Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont - Hunters of Reloria

Hunters of Reloria

Best kids' movie of 2019: Abominable #childrens #movie #abominable #magic

10/12/2019

When it comes to children's movies, sadly, I have learned to go in with low expectations. Many seem to have the same rehashed plot with predictable characters and leave me falling asleep in the cinema recliner.

Hubby must have drawn the short straw these school holidays, as he took our halflings to see Angry Birds and thought it was boring and predictable with nothing to inspire or make you think.

Thankfully it was my turn today and I found Abominable a breath of fresh air.
The characters had interesting backstories that were uncovered through the film and developed during its course. Yi was the one who found the Yeti, then her neighbours, Jin and Peng become caught up in the adventure. The Yeti was unpredictable and refreshingly unique. I had imagined this was going to be quite similar to the Small Foot movie we saw last year, but the 2 movies had very little in common.

I thought it was great that cultural customs were included, such as the Chinese extended family unit (granny was awesome), family responsibilities and delicious food. Yi's violin is almost a character on it's own.

I don't want to spoil the movie's surprises, but a quick look on Google will show you there's something fantastically magical about this movie (see this pic > ).

The animation is everything we've come to expect from Dreamworks and more. Just stunning!
Go, see for yourself. 5 stars from the kiddies and I.

Fun times in the Readers Lounge with Marie Andreas @MarieAndreas1 #FSFRL #fantasy #humor

10/3/2019

Author bio: Marie is a multi-award winning fantasy and science fiction writer with a serious reading addiction. If she wasn't writing about all the people in her head, she'd be lurking about coffee shops annoying total strangers with her stories. So really, writing is a way of saving the masses.
She has a completed space opera trilogy, The Asarlaí Wars, a completed six-book fantasy series, The Lost Ancients, and a steampunk series, The Adventures of Smith & Jones which will be continued in late 2019 with The Mayhem of Mermaids..
When not saving the masses from coffee shop shenanigans, Marie likes to visit the UK and keeps hoping someone will give her a nice summer home in the Forest of Dean or in northern Wales. Marie is also a member of SFWA (Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) and RWA (Romance Writers of America).

· Book title: The Diamond Sphinx- Book Six of The Lost Ancients
· Genre: Humorous fantasy
· Synopsis: Magic, mayhem, murder, relics, true love, and drunken faeries. Taryn St. Giles has had a very eventful year. And the troubles are just beginning. Taryn has been through a year of changes—to her and her world. As a digger, she’d searched through the past to find out who the missing elves and Ancients had been. Now she knows the elves and they are helping her uncover the secrets of the Ancients. Secrets she’s not sure she wants to know. A few too many up close and personal encounters with the relics that were left behind leaves her shaken and on the run. Even from the people she loves. The relics were part of a weapon that led to the destruction of the Ancients. Now Taryn and Alric, must get a goddess, hundreds of faeries, and the rest of their friends to work together to destroy the weapon before anyone can use it again. But when her world comes crashing down around her, will Taryn have the strength to do what needs to be done?
· Publish date: April 2019
· Publisher: Marie Andreas

Author Interview Questions:

Kasper: Welcome to the Readers Lounge, Marie. I'm so looking forward to getting to know you..and your drunken faeries.
Marie: Thanks Kasper. I'm glad to be here.

I notice your fairies seem rather merry. Can I ask why they're drunk?
That's a great question. The honest answer? They really like the taste of ale!!
LOL, too funny. OK, now for some serious questions...

What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?
I like to have humor in my writing. I’m not a heavy or dark writer and my angst level is extremely low ;). I like to read about characters that I’d like to be friends with on some level, and that’s who I write (not the bag guys and gals though ;)).
It takes talent to write the light and humorous themes too. Good for you.

How do you develop your characters?
My characters develop as the plots do—organically. I have an idea of who the two leads are, sometimes more general than others. I just run with it. They show me who they are by reactions they give. (Yes, I know I’m creating them, but it works-LOL).

Do you have another job outside of writing?
Yes, a very soul sucking job dealing with financial aid. It does keep me focused on my writing though—and my boss and co-workers have been very supportive of my books.
So lovely to hear they support you. Sounds like you all need some lightheartedness.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
Do it. Learn everything you can. Take writing workshops, go to conferences, join writing groups, READ everything to see how it’s done. And don’t let anyone stop you.
I love this!

What music do you listen to when writing? Movie trailer music—but it’s all background music, not trailers that you’d go, “OH! That’s from Jaws!” It picks up my writing pace and is amazing for fight scenes.

What are you working on now?
Finishing the second steampunk, The Mayhem of Mermaids, finishing the first book in a new fae driven urban fantasy, The Girl with the Iron Wing, editing and expanding a novella unrelated to any other series. WAY too many books in my head, but I have found recently that multiple projects keeps the words flowing.

What’s your writing routine? Mon- Fri: Wake up at 4:30 am, start writing by 5am, write for an hour and a half, get ready for day-job. Home from day job about 5pm, start writing by 6:30-7pm. Weekends it’s less structured.

Wow. You have great discipline. I'm impressed.

Describe your road to publishing your book:
After years of looking for an agent, and finally getting tired of people loving my books, but them not fitting what NY was looking for I went self-published. I gave myself a year to research, hunt down editors, cover artists, etc. The Glass Gargoyle came out in March 2015. I have ten novels and a novella in print right now.

Who are your four favourite authors?
It all depends on what I’m in the mood for, but some ones I always love: Mercedes Lackey, David Eddings, Anne McCaffery, Elizabeth Peters.

Quick quiz:

Favourite thing to cook: Pasta salad—mostly because I love to eat the type I make. Or cookies—same reason ;).
Silliest saying: Not my circus, not my monkeys
Best holiday spot: US: Santa Cruz; outside of US: Conwy, Wales
Most played song: Could have been me by The Struts
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? PANTSER ;)
Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: Love both, but tend to lean a bit more toward fantasy
Best superpower: Freezing time
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: Buy a cottage in a village in the UK

And lucky last....You have multiple series out now, and more on the way. How do you keep so many people in your head?
It’s weird, but all of my characters are very real to me, so of course I wouldn’t confuse Vas with Taryn, or either with Nettie. The pacing for my series are all different as well, so that helps keep them separate. And, I’ve found having multiple books/series actually seems to help me be more productive! I get easily distracted, so by having other book options to work on, I’m less likely to have a completely useless writing session. One book isn’t working, I can hop to another.

Thanks Marie, it really has been a great insight into what makes you tick. I hope the readers will check out the links below. Thanks again for joining us on the Readers Lounge.

Marie's Links

Website: www.marieandreas.com/
Blog: http://faeriesdragonsspaceships.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieandreaswriter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarieAndreas1
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Andreas/e/B00SX81KIM

To find out more about the books, and future series, please visit her website at www.marieandreas.com--especially if you happen to have a small cottage to give her.

The Lost Ancients series:

This is a group for the readers, by the readers, and all about the readers! We are excited you’re joining us and look forward to getting to know you. The Lounge welcomes all readers and wants each and every one to find a comfortable reading nook here.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasySciFiReadersLounge/

Having a fan girl moment with AF Stewart on the Readers Lounge #FSFRL #epicfantasy #authorinterview @scribe77

9/5/2019

Hey folks: I'm pleased to have AF Stewart here for an interview today. She is an author I have admired for quite some time, both for her published work and also her online presence of being both entertaining and helpful .

Author bio:
A steadfast and proud sci-fi and fantasy geek, A. F. Stewart was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada and still calls it home. The youngest in a family of seven children, she always had an overly creative mind and an active imagination. She favours the dark and deadly when writing—her genres of choice being fantasy and horror—but she has been known to venture into the light on occasion. As an indie author she’s published novellas and story collections, with a few side trips into poetry.

Today's featured book:

● Book title:Ghosts of the Sea Moon (Saga of the Outer Islands Book 1)
● Genre: Dark Epic Fantasy
● Synopsis: In the Outer Islands, gods and magic rule the ocean. Under the command of Captain Rafe Morrow, the crew of the Celestial Jewel ferry souls to the After World and defend the seas from monsters. Rafe has dedicated his life to protecting the lost, but the tides have shifted and times have changed. His sister, the Goddess of the Moon, is on a rampage and her creatures are terrorizing the islands. The survival of the living and dead hinge on the courage and cunning of a beleaguered captain and his motley crew of men and ghosts. What he doesn’t know is that her threat is part of a larger game. That an ancient, black-winged malevolence is using them all as pawns… Come set sail with ghosts, gods and sea monsters.
● Publish date: January 13, 2018
● Publisher: Independently Published

Excerpt:
Chapter One
The Captain

Captain Rafe Morrow paced the quarterdeck of his ship, Celestial Jewel, the signs of an oncoming squall setting him on edge. Blustering wind rattled the sails and the crew’s nerves, their usual jaunty hubbub reduced to grumbling and snipes. Trouble travelled on that wind.
Rafe could smell it woven in the air, and his blood prickled with a sense of worry. The ship trembled as if with warning. He glared at the sky and its darkening clouds painted amber and crimson from the setting sun. A storm sky coming ahead of a full moon meant dark magic and sea monsters would prowl the waves this night.
The Moon Goddess will hold sway tonight.
A trickle of blue energy raced across the back of his hand at the thought.
Damn her…and her beasts.
On the breath of a sigh, he whirled to face his crew. “Storm’s coming, boys. Doesn’t bode well, not with the moonrise tonight.”
“How long, Captain? Will we be in the thick of the weather or just what comes after?” A rough-edged sailor, Pinky Jasper, spoke up, but all ears of the deck crew listened for an answer.
“It’s coming within an hour or two, out from Raven Rock, by my reckoning. After nightfall by certain. We’re heading in, boys, but we’ll likely hit the edge of it.” He heaved a breath, exhaling. “It’ll be a bad one even for this crew so expect trouble.”

A shiver of tension settled over the deck. Some of the crew cast worried glances at the sea and each other. Others shivered, and a few more whispered prayers. Storms brought bad memories and nervous anticipation to the sailors of this ship.
“Which port then, Captain?” The mariner at the ship’s wheel chimed in. “Might make Abersythe if we head north.”
“We might, Anders. But we head east. We’ll race the edge of the tempest, but it’s closer and the ship will find better shelter anchored at Crickwell Island.”
“Aye, sir. Laying in course to Crickwell Island.” One-Eyed Anders turned the wheel and the ship’s bones groaned. Others of the crew adjusted the sails, and the Celestial Jewel leaned into her new bearing headed east.

Author Interview with AF Stewart

Kasper: Hi AF, welcome to the Readers Lounge, I'm so excited to have you here.
AF: It's a pleasure to climb aboard. I'm looking forward to it.
Kasper: Hang on tight, we're ready for takeoff.

Do you have a pen name and why?
I write under my initials, as A. F. Stewart, mostly because there is a cookbook author, Anita Stewart, here in Canada. Also, In the beginning, I wanted a bit of anonymity in case things didn’t work out and to avoid any preconceptions.
Cool, I had wondered if it was a secret, but then I know you as both, so I'm glad you clarified it.

What’s the basic plot of your book or series?
Basically my Saga of the Outer Islands series is about a family of dysfunctional gods, menacing sea monsters and other creepy creatures, a few ghosts and pirates, all wrapped up in a sea-faring adventure.

Which one of your characters would you like to be?
If I could be one of my characters, I’d choose, Nimue, from my Camelot Immortals short stories and the WIP series. I think she’s the most like me to begin with, plus she’s an immortal witch who currently possesses Excalibur. She also independent, a bit impatient, doesn’t like fools or bullies, and a bit snarky.
Great description. I like the picture you have sent in of Nimue below. Nice artwork.

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
I write a lot of history based stories, so yes. Much of Ghosts of the Sea Moon is inspired by Nova Scotia and also the 17th century British navy. And my new WIP fantasy book is set in and heavily inspired by Renaissance Venice.
Ooh...Venice and Renaissance. I'm in!

Tell me more about this work in progress.
As I mentioned, I’m currently writing the first book in my historical fantasy series, set in 15th century Venice. The premise is a paranormal assassin working for the rulers of the city; his first adventure is tracking down a shadowy sorcerer trying to corrupt the government. Book one is called Masks and Shadows and the series is The Obsidian Blade.

How did you go about developing your cover artwork?
I’m sure this answer will get some gasps, but I do my own cover artwork. It isn’t as bad as it seems, as I do have some artistic background and know things like perspective and layout. I work with stock photos, combining them to make a representational image for the book and its genre. I think many indie writers think too literally when dealing with cover art and get confused as to what their covers should be. I try to design an overall theme for each book cover.
Mind you some of my earliest covers were horrendous, but I started back in the beginning of independent publishing where everyone was flying by the seat of their pants.
Wow, I have long admired your covers. Congratulations.

Nimue

If you could only take three books with you through an interstellar portal, what would they be?
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion by Morgan Llywelyn

Who are your five favourite authors?
Guy Gavriel Kay, Neil Gaiman, Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury, Andy Peloquin. They are all brilliant in their own way and tend to write memorable characters.

Who would you choose to read your audiobook?
If I could have gotten one of them, I would have gone with actors Hugh Jackman or Ioan Gruffudd (who was the inspiration for Blackthorne). But I think Alyson Grauer who narrated the actual audiobook did an excellent job and it turned out great.
Ah...Horatio Hornblower. Yes, I'm a fan of his seafaring adventures too, plus he has a nice accent.

What’s your favourite pet?
I’m a cat person, although I currently don’t have a pet because of where I live (no pets allowed).

You can be any fictional character for one day. Who would you be?
I’d be Batman. You get a cool car, a cool cape and fight crime. Plus, you’re a millionaire. As long as I could avoid getting killed by the Joker I’d love it.

What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
It’s a terrific group, and it’s been a wonderful experience as a member. I’ve been a bit quiet lately due to a busy schedule, but I try to lurk in the shadows when I can.

Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: Soup
Silliest saying: Geez Louise and Aunt Matilda (don’t ask, it’s just something I say sometimes).
Best holiday spot: The seaside
Most played song: Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Plotter, mostly.
Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: I like them both, but fantasy has the edge.
Best superpower: Flight
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: Travel to Ireland

Kasper: Well, it has been a real pleasure to learn more about you today, AF. Thanks so much for taking a ride on our Readers Lounge.
AF: Thanks for having me here.

Links for AF Stewart
Website: https://afallonblog.wordpress.com/
Blog: http://afstewartblog.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afstewartauthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1175681.A_F_Stewart
Youtube book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cr7tSCeI0A&t=3s
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afstewartauthor/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/a-f-stewart
Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/afstewart
Twitter: https://twitter.com/scribe77

Fantasy SciFi Readers Lounge

This is a group for the readers, by the readers, and all about the readers! We are excited you’re joining us and look forward to getting to know you. The Lounge welcomes all readers and wants each and everyone to find a comfortable reading nook here.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasySciFiReadersLounge

A sneak peak at Nix Whittaker's new steampunk release #steampunk #FSFRL #newrelease

9/4/2019

Hi readers, you know I like to post new and exciting things. Today I scored you an excerpt from Nix Whittaker's new release that's just hit the virtual shelves. Check this out!

White Lady Release

Book title: White Lady
Author: Nix Whittaker
Genre: Steampunk
Series: Book 2 Wyvern Mysteries
Release date: 1 September 2019
Amazon link: amzn.to/2LhR1Js

Other books in the series:
Lady Golden Hand – Book 1 Wyvern Mysteries

Blurb: Hunted by a witch doctor that had already managed to sever a foot, Medea is forced to run from city to city. That is until she lands in Everett's store for mechanical limbs. Everett is not only able to give her back what she had lost but just maybe he could help her break free from the witch doctor that haunts her. Website: https://www.nixwhittaker.com/

Author Bio:
Nix Whittaker is an English teacher in the heart of the North Island of New Zealand. She lives with her cats and her dog in the shadow of an active volcano where she writes in her spare time.
Nix started as a reader to help improve her spelling as she is dyslexic but was hooked by the marvellous worlds of Mercedes Lackey and Terry Pratchett. As time passed and she read out the library, she was forced to write to feed her ferocious need to read. Now her books are influenced by Patricia Briggs and Anne Bishop as she is still very much a reader and so writes books she would like to read herself.

Nix Whittaker ready for Steampunk adventures

Excerpt:
The bell tinkling above the door made Everett raise his head sharply. Whacking his head on the counter he was under as he was searching for an errant bolt. Rubbing the back of his head he angled out of the space to see who had entered his store.
A ghost in an emerald pinstriped skirt and cream blouse stood in the light from the store windows. He recoiled, knocking a half-constructed hand off the table behind him. The ghost leaned on a single brass and mahogany crutch tucked under her arm. Skin as pale as a frosty field, her wavy hair reigned free in the same absence of colour as her skin. A pair of green-tinted glasses hid her eyes.
She tilted her head to one side at his reaction. “Are you Ancaster?” Her plain tone lacked the ethereal nature of a ghost which left Everett with only one explanation for her appearance.
Albino.
He’d only heard of albino’s. Mostly from his younger sister who was training to be a doctor. The only other mention he’d seen of albinos was for fairs.
“Sorry Miss, you surprised me.” He dusted off his shirt, hoping nothing from under the counter still clung to him. He offered his hand. “I’m Ancaster.” She took his hand. Even the briefest of touches had palpitations interrupting his heart. Flustered, Everett asked, “Are you here for a
prosthetic?” Laughing, he ran a hand through his hair. “Of course, you are here for a prosthetic.” Everett waved a hand to a stool tucked under the table. He dragged it out and dusted it off with his hand.
She raised an eyebrow high enough that it peeked over the top of the tinted glasses. As she drew closer, he took in her ageless beauty though he judged her to be younger than himself. She tucked her crutch against the counter and lifted herself onto the stool. He pulled another stool from under the counter and positioned himself across from her.
With slate and chalk in hand, he asked, “What are you looking for? Limb-wise I mean.”
She smoothed her hands over her skirt. “Aren’t you going to ask whether I can afford it?”
He flapped the hand with the chalk to dismiss the issue of payment. As the son of a Duke, he didn’t have to worry about his store closing if he gave away a limb or two. “We can figure out cost once you’ve told me what you need.” Nibbling on her lip in hesitation, she revealed the wound by gathering up handfuls of material and lifting the hem of her skirt to uncover her amputated foot.
Everett speculated the reason for the injury. “Not frostbite. Not unless you enjoy climbing mountains.” He flashed her a grin, hoping she would welcome the humour. The glasses hid the intense gaze she levelled at him but he felt it all the same. “Sorry, I’m a bit rusty at this.”
“At what, Mister Ancaster?” Amusement laced her words.
“Flirting.” He blushed.

If you like what you see, take a look on Amazon

Choose Your Hunters of Reloria Adventure. A new book from yours truly. Complete the jigsaw to reveal the cover. #FSFRL #CoverReveal #Fantasy

8/29/2019

Find my new release cover
I thought I’d make it a bit of a fun cover reveal where you can find it yourself.
Follow this link to the jigsaw puzzle. Comment below with your time and send me a screenshot, the fastest entry wins a copy of my new book.
Note: if you need to reset the puzzle, click the refresh button. https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3875abd6e921

Cover pic: Elf Adventure by Hecate Jerrett

A cover reveal from the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers Lounge. Dark Horizons box set. #speculativefiction #boxset #FSFRL

8/23/2019

Oh, we do enjoy a good cover reveal here at the Hunters of Reloria. It is in keeping with this week's Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers Lounge theme too: Mystery Week.

So let's dive in and uncover the mystery ofDark Horizons.

Clue number one: What are the genres (notice there's more than one).
What do you think from this teaser?

OK, so that was a pretty easy one to solve. Many related genres are included, such as cyberpunk and science fiction. I'm always partial to alien technology myself, so looking really good to me.

Clue two:. Who wrote it?

We are in for a treat with this one as it's a box set from many fine authors: AW Cross; Kathrin Hutson; Kay L Moody; OE Tearmann; Richard Parry; SJ Bryant and VS Holmes.

Clue 3: When is it released?
https://amzn.to/2KQoTg8

If you clicked on the link, you would have discovered the release date September 17th.
So go ahead and check it out with so many great authors, you're sure to love more than one of these fun novels.

Blurb: When there's nothing but darkness on the horizon you have one choice: fight or fall. These incredible authors delve into seven all-too-possible futures.

THE SEEDS OF WINTER - A. W. Cross
SLEEPWATER BEAT - Kathrin Hutson
TRUTH SEER - Kay L Moody
THE HANDS WE'RE GIVEN - O. E. Tearmann
CHROMED: UPGRADE - Richard Parry
ROOKIE - S. J. Bryant
TRAVELERS - V. S. Holmes

Clue 4: How can I get it?

And there you go. Mystery solved. Happy reading, cheers, Kasper :)

Book Launch coming next weekend. Please come and party with me in the Readers Lounge #FSFRL #fantasy #swordandsorcery

8/23/2019

Hi all, thanks so much to those who beta read my Choose Your Hunters of Reloria Adventure over the past couple of months.

I'm working busily through the edits from Kerry and will have it out for you next weekend. Just ebook at this stage. I haven't explored colour printing yet as it's a picture book with art from many of the art competitions as well as some from local art teacher Nita Thomas.

There will be a special New Release book party in the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers Lounge next weekend. Please come and party with us. The times are
Saturday, Aug 31st 3 pm - 5 pm US EST and Sunday, 1st of September 5am - 7am Brisbane time. I know it's early, but I will provide the coffee.

Thanks for your support, cheers, Kasper :)

Magic, witchcraft, a mystery and a dragon. What's not to love? The Dragon's Seamstress by @julidrevezzo #FSFRL #dragons

8/16/2019

Blurb:
Since Caitlin and Trevor vowed to assist the Otherworld and opened their enchanted antique shop, they’ve seen many strange things. But now, someone comes in asking for a mundane item: kitschy “witches” brooms. Has their magical life returned to normal?As the couple prepares to host a family gathering, fate intervenes and something they’ve never seen before roars into their life: A creature out of Welsh legend and fantasy: A blundering, somewhat underdeveloped dragon—not at all the type of dragon they ever expected to meet. Forced to undertake his unique challenge, Caitlin and Trevor are perplexed by his demands, but the magical beast is certain they are the only witches who can help him.Doing so might unlock an ancient hidden secret. Refusing might destroy them.

My review:

Recommended for fans of the Antique Magic series, and those who like a gentle fantasy mystery.
This is the first book in the series I have read, so the regular fans will know a lot more about the magic shop and characters than I did. Saying that, Caitlin and Trevor make a nice couple and I kinda hoped there would be a smidge more romance for them, but it's not that type of book. Probably they are more affectionate in earlier books in the series.
The Dragon's Seamstress is a a slow-reveal mystery with some magic spells and fantastic beasts added for good measure. There are clues scattered all over town, including their home. Caitlin becomes detective which is enjoyable and you uncover the mystery with her.
On the whole I find there is a lot of standing around and talking, which is something I don't prefer to read. I like action.
I read a beta version and found it got off to a slow start, but I have been reassured my concerns were noted, the plot tightened, and the dragon makes a much sooner appearance. Yay! The story improved tremendously after the dragon was revealed. I quite enjoyed it from there. I mean, there's a dragon, so of course I'm hooked.
It reads well as a stand-alone, and I'm sure the rest of the series would be equally fun.
As to why there's a dragon, you'll have to read it to find out...

Here's the series for you. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Upping the ante with Aces High authors O.E. Tearmann. A #FSFRL #author #interview @ETearmann

8/8/2019

Author bio:
O.E. Tearmann lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, in what may become the Co-Wy Grid. They share the house with a brat in fur, a husband and a great many books. Their search engine history may garner them a call from the FBI one day. When they're not living on base 1407 they advocate for a more equitable society and more sustainable agricultural practices, participate in sundry geekdom and do their best to walk their characters' talk.

● The Aces High, Jokers Wild book series:
●  The Hands We're Given ( Book 1)
●  Call the Bluff ( Book 2)
●  Raise the Stakes ( Book 3)

●  Genre: hopeful queer cyberpunk
● Synopsis: Aidan Headly never wanted to be the man giving orders. That's fine with the Democratic State Force base he's been assigned to command: they don't like to take orders. Nicknamed the Wildcards, they used to be the most effective base against the seven Corporations owning the former United States in a war that has lasted over half a century. Now the Wildcards are known for creative insubordination, chaos, and commanders begging to be reassigned. Aidan is their last chance. If he can pull off his assignment as Commander and yank his ragtag crew of dreamers and fighters together, maybe they can get back to doing what they came to do: fighting for a country worth living in. Life's a bitch. She deals off the bottom of the deck. But you play the hands you're given.

● Publish date: 8/14/2018
● Publisher: Amphibian Press
● Publish date: 12/24/2018
● Publisher: Amphibian Press

● You can read a free excerpt at http://aceshighjokerswild.com/read-for-free/

Author Interview with O.E. Tearmann

Kasper: Welcome O.E. Tearmann. I must say that I was surprised to be joined by two authors today. (Yes, readers, you read that correctly. Two authors!) Even the mysterious pic (above) you sent when I asked for an author pic hadn't clued me in. Well, double the authors sounds like double the fun. Let's strap on into this levitating Readers Lounge and fire off some questions.

1. Do you have a pen name and why?
OW: We do! In fact, O.E. Tearmann is actually two authors in a trench coat. Olivia Wylie and Nonir Amicitia write together, but we decided on a singular pen name for three reasons:
1) there’s an unpleasant cachet about co-authoring we wanted to avoid
2) we write very queer positive works, and there are elements of society who don’t like that. We prefer not to get hate mail in our personal accounts
3) The name itself is meaningful for us. The name’s comprised of part of each of our names, and the word Tearmann is the Irish word for a safe place in a storm. Since we met when studying the Irish language, this was a perfect symbol for us. Below you’ll see answers from us both.
Oh wow, I hadn't realised there was a prejudice against co-authors. I applaud you two for making the collaboration work.

2. What was the defining event that made you start writing?
OW: Well, bloody 2016 made me decide to start bugging Nonir about getting serious on this series. Both of us felt like we needed to do something meaningful in the face of all the despair during that year, but neither one of us is a political animal. So we decided to really get to work on a piece set in the version of America we thought this mess could lead to. And then we decided to showcase a multi-ethnic, diverse, inclusive found family that was still finding hope and joy in that terrible setting. We took everything to the darkest place we could. And then we got to work showcasing that you can still make it better.
NA: Writing in general? I was bored in class in middle school and my friend at the time encouraged me to write down the ideas in my head. I’ve actually been writing since then, but Liv’s got the gist of why we started Aces High, Jokers Wild.
I do love the title, by the way. Looking forward to hearing more about writing the darkest place you could. Most intriguing.

. What other writing have you done?
OW: I write illustrated books on the intersection between folklore and plants under my own name. I currently have two out; Roots is an illustrated exploration of plants in Old Irish myth and law, and Smoke and Roses is an illustrated guide to the history of the Victorian Language of Flowers and how many of the exotic plants in our gardens came to be there. Nonir and I learned to write together by working on the free webcomic Parmeshen, where I act as the artist. It’s still our weird queer fantasy-steampunk baby.
I also write some short stories and may(!) one day get an urban fantasy book together based on a young lady who’s been kicking around my head for a while.
NA: I write all the things. I have three published short stories under the name Emily Kay Singer, a book of prose and poetry about the Norse god Loki, and a ton of fanfiction. At the moment, I’m working on a solo novel set in the same world as our webcomic.
My goodness, you two sound like you can write anything!

4. What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?
OW: I’d say what makes our work unique is the hope. You don’t see a lot of quiet, clear eyed hope out there. That’s what we write: the kind of quiet hope that says ‘okay, I’ll try again tomorrow’. We also stress compassion in our work, and creating characters who still reach for their better nature in spite of difficult surroundings has been something we’ve tried hard to do. NA: Oh, definitely. We also strive really hard to represent diversity and write a variety of characters without making our story about diversity. It’s a hard balance to maintain, but I like to think we do it pretty well.
That's really awesome. Something much needed in today's harsh times.

5. What’s the basic plot of your book or series?
The arc of the series follows a unit in the resistance force of 2155 America as they fight to build a better life and dismantle the Corporations that own the country. Currently two books are published with the third due on August 6. Book 1 revolves around the way young Commander Aidan Headly pulls one of the best units in the Force back together after a disaster. Book 2 explores the way they pull together to manage the first big win of the war, and the third book is going to explore another big mission, and what it costs.

6. Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
OW: Oh yes! The Aces High, Jokers Wild series is set in Colorado, and we take liberally from our home town setting. We have a lot of fun imagining what places in the area could evolve into in our universe. And Denver offers a lot of great cyberpunk names already: Commerce City, the Tech Center, and the Colosseum, for instance.

7. Do you have another job outside of writing?
OW: I own a small landscaping business here in Denver, and sell my garden-related art and writing through that.
NA: I do social media marketing for a cancer awareness campaign and run my own business, Wandering Jotun Crafts, which is dedicated to uplifting marginalized communities through art and spiritual services.

8. What song would you choose as the theme song of your book?
OW: The theme song is Bon Jovi’s ‘No Apologies’, which tells you an awful lot about our characters and us!

9. What music do you listen to when writing?
OW: it really depends on the project. For this one it’s a blend of Bon Jovi, Flobots, Mischief Brew, Social Distortion, Billie Joel and general fierce classic rock intersecting with 90s punk. For my artwork, it’s usually audiobooks intermixed with Irish folk. For the comic, audiobooks with a lot of middle eastern folk, some Irish folk and Romani music.
NA: I’m a huge fan of listening to movie or game soundtracks. I have a playlist that’s a bunch of my favorites (How to Train Your Dragon, Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, etc), but most recently I’ve been listening to the Final Fantasy XV soundtrack because it gives me Feels.

10.What are you working on now?
OW: AHHAHAHHAHA quiets my own hysterical laughter we’re working on the next book release in the series. We’ve got a book signing and a convention coming up, and that’s about all we have brain power for...though Book 4 is in drafting as we speak. On my own account I'm planting gardens, drawing Parmeshen, writing a book on ancient Irish poetry and another one on garden plans with step-by-step planting plans. Oh, and writing reviews for books and comics. Whew...
NA: Yep. Working on more Aces High, but I’m also working on a solo novel set in the Parmeshen world, as I mentioned before, and I’m writing for a visual novel/dating sim project a friend is running. I’d like to get some short stories out soon, too!
Wow. You both sound so immersed in Parmeshen. I love it!

11.List some great books you have recently read:
OW: I’ve been on a reading kick lately, so I’ll suggest: Fiction River’s How To Save The World Last Tango In Cyberspace Juniper Girls by Aaron Michael Ritchie The Secret Life of Trees and, always and forever, all of Terry Pratchett’s stuff
NA: And me, on the opposite end of the spectrum, has been reading only really dull business books lately. But some of my favorites include: Good Omens by Gaiman and Pratchett Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (yes, I have Middle Grade faves because nostalgia)

Quick quiz:

Favourite thing to cook:
OW: Quesadillas!
NA: I hate cooking, but I’ll go with onigiri (rice balls) because I make them a lot and they’re so versatile.

Silliest saying:
OW: I stole my favorite cranky saying from Emma Bull’s War For The Oaks: ‘Well this sucks dead rat through a straw!’
NA: My entire life is one silly saying so I’m not sure how to pick!

Best holiday spot:
OW: My good friend Pink’s back yard on Beltane night
NA: Donegal County, Ireland

Most played song:
OW: Frenchy and the Punk’s ‘La Vie Boheme’
NA: F*cking Perfect by P!nk

With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser?
OW: I’m a plotter. Our characters are not.
NA: I’m a pantser. Which made the beginning of our collaboration a little interesting.
OHH!

Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy:
OW: I prefer to read. Period.
NA: I lean toward fantasy, but now and then I’ll crave a good scifi.

Best superpower:
OW: A redo button: let me go back 20 minutes in time and fix mistakes please. Second in line is uncanny empathy. Please let me understand people and their actual motivations!
NA: Shapeshifting for me.

Number one thing to do on your bucket list:
OW: Go to the little town in Ireland my great grandfather came from.
NA: Dismantling the capitalistic patriarchal system. Short of that, finishing my half-sleeve tattoo, probably. If there’s anything else you’d like to talk about, feel free to make up one question of your own.

Kasper: Thanks to the both of you for dropping by the Readers Lounge today to share your work and thoughts with us. I feel like I know heaps more about you now. I bet the readers are keen to check out your books too. Links below.

Links for O.E. Tearmann

Website: http://aceshighjokerswild.com
Blog: http://aceshighjokerswild.com/category/traveldocumentsreviews/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildcards1407/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18359444.O_E_Tearmann
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ETearmann
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M6S5JQT
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/ap/nmAOPX/O-E-Tearmann

This is a group for the readers, by the readers, and all about the readers! We are excited you’re joining us and look forward to getting to know you. The Lounge welcomes all readers and wants each and every one to find a comfortable reading nook here.

Alexes dives into this author interview to talk about The Mermaid's Lament for #FSFRL @lxsraz #UF #UrbanFantasy

7/18/2019

Today's guest for the Readers' Lounge is one I've been keen to learn more about. The fun-loving author of the Urban Fantasy book, Mermaid's Lament. It's Alexes Razevich.

Author bio: Alexes Razevich was born in New York and grew up in Orange County, California. She attended California State University San Francisco where she earned a degree in Creative Writing. After a successful career on the fringe of the electronics industry, including stints as Director of Marketing for a major trade show management company and as an editor for Electronic Engineering Times, she returned to her first love--fiction. She lives in Southern California with her husband. When she isn't writing, she can usually be found on a hockey rink or traveling someplace she hasn't been before.

Today's featured book: The Mermaid’s Lament

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:
When a goddess gives you a job, failure is not an option.
Shay Greene’s specialty is rescue and recovery, and she’s damn good at it.
But she might just be over her head when the country’s wealthiest woman hires her to find a stolen necklace known as The Mermaid’s Lament, plunging Shay into a world of jealous goddesses, their half-human demigod offspring, and long-standing feuds.
Petty rivalries have a nasty way of escalating in that world. The dangerous lengths the goddesses take to one-up each other leave Shay wondering if they are completely sane. Even the demigods have more power—and more hidden agendas—than she’s used to dealing with.
Shay doesn’t have much time to learn how to beat them, though. If she doesn’t recover the Mermaid’s Lament by the looming deadline, it will cost her everything she loves.
·
Publish date: May 29, 2019
Publisher: Razor Street Publishing

Author Interview with Alexes Razevich

Kasper: Hi Alexes, welcome to the Readers Lounge.

Alexes: Thanks Kasper, I'm keen to take off on this levitating lounge ride.

Kasper: Hold tight, here we goooooooooooooo......

So Alexes, what made you choose this genre?

I’ve been in love with fantasy and the idea of magic ever since I read The Arabian Nights as a little girl. Urban Fantasy takes magic and brings it into our modern everyday world. I adore the possibility that the lady next door might be a goddess, the cranky bus driver might be an orc, or you could discover your parents were wizards. Or you could discover you had magic yourself.

Cool. I really admire how you can do that.
How do you develop your characters?

Characters are funny beasts. Sometimes they show up and demand that their stories be told. Those characters usually come fully formed in my mind. For characters who don’t show up fully formed, I have to figure out their true name. I can’t just pick one and stick it on the character. It has to be the right name. Once I have the name then I develop how they look and their backstory. It’s important for me to know why the characters do what they do, what made them who they are. No one is all good or all bad, and everyone has reasons why they see the world they way they do.

Makes me laugh when authors say, 'The characters made me do it.'

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?

My urban fantasy stories are set where I live. For me, there’s a richness that comes with knowing what real stores the characters shop at, where they fill up their tank, what route they take to work. In my Oona Goodlight series, Oona is attacked in the parking lot at a specific Trader Joe’s. With The Mermaid’s Lament, the main character, Shay Greene, lives in a house loosely based on one a friend lives in, with landladies loosely based on the real ones my friend has. For me, the more reality I build in, the more believable the unreality of magic is.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?

Read. And write. And read some more. And write some more. Find people who know what they’re talking about to give you feedback on your work. Take criticism gracefully. Write the story you want to read.

Very good advice.
What are you working on now?

I’m working on two books now—a young adult magic school story and book two in the Shay Greene series. Both should be out this summer/fall.

What’s your writing routine?

I’m an early riser and early writer. My routine is wake up, have a cup of coffee (or three) and spend the next several hours at the keyboard. I write six days a week.

Wow, that's a lot of writing time. Excellent.
What do you do when you have writers’ block?

I don’t really get writer’s block, though I do get stuck from time to time. Usually if I’m stuck it’s because my brain needs a rest. Sometimes I’ll read for a while, but usually I play solitaire or some other easy computer game. Sometimes I do the dishes or walk the dog. For me, the trick is to not write until I’m ready to tackle the story again.

How did you go about developing your cover artwork?

The main character’s look is already established by the time I’m ready for cover art, so often it’s a matter of finding a model with the look and feel of the character. Then I decide what sort of background I want. I work with the fabulous designers at Deranged Doctor Designs. We’ve done enough covers together now that they know the look and feel I’m after.

Looking at your catalogue, I'd say it's a author / artist match made in Heaven.
List some great books you have recently read:

I just finished Rebecca Roanhorse’s Trail of Lightning and Storm of Locusts. Both were very good.

Who’s your favourite indie author and why?

Gosh, I couldn’t choose just one. Amir Lane, who is brilliant and not read nearly enough. E.A. Copen, who writes compelling characters entangled in great plots. Orlando Sanchez, because I love Montague and Strong. So many more.

What is your favourite quote?

From Dune: Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear.

What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?

I love the lounge! I stop by regularly to see what’s going on and find new books to read.

Quick quiz:

Favourite thing to cook: pasta (I’m not much of a cook.)

Best holiday spot: The beach. Always the beach. Any beach.

With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? I’m definitely a plotter. Not that my carefully crafted plots don’t go off the rails because the dang characters have minds of their own, but I do plot everything in advance.

Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: Fantasy.

Best superpower: Tough question. I’ll go with invisibility. There’s something appealing about the ability to be the fly on the wall.

Number one thing to do on your bucket list: To see the aurora borealis.

Kasper: Great answers. I'd love to see the aurora too. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Alexes and flying on the Readers Lounge with us. Let's check out your links.

Alexes Razvich's Links:

Website: https://www.alexesrazevich.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexesRazevichAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543739.Alexes_Razevich
Twitter: @lxsraz
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alexes-Razevich/e/B009M8XMEC