#Gems Of #Strength #Anthology: Angel Strong By Alana Madden!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

Today, Alana Madden's Angel Strong is the featured story from the Gems Of Strength anthology. Angel Strong joins Deep In The Valley, Focal Point, The Road To Happiness, A Mother's Heart, Combustion, Vanquish, Undeniable Love, Childish Things, Fox, and Burned Toast on my list of awesome sisterhood stories.  I'll let Markie Madden, Alana's publisher, tell you about Alana and her story. :-)

Markie:
Alana Madden’s story is called Angel Strong, and it’s about an angel who doesn’t like the way humans are currently being treated by God, so she rebels against God. Here’s an excerpt:

“We meet in five minutes. I walk down the crisp, clean, white corridors until I get to the meeting room. I enter and take my seat. The room is completely silent. That’s how angels are. Quiet. Morrigan comes in, flanked by her two bodyguards. Her strapless, black cocktail dress is simple, but it hugs her curves and highlights them. When she speaks, her melodic and alto voice is firm, yet soft.
“Greetings, angels. Thank you for coming. I have grave and urgent news.” She pauses. “The humans are killing this planet. I cannot heal it. They cannot be allowed to continue this.” She lets her words sink in. “I am sending all of you in two days to deal with them.”
“What?!” I stand up, my legs slamming the chair into the wall. “Are you crazy? These are your sons, your daughters!” She’s surprised by my outburst, but covers it with a stern look. She never likes anyone to oppose her.
“You will do as I say, Anna. My word is law.”
“Sit down!” Michael whispers harshly.
“I’m sorry, Your Holiness, but I can’t, and I won’t, slaughter them. They deserve to live as much as we do! Their love, their trust, their worship isn’t enough for you? You need more power?” A glance at Michael’s panicked face tells me I went too far.
Morrigan’s lips press into a hard line. “Fine. If you want to defend them, then you can die with them. You are hereby banished from Heaven.” Everyone is frozen in shock. “You shall be stripped of your powers but keep your wings as a reminder of your banishment. You have until tomorrow, or as punishment you shall be cast into Hell like the demon you are,” she states firmly.
Michael stands up, confident but a little nervous. “Your Holiness, she is a great angel and a good asset. I think…”
“Sit down and be silent or you shall join her!” Morrigan booms. He quickly sits back down, his guilt evident in his eyes when he glances at me. All the others are silent, their eyes respectfully and guiltily downcast. This makes me angry, her easy dismissal, their unwillingness to come to my aid. I’m doing the dumbest thing ever; I think, what could it hurt? I make an Oath.
“I swear on the purity of my soul, that I shall return and make you rue this day.” Her eyes flare with extreme anger, her power manifesting around her. Michael’s face is panic-stricken. I’m insane now, and I recognize it.”

Alana's bio:Alana Madden was born in Flint, Michigan May 25, 1999, and she now lives with her parents in a small rural town in southeast Missouri. She’s currently a junior in high school and aspires to be a teacher. She is also a writer, and is working on several young adult dystopian novels which will be published through Metamorph Publishing, an independent publishing company started by her mother. Her upcoming book, Unrelenting Hell is the first book in her YA series Apocolyptic, and the second book in the series is called Enduring Hell.

Visit her Amazon page at https://amazon.com/author/alanamadden.

You can find out more about her by visiting Metamorph Publishing at https://metamorphpublishing.com

Or by visiting her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alanammadden.

#RedHot #Summer #Giveaway! $150 #Cash #Grand #Prize! #Free To #Enter!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

There's a new giveaway for you to enter with lots of awesome prizes!! :-)  It's free to enter, there are over 100 prizes, and the grand prize is $150 cash payable through PayPal!! :-)  Now isn't that worth taking a few minutes to check out? ;-)   Here are all the details:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today!  And don't forget to check back tomorrow for the next installment of Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)

#Interview With Andy Peloquin!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I've got a new interview for you today! I know, two in one week, what's the world coming to? ;-)  Today Andy Peloquin is joining us!  Andy, will you tell us about yourself and how many books you have written?

Andy: My name is Andy Peloquin, and I've written five books. Two are published (one in 2015, one Aug 19th, 2016), one self-published, one in the final stages of editing, and one on submission to agents. My self-published novel is fantasy/sci-fi/historical/metaphysical, but the other four are dark fantasy and grimdark. I've been an avid reader since a VERY young age. I have a memory of six-year-old Andy poring through an encyclopedia and devouring stories of the Greek and Viking gods. Books have been a constant in my life since I could turn a page.

Me:  I agree, mythology is excellent fodder for fantasy! :-)  What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Andy:  The title of the latest book is Lament of the Fallen, Book 2 in The Last Bucelarii series. This series follows the journey of a half-demon assassin as he tries to find answers about his forgotten past, his demonic heritage, and the voices in his head that drive him to kill. It's a grim, visceral story of a man who is as much a victim of his mind as he is a killer. I've always loved the darker side of human nature. Serial killers, thieves, assassins, and other criminals make for the best story subjects. My martial arts history made me want to write an action/adventure story, but this quickly became a story that focused on a killer with just enough good in him to keep him from being a villain.

Me:  Nice! The tortured antihero is almost always interesting. What are you working on now?

Andy:  I've submitted the third book in the series (titled Gateway to the Past) to my publisher, and I've begun work on polishing up the rough draft of the fourth book for submission in early-to-mid 2017. I'm also shopping around a side trilogy set in the same world, following the journey of a young, innocent girl to a hard-bitten, ruthless thief. It's a fascinating look at what would transform the former to the latter, yet also an epic fantasy adventure.

Me:  Congratulations! :-) What authors, or books, have influenced you?

Andy:  I’d have to say my two greatest influences have been Brandon Sanderson and Scott Lynch. Brandon Sanderson's writing is complex, structured, and incredibly profound. On first glance, it's epic fantasy, but once you delve into it, there are so many layers to each story. Scott Lynch has made me fall in love with his characters, and I feel challenged to do the same for others. I want to write characters as memorable and unique as his, with the same amount of "heart" he puts into his writing. You can tell that he labors over each page and word to ensure that everything is as good as it can be.

Me:  Cool! What are you reading now?

Andy:  I'm working my way through David Weber's 2 million-word (rough estimate--that's how long it feels!) Safehold series. SUCH good books that blend historical fiction, fantasy, and science fiction together. I have never read anything like them, and I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys a more literary style of SFF.

Me:  Classics are often worth the effort. ;-)  For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Andy:  Chills and feels! My books involve plenty of heart-pounding action, but there are moments of sorrow, loss, betrayal, death, and inner conflict. I've done my best to make sure you will not be able to put the books down.

Me:  Sounds great! :-)  What is your favorite part of being an author?

Andy:  Being able to share a part of myself with everyone. I've always been an outcast, and writing this unique character (a half-demon assassin) is a perfect way to showcase some of the things I've been struggling with my whole life. It's also an interesting way to portray mental illness, and how profoundly it can affect people.

Me:  I agree, getting to explore things that are scary in real life is a fantastic aspect of writing. :-)  Do you have a day job as well?

Andy:  I do. I am a freelance writer, and I'm fortunate enough to work with companies that keep me supplied with regular work. I've managed to streamline my schedule so I can divide it fairly evenly between day job, writing, and the other activities of daily life.

Me:  That's awesome! :-)  What are the hardest and easiest parts about being a writer?

Andy:  The hardest part: consistency, even when the last thing you want to do is edit another damned page or write another word. The easiest part: writing, especially when you get into the flow and the story just washes over you. It doesn't happen often, but it's an intensely addictive rush you can't help but want over and over.

Me:  I agree, when the muse is a siren, it's an amazing experience! :-)  What genre do you place your book in?

Andy:  Dark fantasy/grimdark. The story is dark, grim, gritty, and there's no happily ever after. It also deals with monsters, demons, mental illness, tragedy, murder, mayhem, violence, and death. Not suitable for minors, but a book worth reading even for those who aren't huge fantasy fans.

Me:  Exciting! Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Andy:  Buy my book! (Heh, all authors want to say that, right?) I will say this: give it a chance. Pop over to Amazon and check out the "Look Inside". Give it a few pages to draw you in with the world, the character, and the ambience. Dark fantasy may not be your genre, but I guarantee there is something innately human about this half-demon character that you will identify with.

Me:  Definitely, please give indie books a chance! ;-)  And so these find people can do that, are there any links you'd like me to post?

Andy:
Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Bucelarii-Book-Lament-Fallen/dp/1535388668/

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Last-Bucelarii-Book-Lament-Fallen/dp/1535388668/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30973111-lament-of-the-fallen

Me:  Wonderful!  Thank you so much for stopping by today, Andy, and best of luck with your upcoming release.  And thank you everyone else who joined us! Also, don't forget to check back tomorrow for the latest in Mistral Dawn's musings! :-)

#APC #Spotlight: The Keeper Of The Wind By Mark Shaw!

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm featuring Mark Shaw in my APC spotlight! Mark is an active and supportive member of the  Authors-Professional Co-op Facebook group, and the founder of the #IndieBooksBeSeen hashtag and Facebook group.  The young adult fantasy, The Keeper Of The Wind, is Mark's debut novel. Here's the description:

When a trio of high school seniors list three ancient artifacts for sale on eBay, professor and archaeologist of native artifacts, Mitch Waters, believes he hit the jackpot. But is he concerned more with historical preservation or his own fame and fortune?

Author Mark A. Shaw brings together an unlikely yet entertaining trio of high school seniors, each of a different race and upbringing, who are separated from their senior class during a high school camping trip. On their own in the wilderness, they come across three authentic artifacts in a hidden cave.

The events that unfold once they return to safety and attempt to sell their newfound treasures on eBay intersect modern with ancient worlds, superstition with truth, and trust with trickery. In the tradition of children’s literature classics, The Keeper of the Wind takes readers on a magical and enthralling journey, along which three best friends learn the true meaning of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance.

This page-turning read introduces Mark A. Shaw as a powerful up-and-coming young adult fiction novelist, leaving readers to wonder: Will there be a sequel?

Sound interesting? Great! You can get your copy here:

Thank you so much for stopping by, everyone! And don't forget to check back tomorrow! :-)

#Agent Thoth's #Personal Log: Day 144

Hey Everyone! :-)

Agent Thoth is back today and he has a few more thoughts to share about life with the hominids. Incidentally, if you've missed Agent Thoth's earlier entries, you can find them here: Thoth's Journal

Department for the Preservation and Confirmation of Intelligent Life (DPCIL)

Agent Thoth's Personal Log

Day One-Hundred-Forty-Four:
She drugged me! As I said, I knew my hominid-servant was displeased with my research excursion, but I never expected her to stoop so low as to purposely impair my faculties with psychotropic substances! Do hominids know no limits?

After she applied the chemical-scented fluid, my hominid-servant then spread some dried herbs on the floor near me. As you might imagine, I was rather preoccupied with trying to remove the liquid that was polluting my person, so at first I ignored the drug she was tempting me with. But then I caught the scent of it, even over the substance on my back, and it was intoxicating!

I couldn't help myself! I was drawn to the herbs on the floor and felt an overwhelming urge to rub myself against them and get the particles all through my fur. Once the smell of the herbs permeated every corner of my consciousness, I was moved to taste them. Normally, I would never consider ingesting pieces of dried plant-matter, but as I said the scent of these herbs is intoxicating!

It wasn't long before the drug took complete control of my psyche and I lost all sense of decorum. It's clear that this is what my hominid-servant intended because I have a clear memory of her sitting nearby laughing at me as I helplessly wallowed on the floor in the midst of the treacherous herbs. This is in spite of the fact that I have very little memory of anything else that happened once I was fully immersed in the influence of the drug.

I do know that a heavy blanket of exhaustion came over me, and I was forced to indulge in a much longer and deeper nap than is normal for me. Fortunately, when I woke up my mind had cleared and I was only left with an urgent hunger. My hominid-servant must have known that the drug would affect me this way, as she had left a fresh bowl full of food-pellets out for me.

What's Good For The Goose...

Hey Everyone!! :-)

I'm back with another post about US politics today.  I know, I know, how boring.  Especially for those of you who don't live in the US. I get it, move on. Except...I can't. This election cycle is just so divisive and involves so many important issues, I just can't not put my two cents in.  All I can say to those of you who are tired of these posts is that I try not to post more than one per week, I'll do my best to tell you upfront what type of post it is so you can skip it if you want, and November will be here soon. ;-)

Okay, still with me?  Great! Here we go...

So, for those of you who don't know, last week the Democratic Party held their convention and their nominee was officially selected.  As I think almost everyone probably knows, Hillary Clinton received the nomination, which means there is no longer any possibility that Bernie Sanders could be the Democratic candidate. In addition, Bernie Sanders endorsed Hillary Clinton and has repeatedly said that he will not run against her as a Green or Independent candidate. So, at this point, it is clear that Bernie Sanders will not be the US President, at least not in 2016.

What does this all mean?  Well, it means a Trump vs. Clinton race and if you know what the outcome will be, all I can say is, can I borrow your crystal ball?  Seriously, it's impossible to tell which of them will win.  They are both incredibly unpopular.  Almost cartoonishly so.  I mean if you wanted to write a dark comedy about a US Presidential race, this would be a great matchup for you to use.

On one hand, you have Trump, who is a bigoted, narcissistic, ignorant, overly-sensitive, immature, dishonest, con-artist, man-child.  And on the other hand you have Clinton, who is an insincere, corporately-owned, lying, cheating, pro-corporate, pro-war, anti-environment, anti-labor sellout. What a choice, right?

I mean, Hillary Clinton literally STOLE AN ELECTION!!!  She did not gain the nomination because she won, she gained it through massive election fraud perpetrated on her behalf by the Democratic Party leadership.  Which, astonishingly, is something that no one seems to want to talk about!  Can we spell "coverup," ladies and gentlemen?  And yet...the other candidate is Donald Trump.

Or is that the only choice?  Because despite what the corporate media will tell you, there are other candidates. The two main alternative candidates are Dr. Jill Stein for the Green Party and Gary Johnson for the Libertarian Party.

And yes, I'm quite familiar with all of the arguments against a third-party vote. The most powerful of said arguments is that there hasn't been a US President who wasn't either a Democrat or a Republican since the two parties came into existence in the mid-1800s. My answer to that is that the very fact that the two current major parties replaced the parties that came before them means that there have been political shifts in the US in the past. Maybe it's time for another one.

Look at it this way, I'm an Independent voter in a swing state. I'm exactly what both parties need to win before November.  As a left-leaning Independent, the Democratic Party especially depends on the votes of people like me.  And yet, I'm not going to vote for Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.  Do you think I'm alone?  I don't.

Why?  Well, because Trump is a hideous, disgusting mess who I think needs to be locked in a mental institution until he reconnects with reality and learns how to act like a semi-decent human being.  And Hillary?  Good grief!  Do I have to say it again?  She STOLE a fucking election!!!!!!  Democracy? pfffttt!  Who needs it, right?  And that doesn't even get into my other problems with her like the TPP, the fact that she's in favor of fracking, against universal healthcare, against regulating and breaking up big banks, in favor of war, etc.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I know she's claiming now that her positions have changed.  I don't believe her. Why? She STOLE a fucking election!!!  Anyone willing to abrogate the democratic process in order to gain power, won't be above welching on a few campaign promises.  No matter how detestable you find Donald Trump, and I do find him enormously detestable, at least he won his nomination honestly: by convincing people to vote for him.  I question the sanity of those people, but their votes at least counted.  The Democrats, on the other hand, declared that the Will of The People is irrelevant and that they're above the law.  And, apparently, they're right since NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT!

If you want to know more about my thoughts on the two major party candidates, you can read about them here: Why I'm Saying #BernieorBust.  But let's look at a third-party vote.  Yes, it's a long shot, but at least it's a palatable option for people who find it impossible to support either of the two major party candidates.

There are definitely plenty of arguments against Dr. Stein and Gary Johnson.  For one thing, the Green Party candidate isn't even on the ballot in all 50 states.  They're working to change that, and they may well succeed before November, but at the moment they aren't. Gary Johnson is either on the ballot or is an optional write-in candidate for all 50 states.  As a progressive, I identify far more with Dr. Stein. There are several really important issues that I am diametrically opposed to Gary Johnson on, but I'd still vote for him before Trump or Clinton.

Then, of course, there's the option of not voting. I would argue strongly against this for anyone considering it.  Yeah, I know, I get it. Voting can be a pain. Where I live, I have to drive about half an hour on narrow, twisting country roads.  In November, when the weather is always uncertain.  And I'll have to go vote after I finish work, which in November, means it will probably be dark.  But I still think it's important that everyone vote.

Why? Because to not vote means to give up your voice.  Not lose it, not have it taken from you by force, not be drowned out by the multitude, but to simply surrender.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I think having choices is something worth fighting for.  So, I would urge all of you to vote.

Yes, yes, I know plenty of you are thinking at this point that I'm just wasting my vote if I vote for a third-party candidate.  I'm pretty sure I've heard all the arguments by now.  But what they all really boil down to is that a third-party candidate doesn't have a chance of winning.

You may be right. Historically, you are right.  But look at the political climate in this country now, it's like nothing I've ever seen before.  If there's a time when a third-party candidate might actually have a chance of winning, I'd say it's now. It's a really long shot, but it might just be possible.

Now, if you actually do support Trump or Clinton, then by all means, you should vote for them. That's what democracy means.  But if you are only gritting your teeth and holding your nose and voting for Clinton because she's not Trump or Trump because he's not Clinton, maybe you should consider if Stein or Johnson is a candidate you could actually support.  After all, if everyone who says they won't vote for a third-party candidate because a third-party candidate doesn't have a chance of winning actually voted for a third-party candidate, then those candidates actually would have a chance of winning!

Like I said, people like me often vote for Democrats, not because we think they're great candidates, but because they're generally better than the Republicans. But after everything that happened in the primaries, there are an awful lot of progressives who just can't see ourselves voting for Hillary Clinton.  And since she seems bound and determined to spit in our faces at every possible opportunity (Tim Kaine as a VP pick, hiring Debbie Wasserman Schultz five seconds after she was forced to step down as Party Chair for committing election fraud, war-hawking during her acceptance speech, etc.), I don't see how she's going to convince us to change our minds.

And if you think Donald Trump's flagrant bigotry and insanity has left the Republican Party less fractured, you haven't been paying attention. Yes, his populist rhetoric on economics does resonate with some people, but if the Democrats don't spend the next three months exposing that for the shell game that it is, then there's just no hope for the Democratic Party. Because that's an obvious target with a plethora of vulnerabilities.

To reiterate, if ever a third-party candidate had a chance, I'd say that time is now.  So, for everyone who tells me that I'm wasting my vote by voting for Dr. Stein, or that I should vote for Clinton to prevent a Trump presidency, or Trump to prevent a Clinton presidency, my response is going to be that they should vote for Jill Stein or Gary Johnson to prevent a Trump or Clinton presidency. After all, what's good for the goose is good for the gander, right?

Peace!

#Interview With Newland Moon!

Hey Everyone!!

Today Newland Moon is here to tell us all some exciting news! But first, Newland,will you tell us the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Newland: The title of my latest novel is Rites of Heirdron. It’s a compilation of many different influences and genres. I’ve always had a love of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Rites of Heirdron allowed me to combine those loves and add an impassioned romantic element.

Me: Those are my two favorite genres too! :-)  What are you working on now?

Newland: I’m currently finishing the succeeding novel for Rites of Heirdron. It wasn’t a planned book. However, everyone who read the first book kept asking about a second. There’s more to explore, so, I decided to see where Zrahnz and Melanie would lead me.

Me: It's wonderful when one idea leads to another. Yay muse! ;-)  What are you reading now?

Newland: I just started reading Demon Within by Julie Nicholls. It has been sitting on my kindle for a month and I finally have time to sit back and enjoy it.

Me:  That's one of my favorite books! :-)  For those who might consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?

Newland:  Rites of Heirdron is categorized as a sci-fi fantasy erotic romance. However, my deeper love of epic fantasy led the way. My characters are multidimensional, flawed, and relatable. Some parts will enrage you while others will tug at your heartstrings. The plot is layered and well developed with several twists that may surprise many. I love to add those tiny elements throughout to keep the reader guessing and turning pages. The romantic element is also throughout. It doesn’t consume the plot, but it is interwoven, yet not overly so. The romance is crucial, but it is only a part of the larger concept. It’s my hope that I have delivered a well-balanced novel that will satisfy the reader. Rites of Heirdron is a compelling tale of love, honor, betrayal, abhorrence, heartbreak, healing, and love. In addition, it all takes place in the magnificent Ahmezurhran Galaxy.

Me:  Sounds awesome! :-) What is your favorite part of being an author?

Newland:  I love creating new worlds, new species, and new languages.

Me: I agree, world-building is a lot of fun. :-)  Do you have a day job as well?

Newland:  Oh, yes. I have my nine to five and little ones as well.

Me:  Busy, busy, busy.  What are the hardest and easiest parts about being a writer?

Newland:  The hardest part is finding the time to sit down and write. I keep notepads with me at all times and use my phone as well.  The easiest part is when you have that rhythm and it all just flows. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Me: Yes, it's amazing when the words just come.  What genre do you place your book in?

Newland:  Sci-Fi Fantasy Romance

Me.  Cool!  Who designed your cover?

Newland:  I have been extremely fortunate to find some wonderful ladies to work with. The Fabulous Julie Nicholls designed my cover and made all of my promos. Morgan Smith edited Rites and both are talented authors as well.

Me:  Julie Nicholls is awesome! :-)  Now, for your news! What would you like to tell all these fine people? ;-)

Newland:  Rites of Heirdron was accepted by Kindle Scout for a possible publishing contract! It is an exciting time and I am both humbled and honored. If I may, I would like to invite your readers to visit my page and read an excerpt. If they enjoy Rites of Heirdron, I hope that they will click the “nominate me” button. If I receive a contract, they will receive a FREE advanced copy of Rites of Heirdron!

https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/2H1YM4ROGQFBE

Me: Wonderful!!  I've already nominated it and I'm looking forward to my free copy. :-)  Are there any other links you'd like me to post?

Newland:  Yes. Please.

https://www.facebook.com/Newland.Moon/

https://twitter.com/Newland_Moon

https://newlandmoonblog.wordpress.com/

https://youtu.be/VfzvQMW6bWE

Thank you for the fantastic interview! It has been my pleasure “chatting” with you and your followers.

Me:  You're quite welcome, and thank you, Newland! I wish you all the luck in the world in getting that publishing contract! :-)  Everyone else, thank you so much for joining us and please remember to check back tomorrow for the latest in Mistral Dawn's Musings! :-)