Southern Hospitality, Paranormal Urban Fantasy

Southern Hospitality, By Brien O'Raighne

Southern Hospitality, By Brien O’Raighne

Note to Parents: I haven’t read Southern Hospitality, but I understand it has erotic elements and strong language, making it unsuitable for children.

Author Brien O’Raighne stops by today to introduce Book 1 of his Southern Hospitality series, an Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, just released. First, a bit about Brien, in his own words:

“I am an author and artist. I am a family man, love my future wife, daughter, and son. My daughter is not biological, she is my future wife’s daughter, but she calls me Daddy.

“I love to write. It is a passion of mine. Some would say an obsession, but those don’t really support me when they call it an obsession.

“My writing usually combines my influences of Epic Fantasy, Sci-Fi Sagas, Paranormal, Classic Horror monsters, Superheroes and more. With what I like movie wise it would be hard for most people to understand some of my major influences in writing.

“My influences include: J.K. Rowling, E.B. White, Homer, William Shakespeare, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Chris Claremont, Lara Hama, Margaret Weis, Tracey Hickman, J Michael Strasczynski, Todd McFarlane, Scott Lobdell, Timothy Zahn, Roald Dahl, Cassandra Clare, amongst others.”

Synopsis of Southern Hospitality:

Destiny Phoenix returns to Storm City after a two-year absence.
She had been hunting her ex-husband, Chris Carpenter.
She lost track of the werewolf.
She, then, decides to meet up with an old friend, Elise Matthews.

It’s not long before Destiny is found by Chris.
All hell breaks loose.
Chris is nothing like he was when he and Destiny last met.

Terror and fear comes with his return.
This brings others into the situation.
Their lives change forever…

See sample of Chapter One Below!

Where to Buy:

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Blio * CreateSpace * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords

Review

Goodreads

Follow Brien O’Raighne:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Email: brien.oraighne@gmail.com

Southern Hospitality site and social media links:

Southern Hospitality site

Twitter

Facebook

Email: dhp2031@gmail.com

 Sample Chapter:

Chapter One: Return to Storm City

Lester’s Diner…

A lone biker, on a Harley-Davidson Fatboy, roars into a parking lot of a diner. The diner’s neon sign is sputtering with sparks from the cracks. The sign says Lester’s Diner.

The biker pulls into a spot. The bike stops. The biker kicks out the kickstand. The biker is wearing a pink and purple leather outfit. Her helmet is pink with purple ghost flames. On her back she carries a pink Eastsport backpack.

She disembarks the bike. The biker removes her helmet. She runs a hand through her pink hair. Her hair is cut in a short bob. Sweat runs down her forehead.

There is a scar running across the bridge of her nose. She sighs. The sun sets in the distance. I hope Elise is here.

The pink haired biker heads on into the diner. She shakes her head. With helmet in hand, the biker walks up to the counter.

A young black woman, wearing a blue and black polo over tan pants, greets her. The young woman’s name tag says LaShondra. “How many?” She has a smile on her face.

“Two. I have a friend meeting me here.”

LaShondra grabs two menus. She directs the biker to the right side of the dining room. LaShondra looks at the pink haired biker. “Table or booth?”

“Booth, please.”

LaShondra leads her to a booth along a glass partition near the back of the room. The biker sits her helmet down along with her backpack on one of the benches. She sits down next to them. LaShondra sets a menu on each side of the table.

“Your waiter will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you.”

The biker begins to scan the crowd within the diner. She notices the variety of denizens in the diner. The biker chuckles. “Hopefully there’s no trouble.”

She opens her backpack to check her gear. Inside the backpack are two custom ivory handled .45 caliber pistols. Each is loaded and ready to go in case of trouble. Stamped into the bottom of each is one letter. The letter L is on one for lycanthropes. The letter V is on the other for vampires.

Each is loaded with specialized bullets as well. The bullets for lycanthropes are tipped in silver. While the bullets for vampires are tipped in white oak ash. The bullets are specially made for her.

She turns to her left to see a young curly brunette enter the diner. She is wearing a white lab coat over a blue shirt and jeans.

LaShondra, the host, leads the young woman over towards the biker. The biker waves her hand to notify her friend. She gets up as the host brings the young brunette forth.

“Elise, you made it.” The biker hugs Elise.

“Wouldn’t miss it, Des. Like the new look.” Elise and Destiny sit down. “When did you get back in town?”

“Just now. Called you on the way in.”

“So, what brought you back?” Elise asks. “It’s been years since I’ve seen you.”

“Chris brought me back.” Destiny admits. “Been tracking him since his mind was torn apart.”

The waiter comes up to their table. He is dressed just like LaShondra. In his hand are a pencil and an order pad.

“What can I get you ladies to drink?”

“I’ll take a coffee.” Elise says.

“Diet Coke for me.” Destiny replies.

After jotting it down. He looks up. “Are you ready to order?”

“Give us a few moments.” Destiny says.

“All right. Be right back with those drinks.”

The waiter, then, walks away. Destiny watches as he strolls away. She licks her lips. “Um. Scrumptious.”

“Destiny!” Elise says. “You’re married!”

“Really?” Destiny retorts. “Sure doesn’t feel like it.”

Destiny breaks down and sobs. Elise pats her shoulder from across the table. “Look, I’m not sure I can help. I don’t know what to do.”

“I don’t either.” Destiny admits. “I lost track of Christopher a month ago. I thought he might return here. So I came here and sought you out hoping that you could help.”

“If he came back here…” Elise rubs her chin. “…he’d have to check in with an Alpha. Not sure that he’d get a warm reception, though. He and Michel have some bad blood between them.”

“I know.” Destiny sighs. Elise and Destiny, then, turn their heads towards the front of the diner. There is a loud argument coming from there.

Elise rolls her eyes. “Great.”

Destiny removes the two custom pistols from her backpack. She holsters them into pockets on her custom biker outfit. The two ladies start to head towards the front of the diner. They are not pleased.

As they near the front, Destiny and Elise can hear a person growling and another hissing. Destiny removes her pistols. She pulls the hammers back to arms them.

Destiny and Elise see the two arguing patrons. One patron is pale skinned. He is wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and matching tie. His hair is dark brown and slicked back. This patron is hissing.

The other patron has thick bushy brown hair with mutton chops. He is wearing a blue flannel shirt and jeans. This patron, who is growling, stands beside the table where his family is sitting.

“Cool it.” Destiny says as she aims the pistols at the two arguing patrons. “Go back to your party.” Both the vampire and the lycan back away from one another.

“Fine. I don’t want to be any closer to this dog than I have to be.” The vampire says. He turns and heads back towards his party. Others in his party sit while sipping on their drinks. Elise holds the lycan, who is growling.

Destiny holsters one pistol with the other still pointing at the lycan. He puts his hands in the air. “Whoa, kiddo. Please put the guns away. There is no need for it.”

“What’s going on?” Elise asks. “Why would you go and rile up a Sangre, Tom?”

“Not intentional. I promise.” Tom tells them. “I just came here to have dinner with Melanie and Marissa.”

Destiny holsters the remaining pistol. She, then, runs the back of her neck. “What I can’t understand from this is his motivation? Why stir trouble now?”

“Little lady, I couldn’t tell you.” Tom says. “Now do you two mind. I would like to get back to my dinner.”

“Of course. Nice to see you again, Tom. Melanie. Marissa.” Elise says. She leads Destiny back towards their table.

“Elise, what’s going on?” Destiny asks.

“I don’t know, Des.” Elise replies. They sit down at their table. “I am going to have to call my contacts. You might want to call on Brandon.”

“You think he can help?”

“He might know something we don’t.”

“You make a very good point.” Destiny gulps as the waiter returns with their drinks. “Maybe he’ll have some word on Chris.”

“Who knows, Des.” Elise stirs some creamer and sugar into her coffee. “Anything’s possible.”

“True.” Destiny runs a hand through her hair. “Very true.”

Brien O'Raighne, Author of Southern Hospitality

Brien O’Raighne, Author of Southern Hospitality


MAGICAL HOLIDAY BOOK GIVEAWAY!

Magical Holiday Book Giveaway!

Magical Holiday Book Giveaway!

ENTER THE MAGICAL HOLIDAY BOOK GIVEAWAY for a chance to win Wyndano’s Cloak, The Stream, and over 50 OTHER PRIZES, including the $100.00 PAYPAL CASH GRAND PRIZE! Enter now, it’s FREE! Contest runs from 11/23 – 12/23.  Just click this link –> MAGICAL HOLIDAY BOOK GIVEAWAY

Magical Holiday Book Giveaway

Magical Holiday Book Giveaway


Silverberry’s Scavenger Hunt Giveaway!

Wyndano's Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Silverberry’s Scavenger Hunt!

 

Silverberry’s Scavenger Hunt is back, with four chances to win a copy of my books, Wyndano’s Cloak and The Stream. To enter, just follow the instructions below:

  1. Like my Facebook Author Page!

 

  1. Follow me on Twitter!

 

  1. Send this tweet: WOW! I just entered @arsilverberry’s #Scavenger Hunt and #Giveaway! http://wp.me/p134Ni-Cr  #ian1 #FSFNet #contest #prizes!

(If you get the tweet off the Rafflecopter below, it will automatically insert the link to this blog!)

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

 

  1. Use the Rafflecopter below.

 

  1. Email me the answer to the following questions two: 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.

 

  • What is Jen holding at the end of the Wyndano’s Cloak book trailer? Hint, the trailer is on the home page.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Many thanks to author Brien O’Raighne, for inviting me to participate in his launch party for his novel, Southern Hospitality! Here is the book’s description:

Destiny Phoenix returns to Storm City after a two year absence.
She had been hunting her ex-husband, Chris Carpenter.
She lost track of the werewolf.
She, then, decides to meet up with an old friend, Elise Matthews.

It’s not long before Destiny is found by Chris.
All hell breaks loose.
Chris is nothing like he was when he and Destiny last met.

Terror and fear comes with his return.
This brings others into the situation.
Their lives change forever…

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry


THE STREAM a USA Book News Finalist!

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

THE STREAM a USA Book News Finalist in Visionary Fiction!

Thrilling News! My second novel, The Stream, was honored as an Award-Winning Finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards, in the category of Visionary Fiction. This marks the fifth honor bestowed on The Stream. The book was honored as a Shelf Unbound Notable Book in the category of Literary Fiction, and was selected as a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award (for General Fiction), the da Vinci Eye (for the book cover), and Foreword Reviews Indie Fab Book of the Year Award (General Fiction).

USABookNews.com, sponsor of the contest, is a premier online magazine covering books from all sections of the publishing industry: mainstream, independent, and self-published. What made this award so sweet was that Random House, Tarcher/Penguin, HarperOne, WW Norton, Harper Collins, William Morrow, Crown Business, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons, American Cancer Society, The White House Historical Association, were among the houses honored in the contest! I’m still pinching myself!

Congratulations to all the Winners and Finalists!

I’ll take the feeling with me tomorrow (weeks beyond), when I’ll be appearing at the St Mary’s by-the-Sea annual Holiday Bazaar. I was there last year, and it was filled with wonderful arts and crafts, from hand-cut paper greeting cards to artisan jewelry, from photographs to knitted shawls. The event is from 9 to 3, on Saturday, November 14, at Central Ave & 12th Streets, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Entry is free.

If you live nearby, I hope to see you there! In case you can’t make it, signed and unsigned copies of the limited edition hardback of Wyndano’s Cloak are available on the home page of my website. The purchase button is at the bottom of the page. They make great gifts for family or friends!

Press release for this post may be found here.

Find The Stream on USABookNews.com

Find all the contest winners and finalists here.

Wyndano's Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry


Silverberry to Appear at Holiday Bazaars

Shir Hadash Holiday Bazaar

Shir Hadash Holiday Bazaar

With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m really looking forward two appearances. The first is on Sunday, October 25th, at the Shir Hadash Holiday Bazaar, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, in Los Gatos. Find unique and delightful gifts for friends and family, and of course, I’ll have lots of copies of my books, Wyndano’s Cloak and The Stream. Entry is free. The event is from 9 –3.

Have a hankering to visit beautiful Monterey Peninsula? St Mary’s by-the-Sea is having their annual Holiday Bazaar in November. I was there last year, and it was filled with wonderful arts and crafts, from hand-cut paper greeting cards to artisan jewelry, from photographs to knitted shawls. Someone played piano all day, ranging from Debussy to jazz standards. I hear there will be an author there whose last name rhymes with Terry, or airy, or bury. You might have to do the latter if he starts singing Silent Night in falsetto, but he promises to bring lots of swell reading material. The event is from 9 to 3, on Saturday, November 14, at Central Ave & 12th Streets, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Entry is free.

If you live nearby, I hope to see you there! In case you can’t make it, signed and unsigned copies of the limited edition hardback of Wyndano’s Cloak are available on the home page of my website, purchase button near the bottom of the page. They make great gifts for family or friends!

Happy Holidays from AR Silverberry!

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

Transported out of Aerdem to another universe!

Transported out of Aerdem to another universe!

Wyndano's Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry


Writing is Not Writing

A. R. Silverberry, Author of The Stream

A. R. Silverberry, Author of The Stream

One of my favorite parts of writing is not writing. The best ideas come when I’m out in the world, absorbing life. Walking must stimulate the neural network in my brain related to creativity. If I’m stuck, all I have to do is walk. Something is bound to come, especially if I’m out in nature. I jot on a small pad I keep in my pocket. If I don’t catch snippets of dialogue, fragments of description, or a telling metaphor in the first minute, they evaporate more quickly than dreams.

 

Artists say drawing clarifies seeing. Truly, I don’t know what I think until I’ve written it down. That seems to be true of the novel I’m working on, book two of my YA, dystopian, sci-fi trilogy. (No, not a sequel to Wyndano’s Cloak or The Stream, it’s got all new characters, a setting I haven’t seen anywhere, nor have you!) Book one came out pretty fast, probably because I knew what I wanted to say. I’m not ashamed to admit, book two scares the you-know-what out of me. I don’t know if I can make it all work. I do know it’s getting clearer. I keep reminding myself, just write, no matter how many drafts, you’ll get it. It’s a good mantra anyway.

 

Some things just take time. I can take some solace: Tolkien took twenty years on the Trilogy; Brahms took the same for his first symphony; Madame Bovary was ten years in the making, and Flaubert was still revising AFTER PUBLICATION! I won’t make you wait for book one. I have one more scene to write, just a transition, really; then it’s out to beta readers and off my mind.

 

If the intricacies of writing a trilogy aren’t hard enough, I’ve decided to heap on to the craziness of my life by working on a novel with my wife. (I’ve purchased an excellent insurance plan. She forbids me to disclose anything about the story, on pain of death or dismemberment.) It’s my first time collaborating. I didn’t think I would like it. Boy, was I wrong. The creative process explodes with another person to bounce ideas off of. Now I know why some of my favorite films were written by two or more screenwriters. And if we get stuck, no problem, we can always make out.

 

Back to not writing. Another fun thing is getting away from my desk and talking with readers. With the holiday season fast approaching, I’m really looking forward two appearances. The first is on Sunday, October 25th, at the Shir Hadash Holiday Bazaar, at 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, in Los Gatos. Find unique and delightful gifts for friends and family, and of course, I’ll have lots of copies of my books, Wyndano’s Cloak and The Stream. Entry is free. The event is from 9 –3.

 

Have a hankering to visit beautiful Monterey Peninsula? St Mary’s by-the-Sea is having their annual Holiday Bazaar in November. I was there last year, and it was filled with wonderful arts and crafts, from hand-cut paper greeting cards to artisan jewelry, from photographs to knitted shawls. Someone played piano all day, ranging from Debussy to jazz standards. I hear there will be an author there whose last name rhymes with Terry, or airy, or bury. You might have to do the latter if he starts singing Silent Night in falsetto, but he promises to bring lots of swell reading matieral. The event is from 9 to 3, on Saturday, November 14, at Central Ave & 12th Streets, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. Entry is free.

 

If you live nearby, I hope to see you there! In case you can’t make it, signed and unsigned copies of the limited edition hardback of Wyndano’s Cloak are available on the home page of my website, purchase button near the bottom of the page. They make great gifts for family or friends!

 

Well, back to not writing.

 

Happy Holidays!

A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano's Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, a Shelf Unbound Notable Book

The Stream, a Shelf Unbound Notable Book

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry


Recycle Books Book Club Event!

Wyndano's Cloak, by A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, by A. R. Silverberry

BOOK CLUB EVENT!

I’m really looking forward to talking to the Recycle Bookstore​ Book Club about Wyndano’s Cloak tomorrow evening! The event is open to the public, and takes place at 7 PM at their Campbell store. This will be the first YA fantasy book the club has read. Shh, don’t tell anyone, it’s really a preteen novel, but as those who’ve read it can attest, the novel appeals to all ages!

 

I’ll be talking about how I developed many of the settings for the book, and how that impacted the writing.

 

If you live nearby, I hope to see some of you there. In case you can’t make it, signed and unsigned copies of the limited edition hardback are available right here on the home page of my website. Scroll down until you see the purchase button.

 

Book clubs interested in having me speak about either The Stream or Wyndano’s Cloak can reach me at contact@arsilverberry.com. And presentations can be live or virtual, depending on distance.

A. R. Silverberry, Author of The Stream

A. R. Silverberry, Author of The Stream

Wyndano's Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

Wyndano’s Cloak, By A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

 


Meet Book Sage Book Blogger, Lloyd Russell!

Book Sage's Recommendation Table

Book Sage’s Recommendation Table

Some years ago, when I was signing books and meeting and greeting customers at a Barnes and Noble, I had the good fortune to meet Lloyd Russell. His bailiwick at the time was mystery and suspense, not children’s fantasy literature, but we struck up a conversation, at the end of which, he told me he was a book-review blogger, would read my novel, and tell me exactly what he thought of it. If I had been wearing boots that day, I would have been shaking in them. Fortunately, he liked my book very much, and since then, I’ve come to know Lloyd as an active force in the book community of my area. I’ve learned about many wonderful books and events through him, and especially appreciate his candor and the honesty he brings to his reviews. It occurred to me that readers would enjoy following his recommendations, and writers might want to hear the perspective of a book blogger. Without further ado, please welcome Lloyd Russell, the Book Sage.

 

What inspired you to start the Book Sage book-review blog?

 

Back in late 2010, I was talking to my buddy, Steve, about how I was anxious to get into the book world. Since it was not practical to quit my job, he suggested that I write a book blog. I had never thought to do that, but I liked the idea immediately. My 1st post was January 16, 2011. And I enjoy it more with each passing year.

 

What do you think makes for a great read?

 

This is, at the same time, very easy to answerand very hard. Its all about the emotional connection I have with the characters. The book has to be well-written and interesting, of course. But if I either dont care about the characters, or feel blasé about them, then the book can never be a great read for me. And keep in mind that I dont have to love or even like the character to feel emotionally connected. There have been situations where I absolutely loathed a character. But I was still emotionally connected!

 

What genres do you read?

 

Because I do my best to support local authors, I find myself reading all genres. I have read: literary fiction, mystery, historical fiction, romance, paranormal fantasy, young adult, young adult fantasy, erotic romance, religious fiction, memoirs, science fiction, fantasy. Have I left anything out?

 

Who are some of your favorite authors, and why do you like them?

 

This is too broad a question for any kind of comprehensive answer. And Ive got a whole bunch of local authors who I very much enjoy. I wont name them because I am sure to leave some out. But I will say that among the biggies, Im a fan of Jeffrey Archer, Ken Follett, Daniel Silva, Jodi Picoult, Harlan Coben, W.E.B. Griffin, and Greg Iles. These are authors that I have read many times. But I also really like a few that I may only have read 1 or 2 – like Christina Baker Kline (Orphan Train), Vanessa Diffenbaugh (The Language of Flowers), and Jonathan Tropper (This Is Where I Leave You). And why do I like all of these authors? Because they make me care.  

 

Some of the big publishing houses send you advanced copies of their books. How did that come about?

 

As I recall, it came about because I reached out to the publishers. I found out, shortly after I began writing the blog, that this was an option for bloggers. And once I established myself with the various publishersreps and a few publicists, then I got on their list and either automatically received ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) in the mail, or got emails where I could pick the ARCs I wanted to read and review. Its definitely fun to be hooked up.

 

What’s the process for an author or publisher to have a book considered for review?

 

There are a variety of ways in which this happens. It could be that I meet a local author at a bookstore and agree to read and review his/her book. It could be a request from a publisher, publicist, or literary agent. It could be an introduction to an author from one that I already know. It could be an author that I meet at another authors event. It could be a recommendation from another blogger or one of my Goodreads friends. And sometimes I am approached by an author, either in person or through social media. Im probably leaving some connections out.

 

You’re active with indie bookstores in your community. Tell us about some of the work you’ve done to support them, as well as local authors.

 

Primarily, I have worked with 2 local bookstores – Village House of Books in Los Gatos and Recycle Books in Campbell. I actually worked for Village for approximately a year – September of 2013-August of 2014. I was in charge of booking all author events. I also ran a book club (starting in January 2014) in which the featured author actually came to our meetings to answer questions and sign books. In September 2014, I took the book club to Recycle Books. In addition to the RBC (Recycle Book Club), for the last 1.5 years I have been standing at a table in front of Recycle Books on Sunday mornings (during the Farmers Market) recommending books. Im there for about 3 hours, and I average 2-3 Sundays a month. It gives me the opportunity to meet lots of readers and to exchange ideas and book recommendations. On top of that, about once a month I will arrange for an author (sometimes 2 or 3 at the same time) to join me out in front of the store to sell and sign their books.

 

Besides Village and Recycle, I attend as many author events/book launches/meet and greets/panel discussions that I can at other Bay Area bookstores (Book Passage, Corte Madera; Books, Inc., Mt. View; Keplers, Menlo Park; Towne Centre Books, Pleasanton). I have a special connection to Books, Inc. in Palo Alto because I belong to the 4th Tuesday Evening Book Club. Its overseen by Margie Scott Tucker, who is the co-owner of the entire Books, Inc. chain.

 

We’ve got a photo of your table above! What inspired you to offer editorial services, and how can people contact you for that?

 

This started innocently enough. When Im reading a book, I automatically see errors in grammar and spelling as well as content. I dont think its as much a skill as it is an obsession! Regardless, I mentioned to a few authors I know that I would be happy to be an early reader and, if they were interested, I would point out errors that I came across. I havent done any advertising. So its been mostly word of mouth. As for contacting me, they can just send me an email at lloydrrussell@gmail.com.

 

What’s the most rewarding experience you’ve had as result of your blog?

 

This is particularly tough to answer. Ive had so many great connections that have resulted from my blog. One of the most rewarding was a post I wrote after spending an evening at my granddaughter Haleys authors night in 1st grade (shes ready to start the 5th grade next month). The kids had written and illustrated a story, and we moved from table to table while they told us about what they had written and answered questions as if they were seasoned authors. My blog reflected how inspirational I thought the evening was and how it made me feel so hopeful about the future of children and books.

 

What are the blog and social media links where people can follow you?

 

My blog is booksage.blogspot.com. Theres also a link on the home page called The Recycle Book Club Schedule that you can click on to see our upcoming schedule of authors. I am on Facebook under Book Sage. You can reach me on LinkedIn under my name. And my Twitter name is LloydRussell5. Finally, you can always reach me by the email address I gave above.

 

Thanks so much for joining us today! Happy Reading Everyone!

 

 

 


Striker’s Apprentice, by Andrea Buginsky

Now Available!


As a young hunter seeks a trainer, The Chosen prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
With Nature and Phantasma back in order, Halli and Silvor have settled into their new life in Drumple. During a visit from Striker, Kaidyla and Lumina, a request from an old friend of Halli’s family sparks a new challenge when she asks Striker if he’ll train their young son, Dylan. Working with Dylan gives Striker a chance to be a mentor once again, as he had been in his past.
This brings The Chosen to an area of Phantasma Halli has never seen before. What new dangers might be lurking in the forest? Will Halli have a reason to use her powers?
But Halli and Silvor are facing a new journey of their own, one that will change their lives forever. What is in store for The Chosen’s future? Will this latest escapade prepare them for what is yet to come?

 

Excerpt

With another week of teaching behind them, Halli and Silvor enjoyed a quiet, leisurely breakfast at the tavern, catching up with their neighbors.

As he was telling her about a new student, Silvor saw a look of surprise and joy come across Halli’s face. Turning to see what she was looking at, he saw a pretty dwarf about his mother-in-law’s age walking towards Halli, smiling at her.

“Do you know her?” As he asked, the woman walked over to their table.

“Halli! Your mother told me I might find you here.”

“Cynthia! It’s so good to see you again.”

Hugging Cynthia, she turned to Silvor, making the introductions. “Silvor, this is Cynthia, Mom’s best friend. She moved away from Drumple years ago with her husband.”

She turned back to Cynthia. “I’m surprised Mom didn’t tell me you were back in Drumple.”

Knowing his wife would be involved in a lengthy conversation, Silvor made his way to the bar and began talking to the tavern keeper.

“We only returned about a week ago, and we’ve been busy settling in,” Cynthia responded to Halli’s comment. “It’s wonderful to see you, Halli. My, how you’ve grown! We’re so proud of everything you’ve done for Phantasma. I can’t believe you’re the same shy girl who used to sit quietly with your mother and me and read all day. Now look at you: married, and a Holy Paladin! Where have the years gone?”

“Mom wonders the same thing sometimes. And you? I hear you have a son. You’ve been gone from Drumple for so long, I don’t think I’ve even met him.”

“Oh, I’m sure you haven’t. He wasn’t born until after his father and I moved away from Drumple. But that was 15 years ago already!”

“What does he do? Is he a student at the school now? I don’t remember meeting anyone new lately…”

“No, he finished his studies a year ago, when he decided to take up hunting. Now he’s looking for a trainer. Which is what brings me to you. I was hoping you could talk to one of the hunters in your group about taking him on as an apprentice. Do you think they would be willing to do that?”

“Oh, I’m sure Striker and Kaidyla would love that! They’ll be here for a visit this weekend. Perhaps I can introduce you all then. Is your son here now? I’d love to meet him.”

“He’s right over there.” Turning to the young dwarf playing at the game table, Cynthia called, “Dylan! Come here. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

 

 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Print

 

 

My HeadshotAndrea Buginsky is a freelance writer with a BA in Mass Communication-Journalism from the University of South Florida. She has always wanted to be a published writer, and decided to try to write fantasy books for teens. The Chosen is her first book, and was released on December 14, 2010, to her delight.

Andrea has written five more books since:
  • My Open Heart, an autobiography of growing up with heart disease.
  • Nature’s Unbalance: The Chosen, Book 2
  • Striker’s Apprentice: The Chosen, Book 3
  • Destiny: New Avalon, book 1, a YA fantasy
  • Fate: New Avalon, book 2, a YA fantasy
She is currently writing the fourth book in The Chosen series.
Andrea lives in Kansas with her family, which includes her two precious puppies.

 

Follow Andrea

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Pinterest

YouTube

Google+

Goodreads


“The Stream” an Eric Hoffer Award Finalist!

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream, by A. R. Silverberry

The Stream an Eric Hoffer Award Finalist!

Super News! The Stream was selected as a Finalist for the 2015 Eric Hoffer Award, in the category of General Fiction! The Eric Hoffer Award for books and short prose was named after the American philosopher, Eric Hoffer, and has become one of the largest international awards for small academic and independent presses.

This marks the fourth honor bestowed on The Stream this year. The book was honored as a Shelf Unbound Notable Book in the category of Literary Fiction, and was selected as a Finalist for the da Vinci Eye. It is also a Finalist for this year’s Foreword Reviews Indie Fab Book of the Year Award, winners to be announced at the American Library Association national convention on June 26th.

The Eric Hoffer Award for independent books recognizes excellence in publishing, and includes category and press distinction awards, as well as the Montaigne Medal, the da Vinci Eye, and the First Horizon Award. The US Review of Books covers the awards.

 

All of the finalists are listed here. All of the award results may be found here. Congratulations to all the winners! It’s an honor to be included in such a strong field!

For details and ordering information about The Stream, please visit my Home Page.

For a press release, click here.