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Fantasy Focus: Sherlock Holmes: Trail of Darkness by John Pirillo
John Pirillo and his book Trail of Darkness is today’s fantasy focus. But before we learn about the book, lets learn a little bit about John first.
What inspired you to become an author?
I would have to say what inspired me was my parents. They used to read to me on their laps and they instilled a great joy in words which has never left me.
As I grew up I read pretty much every book I could get my hands on. It didn’t matter if it was science fiction, fantasy, mystery, biographies, anything!
I used to spend every moment I could reading, absorbing all those wonderful stories and ideas. Finally, when the Russians shot Sputnik into orbit, I wrote my first science fiction story. My first story ever.
I didn’t have a wonderful experience as a writer in High School, however, my English teacher was very jealous of my writing skills at the time and flunked me over and over, no matter how hard I worked on my writing. Just me!
Years later in college I met a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Molly Irwin, who encouraged me to write. I wrote poetry and plays at the time. She told me, “Write from you heart and don’t edit it. Write what you feel!”
I never thought I’d make a career of writing so even though I continued to write for years after that, it wasn’t until the last few years that I realized I was putting off something that was dear to my heart.
It’s like falling in love with someone and then pushing them away because you don’t think you’re worthy enough to be with them. (I’ve done that too unfortunately.)
So since that ignition point I’ve turned my attention to writing every free moment I have.
I hope that gives you some idea of why I became an author, though I suspect it would take hundreds of pages and experiences to understand it in depth. 🙂
What was the worst day in your writing career?
A very good friend of mine in college named Mel was a fantastic writer. He ran a splendid little theater in Folsom, California and he read my one act play, “Shelter.”
He loved it.
It was very unique for its time and would have been groundbreaking if produced as he had intended to do.
It never got done. He passed away in the process of doing it with me.
I never tried to go further with it. And it hurt my heart a long time to lose that good man and his deep care and friendship.
What was the best day in your writing career?
When I began writing again, feeling that glow of love that suffuses your body and emotions when you do something you care deeply about.
***
Trail of Darkness (Peril of the Dark Master Book 1)
A high court official is struck down in the Queen’s office. A Midnight Angel is found horribly mutilated.
Holmes and Watson are asked by the Queen to investigate the series of horrible crimes which just might be rituals of dark magic that are part of a much larger scheme against the government.
***
Trail of Darkness is FREE today on AMAZON US and AMAZON UK
John’s WEBSITE is currently blogging a Sherlock Holmes novel with guests Alexander Dumas and Jules Verne in the current adventure story: Case of the Ancient Artifact.
***
If you’d like to learn more about John, check out his WEBSITE and his other BOOKS.
Fantasy Focus: A Glimmer of Destiny by Spencer Pierson
Today, the spotlight is on Spencer Pierson and his book, A Glimmer of Destiny.
Take it away, Spencer.
It has been a fantastic two months since my first novel has been published. I am on track for book 2 of the Glimmer Steel Saga to be released in September, which I sincerely hope many of you will be looking forward to.
I grew up as an army brat for twenty years and lived in such auspicious places as Japan and the middle of Oklahoma. When I finally moved out, I was living in Hawaii which is a beautiful place filled with friendly spirits. Who can argue with wearing shorts and T-shirts every day? Apparently, I was, since I then moved to Portland, Oregon in 1996. The trees and green were just calling to me, and a friendly, laid-back city is where I naturally find my place. I couldn’t just do things normally, and was heavily involved in the SCA which is a friendly, medieval recreation society where you can pummel your best friends with heavy sticks while wearing armor. Much fun! It is good for sword fighting scenes, as well. Not that Aiden, the star of my current series, IS a fighter yet, but eventually he will get frisky enough.
I am also a single dad, just entering the twilight of my parenthood with one child out on her own, and another at seventeen. Let me tell you, it is an accomplishment and honor to have raised them.
I am also of the school of thought that getting your book out within 3 months is not only do-able, but also slow. If someone ever tells you 1000 words a month is ok, they are lying to you. Push the publish button! You can do it. Enjoy!
What inspired you to become an author?
Truthfully, I’ve wanted to be an author for many years but have never had the gumption and knowledge to pull it off. Late last year, I had come to a decision point in my life that required me to take a leap of faith. I also ran into an old friend who had done a considerable amount of research into self-publishing. I published my first two short stories on my birthday in November. Now, I am happily writing Fantasy and Sci-Fi, telling stories, and watching people smile.
What was the worst day in your writing career?
The day one of my beta readers told me that I wasn’t a writer yet. They said they could not even get through the first chapter. That was hard. It took me about three or four days to recover. Once I did, I examined some of her feedback and used it in a positive way. It also helped that other beta readers had gone through the book fast and loved it, but that was a hard critique to take.
What was the best day in your writing career?
Pushing the publishing button for the first time. That was a good day.
In your latest book, what was your favorite scene?
In my second book, my favorite scene comes toward the end. One of the protagonists’ companions defeats someone who has been terrible to him throughout his life, and then the girl he’s falling in love with saves him from a side attack, and they kiss.
Tell me what you love to hate about your antagonist?
He’s conflicted. He wants to be defeated, but cannot bring himself to give up. His clothes are also some sort of creature that moves by itself. Fun.
Why do you love fantasy/sci-fi?
I love Sci-Fi because of its sense of wonder and hope for the future. There is also a love the ideas of technology and how they can be integrated into our lives. My favorite worlds are those with many species and races getting to know one another and either getting along of duking it out.
What are you currently reading?
A Path in the Darkness” by Michael Cooper.
***
A Glimmer of Destiny, (Book 1 of the Glimmer Steel Saga)
How can one moment in a young man’s life become the turning point between doom and deliverance for an entire world?
Aiden Finn is an orphan, comfortable in his quiet life working at the School of Breen when everything is turned upside down by a casual bet between two young nobles. One that cause him to use the forbidden Glimmer Stones which create constructs of physical light, and by law only nobles are allowed to touch.
Threatened with death by duchy law and evil forces intent on capturing him and his dark secret, Aiden is forced to learn how to control this emerging power to save all that he holds dear. However, will that which saves him also be his world’s downfall? The dreaded Mourning Lords, beings that came from the dawn of the Cataclysm four thousand years earlier once more walk the land, searching for an answer to their torment. Will Aiden learn how to become a master of Glimmer Steel or will the mystery of the Cataclysm and the destruction of technology drown him as surely as it nearly cracked the world in half?
***
A Glimmer of Destiny is available on AMAZON US and AMAZON UK
A Glimmer of Truth, Book 2 of the Glimmer Stone Saga will be available in September 2016. (Chapter 1 of book 2 is included as a sneak peek!) UPDATE: A GLIMMER OF TRUTH IS NOW AVAILABLE!
A Glimmer of War, Book 3 of the Glimmer Stone Saga will be available January 2017.
If you’d like to learn more about Spencer and his books, please sign up to his NEWSLETTER and check out his AMAZON PAGE.
Happy Reading 🙂
Fantasy Focus: Heart of the Raven by Joleene Naylor
Today we are honoured to have Joleene Naylor, author of The Amaranthine vampire series, with us to talk about her book:
Heart of the Raven
An epic quest, an evil master and…vampires? Join Jorick and Katelina as they fight to keep a powerful relic from falling into the wrong hands – a relic said to hold enough power to destroy the world.
Though Heart of the Raven is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone and begins the three book Heart of the Raven story arc.
“I’m not a fan of vampire stories. Being an author of fantasy novels, that type of work never held a great deal of interest for me. Then, I was given a copy of Amaranthine #5, Heart of the Raven and I was hooked. Without doubt, Joleene Naylor is a skilled writer. To put it simply, I loved this book. It’s interesting, moves well, and holds your attention through each and every page. Regardless of which genre you enjoy, a good read is always the goal, and ‘Raven’ certainly hits the mark.”
– Mark Matthews, author of The Calling (Chronicles of the Careen)
An excerpt:
Malick passed through the fighting vampires. His gait was so smooth that he seemed to float rather then walk. Jorick stepped backwards, forcing Katelina to do the same. Wills battled for dominance in her mind and her legs couldn’t
decide whether to lock in place or run. The ensuing war made her limbs twitch and she screamed with a mixture of confusion, frustration and terror.
Malick drew to a stop and laughed. The struggle in Katelina’s mind ended and she stumbled backwards. Unbelievably, the elevator chimed, and she looked to see the doors slide open. For a moment she could see a short vampire standing inside the plush red compartment, and then it was gone.
The short vampiress was suddenly standing before Malick. She wore a loose flowing dress of blue and her long silver hair flowed down her back. Like a china doll, her face showed no age and no expression, but her cerulean eyes burned with anger.
Katelina clutched Jorick, too terrified to move. Those eyes were seared forever in her memory; it was the woman from the True Council.
The Scharfrichter seemed to realize it too, and the fighting ceased. Even the living, but prostrate vampires stopped moaning and lay still, as if mesmerized.
“So my presence is enough to rouse you?” Malick asked the vampiress. “I’m touched.”
The vampiress’ voice rang through the room, like crashing waves and summer bird song mixed together. “You are not welcome here.”
Malick drew himself up. The air crackled and Katelina’s chest tightened until she could barely breathe. When he spoke, his voice boomed, and it was only fear that stopped Katelina from covering her ears. “How unfortunate. I had hoped that you, most of all, would understand.”
“Understand what? That you have thrown aside your duties for your own selfish ends? Ishkur was right, you should never have been given power.”
“You’re using the old names again.” Malick’s smile grew. “Do you still find comfort in them?”
“Leave now and do no more harm.”
Malick laughed. “You have not warmed since our last meeting, Inanna. It’s no wonder. To hide in the earth while others live. It is nothing more than waking death. How can you be any warmer than the dead?” He stepped forward, his eyes alight. “Join me and be what you once were. Do you remember so many millennia ago when men sang your name? It could be that way again! There’s no need for us to hide, we could be gods!”
“You were never a god, only a greedy child. Those days are gone, as are those people. Modern man does not welcome gods, but topples them. Go now and repent in quiet, before it is too late for you.”
Malick studied the diminutive vampiress. Their eyes met as if in silent conversation, and finally he broke away. “A pity. However, it is not you I seek, or even your brothers.” He looked to Jorick. “I will take it now.”
“Take what?” Jorick asked stiffly.
“Come now. You can shield some thoughts, but not all. Where have you hidden it? Is it with your first?” Jorick flinched and Malick nodded. “So it is. Thank you, my son. I will give her your greetings.”
He turned on his heel and snapped his fingers. Griselda grabbed her gun and swung it over her shoulder, then bounded up the steps after her retreating master, Greneth and Senya on her heels.
The Scharfrichter started forward, but Inanna stopped them with a gesture and perhaps a silent command. They turned to her, their faces open questions. Instead of answering, the ancient vampiress turned away. Katelina had a single, burning look at Inanna’s perfect face before the vampiress disappeared. The elevator doors slid suddenly open and closed and she was gone.
***
Heart of the Raven is available through the following outlets:
AMAZON US AMAZON UK B&N NOOKBook KOBO SMASHWORDS ITUNES
***
Joleene Naylor is the author of the glitter-less Amaranthine vampire series, a world where vampires aren’t for children. As a compliment to the novel series, she has also written several short stories, including the Vampire Morsels collection.
What inspired you to become an author?
My mother was a writer and poet, so it never occurred to me not to write. Publishing, on the other hand, was something I was scared to do, but two friends encouraged me, and their faith in my writing gave me the courage to take the plunge.
Why do you love fantasy/sci-fi?
I love magic, romance, and a good battle – and it’s even better when there are elves, fairies, or even vampires involved. A Fantasy or Sci-Fi universe is the creation of the author, and so as we are discovering the characters and the story, we’re also discovering the world and the history, while in contemporary books there’s only the characters to learn. We already know how the real world works.
What are you currently reading?
Reborn City by Rami Ungar. A mix of contemporary and fantasy set in a bleak future, it’s a great read!
*Joleene also tells me that she has five cats, yes five, and I thought I was bad with three!
If you’d like to learn even more about Jolenne and her books, please check out her WEBSITE and FACEBOOK PAGE. You can also follow Joleene on TWITTER, GOODREADS, PINTEREST, GOOGLE+, WATTPAD, AUTHORGRAPH, and on her AMAZON PAGE.
Happy Reading 🙂
H.J. Lawson Giveaway
The very talented H.J. Lawson is offering a FREE giveaway of her new paranormal romance New Order.
PLUS the chance to WIN a KINDLE FIRE!
New Order is the first book in the Hidden Vampire Slayers series.
They were born to fight. Created to win. But the question remains… Who’s the real enemy? When Sadie heads out for the night, she hardly expects to witness a murder– much less a murder committed by a dangerous vampire with a thirst for vengeance and destruction. Within a few hours, Sadie and her boyfriend Aaron are pulled into a violent vampire world. Searching for a way to survive, they know they must fight, but this might be a battle they just can’t win.
Check out this fantastic deal, amongst other amazing freebies and Kindle Unlimited offers. PLUS THE CHANCE TO WIN A KINDLE FIRE HERE!
FREE BOOKS!
John Winter is holding a special promotion on his books at the moment and you can grab Lucifer’s Redemption, Divided and The Watch for FREE on Amazon.
Just click on the name of the book, or books you fancy, and grab a copy 🙂
Charles Dickens on cats
“What greater gift than the love of a cat?
– Charles Dickens –
FREE BOOKS!
Everybody loves a free book, right? So today, I have put together a list of awesome free reads you can pick up on #InstaFreebie.
Just click on the cover to check them out, and grab whichever takes your fancy.
A Matter of Death – excerpt
This week I have decided to give you a sneak preview of A Matter of Death, a short story available by joining my mailing list here.
***
I kicked off my boots and stumbled to the bed, falling face down in a heap on top of the covers. My feet hurt, my head hurt, and my hair was so desperately in need of a wash, my scalp itched.
Mumbling to myself, I considered the distance from the bedroom to the bathroom and the effort required to drag myself through the house and remove my clothes to have a shower.
A slight weight joined me on the bed and a rumble sounded in my ears before Nibbler gave me an affectionate head-butt. ‘You stink of cat food,’ I said before returning the kiss.
‘You, my dear, also do not seem your fresh, cleanly self,’ Dylan said from the corner. ‘Might one suggest a shower?’
Sure, having a friendly neighbourhood ghost pop by was pleasant enough when you’re in the mood for some company and a chat, but not when you’re shattered after a hard night shift, and not when said ghost is being overly critical.
‘No one might not,’ I said, and threw a pillow in his direction. A useless act of defiance when all it did was pass through him and knock over a bottle of hand cream on my dressing table. I flopped back down on the bed and closed my eyes. ‘Besides,’ I said, ‘what do you care? Ghosts have no sense of smell.’
‘This is indeed true. However, one can see the noxious fumes coming off you and it does not require a sense of smell to know that you stink.’
Charming. The cat climbed on my back and nuzzled my hair. ‘If it doesn’t bother Nibbler,’ I said, enjoying his reassuring weight, ‘it doesn’t bother me.’
With that statement, the turncoat cat spluttered on my head, jumped onto the floor and proceeded to have a mild coughing fit.
‘Okay, okay,’ I said and pushed myself off the bed. ‘You win already. I’ll take a shower. But after that, Dylan, you can explain what the hell you’re doing in my house at five in the morning.’
The warm shower washed away the aches and pains in my body and soothed my headache. It’s a miracle how great a clean head of hair can make you feel. To make things even better, as I trundled down the stairs, the fresh scent of coffee enveloped my senses.
Opening the kitchen door, I dropped my head towel on a stool, took a seat on the neighbouring chair, and thanked my lucky stars that Dylan was an old ghost who’d mastered the art of physical manipulation. One of the reasons Nibbler got on so well with him, I was sure. Like I didn’t notice his dwindling treats and expanding girth.
Dylan handed me my hot beverage and opened the fridge. His insubstantial form flickered in the light. For once, groceries lined the shelves, as the supermarket had delivered my bi-weekly shopping the day before. ‘Would you care for some eggs?’ Dylan asked. ‘It would be a matter of moments to whip you up an omelette.’
Not that it wasn’t tempting, Dylan made the best omelettes, always light and fluffy, but I declined and asked him the reason for his visit.
‘I see you are tired. It is of no great urgency.’
Now that was a lie and we both knew it. After five years of living in this three-bed semi and being visited by Dylan, I liked to think we were buddies, even if he was dead, and it was clear something was on his mind. Plus my spidey senses were tingling and sure as hell, anything that bothers a two-hundred year old ghost was bad news for me.
I took a sip of the bitter coffee, savoured the swift injection of caffeine to my brain, and gave Dylan a look that said, ‘Oh, please!’
He closed the fridge and perched his ghostly form on the stool opposite mine. Although downcast, his pale face spoke volumes, but still he seemed reluctant to talk.
I took a long drink from my mug and then placed it on the counter. ‘That bad?’ I asked.
‘One might say, a matter of life or death, if not for the fact the dear lady is already one of the departed.’
‘Lady? So we’re talking about another ghost here.’
When he looked at me, he pushed his shoulders back, adjusted the lapels on his dress waistcoat, and straightened out an imaginary crease in his pantaloons. ‘Elizabeth,’ he said after a moment. ‘She’s in trouble. We met last night and she was most distressed. Her spirit was being drawn to the remains of her body. I stayed with her as long as I could, but, alas, fear of being bound forced me to abandon her.’
‘It wasn’t your fault,’ I said, now understanding Dylan’s reluctance. He was a man of honour and would judge himself harshly for leaving a woman in need.
‘I am a coward. I should have stayed with her to the last. No matter the personal cost.’
‘And where would that have got you? No, Dylan. If you had stayed, you could have been bound, and whatever trouble you think Elizabeth is in, you would be in too.’ I downed the remains of my coffee. Sleep would have to wait.
***
Don’t forget the full story is available for free is you join my mailing list (you can unsubscribe at any time)
The Knock
After a couple of weeks of some longer fiction, I am posting a much shorter piece for you this week, and at under 500 words, I think it may be the shortest yet. Although, I hope you still enjoy The Knock.
***
Every night there is a knock at the door. I stand up and answer it to find that no-one is there. A wisp of smoke dances in the moonlight, and the faint sound of my name echoes in the wind. I sigh and close the door.
As a spirit, Pete likes to remind me that he is always out there, always watching. Just as he was in life.
Over a year and a half has passed since I last saw him alive. We made love on the sofa. Pete ate a tuna melt Panini, and decided that we should go out for the night, have a game of pool, a couple of beers. But I was tired and in no mood to socialise. ‘You go,’ I said. ‘I’ll have a nice soak in the tub and an early night.’
At first he refused, not wanting to leave me alone, but I insisted. Why should he miss out because I was tired?
The first knock on the door came two hours later. I didn’t even know he was dead at the time. I rushed downstairs and opened the door to find nothing. I can’t say if I saw the mist that night. Only after a week did I understand the significance of the fog, its connection to Pete. But I heard my name. I called out into the darkness and told Pete to stop messing around, before slamming the door and going back to bed.
Come the next morning, Pete hadn’t arrived home. Even then I wasn’t worried. I put the kettle on for a cup of tea, put some bread in the toaster and made my way to work. I should have thought more about his absence, should have tried to check up on him, but my morning was worry free. Until, I passed the pick-up overturned in the stream.
I jumped out my car and into the water, not registering the biting cold. The window of the pick-up was smashed and through the gaping hole, I saw Pete, upside down and pinned in his chair by the seat belt.
I consider moving now and then, but I figure Pete will find me wherever I go. It’s not as though he hurts me. A knock and a call, just enough for me to know that he’s still around, still watching. Pete junior turns one next week. Perhaps, we will open the door together. Perhaps, Pete will see his son and know I am not alone, that it is safe for him to move on. Or perhaps, he will stay watching over us forever.
