Even more excitement is in the air! Double the celebration! Can you feel it? Not only has Sentinals Justice reached the finals, but so has SoulBreather, the first book in the Fantasy Romance/Paranormal Romance SoulMist Series, which has made it through to the Finals for the 2023 Global Book Awards in the Paranormal Fantasy category.
Now we wait for the final placements to be announced by September 7th, 2023.
The 2023 Global Book Awards for Self-Published Authors.
The Global Awards aim to discover new talent as well as recognize fine examples of self-published books. As such, we hope they will give self-published authors the recognition they deserve, whether that is in their writing creativity, or in the way they have marketed their books to attract new readers.
In this modern age of self-publishing, books need to be appraised not only by their content and writing style, but also by the way they present and market themselves to the prospective buyer, whether that is in the good ratings it has on important stores like Amazon, its book cover and description, or the number of reviews it has collected. They must also appeal to new readers so part of the evaluation included a survey asking avid readers to select the top 5 books they enjoyed the most.
The awards are grouped by category (or genre) and divided into Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Award Finalists.
If you fall in love with the shadows, does that mean you are fallen too?
A dying angel. A fractured realm. The mortal who might be able to save them both.
Solanji has a secret. One that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep. She can touch souls and see into a person’s inner thoughts. Soulbreathing is exhilarating and addictive, until the day Solanji caresses the wrong person’s soulmist.
Dragged into a long forgotten angelic mystery, she is forced to venture into Eidolon, the godforsaken last resort for those without souls. In order to save her brother, she must rescue a broken and tortured man. Can she save him from the shadows? Does he even want to be saved? And can she find a way to return to the light before the darkness engulfs them both?
SoulBreather is the first book in the fantasy romance SoulMist series.
Originally published as part of the USA Today Bestselling Realm of Darkness anthology. Receipient of a Reader’s Favorite Five Star Review
If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist 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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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.
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 1st, 2023 Released: April 21st, 2021 Genre: Paranormal Romance
Nothing happens in Wakefield…
But Josephine “Jo” Ligaya wakes up to find Alexa Ocampo, standing next to her window, black hair illuminated by the moonlight, gazing out of the frosted glass. No reason exists in Jo’s solitary world for the cheerleader to be in her room—except for two. She died and found her way to the young medium. The missing girl. Dead at eighteen.
Forced to join forces with Julian Taylor, the town’s celebrated athlete and a former friend, she must traverse the land mines of the spiritual realm and the equally intense halls of Wakefield High. This unlikely pair—a high school loner and a popular jock—must learn to work together to find the remains of a murdered teen with only communications from the dead as their guide.
Night Orchid is a coming-of-age tale of severed friendships, broken promises and the enduring powers of love. It’s Ghost Whisperer, but with hot-tempered teenagers and a strong female lead. Get ready for a wild ride.
*Strong language, sexual innuendos and violence. Night Orchid touches on mental health issues and unhealthy coping mechanisms (ie: alcohol abuse, drugs, a habit that resembles cutting). Please take caution if any of these themes trigger you. Read My Thoughts…
I’m very excited to chat to Indie Author Shari T. Mitchell who has just released the third book in her Marnie Reilly series, Fatal Vow, and she has made time to talk to us about her new release. Join me as we celebrate her new release and chat about her books.
Helen: Welcome Shari. Congratulations on releasing your latest book this week, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your new release.
Shari: Fatal Vow, Marnie Reilly Mysteries Book 3, is a mystery thriller with a paranormal twist. Marnie Reilly’s last year has been an absolute shitstorm. She fought off her fair share of psychopaths and dealt with a rash of murders over the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. She desperately wants to protect the people she loves, so she removes the danger catalyst from the equation—herself. Fatal Vow opens on the first day of summer. She’s returned home to Creekwood after 4 months holed up with a friend in Northern New York to find trouble has followed her.
When a long-held truth hides a sick, twisted lie, will the psychic psychologist’s greatest enemy save her from a fate worse than death?
The last year has been an absolute shitstorm for psychic psychologist Marnie Reilly. Desperate to protect her loved ones from the evil stalking her, she fled her hometown of Creekwood, New York.
It’s the first day of Summer and she’s back in town to make amends and take control of the chaos of her past. But her greatest enemy is hot on her heels with an axe to grind. Or is that just an illusion created by a madman?
Helen: It sounds like Marnie finds trouble wherever she goes. What can you tell us about your thoughts behind the cover?
Shari: My MC Marnie Reilly has purchased a new home! There was nothing wrong with her previous house, unless you consider her abusive ex’s body being dumped in her shed and two police officers being murdered on her doorstep worrisome. Marnie is settling into an old homestead on a 550-acre ranch where troughs and crops receive their watery nourishment from a windmill that has stood for over 100 years. It is hit by lightning often, dispelling the old wives’ tale that lightning doesn’t strike the same spot twice. It’s a theme in Marnie’s life as bad things happen – A LOT.
Helen: The lightening strike is effective! How about the title? How did you choose the title?
Shari: Cross my heart and hope to die may be a harmless childhood promise, but could it be a deadly, self-fulfilling prophecy?
Helen: Oh, clever. I like the tie into something that seems harmless. Fatal Vow is the third book in the series, what drove you to write this story?
Shari:Fatal Vow is the third book in the Marnie Reilly Mysteries series. As a fiction writer, my characters are very real to me. They natter at me when I am not writing. Anyway, I have a character (an antagonist) who needed me to tell their truth, so I obliged.
Helen: Tell us more about your protagonist, Marnie.
Shari: Marnie Reilly is the psychic psychologist with a tragic past, a quick temper, and a huge heart. Because I use writing to heal from trauma, I created Marnie following a difficult situation I was processing. I was feeling beaten (literally) so I developed a character who was strong yet vulnerable and who had the fortitude to withstand controversial and emotionally difficult experiences. It’s cathartic to kill off an ex in a story. [smirking]
Helen: I’m glad you were able to find a release through writing. I find writing very cathartic as well. If I were to ask Marnie why we should read her books, what would she say?
Shari: Ha-ha! Marnie is an animal lover, so she would tell you to read the series to meet her Border Collies Tater and Dickens.
Helen: A very good reason! Who is your favourite character to write?
Shari: Easy! Detective Tom Keller! He’s funny, kind, handsome, a scaredy cat, but he’s also brave when he needs to be. He’s not comfortable with the paranormal and squirms at the thought of ghosts being in his proximity. Tom is a prankster and my comic relief. When things get too serious, he does or says something to cut the mood. Like me, he doesn’t have a filter.
Helen: He sounds like a terrific character. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Shari: From a young age. I’m a storyteller and was one long before I even knew the alphabet. My sisters went to school before I did, so I entertained myself with make believe and would share my stories with my mother while we had lunch. And I come from a long line of bullsh*tters, so that helps.
Helen: Was there anyone in particular who inspired you to write?
Shari: Gosh! Heaps of people, starting with my mother and two lovely English teachers who encouraged me. But a life event made me dive into writing. My father died when I was seventeen. Notebooks and pens became my best friends, and writing was the perfect escape for teen angst and grief.
Helen: How do you come up with ideas for your books?
Shari: I wish I could say there is an elaborate process, but I can’t. Stories simply pop into my head.
Helen: Most of my ideas arrive when I’m trying to go to sleep! Are you working on a book now?
Shari: I am currently writing Marnie Reilly Mysteries Book 4. I have a macabre Halloween short story on the go, too. It is outside of the series and allows me to stretch my writing chops.
Helen: That will please your fans. They are always looking for the next book as soon as you finish the last one. Let’s talk about your writing process. Which part of the writing process to you find most challenging?
Shari: Editing is the bane of my existence.
Helen: I actually quite like it, until I get to the twentieth time I’m reading my book, then maybe not so much! What is the most useful tool you use when writing?
Shari: Gosh. That’s tough. There are so many. Probably the internet. No matter what time of the day, you can always find something related to the area of query. And you can always back check findings via a trip to the library or a bookstore.
Helen: We are very fortunate to have such a comprehensive research tool at our fingertips 24/7. Having said that, do you do much research for your books?
Shari: Loads! I have a library of resource books, and I spend a lot of time on the internet or in the library ensuring that my “methods” are accurate.
Helen: When writing, do you plot the whole book or are you a pantser?
Shari: Well, I start with an outline and then forget about it by the end of the third chapter. Free form works for me. But I always write my last chapter first. The end of the story is always in sight and helps to set up the next book in the series.
Helen: When do you write? Are you a night owl or an early bird?
Shari: I write early in the morning (5:30 to 7:30). Weekends are usually jampacked with household errands and chores, but there are always a few hours when hubby is practicing his guitar or watching one of his shows where I slip up to my home office and write.
Helen: I am not an early morning person! What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve received and how do you deal with imposter syndrome?
Shari: Don’t give up. That advice has come from my mother, my friends, teachers, and writing friends. I do suffer from imposter syndrome often, but I’m stubborn and I don’t quit. It really is that simple.
Helen: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block, and if so how do you deal with it?
Shari: Gardening, a long walk or playing with my four dogs (the Pawsome Foursome) usually does the trick. If that doesn’t work, wine.
Helen: Lol! Wine sounds like the perfect remedy. Which genre do you typicaly write in?
Shari: Mystery thrillers. I have always been a huge fan of mysteries. I started out reading Trixie Belden, Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, then moved on to Agatha Christie, Ruth Rendell and Mary Higgins Clark. My mother was a voracious reader of mysteries. She got me hooked. I love the challenge of figuring it out before the middle of the book.
Helen: My mother got me into reading as well. We are very lucky. Which books have you read recently?
Shari: Jennifer Brasington Crowley’s Raven Song was fantastic. It’s not my usual genre, but I loved it! The Bellerose Witchline series and the Door to Door series by T.L. Brown are wonderful. Helen Aitchison’s Dinner Club is also a favorite. Again, outside of the norm for me, but it is a breathtaking novel about found friendships and acceptance. And over the past six months I have indulged in Sue Grafton’s Alphabet Series. I am up to P is for Peril. My TBR stack is about ready to topple over. There are so many good books to read. Unfortunately, time doesn’t always permit a book a week. I try to read two a month.
Helen: Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Is there anything else you would like add?
Shari: Marnie Reilly is not me. Many people assume she is because we share similar qualities—a love of animals, hair color, eye color, build, clairvoyance… But she has more tact and patience than I do, and she is a lot younger, too. My characters all have bits and pieces of my quirks, but none of them are me. Detective Danny Gregg’s irrational fear of dolls is all me! Marnie has a fear of closed places—also me. And Tom’s smart mouth and unfiltered responses are somewhat me.
Helen: It’s interesting how bits of us do end up in our characters. Thankyou, Shari, for chatting with me today. I wish you all the best with your latest release.
About the Author
Shari T. Mitchell
Shari T. Mitchell is the author of the Marnie Reilly Mysteries thriller series, which includes Divine Guidance, Torn Veil, and Fatal Vow (coming July 2023).
Raised in Northern New York State, Shari’s hometown and surrounds are the inspiration for her series’ fictional town of Creekwood, New York—which is located somewhere in the Adirondack Mountains.
While Shari loves developing multidimensional characters with whom her readers can relate, her passion is plotting the twists and turns of a mystery. It feeds her analytical and creative mind.
She lives in North Carolina and shares her home with her partner in crime, Harper, and their crazy rescue dogs, Dougal, Callee, Midget, and Mags.
A thirty-plus year marketer, Shari loves spending time with her family, cooking, hiking, traveling, gardening, and reading. She is often heard chatting with her characters because they natter at her constantly!
Mystery is her favorite genre, having cut her teeth on Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden. Her favorite authors include Robert Frost, Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, Ruth Rendell, Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, David Baldacci, Louise Penny, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell and Michael Koryta.
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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It’s Launch day! DragonBound is live! I am so excited to share the next installment, book two of the Fantasy Romance/PNR Romance SoulMist series.
DragonBound
DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.
How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.
Solanji Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!
Demavrian Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.
Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.
I hope you enjoy my latest book and once you’ve read DragonBound it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find DragonBound on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited. 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: June 15th, 2023 Released: January 1st, 2023 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
For Elle, haunting a share house comes with a unique set of challenges. Living tenants come and go, leaving her with nothing to fill her days except a crush on longstanding housemate, Dean, who literally doesn’t know she exists. Talk about unrequited love.
Just as she despairs at being stuck halfway to the other side for the rest of her afterlife, the newest resident sparks hope for something more than the humdrum of everyday death.
As far as mediums go, Ethan barely knows he is one. He just wants a place to knuckle down and finish his medical degree. But as soon as he moves in, he senses a presence. He tries to ignore it – but Elle is insistent…
The more Ethan uncovers about Elle, the more he suspects her death was no accident. Can he help her move on, or will greater forces intervene?
Erika’s journey includes a trek through childhood friendships, narcissistic family, an obsession with 80s rock music, and the trials and joys of being a wife and mother. With relationships tested and secrets revealed, can she face the stakes of her quest and become who she needs to be?
Not in the US?? Then enter the International Giveaway. Shelve DragonBound on your Goodreads tbr shelf and Enter here.
DragonBound is the second enthralling book in the Fantasy Romance SoulMist series full of vibrant characters, political intrigue and betrayal.
How could so much go awry in so short a time? Crossing the divide between gloomy Eidolon and sunny Puronia was the least of their problems.
Solanji Her brother is still soulless and lost in Eidolon. Having exchanged tantalising promises of love with the mesmerising fallen angel, Demavrian, she led him straight into a trap, and he is running out of time to prove his innocence. She has no idea how to use her SoulBreathing skills or to control the dragon that comes with it, and to top it all, the Heavenly Host kicked in her door. They had better repair it!
Demavrian Ageing isn’t fun. If he didn’t reconnect to the citadel fast, he may even die of it, if the queue of angels wanting him dead didn’t get to him first. Unexpected enemies and surprising allies surface as he navigates the dark web of corrupted politics in the angel’s assembly. Let’s hope his newly independent oathsworn can keep him alive long enough to unravel his memories of what really happened the day he was cast out – and his beautiful SoulBreather, Solanji, may be the key.
Solanji and Mav may be immortal, but they are running out of time to discover who is behind all the scheming and how to redeem the soulless. When the timepiece makes it last turn, they will not be the only ones to suffer if they fail.
The first book in the SoulMist series is now available in Audio book. You can find it via the vendor of your choice HERE.
I am so thirilled that Voice Artist Tim Paige agreed to narrate my book. Check out the audio sample and start the adventure now.
The SoulMist series
If you fall in love with the shadows, does that mean you are fallen too? A dying angel. A fractured realm. The mortal who might be able to save them both.
Solanji has a secret. One that is becoming increasingly difficult to keep. She can touch souls and see into a person’s inner thoughts. Soulbreathing is exhilarating and addictive, until the day Solanji caresses the wrong person’s soulmist.
Dragged into a long forgotten angelic mystery, she is forced to venture into Eidolon, the godforsaken last resort for those without souls. In order to save her brother, she must rescue a broken and tortured man. Can she save him from the shadows? Does he even want to be saved? And can she find a way to return to the light before the darkness engulfs them both?
SoulBreather is the first book in the paranormal fantasy SoulMist series.
I’m a father to two awesome little boys (and a 4 lb toy poodle). We’re a little too obsessed with Disney (#Disnerds) and Marvel Comics.
I spent a large part of my life as a touring musician, playing on some of the bigget stages in the world (including on MTV’s TRL, back when that was a thing).
I also practiced and taught marketing (mostly at software startups) so I’ve got tech expertise, as well as experience with entrepreneurship, startups, and motivation.
Rom Coms are my JAM, so if something has a HEA, count me in.
I’ve not only narrated best-selling books, but have also voiced national commercials, tv show promos, trailers, and more.
Listen on Spotify
If you’ve read this far, you deserve a gift! I have a few Spotify promo codes allowing you to download my audiobook for free. You can apply for a free code here. (Limited number of codes available so don’t delay. When they are gone, they are gone!) Let me know what you think by leaving a review.
Happy Listening!
If you enjoy fantasybooks then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. (First three books also available on audio!) 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: June 7th, 2023 Released: January 27th, 2023 Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
A war is brewing on the horizon; choices will have to be made that will bring unexpected allies together or tear apart clans forever.
Isolated her whole life in a village of fellow sirens, Thess finds her world turned upside down after she sets her eyes upon the tall mysterious male who walks into her life while training for the clan’s tournament that would decide her fate. Kage, a crocodile shifter from a lowborn family, has been trying to redeem his family’s name and pull them out of the mud. Kage finds his next mission will not only change his life but impact the lives of those around him.
The Clan of Mist is the first book in the Calpa Series, a new adult fantasy romance featuring shifters, magical amulets, fated mates, and enemies to lovers tropes.
Today, I am pleased to welcome the prolific Indie author Lauren A. R Masterson, a.k.a Alice Lidell to talk to us about her latest novel Succumb to Darkness which released on May 11th, 2023.
Helen: Welcome Lauren. I am so excited to meeet you and that we get to chat about your new book today!! Congratulations on the release of your sixth novel. Let’s start with your newest book. Tell us about Succumb to Darkness.
Lauren: Succumb to Darkness is my 6th novel, set for release Q2 of this year. This dark fantasy novel is a vampire tale with parallels to the French Revolution. The main character, Evanangela, is a fallen angel, cast from the eternal kingdom for her cardinal sin of vanity. Doomed to walk the earth as a vampire and never be able to gaze on her own reflection again as punishment. She joins a French vampire court and must find a way to not only survive, but to thrive as the newfound favorite of Seigneur Verseau and his official consort, Àmichemin.
Helen: Sounds intriguing. And I’m loving the artwork on the cover. Tell us how you came up with your design.
Lauren: I commissioned the cover art from my friend R. Taylor. She is also an author who writes high fantasy novels and is an accomplished artist. She did a wonderful job bringing my vision to life. My goal with the cover art was to represent the three main characters, Evanangela, Verseau, and Àmichemin, exactly as they appear to me. It was especially important to me to have this cover custom designed because there is no representation of black vampires in typical cover art templates that you can buy; and Verseau is black. I’m also an artist and have designed book covers for myself and other authors in the past, but I felt my colorful illustration style was not a good fit for the moody opulence of this novel.
Helen: I’m glad you managed to get your vision into the cover art, sometimes it can be quite difficult to get the cover right. Kudos to you for. being artistically creative as well as writing novels. Did your title have any ulterior meaning?
Lauren: “Succumb to Darkness” is the title of the book because it’s about Evanangela’s slow descent into the “darkness” of living as a vampire. Throughout the story she must question and even go against her previous nature and morals in order to survive. She also begins to question her blind devotion to humanity she once believed in as an angel. That seeing humans up close, she sees their duplicity. Her succumbing to the darkness of her new nature as a vampire and seeing the world how it truly is, is what the story is all about.
Helen: I think you must have had fun delving into the human psyche for your characters to disect. What made you write this particular novel?
Lauren: I wrote this book originally back in 2005. It started as a short poem. That sparked a longer saga poem. And at last, that sparked the first few chapters of “Succumb to Darkness”. I put this story away for several years until I worked on it again in 2008. Then put it away once more until 2019. I put this story on hold for several reasons, but at last, I finished it this year.
Helen: It sounds like you’ve been writing for some time. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Lauren: This is a question I’m frequently asked. The honest truth is I’ve always known that writing is ma raison d’etre (reason for being). I created little stories when I was 3 years old. That grew into stapling together notebook pages into makeshift books with stories and pictures I created. I started writing novels at age 12 and went on to art college for writing when I was 20. I was writing professionally by the time I was 24, and published my first novel when I was 30. Writing is why I’m alive. It’s why I was put here. I have other passions, talents, and interests, but writing has always been the pillar of my life.
Helen: I love how your poetry evolved and grew into a novel. Where else do you find inspiration, and is there anyone specific who inspires you to write?
Lauren: Many things inspire me- songs, paintings, stories I’ve heard or read, dreams or nightmares I’ve had. In my adult years, I’ve had to limit the flow of that firehose of inspiration because I already have too many stories to write. After two decades of creating and creating endlessly, I’ve had to prioritize the books I’ve already started writing so I can start finishing them. I’ve already sent off #6 to be published this month, and I’m already two-thirds of the way done with writing novel #7. Novel #8 is only a third done, and I need to also do all the illustrations for it. I need to get down the list all the way to #97, and that’s only if I don’t create more. Being inspired and creating stories is my gift. Completing them and sharing them with the world is my discipline.
I haven’t been specifically inspired by any person to write, but I have had important people that have helped, and continue to help, my writing journey. My Mum is also a writer. She gave me all the resources I needed and encouraged me growing up. My parents sent me to art school so I could learn the industry from professionals. Once there, I made great connections, especially my college professor Tina Jens, who has become my mentor. After graduation, I became a part of the Chicago writing community, and made many friends who are also authors. Together, we help each other and cheer each other on. Having a community and support is so important.
Helen: You are extraordinarily creative. You are fortunate to have such a supportive network. Finding your writing ‘tribe’ is so important, otherwise, writing can be a very isolated profession. How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Lauren: It can be a big struggle to fit writing into my daily schedule due to my busy life. In addition to writing, I work a corporate office job, have several freelance jobs, and work as an artist, a model, and a YouTuber. In order to balance everything, I have a planner, a calendar, and white boards to keep all my projects and tasks organized. In recent years, I’ve found that working on only 2-3 projects at a time is the best way to get everything done in a reasonable timeframe.
Helen: Being so organised, I imagine you are a planner when writing as well, or do you find yourself winging it?
Lauren: I do both. I begin the process as a pantser. I write and write and write until I get the full inspiration onto the page. After that step, I start to detangle the story idea and organize it into story sections. After that, I start to organize out chapters and the general storyline. Then I pants again as the chapters inspire me. Rinse and repeat.
Helen: If your main character could answer, why would they tell us to read your book, Succumb to Darkness?
Lauren: Evanangela is the main character in “Succumb to Darkness”. She would say that readers should pick up this book because it’s a new take on the lore of vampires, as well as it’s unique with the parallel to the French Revolution and the idea of the nobility literally sucking the people of France dry. It’s a read that has a lot of wild moments and the ending conflict hits hard.
Helen: Who is your favourite character and why?
Lauren: Àmichemin is my favorite character in Succumb to Darkness. I had so much fun writing her and discovering her as a character. She is so sassy, cool, and aloof. The best part was that a big reveal about her character in the story was a surprise even for me. It was one of those instances where the character hijacks the story. Àmichemin basically jumped off the page and revealed this incredible twist to me, and I ran with it. She’s a fantastic character. I think she and my main character from “Love of the Sea”, Asrai, would have a fantastic time taking over the world together.
Helen: Succumb to Darkness is set in similar setting to the French Revolution. Do you have to do much research for your books?
Lauren: Research depends on the individual story. For my fantasy mermaid novel “Love of the Sea” I did some research on marine biology because I wanted to take a more biology focused approach to the mermaids I created in the story. I spent three years researching and writing, and then another two years doing the illustrations for my historical fiction novel “Geisha Hands”. I wanted to be as thorough with my research as possible to present a historically and culturally accurate story. Another story that will require a ton of research will be one of my future novels – one about Marie Antoinette and Versailles.
Helen: Research can take you down a rabbit hole and consume so much time. But you also learn so much about different things! The quote you use from Alice in Wonderland fits this perfectly! “Start at the beginning, and when you come to the end, stop.” –Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. It just seems there never is an end when it comes to research. What are you working on now?
Lauren: My current WIP is novel #7 – “Be Mine”. This is an LGBTQ+ BDSM erotica novel. It’s a story I’m having a lot of fun with. It’s meant to be a “fluffy candy” sort of story, one just for enjoyment. It’s a group of main characters – Blake, Tyler, Justin, Carter and Ashley and the story of a wild triangle romance. My other WIP is novel #8 – Book One of my YA Fantasy Series. I can’t share too much about this series yet, but I can say that it’s the crowning jewel of my work. All thirteen books are written, but the manuscripts need major rewrites, as I started writing Book One when I was 12 years old, and finished writing Book Thirteen when I was 23 years old. I have to bring them up to parr with my current skills and writing style. All thirteen books will also have full color illustrations, and I’ll be drawing them all myself.
Helen: That is going to keep you very busy! I wrote my Sentinals series in one hit, all six of them. And then spent the next three years editing so I could publish them! The last one will release in the fall which is quite exciting. One of my greatest influences was the Belgarion series by David Eddings. Which books would you say have influenced your writing?
Lauren: The book series that inspired me the most with my writing style is The Sevenwaters Trilogy by Juliet Marillier. The beautiful imagery and magical world building in the story has deeply influenced my writing. But in terms of the book that I reach for over and over again is A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I have a battered copy of the book from childhood. It’s gotten me through some dark times. The story gives me hope and brings me joy when I need it most.
Helen: Oh, I agree, I loved the Sevenwaters series. I’m not sure you have much time to read nowadays, but do you have any books you would recommend?
Lauren: I would recommend “Bittersweet Memories of Last Spring” by Ardain Isma. It’s a wonderful story that showcases the struggles of immigrants finding their way in America. It shines a light on the history of Haitian immigrants in America in the 1980s. I learned so much reading this book and highly recommend it. The sequel is also set for release this summer! I’m also biased and must recommend “Marked Territory” and “Painted Cats” by my partner Neal F. Litherland. These books are so much fun. They take the hardboiled noir detective trope, but with a stray alley cat living in New York City. Leo, the big tom cat, solves conflicts for resident strays. It’s truly a fun series and there are plans for a third instalment.
Helen: Excellent recommendations. I’ve enjoyed learning about your many projccts, and I wish you much success with all them. One final question. What is the best writing advice you’ve received?
Lauren: A piece of advice that I think is important for most writers to heed is “Write now, worry later”. Too many writers get ahead of themselves during the writing part of the process. Whether it’s worrying about how the book will be received, what audience to target, or even lofty goals like getting on the NY Times best seller list. Too many writers fall prey to these worries before their manuscript is even a completed rough draft. Just write the story. Get it all on the page. All those other worries are later steps in the process. No use worrying over them when you’re not there yet.
And a piece of advice I’d share for new writers: Don’t concern yourself too much with trends. You can end up chasing your tail without accomplishing much if you’re trying to keep up with all the different writing trends. Write what you want to write. Write what makes you happy, or what you need to say. Trends come and go. Worry more about being proud of what you’ve created. If you love your story, others will too.
Helen: Fantastic advice. That you so much for joining me today, Lauren. Its’s been fun chatting.
About the Author:
Lauren A. R Masterson
Lauren A.R. Masterson aka Alice Liddell graduated from Columbia College of Chicago with a degree in Fiction Writing. During her college days, she began working as a freelance model eventually making it her full-time profession after graduating. She toured nationally, met scores of creative people, and had many adventures. After retiring from modeling, and experiencing a divorce, Alice felt the drain of her creativity. But after finding a loving and supportive community she began exploring her writing talent and art again. Alice is now a regular in the local Chicago writing communities and is dedicated to enhancing her craft.
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If you enjoy fantasy romance books then you will love SoulBreather, and 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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Helen Garraway 