Julie Nicholls #Interviewed By Mistral Dawn

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Julie Nicholls has been kind enough to join us today!  She's a wonderful author, a talented artist, and an amazing human being who I am honored to call my friend!! :-)  Hi Julie, will you tell us a bit about yourself and how many books you have written?

Julie:  Hi, Mistral, I’ve written one full novel, Demon Within, and two short stories, both of which are available for purchase in ebook format on Amazon.

Me:  Wonderful!!  What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Julie:  Demon Within is the title, and initially the fallen angels theme, which I’ve adopted, was one of my role-playing characters. When I decided to have another go at writing a book,  (this is my third attempt), I wanted to use the angels story, and once I told my husband of my plan, we started talking about it and wham, within an hour, we had the basis for the novel.

Me:  That's amazing!! I've heard of role-playing, but I don't know that much about it. What are you working on now?

Julie:  The second book in the Fallen Angels series is called, Angel Within, and that’s currently going through the editing process.

Me:  Oh my! I'm currently in editing mode myself, it's quite an adventure! :-)  What authors, or books, have influenced you?

Julie:  I love to read Cherise Sinclair, Sylvida Day, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Karen Marie Moning to name but a few.

Me:  Amazing! Those are some of my favorite authors too! Small world. ;-)  For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Julie:  Expect an interesting story with plot twists, secrets, lovable characters, and steamy bedroom scenes. I’ve had very positive feedback from readers, and most have said they read it in two sessions and can’t wait to read the next book.

Me:  Awesome!! That sounds great!! Actually, Demon Within is on my TBR list and I can't wait to get to it! :-)  What is your favorite part of being an author?

Julie:  Interaction with readers. I enjoy social media and having fun is one of my prime directives! I have to be happy, and engaging with readers, friends and new friends, makes for a good day.

I also love painting the covers for my books.

Me:  I totally agree!! Interacting with readers is definitely one of the best parts of being an author.  Thank you to all you readers out there for being so awesome!! :-)  Wow, you write and paint the covers?  That's amazing! Do you have a day job as well?

Julie:  Hell no! I don’t have time! *grinning* I’m am retired, having left England nine years ago to retire to  Bulgaria for a quiet life, I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. I write, paint and do a little bit of gardening when I can be arsed.

Me:  That's wonderful!!!! It's great that you're getting to pursue your passions. :-) What is the hardest?

Julie:  I have trouble getting my brain out of ‘writing mode’, especially if I’m excited, which is usually most of the time. I get a bid giddy and have trouble concentrating on anything else.

Me:  HA! Yeah, sometimes it is hard to tone down the enthusiasm, especially when the story starts to consume your life. ;-)  What genre do you place your book in?

Julie:  Romance, fantasy, paranormal.. I would say borderline erotica. My scenes are relatively explicit and therefore I’m not sure if they’re considered erotica. Maybe someone would let me know?

Me:  I'm in the same boat with you, my sex scenes are explicit, but they start happening fairly late in the story.  Anyone want to chime in?  Erotica or not? :-)  Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers, Julie?

           

Julie:  I’d like to say Thank You! Because without the support of readers, I wouldn’t be talking to you, nor would I have met you and all the other wonderful writers I’m engaging with at the moment.

Me:  So true!! Readers, we cannot say thank you enough for your support!! :-)  And so all of these wonderful people can find you and your books, are there any links you'd like me to post?

Links

Demon Within available on Amazon ebook & paperback

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PV4K8P2

Angel Within available on Amazon for preorder
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCL1JB6

My erotic writing site

http://www.literallysensual.wordpress.com/

Twitter

@juliemirishka

Facebook

www.facebook.com/jnichollsauthor

Julie Nicholls artwork

www.juliemirishkanicholls.wordpress.com

Great!!! Thank you so much for visiting with us today Julie!! Best of luck with your editing, and I know a lot of people are waiting impatiently for the next book!! :-) Everyone else, thank you so much for reading this interview today, and please stay tuned for the latest in interviews, excerpts and musings!! :-)

Mistral Dawn's #StreetTeam!!! :-)

Hi Everyone!!! :-)

I'm forming a street team to help spread the words about my book.  If you are interested in joining, let me know.  There is a group on Facebook where the details are posted, and I will add you to it.  Participation shouldn't cost you anything but a little time, and there will be incentives for those who help me with promotion. :-)

Thank you all so much!!!
Mistral

She #Liked It! She #Really #Liked It! :-)

Hey Everyone!! :-)


Please check out Mary Kirkland's #review of #Bound By The #Summer #Prince, and give her #blog some #love while you're there!! She's so #kind!!! :-)

http://scarymarythehamsterlady.blogspot.com/2015/03/review-bound-by-summer-prince-by.html#comment-form

Ch'kara SilverWolf #Interviewed By Mistral Dawn!

Hi Everyone!!! :-)

Ch'kara SilverWolf has been kind enough to join us today! :-) Ch'kara, will you tell us a bit about yourself and how many books you've written?

Ch'kara: Hi Mistral, well I live in Australia (down South) with my beautiful husband and our furry kids, two beautiful Maine Coons - our boy Tobiah Tiger Cat and our girl Katya Snow Queen. We live in the mountains next to a forest, where the deer come into our property at night and nibble on some of the shrubs. I don’t mind they keep them under control for us. We grow our own vegetables and try to be as sustainable as possible.

My first novel is called Daughter of Light & Dark and is fantasy. I have been told by others that they believe it is YA. I imagine they think that because there is not much blood and death and no sex, although there is a love interest or two. The second one in that series should have been out by now but due to unforeseen circumstances it was delayed. I am definitely going to have it out this year.

I have written several short stories which I published and I have several other novels that have been started and need to get cracking on and finish.

Me: Wow! You're home sounds idyllic! :-) It's totally understandable that life sometimes gets in the way of writing, best of luck on getting back to it! :-) What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Ch'kara: As I said, it is called Daughter of Light & Dark. My main character kept coming to me, although I did not have her name. I could see her clearly what she looked like, her personality etc. Then one day I walked into the bank and the teller who served me reminded me of her and her name was Montayna and so she was named. Some of my characters have come from people I know and they all come and tell me what they want and how their role should evolve.

Me: Ha! Your characters sounds a lot like mine! Pushy people! ;-) What are you working on now?

Ch'kara: I am working on Daughter of Ancient Prophecy, which is the second book. I am hoping to have it out some time this year. It still has to go to the Beta readers and then contact my cover artist; I will be using the same one. She is a fantastic Australian artist Selena Fenech.

Me: Yeah, I love my beta readers and cover artist too! Couldn't possibly do it without them! :-) What authors, or books have influenced you?

Ch'kara: Wow, there are so many wonderful authors that I love David Eddings, Terry Brooks, Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, Jennifer Fallon, to name just a few.

And now there are some wonderful Indie authors. There are so many I love, but some who I have read all of their work are Jade Kerrion, Linell Jeppsen, L W Browning, Susan Illene, Lisa Williamson and there are so many more.

Me: Some of those authors are on my list of favs too!! :-) Especially LW Browning, she's totally awesome! :-) What are you reading now?

Ch'kara: Well I am currently reading your book Taken By The Huntsman. It was recommended to me by my friend L W Browning and I’m loving it. I wish I could just curl up on the sofa and read it till the end, but life gets in the way.

Me: AAAHHH!! *happy dance* Thank you so much!! I'm thrilled you're enjoying it!! :-) And like I said, LW is totally the bomb!! :-) For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Ch'kara: Well I would say if you like a fantasy quest adventure, then come on the journey and join the cast of wizard, sorceress’, shape shifters, faerie, wolves, elves, and the dark lord. The story unfolds as Montayna discovers who she is and where she came from, and why she has the abilities that are unfolding for her.

Me: Wow!! Sounds like an amazing read!!! :-) What is your favorite part of being an author?

Ch'kara: Apart from being able to work in my pajamas lol, I love being able to go on the journey my characters take me on. They are like old friends who come alive on the pages.

Me: Yeah, that is an extremely fun part of being an author. :-) Do you have a day job as well?

Ch'kara: No, I was blessed to be able to stop working several years ago. My husband said I ought to give up the day job and concentrate on my writing, and soon after that I had major surgery and was recovering from that.

Me: Oh! I hope you are fully recovered. It's wonderful your husband takes such good care of you. :-) What would you say are the hardest and easiest parts about being a writer?

Ch'kara: I think at times it’s hard to keep focused if you get negativity.

For me, I also think one of the hardest things is staying focused on one thing. I am creative and can get distracted, and if I am on a role and someone interrupts me, I have to stop what I am doing and go back to it at another time.

The easiest is following my characters as they take me on their journey. This may sound contradictory but if I AM left alone, then I can be in ‘the zone’ for ages which is what I love.

Me: HA! I know exactly what you mean!! World, please go away and let me work! ;-) What genre do you place your book in?

Ch'kara: I put it in Fantasy, although as I said I have been told it’s more YA. I leave it up to readers to decide.

Me: Always a wise decision. ;-) Anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Ch'kara: I thank each and every reader for their support and I would say that when you read a book you enjoy, particularly from Indie authors take the time to write a review. Positive feedback is always helpful to authors.

And I would like to thank you Mistral for the opportunity to connect with your followers.

Blessed Be!

Me: Amen!! You are more than welcome, Ch'kara, thank you so much for joining us today! :-) And so all of these fine folks can find your work, are there any links you'd like me to post?

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Light-Dark-Prophecy-Nitesh-ebook/dp/B008DCOR2O/

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daughter-Light-Dark-Prophecy-Nitesh-ebook/dp/B008DCOR2O/

Website: www.chkarasilverwolf.com

Blog: www.sheerak.wordpress.com

Blog: www.fromchkarasgrimoire.wordpress.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ladychkara

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chkara.silverwolf

Wonderful1! :-) Everyone, I hope you've enjoyed our chat today and that you'll stay tuned for the latest in Mistral's Musings!! :-) In the meantime, have fun!!

I'm #Feeling #Loved!! :-)

Hey Everyone!!

I just wanted to share a couple more shout-outs I've gotten from some truly #awesome people!!! :-)  Please take a couple of moments to check them out, and give these kind folks' blogs some love while you're there! :-)

Thank you so much!!
Mistral

Release Announcement for Bound By The Summer Prince and the first chapter:
https://sheerak.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/new-release-bound-by-the-summer-prince-by-mistral-dawn/

Jen Winters interviewed me!! :-)
https://jenwintersne.wordpress.com/2015/03/03/ten-on-tuesday-mistral-dawn/

Jason Pinnington Interviewed By Mistral Dawn

Hi Everyone!

Jason Pinnington has joined us today! Let's all welcome him by liking and sharing his interview! :-)  Jason, can you tell us about yourself?

Jason:  I’ve always wanted to write but never really got any further than a couple of chapters.  After recovering from cancer I decided that I should do things instead of wanting to do them.  Driven by the thought that we never know what tomorrow brings, I started writing and didn’t stop until I was done.  I was happy then, happy that no matter what tomorrow brought a piece of me would be on the shelf for my kids to pick up whenever they wanted. 

I have one book self published at the moment and another two to follow in 2015.

Me:  Wow! Sounds like you've had quite a journey! Congratulations on winning your battle with cancer. :-) Can you tell us about your book and what inspired it?

Jason:  The name of my book is Harry Webb in ‘A Potato With Her Name On’ and I was inspired to write it by wanting to create something for my children.  Something which would fire their imagination and get them playing the way I used to play when I was a kid. 

During the development stage I asked myself about different things kids like and I hit upon the combination for Harry’s world – roleplay, mystery and bugs! 

Look beyond the story and characters and you’ll find that there is a springboard for roleplay that doesn’t require vast amounts of money to be spent on merchandise and costumes to play. For example, Harry crafts gadgets from everyday stuff he keeps in his pockets, and his new sidekick Marty is a self proclaimed master of disguise. 

I want kids to just read the book and then go and play.  There is no greater accolade than watching my own kids dressing up like Marty and inventing like Harry; one even sat on another’s shoulders to portray a villainous stick insect!

Me: Sounds like your book will be a lot of fun for kids! :-)  What are you working on now?

Jason:  I’m working on a sequel to ‘Potato’ along with a collection of short stories featuring Harry and the gang.  I’m also working on a project away from Harry’s world which I can’t say too much about yet, but a free running chimpanzee will take centre stage.  And I’m storyboarding a comedy play about two brothers who inherit their father’s cleaning business.  Oh, and I’ve been asked to write background pieces for an upcoming role playing game.   Busy 2015!

Me:  Busy, busy, busy!! :-)  Are there any authors, or books, who have influenced you?

Jason:  A wide range of authors have influenced me over the years and it’s extremely difficult to pick any out.  I suppose that on the path I’ve chosen direct influences would come from the likes of Anthony Horrowitz, Douglas Adams, and Roald Dahl.

Recently I’ve had the privilege of discovering indie books and authors though Mark Shaw and IndieBooksBeSeen.  I have to say that these people, their work, their determination and their attitude have been a huge influence.  I wasn’t actually going to write another book after ‘Potato,’ it was a personal goal satisfied.  But this group of great folk have made me want to carry on, to be a part of what they are doing.

Nick Park and the team at Aardman Animations have been a huge influence, but this probably isn’t the time or place...!

Me:  Yeah, Mark is great. His work helping indie authors has made a lot of difference to a lot of people. :-)  What are you reading now?

Jason:  I’m finishing David Jason’s autobiography, then moving on to Annie’s War by Mackenzie Brown.

Me:  Heavy! For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Jason:  These are the questions I struggle with, I’m a bit rubbish at these but here goes...

I hope that what you’ll get is a book that can be enjoyed not just by the youngsters, but by the family.  I’ve aimed to provide clean fun that doesn’t rely on toilet humour for cheap laughs.  It’s set in the nineteen-sixties, so it appeals to the older generations too – in fact I’d say that around 75% of my readers are adults! 

Like the great gumshoe books and TV shows, Harry narrates directly to you, so you know everything he knows.  All the clues are there right up until the point where Harry says, ‘I know who did this.’  And there the chapter ends, leaving an opportunity to figure things out or have a guess.

And finally, as I mentioned earlier, I hope kids will find that spark to put the book down and run past the games console to go and play.  

Me: It sounds like those old radio serials: "The Shadow knows!" ;-)  What is your favorite part of being an author?

Jason:  I love it all, honestly.  And when I stop loving it you’ll know, because I’ll stop writing.

Me:  That's the best way to write! :-)  Do you have a day job as well?

Jason:  I like to keep busy.  By day, I’m a computer technician and I produce a radio show once a week for a station here in Liverpool.  When I’m not working, I’m writing, researching, running or weeding my allotment!  And the best job of all, being a dad.

Me:  Wow, with so many pulls on your attention it's a good thing you love writing or you'd never find the time to do it!  What would you say are the easiest and hardest parts of being a writer?

Jason:  The easiest part for me is having the ideas.  I have lots and lots of little notebooks all brimming with ideas, sketches, characters and plots just waiting to be brought to life.  And that’s where the hardest bit interferes – finding the time to actually get it done – refer to earlier answers!  If there was something that just plugged into my head to get everything out that would be great.  I reckon I’d do about eight books a year if I had one of those...

Me: Ha! I think that's a common wish among authors! :-)  What genre do you place your book in?

Jason:  A friend described the book as Insect Comedy Noir – but I don’t think that’s a genre.  I suppose it would fall under Children’s Mystery... although I had great difficulty placing it in a category on Amazon...

Me: Oh yes, Amazon and their boxes. ;-)  Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Jason:  To tell my readers?  I’d just like to say a big thank you for the support and feedback.  Without them, there’s no point in doing it.

Me:  And so these lovely folks can contact you, are there any links you'd like to share?

Jason:  

Twitter:  @JasonPinnington

Email:  Jason.pinnington.71@gmail.com

Me:  Thank you so much for joining us here today Jason, and best of luck with your books!  Everyone else, please remember to come back next Monday for another interview! :-)

#New #Excerpt From #Bound By The #Summer #Prince!! :-)

Hi Everyone!!! :-)

Thank you so much to the people who made my #Facebook #BookLaunchParty a success yesterday!! You gals #rock! :-)  In appreciation, I thought I'd share just a little bit more from Bound By The Summer Prince today.  Here you go! :-)



She was just contemplating leaving her comfortable chair, and disturbing the occupant of her lap, when the door opened and Uaine walked in. "I have questions for you."

"I would be disappointed if you did not." said Uaine, as he gently closed the door and walked over to take a seat across the table from his Anamchara.

Roni felt uneasy in the man's presence, and when she felt uneasy she always defaulted to aggression. "Why are you holding me prisoner?"

"You are not a prisoner..."

"Then can I leave?" She interrupted.

Uaine took a settling breath. "I will explain everything to you in a moment, but first: is there anything you need?"

"I need my stuff back."

"We will also discuss your belongings momentarily. Jillian mentioned that you had requested a dressmaker?"

"No, I told her I want my clothes back."

Sighing, Uaine prepared for the difficult conversation he knew he needed to have with his Anamchara. It was obvious she was not inclined to make it any easier. Not that her strength of will was a bad thing, in the long run, she'd need it to properly fulfill her duties as queen; but just at that moment he wished for a little less strength, and a little more willingness to be open-minded. At any rate, delay would make it no easier.

"First, Jillian said she told you that you are no longer in the human world, is that correct?"

Roni looked at him warily. "She told me some cockamamie story about being in some magical fairy-land, yeah."

"But you do not believe this is true?"

"It's impossible!"

"Perhaps it may seem that way, humans do not seem to believe in the Fae as they used to, but are there not things you have seen that you cannot explain? Have you not witnessed wonders that do not exist in the human world?"

Roni considered his words. She knew that she couldn't continue to put off thinking about all of the strange things she couldn't explain. Eventually she was going to have to deal with the fact that what she was experiencing didn't make sense under the rules she was used to, or in the world she knew. In the forest she had decided to treat everything as if it were real, on the off chance that it was, because she'd thought that would increase her odds of survival. It seemed as though using the same mental trick now might be a good idea.

She still wasn't entirely convinced that she wasn't dreaming, or hallucinating, or even dead; but she needed to be able to function, and the only way she could think of to do that was to act as though she truly had, somehow, been transported to a mythical world. If she operated under that assumption, it would free her mind to focus on other matters (like how to get back home) and allow her to respond to events and people in her normal, cautious manner. She resolved that she wouldn't fully accept the notion, but her actions would, for the time being, be based on that premise.

"Alright, then how did I get here?"

"You do not remember?"

"I remember falling and then waking up in a jungle."

"You must have somehow encountered a portal that had opened. Normally they require a spell to open them, but occasionally they will open on their own; only the goddess knows why or how. You were not alone when you reached Fairie."

"No, I was being chased by four men. They were all killed."

Uaine took a relieved breath. If his Anamchara was not lying to him, he at least did not have to worry about more humans running around his kingdom armed with cold iron. "Yes, the forests of Fairie are perilous. It was only your possession of human-forged, cold iron which allowed you to escape unscathed."

"What do you mean 'human-forged, cold iron'?"

"There is an item in your bag made from such a substance. It is an anathema to all Fae and protected you in the forest. However, it is very dangerous. I would like to return your possessions to you, including this item, but I must know that you will only use it to defend yourself. I cannot allow you to have it if you will use it to harm my people."

"Well there's no trouble then, I won't be around your people because I'll be going home."

He sighed. "That is another thing we must speak of. You cannot leave Fairie. This would be true regardless of any other circumstances, one of our oldest and most sacrosanct laws is to never allow humans with knowledge of Fairie to return to the human world, but it is especially true because a bond has formed between you and me."

She raised her eyebrow and gave him a dry look. "A bond?"

"Yes." He took a deep breath. "The great mother goddess created a magical bond which forms between two individuals when they have found their perfect match, their soul-mate. We call this bond the Siorghra and our mates are called Anamchara. The Siorghra is recognized and held sacred by all Fae throughout all of Fairie. It is inviolable and unbreakable."

Buy Bound By The Summer Prince On Amazon! :-)

Buy Bound By The Summer Prince On Smashwords! :-)