Better than Perfect: Interview with Tricia Drammeh

June 25, 2014 – 3:22 pm
Betten than Perfect, by Tricia Drammeh

Betten than Perfect, by Tricia Drammeh

 

I’m thrilled to have author Tricia Drammeh back for another interview. She’s branched out with some new and exciting work in her novel, Better than Perfect, and has started a new series, The Seance, in the YA Paranormal genre.

You’ve been busy since last you were here! What helps you be so prolific?!

 

I don’t really consider myself to be a prolific writer. If anything, I’m quite the procrastinator. I can share one tip with you. I’ve recently teamed up with a friend and we keep each other motivated. We have to write 200 words every day, which might not sound like a lot, but I’ve found that once I complete my requisite word count, I’m often in the mood to keep writing. And if I do decide to stop at 200 words? At least I feel as if I’ve accomplished something. It’s worked well so far.

 

You mentioned last time that the characters for a series spring to your mind first, demanding that you tell their story. As you move from book one to the other books, what surprises you about the process?

 

Each book in a series can be more difficult to write than the one before. With each new book, I refer back to earlier books to make sure the overall plot from the series makes sense. While I’m able to wing the first book, subsequent books require a little more plotting and planning.

 

Tell us about some of the books you’ve written and who would enjoy them.

 

I recently released a standalone novel called Better than Perfect. It falls into the chick-lit category and would be enjoyed by both the New Adult audience and contemporary romance lovers. The Séance is a paranormal novel for young adults. It’s the first in a series and would appeal to anyone who likes to be scared out of their wits.

 

That would be me! What do you think makes for great fantasy fiction?

 

Anything and everything! When writing fantasy, the sky’s the limit. From dragons to witches to mystical beings created from your own imagination, anything goes when it comes to fantasy.

 

Who are some of your biggest influences as a writer?

 

I love Anne Rice, Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, Marian Keyes, to name just a few.

 

Who’s your favorite character?

 

Wow. Good question. I think my favorite would have to be Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings for his loyalty, courage, and appreciation for the simple things in life. He isn’t the slightest bit tempted by anything the ring has to offer because he already knows true happiness.

 

What’s ahead for you?

 

I’m currently working on a YA romance called Sweet Sorrow. I’m also hoping to complete the sequel to The Séance this year.

 

Thanks so much for joining, us Tricia! Readers can follow you and purchase your books at the links below!

 

Synopsis for Better than Perfect:

 

Twenty-three-year-old Karlie is in the type of rut some people never escape from. With few friends, no boyfriend, and no plans to graduate from college any time in the immediate future, Karlie is as stuck in her ways as the elderly neighbor she spends all her time with. When her world is invaded by two surly twins bound for criminal court, a too-good-to-be-true love interest, and a cute cop who keeps showing up at the most inopportune moments, Karlie can either fight against the changes in her life, or embrace them.
About Tricia Drammeh:

 

Tricia Drammeh is a wife, a mother of four children, and an author. She lives in New Hampshire with her family. When she isn’t writing, she can be found devouring books, chasing cats, and consuming vast amounts of coffee.

 

Purchase Better than Perfect at Tricia Drammeh’s Kindle Store

 

Follow Tricia Drammeh:

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

ENTERTAINING ANGELS, by Emerald Barnes

June 24, 2014 – 2:46 pm

Young Adult Author, Emerald Barnes, is releasing her latest novel, Entertaining Angels, today. It’s a Young Adult Christian romance that faces the issues of self-esteem and weight in teens. It’s a story that will hopefully grab the attention of girls – and boys alike – and help them understand that no matter what, they are beautiful.

EntertainingAngels

About Entertaining Angels

“I’ve read many books that tackle the issue of spiritual warfare, but I especially loved this one. Mads was alive and real and jumped off the page! Her character is so strong, she needed strong characters to balance her, and Barnes certainly provided that in the characters of Chase and Zach.” – Author Precarious Yates

“This story is beautiful and so profound.” – Author Sylvia Stein

“I would recommend Entertaining Angels as a graceful stepping stone to self-acceptance and self-love.” – Author Christine Cunningham

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Madison Andrews can’t face her reflection in the mirror. All she sees is a big, fat nobody. Yet, deep inside she longs for something more, something that’s not skin deep.

Along comes Zach, the new guy in school. He’s smoking hot and totally out of her league. She somehow catches his eye, and he makes her feel beautiful for once. But just as she gets close to Zach, her nerdy best friend, Chase, won’t let Madison doubt her true beauty, no matter how many meals she skips.

Even as Madison begins to realize that she is more than what she thinks, darker forces are at work, darker than the lies and mocking from her peers, stopping her from amounting to her full potential. Can Madison find true happiness in her own skin?

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A Word from the Author

Entertaining Angels is near and dear to my heart. Essentially, it’s my story. I have struggled with my weight issues for many years, and I remember clearly the very first day I fell victim to the word fat

I am more than that label. I am a Child of God, and He wanted me to see that. Making a long story short here, I have begun to realize that although I am overweight, it’s not who I am. I am so much more, and He wanted me to share that story with everyone else, especially young adults and woman who need to be reminded just how beautiful they are.

If you do buy Entertaining Angels, I hope that it shows you just how beautiful, or handsome if you’re a guy, you are.

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Giveaway Time!

Enter to win this autographed (by Emerald) tote bag with the Bible Verse Psalm 91:11 on it, and this notebook that says “God Makes Beautiful Things.” (US Only please. If you’re international, Emerald will send you an e-book and choose another winner.)

PicsArt_1403483264228

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Where can you purchase Entertaining Angels?

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Cover Reveal | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)

Dreamwalker: Meet Fantasy Author, Angela Wallace

June 20, 2014 – 7:14 am
Dreamwalker, by Angela Wallace

Dreamwalker, by Angela Wallace

It’s time for another edition of Meet the Author. I’m thrilled to introduce you to fantasy author, Angela Wallace. Angela is prolific writer. She’s got several series going, and as you’ll see below, she’s has a creative, rich imagination for storytelling. Please welcome, Angela Wallace!

 

Tell us a little about yourself.

 

Well, in addition to being an author I also work as an American Sign Language interpreter, a job I find very rewarding. I love cats, cop shows, and cheesecake. And perhaps the geekiest thing about me is I once learned how to write Tengwar, Tolkien’s elvish runes.

 

What inspired you to write the Dreamwalker series?

 

I can’t remember what inspired me to write the first Dreamwalker story, which came about over ten years ago, but the fact it became a series in 2012 is due to my readers. Though Dreamwalker was meant to be a one-shot, people begged for a sequel, and I was happy to oblige. (I loved writing Lexa.) And then the plot for Books Three and Four came while listening to Amanda Brown sing “Stars” on Season Three of The Voice. It was such a beautiful rendition, and the story just exploded in my head.

 

What does your heroine, Lexa, yearn for?

 

When we first meet Lexa, she’s hiding from her past. She thinks what she wants most is peace and quiet and to be left alone, but what she really desires is purpose. She can never escape being a soldier, but throughout the series, Lexa will find causes to personally fight for, rather than simply following orders—and she’ll discover that there are people willing to fight for her as well.

 

What’s the first book about, and who would enjoy it?

 

Dreamwalker is a fantasy tale about an ex-soldier with the rare ability to dreamwalk. When a dream assassin threatens her country, Lexa returns to the capital to resume her duties. But as she tangles with the cocky assassin, she’ll find an enemy even more sinister, one that threatens to destroy her home and the otherworldly dreamscape she loves so much.

 

Anyone who loves a strong heroine with a sharp tongue and ninja fighting skills will love Lexa. Not to mention magical realms, bloodthirsty Nightmares, and a roguish bad boy who may or may not have a good side.

 

What do you think makes for great fantasy fiction?

 

For me, great fantasy fiction provides an escape, a refuge from the often-crushing realities of our world. More than that, though, that escape should also take me on a wild ride of adventure to defy the odds. Because when heroes and heroines refuse to give up and eventually emerge triumphant, then I have gotten to vicariously experience what it means to fight with all you’ve got and survive. And for a child trapped in a mundane prison of chronic illnesses, there was nothing more liberating or inspiring.

 

Who are some of your biggest influences as a writer?

 

I love Patricia Briggs and her continued creativity in her Mercy Thompson series. Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld was also influential in how I structure my own urban fantasy series.

 

How do you approach crafting a series?

 

I prefer books that have self-contained plots, so that’s what I write. I’m very detail oriented and a stickler for consistency, so I doubt I could publish a cliffhanger. The exception being the last two Dreamwalker books, which I only split into two so it wouldn’t be 900 pages, but I made sure both were completely written before publishing Part One. Other than that, I also like isolated plots because it allows me to play with a variety of protagonists—taking a secondary character from one book and making them the lead in the next, which is how I’ve approached my Elemental Magic series.

 

What’s ahead for you?

 

I’m currently working on a collection of short stories for my Supernatural Sleuth series, and then I will be diving into the fifth book of Elemental Magic.

 

 

Synopsis of Dreamwalker:

 

After Lexa’s comrade died saving her life, she retired from the special forces and retreated to a sanctuary in the mountains. A year later, war is brewing with the neighboring country, and Lexa discovers a threat even the army can’t stand against—a dream assassin. As the only other dreamwalker in known existence, Lexa returns to the capital of Artasia and her old post to protect her country’s leaders. But is the cocky, mysterious dreamwalker who seems to be stalking her the true mastermind? Or is something even more sinister threatening not just Artasia, but the dreamscape as well? As Lexa fights to protect those she loves, she discovers a power that can transcend worlds, and a destiny she never could have imagined.

 

About Angela Walker:

 

Angela Wallace has been penning adventures ever since she was sucked through a magical portal as a child. What she saw and whom she met gave birth to exciting and complex fantasy worlds where defying the laws of physics was a bonus. She has since come back down to earth, only to discover this mortal realm has magic of its own. Now she is also quite at home in the world of urban fantasy, though believes that love, faith, and hope are of a stronger magic than fire wielding and sorcery. She loves gun-toting good boys, and could have been a cop in another life except real blood makes her queasy. She’ll have to stick to solving supernatural mysteries. Language is her pleasure, whether it’s weaving words on a page or lassoing linguistics into translations as a sign language interpreter.

 

 

Purchase Dreamwalker:

 

Amazon

 

Barnes and Noble

 

Kobo

 

iBooks

 

Follow Angela Walker:

 

Twitter

 

Facebook

 

Blog

 

Angela Wallace, Author of Dreamwalker

Angela Wallace, Author of Dreamwalker

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (8)

Meet Titanian Chronicles Author, Leisl Kaberry

June 16, 2014 – 3:08 pm
Titanian Chronicles: Journey of Destiny, By Leisl Kaberry

Titanian Chronicles: Journey of Destiny, By Leisl Kaberry

 

It’s time for another round of Meet the Author, this time with Leisl Kaberry, fantasy author of Titanian Chronicles: Journey of Destiny!

 

Welcome, Leisl! Tell us a little about yourself.

 

Well, let’s see… I’m a mother of four, which makes me a teacher, a nurse, a taxi, a babysitter, a chef, cleaner, and on call 24/7. However, I’m also studying an eight-year degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice (8 year because I am only studying a unit at a time). I would say I write for fun because I dearly love it but it has become more than just a hobby, now it’s a serious business. So for fun I read, act, snowboard, listen to music LOUD and of course hang with my family. I also love to travel which provides great inspiration for scenes and world building.

 

What inspired you to write Titanian Chronicles: Journey of Destiny?

 

It was more of a creative urge spurred on by a picture on my screen saver and a failed attempt at writing a song on the guitar. Basically I needed to create something and this picture I had of a full green moon reflecting into the water gave me an idea for a scene, once I got to writing, I couldn’t stop and by the end of the chapter I had the main storyline of the trilogy mapped out in my head. I loved the story so much that I had to see it through, one way or another.

 

What does your hero, Afeclin, yearn for?

 

Afeclin is a complicated fellow; he wants to find his place in life, to really fit in somewhere. As a human growing up in an all elvin kingdom and the kings adopted son, he is out of place. In many ways he thinks like an elf but is also confusingly human. He understands magic and feels he belongs to the powerful world of wizardry and so you might say he yearns to be a part of it and to find out who he is and what he is truly made of.

What’s the novel about and who would enjoy it?

 

Journey of Destiny follows the personal quests of Afeclin and his best friend Wolflang, an elf with a yearning for adventure, out of the Elvin Kingdom and into a world they know very little about. They are followed by Lenna, an elf maiden desperately in love with Wolflang, who would leave everything behind and risk all to be with him. What lies beyond the borders is a mystery to them, as is how the rest of the country feels about elves or outsiders. As they each are tested they are faced with problems they have never had to deal with before in the peaceful elvin community. On top of this, evil works by the Warlord and Dark Mage are being set in motion causing trouble for the three adventurers, forcing them to face certain realities and search deep within for the strength to survive the foreign world and its difficulties.

This book would certainly be enjoyed by Middle Grades to young adults. However it is really for anyone who enjoys a bit of adventure.

 

 

What do you think makes for great fantasy fiction?

 

First and foremost a great story. The story of the people, races, creeds and cultures of any world is what compels people to read. Of course, fantasy has the added element of imaginary and make-believe where anything can happen because the possibilities are endless. I guess what makes a fantasy particularly good is the art of melding what we know, and what is possible with a bit of imagination, seamlessly so that it is believable. Consistence in that make-believe field is of uber importance for it to become believable. How can one find themself in the story if they don’t believe it? And isn’t that why we read… to find ourselves somewhere else? Or is that just me?

 

Who are some of your biggest influences as a writer?

 

As a child I was always a storyteller, I loved to swing on my swing and make up stories, it took me a long time to get into reading and when I did it was Dr Seuss, Goscinny and Uderzo, Paul Jennings and Roald Dahl that turned me into a lover of books and certainly influenced my storytelling, Dr Seuss in particular influencing my poetry. They would still be an inspiration to me but I would add to that list, authors such as Agatha Christie, C.S Lewis, Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis, of Dragonlance fame, and more recently Dan Brown.

 

How do you approach crafting a novel? As this is a series, what’s your approach to creating the plot to the subsequent volumes?

I recently learned the meaning of a pantser and had to giggle because for book 1 of the Titanian Chronicles I was certainly prone to flying by the seat of my pants. I had the main plot but I would allow the rest of the book to reveal itself to me as I got to each part. Sometimes I would see something one way for months before I got to writing it and then, when I got there it had completely changed, surprising me… in a good way. This is a trilogy series and having now finished the first draft of book 2 can tell you that I have learned to craft a little differently this time round. I sat down and plotted each chapter, giving myself a rough idea what would happen when I got to writing it… of course it often changed and new chapters presented themselves but over all it was very planned. Another approach I have, given that this book is set in a world of my own creation, is that I draw a lot of pictures of people, plants, animals, insects etc so I can describe them as I see them, rather than think them.

 

What’s ahead for you?!

 

For me? Fame, fortune, a movie deal… teehee, I can dream cant I? Seriously though, book 2 of the Titanian Chronicles, I’m planning to have out by the end of this year and the third, the year after that. Beyond that I can see another trilogy with a different storyline and mostly different main characters set in the same world… because I don’t feel ready to be done with this world. Further into the future, once I am finished with my Bachelor of Criminology… I could see myself delve into murder mystery/thrillers. I loved writing mysteries in my youth so I would like to go back there and I think what I have learned in my degree will help immensely.

 

Thanks so much for sharing today!

 

Synopsis of Titanian Chronicles: Journey of Destiny

 

Afeclin walked nervously to the entry of the cottage. He held his breath as he passed over the threshold. A little cradle was the only piece of furniture left in the building. Afeclin touched the cradle delicately with one finger. All of a sudden he fell backward onto the floor as an image of the fire burst into his mind…

 

He had seen a horrified face that screamed amongst red hot flames.

Found beyond the Elvin borders, Afeclin, a human child, is taken in and raised by an Elvin King. Now grown and longing to learn about the mystic arts, he embarks on a journey back into a land now unfamiliar. Accompanied by his elvin friend, Wolflang, they leave their homes to seek out their destiny. Unbeknown to Afeclin and Wolflang however, the warlord, Moorlan and his confederate, a dark mage, are preparing to bring war to the peaceful Land of Marrapassa, putting their lives and those they care about, in danger.

 

About Leisl Kaberry

 

‘I was never going to be a writer… seriously.’
Somehow despite Leisl’s lifelong love for making up and telling stories, she had no desire to become an author. However, after a creative urge spurred her on to write an idea for a scene, the world of Titania was born and she hasn’t looked back since. Born and raised in Australia she has lived in a variety places, including the Australian outback and Montreal, Canada. She currently resides in Kitimat, Northern British Columbia with her husband and four children; she is studying a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, is an amateur theatre actor and enjoys snowboarding during the winter.

 

Purchase Titanian Chronicles: Journey of Destiny

 

Smashwords

 

Amazon.com

 

Barnes and Noble

 

Follow Leisl Kaberry!

 

Website: The Chronicler by Leisl Kaberry

 

Twitter @lawfabex

 

Facebook

 

Pinterest

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Illuminator’s Gift: Meet Fantasy Author Alina Sayre!

June 2, 2014 – 3:32 am
The Illuminator's Gift, by Alina Sayre

The Illuminator’s Gift, by Alina Sayre

 

I’m thrilled to introduce fantasy author, Alina Sayre, to you. She’s just published her novel, The Illuminator’s Gift, and let me tell you, it’s a fabulous read that had me turning the pages. You may have heard about her first from me, but I predict you’ll soon be hearing a lot more about this talented author. With further ado, meet Alina Sayre!

 

Alina Sayre: Thank you so much for hosting me! It’s an honor to be on your blog.

 

Silverberry: Tell us a little about yourself.

 

Alina Sayre: Well…let’s see. I’ll eat almost anything that doesn’t include eyeballs or wasabi. My favorite color is purple. I’ve taken fencing lessons and galloped on the back of an out-of-control horse (your life really does flash before your eyes). I realized I wanted to be a writer when I was fourteen, but I’ve loved books since I was old enough to chew on them.

 

Silverberry: What inspired you to write The Illuminator’s Gift?

 

Alina Sayre: I can’t say it was any one thing by itself. I write like a magpie, pulling in shiny ideas from wherever I find them. Over a number of years, I’d been developing a fascination with the idea of two worlds: a visible one everybody thinks they know, and a true yet invisible world behind that. A character who could see through to the invisible world began to form in my mind, and she eventually became my main character, Ellie. That core idea became a magnet, pulling in interesting things I learned about in college: Wordsworth, Milton, the Bible, scraps of Latin and Greek languages, and a study-abroad trip to the British Isles, including a visit to the magnificent, illuminated Book of Kells. Life experiences were also an integral part of this book’s development, pulling in themes like loss, courage, family, and art.

 

Silverberry: What does your heroine, Ellie, yearn for?

 

Alina Sayre: Ellie’s deepest longing is to belong to a family. As an orphan, she’s been adopted and abandoned three different times, and she’s begun to see herself as an unwanted and undesirable person. She constantly struggles with fear and an assumption that she can’t succeed. Her ongoing journey is to stand up to her fears, trust the people around her, and see herself as she really is.

 

Silverberry: What’s the novel about and who would enjoy it?

 

Alina Sayre: The Illuminator’s Gift follows twelve-year-old Ellie from the orphanage where she’s been abandoned to an adventure aboard the flying ship the Legend. There she meets loyal friends, battles fearsome enemies, and discovers that she has a strange and wonderful gift that the world desperately needs. It’s geared toward ages 9-14, but since that’s how old I am on the inside, I hope it appeals to the young at heart as well. J

 

Silverberry: What do you think makes for great fantasy fiction?

 

Alina Sayre: Some people love fantasy worlds for their own sake—lots of swordfighting and dragons—and though it embarrasses me a little, I’m not one of those people. I really love fantasy because it has the power to tell truths about real life with power and clarity. Over the years, the bright, bold colors of different fantasy worlds have helped teach me how to navigate the sometimes-dangerous real world with courage, integrity, and a sense of adventure. In order to accomplish that, great fantasy has to tackle and explore real-life struggles and experiences with realism and sensitivity. That sense of exploration is what keeps writing exciting for me—I’m always learning and growing alongside my characters. Sure, I like the quests, magic, and fantastical creatures as well. But what really attracts me is the fantasy’s ability to portray “truth dressed in story,” and I like to read (and hopefully write) fantasy books that help me understand and live life better.

 

Silverberry: Who are some of your biggest influences as a writer?

 

Alina Sayre: I have so many literary role models that walking into a bookstore can move me to tears. I had The Lord of the Rings trilogy read aloud to me when I was eight, and Tolkien is still my literary idol. Aside from him, many people have inspired my writing: my dad, C.S. Lewis, a wide range of poets, L.M. Montgomery, Robert Jordan, Victor Hugo, William Shakespeare, etc. etc. etc. Collecting and reading books is my unstoppable obsession.

 

Silverberry: How do you approach crafting a novel?

 

Alina Sayre: Well…the answer to that might have been different if you’d asked me at different points of time. The Illuminator’s Gift took me five years to write, and in a lot of ways the book and I grew up together. I used an approach some people call “pantsing”—flying by the seat of my pants and seeing where the characters took me, rather than plotting out the whole story ahead of time. In some ways this method is exciting, because it gives characters freedom to be dynamic, realistic people who do unplanned things. But for The Illuminator’s Gift, it also left me with some big plot holes that took many grueling edits to fix. I learned a lot from the process, and for the sequel I’m trying to combine free-spirited pantsing with a general outline to help me stay on track.

 

Silverberry: What’s ahead for you?

 

Alina Sayre: Um…great question. I’m hard at work on a sequel to The Illuminator’s Gift, and I’m also incubating a nonfiction project. I love all the opportunities this book has given me to meet people, especially young writers, and I hope to have more of these opportunities in the future. I’ll be at Village House of Books in Los Gatos on July 10th! Mostly, I hope to keep developing new stories and learning how to balance writing with health, sanity, and all the adventures life brings.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, Alina. Consider me a fan; I’d read any of your books in a heartbeat!

 

Synopsis of The Illuminator’s Gift:

 

Ellie is a twelve-year-old orphan who desperately wants a family. She just doesn’t expect to find one when she joins the crew of the Legend, a flying ship in a secret rescue fleet. On board, she meets a boy with a pet tarantula, a bully with eyes like mirrors, and a librarian who can read eighteen languages. Unexpectedly, Ellie also discovers a powerful gift that only she can wield. But when the Legend is called to a dangerous rescue mission, Ellie risks losing everyone she loves. Will her mysterious gift be enough to save her and her friends from a deadly enemy bent on destroying their world?

 

Purchase The Illuminator’s Gift Here!

 

Kindle Edition

 

Amazon Print Edition

 

About Alina Sayre:

 

Alina Sayre cut her teeth chewing on board books and has been in love with words ever since. Her favorite stories are the ones that blend adventure, faith, and big words. She also enjoys hiking, photography, crazy socks, and the smell of old books. She does not enjoy algebra or wasabi. When she grows up, she would like to live in a castle with a large library.

 

Follow Alina here!

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter: @AlinaSayre

Alina Sayre, Author of THE ILLUMINATOR'S GIFT

Alina Sayre, Author of THE ILLUMINATOR’S GIFT

Alina Sayre and A. R. Silverberry. Photo by Amalia Hillmann

Alina Sayre and A. R. Silverberry. Photo by Amalia Hillmann

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Summer Splash Blog Hop Is Back!

June 1, 2014 – 3:40 pm
Summer Splash Hop 2014

Summer Splash Hop 2014

 

 

SUMMER SPLASH BLOG HOP IS BACK, 6/13 – 6/16! GREAT BOOKS, GREAT PRIZES!

The Summer Splash Blog Hop is back with lots of prizes, including a Kindle Paperwhite and a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Hop to over 50 authors’ blogs and enter their individual contests, including right here with Silverberry’s Scavenger Hunt! Five chances to win a copy of my books, Wyndano’s Cloak and The Stream. For a chance to win the grand prize, be sure to go to the The Summer Splash Blog Hop main page and follow the directions. But first, enter Silverberry’s Scavenger Hunt! See below!

 

To enter, do the following steps:

  1. Like my Facebook Author Page!

 

  1. Follow me on Twitter!

 

  1. Send this tweet: WOW! I just entered @arsilverberry’s #Summer #Blog #Hop #Giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/otuvvxy #ian1 #kindlehop #contest #prizes!

 

  1. Sign up for my Newsletter! (Look just below Contact)

 

  1. Use the Rafflecopter below.

 

  1. Email me the answer to the following questions to: contact at arsilverberry dot com:

 

  • How old is Wend, the hero of The Stream. Hint, go to the Books tab and read the second paragraph.

 

  • How will you feel in the morning after reading Wyndano’s Cloak? Hint, see Feathered Quill review on the Reviews tab.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“The Stream is a thought provoking, triumphant read, and one you won’t want to miss!” Susan Jean Ricci, Author of Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems

“This tale stirs the depths of my soul.” Virginia Lee, Author of Dagon’s Blood

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano's Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Blog Hop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (5)

My Writing Process Blog Hop

May 30, 2014 – 4:38 pm
The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

I’m honored! Two talented and prolific writers tagged me in the My Writing Process Blog Hop. The first tag was from one of my oldest writing friends, Shevi Arnold (author of Toren, the Apprentice’s Tale, Ride of Your Life, and Why my Life Sucks). The second tag was from Lisa M Lilly, author of Amazon Occult bestseller, The Awakening. She’s currently penning book two in the series. Her poems and short fiction have appeared in numerous print and on-line magazines, including PARADE OF PHANTOMS, STRONG COFFEE, and HAIR TRIGGER.

The My Writing Process Blog Hop asks these four questions:

What am I working on?

I just published The Steam. Here’s a synopsis:

What if your world was six miles wide and endlessly long?

 

After a devastating storm kills his parents, five-year-old Wend awakens to the strange world of the Stream. He discovers he can only travel downstream, and dangers lurk at every turn: deadly rapids, ruthless pirates, a mysterious pavilion that lures him into intoxicating fantasies, and rumor of a giant waterfall at the edge of the world. Defenseless, alone, with only courage and his will to survive, Wend begins his quest to become a man. Will tragic loss trap him in a shadow world, or will he enter the Stream, with all its passion and peril?

 

Part coming-of-age tale, part adventure, part spiritual journey, The Stream is a fable about life, impermanence, and the gifts found in each moment.

 

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

Some novels defy categorization, and The Stream is one of them. Is it a fantasy? An adventure? A coming-of-age tale? Is it for adults? For teens? The answer is all of these. What binds it together is the novel’s central metaphor, which I discuss in the post Fables, Allegorical Tales, and Filet Mignon, which will be live next Friday.

Why do I write what I do?

From as far back as I can remember, I’ve needed a creative outlet! My brother and used to put on puppet shows. (I was in charge of the stage lights. I can remember one shocking shock while plugging them in!) We moved on to movies; he was behind the camera, I was in front of it. In high school, I played in jazz bands. In college I majored in music composition. In 1998, after reading a bunch of the Oz books, I thought, I can write one of these. After that, I was bitten by the writing bug and haven’t looked back.

Also, it’s fun! Through this journey, I’ve met a lot of wonderful people!

How does your writing process work?

I actually just wrote an extensive piece on that here!

Briefly, I go from idea, to theme. Once I’ve got the theme, I develop the characters and start to map out the plot. Though I work systematically, I’m open to going where the story wants to go. That keeps things surprising, for me and the reader!

I’ve tagged two fellow writers. They will post their writing process next Monday (or soon!).

If you don’t know them, take some time to meet both. They are incredibly fun and talented writers!

Angie Azur, Children's and YA Writer

Angie Azur, Children’s and YA Writer

 

Angie Azur is a YA writer, staff writer for PALEO Magazine (interviews coming out in 2014), 2013 Intern at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, freelance writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, SCBWI Member SF North & East Bay Area, and one of my good friends!

 

Agy Wilson is the author-illustrator of Room Wars and Nana’s Gift.

 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Blog Hop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

THE STREAM BLOG TOUR!

May 26, 2014 – 3:14 pm
The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

THE STREAM blog tour is up and running with some great posts and interviews! I’ve tried to mix it up with posts introducing the novel to readers, interviews about me and the writing of the book, and articles that will be helpful to writers. Something for everyone! Something new at every stop! More about each below!

 

5/20/14 Bonnie Trachtenberg: The Miracle of Now

 

5/23/14 Andrea Buginsky: Interview

 

5/26/14 Emerald Barnes: Blog Tours: A Newbie’s Guide

 

5/28/14 Micheal Rivers: Anatomy of a Novel

 

5/30/14 Alina Sayre: Interview

 

5/31/14 Fantasy Sci-fi News Network

 

6/3/14 Angie Azur: Interview

 

6/4/14 Suzanne Tyrpak: World Building

 

6/6/14 Kathie Shoop: Fables, Allegorical Tales, and Filet Mignon

 

More dates coming soon!

 

In The Miracle of Now, I discuss the spiritual and psychological themes underlying The Stream.

 

Andrea Buginsky asked me some great questions about where writing ideas come from and what inspired The Stream.

 

Blog Tours: A Newbie’s Guide, covers the steps I found helpful as I navigated the waters of virtual touring and book promotion. A helpful read for authors!

 

In Anatomy of a Novel, I discuss the process of writing.

 

Alina Sayre asked me some great questions about the fantasy genre and advice for new writers.

 

Fantasy Sci-fi News Network gave me an in depth interview!

 

I discuss the characters and creation of THE STREAM in this awesome Interview with Angie Azur.

 

World Building covers the complexities of creating a believable fantasy world, how to make it believable, how to make it unique and compelling!

 

Some novels defy categorization, and The Stream is one of them. Is it a fantasy? An adventure? A coming-of-age tale? Is it for adults? For teens? The answer is all of these. What binds it together is the novel’s central metaphor, which I discuss in the post Fables, Allegorical Tales, and Filet Mignon

.

A. R. Silverberry, Author of THE STREAM

A. R. Silverberry, Author of THE STREAM

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Blog Tour | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Grab Fantasy & Scifi Books at 99¢ Friday!

May 21, 2014 – 9:36 pm
Fantasy Sci-fi Network

Fantasy Sci-fi Network

Love Fantasy and Sci-Fi books? Grab a bunch at the 99¢ sale from the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Network (FSFNetwork). Includes fifteen books, including my new novel, The Stream. The event is Friday, 5/23/14 and one day only.

 

Here’s the link to for the sale, which goes live 12:01 AM PST! 99¢ Fantasy Scifi Book Sale!

 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Events | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Diversion To Urasha

May 18, 2014 – 11:14 pm
Diversion To Urasha, by Laura Hogwood

Diversion To Urasha, by Laura Hogwood

 

It’s Spotlight Sunday, and author Laura Hopgood has stopped by to tell us about her science fiction fantasy novel, Diversion To Urasha. Without further ado, please welcome Laura Hopgood!

 

Tell us a little about yourself!

 

I’m a 25-year-old writer from the UK. I’d definitely consider myself to be quite a geek! I’ve always been a shy person, often zoning out into my own daydreams, so one day I decided to put that to good use and write my debut novel! Writing is my biggest passion in life.

 

What inspired you to write Diversion To Urasha?

 

I’ve always been a really shy person throughout my life. Growing up,

I never really fitted in at school, so whilst other people were out

socializing with each other, I was always at home in my own little

bubble.

 

When I left sixth form (college), I was in between several temporary

jobs, and I ended up very depressed for a few years. I found my

release through writing. At first, I would write poetry, and share my

poems to my friends on Facebook. The feedback I received was great,

and I found it therapeutic to turn my negative emotions into something

positive and creative. Around this time, I also developed a very big

interest in the Universe. Realizing how vast and huge the Universe is

really helped me to put things into perspective.

 

I found further escapism through reading, and one day, an idea just

came to me.

 

At first, I envisioned my idea like a film, but then I thought to myself:

“You know what? I’m going to write this!” I developed the plot in my

head, adding my interest of the Universe into it. I also decided to

continue with the therapeutic aspect of my writing, venting out my

emotions through my characters.

 

I guess you could say that life and the Universe inspired me to write.

Both made me want to strive for better things in my life, and both

helped me to come up with the plot and the characters of my book.

 

What’s the novel about, and who would enjoy it?

 

Diversion To Urasha is a sci-fi/fantasy novel. However, although the

novel is primarily set on other planets, I feel it is more fantasy than

science fiction. It’s not as hardcore as a lot of other sci-fi novels. It’s

more character driven.

 

A human space warrior, James, sets off on a rescue mission to

Nebowska with his human allies, however, the ship is forced to crash

land on Urasha. James then sets off on a whole new adventure through

the dangerous Urashan wilderness with the Urashan Prince and

Princess. Not only is the story jam packed with fantasy and action, it

also has a lot of character building too!

 

I’ve had one professional freelance reader say that science fiction isn’t

usually her chosen genre, yet she couldn’t put the book down once she

started reading it because it had a perfect balance of everything, which

she felt that some other sci-fi books lacked. There was just as much

character building as there was action. The reader further suggested

that my book was suitable for film and television.

 

Another reader, who later reviewed my book, said that his daughter

likened my novel to books such as ‘The Hunger Games’ and

‘Twilight’. He also messaged me on Twitter to say that the book

reminded her of Star Trek too. These words were really flattering,

because I have read and watched those books/films and loved them!

It was my aim to write a story which had that Universal appeal to

everyone, and by the looks of it, I hopefully achieved it!

 

What does your hero, James, yearn for?

 

I think James yearns to follow in his late father’s footsteps, and to

make him and his mother proud. James is a very determined

individual, and he likes to see things through to the end. James’

goals probably change throughout the book. At first, he’s

determined to go to Nebowska, and to not let any harm come to

his best friend, Lottie. Then he’s determined to obtain the healing

stone once he’s on Urasha. Then, as he gets to know the Urashan

Princess, Crystaline, James is determined to befriend her and help

her.

 

How did you approach the science in James’s universe, such as space travel?

 

Luckily, I have a big interest in the Universe, so I watch a lot of TV

programs and documentaries on space!

 

In my story, humans can travel through space via wormholes. The

Nebowskans are a well-traveled species who basically show the

humans how to master space travel. The Nebowskans show the

humans how to build ships with gravity chambers in their decks.

They show the humans the locations of the wormholes.

 

From watching documentaries, I’ve drawn my own conclusion that

other planets which harbor life probably have a similar composition

to our very own planet Earth. The planets may look totally different to

Earth, but they’re all made up of similar stuff. And they’re of a similar

temperature and distance from their sun.

 

You’re working on book two! What’s your approach to working out the plot of the series?

 

Before I’d finished book one, I’d already mapped out most of book

two in my head, as well as certain aspects of book three and four. I

find that music is a great inspiration for me when it comes to dreaming

up a lot of my scenes, particularly the ones involving action!

 

What’s ahead for you?

 

I’m currently writing book two, whilst trying to promote book one.

Book two is a lot darker than book one, and I’m hoping to add an

element of horror into it as well as the sci-fi/fantasy element of book

Who knows where this journey will take me in the long term future.

For now, I just have this goal to keep on writing, and to share what I

write with the world.

 

Provide Purchase Links:

 

Amazon US

 

Amazon UK

 

Follow on Laura on Twitter: @LauraHopgood

Laura Hopgood, Author of Diversion To Urasha

Laura Hopgood, Author of Diversion To Urasha

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)