Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Self-designed Bookmarks for Promotion

Dear lovely followers,
I would like to share some great news with you. I'll be having my first reading/signing event in June at the only English bookstore in Vienna. I'm really honored and so excited. The day I received the email from the bookstore telling me they would host my event (and even stock my books afterwards), I was so excited I couldn't sleep. So, I decided to prepare for the event by designing my own bookmarks and the invitation. I was thinking of hiring someone else to do it for me but then thought, "why not do it myself?" I'm glad I did. I printed them out on hard glossy paper and they look amazing in person (the photo didn't come out too nice).



Invitation I designed for the event. You're invited.


Monday, May 28, 2012

Dancing Naked in Dixie Tour (GUEST POST & $25 Amazon GC)

As part of the blog tour for Dancing Naked ín Dixie, I would like to welcome the author, Lauren Clark to tell us about  what inspired her to write the novel. She brought a few giveaways with her so don't forget to take advantage of the chance to win.
Welcome, Lauren. We're excited to have you here.

GUEST POST

The inspiration for writing Dancing Naked in Dixie was the opposite of Stay Tuned, my first novel. The idea for Stay Tuned came about after a real-life fistfight between news anchors at a television station where I worked. (They were both fired!) For Dancing Naked in Dixie, the title came first and I built the story around it.

I had wanted to feature Eufaula and the Pilgrimage as a setting for one of my novels and it seemed the perfect fit. I created the character of Julia Sullivan, a travel writer with attention-deficit disorder. I wanted to see what this big-city girl would do when sent to small-town Alabama.

At first, when I decided a developer was going to try and ruin Eufaula's historic district by building condominiums, I had considered Julia discovering some locally made new cookie or dessert so delicious it would make people want to "Dance Naked." She could bring it back to New York City, share it with friends, and there would be a nationwide cookie craze or rush to buy the sweets. This would create an influx of money through tourism and job development and give the city enough revenue to fight off the developer.

However, as the story progressed, the baking creation turned out to be a better fit for PD, Shug's sister, who needed some softening around her sharp edges. By pursuing her dream of owning a bakery, we see more facets of her personality and how much she cares about her family and the Eufaula community. PD's Pillow Puffs become her signature treat and a significant way in which she contributes to the Pilgrimage.

With the tie-in for the title still needed, I looked at how Dixie explores the theme of bias and pre-conceived notions about culture and place. Julia throws a good-old fashioned hissy fit when she's pulled off a plum assignment and sent to Eufaula, so I stepped it up a notch and had her announce to her brand-new boss that she'd "rather dance naked" than go to Alabama for this assignment. (This also ties in nicely with some romantic tension in the last chapter.)

Eventually, Julia realizes that she was completely wrong about the Deep South, and along her journey, learns important lessons about herself, and grows as a person. You'll have to read the novel to find out how she does it and what changes her mind! 

Like Julia, have you ever had pre-conceived notions about a place or part of the country? What happened when you visited? What do you think now?

DANCING NAKED IN DIXIE 
BLURB

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage? 

                                                                   EXCERPT

The Best Butts in Alabama, the huge billboard above my head brags. A robust pink pig, dressed in blue overalls and a cowboy hat, winks down at me. Next to the hog’s turned up nose, royal blue letters read ‘Phil’s Bar-B-Q.’ 

Phil certainly knows how to make a first impression. As does Mother Nature.

The sunshine beats down on my shoulder through the window. Is it always this muggy in December? I swipe at my forehead with the back of my hand and do quick surveillance.

Where is the historic, elegant city I was promised in the letter? There is a normal-looking church across the street, a run-of-the-mill real estate business to my right, and a tiny hole-in-the-wall place called The Donut King, which seems to be doing ten times more business than the Winn-Dixie grocery store I just passed.

So far, all I see of Eufaula, Alabama is more in-your-face commercial than traveler chic. Of course, I’m not in the best frame of mind to become one with my surroundings.

After a lousy Thursday morning of sulking and a rushed packing job, I sent an RSVP with regrets for the fundraiser, gave away my tickets to the Met, left a voice mail for Andrew, and changed my ticket to an earlier departure.

Hours later, after fighting through JFK security, surviving the cramped flight to Atlanta, I spent the night in Buckhead, Georgia, picked up my enormous rented SUV this morning (it was either that or a red minivan), and began driving the three-and-a-half hours to reach my pinhole-on-a-map destination.

All to save my job.

                                                                  AUTHOR BIO
Lauren Clark writes contemporary novels set in the Deep South; stories sprinkled with sunshine, suspense, and secrets.

A former TV news anchor, Lauren adores flavored coffee, local book stores, and anywhere she can stick her toes in the sand. Her big loves are her family, paying it forward, and true-blue friends. Check out her website at http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/.

IMPORTANT LINKS
 



GIVEAWAYS

Lauren will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and to the host with the most comments.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/04/virtual-book-tour-dancing-naked-in.html

Good Luck.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Amethyst Eyes: Edit and Revise, show some pride in your work and ...

Amethyst Eyes: Edit and Revise, show some pride in your work and ...: Hi! Recently I posted an offer from Kristi Holl to edit and critique your Children's-YA manuscripts. Today I want to introduce you to yet ...

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Elanraigh: The Vow (Interview & Giveaway)

Today I would like to introduce you to S. A. Hunter's novel, Elanraigh: The Vow. Please stay a little while to learn more about the book, the author, and also enter the great giveaway contests.
First of all I would like to introduce Sandy Hunter to Novel Moments.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in English Literature.  After my daughter came along, I chose to work close to home and indulge my love of animals by working for an amiable, if thrifty, veterinarian. I believe in promoting the right of all creatures to live the existence that Nature intended. This value is strongly evoked in my novel.

I’ve always lived at the edges of ocean and forest, so it came naturally to have a sentient forest as a major character in Elanraigh: The Vow.  I love kayaking the scenic Island coastline, swimming and walking. I’ve got a ready sense of humor and an optimistic outlook (a good thing when you’re a writer). I’m enjoying retirement now…and if I were only more disciplined, I’d get even more writing done J

My publications include Dark Fantasy short stories in pro magazines and she is currently working on a sequel to Elanraigh: The Vow.

What keeps you writing?

I just don’t feel right if I don’t have a project on the go. There’s something so special about creating characters and then seeing them through their cycle of growth or crisis. When words get flowing, it’s such an exhilarating experience.

Can you tell us a little more about your novel?

Elanraigh: The Vow is set in an alternative, quasi-medieval world.  Elanraigh, is Thera’s story; the sheltered daughter of a noble house who is forcefully awakened to the danger her land and her people will soon face from fierce seafaring invaders known as the Memteth.  She learns she has a destiny, according to Prophesy, to restore the bond between her people and an ancient guardian of Allenholme, the Elanraigh forest. 
Though the people of Allenholme have lost the ability to directly commune with the Elanraigh, forest-mind has been “teaching” Thera since her infancy. Her particular gift manifests at the story’s opening as the ability to project her spirit into a “joining” with a young raptor. 
Duke Leon, Thera’s father, invites a northern tribe known as Ttamarini, to ally themselves with Allenholm to defeat the Memteth invasion that Thera has foreseen in her dreams of Black Sails.  Both the Ttamarini Dream-Speaker, and the Elanraigh Forest-Mind understand that the destinies of the young Ttamarini heir and Thera of Allenholme are intertwined. As Thera awakens to her gifts of bonding with raptor birds and reading hearts, the knowing; she also awakens to love. Will she choose Chamakin the young Ttamarini warrior who is a kindred in spirit to her, or the polished young nobleman who covets her beauty even more than her estate? Forest-mind is aware she is yet too young for such power and responsibility. It has no choice—the lives of all Thera’s people and the existence of the Elanraigh Forest itself, depend on Thera fulfilling her destiny. Can she learn what she must of gift, and heart, to survive what comes their way…
 
What inspired you to write this novel?

In 1995 I read an intriguing article in the Vancouver Sun, titled “Lumber firm wails the blues over “singing forest”. Apparently a local tree planter had a spiritual experience in a forest near Tenise Creek; she says, “something akin to the voice of angels rose from the landscape.” I tucked the though provoking article away and some years later, was sorting through my tattered old file full of various newspaper and magazine articles, the “Story Ideas File”, and read the “singing forest” article again. I began to type and wrote, ““The Elanraigh forest quivered with deep unease. Forest-mind sifted the westerly wind and breathed its warning.” And so a sentient forest came to be both a major character and the setting for my YA fantasy, Elanraigh: The Vow.

How did you come up with the Title?

Hmm. As is often the case with fantasy genre, I was simply looking at a name for the forest  that evoked its beauty with a certain Celtic flavor. This particular volume features that Thera has a vow to make to the Elanraigh forest…and she must first understand the desires of her own heart.

How long did it take you to research and write the novel?

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that it took me about six years…I was working full time as a property manager at an airport, had a lot of night meetings too, so Sundays were about the only day I had to work on Elanraigh.

Is there a certain message you would like readers to get out of this novel?

I have written primarily to entertain my readers; however, I do express certain values I hold dear, through Thera, Chamakin and other characters; respect for all life…to tread gently on this earth.

Do you experience writer’s block? How do you deal with it?

Oh yes—blank page syndrome happens. Sometimes I grab a notebook and pen and push myself just to get words down; or I will just pick up a book I love and read that for  a while (I’m currently reading the Song of Fire and Ice series). Music and poetry can help there too.

Are you a full time writer? If not, how do you make time to write?

As I mentioned, I’m retired, so you’d think I had all kinds of time. No. I do try to make myself commit to at least an hour a day—of course, if things get rolling along nicely, that can stretch out to three or four hours. My local writers group arrange “writer retreats” as well. We book rooms somewhere (on the shoulder season) and blitz at writing. We raise great energy and get lots done. If we can’t swing that, we’ll just do a workshop day.

What does your marketing schedule look like?/what avenues do you use to market your book

Chaos! Ach! This is my debut novel and the entire “marketing” concept is new to me. I have a blog, and participate in some face-book groups geared to writers. I’m on Goodreads as well. Opportunities such as this, to guest on a blog are invaluable to authors trying to introduce their work to readers. My publisher, Eternal Press, have a Yahoo page where their authors can discuss and promote their work to readers as well.

What books can we expect from you in the future?

I’m currently working on the sequel to Elanraigh: The Vow. I also continue to enjoy writing short stories for anthologies and have some dark fantasy published as well.
I’ll always write in the fantasy/paranormal genre as it’s what I love to read—it’s a joy to me.

What was your best ever moment as a published author?

It would take a lot to beat the moment I read the email from my publisher saying they were  pleased to accept Elanraigh. Wow! I think I ran out of the house and danced around the yard…looking back, I’m sure I terrorized some local dog walkers who happened to be strolling by just then.

What other question are you dying to be asked? And the answer is?

I’d love to give a nod to some of the authors I’ve loved over the years. I could never list them all; however, there are some whose work have influenced me strongly in what I desire to achieve. Robin McKinley, especially Beauty and the Damar novels; Ursula LeGuin, especially the Earthsea novels, C.J. Cherryh, especially Pride of Chanur series and Hunter of Worlds, Elizabeth Moon, especially the Deed of Paksenarrion series, Mary Stewart especially her Arthurian Saga.

Do you have a message for your readers?

My most cherished wish as an author would be to know that my readers have felt totally immersed in my novel’s world in all its detail—you taste the food, smell the air and live the lives of the characters. You have been moved by their love, shaken by their terrors, and can shed tears of joy for their happiness. When the book closes, that you feel in some small way that your life has been enriched. I will not rest until I can achieve that.

Thank you so much for visiting Novel Moments and Good luck with the novel.

Elanraigh: The Vow

Book Blurb:
Only Thera of Allenholme hears the voice of forest-mind…and heeds its warning . Thera doesn’t know why the Elanraigh forest-mind chose her, of all the Allenholme folk, to hear its voice and to awaken her gifts of mind and spirit. The Elanraigh sends a warning dream; black sails swooping toward Allenholme from across the western sea—the Memteth, an ancient enemy, armed with blue fire that hungers to consume life. As Thera awakens to her gifts of bonding with raptor birds and reading hearts, the knowing; she also awakens to love. Will she choose Chamakin the young Ttamarini warrior who is a kindred in spirit to her, or the polished young nobleman who covets her beauty even more than her estate? Forest-mind is aware she is yet too young for such power and responsibility. It has no choice—the lives of all Thera’s people and the existence of the Elanraigh Forest itself, depend on Thera fulfilling her destiny. Can she learn what she must of gift, and heart, to survive what comes their way?  


Author Bio
Bio – S. A. Hunter
Author – Elanraigh: The Vow

Sandra attended school in Victoria, B.C. and later graduated from the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in English Literature.  After her daughter came along, she chose to work close to home and indulge her love of animals by working for an amiable, if thrifty, veterinarian. She believes in promoting the right of all creatures to live the existence that Nature intended. This value is strongly evoked in her novel.

Sandra’s always lived at the edges of ocean and forest, so it came naturally to have a sentient forest as a major character in Elanraigh: The Vow.  She loves kayaking the scenic Island coastline, swimming and walking. She has a ready sense of humor and an optimistic outlook (a good thing when you’re a writer).

Her publications include Dark Fantasy short stories in pro magazines and she is currently working on a sequel to Elanraigh: The Vow.
 Author Blog       Email: sandyh118@shaw.ca

GIVEAWAYS

The author is having a grand giveaway, one Print copy of the book (US) a signed bookmark (INT and US) and a $20 amazon gift card (INT and US)! Use the Rafflecopter for a chance to win. Also, if you would like a chance to win an ebook copy of the book and a signed bookmark, please leave a comment. Good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 14, 2012

GUEST POST: Erin Nicholas (Author of Anything You Want)


Today I would like to welcome, Erin Nicholas, the author of Anything You Want. Her novel is currently on tour and Novel Moments is one of the stops. Erin, welcome to Novel Moments. Please tell us a little more about the book. 

Anything You Want was my fifth book.  You’d think by that time, the writing would have gotten easier wouldn’t you?  Well, no.  In fact, for much of the writing I referred to it as This f#%$-ing Book!  It would not cooperate.  Or I should say, the characters would not cooperate.

I wrote a synopsis, a summary of the story.  Had it all laid out nicely.  Everyone had a part to play and there was a definite direction. 

But the characters didn’t read the synopsis.  And kept insisting on doing things their own way. 

Here’s how it went down.  I had this idea for a book.  I love reunion stories.  Especially childhood sweethearts reunited.  They know each other, have some history and obviously have some conflict.  It’s so fun.  So, I developed the characters of Sabrina and Luke.  Sabrina broke Luke’s heart, now she’s down on her luck and needs help and he’s the only one she knows she can call.  He shows up, disgruntled but unable to say no, and things happen and they fall in love, etc, etc, etc.

Sounds good right?  Sure.  But Luke had this friend, Marc.  Marc did not like Sabrina.  He hated that she always leaned on Luke and Luke never stood up and said no to her.  I started noticing that things with Sabrina and Luke just weren’t resolving, it didn’t feel right.  Not to mention all the sparks that always flew between Sabrina and Marc.  Whenever they were together they got each other all riled up.

Just what the heck was going on?!  

I finally stopped and just thought about that.  Why was I having a hard time getting Luke and Sabrina together and things between Sabrina and Marc were so interesting?

Yep, you guessed it.  Marc and Sabrina belonged together.

Which meant… ugh… rewriting the whole book.

I’m not kidding.  I wrote the whole book with Luke, but was just never happy with it.  

When I finally accepted my fate and went back and let them do what they wanted well, it was actually quite easy to write!  Things fell into place, everyone was happy (well, except Luke—who really thought he was in love with Sabrina.  But then I assured him I’d write him a book too and he felt better).

Now that it’s done, I love how it turned out.  Marc and Sabrina are absolutely perfect for each other (and Luke got his happily ever after now too in Everything You’ve Got).  But yeah, the process was complicated and I don’t want to go through that again.  

Which means that I’m even less likely to write a synopsis ahead of time.  If my characters aren’t going to read it anyway, what’s the point? 

Anything You Want
by Erin Nicholas

 
BLURB:

Suppose the solution to all your problems is the one thing you never wanted…

It figures the one time Sabrina Cassidy is determined to do the responsible thing, karma kicks in. After four years on the road chasing her musical dream, she’s stranded six hours from home with no money, a ruined credit history—and morning sickness.

Out of options, she swallows her legendary independent streak and calls the only person who won’t hang up on her. Luke, the man she left behind.

Marc Sterling’s first instinct is to protect his business partner and best friend from another broken heart. That means letting her think she’s talking to Luke, then finding a way to send her in the opposite direction.

When he shows up at her hotel room, there’s something in the air beside their customary insults. Sure, her rebellious attitude, smart mouth—and purple panties—still drive him crazy, but now it’s a different kind of crazy. The kind that has him driving her home instead of to the nearest airport.

And when Luke offers to solve all her problems if she’ll only say “I do”, Marc realizes he’s just crazy enough—about her—to forget whose heart he wanted to protect.

Warning: Contains two people who don’t like each other very much, a Toyota that can’t quite handle the road trip home, and a spontaneous proposal. Or two. Or three. And foreplay with—what else—pie filling. 

EXCERPT 
 
The urge to kiss him was nearly overpowering. “You have to stop.”

“Stop what?”

“Being so…all of this.”

“Sexy?” he suggested with a grin. “Hot? Hard to resist?”

She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t stop her smile. “Yes. All of it.”

“You think I’m hard to resist?” He sounded surprised.

“Isn’t that obvious?”

His smile changed from cocky to something much warmer. Her entire body felt it.

“It’s really, really fun, isn’t it?” he asked.

It really, really was. But she couldn’t shake the weirdness of it. This was Marc after all. Marc who had come to Wyoming to keep her away from Luke…

And that was what was bugging her.

“You’re very attentive for a guy who doesn’t like me much.”

“Until a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t like you at all.”

“Thanks for clarifying. And for making my point.”

“You’re wondering why I’m suddenly so…”

“Attentive is the word I’m most comfortable with.”

He chuckled. “Okay, you’re wondering why I’m suddenly so attentive.”

She wasn’t sure she wanted the answer to her next question. “Because you don’t want me with Luke?”

He crossed his arms and leaned his hip against the back counter. “I don’t want you with Luke.”

“Are you trying to make him look bad?” She regretted it as soon as she’d said it.

He looked very interested in that. “What does that mean?”

She shook her head. “Never mind. Forget it.”

She started to move past him, but he caught her arm and pulled her around to face him.

“I’m making him look bad?”

“You’re not trying?”

“Dammit, Seattle.” He hadn’t let go of her yet and he pulled her closer. He sounded intent rather than annoyed. “Tell me how I’m making him look bad.”

“You’re making me want you more than I want him.”

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Erin Nicholas is the author of sexy contemporary romances.  Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun.  She loves to write about reluctant heroes, flawed heroines, sex with food and happily ever afters.  She does not like to write dark moments, synopses or bios.  You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, www.ninenaughtynovelists.blogspot.com, on Twitter (http://twitter.com/ErinNicholas) and even on Facebook (when necessary).


TOUR GIVEAWAYS

Erin will be awarding a grand prize of an Anything You Want Apple Pie Pack—red and white tote filled with red pot holders, a red & white apple apron and towel set, apple pie cookbook, gourmet apple pie filling and an apple pie scented candle to one randomly drawn commenter (US/Canada only please) and choice of an eBook from her backlist to one commenter at every stop.
Please follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/03/virtual-book-tour-anything-you-want-by.html

Thanks so much, Erin, for spending a bit of time with us today. I wish you the best of luck with your novel. 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

FEZARIU'S EPIPHANY: Interview & $25 Amazon Gift Card



Today Novel Moments would like to welcome, David M. Brown, the author of Fezariu’s Epiphany. David, thank you so much for being here. Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Barnsley, a former mining town in South Yorkshire, England. I started writing in 1999 after creating the world of Elenchera and I have never looked back. I currently live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, with my wife, Donna, and our six rescue cats – Kain, Razz, Buggles, Charlie, Bilbo and Frodo. 

What keeps you writing, even when it gets tough?

Writing is an endless pleasure and I never grow weary of it. The desire to complete the world of Elenchera, its history and the many novels set there, is too great for me to give up. I’ve devoted more than a decade of my life to this venture and I want it to always be with me.

Me too. I can’t imagine not being a writer. Can you tell us a little more about Fezariu’s Epiphany?

Fezariu’s Epiphany tells the story of a boy who faces multiple tragedies in his childhood, beginning the abandonment of his mother and later the murder of his stepfather. So many factors contribute to his decision to run away from home and join a prestigious force of hired hands – The Merelax Mercenaries. Fezariu excels as a mercenary and though he believes this new life can help him forget the old one, the past remains his toughest adversary, one he must one day face.

Wow, that’s a lot for a small boy to go through. I hope it ends well. What inspired you to write the novel? 

When I was building the world of Elenchera the Merelax Mercenaries kept popping up in the timeline and I decided I wanted my first novel to explore them in more detail. I didn’t just want to give an account of this institution though and that’s where Fezariu came in with his story.

The title is quite interesting. How did you come up with it? 

Fezariu’s story hinges on an epiphany he has at the very end of the novel. Everything before is a learning curve. He suffers many difficulties as a boy and becomes withdrawn because of it. Through the many characters Fezariu meets he gains a better understanding of the world and ultimately himself. I wanted the title to reflect the pivotal moment in the novel when everything falls into place for Fezariu and so Fezariu’s Epiphany seemed the most appropriate name.

How long did it take you to research and write the novel?

I hadn’t written a novel for a few years so was nervous when it came to completing Fezariu’s Epiphany. Previous novels I had tried were not up to scratch due to Elenchera not being fully fleshed out as a world. Fezariu’s Epiphany took more than two years to complete, research and writing, and went through six drafts before it reached a point where I could say this is as good as it can be.

Is there a certain message you would like readers to get out of Fezariu’s Epiphany?

I think Fezariu’s story emphasises how damaging misunderstandings and misconceptions can be. His childhood is shaped by tragedies to the point that Fezariu believes himself to be accursed and to blame for all the suffering he has experienced. Everything he becomes is shaped when he is a boy and I think the novel captures how crucial our childhoods are in dictating how we are as adults. At the same time, Fezariu discovers that strength can be found in others and that it is never too late to change who you are.

Do you experience writer’s block? How do you deal with it? I usually read what I think are the best chapters in my WIP. Usually does it for me.

I’ve experienced it in the past and the best thing I did was to try and write something completely different. A good tactic is to have a blog that you update daily. I mostly put reviews of films and books on mine, not subjects you’re likely to get writer’s block with, but at least you are writing, keeping that creative flow going. It’s never an easy rut to get yourself out of but having different projects is usually handy.

Thanks for the tip. Are you a full time writer? If not, how do you make time to write?

I currently write full-time thanks to the unbelievable support of my wife, Donna. That said I also take charge of all domestic duties around the house. Sharing a house with six cats means it often gets a little bit messy. It’s the least I can do though given the backing Donna has given me. 

That’s really great. It’s a blessing to be able to write full time. How does your daily writing schedule look like?

I tend to write for four hours, beginning late morning and finishing in the early afternoon. The rest of the day I then devote to chores, catching up on indie author forums, writing blogs and some much-needed reading. In between those tasks is the frequent distraction of six cats running around the place and often wanting to sit on my laptop! 

How does your marketing schedule look like?

May I present my wife?  It sounds terrible but she does the majority of my marketing work – in fact she has been pretty insistent on it.  She’s worried that too much marketing will make it hard for me to sit down and be creative each day.  Mostly I just receive a steady stream of emails from her with instructions and I follow them to the letter! When it comes to my writing we’re very much a partnership. Take one away and the other cannot fully function.

Can I please borrow your wife for a week? She sounds like a writer’s dream. Which avenues does she use to market your books?

We’ve used a range of things from Kindle Nation Daily to Week in Rewind.  I am on Facebook and Twitter but I don’t really consider them marketing tools.  I prefer to connect with people and share news.  I’ve found blog tours to be the best avenues – and I’ve discovered so many amazing blogs through these.

What books can we expect from you in the future?

My second novel, A World Apart, is due out in May. It tells the story of three friends – Demetrius, Eleyna and Halcyon – who grow up together but as teens find themselves in a love triangle. Though Eleyna loves Demetrius, she marries Halcyon, forcing Demetrius to leave town and join the army. Years later the three friends are reunited and find themselves no longer friends but enemies.

Sounds very interesting. Now, you have to tell me, what was your best ever moment as a published author?

The first five star review I received was a special moment. I had worried a lot about how people would respond to Fezariu’s Epiphany. The reviews have been generally positive so far and although it hasn’t been for everyone, I feel more positive and hopeful for the future. The feedback so far has convinced me that I am not wasting my time in trying to be a writer, though I’ll never stop trying to improve. 

The time I read the first five star review for Tangi’s Teardrops was also priceless for me. I had tears in my eyes. David, we’ve come to the end of the interview but is there any question you’re dying to be asked? 

Are your six cats for sale? 

And the answer is? 

If you ask me the answer is yes but if Donna is in the room with me at the time then the answer is definitely no! 

Well, let’s hope Donna doesn’t stumble upon this interviewJ. Do you have a message for your readers?

To those that have read Fezariu’s Epiphany or are considering reading it, then I thank you all for taking time out of your buy schedules to experience the world of Elenchera. I hope you enjoy your stay and look forward to your thoughts, whether positive or negative, about the experience. Not all writers may listen to criticism but I like to take into account every reader’s viewpoint. To all readers, keep your passion and faith in the written world. There will never be a shortage of amazing books to read.

Thank you so much for telling us a little more about you and your novel. We enjoyed your visit and wish you all the best in your writing career. Don’t forget to let me borrow your wife.

Fezariu’s Epiphany
by David M. Brown

BLURB:  

12-year-old Fezariu thought his mother died when he was little, but when his beloved stepfather dies the boy discovers she is alive and well - and working at the most famous brothel in all of Elenchera. When she cruelly rejects him it's more than he can bear, and he runs away to join a band of ruthless soldiers for hire. The Merelax Mercenaries will fight for anyone who can pay them, no matter the justice of the cause.

Fezariu grows up among the soldiers and becomes one of them. He thinks his time with the mercenaries has hardened him. But a campaign in his old home town pushes him too far, and he discovers what really happened to his mother. Maybe there are some things money shouldn't buy... and maybe it's time Fezariu took his revenge.

EXCERPT

As the hours passed, Redemption slowly came back to life as families braved the streets and began the painful process of putting this latest display of insurgence to one side. Only when the last of the graves had been erected would the residents of the city be able to focus fully on maintaining the prosperous empire Eligantiar had built through its many colonies in the west. The dawn of a new day brought hope in the form of the Eligantians’ continued resilience. Many rebellions they had faced since first landing in Emeraldon but they still remained to this day, defiant masters of the continent with the native valkayans the reluctant victims of relentless imperialism.

Only when Vintaro had exhausted his supply of Mizuansi did the trio stand and make their way back into the heart of the city. Their minds and bodies yearned for rest and the warm embrace of the nearest bed to assuage their fatigue. As the trio wandered along the streets they spoke of their first assignment, the adversities that they had faced and how together they had cemented the glowing reputation of the Merelax Mercenaries in completing their task with resounding success.

The trio parted ways when they reached the central square. Fezariu returned to the inn where General Bayard was staying and where Arshea had died. He settled in a vacant bed in General Bayard’s room, convinced he would not rest.

Fezariu thought over the choices he had made in getting to this point in his life, leaving Alycea and Edward, risking everything by pursuing his dream of becoming a mercenary, and now finding that his hopes of having no one to care for or to disappoint had failed to come to fruition. The Merelax Mercenaries, for so long Fezariu’s sanctuary and escape from the haunting memories of Clarendon, had now left him feeling vulnerable. 

REVIEWS

There are many plot twists and turns in this masterfully written book chronicling the life of a mercenary named Fezariu. Fezariu's Epiphany is a fantasy work on a grand scale in which you enter an imaginatively drawn world filled with many lands and spanning great periods of time.
Jason Sullivan - Different Outcomes and author of The Dark Yergall 

When a reader that normally does not like fantasy novels set in world with unknown names falls in love with a book from that genre, then you know the author did a spectacular job of bringing their story to life for all to enjoy. 
Talina Perkins - Bookin' It Reviews/Night Owl Reviews
Night Owl Reviews "Top pick" 

You can almost smell the filth and corruption that permeates Clarendon, a true cesspool of a city. This is a story of how a boy grows into being a man and accepting his faults and redeeming his failures. I recommend it.  
William Bentrim - Azure Dwarf and author of The Adventures of Hardy Belch


 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Brown could be considered a fantasy fanatic, especially since he has spent the last 10 years developing a 47,000-year history for his fictional world of Elenchera. When converting his obsession into literary form, David commits himself to a rigorous writing and editing process before his work can meet his approval. Combined with the critical eye of his wife and a BA Honors in History and English, David's dedication leads him to his goal of inspiring readers through heartfelt stories and characters.
Although David is inspired primarily by fantasy fiction, he also finds his muse in the form of anime, world cinema, history, and biographies. His own books, Fezariu's Epiphany and the in-progress A World Apart, combine aspects from worlds both old and new into compelling tales of a world not soon forgotten., David himself certainly does not lack a spirit of adventure; in fact, he left his job in 2007 in order to spend a month traveling. Second only to meeting and marrying his wife, David counts this as one of the most amazing experiences of his life.

LINKS
The Elencheran Chronicles: http://elenchera.com
The World According to Dave: http://blog.elenchera.com


David will award a $25 GC to one randomly drawn commenter. Please follow the tour and comment to increase your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: Goddess Fish Promotions