Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Friday, September 1, 2017
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Book Blast & Giveaway for Makai United - Makai Series Book 3
Book blurb
In the depths of the ocean a war is brewing. Ka Moho-ali, ruler of the sharks, has joined forces with the ruthless Lua Pele to destroy Queen Tessa and the city she loves and protects. But Queen Tessa holds a secret that could change everything. Will revealing this knowledge be enough to pierce the darkest of hearts?
Evil permeates the sea and threatens the very survival of those who call it home. The time has come for Queen Tessa and her friends to stand and defend their city once and for all. How much will the ocean queen be willing to sacrifice to save the souls of those she holds dear? She is about to find out.
Evil permeates the sea and threatens the very survival of those who call it home. The time has come for Queen Tessa and her friends to stand and defend their city once and for all. How much will the ocean queen be willing to sacrifice to save the souls of those she holds dear? She is about to find out.
Author Bio
Dr. Fairfield is a licensed psychologist with her doctorate from Northern Arizona University.
Tara grew up in Southern California and loves being near the ocean. Some of her fondest childhood memories are of swimming and snorkeling around Catalina Island. She has three grown children, three grandchildren and four dogs. Life is good!
When she's not writing, you'll find her having fun on the ocean, playing with her dogs or just hanging out with family in the Pacific Northwest.
Tara grew up in Southern California and loves being near the ocean. Some of her fondest childhood memories are of swimming and snorkeling around Catalina Island. She has three grown children, three grandchildren and four dogs. Life is good!
When she's not writing, you'll find her having fun on the ocean, playing with her dogs or just hanging out with family in the Pacific Northwest.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Blog Tour Fragments
Blurb:
LIFE; FEEL IT,
SEE IT, TASTE IT
AND KNOW IT
LET THE MUSIC OF
POETRY BEGIN
AND WALK WITH ME
THROUGH THE PAGES OF FRAGMENTS
FRAGMENTS SPEAKS
LIFE, THE SWEETER SOFTER, PEACEFUL SIDE THAT HAS SO MUCH PASSION AND LOVE FOR
LIFE.
AND
FRAGMENTS SPEAKS
OF THE ANGER, HATRED, JUDGEMENT, LACK OF LOVE, AND COMPASSION SEEKING LIFE WITHIN
SOCIETY….
THIS IS THE
PIECES OF FRAGMENTS OF SOCIAL ATTITUDE AT ITS BEST AND WORST
Excerpt 1:
I choose America,
to live in this land
That was built on personal choice,
to live under a Constitution,
Of Liberty & Justice & Freedom
for ALL…
I have witness society corrupt…
Liberty & Justice & Freedom
Respect MY privacy,
as I choose not to walk
With what some call
SOCIETY!!
Some say that mine’s all wrong,
That I must live by their rules,
And not my own…
Liberty & Justice & Freedom
Social Graces,
is the simple fact,
That society can kiss my ass!!
Excerpt 2:
Shaking the feeling of
the day’s end, only to find a weary line of poetry. Lines break off and trails
end no-where to be found. Only me and the screen with no words to play, just
struggle to express one’s words of thought. Jumping up, running from the
screen, too scared to write what it all means. Lines break off and trails end
no-where to be found. Writer’s block is the enemy when one wants to express,
between hand and screen nothing more exists. The world continues to spin, my
hands continue to type senseless words, that no-one will read. The weary line
of poetry is my only friend, I can speak of secrets and taunting games of
words, but the screen protects. While the line breaks off and the trails end
no-where to be found….
only one, the screen
Bio:
Jeniann Bowers was
born in Whitefish, Montana in 1972. She was raised in Eureka, Montana most of
her younger years. She was the youngest of four children and is the only
surviving girl. Jeniann attended Rexford Elementary School her kindergarten
year and the following year she transferred to Eureka Elementary School where
she graduated from the eighth grade in 1987. She attended Lincoln County High
School until her junior year when she moved from Eureka to Medford, Oregon with
her mother and stepfather. Her mother passed away in January 1991, and Jeniann
soon got married and started a family. She was married for 21 years and had
five children. She lost a daughter to SIDS in March 1994. Jeniann has recently
become divorced and is raising her two boys with her daughter's help. Jeniann's
youngest son suffers from Autism. J. also suffers from her own disabilities of
Fibromyalgia, physical chronic pain, neuropathy, chronic depression and anxiety.
Jeniann attended college at Capella University throughout most of her
writing career. She made both the President's and Dean's list for outstanding
academic achievements.Jeniann is published poetess. Her books have been in the top ten bestselling list on Amazon in the past and her current ratings stand at 4.5. She has published the following books: Expressions on Life Book One, Expressions and Letters, Phraseology and Letters, Collection of 25 Days of Christmas Poetry, Poems, Dreams & More, Poetry Is...???, Poetry: The Lighter Side of Silliness, The Sound of Nature: Collected Poems & Other Writings and soon to be released Fragments, and the re-release of Expressions, and Phraseology of Love, 25 Days of Christmas Poetry.
Jeniann is the owner of Poetry is...which is a blogging business of her own personal poetry, teachings of poetry, journals and other writings. Jeniann is a firm advocate for poetry publishing and writing poetry.
Author Interview: Fragments
What inspires you to write poetry?
Several things inspire me to write
poetry. Nature plays a large role in most of my poetry. I was raised in the
mountains in Montana and nature was all around me. Different poets inspire me
as well, especially Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson’s poetry. Music inspires
me when I am really sincerely in touch with my emotions. To me, inspiration is
all around me, I just stay in tuned with my surroundings and how it makes me
feel.
What is a measure of success as a
poet?
The measure of success as a poet is
just writing the poem. I don’t measure my success by my readers or by how many
books I sell. I measure my success on each poem I write, how I put the poem
together and how the poem makes me feel as a poet.
Who are some of your favorite poets?
Robert Frost is my all-time
favorite, with poems such as, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” “Birches,” “Mending
Wall,” “Fire and Ice,” Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Robert’s word
play is what inspires me the most and his thought process of his poetry is unbelievably
amazing.
Emily Dickinson is my hero, she just
wrote poetry and never worried about society likes or dislikes of her work. Her
poems depict this in each one, she wrote from the heart and soul of her
emotions.
Maya Angelou, I look at her as a
teacher in the modern world of poetry. I study her poetry a lot and learn a lot
from her poems and how she displays her emotions through her poetry.
What advice do you have for aspiring
poets?
My advice to anyone who writes or wants
to write is keep practicing. The more you write the better you will become and
easier the writing process and word play becomes.
Do the Internet and social media
contribute to the well-being of poetry?
I have mixed feelings about social
media and poetry. Yes, the Internet and social media opens up the door and has
helped bring poetry to new audiences, however, I am choosy about what platforms
I use to promote my own poetry.
What do most well-written poems have
in common?
The specialty and structure.
What book are you reading right now?
I am always reading more than just one book, there can never be just one. The
Poet’s Corner by John Lithgow and Ponderings by Michele Ward
What does “being creative” mean to
you?
Being creative to me means that I
can express myself in a new way in which I have never done before. Being
creative means to create a formation of words into a written piece of work that
sheds the specialty of the written word.
What kind of creative patterns,
routines or rituals do you have?
I use many different creative
patterns. In my Top Ten, I speak about word play and what I call the “Word
Theater;” which is my writer’s notebook that I keep my creative patterns such
as word banks of words that go together or rhyme together.
As for routines, I have to take a
few moments and meditate, go for a walk or journal to get into the motion of creativity.
My biggest ritual of writing is
having my time and my coffee to write.
Which creative medium would you love
to pursue but haven’t yet?
I would love to learn more about
songwriting. I have always had a love and interest for lyrics and for music.
What's the biggest mistake you've
made as a writer?
Trust! When I first started out I
trusted everyone! I was wrong there, I found myself swallowed up by a group of
writers that only cared about themselves and their work I thought if I helped them promote their
work, they in return would help me. I have learned more about why I call myself
a poet and why I write from this experience. I recluse myself more and only
depend on a small handful of friends for support.
If you had to convince a friend or
colleague to read this book, what might you tell them?
First, I would tell them that poetry
can save your life and then I would ask them their thoughts about life. After
the answer I would tell them exactly what the beginning of my book says “LIFE; FEEL
IT, SEE IT, TASTE IT AND KNOW IT~ LET THE MUSIC OF POETRY BEGIN AND WALK WITH
ME THROUGH THE PAGES OF FRAGMENTS.”
Where does this book fit into your
career as a writer?
This book is far from being a milestone
in my career as a poet. This book stands out from my usual routine of writing
about broken hearts, love and grief. I am very excited and happy with this
book.
What influenced this book?
Life influenced this book. Being in
touch with my surroundings.
Tell me about your book.
Fragments has three sections to it,
Fragments of Peace, Fragments of Social Attitude, and Fragments of Love. Fragments
of Peace speaks the softer sweeter side, peaceful side of life and my social
attitude towards it. Fragments of Social Attitude speaks of anger, hatred,
judgment, lack of love and the compassion seeking life within society.
Fragments of Love speaks about the truth I see in love and my feelings about
love at this moment in my life as a whole.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
The Black Eagles by @KatGreen00
The rise of the Black Eagles was meteoric, from band practice in the garage to global stars almost overnight. And Melissa Webb, the beautiful girlfriend of the front man, appeared to have it all. But when Luke Black disappears without a trace and Melissa wakes up in a hospital bed after a savage attack, her perfect world is shattered and their lives are plunged into a potentially deadly crisis. Where is Luke, and can he be found before it is too late?
The Black Eagles and their loved ones try to recover from the traumatic events that have beset the band, starting to piece together their lives while trying to make sense of everything that happened to them. How can they trust again, after so much betrayal? As they begin a collective healing process, they find that the future has more demons in store for them.
At the centre of it all are Luke and Melissa, only just starting to put their lives back together. As they embark on new adventures, old enemies may not be ready to let them forget.
At the centre of it all are Luke and Melissa, only just starting to put their lives back together. As they embark on new adventures, old enemies may not be ready to let them forget.
Kat Green was born Nov 1979 into a military family and moved around a lot during her childhood. This shaped her into the person she is today. She is at ease with meeting new people and adapting to new surroundings. Her family roots are from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire. Kat now lives with her husband and son on the south coast of England, Portsmouth. She doesn't pretend to be the best and is still growing as a writer and having fun along the way. She loves books and has a busy imagination. Her love for music plays a big part in her first novel called Strings. Kat loves to watch live bands and can usually be found at gigs around the UK. In 2010 she lost her mother to blood cancer and it was time to put her words on a page and stop worrying about what people might say 'Life is too short and precious to waste' is her motto. Writing is her passion and her escape.
Social Media & Amazon Links
The Black Eagles Band bracelet & Keychains Giveaway
Character Interview
Q1: How old were you
when you started playing guitar?
LB: I was Twelve. My
mum gave me Chloe my acoustic guitar on my twelve birthday. That guitar is like
another best friend, if anything ever happened to her it would be tragic. I would sulk for weeks. I have poured my heart out with her, wrote
many a song with that guitar. It’s like a limb that is a part of me. It would
hurt to lose her.
Q2: What was the
first song that you wrote? And, Why?
LB: Pink Ribbons was my first song. It was written about a
girl called Chloe who was my first real friend. We meet when we were 5; even
then I had an eye for the girls. (Luke laughs, but then frowns.) She died in a house fire on her seventh
birthday, her death impacted on me so much. I was 7 years old and I didn’t
understand it. How could she be gone? I had all these things I wanted to say
and I didn’t know how to. So I didn’t and I locked her away, buried the pain.
The guitar came along and suddenly I found an outlet. Turns out, I’m pretty
good at it. It was the only way I could move on and accept it. Writing songs is
how I cope with bad things in a positive way.
Hence naming my Guitar. That is my way of saying that I have never
forgotten her and I never will.
Q3: If you were not
in a band or doing anything music related. What job would you be doing?
LB: I would still be working in a petrol station, dying of
boredom. I try not to think about it. I’m doing the only thing I want to do and
have any skill in and it’s the best thing in the world. I’m the happiest person
in the world when I’m on stage.
Q4: What was it like
to go from playing to 20 people in a pub to what you’re doing now?
LB: Mind blowing, insane and I am still in shock. Everyone
dreams of it but not everyone gets it. I am so thankful for every fan we have,
we have some incredible fans. Some have been with us from the very start. Some
have become friends. It’s nice and I will never take them for granted.
Q5: What song is your
favourite to perform?
LB: That’s easy
‘Weekend High’ I wrote that when I was twenty after a really bad relationship.
It wasn’t really a relationship but at the time I didn’t see it. It was just convenience and there was no love
there we argued more than anything else. I love the fact the fans go insane to it. My
work is done and it’s what I set out to achieve.
Q6: Which song don’t
you like?
LB: Hmmm.. I don’t really dislike any but I guess ‘Just
another day wishing’ I think it’s quite slow for us and I sound like such a
moaning old git. I was quite down when I wrote that. I don’t mind it but none
of us really get excited about playing it. We drop it from sets sometimes, if
I’m in a bad mood and I don’t want to do it, I won’t. Not a good song for me if
I’m in a strop already. We get away with it as it isn’t a fan fave, some seemed
to like it but not everyone. My mum loves it.
Q7: Which gig has
been your favorite so far?
LB: That is harder to answer because every gig is amazing
for all kinds of reasons. I don’t think it would be fair to choose one. That is
like saying to one set of fans ‘Oh you were great’ and make other fans feel
like you didn’t enjoy their show. For
sentimental reasons our third gig at Ruby’s back home will always be special. I
meet my girlfriend there and it was what changed everything for me and us as a
band.
Q9: There is story at
the moment saying you proposed to Melissa? True or False?
LB: What? News to me. No, not true. She’s amazing though,
one day, maybe. Right now I’m concentrating on my career and she is so
supportive.
Q8: It’s a Saturday
night and you’re not on tour. What would you be doing?
LB: I don’t see my girlfriend very much so we would either
be catching up at home. (Luke winks and laughs) or I would be writing new
material. I don’t really have spare time. I feel like I always have something
to work on, or prepare for. When I’m on tour that is my party time, and when
I’m home I calm it down a bit.
Q9: Who is your best
friend?
LB: My band are my best mates but the ultimate title goes to
Dale. He’s always there for me even when I’m being a dick, we’ve know each
other for about 100 years. He’s a fucking ace best friend and he’s not a bad
guitarist either.
Q10: What would you
like to say to your fans about the gossip that surrounds you?
LB: That most of it is complete and utter Bollocks. If you
haven’t heard it from me the chances are it isn’t true. Just to clarify the latest story. The band is
not splitting up. My girlfriend isn’t sleeping with my drummer, doesn’t have a
drink problem and isn’t pregnant. and I haven’t proposed. Amazes me how many lies
fly around. I don’t care what they write
about me as I’m really not that bothered by it.
I do care when my girlfriend is sobbing because people are calling her
all kinds of things in the street or online over lies.
Q11: What annoys you
about being in the limelight?
LB: Just people’s need
to lie. Write the truth or don’t bother. If people want to know something just
ask me. I’ve no problem with having a chat but don’t make stuff up or I will
pull you on it. I’m not scared of standing up for myself. Be warned.
Q12: Do you have any
regrets?
LB: Yes. I would rather not say as it’s something that is
causing me issues currently and I wish I could turn the clocks back so I never
meet this person. That’s all I’m willing
to say.
Q13: What would you
say annoys others about you?
LB: I’m a perfectionist. I drive everyone mad at times. We
could have completely nailed a song but I will be thinking about making it
better. I worry about things more than the others. There have been times where
I’m trying to change a set list minutes before a show and that winds people up.
Q14: Would you change
anything about the band?
LB: Hell no! We’re in a good place and there’s nobody else I
would consider doing this with. They are my best mates and we have a laugh and
without them I would be nowhere. Anyway, I don’t think anyone else would put up
with me.
Q15: You have 48 hours
to live. What would you do?
LB: I would put on the biggest show and say goodbye to my
fans before spending whatever time I have left with the people I love.
Hopefully write a song that will go down in history so I live on forever. Have
a massive party and go out with a smile on face.
Teaser 1
She felt as though they were never going to let her recover in private – the vultures were already circling, and picking for information as to what had happened. Jean had dodged two of them as she’d come into the hospital and that wasn’t even the beginning. There would be more – lots more. She wanted to scream at them to leave her daughter alone, but what would be the point? She was an intelligent woman and she knew that the lifestyle Melissa and Luke had chosen came at a price. But surely there had to be a limit? Apparently, her broken and terrified daughter was even more exciting to them than she was before. It was just another scoop for them to sell their trash, she thought. They didn’t care that two families and their friends were going through a terrible time, which would only get worse if he didn’t return. Millions of fans around the world waited to discover the fate of their idol. But to Melissa he was her boyfriend, her soul mate, her world.
Melissa went deathly white and the sound that came from within her made her parents jump; it was like an animal being tortured. She was hysterical, and had to be restrained as she threw herself on the floor screaming for Luke. Her parents struggled with her, begging her to calm down but she had snapped. Everything she had been subjected to rushed to the surface and boiled over. She was unable to control herself any more.
Her medical team rushed in and quickly assessed the situation. Due to her state of mind, they decided that sedation was the only way to calm her down and prevent her from causing herself harm.
‘Do it, doctor – now!’ Jean yelled as she struggled to hold her broken daughter.
Teaser 2
‘You look beautiful, as always.’ She barely had to try, he thought.
He was in his usual dark blue jeans and black hoody.
‘Do I look fat?’ she asked.
‘Shut up and stop fishing for compliments!’ he joked, but she pulled a sad face.
‘Of course you don’t!’
‘That’s the right answer.’
‘I’ve something for you too, to bring you luck today.’ She opened her travel bag and pulled out a small package.
‘You didn’t have to. It’s your birthday, not mine!’
She waved his protest away; it was a big day for him, and she felt that it would be right to give him a gift too. It was a brown leather cuff which she’d seen in a music shop. She’d thought it would suit him and look good while he played. She placed it on his wrist carefully, winding the strap around several times so there were three layers, then fastened the small silver buckle at the side to secure it.
‘It’s great – thanks, babe,’ he said gratefully as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Even though he tried to hide it, she could tell he was nervous.
‘Play for me – don’t worry about anyone else,’ she whispered. The next few words came out of her mouth without her even thinking, ‘I love you ...’ She immediately realised that this was a big moment because they hadn’t said it to each other before, even though everyone else could see they were head over heels in love. She held her breath, waiting for him to react, hoping he felt the same. It hadn’t been planned, and she’d surprised herself as well as him, but desperately hoped she hadn’t picked the wrong moment or said it too soon and scared him off.
Teaser 3
The shouting had stopped, and Ray was relieved. He stood outside the door, ready to go in if he had to. The others were either in their rooms or in the bar, keeping well out of the way. As Ray heard their angry shouts die down and then turn into passionate moans, he realised that all was well again in Paradise, and he quickly scuttled off before he heard something that might give him nightmares.
Toby was just heading back from the bar and raised an eyebrow at his manager. ‘Ah, the making-up stage. That took longer than I thought. Damn, I owe Tom a tenner now,’ he laughed then banged on Luke’s door.
‘You owe me a tenner, Black, you slag,’ then headed back to the bar, laughing loudly and knowing they had plenty of time to chill out. Those two weren’t going anywhere for a while.
Teaser 1
She felt as though they were never going to let her recover in private – the vultures were already circling, and picking for information as to what had happened. Jean had dodged two of them as she’d come into the hospital and that wasn’t even the beginning. There would be more – lots more. She wanted to scream at them to leave her daughter alone, but what would be the point? She was an intelligent woman and she knew that the lifestyle Melissa and Luke had chosen came at a price. But surely there had to be a limit? Apparently, her broken and terrified daughter was even more exciting to them than she was before. It was just another scoop for them to sell their trash, she thought. They didn’t care that two families and their friends were going through a terrible time, which would only get worse if he didn’t return. Millions of fans around the world waited to discover the fate of their idol. But to Melissa he was her boyfriend, her soul mate, her world.
Melissa went deathly white and the sound that came from within her made her parents jump; it was like an animal being tortured. She was hysterical, and had to be restrained as she threw herself on the floor screaming for Luke. Her parents struggled with her, begging her to calm down but she had snapped. Everything she had been subjected to rushed to the surface and boiled over. She was unable to control herself any more.
Her medical team rushed in and quickly assessed the situation. Due to her state of mind, they decided that sedation was the only way to calm her down and prevent her from causing herself harm.
‘Do it, doctor – now!’ Jean yelled as she struggled to hold her broken daughter.
Teaser 2
‘You look beautiful, as always.’ She barely had to try, he thought.
He was in his usual dark blue jeans and black hoody.
‘Do I look fat?’ she asked.
‘Shut up and stop fishing for compliments!’ he joked, but she pulled a sad face.
‘Of course you don’t!’
‘That’s the right answer.’
‘I’ve something for you too, to bring you luck today.’ She opened her travel bag and pulled out a small package.
‘You didn’t have to. It’s your birthday, not mine!’
She waved his protest away; it was a big day for him, and she felt that it would be right to give him a gift too. It was a brown leather cuff which she’d seen in a music shop. She’d thought it would suit him and look good while he played. She placed it on his wrist carefully, winding the strap around several times so there were three layers, then fastened the small silver buckle at the side to secure it.
‘It’s great – thanks, babe,’ he said gratefully as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Even though he tried to hide it, she could tell he was nervous.
‘Play for me – don’t worry about anyone else,’ she whispered. The next few words came out of her mouth without her even thinking, ‘I love you ...’ She immediately realised that this was a big moment because they hadn’t said it to each other before, even though everyone else could see they were head over heels in love. She held her breath, waiting for him to react, hoping he felt the same. It hadn’t been planned, and she’d surprised herself as well as him, but desperately hoped she hadn’t picked the wrong moment or said it too soon and scared him off.
Teaser 3
The shouting had stopped, and Ray was relieved. He stood outside the door, ready to go in if he had to. The others were either in their rooms or in the bar, keeping well out of the way. As Ray heard their angry shouts die down and then turn into passionate moans, he realised that all was well again in Paradise, and he quickly scuttled off before he heard something that might give him nightmares.
Toby was just heading back from the bar and raised an eyebrow at his manager. ‘Ah, the making-up stage. That took longer than I thought. Damn, I owe Tom a tenner now,’ he laughed then banged on Luke’s door.
‘You owe me a tenner, Black, you slag,’ then headed back to the bar, laughing loudly and knowing they had plenty of time to chill out. Those two weren’t going anywhere for a while.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Blog Tour Sons of the Sphinx
2014 Literary Classics Silver Medal Winner for PreTeen/Tween
Literary Classics 2014 Seal of Approval
When 15-year-old Rosa agrees to help the ghost of King Tut find his lost queen Hesena, she doesn't count on falling for him. And once back in Ancient Egypt, Rosa discovers that finding Hesena is not all she must do: She must keep out of the reach of the living Horemheb—who crosses mortal boundaries using Seth's evil magic—if she is to stay alive to make it back home.
Sons of the Sphinx is based on the schism that shot through ancient Egypt when, according to historians, the Pharaoh Akhenatenturned his back on Thebes and the gods of Egypt. He built his own city to honor his god the Aten, and he insisted that the people of Egypt do the same. Along with this, he supposedly refused to send troops to defend Egypt's borders thus incurring the wrath of the then General Horemheb. When Tutankhamen becomes pharaoh, he reverses Akhenaten's proclamations and returns the governing center to Thebes and the worship back to the god Amun.
However, the damage has been done, and by the time Horemheb attains pharaoh status, he has proclaimed the betrayal of the Egyptian people by Akhenaten so widely and so much, all members of the family including Tutankhamen and Ankhsenamun and Ay are dishonored. Horemheb further insults the family by defacing Ay's tomb after his death. It is Ay's decision before his death to ensure that Ankhsenamun is not subject to dishonor by keeping her final resting place a secret.
The historical significance of my story is the main reason I was able to write Sons of the Sphinx. Needing to help right a wrong done over 3000 years ago and reunite the boy king with his queen (whose tomb has yet to be identified or found), allows my protagonist Rosa the opportunity to come to terms with who she is and what her place is in this world.
February 28th Sons of the Sphinx FREE!
Author Bio
I’m a twice-retired high school (ages 14-18) English teacher from Colorado having taught for 25 years. I love working with my students, and now I write for middle graders and early teens. My books are written for reluctant readers, but are enjoyed by any who love adventures and quests. It is my love of the ancient and medieval worlds that provides my settings for my stories.
Q&A for Double
Decker Tour
1. What made you
choose ancient Egypt for the historical setting of Sons of the Sphinx?
I’ve always been fascinated with ancient times, and Egypt is
at the center of my fascination. Ancient Egypt is mysterious, mystic, and romantic
to many people, including my target audience: young readers.
I didn’t really consider doing a story set back then until
after my visit to Egypt in 2008 and the tour of King Tut’s memorabilia in the
US. An idea for a story around Tut’s life started to grow. In fact, that story
is told by Tut himself in my short historical Tutankhamen Speaks. While that was a fun write, it turned out it
wasn’t the story I wanted to tell. I wanted an adventure and to set that
adventure in ancient Egypt with Tut sounded like an interesting premise.
2. Why do you write
middle grade/tween/YA novels?
Coming from 25 years of teaching high school students, I
want to use my experience to engage those readers and younger ones in the hopes
of enticing them to read more. My Arthurian adventures are for readers aged
8/9-12. Kids love Medieval Times. While Guinevere:
On the Eve of Legend and Young
Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom are exciting adventure
stories, readers learn that while the journey to self-discovery is not a smooth
one, it is one that can be traveled. Even young kids are starting to wonder
where they belong in the grand scheme of the universe.
Sons of the Sphinx
is geared more to readers age 12 and up. At the heart of the story is the tale
of Rosa’s coming of age. She is a high school sophomore who is desperate to
find her place in life just as were the students I taught. It doesn’t help that
she has inherited her Nana’s gift. As
she finds out, where she wants to be, may not be where her life takes her, but
she has to learn how to make the best of it.
3. Sons of the Sphinx is already gathering awards. Explain, if you
can, what makes your books special.
Overall, my experience as a teacher and my ability to
understand what motivates kids is a big factor in the success of my books. To
that I would also have to add my philosophy on life, which is based on Joseph
Campbell’s idea of the Hero’s Journey. The
Hero With A Thousand Faces is really my Bible when I write. Campbell writes
of the journey all of us embark on everyday of our lives: the search for self
and worth, the successes and failures, the temptations and the denials.
According to him, this is not a single journey, but one that is repeated
throughout our lives.
Embedded within all of my characters’ adventures is their
quest to find themselves. This is for them the first time they’ve really been
able to explore their place in the world. My readers are also experiencing this
in their lives. However, my books don’t preach or shout this out loud; instead,
this journey is couched in an exciting and often dangerous adventure. This type
of story offers readers a type of catharsis the old Greek playwrights used:
Letting the audience experience the emotions of the characters while remaining
somewhat safe. Those plays also carried individual meaning for each of the
audience members and were very popular.
4. Tell us about
you’re currently working on.
I’ve just finished writing the first draft of the sequel to Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend. This
was meant to be a stand-alone story, but over the years, readers have been
asking what happens with the young Princess Guinevere and, especially, her
companion Cedwyn. In fact, for about a year and a half now, Cedwyn has been
reminding me that he wants to be a knight, and he wants to know when that is
going to happen. I finally gave in. I believe the sequel Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn’s Story is going to be a
much stronger story where my characters make significant growth. Hoping to have
it out in late 2015.
5. What are your
long-term writing projects?
Oh yes. I’m hoping to have the first book of my trilogy The Feather of the Phoenix out in 2016.
These tales will take place, in a manner of speaking, in the ancient worlds of
Atlantis, Pompeii, and the Norse civilization. As of now, the books are The Atlantean Horse, The Ashes of Pompeii, and The Norse Star.
Also in the planning stages are The Trojan War and a sequel to Young
Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom.
Social Links
Goodreads
Google+
Buying Links
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Kobo
Smashwords
Nook
iBookstore
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Kat Greens Blog Tour
Book Blurb –
The rise of the Black Eagles was meteoric, from band practice in the garage to global stars almost overnight.And Melissa Webb, the beautiful girlfriend of the front man, appeared to have it all.
But when Luke Black disappears without a trace and Melissa wakes up in a hospital bed after a savage attack, her perfect world is shattered and their lives are plunged into a potentially deadly crisis.
Where is Luke, and can he be found before it is too late?
“I started reading this book yesterday morning and I could not put it down, it was that good. ” - Stacie review on Amazon
“Looking forward to another book about the The Black Eagles and the Eagle girls. ” - Teresa Jensen review on Amazon
“So well written! I couldn't put it down! I can't wait for the sequel!! ” - Kate Youngreview on Amazon
“I could not put this book down.” - Rubina Guerrero review on Amazon
“It is quite a gripping story.” - Paula Esteban review on Amazon
“I’m in love with Kat Greens writing skills. She knows how to show emotions and action and writes a good balance between it.” - Annika review on Goodreads
“…have a story with heart stopping moments, twists and turns that will keep you hooked to the end.
Can't wait for the next book.” - Emmie Kates on Goodreads
Author Kat Green’s Bio –
Character Bio: Luke Black –
CAREER:
Front man for The Black Eagles.
Full name: Luke Black
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Birthday: Sept 7th 1991
Nationality: English
Religion: Music
City or town of birth: Portsmouth UK
Currently lives: London
Relationship Status: Taken
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height: Short but has presence bigger than Goliath
Hair colour: Jet Black
Hairstyle: Short with a lightening strike fringe
Eye colour: Sapphire Blue
Tattoos: Eagles on Left side and both arms
Piercings: None
Preferred style of clothing: Jeans and Hoody
Frequently worn jewellery: Leather wristband given to him by his Girlfriend
HEALTH
Smoker? Too much
Drinker? Too much
Any physical ailments/illnesses/disabilities: Travel sickness
PERSONALITY
Personality: Perfectionist, Loving but fierce if messed with.
Likes: Guitars, Eagles and his girlfriend
Dislikes: Vanity and Liars
Fears/phobias: Losing his arms so he can’t play guitar
Favourite colour: Black
Hobbies: Music, Music and Music
SKILLS
Talents/skills: Guitarist, Lyricist, Singer and Leader.
Ability to drive a car? Yes
EATING HABITS
Favourite food(s): Homemade
Favourite drink(s): Beer, Whiskey and Coffee
Disliked food: Nothing, eats anything.
Disliked drinks: Water
HOUSE AND HOME
Describe the character’s house/home: Top floor Apartment in London
Significant/special belongings: Chloe, his acoustic Guitar
Parents names: Debbie and Stuart Black
Siblings? Only Child
Other Important Relatives: Ray his manager is like a tour dad to him.
Partner/Spouse: Melissa Webb (Girlfriend. Soul mate)
Best Friend: Dale Baxter (Band member)
Other Important Friends: Toby Maxwell and Tom Lawton (Band members)
Character Interview: Luke Black –
Q1: How old were you when you started playing guitar?LB: I was 12. My mum gave me Chloe, my acoustic guitar on my twelve birthday.
Q2: What started your song writing?
LB: Losing my best friend at age 7 in a house fire. I wrote my first song Pink Ribbons for Chloe, who was also the reason I named my guitar. Her death impacted on me that much. I was 7 years old and it was the only way I could move on and accept it. But, without letting her go completely.
Q3: If Chloe was still alive, do you think she would be your girlfriend?
LB: I often ask myself that. I don’t know if she would have been in my life romantically but she would be my best friend. That I am very sure of. A part of me thinks she was removed to allow me to meet Melissa. She is my little Angel who I believe has always been with me. I’ve never forgotten her.
Q4: If you were not in a band or doing anything music related. What job would you be doing?
LB: I would still be working in a petrol station. Dying of boredom. I try not to think about it. I’m doing the only thing I want to do and have any skill in.
Q5: What was it like to go from playing to 20 people in a pub to what you’re doing now?
LB: Mind blowing, insane and I am still in shock. Everyone dreams of it but not everyone gets it. I am so thankful for every fan we have.
Q6: What song is your favourite to perform?
LB: Ooooh that’s easy ‘Weekend High’ I wrote that when I was twenty after a really bad relationship. It wasn’t really a relationship but at the time I didn’t see it, it was just convenience and there was no love there. Also, the fans go nuts to it.
Q7: Which gig has been your favorite so far?
LB: Now, that is harder to answer because every gig is amazing for all kinds of reasons. I don’t think it would be fair to choose one. That is like saying to one set of fans ‘Oh you were great’ and make other fans feel like you are dissing them. But, for sentimental reasons our third gig at Ruby’s back home will always be special. I meet my Liss there and it was what changed everything for me, and us as a band.
Q8: It’s a Saturday night and you’re not on tour. What would you be doing? LB: I don’t see Liss much so we would either be catching up at home. (Luke winks and laughs) or we would be out with everyone getting drunk.
Q9: Who is your best friend?
LB: My band are my best mates but the ultimate title goes to Dale. He’s always there for me even when I’m a pain in the arse, we’ve know each other since we were 10.
Q10: What would you like to say to your fans about the gossip that surrounds you?
LB: That most of it is complete and utter rubbish. If you haven’t heard it from me the chances are it isn’t true. And, Just to clarify the latest story. The band are not splitting up. My girlfriend isn’t sleeping with my drummer, doesn’t have a drink problem and isn’t pregnant.
Q11: You have 48 hours to live. What would you do?
LB: I would put on the biggest show and say goodbye to my fans before spending whatever time I have left with the people I love. Hopefully write a song that will go down in history so I live on forever.
Vote for Kat Greens cover on the monthly Masquerade Crew - August Cover Wars Part 3: Vote DAILY for your favorite 1 or 2 covers. http://masqueradecrew.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/august-cover-wars-part-3-vote-daily-for.html
Full name: Luke Black
Gender: Male
Age: 22
Birthday: Sept 7th 1991
Nationality: English
Religion: Music
City or town of birth: Portsmouth UK
Currently lives: London
Relationship Status: Taken
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Height: Short but has presence bigger than Goliath
Hair colour: Jet Black
Hairstyle: Short with a lightening strike fringe
Eye colour: Sapphire Blue
Tattoos: Eagles on Left side and both arms
Piercings: None
Preferred style of clothing: Jeans and Hoody
Frequently worn jewellery: Leather wristband given to him by his Girlfriend
HEALTH
Smoker? Too much
Drinker? Too much
Any physical ailments/illnesses/disabilities: Travel sickness
PERSONALITY
Personality: Perfectionist, Loving but fierce if messed with.
Likes: Guitars, Eagles and his girlfriend
Dislikes: Vanity and Liars
Fears/phobias: Losing his arms so he can’t play guitar
Favourite colour: Black
Hobbies: Music, Music and Music
SKILLS
Talents/skills: Guitarist, Lyricist, Singer and Leader.
Ability to drive a car? Yes
EATING HABITS
Favourite food(s): Homemade
Favourite drink(s): Beer, Whiskey and Coffee
Disliked food: Nothing, eats anything.
Disliked drinks: Water
HOUSE AND HOME
Describe the character’s house/home: Top floor Apartment in London
Significant/special belongings: Chloe, his acoustic Guitar
Parents names: Debbie and Stuart Black
Siblings? Only Child
Other Important Relatives: Ray his manager is like a tour dad to him.
Partner/Spouse: Melissa Webb (Girlfriend. Soul mate)
Best Friend: Dale Baxter (Band member)
Other Important Friends: Toby Maxwell and Tom Lawton (Band members)
Character Interview: Luke Black –
Q1: How old were you when you started playing guitar?LB: I was 12. My mum gave me Chloe, my acoustic guitar on my twelve birthday.
Q2: What started your song writing?
LB: Losing my best friend at age 7 in a house fire. I wrote my first song Pink Ribbons for Chloe, who was also the reason I named my guitar. Her death impacted on me that much. I was 7 years old and it was the only way I could move on and accept it. But, without letting her go completely.
Q3: If Chloe was still alive, do you think she would be your girlfriend?
LB: I often ask myself that. I don’t know if she would have been in my life romantically but she would be my best friend. That I am very sure of. A part of me thinks she was removed to allow me to meet Melissa. She is my little Angel who I believe has always been with me. I’ve never forgotten her.
Q4: If you were not in a band or doing anything music related. What job would you be doing?
LB: I would still be working in a petrol station. Dying of boredom. I try not to think about it. I’m doing the only thing I want to do and have any skill in.
Q5: What was it like to go from playing to 20 people in a pub to what you’re doing now?
LB: Mind blowing, insane and I am still in shock. Everyone dreams of it but not everyone gets it. I am so thankful for every fan we have.
Q6: What song is your favourite to perform?
LB: Ooooh that’s easy ‘Weekend High’ I wrote that when I was twenty after a really bad relationship. It wasn’t really a relationship but at the time I didn’t see it, it was just convenience and there was no love there. Also, the fans go nuts to it.
Q7: Which gig has been your favorite so far?
LB: Now, that is harder to answer because every gig is amazing for all kinds of reasons. I don’t think it would be fair to choose one. That is like saying to one set of fans ‘Oh you were great’ and make other fans feel like you are dissing them. But, for sentimental reasons our third gig at Ruby’s back home will always be special. I meet my Liss there and it was what changed everything for me, and us as a band.
Q8: It’s a Saturday night and you’re not on tour. What would you be doing? LB: I don’t see Liss much so we would either be catching up at home. (Luke winks and laughs) or we would be out with everyone getting drunk.
Q9: Who is your best friend?
LB: My band are my best mates but the ultimate title goes to Dale. He’s always there for me even when I’m a pain in the arse, we’ve know each other since we were 10.
Q10: What would you like to say to your fans about the gossip that surrounds you?
LB: That most of it is complete and utter rubbish. If you haven’t heard it from me the chances are it isn’t true. And, Just to clarify the latest story. The band are not splitting up. My girlfriend isn’t sleeping with my drummer, doesn’t have a drink problem and isn’t pregnant.
Q11: You have 48 hours to live. What would you do?
LB: I would put on the biggest show and say goodbye to my fans before spending whatever time I have left with the people I love. Hopefully write a song that will go down in history so I live on forever.
Vote for Kat Greens cover on the monthly Masquerade Crew - August Cover Wars Part 3: Vote DAILY for your favorite 1 or 2 covers. http://masqueradecrew.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/august-cover-wars-part-3-vote-daily-for.html
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