Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont

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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Kasper reviews Maleficent: Mistress of Evil #Maleficent #movies #review

10/20/2019

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Movie synopsis: In Disney's "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil," a sequel to the 2014 global box office hit, Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and dark new forces at play. The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Yet the hatred between man and the fairies still exists. Aurora's impending marriage to Prince Phillip is cause for celebration in the kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors, as the wedding serves to unite the two worlds. When an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be family.

KASPER'S REVIEW: OK, so there may be a couple of little spoilers here, but nothing you wouldn't get from a quick Google search of the movie. I won't tell the ending or anything.

Ooh, I did enjoy Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil. From the original movie, we learned the our queen of darkness does have various shades of grey plus a big old soft spot for her adopted daughter, Little Beasty. Now the girl, known as Aurora, is all grown up and in love with the handsome and kind Prince Phillip.
While everything seems nice from Phillip's family at first, Queen Ingrid soon reveals her darker desires of hatred and conflict. Michelle Pfeiffer does a great job as the queen who is so fearful of the fae, she is reluctant to have the daughter of the Moors marry into her family. Strong themes of race and prejudice here.
Angelina Jolie is as gorgeous as ever in her returning role as Maleficent, who is determined to protect her fae peoples at all costs.
Throw a Romeo and Juliet-type wedding into this seething cauldron and you have the makings of a great movie.
I did find it slow to start with a few too many Days-of-our-Lives type of stares and overacted expressions, it soon whisked me away and it didn't feel like 3 hours long at all. The beautiful sights and costumes juxtaposed with dark fae themes made for a visually splendid experience.

Highlights for me were the scenery and special effects with some many gorgeous fae creatures, including new ones.
Maleficent's quest continues to a new realm and new winged creatures which I absolutely adored.
Would I take little kiddies? Hmm, probably my 11 year old wouldn't like the violence and dark themes, but many kiddies in the cinema seemed to be enjoying it. Go, try it.

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

9/5/2019

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

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

Today's featured book:

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

Excerpt:
Chapter One
The Captain

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

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

Author Interview with AF Stewart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nimue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fantasy SciFi Readers Lounge

This is a group for the readers, by the readers, and all about the readers! We are excited you’re joining us and look forward to getting to know you. The Lounge welcomes all readers and wants each and everyone to find a comfortable reading nook here.
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Probing the depths with dark fantasy author Ross Ellison #author #interview for the Fantasy SciFi Readers' Lounge #FSFRL

6/16/2019

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Today's spotlight author is Ross Ellison

Author bio: Ross Ellison is an Author, Entertainer, Video Game Streamer, and All-Around Menace to Society. Living in Orlando, Florida he currently is working on the next two novels in his Search for Eden Series which the End of Utopia Anthology serves as an introduction for.
He also is working on a Post-Apocalyptic Series with the working title of “Earth Everafter” If that was not enough, he is also working on two new series’s based on Dungeons and Dragons Campaigns of his own design.

One is titled “Cycle of Millennia” and the other is titled “Centrum Glacies” The first and second Novellas of Cycle of Millenia are published digitally.

Book title: Cult of Orabaras
Genre: High Fantasy/Dark Fantasy
Synopsis: After making their way to Iron City of Blacksmiths Grez the mysterious Monk and his companions are forced into a tournament. But while Hadron the Barbarian fights for glory, and Sneak Peak the Rogue seeks to make as much money as he can, something stirs in the shadows. Belwyn the Paladin senses trouble from afar. Velros the Knight is on guard for danger. However, it is Kal the enigmatic Psionic who discovers a new foe. Despite remembering a warning granted by Fairy Dragons about Magic Users, the group is unable to avoid the webs of the deadly Cult of Orabaras. But what could their malevolent purpose be? And why is this group of misfit adventurers attracting their interest?
Publish date: April 20th, 2019
Publisher: Timelost Storyteller

Author Interview:

Hi Ross, welcome to the Readers' Lounge levitating interview couch. Buckle up and we'll take off
Hi Kasper: Glad to be here. Let's go....oooooooooo. Wow, this Lounge is fast!

It is indeed. So Ross, what makes your writing unique compared to others in the dark fantasy genre?
Dark Fantasy is a genre that is constantly pushing boundaries, taking names, and crushing tropes left and right. I go out of my way to lump suffering from physical and metaphysical sources upon my characters while ensuring that my readers are emotionally invested in the worlds I weave. By daring to deconstruct even the tropes of Dark Fantasy itself, I create new stories from the corpses of those before.

Awesome answer. You sound like a pioneer in the genre. What made you choose this dark fantasy books?
I chose Dark Fantasy as I normally do for my stories because unlike the other variations of fantasy, the shackles are gone, and the restraining bolts destroyed. Anything goes in Dark Fantasy. I can raise the horror levels to numbers unprecedented in any other genre. Not to mention I can deal with themes such as abuse, human trafficking, brainwashing, wicked Gods, genocide, and extreme racism and give them their due under the Dark Fantasy genre.

What’s the basic plot of your series?
Cult of Orabaras is the second story in a much longer series called Cycle of Millennia. The tale begins as a group of adventurers each with emotional baggage is pulled into a Stone Giant’s highly convoluted schemes. As they try to escape this annoying pest, their adventures slowly trend towards the odd. Eventually these trends expose the heart of the world they live in. Funny enough, the entire premise of this series was born out of a Dungeons and Dragons Campaign I have been running for over two years-and counting.

Sounds like you're a dedicated Dungeon Master.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
The most important piece of advice I give to anyone writing is to write first and edit later. Getting bogged down in cleaning up a story is the most common cause of writers block. As a bonus, I believe the best way to learn how to shake this habit is to participate in Nanowrimo in November. Once you learn to vomit words on the page and realize that no matter what, a first draft will always be terrible, you are on the way to becoming a talented storyteller.

What are you working on now? I am working on many projects simultaneously. Currently, I am editing a Dark Fantasy Novel titled The End of Utopia as well as writing the first draft of that one’s sequel novel The Messiah of Nightmares.

This second novel in The Search for Eden Series is without a doubt one of the darkest, most tragic, if not the most tragic book I have ever written. Meanwhile I also am completing the first novel in a post-apocalyptic series titled Earth Everafter. Of course, my current focus is on the third novella in Cycle of Millennia. That is also known as the book I am presenting in this interview.

How did you go about developing your cover artwork?
Admittedly, I am embarrassed by my answer to this question. My current cover is nothing more than a placeholder. Currently, I am essentially broke and cannot afford to properly pay an artist. I simply used free use images and did the best I could to create a cover. Not one I am pleased with by the way. I honestly can’t stand the cover and it is one of the first things I will change when I can afford to.

Hey, everyone has to start somewhere. Hopefully readers will give it a chance when they hear how amazing it is on the inside. Word-of-mouth can be powerful too.
How do you handle marketing on social media?
I am constantly experimenting with my different social media platforms to see what works best. Given that I am not making sales anywhere near needed levels, I consider my social media marketing to be at complete failure level. I’m in need of advice when it comes to doing this more appropriately.

Who are your five favourite authors?
My five favourite authors are Brandon Sanderson, Gen Urobuchi, Kentaro Miura, Robert Jordan, and R. A. Salvatore

What do you write about in your blog?
My blog has gone through many changes. I tend to focus on travel now, but that could always change down the road.

Are there any writing styles or genres you dislike?
I despise Hallmark Style stories that are predictable. Indeed, I mostly hate Romantic Comedy and Cringe Comedy in every form. To me storytelling is there to take light and smother it darkness. Stories exist to showcase people with hope and slowly crush all of it out of them into they go insane. I write so that I can prove that there is no amount of love and light that hatred and darkness cannot smother out of existence.

Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: I don’t really cook. I exist off cereal, pizza, pasta, and smoothies.

Silliest saying: The best way to transform even the most well-meaning person into a terrible one is to convince them that their time is valuable.

Best holiday spot: Tel Aviv, Israel is my favourite city in the world.

Most played song: I listen almost exclusively to video game, anime, and movie soundtracks. I have no idea which song I have listened to the most.

With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? I am what is known as a “Planster”. I combine both styles of writing together. Normally, I know how my stories begin and how they end. Then I make the middle up as I go along. Usually, my goal is to traumatize every one of my characters through most of it.

Do you prefer to read SciFi or fantasy? I prefer Dark Fantasy and Grimdark Science Fiction over the other choices for reasons I outlined in earlier questions.

Best superpower: The only correct answer to this question is multi-universal level reality warping. At that stage, you control time, space, entropy, all of reality, and are completely omniscient. Why settle for one power, when you can have all of them, be completely invincible, and have the entire multiverse revolve around you?

Number one thing to do on your bucket list: My number one is to force the Abrahamic God to bleed. Then ensure it is punished for all the sins and atrocities it has committed against humanity.

Wow, you sure have some fascinating ideas. It's been a real pleasure learning more about you today, Ross. Our Readers' Lounge is coming in for landing now. Best of luck with your Cult of Orabaras novel and the series to follow.

Readers: let's check out some of Ross's writing and his links.

Ross Ellison's links:

Website: http://t imeloststoryteller.com/

Blog: http://timeloststoryteller.com/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetimeloststoryteller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TLStoryteller

Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Orabaras-Cycle-Millennia-Novella-ebook/dp/B07QZNTV4S/

Excerpt from:Cult of Orabaras
Prologue: Public Nudity

Kal looked in wonder at Iron. The massive city had walls that created a mazelike barrier. The many alleys that veered every which way made his head spin. Worse than the physical barriers stood the mental ones. He had to intentionally shut off his telepathy or risk madness.
The sheer number of people living in the city was the cause. Going against his natural instincts was quite the difficult affair. However, there was a second issue to attend to. Unfortunately, his armor posed to create a new problem. And if Kal did not make his next move perfectly, his newfound friends would be forced to take a fall.
Looking quickly at his fellow adventurers, he tried to figure out the best one to relay his message to. Should he tell the Monk? Grez was a rather impulsive individual and would try to argue. Not to mention his strange monkey tail might lead to related trouble. That route was no good.
Next, he looked at Sneak Peak. The Giant Rogue was the only reason he was not dealing with trouble already. This was his last choice of confidence. He had a large list of crimes from what the rest of the group had informed the “Psionic”. That word reflected on Kal’s mysterious powers.
Hadron, the Barbarian was like the Monk, too impulsive to be of much help. That left both the Knight Velros, and Paladin Belwyn. These two were by far the most dependable. Thus, he warned them both as the guards finally noticed the second unusual person beside the Giant.
{I’m gonna run away and have the guards chase. Pretend not to know me.}
He dashed away from the front gates before any had a chance to voice a complaint. Footsteps from behind told that he was being followed. Just as expected of course. Kal had been worried that the moment he stepped into Iron, that none would be able to see his armor.
A long time back, a Wizard had given him a magical set of armor. What the whimsical caster had not told him was the second magical property of his clothing. Unless those looking at him had the aptitude for Magic, they would see nothing but his birthday suit.
But being naked in a major city was only the first of his two problems. His race was the second. Kal was not a Human like most who lived in Iron. Nor was he an Elf or Dwarf. Both these races had a couple members scattered nearby. He was not an Orc or Giant, which would have been met with hostility. Said hostility was already a problem for Sneak Peak.
No, Kal was a Tiefling. His mixed blood involved Infernal origins. And considering his nudity, at least to the nearby guards, that spelled double trouble.
Even as he ran down a relatively empty alley, one that probably had crime at night, from the looks of it, he still got a few shrieks.
“It... its naked!” A Human cried. A merchant based on the wares he was holding. Kal wanted to protest that this was false, but he had no time. The guards reacted to the noise and were following.
He foolishly turned around to inspect what chased him. This forced his defenses down. An unfortunate thing when he collided with another person. They wore heavy armor based on the pain his body felt on impact. That could only mean one thing.
“Stop right there!” The Guard commanded. “You are under arrest for public nudity and…” The tall soldier looked the Tiefling up and down. “And… for being a Monster! Yes, that is right!”
“I am not a Monster!” Kal declared. He would not bother denying the nudity.
“Is that an admission of guilt for nakedness?” One of the Guards from behind demanded and grabbed him. He could not get thrown in prison. Especially if it would reflect badly on the rest of his friends.
Kal also would not fight them. Escalating this attempted arrest would only lead to worse things. The Tiefling did the only reasonable thing in this situation. He flew into the air and demonstrated that the wings on his back were not just for show.
“Not so fast!” One of the Guards yelled from below. “You will not get away lawbreaker!” Kal intended to do just that. Admittedly, his plan was not so great since eventually he would need to return.
But for now, he needed to get away from this alley. While he was in the air, the buildings around him all rose to a considerable height. He was still an easy target to hit with projectiles.
From the corner of his eye, he saw an object flash as it flew to his position. Kal had little room to maneuver, but the Tiefling had been in worse situations than this. Whether that remained true was debatable when the truth of the attack made itself known.
It was no arrow that Kal had failed to dodge. It was a net! The heavy contraption was pulling him towards the ground. And if he used any of his spells, there was too much risk of harming innocents.
What sort of City has Guards that carry nets?
“Get the Captain!” one of the Guards commanded to the rest. “I’ll watch him.” Kal groaned realizing he could be trapped here for quite a while.
However, his terrible luck ran out almost immediately. A new Guard entered the alley and his armor indicated that he was far more important than the others.
The Captain wasted no time asking the important questions and pulled out a long blade. The look on the Human’s face warned Kal that if he answered wrong, his throat and head would be separated.
“Why are you here monster?”
“I am not a monster!” The Tiefling responded with once again. Yet as far as appearances were concerned, this was false. “Er… I may look like one, but I promise I’m not.”
“Even if you are no monster, you are still naked in this City. That is against the law in most of Spatia!” A quick reading of the Captains mind showed Kal how he was to get out of this situation.
“I am here for the festival!” Kal had no idea what this event was, but it was the only way to avoid falling behind bars.
“Is that so?” The Captain did not look convinced. This gave the Psionic a second idea. Please work. Casting a telepathic command, the Tiefling forced the idea that he and the Captain were friends.
“Very well.” The Captain’s face softened. “You there, take him to proper lodgings. And get some cloths sir!” Kal was unable to do so. It was one of the side effects of his armor.
Whatever this festival was, he could not be arrested for all but the most serious of crimes. Now he just had to attend. Whatever that meant.

(C) 2019 Ross Ellison

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