Interview with Author Maer Wilson

Relics by Maer Wilson. New Release from Crescent Moon Press

After reading Relics, I decided I would like to find out a little more about this novel and its creator. Maer Wilson was kind enough to join me for a more in Relics 760x1140 - Copydepth look into Relics.

Here is the blurb.

Most of Thulu and La Fi’s clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency  caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.

The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.

Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.

When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi’s search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that’s what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.

When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they’re nothing like your mother’s fairy tales. 

You can read more or buy a copy here: On amazon

I really enjoyed reading Relics. Will you share with us how Relics came to be?

Thanks for your kind words, Jody, and thank you so very much for having me on today.  This book actually grew out of the main characters, Thulu and La Fi. I used to play World of Warcraft and there were several people in our guild whose names began with “Moo”. This one couple especially was confusing and I thought I’d give them nicknames based on their in-game names. The result was Thulu and La Fi and when I saw the names, the characters were in my head saying, “No, we don’t belong to them. You need to tell our story!” So, I sat down and wrote the first draft in five weeks. Of course, the subsequent drafts took over a year and included ripping out the entire second half of the book and rewriting it.

I was born in the San Francisco Bay Area so your novel is close to my old stomping grounds. Is there a reason you chose that part of California for your setting?

I love the city! I’ve been there several times over the years, but I spent a week there about five years ago and fell in love with it. It seemed a perfect fit for my characters. I can’t imagine them living anywhere else.

There are so many great characters in Relics. Between the ghosts, Daemons, magical creatures, and humans with amazing supernatural abilities, I don’t think I could narrow it down to only one. Is there a particular character you really enjoyed writing, and why?

Thanks for saying that. I adore writing so many of them that it’s quite hard to choose. Certainly Thulu, La Fi, Jones, Nana Fae and Reo are the obvious choices, but I have so much fun with the others, as well. If I had to pick only one other than Thulu and La Fi, I think it would have to be Reo. He has so many layers and, of course, he’s a performer as his alter ego, Brandy Malone. I love his sense of humor and his erratic, but very strong abilities. He’s gay and has some fun scenes, but he breaks the stereotype. I think he’s very “realistic” for an empath, telepath, psychic. He was written for my gay friends and family members.

I thought Reo was a very realistic character as well – good job!  What’s next? Are you working on a new novel?

Portals, Book 2 of The Thulukan Chronicles, is complete and going through the last round with my beta readers before I submit to my publisher. I’ve begun Book 3, Crossroads, which I’m very excited to really get into. Two prequel short stories have been completed and gone through my beta readers. I also have an historical fantasy, The Journal, sitting on a back burner, teasing me now and then.

What is your writing schedule like and do you have any writing rituals?

I have to be comfortable. I’m envious of those who can write anywhere. I need to be home and in my study, at my desk and kicked back, with my feet up on a small ottoman. I usually like to listen to soundtracks. I don’t really keep to a schedule for the novels, although I’m writing something every day. I also write for my website, podcast site and two gaming fansites.

Do you have a favorite hobby or pastime that doesn’t involve writing or reading?

I love crafts although I haven’t had time to play around with anything recently. I’ve made award winning costumes, done various beading projects on costumes and purses, made dream catchers, played in my different coloring books, crochet, needlepoint, latch hook, whatever strikes me as fun. I also love watching movies. Now and then I hike, ride my bike, and take the one of the dogs for a walk.

You have many interests. I like that and I can definitely relate. Would you like to share any sage advice for a writer who is just starting out?

Well, the best “sage advice” I know comes to me from author Tim Powers, so I think I’ll just pass that along: If you want to write, then read. Read everything you can get your hands on. Not only in the genre you want to write in, but other genres, as well.

What a wonderful quote. Thank you! Will you share a favorite author or novel with us? Something that has inspired you and your writing career.

There are so many authors I respect, enjoy and have learned from by reading their work over the years, that it’s tough to narrow it down to one. Probably the two I admire the most would be the best I can do. George R.R. Martin and his “A Song of Ice and Fire” series because I find his writing and stories brilliant. I never can predict where he’s going. And J.K Rowling for the “Harry Potter” series because it’s sheer fun, entertaining and simply awesome. She’s a fabulous storyteller.

I also adore J.K. Rowling. Thank you Maer for giving us a peek into your world. Here is some more information about Maer Wilson and where you can find her.

Maer’s Bio

After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks Maer Authorof that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she’s a writer. She’s always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she’s not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. She also co-hosts the literary podcast, “MythBehaving” and writes for two gaming fansites. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her two dogs, a chihuahua and a poodle. Relics is her first novel and will be released by Crescent Moon Press on May 1, 2013. You can visit her website at maerwilson.com.

Maer’s Website – maerwilson.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maer-Wilson-Author/149085628472833

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MaerWilson

Goodread’s – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7040319.Maer_Wilson

Maer at MythBehaving – http://mythbehaving.com/

***Fun read, great characters, intriguing, and unique. 5 stars for Relics.***

New Release & Review of Relics by Maer Wilson

Relics by Maer Wilson is a brand new release from Crescent Moon Press. I was fortunate to receive an advance reader copy (ARC) for review. Here is the blurb:Relics 760x1140 - Copy

Most of Thulu and La Fi’s clients are dead. Which is perfect since their detective agency  caters to the supernatural. So, a job finding relics for an ancient daemon should be simple.

The daemon needs the relics to keep a dangerous portal closed. His enemy, Gabriel, wants the relics to open the portal and give his people access to a new feeding ground – Earth.

Stunning humanity with their existence, portals to other worlds begin to open and the creatures of magic return to Earth.

When Gabriel threatens their family, Thulu and La Fi’s search becomes personal. The couple will need powerful allies in the race to find the relics before Gabriel does. But maybe that’s what grateful dead, magical allies and daemonic clients are for.

When the creatures of myth and magic return to Earth, they’re nothing like your mother’s fairy tales.

Here are my thoughts

I loved this story from page one. I challenge you to read the first page of Relics and not be sucked into this novel. That is exactly what happened to me. The author has created a unique and creative story filled with plot twists and mystery, characters that you love, but you know you really shouldn’t, and others that are endearing and make you wish you could invite them over for dinner.

The author gives quite a bit of backstory and history between the two main characters, Thulu and LaFi (I love these names by the way.) Their history together really gives you an in-depth look into their relationship, and their very supportive family, the Thulukan clan.

Thulu has the special ability to “find” things and LaFi sees and speaks to dead people. This is the perfect combination for owning and operating their own detective agency for their peculiar clients. When they are approached by  a new client to help find a missing locket and then suddenly a handful of ghosts show up in their office all looking for the same murderer, the story seems to be a clear case of a who dunnit.  Except… then the action takes an unusual twist which keeps the reader turning pages to find out what is really going on.

Enter the magical beings and an interesting new take on Angels vs. Daemons, portals to other dimensions, and ancient relics needed to save the earth from a horrible destiny. Yes, all this really is packed into one fantastic novel.

This book is unlike any other that I have read before — which isn’t a bad thing. Ms. Wilson has an obvious talent for writing great dialogue and creating unexpected scenarios full of intrigue and imagination. She is a descriptive writer without being too wordy and the entire novel is extremely well written. I especially enjoyed her wide variety of characters. All of whom have depth and originality. Besides LaFi and Thulu, Reo is a particular favorite of mine and I recommend you read Relics to find out more about this interesting individual. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

***Fun read, great characters, intriguing, and unique. 5 stars for Relics.***

You can read more or buy a copy here: On amazon

Maer’s Bio

After a successful career being other people, and later teaching others the many tricks Maer Authorof that trade, Maer Wilson has decided to be herself for a while. Turns out she’s a writer. She’s always loved stories, especially fantasy, mystery and sci fi. Maer was born in the Year of the Dragon and has a dragon-themed room in her home, but sadly no dragons in the back yard. When she’s not writing, Maer plays online video games, teaches college and reads. She also co-hosts the literary podcast, “MythBehaving” and writes for two gaming fansites. She lives in the high desert of Southern Nevada with her two dogs, a chihuahua and a poodle. Relics is her first novel and will be released by Crescent Moon Press on May 1, 2013. You can visit her website at maerwilson.com.

Maer’s Website – maerwilson.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maer-Wilson-Author/149085628472833

Twitter – https://twitter.com/MaerWilson

Goodread’s – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7040319.Maer_Wilson

Maer at MythBehaving – http://mythbehaving.com/

Behind the Book – A Special Look at Death Lies Between Us

Behind the Book – A Special Look at Death Lies Between Us by Jody A Kessler.

Death Lies Between Us is the first book in the An Angel Falls series. It is a new adult paranormal romance and new release from Crescent Moon Press. If you haven’t had a chance to read Death Lies Between Us, here is a little more about it.

DLBU cover

Saving the life of someone you love should not be the worst thing you have ever done, unless you are an Angel of Death.

Disgruntled with his position in the afterlife and conflicted by his feelings toward his new client, Nathaniel Evans forgoes the rules and saves nineteen year old Juliana Crowson from being hopelessly stuck in Forge Creek. This alters Juliana’s destiny and she finds herself in a series of near death accidents.

In the mountains of Colorado, Nathaniel comforts Juliana as she struggles to understand her paranormal abilities while coping with her brother’s drug addiction. When an ill-tempered Native American Shaman teaches her the difference between ghosts and place memories, she decides she wants nothing to do with the supernatural world. Too bad she doesn’t know that Nathaniel is part of it.

Will fate bring these two together, or has Nathaniel made the biggest mistake of his afterlife?

Here’s the skinny behind Death Lies Between Us

1) The setting for Death Lies is loosely based on Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Many readers think that the novel is my hometown (that location is undisclosed), but it isn’t. I have visited Pagosa Springs many times and love the town, the hot springs, and the surrounding area.

2) There is a lot of Native American mythology and folklore in Death Lies Between Us. I have my husband to thank for that inspiration. He is part Native American and even though the majority of my writing is the work of my imagination, he has been a wonderful resource for me.

3) Juliana Crowson is an herbalist in training. She works at her grandmother’s herb shop, Native Naturals. Juliana’s love of healing plants stems from my long time passion and study of herbal medicine.

4) The music influence in Death Lies Between Us comes from my own experiences of hanging around with musicians, going to concerts, and my obsession with Alternative Rock. I can’t imagine life without music in it, and I also love to write about it.

Does music influence your life? If so, how? Or share a favorite band or album. I love hearing about new music!

If you have anything you would like to know about Death Lies Between Us, feel free to ask in the comments.

And because I am so excited, I am sharing my good news here. Book 2 in the An Angels Falls series has just been signed with Crescent Moon Press!  Release date has not been set. Stay tuned 🙂

Queen of Jastain By Kary Rader

Queen of Jastain by Kary Rader

New release from Crescent Moon Press. What a gorgeous cover!

QoJlarge Kary Rader

 

The Light brought her to him, but does he have the faith to make her his queen?

For twenty years, Avant plotted revenge against the dark king, but when a mysterious woman suddenly appears, everything changes. Although his prophetic Gift reveals she’s the Seed of Light chosen to restore the Crown, his overwhelming attraction to the women threatens his long-held plan for revenge and two decades of fidelity.

Abby Randall is inexplicably transported from Dallas to the medieval land of Jastain. There she meets Avant, who claims she’s the foretold champion of his people. While the hot guy has her hormones pumping, his crazy talk of defeating an evil king leaves questions to his sanity. Through his supernatural Gift, Avant transplants his memories into her, but neither are prepared for how their hearts intertwine.

Together they embark on their quest, but when Abby and Avant come face to face with destiny, will they sacrifice what matters most to provide a happily-ever-after for the people of Jastain?

Excerpt:

When Avant climbed back to the cave, his hair was wet. He’d slicked it back from his face and tied it into a little ponytail with a leather string. The sexy shadow of a light beard softened his angular jaw, and the thick waves of his hair shined with chestnut highlights in the morning sun. It was a good look for him, but then again, what wasn’t? Abby ran her fingers through her own tangled tresses and pulled her hair back. What she wouldn’t give for a hairclip.

Would you like a thong for your hair?”

She giggled at the word thong, certain that what she pictured was not what he referenced. “Do you have an extra one? I’d like to get it out of my face, and I don’t have anything.” Actually she had her own thong, but she sure as hell wasn’t putting it in her hair.

He immediately unlaced the tie at the neck of his shirt and handed it to her.

She gasped and put a hand to her face to hide the heat in her cheeks as his shirt fell open below his breast bone. “You don’t have to do that.”

Her blood coursed wildly at the sight of the smooth muscles of his chest. A soft sprinkling of dark hair beckoned her fingers. She swallowed hard.

 “It’s all right. Please use it. It will be a hard day’s journey with hair in your face.” His words rang in her mind so sincerely she forgot her embarrassment, but her eyes kept flitting to his heavenly chest.

Thank you, Avant, and not only for the lace but for everything you’re doing to help me.

Holding her gaze, he nodded once, and her heart fluttered. Was it getting warm in the cave? She wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead.

 “It is time to be off if we are to make it to the next shelter before nightfall.” He picked up his pack and walked to the mouth of the cave. She grabbed her bag and followed.

Climbing down proved to be more difficult than going up. The muscles required to lower herself from one level to the next worked her thighs and butt like no gym equipment she’d ever experienced. It was like doing hours of squats. She trudged down the mountain with the previous day’s tumult weighting her down like the “freshman ten.” Avant helped her along on the steeper steps, but, for the most part, she made them on her own, clippity-clopping in those damned Docinis all the way.

When he reached the bottom, he disappeared around an outcropping. Abby took the last little step to the base and hurried after him. As she turned the corner, Avant grabbed her arm and spun her around. Driving her back against the rock, he pressed the length of his rigid body against her. His face, barely three inches from hers, clenched in thin lines of stress. Her heart raced…with fear.

She was pretty sure it was fear.

More here on amazon

About Kary Rader

Kary Rader is a part-time Twitter sage, stay-at-home mother of three, and slave to the Kary Profile Piccharacters and worlds inside her head. Always creative, she’s drawn to stories with fantastical worlds and creatures. With a little bit of magic and divine guidance, there isn’t anything that can’t be accomplished with words. It’s the power of words that creates and destroys. Vanquishing evil and injustice while finding eternal love in the process is all in a day’s work. With the help of her critique partners and master cartographer imaginary places come to life.

 You can find her at:

www.karyrader.com

Facebook

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Earth Day & New Book Contract Celebration!

Celebrating Earth Day and my book contract for the 2nd book in my series, An Angel Falls, I’m visiting over at a couple of my favorite bloggers sites and I am giving away 2 e-copies of Death Lies Between Us

For an amazing look into Death Lies Between Us and its author, pop on over to Author Open MIC on Wicked Romance Blog page. Jean Murray is hosting me and offering an ecopy of Death Lies to one lucky person. This giveaway will run April 22-29. Make sure to comment and enter the rafflecopter.

and…

Read a special excerpt from Death Lies Between Us and enter to win an e-copy of Death Lies Between Us here: Alythia Brown.com This giveaway is open from April 22-26 (These giveaways have ended)


DLBU cover

Earth Day is a wonderful day to celebrate, but I also have another reason to dance and jump up and down in celebration. Book two of the An Angel Falls series has just been signed to Crescent Moon Press. Release day TBD.

 

 

 

 

What others are saying about Death Lies Between Us.

“This story was very well paced. The characters were engaging, showed depth, character growth, and a lot of emotions. The conflict was well written, had some good plot twists, and a good amount of information to fill in any questions you might have about the Native American mythology and beliefs.
I really, really enjoyed this first book by Jody A. Kessler. Personally I’d suggest it for anyone that’s a fan of Amy Plum’s Revenant series or Kelley Armstrong’s Darkness Rising series. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!” Paranormal Reads

“The author has managed to write a story which pulls the reader in very quickly. There are so many different elements within its pages but they all work well together. I couldn’t wait to see how she would pull it off, or if these 2 two were destined to forever be apart. The ending will surprise some, but it is perfect in my opinion. I look forward to seeing what comes next from this author.” F.W. at I heart Books

“Death Lies Between Us is a fascinating paranormal romance that has twists and turns that can’t be predicted. I was on the edge of my seat, flipping pages furiously through most of the book. Jody A. Kessler has created the beginning of a series that keeps you wanting more. The story is tightly woven and flows beautifully from beginning to end. The supporting characters are just as well written as the main characters. There are those you love, those you hate, and some you just can’t quite wrap your head around. This is definitely an author, and a series, to keep your eyes on!” My Book Addiction

Cover Reveal -The Grave Winner

The Grave Winner by Lindsey Loucks

Single tree in field during winter 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WOW! I love this cover. The moonlight over the graveyard is spectacular and the girl sitting by the spiderweb speaks straight to my goth-girl at heart alter ego. Congratulations to Ms. Loucks and her amazing cover artist, Liliana Sanches!

The Grave Winner, from Crescent Moon Press, will be released May 15, 2013. I can’t wait to start reading it. Here is a little more information about the novel and the author.

The Grave Winner

Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead — just like the prom queen did.

While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

She should have listened.

Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

Lindsey R. Loucks works as a school librarian in rural Kansas. When she’s not discussing books with anyone who will listen, she’s dreaming up her own stories. authorphotoEventually her brain gives out, and she’ll play hide and seek with her cat, put herself in a chocolate induced coma, or watch scary movies alone in the dark to reenergize.

She’s been with her significant other for almost two decades.

Links:

Add The Grave Winner to Goodreads.  Check out Lindsey’s website.

Follow Lindsey on Facebook. Follow Lindsey on Twitter.

Speak of the Devil by Shawna Romkey

Speak of the Devil by Shawna Romkey    Crescent Moon Press — 2013

What can I say about Ms. Romkey’s debut novel? It is crazy good! Here is a review I wrote up. If you want a great read, I highly recommend this novel. Cheers!

A fun, entertaining, and light read — with a hint of dark.

I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. The author has a quirky and smart SpeakOfTheDevil - Copysense of humor that comes across through her characters.

Lily is an average mid-western girl who is a bit nerdy and just wants to get through high school with her two best friends. When tragedy strikes, Lily moves to St. Louis, starts a new school, and suddenly finds herself surrounded by a group of not so normal drama students. At first sight she feels an instant connection with Luc, but Luc’s friend, Mo, makes the first move on Lily, and Luc fades into the background — but not for long. When Lily begins to lose all hope that she will ever feel like a regular teenager again, she has a heavenly encounter with her deceased best friend and begins to realize that there may be more to heaven and earth than she realized.

I don’t want to give away any spoilers but let’s just say that Lily and I were both equally surprised to find out what her “new friends” — including Luc and Mo — are up to. The plot has plenty of action to keep the story moving along at a quick pace, but also enough down time so I didn’t feel like the story was forced or unbelievable.

Horns and tails vs. halos and wings? If you’re feeling intrigued, you’ll have to give Speak of the Devil a read and find out  how Lily survives a battle of good versus evil while falling in love.

From beginning to end this is a great book! Shawna Romkey does an excellent job creating a world where Angels walk among us — though they may forget their purpose, or even fall from grace.  Great writing, creative, and so entertaining. I can’t wait for book two.

I had privilege of receiving an advanced copy of Shawna Romkey’s debut novel, Speak of the Devil. It is fantastic! If you would like to purchase your own copy,

here is a link to amazon. Available in ebooks and paperback.

Back cover blurb

What happens when falling in love and falling from grace collide?

After dying in a car accident with her two best friends, Lily miraculously awakens to grief and guilt. She escapes to her dad’s to come to terms with the event and meets some people at her new school who seem all too eager to help her heal. Sliding deeper into sorrow and trying to fight her feelings for two of them, she finds out who…what they really are and that they are falling too.

Can she find the strength to move on from the past, reconcile her feelings for Luc, find a way to stop a divine war with fallen angels, and still pass the eleventh grade?
A little about the author

Shawna grew up in around farms in the heart of Missouri but went to the University of SR (83)Kansas, was raised in the US but now lives on the ocean in Nova Scotia with her husband, two sons, two rescue dogs and one overgrown puppy from hell. She’s a non-conformist who follows her heart.

She has her BA in creative writing from the University of Kansas where one of her plays was chosen by her creative writing professor to be produced locally, and two of her short stories were published in a university creative arts handbook. She earned her MA in English from Central Missouri State University where she wrote a novel as her thesis.

She’s taught English at the university and secondary levels for close to twenty years and can’t quite fathom how all of her students have grown up, yet she’s managed to stay the same. She’s a huge geek and fan of Xena, Buffy and all kick ass women, and loves to write stories that have strong female characters.

Visit her website www.shawnaromkey.com

or connect with her here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shawna-Romkey-Author/137998326331706?ref=hl

https://twitter.com/sromkey

http://pinterest.com/shawnarp/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6869437.Shawna_Romkey

First Kiss…. bitter or sweet?

A short excerpt from Death Lies Between Us.  The first kiss…

He turns to stand in front of me, silent as a shadow. His hand lifts out of the dark. His fingertips brush the underside of my chin gently tipping my face up to his. How does he DLBU covermove and make no sound?  His fingers move to my temple, brushing away a hair then trailing down to the edge of my jaw where they halt. He watches my face and looks into my eyes. I feel a surge of loneliness from somewhere deep inside him. I don’t understand it or have time to dwell on it but it makes me want to hold onto him. His gaze lowers to my mouth.

He’s so close. I didn’t see it before, but he glows. The slightest iridescent shimmer encapsulates him, so totally different than the way Chris’s aura looked. He smells good too, like I remembered, and more. It’s so familiar, but I can’t say where from. The ozone smell of clean air after a storm and hints of cinnamon and honey swirled in cream. It’s intoxicating. Even the feel of him standing near me is like a caress passing over my skin. I can’t believe myself. I’m going to let this vague stranger kiss me, and I want him to.

First kiss……or is it? You’ll have to read the novel to find out what happens.

 

Resurrecting Harry by Constance Phillips

Resurrecting Harry by Constance Phillips Harry Cover

Most of us have heard of the great Harry Houdini, master escape artist and illusionist, but maybe you didn’t know that he died rather young, at 52, and not from a failed escape attempt, but from complications after a ruptured appendix. Constance Phillips has taken the somewhat well known story of Harry Houdini and added a beautiful twist.

After Harry passes away, he leaves behind the love of his life — Bess. Resurrecting Harry is a story about what could have happened to Bess if Harry had been able to make the greatest escape of all — escaping death. The story begins when an awe-inspiring and supernatural spirit named Jaden, offers Harry a chance to return to life and his beloved Bess. However, there is a catch, Harry must assume a different body and not tell anyone who he really is, especially his wife. His new persona is the young and handsome Erich Welch. Erich/Harry now has only one month to convince Bess not to contact Harry via a séance on the one year anniversary of his death. If she cancels, Harry will be granted a second chance to live the rest of his life with his true love.  Unfortunately Bess is being heavily influenced by her friends; friends that Harry does not trust.

I was immediately drawn into the story and the history.  Resurrecting Harry is a wonderful tale of how love endures and conquers everything, even death. It is beautifully written and told through both Harry’s and Bess’s points of view. The transformation of Harry’s feeling and attitudes throughout the novel are believable and moving. The interactions between the other characters in Resurrecting Harry are well developed, interesting, and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay between the characters and the suspenseful ending. I was touched by the writing and felt the author captured the lengths to which men will go to honor, protect, and love the women in their lives.

I was given an advance reader copy (ARC) of Resurrecting Harry from the author. The novel is absolutely fantastic and I highly recommend it. I also had a chance to interview Constance Phillips. She willingly put up with me and answered a few of my questions.

What inspired you to write a novel about Harry Houdini and his wife?Constanc Phillips - SM

There were several things about their story that attracted me, but it really all boils down to the love story.

I’m a sucker for a love-at-first site story and always love stories about fated souls. While it’s romantic that she never found love again and spent several years conducting séances on the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death, I also found it tragic. I always want that happily-ever-after.

I was in the car one day (all of my best story ideas seem to come to me while I’m driving) and was struck with the thought “What if Harry Houdini had escaped death?” I did want a spiritual contact from the other world, but truly escaped death.

I sat down later that day and wrote the first, short chapter – which really hasn’t changed much in all the revisions. Once I had that foundation, there was no looking back. I knew it was a story I had to write.

What was the most fascinating or intriguing thing you learned about Harry, or Bess, while doing your research for the novel?

He was really a fascinating man. I knew about his dislike for spiritualists and the coded message that had been promised from beyond the grave, before I started writing the book. What I wasn’t aware of was his meager beginnings and how hard he worked to gain success. (Though, that isn’t really surprising given the level of his success.)

I was also intrigued by how Bess was really a partner in their act.

Do you only write paranormal?

No. I do write contemporary stories, too.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve just finished polishing a short story that is in the Fairyproof world and am about to start revising the rough draft I have for a second full-length novel that would follow up Fairyproof (and hopefully this short.).

I’m also trying to polish two contemporary stories (One full length and one short) and hope to start writing a follow-up to Resurrecting Harry soon.

What is your writing space like?

I have a room in my home that is designated as my ‘office space.’ When my kids were younger, they attended a digital academy from home and we had their school computers and my space set up in that room so I could write and help them with their school work.

Though I still have that space, I most often write on my laptop in my favorite recliner after my house has emptied out in the morning. I have recently been able to cut back to working only afternoons in my husband’s company so those precious morning hours have become my writing time.

Other than writing or reading, do you have a favorite hobby or pastime?

Uhm…is watching those reality shows on Discovery and the History channel a hobby? I’ve recently started stringing beads. My ninety-two-old grandmother got me started over the holidays.

Coffee or tea? Perhaps other?

Before noon, I have to have my coffee. After noon, I switch to diet coke.

Will you share something that is on your bucket list?

I would love to see the world. Australia, Greece and Italy are three countries that I would absolutely love to see before I die.

Blurb      You can get a copy here Amazon

Can the greatest escape artist ever known break the grim reaper’s chains to save theHarry Cover only woman he’s ever loved?

In order to save Bess from self-destruction, Harry Houdini puts his afterlife on the line by entering a wager with purgatory’s keeper. He gives Harry a younger face and body, and a new name: Erich Welch.

Bess clings to his promise to deliver a coded message from beyond the grave, determined to provide the bridge for him to cross, even if that means befriending her husband’s sworn enemy.

Erich needs to help Bess over her loss and put her on the road to healing, but will any good come from resurrecting Harry?

About Constance

Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, two ready-to-leave-the-nest children, and four canine kids. Her perfect fantasy vacation would involve hunting Dracula across Europe with her daughter, who also digs that kind of stuff. When she’s not writing about fairies, shifters, vamps, and guardian angels, she’s working side-by-side with her husband in their hardwood flooring business.

Constance is actively involved in her local Romance Writers of America chapter (MVRWA) and the Southeast Michigan chapter of the United States Pony Club. When not writing or enjoying the outdoors, she loves reality television or can be found at a Rick Springfield concert (just look for the pink Converse high tops).

Constance blogs regularly at www.constancephillips.com. You can also follow her on Twitter or friend her on Facebook.

Website/blog: http://constancephillips.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470282.Constance_Phillips

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConstancePhillipsRomanceAuthor?ref=hl

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CPhillips

The Last Keeper’s Daughter

Today’s spotlight is on The Last Keeper’s Daughter, by Rebecca Trogner. Releasing today from Crescent Moon Press. Congratulations Rebecca!

The Last Keeper’s Daughter    Cover for Last Keeper's Daughter

Born into old money, Lily Ayres lives at Waverly, her family’s estate situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Paris, Virginia.  She is a strange, small, almost mute, young woman who has no idea that her father has given her to the Vampire King Krieger.  Walter Ayres is the King’s Keeper and part of a secret society of historians who unearth, preserve, and attempt to understand relics of long forgotten civilizations.

Lily has never felt comfortable in the human world, but after she suspiciously falls down a flight of stone steps, and is healed and claimed by Krieger, she realizes there is another world.  In this Other Realm she feels a sense of belonging, and begins to untwine the mysterious event which left her mentally and psychologically damaged.  When Walter disappears in England, Lily works with human and supernatural beings to uncover his whereabouts.  With each new discovery, she is pulled deeper into the vortex of magic, intrigue, and dark desires that permeates the supernatural world.  The revelations revealed unfold a story of deception and betrayal that threaten to tear the thin veil between the supernatural and human world asunder.

To get your own copy, visit amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Keepers-Daughter-ebook/dp/B00BEGPGBM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360935708&sr=8-1&keywords=the+last+keeper%27s+daughter

About the Author:

Rebecca Trogner lives in the Shenandoah Valley region of Virginia, and frequently crosses the Blue Ridge Mountains that were the inspiration for Krieger’s home. She always dreamed of being a writer, but got sidetracked by the day-to-day adventures of life. With the encouragement of her family, she has finished her first novel and is currently writing the next book in The Last Keeper’s Daughter series. Rebecca lives with her husband and son, and a rescue dog named Giblet. To find out more about the author visit www.rebeccatrogner.com.