El-R Charis: an out of the norm poet, publisher and literary gems scouter

INTERVIEW

El-R Charis is a native of Chicago, bred and raised on the Southside. She’s a  Poet who expresses a lifetime of observation, harmony through conflict and ultimately self acceptance. El-R’s newest endeavor a publishing company, Phi Phe Publications, offer a variety of services from editing to ghost writing.

El-R Charis is a genuine artist and today I have the honour to host  an interesting interview with her on my blog.

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Who exactly is El-R Charis?
“El-R Charis, (I am) a communicator, whether it be via written word, visual graphics, sensually:   It be all three.   What I write/say, depict in my art may relay to its receiver a feeling or motivates a free thought which opens a dialogue within oneself as well as to others.”

How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“After many years of attempting to fit into the “norm”, corporate hustle, I realized although I was extraordinary in whatever position I would undertake; there was always opposition from some key figure in the business.  Over time, it became a great annoyance to ignore my passion in pursuit of material stability based on that of the worlds blueprint.  I became acquainted with a very gifted Spiritual medium who introduced me to a higher level of thought and understanding of a realm beyond what my natural eyes could see. This “Man of God” taught about authorship and the importance of allowing our talents to be multiplied through writing.  From this revelatory relationship, I simply let it Be.”

Was getting published hard?
“No, it was all about research and tenacity to stay steadfast, even in the midst of seeming frustration. Daily I’m driven to learn something new about publishing, yet in this process, I have birthed my own publishing company.”

Are your characters based on people you know?
“As a book of poetry, art, as well as some spiritual truths; the answer would be, “yes”.  Mostly the poems are based on my perception, there are some, however simply based on my perception of others in relationship to the world at large.”

What genre are your books?
“Poetry, some may say Mythology also Visual Art is a huge part of what I do.  Unreleased works include fiction and a Semi-Autobiography.”

Which of your books is your most favourite?
“Well, currently, I only have one book on the market, with the second to be released later this month: Although, my favourite is actually an unreleased work of fiction in which I can’t name because the story is not yet copy-written.  I however, will always have a soft spot for The Epiphany Series; currently Volume One, Primus is on Amazon Kindle.  Epiphany is my catalyst for many life decisions and new endeavors which are branching from within.  I owe Her a huge gratitude.”

Do you have a specific writing routine?
“As much as I try, No.  I am an artist in the sense of, I work as inspired;  I’m not well with obligatory ANYTHING.  Always obliged to serve yet being forceful with myself is not my forte.  Writing is an immense joy for me, when she is ready, she flows.”

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What are your current projects?
“As stated prior, Volume II of The Epiphany Series, will be released on Amazon Kindle just before Christmas of this year; Volume I, Primus will be released in soft cover January 2015.  I also have Phi Phe Publications, LLC; my publishing company, which will began taking submissions in January 2015, for evaluation of various services offered to the Writer seeking guidance in their writing endeavors.  Recently, I have become the new editor for a 5-time published Author, which I am ecstatic about!  I have this affair with words which no human partner could ever match, unless we have the same lover.”

What’s next for you?
“Epiphany is a seven volume series, the last five will roll out throughout the first half of 2015. I am also scouting other poets to help them along the way of publishing, formatting, editing and so on.  There are literally bins of writings; books, movie scripts, television shows and of course, poetry in which I am surrounded by daily.  Much were scribed over several years, yet now, I am finally comfortable enough to delve into and form them as that which the Universe has commissioned them to be.”

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About El-R Charis

El-R Charis is a native of Chicago, bred and raised on the Southside.  Educated in the Public School system in a time when teachers took an active role as alternate parents to those entrusted to them daily.  El-R took her first creative writing class in an After-School program under the tutelage of Mrs. Leila BoNey.  During the program, this authors natural flair for writing became immediately apparent to the program director thus a friendship/mentorship identity was formed.  This connection lasted throughout the authors formative years until the untimely passing of El-R’s beloved mentor in her early twenties.

In addition to  her enthusiasm for writing, El-R majored in Commercial Art as an high school student, even graduating from higher education with an AAS in Art & Design from Robert Morris University, Chicago.

Throughout her life, El-R Charis has endured many obstacles she credits for fine tuning her craft with a keen level of detail which many people who have struggled through life’s journey can relate.  This openly gay author utilizes words, artistic talents, as well as photography to lay out graphic depictions of the ups and downs of moving through society.

El-R’s publishing company, Phi Phe Publications, offer a variety of services from editing to ghost writing.  Motion in Poetry, the Web site at ElrCharis.com rallies all things embodied in the mind of El-R Charis: Words, Pictures, Passion.

Book info:

Epiphany, Poetry in the Flow of Life, Volume I: Primus (eBook)

Publisher: Phi Phe Publications, 2014 Editor: C. R. Hagerman

Available for a limited time exclusively on Amazon for Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P8F7XNO

https://www.facebook.com/pages/El-R-Charis/312095092319596

Social Media info:
ElrCharis.com (Web site)
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elrcharis
Instagram: http://instagram.com/el_r_charis

Savage Stalker by Kathleen Kelly

BOOK BLAST

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Book: Savage Stalker (Savage Angels MC #1)

Author: Kathleen Kelly

Release Date: December 12th, 2014

Cover Designer: LM Creations

Hosted by Book Empire Promotions

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Add to Goodreadshttp://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22877766-savage-stalker

 SAVAGE STALKER KATHLEEN KELLY B&N EBOOK COVER

SYNOPSIS

Katarina Saunders, Kat to the world, international rock star. Lead singer for The Grinders. Until she has an accident that ruins her career and sends her running into the mountains, away from everything and everyone.

Dane Reynolds, President of the Savage Angels MC. Fierce, strong and loyal. He’s had his eye on Kat for a while now and had been waiting for her to come to him but he’s had enough of waiting. He’s decided it’s time to make her his. But so has her Stalker, he’s been waiting for far too long…….

 Can Dane save Kat? Or will her Savage Stalker get to her first?

 PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: TBA

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1xEUVfQ

Apple itunes: http://bit.ly/1xsN6eW

Kobo Books: http://bit.ly/1pKrA4K

BlogTourBanner

Jeremy Croston and his fantasy trips to Ragnarok on Ice

INTERVIEW

Jeremy Croston started writing back in the early 2000’s when he was at the University of Central Florida to help curb the boredom of the many marketing classes taken. After graduation, the story line for the Ragnarok on Ice series was put in a box never to see the light of day again…or so we thought. His wife found the stories while moving and encouraged him to put it into print. So here we are with the Ragnarok on Ice series coming to an e-reader near you!

Today we have the pleasure to have a little chat with Jeremy Croston and the chance to get to know him a little better.

“I began writing in college at the University of Central Florida. In addition to writing, I enjoy music, movies, and spending time with my wife” Jeremy says.

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– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“My wife was the major catalyst behind me pursuing my writing. She found my notes while we were moving and asked why I never pursued it further. From there, I began writing again and finished my first novel Power Play. After the thrill of completing that project , I decided to keep going.”

– Was getting published hard?

“Not at all. Kindle direct publishing through Amazon makes it very easy for anyone to publish their work.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?

“I think it’s almost impossible not to base characters on people in your life. Of course of certain people would not be pleased if they ever found out which characters I used for them, haha!”

– What genre are your books?

“So far all my books fall into the sci-fi and fantasy realm. My main series Ragnarok on Ice also borrows heavily from Norse mythology.”

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– Which of your books is your most favourite?

“I have written two full length novels and two novellas. If pressed to pick a favorite would be Blood and Arrows, a novella about one of the main characters in Power Play. It was great to explore a character’s history and give the readers more background information.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I have a very quirky writing style. I write two thousand words a day, basically just letting the story write itself. I feel the more you overthink your story, the more you forget the flow of it.”

– What are your current projects?

“I just finished book two of the Ragnarok on Ice series and it is in editing. The title is Penalty Kill and the tentative release date is January 20th, 2015. I’m now writing a novel outside of sci-fi, a dramatic story about a boxer who is at rock bottom and has to find his way back up.”

– What’s next for you?

“I have four to five novels planned for 2015. I hope my novels keep everyone entertained and I look forward to hearing from everyone!”

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FAN FACTS ABOUT JEREMY CROSTON

His other main project is the werewolf/vampire mash-up series, The Inglewood Chronicles. Follow Victor Inglewood, the werewolf who cannot transform, as he meets vampire Elizabeth Swansea and the misadventures she gets him involved in.

Jeremy is married to his wonderful wife and editor Stephanie. In addition to writing, he works in business development for a Fortune 500 company. He enjoys playing soccer, catching up on all things related to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and watching his dog run around aimlessly.

CONNECT WITH JEREMY CROSTON

www.amazon.com/author/jeremycroston

https://ragnarokonice.wordpress.com/

Twitter:- @jeremycroston81

Email: JECebooks@gmail.com

Rom Com Writers Celebrate Festivus!!!

Αταξινόμητα

#romcom #festivus #holiday #celebration

Come and join Penny Reid, Daisy Prescott, M. Mabie, Jennie Marts, Z.B. Heller, C.C. Wood, A.C. Netzel, Zack Love and N.M. Silber as they celebrate the holiday. A Festivus for the rest of us! December 16, 2014 from 4:30-11pm est.

https://www.facebook.com/events/569040546560417/

Flintlock by Ashley Nixon

COVER REVEAL

Were you here when we revealed the brand new cover for Cutlass, the first book in the Cutlass Trilogy? If not, check it out HERE! Now it’s time for BOOK TWO!

Let me remind you who the genius is behind these books:

Author Ashley Nixon’s Bio:

Ashley was born and raised in Oklahoma, where the wind really does sweep down the plains, and horses and carriages aren’t used as much as she’d like. She has a Bachelor’s in English Writing and a Master’s in Library Science and Information Technology. When she’s not writing she’s either working out or pretending she’s Sherlock Holmes. Her obsession with writing began after reading the Lord of the Rings in the eighth grade. Since then, she’s loved everything Fantasy–resulting in an unhealthy obsession with the ‘geek’ tab on Pinterest, where all things awesome go.

Links to social media:

Website

http://ashley-nixon.com

GoodReads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5199530.Ashley_Nixon

FLINTLOCK WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER SOON!

Flintlock Book Blurb:

Barren Reed hopes to protect the Orient from his tyrant uncle, but his plans to make the King’s life a living hell aren’t supported by the Elders of the pirate community. As it stands, Barren has earned the Elders’ disdain for his carelessness, and they threaten him into exile if he makes one more mistake.

Barren’s not the only one feeling the Elders’ wrath—they don’t trust Larkin either. Worse, Barren can’t comprehend Larkin’s wish to have a relationship with her father, and the secrets she’s forced to keep create a tension that may pull them apart forever.

When the Pirates of Silver Crest begin to die, bullets laced with dark magic are to blame. With more and more of these weapons infiltrating the Underground, discovering who’s behind the dissemination is no easy feat. As fear and tension mount among the people of the Orient, Barren and his crew find themselves in a race against time to stop the spread of dark magic before the world of Mariana spirals into collapse.

All right, so I’ve introduced you to the first book in the series, the amazing author behind these fantastic pirate books, I guess it’s time to FINALLY share the cover!!!!

Here it is!!!!

AMAZING RIGHT!?!?!?!

Show your support for Author Ashley Nixon by also stopping over to visit the other amazing blogs who have signed up to help us spread this fantastic new cover as far and wide as we possible can!!!

Sia by Kia Carrington – Russel

BOOK BLAST

Sia Cover with Blurb

Excerpt:

Trim walked protectively behind me, on guard after our confrontation. I dropped to my knees beside the young doe, gliding my hand over her nose and soothing her. I reached for the arrow and put her out of her misery. She squealed softly before her breath against my hand ceased. I looked to the blue sky, apologetic that she had been killed too soon. I gave thanks to her for the food that would feed my pack. I turned to Trim, grateful for his presence. “I neither like them nor trust them,” I spoke honestly.

“If you need me, you know I will be close,” Trim said, offering his hand to me to help me stand.

About Kia:

Kia Carrington-Russell is a young author working on her first series: “The Three Immortal Blades”. Kia began writing at the age of fifteen in high school- finding that all her warped and strange dreams were giving her a fantastic new world- and since then she has never looked back.

Kia was born in a small town in Australia, moving around a lot at a young age until finding a stable town where she finished her schooling. Kia found herself enjoying and expressing herself through poetry, short stories and writing, photography, painting and drawing. All these mediums help Kia express the different world that she is so fond of.

In ‘Senior Art’ Kia focused on feminism and female empowerment; exposing through her work issues and concerns that many people would rather just “sweep under the rug”.

In one art installation, Kia made a bed out of Pokémon cards- the concept being that when she slept a new world would come to life and it was the only one she saw and constantly lived in.

Kia now focuses on her photography, writing and self-help blogs on her website: ‘Precious Living’.

Kia is now keenly working on “The Three Immortal Blades” series knowing that this book has to be shared with the world and that is what she aims to do now.

Kia writes in her Australian home, trying to focus at times on simply what is running through her head, as her cats either terrorize her legs as scratching posts or her puppy barks in her ear for play-time. And as she continues her series, they grow with her book.

Kia is strongly supported by her friends and family and thanks them dearly for being with her along the bumpy road and nothing would please her more than having your support as well.

Visit Kia Around the Web:

Amazon Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

The Challenge – Circle of Conspiracy, by Cas peace

REVIEW

‘The Challenge’ wasn’t the first Cas Peace book I’ve ever read but it is the first book in the Circle of Conspiracy trilogy with the later being a sub-series of Artesans Of Albia series books. And let me tell you, this series is getting better and better.

The writing was perfection and the story enchanting. I adored Brynne Sullyan’s character! I’d like her to be my best friend! Cas Peace is an excellent writer and story teller. Her writing is rich with description and imagination. It’s rare to find a book that has excellent writing, outstanding characters, AND a fabulous plot. Cas Peace’s books have all of them.

I can hardly wait to enjoy more books from this immensely talented author.

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Blurb:

Friend against friend, lover against lover, ally against ally. Conflict is coming …

Nine months have passed since Brynne Sullyan helped forge an alliance between the realms of Albia and Andaryon. A fragile peace reigns as both sides recover from the events of the previous year. Then mysterious raiders strike Andaryon villages. Attempts are made on the life of Albia’s High King. As Sullyan scrambles to find those responsible, unseen enemies threaten to pull apart everything she has worked for, including her marriage.

The alliance begins to crumble, and Sullyan finds herself caught between two monarchs: the king she’s sworn allegiance to, and the man she loves as a father. To betray either one would break her heart, but if conflict is inevitable, she must make a choice…

About Artesans of Albia Series

On a foolhardy foray into a foreign realm, Taran Elijah is attacked by a terrible weapon known as the Staff. Killing its wielder, he escapes into Albia, inadvertently carrying the Staff.

Concerned by the vicious raids that follow Taran’s actions, Major Sullyan of the High King’s forces crosses into Andaryon to seek diplomatic resolution to the crisis. She is captured and tortured by Lord Rykan, aspirant to the Andaryon throne.

Slowly dying, Sullyan escapes his clutches. She offers her skills to the Hierarch in defense of his throne, finally confronting Rykan on the field of battle.

Her handsome Captain and lover, Robin Tamsen, embarks on a desperate quest to recover the Staff. But Rykan’s greedy General, Sonten, is two steps ahead of him. If Robin cannot lay hold of the weapon before Sonten does, Sullyan’s life and the lives of all Artesans are forfeit.
The race for the Staff has begun.

Cas Peace

About Cas Peace

Cas Peace was born in Hampshire UK, in 1957, and has lived there most of her life. Her first career was as a horse-riding instructor, and horses remain very close to her heart. She then spent 13 years working for the British Civil Service before leaving the UK to live in Italy for three years, 1991-1994. She speaks passable but by no means perfect Italian, and loves to return to Italy whenever she can.

Cas’s other great loves are anything to do with animals, especially dogs and horses, (she supports many animal charities) and also singing.

Cas loves folk songs and along with her husband, who plays guitar, has performed in many a Southern England folk club. Sometimes they even asked her back! She writes folk songs to accompany her fantasy novels, and offers them as free downloads from her website.

Website

Facebook

Book Songs

Linked In

YouTube

Blogger

Twitter

To Buy Link

Amazon.com

ARTESANS Series Book Trailer

CHALLENGE-TOUR

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Meet Donna Feyen and her amazing blog ‘More Than A Review’

REVIEW

I’m so excited to have a fellow blogger onboard today, Donna Feyen and her amazing blog site ‘More Than A Review’.
Donna is the host of WWW.MORETHANAREVIEW.COM where she reviews tons and tons of books! It’s a great resource for checking out those books you’ve been wondering about and deciding if they are worth the read! Or before you purchase!

More Than A Review (MTAR) founder, Donna Feyen, is an avid reader, a “stalker” (a.k.a. devoted fan) of popular band Third Day, and loves to scrapbook in both the traditional and digital styles using Creative Memories tools.  She loves Beth Moore bible studies, has worked at the same company for 27+ years, and loves to travel!  Some of her bucket list items include: visiting Hawaii, another trip to Germany (where her husband was born), and riding their motorcycle down interstate 1 in California.  Donna lives in Northwest Arkansas with her husband and her 3 beautiful black labs.

The best thing about reviewing is meeting authors both in person and online.  I have some great author friends that I would not have met without having More Than a Review.  I love attending book conventions and I am also looking for recommendations on which ones to attend.

Donna started MTAR after reading several books that fell short of their “traditional” reviews and included more graphic content than she was expecting to read.   These disappointments and the inability to research the content of a book before purchase, led Donna to the purpose and vision behind MTAR.

So Donna developed the science behind creating a website that would provide in-depth book reviews including a detailed “grading” system to provide readers upfront knowledge about the content of books they choose to read.MTAR allows anyone to write book reviews once they have registered via the MTAR homepage login screen.  Additionaly, there is a “report abuse” button that any reviewer may click if they identify someone who is abusing the privilege of posting a book review.

* Loving the Book is hosting an event in her honor here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/304306413107315

There you’ll be able to enter a giveaway with amazing prizes!

Alyson Grauer about self-publishing and The Isle Of Sound and Wonder

INTERVIEW

A few days ago I featured on my blog a great book, ‘On the Isle Of Sound and Wonder’ by Alyson Grauer, based on William Shakespeare’s classic, ‘The Tempest’.

However I wanted to get to know better author Alyson Grauer and today I have the pleasure to have an interview with her.

Alyson bio

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
I always wanted to tell stories when I was little, and was writing and illustrating books throughout elementary school. It just stuck with me! I journaled through middle and high school and in college promised myself that when I graduated I’d get back on the ball and keep writing seriously. And I did.

– Was getting published hard?
I would say yes and no. I submitted short stories to a number of online publications for several months (and was rejected repeatedly) before I found Xchyler Publishing’s anthology contests and got published there. It was challenging in that it is very overwhelming at first, but if you do some research on who publishes the types of things you write, and how they like their submissions, that can help narrow the field for you.

 – Are your characters based on people you know?
Sometimes I borrow the appearance or look of a person I know to help me picture a character better, but mostly the characters unfold themselves as they are. I try not to directly represent people I know as they are in real life, but I like to imagine them as actors performing the roles of my characters.

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– Which of your books is your most favourite?
Well, ON THE ISLE OF SOUND AND WONDER is my first novel, so I’d say that one. 🙂

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
Not a strict one. My writing ‘routine’ involves a lot of Pinterest and a lot of visual research. Sometimes I prepare a playlist of songs to listen to while I write. I drink a lot of tea, of course. And I sometimes take breaks to stretch or do sit ups.

– What’s next for you?
I’m doing something for NaNoWriMo this month but it’s a casual thing… I’m not competing heavily this year. Need the break. But we’ll see what comes of it. …I know that sounds mysterious.

‘One the Isle Of Sound and Wonder’ by Alyson Grauer

BOOK BLAST

Today I’m very excited to feature a great book, ‘On the Isle Of Sound and Wonder’ by Alyson Grauer, based on William Shakespeare’s classic, ‘The Tempest’.

All but alone, wild but resourceful, Mira dreams of life beyond the shores of her mystical island. Isolated by her father, a dark sorcerer bent on vengeance, she has only his servants, an air spirit and a misshapen cast-off, to share her company.

When Dante conjures a terrible storm to wash ashore his mortal enemies, Mira must choose between her loyalties to her father and what she knows is right.

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Sounds awesome doesn’t it?

Here is an excerpt:

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IOSAW excerpt #2

Now, let me introduce you author Alyson Grauer:

Alyson bio

Book Tour hosted by Loving The Book.