Tag: YA

WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – GB MacRae

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.

GB was born in a small town in Vermont and grew up in the country attending a rural school. She started telling stories to her toys from a young age, writing her first short story in second grade. Her first novel in 10^th grade. They’ve often been of the fantasy genre, because who doesn’t want to let their imagination travel as far as it can? But they’ve also been about real life: betrayal, suspicion, joy, war, triumph, self-doubt, all that good stuff. …And unicorns and dragons!

Growing up, her hobbies were showing her horses, lots of reading, and creating art. As she aged and life circumstances changed (she moved to the city where having horses wasn’t possible) she added folkloric belly dance, costuming, and entertaining in her home to her list of activities.

Currently she lives just a short drive from Lake Ontario where there is lots of snow, in a rambling old colonial house with her family and pets.

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

GB: Are we talking imaginary or real? This is a difficult question. Always be a unicorn. Or a dragon. I (like a lot of writers and artists) have introvert tendencies, so to be left alone to do my work but with a few close friends, and having powers is a bonus. As for a real animal, I would like to be a warmblood dressage horse. They get the best care, work for about an hour a day except on show days.

Wolf: The questions was any, so we’ll stick with unicorn for and answer. What is the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?

GB: I tend to be relatively tame when it comes to food. No eyeballs or tentacles. I enjoy the international food I’ve had. Chinese, Indian, Middle Eastern, etc. Probably the strangest thing was haggis (not true haggis because it’s not legal in the States). It reminded me of gamey meatloaf.

Wolf: That’s one I’ve never tried. What is the nicest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

GB: I give them hope.

Wolf: What is the meanest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

GB: Oh man, what haven’t I done? Across the series there have been entire families eradicated, some characters have had severe trauma…

Wolf: That sounds about right for an author. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

GB: I’m a pet person in general. I currently have a dog, a cat, a hamster, and an aquarium.

Wolf: Nice. While walking in the woods you come across…

GB: I have bad luck, so probably a very lost grizzly.

Wolf: Hope it’s not hungry. (I actually have come across a grizzly. Very scary.) If you could have a super power, what would it be?

GB: So many wonderful powers to choose from! I think I would love to have the powers of Dr. Strange. It would be very handy indeed.

Wolf: Yeah. I like what he did with Loki in the last Thor movie. Which of your characters is your favorite?

GB: It varies from moment to moment. Whichever character is making me happy for whatever reason. They all have their moments, but Cassius, Mina, and Gallylya are probably most often at the top of the list.

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

GB: I love waterfalls. They’re beautiful, powerful, and always changing. Lakes come in second because they’re safer than the ocean and the view is nice.

Wolf: What story are you working on now?

GB: I’m polishing Arise, Book of Avenzyre III (due out later this year), and a writing the first draft of a book for tweens about a teenage girl living in rural New England surviving mean girls at school as well as horse shows (doesn’t have a title yet), and a coloring book to accompany the Avenzyre series.

Wolf: More familiar with mean girls at schools than I’d like to be. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

GB: I read, research, I have various sewing projects (I make the costumes I wear at RavenCon and Ren Faire), sometimes I crochet, I make very involved sketches of my characters and sometimes paint.

You can connect with GB through these links.
https://www.facebook.com/GBMacRae/
https://twitter.com/gb_macrae
https://www.pinterest.com/gbmacrae/pins/
https://mewe.com/profile/59f63ab71be2d92868415133

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of STAR TOUCHED

June 20, 2018
WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Bobby Sue Thompson

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.

Wolf: Welcome to Wolf Notes, Bobby Sue. Why don’t you start by telling me about yourself?

Bobby Sue: Thank you, Wolf. I’m really tickled you asked. You sure have big teeth.

Wolf: You do know that I’m a wolf, don’t you?

Bobby Sue: As sure as my mom’s pecan pie. Just kiddin’ with you. I grew up in south central Kentucky, not far from Tennessee. The rest of my family is in Oklahoma. At least I hope they’re still there. Haven’t heard a peep from out there since the Day of Reckonin’. Sure hope they’re okay.

Wolf: What’s the Day of Reckoning?

Bobby Sue: That’s the League of the Stars’ name for the Cataclysm. You know, the day all heck broke loose. Meteors, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions. Anyway, my folks and I were vacationin’ in Ohio during the Day of Reckoning. Well, I was vacationing, seein’ the sight and all. There was a big old conference for psychology professors that they couldn’t pass up on. The building collapsed. They didn’t make it.

Wolf: That’s horrible. So sorry for your loss.

Bobby Sue: Thank you. You’re sweet. I miss them horribly, but I’m doing okay. They wouldn’t want me to keep mopin’ about. Life has to go on. Got a great job working for Gareth here in Atherton. He runs a store and tavern. Real nice fella. He’s kinda like a substitute dad to all of us workin’ there, but that woman he has in charge, she’s a mean piece of work. Although, she does show the occasional bit of honey when Gareth is near.

Wolf: Interesting. I’ll steer clear of her. If you could be any animal in the universe, what would it be and why?

Bobby Sue: I’d love to be a scissor-tailed flycatcher. That’s the Oklahoma state bird. I found this sweet little hairclip at the market the other day. I don’t often buy stuff, but this one just called to me. Someday I’ll make it back there and find out for sure who survived.

Wolf: That’s beautiful and it looks fantastic in your red hair.

Bobby Sue: Why thank you. I swear, your fur is almost as soft as Fifi’s.

Wolf: Thanks, but I’d rather not be pet…. On second thought, as long as you’re there, I do have an itch behind my left ear. Would you consider yourself a cat person or a dog person?

Bobby Sue: I love all critters, but they don’t all love me. The only one who can get near that crazy rooster of Gareth’s is Tatiana. Animals just seem to take to her like a fish to water. Would you like to meet her? I could introduce you.

Wolf: Thanks, but we’ve already met. I interviewed her last December. Today is Clear Sky Day. What can you tell me about that?

Bobby Sue: The Day of Reckonin’ spewed all sorts of ash an’ junk into the sky. Then one day we all woke up and it was gone. Boom. Just like that. Sky was clear. Sun was shinin’. Things finally started warmin’ up. It was the first sign of hope we’d had since the disaster. You should come to our annual ceremony and celebration in the town square. It’ll be a lot of fun.

Wolf: I think I’ll pass. People might freak out if I showed up.

Bobby Sue: Oh. You’re probably right.

Wolf: What can you tell me about the star-touched? Where’d they get their powers?

Bobby Sue: That’s a tough one. I mean, it’s only been eight years since they came into their powers. And before you ask, I don’t know where they got them or how they got picked. The league has been tryin’ to figure it out since the first star-touched showed up. They don’t know, the star-touched don’t know, nobody does. Maybe we’ll figure it out some day, but gosh, give it some time.

Wolf: I guess you’re right. If you could choose any weapon, what would it be?

Bobby Sue: Weapons aren’t my thing. I prefer to talk to people. If the world hadn’t turned upside-down, I would have been a social worker so I could help folks.

Wolf: And if talk doesn’t work?

Bobby Sue: A big old stick to knock some sense into them.

Wolf: Remind me not to make you angry. If you could pick any super power, what would it be and why?

Bobby Sue: Not sure I’d want any kind of super power. They’re a lot of responsibility. People could get hurt if you’re not careful. And some folks get jittery around people with powers. I’d hate to see more riots like we had a few years back. But I suppose if I had to pick, it would be the ability to help fix what’s hurt inside a person’s mind. Psychologically speaking, not the physical stuff.

Wolf: That would be a great gift. Thanks for stopping by. To learn more about Bobby Sue and the star-touched, grab a copy of Star Touched.

June 6, 2018
FREE CHOCOLATE

Want some free chocolate?

Come to my reading at Balticon this Saturday

11:00 AM

St. George Room

FREE CHOCOLATE

May 25, 2018
WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Andrew McDowell

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.

Andrew McDowell wanted to be a writer since he was a teenager. He has studied History and English at St. Mary’s College, and Library and Information Science at the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Maryland Writers’ Association. He is an associate nonfiction editor with the literary journal JMWW. He has had poetry published in the anthology Pen in Hand, and he won second place in the creative nonfiction category of the MWA Literary Contest in 2015 for his essay on his experiences with Asperger syndrome. His YA fantasy novel Mystical Greenwood was published by Mockingbird Lane Press and is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. To learn more about him and his writing, visit his website and blog at andrewmcdowellauthor.com.

Wolf: Welcome to Wolf Notes, Andrew. If you had to pick a weapon, what would it be and why?

Andrew: I would definitely go with a sword. I did some fencing in college, and I’ve always been fascinated by warriors who fight with swords since childhood, from knights in shining armor to ninjas and samurai.

Wolf: Swords are definitely cool. What is the meanest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

Andrew: I made one of them a slave to evil and kill another character (neither of which happened in the earlier drafts), and it isn’t the story’s villain. But I won’t say who so as to not to spoil the story.

Wolf: That is mean. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

Andrew: I’m definitely a dog person. That’s not to say I don’t get along well with cats and enjoy their company, but I’ve grown up with dogs and for a time when there wasn’t a dog in the house, there was a void that needed filling.

Wolf: I know exactly what you are talking about. A dogless house feels empty. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Andrew: The ability to shape-shift into any animal I want and back at will.

Wolf: That could be a lot of fun. Which of your characters is your favorite?

Andrew: That would be a tie between Dermot and Saershe. Dermot is the protagonist and the spiritual nature-lover side of me. Saershe is essentially Mother Nature herself, warm but powerful.

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

Andrew: That would also be a tie, this time between oceans and rivers. As a child I loved reading and learning about marine life. I went to St. Mary’s College of Maryland, which was on the St. Mary’s River. I enjoyed many afternoons going out and walking by the water or just sitting down to observe it.

Wolf: I’d love to go for a river walk myself. What story are you working on now?

Andrew: I’m currently working on the sequel to Mystical Greenwood, and also a mystery novel about neglected and abused pets, set in the real world.

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

Andrew: I enjoy walking, working out, and watching movies and television. I’m also a bit of a coin collector.

Wolf: Thank you for visiting. You can connect with Andrew through these links:

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Google+ | Tumblr

May 9, 2018
I LIKED THAT BOOK. NOW WHAT?

Why post a review? Not only does it tell other readers that it is something they might enjoy, it’s also a way of saying thanks to the author.

You don’t have to write a three-page document to review a book and you don’t need a blog. It can be as simple as saying “I loved this book” on Facebook or Twitter. Amazon is a great place for reviews, even if you didn’t buy the book from them, as well as Goodreads.com. All it takes is a few minutes.

Here’s an example:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful story with intriguing characters.

So next time to finish reading a book, take a moment to let the world know what you thought.

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. Will Tatiana flee or stay and fight for the new life she has built? Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

5.0 out of 5 stars
Complex and Captivating
Tatiana wants more than anything to be normal. Instead, she has to deal with the loss of family, home, and belonging. Worse, her new abilities after the cataclysm frighten her more so than anyone she encounters. It will take a whole community to help Tatiana confront her fears, powers, and anger. It’s a story about accepting who you are and learning the importance of forgiving yourself.

5.0 out of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Star Touched
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Star Touched. It captured my interest right away and kept it throughout the story. Well developed characters and exciting plot kept me turning pages. I recommend this book to people of all ages.

5.0 out of 5 stars
A great accomplishment for a new writer
A captivating novel. The character development was very complex and compelling; a great accomplishment for a new writer. Each time that I felt that I had figured out an angle, two more surprised me.

April 29, 2018
CAN YOU BE WHO YOU ARE?

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. Will Tatiana flee or stay and fight for the new life she has built? Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

Here is what critics are saying about STAR TOUCHED

5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced and emotionally complex
Star-Touched is the fast-paced and emotional journey of a teen-age girl and those surrounding her in a post apocalyptic world. Tatiana is a sensitive, likable young woman who is left “star-touched” with various powers after a cosmic event transforms the Earth. The planet becomes a place where simple survival is a full time shore, and Kaplan draws this new version of her characters’ home expertly. Tatiana’s world is a reflection of what might be left, or what might emerge, as people reconstruct civilization. It’s complete with dangers, hunger and power struggle. As a heroine, Tatiana is complex, kind and deeply damaged. You can’t help rooting for her as she and her canine companion Fifi try to start a new life – again – with a variety of fresh and original characters such as Gareth, Brother William and Bobby Sue. As the story unfolds, Tatiana is forced to confront both her own past and her deepest fears, which leave will leave young readers on the edge of their seat. Quick read with a roller coaster of emotions.
–Rissa

5.0 out of 5 stars Complex and Captivating
Tatiana wants more than anything to be normal. Instead, she has to deal with the loss of family, home, and belonging. Worse, her new abilities after the cataclysm frighten her more so than anyone she encounters. It will take a whole community to help Tatiana confront her fears, powers, and anger. It’s a story about accepting who you are and learning the importance of forgiving yourself.
–Kindle Patron

April 16, 2018
MY RAVENCON SCHEDULE

From Friday, April 20 – 22, I will be at RavenCon in Williamsburg, VA. I’m very excited to attend this science fiction and fantasy convention this year and hope to see some of you there.

Here is where you can find me.
(I’ll be doing some rapid fire running in the afternoon.)

Saturday, April 21
11:00 AM       Room 4
Reading: L. Jagi Lamplighter & A.L. Kaplan
Come hear us read our works.

Saturday, April 21
3:00 AM          Room 5
Broad Universe Rapid Fire Reading
Members of Broad Universe perform readings from their works.

Saturday, April 21
4:00 PM          Room L
Hold On To The Light
#HoldOnToTheLight is a blog campaign encompassing blog posts by fantasy and science fiction authors around the world in an effort to raise awareness around treatment for depression, suicide prevention, domestic violence intervention, PTSD initiatives, bullying prevention and other mental health-related issues.

Saturday, April 21
5:00 PM          Dealers Room
Signing: Michael G. Williams & A.L. Kaplan
The perfect chance to pick up a copy of our books and have them personalized.

April 13, 2018
BE WHO YOU ARE

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

STAR TOUCHED

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. Will Tatiana flee or stay and fight for the new life she has built? Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

Star-Touched is the fast-paced and emotional journey of a teen-age girl and those surrounding her in a post apocalyptic world. Tatiana is a sensitive, likable young woman who is left “star-touched” with various powers after a cosmic event transforms the Earth. The planet becomes a place where simple survival is a full time shore, and Kaplan draws this new version of her characters’ home expertly. Tatiana’s world is a reflection of what might be left, or what might emerge, as people reconstruct civilization. It’s complete with dangers, hunger and power struggle. As a heroine, Tatiana is complex, kind and deeply damaged. You can’t help rooting for her as she and her canine companion Fifi try to start a new life – again – with a variety of fresh and original characters such as Gareth, Brother William and Bobby Sue. As the story unfolds, Tatiana is forced to confront both her own past and her deepest fears, which will leave young readers on the edge of their seat. Quick read with a roller coaster of emotions. 5.0 out of 5 stars Fast-paced and emotionally complex

–Rissa Miller

March 23, 2018
More 5 Star Review For STAR TOUCHED

Here are a few new reviews for STAR TOUCHED.

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading Star Touched. It captured my interest right away and kept it throughout the story. Well developed characters and exciting plot kept me turning pages. I recommend this book to people of all ages.”

— Aaron Fine

“A great accomplishment for a new writer. [Star Touched] is a captivating novel. The character development was very complex and compelling; a great accomplishment for a new writer. Each time that I felt that I had figured out an angle, two more surprised me.”

— Jay S

Have you gotten your copy yet?

February 25, 2018
WOLF NOTES: An Uncommon Interview – Heather Cumiskey

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.

Heather Cumiskey is a freelance writer and editor. She studied English at the State University of New York at Albany. I Like You Like This is her debut novel and the first book in a young adult duology about addiction, sexuality, peer pressure, and first love. It is a bronze recipient of the 2017 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards and a USA Best Book Awards Finalist. Heather resides in Maryland with her husband and three sons. You can visit her at http://www.HeatherCumiskey.com.

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

Heather: I wish I was trained in the martial arts or Krav Maga and my body was a lethal weapon. That would be totally badass. Like Black Widow or Wonder Woman, I’d fight to protect the ones I love and the innocent.

Wolf: Those are two of my favorite super heroes. What is the nicest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

Heather: Show their inner character. In the scene where Hannah in I Like You Like This sees a girl being bullied by a pair of classmates, her response reveals her empathy of having been in that position herself. Sometimes it takes one random act of kindness to change everything and inspire hope.

Wolf: True. What is the meanest thing you’ve ever done to your characters?

Heather: Set up a character to do something utterly and horribly unforgiveable as I did in the sequel to I Like You Like This. I don’t want to spoil it, but the scene still takes my breath away.

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

Heather: Well naturally I would be heather. It would be cool to be a flowering plant that feeds others and blooms year-round. Definitely evergreen, hearty, and happy-looking, maybe with eggplant or spearmint colored leaves.

Wolf: That sounds wonderful. Do you consider yourself a cat person, or a dog person?

Heather: Dog, all the way. I love to see them smile and their soulful eyes. Dogs are so intuitive and know just what you need. One time a friend’s cat attacked my ponytail. Never. Again.

Wolf: While walking in the woods you come across…

Heather: A beautiful wrought iron gate to possibility. I hope I run through it.

Wolf: Make sure you open it first. If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Heather: Snap my fingers and my legs and armpits would already be shaven. That would be amazing.

Wolf: That would be nice. Which of your characters is your favorite?

Heather: Hannah and Deacon, equally. Their stories break my heart and I just want them to come out the other side and be ok.

Wolf: What story are you working on now?

Heather: The second book in the duology of I Like You Like This. I’m so excited about it.

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

Heather: I train with special needs athletes and help them compete in mainstream races through a Maryland organization called Athletes Serving Athletes. It’s been a life changer.

Wolf: That’s wonderful. What can you do for free and its effect on people and the world could forever be changed for the better?

Heather: Strive for love and understanding of others

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILikeYouLikeThisNovel

Twitter: @HeatherCumiskey

Instagram: @HeatherCumiskey

Pinterest: @HeatherCumiskey

STAR TOUCHED

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. Will Tatiana flee or stay and fight for the new life she has built? Only by harnessing the very forces that haunt her can Tatiana save her friends…and herself.

“A unique and finely crafted debut novel, the characters touched my heart as I was drawn into their plight and compelled to finish!”

— New York Times bestselling Author Maria V. Snyder

February 14, 2018