Leslie Soule - Fallenwood - Author Interview

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
The plot is based around a girl named Ash, who is trudging through life, unsure of her place in it. She runs away and finds her way to a fantasy world called Fallenwood. There, she gets caught up in a quest and must save this realm in peril.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
The theme of the story is ultimately death. It is the death of Ash’s stepfather and how it is handled that ultimately causes Ash to ask so many questions about the meaning of her life. The quest that Ash goes on leads her to the answers she seeks.

3. When does the plot take place?
I didn’t pick a specific year that it takes place in, or date. Fantasy literature tends to be less strict when it comes to time frame than other genres.

4. Where does the plot take place?
Most of the action in the story takes place in a fantasy realm called Fallenwood, or Terra Illumina (its proper, older name).

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
At a certain point, the characters you write about take on lives of their own. That’s when writing becomes more exciting. So even the writer doesn’t always know how a plot is going to work itself out.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
Well, I knew I wanted to write a quest story, and as I wrote, it formed into what it is now. I had no idea, when I first started writing Fallenwood, that it would become what it is, but I’m very pleased with the result.

Book Summary:

Fallenwood—a land where magic is the life force, dragons are sages, and wizards good and evil battle for supremacy. When 23-year-old Ash is thrust into the middle of Fallenwood’s power struggles, she is also forced to face her own inner battles. Life on Earth was hard enough on Ash, who is locked in grief for her stepfather. Now, the fate of Fallenwood rests on her shoulders. She must destroy the Great Crystal—the catalyst for all the land’s magic. As the kingdoms prepare for war, Ash must look inside to find the power to save the world, and herself.

Excerpt One:

Tears blinded her. She couldn’t stop and even the rough winds couldn’t scatter the wild thoughts that swirled in her mind—memories of her stepfather, words that people had said at his service, images of her mother and that stupid grin she wore—all she could do was run. Ashley was deeply wounded but was powerless to heal this kind of pain. She’d looked into the face of evil. Her feet hit the gravel, and the wind whipped at her face as she tried to outrun her anguish. She closed her eyes for a split second, and the wind stilled, and she stopped. Ashley looked around her. It had suddenly become night, and she was now in an unfamiliar part of the woods.

Excerpt Two:

The dragon’s eyes glowed, for a flickering moment, with white light.

“Ash,” the dragon continued, “Welcome to Terra Illumina…or as it is more commonly known, Fallenwood.” Then a fierce roaring laugh erupted from the stone, as though the dragon thought the new name a joke. “A dark, difficult, dangerous path lies before you, Ash Kensington.”

Ash’s heart grew heavy. In truth, she knew that she was destined to some terrible, dark fate. For so long, her life was filled with sadness and doubt, and one horrible thing after another. What else can I hope for?

“But Ash, you must not lose hope. Our world needs you..."


Author Bio:

Leslie Soule lives in Sacramento, California. Fallenwood is her first fantasy novel. She has received her B.A. in English from Sacramento State University and is currently working on her Master’s degree in English at National University.

Website: http://www.lesliesoule.com

price: $4.99
number of pages: 194
genre: fantasy
publisher: Decadent Publishing
release date: March 2011
buy links: http://www.decadentpublishing.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=26&products_id=226

Giveaway:

Leslie will be giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour as well as to the host with the most comments (excluding Leslie's and their own).

Encourage your readers to follow the tour and comment; the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-fallenwood-by-leslie.html

Paul H. Magid - Lifting the Wheel of Karma - Author Interview

My thanks to Paul H. Magid for stopping by The Plot Thickens for an author interview during the blog tour for his book, Lifting the Wheel of Karma.

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
The plot is based around Joseph Connell, a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
The main idea of the plot is that healing is achievable by each and every one of us.

3. When does the plot take place?
It takes place in the modern era.

4. Where does the plot take place?
The story takes place both on a horse ranch in the majestic mountains of Montana as well as deep within the remote Himalayas of India.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
The plot evolved to embrace concepts such as forgiveness, sacrifice, and loyalty, and unconditional love.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
The idea for the plot was a combination of three things:
1) extreme suffering and adversity that I endured
2) what I learned along the way
3) my desire to tell the most amazing story I could possibly tell.

About the Book
Lifting the Wheel of Karma

Book Details:
Price: $15.00 paperback, $9.99 Kindle
Format: Paperback, Kindle
Publisher: Point Dume Press
Published: September 2011
Pages: 192
ISBN: 9780984016068
Genre: Fiction, Spirituality
Buy Links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle

Blurb:
A Profound Spiritual Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Redemption - a modern tale that harkens back to the myths of antiquity. It takes you on a remarkable journey, while exploring the themes of healing, redemption, forgiveness, sacrifice, and ultimately...peace within.

Joseph Connell is a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape.

He believes the answer to what threatens to crush him can be found in the knowledge possessed by a mystical old wise man, who lives deep within the remote Himalayas of India.

If Joseph is ever to find the peace he so desperately seeks, he must get this wise old man to reveal what he truly knows, but that will not be easy…for this sage knows far more than he admits.

About the Author
Paul H. Magid

Paul H. Magid started writing his debut novel, LIFTING THE WHEEL OF KARMA, twenty-five years ago while still in high school. It took him so long to complete because he tried repeatedly to abandon it, but the work refused to be forsaken. Eventually he realized that sharing this story with the world was, in fact, his Dharma.

Along the way he has worked as a Wall Street financial analyst, a waiter (not a very good one), a Hollywood Agent Trainee, a real estate developer, a summer day camp director, an award winning screenwriter, and independent filmmaker—including his autobiographical film, A LIFE UNFINISHED, which screened in The Hamptons International Film Festival.

Connect with Paul:
Web Site
Facebook (book)
Facebook (author)

About the Tour

Tribute Books Blog Tours

Lifting the Wheel of Karma Blog Tour Site

Tour Participants:

January 1 (review)
Dad of Divas

January 2 (review)
Crazed Mind

January 3 (review)
Minding Spot

January 4 (review)
Live to Read

January 5 (review)
vvb32 reads

January 5 (author interview)
You Gotta Read Reviews Guest Blog

January 6 (review)
Tic Toc

January 6 (review)
Tribute Books Mama

January 7 (author interview)
Tribute Books Mama

January 8 (review)
Red Adept Reviews

January 9 (author interview)
I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

January 10 (review)
My Favorite Things

January 10 (review)
Knits & Reads

January 10 (review)
Adventures of Frugal Mom

January 11 (author interview)
The Book Connection

January 12 (review)
Book Dragon's Lair

January 13 (review)
Bibliophilic Book Blog

January 13 (review)
Concert Katie

January 14 (review)
My Tower of Books

January 15 (review)
Cheryl's Book Nook

January 16 (review)
Tribute Books Reviews & Giveaways

January 17 (guest post)
CMash Loves to Read

January 18 (review)
Community Bookstop

January 18 (review)
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

January 19 (guest post)
Community Bookstop

January 20 (guest post)
Splashes of Joy

January 21 (guest post)
A Bookalicious Story

January 23 (review)
The True Book Addict

January 23 (review)
Proud Book Nerd

January 24 (guest post)
Proud Book Nerd

January 26 (guest post)
Ascroft, eh?

January 27 (review)
Whispering Winds Book Reviews

January 28 (review)
Scorpion Stalking Duck

January 29 (author interview or guest post)
The Plot Thickens

January 30 (review)
Celtic Lady's Reviews

January 31 (author interview or guest post)
The Character Connection

Kat Henry Doran - Mad Dog and the Archangel - Guest Post

Guest Post

“Mad Dog and the Archangel” is one of the last attendees to the twenty-fifth reunion of the Class of '85 out of the Wild Rose Press. It features Rafe Archangeli, formerly known as the Scourge of Summerville, and Grace Dunavan, formerly known as Sister Mary Assumpta [to those who loved her] or Mad Dog [to those who felt otherwise].

The main plot idea is redemption. Rafe Archangeli returns to the town which scorned him as a youth to bury his best friend. Within hours of meeting Grace Dunavan he knows in his heart he must return to the only life he knows—scamming wealthy women out of their money—before he makes the biggest mistake if his life and pursues this unique woman, Rafe learns he's been left an inheritance worth a king's ransom. Leaving is the easier, softer way, a route Rafe has taken all his life. Accepting the gift could become a way to make amends to his dead friend, the man who saved his life. And then there's Grace—who can dance the Samba better than any Ipanema girl—and makes him want things he has no right to have.

“Mad Dog” is a short contemporary romance which takes place in the fictional town of Summerville on the shores of Lake Ontario in Western New York State.

Several years ago I was privileged to be part of a group of four authors who developed interrelated story lines for an anthology based on four high school friends, called the Sons of Summerville, who return to Summerville after their friend dies suddenly. Sadly, the anthology never came to fruition but it easily morphed into a reunion series. The other authors graciously granted us permission to use the town of Summerville as the basis of the series. Each of the authors who contributed to the series were given free reign as long as they included the pre-arranged invitation to the reunion. And, we kept in close contact so we didn't end up with five captains of the baseball team or eight prom queens.

When it came to writing “Mad Dog and the Archangel”, I kept in mind the kid we all knew in high school, the guy most likely to spend time in a maximum security cage. Rafe's background was an easy one to develop; I simply recalled kids I grew up with. It was writing his exact opposite for a heroine who couldn't be too good and who needed to present something to keep Rafe in one spot long enough to fall in love and want to stay in Summerville. You can't get much more good than a nun so it worked for me. I hope it does for readers also.

To purchase “Mad Dog and the Archangel”, go to www.thewildrosepress.com and click on Mad Dog and the Archangel or author search Kat Henry Doran. At 109 pages the digital price for this contemporary romance is $2.25.

buy link: www.KatHenry.com

Thanks for inviting me to your blog!!
Kat Doran

Blurb

Rafael Archangeli returns home to Summerville to bury an old friend, collect his inheritance, and then return to the only life he knows—conning wealthy women out of their money. In Rafe's world, money not only equals success, it goes a long way to obliterate the stigma of his past.

Grace Dunavan, former nun turned community activist, gave up worldly goods a long time ago with no regrets. But she's never known a man with the raw appeal of the Scourge of Summerville: Rafael Archangeli.

Their first meeting is like an errant strike of lightning, fierce and stunning in intensity, and takes both by surprise. Has Grace turned Rafe into a changed man? Or is he using his inheritance to pull off the biggest scam of his life?

Excerpt #1

Safety First.

A personal motto that served Grace Dunavan well for the past thirty-something years. She never picked up strange men. In fact, she rarely dated men, strange or otherwise. And wasn't she the first to preach the wisdom of obtaining a detailed history—family, medical and sexual before contemplating a walk on the wild side? With any man, including the brother of her best friend.

Especially one whose thick mop of jet colored hair, hooded black eyes and razor-sharp cheekbones, all of which held undeniable appeal for a good girl who always did what the nuns and her parents dictated. With a name like Archangeli he should be a protector, not a walking advertisement that proclaimed: I've Been There, Done That; Let Me Tell You All About It.

As he helped her into her coat, Grace heard Gaby murmur something about an attorney who was trying to track down Rafe. None of it made sense. What woman in her right mind could think straight when faced with a man who redefined potency?

It was a night of firsts for Grace: leaving a party with a man she'd never met before; admitting how and where she'd learned to drive; breaking the land speed record for contemplating her first one night stand.

Excerpt #2

“For the last time, Arch, how long do you plan on sticking around?”

It dawned on him that Rory was only doing his job. Christ only knew how this scene would have turned out if it was Dickhead standing here, though blood and gore likely would be involved.

More for dramatic effect, Rafe heaved a deep sigh. “For old time's sake, Sheriff, I'll answer your questions. I came back for Deege's funeral and to spend quality time with my sister. I saw Ryder Burke this morning who told me I was left something in the will. I'll be gone by the weekend.”

The sheriff nodded, just once. “A couple weeks ago, Burke asked me to run a list of names for wants and warrants. Your name took the top spot. Didn't take a rocket scientist to deduce it had something to do with Deege's will. I suggest you keep your word on your travel plans.”

“My record is clean.”

“Save that song for some other numb nuts, Arch. Just because the New York City courts haven't seen fit to convict your ass on grand larceny and other assorted grifts does not make you citizen of the year.”

That pretty much summed up the life and times of Rafael Archangeli. “As I said, Sheriff, I'll be out of your hair inside forty-eight hours.”

“After you’re gone, I'd hate to learn you've worked a scam on a fine woman like Grace Dunavan.”

“That a threat?”

“Leave it at a warning—for now.”

Bio

Over the years I've had the honor to work at a number of occupations: operating room nurse, malpractice insurance investigator, forensic nurse examiner, victim advocate, wife and mother. Five years ago I became Nana for the first time and, believe me, it’s the best job ever!

Even if I sometimes wish they'd remain in the closet, the years I spent in the OR and labor floor, and later advocating for victims of sexual violence, contribute significantly to the voice of my writing. You don’t spend thirty years playing loyal serving maid and mind reader to egotistical surgeons, then twelve years haunting police stations, Emergency Rooms, and criminal courts without developing an internal alarm system for covert misogyny, rampant apathy, and overwhelming bigotry.

I retired my stethoscope and speculum a few years ago but continue to advocate quietly for marginalized populations through Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders.

I like hearing from readers. You can contact me through my website: www.KatHenry.com, or blog: www.WildWomanAuthor.blogspot.com

Giveaway:

PLEASE MENTION THE PRIZE THAT THE AUTHOR WILL BE GIVING AWAY: a Funky Bag and a Toiletries Bag from Kats Kustom KarryAlls, filled with author swag to one random commenter on the tour as well as to the host with the most comments (excluding the host's and Kat's). US and Canada only, please.

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

- Grab your current read
- Open to a random page
- Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

Liz locked the door and staggered to the rocking chair. Her head throbbed. She knew it was coming. The tightness in her chest began, and the cold made her body numb in seconds. She could no longer feel the heat from the fireplace. It was as if she were leaving this world.

Feeling the last beat of a troubled heart, her human shell shut down, releasing the soul of an angel into the frightening night.

- Until Next Time: The Angel Chronicles, Book One
by Amy Lignor
Chapter Four

Greg Messel - The Illusion of Certainty - Author Interview

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
There are two parallel stories--one that tells the story of a young attorney named Alexandra and a second plot around a successful businessman named Marc. I originally started to build the story around Marc and have Alexandra be a character who comes into Marc’s life. However, I thought it would be much more interesting for the story to follow both characters. By doing so, the readers is much more familiar with both characters when their lives intersect.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
The theme is that we think we are in control of our lives, then every once in a while something happens which makes you realize that you were never in control. That’s “the illusion of certainty.” This takes the form of illness, sudden death, the breaking apart of a marriage and reversals of fortunes in business. The plot unfolds against the backdrop of the economic downturn of 2008 which creates more uncertainty.

3. When does the plot take place?
The story spans the years from 2007-2010.

4. Where does the plot take place?
It mostly occurs in Portland, Oregon.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
The first part of the book introduces you to the characters and there are sudden developments which really change the direction of the main character’s lives. I tried to bring various forms of adversity into the character’s lives without the whole first part being a real downer. The second part of the story deals largely with the aftermath and consequences of some of the things which occur in the first part of the book. A marriage ruined by an unfaithful partner, the economic downturn and the lose of a job and the sudden death of one of the main characters are among the challenges faced by the two main characters--Alex and Marc. The third part of the book is how they overcome the uncertainties that have devastated their lives. Ultimately, they find redemption and each other. It is finally about the healing power of love despite heartbreak that can come from the uncertainty nature of life.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
In my own life and in others, I have been amazed at how things can suddenly change for any one of us. We may think we have things under control but it is only an illusion. I was diagnosed with cancer before I began writing this book. I marveled and how that changed my life. All of the things I thought were important before now did not seem that significant. Fortunately, I have been cancer-free for almost two years and I am doing well. However, we all must come to grips with the idea that uncertainty is always a factor and can suddenly change us.

Book Summary

The Illusion of Certainty follows two parallel storylines. Marc is a successful businessman who seems to have everything—a great job, a beautiful wife, a house in an upscale neighborhood of Portland, Oregon and two great kids who are preparing for college. But something is not right. Marc is unsettled by the sudden change in his wife, Aimee, who seems distant and unhappy. What’s going on with her?

The second storyline involves a successful young attorney, Alexandra Mattson. Alex, as she is called by her friends, meets a handsome young cop, Sean, during an unexpected crisis in her neighborhood. Sean and Alex seem made for each other and begin to merge their futures in a world of uncertainty.

The only certainty in life is that we will face uncertainty. Despite all of the technology and controls available in the modern world, sometimes the only comfort comes from the human touch.

Price: $14.99 for softcover and $2.99 for e book

# of Pages: 323

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Yorkshire Publishing

Release Date: September 14, 2011

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Illusion-Certainty-Modern-Romance-ebook/dp/B005N49270/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327210088&sr=1-3

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-illusion-of-certainty-greg-messel/1104533824?ean=9781936750528&box=978-1936750528&pos=-1&ugrp=2&

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/the-illusion-certainty-a-modern/id460389613?mt=11

Author Bio

Greg Messel has written three novels and three unpublished memoirs. He published his premiere novel “Sunbreaks” in 2009, followed by “Expiation” in 2010 and “The Illusion of Certainty” in 2011. He currently is completely his fourth novel “The Last of the Seals.” Greg has had a newspaper career as a columnist, sportswriter and news editor. He won a Wyoming Press Association Award as a columnist. Greg also spent many years in the corporate world as a Financial Manager. He now devotes his energies to writing at his home in Edmonds, Washington on the Puget Sound just north of Seattle, where he lives with his wife, Carol.

Connect with Greg:

Website URL: www.gregmessel.com

Facebook URL: www.facebook.com/greg.messel

Twitter URL: @gregmessel

Marie Astor - On the Rim of Love - Guest Post

Guest Post

Thank you for inviting me to The Plot Thickens. My name is Marie Astor and I am the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love and Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

I often get asked how I develop the characters in my novels. I have to say that my character development process varies for each novel: some characters simply pop into my mind, while others take time to materialize. When I started writing my contemporary romance, Lucky Charm, I knew that wanted to write a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship. As I started to think about the friendship between the heroine, Annabel, and her best friend, Lilly, the characters of Annabel and Lilly started to crystallize in my mind. The two women could not be more different: Annabel is quiet and cautious, while Lilly is boisterous and easygoing – I enjoyed writing about their friendship, as I did about the different approaches to relationships that Annabel and Lilly took. And then, of course, it would not be a contemporary romance without the male leads – Annabel’s and Lilly’s beaus: Etienne and Simon who are the perfect counterparts to their ladies.

For my latest contemporary romance, On the Rim of Love, which takes place in British Columbia, the setting was the inspiration for character creation. I visited Banff, British Columbia two winters ago and I was instantly smitten by its beauty – the vast open spaces, the towering mountain cliffs and the white, sparkling snow that seemed to stretch endlessly. I have always thought that there is something very special about the atmosphere of ski towns, and I was charmed by Banff’s quaint streets and the wonderful people who walked them. An idea for a contemporary romance became to form in my mind: a big city girl meets a big-mountain skier who is rooted in his small hometown. By the end of my ten-day stay at Banff, I had jotted down an outline and notes on the main characters: Maggie and Taylor, as well as Taylor’s best friends: Shawn and Hannah. The hardest part was over: all that remained for me to do was to sit down and write Maggie’s and Taylor’s story.

Book Summary

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

Author Bio

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre.
Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

In addition to being a writer, Marie is an avid hiker, an excellent swimmer, and a good skier.
Currently, Marie is working on her next novel - stay tuned for details! If you would like to receive updates about book releases and events, please visit Marie’s website at: www.marieastor.com or visit Marie at her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection and Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/marieastor.

On the Rim of Love – contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.

Available on Kindle for $2.99 (235 pages)

http://www.amazon.com/Rim-Love-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325643233&sr=8-1

Giveaway

Marie will be awarding a custom made jewelry set (necklace and earrings) to one randomly chosen commenter and to the host with the most comments (excluding the host's and Marie's) -- US / Canada only, please.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/11/virtual-book-tour-on-rim-of-love-by.html

Amy Richie - Timeless - Author Interview

Author Interview

1. Who is the plot based around?
The plot is based around a young woman named Eva and an ancient vampire called Dominick Letrell.

2. What is the main idea of the plot?
Eva is sent back in time to kill Dominick Letrell but her mission is compromised and she is left all alone in the past.

3. When does the plot take place?
It starts out in the future (2152) , then goes to the past (1284), then back to the year 2152.

4. Where does the plot take place?
In a small fictional village called Noir Valley, and in a futuristic USA.

5. Why did the plot develop the way it did?
It started with Eva being strong, then made vulnerable, so she needed to find that strength again and be changed by it.

6. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?
I like the idea of time travel (big Doctor Who fan) and vampires would have seen it all; so I just added a hero and the woman he would love and went from there.

Book Summary:

Sent back in time with a mission, Eva knows what she must do - kill Dominick Letrell. When she is betrayed and abandoned, she is forced to rely on the kindness of a stranger. She has no memory of why she is there or even who she is, but she is plagued by frightening dreams that are trying to lead her to the truth. When that truth is discovered Eva must decide between the life she had been born to live and the life she saw by accident.