Be safe and have fun today. Wishing you all the best in the celebration of America's birthday.
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Interview with the Author - K. Bird Lincoln
Recently, I was able to interview author K. Bird Lincoln. She recently released a new book, and I'm excited to share it with you! * denotes a link you can click.
Initiate 5 questions:
_________________________________________
(Q) Your new book, Dream Eater, was released by World Weaver Press on April 4th, 2017.
How long was the road to publication from first draft to book release?
(A) So which answer do you want? The long one or the short one?
Definitely both!
The short: 7 years.
The long: I started writing it like 8 years ago. Then Big! Life! Issues! got in the way like recessions and cancer and small toddlers attempting to eat dirt and all that. Somewhere in there I must have kept up my dastardly-plan-of-world-domination-through-publishing- fantasy™ by submitting *Dream Eater to small presses. I truthfully don’t remember because, you know: cancer. Although I have a spreadsheet that chronicled a bunch of rejections from various places so I must have been paying attention at some point. About a year ago, Rhonda Parrish let me know Dream Eater was still under consideration. Part of me was like “oh, is that still being submitted?” and the other part of me ignored it because this was not my first “under consideration” rodeo, and I’d never made it through the publishing gate with novels before. But then Rhonda sent an email that *World Weaver Press wanted to acquire Dream Eater. And then she sent me editing suggestions a month or so later. And then line edits and cover suggestions…yadda yadda yadda it was April 2017 and Dream Eater was a real, live book in my hands.
(Q) Of all the books you’ve worked on, which character do you relate to the most? Why?
(A) I never play favorites J
There’s a little bit of me in all the characters. Dream Eater’s heroine, Koi, has a Caucasian mother and a Japanese father: that’s more like my own daughters than me. In *Tiger Lily, Lily’s a girl who doesn’t exactly like being girly: that’s more like me. But in like all other ways she’s not at all like me (mostly because she lives in medieval Japan during an alternate *Muromachi period and hears gods sing—but that’s another story).
(Q) I know you’re involved with different writing groups. What benefits have you found with online writing groups versus in person groups?
(Q) I know you’re involved with different writing groups. What benefits have you found with online writing groups versus in person groups?
(A) Such a tangled question. I think what you get out of different writing groups depends on a matrix of three things:
What’s your personality?
What kind of benefits are you looking for?
Where are you in your journey as a writer?
If you’re shy, online groups can be a good way to share info with people, and stalk them..er….get to know them before you have to meet them in person . I think online groups also give you more access to a wealth of resources and opinions. On the other hand, it’s easy to lurk and get lost in online communities (believe me, I’m a veteran lurker) and the hard lesson I’ve learned from chronic lurking is that no one gets to know you. If you’re just looking for information, online communities are great. Some, like *Critters or *Codex also are way to find critique partners.
In person groups probably are more helpful at the start of your career, although as a veteran writer I feel you have a duty to pay it forward, you need to mentor other writers around you. We all rise together. Once you’ve come to understand your own patterns of writing, and how to receive critiques and how to edit, you probably are better off sending your writing to select beta readers than sending it through an in person critique group. On the other hand, in person groups are much, much more fun to drink margaritas with. J
K. Bird (center) and fellow Rochester Fantastical Women Writer Group members
including (full disclosure!) myself on the left.
(A) That’s such an unfair question. It changes all the time. I can only answer for favorite books in the last couple of years or so……although you could always cheat and check out *my goodreads “read” page. I actually rate/review a lot.
*Sunshine by Robin McKinley: Because it’s a vampire book but it’s not really about vampire romance. It’s more about ginormous cinnamon rolls and trusting in yourself. But there’s a yearning, lovely quality to the heroine that I can’t quite put a finger on, but that completely draws me in.
*Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert: Because the study of moss has never been so frought with greater philosophical significance and desire…..this is an intricately, packed-with-knowledge written book that touches on the basic meaning of humanity.
*The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee: I am a cancer survivor. Cancer survivors look for answers, for context, to try to wrestle some meaning out of our own bodies’ cells turning into the instruments of our deaths. This one is THE best historical survey of cancer in recorded history I’ve ever come across. Mukherjee is a gifted story teller and isn’t afraid to let us in on personal experiences related to his family and career as a physician.
*The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne: This is the book I recommend to romance readers as a prime, delectable, well-researched historical bodice ripper…..with a twist. I can’t really say more without giving away too much. Do yourself a favor, DON”T read the reviews. Just go read the book and enjoy what I enjoy: a master story teller completely making you think one thing when another thing is happening. LOVE that.
*Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell: Because this was a revelation to me as a reader and a writer. Nested storylines! Science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy all in one delicious, connected package!
But also the entire *Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. Urban fantasy for thoughtful people who like angst and don’t mind an occasional vampire.
(Q) What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received?
(A) You can’t call yourself a writer…unless you actually write. Not talk about it. Not write about writing. Not spend endless hours tweaking something that’s already been revised. Not lurking on writers’ groups endlessly looking for magical advice. Just…writing. So maybe I should go do that now, eh?
_________________________________________
You can find my Goodreads review of
"Dream Eater" *here.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
FREE Historical Fiction BOOKS
Check out here to find a bunch of free historical fiction books: bookdeals.today
You'll even find "The Forgotten: Aten's Last Queen" available for free download!
Sign up for my newsletter and learn more about
historical fiction, adventures in nerdiness, and other book promotions!
Just sign up here: Newsletter Signup
Monday, May 15, 2017
BOOK SPOTLIGHT "Conquest: A LitRPG Story"
I'm excited to start a new post called BOOK SPOTLIGHT to help highlight some up-and-coming Indie books for your consideration. Please check out the below spotlight on "Conquest: A LitRPG Story" with an excerpt for your reading pleasure!
Conquest: A LitRPG Story
by Aleric Elos
A primeval darkness threatens to destroy mankind...
The world's largest gaming platform in the entire industry is led by a man with many secrets. The popular game DarkForce features the World of Zion which has been plagued by the destructive will of the Leviathan for centuries. What gamers don't know is that the World of Zion actually exists, and the Leviathan has fed off of the souls of men and his fodder has become scarce. He now turns to Earth with an insatiable hunger. Only a woman from Earth who levels up to discover a divine inner power can challenge Earth's Apocalyptic Fate.
The world's largest gaming platform in the entire industry is led by a man with many secrets. The popular game DarkForce features the World of Zion which has been plagued by the destructive will of the Leviathan for centuries. What gamers don't know is that the World of Zion actually exists, and the Leviathan has fed off of the souls of men and his fodder has become scarce. He now turns to Earth with an insatiable hunger. Only a woman from Earth who levels up to discover a divine inner power can challenge Earth's Apocalyptic Fate.
Publication Date: May 19, 2017
Publisher: SciFanTM Entertainment; 4 edition
Print Length: 476 pages
Book Genre: Science Fantasy, LitRPG, Cyberpunk
Universal Book Link: Conquest-LitR PG
Prologue
Shadows of Darkness
The voices in his mind were barely a whisper now, but they were always present. It had taken him hundreds of years to subdue them, and he feared that his true intentions would soon be discovered. Though Timur Demyan had long ago yielded up his soul unto the Leviathan, he still followed his own agenda while he fulfilled the will of his Master.
Timur hid in the shadows of the park, slipping through the darkness from one shadow to the next. His prey walked quickly with eyes darting to each side like a bird weary of predators. A frantic look of desperation was plastered over the other man’s unshaven face as he flipped open an antiquated cell phone.
“Come on…” he heard Jason Bridger murmur to the phone as he approached the fountain, “Answer already!”
“Allan, this is Jason. I know we haven’t spoken in a long time, but I need your help. I’ve stumbled across some disturbing information that involves one of your firm’s clients. I need to speak with you in private immediately. As soon as you get this, meet me on the east side of Buckingham Fountain. There’s little time.”
The instant Jason ended the call, Timur stepped out of the shadows, “Indeed, you have very little time.”
Jason spun around with his concealed pistol cocked and ready, “Back off, old man!”
“Ah,” Timur limped forward with his cane in his crippled right hand while he brandished a handgun with his left, “Not until you return what belongs to me.”
“I’m not letting you get away with this.” Jason shook his head adamantly.
“This scene is all too familiar.” Timur chuckled as he cocked his handgun and aimed, “This is exactly how your colleague died.”
Without a second’s hesitation, Jason pulled the trigger. Timur fell backwards with the sudden impact that hit him in the face. Seconds later a strange greenish glow surrounded his body, and then he disappeared. Jason’s eyes grew wide, and then a bullet ripped through his abdomen. And then another through his chest. Clutching the wounds, he absently dropped his pistol as he fell to his knees.
Timur reappeared from another shadow and the strange glow around his body began to dissipate. He approached with a silencer affixed to the tip of his handgun and picked up the old thumb drive that had fallen out of Jason’s hand.
“As I said earlier, you indeed have very little time.” Timur sneered as he placed the tip of his handgun against Jason’s forehead, “And I might add, your friend Allan has very little time as well.”
Timur reappeared from another shadow and the strange glow around his body began to dissipate. He approached with a silencer affixed to the tip of his handgun and picked up the old thumb drive that had fallen out of Jason’s hand.
“As I said earlier, you indeed have very little time.” Timur sneered as he placed the tip of his handgun against Jason’s forehead, “And I might add, your friend Allan has very little time as well.”
About the Author:
Aleric Elos is the Award-Winning Author of The SciFan™ Universe series. Known worldwide as the "Godfather of SciFan", he likes to play MMORPGs, and since he doesn't have the software engineering experience to develop his own games he decided to express his creativity in LitRPG form.
Facebook: http://www.Facebook. com/AlericElos // Twitter: http://www.Twitter.co m/AlericElos
Monday, May 1, 2017
Guest Blog Post - Genre World Building and Book Recommendations
Check out my latest guest blog post on my friend, K. Bird Lincoln's blog. She's a fabulous author of fantastic fiction. We're both members of the Rochester Fantastical Women Writers Group and will soon be appearing at Wizard World Comic Con.
I discuss world building and great historical fiction picks that do world building right! Are your favorites on my list? If not, I'd love to hear from you.
Speaking of Comic Con, did you know its this Saturday? AND have you purchased your tickets yet?
I discuss world building and great historical fiction picks that do world building right! Are your favorites on my list? If not, I'd love to hear from you.
Speaking of Comic Con, did you know its this Saturday? AND have you purchased your tickets yet?
Friday, April 7, 2017
Thursday, April 6, 2017
WELCOME Brain to Books CyCon Blog Hoppers!
Brain-to-Books CyberCon 2017
Welcome to your blog hop stop at "J. Lynn's Author Blog...of Awesome!"
My name is J. Lynn Else. I write historical fiction about awesome women from antiquity.
I currently have two book self-published set during the turbulent Amarna period.
I’ve always loved stories about strong women. I’ve also been fascinated by the life and times of ancient Egyptians. Thus, it was only a matter of time before those two loves merged!
Thus, book 1 was born. Book 2 came about because I wanted to delve deeper into how Akhenaten established monotheism. So I changed my point of view from Tut's wife to Tut's eldest sister. Want to learn more? Check out my book links above and discover the women of Amarna!
But enough about me. There's so much more to discover during the B2B CyCon! Below is our historical fiction genre tour. Be sure to hop back to the B2B Blog Hop headquarters at: http://b2bcycon.com/blog-hop/
Additional fun happening during the Con (click the links below):
Historical Fiction Genre Tour:
Visit Facebook:
Check out our Facebook page in which you can post questions to authors, make book recommendations, and follow activities happening live during the CyCon. This can be found here (live on April 7): https://www.facebook.com/events/HistoricalFictionCyConEvent
Stop by Goodreads:
Our Goodreads booth is located at: https://www.goodreads.com/HistoricalFictionBooth
At our Goodreads booth you will find:
Author showcases (mine is located HERE)
Visit other events where history comes alive:
Giveaways: http://b2bcycon.com/giveaways/
Cover Wars: http://b2bcycon.com/cover-wars/ (vote for Heir of the Heretic!!!)
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