Author Interview – Bruce Spydar

Author of Unboxing. The ART of Happiness

Today, I am pleased to welcome author Bruce Spyder to talk to us about his latest book, Unboxing, The ART of Happiness which released on May 29th, 2023.

Helen: Welcome Bruce. I’m intrigued about your new book. A departure from your romcom books which I am more familiar with. Tell us a little about it.

Bruce: Re-shape your thinking, transform your life!

Simple, practical, and positive, Unboxing: The Art of Happiness combines life experience, logic, and basic psychology to show how we can feel happier and more resilient in everyday life.

At times, many of us have our struggles with health, money, work, relationships, self-acceptance, and so on. Becoming happier is not about ignoring our problems and limitations, nor about pursuing the fantasy world of our dreams. It’s about making everyday choices that are right for us.

As youngsters, we discover instinctively how to solve simple puzzles. At school, we are taught to unpack questions to clarify our understanding, and to identify any constraints before working towards the solutions. Unboxing takes the same approach to issues we face in everyday life.

We discover clarity when we UNBOX our issues. We find direction when we ACCEPT what we cannot change, when we are REALISTIC with our expectations, and when we remain TRUE to ourselves. The path towards happiness is indeed an ART.

Unboxing is for anyone seeking to re-boot their positivity. It’s about ordinary life and everyday issues. The ART of Happiness is the tool of a positive mind, and Unboxing reveals how to use it.

Helen: What a great concept and so practical to use. I love the cover. It is very clean and simple, and yet I am sure there is more behind the imagery. What were your thoughts behind it?

Bruce: I designed the cover to be strikingly different, aiming to portray a simplicity in thinking while aligning with the title and content of the book.

There are three primary components:

1) the gift boxes, which underpin the UNBOXING idea and title;

2) the child’s face filled with joy, wonder, excitement … at such a young age, our minds are free from the troubles of the world;

3) the butterflies, which are the subject of several inspiring quotations on happiness, and which also convey the inspiration and freedom I find in nature.

The choice of light blue was primarily because it’s a calming and natural colour. However, during the time spent writing and designing, the war in Ukraine was also frequently in my mind … so blue and yellow became my colour choices, and I think it works well.

Helen: It is so interesting to hear about the ideas behind the cover, there is always a lot more thought put in than you realise. How about the title, why did you use that title?

Bruce: I’ll illustrate why by giving a couple of quotes from the book.

“Before opening a box, all it contains is our imagination. It’s only when we remove the lid that we see the reality”

UNBOXING is about revealing and understanding our situation, while the ART of Happiness are the steps we take towards greater contentment … being ACCEPTING where we must, being REALISTIC about our expectations, and being TRUE to ourselves.

“Throughout life we face a constant battle to control what we can’t accept, while having to accept what we can’t control. We become happier when we find the right equilibrium.”

I had also toyed with BOXING HAPPY as a title, representing the control versus acceptance battles we face in daily life, but felt UNBOXING was a better fit overall. However, readers will also find the boxing analogies at certain places in the book.

Helen: This book is quite different to your other romcom books. What made you write this particular book?

Bruce: My mother died late in 2021, and I wanted to dedicate a book to her memory. The book I was writing back then (Refining My Dining) was a naughty romcom, and not of the type that would have met her approval.

One of the first books I wrote was a self-help model, Spydar’s Web: How to capture happiness, released in 2019. Since then, my thinking has evolved during my four more years of life experience, including witnessing my mother’s decline. The methodology behind Unboxing: The ART of Happiness has helped me through some tough times, and I believe a similar approach to life may be beneficial to others.

Helen: I can understand why you wrote a book in the self-help genre. What genres do you typically write in?

Bruce: I write from personal experience, with a desire to help and/or inspire others. I started in the self-help arena when I was at low point in my life after losing my job. I found the thinking and creative process rather cathartic. Once I discovered that other people appeared to think I could write, I began writing a naughty rom-com series (Diary of a Shy Backpacker) because it’s the type of humour that I enjoy reading. I figure that if I can write material that helps promote happiness and laughter, I’m probably using my time well.

Helen: I also write what I enjoy to read. Where did your inspiration to write come from?

Bruce: I could either say I was ‘self-inspired’ or that I simply fell into it. After decades working in international nature conservation, I lost my job, and needed a fresh start. In the lead up to turning 50, I felt the urge to try something completely different, so I began writing … and a few books later, I’m still going.

Helen: Congratulations on publishing your books. I always say it is never to late to start write as there is a time and a place for everything. Like yourself, I started wtiting later in life, and I love it! What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Bruce: I’d have to say finding the indie author community on Instagram. I started writing as an anonymous pen-name, without any network and with precious few expectations. Finding so many mutually supportive authors amongst the Instagram community has been great, and it’s been wonderful to discover some great writing talent out there.

Also, I must admit, although I’m not yet a bona fide best-selling author, on the occasions I have seen my books high up the Amazon category charts, they have been moments of great satisfaction … perhaps that comes a close second.

Helen: It is a wonderful feeling to see your books being appreciated. And I agree the Indie author community on Instagram is amazingly supportive. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Bruce: While I may be too unconventional to give sensible writing advice, I do have decades of varied life experience. If you feel like writing, just write … but do it because you want to, and write primarily for yourself. The chances are that if you like it, others will too.

Helen: Great advice. It’s been lovely chatting with you today. Thank you so much for joining me. One last question. Most authors suffer from self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice of self doubt in your head so you can keep writing?

Bruce: I’ve experienced self-doubt throughout my life, and in many more contexts than writing. In fact, self-doubt is a significant aspect of what I’ve come to write about: it can detract from our personal happiness and is something that so many of us have to overcome, or adapt to. Also, the main character in my Shy Backpacker rom-com series has many such issues (BJ’s character stems from my own). Self-doubt can arise for different reasons and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. However, in many cases, the route through it may be found in taking small steps, and simply pushing yourself to take the next one.

About the Author

Bruce Spydar

Bruce Spydar used to wear a suit, work in an office, and get paid to lead teams of staff working for international nature conservation. Today he possesses no suit that fits, has no office nor staff, and he doesn’t get paid … although he still volunteers in support of nature.

For the last few years, Bruce has thrown himself into writing. Perhaps it’s a last-ditch attempt to harness his creativity, before his brain turns to mush. On many an afternoon he can be spotted gazing out of an upstairs window of his house near Cambridge, searching for inspiration.

Bruce describes himself as writing with a kind heart and a naughty mind. Personal experience has taught him that everyday life is rather full of struggles, and that happiness and laughter are too often in short supply. It’s why he now chooses to focus his creativity towards sharing his humour and positivity.

Website

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Amazon Author page UK | USA

Goodreads

You can purchase Unboxing. The ART of Happiness here:

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Linkt ot 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.

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Author Interview – Angela Cairns

Author of A Song for Kitty.

Today, I am pleased to welcome contemporary romance author Angela Cairns to talk to us about A Song for Kitty, her latest novel which will release in August 2023.

Helen: Welcome Angela. I love your Ellie Rose series so I can’t wait to chat to you about your next release, A Song for Kitty. Could you tell us a little about it?

Angela: I’m incredibly excited about my next book A Song for Kitty. It’s a historical fiction set in the years before the First World War – against the backdrop of a tumultuous time where suffragettes fought for the vote, trade unions challenged employers for better pay and conditions and political unrest and war stalked the carefree Edwardian lifestyle.

Lily Matthews, an apprentice seamstress and her neighbour Aiden Donnelly, a talented pianist, are in love. They dream of careers in the Music Hall in London. At a suffragette meeting they encounter London Music Hall star Kitty Marion. Will the charismatic Kitty help them to achieve their dreams or destroy their relationship and put their well-being at risk?

Helen: This sounds so good. I look forward to reading it. Now I know you don’t have your cover yet, but what can you tell us about it?

Angela: I’ve been doing a lot of cover research as historical fiction is a new genre for me. I like the idea of a young woman in Edwardian dress, backed by a music hall scene or London skyline theme – but I will have to wait and see what my cover designer comes up with. I am also delighted with the interior art around the chapter headings.

Helen: I love lilies. This is such a pretty chapter heading and I love the way it resonates with the name of your protagonist. How about the book title, how did you come up with that?

Angela: I wrote the drafts of a Song for Kitty under the title Moonlight on the Water, and only changed the title after a dark night of the soul the evening before I sent my brief to the cover designer. Moonlight on water was a motif that ran through the book and set an ambience, however, a pivotal point in the story is when Aiden writes a song in honour of Kitty Marion, which Lily sings at a suffragette meeting. I ran both titles past my writing group as a mini poll and they unanimously voted for A Song for Kitty which confirmed the change for me.

Helen: I love asking my readers for help. I am a terrible ditherer when it comes to making decisions on covers and titles! So they are a good sanity check. You said historical fiction was a new genre for you. Who inspired you to write this book?

Angela: I wrote A Song for Kitty because my grandmother was born in 1896, she was 106 when she died and so I talked to her a lot about her life growing up. I also have some amazing archives in the form of her photos and some of her beautiful needlework too. This book is not her personal story at all, but the stories she told me, along with my research, gave me the setting and the voice of some of the characters. She was an amazing lady and I wanted to write something in her memory.

Helen: That is so lovely, and it is so wonderful that you were able to talk to your grandmother about her life and experiences. The best kind of research. If I was to ask your main character, Lily, why someone should read your book, what would she say?

Angela: If Lily Matthews could tell you why you should read A Song for Kitty she would say “We made mistakes, Aiden and I, but we were young and had brave, restless hearts. We wanted to be part of the changes that were going on around us and most of all we wanted to be together. But life isn’t always simple, we say things we don’t mean with powerful consequences. This is my story, but more than that it’s the story of how women found their voice.”

Helen: If that doesn’t make you want to read A Song for Kitty, I don’t know what will! Readers- Make sure you sign up to Angela’s newsletter here to find out first when A Song for Kitty releases. As a writer, we all experience self doubt at some point. How do you overcome the imposter syndrome?

Angela: When I’m experiencing doubts about my writing, I hold a lovely quote in my head, “You don’t have to be a Guru to contribute.” I may not be a literary prize winner or a punctuation guru, but someone out there needs to read what I write, so I write anyway.

I also go back to my yoga breathing to centre myself and accept that all is well. It’s alright to be a little scared, scary means we are pushing the boundaries to be our best self.

I’m a writing coach as well as an author so I use lots of techniques to help with imposter syndrome – it’s always good to remember that no-one else has your unique voice and experience to contribute. Your readers might like to download my free eBook – Overcome Your Writing Roadblocks, which is packed with information to make the writing process easier. https://launchmoxie.com/cairns-writing-roadblocks/

Helen: Thank you so much for sharing this writer resource, I think all writers will appreciate the advice. How about Writer’s block? How do you deal with that?

Angela: The dreaded writer’s block! If I’m struggling to get words on the page, then I change up my routine. I write somewhere different like the library or local coffee shop. I change from my laptop to pen and paper, or I dictate. Sometimes I change medium, and dance or paint instead of writing to stimulate creativity in a different way. Failing that, I give myself a break, take some time off and go out to engage my senses looking, listening, touching, and smelling in a detailed, mindful way to get the creative juices flowing.

Helen: Great advice! Most writers are great readers. What is your favourite book?

Angela: My favourite book – well I suppose there are a number, but if I must choose one – I love Joanne Harris’ Chocolat series. I lived in France for six years and she effortlessly takes me back there. I love the sprinkle of magic in all her books too and that the main character Vianne Rocher lives from her generous heart.

Helen: Great choice! It’s been lovely having you on my blog, Angela. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. Just to finish could share some of your recent reads with us?

Angela: As a writer, I love to read and have read some excellent indie books recently. In women’s fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed Julia Blake’s Perennials trilogy and laughed and cried along with the characters. The books tell the story of how a lonely ugly duckling girl created her style, gathered a found family and weathered all the storms that life can throw. I also love a good crime thriller and enjoyed Wendy H. Jones’ The Killer’s Countdown, set in Dundee, if you love Rebus you’ll enjoy DI Shona McKenzie too. I loved your SoulBreather and DragonBound too, the themes of corruption and political powerbroking in heaven are intriguing and who doesn’t love a wounded hero.

Happy reading, thank you for asking me to talk to your readers, Helen, It’s always fun to chat about books. If your readers would like to sign up to my newsletter then they can download Paradise, prequel novella to the Ellie Rose Series as a gift from me. www.angelacairnsauthor.co.uk/sign-up. A Song for Kitty is due for release in August this year.

About the Author

Angela Cairns

Hi,

I’m Angela Cairns, Amazon bestselling women’s fiction author of the Ellie Rose Series and historical fiction, A Song for Kitty. I’m a holistic physiotherapist and acupuncturist, author, writing coach and BBC guest broadcaster.

I write stories and books because I can’t help myself. I’m lucky, because at this stage in my Physio career, I can give time to writing fiction.

I write about things that matter to me, everyday life, amazing people, interesting times, and emotions. What could be more exciting and challenging than to convey all that to someone reading a story you’ve created. Recently someone wrote to me to say they had re-read Touch, my first novel, because it moved them, and warmed their heart. It’s humbling, priceless and makes all the hard work worthwhile.

If life is a boat in which we sail – then our stories are the waves which carry us.

Angela

Website

FaceBook

Instagram

If you’d like to find out more about Angela’s Ellie Rose series then see the interview we did back in February 2022.

You can purchase Touch first book in the Ellie Rose series here:

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.

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Indie Author Blog-The Self Publishing Show Live, London, 2023

I have just spent two days in London at the Self Publishing Show Live, surrounded by like-minded, inspirational, enthusiastic, independent authors, all of whom are eager to succeed in the world of self publishing. Just being in that environment is motivational in itself, let alone the thought-provoking sessions various speakers presented over the two days.

I am still digesting all the information I heard and there was a lot. It could be overwhelming but I think you have to digest everything for a while and then decide where you want to focus. What is it that I want achieve and what do I need to do to achieve it. From there you can choose which path to take and which options to follow.

Some of the main messages I took away for this conference:

There is no better time to be an independently published author.
- Independently published authors are growing their revenues – according to research performed by the Alliance of Independent Authors, available to ALLi members on their website (affiliate link) – whereas traditionally published authors are not. (See Society of Author’s (SoA) recent ALCS Report. You can find a comparison report on the SPS Facebook group)
To be successful you have to accept this is a long term project, and you need multiple books.
- The more the better! So focus on writing books.
It is hard work.
You need to treat writing as a business and wear your business hat. Being agreeable all the time won’t cut it.
Believe in yourself. Belief and positive thinking is a self fulfilling prophecy. It’s not down to luck.
- Having a positive attitude and believing you can hit your goals means you are more likely to achieve them
Marketing is a necessary evil. Focus on the platform you are most comfortable with. You don’t have to do everything. You choose what you want to do.

The opportunity to network, meet other authors and compare notes was invaluable. No matter how shy you are, the writing community is very welcoming and everyone wants everyone else to succeed.

Hearing what other authors did to be successful is inspiring, and every author’s path is different, so be inspired by other’s successes, see what they did and emulate it. Understanding the market, trends and opportunites is key for any business, and selling books is no different. Use the tools available and carve your own path to success. If you haven’t finished your book yet, then stop procrastinating and get writing. If you have finished, congratulations on an amazing achievement. You should be exceedingly proud of yourself. I hope you celebrated.

This is the time to be an independenty published author. It’s down to you to grab that opportunity with both hands. I know I will.

And don’t forget…

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. If you love Romance, then try my Fantasy Romance SoulMist series. 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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Men of Magic and Myth is live!

It’s Launch day! The Limited Edition MM Fantasy anthology, Men of Magic and Myth is live! I am so excited to be participating in this short story anthology. Well some are not so short but mine is as I thought we were writing ten thousand words, not that is was minimum of ten thousand words, but never mind!!

There are seven short stories/Novellas from USA Today Bestsellers and award winning Romance anthors.

You still get to meet two exciting new characters from me, set in a brand new world. My short story is Familar troubles. Can’t wait for you to meet Tristan, a Sharian Knight, and Aryhn, a child of the universe.

I hope you enjoyed the Limited Edition Creatures of Magic and Myth, now we have Men of Magic and Myth.

Men of Magic and Myth

Ready to be enchanted by these dashing men?

Magic and passion collide as princes, noble knights, charming wizards, elusive shape-shifters and brooding necromancers fight for what’s theirs in the Limited Edition Men of Magic and Myth Boxset.

In this mesmerizing collection of MM fantasy short stories by bestselling romance authors, dauntless men undertake daring adventures to find their true loves. But fate will throw every possible obstacle in their way. More than their own lives are at stake if they fail their quests.

This limited-time collection captures a breathtaking array of complex characters with their own battles to fight and loves to win—each one ready to set your hearts swooning in bite-sized stories.

The Men of Magic and Myth are setting out to conquer love.

Will you rise to the challenge with them?

I hope you enjoy this anthology and once you’ve read Men of Magic an Myth, it would be really great if you could leave a review and let other readers know what you liked about it. You can find this anthology on a book vendor of your choice and on Goodreads or Bookbub.

If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series which is available on Kindle Unlimited or my Fantasy Romance SoulMist series which is free on Kobo Plus. 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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DragonBound is live!

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 fantasy books 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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SoulBreather now available on Audiobook!

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.

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.

About Tim Paige (Voice Artist/Narrator)

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 fantasy books 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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Author Interview – G.N Gudgion

Author of Hammer of Fate.

Today, I am pleased to welcome author Geoff Gudgion to talk to us about the Hammer of Fate, the first book in his new epic fantasy Rune Song trilogy which released on June 1st, 2023.

Helen: Welcome Geoff. I am so excited to chat about your new epic fantasy book today!! Congratulations on the release. I am currently reading Hammer of Fate, and I am loving it. Tell us a little about it.

Geoff: Hammer of Fate is the first in the Rune Song epic fantasy trilogy, which was released on 1 June. The publishers (Second Sky, an imprint of Bookouture/Hachette) are positioning the series alongside George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and Robin Hobb’s Farseer series, but I’d like to add a nod to Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Lions of Al-Rassan.

The heroine, Adelais, was raised in the far north, learning stories of the old gods and the skill of weaving runes into magic. Now she’s locked in a convent far from home and forced to kneel to a foreign god. Adelais falls foul of the Inquisition, escapes dressed as a boy, and finds herself caught up in much larger conflict between faiths and nations. She must summon all her courage and her memories of the old gods’ magic as the noose tightens around her and a thunderous final reckoning approaches.

Some will adore her as an angel. Most will hunt her as a witch. She may be both.

You’ll find more details at https://geni.us/B0BT8BH85Dcover Two other titles in the series, Runes of Battle and Blood of Wolves, will be released in July and October respectively.

Helen: I love the nod to the Knights Templar and the renaissance feel of the world, reinforced by the naming. And I am so happy this is a trilogy, more books to enjoy! I am assuming that is Adelais on the cover?

Geoff: The fantastic cover art was commissioned from the talented Lance Buckley ( https://www.lancebuckley.com/ ) by Second Sky. I can see elements of my suggestions in the design, though I pictured Adelais as being a little more vulnerable and feminine in the first book; more like Daenarys Targarian in Season 1 of Game of Thrones than Brienne of Tarth in Season 2. By Book 3, Blood of Wolves, her character has evolved through adversity and this image would definitely fit.

Helen: I love the character of Adelais, you have written her so beautifully. She is still feminine under her disguise, so I do agree that the cover does portray her more as boy, which loses the sense of her vulnerability and naivete at the start. But the cover does still suggests an underdog against the powers that be.

Geoff: Adelais is all my agent’s fault. Ian encouraged me to focus on historical fiction ‘with a female protagonist’. I was researching the 14th century at the time, an era when the only empowered women were queens or nuns, but writing a ‘nun on the run’ seemed like a fun idea. ‘What about a kick-ass, cross-dressing nun?’ I asked, and was rewarded with a literary air-punch.

Sadly, publishers did not buy the manuscript as historical fiction, much to Ian’s frustration, so he suggested I keep the characters and the essence of the plot but rewrite it as fantasy. That worked.

I had reservations, at first, being a man writing a female protagonist, but Adelais became very real to me faster than any character before. Sometimes it feels as if we wrote her adventures together. Fortunately I had an excellent lady copy editor who could ensure that masculine thinking did not intrude into a feminine point of view, but she had to make very few changes in that regard.

Helen: You mentioned researching. How much research did you have to do for Hammer of Fate?

Geoff: Masses! Research for the Rune Song series has taken me into the Old Norse language, arcane aspects of Nordic rune lore, the trials of the Knights Templar, the mindset of chivalry, and medieval sword fighting techniques. I could add a few minor diversions such as medieval medicines. (Hot tip; wash wounds with wine and pack them with sphagnum moss; it contains a form of penicillin.)

Helen: Researching can be quite consuming, but these subjects sound really interesting. Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser?

Geoff: A bit of both. I’ll always have a premise; the key characters, needs, jeopardies, and resolution. Then I’ll start crafting craft words but stray off track, and write the premise again because I’ve improved on the original idea. That could happen three or four times in the course of a novel.

Helen: How does your writing fit into your daily life?

Geoff: At the moment the difficulty is fitting everyday life around my writing! I’m a keen amateur horse rider but deadlines mean even my lovely mare is neglected. When Blood of Wolves is out & running I will heave a massive sigh of relief and book a holiday.

Helen: Hammer of Fate is a new genre for you. How easy was it to write in a different genre to your previous books?

Geoff: Remarkably easily. In fact it was liberating. In historical fiction the plot has to fit within the framework of known facts, but a fantasy author can let their imagination rip. Rune Song would only have run for two books as HF, but in fantasy I could give Adelais a character arc that would have put her into the history books. If I want dragons, ‘here be dragons’. There aren’t, by the way. Dragons, that is. Just a little magic that’s based on pre-Christian, Nordic rune lore.

Helen: It was good job you clarified that, otherwise we’d all be asking where are the dragons! Do you have a favorite tool or software that helps your writing?

Geoff: I’m a fan of Scrivener. It keeps all my research in one file, allows me to ‘cork board’ plots, and keep side notes to remind me what to change. I’d be lost without it.

Helen: I have Scrivener, I’ve just never had to time to figure it out! Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Geoff: Don’t give up, just learn to fail better.

Write for yourself, but if you want to reach a wider audience recognise the realities of the market, particularly genre structures. These days, you can have a brilliant manuscript but if you don’t fit into a neat Amazon tick-box, mainstream publishers don’t want to know because they can’t position the book into their primary means of distribution. There can be a huge gap between what people like to read and what the market is prepared to sell them.

Helen: It’s been a pleasure chatting with you, Geoff. I wish you all the best of luck with Hammer of Fate. Any last words you’d like to share?

Geoff: Fifteen years ago I left corporate life and went freelance to release time to write. My mother-in-law was not impressed. When, eventually, my wife rang her and said ‘wonderful news, Mummy – Geoff’s got a publishing deal! He’s going to be a published author,’ the response was ‘that’s nice, dear, but has he got work?’

Helen, thank you so much for inviting me onto your blog. It’s a privilege to be here and in such good company.

About the Author

G.N. Gudgion (‘Geoff’) grew up with his nose in a book, often one featuring knights in armour. These days he prefers tales where women don’t have to be either beautiful damsels or witches. He likes to craft stories with complex, conflicted characters that a reader can bleed with, cry for, and perhaps fall in love with. They live in worlds where you can smell the sweat and the sewers, as well as the roses.

Geoff lives in a leafy corner of England, where he’s a keen amateur equestrian and a very bad pianist. He spends much of his time crafting words in a shed, fifty yards and five hundred years from his house.

He is also the author, as Geoffrey Gudgion, of supernatural thrillers Saxon’s Bane (Solaris, 2020) and Draca (Unbound, 2020)

You can purchase Hammer of Fate here:

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

Linkt ot book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback | Audio

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

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Author Interview – Rowena Grech

Author of Ktieb Tas-Shahar.

Today, I am pleased to welcome Maltese author Rowena Grech to talk to us about her collection of dark fairytale retellings Ktieb Tas-Shahar.

Helen: Welcome Rowena. I am so excited to meeet you and that we get to chat about your book today!! Tell us about your collection of adult fairytale retellings. I understand they are quite dark and thought provoking.

Rowena: This book features 19 stories. It is a re-telling of different fairy tales for an adult audience in contemporary settings. Not all stories consist of immersive fantasy. Some tales are solely used for their titles and the repertoire that they carry in order to create another story. I also used photography in order to accompany further story telling with symbolism found in the photos.

Helen: That is quite an accomplishment, pulling together 19 stories into one book. And I love the twist your photos suggest you have incorporated into your version of the fairytales. How did you decide on the cover for you retellings?

Rowena: The cover is showing a broken castle and red-riding hood staring in front it. I chose it since it represents the dark attributes that adulthood brings with it upon us humans.

Helen: It is a beautiful cover, drawing you in, much like Little red riding hood and very atmospheric. How about the title? You published this collection in Maltese with a Maltese tilte, I believe?

Rowena: The title in English means A book of Fairy / Witch Tales.

Helen: What made you decide to write fairytale retellings? What made you write this particular book?

Rowena: It was a therapeutic way for me to pour my disappointments and bitterness that life had in store for me. I finished during the pandemic, where the first 3 months in Winter were an introvert’s paradise. I could just write and read without any social obligations imposed on me.

Helen: I think Covid stirred many inner creatives, and gave many people the chance to express their ideas. When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

Rowena: Since I was a child I used to invent stories and then I started writing them in narrative essays at schools. My stories were often read in the classroom due to being original and I guess that encouraged me to keep on writing. Then I totally stopped during my teenage years and got back to writing when I was around 30 years and older.

Helen: Well, I’m glad you returned to writing. Which genre do you prefer to write?

Rowena: Dark fantasy. The pleasure of building allegories in between the lines of what seems a simple story for pleasure.

Helen: Turning to the writing process for a moment, which element of the writing process do you find most challenging?

Rowena: When I need to write dialogue I tend to get a bit stuck. The reason is because the way we speak is very different from the way dialogue is written in a book. And also because I am not the most talkative person on earth thus it gets a bit hard to imagine what other people would say.

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

Rowena: Even though I have been published, the little voices still torment me when it comes to writing out my new stuff. I guess you have to keep on pushing and ignoring these little voices till they are nothing more than whispers.

Helen: Great advice. What is one of the most useful resources you have found to help you write?

Rowena: Music. It is a must. And other good books that inspire my imagination.

Helen: Authors are typically great readers. What are some of you favourite reads. What would you recommend?

Rowena: The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. It is my favourite book for re-telling of fairy-tale characters. Also, Haruki Murakami Kafka on the Shore, John Boyne All The Broken Places, Lord of The Rings, Stephen Fry Mythos, Verity by Colleen Hoover.

Helen: If you didn’t write Dark Fantasy, what genre would you love to try?

Rowena: Science fiction since I’m a laboratory analyst and I find science very amusing.

Helen: Thnk you so much for joining me today, it was lovey chatting with you. Final question, what is the best piece of advice you’ve recieved?

Rowena: Jan Carson. The use of past and present verbs make a huge difference. She also emphasized on the importance and how to create credible characters.

You can find Rowena’s book blog on:

Instagram

You can purchase Katieb Tas-Shahar here:

Link to book on Midsea Books: Paperbac k

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Author Interview – Lauren A.R Masterson

Author of Succumb to Darkness.

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 6^th 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 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.

You can find her on:

Official website

Twitter

Facebook: Alice the Author

Instagram

YouTube

You can purchase Succumb to Darkness here:

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

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

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

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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Author Interview – J A Crawshaw

Author of The View Beyond.

Today, I am pleased to welcome Women’s Fiction author J.A Crawshaw to talk to us about his latest novel The View Beyond which releases on May 25th, 2023. You can find it in on preorder here and on Kindle Unlimited from release day.

Helen: Welcome John. I am so excited to meeet you and that we get to chat about your new book today!! Congratulations on the forthcoming release. Tell us about The View Beyond.

John: THE VIEW BEYOND is the 2^nd book in my Life Changing Women’s Fiction series. It is the sequel to THE SWING. Charlotte’s return to a normal life, full of happiness and love is turned upside down when an unscrupulous man leaves her destitute.

Will she crumble under the harsh reality of heartbreak, loneliness and despair? or earn the acceptance of the new people around her, confront her adversaries and look beyond her old life to seek a second chance of fulfilment and true love?

Her quest for the truth reveals shock results and in challenging her own beliefs and capabilities, establishes a true resilience and discovers that happiness might just be where you least expect it.

The view beyond might seem out of reach, but could be utterly life changing

Helen: Congratulations on publishing your second book in the series. What inspired your cover?

John: The cover idea came to me when I thought about a sign which could be left after someone had gone and could reappear. Once the concept of the love heart within the condensation of the window was set, I then incorporated it into the story. It didn’t exist before!

Helen: That is such a great insight into your thinking. I love that you then went on to incorporate it in the story. How about the title? How did decide on that?

John: I wanted there to be a place in which my protagonist could visit in her mind, when she most needed to. A low point in her life. Somewhere which previously seemed out of reach, but as she finds more inner strength, is able to look beyond her current situation and discover qualities, capabilities and dreams she didn’t expect. A physical view, but also a subconscious and emotional view. A gateway to true happiness and inner wellbeing.

Helen: I know you didn’t start writing until later in life, much like me. What made you write this particular book?

John: THE SWING was only ever meant to be a stand-alone book. Then readers started asking me about a sequel. There were no plans, but again and again, feedback was that people wanted to find out what happens to Peter, and Charlotte. So, I wrote it and I’m so glad I did. I had fun developing the story and felt I had so much more freedom to take them on a new adventure.

Helen: Having readers so engaged with your story and your characters is the greatest feeling, isn’t it? When did you realise you had a passion for writing?

John: My writing journey is quite unique. I had never written anything or even read a novel, before one night, waking up and started to write one. I was 50 years old and had spent a lifetime scared of words and reading due to debilitating dyslexia. Now I love it so much, I just can’t stop.

Helen: I am so glad you persevered. Writing is such a joy and being able to share our creations and entertain others is a wonderful feeling. You are an inspiration to those who also struggle with dyslexia and show that it is possible to enjoy your passion. What made you choose to write Women’s Fiction?

John: I didn’t choose to write women’s fiction and romance. It chose me. I’m a romantic for sure, and I’m fascinated by life, the possibilities and the people within it. I’m not a scifi man or a crime/fantasy fan, so write what comes naturally to me. What is more exciting than love and romance, especially with plot twists, deep passion, and intrigue?

Helen: What is your writing style? Do you plan the whole plot in advance or make it up as you go?

John: I’m a Pantser. 100%. I never start at the beginning, and I usually start with a sentence or a conversation between two people and let the characters take me where they want to go. I write from my sub-conscious and just let it unfold and thrill me as I write.

Helen: Thank you so much for joining me today, John. Good luck with your forthcoming launch. Just to close us out, tell us the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing.

John: The two best things to happen to me are, meeting so many incredible fans and fellow authors. Their feedback and love is quite overwhelming and I value these connections greatly.

It has also enabled me to break away from my dyslexic shackles and become free. Free to express myself and free to be me. Not perfect by any means, but able to be confident in who I am. Something not easy for anyone with self-esteem issues associated with dyslexia.

About the Author:

J A Crawshaw was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1969.

Writing romance is a passion for him. ‘Life is all about the connections we have with others and ourselves. Relationships are never straightforward, but always fascinating to me, and I love sharing my stories with my readers.’

A suspense romance. The Swing is a nostalgic and intriguing foray into the differences of the English class system. Charlotte and Peter battle with many external pressures but hope that an earthy, deep connection, shared experiences and passion in the bedroom will win through for them.

J A is currently working on the sequel to The Swing and also a romantic trilogy, based in an English coastal town and specifically the secrets of a boathouse hideaway.

You can find him on:

Website

Instagram

You can purchase the first book The Swing here:

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

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

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

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