Thanks for stopping by for the Tales of Ferres Blog Tour! I got a special treat for you filled with fantasy stories that will keep you wanting more. Tales of Ferrês is Speculative Fiction author K.M. Jenkins’ first official book in print. The stories are filled with wonder, magic, and fantastical creatures. You won’t miss a thing and will die for more. Don't forget to check out the other blogs too! They make this tour happen and each one has something special to showcase. Sit back, read and enjoy. Also on a special note Tales of Ferrês is discounted to $1.99 until Friday, May 29th, so grab it for the low price while you can. ​

​Author Interview with K.M. Jenkins: 
Welcome K.M., I'm pleased to have you here today.

What was the defining event that made you start writing?
I loved reading books since I was a kid. The books mostly focused around the fantasy genre. But, I would also eat through any genre pretty much. I didn’t really start writing hard core until I was a freshman in college. I was inspired in high school to journey down that road but never took the leap. One day I sat down with my dad and talked about a book idea I had. He was so in love with it he told me to write it and never stop. I decided after that to give it a try. But it was a lot of working in the making so I didn’t start publishing until September of 2018.
 
What made you choose this genre?
I love fantasy. I love reading about knights, dragons, elves, and magic users. Shifters are another big favorite of mine I love to read about. This love is what fuels the books I create and how I create worlds.
 
What’s the basic plot of your book?
The basic plot for Tales of Ferrês is centered around the Forest of Ferrês. Each individual story has different characters but they all have a common denominator, the forest itself. The Forest of Ferrês is a magical land that plays by its own rules. This forest shows its abilities throughout these stories. My characters just get sucked up within the forest without a choice in the matter. 
 Sounds exciting!

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
I would say write as it comes. It doesn’t hurt to plot out the chapters ahead to get an idea where you want to go but sometimes you just need to let your characters lead the way. Another big thing to think about before you write a book is to find your target audience and build interest before you even begin to write.
 
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on the next series of short stories that will be a part of the Legendary Tales series. This series of short stories will be stand alone stories that are inside the kingdom of Tarza.
Another big project I am working on is my first novel: Gargoyle Sighted. I release a chapter to my newsletter subscribers each month and so far they are enjoying this book immensely.
 
What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I tend to step back and relax. If I get writer’s block it usually means I’m overly stressed so I just need to find things to do beside write. If that doesn’t work then I will read books until my head explodes.
 
How did you go about developing your cover artwork?
I actually created my own cover. I saw this pre-made cover I loved and thought it would work with my book. The only thing was it wasn’t the best of quality. Loved the concept just didn’t have the final wow factor for me to purchase. So, I started looking around at stock images and thought I would stick with the color scheme. Then work on images to make the cover. I decided to go with tribal symbols for the cover because I thought it would bring character to it. In the end I was happy with how it turned out and got great feedback from my readers.
 Wow, so clever.

What are your writing plans for this year?
This year I am working on my Tales of Tarza short story series and my novel in process Gargoyle Sighted. I want to get Gargoyle Sighted written and ready to go out to subscribers. Then start releasing the stories in my Tales of Tarza series around October or November. It depends on how much writing I get done this summer.
 
What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
My dream job is being an author. I know I am doing it right now but I would love to work towards doing it full time. Right now it brings in some income just not enough to live off of.
 Good luck.  With your motivation, hopefully it will come true soon.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
I spend time with my kids, watch tv, read books, and take walks around the neighborhood.
 
Quick quiz:
Favourite food: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Silliest saying: Get up and jiggle with it.
Best holiday spot:
Favourite song at the moment: Let’s Go
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Both
Star Wars or Lord of the Rings: Lord of the Rings
Best superpower: Super Strength
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: Go to Hawaii’s volcano national park

Thanks K.M. for taking the time to chat with us.  I hope all the readers have enjoyed the interview and will continue on the blog tour.

Stalk K.M. Jenkins @ the Following:
Website/Blog:
https://authorkmjenkins.com/
FB Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorkmjenkins/
Become a Dragon Ryder (Street Team):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/401132917085336/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/@authorkmjenkins/
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/kmjenkins_specfictionauthor
BookSprout:
https://booksprout.co/author/3717/k-m-jenkins
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/K.M.-Jenkins/e/B07GDSWDK7
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/k-m-jenkins


​​

Follow the tour on the following blogs...

Blog Tour Hostess: The Bursting Bookshelf Blog
​

He also blames growing up in the 1980s on a diet of Atari computer games and television shows. Onstage, he used to read people’s thoughts; bend spoons, keys and forks; and he predicted newspaper headlines up to a week before their publication (including the Los Angeles Riots of 1992). 
Nowadays, he still performs, but he also entertains people through his stories, which always include an element of the weird and wonderful, the bizarre or the supernatural. 
 
His first book, Twelve Strokes of Midnight, is a collection of short stories, steeped in twists and turns, containing threads he says may lead into his other works and even each other. Each short story in the Devil's dozen coincides with a clock strike, drawing you into the witching hour and the impending horrors watching you from the shadows.



Featured book:  While He Was Sleeping 
Genre:  Speculative fiction - heavy on paranormal and supernatural 
  
Blurb:
The new supernatural thriller from the author of Dead Cell and Demon Blade. 
 
WHAT IF… 
 You were bullied constantly at school. 
Now you’re in hospital. 
Comatose. 
 
WHAT IF… 
 Your best friend and family discover your secret. 
A girlfriend you never mentioned. 
 
WHAT IF… 
 She is so loyal to you. 
She hunts each bully. 
Terrorises them. 
Mutilates them. 
Kills them. 
 
One. By. One. 
 Until... 
 
 
 
Publish date: 15th March 2020 
Publisher: Chris Johnson 
Available at all good bookstores


Author Interview:
Kasper:  Readers, let me introoduce you to one of the funniest and most genuine authors I've met in the Readers Lounge.  Welcome Chris Johnson. Settle in mate while we launch our levitating interview lounge.
Chris:  Wow!  This is fun.

Kasper:  What was the defining event that made you start writing?  
 I always enjoyed writing and creating stories. My earliest recollection of thinking I’d like to write a book is in the Summer of 1982/1983 and I started a book called Journey To Ekka. I was eleven. A year later, I started another called Hunter; it was about a superhero. Readers of Dead Cell will catch wind of this same hero with a different name: Predator. I "completed" the novel in 1997. Maybe I will publish it one day. 

Show, don’t tell. 
Kill all adverbs and adjectives. 
Aspire to write xxxx words a day. 
Adhere to this target. 
Blah blah blah. 


Don’t hang yourself on every bloody rule. Plenty of better writers, successful writers, too, break those same rules and more. 
 
Yes. A writer must learn their craft, study each tool and how to use it, but then learn how to change things to match. 
 
An analogy: A short guy’s kung fu is different to a lanky guy’s kung fu. Fight to your strengths. 
 
Same for writing. 


Have you ever had reader’s block? 
 
Reader’s block? Never heard of it. 
 
Neither have I had writer’s block, but there are times the “zone” locks me out like a prickly pub owner. But there’s always a reason called life. 
 
Look after your body, your health, and keep your family in order first. Writing comes afterwards... or you may end up like Hemingway. 
 
 
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? 
 I try a little of both. 
 
Having been an entertainer for most of my life, I know it’s not just about what I like. It helps, but my readers matter too. 

 
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? 
 
Most research happens before I start writing, as I did for While He Was Sleeping. It contains elements of Tibetan Buddhism and mysticism. I researched it thirty years ago when I wrote the first outline. Yet it still helped to check out certain groups online and check other pieces when the need arose. 
 
My technique was similar for Dead Cell. I researched weapons, their drawbacks, and the CIA experiments on psychics. Being a psychic entertainer helped fill things more. And I even asked a doctor friend of mine about some medical instruments. 
 
Research is important but don’t wow the audience with a documentary. The story is king. 
​
 
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? 
 
Getting inside their heads is the most difficult part. But research helps there too. Ask your significant other, a friend of the opposite sex, etc. Read other stories in that voice. It all helps. 
 
 
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? 
 
I love this question. No matter what I say, no one will believe me. 
 
No! I don’t. 
 
A couple of people might read themselves (or others) in my stories. That says something, I guess, sort of like the song. 
 
"You’re so vain. You probably think this book is about you..." 


Do you believe in writer’s block?  
 
I believe in crowded minds more than writer’s block. Like I said about reader’s block, it’s merely a sign of an overcrowded mind. Relax. Take a break. Rebalance you’re life. 
​​

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? 
Most research happens before I start writing, as I did for While He Was Sleeping. It contains elements of Tibetan Buddhism and mysticism. I researched it thirty years ago when I wrote the first outline. Yet it still helped to check out certain groups online and check other pieces when the need arose. 
My technique was similar for Dead Cell. I researched weapons, their drawbacks, and the CIA experiments on psychics. Being a psychic entertainer helped fill things more. And I even asked a doctor friend of mine about some medical instruments. 
Research is important but don’t wow the audience with a documentary. The story is king. 
 
What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? 
 Getting inside their heads is the most difficult part. But research helps there too. Ask your significant other, a friend of the opposite sex, etc. Read other stories in that voice. It all helps. 
  
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find? 
 I love this question. No matter what I say, no one will believe me. 
 No! I don’t. 
 A couple of people might read themselves (or others) in my stories. That says something, I guess, sort of like the song. 
 "You’re so vain. You probably think this book is about you..." 
 
Do you believe in writer’s block?  
 I believe in crowded minds more than writer’s block. Like I said about reader’s block, it’s merely a sign of an overcrowded mind. Relax. Take a break. Rebalance you’re life. 
 
 
 Quick quiz: 
Favourite food: Vegetarian. It goes well with steak. 
Favourite drink: Milo 
Silliest saying: He who lives by the sword gets shot. 
Best holiday spot: Byron Bay 
Favourite song at the moment: Do-Wah-Diddy-Diddy (ever since I wrote While He Was Sleeping, it’s stuck in my head) 
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Mostly a plotter, but if I have a section that I haven't planned out, I pants it out when I get to it. 
Star Wars or Lord of the Rings: Battlestar Galactica 
Best superpower: Tying knots in cherry stems with my tongue 
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: Live, not exist. 
 
Thanks Chris.  It's so cool to learn about you and your works.
Chris:  my pleasure.  Thanks for having me.

Folks, here are...
Chris' Links:

 
While He Was Sleeping 

Available at all good bookstores (personalised signed copies from the author’s website) 
eBooks: https://www.books2read.com/WhileHeWasSleeping 

Paperbacks (signed by author): https://chrisjohnsonauthor.blogspot.com/p/chris-johnsons-personal-bookstore.html#!/While-He-Was-Sleeping/p/167152019/category=0 

Paperbacks (unsigned): https://www.bookdepository.com/While-He-Was-Sleeping-Chris-Johnson/9780994523358 

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrisJohnsonAuthor 

Website: https://ChrisJohnsonAuthor.blogspot.com.au 

Twitter handle: @aus_mentalist 


Sponsored link

​

This is a gathering place for all those who love the thrill of magic and futuristic adventures! The Fantasy and Sci-Fi Readers Lounge authors created this group as a way to interact with our readers and introduce them to other authors they may not know but would love to read. We want the group to be fun—a place for new discoveries, friendly chats, and a hangout where we can share our love of books.  
​https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasySciFiReadersLounge/

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.

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

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?

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 :)

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 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.

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

Writing has been a passion for most of my life. I've had to set it aside in the past, but so many circumstances have changed, and now I can focus on it more and more. Someday I'll make my living doing this.

Book title: RiftWorlds Online: Book 1 - Space Opera Insertion
Genre: LitRPG/Space Opera
Synopsis: Gamer Rick Danberg has been in prison for real-world currency manipulation in a previous game. A Secret Service agent takes him to an undisclosed location where the US president explains the problem: Millions of people are trapped a game. They can’t log out, and if they die in game they die in real life. The president’s daughter is trapped inside.
With all the cards stacked against him, he’ll have to create a new him/avatar and learn the game. Obstacles and enemies will stand in his way while he tracks her down. And then they’ll have to escape. Somehow.


Publish date: October, 2018
Publisher: self-published


Space Opera Insertion
In 2028 RiftWorlds Online is the most popular virtual reality MMORPG game ever. A week after its release, millions are playing in a game that spans seven unique universes. But now people can't log out. And when they die in the game, they die in real life.

In prison for manipulating real-world currency through VR-MMORPGs, gamer Rick Danberg just wants to serve out his sentence in peace. But the President's daughter is trapped in the game. Secret Service agents drag Rick before the President who offers him a deal: a full pardon for finding her and keeping her alive until people on the outside get RiftWorlds back under control.

That will be much harder than he is prepared for.




Author Interview with Brian D Howard:

Kasper: Hi Brian, welcome to our Fantasy & Sci-Fi levitating lounge.  Are you ready to take off and meet some readers?
Brian: Hi Kasper, great to be here.  Yes, this will be fun.  Let's go.


What made you choose this genre?
I was in a writing/critiquing group with James A Hunter, and we beta read the first book to his Viridian Gate Online litRPG series. That was my introduction to the genre. He got me thinking about it, but I didn’t want to be just another throwing my hat in, I wanted a solid premise. When it came to me I jumped on it.
Awesome.  It sounds like a great concept, and so relate-able with today's gamers.


What’s the story behind your book title?
Many LitRPG titles are [Something] Online. Since the setting of mine is an MMORPG where characters can jump through rifts/portals to other game settings RiftWorlds fit well.


What’s the basic plot of your  series?
RiftWorlds Online is a multi-genre online roleplaying game. Rather than using VR equipment, the hat worn by players reads their minds and everything happens through a brain-machine interface. Something goes wrong and nobody can log out, and death in the game is death in real life. Our main character is sent in to rescue the president’s daughter and protect her until the game is fixed.
Each book takes place in one of the game’s seven Worlds (Space Opera, Fantasy, Western, Steampunk, Post Apocalypse, Cyberpunk, and Superhero). Each world has a central plot arc that gets resolved in that book. Along the way they’ll uncover more of the overall series plot and the horrific implications it will have if they can't stop it.
I totally love this concept and can't wait to play, oops, I mean read it myself.  I may never come back either ;)

Speaking of which, have you looked into creating the game from your series?
I haven't yet. I'd be happy to do so.
I have been developing a tool people could use to create their character's stats and description. Ideally, it would let them send me the results and some of them would get included in the books. I started setting up on Google Sheets, but there are some parts that won't work right (button's don't stay anchored into place and sometimes move.) Porting it into Excel involves a lot of rebuilding. If someone could build some kind of software app to do it that would be awesome.
That would be so exciting!  You heard it here first, readers.  Contact Brian if you know any game design companies or techie folks who'd be interested.
​

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
My second book, Rectifier – The Electric Man, is about a homeless man abducted as expendable and experimented on. Halfway through writing it I spent almost two weeks at the periphery of homelessness. I never had to sleep outside, but I had all my possessions with me (in two large bags I tied to my bicycle) and barely ate. Most of the supporting characters in the book are inspired by people I met those two weeks. Except for being abducted for secret experiments, everything that happens to the homeless character in that book happened to real, living people in Denver. Last year I made the decision that as long as it sells I’ll donate half that book’s profits to charities supporting the homeless or helping people avoid homelessness.
Oh wow, that is some intense research.  I love that you want to give back to the people who inspired you.



Do you have another job outside of writing?
I have an office desk job until I don’t need it anymore.


What music do you listen to when writing?
​Mostly genre-related soundtracks. Sometimes I’ll find ambient noise tracks. As an example, writing a tavern scene with the murmur of conversations, the clanking of mugs, something minstrel-like in the background, really helps get me in the headspace to make that scene come alive.
Writing in a pub does have a certain appeal.


What are you working on now?
I’m finishing editing book two for RiftWorlds Online. The next one takes place in the game’s Old West world. I’ve been reading and watching a lot of them and putting together a playlist for it. That one will be an interesting challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.
Sounds fun.  Saddle up, partner.
​

What do you do when you have writers’ block?
​I can’t remember ever having that problem. I think some of that is from the outlining I do. It’s structured enough I know what each scene needs to accomplish and the major events in it. Getting the character through the scene usually isn’t an issue. Time and energy, those are the issues.

What’s your dream job and do you think you’ll do it one day?
Writing, hands down. The main goal is getting to where I don’t need to give time to a “day job” to support it.


Are there any writing styles or genres you dislike?
I usually can’t stand present-tense writing. I think there was one I liked, but I can’t recall which. It doesn’t sound like storytelling to me.
I know the feeling, but some really good authors are using it these days.



Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: Bananas Foster Crepes

Most played song: I create a play list for each genre and one or two for each character. Sometimes it’s the character’s soundtrack, others it’s the music they’d listen to.

With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Definitely plotter. It helps me make sure I have a solid path from start to the end. It helps me keep track of which elements needed to be foreshadowed when. It helps me make sure every scene has a purpose and they’re in the right order. Plotting has done a lot to decrease the amount of editing I need to do.

Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy: I grew up on classic fantasy, and I loved those. Now and then I can get into a really good one. But Sci-Fi is what I always come back to. Sci-fi can speak to what we’re like as a society. It can warn us about possible futures, or it can show us what we can be.

Best superpower: A lot of people go for telepathy or mind control. I have too many ethical issues with that. I enjoyed exploring what telekinesis can do in my first book, Simon Rising. But if I could have one I’d go with teleportation.


Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Brian.  It has been a lot of fun learning how passionate you are about your craft.  Readers, please check out Brian's links below.

​
Briand D Howard's Links (click to follow)

Website: https://briandhowardauthor.wordpress.com/
Blog: https://briandhowardauthor.wordpress.com/blog/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BrianDHowardAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16346433.Brian_D_Howard
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Brian-Howard/e/B06WVCM1CR​

#ad

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/

· 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!
​

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/

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.”

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.

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

● 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.

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.

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

​