Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont - Kasper Beaumont

Kasper Beaumont

Book review: 5 stars for Ghosts of the Sea Moon

2/6/2020

Clash of the Titans

Great setting for an epic tale of power struggles between immortals.
I'm a fan of tall ships tales and this is a good one. The settings and characters were painted well in a richly spun story.
I'm keen to read what the God of the Sea does next in his quest to save souls and eliminate the monsters of the deep.

Recommended for fans of tall ships, gods, paranormal, action and adventures.

https://www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Moon-Saga-Outer-Islands-ebook/dp/B078MS397S

Cassandra Fear is delightful in this Fae Princess interview

2/3/2020

Introducing urban fantasy author:
Cassandra Fear

Cassandra Fear lives in the only state one can experience all four seasons in one day: Ohio. She has two beautiful children she spends her days with, along with two dogs she adores.
Ever since she was a kid, she knew she’d be a writer. She just didn’t know when it would happen. Breaking down, she finally bought her first laptop and never looked back. Now, she writes well into the night—while her kids are asleep—because it’s the only quiet time she can find.

Cassandra's featured book today is:

· Book title: Fae Princess
· Genre: Urban Fantasy

· Synopsis:
A war fueled by hatred. A girl pushed in the middle. Humans and Fae are at war—a war Brinna Rogers wants nothing to do with. She is content living with her parents, going to school, and pretending the streets aren’t filled with fighting. Until she has no choice but to face it. On her way home one damp night, danger strikes, thrusting Brinna down a rabbit hole of change. A binding spell snaps, and she finds out she has been lied to her whole life. She isn’t a human like she thought. Instead, she is Fae, and not just any. Her name is Brinna Blackshadow and she is a Fae Princess. Within moments, she is shoved over the edge of reality, plummeting straight down until she crashes head first into the war. In order to break free, she must strike a deal with the leader of the human army—one that makes guilt rise to the forefront. Because when you strike a deal with the devil, you might pay with more than your soul. Fae Princess is the first installment of The Blackshadow Chronicles. It will appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas’s ACOTAR series and Julie Kagawa’s The Iron Fey Series.

· Publish date: November 23,2018
· Publisher: self
·https://www.amazon.com/Fae-Princess-Blackshadow-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B07JYM9F2W

Author interview with Cassandra Fear:

Kasper: Hi Cassandra, welcome to the Readers Lounge. We're excited to learn more about you and your writing.
Cassandra: Thank you. Looking forward to it.

* What other writing have you done?
The sequel to Fae Princess, Fae Queen, and The Secrets of Orendor Series Books 1 and 2 are all out, along with some of my first books available on Amazon through Limitless Publishing. I have a lot more planned, though, it’s just finding the time to get them done.

* Do you have another job outside of writing?
I work as a freelance editor and book cover designer, as well.
Oh wow. That is such a cool job for an author.

* What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
Just write. Don’t go over it and over it and nitpick everything until it’s written and your either write “The End” or “To be continued.” Also, never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough. You are. You can be. Put the work in. Find out what works for you and what doesn’t. Read a lot and learn from those authors. And write another book, and another, and another. Eventually, you will be a pro.
Great advice.

* How did you go about developing your cover artwork?
Most of my cover art I create myself. For Fae Princess and my self published books I have done all the covers, and for my Limitless Publishing books Deranged Doctor Design has done those covers.
Sure is a great cover. Deranged Doctors make some of the best in the business.

* How do you handle marketing on social media?
Write a good book first and foremost, and then promote it. I have a reader’s group, and use my personal page and author page to promote things also. I also have a friend that shares my books often, too.

* If you could only take three books with you through an interstellar portal, what would they be?
Pride and Prejudice, anything by Karen Marie Moning, and probably any of the Sookie Stackhouse books. IT’s really hard to pick three, though. I’d probably be the one trying to like stuff books in her pants to take more haha.

* Who’s your favourite indie author and why?
Maya Daniels because her books are amazing! She is such a good storyteller and keeps me hooked the entire time.
Great tip, thank you.

* What are your writing plans for this year?
Planning to start two new series and finish off The Secrets of Orendor series. Hoping it all falls into place.
Awesome. We hope so too. You're books look wonderful.

* Do you prefer ebook or hardcopy?
Ebook first, but if I love the book I’ll buy the hardcopy as well.

* Are there any writing styles or genres you dislike?
I’m not a huge fan of first person present tense. There are exceptions to this rule for me, but most of the time I’m not a fan. And I also don’t like a lot of Science Fiction.

* What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
It’s a pleasant, helpful environment for authors and for readers.
Great to hear.

Quick quiz:

Favourite thing to cook:
homemade macaroni and cheese

Best holiday spot: Mom’s house

Most played song: Don’t Stop Believin’

With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? A little of both

Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: fantasy

Best superpower: X-Ray vision because, well, wouldn’t it be hilarious to see right through people?
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: See the English Countryside.

Kasper; Thanks Cassandra. I do hope all those dreams come through for you. Especially the X ray vision LOL. It's been a lot of fun picking your brain today. Thanks for sharing with us.

Cassandra: My pleasure.

Readers, before you go, please check out Cassandra's Links and her books:

Website: www.cassandafear.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraFearAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14953008.Cassandra_Fear
Instagram: @cfear_27
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Cassandra-Fear/e/B01DR0T4FQ

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/

First interview of the year. Aaron DeMott for the Readers Lounge

1/5/2020

You can learn more about Aaron and his books at aarondemott.com

Hi readers, you may be thinking I have scored an interview with Obi Wan Kenobi today, but I have someone even better. A fun author named Aaron DeMott.

Aaron's bio:
Aaron is the author of the Psygens and Space Cats series, and the Onicranium Dragons series. Aaron is a certified Linux nerd who’s been a fan of both Star Trek and Star Wars as long as long as he can remember. Naturally he writes space-opera. He lives in rural Michigan with his wife, four kids, and at least two cats.

Today Aaron would like to share with us, his latest release.

Book title: Etherno: Rise of the Dragongirl
Genre: Science-Fiction (anime-inspired sci-fi/comedy with an urban-fantasy feel)
Synopsis:
Onin’s life is changed when he meets a mysterious new student with a fiery dual dragon nature. Then the secretive alien Matari recruit him and his friends to track down the body-snatching Natas. Between the aliens, the cute new girl, and his idiot roommate, can Onin manage to graduate college?
Scholarship student Onin thought magical school would be easy.
Sure, his roomie’s a little flakey and one of his classmates tends to sneeze herself into the wall, but that’s par for the course. Onin’s even made a connection with cute (and oddly warm) newcomer, Kasai.
Then the alien Natas start possessing humans and targeting the magically-gifted. Now it will take all of Onin’s wits and his magical classmates’ help to stop the invasion and discover the true endgame of the Natas.
Thankfully, they have a fiery half-dragon ally. One who seems curiously connected to quiet Kasai…

Publish date: January 31, 2019
Publisher: Independently Published

Kasper interviews Aaron DeMott

Hi Aaron, come down off your dragon there and join us on the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers Long.
Aaron: Do you mind if I ride along-side it?
K: No worries at all. Great to have you here.

So, let's kick into some questions. What other writing have you done?

I’ve also written Psygens and Space Cats: A New Threat. It’s a space opera about humans with PSI abilities who meet tiger-like aliens...

Woah. Alien tigers, that's different...and possibly a bit scary. (Kasper covers her face with a cushion).

What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?

I’ve always loved sci-fi, but most of it starts to feel sort of Star Trek inspired, after a while.

I wanted to have something with a bunch of fun technology, alien planets, races, and cultures, but do it in a more anime-inspired genre-blending type of style. And I wanted it to be funny.

So Etherno is science-fiction/comedy with an urban-fantasy feel to it, but more in the style of a Japanese light-novel.
I love these ideas. You're so creative.

What made you choose this genre?

When I was a little kid, we’d watch Star Trek (The Original Series) re-runs on Sunday afternoon. I liked the characters, the adventure, and the fun technology.
I’ve also watched too much anime, and fell in love with the way the stories are told. In Etherno, I get to play with both fun tech, and crazy characters (…and poke some good-natured fun at various tropes along the way.)

I don't think 'too much anime' is a thing. Right?

Which is your favourite character and why?

That’s like asking a parent to pick a favourite child. I’ve always liked stories with an ensemble cast, so I like all the characters. I try to come up with several different characters, and have fun with the way their personalities interact.

If I had to pick a least favourite character, it’d be Cerina. She’s always cranky (as the story progresses, we find out why, but still…)

If forced to pick one, I’d probably go with Amaryllis. She’s half Nekotian (catgirl), slightly eccentric, and really sweet.

How do you develop your characters?

Some of them just come to me. The idea will pop in, and I’ll daydream (uh, I mean, research) more about them, pop them into various scenarios, and see how they react.

Others I have to work on a little more. In Etherno, for example, Onin and Kasai just came to me (a scene where they wake up on a couch together and have no idea how they got there.) They’re both kinda shy introverts, though, so I wanted to have an extrovert to kinda push them a bit. That’s where the idea for Tannin came from. I also thought it’d be kinda fun if Tannin was Onin’s room-mate, ‘cause they’d drive each other crazy :)

Do you have another job outside of writing?

By day, I’m a Linux Systems Administrator. So I’m literally a certified nerd. ;)
So jelly. That sounds like a good one.

What are you working on now?

I’ve working on sequels for both Etherno, and Psygens and Space Cats. The sequel for Etherno is about ¾ of the way done. In that, Onin and the gang to to Nekotia, the home planet of the catgirls… what could possibly go wrong?
Hopefully this should be out in a few months.

The sequel for Psygens and Spacecats is technically done, and I’m happy with the good-guy’s stuff, but the antagonists arc… well, it needs work...

How did you go about developing your cover artwork?

I’ve love to say I did it myself… but, uh, I can’t art :(

Fortunately, I’m friends with another author who can art, and she’s got her own cover design business at bsquirreldesign.com. I wasn’t really sure what concept I wanted for the cover, but they’re great at working with me to come up with something I love. I wanted something with dragons, the main character, and a sci-fi feel to it, and I think they nailed it.

They also did the cover for my other book, Psygens and Spacecats. That one was a little more tricky to get the space opera with cats feel to it.

Your friends sure are clever.

What’s your favourite pet?

Cats! (I have three American shorthairs at the moment: a ginger tabby, gray tabby, and a calico.)

I think this one’s kinda obvious if you’ve read anything I’ve written ;) Psygens and Space Cats has, well, alien cats, and Etherno has catgirls. That wasn’t on accident. :)

I kinda like you didn't play favourites and say just one :)

The Etherno crew

Do you prefer ebook or hardcopy?
Yes. :)

I like both. E-book is more convenient, and easier to read on for me (if you think it’s harder to read, try a device with an e-ink screen!), but paper is nicer if I want to flip back and forth and take notes and stuff, so I’d summarize: e-book for pleasure reading; paper for study and research

Are there any writing styles or genres you dislike?
I’m not that big a fan of horror, ‘cause I’m a wimp :)

Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: fried rice. It’s easy, fairly quick, and delicious
Best holiday spot: Camping at Lake Michigan
Most played song: Hard to say. I like a lot of stuff, but probably something by Daft Punk
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Pantser, leaning toward very loose outliner
Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: Sci-fi. (I like fantasy too, but tech!)
Best superpower: So many to choose from… I’d pick: The ability to bring characters out of a book/go into a book
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: I don’t really have one, exactly… but right now, get the next Etherno book out.

Thanks so much, Aaron. We've learned so many interesting things about you. I hope you and your dragon fly in again soon.
Aaron: Thanks for having me (rides off into the sunset on his dragon).

Let's check out Aaron DeMott's links:
Website: aarondemott.com
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorAaronDemott/
Goodreads: goodreads.com/yoda47
Twitter: @AaronJDeMott
Amazon: amazon.com/Aaron-DeMott/e/B00VS13G2Y

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/

2nd story is even better. My review of Katie Cherry's Dragon Soul.

12/27/2019

Woot! So pleased Katie Cherry did a sequel and I hear there's another one coming.

Dragon Soul, published in 2019.

Synopsis: Can peace be found among humans when you bear the soul of a dragon?

It’s been two years since Myra decided to leave the life of a dragon, preferring to slide back into the comfort of the human experience. Little does she know, her past is about to come knocking…

When Rhys shows up on her doorstep, wounded and begging for help, she knows that despite her choice two years ago, she still needs to save her clan from the danger they’ve found themselves in. And, thanks to a past she knew nothing about, she may be the only one with the ability to find the Elder Dragons and request their aid.

Finding the Elders is one thing. Getting them to help her may be another, thanks to their distaste for mutts. Can she survive the trials they set before her, and prove that her soul is that of a dragon’s?

Or will Myra’s time run out, leaving her clan at the edge of utter destruction… all thanks to her?

My review: 5 stars. onward and upwards, this book soars.

Dragon Blood introduced us to Myra who was fated to turn into a dragon. If you haven't read it, then do yourselves a favour and grab that one before reading on.

Book two: Dragon Soul builds on the first one nicely and finds Myra running scared from her true nature and pretending to be a human. I do feel sorry for her boyfriend, Adam, who clearly has no idea who she really is.
Enter love interest from book 1, Rhys who needs her help to rescue some dragons in danger and Myra leaps into action - leaping with leathery wings does sound fun.
I like that the dragon lore in the 2nd book builds on the first, introducing new characters, The Elders and new dragon powers. We also have familiar characters such as Rhys and his clan.
As with the first story, it is a bit short and characters would benefit from a longer story and delving deeper into their traits and personalities. I'm not a big fan of novellas, but think the author does a great job of giving us a complete story and still waiting more at the end.
I can't say more without spoilers, but if you liked the first one, then this is 5 times better. Super!

Katie Cherry's deets:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1275626482623759/
Instagram: @katiecherryfantasy
Amazon Dragon Blood: https://amzn.to/2sbQAd3
Amazon Dragon Soul: https://amzn.to/378Cqbp

Check out my review of this great dragon read from Katie Cherry #dragons #FSFRL

12/26/2019

I read this cool book and then spoke to the author about it and she said she had a personal connection to parts of the main character. That makes it all the more special for me. Knowing that they have both overcome similar challenges. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

Dragon Blood by Katie Cherry, published 2019.

Synopsis: The path of her destiny is written within her blood.
Myra is a carefree twenty-two year old who prefers to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, all it takes is one night, one decision, and her life changes forever.
On her way home after a night out with friends, Myra runs into the Denver Demons—a dangerous gang of men known for their glowing eyes thought to be simple colored contacts. It’s only after being kidnapped that Myra discovers who and what they truly are. Mutts. Half human, half dragon, and they want something from her—something hidden in her blood. Turns out she’s a mutt herself, and they need her dragon power in order to become stronger.
Saved by a group of dragons determined to fight the Denver Demons, Myra is dragged into a world that should have belonged to fantasy. Now she must decide whether she wants to return to her human life, or embrace the dragon inside her.

Review: You had me at dragons.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book that dragons are living amongst us and anyone could be one. Turns out it’s not actually everyone, only a select few, but I hope I’ll turn out to be one of the lucky ones who turns into a dragon.

Young Myra has no idea of her destiny but feels that something in her life is not quite right. Luckily, she meets a group of people who are privy to the big dragon mystery and can help her explore their world.

This short novella starts a little slowly but builds nicely and I found it quite satisfying. The support characters don’t get a lot of time or development, but I think it could be the beginning of a great novel or series. Myra and Rhys are cute together. I smiled when she thought he smelled like a forest after rain, but that obviously is attractive to Myra. She seems like a real sweetheart.

I enjoyed the way dragons were portrayed and also the experience of flight. One of those abilities I wish I had.

The ending was good, and I didn’t want it to stop. Good news, so many of us enjoyed the novella that Katie Cherry is now making a series. If you liked it too, please check them out.

Katie Cherry's deets:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1275626482623759/
Instagram: @katiecherryfantasy
Amazon Dragon Blood: https://amzn.to/2sbQAd3
Amazon Dragon Soul: https://amzn.to/378Cqbp

A Christmas dragon poem from Kasper

12/24/2019

A Surprise Delivery

On the eve before Christmas, Santa let out a curse.
“All the reindeer have measles, the spots getting worse.
Who can I find to carry the sleigh?”
He asked flying horses, but they all said, “Nay.”

Mrs Claus and the elves were packing the sleigh
Unaware that the presents weren’t going today.
“Oh Santa, my dear, come give us a hand.”
He shook his head, she didn’t understand.

“My dear, he said. “We need some help.”
To his surprise, up spoke Trusty elf.
“Mr Santa, I know of some friends who can fly.
Let me send a message to their home in the sky.”

In a magical way that only elves know,
Trusty sent a plea to a mount covered in snow.
“Please help us dragon friends for Christmas is dire.
In reward we’ll give you a chest of sapphire.”

The return message came, “No need for the stuff.
The smiles of happy children are payment enough.
We’ll be on our way as soon as we can.
Just our little secret, no need to tell man.”

Two hours later the helpers arrived
Green, blue and scaly with cat-like eyes.
Their leathery wings and sharp-toothed smiles
Helped Santa and sleigh across all the miles.

At first not familiar, but soon all the same
Santa thanked them profusely and called them by name
“On Flamer, on Draco, on Sharp-tooth and Asher
On Scorcher, on Blazer, on Needle-Fang, on Basher.”

The last gift was delivered just before dawn.
Santa patted his helpers and gave a big yawn.
“Thanks dragons, for helping, you’re the top of the cherry.
May your skies be ever sunny and Christmas’s merry."

© 2019 Kasper Beaumont

Art by Ashleigh, age 12

End of year goodies from C.L. Schneider #fantasy #paranormal @cl_schneider #FSFRL

12/23/2019

Exciting news today from fellow fantasy / paranormal author, CL Schneider

Series Starter Sale

It’s time to fill that new Kindle and burn through those gift cards! But what to buy?
Epic or Urban? Magic or Mystery? Why not both?
**For a Limited Time**
The award-winning first books in both series by fantasy author, C. L. Schneider, are ONLY .99 EACH on Kindle!

The Crown of Stones: Magic Price (Book #1)
For ten years, Ian Troy has been running from the blood in his veins and on his hands, but the past is catching up. To save the realms, and those he cares for, he must embrace the one thing he fears most: his own power. Like your fantasy adult, epic, and dark? http://mybook.to/COSTrilogy
Flash Point: Nite Fire (Book #1)

She hunts what lurks in the shadows, threatening an unsuspecting human race. But when a series of brutal murders strike the human city she’s come to love, light is shed on what should never be seen. And the little bit of peace she’s found in this world begins to crumble. Hungry for a different kind of dragon story? http://mybook.to/NFseries

*Kindle Countdown Sale is for Amazon US/UK from December 26 until midnight Jan 2. Both series are also available for FREE with Kindle Unlimited. For more information on the author, please visit her website http://www.clschneiderauthor.com

Sponsored links:

Review of Captive of the darkness. Much appreciated. #paranormal #review #amreading #books

12/17/2019

Yay! I got my first review of the new book overnight.

"As an Australian, I could relate to this book more easily than if it was written about some big American town. The characters were solid but not completely in focus so an air of mystery was about them, which I found intriguing and left my wanting to read the next book to uncover more of their backstory as well as more of the plot. The different dancers were interesting with their own different styles etc and I am hoping the future books will elaborate on them as well as family members and friend. Overall, well done Kasper."

Review by Heav Irwin.
Thank you so much for leaving a review.

Folks, please take a look.
https://www.amazon.com/Captive-Darkness-Hidden-Angel-Book-ebook/dp/B081MW4D1P

Captive of the Darkness book launch tour - come visit these exciting sites #paranormal #sexy #angels #demons #FSFRL

12/9/2019

Brand new Hidden Angels series
New release: Captive of the Darkness

On Riley’s 18th birthday, she is told she’s a demon hunter, like the rest of her family. She shrugs the news off in disbelief but that very night she unwittingly enters the lair of a powerful demon and her whole world is turned upside down.

She meets a stripper nicknamed Cupid, who states he is prisoner of the demon. He is a graceful ballet dancer forced into slavery but yearning to escape his dangerous master. When she sees a glowing aura around this young man, she realizes he isn’t just any ordinary lad, but something very special. She knows she must try to save him.

Captive of the Darkness by Kasper Beaumont is up for sale via Amazon.
The book was published on 14 December 2019.

Book launch tour

Here's an in-depth interview on Jack Massa's blog:
Triskelion Books comparing my two book series.
Thanks Jack Massa for challenging me with great questions.
https://triskelionbooks.com/2019/11/29/interview-with-fantasy-author-kasper-beaumont

* * *

Debbie Manber Kupfer spot-lighted Captive of the Darkness
on her blog: Paws 4 Thought.
This is a great blog, so please check it out
https://debbiemanberkupfer.wordpress.com/

* * *

Cover reveal jigsaw puzzle
Pop on over to the Hunters of Reloria website to play this fun game
and piece together the book cover.
http://huntersofreloria.weebly.com/hidden-angel-series.html

* * *

Check out the perfect pinkness of
Willow Writes & Reads Blog
https://willowwritesandreads.blogspot.com/2019/12/captive-of-darkness-book-blitz.html

* * *

Check out the great feature of my New Release on
CL Schneider's dramatic-looking blog
http://bit.ly/3871q4b

* * *

Nadaness in Motion is also on the blog tour
https://nadanessinmotion.blogspot.com/2019/12/kasper-beaumont-unveils-new-dark.html

* * *

Karina Kantas shares the
'New sexy PNR by Kasper Beaumont'
https://urbanhype101.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/8282/

* * *

Blog tour continues in Christine Astle's newsletter.
get a copy here: www.creneastle.com

* * *

The tour finishes at Kay Macleod's newsletter
kaymacleodbooks.com/subscribe

* * *

I hope you enjoy visiting all these different sites.

An author interview from Germany. The exciting Nadja Losbohm #fantasy #FSFRL #darkfantasy

12/7/2019

Author bio: Nadja Losbohm was born on December 14th, 1982 and lives in Berlin, Germany. Her first fantasy adventure novel was published in 2012. Since then she has published the popular series of fantasy romance books "The Huntress". In German there are parts 1-6 available. "The Huntress - The Beginnings" is the first part of the series and the first English book Nadja Losbohm has published. The 2nd part of the series can be found as a free read on Inkitt.

Nadja also published a German children's book with short stories and poems for kids. Her collection of fairy tales about the magic of books for readers of all age earned her a nomination for the “Deutsche Phantastik Preis 2017” in the category “Best German Anthology”. “The Magical Mirrors” and “The Lord of Books”, both stories from that book, can be found in English on Inkitt. Nadja also published a historic dark fantasy series and is currently working on the 2nd part of it. “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” is Nadja’s 13th publication.

· Book title: Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)
· Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy

· Synopsis: Emotions - they are versatile, complex and unsteady like the weather. Laughter and cheerfulness do not always prevail, but nobody admits it. More people than you can imagine have to struggle with dark thoughts and dark feelings. That is why the collection of dark fairy tales deals with these. With a touch of Celtic mythology, set in a bygone era but more relevant than ever, the varied short stories shine a light on many aspects of life that not many dare to talk about, not forgetting that in the end a little bit of humor do good. The anthology closes with the author's comments on the motivations for the book, the making of the stories, the inspiration for the subjects and honest words.

· Publish date: October 16th, 2019
· Publisher: selfpublishing

Author Interview with Nadja Losbohm

Regular visitors to Kasper's Ramblings may remember Nadja stopping by a few years ago when her first novel was translated into English. I'm pleased to welcome her back and celebrate her now 13-book catalogue. Welcome Nadja.

What was the defining event that made you start writing?
I started to write my first fantasy adventure novel when I was nineteen. I always liked to be creative; I painted and drew a lot as a kid thanks to my parents who both were painters themselves when they were young. It was because of an artist/actor who did so many different things - painting, acting, music, photography – why I wanted to try something new. And for me that was writing.
Great work. You obviously have the talented and passion for it.

What other writing have you done?
So far I wrote thirteen books, most of them in German as it is my mother tongue. The list of my writing includes a fantasy adventure, a young adult fantasy romance series, a children’s book, an anthology with fairy tales for readers of all age, a historical dark fantasy series and an anthology with dark urban fantasy tales for adults. But I also published the first part of my fantasy romance series in English (available on Amazon) and the second part can be found as a free read on Inkitt, where you can also find a couple of English short stories I translated with the help of wonderful and generous people such as Kris Holt and Marc Remus.

What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?
I think what makes it unique is that I write about things other people avoid. My writing is very honest, sincere, emotionally. I write about putting an end to your life, despair, fear, depression, hopelessness. I experienced all of that about three, four years ago and am still suffering from lack of energy and an anxiety disorder because of a traumatic event. I know what it’s like when no one is there to help you. Instead people sneer at you, saying: “Pull yourself together. It’s not that bad.” Our society only wants to see, hear and read happy things. It’s not allowed to cry in public. And no one dares to admit: “I feel miserable. I have problems and sorrows.” But that’s just wrong and can lead to a very bad end. I hope to encourage people to reflect and to maybe change their way of thinking.
That's very brave of you to share those feelings in your writing. Congratulations.

What’s the story behind your book title?
My book “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” includes seven short stories with a touch of Celtic mythology. The settings are all in Wales. I use quite a few Welsh names in the stories and I began to really like the language. So, I thought a Welsh title would be nice. There’s also something mysterious and enigmatic about it. And maybe it also reflects my deep wish to travel to that country.

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
Absolutely. There are a couple of real places I mention such as “Pen y Fan”, “Arthog Bog” or “Carew” in Wales.
Wow, those names are fascinating. You must have spent much time there.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
Read. Read a lot. Because when you do, you get a feel for how to use words. I also recommend to write whatever YOU want and not what others want you to write. I was often told to write other stories, as mine are too special. But I cannot do that as my writing wouldn’t be authentic anymore.

What music do you listen to when writing?
At the moment, I often listen to the album by “Skáld”, a band from France, who revives the old Nordic mythology.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second part of my historic fantasy series. But I’m very, very slow – unfortunately.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I had a huge writers’ block about two years ago. My life was turned upside down; I had lost all of my energy and joie de vivre. I wanted to write, but I couldn’t. Then someone told me it’s not the right time to write but to recover. I was told I should wait and that’s what I did: I waited and then the joy came back – at the right time – and I could write again. I’m not fully recovered, but at least I write every now and then, trying my best to fight for what I love to do.

How did you go about developing your stunning cover artwork?
The cover for “Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Maerchen (Dark Tales)” was designed by Kathy from Epic Moon Coverdesign. Usually I have an idea what the cover should look like. This time it was different. I didn’t know from the beginning what I wanted. All I knew was I didn’t want any clichéd Welsh or Celtic things and that the cover didn’t need to be dark. So, Kathy had full rein basically. Without knowing the book she used little elements that represent small things from the stories. I really love that and it’s like magic.
Sounds like she understood the story well, which is great. I love it.

List some great books you have recently read:
“Amy Snow” by Tracy Rees, “The Toymakers” by Robert Dinsdale, the “Harry Potter”-series. ;-)

What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
I wished I could make a living from writing, but I think that won’t happen.
You just never know.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
I‘m a huge book lover. I also like to go for walks, just enjoying nature, or to watch “The Vampire Diaries” on DVD.

What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
The Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge is a wonderful place for all who love books. It’s fantastic to see the reader-author-interaction and what they can achieve together.

Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: Asian cuisine
Silliest saying: “If you’d love me, you would do that for me” – me trying to get my will. ;-)
Best holiday spot: Great Britain
Most played song: At the moment, it’s “Hross” by Skáld. Very inspiring.
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? A pantser
Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: Fantasy
Best superpower: “painting pictures” with words
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: To travel to Wales, New Zealand or Maine

Well, we've come to an end, Nadja. Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Readers, please take at look at Nadja's information below and visit one of her sites.

Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nadlo82
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nadja-Losbohm/e/B009SIDWIW
Amazon new release: https://amzn.to/2Rw6sB7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadjalosbohm

List of books by Nadja Losbohm

German fantasy books
Alaspis – Die Suche nach der Ewigkeit
Die Jägerin – Die Anfänge
Die Jägerin – Blutrausch
Die Jägerin – Vergangenheit und Gegenwart
Die Jägerin – Unter der Erde
Die Jägerin – Die Wiege des Bösen
Die Jägerin – In Alle Ewigkeit
Die Tagebücher des Michael Iain Ryan (Band 1)
Chwedlau Tywyll – Dunkle Märchen (Anthology)

German children books
Hamster Stopfdichvoll & seine Freunde
Die Magie der Bücher (Anthology)

English fantasy books
The Huntress (pt 1) – The Beginnings (Kindle read only)
The Huntress (pt 2) – Bloodlust (free read on Inkitt)

Other publications
The Magical Mirrors (fairy tale, short story, free read on Inkitt)
The Lord of Books (fairy tale, short story, free read on Inkitt)

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.

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