Tag: Paranormal

  • Book Review: Sons of Darkness – Gail Z. Martin

    Ex-priest Travis Dominick, and ex-special ops soldier Brent Lawson have both been disillusioned by their former employers and struck out on their own to battle demons, monsters, and nasty things that go bump in the night — Until they discover that they’re both working on the same case from different angles.

    Sons of Darkness is a fast-paced mystery/paranormal/adventure that keeps you on your toes. At its heart, it is about moving beyond the pain of the past and embracing who you’ve become. Not to mention learning that sometimes, having a friend at your back is not only a good idea, it’s essential.

    I can’t wait to read C.H.A.R.O.N., the next book in the series.

  • Book Review – Wasteland Marshals: Volume One

    Wasteland Marshals: Volume One, by Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin, is a collection of four related novellas: The Wasteland Marshals, Witch of the Woods, Ghost of the Past, and Shutdown Crew. The stories center around Shane Collins and Lucas Maddox, a pair of best buds who have known each other since they were kids. They’re also the last pair of US marshals still trying to do their job after the Events which left the world in ruin.

    Ghosts, demons, ancient spirits, renegade AIs, and werewolves are only some of the troublemakers that Shane and Lucas have to deal with. All the things that go bump in the night have come out of the shadows now that there are fewer humans on earth, and it’s no small feat to handle them. The two battle all sorts of bad folks and learn to embrace their unusual abilities which have become stronger since the world fell apart. (Lucas sees ghosts and Shane hears earth spirits.)

    Gail and Larry Martin have cleverly woven bits of nerdy pop culture and humor into this exciting post-apocalyptic world with two awesome kick-ass heroes. It has a nice mixture of magic and technology. I look forward to volume two.

    If you haven’t had a chance, check out these stories:

    HUMMINGBIRD

    Plagued by memories not her own, a young hummingbird struggles to decipher the visions and powers that set her apart from her fellow birds. But the road to awareness is fraught with danger that could doom her to repeat history.

    One step toward understanding.

    One stride toward survival.

    One leap toward flying free from the past.

    STAR TOUCHED

    Sometimes it’s hard to be who you are meant to be.

    Especially when your powers can get you killed.

    Eighteen-year-old Tatiana is running from her past and her star-touched powers eight years after a meteor devastates earth’s population.

    Her power to heal may be overshadowed by more destructive abilities. Fleeing the persecution of those like her, Tatiana seeks refuge in a small town she once visited. But this civil haven, in a world where society has broken down, is beginning to crumble.

    Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

    WOLF DAWN

    A Hidden Past – A Deadly Secret

    Gifted with the ability to wolf-talk, Kara has lived with the wolves since she lost her memories eight years ago. Now at sixteen, snippets of her past send her searching for answers.

    But the warm welcome she receives in the human village hides more danger than life with the pack.

  • WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – H. L. Brooks

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    Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

    hlbheadshotH.L. Brooks writes contemporary fairy tale and paranormal romances with an emphasis on strong female characters. Her Red August series is available at many major online retailers. She is also an artist and photographer. Her coloring book “The Yoni Coloring Book” can be found on Amazon and other online retailers. You can read her sensual observations and micro-fiction in the Sensual Sunday series at her blog. H.L. is currently developing a series of short bedtime stories for adults, in collaboration with William Hardy, to be released as podcasts.

    Wolf: Let’s get to know you a bit more. Describe a meal you would be served while visiting another world.

    H. L.: I’ll go ahead and choose this funny little flatbread I saw on an episode of Stargate once. It was so obviously an attempt at something “exotic” but it came off more like “hey, kraft service has some of these little personal sized flatbreads, run over to the caterer next door and buy some edible flowers, the props master forgot to design food for this shot.” And DESPITE that, I enjoyed the aesthetic and, clearly, still remember it. Also, the food had some special properties.

    Wolf: I remember that episode. If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why?

    H. L.: I think maybe a cat. I feel a bit like I’m already a cat. I’m fluffy and I like sunny little spots to nap.

    Wolf: Sun. Warm & cozy. Sleep… If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?

    H. L.: Broadsword for close combat. I enjoyed swinging the big “waster” (wooden practice sword) around. It felt pretty badass. But for further away, the bow and arrow. I took some classes to study for my Red August series, because I wanted to know what it was really like to shoot. Write what you know and if you don’t know it, learn it. When you can. Some things you can’t ever know, but you can have good guesses. I like to write as authentically as possible.

    Wolf: I don’t think I could lift a broadsword, but love bows and arrows. While walking in the woods you come across…

    H. L.: A lot of rocks. And mosquitos.

    Wolf: Must be damp in your part of the woods. You’ve just been turned into a plant. Describe yourself.

    H. L.: I’m soft and long-stemmed. I don’t like full sun, but I can bare it if I have to.

    Wolf: We better take this interview inside. There is a door at the end of a dark, damp corridor. You hear rumbling. What do you do?

    H. L.: I would likely never been by myself at the end of a dark damp corridor. You know, the rumbling might be there and I’m not about that.

    Wolf: How about disasters? What five items would you want to have in a post-cataclysmic world?

    H. L.: I assume you mean aside from water and such. Lip balm, Advil, matches/lighter, sewing kit, multi-tool.

    Wolf: Good choices. What is your favorite body of water and why? (river, ocean, waterfall, puddle, bottle…)

    H. L.: A brook. Bonus for a little arching footbridge.

    Wolf: Of course it is. What story are you working on now?

    H. L.: I’m working on the third book of my Red August series. Book one is “Red August” and book two is “Red Archer.” Book three will be “Red Hunter.”

    Wolf: Do you have a favorite character?

    H. L.: That’s really hard to say. Of the secondary characters I love Brigid and Abel. But the best parts of Faolan is based on my husband, so clearly, he’s my favorite.

    Wolf: It’s so hard to choose. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    H. L.: I like to connect to other women writers. I started a book salon for women writers. I really love the idea of women supporting each other instead of tearing each other down. I couldn’t find a local writing group that was strictly for women so I started Women Authors of Maryland group on Facebook. Then shortly after I decided to create The Write Women Book Fest, which will be at Marietta House in September. Other than that, I like hanging with my sweetie, cooking, checking in with my kids, and fighting the patriarchy.

    Wolf: If this question were any question in the world, what question would you want it to be and how would you answer it?

    H. L.: Inception question! A mystery wrapped in a riddle. I think that it would ask me why I write. And the answer is, because I like making lemonade from lemons.

    Wolf: Thanks for visiting. You can find H. L. Brooks on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook – @hlbrookswrites

    Don’t miss out. Sign up for my newsletter.

    Star Touched

    Wolf Dawn

     

  • WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Jeanne Adams

    081Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

    Jeanne Adams Headshot Graveyard 2

    Jeanne Adams is the author of thrilling suspense, witchy paranormals, and intense urban fantasy. She’s also a happy fan of the macabre.

     

     

    Wolf: If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why?

    Jeanne: So, if it’s a “real” creature, I’d be a Snow Leopard!  Why? They’re totally gorgeous and powerful, have the most elegant fur you’ve ever seen, and are incredibly playful and fun. Kinda like me. Ha! If it can be a creature of imagination, I’m up for being a Dragon or a Gryphon!!

    Wolf: All of them wonderful choices. The snow leopard sounds really cool. What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

    Jeanne: Gotta be Zebra or Gazelle at a restaurant called Carnivore in Kenya, West Africa.

    Wolf: Sounds gamey. If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?

    Jeanne: I’m fond of a Bo – a 6’ staff – or a good rapier. Grins. A staff, if you learn to use one, is something that can be a “weapon of opportunity” in a situation where you might find yourself without a weapon. If you know how to use it, a broom, mop, or branch can save your life. A good rapier is light, strong, and, as a woman, be a weapon you can use without having the upper body strength a broad sword requires.

    Wolf: I think a lot of folks don’t realize how deadly a staff can be. What is the meanest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

    Jeanne: Oh, I regularly put my characters through unmitigated hell, so that’s a tough question. I’ve beaten the devil out of them, tied them up and left them for dead, and dropped them in a canal with a head wound. But the worst was probably kidnapping my hero and heroine to a Central American country and dropping them in a hole and locking them in. Bwahahahah!

    Wolf: That is evil. You’ve just been turned into a plant. Describe yourself.

    Jeanne: I’m tall, and getting taller every year. My leaves are a glossy, dark green, and my flowers bloom in May and scent all the proms and graduations with a lemony scent. (I’m a Magnolia Grandiflora! Tree)

    Wolf: Beautiful. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

    Jeanne: While I love them both, and grew up with Siamese cats and a gorgeous black cat, my eldest son is allergic so we just have dogs – three of them! We have two fabulous pups from the rescue arm of a group called Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac. They’re a bonded pair, which means they came as a matched set. Our other dog is a 3 year old Irish Water Spaniel. Irishers are considered a rare breed. I’m always showing pictures of them to people, kinda like you do with babies.  Ha!  People are always asking me if he’s a Labradoodle or a golden doodle…but he’s not!

    Wolf: Ha. I have more pictures of my dog on my phone than my human children. While walking in the woods you come across…

    Jeanne: A gold and red scaled dragon with a wicked thorn in his foot, which I, of course, remove, making him my forever friend!

    Wolf: That’s a very good friend to have. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

    Jeanne: My sons and I talk about this all the time! I think I’d like the power to teleport – what a joy that would be, right? If you’ve read Nalini Singh’s Psy-Changling series, you’ll know what I’m talking about…

    Wolf: Beats walking. There is a door at the end of a dark, damp corridor. You hear rumbling. What do you do?

    Jeanne: Oh, that’s just my friend who’s a giant space cat. She landed in my back yard after her fish-oil space engines malfunctioned. She’s been staying at my great aunt’s old house, keeping her company until we can find a source for enough fish-oil to get her going again. The rumbling? Oh, that’s just her purring. Rattles the whole house, right? Well, she’s pretty big, takes up the whole room down there. Oh, look at the time! She’s probably ready to be fed. Want to help?

    Wolf: No thanks. Don’t want her to think wolf is on the menu. What five items would you want to have in a post-cataclysmic world?

    Jeanne: Wow…that’s a tough one! Besides having my family and pets safe and with me, I guess there’s a few things we’d need. Here goes: 1) Keys to the biggest public library around wherever town I’m in.  2) My amazing multi-tool Swiss Army Knife or a Leatherman multitool. 3) A water purifier with boxes and boxes of filters. 4) Keys to the Costco warehouse and all the stuff in it!  5) A lifetime supply of antibiotics! (And tea!)

    Wolf: Technically tea is a 6th item, but since you have access to a Costco, I’ll let that go. Which of your characters is your favorite?

    Jeanne: That’s like asking which of your kids is your favorite! Ha! I love them all, but have to say that I have a special place for the characters in The Tentacle Affaire, my first Slip Traveler novel. (The second is due out in January 2020) That book was one of the first ideas I every wrote to completion, and while I had to rewrite it for publication, it’s near and dear to my heart.

    Wolf: I’ll put it on my to-read list. What is your favorite body of water and why?

    Jeanne: Oh! What a great question! I love Lake Lure in North Carolina. The mountains are so gorgeous and the lake is so amazing peaceful…yeah.  Love that spot!

    Wolf: I’ve never been there. What story are you working on now?

    Jeanne: Thanks for asking! I’m finishing a novella called Lost Lives which will be out in an anthology called Who’s Your Daddy on Father’s Day 2019. Then this summer, the latest in the Outcast Station series I do with my friend Nancy Northcott. This will be a stand-alone prequel novel called Origins, an Outcast Station novel. I’m also part of a fabulous Kickstarter called Predators in Petticoats. I hope we’ll make the Kickstarter so I get to write the story! I’m also excited about a Christmas anthology called Christmas in the Castle that will be out at the end of the year!

    Wolf: Wow. You’re busy. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    Jeanne: All sorts of mischievous things! My eldest son is a Division I baseball player so we do a lot of baseball games. My youngest has been doing national-level Tae Kwon Do competitions, which is some travel and spectating as well. I’m training my Irish Water Spaniel for the show ring, so there’s daily grooming and work with him. I read alllll the time, because I’m a firm believer that if you don’t read and feed your mind, you won’t write well. Between all that and a genealogy hobby and writing all this stuff I’m committed to writing? Whew! I’m staying busy! Add in the wonderful reader and learning conventions I attend, and I’m happily jumping out of bed every morning to get started!

    Wolf: Sounds like you don’t have much time to sleep. If this question were any question in the world, what question would you want it to be and how would you answer it?

    Jeanne: Love this!  Snork! Gotta say, one of my favorite questions is “What are you reading and what are you looking forward to?” So here’s how I answer it:

    Nancy Northcott’s Herald of Day was great and I’m looking forward to book two! John Hartness’s latest Quincy Harker novel is great. I just started an Eric Asher novel, and am re-reading Faith Hunter’s Jane Yellowrock books, David Coe/DB Jackson’s Times’ Children was great, can’t wait for book two! Gail Z, Martin’s Deadly Curiosities series is one of my fave and I’m jonesing for Ilona Andrews’ next installment in her Innkeeper and Sapphire Flames series. Just read Sarah Beth Durst’s Queen Of Blood. Soooo good! Also got Seanan McQuire’s Discount Armageddon and am loving that and am catching up with Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series.

    What about you? What are YOU reading?

    Wolf: Recent reads include Just A Drop In The Cup, by Diane Arrelle, Navigating the Stars by Maria V. Snyder. Can’t wait for the next in the series. Just finished The Weird Wild West anthology. Just started Deadly Curiosities. Loved Gail’s other stories. There are others as well, but there is only so much room here.

    What’s everyone else reading?

    Don’t forget to catch up with Jeanna Adams at these sites:

    Twitter @JeanneAdams
    Instagram @JPAGryphon
    Facebook at Jeanne Adams Author
    Pinterest at Jeanne Adams

     

    Star Touched

    Wolf Dawn

  • WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – G J Stevens

    081Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

    Give a big wolf welcome to GJ Stevens

    29066376_1078869432253464_3932930084414947328_oGJ Stevens started writing fiction at the age of thirty. He describes his style of writing as popular fiction which usually has some sort of Sci-Fi or paranormal element, but he is on a journey and won’t pigeon hole himself into one genre. Even as a degree level engineer with a large family and a full-time career in a serious profession with plenty of adult responsibilities, he has always had an artistic and creative side. After years of self-suppression, the flood gates opened and his novel, In The End, is the culmination of many years of finding time from nowhere to learn the craft.

    Whilst working to self-publish his first novel, GJ, real name Gareth, chose to document his publishing journey in an open-book and honest fashion and through his blog he lays bare his journey, detailing his mistakes and the findings of his research as he treads his way into publishing.

    As a lover of the outdoors, every year he spends weekends out in the desolate countryside of the UK hiking and camping with his long-time friends which he uses as inspiration for both his creative fiction works and the subject of many a blog post. GJ Stevens is on the beginning of his publishing journey and wants to share the highs and lows with anyone who will listen.

    Wolf: Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

    Gareth: A dog person. I grew up with a dog in the family but as an adult I’m allergic to both cats and dogs. I get my dog fix vicariously through my best friend’s black lab.

    Wolf: I’m a dog person too. (Shouldn’t be a surprise for a wolf.) While walking in the woods you come across…

    Gareth: A sight I knew I would see eventually. I’d taken to the woods to get away. Walking between the trees because it felt safe, despite each step taken with care, a glance to where my feet might trip, might snap a branch or twig and turn their heads, might force me to run, to find some other place of safety

    This is an adapted version of one of my favourite flash fiction pieces I have pinned on my twitter account.

    Wolf: Cool. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

    Gareth: Invisibility, until I really think about it. I’d like to be left alone to write, but I’d have to be able to turn the power on and off. I love my family and friends and wouldn’t want that to end just because they can’t see me! I’m an introvert when it comes to creativity but weirdly confident and somewhat more extrovert when it comes to normal life.

    Wolf: That would be a great power. It seems like every time I sit down to write someone walks in the room or calls. Maybe I should try closing the door. Speaking of doors:

    There is a door at the end of a dark, damp corridor. You hear rumbling. What do you do?

    Gareth: Shout at the TV and tell myself not to take a single step forward. When I realize I’m not on the TV, I’ll look around for anything heavy to swing. If nothing is at hand then I’ll check my pockets for a pen and paper so I can immortalize the moment, ready for adding the scene to my next book.

    Wolf: The world is about to end. What is the first thing you do?

    Gareth: Find my wife and hold her in my arms. If I’ve got a little longer then gather together with my friends and family and empty the wine stocks from the house.

    Wolf: I’ll drink to that. What five items would you want to have in a post-cataclysmic world?

    Gareth: This is very fitting. My first novel to be published is set at the start of a world changing event and I blog about preparing for the worst by packing a bug out bag. With the bag you’re limited to what you can carry on your back, but if I could only take five items they would be a water filtration straw so you can drink water from almost any source, my micro-pick for defense. It’s lightweight and packs a great punch suitable for all types of post-cataclysmic scenarios. A roll of gaffer type, the swiss army knife of survival. The final items would be a sleeping bag and my multi-fuel compact camping stove.

    gjstevens.com/2018/07/16/emergency-kit-bug-out-bag-v2-0/

    Wolf: You are ready to go. Let’s hope you never need to used it. I think my character, Tatiana, would have loved your bag. What story are you working on now?

    Gareth: I’m editing the follow up to my first novel In The End. It’s is as-of-yet unnamed, but follows the same timeline as the first novel but from another, completely different perspective.

    Wolf: What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    Gareth: I work full time and have a wonderful family and group of close friends. When I get chance, I like to hike with my friends but I only get the chance to do that once or twice a year.

    Wolf: Thanks for stopping by. You can connect with GJ Stevens through these links:

    Social Media Links:
    www.gjstevens.com
    https://www.facebook.com/gjstevensauthor/
    Twitter: @stevens_GJ

    STAR TOUCHED

    CAN YOU BE WHO YOU ARE MEANT TO BE?

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  • WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Charles F. French

    081Welcome to WOLF NOTES, where interview questions stray from the rest of the pack. It’s nice to know the usual stuff like where an author gets their inspiration and why they write, but sometimes we need a little fun in our lives.

    Joining us back from my break is Mr. Charles French.

    charles french

    Charles F. French is an author of speculative fiction, including horror, Gothic, and the paranormal. He holds a Ph.D. in English Literature, and devotes his working time to teaching and writing. He is the author of Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society, Book 1, Gallows Hill The Investigative Paranormal Society, Book 2, and French On English A Guide to Writing Better Essays.

     

    Wolf: If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why? 

    Charles: I would be an eagle, because I have felt an affinity to these creatures for a long time, which is odd because I hate flying. 

    Wolf: I’m a rather nervous flier myself, but wings are cool. What is the nicest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

    Charles: In an upcoming book—the third in The Investigative Paranormal Society, one of the characters finds love and marries. He finally achieves happiness, even though relatively late in life. 

    Wolf: It’s never too late to find love. What is the meanest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

    Charles: Several have been killed. 32570160

    Wolf: That kind of ends things. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person? 

    Charles: I consider myself an animal person, because I love both cats and dogs. I would love, however, to have a Newfoundland dog. 

    Wolf: Lots of fur and drool. I wonder if you can spin Newfoundland fur like you can Malamute fur? While walking in the woods you come across… 

    Charles: A very old, tree that has a door in its trunk. When I go through the door, I step into the Shire. 

    Wolf: Come back and get me. I’d love to visit the Shire. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

    GallowsHillFinalCoverEbookCharles: I would have the power to be in 3 places at one time, so I can get everything done! 

    Wolf: That could get confusing. What story are you working on now?

    Charles: I am finishing the first draft of a fantasy that has a working title of the South Dakota Story. The title will change, but it focuses on three young teenagers and their quest to save their favorite teacher.

    Wolf: I like that. Teachers don’t get enough credit (or pay) these days. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

    Charles: I love to read, cook, hike, go to movies, teach, sit back and relax with a good cigar and a couple of fingers of good bourbon or Scotch. 

    Wolf: Guess I know what you’re bringing back from the Shire. If this question were any question in the world, what question would you want it to be and how would you answer it?

    Charles: I would like the question be the one first asked by George Bernard Shaw FOE_Cover_French jpgand then used by Robert Kennedy in his Presidential campaign: “Some men see things as they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” I would like to ask the world why not and get the hopeful answer that all good things are possible.

    Wolf: Connect with Charles French through these links: 

    Social Media Links:
    https://charlesfrenchonwordsreadingandwriting.wordpress.com/
    # French_C1955 (Twitter)
    https://www.facebook.com/WriterCharlesFFrench/

     

    STAR TOUCHED

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