Monday Book Tag is as Monday Book Tag Does

Mondays are Book Tag days and I have been tagged by Jo Robinson. As you may be aware, Jo lives in South Africa and hopes to publish four books this year.

jo robinson

Lesser Being is the first in a collection of novels featuring Judith, a ghost writer specializing in memoirs. Each book tells the life of the person whose memoir she’s currently writing. The first one is Emmaline. Jo describes it as: “This particular story started out as a memory of someone, then turned into a daydream about what route her life had taken, then it became a high-definition movie in my head with surround sound in 3D. All I had to do was write it down, and try not to use too many exclamation marks again.”

Thanks Jo for tagging me.

The rules of this tag are to answer the following four writing questions, and then tag three other authors. Next week, March 3, these three authors will answer the same questions and tag three others, and so the chain continues to grow larger. This will enable readers to get to know more authors and their books. It will also allow everyone to get to know these authors a little better.

Questions:

1. What are you currently working on?

I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the second part of the John J. Cannon trilogy. The draft is finished and now needs editing. The working title is His Revenge and tells the story of the attempt of Matt Jacobs the money and brains behind a small, but dedicated group of terrorists to discredit John Cannon, the protagonist from My GRL. Speaking of My GRL I am still in the heat of marketing. I actually have posted a first chapter on the sidebar of Fiction Favorites.(for those who actually visit the site)

2. How does your work differ from others in the same genre?

Most thrillers have a strong hero-type protagonist who seems immune to any threats or harm. John Cannon is an ordinary guy who has been very successful in his work and wants to relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor. He is not connected with any agency or secret mission team. He is just a man wanting to learn to be a charter boat captain and is caught up in circumstances not of his making.

3. Why do you write what you do?

I have a dream to finish five novels before my brain turns to oatmeal. The subject matter of these works comes to me and I am compelled to write them down. Sometimes I have no idea why I write what I do. Some of my short stories reflect this “in the dark,” scenario.

4. How does your writing process work?

I usually outline a few chapters and then work on a timeline. After that, I start writing and don’t stop until I think the story is finished.

And now time to Tag three other Authors.

The first is Charles Yallowitz  whose blog  Legends of Windermere is also the name of his series of fantasy novels: The Beginning of a Hero, The Prodigy of Rainbow Tower and Allure of the GypsieS. (Click on the covers below to go to Amazon) Charles has been described as the hardest working author of anyone. He also is a mentor and coach to those authors who need some advice.

wattpad beginningrsz_prodigy_cover_finalCover by Jason Pedersen

 

 

 

Charles is also hard a work on at least three more Legends of Windemere book which I know about. If you have not visited him yet you should go

Helen Valentina is my second choice and is a writer who loves to explore why we do the things we do and how our characters are formed by our beliefs and actions.  The essence of the reason for her blog is best said by her: “Like most people, I have a number of sides to me. The most interesting one probably emerges through my writing, hence this blog. I love to read, and also to write, and so this is a way to share both. A visit to her blog will show you how uniquely talented Helen is in her writing. Her poems will cause you to think and ponder and then react.

Not content with poetry alone Helen has written two books The Seed and Curiosity

a seeda curiosity

‘The Seed’ is a dark romance that looks at the impact of dreams and myths on our romantic natures and choices – an intense and sometimes ambiguous journey into the heart of passionate people. The Seed, now available on lulu.com, iTunes (link via lulu.com), Amazon Kindle and POD and on Nook.  Helen describes The  Seed, “ is a dark romance, exploring passion and the reasons that we choose to follow relationships and the implications that can arise from those choices.  For those familiar with my poetry, the mix of passion/love and mystery/ambiguity will be quite familiar.”

 ‘Curiosity’ is about a man who believes the world has already ended and no-one noticed, and how his beliefs and nature propel him into being an unlikely hero for the modern, media age. She says: “As a black comedy/satire, Curiosity is a major departure from my first novel The Seed. It’s writing style, though of course my own, is lighter and more cynical – more extroverted and action oriented than introspective and contemplative. As I’ve said before, if my novels were my children The Seed would be the moody, passionate artist. Curiosity is a bit of a brat to be honest, but hopefully a clever child, who will one day grow to cut a swathe in public relations or the gossip column industry.”

My third choice Devorah Fox is a fellow member of the Rockport Writers Group and has published three novels. Two: The lost King,and The Kings Ransom are fantasy stories of her character King Bewilliam and his quest to restore his lost kingdom. The third is a departure into a Mystery story Titled: Naked Came the Sharks .

Naked Came the Sharks synopsis: Chasing her dream of becoming an investigative reporter in San Francisco, Holly Rivera Berry has to return to her hometown of Bonafides on the Texas Coastal Bend to settle her recently deceased father’s estate. She discovers that just before he died her father researched the possibility that via an old Mexican land grant the Rivera family owns The Gap, a natural channel to the Gulf of Mexico. Land speculators plan to erect luxury homes, resorts, hotels, and a casino along The Gap and Holly comes to doubt that her father died of natural causes. The more she investigates, the more things don’t add up. One by one her allies fall victim to fatal accidents and it looks like Holly might be next.

lost kingThe King's RansomNaked Came the Sharks

My GRL Blog Tour Volunteer Recognition – Charles Yallowitz

legendsofwindemere

Charles Yallowitz is a volunteer today who I should thank for supporting the My GRL Blog Tour. It is interesting that Charles is the author’s author. By that I mean, he not only writes some really good Fantasy Genre books, but he also comes to the aid of any author who seems to be needing help. He posts and reblogs and comments endlessly on behalf of others. He also has a place on his site where authors can go for information on book promotion. Charles also stands by to answer questions when the subject of writing comes up.

If you visit his blog Legends of Windemere you will find really intelligent discussions of topics relating to character and plot development. Charles takes an active interest in all things cerebral as it relates to the construction of a story. If you don’t believe me just ask him about a character’s family sometime. I believe even the most minor characters have an extensive back story which could be a stand-alone novel if Charles had the time.

Speaking of time, the following three books in the Legends of Windemere series, The Bestiary Series and the novella Catalysts  are now available and Charles has plans for three more books in 2014.

Legends of Windemere

LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: BEGINNING OF A HERO

Cover art by Jason Pedersen

Cover art by Jason Pedersen

Take a step into the magical world of Windemere where history is forged by brave adventurers.

Luke Callindor was born into Windemere’s most decorated family of adventurers. Since his birth, he has been treated with the greatest amount of respect and awe. Now, with a lifetime of training and the reckless cockiness of youth, Luke has set out to prove that he deserves the admiration that comes from being a Callindor.

Luke gets his chance when he convinces a royal messenger to hire him to protect the heir of Duke Solomon. This future leader is secretly attending Hamilton Military Academy, an esteemed school run by the former mercenary, Selenia Hamilton. It is a dangerous secret mission requiring that Luke pretend to be an average student while keeping an eye out for any sign of danger. Unfortunately, Luke has no idea which student the heir is and a demonic assassin is already several steps ahead of him. Finding himself in over his head and constantly in trouble, the young warrior realizes that the only things he has on his side are some new friends and his unwavering courage.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE!

LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: PRODIGY OF RAINBOW TOWER

Prodigy Cover Final

Cover art by Jason Pedersen

The action-packed, humor-filled, dramatic sequel to ‘Legends of Windemere: Beginning of a Hero’.

Battling through a demonic assassin and an army of monsters, Luke Callindor has survived his time at Hamilton Military Academy. Now, Luke and his friends must leave the safety of the academy to escort Duke Solomon’s heir down the L’dandrin River and into the safety of the city of Gods’ Voice. Joining them for this journey is Nyx, a powerful caster apprentice of Rainbow Tower. With her talent for combat magic and her short temper, Nyx will prove to be a challenge for Luke and all of their enemies.

Who will survive the harrowing trip down the L’dandrin River? And, who will be the one to break Luke’s trust?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE

LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE: ALLURE OF THE GYPSIES

By Jason Pedersen

Cover Art by Jason Pedersen

The adventures of Luke Callindor and Nyx continue after their journey down the L’Dandrin River in Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower.

Reeling from his failures in their previous adventure, Luke leads his surviving friends to his hometown. With his mind frayed and his confidence fractured, Luke must face the family and fiancée he left behind. It is a brief homecoming when the vampire Kalam attacks the village, forcing Luke and Nyx to break into his lair for the key to resurrecting a fallen warrior. It is a quest that will force both young heroes to reach new heights of strength and power that they never knew they had.

Can Luke and Nyx escape the lair of Kalam? And, what role will the orphaned gypsy Sari play in their looming destiny?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE

Bestiary Collections

Bestiary of Blatherhorn ValeAmazon Kindle

Novellas

Cover Art by Dean Kealy

Cover Art by Dean Kealy

When trapped in an elevator together, Jeffrey and Darla learn that misery doesn’t always love company. With the screams of death and chaos echoing from outside, they find themselves slowly slipping into a world of fear and darkness they may never recover from. All the while, something is terrorizing the convention outside and turning the guests and celebrities into psychotic monsters.

Available on Amazon Kindle

Blog Tour Is as Blog Tour Does-Allure of the GypsieS

Legends of Windemere: Allure of the GypsieS has Arrived!!!

Buy it Here!

Allure Final Cover (1)

The epic adventures of Luke Callindor and Nyx continue after their journey down the L’Dandrin River in Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower.

Reeling from his failures in their previous adventure, Luke leads his surviving friends to his hometown.  With his mind frayed and his confidence fractured, Luke must face the family and fiancée he left behind.  It is a brief homecoming when the vampire Kalam attacks the village, forcing Luke and Nyx to break into his lair for the key to resurrecting a fallen warrior.  It is a quest that will force both young heroes to reach new heights of strength and power that they never knew they had.

Can Luke and Nyx escape the lair of Kalam?  And, what role will the orphaned gypsy Sari play in their looming destiny?

Wondering what you’re in for? Check out the praise earned by the first two installments of this high fantasy series.

Review Excerpts for Legends of Windemere: Beginning of a Hero:

wattpad beginning

“I greatly enjoyed the vivid characters, the gripping plot, and the refreshingly unique writing style (present tense). ” – kdillmanjones

“This is a sophisticated and delightful read. I recommend this book to lovers of Fantasy or to General Fiction readers. The story is compelling enough to entertain a wide audience.” – John W. Howell

“One of the things that won me over was the bouts of humor. Especially in the beginning. “This is not possible! I am a Paladin!” I thought I was going to die with delight.” – C.N. Faust

Review Excerpts for Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower:

rsz_prodigy_cover_final

“Something I find unique about this fantasy novel that I don’t often find in others, is that the hero, Luke Callindor is rather of the unlucky variety. He does not get everything he asks for, he stumbles, falls, gets knocked down (literally)and taught lessons as he goes. This is helping him to grow into the hero that was promised in the first book.” – Ionia Martin

“Nyx is such a strong personality. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her and more of the other characters, new and already known, with the rich tapestry of Windemere unfolding in between intense actions scenes and moments of kindness and budding friendships.” – Danielle Taylor

“Almost like the Harry Potter series. The books start out so young and innocent, but by the last book – watch out!” —  Momto4Booklover

Author Biography:

Charles author photo B&W

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After his wife decided that she was tired of hearing the same stories repeatedly, she convinced him that it would make more sense to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house under orders to shut up and get to work, Charles brings you Legends of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and his wife is happy he finally has someone else to play with.

Contact:

Blog-  www.legendsofwindemere.com

Twitter-  @cyallowitz

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CharlesYallowitz

 

Another big event to celebrate the debut of Legends of Windemere: Allure of the Gypsies ; Charles is holding a Goodreads Giveaway!  The prize is a paperback copy of ALL THREE LEGENDS OF WINDEMERE NOVELS.  Winners will be picked at the end of December, so go HERE: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/73084-prodigy-of-rainbow-tower to enter the contest.

Cover Reveal Is as Cover Reveal Does

Allure Final Cover

Cover by Jason Pedersen  http://www.jasonpedersen.com/

The epic adventures of Luke Callindor and Nyx continue after their journey down the L’Dandrin River in Legends of Windemere: Prodigy of Rainbow Tower.

Reeling from his failures in their previous adventure, Luke leads his surviving friends to his hometown.  With his mind frayed and his confidence fractured, Luke must face the family and fiancée he left behind.  It is a brief homecoming when the vampire Kalam attacks the village, forcing Luke and Nyx to break into his lair for the key to resurrecting a fallen warrior.  It is a quest that will force both young heroes to reach new heights of strength and power that they never knew they had.

Can Luke and Nyx escape the lair of Kalam?  And, what role will the orphaned gypsy Sari play in their looming destiny?

 

About Charles Yallowitz

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze.  Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons.  One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world.  After his wife decided that she was tired of hearing the same stories repeatedly, she convinced him that it would make more sense to follow his dream of being a fantasy author.  So, locked within the house under orders to shut up and get to work, Charles brings you Legends of Windemere.  He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you and his wife is happy he finally has someone else to play with.

Release Date–  December 1st.

Previous–

Beginning of a Hero-  http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Hero-Legends-Windemere-ebook/dp/B00BL9GBU2/

Prodigy of Rainbow Tower-  http://www.amazon.com/Prodigy-Rainbow-Legends-Windemere-ebook/dp/B00E8WUD5S/