Excitement is in the air! Can you feel it? Sentinals Justice, the third book in the epic fantasy Sentinal Series has made it through to the Finals for the 2023 Global Book Awards in the Epic 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.
Lost guardians. Tensions brewing in the frozen north. Can a goddess-appointed champion prevent a looming war?
Jerrol Haven’s last run-in with evil has left deep scars. Recovering from the torture that damaged him mentally and physically, the guilt-ridden commander searches for the whereabouts of one of his captured allies. But he feels the chance to rescue the awakened sentinal slipping away when his king requests his aid in peace negotiations at a remote and unstable border.
Accompanied by his beloved, Jerrol arrives at his destination only to discover the enemy’s corruption running rife. And after he’s cut down by a shocking betrayal, the skilled soldier’s destiny plunges into bloody chaos.
Can he overcome his failures to forge a desperate victory?
Sentinals Justice is the thrilling third book in the Sentinal epic fantasy series. If you like courageous characters, action-packed suspense, and gritty battles, then you’ll love Helen Garraway’s emotional rollercoaster ride.
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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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.
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 13th, 2023 Released: July 31st, 2023 Genre: Wicca Fantasy
When you recognize your destiny, you’ll know what to do.
Paige Delaney is coming to terms with her identity as a bloodline witch. Although she’s one of the most powerful of her line, she struggles to access her magical gifts.
Returning to the Wiccan bonfire, she receives a mystical vision of a monk attacking a hooded figure, and she knows she must pursue it. She travels to France to find the enigmatic bookseller who introduced her to the sacred text that started it all. With his mentorship, and the mysterious Stone of Time, she time-travels to 14th-century Avignon on a daring mission to rescue the Herbarium.
There, she meets the Companion who is attempting to save the life of a young man, but risks falling into a trap set by the Papal counsel.
Overwhelmed, Paige fears her tenuous grasp on her powers will fail.
And when fate reunites her with her timeless love, Paige must make a heart-wrenching choice—
Return to the present, or remain and leave behind everything she knows and holds dear. Read My Thoughts …
I’m very happy to be chatting to fantasy author, E.E. Hornburg, about her fairytale retelling Cursed Queen series, the latest book of which is The Forest’s Keeper.
Helen: Welcome Emily, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about your latest book, The Forest’s Keeper.
Emily: The Forest’s Keeper is the third book in my Cursed Queens series. We follow Rose who has been stuck playing ruler while her older sister – who should be on the throne – is off in the mountains warding off a curse and gaining allies to take back her throne. But being queen is the last thing Rose wants, and is eager to jump at the chance to have a sword in her hand and avenge the wrongdoing of her stepmother, the former Queen Amelia. Her moment arrives when she’s summoned to the enchanted and ailing Eral Forest. But, there is more happening in Eral than she realises, and her fate is larger than she could ever imagine. It’s a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and features a friends to lovers romance.
Helen: The premise sounds great, and I am loving the cover. Tell us your thoughts about the design.
Emily: I am so obsessed with this cover! We knew it would have a forest background and feature Rose in her red cloak so it coordinated with the other two books, The Night’s Chosen and The Shadow’s Heir. What I really wanted for Rose though was to feature a cane or a crutch of some sort while still showing off what a bad-ass she is. Rose’s character has had a deformed ankle her whole life, and uses a crutch to walk around. I knew it would be a challenge, as stock images don’t have much when it comes to disability representation, but I think it turned out amazing! I love seeing the cane in one hand and sword in the other to show off these two sides of her character.
Helen: I think its great that you have incorporated disability representation and yet your character is still strong and determined. What made you write this particular book?
Emily: Rose’s story has been stuck in my head for years! My debut novel, The Night’s Chosen, originally was a dual point of view between the characters of Eira and Rose who are sisters, and take on the roles of Snow White and Rose Red, while also being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Red Riding Hood. However, I had to cut Rose’s chapters because the book was too unfocused. Thankfully, I saved those chapters, and I was able to turn them into something new and even better for Rose where she could truly shine! When readers fell in love with her in the first book, even only being there for a few chapters, I was so happy because I love her too!
Helen: I always have an ‘ideas don’t fit’ folder. You never know when something you cut from one story will work in a different story. It is always best to save it. Now that you have released The Forest’s Keeper, what are you working on next?
Emily: I feel like I’m working on a million things right now! Most importantly is the fourth and (most likely) final book in The Cursed Queens series which will feature everyone’s favorite pirate, Finley, who you meet in both The Shadow’s Heir and The Forest’s Keeper. Her book will be a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and will wrap up the tale of Amelia trying to take over the kingdoms.
Helen: That is a bittersweet moment when you reach the final book in a series. The characters are like family and you don’t want to stop writing about them! When did you realise you had a passion for writing?
Emily: I’ve been writing my whole life, even before I knew how to write! I have memories of being a kid and making little doodles that told whole stories when I didn’t know how to write the words, and I’d enact long dramas with my toys for my family to watch. Storytelling has always been a part of me.
Helen: I’m so glad your early storytelling evolved into writing books. Let’s talk about your writing process. How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Emily: Wherever I can! I bring my laptop with me to work almost every day so I can squeeze some words in on my lunch break, and I keep the Scrivener app on my phone so I can write down lines and ideas on the go. When I can, I get up early before I leave for my 9-5 and get something done before my day starts, and weekends are when I can get my longer sessions in.
Helen: It’s a shame full time jobs get in the way, but they are necessary. lol! As you have to squeeze in time to write, do you find you plan what you are going to write or are you more of a pantser?
Emily: I’m a plantser. When I’m starting a new book, I do a lot of scribbling and brainstorming in a notebook, then make a rough outline in Scrivener. I tend to start with your basic three act structure you can find in Save the Cat or Romancing the Beat, etc. and have a general idea of how it’ll end in mind, because otherwise, I’ll lose focus and go all over the place and get stuck! But, I also allow my characters to lead the way. I don’t stay married to my outline and let it ebb and flow and adjust as needed according to where the writing and characters are going. I love discovering new things about the plot and characters as I draft!
Helen: Most writers are great readers. What have you been reading lately?
Emily: I’m currently reading the Elements of Cadance duology by Rebecca Ross which is a Scottish inspired fantasy. These books are so beautiful! I love all of the points of view and the way they use music to summon the spirits. The relationships between all of the characters are simultaneously compelling and heart wrenching.
Helen: And what is your favourite book?
Emily: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I adore how atmospheric it is and the way the Circus is like one of the characters. Every time I read that book (usually about once a year) I uncover new layers to it, and she somehow is able to find everything beautiful and magical in the world and weave it into this beautiful story.
Helen: The Night Circus has been on my book shelf for a while, maybe it’s time I read it! Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share how you overcome the dreaded self-doubt.
Emily: Imposter syndrome is so real! Almost every day I wonder “can I actually do this?” But I’ve been keeping reminders all around me that say “You are a great writer.” Because even if I don’t believe it right in this moment, if I keep telling myself that I am, it’s going to motivate me to become the writer I want to be. Or I go back to the comments and messages I’ve gotten from readers. My “Royal Readers” are the most encouraging people, and their love and support means everything and gives me the confidence to keep going when I feel like I can’t continue on.
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About the Author
EE Hornburg
EE Hornburg is a fantasy author in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. She’s a dog mom, theatre addict, Hufflepuff, and lover of all things cozy.
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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I’m very happy to be chatting to middle grade/YA author, Danielle Hughes, about her YA fantasy Mystica trilogy.
Helen: Welcome Danielle, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Tell us a little about Mystica.
Danielle: I’m really proud to have my completed Mystica Trilogy out in the world now. I began writing the first book many, many years ago, always knowing it would be a trilogy. And it’s been quite a journey to have all three books complete and published.
Mystica is a fast-paced, fantasy adventure series full of magic and mystery. When Adelle and her foster brother, Jack, are stranded on a mysterious island they have no idea of the secrets they will uncover. When Jack is kidnapped by the tyrant ruler, Adelle must unlock the hidden magic and secrets to reawaken the lost power of the island and rescue him, discovering much about her unknown past.
Helen: Congratulations on completing the trilogy. Your covers are so vibrant. What can you tell us about your thoughts when designing them?
Danielle: I love my covers. I had a really clear vision of how I wanted them to look. Each one depicts the main character, Adelle, and indicates where she is on her journey as the Empress of Mystica. The first shows her looking apprehensively at the castle in the distance. The second shows her inside the castle, looking out from a balcony. The third cover shows her ready to use her power and looking more like a warrior ready to defend her title.
I chose to have her back to the reader so its almost as though we are seeing what Adelle is seeing, and also so the reader can imagine her face the way they envisage her.
Helen: The covers are gorgeous. I love the colours! Tell us about your protagonist, Adelle, and how you came to write her.
Danielle: In Mystica, the protagonist is Adelle, a fourteen-year-old foster child who finds herself trapped on a mysterious magical island. She needs to rescue her foster brother who is kidnapped by the tyrant ruler of Mystica. Adelle is someone who struggles with relinquishing control and has very little belief in what she is capable of. I wrote her to highlight how important it is to believe in yourself, because we are always capable of more than what we think. I hope she inspires young people to dig deep when needed, and rise above whatever they thing is holding them down.
Helen: Now that you have finished the Mystica trilogy, what are you working on next?
Danielle: I’m currently working on a young adult fantasy which is a retelling of a Grimm’s Brothers fairy tale. It’s a lesser-known, very short Grimms tale called the Brother and Sister, but I’ve elaborated into a complete story. I’m still in the writing phase so I don’t want to give too many details away, but I’m really happy with how it’s progressing. It promises to be full of intrigue, complete with an evil step-mother, a fight for the Kingdom, dark magic and a dash of romance.
Helen: Let’s talk about your writing process. Do you listen to music while you write?
Danielle: Not while I’m writing, but as a way to get in the mood for what I’m working on. I have different playlists for each book and listen to them in the car or around the house before I sit down to write. Here is a sample of one of my Mystica playlists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5cEJOYsc71ZxxZKX7AYsNq?si=XTai0TA0Rh-rau-lz_-00g
Helen: That is such a great idea. Music is very inspirational. I tend to listen to classical, as there typically aren’t any words! Are you a full time writer? How do you fit writing into your daily life?
Danielle: It’s a struggle! I have four kids in primary school who all do different activities, plus I work part-time. I write on the few afternoons I have at home before pick up and try to be disciplined to make sure I use that free time to write and not do other things like housework etc.
Helen: Goodness, you have your hands full. Well done for being disciplined enough to carve out your writing time. How do you manage those seeds of self doubt that always creep in.
Danielle: I go back and read things I’ve written in the past. It helps me to realise that I can write, that I love writing and I love the stories I write. It helps me remember its important to do the things we love, if for no one else, but for ourselves.
Helen: Great advice. Thank you so much for spending time with me today. Just to finish, could you share the best piece of writing advice you have received?
Danielle: I was lucky enough to attend a writing retreat where John Marsden was presenting. He was brilliant and full of excellent advice. But the best thing he told me is how important it is to just get the story down, in draft form, no matter how terrible it seems. Just write it out from start to finish before you even consider going back and editing or changing anything. Just get that first draft written!
About the Author
Danielle Hughes
Busy mum of four, Danielle loves writing fantasy, adventure and supernatural stories for middle-grade and young adult readers. Danielle is the author of The Mystica Trilogy and The Lost Unicorn, brought to life by Four Moons Publishing. She also has several short-stories published in various anthologies. The complete Mystica trilogy is now available in all formats. To keep up to date on new projects, see website and sign up to the newsletter: http://www.fourmoonspublishing.com
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.
Book Six of the Sentinal Series – Final book in the series completing the set!
Preorder the eBook now: Sentinals Destiny for the special preorder price $2.99/£2.49.
Release Day: October 11th, 2023
Sentinals Destiny
Birlerion’s leave of absence is up and it’s time for him to return to work. Before he has time to sit behind his desk, or discover the source of the brooding threat that is hovering over him, he is sent off to Terolia to negotiate with the families for a bride. The succession must be protected and it’s time for Anders to marry.
As he travels through the deserts, he realises that it is the Veil that is hunting him, and it wants his blood. But no one will listen to his concerns about the Veil. The healers believe he is struggling to adjust after his recent traumas. Their arguments are persuasive and overrule saner minds.
Betrayed by those he loves, driven by an oath invoked by the king, and with only Jaredion and Leyarille to protect him, Birlerion goes on the run across Vespiri, Terolia and into the islands of Birtoli, the home of the Oath. If he doesn’t discover a way to stop the Veil from killing him, it will not only be his life that is lost, it will be all of Remargaren that is destroyed.
Book six of the Sentinals Series, Sentinals Destiny, is the final book in the saga of Remargaren, a vibrant, ancient world of high fantasy suffused with magic and adventure.
Get ready for the final book of the series – Purchase the first book Sentinals Awaken now:
Book Six: Sentinals Destiny (eBook Preorder price $2.99/£2.49 until launch October 11th, 2023.)
If you would like to read an ARC for my latest novel, then sign up to my ARC team via the link in my linktr.ee. All I ask is that you leave an honest review on the week of the launch to as many platforms as you can!! (Amazon/Goodreads/Bookbub)
Helen Garraway 