I have amazing news!
I’m incredibly happy to announce that my novel, THE LION LIES WAITING, won an honourable mention in 2018/2019 Rainbow Awards for BEST GAY BOOK!
The awards themselves raised over $12,000 for LGBTQ+ charities and you can read a full list of winners here: https://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/5328702.html
Who is the star of your book?
This is a hard one because the sentient carnivorous rainforest is so spooky and creepy itself, but… Mariam—she’s our narrator! She thinks she’s selfish, but when it comes down to it, she’s a survivor. Survival doesn’t preclude compassion.
What is your story about?
Undergrowth is about deals with the devil and all the terrible things that can happen when you don’t follow through, but it’s also about building family when the world around you is falling apart. Oh, and a planty apocalypse. Can’t forget the jungle from hell.
When is it set?
It’s contemporary and set during the spring and the summer.
Where is it set?
Technically, it’s set in Los Angeles, but honestly? It’s not any LA that we would recognize. In Undergrowth, LA has been taken over by a sentient and dangerous rainforest: super smart and violent creatures, plants that can literally choke the life out of you, and of course, lots and lots of rain. So, not really LA. But kind of!
Why this story?
Because we wrote it when we needed family. And it seemed beautiful to make one like that, on the page, and for each other.
BUY UNDERGROWTH HERE:
Click here for AMAZON buy link
AUTHOR BIO
Undergrowth was written by two friends, Chel and Chelsea.
Chel Hylott is a Brazilian-American living in the UK with her wife and pug. When she’s not writing, she’s reading Tarot. Find her curled up on her setee reading when it’s cold and wet, basically all the time.
Chelsea Lim is a writer and teacher living in Los Angeles, which she almost wishes were as green as it is in Undergrowth.
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The book sounds amazing! Thanks for stopping by to talk about it!
-Glenn
Limited edition prints of my Pennywise ink drawing are now available on my Etsy store!
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/732074644/pennywise-print
Who is the star of your book?
Haunted Road Trip is the third book in The Dead Oaks, a YA LGBTQ Paranormal novella series. The series has two main characters, Jasper Jelinek and Wesley Shain. This installment focuses more heavily on Wesley (“Wes”), a theater kid with a passion for the paranormal, and the personal challenges he’s facing heading into college life.
What is your story about?
The Dead Oaks series is about a group of amateur teenage paranormal investigators and Haunted Road Trip is exactly what you’d expect; they take their passion for ghost-hunting on the road in an effort to visit some famous haunted locations in their home-state before they all have to head into the next phase of their lives.
When is it set?
This is a contemporary story set in the midst of summer; mostly at night.
Where is it set?
The Dead Oaks takes place in the fictional town of Hazelwood, CT. Haunted Road Trip visits several spooky locations which are loosely based on real-life haunted places in Connecticut. I chose Connecticut for this series because it is widely regarded as one of the most haunted states in America which gives me plenty of room to work with any ideas that pop into my imagination.
Why this story?
Haunted Road Trip deals with the pressure most of us feel to be successful. Unfortunately, sometimes we let our success be defined by societal or family expectations which can be overwhelming and stifling. This is a common, and important, struggle that teens face heading into adulthood and I felt it was necessary to explore that with Wesley’s character.
AUTHOR BIO
Dez Schwartz writes Dreampunk and LGBTQ Paranormal Fiction about dapper occultists, ghost hunters, and scheming supernaturals. Her Dreampunk series, ROAM, is now available through NineStar Press.
When she’s not writing, Dez likes to research the supernatural, draw, and take Disney trips.
Dez lives with her husband, daughter, and pirate crew of pets in a small Texas town that is home to a handful of historical haunts.
Never miss an update! Please visit Dez’s website to join the mailing list:
Connect with Dez:
Facebook: DezSchwartz
Instagram: dezschwartzauthor
Twitter: dez_schwartz
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The book sounds amazing! Thanks for stopping by, Dez!
-Glenn
Who is the star of your book?
A Vampire’s Redemption is the second book of the Inquisition Trilogy, and turns the reins over to a new couple in the group: Caleb, everyone’s favorite, punkish werewolf from the first book, and his newly found mate, Marcus, who is a vampire.
What is your story about?
With the Inquisition revealed to be the evil entity they truly are, the organization is crumbling and the members who’ve escaped capture are on the run. They aren’t going down without a fight, continuing to weave unknown plots and digging in at Inquisition hideaways. Allied military forces have been tasked with rooting them out, including Shaw’s spec-ops team. But, the military aren’t the only ones getting their hands dirty.
When is it set?
It’s contemporary, set in modern day with all the conveniences you’d expect, however…
Where is it set?
The trilogy is set in the world of Eiocha (named after the Celtic creation myth), where magic exists. Various fantasy races have lived side-by-side with mundane humans for hundreds of years, though not without some issues. Book 2 still finds us in the country of Osterian, but we also get to visit Calagon this time around, and even more of the world is introduced as it stretches out before us in the form of backstories and Inquisition plots.
Why this story?
When I began writing the first book, it was intended to be a novella, but it quickly grew a lot more plot and became a full-blown novel. That was when Caleb decided to fall in love with Marcus and what was once a novel became a trilogy. Honestly, it was the best thing that could have happened. One book couldn’t contain the massive world I had created in my head. So, why this story in particular? Well, this one is simply because a werewolf looked at a vampire and said “That one’s mine.”
Blurb: Marcus was likely dead, killed by the Inquisition, or so it was believed. Then the vampire was found, broken beyond words, in an isolated prison fortress. Marcus had never expected to see daylight again, let alone be rescued by his mate. Now he worries he’ll drag Caleb into his darkness.
Caleb was the one who pulled Marcus out of his prison cell, and he’s determined to drag him from the nightmares of his mind as well. After all, that’s what mates are for, and Caleb had lost hope at finding his. And if he can help destroy the entire Inquisition? Well, all the better.
Dealing with Marcus’s physical and mental healing from his trauma is difficult enough, but Inquisition holdouts are causing chaos everywhere, and sinister plots are rampant. Marcus and Caleb have no choice but to fight back. It’s a good thing they are not alone.
Buy Links:
NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/a-vampires-redemption/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SB5Y42L/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vampires-redemption-casey-wolfe/1131770528
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/941400
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-vampire-s-redemption
About the Author:
History nerd, film buff, avid gamer, and full-time geek; all of these things describe Casey Wolfe. They prefer being lost in the world of fiction—wandering through fantasy realms, traveling the outer reaches of space, or delving into historical time periods. Casey is non-binary and ace, living with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, all of which informs their writing in various ways. Happily married, Casey and their partner live in the middle-of-nowhere, Ohio with their furry, four-legged children.
Website: https://authorcaseywolfe.wordpress.com
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Thanks for stopping by, Casey, and best of luck with your new novel!
-Glenn
Who is the star of your book?
Holden Fay. He’s a fae-vampire hybrid who is looked down upon for his mixed heritage. He’s a nice guy just trying to make his way in the world.
What is your story about?
When a series of violent murders rock the supernatural community, Holden must join forces with witch leader Valerius Blackwood to find the killer. The fact Val is Holden’s crush only complicates matters!
When is it set?
It’s set in the modern era. To be exact, in 2017.
Where is it set?
The action takes place in London, England.
Why this story?
Back in 2017, I was watching a lot of supernatural TV shows while also rewatching NBC’s Hannibal, and they all kind of blended together in my mind to create this story! Holden and Val came to me as characters first, and the rest of the plot slotted into place from there.
Blood is Forever
Asta Idonea
NineStar Press
74,000 words
MM/Paranormal Romance/Murder Mystery
Sometimes catching a murderer means risking one’s heart.
As a fae-vampire hybrid, scorned by all, Holden’s life has never been easy. The one bright spot is his job testing blood at supernatural crime scenes. It’s routine work, until the day he finds a victim he can’t read.
When one murder becomes two, and then three, it’s clear there’s a serial killer on the loose—one with a penchant for collecting hearts. Finding the bad guy could cement Holden’s career, but he’s drawing a blank. And it doesn’t help that the expert his boss calls in to assist him is the man Holden’s been crushing on for years.
With lives hanging in the balance, Holden and Val must solve the case before the killer strikes again. But will they come out with their hearts still intact?
Link: https://ninestarpress.com/product/blood-is-forever/
Nicola Markus
Qualified Freelance Editor & IPEd Member
nicola@nicolamarkusedits.com
http://www.nicolamarkusedits.com
Nicki J. Markus/Asta Idonea
Two Pen Names. One Voice.
njm@nickijmarkus.com
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Thanks for stopping by, and all the best with your novel!
-Glenn
You can watch my interview with DUBLIN CITY FM here:
We discussed my writing and in particular my new novel THE LION LIES WAITING. From how I went about building the world of the book to the way it builds upon events in THE MOTH AND MOON.
You can buy both novels using the following links:
THE MOTH AND MOON
http://getbook.at/themothandmoon
THE LION LIES WAITING
http://getbook.at/thelionlieswaiting
For this instalment of W5, I’m delighted to welcome JP Jackson!
Who is the star of your book?
James Martin is the protagonist of Magic or Die. He is more of an Anti-hero. At the beginning of the book, he’s drunk, living in a studio apartment, lost – just a mess of a human being – when he gets a call from the CMRD (Centre for Magical Research and Development). That call changes everything and drags James back through haunted memories he’d rather not face. The facility that once saved him now threatens to destroy him.
What is your story about?
Magic or Die is about a few things. Survival, becoming part of a team, learning to trust others, and finding out how to let go.
When is it set?
The story takes place in the here and now – but in an alternate reality where a percentage of the population is born with magical/supernatural abilities.
Where is it set?
I’m always careful to ensure that my stories are Canadian based. But I’ve never really said exactly where the story takes place. It could be Edmonton, (where I’m from) or maybe Calgary, or Saskatoon, or…Somewhere on the Canadian Prairies. That much is certain. I toyed with the idea of it taking place in Vancouver – but Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver always get all the action and I wanted to spread the Canadiana love around.
Why this story?
I have a serious love of all things dark and magical. If it looks like it might eat you or maybe help you…that’s my jam. There’s not really enough Urban Fantasy/Paranormal books out there that dance on that fine line – The Sookie Stackhouse series – the books the TV show True Blood were modeled after, are close. Those were written by Charlaine Harris. She has another series called Midnight Texas. Love both of them…but I wanted something edgier, a little darker, and of course, where the main characters were LGBTQ+. Both of those series have gay and lesbian side characters, but I’m tired of being the side character. I want books where we’re the heroes.
Magic or Die is the first book in a series, and each book will progressively get a little darker. Hopefully, someone will get eaten. ;o)
Blurb:
James Martin is a teacher, a powerful Psychic, and an alcoholic. He used to work for the Center for Magical Research and Development, a facility that houses people who can’t control their supernatural abilities, but left after one of his students was killed, turning to vodka to soothe his emotional pain. The problem is he still has one year left on his contract.
When James returns to the CMRD to fulfill the rest of his contract, he finds himself confronting the demons of his past and attempting to protect his new class from a possible death sentence, because if they don’t pass their final exams, they’ll be euthanized.
James also discovers that his class isn’t bringing in enough sponsors, the agencies and world governments who supply grants and ultimately purchase graduates of the CMRD, and that means no profit for the facility. James and his students face impossible odds—measure up to the facility’s unreachable standards or escape.
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40361631-magic-or-die
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1949340023/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/magic-or-die-jp-jackson/1128975377?ean=9781949340020
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/magic-or-die
NineStar Press: https://ninestarpress.com/product/magic-or-die/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
J.P. Jackson works as an IT analyst in health care during the day, where if cornered he’d confess to casting spells to ensure clinicians actually use the electronic medical charting system he configures and implements.
At night however, the writing happens, where demons, witches and shape shifters congregate around the kitchen table and general chaos ensues. The insurance company refuses to accept any more claims of ‘acts of the un-god’, and his husband of 21 years has very firmly put his foot down on any further wraith summoning’s in the basement. And apparently imps aren’t house-trainable. Occasionally the odd ghost or member of the Fae community stops in for a glass of wine and stories are exchanged. Although the husband doesn’t know it, the two Chihuahuas are in cahoots with the spell casting.
J.P.’s other hobbies include hybridizing African Violets (thanks to grandma), extensive travelling and believe it or not, knitting.
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Thanks for stopping by, Jeff!
-Glenn
I’m delighted to welcome back M.D. Neu for this instalment of W5!
Who is the star of your book?
I kind of have three stars.
Todd Landon is human, living and working in the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends, and a husband.
Mirtoff Esmi is the first of her clan to be the Leader of the Nentraee. Her sole focus is to find them a home before their fleet of ships can no longer carry the last survivors of their dead world. With her brother, niece, and Faa (her companion animal) supporting her, she carries the weight of her world on her shoulders.
Mi’ko Soemu remembers the Nentraee home world for both its failures and its triumphs, which is why he holds the position of Vice-Speaker, supporting the efforts of the Nentraee Leader. He is father and husband first and will do what he needs to do to ensure his family and his fellow nentraee are safe and make it to a new world.
What is your story about?
The story is about a race of aliens coming to earth in need of our help. It’s about how we deal with this new reality when it throws all that we believe into question. Will we show our best selves or will we let our fear of the other destroy our first contact with an alien race?
When is it set?
The story is set in modern times.
Where is it set?
The story is set both on the alien ships and in San Jose, California. There are of course other locations, but these are the main locations.
Why this story?
I wanted a story that showed a non-typical hero, someone who could be any of us. Not the typical action hero. I wanted to flip the switch on what it means to be a hero. Plus, I really, really, really, wanted to write a space opera.
Blurb:
A little blue world, the third planet from the sun. It’s home to 7 billion people with all manner of faiths, beliefs and customs, divided by bigotry and misunderstanding, who will soon be told they are not alone in the universe. Anyone watching from the outside would pass by this fractured and tumultuous world, unless they had no other choice. Todd Landon is one of these people, living and working in a section of the world called the United States of America. His life is similar to those around him: home, family, work, friends and a husband.
On the cusp of the greatest announcement humankind has ever witnessed, Todd’s personal world is thrown into turmoil when his estranged brother shows up on his front porch with news of ships heading for Earth’s orbit. The ships are holding the Nentraee, a humanoid race who have come to Earth in need of help after fleeing the destruction of their homeworld. How will one man bridge the gap for both the Humans and Nentraee, amongst mistrust, terrorist attacks and personal loss? Will this be the start of a new age of man or will bigotry and miscommunication bring this small world to its knees and final end?
BUY LINKS:
A New World-Contact:
NineStar Press: https://bit.ly/2CATYjO
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DprWs1
Barns & Noble: https://bit.ly/2W75nQ6
iTunes: https://apple.co/2CBOpRa
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2Mpr0qk
Website: https://www.mdneu.com/shop
A New World-Conviction:
NineStar Press: https://bit.ly/2Thk8NK
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UOebJQ
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/2ujPnhh
iTunes: https://apple.co/2FhmDKY
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2WbsHLZ
Website: https://www.mdneu.com/shop
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
M.D. Neu is a LGBTQA Fiction Writer with a love for writing and travel. Living in the heart of Silicon Valley (San Jose, California) and growing up around technology, he’s always been fascinated with what could be. Specifically drawn to Science Fiction and Paranormal television and novels, M.D. Neu was inspired by the great Gene Roddenberry, George Lucas, Stephen King, Alice Walker, Alfred Hitchcock, Harvey Fierstein, Anne Rice, and Kim Stanley Robinson. An odd combination, but one that has influenced his writing.
Growing up in an accepting family as a gay man he always wondered why there were never stories reflecting who he was. Constantly surrounded by characters that only reflected heterosexual society, M.D. Neu decided he wanted to change that. So, he took to writing, wanting to tell good stories that reflected our diverse world.
When M.D. Neu isn’t writing, he works for a non-profit and travels with his biggest supporter and his harshest critic, Eric his husband of twenty plus years.
Links:
Website: http://www.mdneu.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/writer_mdneu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdneuauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormdneu/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/66488958-md
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGxw0RBSgsTiyYkA_UGhCw
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Thanks for stopping by!
-Glenn
Up next in my series of 5 questions, it’s M. Rose Flores!
Who is the star of your book?
Cate, a badass bisexual teen girl, immune to the zombie virus.
What is your book about?
The apocalypse, which Cate and her sister Melody must brave together in order to find their scattered family. Along the way, they find that not all zombies are just zombies. Many, in fact, are more like people than anyone could have guessed.
When is your book set?
THE END is a contemporary novel.
Where is your book set?
All along the west coast of the United States.
Why this story?
I had a boy in my head. A skinny, melancholy foster kid with brains for days and a smart mouth that sometimes got him in trouble. His name was Marco. Cate came almost immediately after, a spunky closeted teen girl who was still looking for her place in the world. They were two friends, torn apart by the apocalypse. The rest fell into place.
Blurb:
On Cate Mortensen’s seventeenth birthday, her family is scattered in a fight for survival, and she and her sister Melody are catapulted headfirst into a world where their phones are just hunks of plastic, they must scavenge for every bite, and they sleep with weapons in their hands. Traveling alone, and then not so alone, they follow the route their family planned to Alcatraz Island where the hope of safety and a real life awaits.
After more than a year on the road, Cate has found three things to be true. One: Zombies are a thing now. Two: Not all zombies are just zombies. Three (the game changer): Cate is immune to the infection.
THE END by M. Rose Flores is available now from NineStar Press, Amazon, and other booksellers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M. Rose Flores has enjoyed writing since she learned how to string letters together. She grew up in the vast green Pacific Northwest of the United States, which with its dense forests, four seasons, and proximity to the ocean made a perfect setting for The End. When she isn’t writing on her computer or in a notebook (though scraps of paper and the palm of her hand will do in a pinch), she works as a professional dog trainer and loves every part of it, even the copious amounts of drool. She believes everyone should be represented in literature and all other media. The End is her first novel.
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Thanks very much for joining in, Rose!
-Glenn
