THE AUTHOR AND THE ILLUSTRATOR

When I was sending out invitations to the YA Fantasy Blog Event I stumbled, quite by chance, upon the most amazing storybook illustrations.  It showed the work throughout the artist process, it was spectacular.  Here's what I saw http://www.albaillustration.com/blog/?p=649

So I contacted Elisabeth Alba and asked if she would care to join in…timing was off on her end with several large projects in the works, one of which we'll be sharing today, so I quickly asked if she and her cohort would be open to come visit with us here at PLP…and that's how we all arrived here today.  The more I  studied and researched about these two remarkable people, the more I wanted to share with you.  So please do enjoy your introduction to Heidi Bolton and Elisabeth Alba.  Make sure you visit their sites if you would like a real treat as to how an author and an illustrator can share their world.  And for participating in today's special post, I will be happy to
gift a copy of H.B. Bolton's first book, 

The Serpent's Ring, Book One of the Relics of Mysticus, 

to someone who leaves a compelling comment about the 

author and why they would like one…thx for stopping by,

 and as always, leave us a comment so we know you 

were here…enjoy! PLP.

CAIRN-GHOST

MAGIC BEAN

JERUSALEM MAP
"for "The Last Days of Jesus" by Bill O'Reilly, 
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers"

FIRST MAP EVER
for www.whyismud.com"
Amazing!

GEORGELUCAS CHINESE THEATRE
"The Premiere of Star Wars at the Chinese Theater for 
"I Am George Lucas" by Scholastic"

WEREWOLF
"The Shadowhunter's Codex" by Cassandra Clare, 
Simon &Schuster"

"The Monster Realm by Nara Duffie - roamandramble.com"

OUR INTERVIEW

 I was hunting through blogs looking for people to invite to our event when I saw this blow by blow of an incredible cover illustration transformation from beginning to end.  I was floored.  The detail and the flow of the work was inspiring to me as an artist and I  instantly wanted to know more about the person behind these terrific paintings.  One thing led to another and now we’re here today with both the Illustrator and the Author of the books the paintings were for.

1.  Elisabeth how the heck did you get this good?  Did you study, or is it something that comes naturally...when did you know you were this talented?

Elisabeth: Years and years of practice doing something I enjoy. I was always drawing when I was little. I just couldn't stop. In middle school and high school I drew a lot of fanart – that is, art based on books/media that I liked. I was really into Japanese animation, so I drew a lot of characters in that style. Before that I was into Tiny Toons, so I drew characters like that. Over time, from constantly drawing and studying art and anatomy, I started to get better – arms stopped being too short, necks stopped being too long, for example – and I started developing my own style that didn't rely on someone else's style.

High school is when I really became interested in fantasy art and 'pretty ladies in pretty gowns.' In college I had to take a lot of 'fine art' classes and learned new paint skills, and in my free time I delved into the Harry Potter fandom and made a lot of artwork based on the books and fanfiction. This has all just been practice to get to where I am now, and I'm still learning! One of the great things about being an illustrator—I'm either learning new things because of researching for projects, or trying out new materials, or just getting better with lighting and anatomy. Being an artist is being a lifelong student!

I am also an avid reader and my favorite books are historical fiction, YA, middle grade books, fantasy and scifi books... so I enjoy drawing the genres that I read, and that is how I got into illustration, the thought that I could illustrate these types of books that I adore so much.

2.  How did you and Heidi find each other?

Elisabeth: A fun story! Heidi was my art teacher throughout high school. She was one of my favorite teachers, and I was in at least 3 classes with her, including AP art. I believe she was in graduate school at the time, so she wasn't one of those ancient stuffy art teachers giving boring assignments. She was one of us! And she let us make work we were passionate about. She is one of the reasons that I kept up with art and made it my career. We lost touch for a while until one of my other favorite HS teachers who I've kept up with, my AP English teacher, messaged me that she had a possible illustration assignment for me. It was for Heidi! So that was in 2012 and the Dragon's Egg is my third book cover for her. It has been a great to reconnect with Heidi and to have this fun middle grade adventure with her!

Heidi: Thanks, Elisabeth  I’m happy to hear I wasn’t a “stuffy” art teacher. Elisabeth has always been a talented artist — even in high school. I love the rich colors she uses and the unique perspective she chooses for her drawings. I’m extremely fortunate to have been reconnected with her and even luckier to have such an amazing artist design my covers. 

3.  What’s it like to interpret someone else’s idea?  Are you a strong voice in what the cover eventually becomes?

Elisabeth: It can be challenging at times but I've found with most of my clients that it becomes a really fun brainstorming process. As an illustrator that has studied book covers and the publishing industry, and has been working in it for some time, I'd say I have a lot of knowledge about what makes a better book cover, the kind that would attract viewers. Many times an author gives me an idea of theirs that has way too many characters or too much going on and it needs more focus. Heidi has always been great about just giving me simple ideas and letting me roll with them. There are specific things I need to follow such as costumes, objects, locations, and colors, but overall she is open to my thoughts on the composition.

Heidi: Elisabeth seems to have an innate understanding of what I’m looking for without my having to over-explain an idea to her. It’s easy to work with her, and we’re definitely on the same page.   

4.  Heidi, this one is for you.  I think you lucked out tremendously having Elisabeth design your covers, they are so appealing it makes you want to look closer, so, well done you.  However, you are not without merit on your own standing.  You have two Award Finalist titles for your series, Relics of Mysticus, which is aimed at higher middle grade-young adult readers.  The first book, The Serpent’s Ring, dives into some mythology and the gods there of, is this something you studied or were simply attracted too?

Heidi: I wanted to major in Humanities when I began college. I studied most of the time periods and have always been fascinated with mythology. After taking a few art studio courses, I decided to switch my major to art education. Mythology is prevalent throughout art history and says so much about each culture.   

As a child, I would dive into fantasy stories such as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit and so many others. As an adult, I still feel the thrill and enchantment of such stories. C.S. Lewis once said, “Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” My love for adventure inspired me to create my own story, my idea of what a hero should be, and my vision of other realms. 

I wanted to include a quest where an average kid could encounter supernatural creatures, trinkets, and foods. I considered how to tie multiple books and multiple adventures together. That was when the idea of visiting a land where all of the great myths existed came to me. My characters would be able to visit multiple realms of mythology where they would be able to have many exciting escapades.

In The Serpent’s Ring, Evan and Claire travel — via the “rainbow bridge” — to Asgard and encounter their first goddess, Vor (she knows literally everything). I chose Norse mythology because of my family’s heritage — my father’s name is Thor (short for Torval). I’ve always felt connected with Norway and needed to start there. 

5.  I also find in the second book, The Trickster’s Totem, you explore the Native American philosophy with the coyote who represents the trickster, and you delve a bit into other animals who are part of their Spirit world. You even mention why dragons are present.  I find this super interesting and exciting and I’m looking forward to reading your books to see how you actually incorporate this idea into a ya fantasy.  So it appears you are a student of philosophy...care to expand?

Heidi: I appreciate that you find it interesting. I enjoy trying to wrap my mind around different beliefs and ideas. Philosophy intrigues me. In fact, my first novel was based off an idea I found on the TV show Star Trek: The New Generation. In one episode, an alien space probe linked itself to the captain’s mind. He lived an entire lifetime in the span of a few minutes. He even learned how to play a musical instrument. 

I imagined what it would be like to live in someone else’s memory, and voila, the premise for Glimmers was created. In the book, the lead character has the ability to touch an object that once belonged to someone else and become pulled into one of her memories. Just to relieve any confusion, this book’s written under my middle name, Barbara Brooke.      

6.  And finally in the third book, The Dragon’s Egg you touch on the mystical land of Atlantis.  It sounds like you are taking your young characters on a very magical journey through different worlds of thought, all while keeping it set in adventure and fantasy, not in a preachy or in your face sense...you made these ideas fun.  I wonder where your characters will head to next, maybe another planet?

Heidi: Maybe one day I’ll write a series based on another planet. I like the sound of it. My next series will have to do with alien abduction, so it could work. For now, there are so many different realms of mythology and legends that my characters could visit. It’s difficult to choose where to send them next. The Dragon’s Egg explores the realms of Medieval Legends, Avalon, and Atlantis, so it is rather mystical. The fourth book, The Mummy’s Amulet, will take my characters through Ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, and Mayan mythological realms.  

7.  Typically my last question is always related to the dedication of the author’s book...however, since we are not doing a typical interview here I’d like to point out a couple more things for you both to comment on.

First I'd like to acknowledge that Elisabeth just recently worked on some map designs for Bill O'Reilly's new book about Jesus, for kids.  Now maps…that's an interesting thing to me because nothing takes the fantasy a step further than a cool map of the world we are exploring in an author's story.  Your maps are spectacular!  I so wish I could do this, it's really a gift.  What is it about maps that you love doing so much, and what does it take to get the details so right on?

Elisabeth: I had no idea that I would enjoy making maps so much. I did a commission in early 2012 that involved making a map on top of other more usual paintings/drawings. I was a bit nervous about it at first since I'd never drawn one before. But I have always loved a good map at the beginning of a book, and looking at maps that come with video games that I've played. So I did that one map (this one: http://www.albaillustration.com/images/as-map.html) and it has led to all my other map work! And I love them! It is a refreshing change from working on a big painting. It's like working on a puzzle (and I love putting puzzles together). And I like being able to help authors visualize their worlds.

If the map is for a fantasy world, I usually have the author give me a rough sketch of where they think everything should go. It's too difficult to describe that in words. I then give them my own rough sketch with everything in place and we discuss what needs moved around, if anything is missing, etc. Sometimes I notice things that the author hasn't realized was needed. For example, once I had to include a water mill in the map. It was an important location. But there was no description for a stream or river! So the author realized she had to put a river next to the mill.

In the case of the maps of Jerusalem for the Bill O'Reilly book, this was less imagination and more trying to nail everything accurately. I had to look at satellite images and make sure everything was to scale, and figure out how to highlight certain buildings and make them stand out in a cluttered city.

Also, both of you have AMAZING websites!  Seriously, Heidi, yours is so unique and engaging, it really introduces your books so perfectly.  Not too much, no fuss, just a magical little parchment that explains it all.  How did you come up with your design?  How is it going with your promotion of your work, because it looks to me as you should be selling like crazy?  Your story’s synopsis grabs your immediate attention and you just want to read them all.  To me if you can write a good blurb, that’s a pretty good indication that you probably can write a good book, so again, well done you!  Anything you’d like to add?

Heidi: Wow, thanks. Truthfully, I’ve only just started down my literary path, but have been happy with the positive feedback on my books. I’ve visited many schools and enjoy seeing the student’s faces light up with excitement over my stories. It’s the best part of my journey. 

As far as my website, I liked the idea of having it look like it was hand drawn. I wanted to build/design my own webpage and discovered Wix. I learned how to navigate the site and have been piecing together my webpages ever since.    

And Elisabeth, when I first went to your website I was blown away!  That piece with the girl with the flowing red hair, it’s truly perfection.  Your choice in color and tone really set you apart from other artists...especially with your maps...I LOVE LOVE LOVE the muted greens and blues...when I attempted this it just simply did not gel for me, it’s frustrating to say the least...I’m a bit of a fan in case you haven’t guessed.  I’m assuming you put your website together yourself, it’s beautiful.  So what’s in the queue for you?

Elisabeth: Thank you! I've been making my own website for years, and I try to keep it pretty simple to make, update, and peruse. I learned some HTML codes and use Dreamweaver. Another reason for making a simple website, which also doesn't have too many colors or graphics, is because I want the art to be easier to see on its own. No distractions!

I have a few projects lined up. I just finished illustrating chapter headers, a map, and a book cover for an awesome young author, Nara Duffie (http://www.roamandramble.com/all/the-monster-realm/). I am about to start working on a map for a lodge in the Catskills in New York. I am also designing a psychedelic 1960s style poster for a family friend's rock band. I am making work for upcoming conventions where I sell original paintings and drawings and prints – Gen Con in Indianapolis mid August and IlluXCon in Allentown, PA, mid September. I have a day job at the moment so I try not to take on too much at once!

You can find Elisabeth Alba at: http://www.albaillustration.com
Blog: http://www.albaillustration.com/blog/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/albaillustration 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/elisabethalba
Tumblr: http://albaillustration.tumblr.com/ 
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/albaillustration 

You can find H.B. Bolton at http://www.hbbolton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HBBoltonAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/H_B_Bolton
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/heidibarbara/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150459.H_B_Bolton?from_search=true
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/H.B.-Bolton/e/B007RXO22A/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1398105020&sr=8-1

THE AERENDEN SERIES by, KRISTEN TABER

Today we are bringing a YA Fantasy sponsored by

Goddess Fish Promotions,

from Author Kristen Taber,

The Aerenden Series.

While setting up for this promotion, through an email

or two I have suddenly found myself building a lovely

friendship with this Author, so presenting her work to

you today is extra special for me.

Kristen wrote all three books before releasing them,

helping to build in the continuity of the story.  I believe 

there are three more in the works.  While researching

Kristen's media and background I ended up on Amazon

(as is my usual to do with Authors I am hosting, I like to

know a bit about what I'm sharing here with you).  I began

reading the first book and let me tell you, five chapters
later I still didn't want to walk away, and if it were't for
my husband waiting for me I wouldn't have.  I
immediately ordered the book and unless something
goes terribly awry (which is highly unlikely),
this proves to be a tremendous read. We have a short
special post from Kristen regarding choosing names for
fantasy characters which should prove enlightening to
everyone including non writers.  There is a GIVEAWAY
with today's stop and continuing on through the tour of a
25. gift card and 10 audio versions to be awarded to
random commenters.  So you know what that means,
leave your comments, not only for a chance to win,
but to let us know you were here…thx,
and enjoy the rest of the tour, PLP.

Book One: The Child Returns

Seventeen-year-old Meaghan has no idea her perfect life has been a lie — until she witnesses her parents’ brutal murders at the hands of red-eyed creatures.

After nearly sharing their fate, she escapes with her best friend, Nick, who tells her the creatures are called Mardróch. They come from another world, and so does she. Now that the Mardróch have found her, she must return to her homeland of Ærenden or face death.

Left with little choice, she follows Nick into a strange world both similar to Earth and drastically different. Vines have the ability to attack. Monkeys freeze their victims with a glare. Men create bombs from thin air. Even Meaghan’s newly discovered empath power turns into a danger she cannot control.

But control becomes the least of her worries once the Mardróch begin targeting her. When Nick confesses he knows the reason they want her, she learns the truth behind the kingdom's fifteen-year civil war — a long-buried secret that could cost Meaghan her life.

EXCERPT:

Meg,” her father spoke again and her eyes filled with tears. His voice was no more than a whisper. “Trust Nick. He’ll keep you safe.”

She nodded, and then shook as her father gathered his last breath. The footsteps reached the top of the stairs. Her father shuddered into stillness, but she had no time to mourn before Nick grabbed her hand and yanked her out the front door.

Cold air bit her face. Black clouds gathered overhead, shadowing the day in darkness. A gust of wind whipped leaves across the yard, building small funnel clouds, but she ignored them. She focused on the back of Nick’s head, then on her car when she realized they would need it to escape. They had nearly reached the driveway before she remembered she did not have her keys. She skidded to a stop. Turning back toward the house, she caught her breath when she saw their pursuers exiting the front door.

There were three of them, each taller than the last. Dark brown cloaks covered them from head to foot and they all carried heavy wood clubs stained with blood. They moved with an unnatural speed and disjointed grace, as if they floated instead of touching the ground. A putrid, rotting scent emanated from them in waves. It rolled Meaghan’s stomach, pitching her breakfast mid-way up her throat before she controlled the reaction. Nick grabbed her arm and pulled her toward her parents’ SUV.

Buy Links for Book 1

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084UZ5GM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0084UZ5GM&linkCode=as2&tag=sad06-20

BN:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aerenden-kristen-taber/1111767014?ean=2940044899988

Book Two: The Gildonae Alliance

Several months after Meaghan’s return to Ærenden, the kingdom’s war has taken a turn for the worse. The Mardróch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in their remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it’s a threat they never see coming.

EXCERPT:

THE WORLD streaked past, brown bark and evergreen mixed with the dirty sludge of winter. Meaghan leaped over the remains of a fallen spruce, and then dodged around a thorn bush. Her stride never broke. An ice patch appeared in front of her, pressing red and orange leaves into the ground, and she veered left to avoid it. She had almost missed this one, though heightened adrenaline had saved her at the last moment. She could not fall. She could not slow. Her life depended on it. 

Wind burned her cheeks and whipped her hair behind her. She ignored it. She also ignored the way her breath seared her lungs. She pushed harder, further than she had before. And she focused, straining her ears and eyes. An attack would come soon. She expected it, though she wished she had Nick’s sensing power to warn her when it neared. Without it, she had to rely on her training alone. She hoped it would be enough. 

Up ahead, vines hung motionless across her path. They could be harmless, but she could not take the chance. Without changing her pace, she grabbed a stick from the ground and threw it into the curtain of green stretching in front of her. The vines reacted, snapping and curling around the branch until it crumbled into splinters. She swerved off the path, circled around the creeper vines, and then hurdled when she realized a log blocked her path. An inch shy of clearing it, she caught her foot on a protruding branch. 

She hit the ground and rolled before springing back to her feet and pushing forward once more. Her ankle ached where she had broken it months before. Cold weather often brought a familiar pang to her old injury and tripping had increased that ache, but she could not allow it to stop her. She tightened her arms at her sides, increased her speed, and set her eyes on her goal—a white flag. Safety.

Buy Links for Book 2

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ5BEFI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BQ5BEFI&linkCode=as2&tag=sad06-20

BN: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aerenden-kristen-taber/1114843982?ean=2940044371811

Book Three: The Zeiihbu Master

Separated and on opposite sides of the kingdom, Nick and Meaghan face different pursuits which could change the balance of power in Ærenden forever.

While Nick trains the villagers to be soldiers, Meaghan and a small rescue party venture into Zeiihbu to find Faillen's young son, before Garon can use the boy's power to destroy those still fighting against his rule.

Everyone knows Meaghan could be on a suicide mission, but when Nick stumbles upon a secret concealed in one of the southern villages, he realizes that Garon might not be Meaghan's greatest foe. The enemy most likely to kill her is someone who has also promised to keep her safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guest Post about naming characters in Fantasy:

Researching character names for my Ærenden fantasy series can sometimes take me as long as researching the general facts I need for my books (such as using a bow and arrow). Names help build a character’s picture in the reader’s mind, so they’re important to me. At times, I’ve used baby books or online sites to match name meanings to characters’ personalities. Faillen, for instance, is a variant spelling of the Irish name Fallon, which means “Of a Ruling Family”. He’s the Zeiihbu leader’s son. Likewise, Cal’s name means “devotion” in honor of his unwavering support of Nick (one of the protagonists). Other times, I pick names because they paint an image in my mind of my characters’ faces. Two of the Elders, Sam and Miles, are examples of this. 

When I can’t find names that fit, I’ll sometimes invent them, as I did for Maiyahla (Nick’s mother, who is known as “May” throughout the book) and Zeyed (the first great Spellmaster). Although I formed those names by stringing sounds together, other inventions have taken deeper thought. The name for Garon’s Mardróch took a lengthy brainstorming session. Initially, I had named them something else derived from Latin, but when a beta reader informed me another author had used the same name in her books, I went back to the drawing board. Since the creatures represent the Ærenden people’s nightmares, I spent weeks combing through folklore regarding bad dreams. Eventually, I discovered the Swedish word for nightmare, mardröm. I debated combining it with several other words, but finally settled on a Gaelic adjective for bad, droch. The end result gave me a harder sounding name than the one I had originally chosen, which I think better suits my monsters.

Oddly enough, though I’ve struggled with naming every other character in my series, the two main characters never gave me any grief. Nick and Meaghan appeared to me first in a dream. Since their names were spoken in the conversation I witnessed, I never considered changing them. I guess sometimes characters just name themselves. 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kristen spent her childhood at the feet of an Irish storytelling grandfather, learning to blend fact with fiction and imagination with reality. She lived within the realm of the tales that captivated her, breathing life into characters and crafting stories even before she could read. Those stories have since turned into over a hundred poems, several short tales, and five manuscripts in both the Young Adult and Adult genres. Currently, Kristen is completing the five-part Ærenden series from her home office in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

Website: http://www.aerenden.com/

Blog: www.kristentaber.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kristentaberauthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/kristentaber

Google +: plus.google.com/+KristenTaber

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kristentaber/

Buy Links for Book 1

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0084UZ5GM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0084UZ5GM&linkCode=as2&tag=sad06-20

BN:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aerenden-kristen-taber/1111767014?ean=2940044899988

Buy Links for Book 2

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BQ5BEFI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BQ5BEFI&linkCode=as2&tag=sad06-20

BN: 

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aerenden-kristen-taber/1114843982?ean=2940044371811

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A CHANCE TO WIN

Wanted to give you another chance to win a copy of the second book in the 

Benjamin McTish Series...

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Benjamin McTish and The Wizards of Coranim

by June M. Pace

Giveaway ends May 03, 2014.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

PROTOSTAR THE STAR-CROSSED SAGA by, BRAXTON A. COSBY

Today we have a new YA SciFi/Adventure tour from

Bewitching Book Tours.

From Author Braxton A. Cosby,

Protostar Book 1, The Star - Crossed Saga.

The prologue truly grabbed my attention, I think it will 

do the same for you.  The reviews tout it as a great mix of

Romeo and Juliet with Star Trek…anything that relates to

my beloved Star Trek is something I want to take a closer 

look at.  We have a special added bonus of a Character 

Interview with Noella, so be sure and read through.  Plus

our Author has included a GIVEAWAY with the tour,  so

make sure you put you name in the hat for a chance to win

an autographed copy of Protostar.  As always, enjoy the

 rest of the tour and please leave a comment so we know 

you were here, thx for stopping by, PLP.

Protostar

The Star-Crossed Saga

Book 1

Braxton A. Cosby

Genre: Young Adult/Sci-fi Romance

Publisher: Winter Goose Publishing

Date of Publication: April 16th, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-941058-01-5   ASIN: 1941058019 

Number of pages:346  Word Count: 99k

Cover Artist: Winter Goose Publishing

Book Description:

On the brink of civil war, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his council, King Gregorio Derry reluctantly agrees to send his only son William on a mission to restore honor to his family name. 

William seeks to complete his assignment, the elimination of a Star-child named Sydney on planet Earth, but when the assassination is delayed he begins to realize an emotional connection with his target. 

With conspiracy threatening his home planet, and a hidden menace on Earth seeking to secure a vested interest, William finds himself torn between irrevocable duty and sacrificing everything he stands for to defend Sydney. 

As William and Sydney struggle to overcome their impossible circumstances, they start to wonder if the connection of two Star-Crossed lovers will be enough to save them from certain doom.

Available at Amazon

PROLOGUE

Seventeen Years Ago . . .

Sarah stood atop the mountainside looking out into the sky. The expanse of rich darkness and scattered stars reminded her of home. She desired to return there someday, but knew that she couldn’t. Things had been set in motion. There was no way to turn back now, even if she tried.

Still, something within her body felt wrong. 

Is this the right place, right time? she thought.

Maybe the details got skewed, blended together, lost amongst all the immaculate planning. Even they were known to be wrong sometimes. She hoped against all hope that they weren’t. But stars never lie. She gazed into the sky. Their configuration—constellation after constellation, linked like a chain, with the Star of David perched in the center—was picture perfect. This had to be it. All she had to do now . . . was wait.

And wait she did.  

Hours passed as the moon slid by. Just as her mind began to fill with doubt, it finally happened. The ground underneath her shifted, rocking her from side to side, up and down, as the stars burned brightly. She braced herself, running down from the mountain the best she could. Her old bony legs wobbled, struggling to keep her upright as she negotiated the uneven layers of rock and grass. A loud crashing noise like the banging of cymbals lit her ears on fire as the sky parted, sending a tiny bright shard screaming across the black canvas, growing larger as it drew near. 

Her eyes snapped to the road—the projected point of impact. But one detail had been missed. 

Unaccounted for.  

Someone else was there. 

A vehicle sped down the dusty road, on a straight collision course with the object, which continued to grow larger and larger as time ticked on. Sarah waved her hands as wildly as she could screaming, “Hey, you have to stop!”

But her screams went unnoticed. She gasped as the object crashed to the earth, tearing the car into pieces. She squinted, filtering the heat from the explosion as she moved in closer to examine the wreckage. 

A gaping hole where the roof used to be greeted her, revealing the charred remains of the female passenger. She scanned the rest of the vehicle for survivors, finding only the shell of the driver white-knuckled to the steering wheel. 

Her heart dropped. 

The muffled sound of a baby crying tickled her ears, urging her to examine the object in the passenger seat more closely. It resembled a meteor, covered in craters and black ash that sent her into a coughing panic. A small crack in the outer shell provided just enough space for her to look inside. Reaching out for the door handle, she grabbed it with both hands—wrinkled fingers trembling as she ripped the car door free—tossing it by the wayside. With a sigh of relief, she peeled back the shell. Black smoke stung her eyes as her hands burned from the heat. But Sarah ignored them both, pressing forward with her mission. Nothing would stop her now. With wet eyes she smiled, finally finding what she was so desperately looking for—a baby girl.  

CHARCTER INTERVIEW FOR THE FORTHCOMING YOUNG ADULT SCI-FI, ROMANCE MASH-UP: PROTOSTAR: BOOK 1 OF THE STAR-CROSSED SAGA

Noella

Me:

So, tell everyone your name.

Noella:

My name is Noella. 

Me:

Is that it? No last name?

Noella:

No. That’s all I want to share at this time. 

Me:

Ok. Well, thank you for participating in this interview. Can you please tell the readers a little something about yourself?

Noella:

I’m new to Madisonburg. I arrived, I mean, I moved here about a year ago, and Sydney has been nice enough to take me under her wing and be an amazing friend. She’s shown me around and introduced me to so many great people. She’s the best. I’m excited about starting our senior year of high school together. 

Me:

That’s excellent. Now, your role in Protostar; do you consider yourself a villain or a hero?

Noella:

I’m the hero of course. I mean, I don’t really have a part to play on either side. I love Sydney, and I’m here to help her and build our friendship. If there’s anyone that may pose a threat to her, it’s the new guy William. I’m keeping my eye on him. 

Me:

Interesting. What do you love most about your character?

Noella:

My relationship with Sydney. Like I said before, she is truly someone special. I knew it from the day I met her and that has not changed. She has a gentle warmth and spirit about her that is both calming and exhilarating. Hopefully, our friendship will last the test of space and time.

Me:

Space and time?

Noella:

I mean, time. You can delete the space line.

Me:

Ok. No problem.

Noella:

Thanks. 

Me:

And what do you hate most?

Noella:

My loyalty to Zelwyn. He’s my cousin. He has these hidden agendas that sometimes get in the way of how I feel. My emotions fluctuate on a daily basis and he never considers my feelings. He just thinks that I should jump up and do whatever he deems important. But that’s just not the case. At least not recently. I have the right to change my mind about certain things and he doesn’t see eye to eye on that. 

Me:

What do you like most about the story in Protostar?

Noella:

It’s a love story. It spans all that action and no substance stuff that is clogging up the media nowadays. The attention to delivering a book that focuses on the importance of building relationships with substance versus sex and materialism is appreciated. 

Me:

This story is to be told over three expansive novels, all told from the deep third person perspective. The author tried to capture a lot of detail and switches back and forth between characters to capture the ‘big picture’ of what is going on in The Star-Crossed Universe. With that being said, the scope of the project is very big. Do you ever feel lost?

Noella:

Sometimes. But not because of the story. It’s personal. I am not the same person I used to be a year ago. I don’t see things the same way. My priorities have changed. I keep hoping that the people around me will as well. Maybe they will have a change of heart also. 

Me: 

What is the one thing you would change about your character’s story if you could change anything at all?

Noella:

I want to be the hero. I’m not sure how that’s trending right now, but if there’s a way, I’m going to do my best to make it happen. Heroes live forever. 

Me:

That’s it for now. And thank you again for stopping by. 

About the Author:

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a passion for inspiring others to love, in spite of circumstance and convenience. 

His calling to pen a young-adult series that is smart, witty, and thought provoking, has challenged readers to answer the question: What would you choose, love or irrevocable duty? 

Braxton lives in Atlanta, GA, where he co-hosts a local radio show on WAOK which is a mash-up of current events and health and wellness. He also has a blog where he discusses everything from health and entertainment to spirituality and relationships. 

Website: www.braxtoncosby.com

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

Twitter:@BraxtonACosby

Blog: www.braxtoncosby.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4987409.Braxton_A_Cosby

Tour giveaway details 

One signed copy of PROTOSTAR open to US Shipping

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

FIREBOLT, The Dragonian Series by, ADRIENNE WOODS

We are introducing a new YA Fantasy tour from 

Bewitching Book Tours,

Firebolt, The Dragonian Series

from Author Adrienne Woods.

This sounds like a good adventure, I mean really,

dragons, schools and strong girls…sounds like my kind

of book!  I'm adding this one on my TBR pile right away.

There's a fairly extensive GIVEAWAY today as well,

so make sure you put your name in the hat and tag

along with the rest of the tour, the more

you visit and hit enter, the more chances you have

of winning a lovely beaded bookmark, or better yet

a print copy of your own.  Be sure and leave

a comment so we know you were here…thx, PLP.

Firebolt 

The Dragonian Series

Book One
Adrienne Woods

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publisher: GMTA  Publishing – Mythos Press

ISBN: 978-1491244654  ASIN: B00GS5SUM6

Number of pages: 289   Word Count: 95 000

Book Description: 

For the love of blueberries, Elena Watkins was destined for greatness, even though she didn’t know it. Before entering Paegeia Elena was not special, she wasn’t even average until the night her father was killed by a creature she thought only existed in fairy tales – a dragon. With her father’s death leaving her orphaned, Elena is whisked away to her true birthplace, Paegeia. 

Arriving at Dragonia Academy, the premier school for young Dragonians; a school she was never meant to attend because her father was a dragon. Unbeknownst to Elena danger is lurking behind the enchanted vines concealing the once thriving capital of Paegeia – Etan. 

Goran, the darkest sorcerer in the realm, has lain dormant for over a century behind the crumbling city. There, in the shadowy ruins he plots his revenge to destroy the only weapon that can kill him – the King of Lion Sword. 

When the sword is stolen without a trace Elena doesn’t think twice about seeking it; knowing deep down that it is her destiny to save her new home.

Amazon 

About the Author:

I was born and raised in South Africa, where I still live with my husband, and two beautiful little girls. I always knew that I was going to be a writer but it only started to happen about four years ago, now I can’t stop writing.

In my free time, If I get any because Moms don’t really have free time, I love to spend time with friends, if it’s a girls night out, or just a movie, I’m a very chilled person.

My writing career is starting with Firebolt, book one with the Dragonian Series, there will be four books in total and two to three books that is about the stories taking place inside The Dragonian Series. 

I do write in different Genres, I have a woman’s fiction called the Pregnancy Diaries, but it would be published under another name. And then I have a paranormal series, called the Watercress series. There are about ten novels in that one.

So, plenty of novels to come out, so little time.

I hope you are going to embrace the Dragonian Series as much as I loved writing them.

Blog http://woodsadrienne.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dragonian-Series/301375039891281

Twitter: erichb3

Goodreads: Adrienne Woods

Google+: Adrienne Woods