Wizdom and Pandora by K.M. Woodard (Ebook Giveaway)

About The Author:

A lifetime resident of the Washington, DC area, K.M. Woodard has always enjoyed the outdoors and loves to 

travel. After working 17 years with the MetLife Insurance Company, she pursued her career as a Federal Law

Enforcement Agent with Homeland Security and has a Masters Degree in Criminology. A true Tolkien fan, her 

passion for medieval and ancient times and her personal travel adventures often inspire ideas for new books.

Her active imagination and fascination with escaping reality to a world of enchantment, mystery and suspense

has resulted in a series of novels sure to delight readers looking for fast-paced adventure at every twist and 

turn, interspersed with a smidgen of humor.

Author Links - 

www.wizdomandpandora.com

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

Twitter: @wizdomandpandor

Goodreads member/blog: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7380415.K_M_Woodard

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?

ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora

Book Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy

Publisher: Authorhouse

Release Date: 10/30/2014

Buy Link(s): AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/Wizdom-And-Pandora-Quest-Blood/dp/1468538020/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400258256&sr=8-1&keywords=wizdom+and+pandora

AUTHORHOUSE: http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000536911/WIZDOM-AND-PANDORA.aspx

Book Description:

Wizdom didn't know dragons really existed. He's never ridden a white woolly mammoth or flown on a griffin. He's never known a real king or a princess or been friends with a goblin. Wizdom's never seen elves that glow blue all the time. All he's ever known are his adoptive mother and his aunt Kayden. One day he finds himself in a secret world, face to face with dragons and fire monsters. He meets an interesting girl, Pandora, who he learns is no ordinary girl, just as he is no ordinary boy. Wizdom soon finds himself on a magical journey full of secrets, sorcery, danger and evil. He fights many fierce battles and faces certain death as his quest leads him on an adventure like never before as he discovers his true identity . . . or does he?

Excerpt:

Wizdom stared in awe, unconsciously holding his breath, as

he looked up the endless staircase of gleaming black marble

before him. The air around him was damp and musty and tickled his

nostrils. Cobwebs hung overhead, dangling high above him from the

towering ceiling. Perched at the top of the stairs was a large, golden

dragon throne. Sitting on white marble, it was surrounded by statues

of goblins, gargoyles and other strange creatures. They all stared back

disconcertingly at Wizdom, some with tongues out, others with piercing

eyes, bared teeth or pointed ears. The dragon’s head held its mouth

agape, as if ready to devour him, revealing a long golden tongue jutting

out and sharp pointed teeth. The arms of the throne were created by

the front legs of the dragon and the claws made up the feet of the chair.

A huge tail jutted out from the back of the chair and coiled around

to the front like a sitting cat. Three spikes on the tail’s end glistened

in piercing diamond shards. Giant wings stood out from the dragon’s

back, poised for flight, black and shimmering like dark sapphires. Its

eyes were large rubies, and its body was sprinkled in faceted jewels.

Two spiraling horns jutted out from its head, over a foot of solid gold,

with diamonds on the tips. Held within the horns shone an enormous

crimson red stone, casting an eerie glow and dancing shadows over the

stone statues surrounding it.

What was this place? Where was he? He dared to move forward,

ever so slowly, toward this great altar. His pulse racing, palms sweating,

he paused momentarily, staring up at the dragon’s red gleaming eyes.

As he approached the stairs, the dragon’s fiery eyes stared down at him

unnervingly, as if it was alive, watching him.

Wizdom wondered about how he had gotten there. How did he

get here? He glanced around the great hall surrounding him. Flickering

candles, sconces and torches aligned the walls of marbled stone. The

ceiling was several stories high and great pillars supported the wooden

arches above him. Shadows and darkness surrounded him, except for

the faint glow of the iron torches, and the scarlet glow of the jewel

radiating from the dragon’s crown jewel. He could feel some sort of

power emanating from it as he stood there. It made him feel happy and

safe, despite his surroundings.

Suddenly, he saw movement out of the corner of his left eye. He

looked quickly, but saw nothing. Turning to scurrying sounds to his

right, he still saw nothing but black. Was he imagining things? Because

of the obscuring darkness, he could not see very far, only as far as the

torches lining the walls. He was only eleven but he was an adventurer

and never scared and despite his current situation, he normally loved

mysteries and secret places. Unconsciously, his pulse kept racing as

the silence crept eerily around him… 

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Shaytonian Chronicles – Book 1: Destiny Sets Karen Fainges

Shaytonian Chronicles – Book 1: Destiny Sets

Karen Fainges

Author Bio: http://shayton.net/Author.htm

Karen Fainges works as a trainer in business and computing. A wife and mother, she started thinking up sci-fi stories at the age of 10. Editor of the K-tips business and computing ezine, she longed to present her fiction to the world. So she took those long ago stories, a love of the absurd and wrote about beings that were not humans. Sometimes you see a lot more about humanity and yourself when you are looking at someone else.





Author Links  Website http://shayton.net/
Facebook Author page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Fainges/83671225033
Facebook Series page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shaytonian-Vampire-Fiction/88608175544 Twitter https://twitter.com/annalisamara
Linkedin http://au.linkedin.com/pub/karen-fainges/a/b99/424/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10612018
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Karen-Fainges/e/B0050KEU3S/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1382177091&sr=8-3 

About The Book

Book Genre: Scifi/Fantasy Vampire

Publisher: Writers Exchange

Release Date:

Buy Link(s): http://astore.amazon.com/shaytonchroni-20

Book Description:


Destiny Sets is the first novel in the Shaytonian Chronicles.   Lightning sears a scene against the eye. Trapped between reality and death, every scrap of life is fighting for existence. To stop fighting is to die. Some precious moments of peace can be stolen from small pockets of calm. Life can take a breath and wonder at the harsh beauty. But only for a moment, then struggle resumes. And others watch.   The Shayton Chronicles begins in Destiny Sets, the story of one man. He is that drop of chaos that can spell success or failure.   Born from a vampiric race of slaves, genetically moulded to provide comfort for their masters, he alone decides to be truly free. Irreverent humour and a fierce need to know 'why', war within him and entire worlds are changed.   "The Stainless Steel Rat with fangs."  

Excerpt

Painting the mythic vampire

The deep royal blue sky of the Italian Riviera provided the perfect backdrop to the posed woman. She was an otherworldly figure set amongst the ancient columns. Her softly accented voice broke the stillness. "Are you sure about this?"

She watched as he added a daub more paint, "I am sure. You said it yourself, the best way to deny something it is to say it is true."

"And what if the Council finds out?"

Alfredo dabbed on a different colour. Going by the look on his face, he still did not have the skin colour the exactly right colour of purple. It had been frustrating him all evening. There was a timeline that neither one of them had mentioned, but it loomed in their thoughts. He was getting older, and no one lived forever. His words dragged her out of the wave of sadness that swept through her. "This mythical Council of yours, what if they do notice the paintings? They are just paintings."

"The Council is no myth. They rule our world."

"I thought the King ruled your homeworld?"

Lisa started to shrug but remembered in time not to move from the pose. "His rule is absolute, so long as he leaves all the day to day decisions, like whether to exile his daughter to Earth, to the Council."

"And you, as this poor exiled waif are concerned that one of those 'day to day' decisions may be objecting to this painting?"

Lisa snorted at the sarcasm in his voice, knowing it was meant more to chide her out of the doldrums than anything else. "They defend of the safety of Shayton. They hold dear her anonymity. It keeps her from being destroyed by those that fear the different, which, my dear, you must agree describes most humans remarkably well."

Alfredo nodded, "And trust me, the picture of a masked dancer with obviously fake wings..." Lisa snorted again at this description of her body, "will ensure that any little slip ups like the one in Venice, will be seen as a publicity stunt and nothing else. Your Council will thank us."

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Daemon Persuasion by S.K. Gregory

       

Author Bio

 

Samantha Gregory lives in Northern Ireland. She has been writing since she could hold a pen and loves the supernatural/horror genre. She works as a freelance journalist and enjoys reading and playing guitar.

   

Author Links

www.skgregory.com

http://daemon-persuasion.tumblr.com/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/daemonpersuasion

www.twitter.com/sam_skgregory

https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard 

 

About The Book

Book genre - Fantasy/horror.

Publisher - Mockingbird Lane Press, Maynard AR, USA.

Release Date - January 2013

Buy - Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis

When Mackenzie Murphy goes looking for her father she finds herself caught in the middle of a demon war between three rival families. Still trying to master her own demon abilities, who can she trust to help her? The mysterious Lucien? Or Taryn, the son of the enemy? With all three families hunting for a talisman that could shift the balance of power, Mackenzie must get to it first and finish what her father started, or die trying.

Excerpts

Mackenzie sat tapping her foot nervously, waiting for her mother to appear. She shifted in the hard plastic chair trying to get comfortable. She hated this place with the cold stares from the inmates and the prison guards watching her every move. Mostly, she hated the fact that her mother had to be here for the next twenty years.

Her mother had no memory of the night Ray died. She had been found lying by his body. He had been stabbed with a kitchen knife fourteen times.

Her lawyer had called it self-defense, the judge had called it murder one. All Mackenzie knew was that Ray had gotten exactly what he deserved and her mother was being punished for it.

Annie finally appeared, her face pale and drawn. Her blonde hair, so different from Mackenzie’s own dark curls, hung limp and unwashed. She moved like a woman twice her age. Shuffling towards the table, her eyes lit up when she saw Mackenzie.

“Baby, how are you?” she said, clutching her hand.

“I’m fine, are you okay? Do you need anything?”

“No, I have everything I need,” her mother, replied. She stared at Mackenzie, taking everything in.

“Mom, don’t do the staring thing.”

“You look great. How’s school?” she asked.

“School’s great,” Mackenzie replied. At least it was the last time she rode past it. She had tried the whole school thing for about half a semester but it hadn’t worked out. She just pretended she was still there to keep her mother happy.

“Do you have a boyfriend yet?”

“No. I’m concentrating on school.” It bothered her sometimes how easily she could lie and how convincing she could be. It was a useful skill at work but she hated lying to her mother.

“Good, that’s good,” Annie said, patting her hand.

“What’s that?” her mother asked, pulling back her sleeve to reveal a bad scrape.

“It’s nothing.” Mackenzie pulled her arm away.

“Did someone do that to you?”

“No, I had an accident. I came off my motorbike.”

“Motorbike? Your daddy used to ride a motorbike,” she said.

“He did?” Her mother never went into any detail about her father. He had left her before Mackenzie was born. When Mackenzie was younger, Annie would lament about their summer together but she never gave any useful information away. All she knew was that her father was called Sebastian King. She had done a few searches online for him but she couldn’t find any matches.

“Yes. I remember he was fixing it when we first met. It broke down outside the bakery, where I worked. He was so handsome.”

“Why did he leave you?” Mackenzie asked. In the past when she would ask questions, her mother would shut down and refuse to answer. Lately though she seemed to have trouble discerning fantasy from reality and she was talking more and more about him.

“He was in trouble. He was only in town to visit Mr. Black”

“Mr. Black?” she said, trying not to push.

“He owned a pawn store. He was only planning to stay for a couple of days but he was there for three months.” Her mother’s eyes clouded over as she was caught up in the memory.

That was more information than Mackenzie had ever heard. She wondered if this Mr. Black knew where her father was. She had often thought about him over the years, where he was now, whether he even knew about her. Her mom didn’t know she was pregnant until after he was gone.

“The bakery you worked in, was that in your home town?”

Her mother nodded, “Yeah, it’s this tiny little town. When I was younger all I wanted to do was come to LA and now not a day goes by that I don’t wish I was back in East Falls.”

East Falls. She finally had a name, somewhere to start.

“Maybe we can go back there when you get out,” Mackenzie said.

Her mother realized what she had said, “You wouldn’t want to go there honey. It is nothing like LA and I know you. You’re a city girl.”

“I wouldn’t mind roughing it for a few days,” she replied.

 “No, Mac. The past is the past. Leave it where it is.”

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Character Interview & Book Blast: Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective (Book 1) by Christine Amsden

Cassie Scot:

ParaNormal Detective (Book 1)

Evan Blackwood Character Interview

My name is Christine Amsden, author of the new urban fantasy novel Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective. This first volume in a (completed) four-part series introduces us to Cassie, the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers. Amidst mystery, romance, and family feuds, this "new adult" series shows us that there are many types of strength, and many ways to be a hero.

With me today is a more traditional hero from the novel. It is my great pleasure to welcome Evan Blackwood, a young sorcerer with a great deal of talent and potential. Plus, he's really good looking, even if I did create him myself! :)

The 21-year-old Evan hails from Eagle Rock, MO, where the existence of magic is accepted, if not exactly understood. Evan, like most sorcerers in the area, is tight-lipped when it comes to what he can do and how powerful he is, but he graciously agreed to talk to me as long as I don't try to pry into his family secrets.

Christine: Evan, thank you for being here. I understand you've known our heroine, Cassie, for a long time. How did you two meet?

Evan: Cassie and I met in the first grade. I had never been to school or spent much time around other kids, and I made a fool of myself. She helped me out. Took me on as a project, you could say. That's sort of her style.

Christine: Did you know at the time that your fathers were enemies?

Evan: No. I was six, and I don't think I was that aware of what my father did unless it had something to do with me. He told me later in the year, but by then it was way too late.

Christine: So you and Cassie have remained friends this whole time?

Evan: Sort of. Things got a little awkward after I accidentally sent Paul Ellerson to the hospital. She never said so, but I think she was a little afraid of me after that. She was hardly alone. She got over it, but between that and some rumors that started flying around about me, we weren't quite as close in high school as we were before.

Christine: Are you talking about the rumors that you cast love spells?

Evan: (Glares) Yes. Those rumors.

Christine: Sorry. Sore spot. I assume they weren't true?

Evan: Do you have any other question?

Christine: Where have you been for the past three years? After high school, you kind of fell off the map.

Evan: Magical apprenticeship. Henry Wolf took me on.

Christine: Henry Wolf? Isn't he a little crazy? Lives in a cabin in the woods with no running water or electricity?

Evan: He's brilliant. He just thinks modern gizmos interfere with magic.

Christine: Is that true?

Evan: The first thing I'm going to do when I finish my apprenticeship is buy a cell phone. Then watch movies, starting with the Star Wars trilogy. The original trilogy, not the prequels.

Christine: Why do you like Star Wars so much?

Evan: It's a great fantasy. Good on one side. Evil on the other. I wish the real world was so easy to figure out.

Christine: Is there anything in particular you're trying to figure out?

Evan: Lost of things. But mostly, I worry because of the way my father and Cassie's father hate one another. They both think they're right and the other is wrong. I suppose I should side with my family and I do, but I wish I didn't have to pick a side at all.

Christine: Because you're in love with Cassie?

Evan: I didn't say that.

Christine: No, of course not. So, what are your future plans? After you watch Star Wars, that is?

Evan: I want to do some good in the world. I've got a few ideas, but nothing concrete yet. There are a few things I need to work out first.

Christine: And those few things are...?

Evan: Private.

Christine: I see. And I will leave you to that privacy, but first I have one last question. Is there any advice you would be willing to give us about how to deal with sorcerers?

Evan: Don't.

Christine: What if we can't avoid it?

Evan: (Pauses) Ivy. Plant some ivy to protect your home. And don't leave any blood lying around.

Christine: Those sound like good tips. Thank you for sharing your secrets.

Evan: They aren't secrets. You can learn some basic magical self-protection on the Internet. Although there's a lot of crazy stuff, too.

Christine: Any way to know the difference?

Evan: For the average person? Not really. But the average person probably isn't going to be in danger. It's far worse if you have a tiny bit of talent you don't know what to do with.

Christine: That sounds like something we should talk about when the next book comes out. I hope we'll see you back then.

Evan: Wait. What happens in the next book?

Christine: Don't worry about it. You've got to survive the first book first.

Evan: My grandmother is a seer, you know.

Christine: I know. I created her, too. But there are so many possible futures, I don't know how much she'll be able to help you. I did rewrite the series several times, after all.

Evan: (Glares again) I got to go. Master Wolf is calling me.

Christine: Well then, you'd better go. Thank you so much for being here with me today.

Evan: You aren't going to hurt Cassie, are you?

Christine: Henry Wolf is calling you.

Evan: All right, but for the record, we're not done.

Christine: Absolutely not. 

About The Author:

Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. (You can learn more here.)

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children, Drake and Celeste.

Website | Twitter

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Twilight Times Books

Release Date: May 15, 2013

Amazon

Book Description:

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

Read The First Chapter Here

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Praise for the Cassie Scot Series:

From Publisher’s Weekly:

“In this entertaining series opener, Amsden (The Immortality Virus) introduces readers to the eponymous Cassie, a decidedly mundane member of a magical family. …Readers will enjoy Cassie’s fish-out-of-water struggles as she fights magical threats with little more than experience and bravado.”

Kim Falconer, bestselling author of The Spell of Rosette, Quantum Enchantment Series, had this to say:

“When sorcerers call the shots, what’s a girl without powers to do? Get ready for a ripper of a murder mystery full of romance and intrigue, where magic potions bubble, passions spark and vampires are definitely not your friend. Cassie Scot: ParaNormal Detective grabs you by the heart and won’t let go until the very last page. Well written, immersive and unputdownable. This is urban fantasy at its best. More please!”

Alizel's Song

by Bill Pottle

About The Author:

Bill is a martial artist, author, and university professor in Colorado. He tries not to take himself too seriously while his work explores the interplay between religion and science, fantasy and technology, and what it means to be a human. Bill earned his Master's Degree in Biological Engineering from Cornell University and lives happily ever after with his wife and daughter.
See www.facebook.com/events/425325374208644/ for detailsWebsite | Book Site | Facebook

Genre: Christian Fantasy
Publisher: Ellechor Publishing House
Release Date: March 3, 2013Amazon

Book Description:

An unranked angel, Alizel, tells the inside story of the rebellion of Lucifer and the fall of man. Join him as he strolls through Heaven’s gardens, ponders theological questions with other angels, and battles against others who have turned away.

This epic tale will take you from the inner workings of the quark to the interplay between galaxies, from what lies hidden in the soul to the fundamental questions of good and evil.

---

Praise for Alizel's Song!

“When Pottle told the story of Lucifer and man's fall he cleverly incorporated modern scientific theory into the biblical creation story.” ~ Carol Peterson, Amazon Reviewer
"Highly recommended for Fantasy Fiction lovers! ”~Rachel Shelley, Amazon Reviewer
"This book captured my attention from page 1, Cannot wait for the sequel. ”~Linda, Amazon Reviewer

Excerpt:

 Raphael, however, was braver than most. Alizel crouched behind the tree as he saw him approaching Luciferel slowly from behind, his soft footfalls beating a calm rhythm. Rafael had broad, even shoulders and was never in a hurry. Raphael, Alizel imagined, was a healer, although he may not have been aware of it at the time, since angels were never “injured” or in need of being healed. They were either perfectly healthy or in the Containment. Neither situation could be made better by anyone else’s help. The concepts of destruction and healing were only just beginning to dawn on them. Still, Raphael’s gentleness always made Alizel and the other Unranked feel safe in his presence, and he seemed to have a gift for fixing whatever troubled angels’ hearts. Alizel watched anxiously.

Luciferel was still hunched over the rail that guarded the Portal, and didn’t notice the other angel’s approach. Rafael stood there for a moment as if contemplating what to say, and then placed a firm hand on Luciferel’s shoulder.

Luciferel whipped his head around, fear shining in his eyes. His body relaxed slightly in Rafael’s presence but his expression was still guarded. Rafael’s countenance was serene but troubled. He was one of the few who could take in the full pain of another and still exude a soothing aura to those around him. Alizel wondered how much pain he had already absorbed from the rest of the angels…and how much more he would have to before this was all over.

Rafael just looked at his fellow Seraph, as if trying to probe the depths of Luciferel’s soul. He didn’t speak for several minutes, until Luciferel finally met his gaze. Rafael didn’t flinch, but the lines around his eyes drew downwards.

“What has happened to you?” Rafael seemed to already know, but asked his question more to see if Luciferel himself understood.

“I am becoming stronger,” he said, gasping for breath. If it weren’t for the seriousness of the situation, Alizel would have almost thought it to be a joke.

Rafael swept his soft brown eyes over Luciferel’s body and then raised his eyebrows. “You have rejected God’s power that sustains us. Your body is falling apart. If you do not let Him flow through you again, you will surely perish.”

“I will not die. I have found another power to sustain me.”

The shock of his words made Rafael look on in confusion. Alizel’s eyes narrowed as he listened. Was Luciferel bluffing? He certainly didn’t seem to be sustained.

“All this time,” Luciferel continued, each word labored, “we thought that was the only way that we could live. Yet only after blocking that vile substance did I find my own true power.”

“This power you speak of has left your body broken and damaged. This internal power cannot compete with God,” Raphael countered.

“It is still dormant, unused.” Luciferel waited to catch his breath before speaking more. “I am the first one to find this fiery power within me. I surely meant to perish. Why would I want to continue in a world where I must bow down to a Son of Mud? But my anger, my displeasure, my feelings against the current situation sustained my body. As these feelings grow stronger, so does my body. I just do not know how to channel this power yet.”

“You never doubted the Lord before. You must come back and let your body receive the Father again. You can still be bright!”

Alizel could tell Rafael’s mind was working furiously, probing to find a crack in the wall of resentment Luciferel had erected around himself.

“I was a fool then, surely. I did not understand that God only meant to betray us.” The more Luciferel talked, the stronger he seemed to become.

“There are uncertain times ahead, to be sure. But that is all the more reason we need you with us, as our leader.” Rafael was appealing to Luciferel’s sense of vanity now. “No one was able to lead as well as you or to command as much respect as you. What will we do without you?”

“Honestly?” Luciferel looked at him, but from Rafael’s expression it was obvious he didn’t see the same Luciferel looking back at him. “Honestly, I don’t care.”

Luciferel got up to leave. His gait was still hobbling, but he could walk away on his own. His words trailed after him. “Come find me if you come to your senses. Come find me if you want to be stronger.”

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The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart by T.M. Shannon

The Torment, The Shadow, The Heart

by T.M. Shannon

How do you keep your writing different?

Well, the short answer is: I write it.  I sit down with an idea in mind, and I write it out.  It comes out the way I want it to, things happen that I want to, and people say what I want to.

The long answer is: writing is as personal as your eyes, your voice, your fingerprint.  It’s what makes you you.  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all for influences: TSH is the perennial farmer with a destiny (Luke Skywalker, anyone?), Talbadas is the perennial “kingdom at risk of attack” (which is virtually every fantasy ever written).

It’s not a new idea: neither is the “famous last stand” (O.K. Corral, The Alamo); or, ”nice girl meets cranky boy; they start off hating but end up loving,” (Mr Darcy, how lovely of you to come!).  Ideas like these will always be with us; it’s the delivery that sets my writing apart.

It comes back to the fact that I write it.  Influences in mind, I’m happy to let slip where the idea for certain aspects (or even particular scenes) came from.  Then it becomes my delivery (my author’s “voice” so to speak), my version of the basic “plot.”

Then it gets expanded, contracted as drafts or edits come and go - in three months, I’ve already gone from the wordier first edition to a leaner (not yet pro-edited) second edition, which is 30 pages shorter and combines a few chapters together in a method I’m using for battle scenes in Volume Two.

It becomes my pride point: this is my style, the way I envision my writing.  And to a point, I will defend it.

Very recently, I got a review on my book.  2 Stars, mostly constructive, a little “snide comment” (prepare yourselves, reviewers don’t quite believe in professional courtesy - sorry about the watermarks, but did you think it’d be nice to tell me personally?).  There are a few style points I’ll correct, but not change 100% because its my writing.

What got me was the reviewer’s “fanboy” opinion on the forging scene.  Without giving too much away, the reviewer found herself lamenting that my writing wasn’t like her favourite author’s.  Two days it shook me (the next time I hope it’s easier!), leaving me thinking, “how dare you suggest I do what another author does?”

The reviewer didn’t understand how it upset me so much.  Well here’s the thing: I’m me.  I’ve spent all my life being me and I’m proud of me.  I write my way, not anybody else’s.  I have my influences, but that’s my sword to forge (and it’s more than just the sword being made - something the reviewer missed in her criticism).  It comes from my heart - and writing is a labour of love.  If you don’t like your writing, it hurts you, and you give it up to do something else.

Cheers,

T. M. Shannon

Genre: Epic/Heroic Fantasy
Publisher: Self-published through CreateSpace.com
Release Date: 11 February, 2013
Amazon

Book Description:

“To a kingdom facing darkness, a Hero will come…”

As the King of Talbadas nears his end, and treasonous parties seek to usurp the throne, young farmer Halm Dresden finds that his father’s dying advice, the actions of two elves, and a nightmare vision have put him on a destined path. While impressionable youth and some of his friends join this treacherous league, Dresden has a sword made and prepares for looming conflict…

---

About The Author:

T.M. Shannon works full time, pays rent, and has a head full of ideas.

He is currently living the dream in Sydney, Australia with his darling other half, and a 99% well-behaved son.


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Excerpt 1 - “Grab”

Dresden got to his feet, stretched his arms and legs, and cracked his neck and knuckles both. He looked to his family with eyes that no longer showed compassion, but dreadful finality; and he made peace with the possibility that he may never see them again.

“Dresden?” Kethis asked uncertainly. Bindie and Gorden peered at him.

“This will not be,” he said bluntly, his voice calmly level, different. “I will not have my family, nor the people of my town, fear for their lives.” He had nothing else to say; and having uttered those words, he strode for the hallway.

“Mum, where is he going?” Gorden asked excitedly. “Where are you going, Dresden?!”

He moved for the study, his eyes set in cold, calculating slits. “Out for a walk,” he growled…

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