Blogger Book Fair: Welcome Back David Kirk!

February 10, 2013February 6, 2013 by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Blogger Book Fair, Books, Interviews, Let's Get Serious, Martin Sisters Publishing

Blogger Book Fair Features Something a Little Different with David Kirk

Dave is one of my favorite people in the world. In addition to being a fantastic author, he’s also been incredibly supportive and helpful – not to mention encouraging. His novel Particular Stones is one of the best books I read last year. Since he’s already answered my usual questions, I asked Dave to give us some insider information on his forthcoming novel Cornerstones. Because he’s a good guy, he said yes. First, let’s have a refresher on Dave and Particular Stones.

About David J. Kirk

David, an honorable discharged veteran of the United States Navy, earned his master’s degree in personality psychology from Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island, in 1980. He worked as a counselor and a Human Resources Manager. David then became an instructor at Rasmussen College where he taught psychology and sociology for four years.

An avid writer since 16 years old, he enjoyed elective college courses in creative writing, poetry, and drama. He has written over a dozen poems and the short stories “Stranger on the Beach” and “Blue Men.” After completing Particular Stones, he is currently finishing up his most recent novel, In the Big Flood. He also enjoys vegetable gardening, fishing, book discussion, geography, science, and philosophy. He lives with his wife in Indiana; they have two children.

About Particular Stones

Bothered by nightmares regarding his beginnings and trapped in an unacceptable situation, Dan joins the Eagles, a group of similar misfits whose only connection is their assignment to the same wing of their orphanage hall. Together, the boys at first use brute force to defend themselves against a group of bullies harassing them and fellow orphans. After a brief period of popularity for their bravery, opposing interests in the community plot to turn public opinion against them. The Eagles soon realize their strategy is beginning to fail. Facing incarceration and expulsion from school, they pull a strategic retreat into the wilderness where thing are seen more clearly. Realizing a more rational plan, redemption begins to unfold.

Amazon | Martin Sisters Publishing | Smashwords | Barnes and Noble

And Now for the (Other) Good Stuff

Dave is currently putting the finishing touches on his next novel, Cornerstones. I asked him for a sneak peek, and he said “Sure!” Instead of an excerpt, because the man does like his secrets, he sent a special message full of insight, just like the Dave himself. In his words:

I am the author of Particular Stones (Martin Sisters Publishing, 2011) and its sequel Cornerstones. While the books have different plots, they are about the same things. The stories take place in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world, but readers may not be familiar with the type of apocalypse. There are no flying cars, radiation diseased zombies, or death ray machines about. The dystopia here is an exaggeration of what I feel is wrong with civilization today.

I can almost summarize reviews with “This is a story about some orphan boys who band together to fight the bad guys.” While this is basically true, they about so much more. The Stones stories are about:

Family. And what better way to explore the functions and rolls than with a group of young people without biological parents to show how these are formed.
Spirituality. We appear to be in two camps today: faith and science. Also, purists on each side claim that belief in one excludes belief in the other. I attempt to show that both not only can work together but must.
Personal responsibility. Can we blame our shortcomings solely on genetics?
Champions. In regard to the latest Nobel Prize winner, Miss America, and Super Bowl champs, one of my characters put it best with “why do we celebrate a status that ninety nine percent of the population will never reach?”
Progress. I’m all for it, but what were we doing right before that for some reason we stopped doing?

I invite all types of readers to enjoy the Stones stories, but particularly those close readers. I hope you will sit back and consider my different way of looking at things.

Follow David Kirk…Everywhere

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Win Particular Stones

Dave is giving away Particular Stones on Goodreads. All you have to do is go sign up and keep your fingers crossed!

Blogger Book Fair: Welcome Dan O’Brien

February 9, 2013February 7, 2013 by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Blogger Book Fair, Books, Interviews, Let's Get Serious

Blogger Book Fair Marches On with Dan O’Brien

The next brave, brave man to be featured here on my super-pink site is Dan O’Brien, author of The Path of the Fallen. This super-good sport (and apparently sport-lover, if his blog is evidence) has gamely answered my usual questions and provided an excerpt for your reading pleasure. Take a look and then make use of all the social media links to keep an eye on his future projects. It’s my turn to shut up and Dan’s turn to talk.

About Dan O’Brien

I have been writing novels for over a decade and had a couple published by traditional, small houses. Riding the self-publishing boom, I have four books in print that are available in paperback or e-book format. If you are interested in reading them, I am always open to sending out samples (or PDFs) to those who are interested.

I was born on the east coast and spent most of my life moving around. I recently settled into California where I am a graduate student in Experimental Psychology. I was a fitness trainer and am a lifelong student of martial arts. I write a little bit of everything and have lately been focusing on a few new novels, continuing some series and embarking on a screenplay binge.

Hope to hear from other avid readers and novelists out there.

Interview

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

It is about a young man who learns what it takes to be a hero.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote? Can you tell us about it?

I wrote a play for my cousin when I was 6 or 7. I don’t recall what it was about, but I do remember creating little characters on Popsicle sticks.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Plaid.

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

I started out in traditional publishing and transitioned to independent publishing because of the flexibility.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Always. Sequels, new novels, you name it.

Do you have any rituals before writing? Music or silence? Coffee or tea? Twizzlers or M&Ms?

Music. Tea. Chocolate.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

I have an entire novella based on people I know….

What color is your umbrella?

Black.

Who is your favorite author and why?

Hemmingway because, well, he was Hemmingway.

What was the last book you read?

Dance of Dragons by George. R. R. Martin

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

A little of both. The Lauren Westlake mysteries are set in places I have lived, but I love to do some research as well for the details.

After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?

I generally have some beta readers, a laundry list of marketing points, and the broad strokes of a publishing plan.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

“Numb” by Linkin Park

Where can people find your book?

Wherever books are sold. It is available as an e-book and in print.

Can we read a little excerpt?

You absolutely can.

Leane rose from her seat with a startling quickness. She was upon the inebriated Fredrick with three long steps, her hand slapping him before he could utter another word. The sting drew a rueful look from the childish Fredrick.

“You will never speak of Ry––Fe’rein like that,” snarled Leane; her true words almost revealed. She recovered and drew back. Her hands disappeared into the folds of her layered dress once more. The darkened shawl around her shoulders made it so only her face and hair were visible.

“But you hate him.”

The slap came again, this time with renewed force. Fredrick’s eyes were glassy as a flush faded over his cheeks. He looked at Leane with wide eyes.

Leane watched him with a hawk-like gaze. Her sharp eyes dared him to speak again. “You will do well to remember your words here, Fredrick. Your opinions would be best kept to yourself.” Her breathing slowed as she fought to regain her calm.

Fredrick looked from E’Malkai to the others, and then bowed awkwardly. His arms were plastered along his sides, his voice wavering as he spoke. “Pardon my drunkenness, Leane ilsen. I knew not what I spoke. Please allow me to retire to my personal residence.”

Leane nodded as Fredrick passed. He flashed a beleaguered grimace to each individual who he passed and disappeared out the door.

About The Path of the Fallen

The world is broken. The coming of the Intelligence pushed the remnants of humanity deep into the tundra. What remained was a vast sea of ice and the machine city, Culouth. E’Malkai Armen, descendent of the Fallen, has been a citizen of Culouth his entire life. A bitter betrayal, and the inception of a war that will destroy millions of lives, forces E’Malkai to confront the past and undertake a pilgrimage that is his by birthright. As he travels to the cold tundra of the north, the realm prepares for war. The Path of the Fallen is a lonely and arduous path, but it must be walked for the sake of all mankind.

Follow Dan O’Brien…Everywhere

Blogger Book Fair: Welcome Michael Cargill

February 9, 2013February 6, 2013 by Jen Barry, posted in Authors, Blogger Book Fair, Books, Interviews, Let's Get Serious

Blogger Book Fair Continues with Author Michael Cargill

I’m always so thrilled to host writers of the male sort, especially because they look so handsome surrounded by all this pink. Michael Cargill is the first of three manly men unintimidated by my site’s girly colors. He brings us a book of short stories called Shades of Grey, which he promises “…has nothing to do with that grotty erotica trilogy of the same name.” How I love a man with a sense of humor, and Michael has plenty of wit to spare. Sit back and enjoy the interview and two excerpts from his book.

About Michael Cargill

I’m an author who lives in the sunny, green hills of England. As you can see in the photo, I’m mostly bald.

Over the years people had often said that I should write a book so, in mid 2011, I did just that! Anyone wondering which book of mine to read first should start with Shelter from Thunder. ‘Tis short and available for free.

Feedback of any kind is always welcome.

Interview

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

It’s actually a collection of three short stories, but I guess ‘the threat of death’ is an overriding theme running through each of them. Some of the characters are aware of the threat, some of them see it as just part of their lives, whilst others have no idea it is even there.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote? Can you tell us about it?

I vaguely remember writing a story in school when I was about ten years old. I don’t remember much about it, but for some reason she was having a really bad day where she kept forgetting her keys and so had to spend a lot of time on the bus trying to find where she left them.

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Ha! I had to look up what ‘plaid’ was, as we refer to it as being ‘checked’ over her in Britain Land.

I reckon I would go for stripes, especially if they were the slimming kind. After all, everyone likes a good pin-striped suit (unless you sell checked suits, of course.)

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

Erm, it was more that it was just about the only option available to me! Clicking that ‘go live’ button the first time was a nerve wracking experience, and the thought of sitting through umpteen bajillion meetings with a publisher was far too intimidating for my feeble mind.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Yes! It’s a YA tragedy story, and I’m in the editing stages as we speak. I’m at that point where I’m utterly sick of the bloody thing, and can’t wait until I’m finally free of it!

Do you have any rituals before writing? Music or silence? Coffee or tea? Twizzlers or M&Ms?

Not really. I have to close my browser window down, otherwise I get distracted too easily. The tea or coffee question ultimately rests on which one is closest at the time.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

Yes, several in fact, though not usually the main character. Most of the time they’ll just have parts of that person’s personality, and even then it’s something I only really think about when I’m trying to think of a name for them.

What color is your umbrella?

I don’t have one, they’re annoying and I just end up borrowing other people’s. I guess I’m like those ‘social smokers’ who steal everyone else’s cigarettes when they go to the pub.

Who is your favorite author and why?

Stephen King, ‘cos his stories are bloody marvelous. It’s hard to say exactly why, but the most memorable aspects of his stories tend to be the characters. If you get those right, then everything else tends to slip into place.

What was the last book you read?

Just this morning I finished reading Mockingjay, the final book in The Hunger Games trilogy. I thought it was the worst of the lot.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

A bit of a mixture to be honest. I’ll imagine somewhere familiar, like a friend’s back garden, but then bosh in an extra detail such as a bomb crater, dragon, or a headless corpse, as and when it is required.

The Internet makes research very quick and easy for things like historical fiction.

After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?

Once I’ve finished, I’ll take a few days break to stop myself slitting my wrists. Then I’ll do a pass of editing, and try to stop myself slitting my wrists. Then I’ll do a couple more passes of editing, whilst again stopping myself from slitting my wrists.

Then I send it off to some proof readers and spend the next week or so clenching my buttock in nervous anticipation whilst also fighting off the temptation to slit my wrists.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Hmmm. Firestarter by The Prodigy most likely.

Where can people find your book?

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Sony store, and Smashwords!

Can we read a little excerpt?

No, it’s a secret.

Oh, okay then. Here are excerpts from the first two stories in the collection:

Talking of grunting, that is exactly what I did when I grabbed the edge of the mattress and yanked it out from underneath my wife and neighbour’s naked bodies. They both fell off the bed, and onto the floor, in a tangled mess of arms and legs, of tits and testicles. She must have got elbowed or something because her nose was bleeding. She later blamed that nosebleed on me, which was nothing short of outrageous and hilarious. I kindly offered to give her another one.

***

Dazed and bewildered, James staggered out from under the pile of earth. For a moment he couldn’t even breathe, and he spat out as much of the mud as he could. Artillery shells whooshed over his head and explosions filled the world. He felt completely disorientated and everywhere he looked, he saw the same thing. Columns of mud and earth were shooting up into the air, and it was like running through a forest of living trees. Someone grabbed him and helped him stumble his way back to the safety of the trench. They passed another soldier lying motionless on the ground, his left leg missing completely. James was still too stunned to properly acknowledge this grim sight, but he would later look back on that moment as his first proper exposure to the cruelties of war.

About Shades of Grey

John is not a very nice man. He works for the government. So who has tied him to a chair and what do they want? James is a British soldier during WWII. Tom is a young boy with a terrible secret

Three stories. Three very different people. All of them battling to survive.

Follow Michael Cargill…Everywhere

Blogger Book Fair: Welcome Kimberly Gould

February 8, 2013February 6, 2013 by Jen Barry, posted in Artists, Authors, Blogger Book Fair, Books, Interviews, Let's Get Serious, Martin Sisters Publishing

Blogger Book Fair Continues with Kimberly Gould, Fellow Martin Sisters Publishing Author

I was lucky enough to be one of the first readers of Kimberly’s debut novel, Cargon: Honour & Privilege, a Young Adult dystopian novel unlike any other out there. Cargon, a game where social status is gambled away like pennies, is the central feature of the book, but the real star is her heroine. She’s just released the follow-up Cargon: Duty & Sacrifice, and I can’t wait to see what happens to Eve.

Kimberly gamely answered my usual questions, so take a moment to meet and greet, and then enjoy the excerpt.

About Kimberly Gould

Oldest of three girls, raised in a small city surrounded by family, Kimberly was well acquainted with her imagination and started writing novellas in High School. She took a break while attending University, but returned to it soon after the birth of her daughter late in 2006. She has been married for 12 years, a mother for 5 and a published author for 1. She is looking forward to her future releases and new ideas.

Interview

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

A servant turned princess who is enlightening a second age.

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

I started out looking for an agent the traditional way. A writing friend suggested an indie publisher and they were my first yes.

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

I have an erotic penname and most of my WIP are part of her body. I am brewing a third Cargon book and have two other YA manuscripts in various states of completion.

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

Not more than looks. George looks like my Dad, Adam looks like my cousin, things like that.

What color is your umbrella?

Black.

Who is your favorite character and why?

Bianca is probably my favourite character. She’s smart and fun at the same time. She’s a mother, but she doesn’t smother. She is a leader, but she’s willing to be proven wrong.

What was the last book you read?

A Memory of Light, the last Wheel of Time book.

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

I like making places up, part of the reason I write fantasy. Other than that, I usually write about places I’ve never visited, but that I imagine as ‘cities’ and therefore, at the core, similar to where I live. They all have neighbourhoods and shopping districts, a downtown. If I need particulars, Google maps is usually all I need.

After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?

The first book, I didn’t have pre-reader, and when the edits came back with very small suggestions, I thought that was good. Upon rereading my first manuscript, however, I wish I’d gotten more people to read it. Now I have everything read AT LEAST twice before submitting. Usually I can find 3-5 people to pre-read. So far, almost everything comes back with superficial edits.

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Something orchestral, with a good bit of winds to give it a haunting feeling, like you can see the ghosts of the fall waiting to be rediscovered.

Where can people find your book?

Martin Sisters Publishing has links to all the different formats, so it is easiest to go there. There is a link to Honour and Privilege on that page as well. Here is the link for Thickness of Blood (not YA).

Can we read a little excerpt?

Of course:

Her meeting with Vanto Albert was to discuss her plans to travel to Augustia and assist the neighbour with an internal conflict. Trade with Augustia had failed in recent months when the common class had risen up against their elite. The lapse in trade had disrupted Fontive although some goods were still coming through—only as much as the commoners allowed. The Ambassadorial Vanto continued to encourage her to make the trip.

“Suggesting raising commoners to the elite should come from a person of high standing, a Vanto at the least. Also, I believe you will be perfectly equipped to deal with any questions regarding cross-class relations, don’t you?”

Eve had to chuckle at her uncle, Bianca’s brother in law. As the first and only servant to be raised to the elite, it did make sense to send Eve. “I expect I am,” she agreed. By playing and winning Cargon, the game ranking elite in Fontive, Eve had made the unprecedented shift.

“Well, let’s prepare you for it then.” Albert scratched at his short brown beard for a moment. “Eric is High One in Augustia, with his wife, Rosa, as second.” He presented her with a list of the highest elite and their portfolios, which they reviewed together.

“Ducat and Ducati are called Ambo and Amba in Augustia,” Albert explained. “Clarence,” Fontive’s Ducat of Augustia, “will of course answer to both, but you would confuse others there.”

Eve nodded, thinking she would most likely confuse herself. She should be able to mingle with the Vanto and Vinca, avoiding any misnomers. She read the list over again but was interrupted when Albert began discussing some of the differences between the cultures of the two kingdoms. “They do not rank themselves by Cargon.”

“What?” Her voice seemed to squeak in her own over-sensitive ears, making her cringe. Cargon was rule, it was law, it was…

“They pass rank through heredity, as we do when no one wagers,” Albert explained, placing a hand on her shoulder. She must seem very disturbed for him to touch her. Physical contact was strictly proscribed among the elite in Fontive.

Albert pulled his hand back, using the action for another example. “They are also less reserved about contact. You may see open displays of affection.” He said it with distaste, but Eve merely nodded. Although she had seen none since being raised, servants showed affection quite often. It wasn’t something that bothered her as it would one born into the elite.

“That isn’t a problem for me,” she explained. “Servants show affection when they aren’t on duty.”

About Cargon: Duty & Sacrifice

In a post-apocalyptic world, Eve has discovered power of more than one nature. In Honour and Privilege, Eve became heir to the throne. In Duty and Sacrifice, she explores and defines the power of the elite. At the same time, electricity is being harnessed for the first time in centuries, providing the first glimpse into the ancient people who left the world as it exists. The horror of this revelation could shake their society as much or more than a servant becoming monarch.

Follow Kimberly Gould…Everywhere

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Kimberly Gould Facebook

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Win the Book

You know the drill. Follow the Rafflecopter link and do what it says – a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogger Book Fair Features Something a Little Different with David Kirk

About David J. Kirk

About Particular Stones

And Now for the (Other) Good Stuff

Follow David Kirk…Everywhere

Win Particular Stones

Blogger Book Fair Marches On with Dan O’Brien

About Dan O’Brien

Interview

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote? Can you tell us about it?

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Do you have any rituals before writing? Music or silence? Coffee or tea? Twizzlers or M&Ms?

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

What color is your umbrella?

Who is your favorite author and why?

What was the last book you read?

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Where can people find your book?

Can we read a little excerpt?

About The Path of the Fallen

Follow Dan O’Brien…Everywhere

Blogger Book Fair Continues with Author Michael Cargill

About Michael Cargill

Interview

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote? Can you tell us about it?

Do you prefer plaid or stripes?

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Do you have any rituals before writing? Music or silence? Coffee or tea? Twizzlers or M&Ms?

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

What color is your umbrella?

Who is your favorite author and why?

What was the last book you read?

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Where can people find your book?

Can we read a little excerpt?

About Shades of Grey

Follow Michael Cargill…Everywhere

Blogger Book Fair Continues with Kimberly Gould, Fellow Martin Sisters Publishing Author

About Kimberly Gould

Interview

As my husband always says, “What’s your book about?”

Was choosing to publish independently something you always wanted, or an option you hadn’t considered before?

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Have you ever based a character on someone you know?

What color is your umbrella?

Who is your favorite character and why?

What was the last book you read?

Do you write about locations you’ve visited, or do you rely on research? Or do you make up entire settings in your head?

After the last word is written, then what? Do you have pre-readers and editors who take over? Do you begin query letters immediately?

What song would be on the soundtrack for your book?

Where can people find your book?

Can we read a little excerpt?

About Cargon: Duty & Sacrifice

Follow Kimberly Gould…Everywhere

Win the Book

Check Out Other Kimberly Gould Titles