SISTERS. It really called to me so I chose to read it and enjoyed it, expressing that to the author. Later I read his other book and it was good too and he emailed me to thank me for the review I’d posted on Goodreads. After we got talking and we shared a lot in common, we loved to write, had a romantic side and were both creative. So that Christmas I wrote a story for him. It was the first time I’d written a story for someone and I remember I felt very shy sending it. But I was pleased he liked it and then he wrote me a letter asking me out and four years on we are still very much in love. It was magical because our books brought us together from different sides of the world. But since then I’ve had the pleasure of meeting his parents who came all the way from India and they are truly beautiful people. I feel blessed to know them. See releasing Finding Destiny brought me the joy of being a writer and meeting the love of my life.

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

Hmm! Now this is a hard one, I can’t pick just one, so I’d have to hope I’d get to be two characters. First is Missy Talk A lot from Finding Destiny because she starts life in a dark place and has to fight for a life where I don’t think she truly knows if she’s good or not and then her life changes and she grows into a whole other person. If I were Missy Talk A Lot, I’d want to be gifted to someone who loves horror movies and just as the intense screaming scene starts jump up and say ‘Hello Cutie Pie, welcome to your worst nightmare!’

Secondly, I’d choose Suzy from The Lost Town of Man’s Crossing. Suzy has lived a human life and has a deep connection with the next one. She carries around guilt, pain and secrets and yet she is gifted with a crossing creature to give her a chance of redemption from the darkness in her soul. If I were Suzy, I’d go in to a dream with my crossing creature and watch one of my favorite memories with my Nan and Granddad and I play out from when my Nan was still on this earth as I miss her with all my heart.

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

I’d ask my cat, Smokey: 1) why don’t you like the Ginger cat that visits your garden? 2) Why do you like jumping at people when they are walking down the stairs? 3) Why do you only like one brand, one flavor of that brand of food?

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

My spirit animal would be a cat because they march to their own drum; they like people with good energy and can tell those not so friendly. When a cat gives you love, attention, or affection it’s because they see something in you worth their heart’s time and you can always trust a cat to be honest to you and be themselves without worry what others think of them. Like cats, I value those I love and believe in honesty.

What are you currently reading?

Sleigh Bells in the Snow by Sarah Morgan and a few other books.

What do you miss about being a kid?

I miss all the time I spent with my cat Fluffy. He would snooze in my dolls pram while I pushed it around the living room, and he used to snuggle with me all night. He was very special and had a way of always making me feel better and understood. I also miss making daisy chains and look about my Nan’s garden for fairies. Also walking with my granddad and his dog Max in the evening because spending time with those I love has always meant a lot to me.

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

I do write a personal diary and always have since a very young age. I feel it does help me with my novels because writing a diary helps open up my sense of emotions when writing. So when it comes to writing emotional scenes with my characters, I am able to better express their emotional reactions.

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

Halloween was the last movie I watched. I chose to watch it because my boyfriend and I like watching horror movies on our movie night.

Tell us about your most recent book.

My latest novel, The Lost Town of Man’s Crossing, was published on 3rd March 2019. It’s an epic fantasy about a woman named Suzy and the crossing Creature that give her a chance to live again in the new world. But this world has many dark secrets to uncover. Suzy must face her past and discover those secrets before her stay in this new land runs out.

Thank you Katie for joining us on MTA! It was great to learn more about you and your writings. What a magical story of how you and your boyfriend met one another! Here’s to your continued success and a lifetime of love with your charming boyfriend. –Camilla

Blurb:

Would you cross a land of magic, dark creatures and hidden secrets to face your own deepest fear?

After being shot, Suzy and her friend, Bill, are offered a second chance at life in The Lost Town Of Man’s Crossing, a land to which the chosen few are transported by their personal Crossing Creatures. There, Suzy encounters the evil Cole, who is all-out to gain the highest power of the land.

But Suzy comes from a magical family: her grandmother, Miss Hollow, founded a coven called Hollow-Wings, and her grandfather left her a secret, life changing pouch. Soon, Cole craves that secret pouch more than anything.

It’s Suzy versus Cole – and one of them has met their match.

Where to find the book:

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Zw78f0

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

About Katrina Hart:

My name is Katrina Hart but my friends call me Katie. I live in the East of England with my family, my two cats–Holly and Smokey–and our dog, Jessie. They are a nutty bunch but I love them all the same.

I have always had a passion for reading. I could easily spend a whole lifetime
engrossed in a good book. In my twenties I joined an online writing class where I fell in love with writing my own stories.

Since I started writing I have discovered a new love for quotes. A quote that really inspired me was from Toni Morrison. Toni said: “If there’s a book you really want to read but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”

I came across this quote whilst I was studying. It was one of the many things that inspired me to begin writing Finding Destiny, my first novel.

In addition to Finding Destiny, I’ve written a number of other stories.

Connect with Katrina:

Blog link: https://katrinamarie25.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Katrina-Hart-1785712648319624/

Amazon link to all books: https://amzn.to/2ZuwxGe

Snippet of a chapter from Katrina Hart’s latest release The Lost Town Of Man’s Crossing:

Prologue

I pressed the black button and waited to be let into Myths Retirement Home. I felt excited and nervous to see my grandad on his seventy eighth birthday. One of the frazzled looking carers pushed open the door and led me into a white waiting area.

“Your grandad has been talking about you nonstop, he can’t wait to see you!” she said, flashing me a reassuring smile. I followed the carer towards his closed door.

A bubble of excitement made its way to my heart at the thought of hearing grandad’s stories of the battles he had fought, and the adventures I should take. I slipped off my coat, and his carer pushed open the door to his room and announced that “I had arrived.”

I hurried inside grandad’s plainly furnished room. His high backed chair was facing a large window and for a moment I wondered if he could see the leafy man of spring, who he always told me appeared through the trees, like the face of a worldly man ready to see life start up again after the harsh deaths of winter. Grandad always told me he felt like the leafy man as he watched the world move around him from his chair.

“One hour, then you must go,” said his carer and she pulled the door shut, leaving us alone. I pulled out grandad’s present from my bag and walked round to stand in front of him.

“Grandad-happy birthday,” I said.

“Suzy, child, come sit. I have something to tell you,” said grandad. His wrinkled eyes met mine as I leaned down and gave him a hug, before taking the chair beside him.

“Child, you have to listen to me, and listen well. Today I have seen your life is about to change. Something dark has shadowed you since you were small. Now I can see it’s coming for you,” said Grandad. He coughed weakly and rested his travelled face in his hands.

“I know, grandad, but the black shadow been gone for a long time now,” I said, as he closed his eyes like he didn’t want to listen to me anymore.

I waited thinking of my life and how no-matter what I had touched unpleasant things were made to follow. I remembered the first night I had spent at grandad’s, he had sat me down and explained that I was born in a coven. On the night of the visiting dead. Shortly after that night, my mother had fled her coven family. I never knew if that was true or not as I had no memory of
those times. But grandad always swore his life to it whenever he told me the story.

“Child, could you get me that case from my desk over there?” said grandad, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I got up and laid his present on his lap and then went over to his desk. I picked up grandad’s worn brown case; as I did so I felt something sway from inside.

“Child, don’t be scared, you know I have always looked out for you.” Grandad stumbled to his feet and took his case from my hands, then he faced it towards me.

My heart skipped beats and my body and mind screamed “run.” But from what? Was there any point in running anymore? I tried to find my voice as the latch of the case clicked apart, and grandad’s fingers shook as he swung it open.

“I call Miss Cridwyn to join me in this room. I beg of her to gift Suzy with the last creature of new beginnings,” bellowed grandad.

My mouth opened and black and orange mist flew about the room like a tornado circling grandad. The room felt as hot as an open oven and sweat pooled down my back and face. The mist started to clear, and I could have sworn I heard growling, like a rampaged dog had been let in. Grandad’s face came back into view and the growling got louder and louder. I looked into the orange flashing eyes of the critter. Her pointed ears twitched and her blue and pink skin seemed to pulsate as she flapped her black wings.

“Child, Cridwyn is an outcast creature of death. We have loved each other for a long time. Now she is going to help you,” said grandad as he blew her a kiss.

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

Buy Me A Coffee

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Meet the Author: Best Intelligence by James Gault

Today we welcome James Gault as we travel to Bize-Minervois in the South-West of France, discovering how the local social group, Emily Bronte, being tone deaf, and the Western Isles in Scotland add a different twist to James Gault’s life and writing style. Leave your superstition at the door and let’s get this plane in the air …

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am Scot who worked for some time in Prague and I now live in a little village called Bize-Minervois in the South-West of France, near the historic town of Carcassonne, retired from work and enjoying the sunshine and writing.

In which genre do you write?

I have to own up to this – I’m a bit all over the place when it comes to genres. My first fiction book was a comic novel for teenagers (Teaching Tania) then I wrote a philosophical novel (Ogg), but my last two books were political thrillers (The Redemption of Ann Petrovna and Best Intelligence), and the one I’m working on now is a tragic love story with some political content. I don’t recommend this scatter gun approach, but I write what comes into my head, based on what is concerning me, and making money or even creating a following is not a big concern for me.

How many published books do you have?

4 novels, one book on literature and several English Language textbooks

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

More than 60 years a ago, as a kid. In my previous careers I’ve always written something – letters to specialist magazines, articles, textbooks (as a teacher) or just reports on the work I was doing before that (It and management) When I retired, I found time to write more or less full time.

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

I have a kind of obsession about being DIFFERENT. I don’t see the point in doing just what others have done before you.

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

I’m not in any way superstitious – so I don’t have any idea. I guess that makes me a bit boring?

What does your ideal writing space look like?

A big big table where can I leave a mess but still find things – I’ve got a great ability to concentrate and shut things out when I’m working, so the actual physical environment doesn’t have much effect on me.

What are you currently reading?

Just finished rereading Of Mice and Men and started a detective novel by a Scottish author called William McIlvanney, who was a teacher at my old school and became a top name in Scottish Literature.

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

I’m on the committee of a local social group here in France for mostly ex-pats and do most of the IT for them.

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?

Emily Bronte, and I would ask her if she really did have an affair with the Brussels professor on whom she based the character in Villette and to whom she wrote all those ‘love’ letters?

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

How hard it is to market yourself. I was brought up as a Scottish Presbyterian where the worst thing you could do is to boast, and I feel guilty talking about myself.

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

??? I’ve had a quiet life. The strangest things happen in my head.

Do you journal write or keep a personal diary? 

No, I am lazy. I just trust that inspiration will always come when I need it.

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

Two very best things – my first published book and winning a prize for a short story I wrote. Sorry, that’s not a very imaginative response from a writer but there it is.

You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What song do you listen to before speaking? What do you do to prepare yourself?

I’m tone deaf, so music doesn’t work so much for me. I just rehearse what I’m going to say over and over in my head, and then of course I say something completely different.

What do you miss about being a kid?

My gran. She was the one I would always go to with my problems ( and I had a lot then).

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

I would be Dennis the Menace from the Beano – I like to stir things up and cause mischief.

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

This is a total fantasy but I would choose the character Michael from The Redemption of Anna Petrovna. The novel is set in a post-communist country where corruption permeates all the business and ruling classes, and this character is the fixer who makes everything happen for the powers that be. He is also the one that gets the girl. He is nothing like me, but it would be nice to be so successfully manipulative and get away with it for just for one day.

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

It was a recent Star Wars movie I went to with my grandkids – The reaction of the children was more entertaining than the film, to be honest.

A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?

It’s too bloody hot in this country – Got any free space in your fridge, pal?

Do you believe things happen for a reason? 

I believe events are a result of certain preconditions which logically lead to them. I also believe that often we don’t understand these preconditions, but I don’t turn to fantasy to replace them. Like I said before, I’m a bit boring.

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

The ability to concentrate although it drives my wife crazy.

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

In my home country of Scotland, any of the Western Isles (on a day when there’s no rain) for their beauty and tranquility. Here in France where I know live, Avingon during the festival in July for the music and drama.

Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.

I’d do something I used to do but I’m too old now. I’d take a little private plane from our local airport and pilot it myself to one of the Scottish Islands and enjoy a few days in the sun and on the beach before flying back.

Tell us about your most recent book.

The most recent is Best Intelligence. It’s political thriller with a big surprising twist at the end. The hero is a cynical Glasgow policeman who leaves his job and moves to France because he feels he is wasting his time. But he picks up a pretty girl hitchhiker and finds himself mixed up in a web of mystery and intrigue.

Thank you James for being a part of MTA. It was wonderful to learn more about you. I have a quirk about doing things different also and I, too, don’t say half of what I practice saying when speaking in front of others – HA! All the best to you! –Camilla

Where we can find it the book:

The e-book and paperback are available on Amazon at:

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2NyDGOf

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

My other novels are available at:

mybook.to/OGG

mybook.to/TEACHINGTANIA

mybook.to/ANNAPETROVNA

Author facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jgaultbooks/

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/James-Gault/e/B004JJOXW4

On-line literary magazine at www.voxlit.com

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

Buy Me A Coffee

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Meet the Author: Follow Me by Victoria Gemmell

Today we welcome Victoria Gemmell as we travel to Renfrewshire, Scotland to reveal how being a careers adviser, old school jotters, Jem and the Holograms, and Earl Grey tea each play a role in Victoria’s writing life. We’re digging deep for this one. Looks like we’ve got another mystery on our hands ….

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a writer based in Renfrewshire, Scotland. I work with teenagers on a daily basis as a careers adviser in Glasgow, supporting them to move into opportunities when they leave school. I feel my two careers complement each other, as I write for teenagers.

I have a particular passion for encouraging young people to discover the power of their imagination and explore the fun side of creativity.

In which genre do you write?

My Young Adult novels all have a mystery/thriller element to them, with a touch of romance. I enjoy placing teenagers at the centre of a mystery, with my protagonists trying to find answers that adults might have failed to discover due to not caring or digging deep enough for the truth.

How many published books do you have?

My debut Young Adult novel Follow Me was published late 2015, with the second, Promise Me, due for release in September 2019. Both are published by Strident Publishing Ltd, and are stand-alone novels. I’m currently writing my third.

I also enjoy writing contemporary short stories and flash fiction for older readers and brought out a collection, Exposure, in November 2018.

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

From a young age I always loved reading and it was my love of reading that really sparked my imagination and a desire to write stories. From the age of about seven I started to fill old school jotters with stories and short novels, (complete with my own illustrations). The flame probably really ignited, (and stayed ignited!), thanks to encouragement from my Mum, (who is also a writer), and supportive teachers. Watching my Mum start to be placed in competitions and be published was really inspiring. I feel lucky that I grew up in a creative household, surrounded by books. When I was seventeen my Mum encouraged me to join a local writers group and I also started to attend the Scottish Association of Writers’ conference. Meeting a wider circle of writers in my twenties and starting to enter competitions kept me motivated and inspired to follow the path to publication.

What does your ideal writing space look like?

In my head, my ideal writing space would be sitting at a big desk, with a window overlooking a beach. (A stormy beach on days where I’m writing a dark/dramatic scene; a calm beach on days I need to take walks to clear my head).

In reality my writing space tends to be at the kitchen table, with a cup of Earl Grey tea and some chocolate on hand, music playing in the background.

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

For years I kept a personal journal and an observational style blog which really kept my creativity alive. I traveled to Paris twice alone when I was in my twenties and wrote about my experiences on my blog. I later used some observations from this to feed into a fictional short story which was placed in a competition. A lot of ramblings from my journal and creative challenges I set myself for the blog fed into lots of short stories and flash fiction pieces, many of which were published.

Since being published I find it harder to allow myself space to do more fun creative exercises as I feel if I sit down to write it must be to work on my latest novel, or do something related to promotion!

What do you miss about being a kid?

I miss the lack of distractions and the feeling that days were endless (during summer holidays). I could sit for hours and really immerse myself in stories without a care in the world. It takes more effort now to turn off the ‘real world’ and switch off my ‘day job’ brain in order to get truly lost in my imagination. I find music helps though, and once I’m in the ‘flow’ five hours can fly by like I’ve been sitting for five minutes.

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

I love this question! I’m going to choose two. Jem and the Holograms because I love the idea of having a rock chick alter-ego and I always wanted to be in Jem’s band. The second would be Scooby Doo as I love to solve a mystery.

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

I’ve always been determined and hard working. You need both to get a book finished, and when you start sending it out to publishers/agents. I found the real hard work started after publication, balancing promotional activities with writing the next one, alongside a full time day job.

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

There’s so many places in Scotland I love to visit. Perthshire and Arran probably top my list as the scenery is beautiful, and I like being beside the water.

Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.

It would be a day everyone else was at work, in the hope the town centre would be quiet (er). I’d have breakfast in a local café with a book for company. In the afternoon I’d watch a film at the Glasgow Film Theatre and have a snack at the CCA, then browse some local art galleries. I wouldn’t mind if it was raining as then I wouldn’t feel guilty for evading the sun in a dark cinema.

Jinkies Victoria! Scooby Doo fan here too! Thank you for being a part of MTA. It was incredibly fun and interesting to learn more about you and your writing life. –Camilla

Blurb for Follow Me:

What is the deadly allure of the Barn?

17-year-old Kat Sullivan has been devastated by the loss of her twin sister, Abby, the most recent of five teenagers to have died in the town of Eddison, all within a year. No-one seems able to explain the circumstances surrounding her death.

As Kat struggles to move on, she is introduced to an underground hangout – the Barn – by Abby’s friends. There, she meets the enigmatic Rob and his friend Michael, art students who have re-created pop artist Andy Warhol’s infamous Factory, where creative types can construct art and socialise.

Drawn into Rob’s social scene, and seduced by the attention of this attractive stranger, Kat relishes the freedom and escape offered by the Barn’s non-conformity and creativity.

But the Barn holds a strange influence over those who frequent it, and soon Kat begins to realise how little she knew about her sister’s life.

Kat needs answers.

She also needs to stay alive.

Where we can find your books:

My most recent Young Adult mystery Promise Me won’t be released until September 2019. My debut, Follow Me, is available to buy in paperback and ebook.

Links to buy Follow Me:

UK Amazon (paperback): https://amzn.to/2YOHMbX

UK (Ebook): https://amzn.to/2N4NTC8 

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YRb1uT

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/follow-me/victoria-gemmell/9781910829035

Blackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781910829035?gC=5a105e8b&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-ZLzvYjL4gIVbRHTCh3nkwWhEAQYBCABEgJlDvD_BwE

Foyles: https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/fiction-poetry/follow-me,victoria-gemmell-9781910829035

Connect with Victoria:

Author website: https://victoriagemmell.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VikkiGemmell

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

Buy Me A Coffee

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Meet the Author: Second Skin by Sue Bentley

Today we welcome Sue Bentley as we travel to Northamptonshire in the East Midlands of the UK. Join us as we discover how Daisy Meadows, the Northamptonshire shoe trade, mixed-media, being self-taught, and Hay-on-Wye contribute to the fairy tale of Sue’s writing life. Get comfortable and slip into your imagination. Let’s go …

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I live in Northamptonshire a County in the East Midlands of the UK, where I was born. I write in different genres. My series of children’s books are contemporary. But my books and short stories for Young Adults and Adults can have contemporary, historical or fantasy backgrounds – or a mixture. I enjoy a certain darkness and suspense in the books I read and my own books often contain these elements.

I have written around 80 books, plus a number of short stories, under various pen-names as well as my own – Sue Bentley is my own name. As Lucy Daniels I contributed to the Animal Ark series and as Daisy Meadows I wrote some of the early Rainbow Magic books. Having ‘cut my teeth’ and learned a lot about writing to length and making every single word work for its living, I wrote my Magic Kitten, Magic Puppy, Magic Ponies and Magic Bunny series – around 60 titles. They are all still in print and sell very well around the world.

For the past five years or so, I have been writing novels for Young Adults, which like Harry Potter are read by many adults.

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

Subconsciously I always knew I’d be a writer. I’ve been obsessed with books and reading since, forever. I went straight from school to work in a public library. It was the perfect job for a bookaholic. I immediately read everything on the ‘Restricted’ list! Each book had a big red stamp on the title page – very dangerous and exciting! I don’t think there is such a thing as a ‘Restricted’ book any more.

What does your ideal writing space look like?

My ideal writing place looks like my study would if it were better organised. I love my room – every writer should have one of their own. It’s quite large, with a desk and work space at one end. There’s a reading space and table and chairs at the other end, and far too many books. I still love actual books for research, there’s nothing like flipping pages and making notes – but I use on-line resources too. At the moment books are stacked all over the floor. It drives me mad. I’m constantly in a state of trying to sort them out and get more bookshelves. I will be doing it at any moment…but I have a book to finish writing first.

Do you have a current work in progress?

My work-in-progress (WIP) is entitled Frozen Charlotte and is a Victorian mystery inspired by the shoe trade in Northamptonshire. I am enjoying researching it and spend a lot of time at the local Records Office and visiting people in the shoe trade.

You are about to speak publicly to a group and read from your latest book. What do you do to prepare yourself?

When about to speak publicly or read from my latest book, I’m usually fairly relaxed and looking forward to meeting readers. I scrub up a bit, so I feel I look my best and that helps me feel confident. No one wants to see me in my tracksuit or pyjamas, which I might stay in all day when I’m fully immersed in my WIP. But when appearing at Althorp Literary Festival a couple of years ago, I was suddenly struck by the most awful stage fright. I think it was the weight of history associated with the place. We live fairly close and the whole tragedy of Princess Diana dying was so terribly poignant. I’m not a great royalist, but she seemed to embody something we all related to. I stood by as the funeral cortege passed within yards. I had dreadful anxiety for an entire week before my Althorp event. On the day I took some Rescue Remedy – which I swear by for all kinds of emergencies great and small. Once I was there, I had a wonderful time, meeting readers, fellow authors and Earl Spencer was a most generous, warm and charming host. That year Althorp had their first ever Children’s Literary Festival. My event centred on my Magic Kitten series, and the lovely Bernie Keith from BBC Radio Northampton was my wing-man. The event was voted a great success. Phew – the relief! I’d probably be just as nervous if I was invited back, but would do it again in a heartbeat.

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

When I’m not writing or marketing my books, I’m thinking about writing, making notes for the next book or researching it. I love to read for pleasure whenever I can and always learn something new from every book, which I’m sure translates to my own writing. Writing is what I do, and what I am. I’m hard-wired to make sense of the world through the written word. Even in the early days writing was never a hobby for me. I make my living from writing and, like most successful authors, have completed a long apprenticeship. I am entirely self-taught, did not go to university. So I’m living proof that anyone can become a writer.

In a conversation with a published author, he told me he was not going to write any more as he had, ‘other hobbies to take up his time’. I had to resist telling him to, ‘wash his mouth out with soap!’ I’m sometimes asked if I’m still writing – fair enough if I haven’t seen someone in a while – but my pet hate is reference to my ‘little hobby.’ (It’s the ‘little’ that really gets to me) I doubt if anyone ever asks a plumber, ‘You still fiddling with taps and wash basins, mate?’ or a brain-surgeon. ‘Still messing about inside people’s heads?’

I’m also a sometime artist in mixed-media, but I’m a writer first and foremost. I’m sure if I cut myself I’d bleed words – it would be a paper cut, obviously!

What do you miss about being a kid?

I suppose the sense of freedom of living in the present. The lack of worry about this complicated and troubling world. I love children; their innocence, their honesty, the joy they take in every new discovery. I hope I’ve retained some of that. I do find joy in simple things like a butterfly in the garden and along with The Other Half (OT) laugh at the absurdities of life.

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

I love the UK in all its aspects. I am a very English writer and feel a strong sense of place. I do love the green and pleasant hills and forests of my homeland, Wales, Ireland and Scotland also have such individual beauty. I’m particularly fond of Dorset, with its rolling countryside and Jurassic coast. We visited Lyme Regis recently, a favourite of mine where we scoured the beaches for fossils washed in on the tide. I found one small perfect Ammonite in the wet sand, while the dark cliffs sulked behind me and leaked trails of blue-ish clay onto the beach. Those cliffs are scary and prone to rock falls, but the wild seas, wind and rain are exhilarating. I also love Hay-on-Wye. It’s my perfect town where every shop is either a book shop, an antique/vintage shop, or a café. Bliss. I simply browse for days.

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

If I could turn myself into one of my characters for the day, it would be either Flame the Magic Kitten from my children’s series. Or Aledra from my novel, Second Skin. Both characters have special abilities, so I could have a brilliant adventure travel to the bottom of the sea with Flame or fly beneath moon with Aledra. How wonderful, before I then returned to writing.

My new novel Second Skin, was recently published, Summer 2019. It’s the first book in a new series, entitled Bridge of Fire. I adore its beautiful book cover!

Thank you Sue for joining us on MTA. It’s been wonderful getting to know you through this interview and connecting on social media. My daughter, Lillian Darnell, loved (and still does) the Rainbow Magic books and the other children’s series you mention. I am incredibly inspired by your path to success! Thank you for sharing with us! – Camilla

Book Blurb for Second Skin.

Young-Lady Aledra Jewel-Wing is Drakkoni, one of a race of shape-shifters who rule over Esra, a wild and beautiful continent. Aledra has grown up on a remote farmstead, is about to meet her estranged father; the commander of the king’s army. When attempting to save a life she rises into her fearsome soul-double, and soon becomes a fugitive, on the run from her father and a pitiless bounty hunter.

Where to Buy Second Skin:

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/31DlPcP

UK Amazon:  https://amzn.to/2Z5rkiP

We Other, published by Endeavour Media is out now. It’s a dark re-working of the fairy-tale tradition. I’m in love with its wonderful new book cover for the Anniversary edition.

Book Blurb for We Other.

Jess Morgan’s life is chaotic. When a shocking new reality cannot be denied, it’s clear everything she believed is a lie. Life on a run-down housing estate with her alcoholic mum and violent boyfriend becomes the least of her worries. A dark and powerful destiny awaits that will test her to the limit.

Website and Social Media links.

https://www.suebentley.co.uk

https://instagram.com/therealsuebentley

https://twitter.com/suebentleywords

https://facebook.com/suebentleyauthor

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

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Meet the Author: A Rhyme of Dark Words by Jeremy Smith

Today we welcome Jeremy Smith as we travel to Oxfordshire, England to learn how The Forgotten World, Cthulhu, an octopus, and Warwick Davis fit into Jeremy’s writing life. Grab your flashlight. Let’s go ….

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I live in Oxfordshire, England only about 5 miles from where I was born and grew up. I did venture away to college for a few years and then to London to work but, as the saying goes, “there’s no place like home”.

In which genre do you write?

I write contemporary fantasy for teen/YA.

How many published books do you have?

I have three! A Rhyme of Dark Words is the first in the Tilly Hart series and is available on Amazon as is Rise of the White Witch (Tilly Hart book 2). The third in the series, The Witchfinder’s Betrayal, was published on 30th June 2019.

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

I guess I realised I wanted to be a writer when I was about 7 years old and got my dad to type up my personalised version of The Forgotten World. It took him quite some time using just one finger on a clunky old typewriter!

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

I like to insert references to Cthulhu into the Tilly Hart books. They’re not too difficult to spot if you know what you’re looking for.

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

I would have an octopus because they can change colour and fit inside a jam jar.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading, “The Revenant Express” a Newbury & Hobbes investigation by George Mann.

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

I go to pub quizzes and also play computer games. I once appeared on the ITV quiz show, “Tenable” where I had to answer a question about kedgeree! It was all worthwhile though as I got to meet the actor Warwick Davis who I’m a huge fan of.

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

That I can write a whole book. I still can’t really believe I’ve done it – three times!!

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

I walked through a graveyard at midnight. As one of my character’s observes in Rise of the White Witch, “Why does it always have to be when it’s dark? ………. We never get to be anywhere spooky when it’s light”.

Do you journal write or keep a personal diary? 

No, just in case it falls in to enemy hands.

What do you miss about being a kid?

The freedom of endless summer days and the excitement of Christmas.

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

I would choose the world of Scooby-Doo so I could solve mysteries with my dog, Jack, and eat a stack of burgers without putting on a pound.

A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?

‘I’m sorry about the sombrero, I couldn’t find my bowler.’ He’s come round to visit the walrus.

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

Where are my slippers? Why did you eat my dinner? Do you want to go back to the dog home?

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

I love Oxford for the dreaming spires, coffee shops and museums.

Describe the perfect solo date you’d take yourself on … where, time of day, weather, place, etc.

A trek in the woods on a golden, autumn day, with a flask of coffee and a cheese sandwich.

Thank you Jeremy for being a part of MTA. It was wonderful to learn more about you and your background! –Camilla

Blurb for A Rhyme of Dark Words:

Tilly Hart is grieving for her mother when she moves to the ancient village of Witheridge. Finding friendship and love, she also finds a place steeped in witchlore and the legend of a beast that stalks the moor. Supernatural events and a hidden diary guide her to a village lost in time, a place where magic exists and demons walk the land.

With her newfound friends and the deadline of Halloween drawing near, she sets out to prevent an ancient evil destroying all she loves.

Being both the hunter and hunted, she discovers she can control magic. But magic is an addiction that can lead to evil.

A Rhyme of Dark Words has been longlisted for the 2019 Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition.

Where to buy “A Rhyme of Dark Words”:

UK Kindle: https://amzn.to/31yjzUo
US Kindle: https://amzn.to/2H0VU7c
Paperback for the UK: https://amzn.to/2Toe8nU
Paperback for the US: https://amzn.to/2KIM4bf

Connect with Jeremy:

Website is https://jeremysmith-writer.com/

Pinterest address is www.pinterest.co.uk/Jeremy_Smith_Writer/

Twitter address is https://twitter.com/lanticcrossing

Facebook address is https://www.facebook.com/Jeremy-Smith-Writer-1282723938575171/

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

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Meet the Author: Mysterious Monsters Series by David Michael Slater

Today we welcome David Michael Slater as we travel to Reno, Nevada USA to discover how Jorge Luis Borges, being a teacher, unplanned stories and Richie Rich come together to create the foundation of David’s writing life. Buckle your seat belt and let’s get this ride started …

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m originally from Pittsburgh, PA. I lived in Portland, Oregon for 20 years, but have been in Reno, Nevada for the past eight.

In which genre do you write?

I’ve written fiction for children, teens, and adults, along with some nonfiction for adults. Lots of different genres.

How many published books do you have?

Heading toward 25!

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

I did not grow up dreaming of being an author. But in graduate school I read some short stories by Jorge Luis Borges, and they just blew me away. I decided to try to write some myself, and things just kept going from there.

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

I don’t plan out my books. I just start the story and when I run into a dead end, I just start revising from the beginning. That usually gets me a bit further into the story, and when I end another roadblock, I start over again. I just repeat this until I find my way to the end.

What are you currently reading?

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami

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

I’m a full-time teacher. I teach 7/8th grade English in a middle school in Reno.

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

I love the thrill of reaching the end of story that I never saw coming.

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

Getting a publishing offer never gets old! My adult novel, Fun & Games, was recently optioned for film and a screenwriter is working on the script right now. That’s pretty exciting for me.

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

I don’t get too nervous. I just always have my thoughts written out ahead of time.

What do you miss about being a kid?

The time and freedom to be 100% engaged in whatever excited me.

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

I used to love reading Richie Rich comics. I’d love to live his life for a while!

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

Rocketman. I am a die-hard, life-long Elton John fan. And I was so happy that the movie was great.

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

Just one, for my cat, Ruby: Do you actually love us, or do you just tolerate us?

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

I’m pretty even-keeled and also stubborn — both are important traits if you want to endure the constant rejection that is part of must authors’ lives.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on my first (I think) YA book, a fantasy called Sparks.

Tell us about your most recent book.

Book four of the Mysterious Monsters series was just released. (There will be six books total.)

The Mattigan kids don’t believe in things that go bump in the night. After all, their dad is famous for proving such things are impossible. But, when their long-lost Grandpa Joe shows up with his Mysterious Monsters journal, begging for help, the siblings find themselves drawn into a search for Bigfoot.

Along the way, they’ll have to deal with meddling babysitters, suspicious psychics, a YouTube disaster, and their furious father. To solve this mystery, Maddie, Max, and Theo must rethink what’s possible ― and make lots of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

Thanks for joining us on MTA David. It was incredibly interesting learning more about you, your books, and your writing style! David was our “neighbor” at the Barnes & Noble book signing this past June 2019 (for my daughter Lillian’s debut book, Where Would You Fly). He and I chatted about traditional schooling vs homeschooling. It was wonderful to have you as our book signing neighbor and wonderful to interview you here David! I’m incredibly excited to hear about and follow the journey of Fun & Games to the big screen! Very cool! –Camilla

Where we can find the book?

You can get it wherever books are sold.

US Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GR61eC

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/31qc9m8

Connect with David:

Website: www.davidmichaelslater.com
Social media links: @DMSauthor

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

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Meet the Author: Dinner at the Happy Skeleton by Chris Chalmers

Today we welcome Chris Chalmers as we travel to South West London and learn how copywriting, Greg Rutherford, the Dutch Embassy in Prague, the Galapagos Islands, and Dr. Who share roles in the life of Chris. Tighten your funny bone and get ready for a bit of quirkiness. Let’s go ….

In which genre do you write?

Contemporary fiction. Quirky stuff for grown ups like me, who have difficulty finding books they like. Helicopter crashes, tsunamis, aging porn stars, the celestial manifestation of Margaret Thatcher — it’s all there…

How many published books do you have?

Three for adults, one for children. Two more coming down the pipe.

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

At school. I was good at creative writing, not so good at anything else.

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

I can see trams while I’m writing.

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

Meet Larry. We keep washing him but he’s always dirty. I don’t know why.

What does your ideal writing space look like?

I’m lucky, I have a study overlooking the garden (and the trams en route to IKEA). But mostly, I think worrying about the perfect writing space is an excuse, and you should get your arse down and write.

What are you currently reading?

Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen. Hmm…

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

Copywriting, currently for Holland & Barrett.

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?

Louis Smith, gymnast or Greg Rutherford, long jumper. To be honest, I’d be lucky to ask them anything before I poured coffee in my lap.

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

God I’ve got some stories!

Do you write a journal or keep a personal diary? Has it helped with your writing?

Every night since 1st January 1976. Never missed. It’s kept me sane and probably helps the memories stick.

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

Amusing: An incident involving me and two boxers at the Dutch Embassy in Prague. See Dinner At The Happy Skeleton.

Crazy: On my first trip to Australia, my suitcase went to Abu Dhabi. It was returned to me in Melbourne two days later by a van driver who shared my name.

Inspiring: Visiting the Galapagos Islands. See Five To One.

What do you miss about being a kid?

Dr. Who was scary.

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

Eight Grade. It’s about how teens use social media. Worth knowing in case I have to write about one.

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

I used to be terrified I’d still be single when I was 40. People always say the right one comes along when you’re not looking — so I told myself I wasn’t looking, but it never worked. Then I reached a stage when I was 39 where I was actually, honestly, genuinely happy being single. I met my husband a fortnight later.

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

A natural inclination for sticking to routines.

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

Stromness, Orkney. I see myself living there one day.

Tell us about your most recent book.

Dinner At The Happy Skeleton is the story of Dan the advertising man. Made redundant just before his fortieth birthday, he decides to spend his payoff tracking down the ex he blames for the thinly-veiled chaos of his life … Via misadventures on and offline from London to Ljubljana, Helsinki to Trieste, Dan seeks closure on his past — and meets his destiny where he least expects it.

It was wonderful to have you be a part of MTA! I enjoyed learning more about you and your history Chris! –Camilla

Blurb for Dinner At The Happy Skeleton:

Dan is the kind of gay man for whom the Noughties might have been named. Warm, witty and serially promiscuous, his heart melts at the sight of a chocolate brown Labrador — but with men, it’s a different matter. He’s thirty-nine and as single as ever, not counting the couple he just met online. An arrangement that looks oddly like it’s going somewhere, until Dan gets fired from his job in advertising. With time out and a payoff in his pocket, summer presents a world of possibilities; just as memories surface of the ex he blames for the thinly-veiled chaos of his life.

From London to Ljubljana, a yen for closure sets Dan on the trail of the man who fed his ego into a shredder. Through an eerie encounter at the home of the Olympiad and a sleepover at the Dutch Embassy, run-ins with a fading porn star and the celestial manifestation of Margaret Thatcher, he ultimately confronts his past. Until, with his Big Four-O rapidly approaching, destiny beckons from where he least expects it.

‘An eye-opening, always entertaining romp through modern sexual mores, with a sweet beating heart of true feeling at its core.’ Suzi Feay, literary journalist

‘Full of wit, comedy and unflinching honesty … Like reading a gay Nick Hornby. This is clever contemporary fiction at its finest.’ Bleach House Library

Where we can find it:

Dinner At The Happy Skeleton is available in paperback and ebook.

**Dinner At The Happy Skeleton ebook is currently 99p on Amazon.

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Khvb8w

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

Connect with Chris:

Website: www.chrischalmers.net

Social media links:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrischalmersnovelist/
Twitter: @CCsw19

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

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Meet the Author: The Watson Letters Volume 4: Revenge of the Hooded Claw by Colin Garrow

Today we welcome Colin Garrow as we travel to north-east Scotland, uncovering how Santa Claus, back trouble, a mandolin, and Tom and Jerry all have past or present roles in Colin’s life. Check your posture and your breathing, time for action …

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was brought up in Northumberland, England, during the sixties and seventies, but have lived in north-east Scotland for about fifteen years. I’ve done a lot of different kinds of jobs, including working in a fish factory, driving a cab and masquerading as Santa Claus in a large department store. My background is in theatre and drama and I’ve done quite a lot of creative arts work, but most recently my day job is in occupational therapy. For years I wrote stage plays (some of which were performed by my theatre company in Aberdeen) but in 2013 I turned to writing novels and currently have seventeen books available on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble etc.

In which genre do you write?

I write mainly murder mysteries and historical adventures (for adults and children), a bit of horror and a lot of adult humour and innuendo in my spoof Sherlock Holmes series ‘The Watson Letters’.

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

For a long time I’ve had back trouble and sitting at a desk to write is not comfortable. A couple of years ago I was offered a ‘standing desk’ at work and when I moved to my current house, I bought one for home use too. Though I still have occasional issues around pain, the act of standing up to write has made a huge difference. It worked for Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Nabokov and Winston Churchill, and it’s said that standing rather than sitting is better for posture, breathing and supposedly adds several years to your life.

What are you currently reading?

I usually have three books on the go at a time – one to read during my lunch break, one to read at home and an audiobook to listen to when I’m driving. At the moment I’m reading Lee Child’s ‘Gone Tomorrow’, Robert Crouch’s ‘No More Lies’ and listening to ‘Zodiac’ by Robert Graysmith.

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

I play several musical instruments – guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele and bouzouki. I also have a saxophone which I can’t play.

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

About thirty years ago, I had some mental health issues. In 2009 I co-wrote a play called ‘No Phones on Planet Pluto’ which explored different aspects of mental illness. The play consisted of ten monologues and one of these focused on the events that led to my treatment for depression. Writing the piece was extremely cathartic and although I’d originally intended it to be performed by another actor, I decided to do it myself and found the experience liberating in ways I hadn’t expected. It made me realise that writing about my own life could be really useful in allowing me to move on.

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

While studying drama at university, I took part in a play written by a friend of mine. The play required me to appear totally naked on stage. This is probably the scariest thing I’ve even done, and I remember throwing my guts up before the first performance. However, the feeling I had afterwards, made me think I could do absolutely anything, and the experience gave my confidence a massive boost.

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

It would have to be Tom and Jerry (the Fred Quimby produced ones, not the later episodes which I don’t think were as imaginative). These cartoons were a huge part of my childhood and the whole family looked forward to them because they were such fun. One of my favourites was ‘Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Mouse’ which had Tom mixing up a magical concoction to stop Jerry drinking his milk. Classic.

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

I’m generally a fairly quiet person and am very comfortable in my own company. This is useful as a writer as (unless you’re part of a comedy writing team), working alone is the only way to do it.

Tell us about your most recent book.

The most recent book is the fourth volume in my spoof Sherlock Holmes series. ‘The Watson Letters volume 4: Revenge of the Hooded Claw’ finds the intrepid due tackling an ocean-going mechanised iceberg, Moriarty and his henchmen and an American Werewolf. The next volume is ‘Murder on Mystery Island’ and finds Holmes and Watson involved in a murder spree with a plot that sounds awfully familiar.

Thank you Colin for joining us on MTA. It was wonderful you and your writing style. –Camilla

The Watson Letters Volume 4: Revenge of the Hooded Claw

Intrepid investigators Holmes and Watson continue their fight against crime in a not quite Post-Victorian, steampunk parallel universe.

In three more adventures, the tenacious twosome encounter an ocean-going iceberg, an American werewolf and a gigantic metal fish, as well as facing old enemy Moriarty, who plans to finish off Sherlock Holmes for good. Adult humour throughout.

Revenge of the Hooded Claw is book #4 in this Victorian comedy adventure series.

Where we can find it the book:

All my books are available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo.

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2M00xm9

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

Connect with Colin:

Website/Blog: https://colingarrow.org/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B014Z5DZD4

Twitter: https://twitter.com/colingarrow

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/colingarrow

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

The Watson Letters: https://thewatsonletters.com/

If it feels right and you have the time (and you enjoy the interview) please like or comment or share it. The nature of the online world … the more eyes that see it the more it will spread and benefit the author and the website! Thank you!

And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

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Meet the Author: Divine Intervention by Spencer Stoner

Today we welcome Spencer Stoner as we travel to Reno, Nevada USA and learn how doughnuts, Stan Lee, humor, and He-Man inform the game of Spencer’s writing life. Pour the hot chocolate and have a seat ….

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Spencer Stoner. I live in Reno, Nevada, USA. I was born and raised here, although I did live in Idaho for a few years. I still found my way back here.

I’m forty years old. I love reading novels, comic books, RPG video games, whatever I can get my hands on!

As a writer, the most egregious thing about me, I hope, is that I don’t drink coffee. That seems to be an almost defining trait in the community! But, still, where I lack in caffeine consumption, I make up for in sugar with a love of hot chocolate and doughnuts.

In which genre do you write?

I don’t think that authors should be only allowed to write in only one genre. That being said, most of my published work is fantasy. Although my first published work was a horror short story. Also, I am working on my first science fiction novel.

How many published books do you have?

I have a grand total of five, currently. That is, if you count the anthology novel that my first published short story, On the Way Home, was in (the book is In Creeps the Night, if you’re curious). Three are my Ophelia Legacy fantasy adventure series. In August, my first graphic novel releases, a spin-off of the Ophelia Legacy called Divine Intervention. 1+3+1= equals five, right. I don’t want a chandelier to get shot off the ceiling or something because I am lazy at math! (Anyone who gets the movie reference receives the coveted No-Prize, as made famous by the legendary Stan Lee!)

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

I’d say it was when I was twelve years old. Several things hit all at once. I had just moved to Idaho and had zero friends in the same time zone. So, I made a kind of oasis in the school library. I discovered the Xanth series of novels by Piers Anthony, which taught me that fantasy didn’t have to always be formal and noble (not to disparage the Lord of the Rings but, for me, it was a bit of a slog because of that). Not to mention that the injection of humor really helped me in those days! For good or ill, I still think puns are the pinnacle of humor.

But what really, figuratively, revved my engine to want to become a writer was when I started reading comics. I fell in love with the work of Chris Claremont, who was writing X-Men at the time. Then I discovered Neil Gaiman and his Sandman series and I was hopelessly hooked to the idea of writing. In fact, I wanted to write comics before I actually wrote my first novel!

Back then the internet wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is now, so I had no idea how to write a “script”, nor any way I was aware of then to find out. So I started writing short stories. Then I started playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends that came into my life as it moved along. We ended up almost ignoring the source books because we had ended up creating our entire world to adventure in.

Finally, I decided to find out if I could actually write a whole novel. The result of that was Ophelia and Lyan are Dead Meat. I found that I not only had a novel in me, but many, many stories I wanted to tell!

What are you currently reading?

In addition to my monthly rotation of comics, which currently includes titles like Monstress, Unnatural, and Sunstone (as well as Superman and Saga), I recently finished Neil Gaiman’s retelling of norse mythology. Gaiman is always worth reading. I also picked up the complete works of H.P. Lovecraft.

Now, I always thought I had a robust vocabulary but with reading Lovecraft, which never fails to illicit the feeling of existential horror, I’ve come to realize how many words have fallen out of general use in the relatively short time since he was alive! I’ve had to look up more than I care to admit but it is truly an adventure amidst the insanity.

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

Thankfully, whenever I’ve had to speak in public, at a convention or other venue, I’ve often had friends and/or family to keep me relaxed before heading out on stage or in front of large group. On those rare occasions where I am alone, I’ll pick some music that never fails to give me goosebumps and pump me up. It can be anything from a movie score like The Anvil of Crom, from Conan the Barbarian by Basil Poledouris, or from a video game like the Sephiroth Choir from Final Fantasy VII by Nobuo Uematsu, or a piece of classic music like Night on Bald Mountain or just about anything by AC/DC.

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

When I was really young, I loved the cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (in fact, Teela was one of my first crushes but that is a different story). I think I would like to live there, the mix of magic and sci-fi technology was always interesting to me. Not to mention all the potential for adventure!

A penguin knocks on your door and is wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he there?

He’s probably looking for my sister, Kalani. Her obsession with penguins is well known. I would probably be their designated driver when the penguin takes her out for tequila shots!

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on my first science fiction novel, entitled Dimensional Schism. It is an eclectic mix of the movie Alien Nation, shadow governments, the Mandela Effect, and Harlequin Romance. Anyone who has read any of my stories knows that romance doesn’t come up very often.

Also, I am working on the sequel to my most recent release, which just happens to be the next question so…

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

My first graphic novel, called Divine Intervention, is written by me but drawn by a very talented artist named Stephanie Haigney. It is set in Honua (the same world as the Ophelia Legacy novel series) and follows the story of a young cleric woman named Appelonia. She is recruited by another woman called Narasumas to find a murderer before the turn of the seasons in two days. If they fail, a spiritual force will descend upon the city and destroy everything and everyone (innocent or guilty) until the criminal is punished!

Thank you Spencer for joining us on MTA! Spencer and I met at my daughter, Lillian Darnell’s, Barnes & Noble book signing this past June. It was great fun having him as a neighbor and Lillian enjoyed borrowing from his huge collection of colored sharpies to use for signing books. Take care Spencer and we’ll see you around! –Camilla

BLURB FOR DIVINE INTERVENTION

Narasumas is hunting down a murderer and needs the best tracker in the region. That would be Appelonia—a godless young elf formerly of the Order of Kuan Yin with the uncanny ability to find those who try to hide. She’s familiar with the barren fields in the Land of the Long-toothed Rabbit and knows how to survive.

There’s only one complication. The notorious mercenary Ophelia has already contracted Appelonia to help her search the frozen landscape for an exiled barbarian—and she doesn’t like to share.

But divine intervention won’t wait. And with it comes the destruction of the town and all the innocents living within.

Narasumas must find the criminal she seeks before her promise causes every unwary man, woman, and child unlucky enough to be around her to be torn to pieces…

Divine Intervention is available for pre-order online now but will be available at any bookstore and comic shop (online and physical) officially on tomorrow, August 3rd. I hope you give it a look and want to see more of “Apple” and her friends!

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

UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Mu3PgQ

WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Spencer’s website: www.authorspencerstoner.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorStoner
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjcloudxiii
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sjcloudxiii

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And if it feels the thing to do and you are inspired to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you’d like to “Buy Me a Coffee” … Camilla – Host of Meeting the Authors …

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