Author Interview – J.M. Tibbott

Author of the Pridden Saga series.

I was fortunate to meet fantasy author J.M. Tibbott at a writing group I attended, and I am very pleased to welcome her to my blog.

Helen: Welcome, JM. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Could you tell us about your Pridden Saga series, and the first book, The Arrival?

JM: The Arrival is the first book in My Pridden Saga series, and introduces Kat, my protagonist. She’s a rather feisty young woman, who hates to be controlled.

Kat, a brilliant video game designer with a desperate desire to control her own life is faced with the option of losing a job she adores. Sent on a forced vacation to adjust her attitude she is stunned to find herself in a strange tech-free world. Confused and lost all she wants is a fervent desire is to return home.

Promised aid by the local ruler she is horrified to be tasked with an assignment to aid in preventing a devastating war, but without clear instructions on how to achieve this.

Amid vicious creatures and enemies lurking around every corner she must defend against a villain with sinister plans to seize the power she has no idea she possesses.

Can Kat survive in a land hurtling towards destruction?

Helen: That sounds like a great adventure, and for a gamer to be stuck in a world without technology, I am sure that gave you plenty of opportunity for conflict! What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

JM: Although I have designed covers for other authors, when I sat down to do this for my first novel, I simply couldn’t come up with anything that pleased me, so I contacted a UK designer (Deranged Doctor Designs) and after answering a lot of questions about how I envisioned the appearance of my protagonist, they suggested the woman on the cover. I loved the picture they chose – the red hair, and the rather stubborn look to her face. I think in this first series I rather tended to see how I would act in the situation the book suggested.

Helen: The story behind the cover is always so interesting. What about the title? How did you decide what to call your book?

JM: I spent a lot of time on the titles of the books and since this is the one where Kat is thrust into a strange new world, “The Arrival” just seemed to make the most sense, because this was the first time Kat found herself on Pridden.

Helen: What made you write this particular book?

JM: I had been writing many short stories, and I knew I was ready to attempt a novel, so when I woke one day with an idea for a story, I was captivated, and although I only planned a single novel at the beginning, the ideas for expanding it, began to drench me with ideas, and so it turned into seven novels.

Helen: That is so wonderful when the ideas begin to flow. Congratulations on writing seven novels. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

JM: I cannot remember a time when I didn’t love writing. At about the age of ten, I wrote strange plays, which I forced my sister to act in, and demanded my parents watch and pay a penny admission to view my efforts.

Helen: It’s nice that your creativity started young and you never lost it. What is the main genre you write, and who inspired you to start writing?

JM: I love writing high fantasy. My mother inspired me to read Sci-fi, and when I began to read Isaac Asimov, I was so entranced, I figured I could also do what he did.

Helen: If your main character, Kat, could tell us why to read your book, what would she say?

JM: I think Kat would say that we all have the opportunity to change, and even though she resists change, even she has managed to learn things from the odd life she is having to live on Pridden. Each book has changed her and made her a better person.

Helen: Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?

JM: I am definitely a planner, I have a very specific way of planning my books, something I was privileged to learn from john Truby

Helen: Do you need to do much research as part of your writing process?

JM: I initially began Book one, and stopped because my characters needed challenges, and I then spent two years designing the world. I spent enough time on it, and did enough research, that it was sufficient to help me with all the subsequent books in the Saga.

Helen: What is the best thing that have happened to you since you started writing?

JM: I actually like reading my own books.

Helen: I first wrote my books for me read, and I decided to publish them so I could read them as a book, instead of on my laptop! Thank you so much for joining me today. One last question. If you didn’t write in High Fantasy, then which genre would you like to try and write in next?

JM: I believe I would like to attempt to write a cosy fantasy.

About the Author – J.M Tibbott

J. M Tibbott

JM Tibbott has been writing since childhood, but The Pridden Saga is her first series of published novels. As a writer of magazine and newspaper articles, being an editor for an online news-letter, and a writing instructor, JM belongs to a community of local writers, all of whom are continually upgrading their own skills.

JM has been teaching writing skills for over ten years.

She is in the process of combining a collection of her short stories, which she expects to publish later in the year.

JM welcomes comments from her readers, and encourages them to visit her website, to which she will be shortly a blog, showing illustrations and information about the various creatures populating the world of Pridden.

JM declares — “If I could not write, I could not breathe,” which is similar to how her favorite author, Isaac Asimov, felt about his writing.

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If you enjoy epic fantasy then check out my award winning Sentinal series, which is now complete. If you like fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love my SoulMist series, start with SoulBreather. Prefer Dystopian Science Fantasy? Then try Harmony. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.

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Author Interview – Cecilia Agetun

Author of the Freya’s Legacy series.

I am very pleased to welcome YA fantasy author Cecilia Agetun to my blog.

Helen: Welcome, Cecilia. It’s a pleasure to meet you and congratulations on the release of your latest book, Darkened Soul, on April 20th, 2025. Could you tell us about it?

Cecilia: My current book is Darkened Soul, book 3 in my Freya’s legacy series. It’s about revenge, but also about love and friendship.

Nick is determined to find out who ordered the attack that killed his wife and shattered his family. When he does, he retrieves a sword powerful enough to kill him. The only problem is that this sword was deemed to dangerous to be wielded, but it was too powerful to be destroyed so the dwarfs hid it away, hoping no one would ever find it again.

It is a bit darker than the previous two books in the series, but an important part of the overall arc of the series.

Freya’s Legacy is a YA Romantic contemporary Fantasy series comprised of four books, written with inspiration from Norse mythology. We follow Jax, a crow demon, on a journey of friendships, love and self acceptance.

I’m currently looking for ARC readers Darkened soul, so if you’re interested you can fill out this form: https://forms.gle/hKQ7ZeYRN8g81oBU7

Helen: What were your thoughts behind the cover design?

Cecilia: The cover contains the image of the sword, named the Dauᵭans. It’s a very specific looking sword so I had my friend commission it for me. The cover also contains a flame that goes from blue to amber – it’s a symbolism for Nick’s journey throughout the book.

Helen: I love finding out about the story behind the cover. What about the title? How did you decide what to call your book?

Cecilia: The working title I had when I wrote the book was Nick’s revenge, but Darkened Soul fits so well, because Nick’s soul gets darkened by grief and depression, after he loses his wife which is a guardian angel. Due to this he does down a path that will darken his soul.

Helen: Who is your favourite character from your series?

Cecilia: I have a very close bond with Jax, maybe because he’s lived in my head for such a long time or maybe it’s because he’s trying to find his place and where he fits in. He’s a sweetheart, but because he’s not from the human world, he can come across a bit awkward and blunt. He is terrified of his own demon, and worried that if he loses control he will hurt the people he love and care about.

Helen: Jax sounds like a great character. Who is your protagonist and why did you write him/her?

Cecilia: So the protagonist for the overall series is Jax, this is his story, but each book follows a difference protagonist because knowing their past and how everything is connected helps understand their actions. Jax has been living in my head for the last 10 years so it only seemed natural to finally write down his journey.

Helen: I bet that was really satisfying writing Jax’s story. What are you working on next?

Cecilia: I’ve started gathering the notes I have for book 4, called Shadow love. I already know the rough story line but I haven’t really started writing it yet.

Helen: You write YA fantasy, why did you choose that genre?

Cecilia: I’m a fantasy writer because I like to escape the real would and live somewhere that isn’t defined by human logic. Where magic and mythical creatures is a possibility. I grew up having my granddad tell me stories about the Norse gods growing, and I’ve always had a vivid imagination. I even practiced Wicca in my younger days. Most of my stories are contemporary, because who to say the supernatural doesn’t exist in our world? There are so many myths and legends about magical things, that it seems illogical to discard them as completely fictional.

Helen: When did you realised you had a passion for writing?

Cecilia: I always loved stories and been daydreaming about other places ever since I was little. I wrote a lot during my teenage years, but I don’t remember if I ever finished them. I never really thought I had what it took to publish a book due to my dyslexia, but when lock down came around, I started writing again, and this time, due to internet and social media I connected with other writers, and they give me confidence that my stories were worth sharing with the world. so, after I finished writing my first story and spent two years editing it, I found a great editor that help polishing the technical aspect of writing and then I took a leap and published it.

Helen: How do you get ideas for a new book?

Cecilia: The easiest way to answer this is randomly. I can be walking the dogs, and maybe the sunlight hits the trees in a specific way, and a scenes is playing out in my head, or I wake up from a dream that lingers. And then the characters won’t go away, so I sit down and write down everything that comes to my head while thinking about the scenes or the character, and from there I usually get a starting point; who is the character and what do they want and then I start writing. Sometimes I know the ending before I finished writing, sometimes it comes while im writing, so I guess you can say I’m a bit of a pantser.

Helen: It’s been great talking about your books. Let’s talk a little about your writing process. Which elements of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?

Cecilia: I think the hardest part is converting the movie I have playing in my head into words, words that paint it in the right light. Having English as a second language (thought I’ve lived in the UK for 15 years) means that sometimes my vocabulary isn’t as large as I would like it to be, and my writing often comes out as quite basic. It isn’t necessary a bad thing, but my books should definitely be read for the story and not for beautiful prose.

Helen: When writing, do you plan everything in advance or do you make it up as you go? Are you a pantser or a plotter?

Cecilia: I’m definitely more of a pantser, however as I’m getting further and further into this series, I have needed to do a bit more plotting

Helen: I think as we learn more about the writing craft and our series become more complex, planning is key. Even if the characters sometimes takes us off road on occasion. When you encounter writer’s block how do you over come it?

Cecilia: I usually do one of two things. And it depends a bit on why I have writing block, if it’s because something isn’t working, and I need to figure out a solution I will usually step away and go for a walk. If it’s because I don’t know that’s next, I would try a writing sprint and just write the first thing that comes to mind for 20-30 min.

Helen: What is the best thing that have happened to you since you started writing?

Cecilia: I’ve connected with an amazing community online, and found some lovely friends. But the best thing is probably when I hear from readers and they’re telling me that my story made a difference to them. It really does make my day, and gives me encouragement to continue writing.

Helen: What is one of the most useful resources you use when writing?

Cecilia: So if we are talking specifically about writing, it’s probably the emotion thesaurus by A Ackerman and B Puglisi, its really helpful when trying to show an emotion instead of telling it. Other than that I find brainstorming with other writers very helpful. Sometimes as I writer I’m a bit too close to my story, and my writing can comes across differently from what I want, so brainstorming how to get the message across more clearly can be very beneficial.

Helen: Those thesauruses are amazing! I use them all the time. Do have any hints or tips for how to overcome the fear and little voice in your head and keep writing?

Cecilia: It’s really hard, but the biggest advice I have is to not compare yourself to other writers. It’s a sure way of getting disheartened. Instead look back at your own journey, celebrate your accomplishments and milestones, and see just have far you have come and have much you have gained since you started.

Helen: That is really great advice. How much research do you do for each book?

Cecilia: It differs. I will write the first draft without any research, and then as I read over it I will make notes where I need to do more research.

Helen: It’s been great talking to you today. I wish you all the very best with your launch. Just to close, what advice would you give new writers?

Cecilia: Rules are meant to be broken, take what you need, and leave the rest behind. Try new things, but if it isn’t working for you, try something else. There are many way to reach a destination.

There are sooo many rules about writing, but most of the times they are not actually rules but suggestions. E.g. you have to write everyday to be a good writer – no you don’t have to write every day but you do need to make time to write. Or you have to outline before you can write the book – I can see how it can be beneficial, but my outline comes after I’ve written my first draft.

About the Author – Cecilia Agetun

Cecilia has always been interested in writing and spent many hours writing poems and short stories throughout her teenage years. She has always had an interest in fantasy, mythology and witchcraft.

As she grew up, her writing got put on ice as she followed her other passion – Animal care. She moved to England, where she completed her Bsc (hons) degree in veterinary nursing and started working full time at a 24 hour hospital. She later moved to Cambridge with her partner and two dogs, hoping to get a better work- life balance.

It wasn’t until the lockdown came knocking on everyone’s doors that she picked up her writing and fell in love with it all over again. It started off as one book, but by the time she finished the first draft of her young adult fantasy novel, she knew it would be a series.

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Author Interview – Melanie Ansley

Author of the Theo series, the Riders of Jade and Fire series, and contributing author to the Reign of Dragons anthology.

I am very pleased to welcome Melanie Ansley to my blog to talk about her writing process and the Reign of Dragons Anthology kickstarter.

Helen: Welcome, Melanie. I’m excited to talk to you about your wonderful books and your contribution to the Reign of Dragons anthology. I love your cover for your first book in the Theo series, tell us a little about your books.

Melanie: My first series is called “Book of Theo”, and is set in a world where reading and writing are forbidden. One rabbit with the taboo ability to read and write decides to challenge the empire that is trying to enslave animal kind. It’s “Redwall” meets “Lord of the Rings”, basically!

Helen: Sounds amazing, and your second series is set in the same world as your contribution to the Reign of Dragons anthology, “Day of the Blood Dragon”.

Melanie: The book “Dragon Class” takes place in the Tang dynasty, so roughly 1000 years after the events in “Day of the Blood Dragon”. It’s a story of a thief who steals a dragon egg, then finds herself catapulted into the Dragon Class, the empire’s most elite force. Like many dragon stories, it’s really about the bond between dragon and human, so I knew the cover needed to convey these two characters—as well as the unique setting!

Helen: Tell us about your contribution to the Reign of Dragons anthology.

Melanie: My story “Day of the Blood Dragon” came about from a question: what if the First Emperor of China united the kingdoms only because he had the help of dragons? I’ve loved history and fantasy for as long as I can remember, and the first emperor of China is both a fascinating and repugnant figure to me. In this story, his sorceress Lu’sha sets out on a quest to convince the queen of the dragons to support his cause, but neither she nor her king realize the price they will have to pay. I had such fun writing this and I’d love to turn it into a tie-in series.

Helen: How did you become involved in the Reign of Dragons anthology?

Melanie: Firstly, the co-host of this anthology, Jasmine Young, pitched it so well I couldn’t refuse. She is so fun to work with, and she’s an experienced Kickstarter organizer. It was also such an amazing line up of talent, and I’ve never been in an anthology so I immediately said yes.

Helen: It is a wonderful anthology to be involved in, and each stretch goal we achieve will help make this book even more beautiful, which is so exciting. We’ve just got the draft art copy of the colour dust jacket which will also be gold foiled! Isn’t it gorgeous?

When writing your stories, do you prefer to write heroes or villains?

Melanie: I enjoy writing villains, because I’m fascinated by what makes them tick, what makes the darkest act you and I can imagine seem justifiable, maybe even morally superior, to someone else. Because no one believes they are evil, they just have a very different–and sometimes deeply buried–moral compass.

Helen: That is so true and characters that readers can relate to, whose motives although morally grey, are understandable, hook the reader even more. Do you plan out your books or do you let your story go where it will.

Melanie: I feel like pantser or planner is a spectrum rather than an “either/or”, and I think this is something I had to figure out by myself—it’s very personal, like how much salt or pepper you like in your food. I also do things a little “backwards”—I do an outline, write the thing, and then break it down chapter by chapter into an excel sheet to see what’s not working and why. Efficient? Probably not, but I get there in the end.

Helen: I think everyone should write in the way that works for them and everyone is different. Do you have any favourite authors?

Melanie: I love Peter S Beagle and Lian Hearn. Their writing is so exquisite I feel like I’ve been on some magical ship after reading their work. Plus one of the best things about this anthology “Reign of Dragons” has been discovering some of my new favourite indie authors!

Helen: There are so manay amazing authors, and every story shines on its own merits. I can’t wait to hear what our readers think. Do you have anything random you’d like to share about yourself?

Melanie: I’ve always wanted to learn to play the ukelele.

Helen: I hope you do! Thank you for joining me today, Melanie. It’s been lovely chatting to you. Just to finish, do you have any advice for aspiring authors.

Melanie: It’s not writing advice by one particular person, but as a film producer I often brushed up against the attitude of “no one wants to watch your movie”. It sounds terribly discouraging, but I found that embracing it was very freeing. When I first started publishing, I suffered the common paralysis of worrying whether my work was good enough. But then “no one wants to read your book” is like the advice to “dance like no one’s watching”—it frees you. And being good enough also becomes a moot point, because really at the end of the day, I would write even if no one read my work. This took away the pressure while also forcing me to examine my book: WHY would someone want to read it? I try to answer that question for everything I write, and I think that helps me with story, focus, and marketing.

Who are the authors in the Anthology?

About the Anthology

Reign of Dragons: An Illustrated Anthology blends some of the most beloved self-published fantasy authors with top-tier artists to bring you a first-class reading experience centered around dragons.

Venture into luxurious epic fantasy, where master crafters of dragons give you an epic blast of short stories and illustrations from a rich cross section of the fantasy genre. From romances to rip-roaring battles to LitRPG adventures, think of this anthology as your next first-class experience.

We invite you to treat yourself to this delicious charcuterie board of talent—with every story centered around dragons!

About the Author – Melanie Ansley

Melanie is an award-winning author and filmmaker of Chinese descent, now based in Australia. Over her 20 years of film producing, she has been lucky enough to work on award winning feature films and also written for some Oscar winning producers.

Her first novel, “Theo and the Forbidden Language”, won Best YA at the 2018 IndieReader Discovery Awards, and its origin story “The Lost Child of Willago” is currently being developed into a video game. Her latest series, “Riders of Jade & Fire,” is an action-packed dragonrider academy tale set during Empress Wu’s Tang China, and perfect for fans of “Eragon” or “Temeraire”. When she’s not writing and filmmaking, Melanie is raising two children (which involves lots of magic and luck). You can find her at www.melanieansley.com

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Author Interview – Jasmine Young

Author of the Epic Fantasy Realm Breaker series and co-host of the Reign of Dragons anthology.

I am very pleased to welcome Jasmine Young to my blog to talk about the Reign of Dragons Anthology kickstarter she has just launched. I am also very excited to be a participating author along with seventeen other fanatsy authors who have contributed a 10k word short story based on drgaons.

Intro to Reign of Dragons Kickstarter:

Reign of Dragons: An Illustrated Anthology blends some of the most beloved self-published fantasy authors with top-tier artists to bring you a first-class reading experience centered around dragons.

We invite you to treat yourself to this delicious charcuterie board of talent—with every story centered around dragons!

Helen: Welcome, Jasmine. I’m excited to talk to you about this gorgeous anthology. Tell us how you became involved.

Jasmine: I’m honored to be the originator and a co-host of this first deluxe dragon-centric fantasy anthology (to the best of my knowledge!).

In late 2024, I wanted to go big and do something special for the holidays as our annual community tradition. That’s where the anthology came in – something I’d been thinking about for almost a year at that point.

All the telltale signs were secretly place. I started my Facebook group, Dragon Riders Guild, which I now co-admin with Melanie Ansley, in part to network with more talented authors. As I familiarized myself with their works, it gave me a better understanding of who I wanted to invite to this special project.

While my co-host and I ended up launching after Christmas, I think that makes it that much more valuable since you will be able to experience it year-round.

Helen: Not only are you organising this anthology, you also contributed a story. Tell us a little about your contribution.

Jasmine: My contribution, “A Birth of Breakers,” is an origins prequel story from the Realm Breaker universe. Rich with LOTR-style lore, it was written especially for those who dig their story lore! It foretells how the Bael, world-breaking titan dragons, came into being, and how the Velen Tyr gods would go onto wreak the ancient galactic war, The Breaking of Realms. This divine holocaust, which sundered the boundaries between worlds and caused magical beings to fall into the world of men, was also known in the late days as “The First Breaking.” As a result of this event, elves, dragons, and dwarves dwell today with men in the last habitable world. It’s the very world where our female main character picks up the series story when she bonds with a Bael hatchling that mysteriously falls from the shattered realms above.

Early sketch of The Birth of Baelaeryx, ca. 3,000 years before the series begins, as done by by Ertaç Altınöz.

Rather than have “A Birth of Breakers” as purely exposition, I framed it as a light-hearted and touching fable between a Harry Potter-inspired house elf (called “ha’elves” in my universe) and an ancient Elderdragon. In discussing ancient lore, we also get to explore the pursuit of immortality and the surprising truth about living a mortal life.

Helen: Such a powerful image, and for those who have read your Realm Breaker series, an amazing opportunity to get this prequel story set in the same world. We love Bael, so knowing more about his origins is great. There are multiple amazing creative artists working on the artwork to support the stories in this anthology, how did that beautiful foiled cover came to be.

Jasmine: The foiled case laminate was designed by the brilliant Rachel St. Clair. She was the obvious choice because of her known talent and reputation among indies, and for her ease of doing business. We wanted to emphasize the powerful reign vibes as per the title. Thus, you’ll see motifs like a sword front and center, along with a dragon breathing fire over the “Reign of Dragons” title!

Fun fact: Rachel knows I really like Fourth Wing-style art for my special editions, so some of the little dragons on the back cover share that style.

Helen: It is such an eye catching cover. A wonderful design and readers can grab their own copy by backing the kickstarter today. The kickstarter runs until April 14th, 2025, though this project funded on the first day! So it will happen, and the more backers we get, the more beautiful the book will become as we hit those stretch goals!

As a succesful fantasy author with many books now published, what would be your advice to aspiring authors?

Jasmine: When you need to hire, hire. Don’t do it all yourself.

I recently had a major mindset shift and made the decision to level up Dragonfyre Books. That lead to hiring my first wonderful team member, Bri. While she helps me grow my social media channels, particularly direct sales, I have more time to focus on my own writing and even special projects like this anthology.

The key here is for the author to already understand how to market their series. i.e. You need to have already invested in R&D and have a thorough understanding of what tropes and hot keywords resonate with your market. As the business owner, you can then provide that guidance to your assistant while being open to them bringing fresh ideas.

I don’t recommend a marketing assistant to authors who are struggling with marketing and are hoping a PA will save their sales. You’re setting them and yourself up for failure.

I do recommend a PA if you’re purely wanting help growing your social media presence and don’t have the time and/or savvy. My assistant is much savvier than me when it comes to bookish communities and social media.

And I always recommend an assistant if you’re ready, both mentally and financially, to let go and look for help. Be strategic with finding the talent that suits what your individual business needs!

Bri has seven years of experience with Youtube and vlogging, and you can find her below!

Instagram: @4pawsandabook

Youtube: @fourpawsandabook

TikTok: @4pawsandabook_

Website & Services: https://www.fourpawsandabook.com/services

Helen: Great advice. Who are your favourite authors, those who inspired you to write fantasy?

Jasmine: Christopher Paolini, now and forever. His book, Eragon, first made me fall in love with writing as a tween. If not for him, I might not be an author today!

As for indie authors, I have a deep appreciation and sense of loyalty to Michael R. Miller, who’s been very gracious with my and Melanie Ansley’s Dragon Riders Guild Facebook Reader Group. Not besides, Realm Breaker’s closest comparable series would be Songs of Chaos, as mentioned by my friend, Michael Webb!

J.D.L. Rosell is another author whose brand I have felt a kinship with for years. I just vibe with how he communicates, what he writes, and how he presents himself on social media. As someone who followed him when I was still an obscure author, it’s been a small dream come true getting to interact with him on a much closer level nowadays.

Last but never least, if Michael Wisehart ever asked me for pretty much anything, I’d give him anything. He’s a gracious author who, long story short, went through a lot of hoops sending me a personalized signed hardback at my request! Not the least, as a fellow Christian, I admire the openness of his faith and how he weaves it into his mega-successful brand. He’s my personal model and author hero.

Helen: Thankyou for joining me today, Jasmine. It’s been lovely chatting to you. Just to finish, if you didn’t write in epic fantasy, then which genre would you like to try and write in next?

Jasmine: If I didn’t write epic fantasy, I would venture into more romantasy! It’s something I’m already exploring. There seems to be an unexpected amount of crossover between epic fantasy and romantasy. The challenge for me, though, is figuring out a way to write low/no spice romantasy because of my personal beliefs and brand values.

On the wild opposite end, I discovered in 2022 that I have a secret crush on progression fantasy. As a former gamer, I know all about Pokemon stats and evolving and levelling up and all that gamer goodness. Although Realm Breaker has progression elements, as inspired by Michael R. Miller’s wonderful book, Ascendant, it’s on the light side. I just don’t know as much about it as I do epic fantasy. But that’s also an area I’m growing my knowledge on!

I also have a growing curiosity with scifi, but very specifically, science fantasy and/or dystopian fiction. The Hunger Games is probably my all-time favorite series, at least in tandem with Eragon. It stole my teenage brain away when I first read it in high school. Awhile back, I wrote a dystopian science fantasy that I haven’t yet published but was very passionate about. As of this writing, I’m planning a potential dark science fantasy-romantasy after Realm Breaker.

Who knows? No spoilers from me—we’ll see!

Who are the authors in the Anthology?

About the Author – Jasmine Young

Jasmine was thirteen when she first dreamed of becoming published after devouring Eragon in a few days on Grandma’s couch. As a nerdy introvert, her exposure to fantasy started with hiding out in the library with a great book.

Thirteen years later, her tomboy dreams came true.

Today, she is known worldwide as a part time beach hermit and a full time rebel. She is also the proud mother of two young children, Bubble and Mochi. Both happen to be little birds. The happy family currently resides in paradise, aka. Florida.

When she’s not reminiscing about her gaming days or getting lost in old epics like LOTR, Jasmine writes epic fantasy to entertain and empower, especially the underdogs.

Follow Jasmine:

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Author Interview – Patrick Weill

Author of the Park and Walker Action Thriller series.

I am very pleased to welcome Patrick Weill to my blog to talk about his book Double Threat.

Helen: Welcome Patrick. I’m excited to talk to you about Double Threat

Patrick: My latest book is entitled Double Threat. It is the third book in what will either be a completed trilogy or an expanded action thriller series. Set in sunny San Diego, California, and also on the Pacific Ocean, this novel features police detectives Tony Park and Jeff Walker, who split up for the first time as they star in alternating chapters until their stories intertwine in a twist that readers won’t see coming.

Park drives up to Los Angeles, where he joins forces with the FBI, working undercover on a cruise ship in pursuit of an unidentified serial killer. Walker becomes a member of MARTAC, the Harbor Police’s SWAT team, and in this capacity tackles a case of his own involving political assassination, white supremacy, and narcotics trafficking, facing powerful enemies both old and new.

Helen: Sounds like quite the adventure. How did you choose the cover design?

Patrick: The cover is from a scene that takes place late in the book, when a bomb surgically placed inside a bad guy’s abdominal cavity explodes aboard a crooked politician’s superyacht. But the image is also intended to evoke a general sense of danger aboard a massive ship on the ocean because much of the action is set on a cruise ship, giving new meaning to the term ‘rough seas’!

Helen: It is a powerful image. Why did you call your book Double Threat? Is there a special meaning or back story about the title?

Patrick: Yes, there IS a special meaning to Double Threat. Who will be the real double threat? Detectives Park and Walker, who are up against long odds as usual? Or the twin forces of evil they are facing, which turn out to be connected. ‘Double’ also refers to the book being two stories in one.

Helen: I love the insights behind your title. Who inspired you to start writing?

Patrick: Lee Child and my grandmother. Child because he found himself out of work/in need of money and, having been a reader all his life, picked up a pencil and a legal pad and set to work. Just like me. My grandmother because when I was twelve years old, she encouraged me to write a book review in a local newspaper and helped me publish it.

Helen: With the third book of your series complete, what are you working on next?

Patrick: I am currently writing a different kind of novel, a legal thriller featuring both male and female protagonists. It’s a major challenge, but I am doing heaps of research, and, with three action thrillers under my belt, I feel ready for it.

Helen: It’s always exciting to venture into a different area for your next book. Wishing you plenty of writing inspiration. Let’s talk a little about your writing process. When writing, do you listen to music or do you prefer silence?

Patrick: I used to, but now I find that I focus better with earplugs instead. I am able to devote all of my attention to writing instead of splitting it between cognitive tasks.

Helen: Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?

Patrick: Both. Writing is an art as well as a science; a hospital can’t be built without a blueprint, yet inspiration only comes through the imagination, which must be allowed to freely flow.

Helen: That is so true! Earlier you mentioned you’ve been doing research for your new book. How much research do you do for each book?

Patrick: Plenty. For example, in the case of the legal thriller, I will have read at least seven books, two of which were non-fiction and quite dry (but informative). And I’ll have spent hours and hours reading on the internet. Possibly contacting legal and/or law enforcement professionals, etc.

Helen: Thank you for joining me today. Just to finish, what is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom?

Patrick: ‘Truckers don’t get trucker’s block, nor nurses nurse’s block.’

-Lee Child

About the Author

Patrick Weill

Patrick Weill is an award-winning translator and author who resides in central Mexico with his family along with four dogs and an aquarium full of fish. You can visit his website to download a FREE Park and Walker short story!

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Free prequel short story: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/9apf2tbqi1
Free legal thriller prequel: https://patrickweill.com/wp-content/uploads/Relentless.pdf

Purchase Patrick’s book, Double Threat

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

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Author Interview – Matthew Hillsdon

Author of the fantasy novel, Alidor The Expedition of Multiple Distractions.

I am very pleased to welcome Matthew Hilsdon to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about his latest novel, Alidor The Expedition of Multiple Distractions, which released on December 17th, 2024.

Helen: Welcome Matt. I’m excited to talk to you about your newest release. Tell us all about your latest book.

Matthew: My current book will be released on the 17th Dec and is called Alidor The Expedition of Multiple Distractions. The involves a character from the last series in the events after the end of the Unlikely Allies trilogy. It follows Professor Leonardo Wileby as he sets out to complete a compendium of Alidor and is written in a first person account in the guise of his personal journal. As the title suggests the expedition he aims to set out on is thwarted with near constant distractions or diversions from runaway mages, irate Kings and beavers with a nasty case of the sniffles.

Helen: Sounds like quite the adventure. How did you choose the cover design?

Matthew: As for all of the covers of my main novels in the Alidor Series I like to choose a scene from the book. This scene depicts all of the main characters within the book as they are on their expedition. I like to put a lot of thought into the cover as I like the reader to have a good visual and put an image of the world into the reader’s mind along with the added thrill of trying to find the scene as you read through.

Helen: What a great idea. Who is your protagonist and why did you write them?

Matthew: Professor Leonardo Wileby. He came into the Alidor series in the Unlikely Allies and became more prominent as the books went on. I felt he would be the perfect character to use to round off the series. His life up until now has hardly been a quiet or relaxing one. Whether that was down to rangers setting traps that left his home in ruins, severely injured wolves needing a new mechanical leg, or being kidnapped by the greatest villain of the age as he was forced to construct war machines with incredible destructive capabilities for the very enemy they were fighting against. He has scarcely had a moment free before war’s end.

Helen: If your Main Character could answer, why would they say we should read your book?

Matthew: If he could answer he’d tell you to read it as it’s the most important scientific journal ever to be created and you should listen to him as he is the smartest elf ever to have lived.

Helen: What made you write this book?

Matthew: I hadn’t planned on writing this one but I really enjoyed the Professor Leonardo Wileby character I’d created. He’s quite eccentric and I felt that he deserved his own title and I’m sure he’d say the same. He was kind of a side character in the Unlikely Allies but accidentally became more prominent as the story went on.

Helen: Who is your favourite character in your Alidor series?

Matthew: That’s a hard choice as I have so many characters I am fond of but I’d probably choose Billy the Fang Lord because he’s everyone’s best friend, providing you’re not a parrot as you’ll find out in Alidor The Unlikely Allies.

Helen: Now you’ve written the professor’s book, what are you working on next?

Matthew: Following on The Expedition of Multiple Distractions which will act as an epilogue to the Unlikely Allies series I’ll be working on a couple of stand alone titles that will still relate to the world of Alidor, only from a few different perspectives. Such as a currently unnamed novel about Audrey Fennel who is a pensioner from Bloomly on Thames who somehow ends up waist deep in a teeming Alidorian forest. I’m also working with the incredible artist Norm Chung to create our first graphic novel The Forbidden Friend. It takes us back to the first days of the human race and explores their bond with the wolves. Part 1 is nearly complete and the artwork really brings this quite moving story to life.

Helen: With all the books you have written and released, when did you realise you had a passion for writing.

Matthew: I’ve always a passion for creating stories but it wasn’t until my wife, Emma came along and I began to start writing stuff down that I created Alidor. Without her I don’t think I’d be where I am now.

Helen: How do you find the time to fit writing into your daily schedule?

Matthew: I wouldn’t say I try to fit it in more like it takes over.

Helen: I know the feeling. Writing does tend to consume you. Do you plan your books, or are you more of a pantser?

Matthew: My books are loosely planned out given there’s a few mysteries and secrets that run throughout the novels but other than that I largely write free form. I just like to throw down whatever comes to me and then go from there.

Helen: How about your writing environment? Silence or do you have a favourite playlist to inspire you?

Matthew: Yes it’s normally heavy metal rock because it helps zone everything else out.

Helen: Do you suffer from writer’s block, and if so, what do you do to overcome it?

Matthew: I tend to take a break and will end up sitting on a video game for far too long. Having animals to bounce ideas off also helps.

Helen: If you didn’t write in Fantasy then which genre would you like to try and write in next?

Matthew: I’d write in crime/ mystery I like the idea of doing a crime novel with another author where one writes from the perspective of a detective and one a killer he’s trying to catch.

Helen: Oh, that sounds like fun! Author collaborations produce some amazing stories. Most authors are great readers, what is your favourite book?

Matthew: I know it’s cliche but I am a massive fan of Lord of the Rings. I’ve recently gotten into more Sci Fi thanks to Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Three Body Problem. A lot of the books I read come from indie book fairs where I’ve found some fantastic authors too.

Helen: I second supporting Indie authors. There are so many great stories out there. Thank you so much for joining me today, and good luck with your launch. Just to finish, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

Matthew: As well as a range of novels and short stories I’m also in the process of releasing all of our audiobooks and currently have Forgotten Hero and Stolen Tales for Cunning Thieves Part 1. I am also starting to organise Marlow Indie Book Fair 2025 which will be back bigger and better than ever!

About the Author

Matthew Hillsdon

Matthew Hillsdon is know for his fantasy series set in the world of Alidor. A fantastical world filled with unique tales and characters. His first novel Alidor: The Unlikely Allies, introduces readers to this expansive realm. His storytelling often weaves themes of adventures, mystical creatures and epic quests.

Instagram: @alidorbooks

Facebook: Alidor Books

Website: alidorbooks.co.uk

Purchase Matthew’s book, Alidor

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Jeff Kerr

Author of the murder mystery novel, Murder creek

I am very pleased to welcome Jeff Kerr to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about his crime fiction novel, Murder Creek, the third book in his Adam Cash series.

Helen: Welcome Jeff. Welcome to my blog. It’s not often we get crime fiction authors on my blog, so I’m excited to chat about your books. Tell us about the latest book you’ve released.

Jeff: My latest book Murder Creek, is book 3 in the Adam Cash mystery series. The plot concerns a modern Texas sheriff’s deputy, Adam Cash, investigating the theft of a secret stash of cash from a local ranch. The investigation takes a dark turn when Cash finds the body of one of the thieves in the woods. As he uncovers clues, other bodies turn up, and Cash knows he is on the trail of a ruthless killer. An attempt on his life makes it clear that his survival depends on solving the crimes.

Helen: I am very happy to say that I’ve read Murder Creek, and you can find my review here. I thoroughly enjoyed your novel and the twists and turns you take the reader through. As with any book, the cover needs to reflect the genre. How did you choose this design?

Jeff: The cover is intended to convey both genre and place. My designer, Cheynne Edmonston, worked hard to create an image that instantly lets readers know the plot involves danger in the Texas Hill Country. I hired Cheynne beginning with book 2 in the series and asked him to look for inspiration to the covers of C.J. Box, Jeff Carson, and Craig Johnson. Down the road, I’ll ask him to design a new cover for book 1 as well.

Helen: It absolutely works. What made you choose to write crime fiction?

Jeff: I write crime fiction because it’s one of my favorite genres to read. Plots allow for character development, intrigue, and sharp twists. My goal is to keep the reader guessing while presenting enough clues for everything to make sense in the end. Twists must be satisfying and, of course, Cash must get the baddie.

I set the series in the Texas Hill Country because of my close ties to the region’s culture, geography, and people. Although I live in Austin, I spend much time at a weekend retreat near a small town, Blanco, that inspired Cash’s hometown of Pinyon.

Helen: Tell us about your protagonist, Adam Cash.

Jeff: Good crime fiction protagonists must be smart, brave, and persistent. They must also have a chink in their armor. Deputy Adam Cash confronts danger without flinching, yet shrivels in the face of emotional turmoil. That tendency drives Edie, the love of his life, crazy.

Helen: I think your portrayal of Adam works really well, and I sympathise with Edie, because he doesn’t have a clue, even though he knows he’s messing up. Where do you get your plot ideas from? It must be difficult coming up with new murder scenaries and enough twist and turns to throw the reader of the scent.

Jeff: Everyone wants to know where authors get their ideas! In my case, there is no easy answer. Usually, I find myself asking, what if? For Blunt Force Trauma, I asked myself what would happen if a man who wanted to be a deputy was framed for the sheriff’s murder. Second Death came from mulling over what would happen if an unusual item was found on an accident victim. For Murder Creek, I wondered what would happen if someone kept a large sum of cash in their home. And for the next book, Roadkill, yet to be written, I want to create a story about modern cattle rustling.

Helen: Do you find you need to plan your books to get the flow right? Or do you prefer to let the writing take you where it will.

Jeff: I’m a bit of both, which I believe is true for most authors. Before writing the first page, I create a rough outline of plot and characters. Once I start writing, I’m apt to deviate substantially from that. And once my editor has a say, look out!

Helen: Have you read any books recently that you would recommend to other readers?

Jeff: My wife and I recently listened to the audio versions of Adrian McKinty’s Sean Duffy series. In my view, these books are as close to perfection as a crime fiction author can get. I’d stack them up against anything else in the genre.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. Just to close us out, what’s the best piece writing advice you’ve recieved?

Jeff: Jeff Carson, an author I admire, has been kind enough to offer advice and encouragement when I’ve bugged him with questions. He told me to remember I’m playing the long game. In other words, success comes only with time and hard work. I must be patient.

I also keep in mind a quote I’ve seen attributed to Jodi Picoult: “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”

About the Author

Jeff Kerr

Jeff Kerr wasn’t born in Texas but says “y’all” like a native. He wrote a poem in the third grade that earned him a school prize, a book about the American flag. You’d think that would have inspired him to become a writer but that came later.

Jeff wrote and published his first book twenty years ago. He hadn’t planned on doing so until one night at the supper table his son interrupted a discourse about local history by saying, “Enough, Dad! Write a book.” Choosing to interpret a teenager’s flip remark as sage advice, he did. Six books later, he calls himself an author. So there.

When Jeff isn’t writing you can find him floating a Texas river or battling cedar on his small slice of Hill Country land. When he is writing, he stays busy by creating pulse-pounding crime thrillers that, according to one reader, “move along like a runaway locomotive.” Thank you for spurring me to action, son.

Author website

Facebook: facebook.com/JeffKerrAuthor/

Twitter: x.com/jkerr50

Bookbub: bookbub.com/authors/jeff-kerr

Instagram: instagram.com/jkerr50/

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@authorjeffkerr

Purchase Jeff’s book, Murder Creek

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Cary Anne

Author of the steamy romance novel, Seductive Sands.

I am very pleased to welcome Cary Anne to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her steamy romance series Unveiling Desires, and the first book, Seductive Sands.

Helen: Welcome Cary Anne. Let’s dive straight in, tell us about your book, Seductive Sands.

Cary Anne: Seductive Sands is the first book in the series, Unveiling Desires. The main character is Devon Cartwright, a career oriented financial planner whose main goal was to obtain the role of partner in the firm she worked for. After accomplishing this, she had a terrible loss of both her parents within a few months of each other. Her friend and client, Margarette, has a villa in the Dominican Republic and offers it to Devon for six months, if she wants it. Devon has not had a vacation in years and takes her up on it.

Helen: Who wouldn’t want a six month vacation in the Dominican Republic? Sounds like bliss! Especially if there are characters like Amadeus available. Tell us why you chose this cover design.

Cary Anne: I have always loved the Dominican Republic, the ocean and the people. So, I decided that I wanted my book to take place there and what a great cover a picture of the ocean would be. Of course, I had to use the male model Amadeus on the front, to entice the ladies to want to read my book.

Helen: I love finding out the authors thoughts behind their cover. How did you come up with the title, and is there any special meaning behind it?

Cary Anne: I write steamy romance and I needed the title to suggest the genre and I think it gets right to the point, by the title and subtitle. Seductive Sands, Unveiling Desires Series.

Helen: The title sounds perfect. What made you choose to write spicy romance, and why this particular book?

Cary Anne: I was still working at the time I put this into draft. I was working at a financial institution, and this is where my character Devon evolved. It was from the perspective of a young single woman trying to make it in a male dominated financial industry. It was difficult for a woman to get to become partner in a firm, especially being under 30 when she started and also that she was single. Often the management style was older married men, who were not going to take time off to have babies and sick kids who needed to be looked after. It evolved into a romance novel.

I had this book written before Fifty Shades was released. I put it on the back burner after reading Fifty Shades. I wondered if my book was actually good enough to be published. So, I waited.

Several of my friends read it and kept telling me it was better than Fifty Shades in my writing style and I should publish it.

Helen: It is so great to have supportive friends. Who inspired you to start writing?

Cary Anne: I began writing years ago, initially just for myself. It was therapeutic when I felt stressed or needed to vent. While working full-time, I wrote speeches and presentations for my team. I’ve always enjoyed putting pen to paper; it feels natural. I remember my mom saying I should write stories because I told so many. I think she meant I talked too much and made things up as I went along.

Helen: A natural story teller is a great place to start. Do you find you plan your books, or are you a pantser and write free form?

Cary Anne: This is a great question. I was a pantser with my first book. Then I didn’t know how to publish it, and that’s when I enrolled in the course. I have learned so much in the past year about how to plan out each book so that I make sure it flows and I wasn’t missing anything. I realize how important it is in order to get the right outcome for my book. So now I am definitely a planner. I start with a plot board and work my way through how I want each chapter to accomplish. Once I have the book laid out I start writing each chapter.

Helen: I think the more you write, the more your writing style evolves. It’s great you are writing a series, what comes next?

Cary Anne: I am currently in the editing process of the second book in the series, Urban Seductive, which takes place when Devon gets back home and tries to keep a long distance relationship with Amadeus going. It was fun writing this one because I put obstacles in the way of Amadeus coming to see Devon.

Helen: Authors are so mean to their characters. As if a long distance relationship wasn’t difficult enough! Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?

Cary Anne: Imposter syndrome. That’s when I rely on others to read what I have written and ask for feedback. I ask other authors, too. As you said, every writer experiences self-doubt. You need to try new things and be open to what other people say.

Helen: What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom?

Cary Anne: The most valuable writing advice I received from my coach was to keep writing, do your research, make your characters relatable, and ensure fact-checking. Additionally, remember reviews are for readers, not writers. Not everyone will like your book.

Helen: Great advice. Is there any advice you would like to share with aspiriing writers?

Cary Anne: Everyone has a story within them. Write it and discover where it leads. Keep honing your craft. Take courses if needed. It’s never too late to begin.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. It has been lovely meeting you. Last question, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Cary Anne: I didn’t know anything about writing a book, so I enrolled in a self publishing course and I have learned so much this past year and I am really enjoying working with the coaches and my fellow authors/students. I have a whole new group of friends who started the writing process just a new as I did. We are all learning and sharing and helping each other. It is a fantastic community.

About the Author

Cary Anne

Greetings, lovely readers! I’m Cary Anne, your passionate guide into the world of steamy romance fiction. Proudly hailing from the charming landscapes of Canada, I currently call the suburban bliss near Toronto, Ontario, my home sweet home, where I share my days with my wonderful husband. Our nest is empty now, as our two grown children navigate their own paths through the intricate dance of life.

After bidding adieu to the corporate world, I’ve finally embraced my call to writing. The allure of crafting tales of passion and love proved irresistible, and I’ve found immense joy in weaving stories that transport readers into the realms of desire and romance.

When I’m not engrossed in the world of my characters, you’ll find me relishing moments with my family. Whether I’m holed up in my writing haven or hitting the road, shuttling between my cozy spot in Whitby and my daughter’s farm in Delta, Ontario, each journey is a wellspring of inspiration.

Beyond the written word, I find solace in the laughter of my grandkids and the amusing antics of their feathered companions in the form of quirky chickens. A true lover of all animals, especially dogs, I cherish the unconditional love and companionship they bring into our lives.

But that’s not all—I also harbor a deep passion for breathing new life into old furniture, turning forgotten pieces into vibrant works of art. And, of course, no writing session is complete without the company of black licorice, my sweet companion in this delightful journey of storytelling.

So, dear reader, join me in exploring the realms of desire, love, and the magic that unfolds between the pages of my steamy romance novels. Let the journey begin, and may it be filled with the warmth of love and the joy of delightful companions, furry or otherwise!

Author Website

Purchase Cary Anne’s book, Seductive Sands (Available on Kindle Unlimited at time of posting.)

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Liisa Sabah

Author of the epic fantasy novel, The Cocoon Within

I am very pleased to welcome Liisa Sabah to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her epic fantasy novel, The Cocoon Within.

Helen: Welcome Liisa. I am very excited to learn more about your epic fantasy book. Just looking at the cover, it looks to be quite the adventure. Tell us about your book and how you came to write it.

Liisa: I absolutely loved the journey of writing The Cocoon Within! It’s funny because how I started the book was quite unintentional. One day I was actually in the middle of writing a different book, and was taking a break from it, I was just sat doodling at my laptop, staring at a blank word document, and I thought, let me just write what pops to my mind, and so I did, and I wrote the first page of chapter one of The Cocoon Within. I left it on my laptop for about a year, whilst I finished the other book (which is currently unpublished) and then I went back to that one page and carried on writing, until 324 pages later, voila! The Cocoon Within emerged!

The Cocoon Within is an easy ready, it’s fast paced and it’s an exciting fantasy adventure story, it has ten lengthy chapters and is full of twist and turns, unusual characters and fantastical and colourful worlds and creatures. Of course as with most fantasy books it has a good versus evil theme in the story, there is of course some violence in the book, including battle scenes, and that’s why I set the reading age for age 13 upwards, and whilst the genre is set at young adult, 18+ readers are also enjoying the book.

The Cocoon Within, has been described by US online book club as being reminiscent of the Chronicles of Narnia, Harry Potter and even Alice in Wonderland! In this epic fantasy adventure, young Ariana finds an ancient and mysterious book in her attic and unusual things begin to unfold. Not only does she have strange dreams and visions, but she also begins to see real life creatures from another realm, and it seems that she may not be the only one that can see them! To top this all off she discovers that her own identity is more than she could have ever imagined, and that her new dog isn’t just an ordinary dog. Together Ariana and her best friend and unexpected love interest, Jack, and the popular and stunning Jessica, are drawn into the adventure of their lives, where everything changes, and they are transported to another world. Not only does Ariana discover her true identity, but along with her friends, they embark on a spectacular quest where they are faced with a great battle against dark and evil forces, which threaten to overpower them all and destroy the world as they know it!

Helen: It’s funny how we are in the middle of writing one book and another amazing idea comes along to distract you. I must say that your cover is absolutely gorgeous. Tell us how you came up with the design.

Liisa: As with any story, the book evolved during my writing journey, and once I had decided to include a great winged lion to appear in the story as one of the key characters, I just knew that he had to feature on the cover of the book! Of course the ancient mystical book that Ariana finds in her grandfather’s attic, was the catalyst to the beginnings of the entire fantastical adventure of flame haired Ariana, our brave yet endearing protagonist, who also had to feature on the cover, with Lifeblood sword in hand.

So I searched for an image of a lion, an ancient book, and a red haired girl with a sword, from the images on the site that my publisher had given me to browse. When I came across the lion and book which was a single image, with its bursting flames of colours, I knew I just had to have that for the cover! When the creative designer merged the images of Ariana with the blazing lion and book, both my publisher and I were ecstatic at the result, it was bold, bright and certainly eye catching, capturing the essence of the story. Later on, I connected my cover choice with my own personal faith, the Lion representative of God, the ancient book representing the Holy scriptures, and Ariana, representing the believer holding the sword of the spirit. Readers may recognise the allegory in the references to the spiritual battle of good vs evil in the story, which was part of my inspiration to write this fantastical adventure.

Helen: I love finding out the authors thoughts behind their cover. How did you come up with the title, and is there any special meaning behind it?

Liisa: Yes, human beings are capable of so much and the power in our mind / inner being is often underestimated by most. I believe that we are capable of achieving amazing things beyond our own current thinking, if we tap into our source. I chose the title ‘The Cocoon Within’, to represent the power within us, that can be unleashed by transforming our thinking. Mindset is everything. Just like Ariana discovers her true identity and exactly what she is capable of. So do we, travel on this path called life, a journey of discovery about who we are as individuals, and it’s our thinking that ultimately shapes the person that we become, reflective in the life that we lead.

Helen: What would your main character say if I asked them why we should read your book?

Liisa: Ariana would say, come follow me on a journey of adventure and discovery, where the unseen becomes more real than the seen. Who knows. It might even change the way you that see things! I think she would also tell you that she didn’t know her own strength until she was faced with great adversity and challenge. That she made some amazing friends along the way, and though she didn’t have the easiest start in life, don’t let that stop you from becoming the person that you are meant to be. She would say if you read The Cocoon Within, perhaps her story might inspire you to be a little bit braver, a little bit more resilient and a little more curious about the world around you and all that you see… and all that you don’t see!

Helen: Lovely message. When did you first realise you had a passion for writing?

Liisa: Ever since I was a young girl, I loved to read! Childhood favourites were the Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and then as a teenager, I must have read every Agatha Christie book going! Moving on to some of the great classics, from Charles Dickens to Jane Austin, I simply loved to read. And as far back as eight or nine years old, I loved writing stories, English was a favourite lesson of mine, because I got to write essays, and I dreamed of one day writing a book of my own and becoming an author.

My family emigrated to West Africa when I was about ten years old and I was almost fifteen when we returned to the UK. It was an unforgettable experience that involved a lot of hardship that we had never experienced as a family before. My mother always said that we should write a book about our time in Africa, and her words have always stayed with me. Did I ever write that book? I hear you ask…the answer to that is…yes, I did write that book, for my mother. It was the very first book I ever wrote, deeply personal and which is currently an unpublished work, that took me two years to complete, once I really knuckled down to write it. I then went on to write my debut fantasy adventure book, The Cocoon Within, which took me 10 months to complete and which I published earlier this year, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Helen: Congratulations on completing and publishing your book. Such a huge accomplishment. With your first novel being epic fantasy, do you think you’ll continue to write fantasy or will you branch out into a different genre?

Liisa: Whilst my first published book is a fantasy adventure book, as previously mentioned, my very first written work was in fact a memoir, albeit written as a novel based on true events. I am still a very new author, and I am learning a lot on this author journey, still honing my craft, trying new things, because every day is a school day, right! Personally, whilst I absolutely love the fantasy genre, I am keen to branch into other genres. Whilst the current book I am writing is part two – the sequel to The Cocoon Within, the way my brain works, I get so many ideas for stories pop in my imagination, so I just jot them on a word document or notepad and save them. Every so often, I will add a little more to the story ideas, and play around with the plot, with the intention to go back to them and turn them into the beginnings of a new adventure story! I have been toying with the idea of trying my hand at a family drama with a twist, and even a romance novel, though who knows, perhaps combining both elements into a fantastical adventure, could be the end result! Writing is such an adventure in itself, because you may start the story one way and end up through the twists and turns of the journey, going in a completely different direction than you first intended, as you allow your imagination to generate new and exciting ideas along the way, that you didn’t originally think of. Sometimes a picture or a place, a song, or even something someone has said in my day-to-day life, gives me inspiration for a scene or story line to add to my writing. Though for now my main focus is the sequel to The Cocoon Within and I am just over 40,000 words into the story, so watch this space!

Helen: That is so exciting, I am so glad you are writing a sequel! I was going to ask what you are working next, so tell us a little about what you are writing now.

Liisa: I am currently writing the sequel to The Cocoon Within, I have almost finished chapter four, and I am targeting myself to finish it by the end of this year. I quickly discovered that it is no mean feat, trying to write a series, as there is a lot of back and forth, trying to tie up the previous story lines and loose ends etc to make everything come together into yet another exciting book. I have got the plot going pretty well now and I am introducing some new characters, I am really excited about book number two, and the scale of the story itself is much wider. Ariana discovers more about Elopia and the other realms, but I shan’t give you any spoilers. If I were to summarise, I would say that the sequel will certainly hold as much, if not more fantastical adventures and action as The Cocoon Within, so stay tuned for its release date, I will be posting updates on Facebook as I approach the end of the story. To whet readers’ appetites ahead of the sequel’s release, I have created a little video trailer for book number two, which is on my Facebook page!

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. Just to close us out, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Liisa: I can’t detract from the most obvious thing, which is of course holding a physical copy of my finished work in my hands, there is nothing like it! Even now I still get that wow feeling, when I hold a copy of my book in my hands, and I think ‘Did I really write this?’ I feel humbled, awed, amazed and of course so grateful whenever anyone purchases a copy of my book. It’s humbling and exciting to know that someone wants to read the words that I have put together in a book, and I hope that my stories touch the hearts of readers and engage their imagination for a long time to come. It’s a feeling of unexplainable joy being able to get your creativity out in the world for readers to connect with, and I also really do appreciate every reader that takes the time to write a review for my book. Reviews are like gold dust to the author, so thank you to those active readers out there!

The other day I was at a retail outlet having a great conversation with a customer representative about my book, I offered the rep a free signed copy of my book, as I happened to have a few copies with me. I was, however, bowled over that the rep refused the free copy, saying that they wanted to support me as an author by purchasing a copy, and they did so on Amazon in that very moment! The interest and support from the public has just been the absolute best, and I cannot say thank you enough to all the readers out there!

About the Author

Liisa Sabah

Author, doodler, dreamer, believer and self-confessed animal lover that just loves to share exciting adventure stories with the world! And positive vibes! #Mindset is everything! Liisa was born in Bedfordshire and spent her formative childhood years there until the age of ten when she emigrated with her family to West Africa, where they spent the next four years, before returning to the UK. Liisa is half Finnish and half Ghanaian by heritage, she has a passion for travel, too much coffee and a love for animals, especially those roaring big cats…lions! Her Christian faith influences her fantasy writing, with themes of the spiritual battle of good vs evil and adversity and challenge that the characters strive to overcome. Liisa is fascinated by the human psyche and has a strong belief that the human mind is capable of so much more than we know, she likes to read books about personal development, mindset, and transforming the way that we think.

Author links

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Purchase Liisa’s book, The Cocoon Within

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

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Author Interview – Christine Skippins

Author of the children’s book The Magic of Misty Nook: Santa in a Camper.

I am very pleased to welcome Christine Skippins to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her children’s book series, The Magic of Misty Nook.

Helen: Welcome Christine. I am very excited to learn more about your series of children’s books set in Misty Nook. Tell us about the lastest, Santa in a Camper

Christine: The Magic of Misty Nook, Santa in a Camper is a fun romp through a Christmas party with current and past residents of the Misty Nook animal haven. Dogs and cats abound, and much fun is had by all! Each year, the elves that run Misty Nook (including Santa, himself and managed by Woody the Staffy dog) animal rescue throw a lavish party and invite past residents of Misty Nook to show they have not forgotten those alumni dogs and cats that have gone on to forever homes. I love that all the animals have such diverse personalities in the way they enjoy the festivities, and the separate feasts for dogs and for cats that allow their particular preferences to shine through. This book is a cute read, and would be great for a child with a bit longer attention span than other, pure illustration books with a line of text for each picture. The lovingly crafted portraits of the animals are great, though I would have liked to have seen some depictions of the party space. The book closes with Santa taking off in his camper van to deliver presents all over the world, after handing out gifts to the cats and dogs at the party. It’s a great, simple story for Christmas.

Helen: Your characters are bright and with lovable animal characters. Who is on the cover of Santa in a Camper?

Christine: So why shouldn’t our pets have a Fabulous Christmas party? The cover depicts Woody one of the main characters in his Santa outfit.

Helen: What made you write this particular book?

Christine: The book is inspired by volunteering at a local animal rescue centre and showcases the ways in which the staff enrich the lives of the animals that stay there. It also highlights how they stay in touch with their animal family even after they are rehomed.

Helen: How wonderful. That is a lovely message to remind children of the work that goes on behind the scenes in an animal rescue center. Who is your protagonist and why did you write her/him?

Christine: My Misty Nook stories all revolve around a Magical Animal Centre run by Woody, a Staffordshire Terrier who is the chief elf. He’s inspired by a real-life dog called Woody, who sits at the reception of the animal centre where I volunteered checking everyone in and out, and nothing happens without him knowing!

Helen: My Mum had a staffie. They are the most adorable dogs and so affectionate. I can imagine Woody running the centre. How do you get the ideas for a new book?

Christine: Inspiration is everywhere, and I have a head full of story ideas for both Adult and Children’s stories, so watch this space!

Helen: Typically you write and illustrate children’s book. Have you ever thought about writing in other genres?

Christine: So far, I have been focusing on writing children’s fiction about animals because it combines my passions and skill set. However, as my writing style has developed, I am also writing some adult fiction short stories to explore that genre as well.

Helen: Now Santa in a Camper is out, what are you working on next?

Christine: I’ve just completed a science fiction short story for a writing challenge, and now I’m going to work on my mother’s story. Born in 1937 in London, her early years were lived through the horrors of WW2. It’s my aim to bring her memories of dodging the bombs and being evacuated to the countryside alive. This story, based on fact, will preserve her memories for subsequent generations.

Helen: That is so exciting. I imagine that project, enshrining your mother’s memories in print will be so special. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

Christine: I have always enjoyed drawing and writing, and creating children’s books has allowed me to develop as both an author and an artist.

Helen: Are you a pantser or a planner? Do you write free form, or do you have a framework you stick to?

Christine: My first draft is always a sensory word dump, and its from that that my story evolves.

Helen: Which element of the writing process do you find most challenging and why?

Christine: With a creative mind, my biggest challenge is checking and rechecking my text, as I have an emotive rather than a detail-oriented eye. I also struggle with knowing when the text is ready for publishing because every time I read and reread, I always find a way to tweak it!

Helen: Do you listen to music when you write, if so, what do you listen to and why?

Christine: I love music and listen to the radio when I am working. Writing is a lonely business, and it helps me to have real life in the background.

Helen: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?

Christine: I have a small group of amazing advisors, friends and family, who constantly remind me that I am good enough to put myself and my work out there with the best.

Helen: It’s so good to have a support system. Writing can be an emotional rollercoaster. What is the most useful piece of writing advice you’ve received, and by whom? And what advice would you give aspiring writers?

Christine: “Show, don’t tell when you write” is the best advice a retired literary agent gave me. Believe in yourself, and put your best work out there, but be open to feedback, your first book is the start of your journey, where each one will be better than the one before.

Helen: I know most writers are great readers as well. What is your favourite book and why do you like it so much?

Christine: My Reading Choices vary, but I like reading books where I can relate to the location. For example, a rom-com set on a Greek Island or in a French town with markets and cafes or a detective story set in Brighton, the city near where I grew up.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today. Just to close us out, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Christine: On publication, my Grandson Harry proudly takes each one of my books to school and shows off my picture on the back of the book to anyone who will listen. To me, that is a priceless pride and memory.

About the Author

Christine Skippins

Christine (Chris) Skippins enjoyed a lengthy career in finance before she turned her attention to writing and illustrating. It wasn’t long before she discovered her niche.

Her involvement with a local animal rescue centre, which she joined to contribute to a community charity, sparked her inspiration. The animals she encountered and the dedicated team that rehabilitated them motivated her to create “The Magic of Misty Nook” series.

Now, Chris animates delightful animal characters through her stories, showcasing how frightened and lonely creatures find love and compassion at Misty Nook.

As a teenager, Chris worked at a pet store and often attempted to take in rabbits, guinea pigs, and even puppies that needed homes—much to her father’s initial reluctance. Eventually, her father relented, and Whiskey the Collie was welcomed into their family. Over time, Whiskey and many other pets became an integral part of Chris’s life.

Born in Chichester, England, Chris is a mother to an adult son and daughter, as well as Rizzo the Spaniel. She’s also a grandmother to Harry and Sienna—her wonderful grandchildren—and Ivy and Rolo—her ‘granddogs’.

Amazon Author page

Purchase Christine’s book, Santa in a Camper

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.