Kasper's Ramblings from Kasper Beaumont

Author interview with fellow Aussie: Jeanette O'Hagan @JeanetteOHagan #FSFNet #fantasy #interview

4/16/2017

I enjoyed reading Heart of the Mountain by Jeanette O'Hagan. Luckily for me, I had a chance to interview the author herself.
Book blurb:
Twins Delvina and Retza’s greatest desire is to be accepted as prentices by their parents’ old crew when they stumble across a stranger. Trapped under the mountain, young Zadeki’s only thought is to escape home to his kin. Peril awaits all three youngsters. Will they pull apart or work together to save the underground realm?

Jeanette is a fellow member of the Intricate Worlds writing group and I'm stoked she has followed me over to the FSFNet.
We did an interview for the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network, and you can read it all here.

These are some of the highlights:
* Jeanette began the world-building of Nardva when she was just 9 years old.
* An interesting fact not in our interview is that she studied in script writing at university and helped me with my first script at a recent writers' critique meeting.
* I like the fact that her story title has a double meaning
* I'm getting the feeling that Jeanette may be a bit of a Whovian

Make sure you check out the full interview here

Title: Heart of the Mountain: A short novella
Author: Jeanette O'Hagan
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: By the Light Books
Release Date: August 2016

Heart of the Mountain is YA Fantasy Adventure in the lost realm under the mountain.

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Drop Everything and Read Day - April 12th #DEAR #FSFNet

4/3/2017

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The Fantasy Sci-Fi Network will be celebrating.“Drop Everything and Read Day.” It is designed to remind folks of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives. Because, what’s more fun(damental) than reading, really? Much has been written in recent years about declining literacy, so let us do our bit to promote reading.

D.E.A.R. programs are held on April 12th in honour of Beverly Cleary’s birthday, since she first wrote about D.E.A.R. in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (pages 40-41). Inspired by letters from readers sharing their enthusiasm for the D.E.A.R. activities implemented in their schools, Mrs. Cleary decided to give the same experience to Ramona and her classmates. As D.E.A.R. has grown in popularity and scope, the program has expanded to span the entire month of April . . . offering classrooms and communities additional time to celebrate!

We encourage you to “Drop Everything and Read” every day throughout the year. The goal of the program is to prompt people to make reading a regular part of their routine . . . whether they’re reading solo or together with their classmates, parents, or friends. So, go ahead and join the millions of families, schools, bookstores, and communities who have participated throughout the years and pledge to “drop” what you’re doing in order to read a good book.

As an organization, library, school, or bookstore, you can participate by hosting a “Drop Everything and Read” event at your location (or elsewhere) during the month of April. As an individual, you can participate by attending an event in your community or by reading at home with your children, siblings, or friends.

You can find loads of great D.E.A.R. resources on the D.E.A.R. website:
http://www.dropeverythingandread.com/resources.html

The Fantasy Sci-Fi Network, of which I am an admin, is having an online author event, as well as books on sale and a Rafflecopter with many great prizes to be won.

Here is the link to the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network event.
Awesome fantasy, sci-fi and steampunk authors will be hosting
in timeslots throughout the day.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1042589222540002/?active_tab=discussion

Here is the link to the Rafflecopter.
There are Amazon gift cards, paperbacks and ebooks up for grabs.

You will be able to enter the competitions on the 12th of April.
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/77a940171/

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Magic and dragon mythology make for a roller-coaster adventure by Dianne Astle @bendragonborn #dragons #fantasy #FSFNet

3/19/2017

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Ben and the Watcher of Zargon
Synopsis: Grade ten isn’t turning out the way Ben hoped. Ben’s best friend is no longer his roommate, but has been replaced by a strange boy who follows Ben everywhere. Jealousy awakens the dragon fire within Ben when the girl he likes returns to school with a boyfriend. That fire and the scales peeking out from under his shirtsleeves are making it increasingly difficult for Ben to keep his secret. Ben needs to go to his mother’s home world to learn how to transform into a dragon. Meanwhile Ben is changing and if the training comes too late he is in danger of becoming something that is neither human nor dragon.

After reading Ben the Dragonborn (book 1), I was hooked. I bought the sequel the very next day. Ben and the Watcher of Zargon book has a lovely familiar feel to the start, as we again open in the paranormal school where Ben studies with his friends. He is starting to show obvious signs of turning into a dragon, so the principal decides he must go immediately to the dragon world to learn how to be a dragon. Things don't go quite to plan, with unexpected companions and a dragon world on the brink of civil war.
As with book 1, Ben must learn quickly to develop and use his talents to assist the local populace. There a new characters, but a similar theme of teamwork and camaraderie in their mission to save the day.
What I liked: dragons, of course. There are plenty in this book. I also like the characters and their mission. One new character is a delightful surprise. I also found the author's style and craft had much improved in this book. It was really enjoyable.
What I didn't like: the names really did my head in. Everyone in the entire world has a name beginning with Z. There are only so many Z names in existence, and I found it difficult to keep track of which character was which. Thanks goodness for 'Ben.'
I'm looking forward to Ben's next adventure.

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Winners of the Amazon giveaway Rafflecopter #FSFNet #winners @CheryllynnDyess

1/1/2017

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The FSFNet Christmas sale has been an absolute blast. Thanks to everyone who supported our authors by snapping up the FREE and discounted books. Today I get to annouce the winners of the Rafflecopter.

There was a combined total of 583 entries for the Rafflecopter. Wow! Thanks all, that's fantastic.
The Rafflecopter program randomly chose 4 winners and the prizes were alloted in the order as per the competition.
$10 Amazon voucher donated by author Cheryllynn Dyess: Debra Hall USA;
Hunters of Reloria trilogy by Kasper Beaumont: Clare O'Beara, Ireland;
Morphids ebook by Kerry Alexander-Hall: Ashley USA;
and Morphids ebook by Kerry Alexander-Hall: Sara Reber USA.

Congratulations to all these lucky winners.

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An interview with Chris Johnson: author and mentalist #FSFNet @aus_mentalist

12/5/2016

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Chris Johnson is an Australian author who was born and raised in Rockhampton, Queensland. He now lives with his wife in Brisbane, where he works as a stage mentalist when he is not writing. He also has a background in sales and marketing, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

Chis Johnson joined me for an intuitive author interview at the FSFNet.
Here are some of the highlights:
*   Chris is toying with writing a new genre under a pen name.
*   He has a series of 6 books yet to be published.
*   His laid-back style makes him stand out in the fantasy genre
*   I like his sassy ghost character
*   Chris has an exciting new surprise coming in the new year

For all these details and much more, click here for the full FSFNet interview.

Chris Johnson's new release is Dead Cell

Road fatalities in Statton have jumped in a week to nearly half of Queensland's annual figures, and the authorities are concerned. They believe them to be accidents caused by driver carelessness and bad luck, but when his adopted daughter is killed, psychic investigator Craig Ramsey believes the causes are supernatural. He and his spirit companion Emily Fraser join forces with skeptic Detective-sergeant Brianna Cogan to catch the killer – but how do you catch a killer who is already dead?

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Author interview with my favourite halfling: Kerry Alexander-Hall #FSFNet

11/26/2016

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With a long history of writing academic papers and studying, you could be forgiven for thinking Kerry Alexander-Hall is only a serious scribe. The truth is that you couldn't be more wrong. Kerry has written a delightfully witty and massively exciting first novel, which you'll just have to read to appreciate.

Kerry took a place on the FSFNet interview throne to chat with me. Here are some of the highlights:
* She describes her protagonists as: 'magic-enhanced, ale-swilling, knuckle-busting, gag-pulling, sword-dancing, fierce warrior misfits.'
* I learned that Kerry is a third-generation writer. What a legacy.
* She alludes to a history of magic in our own world
* Kerry has detailed and useful advice for aspiring authors. Gee, my advice would be just to make a friend like Kerry ;-)
* There is a 'puss in boots' technique for developing cover artwork
* Her stated hero has been unlucky in more than one role
....There are so many more great titbits, but I don't want to spoil it for you. Check it out here.

Title: Morphids (The Tales of Cerahya- Book 1)
Series: The Tales of Cerahya
Author: Kerry Hall
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Indie-Mosh Publishing
Release Date: TBA November 2016

Blurb:
The Prophet Lailoken sighed. This would be his last vision to share. The last words he would speak. The vice like grip tightened around his heart. Wait a little longer, they must know; remember and prepare.
On the world of Cerahya, nature’s harmonious balances and checks have been disturbed; interfered with.

She rails against such abhorrent intrusions and struggles to regain order. Unfortunately re-establishing control unleashes deadly, calamitous events on the island continent of Sofala, catching the inhabitants of the western kingdom unaware.The High King, Gareth Beaumont calls for assistance from the Ashmourne Academy of Magic. They respond by sending their infamous 'Pace Alastriona Knights', led by Commander Atesh and Captain Ballard. Their first battalion of magic-enhanced, ale-swilling, knuckle-busting, gag-pulling, sword-dancing, fierce warrior misfits join forces with the King's personal regiment. Together with mystical allies, they race to reduce the fallout to life, love and liberty upon their homeland. As they search for the source behind the malevolent machinations at work, they uncover truths so repugnant, it will send them reeling.
Will interpreting the strange riddles and finding the ancient prophecy hold the key to the game of life; playing out before their eyes?

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Author interview with FayeAnna Jones from the #FSFNet #fantasy

10/22/2016

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This lovely young lady is FayeAnna Jones, who has already published two books: The Princess and A (Assassin Trilogy) volume 1.
FayeAnna lives in the United States of America and is studying to be a Veterinary Technician. She also works at Burger King and spends her free time writing, drawing, reading and watching anime.

FayeAnna boarded the FSFNet interview shuttle for an author interview with me.
Here are some of the highlights:
* She wrote her first short story in the 9th grade. I'm impressed.
* She's an action girl and loves to write fight scenes. I'm imagining James Bond meets fantasy here.
* FayeAnna says ideas can start out cheesy but often turn out well in the end.
* With 30+ book ideas, her writer's block doesn't last for long
* I love her idea on who to be stuck on a desert island with
* Her fave holiday spot sounds fun

Check out the full interview on the FSFNet website

Here is FayeAnna's latest release:

A (Assassin Trilogy) volume 1.

Gai Nightseed. The average run-of-the-mill teenager. Doesn't cause problems. Doesn't get into trouble, and is one of the rich kids. Seems okay. To the outside world. Only ONE person knows his secret. That he is the deadliest person alive. He is the feared assassin, ABC. He's killed many, but never children, not even his own age. What will happen when he's supposed to take care of his friends? What will he do?

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Interview with sci-fi and fantasy author Nicholas Rossis @Nicholas_Rossis

10/15/2016

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Nicholas Rossis is a rare breed of author, who can switch effortlessly between genres when he writes. Whether it is short science fiction snippets or fantasy sagas, he work is of a high standard.
He describes his abode as a cottage on the edge of a magical forest near Athens in Greece. There has been a new addition to Nicholas' life since I last had a chat with him. He has a new wee baby daughter and is now juggling nappies with his pens and paper.

Nicholas joined me for a Fantasy Sci-Fi Network interview.
Here are some of the highlights:
* Nicholas' writing has been compared to the classics such as Philip K. Dick
* He claims to the dichotomy of being both lazy and a perfectionist
* I found 12 of Nicholas' books available in Kindle format on Amazon
* He enjoys writing an antagonist character the most
* His characters sometimes disagree with his writing plans
* Nicholas' web designing company is going great guns.
* You'll never guess what's on his bucket list
Read all this and more here: http://fsfnet.com/2016/10/15/kasper-interviews-author-nicholas-Rossis/

Check out Nicholas' collection of short stories: You're in for a Ride

A force field stumps a group of intrepid explorers in desperate need of what lies behind it. Two time-travelers discover the dangers of messing with the timeline. And what happens when not one, but two dark prophecies clash head-on?
These are just a few of the stories in You're in for a Ride, a collection of speculative and science fiction short stories that explore our perception of the world around us. Is there more to the world than we can see, or can our senses deceive us?

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Steampunk author E.A. Hennessy stops by for a #FSFNet interview @ea_hennessy

9/18/2016

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Ever since she was a child, author E.A. Hennessy has wished for adventures. Now's she's all grown up, her love of travel and adventure hasn't dimmed. It has morphed into adventurous fantasy writing in her Steampunk adventures and also a love to travel.
Now EA works as an environmental engineer (which sounds very Steampunky) too, and she lives in Buffalo, New York.
EA cites her hobbies as making nerdy candles and dancing.

We got the cogs in motion and reeled E.A. in for a Fantasy Sci-Fi Network author interview.
Here are a few of the best bits:
*   Grigory's Gadget came out of a previous story of EA's called The Necklace of Time with the addition of pirates.
*   There are some real-life inspirations for some of her steampunk ideas.
*   EA enjoys listening to soundtracks such as The Pirates of The Caribbean while writing.
*   American Tribal Style dancing is not what I had thought it would be.
*   I had no idea EA's favourite food was a thing. Lesson learned.
*   We'd better duck if she gets her superpower wish

You can read all of this and more at our interview here.

EA's latest release is Grigory's Gadget

Lodninsk, Morozhia is a frozen, industrial wasteland. Isolated by steep mountains and ruled by an authoritarian government, it isn’t anyone’s idea of home-sweet-home.
Zoya and her friends Demyan, Lilia, Anya, and Nikolai decide to leave their freezing home to start a new life. They set their sights on the tropical paradise of Mirgorod, Vernulaia, where they can study at its prestigious university while taking in the sun and sand…but nothing ever goes so smoothly.
When pirates attack their passenger ship, the friends are shanghaied and forced to be part of their crew. What’s more, the pirates have a particular interest in Zoya’s family heirloom: a small gadget of compacted wires and gears. Unsure what power the gadget holds, Zoya knows she must protect it with her life.
Trapped with pirates, caught in the struggle for the mysterious gadget, will Zoya and her friends be able to make it safely to their new home?

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Bonnie Ferrante surprised me with her interview answers @BonnieFerrante #FSFNet

9/10/2016

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Bonnie Ferrante describes herself as a hybrid author, having published both traditionally and self-published in a variety of media including: novels, short stories, newspaper articles, columns and picture books.
Bonnie lives in the awesomely-named Thunder Bay in Canada and has hobbies of illustrating, sewing, reading and being with her family which includes great-grandchildren.

Being one of our most experienced members at the Fantasy Sci-Fi Network, I was very keen to interview Bonnie and uncover the details of her career and what makes her tick.

Here are some highlights of our interview:
* I was surprised to discover that Bonnie has Parkinson's Disease and is soldiering on with her writing and illustrating with some adjustments to accommodate her condition. Total respect from me to this brave lady.
* Bonnie's reason for using a pen name made me chuckle
* I'm not sure what a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Lay Leader does, but she sure sounds very zen and knowledgeable
* Bonnie is currently working on 4 new books. Wow!
* Total silence is required for Bonnie's writing and she has a very good explanation
* The story of Leya: Sphere of Vision Book 1's cover was a good lesson in genre-advertising
* I am totally on-board with Bonnie's idea of her book club being a wine club.

Click here for the full interview.

Title: Leya: Sphere of Vision Book 1
Genre: Young adult fantasy
Publisher: Single Drop Publishing
Release Date: October 19, 2014

In a world where eye color may determine your future, Leya is born with one green and one blue eye. Will this diminish her potential or provide the exceptional opportunity to become a Double Vision Mistress? Even if she fulfills her gifts, Leya must learn to control her impulsiveness and quick temper or she will be stripped of her powers in a painful and crippling ritual.