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
​

Here's a new release from an author I met online many years ago.  It's Cerberus by A.R. Silverberry.  I took this opportunity to quiz him about the new release.   Strap in for a quick Q&A


The brilliant cover of Cerberus is a real eye-catcher. What inspired it, and who created it?


I really don’t know what inspired it. An artist named Viergacht created it. I found it on the selfpubbookcovers site. When I saw it, I snapped it up, not knowing which book I would use it for. When I settled on publishing an anthology, I knew this was the cover!


How does Cerberus differ from your previous books, The Stream and Wyndano’s Cloak?


They’re all very different! Cerberus is a collection of my fantasy tales for adults and teens: six short stories and three flash fiction stories. Wyndano’s Cloak is a fantasy for children ages ten and up. The Stream is a fable for adults.


How do you think your writing has grown since your earlier stories?


Early on, I loved the feeling of discovering where the story would go as I wrote it. I have an entire novel sitting in a dusty box to prove it! The problem was that the whole thing didn’t hang together, so over time I’ve gradually moved from pure intuition to crafting stories more intentionally. I still want to be surprised, though, and the best scenes are the ones I don’t expect.


Short stories seem to be your preferred style. I see you are in various anthologies on Amazon. Why does the short format appeal to you and do you plan to write any novels in the future?


It’s all up to the muse! I’m finishing up a novella and novel that are paired prequels to Wyndano’s Cloak. An agent requested the full manuscript for a sci-fi novel, and books two and three of that series just need one more draft. So, I’m still very much a novelist. These short stories were penned while taking a break from the above, so it made sense to make a collection out of them.


Here’s a bit about Cerberus:

Nine Timeless Tales of Enchantment
Does Magic Exist? Discover the strange and curious events that unfold when …
· A belligerent bailiff has his fortune told
· A little girl searches for one last spell
· A reclusive actress receives a mysterious knock on her door
· An orphan fights to survive in the shadow of a menacing terror
Don’t stop there … a wizard, a friendless boy, a devil cat, and Shakespeare’s fairy queen lie within. From the boundless imagination of A. R. Silverberry, these irresistible tales conjure up a wondrous brew of MAGIC AND MALICE.

FEATURING SEVEN ALL-NEW STORIES: Cerberus, Tangles, The Willow Sister, Titania, Blaze, and The Mask

Pre-order from Amazon. Book goes live on May 18!

Follow A. R. Silverberry:
Website
Facebook
Twitter

About the Author:
A. R. Silverberry writes science fiction and fantasy for children, teens, and adults. His novels, Wyndano’s Cloak and The Stream, earned numerous awards, including the Benjamin Franklin Award gold medal for Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction. He lives in California, where he explores enchanted forests, searching for pixies and elves. 

We have something special today
a Rafflecopter giveaway where you can win copies of Cerberus and The Stream

Currently living in Central Texas with her family, she has begun a new chapter in life that has opened her heart and soul to many great adventures. Her hobbies include fishing, crochet, gardening...and of course reading.


​Book title:  Awakening Fate, The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn, Book Four

• Genre:  YA / Fantasy / Paranormal
• Synopsis: Elizabeth thought the battles behind her were difficult until some of her past came back to haunt her. She struggles to determine what emotions she is feeling that is real or induced by the amulets of the original witches now when an unexpected person becomes the keeper of Prince Petre's items. Protecting a friend comes to the forefront of her newest goal while coming up against an adversary she didn't know existed was troublesome enough, but not to have her powers at her command...that is the true test of her will and strength. Will Elizabeth be able to accept the new keeper? Will Sorina and Prince Petre give their blessings? Can the young witch keep her friend safe as well as herself?
• Publish date: Feb 6, 2019
• Publisher:  Self

​

An excerpt from  Awakening Fate, The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn, Book Four

​Of course, he gently wrapped his fingers in with hers, gave a small nod and looked to the ceiling. “Ready?” Reba asked as her and her sisters finished making the circle around them, she had every intention of keeping them safe. Elizabeth nodded then closed her eyes.
The ground was wet from dew, she had arrived in the morning time just as the sun was rising over the ridge of the horizon. Elizabeth felt the moisture seep through her socks in the high grass. She started to walk and realized Wesley was at her side, she had almost forgotten. Looking at him, her heart leaped when he smiled at her. “We have to find Sorina,” her words filled with determination.
“Lead the way, this is your territory.” He motioned a hand out as if to follow her lead.
Looking to her left, Elizabeth recognized the tree line as the same one Sorina ran into for safety when she was last here. She moved towards it quickly when she glimpsed the corners of a white gown between the trees. Stopping suddenly, Wesley almost ran into the back of her. “What’s wrong?” He whispered.
“She is here, watching,” Elizabeth whispered back. Craning to catch another glimpse she called out, “Sorina. It’s me Elizabeth. It’s safe, you can come out now.”
Moments passed before the soft voice of Sorina called back, “Why have you brought an elf with you? What is this about?”
Twisting her mouth in thought, Elizabeth knew she had to explain things. “Sorina, this is Wesley Roberts. He is Sire Levi’s son. He is… he is the keeper of Prince Petre’s items.”
Sorina suddenly was at the forest line, “No! Not an elf. They would never!” Her voice was filled with shock as she glided towards them in a rush. She circled Wesley, looking over every inch of his body. “You look like him, except for the hair.”
Wesley turned to watch the woman taking him in, “I am honored.”
She smiled at him, “I can see why the amulet chose you. Your heart is good. But I’m surprised, I never considered an elf to be a keeper. You have no magic.”
Lowering his head, Wesley considered her words. “Well, not exactly.”
Both women turned their heads quickly and responded more loudly than they intended and in unison, “WHAT!”
He chuckled. “When the coven was having their battle last year, we left as we are supposed to do. Well, I went to Southern Europe and was studying. My father wants me to take over his house one day, as expected, but he wanted me to meet a distant relative and learn from her. She is an ancestor of an elf and witch, both from Romania.”
That got a rise out of the women, Sorina instructed him, “Please continue.”
“Well, that branch of elves has magic because of their bloodline to you.” Elizabeth gasped and Wesley quickly recovered the conversation, “We would not be related. The bloodline has been so distant that none of that family would be closer than seventh cousins, at best.”
“You are the children of Leagh?” Sorina asked.
Wesley nodded, “No ma’am, not Leagh but Randolph, her twin, he married an elf… During their marriage, they had six children. One was my father's grandfather and one the grandfather of Tiffany. And the rest is history.” As he spoke Sorina covered her mouth with her hand. Randolph and Leagh was the first set of twins born after the magic was gifted to Petre and Sorina, both had returned to Romania after a few years in Northern Europe. They had said they had to be in a place they felt at home.
“Did you know this before you met Elizabeth?”
“No. I only found out when I went to train. Tiffany filled me in on the entire family history and started teaching me spells that we could work.” He turned to Elizabeth, “I wanted to tell you everything.”
She pulled back from him, angry that she hadn’t listened to him. “It was my fault. I was being stubborn and hard-headed and I… I didn’t want to listen. I wanted to be mad. How foolish!” She snipped.
Sorina took Elizabeth in an embrace and whispered in her ear, “My child there was no way anyone would blame you for your actions. You were kept hidden from the world you belonged to and when thrown in did the best you could.” Tears escaped down Elizabeth’s cheeks. Sorina held her tighter, “You are so strong even when you think you are weak.”
Wesley stood watching the two women embrace. He had wanted to be there for Elizabeth, but he knew she had been through so much emotionally, there was no way he could stay angry at her. Sorina pulled back from Elizabeth and took one of each of their hands and smiled, “You two will do great things for our people.” Looking to Wesley, “One day, you will need to meet Petre but not until he is ready. He is not as forthcoming as I am.” She released their hands and began to turn away gliding towards the woods, just at edge she turned to them one last time, “You have our blessings,” then she shimmered into nothingness.
Sitting straight up, Elizabeth turns to see Wesley slowly waking up. She turns to her mother, “He is it. He is the keeper. We have Sorina’s blessings.” Releasing Wesley’s hand, Elizabeth starts to stand when she hears him mumble. Looking back, she realizes he is having trouble coming out of the dream and put a hand on his shoulder to shake him, “Wesley, wake up.” She calls out trying to get him to come around.
He turns his head back and forth like he is fighting something, then suddenly calms down. Inside the dream, Petre came to talk to Wesley but only after Elizabeth and Sorina had gone.
Wesley tried to follow Elizabeth. As he was moving towards her, he felt something grab his arm. He turned to find a man holding onto him and looking quite angry. "Who are you?"
"You say you are the descendant of Randolph?" The man stood tall with broad shoulders holding onto Wesley's arm with a tight grip, nearly cutting off the circulation.
Wesley turned to face the man who wouldn't let him leave. Ripping his arm from the man's grasp he asked with a growl, "Who are you and why have you held me back?"
"Answer my question elf. Are you the true descendant of Randolph?" the man asked once more.
Not in the mood for games, Wesley took a step back. Sorina had said Petre wasn't very forthcoming, could this be him? He was told Petre's personality lacked compassion but this was absurd. "I won't answer anything until I know who you are? I'm thinking you're Petre, Prince Petre!" The man's face softened. The elf was smart and easily figured out who he was without over reacting.
"Walk with me my child... we have so much to discuss."

Author interview with Cheryllynn Dyess.

Oh my goodness, it does seems to be moving around under the cushions.  What on Earth is going on?  ​(A two-toned muzzle pops out from under the cushions, followed by a brown head with cute brown eyes).  Um, Cheryllynn, does this dog belong to you?
Yes indeed, that's my dog: Nyx. Named after the Greek Goddess of the night.  She must have snuck on behind me when we were arranging the cushions.

No worries at all.  I like dogs.  But um, we're a mile up in the air over the Pacific.  I hope she knows how to stay.
Yes, she'll be alright, I'm sure.

Alrighty.  What was the defining event that made you start writing?
That’s tricky. I started writing when I was a teen as an outlet for the things going on in my life that I couldn’t talk to anyone about that were dark and very emotional. Fast forward to 2011, when I met my future husband and he read my earlier writings and couldn’t understand why I wasn’t doing it for a living. So he made things in our lives so that I could come live with him and write full-time and be a stay at home mom to our teen boys (teens at that time) and got married shortly after.  

He really is the best thing to happen to you.  I know you have such a close and loving family.
What other writing have you done?
I have a book of poetry and a cookbook out. I plan to put out some short stories in my future as well.
What makes your writing unique compared to others in the genre?
I’ve been told I have a poetic style of writing but I like to feel that my ability to describe the world in which everything is going on let’s me stand out among the others.

What’s the basic plot of your Elizabeth Fairbairn series?
Overcoming adversity and obstacles, to be simple and short really.

Which scene from your book do you like best and why?
Oh goodness that’s a hard question. Let me see… Okay, without giving away too much about the story I’ll say the scene where Elizabeth finds herself in trouble and her magic isn’t accessible and she figures out how to get out!

I'm having visions of Buffy the Vampire Slayer over here...seriously I love strong female leads.
Which is your favourite character and why?
Other than the main character, I’d go with Wesley. He’s an elf shifter who is fated to be with Elizabeth and they go through some quite difficult situations in these stories. He’s fun and always supportive of her.

How do you develop your characters?
They grow with each story. I don’t really plan that out, they tend to write themselves.

Have you used any real events or places as inspiration for your writing?
Oh all the time. I grew up in Southeast Georgia and that area shows up in the Born of The Veil. In The Chronicles of Elizabeth Fairbairn, I created the area from when I stayed in Virginia. In a book coming out later, The Forgotten Soul, I used the town I was born in. Another book I’m working on called After The Storm, I am using my current hometown as a basis.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to write a book?
Just do it! Write it out and then go from there. Don’t hesitate or overthink it!

What music do you listen to when writing?
Rock mostly and then some pop. I like something with a lot of energy.

What do you do when you have writers’ block?
I crochet or garden or clean! Something with lots of detail to make me not think of the story. Sometimes reading helps too!

How did you go about developing your cover artwork?  I love this Awakening Fate cover.
This particular cover is art from Stella. She also did the cover for book three, A Moment of Darkness, and I asked her to keep with the same theme

Who are your five favourite authors?
C.L. Gaber, RS McCoy, NK Jemisin, Ally Shields, and Jennifer Malone Wright would be in my top favorites.

What do you write about in your Behind the Pages blog?
Things that affect me daily or in my life. I like to be very personal there so readers can get to know me as a person rather than me as a writer.

What are your writing plans for this year?
​My goal is to get 6 more books out this year and have 9 more completely written.

Oh my goodness, you'll be busy!
What’s your experience of the Fantasy Sci-Fi Readers’ Lounge?
As a member, I’d like to say it’s been fantastic. I’ve met new readers and new to me authors! It’s been fun and exciting. I hope we continue to grow as much as we have already!

Which one of your characters would you like to be?
Jewel! She is a fairy. This is a photo of what I envision her to be. 
​

Quick quiz:
Favourite thing to cook: chicken
Silliest saying: This is a PG interview...so I’ll skip this one.
Best holiday spot: Beach
Most played song: Rolling in the Deep by Adele
With writing, are you a plotter or (seat-of-your) pantser? Pantser for sure!
Do you prefer SciFi or fantasy: Oh...Fantasy.
Best superpower: Reading minds.
Number one thing to do on your bucket list: visit the Highlands of Scotland where my ancestors are from.

Kasper:  Thanks Cheryllynn.  It sure has been an adventurous evening.  Please wait until we land, Nyx....  too late!  I hope she's OK after that big leap.
She'll be fine.  I think it's time for her dinner.  Thanks again for having me.  Bye.
​
​
Cheryllynn's Links:
Website: www.cheryllynndyess.com
Blog:  www.behindthepages.blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cheryllynndyess
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/cheryllynn_dyess
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/cheryllynndyess
Amazon:  www.amazon.com/author/cheryllynndyess
Bookbub: https://goo.gl/zqw1Xy

​

Do you love sci-fi and fantasy?

​Join authors and readers who share the same interests in the Fantasy Sci-fi Readers Lounge.  You can pop in anytime to interact with authors of your favorite genres and participate in games and contests for prizes, giveaways, and more!
 https://www.facebook.com/groups/FantasySciFiReadersLounge/