Reviewed: September 17th, 2023 Released: June 29th, 2023 Genre: Arthurian Fantasy Format: ebook
When the man who raised Roane Pendragon as a son sends a woman in need of protection, what is Roane to do? Well, one thing he shouldn’t do is sleep with her.
Caitlin McGregor is the latest in a long line of Sword Maidens. As the latest Keeper of Roane’s sword, it means both she and Roane are now targets on the radar of the evil sorceress, Morgause.
Morgause needs to stop Roane from using his sword to turn his key. The easiest way is to stop Cait from giving it to him in the first place. If Morgause can get her hands on it before Roane, not only will her lover, Mordred be released, but so will a creature powerful enough to subjugate multiple universes.
Will Cait give Roane the sword before Morgause stops her? Will Roane be able to use it to do his part to lock away the evil creature? Will Cait and Roane have any chance for a happy-ever-after? Read My Thoughts…
Today, I am excited to welcome fantasy author, Nat Kennedy, to my blog. Nat is chatting to us about her book Blooded. I read Blooded when it first released, I thoroughly enjoyed it and you can find my review here.
Helen: Welcome Nat, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your book, Blooded.
Nat: Hi Helen! Thanks for having me. I must say it’s a delight to be here to talk about my writing. I’m Nat Kennedy and I write heroic fantasy with a gay romance bent. The heroics are very important to me. My main characters want to fight the good fight, protect the weak, embrace nobility and honor. My current book is called Blooded.
Blooded is contemporary fantasy where those who can use magic are blooded, descended from a Pure magical being. Nick, a blooded sorcerer, has been on a decade long hunt for an evil megalomanic sorcerer and is burned out on life. Through the words of a prophet, he is led to a dilapidated manor house in the Alps, where he meets his old, hated professor, Byron, who has been turned into a vampire. Byron has given up on life and has tried to starve himself. When Nick arrives, he thinks he is there to kill him. More prophecy leads them to have to create a blood bond to take down the evil sorcerer. Lots of redemption, adventure, love, magic, and heroics.
Helen: I thoroughly enjoyed Blooded when I read it. Nick and Byron are wonderful characters. What were your thoughts behind the cover design?
Nat: My cover artist was amazing! Silvana Sanchez – Selfpub Designs kept tweaking to make sure I was happy with the scene it created. My two many heroes, Nick and Byron, stand side by side. Byron is wearing his cross, because he’s a religious man, Nick has his magical stone – the conduit for any sorcerer’s power. Behind them is the manor house in which they meet and much of the book unfolds.
Helen: Titles are just as important as covers. Why did you choose the title Blooded?
Nat: Blooded fit on many levels. First, the sorcerers are blooded if they have the blood of a Pure in their veins. This gives them the ability to use magic. Pure can be angels, devils, celestials, immortals, elementals, fae, or other types of mystical/magical beings.
Then there is the vampire aspect. Byron must drink blood and he doesn’t for so long, trying to end his misery. When the prophecy demands him to drink Nick’s blood, it takes on another level of meaning of bring him back to health and how the bond of blood has power over their magic.
Helen: The title is perfect for your story. What made you first start writing?
Nat: This is a story you’ve heard before. I always liked making up stories as a kid. I think I discovered I had a passion for it about twenty years ago when I started roleplaying games. I wanted more to happen other than what happened in the game so I wrote stories about my characters. Of course they were heroic and won the day! But I realized that when I couldn’t find stories I wanted, I would just have to create my own. In the era of grimdark and anti-heroes, I really wanted to find more solid men and women who wanted to do the right thing. Sure, not every character starts out as heroic, but I like to see nobility shine through. So, I write more noble characters because, for a while, I wasn’t finding them. That is my passion.
Helen: Blooded is Heroic Fantasy, which genre do you typically write?
Nat: Fantasy, mainly, though other kinds of speculative fiction such as science fiction and horror. And I like romantic elements or subplots as well.
Helen: It’s been a while since Blooded released. What are you working on now?
Nat: I’m currently writing a romantic adventure fantasy. My hero is a mercenary with a dark past and he’s trying to right a wrong that sent the area into war. He meets up with three hermaphroditic cat people, who hate humans but need him as a guide, and they go on this grand adventure, become friends, romance ensues, heroics are enacted, the day is saved. I’m almost done with this novel. It’s gone through 5 drafting stages, but I know it needs at least two more. Writing for me takes a long time. It’s the first in a series.
Helen: Everyone writes at their own pace. As long as you enjoy writing, that’s all that matters. Which element of the writing process do you find the most challenging?
Nat: The middle. I can draft fairly easily and I love the final word-smithing polish, but sometimes I write myself in a hole and I have problems coming out in a reasonable way. I want actions and reactions to be intelligent and make sense. So, the middle where I’m having to assure all plot holes are plugged, all actions make sense, and the pay out is worth it all, that slows me down at times. Writing is hard.
Helen: Every writer experiences self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice in your head to keep writing?
Nat: Honestly, I stall out for long periods of time. I have a day job, so when I’m stressed or tired, I don’t tend to write much. I just don’t have the time or energy. I don’t think it’s doubt for me, it’s just lack of ‘success’ that tires me out. I have to remind myself that I love writing and I’m loving what I’m writing and to keep on it. “I write good stories. Keep going.”
Helen: It can be tough to have the energy to write after a long day at work. I’m afraid I am not an early riser, so writing first thing is not for me! Thank you so much, Nat, for spending time with me today. Just to finish, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Nat: Write what you love. Keep writing. Hone your skills. There’s a lot more I would say, but for a newbie I think those are key.
Nat Kennedy writes romantic fantasy of all kinds. She prides herself in delivering engaging, plotty romantic stories. In her worlds, Heroes abound. Here you’ll find good men taking positive actions in rough places. Come along to lands of magic and enchantment—from epic, fantastical worlds to contemporary America, she’ll take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.
She lives in the Pacific Northwest where the rain keeps the world green.
Follow Nat:
Thanks for having me! It was great to meet your readers. If anyone is interested in keeping abreast of my current happenings, please find me, reach out and say hi!
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
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Reviewed: September 3rd, 2023 Released: September 20th, 2022 Genre: Humourous Fantasy Format: Paperback
A Land of Darkness drowns in despair. It’s called My Office.
When I’m not typing manifests, I churn out fantasy books no-one reads. Less Young Adult, more MAD: Middle Aged Disappointment. So, when I’m gifted a magic book for Secret Santa, I can’t believe my luck.
One miserable ‘Once Upon a Time’ later and I’m marooned on a frozen mountain, heaving with weirdos, biting each other’s throats.
The Snake’s oily, The Eagle’s bald, The Bear’s accident prone, My ‘Handsome Prince’ is more cheesed off Wolf, busy scratching, and I’ve no idea who the Villain is (unless it’s me).
Worst of all… I’ve no way home and the Mangy Wolf’s got the hots for me.
Readers’ Favorite recognizes “SoulBreather” by Helen Garraway in its annual international book award contest, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BGRMV8XJ.
The Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).
“When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers’ Favorite.” –Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House
Readers’ Favorite is proud to announce that “SoulBreather” by Helen Garraway won the Finalist Award in the Romance – Fantasy/Sci-Fi category.
You can learn more about Helen Garraway and “SoulBreather” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/soulbreather where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
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Reviewed: August 31st, 2023 Released: September 1st, 2023 (Launch day!!) Genre: Science Fantasy Format: ARC- Paperback
Declared a renegade The life you knew in shatters How do you pick up the pieces?
Bekah and Lan are young professionals, at the beginnings of their careers, but have fallen foul of the Consortium, the huge mining and industrial conglomeration with its stranglehold on the colonies. Into their lives comes the enigmatic Zandra, with a secret so well hidden not even she knows of it, but which will change all of their lives. But an invitation from Captain Pendryl, to join him aboard the Caladrius, may provide the solution they are all searching for.
Crewed almost entirely by the Gifted, the Caladrius will be the flagship of a taskforce protecting telepaths and telekinetics in the colonies. But the mission is not without danger … too many of the colonies have become isolationist and regressive, and see the Gift as witchcraft.
Today, I’m thrilled to be chatting to an author who is releasing her first novel in one week, on September 1st, 2023. R.A Harrison writes Science Fantasy novels and you can find Mosaic, the first book in her Caldrius Chronicles series on preorder now. I am happily reading an ARC at the moment, so look out for my book review soon.
Helen: Welcome Rachel, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your debut novel, Mosiac.
Rachel: Thanks for inviting me onto your blog Helen, and for the opportunity to talk about my debut novel which releases on 1st September. Mosaic is a science fantasy, set aboard the Caladrius, a spaceship crewed by the Gifted — telepaths, empaths and telekinetics. It’s also a mending-broken-lives story, which is where the title comes from … the idea of taking the shards of a former life and creating something new and beautiful from them.
I began writing Mosaic during the 2020 lockdowns when, unable to see my friends, I began inventing new ones! The first few chapters grew out of an idea I had many years ago (more than I’m willing to count or admit), although they’re almost unrecognisable now. But, as I’m sure you know all too well, writing is addictive — what I intended almost as a stand-alone, hobby-write is now book one of The Caladrius Chronicles.
Helen: The premise sounds great, I love the idea of creating something new from the shards of the past. Almost like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Your cover is really vibrant, tell us how you chose the design.
Rachel: I didn’t choose my cover, it chose me! It’s a Shutterstock image, by Amanda Carden, which was too perfect and too appropriate not to use. Although I’m writing science fiction, I prefer to steer away from the conventional illustrations of starships, space battles and explosions. To me, this image carries a feeling of hope and expectation, especially combined with the slightly whimsical font.
Helen: What’s your next project? Will you be staying with science fantasy, or branching out?
Rachel: I have several books on the go at the moment! Two more of the Chronicles: a prequel, Crusader, and a sequel, Tapestry. But I’m also planning a series of cosy mysteries, set in a fictional Dorset market town. Unfortunately these have had to take a bit of a back seat in the push to get Mosaic ready for publication, but I’m looking forward to seeing where they take me … and if that includes research trips to the coast, I wouldn’t say no!
In addition to fiction, I also write text books. My day job is teaching piano and music theory, and the new books are a rewrite and update of a summer school course I taught for twenty-six years. It’s an exciting project involving blended learning — a mix of traditional and online resources — and producing it will be a steep learning curve! There’s a piece of advice often given to new authors: write about what you know. Whilst I’m definitely doing that, I do think it could be rather limiting and that a bit of research never goes amiss! I have plenty of ideas to keep me busy for years, but who knows?
Helen: That is quite a range of topics and genres to write about. Who inspired you to start writing? Were you influenced by your favourite book or author?
Rachel: I don’t have a favourite book, but I do have favourite authors and they, probably more than anyone, inspired me to write. I grew up reading a lot of science fiction and fantasy, especially Anne McCaffrey, CS Lewis, Ursula Le Guin, David Eddings, Susan Dexter and, of course, Tolkien, and that has definitely influenced my writing. But I also have a serious addiction to cosy mysteries — is there a support group available? Preferably one run jointly by a strong, independent, small business owning woman, and a long-suffering local Sheriff or Chief of Police?
Aside from authors, the two people who encouraged me the most were a couple of my teachers. Miss Galley, a tutor whom my parents engaged to teach me to read when I was nine (I had a hearing loss and an undiagnosed learning difficulty) and who turned me into a bookworm. And Mrs Curtis, my ‘A’ Level English Literature and Language teacher, who was the first person to believe in me as a writer.
Helen: That is so wonderful that your love of books and writing was discovered early. I can also say your favourite authors are some of mine! How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Rachel: I’m fortunate that my teaching practice (I’m self-employed) allows me to work part-time. But even so, I’m excited when the school holidays roll round and I can concentrate on my writing … or, as I’m doing at the moment, learning how the self-publishing process works.
Because of my dyspraxia, I have to be hyper-organised … but sadly that doesn’t always extend to my writing! I tend to have flashes of inspiration, often at silly-o’clock in the morning — sometimes even resulting in entire scenes, complete with dialogue, materialising in my imagination. The planning comes in assigning a purpose to that scene, in manipulating it, making it work hard for its place in the narrative … and that’s when the fun really starts!
Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, Rachel. Just to close us out, what is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?
Rachel: Probably two things … the unbelievable satisfaction of knowing that I’ve written and published a book. Every time I hit another milestone in the process, I can’t stop giggling with excitement! But also, being welcomed by the amazing community of writers and authors on Instagram, without whom this would have been a very lonely journey.
Helen: I am so thrilled you have completed your first book and launch day is only around the corner. I wish you every sucess with Mosaic. Book lovers can find Rachel signing copies of her brand new book at the Marlow Indie Book Fair. Make sure you visit and grab a copy.
About the Author
R.A Harrison
R A Harrison is the pen name used by Rachel A Harrison for her science fiction and fantasy novels. Rachel began writing during the 2020 lockdown when, unable to meet up with her real friends, she began inventing new ones. Mosaic is the first of The Caladrius Chronicles, with prequels and sequels to follow.
When she’s not glued to her computer screen, Rachel is a singer, pianist and music teacher, with an honours degree in Music from the Open University. She’s also a bookworm – devouring mostly science fiction, fantasy and cosy mysteries – and a crafter, and occasional poet. Rachel was delighted to be an award winner at the Chiltern Arts Festival 2022 with her poem ‘Wordsmith’.
In addition to further books in The Caladrius Chronicles, Rachel is planning a series of cosy seaside mysteries under the pen name Raquel Harris. You can find out more at http://www.unendingsky.uk.
As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.
If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.
By clicking the sign up button above, you agree to share your email address with the site owner and the newsletter platform provider to receive marketing, updates, and other emails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
By signing up to my newsletter, you agree to receive commercial information from Helen Garraway, located at 61 Bridge St, Kingston, Hertfordshire, UK (Data Administrator). You can withdraw your consent at any time. The data will be processed until the consent is withdrawn.
Reviewed: August 25th, 2023 Released: August 4th, 2023 Genre: Folklore Fantasy
Dark be the water, and darker still the creatures that lurk within…
Free-spirited Isla Blackwood has never accepted the shackles of her family’s nobility. Instead, she sails the open waters, searching for belonging on the waves.
But when tragedy calls Isla home, she realises she can no longer escape the duty she’s been running from. Selkie raiders have been terrorising the island’s coasts, and when they strike at Blackwood Estate, Isla is forced to flee with her hot-headed brother and brooding swordmaster.
To avenge her family and reclaim her home, Isla will have to set aside old grudges and join forces with an exiled selkie searching for a lost pelt. The heirloom might be the key to stopping the bloody conflict—but only if they can steal it from the island’s most notorious selkie hunter, the Grand Admiral himself.
Caught between a promise to the brother she once left behind and an unlikely friendship with the selkie who should have been her enemy, Isla soon realises the open seas aren’t the only treacherous waters she’ll need to navigate.
As enemies close in on all sides, she must decide once and for all where her loyalties lie if she wants to save what’s left of her family—and find the belonging she’s been searching for.
Sea of Souls is a dark fantasy filled with selkie folklore, ancient magic and high-seas adventure. Perfect for fans of Scottish-inspired settings and dark mythological creatures. Read My Thoughts …
Reviewed: August 20th, 2023 Released: November 28th, 2018 Genre: Dystopian Fantasy
In the Valta, no matter what month you were born, everyone is assigned the same birthday. November 1st. It’s the anniversary of the day when the government declared war on the Eastern Order. The day you turn seventeen, the Recruiters come to take you away. And no one ever hears from you again.
It’s October 31st. Today, Kress is sixteen years old. Tomorrow, she’ll be taken.
The good news? So will her best friend Cardyn, and Brohn, the handsome, enigmatic boy she’s avoided all her life.
The bad news?
Recruitment isn’t what any of them expected.
Weeks of training await. Military and psychological tests, escape rooms, hand-to-hand combat. The Recruits are told they’re the key to winning the war. But with each day that passes, things begin to make less sense. If only Kress had been able to bring her trained raven, Render, with her. If only none of them had ever had to come to this place. Read my thoughts…
Author of theDoor to Door series and the Bellerose Witchline series
Today my blog guest is fantasy author, T.L Brown, who is chatting to us about Crossing the Witchline, her latest book in her adult dark fantasy Bellerose Witchline series.
Helen: Welcome Tracy, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your latest book, Crossing the Witchline.
Tracy:Crossing the Witchline is the second book in my adult dark fantasy Bellerose Witchline series. It picks up three months after the first installment (A Thin Witchline Between Love & Hate) which ended in a devasting battle.
In Crossing the Witchline, main character Lucie Bellerose – a natural witch – finds herself alone, with her best friend missing, her membership at the Congress of Empire Witches suspended, and her magical soulmate lost to another dimension. She doesn’t know if he’s dead or alive. When her magical plans to mount a rescue backfire, she conjures a demon – a man from her past – for help. The two have a complicated history, and in some of the darkest moments, the demon is the only one to stand by her side.
In Crossing the Witchline, I explore themes of light and dark, and how much lives in the gray space between the two. A recent reviewer wrote, “[we] find out what a courageous, strong willed, open-minded witch Lucie is.” I love that. Lucie doesn’t see the world in black and white. Her heart is big; so is her love. There’s even room for a bad man who gets a second chance to “do life right.” Crossing the Witchline is the best book I’ve written.
Helen: Lucie is an amazing character and has much to contend with. I think the Witches’ Congress you created are the real antagonist, allowing Lucie to be treated in such a manner. They ought to be ashamed of themselves! Tell us about your covers. They are so vibrant. What were your thoughts behind the design?
Tracy: The cover of Crossing the Witchline shows Lucie from behind. She’s stepping over a line of fire into the darkness. Lucie’s primary power works with fire and light, so that’s why I chose a line of fire. Also, I intentionally do not show Lucie’s face so that readers can form their own image – although I purposely picked a model with some curves. She’s no waif. The red shoes are also intentional. It’s a nod to Dorothy Gales’ ruby slippers (TheWizard of Oz movie). Lucie wears red sneakers when she travels through the Sixth Door and into the darkness. Maybe they will help bring her home…
Helen: I love the play on words in your titles, how did you came up with them?
Tracy: In some opinions, Lucie “crossed the line” by not sticking with her “own kind.” Witches in the Empire are typically bigoted. She also refused to submit to her former teacher, conjured a particular demon, and eventually, journeyed to a desolate world where she could end up trapped. Also, natural witches in my series have a special vein of power running through them – it feeds their energy and magic. Almost every witchline in the Empire is thinning (atrophying). Lucie is the only witch to have strengthened hers after a brutal year studying under a powerful, but sadistic, witch.
Helen: Tell us more about your protagonist, Lucie Bellerose. It was nice to see one of your Door to Door side characters (and others) in this series.
Tracy: Lucie Bellerose is a natural witch (born one) who lives in the Salesman Empire, a world that was actually introduced in my first series, the Door to Door Paranormal Mysteries. Lucie first appeared as a secondary character in Through the Door (book 2 in the mystery series). She returns in book 3 of that same series, Doors Wide Open, playing a significant role. In fact, Doors Wide Open sets the stage for Lucie’s own fantasy series: Bellerose Witchline.
Lucie is 38, single (never married), a city girl (lives in Matar), and like other natural witches in the Empire, she has a thinning witchline. She likes to study and is an adept witch. She reads Tarot, senses energies, and has blended her magic more than once with legendary Salesman John Templeton. Templeton, the antagonist from the Door to Door series, moves seamlessly into Lucie’s world. The two have a tempestuous relationship. She can toss “fireballs” and balls of energy, shatter glass, slam doors, etc. – several of those magical workings are a direct result of dealing with Templeton. Fan favorite Rabbit also made the move from the Door to Door series and joins Lucie as her best friend in the Bellerose Witchline books. He is her rock.
Helen: Having written the Door to Door series, what made you choose to write a darker fantasy tale?
Tracy: The first series I wrote, the Door to Door Paranormal Mysteries, was quite light-hearted. It’s a fun trilogy with a bit of slapstick. When it came to an end, I was ready to write something more emotional. And as I mentioned above, Lucie Bellerose is introduced as a secondary character in the last two Door to Door books.
I wanted to learn more about Lucie. She’s a deep well, with a strong mix of heart-wrenching sadness, big love, and unyielding hope. She’s confident and fragile. By the time we get to Crossing the Witchline, we learn just how strong and determined she is. But she’s no superhero, and she needs help sometimes – just like the rest of us. She’s flawed but will do the right thing – even if it costs her what she desires. I want good things for Lucie.
Helen: Lucie is an amazing character, and I hope things start to improve for her in book three. You’ve certainly put her through the ringer! Who is your favourite character from your books?
Tracy: It’s difficult to choose just one, of course. I’ve established a core group around two main characters (Emily Swift and Lucie Bellerose) spanning two series. The core group in the second series, Bellerose Witchline, started as secondary characters in the Door to Door Paranormal Mysteries.
I also pulled a villain along from the first into the second series, Sebastian St. Michel. I have to admit, I love writing him. He’s darker than morally gray, arrogant, runs at the mouth, violent, and doesn’t apologize for his criminal past. He only has one regret – which is a spoiler revealed in the Bellerose Witchline – and quite honestly, I shouldn’t like him as much as I do. He’s a bit of an a$$hole, but he’s fun to write. I joke that Sebastian says all the things I’m thinking. Regardless of the bad things he’s done, Sebastian has picked up fans. I’m happy for him. Off-page, I let him run loose on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/SebastianStMichel/ where he playfully trolls my author friends.
Helen: I love that you gave your characters instagram accounts, though I don’t know how you have the time to manage them all! Which genres do you typically write in?
Tracy: I started out in paranormal mysteries that tended more to the “cozy” side – that is, sex and violence (for the most part) happened off-page. I switched to adult dark fantasy to work some different writing muscles. Amazon put my first fantasy book into an occult horror category, too. While I don’t envision myself ever switching to full-on horror, it’s interesting to explore things that make people afraid. Reading something scary is a safe way to experience darker emotions.
Helen: Who inspired you to start writing?
Tracy: All those amazing authors who wrote the books I read over and over as a young girl: Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, James and Deborah Howe, E.L. Konigsburg, Carolyn Keene, Madeleine L’Engle, Roald Dahl, and Carolyn Haywood to name a few. I loved the “choose your own adventure” books, too.
Helen: I think it is a given that all authors are also great readers! What is your favoutite book?
Tracy: This was a hard question for me. I’ve read so many books that fit a “favorite” category, and I can’t just pick one. I will tell you that I believe every woman should read: The House at the End of Hope Street, by Menna van Praag. It has one of my very favorite quotes which comes from a character named Stella: “If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be dead. And, as a life strategy, I don’t really recommend it.”
I think I took that one to heart.
Helen: It always amazes me, how we all write such different books. Just shows how flexible words are! Where do you get the ideas for your books from?
Tracy: Conversations, snippets of thoughts – like a shadow moving across the yard – can spawn scene ideas, which I’ll then thread together and create a plotline.
Music, however, is my greatest source of inspiration. While sometimes it’s lyrics, more often than not it’s the sonicality (yes, I made that word up) of the music that creates a scene in my head. The music will serve as the soundtrack, and I’ll write what happens. I might have an end goal in mind, but honestly, scenes just pop into my brain. If I don’t write them down, I’ll lose them.
Helen: Talking about ideas, what are you currently working on?
Tracy: My current WIP is book three in my Bellerose Witchline series, Walking a Fine Witchline. Main character Lucie Bellerose needs to navigate the fallout from the end of Crossing the Witchline. The Congress of Empire Witches wants her to submit to them and reject her non-witch friends/love interest. There is also a new character I’m bringing in who reveals a separate fully “witch world” versus the Empire where Lucie lives. (In the Empire, there is a diversity of magical and non-magical beings.) This new character, Seth, comes to the Empire because the authorities in his world have identified an issue that’s affecting witches who hail from the Empire.
Also, Lucie needs to make some choices in her personal life. There are two men dividing her heart. She’s going to have to decide at some point – something I’m dreading. And then there’s the demon…he’s still bound to her. So, Lucie is “walking a fine (witch)line” in many areas of her life. There are a few items I can’t share because they are spoilers and significant to the plot.
Helen: I am so glad you are working on book three. And oh my, are you going to have fun writing that book! I’m glad it’s your decision, though I have a feeling your readers are going to be just as torn over your choice! Let’s switch gears for a while and talk about your writing process. Do you plan your novels or let your characters take you where they choose?
Tracy: Oh, I’m definitely a planner. I plot out my storyline from start to finish. I leave room for characters to run with a scene, however. And that happens. Sometimes I feel more like a narrator than a writer – even though all the big or pivotal scenes have been plotted out and assigned to chapters. For me, having a blend of preparation and spontaneity produces the right story I want to tell
Helen: I agree. The more I write, the more I plan, but characters do have a way of leading you astray. What about your writing environment, do you have a playlist when you write or do you prefer silence?
Tracy: Music plays an enormous role in my writing. Songs inspire scenes. For some stories, a particular musical artist’s work will make a huge impact on the characters I develop or serve as the background soundtrack for the book.
Each character has a theme song which varies from book to book. And each book typically has an overall theme song. For example, in the Bellerose Witchline series, the main theme song for A Thin Witchline Between Love & Hate is “Can’t Find My Way Home” by Blind Faith. For Crossing the Witchline, it was tough to choose a main theme song. If I had to pick, it would be “The Last Remaining Light,” by Audioslave. For my current WIP, Walking a Fine Witchline, I’m not sure yet. I have about 25 songs on my WIP playlist ranging from Leonard Cohen to ELO to Pearl Jam to Soundgarden to Norah Jones.
When I finish each book, I share my “fantasy soundtrack” for it complete with suggestions on which chapters to play certain songs. Those fantasy soundtracks can be found on Spotify.
Helen: That is such a great way to enhance your books, especially as the songs had such meaning when you were writing the chapters. I hope everyone is scurrying off to find it – once they’ve finished reading your interview though, of course! Now one of the worst things we writers go though is self doubt or imposter syndrome. How do you overcome such negative feelings when they hit?
Tracy: I think I have a fairly strong core of confidence. And frankly, with age comes a better sense of self, and you care less about what others think. Of course, there are times when some obnoxious doubt creeps in, and at least for a moment, you feel like a fraud or a joke. That’s when I start telling myself truths: I’ve worked hard and produced five books I’m proud of publishing. My books have sold internationally. My writing has improved with each book. Readers have featured my books in videos and told other people about them. People love my characters – they’ve said so in reviews. Even my “bad guy” has fans. Some of the truths I can list might be silly, but they are still true. Focus on what is true, and not what fear or doubt would have you believe.
Helen: Great advice. What is one of the best things that has happened to you since you began writing?
Tracy: I joined Instagram soon after publishing my first book and the writing community there is wonderful. I have made some really good friends – writing colleagues who understand the ups and downs of being an independent author.
Helen: Having a writing support network is key, and the instagram writing community is amazing. Which books have you recently read?
Tracy: I just finished Resonance (The Orpheus Files Book 1), by Alice Ewens and it was amazing! Totally unique and captivating. Ewens’ writing is flawless. I’d categorize it as new adult/sci-fi/urban fantasy. I’ve also just completed a few beta- and advanced-reading commitments for authors Jennifer Brasington-Crowley (unconventional romance) and Shari T. Mitchell (paranormal mystery/thriller), and I can’t wait until others have the chance to dive into the latest installments in their series.
Helen: Thank you so much for spending time with me to today, Tracy. I wish you every success with your books. Just to close us out, what advice woud you offer aspiring writers?
Tracy: Be wary of advice! Know when to take “expert” writing advice with a grain of salt. Not everything is a pearl of wisdom. Vet sources. I’ve seen some pretty big opinions out there. Most of it is simply ego driven.
Walk away from any author or writer who makes you feel bad. Criticism can be helpful, but it should come from an open mind and a kind heart. Avoid writers who slam someone else’s writing, the genre others prefer to write in, or the “tropes” others use. You don’t want to be associated with their bad behavior or snide comments anyway.
And finally, write the story you want to tell. Write what’s in your heart and gut. Write honestly. You are an artist.
I’d like to say thank you so very much! I’m thrilled to participate in a Q&A with you, Helen. I wish you and your readers great story experiences!
About the Author
TL Brown
Writer Tracy Brown lives in the beautiful Finger Lakes of New York State dreaming up epic stories and quirky characters who make life much more interesting. She believes magic still exists; you just need to look in the right places.
Tracy is the author of the Door to Door Paranormal Mystery Series, three books penned under the name T.L. Brown.
She is also the author of the adult dark fantasy Bellerose Witchline books. Although this is a standalone series, it shares some of the author’s most popular characters found in the “Door to Door books.” The second book in the series, Crossing the Witchline, was released in fall 2022. She’s working on the third installment now, Walking a Fine Witchline, due out in 2023.
Tracy’s married to one damn amazing man. Together they talk about music for hours, cook up fabulous meals, and raise clever chickens.
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If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
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