Blog Tour: Stone of Darkness

Today we have the brilliant author Resa Nelson on the blog for her blog tour of Book 3 in the Dragonslayer series. Fantasy is something we both love, so this fits perfectly on the blog. So, without further delay, let's get the interview started!

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Describe your series? What genre would you classify it into?

I guess it’s epic fantasy, but I also blend genres.  I strive to write page turners, because I don’t want my readers to get bored.  There’s usually some type of mystery going on, and sometimes it leans toward the mystery/thriller genre.  My books can get pretty dark, so I also strive to throw in as much humor as possible to give my books some balance.

How did you come up with the idea for the series? 

Many years ago I was propositioned by a co-worker (a married man with two young children).  Like a lot of writers, I write to work through my problems.  So I wrote a short story about a female blacksmith who makes swords for dragonslayers.  When a new dragonslayer propositions her, she doesn’t know what to do because if she doesn’t keep his weapons in good working order then his inability to fight dragons can place all her friends and neighbours at risk.  When the story was published there was a huge reader response, which made me think about turning it into a novel.  It took me 8 years to figure out how to do that.  And once I started writing the novel, I realized the story and the world I had created were much bigger than I’d first imagined.  So by the time I finished writing Book 1, I pretty much had the whole series in my head.

Interview & Giveaway: Marsha A. Moore

Today, we'd like to welcome author Marsha A. Moore to the blog. Marsha's books are a combination of fantasy and romance, so both Alexia and I have something to look forward to, in them! Marsha has also graciously agreed to giveaway one e-book copy of her Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Legend One book to a lucky winner. Remember to enter the giveaway at the end of the interview! 

So, let's get started!

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Describe your series? What genre would you classify it into? Is it more romance or more fantasy?

The Enchanted Bookstore Legends are about Lyra McCauley, a woman destined to become one of five strong women in her family who possess unique magical abilities and serve as Scribes in Dragonspeir. The Scribes span a long history, dating from 1200 to present day. Each Scribe is expected to journey through Dragonspeir, both the good and evil factions, then draft a written account. Each book contains magic with vast implications. 

Lyra was first introduced to Dragonspeir as a young girl, when she met the high sorcerer, Cullen Drake, through a gift of one of those enchanted books. Using its magic, he escorted her into the parallel world of Dragonspeir. Years later, she lost that volume and forgot the world and Cullen. These legends begin where he finds her again—she is thirty-five, standing in his enchanted bookstore, and Dragonspeir needs her.  

When Lyra reopens that enchanted book, she confronts a series of quests where she is expected to save the good Alliance from destruction by the evil Black Dragon. While learning about her role, Lyra and Cullen fall in love. He is 220 years old and kept alive by Dragonspeir magic. Cullen will die if Dragonspeir is taken over by the evil faction…Lyra becomes the Scribe. 

The genre is fantasy romance, weighted more toward fantasy since there is a lot of complex adventure. 

How do you come up with the idea for the series? 

The Enchanted Bookstore Legends are basically a fantasy lover’s dream, being able to step into a favorite book as a character. I know my initial inspiration came after watching the recent Tim Burton Alice in Wonderland movie. From that, I wanted to work with parallel worlds and have a heroine who must save the fantasy world from danger. But, I wanted it to be more adult in order to deal with more complex feelings. Beyond that, I just see fantasy stories all around me. It comes naturally.

Interview: Emlyn Chand

Today. we have author Emlyn Chand on the blog. She is the author of the Farsighted series, and has two books in the five-book series out. I met Emlyn on Facebook, and I can truly say that I consider her to be a friend. I have read both the books and have reviewed the first book here. I was extremely happy that Emlyn accepted my invitation to come to the blog, as her books have left me with so many questions to which I hope to get some answers today!

So, I'll cut my ramblings short and get started with the interview! This is going to be awesome!

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Describe your series? What genre would you classify it into?

The Farsighted series on the whole is YA. Since the main characters possess psychic gifts, you might class it as paranormal—but it’s also kind of anti-paranormal. The main focus is on the characters themselves, their teenaged struggles, and the burden having such powers has placed on them in the real world. Each book has overtones of a different sub-genre. The first, Farsighted, is more paranormal than the rest; Open Heart is more romantic; Pitch will be more suspenseful; Vertigo will be a mystery, and the final book, Refrain, will be more literary.

The idea of a group of people having special powers is not really something new. How is your series different?

Farsighted is different because it’s so strongly rooted in the real world. The characters are not defined by their powers and the powers are not just cool fun things to play with. There’s also no government agency or corporation conspiring to use the gifted teens for evil ends.

Ritesh: Emlyn, was that aimed at me?

Interview: Solitaire Parke

Today we have author Solitaire Parke on the blog for an interview, telling us about his novels, why he writes and his current projects. Be sure to stop by the blog on Saturday, June 30th for an AH-MAZING giveaway sponsored by Solitaire. Let the fun begin!

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Describe your series? What genre would you classify it into?

"The Emerald Dragon" is book one of the Series "Dragomeir" and is told by the leading character, Tanis.  The story is how he bonded with a dragon and prepares for an apocalyptic war.  The series explores many species such as, Demons, Dragons, Hell Hounds, and Vampires coexisting with mankind in Arizona.  I would consider this series to be Urban Fantasy.

How did you come up with the idea for the series?

I have read Fantasy for years, but I have never found all of the species I liked in one book.  The Dragomeir series fixes that problem for me.  I thought it would be fun for others too.

When and why did you begin writing?

Around the age of twelve.  I had been in the hospital for months and when I got home, I couldn't really do much.  I had been reading a lot during that time and it was a logical progression; reading stories, to writing them.

Interview: Laxmi Hariharan

Today we have author Laxmi Hariharan on the blog. This is really exciting for me, as Laxmi is from India AND writes science fiction, which is an awesome combination! We chat about Laxmi's books, about writing science fiction and the quirks involved in it and of course about India! Also, Laxmi has graciously agreed to hold a giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card too, so go check it out as well!. Now, let's get started!


Describe your book? How do you come up with the idea for the book? 

The Destiny of Shaitan is a delicious blend of gods & humans, sacred & profane; a gripping ride offering a glimpse into your own power. Partially set in a futuristic Bombay, this coming of age story is painted against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. When Tiina accompanies Yudi on a mission to save the universe from the ruthless Shaitan, she seeks more than the end of the tyrant; she seeks herself. The final showdown between Tiina, Yudi, and Shaitan has unexpected consequences, for Shaitan will do anything in his power to win the fight.  The stakes are high and the combatants determined. Will Shaitan's ultimate destiny be fulfilled

I am inspired by Indian mythology. My grandmother narrated me these amazing stories of Indian Gods and Goddesses and their fantastic adventures, when I was growing up in Bombay. So I think the seeds of this book were sown when I was a five year old. I hope The Destiny of Shaitan will introduce an entire new generation around the world to Indian mythology – in a very cool, easy to understand fashion. 

Interview: Natalie Hancock

Today we have Natalie Hancock on the blog for an interview. Natalie is a young author that has written 3 books already - Eternal Darkness, Dark Shadows & Dark Awakening (Cursed in Darkness Series). She is an inspiration to all young authors out there :) She will be discussing her novels, how they came about, her characters and the genre. So without further ado, lets get to the interview...

Describe your books? What genre would you classify it into?

Erotic Vampire Paranormal Romance

How do you come up with the idea for the books? 

Hmm... I’ve read a lot of vampire paranormal romance books, and I guess I got the idea for a vampire book from those. Although I didn’t start writing the books until I started dreaming about them.

When and why did you begin writing?

I was bullied badly in school and I guess it was my way to jump out of the world I didn’t want to be in and jump into the world I wished this world was.