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Today we are interviewing Nancy Janes, author of the sci-fi/fiction novel Night Rumbles.
Book Blurb
Nineteen-year-old Brad wakes up in a foreign world with no memory and finds himself surrounded by hostile forces. Can he survive—and will he ever make it home?
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a Psychotherapist, retired to writing full-time. Books and writing have been a part of my life since I learned my ABC’s at five years of age.
Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.
A science fiction/fantasy based on a plot to out wit an evil tyrant. If events forced one to confront a malevolent reality that required a decision to yield or to defy, what would be the decision?
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Science fiction and fantasy readers who like books with a underlying message.
How did you first come up with the idea for the story’s plot?
I wrote the first book The Boy Who Walked A Way as a book of Light, centered on the peaceable kingdom. Night Rumbles is a book of darkness, the kingdom of the night, with humorous overtones, based loosely on the first book.
One of the themes throughout the book is faith. What inspired you to incorporate this theme into the book?
Faith is a basis of life. Each of us chooses which one it will be whether a secular faith, one grounded entirely in this world with other humans as the final authority— gods, or a spiritual faith grounded in a belief in other worlds that encompass this one with a god who rules all. My Faith is Christian.
Who was your favorite character to write?
Brat. He was a survivor and mastered his, seemingly, hopeless circumstances.
How do you think reading your book will impact people?
The book gives a sense of encouragement, hope and belief in oneself even if the situation seems impossible to navigate.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m writing a book of short stories presently based on ordinary people who experience troubles in their every day life.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
It’s a book on choice, acts and the consequences of the actions.
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Today we are interviewing Bob Kern, author of We Were Soldiers Too: Serving as a Reagan soldier during the Cold War.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Served in the infantry from 11/80 to 3/88. Retired hotel general manager. Raising three beautiful granddaughters with my wife of 23 years.
Describe your book in a few sentences.
The Cold War was an important part of history that ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall. Everyone knows the headlines of this era but few know the details and just how close the world was to World War III and a nuclear war. Politicians take credit for ending the Cold War, but the real credit goes to the men and women who served in the military. They trained hard and remained in a constant state of vigilance, ready to protect the world against a Soviet invasion and the spread of communism.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
I know veterans like it because I have had such an overwhelming, positive response from them, and not just those that have read the book. Hundreds of veterans have thanked me just for writing about our service. In fact, because of this, I am writing the sequel (which is quickly turning into two books) I think people who enjoy history will learn some things reading what was going on in the military in conjunction with world events of the 1980’s.
What inspired you to write about your time serving in the military during the Cold War?
The guilt I felt being thanked for my service after 9/11 because I knew people assumed I was involved in the war on terrorism and had no idea I was a peacetime soldier. I knew other vets had to struggle with this same guilt and shouldn’t. I wanted people to know Cold War veterans played a very key role in the world, particularly preventing World War III and a likely nuclear war.
Your book explores valuable lessons about the Cold War that history hasn’t recorded. Why do you think history glazed over such an important part of world history?
Media was much more limited in what they could cover and I am sure they didn’t care what we were doing. As long as the Soviets didn’t cross the border, nobody considered them the threat they really were. Out of sight, out of mind. To quote Jack Nicholson from “A Few Good Men”, “You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent defending something.” Cold War veterans were the wall around the world that kept the Soviets behind the “iron curtain”
One of the things you do in the book is document your transition from a naïve 17-year-old to a trained soldier. Can you share a bit about what it was like during your first few days in basic training?
Surreal. I grew up in a small town and was raised by a single mother and was completely clueless to what the real world was like. When the bus arrived at Fort Benning, I was certain the gates of hell had been opened and I had been thrown in.
Are there any parts of your book that will surprise readers?
The intensity and physical training we went through and the constantly being pushed to our limits. When my editor gave me the first round of edits, the first thing he commented on was the brutality of the training. He asked me if I could throw in some stories of what a normal day was like. I told him these were normal days in the infantry back then. There was nothing “9 to 5” about it.
How do you think reading your book will impact people?
The history I intertwine into my story is very eye opening to most people. Everyone who didn’t serve has stated they never considered the guilt Cold War veterans feel. They then tell me how much they appreciate all veterans and their service no matter when it occurred. I knew this. The guilt is something that we feel and have to deal with and really has nothing to do with other’s perceptions of veterans. There thanks to veterans for their service are sincere.
The response by readers so far has been overwhelmingly positive, especially among veterans. Why do you think your book resonates so strongly with people?
Almost all Cold War veterans feel their service is unappreciated. Especially by the government. Many efforts to have a Cold War medal issued have been shot down by politicians because of funding excuses, which is very lame. Not to mention, most state benefits for disabled veterans require service during a time of war which is absurd. A disabled veteran is a disabled veteran that was hurt while serving their country.
Do you see any similarities between US relations with Russia today and the relations during the Cold War?
Russia has never completely shed communism with the government’s control of the main media outlets there. This made it easy for Putin to revert back to Soviet Cold War games. He maintains high popularity while breaking all sorts of international laws because he controls what the people hear and see. Very Stalinist.
What do you have in mind for your next writing project?
I have already started one, possibly two sequels, because of the wave of support from veterans. I was going to dedicate each chapter to a different veteran and their story to paint a larger picture than what my story was by including other jobs, years, and even different branches of the military. In laying it out, I got some great stories from veterans that served in Korea between Vietnam the first Gulf War. I am probably going to write a separate sequel for these stories. Both will be released this fall if all goes well.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Honestly, I just want to do right by Cold War veterans. At the end of the day, these guys deserve to know their service was appreciated.
More Information
https://www.weweresoldierstoo.com/
Today we are interviewing Elizabeth Bailey, author of the historical romance Hidden Flame.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I love to read and lose myself in other worlds. Though I was born in England, I grew up in Africa and have travelled a lot. I adore bohemian clothes and artifacts, together with art and history. It’s no surprise I ended up a writer of historical romance.
Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.
Sheltering from a violent storm, Benedict helps a woman in distress, who turns out to be his dying godmother’s companion. A shocking inheritance blasts friendship apart, and Theda has to confront the ghosts of her past. Will the blistering scandals of yesteryear keep Theda and Benedict forever divided? Or will the flame of love triumph?
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Anyone who loves historical romance and the Georgian and Regency period of history.
What inspired you to write a novel in the tradition of regency romance?
Growing up, I fell in love with the novels of Georgette Heyer and still enjoy her work. When I began to write, it felt natural to choose this genre.
Tell us about the protagonists, Benedict and Theda.
Benedict is a charming young rebel, driven by a need to redress the wrong done to his mother and thereby make his fortune. Theda is in hiding from her past, living a life as a companion which is unsuited to her fiery personality.
What drives the attraction between Benedict and Theda?
They are both outcasts and share a common bond of sympathy, but it is Theda’s concealed red hair that inflames Benedict and heightens the attraction.
Who was your favorite character to write?
Lady Merchiston, the cantankerous elderly lady who is dying of cancer, and who Theda comes to serve. She is a complex character I loved creating.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m planning the first in a series about Convenient and Cinderella brides, and this one will be set around Christmas.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
The sensuality is high, but actual sexual content is minimal. I write traditional clean romances but there is no less strength in the attraction between the hero and heroine.
An excerpt from Hidden Flame:
With a liberal
hand, he poured himself another glass. But as he raised it to his lips
the windows flashed bright again, and the heavens gave forth another
stream of rumbling abuse.
‘God, what an accursed night,’ mumbled Mr
Beckenham, and, sipping his liquor, he looked over the makeshift meal
with revulsion. ‘Hell and damnation, to what am I reduced?’
As if in
response to his cursing, the wild night struck back at him, flaring a
double blow of brilliant whiteness that seemed to tear at him through
the windows.
His head turned, eyes narrowing against the glare. As
the room lit, an image crossed his vision—of a thin black figure seated
in a corner, crouching witchlike in the gloom.
His heart lurched sickeningly. The devil! He was seeing things. Too much brandy.
But as the dark closed in again and his eyes began to adjust, the glimmering outline of a pale face encroached upon his senses.
The
thunder rolled away as Mr Beckenham stared, leaving the place eerily
silent, and his heart still. Was it a ghost? Or merely his imagination
playing tricks? Cursing briefly, he closed his eyes, looking away.
As he opened them again, they flicked, almost out of his own control, to check. It was still there.
Mr
Beckenham froze. His fingers about the stem of his glass tightened.
There was a sharp crack, and the broken glass fell from his hand,
tinkling on to the table and spilling its golden liquid on to the
pristine white cloth.
‘Hell and the devil!’ he swore, starting forward.
There was a frightened gasp and the ghost rose, too, staring at him out of the two hollows that were its eyes.
‘I—I beg your pardon,’ faltered the ghost. ‘I think I startled you.’
‘Dear God in heaven,’ ejaculated Mr Beckenham on a tide of relief. ‘You’re real!’
More Information
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Today we are interviewing Sara C. Roethle, author of the YA Paranormal novel "Xoe."
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Sara C. Roethle is a full time author and part time unicorn. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, as far away from civilization as possible...while still having internet.
Describe the plot of your book in a few sentences.
Xoe Meyers had a normal life. So she was stuck going to high school, and she only had a few friends to call her own. She liked her normal life. Things were about to change though, because there's a new guy in her small town, and he is anything but normal. Before Xoe can say, "Werewolf," her best friend's life is in peril, and Xoe's world is turned upside-down. Then, of course, there's Jason. Xoe doesn't trust him as far as she can throw him, and given that he's a vampire, she'd have to be able to catch him first.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
This book is intended for teens and young adults, but is suitable for all audiences.
What drew you to the YA paranormal genre?
I've always enjoyed reading YA paranormal, so it was natural that I would write it. I like that I can have a bit of fun with it, and try to focus a little more on humor than drama. It's enjoyable and interesting writing characters who don't fully know who they are yet.
Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Xoe Meyers.
Xoe is a bit of a firecracker. She's stubborn, and sometimes a little rude, but she's also loyal and will do anything she can for her friends.
Can you describe what this book’s creative process was like, from initial idea to published book?
This was probably the book that took me the least time to write, which is surprising since it was my first. I was at an antisocial phase in my life, and writing “Xoe” took the place of the massive amounts of reading I was doing at the time. I had no initial idea, and actually thought I would never publish. I just sat down and wrote every day, then suddenly I had a book.
Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
I love the humor and wit that Kim Harrison and Laurell K. Hamilton bring to their writing. It's like something super serious can be happening, then suddenly you burst out laughing at something one of the characters had to say. Though I'm an avid reader, Kim and Laurell's styles have always inspired me.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I actually just released the first book in a new series, “Tree of Ages”. It's going to be an epic fantasy series, more aimed at adults.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
“Xoe” is free to download on all platforms!
An excerpt from "Xoe":
"While we waited for Lucy to shower, I worried over Lucy’s new
affliction. I also worried about the vampire sitting next to me on the
sofa and the werewolf lounging on the love seat. Not to mention that
tonight I had to sneak said vampire and werewolf into my house while we
waited to be attacked by another werewolf.
Since when was being a teenager so complicated?
Don’t answer that."
More Information
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Today we are interviewing R.D. Hunter, author of the paranormal/mystery novel, Eye of the Nightingale.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in the foothills of North Carolina. I’ve spent most of my adult life working it some form of law enforcement. I’ve always had a passion for writing, but only recently decided to start taking it seriously. Once I did, I was hooked. There’s nothing quite like seeing this plot that’s been running through your mind splayed out on the page in front of you.
Describe the plot of Eye of the Nightingale in a few sentences.
The main character is Ava Foster, a young student nurse with the unwanted ability to sense other people’s emotions. When she’s assigned to a rest home as part of her clinical rotation, she’s shocked to uncover a web of patient abuse and neglect. In order to blow the whistle on those responsible, she has to learn to use those empathic abilities in ways she’s never dreamed of before.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Anyone who enjoys a good thrill ride with a dash of the weird and strange thrown in. Not enough to take it completely outside the realm of possibility, but enough to add that certain amount of “Oh my God! I didn’t see that coming.”
What do you like about the paranormal mystery genre?
They go really well together. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like a good mystery, and the paranormal genre compliments it nicely. It makes you think you know what is going to happen next, but then something totally unexpected can happen and it’s all right. It’s accepted.
Tell us about the main character, Ava Foster.
She’s tough, but she’s had a rough life so far. Her empathic abilities manifested in her early teens, and we all know how difficult those years were. Since then, she’s struggled just to get through the day without losing touch with herself, without letting someone else’s emotions cloud her own. But, she’s done it. She’s finishing up nursing school, which is a feat unto itself. Then, just when she thinks she’s got a handle on everything, she has to learn to use these abilities she’s shunned her entire life to help other people. The fact that she’s so driven to go through with it says a lot about her character.
Is there an author who has influenced your writing style?
I love Dean Koontz. The way he makes his characters so relatable is a talent few possess. I’ve tried to accomplish that as well, but in my own way.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m actually working on a sequel to Eye of the Nightingale, entitled Silence of the Nightingale, due out this summer.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Just that I had a blast writing it and I hope others have a blast reading it.
An excerpt from Eye of the Nightingale:
“It was you.”
I spoke in little more than a whisper, but it was enough to make both
men freeze in their tracks. I spit in the trash can once again before
continuing. “It was you. You did this to her. Your own wife. You
monster.”
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Today we are interviewing Douglas Robbins, author of the short-story collection Leaves Piled High.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
With words we can illuminate anything we want, like the zoom on a camera lens. Writing to me is about the content under the surface which is where life happens. I write because it’s one way I can make sense of life. And on that note, I recently got married. Another thing that made sense.
Describe your short story collection, Leaves Piled High.
One reader wrote in a review for Leaves: “Robbins reminds you of where you’ve been, to be grateful for where you are, and to be considering if where you’re headed is where you actually want to go.”
Who do you think would most appreciate this collection?
Anyone looking for something little a different. I don’t write about car chases with grandiose plot but about who we are as people. Our pitfalls and beauty.
What drew you to the short story format?
It’s a direct way of dealing with a subject or event. The short story allows the reader and writer a quick jump into any world.
Which story, if any, was your favorite to write?
They are all part of me, but I’m partial to Nature Study Woods. This story revisits a father and son bond, and the neighborhood when they were a young family. My father passed away a few years ago and it reminds me of growing up and playing baseball in the street with him.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m halfway through my second novel. It’s about youthful idealism running into small-minded and dangerous men. It’s a rock and roll story about who we are when faced with a life altering challenge. Do we rise up or shrivel? Our future is what comes out of these decisions.
An excerpt from the opening story Leaves Piled High:
Scott fires up the bike, both of them now straining to hear.
“Bullshit, you are leaving me. He haunts me too.” Diana implores loudly. “But you’re alive!” She shouts at him. The words don’t inspire as she intended.
He revs the engine as tears run down her cheeks.
She grabs his arm. “Don’t go,” she pleads. “I need you.”
Scott stares at her hand. “I have to, baby. I’m sorry.” He flips down the helmet visor as if in protest of his brother’s death, as if in protest of all the bullshit life lays on you.
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Today we are interviewing R M Davis about Life's Journey, a spiritual/motivational book.
Describe the purpose of your book in a few sentences.
To encourage people with the truth that God has created each journeyer for more than we imagine and makes all that is promised possible and attainable through His healing and restorative power.
Who do you think would most benefit from reading this this book?
Anyone struggling with emotional and spiritual wounds. Anyone seeking purpose in life. Anyone who is walking with a friend or family member through difficult emotional times.
What inspired you to write a book about God’s healing and restorative power?
After growing up in an abusive and demeaning environment, God took me on a journey of emotional healing. I want people struggling with insignificance and worthlessness to know there is hope for living a full and abundant life.
How do you think reading your book will impact people?
I have received feedback from teenagers to housewives to business men to an 80-year-old woman sharing that God is healing wounds from their past that have kept them from being the best version of themselves. My hope is that the reader will be inspired with hope for a purposed and fulfilling life.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
The book is very conversational in tone, so it is easy to digest. The concepts are shared through the use of imagery so that people can easily understand and apply them in a practical way to their daily lives.
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Today we are interviewing R M Davis, author of the children's book Today I Closed My Eyes To See What I Was Missing.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
57 year old woman
Describe your new book in a few sentences.
A story for young readers, inspiring adventure and discovery, and encouraging awareness, acceptance, and the courage to be one's self.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
Children. Young readers between 4 and 8 years old.
What inspired you to write a children’s picture book about adventure and discovery?
Love to see children explore and discover.
What lessons can children learn from the story?
To be more accepting, to be more aware of their environment, to be kind.
Is there an author who has influenced your storytelling style?
Not an author. My grandmother was an amazing story teller. She was always descriptive and engaging.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
More children’s books encouraging awareness and character.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
The book encourages dialog between children and parents.
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Today we are interviewing Charles Risen, author of A Shadow Moving in the Forest.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Like Dylan I’ve been in construction, built barns and also done some database work. For many years I worked as a Volvo technician out of my home based business.
This is my first novel and a pet project. I’ve spent time alone in the mountains, sometimes on my way to lakes to fish for trout, sometimes trekking through the snow like Dylan Erykson in the story.
I live in Independence, Oregon USA and enjoy the Oregon Coast and mountains in which the story is set. Experiences with airplanes, wooden boats and kayaks are deeply embedded in my life as they are in the story.
Describe the plot of your new book in a few sentences.
Dylan Erykson found himself on a treadmill of paying medical bills and debt from the accident that took his wife Kathryn and injured his daughter Anna. Eventually Anna grew up and went to nursing school in Seattle. At this time Dylan seized the opportunity to go to Alaska to build a shop and airplane hangar for his friend Max. Unexpected events lead to an odyssey that changed everything, during which time Dylan decided not to return to the life he left behind.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
It’s mostly outdoors action that would appeal to men of any age but many women would relate to the experiences. The reason is that both men and women sometimes feel trapped by their situation in life and can’t see the opportunities that present themselves.
What inspired you to write a book about a man who goes an epic journey in the Alaskan wilderness?
Most people have at some time wanted to escape, to take a break from a routine they need to get away from. That is the gist of the story.
Tells about the protagonist, Dylan Erykson.
A faithful husband and father who loved the outdoors.
What do you have in mind for your next project?
I’m working on a book of ideas for small automotive related business ventures based on actual successful businesses run from home or small shops.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Yes. My personal email is at the end of the book. Please let me know your thoughts.
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Today we are interviewing Nicole Caldwell, author of the inspirational book Today: A Guide of Personal Truths and Daily Affirmations.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I'm a make up artist, stylist, cosmetics entrepreneur in the beauty, fashion and entertainment industries and a motivational speaker. I'm a new author. I also teach career awareness, workplace readiness, as well as image and self-assessment in juvenile detention centers, colleges, and ministries. I'm the founder of Just Glam Cosmetics, Swank accessories and a nonprofit; The Glam Guild.
Describe the purpose of your book in a few sentences.
The purpose of TODAY is to give positive reinforcement to daily living, coupled with journaling to help chart progress over time. I want to help others live the life they envision for themselves.
Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
I believe anyone who wants to be better will appreciate this book. It's self reflective in nature. It grabs the reader and turns them into a writer instantly because they have to journal through the affirmations, sometimes writing their own. This book helps you to see self and to reaffirm your positive traits while encouraging change for the not so positive.
What inspired you to write a book about affirmations?
I've been journaling since I was a little girl. Writing affirmations was a part of my daily routine. I would write out what I saw for my future, no matter how far fetched it seemed at the time, I didn't stop until I saw those things come to pass. Even today, I say it before I see it!
For those who aren’t familiar with affirmations, can you explain the basics of them?
Affirmations are quite simplistic in nature; you say it until you begin to see it. It’s like a precursor to faith. The miracle comes into play when you actually start believing what you say, because you then start acting on it and you’ll start to see it lining up.
What made you decide to couple journaling exercises with the process of saying affirmations?
I coupled journaling exercises with this process, so that living the affirmations are somewhat of a journey that can be chronicled over time
How do you think reading your book will impact people?
I believe lives will continue to be changed and transformed through self reflective discovery and through reshaping our own ideals based on life's experiences. When we take the time to journal and reflect, we have then shown discipline and consistency, which are necessary components to change. For every negative thought, you have to counter with 7 positives to cancel the negative. By affirming yourself as a way of life, you leave little room for negative commentary in your space. Not only for yourself but from others also.
What do you have in mind for your next writing project?
I've started to write more. I have two other books that I'll be publishing somewhere in the near future.
Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
This book is life changing. I've lived through each affirmation in Today at a point in my life, so I know first hand what it takes to live it outloud.
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