Author Interview – Dante Terese

Author of the science fiction novel The Base.

I am very pleased to welcome Dante Terese to my blog this week, and we’re chatting about her novel, The Base, which is now availabe in audiobook.

Helen: Welcome Dante. I am very excited to learn more about your series.

Dante: “The Base – Book 1” is the first in a series that is being converted to a screenplay and marketed for film and television. The story follows the most top-secret military base and the military research scientists who work there. The Base is where the military sends scientists when they notice exceptional talent or profound expertise to work on the newest most top secret classified inventions. As new scientists arrive, the military issues futuristic assignments to the group, then spies and thieves try to steal it. It is a crazy cycle that repeats with many dynamic variations.

Helen: How did deciding to write a series instead of a single novel impact your cover design?

Dante: We just finished a photo shoot for the new cover. I had a lot of feedback from readers who didn’t want the story to end and wanted a sequel, they especially liked The Bug Man, a military research scientist who is an expert on insects. So, I made the decision to write the sequel which is copyrighted, and ready.

Since “The Base” is now a series, I needed the books to have similar covers – so lights, camera, action! The photoshoot on a small farm in Butler, PA the birthplace of the Jeep began. I was fortunate to get two vintage military Jeeps and three actors to portray the lead scientist characters in the book for book covers photoshoot.

Helen: I bet that was fun, actually directing a real photo shoot for your vision of the cover. How did you come up with your titles?

Dante: I had the privilege of visiting a few military bases in my lifetime and was very struck by the strong sense of community and the families I met there. I did not copy the people I met or the actual settings they lived in but I did want show the strong bonds some of the workers and their families had. While the residents were sometimes formal when they spoke to a person of a higher rank by addressing them by their title, everyone called their place The Base.

Helen: Sounds very fitting. Who is the protagonist in your novel, and why did you decide to write them?

Dante: I am the daughter of a research scientist and for much of the book we see the story from the eyes of Macie, the young daughter of Cullen the military research scientist. I found it helpful and sometimes very humorous to explain the story from the perspective of a young child. Macie gives a clean unfiltered view of some of the events and in other instances paints a picture that leaves some room for the reader’s imagination to supply the missing details. I was afraid to show this book to my father because I knew he would research it and critique my research, but I am happy to report he found my research to be sound.

Helen: Oh my, how nerve wracking. That have been quite a relief to pass muster! Who were your favourite characters to write?

Dante: The most challenging part for me was writing the villains who are tremendously successful from a financial standpoint but really evil people. It was a difficult balance to show their lifestyle but not glorify what they do but I believe it was worth the effort.

Helen: Getting the balance right and making them believable can be quite challenging. Did you have to do a lot of research for The Base?

Dante: I do tons of research because I want the book to be challenging and plausible for the audience. It was amazing how many times when I set out to study a topic how I was proven wrong and pointed into a completely different direction, I am very thankful for that because I didn’t want the readers to feel cheated or serve them something that was a thin piece of pure fantasy.

Helen: Research can take you down a rabbit hole! I think all writers have a head full of useless trivia from all the weird things we look up. What is the most useful resource you use in your writing?

Dante: I can’t say enough good stuff about libraries! They are an absolute gold mine of information and the best part is it is all FREE. I am so thankful to my parents for introducing me to this before I started school. I have always had a library card; I continue to go there frequently for my research and reading. They are an absolute treasure.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, congratulations on the release of your audiobook version.

About the Author

Dante Terese

Dante Terese is a dynamic new voice in fiction, blending deep themes with compelling narratives in her work. Her debut novel, Sex, Death, & Diane, celebrates the courage of those who dare to think independently and speak their truths, exploring the quiet power within each of us. Her recent science fiction release, The Base- Book 1, takes readers into the high-stakes world of military research, where ethical dilemmas and espionage intertwine in a suspenseful tale of innovation and integrity. This is the first book in a series. She is also a baker, pastry chef and gardener who does volunteer work in the many communities where she has lived.

https://www.danteterese.com/

Purchase Dante’s book, The Base:

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback | Audio

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback | Audio

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

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

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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Book Review Alert: Unexpected Witness by MJ Blehart

Reviewed: July 18th, 2024
Released: February 28th, 2021
Genre: Science Fiction

When a high-ranking businessman and two clones are murdered, Marshal Onima Gwok of the Confederation Bureau of Investigation (CBI) gets assigned the case. But nothing quite adds up. Is there something more insidious going on? There is just one witness – a clone. When the war ended ten years ago, the clones who had fought it were discarded, forgotten, and became second-class citizens of the new confederation. Jace Rojas, designated AC J7-2247, is an infantry clone. When he proves to be more helpful than just being a witness to a murder, Onima decides to bring Jace along to join her team as they look for answers across multiple solar systems. But every question seems to produce no answers – only more questions. Will this be the start of a new war – or something worse? Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Ribbon Dance by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller

Reviewed: July 8th, 2024
Released: June 17th, 2024
Genre: Space Opera

On a world where cake is a necessity, it takes the Grid to protect the civilized and the deaf from the dire influences of the ambient and to keep the chaotic Haosa at bay.

Having arrived at recently Dust-bound Colemeno, Trader Padi yos’Galan is essential to Master Trader Shan yos’Galan’s plan to recoup Clan Korval’s fortunes by establishing new routes for the clan’s tradeship. Shan’s inner Healer insists Padi come to terms with her as-yet unplumbed psychic abilities, which might place her in the top tier of dramliz, if she can learn control.

Padi yearns to concentrate on trade, but Colemeno’s fey ambient and deadly long-term politics combine to bring her face-to-face with the Haosa, and in particular with the mysterious and untouchable Tekelia, as Korval’s trade mission’s necessity of a port audit collide with a cruel history of murder, deception, and brutality. Amid the dangers, Padi unexpectedly finds herself eagerly exploring her dramliz side when faced with the unspoken powers of the ambient, the sky-filling energy of the ribbon dance, and Tekelia’s mutable eyes. Read My Thoughts…

Author Interview – Sara Jane Triglia

Author of Souls in the Stars

Today, I am excited to chat with Sara Jane Triglia about her debut Sci-fi book, Souls in the Stars which launches today, June 4th, 2024.

Helen: Welcome, Sara Jane. Congratulations on the release of your book. I am so excited that today is your launch day! Tell us a little about Souls in the Stars.

Sara Jane: Souls in the Stars is my debut novel. It’s a thought-provoking sci-fi adventure that explores spiritually in a unique and nuanced way for young, sensitive souls who are seeking depth and meaning. It’s essentially about a teenage girl who has to rescue her little brother after he dies and becomes trapped as an orb of light. But, really, there’s a lot more to the story.

It has some of your favorite YA tropes: chosen one, dystopia/utopia (yes, both), jungle adventure, mystical island, love triangle romance, telekinesis, magical systems, reincarnation, reluctant hero. (Think Hunger Games meets Avatar.)

Helen: Your cover is beautiful, what were your thoughts behind the design?

Sara Jane: The cover began as a simple image of a ball of light—a soul orb—in the dark. For the second version, we tried to make it more interesting, so we created a scene from the novel where Bay is marveling at the soul orb in the jungle. It was a great cover, but we were told to follow cover trends, so we made another cover option that looked more “2024”. Yet, it felt like something essential was missing. So we combined the two covers and got our final cover which I LOVE. I think it’s perfect. My designer did a spectacular job.

(I made a video showing my audience the process of this on my Instagram.)

Helen: It was worth all the effort. How did you come up with the book title?

Sara Jane: The stand-in title during my first draft was “Infinite” but I thought it sounded too amorphous and unspecific. After changing the title three or four more times I landed on Souls in the Stars because it best represented the story while also being a never before used title. The book takes on both spirituality and science in a nuanced way, so the title reflects that. Souls/Stars. At the end of the book there’s a bit of dialogue that explains this more in-depth. What I’m saying is that, yes, there’s definitely a special meaning behind the title but I don’t want to spoil it.

Helen: Book titles can be difficult to nail down! Tell us what made you write this particular book?

Sara Jane: The idea of reincarnation has always been interesting to me and I wanted to explore that more. The stars and outer space have always fascinated me as well. So, I think this novel was born out of those two curiosities.

I dreamt it up back in 2011, but only wrote the first chapter before my inner critic got the best of me. I was only twenty three years old back then. For years, I thought about the story and the characters, jotting down notes and subplot ideas.

It wasn’t until December 2018, when I was thirty, that I got re-inspired and decided it was time to finish the story.

This is my “hard” novel, and I think only writers’ know what I’m talking about when I say that. Basically, writers have no shortage of ideas and some of them we know are easier to execute than others. I once wrote a rough draft of a fluffy romance in a month because it was just that kind of story.

Souls in the Stars was not that. This novel required major research, world-building, and character development. I knew that tackling this story was going to be a rough climb and that was terrifying. I honestly didn’t know if I could pull it off.

There was a time, maybe in my third or forth draft, where I truly doubted myself. But, I worked at this thing for five years, perfecting each word, each line. Getting beta readers and editors feedback. Rechecking my facts. Reorganizing the scenes. Making sure the characters all went deep and were properly fleshed out. Killing all my darlings. Agonizing over word choices. Implementing agent and publisher suggestions. Making sure it had all the elements of a great book as well as being commercially viable.

At this point, I believe I made a great quality novel and did the story justice. I’m proud of what I created.

Helen: Congratulations on persevering and publishing your debut novel. That is an amazing acheivement and one you should be proud of. Who is your protagonist and why did you write them?

Sara Jane: Bay Lilly. I wrote her has a role model that I wished I had as a twelve-year-old.

I grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and it meant everything to me that she was a blonde girl who could kick ass while also being a capable leader. I’m not sure how it is today, but as a blonde girl, I heard nothing but “dumb blonde” jokes everywhere I went. I never felt capable or smart and I struggled with that most of my adolescence.

I wanted Bay to be someone that teenage girls could look up to and in more ways than one. In that she is strong and capable, but also sensitive and empathetic (two traits that are often looked at as a weakness). Her biggest strength of all doesn’t end up coming from her ability to beat people up, but in her emotional intelligence and compassion. Most of all I want girls to know they can be pretty (and blonde) but also capable and valuable as a sensitive, empathic person. And not just valuable, but needed in this world.

The irony is that it took me so long to finish this novel that I now have an eleven-year-old blonde daughter who reminds me a lot of Bay. So, in many ways, Bay is for her.

Helen: Having reached this milestone and released a novel, and after the well deserved celebrations, are you working on anything else?

Sara Jane: My husband is begging me to take a break. This debut novel has been more than a part-time job and I need my next project to be myself. I have a lot of self-care I need catching up on.

With that said, I have an old (finished) manuscript I want to tweak for my next release. It’s a young adult magical realism romance and I love it.

Helen: You have a young family, and you said it was quite hard to write Souls in the Stars. How do you fit writing into your daily life?

Sara Jane: I stay up way too late. I have young kids who I homeschool, so that’s basically my only choice. What’s crazy is that I don’t drink coffee. So, on those long writing days I basically run on the high of creativity.

Helen: Thank you so much for talking to us today. Just to close us out, could you share your favourite book that you would recommend to others?

Sara Jane: The Giver by Lois Lowery. It’s the book that made me want to be a writer. I’ve loved it since sixth grade. It’s so clever and emotional and tragic.

Thinking about it now, I think it has some of the same undertones as Souls in the Stars. A sci-fi dystopian/utopian society that is trying to be so perfect that they lose their humanity—their empathy—and they need someone to remind them how to feel.

About the Author

Sara Jane Trigalia

SARA JANE TRIGLIA is a young adult sci-fi, fantasy, and mindfulness author writing from the slopes of a volcano. As a sensitive person who craves depth and meaning, she loves to bring these elements to her stories for young readers. From children’s books to young adult novels, Sara’s stories are often emotional, adventurous, and thought-provoking. Sara has published short story eBooks, including, Jumping Caspian and The Origins of Raine.

In 2021, she published her mindfulness children’s book The Littlest Magnolia which she wrote and illustrated when her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. As a former YouTube vlogger, Sara loves to share her passion for writing on social media. When she is not writing, you can find her homeschooling her kids, practicing mindfulness, or folding a massive pile of laundry.

Follow Sara Jane:

Purchase Sara Jane’s book: Souls in the Stars

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Link to book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

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

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.

Celebrating World Book Day!

I wish every day was World Book Day!! I suppose if we want it to be we could make it so. After all who doesn’t love curling up with a good book, a favourite beverage of choice and plenty of snacks.

Then we get to spend hours chatting about our favourite books, authors, characters, quotes, sayings, worlds, the list is endless.

I think that is what so wonderful about books, it draws like-minded people together, it grows communities, it gives people an outlet to express their frustration at a plot point, a character’s behaviour or when an author doesn’t write it how we want them to, and time to express our sheer love and enjoyment when they do!

Image: Canva

Do you have auto buy authors? I do. When I fall in love with the characters or a world, and I love the way an author writes, then I want more. I devour everything they have written. I love Space Opera, and one of my favourite authors is in fact a duo, Steve Miller and Sharon Lee. They have created an intricate universe full of amazing characters and complex cultures, and their way of writing is very distinctive as a result. If you’ve read them, I’m happy to chat about them! Who’s your favourite character? My favourite’s change every time they introduce new people, because they are all so engaging, though Pricilla Mendoza and Shan yos’Galan were the first characters I met and loved, so I guess they are my ultimate favourites. I can’t wait for their next book which is focussed on the Master Trader. Yes! she says, with a fist pump.

It brings me great joy when I hear my readers say the same of my books, characters, worlds or the way I write. There is no greater compliment to an author to be told you are a reader’s auto buy! Even the thought of it just makes me smile, because those readers get me and my worlds. We are on the same wavelength. We are our own book community.

I hope you spend this World Book day finding new authors to love, new worlds to escape into, and maybe a few like-minded folks who love the same books you do. Happy Reading!

***

It is with great sadness that I write these words. One of my favourite authors died since I wrote this blog. Steve Miller passed away suddenly on February 20th, and having been a Patreon follower of Steve and Sharon for many years, you get to know them vicariously through the shenanigans of their home and author life, and although you may never have met them, they are there. As a result it is all the more shocking when suddenly they are not. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Sharon, as we mourn the loss of such a wonderful man, partner and author.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series or the Romantic Fantasy SoulMist series. Or try my standalone Dystopian Science Fantasy, Harmony. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.

Author Interview – Eme Savage

Author of Beneath the Copper Sky, Book 1 of the Nightshine Saga

Today, I am thrilled to be chatting to science fiction/fantasy author, Eme Savage, whose latest science fiction book Beneath the Copper Sky releases on October 15th.

Helen: Welcome Eme, and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. Congratulations on your forthcoming release. Please tell us a little about your book, Beneath the Copper Sky.

Eme: Beneath the Copper Sky is a SciFi Fantasy Action Adventure. Amine returns to Titan to attend her father’s funeral after he dies in a mining accident. Clues left behind by her father tell a different story. With the help of her friend, Amione goes to the surface to find answers and sets into motion events that will change Titan forever.

Helen: What were your thoughts behind your cover?

Eme: I wanted a cover that felt retro and fresh at the same time. Something that will stand out on a shelf and get the reader to pick it up and read the blurb or click to find out more. I decided a simple representation of Titan’s landscape with Saturn on the horizon would immediately tell the reader they were looking at a SciFi novel.

Helen: Who is your protagonist in Beneath the Copper Sky and why did you choose to write them?

Eme: Amione Dhau is a brilliant young woman who was deeply misunderstood by the small community she grew up in. I based her off of some of my experiences growing up as an ADD/autistic individual who knew I was different, but didn’t know why at the time. Amione represents all of us who were made to feel less than, developed our sense of agency, and went on to do amazing things.

Helen: It’s great to see a strong heroine overcoming her difficulties. How do you fit your writing into your daily life?

Eme: I make a point to spend at least ten minutes a day engaged in a writing related activity. It can be actual drafting, but oftentimes it is research, editing, marketing, journaling, and reading. All of these activities push my project forward, hone my skills, and provide inspiration. Ten minutes is not a lot of time, but it does add up if when I do it consistently.

Helen: That is such a great routine to get into. Do you find you spend a lot of time planning your books, or are you more of a pantser?

Eme: 100% a pantser or Discovery Writer. Freewriting works much better for my process. I have tried various outlining techniques and I find them too restrictive. Mostly because I come up with a better idea as I’m drafting. The best feeling in the world is when I’m writing a scene and my characters take me in a direction I had not anticipated. It’s very motivating. I can always smooth out any consistency issues or rough spots in editing.

Helen: Thank you so much for chatting with me today, Eme. Just to close us out, what advice do you have for those writers struggling with imposter syndrome or self doubt?

Eme: Imposter Syndrome is part of the creative process. If I start feeling the fear, much as I’m feeling now, I remind myself that I must be on the right path. It is only a matter of time before I come out on the other side. Depending on where I am in the process, I will seek out feedback. This usually confirms a problem and gives me insight into how to fix the issue. It can also reaffirm what I’m doing well. As terrifying as it is to ask for feedback, it really is the best weapon against Imposter Syndrome.

About the Author

Eme Savage

Eme’ Savage lives in Dearborn, Michigan with her author husband, A.M. Holmes, and three feline overlords, Rosie, Tilly, and Mylo. She went to college and received a 4-year degree in Management. She worked in financial services for 8 years and then became an executive director of a disability advocacy organization. After being diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and other ancillary illnesses, she left full-time employment. She became a freelance content creator covering issues ranging from school funding to the Occupy Wall Street Movement, and the socio-economic effects of public policy. Throughout her life, she has been working on The Genesis Chronicles, an adult epic fantasy series and adult SciFi Series. She published Echoes of the Gidat in 2009 and relaunched it in 2019 on its 10 year anniversary. Tetarul Parallel was published May 1st, 2020, and Mirror of Ettek will be released on December 27th, 2021. She also has three published short stories in the same universe and is working on her debut SciFi novel slated for a January 2023 release.

Contact Eme via:
Instagram

FB @eme.savage

Beneath the Copper Sky releases on October 15th, 2023 and is available for purchase from a vendor of your choice.

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

Book Review Alert:

Christmas on Outcast Station by Jeanne Adams and Nancy Northcott

Reviewed: September 1st, 2023
Released: December 23rd, 2018
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: eARC

The Princess Problem
by Jeanne Adams

It’s Christmas on Outcast Station and Chief Station Marshal Brad Carruthers has a princess problem. It seems one of orphans from the station’s accidental plague is a princess––soon to be queen––and several people want to kill her. Brad isn’t about to let that happen on his watch. Outcast Station already has enough of a bad reputation without losing princesses. However, when she’s kidnapped, the station springs to action. In the end, can a motley assortment of crew and orphans help Brad find the lost princess before Christmas?

Scorpions for Christmas
by Nancy Northcott

For Federated Colonies Deputy Marshal Hank Tremaine, the only bright spot in his posting to the back end of beyond is its proximity to the Drachan Empire. Fascinated by the scorpioid Drachans, he’s eager to learn more about them. He should’ve been careful what he wished for. A Drachan has been murdered at the local spaceport and a priceless religious artifact stolen. As diplomatic tensions mount, Hank and his comrades race to find the killer and the missing relic before interstellar war breaks out. Read my thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Mosiac by R.A Harrison

Reviewed: August 31st, 2023
Released: September 1st, 2023 (Launch day!!)
Genre: Science Fantasy
Format: ARC- Paperback

Declared a renegade
The life you knew in shatters
How do you pick up the pieces?

Bekah and Lan are young professionals, at the beginnings of their careers, but have fallen foul of the Consortium, the huge mining and industrial conglomeration with its stranglehold on the colonies. Into their lives comes the enigmatic Zandra, with a secret so well hidden not even she knows of it, but which will change all of their lives. But an invitation from Captain Pendryl, to join him aboard the Caladrius, may provide the solution they are all searching for.

Crewed almost entirely by the Gifted, the Caladrius will be the flagship of a taskforce protecting telepaths and telekinetics in the colonies. But the mission is not without danger … too many of the colonies have become isolationist and regressive, and see the Gift as witchcraft.

Read my thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Salvage Right by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller

Reviewed: August 9th, 2023
Released: July 4th, 2023
Genre: Space Opera

A door never closes, but a window opens . . .

With origins in the Old Universe, the malevolent, acquisitive intelligence of Tinsori Light sought to infect others with itself and send those agents out into the wide new universe to infect even more.

For centuries, two heroes stood between Tinsori Light and the vulnerable universe—Light Keepers Jen Sin yos’Phelium and Lorith of the Sanderat.

Just when it seemed that they—merely human—must fail, Tinsori Light, enfeebled by aged systems, succumbed to the stress of a unique spatial event—and died, leaving the station a shell.

Luckily, the light keepers have back-up. A mismatched team of arcane specialists are on-station, working nonstop to preserve the Light, build trustworthy systems, and open the refurbished station for business.

In fact, ships are already incoming, and it becomes a matter of urgency to sort friend from foe. In particular, the Lyre Institute wishes to acquire Tinsori Light, and will do anything, spend anyone, to achieve that goal. Read My Thoughts…

Book Review Alert: Too Many Shadows, Not Enough Light by LC Ainsworth

Reviewed: August 6th, 2023
Released: January 12th, 2023
Genre: Science Fiction

Princesses are born to defend their people.

Being the best Imperial Air Force cadet, spending time with her friends and maybe meeting a cute boy is all Princess Astrid Zainab Korsning better known as Izzy wants.

If only Yanar, her country, was not at war with Petra.

If only she wasn’t forced to become regent while her mother was fighting on the front lines.

If only she had not come face to face with the unknown enemies while investigating signs of infiltration on earth by dark forces.

If only she was not in danger of falling in love with the wrong boy during her first trip to London.

Princesses are born to die for their people

The kingdom of Petra: once upon a time the best place in the galaxy for art, literature and music. That was until the war against The Alliance, a federation of planets led by the Yan empire.

Their last hope for victory, travelling to a planet of savages named Earth and attacking from the inside, their most powerful country, Yanar.

The Hendus: survivors of a dead world, desperate for a new home.

Their last hope for survival, finalising the colonisation of Earth from the shadows which they started 200 years ago.

The Backhand : Marginalised group of nature lovers, forbidden from practicing their religion by Yanar.

Their last hope for revenge, the alienation of the Members of the Tens, Yanar’s aristocracy and the imperial family.

Petra, Hendu and The Backhand agree, the empire must fall.

And it starts with the death of a 17-year-old princess. The only problem, Izzy is not just a princess, she is also an Omni, a human who possesses five supernatural powers. Read My Thoughts….