The Hero's Lot by Patrick Carr

Riveting Sequel from Christian Fantasy's Most Talented New Voice.

When Sarin Valon, the corrupt secondus of the conclave, flees Erinon and the kingdom, Errol Stone believes his troubles have at last ended. But other forces bent on the destruction of the kingdom remain and conspire to accuse Errol and his friends of a conspiracy to usurp the throne.

In a bid to keep the three of them from the axe, Archbenefice Canon sends Martin and Luis to Errol's home village, Callowford, to discover what makes him so important to the kingdom. But Errol is also accused of consorting with spirits. Convicted, his punishment is a journey to the enemy kingdom of Merakh, where he must find Sarin Valon, and kill him. To enforce their sentence, Errol is placed under a compulsion, and he is driven to accomplish his task or die resisting.

You can purchase The Hero's Lot at the following Retailers:

        

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Book Nerd Spotlight

Patrick Carr was born on an Air Force base in West Germany at the height of the cold war. He has been told this was not his fault. As an Air Force brat, he experienced a change in locale every three years until his father retired to Tennessee. Patrick saw more of the world on his own through a varied and somewhat eclectic education and work history. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1984 and has worked as a draftsman at a nuclear plant, did design work for the Air Force, worked for a printing company, and consulted as an engineer. Patrick’s day gig for the last five years has been teaching high school math in Nashville, TN. He currently makes his home in Nashville with his wonderfully patient wife, Mary, and four sons he thinks are amazing: Patrick, Connor, Daniel, and Ethan. Sometime in the future he would like to be a jazz pianist. Patrick thinks writing about himself in the third person is kind of weird.

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Guest Post with Christa Kinde

Photo Content from Christa Kinde

An avid reader who took up writing on a whim, Christa Kinde hails from Scandia, Minnesota, a small town on the fringes of the Twin Cities metro area. She attended Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she discovered the glories of singing in Latin, took biblical Greek as a second language, and learned to play a mean game of foosball. Nearly a decade later, she put her dual degrees in English and Bible to practical use. Everyday Living: Bible Life and Times [Thomas Nelson] was soon followed by numerous Bible study guides and workbooks, including award winning titles for Max Lucado and Women of Faith.

Christa and her husband Wayne lived for several years in rural West Michigan, then spent a handful more in Nashville, Tennessee. They’ve thoroughly enjoyed their travels throughout the United States and abroad and currently reside with their five children in San Diego, California. The Threshold Series [Zonderkidz] is Christa’s first fiction publication.

        

FOUR APPROACHES OF CHARACTER NAMES, A.K.A THE NAMING DEBACLE

“My name isn’t really Beau,” the middle brother explained. That’s my nickname. It’s short for … my full name.” —excerpt from The Hidden Deep, Chapter 1: The Naming Debacle

Whenever I’m invited to talk about the Threshold Series, one question keeps cropping up. How do you pick names for your characters? While it might sound like I’m dodging the question, the honest answer is … it depends! I don’t have one set rule. But I do have four different approaches. I’ll even throw in some bonus tips at the end.

1. YOUR NAME IS YOUR REPUTATION.
Sometimes, I choose a character’s name because I want to give the reader a hook. The obvious example from The Hidden Deep is my protagonist, Prissie Pomeroy. She always wears dresses. She has excellent posture. She corrects her brothers’ grammar. In a word, Prissie is … prissy! Tying your character’s name to a fundamental personality trait can help your reader remember who’s who. This approach happens to be a classic, employed by authors like Charles Dickens and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

2. NAMES CAN HAVE DEEPER MEANINGS.
I find word origins fascinating, so I’ll often choose a name because of its meaning. And by often, I mean most of the time. For instance, Pomeroy means “apple orchard,” and Prissie’s family lives on one. Milo Leggett is one of the series’ angels; his day job is local mailman extraordinaire. So it’s entirely appropriate that Milo means “cheerful,” and Leggett means “messenger.” Researching the meanings behind names can help you find one that suits your character right down to the twinkle in his eyes.

3. BLENDING IN CAN BE A GOOD THING.
In many cases, I’ll pick a name because it’s ordinary. I don’t know about you, but when I was in grade school, three girls in my class were named Jenny. To keep them straight, the teacher referred to them as Jennifer, Jenny, and Jen. So when it came time to name Prissie’s girlfriends from school, I tossed a Jennifer into the mix, simply because I consider it commonplace. If your story is set in a specific time and place, dig a little. Find out what’s normal. Naming trends are your friends, and every place has them.

4. THEY'RE MY CHARACTERS, NOT MY KIDS.
I was one of those little girls who kept a list of names that I planned to bestow on my children one day. Looking back, inflicted may have been a better word. When it comes to my characters, I regularly pick names I don’t care for. For instance, I’m not all that fond of “Jayce” or “Ransom.” But Prissie’s dad’s a gem of a guy, and Ransom’s all kinds of fun to write. I don’t hold their names against them. By the same token, I didn’t name Naomi Pomeroy’s children. She did. So their names hold special meaning to her and Jayce. Not to me.

Those kids don’t necessarily appreciate their parents’ choices, either. Just ask Neil Pomeroy, who said, “We who share the name of Pomeroy share a tragic flaw, handed down to us by our parents.” In Book 1: The Blue Door, readers meet Prissie’s five brothers—Tad, Neil, Beau, Zeke, and Jude. It’s not until Book 2: The Hidden Deep that we find out how much these guys would prefer to keep their full names under wraps. I planned it that way. Uncovering their “darkest secret” became a fun way to reintroduce this big, noisy family.

Once in a while, I’ll wish I could take back a character’s name, but that rarely works out. Names stick. And that means I’m stuck. In the Threshold Series, I have a Nell and a Neil in the same household. Their names are so easy to mix up at a glance. Also, I have a pair of guardian angels whose names both start with “T.” I recommend making things easier on your readers.

Every story has its own ambiance, and details definitely add oomph. Names are inherently personal, so you’ll have to deal with them on a case-by-case basis. Your characters will let you know if they’re willing to live with a name. And even if they’re less than thrilled with whatever you inflict, you’ll know if you’ve found a good fit because it’ll stick. And they’ll be stuck.

BONUS TIPS

• Choose something your audience can pronounce. (People often ask me how to say Tamaes) 
• Remember family ties. (Prissie’s middle name is her great-grandmother’s first name) 
• Mix up how many syllables are in names. (Pearl, Derrick, and Amberly Matthews) 
• Pick names with appropriate meanings. (Taweel means “tall,” Koji means “friend”) 
• For better or for worse, nicknames happen. (Miss Priss, Goldilocks, Uncle Lou) 
• Names can be tied to idiosyncrasies. (Myron Baird prefers to be called by his last name) 
• Introduce a “rule” for certain names. (All yahavim have four-letter names that end in “i”) 
• Make room for classics. (Paul, Naomi, Peter) 
• Chase era-appropriate fads (Gavin), but also toss in throw-backs. (Margery) 

Homework, football, apple pies, and ... angels? Harvest time is in full swing when Prissie Pomeroy learns that something terrible happened in her family's orchard. With school back in session, Prissie's best friends are distant, while Ransom and his friends won't leave her alone. As Koji and Milo introduce Prissie to the angels of Jedrick's Flight, she's drawn increasingly deeper into their world and closer to its dangers. A kidnapped apprentice suffers. A chained door bodes ill. A tiny angel makes a big difference. A battle line is drawn. Everything Prissie thought she knew is about to change ... again! 'He was trembling, which frightened Prissie even more than the pitch black. Crouching down, she made herself as small as possible against the tunnel wall. From somewhere in the darkness ahead came a sour note, off-key and unpleasant. She held her breath, listening with all her might. A dull clink was followed by a crunching sound that reminded Prissie uneasily of a barn cat eating a mouse. She cupped her hand around her little passenger and curled more tightly, hiding her face on her knees as her heart sent up a silent plea for help.' -from The Hidden Deep 

Praise for The Blue Door A fantasy with a wholesome message and down-on-the-farm twist. -Kirkus

You can purchase The Hidden Deep at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you CHRISTA KINDE for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Copy of The Hidden Deep by Christa Kinde.

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Amber Kizer Author Interview

Book Nerd Interview

Amber Kizer writes two very different young adult series for Delacorte Press/Random House. The Gert Garibaldi series is contemporary, frank and funny following an American high school student through the perils of growing up. Her debut novel ONE BUTT CHEEK AT A TIME was included in the prestigious NYPL Best Books for the Teen Age 2008 list. The next book in the series 7 KINDS OF ORDINARY CATASTROPHES will be released April 2011.

The Fenestra series is paranormal, dark and follows a girl who shepherds dying souls to the afterlife. MERIDIAN has been translated in German, Spanish, Turkish and will be available in Australia, Malaysia, and New Zealand within the next year. The next book in the series, WILDCAT FIREFLIES, will be published in August 2011.

In addition to these series titles, the spring of 2012 will see the release of a stand alone dystopian, young adult novel also from Delacorte Press/Random House.

Amber has toured nationally, speaking at writers’ conferences, on television and radio, to educators, and to teenage readers. Recently, she was selected to present one of a few breakout sessions at the NCTE Assembly on Adolescent Literature at the Philadelphia 2009 Conference.

Her official website is www.AmberKizer.com and more about MERIDIAN can be found atwww.MeridianSozu.com. Gert can be found at www.OneButtCheek.com. She enjoys hearing from readers and can be reached at Amber@AmberKizer.com.

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Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?

No, I never wanted to be a writer. I wanted to be a lawyer and a judge. But at age 17 I was injured and developed a rare nerve disease that changed everything. In 1997 there were few careers that were as flexible as I needed for my legs and writing was one of them. But by the time I finished writing my first book I had a thousand other ideas and fell in love with sharing stories. My legs still define my days but writing was a gift from that.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?

I read 20-25 books concurrently and will try anything except computer programming and math theory. I might as well try to read a tabloid in Mandarin! (I don’t know any Mandarin.) So saying my all time favorite book means picking from thousands that changed or touched me in some way. As relates to A MATTER OF DAYS I’d say Stephen King’s THE STAND was the first post-infection-new-world story I read and adored. Gabriel Marquez’s STRANGE PILGRIMS was the first book (a collection of short stories) that changed the way I look at the world and story.

I think YA is amazing these days in the range, but I go through many spurts where I don’t read any of it because I get tired of stories teens “should” read as thought by adults, rather than stories teens want to read. I grow weary of morality tales.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?

“Don’t read reviews.” I don’t. I write the best story I can when I write it—trust me, I have a good reason I did every little thing and used every little word I did. By the time you read it I’ve moved on and I don’t care if you would write it differently. I hope it entertains you, touches you, or adds value to your life as a reader, but I don’t understand authors who troll for reviews—there are so many places these days people can have opinions. It would be exhausting to open up to that and give it any energy.

In your book; A Matter of Days, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it?

Every six months or so there’s a virus that pops up in the news—right now it’s an avian influenza—gets everyone’s attention and then it dribbles out of the news because it didn’t mutate, or jump species, or become the full blown pandemic that it might.

One of these days that virus is going to do the worst—we’re primed for it and it’s just going to get better (from a virus perspective). And especially in the United States where most of the population is miles and years from knowing where their food comes from (how many of you have headed anywhere other than a grocery store recently?) or their water—anything and everything…do you know how to head out into the unknown and trust your instincts?

A MATTER OF DAYS starts at Day 56 after an influenza (BluStar) has burned through the globe—everyone who’s had it either survived, or is dead, and it’s time to move on to the next chapter of survival. Siblings Nadia and Rabbit have each other, some equipment (for a little while) and the hope that if they can get from Seattle to West Virginia they have a future. From this new perspective their crazy survivalist Grandfather is actually not so crazy anymore…but the obstacles keep coming..

Should they look for their friends? Bury the dead? Do they rescue trapped pets? Commit crimes like stealing? Breaking and entering? Are there still laws and crimes? Do they trust other survivors or mistrust everyone? Do they take major roads, head for military bases, or avoid cities? Do they leave an injured dog to die of infection? When a little girl is left alone in a mall, do they rescue her from kidnappers or continue on their journey? When they find a town full of safety and supplies do they stay or venture on that there might be better down the road? When illness strikes, wounds fester, and they can’t head to the emergency room—what happens? Can Nadia and Rabbit adapt to this new world and all the unexpecteds? Can they take their father’s advice to “be the cockroach” and thrive in whatever comes their way?

For those who are unfamiliar with Nadia, how would you introduce her?

When Nadia’s dad is killed during a military operation she’s an average high schooler—but as her mom fades further and further into grief, Nadia is forced to grow up and take on the role of adult in the house and parent to her younger brother, Rabbit. And then BluStar shows up and changes everything again.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?

Next February, PIECES OF ME is being released by Delacorte Press and is about an unwilling organ donor and her eventual peace found in the lives of her recipients.

Am finishing a middle grade book called TANSY SUMMER, a couple of YA including a funeral home that parties and one about tree spirits…plus a couple of adult projects—very busy around here!

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?

I would love to have Zack from this one and Tens from the Meridian books get together and hang out. They’d probably exchange about six words but they’d like each other.

What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating Zack?

Even though his life has been extremely challenging and living on the streets of LA was a survival story all his own—he hasn’t lost his heart and his hope for other people to be better than they are.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?

This one, definitely.

What’s the best advice you can give writers to help them develop their own unique voice and style?

There’s no magic handshake—you have to learn the craft and practice. There’s no way to become a concert pianist unless you play the piano…same song, different instrument!

What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?

I made the 4:30 AM bread run for a small specialty deli—I think it was memorable because of the crazy hours and my car filled with that warm yeasty bread smell for a couple hours each day, while I escorted it from bakery to deli.

Who was your first boyfriend?

You don’t know him.

Tell me about your first kiss

It wasn’t with my first boyfriend.

What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or that you do not love them back?

Love is easy. It’s the not loving or the inability to make that love something it’s not, that’s hard.

When was the last time you cried?

I laugh loudly and cry easily—so when the Evening News does those “Making a difference” stories—I cry during those all the time. I love it when people go out of their way or do the right thing without needing acknowledgment or reward.

What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?

Let’s clarify that I would never choose to be a teenager again. Seriously, life gets better with perspective and less hormones. I like seeing that this moment is not as overwhelming or humongous as it feels from ages 10-18. The great stuff is still great in my thirties—the bad stuff I now know will get easier to carry.

I’ll stick with my decade—I survived the 90s that works for me.

What is your greatest adventure?

I hope it’s coming next and not already over.

Where can readers stalk you?

The most up to the minute way to find out what’s going on is to friend me on Facebook, if you prefer only book related and no personal info “like” my facebook fan page and if you want 140 characters of current editorializing follow @WriteAmberKizer. However, lots of behind the scenes book info, photographs and inspirations, and personal info is always available on AmberKizer.com

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On Day 56 of the pandemic called BluStar, sixteen-year-old Nadia's mother dies, leaving her responsible for her younger brother Rabbit. They secretly received antivirus vaccines from their uncle, but most people weren't as lucky. Their deceased father taught them to adapt and survive whatever comes their way. That's their plan as they trek from Seattle to their grandfather's survivalist compound in West Virginia. Using practical survival techniques, they make their way through a world of death and destruction until they encounter an injured dog; Zack, a street kid from Los Angeles; and other survivors who are seldom what they seem. Illness, infections, fatigue, and meager supplies have become a way of life. Still, it will be worth it once they arrive at the designated place on the map they have memorized. But what if no one is there to meet them?

Nadia and her younger brother Rabbit are the few to have been administered antivirus from the BluStar outbreak. Nearing two months since the pandemic, they trek across the country to seek refuge at their grandfather’s secluded bunker for suvivalists. Relying on their deceased father’s teachings, their journey will have them face the effects of this horrific plague. Quickly adapting to a new way of living, Nadia knows that everything will be better once they reach West Virginia. With the epidemic consuming so much of the world they once knew, will the bunker still stand? Amber Kizer’s A Matter of Days is the chilling story of a crumbling world and two sibling’s very dangerous journey across a country filled with death and destruction.

What readers will find mesmerizing about this altered world is how real it seems. Instead of chapters, the story is divided into days since the outbreak. Readers will get a first-hand experience of a very realistic series of events following the release of the life-threatening disease.

Rabbit’s memories of his father’s survival skills will help them reach their destination. Along with Nadia implementing his “cockroach” approach, the two make necessary decisions in order to survive. They’ll come across other survivors and experience the death and damage of BluStar’s aftermath.

Amber’s take on the genre of plague stories is quite unique and different from what we are used to. It shines a new light on a genre that usually follows a carbon copy path. The path she takes her characters through is truly gripping and intriguing. Even at a time when the world’s days are numbered, we are reminded that there will still be good and bad people. It will make readers wonder how they would handle such a situation. A Matter of Days is a well written plague story that contains a very intriguing plot and characters that will have more stories to come.

You can purchase A Matter of Days at the following Retailers:

    

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And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you Amber for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Copy of A Matter of Days by Amber Kizer.

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David Pandolfe Author Interview

Photo Content from David Pandolfe

David Pandolfe is the author of three novels, Streetlights Like Fireworks, Jump When Ready and Memories From A Different Future (Jump When Ready #2). His short fiction has also appeared in literary reviews.

While he's still writing about himself in third-person, David should probably also mention that he lives outside Richmond, VA, with his wife, two kids and a dog who's terrified of thunder (not the best situation since it thunders from spring until fall in Richmond).

      

Paperback
Publisher: Createspace (May 27, 2013)
Language: English
ASIN: B00F3ZJWQK

Praise for JUMP WHEN READY

"Whether you're 14 or 24, this is a fun read withendearing characters and a quick-moving plot. Jump When Ready is not a book tomiss." ―Portland Book Review

"An engaging, poignant book that stayed with me long after I read the lastword." ―Tracy E. Banghart, author of Rebel Wing

Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
Not exactly. Instead, I was kind of a creative dabbler. First, I loved to paint and draw. Then I wanted to make movies and used to make these claymation deals that took days to create (projects lost to the world, but I suspect the world will get on fine without them). Then it was music and I learned to play guitar (later, I played in bands and fronted some as the singer-songwriter). I definitely loved books the whole time (I was really into sci-fi in middle school and then later branched out). Anyway, at some point I started writing short stories. Then I went on to major in English in college but then I ended up in another band, this time in Los Angeles. Later, I went back to school and got an MFA degree in creative writing. So, a long way of saying that for me writing was always simmering on the backburner but I kept getting distracted by other shiny objects. I think all of that blended well with writing fiction but the defining moment was a slow progression rather than an epiphany.

Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
Here’s my take: So we know we’re not alone. Telling stories is how we let other people know how we experience the world. And when we hear other people’s stories, and realize they experience the world like we do, we feel less alone. We feel connected to something.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
Looking for Alaska is one of my favorite YA novels. John Green is just such a great writer for any age. Outside the YA genre, I have long loved A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Hilarious, bizarre, completely unique.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
“This story kind of sucks. Do you have anything else?” I know that’s not exactly advice, but I was about to submit a story to a workshop and let a friend read it. Then, I went with another one when she said, “Way better! Submit this one!” That was great advice—that story went on to be published in the Georgetown Review after some post-workshop editing.

In your new book; Jump When Ready, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it and why they should read your novel?
Well, I’ve been happy to hear that people think Jump When Ready presents an original take on the afterlife. I haven’t read many afterlife stories, so I wasn’t sure how that would go over but I’m really glad to see readers embracing that aspect. You know, the whole reincarnation thing. Personally, to me that makes as much sense as anything (which is not to say I’m advocating a belief, I’m not). But, in physics it’s been proven you can’t destroy energy. You can only change it. So, I think that perspective makes the novel worth checking out, the idea that our energy, that which is us, keeps changing and evolving.

The novel also offers a compelling plot and interesting characters (based on feedback, anyway). I also had a lot of fun writing Jump When Ready and I think that shows in the characters, the voice and the humor. So, I guess because Jump When Ready is something different. It’s unique. I’m not entirely sure, but I don’t think the afterlife has been presented in fiction quite that way before.

For those who are unfamiliar with Henry, how would you introduce him?
Henry’s a cool kid. He’s kind, introspective, a little on the Goth side, artistic, into music. He’s also on the outside socially when the novel kicks off, not sure where he fits in but not interested in playing the games required to make himself fit in. Henry wants to remain true to himself. He’s also a bit lost next to his older siblings who are both more self-assured and have more freedom. Henry’s just starting to come into his own when he suddenly dies and finds himself in an entirely unexpected new reality.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
Henry should meet the characters from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I think he’d fit in well with those guys (if he was still alive, of course). Although, come to think of it, they’re not a judgmental crowd, so they might be willing to hang with Henry anyway.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
“Did you get enough sleep last night?” Night person. Writer. What can I say? The correct question would be, “Did you get enough sleep this morning?” Provided it’s at least 11:00 AM, I’d say, “Close enough.”

What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
Playing in a band doing mostly rock covers in a seedy bar. We thought we were likely to be killed but people actually liked us and kept putting up with us week after week. We were a bunch of teenagers and I think they thought of us like pets or something. They kept us around until fall.

Who was your first girlfriend?
Well, since I’m married I think my first girlfriend should probably remain nameless. Let it suffice to say that she’s a wonderful person who I still think of fondly. I’m lucky, that first relationship remains something I can look back on without cringing, or feeling sad or angry. It started good and it ended good. A totally happy memory.

Tell me about your first kiss
Actually, that was pretty hilarious. I made my big move only to discover I had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, she was like, “No, here’s what you do.” After that, we kept practicing and things got way better.

When was the last time you cried?
Sandy Hook.

Which would you choose, true love with a guarantee of a heart break or to have never loved before?
Oh, totally true love with the guarantee of heartbreak. You still got to experience love and now you have something to write about too. A win-win situation. (Presuming you find love again, but, then again, even if you don’t).

What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
None of them; I’d vote for this decade. I mean, look back. No racial or marriage equality? Short lifespans and relatively poor healthcare? No internet (can you imagine)? Sure, we all romanticize the past. We definitely have big issues now (ahem, climate change). But I’m an optimist. I think this is possibly the best time to be a teenager in human history.

Since he drowned, Henry has remained with the same group of teenagers and he keeps wondering why. After all, what could he possibly have in common with a mohawk-sporting punker from the 80s, a roller skater from the 70s with a thing for kimonos, and an English "rocker" from the 60s? Add to that, Henry can hear the other groups but he never sees them. Soon, Henry learns that his new friends all possess unique skills for making themselves noticed by the living. Is Henry's group kept isolated because of their abilities? If so, are they considered gifted or seen only as a potential bad influence?

Before Henry can reach any conclusions, he witnesses his sister being kidnapped. He knows who did it, where she's being held and what will happen if the kidnappers don't get what they want. As the police chase false leads, Henry comes to realize that he's his sister's only hope. But for Henry to even have a chance, he has to convince a group of teenagers that dead doesn't mean helpless.

You can purchase Jump When Ready at the following Retailers:

        

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you DAVID PANDOLFE for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Signed Copy of Jump When Ready+ Swag by David Pandolfe.

($30 iTunes gift card18” X 24”, Signed Poster by author and Artist)

1 Winner will receive a Signed Copy of Jump When Ready & $20 iTunes gift card by David Pandolfe.

1 Winner will receive a Signed Copy of Jump When Ready & $10 iTunes gift card by David Pandolfe.

WEEK ONE

JUNE 24th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
JUNE 25th TUESDAY Beneath the Cover GUEST POST

JUNE 26th WEDNESDAY Because Reading is Better Than Real Life REVIEW

JUNE 26th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More MUSIC PLAYLIST

JUNE 27th THURSDAY The Sleepless Gal REVIEW

JUNE 27th THURSDAY Sassy Book Lovers TENS LIST

JUNE 28th FRIDAY A Little Shelf of Heaven REVIEW

JUNE 28th FRIDAY Mom with a Kindle FAVORITE THINGS

JUNE 28th FRIDAY BookHounds EXCERPT

WEEK TWO
JULY 1st MONDAY Chapter by Chapter GUEST POST

JULY 2nd TUESDAY The Real Bookshelves of Room 918 REVIEW

JULY 2nd TUESDAY A Dream Within a Dream EXCERPT

JULY 3rd WEDNESDAY I am a Reader INTERVIEW

JULY 4th THURSDAY Bound by Words REVIEW

JULY 5th FRIDAY Books Beside My Bed THIS OR THAT

JULY 6th SATURDAY Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW

JULY 7th SUNDAY Artist James Vallesteros ARTWORK

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Kevin J. Howard Author Interview

Photo Content from Kevin J. Howard 

Kevin J. Howard was born in Mission Viejo, California, moved to Seattle at the age of twenty-one, and now lives in Puyallup. He hand wrote his first novel in the fifth grade and has been writing ever since. His first published novel, Faithful Shadow, is a return to the classic horror novel. Since writing Faithful Shadow he has completed four additional horror novels that will soon be published. In 2012, he won an award in the Las Vegas International Film Festival for his screenplay, Identical Opposites. Kevin's latest novel, Precipice: The Beginning, is now available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The sequel, Precipice: The Retrieval, should be released in the summer of 2013.

    

Print Length: 483 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc. (November 26, 2013)
Publication Date: November 26, 2013
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English
ASIN: B00AGYKI7K

Was there a defining moment during your youth when you realized you wanted to be a writer?
I was in fifth grade and I was reading Stephen King’s Salems’ Lot for a book report. I’d never read a book like that before, and it made me feel like anything was possible, that I could create something so interesting and dark. My friends and I began writing a short story magazine that we handed out to all the kids in the class, and eventually all classes in fifth grade. I’ve been writing ever since.

Why is storytelling so important for all of us?
You never know what a great story will do for someone. A fun tale could give someone a better outlook on the day or open up feelings they thought to be long forgotten. What could be more enjoyable than changing someone’s outlook, to offer them a new way to look at the world, or to at least know you gave them a moment of joy.

Beyond your own work (of course), what is your all-time favorite book and why? And what is your favorite book outside of your genre?
My all-time favorite book is Stephen King’s The Stand. It’s an incredibly long novel, but the journey is so worth it. I actually find myself wishing there was more. Aside from the amazing characters, the journey from outbreak to rebuilding society is one worth taking. As far as for a favorite book outside my genre, that’s a lot harder to find. I personally don’t feel that I am bound to one specific genre. But I would have to say that I really enjoy Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. Aside from being well written and an excellent read, it’s also about comfort. It’s a novel I remember reading in my early childhood, and it sparked so many little creative fires inside my young mind.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received from another author?
Don’t give up. It’s the same advice I would give to anyone today. I will never forget being at the Los Angeles Festival of Books in the early 90s. My father and I went every year to meet all the authors and see what new novels were available to the world. We were speaking with author David Brin of The Postman, and I had mentioned to him that I had just started writing a book. He told me it’s a tough world and it will feel, at times, that I’m getting nowhere and that no one seems interested, but to never give up. Even at the age of ten, I can recognize great advice.

In your book; Precipice: The Beginning, can you tell my Book Nerd community a little about it?
I could copy and paste the blurb from the back of the book, give an overall description of Precipice: The Beginning from beginning to end, but that doesn’t truly tell you what the novel is about. Essentially, Precipice: The Beginning is about the bond between family, friends, and the importance of the big picture. Precipice: The Beginning follows a select group of survivors through the end of humanity, taking us through their hardships and trials as their world crumbles about them. What lengths will a protective mother, Annie Daniels, go to protect her young son? How will Travis travel across such a vast distance to protect his family? I think the slow mental breakdown, such as the one Andrews and the other security officer’s experience, is something we can all relate to in a way. How would we react with the news that we were suddenly stranded so far from home and the ones we love? This novel is less about the total destruction of the planet and more about the amazing strength of the human spirit.

For those who are unfamiliar with Travis, how would you introduce him?
A hard man to read, he is instantly disliked from the faulty information that led to his imprisonment. At first you would see a quiet man, walking about with his head slightly lowered, but you would quickly come to realize that he is a kind, loving man. A soldier’s training keeps him and his unit of select officers alive, but hope keeps him going. At his core, Travis is a father longing to be with his wife and son. Travis sets his heavy depression aside each day to keep his soldiers in good spirits, keeping a smile on his lips when he feels far from joy. He is the kind of man that would take the long road to do what’s right, versus the easy path with less risk. A tough exterior encasing a warm heart.

What are some of your current and future projects that you can share with us?
Precipice: The Retrieval, Book Two, the second book in the series, is in the process of being published and should be released shortly. In the following months I will publish a novel titled Closed Cell, a religious horror novel set in Downtown Seattle. The sequel to Closed Cell, The Right Hand of Solomon, will follow in the following year. Both novels are completed and going through editing. I will also be publishing a sci-fi novel titled Whirlwind, based in Seattle many years from now, which is also completed and pending editing. I am currently working on three novels at the moment, one of which is the sequel to my first novel, Faithful Shadow.

If you could introduce one of your characters to any character from another book, who would it be and why?
I would introduce Dasher, from Precipice: The Beginning, to Joe Rand from my first novel Faithful Shadow. Both men are plagued with terrible vises and tragedy that hold them down, keeping their amazing potential at bay. I feel they are both capable of so much kindness, but past discouragement has kept them from breaking free of such negative patterns. What’s comforting is that both Dasher and Joe find the push they need to break them of their bad habits. Of course, in Faithful Shadow it’s a horrible creature, and in Precipice: The Beginning it’s the destruction of humanity, but better late than never.

When asked, what’s the one question you always answer with a lie?
This question is incredibly hard for me to answer. Anyone in my family could tell you that I don’t lie very often, mostly because I feel so guilty that I always come clean in a matter of seconds. I would have to say whenever you run into someone you know and they ask you ‘oh how are you’ or ‘what’s new’; I almost always answer with a scripted response of ‘great’ or ‘not much’. I just find most people don’t really want to hear more than that. This may not technically be a lie, but it’s my standard answer regardless.

Who is the first person you call when you have a bad day?
My wife, Melissa. Aside from being the most supportive person in my life, she is also my editor. She can always put a smile on my face, even during the darkest of times. We met eleven years ago on Valentine’s Day after finding each other online. I had just moved to Seattle and didn’t know anyone, so I began chatting with people from the area. We instantly clicked and were married two years later.

What's the most memorable summer job you've ever had?
I worked in Yellowstone National Park during the summer season as part of a family tradition. My experiences there led me to write my first novel, Faithful Shadow. I worked with people from all around the world, all of them so nice and friendly. Every morning I would wake up to birds singing, bright sunny mornings with a view like no other. I would hike to the falls on my lunch break and write short stories. If you read Faithful Shadow you will hopefully see the park through my eyes. The employee slang, the destinations, and more importantly, the grandeur of the park.

Who was your first girlfriend?
Sara was my first ever girlfriend back in seventh grade. We only dated for a few months, and it was mostly little kid date stuff. We went on bowling dates with my friends, or hung out together at school, or in band class. She and I are still friends today.

Tell me about your first kiss
This was rather an embarrassing moment, but it’s how it went down. I was at the Teen Club Dance, a monthly event held at the local rec center, dancing in a group with all my friends. When I say dancing, I mean looking about the room to see if any more of my friends were there while barely moving my shoulders. Then the moment came when Sara and I were alone. Boyz to Men were playing, the lights were just right, so I leaned in and gave her eye a kiss. We all had a good laugh at how terrible my aim was, but in my defense, our eyes were closed.

When was the last time you cried?
Anyone that knows me would tell you that my children always come first, so it’s completely understandable that any tears shed are always over them. I cried for sure at the birth of both of my children, but that was more than five years ago for my youngest. I would say the last time I cried was two years ago when my daughter, Kylie, disappeared from school. School had just ended and my wife went to pick her up. It was the first day of first grade, but Kylie was nowhere to be found. Long story short, she had gotten confused on where to meet my wife and decided to walk home…only she didn’t know where we lived exactly. Luckily, one of our neighbors drove by and saw her. When I came home, I was so angry at her for putting us through this, but as any parent knows, the anger is squashed by the joy of seeing her face alive and well. So naturally the tears flowed and probably freaked her out a bit.

What decade during the last century would you have chosen to be a teenager?
This is a very hard question to ask, especially since I had a rather enjoyable time as a teenager during the 90s. I think I’ve always wanted to see what all the fuss was about and see what the 60s were like. Then again, I think it would be very interesting to be a teenager in today’s world, with so much technology. Only in today’s world can a teenager be sent to their room, isolated from the world, and still talk to people all around the globe at the touch of a button.

What is the one, single food that you would never give up?
Pizza! I have probably spent enough money on pizza throughout the years to buy a luxury car. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s the only food that comes to me, or if it’s the fact that I can practically build it from scratch, but I do love the taste. My favorite kind of pizza is a tossup (no pizza pun intended) between the Hawaiian and a pepperoni with extra cheese.

Where can readers find you?
My readers are always welcome to stalk me. I’ll be including an attachment with my gate code and pin numbers…no, maybe not that far. I do love hearing from everyone, so many different viewpoints, directions I could have gone, or maybe something they have in common with a character. I’ll list some links for people to find me. I hope everyone enjoys my answers and I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity.

The End is only the Beginning….
It wasn’t the first time Lieutenant Travis Daniels had been far from his wife and son. Leading an elite team on countless missions, dodging death at every turn-it was what he was trained to do. And returning to his family was always his driving force… but this time might be different.

Imprisoned for an unsanctioned intrusion into a hot zone, Travis and his elite team took a deal to assist in the colonization of Mars to evade the death penalty. While stationed there, Travis’ only source of sanity were the brief video conversations he was allowed with his family. When the last transmission received showed choppy images of the city in darkness and blurs of humanoid creatures running through the streets, Travis and his team must decide to either stay on Mars or find a way back to his family-unknowing of the hell that Earth has become.

When Lieutenant Travis Daniels and his elite team were imprisoned for an unofficial intrusion, they were able to dodge the death penalty by helping in the colonization of Mars. Stationed a planet away from his wife and son, he enjoyed every second he was given to video chat with his family. When the last video transmission came in distorted and showed images of alien-like creatures, he and his team decide to a way back to Earth. Kevin J. Howard’s first book in the Precipice Series, The Beginning, is an amazingly written story that looks into an Earth that is literally falling apart.

The horrors that are tearing Earth apart were really scary. The fact that readers are given such great details in every scene, it was easy to imagine a world in ruins. Author Kevin is an amazing storyteller as he can easily transport readers into his world. The details set forth about Mars made it feel like I was actually in that foreign planet.

Another great aspect of the book is the development of characters. It takes great writing to build perhaps one or two memorable characters, but Kevin manages to put life and a beating heart into each one. Although we were introduced to a great cast of characters, I never felt like it was overkill. Kevin made the extra attempt to ensure that readers will enjoy each of them by giving them real voice.

The hellish Earth that Travis and Annie had to face was filled with nonstop action. The chaos that was consuming planet Earth felt real through Kevin’s words. From start to finish, it delivered an outstanding story about the destruction of Earth, monsters, men on mars and of course, a love story. The first book in this series certainly started out with a bang. I am totally engrossed into its gripping story and the amazing cliffhanger only fed my need to get my hands on the second book. Precipice: The Beginning is an action-packed story filled with memorable characters pitted in dangerous situations. It will nab your attention and manages to keep it throughout.

You can purchase Precipice: The Beginning at the following Retailers:

    

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you KEVIN J. HOWARD for making this giveaway possible.

4 Winners will receive a Signed Copy of Precipice: The Beginning by Kevin J. Howard.

1 Winner will receive a Poster and Bookmark of a Surprise Art by James Vallesteros.

7 Winners will receive One bookmark of a Surprise Art by James Vallesteros.

WEEK ONE
JUNE 17th MONDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW & INTERVIEW
JUNE 18th TUESDAY A Dream Within a Dream REVIEW
JUNE 19th WEDNESDAY Librarian Mouse THIS OR THAT
JUNE 20th THURSDAY Best Books REVIEW
JUNE 21st FRIDAY YA-Aholic REVIEW
JUNE 22nd SATURDAY Rose’s Book Corner REVIEW
JUNE 22nd SUNDAY Curling Up with a Good Book INTERVIEW

WEEK TWO
JUNE 24th MONDAY Tsk Tsk What to Read EXCERPT
JUNE 25th TUESDAY As You Wish Reviews EXCERPT
JUNE 26th WEDNESDAY Chapter by Chapter REVIEW
JUNE 27th THURSDAY Beneath the Cover REVIEW
JUNE 28th FRIDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW & MUSIC PLAYLIST
JUNE 29th SATURDAY Annie Brewer Writes FAVORITE THINGS
JUNE 30th SUNDAY Sabrina’s Paranormal Palace REVIEW & DREAM CAST
JULY 1st MONDAY James Vallesteros ARTWORK
jbnpastinterviews

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